The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #55726   Message #869488
Posted By: Roger the Skiffler
18-Jan-03 - 11:25 AM
Thread Name: Lyr Req: Freight Train: not DT version
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Freight Train: not DT version
I've just listened to the Libba Cotton version on a Newport Folk Festival compilation I have. It was between 1963-1966 (they don't date individual tracks) so she'd be in her 70s (died aged 95 in 1987 if the sleeve notes are correct).
Though her guitar fingering is as nimble as ever, her version is 3 verses only and the voice sounds a little weak:

When I'm dead and in my grave
No more good times will I crave
Place a stone at my head and feet
And tell them all that I've gone to sleep.

When I'm dead, Lord bury me deep
Right at the end of Chestnut Street
So I can't* hear old 99
As she goes rolling by.


Then verse three merges first part of verse two with second part of verse one thus:)

When I'm dead, Lord bury me deep
Way down on old Chestnut Street
Place a stone at my head and feet
And tell them all thatI've gone to sleep.


*could be "can"

RtS