before the rooster crowed
Searchin' for soda bottles
down to the country store
Cashed them in and gave my money
to a man named Curtis Lowe
When he had a fifth of wine,
He used to own an old dog row,
he used to play it cross his knees
I'd give old Curtis my money,
Play me a song, Curtis Lowe, Curtis Lowe
I've got your drink and money,
People said he was useless,
and I'd take another drink of wine
I got your drink and money,
People said he was useless,
On the day old Curtis died,
And old preachers said some words,
and they choked him in the glade
playin' the black man's blues
On the day he lost his life,
Play me a song, Curtis Lowe, Curtis Lowe
I got you drinkin' money,
People said he was useless,
but people are all our friends
Cause Curtis, you're the finest picker
