The hobo lifestyle is a unique and romanticized sub-culture that only exists prominently in a few countries. Notably, the United States and its constituents have harbored, circulated, and re-written the culture for decades upon decades. Consequently, tradition, food, migration patterns, clothing, and most notably, folk music had been born out of the sacred sub-culture.
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Regarding the music hobo culture birthed, one could and has made the argument that if it weren’t for hobos, folk music would not exist. At one of its most finite points, folk music entices one to leave the past behind and move forward. So, if you find yourself in one of life’s teetering points, give these three folk songs a listen.
“Leaving London” by Doc Watson
Not only was Doc Watson blind and one of the greatest pickers to ever exist, but he was also one of the greatest songwriters who could capture what folk music was all about. Which, in a sense, is about traveling to greener pastures. Released in 1996 by Doc Watson, the song was actually written by the Grammy award-winning folk singer, Tom Paxton.
In the true folk tradition, the song has been shared and recrafted several times. However, Watson’s version is seemingly the most popular and divulges the very truth that every folk song should aim to tell. It sets a tragic setting and follows it up with a brighter outcome, as hard living can only be escaped in one way, and that is by outrunning it.
“I Ain’t Got No Home In This World Anymore” by Woody Guthrie
Woody Guthrie is the man who introduced folk music to the masses, and his appeal has only become larger thanks to Bob Dylan. Regardless of Dylan, Guthrie was a titan of the genre, and his 1940 single is a testament to just that.
Guthrie touches on the prototypical nomadic lifestyle of a hobo in the song, though, what differs this tune from others is that the protagonist can and won’t ever stop moving. As they no longer have a home in the world anymore. Guthrie is urging listeners to not focus on what is to come but to simply focus on and enjoy the next step.
“Flyin’ Shoes” by Townes Van Zandt
What else is there to say about Townes Van Zandt other than he is one of the greatest songwriters of all time? He’s proven that fact in every one of his songs. In regards to the topic of this article, the best one articulating the need to move on spiritually and physically is “Flyin’ Shoes.”
Frankly, no synopsis of this song does its profoundly melancholic tone justice. Though, through this melancholic foundation, Townes is able to articulate a grimly optimistic silver lining. A silver lining that merely involves getting out of town and hoping for something better.
Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images
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