Pat Wictor

Rejoice in my troubles, my children, for I was never kind, it's true
My hand was hard as a hammer, never did I smile at you

Now the house is empty and you are long gone
No one here lookin' after me
Oh, what I would give to see my little girls and boys
You go on, my children, and rejoice

Rejoice in my troubles, my brothers, a meaner man you'll never find
My word was worthless as a counterfeit bill, my days spent robbing you blind

Now, my pocket's empty and the money's long gone
No help comin'  in my time of need
Oh, what I would give to have made a different choice
You go on, my brothers, and rejoice

Rejoice in my troubles, my woman, for I brought no love to our home
My sweet talk was empty as a well gone dry, at night I left you all alone
 
Now I've fallen sick and I can't get well
No one comin' looking after me
Oh, what I would give just to hear a friendly voice
You go on, my woman, and rejoice

Rejoice in my troubles, everybody, but don't rejoice for too long
Lest in your hearts you become just like me, a man who does everybody wrong

Oh, they'll take me to some lonesome Potter's Field
No one comin' lookin' after me
They'll let me down, and you will hear the echo of my voice
Go on, everybody, and rejoice

(Inspired by Dock Boggs)

PW: vocals, resonator guitar, lap steel
Cheryl Prashker: percussion
Aaron Goldmsith: bass
Jen Schonwald:  harmony vocals

by Pat Wictor, Tell-A-Tale Music (BMI)