Ballad of Curtis Loew

Lynyrd Skynyrd

About Ballad of Curtis Loew

"The Ballad of Curtis Loew" is a song written by Allen Collins and Ronnie Van Zant and recorded by Lynyrd Skynyrd. The song was first released on the band's 1974 album, Second Helping and again on their compilation, The Essential Lynyrd Skynyrd and later on All Time Greatest Hits. It is on many of their compilation albums and before the Lynyrd Skynyrd plane crash, was performed once live on stage. Ed King says, "The original version of the band only played 'Curtis Loew' one time on stage. We were playing in a basement in some hotel and thought we'd try it. We never played it again until the Tribute Tour with Johnny Van Zant." 


Year:
2007
4:51
30 
#3

 Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer

Well, I used to wake the mornin'
Before the rooster crowed
Searchin' for soda bottles
To get myself some dough
Brought 'em down to the corner
Down to the country store
Cash 'em in, and give my money
To a man named Curtis Loew

Old Curt was a black man
With white curly hair
When he had a fifth of wine
He did not have a care
He used to own an old Dobro
Used to play it 'cross his knee
I'd give old Curt my money
He'd play all day for me

Play me a song
Curtis Loew, Curtis Loew
Well, I got your drinkin' money
Tune up your Dobro
People said he was useless
Them people all were fools
'Cause Curtis Loew was the finest picker
To ever play the blues

He looked to be sixty
And maybe I was ten
Mama used to whoop me
But I'd go see him again
I'd clap my hands, stomp my feet
Try to stay in time
He'd play me a song or two
Then take another drink of wine

Play me a song
Curtis Loew, Curtis Loew
Well, I got your drinkin' money
Tune up your Dobro
People said he was useless
Them people all were fools
'Cause Curtis Loew was the finest picker
To ever play the blues

Yes, sir

On the day old Curtis died
Nobody came to pray
Ol' preacher said some words
And they chunked him in the clay
Well, he lived a lifetime
Playin' the black man's blues
And on the day he lost his life
That's all he had to lose

Play me a song
Curtis Loew, hey Curtis Loew
I wish that you was here so
Everyone would know
People said he was useless
Them people all were fools
'Cause Curtis you're the finest picker
To ever play the blues

 Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer


Lynyrd Skynyrd

Lynyrd Skynyrd (pronounced /ˌlɛnərd ˈskɪnərd/ LEN-ərd-SKIN-ərd) is an American rock band best known for popularizing the Southern hard rock genre during the 1970s. Originally formed in 1964 as the "Noble Five" in Jacksonville, Florida, the band rose to worldwide recognition on the basis of its driving live performances and signature tunes "Sweet Home Alabama," and "Free Bird." At the peak of their success, three members died in an airplane crash in 1977, putting an abrupt end to the band's most popular incarnation. more »

22 fans

Written by: Allen Collins, Ronnie Van Zant

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Song Details
"The Ballad of Curtis Loew" is a song by the Southern rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd from their second album, "Second Helping" released in 1974.
Song Inspiration
The song is a tribute to a fictitious character named Curtis Loew. It was reportedly inspired by real-life characters known by the band members during their youth.
Songwriters
The song was written by band members Ronnie Van Zant and Allen Collins.
Character Origin
"Curtis Loew" was supposedly a combination of two real people: Curtis, a local junkman in the band's hometown of Jacksonville, Florida and Loew, a tribute to Loew's Theatre, where the young band members used to sneak in to see blues artists perform.
Music Style
The song is known for its combination of Southern rock with blues influences, a hallmark of Lynyrd Skynyrd's music style.
Song Meaning
The lyrics tell the story of a boy who would skip school and pay an old blues musician named Curtis Loew to play him songs. He considered the music a more valuable learning experience than school.
Popularity
Despite never being released as a single, "The Ballad of Curtis Loew" has become one of Lynyrd Skynyrd's most popular songs, often played in live shows and covered by other artists.
Cover Versions
The song has been covered by various artists, including country singer Eric Church, whose version reached the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart in 2014.
Notable Live Performances
"The Ballad of Curtis Loew" was performed as a tribute to the late Ronnie Van Zant during the band's Lynyrd Skynyrd & Friends: Lynyrd Skynyrd One More for the Fans tribute show in 2014.
Reception
Over the years, "The Ballad of Curtis Loew" has been praised by fans and critics alike for its storytelling, musicality, and affectionate portrayal of the Southern Blues tradition. It's often hailed as a classic representation of Lynyrd Skynyrd's unique blend of rock and country music.

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