The Momma 'n' Daddy Collection 19

Today, I'm bringing you one of the contemporary greats of American song-writing. I know some of you aren't going to believe that he is that in light of what is to follow; but he is - as it is open to you to inform yourself if you are open to being informed. I shall, in due course, have something more to say about this. But here I'll be sticking to the theme of my terrific (don't-miss-a-single-episode) series. Ladies and gentlemen, Steve Earle. This time it's Momma 'n' Daddy from the top end, so to say, in 'Little Rock 'n' Roller':

Hey little guy, I can't believe you answered the phone
I guess I didn't know you could do that, Lord help me, have I been gone that long
Now I'm in a truck stop somewhere on the Arkansas line
They got all the big trucks here, boy, you ought to hear the big diesels whine
No little guy, your daddy won't be home for a while
It's gonna be another couple weeks and another couple thousand miles

Chorus
So go to sleep little rock 'n' roller
Your daddy's up there knockin' 'em dead tonight
One of these days when you're a little older
You can ride the big bus and everything will be alright
Till that day you got your mama to hold you
Don't be afraid when she turns out the light
Cause I know there's an angel just for rock 'n' rollers
Watchin' over you and your daddy tonight

No little nguy [sic], don't bother your mama right now
I only got a minute and I called to talk to you anyhow
I Know you miss me, God knows I'm thinkin' 'bout you
I got your picture in my wallet, it cheers me up sometimes when I'm blue
Well little guy, I'm gonna have to let you go
You know it's way past your bedtime, and they're tellin' me we got to roll

Repeat chorus

I know there's an angel just for rock 'n' rollers
Watchin' over you and your daddy tonight

Go to sleep little rock 'n' roller
Go to sleep little rock 'n' roller
Go to sleep little rock 'n' roller
Go to sleep little rock 'n' roller

I hope you all didn't fall asleep!

[The Momma 'n' Daddy Archive, containing all the details of the series, is here.]