The Ballad of Curtis Loew

Lynyrd Skynyrd

About The 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:
2005
4:52
86 
#1

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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

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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 Inspiration
"The Ballad of Curtis Loew" is a song written by Lynyrd Skynyrd band members Ronnie Van Zant and Allen Collins. It was inspired by a composite of people they encountered when they were growing up in the Jacksonville, Florida area.
Album Release
The song was released in 1974 as the fourth track on the band's second album, "Second Helping."
Song Character
Curtis Loew, the song's title character, is a Black, old bluesman who plays for spare change and bottles of wine. He's portrayed as a very talented but unrecognized musician.
Not A Single
Despite being a crowd favorite and one of Lynyrd Skynyrd's most well-known songs, "The Ballad of Curtis Loew" was never released as a single.
Southern Rock
"The Ballad of Curtis Loew" is considered a classic example of Southern rock, a subgenre that blends rock, blues, and country influences.
Live Performances
The song is a staple in Lynyrd Skynyrd's live performances, often featured as a highlight during their concerts.
Tribute
Ronnie Van Zant, the lead vocalist of the band, once noted that "The Ballad of Curtis Loew" was a tribute to the bluesmen who paved the way for rock bands like Lynyrd Skynyrd.
Cover Versions
It has been covered by several artists, including Eric Church, who included a version of the song on his album, "Caught in the Act: Live."
Music Video
In 2015, for the 40th Anniversary of the "Second Helping" album, Lynyrd Skynyrd released the first official music video for "The Ballad of Curtis Loew.”
Ronnie Van Zant's Favorite
In several interviews, Ronnie Van Zant has referred to "The Ballad of Curtis Loew" as his favorite Lynyrd Skynyrd song.

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