The Ballad of Curtis Loew
Well I used to wake the morning before the rooster crowedSearching for soda bottles to get myself some doughBrought 'em down to the corner, down to the country storeCash 'em in and give my money to a man named Curtis Loew
Old Curt was a black man with white curly hairWhen he had a fifth of wine he did not have a careHe used to own an old dobro, used to play it across his kneesI'd give old Curt my money, he'd play all day for me
[Chorus]Play me a song Curtis Loew, Curtis LoewI got your drinking money, tune up your dobroPeople said he was useless, them people are the fools'Cause Curtis Loew was the finest picker to ever play the blues
He looked to be sixty, and maybe I was tenMama used to whip me but I'd go see him againI'd clap my hands, stomp my feets, try to stay in timeHe'd play me a song or two then take another drink of wine.
[Chorus]
Yes sir
On the day old Curtis died, nobody came to prayOl' preacher said some words, and they chunked him in the clayBut he lived a lifetime playin' the black man's bluesAnd on the day he lost his life, that's all he had to lose
Play me a song Curtis Loew, Hey Curtis LoewI wish that you was here so everyone would knowPeople said he was useless, them people all are fools'Cause Curtis you're the finest picker to ever play the blues