The Wreck of the Old 97

Wadjasay? American English Pronunciation Practice

This podcast is about the song: "Wreck of the Old 97". On September 27, 1903, there was a terrible train wreck. The story was turned into a famous train song, and the recording by Vernon Dalhart was the first to sell one million copies in the US.

Here's a link to a YouTube video which tells the story and shows old photos of the wreck:

The Wreck of the Old 97 was recorded by many country artists. The story of the train wreck is told in the video linked above, and there is a performance by the story-teller at the end of the video.

Here are some other performances. Note: these are all examples of "country music"--you might not like it!

Boxcare Willie

Flatt & Scruggs

Johnny Cash

And here are the lyrics to use for pronunciation practice. Note that different artists change the lyrics so the ones below are just one of the versions.

The Wreck Of The Old 97

Well, they gave him his orders at Monroe, Virginia
Saying Steve you are way behind time

This is not thirty eight, but it's old ninety seven
You must put her into Danville on time
He turned and said to his black greasy fireman
Just shovel on a little more coal

And when we cross the White Oak Mountain
You can watch old ninety seven roll

It's a mighty rough road from lynchburg to Danville
And a line on a three mile grade

It was on this grade that he lost his air brakes
You can see what a jump he made

He was going down the grade makin' ninety miles an hour
When his whistle broke into a scream

They found him in the wreck with his hand on the throttle
He was scalded to death by the steam

Now ladies, you must take warning
From this time now and on

Never speak harsh words to your true loving husband
He may leave you and never return

And here is Vernon Dahlhart's million-selling recording from 1924.

Intro & Outro Music: La Pompe Du Trompe by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com

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