Nitty Gritty Dirt Band - Catfish John Lyrics






Mama said: 'Don't go near that river'
'Don't be hanging around old Catfish John'
'Come the morning, I'd always be there'
'Walking in his footsteps in the sweet Delta dawn'.

Born a slave in the town of Vicksburg, traded for a chestnut mare
Lord, he never spoke in anger though his load was hard to bear.

Mama said: 'Don't go near that river'
'Don't be hanging around old Catfish John'
'Come the morning, I'd always be there'
'Walking in his footsteps in the sweet Delta dawn'.

Catfish John was a river hobo who lived and died by the river bed
Thinking back, I still remember I was proud to be his friend.

Mama said: 'Don't go near that river'
'Don't be hanging around old Catfish John'
'Come the morning, I'd always be there'
'Walking in his footsteps in the sweet Delta dawn'.

Let me dream in another morning, to a time so long ago
When the sweet magnolia blossomed, cotton fields as white as snow.

Mama said: 'Don't go near that river'
'Don't be hanging around old Catfish John'
'Come the morning, I'd always be there'
'Walking in his footsteps in the sweet Delta dawn'.

'Come the morning, I'd always be there'
'Walking in his footsteps in the sweet Delta dawn'.





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Nitty Gritty Dirt Band Catfish John Comments
  1. J.... W....

    Great old song. Allison and the group are flawless as always.

  2. A.... B....

    Amazing

  3. T.... C....

    Can somebody please tell me what concert this is?

    Edit: I found it, it's "Will the Circle Be Unbroken Trilogy LIVE 2003"

  4. p.... ....

    Angelic

  5. M.... S....

    Nice tune and very well played. Doesn't get any better than this !

  6. J.... C....

    Mellow song, great version with Allisons lovely voice.

  7. B.... H....

    What an ensemble sound! How do they get that?

  8. N.... V....

    When I found this, I loved it and still do. I must have played it 100 times and will do some more. These people are each SO talented on their own. Then put together they are INCREDIBLE! Could use a lot more of this kind of music done so well.

  9. e.... ....

    When a quiet song brings you back from whatever chores you were doing.

  10. H.... M....

    Alison is the greatest love you for ever

  11. F.... J....

    EXCELENTE ...

  12. T.... C....

    One of those songs that can reach deep in side of the heart were some say Angles fear to tread.

    Seen through the eyes of a child who had no greed or hate in his heart but saw a man who could have been his grandfather if white but was born a slave and became his friend a man with honor with no hate who look out for the young,


    At times we wonder if this song was born from the hart or base on a true story and put to words from someone with a heart to honor his memory


    We may never know but talks of a mothers love for her child and the honor of a man who had no hate in his heart and the love of life and became a friends to a young child who's mine was open to life


    Thanks for posting

  13. J.... K....

    Tap that ass is what Imma thinking

  14. C.... ....

    Johnny Russell sang Catfish John originally

  15. w.... ....

    Allison's voice is perfect for this song. She has such control and depth.

  16. R.... H....

    There is a stage smile and then the really into it grin. At 2:12 Allisons smile is pure pleasure of the music. I seem Mark Knopfler do that at times when the band is really cooking and the music just takes over.

  17. R.... H....

    God what a cast. Perfect doesn't do justice.

  18. H.... H....

    Best version ever heard. Outstanding!

  19. R.... H....

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iFM87MLc4Oo ORIGINAL LOVE SONG BEAUTIFUL

  20. T.... B....

    The boxer Allyson Krause

  21. V.... B....

    Xxxxxsssßaaa+ see Sheila yeah

  22. B.... D....

    Would have been much better if John McCuen had stayed STONED in his hotel room. We had him on "Fire On The Mountain," and he was an undisciplined SHIT to work with. . . .His banjo break was LAME in this cut, too. Did I mention that I can't stand the ARROGANT S.O.B. ?????

  23. c.... ....

    How can you not love this music?

    c.... ....

    nice song

  24. A.... W....

    I’m here bc of up and vanished lol

  25. W.... R....

    Love to listen to Randy pick......

  26. A.... A....

    I love any song with Jerry Douglas playing on it!

  27. R.... H....

    Finer than frog hair and that's mighty fine. Catfish John and Ginseng Sullivan two the finest songs ever written.

  28. Q.... F....

    super tight performance. brilliant harmonies and backing. great track

  29. C.... ....

    Jerry Douglas!!!!

  30. A.... M....

    I've only recently come across this song and love it, Alison Krauss has a voice of silk and would rate her voice amongst the best,

  31. R.... V....

    I listen to this song early in the morning on my way into work! I listen to it on my way to the river when we fish everyday, full blast too I don’t care how early it is. It’s just simply awesome. I have a friend named pat that I fish with and I always change the words to mamma said don’t be hangin round cat fish pat haha he hates cat fish too 😆 beautiful song

    R.... V....

