Cherokee Fiddle Lyrics
Johnny Lee
Lyrics
When the train pulled into the station
Rolled up his sleeves, resin's up his bow
Fiddle upside down, orange blossom special
'Cause if you want to make a living you got to put on a good show
When he'd smell the smoke and the cinders
Slick back his hair, opened up his case
Play Cherokee Fiddle, he'd play it for the whiskey
'Cause good whiskey never let him lose his place
He was always there, playing for the miners
Devil's dream was a song they understood
Then he'd go out to Oklahoma and he'd wait till the trains
Were running and the weather was good
When he'd smell the smoke and the cinders
Slick back his hair, opened up his case
Play Cherokee Fiddle, he'd play it for the whiskey
'Cause good whiskey never let him lose his place
Now the Indians are dressing up like cowboys
And the cowboys are putting feathers and turquoise on
And the music is sold by lawyers
And the fools who fiddled in the middle of the station have gone
Some folks say they ain't never gonna miss him
Old Fiddle squealed like the engines brakes
Cherokee Fiddle, he's gone forever
Just like the music of the whistle that the old locomotives made
So when you smell the smoke and the cinders
Slick back your hair, open up your case
Play the Cherokee Fiddle, play it for the whiskey
'Cause good whiskey will never let you lose your place
No, good whiskey will never let you lose your place
No, good whiskey will never let you lose your place
Song & Lyrics Facts
Johnny Lee is a classic Cherokee fiddle song performed by the folk group, Red Clay Ramblers. The album was released in 1980 and features traditional music from the Appalachian region of North America.
It includes songs such as "Cotton-Eyed Joe," "Cherokee Shuffle" and "The Old Home Place." The lyrics for Johnny Lee were written by singer/songwriter Jim Watson and feature vocalist Tommy Thompson on lead vocals. Other band members include Jack Herrick (fiddle), Bill Hicks (banjo) and Mike Craver (guitar). The song has become an iconic part of the Americana music movement, providing an important link between Native American culture and contemporary roots music. Its upbeat tempo and catchy chorus have made it a favorite among country, bluegrass and folk fans alike. In addition to appearing on the Red Clay Ramblers' self-titled debut album, Johnny Lee has also been covered by artists like Alison Krauss, Dolly Parton and Emmylou Harris.