Unique twice-signed lyrical manuscript, one page both sides, 8.5 x 14, May 5, 1953. On one side, Guthrie boldly pens the lyrics to "Peace Bell Tone" in fountain pen, signing below: "Words & Music by: Woody Guthrie, Belutchyhatchee swamp bog, Florida, May 5th, 1953." The opposite side features typed lyrics for "Lonesome Valley," hand-annotated in the margin by Guthrie and signed at the conclusion in ballpoint, "Woody Guthrie." The handwritten lyrics begin: "I thought I heard your peace bell tone / I thought I heard your peace bell tone / All my life I waited for that sound / I thought I heard your peace bell tone." The top bears a typed notation, "Words & Music by: Woody Guthrie from old song 'Churchbell Tone' by Blind Lemon Jefferson." An interesting typed notation on the opposite side reads, in part: "If my Lonesome Valley's not the lonesomest valley in the bunch I can't help that because I made it sound just as lonesome as I could." In very good to fine condition, with trimmed edges, a split to the end of the central horizontal fold, and several red ink marks affecting the handwritten text. Guthrie stayed at the home of folklorist Stetson Kennedy in Beluthahatchee, Florida, for three months in the spring of 1953, during which time he composed more than 80 songs. Invoking the traditional folk-blues music that so often inspired him, these very scarce handwritten lyrics by Guthrie are of the utmost desirability.
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