Tobacco Road
The Blues Magoos Lyrics
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Mama died and my daddy got drunk
Left me here to die or grow
In the middle of Tobacco Road.
Grew up in a dusty shack
All I had was a-hanging on my back
And only you know how I loathe
But it's home
The only life I've ever know
Only you know how I loathe
Oohh, Tobacco Road.
I'm gonna leave and get a job
And with some help and grace from above
Save some money, an' get rich enough
And bring it back to Tobacco Road.
The Blues Magoos's song Tobacco Road speaks to the deeply ingrained sense of belonging instilled in us by the place we are born and raised. The opening lines of the song are striking as they describe the tragic circumstances of the singer's birth, with his mother dying and father turning to drink. This sets the tone for the desperation and lack of hope that is characteristic of those born in Tobacco Road. The place is a symbol of poverty, struggle, and hopelessness. The lyrics go on to talk about growing up in a dusty shack and having very little in life. The use of the phrase "hanging on my back" effectively conveys the burden that poverty places on one's life.
Despite all this, the singer has a deep sense of attachment to Tobacco Road. It is the only home he has ever known, and he experiences conflicting emotions towards it. While he loathes the place for all its difficulties, it is still a part of his identity. The final lines of the song are hopeful, in that the singer wants to leave and make a life for himself but with the intention of returning and helping his community. The song is, therefore, a poignant commentary on the complexity of human attachment to home and the desire to make a better life while still honoring one's roots.
Line by Line Meaning
I was born in a bunk
I entered existence in a cramped and lowly sleeping quarters.
Mama died and my daddy got drunk
After losing my mother, my father resorted to alcoholism.
Left me here to die or grow
He departed, leaving me to fend for myself with the possibility of either succumbing to the dangers that lay ahead or prospering.
In the middle of Tobacco Road.
This environment was situated in the heart of the notorious Tobacco Road.
Grew up in a dusty shack
I matured in an abode that was covered in a thick layer of dust.
All I had was a-hanging on my back
The entirety of my possessions were only what I could carry.
And only you know how I loathe
It is only you who understands the agony that I hold towards this place.
The place called Tobacco Road.
This location referred to as Tobacco Road.
But it's home
Despite its harsh and cruel conditions, it was still the only place that I could call my own.
The only life I've ever know
This is the solitary manner of existence that I had ever been accustomed to.
Only you know how I loathe
It is only you who comprehends the abomination that I hold towards this place.
Oohh, Tobacco Road.
This is the burdensome burden of existence that I bear within Tobacco Road.
I'm gonna leave and get a job
I have made up my mind to leave this place and seek employment.
And with some help and grace from above
I require aid from the heavens above to aid me in this endeavor.
Save some money, an' get rich enough
I aim to accumulate enough funds for wealth and prosperity.
And bring it back to Tobacco Road.
I will eventually return to Tobacco Road with my fortune.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: John D. Loudermilk
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@tapeinosG5011
Jack Benny - Intro and Dialog
Lyrics
I was born in a bunk
Mama died and my daddy got drunk
Left me here to die or grow
In the middle of Tobacco Road.
Grew up in a dusty shack
All I had was a-hanging on my back
And only you know how I loathe
The place called Tobacco Road.
But it's home
The only life I've ever know
Only you know how I loathe
Oohh, Tobacco Road.
I'm gonna leave and get a job
And with some help and grace from above
Save some money, an' get rich enough
And bring it back to Tobacco Road.
Written by John D. Loudermilk • Copyright © Universal Music Publishing Group
@fionastokesgilbert1696
For any Blues Magoos fans out there, Ron Gilbert (bass) passed away yesterday, February 16, after a battle with an aggressive cancer.He was surrounded by his family and is now at peace and no longer suffering. We loved him very much and are heartbroken.
@johnmitchelljr
Man!! live on Jack Benny. "Kids" sure had musical guts back in the sixties. I"m proud of my psychedelic generation. Thanks very much for sharing.
@kurtmaxclassicrockvideosra2806
One of the best psychedelic 60s band TV appearances ever. Not just for the music and visuals but for the little interview at the end. MUST SEE viewing.
@andyburns5472
Jack Benny playing some groovy tunes whoda thunk it!
@chutsler
Love the 'Yardbirds-style' Rave-Up!
@tunesmith7437
One day way back in the early 1970's I was selling my used 1950's Fender Duosonic guitar. I was living in NJ back then. The doorbell rings and standing there was Pepe from the Blues Magoos and his girlfriend was with him. He bought the guitar. I wonder if he still has it. Vince
@MichaelWiberg-nh5cd
Larry and Sunshine used to live there back in the day .
@jeffwepfer4426
Spot on. Great Era in music. Remember
The music never stopped.
@kavipoag7531
BLUE MAGOOS. IS A EXUBERANT. .PSYCHEDELIC ERA SONG. THE. BEST. FOR THE 60S 70S UNTIL TODAY'S. .AMAZING. IS. MY FAVORITE IS. MY COLLECTION. .FOREVER
@hectorfeliciano8183
PURE PSYCHEDELIA MAN! SUGARCUBES in your CUP and BROWNIES!!! What a good combination!!! DROP OUT, TURN ON, TUNE IN.