G C
They gave him his orders at Monroe Vaginia
G D
sayin' Steve your way behind the time
G C
this is not thirty eight this is old 97
G D G
pull her into Spencer on time.
G C
He turned and he said to his black greasy fireman
G D
let's shovel on a little more coal
G C
and when we cross that wide oak mountain
G D G
just watch old ninety seven roll.
G C
Was a mighty rough road from Lenburg to Danvill
G D
on a climb with a three mile grade
G C
it was on that grade that he lost his air brakes
G D G
see what a jump he made.
G C
He was comin' down the grade makin' ninety miles an hour
G D
his whistle broke into a scream
G C
he was found in the wreck with his hand on the throttle
G D G
scolded to death by the steam
G C
Well all you ladies had better take warnin'
G D
from this time on and learn
G C
never speak harsh words to your true love or husband
G D G
he may leave you and never return