Lyrics: Medley: Pick A Bale Of Cotton / On Top Of Old Smoky / Midnight Special
[Pick a Bale of Cotton]
Gonna jump down, spin around, pick a bale of cotton
Gonna jump down, spin around, pick a bale a day
Gonna jump down, spin around, pick a bale of cotton
Gonna jump down, spin around, pick a bale a day
Oh Lordy, pick a bale of cotton
Oh Lordy, pick a bale a day
Oh Lordy, pick a bale of cotton
Oh Lordy, pick a bale a day
I said me and my buddy gonna pick a bale of cotton
Now me and my buddy gonna pick a bale a day
I said me and my buddy gonna pick a bale of cotton
Now me and my buddy gonna pick a bale a day
Oh Lordy, pick a bale of cotton
Oh Lordy, pick a bale a day
Oh Lordy, pick a bale of cotton
Oh Lordy, pick a bale a day
[On Top of Old Smoky]
On top of Old Smokey, all covered with snow
I lost my true lover by courting so slow
For courting’s a pleasure and parting is grief
And a false-hearted lover is worse than a thief
On top of Old Smokey, all covered with snow
I lost my true lover by courting so slow
[Midnight Special]
Well, you wake up in the morning
Hear the ding-dong ring
You go marching to the table
See the same old thing
See the fork on the table
Nothing in your pan
If you say a thing about it
You’re in trouble with the man
Let the midnight special
Shine a light on me
Let the midnight special
Shine its ever-loving light on me
If you ever go to Houston
Well, you’d better act right
And you’d better not gamble
And you’d better not fight
For the sheriff will arrest you
And he’ll take you down
And before you understand it
You are prison bound
Let the midnight special
Shine a light on me
Let the midnight special
Shine its ever-loving light on me, on me, on me
Let the midnight special
Shine a light on me
Let the midnight special
Shine its ever-loving light on me, on me, on me
Let the midnight special
Shine a light on me
Let the midnight special
Shine its ever-loving light on me, on me, on me
Let the midnight special
Shine a light on me
Let the midnight special
Shine its ever-loving light on me
Medley Meaning and Interpretation
A Tapestry of American Folk Tradition
ABBA’s medley brings together three classic American folk songs, each with its own unique story and emotional resonance. “Pick a Bale of Cotton” is a traditional work song, vibrant and rhythmic, reflecting the communal spirit and hard labor of its origins. Its repetitive lines create a sense of unity and perseverance.
“On Top of Old Smoky” shifts the mood, offering a poignant tale of lost love and regret. The imagery of snowy peaks and slow courtship evokes a bittersweet nostalgia, highlighting the pain of missed opportunities and the sorrow of parting.
Finally, “Midnight Special” introduces a bluesy, hopeful note. It tells of hardship and injustice, particularly in the context of imprisonment, but the refrain—”Let the midnight special shine a light on me”—suggests hope and the possibility of redemption. Together, these songs celebrate resilience, longing, and the enduring human spirit, all delivered with ABBA’s signature harmonies and flair.
Song Credits
“Pick a Bale of Cotton”: Traditional, attributed to Lead Belly
“On Top of Old Smoky”: Traditional American folk song
“Midnight Special”: Traditional, popularized by Lead Belly
Performed by ABBA
Released: 1978 (as B-side to “Summer Night City”)
Label: Polar Music