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Lyr Req: Long John / Lost John
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Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Long John / Lost John From: RTim Date: 08 May 18 - 11:02 PM Another version via the Lomax recordings..... Lightning- Long John Well it's Long John, He's long gone, It’s Long John, He's long gone, Well if I hadn't listened, What the road they say, I could been at home, And a rode this day, Well if I wasn't listen' , Got to runnin' around, First thing I know, I was jail house bound, Well I got in jail, With my mouth poked out, Well now I'm in the pen, and I can't get out, It's Long John, He's long gone, It's Long John, Oh, Long John, Well it's on me, Here's a pair of shoes, Was a funny shoes, That was ever seen, Had a heel in front, Had a heel behind, Well it's gettin' nowhere, That the boy was blind, It's Long John, He's long gone, He's Long John, Oh, Long John, Well in 2 or 3 minutes, Let me catch my way, And in 2, 3 minutes, I'm gone again, Oh, Long John, Oh, Long John, Gonna call this summer, Ain't gonna call no more, If I call next summer, He's on the move, He's long gone, He's long gone, It's Long John, He's long gone, Well the god say, In the chapter 14, If the man live, Let his sin be free, Well Long John, He's long gone, Like a turkey through the corn, Through the long corn, Well it's Long John, Had a mother like god, Well it's Long John, Well it's tender foot John, With his long clothes on, Just a skippin' through the corn, Oh, long john, Was long gone, He's long gone, He's long gone, ... Well did you boys here What the captain said After you boys work Gonna treat you pretty well Well if you don't work gonna give you plenty hell Oh, long gone It's long john Oh, long gone it's long john Tim Radford This thread name seems to suggest it is a good place to post spam and there has been a lot lately. The thread can be reopened for real content if you'll contact a moderator. 1-16-2019 |
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Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Long John / Lost John From: GUEST,J M Anderson Date: 08 Dec 16 - 07:12 AM See also http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=538575 for an alternative interpretation. |
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Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Long John / Lost John From: GUEST,J M Anderson Date: 09 Oct 16 - 07:11 PM Sorry, that should have read "All Long John's livelong day". See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pEnz4dyT1UA |
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Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Long John / Lost John From: Mrrzy Date: 17 Sep 16 - 11:10 PM There's a yodel-y one by Doc Watson I'll see if I can't rustle up... |
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Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Long John / Lost John From: GUEST,J M Anderson Date: 17 Sep 16 - 02:36 PM Oh my dog Oh Long John Oh Long Johnson Oh Don Piano Why I eyes ya All the livelong day All Long John's long day All that long Long Johnson (etc) |
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Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Long John / Lost John From: beeliner Date: 01 Sep 12 - 12:16 AM If I remember correctly, Peter Stampfell of the Holy Modal Rounders claimed that the "heel in front, toe behind" line was based on a true story of a prisoner who had actually made himself such a pair of shoes in the prison shoe shop, which he had intended to wear during an escape attempt. |
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Subject: Lost John and folklore From: GUEST,diplocase Date: 31 Aug 12 - 10:55 PM Some interesting folklore regarding the African and South Asian concept of people with their feet on backwards. It is possible that such folk beliefs might have come to America with kidnapped Africans and informed the evolution of the ante-bellum cotton hoeing songs "Go Down Old Hannah" and "Lost John" that appear to be forerunners of the prison song "Lost John." --in Nepali folklore there is an evil temptress spirit called a churel whose feet point backwards. --Tamil ghosts have their feet on backwards. --The Asante and their neighbors the Ewe in Ghana and Togo believe that female witches have feet that point backwards. --the Greek writer Metasthenes, whose writings were often retailed in Medieval European writings, reported there were beings in Africa whose feet pointed backwards, the antipodes. --there is actually an anatomical abnormality in which the foot turns down and under so that the instep touches the ground and the toes and soles are up. An old physiology book relates the case of a patient who had the condition in both feet and was able to walk. He wore half-boots, laced on backwards. It is easy to imagine how a person displaying such a condition in a traditional society might be accused of being a witch. |
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Subject: Lyr Add: LOST JOHN (Merle Travis) From: Jim Dixon Date: 22 Nov 10 - 07:41 PM YouTube has an actual video (from film) of Merle Travis playing and singing LOST JOHN. He also does some fine guitar picking in that video. LOST JOHN a.k.a. LOST JOHN BOOGIE a.k.a. LONG LOST JOHN FROM BOWLING GREEN Merle Travis 1. The ugliest feller that I ever seen Was Long Lost John from Bowlin' Green. No hat on his head, no shoes on his feet, Beggin' the women for his bread an' meat. One woman said, "Johnny, what can you eat?" He said, "Forty-nine biscuits an' a ham o' meat." CHORUS: An' he was long gone. He was long gone. He was long, long gone from Bowlin' Green. He was long gone. He was long gone. He was long, long gone from Bowlin' Green. 2. Now Lost John he walked in a woman's house, Crept right in just quiet as a mouse. The woman said, "Lost John, take a chair, And I'll send the porter for a bucket o' beer." He said, "Never mind the bucket an' never mind the beer. The hound's on my trail an' I can't stay here. CHORUS: "Got to get along." He was long gone. (etc.) 3. Now Lost John standin' on a railroad track Was a-waitin' for a freight train to come back. Along come a train [whistle] an' a-flyin'. Missed the cowcatcher but he caught the blind. CHORUS REPEAT VERSE 1 AND CHORUS. |
