They gave him his orders at Monroe, Virginia
Saying Steve you're way behind time
This is not 38 but that is old 97
You must put her in Spencer on time.

Then he looked around and said to his black greasy fireman
Just shovel on a little more coal
And when we cross that White Oak Mountain
You can watch old 97 roll.

--- Instrumental ---

It's a mighty rough road from Lynchburg to Danville
With a line on a three mile grade
It was on that grade where he lost his airbrakes
So you see what a jump he made.

He was going down the grade making ninety miles an hour
When his whistle broke into a scream
He was found in the wreck with his hand on the throttle
And scalded to death by the steam.

--- Instrumental ---

Now ladies you must all take a warning
From this time on and learn
Never speak harsh words to your true lovin' husband
He may leave you and never return...