\L Aker 1 Akers, Garfield \C Text transcribed from discography listed in and edited for publication in \C Michael Taft, \iBlues Lyric Poetry: An Anthology\r. New York: Garland \C Publishing, Inc., 1983. See also, Michael Taft, \iBlues Lyric Poetry: A \C Concordance\r. New York: Garland Publishing, Inc., 1984. \C title: Cottonfield Blues-+-Part 1 \C place and date: Memphis, c. 23 Sept. 1929 \C record numbers: (M-201- ) Vo-1442 OJL-2 I said look a-here mama : what in the world are you trying to do You want to make me love you : you going to break my heart in two I said you don't want me : what made you want to lie Now the day you quit me fair brown : baby that's the day you die I'd rather see you dead : buried in some cypress grove Than to hear some gossip mama : that she had done you so It was early one morning : just about the break of day And along brownskin coming : man and drove me away Lord my baby quit me : she done set my trunk outdoors That put the poor boy wandering : Lord along the road I said trouble here mama : and trouble everywhere you go And it's trouble here mama : baby good gal I don't know \L Aker 2 Akers, Garfield \C title: Cottonfield Blues-+-Part 2 \C place and date: Memphis, c. 23 Sept. 1929 \C record numbers: (M-202- ) Vo-1442 OJL-2 I got something I'm going to tell you : mama keep it all to yourself Don't you tell your mama : don't you tell nobody else I'm going to write you a letter : I'm going to mail it in the air Then I know you going to catch it : babe in this world somewhere I'm going to write you a letter : I'm going to mail it in the sky Mama I know you going to catch it : when the wind blows on the line Ooh : mama I don't know what to do I knows you'll go : leave me all lowdown and blue Ooh : that's the last word you said And I just can't remember : babe last old words you said \L Aker 3 Akers, Garfield \C title: Dough Roller Blues \C place and date: Memphis, c. 21 Feb. 1930 \C record numbers: (MEM-776- ) Vo-1481 OJL-11 And I rolled and I tumbled : and I cried the whole night long And I rose this morning : and I didn't know right from wrong Have you ever woke up : and found your dough-roller gone Then you wring your hands : and you cry the whole day long And I told my woman : just before I left your town Don't you let nobody : tear the barrelhouse down And I fold my arms : and I begin to walk away I said that's all right sweet mama : your trouble's going to come some day \L Aker 4 Akers, Garfield \C title: Jumpin' and Shoutin' Blues \C place and date: Memphis, c. 21 Feb. 1930 \C record numbers: (MEM-777-A) Vo-1481 OJL-8 Lord I know my baby : sure going to jump and shout When the train get here : I come a-rolling out Lord I tell you it wasn't no need : of mama trying to be so kind Ah you know you don't love me : you ain't got me on your mind Mmm : you ain't got me on your mind And it's what is the need : of baby trying to be so kind Mmm : tried to treat her right But you started with another man : and stayed out every day and night Says I ain't going down : this big road by myself If I can't get you mama : I'm going to get somebody else Mmm : what you want your babe to do Says I know it's something : gal it ain't no use \L AleT 1 Alexander, Texas \C title: Long Lonesome Day Blues \C place and date: New York, 11 Aug. 1927 \C record numbers: (81213-A) OK-8511 Rt RL-315 Yes today has been : a long old lonesome day Lord it seem like tomorrow : going to be the same old way Oh tell me pretty mama : how you want your rolling done Don't want to do : just like my old-time rider done Don't a woman act funny : she's going to put you down She *jumped in the bay* : with a case of Woman *use the jelly* : I like those old-time \L AleT 2 Alexander, Texas \C title: Corn-Bread Blues \C place and date: New York, 12 Aug. 1927 \C record numbers: (81223-A) OK-8511 Rt RL-315 I've got a brownskin woman : she lives up on that hill Lord the fool trying to quit me : man but I love her still She was a *broad back middy* : and a gambling stomping whore She got a new way of getting down : have to get low as a toad Some of [these, you] women : I just can't understand They cook corn bread for their husbands : and biscuits for their men \L AleT 3 Alexander, Texas \C title: Section Gang Blues \C place and date: New York, 12 Aug. 1927 \C record numbers: (81224-B) OK-8498 Rt RL-312 I been working on the section : *section* thirty-two I'll get a dollar and a quarter : I won't have to work hard as you Oh nigger licked molasses : and the white man licked them too I wonder what in the world : is the Mexican going to do Oh captain captain : what's the matter with you If you got any Battle Ax : please sir give me a chew Water boy water boy : bring your water around If you ain't got no water : set your bucket down Oh captain captain : what time of day Oh he looked at me : and he walked away \L AleT 4 Alexander, Texas \C title: Levee Camp Moan Blues \C place and date: New York, 12 Aug. 1927 \C record numbers: (81225-B) OK-8498 RBF RF-9 Lord they accused me of murder : I haven't harmed a man Oh they accused me of forgery : I can't write my name Oh I went all around : that whole corral Lord I couldn't find a mule : with his shoulder well Oh I worked old Maude : and I worked old Belle Lord I couldn't find a mule : Maggie with his shoulder well Mmm : mmm Mmm : Lord that morning bell Lord she went up the country : and but she's on my mind Oh if she don't come on the big boat : she better not land \L AleT 5 Alexander, Texas \C title: Yellow Girl Blues \C place and date: San Antonio, 9 Mar. 1928 \C record numbers: (400442-B) OK-8801 His HLP-31 Some of these women : I just can't understand They run around here : with one another's man Oh black woman evil : brownskin evil too Going to get me a yellow woman : see what she will do Going to get me a heaven : heaven kingdom of my own So these brownskin women : can cluster around my throne \L AleT 6 Alexander, Texas \C title: No More Woman Blues \C place and date: San Antonio, 9 Mar. 1928 \C record numbers: (400446-A) OK-8624 Rt RL-312 Lord she won't pick cotton : girl won't pick no corn Baby I don't see why : you want to hang around me so long And it's one two three four : five six seven eight nine When I count them blues : the men and women is mine Lord if I get lucky : mama in this world again I ain't going to fool with no more women : and a mighty few men Mmm : mmm Lord I walked all last night : and all last night before \L AleT 7 Alexander, Texas \C title: Sittin' on a Log \C place and date: San Antonio, 10 Mar. 1928 \C record numbers: (400454-B) OK-8624 Rt RL-312 I was sitting on a log : just like a doggone dog That's the mean old woman : come and crossed my heart Says I went to the church : and they called on me to pray I fell down on my knees : and forgot just what to say Oh Lordy mama : what am I to do I'm going to stay right here : wait on something new \L AleT 8 Alexander, Texas \C title: Work Ox Blues \C place and date: New York, 15 Nov. 1928 \C record numbers: (401330-A) OK-8658 Sw S-1276 Mama I ain't going to be : your old work ox no more You done fooled around woman : let your ox get gored She will get up early in the morning : just awhile before day Then cook your breakfast : man rush you away Come in daddy : know my ox is gone You can never tell : when your ox is coming back home You can never tell : what the double-crossing women will do Says they will have your buddy : then play fake on you \L AleT 9 Alexander, Texas \C title: The Risin' Sun \C place and date: New York, 15 Nov. 1928 \C record numbers: (401331-A) OK-8673 Sw S-1276 My woman got something : just like the rising sun You can never tell : when that work is done It's no use to worrying : about the days being long Neither worry about your rolling : because it's sure going on She got something round : and it look just like a bat Sometime I wonder : what in the hell is that \L AleT 10 Alexander, Texas \C title: I Am Calling Blues \C place and date: New York, 20 Nov. 1928 \C record numbers: (401349-A) OK-8801 His HLP-31 Listen here woman : I'm calling on your name You got me in trouble : and you say you ain't to blame Don't you never drive : a stranger from your door He may be your best friend : mama says you don't know My woman got something : and I ain't ashamed When I love my woman : it puts me in a strain \L AleT 11 Alexander, Texas \C title: Double Crossing Blues \C place and date: San Antonio, 15 June 1929 \C record numbers: (402639-B) OK-8745 Yz L-1032 Some men like dogging : I just declare I don't Babe if you think I'm same your mistreating men : I declare I won't Let's stop our foolishness : and try to settle down Says I [always] [wants, likes] a woman : that do not run around I used to have a woman : good as any in this town She had so many men : she kept me always crying \L AleT 12 Alexander, Texas \C title: Ninety-Eight Degree Blues \C place and date: San Antonio, 15 June 1929 \C record numbers: (402640-A) OK-8705 Yz L-1004 I'm going to get up in the morning : do like Buddy Brown I'm going to eat my breakfast : man and lay back down When a man get hairy : know he needs a shave When a woman get musty : you know she needs to bathe I've got something to tell you : make the hair rise on your head Got a new way of loving a woman : make the springs screech on her bed If you don't believe I love you : look what a fool I've been Woman if you don't believe I love you : ah look what a shape I'm in I says I love my baby : better than I do myself If she don't love me : she won't love nobody else \L AleT 13 Alexander, Texas \C title: Water Bound Blues \C place and date: San Antonio, 15 June 1929 \C record numbers: (402642-A) OK-8785 Rt RL-327 Now my home's on the water : spending awhile on land I was trying to find a woman : that ain't got no man Says I used to have a friend : by the name of Sam Says we was ragged and dirty : some called us a tramp Says I stole my woman : from my friend they call him Sam Says that scoundrel got lucky : stoled her back again I was raised on the desert : born in a lion's den Says my chief occupation : taking *musky* men women Says I never had a woman : couldn't get her back again Says I traveled over this country : every kind of man \L AleT 14 Alexander, Texas \C title: Awful Moaning Blues-+-Part 1 \C place and date: San Antonio, 15 June 1929 \C record numbers: (402643-B) OK-8731 Rt RL-327 I been moaning moaning : ever since you been gone Going to find a new way of moaning : bring my woman back home Says I went back home : and I looked up side the wall Says I could not find : my woman's clothes at all \L AleT 15 Alexander, Texas \C title: Awful Moaning Blues-+-Part 2 \C place and date: San Antonio, 15 June 1929 \C record numbers: (402644-B) OK-8731 Rt RL-327 Mmm : mmm I been moaning woman : ever since you been gone Says I went back home : and I looked up on the shelf Says I'm getting mighty tired : sleeping by myself Says I went back home : and I walked up and down the hall Says I spied another mule : pawing in my stall Says I moaned early in the morning : moaned late late at night I was trying to moan to your satisfaction : till I treat my woman right Mmm : mmm Says I'm going to moan going to moan : till I treat my baby right \L AleT 16 Alexander, Texas \C title: When You Get to Thinking \C place and date: San Antonio, 27 Nov. 1929 \C record numbers: (403359-B) OK-8764 Fly LP-103 A married woman : best woman ever been born Only trouble you have : is trying to keep her at home My woman left me this morning : but I blame myself That backbiting man taken my woman : now he's going to the west I can't sleep at night : when I lay down to take my rest Say the woman I love Lord : she is my partner's maid \L AleT 17 Alexander, Texas \C title: Seen Better Days \C place and date: San Antonio, 9 June 1930 \C record numbers: (404112-B) OK-8890 Rt RL-316 I seen better days : when times wasn't so hard Says my woman got mad : and drove me out of her yard I wonder what can the matter : with poor Betsy Mae Lord she got mad : and drove poor me away Says I wonder what's the matter : with my troublesome mind Says I must be thinking : about my woman I left behind My woman she got something : works like sleeping pills It takes all of my time : to try to keep my backbone still That's why I can't keep from thinking : times I used to have Sometime I think : Lord I declare I declare \L AleT 18 Alexander, Texas \C title: Frost Texas Tornado Blues \C place and date: San Antonio, 9 June 1930 \C record numbers: (404117-B) OK-8890 Rt RL-316 I was sitting looking : way out across the world Said the wind had things switching : almost in a twirl Says I been a good fellow : just good as I can be Says it's Lord have mercy : Lord have mercy on me Mmm : mmm Says I been a good fellow : just as good as a man could be Some *lost their baby* : was blowing for two three miles around When they come to their right mind : they come on back to town Said rooster was crowing cows was lowing : never heard such a noise before Does it seem like hell was broke out : in this place below \L AleT 19 Alexander, Texas \C title: Easy Rider Blues \C place and date: Fort Worth, 30 Sept. 1934 \C record numbers: (FW-1138) Vo-02856 Yz L-1010 Says I wonder where : my easy rider gone She's a easy rider : but she do right not so long Some give her a nickel : some give her a lousy dime She's a easy rider : but she do right all sometime I wonder what's the matter : you ain't got no settled mind Says I got a little woman : ??? behind Say it's in the morning : so late in the night When she's loving you man : she loves you just right I say every time : that evening sun go down We gets in the bed : and we stay there a great long time It takes midnight *watch* : the early rising sun I looked out the window : says here my baby comes What you going to do mama : when your thing give out I'm going to telephone you : *we all* jump and shout I ain't going to tell no story : tell you no doggone lie Say when you get to loving : man I near about die \L Amos 1 Amos, Blind Joe \C title: C and O Blues \C place and date: probably Chicago, c. July 1927 \C record numbers: ( ) Vo-1116 OJL-17 Did you ever wake up : between midnight and day And felt for your rider : she done eased away Fourteen long years : C and O run by my door My fair brown told me this morning : she didn't want me no more If you don't want me baby : what makes you wine and cry You put that thing on me mama : and let a black child die Which a-way which a-way : did the C and O leave your town She's gone west baby : *Capital* Creek Junction bound My mama told me baby : two long years ago If you fool with that little woman : you'll have nowhere to go Want all of you men : to clearly understand Take a Alabama woman : sure going to quit you for another man I love you baby : tell the whole round world I do I love you baby : don't care what you do \L Ande 1 Anderson, . . . (Walter Taylor) \C title: Thirty-Eight and Plus \C place and date: Richmond, Ind., 14 Feb. 1930 \C record numbers: (16266-B) Ge-7157 Fwy FJ-2801 I woke up this morning : about half past four Told my girl : I couldn't use her no more Look here pretty mama : what you done done You done made me love you : now your man done come Say God made a woman : he made her mighty funny Ring around her mouth : is just as sweet as any honey Say I got a key : shine like gold The women all tell me : satisfied their soul ??? : treat me right ??? *women* : ??? *side* Going away pretty mama : won't be back till fall If I don't get back then : I won't be back at all Said a monkey and a baboon : setting in the grass One said no : and the other said yes \L AndeJ 1 Anderson, Jelly Roll \C title: Free Woman Blues \C place and date: Chicago or Richmond, Ind., 19 Apr. 1927 \C record numbers: (12718-B) Ge-6135 Rt RL-340 Six bits ain't no dollar : six months ain't no long time If you want to come to your baby : you can see me any time Take me for your prisoner : let that one I love go free Six months in the workhouse : sure ain't hard for me If you take me back baby : I'll let you be my boss Let you do anything : but nail me on the cross Baby baby baby : I got all my clothes out on pawn I'm going to wake up one morning : and have all my glad rags gone \L AndeJ 2 Anderson, Jelly Roll \C title: I. C. Blues \C place and date: Chicago or Richmond, Ind., 19 Apr. 1927 \C record numbers: (12722) Ge-6135 His HLP-22 Trouble trouble : ever since I been a man Seems like me and trouble : is just running hand and hand I've had trouble in Rock Island : also on the old S T But I seem so miscontented : every time I ride the big I C Very next time I ride the I C : that long whistle blow I'm going to hop right on : won't even stop to pack my clothes When that I C train : goes hurrying around that lonesome bend I'll be back to see my baby : but the Lord only knows when \L ArnK 1 Arnold, Kokomo \C title: Rainy Night Blues \C place and date: Memphis, 17 May 1930 \C record numbers: (59938-2) Vi-23268 Yz L-1012 Now it was early one morning mama : I was on my way to school Lord that's when I got the notion : to break my mama's rule Oh the blues : falling like showers of rain I tell you once in a while moment : think I hear my baby call my name Lord I cried last night mama : then I cried the whole night long Going to do right mama : then I won't have to cry no more Lord I don't feel welcome : pretty mama no place I go Because the little woman I love mama : has a-drove me from her door \L ArnK 2 Arnold, Kokomo \C title: Milk Cow Blues \C place and date: Chicago, 10 Sept. 1934 \C record numbers: (C-9428-B) De-7026 BC-4 Hollering good morning : I said blues how do you do Fell mighty well this morning : can't get along with you I cannot do right baby : when you won't do right yourself Lord if my good gal quits me : well I don't want nobody else Now you can read out your handbook : preach out your Bible Fall down on your knees and pray : the good Lord to help you Because you going to need : you going to need my help some day Mama if you can't quit your sinning : please quit your lowdown ways Says I woke up this morning : and I looked outdoors Says I know my mamlish milkcow pretty mama : Lord by the way she lows Lord if you see my milkcow buddy : I said please drive her home Says I ain't had no milk and butter mama : Lord since my cow been gone Says my blues fell this morning : and my love come falling down Says I'll be your lowdown dog mama : but please don't dog me around Takes a rocking chair to rock mama : a rubber ball to roll Take a little teasing brown mama : just to pacify my soul Lord I don't feel welcome : eee no place I go Lord the little woman I love mama : have done drove me from her door \L ArnK 3 Arnold, Kokomo \C title: Old Original Kokomo Blues \C place and date: Chicago, 10 Sept. 1934 \C record numbers: (C-9429-B) De-7026 BC-4 Now one and one is two mama : two and two is four Mess around here pretty mama : you know we got to go Crying oh : baby don't you want to go Back to the *living light* city : to sweet old Kokomo Now four and one is five mama : five and one is six You mess around here pretty mama : you going to get me tricked Now six and one is seven mama : seven and one is eight You mess around here pretty mama : you going to make me late Says I told you mama : when you first fell across my bed You been drinking your bad whiskey : and talking all out your head I don't drink because I'm dry mama : don't drink because I'm blue The reason I drink pretty mama : I can't get along with you Now eight and one is nine mama : nine and one is ten You mess around here pretty mama : I'm going to take you in Now ten and one is eleven mama : eleven and one is twelve You mess around here pretty mama : you going to catch you a lot of hell \L ArnK 4 Arnold, Kokomo \C title: Old Black Cat Blues \C place and date: Chicago, 15 Jan. 1935 \C record numbers: (C-9653-A) De-7050 CC-25 I believe : that I got those black cat blues Lord if I win on Friday : please Saturday night I'm sure to lose Yes the black cat blues mama : ain't nothing but a doggone heart disease Said I was broke and disgusted : I didn't have no money for Christmas Eve Yes this black cat blues mama : don't mean no one nar' no good Said all my friends done forgot me : everybody's down on me in my neighborhood Lord some folks said blues and trouble nothing : but evil running across your mind When you get to setting down thinking : about the black gal treated you so nice and kind Oh if the black cat blues was money : I would be rich as Henry Ford Lord if the black cat blues don't leave me mama : Lord I've got to get further down the road \L ArnK 5 Arnold, Kokomo \C title: Sissy Man Blues \C place and date: Chicago, 15 Jan. 1935 \C record numbers: (C-9654-A) De-7050 CC-25 I believe : I believe I'll go back home Lord acknowledge to my good gal mama : Lord that I have done you wrong Now I'm going to ring up China yeah man : see can I find my good gal over there Says the Good Book tells me : that I got a good gal in this world some where Oh and the church bells is toning yeah man : on one Sunday morning Hollering some old dirty deacon : I mean rung that bell stole my gal and gone Lord if you can't send me no woman : please send me some sissy man Lord I woke up this morning : with my Port China tickets in my hand I'm going to sing these blues mama yeah man : and I'm going to lay them upon your shelf Lord you going to hear these blues again mama : well you sure got to sing them yourself \L ArnK 6 Arnold, Kokomo \C title: Front Door Blues \C place and date: Chicago, 15 Jan. 1935 \C record numbers: (C-9655-A) De-7156 BC-4 Says I knocked on my front door mama : my good gal wouldn't seem to let me in Says it must be another rounder : laying up with my old black hen Says it thunders and lightnings : and the rain begins to fall Says it must've be another mule : mama kicking in my stall Says I'm going to buy me a thirty-two twenty mama : with a long six inch barrel Says I'm going to kill that mule : then I'm sure going kill my gal Then I'm going to Caruthersville mama : just to take that right-hand road Says I never quit walking : till I walked up in my mama's door Says I'll be sad and I'll be lonesome : worried I'll be blue Says I'm tired : of being worried with you \L ArnK 7 Arnold, Kokomo \C title: Back Door Blues \C place and date: Chicago, 15 Jan. 1935 \C record numbers: (C-9656-A) De-7156 CC-25 Says the blues come down the alley : headed up to my back door Says I had the blues today mama : just like I never had before Blues and trouble : have been my best friends I says when my blues leave me : my trouble just walked in Now some folks says blues is trouble : nothing but evil running across your mind Lord when you setting down thinking about someone : have treated you so nice and kind Said you roll and you tumble : till it almost make you blind When you get to thinking about your good gal : well you almost to lose your mind I said when you start walking : your mind running every way If you think about that old black woman : Lord that led you off astray \L ArnK 8 Arnold, Kokomo \C title: The Twelves \C place and date: Chicago, 18 Jan. 1935 \C record numbers: (C-9671-A) De-7083 Say SDR-163 Says I want everybody : fall in line Shake your shimmy : like I'm shaking mine You shake your shimmy : shake it fast If you can't shake your shimmy : shake your yas yas yas Says *I am* with your mama : out across the field Slipping and a-sliding : just like an automobile I hollered at your mama : I told her to wait She slipped away from me : just like a Cadillac Eight Say I like your mama : sister too I did like your papa : but your papa wouldn't do I met your papa : around the corner the other day I soon found out : that he was funny that a-way Says I went out yonder : New Orleans The wildcat jumped : on the sewing machine The sewing machine : sewed so fast Sewed ninety-nine stitches : up his yas yas yas Says God made Adam : made him stout He wasn't satisfied : until he made him a snout He made him a snout : just as long as a rail He wasn't satisfied : until he made him a tail He made him a tail : just to fan the flies He wasn't satisfied : until he made him some eyes He made him some eyes : just to look on the grass He wasn't satisfied : then he made his yas yas yas He made his yas yas yas : so he couldn't get a trick He wasn't satisfied : until he made him sick He made him sick : and then made him well You know by that : the big boy's coughing in hell \L ArnK 9 Arnold, Kokomo \C title: Slop Jar Blues \C place and date: Chicago, 5 Feb. 1935 \C record numbers: (C-9776-A) De-7092 Say SDR-163 Says I feel just like mama : throwing my slop jar in your face Said you done lost your mind : and let that old *out-minder* take my place Now I could cut your throat mama : and drink your blood like wine Because you's a dirty old buzzard : and you sure done lost your mind Mama here I am : right out in the cold again Says the woman that I'm loving : got brains just like a turkey hen Says I'd rather be a catfish : down in the Gulf of Mexico Than to hear the woman that I'm loving : say sweet papa I got to go Then I cried : till my pillow got soaking wet Says I walked all the way up Beale Street : I bowed my head at every old gal I met \L ArnK 10 Arnold, Kokomo \C title: Black Annie \C place and date: Chicago, 5 Feb. 1935 \C record numbers: (C-9777-A) De-7092 Say SDR-163 Well I stood on the corner mama : and I looked two blocks and a half Lord I never seed Black Annie : but I sure God heard her laugh Then I went down the alley : with my gatling gun in my hand Just to kill my woman : for loving another man Now it's trouble trouble : I been had it all my days Well it seems like trouble : going to follow me to my grave Now my love is just like water : you can turn it off and on Now when you think I'm loving you mama : well I done turned you off and gone Now I'm going to set my picture : Lord up on your shelf Lord if you don't live with me mama : well you ain't going to live with nobody else \L ArnK 11 Arnold, Kokomo \C title: Southern Railroad Blues \C place and date: Chicago, 18 Apr. 1935 \C record numbers: (C-9921-A) De-7139 Say SDR-163 Says my gal she caught the Southern : and the fireman he rang the bell And the engineer he left the station : just like a bat up out of hell Said I waved my hand : she didn't even look around Said and I felt like dropping : right down on the ground Mama here I am : down on my bended knees Says I'm crying to the good Lord : send me back my good gal if you please Said now I got a notion : to leave this lonesome town Says my gal she caught the Southern : and I know she done put me down Now my old bones is aching : and my hair is turning grey Said I'm going back home mama : and I'm going back there to stay \L ArnK 12 Arnold, Kokomo \C title: Busy Bootin' \C place and date: Chicago, 18 Apr. 1935 \C record numbers: (C-9923-A) De-7139 Say SDR-163 Busy booting : and you can't come in Come back tomorrow night : and try it again I met your mama : in the alley way She's catching hunkies : both night and day Don't you remember : last Friday night You go out in the street : and you want to fight Keep talking : about your neighbor next door I caught her boogie-woogying : down on the floor Don't you remember : when my door was locked I had your mama : on the chopping block Pretty mama : I'm telling you I'm sick and tired : of the way you do Stop knocking : on my windowpane You tell what you see : don't you call my name \L ArnK 13 Arnold, Kokomo \C title: Let Your Money Talk \C place and date: Chicago, 18 Apr. 1935 \C record numbers: (C-9924- ) De-7191 BC-4 Let your money talk let your money talk : let your money talk let your money talk If you feel like riding : and don't want to walk Now you look so neat and you look so neat : and you talk so sweet you talk so sweet Now you can't get by no matter how you try : on your dead beat Let your money talk let your money talk : so we can hear so we can hear If you ain't coming back tell me right now : leave a dime for beer Let your money talk let your money talk : put it in my hand put it in my hand If you like your cool kind beer pretty mama : we can rush the can If you go to the butcher if you go to the butcher : to get you sausage grind your sausage grind If he can't get it in the front door : he don't want it behind You want your ashes hauled you want your ashes hauled : and ain't got no man ain't got no man Just lay it on the wood pretty mama : I do the best I can If you want to boogie-woogie if you want to boogie-woogie : and haven't got the price haven't got the price Just let the landlady know man : and she will put it on ice And now if you can't see if you can't see : if you deaf and dumb you deaf and dumb Don't stand around looking cute : and on a bum \L ArnK 14 Arnold, Kokomo \C title: Policy Wheel Blues \C place and date: Chicago, 15 July 1935 \C record numbers: (90158-A) De-7147 CC-25 Now while you playing policy buddy : play four eleven and forty-four When you get your money : then pack your bags and go Crying oh : look what that [policy wheel, coal-field, greyhound] have done to me Says it done took all my money : and but it still won't let me be Now while you playing policy : play four eighteen and fifty-six You can pile up your black money : because you sure going to get it fixed Now when you change your numbers : play thirteen thirty-two and fifty-one But be careful buddy : because you might have to run Now while you playing policy buddy : play five nine and fifty-nine But be careful buddy : because you might lose your mind Now *ask you to* about gambling : play eleven seventeen and sixty-one If they don't give you your money : go buy you a gatling gun Now if you wake up in the morning : ain't got nothing on your mind Play that old country number : that you call three sixty-nine Now you can break out your windows : and look down at your glass Think you going to get my money mama : that's your yas yas yas \L ArnK 15 Arnold, Kokomo \C title: Stop Look and Listen \C place and date: Chicago, 23 July 1935 \C record numbers: (90201-A) De-7181 BC-4 Oh stop and listen : hear those bells a-tone I found my faro : lying on a cooling board Says today has been : a long old lonesome day Seems like tomorrow : mama going to be the same old way Now don't your house look lonesome : when a hearse roll in front of your door I found my faro : lying on a cooling board Says and it smokes like lightning : and it *faro* shine like gold I wouldn't have seen her : not to save nobody's soul Lord then I ain't going down : that big road by myself If I don't carry you : mama I'm going to carry somebody else And I followed my faro : to the new burying ground Watch the pallbearers : when they lay my faro down \L ArnK 16 Arnold, Kokomo \C title: Big Leg Mama \C place and date: Chicago, 11 Sept. 1935 \C record numbers: (90314-A) De-7116 Say SDR-163 Now it's mama mama mama : please keep your big legs down So I can stop old John Russell : Lord from hanging around Says I load coal in the morning : and I cut corn late at night When I come on home : and you and John Russell sure don't treat me right Says I hate like the devil : to declare war in my happy home Says I loaned you my money : and then you stole my gal and gone Now you going to hear thunder and lightning : from the end of my pistol barrel Says you stole my money : then you turned around and took my gal Now my *old back* is a-breaking : and my lights is a-burning low When I load this carload of coal captain : I sure ain't going load no more \L ArnK 17 Arnold, Kokomo \C title: Milk Cow Blues-+-No. 4 \C place and date: Chicago, 11 Sept. 1935 \C record numbers: (90316-A) De-7163 CC-25 I can't get my milk in the morning : I can't get my cream no more And I want somebody to come here : help me get this bull from my door Says I went out to my barn this morning : he didn't have one word to say He was laying down by my heifer's side : please on a pile of hay Then I walked away : and I hung my head and cried Says I feel so lonesome : I ain't got my heifer by my side Now there's nothing that I could do : for that old bull has tea-rolled me When I get myself another heifer : I'm going to move back to Tennessee Says I'm still in love with my milkcow : I just can't stand the way she do I don't mind her drinking her whiskey : but please don't ballyhoo \L ArnK 18 Arnold, Kokomo \C title: I'll Be Up Some Day \C place and date: New York, 18 Feb. 1936 \C record numbers: (60515- ) De-7172 Say SDR-163 Says I've been traveling mama : all by myself When I had you baby : you thought I had somebody else But that's all right mama : I'll be up some day And just like you did me baby : I'm going to do you the same old way Says I asked my baby : to take me back once more She said you ain't got no money : sweet papa there is the door Said now I ain't got no money : and no place to go I asked you for a little small favor : and you drove me from your door Now I've got a little sweet woman : that I can call my own I want your *turning-gate* women : to please leave me alone Ever since you been gone mama : I've been about to lose my mind But I got another little sweet woman : and I don't want your three sixty-nine \L ArnK 19 Arnold, Kokomo \C title: Shake That Thing \C place and date: Chicago, 9 July 1936 \C record numbers: (90795-A) De-7212 CC-25 Says down in Georgia : where the dance is new Ain't nothing to it : because it's easy to do Now the old folks started it : and the young folks too Old folks teaching the young ones : what to do Said grandpa Johnson : grabbed sister Kate Shook her like he shaking : jelly on a plate Says old Uncle Jack : he is a jellyroll king He got a hump in his back : just from shaking that thing Says now I sees it : just a little funny swing You don't need no lesson : to shake that thing \L ArnK 20 Arnold, Kokomo \C title: Mister Charlie \C place and date: Chicago, 24 Oct. 1936 \C record numbers: (90958-A) De-7261 CC-25 Why shouldn't I take a chance mama : when good luck comes along Seems like everybody's down on me : always somebody's doing me wrong Says I can't live for loving : but I just can't help myself Now the little woman I'm loving quit me : well I sure don't want nobody else Oh Mr Charlie : why don't you leave my gal alone Well you keep on kicking her : you bound to break up my happy home And it was early this morning : I was walking down the avenue Says I had a good spirit : thought I was strolling along with you Says I turned around : and I wrung my hands and cried Says I felt so lonesome : I didn't have my baby by my side \L ArnK 21 Arnold, Kokomo \C title: Long and Tall \C place and date: Chicago, 12 Jan. 1937 \C record numbers: (91070-A) De-7306 CC-25 Says I love you mama : but you don't even care for me Because you a long tall woman : and I sure God ain't going to let you be Now she's long and she's tall : shaped just like a cannonball Says I found that woman : where the Southern cross the Yellow Dog Then I heard the church bells toning : way out on Dago Hill Then my heart struck sorrow : I guess you know just how I feel Says now tell me mama : what make you do me like you do Now some day you going to want me : and I swear and I won't want you Some people crave high yellow : please give me my black and brown Now if you mess with me mama : I'm sure going to turn your damper down \L ArnK 22 Arnold, Kokomo \C title: Salty Dog \C place and date: Chicago, 12 Jan. 1937 \C record numbers: (91070-A) De-7267 Rt RL-318 Now just one thing : that worry my mind All of these womens : ain't none of them mine Scaredest I ever been : in my life Old Uncle Bud liked to caught me : kissing his wife Now big fish little fish : playing in the water Come on back here man : and give me my quarter Just like looking for a needle : in a bed of sand Just try to find a woman : ain't got no man Says God made a woman : and he made her mighty funny The lips around her mouth : just sweet as any honey Old Uncle Bud : he's a man like this He saves his money : and use his fist \L ArnK 23 Arnold, Kokomo \C title: Wild Water Blues \C place and date: Chicago, 12 Mar. 1937 \C record numbers: (91134-A) De-7285 Cor CP-58 I woke up this morning : I couldn't even get out of my door Said this wild water got me covered : and I ain't got no place to go Now I hear my mama crying : but I just can't help myself Now this wild water keep on rising : I got to get help from someone else Now good morning Mr wild water : why did you stop in my front door Says you reaches from Cairo : clean down to the Gulf of Mexico Now don't you hear your mother crying : weeping and moaning all night long Because old man wild water done been here : took her best friends and gone Now look a-here Mr wild water : why do you treat me so doggone mean Says you took my house out of Cairo : carried it down in New Orleans \L ArnK 24 Arnold, Kokomo \C title: Laugh and Grin Blues \C place and date: Chicago, 12 Mar. 1937 \C record numbers: (91135-A) De-7285 CC-25 Now when you happy mama : everybody smiles with you Just as soon as you feel down-hearted: the whole round world turns blue Now when the sun is shining : everybody's happy as can be Just as soon as it start to raining : you quiver just like a leaf on a tree Now I got something to tell you mama : and I really want you to understand Every man you see wearing britches : he sure God ain't no monkey-man Now when I had plenty money : everybody want to be my friend Just as soon as I got ragged and hungry : now they all wants to laugh and grin Now I'm going to tell all you people : when I get on my feet again Says you need not ask for no small favors : just go ahead laugh and grin \L ArnK 25 Arnold, Kokomo \C title: Mean Old Twister \C place and date: Chicago, 30 Mar. 1937 \C record numbers: (91161-A) De-7347 BC-4 Now this dark cloud is rising : and it's thundering all around Look like something bad is going to happen : you better lower your airplane down Now that mean old twister's coming : poor people running every which a-way Everybody's got to wonder : what's the matter with this cruel world today Now my mama told me : when I was only five months old If you obey your preacher : the good Lord is going to bless your soul Now the daylight is failing : and the moon begin to rise I'm just down here weeping and moaning : right by my mama's side Now I'm going home : I done did all in this world that I could Says I got everybody happy : around here in my neighborhood \L ArnK 26 Arnold, Kokomo \C title: Red Beans and Rice \C place and date: Chicago, 30 Mar. 1937 \C record numbers: (91162-A) De-7347 BC-4 When I was down in Georgia : I was doing mighty well Since I been here in Chicago : I been catching a plenty hell Says I'm going down to the station : ain't going to take no one's advice Says I'm going back to Georgia : where I can get my red beans and rice Now these Chicago women : have give me such a hard way to go Says they done took all my black money : and they got me running from door to door Now I been setting here looking : way down that lonesome road Says I'm raggedy and I'm hungry : and I ain't got no place to go Now I been rolling : I been rolling from sun to sun Says I got where I can't get no loving : not until my payday comes \L ArnK 27 Arnold, Kokomo \C title: Set Down Gal \C place and date: Chicago, 30 Mar. 1937 \C record numbers: (91166-A) De-7361 OJL-20 Said I ain't no preacher : I'm just a bachelor man Some of these days mama : you bound to understand Now set down gal : stop your crazy ways Got trouble in the land : you're going to need my help some day Now when I want it : I want it awful bad If I don't get it : you know it's going to make me mad Said I asked my mama : to not to be so rough She ain't the type : to keep on strutting her stuff Says I asked my baby : not to be so mean She acts like a woman : from down in New Orleans Now come on baby : stop this up and down Don't like to catch you : start to messing around \L ArnK 28 Arnold, Kokomo \C title: Big Ship Blues \C place and date: Chicago, 30 Mar. 1937 \C record numbers: (91167-A) De-7361 Say SDR-163 Now this big ship was a-rocking : and my body's filled with aches and pains Now if I get across the Atlantic Ocean : good people I will not live to Spain Now the big tide is rising : you better lower your anchors down Now if we don't make the circle : we never will get back to New York town Now why don't you people quit laughing : I feel mighty sad in my mind Said this big fog go to rising : and a cyclone is right behind Now I feels bad : nobody seems to want to go my way Says this big ship going to leaking : right between midnight and day Now I see something shining : daylight is breaking all around Soon as we make a few more lurches : I will be right back in New York town \L ArnK 29 Arnold, Kokomo \C title: Buddie Brown Blues \C place and date: Chicago, 23 Oct. 1937 \C record numbers: (91299-A) De-7449 CC-25 Captain rung the bell this morning : just at the break of day Said now it's time for you to go rolling : buddy why don't you be on your way Mama you can cook my breakfast : great God don't you burn my bread Do and I'm going to take my black hand razor : I'm going to cut you on your doggone head Now my captain done called me : Lord and I got to go Because he's on his old black stallion : and he's riding from door to door Now I will be so glad : when my payday comes Says I'm getting so tired mama : rolling from sun to sun Now I'm going to get up in the morning : do just like old Buddy Brown Says I'm going to eat my breakfast : please and lay back down \L ArnK 30 Arnold, Kokomo \C title: Rocky Road Blues \C place and date: Chicago, 23 Oct. 1937 \C record numbers: (91300-A) De-7449 CC-25 Now my road is rocky : but it won't be rocky long Says I been catching the devil : ever since my good gal been gone Says my mama told me : Lord when I was quite a child Son you must always remember : Lord that you was born to die Now I got so many wagons : till I done cut that good road down Because the little woman that I been loving : said she do not even want me around Says she won't write me no letter : she won't send me no telegram She just a hard-headed woman : and she don't even give a damn Now I'm going to smoke my reefer : drink my good champagne and wine Say I ain't going to let these hard-headed women : make me lose my mind \L ArnK 31 Arnold, Kokomo \C title: Head Cuttin' Blues \C place and date: Chicago, 3 Nov. 1937 \C record numbers: (91331-A) De-7417 BC-4 I believe to my soul : there's a black cat sleeping under my bed Every time I get drunk : my woman wants to cut my head She keeps me running : ducking and dodging all night long Every time I get drunk : I don't mean to treat nobody wrong Now listen here mama : I ain't going to do it no more When I get full of my good whiskey : you got me running from door to door Now I'm leaving you mama : Lord and it won't be long Now if you don't believe I'm leaving : please count the days I'm gone Now just as sure as a freight train : rolls up in the yard Says I'm going to go far : take two dollars to send me a postal card \L ArnK 32 Arnold, Kokomo \C title: Broke Man Blues \C place and date: Chicago, 3 Nov. 1937 \C record numbers: (91332-A) De-7417 CC-25 Well I dreamed last night now : that my old shack was falling down And when I woke up this morning : my poor head was going round and round Now I'm going to be a robber and a cheater : I'm going to take that to be my game And when I make my black money : I'm going on back home to Mary Jane Now when I was a schoolboy : I would not take no one's advice Now I'm just a broke man : nobody seems to want to treat me right Now my poor heart is aching : and I really don't know what to do Says I got a strong notion : coming right on back home to you Now I'm going to close conversation : and I have no more to say And a since I been a broke man : nobody seems to want to go my way \L ArnK 33 Arnold, Kokomo \C title: Back on the Job \C place and date: Chicago, 3 Nov. 1937 \C record numbers: (91333-A) De-7390 Say SDR-163 Some of these days you're going to miss me : mama Lord when I'm gone Now just go ahead and forget it : and try to carry my good works on Now I'm going away mama : but I'll be back some day soon Just don't lose your head : let no lowdown rounder have my room Mama here I am : right back on the job again Says I've had no loving : Lord since God knows when Now you acted bad : and you don't obey my rules Because I'm back home again : I'm going to take you to a brand new school Now listen here mama : go ahead and set down and be yourself But the next time I go strolling : just try to find you someone else \L ArnK 34 Arnold, Kokomo \C title: Your Ways and Actions \C place and date: New York, 11 May 1938 \C record numbers: (67344-A) De-7510 Say SDR-163 Now your ways and your actions : speaks almost as loud as words Because your dreamy eyes told me something : Lord that I never heard Now you know that you love me : mama why don't you tell me so Because you always hanging around : knocking on my door Every time I see you baby : my flesh begin to crawl Says why don't you be good : but my mule is kicking in your stall How can I miss you : mama Lord when I got dead aim Says I feel so different : till this old world don't look the same Now there's nothing that I can do : I did all in this world that I could Now she's gone and left me : she didn't mean me no good \L ArnK 35 Arnold, Kokomo \C title: Tired of Runnin' from Door to Door \C place and date: New York, 11 May 1938 \C record numbers: (67346) De-7464 Say SDR-163 I'm getting so tired : of running from town to town For when I wake up in the morning : my head is going around and around Some of these days : Lord and it won't be long Says I'm going to run lucky : and find me a happy home Now I'm going to keep on traveling : till *such another* comes my way Says my woman get a chance to see me : not until the sunshiny day Now I been waiting for tomorrow : look like tomorrow ain't going never come Every day seems like Monday : just at the rising sun Now my poor heart is aching : and my head can't rest no more Says I'm getting so tired : of running from door to door \L ArnK 36 Arnold, Kokomo \C title: My Well Is Dry \C place and date: New York, 11 May 1938 \C record numbers: (63748-A) De-7540 CC-25 Says I never missed my water : not until my well went dry Says I never missed sweet Annie : not until she said goodbye Hey Lord sweet mama : tell me when you're coming back again Says I ain't had none of your loving : Lord since God knows when Now the mailman he passed : but he did not leave no news Says he left me standing here : with the doggone aching-heart blues Well I ain't going to be no fool man : I'm going to hold up my head and walk Says my woman get a chance to see me : but they all hear me when I talk Says I holler in the morning : I begin to moan late at night Says I got a hard-hearted woman : and she don't know how to treat me right \L ArnK 37 Arnold, Kokomo \C title: Midnight Blues \C place and date: New York, 11 May 1938 \C record numbers: (63750-A) De-7510 Say SDR-163 In the morning : right between midnight and day I'm going to pack my suitcase : and start to drift away My gal she got ways : just like a snake in the grass If I don't leave here soon : my life won't never last It's so hard : to get right up and change your mind When someone that you love : has been left behind Sooner or later : one of us has got to walk away She says I don't mind you going : but please don't go away to stay Now I don't care baby : if the wind don't never change If your coming don't bring sunshine : it sure God will bring rain \L ArnK 38 Arnold, Kokomo \C title: Bad Luck Blues \C place and date: New York, 12 May 1938 \C record numbers: (63753-A) De-7540 CC-25 Now there's trouble trouble : I been having all my days Now it seems like troubles : going to put me in my lonesome grave Now my woman she got ways : just like a wildcat in the woods She always raising hell and disturbance : right here in my neighborhood I'm scared to stay here : scared to leave this old bad-luck town So when I wake up every morning : my head is going round and round Now listen here people : I don't want no one's advice I done changed my way of living : going to find someone to treat me right I'm going to tell everybody : what bad luck I've had in my life I'd kill my sister and my brother : not a woman *break my line* \L ArnK 39 Arnold, Kokomo \C title: Kid Man Blues \C place and date: New York, 12 May 1938 \C record numbers: (63754-A) De-7464 Say SDR-163 Now my [old] heart is ticking : just like a clock up on the wall Says I tried to be good : but my woman treats me like a dog Now I've got my name written : right on my right arm Every time I want to leave : I know she's got to come back home Now you said that you loved me : what make you treat me so unkind You just old hard-headed woman : but I believe you about to lose your mind Now you can tell your kid-man : he needn't take it so doggone hard Because if he messes with me : going to crack him right on his nog Now that's all I got to say mama : I ain't going to let you worry my mind When I go away to leave you : I will stop by to see you sometime \L BaiK 1 Bailey, Kid \C title: Mississippi Bottom Blues \C place and date: New York, 12 May 1938 \C record numbers: (M-209/10) Br-7114 OJL-5 Way down in Mississippi : where I was bred and born Reason : that will forever be my native home And my poor mother's old : Lord and her hair is turning grey I know it would break her heart : if she found I was barrelhousing this way And I'm going to where : now the water drink like wine Where I can be drunk there : and staggering all the time And it ain't but the one thing now : Lord that worries my mind That's a house full of women Lord : none in there is mine And my friend passed me : and she never said a word Nothing I had did : but was something she had heard \L BaiK 2 Bailey, Kid \C title: Rowdy Blues \C place and date: Memphis, c. 25 Sept. 1929 \C record numbers: (M-211) Br-7114 OJL-5 Ain't going to marry : neither settle down I'm going to stay right here : till they tear this barrelhouse down And I love you babe : and I tell the world I do I don't love nobody : whole in this round world but you Ain't no use of weeping : ain't no need of crying For you've got a home : just as long as I got mine Is you ever been lucky now : woke up cold in hand I would call that now : nothing but a monkey-man And I love you baby : you so nice and brown Because you put it up solid : so it won't come down Did you get that letter now : mailed in your back yard It's a sad word to say : but the best of friends have to part \L BakW 1 Baker, Willie \C title: Mama, Don't Rush Me Blues \C place and date: Memphis, c. 25 Sept. 1929 \C record numbers: (14666) Ge-6766 His HLP-22 Paid my room rent last night : half past ten Take my gal to the door : but she wouldn't go in I take a gal for a ride : she tried to get rough *How* I been in your doorway : strutting my stuff Ain't these women funny : about the way they do Start to loving a man : then go to dogging you I buy you a cigarette : and I buy you snuff I know doggone well now : when I get enough Now make someone : to tell you *loves* every day I know that's enough : to let you have your way Mama you been just like : says a farmer's mule Longer I live with you : harder you is to rule I told my wife : if you want me to wait You better stop your sister : from doing her *gait* \L BakW 2 Baker, Willie \C title: No No Blues \C place and date: Richmond, Ind., 9 Jan. 1929 \C record numbers: (14667) Ge-6766 BC-5 I woke up this morning : my good gal was gone Stood by my bedside : and I hung my head and hung my head and moaned I walked down the street : I couldn't be satisfied I had the no no blues : I couldn't keep from I couldn't keep from crying It ain't none of my business : but it sure ain't right Take another man's gal : walk the streets all walk the streets all night Take a mighty *pricky* woman : to treat her good man wrong Take a mighty mean man : take another man's take another man's home I'm a stranger here : I just blowed in your town If I ask for a favor : don't turn me don't turn me down I'm long and tall : like a cannonball Take a long tall man : make a good gal make a good gal squall If I mistreat you : I don't mean no harm Because I'm a motherless child : don't know right from don't know right from wrong I ain't no gambler : and I don't play no pool I'm a rambling roller : jelly-baking jelly-baking fool She's low and squatty : right down on the ground She's a lightweighted mama : so I can bear so I can bear down I'm a stranger here : I come in on the train I long to hear : some good gal call my good gal call my name \L BakW 3 Baker, Willie \C title: Weak-Minded Blues \C place and date: Richmond, Ind., 10 Jan. 1929 \C record numbers: (14668) Spt-9427 Yz L-1012 I wonder : will a matchbox hold my dirty clothes I haven't got so many : but I got so far to go Women all singing the blues : I can't raise my right hand What make a woman have them blues : well you know somebody's got her man The blues is something : woman I ain't never had Just get your *best friend's good man* : and do the best you can A weak-minded woman : will let a rounder tear her down And when she get in trouble : that rounder can't be found She got up last night : she crawled around my bed Going love you long time daddy : I guess I will see you dead Woman take the blues : she going to buy her a paper and read Man take them blues : he going to catch a train and leave My gal got a mouth : like a lighthouse on the sea Every time she smiles : she throws that light on me \L BakW 4 Baker, Willie \C title: Bad Luck Moan \C place and date: Richmond, Ind., 10 Jan. 1929 \C record numbers: (14892) Ge-6812 Rt RL-326 Bad luck in my bed : bad luck's in my home That's the reason why : singing this bad-luck moan I got a gal : though she's a little bit up in years But she sure knows how : how to shift her gears Some like pigmeat : but hogmeat's what I crave I believe : this sure going to carry me to my grave Mmm : mama come to my rescue I'm feeling so bad : till I don't know what to do Well the chinch has moved in : all in my room Somebody better come here : pretty doggone soon \L BakW 5 Baker, Willie \C title: Crooked Woman Blues \C place and date: Richmond, Ind., 11 Mar. 1929 \C record numbers: (14894-A) Ge-6846 Yz L-1012 When a man gets down : the trouble lasts always Your gal will leave you : and be gone for days and days Tell all you women : how to make a happy home Keep you a workingman : and leave those sweet boys alone There's coming a time : these women won't need no men Their body washed up : and money'll come rolling in When you think : your women always running hand to hand You can bet your bottom dollar : one's got the other one's man On one Monday morning : on my way to school That's the Monday morning : I broke my mama's rule \L BakW 6 Baker, Willie \C title: Rag Baby \C place and date: Richmond, Ind., 11 Mar. 1929 \C record numbers: (14895-B) Ge-6846 Her H-201 Yonder she goes : with a broom in her hand Sweep me off : for another man \L BakW 7 Baker, Willie \C title: Weak-Minded Blues \C place and date: Richmond, Ind., 11 Mar. 1929 \C record numbers: (14896) Ge-6751 Her H-201 I wonder : will a matchbox mama hold my dirty clothes I ain't got so many : but I got so far to go Women all singing the blues : I ain't raise my right hand What make a woman have them blues : when she knows somebody's got her man The blues is something : woman I ain't never had Just get your *best friend's good man* : and do the best you can A weak-minded woman : will let a rounder tear her down And when she get in trouble : that rounder can't be found She got up last night : she crawled around my bed Going love you long time daddy : guess I will see you dead Woman take the blues : she going to buy her a paper and read Man take them blues : he going to catch a train and leave My gal got a mouth : like a lighthouse on the sea Every time she smiles : she throws that light on me \L BakW 8 Baker, Willie \C title: Sweet Patunia Blues \C place and date: Richmond, Ind., 11 Mar. 1929 \C record numbers: (14897) Ge-6751 His HLP-22 I got a gal : she got a Rolls Royce She didn't get it all : by using her voice I'm wild about my tuni : only thing I crave Well sweet patuni : going to carry me to my grave Every time : my gal walk down the street All the boys holler : ain't tuni sweet I got a gal : she lives up on the hill You can't get her tuni : she got automobile Well I woke up this morning : half past four A long tall gal : rapping at my door She was singing sweet patuni : only thing I crave Well sweet patuni : going to carry me to my grave If all these tuni : was brought to a test A long tall gal : can *break* it the best Telling all you men : I been well blessed If I get what I want : you can have the rest \L Bare 1 Barefoot Bill \C title: My Crime Blues \C place and date: Richmond, Ind., 11 Mar. 1929 \C record numbers: (149352-2) Co-14510-D OJL-14 I got the blues for my baby : she got the blues for I say me But I can't see my baby : and she can't see me I'm going to be condemned : early tomorrow I say morn But I am not guilty : because I ain't done nobody wrong My crime my crime : I really can't understand They got me accused of murder : and I never harmed a man Will you please come down : on my trial day So when I be condemned : you can wipe my tears away They ain't no need to cry : no need to weep and moan Just try to get somebody : to go on my bond It's going to be weeping : I begin to moan Said I'm a poor boy here : I sure ain't got no home The jury found me guilty : the judge say listen here It ain't no fine for you : get ready for the electric chair \L Bare 2 Barefoot Bill \C title: Snigglin' Blues \C place and date: Atlanta, 4 Nov. 1929 \C record numbers: (149353-2) Co-14510-D Yz L-1006 I done everything : a poor ??? man can do Well mama *done leaving* : taken no ??? on you I said you get blue mama : honey you can dance But papa done got you : you've had your last chance You going to miss me : baby when I'm gone Won't be no need : a-sing this lonesome song I give you all my money : I was cold in hand And you spent all my money : on your other man When you in my presence : mama you giggles and laughs And tell me so many ??? : that I have no need no cash \L Bare 3 Barefoot Bill \C title: Big Rock Jail \C place and date: Atlanta, 4 Nov. 1929 \C record numbers: (149356-2) Co-14481-D Rt RL-313 Said high sheriff been here : got my girl and gone I said isn't it lonely : since I'm all alone Well listen Mr : what have my baby done I just want to know : if she done anybody wrong They took her on down : to that big rock jail And her crime was so evil : nobody will go her bail You took your gun : made her raise her hand And you went wrong : because she ain't never harmed a man My babe in jail : I can't get no news I don't get nothing : but the mean old high sheriff blues \L Bare 4 Barefoot Bill \C title: From Now On \C place and date: Atlanta, 4 Nov. 1929 \C record numbers: (149357-2) Co-14481-D OJL-14 Oh you used to told me : you could drive me like a cow But now you can't drive me : because you don't know how From now on mama : I tell you just like that If you hit my dog : sure going to kick your cat From now on mama : I ain't going to have no rule I'm going to get hard-headed : and act just like a doggone mule From now on mama : you going to do what I say You must understand : you can't have your ways From now on mama : this way you got of doing Sugar you better stop that : Lord it's sure going to be your ruin From now on mama : starting from this very day I'm going to get someone : who can drive my blues away I want her to drive them off : so they won't come back no more From now on mama : I said I'm going to let you go \L Bare 5 Barefoot Bill (Pillie Bolling) \C title: I Don't Like That \C place and date: Atlanta, 19 Apr. 1930 \C record numbers: (150301-1) Co-14544-D Rt RL-325 I saw you doing something : don't do it no more Because if I catch you : baby walking slow *Lord* took another man : *right across my face* Then told me : that the one had took my place You say you done quit me : now what should I do Can't make up my mind : to love no one but you Now you take him for your sweet : take me to be a slave You better see the undertaker : get someone to dig your grave You say your suitcase is packed : your trunks done gone Better stop your bus : and bring it right back home I knocked on your door : and I *quit quit quit* Begged till daybreak : and I ain't got none yet \L Bare 6 Barefoot Bill (Pillie Bolling) \C title: She's Got a Nice Line \C place and date: Atlanta, 19 Apr. 1930 \C record numbers: (150302-1) Co-14544-D Rt RL-325 Big girl I love : live on Eighteenth Street She got a new line : for every man she meets To let her tell it : she ain't got no man But she hangs around here : always raising sand One day ??? : we're riding along I asked her how about it : and she walked back home She don't do this : she don't do that Rub your hand down her back : she act like a cat She ain't low and squatty : she ain't long and slim Only way you'll get it : have to grab your lemon *It ain't right* : and I don't have fun This girl I love : won't give me none I want it right now : please tell me can I get it I better not catch : nobody else with it \L Bare 7 Barefoot Bill \C title: Squabblin' Blues \C place and date: Atlanta, 20 Apr. 1930 \C record numbers: (150303-2) Co-14526-D OJL-14 My baby done quit me : talked all over town And I'm too good a man : for to let that talk go around Take the shoes I bought her : bare foots on the I say ground One these days : Jack Frost said he sure going to tear you down Now Mr Mr : please spare my life I got four little children : I got one *bald-*headed wife If I should die : in the state of Arkansas I want you to send my body : home to my mother-in-law Said if she don't want it : baby give it to my ma Said if my ma don't want it : baby give it to my pa Said if my pa don't want it : baby give it to Abby Lee Said if Abby don't want it : say give it to my used-to-be Said if she don't want it : baby cast it in the sea Then these squabbling women in Greenville : will stop squabbling over me Said I won't be worried : with these blues no I say more Said it's traintime now : *said that* ring I did adore \L Bare 8 Barefoot Bill \C title: Barefoot Bill's Hard Luck Blues \C place and date: Atlanta, 20 Apr. 1930 \C record numbers: (150304-1) Co-14561-D Rt RL-325 Baby I been working : all this blasted year I want to go home : ain't got no shoes to wear The times so hard : can't get no work to do And my hard luck mama : because I ain't got no shoes I'm going to sit right down : hang my head and cry I feel just like : I could lay right down and die Sugar I will never : be contented here I am so barefooted : ain't got no shoes to wear My coat all busted : my pants all full of holes Barefooted hungry and raggedy : doggone my hard-luck soul \L Bare 9 Barefoot Bill \C title: One More Time \C place and date: Atlanta, 20 Apr. 1930 \C record numbers: (150305-1) Co-14561-D Rt RL-325 I can't sleep no more : can't get her off my mind Know I wants to see my baby : man only one more time I treated her wrong : before she left my home I guess I'm not her daddy : and she would not have been gone I didn't know I loved my baby : till she packed her trunk to leave I telephoned the undertaker : just come and bury me please Might get a black cat bone : going to bring my baby back home Lord and if that don't do it : might be one more rounder gone \L Bare 10 Barefoot Bill \C title: Bad Boy \C place and date: Atlanta, 20 Apr. 1930 \C record numbers: (150306-2) Co-14526-D CC-3 I been a bad bad boy : didn't treat nobody right They want to give me thirty-five years : some want to turn out my light Judge please don't kill me : I won't be bad no more And I will listen to anybody : something I ain't never done before I'm sitting here in prison : with my black cap on I want to speak to all you fast fellows : that you are in the wrong Well I'm so sorry : every day that I was born But God remember this : even when I'm gone When they get you in jail : with your back turned to the wall I ain't going to sing no more : baby that is all \L Barn 1 Barner, Wiley \C title: My Gal Treats Me Mean \C place and date: Birmingham, Ala., c. 15 Aug. 1927 \C record numbers: (GEX-803) Ge-6261 OJL-14 Take your picture : make it in a frame When you're gone : I'll see you just the same Believe to my soul : my girl got a black cat bone Treat me mean : and I won't let her alone See that spider : climbing up the wall Hunt some place : to get his ashes hauled Treat my slippers : with some *hog eye* lard Hear me tipping : towards my good gal's yard Mama mama : please let me alone In the corner : can get what I want \L Barn 2 Barner, Wiley \C title: If You Want a Good Woman-+-Get One Long \C and Tall \C place and date: Birmingham, Ala., c. 15 Aug. \C 1927 \C record numbers: (GEX-804-A) Ge-6261 Rt RL-313 If you want a good woman : go to the Larkin Dam You want to ruin your woman : take her to Birmingham Have you ever waked up babe : between midnight and day Turn over and grab the pillow : where you great gal used to lay If you want a good woman : get one long and tall When she go to loving : she make a panther squall I'm motherless and fatherless : sister and brotherless too I wake up this morning : blues all around my bed Well I had a high fever : going up to my head \L Batt 1 Batts, Will \C title: Country Woman \C place and date: New York, 1 Aug. 1933 \C record numbers: (13718-1) Vo-02531 Rt RL-329 I'm got two women in the country : I'm got two women stays in town Reason I consider it so careful : because men don't dog me around They may be brownskin woman : with Georgia hair long as my own They can do the best playing poker : you sure done lost your home I don't want no jealous-hearted woman : who tries making up my bed And she puts *straw* in your mattress : makes you wish you was dead \L Batt 2 Batts, Will \C title: Highway No. 61 Blues \C place and date: New York, 3 Aug. 1933 \C record numbers: (13729-1) Vo-02531 Yz L-1021 I'm going to leave here walking : going down Number Sixty-One If I find my baby : we are going to have some fun I walked Sixty-One Highway : till I gives out in my knees *Every time* that M and O : when she came on that Santa Fe That Sixty-One Highway : longest road I ever knowed It runs to Atlanta Georgia : clean to the Gulf of Mexico I'm going home : get my Bible and set down and read I'm going to ask the good Lord : give me back my baby if he please \L BaxJ 1 Baxter, Jim (Andrew and Jim Baxter) \C title: Bamalong Blues \C place and date: Charlotte, N.C., 9 Aug. 1927 \C record numbers: (39784-2) Vi-20962 Rt RL-318 Who's going to be : in the second bamalong Been to the nation : and I just got back Didn't get no money : but I'll go to *there* If you didn't want me : don't you dog me around I didn't come here : to be nobody's dog Just as sure as the sun : sets in the golden west I got the one : that I love the best \L BaxJ 2 Baxter, Jim (Andrew and Jim Baxter) \C title: K. C. Railroad Blues \C place and date: Charlotte, N.C., 9 Aug. 1927 \C record numbers: (39785-1) Vi-20962 Rt RL-326 Thought I heard : old K C when it blowed She blowed like : it never blowed before Oh it's coming a time : when a woman won't need no man Honey I love : God knows I do Sister : give me that long-distance phone I'm going to talk : to that brown of mine \L Beam 1 Beaman, Lottie \C title: Wayward Girl Blues \C place and date: Richmond, Ind., c. Aug. 1928 \C record numbers: (14161-A) Ge-6607 OJL-6 I've got the blues : on my mother's knee And I know : she's got the blues for me I've been thinking all day : thinking of the past And I'm thinking : of my mother last I received a letter : what do you suppose it read Said come home : your poor old mother's dead Said I grabbed a train : I went home a-flying She wasn't dead : but she was slowly dying Said run here daughter : fall down on your knees Won't you song : Nearer My God to Thee Fell down on my knees : I begin to moan Yes dear mother : I'll try to sing that song The tears rolled out : like a black shower of rain Goodbye mother : I won't see you again Then I scampered away : with fear in my heart I had no mother : here to take my part \L Beam 2 Beaman, Lottie \C title: Rolling Log Blues \C place and date: Richmond, Ind., c. Aug. 1928 \C record numbers: (14162) Ge-6624 OJL-6 I been drifting and rolling : along the road Looking : for my room and board Like a log : I've been jammed on the bank So hungry : I grew lean and lank Get me a pick and shovel : dig down in the ground Going to keep on digging : till the blues come down I've got the blues : for my sweet man in jail Now the judge : won't let me go his bail I've been rolling and drifting : from shore to shore Going to fix it : so I won't have to drift no more \L Beam 3 Beaman, Lottie \C title: Goin' Away Blues \C place and date: Richmond, Ind., c. Aug. 1928 \C record numbers: (14163-A) Ge-6624 OJL-6 I'm going away : it won't be long I know you'll miss me : from singing this lonesome song I'm going away : mmm I won't be long And then you know : you must have done me wrong My daddy got ways : like a baby child Those doggone ways : are driving me wild Those doggone ways : are driving me wild And that is why : you never see poor Lottie smile My heart aches so : I can't be satisfied I believe : I'll take a train and ride I believe : I'll take a train and ride Because I miss my cruel daddy : from my side I've got Cadillac ways : got some super ideas I can't see : what brought me here I can't see : what brought me here It must have been : this new canned city beer I'm lame and blind : can't hardly see My doggone daddy : turned his back on me Because I'm lame : I can't hardly see I ain't got nobody : to really comfort me \L Beam 4 Beaman, Lottie \C title: Going Away Blues \C place and date: Kansas City, early Nov. 1929 \C record numbers: (KC-604- ) Br-7147 Yz L-1018 I'm going away : it won't be long I know you'll miss me : from singing this lonesome song I'm going away : it won't be long And then you know : you must have done me wrong My daddy got ways : like a baby child Those doggone ways : are driving me wild Those doggone ways : are driving me wild And that is why : you never see poor Lottie smile My heart aches so : I can't be satisfied I believe : I'll take a train and ride I believe : I'll take a train and ride Because I miss my cruel daddy : from my side I've got Cadillac ways : got some super ideas I can't see : what brought me here I can't see : what brought me here It must have been : this new canned city beer I'm lame and blind : can't hardly see My doggone daddy : turned his back on me I'm lame : I can't hardly see I ain't got nobody : to really comfort me \L Beam 5 Beaman, Lottie \C title: Rollin' Log Blues \C place and date: Kansas City, early Nov. 1929 \C record numbers: (KC-605- ) Br-7147 Yz L-1018 I been rolling and drifting : along the road Just looking : for my room and board Like a log : I've been jammed on the bank So hungry : I grew lean and lank Get me a pick and shovel : dig down in the ground Going to keep on digging : till the blues come down I've got the blues : for my sweet man in jail And the judge : won't let me go his bail I've been rolling and drifting : along the road Going to fix it : I won't have to drift no more \L BelA 1 Bell, Anna \C title: Hopeless Blues \C place and date: Long Island City, c. Sept. 1928 \C record numbers: (171-A) QRS-R7007 His HLP-21 Is it hopeless : when I lost my best friend Lord in my *doorbox* : is a call to him Lowdown mean and hopeless : is just the way I feel I can see from now on : all *luck flee* from me Love sure have : made a fool out of me Since my daddy left me : I'm hopeless as can be ??? : I sure can't find Ooh : I can't get this daddy off my mind Lonesome for you in my heart : way down in my ???ee I want somebody to help me : if you ??? please \L BelA 2 Bell, Anna \C title: Every Woman Blues \C place and date: Long Island City, c. Sept. 1928 \C record numbers: (172-A) QRS-R7007 His HLP-21 I love my daddy : better than I love myself And I love *them* more : swear he can't be *less* Get away from my window : stop knocking on my door I got a brand new papa : I can't use you no more If you see me stealing : please don't tell on me I'm just stealing from my regular : back to my used-to-be I ain't good-looking : I don't dress so fine I'm just a big fat mama : I'm just taking my time Have you ever seen sweet potatoes : growing on a vine If you take a peep in my back yard : better take a look at mine \L BelA 3 Bell, Anna \C title: Shake It, Black Bottom \C place and date: Long Island City, c. Sept. 1928 \C record numbers: (175- ) QRS-R7009 His HLP-21 There's a certain girl : name is Suley Brown She win a big fortune : shaking him down Every time he shake it : makes you feel young I could see him shake it : the whole night long Oh don't be ashamed : to shake it so Shake it : till they say If you be in a gym : and want to reduce Oh shake it yourself gals : put it on a juice You can shake : just like it would shake a tree The way you shake it : it's pleasing me Just let me tell you : a thing or two A plenty of people shake it : but not like you Oh shake it : you know just what I mean You are what I call : real shaking scene Let me see you shake it : once more again I spent all my money : to ??? that thing \L BelA 4 Bell, Anna \C title: I Don't Care Who Gets What I Don't Want \C place and date: Long Island City, c. Sept. 1928 \C record numbers: (176-A) QRS R7009 His HLP-21 If that were me : and me was it I was so glad : to get rid of it I can use a man : when it amuses me Because a happy man : I never did meet At first you think : that he is great But you will find out : that always ain't One time : he could put it on strong But I think : those days now gone \L BelE 1 Bell, Ed \C title: Mamlish Blues \C place and date: Chicago, c. Sept. 1927 \C record numbers: (4816-3) Pm-12524 OJL-14 Used to be my sugar : you ain't sweet no more Because you mistreated me : and you throwed me from your door Mama my cot's ready : keep it for myself Mama I done got tired : of sleeping by myself Mama didn't like me : papa give me ways That's the very reason : I'm a wandering child today Talk about your sure love : just ought to meet mine She ain't so good-looking : but she do just fine She stood on the corner : *see she going to steal that* man And a blind man see her : dumb man call her name Dumb man asked her : who your [man, regular] can be And the blind man looked at you : sure look good to me \L BelE 2 Bell, Ed \C title: Ham Bone Blues \C place and date: Chicago, c. Sept. 1927 \C record numbers: (4817-3) Pm-12524 OJL-14 Jellyroll jellyroll : jellyroll is so hard to find Ain't a baker in town : can bake a sweet jellyroll like mine I got to go to Cincinnati : just to have my hambone boiled Womens in Alabama : going to let my hambone spoil Well she's mine and she's yours : and she's somebody else's too Don't you mention about rolling : because she'll play her trick on you That's the way that's the way : these barefooted soul'll do They will get your money : and they'll have a man on you You come home at night : she got a towel on her head Don't you mention about rolling : because she swear she nearly dead Jellyroll jellyroll : well you see what you went and done You done had my grandpa : now you got his youngest son I'm getting tired of walking : I believe I'll fly awhile I'm getting tired of women : telling me their lies I wonder : what made grandpa hey love your grandma so She got the same jellyroll : she had forty years ago \L BelE 3 Bell, Ed \C title: Mean Conductor Blues \C place and date: Chicago, c. Sept. 1927 \C record numbers: (4820-1) Pm-12546 Yz L-1006 That same train : same engineer Took my woman away Lord : left me standing here My girl caught a passenger : I caught the mamlish blinds Hey you can't quit