Wreck Of The Old 97
| Category: | Calm |
|---|---|
| Link: | Performance Example |
| Notes: | Based on a real 1903 train wreck, this American ballad became a foundational song in both folk and country music traditions. Often performed with a steady rhythm and solemn tone. |
Well, they Ggave him his orders at CMonroe, Virginia
Sayin' GSteve you're way behind Dtime
This is Gnot Thirty Eight, this is COld Ninety-Seven
You must Gput her into DSpencer on Gtime
Then he Gturned around and said to his Cblack greasy fireman
GShovel on a little more Dcoal
And Gwhen we cross that Cwide oak mountain
GWatch Old Ninety-DSeven Groll
G G C C G G D D G
But it's a Gmighty rough road from CLynchburg to Danville
On a Gline with a three mile Dgrade
It was Gon that grade that he Clost his air brakes
G See what a Djump he Gmade
He was Ggoin' down the grade makin' nCinety miles an hour
His Gwhistle broke into a Dscream
He was Gfound in the wreck with his Chand on the throttle
a-Gscalded to Ddeath by the Gsteam
G G C C G G D D G
Then a Gtelegram come to CWashington station
And Gthis is how it Dread
Well that Gbrave engineer that Crun Old Ninety-Seven
He's a-Glyin' in ol' DDanville Gdead
So now, Gall you ladies you Cbetter take a warnin'
From Gthis time on and Dlearn
Never Gspeak harsh words to your Ctrue lovin' husband
He may lGeave you and Dnever reGturn
Chords Used
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