TRACK TALK #436 Quit Your Low Down Ways

QUIT YOUR LOW DOWN WAYS
ALBUM : The Bootleg Series Vol.1 (1991)
Recorded : 9 Juillet 1962
Released : 26 Mars 1991

Une composition fortement influencée par le blues du Delta.
On y retrouve des emprunts à Sleepy John Estes, Kokomo Arnold et Blind Boy Fuller dont le morceau du même nom fut publié en 1939.
Elle fut enregistrée en une seule prise lors des sessions de "The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan" et sera repris par Peter, Paul et Mary et les Hollies.
Unique performance live : Montréal (2 Juillet 1962)



Lyrics
Oh, you can read out your Bible
You can fall down on your knees, pretty mama
And pray to the Lord
But it ain’t gonna do no good

You’re gonna need
You’re gonna need my help someday
Well, if you can’t quit your sinnin’
Please quit your low down ways

Well, you can run down to the White House
You can gaze at the Capitol Dome, pretty mama
You can pound on the President’s gate
But you oughta know by now it’s gonna be too late

You’re gonna need
You’re gonna need my help someday
Well, if you can’t quit your sinnin’
Please quit your low down ways

Well, you can run down to the desert
Throw yourself on the burning sand
You can raise up your right hand, pretty mama
But you better understand you done lost your one good man

You’re gonna need
You’re gonna need my help someday
Well, if you can’t quit your sinnin’
Please quit your low down ways

And you can hitchhike on the highway
You can stand all alone by the side of the road
You can try to flag a ride back home, pretty mama
But you can’t ride in my car no more

You’re gonna need
You’re gonna need my help someday
Well, if you can’t quit your sinnin’
Please quit your low down ways

Oh, you can read out your Bible
You can fall down on your knees, pretty mama
And pray to the Lord
But it ain’t gonna do no good

You’re gonna need
You’re gonna need my help someday
Well, if you can’t quit your sinnin’
Please quit your low down ways