So Long (It’s Been Good to Know Yuh)

SO LONG (IT’S BEEN GOOD TO KNOW YUH) – The Weavers
 
 
“So Long, It’s Been Good to Know Yuh”  (originally titled “Dusty Old Dust”) is a song by American folk musician Woody Guthrie first released in 1935, and part of his album Dust Bowl Ballads.  The composition is considered one of Guthrie’s best songs, defining his style, and demonstrating his “increasing comfort with writing topical songs about the poor and downtrodden”.  Although the song had a limited success during its 1930s release by Guthrie, its popularity soared in 1951 when it was recorded by The Weavers with different verses.  The song peaked at number four on the pop music charts in 1951, and became known as one of the Weavers’ “staple” tunes.  (More from Wikipedia)
 
 

The best known song on the Woody Guthrie album Dust Bowl Ballads is “So Long, It’s Been Good to Know Yuh” (called “Dusty Old Dust” on the album).  The Weavers had a hit with “So Long (It’s Been Good to Know Yuh) in 1951, taking it to #4 on the pop music charts and becoming one of their “staple” songs.  From Wikipedia:  “The repetitive chorus has been described as ‘a witty, black retort, utterly negative and apocalyptic’.” 

 

(March 2015)

 

Last edited: March 22, 2021