GREENBACK DOLLAR
Hoyt Wayne Axton was an American country music singer–songwriter, and a film and
television actor. He became prominent in the early 1960’s, establishing himself as a well-
known folk singer on the West Coast with a unique earthy style and powerful voice when
compared to more traditional folk artists. As he matured, many of his songwriting efforts
became well known throughout the world. His mother, Mae Boren Axton, co-wrote the
classic rock ‘n’ roll song “Heartbreak Hotel“, which became the first major hit for Elvis
Presley. Some of Hoyt’s own songs were also later recorded by Elvis. After his discharge
from the Navy, he began singing folk songs in San Francisco nightclubs. In the early
1960s he released his first folk album titled The Balladeer (recorded at the legendary
Troubadour), which included his song “Greenback Dollar”, a 1963 hit for The Kingston
Trio. Axton released numerous albums well into the 1980s, changing somewhat with the
times but always retaining an honest, down-home and fairly “country” approach to his
music.
Some people say I’m a no-‘count
Others say I’m no good
But I’m just a natural-born travelin’ man
Doin’ what I think I should, oh yeah
Doin’ what I think I should
Refrain:
And I don’t give a damn about a greenback-a dollar
Spend it fast as I can
For a wailin’ song and a good guitar
The only things that I understand, poor boy
The only things that I understand
When I was a little baby
My mama said “Hey son,”
“Travel where you will and grow to be a man
and sing what must be sung, poor boy”
Sing what must be sung
Refrain
Now that I’m a grown man
I’ve traveled here and there
I’ve learned that a bottle of brandy and a song
The only ones who ever care, poor boy
The only ones who ever care
Refrain
Some people say I’m a no-‘count
One thought on “GREENBACK DOLLAR”
Kingston Trio……..https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A9Jh4KjPP-o