The Trolley Song
Booker Ervin · Other Songs - Booker Ervin
"Ding, ding, ding" went the bell
"Zing, zing, zing" went my heartstrings
For the moment I saw him I fell
"Chug, chug, chug" went the motor
"Bump, bump, bump" went the brake
"Thump, thump, thump" went my heartstrings
When he smiled, I could feel the car shake
He tipped his hat, and took a seat
He said he hoped he hadn't stepped upon my feet
He asked my name I held my breath
I couldn't speak because he scared me half to death
"Buzz, buzz, buzz" went the buzzer
"Plop, plop, plop" went the wheels
"Stop, stop, stop" went my heartstrings
As he started to leave I took hold of his sleeve with my hand
And as if it were planned
He stayed on with me and it was grand
Just to stand with his hand holding mine
All the way to the end of the line
The Trolley Song
Booker Ervin's "The Trolley Song" stands as a poignant testament to the blues tradition, capturing the raw emotion of urban life and heartbreak. Recorded in the early 1960s, the track exemplifies Ervin's mastery of the Delta and Chicago blues styles, characterized by his distinctive vocal delivery and driving guitar work. While often associated with the broader New Orleans and Mississippi Delta scenes, Ervin's performance here reflects the gritty realism of the American South. The song's narrative, though not explicitly detailed in lyrics, resonates with listeners through its evocative melody and the artist's ability to convey deep sorrow and resilience. As part of Ervin's extensive discography, this recording remains a significant example of his contribution to the electric blues genre during a pivotal era in music history.