October 2013
and he struck him fatal blow And this is the way the story goes They spread the news as fast as they could, The sheriff served a warrant on Otto Wood. The jury said murder in the second degree, Then judge passed sentence to the penitentiary. Otto, why didn’t you run Otto’s done dead and gone Otto, why didn’t you run When the sheriff pulled out his .44 gun. They put him in the pen, but it done no good, It couldn’t hold a man called Otto Wood. It wasn’t very long ‘til he slipped outside, Pulled a gun on a guard said “Take me for a ride.” The second time they caught him was away out West, In a holdup gang he got shot through the breast, They brought him back and when he got well, They locked him down in the dungeon cell. He was a man who would not run, He always carried a .44 gun. He loved the women and he hated the law, And he just wouldn’t take noboby’s jaw.
Otto, why didn’t you run Otto’s done dead and gone Otto, why didn’t you run When the sheriff pulled out his .44 gun He rambled out West, and he rambled all around, He met two sheriffs in a Southern town. The sheriff said “Otto step to the way, ‘Cause I’ve been expecting you every day.” He pulled out his gun and then he said, “Make a crooked move and you’ll both fall dead. Crank up your car and take me out of town,” But a few minutes later, he was graveyard bound. Otto, why didn’t you run Otto’s done dead and gone Otto, why didn’t you run When the sheriff pulled out his .44 gun. This article is based on a chapter in Wayne’s book, Outlaw Ballads, Legends & Lore. For a Free catalog of Wayne Erbsen’s songbooks and instruction books for banjo, fiddle, guitar and mandolin, get in touch with Native Ground Books & Music, 109 Bell Road, Asheville, NC, 288 05, (800) 75 2-2656, ba njo@nativeg roun d, www.nativeground.com.
The Farewell Tour including festivals, folk clubs, and performing arts centers.
This industry many of us call home would not be a part of our lives if it were not, at least in part, for Dr. Ralph Stanley. Now 86, and still full of live, the legendary banjo player and influencer of many, is set to embarque on his farewell tour. Beginning in October, 2013, and running through December 2014, the final chapter of this beloved musician is set to include more than 80 shows,
Billed as Man Of Constant Sorrow Tour: The Dr.’s Farewell, he will be accompanied of course by his fabled Clinch Mountain Boys. Stanley began his career in 1946 with his older brother Carter, touring and recording as the Stanley Brothers. Carter died in 1966, after which Ralph moved to center stage as a solo artist. The tour will coincide with Dr. Stanley’s 67th anniversary as a professional performer. For more information visit www.drralphstanleymusic.com.
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