White House Blues

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White House Blues
Traditional

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The White House Blues is an american folk (or old-time) song, which is a standard in string bands. Its first known recording dates back to 1926, when Charlie Poole and the North Carolina Ramblers cut it for Columbia Records in New York City. Other artists, who performed the song are Bill Monroe, Doc Watson, Merle Travis, the Dillards, the Stanley Brothers, the Del McCoury Band and the New Lost City Ramblers.

The following are the lyrics by Bill Monroe. There may be differences between the different versions.

370421White House BluesTraditional

McKinley hollered , McKinley squalled
Doc said “McKinley I can't find the cause
You're bound to die, you're bound to die"

Doc told the horse, he'd throw down his rein
He said to the horse you gotta outrun this train
From Buffalo to Washington

The doc came a-running, he took off his specs
Said “Mr Mckinley better cash in your checks
You've bound to die, you're bound to die"

Look here, you rascal, you see what you've done
Shot down my husband and I've got your gun
I'm carrying you back, to Washington

Well, Roosevelt's in the White House, doing his best
McKinley's in the graveyard taking his rest
He's gone, for a long time