Tennessee Code Title 65. Public Utilities and Carriers § 65-10-206

No railroad company shall have power to give or create any mortgage or other kind of lien on its railroad, its property or franchises, in this state, which shall be valid and binding against any judgments or decrees, or execution issued thereon, rendered in any of the courts in this state, for the enforcement of any liens provided for in this chapter; nor shall the liens created by § 65-10-201 be hindered, postponed, delayed or defeated by any contract, real or pretended, made by any railroad company with any principal or construction company, real or pretended.