Columbus Stockade Blues
The Browns Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Way down in Columbus, Georgia
Want to be back in Tennessee
Way down in Columbus Stockade
Friends have turned their back on me.

Go and leave me if you wish to
Never let me cross your mind
If in your heart you love another
Leave me darling, I don't mind.

Last night as I lay sleeping
I dreamed I held you in my arms
When I awoke I was mistaken
I was peeking through the bars.

Go and leave me if you wish to
Never let me cross your mind
If in your heart you love another
Leave me darling, I don't mind.





Leave me darling, I don't mind...

Overall Meaning

The Browns' song "Columbus Stockade Blues" tells a story of heartbreak and betrayal. The singer of the song is stuck in Columbus, Georgia and longs to be back in Tennessee, but the friends he thought he could rely on have turned their backs on him. The pain of loss is evident in these lines, and the singer even pleads with his lover to leave him if she doesn't love him anymore, although it is clear that he deeply cares for her.


The song's lyrics also touch on themes of imprisonment and dreams. The singer dreams of holding the one he loves, but wakes up to the harsh reality that he is locked up and separated from her. Despite this, he still longs for her and is willing to accept her leaving him if it means she is happy.


Overall, "Columbus Stockade Blues" is a poignant reflection on the pain of love and loss, and the complicated emotions that come with it.


Line by Line Meaning

Way down in Columbus, Georgia
I find myself in Columbus, Georgia


Want to be back in Tennessee
I wish I could return to Tennessee


Way down in Columbus Stockade
I'm stuck in Columbus Stockade


Friends have turned their back on me.
My friends have abandoned me.


Go and leave me if you wish to
You are free to leave me if you choose.


Never let me cross your mind
Don't think of me again.


If in your heart you love another
If you have feelings for someone else


Leave me darling, I don't mind.
It's okay to leave me alone.


Last night as I lay sleeping
Yesterday night while I was sleeping


I dreamed I held you in my arms
I dreamt of embracing you


When I awoke I was mistaken
When I woke up, I realized it was a dream.


I was peeking through the bars.
I was looking through prison bars.




Lyrics © O/B/O APRA/AMCOS

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

Maxine Russell

Great old PD song, I am so proud that we had the chance to record this, as it was one we learned as youngsters. Chet & The Anita Kerr singers did a fabulous job with the arrangement. (Maxine Brown)

Johnny HL Western

Good version, thanks

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