Tuesday, February 8, 2011

The Wreck of the Old 520

According to Wikipedia, The "Old 97", a Southern Railway train was en route from Monroe, VA to Spencer, NC when it left the track at Stillhouse Trestle near Danville, Virginia on September 27, 1903. The wreck inspired a famous railroad ballad.

Apologies






Well they give him his orders in Lumberton station
Sayin' Mark you're way behind time

This is not a perm, this is old 520
You must put her into Sunset on time

Then he turned around and said to his black, stealthy, motor
Shovel on a little more coal

And when they crossed to South Carolina
Watch 520 role

But it's a mighty wet road from Garland to Shallote
With a straight on ten mile wind

It was in that wind that he lost his Ensure
Hear what a cry he made

He was in that wind makin’ twelve miles an hour
The dog came up out of a dream

He was found in the ditch with his Lanticeptic
Covering his bits with the cream

Then a telegram come to Seattle station
And this is how it read

Well that great big rando that did the audacious
He's lyin' in Lumberton dead

So now all you ladies
You better take a warnin'
From this time on and learn

Never speak harsh words to your true lovin' rando
He may leave you and never return.