Lyr Req: The Steam That Blows the Whistle

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The Steam That Blows the Whistle
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 16 Feb 03 - 01:30 PM

I found this proverb quoted in various forms at several places on the Internet:

1. The steam that blows the whistle can't be used to turn the wheel.
2. The steam that blows the whistle doesn't turn the wheel.
3. The steam that blows the whistle never turned the wheel.
4. The steam that blows the whistle never turns the wheel.
5. The steam that blows the whistle will never turn the wheel.

Version 1 has the best meter, and sounds like the most likely song title to me.
Version 2 was actually cited as a song title, but no other words or identification was given.

I found this poem at http://members.aol.com/debbisgizmo/steam.html - There was no indication that it was ever a song. It was posted by the author.

THE STEAM THAT BLOWS THE WHISTLE

The old-time trains relied on steam for motion and for sound,
And for each toot, it turned their wheels ten thousand times around;
But men, in use of energy, find sound of more appeal;
But the steam that blows the whistle will never turn the wheel.

What mighty acts and noble deeds our tongues, in words, can tell,
Yet most become mere paving blocks to line the streets of Hell;
Too often words are all we use to show the way we feel,
But the steam that blows the whistle will never turn the wheel.

Mere talk will never feed the poor, no matter how sincere,
Nor will the naked one be clothed by sounds that soothe the ear,
For talk is only noise-filled air, and naught but deeds are real,
For the steam that blows the whistle will never turn the wheel.

It takes no skill of eye to see that this world is turned upside-down,
And all that's good and right are mocked, while evil wears the crown;
The best of words won't set it straight; let actions show our zeal,
For the steam that blows the whistle will never turn the wheel.

©1999 J. G. Braddock, Sr

Subject: Lyr Req: The Steam That Blows the Whistle
From: graywolf1980
Date: 22 Jan 03 - 12:26 AM

Anyone have the lyrics to the Buchanan Brothers with the Georgia Catamounts' song "The Steam That Blows the Whistle (Never Turns the Wheel)"?