Doggin' In the U.S. Mail

from Bowling Green by Alice Gerrard & Mike Seeger

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about

(Ginger & Hal Willis)
Recorded by Mike Seeger at the home of Joan and Bernard Hollander, Chevy Chase, Md, 1980

lyrics

I don’t make a lot of money and things are not so funny
Cause I’m workin’ for the government
But I had a little luck cause I drive a big truck
And I’ve never had an accident.
Well at any time of day, I get the right of way
So you’d better keep off my tail
I got a big obligation to the whole darn nation
Cause I’m a-doggin’ in the U.S. mail.

I’ve got a letter for a preacher, and a parcel for a teacher
An envelope from Birmingham
Box full of dishes written best wishes
And a check from Uncle Sam
I got a lawyers letter and a mail order sweater
And a note from a guy in jail
I got a big travelog and brand new catalog
And I’m doggin’ in the US mail.

I don’t have an education but I know the regulations
So I gotta dog it in on time
All the fellas at the station, they know the situation
When they hear my diesel whine
So its better not to tarry for the girl I’m going to marry
Is a-fallin’ for me tooth and nail
I’m pretty well respected for no one’s been neglected
I’m a-doggin’ in the US mail.

Now everything is sorted and speed transported
And tomorrow I’ll be back for more
For we all work together in any kind of weather
Just to bring the mail to your door.
While everybody’s sleepin’ I’ll still be a-keepin’
This mail truck on the trail
So don’t you get too nervous I’ll give you good service
I’m a-doggin’ in the US mail.

credits

from Bowling Green, released January 1, 2008
Mike-vocal, banjo-guitar
Alice-piano

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about

Alice Gerrard Durham, North Carolina

A singer and songwriter, Alice’s recordings with Hazel Dickens during the 1960s and ’70s influenced a generation of women musicians from Laurie Lewis to the Judds. Nominated for a Grammy in 2015, she was inducted into the International Bluegrass Music Assoc. Hall of Fame in 2017. A documentary film about Alice, "You Gave Me a Song" premiered at the Full Frame Independent Film Festival in 2019. ... more

alicegerrard.com

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