Catfish John

About Catfish John

"Catfish John" is a song written by Bob McDill and Allen Reynolds first released on McDill's album Short Stories, and subsequently recorded and released by American country music artist Johnny Russell. It was released in November 1972 as the fourth single from the album, "Catfish John"/"Chained". The song is credited with propelling Bob McDill into the front ranks of country songwriters. The song has also been performed by Jerry Garcia (Jerry Garcia Band, Old & In the Way, Grateful Dead), as well as other musicians. Toots Hibbert recorded the song on Fire on the Mountain: Reggae Celebrates the Grateful Dead (Pow Wow), a Grateful Dead tribute album. It has also been performed and recorded by Alison Krauss and Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. more »

Year:

1996

4:05

109 Views

 The easy, fast & fun way to learn how to sing: 30DaySinger.com

Mama said, "Don't go near that river"
"Don't be hanging round old Catfish John"
Come the morning I'd always be there
Walking in his footsteps in the sweet Delta dawn

Take me back to another morning (note 1)
To a time so long ago
When the sweet magnolia blossomed (note 2)
Cotton fields were white as snow

Catfish John was a river hobo
Lived and died by the river's bend
Looking back I still remember
I was proud to be his friend

[chorus]

Born a slave in the town of Richmond (note 3)
Traded for a chestnut mare
Lord, he never spoke in anger
Though his load was hard to bear

[chorus]

[chorus]
Walking in his footsteps in the sweet Delta dawn

 The easy, fast & fun way to learn how to sing: 30DaySinger.com

Old & In the Way

Old and in the Way was a bluegrass supergroup in the 1970s. The group performed traditional tunes such as "Pig in a Pen" as well as bluegrass-flavored versions of The Rolling Stones' "Wild Horses" and Peter Rowan's "Panama Red". more »

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