Inspired by a field holler performed by Abraham Powell and recorded by John and Ruby Lomax at Cummins State Farm, Camp #5 near Varner, Arkansas, May 20, 1939 (available on the Library of Congress website).
You gone, tell my Doctor to bring in my wine
Well you gone, and I don’t wanna be buried in these shoes that have holes, they’re not mine
You gone, there’s a train of angels coming but they don’t know my name
You gone, I’m tired of eating breakfast in the moonlight and the rain
~~
You gone, tell the Doctor to open my veins
You gone, and I don’t wanna be buried in this suit that has holes, it’s not mine
You gone, the Devil’s carving gravestones and he’s writing my name
You gone, I’m tired of drinking whisky in the moonlight and the rain
~~
You gone, tell the Doctor to play second line
You gone, and I don’t wanna be marching in these shoes that are old, they’re not mine
You gone, there’s a long train leaving and I’ll sneak on behind
Well you gone, I’m leaving for Chicago before I’m old and I’m blind