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Subject: Lyr Add: LONG JOHN (from Dave Van Ronk) From: noahpedrini Date: 26 Sep 10 - 03:12 PM There is Dave Van Ronk's rendition. It's on the "From...Another time and place" and "Inside Dave Van Ronk" albums. Great fun and easy to play. Just one riff through out that repeats. Here are the lyrics: I'm Long John; I'm a long time gone Like a turkey through the corn With my long clothes on. Well, if I had a-listened, to what my good gal said, Well, I'd a been a-sleepin', in my good gal's bed. But I didn't listen; I just rambled about. Well, now I'm on a chain gang, with my teeth poked out. I'm Long John; I'm a long time gone Like a turkey through the corn With my long clothes on. I got a heel in the front; I got a heel behind. Well, you can't quite tell, I'm a-runnin or a-flyin'. I'm way out yonder, you know, ahead of them hounds. Ain't a hound in town, that can run me down. I'm Long John, I'm a long time gone Like a turkey through the corn With my long clothes on. I'm standin' on the corner, with a dollar in my hand. You know, I'm waitin' for the cold things, that the white folks send. Sendin' old cold 'tatoes and a chittlin' stew And sendin' old hog eye, and a cold tough too. I'm Long John, I'm a long time gone Like a turkey through the corn With my long clothes on. With my long clothes on. With my long clothes on. |
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Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Long John / Lost John From: GUEST,cw Date: 07 Sep 10 - 02:56 PM I am looking for a newer rendition of this song. I heard it on a country/americano station in Dallas, TX. It sounds like a newer recording, and has a blues or even more of a folk sound to it. Are ya'll familiar with this newer rendition of this song? |
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Subject: Lyr Add: LOST JOHN (Burnett & Rutherford) From: GUEST,BanjoRay Date: 22 Dec 09 - 06:51 AM Here's the best I can make of the Burnett & Rutherford recording from the twenties (which has gorgeous fiddling) Funniest thing I ever seen Lost John going through Bowling Green No hat on his head no shoes on his feet Beggin away(?) for fresh meat He's gone gone He's long gone Lost John sitting on the railroad track Waitin' for the freight train to come back Freight train come never made no stop you oughta seen Lost John sittin'(?) on top He's long gone (x2) Ray Had an old dog and his name was Will Run Lost John to the top of the hill He ain't caught Lost John he never will He's long gone (x2) He outrun a xxxxx left his home he outrun a message on the telephone xxxxx a-skippin' and a -flyin' The message girl said she xxxxx hold the line long gone(x2) |
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Subject: Lyr Add: LOST JOHN DEAN (Kane, Welch, Kaplin) From: AnneMC Date: 22 Dec 09 - 06:07 AM Enjoyed reading all this background stuff. I have the recent version of Lost John Dean by Kieran Kane, Kevin Welch & Fats Kaplin which is a terrific tune. I hope I have transcribed all the words correctly. AnneMC LOST JOHN DEAN 1. Did you ever hear the story about Lost John Dean? Bold bank robber from Bowling Green Well they put him in the jail house the other day But late last night he made his get-away CHORUS: And he's long gone, from Kentucky Long gone, got away lucky Well, he's long gone, that's what I mean He's long gone from Bowling Green 2. Well they offered up a reward for to fetch him back They even put bloodhounds on his track Well the gosh-darn bloodhounds lost his scent Now nobody knows where Lost John went 3. I'll never forget till the day I die Played the game of love, when a woman held high It was heads she wins, and tails I lose She played the ace and I played the deuce 4. Oh, a man went around town with a gun in his hand Looking everywhere for a gamblin' man Well you can't play low when the heart's too strong Cos you never can tell how the cat's gonna jump |
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Subject: Lyr Add: LOST JOHN (from Harold Courlander) From: GUEST,Q Date: 29 May 03 - 06:14 PM Lyr. Add: LOST JOHN (Courlander version) One day, one day, I were walking along And I heard a little voice Didn't see no one. It was old Lost John, He said he was long gone Like a turkey through the corn With his long clothes on. Had a heel in front And a heel behind, Well you couldn't hardly tell Well you couldn't hardly tell Whichaway he was goin' Whichaway he was goin'. One day, one day, Well I heard him say Be on my way Be on my way 'Fore the break of day By the break of day. Got a heel in front, Got a heel behind, Well you can hardly tell Well you can hardly tell Whichaway I'm goin'. Oughta come on the river, Long time ago, You could find a dead man Right on your row. Well the dog man killed him Well the dog man killed him 'Cause the boy couldn't go 'Cause the boy couldn't go. Wake up dead man, Help me carry my row, 'Cause the row's so heavy Can't hardly make it To the lower turn row. Oughta come on the river Nineteen and ten, Well the womenwas rolling Just like the men. Oughta come on the river Long time ago, I don't know partner, Say, you outhta know, You'd catch plenty trouble Everywhere you go Everywhere you go. One day, one day, Heard the captain say If you boys work Gonna treat you mighty well, If you don't go to work, Says we may give you hell. One day, one day, I'll be on my way And you may not never Ever hear me say One day, one day, I'll be on my way. From Negro Prison Songs, Alan Lomax, Tradition Records; Negro Prison Camp Work Songs; "and various Library of Congress record issues." Seems to be a compilation of several versions. From Harold Courlander, Negro Folk Music, U. S. A., pp. 101-103. Like "Lost John" from Odum and Johnson, 1925 (posted previously in this thread), the story line is very simple, lacking the embellishments in versions published and recorded later by Lomax (and perhaps 'engineered' by him. We stil do not have the texts of the early recordings by Sims or Rutherford, about 1925-1926. I would guess that they either are simple in story line, like these, or a variant on the Handy Blues of 1926. |
