Well I used to wake the morning before the rooster crowed

Searching 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 Loew

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 it across his knee

I'd give old Curt my money, he'd play all day for me

[Chorus]

Play me a song Curtis Loew, Curtis Loew

I got your drinking money, tune up your dobro

People said he was useless, them people are the fools

'Cause Curtis Loew was the finest picker to ever play the blues

He looked to be sixty, and maybe I was ten

Mama used to whip me but I'd go see him again

I'd clap my hands, stomp my feets, try to stay in time

He'd play me a song or two

Then take another drink of wine.

[Chorus]

Yes sir

On the day old Curtis died, nobody came to pray

Ol' preacher said some words, and they chunked him in the clay

But 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

Play me a song Curtis Loew, Hey Curtis Loew

I wish that you was here so everyone would know

People said he was useless, them people all are fools

'Cause Curtis you're the finest picker to ever play the blues