Well, I used to wake the mornin'
Before the rooster crowed
Searchin' for soda bottles
Run 'em down to the corner
Down to the country store
Cash 'em in, and give my money
To a man named Curtis Loew
When he had a fifth of wine
He used to own an old Dobro
Used to play it 'cross his knee
I'd give old Curt my money
Well, I got your drinkin' money
People said he was useless
Them people all were fools
'Cause Curtis Loew was the finest picker
I'd clap my hands, stomp my feet
He'd play me a song or two
Then take another drink of wine
Well, I got your drinkin' money
People said he was useless
Them people all were fools
'Cause Curtis Loew was the finest picker
On the day old Curtis died
Ol' preacher said some words
And they chunked him in the clay
Well, 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
Curtis Loew, hey Curtis Loew
I wish that you was here so
People said he was useless
Them people all were fools
'Cause Curtis you're the finest picker