Justin Townes Earle — Harlem River Blues
Album: Harlem River BluesAvg rating:
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Total ratings: 150
Length: 2:44
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Lord, I'm going uptown
To the Harlem River to drown
Dirty water gonna cover me over
And I'm not gonna make a sound
I'm on a roll, mama, I gotta go
Gotta get there while I still can
Troubled days are behind me now
And I know they're gonna let me in
When you see me walking up the empty yard
With a-singing and a-clapping my hands
Tell my mama I love her, tell my father I tried
Give my money to my baby to spend
'Cause Lord, I'm going uptown
To the Harlem River to drown
Dirty water gonna cover me over
And I'm not gonna make a sound
Good times come and they go
Even a good man'll break
He'll let his troubles bury him whole
Even though he knows what's at stake
So I'm taking no chances
Carrying over while I'm still good in His grace
And I'm no fool, mama, I know the difference
Between tempting and choosing my fate
So Lord, I'm going uptown
To the Harlem River to drown
Dirty water gonna cover me over
And I'm not gonna make a sound
Lord, I'm going uptown
To the Harlem River to drown
Dirty water gonna cover me over
And I'm not gonna make a sound
Lord, I'm going uptown
To the Harlem River to drown
Dirty water gonna cover me over
And I'm not gonna make a sound
To the Harlem River to drown
Dirty water gonna cover me over
And I'm not gonna make a sound
I'm on a roll, mama, I gotta go
Gotta get there while I still can
Troubled days are behind me now
And I know they're gonna let me in
When you see me walking up the empty yard
With a-singing and a-clapping my hands
Tell my mama I love her, tell my father I tried
Give my money to my baby to spend
'Cause Lord, I'm going uptown
To the Harlem River to drown
Dirty water gonna cover me over
And I'm not gonna make a sound
Good times come and they go
Even a good man'll break
He'll let his troubles bury him whole
Even though he knows what's at stake
So I'm taking no chances
Carrying over while I'm still good in His grace
And I'm no fool, mama, I know the difference
Between tempting and choosing my fate
So Lord, I'm going uptown
To the Harlem River to drown
Dirty water gonna cover me over
And I'm not gonna make a sound
Lord, I'm going uptown
To the Harlem River to drown
Dirty water gonna cover me over
And I'm not gonna make a sound
Lord, I'm going uptown
To the Harlem River to drown
Dirty water gonna cover me over
And I'm not gonna make a sound
Comments (20)add comment
Such a tragedy. His dad recently released a tribute album, including this one.
Such a tragedy.
TVZ himself had something of a death wish. And Steve Earle has battled more than his share of demons - primarily self-inflicted. But only 38? Man, that's a tough one.
Rock In Peace, J.
TVZ himself had something of a death wish. And Steve Earle has battled more than his share of demons - primarily self-inflicted. But only 38? Man, that's a tough one.
Rock In Peace, J.
Very sad to be gone at 38. He leaves behind a wife and 3 year-old daughter. No cause of death, but it was written in Wikipedia that he started using drugs at age 12 and battled addiction. Drugs and alcohol are all fun and games, until they aren't anymore. Take care, everybody.
RIP JTE 
cmplus wrote:
Zandt, but yeah.
Lot to live up to when you're named after Townes Van Sant. Delivers it.
Zandt, but yeah.
I thought this was Billy Bragg working really hard not to sing with an English accent.
Lot to live up to when you're named after Townes Van Sant. Delivers it.
Cynaera wrote:
Yeah, I just love his style. Hints of Johnny Cash, but with his own style. Smoother than his Dad, but not artificial or over-produced. Can't wait to hear how he develops.
First time hearing this, but holy wow. Kid's got his dad's storytelling ability and the chops. One more CD to add to my collection...
Yeah, I just love his style. Hints of Johnny Cash, but with his own style. Smoother than his Dad, but not artificial or over-produced. Can't wait to hear how he develops.
Golden Palominos — Little Suicides Jose Gonzalez — Teardrop Leon Russell — Down in the Flood Bill you OK? You need a hug or something? |
woot woot 
That red-hair gal looks a mite bit worried ... and where's his right hand, anyway?
First time hearing this, but holy wow. Kid's got his dad's storytelling ability and the chops. One more CD to add to my collection...
Boy, I really like this song. Although I can't think of a worse way to commit suicide than drowning in the Harlem River...maybe the Gowanus Canal.
eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeehawwww...
Two Earles in one day, yay! 
GawgaBoy wrote:
This young man brings it, full tilt. I saw that vid of him on Dave, he really has commanding presence. Of course, with the last name of 'Earle' and middle named after Townes Van Zandt, he's got the pedigree. Great to hear some gutsy new stuff from the Earle clan.
edit: I posted the Letterman clip over in Youtube-Music Videos. I think that version is better than this one. Maybe it's Paul's keyboard that makes the difference...
saw the video of him performing this on Letterman... the studio version is too pretty, there was a grittiness in the live performance that took this song to a whole new level. Good song though.... I like it.
This young man brings it, full tilt. I saw that vid of him on Dave, he really has commanding presence. Of course, with the last name of 'Earle' and middle named after Townes Van Zandt, he's got the pedigree. Great to hear some gutsy new stuff from the Earle clan.
edit: I posted the Letterman clip over in Youtube-Music Videos. I think that version is better than this one. Maybe it's Paul's keyboard that makes the difference...
saw the video of him performing this on Letterman... the studio version is too pretty, there was a grittiness in the live performance that took this song to a whole new level. Good song though.... I like it.
Very good stuff!
Glad to see Justin finally make the main!
Awful!