Mississippi John Hurt was a legendary blues musician known for his soulful vocals, intricate fingerpicking, and masterful guitar playing. His music captured the essence of life in the American South during the early 20th century, with songs that ranged from mournful laments to playful tunes celebrating the simple pleasures of life. Hurt’s influence on the blues genre is immeasurable, with countless artists citing him as a major inspiration and his songs enduring as classics of the genre.
Choosing just 10 of the best Mississippi John Hurt songs is no easy task, as he wrote and performed so many incredible pieces throughout his career. However, certain songs stand out as particularly representative of his unique style and songwriting talent. “Stack O’ Lee Blues” is a haunting and powerful tale of a notorious gambler and murderer, while “Make Me a Pallet on Your Floor” is a tender and intimate plea for love and companionship. “Frankie and Johnny” tells the story of a tragic love affair that ends in murder, while “Candy Man” celebrates the simple joys of life. Other standout tracks include “Louis Collins,” “Ain’t No Tellin’,” “Monday Morning Blues,” “Richland Women Blues,” “Spike Driver Blues,” and “Payday.” Each song captures a different mood and tells a different story, showcasing the breadth of Hurt’s talent as a songwriter and musician.
1. “Payday”
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“Payday” is a classic blues song written and originally performed by the legendary Mississippi John Hurt. The song features Hurt’s signature fingerpicking style on his acoustic guitar, accompanied by his smooth, soulful vocals.
The song is a lament about the struggles of living paycheck-to-paycheck, with Hurt bemoaning the fact that he has to work hard all week only to be left with little to show for it when payday finally comes. Despite the hardships he faces, Hurt maintains a sense of dignity and perseverance, declaring that he’ll keep working hard until he’s able to make a better life for himself.
The melody is catchy and infectious, with a simple chord progression that perfectly complements the song’s lyrics. Hurt’s guitar playing is intricate and nuanced, showcasing his incredible skill as a musician.
2. “Monday Morning Blues”
“Monday Morning Blues” is a classic blues song written and originally performed by Mississippi John Hurt. The song tells the story of a man who wakes up on Monday morning, dreading the start of another week of work. Hurt’s soulful vocals and intricate fingerpicking on his acoustic guitar perfectly capture the melancholy mood of the lyrics.
Throughout the song, Hurt laments the monotony of everyday life and the grind of working for a living. He expresses his desire to escape from the mundane routine of his existence and find a more fulfilling path. Despite the song’s somber tone, Hurt’s delivery is infused with a sense of hopefulness and resilience, emphasizing the importance of pushing through difficult times.
The melody of “Monday Morning Blues” is simple yet captivating, with a steady rhythm that perfectly captures the feeling of trudging through another workday. Hurt’s guitar playing is masterful, with intricate flourishes and delicate picking that add depth and nuance to the song.
3. “Richland Women Blues”
“Richland Women Blues” is a classic blues song written and originally performed by Mississippi John Hurt. The song is a tribute to the women of Richland, Mississippi, and their unique spirit and charm. Hurt’s smooth, soulful vocals and intricate fingerpicking on his acoustic guitar create a laid-back and breezy vibe that perfectly captures the song’s subject matter.
Throughout the song, Hurt sings about the beauty and allure of Richland women, highlighting their strength, independence, and fierce spirit. He describes the way they move and the way they carry themselves, painting a vivid picture of their unique charm and charisma.
The melody of “Richland Women Blues” is catchy and infectious, with a lively rhythm that encourages listeners to tap their feet and nod their heads. Hurt’s guitar playing is masterful, with intricate fingerpicking patterns that add depth and texture to the song.
4. “Spike Driver Blues”
“Spike Driver Blues” is a classic blues song written and originally performed by Mississippi John Hurt. The song tells the story of a railroad worker, also known as a spike driver, who hammers nails into railroad ties. Hurt’s soulful vocals and intricate fingerpicking on his acoustic guitar create a haunting and melancholy mood that perfectly captures the song’s themes.
Throughout the song, Hurt sings about the backbreaking work of the spike driver, highlighting the physical toll it takes on the body and the toll it takes on the soul. He describes the loneliness and isolation of the job, as well as the hardships faced by those who work on the railroad.
The melody of “Spike Driver Blues” is haunting and mournful, with a slow, deliberate tempo that adds to the song’s somber mood. Hurt’s guitar playing is masterful, with delicate picking and intricate flourishes that add depth and nuance to the song.
5. “Ain’t No Tellin’”
“Ain’t No Tellin'” is a classic blues song written and originally performed by Mississippi John Hurt. The song features Hurt’s signature fingerpicking style on his acoustic guitar, accompanied by his smooth, soulful vocals.
