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Worried Man Blues
A traditional tune I believe first recorded by The Carter Family, and subsequently Woody Guthrie, The Kingston Trio and Dr. Ralph Stanley. In the true “folk process”, with a little lyrical update this paean to hard times remains hauntingly pertinent when viewed through the lens of Americans who share heritage with some of our current adversaries.
AM – vocals, electric guitars
Chance McCoy – banjo
Jim Baird - bass
Jesse Shultzaberger – drums
Traditional; new words and music by Andrew McKnight, 2007©Catalooch Music, BMI
Verse 1
Went across the river and I lay down to sleep
went across the river and I lay down to sleep
suddenly, felt shackles on my dreams
Verse 2
Twenty-one links of chain around my heart
twenty-one links of chain around my heart
and on each link, an initial of my name
Chorus
It takes a worried man to sing a worried song
takes a worried woman to sing a worried song
I worry now, but I don’t know for how long
Verse 3
I asked the lawman, tell me what I’ve done
I asked the lawman, tell me what I’ve done
I don’t look like you, but I have hurt no one
Verse 4
I begged the judge, for mercy on my soul
I begged the judge, for mercy on my soul
but I got none, he sent me to the hole
Chorus
Guitar verse
Verse 5
I woke up, a stranger in my land
I woke up, in a stranger land
now I believe, that I must make a stand
Chorus
