How Long
Pete Seeger Woody Guthrie Leadbelly Lyrics

Baby, how long
Asking how long it has been since the evening train departed

Baby how long
Repeating the question about the duration since the train left

Have that evenin train been gone
Questioning about the duration since the train left and expressing feeling of loss

Hear it was so
Not being able to hear the train anymore

Can't see no train
Unable to see the train that left, left with only emptiness

But deep in my heart I feel and achin' pain
Feeling the sorrow and pain deep inside the heart

And that's a-how long, how long, babe how long
Expressing how long the pain and sorrow has lasted

Into the station
Arriving at the station

Look up at the board
Checking the schedule board for the next train

Next train around
The next available train

Strawberry Road
Name of the destination or the train's route

How long, how, woo, baby how long
Continuing to express the duration since the departure of the evening train

Make it wail everybody yeah, so sweet
Encouraging everyone to join in with the music and play passionately

Down atta station
Being at the station

With my head hung down
Feeling defeated and miserable

Lookin' at my sugar, when she leave this town
Thinking about the partner who left him and reminiscing shared memories

I ain't got no money
Not having enough money to purchase a train ticket and leave town

Buy a ticket on a train
Trying to buy a ticket to leave town

But I'll ride the blinds, baby
Opting to ride in between the train cars instead of purchasing a ticket

Be back home, again
Returning back to a place that was once home

See me comin'
Returning home

Gon' get some plow work
Finding a job in agriculture work

I'll cut your liver
Using a sharp tool to cut or work the land

Plug your heartache
Trying to forget and block the pain and sadness from the past

Been so long, woo swoo, baby how long
Continuing to express the long duration since the train departed

Sonny, wail about it
Encouraging Sonny to express his feelings and emotions

Feelin' bad, I'm lookin' sad
Feeling down and expressing sadness outwardly

Thinkin' bout the bad luck, Sonny
Reflecting on the misfortune that has happened

I once have had
Thinking about a time when fortunes were better

See the green grass, growin' on a hill
Observing and taking notice of natural growth and beauty

Never seen no green grass on a dollar bill
Not being able to find beauty or satisfaction in money or material objects

Lower you, baby
Making an offer or suggestion to relax, take it easy and ignore material concerns

To a hollow tree
Finding or creating a solitary, sheltered place to relax and unwind

Way you treat me
Thinking about the unfair and hurtful treatment from a particular person

Come back to you
Yearning for reunion or redemption

Hoo, low, hoo, woo, baby gone
Expressing sorrow and sadness

Make it wail everybody, now
Encouraging community and sharing of music

Feel so disgusted, I feel so blue
Feeling emotionally and mentally exhausted, as well as disappointed with life

Sometimes Sonny, I don't know
Admitting vulnerability and lack of understanding of the situation

What in the world I'm gonna do
Feeling helpless, unsure or powerless to change the situation

See that little house, sitting on the hill
Reflecting on a peaceful and simple life that others may have

You don't love me, goin try another who will
Accepting rejection and willing to look for love elsewhere

See my baby, tell her I'll be runnin' home
Making plans to reunite with someone special

I've been worried, ever since she been gone
Worrying and feeling anxious while separated from a loved one

Love to see ya
Expressing eagerness and joy to reunite with someone special