Click on the title to link to a presentation of the song listed in the headline.
The year 2009 has turned into something a year of review of the folk revival of the 1960s. In November I featured a posting of many of the episodes (via “YouTube”) of Pete Seeger’s classic folk television show from the 1960s, “Rainbow Quest”. I propose to do the same here to end out the year with as many of the selections from Harry Smith’s seminal “Anthology Of American Folk Music,” in one place, as I was able to find material for, either lyrics or "YouTube" performances (not necessarily by the original performer). This is down at the roots, for sure.
Prison Cell Blues
Getting tired of sleeping in this lowdown lonesome cell
Lord, I wouldn't have been here if it had not been for Nell
Lay awake at night and just can't eat a bite
Used to be my rider but she just won't treat me right
Got a red-eyed captain and a squabbling boss
Got a mad dog sergeant, honey, and he won't knock off
I'm getting tired of sleeping in this lowdown lonesome cell
Lord, I wouldn't 've been here if it had not been for Nell
I asked the government to knock some days off my time
Well, the way I'm treated, I'm about to lose my mind
I wrote to the governor, please turn me a-loose
Since I don't get no answer, I know it ain't no use
I'm getting tired of sleeping in this lowdown lonesome cell
Lord, I wouldn't have been here if it had not been for Nell
I hate to turn over and find my rider gone
Walking across my floor, Lordy, how I moan
Lord, I wouldn't have been here if it had not been for Nell
I'm getting tired of sleeping in this lowdown lonesome cell
The year 2009 has turned into something a year of review of the folk revival of the 1960s. In November I featured a posting of many of the episodes (via “YouTube”) of Pete Seeger’s classic folk television show from the 1960s, “Rainbow Quest”. I propose to do the same here to end out the year with as many of the selections from Harry Smith’s seminal “Anthology Of American Folk Music,” in one place, as I was able to find material for, either lyrics or "YouTube" performances (not necessarily by the original performer). This is down at the roots, for sure.
Prison Cell Blues
Getting tired of sleeping in this lowdown lonesome cell
Lord, I wouldn't have been here if it had not been for Nell
Lay awake at night and just can't eat a bite
Used to be my rider but she just won't treat me right
Got a red-eyed captain and a squabbling boss
Got a mad dog sergeant, honey, and he won't knock off
I'm getting tired of sleeping in this lowdown lonesome cell
Lord, I wouldn't 've been here if it had not been for Nell
I asked the government to knock some days off my time
Well, the way I'm treated, I'm about to lose my mind
I wrote to the governor, please turn me a-loose
Since I don't get no answer, I know it ain't no use
I'm getting tired of sleeping in this lowdown lonesome cell
Lord, I wouldn't have been here if it had not been for Nell
I hate to turn over and find my rider gone
Walking across my floor, Lordy, how I moan
Lord, I wouldn't have been here if it had not been for Nell
I'm getting tired of sleeping in this lowdown lonesome cell
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