Jesse James
The Kingston Trio
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(Recitation) Frank and Jesse James were products of their environment. They were sent out into the woods by their parents to forage for berries, truffles, rutabagas, and roots of all sorts. Put yourself in their place...you'da been mean too! When Jesse James was a lad he killed many-a man. He robbed the Glendale train. And the people they did say for many miles away. It was robbed by Frank and Jesse James. [Chorus] Poor Jesse had a wife who mourned for his life, three children, they were brave. But that dirty little coward who shot Mister Howard has laid poor Jesse in his grave. It was on a Saturday night if I remember right when they robbed that Glendale train. It was one of the Younger boys who gathered in the spoils and he carried Jesse's monies away. [Chorus] He was standin' on a chair just a-dustin' pictures there. He thought he heard a noise (Yeah, what did he do?) When he turned his head around, Why that bullet smacked him down and it laid poor Jesse on the floor. [Chorus] Jesse robbed from the poor and he gave to the rich. He never did a friendly thing. And when his best friend died he was right there by her side And he lifted off her golden wedding ring. [Chorus]
The easy, fast & fun way to learn how to sing: 30DaySinger.com
Written by: BOB SHANE, JOHN STEWART, NICK REYNOLDS
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
7 facts about this song
Bob Seger"Jesse James" is not a typical song in Seger's discography and is not readily available on his main albums or streaming platforms.
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Bruce SpringsteenBruce Springsteen’s version of "Jesse James" is a part of his 2006 album "We Shall Overcome: The Seeger Sessions." The album was an experiment in sound for Springsteen, focusing on folk and Americana.
- Springsteen's version is actually a cover of a traditional folk song about the famous American outlaw and is based on a version by Bascom Lamar Lundsford.
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Johnny CashJohnny Cash cover of "Jesse James" was released as a track on his 1960 studio album "Sings Hank Williams and Other Favorites".
- Cash was known for his deep, calm bass-baritone voice and the song's storytelling nature is typical of Cash's style.
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Pete SeegerPete Seeger's version of "Jesse James" is quite significant. Seeger was an American folk singer and social activist and his version of the song is simple with primarily vocal and banjo instrumentation.
- Seeger's version is traditional, but it has strong political undertones inherent in Seeger's music and beliefs.
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The Kingston TrioThe Kingston Trio, an American folk and pop group, recorded their version of "Jesse James" with modern sound as well as adding a horn section, making it distinct from other versions.
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The PoguesIrish band The Pogues also released a version of "Jesse James". This version features the band's typical Irish folk instrumentation and punk influences.
- The band’s version of the song was included in their album ‘Hell’s Ditch’ released in 1990.
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Woody GuthrieWhile Guthrie is known for his folk songs and is acknowledged as an inspiration for many artists, there is no official recording or release of "Jesse James" by Woody Guthrie.
- Guthrie’s works have inspired other artists to cover older folk songs, including "Jesse James", building a folk reviving movement.
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"Jesse James Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 13 May 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/26291124/The+Kingston+Trio/Jesse+James>.
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