HOBO'S LULLABY - Goebel Reeves
Sung by Woody Guthrie and Cisco Houston. SheetMusic(pdf)
Go to sleep, you weary hobo
Let the towns drift slowly by;
Listen to the steel rails humming
That's the hobo's lullaby.
Do not think about tomorrow;
Let tomorrow come and go.
Tonight you have a nice warm boxcar
Free from all the ice and snow.
I know the police cause you trouble
They cause trouble everywhere
But when you die and go to heaven
There'll be no policemen there
I know your clothes are torn and ragged
And your hair is turning grey
Lift your head and smile at trouble
You'll find happiness some day
Now do not let your heart be troubled
If the world calls you a bum;
'Cause if your mother lives, she loves you
Well, you are still your mother's son.
Written by Goebel Reeves, this song was a favorite of Woody Guthrie and Cisco Houston. The tune is nearly identical to the popular Civil War era song "Just before the Battle, Mother" and reminiscent of the Carter Family song "Thinking Tonight Of My Blue Eyes." Cowboy's Lullabye (variant) sung by Goebel Reeves