me : ain't no need a-trying Hey Mr conductor : let a broke man ride your blinds You better buy you a ticket : know this train ain't mine I just want to blind it : from this half-good town When she blows for the crossing : I'm going ease it on I pray to the Lord : that Southern would wreck *Till they* kill that fireman : break that engineer's neck I stand here : looking up at the rising sun Some train don't run : why be some walking done \L BelE 4 Bell, Ed \C title: Frisco Whistle Blues \C place and date: Chicago, c. Sept. 1927 \C record numbers: (4822-1) Pm-12546 OJL-14 Well I saw the Frisco : when she left the yard When that train pull out babe : it nearly broke my heart They's two trains running : none of them going my way I'm going to leave here walking : on this very day Well there's one thing I don't like : about the railroad track They'll take your rider : never bring her back Honey where were you babe : when the Frisco left the yard I was on the corner : police had me barred \L BelE 5 Bell, Ed \C title: Carry It Right Back Home \C place and date: Atlanta, 4 Dec. 1930 \C record numbers: (151037-2) Co-14595-D Rt RL-325 Look here woman : making me mad Done bringing me something : somebody done had Let me tell you : what these women do Go out and get something : bring it home to you Now you need not think : because you look cute I've got to put up : with the way you do The woman I love : she's long and tall When she grab you and shake you : you bound to fall Now bring this thing : down to a test A long tall man : you know's the best A short stubble man : go bumpty bump Because he ain't got the movements : in his hump Know what you been doing : by the whiff of your jaw *My* ??? : You need not come here : you ain't not get none of mine You left a man on the doorstep : hollering and crying \L BelE 6 Bell, Ed \C title: She's a Fool Gal \C place and date: Atlanta, 4 Dec. 1930 \C record numbers: (151038-2) Co-14595-D Rt RL-325 Now you need not think : because you're black I'm going to beg you : to take me back No you need not think : because I look green I ain't never been : down in New Orleans I went down the road : that smoky road Like to brought me back : on a cooling board See that woman : all dressed in red Cause a man : to kill you dead You see that woman : all dressed in blue You can't put up : with the way she do See that woman : all dressed in white She get your five dollars : she won't treat you right Run to town : hurry back Buddy got a girl : I really like See that woman : all dressed in dark Things will look better : in the Washington Park You need not think : because you look sweet You can make : a fool of me Every time : I go to town Meet my gal : hanging around Girl I love : ain't no fool Big as an elephant : strong as a mule \L BennW 1 Bennett, Will \C title: Railroad Bill \C place and date: Knoxville, Tenn., c. Sept. 1930 \C record numbers: (K-127- ) Vo-1464 OJL-18 Railroad Bill : ought to be killed Never worked : and he never will Railroad Bill : done took my wife Threatened to kill me : that he would take my life Going up the mountain : take my stand Forty-one derringer : in my right and left hand Going up the mountain : going out west Forty-one derringer : sticking in my breast Buy me a gun : just as long as my arm Kill everybody : ever done me wrong Buy me a gun : with a shiny barrel Kill somebody : about my good-looking gal Got a thirty-eight special : on a forty-four frame How in the world can I miss him : when I've got dead aim When I went to the doctor : asked him what the matter could be Said if you don't stop drinking son : it'll kill you dead Going to drink my liquor : drink it and win Doctor said it will kill me : but he never said when If the river was brandy : and I was a duck I'd sink to the bottom : and I'd never come up Honey honey : do you think of me Times have caught me : living on pork and beans Son you talk about your honey : you ought to see mine She's humpbacked bow-legged : crippled and blind Honey honey : do you think I'm a fool Think I'm going to quit you : while the weather is cool Honey honey : quit your worrying me It's going through the world : in my heart disease Going up the mountain : *do everything* Go through the world : \L BennW 2 Bennett, Will \C title: Real Estate Blues \C place and date: Knoxville, Tenn., c. Sept. 1930 \C record numbers: (K-128- ) Vo-1464 Rt RL-334 All I want is a new pair of shoes : that is all I pray Some old place I can go : to lay my weary head ??? *dissatisfied* : any old place to be For any old where I hangs my hat : is home sweet home to me I don't need no real estate : and neither no ??? *long* All I want is a place to stay : I can call my home I say goodbye hard luck hello joy : here I come for tea For I didn't bring nothing to this old world : and I can't carry nothing away \L BigB 1 Big Bill \C title: Down in the Basement Blues \C place and date: Chicago, c. Oct. 1928 \C record numbers: (20922-1) Pm-12707 Yz L-1035 Down to the depot mama Lord : I looked up on the board Lord I asked the ticket agent : how long the southbound train been gone Got my ticket Lord Lord : conductor can I ride Lord I want to *get to* that basement : I'll be satisfied Sweety in the basement mama Lord : sweet as she can be Lord she is low and she is squatty : she's all right with me Down to the railroad mama Lord : and I looked up at the sun Lord if the train don't come : there's going to be some walking done Don't want no woman Lord Lord : *declare I'll stay at home* Because she will hide in the bushes : she is hard to find \L BigB 2 Big Bill \C title: Starvation Blues \C place and date: Chicago, c. Oct. 1928 \C record numbers: (20923-2) Pm-12707 Yz L-1011 Starvation in my kitchen : rent sign's on my door And if my luck don't change : I can't stay at my home no more And I got up this morning : just about the dawn of day Mean I ain't got no job : I ain't got no place to stay Lord I walked to a store : I ain't got a dime When I asked for a darn neckbone : the clerk don't pay me no mind Lord Lord : mama some old rainy day Mean my luck going to change : and I going to be treated this a-way \L BigB 3 Big Bill (Famous Hokum Boys) \C title: Eagle Riding Papa \C place and date: New York, 9 Apr. 1930 \C record numbers: (9595-1) Ba-0712 Yz L-1011 Listen everybody : from near and far You want to know : just who we are Now if you like : the way we play Listen boy : we'll try to stay We'll make you loose : we'll make you tight Make you shake it : till broad daylight I would never do brag : never do boast Played this tune : from coast to coast Now if you like this tune : think it's fine Set right down : and drop a line Sometime : we're down your way We'll drop in : and spend the day Now some want to know : just what you got Got good okra man : serve it hot Now we ain't good-looking : and we don't dress fine The way we whip it : it's a hanging crime If you see me stealing : don't tell on me Just stealing : back to my used-to-be We never have one gal : at a time Always have : seven eight or nine \L BigB 4 Big Bill \C title: Grandma's Farm \C place and date: New York, 9 Apr. 1930 \C record numbers: (9600-1) Pe-187 Yz L-1035 Got up this morning : with the same thing on my mind And the girl I'm loving : but she don't pay me no mind Lord my girl caught the train : and she left me a mule to ride When the train turn the corner : got a note my black mule died Just as sure as the grape vine : grows all around that stump Said I want you and I need you : mama to be my sugar lump Just as sure as the rabbit : mama plays on your grandma's farm Said I done got tired : of that stuff you been carrying on Now you see me coming : now mama heist your window high But you know I'm going to leave you : girl I know you're going to grieve and cry I've got so many wagons : it done run my good road down And I got so many women : till the men don't want me around \L BigB 5 Big Bill \C title: Skoodle Do Do \C place and date: New York, 9 Apr. 1930 \C record numbers: (9601-2) Pe-157 Yz L-1011 Got up this morning : about half past four Somebody's knocking : on my back door Some of these mornings : mama it won't be long You going to call me baby : and I'll be gone Your right foot in mama : your left one out Your time baby : and move your body about Get me a picket : off of my back fence Whop you on your head : until you learn some sense \L BigB 6 Big Bill \C title: I Can't Be Satisfied \C place and date: Richmond, Ind., 2 May 1930 \C record numbers: (16569) Ge-7230 Yz L-1011 Now listen here my baby : tell you what I want you to do Want you treat me mama : like I do you Because I can't be satisfied : and I can't be satisfied And I can't mistreat her : not to please nobody's mind Now I love my sweety : tell you the reason why My baby got something : to satisfy my mind Lord starvation's in my kitchen : rent sign's on my door Good girl told me : she can't use me no more I'm leaking at the heart : bleeding at the nose Good girl told me : she can't use me no more Got on my high-cut stockings : low cut shoes Mama and I ain't ??? : ??? sure can use Now look a-here boys : ain't this rich I got to pay my wife : for everything I get \L BigB 7 Big Bill \C title: Skoodle Do Do \C place and date: Richmond, Ind., 2 May 1930 \C record numbers: (16573) Ge-7210 Yz L-1035 I got up this morning : mama about half past four Somebody was knocking : on my back door Some of these mornings : mama it won't be long You going to call me babe : and I'll be gone Down in Mississippi mama : doing very well Now I went up north with you ma : I ain't doing so well Get me a picket : off of my back fence Whop you on the head : until you learn some sense \L BigB 8 Big Bill (Jane Lucas) \C title: Pussy Cat Blues \C place and date: New York, 15 Sept. 1930 \C record numbers: (10031-2) Ba-32138 Yz L-1035 Pussy cat pussy cat : where have you been so long Lord the mouse done been here : packed his grip and gone Pussy cat pussy cat : why don't you stay at home You sleep all day : run up the alley all night long \L BigB 9 Big Bill \C title: The Banker's Blues \C place and date: Richmond, Ind., 19 Nov. 1930 \C record numbers: (17281) Ch-16327 Yz L-1011 If you got money in the bank : don't let your woman draw it out Because she'll spend your money : then she will throw you out Oh Lord Lord Lord : crying Lord Lordy Lord Said I used to be your regular : now I've got to be your dog You were the cause got me broke : how can you be so mean Say you taken all my money : give it to your no-good man Said I have had money : but now I'm cold in hand Says and the woman that I'm loving : living with another man Says I know my baby : she sure going to jump and shout When I get down to the bank : and draw my money out \L BigB 10 Big Bill \C title: Big Bill Blues \C place and date: Richmond, Ind., 9 Feb. 1932 \C record numbers: (18385) Ch-16400 Yz L-1035 Lord my hair is a-rising : my flesh begin to crawl I had a dream last night babe : another mule in my doggone stall And it's some people said : these Big Bill blues ain't bad Lord it must not have been : them Big Bill blues I had Lord I wonder what's the matter : Papa Bill can't get no mail Lord the post office must be on fire : and the mailman must undoubtedly be in jail I can't be your wagon : cinch I ain't going to be your mule I ain't going to fix up your black *tarnation* : I ain't going to be your doggone fool \L BigB 11 Big Bill \C title: Mr. Conductor Man \C place and date: Richmond, Ind., 9 Feb. 1932 \C record numbers: (18392) Ch-16426 Yz L-1035 I got up this morning : hear the train whistle blow Lord I thought about my baby : I sure did want to go Lord I grabbed up my suitcase : I *dropped it on the floor* I could see the conductor : he waving his hands to go I said Mr conductor man : I want to talk to you I want to ride your train : from here to Bugaloo I'm leaving this morning : man I ain't got my fare But I will shovel coal in your engine : till your train get me there Crying please Mr conductor man : please take my last thin dime Lord I got a woman in Bugaloo waiting : man I can't lose no time When the bell started ringing : conductor hollered all aboard Lord I picked up my suitcase : start walking down the road I'm leaving this morning : I sure don't want to go Lord and the woman I been loving : she don't want me no more \L BigB 12 Big Bill \C title: Worrying You Off My Mind-+-Part 1 \C place and date: New York, 29 Mar. 1932 \C record numbers: (16606-?) Ba-32559 Yz L-1035 I made a long day : walking along and crying I lost my baby : can't be satisfied When you get in trouble : haven't got a friend Just take it easy : they'll need your help again Now ain't it hard : to live alone Just as hard to be married : and break up your home But that's all right : that's all right for you You need me some morning : when I won't need you When I was down : lost my wife and my friend When I got my money : they all come back again Well money and pretty women : running hand in hand When they raising a squabble : taking some woman's man \L BigB 13 Big Bill \C title: Bull Cow Blues \C place and date: New York, 29 Mar. 1932 \C record numbers: (11610-2) Ba-32653 Yz L-1035 If you got a good bullcow : better feed him every day Because may come along some young cow : and tow your bull away Leave you bull in a pasture : where there ain't no grass But you women all thought you loved me : look like every minute going to be my last Oh babe : don't mean your bull no good Why don't you rub your bullcow and pet him : tell him what you want your bull to do Babe your bull got a horn mama : as long as your right arm Lord if you play with my horn baby : make you break up your happy home Babe you may be beautiful : you got to die some day So you well as to give me some of your loving : before you pass away I got four feet to walk on : tail to shake if it's all night long Lord at daybreak call me baby : you'll find your bullcow gone \L BigB 14 Big Bill \C title: How You Want It Done \C place and date: New York, 29 Mar. 1932 \C record numbers: (11611-2) Ba-32436 Yz L-1011 Why don't you tell me loving mama : how you want your rolling done Lord I'll give you satisfaction : now if it's all night long Lord I got up this morning : just about the break of day Lord I'm thinking about my baby : Lord the one that went away Lord I got me a little old brownskin : just as sweet as she can be Lord she low and she squatty : but she's all right with me Now you can put me in the alley : my gal is name is Sally You wake me up in the morning : mama I still got that old habit Won't you tell me : how you want it done Lord I'll give you satisfaction : now if it's all night long Lord it's some of these old mornings : Lordy know it won't be long Lord I know you going to call me : baby Lord and I'll be gone \L BigB 15 Big Bill \C title: Long Tall Mama \C place and date: New York, 30 Mar. 1932 \C record numbers: (11617-1) Ba-33085 Yz L-1011 Got a long tall mama : she stands about seven feet nine And when she get to loving : holler papa won't you take your time Oh when she start to loving : she sure can do her stuff And she squeezing so tight : holler mama Lordy that's enough Got a brand new movement : one that she calls her own And when she start to kissing : make a poor man leave his home And she do a little of this : and mama and she do a little of that And when she put on full steam : make a freight train jump a track Said she's long and tall : and half as sweet as she can be To satisfy that woman : takes more than a bumblebee \L BigB 16 Big Bill \C title: Mississippi River Blues \C place and date: Chicago, 23 Mar. 1934 \C record numbers: (80395-1) Ba-32670 Yz L-1011 Mississippi River : is so long deep and wide I can't see my good gal : standing on that other side I was crying and I called : I could not make my baby hear Lord I'm going to get me a boat mama : paddle on down from here Ain't it hard to love someone : when they are so far from you Lord I'm going to get me a boat : and paddle this old river through I went down to the landing : to see if any boats was there And the ferryman told me : could not find no boats nowhere The big boat is up the river : a-turning around and around Lord I'm going to get me a good girl : or jump overboard and drown \L BigB 17 Big Bill \C title: C and A Blues \C place and date: Chicago, 20 June 1935 \C record numbers: (C-1020-B) ARC-5-12-65 Yz L-1035 It's a little train leaving out of here : they call the C and A Going to take me home baby : I'm going home to stay Because I'm leaving in the morning : Lord on that C and A Babe I'm going back to St Louis : I'm going there to stay Now my baby got unruly : she left from home What she going to come back and say : when she find her daddy gone My woman walks around : with her mouth poked out She won't tell nobody : what it's all about Now pack up my clothes : shove into your door I'm leaving this morning mama : I won't be back no more Now it's C for Chicago : A for Arkan Why did I leave you baby : because I'm tired of taking you dogging \L BigB 18 Big Bill \C title: Keep Your Hands Off Her \C place and date: Chicago, 31 Oct. 1935 \C record numbers: (96230-1) BB B6188 RBF RF-16 Boy she strictly tailor-made : boy she ain't no hand-me-down Catch you messing with her boy : I sure shoot you down She got them little bitty hands : them great big legs She sure looks good : because everybody says it She got them real dark eyes : now real curly hair Big Bill is going to follow : that woman everywhere You can look her up : and you can look her down She got a heaven boy : ain't never been found Ah watch her boy : as she pass by Because the day I catch you with her : boy that's the day you're going to die \L BigB 19 Big Bill \C title: Good Liquor Gonna Carry Me Down \C place and date: Chicago, 31 Oct. 1935 \C record numbers: (96232-1) BB B6230 Yz L-1011 Now I know a little girl : about sixteen years old She said Bill stop drinking : and I will satisfy your soul Now my woman told me : about fifteen years ago Bill you going to drink one of these mornings : and you'll never drink no more Now I wake up in the morning : holding a bottle tight When I lay down at night : mama just a gallon out of sight Yes I went to the doctor : with my head in my hand The doctor said Big Bill : I think I'll have to give you monkey glands Now my woman told me to stop drinking : and come on home Said if you don't Big Bill : some other man will carry your business on \L BigB 20 Big Bill (State Street Boys) \C title: Rustlin' Man \C place and date: Chicago, 9 Dec. 1935 \C record numbers: (C-890-3) ARC unissued Rt RL-316 I'm a rustling man : I rustle night and day Just as soon as I get my money : I won't have to rustle this a-way A rustling man : have a hard time in this town Because when you get broke and down baby : your friends all turn you down I am a rustling man : I go from town to town I believe I will get married : married Lord and settle down I've traveled and traveled : mama I mean this whole world through I haven't found nothing : boy for a poor rustling man to do \L BigB 21 Big Bill \C title: I've Got to Dig You \C place and date: Chicago, 17 Apr. 1940 \C record numbers: (WC-3034-A) Vo-05563 RBF RF-16 Going to tell you women : and it goes for the men Don't fool with me : because you sure can't win You's all right baby : but your line's too short Give me back my hat and shoes : now baby I bought You may be fat : woman slim or tall I've got something gal : that can kick in your stall I asked my wife : where she had been all night She said what you car : long as I treat you right Going to tell you baby : like the farmer told his potato I'm going to plant you now woman : but I will dig you later \L BigB 22 Big Bill \C title: When I Had Money \C place and date: Chicago, 17 Apr. 1940 \C record numbers: (WC-3036-A) Vo-05563 RBF RF-16 I listened to my baby : when she was telling me her dreams Lord everything now : baby would be peaches and cream I had money on the horses : money on one two three Now my water got muddy : and my horse run into a stream Now when I had money : I had friends and a real good home Lord I done lost my money : babe my friends and home is gone Lord my mother tried : Lord to make me do right Lord I would stay drunk all day : baby and I wouldn't come home at night Lord if I had a-listened to my mother : Lord what she say Lord I would not have been here no : baby laying in this old hospital bed \L BigB 23 Big Bill \C title: Key to the Highway \C place and date: Chicago, 2 May 1941 \C record numbers: (C-3745-1) OK-06242 RBF RF-1 I've got the key to the highway : and I'm booked out and bound to go I'm going to leave here running : because walking is most too slow I'm going down on Florida : now where I'm better known Because woman you don't do nothing : drive a good man away from home Now when the moon peeps over the mountain : I'll be on my way Now I'm going to walk this old highway : until the break of day Run here sweet mama : run and help me with this heavy load I'm due in West Texas : and I got to get on the road I'm going to West Texas : I'm going down behind the sun I'm going to ask the good Lord : what evil have I done \L BirB 1 Bird, Billy \C title: Mill Man Blues \C place and date: Atlanta, 29 Oct. 1928 \C record numbers: (147323-2) Co-14381-D Yz L-1016 Yond comes a woman : with a peck of corn on her back I'm going to stick around here : and I'm going to try and keep her from carrying it back Now lady I ain't no mill man : just a mill man's son But I can do your grinding : till the mill man comes I want you to tell me pretty lady : how you want your grinding done Said I want it fixed up baby : just like your daddy done Said : I ain't going to talk no more Since you told how you want it fixed baby : just like my daddy done Many nights I rambled : and I hid out the whole night long Trying to teach my woman : how to do right from wrong Now mmm : mmm Said I'm worried now baby : won't be worried long \L BirB 2 Bird, Billy \C title: Alabama Blues-+-Part 1 \C place and date: Atlanta, 29 Oct. 1928 \C record numbers: (147325-1) Co-14418-D His HLP-5 Now T for Texas : and T for Tennessee I'm not after your woman : man she's after me And I went up on a mountain : and I looked down a little old hole And I seen two monkeys : doing the sweet jellyroll Now look here baby : look what you've done done You done made me like you : now your man's done come And I went up on a mountain : and I looked down in the sea And I seen two monkeys : playing around after me \L BirB 3 Bird, Billy \C title: Alabama Blues-+-Part 2 \C place and date: Atlanta, 29 Oct. 1928 \C record numbers: (147326-1) Co-14418-D His HLP-5 I went up on a mountain : just to see what I could see And I seen two monkey-women : climbing up a tree I want you women : to strictly understand When my mother raised me : she didn't raise no monkey-man Now one two three : four five six I'm going to Chattanooga : get my hambone fixed Said I went up to my girl's house : and I tipped right through the hall I looked in through the keyhole : there's another nigger in my stall \L Bird 1 Bird, John (Mae Glover) \C title: Gas Man Blues \C place and date: Richmond, Ind., 29 July 1929 \C record numbers: (15396-A) Ge-7040 Yz L-1009 Oh yes pretty mama : have no money to pay Better get you a wood-chopper : to back up in your stall You better go the the doctor : get you a seasick pill I've been in pretty mama : and I won't be back no more If I call around pretty mama : will you let me park ???-hearted woman : that man got nothing that he wants fixed I can't help you woman : gasman got no jellyroll I can't help it pretty mama : the gasman don't take no chance \L BlaAB 1 Black Boy Shine \C title: Sugarland Blues \C place and date: San Antonio, 20 Nov. 1936 \C record numbers: (SA-2551-1) Vo-03417 BC-7 You never have nothing : long as you live in Sugarland Because you working for a woman : and a sweetback man I dump sugar all day : clean until broad daylight I done everything for that woman : still she don't treat me right I'm going to stop working baby : get yourself another man Because I've got another woman : you'll have to do the best you can I work for you in the winter : I work for you in the ice and snow And baby you told me : you didn't want me no more It done come summertime : and I ain't going to work no more Because I've got another woman : baby and I'm going to let you go \L BlaAI 1 Black Ivory King \C title: The Flying Crow \C place and date: Chicago, 15 Feb. 1937 \C record numbers: (61795-A) De-7307 BC-5 Flying Crow leave Port Arthur : why they come in Shreveport to change their crew They'll take water in Texarkana : and for Ashtown they'll keep on through Twenty-five minutes from evening : for a cup of coffee and a slice of cake Flying Crow is heading for Kansas City : and boy she just won't wait Yon she gone she gone : with a red and green light behind Well now the red mean trouble : and the green means a rambling mind Well I hate to hear : that old fireman when he tones the bell \L BlaAL 1 Black, Lewis \C title: Rock Island Blues \C place and date: Memphis, 10 Dec. 1927 \C record numbers: (145361-3) Co-14429-D His HLP-5 See the train : weaving up and down the track Said I won't be dead : just ain't coming back When you see a train mama : come weaving up and down the line Said I'm bound to get a letter : from that cheating brown of mine Well I'm going away mama : won't be back till fall And if I get kind of lucky : won't be back at all I'm going to write a letter : mail it in the air I'm going to find this gal : she's in the world somewhere Don't you see mama : see what you done done You made me love you : now your man done come Mmm : I won't be here long In a few more days : up the road I'm going Said I'm going away mama : make it lonesome here I said mmm : what you got on your mind I got a mind to ramble : mind to leave this town \L BlaAL 2 Black, Lewis \C title: Gravel Camp Blues \C place and date: Memphis, 10 Dec. 1927 \C record numbers: (145366-2) Co-14291-D Fly LP-103 I'm going away tomorrow mama : going out on the cue And if I find anything : coming back after you It's soon one morning : I heard a panther squall Tell your mama caught the local : you catch the Cannonball Tell you my man caught the local : I caught on behind Say now you can't leave me : 'tain't no need of crying Mmm pretty mama : ain't going to be here long You : and you treated me wrong When I leave from here : going out on the O I don't find no log camp : I'll find a gravel camp sure Mmm what's the matter here Ain't nothing going on wrong : but mama I don't care Mmm : don't need you nohow When I had you black gal : you didn't have nobody nohow \L BlaAL 3 Black, Lewis \C title: Corn Liquor Blues \C place and date: Memphis, 10 Dec. 1927 \C record numbers: (145367-2) Co-14291-D Rt RL-327 Hey hey hey : corn liquor in my bones Now hurry up here you gals : and get me a barrel I'm going to make corn liquor : for to tickle you gals I went home last night : about half past four I seen corn liquor : running out my back door And it's mmm mama : what's the matter now Now pick me up mama : put me in your bed Corn liquor : is going all through your sweet daddy's head Now mama when I die : I want you to bury me deep I want you to put corn liquor : at my head and feet I want you to put one bottle : in my hand So I can drink my way : to the Promised Land Oh Lord mama when I die : I want you to bury me low So these corn liquor gals : know I ain't coming here no more Now mama ashes to ashes : and dust to dust Corn liquor daddy : done *push his first* Now if anybody ask you : who composed this song Tell them it's corn liquor daddy : he's been here and gone Mmm : corn liquor on my mind If you catch me out drinking : I'm not drinking just to keep from crying \L Blacm 1 Blackman, Tewee (Memphis Jug Band) \C title: K. C. Moan \C place and date: Memphis, 4 Oct. 1929 \C record numbers: (56346-1) Vi-V38558 Rt RL-337 I thought I heard that K C : when she blowed And she blowed : like my woman's on board When I get back : on that K C road Going to love my baby : like I never loved before \L Blacm 2 Blackman, Tewee (Memphis Jug Band) \C title: K. C. Moan \C place and date: Memphis, 4 Oct. 1929 \C record numbers: (56346-2) Vi V38558 Fwy FA-2953 I thought I heard : that K C when she blowed And she blowed like : my woman's on board When I get back : on that K C road Going to love my baby : like I never loved before \L Blacm 3 Blackman, Tewee (Memphis Jug Band) \C title: I Whipped My Woman With a Single Tree \C place and date: Memphis, 4 Oct. 1929 \C record numbers: (56347-2) Vi-V38578 Rt RL-311 I said my woman : had a falling out People in town : want to know what it was all about Yes I whipped my woman : with a singletree You ought a-heard her hollering : don't you murder me Yes I went to the Gypsy : to get my fortune told The Gypsy told me something : I didn't want no one to know Yes I went to my back door : and that ??? was locked I went to that front door : you know the ??? was locked Now don't you wish : your easy roller was little and cute like mine Every time she walks : she leaves a lot behind \L Blacw 1 Blackwell, Francis Scrapper \C title: Kokomo Blues \C place and date: Indianapolis, c. June 1928 \C record numbers: (IND-624- ) Vo-1192 Yz L-1019 Mmm : baby don't you want to go Pack your little suitcase : papa's going to Kokomo Mmm : baby where you been so long I can tell mama : there's something going on wrong Mmm : baby you don't know you don't know Papa's already : going back to Kokomo And me and my baby : had a falling out last night ??? : my babe won't treat me right Mmm : baby what's the matter now Trying to quit your daddy : baby but you don't know how And I'll sing this verse : baby I can't sing no more My train is ready : and I'm going to Kokomo \L Blacw 2 Blackwell, Francis Scrapper \C title: Penal Farm Blues \C place and date: Indianapolis, c. June 1928 \C record numbers: (IND-625- ) Vo-1192 Yz L-1019 Early one morning : on my way to the penal farm Baby all I've done : ain't done nothing wrong Loaded in the *dog* wagon : and down the road we go Oh baby : oh baby you don't know Into the office : then to the bathhouse below And with a light shower : baby we change our clothes All last night : baby it seemed so long All I've done : I ain't done nothing wrong I'll tell you people : the penal farm is a lonesome place And no one there : to smile up in your face Oh baby baby : it won't be so long now Before your daddy : he will be coming home Oh baby baby : won't you come after me My time is up : and penal farm has set me free \L Blacw 3 Blackwell, Francis Scrapper \C title: Trouble Blues-+-Part 1 \C place and date: Chicago, c. 17 Aug. 1928 \C record numbers: (C-2229- ) Vo-1213 Yz L-1019 When trouble starts : it stops at my front door I've had more trouble : than ever in my life before I wonder why : troubles keeps on worrying me I'd just soon have my body : baby buried in the sea I had trouble this morning : mailman didn't leave no mail I can't see my baby : she's all locked up in jail When trouble starts : it lasted so long Look like everything happened : and everything goes wrong Tell me baby : what trouble have done to me Come and got my regular : then took my used-to-be \L Blacw 4 Blackwell, Francis Scrapper \C title: Trouble Blues-+-Part 2 \C place and date: Chicago, c. 17 Aug. 1928 \C record numbers: (C-2230- ) Vo-1213 Yz L-1019 I can get my money : but trouble won't let it stay Trouble gets on me : and my money gets away I wonder why : trouble keeps on worrying me I'd just soon : have my body baby buried in the sea Trouble in the morning : noon and night Seemed like I'm treated : every way but right When trouble gets on me : it never ends I get out of one thing : and back into something else again Nobody knows : the trouble I do see Nobody knows : but the good Lord and me \L Blacw 5 Blackwell, Francis Scrapper \C title: Rambling Blues \C place and date: Richmond, Ind., 24 Nov. 1931 \C record numbers: (18216) Ch-16370 BC-6 I woke up this morning : with rambling on my mind And I lit out to walking : just to pass away the time I rambled all night long : and I'm rambling again today All I need is someone : drive my blues away Come here baby : and let me be your man I may not suit you : but I'll do the best I can \L Blacw 6 Blackwell, Francis Scrapper \C title: Blue Day Blues \C place and date: Richmond, Ind., 24 Nov. 1931 \C record numbers: (18217-A) Ch-16452 Yz L-1019 One day I sit thinking : when the rain pour down outside And the more I thought : the more I began to cry Today has been : a long old lonesome day And it looks like tomorrow : going to be the same old way My days seem lonesome : and my nights they are so long I'll be mighty glad : when them old blue days are gone \L Blacw 7 Blackwell, Francis Scrapper \C title: Down South Blues \C place and date: Richmond, Ind., 24 Nov. 1931 \C record numbers: (18218-A) Ch-16452 Yz L-1019 I'm just sitting here thinking : of dear old sunny Tennessee And wondering if my baby : is waiting there for me I'm going : where the Monon crosses the L and N And catch me a freight train : and go back home again I'm going back south : where it's warm the whole year round I'll be so glad : when my train pulls up in town \L Blacw 8 Blackwell, Francis Scrapper \C title: Hard Time Blues \C place and date: Richmond, Ind., 24 Nov. 1931 \C record numbers: (18220) Ch-16361 Yz L-1019 I'm going down to the river : just to see the water run And to think about my troubles : and where all my money's gone Times has got so hard : that I cannot find a job And every morning : the rent man grabs on my doorknob I'm getting so ragged : I ain't got no decent clothes I ain't got nobody : ain't got nowhere to go Now I'm worried : ain't no telling what I'm going to do My friends don't know me : and I can't get a dime or two Soon as hard time strike me : my baby puts me out Now guess you know : what these hard time is all about \L Blacw 9 Blackwell, Francis Scrapper \C title: Back Door Blues \C place and date: Richmond, Ind., 24 Nov. 1931 \C record numbers: (18221) Ch-16361 Yz L-1019 I left my baby : standing in the back door crying Begging and pleading : don't you leave this time Oh the sun's going to shine : in my back door some day I wish I had somebody : to drive my blues away Blues and trouble : both running hand in hand If you ain't never had the blues : you just can't understand You can always tell : when your woman's got another man She will take your bad treatments : and do the best she can \L Blacw 10 Blackwell, Francis Scrapper \C title: No Good Woman Blues \C place and date: Chicago, 7 July 1935 \C record numbers: (90082-A) Ch-50049 Cor CP-58 I got a no-good woman : and she sure don't mean me no good I hope there ain't another woman like her : in nobody's neighborhood She leaves every morning : come back at the break of day And when she comes in the morning : she ain't got a word to say Every time I look at that woman : she's got a frown on her face I believe that woman : done let my best friend take my place Every evening : do you stop by my door But since he's got my woman : she don't stop there no more She's just a no-good woman : and I took her to be my friend But she's taught me a lesson : about no-good women and men \L Blak 1 Blake, Blind \C title: Early Morning Blues \C place and date: Chicago, c. Sept. 1926 \C record numbers: (3057-1) Pm-12387 Bio BLP-12031 Early this morning : my baby made me sore I'm going away to leave you : ain't coming back no more Tell me pretty mama : where did you stay last night It ain't none of your business : daddy since I treat you right When you see me sleeping : baby don't you think I'm drunk I got one eye on my pistol : and the other on your trunk I love you pretty mama : believe me it ain't no lie The day you dare to quit me : baby that's the day you die \L Blak 2 Blake, Blind \C title: Early Morning Blues \C place and date: Chicago, c. Sept. 1926 \C record numbers: (3057-2) Pm-12387 Bio BLP-12037 Early this morning : my baby made me sore I'm going away to leave you : ain't coming back no more Tell me pretty mama : where did you stay last night It ain't none of your business : daddy since I treat you right When you see me sleeping : baby don't you think I'm drunk I got one eye on my pistol : and the other on your trunk Love you pretty mama : believe me it ain't no lie The day you try to quit me : baby that's the day you die \L Blak 3 Blake, Blind \C title: Too Tight \C place and date: Chicago, c. Sept. 1926 \C record numbers: (3059-2) Pm-12431 Bio BLP-12031 Grab your gal : fall in line While I play : this rag of mine Too tight : won't behave Too tight : make you rave Too tight : won't jump Too tight : can't just once Too tight : make you cry Too tight : you want to die Too tight : won't quit Too tight : I'm singing it Too tight : I'll confess Too tight : it's a mess Too tight : you hear me sing Too tight : to shake that thing \L Blak 4 Blake, Blind \C title: Blake's Worried Blues \C place and date: Chicago, c. Sept. 1926 \C record numbers: (3060-2) Pm-12442 Bio BLP-12023 I woke up this morning : worried in my mind Thinking about : that girl I left behind I'm worried now : I won't be worried long The brownie I love : makes me sing this song If the blues don't kill me : they will drill me through and through Woman I love : don't know what to do There's one thing in this world : I cannot understand That's a bow-legged woman : crazy about a cross-eyed man \L Blak 5 Blake, Blind \C title: Come On Boys Let's Do that Messin' Around \C place and date: Chicago, c. Sept. 1926 \C record numbers: (3061-2) Pm-12413 Bio BLP-12003 I'm feeling blue : lowdown as I can be Come on gals : run and kiss poor me I'm going downtown : to spread the news My gal quit me : and I ain't got the blues Come on gals : bob it up and down But don't let me catch you : messing around \L Blak 6 Blake, Blind \C title: Tampa Bound \C place and date: Chicago, c. Sept. 1926 \C record numbers: (3062-2) Pm-12442 Bio BLP-12023 I'm going back to Tampa : to that girl I left behind I'm going back to Tampa : just to kill my worried mind Did you ever lie down at night : thinking about your brown You commence rolling and tumbling : I guess I'm Tampa bound The bridge washed out : the wire's all down My gal is in the flood : and I'm Tampa bound I got up this morning : put on my walking shoes I'm going back to Tampa : just to kill my lowdown blues \L Blak 7 Blake, Blind \C title: Stonewall Street Blues \C place and date: Chicago, c. Oct. 1926 \C record numbers: (3081-1) Pm-12431 Bio BLP-12031 Hey hey hey hey : hey hey hey hey My Stonewall Street gal : makes me feel this a-way You call me in the morning : you call me late at night You swear that you love me : but you know you don't treat me right I got the blues so bad : can feel them with my natural hand I been your dog : ever since I been your man I'm going to grab me a freight train : ride until it stops I ain't going to stay around here : and be your stumbling block \L Blak 8 Blake, Blind \C title: Black Dog Blues \C place and date: Chicago, c. Apr. 1927 \C record numbers: (4362-1) Pm-12464 Bio BLP-12003 Let me tell you mama : what my black dog done done to me He chased me from my regular : now he's after my used-to-be Black dog black dog : you caused me to weep and moan You caused me : to leave my sweet old happy home Black dog black dog : you forever on my mind If you only let me : see my baby one more time So long black dog : I'm quitting you on the fly Because you got the nerve : to leave my good woman to cry \L Blak 9 Blake, Blind \C title: One Time Blues \C place and date: Chicago, c. Apr. 1927 \C record numbers: (4363-2) Pm-12479 Bio BLP-12037 Ah : the rising sun going down I ain't got nobody : since my baby's blowed this town Ah : mama love me one more time You give me a little chance : maybe you will change your mind I done called you : till I almost lost my mind I ain't going call no more : good man is hard to find Ah : mama who can your regular be I ain't got no regular : baby please take me Take me : mama I'll tell you what I'll do I'll get up every morning : work hard all day for you \L Blak 10 Blake, Blind \C title: Bad Feeling Blues \C place and date: Chicago, c. May 1927 \C record numbers: (4443-1) Pm-12497 Bio BLP-12003 I got the bad feeling blues : keeps me worried all the time I can't get along : with that high brown gal of mine Look a-here mama : you done throwed your papa down I wouldn't hate it so bad : but the news all over town Look a-here mama : what you want me to do I work all the time : bring my money home to you Lord Lord : your papa done going to stay I never thought : you would treat your daddy this a-way I got the bad feeling blues : keeps me so lowdown I'm going to pack my grip : leave this lonesome town \L Blak 11 Blake, Blind \C title: Brownskin Mama Blues \C place and date: Chicago, c. Oct. 1927 \C record numbers: (20106-2) Pm-12606-2 Bio BLP-12003 Brownskin mama : what in the world you want me to do You keep my poor heart aching : I'm blue through and through I helped you when you were down : and could not help yourself Now I'm down : you want to help somebody else You can go : do anything that you want to do Some day you want me : mama and I won't want you You treat me lowdown and dirty : baby that's all you do But some old rainy day : it's coming home to you My mind's all churned up : that's why I'm all confused That's the reason why : I'm moaning these brownskin mama blues \L Blak 12 Blake, Blind \C title: Hard Road Blues \C place and date: Chicago, c. Oct. 1927 \C record numbers: (20107-2) Pm-12583 Bio BLP-12031 Keep on walking and walking : talking to myself Gal I love : with somebody's else I got the hard road blues : walking on down the line Maybe some day : my gal must change her mind It's a hard hard road : when your baby done throwed you down Going to keep on walking : from town to town It's been a long long time : since I seen my baby's face And I don't see her joker : stand to my place I'm going to find my baby : don't say she can't be found Going to walk this hard hard road : until my mustache drags the ground \L Blak 13 Blake, Blind \C title: Hey Hey Daddy Blues \C place and date: Chicago, c. Oct. 1927 \C record numbers: (20108-1) Pm-12606 Bio BLP-12003 Hey hey : your daddy's feeling blue I'm worried all the time : can't keep you off my mind Hey hey : love you till the day you die Nobody but me : you know the reason why Hey hey : your daddy lonesome for you I ain't going to tell no lie : your daddy's about to die Hey hey : I'm lonesome night and day I told you what I said : don't you drive the blues away \L Blak 14 Blake, Blind \C title: You Gonna Quit Me Blues \C place and date: Chicago, c. Oct. 1927 \C record numbers: (20110-1) Pm-12597 Yz L-1016 You going to quit me baby : good as I been to you Give you my money honey : to buy your shoes and clothes You going to quit me baby : put me out-of-doors Six months on the chain-gang : believe me 'tain't no fun The day you quit me baby : that's the day you die Jailhouse ain't no place baby : believe me 'tain't no lie \L Blak 15 Blake, Blind \C title: Wabash Rag \C place and date: Chicago, c. Nov. 1927 \C record numbers: (20154-2) Pm-12597 Yz L-1016 Down south : on Wabash Street Everybody : you chance to meet They're doing it : night and day See : if it will drive your blues away Every little kid : that you meet In the alley : in the street Grab me mama : hold me tight Let's mess around : the rest of the night Throw your hands : way up high Grab me mama : make me cry People come : from miles around Get on Wabash : break them down \L Blak 16 Blake, Blind \C title: Doggin' Me Mama Blues \C place and date: Chicago, c. Apr. 1928 \C record numbers: (20517-3) Pm-12673 Bio BLP-12037 There's no need of you dogging me : mama I ain't done nothing to you If you keep on dogging me : no telling what I'll do You dog me in the morning : mama you dog me late at night If you keep on dogging daddy : I sure ain't going to treat you right \L Blak 17 Blake, Blind \C title: Goodbye Mama Moan \C place and date: Chicago, c. May 1928 \C record numbers: (20541-1) Pm-12634 Bio BLP-12037 For years and years : I been your hard-working mule I may be crazy : but I ain't no doggone fool You used to be sugar : but you ain't sweet no more Better keep your other man : from hanging around my door You used to be kind : now you begun to change You treat me : like an old dog got the mange Goodbye mama : you ain't the same no more Don't come back : but treat me like you did before \L Blak 18 Blake, Blind \C title: No Dough Blues \C place and date: Chicago, c. May 1928 \C record numbers: (20559-1) Pm-12723 Bio BLP-12031 It's a hard hard time now : good man can't get no dough All I do for my baby : don't satisfy her no more I ain't got no job : now you going to put me down You going to quit me baby : for a hard-working clown Time is so hard now : maybe things will change some day And when I get a job : maybe you will change your way Don't quit me baby : because I can't find no work to do Because all the dirt you done for me : it's coming back home to you I used to be a joker : now I'm going to make a change I'm going to get me a job : keep coal in your cold kitchen range \L Blak 19 Blake, Blind \C title: Bootleg Rum Dum Blues \C place and date: Chicago, c. May 1928 \C record numbers: (20566-1) Pm-12695 Bio BLP-12003 I love my whiskey : crazy about it as I can be But my new bootlegger : well he's about to poison me Took one drink last night : and it made me go stone blind Got to run away : leave my sweet mama behind Sometime one drink : make me act like a doggone fool But two or three drinks : make me kick like a doggone mule Mama mama : don't treat your papa mean no more Get full of my bootleg whiskey : make you fly through the door I'm a good man when I'm sober : but Lord Lord when I'm drunk If you see me reeling : mama go hide in your trunk \L Blak 20 Blake, Blind \C title: Panther Squall Blues \C place and date: Chicago, c. May 1928 \C record numbers: (20582-2) Pm-12723 Yz L-1016 I got a sweet mama : she ain't low at all She got the kind of loving : will make a panther squall She got Elgin movements : and a twenty-year guarantee I bet you my last dollar : she don't put them jinx on me \L Blak 21 Blake, Blind \C title: Walkin' Across the Country \C place and date: Chicago, c. Sept. 1928 \C record numbers: (20868-2) Pm-12754 Bio BLP-12031 Walking walking : talking to myself Wondering if I die : would my baby love somebody else Sighing and crying : broke down with the blues My clothes are worn out : holes all in my shoes Walking across the country : trying to get a stake Because my baby : want every cent I make Tired and hungry : I've been walking many days Wondering : if my baby would stop her hateful ways Walking across the country : with my head bowed down A woman can still make a man : act like a clown \L Blak 22 Blake, Blind \C title: Search Warrant Blues \C place and date: Chicago, c. Sept. 1928 \C record numbers: (20871-3) Pm-12737 Bio BLP-12023 Mr police captain : listen to my plea I want to make my baby : come back home to me Give me a search warrant : and a great big hound I'm going to find my baby : if I have to track her down I know where she's at : but her man won't let me in All I want is a search warrant : and a bottle of gin I'm going to get running drunk : and go into that place And that backbiting man : better not show his face I love my baby : but she treat me so unkind If she thinks she can quit me : she really have lost her mind \L Blak 23 Blake, Blind \C title: Notoriety Woman Blues \C place and date: Chicago, c. Sept. 1928 \C record numbers: (20875-2) Pm-12754 Bio BLP-12031 I got a notoriety woman : she about to drive me wild Beside that woman : sits ever meek and mild That woman is like a tiger : got ways like a bear Carries a gun in her pocket : a dagger in her hair To keep her quiet : I knocked her teeth out her mouth That notoriety woman : is known all over the South I can't get along with her : and I can't leave her alone Because she knows just how to make me : come back home She likes to fight : she likes to break them down Everybody knows : when my notoriety woman come to town \L Blak 24 Blake, Blind \C title: Low Down Loving Gal \C place and date: Chicago, c. Sept. 1928 \C record numbers: (20887-5) Pm-12695 Bio BLP-12003 Listen folks : to my moan I'm going to tell you : about Sally Jones I'm a man : play one gal And that's : my loving Sal She stepped out : I could see He tried : to two-time me So I thought : that I'd found out What this man : all about He was tall : he was thin Drinks ??? : but *sips her* gin Thought I'd catch her : when I walked in Find her : loving my brother Jim He pulled out a gun : said she was through I'm going : to Chicago you He started to shoot : the gun wouldn't go I said that's all : I want to know We got married : had a baby lamb But that baby : looked like her iceman When the rooster saw the eggs : and they was red He walked across the road : and knocked the peacock dead She's gone away : boys and I'm glad Making : another poor fool sad Six men are in jail : faces to the wall But that gal : was the cause of it all \L Blak 25 Blake, Blind \C title: Poker Woman Blues \C place and date: Richmond, Ind., 20 July 1929 \C record numbers: (15248-A) Pm-12810 Bio BLP-12023 I love to gamble : and gambling's all I do And when I lose : it never makes me blue I gambled away my money : and I gambled away my shack Same way I lost it : same way I'll get it back I won a woman : in a poker game I lost her too : win another one just the same Sometime I'm rich : sometime I ain't got a cent But I've had a good time : everywhere I went Got a new mama : ain't going to gamble her away Going to keep her with me : each and every day \L Blak 26 Blake, Blind \C title: Doing a Stretch \C place and date: Richmond, Ind., 20 July 1929 \C record numbers: (15249-A) Pm-12810 Bio BLP-12023 I had a fall : five to twenty-one When I get back : we going to have some fun Baby baby : tell me the true facts Will you be waiting : when I get back I told the warden : you pay my fine It didn't seem : that he paid me no mind The good things you have done : I can't forget If you quit me baby : it will be my death I love you baby : whole heart and soul Stand by me : until I get my parole Be careful baby : while I'm gone You can't be good : I'll be gone too long Going away : and how happy I will be I know : still love me \L Blak 27 Blake, Blind \C title: Fightin' the Jug \C place and date: Richmond, Ind., 20 July 1929 \C record numbers: (15250) Pm-12863 Bio BLP-12037 Went home last night : my baby won't let me in She made me mad : and I've got in my gin I been drunk so long : dizzy all the time And I found out : whiskey ain't no friend of me When I die : folks without a doubt You won't have to do nothing : but pour me out I can't sleep : and I can't eat a thing The woman I love : has driven me to drink I'm deep down in a hole : somebody else is up Getting sick and tired : of fighting that jug \L Blak 28 Blake, Blind \C title: Hookworm Blues \C place and date: Richmond, Ind., 20 July 1929 \C record numbers: (15251-A) Pm-12794 Bio BLP-12031 Hookworm in your body : and your food don't do you no good Same way with a rounder : come in a nice neighborhood Dirty old hookworm : got into my room Causes me to walk : groan and moan Man like a hookworm : got a hold to my baby He got to *point it fast* : people and I don't mean maybe Never can tell : what a hookworm man will do Take your baby : and make her stop loving you I'm going to leave my baby : and let her have her way She want me back some day : when he throws her down Mmm : mmm Her man like a hookworm : taking a hold to my babe \L Blak 29 Blake, Blind \C title: Diddie Wa Diddie \C place and date: Richmond, Ind., 17 Aug. 1929 \C record numbers: (15459-A) Pm-12888 Mel MLP-7324 There's : a great big mystery And it surely : is worrying me The little girl : about four feet four Come on papa : and give me some more I went out : and walked around Somebody yelled : said look who's in town Went to church : put my hat on the seat Lady sat on it : said daddy you sure is sweet I said sister : I'll soon be gone Just give me that thing : you setting on Then I got : put out of church Because I talk : about diddie wa diddie too much \L Blak 30 Blake, Blind \C title: Too Tight Blues No. 2 \C place and date: Richmond, Ind., 17 Aug. 1929 \C record numbers: (15460) Pm-12824 Bio BLP-12037 Got my gal : took a chance We went : to a midnight dance Too tight : it's a mess Too tight : it's the best Too tight : it's a wow Too tight : I'll show you how Too tight : stepping out Too tight : hear me shout Too tight : it's hot stuff Too tight : can't get enough Too tight : it's too bad Too tight : Too tight : sick in bed Too tight : went to my head \L Blak 31 Blake, Blind \C title: Police Dog Blues \C place and date: Richmond, Ind., 17 Aug. 1929 \C record numbers: (15463) Pm-12888 Yz L-1012 All my life : I been a traveling man Staying alone : and doing the best I can I shipped my trunk : down to Tennessee Hard to tell : about a man like me I met a gal : I couldn't get her off my mind She passed me up : says she didn't like my kind I'm scared to bother : around her house at night Got a police dog : craving for a fight His name is rambler : and when he gets a chance He leaves his mark : on everybody's pants Guess I'll travel : I guess I'll let her be Before she sics : her police dog on me \L Blak 32 Blake, Blind \C title: Georgia Bound \C place and date: Richmond, Ind., 17 Aug. 1929 \C record numbers: (15466) Pm-12824 Bio BLP-12037 Packing my duffle : going to leave this town And I'm going to hustle : to catch that train southbound I got the Georgia blues : for the plow and the hoe Walked out of my shoes : over this ice and snow Tune up the fiddle : dust the cat and bow Put on the griddle : and open the cabin door I thought I was going : to the northland to stay South is on my mind : my blues won't go away Potatoes in the ashes : possum on the stove You can have the hash : but please leave me the claw Chicken on the roof : and melons on the vine I'll be glad : to get back to that Georgia gal of mine \L Blak 33 Blake, Blind \C title: Playing Policy Blues \C place and date: Grafton, Wis., c. Dec. 1930 \C record numbers: (L-647-1) Pm-13035 Bio BLP-12003 Numbers numbers : about to drive me wild Thinking about the money : that I should have had I dreamed last night : the woman I love was dead If I had played the dead row : I would come out ahead I act like a fool : and played on three six nine Lost my money : and that gal of mine I played on clearing house : couldn't make a grade Lord think of the money : that I should have made I begged my baby : let me in her door Wanted to put my twenty-five fifty seventy-five : in her seven seventeen twenty-four I want fifteen fifty : and see if it won I'm going to keep playing policy : till some good luck comes \L Blak 34 Blake, Blind \C title: Righteous Blues \C place and date: Grafton, Wis., c. Dec. 1930 \C record numbers: (L-648-1) Pm-13035 Bio BLP-12003 Listen everybody : I'm going to sing a song It won't be dirty : and it won't be long When you want some whiskey : right off the *stove* Go over : and see Miss Stella Gold The gals from the alley : slipping all around Telling everybody : they're leaving town I got a yellow gal : and a brown named Mame But the best I've ever had : was the old Crow Jane Met a funny fellow : he didn't like girls Painted his face : and with his hair all curls I'm staying with a woman : about fifty-two I thought she was too old : I'm telling you \L Blak 35 Blake, Blind \C title: Rope Stretchin' Blues-+-Part 1 \C place and date: Grafton, Wis., c. Oct. 1931 \C record numbers: (L-1099-2) Pm-13103 Bio \C BLP-12037 I caught a stranger in my house : and I busted his head with a club I lay him out cold : with his heels in a tub I seen the sheriff coming : and I jumped for the door But I jumped too late : the sheriff had done jumped before They buried a man Thursday : just two short days you see And it makes me wonder : what they going to do to me I killed a man : and that's the how and how I'm sitting here wondering : if a woman's worth it now Mmm : rope stretching all day long In just a few more days : I won't be able to sing my song \L Blak 36 Blake, Blind \C title: Rope Stretchin' Blues-+-Part 2 \C place and date: Grafton, Wis., c. Oct. 1931 \C record numbers: (L-1101-2) Pm-13103 Bio \C BLP-12037 Don't trust no woman : who mistreats her man When you think she's in your kitchen cooking : she's got a stranger by the hand Ain't no need of you chasing women : brother if you really haven't got the cash Other men get all the chicken : and all you get is hash I have a lot of woman : but I sure don't want one now She always milks me dry : better than you ever milk a cow Mmm : rope stretching all day long I'm singing now mama : because it won't be long It wouldn't be so bad : if the rope would just get slack I wouldn't mind at all : but I just got a crick in my back When it's all over mama : and you're all alone by my side Just keep the flies from buzzing by me : and then I will be satisfied \L Blak 37 Blake, Blind \C title: Depression's Gone from Me Blues \C place and date: Grafton, Wis., c. June 1932 \C record numbers: (L-1476-2) Pm-13137 Bio \C BLP-12023 All last winter : and all last fall I didn't have nobody : to worry me at all No need running : holding out your hand I can get a woman : same as you can a man When I first met you : you had your diamonds on Since I done left you : you've got them all in pawn No need a-running : hollering and crying I'll take you back baby : if you was dying Come on daddy : and tell me one more time When I left : I didn't have my right mind Ain't no need of sitting : with my head hung down Your black man : ought to get on out of town \L BliN 1 Blind Norris \C title: Sundown Blues \C place and date: Chicago, 18 Feb. 1937 \C record numbers: (61850-A) De-7290 BC-6 I was standing in my back door : looking at the evening sun go down I was standing there wondering : if my woman was in this town She left me this morning : she carried away all my clothes I'm going to find that woman : I don't care where she goes She sobbed when she told me : I just could not change my mind I was loving that woman : I know she was quitting me all the time Honey I went to the fortuneteller : asked her where had my baby gone She left me this morning : I hadn't done nothing wrong \L BliP 1 Blind Percy \C title: Coal River Blues \C place and date: Chicago, c. Oct. 1927 \C record numbers: (20138-2) Pm-12584 Yz L-1010 Going up Coal River : coming down no more Going to leave your town pretty baby : stop knocking on your back door Across deep water : ain't no skiffs around The ??? won't bring ??? : just let her sink on down My mama told me baby : my papa told me too Never let a fat little woman : going have no place to *spoon* Don't want no woman : got hair like horse's mane Woman's so doggone evil : want every woman's man Ooh : broke down in tears today I got the blues so bad pretty mama : I can't *gee* away \L BliP 2 Blind Percy \C title: Fourteenth Street Blues \C place and date: Chicago, c. Nov. 1927 \C record numbers: (20180-2) Pm-12584 Rt RL-327 Fourteenth Street women : don't mean no man no good Go out and get full of liquor : wake the whole neighborhood Let me tell you mama : like the Dago told the Jew If you don't want me : it's cinch I don't want you There's two kind of nations : I sure can't understand That's Chinese women : and a doggone Dago man I was born in Texas : I raised in Tennessee You *missed a real brownie* : when you picked all over me I feel like jumping : through the keyhole in your door Told me this morning : you didn't want me no more I feel like snapping : my big gun in your face Had the nerve to tell me : another man's got my place \L BogL 1 Bogan, Lucille \C title: Sweet Patunia \C place and date: Chicago, c. Mar. 1927 \C record numbers: (4309-1) Pm-12459 Yz L-1017 Let me tell you : what sweet patuni do It take your money : and stay all night for you Well I'm wild about my tuni : the only thing I crave Sweet patuni : is going to follow me to my grave I went up on the mountain : looked down in the deep blue sea A big fat man : was trying to play with me If I could holler : like a mountain jack Go out on the mountain : call sweet patuni back Sweet patuni man : I can't understand He got ways like a barber : he's a full-blown man \L BogL 2 Bogan, Lucille \C title: Levee Blues \C place and date: Chicago, c. Mar. 1927 \C record numbers: (4324-1) Pm-12459 Yz L-1017 Down in the levee : Camp Number Nine You can pass my house : honey you can hear me cry I never had no blues : *sure am* I'm going to leave this camp : you *can go starry* here I ain't found no doctor : ain't no doctor in this whole round world Just to cure the blues : the blues of the leveecamp girl \L BogL 3 Bogan, Lucille \C title: Jim Tampa Blues \C place and date: Chicago, c. July 1927 \C record numbers: (4672-2) Pm-12504 Yz L-1017 Hey Jim Tampa : you treat your women so mean You treat your *townie* : like a woman you ain't never seen Womens all know my name : call him Mr Tampa Long He made so much money : women when the weather was warm My man's got five women : I can call them by their natural names And all them are cheaters : sounds just the same It must be a black cat bone : jomo can't work that hard Every time I wake up : Jim Tampa's in my yard I can stand right here : five miles down the road Give a gander the way : Jim Tampa used to go \L BogL 4 Bogan, Lucille \C title: Coffee Grindin' Blues \C place and date: Chicago, 10 May 1929 \C record numbers: (C-3461- ) Br-7083 His HLP-15 It ain't nobody in town : can grind their coffee like mine I drink so much coffee : till I grind it in my sleep And when you get like that : you know it can't be beat It's so doggone good : that it made made me bite my tongue Going to keep it for my daddy : ain't going to give nobody none I ain't ever loved it : this a-way before And I hope to the Lord : I won't love it anymore I got so now : that I can't control my mind I go to bed blue : and I get up crying It's so doggone good : it made me talk out of my head And it's better to me : than any I ever had Now I grind my coffee : till it's two and three dollars a pound And there ain't no more : cheap like mine in town It's so doggone good : till it make you bite your tongue And I'm a coffee-grinding mama : won't you let me grind you some \L BogL 5 Bogan, Lucille \C title: Pot Hound Blues \C place and date: Chicago, 10 May 1929 \C record numbers: (C-3462- ) Br-7083 His HLP-15 You must bring me a job : or money from anywhere Because I can get your kind of loving : in the streets just anywhere You come home every day : looking for your stew and beans And you have got more nerve : than any pot hound I've ever seen Now you take your money : and you have your fun You don't have nothing : when house rent comes And I'm through : cooking you stew and beans And you can eat more neckbones : than any man I've ever seen Now if you want me baby : you got to make your *for sure* down And you got to put your money : down where I got mine Now you laying up in my bed : between my two white sheets I can't see or smell nothing : but your doggone feet And I'm through : trying to make a man of you And if you can't bring a job : don't you look for your daily stew I worked hard from Monday : until late Saturday night And you's a dirty mistreater : you ain't treating me right And I'm through : cooking you stew and beans And you's a dirty pot hound : dirtier than any man I seen \L BogL 6 Bogan, Lucille \C title: My Georgia Grind \C place and date: Chicago, c. 1 Feb. 1930 \C record numbers: (C-5347- ) Br unissued Rt RL-317 Look here papa : I don't mean no harm Come get some Georgia grind : to carry the good work on The thing I do : it's mighty fine And the mens pays their ??? : all the time When you got to doing it : it's a one-way strand Got to do my Georgia grind : like a natural man All you got to do : is to fall in line Put your right hand up : and your left one behind If you want to learn : you got to pay Because I ain't going to give : my Georgia grind away If you do it once : you'll do it twice And it's mighty fine I tell you : if you do it right I'm talking about my Georgia : I do mean grind And if something bothers you baby : it will satisfy your worried mind Some likes it slow : some likes it fast But I like my Georgia grind : at half and half Come past my house : and hear me cry Big *bad* daddy : won't you take your time I'm going back to Georgia : where I can have my fun Going down in Georgia : where I get my good grinding done \L BogL 7 Bogan, Lucille \C title: They Ain't Walking No More \C place and date: Chicago, late Mar. 1930 \C record numbers: (C-5549- ) Br-7163 Yz L-1017 Sometimes I'm up : sometimes I'm down I can't make my living : around this town Because tricks ain't working : tricks ain't working no more And I got to make my living : don't care where I go I need shoes on my feet : clothes on my back Get tired of walking these streets : all dressed in black Because tricks ain't working : tricks ain't working no more And I see four or five good tricks : standing in front of my door Please have mercy : bad luck's on my head Four or five good tricks : is all the money I need Because tricks ain't working : tricks ain't working no more And I can't get a break : don't care where I go I got a store on the corner : selling stuff cheap I got a market across the street : where I sell my meat This way of living : sure is hard Ducking and dodging : the Cadillac squad Because tricks ain't working : tricks ain't working no more And if you think I'm lying : follow me to the door \L BogL 8 Bogan, Lucille \C title: Sloppy Drunk Blues \C place and date: Chicago, late Mar. 1930 \C record numbers: (C-5562-A) Br-7210 Rt RL-317 I'd rather be sloppy drunk : than anything I know And another half a pint : will see me go I love my moonshine whiskey : better than I do my man You can have your beer and your bottle : give me my cool kind can I'd rather be sloppy drunk : sitting in the can Than to be at home : rolling with my man Mmm : bring me another two-bit pint Because I got my habits on : I'm going to wreck this joint I been on this sloppy drunk : for a solid year And when I can't get my whiskey : bring me my cool can beer My good man quit me : for somebody else And I'm sloppy drunk : drinking by myself \L BogL 9 Bogan, Lucille \C title: Alley Boogie \C place and date: Chicago, late Mar. 1930 \C record numbers: (C-5563-A) Br-7210 Rt RL-317 I'm doing something now : I ain't never done before Going to do it this time : ain't going to do it no more My alley boogie: only thing I choose And it's the only thing I do : to drown away by blues I boogie all night : all the night before When I woke up this morning : I want to boogie some more Old alley boogie : only thing I crave I can do my alley boogie : so many different ways I got a bed in my bedroom : a pallet on my floor Got to do the alley boogie : everywhere I go Because I'm wild about my boogie : only thing I crave Good alley boogie : will carry me to my grave Mama loves my boogie : papa loves it too And it runs in my family : that's all I like to do I'm wild about my boogie : only thing I crave I'm going to do my boogie : the rest of my days Papa got a watch : mama got a ring Sister got a hump : from really boogying that thing I'm wild about my boogie : only thing I choose Now she got to do the boogie : to buy her alley baby some shoes Now I done sung this song : until I quit And there ain't nobody : ??? no alley boogie yet And I'm wild about my boogie : only thing I crave I been doing my alley boogie : I been boogying all of my days \L BogL 10 Bogan, Lucille \C title: Black Angel Blues \C place and date: Chicago, c. mid Dec. 1930 \C record numbers: (C-6847-A) Br-7186 His HLP-15 I got a sweet black angel : I like the way he spread his wings And I'm crazy about him : he spreads so much joy in everything If I ask him for a dime : he gives me a ten dollar bill Yes he does everything : to keep my wants filled If my black angel would leave me : I believe that I would die And if I see him looking at another woman : I just scream and cry I love my black angel : and I want him by myself Lord I don't want him spreading his wings : over no one else Womens don't bother my black angel : don't bother him in any way I'll serve ninety-nine years in jail : most any day I'm wild about my black angel : I like the way he spread his wings He's got a new way of getting goose : and he sure can shake that thing \L BogL 11 Bogan, Lucille \C title: Tricks Ain't Working No More \C place and date: Chicago, c. mid Dec. 1930 \C record numbers: (C-6848-A) Br-7186 His HLP-15 Times is done got hard : money's done got scarce Stealing and robbing : is going to take place Because tricks ain't working : tricks ain't working no more And I'm going to rob somebody : if I don't make me some dough I'm going to do just like a blind man : stand and beg for change Until these arresting officers : change my tricking name Because tricks ain't working : tricks ain't working no more And I've got to make my living : don't care where I go I'm going to learn these working tricks : what it's all about I'm going to get them in my house : and ain't going to let them out Because tricks ain't working : tricks ain't working no more And I can't make no money : don't care where I go I got up this morning : with the rising sun Been working all day : and I ain't caught a one Because tricks ain't working : tricks ain't working no more And I can't make a dime : don't care where I go I got up this morning : feeling tough I've got to call in my tricks : in the rough rough rough Because tricks ain't working : tricks ain't working no more And I've got to change my luck : if I have to move next door \L BogL 12 Bogan, Lucille \C title: T N and O Blues \C place and date: New York, 17 July 1933 \C record numbers: (13549-1) Ba-32845 Rt RL-317 The train I ride : is eighteen coaches long And the man that I love : done been here and gone I hate to hear : that T and N O blow Puts my mind on the wander : makes me want to go Going to beat the train to the crossing : going to burn the trestle down That's the onliest way : I can keep my man in town He's a railroad man : and he sure do love to ride If he don't ride that T and N O : he sure ain't satisfied Going to fall down on my knees : pray to the Lord above Please send me back : the only man I love \L BogL 13 Bogan, Lucille \C title: Baking Powder Blues \C place and date: New York, 17 July 1933 \C record numbers: (13569-1) Ba-33059 Yz L-1017 Got up this morning : by the rising sun Didn't have no whiskey : I tried to buy me some I use my Skeet and Garret : *feed* it everywhere Lord I like them baking powder blues : and I sure don't care Dice jumped to hustle Lord : I swear my money don't lose I got to win tonight : and buy this baking powder man some shoes Play them blues boy : and don't play them so slow Because I'm going to give you some more money : and I'm going to give it to you sure \L BogL 14 Bogan, Lucille \C title: You Got to Die Some Day \C place and date: New York, 30 July 1934 \C record numbers: (15477-2) ARC-6-04-63 Rt RL-317 You may be beautiful : but baby you got to die some day And you going to reap what you sow : for treating me this a-way When the sun rose this morning : I was laying in my floor crying And I've done got tired : of being dogged all the time Tell me baby : what fault do you find in me You don't treat me : like I'm no human being Love hides all faults : make you do things you don't want to do When you love someone : and that someone don't love you \L BogL 15 Bogan, Lucille \C title: Lonesome Midnight Blues \C place and date: New York, 30 July 1934 \C record numbers: (15478-2) ARC-6-04-63 Rt RL-317 I'm lonesome I'm lonesome : and I got them lonesome midnight blues And I'm blue to my heart : my man I hate to lose Blues and trouble : have overtaken me And I've got those midnight blues : blue as I can be Late last night : when my clock was striking three My daddy was leaving : and the blues had me \L BogL 16 Bogan, Lucille \C title: My Man Is Boogan Me \C place and date: New York, 31 July 1934 \C record numbers: (15487-2) Ba-33375 Rt RL-317 Just one thing : I want my man to know I ain't going to be : his lowdown dog no more He gets up every morning : and before he goes Say he don't want me to put my head : out of my front door He won't buy me no shoes : he won't buy me no clothes And he's got so lowdown : he wants to put me outdoors I ain't got no coal : I ain't got no wood And you know by that : that man don't mean me no good I ain't got no flour : I ain't got no lard And he knows doggone well : the times is done got hard \L BogL 17 Bogan, Lucille \C title: Pig Iron Sally \C place and date: New York, 31 July 1934 \C record numbers: (15490-2) Ba-33375 Rt RL-317 Some folks say black is evil : but I will tell the world they're wrong Because I'm a sealskin brown : and I been evil ever since I been born I a-scared to trust a rabbit : and I won't even trust a squirrel And I won't bat my eyes : because I might lose sight on this whole round world I've got a head like a freight train : and I walk just like a grizzly bear And I use my Skeet and Garret : and I keep my ??? everywhere They call me Pig Iron Sally because I live in Slag Iron Alley : and I'm evil and mean as I can be And I ain't going to let nobody : put that doggone thing on me I ain't nothing but a mistreater : baby and it ain't no joke And if you don't believe I'm dirty : you can watch my bogus stroke \L BogL 18 Bogan, Lucille \C title: I Hate that Train Called the M. and O. \C place and date: New York, 31 July 1934 \C record numbers: (15491-1) ARC-6-02-04 OJL-6 I hate that train : that they all call the M and O It took my baby away : and he ain't coming back to me no more When he was leaving : I couldn't hear nothing but that whistle blow And the man at the throttle : Lord he wasn't coming back no more He had his head in the window : that man the drivers roll They are going away baby : and doggone your bad-luck soul Now I'm so worried : and I'm so full of gloom And deep down in my heart : ain't nothing but a lover's ruin I was sorry : I was sorry sorry to my heart To see that M and O train : and me and my daddy part \L BogL 19 Bogan, Lucille \C title: Tired as I Can Be \C place and date: New York, 1 Aug. 1934 \C record numbers: (15505-1) Ba-33313 His HLP-4 I worked all the winter : and I worked all the fall I got to wait until spring : to get my ashes hauled And now I'm tired : tired as I can be And I'm going back home : where these blues don't worry me I'm a free-hearted woman : I let you spend my dough And you never did win : you kept on asking for more And now I'm tired : I ain't going to do it no more And when I leave you this time : you won't know where I go My house rent's due : they done put me outdoors And here you riding around here : in a V-Eight Ford I done got tired : of your lowdown dirty ways And your sisters say you been dirty : dirty all your days I never will forget : when the times was good I caught you standing out yonder : in the piney woods And now I'm tired : tired as I can be And I'm going back south : to my used-to-be \L BogL 20 Bogan, Lucille \C title: Sweet Man, Sweet Man \C place and date: New York, 1 Aug. 1934 \C record numbers: (15506-2) Ba-33149 Rt RL-317 Sweet man sweet man : what makes you candy taste so hard And I would come to see you : but your woman is got me barred He caught the Frisco he caught the Frisco : and I just can't keep from crying And if he don't come back : I will lose my worried mind He is a rambler he is a rambler : and he is never satisfied And I know he was a rambler : when he caught that train to ride I'm going to find him I'm going to find him : with my smoking forty-five Because you know I love that man : he