The New Lost City Ramblers not only directly participated in the old-time music revival, but have continued to directly influence countless musicians who have followed. Indeed, except for The Kingston Trio, the NLCR may well be the longest-running popular music group, performing, albeit irregularly in later times, for some 50 years.
The Ramblers distinguished themselves by focusing on the traditional playing styles they heard on old 78rpm records of musicians recorded during the 1920s and 1930s, many of whom would later appear on the Anthology of American Folk Music. The NLCR refused to "sanitize" these southern sounds as did other folk groups of the time, such as The Weavers or The Kingston Trio. Instead, the Ramblers always strived for an authentic sound. However, the Ramblers did not merely copy the old recordings that inspired them. Rather, they would use the various old-time styles they encountered while at the same time not becoming slaves to imitation.
They recorded extensively for the Folkways label.
NLCR formally disbanded in 1975, but continued to perform, albeit irregularly.
Franklin D. Roosevelt's Back Again
The New Lost City Ramblers Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Back to dear old Charleston far away
Since Roosevelt's been re-elected, we'll not be neglected
We've got Franklin D. Roosevelt back again
Back again, back again
We've got Franklin D. Roosevelt back again
Since Roosevelt's been re-elected
We've got legal wine, whiskey, beer and gin
I'll take a drink of brandy and let myself be handy
Good old times are coming back again
You can laugh and tell a joke, you can dance and drink and smoke
We've got Franklin D. Roosevelt back again
We've got Franklin D. Roosevelt back again
We'll have money in our jeans
We can travel with the queen
We've got Franklin D. Roosevelt back again
No more breadlines, we're happy to say the donkey won election
day
No more standing in the blowing, snowing rain
He's got things in full swing, we're all working and getting our
pay
We've got Franklin D. Roosevelt back again
We've got Franklin D. Roosevelt back again
Since Roosevelt's been re-elected
Moon liquor's been corrected
We've got Franklin D. Roosevelt back again
The lyrics of "Franklin D. Roosevelt's Back Again" by The New Lost City Ramblers celebrate the re-election of Franklin D. Roosevelt as the President of the United States. The song reflects the optimism and hope of the American people during the time when Roosevelt was in power.
The lyrics suggest that with Roosevelt's re-election, the people of Charleston, and by extension, the entire country, can look forward to better times. The mention of Charleston signifies a return to the good old days, where life was more prosperous and enjoyable. The reference to the old Martin guitar indicates a desire to celebrate and rejoice, as music often accompanies moments of joy and celebration.
The song highlights some of the positive changes that come with Roosevelt's re-election. Moon liquor, which refers to illegally distilled alcohol, has been corrected, suggesting that under Roosevelt's leadership, an end to prohibition has come, and legal wine, whiskey, beer, and gin are now available. This reflects a sense of freedom and enjoyment that comes with the availability of legal alcoholic beverages.
The lyrics also touch upon economic improvements, as there will be money in people's jeans, suggesting increased prosperity and the ability to spend and travel more freely. The mention of standing in breadlines, which were common during the Great Depression, reinforces the notion that under Roosevelt's leadership, such hardships and struggles have been alleviated.
Overall, the song celebrates Roosevelt's re-election as a symbol of hope, progress, and a return to better times for the American people.
Line by Line Meaning
Just hand me my old Martin for soon I will be startin'
I want my guitar so I can begin my journey
Back to dear old Charleston far away
Returning to the beloved city of Charleston that is far from here
Since Roosevelt's been re-elected, we'll not be neglected
Now that Roosevelt has been elected again, we won't be forgotten or ignored
We've got Franklin D. Roosevelt back again
We have the leadership of Franklin D. Roosevelt once more
Back again, back again
Once again, once again
We've got Franklin D. Roosevelt back again
We have the leadership of Franklin D. Roosevelt once more
Since Roosevelt's been re-elected
Because Roosevelt has been elected again
Moon liquor's been corrected
Illegal production of alcohol has been addressed
We've got legal wine, whiskey, beer and gin
Now we have legal access to wine, whiskey, beer, and gin
I'll take a drink of brandy and let myself be handy
I'll have a sip of brandy and relax
Good old times are coming back again
The enjoyable times from the past are returning
You can laugh and tell a joke, you can dance and drink and smoke
You can have fun by laughing, joking, dancing, drinking, and smoking
We've got Franklin D. Roosevelt back again
We have the leadership of Franklin D. Roosevelt once more
We've got Franklin D. Roosevelt back again
We have the leadership of Franklin D. Roosevelt once more
We'll have money in our jeans
We will have enough money
We can travel with the queen
We can travel like royalty
We've got Franklin D. Roosevelt back again
We have the leadership of Franklin D. Roosevelt once more
No more breadlines, we're happy to say the donkey won election day
We're glad to announce there won't be any more people waiting in line for food as the Democratic Party won the election
No more standing in the blowing, snowing rain
We won't have to endure standing in the rain during bad weather anymore
He's got things in full swing, we're all working and getting our pay
The economy is booming, and we are all employed and receiving our wages
We've got Franklin D. Roosevelt back again
We have the leadership of Franklin D. Roosevelt once more
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: COX, BILL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind