Killin' the Blues

Young Man with Guitar - by Leo

(acrylic on canvas - photographed)

Young Man with Guitar - by Leo

(special effects added to photo image)

Of all the many versions I've heard of this song, my favorite is by Chris Smither.  John Prine has an excellent version on his Pink Cadillac album, which, in my opinion, comes in as a close second to Smither's version. I've heard a very poorly videotaped version of a live performance by Rowland Salley himself, but it does not do this song justice.  I would like to hear Roly sing Killing the Blues on his studio produced cd of the same name, but I wouldn't buy an album for just one song however wonderful that song might be. And truthfully, I like Chris's version much better.  It always stops me dead in my tracks, it speaks to me, I sit up and pay attention.   I think it's the simple, straight forward delivery,  no pretense or piddling,  no bells and whistles, nothing and no one to back him up;  just a man with his guitar and his clear, deep, hauntingly incredible voice. It's the kind of voice you would expect to hear coming from an arch angel.

Killing The Blues   written by Roly Salley
 

E                    Esus      E       Esus
Leaves were falling  just like embers
E                                     A
In colors red and gold they set us on fire   
A                 E         
Burning just like moonbeams in our eyes
B7                        E                         A
Somebody said they saw me swinging the world by the tail
A               E           B7             E     Esus
Bouncing over a white cloud    killing the blues
 

E                Esus    E    Esus
Now I am guilty  of something...
E
I hope you never do
                 A
Because there is nothing
                       E
Sadder than losing yourself in love
B7                        E                         A
Somebody said they saw me swinging the world by the tail
A               E           B7             E     Esus
Bouncing over a white cloud    killing the blues

SOLO

E                    Esus    E         Esus  
And then you ask me  just to leave you

To set out on my own   
               A
And get what I need to
               E
You want me to find what I've already had
B7                        E                         A
Somebody said they saw me swinging the world by the tail
A               E           B7             E     Esus E
Bouncing over a white cloud    killing the blues

(tabs, chords, lyrics from cowboylyrics.com)