many of riley's poems are filled with musical references. he had no musical education and was unable to read sheet music. his father taught him to play the guitar, and a friend taught him the violin. he performed in two different local bands and became so proficient on the violin he was invited to play with a group of adult freemasons at several events. a few of his later poems were set to music and song, one of the most well known being a short'nin' bread song—pieced out.