[Verse 1]
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 Lowe
[Verse 2]
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 across his knee
I'd give old Curt my money
He'd play all day for me
[Chorus]
Play me a song Curtis Lowe, Curtis Lowe
Well I got your drinkin' money
Tune up your Dobro
People said he was a'useless
Them people all were fools
'Cause Curtis Lowe was the finest picker
To ever play the blues
[Verse 3]
Well he looked to be 60
Maybe I was 10
Momma used to whoop me
But I'd go see him again
I'd clap my hands, stomp my feet
Tryin' to stay in time
Well he'd play me a song or two
Then take another drink of wine
[Chorus]
Play me a song Curtis Lowe, Curtis Lowe
Well I got your drinkin' money
Tune up your Dobro
People said he was a'useless
Them people all were fools
'Cause Curtis Lowe was the finest picker
To ever play the blues
[Verse 4]
On the day old Curtis died
Nobody came to pray
Old preacher said some words
And they chucked 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
[Chorus w/alternate ending]
Play me a song Curtis Lowe, yeah Curtis Lowe
I wish that you was here
So everyone would know
People said you was a'useless
But them people all were fools
'Cuz Curtis your the finest picker
To ever play the blues