May I Sleep In Your Barn Tonight Mister
Hank Thompson · Other Songs - Hank Thompson
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.

