They give him his orders at Monroe, Virginia
  Sayin', "Steve you're way behind time
  This is not Thirty-Eight, but it's old Ninety-Seven
  You must put her in Spencer on time"
  
  Then he looked 'round and said to his black greasy fireman
  "Just shovel in a little more coal
  And when we cross that white oak mountain
  You can watch old Ninety-Seven roll"
  
  It's a mighty rough road from Lynchburg to Danville
  In a line on a three mile grade
  It was on that grade where he lost his airbrakes
  So you see what a jump he made
  
  He was goin' down grade makin' ninety miles an hour
  And his whistle broke into a scream
  He was found in the wreck, with his hand on the throttle
  And scalded to death by the steam
  
  Now, ladies, you must all take warning
  From this time on and learn
  Never speak harsh words to your true lovin' husband
  He may leave you and never return