Derby Blues

I ain’t got no money

I’m hung over, I’m hungry

How will I ever survive

I’ve lost it all on horse number five

Derby blues

I never win more than I lose

I got the Kentucky Derby day blues

A Kentucky tradition

My fatal addiction

Living for the next bet

And the rush of the win that I seldom get

Derby blues

I never win more than I lose

I got the Kentucky Derby day blues

Once I stood tall

Great job, fine wife, lord I had it all

Now I’v lost my home

Cause I can’t leave the bourbon, the horses alone

Derby blues

I never win more than I lose

I got the Kentucky Derby day blues

I wrote this song in 1973 outside of Churchill Downs, after too many mint juleps and placing losing bets on the first eight races. My two dollar winning ticket on race nine (the derby) was a keeper. It has brought me great luck ever since. Secretariat went on to win the triple crown and still holds the track record.

This song features harmonica great “Bullet” Bill Tarsha

Wining ticket on Secretariat

and my good luck charm. Track record of 1:59.40 stands today

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