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Subject: RE: Lyr. and Origin: Long John/Lost John From: fat B****rd Date: 17 Dec 02 - 04:17 AM Thank you RTS, I never could get the lyric quite right. How's Ray's ?? |
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Subject: Lyr Add: LONG JOHN (from Cecil Maas) From: Neighmond Date: 16 Dec 02 - 09:03 PM We used to sing a lot after dinner when we had the boarding house. An old, old man rented a room from us who sang this when he got drunk on the porch. He said it is an old song. Well, I guess you know a story 'bout Long John Cole Old Bootlegger from Mussel Shoals. Sent up to Avery on a fancy three* He allowed "This ain't the place for me!" CHORUS: And he's long gone, that old long John Long John, long gone Travelin' on, old long John! Right one mornin', on the break of day, John declared he'd make a getaway. He made for the end row in a field of corn Like a long-legged turkey, had long drawers on. CHORUS They took a shot. He never heard the blast. Them slugs never touched him. He was runnin' fast! Arkansas River is deep and wide. Forgot he couldn't swim till he hit the other side! CHORUS Well Long made himself a pair of shoes, Greatest old shoes that a man can use. Heel's up front, toe's in the back, Like a train going west on an eastbound track! CHORUS Well John kept running way up in the hills Where he made corn whiskey just to soothe folks' ills. He lives there yet, as I've heard told. Turns yellow corn to liquid gold! CHORUS I have him on tape singing it while playing a mandolin (Ezera and I played the guitars and Samantha played the piano) he had a decent voice and he sang some strange things, some of which are just plain dirty. This may actually be the cleanest song he knew. He is dead now from cirrhosis of his liver, his name was Cecil Maas. *"Fancy three" is the penalty for Bootlegging- three years' hard labor |
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Subject: Lyr Add: LOST JOHN From: Roger the Skiffler Date: 16 Dec 02 - 03:59 AM This is the simplified skiffle version I do, based on St Lonnie's various versions (with the name changed in the last verse to protect the innocent). LOST JOHN (Trad) Lost John standin' by the railroad track Waitin' for the freight train to come back Freight train come and it didn't stop Lost John thought he'd have to ride on top Long long lost John Long long lost John Lost John came to the country from the South Sat there as quiet, as quiet as a mouse Lost John said, "Be my friend Be my friend until the end" Long long lost John Long long John Woman say don't have no fear I'm goin' to the corner to get some beer Lost John say "Don't buy no beer Sheriff 's on my trail and he'll soon be here" Long long lost John Long long lost John Now Lost John made a pair of shoes of his own Finest shoes that ever were born Heels on the front, heels behind So nobody know which way Lost John g'wine If anyone asks you who taught you this song Just say Lonnie Donegan* has been and gone Long long lost John Long long lost John RtS (*insert own name here) |
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Subject: RE: Lyr. and Origin: Long John/Lost John From: Stewie Date: 15 Dec 02 - 10:15 PM Richie Glad to be of help. Listening to the Papa Charlie Jackson again, particularly in light of what you have just posted, the second line of the second stanza is probably 'He crept just as quiet, quiet as a mouse'. It certainly makes more sense. I couldn't hear 'crept' or 'slipped' before. I am working on the Burnette and Rutherford, but it is a very noisy recording - the last stanza is almost totally indecipherable. I will post what I can of it later. Cheers, Stewie. |
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Subject: Lyr Add: LOST JOHN (Hank Thompson) From: Richie Date: 15 Dec 02 - 09:17 PM I just got back from my student program, 7 hours straight. The drums and amplifiers are still ringing in my brain. Stewie, you've really added a lot of great transcriptions to this thread. Thanks. Here's a version from Hank Thompson: Lyr. Add: LOST JOHN Well, the funniest fellow that I ever seen Was the long lost John from Bowling Green No hat on his head, no shoes on his feet He was a beggin' the women for his bread and meat One woman said, John how much can you eat Said forty-nine biscuits and a ham of meat And he was long gone, yeah long gone He's a long-long gone from Bowling Green Now lost John was sittin' on a railroad track Waitin' for the freight train to come back Along come a freight train skippin' and a flyin' Really missed the cowcatcher but he caught the blind And he was long gone, yeah long gone He's a long-long gone from Bowling Green Now lost John walkin' to a woman's house And he crept right in just as quiet as a mouse The woman said, John pull up a chair And I'll send the porter for a bucket of beer Said, never mind the bucket, never mind the beer The hound's on my trail and I can't stay here And he was long gone, yeah long gone He's a long-long gone from Bowling Green Well, the funniest fellow that I ever seen Was the long lost John from Bowling Green His eyes are red and his gums are blue A mighty hard job to keep the fellow in view 'Cause he's long gone, yeah long gone He's a long-long gone from Bowling Green He's long gone, got to get along He's a long-long gone from Bowling Green Notes: "Lost John" from Hank Thompson: Hank Thompson (Capitol 4649, 1961 |
