January 19, 2012

"See That My Grave Is Kept Clean" by Lemon Jefferson


Note: Far from his grave being kept clean, it was unmarked from 1927 to 1967, when a Texas Historical Marker was erected in the general area of his plot. A new granite headstone was erected in 1997, and the grave is now kept clean by a cemetery committee in Wortham, Texas




Well there's one kind favor I ask of you.
Well there's one kind favor I ask of you.
Lord there's one kind favor, I'll ask of you.
See that my grave is kept clean.


It's a long lane that's got no end.
It's a long lane that's got no end.
It's a long lane, ain't got no end.
And it's a bad wind that never change.



Lord it's two white horses in a line.
Well it's two white horses in a line.
Well it's two white horses in a line.
Wanna take me to my buryin' ground.


My heart stop beatin' and my hands got cold
My heart stop beatin' and my hands got cold
Well my heart stop beatin' Lord my hands got cold
Wasn't long till I saw what the Bible told.


Have you ever heard a coffin sound?
Have you ever heard a coffin sound?
Have you ever heard a coffin sound?
Then you know that the poor boy's in the ground.


Oh dig my grave with a silver spade.
Well dig my grave with a silver spade.
Well dig my grave with a silver spade.
You may leave me down with a golden chain.


Have you ever heard the church bells toll?
Have you ever heard the church bells toll?
Have you ever heard those church bells toll?
Then you know that the poor boy's dead and gone.