Despite originally hailing from the Mississippi-Tennessee border just 50 mi… Read Full Bio ↴Despite originally hailing from the Mississippi-Tennessee border just 50 miles from Memphis, K.C. Douglas was to become one of the last great rural blues guitarists of the post-war West Coast blues scene. Douglas grew up on a Mississippi farm and on acquiring a guitar in 1936, he began learning the fundamentals of the instrument from his uncle. However, it was a meeting later that year with idol Tommy Johnson in Jackson, Mississippi, that convinced Douglas that his future was as a blues performer. Johnson taught him the secrets of his guitar technique, and the two busked together on street corners and at parties.

By the end of the war years, Douglas had moved to California to work in the Kaiser naval shipyard as a government recruit. He soon became a central figure on the San Francisco/Oakland blues scene, and formed a band called the Lumberjacks in 1947. He became a fixture in the Bay Area clubs. Douglas' debut recordings were issued on the local Downtown label in 1948, and in 1949 he had a minor hit with "Mercury Boogie", subsequently renamed "Mercury Blues". The recording featured harmonica player Sidney Maiden, and Douglas accompanied his heartfelt vocal on a guitar loaned to him by Lowell Fulson. The Ford Motor Company bought the rights to the song in 1998.

The album Deadbeat Guitar And The Mississippi Blues (subtitled Street corner blues 'bout women and automobiles) states that this material was "collected" by Sam Eskin in Oakland in 1952. The album was issued possibly in 1954 or maybe 1956 which would make it one of the earliest blues records issued that wasn't a reissue of older material. As for Eskin, he was a folklorist who made field recordings between 1939 and 1969 and during this period made many cross-country trips from New York to California where he recorded American folk music.

Douglas continued to work as a laborer throughout the '50s and '60s, using music to supplement his income. By now a prolific songwriter, he recorded additional material for Arhoolie owner Chris Strachwitz in 1960-63. Some sides by Douglas with pal Sidney Maiden, appeared on the excellent compilation I Have To Paint My Face issued in 1960. Other material recorded by Strachwitz in 1961 was issued as two albums on the Bluesville label: Big Road Blues, his finest recording, and K.C.'s Blues. Douglas also backed bluesman Mercy Dee at about this time. Douglas went on to record for Fantasy towards the end of the 60's, but did not reach the height of his fame until 1970, when he appeared at the Berkeley Blues Festival. His final recordings were again recorded by Strachwitz in 1973 and 1974. In the 90's Arhoolie issued the CD Mercury Boogie collecting all the recordings from theses lengthy sessions. Douglas succumbed to a fatal heart attack in October 1975 at Berkeley. His body was taken back to Mississippi for burial at Pleasant Green Cemetery.

Broken Heart
K.C. 'Country Boy' Douglas Lyrics

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Trail of broken hearts
Looking back at you
Now and from the start
These words will travel true
The godspeed of trust
Will settle the dust
We've been passing through

Broken trail so long
A long and tired past
An emptiness has gone
I've found this place at last
And here will remain
With only the aim
Of staying sure and fast
Leaving just a part
Down the trail of broken hearts

Trail of broken hearts
Looking back at you
Now and from the start
These words will travel true
The godspeed of trust
Will settle the dust
We've been passing through

Leaving just a part
Down the trail of broken hearts

Trail
Broken hearts

Trail
Broken hearts

Overall Meaning

In K.C. 'Country Boy' Douglas's song "Broken Heart," the lyrics reflect on a journey marked by heartbreak and disappointment. The singer acknowledges the trail of broken hearts behind them, recognizing the pain and sorrow they have left in their wake. As they look back on their past, they acknowledge that these words will hold true, speaking to the authenticity and honesty in their reflection.

The phrase "The godspeed of trust will settle the dust we've been passing through" suggests that trust is vital in healing the wounds caused by shattered hearts. The singer recognizes the importance of trust in moving forward and finding resolution. The metaphor of settling dust implies that time and trust can bring clarity and peace to the chaos caused by broken hearts.

As the song continues, the singer finds solace in a new place, a new phase of their life where the emptiness has dissipated. Their aim now is to stay steady and resolute, determined to overcome the past and not repeat the cycle of broken hearts. The repetition of the phrase "Trail of broken hearts" emphasizes the weight of their experiences and the impact they have had on their journey thus far.

Overall, "Broken Heart" touches on themes of reflection, resilience, and the importance of trust in overcoming heartbreak. It serves as a contemplation of past mistakes and a commitment to building a better future.

Line by Line Meaning

Trail of broken hearts
A path marked by the pain and disappointment of failed relationships

Looking back at you
Reflecting on the past and the impact it has had on the singer

Now and from the start
Throughout all times, from the beginning until now

These words will travel true
The lyrics convey genuine emotions and experiences

The godspeed of trust
The power and speed of having faith in others

Will settle the dust
Bringing clarity and resolution to conflicts and doubts

We've been passing through
Enduring and navigating difficult circumstances together

Broken trail so long
A path of pain and heartbreak that has been traversed for a considerable time

A long and tired past
A history characterized by weariness and exhaustion

An emptiness has gone
The feeling of emptiness and void has finally disappeared

I've found this place at last
The singer has discovered a sense of belonging and contentment