“It takes a worried man to sing a worried song”. Yes, it does. This traditional song dates back at least a hundred years. First recorded by the Carter Family in 1930, it was recorded by Woody Guthrie, Ramblin’ Jack Elliot, Van Morrison, the Kingston Trio, the Stanley Brothers, etc etc.
It takes a worried man to sing a worried song (three times)
I’m worried now but I won’t be worried long
Imagine going to sleep and waking up with shackles on your feet. 
And that’s just the first verse!
I asked the judge “What might be my fine?” (three times)
He said, “Twenty-nine years on the Rocky Mountain Line”
It takes a worried man to sing a worried song
“Around my leg I got twenty-nine links of chain” (three times)
And on each link the initials of my name.
These are “worried man (and worried woman) blues”.
But the song is hopeful.
“I’m worried now, but I won’t be worried long.”
Sing along with this one as Bumba and Maybank give it another go.
An Occasional Story 
now you’ve inspired me and my bottleneck to try the same song:
https://soundcloud.com/fingerstyle_guitar/slide-worried-man-72
What a voice ! Incredible. Bumba you should really consider an album?!
My friend, you are a blessed one. Keep up your talent of many talents. With utmost respect, cheers.
I think you should consider an ear exam! Seriously, thank you for appreciating my efforts. Thank you for your positive voice and spirit which you also put out there.
My ears are tuned dear Bumba – you should take this compliment with truth in it.
🙂
I know, Steve, you don’t like youtube, but please notice Lonnie Donegan: he, for us European guitarists, was the one who introduced for us that American repertoire:
Really nice. It’s a different rhythm. Now I see why I’m always confused about the lyrics in the first verse.
a good song to sing with friends in harmony if you are drunken!
That’s the only way to try to sing like that.
I heard it first on a Jack Elliot record, but I was in my twenties. Ever hear the record he made with Brother Darryl? That’s the record.
I remember this song well. I think it was “The Kingston Trio’s” version that I first heard. I needed the “pop” influence at the time. Couldn’t quite get into the more traditional versions, try as I might. But hey, I was only 12. Thinking of this song brings back the joys of sitting in a living room (or bedroom) with friends and playing and singing together.
Three chords. Thanks for visiting and keep playing that country music.
Thanks, I’m only good with simple songs.
“…but I won’t be worried long.”!!!
🙂
Thanks for visiting and commenting and encouraging, Marina.