so hard to find He's gone he's gone : and he's forever on my mind And I want to see my man : because because he's so good and kind \L BogL 21 Bogan, Lucille \C title: Reckless Woman \C place and date: New York, 1 Aug. 1934 \C record numbers: (15507-2) Ba-33313 His HLP-4 A woman gets tired : of one man all the time And don't care what you give her : you can't change her rambling mind Don't never think : you got a whole woman by yourself Because there never was a woman : didn't love somebody else I ain't never loved : just one man in my life Because this kind of love I got : I can love the same way twice Some womens like two men : some womens they like three But I like as many men : I see is good to me \L BogL 22 Bogan, Lucille \C title: Down in Boogie Alley \C place and date: New York, 1 Aug. 1934 \C record numbers: (15508-2) Ba-33149 Rt RL-317 Way down in Boogie Alley : ain't nothing but skulls and bones And when I get drunk : who's going to take me home I'm going to stop my man : from running around Because down in Boogie Alley : is where he can be found He goes down in Boogie Alley : house number three And when he gets down there : the womens won't let him come to see me I went down in Boogie Alley : with my razor in my hand And the blues struck : I brought back my man If you go in Boogie Alley : you better take you forty-four The womens will get your man down there : and they won't let him go \L BogL 23 Bogan, Lucille \C title: Barbecue Bess \C place and date: New York, 6 Mar. 1935 \C record numbers: (16984-1) Ba-33475 Yz L-1017 When you come to my house : come down behind the jail I got a sign on my door : barbecue for sale I'm talking about my barbecue : only thing I crave And that good-doing meat : going to [carry, take] me to my grave I'm selling it cheap : because I got good stuff And if you try one time : you can't get enough I'm talking about barbecue : only thing I sell And if you want my meat : you can come to my house at twelve Now some like it hot : some like it cold Some take it : any way it's sold Some people wants it : some people don't If you buy my barbecue : it just won't don't don't don't Some people wants to know : the regular price Fifty-five cents : you can get some twice And I'm talking about my barbecue : only thing I sell And you can get my meat : any night at twelve \L BogL 24 Bogan, Lucille \C title: Jump Steady Daddy \C place and date: New York, 7 Mar. 1935 \C record numbers: (16993-2) ARC-5-12-58 Yz L-1017 Jump steady daddy : please take your time You got a year and a day : to satisfy my mind Love me daddy : love me all the time And if you love me like I tell you : you'll be the jump-steady man of mine Jump-steady got to jumping : jumping in the room And I got crazy about him : because he could strut his stuff Now when jump-steady starts to jumping : he does it slow He goes from the top : down to the floor Ooh : just can't let him go Because he jumps better : than any man that I know He don't work on no rock pile : he don't tote no slag And the way he jumps steady : it's just too bad \L BogL 25 Bogan, Lucille \C title: Man Stealer Blues \C place and date: New York, 7 Mar. 1935 \C record numbers: (16997-2) ARC-35-09-13 Rt RL-317 I went to bed last night : and the blues wouldn't let me rest Because I ain't been used : to sleeping by myself Oh blues oh blues : blues don't you see You are carrying me down : blues you trying kill poor me Now blues and trouble : go walk hand in hand I never had these blues : until my best friend loved my man She may have loved him one time : but that one man she can't hold Because it's ??? *in Texas* : that I could sell fast jellyroll He puts his arms around me : like the ring around the good Lord's sun Said he ain't had no woman to love him : Lord like I done \L BogL 26 Bogan, Lucille \C title: Stew Meat Blues \C place and date: New York, 8 Mar. 1935 \C record numbers: (17013-1) Ba-33448 Rt RL-317 A man say I had something : look like new He want me to trade a *cam* : for some of my stew Say he's going up the river : tried to sell his sack He would pay me for my stuff : when the boat get back I got good stew : and it's got to be sold The price ain't high : I want to get you told Go on up the river : man and sell your sack It will be stew meat here : baby when the boat get back Now look here man : what you want me to do Give you my stew meat : and credit you too I credit one man : it was to my sorrow It's cash today : credit tomorrow Now it's ashes to ashes : dust to dust You try my stuff one time : you can't get enough \L BogL 27 Bogan, Lucille \C title: Skin Game Blues \C place and date: New York, 8 Mar. 1935 \C record numbers: (17014-1) Ba-33448 Rt RL-317 Good morning skin game : hollering skin game please last I done staked my man to win : and I hope my money will pass He done pawned my house : he got my life at stake And I got to get it back : with that money he gamble and make He never lost no money : until he drew that black queen of spades And my man was in need of begging : he was in hard luck that very day When he come back to me : got a dollar two I want him to go back to that skin game : and see what he can do If my man : he could only win my money back I would take a walk downtown : buy me a brand new pair of shoes and hat \L Bond 1 Bonds, Son \C title: Weary Worried Blues \C place and date: Chicago, 6 Sept. 1934 \C record numbers: (C-9403-A) Ch-50064 RBF RF-9 I'm worried now babe : I won't be worried long Now when we is all going together : it's got to be carried on Now did you get that letter : baby that I wrote to you Oh you sitting in the shade baby : I declare you just won't do Now I say once ain't forever : say but two time ain't for twice Now when you get a good woman : you just won't treat her right Mmm : Lord Lord Lord Lord Lord Now if I can't be your regular mama : I sure ain't going to be your dog \L Bond 2 Bonds, Son (Sleepy John Estes) \C title: Black Gal Swing \C place and date: Chicago, 24 Sept. 1941 \C record numbers: (064918- ) BB-B8852 BC-7 Now a yellow gal rides in an automobile : a brownskin gal rides the same A black gal *will tell you* an old hay wagon : she's getting by just the same A yellow gal drinks good old whiskey : a brownskin gal drinks the same But a black gal drinks shoe polish : she's getting drunk just the same A yellow gal will bite you she will pop you with a stick : a brownskin gal bites the same But a black gal get a rusty razor and run you all over town : and you know that woman raises hell just the same Now a yellow gal will kiss you she will kiss you awful sweet : a brownskin gal do the same But a black gal spit bacca juice *shoo* snuff all on your lips : oh loving you just the same \L Bond 3 Bonds, Son \C title: 80 Highway Blues \C place and date: Chicago, 24 Sept. 1941 \C record numbers: (064921-1) BB-B8927 BC-7 Sitting down here thinking : yes babe I believe I better go You know I believe I'll go down : that long long old dusty road Now that Eighty Highway : is the longest highway that I know Running all the way from Frisco Texas : *right cross* the Atlantic on the other *water course* That church bell was beginning to tone : yes some other good gambler's gone You know I wouldn't hate it so bad : but that Eighty Highway so long You women fuss and argue with your good man : when you know you don't do right yourself You know when I look for you at night : way down on Eighty Highway with someone else Yes if you get in trouble : call on a *car* about forty-five Baby now I just open up my chifforobe : and you'll see where my dollar lies \L BoyG 1 Boyd, Georgia \C title: Never Mind Blues \C place and date: Chicago, 2 Aug. 1933 \C record numbers: (76835-1) BB-B5573 Yz L-1030 Never mind : honey never mind Never mind : there's time to shine You said you loved me : you know you told a lie Oh never mind : never mind I'm just a good woman : baby gone astray Drinking charcoal liquor : throwing myself away But never mind : there's time to shine Spread your heart : babe just like mine \L Brac 1 Bracey, Ishman \C title: Saturday Blues \C place and date: Memphis, 4 Feb. 1928 \C record numbers: (41842-1) Vi-21349 OJL-8 Now you tell me mama : do you think that's right You with your kid all day : and run to me at night Now my regular woman : totes my pocket change And my sometime woman : wants to do the same And you better not let : my regular catch you here Because it ain't no telling : what she might do Now she might cut you : and she might shoot you too Now she's the meanest woman : that I've ever seen And when I asked for water : give me gasoline Now if you want your woman : to look like the rest You buy her high brown powder : and Farmer's Skin Success Now I got four or five puppies : and got one shaggy hound It takes all them dogs : to run my woman down \L Brac 2 Bracey, Ishman \C title: Left Alone Blues \C place and date: Memphis, 4 Feb. 1928 \C record numbers: (41843-2) Vi-21349 Rt RL-330 I said the woman I'm loving : caught the train and gone Got the lowdown feeling : I sure won't be here long Now I went to the station : fold my arms and moan Asked the operator : how long my rider been gone Let me tell you : what that dirty train will do Take your last rider Lord : blow black smoke on you Ain't got no special : got no trifling kind Ain't got nobody mama : *she has rock the ship* Lord take me rider : take me to your hand Let me in your darkest corner woman : hide me from your man You don't want me rider : please don't dog me around Just like you found me : you took and threw me down Ask you to forgive me : darling if you please Mama sure as I told you : I fall down on my knees \L Brac 3 Bracey, Ishman \C title: Leavin' Town Blues \C place and date: Memphis, 31 Aug. 1928 \C record numbers: (45458-?) Vi-V38560(?) Rt RL-330 Now I tell you mama : now I'm sure going to leave this town Because I been in trouble : ever since I set my suitcase down Now you don't believe I'm leaving : just watch the train I'm on And you don't believe I'm lucky : just count the days I'm gone Now I ain't going to be : your teasing brown no more Sugar the way you do me : you make my blood run cold Now before I stay here mama : and be treated this a-way Now I'll let some freight train : *throw me in the sea* Mmm Lord oh Lord oh : oh Lord oh Lord oh Lord Now the woman I'm loving : she treat me like a mangy dog Now look a-yonder sugar : where the rising sun done gone I can't live over here mama : a long way from my home \L Brac 4 Bracey, Ishman \C title: My Brown Mama Blues \C place and date: Memphis, 31 Aug. 1928 \C record numbers: (45459-?) Vi-21691(?) Rt RL-330 Won't you tell me mama mama : what have I said *or done* For you treat me : like my sugar just ain't *hard* Mama mama mama : you sure can worry me *I ain't seen* none of my best woman : since my old-time used-to-be Now you see my rider now : I'll tell you what I'll do I'll rob and steal : and I'll bring it home to you See [how] the sun went down mama : left it so lonesome here Mama this lonesome place : don't seem like home to me Lord it's soon in the morning : going to believe I'll leaving here \L Brac 5 Bracey, Ishman \C title: Trouble-Hearted Blues \C place and date: Memphis, 31 Aug. 1928 \C record numbers: (45460-1) Vi-21691 Yz L-1007 Down so long : down don't worry me Don't believe I'm sinking : believe what a hole I'm in You don't believe I loved you : think what a fool I been Went to the graveyard : fell down on my knees I said Lord have mercy : on this lonesome place Went to the graveyard : peeped in my rider's face Says I love you rider Lord : just can't take your place Thousands of people mmm : around the burying ground Just to see the ??? : let my rider down Felt so sorry mmm : till they let her down Lord my heart felt sorry : tears come rolling down Tell me mama : what's the matter now Trying to quit your daddy Lord : and you don't know how Tell me mama : on your worried mind If I don't get no better mama : believe I'm going I'm going \L Brac 6 Bracey, Ishman \C title: Trouble-Hearted Blues \C place and date: Memphis, 31 Aug. 1928 \C record numbers: (45460-2) Vi-RCX7167 Rt RL-330 I've been down so long : down don't worry me Don't believe I'm sinking : believe what a hole I'm in You don't believe I love you Lord : think what a fool I been Went to the graveyard : fell down on my knees Hollered Lord have mercy : on this lonesome place Thousands of people : round the burying ground Just to see the ??? : let my rider down Felt so sorry : till they let her down Lord my heart struck sorrow : tears come rolling down Love you mama : till the sea go dry Lord I love you rider Lord : till the day you die Anybody ask you : who wrote this worried song Tell them you don't know the writer : he'd rather had his happy song \L Brac 7 Bracey, Ishman \C title: The Four Day Blues \C place and date: Memphis, 31 Aug. 1928 \C record numbers: (45461-2) Vi-V38560 Yz L-1007 Woke up this morning : mama was treating me night and day I reached for my sugar : and the fool had stoled away Worried now mama : but I shan't be very long Mama this the way I be treated : be on the county farm Wouldn't treat a dog : babe like you treat me Woke up soon this morning : with my face up to the ground I didn't have no sugar : not to pick up in my arms Mama that's all right : sugar that's all right for you Now you know you got me : just the way you do \L Brac 8 Bracey, Ishman \C title: Woman Woman Blues \C place and date: Grafton, Wis., c. Mar. 1930 \C record numbers: (L-239-2) Pm-12970 OJL-2 Woman woman woman woman : Lord what in the world you trying to do Baby the way you treat me : break my heart in two I got a woman good little woman : she got coal-black curly hair Now every time she smiles Lord : kindness everywhere I got a woman good little woman : she ain't a thing but a *courtesy* *Takes a* little redheaded woman : and I'll keep you company Treat me like ??? little baby : want you turn me around and around Babe when you love me : good Lord take me around and around Now these blues blues ain't nothing : Lord but a doggone hungry feel Got no money in your pocket : to get a decent meal And I went went to the depot : Lord I read up on the board Babe if you see me catch you there : Now I got to send send down soon : for my old-time used-to-be Lord I felt so hard : till the blues crept up on me \L Brac 9 Bracey, Ishman \C title: Suitcase Full of Blues \C place and date: Grafton, Wis., c. Mar. 1930 \C record numbers: (L-240-1) Pm-12970 Her H-201 Hand me down my suitcase : *reach* my walking cane *Know* my mother *treat me* : catch that morning train Well I thought I'd write : but I believe I'll telephone Now if you catch me stealing : please don't tell on me Because I'm stealing : to my doggone used-to-be I woke up this morning : had the blues all around my bed I couldn't help but to think : about what my good gal said Now I got a heart full of trouble : and a suitcase full of blues I never seen no trouble : babe till I *stopped* with you I'm going to leave here walking Lord : and talking to myself I'm going to take my baby : or carry somebody else It's hard it's hard : it's hard *to get out of this* town *Get* another ??? : \L Brac 10 Bracey, Ishman \C title: Bust Up Blues \C place and date: Grafton, Wis., c. Mar. 1930 \C record numbers: (L-241-2) Pm-13038 Her H-205 Woke up this morning : couldn't even walk in my shoes My baby just quit me : she left me with the bust up blues When you see two women : running hand in hand for long Bet your B V Ds : something is going on wrong Bought you a yo-yo dress : *full packed in* Now that's the thanks you give me : you left me with those bust up blues \L Brac 11 Bracey, Ishman \C title: Pay Me No Mind \C place and date: Grafton, Wis., c. Mar. 1930 \C record numbers: (L-242-2) Pm-13038 Yz L-1007 Have you woke up in the morning : *you weep and moan* Your best girl quit you : left you all alone Got a brownskin woman : just about as I need And the reason I say so : she so sweet to me When she rub my head : she make my fever rise When she rub my ??? : she's improved my appetite Now I had me a woman : didn't mean me no good Now I got me another woman : best in the neighborhood \L BracM 1 Bracey, Mississippi \C title: You Scolded Me and Drove Me from Your Door \C place and date: Jackson, Miss., 17 Mar. 1930 \C record numbers: (404764-B) OK-8904 OJL-17 You scold me faro now : drove all from your door Well the Good Book say : you got to reap just what you sow There was ice and snow now : laying outside your door Your good old man rolled for you : at times when he was not able to go I can't sleep for dreaming now : I can't stay woke for crying I was thinking about : that little old brown of mine Now I'm worried now : but I won't be worried long It takes a worried woman now : sing a worried song Now you got a bad husband now : baby that'll be all right Said I'll dodge your husband : like a rabbit dodge a dog at night I'll be so glad : when my buddy dead and gone Know my buddy got something now : Lord I'd like to own \L BracM 2 Bracey, Mississippi \C title: Cherry Ball \C place and date: Jackson, Miss., 17 Mar. 1930 \C record numbers: (404765-B) OK-8867 Yz L-1038 I'm going to give my baby : no more cherry ball Don't you let her get drunk Lord : and she'll *lower* her She used to be mine : but look who's got her now Well he sure can't keep her : she don't mean no good nohow You see me coming now : put your man outdoors You know I ain't no stranger baby : I been here before Sun rose this morning : I was laying out on my floor No sweet woman to love me : I didn't have no place to go Said the sun going down now : black dark caught me here Ain't got nobody to love me : nobody to feel my care \L BracM 3 Bracey, Mississippi \C title: Stered Gal \C place and date: Jackson, Miss., 17 Mar. 1930 \C record numbers: (404766-B) OK-8867 Yz L-1038 She wouldn't if she could : and she wouldn't do it at all Grab another man : and went across the hall Grabbed my gal : around the waist Told me you better hurry : and you better make haste Run around the house : took me a peep through the crack See my baby : at a dirty act Just as well : make it up in your mind Ain't mush *chitlin* : but stir it in the house \L BracM 4 Bracey, Mississippi \C title: I'll Overcome Some Day \C place and date: Jackson, Miss., 17 Mar. 1930 \C record numbers: (404767-B) OK-8904 OJL-17 Worked all the summer : and all the fall Now I've got to take Christmas now : in my overalls Going up the country : won't be back till fall Times get no better : I won't be back at all You treat me : like didn't know my name You mistreated me now : for another man My baby quit me : didn't say a word Was on account : of something that she heard When I had money : I had a friend Ain't got no money : I ain't ain't got no friend Take one more drink : make me tell it all Somebody : stole my little all-in-all \L BradT 1 Bradley, Tommie \C title: Adam and Eve \C place and date: Richmond, Ind., 27 Sept. 1930 \C record numbers: (17084) Ch-16149 OJL-19 Because Adam said to Eve : *you been cute so cute* You wouldn't give me none : of that forbidden fruit They had one is named Cabel : one is named Ain You know by that : they must have shook that thing \L BradT 2 Bradley, Tommie \C title: Pack Up Your Trunk Blues \C place and date: Richmond, Ind., 27 Oct. 1930 \C record numbers: (17206) Ch-16149 Yz L-1019 Everybody here baby : seem to have a jolly time Lord there nobody knows : what's on my troubled mind Lord but I may be the youngest : Lord take my advice And don't never let : the same woman quit you twice Don't let your woman know you love her : you do you have done wrong She'll *commence* ??? : pack up her clothes and gone When you catch you a freight train baby : bounded for Santa Fe That's when I done found out baby : this ain't no place for me Because I did everything mama : tried to make you kind Now seem everything everything you do : it is to worry my mind \L BradT 3 Bradley, Tommie \C title: Please Don't Act that Way \C place and date: Richmond, Ind., 17 July 1931 \C record numbers: (17884) Ch-16339 Mam S-3802 Sometimes I wonder : I want to go back home Because my baby : have left me all alone The clothes look lonesome : hanging out on the line You can tell by that : I've got rambling on my mind And I said Lord : baby don't act that way Baby when I leave you : I'm going away to stay I said Lord : what you want me to do I took all my money : and I brought it home to you \L BradT 4 Bradley, Tommie \C title: Four Day Blues \C place and date: Richmond, Ind., 17 July 1931 \C record numbers: (17886-A) Ch-16339 OJL-19 Lord it's early this morning : Lord about four o'clock There was something in my bedroom : began to reel and rock Lord have you ever been accused baby : [when you] ain't done nothing wrong Lord that's a heart filled with squalor: Lord just sure as you born Lord but you can't be [mine, my baby] : and someone else's too There can no one get you baby : Lord until I get through Oh you can always tell : when a when a woman loves a man Lord she'll take bad treatment : and she'll do the best thing she can \L BradT 5 Bradley, Tommie \C title: Window Pane Blues \C place and date: Richmond, Ind., 16 Jan. 1932 \C record numbers: (18326) Ch-16696 BC-5 Lord when I got up this morning : snow was on my windowpane I couldn't even see my baby : couldn't even hear her name Lord and my baby is leaving : crying won't make her stay Lord if crying would do : now I'd cry myself away Lord and my room looked so lonesome : since my baby been gone Lord I ain't got nobody : that I can call my own Baby but you didn't come to see me : mama when I had felt alone *If it had been love with you* baby : I wouldn't have been dead and gone And you a no-good woman : you don't mean a man no good Lord and if I don't love you : I would not if I could \L Bras 1 Brasswell, Frank (Big Bill) \C title: Guitar Rag \C place and date: Richmond, Ind., 2 May 1930 \C record numbers: (16580-A) Ge unissued Yz L-1035 I long to hear that : old guitar rag Whenever I hear it : I do that guitar drag Play that thing : old guitar for me Take me back : to my home in Tennessee \L BrowB 1 Brown, Bessie \C title: Nobody But My Baby Is Getting My Love \C place and date: New York, c. early Sept. 1926 \C record numbers: (6813-?) Ba-1859 VJM VLP-40 Now some folks say : that love is blind But I'm one gal : who knows her mind Now one hot papa : is enough Because I don't believe : in that two-time stuff \L BrowI 1 Brown, Hi Henry \C title: Titanic Blues \C place and date: New York, 14 Mar. 1932 \C record numbers: (11476-A) Vo-1728 Yz L-1030 Early one morning : just about four o'clock When the old Titanic : begin to reel and rock Smith took his glasses : and walked out to the front And he spied the iceberg a-coming : oh Lord had to bump Some was drinking : some was playing cards Some was in the corner : praying to their God Little children cried mama : mama what shall we do Captain Smith said children : I'll take care of you Titanic sinking : in the deep blue sea And the band all playing : Nearer My God to Thee \L BrowI 2 Brown, Hi Henry \C title: Preacher Blues \C place and date: New York, 14 Mar. 1932 \C record numbers: (11477-A) Vo-1728 Yz L-1030 If you want to hear : preacher curse Take his bread sweet mama : and save him the crust Preacher in the pulpit : Bible in his hand Sister in the corner : crying there's my man Preacher comes to your house : you ask him to rest his hat Next thing he want to know : sister where your husband at Come in here elder : and shut my door Want you to preach [for me] the same text : you did night before See that preacher : walking down the street Fixing to meddle : with every sister he meets Preacher preacher : you nice and kind Better not catch you : at that house of mine \L BrowI 3 Brown, Hi Henry \C title: Nut Factory Blues \C place and date: New York, 17 Mar. 1932 \C record numbers: (11506-A) Vo-1692 Yz L-1003 Jellyroll keep working : just about Sixteenth Street Well they got a nut factory : where the women do meet Got a nut factory : where they work so hard Well it's all over the country : husbands ain't got no job Saturday evening : when they draw their pay Well they don't draw nothing : if husbands don't draw them away Some draw checks babe : some draw nothing at all When they don't draw nothing : their husbands bust them in the jaw Down on Franklin Avenue : jellybeans standing to and fro Well you hear one jellybean ask the other one : which way did the good girl go \L BrowI 4 Brown, Hi Henry \C title: Skin Man \C place and date: New York, 17 Mar. 1932 \C record numbers: (11509-A) Vo-1692 Yz L-1003 Skin man's hollering : passing right by my door Well he's hollering skin : everywhere he goes Some begs a nickel : some some begs a dime Some begs the jelly : to that teasing brown of mine Well it's skins oh skins : skin skin skin skin I'm going away old skin : but I'm coming back again Let me tell you : what the skin mens'll do Well they sell your wife skins : and take her away from you \L BrowR 1 Brown, Richard Rabbit \C title: James Alley Blues \C place and date: New Orleans, 11 Mar. 1927 \C record numbers: (38000-1) Vi-20578 Yz L-1032 Times ain't now : nothing like they used to be And I'm tell you all the truth : ooh take it for me I done seen better days : but I'm putting up with these I could have a much better time : but these girls now is so hard to please Because I was born in the country : she thinks I'm easy to rule She tried to hitch me to a wagon : she want to drive me like a mule You know I bought the groceries : and I paid the rent She tried to make me wash her clothes : but I got good common sense I said if you don't want me : why don't you tell me so Because it ain't like a man : that ain't got nowhere to go I'll give you sugar for sugar : let you get salt for salt And if you can't get along with me : well it's you own fault Now wanted me to love you : and you treated me mean You might *give a thought* : on my nightly dream Sometime I think : that you too sweet to die Then another time I think : you ought to be buried alive \L BrowV 1 Brown, Willie \C title: M and O Blues \C place and date: Grafton, Wis., 28 May 1930 \C record numbers: (L-413-2) Pm-13090 OJL-5 Now when I leave here : I'm going to catch that M and O I'm going way down south : where I ain't never been before Once I had a notion : Lord and I believe I will I'm going to build me a mansion : out on Decatur Hill Now it's all of you men : ought to be ashamed of yourself Going around here swearing before God : you got a poor woman by yourself I started to kill my woman : till she laid down across the bed And she looked so ambitious : till I took back everything I said And I asked her how about it : Lord and she said all right But she never showed up : at the shack last night \L BrowV 2 Brown, Willie \C title: Future Blues \C place and date: Grafton, Wis., 28 May 1930 \C record numbers: (L-418-2) Pm-13090 OJL-5 Can't tell my future : and I can't tell my past Lord it seems like every minute : sure going to be my last Oh a minute seems like hours : and hour seems like days And it seems like my woman : ought to stop her lowdown ways Oh that woman I love now : she's five feet from the ground And she's tailor-made : and ain't no hand-me-down I say that I've got a woman : Lord and she lightning when she smiles Five feet and four inches : and she's just good hugging size I know you see that picture : now up on your mother's shelf Well you know by that : I'm getting tired of sleeping by myself And it's T for Texas now : and it's T for Tennessee Lord bless that woman : that put that thing on me \L BryL 1 Bryant, Laura \C title: Dentist Chair Blues-+-Part 1 \C place and date: Long Island City, c. Jan. 1929 \C record numbers: (322-A) QRS-R7055 His HLP-21 I'm having so much trouble : with those tooth ache blues It's got me floor-walking : and wearing out my shoes I need a quick-filling dentist : because I'm mean and cross At night I'm hot with fever : and I just roll and toss When I went to my dentist : he put me in his chair It's a long pointed sharp something : don't make me pull my hair He shot a burning something : into my cavity Cocaine or soothing liquid : to ease my pain for me \L BryL 2 Bryant, Laura \C title: Dentist Chair Blues-+-Part 2 \C place and date: Long Island City, c. Jan. 1929 \C record numbers: (323-A) QRS-R7055 His HLP-21 I told him : he was grinding into my roots too deep Sure was a rough old dentist : he made me moan and weep He kept right on *a-progging* : until I lost my head Right now I can't remember : the many things he did And when he lay me way back : my senses left me fast Before I hardly knew it : he flooded me with gas I woke up weak and dizzy : he told me that I would But all my pain had left me : he really done me good \L Bunn 1 Bunn, Teddy \C title: It's Sweet Like So \C place and date: New York, 7 Apr. 1930 \C record numbers: (59739-1) Vi-V38592 His HLP-5 Three pickaninnies : eating sugar-cane Each one turned to the other : and said *Must have made it good* : chicken in a pot *Butter like melting* : on the front Like a lollipop : with sugar tip Wild about : my baby's lips Grandma baked grandpa : some jellyroll Ate it : and *said oh oh* my soul *Went to my gal* : *on a Saturday night* *Dinner* : suits her appetite The blackest berry : the sweetest juice *Black hair* : *for my prejudice* \L Bunn 2 Bunn, Teddy \C title: Pattin' Dat Cat \C place and date: New York, 7 Apr. 1930 \C record numbers: (59740-1) Vi-V38592 His HLP-5 Martha's sitting : on up that fence Yowling : like she didn't have no sense Blackbird cheeping : in a tree Said to the redbird : skeedle-um-skee Aunt Louise : she bought blue goose cheese When she start shaking : it's *long loose please* White little June bug : big fat duck Come on ducky : let us try our luck Jenny Mae : brother Sam If you want to be : a good-time man The night I saw : little Mickey Mouse Sashaying : all around the house \L Burs 1 Burse, Charlie (Memphis Jug Band) \C title: Tappin' that Thing \C place and date: Richmond, Ind., 3 Aug. 1932 \C record numbers: (18648) Ch-16654 Rt RL-307 Say excuse me mama : I don't mean no harm Just come here : to sing this little song Say my brown's got a wrist watch : and I got a ring Bought that jewel : just tapping that thing I been down in Memphis : been down in New Orleans The way we tap it : boys it's most *obscene* Now I bought a brand new car : it really wouldn't quit I gave it to my baby : like to had a fit Now look here baby : always having *soup* *Got no rest : over my dead loot* \L Burs 2 Burse, Charlie \C title: I Got Good Taters \C place and date: Richmond, Ind., 3 Aug. 1932 \C record numbers: (18650) Ch-16481 Rt RL-337 I got a house : way up on the hill I got potatoes : and *they want* I've got a patch : sitting in the back ??? *potatoes* : and it's tight like that People in the kitchen : trying to I've got potatoes : I don't need no wife : don't need no home Hang my potatoes : in a little brown Potatoes on the simmer : potatoes on the boil I've got potatoes : boys it won't stop at all ??? good as ??? : ??? good as I've got potatoes : Lord they ought to \L Burs 3 Burse, Charlie \C title: Boodie Bum Bum \C place and date: Chicago, 7 Nov. 1934 \C record numbers: (C-792-1) OK-8956 Jo SM-3104 Oh tell me baby : where did you stay last night For you come in this morning : sun was shining bright Oh the black cat told the white one : let's go across town and clown And the white cat told the black one : you better set your black self down Tell me baby : where did you get your sugar from I haven't had no boodle-bum : since you been gone Now it was old lady *Diana* : was sitting on the rock Along flew a bumblebee : and raised a great big knot Tell me bumblebee : when did you fly from home Oh you ain't done no stinging : on the boodie-bum You know the baby kitten jumped up : oh and began to wine You know he didn't know the racket : but he had the same thing on his mind Tell me baby sister : where did you get your sugar from Oh you don't know the racket : you ought to go back home Oh tell me mama : what's the matter now You don't know how to boodle-bum-bum : I know you didn't do it nohow \L ButlS 1 Butler, Sam \C title: Some Screamed High Yellow \C place and date: Chicago, c. Oct. 1926 \C record numbers: (2677-2) Pm-12423 Yz L-1016 I didn't *roll in here* : *till Lord sometime* last night I had to *ask* ??? : ??? *today* I think I'll ramble : *rambling* on my mind I ain't got no right to leave : ain't got no right to change my mind Oh did you dream lucky : and wake up cold in hand And you want to see some good gal : ain't got no man Sometime I think I will : then I think that I won't Sometime I think that I love her : then I think that I don't Some screaming high yellow : I scream black or brown For high yellow may mistreat you : but black won't turn you down Mama I got a notion : honey and I believe I will Catch a long jumping Judy : go on across the hill \L ButlS 2 Butler, Sam \C title: You Can't Keep No Brown \C place and date: Chicago, c. Oct. 1926 \C record numbers: (2678-2) Pm-12389 Yz L-1026 Now I woke up this morning mama : blues all around my bed Thinking about the kinds words : that my mama had said Now my mama's dead : so is my daddy too That's the reason I tried to hard : to get along with you Now where there ain't no loving : ain't no getting along Because you'll have more trouble : honey than all the day is long So many days : I stoled away and cried Poor boy has been mistreated : now I can't be satisfied Now I'm going to write a letter : mail it in the air Because the March wind blows : it blows news everywhere Because I'm going up the country : won't be very long Good gal : you can count the days I'm gone I often tell my honey : don't have to fight The gal that gets you : has got to try to treat you right I'm crazy about my Jane : tell the world that I am Because I'm going : got to sing long-distance blues Now you get way back : you get to ball the jack You begin to fuss : and get your rider back I want to see my Jane : tell the world that I do Because I'm going I'm going : to sing long-distance blues \L ButlS 3 Butler, Sam \C title: Poor Boy Blues \C place and date: Chicago, c. Oct. 1926 \C record numbers: ( ) Vo-1057 Yz L-1016 I woke up this morning : blues all around my bed Thinking about that wire : that my brown had sent Lord I'm poor boy here : long ways from home Ain't got nowhere : not to lay my head Cold frosty ground : was my bed last night Thinking about the wire : that my baby had sent But my mama told me : Sam come down fast Whiskey and women : will bother your learning bad Now my mama dead : so is my daddy too *Should I caught the wire* : trying to get along with you So many days : I stoled away and cried Poor boy's in the streets : can't be satisfied Going write a letter : mailed it in the air *Mail it by the window : love yous* everywhere Lord Lord : ain't going to moan no more \L ButlS 4 Butler, Sam \C title: Jefferson County Blues \C place and date: Chicago, c. Oct. 1926 \C record numbers: ( ) Vo-1057 Yz L-1016 If you wants your man : keep him out of Birmingham Because the red-hot mama : drives your dollar down I thought I'd send her : *but I'd leave it* at home *Oh she showed a lot of farmers : boys how to right from wrong* If you want your brown : better stay aside I said on that train : you gone off of my mind My road seem rocky : so the people do say But I'm a ??? driver : lucky to find my way Hot mama : sit down on my knee *I got to walk them down the city : how you got it up for me* *I said being in Alabama : meanest place I know Because I'm going up the country : mama how bad *I feel* \L Byrd 1 Byrd, John \C title: Billy Goat Blues \C place and date: Grafton, Wis., c. Apr. 1930 \C record numbers: (L-289-2) Pm-12997 Yz L-1001 Lord that Harlem goat mama : sure was feeling fine *I went ??? search light* : up and down that long line Now she grabbed that stick : and she broke that Harlem's back And she tied old Harlem : to the railroad track Lord the fast mail train : honey was coach and nine And that Harlem goat : she was serving time Lord *he gave her a shirt : it was a shirt of pink* He caught that red shirt mama : trying to flag a train He said when I die : don't bury me at all Just pickle my body : up in alcohol Lord I love my goat : better than I love myself I'm going to kill my goat : I'm going kill somebody else Lord it was early in the morning : about the break of day With my head on a pillow : where my goat Lord used to lay \L Byrd 2 Byrd, John \C title: Old Timbrook Blues \C place and date: Grafton, Wis., c. Apr. 1930 \C record numbers: (L-291-1) Pm-12997 OJL-8 Old Timbrook was a black horse : black as any crow Had a white ring around his forepaw : white as any snow Yes old Timbrook he come darting : like a bullet from a gun And old Molly she come creeping : like a criminal to be hung Johnny Walker Johnny Walker : Johnny Walker my dear son Hold tight rein on Timbrook : so that horse can run Oh the cuckoo was a fine bird : hollers when he fly But he never hollers cuckoo : till the fourth day of July Oh the race track it was dusty : and the wind was high Well you couldn't see old Timbrook : as he come darting by Oh the children they did holler : and the old folks squalled But old Timbrook he beat Molly : to the hole in the wall I love my race horse : likes to have my fun Old Mrs went to the race track : and lost all her mon' \L Cali 1 Calicott, Joe \C title: Fare Thee Well Blues \C place and date: Memphis, c. 21 Feb. 1930 \C record numbers: (MEM-778- ) Br-7166 OJL-11 Told me late last fall : you never had no man at all Well you got more men : than a two-ton truck can haul Told me to my face : that a good man in my place Told me it was early last spring : when the birds began to sing Well it's the last chance : kid to be around here with me I told you early last June : when the flowers began to bloom You can't do no better : another good girl can take your room Go and heist your window : let your curtain down Well you can't tell : there may be some joker around Go and put on your nightgown : baby let's we go lie down Well it's the last chance : shaking in bed with you \L Cali 2 Calicott, Joe \C title: Traveling Mama Blues \C place and date: Memphis, c. 21 Feb. 1930 \C record numbers: (MEM-779- ) Br-7166 Yz L-1009 Well a short-legged mama : trying to carry your daddy by Said I want to let you know : I growed most too high When you see your rider : out in the road Said she's telling all her friends : that's a nineteen thirty Ford Now she doing things : that you don't never know Oh stop and listen : at the *one-note* how she blow Said you sell anyone parts : make the motor go Walk with my good girl in the daytime : walk with her at night Said I taught my kitchen *teller* : how to treat a good man right Way you doing me mama : says its out of sight Said anything a kid-man do : well it bes all right I'm going to *jack* me a picket : from my yard back fence I'm going to start a-whooping : learn the good girl some sense Well I do and I do : do and I do love you Said *nothing funny* : in a state about you \L Call 1 Calloway, Blanche \C title: Lazy Woman's Blues \C place and date: Chicago, 9 Nov. 1925 \C record numbers: (9458-A) OK-8279 CC-32 A lot of these women: too lazy to put up with none of good man's dirt But they ain't too lazy : to count his money Saturday night I know a lazy woman : put ten dollars in a telephone Just to tell her sweet man : her monkey-man is out and gone When a woman's too lazy : to try and bake an apple pie She's too lazy to live : and she's too darn lazy to die I know you lazy women are going to *pan me* : when you hear this song But the truth *is* ??? : and I surely have to carry it on \L Call 2 Calloway, Blanche \C title: Lonesome Lovesick \C place and date: Chicago, 9 Nov. 1925 \C record numbers: (9459-A) OK-8279 CC-32 Lonesome lovesick blues will make you feel so lonely : when you're left all alone Dying for some loving : and the one you love has gone Deep down in my heart : I'm feeling blue Lonesome and lovesick : baby just for you When I'm alone : I moan the whole night through I want some loving : no one but you will do My heart is aching : breaking for some news My heart is aching : gee I'm all confused \L CamB 1 Campbell, Bob \C title: Dice's Blues \C place and date: New York, 30 July 1934 \C record numbers: (15483-1) Vo-02830 Rt RL-340 I said dices oh dices : please don't you three on me I'm just as broke and hungry : as any gambler can be My buddy played the jack : when he give me that hard-luck queen He was one of the luckiest at cards : that a gambler have ever seen Jack of diamonds jack of diamonds : will turn your money green It's the luckiest card : that a gambler have ever seen I went to gamble in Cuba : I went to gamble in Spain Say my woman told me last night : she did not want no gambling man I said run here baby : sit on your daddy's knee Say I just want to show you honey : just what gambling have done for me \L CamB 2 Campbell, Bob \C title: Shotgun Blues \C place and date: New York, 30 July 1934 \C record numbers: (15484-1) Vo-02830 Rt RL-340 Get me a shotgun : and use it in the woods I would fix you this way : that you wouldn't do no man no good Started to kill her : and she fell down on my bed Before *ten* this morning : you had me talking out my head Don't the moon look pretty : shining down from that willow tree I can see my baby : and she can't see me Some of these menfolks : look just like my sure-to-be If you mistreat my woman : I'm going to make you jump in the deep blue sea Say run here woman : and see what you done done You done started me to loving you : and now your other man done come \L CamB 3 Campbell, Bob \C title: Starvation Farm Blues \C place and date: New York, 1 Aug. 1934 \C record numbers: (15503-2) Vo-02798 Fly LP-103 Well I'm going to Detroit : get myself a job I'm tired of laying around here : working on the starvation farm Yeah I'm going down there and get me a job : working in Mr Ford's place Say that woman told me last night : that you cannot even stand Mr Ford's ways Say I got me a little [low, bitty] woman : five [foot, feet] from the ground She five foot standing : and she four feet lying down Say I know my dog : baby if I hear him bark And I know my woman : if I feel her in the dark Say you better stop your woman : from smiling in my face Woman if you keep on a-smiling : I'm sure going to take your place \L CamC 1 Campbell, Charlie \C title: Goin' Away Blues \C place and date: Birmingham, Ala. 25 Mar. 1937 \C record numbers: (B-32-2) Vo-03571 Fly LP-103 One of these mornings : it won't be long You going to look for me baby : and I will be gone Lord I'm going to leave here walking : Lord I'm going away But I may be back to see you : one cold rainy day She tried to make me think : she is true to me But she just as crooked : as she can be I spent her money : she spent mine She used to spend my dollars : just like she spent my dimes That's all right : *bad luck pass on* I'd love to go home any time : and catch another mule in my stall I don't want no woman : that wears a number nine I wake up in the morning : I can't tell her shoes from mine \L CamG 1 Campbell, Gene \C title: Wandering Blues \C place and date: Chicago, c. May 1930 \C record numbers: (C-5701-A) Br-7170 His HLP-2 Every night : I wander all by myself Thinking about the woman I love : loving someone else Boo hoo : I just can't keep from crying I'm worried about my baby : she's on my mind Sometimes I wonder : do she think of me And again I wonder : if I will ever be free I'm telling all you women : what's on my mind I never loved one woman : no more at a time Boo hoo : I wring my hands and cry I'm thinking about the loving : that I let go by Since you been gone baby : I haven't been a bit of good Because I never get the loving : that I really should \L CamG 2 Campbell, Gene \C title: Robbin' and Stealin' Blues \C place and date: Chicago, c. May 1930 \C record numbers: (C-5704-B) Br-7170 His HLP-2 My baby ain't good-looking : and she don't dress fine But she gives me money : all of the time She goes out at night : just like she's on wheels And then I know : she's going out to rob and steal I lay in my bed : my baby brings me my meals What good is a woman : if she don't rob and steal I used to live with a woman : they called her *Tilty Til* I soon got rid of her : she couldn't rob and steal I know : how you hungry hustlers feel Your woman don't know how to rob : she is too doggone scared to steal \L Cann 1 Cannon, Gus \C title: Poor Boy, Long Ways from Home \C place and date: Chicago, c. Nov. 1927 \C record numbers: (20144-2) Pm-12571 Yz L-1002 Been a poor boy : a long way from home ??? : no money to bear my fine Lord I guess : I'll have to catch that *Frisco out* And if that don't do : I'm going to try the woods awhile I cried hello Central : give me your long-distance phone I cried please ma'am : give me thirteen forty-nine \L Cann 2 Cannon, Gus \C title: Heart Breakin' Blues \C place and date: Memphis, 9 Sept. 1928 \C record numbers: (47001-2) Vi-V38523 OJL-4 Well I'm going downtown baby : won't be gone so long Say I'm tired and worried : about to sing this song And I stay at home baby : you don't treat me right The best time I have girl : when you's out of my sight Said give me back the wig I bought you : let your head go bald But when I first met you babe : you didn't have no hair at all \L Cann 3 Cannon, Gus \C title: Feather Bed \C place and date: Memphis, 9 Sept. 1928 \C record numbers: (47002-2) Vi-V38515 Fwy FA-2953 I went downtown : didn't mean no harm Police grabbed me : right by my arm Soon I began to kick : I began to rear They like to throw *me* : in the air Now ??? : was in the stand Had them law books : in his hand *Evil Bridges* : and Moses Brown Am going across the street ??? : going to town \L Cann 4 Cannon, Gus \C title: Last Chance Blues \C place and date: Chicago, c. 12 Sept. 1929 \C record numbers: (C-4337- ) Br-7138 His HLP-15 I said hey mama : I'll give you your last chance You do the world a service : but you want to wear my pants I said hey : what's the matter now You just a trifling woman : don't mean me no good nohow I give you my money : but that don't do no good I begun ??? *to worry* : that's just what I should \L CarrL 1 Carr, Leroy \C title: Naptown Blues \C place and date: Chicago, 17 June 1929 \C record numbers: (C-3267- ) Vo-1400 Yz L-1036 Nobody knows old Naptown : baby like I do If you will stop and listen : I will tell you a thing or two When you get lonesome : and want to have some fun You just grab a train : and try old Naptown some When you get to Naptown : the blues won't last very long Because they have their pleasure : and they sure do carry on I would rather be in Naptown : than any place I know I can get me a ticket : and stop by the *Walter* show I'm going back to Naptown : baby don't you want to go Because there ain't nobody : knows old Naptown like I know \L CarrL 2 Carr, Leroy \C title: Gettin' All Wet \C place and date: Chicago, 13 Aug. 1929 \C record numbers: (C-4034- ) Vo-1423 Yz L-1036 Woke up my baby : come my love Unlock the door : the sky's above Are leaking : on your bed Papa's in the rain : getting all wet Getting all wet : getting all wet And if I die : you will regret Papa had : no place to go You got a nice warm room : and so Share it with papa : don't forget Papa's in the rain : getting all wet This rain ain't healthy : I've been told Hear me cough : catching cold Ain't no telling : what I'll get Papa's in the rain : getting all wet Papa's got : no coat at all You got a raincoat : in your hall This suit I told you : was too small You nappy head : you knew it all It lets me stand : but I can't sit Papa's in the rain : getting all wet Papa must eat : or he will die You got pork chops: you got pie Graveyard : is such a lonely place Don't want dirt : thrown in my face Pity old papa : and don't forget Papa's in the rain : getting all wet \L CarrL 3 Carr, Leroy \C title: Papa Wants a Cookie \C place and date: Chicago, 2 Jan. 1930 \C record numbers: (C-5070- ) Vo-1561 Yz L-1036 Mama's baking cookies : out in the kitchen Papa smells the cookies : and his nose starts to itching Papa tried to steal one : like he did before But mama's got the lock : on the kitchen door Papa says to mama : come a little closer Mama looks at papa : says oh oh no sir Papa turns around : starts to go away Comes right back : when she hear him say Papa says to mama : you a real nice-looker You turn on the heat : like a fireless cooker Come a little closer : in your papa's arms Another little kiss : wouldn't do us any harm Papa comes home : when his work is over Mama says to papa : you sure ain't clover Guess what I cooked : for you today Mama just smiles : when she hear papa say \L CarrL 4 Carr, Leroy \C title: Memphis Town \C place and date: Chicago, 2 Jan. 1930 \C record numbers: (C-5071- ) Vo-1527 Yz L-1036 Went to the station : to get me a train Going to climb on board : and ride again Just climb aboard : and ride around I might get off : at Memphis town Shovel in the coal : see the wheels go around Everybody's going : down to Memphis town I said conductor : where the trains all going I want to go see : that gal of mine He answered me : with a railroad frown All trains going : to Memphis town I said what's doing : down old Memphis way The trains all going : there today The trainman said : there's a jubilee And Memphis is town : that's only place for me I said to the station man : where's my train He said I never knowed : you own the train I said you better answer : or I'll smack you down He said all trains going : to Memphis town Goodbye folks : I'm on my way See you : on some other day Got my ticket : here's my train Going down to Memphis : see my gal again \L CarrL 5 Carr, Leroy \C title: Sloppy Drunk Blues \C place and date: Chicago, 19 Sept. 1930 \C record numbers: (C-6086-B) Vo-1541 Yz L-1015 I'd rather be sloppy drunk : than anything I know And another half a pint : mama will see me go I love my moonshine whiskey : better than a filly loves her mare You can take your pretty bucks : give me my cool kind can I'd rather be sloppy drunk : sitting in the can Than to be out in the streets : running from the man Mmm : bring me another two-bit pint Because I got my habits on : and I'm going to wreck this joint My gal trying quit me : for somebody else Now I'm sloppy drunk mama : sleeping all by myself \L CarrL 6 Carr, Leroy \C title: Four Day Rider \C place and date: Chicago, 19 Sept. 1930 \C record numbers: (C-6090-A) Vo-1574 Yz L-1036 I'm a 'fore-day rider mama : riding all night long Anywhere I come mama : I sing my worried song Now I'm going to leave you mama : we can't get along Going to let you go mama : and sing my worried song I won't carry nobody mama : I'm riding by myself Because the 'fore-day blues : don't worry nobody else And I rode to make you happy baby : rode all night and day You brought me these blues mama : seems like they're going to stay \L CarrL 7 Carr, Leroy \C title: Alabama Woman Blues \C place and date: Chicago, 19 Sept. 1930 \C record numbers: (C-6091-B) Vo-1549 RBF RF-1 Did you ever go down : on the Mobile and K C line I just want to ask you : did you ever see that girl of mine I rode the Central : and I hustled the L and N The Alabama women : they live like section men Don't cry baby : your papa will be home some day I've been away baby : but I did not go to stay Don't the clouds look lonesome : across the deep blue sea Don't my gal look good : when she's coming after me \L CarrL 8 Carr, Leroy \C title: Low Down Dog Blues \C place and date: Chicago, c. 20 Jan. 1931 \C record numbers: (C-7215-A) Vo-1605 Yz L-1036 I ain't going to be : your lowdown dog no more You don't want me baby : down the road I'll go Now I work hard mama : and I brought you home my pay You say you ain't going to miss me : when I'm gone away Ooo : ooo wee It's a lowdown shame : the way you treat poor me My home ain't here : I ain't compelled to stay It's your time now : but it'll be mine some sweet day And I ain't going to be : your lowdown dog no more The train is at the station : my mind's made up to go \L CarrL 9 Carr, Leroy \C title: New How Long How Long Blues-+-Part 2 \C place and date: Chicago, c. 20 Jan. 1931 \C record numbers: (C-7221-A) Vo-1585 RBF RF-202 I'm going to the country : put my watch in pawn I don't want it to tell me : that you've been gone I had some tough luck lately : I got locked up in jail I sat and called you baby : to come and go my bail I'm going down to Georgia : then up to Tennessee So look me over baby : this is the last you'll see of me The last time I tried to love you : you were so very cold I thought that I was standing : holding the North Pole I can look and see the greenback : growing on that hill But I ain't seen the greenback : on a dollar bill I haven't any money : for a ticket on the train But I will ride the rods baby : to be with you again \L CarrL 10 Carr, Leroy \C title: What More Can I Do \C place and date: Chicago, c. 20 Jan. 1931 \C record numbers: (C-7222-A) Vo-1651 Yz L-1036 I come to your house : and knock upon your door You had the nerve to tell me : you didn't want me no more After all I've done : what more can I do I gave you my love : and tried to get along with you I fed you when you were hungry : took you in when you was outdoors I give you my money : and even bought your clothes I tried to treat you right : you would not pay that no mind There ain't no more I can do : there ain't no needs in trying I know you won't miss me : after I am gone But always remember : that you treated your daddy wrong Now I'm going to leave you : and do the best I can Because you don't want me : there must be some other man \L CarrL 11 Carr, Leroy \C title: Papa Wants to Knock a Jug \C place and date: Chicago, c. 20 Jan. 1931 \C record numbers: (C-7223-A) Vo-1651 Yz L-1036 I saw your mama : in Kansas City The way she was looking : was a doggone pity Feet on the ground : clothes wasn't clean Dirtiest old stuff : I ever seen Now I got a gal : she is big as a bull She never stops drinking : till her belly gets full Gets full of liquor : and tries to sing Tight like that : and shake that thing I ask her about it : she said before long Let's get together : because your water's on Let's get started : be long gone Let's get together : what you waiting on I saw you mama : way last spring Eyeballs shining : like a diamond ring Staggered down the street : hollering and a-fussing I tried to stop her : and I got a good cussing I saw your mama : your papa too What they was doing : just won't do I slipped up on them : and took one look What they was doing : wasn't in the book If you want some loving : you want it cheap Go down on Ellsworth : about the middle of the week Show them girls a quarter : they won't let you go It's four or five times : and then some more \L CarrL 12 Carr, Leroy \C title: I Keep the Blues \C place and date: New York, 15 Mar. 1932 \C record numbers: (11497-A) Vo-1709 Yz L-1036 About four this morning : blues come in my door Please Mr blues : don't come here no more I keep the blues all night : and the whole day through I'm so full of blues : I don't know what to do Well something has got to be done : to get these blues off my mind I believe I'll get drunk : and stay drunk all the time Well I'm going to leave you : I ain't going to sing no more Because I'm full of blue : and I have got to go \L CarrL 13 Carr, Leroy \C title: Midnight Hour Blues \C place and date: New York, 16 Mar. 1932 \C record numbers: (11499-A) Vo-1703 Co C-30496 In the wee midnight hours : long before the break of day When the blues creep up on you : and carry your mind away While I lay in my bed : and cannot go to sleep While my heart's in trouble : and my mind is thinking deep My mind was running : back to days of long ago And the one I love : I don't see her anymore Blues why do you worry me : why do you stay so long You come to me yesterday : been with me all night long I've been so worried : I didn't know what to do So I guess that's why : I've had these midnight hour blues \L CarrL 14 Carr, Leroy \C title: Mean Mistreater Mama \C place and date: St. Louis, 20 Feb. 1934 \C record numbers: (SL-1-?) Vo-02657 Co C-30496 You're a mean mistreating mama : and you don't mean me no good And I don't blame you baby : I'd be the same way if I could You say you're going to leave me : well you say you going away That's all right baby : maybe you'll come back home some day Now you're a mean mistreater : and you mistreats me all the time Now I tried to love you : swear but you won't pay that no mind Can you remember mama : in the morning I knocked upon your door You had the nerve to tell me : that you didn't want me no more Ain't it lonesome : sleeping all by yourself When the one that you love : is loving someone else \L CarrL 15 Carr, Leroy \C title: Hurry Down Sunshine \C place and date: St. Louis, 20 Feb. 1934 \C record numbers: (SL-4-3) Vo-02741 Co C-30496 Hurry down sunshine : see what tomorrow brings May bring drops of sorrow : and it may bring drops of rain Now I love my baby : but [she, my baby] don't love me When I get in trouble : she is the last one that I see Going down on the bottom : back to the Lone Star State Stand back pretty mama : I don't want you to make me wait So long people and sweethearts : I'll soon be on my way Now I'm leaving this lonesome old town : now I may come back some day Now I never got worried : until the fireman rang his bell Two keen long whistles : bid me long farewell \L CarrL 16 Carr, Leroy \C title: Corn Licker Blues \C place and date: St. Louis, 20 Feb. 1934 \C record numbers: (SL-5-3) Vo-02741 Co C-30496 Now I love my good corn liquor : and I really mean I do Now I don't care who knows it : and I really mean that too Now I've been drinking my good corn liquor : I mean don't no one get rough Now I try to treat everybody right : but I mean don't start no stuff Give me another half a pint : [and, then] maybe I'll go home The reason why I'm getting drunk today : I swear my baby's gone Some folks like their alcohol : but give me my corn *I believe* all the time Reason why I love it so well : it's so soothing to my mind So give me some more corn liquor : if I get drunk [just please, please just] take me home I ain't going to bother nobody : just let the good times baby roll on \L CarrL 17 Carr, Leroy \C title: Hold Them Puppies \C place and date: St. Louis, 20 Feb. 1934 \C record numbers: (SL-6-3) Vo-02751 Yz L-1036 Nights so lonesome : and the days so long Ain't had no loving : since you been gone If you see my baby : tell her to hurry home Ain't had no mmm : since she has been gone You put the puppies on my mama : you drove me crazy too You done made me love you : what can I do Won't you tell my baby : to hurry back to me She's got the best old mmm : I ever did see Won't you tell my baby : to hurry back to me She got the best old loving : that I ever did see You can pull your dress babe : up above your knees You can strut your stuff babe : but don't mess with me You going to leave me you going to leave me : you going to leave me blue I want some of your loving : don't care what you do \L CarrL 18 Carr, Leroy \C title: Shady Lane Blues \C place and date: St. Louis, 20 Feb. 1934 \C record numbers: (SL-7-3) Vo-02762 Co C-30496 Now I've got a girl : she lives down in in Shady Lane I love that girl : but I'm scared to call her name It's going to be one of these mornings : swear and it won't be long I'm going to catch the first thing smoking : and down the road I'm going Where I long ain't here baby : it's way out in the west In the Smoky Mountains : where the eagle builds his nest Did you ever love a girl : a girl you hate to lose Don't lose your temper : when you've been drinking booze \L CarrL 19 Carr, Leroy \C title: Blues Before Sunrise \C place and date: St. Louis, 21 Feb. 1934 \C record numbers: (SL-12-1) Vo-02657 Co C-30496 I had the blues before sunrise : with tears standing in my eyes It's such a miserable feeling : a feeling I do despise Seems like everybody : everybody's down on me I'm going to cast my troubles : down in the deep blue sea Today have been : such a long old lonesome day I've been sitting here thinking : with my mind a million miles away Blues starts a-rolling : and it stops at my front door I'm going to change my way of living : ain't going to worry no more Now I love my baby : but my baby won't behave I'm going to buy me a hard-shooting pistol : and put her in her grave \L CarrL 20 Carr, Leroy \C title: Take a Walk Around the Corner \C place and date: New York, 14 Aug. 1934 \C record numbers: (15604- ) Vo-02986 Co C-30496 Believe I'll take me a walk : around the corner by myself And if I can't find my baby : I don't want nobody else She went out last night : and she didn't even say goodbye How come she left me : Lord I really don't know why Now I'm going out this morning : my forty-five in my hand Now I'm going to kill my woman : for loving another man Then I'm going to the judge : and I'm going to fall down on my knees Ask him please fair judge : have mercy on me please Judge I done killed my woman : because she treated me so unkind Treated me so unkind : till I swear I lost my mind Well it's please please please : don't send me to the electric chair Just give me my time : and I'll try to do it anywhere When I'm dead and gone : and six feet in the ground You can only say : there's a good man has gone down Oh it looks mighty cloudy : and I believe it's going to rain I just love to hear : my baby call my name \L CarrL 21 Carr, Leroy \C title: My Woman's Gone Wrong \C place and date: New York, 14 Aug. 1934 \C record numbers: (15626-1) Vo-02950 Co C-30496 Now I woke up this morning : my woman was standing over me She had a big forty-five : and she was mad as she could be Now I prayed to my baby : and to the Lord above Now I said honey please don't shoot me : baby you the only woman I love She seen me with a woman : standing at her front gate Now I tried my best to dodge her : but I was just a little too late Now and it's please please please darling : honey please don't take my life Because you got me all wrong baby : honey that was another man's wife \L CarrL 22 Carr, Leroy \C title: Southbound Blues \C place and date: New York, 14 Aug. 1934 \C record numbers: (15627-2) Vo-03107 Co C-30496 No need to ask me : why I'm packing my clothes I'm going to leave you mama : and I really don't care who knows Now I used to love you : but now I'm getting tired of your kind I'm going down south : just to see what I can find Now I may miss you : but I don't think I will I'm going to get me a new woman : to love me till I get my fill You mistreated me mama : you would not treat me nice and sweet So I'm going down south : shake this dust of this town off my feet \L CarrL 23 Carr, Leroy \C title: Barrel House Woman \C place and date: New York, 14 Aug. 1934 \C record numbers: (15628-2) Vo-02791 Co C-30496 My woman so lowdown : she barrelhouse all the time She's low and squatty : but I love that girl of mine When she gets up in the morning : she starts to drink her corn Every time I think of that woman : I wished I had never been born She struts around all day : she barrelhouses the whole night through But when she loves me : I forget that I ever was blue I wish that I could cure : her barrelhousing ways And is I stay with her : I'll barrelhouse some day myself Now I love my woman : swear that she won't act right Gets her head full of whiskey : and wants to start a fight \L CarrL 24 Carr, Leroy \C title: Barrel House Woman No. 2 \C place and date: New York, 15 Aug. 1934 \C record numbers: (15633-2) Vo-02820 Yz L-1019 Well this barrelhouse woman : what makes you so mean Well you the meanest old woman : baby that I ever seen You stay drunk all night : and the whole day long Sometimes I begin to wonder : what in the world is going on wrong Now I've told you once : ain't going to tell you no more Now the next time you get drunk : right out my door you'll go Now I'm going to get real mean baby : I swear I won't act right Next time I catch you drunk : baby we going to have a fight I don't want no barrelhouse woman : messing around with me If you got to get drunk baby : mama please just let me be \L CarrL 25 Carr, Leroy \C title: I Believe I'll Make a Change \C place and date: New York, 16 Aug. 1934 \C record numbers: (15645-2) Vo-02820 Co C-30496 Now I believe : I believe I'll go back home Because this life I'm living : won't let me stay here long His wife is gone : but she was all right with me He would give her ninety-four dollars : and she would give me ninety-three I believe : I believe I'll make a change Going to turn off this gas stove : I'm bound for a brand new range \L CarrL 26 Carr, Leroy \C title: Bo Bo Stomp \C place and date: New York, 16 Aug. 1934 \C record numbers: (15649-1) Vo-02969 Co C-30496 Come on boy : let's go down on Tenth Street Some of the prettiest women down there : that you ever did meet Now down on Smith Street : where you get your rocking rye Boy that's what I'm talking about : and I ain't talking no lie Now I'm got a gal : she's so sweet Sweetest little gal : that I ever did meet Every time I see my woman : walking down the street Boy great big legs : and that little bitty feet Now give me whiskey : you can give him gin I'm going away baby : but I'll be back again Now down on Tenth Street : boy it's a terrible mess Boy we can have more fun down there : than any place I guess Now I like my bucketful of beer : and I like my gin Boy I ain't coming back here no more : with a *very win* You hear me talking to you : you hear me talking fast Boy you liable to slip up : and fall on your yas yas yas \L CarrL 27 Carr, Leroy \C title: Big Four Blues \C place and date: New York, 14 Dec. 1934 \C record numbers: (16416-1) Vo-03349 Co C-30496 Big Four blowed this morning : at the break of day And it sounds so lonesome : because it taken my baby away Big Four Big Four : won't you please turn your train around Because here I sit all down and out : with my head hung down I tried to be as good to that woman : as one man could be And I mean it's a shame : the way she went and left poor me Yes I'm down and out : ain't got no money to ride no train But I'm going to find my good gal : and bring her back home again Please Mr brakeman : won't you let a poor man ride your blinds I'm just trying to make it : back to that gal who is worrying my mind \L CarrL 28 Carr, Leroy \C title: Hard Hearted Papa \C place and date: New York, 14 Dec. 1934 \C record numbers: (16417-2) Vo unissued Bio BLP-C9 I'm a hard-hearted papa : there's nothing pleases me I've had to be good long enough : now I'm going to be mean as I can be I don't even like what I drink : my food don't taste right at all And a lowdown no-good woman : is the cause of it all When I tried to be soft and easy : people would not let me be Now I'm just as mean and hateful : swear as I can be I spent all of my money : showing my friends a great big time Now they laugh and grin at me : because I ain't got a lousy dime So I'm a hard-hearted papa : I've done changed my ways And I think they will stay changed : for the rest of my days \L CarrL 29 Carr, Leroy \C title: You Left Me Crying \C place and date: New York, 14 Dec. 1934 \C record numbers: (16418-2) Vo unissued Bio BLP-C9 You left me crying baby : please come back to me And you know I've done all baby : I've been as good as I could be Why did you go : and leave me cold in hand I know what it's all about : it was on account of your other man Now I can't sleep at night : there's rocks all in my bed Because I ain't got you pretty mama : to hold my aching head I'm going to buy me a shiny pistol : I'm coming after you I ain't going to let you : treat me just like you do So watch your step mama : you know what you've done If you don't come back to me : hot spring water won't help you none \L CarrL 30 Carr, Leroy \C title: Broken-Hearted Man \C place and date: New York, 14 Dec. 1934 \C record numbers: (16425-1) Vo unissued Bio BLP-C9 Minutes seem like hours : and hours seem like years Since I've had these blues : I just can't keep from shedding tears I'm going to tell everybody : what my good gal done to me one day She put me out and broke my heart : just to pass the time away Now I ain't got no money : and I ain't got nowhere to stay But that's all right baby : if you want to turn me away You know I work hard baby : and I brung you home my check Now I ain't never loved no woman : like I loved you yet \L CarrL 31 Carr, Leroy \C title: Evil-Hearted Woman \C place and date: New York, 14 Dec. 1934 \C record numbers: (16426-1) Vo unissued Bio BLP-C9 You evil-hearted woman : you got a heart like a stone You don't mean me no good : so I leave you alone You used to be sweet : but you ain't sweet no more You want to leave me alone : and stay away from my door You're just like a rattler : you always ready to bite So I'm going to get me a good woman : who will treat me right Yes you're evil : just as evil as you can be I don't want you to cook for me no more : because you might poison me So be on your way evil-hearted woman : and stay away from my door I done took your foolishness long enough : and I don't want you no more \L CarrL 32 Carr, Leroy \C title: Good Woman Blues \C place and date: New York, 14 Dec. 1934 \C record numbers: (16427-1) Vo-03296 Yz L-1019 Women if you got a good man : give him three good meals every day If you don't : some other woman is going to tow your man away I've got so many women : that I don't care when one dies I don't even weep : I don't even cry Some men crave high yellow : but give me black or brown Because I can't tell the difference : when the sun goes down Blacker the berry : sweeter is the juice I got a good black woman : and I ain't going to turn her loose They say black is evil : and they don't mean you no good But I would not quit my black woman : baby if I could I've got a good black gal : I've got a good black gal She's my buddy : and I swear she is my pal \L CarrL 33 Carr, Leroy \C title: Hustler's Blues \C place and date: New York, 14 Dec. 1934 \C record numbers: (16428-1) Vo-03034 Co C-30496 Whiskey is my habit : good women is all I crave And I don't believe in two things : will carry me to my grave I'm going to Louisiana : where I can drink and have my fun I can't stay here much longer : because my time has just about come When you see me leaving baby : don't you wear no black You see your loving daddy : walking down some lonesome railroad track When I was a hustler : I'm in my prime I would drink good whiskey : and gamble all the time \L CarrL 34 Carr, Leroy \C title: Eleven Twenty-Nine Blues \C place and date: New York, 14 Dec. 1934 \C record numbers: (16429-1) Vo-03157 Bio BLP-C9 She ain't good-looking : but the good gal do go clean And I'm crazy about my baby : though she is so mean My gal got arrested : and they put her in the county jail They fined her eleven twenty-nine : and they even allowed her no bail Now I'm going to see that judge : and talk to him myself Tell him that he sent my gal to the county road : and left me by myself Now I never felt so sorry : till the people walked down the lane And my heart struck sorrow : when they called my good gal's name And I heard the jailor say hello : prisoners all fall in line I'm also talking about that long-chain woman : that got eleven twenty-nine I've got the blues so bad : that I just can't rest I'm going to ask that jailor : can I do my good gal's time myself \L CarrL 35 Carr, Leroy \C title: You've Got Me Grieving \C place and date: New York, 14 Dec. 1934 \C record numbers: (16430-2) Vo-03349 Bio BLP-C9 Now you got me grieving mama : over nobody else but you Yes you got me grieving mama : I really mean that's true I'm not going to worry : in my life no more If you want to leave me : you can go Now you got me grieving mama : over nobody else but you Yes you got me grieving mama : I love no one else but you I woke up this morning : didn't find you there Wondering what man : had his hand running down through your hair down there But I'm not going to cry : I'm not going to sigh You going to leave me : bye bye bye \L CarrL 36 Carr, Leroy \C title: Bread Baker \C place and date: New York, 17 Dec. 1934 \C record numbers: (16432-1) Vo-03296 Yz L-1036 She's got a bed in her bedroom : it shines like a morning star When it starts to rocking : it looks just like a Cadillac car Baby baby baby : you had better get your back yard cleaned Because you *better* cook the best old corn bread : a poor man ever seen Get your red ripe tomato : and your T-bone steak And if you fix it like I like it : I will get you a new V-Eight I like it early in the morning : I've got to have it late at night I don't want you to fix it : if you don't fix it right I smell your cabbage burning : baby turn your good bread around Because in your kitchen baby : it's where the good stuff can be found \L CarrL 37 Carr, Leroy \C title: Tight Time Blues \C place and date: New York, 17 Dec. 1934 \C record numbers: (16433-1) Vo-03034 Bio BLP-C9 Times is done got so tight : so I'm going to rob and steal It's done got so tight : a man can't get a decent meal I ain't got no shoes : and I ain't got no clothes The house rent man : has done put my things outdoors It was thundering out and lightning : oh Lord how it did rain But somehow : I'm going to get even with that house rent man I've done got evil : and I've done got mean And when I start to stealing : I'm going to pick the rounders clean \L CarrL 38 Carr, Leroy \C title: Longing for My Sugar \C place and date: New York, 17 Dec. 1934 \C record numbers: (16434-1) Vo-02875 Yz L-1036 I'm longing for my sugar : and I don't want no one else And I don't miss her so much : until I'm all by myself Now I knowed when I quit her : I was doing wrong Now I've got trouble on my mind : it's trying to get her back home I'm going to pay the boss : and get my check-card today And give it to my sugar : if she'll come back home to stay Fussing and fighting : ain't no way to get along This done caused me a world of trouble : and broke up my happy home I can't work in the daytime : I can't sleep a wink at night Thinking the woman that I love : ain't been treated right \L CarrL 39 Carr, Leroy \C title: Shinin' Pistol \C place and date: New York, 17 Dec. 1934 \C record numbers: (16438-1) Vo-03067 Co C-30496 I'm going to get me a brand new [shiny] pistol : with a long shiny barrel I'm going to ramble this town over : until I find my girl I'm going to go to the station : and try to find her there And if the Lord has not got her : she's in this world somewhere She left me with a head full of trouble : and a head full of misery And now she's got me crying : baby please come back home to me My mother told me : don't you weep don't you moan Because son there'll be women here : when you dead and gone When I get through rambling : and looking this whole world through I won't be dead with trouble : you know I died to *lose* \L CarrL 40 Carr, Leroy \C title: It's Too Short \C place and date: New York, 17 Dec. 1934 \C record numbers: (16440-1) Vo-02875 Co C-30496 Now I'm down and out : ain't got no friends around I'm going from door to door : everybody turns me down Now my woman treats me : [just] like I'm a motherless child She's always squabbling : she don't give me a ??? smile* Now here I am people : out in the ice and snow My clothes all in pawn : ain't got nowhere to go She said she liked my music : but my tune's too short But if she gets long winded player : she's sure to get caught Now babe I can't help it : if I can't play long I'm just a little skinny fellow : and a player is strong \L CarrL 41 Carr, Leroy \C title: Suicide Blues \C place and date: New York, 17 Dec. 1934 \C record numbers: (16442-1) Vo unissued Bio BLP-C9 If somebody finds me : when I'm dead and gone Say I did self-murder : I died with my boots on Took me a Smith and Wesson : and blew out my brains I didn't take no poison : I couldn't stand the strain No I ain't no coward : and