The Tale of Wade McKee Lyrics

I'll tell the tale of Wade McKee

I'll tell it the way it was told to me

A woeful tale, you will agree

He left his home in Tennessee

To work on a boat in New Orleans

Shovel that coal, make the steam

Flame and water, make the steam

Can't you hear that whistle scream

Wade McKee, he's gone away

Only ashes are left today

Wade met Britt so warm and kind

They were together all the time

Running through town, spending his dime

He loved her like the earth loves rain

She loved him like the woods love flame

Making him hot was just her game

Flame and water, make the steam.

Can't you hear that whistle scream

Wade McKee, he's gone away.

Only ashes are left today

Pretty little Britt had a wandering eye

When Wade found out, he cried and cried

He felt the flame burn out inside

He lost his money and all he owned

Lost the only love he had known

Couldn't live life all alone

Flame and water, make the steam

Can't you hear that whistle scream

Wade McKee, he's gone away

Only ashes are left today

He boarded his ship one cold day

He had a plan to go away

To the gates of hell, with no delay

Wade went down to the engine room.

Used a boiler as his tomb

Hear that whistle scream it's tune

Flame and water, make the steam

Can't you hear that whistle scream

Wade McKee, he's gone away

Only ashes are left today

Only ashes are left today