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...