I'll tell you why I was just tired of living : but wasn't afraid to die Take me to the graveyard : put me in the ground Please write on my tombstone : my woman threw me down In my farewell letter : someone's sure to find Goodbye old cruel world : I'm glad I left you behind \L CartG 1 Carter, George \C title: Rising River Blues \C place and date: Chicago, c. Feb. 1929 \C record numbers: (21153-2) Pm-12750 Yz L-1012 Rising river blues : running by my door They running sweet mama : like they have not run before I got to move in the alley : I ain't allowed on your street These rising river blues : sure have got me beat Come here sweet mama : let me speak my mind *If you need to talk* : take a long long time \L CartG 2 Carter, George \C title: Hot Jelly Roll Blues \C place and date: Chicago, c. Feb. 1929 \C record numbers: (21154-2) Pm-12750 Yz L-1012 Jellyroll jellyroll : you can eat it on the fence If you don't go get it : you ain't got no sense Talking about my jelly : about my sweet jellyroll When you take my jelly : mama can't keep you at home Can make a blind man see : a lame man walk It make a deaf woman hear : and a little baby talk Now tell all you people : what jellyroll done done Made grandma : marry her youngest grandson Jellyroll is a thing : a man won't do without He'll ??? *things* ??? : if the people *put him out* I went up on the mountain : looked down in the sea A good-looking woman : winked her eye at me If you don't believe : my jellyroll will do You can ask anybody : on Auburn Avenue \L CartM 1 Carter, Margaret \C title: I Want Plenty of Grease in My Frying Pan \C place and date: New York, Aug. 1926 \C record numbers: (107041) Pat-7511 His HLP-15 You know I use plenty grease : every day But I ain't did no frying : while you was away My frying pan was on the stove : getting hot I said sweet papa : put some grease in my pot \L CartS 1 Carter, Spider \C title: Don't Leave Me Blues \C place and date: Chicago, c. 8 Nov. 1930 \C record numbers: (C-6165- ) Br-7188 Rt RL-340 Don't leave me *don't you* babe : all my clothes in pawn I mistreated you baby : and I know I was wrong I gave you all my love : still you were unsatisfied But my love for you baby : is all gone and died ??? baby : you can't have this town I'm leaving here baby : *feel no urge of backing down* When I call you babe : you refuse to come Hot spring waters : they won't help you none Some day baby : when I'm dead and gone You're going to hear : this old lonesome song \L ChatB 1 Chatman, Bo \C title: I'm an Old Bumble Bee \C place and date: Jackson, Miss., 15 Dec. 1930 \C record numbers: (404720-B) OK-8852 RBF RF-9 I am an old bumblebee : a stinger just as long as my arm I stings every good-looking woman now : everywhere I goes along Says as I fly around now : I makes a beautiful song And everywhere I sting a good-looking woman : says I'll sure find me a home Now I'm an old bumblebee : just dropped in your town It ain't none of these women : turn this old bumblebee down They crying come here bumblebee : you know you know your stuff And you sting you old bumblebee : your old stinger just long enough Mmm : what's going become of me Every time I need stinging now : I get those long-stinger bumblebees Says when I get to stinging them : I sting just like I should And they all crying old bumblebee : you know it hurts so good \L ChatB 2 Chatman, Bo \C title: Ram Rod Daddy \C place and date: New York, 4 June 1931 \C record numbers: (404926-A) OK-8897 His HLP-5 I'm a ramrodding daddy : I stays up on Main Street I keeps my gun loaded : for every good-looking woman I meet I'm a ramrodding daddy : Lord my rod is long and slim And every time I load a gun for a woman : you know it's too tight Jim I'm a ramrodding daddy : I rams as I walk along Every time I use my ramrod : I surely will win a home I want all you women : you better bear this in mind A good ramrodding daddy : these days is hard to find When I get to use my ramrod : I sure Lord take my time It ain't no other ramrodding daddy : can put his load below where I put mine \L ChatB 3 Chatman, Bo \C title: The Law Gonna Step on You \C place and date: New York, 5 June 1931 \C record numbers: (404935-A) OK unissued Yz L-1034 I done told you told you : I told you too Quit having liquor : and gambling too A-look a-here baby : you [going, traveling] too fast The law going to step : on your yas yas yas Now you can twist you can twist : you can step on its tail You going to need somebody : to go your bail Now you may think : that they doing you wrong But they'll send you : to the county farm Now if you want : to leave from home Walk around : with a bottle of corn Now I told you told you : like a friend You better draw : your business in \L ChatB 4 Chatman, Bo \C title: Ants in My Pants \C place and date: New York, 5 June 1931 \C record numbers: (404938-B) OK-8897 His HLP-5 It makes no difference : baby where you go I got something : want you to know Every time I come : and feel your arms It makes my feeling : just get all wrong It is tomorrow : it's early or late I want you baby : give me a date You's a red-hot mama : meat shakes on the bone Thinks about your loving : baby when you gone Every time : meet you on the street A funny feeling : my head to my feet But your arms around me : baby like you should I'm telling you baby : your loving is good I'm going to hug you : baby good and tight Now love me baby : like you done last night \L ChatB 5 Chatman, Bo \C title: I Want You To Know \C place and date: Atlanta, 25 Oct. 1931 \C record numbers: (405025-1) OK-8935 Yz L-1014 Baby I want you to know : babe I want you to know That way you been doing : Lord baby don't you do it no more Babe I want you to know : honey I want you to know That the way you been giving : Lord baby don't you give it no more Because I'm a stranger here : just dropped in your town Ain't none of these women : Lord turn me down They want you to understand : honey want you to understand I don't mean you no more good : now please get you another man \L ChatB 6 Chatman, Bo \C title: Bo Carter Special \C place and date: San Antonio, 26 Mar. 1934 \C record numbers: (82611-1) BB-B5489 Yz L-1034 Bo Carter is a man : broadcasts all over this land And he takes women from their men : Lord just any old place he lands When I get to use my broadcaster : it goes all around and around And when the women receiving you : they'll sure to put their men all down When you turn your radio light on baby : you look right in Bo Carter's face But you neither not worry : I'm going to surely broadcast for you some day The men can always tell : when Bo Carter has hit this land Says the women they all start : says a-really mistreating all their men They give their women their money : they really buy them the clothes But to that broadcasting Bo Carter : their women they are bound to go \L ChatB 7 Chatman, Bo \C title: Beans \C place and date: San Antonio, 26 Mar. 1934 \C record numbers: (82612-1) BB-B5629 Yz L-1014 I don't want no more navy beans : boys I don't want no more I don't want no more navy beans : they're about to make my stomach sore I ate them last night : and the night before When I got through : I couldn't shut my door I don't want no more pinto beans : boys I don't want no more I don't want no more pinto beans : they about to make my stomach sore I ate them last night : and the night before When I got through : I had to scrub my floor I don't want none of them *favor* beans : boys I don't want no more I don't want none of them *favor* beans : they about to make my stomach sore I ate them last night : and the night before Get in the luck : I ain't going to eat no more I don't want none of them *quinto* beans : boys I don't want no more I don't want none of them *quinto* beans : they about to make my stomach sore I ate them last night : and the night before Run to the little house in the back : couldn't shut the door \L ChatB 8 Chatman, Bo \C title: Tellin' You 'Bout It \C place and date: San Antonio, 26 Mar. 1934 \C record numbers: (82616-1) BB-B5629 Yz L-1014 When a man gets the blues : he sure will run around And when a woman gets the blues : she try to put her sweety down Let me tell you one thing : man don't you never do Don't you never let your woman : know her bad ways is worrying you Listen here sweet babe : one thing I want you to know If I don't do to suit you : I'm really going to let you go One more thing : I really want you to understand If I don't love to suit you : you can get you another man You can call me dirty : or any old thing you please But some day baby : you really need my little aid \L ChatB 9 Chatman, Bo \C title: Sales Tax \C place and date: San Antonio, 27 Mar. 1934 \C record numbers: (82635-1) BB-B5453 Yz L-1014 These times now : ain't suiting me *Account it* : costing a dollar three Old Aunt Martha : live behind the jail A sign on the wall : saying liquor for sale I never seen : the likes since I been born The women got the sales tax : on the South End home You used to buy it : for a dollar round Now sales tax is on it : all over town I'm as loving : as a woman can be The stuff I've got : will cost you a dollar and three Now you may take me : to be a fool Everything is sold : by the government rule \L ChatB 10 Chatman, Bo \C title: Let Me Roll Your Lemon \C place and date: New Orleans, 19 Jan. 1935 \C record numbers: (87624-1) BB-B5861 Yz L-1034 Now listen here sweet baby : I never have been down But I can roll your lemon better : than any man in this town Baby please let me roll your lemon : and squeeze it the whole night long Oh let me squeeze and roll your lemon : oh baby until your good juice come There's some say your juice is sour : baby can't you see But your juice baby : is plenty sweet enough for me Now I just squeeze your lemon : baby one time I believe it'll give me ease : baby all up in my mind Says I come down last night : half past ten I want to roll your lemon baby : soon as I got in Says I woke up this morning : half past four I want to roll your lemon baby : just before I go \L ChatB 11 Chatman, Bo (Mississippi Sheiks) \C title: Howlin' Tom Cat Blues \C place and date: San Antonio, 27 Mar. 1934 \C record numbers: (82630-1) BB-5536 Yz L-1034 Now don't you hear me mama : I'm begging at your door Now I'm begging now mama : don't treat me this way no more Says I'm here begging mama : down on my bended knees I'm begging now mama : don't treat me this way no more if you please Says [can't, don't] you hear me mama : rapping on your back door But if I get what I want mama : I won't rap no more Now don't you hear me mama : howling at your door But if you give me what I want mama : you won't hear me rap no more Now listen here mama : treat me in a lowdown way But if I get what I want mama : you'll see me walk away I'm at your door howling : like an old tomcat But most any man now : will howl about something like that \L ChatB 12 Chatman, Bo \C title: I Get the Blues \C place and date: New Orleans, 20 Feb. 1936 \C record numbers: (99235-1) BB-B6589 Yz L-1034 Now listen here sweet baby : please listen to me I know that your loving : is the best that I ever seen Now listen here sweet baby : I really can't understand Thinking about your loving : mixed with some other man \L ChatB 13 Chatman, Bo \C title: Rolling Blues \C place and date: New Orleans, 20 Feb. 1936 \C record numbers: (99237-1) BB-B6373 Yz L-1034 Now listen here women : I want you to know I've got a new woman : just to roll my dough She roll me every morning : she roll me every night She never like to roll me : unless she roll me just right Now listen here baby : I want you to know It's no other woman : can do my rolling like you She shook me this morning : at half past one Oh wake up daddy : rolling must go on She shook me again : at half past two Oh wake up daddy : rolling ain't near through She don't roll it too high : or either too low She roll it good and easy : and it ain't too slow \L ChatB 14 Chatman, Bo \C title: All Around Man \C place and date: New Orleans, 20 Feb. 1936 \C record numbers: (99238-1) BB-B6295 Mel MLP-7324 Now I ain't no butcher : no butcher's son I can do your cutting : until the butcher man comes Now I ain't no plumber : no plumber's son I can do your screwing : till the plumber man comes Now I ain't no miller : no miller's son I can do your grinding : till the miller-man comes Now I ain't no milkman : no milkman's son I can pull your titties : till the milkman comes Now I ain't no spring-man : no spring-man's son I can bounce your springs : till the spring-man comes Now I ain't no auger-man : no auger-man's son I can bore your hole : till the auger-man comes \L ChatB 15 Chatman, Bo \C title: Dinner Blues \C place and date: New Orleans, 20 Feb. 1936 \C record numbers: (99242-1) BB-B6407 Yz L-1014 I asked my good girl : to feed me some She said wait : until my dinner get on Dinner got on : and she fed me some Now you know : we're carrying the good work on I asked the good girl : to give me some She said wait : until my dinner get on Dinner got on : and she give me some Now you know : we're carrying the good work on I asked the good girl : to squeeze me some She said wait : until my dinner get on Dinner got on : and she squeezed me some Now you know : we're carrying the good work on I asked the good girl : to kiss me some She said wait : until my dinner get on Dinner got on : and she kissed me some Now you know : we're carrying the good work on I asked the good girl : to love me some She said wait : until my dinner get on Dinner got on : and then she love me some Now you know : we're carrying the good work on \L ChatB 16 Chatman, Bo \C title: Cigarette Blues \C place and date: New Orleans, 20 Feb. 1936 \C record numbers: (99244-1) BB-B6295 RBF RF-14 Says now come over here sweet baby : because I'm all alone Haven't got nobody : just to carry my smoking on Won't you just draw on my cigarette : smoke it the whole night long Just draw on my cigarette baby : until you make my good ashes come Now I got to go up the country : just to get my cigarette boiled The women around this place : going to let my cigarette spoil I come over here sweet baby : just to get my ashes hauled Lord the women at the other place : going to let my ashes spoil Here's one thing I want you to know : before you leave from home My cigarette ain't too big : and you know it ain't too long \L ChatB 17 Chatman, Bo \C title: Pussy Cat Blues \C place and date: New Orleans, 15 Oct. 1936 \C record numbers: (02613-1) BB-B6735 Yz L-1034 Oh pussy cat pussy cat : where you been so long Says I been around *the curve* : see could I find old Tom Says pussy cat pussy cat : you couldn't not wait You's afraid : old Tommy's going to make you late Oh pussy cat pussy cat : what you whine all night Says ain't old Tommy : doing you just right Says the old cats and the kittens : is sitting in the sun Says the old cats coughed : and the kittens all run Says the little bitty kittens : come out the door a-saying Baby I hear mama coughing : it's bound to be a *ben* She dug a hole : with her right hand And she buried her *corky* : down in the sand Old Tom and old pussy cat : playing seven up Old pussy turned the joker : and picked the money up They had a mighty fight : and not much of a race Old Tommy scratched pussy : in a dangerous place Says the little bitty kittens : says papa Uncle Bud Says all around your mouth : is something like mud \L ChatB 18 Chatman, Bo \C title: The Ins and Outs of My Girl \C place and date: New Orleans, 15 Oct. 1936 \C record numbers: (02614-1) BB-B7213 Yz L-1014 Says my baby got something : I don't know what it is I mean every time she love me: and you know I can't be still She got something : like a stingaree She can stand in Melford : man and put the check on me What she got : is really surprise I mean what she got man : surely will hypnotize She told me things : that was a fact She said man if you ever love me : you surely will trot along back She got something : that I really do love It ain't in her stockings : and you know it's just above I told her things : that I wanted her to und Says I want you to come : and do my loving in my own home \L ChatB 19 Chatman, Bo \C title: Bo Carter's Advice \C place and date: New Orleans, 15 Oct. 1936 \C record numbers: (02616-1) BB-B7073 Yz L-1014 Now listen here men : what Bo Carter say for you to do Says don't you never let none of these old trifling women : man never worry you I mean they'll keep you worried : they'll bother you all the time Says they'll take some other man and leave you : after you give them your last dime I mean they'll fuss and squabble : man the whole night through Just let you know they want some other man now : go in the bed in the place of you Says when you say you going to leave them : they'll beg you the whole night long Says they'll tell you that they're going to do better : they'll swear they going to stay home Now just listen here men : want you take Bo Carter's advice Just learn to live a bachelor : then you play safe the first \L ChatB 20 Chatman, Bo \C title: Double Up in a Knot \C place and date: New Orleans, 15 Oct. 1936 \C record numbers: (02617-1) BB-B6659 Yz L-1034 Go down the river : there's something new It ain't nothing to it : it ain't hard to do Now listen here baby : this is coming to a test We going to see : who can double in a knot the best Now listen here baby : this ain't no fun Double in a knot : you'll always get my mon' Say you double in a knot : is the way You can't make no money : laying straight these days You can double in a knot : or you can let it be You want to : hold your man you see Now listen here baby : bear this in mind You double in a knot right : you'll always have a dime Says the women these days : trying to learn something new See if they can : take your man from you \L ChatB 21 Chatman, Bo \C title: Your Biscuits Are Big Enough for Me \C place and date: New Orleans, 15 Oct. 1936 \C record numbers: (02619-1) BB-B8159 Yz L-1014 Baby don't put no more baking powder : in your bread you see Because you [two] biscuits : is plenty tall enough for me Baby I don't want no more sugar : in your jellyroll you see Because your jellyroll : is plenty sweet enough for me Some men like lunch meat : and some they likes old tongue Some men don't care for biscuits : they like the doggone big fat bun Says some men you know they're straight : some crooked as a barrel of snakes Some men don't like bun and biscuits : like the doggone flat batter cake \L ChatB 22 Chatman, Bo \C title: Sue Cow \C place and date: New Orleans, 15 Oct. 1936 \C record numbers: (02624-1) BB-B6695 OJL-18 Little boy little boy : who made your britches Oh mama cut them out : daddy runned the stitches Little girl little girl : who made your dress Hey mama cut it out : and daddy done the rest Soo cow : don't you buck your eye I got to have the milk today : to make me a pie Soo cow : won't you back your leg I got to have that milk today : to make my bread \L ChatB 23 Chatman, Bo \C title: Shake 'Em On Down \C place and date: San Antonio, 22 Oct. 1938 \C record numbers: (027869-1) BB-B7927 Yz L-1034 Say you laying around here sweet baby : your face full of frowns Must I keep dealing : must I shuck them on down Baby must I keep dealing : or must I shuck them on down Baby I done quit dealing : I got to shuck them on down Now here's one thing sweet baby : I really want you to know You can push you can pull : don't you tear my clothes Now there's two big cars : rolling side and side You got my good girl : guess you satisfied Now there's a big T for Texas : T for Tennessee T for the girl : she didn't care for me Says I went up to the station : looks up on the board There's a good time here : better one around the road \L ChatB 24 Chatman, Bo \C title: Who's Been Here \C place and date: San Antonio, 22 Oct. 1938 \C record numbers: (027873-1) BB-B7927 Yz L-1014 Baby who been here : since your daddy been gone Says he must have been a preacher daddy : had a long coat on Baby who been here : since you daddy been gone I don't know who the man was daddy : had a derby on Baby who been here : since you daddy been gone Says he must have been a jellybean : had long shoes on Baby preacher's on the pulpit : just trying to save souls And his daughter's out on the highway corner : selling sweet jellyroll And the preacher's in the pulpit : jumping up and down And the sisters back in the amen corner : their southern bound \L ChatB 25 Chatman, Bo \C title: Let's Get Drunk Again \C place and date: San Antonio, 22 Oct. 1938 \C record numbers: (027876-1) BB-B8045 Yz L-1014 Baby I got the whiskey : and you got the gin Let's both baby drink : and get drunk again Hey whiskey : uh what you say gin Let's both baby drink : and get drunk again It don't make me no difference : how drunk you may be Since you don't hold back baby : honey in loving me Hey I got the washboard : and you got the tub Let's put them together : baby and we'll rub-a-dub-dub Hey washboard : what you say tub Let's put them together : baby and we'll rub-a-dub-dub It don't make me no difference : how tired you may be Since you don't hold back baby : honey in rubbing with me \L ChatB 26 Chatman, Bo \C title: Some Day \C place and date: San Antonio, 22 Oct. 1938 \C record numbers: (027877-1) BB-B8147 Yz L-1034 Baby I say you going to need : my little help some old lonesome day But it will be too late sweet baby : your daddy will be gone away But I mean that's all right now baby : honey now that's all right for you You got me here in all this lowdown trouble : baby and this lowdown way that you do \L ChatB 27 Chatman, Bo \C title: Old Devil \C place and date: San Antonio, 22 Oct. 1938 \C record numbers: (027878-1) BB-B8093 Yz L-1007 Go back old devil : and look up on your shelf And get you soap and water : and bathe your dirty self I beat my baby : man with a rope and a line \R:\r until she went stone blind Some lowdown scoundrel : been fishing in my pond Catching all my game fish : and grinding up their bones What you want with a woman : man and she can't rob and steal You don't need no man baby : don't know you in the dark when he feel \L ChatB 28 Chatman, Bo \C title: Country Fool \C place and date: San Antonio, 22 Oct. 1938 \C record numbers: (027879-1) BB-B8122 Yz L-1014 I says he's a country man : but that fool done moved to town He really done sold his cotton : and now he's walking around He's got the women : all calling him their old sugar pie But now that country fool is broke : and they calling him the old country guy He really wore a hole : in the bottom of his last pair of shoes And his pants behind is hollering : I got those raggedy-holey blues He's got to rob and steal : don't he got to leave out of this man's town Know he'll say going back to the country : going to sow some more cotton seed down \L ChatB 29 Chatman, Bo \C title: Arrangement for Me-+-Blues \C place and date: Atlanta, 12 Feb. 1940 \C record numbers: (047647-1) BB-B8397 Yz L-1014 Baby I'll split your kindling : you know I'll bellow your fire I will pack your water : from the boggy bayou Hey now tell me sweet baby : who may your manager be Before many more questions : won't you please make arrangements for me Your hair so doggone curly : and your eyes ain't blue That's why sweet baby : I'm making a fool about you Says I ain't good-looking : baby I don't dress fine When you come to loving : I'll pacify your mind Here's another little thing baby : want you to bear in mind When I get my pay check: I give you my last dime I wished I was like a little fish : in the deep blue sea So a woman like you : could take a little fish at me \L ChatB 30 Chatman, Bo \C title: My Baby \C place and date: Atlanta, 12 Feb. 1940 \C record numbers: (047652-1) BB-B8495 Yz L-1034 I taken my baby : to the candy stand She got stuck : on the candy man I taken my baby : to the candy stand She got a fool : about the candy man I taken my baby : to the peanut stand She got a fool : about the old [nut, peanut] man I taken my baby : to the banana stand She got a fool : about the banana man I taken my baby : to the whiskey stand She fell on her face : about the whiskey man I taken my baby : to the whiskey stand She fell out : about the whiskey man I taken my baby : to the money stand She fell on her face : about the moneyman \L ChatB 31 Chatman, Bo \C title: Policy Blues \C place and date: Atlanta, 12 Feb. 1940 \C record numbers: (047653-1) BB-B8495 Yz L-1034 Hey I wonder : where is that policy right man [at] now I done lose all my money shooting craps : and I can't win no money nohow I'm going to put my last dime : on the twenty thirty and the little old ten Because they tell me that's my baby's initial : and it ought bring my money back home again I'm going to play them straight across : man you know [I'm playing, I got] them straight down Now policy man my number's done come out : bring me twenty-seven dollars on around I'm going to put a four bit piece : back on the twenty thirty and the little old ten And if them numbers come out man : it'll bring my money back right again Policy man if my numbers come out : don't fool around on the street Just cut across on St Lawrence Avenue : and bring my money on home to me \L ChatB 32 Chatman, Bo \C title: Honey \C place and date: Atlanta, 12 Feb. 1940 \C record numbers: (047657-1) BB-B8555 Yz L-1034 Now it don't make no difference sweet little old honey : a-how you trying to carry on A-what you trying to do to me honey : I happen to have it in my bag Now it don't make a bit of difference with me honey : things you trying to do to me A-what you trying to do to me honey : I happen to have it in my bag Now you may go honey you may go : you may stray all alone But one of these days now little old sweet honey : you'll be out of house and home Now you trying to do little dirty things honey : and keep it out of your daddy's sight You fool right around now little old honey : and let me catch you dead to the right \L ChatL 1 Chatman, Lonnie (Mississippi Sheiks) \C title: It's a Pain to Me \C place and date: Grafton, Wis., c. July 1932 \C record numbers: (L-1545-2) Pm-13143 Bio \C BLP-12041 I've had a funny feeling : all day and all night Somehow here : I don't be treated just right I ain't going to stay here today : if I have to walk Ever since I been here : it's been the whole town's talk I don't seem happy no more : I done got it bad Thinking of the money : that I once have had Now when you lose your money : don't lose your mind If you lose your good girl : there's no use a-crying I've had so much trouble : I've take it for my name If you ever have trouble : man I want you to do the same You will think : you left trouble all behind Get well away from home : then it will roll across your mind \L ChatL 2 Chatman, Lonnie (Mississippi Sheiks) \C title: New Sittin' On Top of the World \C place and date: Grafton, Wis., c. July 1932 \C record numbers: (L-1556-2) Pm-13134 Bio \C BLP-12041 Made a date today : early or late My baby got movements : like a old Cadillac Eight I go away : I won't stay long Thinking about that sweet thing : I've left at home My baby loves me : tried to treat me right Gives me her loving : both day and night My baby says one thing : I know it is true Can't have another man : and be good to you Up in Chicago : long way from home Wanted somebody else : carry my loving on I'm going home : if I had a lock and key To keep these men : from stealing my loving from me \L ChatL 3 Chatman, Lonnie (Mississippi Sheiks) \C title: Please Baby \C place and date: Grafton, Wis., c. July 1932 \C record numbers: (L-1562-2) Pm-13153 Bio \C BLP-12041 Please baby please baby : won't you come back to your daddy one more time You know baby you know baby : when I get my money will give you my last dime When you left me babe : you left me feeling so blue You know babe : I didn't love no one but you I'm so blue baby I'm so blue baby : I can't sleep for drinking hardly talk for crying You know baby you know baby : you are always forever on my mind You know baby : I can't sleep at night I go to take my meals : and can't eat a bite \L ChatP 1 Chatman, Peter \C title: Beer Drinking Woman \C place and date: Chicago, 30 Oct. 1940 \C record numbers: (053590-1) BB-B8584 RCA-730.581 I walked into a beer tavern : to give a girl a nice time I had forty-five dollars when I entered : when I left I had one dime Wasn't that a beer-drinking woman : don't you know man don't you know She was a beer-drinking woman : I don't want to see her no more When I spent down to my last dime : she said darling I know you're not through I told her yes baby doll : and the diploma belongs to you She'd often say excuse me a minute : I've got to step around here And every time she'd come back : she'd say daddy buy me another quart of beer I said got to step off baby : are there anything if she like She said daddy I'll keep this table : if you promise me you'll be back I said I'm sorry baby : but I only have one more dime She said daddy buy me a small bottle of beer : so I can concentrate my mind \L ChatP 2 Chatman, Peter \C title: You Don't Mean Me No Good \C place and date: Chicago, 30 Oct. 1940 \C record numbers: (053591-1) BB-B8615 RCA-730.581 I got wise to you baby : after so many years Once you had me worried : always shedding tears But no : all over now I just found out baby : you don't mean no good nohow I tried to make things happy : so we could live a happy life But darling after all I done : you wouldn't treat me right People used to ask you was I your husband : you would gladly tell them no Every time we'd get home : you said daddy I love you so Now you want to come back baby : since you realized yourself That I would treat you better : anybody else \L ChatP 3 Chatman, Peter \C title: Grinder Man Blues \C place and date: Chicago, 30 Oct. 1940 \C record numbers: (053592-1) BB-B8584 RCA-730.581 My name is Memphis Slim : they call me the grinder man If you be my customer : I'll let you have it on a easy plan I do my ramming at midnight : and I don't be seen in the day When everything is quiet and easy : Mr grinder can have his way I got so many customers : it takes me a week to get around But you need not be uneasy baby : Mr grinder won't let you down If you want to see me baby : you better see me while you can Because I'm a very busy fellow : you know they call me the grinder man \L ChatP 4 Chatman, Peter \C title: Empty Room Blues \C place and date: Chicago, 30 Oct. 1940 \C record numbers: (053593-1) BB-B8615 RCA-730.581 My room was empty : and my woman was gone I didn't have a nickel : and all my clothes in pawn I asked my next-door neighbor : which a-way did my baby go She said she left for the border : down in old Mexico I find a note on the floor : it almost send me off in a trance She said it's nothing that you done : I'm just leaving in advance It's so hard when a woman leave you : and she leave you on a *goon* You come home feeling very happy : and find only a empty room \L ChatP 5 Chatman, Peter \C title: I See My Great Mistake \C place and date: Chicago, 30 Oct. 1940 \C record numbers: (053595-1) BB-B8645 RCA-730.581 I've got something to tell you baby : don't let it break your heart So long together : now we've got to part Because I'm tired : of fattening frogs for snakes After these long many years : believe I just see my great mistake You told me that you loved me : say you love me all your life I caught you around the corner : telling that same lie twice Once I used to love you : I couldn't help myself Found out : you given your love baby to somebody else Now listen little girl : you don't worry my mind anymore Found out you acting funny : I'm sure going to let you go \L ChatP 6 Chatman, Peter \C title: Old Taylor \C place and date: Chicago, 1 Apr. 1941 \C record numbers: (059497-1) BB-B8903 RCA-730.581 Now I love to sing : that good old Taylor blues When we want a drink : I swear we just can't lose Now you see [Mr Melrose, that man] : standing in the floor He going to give us a little drink : just before he go \L ChatP 7 Chatman, Peter \C title: I Believe I'll Settle Down \C place and date: Chicago, 1 Apr. 1941 \C record numbers: (059498-1) BB-B8903 RCA-730.581 I believe I'll marry : I believe I'll settle down Lord I'm tired of being a rambler : my last trip of running around Lord I wonder : will she ever call my name Now if she don't love me no more : peoples ain't that a crying shame They tell me marriage is a sweet life : I believe I'll try it myself Lord I wonder : will she ever think of me I'm sitting with my head bended down : and tears falling on my knee \L ChatP 8 Chatman, Peter \C title: Jasper's Gal \C place and date: Chicago, 1 Apr. 1941 \C record numbers: (059499-1) BB-B8749 RCA-730.581 How he's got a gal : she's shaped like a hog Her voice remind me : of an awful dog Her hair look just like : a chinchilla coat You get close up on her : she smells just like a goat You know she's smelling : got B O all the time And she thinks soap and water : is a doggone crime Now her ears are so long : her nose so flat Her head so big : she can't wear no hat Now her dogs are swollen : and she got one eye She looks like a wreck : that happened last July She's a ugly : got B O all the time And she thinks soap and water : is a doggone crime Now she must have been : her mother's only child She should be a gorilla : because she sure is wild Got ways like a monkey : as sly as a fox She should be in a chain-gang : breaking up rocks Now she got legs like a needle : she ain't got no chin She's a beautiful woman : for the shape she's in Her feet look like swings : way out on a limb That's why : her mother put her off on him Because she's buggish : she's got B O all the time And she thinks soap and water : is a doggone crime \L ChatP 9 Chatman, Peter \C title: You Got to Help Me Some \C place and date: Chicago, 1 Apr. 1941 \C record numbers: (064000-1) BB-B8834 RCA-730.581 Now you may be sweet little woman : as an apple on a tree Don't want no woman : to *lay* up and depend on me Now if I'm the Pullman porter girl : you got to be the maid So when every Saturday comes : we both can get paid Now when I go to bed little girl : and lay beside of you Now if I shake the cover : please try to shake it too Now there's no such thing : as man and wife nowadays We'll just call partners : so you cannot get sold for slaves \L ChatP 10 Chatman, Peter \C title: Two of a Kind \C place and date: Chicago, 1 Apr. 1941 \C record numbers: (064001-1) BB-B8749 RCA-730.581 Woman you been having your way : and you don't want to see me have mine So there's no getting along : we're just two of the same old kind I tried to make things happy : and your life I tried to let you enjoy But you tell me you your mother's baby girl : do you realize I'm my mother's baby boy Around home you was just a spoiled one : and what you said it had to be But do you know that's the same old story : little girl really go for me Since we are just two babies : darling why can't we agree I'll talk baby-talk to you : if you'll talk baby-talk to me \L ChatP 11 Chatman, Peter \C title: Maybe I'll Loan You a Dime \C place and date: Chicago, 1 Apr. 1941 \C record numbers: (064003-1) BB-B8784 RCA-730.581 Now once I lived a life : of a millionaire I was spending plenty of money : and I didn't bit more care I was taking my boy friend out : for a good time Buying him champaign whiskey : and sometime wine But somehow or other : Lord my money ran low Well well and I couldn't find a friend : I declare nowhere I go Now if I ever get hold : to a dollar again People I'm going to squeeze on to it : until the eagle grins Now you got to be *deep* born blind : and cannot see Both legs cut off : above your knee All this must happen : and then I must agree And then I said maybe boy friend : you can borrow a dime from me Now you must not have : a tooth in your head Get a letter from home : some of your folks is dead Bring me the Titanic : that sailed the sea \L ChatP 12 Chatman, Peter \C title: Me, Myself, and I \C place and date: Chicago, 1 Apr. 1941 \C record numbers: (064004-1) BB-B8784 RCA-730.581 Everybody wants to know : how do Memphis slim get by Well but it ain't but three in my family : that's me myself and I Now my mother she told me : son just don't lead a doggone mule She said son have good manners : learn to paddle your own canoe Even my woman she asked me : daddy do you really love me I said maybe some day baby : but now my love is just for three She said daddy who is it please : with tears standing in her eye I said baby at this particular time : it's just me myself and I \L ChatP 13 Chatman, Peter \C title: Whiskey and Gin Blues \C place and date: Chicago, 4 Dec. 1941 \C record numbers: (070434-1) BB-B8945 RCA-730.581 I've been out all day : drinking both whiskey and gin Now if you catch me sober : please make me drunk again I'm not drinking because I'm thirsty : neither because I'm blue I've just got to stay drunk woman : to try to get along with you Whiskey make me stagger and stumble : fall down and scar my chin I know you ain't no good Mr whiskey : but I got to try you again I'm drunk Monday Tuesday and Wednesday : Thursday Friday and Saturday too I'm supposed to get drunk on a Sunday : as I have nothing else to do Good whiskey good whiskey : is all in the world I crave I'm going to drink good whiskey : the rest of my doggone days \L ChatP 14 Chatman, Peter \C title: You Gonna Worry Too \C place and date: Chicago, 4 Dec. 1941 \C record numbers: (070435-1) BB-B8945 RCA-730.581 I'm down now baby : I'll be up some day And I won't have to put up : with your evil ways But there's a day coming baby : you going to worry too Lord and I won't have to put up : with the lowdown way you do You know I done : woman all in this world I could But I found out baby : you didn't mean no good You know I loved you : babe you breaking my heart It hurts me so bad : for us to part Now I'm not going to worry : my sweet life no more You been making your tip woman : I'm going to let you go So bye bye babe : if you call it gone I know it's going to worry me : but it won't last long \L ChatP 15 Chatman, Peter \C title: Caught the Old Coon at Last \C place and date: Chicago, 4 Dec. 1941 \C record numbers: (070437-1) BB-B8974 RCA-730.581 Here I am : head over heels in love again Besides the woman was my mother : and that's where love begins I used to be a playboy : I played out both night and day But since I met Miss *Lamar* : she have made me change my ways Oh yes woman : you've caught the old coon at last But I just hope I'll be happy with my future : as I am with my present and past Now I love the life I'm living : and I'm living the life I love Woman I don't believe I could be any happier : if I were living in heaven above \L ChatP 16 Chatman, Peter \C title: Lend Me Your Love \C place and date: Chicago, 4 Dec. 1941 \C record numbers: (070439-1) BB-B9028 RCA-730.581 Now lend me your love : baby please lend me your love I know you hear me keep moaning : just like Noah's dove You got a mortgage on my love : you know there really is no doubt But some day I'm going to find another woman : is going to buy your love mortgage out \L Chur 1 Church, Blind Clyde \C title: Number Nine Blues \C place and date: Memphis, 30 Sept. 1929 \C record numbers: (56307) Vi-23271 Rt RL-329 Down on Number Nine : where the M and M men go Every day : to have a real good time If you want some fun : and a real nice time You better join the boys and girls : down on old Number Nine Do that dance : they call the bedspring *pop* You can shut your eyes : begin reel and rock All you've got to do : is take your time Drink good whiskey : gin and wine \L Chur 2 Church, Blind Clyde \C title: Pneumatic Blues \C place and date: Memphis, 30 Sept. 1929 \C record numbers: (56308) Vi-23271 Rt RL-329 You can go to the ocean : you can go to the deep blue sea But you can't find nobody : going to treat you like poor me You can spend my money : you can pawn my *sicking* clothes Catch you stooping : I'm going to let your meat outdoors Well the sun's going down : mama you know what you promised me Midnight supper : and my 'fore-day tea Leaving your town : mama and I sure don't want to go But to keep down trouble : mama guess I better go \L ClaL 1 Clark, Lonnie \C title: Broke Down Engine \C place and date: Richmond, Ind., 21 Sept. 1929 \C record numbers: (15660) Pm-12871 Rt RL-340 If you ever been down mama : you know just how I feel Just like a broke down engine : ain't got no driving wheel Easy mama : somebody knocking at my door It may be my yellow woman : mama you sure don't know I love you pretty mama : I tell the world I do I'm going to love you mama : till my dreams come true If you want me to love you mama : have to do like Jesse James Go out on some railroad track : and rob your daddy a passenger train \L ClaL 2 Clark, Lonnie \C title: Down in Tennessee \C place and date: Richmond, Ind., 21 Sept. 1929 \C record numbers: (15661) Pm-12871 Rt RL-340 I'm worried today mama : but I won't be worried long I'm going to catch me a freight train : and I'm going to be long long gone My woman got a bed mama : shine just like the morning star When me and her get to laying in it : it ride like a Cadillac car I'm going back south mama : way down in Tennessee Know the woman I love : she sure was good to me I cried last night mama : and I cried the night before I ain't going to let you mistreat me mama : so I won't have to cry no more \L ClayJ 1 Clayton, Jennie (Memphis Jug Band) \C title: I Packed My Suitcase, Started to the \C Train \C place and date: Atlanta, 19 Oct. 1927 \C record numbers: (40312-1) Vi-21412 Rt RL-311 It is up to you baby : do anything that you want to do *So long as I can get ??? : get back out of you* You ought to be grateful daddy : You are three times seven : you know just what you want to do \L ClayJ 2 Clayton, Jennie (Memphis Jug Band) \C title: State of Tennessee Blues \C place and date: Atlanta, 19 Oct. 1927 \C record numbers: (40313-2) Vi-21185 Rt RL-322 I'm worried now : and I won't be worried long If he don't come to see me : you can count the days I'm gone Some sweet day : I say it's after a while You having a good time now : but your troubles will be after a while When I leave this town : don't pin black crepe on my door I won't be dead baby : but I ain't coming back here no more I want all of you women : to strictly understand If you don't want no trouble : please don't you worry my man \L ClayJ 3 Clayton, Jennie (Memphis Jug Band) \C title: Bob Lee Junior Blues \C place and date: Atlanta, 19 Oct. 1927 \C record numbers: (40314-2) Vi-21412 Fwy FA-2953 I can't sleep for dreaming : and I can't stay awake for crying Cried the man I love : said he's traveling on the line If my man could holler : like the Bob Lee Junior blows I would follow my daddy : most everywhere he goes And I asked the conductor : to let me ride the blinds He said buy you a ticket : you know this train ain't mine Oh I hate the train : that carried my man away But the same train carried him : going to bring him back some day \L Clev 1 Cleveland, Big Boy \C title: Goin' to Leave You Blues \C place and date: Chicago or Richmond, Ind., \C 12 Apr. 1927 \C record numbers: (12700) Ge-6108 His HLP-22 The train I ride : burn no coal at all But the *doggone engine* : pull my *Texas haul* I'm going away : to wear you off my mind Keep me worried : bothered all the time I hate to see : the evening sun go down Make me feel : that I'm on my last go-round My mama told me : papa told me too Don't you let no woman : make a fatmouth out of you I'm leaving here : crying won't make me stay The more you cry : the further I'm going away Train's down here : track's all out of line \L ColeJ 1 Cole, James \C title: Mistreated the Only Friend You Had \C place and date: Richmond, Ind., 16 Jan. 1932 \C record numbers: (18324) Ch-16718 Rt RL-311 Mistreat me baby : mistreat your only friend Mistreat me baby : sure going to do it again I'm going to the river : sit right on the ground If the blues overtake me : jump overboard and drown Going to buy a shotgun : long as I am tall I'm going to shoot my baby : just to see her fall \L ColeK 1 Cole, Kid \C title: Hard Hearted Mama Blues \C place and date: Chicago, c. June 1928 \C record numbers: (C-1997-1) Vo-1187 Rt RL-313 Oh now it's loving : really really wor-worrying me And that cruel-hearted loving : it's going to be the death of me Prison : sure don't want to make it my home I'm a good-hearted poor boy : just a long way from home Tell me cruel-hearted mama : what's on your hard-hearted mind Say you keep me in trouble : so worried and bothered all the time And I love my little baby : tell you just how I know I will work rob and steal for her : baby in the frosty snow And it's blues : woke me for my telephone I got a long-distance call from my baby : daddy I ain't coming back home The two women I'm loving : they keep bothering my heart That's one in Cincinnati : my Waco wife that broke my heart Tell me cruel-hearted mama : what you want your daddy to do I'd rather see you murder me : baby and to leave me too And I'm going away : little baby crying it won't be long Said take your Bible pretty mama : and read the days your daddy's gone \L ColeK 2 Cole, Kid \C title: Niagara Fall Blues \C place and date: Chicago, c. June 1928 \C record numbers: (C-1998-1) Vo-1187 Rt RL-313 I got the Niagara Falls blues : pretty mama keeps a-worrying you And those Niagara Falls blues pretty mama : going to be the death of you I walked down my pantry : I walked back up my hall I stuck my head over the transom : another mule was in my stall I got the blues so bad : that it hurts my tongue to talk I got the blues so bad : that it hurts my baby's feet to walk Now it's run to your window : heist your shade up high It's stick your head out the window : see the worried blues pass by I looked down the lonesome road pretty mama : far as I could see Another man had my wife : and I swear the Niagara blues had me I got the blues in a bottle : got the rattlesnake in my hand How can I live in this world babe : my baby with another man Now it's run here sweet mama : I'm [about to, certainly going to] get you told You ain't the onliest woman in Cincinnati : got such a loving jellyroll And I woke up this morning : my pillow slip wringing wet I looked around for my baby : daddy I can't use you yet \L ColFB 1 Coleman, Bob \C title: Sing Song Blues \C place and date: Richmond, Ind., 7 June 1929 \C record numbers: (15167) Pm-12791 Rt RL-340 If you ever been down mama : you know just how [I, a prisoner] feel I ain't got nobody on the outside : *to play in the field* And I laid in prison : my face turned to the wall Says a no-good crow-jane woman : was the cause of it all And it's a many old day : I drop my weary head and cry I did not have no blues : but little mama just wasn't satisfied It's pull on your race horse : bet on your derby too I ain't got nobody in this world : will do love me true And I locked in the death cell : and drop my weary head and cried I told the sing sing prison board : this ain't like being outside And if if hadn't been for you little mama : I wouldn't not been here I drinking wine and whiskey : mama and your home-brewed beer \L ColFJ 1 Coleman, Jaybird \C title: Man Trouble Blues \C place and date: Birmingham, Ala., c. 3 Aug. 1927 \C record numbers: (GEX-771) Ge-6245 OJL-8 When a man gets in trouble : every woman throws him down I'm so worried : don't know what to do I waked up this morning : mama feeling sad and blue Because my woman had done quit me : didn't have nowhere to go Hey hey : hey hey hey When I'm in my good whiskey : this is the way I sing my blues \L ColFJ 2 Coleman, Jaybird \C title: No More Good Water \C place and date: Birmingham, Ala., c. 11 Aug. \C 1927 \C record numbers: (GEX-800) Ge-6276 OJL-14 Says there's no more good water : because this pond is dry I walked down to the river : then turned around and run If the fishes in the water had my blues : they'd die Got a head full of foolishness : my baby got a rambling mind Hey pretty mama : tell me what have you done \L ColFJ 3 Coleman, Jaybird \C title: Mistreatin' Mama \C place and date: Birmingham, Ala., c. 11 Aug. \C 1927 \C record numbers: (GEX-801-A) BP-8052 OJL-14 I done told you mama : ain't going to tell you no more Now the blues so worrisome mama : between midnight and day Now the blues done caused my woman : hon' to run away Lord I can't *let its* continue : don't care what I do \L ColFJ 4 Coleman, Jaybird \C title: Save Your Money-+-Let These Women Go \C place and date: Birmingham, Ala., c. 11 Aug. \C 1927 \C record numbers: (GEX-802-B) BP-8052 Rt RL-313 Mama told me : six long weeks ago Son you save your money : just to buy your clothes Buy your clothes : let these women go Hey hey mama : what is going on wrong Spend my woman's money : mama and she won't come Can't rest contented : don't care where I go You're a mean mama : whispering in your ear \L ColFJ 5 Coleman, Jaybird \C title: Coffee Grinder Blues \C place and date: Atlanta, 22 Apr. 1930 \C record numbers: (150360-2) Co-14534-D Yz L-1006 I'm going to grind my coffee : two or three dollars a pound Ain't a man in this town : can grind this coffee like mine It done got so good : that it make you bite your tongue I'm a coffee-grinding fool : now let me grind you some \L ColFJ 6 Coleman, Jaybird \C title: Man Trouble Blues \C place and date: Atlanta, 22 Apr. 1930 \C record numbers: (150631-1) Co-14534-D Rt RL-313 Trouble worried trouble : I been having all my days When a man gets in trouble : every woman throws him down I woke up Lord this morning : *things are worrying on a-* poor me Then I went upstairs : fell down across my bed Now my baby has a-quit me : talked all out of my head \L ColFL 1 Coleman, Lonnie \C title: Old Rock Island Blues \C place and date: Atlanta, 12 Apr. 1929 \C record numbers: (148258-2) Co-14440-D RBF RF-15 I've got the Rock Island blues : waiting for the Rock Island train I took the Rock Island train : and take a Rock Island ride somewhere I've got a free transportation : looking for the train to ride I need to ride the Rock Island : *just riding to satisfy* If you ever been down : you know just how I feel I'm going away : *I come* to get on board Leaving : hang crepe on your door I've got the rickets and the rackets : and my baby's got the Mobile blues I've got the Rock Island blues : and I don't know what to do One thing about these women : I cannot understand All wear short dresses : trying to fool a workingman Baby if anyone should ask you : who composed this song Just tell Lonnie Coleman : done been to your town and gone \L ColFL 2 Coleman, Lonnie \C title: Wild About My Loving \C place and date: Atlanta, 12 Apr. 1929 \C record numbers: (148259-2) Co-14440-D Rt RL-318 Wild about my loving : *crazy deeds* I have my fun And if you want me to love you : don't pretend you never done I ain't rough : I don't bite ??? *womens* : don't you treat me right Baby come right in : coming right at me I can *catch those* ??? : ??? *at the Santa Fe* You know I been out east : been out west Hard to tell : which mamas love the best *Turkey's for some* : ??? *France* Where the men in Texas going : it seems just the same Now there's two things about : I just can't understand A *cawdy-cawdy* husband : ??? *scrubby* man Well I'm going out the country : and I can't carry you Nothing up the country : monkey-man can do \L CollC 1 Collins, Chasey \C title: Walking Blues \C place and date: Chicago, 31 Oct. 1935 \C record numbers: (96248-1) BB-B6261 Rt RL-316 You can mistreat me here : but you can't when I go home I got somebody there : will make you leave me alone Walk on : walk on little girl walk on Say you going to keep on walking : till you lose your happy home And you know you didn't love me : you fell across my bed Full of your moonshine whiskey : mama talking all out of you head Say I walked around to my window : and I peeped right through my blinds I seen another darky : trying to change my woman's mind \L CollC 2 Collins, Chasey \C title: Atlanta Blues \C place and date: Chicago, 31 Oct. 1935 \C record numbers: (96249-1) BB-B6187 BC-6 When I find a town : that will satisfy my mind Tell you that's where I'll be : for a great long time When I get to Atlanta : walk on Decatur Street I'm going to shimmy-shee-wobble : with every fair brown I meet I got a woman named Miss Hattie : she lives on Fourteenth Street Oh the way that woman love me : I swear she can't be beat I done spent all of my money : my bank account run low My woman had the nerve to tell me : daddy aren't you spending slow Says my mama's dead : and my daddy's in the mines And I'm a motherless child : and I just can't keep from crying \L CollS 1 Collins, Sam \C title: The Jail House Blues \C place and date: Richmond, Ind., c. 23 Apr. 1927 \C record numbers: (12736) Ge-6167 OJL-2 When I was lying in jail : with my back turned to the wall I could lay down and dream : I could hear my good gal squall Lord she brought me coffee : and she brought me tea Fell dead on the floor : with the jailhouse key I'm going down to the courthouse : see the judge and the chief police My good gal fell dead : now I sure can't see no peace I'll tell you what I'll do : and I sure God ain't going to tell no lie I believe I'll lay down : take morphine and die \L CollS 2 Collins, Sam \C title: Devil in the Lion's Den \C place and date: Richmond, Ind., c. 23 Apr. 1927 \C record numbers: (12737-A) Ge-6181 OJL-10 Now my mama's dead : and my papa can't be found I ain't got nobody : throw my arms around Yonder comes the devil : going to set this town on fire Now when the chance comes up : I'm going to bid this town goodbye I got ways like the devil : slipping around your gate So I can find me a good gal : or won't have to take no *hate* Let me tell you mama : what you said last night Lay down on my bedside : try to treat me right Lord I'm going up the country : but crying won't make me stay More you cry : the farer I'll ride away \L CollS 3 Collins, Sam \C title: Yellow Dog Blues \C place and date: Richmond, Ind., c. 23 Apr. 1927 \C record numbers: (12738) Ge-6146 OJL-10 Easy mama : don't fade away I'm going : where the Drummond cross the Yellow Dog Lord I'm freezing here : with *you a-fighting all around the hall* And I felt so rotten : and I didn't want to ride no train I want to ride the Yellow Dog : where way out in the I sat deep in my saddle : and I don't *remember the name* Sat deep in my saddle Lord : and I ??? *name* Just as sure as the train : leaves the rounded curve \L CollS 4 Collins, Sam \C title: Loving Lady Blues \C place and date: Richmond, Ind., c. 23 Apr. 1927 \C record numbers: (12739) Ge-6146 OJL-10 I never felt so worried : till I found the loving lady blues I can't sleep for dreaming : I can't eat for crying I lay down last night : with that gal all on my mind I got nineteen bird dogs : got one floppy-eared hound It just take those twenty : run my fair brown down I got a good gal in town : but she don't treat me right I feel like going to the cemetery : laying right down and die Feel like going to the cemetery : laying right down and die For I done got worried : with that gal of mine \L CollS 5 Collins, Sam \C title: Riverside Blues \C place and date: Richmond, Ind., c. 23 Apr. 1927 \C record numbers: (12740) Ge-6167 OJL-10 I went down to the river : just thirty-one days and nights I'm looking for my good gal : come back and treat me right I ain't got me nobody : carry my troubles to I tell you peoples : I don't know what to do Just as sure as your train : Lord backs up in your yard I'm going to see my baby : if I have to ride the rods I went away last summer : got back in the fall My mind had a-changed : I wouldn't have come back at all You can press my jumper : iron my overalls I'm going to the station : meet the Cannonball \L CollS 6 Collins, Sam \C title: Hesitation Blues \C place and date: Richmond, Ind., c. 17 Sept. 1927 \C record numbers: (13033) Ge-6379 OJL-10 She has the hesitating stockings : the hesitating shoes *The rich and the poor* : got the hesitating blues How long now : will I have to wait Can I get you now : honey have to hesitate I can learn ??? : not to ball the jack I can beat anybody : getting the good gal back And I got a gal : who loves to roll ??? : right by her door Around the curve : and around the bend Yonder comes : that engineer *Rifle's* on the *stage* : my *coffee's* in the *cool* My little gal's : from Illinois I'm not so good-looking : got no curly hair Have a woman : take me anywhere \L CollS 7 Collins, Sam \C title: Midnight Special Blues \C place and date: Richmond, Ind., c. 17 Sept. 1927 \C record numbers: (13035) Ge-6307 OJL-10 When you get up in the morning : when the ding-dong rings You make it to the station : see the same old thing Ain't nothing on the table : but the pots and the pans Say anything about it : have supper with the man Yonder come the little Nora : how do you know I know by the apron : and the dress she wear ??? on her shoulder : piece of paper in her hand Looking for some sergeant : to release some man \L CollS 8 Collins, Sam \C title: It Won't Be Long \C place and date: Richmond, Ind., c. 17 Sept. 1927 \C record numbers: (13049-A) Ge-6379 OJL-10 I aim to take my gun : ??? in your face Going to let some graveyard : be your resting place You going to miss me when I'm gone : honey and it won't be long When you think I'm going : I'm standing right here with your *wally* on When I'm gone : don't you grieve after me Don't you forget : how I went away \L CollS 9 Collins, Sam \C title: Do That Thing \C place and date: Richmond, Ind., c. 17 Sept. 1927 \C record numbers: (13050-A) Ge-6307 OJL-10 She's long and tall : and wears a diamond ring But she can beat anybody : at doing that thing You go through the *barrel* : and you ride like a *tiger* You throws your backbone : clean out of sight \L CollS 10 Collins, Sam \C title: Lonesome Road Blues \C place and date: New York, 8 Oct. 1931 \C record numbers: (10836-1) Ba-32669 Yz L-1038 You did cause me to weep : you did cause me to moan You did cause me : to leave my home I cried last night : and the night before And I swore : not to cry no more In eighteen hundred : and ninety-nine He got killed on that streetcar line They took him down : that smoky road Brought him back : on that cooling board Says run here mama : and fall in your daddy's breast These blues : going to let me rest \L CollS 11 Collins, Sam \C title: New Salty Dog \C place and date: New York, 8 Oct. 1931 \C record numbers: (10837-1) Ba-32311 OJL-10 Said come in here : and you shut that door He got shot : with a forty-four I got a brand new pistol : and a box of balls Going to shoot that woman : just to see her fall You ??? *those stitches* : in the He dug those potatoes : with the pocketknife I'm going to town : hurry back I'm going to show your people : how to ball the jack She got good jelly : she sells it hot I know here's something : that a man can't buy Twenty-five cents : is the regular price There's fifty cents : you can buy her twice She pulls her dress : up above her knees She shakes her shimmy : to who she please \L CollS 12 Collins, Sam \C title: Slow Mama Slow \C place and date: New York, 8 Oct. 1931 \C record numbers: (10839-2) Ba-32311 OJL-10 Take your time kind mama : I'm going to do it just as slow as I can I might start shimmying : don't let nobody in Make your bed up higher : and turn your lamp way low I'm going to hug and kiss you : ain't coming here no more Make your lamp up higher : and turn your lamp around Look out your back door : see me leave this town \L CollS 13 Collins, Sam \C title: I'm Sitting on Top of the World \C place and date: New York, 8 Oct. 1931 \C record numbers: (10842-2) Ba-32395 OJL-10 The day you left me : you throwed me down You didn't hurt me so bad babe : talk over town Because I'm broke : I'm down and out You ever quit me : and put me out Went to the nation : and the territor' Going to catch me the first train : I've got to go You press my jumper : my overalls Went to the station : meet the Cannonball I'd rather ride : this ??? line To be uneasy : be treated right I give my money : and a diamond ring Now come her partner : beat me shaking that thing The day you left me : won't wear no black I write you a letter : come sneaking back \L CollS 14 Collins, Sam \C title: My Road Is Rough and Rocky \C place and date: New York, c. Oct. 1931 \C record numbers: ( ) unknown Yz L-1038 You don't believe I'm traveling : on the road somewhere Get your book : and count come and count the days I'm gone You can go to *Moosefall* : find me there Yes if I drink smoky : find me on the road somewhere You can talk about your brick house : but you ought to see mine It ain't so pretty : but it ??? fine I got up this morning : looked at the rising sun Can't nobody run me : like them bloodhounds done I got up in my stockings : tipping across the floor Scared the bloodhounds : are rapping upon my door Now chickens on my back : and there's the hounds on my track I dropped my head : and I couldn't stop to look back I could hear those pistol balls : zooming by my head I believe to my soul : they going to kill me dead I got up this morning : just about the break of day I could hear *a bunch of* bloodhounds : a-coming down my way I got up this morning : fell down across my bed I could hear something pushing : all around my head \L CookR 1 Cooksey, Robert (Bobby Leecan) \C title: Dollar Blues \C place and date: New York, c. 21 Mar. 1927 \C record numbers: (E-22051) Br-7007 Rt RL-321 My woman woke up this morning : dollar in her hand Two bits for the monkey : six bits for her man \L CookR 2 Cooksey, Robert (Bobby Leecan) \C title: Hock My Shoes \C place and date: New York, c. 21 Mar. 1927 \C record numbers: (E-22059) Br-7007 Rt RL-321 I hocked everything : from my hat down to my shoes So now sweet mama : got those doggone hockshop blues \L CovB 1 Covington, Blind Bogus Ben \C title: It's a Fight Like That \C place and date: Chicago, c. 9 Oct. 1928 \C record numbers: (C-4630- ) Br-7121 Rt RL-325 Now right is right : wrong is wrong Ain't no harm : to sing a little song Uncle Bud went home : just like they said Stuck a match : caught a man in his bed If I go home : about half past ten Put the key in the hole : and can't get in Now Lucy came home : with a big excuse She left there tight : but she come back loose I had a little kitty : I called her mine Way in the night : I could hear her cry We shoot a little dice : bound to have a little fun Law walked up : and away we run I asked the lady for a drink : this is what she said I don't have the white : but I have the red Some folks hates it : call it a sin You see women : give money to men \L CovB 2 Covington, Blind Bogus Ben \C title: Boodle-De-Bum Bum \C place and date: Chicago, c. 9 Oct. 1928 \C record numbers: (C-4631- ) Br-7121 Rt RL-325 I went down in the alley : trying to sell my coke today And a woman run out and hollered : scared my mule away I went with iceman Jackson : he sold me ice and coke But he blowed in all his money : buying sweet jellyroll We stopped on Eighteenth and Federal : just two blocks west of State And when he got up under that ??? : well he would not wait She said money don't excite me : and that we all know well But Jackson showed her fifty dollars : and she almost fell She had wind like the greyhound : and she sure could run And Jackson got down like a reindeer : and he runned her some \L CoxI 1 Cox, Ida \C title: Ida Cox's Lawdy, Lawdy Blues \C place and date: Chicago, July 1923 \C record numbers: (1488-?) Pm-12064 BYG-529073 Tell me pretty daddy : what's the matter now Are you trying to quit me : and you don't know how I'd rather be dead : buried in the sea Than to have the man I love : say he don't want me Lord Lord : Lordy Lordy Lord Oh the man I love : treats me like a dog I'd rather see : my coffin come rolling in my door Than to hear the man I love : say I don't want you no more \L CoxI 2 Cox, Ida \C title: Wild Women Don't Have the Blues \C place and date: Chicago, c. Aug. 1924 \C record numbers: (1842-?) Pm-12228 Jo SM-3098 I hear these women raving : about their monkey-man About their trifling husbands : and their no-good friends These poor women sit around : all day and moan Wondering why : their wandering papa don't come home Now when you got a man : don't never be on the square Because if you do : he'll have a woman everywhere I never was known : to treat no one man right I keep them working hard : both day and night I've got a different system : and a way of my own When my man starts kicking : I let him find another home I get full of good liquor : walk the streets all night Go home and put my man out : if he don't act right You never get nothing : by being an angel child You better change your ways : and get me awhile I want to tell you something : I wouldn't tell you a lie Wild women are the only kind : that do \L CoxI 3 Cox, Ida \C title: Misery Blues \C place and date: New York, late Jan. 1925 \C record numbers: (1999-?) Pm-12258 BYG-529073 Early this morning : when everything was still My daddy said he was leaving : though it's against my will He said I'm leaving mama : and your crying won't make me stay The more you cry : the further I'm going away A man is like a car : that you have to overhaul Keep him three or four weeks : and you can't get along at all I gave him everything : from a diamond on down The next thing I give him : will be six feet of ground \L CoxI 4 Cox, Ida \C title: Blue Kentucky Blues \C place and date: New York, late Jan. 1925 \C record numbers: (2003-2) Pm-12258 BYG-529073 You can always tell : when your best man don't want you around He will come home at night : turn the bed upside down My heart's full of sorrow : tears come rolling down Because my baby : was Kentucky bound The pale moon shines : down on the mountain still Way down in old Kentucky : mid those high blue hills Shine on old moon : harvest moon shine on Because old moon you'll be shining : when I'm dead and gone I'm going to tell my mama : when I go back home Tell her the folks up here : won't let my Kentucky man alone \L CoxI 5 Cox, Ida \C title: Long Distance Blues \C place and date: Chicago, Aug. 1925 \C record numbers: (2243-?) Pm-12307 BYG-529073 Hello Central : give me long-distance please I'm begging with tears in my eyes : and down on my bended knees Hello Central : give me Mr Henry Brown What you say you were calling : a storm has blown the wires down Listen long-distance : can you send a telegram Do this please : before I fall down *left in a jam* You just tell him : he better hurry home Because I'm tired : of making all these nights alone \L CoxI 6 Cox, Ida \C title: Southern Woman's Blues \C place and date: Chicago, Aug. 1925 \C record numbers: (2244-?) Pm-12298 Jo SM-3098 Takes a southern woman : to sing this southern song Lord I'm worried now : but I won't be worried long When I was downtown : I wouldn't take no one's advice But I ain't going to let : that same bee sting me twice Because I'm going back : where the weather suits my clothes Down where there ain't no snow : and the chilly winds never blow I don't want no northerner : no northern black or brown Southern men will stick by you : when the northern men can't be found You ever been south : you know just what I mean Southern men are all the same : from Kentucky to New Orleans I'm going back south : where I can get my hambone boiled These northern men : are about to let my poor hambone spoil \L CoxI 7 Cox, Ida \C title: Lonesome Blues \C place and date: Chicago, Aug. 1925 \C record numbers: (2246-1) Pm-12307 BYG-529073 The blues came down my alley : and stopped right at my door They made me feel : like I've never felt before I'm a good-hearted woman : never done nobody wrong But the better I treat my daddy : the worse we get along If you don't want me daddy : please tell me what to do I've never loved nobody daddy : like I'm loving you I've got ten little puppies : twelve little shaggy hound It takes all twenty-two : to run my good man down \L CoxI 8 Cox, Ida \C title: Coffin Blues \C place and date: Chicago, Sept. 1925 \C record numbers: (2293-1) Pm-12318 BYG-529073 Daddy oh daddy : won't you answer me please All day I stood by your coffin : trying to give my poor heart ease I rubbed my hands over your head : and whispered in your ear And I wonder if you know : that your mama's near You told me that you loved me : and I believed what you said And I wished that I could fall : here across your coffin dead When I left the undertakers : I couldn't help but cry And it hurts me so bad : to tell the man I love goodbye \L CoxI 9 Cox, Ida \C title: Rambling Blues \C place and date: Chicago, Sept. 1925 \C record numbers: (2294-?) Pm-12318 BYG-529073 Early this morning : the blues come walking in my room I said blues please tell me : what are you doing here so soon He looked at me and smiled : but yet they refused to say I asked him again : and they turned and walked away The first thing they told you : your man you're going to lose At first I didn't believe it : but I found that it was true Blues oh blues : you know you been here before The last time you were here : you made me cry and walk the floor \L CoxI 10 Cox, Ida \C title: Worn Down Daddy Blues \C place and date: Chicago, c. Aug. 1928 \C record numbers: (20766-1) Pm-12704 BYG-529073 The time has come : for us to part I ain't going to cry : it won't break my heart Because I'm through with you : and I hope you don't feel hurt You are like an old horseshoe : that's had its day You're like an old shoe : I must throw away You're like an old ship : that sprung a leak You ain't young no more : and your loving is weak You ain't got no money : you're down and broke You're just an old has-been : like a worn out joke \L CoxI 11 Cox, Ida \C title: You Stole My Man \C place and date: Chicago, c. Aug. 1928 \C record numbers: (20768-1) Pm-12704 BYG-529073 Old pal old pal : you stole my man away But that's all right : I'll get him back some day You stole my man : between midnight and day And if I catch you old pal : I sure will make you pay Why should you : have a daddy of your own Old pal old pal : you better let my man alone Old pal you said : two friends could understand But that's no sign : we should take each other's man \L CrawR 1 Crawford, Rosetta \C title: My Man Jumped Salty on Me \C place and date: New York, 1 Feb. 1939 \C record numbers: (64972-A) De-7567 Cor CP-58 Going down to the river : take a rope and a rock Tie it around my neck : and jump off the dock Ain't no one : can change my mind I've been mistreated : and I don't mind dying Going to get me some poison : kill myself Because the man I love : has put me on the shelf If he didn't want me : he didn't have to lie The day I see him : that's the day he'll die Baby : you don't know my mind When you see me laughing : I'm laughing just to keep from crying A crooked man's worse : than crooked dice With dice you lose your money : with your man you lose your life I'm going to get me a razor : and a gun Cut him if he stands still : shoot him if he runs \L Crud 1 Crudup, Arthur Big Boy \C title: Black Pony Blues \C place and date: Chicago, 11 Sept. 1941 \C record numbers: (064873-1) BB-B8896 RCA LPV-518 I got a coal-black mare : but Lord how that horse can run Yes she win every race : man you don't see how it's done I give her three gold teeth : I put earings in her ears There ain't no use a-worrying : I do swear the stuff is here I cut her mane : I put streamline shoes on her feet Ain't a horse in the country : I do swear my horse can't beat Say she foxtrot and pace : and I rode that horse today Yeah when morning comes : she had never broke her gait She going to the race track at midnight : and I rode her all night long Yeah when morning come : she had never changed her weight She's a coal-black mare : she's got long black curly mane Well I'll follow that horse : man in any land \L Crud 2 Crudup, Arthur Big Boy \C title: Death Valley Blues \C place and date: Chicago, 11 Sept. 1941 \C record numbers: (064874-1) BB-B8858 RCA LPV-518 I went down in Death Valley : among the tombstones and dry bones That's where poor me will be : Lord when I'm dead and gone Now if I should die : I should die before my time I want you to bury my body : down by that Frisco line Now bury me mama : low down in the sand Now bury me mama : where I won't bother your next old man Oh bye bye baby : I said goodbye Death Valley is my home : mama I want to die Tell all the women : please come dressed in red They going down Sixty-One Highway : that's where the poor boy he fell dead Wear your patent leather slippers : mama put out your morning gown You going to follow poor Crudup : down to his burying ground \L Crud 3 Crudup, Arthur Big Boy \C title: If I Get Lucky \C place and date: Chicago, 11 Sept. 1941 \C record numbers: (064876-1) BB-B8858 RBF RF-202 That's all right mama : that's all right for you Treat me lowdown and dirty : any old way you do I've been worried all night mama : now worried again today Because the woman I love : done throwed me away Babe I wouldn't have been here : if it had not been for you *Down in* Chicago : you treat me like you do I'm leaving town mama : just to wear you off my mind Now you treat me lowdown and dirty : I believe I'll lose my mind If I get lucky mama : with my train fare home I'm going back to Mississippi : Lord now where I belong \L Crud 4 Crudup, Arthur Big Boy \C title: Mean Old 'Frisco Blues \C place and date: Chicago, 15 Apr. 1942 \C record numbers: (070863-1) BB-34-0704 RBF RF-202 Well that mean old old Frisco : and that lowdown Santa Fe Done took my babe away : Lord and blowed back at me Yes my mama told me : papa told me too Son every woman scream in your face : Lord she ain't no friend to you Lord I wonder : do she ever think of me Well I wonder I wonder : will my babe come back to me Yes I'm standing and looking : watching that Southern whistle blow Well she didn't catch that Southern : Lord now where did the woman go Lord I ain't got no : special rider here I might leave : because I don't feel welcome here \L Curr 1 Curry, Ben \C title: Fat Mouth Blues \C place and date: Grafton, Wis., c. Jan. 1932 \C record numbers: (L-1236-2) Pm-13118 Rt RL-325 Do anything mama : tell the truth don't mean no lie I have so many hard-working women : tell you men I don't mean no jive Now she's *making* her jelly : and she will not give it away She's going to save it for *Sally* : he will be home today Some of these funny women : just like driving an automobile You have to step on the gas : to make them climb the hill Never mind never mind baby : I got my eyes on you Some of these days mama : you going to do like I want you to \L Dadd 1 Daddy Stovepipe \C title: Sundown Blues \C place and date: Richmond, Ind., 10 Mar. 1924 \C record numbers: (11861-A) Ge-5459 Rt RL-325 Mama I woke up this morning : mama had the sundown blues And my fair brown told me : I refuse to go Mama I had so much chicken : mama cackles in my sleep You don't like my potatoes mama : oh don't you plow so deep I got nineteen fair browns : said I want you all to know Mama if you want to see me : mama I'll let the nineteen go Now you see my little fair brown : tell her to bring me meat When the wintertime gets here : I'll wear the B V Ds \L Dadd 2 Daddy Stovepipe \C title: Stove Pipe Blues \C place and date: Richmond, Ind., 10 Mar. 1924 \C record numbers: (11862-A) Ge-5459 Rt RL-325 When you get down to Memphis : won't find me there Just lightning and smoking : on the road somewhere I was born in Texas : raised in Tennessee Good Lord oh when you get to Memphis : won't find me there Well they call me Daddy Stove Pipe : turn your damper down Good Lord now when you get to Memphis : won't find me there \L Dadd 3 Daddy Stovepipe \C title: Tuxedo Blues \C place and date: Birmingham, Ala., c. 13 July \C 1927 \C record numbers: (GEX-730-A) Ge-6212 OJL-14 I don't want no sugar : stirred up in my rice That long *short* yellow : gives me my appetite Mama toot your whistle : you can't blow your horn Your little bow-legged daddy : left you all alone Mama