Blind Willie Mctell Lyrics - Dylan (3cd) - Bob Dylan

Seen the arrow on the doorpost 

saying, "this land is condemned 

all the way from new orleans 

to jerusalem." 

i traveled through east texas 

where many martyrs fell 

and i know no one can sing the blues 

like blind willie mctell 

Well, i heard the hoot owl singing 

as they were taking down the tents 

the stars above the barren trees 

were his only audience 

them charcoal gypsy maidens 

can strut their feathers well 

but nobody can sing the blues 

like blind willie mctell 

See them big plantations burning 

hear the cracking of the whips 

smell that sweet magnolia blooming 

(and) see the ghosts of slavery ships 

i can hear them tribes a-moaning 

(i can) hear the undertaker's bell 

(yeah), nobody can sing the blues 

like blind willie mctell 

There's a woman by the river 

with some fine young handsome man 

he's dressed up like a squire 

bootlegged whiskey in his hand 

there's a chain gang on the highway 

i can hear them rebels yell 

and i know no one can sing the blues 

like blind willie mctell 

Well, god is in heaven 

and we all want what's his 

but power and greed and corruptible seed 

seem to be all that there is 

i'm gazing out the window 

of the st. james hotel 

and i know no one can sing the blues 

like blind willie mctell 

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