The Ballad Of Curtis Loew by Vikings Cowboys

What is the story behind the song Curtis Loew? The song, written by Van Zant and Allen Collins, tells the story of a young boy who collected bottles to raise money so the old man who hung out at the corner store could play his dobro. Curtis Loew was fictional, but the store was real. Lynyrd Skynyrd cover Album: Second Helping Released: 1974 --------------------LYRICS----------- “The Ballad Of Curtis Loew“ Well I used to wake the morning before the rooster crowed Searching for soda bottles to get myself some dough Brought ’em down to the corner, down to the country store Cash ’em in and give my money to a man named Curtis Loew Old Curt was a black man with white curly hair When he had a fifth of wine he did not have a care He used to own an old dobro, used to play it across his knee I’d give old Curt my money, he’d play all day for me [Chorus] Play me a song Curtis Loew, Curtis Loew I got your drinking money, tune up your dobro People said he was useless, them people are the fools ’Cause Curtis Loew was the finest picker to ever play the blues He looked to be sixty, and maybe I was ten Mama used to whip me but I’d go see him again I’d clap my hands, stomp my feets, try to stay in time He’d play me a song or two Then take another drink of wine. [Chorus] Yes sir On the day old Curtis died, nobody came to pray Ol’ preacher said some words, and they chunked him in the clay But he lived a lifetime playin’ the black man’s blues And on the day he lost his life, that’s all he had to lose Play me a song Curtis Loew, Hey Curtis Loew I wish that you was here so everyone would know People said he was useless, them people all are fools ’Cause Curtis you’re the finest picker to ever play the blues Writer(s): Ron Van Zant, Allen Collins AZLyrics L Lynyrd Skynyrd Lyrics album: “Second Helping“ (1974)