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Subject: Lyr Add: LONG GONE FROM BOWLING GREEN (Allen Bros From: Stewie Date: 15 Dec 02 - 09:16 PM The wonderful Allen Brothers (Austin & Lee) from Chattanooga, Tennessee, provide a bird of a very different wing with their typically doleful delivery: LONG GONE FROM BOWLING GREEN When I knock upon your window, knock upon your door If you don't open up, you can hear my 44 'Cos I'm long gone, ain't been seen I'm long gone from Bowling Green When she opened up her window, she opened up her door I heard a 38, but it's not a 44 Lord, I'm long gone, ain't been seen I'm long gone from Bowling Green I [leapt in high ?], sweat on my face I gave the bullets a mighty race 'Cos I'm long gone, ain't been seen I'm long gone from Bowling Green The angels in heaven saw the sweat on my face Come on, Bill, there's a man in your place But I'm long gone, ain't been seen I'm long gone from Bowling Green Man and a woman and a 38 ball Sent me down south to get my ashes hauled Lord, I'm long gone, ain't been seen I'm long gone from Bowling Green The smoke was so thick when I topped the hill The next stop I made was in old Mobile Lord, I'm long gone, ain't been seen I'm long gone from Bowling Green Source: Allen Brothers 'Long Gone From Bowling Green' recorded on 3 October 1934 in NYC and issued as Vocalion 02817. Reissued on The Allen Brothers 'The Chattanooga Boys Vol III' Document DOCD-8035. --Stewie. |
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Subject: Lyr Add: LOST JOHN DEAN (Bascom Lamar Lunsford) From: Stewie Date: 15 Dec 02 - 08:36 PM LOST JOHN DEAN Did you ever hear the story 'bout Lost John Dean A bold bank robber from Bowling Green They put him in the jailhouse the other day And late that night he made his getaway He's long gone from old Kentucky Long gone, ain't he lucky He's long gone, that's what I mean He's long gone from Bowling Green They offered a reward for to fetch him back They even put the bloodhounds on his track The doggone bloodhounds lost his scent And nobody knows where Lost John went He's long gone from old Kentucky Long gone, ain't he lucky He's long gone, that's what I mean He's long gone from Bowling Green I never will forget till the day I die I played a game of love when the woman held high Heads you win and tails I lose The woman played the ace and I played the deuce But I'se long gone from old Kentucky Long gone, ain't I lucky I'se long gone, that's what I mean I'se long gone from Bowling Green The old man went around with a gun in his hand A-lookin' in this town for a gamblin' man You cain't play love when the hearts is trumps Hey, you never can tell how the cats are gonna jump But I'se long gone from old Kentucky Long gone, ain't I lucky I'se long gone, that's what I mean I'se long gone from Bowling Green Source: transcription of Bascom Lamar Lunsford 'Lost John Dean' recorded ca February 1928 in Ashland, Kentucky, and issued as Br 227. Reissued on Various Artists 'Times Ain't Like They Used To Be Vol I' Yazoo CD 2028. This is a delightful performance by one of my all-time favourite old-time musicians. I reckon his use of 'I'se' and the extended gambling motif betray a black influence for Lunsford's piece. --Stewie. |
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Subject: Lyr Add: LONG GONE (Jim Jackson) From: Stewie Date: 15 Dec 02 - 07:58 PM Unfortunately, I do not have a recording of this and therefore I do not know how much, if anything, is missing. However, here is what Paul Oliver gives of Jim Jackson's version of 'Long Gone'. He begins with stanzas close to Handy/Smith, but then heads off with lyrics that seem to have been incorporated from another song: LONG GONE Now you've heard the story 'bout Long John Green Bold bank robber from Bowling Green They put him in jail and he stayed 30 days Late last night he made his getaway He's long gone, from old Kentucky He's long gone, wasn't he lucky He's long gone - what I mean He's long gone from Bowling Green (repeats chorus) They sent for the high sheriff to bring him back Went and put the police hounds on his track The doggone police hounds lost his scent And nobody knows where Long John went Chorus I ain't gonna tell ya how I got here But I got here just the same If you see him running the first five miles You'd swore he wasn't lame He'd stop in the woods, catch his wind Heard a stick crackin' and he lit out again I ain't gonna tell you how I got here But I got here just the same Source: transcription [from pp 68-69 in Paul Oliver 'Songsters & Saints' Cambridge Uni Press] of Jim Jackson 'Long Gone' recorded on 7 September 1928 in Memphis and issued as Victor V38531. Jim Jackson was not much of a singer or guitarist, but had a hit with 'Kansas City Blues' in 1927. He too was a medicine show performer and more of a songster than bluesman, with material from a variety of sources. His hymn parody, 'I Heard the Voice of a Pork Chop' is little gem. --Stewie. |
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Subject: Lyr Add: LONG GONE LOST JOHN (Papa Charlie Jackson From: Stewie Date: 15 Dec 02 - 07:21 PM LONG GONE LOST JOHN Lost John sittin' on the railroad track Waitin' for the freight train to come back The freight train come back and didn't make no stop Lost John thought he had to ride the top 'long come a Dixie Flyer just behind time He missed the cow-catcher when he caught the blind Now, he's long, long gone Lost John come by a country woman's house He said, This is quiet, quiet as a mouse He said, This is Lost John, be my friend Be my friend until the end Now, Mr Lost John, have no fear I'll send the porter for to buy some beer Never mind, woman, don't you buy no beer The hounds is on my trail and I can't stay here John jumped up on the top of the hill Says, The hounds ain't caught me and they never will Now I'm long, long gone Now the funniest thing I ever have seen Lost John coming through the Bowling Green Stone bare-footed, no shoes on his feet Beggin' everybody for the bread and meat Now, he's long, long gone Lost John made a pair of shoes of