The Wreck of the Old '97

The Wreck of the Old '97 - Pete Seeger

Well they gave him his orders at Monroe Virginia

Saying Steve you're way behind time

This is not 38 this is Ol' 97

Put her into Spencer on time

Then he turned around and said to his black greasy fireman

Saying Shovel on a little more coal

And when we cross that White Oak mountain

You can watch Ol' '97 roll

He was going around a grade making 90 miles an hour

The whistle broke into a scream

He was found in the wreck with his hand on the throttle

And scalded to death by the steam

All you ladies you'd better take a warning

From this time and learn more

Never speak hard words to your true-lovin' husband

He may leave you and never return