(Mark Erelli) When I was a boy I went to hear this picker play I still recall his blue guitar Like it was yesterday I was a powder keg a-waitin' For someone to light the fuse He struck a match and I did catch The troubadour blues When I got my first guitar I played until my fingers bled Though my parents wished That I were doing something else instead I wish they'd understand It isn't something I can choose Oh mama I was born to sing The troubadour blues CHORUS Troubadour blues Troubadour blues All you need's a simple song Three chords and the truth Like Hank and Woody Townes and Jimmie Rodgers used to do Oh Lord I'm bound to ramble With those troubadour blues So I married me a woman But she's more like a saint She's alone 200 nights a year With nary a complaint Oh babe I hate to leave you lonely But I need to pay my dues Forgive me while I'm gone to sing The troubadour blues (CHORUS) The same old battle's raging All on down the line Why does it seem like nothing's changed Since Woody Guthrie's time? I ain't afraid to sing about those things You don't see on the news âCause there's plenty job security In the troubadour blues So let me thank you Mr. President To me you've been so kind For the well of inspiration Can dry up from time to time Each time you open up your mouth You give me something I can use Every day another reason For the troubadour blues CHORUS Troubadour blues Troubadour blues All you need's a simple song Three chords and the truth Like Hank and Woody Townes and David Carter used to do Oh Lord I'm bound to ramble