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

Gavin Rossdale On Lyric Inspirations and Bush's Album The Kingdom

Gavin Rossdale On Lyric Inspirations and Bush's Album The KingdomSongwriter Interviews

The Bush frontman on where he finds inspiration for lyrics, if his "machine head" is a guitar tuner, and the stories behind songs from the album The Kingdom.

Phil Hurtt ("I'll Be Around")

Phil Hurtt ("I'll Be Around")Songwriter Interviews

Phil was a songwriter, producer and voice behind many Philadelphia soul classics. When disco hit, he got an interesting project: The Village People.

Brian Kehew: The Man Behind The Remasters

Brian Kehew: The Man Behind The RemastersSong Writing

Brian has unearthed outtakes by Fleetwood Mac, Aretha Franklin, Elvis Costello and hundreds of other artists for reissues. Here's how he does it.

Reverend Horton Heat

Reverend Horton HeatSongwriter Interviews

The Reverend rants on psychobilly and the egghead academics he bashes in one of his more popular songs.

British Invasion

British InvasionFact or Fiction

Go beyond The Beatles to see what you know about the British Invasion.

Chris Rea

Chris ReaSongwriter Interviews

It took him seven years to recover from his American hit "Fool (If You Think It's Over)," but Chris Rea became one of the top singer-songwriters in his native UK.