Black Widow Blues

by Townes Van Zandt

I gotta black widow spider for a mama Lord
I gotta diamond-backed rattler for a pa
I got me a woman down in New Orleans
Got a friend in Arkansas

Got a morning full of make believe
Got an evening full of time
I got the hands pretty lady
Gonna make you grieve
Lovin', gonna make you mine.

Ain't never seen your town before
And I won't be back again
I need me a place to hide my face
From the howlin' of the wind

Got the blues sewn into my jacket sleeve
Got a goatskin full of wine
I got the hands pretty lady
Gonna make you grieve
The lovin', gonna make you mine

So light the lantern above your door
And hold your curtains wide
Take the ribbon from your hair
And lay it by your side

I ain't looking for a lie to believe
My own will do me fine
I got the hands pretty lady
Gonna make you grieve
Lovin', gonna make you mine