Hellhound may be my favorite song by Robert Johnson. It was the first of his songs I ever heard. Once upon a time -- when both the universe and I were a tad younger -- a friend gave me a "classic jazz" compilation for my birthday. Hellhound was one of the first tracks. I played it so much, I think I wore an extra groove in the vinyl.

Although I love Johnson's version, I've taken a few liberties with the song: e.g. key, melody, lyrics... What can I say? I never play cover songs like the original. (From what I understand, neither did Johnson :-)

Hellhound on My Trail

song by Robert Johnson, © 2008 performance by J. Hart

I got to keep moving
Blues falling down like hail
And the days they worry me
'Cause I got a hellhound on my trail

If today was Christmas Eve
And tomorrow Christmas day
I'd ride my sweet rider
Just to pass the time away

You sprinkle hot foot powder
All around my door
That stuff don't work on me
May even make me ramble more

The wind is rising
Leaves are quivering on the trees
I really want your sweet loving
I really need your even sweeter company