    Right on fishing brother!

  32. N.... N....

    This song made sob broken heartedly for Cat Fish John 😢😥😥😥😥😥😰😰😰😰😰😭😭😭😭

  33. R.... M....

    It doesn’t get any better than this.....could listen and try and play along with them forever!

  34. I.... M....

    Nice seeing Randy in the mix

  35. A.... S....

    amazing

  36. C.... B....

    I was working in Stockton, CA next to a river and on the other side were were some river hobo's and I caught a big ass gopher snake and they started yelling at me to toss it across. So I did and it didn't make it all the way. One of them jumped in the river and actually caught it. Those folks must have been pretty damn hungry.

  37. D.... M....

    Randy, Alison, Jerry, John and the NGDB...doesn't get any better!

  38. R.... H....

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8d6-HsKtaGs Mandolin Bang ON the EARS

  39. M.... X....

    YTuuuccchhhh. Uggghhh.

  40. C.... M....

    Perfect!

  41. B.... O....

    Just because John was born a slave and traded for a horse doesn't mean you all get to get your knickers in a 21st century wad.
    It's simply love for a white child to a poor old black man.
    Just let it be what it is, a beautiful thing.

  42. g.... l....

    Yes....I would!

  43. p.... ....

    Johnny Russell wrote this RIP Johnny..

    p.... ....

    Bob McGill wrote it.

  44. H.... M....

    Greatest song and voice. Love you Alison for ever

  45. R.... M....

    Greatest voice..... love Allison

  46. B.... B....

    What a beautifully harmonized rendition of a Blue Grass standard. Man...so lovely it brings a tear to the eyes of anyone who appreciates the sweet versatility of American music, and the diversity of cultures it represents.😢

  47. K.... W....

    I could listen to this over & over 500 times

    K.... W....

    Think I already did

  48. M.... R....

    Alison is an exceptional musician and beautiful, angelic vocalist and a good violinist. I fell in love with her ...

  49. G.... K....

    Jerry Garcia has an incredible version of this.

    G.... K....

    both are badass

  50. B.... ....

    Is this on a recording?

  51. R.... K....

    Weeping...

  52. m.... d....

    that purling banjo puts you right on the bank of the sweet old Mississippi

  53. F.... Z....

    What a combo - Allison and the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band ! !

  54. W.... B....

    A perfect little masterpiece. Alison so delicate and understated. Douglas' tiny statements between lines are pure joy. And Jeff Hanna can sing anything at all. Why has NGDB not received more acclaim?

    W.... B....

    They had a good bit of acclaim, quite a bit actually, when I was in HS 45 years ago! Consummate musicians and performers.

  55. G.... D....

    Perfection! Alison has such an angelic voice, I swear I could listen to her sing the dictionary and still be in awe!

  56. F.... A....

    This beautiful BLUEGRASS / Country video has been added to my "FAVORITES" playlist. Happy day. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnlPzxiUNUA * D I X I E * (Country / Rock Guitar)

  57. F.... A....

    Subscription ... 2084 ...! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ldTTVrfP3iY * FIREBALL MAIL * (From a Bluegrass song - to a Country song)

  58. F.... A....

    A beautiful bunch of musician friends who delight the audience with their beautiful songs and their soft and gentle voices. Congratulations and greetings from Italy. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6aJdhOfzSME * AMERICAN PATROL * (Glenn Miller - Guitar version)

  59. C.... A....

    Beyond outstanding!!!

  60. D.... P....

    She and they are amazing - whatever happened to music - we miss the good stuff like this.

  61. D.... M....

    Just know I love you!

  62. c.... f....

    What a beautiful smile. Unrivalled talent this gorgeous girl has got 👍👍

  63. J.... E....

    Jerry approves

  64. G.... L....

    Don't get no better !!!!

  65. P.... F....

    I love to watch Jeff Hanna & Alison Krauss be alive & singing in the same world I'm in.

  66. S.... K....

    I am immersed in pleasure while listening to this wonderful song .

    From Tokyo in the dizzying Megalopolis ablaze with neon

    Which national are you watching this video ?

    S.... K....

    I learned to like Bloo

    S.... K....

    @Robert Ewalt
    Thank-you very much to your reply !
    How is your condition and your country ?
    Take care of yourself
    Good luck

    S.... K....

    I lived in Tokyo for a couple of years in the 1970’s. Got into this kind of music there.

    S.... K....

