They give him his orders in Monroe, Virginia Sayin', "Steve you're way behind time This is not 38, she's old 97 And you got to get in Spencer on time" It's a long hard road From Lynchburg to Danville On a line with a three mile grade It was on that grade that he lost his airbrakes And you see what a jump you made Steve would turn around to his black and greasy fireman Sayin', "Shovel on a little more coal And when we hit that bridge Goin' 'round that White Oak Mountain You can watch old 97 roll" They were coming down the grade doin' 90 miles an hour When the whistle broke into a scream He was found in the wreck With his hand on the throttle He was scalded to death by the steam Now ladies, you mistress, head to my warning From this day on and learn Never speak harsh words to your true loving husband He may leave you and never return