The State of Arkansas

[asimov13647]

I read the lyrics to this song in Lomax's book back in the 1960s. I had always wondered what the song sounded like. Now I know.

[TheFolksinger]

@asimov13647 Thanks for the comment. If you get the opportunity, try to hear Lee Hays sing this on some recording made during the time of The Weavers. He had exactly the right voice and "attitude" for the song.

[CJF28]

Could you tell me the chords to this song?

[TheFolksinger]

@CJF28 C to Am then F to C twice , then C to Am, C again, and then a quick F to C

At least on the first verse, then waffle around between the chords a bit and begin again.

[CJF28]

@TheFolksinger Sounds great, Thanks!

[TheFolksinger]

@CJF28 Most Welcome.

[celephais72]

@TheFolksinger I'm from Arkansas and still live here - I can tell you, it's pretty rough and wild still in the area I live! :D Very unsettled and I don't even get electricity out here - never have had it! I use solar panels to power my computer for a few hours a week, but otherwise, nothing! Truly "back-to-the-land"!

[TheFolksinger]

@celephais72 Must be a song or two that could come from your experiences. Cheers!

[TheErokese]

My papa used to sing this song to me when I was a very small boy. Thank you for posting it :)....bty from Kentucky 

[TheFolksinger]

@TheErokese Thanks for the response. Actually, of course, we know now that today's Arkansas is not quite so tough as in the past--that is unless you read some of these other comments. I, too, used to sing this song to my kids, and they, now grown, still seem to enjoy it.

[teamdoomii]

I was born in arkansas but my mom met this dumb ass so now i live in massachussets it feels good talking to arkansas people I miss all you and you guys are good people.

[TheFolksinger]

@teamdoomii I myself was a Michgander before heading for Cairo, Egypt. But I do believe the people in Arkansas are great people!

[teamdoomii]

@TheFolksinger Thanks Im glad you like it, You know you seem like you fit in well. Keep enjoying it, I miss arkansas so bad I wanna go back and im almost 16 and im buying a plane ticket back, and welcome to arkansas.

[jldnice112]

I have live here in arkansas all my life and i love this state aint much here but the scenary is great. I love the country life and country life so yeeeee hawwwwwwww

[TheFolksinger]

@jldnice112 I am sure the song is telling about times long gone by.  Hurray for Arkansas today!

[BubbaLee2]

@photolitherland TAKE YOUR BIG CITY ASS SOME WHERE ELSE!!! WE DONT WANT YOU ANYWAY CUNT--OH BY THE I DONT HUNT ANIMALS!!!!

[BubbaLee2]

@photolitherland YOU PIECE OF SHIT--THEY IN ARKANSAS KICKED YOUR SORRY ASS OUT OF IT THAT'S WHY!!!!

[TheFolksinger]

I don't have the song in another format, except as an iMovie on the computer. There are steps you can take to download this sort of file as an MP3 or 4 online.

Thanks for the query.

[fenderbuzzer]

this isnt the arkansas traveler... :P still good job. on the state of arkansas

[TheFolksinger]

You are correct, as the title is usually The State of Arkansas. But, hey, I'm getting old, and sometimes forget titles as well as words.

And the singer DID travel to Arkansas.

Thanks for pointing this out. The videos under Related will also correct it for those who pursue music about Arkansas.

[tassypuss]

The song title isn't actually "Arkansas Traveler" but "The State of Arkansas". Yet the nice playing! I had never imagined that I could hear someone covering Lee Hays on YouTube. Bravo.

[TheFolksinger]

Thanks. Sounds to me like you might be right, specially since there is another song with the AT title. But that is the title I always knew this song as. Lee Hays was a favorite of mine from the first time I heard The Weavers.

[tassypuss]

Lee is my favorite Weaver, too. Though I'm not the generation, I've been attracted to this rebellious son of a Southern preacher man ever since I read his biographical book, "Lonesome Traveler: The Life of Lee Hays".

[TheFolksinger]

I've got to read it. Thanks for making me aware of it.

[tarmenmin]

Well done;) Sounds great!

[TheFolksinger]

Thanks for the encouragement.

[TheFolksinger]

I haven't been there recently, so for me, this song is "ancient" history. I'd like to go there now, and see if anything has changed.

[obliviousninja]

I haven't heard this song is forever. Gosh. My grandpa indentifys with this song, it describes his childhood, if not his life time. Thanks for uploading.

[TheFolksinger]

You're welcome. I'm definitely in the grandpa stage.

[revoltagainsttheodds]

I liked it. It kind of brings you back down to earth.....very cool man!

[rufzator]

very nice man, loved it :D

got tabs? xD

thx

[TheFolksinger]

thanks. Sorry, but I have no tabs: still the chords are easy. C, Am, F, G7. Walk around between them.

Sort of like the banjo player who, when asked if he read notes, said: "Ain't no notes on a banjo, you just play it."

[rufz0r]

ok, thanks hehehe

[DennisBeatty]

Yes very nice enjoyed it very much

[TheFolksinger]

"Raw" is a compliment I appreciate a lot. Lee Hays had a really "raw" way of singing, and still does when I hear him in my head. Thanks.

[Spektator100]

raw and beautiful/ cheers

[Ansalems]

No wonder you have never forgotten this song! I won't either. Great job, enjoyed your voice and picking.

Carolyn

[rghoyos]

very nice