In the head of Marrowbone Holler,
Where the crystal waters flow,
Jerry Damron met disaster
Up there on the C. and O.
As he left the Coaldale junction
On the head end of his train,
Thinking not of unseen dangers,
Frosty nights or drenchin' rain.
Perhaps his thoughts were of his sweetheart
And on some earthly paradise,
When his car gave indications
That it was riding on the ties.
Then he got to safety,
To make successful land,
Then there comes that old, old story,
One misstep or slip of hand.
Far from the darkness came destruction,
And the truth we'll never know,
Of the feeling's of that train crew
Up there on the C. and O.
Quick the angel cock was opened,
But, alas, it came too late,
Jerry's soul had departed
Through that far off golden gate.
Then we see the tool car passing
With the boom a-swinging low
As if it was mournin' for Jerry
Up there on the C. and O.
Jerry, we miss you and we wonder
If you see the C. and O.
And your friends that are still mournin' for you
Where the Marrowbone waters flow.
Jerry, we hope you're among the angels
Way up there above the stars,
Where there'll be no more worry,
Ridin' heavy trains or cars.
Now you're sleeping, gently sleeping,
Where the Big Sandy breezes blow,
But your memory's still with us
Up and down the C. and O.
And it's just another story,
While friends sometimes must part,
While your soul has gone to Glory,
There remains a broken heart.
