About the song
Vernon Dalhart – The Wreck of the Old 97: A Ballad of Tragedy and Folklore
In the realm of American folk music, few songs have achieved the enduring popularity and cultural significance of “The Wreck of the Old 97”. This haunting ballad, penned by Vernon Dalhart and released in 1924, has captivated listeners for generations, weaving a tale of tragedy, heroism, and the enduring power of music.
Dalhart, a pioneer of country music, infused the song with a raw emotional intensity that resonated deeply with audiences. His plaintive vocals, accompanied by the mournful strains of a harmonica, painted a vivid picture of the disaster that befell the Southern Railway’s No. 97 passenger train on September 9, 1903.
The ballad chronicles the ill-fated journey of the Old 97, as it speeds along the tracks, oblivious to the impending doom that awaits. As the train approaches a treacherous curve known as Curve 97, a misplaced switch sends it hurtling off the rails, plunging into a ravine below.
The song’s narrative unfolds in the aftermath of the crash, painting a scene of devastation and despair. Engineer Joe Daniels, the train’s heroic conductor, lies mortally wounded, his dying words a testament to his bravery and dedication. Amidst the wreckage, a young woman named Annie Clayton miraculously survives, her story a beacon of hope amidst the tragedy.
“The Wreck of the Old 97” is more than just a ballad of a train wreck; it is a poignant exploration of human resilience in the face of adversity. The song’s enduring popularity speaks to its ability to connect with listeners on a profound emotional level, transcending the boundaries of time and genre.
Dalhart’s rendition of the song cemented its place in American folklore, becoming a staple of bluegrass, country, and folk music repertoires. The song has been covered by countless artists, from Johnny Cash to Grateful Dead, each interpretation adding their unique touch to the timeless ballad.
“The Wreck of the Old 97” stands as a testament to the power of music to capture and convey the essence of human experience. Its haunting melody and poignant lyrics continue to resonate with listeners, ensuring its place as one of America’s most cherished folk songs.
Video
Lyrics
They gave him his orders
At Monroe, Virginia
Sayin’ Pete you’re way behind time
This is not ’38, but its old ’97
You must put her into Spencer on time
He looked round an’ said
To his black, greasy fireman
Jus’ shove on in a lil’ more coal
And when we cross that wide old mountain
You can watch old ’97 roll
It’s a mighty rough road
From Lynchburg to Danville
In a line on a three mile grade
It was on that grade
That he lost his airbrake
And you see what a jump he made
He was goin’ down the grade
Makin’ ninety miles an hour
When his whistle broke into a scream
He was found in the wreck
With his hand on the throttle
And a scalded to death by the steam
Now ladies you must take warnin’
From this time now and on
Never speak harsh words
To your true love and husband
He may leave you and never return