Bob Dylan — Debut performance of Hank Williams' “On the Banks of the Old Pontchartrain”

New Orleans, Louisiana. 1st April, 2024

Debut performance of Hank Williams' On the Banks of the Old Pontchartrain. Song written by Ramoma Vincent and Hank Williams. 1947.

I traveled from Texas to old Louisanne

Through valleys, o'er mountains and plains

Both footsore and weary, I rested awhile

On the banks of the old Pontchartrain

The fairest young maiden that I ever saw

Passed by as it started to rain

We both found a shelter beneath the same tree

On the banks of the old Pontchartrain

We hid from the shower, an hour or so

She asked me, how long I'd remain?

I told her that I'd spend the rest of my days

On the banks of the old Pontchartrain

I just couldn't tell her that I ran away

From jail on a West Texas plane

I prayed in my heart, I would never be found

On the banks of the old Pontchartrain

Then one day a man put his hand on my arm

And said I must go west again

I left her alone without saying goodbye

On the banks of the old Pontchartrain

Tonight as I sit here alone in my cell

I know that she's waiting in vain

I'm hoping and praying someday to return

To the banks of the old Pontchartrain

—

“According to biographer Colin Escott, Ramona Vincent, a crippled woman, wrote the words of the song as a poem and sent it to Williams, who put a melody to it.”

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/On_the_Banks_of_the_Old_Ponchartrain

First release by Hank Williams and his Drifting Cowboys. September, 1947.

https://secondhandsongs.com/artist/1886

—

Bob Dylan and His band, Tony Garnier, Donnie Herron, Jerry Pentecost, Bob Britt, Doug Lancio.

Saenger Theatre, New Orleans, Louisiana. 1st April, 2024.

https://www.bobdylan.com/date/2024-04-01-saenger-theatre-new-orleans-louisiana/

nightly moth recording.

Best wishes,

nm