Sundown Town
Album: Looking for a Better Way
By: Doug E. Rees
By: Doug E. Rees
Duration
4:11
Genres
Description
This song is written about the racial injustice that was endured by African Americans through-out the South. Specifically, this is the story behind the man in this cover art "Big Larry" as we call him. The first verse is his story word for word, moving from England to Kentucky at the age of 5 with his parents. His Father was of color and his Mother was white. This way of thinking must Stop!
Lyrics
He went shopping with his momma Walking 10' behind Cause he was black and she was lilly white He was only five years old didn't really understand But back then that's the way it had to be He'd play Baseball with his buddies Till the factory whistle blew Then soon the sun was going down Then he'd walk alone at sunset Past that city limit sign Of that Sundown Well he better not hang around When the sun went down In a Sundown town Every night on the front porch Of his house just down the road You could hear him sing and play guitar He used to sit outside the Barbershop On Friday afternoon And play for tips from people walking by He was every-bodies buddy Till the factory whistle blew Then soon the Sun was going down Then he'd walk alone at sunset Past that city limit sign Of that, Sundown Town Well he better not hang around When the sun went down In a Sundown Town He got discovered and he worked his to fame And the town, they were proud of their new Star They put his picture on a billboard And they took down the Sundown sign But that ain't changed a thing so far He still comes home on holidays to visit with his mom He signs autographs for people he don't know And the Barbershop gets busy when-ever he stops by To catch-up with his friends from yesterday Yes he's every-bodies buddy till the factory whistles blows And soon the sun is going down Then he walks alone at sunset Past that city limit sign of that Sundown Town He better not hang around When the sun goes down In a Sundown Town
