The Ballad of Curtis Loew
Lynyrd Skynyrd
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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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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.
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Album ReleaseThe song was released in 1974 as the fourth track on the band's second album, "Second Helping."
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Song CharacterCurtis 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.
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Not A SingleDespite 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.
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Southern Rock"The Ballad of Curtis Loew" is considered a classic example of Southern rock, a subgenre that blends rock, blues, and country influences.
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Live PerformancesThe song is a staple in Lynyrd Skynyrd's live performances, often featured as a highlight during their concerts.
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TributeRonnie 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.
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Cover VersionsIt has been covered by several artists, including Eric Church, who included a version of the song on his album, "Caught in the Act: Live."
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Music VideoIn 2015, for the 40th Anniversary of the "Second Helping" album, Lynyrd Skynyrd released the first official music video for "The Ballad of Curtis Loew.”
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Ronnie Van Zant's FavoriteIn several interviews, Ronnie Van Zant has referred to "The Ballad of Curtis Loew" as his favorite Lynyrd Skynyrd song.
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Citation
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"The Ballad of Curtis Loew Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 13 May 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/8150514/Lynyrd+Skynyrd/The+Ballad+of+Curtis+Loew>.
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