Death Letter Blues Lyrics

I got a letter but you read and get read
I got a letter but you read and get read
Come on pretty papa, your loving baby′s dead

I went to the depot, caught the train a-flying
I went to the depot, caught the train a-flying
When I walked in, she was slowly dying

Her papa says howdy, mama says goodbye
Her papa says howdy, mama says goodbye
Lord, I couldn't do nothing but hang my head and cry

I went to the bedside, looked down in her face
I went to the bedside, looked down in her face
You know I love you pretty mama but I just can′t take your place

So many hacks and buggies was there standing around
So many hacks and buggies was there standing around
Waiting to take my baby to the burying ground

When they're taking my baby to the burying ground
When they're taking my baby to the burying ground
Never hurt me so bad until they laid her down

I went to the graveyard, fell down on my knees
I went to the graveyard, fell down on my knees
If you speak one word, baby, you would give my heart to me

You don′t miss your water ′til your well go dry
You don't miss your water ′til your well go dry
You don't miss your pretty mama ′til she shake your hand goodbye