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Shawn Mullins — Cold Black Heart
Album: 9th Ward Pickin' Parlor
Avg rating:
6.1

Your rating:
Total ratings: 417









Released: 2006
Length: 4:22
Plays (last 30 days): 0
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I once had a true love, her name was Maggie Brown
Her eyes they were the color of the sun burning down
And she had hair that smelled like jasmine, I loved her from the start
How was I to know she'd have a cold black heart

Well Maggie was my true love, the only kiss I knew
I'd meet her at the oak tree in the cool evening dew
Where we would walk beside the levee our fingers intertwined
While the crimson moon gazed through the needles of the pines
We'd lay beside each other, staring at the sky
Listenin' to the whistlin' of the train blowin' by
As it was on it's way to Macon The town where I was born
We'd make love in the darkness, 'til the hours of the morn

Waterfalls and rainbows, sweet salvation sin
As I lay there sleeping against her golden skin,


My friends now gather around and listen close
The story takes a turn I wasn't fair young Maggie's only lover I did learn
I went down by the oak tree lookin' for my lass
And walked east towards the levee with the sunset in my past
And then I ran through briars and brambles, until I finally found
my Maggie and her true love there lyin' on the ground
My eyes they filled with fire, they didn't see me there
I watched as she made love to him, caressed him with her hair
I don't remember how it happened I guess I just saw red
I drew my pistol from my belt and shot them graveyard dead

I once loved a maiden her name was Maggie Brown
But now I'm riding on a boxcar back to Macon town
The setting sun will never let me forget what deed I have done
Until the day they hunt me down,
I'm livin' on the run
Comments (79)add comment
An insufficiently good song to put up with the male perpetrated domestic violence lyrics. {#Sad}
Posted 6 years ago by PockettVenus    [ Reply ]
 BlueHeronDruid wrote:
Shady Grove sure gets around.
 
Amen. brother.
Posted 6 years ago by unclehud    [ Reply ]
 MrsTom wrote:
Yellow eyes?
 
Had to check the lyrics to see what you meant!
Apparently a jaundice victim!

Not a big C&W fan myself...
If it comes around again, while I'm listening I will rate it. for now holding back on judgement/rating... 
Posted 7 years ago by Lindo525    [ Reply ]
 greenighs wrote:
Love how this song sounds, hate the lyrics. So Maggie gets it on with other guys, big deal. Not a capital offense, last time I checked. The song doesn't even say she swore fidelity or anything. Just another shmuck who thinks he's the only man in the universe getting disappointed by reality. Boo hoo.
 
It's a song about an impulsive crime of passion.  Not exactly a rare thing.
Posted 7 years ago by Typesbad    [ Reply ]
Not enjoyable

 
Posted 7 years ago by ckcotton    [ Reply ]
This would fit quite squarely in the C&W category of music
Posted 7 years ago by rpdevotee    [ Reply ]
I don't listen to country much—never have—but I suspect FM-oriented modern country sounds like this. Strikes me as too slick and cookie-cutter on first listen...
Posted 7 years ago by kcar    [ Reply ]
Yellow eyes?
Posted 7 years ago by MrsTom    [ Reply ]
What load of old drivel. My cats been more creative in its litter box. Awful. 
Posted 7 years ago by Redpoint    [ Reply ]
A somewhat plausible attempt at a Ralph Stanley impersonation.  Probably seems like original material to the young....
Posted 7 years ago by liveconcert    [ Reply ]
Great song and voice, and exotic sound, that why I listen to RP
Posted 7 years ago by mudman8    [ Reply ]
Shady Grove sure gets around.
Posted 7 years ago by BlueHeronDruid    [ Reply ]
Today I'm rating a 6 - tomorrow maybe a 4, next week maybe 8.
Posted 8 years ago by heyjoe3577    [ Reply ]
The vocals sounds a little like Doc Watson.  
Posted 8 years ago by idiot_wind    [ Reply ]
 dewhead wrote:
This should be followed up by Knoxville Girl. I don't know who did the original but the cover by BR549 is outstanding.
 
