I Washed My Hands in Muddy Water

Stonewall Jackson

About I Washed My Hands in Muddy Water

"I Washed My Hands in Muddy Water" is a song recorded by Stonewall Jackson in 1965, whose version reached number eight on Hot Country Songs in 1965. Written by Cowboy Joe Babcock, it was also a hit by Johnny Rivers in 1966, reaching number 19 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The Spencer Davis Group recorded the song for The Second Album. Elvis Presley recorded and released it on the album Elvis Country (I'm 10,000 Years Old) in 1971. Lonnie Mack released an instrumental (electric guitar) version in 1965.  


Year:
1992
107 
#2

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I was born in Macon Georgia they kept my dad in the Macon jail
Dad said son if you keep your hands clean
You won't hear them bloodhounds on your trail
But I fell in with bad companions we robbed a man in Tennessee
The sheriff 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 like daddy told me but I must have washed my hands in a muddy stream

I asked the jailor when's my time up he said son we won't forget
And if you try to keep your hands clean we may make a good man of you yet
I couldn't wait to do my sentence I broke out of the Nashville jail
I just crossed the line of Georgia and I can hear them bloodhounds on my trail
I washed my hands...

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Stonewall Jackson

Thomas Jonathan "Stonewall" Jackson (January 21, 1824 – May 10, 1863) was a Confederate general during the American Civil War, and one of the best-known Confederate commanders after General Robert E. Lee. His military career includes the Valley Campaign of 1862 and his service as a corps commander in the Army of Northern Virginia under Robert E. Lee. Confederate pickets accidentally shot him at the Battle of Chancellorsville on May 2, 1863. The general survived with the loss of an arm to amputation, but died of complications from pneumonia eight days later. His death was a severe setback for the Confederacy, affecting not only its military prospects, but also the morale of its army and of the general public. more »

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Written by: Joe T. Babcock

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


6 facts about this song

Elvis Presley Interpretation
Elvis 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 Interpretation
The 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 Storyline
The 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 Impact
Over 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.

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