Catfish John
Johnny Russell
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Momma said don't go near that river Don't be hangin' 'round old Catfish John Come the mornin' I'd always be there Walkin' in his footsteps in the sweet delta dawn Let me dream of another mor-ornin' And a ti-ime so long ago When the sweet magnolia blossom Cotton fields were white as snow Catfish John was a river hobo Livin' by the river bed Thinkin' back, I still remember I was proud to be his friend Momma said don't go near that river Don't be hangin' 'round old Catfish John Come the mornin' I'd always be there Walkin' in his footsteps in the sweet delta dawn Born a slave in the town of Vicksburg Traded for a chestnut mare But still he never spo-oke in anger Though his load was hard to bear Momma said don't go near that river Don't be hangin' 'round old Catfish John Come the mornin' I'd always be there Walkin' in his footsteps in the sweet delta dawn Momma said don't go near that river Don't be hangin' 'round old Catfish John Come the mornin' I'd always be there [fade]
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Written by: ALLEN REYNOLDS, BOB MCDILL
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
10 facts about this song
Song Creation"Catfish John" was co-written by American country music artists Bob McDill and Allen Reynolds.
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Original VersionThe song was originally recorded in the mid-1970s by Johnny Russell. Russell's version was not released as a single, but it was included on his 1972 album, "Rednecks, White Socks and Blue Ribbon Beer."
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Jerry Garcia's VersionJerry Garcia popularized the song with his band Jerry Garcia Band (JGB) in their live performances. The band's cover version became one of their best-known performances.
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Old & In the Way Version"Catfish John" was also performed by Old & In the Way, a bluegrass group that Jerry Garcia was a part of in the mid-1970s. The group included Garcia on banjo and vocals, David Grisman on mandolin and vocals, Peter Rowan on guitar and vocals, Vassar Clements on fiddle, and John Kahn on bass.
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Subject MatterThe song tells the heartfelt story of a freed slave who, while still a child, is taken in by a woman who offers him refuge and raises him as her own. It's a haunting tale that reflects a gritty reality of American history.
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PopularityDespite its relatively unknown status in mainstream music, "Catfish John" has been covered by numerous bluegrass and country artists over the years, demonstrating its enduring appeal.
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Preservation of the SongThe song continues to be performed and preserved by countless musicians. It is especially popular within the bluegrass genre.
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Emotional AppealWidely recognized for its touching lyricism, "Catfish John" is a song that evokes a strong emotional response in listeners.
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The Song's InfluenceBeing an integral part of Jerry Garcia Band's repertoire, the song has helped to shape the band's musical identity.
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Live SoundThe live versions of "Catfish John" often featured extended, improvisational jams, showcasing the virtuosity of Garcia and his bandmates. These jams were a significant part of the JGB sound and a huge draw to fans.
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Citation
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"Catfish John Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 19 Apr. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/8194559/Johnny+Russell/Catfish+John>.
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