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Wreck Of The Old 97

(aka M. T. A. - The Man That Never Returned)

Words and Music by David G. George - 1903

Similar melody to "The Ship That Never Returned"

|
G	-	C	-
G	A7	D7	-
G	-	C	-
G	D7	G	-    (D7 repeat)

16-beat intro.  Play 4-beats for each cell, reading from left to right.

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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 Spencer on time."

 

He was goin' down the grade making 90 miles an hour,
When his whistle broke into a scream,
He was found in the wreck with his hand on the throttle,
He was scalded to death by the steam.

 

 

M. T. A. - The Man That Never Returned

 

Well let me tell you of the story of a man named Charlie,
On a tragic and fateful day.
He put ten cents in his pocket, kissed his wife and family,
Went to ride on the M. T. A.

Well did he ever return? No he never returned,
And his fate is still unlearned (what a pity).
He may ride forever 'neath the streets of Boston,
He's the man, who never returned.
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Performer Links:

(webpage)

 

Listen to the Mountaineers perform "Wreck Of The Old 97" (mp3)

 

Listen to the Kingston Trio perform "M. T. A." (mp3)

 

Listen to Flatt and Scruggs perform "Wreck Of The Old 97" (youtube)

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Arranged by Jim Bottorff

 

This Chord Chart may not appear correctly with some browsers.  It should be viewed with a full size window.

The chord names should appear in single rows.   Let me know of any problems.

 

email: jbott@ix.netcom.com