Or with Lyle Lovett's L-A County.
Posted 8 years ago by michaelgmitchell    [ Reply ]
Oh yeah. Greenighs, the theme runs through a lot of blues/rock/country tunes; get over it. Ever heard Jimi Hendrix's 'Hey Joe'? How about Chuck Berry's 'C.C. Rider'? 'Gonna buy me a pistol/ Just as looooong as I am tall/ Shoot that woman/ Catch me a Cannonball'. Just two examples among many. No it ain't right, but it's life at the bottom rung of the ladder. Peace, c.
Posted 17 years ago by cc_rider    [ Reply ]
I really like this side of Shawn Mullins; his other stuff is good too but this is different. Trivia note: the 'Ninth Ward Pickin' Parlor' is (was) a recording studio of sorts, set up in the living room of Mike West, an old friend of Shawn's and a great performer in his own right. Flooded all to he!! of course; this was recorded before Katrina. Mike West is worth a listen too; if you like this side of Shawn Mullins you'll dig Mike West. I really dig performers who do it because it's in them, not for fame or fortune or whatever. If they had never recorded a note, if no one had ever heard of Shawn or Mike, they'd still be sittin' on someone's porch playin' and singin'; it's just who they ARE. Somehow it comes through the music. c.
Posted 17 years ago by cc_rider    [ Reply ]
Wow! I originally rated this a 7? For some reason it's annoying the hell out of me right now.
Posted 17 years ago by Whirlpool    [ Reply ]
I hate this.
Posted 17 years ago by Shesdifferent    [ Reply ]
I have to quietly admit that I like Shawn Mullins...quietly because their has been a bit of pop in most of his music. But I think I saw potential. He is a pretty good song writer and a good musician. I really like this one...and I will probably buy the CD. Thank you RP!
Posted 17 years ago by dawnejazz    [ Reply ]
Love how this song sounds, hate the lyrics. So Maggie gets it on with other guys, big deal. Not a capital offense, last time I checked. The song doesn't even say she swore fidelity or anything. Just another shmuck who thinks he's the only man in the universe getting disappointed by reality. Boo hoo.
Posted 17 years ago by greenighs    [ Reply ]
Wow... this one gives me a whole new outlook on Shawn Mullins. I didn't know he had that much folk-ish in him. I like it. Especially the mandolin... at least, it sounded like mandolin. And I won't even start on the intensity of the tale he tells on this one.
Posted 17 years ago by auburntigerrich    [ Reply ]
I love this frickin' website! GREAT selection! I love everything!!
Posted 17 years ago by zoso74    [ Reply ]
Gotta love Snuffleuppagus!
Posted 17 years ago by Hans99    [ Reply ]
pffft. Matty Groves.
Posted 17 years ago by Muffy    [ Reply ]
maggy was a bitch. shoot her again for good measure.
Posted 17 years ago by themotion    [ Reply ]
Gregorama wrote:
I have not been impressed by most of Mullins' music, but I can't help but like this. Pretty interesting arrangement, rythms, and great bluegrass flavor. Sounds like it could be one of the old Appalachian murder ballads of the late 19th or early 20th century.
Yea, what he said!!!
Posted 17 years ago by parrothead    [ Reply ]
...meh...
Posted 17 years ago by Sean-E-Sean    [ Reply ]
Clear cut case of justifiable homicide. Best I've heard from Shawn Mullins.
Posted 17 years ago by Pipes    [ Reply ]
This should be followed up by Knoxville Girl. I don't know who did the original but the cover by BR549 is outstanding.
Posted 17 years ago by dewhead    [ Reply ]
With so much great music out there do we really need to overplay this marginal track?
Posted 17 years ago by JesseJ    [ Reply ]
sporting similar design, the difference between this and gangster rap is that this sucks even more.
Posted 17 years ago by edgemyster    [ Reply ]
What a bunch of whiners!
Posted 17 years ago by rowdydaisy    [ Reply ]
jah_blessed wrote:
Pure suckage.
*perks* ... suckage?? erm.. yes.. *falls over and puts pillow over head
Posted 17 years ago by so_called_angel    [ Reply ]
Jack_Jefferson wrote:
I normally find spoken word songs to be kind of silly and strange, but I liked that song. From what I've heard, this new CD is very good. What was the trio he was in with Matthew Sweet and some other guy? They did a great version of the Jayhawks' 'Blue' (could say they out-jayhawked them).
It was the Thorns. (click here) Pete Droge, Shawn Mullins, and Matthew Sweet I only heard a little from that album and then it just faded away.. I almost bought it. I Love the Jayhawks - I recorded a really good live XM Loft session last week.
Posted 17 years ago by ArmchairMusician    [ Reply ]
stop the madnesssssssssssssssssssssssssssss
Posted 17 years ago by Kregg    [ Reply ]
Hmmmm, one generous day I gave this song a 5. This has been corrected.
Posted 17 years ago by pigglywiggly    [ Reply ]
I have not been impressed by most of Mullins' music, but I can't help but like this. Pretty interesting arrangement, rythms, and great bluegrass flavor. Sounds like it could be one of the old Appalachian murder ballads of the late 19th or early 20th century.
Posted 17 years ago by Gregorama    [ Reply ]
stephq123 wrote:
I find this song dreadfully annoying...
Tired of hearing this one. It's played way too often.
Posted 17 years ago by Austin2Florida    [ Reply ]
Raga-grass. Love it. Hillbillies playing tablas. What a vision. ...but I can see how you could hate it.
