“Hobo's Lullabye”
Author: Goebel Reeves
Earliest date: 1934 (recording, Goebel Reeves)
Found in: US
Description
"Go to sleep you weary hobo, Let the town drift slowly by. Listen to the steel rails humming, That's the hobo's lullabye." The hobo is urged not to think about tomorrow, to ignore the police (who will not be found in heaven), and to remember mother's love
Notes
Although composed, this has become so popular that I think it qualifies as a genuine folk song. Woody Guthrie, for instance, was very fond of it, and many people must have learned it from his singing. - RBW
Recordings
- Goebel Reeves, "Hobo's Lullabye" (Champion 45181, 1936); (Vocalion 02828, 1934)
References
- Silber-FSWB, p. 410, "Hobo's Lullabye" (1 text)
- DT, HOBOLULL*
- Roud #16629
- BI, FSWB410C
The Traditional Ballad Index is copyright ©2008
by Robert B. Waltz and David G. Engle.
The Digital Tradition is copyright The Mudcat Cafe.