    @Robert Ewalt
    Thank-you very much to your reply !
    Take care of yourself
    Good luck !
    I am reading 「 le miserable 」 and 「 the loneliness of 100 years 」and 司馬遷の史記の列伝。
    So long

  67. R.... B....

    The most beautiful woman in the world as far as I’m concerned. Love the NGDB too especially their work with Jimmy Ibbotson.

    R.... B....

    She is easy on the eyes for a fact.

  68. J.... H....

    Obviously 293 dead people.....!

  69. L.... W....

    Wow. B 4 the nose job!! Way back.....

  70. g.... z....

    So great so lovely composed.
    Therefore this song sounds fantastically beautiful.

  71. R.... C....

    What a sweet sentiment!  Allison is my favorite U.S.A. female singer.  I attended a Nitty-Gritty show in Sonoma or Lake County, CA years ago -- LOVED IT!  Great country-swing tune with enough goodwill to warm our hearts!  Love, Cav.  *

  72. J.... A....

    Perfect pickin’

  73. J.... ....

    "Catfish John"

    Mama said: 'Don't go near that river'
    'Don't be hanging around old Catfish John'
    'Come the morning, I'd always be there'
    'Walking in his footsteps in the sweet Delta dawn'.

    Born a slave in the town of Vicksburg, traded for a chestnut mare
    Lord, he never spoke in anger though his load was hard to bear.

    Mama said: 'Don't go near that river'
    'Don't be hanging around old Catfish John'
    'Come the morning, I'd always be there'
    'Walking in his footsteps in the sweet Delta dawn'.

    Catfish John was a river hobo who lived and died by the river bed
    Thinking back, I still remember I was proud to be his friend.

    Mama said: 'Don't go near that river'
    'Don't be hanging around old Catfish John'
    'Come the morning, I'd always be there'
    'Walking in his footsteps in the sweet Delta dawn'.

    Let me dream in another morning, to a time so long ago
    When the sweet magnolia blossomed, cotton fields as white as snow.

    Mama said: 'Don't go near that river'
    'Don't be hanging around old Catfish John'
    'Come the morning, I'd always be there'
    'Walking in his footsteps in the sweet Delta dawn'.

    'Come the morning, I'd always be there'
    'Walking in his footsteps in the sweet Delta dawn'.

    J.... ....

    Mac Wiseman original

  74. x.... ....

    Catfish John always in my cell phone ringtone list..

  75. T.... L....

    Makes my hair on my arms stand up every time I hear that angelic voice!

  76. T.... L....

    Alison Krauss,voice like an angel, talented beyond our expectation. She is a wow girl

  77. M.... W....

    Check out the Blacks version of this song!

  78. I.... ....

    Good song

  79. G.... H....

    Was für eine großartige Alison Krauss , sie poliert meine Seele, das können eigentlich nur Engel .

  80. M.... G....

    A stunning display of insipid mediocrity. I'll go and drink my weak, lukewarm tea now.

  81. S.... K....

    .This song is irrelevant to oblivion in years .
    This song keep transcending the times and moving our heart deeply .


    From Tokyo in the dizzying Megalopolis ablaze with neon lights

    Which national are you watching this video ?

  82. R.... A....

    Wonderful song.

  83. K.... E....

    Alison Kraus Champaign,Illinois very own and I know Champaign,Illinois is my home.

  84. D.... L....

    Congratulations,Alison!! Your voice is the eighth wonder of the world,of course!!

  85. J.... W....

    Anybody recognize the banjo player? John McEuen, the original String Wizard!

    J.... W....

    He is a member of NGDB.

  86. J.... W....

    Randy Scruggs one of the most over looked guitarist of all time. RIP

    J.... W....

    Saw him as a young shredder with his father's band, wow. His playing here is really tasty.

  87. T.... M....

    All I can say is WOW!!!!!

  88. g.... l....

    Alison B fine....and talented too!....: )

  89. b.... ....

    Beautiful Band and singers . LorraineG.

  90. R.... C....

    Love it!  * Cav *

  91. P.... M....

    Ato cox children are taught prejudice not born with it, people could lean alot by watching their kids! Teach them that we are all brothers and sisters in the eyes of the Lord

  92. D.... D....

    God's cutest little Angel on earth !

  93. M.... G....

    Good Luck Chuck

  94. H.... H....

    Love this song. she sings it in a perfect way. like an angel. sure she is

  95. d.... ....

    In these troubled times, we need to hold on to a few old fashioned sentiments about standing true for our fellow humans. Never feel ashamed of family and friends as they last through the howling winds of political turmoil.

  96. P.... B....

    who the heck didn't like this ???? GREAT bluegrass!

  97. G.... S....

    Very soothing tune. Particularly the harmonies.

  98. H.... ....

    Grew up down around Salt River, Shepherdsville Kentucky. This song is so close to home its comforting......