Lyrics: Traditional
Music: Traditional
Played by the Grateful Dead at a soundcheck on 28 March 1993, but never included in one of their live sets.
It was also played by Jerry Garcia with David Crosby, Phil Lesh and Mickey Hart on 15 December 1970 as a soundcheck or rehearsal for a series of concerts at the Matrix billed either as "Jerry Garcia and friends" or "David and the Dorks."
In the 1993 soundcheck, Garcia only sings the chorus:
I'm Alabama boundThe traditional version, as sung by Leadbelly and others, contains several more verses:
I'm Alabama bound
And if the train don't stop and turn around
I'm Alabama bound
I'm Alabama boundThere are many other version, either under the title "Alabama Bound" or "Don't You Leave Me Here" (Jelly Roll Morton recorded a version under the latter title).
I'm Alabama bound
And if the train don't stop and turn around
I'm Alabama bound
Oh, don't you leave me here
Oh, don't you leave me here
But if you must go anyhow
Just leave a dime for beer
Oh don't you be like me
Oh don't you be like me
Drink your good sweet cherry wine
And let that whiskey be
Well your hair don't curve
And your eyes ain't blue
Well if you don't want me, Polly Ann
Well I don't want you