The Singing Brakeman - Jimmie Rodgers : My Rough and Rowdy Ways

As Bobbie prepares to restart his Rough and Rowdy Ways Tour in the smaller more inimtate venues (four so far!?) we dedicate this to him . . . of course!

 

My Rough and Rowdy Ways

Song by Jimmie Rodgers

For years and years I've rambled, drank my wine and gambled

But one day I thought I'd settle down

I met a perfect lady, she said she'd be my baby

We built a cottage in the old hometown

But somehow I can't forget my good old rambling days

The railroad trains are calling me always

I may be rough, I may be wild, I may be tough and countrified

But I can't give up my good old rough and rowdy ways

Sometimes I meet a bounder who knew me when I was a rounder

He grabs my hand and says, "Boy, have a drink"

We'd go down to the poolroom, get in the gang and then soon

The daylight comes before I'd had a wink

But somehow I can't forget my good old rambling days

The railroad trains are calling me always

I may be rough, I may be wild, I may be tough and countrified

But I can't give up my good old rough and rowdy ways

 

Bob on Tour 2025

Jimmie Rodgers - Waiting For A Train - No Depression

JOURNAL EXCERPT: A History of Yodeling in Roots Music

By Liz Tracy The history of the yodel is surprisingly layered and weighted. Yodels arose around the world from the lungs of many, but it isn’t a part of every culture’s repertoire. As a kind of musical currency, it was spread through immigrant and slave ships, missionaries, airwaves, and on the backs of horses. The yodel found its most hospitable home in American popular roots music through many avenues and voices.  NOTE: This story is an excerpt from our Summer 2021 journal. Check out more contents and consider a purchase to support No Depression here.

a favourite . . . . . . or two

I used to really love 

Jimmie Rodgers - The Singing Brakeman

 (not to be confused with the blues man)

Dylan had earlier once remarked, "The songs were different than the norm. They had more of an individual nature and an elevated conscience... I was drawn to their power."[






a favourite . . . . story songs, the roots of country and western music . . . . led me to bluegrass and High and Lonesome stuff . . . . . . the Delmore Brothers et al 







Jimmie Rodgers wiki