Thank you, PattyClink. Yes, U.S. Highway 51 runs 1,277 miles, from New Orleans through Memphis to the Wisconsin-Michigan border near Ironwood (MI). I've driven a lot of Highway 51 in Wisconsin, but it looks like a highway I need to explore more deeply. I've done part of the Great River Road along the Mississippi, but I need to do more and include Highway 51 in my exploration.

As far as I can see, "Highway 51 Blues" was written by Curtis Jones and recorded by him in 1938. It was covered (and no doubt rewritten) by Bob Dylan. Here are the Dylan lyrics, which are infinitely easier to understand and certainly have a better tune.

HIGHWAY 51 BLUES
(Bob Dylan)

[CHORUS]
Highway 51 runs right by my baby's door
Highway 51 runs right by my baby's door
If I don't get the girl I'm loving
Won't go down to Highway 51 no more

[Verse]
Well, I know that highway like I know my hand
Yes, I know that highway like I know the back of my hand
Running from up Wisconsin way down to no man's land

Well, if I should die before my time should come
And if I should die before my time should come
Won't you bury my body out on the Highway 51

[CHORUS]


Here is the Curtis Jones recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=loZmJGFZNNM

Dylan recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rtPafq5nsJA