Page type: lyric reference
Artist: Seekers
Canonical path: /seekers/the-wreck-of-the-old-97
Related lyric paths: 6
Lyric guide
The Wreck Of The Old 97
Read The Wreck Of The Old 97 lyrics by Seekers on LyroVerse, with linked artist context and related song paths.
person
Curated by Ethan Walker
LyroVerse team
Reference snapshot
The page facts to cite before the commentary
Use this page for the lyric text, linked artist context, and any LyroVerse editor's note attached to the song. Listener comments remain user-generated and should not be treated as the primary source.
Lyrics
The Wreck Of The Old 97
The lyric stays readable and compact here; the note and related paths sit nearby so you do not lose the song while looking for context.
They gave him his orders at Monroe, Virginia,
Sayin' "Steve, you're way behind time;
It's 8:38, and it's the Old '97;
Gotta put her into Danville on time."
Chorus:
Well, it's a mighty rough road from Lynchburg down to Danville,
On a line with a three-mile grade;
It was down that line where he lost his air-brakes;
You can see what a jump he made.
Steve Brady he said to his black, greasy fireman,
"Shovel on a little more coal;
I'm waitin' to pass them wide-open mountains;
Gonna see the Old '97 roll."
(Chorus)
He's comin' down that line makin' ninety miles an hour;
The whistle broke into a scream;
They found him in the wreck with his hand upon the throttle;
He'd been scalded to death by steam.
(Chorus)
Well, come on now, all you ladies;
From this time on, now learn;
Don't you ever say harsh words to your true-lovin' husband;
He'll leave you and never return.
(Chorus)
(Instrumental bridge)
Well, he's comin' down that line makin' ninety miles an hour;
And the whistle broke into a scream;
They found him in the wreck with his hand upon the throttle;
He'd been scalded to death by steam.
(Chorus thrice)
Quick answers
What this page can answer fast
Who performs "The Wreck Of The Old 97"?
Seekers performs "The Wreck Of The Old 97", and this lyric page sits inside the Seekers catalog on LyroVerse.
Are there related songs to explore after "The Wreck Of The Old 97"?
Yes. The related section below points to The Sad Cloud and Kumbaya with a short reason for opening each page next.
Where can I find more songs by Seekers?
Use the artist link near the top of the page or the related paths section below to keep moving through Seekers's lyric pages.
Song Room
Open Song Room
Interpretations, questions, and corrections for this song
Interpretations, questions, memories, and correction notes live together here. The room stays noindex while the best insights are reviewed.
Listener comments
What people are saying
No listener comments on The Wreck Of The Old 97 yet.
A strong comment here is specific: the phrase you keep hearing, the mood you come back for, or the reason this song stays in rotation.
Sign in to post the first listener note. Reporting stays open to everyone.