his own Just as good a shoes as was ever were worn Had heels in front, and heels behind You couldn't tell whichaway Lost John gwine Now he's long, long gone He was standin' on the corner, talkin' to his brown He doubled up his fist and he knocked the police down The police jumped up, said, Whichaway did he go? The last time I see him, he was in the Gulf of Mexico Now he's long, long gone They took ol' Lost John and they put him in the pen Now the son-of-a-gun is out and he's gone again Now he's long, long gone Now if anyone should ask you who composed this song Tell 'em Papa Charlie Jackson and idle on Now he's long, long gone – that's all Source: transcription of Papa Charlie Jackson 'Long Gone Lost John' recorded in Chicago c. January 1928 and issued as Paramount 12602. Note: the first two stanzas are my transcription from the reissue on Various Artists 'Songsters & Saints: Vocal Traditions on Race Records Vol 2' Matchbox LP MSEX 2003/2004. The remainder is the transcription given at p 68 of Paul Oliver 'Songsters & Saints' Cambridge Uni Press, Digital Printing 1999 [1984 edition]. Papa Charlie Jackson was the first male blues singer to gain some fame through records. In actuality, he was more of a stage entertainer and songster than bluesman. He was believed to have come from New Orleans and may have spent his earlier years in travelling shows where he would have had close contact with white musicians. In later years, he was based in Chicago and associated with Big Bill Broonzy, Ma Rainey and Ida Cox inter alia. --Stewie. |
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Subject: Lyr Add: LONG JOHN (from John & Alan Lomax) From: Stewie Date: 15 Dec 02 - 06:30 PM In 'Folk Songs of North America', Alan Lomax gives yet another variant from Lightning of Darrington prison farm. It shares most lyrics with Greg's posting above, but with a different structure. There is a note, however, that it was 'adapted and arranged by John and Alan Lomax': LONG JOHN Says-uh, Come on gal, An'-uh shut that do' Says, The dogs is comin' And I've got to go Well-a-two, three minutes Let me catch my win' In-a two, three minutes I'm gone agin Chorus: It's-a Long John He's long, gone Like a turkey through the corn With his long clothes on He's gone, gone Well, my John said, On the fourth day Well, to tell my rider That I'm on my way Gonna call next summer Ain't gon' call no mo' If I call next summer Be in Baltimore Chorus Well, John made A pair of shoes Funniest shoes That ever was seen Had a heel in front And a heel behind Till you couldn't tell where That boy was gwine Chorus Well, my John said In the ten chap ten If a man die He will live again Well, they crucified Jesus And they nailed him to the cross Sister Mary cried, My child is lost Source: Alan Lomax 'Folk Songs of North America' Doubleday 1982, p 537. It was pleasing to see that, in his note to the song, Alan Lomax referred to Long John as being 'another manifestation' of Ol' John, the trickster slave, and the travelin' man. It had occurred to me that, in the black tradition, Lost John must have had some relationship with the travelin' man. CLICK HERE FOR TRAVELIN' MAN THREAD --Stewie. |
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Subject: Lyr Add: LOST JOHN (John Lennon) From: Richie Date: 14 Dec 02 - 10:12 PM Lost John was also recorded by Van Morrison with Lonnie Donnegan, Lonnie Donnegan, and John Lennon. Here are Lennon's lyrics: LOST JOHN Well, he's long, long, lost John Long, long, lost John. Lost John standing by the railroad track A-waitin' for the freight train to come back. The freight train come back but never made a stop Lost John thought he'd have to ride the top Well, he's long, long, lost John yeah, long, long, lost John. Well, lost John standing by the railroad track A-waitin' for the freight train to come back. The freight train come back but never made a stop Lost john thought he'd have to ride the top. Well, he's long, long, long lost John Well, he's long, long, lost John. Well, lost john standing by the railroad track A-waitin' for the freight train to come back. The freight train come back but never made a stop Lost John thought he'd have to ride the top. Well, long, long, long John well, oh yeah. I got it about at half past three you don't look out, she's gonna spew on me I'm gonna run, railroad bill I'm gonna ru.... Notes: Version recorded by John Lennon |
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Subject: Lyr Add: LONG GONE (from John & Alan Lomax) From: Stewie Date: 14 Dec 02 - 09:40 PM The Lomaxes also collected a chopping work song from Lightnin' in a Texas prison farm that differs substantially from the one posted above by Greg. The lines in square brackets are by the chorus: LONG GONE Leader: Wid his di'mond blade [Wid his di'mond blade] Got it in his han' [Got it in his han'] Gonna hew out de live oaks [Gonna hew out de live oaks] Dat are in dis lan' [Dat are in dis lan'] Refrain: He's long gone [He's long gone] He's Long John [He's long John] He's gone, gone [He's gone, gone] Like a turkey throught the corn [Like a turkey through the corn] Wid his long clo'es on [Wid his long clo'es on] He's gone, gone [He's gone, gone] He's gone John [He's gone John] He's long gone [He's long gone] Stanzas: Ef I had a-listened What Rosie said I'd a-been sleepin' In a-Rosie's bed But-a I wouldn' listen Got to runnin' aroun' An' de firs' thing I knew I was jailhouse bound Well, I got in de jail Wid my mouf poked out Now I'm in the pen An I cain' get out Well-a John made A pair of shoes Funnies' shoes Dat ever was seen Had a heel in front An' a heel behind Well, you couldn tell where Dat boy was a-gwine Well-a, come on, honey Let me shet dat do' Well de dogs is a-comin' An' I got to go Well-a, hear dat sergeant Just a-huffin' and a-blowin' Well, I b'lieve I hear Ol' Rattler moanin' Well, I crossed that Brazos In de mornin' dew Well, I leave you, sergeant An de' captain too Well-a, good mornin', Mary How do you do? Well I crossed dat river Jus' to see you All dis summer Won' call no mo' Ef I call nex' summer Den I'm gone some mo' He's long gone He's Long John He's gone, gone Like a turkey through de corn Wid his long clo'es on He's gone, gone He's gone John He's long gone Source: John A. Lomax & Alan Lomax 'American Ballads and Folk Songs' MacMillan 1934 pp 75-79. --Stewie. |