I don't like chicken : neither no piece of cake Takes a big fat fan-belt : drive a Cadillac Eight When you get through to Bessemer : almost to Birmingham When you love your daddy : give me your right hand \L DanJ 1 Daniels, Julius \C title: My Mama Was a Sailor \C place and date: Atlanta, 19 Feb. 1927 \C record numbers: (37931-2) Vi-20658 Rt RL-326 My mama was a sailor : she love the ocean life She ride top and bottom : sometime on the side Said I'm going to China : honey what you want me to bring you back Said a bobtailed coat : and a *hot ??? China* hat Lord I told Mr Russell : don't you broke my plow Says he got bull-headed : and broke it off anyhow Standing on the corner : talking with my brown Up stepped this policeman : take both of us down Honey where was you : when thirty blows was sound Standing on the corner : teasing with my brown Lord a lowdown fireman : dirty engineer Say they took my brown : left me standing here All you jealous men : better keep your women tied If they flag my train : I'm sure going to let them ride If anybody asks you : who composed this song Tell them Julius Daniels : done been here and gone \L DanJ 2 Daniels, Julius \C title: Ninety-Nine Year Blues \C place and date: Atlanta, 19 Feb. 1927 \C record numbers: (37932-2) Vi unissued Fwy \C FA-2953 I'm take me my pistol : three rounds of ball Going kill everybody : *broke the poor boy law* On a Monday I was arrested : on a Tuesday I was tried Judge found me guilty : and I hung my head and cried Judge : what'll be my fine Says a pick and a shovel : way down *Joe Brown's* coal mine Be light on me judge : I ain't been here before Give you ninety-nine years : don't come back here no more \L Darb 1 Darby, Blind \C title: Lawdy Lawdy Worried Blues \C place and date: Richmond, Ind., 7 Sept. 1929 \C record numbers: (15566) Pm-12828 Yz L-1003 \R:\r what's on your worried mind You keep your poor man worried : and bothered all the time Lord Lordy : Lord Lord Lord Lord I'm a poor boy : been treated just like a dog Got a new way baby : spelling Memphis Tennessee Double M double E : double T double X Y Z Baby baby : what makes you treat me so I've done all : that a poor boy could do I helped you baby : when your kinfolks turned you down Now you loving someone else baby : and you done left this town Look a-here baby : what more you want me to do I sacrificed my mother : just to get along long with you Ever lay down laughing : and wake up hollering and crying And you think about the woman : you treated so nice and kind Take me back baby : try poor me one more time I'll bet you hundred dollar : that I will change your mind When you got money : your friends will hear your plea When you ain't got no money : then you have to come home to me Take my woman : I won't get mad with you For she's three times seven : and she knows what she wants to do Woke up this morning : and I was half most dead I was bone-down weary : a low and ache aching head Baby baby : won't you forgive me please You're the only woman : can give my poor poor heart ease \L Darb 2 Darby, Blind \C title: Deceiving Blues \C place and date: Chicago, 29 Sept. 1931 \C record numbers: (67583-1) Vi-23311 OJL-20 You deceived me babe : about the things I did not want you to do Now I've lost confidence in you : because you won't be true I regarded you : like I were your baby child But when it comes to find out : you was misusing me all the while But me and my baby : we going to make everything all right And if we don't tomorrow : we will tomorrow night Beef to me baby : me and pork chops do not agree I love you : but I don't like the way that you are jiving me I'll work up to you : or you'll slip back [down] to me some day And you going to be sorry : that you done me this a-way \L Darb 3 Darby, Blind \C title: Built Right on the Ground \C place and date: Chicago, 29 Sept. 1931 \C record numbers: (67584-1) Vi-23311 Yz L-1003 I never cried : till my babe got on the train And the tears went down : great God like drops of rain Now let me tell you : what that mean old train will do It will take your woman : and blow the smoke at you And it's oh my baby : don't treat me good no more And I ain't got no babe : ain't got nowhere to go And this woman I'm loving : don't pay me no mind And she keeps me worried : and bothered all the time I believe I believe : I'll stop my barrelhouse ways For I feel myself : sinking every day And it's oh my baby : don't act right no more And I can't feel welcome : babe nowhere I go If whiskey don't kill me : I'm doomed to lose my mind For I'm worried and bothered : and drinking all the time Farewell farewell : I bid this world goodbye Little babe done quit me : and I'll give on up to die \L DaveC 1 Davenport, Charles Cow Cow \C title: I Ain't No Ice Man \C place and date: New York, 8 May 1938 \C record numbers: (63764-A) De-7462 AH-158 I ain't no iceman : I ain't no iceman's son But I can keep you cool : until the iceman comes I ain't no wood chopper : I ain't no wood chopper's son But babe I can chop your kindling : until the wood chopper comes Baby I ain't no stove man : I ain't no stove man's son But I can keep you heated up : babe until the stove man comes Baby I ain't no butcher : and I ain't no butcher's son But I can furnish you plenty of meat : baby until the butcher comes I ain't no milkman : I ain't no milkman's son But I can furnish you plenty of cream : baby until that milkman comes \L DaveJ 1 Davenport, Jed \C title: Save Me Some \C place and date: Memphis, 20 Oct. 1930 \C record numbers: (MEM-774) Vo-1513 OJL-19 Work now mama : both night and day Make my money : bring it all away Liquor sure : is a craving sin Steal it from the white folks : now and then Up to my lips : then down to my toes That's the way : ??? ten gallons goes Went to the doctor : and the doctor said Don't stop drinking : going to kill you dead Mama told me : papa told me too Doing that stuff : will be the death of you \L DaviC 1 Davis, Carl (Dallas Jamboree Jug Band) \C title: Elm Street Woman Blues \C place and date: Dallas, 20 Sept. 1935 \C record numbers: (DAL-103- ) Vo-03092 BC-2 Now if you're ever in Dallas boy : please visit old Elm Street You can see the snuff-sniffing women : like a police on his beat Lordy I'm so glad I'm so glad : police is back on the beat So he can stop them women : from begging every man they meet Lord I ain't going to marry : ain't going to settle down I'm going to hang around Dallas Texas : and run old pigmeat down Now if you ever come to Dallas : yes and get put in jail Yes sweet papa Charlie Chicken : he will pay your bail I'm going to tell you something mama : every word is true Lord I'm crazy about my pork and beans : wild about my good beef stew \L DaviM 1 Davis, Madlyn \C title: It's Red Hot \C place and date: Chicago, c. Oct. 1928 \C record numbers: (20908-?) Pm-12703 Yz L-1039 Now you talk about rags : boys but you ought to hear mine My red-hot shaker : plays it all the time It's called : the red-hot shaker rag It's the best rag : that I ever had Now you can talk about pepper : boys but it ain't hot You ought to hear my boys : making up their plot Let's play : the red-hot shaker's rag Now blow it boys : you know it's just too bad \L DaviM 2 Davis, Madlyn \C title: Too Black Bad \C place and date: Chicago, c. Oct. 1928 \C record numbers: (20909-?) Pm-12703 Yz L-1039 I'd rather be in the *cripty* river : floating like a log Than to stay around here : be treated like a dog Now all the little children : playing around in a ring Playing hooky from school : just to rag that thing Now it's some folks says : a preacher won't steal But I caught a preacher : in the potato field Now one had the sack : the other had the hoe If that ain't stealing : boys I'd like to know Here come my father : with his gun You ought to see : them preachers run \L DaviW 1 Davis, Walter \C title: M. and O. Blues \C place and date: Cincinnati, 12 June 1930 \C record numbers: (62907-2) Vi-V38618 RCA INT-1085 My baby's gone : and she won't come back no more Oh she left me this morning : and she caught that M and O Listen here people : I've done everything that I could But she's gone and left me : she didn't mean me no good There is one thing baby : I just can't understand myself When the gal I love quit me : I don't want nobody else But that's all right babe : I can't stand the way you do You are running me crazy : and it's going to worry you When she left me she bought a ticket : just as long as she was tall She didn't know how much I loved her : or else she wouldn't have left at all \L DaviW 2 Davis, Walter \C title: That Stuff You Sell Ain't No Good \C place and date: Louisville, 10 June 1931 \C record numbers: (69416-2) Vi-V23282 RCA INT-1085 That stuff you sell : ain't no good Smell just like : old rotten burnt wood That stuff you sell : ain't no wine One thing about it : you serve it so kind The stuff you sell : ain't no booze One thing about it : mama give you the blues The stuff you sell : in a jug You don't give me some : I'm going to raise a bug I know you're sick : can't get well When you sell any more : it take God to tell You can go down on the corner : Market and Tenth Get that stuff : for fifty cents That stuff you sell : ain't so good I wouldn't buy none of that : even if I could \L DaviW 3 Davis, Walter \C title: Howling Wind Blues \C place and date: Chicago, 29 Sept. 31 \C record numbers: (67579-1) Vi-V23308 RCA INT-1085 The north wind has begin howling : [and, but] the skies are pretty and blue And winter is coming : wonder what the poor people are going to do People talk about the time : that they never have seen before But hard times : is knocking on everybody's door Poor people are like prisoners : but they just ain't got on a ball and chain But the way they are faring : I do swear it's all the same There ain't no need to worry : times will bring about a change And if it don't : I swear it will always be the same \L DaviW 4 Davis, Walter \C title: M. and O. Blues No. 3 \C place and date: Dallas, 10 Feb. 1932 \C record numbers: (70676-1) Vi-V23333 RBF RF-12 I'm a railroad man : and I love that M and O And when I leave this time : I ain't coming back no more Now don't the moon look pretty : shining down through the trees I can see my baby : but I swear that she can't see me I'm in a world of trouble : and I believe I've got to go I'm going to leave here people : going to catch that M and O \L DaviW 5 Davis, Walter \C title: L and N Blues \C place and date: Chicago, 2 Aug. 1933 \C record numbers: (76802-1) BB-B5143 RCA INT-1085 The L and N is a fast train : also that I N C N If I ever leave Chicago : going to ride that Sunshine Special again L and N L and N : bring my baby back to me You keep me bound down in trouble : just as long as I can be Don't your house look lonesome : when the one that you love is gone And you ain't got nobody : just to keep a happy home I wonder will my baby : ever come back to me again When she left me good people : she rode that L and N \L DaviW 6 Davis, Walter \C title: Sloppy Drunk Again \C place and date: Chicago, 25 Feb. 1935 \C record numbers: (85479-1) BB-B5879 OJL-20 My gal done quit me : found somebody else And now I'm tired : of sleeping by myself I love my moonshine whiskey : and I love my cherry wine Sloppy drunk : about to lose my mind I'm going to get sloppy drunk : tell everything I know Another half a pint : mama will see me *Joe* Ooo : ooo wee Wonder what will : what will become of me Water when I'm thirsty : whiskey when I'm dry A brownskin woman : tell her when I come to die \L DaviW 7 Davis, Walter \C title: Travelin' this Lonesome Road \C place and date: Chicago, 25 Feb. 1935 \C record numbers: (85480-1) BB-B5982 RCA INT-1175 I am traveling this lonesome road : if I never get back no more I have something to tell you : people just before I go Take care of my wife and my children : I hope to come back home some day The racket that I am now in : Lord it make *white slavery* I'm going to rob and I'm going to hijack : until I get satisfied And if the freight train leaves me : Lord I got a mule to ride I thinking about the times : when I was laying in my mother's arms She always told me : son don't you do nothing wrong But people before I will stand to see : my good woman go down I will pack my suitcase : while I hunt from town to town \L DaviW 8 Davis, Walter \C title: Sad and Lonesome Blues \C place and date: Chicago, 25 Feb. 1935 \C record numbers: (85481-1) BB-B5982 RCA INT-1175 I was sad and lonesome : when I walked into my baby's door And here's the words she told me : I can't use you no more I folded up my arms : and I slowly walked away That's all right baby : you going to need my help some day Oh Lord : oh Lord oh Lord oh Lord Don't you remember the day : you treated me like a lowdown dirty dog Some day I'm going to see you : when you down and out just like myself Mama just as I have told you : some day you going to need my help So goodbye : I ain't got no more to say I did not think : you would treat me this a-way \L DaviW 9 Davis, Walter \C title: Minute Man Blues-+-Part 1 \C place and date: Chicago, 25 Feb. 1935 \C record numbers: (85482-1) BB-B5965 RCA INT-1085 Every since every since : I [first] left my mother's door I don't have the good times people : that I have had in my life so long So in believe I will go : right down I Paris Tennessee Because this life that I'm living : Lord it's bad luck *here* Going to write and tell my mother : to look for me on my way I'm going back home people : Lord and I'm going back there to stay And if you see my black angel : please don't tell her the way I've gone Tell her there ain't no need to worry : neither cry or weep and moan I'll try to travel if I want to : but I believe I will go by *mail* I've got a V-Eight Ford now sweet mama : Lord you know I'm a minuteman \L DaviW 10 Davis, Walter \C title: Minute Man Blues-+-Part 2 \C place and date: Chicago, 25 Feb. 1935 \C record numbers: (85483-1) BB-B5965 RCA INT-1085 My tires ain't going to fail me : and my motor it is good and strong I have a V-Eight Ford now sweet mama : Lord and you know it won't be long All I want is my thirty-two twenty : hanging by my side I will pour in the high-powered gasoline : and see how fast we can ride I'm going to make traintime and over : and I ain't going to be one minute late I'm going to hold it around ninety miles : and I ain't going to break my gait Won't you listen to my V-Eight motor : won't you listen to how my motor hums This minuteman is on that lonesome highway : and I swear it won't be long \L DaviW 11 Davis, Walter \C title: Sweet Sixteen \C place and date: Chicago, 25 Feb. 1935 \C record numbers: (85484-1) BB-B5931 RCA INT-1085 Uncle Bert thought : he had *his daughter* trained She's out there : shaking that little old thing Shaking her *rumble* : just like she shake her *strike* She say run into me baby : and make me break my back She got a crankshaft motion : she got a cross-town swing She got *the regular* : doing that thing She's out there : looking like a sugar lump She say want to *pum-pitty* : got to make me drunk *I'm burn that* chicken : *and down handcuff* Come on here darling : let's go and talk *Aunt Dinah got a preacher* : *roll* above her knee And she strutting her stuff : to who she please \L DaviW 12 Davis, Walter \C title: Root Man Blues \C place and date: Chicago, 28 July 1935 \C record numbers: (91430-1) BB-B6040 RCA INT-1085 Mama here come your root man : open the door and let him in It is just about time : you using some of your good roots again You face is getting bumpy : and your skin looks awful bad I believe my root do you more good mama : than any herbs that you ever had There is one thing baby : you want the root all by yourself But you know I'm a doctor mama : I got to give it to somebody else The root that I'm selling : from it you can get lots of juice And when I'm giving it to you mama : you don't want to turn your doctor loose I was doctoring on a woman : she said Lord I can't see how can it be She say go away from here doctor : you got too much root for me \L DaviW 13 Davis, Walter \C title: I Can Tell By the Way You Smell \C place and date: Chicago, 28 July 1935 \C record numbers: (91433-1) BB-B6059 Yz L-1025 You hair all wrinkled : and you full of sweat Your underskirt : is wringing wet You show your linen : to any man And that's something mama : that I just can't stand Here you come in here walking : just like a goose You look like : somebody just turned you loose Run here mama : just look at sis She got her hand in her toodle-um : up to her wrist Mama and papa's in the back yard : trying to *call up Knot Hill* Papa ain't ready : so help me God He got the motion : and she got the swing Just look at papa out there : on that thing \L DaviW 14 Davis, Walter \C title: Santa Claus \C place and date: Chicago, 28 July 1935 \C record numbers: (91434-1) BB-B6125 Yz L-1025 Santy Claus : won't you please hear my lonesome plea I don't want nothing for Christmas : but my baby back to me You know I loved you baby : that is why we could not get along But some day you going to be sorry : that you ever done me wrong Oh Lord it's near Christmas time : and I want to see Santy Claus If you don't bring my baby : swear I'll break all the laws Santy Claus Santy Claus Santy Claus : I'm down on my bended knees I don't want nothing for Christmas : but my baby back to me \L DaviW 15 Davis, Walter \C title: Moonlight Is My Spread \C place and date: Chicago, 31 Oct. 1935 \C record numbers: (96234-1) BB-B6167 RCA INT-1085 The blue sky is my blanket : and the moonlight is my spread The rock is my pillow : that is where I rest my head A ghost and a night owl : they come to see me sometime And a Gypsy women : she comes and reads my mind The woman that I was loving : she did not mean me no good She give me so much trouble : I had to move back in the woods I am friendless and I'm lonesome : people you would be the same old way If the woman that you were loving : would mistreat you both night and day \L DaviW 16 Davis, Walter \C title: Ashes in My Whiskey \C place and date: Chicago, 31 Oct. 1935 \C record numbers: (96237-1) BB-B6201 RCA INT-1085 They put ashes in my whiskey : they put strychnine in my glass Lord I went out car-riding with them : and they carried me too fast She put [castor oil, black drops] in my coffee : with that [black drops, castor oil] in my tea Lord she's the meanest old woman : that a man most ever seen I believe I believe : that they trying to carry me down Lord the way they are feeding me : that they don't want me around She carries a razor in her pocket : with them frowns all in her face Lord I believe some other good joker : trying to root me out of my place \L DaviW 17 Davis, Walter \C title: Jacksonville-+-Part 2 \C place and date: Chicago, 3 Apr. 1936 \C record numbers: (100338-1) BB-B6468 Yz L-1025 I'm going to write you a letter : my wife and I ain't going to do right no more I know the way you treat me baby : Lord you did not want me no more What I've got on my mind : ain't nobody in this world can tell And if I never see you no more baby : Lord I sure do wish you well Now I'm having bad luck : and bad luck I can't understand Got me out here scuffling mama : trying to make it if I can Baby baby : I ain't going to worry with you no more Lord I'm going down the country : let you have Mr so-and-so \L DaviW 18 Davis, Walter \C title: Think You Need a Shot \C place and date: Chicago, 3 Apr. 1936 \C record numbers: (100339-1) BB-B6498 RCA INT-1085 You got bad blood mama : I believe you need a shot Now turn over here mama : let me see what else you got I doctors on women : I don't fool around with men All right take it easy here mama : whilst I stick my needle in Lord your ways is so loving : and your skin is nice and soft Lord if you keep on drunk mama : you going to make me break my needle off Lord my needle is in you baby : and you seem to feel all right And when your medicine go to coming down : I want you to hug me tight Yeah your medicine come now baby : put your [foot, leg] up side the wall I don't want to waste none of it mama : I want you to have it all \L DaviW 19 Davis, Walter \C title: Let Me in Your Saddle \C place and date: Chicago, 21 July 1939 \C record numbers: (040511-1) BB-B8282 RCA INT-1085 You is built for speed : and fast just like twenty grand I would give more for you now : than a farmer would for land I'm a well-trained jockey : won't you please ma'am let me ride I may not give a ride like you old jockey : but I'll try to make you satisfied If you let me get in your saddle : and just try me one time Lord I may can do something : baby that might change your mind Twenty grand is the fastest race horse : that ever run around a track And if you let me get in your saddle mama : I may ride the way you like Just let me get in your saddle baby : I ain't going to never do no wrong I'm a good jockey rider : and I don't stay there too long \L DaviW 20 Davis, Walter \C title: Call Your Name \C place and date: Chicago, 21 July 1939 \C record numbers: (040523-1) BB-B8470 Yz L-1025 Have you ever been low in spirits : mama and you didn't know what was on your mind Lord it hurts you so bad sometimes : Lord you can't keep from crying The house where you were living : it don't [even] look right no more And you can't find no consolation : nowhere in the world you go Then you wonder what did you ever do : to make your poor heart ache and pain Lord it hurts you so bad : to hear somebody call Mr so-and-so's name I looked for you Sunday morning : till Monday in the afternoon But I hope you'll be here Tuesday morning : hope you will be here Tuesday morning soon If I don't never see you no more : please drop me a post card Lord you know the way that you left me : mama it almost broke my heart \L DaviW 21 Davis, Walter \C title: Can't See Your Face \C place and date: Chicago, 12 July 1940 \C record numbers: (049320-1) BB-B8600 Yz L-1025 Your picture has faded : mama that hangs up on the wall It's been hanging there so long : I can't see your face at all Even my old house seems haunted : mama and there ain't nobody around Sometime it seem like at night : that the old house is falling down I can hear my back door slamming : [seem like] I can hear a little baby crying Lord I wonder baby : have you got me on your mind My old clock is [still] ticking : that hangs up on the wall But now you gone and left me : and I can't see your face at all \L DaviW 22 Davis, Walter \C title: Please Don't Mistreat Me \C place and date: Chicago, 12 July 1940 \C record numbers: (049323-1) BB-B8664 Yz L-1025 Please don't mistreat me : if you don't want me around Lord don't be mad with me baby : because your good man have left this town You say you don't [even] love me : you don't even love yourself I know there ain't a room in your heart for me : mama you loving someone else I got myself a mama : she always keep me feeling blue Lord she act just like the weather : and I don't know what she is going to do If I really loved you baby : I would not tell you no lies Lord I wouldn't say hard things to you mama : to make you hang your head and cry \L DaviW 23 Davis, Walter \C title: Why Shouldn't I Be Blue \C place and date: Chicago, 12 July 1940 \C record numbers: (049325-1) BB-B8737 Yz L-1025 Mama why should I be worried : and why should I be so blue Lord it's all on account : of all on account of you How can I sleep and keep from worrying : how can I laugh and keep from crying Lord every time I turn my back : you always doing something to change my mind I just flutters when I see you : like a little bird up in his nest Lord sometime I think I love you : sometime I think I love my little gal the best I can't keep from worrying : Lord I can't keep from telling you lies Lord I would do all right with you baby : but you know you try to be too wise \L DaviW 24 Davis, Walter \C title: The Only Woman \C place and date: Chicago, 21 Mar. 1941 \C record numbers: (053975-1) BB-B8773 RCA INT-1085 Now this was my sad story : I never will forget the day It was in the year of nineteen thirty-five : on the twenty-sixth day of May As I walked into my bedroom : crowd all gathered around They was standing seemed to be in mourning : with their heads all hanging down In the midst there stood a doctor : he was standing gazing on The only woman in the world that I ever loved : she's gone she's gone Now I'm left here all alone : all in this great big world alone That's the end of my happy days : and I can't have no more happy home On the bed there laid a letter : said be as good as you can be Lord I'm sorry you couldn't be here now : to have the last few words with me \L DaviW 25 Davis, Walter \C title: New Come Back Baby \C place and date: Chicago, 21 Mar. 1941 \C record numbers: (053979-1) BB-B8833 RCA INT-1085 Now you must have a heart : like a rock in the sea I been begging you baby : babe please don't leave My nights are getting lonely : my days are getting long Now tell me baby : I did not do no wrong I don't want to hurt your feelings : either make you mad I love you : better than anything I ever had I like you baby : I like to see you smile But I like to please you : every once in a while \L DaviW 26 Davis, Walter \C title: Don't You Want to Go \C place and date: Chicago, 5 Dec. 1941 \C record numbers: (070448-1) BB-B9027 RCA INT-1085 I heard somebody calling me : papa don't you want to go Mama dee-da-da calling me : papa so-and-so Down in the land of California : sweet home Chicago I begged you all night baby : all the night before If I ever did you wrong : I won't do that no more All last night baby : I tried to talk to you But you told me : there was nothing I could do I been good to you baby : did everything that I could Now you want to leave me : don't mean me no good Oh babe oh baby : down on my bended knees Begging you now baby : don't leave me please Oh babe oh baby : don't leave me now All alone by myself baby : won't be satisfied \L DaviW 27 Davis, Walter \C title: Just Want to Talk Awhile \C place and date: Chicago, 5 Dec. 1941 \C record numbers: (070451-1) BB unissued RCA \C INT-1085 Now I walked over to the table : and I picked up my telephone But the line was busy : or if it ain't nobody home Give me long long-distance : I wonder what's wrong with my line Lord I just want to talk awhile : to that little old girl of mine All right operator : maybe it ain't nobody home But I'm sitting here wondering : why is my baby gone I'm calling long-distance : and I wonder where could she be Lord I wonder is she listening : and won't even answer me \L DayT 1 Day, Texas Bill \C title: Goin' Back to My Baby \C place and date: Dallas, 4 Dec. 1929 \C record numbers: (149512-1) Co-14494-D Rt RL-327 I woke up this morning moaning : with the worried blues on my mind I was thinking about someone : who were left behind It's oh Lord Lord : please get him off of my mind I can't eat for dreaming : and I can't rest for crying I'm going back to my baby : going to knock on my baby's door I'm going to ask my pretty mama : baby can't you use me no more Baby : can I lay down here till day I'm a poor boy : and I got nowhere to stay Love is like water : it turns off and on When you think you got a good girl : Lord she done turn off and gone \L DayT 2 Day, Texas Bill \C title: Elm Street Blues \C place and date: Dallas, 5 Dec. 1929 \C record numbers: (149538-2) Co-14514-D Fly LP-103 Elm Street painted in brass : Main Street painted in gold I got a good girl live on East Commerce : I wouldn't mistreat her to save nobody's soul Hey Billiken : these Elm Street women don't mean you no good When your back is turned : they with every man in the neighborhood These Elm Street women : Billiken they don't mean you no good If you want to make a good woman : have to get on *Hospital* Avenue \L DayT 3 Day, Texas Bill \C title: Billiken's Weary Blues \C place and date: Dallas, 5 Dec. 1929 \C record numbers: (149539-2) Co-14514-D Rt RL-335 Don't the moon look pretty : shining through the trees Don't your house look lonesome : when your good girl is fixing to leave Down on my knees this morning : I prayed to the good Lord above Please let me live one more time : with the good girl that I love I'm going to get me a wire : stretched across the deep blue sea So when my good girl gets worried : she can sit down and talk to me \L DayW 1 Day, Will \C title: Central Avenue Blues \C place and date: New Orleans, 25 Apr. 1928 \C record numbers: (146186-2) Co-14318-D Yz L-1010 I'm going to build me a little mansion : on Central Avenue So I can stick my head out the window : and see what my wicked women will do Lord I got a pretty mama : lives on Central Avenue Lord if that woman left and quit me *now* : what in the world that I would do I pray to heaven Lord : I seen my pretty mama up there She had one foot loose : and *curled up with the air* Good girl used to live here : don't live here no more Left here early this morning : carried all of her clothes Boy I'd *better see my good girl* : leave me in this town I'd beat the train to the *crossroads* : and I'd burn the depot down Lord pretty mama I wonder : what you trying to do *She make it trying* to run with me : and my buddy too I'm going to West Texas : Lord I'm going to stay Some little brownskin woman : *stepping* in my way \L DayW 2 Day, Will \C title: Sunrise Blues \C place and date: New Orleans, 25 Apr. 1928 \C record numbers: (146191-2) Co-14318-D Yz L-1032 Well the sun rose this morning : and laid down on my floor When I ended my dreams : it was all around my door Good morning blues : what makes you come so soon Here early this morning : *crying ???* soon Now blues and trouble : boys what a nagging ache These old women now baby : running from man to man Just tell me pretty mama : what you trying to do You didn't do no more : than I looked for you to do You leave me laughing : some day you come back crying You been gone so long darling : wear you off of my mind Lord Lord : Lord Lordy Lord Lord The girl I loving : treat me like a dog My heart's in trouble : mind's in misery Got the blues so bad : I really can't hardly see \L Dean 1 Dean, Joe \C title: I'm So Glad I'm Twenty-One Years Old \C Today \C place and date: Chicago, c. \R7\r Aug. 1930 \C record numbers: (C-5991- ) Vo-1544 Yz L-1028 Well I'm so glad : I'm twenty-one years old today Lord I'm so glad : my baby can't treat me that a-way Oh babe : what you want poor me to do Driving a coal wagon babe : give all my money to you Oh babe : don't play me for no fool Lord I ain't no plumber : and I ain't nobody's stool I send it to the river : river to the deep blue sea Now your monkey ways babe : don't take no effect on me Oh babe : don't make no fool of me Lord I'm three time seven : baby why can't you see That's why I'm so glad : I'm twenty-one years old today Lord I'm three times seven : I'm going to have my way \L DelaM 1 Delaney, Mattie \C title: Down the Big Road Blues \C place and date: Memphis, c. 21 Feb. 1930 \C record numbers: (MEM-785- ) Vo-1480 Yz L-1009 I can't go down : that big road by myself If I can't carry you : I carry someone else I asked him how about it : and he said all right I asked him how long : and he said all night I asked him how about it : said he didn't know how But I will do you mama : like a calf will do a cow I'm a traveling woman : I got a traveling mind If you don't take me back daddy : sure going to lose your mind My mother said : six months before I was born She was going to have a good child : wouldn't never stay at home I feel like crying : ain't got no tears to spare I had a happy home : and I wouldn't stay there \L DelaM 2 Delaney, Mattie \C title: Tallahatchie River Blues \C place and date: Memphis, c. 21 Feb. 1930 \C record numbers: (MEM-786- ) Vo-1480 Yz L-1001 Tallahatchie River rising : Lord it's mighty bad Some peoples on the Tallahatchie : done lost everything they had Some people in the Delta : wondering what to do They don't build some levees : I don't know what become of you High water rising : get me troubled in mind I got to go : and leave my daddy behind Lord this water rising : and I sure can't swim But if it keeps on rising : sure going to follow him Going pack my suitcase : go back to Tennessee But this Tallahatchie River : done got the best of me \L DickP 1 Dickson, Pearl \C title: Twelve Pound Daddy \C place and date: Memphis, 12 Dec. 1927 \C record numbers: (145370-3) Co-14286-D Yz L-1008 Mmm : hey hey hey hey Now the man I love : treats me like a dog I've got a twelve pound daddy : and eight pound one too And if my twelve pound one won't come : my eight pound one will do I'm going to build me a castle : out of ice and snow So when my blues come around : I can freeze them from my door Oh pretty daddy : will you please tell me what to do I will do anything : baby to satisfy you And it's one thing baby : that I can't understand If you are *loving* me : I don't want no partnership man \L DickP 2 Dickson, Pearl \C title: Little Rock Blues \C place and date: Memphis, 12 Dec. 1927 \C record numbers: (145371-2) Co-14286-D OJL-6 I started to heaven : but I changed my mind But I'm going to Little Rock : where I can have better time Yes when I go to Little Rock : I can go three days without I tell people there : it's a wonderful town This is the place : where I have long to be Because where I come from : the mens have mistreated poor me Oh I don't know why : they treat me so lowdown and cruel And if you don't want me baby : you don't have to use me as no fool \L DickT 1 Dickson, Tom \C title: Death Bell Blues \C place and date: Memphis, 27 Feb. 1928 \C record numbers: (400355-B) OK-8590 Yz L-1002 Hey hey : death bells in my ear It 'tain't going to be long : before they going to ring me away from here I lay down last night all night : and the night before Going back home to mama : won't have to lay down no more I'm a stranger here : they're sending out in the sea I'm broke and hungry : not a bite to eat Going to stand right here : catch the first old gal I see I'm going to beg her to take me : see what she make of me I'm going to ask my rider : would she set my trunk outdoors I don't mean quitting you : but I got another place to go The woman I had : these men must have had her *foiled* She loved me all this summer : but she put me out this fall I began to study : and the wind begin to blow I couldn't figure no place : for a man like me to go My mama's dead : my papa's across the sea That leaves no one : to love and care for me \L DickT 2 Dickson, Tom \C title: Happy Blues \C place and date: Memphis, 27 Feb. 1928 \C record numbers: (400359-B) OK-8590 Yz L-1002 Just as happy : woman as I can be Because the woman I'm loving : is going back to Kankakee Woman I'm loving : done mistreated me For another new morning : going to need your friend again Treat me : like someone you never seen Blues ain't nothing : good man on your mind Well it keep you worried : bothered all the time When you see me : with my head hung down I ain't got the blues : but another gal on my mind I'm going away baby : to see what could do I done all I could : can't get along with you I went to the station : I looked up on the board Well my train ain't here : but it's somewhere on the go \L DickT 3 Dickson, Tom \C title: Labor Blues \C place and date: Memphis, 27 Feb. 1928 \C record numbers: (400360-A) OK-8570 Yz L-1008 Said good morning captain : said good morning shine 'Tain't nothing the matter : captain but I just ain't going I don't mind working : captain from sun to sun But I want my money : captain when payday come Work me all this summer : and you started on this fall Now I've got to take Christmas : in my overalls If you good men : want to keep her out of town at night Just feed her little pork chops : suits her appetite Lord it 'tain't no telling : what a Mississippi gal will do She will get your money : then *poor gam* at you It's one pretty mama : going to need a friend again You can sing this song : when you want me to be your friend Hey tell me woman : where did you stay last night For your shoes unfastened : and your skirt don't fit you right \L Dool 1 Dooley, Simmie (Pink Anderson) \C title: Gonna Tip Out Tonight \C place and date: Atlanta, 14 Apr. 1928 \C record numbers: (146067-1) Co-14436-D OJL-18 I says go on girl : don't sing them blues to me Because I'm sweet : as any man can be She even told me : to my face That any old rounder : sure can take my place Said I'm getting tired : of your lowdown ways I'm going back : to my babe today So come on girl : honey you can't bluff I'm going to tip out tonight : and I'm going to strut my stuff \L DorsT 1 Dorsey, Thomas A. \C title: Grievin' Me Blues \C place and date: Chicago, c. 6 Sept. 1928 \C record numbers: ( ) Vo-1216 His HLP-1 I went down on the corner : with my money in my hand To kill my woman : about loving another man You see it's grieving me : oh it's grieving me Going to pack my grip : beat it back to Tennessee I'm so sad and lonely : love has been refused Can't have no loving : but I still have the blues They call me pretty papa : swellest man in town Women all screaming about me : but I can't give up my brown Daddy's got the washboard : mama's got the tub Sister's got the liquor : and brother's got the jug My water pipe's all rusted : water's running cold Someone's in the basement : trying to find the hole \L DorsT 2 Dorsey, Thomas A. \C title: Broke Man's Blues \C place and date: Richmond, Ind., 8 July 1929 \C record numbers: (15306-A) Ge-7008 Riv RM-8803 Just another evening : wasted away Spending and a-lending : and it left me broke today Run here pretty mama : sit down on your daddy's knee I'll tell you : how these women made a perfect fool of me I wasted lots of money : went out every night My pals done all forsake me : and the times is getting tight I'm feeling like an outcast : looking like a tramp Can't price a post card : can't even buy a stamp Ah you used to call me papa : you used to call me dunce You used to call me daddy : and you used to love me once Some folks need the ice : some folks need the snow If I could get you back : mama I wouldn't need nothing more \L DorsT 3 Dorsey, Thomas A. \C title: Pig Meat Blues \C place and date: Richmond, Ind., 8 July 1929 \C record numbers: (15310) Ge-7008 Riv RM-8803 You may be little : you may have a tender snoot But I know what you is mama : when you start to root You go before the butcher : try to put on your stunt He can stick a knife in you : and you won't even grunt I see you got your squeal : you got your snoot Still you got your grunt : but you done lost your root Oh mama : you may have your snoot Still you got your grunt : but you done lost your root \L DorsT 4 Dorsey, Thomas A. \C title: Second-Hand Woman Blues \C place and date: Richmond, Ind., 5 Feb. 1930 \C record numbers: (16221) Ge-7130 Riv RM-8803 All dolled up : looking keen Like a girlie : in her teens Strutting : down the avenue Making eyes : and flirting too Now the other night : when I phoned You had another : in your home Parts of me : big and fat Can't blame nobody : for that I want your love : I can't refuse But I don't want it : if it's ever been used Some is tall : some is cute Some is sweet : and some is true I don't mean : to speak so bold Can't use it : if it's forty years old \L DorsT 5 Dorsey, Thomas A. \C title: Maybe It's the Blues \C place and date: Richmond, Ind., 5 Feb. 1930 \C record numbers: (16222) Ge-7190 Riv RM-8803 Something pounding : in my breast When I lay down : to take my rest Horrid nightmares : scary dreams Then the blues : steps on the scene Oh maybe it's the blues : that keeps me worried all the time If I could lose these weary blues : that's on my mind Happiness that comes around : but never comes to stay If I only had someone : just to drive my tears away \L DorsT 6 Dorsey, Thomas A. \C title: Levee Bound Blues \C place and date: Richmond, Ind., 5 Feb. 1930 \C record numbers: (16224) Ch-16682 Riv RM-8803 I had a brown in my town : sweet as any gal could be I loved my gal with all my might : she didn't love nobody but me The other night : a man named Willie come and stole my gal away Now I'm feeling down and out : and I've got the blues today Say if you see my gal : don't you tell her what I've done I got the blues : I going to sing them all night long Now folks if you see my gal : tell her that I'm gone Feel like riding : if it takes me all night long Now back to the levee I'm bound : I'm through with high yellows and browns Now I'm going to the levee : because my gal done turned me down Now say folks if you see my gal : tell her that I'm gone I feel like leaving : if it takes me all night long \L DorsT 7 Dorsey, Thomas A. \C title: Gee, But It's Hard \C place and date: Richmond, Ind., 5 Feb. 1930 \C record numbers: (16225) Ch-16682 Riv RM-8803 Take me back sweet mama : try me one more time If I don't satisfy you : I'll break my backbone trying You lay in your bed : with your face to the wall Thinking if you die : would that end it all \L DorsT 8 Dorsey, Thomas A. (Jane Lucas) \C title: Terrible Operation Blues \C place and date: New York, 17 Sept. 1930 \C record numbers: (10048-2) Or-8033 Yz L-1035 Get up on the table : pull off that gown Raise up that right leg : let the left one down Pull off them stockings : that silk underwear The doctor's got to cut you mama : Lord knows where Got two or three tumors : shaped like a cube Two or three leaks : in your inner tube Bring on that ether : bring on that gas The doctor's got to cut you mama : yas yas yas Four monkey wrenches : and a two-horse shay Pair of old britches : and a bale of hay Your ribs was kind of loose : they moved about If I hadn't've sewed you up : everything would fell out I put in new tubes : hide the exhaust I went into your hood : and cleaned your spark plugs off Your body's kind of weak : now don't be hard From now on be careful : with them connection rods Now your body's kind of weak : don't be hard Go kind of easy : with them connection rods \L DorsT 9 Dorsey, Thomas A. (Jane Lucas) \C title: Terrible Operation Blues \C place and date: Richmond, Ind., 19 Nov. 1930 \C record numbers: (17276-B) Ch-16171 Riv RM-8803 Get up on this table : pull off that gown Raise up that right leg : let that left one down Pull off them stocking : that silk underwear The doctor's got to cut you : mama don't know where You got two or three tumors : shape like a cube Two or three leaks : in your inner tube Bring on that ether : bring on that gas The doctor's got to cut you mama : yas yas yas Four monkey wrenches : two-horse shay Pair of old britches : and a bale of hay Your ribs was kind of loosened : they moved about If I hadn't sewed you up : everything would fell out I put in new tubes : tightened up the exhaust Went into your hood : and cleaned your spark plugs off Your body's kind of weak : don't be hard From now on you be careful : with them there connection rods \L DorsT 10 Dorsey, Thomas A. (Jane Lucas) \C title: Where Did You Stay Last Night \C place and date: Richmond, Ind., 19 Nov. 1930 \C record numbers: (17277-A) Ch-16171 Riv RM-8803 Tell me pretty mama : where'd you stay last night Shoes ain't buttoned : and you don't smell right Now you all drawed up : you look half drunk Your hair ain't combed : and you smell like a skunk Train's in the depot : boxcar's on the track My gal come home : with a tie across her back \L DorsT 11 Dorsey, Thomas A. (Jane Lucas) \C title: Fix It \C place and date: Richmond, Ind., 19 Nov. 1930 \C record numbers: (17278-A) Ch-16215 Riv RM-8803 Now when I fix it lady : sure will be mighty good I fixed so many of them : all over this neighborhood \L DorsT 12 Dorsey, Thomas A. \C title: Been Mistreated Blues \C place and date: Richmond, Ind., 20 Nov. 1930 \C record numbers: (17290) Ch-16237 Riv RM-8803 I had a sweet woman : she done turned sour on me I had a good woman : but the men wouldn't let her be I had a new way of loving : but I done lost my stroke I had a new gal : I lost her when I got broke Now I'm a real kind fellow folks : and that ain't so bad But I just ain't got them things : I once have had I got my mind all made up : and I'm going to leave this town I'm a-going so far : till the women can't run me down Now I had a speak-easy: but the police come and closed it down Now it sure is a hard thing : to sell booze around this town I got a woman down in Florida : got two up in Tennessee Got one in Indiana : keeps on pulling after me Now the angels keep singing : the moon shines down at night But the good Lord knows : that the women don't treat me right \L DorsT 13 Dorsey, Thomas A. (Jane Lucas) \C title: Come On In \C place and date: Grafton, Wis., c. Jan. 1931 \C record numbers: (L-719-2) Pm-13104 Riv RM-8803 Oh set right down : and let's have some fun My wife's gone out : on a all-night run Oh take this : take some of that Take anything : in the doggone flat I'll fry some meat : cook some bread You get sleepy : there's a great big bed Oh take this liquor : drink this wine Let's get drunk : and have one good time Take off your shirt : hang it on the chair Take off your socks : and give your feet some air I'm drunk and disorderly : I don't care If you want to : you can pull off your underwear \L DorsT 14 Dorsey, Thomas A. \C title: If You Want Me to Love You \C place and date: New York, 5 Feb. 1932 \C record numbers: (11242-A) Vo-1682 Yz L-1039 Now if you want me to love you : here's what you got to do You want me to love you mama : and make [me, you] love [you, me] too I got to have my loving : when my habit get on Start at nine in the evening : and love me all night long You got to get up early in the morning : fix your lunch And get out early : with that scuffling bunch If I wake up at night : and I wants to eat It's up to you : to get me some of that western meat You got to take all your money : throw it against the wall You take what sticks : and I'll take what falls Take a butcher knife : cut off your head Send me a telegram : that your heart is dead \L Doyl 1 Doyle, Little Buddy \C title: Hard Scufflin' Blues \C place and date: Memphis, 1 July 1939 \C record numbers: (MEM-17-1) OK-05771 Rt RL-329 Scuffling have got so hard : seem like I can't even make a dime I must a-have the wrong woman : seem like can't save money all the time I never want another women : that don't do nothing but hang around She will ??? to your weakness : she will keep you with a turned-down hand Life have gotten miserable : seem like no more happiness to be made But life is really too short : to be worried about them old no-good ways Good Book trying to tell us : where there's a will there's a way But it seem like the *many ways draining* out of me : more and more every day \L Doyl 2 Doyle, Little Buddy \C title: Grief Will Kill You \C place and date: Memphis, 1 July 1939 \C record numbers: (MEM-18-1) Vo-05111 Rt RL-319 Lord grief will kill you : it will get you down to skin and bones And that devil *brother be upstairs* now : Lord after you are dead and gone I once grieved so hard : until I wake up weeping in my sleep But after you continue this life boys : you'll be living down in some graveyard deep Women now about nowadays they don't want to love nobody : and don't worry about the man behind the *left* Boys you better watch them women : because they're just slipping up the kingdom's steps \L Doyl 3 Doyle, Little Buddy \C title: Renewed Love Blues \C place and date: Memphis, 14 July 1939 \C record numbers: (MEM-152-1) OK-05771 Rt RL-329 Now baby let's stop our foolishness : and try to renew love over again Because I can't stay here in this world *after* : in this condition my poor heart's in Now baby I'm going to make you this promise : I make our home happy for you in every way But I want you to take care of my money baby : and please don't give my belongings away Now baby you know I love you : now why can't we get along Maybe some day you will consider baby : Lord and acknowledge that you have done wrong \L Doyl 4 Doyle, Little Buddy \C title: Bad in Mind Blues \C place and date: Memphis, 14 July 1939 \C record numbers: (MEM-153-1) Vo-05111 Rt RL-319 Boys I ain't doing no good : this slow death is killing me Every time *you going out swinging* : I'm just as blue as I can be My mind in such a condition : until I hardly know the days in the week Baby you give me plenty trouble : but some day you bound to see When I'm sleeping deep down in my grave : don't let no high *flat flappers* worry you You can just step out in any yard : that old jimson weed will sure ??? you Now boys you can be cute with your woman : and see won't she do you dirty *ass* She'll forever keep you working : working with your coffin on your back \L East 1 Easton, Amos \C title: No Woman No Nickel \C place and date: Grafton, Wis., c. Oct. 1931 \C record numbers: (L-1120-3) Pm-13109 Yz L-1012 I'm cold in hand : can't get nothing here I'm hungry as a hound : I can't travel nowhere I can't help but worry : how my good friend done Spent my money by the dollar : now won't give me nickel one Mama told me : times and times again Anybody laughs in my face : just can't be my friend Lord look down on poor me : pity my worried cares Help me to rise once more : I'm going to change my free-hearted ways Just give me one friend : to keep me from feeling so sad Lord you know I want a friend : like the one that Adam had \L East 2 Easton, Amos \C title: I'm Waitin' On You \C place and date: New York, 16 Mar. 1932 \C record numbers: (11503-A) Vo-1719 His HLP-31 Come here pretty mama : come here right now I've been waiting on you so long : till I'm burning down I'm waiting on you : I'm waiting on you I'm waiting on you baby : tell me what you going to do I know a good woman well : something going on wrong You ain't never kept me waiting : this lonesome long I wait all last night : all the night before If I have to wait tonight : I'm going to pack my trunk and go If you don't want me baby : just leave me alone I can get another woman : to carry your business on If you meant : to treat me right You wouldn't keep me waiting : all day and night That's all right baby : if you don't want me no more There many more women : just rearing to go \L East 3 Easton, Amos \C title: Green Country Gal \C place and date: New York, 23 Aug. 1936 \C record numbers: (61241-A) De-7440 AH-158 Now I talked and I talked : now I ain't got no more to say Hand me down my jumper : and I'll be on my lonesome way I tried everything baby : don't nothing do no good I can't blame you honey : I'd be the same way if I could You came here from the country : just as green as green could be Now you're a wise city city : and you dodge all over me Well I ain't got no more to say : and I ain't going to chase you around Some day I'll be running : with the biggest shots in town \L EdwF 1 Edwards, Frank \C title: Terraplane Blues \C place and date: Chicago, 28 May 1941 \C record numbers: (C-3811-1) OK-06393 BC-6 I saying I sad and lonesome : Lord what I'm going to do Say I'm going buy me a terraplane : I swear and a V-Eight too Well I'm going to put them both there together : put them out on the road Paint both show mama : got a heavy load Now I saying I sad and lonesome : Lord what I'm going to do Say I'm going to step on that accelerator : till that gas come through Say my gal just quit me now man : pulled in another lane Didn't want to come back : till I bought that airplane Crying please Frank : please let me ride with you Say I got room for two or three more : I swear and you too Says stop now Frank : let's get a sack of flour How can I stop this airplane : making ninety mile an hour Crying please Frank : please let me ride with you Say I can *peel off* that accelerator : and that gas come through \L EdwF 2 Edwards, Frank \C title: We Got to Get Together \C place and date: Chicago, 28 May 1941 \C record numbers: (C-3812-1) OK-06393 BC-6 Hitler cutting the world : gotten disturbed Uncle Sam better decide : and gotten blood in his eye You got to get together : you got to get together Got to closen up together : join one hand in hand Mussolini jumped back : up in the sack Hitler kicked him out : so he couldn't get back Uncle Sam called the men down : name by name He ain't together : but they ready just the same Uncle Sam need a champ : A well trained man : when you leave camp Well left my woman : standing in the door Crying Lord they mustn't let him : please don't go \L EdwJ 1 Edwards, Joe (Butterbeans and Susie) \C title: Construction Gang \C place and date: New York, 12 Sept. 1924 \C record numbers: (72817-B) OK-8163 Sw S-1240 Now there is something : you say that you expect Now come and tell me what it is : that I neglect Come and tell your papa : what you want me to do Now just before : I got from you Get up every morning : at half past three Ease out to your job : without disturbing me Now when you come back : you must have plenty of jack Because any *??? still* : really hurts your papa's back I want you to work hard : for me and my brother I want you to come back from work : looking just like first one thing and then another \L EdwJ 2 Edwards, Joe (Butterbeans and Susie) \C title: He Likes It Slow \C place and date: Chicago, 18 June 1926 \C record numbers: (9750-A) OK-8355 Sw S-1240 Says I never like to hurry : I just take my time \L EdwS 1 Edwards, Susie (Butterbeans and Susie) \C title: Construction Gang \C place and date: New York, 12 Sept. 1924 \C record numbers: (72817-B) OK-8163 Sw S-1240 Now here's all I ask of you : kind man I want an answer : I can understand How you get up every morning : at half past three Bring the coal and kindling : make a fire for me Cook your own breakfast : fix your lunch Get your pick and shovel : work with that construction bunch *Seven eighty-three* : without neglect So you bring me all your money : when they pay your check \L EdwS 2 Edwards, Susie (Butterbeans and Susie) \C title: He Likes It Slow \C place and date: Chicago, 18 June 1926 \C record numbers: (9750-A) OK-8355 Sw S-1240 He likes it slow : when he goes to *play* He likes it slow : when he goes to pray When he calls : he never brings no news Always got : them slow-down blues Just like a snail : that man of mine \L EdwT 1 Edwards, Big Boy Teddy \C title: Louise \C place and date: Chicago, 14 June 1934 \C record numbers: (80608-1) BB-B5826 CC-3 Standing on the corner : *all ??? man* Police come along : take me by his hand Led me down : to the county jail Looking for my Louise : to come and go my bail Now the judge have sentenced me : out on the county road On a horse : there's a man he rode He count me in the morning : count me through the day Count me every hour : see if I'd run away It was early in the evening : sun was going down Seen a lady coming : all dressed in brown Looked in her face : and I looked down in her hands Was Louise coming : coming to get her man \L Este 1 Estes, Sleepy John \C title: The Girl I Love, She Got Long Curly Hair \C place and date: Memphis, 24 Sept. 1929 \C record numbers: (55581-1) Vi-V38549 RBF RF-8 Now I'm going to Brownsville : take that right-hand road Lord I ain't going to stop walking : till I get in sweet mama's door Now the girl I'm loving : she got this great long curly hair And her mama and her papa : they sure don't allow me there If you catch my jumper : hanging outside your wall Now you know by that babe : I need my ashes hauled Now what you going to do babe : your dough-roller gone Go in your kitchen : Lord and cook until she come home \L Este 2 Estes, Sleepy John \C title: Broken-Hearted, Ragged and Dirty Too \C place and date: Memphis, 26 Sept. 1929 \C record numbers: (55531-3) Vi-V38582 Rt RL-307 Now I'm broken-hearted : ragged and dirty too And if I clean up pretty mama : may I stay all night with you Now if I can't come in mama : then I'll sit out on your porch Lord I will leave so soon : that your man he won't never know Now I went to my window : but I couldn't see through my blinds I heard the bedsprings popping : and I believe I heard my baby crying Lord how can I feel misery : Lord and feel like you I have a woman in Brownsville : and she *doing the coochie-coo* Now I'm going to Chicago : trying to You know I'm bound to ??? : \L Este 3 Estes, Sleepy John \C title: Diving Duck Blues \C place and date: Memphis, 26 Sept. 1929 \C record numbers: (55596-2) Vi-V38549 RBF RF-8 Now if the river was whiskey : and I was a diving duck I would dive on the bottom : never would come up Don't never take a married woman : to be your friend She will get all your money : give it to her other man Now a married woman : always been my crave Now a married woman : going to carry me to my grave Now ain't it hard : to love someone else *dame* You can't get her when you want her : have to use her when you can Now the sun's going to shine : in my back door some day Now the wind's going to rise : going to blow my blues away Now went to the railroad : and looked up at the sun If the train don't hurry : going to be some walking done \L Este 4 Estes, Sleepy John \C title: Black Mattie Blues \C place and date: Memphis, 2 Oct. 1929 \C record numbers: (56335-1) Vi-V38582 Rt RL-307 Oh Black Mattie : where did you stay last night With your hair all tangled : clothes ain't fitting you right Now when I had money : hello sugar pie Now I'm spending all my money : goodbye country guy Lord my eyes are sorrow : tears come a-rolling down Now you know by that babe : fixed to leave your town Now life ain't worth living : if you ain't with the one you love Now you three times seven : you know what you want to do Now the day that you quit me : I won't be mad with you \L Este 5 Estes, Sleepy John \C title: Milk Cow Blues \C place and date: Memphis, 13 May 1930 \C record numbers: (59918- ) Vi-V38614 RBF RF-202 Now asked sweet mama : let me be her kid She said I might go buggy : and I couldn't keep it hid Well she looked at me : she begin to smile Says I thought I would use you : for my man awhile Now went upstairs : to pack my leaving trunk I never saw no whiskey : the blues done made me sloppy drunk Now some say they *dream* : some say they was But it's a slow consumption : killing you by degrees \L Este 6 Estes, Sleepy John \C title: Street Car Blues \C place and date: Memphis, 13 May 1930 \C record numbers: (59919- ) Vi-V38614 RBF RF-8 Now I know the people : is on the wander everywhere Because they heard of poor John : was going around electric car Now catch it Smith and Park Lord : ride it down to Summer Street Lord I'm going to ease it down in Roebust : catch my baby out on a midnight creep Lord the reason why baby : I I been so long writing to you Because I been studying so hard : Lord how to sing these blues Lord I lost my papa : and my dear mama too Lord I'm going to quit my bad way of living : and visit the Sunday school \L Este 7 Estes, Sleepy John \C title: Watcha Doin' \C place and date: Memphis, 21 May 1930 \C record numbers: (59967- ) Vi-V38628 Rt RL-323 I married my baby : married her for myself Then if I don't keep her : don't want nobody else Now depot agent : don't tell me no lie Did my baby stop here : did she keep in going Now I hate to hear : Illinois Central blow When my shoes get tickled : makes me want to go When a man's out working : know he's doing what's right Some old lowdown rascal : trying to steal his wife Now I got up this morning : couldn't make no time I didn't have no blues : messed all up in mind Now take me baby : I'll be mean no more You can get all my loving : let that black snake go Get up in the morning : grey towel around your head Ask her cook your breakfast : but she never did \L Este 8 Estes, Sleepy John \C title: Poor John Blues \C place and date: Memphis, 21 May 1930 \C record numbers: (59968- ) Vi-V38628 Rt RL-323 Now I'd rather be dead : sleep in an old hollow log And to be here baby : and you doing me like a dog Now : what you want poor John to do Lord I done everything : tried to get along with you Now the woman I'm loving : she got one teeth solid gold Lord that's been the onliest woman : got a mortgage on my soul Now sure as the grass : on Texas earth grow green Lord I ain't crazy : about nobody I ever seen \L Este 9 Estes, Sleepy John \C title: Stack O' Dollars \C place and date: Memphis, 30 May 1930 \C record numbers: (62547-2) Vi-23397 Rt RL-307 Stack of dollars : just as long as I am tall If you be my woman : you can have them all And I heard a rumbling : way down in the ground Must have been somebody : slowly jumping down You see see two women : they walking hand by hand They just thinking of something Lord : how to fool some man And I went on the mountain : I looked down in the sea Niggers had my woman : Lord and the blues had me Baby done quit me : ain't said a mumbling word It weren't nothing that she knowed Lord : just something that she heard \L Este 10 Estes, Sleepy John \C title: My Black Gal Blues \C place and date: Memphis, 30 May 1930 \C record numbers: (62548-2) Vi-23397 Rt RL-307 Black gal she took meth : gave my brown *to her* death If I hadn't've had my pistol : think I would run myself When you see me coming : heist your window high When you see me leaving : hang your head and cry Now if I just had a-listened : what my mama said I would have been at home Lord : in my faro's bed Got a man on your man : kid-man on your kid Lord she done got so buggy : don't try to keep it hid Now I got up this morning : blues all around my bed I turned back my *chivver* : blues all in my bed \L Este 11 Estes, Sleepy John \C title: Down South Blues \C place and date: Chicago, 9 July 1935 \C record numbers: (90094-A) Ch-50001 Sw S-1219 Now I'm going down south : and I'll stay until winter is gone Time that wintertime is gone : I might come back home Now I get up every morning : and I walk to Third and Field And I'm just standing and I'm wondering : Lord just how to make a meal Now the peoples in Memphis : they are walking the streets up and down And you know the time is hard : peoples is starving all over town Now I once have been a lover : baby back in my young days But now baby was so mean : she done drove all my love away Now I've got a girl in Brownsville : she lives down on *Buliphant* Lane But my gal so mean : I'm scared to call her name \L Este 12 Estes, Sleepy John \C title: Stop That Thing \C place and date: Chicago, 9 July 1935 \C record numbers: (90095-A) Ch-50001 Sw S-1219 Now mama killed a chicken : and thought it was a duck Put him on the table : with his legs straight up ??? : with your cup and glass Catch the liquor : just to make me laugh Now I went upstairs to sleep a little bit : went back to sleep a little more The old bed fell down : had to sleep on the floor Old Aunt Dinah : walking down the street When she walk : she begin to creep Skin on her head : just as tight as a drum A little song : called deedle dee dum One could beat it : and one could sing One tell you : why don't you do that thing Now a bow-legged rooster : and a knock-kneed hen Both run together : but they ain't no kin Now the monkey and the baboon : sitting on the fence The monkey told the baboon : you got no sense \L Este 13 Estes, Sleepy John \C title: Someday Baby Blues \C place and date: Chicago, 9 July 1935 \C record numbers: (90096-A) Ch-50068 Br-87.504 I don't care how long you gone : I won't care how long you stay But that good kind treatment : bring you back home some day Now if that wind : that chilly old breeze Come blowing : through your B V Ds If you don't quit betting : boys them dice won't pass It's going to send you a-home : on your yas yas yas It ain't but the one thing : that give a man the blues He ain't got no bottom : in his last pair of shoes I telled all the people : in your neighborhood You's a no-good woman : you don't mean no good \L Este 14 Estes, Sleepy John \C title: Who's Been Tellin' You Buddy Brown Blues \C place and date: Chicago, 9 July 1935 \C record numbers: (90097-A) Ch-50068 Sw S-1219 Baby who : I mean who been telling you Babe whosoever told you : they did not tell you true Now have you ever tried loving : and you can't get it out of your mind And if you could find someone : to treat you loving and kind Now you used to be sweet : but I can't name you sweet no more Because every time I come to your house : some man hanging around your door Now I'm going to get up in the morning : and I'm going to do like Buddy Brown Know I'm going to eat my breakfast : I believe I'll lay back down Now I know my dog : [anywhere, wherever] I hear him bark Know I can tell my little woman : if I feel her in the dark \L Este 15 Estes, Sleepy John \C title: Married Woman Blues \C place and date: Chicago, 17 July 1935 \C record numbers: (90175-A) Ch-50048 OJL-21 Now don't never take : a married woman to be your friend She will get all your money : to her same man back again Now my sweet woman : she always *doing my cleans* Now my little woman : won't help me sell my greens Now I looked down the railroad : till my eyes got *green* and sore If you don't stop tomorrow : then ??? will be my goal Now it must've be traintime : I hear the whistle blow Now it blow just like : it ain't going to blow no more Now just as sure as the grass : on the ground grow green I ain't crazy faro : woman that I ever seen \L Este 16 Estes, Sleepy John \C title: Drop Down Mama \C place and date: Chicago, 17 July 1935 \C record numbers: (90176-A) Ch-50048 OJL-21 Now drop down baby : let your ??? be I know : just what you trying to pull on me Well mama you don't allow me : to fool around all night long Now I may look like I'm crazy : poor John do know right from wrong Go away from my window : quit scratching on my screen You were badly mistreated : I know just what you mean Some of these womens : sure do make me *charged* Have a handful of give-me : a mouthful of much-obliged Woman I'm loving : wants *me sell this gold* That's the onliest woman : a mortgage on my soul See me coming : put your men outdoors You know I ain't no stranger : done been here before \L Este 17 Estes, Sleepy John \C title: Government Money \C place and date: New York, 2 Aug. 1935 \C record numbers: (62461-A) De-7414 Sw S-1219 Now on the farm : they all have joined the government loan Now the government give you three years chance : and you could have something of your own Now the government furnish you a milkcow : a rooster and some portion of hen You know long through the spring : then you can have some money to spend Now the women used to [count, holler] on the bonus : but they are [hollering, counting] on the *rent* check now You know I didn't go to the army : but I am using this government money anyhow Now the governor he fought : for the plant of plenty corn and wheat You know long through the winter : you can have something to eat \L Este 18 Estes, Sleepy John \C title: I Wanta Tear It All the Time \C place and date: New York, 2 Aug. 1935 \C record numbers: (62462-A) De-7342 Sw S-1219 Tear it long : tear it wide Can tear it down : to my sides Tear it for the young : tear it for the old I can tear it : just dry long so Tear it on the street : tear it on the shore Know by that : I want to tear it some more Tear it in the yard : tear it at the gate Know by that : I can tear it of late Tear it for Mae : tear it for Joe You know by that : I want to tear it some more Tear it in the morning : late at night You know by that : I didn't tear it just right \L Este 19 Estes, Sleepy John \C title: Vernita Blues \C place and date: New York, 2 Aug. 1935 \C record numbers: (62463-A) De-7342 Cor CP-58 Vernita : honey what do you want me to do Now I've done everything : but I can't get along with you Now if you see Vernita : tell her hurry home Had no loving : since she been gone Vernita : baby where did you stay last night Now you come home this morning : babe the moon was shining bright Now I met Alberta : way out across the sea Now she didn't write no letter : and she didn't care for me Vernita : could anything I do to change your mind Now I could come to love you : if you would treat me nice and kind \L Este 20 Estes, Sleepy John \C title: I Ain't Gonna Be Worried No More \C place and date: New York, 2 Aug. 1935 \C record numbers: (62464-A) De-7414 Sw S-1219 You know I worried last night : all night before You know by that : I won't be worried no more I was worried for you : I was worried for me You know by that : I'm going to let it be Now look here baby : see what you done done Made me love you : now your man done come Now my baby doing something : that I never could stand I believe she's running : with a cooncan game Now I bought some slippers : I bought some socks Come home last night : had the back door locked \L Este 21 Estes, Sleepy John \C title: Floating Bridge \C place and date: New York, 2 Aug. 1935 \C record numbers: (62465-A) De-7442 RBF RF-8 Now I never will forget : that floating bridge Tell me five minutes time : under water I was hid When I was going down : I throwed up my hands Please : take me on dry land Now they carried me in the house : and they laid me across the bank About a gallon and a half of muddy water : I had drank They dried me off : and they laid me in the bed Couldn't hear nothing : but muddy water running through my head Now my mother often taught me : quit playing a bum Go somewhere : settle down and make a crop Now the people standing on the bridge : screaming and crying Lord have mercy : where we going \L Este 22 Estes, Sleepy John \C title: Need More Blues \C place and date: New York, 2 Aug. 1935 \C record numbers: (62466-A) De-7365 RBF RF-8 Need-more : it has hung a-many men And that's the reason : I believe I'll make a change Now something to tell you : keep it to yourself Don't tell your sister : don't tell nobody else Now bought some gloves : bought you some socks I believe poor John : he needs a box Now look a-here baby : see what you done done Done made me love you : now your man done come Now take me back : won't do you mean no more Get all my loving : you let Mr so-and-so go \L Este 23 Estes, Sleepy John \C title: Jack and Jill Blues \C place and date: New York, 3 Aug. 1935 \C record numbers: (62479-A) De-7365 RBF RF-8 Now the sun going to shine : in my back door some day Now the wind going to rise : blow my blues away Now sure as the stars : shine in the world above You know life is too short : to worry about the one you love Now I ain't got no woman : ain't got no *child to school* Reason I'm hanging around here : sticking here dry long so Now you never have told me : how you want your rolling done Now I believe you must a-want me : to roll from sun to sun Now it was late last night : when everything was still Now me and my baby : was playing old Jack and Jill \L Este 24 Estes, Sleepy John \C title: Poor Man's Friend \C place and date: New York, 3 Aug. 1935 \C record numbers: (62480-A) De-7442 RBF RF-11 Well well when you see *lindy women* : I want you to throw your wives in the van Well well probably next spring : hey I'm going to rig up my T Model again Well well the T Model Ford : I say is the poor man's friend Well well it will get you there : hey well when your money is spent Well well one thing about the T Model : you don't have to shift no gears Well well just let down the brake and feed the gas : hey and the stuff is here Well well a V-Eight Ford : and it done took to style Well well they raised it all the way from ninety : hey down to a hundred miles Well well somebody : they done stole my wine on the road Well well it's find somebody : hey got a T Model Ford \L Este 25 Estes, Sleepy John \C title: Hobo Jungle Blues \C place and date: New York, 3 Aug. 1935 \C record numbers: (62481-A) De-7354 Sw S-1219 Now when I left Chicago : I left on that G and M Then if I reach my home : I'll be changed all on that L and N Now I came in all in that Main West : and I putted down at Chicago Heights Now you know it didn't hobo John none : and that's where I stayed all night Now if you hobo in Brownsville : you better not be peeping out Now Mr Whitten will get you : and Mr Guy will wear you out Now out east of Brownsville : about four miles from town Now if you ain't got your fare : that's where they will let you down \L Este 26 Estes, Sleepy John \C title: Airplane Blues \C place and date: New York, 3 Aug. 1935 \C record numbers: (62482-A) De-7354 Sw S-1219 I'm going to get in my airplane I'm going to get in my airplane : I'm going to ride all over I'm going to ride all over your town Then if I spy the woman I'm loving : poor John going to let this air poor John going to let this airplane down Here's my hand here's my hand : you can lead me where you want you can lead me where you want me to go Then if you lead me wrong this time : you won't lead me no and you won't lead me no more I know my baby I know my baby : and she's bound to jump and she's bound to jump and shout Now when she gets over to Atlanta : I done rolled them few I done rolled them few days out You three times seven you three times seven : you ought to know what you want you ought to know what you want to do Now the day that you quit me : and I won't be mad with I won't be mad with you Just the day before Christmas just the day before Christmas : let me bring your present let me bring your present tonight Now I will be your Santa Claus : even if my whiskers even if my whiskers is white \L Este 27 Estes, Sleepy John \C title: Everybody Oughta Make a Change \C place and date: New York, 22 Apr. 1938 \C record numbers: (63647-A) De-7571 RBF RF-8 Now change in the ocean : change in the deep blue sea Take me back baby : you'll find some change in me Everybody : they ought to change sometime Because it's soon or late : we have to go down in that old lonesome ground Now change my money : change my honey I change baby : just to keep from being funny Now change my pants : change my shirt I change baby : to get shed of the dirt Now change home : I change town I change baby : all the way around Now change walk : I change talk I change baby : just to keep from being balked \L Este 28 Estes, Sleepy John \C title: Liquor Store Blues \C place and date: New York, 22 Apr. 1938 \C record numbers: (63648-A) De-7491 RBF RF-11 Now if you're ever on *Fourth Street* : I'll tell you what to do Let Mr Peter Adams : get acquainted with you Well you won't have to go : well you won't have to go You can get what you want to : right here in my liquor store He got a little whiskey : he got a little gin All you got to do : is step in the back end I met Mr Peter : down on Monroe Street Come to Fourth Street : right around with me He got some on his floor : he got some on his shelf All you got to do : is just to help yourself Mr Peter Albert : the discount man You ask him for a favor : he won't make you ashamed \L Este 29 Estes, Sleepy John \C title: Easin' Back to Tennessee \C place and date: New York, 22 Apr. 1938 \C record numbers: (63649-A) De-7516 Sw S-1220 Now woke up this morning : couldn't hardly see Snow on the ground : about eight foot deep Lord have mercy : baby what become of me You know I feel just like easing : back down into Tennessee Now call William in the office : want to see you alone I can't do nothing : with this white stuff on Now I'm on the South Side : my buddy on the east I don't know : whether he got any place to sleep Say car can't go : margin too slick Probably might slip back : off in a ditch Now twenty-two twenty-four : West *Hubbard* Avenue That's where you get : my nineteen and thirty-two \L Este 30 Estes, Sleepy John \C title: Fire Department Blues \C place and date: New York, 22 Apr. 1938 \C record numbers: (63650-A) De-7571 Sw S-1220 Now go call the fire department : for my house is burning down You know that must be little Martha Hardin : because it's on the north side of town I said the people is running : and I wonder who could it be You know that must be little Martha Hardin : I saw them turn down on Wilson Street When you see the chief : boys please clear the street Because you know he's going down : save little Martha Hardin's house for me She's a hard-working woman : you know her salary is very small Then when she pay up her house rent : that don't leave anything for insurance at all Now I wrote little Martha a letter : five days it returned back to me