Troubadour Blues Lyrics - Mark Erelli

(Mark Erelli) 

When I was a boy 

I went to hear this picker play 

I still recall his blue guitar 

Like it was yesterday 

I was a powder keg a-waitin' 

For someone to light the fuse 

He struck a match and I did catch 

The troubadour blues 

When I got my first guitar 

I played until my fingers bled 

Though my parents wished 

That I were doing something else instead 

I wish they'd understand 

It isn't something I can choose 

Oh mama I was born to sing 

The troubadour blues 

CHORUS 

Troubadour blues 

Troubadour blues 

All you need's a simple song 

Three chords and the truth 

Like Hank and Woody 

Townes and Jimmie Rodgers used to do 

Oh Lord I'm bound to ramble 

With those troubadour blues 

So I married me a woman 

But she's more like a saint 

She's alone 200 nights a year 

With nary a complaint 

Oh babe I hate to leave you lonely 

But I need to pay my dues 

Forgive me while I'm gone to sing 

The troubadour blues 

(CHORUS) 

The same old battle's raging 

All on down the line 

Why does it seem like nothing's changed 

Since Woody Guthrie's time? 

I ain't afraid to sing about those things 

You don't see on the news 

'Cause there's plenty job security 

In the troubadour blues 

So let me thank you Mr. President 

To me you've been so kind 

For the well of inspiration 

Can dry up from time to time 

Each time you open up your mouth 

You give me something I can use 

Every day another reason 

For the troubadour blues 

CHORUS 

Troubadour blues 

Troubadour blues 

All you need's a simple song 

Three chords and the truth 

Like Hank and Woody 

Townes and David Carter used to do 

Oh Lord I'm bound to ramble