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