The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #16384   Message #3705735
Posted By: 12-stringer
01-May-15 - 11:39 AM
Thread Name: Lyr Req: Steamboat Whistle Blues (Roy Acuff)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Steamboat Whistle Blues (Roy Acuff)
Compare Earl Shirkey & Roy Harper [Harvey], "Steamboat Man," Columbia 15326-D, recorded 18 Oct 1928 at Johnson City, TN. Tune is indistinguishable from "Going Down the Road Feeling Bad." Shirkey provides a Swiss-style yodel between verses, and the usually impeccable Harvey fluffs the beat at the beginning of the "work no more" verse. Harvey, vcl/gtr, Shirkey, ydl.

Thought I heard that steamboat whistle a-blow (x3)
And she blowed like she never blowed before.

I'm afraid my little lover's on that boat (x3)
And it will take her to the Lord knows where.

I'm a-gonna have a dollar some old day (x3)
And I'm going to the Lord knows where.

Goin' where I won't have to work no more (x3)
And I'm a-going to the Lord knows where.

Oh, I hate see [sic] that evening sun go down (x3)
For I know I'm on my last go-round.

Goin' to have a dollar some old day (x3)
And I'm a-going to the Lord knows where.