Story Behind The Song
I wrote this song after reading a number of old Rollin Stones magazines(late 70's). At that time, a lot of the blues players from the 30's & 40's were dying,, and it seemed like every issue for several years they're would be a lengthy obituary. The article would say why they were important to the blues, but would then mention that they died broke and unknown.
Song Description
Story of blues man who's played around all his life but doesn't become known till after he dies.
| Song Length |
4:10 |
Genre |
Blues - Modern |
| Tempo |
Slow (71 - 90) |
Lead Vocal |
Male Vocal |
Lyrics
I'VE BEEN PLAYING THE BLUES ALL ALONG
It won't be till they carry me out
This ol' world's gonna learn about
My picking and some of my songs
But I've been playing the blues all along
They'll write me up in the next days news
Listing all the troubles I've been through
We're gonna miss him, too bad he's gone
But I've been playing the blues all along
I don't mean to sound like I'm complaining
But I ain't running to lose
Seems these younger fellows make all the money
While I pay all the dues
Smoky honky tonk bars I work every night
Cheap whiskey till I feel alright
Ain't worth mentioning the pay I've drawn
But I've been playing the blues all along
A ten dollar room in some shabby hotel
Paint's peeling and the bathroom smells
Never do feel safe till the dawn
But I've been playing the blues all along
The man in the suit said I might have a future
If I'd change a few things
I can play any style that's around on my guitar
But the blues all I sing
Been gone from home so long, forgot the name of my wife
Feels like I've been traveling all my life
Every few days I move it on
But I've been playing the blues all along
I know it's a shame and my friends they all agree
Something better's rightly owed to me
Ain't yet figured ,what went wrong
But I've been playing the blues all along
I should've listened when my momma told me
Son, you've got to pick and choose
Guess all this misery's part of the reason
I'm so good with the blues
And there's been so many times I swore that I'd quit
But I'm still here and working hard at it
Long as they'll listen and these hands are strong
I'll keep playing the blues all along
Yeah, long as God's willing and my heart is strong
I'll keep playing the blues all along