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Mandolin tablatures for Catfish John

Old & In the Way

Recomended level: Beginner

"Catfish John" is a song written by Bob McDill and Allen Reynolds. It has been made popular by Jerry Garcia through "The Jerry Garcia band" and super group in the acoustic world: "Old and in the Way". The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and many other great acts have recorded and performed the tune as well. The song chronicles the difficult life of a man who was a former slave and a young boy that saw Catfish John as an inspiration despite what the world boy grew up in wanted him to see.



As always start with the melody of the tune. This one is a bit simplified and will give you the notes for the verse and chorus. Check out the Bluegrass arrangement to get an idea of what you might play when "taking a break" at a jam session.

  • Mandolin Catfish John Melody

    Melody

    • Difficulty
    • Key
      G
    • Tempo
      85 bpm
    • Tuning
      GDAE

    This is a great melody and here we have the verse and the chorus. Use the Tunefox player to listen before and after practicing to aid in memorization. Try and sing or speak the words...

    Mandolin Catfish John Melody
    Learn
  • Mandolin Catfish John Bluegrass

    Bluegrass

    • Difficulty
    • Key
      G
    • Tempo
      85 bpm
    • Tuning
      GDAE

    This version of Catfish John gives you a basic break to play at a jam. When pickers take a lead on this and most other tunes it's on the verse melody and chords. Check out those lick...

    Mandolin Catfish John Bluegrass
    Learn

Catfish John lyrics

CHORUS: Mama said, "Don't go near that river, Don't be hangin' around old Catfish John" But come the morning, I'd always be there Walkin' in his footsteps in the sweet delta dawn

Born a slave in the town of Vicksburg Traded for a chestnut mare He never spoke a word in anger Though his load was hard to bear

CHORUS

Catfish John was a river hobo He lived and died on the riverbend Thinking back, I still rememebr I was proud to be his friend

CHORUS

Let me dream or another morning And a time so long ago When the sweet magnolias blossom And the cotton fields were white as snow

CHORUS

TAG: But come the morning, I'd always be there Walkin' in his footsteps in the sweet delta dawn