Going Down the Road Feeling Bad - Chords, Lyrics and Origins

Origins

Going Down the Road Feeling Bad is a traditional American blues of great, but subtle charm.  There is a famous recording by Woody Guthrie, and a lovely version by Doc and Merle Watson that is replete with characteristically natty guitar work.  And it was also often performed by the Grateful Dead.  It has a simple chord structure, and lends itself to a claw hammer fingerpicking guitar technique.  Once you begin playing it, you won't stop.  It's a more-ish song!

Chords

Capo at 5th Fret

       C                                                 C7
I’m going down this road feeling bad:

F                                      C           C7
Bad luck's all I've ever had;

F                                                 C                 Am
Going down this road feeling bad, Lord, Lord,

           G7                                             C
And I ain’t gonna be treated this a-way.

Lyrics

I’m going down this road feeling bad:
Bad luck's all I've ever had;
Going down this road feeling bad, Lord, Lord,
And I ain’t gonna be treated this a-way.

Got me way down in jail on my knees:
This old jailer he sure is hard to please
Feed me on corn, bread and peas, Lord, Lord
And I ain't gonna be treated this a-way

Sweet mama, won't buy me no shoes:
Lord, she's left me with these lonesome jailhouse blues;
My sweet mama won't buy me no shoes, Lord, Lord,
And I ain't gonna be treated this a-way.

And these two-dollar shoes hurt my feet -
The jailer won't give me enough to eat,
These two-dollar shoes they hurt my feet, Lord, Lord,
And I ain't gonna be treated this a-way

I'm going where the climate suits my clothes;
Lord, I'm going where these chilly winds never blow
I’m going where the climate suits my clothes, Lord, Lord,
And I ain't gonna be treated this a-way.

Yes, I'm going down the road feeling bad, Lord, Lord,
Lord, I'm going down the   road feeling bad,
Bad luck is all I've ever had,
And I ain't gonna be treated this a-way.