Lonesome Road Blues
Bill Monroe Lyrics

Bill Monroe's Lonesome Road Blues is a classic blues song that tells the story of a man who is on the road, feeling bad and struggling to survive in the face of terrible treatment. He repeats the phrase "I'm going down this road feeling bad" three times at the start of the song, emphasizing his sense of hopelessness and despair.

The singer then describes his experience of being in jail, where he is fed on cornbread and beans. The repetition of the phrase "down in the jailhouse on my knees" creates a sense of confinement and discomfort. He feels mistreated and is determined not to be treated that way.

The song then moves on to describe his shoes, which he purchased for two dollars. He emphasizes how they hurt his feet, pointing out that it takes a ten dollar shoe to fit him properly. Finally, he declares that he is going "where the weather fits my clothes," suggesting that he is in search of a better life and that he will not tolerate the mistreatment he has experienced.

Overall, Lonesome Road Blues is a poignant and powerful song that speaks to the struggles of a man who is on the road and facing significant challenges. Bill Monroe's simple, but emotive lyrics capture the pain and frustration of the singer, making it an enduring classic.