Standard (EADGBE)

They gave him his orders at Monroe Vaginia

sayin' Steve your way behind the time

this is not thirty eight this is old 97

pull her into Spencer on time.

He turned and he said to his black greasy fireman

let's shovel on a little more coal

and when we cross that wide oak mountain

just watch old ninety seven roll.

Was a mighty rough road from Lenburg to Danvill

on a climb with a three mile grade

it was on that grade that he lost his air brakes

see what a jump he made.

He was comin' down the grade makin' ninety miles an hour

his whistle broke into a scream

he was found in the wreck with his hand on the throttle

scolded to death by the steam

Well all you ladies had better take warnin'

from this time on and learn

never speak harsh words to your true love or husband

he may leave you and never return