Goin’ Down The Road Feelin’ Bad

1. I'm goin’ down the road feeling bad
Lord, I'm goin’ down the road feeling bad,
I'm goin’ down the road feeling bad, Lord, Lord,
And I ain't gonna be treated this-a way.

2. I’m goin’ where the climate suits my clothes,
Lord, I’m goin’ where the climate suits my clothes
I’m goin’ where the climate suits my clothes, Lord, Lord,
And I ain't gonna be treated this-a way.

3. I’m lookin’ for a job with honest pay…

4. These two-dollar shoes hurt my feet…

5. Ten-dollar shoes suit me fine…

6. I’m down in the jailhouse on my knees….

7. Michigan water tastes like cherry wine…

8. Prison water tastes like turpentine...

9. I’m leavin’ and I’m never comin’ back…


Some people think Woody Guthrie wrote this, while others only know the Grateful Dead version.  It’s a traditional folk song that was first recorded in 1924, and was a theme song for hoboes and Dust Bowl refugees in the 1930’s.  There are many versions of the song’s lyrics, given how many folks have sung it.  The ones I’m including are from The Folk Song Abecedary, published in 1966.