Lyrics Hiss Golden Messenger – Sweet As John Hurt

I come from the bottom of the river Haw
And if I knew a rounder, oh Lord, I knew them all
I did fear for many a year the darkness in my mind
Oh, I knew not a gentle way, nor how to be kind

Now I’m sweet as John in the day’s new light
Now, sweet as John like a baby’s crying
I’m sweet as John like a wedding day
Sweet as John, now I go this way

I robbed a rich man and stole his gold tooth
And I highballed the Yellow Dog clear to Yazoo
John was gone from Babylon many years ago
No more gypsy heart, hole in my soul
I went down to Richmond-town to have myself a ball
I spent all my silver, oh Lord, I blew it all
To pacify my jealous mind, the rage in my heart
Then I took to wandering, now I cannot sing this part

Now I’m sweet as John in the day’s new light
Now, sweet as John like a baby’s crying
I’m sweet as John like a simple ring
Sweet as John, now I go this way

I saw those blackbirds strung out on a line
Lord, how their little song did like to make me cry
I was free in the wild country, heart beating like a drum
No brother, no friend, no lover, no one
So I found a little song, a song of my own
To help lose the black map on my heart like a stone

Now I’m sweet as John in the day’s new light
Now, sweet as John like a baby’s crying
I’m sweet as John like a simple ring
Sweet as John, now I know my name