The Wreck of Virginian No. 3 Songtext
von Roy Harvey

On one Thursday morning
In the latter part of May
Old Number 3 left Roanoke Station
It was on their fatal day

The engineer′s name was Aldridge
Happy he always did feel
There with his young cheerful fireman
His name was Frank O'Neal

Up through the Valley of Virginia
Over Allegheny Mountains so high
But little did the men ever think of
That day in the cab they would die


Dad Aldridge said to his fireman
Who was riding by his side
"For twenty long years I′ve pulled this run
With Two Hundred and Twelve, my pride"

At Northcross they received their orders
Eight-thirty-one it had to be
For they were to take a siding
And meet eastbound Hundred and Three

But they overlooked this order
At the staton called Ingleside
For they failed to take a siding
Side by side in the cab they both died

The engine climbed up on the motor
But she did not overturn
With all the steam pipes broken
Twoo hundred pounds, they did burn


Now railroad men take this warning
Heed your orders well
For how soon the Lord may call you
No human tongue can tell