Roll On Buddy

im Adams aka Newepicauthor, the creator of A Unique Title For Me, is hosting SONG-LYRIC-SUNDAY and this week he has chosen the theme: BLUEGRASS

I know the distinct sound of Bluegrass, but before this week I could never have cited to you the name of a single Bluegrass track. I found a long list on t’internet, and listened to a bunch of songs, some of them mostly instrumental. I picked a track to feature today which captures the iconic sound of this genre, which reminds me so much of folke music from all corners of the British Isles. The strings blended together in a very energetic and raucous manner. This makes me think of music we dance to at a cailedh.

The track I have chosen is called “Nine Pound Hammer”, and this is a live performance from Tony Rice and a team of musicians. I understand that Tony Rice is a much acclaimed Bluegrass artist and has been very influential on other musicians who have embraced this genre.

Well, this nine pound hammer is a little too heavy
For my size, honey for my size
I'm goin' on the mountain, gonna see my baby
And I ain't comin' back, Lord I ain't comin' back

Oh, roll on buddy, don't you roll so slow
How can I go when my wheels won't roll
Roll on buddy, pull a load o'coal
How can I go when my wheels won't roll

Well, it's a long way to Harlem, it's a long way to Hazard
Just to get a little brew, just to get a little brew
Now when I'm long gone you can make my tombstone
Out of number nine coal, out of number nine coal

Roll on buddy, don't you roll so slow
How can I go when my wheels won't roll
Oh, roll on buddy, pull a load o'coal
How can I go when my wheels won't roll

Written by: Merle Travis

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