I Washed My Hands in Muddy Water
Stonewall Jackson
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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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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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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Citation
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"I Washed My Hands in Muddy Water Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 26 May 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/22835/Stonewall+Jackson/I+Washed+My+Hands+in+Muddy+Water>.
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