The lead sheet for “Where Did You Sleep Last Night?” is available for download as a PDF.

Where Did You Sleep Last Night?

“Where Did You Sleep Last Night?” is a traditional American folk song, also known as In the Pines, with roots in the 1870s Southern Appalachians. Authorship unknown, it emerged orally, weaving themes of infidelity, loneliness, and violent tragedy—often involving a train and decapitation. Early commercial recordings appeared in the 1920s; Lead Belly’s haunting versions from 1944 defined its modern bluesy form.

Bill Monroe popularized a bluegrass variant in the 1940s, but Nirvana’s raw 1993 MTV Unplugged performance (released 1994), marked by Kurt Cobain’s anguished scream, brought explosive renewed fame. Inspired by Lead Belly—Cobain’s favorite—it endures as a timeless murder ballad of mystery and sorrow.

Lead Sheet

“Where Did You Sleep Last Night” is available for download as a PDF in a bundle with 10 other songs.

House of the Rising Sun – Amazing Grace – Greensleeves – Scarborough Fair – St. James Infirmary Blues – Where Did You Sleep Last Night – Yankee Doodle – Take Me Out to the Ball Game – Kumbaya – Dark Eyes – The Bluebells of Scotland

Download 11 Traditional Songs – Lead Sheets (11 Individual PDF Files)

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