Merle Haggard - Narration #1 lyrics

When Jimmie Rodgers first sang California Blues he'd never been to the golden state. He wrote and recorded the song in October 1928 He always dreamed of touring California but tuberculosis kept him from making such a tour. Most of Jimmie's in person performances were in the area from Texas east and it was in this area that he knew the railroads and the railroaders and the bums that road the rods Jimmie had a special feeling for the hobo And he was always good for a touch by one of the knights of the road He knew their problems and he knew them well For Jimmie had hoboed many of the main lines himself.