Tom T. Hall：Meaning of Coot Marseilles Blues Songmeaning

The song "Coot Marseilles Blues" is about an old black man named Coot Marseilles from Mississippi who worked in a white man's yard. Coot loved to sing and play his guitar, which was his only instrument along with a cigarette paper and a comb. He sang songs that were made up of pain, sweat, and tears and captured the struggles of the working man. Despite his talent, Coot's songs were never recognized with statuettes or flags, and he never owned a tie. On Saturdays, Coot would sit by the gravel road and watch fine Ford cars go by, humming his songs. On Saturday nights, the white folks would dance to his music, and Coot would sing and play his slide guitar. The song reflects on Coot's humble life and the impact his music had on those around him. The lyrics speak of his long days of hard work, his old clothes, gray hair, and his love for singing and playing music. Coot's songs, although never recorded, were of great value to those who knew and loved him. Tom T. Hall pays tribute to Coot at the end of the song, acknowledging his talent and the impact he had on those who knew him. The song ends with the hope that Coot is now driving a Ford car in heaven, enjoying his well-deserved rest.