You know little Martha Hardin's house done burnt down : she done moved on Bathurst Street \L Este 31 Estes, Sleepy John \C title: Clean Up at Home \C place and date: New York, 22 Apr. 1938 \C record numbers: (63651-B) De-7516 Sw S-1220 I washed my clothes : I hanged them by the fire Get up in the morning : they be finally dry I went to the ??? : trying to make me a dime Say go away boy : clean up and get on some time Five cent cap : and ten cent suit Then you all think : I'm trying to act cute I done something : that you can't do Go down on State Street : get a one potful stew I played for the colored : I play for the white All you got to do : act kind of nice \L Este 32 Estes, Sleepy John \C title: New Someday Blues \C place and date: New York, 22 Apr. 1938 \C record numbers: (63652-A) De-7473 RBF RF-8 When trouble first started : down in my front door Seems like I had more trouble : in my life before Now trouble in the morning : trouble late at night Seems like I'm treated : every way but right Now you got a little woman : she won't treat you right Feed you in the day : go out with some man at night I wonder what's the matter : can't get no mail Had a dream last night : black cat crossed my trail I know my baby : tell you how I know By the great long hair : same little dress she wore Now look a-here baby : see what you done done You done made me love you : now your man done come \L Este 33 Estes, Sleepy John \C title: Brownsville Blues \C place and date: New York, 22 Apr. 1938 \C record numbers: (63653-A) De-7473 RBF RF-8 Now I can straighten your wires : you know poor Vasser can grind your valves Man when I turn your motor loose : and it sure will split the air Now Vasser can line your wheels : you know poor Vasser can tune your horn Then when he set it out on the highway : you can hear your motor hum Now my generator is bad : and you know my lights done stopped And I reckon I'd better take it over to Durhamville : and I'm going to stop at Vasser Williams' shop Now I were raised in Lauderdale County : you know I was schooled on Winfield Lane Then what I made of myself : I declare it was a crying shame Now Brownsville is my home : and you know I ain't going to throwed it down Because I'm acquainted with John Law : and they won't let me down \L Este 34 Estes, Sleepy John \C title: Special Agent \C place and date: New York, 22 Apr. 1938 \C record numbers: (63654-A) De-7491 RBF RF-1 Now when I left for Richmond : the weather was kind of cool Said boy you all be careful : probably you might catch the flu Now I *swung that manifest* : I went down in the three rail *box* Now I couldn't hear the special agent : when he come tipping over *soft* Now some special agents up the country : sure is hard on a man Now they will put him off when he hungry : and won't even let him ride no train Now I was setting down in Centralia : and I sure was feeling bad Now they wouldn't let me ride no fast train : they put me off on a doggone *drag* Now special agent special agent : put me off close to some town Now I got to do some recording : and I ought to be recording right now \L Este 35 Estes, Sleepy John \C title: Mailman Blues \C place and date: Chicago, 4 June 1940 \C record numbers: (93004-A) De-7789 Sw S-1220 Mailman : please stop by my box today You know I'm looking for a letter from my baby : you know I want to hear from her right away Reason I ain't been getting no mail : you know I done found out what it's all about You know the mailman been getting drunk : he been leaving my mail at somebody else's house Now I been waiting on the mailman : he usually come around about eleven o'clock Now I guess he must have had car trouble : or either the road must be blocked Mailman : please don't you lose your head You know I'm looking for a letter from my babe : some of my people might be dead \L Este 36 Estes, Sleepy John \C title: Time Is Drawing Near \C place and date: Chicago, 4 June 1940 \C record numbers: (93005-A) De-7789 Sw S-1220 Now it used to be the time : be getting two bucks a day But now we getting fifty cents : *running down* proper pay Time : time is drawing near Now can't you see : more and more every year Now I remember back in time : before we got grown Be damned : to let sundown catch a ??? on Now my mother used to say : the sign will be We couldn't tell summer from winter : no more by the birds and of the trees Now it used to be the time : get a corn crop in March But now we can't get one in June : and neither July Now you'd go to the church : just to work for soul But now we go : to buy one another's clothes \L Este 37 Estes, Sleepy John \C title: Mary Come On Home \C place and date: Chicago, 4 June 1940 \C record numbers: (93006-A) De-7814 Sw S-1220 Stopped little Mary : across the creek Soon as I got her : somebody took her from me Love little Mary : always will Once in town : she liked to got me killed Took little Mary : down to Tipton *bell* All the time she was out : she was raising hell Down in *Lake* County : in that gumbo mud Where the mosquito bills : keep a-biting through her tub You get to *Stanford* : and look all around Ask anybody : little Mary in town \L Este 38 Estes, Sleepy John \C title: Jailhouse Blues \C place and date: Chicago, 4 June 1940 \C record numbers: (93007-A) De-7814 RBF RF-8 Now I was sitting in jail : with my eyes all full of tears You know I'm glad I didn't get lifetime : boys and I escaped the electric chair Now I consulted lawyers : and I know darn well I was wrong You know I couldn't get a white man in Brownsville : yes to even say they would go my bond Now the sheriff he arrest me : and he march me around front of the circuit court You know I knowed the thing was getting kind of *squally* : I heard the city judge when he set up his court Now no more stewball : yes and neither no more white rice Now you ought need not feel uneasy : you won't have to take this workhouse advice \L Este 39 Estes, Sleepy John \C title: Tell Me About It \C place and date: Chicago, 4 June 1940 \C record numbers: (93008-A) De-7766 Sw S-1220 *Some* was good : some said mean All these *cotton nip* : ain't got no tea Ever in Brownsville : go into nineteen Old *Tim Lepson* : *get stoned on gin* Tommy so tall : *no shine* low Everybody in Brownsville : say he got a-plenty of dough He *rattle his field* : get *a ??? rule* Ask for a little money : he say boys share the mule *Stone* live in country : Mr ??? live in town Soon that morning : Mr ??? hit that black line ??? on the ??? : ??? on the truck *Men say why* : *and hog people's stuff* \L Este 40 Estes, Sleepy John \C title: Drop Down \C place and date: Chicago, 4 June 1940 \C record numbers: (93009-A) De-7766 Sw S-1220 My old lady coming : down the line She was low in front : she was bouncy behind I believe I'll drop down : I don't feel welcome here Now I'm going to get me a woman : for the brand new coming year Went to the barber shop : to get me a shine Say go away darky : to that door around the line Now an old lady : had a jug of wine Say go away son : you can't play the *lion* Look here baby : see what you done done You made me love you : now your man done come Way down yonder : in the old West End Women out there : look like sex of men \L Este 41 Estes, Sleepy John \C title: You Shouldn't Do That \C place and date: Chicago, 24 Sept. 1941 \C record numbers: (064916-1) BB-B8915 BC-7 Don't a man do wrong : till a man make hisself at home He may come back : catch his head while you lay on Men goes and gambles : lose all his change He come back home : his little wife has to bear the blame Don't a man act funny : when a single woman ease in town He stay out all night : he throw his home girl down I knowed you never loved me : when you fell down on my knees You had been drinking that old moonshine : trying to jive poor me I won't play marbles : on my baby's marble ground I won't be worried with the ??? : I'm going to move out to the edge of town \L Este 42 Estes, Sleepy John \C title: Lawyer Clark Blues \C place and date: Chicago, 24 Sept. 1941 \C record numbers: (064924-1) BB-B8871 RCA LPV-518 Now got offices in town : resident out on *Sentry* Road He got a nice little lake : right inside the grove But you know I like Mr Clark : yes he really is my friend He say if I just stay out of the [grave, graveyard] : he see that I won't go to the pen Now Mr Clark is a lawyer : his youngest brother is too When the battles get hot : he tell him just what to do Now he lawyers for the rich : he lawyers for the poor He don't try to rob nobody : just bring *along to the store* Now once I got in trouble : you know I was going to take a ride He didn't let it reach the courthouse : he kept it on the outside Now Mr Clark is a good lawyer : he good as I ever seen He the first man that proved : that water run upstream \L Este 43 Estes, Sleepy John \C title: Little Laura Blues \C place and date: Chicago, 24 Sept. 1941 \C record numbers: (064925-1) BB-B8871 RCA LPV-518 Little Laura was a gal : she was sixteen Her *dammy dam* won't listen : to her dream Little Laura was a dreamer : dream those disturbing dreams She's the dreamingest gal : dreamingest gal I ever seen Now she dreamed : she was going with the man next door She dreamed : she was kissing his oh oh oh She dreamed : she was riding in some man's automobile She's the dreamingest gal : dreamingest gal I ever seen Now she dreamed : she was sitting in the grass by the mill She dreamed : she had taken me from the gal on the hill Little Laura was a dreamer : most all of the dreams *forecast* She's the dreamingest gal : dreamingest gal I ever seen Now she dreamed : I was hugging her close to my breast She told Jimmy that much of the dream : but she wouldn't tell the rest Now she dreamed about love : from kissing on down She's the dreamingest gal : for miles around Little Laura was a dreamer : most all of her dreams come true She had dream all about loving : and she know just what to do \L Este 44 Estes, Sleepy John \C title: Working Man Blues \C place and date: Chicago, 24 Sept. 1941 \C record numbers: (064926-1) BB-B8950 RBF RF-8 Now you done spent all my nineteen forty rent : woman you done worked on my substitute Then if you don't reach that nineteen forty-one : ooh babe what in the world you going to do Now you ought to cut off so many trucks and tractors : white folks you ought to work more mules and men Then you know that would make : ooh boy money get thick again Now when a man gets to gambling : you know he's turning his stocks into feed He say he going to sell his corn and buy gas : ooh boys pour it in the automobile Now I been studying I been wondering : what makes a man turn the ground over in the wintertime You know let the snow and rain rot the grass : ooh boys that make fertilizer for the ground Now the government give us a school in Brownsville : boy you know I think that's very nice You know the children can go in the daytime : ooh boys and the old folks have it at night \L EvanJ 1 Evans, Joe \C title: New Huntsville Jail \C place and date: New York, 20 May 1931 \C record numbers: (10651-2) Or-8080 His HLP-8002 Write me a letter : and send it by mail I want you to tell my dear old mother : I'm in the New Huntsville jail I want you to tell her beans is tough : and the meat is so fat I want you to tell my dear old mother : it's hard for me to eat that If I had a-listened : what my mother said I might have been rolling : somewheres in a folding bed But I fooled around : with my long *harred* Now I'm laying here in this New Huntsville jail : and I'm almost dead Ashes to ashes : and dust to dust And if God don't have me : you know the devil must As I lay down in my cell at night : I tries so hard to take my rest Cockroaches and chinches : begin to crawl over my breast \L EvanJ 2 Evans, Joe \C title: Sitting on Top of the World \C place and date: New York, 21 May 1931 \C record numbers: (10659-1) Ba-32211 His HLP-8002 Worked all the summer : and all the fall Just trying to find : my little all and all Was in the spring : one summer day Just when she left me : she's gone to stay Needn't come here running : holding up your hands I can get me a woman : quick as you can a man It have been days : I didn't know your name Why should I worry : and cry in vain Going down to the station : down in the yard Going to catch me a freight train : when times got hard The lonesome days : have done gone by Why should you beg me : and say goodbye \L EvanJ 3 Evans, Joe \C title: Down in Black Bottom \C place and date: New York, 21 May 1931 \C record numbers: (10664-1) Or-8083 Yz L-1015 You go down Black Bottom : put your money in your shoe Because the Black Bottom women gal : ain't going to do nothing but take it away from you They don't care nothing : about what in the world they do They'd sooner take that money : out of the bottom of your shoe They'll take your money : and they'll take your clothes And one of them tell the police next morning : *partner* Now run here mama : and run here quick Just take a look out here in the back yard : just look at sis Come in here sis : you dirty little thing Out there trying to be something : and you don't know how I got me a woman : she lives way down in Tennessee Just big as black and greasy : great God as greasy can be Her head is nappy : and her feet done got long Take God to tell : who she been waiting on \L EvanJ 4 Evans, Joe \C title: Shook It This Morning Blues \C place and date: New York, 21 May 1931 \C record numbers: (10665-2) Or-8083 Yz L-1015 Now I shook it this morning : baby until late last night And when I come in twelve o'clock : ??? shake it up right Said now if I could holler : just like a mountain jack I would crawl up on some mountain : holler for that woman back Two kind of people : baby I can't understand A bow-legged woman : likes a knock-kneed man Now when you see two women : running hand in hand You can bet your life : one's got the other's man ??? *upped* and come here : caught me in a barrel I ain't even got no friends : even got no gal I got a rock for my pillow : treetop for my bed I ain't got nowheres : to lay my weary head \L Ezel 1 Ezell, Will \C title: Pitchin' Boogie \C place and date: Richmond, Ind., 20 Sept. 1929 \C record numbers: (15650) Pm-12855 Mil MLP-2018 Now look here girl : put on your best dress We going to see : who can do the boogie-woogie the best Now look over : where them girls got them dress of green I swear to God : this boogie too mean Get a half pint of moonshine : two or three bottles of beer I believe : I'll pitch the boogie right here Get all your moonshine : get all your beer Close the door : ain't going to let nobody up here \L FloN 1 Florence, Nellie \C title: Jacksonville Blues \C place and date: Atlanta, 21 Apr. 1928 \C record numbers: (146174-1) Co-14342-D OJL-6 Let me be your wiggler : until your wobbler come If she beats me wiggling : she got to wobble some Women crying danger : but I ain't raising my hand I got a way of loving : they just can't understand Men they call me oven : they say that I'm red-hot They say I got something : the other gals ain't got I can strut my pudding : spread my grease with ease Because I know my onions : that's why I always please Wild about coffee : but I'm crazy about China tea But this sugar daddy : is sweet enough for me One John in the city : one lives up on the hill But the man I'm loving : lives down in Jacksonville \L FloN 2 Florence, Nellie \C title: Midnight Weeping Blues \C place and date: Atlanta, 21 Apr. 1928 \C record numbers: (146175-2) Co-14342-D OJL-6 I moaned I moaned : I cried the whole night long I was wondering : where in the world my man done gone I'd rather be dead : in some lonesome place Than for my man : keeps treating me this a-way When you see two of you women : going hand in hand You can judge by that : they got one of the other one's man I went to the Gypsy : to get my fortune told *Said the evil* is hard luck : doggone your hard-luck soul I said Lord Lord : something going on wrong Because the man I love : done been here and gone I turned around : and two of them Gypsies I told Say Nellie needs a man : most anywhere you go I went to my bedside : hung my head and cried Got a letter from my man : that my man had died I hung my head : and I cried the whole night long Said I'm right upset : and I've got those weeping blues \L FosD 1 Foster, Dessa \C title: Tell It to the Judge No. 1 \C place and date: Chicago, c. 28 Jan. 1931 \C record numbers: (C-7238-A) Me-M12117 Yz L-1031 I'm telling you this morning : I'm tired of you searching my house I have a notion this morning : beating you up and throwing you out The hell with the search warrant : go look and see what you can find You ain't never found no liquor : and you searched my house two or three times Give me a break : don't make me pay no fine That judge is going to lick me : because I been here so many times \L FosD 2 Foster, Dessa \C title: Tell It to the Judge No. 2 \C place and date: Chicago, c. 28 Jan. 1931 \C record numbers: (C-7239-?) Me-M12117 Yz L-1031 I'm guilty kind old judge : please treat me nice and kind For I'll stay home and try my best : to get money to pay my fine I never seen : a judge as mean as you before Sending me a poor woman : and letting everybody else go You can do as you please : thirty days won't make me cry When I come back I'm going to gamble : and sell moonshine all my life \L FoxJ 1 Fox, John D. \C title: The Worried Man Blues \C place and date: Richmond, Ind., 14 Dec. 1927 \C record numbers: (GEX-1011-A) Ge-6352 OJL-10 On a Sunday morning : just about half past four My babe took my hand : said daddy I can't use you no more Lord I may get better : babe I can't get well I'm going back to my used-to-be : and baby it's country farewell Lord I'm worried now : but I won't be worried long It takes a man like me : to carry this worried song Baby I've been worried so long : that worrying don't bother me But ain't nobody here babe : to take pity on poor me I've got a good girl : and I've got a lazy friend And if I tell about her : he always tell me where she been I always will have trouble : until I'm dead and gone If you will love me mama : you'd never treat me wrong \L FoxJ 2 Fox, John D. \C title: The Moanin' Blues \C place and date: Richmond, Ind., 15 Dec. 1927 \C record numbers: (GEX-1019-A) Ge-6352 Rt RL-334 And I got a letter from my baby : and it said that she was dying I have to catch this mail train : I'm going back home flying Now when I came in your town babe : I didn't come here to stay long Now *do you believe that I gone back to her people* : but my baby knowed that I was gone Lordy Lordy : Lordy Lordy Lord The only little girl that I love : she treats me like a dog I'm going to leave you baby : your crying won't make me stay But it's just like I told you : you're going to need my help some day Mama I'm the same man : you just only changed your ways ??? *has beaten* mama : you're going to be sorry some day \L FulB 1 Fuller, Blind Boy \C title: I'm a Rattlesnakin' Daddy \C place and date: New York, 23 July 1935 \C record numbers: (17862-2) ARC-6-01-56 BC-11 I woke up this morning : about half past four Somebody knocking : on my back door Yes he rattle this morning : about half past three Half past four : he want to rattle some more I got a range in my kitchen : bake bread nice and brown Get my rattlesnake daddy : turn my damper upside down I can rattle to the left : rattle to the right My woman said I believe my rattlesnake daddy : can rattle all night I rattle every morning : till late at night Reason why : my rattlesnake mama don't allow me out of her sight Now the old folks rattling : the young ones too Ain't nobody rattle : just like the way I do Yes I rattled this morning : about half past ten Half past nine : I'm going to rattle again \L FulB 2 Fuller, Blind Boy \C title: Rag, Mama, Rag \C place and date: New York, 25 July 1935 \C record numbers: (17863-2) ARC-35-10-32 BC-6 Says I'm going up to town : hat in my hand Looking for a woman : ain't got no man Just as well be looking : for a needle in the sand Looking for a woman : ain't got no man Says I wouldn't have thought : my baby treat me so Let another man : stayed at my back door Mind mama : what you sow You got to reap : just what you sow Now if you get you one woman : you better get you two One for your buddy : other one for you I's got me a wife : and a sweetheart too Wife don't love me : my sweetheart do Cried my gal hollered murder : I ain't raised my hand Pistol in my pocket : blackjack in my hand Took my gal : under willow tree Ought to hear her hollering : don't murder me \L FulB 3 Fuller, Blind Boy \C title: Stealing Bo-Hog \C place and date: New York, 7 Sept. 1937 \C record numbers: (21627-2) ARC-8-01-65 BC-11 I'm not an elephant baby : my snout is large and round Come to see me mama : when your love some down If you see my pigmeat mama : tell her to hurry home Says some lowdown bo-hog woman : have take my sow-pig from home Yes the reason why I like pigmeat : you know it's nice and sweet My gal she got something : sure is hard to beat Yes she's large in the body : she's neat in the waist My gal she got something : I know you would like to taste Say you get away from my window : don't knock at my door I got me a pigmeat woman : don't need sowbelly no more \L FulB 4 Fuller, Blind Boy \C title: Bye Bye Baby Blues \C place and date: New York, 15 Dec. 1937 \C record numbers: (22156-1) Vo-04843 RBF RF-9 Which a-way which a-way : do that Blood Red River run Run from my window : to that rising sun Now that jumper says loader : please send me six foot of clay Because that Blood Red River mama : is rising six foot a day Go down to the camp : and tell my brother Bill The woman he's loving : is sure going to get him killed Now the reason why these men here : they sure don't draw no more Right from the long table : back to that commissary door Now I love to hear : that M and O whistle blow I'm in a world of trouble God knows : and I got to go Now I got two women : and I don't know one apart There's one in my bosom : t'other one in my heart \L FulB 5 Fuller, Blind Boy \C title: Pistol Snapper Blues \C place and date: New York, 5 Apr. 1938 \C record numbers: (22674-1) Vo-04106 BC-11 I can tell my dog : anywhere I hear him bark I can tell my rider : if I feel her in the dark You's a cold-blooded murderer : when you want me out your way Says that's all right mama : you going need my help some day And you say you going to put me : woman down in my lonesome grave Say you must remember : I once have been your slave And I feel like snapping : my pistol in your face Let some brownskin woman : be here to take your place Now you know you didn't want me : when you lied down across my bed Drinking your moonshine whiskey mama : talking all out your head Now give me the money baby : I'll catch that train and go You don't have to kill me : because you don't want me no more Now if you see my rider : tell her I said bring it home I ain't had no loving : since my gal been gone It's two kind of people in the world : that I can't stand That's a lying woman : and a monkey-man \L FulB 6 Fuller, Blind Boy \C title: Piccolo Rag \C place and date: New York, 5 Apr. 1938 \C record numbers: (22677-1) OK-06437 BC-11 You talk about loving : that sure is *hit* You got me to loving : and it just won't quit Says when I'm on a farm : I hollering whoa haw gee My gal's uptown : hollering who wants me Every night I come home : you got your lips painted red Then come on daddy : let's go to bed Got great big legs : and a little bitty feet Something about you : is sweet sweet sweet You think : you the best-looking gal in town You do that loving : let it go round and round \L FulB 7 Fuller, Blind Boy \C title: Big House Bound \C place and date: possibly Columbia, S.C., 29 Oct. \C 1938 \C record numbers: (SC-25-1) Vo-04897 BC-11 I never will forget the day : they transferred me to the county jail I had shot the woman I love : ain't got no one to come go my bail Then I sent for my friend : please spare the rod Then my friend sent me word : Lord the job was too doggone hard I got friend who's got money : please tell him come go my bail And my friend sent me word : had no business in the county jail Then I felt all right : till the judge turned around and frowned Well I'm sorry for you buddy : but you on your last go-round I says mmm : ain't got nobody now Well I got nobody : Lord come and go my bail I says mmm : I mean come and go my bail \L FulB 8 Fuller, Blind Boy \C title: You've Got Something There \C place and date: Memphis, 12 July 1939 \C record numbers: (MEM-102-1) Vo-05083 BC-11 The day I went uptown : caught you looking well She fell down : her mouth flew open like a country well Now if you go out : stay all night ??? : *about a* fuss and fight She's built up a little : and I stay around She can look up : long as you can look down Get out now boys : and let me shut the door I got to *cup them* : before I go Going to tell you boys : just to call you my pals A mighty bad sign : to advertise your gals \L FulB 9 Fuller, Blind Boy \C title: Step It Up and Go \C place and date: New York, 5 Mar. 1940 \C record numbers: (26592-A) Vo-05476 BC-11 Had a little girl : she was little and low Used to love me : but she don't no more Got a little girl : she stays upstairs Try to make a living : by putting on airs Front door shut : back one too Blinds pulled down : what you going to do Now I got a little gal : whose name was ball Give her a little bit : and she took it all Me and my baby : walking down the street Dealing everybody : but the chief of police See my woman : tell her to hurry home Ain't had no loving : since she been gone I'll sing this verse : ain't going to sing no more Hear my gal call me : and I got to go \L FulB 10 Fuller, Blind Boy \C title: Somebody's Been Talkin' \C place and date: New York, 6 Mar. 1940 \C record numbers: (26599-A) Vo-05527 Rt RL-318 I hate to see : that rising sun go down It makes me believe : my woman got me on my last go-round She used to be mine : but look who got her now She didn't mean me no good : God knows I couldn't keep her nohow Said hear me mama : who in the world been telling you You don't even treat me : nothing like you used to do Said it may be a week : and it could be a month or two But when I get lucky gal : I'm coming right back to you Said a woman I love : she rolled all over the bed She got the kind of loving : make me talk out of my head She got coal-black eyes : she got long black curly hair My baby got something : to lead me most anywhere I hate to see : that rising sun go down Lord I got a notion : my woman done and left this town \L FulB 11 Fuller, Blind Boy \C title: Three Ball Blues \C place and date: New York, 6 Mar. 1940 \C record numbers: (26600-A) Vo-05440 BC-11 I was walking around the streets : hear somebody call me and I can't stop Yeah I was broke and I was hungry : on my way to the pawnshop Says I went to the pawnshop : great God with my shoes in my hand Says give me a loan Mr pawnshop man : and help me if you can Says I called up in Burlington : ask my bossman to help me if he please Says please hurry up and do something : great God I'm about to freeze He wrote me and told me : just be sure it's one and two and three Yeah that pawnshop something : great God that come falling down on poor me Says I'm about to lose my home : I've done and lost my car Yeah I'm going down to the pawnshop : see can I pawn my guitar Says I asked that pawnshop man : what the three balls doing hanging on that wall Says it's two to one buddy : you don't get your things back out of here at all \L FulB 12 Fuller, Blind Boy \C title: Good Feeling Blues \C place and date: New York, 7 Mar. 1940 \C record numbers: (26616-A) OK-06231 BC-11 You got a little woman : she won't treat you right Leave in the day : and go back nights When I called this morning : about half past one Wake up baby : loving has just begun Said I know my little woman : going to change her mind When she walks : she reels and rocks behind Says I told my baby : about half past two Wake up mama : loving ain't half through Says my woman she quit me : keep me worried and blue Take me in your arms and love me : like you used to do Then I called her this morning : about half past ten Wake up mama : loving is just began \L FulB 13 Fuller, Blind Boy \C title: Crooked Woman Blues \C place and date: New York, 7 Mar. 1940 \C record numbers: (26619-A) Vo-05527 Rt RL-318 You can always tell : when your woman don't want you around She will put you in jail : six feet in the ground Yeah locked up in jail : and I just can't help myself Yeah when I get out : I'm going to find me someone else Yeah I don't believe no woman : in the whole round world do right She act like an angel in the daytime : crooked as the devil at night Said I got the blues : been had them all day long And when I get my pistol : I won't have them long Yeah I know my woman : tell you how I know By the great long hair : and the same little dress she wore \L FulB 14 Fuller, Blind Boy \C title: Bus Rider Blues \C place and date: Chicago, 19 June 1940 \C record numbers: (WC-3139-A) OK-05933 BC-11 Going to catch that old Greyhound : going to ride from town going to ride from town to town Then I will find my little woman : don't think she can't be don't think she can't be found Now Mr redcap porter : won't you help me with my heavy won't you help me with my heavy load Say now my woman she done and quit me : she's far on down the she's far on down the road Then I know my little woman : she bound to love she bound to love me some When she throws her arms around poor me : like the circle around a like the circle around the sun It's the day before Christmas : let me bring your presents let me bring your presents tonight Then I will be your Santy Claus : says even if my whiskers says even if my whiskers ain't white \L FulB 15 Fuller, Blind Boy \C title: You Got to Have Your Dollar \C place and date: Chicago, 19 June 1940 \C record numbers: (WC-3140-A) OK-05712 His HLP-31 When I had money : I had women and friends for miles around Yeah now I'm broke : women and friends they can't be found Says I'm talking about a dollar : I mean a dollar bill And I just got your dollar : you sure can get your order filled Said if I could only read : read my little woman's mind Then I wouldn't be here worrying : and stayed blue all the time My baby keep me guessing : about things I want to know Yes she got me doing things : that I never did before \L FulB 16 Fuller, Blind Boy \C title: Thousand Women Blues \C place and date: Chicago, 19 June 1940 \C record numbers: (WC-3142-A) OK-05657 RBF RF-202 I ain't never loved : but a thousand women in my life Now the love I have for you woman : God knows it sure is strong Then if you love me now woman : then you won't do nothing wrong Now my woman please don't worry : baby while I'm out of your town Now the love I have for you mama : God knows it can't be turned around Now my little woman : I said she's sweet as she can be Every time I kiss her : send a cold chill run over me \L Gait 1 Gaither, Bill \C title: Georgia Barrel House \C place and date: Chicago, 12 June 1940 \C record numbers: (WC-3104-A) OK-05714 His HLP-31 I know you from Georgia : but you are all right with me And if you love me : I wonder what can it be You was once a good girl : and I had faith in you But when you started to drinking : Lord that's too bad to do Drinking won't help you none : crying won't do no good Before day in the morning : I'll be done left your neighborhood I'm going to drink one of these nights : and tell my sober thoughts You know what I mean : give me back everything I bought \L GibB 1 Gibson, Cleo \C title: I've Got Ford Movements in My Hips \C place and date: Atlanta, 14 Mar. 1929 \C record numbers: (402311) OK-8700 Sw S-1240 I've got Ford engine movements in my hips : ten thousand miles guarantee A Ford is a car everybody wants to ride : jump in you will see You can all have the Rolls Royal : your Packard and Studs Take a Ford engine boys : to do your stuff \L GibB 2 Gibson, Cleo \C title: Nothing But the Blues \C place and date: Atlanta, 14 Mar. 1929 \C record numbers: (402312) OK-8700 Sw S-1240 I'm so blue : just as blue as I can be Because every day : is a cloudy day for me I went to the depot : and looked up on the board Oh I asked the operator : how long that train been gone Oh it left here this evening : just about five o'clock Oh that must have been the train : that my good man caught Oh what makes my grandpa : love my grandma so She's got the same old jelly : she had forty years ago I'm going to Washington : to get my hambone boiled Because these mens in Atlanta : about to let my hambone spoil \L GibC 1 Gibson, Clifford \C title: Beat You Doing It \C place and date: Long Island City, c. June 1929 \C record numbers: (482-A) QRS-R7087 Yz L-1027 I've have the blues about my money : had the blues because I'm feeling bad But when my sweet woman quit me : them was the worst blues I ever had You can ever so much money : and friends of different kinds But to find someone to love you : I swear they're hard to find If you should find someone to love you : someone to treat you right You must be kind and loving : and don't run around at night Because a woman's very funny : she wants you around her all the time And find you's been gone : some old rounder might change her mind Don't you never believe : your woman thinks too much of you Because there's always been some good man : to beat you doing what you're trying to do \L GibC 2 Gibson, Clifford \C title: Whiskey Moan Blues \C place and date: Long Island City, c. June 1929 \C record numbers: (483-A) QRS-R7087 Yz L-1006 I been drinking and gambling : barrelhousing all my days But I found someone to love me : I'm going to change my ways I've always heard it : but now I know it's true If you mistreat a good woman : she'll turn her back on you If your woman loves you : she'll stand by you to the end Nobody can steal your place : you can leave her with a bunch of men If you get a jealous-hearted woman : be careful what you do Because there's always somebody : tell her lies on you Whiskey has been my pleasure : good-time places I've always found But it's been so different now : since I have fell down \L GibC 3 Gibson, Clifford \C title: Tired of Being Mistreated Part 1 \C place and date: Long Island City, c. June 1929 \C record numbers: (484-A) QRS-R7079 Yz L-1027 Ain't going to cut no kindling : ain't going to pack no coal I wouldn't spend a nickel : not to save your soul Because I'm tired of being mistreated : and the way you do Want you to tell everybody : that I'm down on you You taken my money : you left me cold in hand I'm going to black your eye : you can tell your man You can go tell the parson : you can tell Chief O'Brien Before I take you back : I'd rather serve some time You fooled me once : you fooled me twice You fooled me just enough : for me to take your life You left me this morning : you stayed away all day You must've found something : to keep you away A nickel for some sugar : a dime for some rice I'm going to crucify my woman : I'm going to *take her life* \L GibC 4 Gibson, Clifford \C title: Tired of Being Mistreated Part 2 \C place and date: Long Island City, c. June 1929 \C record numbers: (485-A) QRS-R7079 Yz L-1006 You might be brownskin : I might be black But what I want baby : you really like Girl I'm tired of being mistreated : and the way you do Want you tell everybody : that I'm down on you I got the money : to buy a house and lot But what I want baby : you really haven't got *Nice little partner* : When I get you home : I'm going to curl your hair I'm not short : I'm long and tall I've just got what it takes : to make you crawl Go out with me baby : in a brand new car Taking a ride woman : you won't have to walk so far I had two wives : I want one more Come in here baby : let us lock the door \L GibC 5 Gibson, Clifford \C title: Stop Your Rambling \C place and date: Long Island City, c. June 1929 \C record numbers: (486-A) QRS-R7083 Yz L-1027 Baby stop your way of rambling : stay at home with me sometime Because this way you going every night : will soon start me with a rambling mind I don't mind you going : please don't stay the whole night long Because you made me love you baby : and I miss you when you go Oh it seems so different : you don't care for me no more But some day baby : you're going to reap just what you sow \L GibC 6 Gibson, Clifford \C title: Sunshine Moan \C place and date: Long Island City, c. June 1929 \C record numbers: (478-A) QRS-R7083 Yz L-1027 Oh tell me baby : how can it be You will give everybody : but you won't give me Ooh baby : the sun begins to shine Bought you a brand new dress : now you won't pay me no mind You can spend my money : but you got to stay at home with me Got to give me lots of loving : and keep my company \L GibC 7 Gibson, Clifford (Roosevelt Sykes) \C title: I'm Tired of Being Mistreated \C place and date: New York, 14 June 1929 \C record numbers: (402459-B) OK-8742 Yz L-1027 Ain't going to cut no kindling : ain't going to buy no corn I wouldn't spend a quarter : not to save your soul Because I'm tired of being mistreated : tired of the way you do Want you to tell everybody : that I'm down on you You fooled me once : you fooled me twice You fooled me just enough : for me to take your life You taken my money : you left me cold in hand I'm going to black your eyes : you can go tell your man You can go tell the sergeant : you can tell Chief O'Brien But before I take it back : I'd rather serve some time Now you left me this morning : you stayed away all day You must have found something : to keep you away \L GibC 8 Gibson, Clifford \C title: Ice and Snow Blues \C place and date: New York, 26 Nov. 1929 \C record numbers: (57173-2) Vi-V38562 Yz L-1027 I'm going to build me a castle : out of ice and snow So I can freeze these barefooted women : away from around my door Just because you were a cheater : I won't give up the game It don't break my heart to win : when I lose I feel the same I'm going I'm going : my face you'll never see But you can kiss my picture : and think the world of me You accuse me of women : brought your men right before my face After all your mistreating : no one can take your place \L GibC 9 Gibson, Clifford \C title: Don't Put That Thing On Me \C place and date: New York, 26 Nov. 1929 \C record numbers: (57174-2) Vi-V38572 Yz L-1006 Don't care what you say : don't care what you do You sure can't quit your woman : and if she put that thing on you She put that thing on you : she puts it on you right You can't eat when you get hungry partner : you can't sleep at night I asked a married woman : to let me be her kid She said she's afraid she'd put that thing on me : and I couldn't keep it hid My woman quit me : got her another man And the way she had that thing on me : I couldn't raise my hand Now from my experience : I give you your advice If you got a good woman partner : you'd better treat her right \L GibC 10 Gibson, Clifford \C title: Drayman Blues \C place and date: New York, 26 Nov. 1929 \C record numbers: (57175-2) Vi-V38562 Yz L-1027 Mr drayman Mr drayman : back your truck up to my door Take my trunk down to the station : take it never here no more I'm in bad luck now : going to catch me somebody's train Take this whole world through : my luck will be bound to change Bad luck wakes me every morning : trouble follows me all night long If I see this ain't no place for me : I'm going back where I belong I just received a letter : baby won't you please come home Say the days seem so lonesome : and the nights so long \L GibC 11 Gibson, Clifford \C title: Old Time Rider \C place and date: New York, 26 Nov. 1929 \C record numbers: (57176-2) Vi-23255 Yz L-1027 Believe I'll take : my old-timey rider back Because she got a way of loving : that her daddy likes [Awful] nice to meet strangers : just to come and spend the day But that old-timey rider : can drive your blues away Did you ever wake up in the morning : and find your rider gone I know just how it feels : that's why I composed this song I went to the doctor : for my misery Said it's nothing but the blues : bearing down on me And I asked the doctor : [was there] anything that he could do Says I can't do nothing : till that woman come back to you \L GibC 12 Gibson, Clifford \C title: Bad Luck Dice \C place and date: New York, 10 Dec. 1929 \C record numbers: (57753- ) Vi-V38590 Yz L-1027 I believe I'll try : them bad-luck dice again If I keep on a-trying : I'll be bound to win Every man tries to gamble : must have a losing day So he shouldn't get evil : and throw my dice away Sometimes I believe : my woman's bad luck to me Because every time I start to gamble : I can't throw a thing but a three I lost all I had : everything I had to lose Even lost the one I love : but I swear I can't lose with you Nine and five my weakness : ten and four keeps me all in pawn But if I ever get lucky : I swear I'll have my diamonds on \L GibC 13 Gibson, Clifford \C title: Levee Camp Moan \C place and date: New York, 10 Dec. 1929 \C record numbers: (57754-2) Vi-V38577 Yz L-1027 I am sorry : that I can't take you You don't know how to gamble : nothing else for you to do It's not because I love you : but it's just because I've been with you so long And I know you bound to miss me : baby when I'm gone Blues have mercy : have mercy on poor me Oh it might be my fault : please have my sympathy Baby if you never : never never no more If you never no more see me : you'll miss me when I go Mmm baby : believe I will go back home Going back to the one I love : and acknowledge that I done wrong \L GibC 14 Gibson, Clifford \C title: Hard-Headed Blues \C place and date: New York, 10 Dec. 1929 \C record numbers: (57755-2) Vi-V38577 Yz L-1027 A hard-headed woman : just like a bulldog without a chain She won't never listen to what you say : and that will leave your heart in pain I've fooled with women : till I lost everything I own It was a married woman : cause me to lose my home A woman's so deceitful : but she's so loving and kind You can pack up your trunk to move : but you will change your mind You told me you loved me : told my boy friend too And I would not have been here : if it don't been for you When a dumb man tries to gamble : he expects to lose When you got a hard-headed woman : you bound to have the blues \L GibC 15 Gibson, Clifford \C title: Blues Without a Dime \C place and date: New York, 10 Dec. 1929 \C record numbers: (57756- ) Vi-V38590 Yz L-1027 Bad luck and trouble : and the blues without a dime When a man's got money : the blues don't cross his mind Always try : to keep a dollar in your hand When you ain't got no money : your woman get another man Don't never allow your woman : to talk no baby-talk to you You can tell by that : they got something in their heads to do I don't want no woman : if she ain't got a railroad man Because every day's like Sunday : I mean she's always got a dollar in her hand \L GibC 16 Gibson, Clifford \C title: Keep Your Windows Pinned \C place and date: New York, 10 Dec. 1929 \C record numbers: (57757) Vi-V38612 Yz L-1006 Keep your back door locked : baby keeps your windows pinned If your husband should knock : tell him you're cooking and he can't come in You ought to buy you a bulldog : to watch us whilst we sleep So he can see your husband : if he makes a 'fore-day creep Wake up baby : please don't be so still Unless you fixing a good way : to get your daddy killed What's that baby : pecking on your windowpane Say the stars is shining : I know it can't be rain The big star's falling : I know it can't be long before day And I think it's time for me : to make my get-away \L GibC 17 Gibson, Clifford \C title: Jive Me Blues \C place and date: New York, 10 Dec. 1929 \C record numbers: (57758-1) Vi-V38572 Yz L-1027 You can jive me baby : but I don't believe a thing you say You just a confidencing woman : and wants to have your way You can spend my money baby : you can get my loving too I'll do most anything : just to get along with you I lay down on my pillow : I rolled from side to side I didn't have no blues : I just was not satisfied When you see me coming : my head all hanging down It's that my sweet woman done quit me : the news all over town My suitcase is packed : my trunk's already gone You can tell by that : I won't be here long \L GibC 18 Gibson, Clifford \C title: Brooklyn Blues \C place and date: New York, 10 Dec. 1929 \C record numbers: (57759-1) Vi-23255 Yz L-1027 Since we been apart : ??? seems strange to me We been together all these years : and now we can't agree Somebody must have told you : something to worry your mind But you should stop your way of living : and stay at home sometime All my past life : I found till today I've been trying to listen : to everything you say If you call that leaving : make the best out of life you can But you must always remember : your daddy has been your friend Some of these mornings : you going to long for me You going to want me baby : just for company \L GibC 19 Gibson, Clifford \C title: Society Blues \C place and date: New York, 10 Dec. 1929 \C record numbers: (57760- ) Vi-38612 Yz L-1027 When I was society : the women would not let me be Now I'm wild and reckless : and nobody cares for me Some people like religion : some like to rob and steal But I like to play with my yellow women : and my whiskey right from the still Cigarettes is my pleasure : and whiskey I do crave And some long tall and slender : to follow me to my grave I want to tell you something : happened to me one day It was a little brownskin woman : stole my heart away \L GibC 20 Gibson, Clifford \C title: She Rolls It Slow \C place and date: Louisville, 9 June 1931 \C record numbers: (69405- ) Vi-23290 RCA INT-1175 I got a little woman : but I swear she treats me mean Well she can bake good jellyroll : and she's so nice and clean She don't make no charges : she don't set no price But if you roll it once : you want to roll it twice Now the best doctor in my town : says he never heard tell of such Little bitty woman : could roll that jellyroll so much She roll it for Uncle Bill : he like to lost his mind He want her to keep rolling it : all the time Oh she mix up her jelly : she rolls it over slow Gets it all together : then she mix it in her dough \L Gill 1 Gillum, Bill Jazz \C title: You're Laughing Now \C place and date: Aurora, Ill., 16 June 1938 \C record numbers: (020822- ) BB-B7769 RCA INT-1177 Said I work for you baby : I treat you like a baby child Well you laughing at me now mama : you'll be crying after a while Says I give you my money : you treat me like a tramp I got holes in my shoes : and my feet is getting damp Oh babe : you oughtn't be so doggone wise Well you laughing at me now mama : you'll be crying after a while Says you three time seven : and you knows what you want to do Sometimes you going to think : about the good things I used to do You laughed and laughed : until you put my clothes in a pile Well you laughing at me now mama : you'll be crying after a while Says I tried so hard : to get along with you But somehow I couldn't please you : no way I do You laughed and said : honey I was driving you wild Well you laughing at me now mama : you'll be crying after a while \L Gill 2 Gillum, Bill Jazz \C title: I'm Gonna Get It \C place and date: Aurora, Ill., 16 June 1938 \C record numbers: (020823- ) BB-B7769 RCA INT-1177 Say the holdup man : says don't act tough Give me your money : I'll treat you rough Now the little dog : started in to run The big dog said : pup you just begun Now I'm going downtown : to see Lizzie Brown She got the best jellyroll : that is in town Yes there's one thing : I'm pleased to say A short-legged woman : can go a long long way I've got what it takes : I am no child Makes no mistake : yes I'm running wild \L Gill 3 Gillum, Bill Jazz \C title: Let Her Go \C place and date: Aurora, Ill., 16 Dec. 1938 \C record numbers: (030823- ) BB-B8027 RCA INT-1177 I have never been worried : like I'm worried today Said my baby is going to leave me : and she's going away to stay When you get to thinking : about your gal Says you baby is going to leave you : and taken dime you have I work all day : I wrestle all night I did not think my baby : would go out and stay all night \L Gill 4 Gillum, Bill Jazz \C title: She Won't Treat Me Kind \C place and date: Aurora, Ill., 16 Dec. 1938 \C record numbers: (030826- ) BB-B8106 RCA INT-1177 Well I worry I worry : I worries all the time For the gal I love : she just won't treat me kind I just worry : worry all the time Yes I worry : because she won't treat me kind I just lay down on my bed : I smoke cigarettes all night Just thinking about my gal : because she ain't doing me right Says I woke up this morning : feeling so bad Thinking about the good times : that I once have had I'm going to pack my suitcase : and down the road I'll go Because the good times I used to have : I can't have no more \L Gill 5 Gillum, Bill Jazz \C title: I'll Get Along Somehow \C place and date: Aurora, Ill., 16 Dec. 1938 \C record numbers: (030827- ) BB-B8106 RCA INT-1177 I'm going to leave here : walking too Just on account : of the way you do Now you told me : that wouldn't do It may be me : it may be you I have been walking : for nights and days Thinking about the words baby : that you have said I give you my money : you wouldn't play fair You taken my money : and gave me the air \L Gill 6 Gillum, Bill Jazz \C title: Got to Reap What You Sow \C place and date: Chicago, 17 May 1939 \C record numbers: (034810- ) BB-B8287 RCA INT-1177 I woke up this morning : Lord and my baby was gone I didn't have no sweet woman : just to hold me in her arms Yes I'm a poor poor boy : and a great long way from home I ain't got nobody : just to teach me right from wrong I'm bound down in trouble : and you know just how I feel Like a broke down engine : without a driving wheel That's why I'm leaving : I ain't got no place to go Because the Good Book says : you going to reap just what you sow \L Gill 7 Gillum, Bill Jazz \C title: Keyhole Blues \C place and date: Chicago, 17 May 1939 \C record numbers: (034813- ) BB-B8221 RCA INT-1177 Well I followed my woman : to a place she didn't want me to be And I seed something : that I did not want to see Well I seen my friend : give her a bottle of booze And then what hurt me : she started pulling off her shoes Says I was in a place : that I did not want to be And I seen something : that I did not want to see I said to myself : what you think of that I seen on the wall : they hung their coat and hat And then I begin to wonder : what to think of this And then I saw them : begin to hug and kiss She was with my friend : instead of being with me And I seen something : that I did not want to see \L Gill 8 Gillum, Bill Jazz \C title: Key to the Highway \C place and date: Chicago, 9 May 1940 \C record numbers: (044972- ) BB-B8529 RBF RF-16 I got the key to the highway : billed out and ready to go I'm going to leave here running : because walking is most too slow I'm going back to the border : where I'm better known Because you haven't done nothing : but drove a good man away from home Give me one more kiss mama : just before I go Because when I'm leaving here : I won't be back no more When the moon creep over the mountain : honey I'll be on my way I'm going to walk this highway : until the break of day Well it's so long so long baby : I must say goodbye I'm going to roam this highway : until the day I die \L Gill 9 Gillum, Bill Jazz \C title: Riley Springs Blues \C place and date: Chicago, 4 July 1941 \C record numbers: (064737- ) BB-B8846 RCA INT-1177 I ain't going down : to Riley Springs no more When I was there : you drove me from your door You don't know : how you treated me You used to love me : and went back to your used-to-be Riley Springs : is a place to go But you done me so bad : I won't be back no more You don't care : what become of me All you care : is to give your poor heart ease See now : what you done to me You broke my heart : and left me in misery \L Gill 10 Gillum, Bill Jazz \C title: I Got Somebody Else \C place and date: Chicago, 4 July 1941 \C record numbers: (064739- ) BB-B8816 RCA INT-1177 Now you didn't want me : when I was treating you nice and kind Now it's too late baby : I have changed my mind You won't act right : when I tried to do right myself Now it's no no baby : I've got somebody else It ain't no need : you calling me on my telephone It's too bad baby : you have broke up your happy home Now I am through : going from door to door For what you done : I don't want you no more Now what you done : you done it to yourself When I wanted you : you wanted someone else \L Gill 11 Gillum, Bill Jazz \C title: It Looks Bad for You \C place and date: Chicago, 4 July 1941 \C record numbers: (064741- ) BB-B8816 RCA INT-1177 I tried to get you : to stop raising sand Before they put you : back in the can Oh baby : it looks bad for you Now you hear me talking : I've done all I'm going to do I tried to love you : a long time ago I love you : until you drove me from your door Now love is mighty : rest on either hand I know you don't love : when you keep on raising sand I tried to tell you : but you wouldn't understand Now I'm leaving you : cold in hand I tried to tell you baby : just before you go Don't you looking : for me no more \L Gill 12 Gillum, Bill Jazz \C title: Me and My Buddy \C place and date: Chicago, 4 July 1941 \C record numbers: (064742- ) BB-B8872 RCA INT-1177 Me and my buddy : I mean he is my friend We can drink more whiskey : ooo well well than a thousand men My buddy my buddy : was a dear old friend of mine When I didn't have the price of whiskey : ooo well well my buddy had it all the time When I was in trouble : with my hands and feet both tied I didn't have to look for my buddy : ooo well well he's right there by my side I know me and my buddy : never will have no falling out Because we got wise to women : ooo well well we knows what it's all about \L Gill 13 Gillum, Bill Jazz \C title: It's All Over Now \C place and date: Chicago, 5 Dec. 1941 \C record numbers: (070440- ) BB-B8975 RCA INT-1177 When I had you baby : you wouldn't act right You with your man honey : staying out every night It was a time : you broke my heart That's when I found out : that I and you had to part It's come a day : it won't be long You will be sorry : that you drove me away from home When I was in trouble : had my ups and downs I looked for you baby : you could not be found \L Gill 14 Gillum, Bill Jazz \C title: One Letter Home \C place and date: Chicago, 5 Dec. 1941 \C record numbers: (070443- ) BB-B8943 RCA INT-1177 I believe I'll write : just one more letter home I'm going to ask my baby : what's been going on wrong I'm going to tell my baby : baby I will be home You better make some arrangements : because it a-won't be very long I'm going to ask my baby : baby is that your friend She said now don't you worry : you just walk on in Now I have acknowledged : baby that I have done you wrong Now tell me what is the reason : that a-we can't get along \L Gill 15 Gillum, Bill Jazz \C title: You Drink Too Much Whiskey \C place and date: Chicago, 5 Dec. 1941 \C record numbers: (070445- ) BB-B9004 RCA INT-1177 The graveyard is lonely : you better put brakes on yourself Because that's just where you're going : if I catch you with anyone else It's a hard pill to swallow : when the neighbors all bring you the news They say you drinks in the alley : on corners or any place you choose If you don't treat me no better : I ain't going to be your man no more I love you it's true : but I will have to let you go If you don't want to tell your mother : that you soon will be coming home You better cut out you late hours : and let other mens alone You drinks way too much whiskey : you ain't got no stopping point And as soon as all the taverns close : you then head for some moonshine joint \L Gill 16 Gillum, Bill Jazz \C title: I'm Gonna Leave You on the Outskirts of \C Town \C place and date: Chicago, 30 July 1942 \C record numbers: (074648- ) BB-B9042 RCA INT-1177 I'm going to leave you baby : out here on the outskirts of town I brought you out here mama : and you won't stop fooling around I've cut out my iceman : I bought me a frigidaire Now you let the serviceman : take you everywhere I'm going to leave you baby : out here on the outskirts of town I ain't going to stand nobody : ooo always hanging around I brought my own groceries : I brought them every day Now you letting the grocery boy : lay up in the hay I see you wiggling and giggling : when I'm mad as I can be Now we got seven children : ain't none of them look like me \L Gill 17 Gillum, Bill Jazz \C title: Woke Up Cold in Hand \C place and date: Chicago, 30 July 1942 \C record numbers: (074651- ) BB-B9042 RCA INT-1177 Since the hard time is got me : I've been running from door to door I ain't got no bed to sleep in : I've got to sleep down on the doggone floor Well it's hard times here : and it's hard times everywhere I go I've got to make me some money : so I won't have these hard-luck blues no more You know I used to get me a dollar : before I could catch my breath But now I ain't got me a dime : unless I toss my poor self to death Have you ever dreamed you were lucky : and then woke up cold in hand Well you dreamed you had a dollar : and your woman's got another man \L Glaz 1 Glaze, Ruby (Blind Willie McTell) \C title: Rollin' Mama Blues \C place and date: Atlanta, 22 Feb. 1932 \C record numbers: (71603- ) Vi-23328 Rt RL-324 Now tell me baby : how do you want your loving done Oh roll me on my belly baby : feed me with your chocolate drop Want you to roll me baby : like the baker rolls his dough Oh reel and rock me baby : honey if it's all night long Won't you come back baby : you get me all confused \L Glaz 2 Glaze, Ruby (Blind Willie McTell) \C title: Lonesome Day Blues \C place and date: Atlanta, 22 Feb. 1932 \C record numbers: (71604-1) Vi-23353 RCA LPV-518 You can go : you can stay But you'll come home : some old lonesome day Some day baby : some old lonesome day I'm coming home to my baby : some old lonesome day The Mississippi River : so deep and wide I can't see my good man : on the other side I was born in Georgia : but I hangs around Tennessee I've got a man here in Georgia : partner he's crazy about me Where were you baby : when that L and N left the shed You was standing in your back door : with a hung down head \L Glov 1 Glover, Mae \C title: Shake It Daddy \C place and date: Richmond, Ind., 29 July 1929 \C record numbers: (15392) Ge-6964 OJL-6 You used to be sweet milk : but you done turned sour on me If you want me to love you : you hum like a honeybee Now the old folks shake it : young folks too Ain't nobody shake it : like my daddy do Lord the way he shakes it : will make me lose my appetite And nobody shake it : like papa ??? can Because the way you shake it : will make me lose my appetite Because the way you shake it : will make me do things right \L Glov 2 Glover, Mae \C title: Pig Meat Mama \C place and date: Richmond, Ind., 29 July 1929 \C record numbers: (15393) Ge-6948 Rt RL-319 I'm a pigmeat mama : pigmeat's all I crave Pigmeat's going to carry me : carry me to my grave Some women like their pork chops: some women like their wine But I'm a pigmeat mama : give it to me all the time I got pigmeat in Texas : pigmeat in Tennessee My pigmeat in Virginia : Lord is wild about me Tell all you women : what you better do You better lay off my pigmeat : or it won't be good for you Pigmeat for breakfast : pigmeat when I'm in bed If I don't get my pigmeat : Lord I'd rather be dead \L Glov 3 Glover, Mae \C title: I Ain't Giving Nobody None \C place and date: Richmond, Ind., 29 July 1929 \C record numbers: (15395-A) Ge-6948 Her H-201 My man left me : he left me feeling bad He's the best *kind fellow* : that I ever had I'm going to send you a ticket : hoping you will come Come back home : nevermore to roam If you come back home baby : tell you what I'll do I'll *teach* my kid-man : how to live true to you Since you been gone papa : listen what I've done I've made a lot of money: but I ain't give nobody none I'll wash you clothes in the morning : bake jellyroll at night When you come home : that'll be so doggone nice I drink so much coffee : the grounds are in my *wheeze* I don't care how I do it : doggone heart disease \L Glov 4 Glover, Mae \C title: Gas Man Blues \C place and date: Richmond, Ind., 29 July 1929 \C record numbers: (15396-A) Ge-7040 Yz L-1009 Mr gasman : please don't turn off my gas today But the wind is blowing : and the snow begins to fall But Mr gasman : these cold winds will really give me a chill Mr gasman come into my parlor : I want to ask you to close the door Mr gasman : will you please come around after dark Are you coming in Mr gasman : I want to tell you something right quick I want to get you early : and *beat some head cold* Mr gasman : you got that old hot bankroll right over there in your pants \L Gran 1 Grant, Bobby \C title: Nappy Head Blues \C place and date: Chicago, c. Dec. 1927 \C record numbers: (20204-3) Pm-12595 Yz L-1001 When you hear me walking : turn your lamp down low Then turn it so : your man'll never know Going to buy me a bed : and it shine like a morning sun When I get to bed : it rock like a Cadillac car Your head is nappy : your feet so mamlish long And you move like a turkey : coming through the mamlish corn I done told you I loved you : what more can I do And you must a-want me : to lay down and die for you \L Gran 2 Grant, Bobby \C title: Lonesome Atlanta Blues \C place and date: Chicago, c. Dec. 1927 \C record numbers: (20212-2) Pm-12595 Yz L-1009 I'm so lonesome : I'm so lonesome and I'm so blue I'm so sad and lonesome : mama I don't know what to do When you have a feeling : that I sure gal don't want no more You just might as well leave her : even if it hurts you so I'm going to walk down that dirt road : till somebody lets me ride If I can't find my baby : I'll run away and hide I'm going back to Atlanta : down on Decatur Street If I can't find my baby : I'll be so kind to meet \L Grav 1 Graves, Blind Roosevelt \C title: New York Blues \C place and date: Richmond, Ind., 20 Sept. 1929 \C record numbers: (15640-A) Pm-12820 His HLP-15 I got a brown in New York : what I am afraid If I *just tell her* in her face baby : *that will* \L GreLi 1 Green, Lil \C title: Just Rockin' \C place and date: Chicago, 9 May 1940 \C record numbers: (044975-1) BB-B8464 RCA LPV-574 Rocking : rocking myself to sleep Watching my baby : make that midnight creep I'm rocking : rocking my worries away What worries me now : worries me every day Rocking : rocking on down the road I'm rocking in places : I never rocked before Rocking : rocking my blues away I'm going to rock right here : until the break of day \L GreLi 2 Green, Lil \C title: What Have I Done \C place and date: Chicago, 9 May 1940 \C record numbers: (044976-1) BB-B8524 RCA LPV-574 Listen babe : tell me the truth Please tell me babe : what you going to do I love you babe : always treated you kind But your ways and actions : make me lose my mind I took you in babe : right off the block You was beat and raggedy : as a mop You going to be sorry : you treated me this way You going to want me babe : I'll be far away Goodbye babe : I'm leaving you You haven't did babe : what you should do \L GreLi 3 Green, Lil \C title: Give Your Mama One Smile \C place and date: Chicago, 21 Jan. 1941 \C record numbers: (059150-1) BB-B8640 RCA LPV-574 I love you baby : ain't going to tell you no lie Always want you : by my side Come on baby : let's talk awhile You know I love you : don't you realize I'll do anything : just to be with you Say anything darling : don't say we're through I love you baby : and you know that's true What make you do your little mama : like you do I don't care what they say : I don't care what they do I'll do anything : in the world for you Put your arms around me : hold me tight And love your mama baby : love your mama right \L GreLi 4 Green, Lil \C title: My Mellow Man \C place and date: Chicago, 21 Jan. 1941 \C record numbers: (059151-1) BB-B8640 RCA LPV-574 Mmm : oh my mellow man Can't nobody thrill me : like my mellow man can He don't stand on no corners : he don't rob and steal Come home to me : each day to get his meal Now he ain't no organ grinder : he just nice and sweet I love that man : from his head down to his feet My man is so mellow : they call him spongy boy But that ain't his name : his name is plain Leroy \L GreLi 5 Green, Lil \C title: Knockin' Myself Out \C place and date: Chicago, 21 Jan. 1941 \C record numbers: (059152-1) BB-B8659 RCA LPV-574 Listen girls and boys : I've got one stick Give me a match : and let me take a whiff quick I started blowing my gauge : and I was having my fun I spied the police : and I started to run But the very moment : I looked around My mind fell ill : throwed that gauge on the ground I used to didn't blow gauge : drink nothing of the kind But my man quit me : and that changed my mind I know to blow this jive : it's a sin and a shame But it's the only thing : ease my heart about my man \L GreLi 6 Green, Lil \C title: Why Don't You Do Right \C place and date: Chicago, 23 Apr. 1941 \C record numbers: (064130-1) BB-B8714 RCA LPV-574 You had plenty of money : in nineteen twenty-two But you let other women : make a fool of you Why don't you do right : like some other men do Get out of here : and get me some money too You sitting down wondering : what it's all about If you ain't got no money : they going to put you out If you had prepared : twenty years ago You wouldn't have been drifting : from door to door I fell for your jiving : I took you in Now all you got to offer me : is a drink of gin \L GreLi 7 Green, Lil \C title: Love Me \C place and date: Chicago, 23 Apr. 1941 \C record numbers: (064131-1) BB-B8714 RCA LPV-574 I tried hard : a long time To get you : to change your mind You want to know : what it's all about If you love me : you will soon find out I work : hard for you Now tell me daddy : what you going to do When I see you : walking down the street I get the thrill : from my head to my feet It's no use : for us to fuss and fight We should love some : every night \L GreLi 8 Green, Lil \C title: What's the Matter with Love \C place and date: Chicago, 23 Apr. 1941 \C record numbers: (064133-1) BB-B8754 RCA LPV-574 You got me : feeling sad The worst feeling : I ever had \L GreLi 9 Green, Lil \C title: Country Boy Blues \C place and date: Chicago, 23 Apr. 1941 \C record numbers: (064134-1) BB-B8754 RCA LPV-574 I got a man : a real handsome one He ain't no loafer : he's just a little old country boy I love him : if he is a little old country boy Yes I love him : because he fills my heart with joy Some people say he is lazy : but I know that is a lie For three years he been doing my work : and I'm perfectly satisfied I know he will [learn to] love me : when he gets to be a man Because I'm always going to feed him : right from my hand Now people all want to know : why do I follow my man There's no need to explain : because they really wouldn't understand \L GreLi 10 Green, Lil \C title: How Can I Go On \C place and date: Chicago, 23 Apr. 1941 \C record numbers: (064135-1) BB-B8790 RCA LPV-574 I'm so sorry you heard : I don't know what to do I'm sorry for the time : I made you blue \L GreLi 11 Green, Lil \C title: If I Didn't Love You \C place and date: Chicago, 23 Apr. 1941 \C record numbers: (064728-1) BB-B8865 RCA LPV-574 Baby what's the matter : why don't you be yourself If I didn't love you : I'd get somebody else But you are so dull and rotten : you think everybody like yourself If I didn't love you : I'd get somebody else Because I love you baby : and I want you for myself If I didn't love you : I would get somebody else The way you been doing : you know it's wrong How do you expect : for us to get along Now maybe some day baby : you'd know for yourself If I didn't love you : I'd get somebody else \L GreLi 12 Green, Lil \C title: If I'm a Fool \C place and date: Chicago, 21 Jan. 1942 \C record numbers: (070802-1) BB-B8985 RCA LPV-574 You say I'm a fool : and everyone knows They wondering why : I don't let you go Everybody tells me : what he do But still : I don't believe it's true You say : he don't treat me right But he say he love me : both day and night I'm telling you : right from the start I don't intend : for us to part This is all : I have done my best I love him : and darn the rest \L GreLi 13 Green, Lil \C title: I'm Wasting My Time on You \C place and date: Chicago, 21 Jan. 1942 \C record numbers: (070803-1) BB-B9010 RCA LPV-574 I'm so down-hearted : feeling sad Baby you left me : sick in bed Mama and papa told me : when I left my home I would have to face : the world alone I keep knocking : but they won't let me in Because you in there with your new love : drinking your gin I'm so down-hearted : no place to go Out in the rain : hail sleet and snow I'm so down-hearted : everywhere I go Hard luck and trouble : meets me at the door \L Gros 1 Gross, Helen \C title: Hard Luck Blues \C place and date: New York, c. May 1924 \C record numbers: (31564-1) Ajax-17037 VJM VLP-40 My man done quit me : he done throwed me down I'm sad : because he didn't call around Did you ever lay down : and dream the whole night long Dream about your man : and all your ??? *is gone* \L Gros 2 Gross, Helen \C title: Strange Man \C place and date: New York, c. July 1924 \C record numbers: (31590-1) Ajax-17050 VJM VLP-40 Last night I went out alone : I was lonesome as could be How I longed to find someone : to keep my company Strange man strange man : let me come close to you I'm feeling lonely : won't you tell me what to do I'm looking for someone to love : who can your good gal be I ain't got nobody : and you sure look good to me \L Hann 1 Hannah, George \C title: Freakish Man Blues \C place and date: Grafton, Wis., c. Oct. 1930 \C record numbers: (L-562-1) Pm-13024 Mil MLP-2018 Call me a freakish man : what more was there to do Just because she said I was strange : that did not make it true I sent her to the mill : to have her coffee ground Because my wheel was broke : and my grinder could not be found You mix ink with water : bound to turn it black You run around with funny people : you get a streak of it up your back There was a time when I was alone : my freakish ways to see But they're so common now : you get one every day in the week Had a strange feeling this morning : I swear I've had it all day I'll wake up one of these mornings : that feeling will be here to stay \L Hard 1 Hardin, Lane \C title: California Desert Blues \C place and date: Chicago, 28 July 1935 \C record numbers: (91450-1) BB-B6242 Rt RL-319 Now I was just sitting here wondering : where I would go get some ease Now I'm going back to California : so I can do just as I please Crossing that old desert mama : just like breaking the Hindenburg Line Now if you get ditched off on that freight train : you know that will be the end of the line Oh yes I know I know : oh yes I know Now the train's at the station : in my mind I'm made up to go When I reach old Los Angeles California : you ought to hear me jump and shout Now the people in Los Angeles : they didn't know what it's all about \L HarM 1 Harris, Magnolia \C title: Mama's Quittin' and Leavin'-+-Part 1 \C place and date: Chicago, c. late Dec. 1930 \C record numbers: (C-7100- ) Me-M12077 Yz L-1031 I feel bluer this morning : than I ever felt before I'm changing friends and men : and I won't be blue no more I know you 'buke and dog me : baby with your forty-five And I couldn't do nothing : but wring my hands and cry Know you trying to be mean babe : and use me as a child But it's going to hurt you to your heart : when I leave you for a while \L HarM 2 Harris, Magnolia \C title: Mama's Quittin' and Leavin'-+-Part 2 \C place and date: Chicago, c. late Dec. 1930 \C record numbers: (C-7101- ) Me-M12077 Yz L-1031 I'm tired of being scolded : when I know I'm doing to best I can To keep from being your dog daddy : I will get me a brand new man No use of getting on your knees : because I can't use you no more I been your dog long enough : so this morning I'll have to go You know all this time : thinking you was all mine And I come to find : you was worse all the time And I didn't say one sentence : till six months after you left I'll give you one more chance : to make a man out of yourself \L HarO 1 Harris, Otis \C title: Waking Blues \C place and date: Dallas, 8 Dec. 1928 \C record numbers: (147608-1) Co-14428-D Fly LP-103 Did you ever wake up with the blues : and didn't have no place to go And you couldn't do nothing : but just walk from door to door It was late last night mama : and I hear you cry out in bed I went *over rolled* my baby : and she talked all out of her head If you don't like my loving : what make you keep on worrying me Why don't you get you some other man : oh mama and just let me be Good morning Mr blues : Mr blues I come to talk with you Mr blues ain't doing nothing : and I would like to get a job from you \L HarO 2 Harris, Otis \C title: You'll Like My Loving \C place and date: Dallas, 8 Dec. 1928 \C record numbers: (147609-2) Co-14428-D Yz L-1032 I know you like my loving : I can tell from the way you wine Let you taste my jelly : you just worries me all the time I told you pretty mama : I have the best jelly in your town Bet you got a little taste : you just keep on hanging around I swim deep pretty mama : just like a catfish loaded down And every time you see me : you wants to fall down on the ground When me and my baby start to loving : we wants to fight like cats and dogs But before it's over with : we hollering Lord oh Lordy Lord \L HarW 1 Harris, William \C title: I'm Leavin' Town \C place and date: Birmingham, Ala., c. 18 July \C 1927 \C record numbers: (GEX-743-B) Ge-6306 Yz L-1001 Yeah mean mama : where you stay last night Oh your hair all wrinkled : and your clothes ain't fitting you right Got up this morning : and I could not keep from crying Thinking about my rider : she done put me down The sun going to shine : in my back door some day I know my woman : going to come my way some day When I get drunk : well I don't want to drink no more Listen here : what my dear old mother says These women and whiskey : going to get my child astray Easy mama : no good bearing down \L HarW 2 Harris, William \C title: Bull Frog Blues \C place and date: Richmond, Ind., 10 Oct. 1928 \C record numbers: (14318) Ge-6661 OJL-5 Have you ever woke up : with them bullfrogs on your mind It's going to rain today mama : sun shine in your back door I'm going to tell you this time mama : I ain't going to tell you no I ain't going to tell you no I mean more I'm going to tell you this time mama : ain't going to tell you no more I'm going to leave you partner : and I won't be back here no more I left you standing here : in your back door crying I got the bullfrog blues : and I can't be satisfied Have you ever dreamed lucky : woke up cold in hand I'm going to tell you : what a Chinaman told a Jew You don't likee me : well I sure God don't like you Look a-here partner : see what you done to me The sun going to shine : in my back door some day \L HarW 3 Harris, William \C title: Hot Time Blues \C place and date: Richmond, Ind., 10 Oct. 1928 \C record numbers: (14323) Ge-6707 OJL-5 Say it makes no difference : what mama don't allow We going to have a good time : right anyhow Well come on daddy : what do you say Just give me a kiss : that very same way Well I'm just going to tell you : this one time Mama this ain't nothing : but to worry your mind Well it's take me back : try me again Says I may do better : than what I once have been Oh come on daddy : this ain't no joke If you got a good cigarette : just give me a smoke Take me back : and try me again Says we'll do better : than what we used to Well if you don't like my peaches : don't shake my tree Gal stay out of my orchard : and let my peaches