Way Down That Lonesome Road (1928)
Lonnie Johnson · Complete Recorded Works 1925-32, Vol. 4-(1928-29) [1991]
Look down look down that long old lonesome road.
An' look up to the good Lord jus' before you go.
That's a long, that's a long, a long old tiresome road.
That's a long, it's a long, a long old tiresome road.
You'll find troubles and worry that you never found before.
Then look back, look back, and see what you leavin' all alone.
Then look back, look back, and see what you leavin' all alone.
To grieve and worry after the days you gone.
Then your days begin dreary, down that long old lonesome road.
And your days begin dreary down that long old lonesome road.
And you will say, "Lord have mercy, how much further I've got to go?"
That's a long old road, a long road that has no end.
That's a long old road, a lonesome road that has no end.
Then the blues will make you think about all your "right-hand" friends.
Way Down That Lonesome Road (1928)
Lonnie Johnson's 1928 recording of Way Down That Lonesome Road stands as a definitive example of early blues guitar mastery. As a pivotal figure in the transition from acoustic to electric blues, Johnson crafted a sound that influenced countless contemporaries and successors. This particular track captures the raw emotional depth characteristic of his work during the late 1920s, showcasing his fluid guitar technique and expressive vocal delivery. The song reflects the melancholic themes often explored in his extensive discography, which spans decades of jazz, blues, and rhythm and blues. Johnson's ability to convey profound sorrow and resilience through his music cemented his legacy as a versatile and enduring artist. This recording remains a vital piece of historical documentation for fans of the genre.