Old Black Dog

I play "Old Black Dog," the first country blues song I learned how to play. Based on a an original recording by Dick Justice. Played on Mariah's 1897 Washburn Parlor. Also a really great version by Roy Bookbinder on his album Git-Fiddle Shuffle, if you get a chance to check it out.

Chords:
A (A7), D7, G7, C

Lyrics:

Chorus
Old Black dog when i'm gone gone gone, it's old black dog when i'm gone.
But when I get back with a 10 dollar bill, it's honey where you been so long.

Verses
I've been around all Kentucky, I've been around the state of Tennessee.
Where ever I hang my hat it's home sweet home to me.

My daddy was a gambler, he taught me how to play.
Told me to bet all my money, on the Aces and Jack of Spades.

Can you hear that train a'comin, carrying my casket it along
down towards that old grave yard where that grave's gonna be my new home.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Old Black Dog
• Dick Justice
• Ian Picco

[bossadude]

Thank you again for your generous reply.  One more question, if you don't mind. Washburn currently offers 3 models of parlor guitars that supposedly are similar to the late 1800's models. They all have a "Deep-V" neck that people seem to either love or hate. Does that model that you're playing have the "Deep-V" neck shape as well, and how do you feel about it? Thanks again! - Bob

[ianpicco]

@bossadude No problem Bob, The orignal model I'm playing does have a v neck, though not as deep as the remakes. However, that might be due the age of guitar. I personally find the v necks to be super comfortable to play. They force my fingers into more of a proper position for fretting, and actually improve my overall playing. It may be awkward feeling at first but you get used to it and may actually prefer it.

[ianpicco]

@bossadude Second part of response: I had a roommate that had one of the new Washburn Parlors and I played it every chance I got. I really liked it, and I'm going to by one myself once I can scrounge together the money. The guitar in the video was one I was "guitar sitting" for a friend for about 2 years. Unfortunately (for me) I had to return it to its rightful owner some time ago. I highly recommend the new Washburn Parlors, the have great sound and feel, and are affordably priced.

[bossadude]

Thank you very much for your prompt reply. Could you please narrow down what type of Aguila Nylgut strings you have. I went to their website, and it looks like there are several possiblilities of strings. Thanks again!

[ianpicco]

@bossadude I believe they are normal tension Alabastro strings. they give a great old time sound, especially if you're stringing an old parlor guitar.

[bossadude]

Sounds great! Could you please tell me what kind of strings you put on that old parlor guitar? Thanks!

[ianpicco]

@bossadude Aguila nylgut

[ianpicco]

@bossadude Aguila nylgut

[ianpicco]

@SinfonianMuse, Ok upon consulting my copy of Old-Time String Band Songbook, editied by Mike Seeger and John Cohen of New Lost City Ramblers, they mention "Old Black Dog" and "Black Dog Blues" in Reference to "Don't Let Your Deal Go Down." (Recorded by Charlie Poole) Other songs mentioned were "Last Gold Dollar" and "Crying Ellen." They say this family of songs is[was] popular amongst the old-timers of Virginia.

[ianpicco]

@SinfonianMuse, I also have never ran across music or mention of this song before. The only two recordings I've heard were by Dick Justice (1929) who was a white bluesman, who mimicked much of what he heard from the black blues musicians of the day, and by Roy Bookbinder, a multi-instrumentalist/old-time revivalist from the 70/80s. There's a different tune out there called Black Dog Blues/Rag. The version i sing here shares some similar lyrics with "Don't Let Your Deal Go Down"