Lyr Req: Always Lift Him Up... (Blind Alfred Reed)

Subject: Lyr Req: Blind Alfred Reed: Always Lift Him Up...
From: GUEST,banjocircus
Date: 31 Dec 08 - 07:46 PM

I really like both Blind Alfred Reed's and OCMS's "Always Lift Him Up and Never Knock Him Down." It is easy to find the OCMS lyrics, but I can't find B. A. Reed's, and I am having trouble understanding him. Can you post the lyrics or a link to an appropriate page?

Thanks,

Jonathan

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Blind Alfred Reed: Always Lift Him Up...
From: MickyMan
Date: 31 Dec 08 - 08:23 PM

Am I wrong that this is the same song that was done by Ry Cooder on his immortal 1976 "Chicken Skin Music" album. I used to sing it with the guys back in the 80s in a way similar to that rendition but I doubt that I remember the words. Ry Cooder sang it very clearly, and if I know him I'll bet he stuck to the proper words. Perhaps the words to that performance are on the web somewhere.

Subject: Lyr Add: ALWAYS LIFT HIM UP AND NEVER KNOCK HIM...
From: MickyMan
Date: 31 Dec 08 - 08:34 PM

I found them using Ry Cooder's name ... and Alfred Reed is listed so I'll bet they're close enough for you to fill in any missing words which you could not understand.

(Alfred Reed)/(Traditional)
(G) - (C) - (D)

(G) When a fellow has the blues and feels discouraged
And there's (C) nothing else but trouble all his (G) life
When he's always grumbled at and never happy
Living with a scolding, aggravating (D) wife
If he's (G) sick and tired of life and takes to drinking
Do not pass him by, don't greet him with a (C) frown
Do not fail to lend a hand and try to (G) help him
Always lift him up and (D) never knock him (C) down (G)

If he stays out late at night because he's worried
And because his home is not what it should be
Have a smile for him whenever you should meet him
It would help him just the right way, don't you see
If he gambles when he's in the town or city
Tell him what he ought to do to gain the crown
Lend a hand and do not fail to show him pity
Always lift him up and never knock him down

If he cannot pay his debts and feels disgusted
If he's blue and doesn't have a word to say
Let him know you are his friend who can be trusted
It would cheer this lonely fellow on his way
If he finds it hard for him to keep his family
Let a kind word greet his ear when he's around
Don't say anything at all to make against him
Always lift him up and never knock him down

If he has no friends and everyone's against him
If he's failed at everything that he has tried
Try to lift his load, to help to bear his burden
Let him know that you are walking by his side
And if he feels that all is lost, and he is falling
Try to place that poor man's feet on solid ground
Just remember he's some mother's precious darling
Always lift him up and never knock him down
Always lift him up and never knock him down

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Blind Alfred Reed: Always Lift Him Up...
From: banjocircus
Date: 31 Dec 08 - 10:21 PM

Thanks!

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Blind Alfred Reed: Always Lift Him Up...
From: Dan Schatz
Date: 31 Dec 08 - 10:24 PM

My favorite version of this song is from the Old Time band Roustabout's CD, Better Than It Sounds. Bruce Hutton sings it very well indeed.

Dan