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Subject: RE: Lyr. and Origin: Long John/Lost John From: Stewie Date: 14 Dec 02 - 09:06 PM Masato, thanks for posting the Handy/Smith text. It certainly makes it easier to decipher some of Uncle Dave's slurrings. My transcription of Uncle Dave's version, posted above by Richie, should be amended: Stanza 2, line 4 - although the last word certainly sounds a lot like 'flyin'', it is very probable that it is 'blind'. It occurs also in Papa Charlie Jackson's version. Stanza 3, line 3 - from repeated listenings, I'm pretty sure he's singing 'gonna escape'. Stanza 3, line 4 - with the insight of the Handy/Smith text, it is clear that Uncle Dave is singing 'The coppers forgot to lock the golden gate'. The text is probably accurate enough now to post to the Uncle Dave lyrics thread. --Stewie. |
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Subject: RE: Lyr. and Origin: Long John/Lost John From: greg stephens Date: 14 Dec 02 - 06:33 PM Probably nothing to do with the song, but Lost John's Hole is a cave up on Leck Fell(or possibly Gragareth, it's been a few years since I was there) in North Lancahire, England. |
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Subject: Lyr Add: LOST JOHN (from Odum and Johnson) From: GUEST,Q Date: 14 Dec 02 - 02:58 PM Lyr. Add: LOST JOHN Lost John, lost John, lost John. Lost John, lost John, lost John. Lost John, lost John, lost john. Help me to look for lost John. Lost John done gone away, Help me to look for lost John.Still I ain't bother yet, Still I ain't bother none. Sun is goin' down, Sun is goin' down. I goin' 'way some day, Yes, I goin' 'way some day. I'm goin' 'way to stay, Still I'm goin' 'way to stay. Come an' go with me, O yes! come an' go with me. I got a honey here, Yes, I got a honey here. Goin' away to leave you, Well, I goin' 'way to leave you. Negro dance song, from "The Negro and His Songs," p. 227, Odum and Johnson, 1925 (reprinted by Negro Universities Press). Collector and locality not stated. |
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Subject: Lyr Add: LONG JOHN (from John & Alan Lomax) From: greg stephens Date: 14 Dec 02 - 09:26 AM Here s a version from Lighning and a group of convicts, Darrington State Prison Farm, sandy Point Texas. Recorded by John and Alan Lomx,1934. 1 It's a long John He's a long gone Like a turkey through the corn Through the long corn 2: Well my John said in the ten chap ten If a man die He will live again Well they crucified Jesus And they nailed him to the cross Sister Mary cried My child is lost Ch; Well Long John He's long gone He's long gone Mister John John Oh Big-Eye John O John John It's a long John 3: Says-uh Come on gal And-uh shut that door Says The dog's is coming And Ive got to go Ch: Its a long John He's long gone Its a long John He's a long gone 4 WEll-a two three minutes Let me catch my wind In-a two three minutes I'm gone again Ch He's long John He's long gone He's long gone He's long gone 5: Well my John said Just before he did Well I'm going home See Mary Lid Ch: He's John John Old John John Withhis long clothes on Just-a skippin through the corn 6: Well my John said On the fourth day Well to tell my rider That I'm on my way Ch: Hes long gone He's long gone He's long gone Its a long John 7: Gonna call this summer Aint gon'call no more If I call next summer Be in Baltimore |
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Subject: RE: Lyr. and Origin: Long John/Lost John From: Mr Happy Date: 14 Dec 02 - 09:09 AM a singer at one of our local sessions does a verse with the line: 'the finest shoes 'dat ever was worn, heels on the front, heels behind, ya just can't tell which way lost john's gwine.....' |
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Subject: RE: Lyr. and Origin: Long John/Lost John From: masato sakurai Date: 14 Dec 02 - 08:40 AM "Long John" (PERFORMER Rev. Mose "Clear Rock" Platt; LOCATION Hotel Blazilmar, Taylor, Williamson County, Texas; DATE 5/10/1939) is in The John and Ruby Lomax 1939 Southern States Recording Trip collection. |
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Subject: Lyr Add: LONG GONE (W.C. Handy) From: masato sakurai Date: 14 Dec 02 - 08:19 AM LONG GONE Words by Chris Smith Music by W.C. Handy Copyright 1920 by pace & Handy Music Co., Inc., copyright renewed by W.C. Handy 1. Did you ever hear the story of long John Dean? A bold bank robber from Bowling Green, Was sent to the jailhouse yesterday, Late last night he made his getaway. 2. Long John stood on the railroad tie, Waiting for a freight train to come by; Freight train came just puffin' and flyin', Ought-a seen Long John grabbin' that blind. CHORUS: He's Long Gone from Kentucky, Long Gone ain't he lucky, Long Gone, and what I mean, He's Long Gone from Bowling Green. He's Long Gone from Kentucky, Long Gone ain't he lucky, Long Gone, and what I mean, He's Long Gone from Bowling Green. 3. They offered a reward to bring him back Even put bloodhounds on his track, Doggone bloodhounds lost his scent Now nobody knows where Long John went. 4. They caught him in Frisco, and to seal his fate, San Quentin jailed one evening late, But out on the ocean John escaped The guard forgot to close the Golden gate 5. A gang of men tried to capture Dean, So they chased him with a submarine Dean jumped overboard, grabbed the submarine, And made that gang catch a flying machine. CHORUS: He's Long Gone from Kentucky, Long Gone, ain't he lucky, Long Gone, and what I mean, He's Long Gone from Bowling Green. John's Long Gone from San Quentin, Long Gone and still a sprintin', Long Gone, I'm telling you, Shut your mouth and shut mine too. Now he's Long Gone and still a swimming, Lone Gone with them mermaid women, Long Gone, just like a fish, My that boys got some ambish. 6. A vamp thought she had Long John's goat, She took his watch and money from his coat, John stole all she had, now she thinks he's a riddle, He didn't leave enough cloth to dust a fiddle. CHORUS: He's Long Gone from Kentucky, Long Gone that guy is some lucky, Long Gone from this queen, Long Gone from Bowling Green. 7. When prohibition said I'll lick John Barleycorn, I never thought she'd do any harm, But she's chased him strong, didn't stop to wait, And blacked his eye in every state. CHORUS: Now John's Gone and he left me weeping, Long Gone but only sleeping, But from the drug we catch his breath, Long Gone and scared to death. From: Blues: An Anthology, edited by W.C. Handy (1926; 1949; Macmillan, 1972, pp. 200-202; with music) ~Masato |
