I Used to Be a Country Singer (Album Version)

I Used to Be a Country Singer - Gordon Lightfoot

I was sittin' in my hotel room strummin' my old guitar

Not much to do when you're far away playin' some smokey bar

I was feelin' a little empty and feelin' a little blue

When the maid came in and asked me if she could do my room

I put down my old guitar and she gave me a smile

She had a crusty voice and a drinker's look but she had a friendly style

She dusted my room and made my bed and she talked of days gone by

She spoke of when she wooed the men a tear came to her eye

And she said

I used to be a country singer

I could sing a mean patsy cline

My husband he could yodel like Wilf Carter

Kitty wells was a real good friend of mine

She told me that her husband died and her son was overseas

I could tell by her eyes and her broken smile

She was lonely just like me

She asked me if I'd listen to a tape of when she was young

She said I can't sing now I forgot the words

And my voice is almost gone

And she said

I used to be a country singer

I could sing a mean patsy cline

My husband he could yodel like Wilf Carter

Kitty wells was a real good friend of mine

Oh I cried inside but I couldn't tell

If it was for her or for me

So I grabbed my axe and we sang a song in two part harmony

Ever since that day when I'm feelin' down and I can't find a happy tune

I just think if that maid and the feeling she gave

When she came to clean my room

And she said

I used to be a country singer

I could sing a mean patsy cline

My husband he could yodel like Wilf Carter

Kitty wells was a real good friend of mine

I used to be a country singer

I could sing a mean patsy cline

My husband he could yodel like Wilf Carter

Kitty wells was a real good friend of mine

Kitty wells was a real good friend of mine