Reviving this thread because I am looking for more info. on this song, too. Below are the lyrics as sung by Laurie Lewis and Grant Street -- gorgeous duet with Tom Rozum. They credit the Hurricane Ridge Runners as their source but say nothing more about the song. (I've heard the name Hurricane Ridge Runners, but who are/were they? Anyone have a line on recordings?)

Meanwhile, I heard Bob Carlin sing and play a version at Old Songs last year that he adapted from Tommy Jarrell. Got the Jarrell recording (his fiddle album on County), and it's a significantly different tune with somewhat different words than Laurie Lewis et al. sing. I am drawn to Laurie Lewis' tune, but I don't know if it's because I heard her version first and/or because I love the harmonies on her recording or if I just like it better. Anyway, I'd love any info. on any and all recordings/versions of the song. Not to mention any info. on what's going on/what it's about.

Will post what the liner notes to Jarrell's album say, on request and will post his lyrics when I get time.

RALEIGH AND SPENCER

Raleigh and Spencer are burning down
Lord, there ain't no liquor in town
No, there ain't no liquor in town
What you gonna do to wet those lips
When this whole darn world's gone dry?
When this whole darn world's gone dry?

I've been all around this whole wide world
I've been down to Memphis, Tennessee
I've been down to Memphis, Tennessee
I've played cards with the king and the queen
Shot them dice with old Jesse James
Shot them dice with old Jesse James

I can eat more chicken than any one gal can fry
I can tell more lowdown lies
I can tell more lowdown lies
I can tell more lies than the stars in the skies
I'll never get to heaven when I die
No, I'll never get to heaven when I die

I've pawned my shoes for a bottle of booze
I drink it , I lay down and die
I drink it , I lay down and die
You can stomp down the flowers that grow round my grave
But they'll rise and bloom again
Yes, they'll rise and bloom again

Raleigh and Spencer are burning down
Lord, there ain't no liquor in town
No, there ain't no liquor in town


As sung by Laurie Lewis & Grant Street, "Singing' My Troubles Away," 1990 Flying Fish

CS ^^