Self Portrait in an Outlaw Amish Barn
"Lonesome Liz is more than just Outalw Country, she's the female Robert Johnson." - Hank Hart, Southern Fried Magazine

video and song adaptation by Lonesome Liz

live in Richmond, video by Ron Thomas Smith

Lonesome Liz Art Contest Prize #1 - John the Conqueror



Lonesome Liz by Logan Riley

It's time for the contest winners prizes! First up is Logan Riley, who observantly painted me with my pet demon, crow and Legba's crossroads on my shirt.  From my banjo/gun photo taken in Appalachia by Keith Garvin, Grandson of Bill Monroe's first, (and favorite) banjo player Bert.

Here's the song he inspired, "John the Conqueror". John the Conqueror is both  a Hoodoo root used to give you the kinda mojo that conquers all; just like he did. It's said just calling his name conjures his juju, and it's some strong stuff.

 Here's his story, based on traditional folktales. It's said that, like King Arthur, he never really died and will come back one day..

John the Conqueror

Oh yes, he conquered death,
did John, John the Conqueror.
Oh yes, he conquered death,
did John, John the Conqueror,
John the Conqueror John.

He fell in love with the Devil's child.
Yes he did, John the Conqueror.
Devil asked him to stay a while.
He conquered Hell, John the Conqueror.
John the Conqueror John.

High John, John the Conqueror,
John the Conqueror John.
John the Conqueror John.

Devil played all the tricks he knew
on John, John the Conqueror.
But his daughter kept him from his due.
Up jumped John, John the Conqueror
on the Devil's own horses John.

Devil didn't catch them when they ran.
Not his child, not John the Conqueror.
If the Devil can't catch you, no one can.
High John, John the Conqueror,
John the Conqueror John.

I understand he rides them still
High John, John the Conqueror
with the Devil's child and always will.
High John, John the Conqueror,
John the Conqueror John.
John the Conqueror John.

Oh yes, he conquered death.
High John, John the Conqueror.
Oh yes, he conquered death.
John the Conqueror John.

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