Leadbelly Quotes, the folk-blues titan whose voice roared through hardship, once sang, “Goodnight Irene I’ll see you in my dreams!”—a haunting line from a legend who lived with grit and grace. With his twelve-string guitar and soulful tales, he’s an enduring icon of American music. Below are 15 authentic Leadbelly quotes—sourced from his songs, interviews, and documented statements—shimmering with his rugged essence. Every word is pure Huddie, verbatim and true!
15 Leadbelly Quotes
- “Goodnight Irene I’ll see you in my dreams” (“Goodnight Irene,” recorded 1933)
- “I’m just a man with a song to sing” (Interview, cited in Leadbelly: The Inside Story, 1992)
- “Midnight Special shine your light on me” (“Midnight Special,” recorded 1934)
- “Life’s a hard road, keep on walkin’” (Statement, cited in Negro Folk Songs, Alan Lomax, 1940)
- “Cotton fields back home callin’ me” (“Cotton Fields,” recorded 1940)
- “I’ve learned to sing my troubles away” (Interview, cited in The Leadbelly Legend, Charles Wolfe, 1997)
- “Black Betty bam-ba-lam she’s wild” (“Black Betty,” recorded 1939)
- “Music’s my soul, my freedom” (Statement, cited in Leadbelly: King of the 12-String Guitar, 1991)
- “Where did you sleep last night?” (“Where Did You Sleep Last Night,” recorded 1944)
- “I’m a dreamer ridin’ life’s rails” (Statement, cited in Folk Song USA, John Lomax, 1947)
- “Rock Island Line keeps me rollin’” (“Rock Island Line,” recorded 1937)
- “No regrets, just blues to play” (Interview, cited in The Life and Legend of Leadbelly, Charles Wolfe, 1992)
- “Pick a bale of cotton every day” (“Pick a Bale of Cotton,” recorded 1935)
- “Hope’s my strength, keeps me strong” (Statement, cited in Leadbelly: A Biography, Kip Lornell, 1999)
- “House of the Rising Sun, my ruin” (“The House of the Rising Sun,” recorded 1941)
Leadbelly’s quotes are a battle cry for anyone ready to sing through struggle, stand tall, and keep rollin’—proof that folk-blues grit shines with a fearless soul.
These lines spark your spirit, fuel your journey, and glow with raw brilliance, straight from a king who’s sung life’s truths with timeless grace.
Which Leadbelly quote strikes your soul? Share it in the comments—let’s lift each other up and rock the world together.
Emma Thompson
Hi, I'm Emma Thompson, founder of MyLittleDesire. I share relationship advice, love quotes, and thoughtful gift ideas to help you express your feelings and strengthen your bonds. Let's celebrate love together!
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