Justin Townes Earle, ‘Harlem River Blues’ – Song Spotlight

Justin Townes Earle announces plans to drown himself in New York City in the most upbeat, infectious way possible on his new single 'Harlem River Blues.'  The hand-clap laden song serves as the title track from the singer-songwriter's fourth album released last fall.

It's an up-tempo, gospel choir and organ-tinged funeral lament, with an odd twist. Rather than being in the middle of tough times and looking for a way out, things are actually going Earle's way. But because of the trouble he's known in the past, he's decided to cash out while he's still ahead of the game, temporarily in the good graces of heaven above:

"When you see me walkin' up the empty yard just a-singin' and a-clappin' my hands / Tell my mama I love her / Tell my father I tried / Give my money to my baby to spend / 'Cause Lord I'm goin' uptown to the Harlem River to drown / Dirty water gonna cover me over and I'm not gonna make a sound."

Earle recently performed 'Harlem River Blues' for a national television audience courtesy of David Letterman, and kicks off a nationwide headlining tour, which based on this song can't be recommended highly enough, on Feb. 4 in Portsmouth, N.H.

Listen to Justin Townes Earle, 'Harlem River Blues'