Lyrics Wreck of the Old 97 - Live at Österåker Prison, Sweden - October 1972 - Johnny Cash

Well, they gave him his orders in Monroe, Virginian
Said, "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
"Shovel on a little more coal
And when we reach that White Oak mountain
"Watch Ol'97 roll"
And then a telegran come from Washington station
This is what it said, this said
"Oh that brave engineer that run '97
"Is lyin' in Danville dead"
"Cause he was going down 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
Scalded to death by steam"
So, now all you ladies better take a warning
From this time on and learn
Never speak harsh to your true-lovin' husband
He may leave you and never return
Poor Boy