Billy Base

SONG INFORMATION

Origin: Traditional (South, Southeast US, early 1900's)
"Way Downtown" was adapted from the traditional songs known by "Late Last Night, Way Down Town", and "Slippin' and A-Sliding with My New Shoes On".
First recording and first release as Last Night When My Willie Come Home by Uncle Dave Macon (1926)
Also released by The New Lost City Ramblers (1960)
Released as "Way Downtown" by Doc Watson (1962)

LYRICS

Way downtown just foolin’ around
Took me to the jail
It’s oh me and it’s oh my
No one to go my bail

It was late last night when Willie came home
I heard him a-rapping on the door
He’s a-slipping and a-sliding with his new shoes on
Mamma said Willie don’t you rap no more

Way downtown just foolin’ around
Took me to the jail
It’s oh me and it’s oh my
No one to go my bail

I wish I was over at my sweet Sally’s house
Sittin’ in that big armed chair
One arm around this old guitar
And the other one around my dear

Way down town just foolin’ around
Took me to the jail
It’s oh me and it’s oh my
No one to go my bail

Now, its one old shirt is all that I got
And a dollar is all that I crave
I brought nothing with me into this old world
Ain’t gonna take nothing to my grave

Way down town just foolin’ around
Took me to the jail
It’s oh me and it’s oh my
No one to go my bail