John Hurt

(album: Red Rocking Chair - 1981)

On a frosty night
It began to snow
Down the city street
How the wind did blow
Well, I went to the cellar
Yes, we cleared out the bar
To hear a little old feller
Play some pretty guitar

Did you hear John Hurt
Play his Creole bell?
Or the Spanish fandango
That he loves so well?
Did you love John Hurt?
Did you shake his hand?
And did you hear him play his candyman?

On a straight-back chair
With his felt hat on
He tickled our fancy
With his total old song
All the people passing
Down McDougal Street
They cocked their heads and they listened
To the tapping feet

And did you hear John Hurt
Play his Creole bell?
Or the Spanish fandango
That he loves so well?
And did you love John Hurt?
And did you shake his hand?
And did you hear him play his candyman?

We'd pick some together
John, Merle, and me
I like a-talking to Casey
And old Stagger Lee
And don't you bet your money
If you can't afford to lose
Man, you should've heard him play them Monday morning blues

Couldn't hardly find my Monday morning shoes