Woody Guthrie

Lyrics

4 ContributorsDusty Old Dust (So Long It’s Been Good to Know Yuh) LyricsI've sung this song, but I'll sing it again
Of the place that I lived on the wild windy plains
In the month called April, county called Gray
And here's what all of the people there say:

(Chorus)
So long, it's been good to know yuh;
So long, it's been good to know yuh;
So long, it's been good to know yuh
This dusty old dust is a-gettin' my home
And I got to be driftin' along

A dust storm hit, an' it hit like thunder;
It dusted us over, an' it covered us under;
Blocked out the traffic an' blocked out the sun
Straight for home all the people did run
Singin':

(Chorus)

We talked of the end of the world, and then
We'd sing a song an' then sing it again
We'd sit for an hour an' not say a word
And then these words would be heard:

(Chorus)
You might also likeSweethearts sat in the dark and sparked
They hugged and kissed in that dusty old dark
They sighed and cried, hugged and kissed
Instead of marriage, they talked like this:
"Honey..."

(Chorus)

Now, the telephone rang, an' it jumped off the wall
That was the preacher, a-makin' his call
He said, "Kind friend, this may be the end;
An' you got your last chance of salvation of sin!"

The churches was jammed, and the churches was packed
An' that dusty old dust storm blowed so black
Preacher could not read a word of his text
An' he folded his specs, an' he took up collection
Said:

(Chorus)

Step back in time to the era of the Great Depression and experience the struggles faced by Americans in Woody Guthrie's timeless folk song, "Dusty Old Dust (So Long It's Been Good to Know Yuh)". Originally titled "So Long, It's Been Good to Know Yuh", this iconic composition was first released in 1935 as part of Guthrie's album, Dust Bowl Ballads. Considered one of Guthrie's finest creations, the song showcases his unique style and his ability to craft topical songs that shed light on the plight of the poor and downtrodden.

Often categorized as a "Dust Bowl ballad" by music critics, "Dusty Old Dust" draws inspiration from the experiences of farm workers in the Western United States during the harsh years of the Great Depression. The song explores the devastating effects of harsh weather and drought conditions on their lives. Guthrie himself witnessed the devastating Black Sunday dust storm of April 14, 1935, while residing in the town of Pampa, Texas. This firsthand experience adds a deep layer of authenticity to the song, allowing listeners to truly connect with the hardships faced by those living in that era.

One interesting aspect of "Dusty Old Dust" is its musical origins. Guthrie based the song on the music used in Carson Robison's "Ballad of Billy the Kid" from the 1930s. Making slight modifications and adding his own poignant lyrics, Guthrie transformed the melody into something uniquely his own. The song is written in a 3/4 time signature and features four-part harmony, adding to its charm and melodic appeal.

Although the song saw limited success during its initial release in the 1930s, it reached new heights of popularity in 1951 when it was revived and recorded by The Weavers. The Weavers' rendition of "Dusty Old Dust" featured different verses and resonated with audiences across the country. The song climbed to number four on the pop music charts in 1951, solidifying its status as one of The Weavers' staple tunes.

The enduring popularity of "Dusty Old Dust" is further exemplified by its appearances in popular culture. The song has been used as a closing song on the variety show, A Prairie Home Companion, often accompanied by additional comical verses penned by host Garrison Keillor. It also made a memorable appearance in an episode of the hit TV series M*A*S*H titled "Mr. and Mrs. Who?" In this episode, Hawkeye Pierce requests Father Mulcahy to play the song on the piano as they undo a drunken wedding ceremony for Major Winchester.

About Dusty Old Dust (So Long It’s Been Good to Know Yuh)

Dusty Old Dust (So Long It's Been Good to Know Yuh), originally titled "So Long, It's Been Good to Know Yuh", is an iconic folk song by Woody Guthrie. Released in 1935 as part of his album, Dust Bowl Ballads, the song showcases Guthrie's skill and increasing comfort with writing topical songs about the poor and downtrodden. It is often categorized as a "Dust Bowl ballad" due to its themes and reflects the harsh realities faced by Americans during the Great Depression, particularly farm workers in the Western United States.

Guthrie drew inspiration for "Dusty Old Dust" from the tragic experiences of those living through the Great Depression, including his own encounters with the devastating Black Sunday dust storm. The song vividly captures the struggles endured by the people affected by the severe weather and drought conditions. With heartfelt lyrics and a personal touch, Guthrie brings to life the hardships faced during that era, allowing listeners to empathize with the struggles of the time.

Another intriguing aspect of "Dusty Old Dust" is its musical origins. Guthrie took inspiration from Carson Robison's "Ballad of Billy the Kid", modifying the melody and adding his own lyrics. This transformation resulted in a mesmerizing composition that not only resonates with listeners but also showcases Guthrie's creativity as a songwriter. The 3/4 time signature and four-part harmony further enhance the song's enchanting qualities.

While "Dusty Old Dust" initially received modest attention upon its release in the 1930s, its popularity soared in 1951 when The Weavers recorded a version with different verses. The Weavers' rendition attracted a wide audience, reaching number four on the pop music charts. With this newfound recognition, the song became synonymous with The Weavers' repertoire, establishing itself as one of their most beloved and recognized tunes.

Beyond its musical success, "Dusty Old Dust" has left an indelible mark on popular culture. The song has become a familiar closing tune on the variety show A Prairie Home Companion, often featuring additional comical verses penned by host Garrison Keillor. It also made a memorable appearance in an episode of the beloved TV series M*A*S*H, where Hawkeye Pierce requested Father Mulcahy to play the song as they unraveled a comedic drunken wedding ceremony for Major Winchester.

With its timeless themes and soul-stirring melodies, "Dusty Old Dust (So Long It's Been Good to Know Yuh)" continues to captivate audiences and serve as a reminder of the hardships endured during the Great Depression. Woody Guthrie's masterful storytelling and musical prowess ensure that this song remains a cherished piece of American folk music history.

• Release Date: July 1940
• Artist: Woody Guthrie