The Wreck Of The Lyrics - Marty Robbins

On a cold day and dark cloudy ev'nin' 

Just before the close of day 

There came Harry Lyle and Dillard 

And with Anderson they rode away. 

From Clifton Forge they started 

And their spirits were runnin' high 

And they stopped at Iron Gate and waited 

'Til Old Number 9 went by. 

On the main line once more they started 

Down the James River cold, dark and drear 

And they gave no thought to the danger 

Or the death that was waiting so near. 

They were gay and they joked with each other 

As they sped on their way side by side 

And the old engine rocked as she travelled 

Thru the night on that last fatal ride. 

In an instant the story was ended 

On here side in that cold river bed 

With poor Harry Lyle in the cabin 

With a deep, fatal wound in his head. 

Railroad men you should all take a warnin' 

From the fate that befell this young man 

Don't forget that the step is a short one 

From this earth to that sweet, promised land.