on the road again
Jones Floyd Lyrics
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But I'm out on the road again
I'm on the road again
Well, I'm so tired of crying
But I'm out on the road again
I'm on the road again
I ain't got no woman
Just to call my special friend
You know the first time I traveled
Out in the rain and snow
In the rain and snow
You know the first time I traveled
Out in the rain and snow
In the rain and snow
I didn't have no payroll
Not even no place to go
And my dear mother left me
When I was quite young
When I was quite young
And my dear mother left me
When I was quite young
When I was quite young
She said "Lord, have mercy
On my wicked son"
Take a hint from me, mama
Please don't you cry no more
Don't you cry no more
Take a hint from me, mama
Please don't you cry no more
Don't you cry no more
'Cause it's soon one morning
Down the road I'm going
But I ain't going down
That long old lonesome road
All by myself
But I ain't going down
That long old lonesome road
All by myself
I can't carry you, baby
Gonna carry somebody else
The lyrics to "On The Road Again" by Jones Floyd are a reflection of the life of a touring musician. The song describes the aching sense of weariness that comes from being constantly on the road, yet also voices the feeling of freedom that comes from not having any attachments or responsibilities. The repeated line of "I'm on the road again" is both an acknowledgement of the tough lifestyle that comes with being a touring musician, but also an affirmation of the joy of being able to perform and play music for a living.
The second verse of the song touches on the hardships that many touring musicians face, with the mention of traveling "out in the rain and snow" and not having any steady income or place to go. The third verse explores the melancholy side of being on the road, with the mention of the singer's mother leaving him at a young age and asking for mercy on his "wicked son." The fourth verse ends the song on a note of hope, with the singer reassuring his mother that he'll be fine and declaring that he won't be traveling alone.
Overall, "On The Road Again" is an honest and reflective portrayal of the ups and downs of being a touring musician. It captures the sense of exhaustion and loneliness that comes from always being on the move, but also celebrates the joys of performing and experiencing new places and people.
Line by Line Meaning
Well, I'm so tired of crying
I am emotionally exhausted and cannot take any more sadness
But I'm out on the road again
Regardless of my state of mind, I must continue traveling
I'm on the road again
I am once again traveling and away from home
I ain't got no woman
I am currently not in a romantic relationship
Just to call my special friend
I do not have anyone close to me to confide in or rely on
You know the first time I traveled
This is not my first time traveling
Out in the rain and snow
My previous travels were in harsh weather conditions
I didn't have no payroll
During my initial travels, I did not have a steady income or job
Not even no place to go
I did not have a set destination or plan during my initial travels
And my dear mother left me
My mother passed away when I was young
When I was quite young
I was still a child when my mother passed away
She said 'Lord, have mercy
Before her passing, my mother expressed concern for my future and well-being
On my wicked son'
She felt guilty for leaving behind a child who would have to endure hardships
Take a hint from me, mama
I am giving advice to my deceased mother as if she were still alive
Please don't you cry no more
I do not want my mother to worry or be sad about my current situation
'Cause it's soon one morning
I believe that things will get better one day
Down the road I'm going
I am continuing my journey and moving forward
But I ain't going down
Despite the challenges I face, I will not give up
That long old lonesome road
I refuse to let my travels be depressing or lonely
All by myself
I am independent and capable of handling challenges on my own
I can't carry you, baby
I cannot support others emotionally or financially at this time
Gonna carry somebody else
I will find someone else to support and help in the future
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: KENNETH L. HICKSON, NATHAN B. MORRIS, RICKIE KENNETH FAMBRO, WANYA JERMAINE MORRIS, SHAWN PATRICK STOCKMAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Kiernan Burke
Truly original, and truly the roots of so much that came after, with so little recognition. The energy in the original musical genius comes through to this day. Thank you.
Glen Chapman
70 years on. First time I have heard this and got goosebumps from that intro.
Jeff G.
Among the best music of all time. I listen to this work of art often.
John Oroszi
Nothing to say. The beginning of all modern blues songs.
GOLDBAND45rpm
Superb blues with the great Sunnyland Slim on piano..
jonjim1952
Al Wilson took Floyd Jones' "On the Road Again" and "Dark Road" and added some lines of his own to create their Canned Heat version.
steve freund
Floyd had to sue to get his money, and he did. He bought a blue Cutlass Supreme with the money.
Michiel Spek
But Floyd took quite a bit from this one
https://youtu.be/j5oVMdQW_x0
steve freund
@Michiel Spek where do you get that idea from? Dark Road??
Brandon Potts
@Michiel Spek and Tommy Johnson borrowed from the songs suitcase blues and farm hand blues for that song