Mr Tom Hughes’ Town (236-B-3) Lead Belly

"Mr. Tom Hughes’ Town" by Lead Belly is a folk-blues song released in 1940. The lyrics reflect themes of struggle and resilience, depicting the hardships faced by the working class in a town dominated by authority and oppression. Lead Belly's powerful vocals and acoustic guitar create an authentic, raw sound that captures the spirit of the era. The song is notable for its storytelling style and social commentary, resonating with listeners and influencing future folk and blues musicians. #FolkBlues

Hear this song I composed 'bout Mr Hughes's town
Better known as Shreveport, Louisiana
My mama didn't want me to go to Tom Hughes's town
But I wanted to go all my life
She said something might happen to me
And I wanted to go down on Fannin Street
You couldn't go down there with long short pants on
You had to put on long pants
And she wouldn't know where I was going
But I stepped outdoors
And here's what I said to my mama

Follow me down
Follow me down
Follow me down by
Mr. Tom Hughes' town

When I walked out
Mama run and caught me by the arm
My mama told me
She said, "Women in Shreveport
Gonna be the death of you"

I told my mama
"Mama, you don't know
Women in Shreveport kill me
Why don't you let me go?"

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