May I Sleep In Your Barn Tonight Mister

Hank Thompson · Other Songs - Hank Thompson

One night it was dark and it was storming when along

came a tramp in the rain

He was making his way to some station to catch a long distance train



May I sleep in your barn Mister it is cold lying out on the ground

And the cold north wind is whistling and I have no place to lie down

Now I have no tobacco nor matches and I'm sure I can cause you no harm

I will tell you my story kind Mister for it runs through

my heart like a storm



It was three years ago just last summer I shall never forget that sad day

When a stranger came out from the city and said that he wanted to stay

Now the stranger was fair tall and handsome and he

looked like a man who had wealth

And he wanted to stay in the country said he wanted to stop for his health



One night as I came from my workshop I was whistling and singing with joy

I expected a kind hearty welcome from my sweet loving wife and my boy

But what did I find but a letter it was placed in my room on the stand

And the moment my eyes fell upon it I picked it right up in my hand



Now this note said my wife and the stranger had left and had taken my son

Oh I wonder if God up in heaven only knows what this stranger has done

May I sleep in your barn Mister it is cold lying out on the ground

And the cold north wind is a whistling and I have no place to lie down

May I Sleep In Your Barn Tonight Mister

Hank Thompson's 1957 recording of 'May I Sleep In Your Barn Tonight Mister' stands as a defining example of country-western storytelling, blending traditional folk themes with a distinct Texas twang. The song, released on the Sun label, captures the weary spirit of a traveling musician seeking shelter and rest, reflecting the hardships faced by rural workers during the post-war era. With its simple yet evocative melody and Thompson's characteristic vocal delivery, the track became a staple of the genre, influencing countless subsequent country artists who explored similar narratives of isolation and longing. Its enduring popularity highlights the song's ability to resonate with audiences across generations, cementing Hank Thompson's legacy as a master of the acoustic country sound.