Hard Travelin'
Woody Guthrie with Cisco Houston and Sonny Terry Lyrics
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I've been hittin' some hard travelin' way down the road
I've been havin' some hard travelin', hard ramblin', hard gamblin'
I've been havin' some hard travelin', Lord
Well I've been ridin' them fast rattlers, I thought you know
I've been ridin' them blind passengers way down the road
I've been ridin' them dead enders, flat wheelers, kickin' up cinders
I've been hittin' some hard rock man and I thought you know
I've been leanin' on the pressured grill way down the road
Hammer flyin', air hose suckin'
Six feet of mud and a shovel muggin'
I've been havin' some hard travelin', Lord
Well I've been layin' in a hard rock jail I thought you know
I've been layin' there ninety days way down the road
And a mean old judge said to me it's ninety days for vagrancy
And I've been havin' some hard travelin' Lord
I've been workin' at Pittsburgh Steel I thought you know
I've been dumpin' that red hot slag way down the road
I've been blastin', I've been firin', I've been a pourin' that red hot iron
And I've been a havin' some hard travelin', Lord
I've been hittin' some hard harvest and I thought you know
North Dakota to Kansas City way down the road
Cuttin' that wheat and stackin' that hay
And tryin' to make 'bout a dollar a day
And I've been a havin' some hard travelin', Lord
Well I've been workin' on Lincoln Highway I thought you know
I've been hitchin' on 66 way down the road
Heavy load and worried mind lookin' for a woman that's hard to find
And I've been havin' some hard travelin', Lord
In the song "Hard Travelin'" by Woody Guthrie with Cisco Houston and Sonny Terry, the lyrics vividly portray the hardships and struggles faced by a traveler on the road. The repetition of "hard travelin'" emphasizes the challenges that the singer has encountered throughout their journey. The mention of "way down the road" indicates a sense of distance covered and experiences gained along the way.
The verses describe various difficulties faced by the singer, such as riding fast trains, dealing with obstacles, and working in harsh conditions. The imagery of "dead enders, flat wheelers, kickin' up cinders" conveys the rough and unpredictable nature of the traveler's path. The physical labor and dangerous environments, such as laying in a hard rock jail and working in a steel mill, highlight the tough and demanding aspects of the singer's life.
The mention of working in different locations like Pittsburgh Steel and the harvest fields from North Dakota to Kansas City underscores the nomadic and transient nature of the singer's existence. Despite the hard work and meager pay, the singer continues to persevere and endure the challenges that come their way. The search for companionship and connection on the road is also hinted at, adding a layer of emotional depth to the narrative.
Overall, "Hard Travelin'" captures the resilience and determination of a traveler facing adversity, while also painting a picture of the harsh realities of life on the road. The lyrics serve as a poignant reflection on the struggles of those who must keep moving forward, no matter the obstacles in their path.
Lyrics © Kanjian Music
Written by: WOODY GUTHRIE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind