ADD: Can't Keep from Crying (Blind Willie Johnson)

Subject: Lyric Req - Can`t Keep from Cryin`
From: ianfb
Date: 30 Oct 03 - 06:06 AM

Anyone out there got the lyrics for Can`t Keep from Cryin`. I heard John Renbourne? & Jacqui McShee singing it on an album years ago.
Any lyric or pointers in the right direction would be appreciated.
IanFB

Subject: Lyr Add: CAN'T KEEP FROM CRYING (Blues Project)
From: GUEST,Friutbowls Dad at work
Date: 30 Oct 03 - 08:26 AM

I saw these lyrics (from the Blues Project)

Is this the song you wanted ?

it is actually a big favourite of mine from way back !


* Chorus
I can't keep from crying sometimes
I can't keep from crying sometimes
Oh momma she's dead and gone
And I know I'm all alone
I can't keep from crying sometimes

Early in the morning
About the break of day
I fall down on my knees
I fall down and I pray
I think about my woman
My woman who's long gone

* Repeat Chorus

Later in the evening
I watch the sun go down
I think about my woman
But my woman Lord she ain't around
My heart is filled with sadness
And my eyes are filled with tears

* Repeat Chorus

Subject: RE: Lyric Req - Can`t Keep from Cryin`
From: Roger the Skiffler
Date: 30 Oct 03 - 08:37 AM

I've got Davy Graham's version on "Folk blues and beyond" TSCD 820.
I could transcribe it for you but not for some time. I'm busy working through all the new jazz and blues CDs I got for my birthday!
RtS

Subject: RE: Lyric Req - Can`t Keep from Cryin`
From: InOBU
Date: 30 Oct 03 - 08:52 AM

Ah the Blues project, how well do I recall chating with Danny Kalb before Al Coopers 50th? birthday party concert at the Bottomline. My sister in law used to date Tommy Flanders... Danny still would like to murder him... great concert anyway... Cheers Larry

Subject: Lyr Add: CAN'T KEEP FROM CRYING (Johnson)
From: Roger the Skiffler
Date: 30 Oct 03 - 08:57 AM

The song was originally recorded by Blind Willie Johnson in 1928, with the following lyrics:

CAN'T KEEP FROM CRYING
(Blind Willie Johnson)

Chorus
Lord, I just can't keep from crying sometimes
Lord, I just can't keep from crying sometimes
When my heart's full of sorrow
And my eyes are filled with tears
Lord, I just can't keep from crying sometimes

My mother often told me
Angels [bonded] your life away
She said I wouldn't complain
But trust in God and pray
I'm on the King's Highway
I'm travelin' everyday

[chorus]

My mother, she's in glory
Thank God, I'm on my way
Father, he's gone too
And sister she could not stay
I'm trusting Him everyday
He will bear my burden away

[chorus]

I thought when she first left me
I'd grieve for a little while
Soon it all would be over
And I'd journey on with a smile
But the thought as I get older
I think of what I told her

[chorus]

RtS
(via Google)

Subject: RE: Lyric Req - Can`t Keep from Cryin`
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 30 Oct 03 - 03:23 PM

Ianfb

The Renbourn album, IIRC, was "Another Monday". I think I've still got it somewhere, but I don't know whether it's playable.!

Kitty

Subject: RE: Lyric Req - Can`t Keep from Cryin`
From: alanabit
Date: 30 Oct 03 - 04:23 PM

Bert Jansch did a nice version of this on his last album too.

Subject: RE: Lyric Req - Can`t Keep from Cryin`
From: ianfb
Date: 30 Oct 03 - 06:36 PM

Thanx everyone for the replies.The Blind Willie Johnson version is closest to the few lyrics I remember. Any other versions??... send `em on
IanFB

Subject: RE: Lyric Req - Can`t Keep from Cryin`
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 31 Oct 03 - 01:35 PM

Ten Years After did it too

Subject: ADD: Can't Keep from Crying (John Renbourn)
From: GUEST,Trinab
Date: 16 Sep 25 - 04:27 AM

CAN'T KEEP FROM CRYING
(John Renbourne)

I can't keep from crying sometimes
I just can't keep from crying sometimes.
My heart is full of sorrow
And my eyes are full of tears
I just can't keep from crying sometimes

I thought when first she left me I'd worry for awhile
Then it would be all over I'd journey wirh a smile
But as I get older I think of what I told her
And I can't keep from crying sometimes

Repeat first verse

Walking down the highway
Gonna travel night and day
With a heart all full of sorrow
And eyes just full of tears
I just can't keep from crying sometimes

Repeat first verse

https://youtu.be/jqjmH7CsXoY?si=XbpJx0SGwwckUNwm

Subject: RE: ADD: Can't Keep from Crying
From: GUEST,Trinab
Date: 25 Sep 25 - 08:34 AM

Sorry, somehow accidentally included the Blind Willie Johnson in my title, but my lyrics are from John Renbourne

---

Fixed it! ---mudelf

Subject: RE: ADD: Can't Keep from Crying (Blind Willie Johnson)
From: Georgiansilver
Date: 26 Sep 25 - 05:25 AM

Used to sing it in clubs many years ago... Version by John Renbourne was my model.