We’ve updated our Terms of Use to reflect our new entity name and address. You can review the changes here.
We’ve updated our Terms of Use. You can review the changes here.

The Ballad of Dirty Old Joe Brown

from BLACKMAIL by The Redlight District

supported by
hermespan71
hermespan71 thumbnail
/

  • Streaming + Download

    Includes high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more. Paying supporters also get unlimited streaming via the free Bandcamp app.
    Purchasable with gift card

      name your price

     

  • Buy the Full Digital Album

lyrics

Now all of the people were gathered around down by the steeple in the center of the town to witness the hanging of dirty old Joe Brown, that preacher man who drank that whiskey shot his woman down; the executioner – cowl on his head, to hide-away an ancient face of restless nights in bed, is summoned to the gallows to earn himself some bread and hang his beloved preacher man until he’s limp and dead; the people cried and spit and whistled, them hearts was black as coal; the executioner wondered who now was gonna save his soul; the mayor took his hat off, said this man has got to go – them people need an example, come on now feed him to the crows; well he stepped to the lever – let me tell you what he done, he reached inside his waistcoat and pulled him out his gun, and he said, “Don’t you forget now just how the West was won” and he shot that mayor in his head and he rode-off into the sun; the moral of this story is he lived without regret – when asked about that day, he’ll say, “My boy don’t you forget” then he’ll crack himself a smile and he’ll light a cigarette, and he’ll say, “I’m the fucking law, my friend” and that’s as good as you’re gonna get

credits

from BLACKMAIL, released November 22, 2017
Vocals/Harmonica: Stephan Sams
Gang Vocals: Ravi Lamb, Dan Leitner, Keoki Thompson, Nicky Sadler (of The Lower 48), Joshua Huver, Zen Perry, Christopher Young, J.P. Whalen, Sarah Hatfield, Juno Lueck

license

all rights reserved

tags

about

The Redlight District image

The Redlight District Santa Cruz, California

The band is Stephan Sams (vocals), Ravi Lamb (lead guitar), Dan Leitner (keyboards), and Keoki Thompson (drums). Their frenetic live performances blend elements of delta blues, jazz rock, and soul, weaving meticulously embellished, percussive guitar lines with dynamically intricate rock-organ. These provide a backdrop for Sams' baritone croon, which moves from tranquil melody into manic wails. ... more

contact / help

Contact The Redlight District

Streaming and
Download help

Redeem code

Report this track or account

The Redlight District recommends:

If you like The Redlight District, you may also like:

Bandcamp Daily  your guide to the world of Bandcamp

On Bandcamp Radio

Featuring Riley Pinkerton (aka The Rat Queen) from the theatrical NYC rockers, Castle Rat.
listen now