The Year That Clayton Delaney Died by Tom T. Hall © New Keys Music I remember the year that Clayton Delaney died They say for the last two weeks he suffered and cried It made a big impression on me Although I was a barefoot kid They said he got religion at the end I'm glad that he did Clayton was the best guitar player in our town I thought he was a hero and I used to follow Clayton around He used to tell me "Boy, you better throw that old guitar away There ain't no money in it It'll lead you to a early grave" I guess if I'd admit it old Clayton taught me how to drink booze I can see him half stoned, picking out the "Lovesick Blues" When he died I made him a promise I'd carry on somehow I'd give a hundred dollars If he could only hear me now Hey I remember the year that Clayton Delaney died Nobody ever knew it, I went out in the woods and cried I know there's a whole lot of preachers They know a lot more than I do But it could be the good lord Likes a little pickin' too I remember the year That Clayton Delaney died