This generic BandLab link, goes direct to the track:
Another 1st take 1 pass re-write while cell phone recording. See the Lyrics/Notes section (BandLab Link) for much more about this, links, etc., public domain re-write, “Prison Spiritual”.
Source, public domain, archive reference: http://bluegrassmessengers.com/dig-my-grave-with-a-silver-spade-.aspx
I was watching the “Andy Griffith Show” lol!!! : ) and first saw it there the other day - his chorus section of some version, likely a re-write too - north carolinians don’t speak that way 'bout “willer trees” : )
www.youtube .com/watch?v=C0h1bQM48iw&t=73s [ fix the ^.com to work ]
So, anyway -
Capo on #3
So now, my take on it. I parsed out what looked to me to be the most of what it may have been, and chopped out all line repeats, making two verses, one, and just sort of jamming together a “break” (can’t really be called a chorus imo -break, chorus, a bridge even if at the end approach that differently). I didn’t spend much time on this - to do what? : ) lol!
Since it has SUCH a convoluted history (if check out that archive link), with pages and pages of truncated and merged lyrics, and is otherwise SO fragmented with “recorded by…” (*Lomax even!), I call it “From Angola Prison to Appalachia - it’s the same sound”
(Another: “Dig My Grave with a Silver Spade”)
This must have been a popular song for a long time for some reason. The A. Griffith show - I can’t listen to that style/modulations, of stuff like this - cliche, imo. And so, mine, in that moment is a tad more upbeat and I know I could jam with a number of different voicings of “open” chords, etc. - could be a fun song in the right group of folks, band mates.