[WARNING: This song contains antiquated racial stereotypes. It is presented here for historical and educational purposes only.]
a simple 1920 blues
words by Chris Smith
music by W. C. Handy
The sheet music:
Accompaniment:
Lyrics
- Did you ever hear the story of long John Dean?
A bold bank robber from Bowling Green
Was sent to the jailhouse yesterday
Late last night he made his get-away
Chorus
He’s long gone from Kentucky
Long gone, ain’t he lucky
Long gone and what I mean
He’s long gone from Bowling Green
2. Long John stood on the railroad tie
Waiting for a freight train to come by
Freight train came just puffin’ and flyin’
Oughta seen Long John grabbin’ that blind
Sung here by Fred Feild: