Lonesome Johnny Blues

Album: Kerosene Hat (1993)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Cracker guitarist Johnny Hickman wrote this song and sang lead. In it, he gets a visit from the Grim Reaper (driving a Chevy), who tells him that he's come claim someone dear to him, leaving Johnny alive, but with the "Lonesome Johnny Blues." In our interview with Hickman, he explained: "Although the melody and feel is kinda lively and upbeat, it was written the week that I lost both my dad and my dog. My first son was also born that week. I guess that mixture of sorrow and joy just got me going."

Comments: 1

  • Dave-o from OregonBeen a Crumb for 30 years and got to see them live for the first time this past weekend - TWICE! They did this song in the encore - one of my favorites!
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Lou Gramm - "Waiting For A Girl Like You"

Lou Gramm - "Waiting For A Girl Like You"They're Playing My Song

Gramm co-wrote this gorgeous ballad and delivered an inspired vocal, but the song was the beginning of the end of his time with Foreigner.

Michael W. Smith

Michael W. SmithSongwriter Interviews

Smith breaks down some of his worship tracks as well as his mainstream hits, including "I Will Be Here For You" and "A Place In This World."

David Sancious

David SanciousSongwriter Interviews

Keyboard great David Sancious talks about his work with Sting, Seal, Springsteen, Clapton and Aretha, and explains what quantum physics has to do with making music.

Joe Elliott of Def Leppard

Joe Elliott of Def LeppardSongwriter Interviews

The Def Leppard frontman talks about their "lamentable" hit he never thought of as a single, and why he's juiced by his Mott The Hoople cover band.

Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull

Ian Anderson of Jethro TullSongwriter Interviews

The flautist frontman talks about touring with Led Zeppelin, his contribution to "Hotel California", and how he may have done the first MTV Unplugged.

The Punk Photography of Chris Stein

The Punk Photography of Chris SteinSong Writing

Chris Stein of Blondie shares photos and stories from his book about the New York City punk scene.