Although his recording career was cut short by an early death, Carr left behind a large body of work. He had a long-time partnership with guitarist Scrapper Blackwell. His light bluesy piano combined with Blackwell's melodic jazz guitar to attract a sophisticated black audience. Carr's vocal style moved blues singing toward an urban sophistication, influencing such singers as T-Bone Walker, Charles Brown, Amos Milburn, Jimmy Witherspoon, Ray Charles among others.
Count Basie and Jimmy Rushing used some of Carr's songs and Basie's band shows the influence of Carr's piano style.
His music has been covered by notable artists such as Robert Johnson, Ray Charles, Big Bill Broonzy, Moon Mullican, Champion Jack Dupree, Lonnie Donegan and Memphis Slim.
Carr died of nephritis shortly after his thirtieth birthday.
Naptown Blues
Leroy Carr Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Nobody knows old Naptown, baby like I do
If you will stop and listen, I will tell you a thing or two
When you get lonesome, and want to have some fun
When you get lonesome, and want to have some fun
You just grab a train, and try old Naptown some
When you get to Naptown, the blues won't last very long
Because they have their pleasure, and they sure do carry on
I would rather be in Naptown, than any place I know
I would rather be in Naptown, than any place I know
I can get me a ticket, and stop by the Walter show
I'm going back to Naptown, baby don't you want to go
I'm going back to Naptown, baby don't you want to go
Because there ain't nobody, knows old Naptown like I know
In Leroy Carr's song "Naptown Blues," the singer is boasting about his knowledge and love for Indianapolis, Indiana, which is also known as "Naptown." He claims that nobody knows the city like he does and offers to tell anyone who will listen a "thing or two" about it. The song suggests that Naptown is a great place to have fun and forget about one's troubles. It's a place where the blues won't last long, as the people there know how to have a good time. The singer mentions that he prefers being in Naptown over any other place, and he particularly enjoys going to the Walter show.
The lyrics of "Naptown Blues" are simple yet effective in conveying the singer's love for Indianapolis. They also capture the mood of the time in which the song was written. The song was released in 1934, during the Great Depression, when many people were struggling with poverty and unemployment. The lyrics offer a glimpse of hope and escape, promising that there is a place where one can go to forget about their troubles and have a good time.
Line by Line Meaning
Nobody knows old Naptown, baby like I do
I have extensive knowledge and experience of Naptown that nobody else possesses.
If you will stop and listen, I will tell you a thing or two
I am willing to share my knowledge and insights about Naptown with you.
When you get lonesome, and want to have some fun
If you ever feel lonely and want to enjoy yourself,
You just grab a train, and try old Naptown some
you should take a train and visit Naptown.
When you get to Naptown, the blues won't last very long
The feeling of sadness and depression won't stay for long when you're in Naptown.
Because they have their pleasure, and they sure do carry on
The people in Naptown know how to have fun and enjoy life.
I would rather be in Naptown, than any place I know
Out of all the places I've been, Naptown is where I would rather be.
I can get me a ticket, and stop by the Walter show
I can obtain a ticket and attend the Walter show, one of the many entertainment options in Naptown.
I'm going back to Naptown, baby don't you want to go
I plan on returning to Naptown, and I invite you to come with me.
Because there ain't nobody, knows old Naptown like I know
I possess unique knowledge and familiarity of Naptown that nobody else has.
Writer(s): JOHN L. WES MONTGOMERY
Contributed by Callie A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.