Albergue Blues (A Camino Song)

[Richard Ray]

I grew sick of albergues by the time I finished the Camino Frances in 2016. I made up these lyrics to the tune of “Long Tall Mama Blues" by Jimmy Rogers (

) while walking one day:

I been a-walkin' all over Spain
Ain't used a car, a bus, or a train
I've walked holes in both my hikin' shoes.

At night my head needs a place to lay
Somethin' better than a loft for hay
A place to rest after my dog-gone day

(Yodel) I got the albergue blues

The showers are cold and the rooms are dank
Eighty folks a-fartin' make a terrible stank
Albergues are a pit, take it to the bank.

(Yodel) I got the albergue blues

The toilet paper's gone, the bunk beds squeak
The kitchens are a mess, the pipes all leak
I could get more rest camped out in a creek.

(Yodel) I got the albergue blues

The bedbugs itch but only all night
The snorin' you hear will give you a fright
How can I sleep when they never turn off the light?

(Yodel) I got the albergue blues

When I get home I'll have a good night's sleep
In a nice quiet house with nary a peep
No crowing roosters roamin' 'round in the street.

(Yodel) I got the albergue blues

 

[Camino Chrissy]

Your song's words are very cleverly written and it kept me smiling. Sorry to hear your experiences in the albergues were quite negative. I see "slivers" of truth in your words, but for me the albergues presented unique experiences and I have many fond memories...and maybe a few not so fond, too.