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Subject: RE: Lyr. and Origin: Long John/Lost John From: greg stephens Date: 14 Dec 02 - 03:10 AM To throw in a quiz question: in what movie did Marlon Brando sing "Lost John" ? |
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Subject: Lyr Add: KENTUCKY BLUES (Dennis 'Little Hat' Jones From: Stewie Date: 14 Dec 02 - 02:37 AM KENTUCKY BLUES Well whiles we here tryin' to have our fun 'Spose the law jumped up and said, 'Nobody run!' Well, you know I'm long gone, from Kentucky Long gone, an' got away lucky 'Cause I'm gonna leave so keen I'll be just like a submarine Well, my woman poked her head out the window of the bed Said, 'Please don't let them kill Mister Little Hat dead' I said, 'No use worryin', sweet mama, I ain't gonna be here long' Tell her not to sing this worryin' song 'Cause I'm gonna leave so keen I'm gonna be just like a submarine Well an officer, you know the man, they call him Austin Jack Stopped and put the bloodhounds right on my track 'Cause the hounds they couldn't catch my scent You know, they couldn't tell where Little Hat went 'Cause I left so keen People, I was just like a submarine Well here comes the Santa Fe just puffin' and flyin' Oughta seen me when I reached up and caught them blinds They said, 'There's another long gone - from Kentucky Long gone - an' he got away lucky 'Cause he's ever so keen He's just like a submarine' I want to sing this song, ain't gonna sing no more 'Cause I'm leavin' San Antonio, I don't plan on coming here no more Well, I don't play the dozen and neither the ten 'Cause you keep on talkin', I leads you in Well you keep on talkin' till it makes me mad Well I'll tell you 'bout the money that your father had 'Cause I don't play the dozen, I declare man, and neither the ten Source: Dennis 'Little Hat' Jones 'Kentucky Blues' recorded in San Antonio, Texas, on 14 June 1930 and issued as Okeh 8815. Note: the first four stanzas are from the transcription in Paul Oliver 'Songsters & Saints' Cambridge Uni Press 1999 p 70. The last stanza (omitted by Oliver) is my transcription from the reissue on Various Artists 'My Rough and Rowdy Ways Vol I' Yazoo CD 2039. Little Hat was a singer/guitarist who worked in and around San Antonio, a far cry from Kentucky. However, Oliver notes that, in a compact form with short songs, 'Long Gone' was used as a work song by prisoners. Five recordings of it were made by Lightnin' Washington and his gang for the Library of Congress at Darrington State Prison, Texas, in 1933-36. As Oliver points out, Little Hat's version is quite distinct - 'he was clearly drawn to the image of the submarine slipping away from its enemies; a more telling use than Smith and Handy's text which merely had 'a gang of men' try to capture Dean 'so they chased him with a submarine' [Oliver p70]. Perhaps Masato will be able to supply the Smith/Handy text. --Stewie. |
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Subject: Lyr Add: LOST JOHN (Rev. Mose Platt) From: Richie Date: 14 Dec 02 - 01:35 AM Here's some info on the related "Long John" songs. You can hear this here: http://memory.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/D?lomaxbib:1:./temp/~ammem_92fq:: Here are the lyrics to "Lost John" from Rev. Mose Platt: It's like a turkey through the corn Long John, I'm gone again, Wait right here 'til the 'larm goes on, 'Larm goes on I'll be gone again. Long John Long John I'm gone again, Long John Wait until the choir 'til I catch my wind, Catch my wind, I'm gone again, Long John, Long John, Long John Viewed on a tree Tree wouldn't fall Lake was small wouldn't fall at all. It's Long John Gone again, Long John. Notes: From Lomax 1939 recording trip; The Lomaxes believe this to be based on the story (coming from W. C. Handy's book "Blues"; see page 215 in Handy/Silverman) of one Long John Green, who was known for his ability to move. When the prison where Green was staying acquired a pack of bloodhounds, they allegedly decided to conduct a test by giving him a head start and then sending the hounds after him. But Green was too fast (he also managed to trick the hounds by catching one in a trap), and escaped them. -Richie |
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Subject: Lyr Add: LOST JOHN, HE'S GONE (from Roy Acuff) From: Richie Date: 14 Dec 02 - 01:29 AM Lyr. Add: LOST JOHN, HE'S GONE Lost John was just a little bitty boy, Hopped on a freight in the state of Illinois, Headed out from Chicago town. He didn't know he's Alabama bound. He's gone. Lost John knew from the whistle he's free, Ridin' the Pan-American down to New Orleans. Rode the Big Four as she traveled west. Hobo's life is what he loved the best. He's gone. Lost John sittin' on a railroad tie, Waitin' for a freight train to come by. Freight train passed. It didn't stop. You oughta seen Lost John gettin' on top. He's gone. Lost John said just before he died, Two more roads that he wanted to ride. Foreman says, "I think I know: Southern Pacific and the B & O." He's gone. Lost John went to a burlesque show. Started to seat on the very front row. Girls come out to do their dance. They carried John home in an ambulance. He's gone. Notes: Roy Acuff Hickory 45-1149 "Lost John, He's Gone" - July, 1961 Any other 'Long/Lost John' versions? |
