Lost John
Traditional Texas ballad. Arranged by Andrew Calhoun, recorded on Bound to Go.
With his diamond spade, got it in his hand
Gonna hew out the live oaks that are in this land
If I had listened what Rosie said
I'd a been sleeping in Rosie's bed
But I wouldn't listen got to running around
First thing I knew I was jailhouse bound
Well I got in the jail with my mouth poked out
Now I'm in the pen and I can't get out
Well-a John made a pair of shoes
Funniest shoes that was ever seen
Had a heel in front, had a heel behind
Couldn't hardly tell which way he's gone
Chorus:
He's long gone, he's lost John, he's gone gone
Like a turkey through the corn, with his long clothes on
He's gone gone, he's lost John, he's long gone
Well-a hear that sergeant jus' a huffin' & a blowin'
I believe I hear that bloodhound moanin'
I wouldn't stop if I seen myself dyin'
I'm on my way to that long leaf pine*
'Cross the Brazos river, in the mornin' dew,
Well it's goodbye sergeant, and the captain too
He's long gone, he's lost John, he's gone gone
Like a turkey through the corn, with his long clothes on
He's gone gone, he's lost John, he's long gone
Good morning, Mary, how do you do?
Well I crossed that river just to see you
Gimme 2-3 minutes just to catch my wind
2-3 minutes and I'm gone again...
He's long gone, he's lost John, he's gone gone
Like a turkey through the corn, with his long clothes on
He's gone gone, he's lost John, he's long gone