I Washed My Hands in Muddy Water
Elvis Presley
Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer
I was born in Macon Georgia They kept my daddy over in Macon jail He told me if you keep your hands clean You won't hear them bloodhounds on your trail Well I fell in with bad companions Robbed a man, oh up in Tennessee They caught me way up in Nashville They locked me up and threw away the key I washed my hands in muddy water Washed my hands, but they didn't come clean Tried to do what my daddy told me But I must have washed my hands in a muddy stream Well I asked the judge now when's my time up He said son, oh you know we won't forget If you try just to keep your hands clean We might just make a good man of you yet Oh I couldn't wait to get my time up I broke out, broke out of Nashville jail I just crossed the state-line of Georgia Well I can hear those bloodhounds on my trail I washed my hands in muddy water Washed my hands, but they didn't come clean Tried to do what my daddy told me But I must have washed my hands in a muddy stream
The easy, fast & fun way to learn how to sing: 30DaySinger.com
39 fans
6 facts about this song
Elvis Presley InterpretationElvis Presley's version of "I Washed My Hands in Muddy Water" was included in his album "Elvis Country (I'm 10,000 Years Old)" which was released in 1971.
- Elvis recorded the song on June 7, 1970, at the RCA's Studio B in Nashville.
- Elvis' raw talent can definitely be heard when he sings it, with his voice perfectly encapsulating the raw emotion required to deliver such a powerful song.
|
Stonewall Jackson InterpretationThe song was originally recorded by Stonewall Jackson in 1965 and it managed to reach number 8 on the Billboard country singles chart.
- Jackson's original version had a more traditional country sound, while Presley took the song to a country-rock interpretation.
|
Song Composition"I Washed My Hands in Muddy Water" was written by Joe Babcock, a country songwriter who has also penned tracks for the likes of Marty Robbins and Johnny Cash.
|
Song StorylineThe song narrates the story of a man who is locked up in a state prison, yearning for freedom and his old life, which he lost due to making a fatal mistake.
- The song's title "I Washed My Hands in Muddy Water" is used as a metaphor to describe a life tainted by mistakes, wrongful deeds, and regret.
|
Song ImpactOver the years, the song has been covered by various artists including Charlie Rich, The Spencer Davis Group, and John Anderson. This shows its enduring popularity and impact in the music scene.
- Even though it's a country song, it has gained recognition also within the rock scene thanks to Elvis Presley's version. It's an epitome of a great storytelling song with a clear moral.
|
Live Performances"I Washed My Hands in Muddy Water" remained part of Elvis Presley's concert repertoire till the late 70s. His notable performance of this song occurred on April 14, 1972.
|
Citation
Use the citation below to add these lyrics to your bibliography:
Style:MLAChicagoAPA
"I Washed My Hands in Muddy Water Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 26 Apr. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/3597719/Elvis+Presley/I+Washed+My+Hands+in+Muddy+Water>.
Powered by CITE.ME
Discuss the I Washed My Hands in Muddy Water Lyrics with the community:
Report Comment
We're doing our best to make sure our content is useful, accurate and safe.
If by any chance you spot an inappropriate comment while navigating through our website please use this form to let us know, and we'll take care of it shortly.
Attachment
You need to be logged in to favorite.
Log In