Capo 1st fret

Standard (EADGBE)

Well they give him his orders in Monroe Virginia

 Saying Pete you're way behind time

 This ain't 38 but it's old 97

 And you've got to be in Center on time

Well he turned around to his black, greasy fireman

Said, "Shovel in a little more coal

When we cross that White Oak Mountain

You can watch old 97 roll"

Well, it's a mighty rough road from Lakesburg to Danville

And a line on a three mile grade

It is on this grade that he lost his airbrakes

And you see what a jump he made

He was a-goin' down the grade makin' 90 miles an hour

And his whistle broke out in a scream

It is on that grade that he lost his airbrakes

And you see what a jump he made

Well, ladies, you must all take warning

From this time now and on

Never speak harsh words to your true lovin' husband

He might leave you and never come home

He was a-goin' down the grade makin' 90 miles an hour

And his whistle begin to scream

And we found him in the wreck with his hand on his throttle

And scalded to death by the steam

Well, ladies, you can all take warnin'

From this time now and on

Never speak harsh words to your true lovin' husband

He might leave you and never return