Story Behind The Song
a sentimental and sympathetic ballad summoning up images of another time when conditions for people were not altogether unlike what many americans are experiencing today.
Song Description
after a friend introduced me to doc watson versions of jimmy rodgers classics, i was so impressed with the music of the 'yodeling brakeman' that i dedicated this song to him.
| Song Length |
4:05 |
Genre |
Blues - Country, Folk - Americana |
| Tempo |
Slow (71 - 90) |
Lead Vocal |
Male Vocal |
| Mood |
Poignant, Serene |
Subject |
Change, City |
| Language |
English |
Era |
1920 - 1929 |
Lyrics
MISSISSIPPI MAN
THERE WAS A TIME BACK IN TWENTY-NINE
HIS MUSIC PLAYED JUST RIGHT
ON THE RADIO AT NIGHT
IN A VOICE SO SWEET AND SIMPLE
HE SANG HIS SONGS WITH CARE
CROONIN' HIS BLUES WITH A COUNTRY FEELIN'
I CAN STILL HEAR HIS YODEL FILL THE AIR
HE LOVED THOSE GANDY DANCERS,
THAT SPECIAL KIND OF SONG
WORKIN' LONGSIDE A RAILROAD GANG
SHOVIN' THEM TRACKS ALONG
AND LORD HE LOVED THE LADIES
LIKED HIS BRANDY TOO
SPOONIN' HIS BLUES WITH A COUNTRY FEELIN'
TALKIN' ABOUT THE GALS HE ONCE KNEW
BUT THE GRAPES OF WRATH ARE GROWIN' FAST
WHERE DID THE GOOD TIMES GO
DOWN BY A RUSTY OLD WATER TANK
MET UP WITH A POOR HOBO
HE SAID "PROSPERITY SURROUNDS ME,
BUT THIS HUNGER FEELS THE SAME
AND JUST LIKE BACK IN JIMMY'S TIME,
THERE'S FAMILIES SLEEPIN' IN THE RAIN, SLEEPIN' IN THE RAIN
MISSISSIPPI MAN
THERE WAS A TIME BACK IN TWENTY NINE
HIS MUSIC PLAYED JUST RIGHT
ON THE RADIO AT NIGHT
IN A VOICE SO SWEET AND SIMPLE, HE SANG HIS SONGS WITH CAR
SPOONIN' HIS BLUES WITH A COUNTRY FLAVER
I CAN STILL HEAR HIS YODEL FILL THE AIR