The Ballad Of Blind Tom

[Verse] "Say that boy's a wonderment" "No! The kid's a freak" But that kid he don't care none His black hands resting on the keys Hopping like a big old frog And hissing like a train Entertaining royalty All points east, west and in-between General he's a fine old man Treat him like his own "Boy wouldn't know from money" Just throw old Blind Tom a bone From the times of King Cotton May we present to you All you Jim Crow monkeys From Harlan County down to Tuscaloo Pay me anything you like I'll pay it back to you Be careful what you call me though Some things cut clear on through I may be an idiot I may be a savant I didn't choose this life for me But it's something that I want Cocks that old big head aside Grunts a word or two Keeps them guessing every night Is he really going to make it through Faint hearts with their fans out Starched collars and cigars He weren't no use for slaving "I wouldn't want him in my yard"