Lyr Req: Wreck of the Royal Palm (Vernon Dalhart)

30 Jun 97 - 02:17 AM (#7722)
Subject: LYR/Info Req: "Wreck of the Royal Palm"
From: Casey

I am looking for any information about or lyrics from a train wreck song called "The Wreck of the Royal Palm," or something very like that. Any help you can provide will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks tons, Casey

---

30 Jun 97 - 09:14 AM (#7735)
Subject: RE: LYR/Info Req:
From: Bill D

there's a great book..."Scalded to Death by the Steam" by Katie Letcher Lyle that has all the old train wreck ballads...and their stories...unless someone has it scanned already, I will type it in later today..(book was copyright 1983...might even still be available)

---

30 Jun 97 - 06:35 PM (#7792)
Subject: Lyr Add: WRECK OF THE ROYAL PALM (Vernon Dalhart)
From: Bill D

ok...one more time...and NEVER take for granted what you have on your Windows clipboard!!

WRECK OF THE ROYAL PALM
Written by Rev. Andrew Jenkins
As recorded by Vernon Dalhart, 1924

On a dark and stormy night, the rain was falling fast.
The two crack trains on the Southern Road With a screaming whistle blast,
Were speeding down the line For home and Christmas day.
On the Royal Palm and the Ponce de Leon Was laughter bright and gay.

Then coming 'round the curve At forty miles an hour,
The Royal Palm was making time Amid the drenching shower.
There came a mighty crash; The two great engines met,
And in the minds of those who live Is a scene they can't forget.

It was an awful sight Amidst the pouring rain:
The dead and dying lying there Beneath that mighty train.
No tongue can ever tell, No pen can ever write,
No one will know but those who saw The horrors of that night.

On board the two great trains, The folks were bright and gay.
When like a flash the Master called, They had no time to pray.
Then in a moment's time, The awful work was done,
And many souls that fatal night Had made their final run.

There's many a saddened home Since that sad Christmas day,
Whose loved ones never will return To drive the gloom away.
They were on the Royal Palm As she sped across the state.
Without a single warning cry, They went to meet their fate.

We're on the road of life And like the railroad man,
We ought to do our best to make The station if we can.
Then let us all take care And keep our orders straight,
For if we get our orders mixed, We'll surely be too late.

---

01 Jul 97 - 12:01 AM (#7833)
Subject: RE: LYR/Info Req:
From: Casey to Bill

Thanks tons for the words (and all the typing). My 88-year old grandmother had forgotten many of the words, and it was important to her. Thanks so very much.

Casey

---

01 Jul 97 - 11:01 AM (#7853)
Subject: RE: LYR/Info Req:
From: Bill

You are quite welcome...I forget sometimes how much certain songs can mean to different individuals...it is always worth it to help out.....

---