Posted 18 years ago by ChardRemains    [ Reply ]
I find it just plain dreadful!
Posted 18 years ago by tiggers    [ Reply ]
I find this song dreadfully annoying...
Posted 18 years ago by stephq123    [ Reply ]
You got me, Bill! Glad to see I was close, though! LOL
Posted 18 years ago by babygirl614    [ Reply ]
jadewahoo wrote:
"I drew my pistol and shot them graveyard dead" Great line!
Yeah, seems there's a difference between "dead" and "graveyard dead." Love it.
Posted 18 years ago by lester    [ Reply ]
This song is played alot on my local radio station--it's really grown on me. Nice to hear it here too.
Posted 18 years ago by winniemama    [ Reply ]
Pure suckage.
Posted 18 years ago by jah_blessed    [ Reply ]
Chookalaka Chookalaka, Boom Boom Boom
Posted 18 years ago by toker    [ Reply ]
This song is really growing on me. Love the percussion and the steamrolling melody. Great story, too.
Posted 18 years ago by hcaudill    [ Reply ]
First song that I turn RP off when I hear the opening strings - something about the repetitive high-pitch singing/speaking that grates like cats howling outside.
Posted 18 years ago by kaleb    [ Reply ]
I'd have to give the narrator demerits for offing the girlfriend. Bad form, dude.
Posted 18 years ago by moonbat    [ Reply ]
Whirlpool wrote:
I remember when his hit lullaby came out back in the late 90's, I bought the album for my grandma. She loved the whole thing. Pretty good stuff.
I normally find spoken word songs to be kind of silly and strange, but I liked that song. From what I've heard, this new CD is very good. What was the trio he was in with Matthew Sweet and some other guy? They did a great version of the Jayhawks' 'Blue' (could say they out-jayhawked them).
Posted 18 years ago by Jack_Jefferson    [ Reply ]
Wow I like this!
Posted 18 years ago by mafe    [ Reply ]
I would not object if this were played more often :)
Posted 18 years ago by Tux    [ Reply ]
"I drew my pistol and shot them graveyard dead" Great line!
Posted 18 years ago by jadewahoo    [ Reply ]
I didn't anticipate liking this song when it began but I'm finding that YES I do like it!!
Posted 18 years ago by littleblueriver7    [ Reply ]
Great stuff. Pretty distracting while I'm trying to work. Oh well!
Posted 18 years ago by babygirl614    [ Reply ]
My 7 got this up to a 6...good story tellin/pickin' in a fine tradition.
Posted 18 years ago by jdorn1    [ Reply ]
Good thing he was packing heat.
Posted 18 years ago by amcallis    [ Reply ]
Ever been betrayed by a loved one? Makes perfect sense to me. Luna2 wrote:
This song is disturbing if you listen to the words. He watched her have sex. Thats messed up.
Posted 18 years ago by mistatebird    [ Reply ]
A rousing clone of Maddy Groves! The lover's name here is Maggie Brown, a good one for what seems to be a version from Appalachia, from the viewpoint of the Lord Arnold figure. Comments on provenance and the similarities between the songs welcome. Love those ballads of murder, misery, and guilt. They are classic because they appeal to something fundamental in man, deny God though some will. Instrumentation so fantastic that I hope there is similar stuff in Heaven or I need to wait pretty long before I will be willing to die! Want to just sit in front of such musicians for hours.
Posted 18 years ago by rKokon    [ Reply ]
Graveyard Dead? I don't think they are dead, I think they are MOSTLY dead.
Posted 18 years ago by MojoJojo    [ Reply ]
Isn't this a variation on an old Celtic ballad?
Posted 18 years ago by Kagin    [ Reply ]
It doesn't sound like voyeurism, it sounds like coitus interruptus. To me, the disturbing thing is that he killed them. Of course, passion makes us...
Posted 18 years ago by crockydile    [ Reply ]
This song is disturbing if you listen to the words. He watched her have sex. Thats messed up.
Posted 18 years ago by Luna2    [ Reply ]
I remember when his hit lullaby came out back in the late 90's, I bought the album for my grandma. She loved the whole thing. Pretty good stuff.
Posted 18 years ago by Whirlpool    [ Reply ]
Yesssss....
Posted 18 years ago by froggy    [ Reply ]
I love RP! this is doin it!">
Posted 18 years ago by BruceN    [ Reply ]
...pick it baby'
Posted 18 years ago by godspeed    [ Reply ]
amb599 wrote:
this ain't slashdot. were it was I could mod you -1.
Hey, I get my thrills where I can
Posted 18 years ago by meghan89    [ Reply ]
This song is only good for a sick segue into Zep's Travelling Riverside Blues. Can't wait for the next song!
Posted 18 years ago by TobalMoreno    [ Reply ]
OK, until this...
Posted 18 years ago by Moak    [ Reply ]
Interesting use of an ancient melody. I gotta find out more about this guy.
Posted 18 years ago by Lazy8    [ Reply ]
Best thing I've heard today!!!
Posted 18 years ago by Moak    [ Reply ]
VERY INTERESTING -- LIKE THE INSTRUMENTAL BREAKS -- SOMEWHERE BETWEEN BLUEGRASS AND PERSIAN MUSIC
Posted 18 years ago by kjhradio    [ Reply ]
Hey, I'm digging it.
Posted 18 years ago by ceebeedubya    [ Reply ]
this ain't slashdot. were it was I could mod you -1. meghan89 wrote:
whoo first comment
Posted 18 years ago by amb599    [ Reply ]
awful
Posted 18 years ago by nick_valensi    [ Reply ]
whoo first comment
Posted 18 years ago by meghan89    [ Reply ]