The perennial Carter Family favourite that’s been played at the end of many a bluegrass festival.
Good'un, Chuck.
I love this song, but I've always found the verse lyrics too dark, lugubrious, and borderline bathetic. "When I Lay My Burden Down" by Mississippi John Hurt uses the same melody set to simple hymn-like lyrics that are much more uplifting and, in fact, fun to sing.
Ah, the dark & gloomy,, I think some in those older generations must have dwelled on the dark side as a kind of catharsis. I like John Hurt’s song you mentioned, Tim, as well as “You Got To Walk That Lonesome Valley” that he performed on Seeger’s “Rainbow Quest”.
Edited by - chuckv97 on 08/04/2026 08:15:25
I love all those Southern blues fingerpicking geniuses from the 20s and 30s, but the three who most influenced my own playing were John Hurt, Libba Cotten, and Rev. Gary Davis.
Of the 60s revivalists: Dave Van Ronk, Ry Cooder, and Taj Mahal.
In a class of their own: Lonnie Johnson, Leon Redbone, and Gus Cannon on banjo.
That's the fine old stuff, Chuck!
I also love Taj Mahal's version with his additional verse: "Got a cabin in the country. . .", along with that "island-swing" rhythm he gives it.
Tongue-in-cheek, I sure wish I'da had the easy version. 
The one I learned (?), a decade or so back, has only melody notes [at least I think that's what I was told]. It only took me about 150 hours* [give-or-take, more likely give] to make it almost recognizable/acceptable.
* unless my grade school "cipherin' and gazintas" haven't stood me in good stead.
Edited by - Owen on 08/06/2026 17:05:53
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