Muddy Water Road: Delta Blues

Mud takes hold of my Sunday shoes

Rain left ruts where the wagon rolled through

I tied my coat with a piece of twine

Got one heel left and a job to find

I’m walking on to the next town road

With an empty sack and a heavy load

If they need two hands, I’ll work till night

Just point me where the pay is right

Past the bent fence, past the cotton gin

A crow watched close as I walked on in

My lunch was cornbread wrapped in a rag

And a name for a foreman in my coat pocket flap

I’m walking on to the next town road

With an empty sack and a heavy load

If they need two hands, I’ll work till night

Just point me where the pay is right

The creek ran brown by the miller’s gate

I asked for work; he said, “You’re late”

I tipped my hat and I kept my pace

There’s another town past the lowland place

Mud on my cuffs, dust in my throat

Still got a mile and a borrowed coat

When morning comes, I’ll ask once more

For a day’s pay and a place indoors