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Subject: RE: Lyr. and Origin: Long John/Lost John From: Stewie Date: 14 Dec 02 - 01:27 AM The following is from Paul Oliver:
The sheet music is reproduced in Scarborough 'On the Trail of Negro Folk-Songs' pp 266-268. The Niles reference is in Abby Niles 'Notes to the Collection' in Handy 'A Treasury of the Blues' p 251 --Stewie. |
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Subject: RE: Lyr. and Origin: Long John/Lost John From: Richie Date: 14 Dec 02 - 01:20 AM Stewie, Thanks for the detailed info. The Johnny Booker connection is fascinating here's two excepts of Johnny Booker lyrics, the first the original minstrel lyrics and teh second Jerry Jordan's version that was used by the New Lost City Ramblers and is similar to the way I play Johnny Booker. Here's an example of the lyrics by J.W. Sweeny from 1840: As I went up to Lynchburg town, I broke my yoke on de coaling ground; I drove from dare to bowling spring, And I tried for to mend my yoke and ring. Chorus: O Jonny Boker, help dat nigger do, Jonny Boker, do. Here are the lyrics to Old Johnny Buker from Jerry Jordan: (Instrumental) There was a *young man and he went to school And he made his living by drivin' a mule, And a what, Johnny Booker, won't you do, do, do, And a what, Johnny Booker won't you do? I drove him up to the foot of the hill And I holler at the mule and the mule stopped still. And a-what, Johnny Booker, won't you do, do, do, And a-what, Johnny Booker won't you do? Without creating a thread drift, I'd like to help but I don't have the recording of De Ford Bailey. I'd wager that it's really just a version of Johnny Booker. -Richie |
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Subject: RE: Lyr. and Origin: Long John/Lost John From: Stewie Date: 14 Dec 02 - 12:53 AM Richie, The recordings listed in Meade et alia 'Country Music Sources' under the heading 'Lost John Dean' are as follows: 'Lost John' - Burnett & Rutherford recorded November 1926 (Co 15122-D) 'Long gone' - Travis Hale & E.J. Derry Jr recorded 6 June 1927 (Vi 20866) 'Lost John Dean' - Bascom Lamar Lunsford recorded ca February 1928 (Br 227) 'Long Gone' - Richard Brooks & Reuben Puckett recorded ca June 1928 (Br 273) 'Lost John' - Blevins & Blair of the West Virginia Mountaineers recorded 16 October 1928 (Gnt uniss) 'Lost John' - Leonard Rutherford recorded 28 October 1929 (Gnt uniss) 'Lost John' - Southern Moonlight Entertainers recorded 27 Aug 1929 (Vo 5460) 'Long Gone From Bowling Green' - Allen Brothers recorded 3 October 1934 (Vo 8217) 'Lost John' - Lonnie Glosson recorded 9 October 1936 (ARC uniss) 'Lost John' - Eldon Baker & His Brown County Revelers recorded 4 June 1938 (Vo 04217) Meade does no put De Ford Bailey's harmonica recording (Oct 1928 Vi uniss) among the old-timey list above, but mentions it among blues recordings by Papa Charlie Jackson, Charlie Turner and Little Hat Jones. However, there is a fascinating 'Lost John' recording among the 1976 recordings of De Ford Bailey by David Morton and issued on CD as 'The Legendary De Ford Bailey: Country Music's First Black Star' Tennessee Folklore Society Records TFS-122. This is a 5-minute performance by De Ford singing and playing banjo, and proving himself to be quite adept at both. Charles Wolfe comments that it 'is not much like the familiar 'Lost John From Bowling Green' song associated with W.C. Handy but something much earlier, focusing on the character of Old John Booker'. It would be a stinker to transcribe though. I would be willing to have a go if there are others to help out with it. Do other 'catters have this recording? Of those in the Meade list, I have those by Burnette & Rutherford, the Lunsford and the Allen Brothers. I see I can decipher enough of them to post in due course. --Stewie. |
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Subject: Lyr Add: LONG JOHN GREEN (Uncle Dave Macon) From: Richie Date: 13 Dec 02 - 11:07 PM Lost John: LONG JOHN GREEN- Uncle Dave Macon (Transcribed by Stewie) Here we have the story of Long John Green An old bank robber from Bowling Green Put him in jail just the other day And late last night he made his getaway Long gone! Wasn't he lucky Long gone! From old Kentucky Long gone! That's what I mean He's done gone from Bowling Green Long John a-standing on a railroad tie Waitin' for a freight train to come by Here come the freight just a-puffin' and a-flyin' You oughta for to seen John catch that flyin' Long gone! Wasn't he lucky Long gone! From old Kentucky Long gone! That's what I mean He's done gone from Bowling Green Caught him in Bristol at Steven's Place Put him in jail one evening late Out on the house tops [doing an/gonna?] escape The coppers [caught him at the golden gate?] Long gone! Wasn't he lucky Long gone! From old Kentucky Long gone! That's what I mean He's done gone from Bowling Green Long John went to a burlesque show Got him a seat right in the front row The girl come out with a [high-flown?] dance They had to put a hole in an am-bu-lance Source: transcription from 'The Tennessee Folklore Society Presents Uncle Dave Macon At Home, His Last Recordings 1950' Davis Unlimited LP DU-TFS 101. |
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Subject: Lyr. and Origin: Long John/Lost John From: Richie Date: 13 Dec 02 - 11:05 PM I've been looking for info and lyrics to the "Lost John" family of songs. This family of songs has several branches, including the old-timey hillbilly song, a blues harmonica solo version by De Ford Bailey (Victor, 1920's), a vaudeville song "Lost John Dean from Bowling Green", and a work song "Wake Up, Dead Man". The "Long John" songs seem to be African-American in origin. Any song lyrics or info? Thanks, Richie |
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