The Strange Fruit thread reminded me of a song I heard only once in Chicago around 1963-64. I know nothing about from where it came, or where it went, but I remember this much:

Down from the hills the riders came
Jesus, it was cryin' shame
To see the blood upon their whips
And hear the snarlin' of their lips.

Brother, won't you stand by me
It's so lonely to be free.


There were three more verses and after each was the two-line request to "stand by me ..." but starting with Mother, Father and Sister.

Anybody remember it?

Art, do you know anything about it? I don't know that it was exclusive to Chicago, but that is the only time I ever heard it. It was performed by a young female singer who played very elementary guitar (although far more advanced than was I at the time), and I was duly impressed by her presentation and her daring to sing such a song in a public venue (some little club off Rush Street).

Thanks.