Down in Louisiana

On a cotton plantation

Little tent room shack

And a third grade education Two stringed wood guitar

I taught myself how to play, yes, I did

Kept the whole family up all night

And I told them that you'll all thank me one day

Yes, I did My sister would scream

"Boy, you just got to stop

You're waking up the whole family

Everybody is going to be hot" Two stringed wood guitar

And I sure enough taught myself how to play

She said, "Turn it down, Buddy"

I said, "Shut up, you're gonna thank me someday"

You're gonna thank me one day

Did you hear what I said? That was sixty years ago

Now my mom and dad is gone

I go see my sisters and brothers

And the grand-kids come along I give the little ones my guitar

I tell 'em, "Close your eyes and play

Don't even worry about the neighbors

Y'all gonna thank me someday" Down in Louisiana

On a cotton plantation

A little tent room shack

And I only got a third grade education That's why I taught myself

I'm telling you that's why I taught myself

How to play, yes, I did

I kept my family up all night

And now they're thanking me everyday

Oh yeah, they're thanking me everyday