Key of F 77 BPM
Jack Rouse (ver. Flatt and Scruggs, 1955)
Louise Certain and Glady Stacey were the maiden names of Lester and Earl’s wives and were use as pseudonyms by Flatt and Scruggs. This song is credited to Certain and Stacey, but is was written by Jack Rouse and recorded by the Rouse Brothers in 1939. Jack’s brother, Ervin, wrote the words (but not the tune) to Orange Blossom Special.
This song was recorded by Lester and Earl on September 2, 1955 at Owen Bradley’s studio in Nashville. In addition to Lester and Earl at the recording session was Josh Graves on dobro, Curly Seckler on mandolin and tenor vocals, Paul Warren on fiddle and Ernie Newton on upright bass. Jack Shook provided a second rhythm guitar.
This song has since been recorded by a number of bluegrass artists, including J.D. Crowe and the New South on the “brown album,” also known as “Rounder 0044” in 1975.
Originally the song was recorded as a duet on the chorus. The New South recorded the chorus as a trio.
I
I’ve been workin’ all in the rain
IV I
Tied to the dirty old ball and chain
II V
Oh dear mother I’ll come home some old day
I
Some sweet day they’ll turn me loose
IV I
From this dirty old calaboose
II IV I
Oh dear mother I’ll come home some old day
IV
Some old day
I
You’ll wait for me and pray
Oh dear mother I’ll come home some old day
Some sweet day they’ll turn me loose
From this dirty old calaboose
Oh dear mother I’ll come home some old day
Oh dear mother I’ve hurt you so
I’ve been cruel to you I know
Oh dear mother I’ll come home some old day
Tell my brother My sister and dad
Tell the dear friends that I’ve had
Oh dear mother I’ll come home some old day
Chorus