Watch Anita Carter Perform “Worried Man Blues” with Family

anita carter worried man blues

photo: YouTube

Enjoy Anita Carter, her sisters, and niece performing "Worried Man Blues" live on television. Watch the vintage footage here!

Early country music pioneer Anita Carter hands down had the prettiest voice in country music. The world fell to its knees when they heard her sing, whether it was solo or with the famous Carter family surrounding her onstage.

Anita Carter, her sisters June and Helen, and niece Carlene perform “Worried Man Blues” so masterfully, its hard to keep your feet still.

“Worried Man Blues” is a traditional folk song that tells the story of an imprisoned man. While the lyrics may vary with each recording, all versions generally maintain the chorus.

Listen to the Carter women perform their version of “Worried Man Blues” below:

“Worried Man Blues” Lyrics

It takes a worried man to sing a worried song
It takes a worried man to sing a worried song
I’m worried now, but I won’t be worried long

I went across the river and I lay down to sleep
I went across the river and I lay down to sleep
When I woke up, put the shackles on my feet

29 links of chain around my leg
29 links of chain around my leg
And on each link an initial of my name

It takes a worried man to sing a worried song
It takes a worried man to sing a worried song
I’m worried now, but I won’t be worried long

[Instrumental break]

I asked the judge, what might be my fine
I asked the judge, what might be my fine
21 years on the R.D. Mountain Line

The train I ride, 16 coaches long
The train I ride, 16 coaches long
The girl I love is on that train and gone

It takes a worried man to sing a worried song
It takes a worried man to sing a worried song
I’m worried now, but I won’t be worried long

[Instrumental break]

If anyone should ask you who composed this song
If anyone should ask you who composed this song
Tell ’em ’twas I, and I sing it all day long

It takes a worried man to sing a worried song
It takes a worried man to sing a worried song
I’m worried now, but I won’t be worried long

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