Lyrics: Carson Robison
Music: Carson Robison
Sung by Jon Graboff with Phil Lesh & Friends in 2012. Not to be confused
with the "Wreck of the Old 97".
On a cold winter night, not a star was in sight
And the north wind came howling down the line
There stood a brave engineer with his sweetheart so dear
And the orders to pull old Number Nine
He kissed her goodbye with a tear in his eye
For the joy in his heart he could not hide
And the whole world seemed bright when she told him that night
That tomorrow she'd be his blushing bride
The wheels hummed a song as the train rolled along
And the black smoke was pouring from the stack
And the headlights agleam seemed to brighten his dream
Of tomorrow, when he'd be coming back
He sped 'round the hill, and his brave heart stood still
For a headlight was shining in his face
And he whispered a prayer as he threw on the air
For he knew this would be his final race
In the wreck he was found, lying there on the ground
And he asked them to raise his weary head
As his breath slowly went, this message he sent
To the maiden who thought she would be wed
There's a little white home that I bought for our own
For I thought we'd be happy bye and bye
Now I'll leave it to you, for I know you 'II be true
Till we meet at that golden gate, goodbye