The Tale of Wade McKee

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