The song is a rollicking, upbeat tune that tells the story of a man who’s fallen for a woman, but is unsure if she feels the same way. Hurt’s playful lyrics and lively guitar work create a sense of anticipation and excitement, as the man tries to figure out if he has a chance with the object of his affections.
The melody of “Ain’t No Tellin'” is catchy and infectious, with a driving rhythm that encourages listeners to tap their feet and nod their heads. Hurt’s guitar playing is masterful, with intricate fingerpicking patterns and subtle chord progressions that add depth and texture to the song.
6. “Stack O’ Lee Blues”
“Stack O’ Lee Blues” is a classic blues song written and originally performed by Mississippi John Hurt. The song tells the story of Stagger Lee, a notorious gambler and murderer who became a legendary figure in African American folklore. Hurt’s soulful vocals and intricate fingerpicking on his acoustic guitar create a haunting and mournful mood that perfectly captures the song’s themes.
Throughout the song, Hurt sings about the violent and tragic life of Stagger Lee, describing his ruthless behavior and his eventual downfall. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the criminal underworld of early 20th century America, and the desperate lives of those who lived on the fringes of society.
The melody of “Stack O’ Lee Blues” is mournful and somber, with a slow, deliberate tempo that adds to the song’s melancholy mood. Hurt’s guitar playing is masterful, with delicate picking and intricate flourishes that add depth and nuance to the song.
7. “Louis Collins”
“Louis Collins” is a classic blues song written and originally performed by Mississippi John Hurt. The song tells the story of a young man named Louis Collins, who dies tragically at the hands of his best friend. Hurt’s soulful vocals and intricate fingerpicking on his acoustic guitar create a haunting and mournful mood that perfectly captures the song’s themes.
Throughout the song, Hurt sings about the life and death of Louis Collins, describing his innocence and his tragic end. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the impact that Collins’ death has on those who knew him, and the sense of loss that is felt throughout the community.
The melody of “Louis Collins” is mournful and somber, with a slow, deliberate tempo that adds to the song’s melancholy mood. Hurt’s guitar playing is masterful, with delicate picking and intricate flourishes that add depth and nuance to the song.
8. “Make Me a Pallet on Your Floor”
“Make Me a Pallet on Your Floor” is a classic blues song written and originally performed by Mississippi John Hurt. The song is a heartfelt plea for love and companionship, with Hurt’s soulful vocals and intricate fingerpicking on his acoustic guitar creating a tender and intimate mood.
Throughout the song, Hurt sings about his desire to be close to the one he loves, and his willingness to do whatever it takes to be with them. He describes the simple pleasures of life, such as lying on a pallet on the floor, and how they can be made more meaningful by sharing them with someone special.
The melody of “Make Me a Pallet on Your Floor” is soothing and mellow, with a slow, deliberate tempo that emphasizes the song’s themes of intimacy and closeness. Hurt’s guitar playing is masterful, with delicate picking and subtle chord progressions that add depth and nuance to the song.
9. “Candy Man”
“Candy Man” is a classic blues song written and originally performed by Mississippi John Hurt. The song is a playful and upbeat tune that celebrates the joys of life, with Hurt’s soulful vocals and intricate fingerpicking on his acoustic guitar creating a lively and infectious mood.
Throughout the song, Hurt sings about the “Candy Man,” a charismatic figure who brings sweetness and pleasure wherever he goes. He describes the Candy Man’s many charms and the way that he spreads joy and happiness to all those around him.
The melody of “Candy Man” is catchy and upbeat, with a driving rhythm that encourages listeners to tap their feet and nod their heads. Hurt’s guitar playing is masterful, with intricate fingerpicking patterns and subtle chord progressions that add depth and texture to the song.
10. “Frankie and Johnny”
“Frankie and Johnny” is a classic blues song written and originally performed by Mississippi John Hurt. The song tells the story of a tragic love affair between two lovers, Frankie and Johnny. Hurt’s soulful vocals and intricate fingerpicking on his acoustic guitar create a haunting and mournful mood that perfectly captures the song’s themes.
Throughout the song, Hurt sings about the betrayal and heartbreak that ultimately lead to Frankie shooting and killing Johnny. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the tumultuous and passionate relationship between the two lovers, and the devastating consequences of their actions.
The melody of “Frankie and Johnny” is mournful and somber, with a slow, deliberate tempo that adds to the song’s melancholy mood. Hurt’s guitar playing is masterful, with delicate picking and intricate flourishes that add depth and nuance to the song.