be Well I tell you buddy : this is a natural fact Whenever you quit me : I ain't going to take you back \L HarX 1 Harris, Willie \C title: Lonesome Midnight Dream \C place and date: Chicago, c. mid Mar. 1930 \C record numbers: (C-5551- ) Br-7149 Rt RL-340 If you just listen closely : tell you just what I mean I want to tell you : all about my lonesome midnight dream Something was troubling me last night baby : I swear it was very mean All night long in my sleep : I felt like I wanted to scream I would lie down on my bed : I just rolled from side to side Feel like the girl that I love : have just lay down and died And I called the undertaker : and the hearse came driving slow Made me feel so sorry : to see my baby go Lord I heard a mighty rumbling : just about the dawn of day It was only the wagon : coming to carry my baby away When I woke up this morning : folks I just started to scream Why when I came to find out : that it was just a lonesome midnight dream \L HarY 1 Harrison, Smoky \C title: Hop Head Blues \C place and date: Grafton, Wis., c. Dec. 1929 \C record numbers: (L-79-1) Pm-12920 Rt RL-340 Lord I remember : what my big fat mama said She so big and fat : got to put ashes all in my bed Now I got rocks all in my pillow : gravel all in my bed I got morphine in my belly : cocaine in my head Now if you go : have to bring my good clothes on back I says go on home mama : you gots: *ruses* all in your back Says I been to Montana : been all over Tennessee Says now tell me what's the reason you get tired of here : baby I been really homesick about you So true so true Lord : mama so true Says I seen you leaving last night : baby by the light of the moon Got three great big bulldogs Lord : to watch you while you sleep To keep papa's little gold *watch-key* : from doing that 'fore-day creep \L HarY 2 Harrison, Smoky \C title: Iggly Oggly Blues \C place and date: Grafton, Wis., c. Dec. 1929 \C record numbers: (L-80-1) Pm-12920 Rt RL-340 So soon this morning mama : you were knocking on my door Babe you knock : just like you never knocked before I'm going to tell my baby : what the Chinaman told the Jew Baby no iggly-oggly me mama : sister no iggly-oggly you I got eighty in New York : I got ninety in Tupalo No need to smile mama : don't believe I want no more Says so cold in China baby : those birds can't hardly sing Says they don't do nothing : but fly in *frosty* wings My gal's got a new way : Lord spelling Tennessee Double S double E : double I double A double L Lord I'm going I'm going mama Lord : I'm I'm going so far away Says I'm going too far baby : that you can't hear me say \L HarZ 1 Hart, Hattie (Memphis Jug Band) \C title: Memphis Yo Yo Blues \C place and date: Memphis, 4 Oct. 1929 \C record numbers: (56345-2) Vi-V38558 Rt RL-322 I woke up this morning : feeling sad and blue Couldn't find my yo-yo : didn't know what to do I hurried downtown : called my daddy on the phone He said don't cry mama : daddy will bring your yo-yo home If you don't believe I can yo-yo : watch me wind my string Come home daddy : and make the yo-yo sing Bring your yo-yo : wind the string around my thumb I'm an old milkcow : to make the yo-yo mum If your daddy can't yo-yo : you better learn him how Listen women : I don't mean to start no row \L HarZ 2 Hart, Hattie (Memphis Jug Band) \C title: Oh Ambulance Man \C place and date: Memphis, 17 May 1930 \C record numbers: (59932-2) Vi-V38605 Mel MLP-7324 Hey daddy hey daddy : don't let me cry in vain You see I'm wounded wounded and bleeding : can't you ease my pain Hearts is aching day is breaking : listen to me pray See it's snowing cold wind is blowing : so please be on your way Mr ambulance man : I can't stay still to save my soul And you ought to be careful : how you handle my jellyroll \L HarZ 3 Hart, Hattie \C title: I Let My Daddy Do That \C place and date: New York, 13 Sept. 1934 \C record numbers: (15899- ) Vo-02855 Mam S-3803 Says people call me Mama Treetop : because I'm slender and tall But when I get ready : to get my ashes hauled I got a range in my kitchen : I've got a strict rule When it gets too hot : I want my oven just cool You can drink my liquor : where my clothes But when it comes time : for spending my dough You can milk my cow : use the cream But when it comes to loving me : that will be in a dream You can crank my car : shift my gear But when any easy riding : goes on here \L HarZ 4 Hart, Hattie \C title: Coldest Stuff in Town \C place and date: New York, 14 Sept. 1934 \C record numbers: (15952- ) Vo-02821 Yz L-1021 When I go out singing : I goes out all alone I got a new way of singing : makes a good woman lose her home Singing is my trade : I don't have to lie If you feel my stinger : you want to until you die It was soon this morning : I heard my doorbell ring I thought slim was working : and he wasn't doing a doggone thing \L Hawk 1 Hawkins, Walter Buddy Boy \C title: Shaggy Dog Blues \C place and date: Chicago, c. Apr. 1927 \C record numbers: (4415- ) Pm-12489 Rt RL-319 I'm going up on a mountain : I'm going to do just like a hog Because the women around here : just treat a good man like a dog I say I'd rather be shaggy : mama just like a dog Than to hear my little jet-black woman : say Buddy Boy she don't need me no more When you see two [jet-black, old black] women : standing and talking so long Bet your life : there's something going on wrong My mama told me : my papa told me too Son these women around here : just *they pretty want* you \L Hawk 2 Hawkins, Walter Buddy Boy \C title: Number Three Blues \C place and date: Chicago, c. Apr. 1927 \C record numbers: (4416-2) Pm-12475 Yz L-1010 I lost all my money : I got nowhere to go I believe to my soul : I'm about to lose my brown All you women get mad : because I won't twa twa twa All you women get mad at buddy boy : because I won't dee da da da I say I *flied when I was four* mama : be careful *in years gone* by I couldn't do anything partner : but fold my little arms and cry I said here come Number Three : with her headlights turned down I believe to my soul : *she* is Alabama bound Apples on my table : peaches on my chair I got to stay there : to eat them all by myself \L Hawk 3 Hawkins, Walter Buddy Boy \C title: Jailhouse Fire Blues \C place and date: Chicago, c. Apr. 1927 \C record numbers: (4419-2) Pm-12489 Rt RL-319 Hey Mr jailor : don't sleep so sound Jailhouse on fire : ??? burning down I say the woman I love : she in the jailhouse now But please Mr jailor : she got to get out of there somehow Mmm : my woman in trouble now I said but one of these good mornings : I'm bound to get her out of jail When I get my little cell-block key : I'm going to be country bound *And hey* Mr jailor : I hope the jailhouse burns down \L Hawk 4 Hawkins, Walter Buddy Boy \C title: Snatch It Back Blues \C place and date: Chicago, c. Apr. 1927 \C record numbers: (4420-2) Pm-12475 Yz L-1010 I'm going to lay my head : down on some railroad track Boy when that train come along : I'm going to snatch it back Tell me brownskin mama : where did you stay last night With your hair all down : your face is never washed I say I love you pretty mama : I don't care what you do You go to your black man mama : I'll stick to my gal I say if you don't [need your black woman, want me mama] : you [don't have to, ain't got to] turn your head and stall Because I can get more jet-black women : than a-seven freight trains can haul I got ooo : twa twa twa twa twa twa twa Ooo : ooo \L Hawk 5 Hawkins, Walter Buddy Boy \C title: Awful Fix Blues \C place and date: Chicago, c. Sept. 1927 \C record numbers: (20034-1) Pm-12539 Yz L-1004 Hey mama : tell me what have I done I just seem like you trying : to beat your loving *self on down* You going to wake up one of these mornings : mama baby and I'll be gone And you may not never : mama see me in your town no more Lord I'm a stranger [to you, in here] brownskin : mama I just blowed in your town And if I ask you for a favor : mama please now don't turn me down If you get one old woman : you better get you five or six So if that one happen to quit you : it won't leave you in a awful fix When I had you little black woman : I tried to do the best I could Now your little daddy's gone : now who you going to get to chop your wood \L Hawk 6 Hawkins, Walter Buddy Boy \C title: How Come Mama Blues \C place and date: Richmond, Ind., 14 June 1929 \C record numbers: (15213) Pm-12802 Yz L-1010 How come you do me like you do baby : how come you do me like you do How come you try to make me feel so blue : mama you know I ain't done nothing unto you Now you know you left poor me at seven : come back at eight You got another big fat man : slam up to my gate You know you hug and kissed him : said daddy you sure is fat I stuck my head out the window : man and hollered who in the world is that I bought a pistol : I bought it today Now I got the undertaker with me : just to haul you away You know you kept on talking : about that you want to get my goat I had a brand new razor woman : just to slit your throat A nickel is a nickel : a dime is a dime A woman get tired of one man : all the time You try to give these women : everything they need You have to make them : one of your G B V Ds \L Hawk 7 Hawkins, Walter Buddy Boy \C title: Voice Throwin' Blues \C place and date: Richmond, Ind., 14 June 1929 \C record numbers: (15219) Pm-12802 Yz L-1010 Come in at dawn : stay out late If I call you : don't you hesitate Tell me how long : does I have to wait Can I get you now honey : or must I hesitate I ain't no miller : no miller's son Can be your miller : till your miller come I might think it's funny : Make me mad : think *Ain't yellow evil* : ??? *too* The reason fair brown : I don't need you Mama told me : daddy told me too *Womens* ??? : and it'll be end of you I ain't no doctor : doctor's son Ease your pain : till your doctor come I don't want no sugar : in my tea The woman I got : sweet enough for me \L HayeN 1 Hayes, Nap (T. C. Johnson Groups) \C title: Violin Blues \C place and date: Memphis, 15 Feb. 1928 \C record numbers: (400239-A) OK-8708 Rt RL-316 Ooh : my baby don't treat me good no more When I was sick and down : she drove me from her door I just found out : why my baby treats me so unkind When she go to bed every night : she tells everything what's on her mind \L HendB 1 Henderson, Bertha \C title: Lead Hearted Blues \C place and date: Chicago, c. May 1928 \C record numbers: (20560-2) Pm-12655 Bio BLP-12037 Baby baby : I am so lonesome for you Can't wear you off my mind : don't care what I do When I wake up in the morning : my heart it feels like lead When I go to bed at midnight : sometimes I wish I was dead You told me baby : before you left my door Some day I'd be sorry : that I told you to go Lord Lord : can't rest no place I go Blues is driving me crazy : must be reaping what I sow \L HendB 2 Henderson, Bertha \C title: Let Your Love Come Down \C place and date: Chicago, c. May 1928 \C record numbers: (20562-2) Pm-12655 Bio BLP-12037 Let's get our gauge up papa : let our love come down Get leaping drunk : and leave this lowdown town Go down on the levee : where the water's high Let our love come down : till the *cleared outside* Hey hey my daddy : he's so nice and brown We going to get our gauge up : let our love come down If you quit me daddy : I'm going to leave this town Can't get my gauge up : and let my love come down \L HendK 1 Henderson, Katherine \C title: West End Blues \C place and date: Long Island City, c. Sept. 1928 \C record numbers: (235-A) QRS-R7024 His HLP-21 I'm full of mean evil feeling : and I'm full of gin I'm on my way to the West End : and there's where troubles will begin They're going to see some shooting : like they've never seen before I mean my man and my best friend : won't cheat in West End anymore I got a mean evil feeling : you going to hear bad news I'm on my way to the West End : to lose those ugly old West End blues \L HendK 2 Henderson, Katherine \C title: St. Louis Blues \C place and date: Long Island City, c. Sept. 1928 \C record numbers: (236-A) QRS-R7024 His HLP-21 I hate to see : that evening sun go down Because my daddy : he's done left this town Feeling tomorrow : just like I feel today I'm going to pack up my grip : and make my get-away Oh St Louis women : with their diamond rings Just pull their men around : by their apron strings If it weren't for *mortar* : and for store-bought hair Why the man I love : would not have gone nowhere \L HendK 3 Henderson, Katherine \C title: Have You Ever Felt That Way \C place and date: Long Island City, c. Oct. 1928 \C record numbers: (257-A) QRS-7023 His HLP-21 You're walking around : no one in sight Wondering : where your baby is tonight You're feeling forlorn : you've got the blues Night and day : you sing those weary tunes You so down-hearted : you don't know what to do You ain't got nobody : to tell your troubles to You're walking for miles : no place to go You're talking to yourself : Lord but you don't know \L HendK 4 Henderson, Katherine \C title: Mushy Love \C place and date: Long Island City, c. Nov. 1928 \C record numbers: (274-A) QRS-7054 His HLP-21 Pick me up : don't let me go Hold me hold me : whisper something sweet and low Call me lovey : lovey-do Something sweet : to drive away the blues Then hold me tight : with all your might And swear : that you will treat me right Oh love me : like a caveman does Because everybody's crazy : about mushy love \L HendR 1 Henderson, Rosa \C title: Get It Fixed \C place and date: New York, c. Apr. 1925 \C record numbers: ( ) Vo-1177 His HLP-15 Papa papa : let me tell to you Daddy daddy : here's what you must do When you come around : sweet precious turtledove Better come here ready : if you want to win my love Don't come around : telling me a lot of lies Because a lying man : I do despise Papa papa : better do your stuff Daddy daddy : but don't be too rough Mama want some loving kisses : right away Want them when I want them : come on honey don't delay Don't make me think : you've got a lot of dough If you ain't got nothing : please tell me so \L HenrH 1 Henry, Hound Head \C title: Low Down Hound Blues \C place and date: Chicago, 17 Oct. 1928 \C record numbers: (C-2451- ) Vo-1288 His HLP-2 Now run here pretty mama : tell papa where you been so long Say you come in here mama : with your clothes on wrong Says a brownskin gal : make a mule kick his stable down But a right black gal : make a rabbit move his family to town Says I went to my gal last night : papa knocked on her door She said is that you Mr Houndhead : mama can't use you no more Now woke up this morning : my gal had the worried blues I looked over in the corner : my poor grandma *what* had them too \L HenrH 2 Henry, Hound Head \C title: My Silver Dollar Mama \C place and date: Chicago, 17 Oct. 1928 \C record numbers: (C-2452- ) Vo-1288 His HLP-2 The gal I love : she lives on a silver dollar Every time she leaves me : I declare I'm bound to holler I don't care who you are : I don't care where you been Woman on the dollar : that's my best friend Said she knock and kick me : treat me like a lowdown dirty dog So I got a pocket full of dollars : huh so you see I ain't on the hog I got a gal in Alabama : gal in Tennessee But the gal on the dollar : that's the sweetest baby for me \L HenrL 1 Henry, Lena \C title: Low Down Despondent Blues \C place and date: New York, 22 Aug. 1924 \C record numbers: (13596) Vo-14873 His HLP-15 I feel worried : I feel sad I lost the best friend : I ever had Don't care about living : don't want to die That's the reason : that I hang my head and cry My man quit me this morning : about the break of day And he told me : he was going away to stay He packed his grip up : didn't even say goodbye When I think of how he left me : I can't help but cry \L HicR 1 Hicks, Robert \C title: Barbecue Blues \C place and date: Atlanta, 25 Mar. 1927 \C record numbers: (143757-1) Co-14205-D CC-36 Woke up this morning gal : 'twixt midnight and day With my hand around my pillow : where my brownie used to lay I know I ain't good-looking : teeth don't shine like pearls So glad : good looks don't take you through this world Going to starch my jumper mama : iron my overalls My brown done quit me : God knows she had it all I'm going to tell you now gal : like Gypsy told the Jew If you don't want me : it's a cinch I don't want you Did you ever dream lucky : wake up cold in hand That's a mighty true sign : your brown got some other man My mama told me : papa told me too Some brownskin woman : going to be the death of you \L HicR 2 Hicks, Robert \C title: Cloudy Sky Blues \C place and date: Atlanta, 25 Mar. 1927 \C record numbers: (143758-2) Co-14205-D CC-36 It seems cloudy brown : I believe it's going to rain Going back to my regular : because she got everything Hey hey mama : mama that ain't no way to do You trying to quit me : mama you know I been good to you Hello Central : give me long long-distant phone I want to hear : from my sweet mama back home When your brown [gets, acts] funny : everything you do she gets off You can hunt you another home : because she don't want you no more \L HicR 3 Hicks, Robert \C title: Poor Boy a Long Ways from Home \C place and date: New York, 16 June 1927 \C record numbers: (144281-2) Co-14246-D Rt RL-326 I'm a poor boy : I'm a long way from home I'm a poor boy : ain't got nowhere to go Ain't got nowhere : to lay my worried head Sometime : I'd sooner to be dead Please tell me : what you going to do I left my brown : standing in the door What you reckon she said : you're not obliged to go I'm a poor boy : stood on the road and cried I didn't have no blues : just couldn't be satisfied Now give me : long-distance phone I want to hear : from my sweet mama back home I said to her : ring six four nine I want to hear : from that bobcat gal of mine \L HicR 4 Hicks, Robert \C title: Easy Rider Don't Deny My Name \C place and date: New York, 16 June 1927 \C record numbers: (144282-3) Co-14231-D RBF RF-15 Going up to town : what you want me to bring you back Oh just anything : you think your baby like Honey honey : you sweet as a plum Baby you throw your arms around me : let's have some fun Going up to town : with my hat in my hand I'm looking for the woman : ain't got no man Mama mama : just look at sis Standing on the corner : trying to do the twist Come here sis : you old stinking sow You trying to be a woman : and you don't know how Ain't but two things : I just like That's salting the dog : and balling the Jack Wears them in the summer : and she wears them in the fall Some folks : they don't wear them at all Honey honey : I'm going to tell you the truth The day you quit me : that's the day you die \L HicR 5 Hicks, Robert \C title: Motherless Chile Blues \C place and date: Atlanta, 5 Nov. 1927 \C record numbers: (145134-1) Co-14299-D RBF RF-15 If I mistreat you gal : I sure don't mean no harm I'm a motherless child : and I don't know right from wrong Please tell me pretty mama : honey where you stayed last night You didn't come home : till the sun was shining bright I have to go so far : to get my hambone boiled These Atlanta women : going to let my hambone spoil I done done more for you : than your daddy ever done I give you my jelly : he ain't give you none When you see two women : always running hand in hand You can bet your bottom dollar : one's got the other one's man I'm going to the river : get me a *dang* old rocking chair If the blues overtake me : going to rock on away from here \L HicR 6 Hicks, Robert \C title: Crooked Woman Blues \C place and date: Atlanta, 10 Nov. 1927 \C record numbers: (145198-1) Co-14280-D CC-36 Oh the way my wife treats me : it sure is a sin Stayed out all night long : before day come creeping in Then I wanted to know : honey where have you been She couldn't say nothing : but it'll never happen again I think sweet mama : I'll have to let you go So pack up all your clothes : you can't sleep here no more It's bad to have a crooked woman : she'll keep you living in sin Then all she will say : it'll never happen again Now if I had a-listened : to my mama's rule I wouldn't have been singing : these crooked woman blues I'm going to sing this verse : and I ain't going to sing no more I got them blues : and I'm sure Lord got to go \L HicR 7 Hicks, Robert \C title: 'Fo Day Creep \C place and date: Atlanta, 10 Nov. 1927 \C record numbers: (145199-1) Co-14280-D CC-36 You passed my door brown : you won't even look in You passed : just like a whirlwind You can pass me up : try to ignore me too You like you ignore me : somebody's going to ignore you I lied down last night : I couldn't even sleep I thinking about that gal : might make that 'fore-day creep It's a lowdown fireman : dirty engineer Done took my gal : and left me standing here Then I asked the brakeman : let me ride your blinds Say I'm sorry buddy : but you know this train ain't mine Some people are happy : and some are burdened down Some are *so ???ing* : some are so lowdown \L HicR 8 Hicks, Robert \C title: Blind Pig Blues \C place and date: Atlanta, 13 Apr. 1928 \C record numbers: (146050-1) Co-14372-D CC-36 Let me in please Charlie : no one here but me I'm speaking easy : give me a pint of stingaree Pour me out some white mule : pour me out some sandy rye I don't want no bug juice : that old stuff is too darn high Oh liquor liquor liquor : give me liquor until I die And I'm always happy : when I've got my liquor nigh I'm kind of worried : got something on my mind That's why I drink my whiskey : make my faro wait behind Blind pig blind pig : sure glad you can't see For if you could : it would be too tight for me I'm slipping slipping slipping : trying to dodge United States law I'm loaded down with bootleg : like to make them yammies bawl \L HicR 9 Hicks, Robert \C title: Chocolate to the Bone \C place and date: Atlanta, 13 Apr. 1928 \C record numbers: (146054-?) Co-14331-D CC-36 So glad I'm brownskin : chocolate to the bone And I've got what it takes : to make a monkey-man leave his home Black man is evil : yellow is so lowdown I walk into these houses : just to see these black men frown I'm just like Miss Lilliam : I mean Miss Lynn you see She said a brownskin man : is just all right with me Yellow man won't quit : black man just won't hey But a pigmeat mama crazy : about brownskin baby ways I got a yellow mama : always got a pleasant smile But that brownskin gal : with her coal-black dreamy eyes \L HicR 10 Hicks, Robert \C title: Hurry and Bring It Back Home \C place and date: Atlanta, 13 Apr. 1928 \C record numbers: (146055-2) Co-14372-D CC-36 I got them blues : and I can't be satisfied Got them so bad : I could just lay down and die Woke up this morning : my clock was striking four Someone started knocking : knocking on my door I went to see : what the noise was all about Someone told me : your brown done left this town On a Monday morning : first thing sad news Listen here professor : play for me those blues Now mama mama : hurry bring it on back to me You were so crazy : for ever leaving me Now haven't I done : everything you asked me to You know by that : I don't love no one but you Listen here sweet mama : I'm going to tell you a natural fact You got what I want : so hurry bring it back \L HicR 11 Hicks, Robert \C title: Ease It to Me Blues \C place and date: Atlanta, 21 Apr. 1928 \C record numbers: (146173-2) Co-14614-D BC-7 Some people want to have plenty of money : some want their wine and song All I crave is my sweet mama : that I dreams about all night long Once I had a dear sweet mama : I didn't treat her right She left this town with a teasing brown : and her name was Mandy White I'm leaving town : today When I find that gal : this what I'm going to say You can have my money : all I want is the facts I ain't got no time to lose : I got to hurry on back When I find that aggravated papa : who tried to two-time me I know I serve a great long sentence : in the penitentiary I'm going to buy me a gun : airplane and a submarine I'm going to kill everybody : ever treat me mean \L HicR 12 Hicks, Robert \C title: She's Gone Blues \C place and date: Atlanta, 26 Oct. 1928 \C record numbers: (147306-1) Co-14461-D RBF RF-15 When you were down : sick down on your bed Know bobby brought you your medicine : also brought you bread You is up today : looking good again I knocked on your door : wouldn't even let me in But the sun going to shine : once more in my back door It's true I love you sweet mama : but you can't mistreat me no more I was standing at the terminal : arms fold up and cried Crying I wonder what train : taking that brown of mine And I run to the telephone : took the receiver down I said hello Central : give me Doctor Brown My baby looks for me : at any old hour at night No matter when I go there : she's never turning off her light Mmm : Lord Lord Lord You womens in Atlanta : treat your men like your dog Before this time brown : maybe another year I'll be up the country : drinking that cool can beer \L HicR 13 Hicks, Robert \C title: California Blues \C place and date: Atlanta, 18 Apr. 1929 \C record numbers: (148358-2) Co-14573-D CC-36 How long how long : how long my train been gone Been gone long enough : to take you to your good gal home Tell my wild women in California : where I so long to be Wild women and whiskey : can make a fool out of me They can lead me like a little airedale : that's only seven weeks old They can lead me to the water : shake my head no no no The longest train I ever rode : was seventy-nine coaches long But if the man had a-seed me : around the mountain I'd have been gone I was on my way to California : where I so long to be Honey I'm from Missouri : you have to *side* me \L HicR 14 Hicks, Robert \C title: Black Skunk Blues \C place and date: Atlanta, 18 Apr. 1929 \C record numbers: (148360-2) Co-14573-D CC-36 I caught a pretty little animal : it was striped black and white What it done to me : spoiled me the rest of my life I thought it was a squirrel : I took him into my camp When I put him down : all my clothes was damp All the people around me : they give me plenty of air It was so doggone strong : I sniffled it everywhere I never smelled a smell : that smelled so doggone bad It was the worst old smell : baby I ever had I jumped into the water : I scrubbed scrubbed scrubbed scrubbed But I smelled stronger : baby the harder I rubbed It was a doggone polecat : and he [sure] ain't no friend of mine He as pretty as a white dog : but he ain't worth a doggone dime \L HicR 15 Hicks, Robert \C title: Freeze to Me Mama \C place and date: Atlanta, 3 Nov. 1929 \C record numbers: (149345-2) Co-14507-D CC-36 Said come along mama : give me a hug You got the world : I got the stopper and the jug Gals all call me : big bad Pete But they crazy : about this little pigmeat Skinny gal in the summer : may be all right But a fat gal in the winter : just too tight My gal she's easy : some say she's slow There's things about her : you don't know Listen to me : please listen to my song Take it slow and easy : you bound to get along Me and my gal : was side by side She said daddy : I would like to ride \L HicR 16 Hicks, Robert \C title: Me and My Whiskey \C place and date: Atlanta, 3 Nov. 1929 \C record numbers: (149346-2) Co-14507-D CC-36 When I'm in my whiskey : I don't care what I say Because me and my whiskey : we going to have our way Please tell me mama : what kind of loving you crave I got the *kind that know about* : seven different ways I'm down in Atlanta : where the womens they all know me I'm going up to Detroit : give me you gal you ain't *seen* Don't you never : want new loving sometimes They moves it a little different : but it's all the same old kind Don't let your gal fix you : like my gal fixed me She made me love her : now she's way down in Tennessee Wild women out west : where I so long to be Wild women and whiskey : can make a fool out of me \L HicR 17 Hicks, Robert \C title: unnamed title \C place and date: Atlanta, 3 Nov. 1929 \C record numbers: (149347-1) Co unissued Yz L-1012 Let me be your little dog : until your big hound comes I can do more howling : than your big dog ever done Look over your role books : see if you got my baby's name She's acting funny : and I she don't seem the same Take care of the baby : because she'll a broad some day And if I'm not too busy : I'll be stopping by your way I feel like falling : from the treetop to the ground My girl got a mean joker : and a-he don't allow me around I go there early in the morning : and I'll go there late at night She used to be my sugar : now he ain't treating her right You got to love your baby : so she'll stay home at night And if you don't love her : she sure ain't going to treat you right You can't love me baby : and love my brother too Because that's that's something : it will never do \L HicR 18 Hicks, Robert \C title: Yo-Yo Blues No. 2 \C place and date: Atlanta, 17 Apr. 1930 \C record numbers: (150269-2) Co-14523-D CC-3 Hey Mr conductor : let me ride your train I want to play your yo play your yo : play your yo-yo again You don't let me on : I'm going to ride the blinds You wants to yo-yo Bob : but you know this train you know this train ain't mine I know a man : his age was fifty-four Oh he didn't do nothing : but play with his yo play with his yo-yo I like to yo-yo : yes both night and day Some folks say it's hard work : but me it's famous me it's famous play You may be blue : and way down in the depths Go play your yo-yo : your yo-yo your little yo-yo will help When you hear them yelling : up and down the hall Don't get uneasy : they's playing yo-yo playing yo-yo that's all I got a gal : she sure is big and fat Let's yo-yo Bob : because it's tight because it's tight like that I'm just a traveler : I've got to leave this squat You want to yo-yo mama : call on Barbecue call on Barbecue Bob \L HicR 19 Hicks, Robert \C title: We Sure Got Hard Times Now \C place and date: Atlanta, 18 Apr. 1930 \C record numbers: (150273-1) Co-14558-D CC-36 Got a song to sing you : and it's no excuse And as sure as the devil : I believe he's got a-loose [When] you want a drink of liquor : you think it's awful nice You put your hand in your pocket : and you ain't got the price You hear about a job : now you is on your way Twenty mens after the same job : all in the same old day Hard times hard times : we [sure] got hard times now Just drink and think about it : we got hard times now You start in mooching : but your mooching been in vain Be careful with yourself : you'll get a ball and chain Lord and bacon : gone to a dollar a pound Cotton have started to selling : but it keeps going down and down Just before election : you was talking about how you was going to vote And after election was over : your head's down like a billygoat \L HicR 20 Hicks, Robert \C title: The Spider and the Fly \C place and date: Atlanta, 23 Apr. 1930 \C record numbers: (150365-2) Co-14558-D CC-36 Up said the spider : to the little fly one day Won't you come around : let's pass the time away Come into my parlor : said the spider to the fly You won't have to do no hollering : I love you until you die My mama told me be careful : wherever I flew Spider's will try to tempt you : and be *baby* I think it would be a treat : just for you and I To order in some quince meat : and get all ???fied Come into my parlor : said the spider to the fly I'll give you loving : loving until you die \L HicR 21 Hicks, Robert \C title: Atlanta Moan \C place and date: Atlanta, 5 Dec. 1930 \C record numbers: (151054-2) Co-14591-D Yz L-1026 Oh nobody knows : Atlanta like I do But the reason I know it : I traveled it through and through If you got a good woman : here's the lesson I'll give to you Don't you take her to Atlanta : the men will take her away from you Lord they taken my woman : hurt me to the bone That's the reason why : you hear me cry and moan I taken one woman : believe me I am through Just for what you do : it coming home to you Oh don't you hear : that steamboat whistle blow And it blows just like : it never blowed before That's all right baby : about how you run around But you had to face sorrow : when Bob gets back in town If you take my woman : I won't get mad with you Like you take her from me : somebody sure take her from you \L HicR 22 Hicks, Robert \C title: Doin' the Scraunch \C place and date: Atlanta, 5 Dec. 1930 \C record numbers: (151056-2) Co-14591-D CC-36 Down in Dixie : there's a dance that's new Ain't much to it : it is easy to do You wiggle and you wobble : and you move it around Ball the jack : and you go to town I know a gal : by name of Lizzie Brown She do that scraunch : she's the best in town She steps so fast : and she steps so light Find her doing that scraunch : on a Saturday night My little gal : know what scraunching means Showed her once : now she's a scraunching queen Grandma and grandpa : at the age of eighty-three They's the best scraunchers : you ever see Standing on the levee : in New Orleans Find the best scraunchers : the world ever seen Got the right step : you move it just right You do that scraunch : and it's just too tight I've got a gal : by the name of Blind Lemon Mack She do that scraunch : it's good like that \L HilB 1 Hill, Bertha Chippie \C title: Low Land Blues \C place and date: Chicago, 9 Nov. 1925 \C record numbers: (9456-A) OK-8273 Bio BLP-C6 I ain't going to marry : ain't going to settle down I'll keep on drinking : keep on running around The mouse got the measles : the dog's got the whooping cough Doggone any man : lets a woman be his boss The womens don't like me : because I speak my mind But the men call mama : because I take my time I ain't good-looking : and I ain't long and tall Don't believe I'm a donkey : put me in a stall \L HilB 2 Hill, Bertha Chippie \C title: Kid Man Blues \C place and date: Chicago, 9 Nov. 1925 \C record numbers: (9457-A) OK-8273 Bio BLP-C6 Papa papa : something's going on wrong If I catch you stealing : regret the day you's born When daddy gets his razor : babies in the cradle moan Because they lost their mama : he's got them all alone Nobody knows : what the sheik will do They'll spend all their money : leave you sad and blue I'm going to quit my kid-man : I like my used-to-be My kid-man don't want nobody : to talk to me \L HilB 3 Hill, Bertha Chippie \C title: Pleadin' for the Blues \C place and date: Chicago, 23 Nov. 1926 \C record numbers: (9949-A) OK-8420 Sw S-1240 I'm not crying : pleading at your feet Sent for you baby : you treat me kind and sweet Baby I'd rather work : than to play But if you treat me mean : I'll have to run away I left my mother : why can't I leave you I will leave anybody : that treats me like you do \L HilB 4 Hill, Bertha Chippie \C title: Pratt City Blues \C place and date: Chicago, 23 Nov. 1926 \C record numbers: (9950-A) OK-8420 Sw S-1240 Pratt City : is where I was born If you get to there : you can get your water on Get full of high-powered liquor : it's bound to make him scream Going back to Pratt City : if it takes *nice and mean* You walk Sandusky : keep your head hung down Don't worry hot papa : I'm *driftrack* bound \L HilB 5 Hill, Bertha Chippie \C title: Lovesick Blues \C place and date: Chicago, 26 Nov. 1926 \C record numbers: (9971-A) OK-8453 CC-32 Lonesome lovesick blues will make you feel so lonely : when you're left all alone Dying for some loving : and the one you love has gone Deep down in my heart : I'm feeling blue Lonesome and lovesick : baby just for you When I am alone : I moan the whole night through I want some loving : no one but you will do My heart is aching : breaking for some news My heart is aching : gee I'm all confused \L HilB 6 Hill, Bertha Chippie \C title: Lonesome Weary Blues \C place and date: Chicago, 26 Nov. 1926 \C record numbers: (9972-A) OK-8453 CC-32 When I'm alone : I long to see my used-to-be Because he's the only one : to ??? for me I was down with a rock : rock by the deep blue sea So I could roll : these lonesome lowdown blues from me I'm lonesome mama : and I know it's true Way my heart aches : you'd be lonesome mama too If I ever lose these blues : never be worried again \L HilK 1 Hill, King Solomon \C title: Whoopee Blues \C place and date: Grafton, Wis., c. Jan. 1932 \C record numbers: (L-1252-1) Pm-13116 Rt RL-335 Baby you been gone all day : that you may make whoopee all night If I going to take my razor and cut your late hours : you wouldn't think I be serving you right Undertaker been here and gone : I give him your height and size You'll be making whoopee with the devil : in hell tomorrow night Oh you done made me love you : now got me for your slave From now on you'll be making whoopee : baby in your lonesome grave Devil got ninety thousand women : he just need one more He's on the mountain calling for you : women broke down surely must go Next time you go out : carry your black suit along Coffin going to be your present : hell going to be your brand new home Cuckoo was howling : sun was almost down Then I got to go through Death Valley : there ain't a house for twenty-five miles around \L HilK 2 Hill, King Solomon \C title: Whoopee Blues \C place and date: Grafton, Wis., c. Jan. 1932 \C record numbers: (L-1252-2) Pm-13116 Yz L-1026 Honey you been gone all day : that you may make whoopee all night I'm going to take my razor and cut your late hours : you wouldn't think I be serving you right Undertaker been here and gone : I give him your heightth and size You'll be making whoopee with the devil : in hell tomorrow night You done made me love you : now you got me for your slave From now on you'll be making whoopee : baby in your lonesome grave Baby next time you go out : carry your black suit along Coffin going to be your present : hell going to be your brand new home I say the devil got ninety thousand women : he just need one more He's on the mountain calling for you : baby broke down surely must go Cuckoo was howling : sun was almost down Then I got to go through Death Valley : there ain't a house for twenty-five miles around My poor feet is so tired : Lord help me some way Then I got three hundred miles to go : traveling through the mud and clay \L HilK 3 Hill, King Solomon \C title: Down on My Bended Knee \C place and date: Grafton, Wis., c. Jan. 1932 \C record numbers: (L-1253-2) Pm-13116 Yz L-1032 Ella Ella : down on my bended knees I'm worried about my baby : bring her back to me You know I love my baby : that's why we can't get along Looks like everything I do : something going on wrong I can see the sun a-shining : leaves shaking on the tree I got a letter from my dona : my babe sung a song to me Mmm : hear my lonesome plea I'm worried about my baby : down on my bended knee \L HilK 4 Hill, King Solomon \C title: The Gone Dead Train \C place and date: Grafton, Wis., c. Jan. 1932 \C record numbers: (L-1254-2) Pm-13129 Yz L-1004 Lord I'm going way down : Lord I'm going to try to leave here today Tell me that's a mean old fireman : and that train is just that way Got to get on that train : I said I'd even brought my trunk Boys if you have been running around in this world : this train will wreck your mind Lord I once was a hobo : I crossed so many *points* But I decided to pull down for a fast life : and take it as it comes There's so many people : have gone down today And these fast trains north and south : have settled their lives in clay I said look here engineer : can I ride your train He said look you ought to know this train ain't mine : and you asking me in vain Said if you go to the Western Union : you might get a chance You might to wire to some of your people : and your fare will be sent right here I want to go home : and this train is done gone dead I done lost my wife and my three little children : and my mother's sick in bed Mmm please : help me win my fare Because I'm a traveling man : boys I can't stay here \L HilK 5 Hill, King Solomon \C title: Tell Me Baby \C place and date: Grafton, Wis., c. Jan. 1932 \C record numbers: (L-1258-2) Pm-13129 Yz L-1004 Now tell me baby : what time your ??? leave I'm going pack my suitcase : beat it back to Tennessee I wrung my hands and cried : Now tell me baby : what time your ??? leave Nickel is a nickel : dime is a dime Wish I had a loving mama : love me all the time Nickel is a nickel : dime is a dime Got a house full of children : and ain't nary one mine Babe I can't see : honey to save my life Why we can't get along : oh just like man and wife I say mama told me : papa told me too All these Winston women : going to be the ruin of you \L HilR 1 Hill, Robert \C title: I Had a Gal for the Last Fifteen Years \C place and date: New Orleans, 15 Oct. 1936 \C record numbers: (02603-1) BB-B6741 His HLP-31 When the rooster gets to worrying : he brings it to the hen Ought to be on tiptoe : of you know *wouldn't let in* Well the ground hog even gets it : puts it in his hole So my woman's got to get it : doggone her soul Well the bee gets the honey : puts it in his comb If he kick out : of his own sweet home Tired of buying pork chops : to grease your fat lips You got to find another place : for to park your *rotsy* hips \L HilSy 1 Hill, Sammy \C title: Cryin' for the Blues \C place and date: Dallas, 9 Aug. 1929 \C record numbers: (55319) Vi-V38588 Yz L-1004 Did you ever wake up in the morning baby : same thing all on your mind Something keep you bothered mama : honey worried all the time When I was just a little boy sweet mama : on my way to school Met an old *dark-kissing* brown boy : made me break my teacher's rule Mmm : mmm I ain't got no sweet mama : teach me right from wrong My mama got a hen great God Lord : lays nineteen eggs a day He layed so many eggs : my baby ??? away Lord : am I right or wrong I ain't got no sweet mama : Lord to rock me in her arms Now take your black daddy : wrap him all in your arms Sweet mama I haven't my right mind baby : Lord since you been gone \L HilSy 2 Hill, Sammy \C title: Needin' My Woman Blues \C place and date: Dallas, 9 Aug. 1929 \C record numbers: (55320) Vi-V38588 Yz L-1004 My baby's gone : please don't wait till day I'm sorry I wasn't at home mama : just my babe hadn't've stayed Well I went back home great God : sit in my back kitchen door I just want to tell my mama : I mustn't see my baby anymore Well I went out mama : and I begin to prayer and moan I want to be good Lord Lord : send me my babe back home Once I heard a knocking : on my back kitchen door It's knock like my sweet mama : boys she been here before Babe : honey what am I to do Don't you want your sweet man mama : honey lie down and die for you But I feel so sad baby : honey and I'm lonesome too Ain't nothing in this world boys : Lord for your black man to do \L Hite 1 Hite, Mattie \C title: Graveyard Dream Blues \C place and date: New York, c. mid Nov. 1923 \C record numbers: (70413) Pat-032014 VJM VLP-40 Blues on my mind : blues all around my head Had a dream last night : that the man I love was dead Went to the graveyard : fell down on my knees And I asked the gravedigger : to give me back my good man please The gravedigger : looked me in the eye Says I'm sorry lady : but your man has said his last goodbye I wrung my hands : and I wanted to scream But when I woke up : I found it was only a dream \L Hite 2 Hite, Mattie \C title: Mason-Dixon Blues \C place and date: New York, c. mid Nov. 1923 \C record numbers: (70414) Pat-032014 VJM VLP-40 Way down : below the Mason-Dixon line That's where I'm going : just to ease my mind Want to see my folks : I miss them so I bought my ticket : and I'm bound to go Won't I be glad : when my train pulls in See my mammy : and my Uncle Ben This northern country : it make you choose But it will never cure : the Mason-Dixon blues \L Hogg 1 Hogg, Andrew \C title: Family Trouble Blues \C place and date: Chicago, 18 Feb. 1937 \C record numbers: (61856-A) De-7303 Rt RL-315 Well now I have a woman : I try to treat her right Well now she will get drunk : ooo well well and fuss and fight all night I love that woman : I done the best I could Well now she proved to me : ooo well well that she didn't mean me no good There's a day coming : I believe I'll make a change Well now the way she treat me : ooo well well a lowdown dirty shame I wonder what's the matter : that I can't sleep at night Well something in my family : ooo well well you know ain't going on right That's all right baby : *sorry* you drove me away Well now you don't think : ooo well well that you need my help some day My woman she told me : nineteen and thirty-four Well now you have a new man : ooo well well she can't use me no more \L HollT 1 Hollins, Tony \C title: Stamp Blues \C place and date: Chicago, 3 June 1941 \C record numbers: (C-3843-1) OK-06351 BC-5 Well I woke up this morning : half past four Met a big crowd : at the ??? store Well I'm a country man : never go to town The women in Chicago : trying to jive me around Well if you ever in Chicago : and the times get hard Take a little walk : out on South Park Well the womens up here : play me to be a fool Think I'm the boy : ain't never been schooled Well now I got cheer : I had good luck The woman I love : she keeps me up Well I woke up this morning : half past two Streets was crowded : and I couldn't get through \L Hous 1 House, Son \C title: My Black Mama-+-Part 1 \C place and date: Grafton, Wis., 28 May 1930 \C record numbers: (L-408-2) Pm-13042 OJL-2 Well black mama : what's the matter with you today Ain't satisfactory : don't care what I do Hey mama : what's the matter with you Baby it ain't satisfactory : baby I don't care what I do You say a brownskin woman : will make a rabbit move to town Say a [jet, real] black woman : will make a mule kick his stable down Yeah it ain't no heaven now : and it ain't no burning hell Said I where I'm going when I die : can't nobody tell Well my black mama's face : shine like the sun Oh lipstick and powder : sure won't help her none Well if you see my milkcow : tell her to hurry home I ain't had no milk : since that cow been gone Well I'm going to the race track : to see my pony run He ain't the best in the world : but he's a running son of a gun Oh Lord have mercy : on my wicked soul I wouldn't mistreat you baby : for my weight in gold \L Hous 2 House, Son \C title: My Black Mama-+-Part 2 \C place and date: Grafton, Wis., 28 May 1930 \C record numbers: (L-409-2) Pm-13042 OJL-2 Well I solemnly swear : Lord I raise my right hand That I'm going to get me a woman : you get you another man I got a letter this morning : how do you reckon it read Oh hurry hurry : gal you love is dead I grabbed my suitcase : I took on up the road I got there : she was laying on the cooling board Well I walked up close : I looked down in her face Good old gal : got to lay there till Judgment Day Oh my woman's so black : she stays apart of this town Can't nothing go : when the poor gal is around Oh some people tell me : the worried blues ain't bad It's the worst old feeling : that I ever had Mmm I fold my arms : and I walked away That's all right mama : your troubles will come some day \L Hous 3 House, Son \C title: Preachin' the Blues-+-Part 1 \C place and date: Grafton, Wis., 28 May 1930 \C record numbers: (L-410-1) Pm-13013 OJL-5 Oh I'm going to get me religion : I'm going to join the Baptist Church I'm going to be a Baptist preacher : and I sure won't have to work Oh I'm going to preach these blues now : and I want everybody to shout I'm going to do like a prisoner : I'm going to roll my time on out Oh up in my room : I bowed down to pray Say the blues come along : and they drove my spirit away Oh and I had religion : Lord this very day But the womens and whiskey : well they would not let me pray Oh I wish I had me : a heaven of my own Then I'd give all my women : a long long happy home Yeah I love my baby : just like I love myself Well if she don't have me : she won't have nobody else \L Hous 4 House, Son \C title: Preachin' the Blues-+-Part 2 \C place and date: Grafton, Wis., 28 May 1930 \C record numbers: (L-411-1) Pm-13013 OJL-5 Hey I'm going to fold my arms : I'm going to kneel down in prayer When I get up : I'm going to see if my preaching suit a man's ear Now I met the blues this morning : walking just like a man I said good morning blues : now give me your right hand Now it ain't nothing now baby : Lord that's going to worry my mind Oh I'm satisfied : I got the longest line Oh I got to stay on the job : I ain't got no time to lose I swear to God : I got to preach these gospel blues Oh I'm going to preach these blues : and choose my seat and sit down When the spirit comes sisters : I want you to jump straight up and down \L Hous 5 House, Son \C title: Dry Spell Blues-+-Part 1 \C place and date: Grafton, Wis., 28 May 1930 \C record numbers: (L-425-4) Pm-12990 OJL-11 The dry spell blues have fallen : drive me from door to door The dry spell blues : have put everybody on the killing flood Now the people down south : sure won't have no home Because the dry spell : have parched all this cotton and corn Hard luck's on everybody : and many people are blue Now besides the shower : ain't got no help for you Lord I fold my arms : and I walked away Just like I tell you : somebody's got to pay Pork chops forty-five cents a pound : cotton is only ten I can't keep no woman : no no nowhere I been So dry : old boll weevil turned up his toes and died Now ain't nothing to do : bootleg moonshine and rye \L Hous 6 House, Son \C title: Dry Spell Blues-+-Part 2 \C place and date: Grafton, Wis., 28 May 1930 \C record numbers: (L-426-2) Pm-12990 OJL-11 It have been so dry : you can make a powderhouse out of the world Then all the moneymen : like a rattlesnake in his coil I done throwed up my hands : Lord and solemnly swore There ain't no need of me changing towns : it's a drought everywhere I go It's a dry old spell : everywhere I been I believe to my soul : this old world is about to end Well I stood in my back yard : wrung my hands and screamed And I couldn't see nothing : couldn't see nothing green Oh Lord : have mercy if you please Let your rain come down : and give our poor hearts ease These blues these blues : is worthwhile to be heard For it's very likely : bound to rain somewhere \L Howe 1 Howell, Peg Leg \C title: Coal Man Blues \C place and date: Atlanta, 8 Nov. 1926 \C record numbers: (143116-2) Co-14194-D RBF RF-202 Woke up this morning : about five o'clock Get me some eggs : and a nice pork chop Cheap cigar : and a magazine Had to run through the street : to catch the five-fifteen Let me tell you something : that I seen Coalman got run over : by the five-fifteen Cut off his arms : and it cracked his ribs Did the poor man die : no the poor man lived Let me tell you something : that I know Coalman got run over : by the five forty-four Cut off his arms : and it crunched his head The poor man died : no the poor man lived I ain't got : but a little bit left If you don't come and get it : I'm going to burn it myself Get the wood in the stove : and the match in your hand You run to the door : and stop the *dirty* coalman Sell it to the rich : and I sell it to the poor Sell it to the nice brown : a-standing in the door Furnish you wood : furnish you coal Make you love me : doggone your soul I got your water : got you gas You treat me mama : says that's your last Let me tell you mama : what's the matter now You don't want me : take me anyhow Sweet mama sweet mama : what's on your mind Say you can't quit me : no need of trying I'm going up the country : don't you want to go Leaving here : ain't coming back no more Me and my rider : and two or three more We're going up the country : don't you want to go Went down the road : feeling bad I feel so worried : that I ever had Don't believe I'm leaving : count the day I'm gone \L Howe 2 Howell, Peg Leg \C title: Tishamingo Blues \C place and date: Atlanta, 8 Nov. 1926 \C record numbers: (143117-1) Co-14194-D RBF RF-9 I'm going to Tishamingo : because I'm sad today Say the woman I love : she done drove me away I'm going to Tishamingo : to have my hambone boiled These Atlanta women : done let my hambone spoil I woke up this morning : between midnight and day I felt for my rider : she done walked away Can't you always tell : when your good gal going to treat you mean You meals is unregular : you house ain't never clean You can always tell : that something going on wrong When you come in : your rider she's out and gone Say when she come in : she got a rag tied around her head You speak about loving : she swear she's almost dead Sweet mama : what's on your loving mind You can't quit me : 'tain't no need of trying I got a loving faro : she's long and tall like me I love my brownskin : don't care where she be \L Howe 3 Howell, Peg Leg \C title: Too Tight Blues \C place and date: Atlanta, 1 Nov. 1927 \C record numbers: (145062-1) Co-14298-D Rt RL-316 Grab your gal : fall in line While I play : this rag of mine Too tight : it won't *don* Too tight : it'll make you warm Too tight : ain't it a shame Too tight : shaking that thing Too tight : hear me cry Too tight : just don't die Too tight : Too tight : he tried to pull it back out Too tight : give it the gate Too tight : let's don't wait Too tight : you hear me say Too tight : it make us afraid \L Howe 4 Howell, Peg Leg \C title: Doin' Wrong \C place and date: Atlanta, 9 Nov. 1927 \C record numbers: (145184-2) Co-14473-D RBF RF-11 Take me sweet mama : allow me one more show I swear to the Lord : that I won't do wrong no more I don't love no woman : if she ain't got baby ways I'm crazy about my loving : it's always been my crave I hung my head : I cried just like a child Said the way I'm treated mama : I sure ain't satisfied If you ever go to Memphis : stop by Jessie's hall You'll see my picture : hanging on the wall I got the blues so bad : mama my poor heart is sore Can't rest contented : nowhere I go Take me mama : please don't throw me down I'm going to pack my suitcase : I'm going to blow this town \L Howe 5 Howell, Peg Leg \C title: Skin Game Blues \C place and date: Atlanta, 9 Nov. 1927 \C record numbers: (145185-2) Co-14473-D RBF RF-202 When I ??? game last night : thought I'd have some fun Lost all the money that I had baby : pawned my special gun Says I gambled all over Missouri : gambled all through Spain Police come to arrest me babe : and they did not know my name Gambled all over Missouri : gambled through Tennessee Soon as I reach old Georgia : the niggers carried a handcuff to me \L Howe 6 Howell, Peg Leg \C title: Please Ma'am \C place and date: Atlanta, 20 Apr. 1928 \C record numbers: (146159-2) Co-14356-D RBF RF-15 Been begging you : all night long I'll acknowledge : I done wrong Begging you : down on my knees Begging you : babe if you please \L Howe 7 Howell, Peg Leg \C title: Low Down Rounder Blues \C place and date: Atlanta, 20 Apr. 1928 \C record numbers: (146161-1) Co-14320-D RBF RF-1 Just a worried old rounder : with a troublesome mind All bundled up from hardship : fate to me have been unkind I wouldn't listen to my mother : wouldn't listen to my dad And by my reckless living : I've put myself in bad I ain't trusting nobody : I'm afraid of myself I've been too lowdown : life have put me on the shelf My friends have turned against me : smiling in my face Since I been so disobedient : I must travel in disgrace I cannot shun the devil : he stay right by my side There is no way to cheat him : I'm so dissatisfied Ain't nobody wants me : they wouldn't be in my shoes I feel so disgusted : I've got them lowdown rounder blues \L Howe 8 Howell, Peg Leg \C title: Ball and Chain Blues \C place and date: Atlanta, 13 Apr. 1929 \C record numbers: (148270-2) Co-14535-D Rt RL-318 I'm laying in jail : my back turned to the wall Says a Georgia woman : was the cause of it all They arrested me : carried me before the judge Say the judge wouldn't like me : and he say a mumbling word I asked the judge : what might be my fine Get a pick and shovel : dig down in the mine I told the judge : I ain't been here before If you give me light sentence : I won't come here no more Mr judge Mr judge : please don't break so hard I always been a poor boy : never hurt no John So the next day : they carried the poor boy away Said the next day : I *led* a ball and chain Take the stripes off my back : chains from around my legs This ball and chain : about to kill me dead \L Howe 9 Howell, Peg Leg \C title: Away from Home \C place and date: Atlanta, 13 Apr. 1929 \C record numbers: (148273-2) Co-14535-D Rt RL-318 Standing in the station : waiting for my train I was outdoors : sleeping in the rain My mama's sick : papa's dead and gone Didn't have no loving pillow : to lay head on Thousand miles : baby away from home My mama's sick : my papa's dead and gone I asked the operator : how long the train been gone Your train been gone : ever since this morn Said the train I ride : it's eighteen coaches long I'm a poor boy : I'm a long ways from my home I'm a poor boy : ain't got nowhere to stay Says everybody : sure done throwed me away I'm down in Cincinnati : baby on the hog I'm drinking muddy water : sleep in a hollow log \L Hull 1 Hull, Papa Harvey \C title: Gang of Brownskin Women \C place and date: Chicago, c. 8 Apr. 1927 \C record numbers: (12689) Ge-6122 Yz L-1001 Got a gang of brownskin sweet women : got a gang of high yellows too I got so many womens : I don't know what to do Got a Monday Monday girl : she works it on Broad and Main Got a Tuesday one *there : to issue* my spending change Got a Wednesday Wednesday girl : she works it on Broadway Square Got a Thursday one : take me each and everywhere Got a Friday Friday girl : she brings me a bottle of beer Got a Saturday one : well she better not catch me here Now gang around girls and boys : explain my sonnet to you Wear those patent leather slippers : mama don't *made dad* blue Well I love my sweet baby : I tell this world I do And I hope some day : she'll learn to love daddy too Got a gang of brownskin sweet women : got a gang of high yellows too And I hope some day : she'll learn to love daddy too \L Hull 2 Hull, Papa Harvey \C title: France Blues \C place and date: Chicago, c. 8 Apr. 1927 \C record numbers: (12690) Ge-6106 OJL-2 Have you ever took a trip : baby on the Mobile Line That's the road to ride baby : ease your troubling mind Well I got a letter baby : this is the way it read Come home come home baby : because your love is dead Well I packed my suitcase : bundled up my clothes When I got there : she was laying on the cooling board Well I took my baby : to the burying ground You ought to heard me hollering : when they let her down Well there's two black horses : standing on the burying ground When I turned around : these big tears run on down When you go to heaven : going to babe going to stop by France Going to stop by there : just to give these girls a chance Baby when I die : don't bury daddy at all Well pickle daddy's bones : baby in alcohol Well the boat's up the river : baby and she won't come down Well I believe to my soul : baby boat is water bound Baby when I die : put daddy's picture in a frame So where daddy's going : you can see him just the same Hello heaven : daddy want to give you a telephone So you can talk to your daddy :any time when he's gone \L Hull 3 Hull, Papa Harvey \C title: Two Little Tommies Blues \C place and date: Chicago, c. 8 Apr. 1927 \C record numbers: (12691) Ge-6122 Yz L-1009 Got two little Tommies : can't hardly tell them apart One is my lover : the other in my heart Got two little Tommies : they is black and brown One lives in the country : the other lives in town When you see me coming : put your man outdoors Well I ain't no stranger : I been here before When you see me coming : bake your biscuits brown Put your meat in the cupboard : turn your damper down When you see me leaving : hang your head and cry Got a mind to ramble : ain't going to settle down Going to move to the city : tear these girls on down Can you tell me : how far Jackson to back home \L Hull 4 Hull, Papa Harvey \C title: Don't You Leave Me Here \C place and date: Chicago, c. 8 Apr. 1927 \C record numbers: (12692) Ge-6106 OJL-8 Boat's up the river : running side by side Well you got my loving sweet babe : guess you're satisfied Don't you leave me here : don't you leave me here Well I don't mind you going sweet loving babe : leave a dollar for beer How long how long : had the train been gone Katy Adams got ways : just like a man Because she steals a woman sweet loving babe : everywhere she lands Can you tell me how long : Jackson to McComb Well it's fifteen miles sweet loving babe : Memphis to my home \L Hull 5 Hull, Papa Harvey \C title: Mama You Don't Know How \C place and date: Chicago, c. May 1927 \C record numbers: ( ) BP-8030 Her H-201 Ooh : I ain't got no mama now Going to be another *war* : don't need no mama nohow Lord it was late last night mama : everything was still Here to meet my sweet baby : *he's* around the hill Lord I'd rather be dead mama : mouldering in the clay Seeing my sweet baby : treated this a-way Ooh : mama you don't know how Got another sweet baby : know she's taking it now Going to sing this verse mama : ain't going to sing no more Because the landlady's liquor : Lord it's coming too slow \L Hurt 1 Hurt, Mississippi John \C title: Nobody's Dirty Business \C place and date: Memphis, 14 Feb. 1928 \C record numbers: (400223-B) OK-8560 Bio BLP-C4 Some of these mornings : going to wake up crazy Going to grab me a gun : kill my baby Some of these mornings : going to wake up boozy Going to grab my gun : going to kill old Suzie Going back : to Pensicola Going to buy my babe : a money *moler* Babe babe : did you get that letter Oh you take me back : I'll treat you better \L Hurt 2 Hurt, Mississippi John \C title: Ain't No Tellin' \C place and date: New York, 21 Dec. 1928 \C record numbers: (401471-A) OK-8759 Bio BLP-C4 Don't you let : my good girl catch you here She might shoot you : may cut you and stab you too 'Tain't no telling : what she might do I'm up the country : where the cold sleet and snow Ain't no telling : how much further I may go Eat my breakfast here : my dinner in Tennessee I told you I was coming : baby won't you look for me The way I'm sleeping : my back and shoulders tired Going to turn over : try it on this side \L Hurt 3 Hurt, Mississippi John \C title: Avalon Blues \C place and date: New York, 21 Dec. 1928 \C record numbers: (401473-B) OK-8759 Bio BLP-C4 I been in New York this morning : just about half past nine Thought of my mama in Avalon : couldn't hardly keep from crying Avalon my home town : always on my mind Pretty mama's in Avalon : want me there all the time When the train left Avalon : throwing kisses and waving at me Says come back daddy : stay right here with me Avalon's a small town : have no great big range Pretty mama's in Avalon : sure will spend your change New York's a good town : but it's not for mine Going back to Avalon : stay there with pretty mama all the time \L Hurt 4 Hurt, Mississippi John \C title: Big Leg Blues \C place and date: New York, 21 Dec. 1928 \C record numbers: (401474-A) OK unissued Bio \C BLP-C4 Raise up baby : get your big leg off of mine It's so heavy : made a good man change his mind I asked you baby : come and hold my head Send me away : said you'd rather see me dead I'm going I'm going : crying won't make me stay The more you cry : further you drive me away Some crave high yellow : I like black and brown Black won't quit you : brown won't lay you down It was late at midnight : moon shine bright like day I seen you faro : going up the right of way \L Hurt 5 Hurt, Mississippi John \C title: Candy Man Blues \C place and date: New York, 28 Dec. 1928 \C record numbers: (401483-B) OK-8654 Bio BLP-C4 Want all you ladies : all gather around That good sweet candy man's : in town He got a stick of candy : just nine inch long He sells as fast : a hog can chew his corn All heard : what sister Johnson said She always takes : a candy stick to bed Don't stand close : to the candy man He'll leave a big candy stick : in your hand He sold some candy : to sister bad The very next day : she took all he had If you try his candy : good friend of mine You sure will want it : for a long long time His stick candy : don't melt away It just gets better : so the ladies say \L Hurt 6 Hurt, Mississippi John \C title: Got the Blues Can't Be Satisfied \C place and date: New York, 28 Dec. 1928 \C record numbers: (401484-B) OK-8724 Bio BLP-C4 Got the blues : can't be satisfied Keep the blues : I'll catch that train and ride Whiskey straight : will drive the blues away That be the case : I want a quart today Bought my gal : a great big diamond ring Come right back home : and caught her shaking that thing I said baby : what makes you act this a-way Said I won't miss a thing : she gives away Took my gun : and I broke the barrel down Put my baby : six feet under the ground I cut that joker : so long deep and wide You got the blues : and still ain't satisfied \L Hurt 7 Hurt, Mississippi John \C title: Blue Harvest Blues \C place and date: New York, 28 Dec. 1928 \C record numbers: (401487-A) OK-8692 Bio BLP-C4 Standing on the mountain : far as I can see Dark clouds above me : clouds all around poor me Feeling low and weary : Lord I've got a trouble in mind Everything that gets me : everybody's so unkind Harvest time's coming : and will catch me unprepared Haven't made a dollar : bad luck is all I've had Lord how can I bear it : Lord what will the harvest bring Putting up all my money : and I isn't got a doggone thing I'm a weary traveler : roaming around from place to place If I don't find something : this will end me in disgrace Ain't got no mother : father left me long ago I'm just like an orphan : where my folks is I don't know Blues around my shoulder : blues are all around my head With my heavy burden : Lord I wished I was dead \L JackC 1 Jackson, Papa Charlie \C title: Papa's Lawdy Lawdy Blues \C place and date: Chicago, c. Aug. 1924 \C record numbers: (1850-1) Pm-12219 RBF RF-9 I love my baby : and my baby do love me Get away from my window : honey babe get away from my door Honey babe honey babe : why don't you tell me what you're going to do I ain't crazy about no yellow : I ain't no fool about no brown Because you can't tell the difference : mama when the sun goes down I got a wife got a girl : and I'm fooling on the outside too \L JackC 2 Jackson, Papa Charlie \C title: Airy Man Blues \C place and date: Chicago, c. Aug. 1924 \C record numbers: (1851-2) Pm-12219 Yz L-1029 Now *look here Mr* ??? : *says you take a good drop* ??? : he done broke your heart Put you out : told you to go You never come back : to her house no more Now just trying : to throw it down You know : you the foolishest man in town Keep on talking : *to the will* Says you'll never : get to ??? *Bill* Well you can bring a lot of wood: you can bring in my clothes You can iron my shirts : you can bless my soul \L JackC 3 Jackson, Papa Charlie \C title: Salty Dog Blues \C place and date: Chicago, c. Sept. 1924 \C record numbers: (1893-?) Pm-12236 Yz L-1029 Says it ain't but the one thing : that grieve my mind All these women : and none is mine Says a little fish big fish : swimming in the water Come on back here man : and give me my quarter It's like hunting for a needle : in a bed of sand Trying to find a woman : haven't got no man Three barrels of your whiskey : four barrels of gin Says I have a papa home : and you can't come in Says God made a woman : and he made her mighty funny Kiss her on the mouth : just sweet as any honey Now who in the *ham* : *and the confoundation* Been sowing them potatoes : on my plantation Now the scariest I ever been : in my life Uncle ??? caught me : kissing his wife Now if this was a coffeepot : and that was a spout I'll be the *worst* boy : to pour the coffee out \L JackC 4 Jackson, Papa Charlie \C title: The Cats Got the Measles \C place and date: Chicago, c. Jan. 1925 \C record numbers: (10019-3) Pm-12259 Bio BLP-12042 Now the cat's got the measles : dog's got the whooping cough Doggone a man : let a woman be his boss Now I ain't no devil : crawl in a lion's den But my chief occupation : taking women from their monkey-men Says I ain't good-looking : my teeth don't shine like pearls But I've got something babe : to carry me through this big darn world Now I think I heard a rumbling : deep down in the ground Well it must have been the devil : chaining my good gal down Now the men don't like me : just because I speak my mind But the women cry papa : just because I take my time \L JackC 5 Jackson, Papa Charlie \C title: I Got What It Takes \C But It Breaks My Heart to Give It Away \C place and date: Chicago, c. Jan. 1925 \C record numbers: (10020-3) Pm-12259 Bio BLP-12042 I saved it up : since the Lord knows when I ain't saved a thing : because of any of you men I've had it so long : I hate to lose it Because ever gets broke : I'll be able to use it Now when you're laying in jail : with your head in your arms And then you realize : your sweet mama's gone \L JackC 6 Jackson, Papa Charlie \C title: Shave Em Dry \C place and date: Chicago, c. Feb. 1925 \C record numbers: (10042-?) Pm-12264 Yz L-1029 Now here's one thing : can't understand Why a bow-legged woman : likes a knock-kneed man *Times* way downtown : spread the news State Street women : wearing broken shoes Now I'm going away : to wear you off my mind You keep me broken-hearted : mama all the time Now here's one thing : I can't understand A good-looking woman : likes a workingman Now I don't see how : you *honky* women can *pace* Shimmy all day : without a bite to eat Now if it wasn't for the powder : store-bought hair State Street women : couldn't go nowhere Now I went to the show : the other night The people on State Street : trying to fight I ain't crazy about my brown : or about my brown You can't tell the difference : when the sun go down When you see two women : running hand by hand You bet your bottom dollar : she's got the other one's man Now run here mama : stay back in my home If your man catch you : I don't mean no harm \L JackC 7 Jackson, Papa Charlie \C title: Coffee Pot Blues \C place and date: Chicago, c. Feb. 1925 \C record numbers: (10043-?) Pm-12264 Yz L-1029 You can always tell : when your good gal don't want to be seen Because your meals ain't ready : the house is never clean Just like hunting for a needle : buried in a bed of sand That is to find a woman : haven't got no man Three barrels of whiskey : mama four barrels of gin She said the *headknots* at home : daddy and you can't in It was early one morning : just at the close of four When Dolly Smith : knocked on Evelyn's door She jumped up sweet babe : tipped on across the floor Hollering long tall daddy : don't you knock no more It was in the loving kitchen : where they made the plot For to poison her father and her mother : in the coffeepot Then they carried the remains : throwed it out in the *shore* Killed fifteen chickens : Policeman said to Freddie : what do you know about this Says I guess : you'll have to go arrest poor Dolly Smith Then they carried poor dolly : put her behind the bar Give him thirty-nine days : mama and that ain't all Poor evelyn's in jail : with her back turned to the wall Hollering cool kind daddy : you know you the cause it all I'm going to sing this time : ain't going to sing no more Because my throat's got dry : swear my tonsil's sore \L JackC 8 Jackson, Papa Charlie \C title: Shake That Thing \C place and date: Chicago, c. May 1925 \C record numbers: (2120-?) Pm-12281 Yz L-1029 Now down in Georgia : they got a dance that's new There ain't nothing to it : it is easy to do Now it ain't no Charleston : ain't no buck and wing All you got to do : is to shake that thing Now the old folks like it : the young folks too The old folks showing : the young folks how to do Now get back to me : and Let your mammy ??? you : just *all to do* I was walking downtown : and stumbled and fell My mouth jumped open : like a country well Now grandpa Johnson : grabbed sister Kate He shook her : just like you shake the *jelly from the wheat* Now old Uncle Jack : the jellyroll king He just got back : from shaking that thing Now old Uncle Moe : he's sick in bed The doctor says : he's almost dead Now the folks in Georgia : they done got wild The *hobo* ??? : \L JackC 9 Jackson, Papa Charlie \C title: The Faking Blues \C place and date: Chicago, c. May 1925 \C record numbers: (2121-?) Pm-12281 Yz L-1029 I got plenty of whiskey : put them up on the shelf But I'm getting sick and tired : of doing ??? by my faking self Now tell me pretty mama : tell me please don't lie Can your sweet papa stop by here : or must I pass on by I got the faking blues : going to sing them anywhere I please That's the reason why : give my poor heart some ease Lord I'm going away mama : believe me it ain't stall Because I can get more women : than a passenger can haul Lord I'm going to the nation : buy me an Indian squaw I'm going to raise me a family : got me an Indian ma I got the faking blues : sing them anywhere I go Tell you the reason I sing them : my sweet mama don't love me no more Lord I went to the river : looking for a place to set down I thought about my faking jellyroll : come on back to town \L JackC 10 Jackson, Papa Charlie \C title: I'm Alabama Bound \C place and date: Chicago, c. May 1925 \C record numbers: (2144-2) Pm-12289 Yz L-1029 Stood on the corner : feet got soaking wet I was hollering and crying to every brown : to hell I'm at I'm Alabama bound : I'm Alabama bound Then if you want me to love you babe : you got to leave this town When the rooster crowed : the hen looked around Said if you want me to love you babe : you got to run me down Look here pretty mama : who can your regular be Says the reason I'm *blacking out stalling* babe : you been so good to me There's a preacher in the pulpit : Bible in his hand And the sisters was back in the amen corner : hollering that's my man Now the boat's up the river : can't be floated down But she's *way on south* now darling babe : Alabama bound Just like a beefsteak beefsteak : ain't got no bone Then if a man like a good brownskin woman now babe : he ain't got no home Elder Green's in town : and he's going around And he's telling all the sisters and the brothers he meets : he's Alabama bound Now don't you leave me here : don't you leave me here Just before you and your partner get ready to go : leave a dime for beer \L JackC 11 Jackson, Papa Charlie \C title: Drop that Sack \C place and date: Chicago, c. May 1925 \C record numbers: (2145-1) Pm-12289 Yz L-1029 Now I got a gal : works in the yard She brings me meat : she brings me lard Only thing : that keep me barred People she works for : don't allow me in the yard Going to tell you one thing : it's a natural fact Want you to come on home : and drop that sack Now I got a gal : she lives on the hill Took our corn : to the sugar mill Still I know : I wouldn't take no salt I'll grind your corn : into sweet jellyroll I asked for one : she brought me two Down to the crap game : me and you Got two dollars : my point was nine Police come a-running : and the *chips* went flying Said I went to the Gypsy : to get me a hand See my gal walking : with another man I said you may go : you'll come back If you ever come back : you got to drop that sack \L JackC 12 Jackson, Papa Charlie \C title: Hot Papa Blues \C place and date: Chicago, c. Aug. 1925 \C record numbers: (2207-2) Pm-12305 Bio BLP-12042 I ain't good-looking : and I don't dress cute But I just want to *break* : some good man's *opportune* I ain't no race horse : I ain't built for speed But I got everything : that a race horse papa needs You may fall from the mountain : down in the deep blue sea You ain't done no falling : till you fall in love with me I ain't no coalman : ain't no coalman's son But I can keep you warm : until your coalman comes Won't you tell me pretty mama : I won't have to wait Will I be your regular : or did I come too late I may look green : but I ain't no clown I'm just a red-hot papa : just blowed in your town \L JackC 13 Jackson, Papa Charlie \C title: Take Me Back Blues \C place and date: Chicago, c. Aug. 1925 \C record numbers: (2208-2) Pm-12296 Bio BLP-12042 Take me back baby : you know I don't know my mind For when I'm mistreating you : I'm loving you all the time I walked the streets all day : hung my head and cried I laid awake all night : trying to make myself satisfied There's one thing honey : I want you to understand That's your time ain't long : if I catch you with another man You ain't good-looking : and you don't dress fine But there ain't no reason : let some other man read my sign Going down to the river : honey don't you wear no black Because when you think I'm gone : I'll come creeping back If you don't want me : why don't you tell me why Because you flirting with the undertaker : I mean it ain't no lie \L JackC 14 Jackson, Papa Charlie \C title: Mama, Don't You Think I Know \C place and date: Chicago, c. Aug. 1925 \C record numbers: (2224-2) Pm-12305 Bio BLP-12042 Got a knock-kneed mama : down in Tennessee She's short and squatty : she's all right with me Now knock-kneed mama : what you going to cook tonight Whatever you cook : just cook it right You got a face like a washboard : and a mouth like a tub Teach my mama : that washboard rub Now some people say : chitlings are good to eat I'll never eat chitlings : long as hog got feet Takes a long-tailed monkey : a short-tailed dog To do that dance : they call the falling off the log Now the monkey told the elephant : if he's not drunk I know you're sober : you got the tail in front Now the monkey told the elephant : you may be drinking wine You can't switch your tail : like I switch mine \L JackC 15 Jackson, Papa Charlie \C title: Maxwell Street Blues \C place and date: Chicago, c. Sept. 1925 \C record numbers: (2288-2) Pm-12320 Bio BLP-12042 I was walking down Morgan : stopped on Maxwell Street I asked the desk sergeant ??? police force : my gal ain't off of the street I couldn't talk to the desk sergeant : tell him *when and* where it took place Because I knew my mama : got arrested on Maxwell Street Lord I'm talking about the wagon : talking about the ??? car too Because Maxwell Street's so crowded on a Sunday : you can hardly pass through There's Maxwell Street Market : got Water Street Market too If you ain't got no money : the women got nothing for you to do I got the Maxwell Street blues : mama and it just won't pay Because the Maxwell Street women : going to carry me to my grave I live six twenty-four Maxwell : mama and I'm talking about you Because I swear I don't walk : said Buly Buly Buly how do you \L JackC 16 Jackson, Papa Charlie \C title: All I Want Is a Spoonful \C place and date: Chicago, c. Sept. 1925 \C record numbers: (2298-1) Pm-12320 Bio BLP-12042 I told you once : this makes twice That's the last time : don't you boil them rice You can brown your gravy : fry your steak Sweet mama : don't make no mistake Just sure as the winter : follows the fall There ain't no one woman : got it all You can meet a woman : that you can't understand Must be looking for you : or a monkey-man Now cool kind mama : says you needn't've stalled Throw it out the window : I'll catch it before it falls I got the blues so bad : I couldn't sleep last night My cool kind mama : want to fuss and fight Now I'm so glad : that dog can talk I can't teach him : to take a morning's walk Now if you don't believe : that I can run mighty fast Ask that man : that run me last \L JackC 17 Jackson, Papa Charlie \C title: Texas Blues \C place and date: Chicago, c. Dec. 1925 \C record numbers: (11031-?) Pm-12335 Yz L-1029 I'm Texas bound : I got a freight train on my mind If you miss me on the local : look for me on the gine My suitcase is packed : my trunk's already home Said you can know by that : your sweet papa's going to be gone Just look around the corner : see that passenger train Be a long long time : before you see my face again Takes a good old fireman : a cool kind engineer Now to pull that train : take me away from here I'm Texas bound : got no time to lose Because my sweet mama quit me : left me with the Texas blues \L JackC 18 Jackson, Papa Charlie \C title: Butter and Egg Man Blues \C place and date: Chicago, c. Feb. 1926 \C record numbers: (11069-1) Pm-12358 Bio BLP-12042 Everybody in town : got a butter and egg man but me Tell me please : Lord because I can't see Come here mama : sit down on your papa's knee I'm just a butter and egg man : you can easy get along with me Why don't you take me pretty mama : make something out of poor me I'm just a butter and egg man : just as soft as I can be Well it's butter and eggs butter and eggs : butter and eggs is all you crave When you die : put butter and eggs on your grave Why don't you take me pretty mama : let you treat me as you do Because my weakness is pretty women : keep me with the butter and egg blues \L JackC 19 Jackson, Papa Charlie \C title: Up the Way Bound \C place and date: Chicago, c. May 1926 \C record numbers: (2547-1) Pm-12375 Yz L-1029 My baby done quit me : and talk's all over town I'm too good a man : to let that talk go around I'm leaving today : going to leave this southern town Because my baby caught a plane : that was up the way bound I feel like jumping : from a treetop to the ground To get a flying start : and run my baby down I'm reeling and rocking : Lord howling like a hound If brownskin's the best : I'll *play a teasing brown* Oh feel like a dirty : feel like a dat dat dat Doesn't somebody know : where my baby at I'm going to grab me a train : beat it on up the line I'm going to ride : until I find that good-goody woman of mine \L JackC 20 Jackson, Papa Charlie \C title: Your Baby Ain't Sweet Like Mine \C place and date: Chicago, c. Aug. 1926 \C record numbers: (2613-4) Pm-12383 Yz L-1029 Everybody's talking : about the *gren??? day* I got one : with the sweetest ways Your baby : can roll her jelly fine Nobody's baby : can roll it like mine Your baby : ain't sweet like mine She bake her jellyroll : all the time And when I'm feeling : lonesome and blue My baby : know just what to do Never has a baby : put me outdoor She even buys me : all my clothes I don't want to brag : just want to put you in line Your baby : ain't sweet like mine \L JackC 21 Jackson, Papa Charlie \C title: Fat Mouth Blues \C place and date: Chicago, c. Jan. 1927 \C record numbers: (2769-3) Pm-12422 Yz L-1029 Tell me tell me : please has anybody seen my brown She used to love me : till old fatmouth blew in town She's a long tall woman : with coal-black curly hair With one gold tooth : then you'll know her anywhere She used to be mine : but the fatmouth has got her now That's a dirty mistreater : didn't mean me no good nohow I'm going to love you mama : till my whiskers pass the ground When you die : I'm going to keep on hanging around I bought all her clothes : I bought her a diamond ring Then along come a fatmouth : keep me shaking that thing \L JackC 22 Jackson, Papa Charlie \C title: She Belongs to Me Blues \C place and date: Chicago, c. Mar. 1927 \C record numbers: (4243-1) Pm-12461 Yz L-1029 It was early one morning : just about the break of day Says I thought I heard : my sweet baby say You can read a newspaper : you can't read a person's mind But when you think she's loving you : dropping you all the time Now baby you can tell me : just what are you to do Now I believe I'll go back : to my old-time used-to-be She's long and she's tall : she's shaped just like a willow tree And the reason I love her : says she belongs to me \L JackC 23 Jackson, Papa Charlie \C title: Coal Man Blues \C place and date: Chicago, c. Mar. 1927 \C record numbers: (4244-2) Pm-12461 Bio BLP-12042 I get up early in the morning : sweet mama and I comb and curry my horse Because I don't want nobody : not to *see my pause* Then I goed up to the coal pile : get me a friend to buy some coal Then I get on my wagon : *then I'm a coal-traveling snow* *I ought to tell how much* for coal : thirty-five cents a bag And if you want to know my name : just look around on my sack I got on my wagon : trying my best to sell my coal My baby's back home : serving my jellyroll Now a lot of your women : ought to be put in jail Some standing on the corner : trying to get themselves in jail \L JackC 24 Jackson, Papa Charlie \C title: Skoodle Um Skoo \C place and date: Chicago, c. July 1927 \C record numbers: (4670-1) Pm-12501 Bio BLP-12042 Now I got a lady : by the name of Sue She'd like to know : just what to do Now when you what it : I agree Don't forget : to ask for me Now she's a woman : hard to beat All you got to do is dance : and stay on your feet Now you ain't good-looking : you don't dress cute You got to keep a papa : for your personal use Now January February : and March too The women come along : and showed her just what to do Now a woman needn't think : she got a man by herself A man needn't think : he got a woman by himself Now tain't but one thing : that grieve my mind All these brownskins : none of them mine \L JackC 25 Jackson, Papa Charlie \C title: Sheik of Desplaines Street \C place and date: Chicago, c. July 1927 \C record numbers: (4671-2) Pm-12501 Bio BLP-12042 I know a man : he's on our street He don't do nothing : but eat and sleep Now he's a man : that I would love to meet He's always dressed up : and out in the street Now he don't drink whiskey : nothing sweet When it comes to pretty women : he sure loves to meet *I'm hot as the devil* : *I walk about the street* All that ??? : to the sweet man's *feet* Now he's a man : has a *copper* good to eat He always looks good : from his head to his feet Now when he walks into a place : and takes his seat His ways and actions : is hard to beat \L JackC 26 Jackson, Papa Charlie \C title: Ash Tray Blues \C place and date: Chicago, c. May 1928 \C record numbers: (20604-2) Pm-12660 Bio BLP-12042 I ain't talking to one : I ain't talking to two I'm talking to the captain : and the whole doggone crew Yes she smokes the cigarettes : throws ashes in the tray She's a good woman : she likes to have her way I'm going away : won't be long You look for me : I'll be gone \L JackC 27 Jackson, Papa Charlie \C title: Jungle Man Blues \C place and date: Chicago, c. Dec. 1928 \C record numbers: (21045-2) Pm-12721 Bio BLP-12042 Ain't nothing in the jungle : that's any better than me I'm the baddest man : ever came from Tennessee I slept with a panther : until just about the break of day I grabbed the wildcat in the collar : and asked the tiger what he had to say I wear a scorpion for my watch fob : a rattlesnake for my chain I scares a gorilla : and make him change his big ugly name I make a *sea tick* catch a freight train : I make a flea grab the mail I make a jumbo elephant : grab an airplane and sail I was traveling in a rowboat : drifting out in the sea I made a sea lion cub come back : and shake glad hands with me Way down in the forest : there's where I long to be Because ain't nothing in the jungle : that's any better than me \L JackC 28 Jackson, Papa Charlie \C title: Baby Please Loan Me Your Heart \C place and date: Chicago, c. Jan. 1929 \C record numbers: (21081-2) Pm-12736 Yz L-1029 Now you know baby : you know it's true I don't love : no one but you I'm going to tell you : just before we start All I want you to do : is to lone me your heart I'm going to ask you : now baby before you start All you got to do : is to lone me your heart \L JackJ 1 Jackson, Jim \C title: Bootlegging Blues \C place and date: Memphis, 14 Feb. 1928 \C record numbers: (41904-2) Vi-21268 Rt RL-323 This corn liquor ??? : there's plenty more to be made Just get a job at one of these stills : and you surely will be paid I tell you it's a mighty risk to run : and a mighty chance to take To spend your money : for the corn that the bootlegger makes When the bootlegger goes to his still : get ready to make his stuff He got his concentrated lye : cocaine and his snuff I went home the other night : I swore I wouldn't drink no more Until saloons come back with bottle and *bondy* : in the days of long ago But I see that will never be : so I just got drunk again I haven't nothing so long as corn liquor lasts : and I got no money to spend \L JackJ 2 Jackson, Jim \C title: I'm Wild About My Lovin' \C place and date: Memphis, 27 Aug. 1928 \C record numbers: (45416-1) Vi-V38505 His HLP-32 I'm going to tell the sergeant : *he the* chief of police The women around here : won't let me see no peace Because I'm wild about my loving : and I like to have my fun You want to be a girl of mine baby : bring me whiskey when you come Hello Central : what's the matter with your line I want to talk : to that high brown of mine I don't want no sugar : stirred up in my tea Because the girl I want : is sweet enough for me I ain't no iceman : no iceman's son But I can keep you cool : till the iceman comes I ain't no fireman : and no fireman's son But I can keep you warm : until the fireman comes I'm going to tell you people : to listen to this song I'm going to see my gal : and it won't be long \L JackJ 3 Jackson, Jim \C title: This Mornin' She Was Gone \C place and date: Memphis, 27 Aug. 1928 \C record numbers: (45417-1) Vi-V38003 His HLP-32 Oh how she loved to dance : that old grizzly bear I guess she's gone to Frisco : to dance it there Always a sign : everybody know you through The more you do for people : the less they think of you \L JackJ 4 Jackson, Jim \C title: This Mornin' She Was Gone \C place and date: Memphis, 27 Aug. 1928 \C record numbers: (45417-2) Vi-V38003 His HLP-5 Oh how she loved to dance : that old grizzly bear I guess she's gone to Frisco : to dance it there It's always a sign : everybody knows it's true The more you do for people : the less they they think of you \L JackJ 5 Jackson, Jim \C title: Hesitation Blues \C place and date: Memphis, c. Feb. 1930 \C record numbers: (MEM-804- ) Vo-1477 Her H-205 Hello Central : what's the matter with your line I want to talk : to that high brown of mine I'm going to the river : with a rope and a rock And the way you treat me : I'm going to jump over the dock Tell me how long : will I have to wait Can I get you now : or must I hesitate I'm got something to tell you : and I know it ain't good news Because a hesitating woman : give me the hesitation blues I'm going to tell the sergeant : and the see the chief police Because the women around here : won't let me see no peace I've got a girl in Memphis : she's all right But the girl in Cincinnati : is just too tight I'm got a girl in Cairo : loves me I know But the gal in Louisville : has got the best *clothes* My mother says I'm wicked : daddy says I'm wild I know I ain't good-looking : but some woman's angel child I'll sing you these verses : and it didn't take long If you want to hear any more : you'll have to buy this song \L JackJ 6 Jackson, Jim \C title: St. Louis Blues \C place and date: Memphis, c. Feb. 1930 \C record numbers: (MEM-805- ) Vo-1477 Yz L-1003 Well I hates to see : that evening sun go down Because it makes me think : about my last go-round It I'm feeling tomorrow : a-like I feel today I'm going to pack my suitcase : and make my long get-away Because the St Louis woman : she wears a diamond ring She leads a man around : by her apron string If it wasn't for powder : and this store-bought hair Oh the girl I love : wouldn't go nowhere A redheaded woman : make a freight train jump the track And a black-headed girl : will make a preacher ball the jack \L JamF 1 James, Frank \C title: Poor Coal Passer \C place and date: Chicago, 21 Dec. 1936 \C record numbers: (01893-1) BB-B7116 Yz L-1015 I'm a poor coal loader : I'm in the mine Slave for my woman : till I'm almost blind I work so hard : from dawn to dusk Can't find a woman : that I can trust I work so : from six to six Kid-man wait : to get his business fixed I work every day : in the mine Come home at night : you got my best friend crying The food you cook : a hound dog sick Woman I swear : you's a no-good chick \L JamJ 1 James, Jesse \C title: Sweet Patuni \C place and date: Chicago, 3 June 1936 \C record numbers: (90760- ) De unissued Yz L-1028 Ah wake up mama : wake up and don't sleep so sound Give me what you promised me : before you lay down I said get my tuni : only thing I love Make you weep like a willow : sling snot like a turtledove Now I've got a gal : and the kid live out on the hill She got good doing : serve to the one she may will She got good tuni : I'm a fool about my yam yam yam Get my yam yam yam : I'm going back to Alabam' Now come in here baby : and sit down in my lap Sit one side : I forgot to tell you I had the Clap your hands Charlie : Charlie where's you been so long I been down in Tennessee : and I couldn't stay there very long I got a job in the freight house : trying to learn how to truck A box fell on me this morning : like to bust one of my Nuthouse for crazy folks : folks got sense don't go there And all the friends I had : done shook hands and left there I got a gal : and the kid playing deaf and dumb But the movements in her hip : will make a dead man Come on out my window : don't knock on my door And I told you two or three times : don't want you no more Now run in here baby : because I done got kind of sick It ain't nothing ailing my stomach : it's something wrong with my Dixieland was a camp in Georgia : you can't stay there very long All the friends I had : done shook hands and gone Now here's a verse : I don't want a soul to miss I been taking charity grub : I've got to go outside Shut your mouth boy : four boys can't talk at once And I done told you two or three times : I don't want no junk \L JamJ 2 James, Jesse \C title: Southern Casey Jones \C place and date: Chicago, 3 June 1936 \C record numbers: (90761-A) De-7213 AH-158 I heard the people say : Casey Jones can't run I'm going to tell you : what the poor boy done Left Cincinnati : about half past nine Got to Newport News : before dinner time Now Casey Jones said : before he died He fixed the road : so a bum could ride And if he ride : he have to ride the rod Rest his heart : in the hand of God Now little girl says : mama is that a fact Papa got killed : on the I C track Yes yes honey : but hold your breath Get that money : from your daddy's death When the news reached town : Casey Jones was dead Women went home : and *had it* out in red Slipping and sliding : all across the streets With their loose mother hubbard : and their stocking feet Now Casey Jones : went from place to place Another train hit his train : right in the face People got off : but Casey Jones stayed on Natural policeman : but he dead and gone Here come the biggest boy : coming right from school Hollering and crying : like a doggone fool Look here mama : is our papa dead Womens going home : and *had it* out in red *Low cut* shoes : and their evening gowns Following papa : to the burying ground Now tell the truth mama : he say is that a fact Papa got killed : on the I C track Quit crying boy : don't do that You got another daddy : on the same damn track \L JamJ 3 James, Jesse \C title: Lonesome Day Blues \C place and date: Chicago, 3 June 1936 \C record numbers: (90762-A) De-7213 AH-158 Lord today has been : a long lonesome day You hear me talking to you : did you hear what I say Lord today has been : a long old lonesome day And now my rider : eee Lord will be the same old way I've been to the nation : around the territor' You hear me talking to you : you got to reap what you sow I've been all through the nation : and around the territor' But I found no heaven on earth : Lord nowhere I go I'm going to the big house : and I don't even care Don't you hear me talking to you : I'm scolding to my dear I'm going in the morning : and I don't even care I might get four or five years : Lord I might get the chair Oh stop and listen : see tomorrow bring You hear me talking to you : start to playing You better stop now and listen : and see what tomorrow brings It might bring you sunshine : Lord and it may bring rain Some got six months : some got a solid year You hear me talking to you : buddy what made you stop by here Some of them got six months partner : and some got a solid year But I believe my partner : Lord got a lifetime here \L JamS 1 James, Skip \C title: Devil Got My Woman \C place and date: Grafton, Wis., c. Feb. 1931 \C record numbers: (L-746-1) Pm-13088 Bio BLP-12029 I'd rather be the devil : to be that woman's man Oh nothing but the devil : changed my baby's mind I laid down last night : tried to take my rest My mind got to rambling : like the wild geese from the west The woman I love Lord : stoled her from my best friend But he got lucky : stoled her back again \L JamS 2 James, Skip \C title: Cypress Grove Blues \C place and date: Grafton, Wis., c. Feb. 1931 \C record numbers: (L-747-2) Pm-13088 Bio BLP-12029 I would rather be buried : in some cypress grove To have some woman : Lord I can't control And I'm going away now : I'm going away to stay That'll be all right pretty mama : you going to need my help some day Well the sun going down : and you know what you promised me And what's the matter : baby I can't see I would rather be dead : and six feet in my grave To be way up here honey : treated this a-way Well the old people told me : baby but I never did know The Good Book declares : we got to reap just what we sow When your knee bones aching : and your body cold Well you just getting ready : honey for the cypress grove \L JamS 3 James, Skip \C title: Cherry Ball Blues \C place and date: Grafton, Wis., c. Feb. 1931 \C record numbers: (L-748-2) Pm-13065 Bio BLP-12029 I love my cherry ball : better than I love myself She gets so she don't love me : she won't love nobody else Cherry ball quit me : she quit me in a calm good way Lordy what to take to get her : I carries it every day Sure as that spider : hanging on the wall I warned little old cherry ball : she was *falling out cold* I'll catch the Southern : and she'll take the Santa Fe I'm going to ride and ramble : till cherry come back to me \L JamS 4 James, Skip \C title: Hard Time Killin' Floor Blues \C place and date: Grafton, Wis., c. Feb. 1931 \C record numbers: (L-752-2) Pm-13065 Bio BLP-12029 Hard times here : everywhere you go Times is harder : than ever been before Well the people are drifting : from door to door Can't find no heaven : I don't care where they go Let me tell you people : just before I go These hard times will kill you : just dry long so When you hear me singing : my so lonesome song These hard times : can last us so very long If I ever get off : this killing floor I'll never : get down this low no more If you say you had money : you better be sure Because these hard times will drive you : from door to door Sing this song : and I ain't going to sing no more Hard times will drive you : from door to door \L JamS 5 James, Skip \C title: Special Rider Blues \C place and date: Grafton, Wis., c. Feb. 1931 \C record numbers: (L-760-2) Pm-13098 Yz L-1001 I ain't got no : special rider here Ain't got nobody : nobody feel my care I woke up this morning : looked at the special rising sun I prayed to the Lord : my special rider would come I'm going tell you something : to ease your trouble in mind *Them whiskey women* : *give* trouble all the time Now *honey* : what more can I do Hear you done call : the easy rider special blues \L JamS 6 James, Skip \C title: Little Cow and Calf Is Gonna Die Blues \C place and date: Grafton, Wis., c. Feb. 1931 \C record numbers: (L-763-1) Pm-13085 Bio BLP-12029 Hey hey hey hey : hey hey hey hey hey And every cow's calf man : honey he was born to die I going to take my heifer : If you see my rider : tell her carry on carry on I wring my hands : baby and I want to scream And I woke up : I found out it was all a dream Hey hey hey : I ain't going to be here long That's the reason why you hear me : sing my old lonesome song Hey hey hey hey : hey hey hey hey hey And every cow's calf : honey got to lay down and die I walked the levee : I just walked end to end I just want to find : my cow again I'm stealing I'm stealing : back to my used-to-be Hey pretty mama : please don't tell on me \L JamS 7 James, Skip \C title: 22-20 Blues \C place and date: Grafton, Wis., c. Feb. 1931 \C record numbers: (L-765-1) Pm-13066 Bio BLP-12029 If I send for my baby : and she don't come All the doctors in West *Conton* : they won't help her none And if she gets unruly : and she don't want to do Take my thirty-two twenty : I cut her half in two You talk about your forty-four forty : buddy it'll do very well But my twenty-two twenty : Lord is a burning hell Now that thirty-eight special : buddy it's most too light But my twenty-two twenty : make the *camp* go right Hey hey hey : and I can't take my rest And my forty-four : laying up and down my breast \L JamS 8 James, Skip \C title: If You Haven't Got Any Hay Get on Down \C the Road \C place and date: Grafton, Wis., c. Feb. 1931 \C record numbers: (L-766-1) Pm-13066 Bio BLP-12029 If you haven't any hay : get on down the road Get your habit in your hand mama : Lord Lord get on down the road I'm going I'm going : coming here no more If I go to Louisiana mama : Lord Lord they'll hang me sure If you haven't any hay : get on down the road I'm going I'm going : coming back no more Hitch up my buggy : saddle up my black mare You'll find me riding : mama Lord Lord in this world somewhere \L JaxF 1 Jaxon, Frankie Half Pint \C title: It's Heated \C place and date: Chicago, 11 June 1929 \C record numbers: (C-3585- ) Vo-1539 Yz L-1039 Folks I'm going to tell you : about a brand new song I'm going to beat some dirt : and it won't take long Well they cool it on State Street : warm it down the line You ought to hear the frogs on Durban : singing and crying Now the folks down east : are crying Lord Lord Lord Gang in the west : say the cops is so hard Well I went down to Michigan : came up Grant Saw the sweetbacks and the strutters : all raising sand I went to a good-time flat : last Saturday night The cops knocked on the door : everybody made their flight I met myself a good gal : she said she was fifty-one She started to loving and squeezing : I thought she say son you just begun Now a yellow gal is like a frigid zone : brownskin's about the same You want some good loving : get yourself an old Crow Jane Now I ain't no janitor : no fireman's son But I can keep your boiler hot : till the superintendent come \L JaxF 2 Jaxon, Frankie Half Pint (Tampa Red) \C title: Come On, Mama, Do That Dance \C place and date: Chicago, 27 June 1929 \C record numbers: ( ) Vo-1420 Yz L-1039 Come on and let me know : who you are Do that dance : called the *don't be long* Do the Mississippi : and the Mobile Bay Turn right around : go the other way Put your hands on your hips : and let your mind move on Holler like you did : the first day you was born Do the black snake wriggle : and the frog hop Take it to the attic : if it gets too hot Now old sister Sue : *got* heavy a load She likes to do it : because she got kind of cold *Hatsie Gray* : and old friend Lou Some day : this thing's going to happen to you \L JaxF 3 Jaxon, Frankie Half Pint (Tampa Red) \C title: She Can Love So Good \C place and date: Chicago, c. mid Aug. 1930 \C record numbers: (C-6079-A) Vo-1540 Mel MLP-7324 I've got a gal : she's low and squatty I mean boys : she'll suit anybody Last night : she loved me for a while You could hear me holler : mmm for a while Sometimes she makes me sneeze : sometimes she makes me cough Lord you ought to see her : when she starting me off Last night : while I was sound asleep I felt a funny feeling : from my head to my feet She was born in Kentucky : raised in Tennessee Came all the way from Dixie : to put that thing on me \L JaxF 4 Jaxon, Frankie Half Pint \C title: Callin' Corrine \C place and date: New York, 19 May 1939 \C record numbers: (65608-A) De-7619 AH-158 Ain't you getting tired : of [trying to cheat, cheating] on your papa hon' Corrine : you the meanest gal I ever seen Corrine : she just about five feet tall She sleeps in the kitchen : one foot in the hall I've got a corrine in Texas : sure can bring me down Got a corrine in Harlem : make a rabbit hug a hound \L JefB 1 Jefferson, Blind Lemon \C title: Got the Blues \C place and date: Chicago, c. Mar. 1926 \C record numbers: (2471-1) Pm-12354 Bio BLP-12000 I walked from Dallas : I walked to Wichita Falls After I lost my sugar : I wasn't going to walk at all Women see you coming : they go get their rocking chair I want to fools this man : and make out he's welcome here So cold in China : this voice can't hardly sing You didn't make me mad : till you broke my diamond ring I'm going to grab my sugar : papa don't care what you do I know my baby : she's going to jump and shout When she gets a letter from Lemon : I wrote her two days out Tell me what's the matter : [papa Lemon, I] can't get no mail Mama said last night : don't let a black cat cross your trail I got up this morning : the blues all around my bed Went in to eat my breakfast : and the blues all in my bread \L JefB 2 Jefferson, Blind Lemon \C title: Long Lonesome Blues \C place and date: Chicago, c. Mar. 1926 \C record numbers: (2472-2) Pm-12354 Bio BLP-12000 Well the blues come to Texas : loping like a mule You take a high brown woman : man she's hard to fool You can't never tell : what a woman's got on her mind You might think she's crazy about you : but she leaving you all the time Ain't so good-looking : your teeth don't shine like pearls But that nice disposition : carry a woman all through the world I'm going to the river : going to carry my rocking chair Going to ask that gal for a ??? : *how* the worried blues left here I think I heard : my good gal call my name She couldn't call so loud : but she calls so nice and plain I was raised in Texas : schooled in Tennessee High-stepper you can't make : no fatmouth out of me Can't a woman act funny : quit you for another man Can't go look down the street : but she's always raising sand \L JefB 3 Jefferson, Blind Lemon \C title: Booster Blues \C place and date: Chicago, c. Mar. 1926 \C record numbers: (2474-1) Pm-12347 Bio BLP-12000 My right foot itches : something going on wrong My right foot itching me : and I just can't stay here long I thought I'd write : but it's the best to telephone For that fast mail train : can carry your sugar so far from home Girl I can't live right : ain't going to try no more This woman's left town : and she ain't coming back no more I went to the depot : and I set my suitcase down I thought about my baby : and tears come rolling down I said ticket agent : how long your train been gone Say yon go the train : that this fair brown left here on I couldn't buy [me] no ticket : but I walked on to the door Well my baby left town : she ain't coming here no more I got up this morning : my sure-enough on my mind I had to raise a conversation with the landlady : to keep from crying Excuse me woman : I won't say that no more I'm fixing to leave town : and hang crepe on your door \L JefB 4 Jefferson, Blind Lemon \C title: Dry Southern Blues \C place and date: Chicago, c. Mar. 1926 \C record numbers: (2475-1) Pm-12347 Bio BLP-12000 Well my mind leads me : to take a trip down south Take a trip down south : *it's tough to spend my round* A train left the depot : with a red and blue light behind Well the blue light's the blues : the red light's the worried mind I hate to tell you : it ain't nobody there If a man stay here : he stay most anywhere I got up this morning : rambling for my shoes The little woman : sung me a song of her worried blues Uncle Sam wasn't no woman : but didn't he grab your man Tell me them good-looking womens : is on the border raising sand Well women on the border : drinking out of the water trough I wish uncle Sam would hurry up : and pay these soldiers off I can't drink coffee : and the woman won't make no tea I believe to my soul : sweet mama going to hoodoo me I asked the girl did she love me : she said Lemon I don't know how Caught me *commentating* : yes I love you *sky high* She has feet like a monkey : head like a teddy bear And a mouthful of lip : I guarantee it's everywhere I got a girl in Cuba : I got a girl in Spain I got a brown yonder in Dallas : I's afraid to call her name \L JefB 5 Jefferson, Blind Lemon \C title: Black Horse Blues \C place and date: Chicago, c. May 1926 \C record numbers: (2543-1) Pm-12367 Mil MLP-2004 [Tell me, I want to know] what time : do the trains come through your town I want to laugh and talk : with a long-haired teasing brown One goes south at eight : and it's one goes north at nine I got to have a good talk : with that long-haired brown of mine Go and get my black horse : and saddle up my grey mare I'm going home to my good gal : she's in the world somewhere I can't count the times : that I'm so unsatisfied Sugar the blues ain't on me : but things ain't going on right \L JefB 6 Jefferson, Blind Lemon \C title: Corinna Blues \C place and date: Chicago, c. May 1926 \C record numbers: (2544-2) Pm-12367 Mil MLP-2004 See see rider : you see what you done done Made me love you : and now your friend is come A great tall engine : and a little small engineer Carried the woman away Lord : and left me standing here If I had a-listened : to my second mind I don't believe I'd a-been here : wringing my hands and crying Ain't no more good 'taters : the frost have killed the vine The blues ain't nothing : but a good woman on your mind I done told you woman : I been telling your partner too You're three times seven : and you know what you want to do If you see Corinna : tell her to hurry home I ain't had no true love : since Corinna been gone \L JefB 7 Jefferson, Blind Lemon \C title: Chock House Blues \C place and date: Chicago, c. May or June 1926 \C record numbers: (2558-2) Pm-12373 Mil MLP-2007 So many wagons : they have cut that good road down And the girl I love : her mama don't want me around Baby I can't drink whiskey : but I'm a fool about my homemade wine Ain't no sense in leaving Dallas : they makes it there all the time These here women want these men : to act like some boxer dog Grab a pick and shovel : and roll from sun to sun I got a girl for Monday Tuesday : Wednesday Thursday Friday too I'm going to sweeten up on Saturday : what are the women through the week going to do Don't look for me on Sunday : I want to take pigmeat to Sunday school She's a fine looking fair brown : but she ain't never learned Lemon's rule \L JefB 8 Jefferson, Blind Lemon \C title: Beggin' Back \C place and date: Chicago, c. Aug. 1926 \C record numbers: (3016-4) Pm-12394 Bio BLP-12000 Listen here mama : I'll be good Drink your wine : cut your wood When I had you : you wouldn't do Now I got another : and I don't want you Every evening : half past eight *Hobbling along* : *with my gait* Working in the spring : *sleeping in the sand* Got to get that fifty dollars : that I wish I had You may think : because you're black I'm going to beg you : to take me back I went a-walking : down the line To see if this woman : changed her mind She turned around : two or three times Take you back : in the wintertime \L JefB 9 Jefferson, Blind Lemon \C title: Old Rounders Blues \C place and date: Chicago, c. Aug. 1926 \C record numbers: (3018-?) Pm-12394 Rt RL-306 I ain't going to marry : ain't going to [be no settling, settle] down I'm going to stay like I am : going to ride from town to town There's a house over yonder : painted all over green Going to find these young women : that a man most ever seen I'm going to run to town : talk with that chief of police Tell him my good gal has quit me : and I can't live in no peace My home's in Oklahoma : I ain't got no business here I'm just stopping around : to have a drink of a little drink of beer I went home last night : fell down on my bed I got to dreaming so : I was talking all out of my head \L JefB 10 Jefferson, Blind Lemon \C title: Stocking Feet Blues \C place and date: Chicago, c. Oct. 1926 \C record numbers: (3066-1) Pm-12407 Mil MLP-2013 Somebody : just keep on calling me She got hair : like a mermaid on the sea Make me down a pallet : on your floor Make it ??? and easy : make it down by your door I can't stay away : I done cried the whole night long The good woman I love : she done packed her trunk and gone Don't mistreat me : because I'm young and wild Sister you ought to remember : that you once was a child I don't feel welcome : and I don't care where I go The woman I love : she drove me from her door Said fair brown : where did you stay last night Your hair's all down : and you know you ain't talking right I'm a stranger here : just come in on the train Won't some good man : tell me some woman's name \L JefB 11 Jefferson, Blind Lemon \C title: That Black Snake Moan \C place and date: Chicago, c. Oct. 1926 \C record numbers: (3067-2) Pm-12407 Mil MLP-2013 Oh : ain't got no mama now She told me late last night : you don't need no mama nohow Mmm : black snake crawling in my room Some pretty mama : better come and get this black snake soon Oh that must've been a bedbug : baby a chinch can't bite that hard Asked my sugar for fifty cents : she said Lemon ain't a dime in the yard Mama that's all right : mama that's all right for you Mama that's all right : most any old way you do Mmm : what's the matter now Sugar what's the matter : don't like no black snake nohow Mmm : wonder where my black snake gone Black snake mama : done run my darling home \L JefB 12 Jefferson, Blind Lemon \C title: Wartime Blues \C place and date: Chicago, c. Oct. 1926 \C record numbers: (3070-1) Pm-12425 Rt RL-301 What you going to do : when they send your man to war I'm going to drink muddy water : go sleep in a hollow log Ain't got nobody : I'm all here by myself Well these women don't care : but the men don't need me here Well I'm going to the river : going to walk it up and down If I don't find *fourteen* : I'm going to jump overboard and drown If I could shine my light : like a headlight on some train I would shine my light : in Corinna's brain Well they tell me that southbound train : had a wreck last night You little section foreman : ain't treating your railroad right Well the girl I love : is the one I crave to see Well she's living in Memphis : and the fool won't write to me Now tell me woman : what have I said and done You treat me : like my trouble have just begun \L JefB 13 Jefferson, Blind Lemon \C title: Broke and Hungry \C place and date: Chicago, c. Oct. 1926 \C record numbers: (3076-?) Pm-12443 Mil MLP-2007 I am broke and hungry : ragged and dirty too Mama if I clean up : can I go home with you I am motherless fatherless : sister and brotherless too Reason I'm trying so hard : to make the trip with you You miss me woman : count the days I'm gone I'm going away : to build me a railroad of my own I feel like jumping : through the keyhole in your door If you jump this time baby : you won't jump no more I believe : my good gal have found my black cat bone I can leave here Sunday morning : Monday morning I'm sitting around home I want to show you women : what careless love have done Caused a man like me : steal way away from home Girl if you don't want me : why don't you let me know So I can leave at once : and hunt me somewhere else to go \L JefB 14 Jefferson, Blind Lemon \C title: Shuckin' Sugar \C place and date: Chicago, c. Oct. 1926 \C record numbers: (3077-2) Pm-12454 Mil MLP-2007 I've got your picture : and I'm going to put it in a frame And then if you leave town : we can find you just the same Now if you don't love me : please don't dog me around If you dog me around : I know you put me down I know my baby : thinks the world and all of me Every time she smiles : she shines her light on me Oh I said fair brown : something's going on wrong This here woman I love : she's done been here and gone Oh listen fair brown : don't you want to go Going to take you across the water : where that brownskin man can't go Lord I'm worried here : worried everywhere Now I just started home : and I'll not be worried there Lord I'm tired of being married : tired of this settling down I only want to stay like I am : and slip from town to town \L JefB 15 Jefferson, Blind Lemon \C title: Booger Rooger Blues \C place and date: Chicago, c. Oct. 1926 \C record numbers: (3088-2) Pm-12425 Bio BLP-12015 I drived to the station : woman I bid you all adieu Tell me : you always got a fatmouth following you Now my baby quit me : and she done throwed me down I wouldn't hate it so bad : but that talk is all over town She's a long tall woman : she got relatives in Arkansas She ain't so good-looking : but boys them dimples is *going to draw* I cried all night : and all that night before Know it's the best to get single : then you won't have to cry no more I got ten little puppies : I got twelve little shaggy hounds Well it just takes them twenty-two dogs : to run my good gal down I got a girl in *North Clifton* : *hollering for a good long-legged man* too I may live in Magnolia Texas : what them Mill City women going to do Some joker learned my baby : how to shift gears on a Cadillac Eight If you ever shift that habit : now I can't keep my business straight \L JefB 16 Jefferson, Blind Lemon \C title: Rabbit Foot Blues \C place and date: Chicago, c. Oct. 1926 \C record numbers: (3089-1) Pm-12454 Mil MLP-2004 Blues jumped a rabbit : run him one solid mile This rabbit sat down : cried like a natural child Well it seem like you hungry : honey come and lunch with me I want to stop these married-looking women : from worrying me I have Uneeda biscuits here : and a half a pint of gin The gin is mighty fine : them biscuits are a little too thin [Baby tell me something, I want to know] : about those meatless and wheatless days This not being my home : I don't think I could stay I cried for flour and meat : I declare it was gone Keep a-feeding me corn bread : I just can't stick around long Got an airplane baby : now I'm going to get a submarine Going to get that Kaiser : and we'll be seldom seen Mmm hitch me to your buggy mama : drive me like a mule Reason I'm going home with you sugar : I ain't much hard to be fooled \L JefB 17 Jefferson, Blind Lemon \C title: Bad Luck Blues \C place and date: Chicago, c. Oct. 1926 \C record numbers: (3090-2) Pm-12443 Mil MLP-2007 I want to go home : and I ain't got sufficient clothes I bet my money : and I lost it Lord it's dough I'll never bet : on this old trey game no more Oh my ??? *gambler's* gone : why don't you quit crying That joker stole off : with that long-haired brown of mine Sister you catch the Katy : I'll catch that Santa Fe When you get to Denver : pretty mama look around for me The woman I love : why she's five feet from the ground She's a tailor-made woman : she ain't no hand-me-down I ain't seen my sugar : in two long weeks today Girl it's been so long : seems like my heart going to break I'm going to run across town : catch that southbound Santa Fe Be on my way : to what you call loving Tennessee \L JefB 18 Jefferson, Blind Lemon \C title: Black Snake Moan \C place and date: Chicago, 14 Mar. 1927 \C record numbers: (80523-B) OK-8455 Fwy FJ-2802 Hey : ain't got no mama now She told me late last night : you don't need no mama nohow Mmm : black snake crawling in my room And some pretty mama : had better come and get this black snake soon Oh that must have been a bedbug : you know a chinch can't bite that hard Asked my baby for fifty cents : she said Lemon ain't a dime in the yard Mama that's all right : mama that's all right for you Said baby that's all right : most any old way you do Mmm : what's the matter now Tell me what's the matter baby : I don't like no black snake nohow Well : wonder where's that black snake gone Lord that black snake mama : done run my darling home \L JefB 19 Jefferson, Blind Lemon \C title: Match Box Blues \C place and date: Chicago, 14 Mar. 1927 \C record numbers: (80524-B) OK-8455 RBF RF-1 I'm going to the river : going to walk down by the sea I got those tadpoles and minnows : arguing over me Sitting here wondering : would a matchbox hold my clothes I ain't got so many matches : but I got so far to go Lord mama : who may your manager be He asked so many questions : can you make arrangements for me I got a brown across town : she crochet all the time Baby if you don't quit crocheting : you going lose your mind I wouldn't mind marrying : but I can't stand settling down I'm going to act like a preacher : so I can ride from town to town I'm leaving town : crying won't make me stay Baby the more you cry : the further you drive me away \L JefB 20 Jefferson, Blind Lemon \C title: Easy Rider Blues \C place and date: Chicago, c. Apr. 1927 \C record numbers: (4423-2) Pm-12474 Mil MLP-2004 Now tell me : where my easy rider's gone Now easy riding woman : always in the wrong Well easy rider : died on the road I'm a poor blind man : ain't got nowhere to go It's going to be the time : that a woman don't need no man Then baby shut your mouth : and don't be raising sand The train I ride : don't burn no coal at all The coal I'm burning : everybody says it's cannonballs I mean I went to the depot : and set my suitcase down The blues overtake me : and tears come rolling down The woman I love : she must be out of town She left me this morning : with a face that's full of frowns I got a gal across town : she crochets all the time Baby if you don't quit crocheting : you going to lose your mind Said fair brown : what's the matter now You turn your back to quit me : woman and you don't know how \L JefB 21 Jefferson, Blind Lemon \C title: Match Box Blues \C place and date: Chicago, c. Apr. 1927 \C record numbers: (4424-2) Pm-12474 Mil MLP-2004 I'm sitting here wondering : will a matchbox hold my clothes I ain't got so many matches : but I got so far to go Brown across town : going to be my teddy bear Put that thing on me : and I'll follow you everywhere I say a peg leg woman : just can't hardly get her dough I left one in Lakeport last night : and I'm selling jellyroll I don't see why : these women treat me so mean Sometimes I think : a good man these women ain't never seen Well I got up this morning : with my [sure-enough, same thing] on my mind The woman I love : she keeps a good man worried all the time Now tell me mama : who may your manager be I asked so many questions : can't you make arrangements for me \L JefB 22 Jefferson, Blind Lemon \C title: Match Box Blues \C place and date: Chicago, c. Apr. 1927 \C record numbers: (4446-4) Pm-12474 Bio BLP-12000 I'm sitting here wondering : will a matchbox hold my clothes I ain't got so many matches : but I got so far to go I said fair brown : who may your manager be He asked so many questions : can't you make arrangements for me I got a girl across town : she crochets all the time Sugar the blues ain't on me : but things ain't going on right Mama if you don't quit crocheting : you going to lose your mind I can't count the times : I stoled away and cried If you want your [lover, baby] : you better pin him to your side If she flag my train : papa Lemon's going to let her ride Ain't seen my good gal : in three long weeks today Lord it's been so long : seems like my heart going to break Excuse me mama : for knocking on your door If my mind don't change : I'll never knock here no more \L JefB 23 Jefferson, Blind Lemon \C title: Rising High Water Blues \C place and date: Chicago, c. May 1927 \C record numbers: (4491-5) Pm-12487 Mil MLP-2007 Backwater rising : southern people can't make no time And I can't get no hearing : from that Memphis gal of mine Water all in Arkansas : people screaming in Tennessee If I don't leave Memphis : black water been all over poor me People since it's raining : it has been for nights and days Thousand people stands on the hill : looking down where they used to stay Children stand there screaming : mama we ain't got no home Papa says to children : black water left us all alone Backwater rising : come in my windows and doors I leave with a prayer in my heart : backwater won't rise no more \L JefB 24 Jefferson, Blind Lemon \C title: Right of Way Blues \C place and date: Chicago, c. May 1927 \C record numbers: (4515-2) Pm-12510 Rt RL-301 I hate to hear : my good gal call my name She don't call so loud : but she call so nice and plain Lord the train I ride : eighteen coaches long And the girl I love : she's just now leaving home Well a high brown girl : loves to ride away somewhere If a man is worthy : she would make you a millionaire Don't never drive : a stranger away from your door It could be your best friend : mama you don't know Don't tell no stories : please don't tell no lies Did my gal stop here : Lord did the mama keep on by Oh if you don't love me : pretty mama don't run no stall There's a whole lots of women : *just ran through your brown's hall* \L JefB 25 Jefferson, Blind Lemon \C title: Teddy Bear Blues \C place and date: Chicago, c. June 1927 \C record numbers: (4567-2) Pm-12487 Mil MLP-2007 I'm going to make friends : with the fish in the deep blue sea And stop the Chicago women : from arguing over me Come here pretty mama : going to take you far across the pond I'm going to make my stop in Italy : where the monkey-man don't belong These women in Chicago : they like their fashions and forms But these women from Nashville : swear they just won't be here long I said fair brown : let me be your teddy bear Tie a string on my neck : and I'll follow everywhere \L JefB 26 Jefferson, Blind Lemon \C title: Black Snake Dream Blues \C place and date: Chicago, c. June 1927 \C record numbers: (4577-2) Pm-12510 Bio BLP-12015 Black snake is deceitful : crawling in all in my bed I had a dream last night : black snake is killed my baby dead Hey hey mama : black [snake's lying, snake is] all in my hall And if you quit me mama : you can't see that black snake at all Listen here mama : black snake is wearing my clothes And I told you about it : and you put my trunk outdoors Take me back mama : I [won't, can't] be bad no more And you can get my loving : if you let that black snake go Black snake crawl out : he said he don't mean no harm But I'm getting tired of that black snake : lying in my baby's arms \L JefB 27 Jefferson, Blind Lemon \C title: Struck Sorrow Blues \C place and date: Chicago, c. Sept. 1927 \C record numbers: (20039-2) Pm-12541 Rt RL-335 I'm going away : now don't you want to go I'm going to stop at a place : I haven't never been before I ain't got no watch : I ain't got no *China spoon* Reason I'm hanging around here : man I'm sticking here dry long so If you got a sweet woman : you better love her while you can For your heart strike sorrow : when I come back to town again I lie down last night : rolled from side to side Say that the blues ain't on me : but things ain't going on right I drink so much whiskey : I travel in my sleep For that brown across town : I declare she is worrying me I believe I'll sing this song : ain't going to sing no more Going to leave town : and hang crepe on your door \L JefB 28 Jefferson, Blind Lemon \C title: Rambler Blues \C place and date: Chicago, c. Sept. 1927 \C record numbers: (20040-2) Pm-12541 Bio BLP-12015 Well the train's ??? : track's all out of line And I commence to how I want to : catch that Number Nine I'm worried and bothered : don't know what to do Reason I'm worried and bothered : it's all on account of you When I left home : I left my baby crying She keeps me worried : and bothered in the mind Now don't your house look lonesome : when your baby pack up and leave You may drink your moonshine : but baby your heart ain't free If you take my rider : I can't get mad with you Just like you taken mine : I'll take someone else's too I got a girl in Texas : I got a brown in Tennessee Lord but that brown in Chicago : have put that jinx bug on me \L JefB 29 Jefferson, Blind Lemon \C title: Chinch Bug Blues \C place and date: Chicago, c. Oct. 1927 \C record numbers: (20064-1) Pm-12551 Bio BLP-12015 I never feel uneasy : I know how you love your tricks You leave town the spate of ten days : you got your business well fixed I wonder if the chinches bite in Beaumont : bite like they do in Beale Street town The first night I stayed in Memphis : chinch bugs turned my bed around I had to get sinful with the bedbugs : to keep the chinches from taking my life Because the chinches got my number : wrote a letter to my wife My wife caught me easing : way across that Richland Road The next time I go to slip out : I ain't going to leave on the light anymore My wife has quit me : and my best pigmeat gal has too All of ??? *Lord* : here with the chinch bug blues \L JefB 30 Jefferson, Blind Lemon \C title: Deceitful Brownskin Woman \C place and date: Chicago, c. Oct. 1927 \C record numbers: (20065-2) Pm-12551 Bio BLP-12015 There's a brown across town : and she's taller as a sycamore tree That's the gal'd walk through the rain and snow : for to ease that thing on me Brownskin girl is deceitful : till she gets you all worn down She get all your pocket change : she going drive you from her town Went home last night : found a note in my brownskin's door Daddy *stay long* has got your room : man you can't live here no more I [begun to walk, commenced walking] : walked till my feet got soaking wet Trying to find good home mama : man I ain't found none yet Well the sun's going to shine : in my back door some day Ah it's one more drink : going to drive these blues away Lord it's heavy-hipped mama : and the meat shakes on the bone Every time it shakes : it's a sign my baby's home \L JefB 31 Jefferson, Blind Lemon \C title: Sunshine Special \C place and date: Chicago, c. Oct. 1927 \C record numbers: (20066-?) Pm-12593 Mil MLP-2007 Burn the railroad down : so that Sunshine Special can't run I got a gang of women : man they ride from sun to sun Same old fireman : going to keep this same old engineer So that Sunshine Special : is going to run me on away from here Going to leave on the Sunshine Special : going in on the Santa Fe Going to *set up and stop* that Katy : because it's taking my brown from me Going to ride that kansas Texas : right on to San Antone Somebody's been trying to fire your engines : man ever since you been gone Cotton Belt is a slow train : also that I and C N If I leave Texas anymore : going to leave on that L and N \L JefB 32 Jefferson, Blind Lemon \C title: Lonesome House Blues \C place and date: Chicago, c. Oct. 1927 \C record numbers: (20076-2) Pm-12593 Mil MLP-2007 I had a dream last night : all about my gal You can tell by that : sweet papa ain't been so well I'm going away mama : just to wear you off my mind So if I live in Chicago : murder's going to be my crime This house is lonesome : my baby left me all alone If your heart ain't rock : sugar it must be marble stone I got the blues so bad : it hurts my feet to walk It has settled on my brain : and it hurts my tongue to talk \L JefB 33 Jefferson, Blind Lemon \C title: Blind Lemon's Penitentiary Blues \C place and date: Chicago, c. Feb. 1928 \C record numbers: (20363-2) Pm-12666 Mil MLP-2013 Take Fort Worth for your dressing : and Dallas all for your sal So you want to go to the state penitentiary : go to Grossbeck for your trial I hung around Grossbeck : I work in hard showers of rain I never felt the least bit uneasy : till I caught that penitentiary bound train I used to be a drunkard : rowdy everywhere I go If ever I get out of this trouble I'm in : man I won't be rowdy no more Boys don't be bad : please don't crowd your mind If you get in trouble in Grossbeck : they going to send you to penitentiary flying I want you to stop and study : don't take nobody's life They got walls at the state penitentiary : you can't jump man as hard as you try \L JefB 34 Jefferson, Blind Lemon \C title: 'Lectric Chair Blues \C place and date: Chicago, c. Feb. 1928 \C record numbers: (20364-2) Pm-12608 Bio BLP-12015 I walked to the jail with my partner : asked him how come he's here I had a *ruckus* with my family : they going to send me to the electric chair I wonder why they electrocute a man : *if he ??? line* Because the current's much stronger : *when they send it straight out on the line* *I said to the electrocutor* : *awful lousy crime* And my baby asked the judge : was he going to electrocute that man of mine Going to get me a taxi : to take me away from here I don't know but one thing in this world : could keep me *married* to the electric chair I feel like jumping in the ocean : I feel like jumping in the deep blue sea There wasn't no blood left in my heart : and they brought my electrocuted daddy to me \L JefB 35 Jefferson, Blind Lemon \C title: Lemon's Worried Blues \C place and date: Chicago, c. Feb. 1928 \C record numbers: (20375-3) Pm-12622 Mil MLP-2004 I'm going to tell you why : I got Lemon's lowdown worried blues I left my meal ticket down at ??? : my pot of chitlings boiling a little past noon Lord I'm worried here : worried everywhere I go I worried my rider so late last night : she had a mule wagon backed up to my door I woke up this morning : took a walk till the break of day I asked for a woman to marry me : and I just made my get-away I woke up this morning : woke up about half past ten Ease my head in the window : she's singing Lemon's worried blues again Worried so bad : can't tell my stockings from my shoes I lay down last night : with Lemon's lowdown worried blues Lord what makes that [banty] rooster : he keeps crowing for the dawn of day His man better watch his footsteps for the hen : now doggone his ways \L JefB 36 Jefferson, Blind Lemon \C title: Mean Jumper Blues \C place and date: Chicago, c. Feb. 1928 \C record numbers: (20380-2) Pm-12631 Mil MLP-2007 I feel like jumping : through the keyhole in your door If you jump this time baby : you won't jump no more I feel like falling : from treetops to the ground My rider's got a mean jumper : and he don't allow me around I go there early in the morning : and I goes there late at night Don't care how late I goes there : he hasn't ever turned down his light I believe he's looking for me : he's up all hours at night She used to be my rider : and he ain't treating her right I met this jumper one morning : he was out on the out edge of town I had to talk and plead : for to keep him from blowing me down \L JefB 37 Jefferson, Blind Lemon \C title: Balky Mule Blues \C place and date: Chicago, c. Feb. 1928 \C record numbers: (20381-3) Pm-12631 Mil MLP-2007 I got up this morning : sure was feeling fine I heard a rap at the door : must be that bad cat woman of mine She was fussing she was fighting : and acting like a doggone fool And hemming and a-hawing : and acting just like a balky mule Bad cat ain't no wildcat : and he's going to stay home at night But when it comes to squabbling : he sure can scratch and bite I got up this morning : I was easing across this floor Now my bad cat's leaving me : ain't going to catch my mice no more I was standing on the corner : when they brought me the bad cat news Now here come my bad cat mama : to run me away with them bad cat blues \L JefB 38 Jefferson, Blind Lemon \C title: Change My Luck Blues \C place and date: Chicago, c. Feb. 1928 \C record numbers: (20387-2) Pm-12639 Mil MLP-2007 Hey hey mama : that rider's done and gone I just can't see : what in the world is you waiting on I've got another mama : she ain't long and up tall But to tell you the truth man : she is as soft as a butterball She got Elgin movements : from her head down to her toe And she can break in on a dollar : man most anywhere she goes She was my best mama : but she wouldn't treat me right She wouldn't do nothing : but barrelhouse all night long I'm going to get me a mama : I mean with lots of bucks I'm going to be gone mama : so I can change my luck \L JefB 39 Jefferson, Blind Lemon \C title: Prison Cell Blues \C place and date: Chicago, c. Feb. 1928 \C record numbers: (20388-2) Pm-12622 Mil MLP-2004 Getting tired of sleeping : in this lowdown lonesome cell Lord I wouldn't've been here : if it hadn't've been for Nell Lay awake at night : and just can't eat a bite Used to be my rider : but she just won't treat me right Got a red-eyed captain : and a squabbling boss Got a mad dog sergeant : honey and he won't knock off I asked the government : to knock some days off my time Well the way I'm treated : I'm about to lose my mind I wrote to the governor : please turn me a-loose Since I didn't get no answer : I know it ain't no use I hate to turn over : and find my rider gone Walked across my floor : Lordy how I moan Lord I wouldn't've been here : if it hadn't've been for Nell I'm getting tired of sleeping : in this lowdown lonesome cell \L JefB 40 Jefferson, Blind Lemon \C title: Long Lastin' Lovin' \C place and date: Chicago, c. Feb. 1928 \C record numbers: (20407-2) Pm-12666 Mil MLP-2013 I wonder why : my partner sitting around looking sad I mean the woman if she quit me : it's going to be too black bad She's a fair made woman : and she's cunning as a squirrel When she starts to loving : man it's out the world Oh she's a dark brownskin : we always call her chocolate drop If the fool starts a-loving : man it just won't stop When I first met the woman : I says I hadn't made no hit She got this old-fashioned loving : man it just won't quit I met her at a *sociable* : she acts just like a crook Lord when she starts to loving : man it ain't in the book \L JefB 41 Jefferson, Blind Lemon \C title: Piney Woods Money Mama \C place and date: Chicago, c. Mar. 1928 \C record numbers: (20408-2) Pm-12650 Mil MLP-2004 Lord heavy-hipped mama : she done moved to the piney wood She's a high-stepping mama : and she don't mean no man no good She got ways like the devil : and hair like a Indian squaw She been trying two years : to get me to be her son-in-law Big mama : own everything in her neighborhood But when she made the money : is when she lived in the piney wood Blues in my kitchen : blues in my dining room And some nice young fair brown : had better come here soon Well the cook's in the kitchen : picking and fussing over turnip greens White folks in the parlor playing cards : and they're serving their cake and tea My baby loves my baby : like a cow loves to chew her cud But that fool just off and left me : she done moved to the piney wood \L JefB 42 Jefferson, Blind Lemon \C title: Low Down Mojo Blues \C place and date: Chicago, c. June 1928 \C record numbers: (20636-1) Pm-12650 Mil MLP-2004 I love my baby : better than a farmer likes his Jersey cow Been trying to quit my baby for two years : and man I don't know how When I was young : on my big-foot way to school I met a nice-looking brownskin : made me lose my mammy's rule My rider's got a mojo : and she won't let me see Every time I start to loving : she ease that thing on me She's got to fool her daddy : she's got to keep that mojo hid But papa's got something : for to find that mojo with She got four speeds forward : and she don't never stall The way she bumps over the hill : it would make a panther squall \L JefB 43 Jefferson, Blind Lemon \C title: Competition Bed Blues \C place and date: Chicago, c. July 1928 \C record numbers: (20749-2) Pm-12728 Rt RL-306 Competition worrying me : you been having a competition with me *Big foot* stops at every man's door : and he's always in his midnight creep I have a loving brown : I did never miss it *till her gone* I found a ??? competition : he better not get in town I passed my partner's house : I stopped in to comb my head Who should I find : but my gal making up my partner's bed I'm going to wreck my mind : competition going between me and my friend It hurt me so : I thought we'd be pals till the end It makes a man feel bad : when competition Now there's so much competition : I believe I'll leave your town \L JefB 44 Jefferson, Blind Lemon \C title: Sad News Blues \C place and date: Chicago, c. July 1928 \C record numbers: (20772-2) Pm-12728 Rt RL-306 I got a letter : I got a letter here in my hand My brown wrote to tell me sad news : she got a brand new man I'm a long long way from home : I ain't got no *lover* in town I'm going to get that *B and M* to Baltimore boy : I heard my baby *is there* I was drinking all night [long] : got up this morning sloppy drunk I would pack my things : but somebody done stole my trunk I went uptown last night : I tried drinking hard to ease my pain But you ain't got no money : so don't come back here again It's sad news : when your baby's ???ing on you Even though you been kind : there's nothing that you can do \L JefB 45 Jefferson, Blind Lemon \C title: How Long How Long \C place and date: Chicago, c. July 1928 \C record numbers: (20788-1) Pm-12685 Bio BLP-12015 Standing at the station : watch my baby leave town I feel disgusted : no peace can be found Now you can hear the whistles blowing : but I just can't see no train Way down in my heart : got a lot of aches and pains Sometime I feel disgusted : and I feel so blue I hardly know what in this world baby : a good man can do If I could holler : just like a mountain jack I'd go up on the mountain : and call my baby back Some day you're going to be sorry : you ever done me wrong It'll be too late darling : your man will be gone My mind goes to wondering : I feel so bad Thinking about the trouble : a good man always have \L JefB 46 Jefferson, Blind Lemon \C title: Lock Step Blues \C place and date: Chicago, c. Aug. 1928 \C record numbers: (20815-2) Pm-12679 Mil MLP-2004 I used to take my feet : in a midnight tramp Now they got me : doing a different kind of dance I couldn't keep away from [wild, bad] women : bad [liquor, whiskey] cards and dice Now I'm doing the lock-step baby : things ain't going so nice It don't matter to me : whether it sunshine snow or rains Because I can't go gay cutting : and carry a ball and chain Mean old jailor : taking away my dancing shoes I can't strut my stuff : when I got those lock-step blues Big rats in my cell : keeps me woke all night My woman done turned me down : and I don't think that's right Every morning : I walk down that big long hall I'm screaming for my mama : can't make no time at all \L JefB 47 Jefferson, Blind Lemon \C title: Hangman's Blues \C place and date: Chicago, c. Aug. 1928 \C record numbers: (20816-2) Pm-12679 Mil MLP-2004 Hangman's rope : it's so tough and strong They got to hang me : because I done something wrong I want to tell you : the gallows Lord is a fearful sight Hang me in the morning : and cut me down at night Well the mean old hangman : he went and tightened up that noose Lord I'm so scared : I am trembling in my shoes [Jury, jurymen] heard my case : and it said my hand was red And the judge is telling me : be hanging till I'm dead The crowd around the courthouse : and the time is growing fast Soon a good-for-nothing killer : is going to breathe his last Lord I'm almost dying : gasping for my breath And that trifling woman staying : until I breaks my neck \L JefB 48 Jefferson, Blind Lemon \C title: Christmas Eve Blues \C place and date: Chicago, c. Aug. 1928 \C record numbers: (20818-2) Pm-12692 Bio BLP-12000 Now it's the day before Christmas : mama won't you hear me moan If you take me back baby : I'll give you anything you need I had a good chance : baby give me just one more I will change the way I'm loving : like you never have been before I know I did do wrong : I'm just as sorry as I can be It's the day before Christmas : mama come back to me Mama don't turn me down : on this Christmas Eve I cried about you so hard : done wetted my whole coat sleeve It's the day before Christmas : let me bring [me] your present tonight I'm going to be your Santa Claus : even if my whiskers ain't white \L JefB 49 Jefferson, Blind Lemon \C title: Happy New Year Blues \C place and date: Chicago, c. Aug. 1928 \C record numbers: (20819-2) Pm-12692 Bio BLP-12000 I'm thinking about the year : of nineteen and twenty-nine New year caught me with *marked money* : man I was doing just fine I was lying down with my baby : we had one small quart of gin That old doorbell kept ringing : I wouldn't leave nobody come in The whistle was blowing for New Year : around twelve o'clock at night I lied down on there with my baby : until the good Lord brought daylight Early one New Year morning : I was walking down by the hill Every man likes his liquor : when he gets it fresh from the still I hate to drink all new year : for this whiskey they making is too strong Because when I take two or three drinks : I'll be drunk the whole year long \L JefB 50 Jefferson, Blind Lemon \C title: Maltese Cat Blues \C place and date: Chicago, c. Aug. 1928 \C record numbers: (20820-1) Pm-12712 Bio BLP-12015 Rats is mean in my kitchen : and I lost my Maltese cat I'm going to make things right with my good gal : man and it's tight like that I'm going to start walking : walk the shoes clean off of my feet Just thinking about my mama : and man that woman sure is sweet I ain't got no suitcase : I don't have a one bottle of gin I've got to stay drunk to keep warm : because my clothes is so thin Long lonesome train : come passing me a-flying I was thinking about my mama : and I didn't pay that train no mind When you get a-home : buy a Maltese cat And a good strong brownskin : man it's tight like that \L JefB 51 Jefferson, Blind Lemon \C title: D B Blues \C place and date: Chicago, c. Aug. 1928 \C record numbers: (20821-1) Pm-12712 Bio BLP-12015 Who is that coming : hey with a motor so strong That's Lemon in his D B : people think he's got his girl out on Going to get out of my four-cylinder Dodge : I want to get me a Super Six I'm always around the ladies : and I like to have my business fixed I'm crazy about a Packard : but my baby only rates a Ford A Packard is too expensive : Ford will take you where you want to go Come here brownskin : listen to my motor roar Because my Super Six sufficient : to take you where you want to go I never did like no horses : I never could stand no *steel* Ever since I was old enough to catch a brown : give me the automobile \L JefB 52 Jefferson, Blind Lemon \C title: Eagle Eyed Mama \C place and date: Chicago, c. Jan. 1929 \C record numbers: (21095-3) Pm-12739 Rt RL-301 My woman got eyes like an eagle : and she watching me all the time The way she follow me around : Lordy it's going to be a crime Watching me all through the day : watching me all through the night Keeps her eagle eyes on me : till the good Lord brings daylight Mmm : papa Lemon's feeling so blue Eagle-eyed mama's worrying me : what am I going to do Dog in my back yard : oh Lordy how he can howl I'm trying to quit that eagle-eyed woman : man and I don't know how My eagle-eyed woman : is got ways I can't explain If I ever leave her : I must be going insane \L JefB 53 Jefferson, Blind Lemon \C title: Dynamite Blues \C place and date: Chicago, c. Jan. 1929 \C record numbers: (21096-1) Pm-12739 Rt RL-301 I feel like tramping : from the *great big corral* Because the woman I love : says she don't want me nohow She swore that she loved me : but I know that she doing me wrong I'm going to start something man : and I tell you it won't be long The way I feel now : I could get a keg of dynamite Put it all in her window : and blow her up late at night I just swallowed some fire : take a drink of gasoline Throw it up all over that woman : and let her go off and scream I'm going to get in a cannon : and let them blow me out to sea Going down with the whales : and the mermaids make love to me \L JefB 54 Jefferson, Blind Lemon \C title: Oil Well Blues \C place and date: Chicago, c. Mar. 1929 \C record numbers: (21197-1) Pm-12771 Riv RLP-12-125 There ain't nothing mama : no use There's a long distance well : and it's blowing oil that's all Ain't nothing to hurt you : it ain't nothing that's bad It's the first oil well : that *your* ??? ever had I'm a long distance driller : and I work every country through Going to stop working : if I bring in this well for you I'm a mean old well driller : and I been a driller since I been a man Ain't going to stop drilling : till I strikes that *Woodburn sand* I got a [mean] reputation : and they call me Drilling Sam When I starts to drilling : you hear women hollering too black bad \L JefB 55 Jefferson, Blind Lemon \C title: Tin Cup Blues \C place and date: Chicago, c. Mar. 1929 \C record numbers: (21198-1) Pm-12756 Mil MLP-2013 I was down and I cried : *my pillowcase was on the line* Ain't it tough to see a man : go to *wreck and almost fall and die* I stood on the corner : and almost bust my head I couldn't earn enough money : to buy me a loaf of bread Baby times is so hard : I almost call it tough I can't earn money to buy no bread : and you know I can't buy my snuff My gal's a housemaid : and she earns a dollar a week And I'm so hungry on payday : I can't hardly speak Now gather around me people : let me tell you a true fact That tough luck has sunk me : and the rats is creeping in my hat \L JefB 56 Jefferson, Blind Lemon \C title: Empty House Blues \C place and date: Chicago, c. Mar. 1929 \C record numbers: (21200-1) Pm-12946 Rt RL-335 The furniture man : he done been here and gone Taking all my furniture : didn't left nothing for me to sit down on Well it's tough to be alone : when I got to have my biscuits browned Most of these women I know : cooking ??? *down for down* I loved my baby in the morning : Lord loved her late at night I miss that midnight loving : and you know I ain't treated right I feel so disgusted : and I hate to be alone I'm getting some other man's loving : when I ought to be getting my own My love is like a storm : what blowed the walls all down Soon as you get some of my loving : they can't keep you out of town \L JefB 57 Jefferson, Blind Lemon \C title: Saturday Night Spender Blues \C place and date: Chicago, c. Mar. 1929 \C record numbers: (21201-2) Pm-12771 Rt RL-335 Every Saturday : go to work in a doggone place *With food in my craw* : I goes there for *spending place* I find six or seven women : and a whole lots of fun Then we go out and break them down : honey till early morn I don't mind no men friends : but I am afraid of my grandma's child I like me a-plenty of women : but man I like them wild All during the week : I work hard and I really save But on a Saturday night : I can get all the loving I crave Now I can't have the times : like I once have had My regular found out I was a Saturday night spender : and it sure did make her mad \L JefB 58 Jefferson, Blind Lemon \C title: That Black Snake Moan No 2 \C place and date: Chicago, c. Mar. 1929 \C record numbers: (21202-1) Pm-12756 Mil MLP-2013 Mmm : going to run that black snake down I ain't seen my mama : since black snake taken her away from town Mmm : black snake is so hard to find I am worried about my mama : I can't keep her off my mind Oh : better find my mama soon I woke up this morning : black snake was making *easy ruckus* in my room Black snake is evil : black snake is all I see I woke up this morning : black snake was moving in on me Mmm : black snake was hanging around He occupied my livingroom : and broke my *fairybook* down \L JefB 59 Jefferson, Blind Lemon \C title: Peach Orchard Mama \C place and date: Chicago, c. Aug. 1929 \C record numbers: (21400-2) Pm-12801 Riv RLP-12-125 Peach orchard mama : you swore nobody'd pick your fruit but me I found three kid-men : shaking down your peaches tree One man bought your groceries : another joker paid your rent While I work in your orchard : and giving you every cent Went to the police station : begged the police to put me in jail I didn't want to kill you mama : but I hate to see your peaches tree fail Peach orchard mama : don't treat your papa so mean Chase out all those kid-men : and let me keep your orchard clean Peach orchard mama : don't turn your papa down Because when I gets mad : I acts just like a clown \L JefB 60 Jefferson, Blind Lemon \C title: Big Night Blues \C place and date: Chicago, c. Aug. 1929 \C record numbers: (21402-2) Pm-12801 Riv RLP-12-125 My feets is so cold : can't hardly wear my shoes Out last night with wild women : and it give me the big night blues I grabbed my baby : I danced till the clock struck twelve I had to wrestle so hard with my good gal : I just ain't feeling so well I'm going back to that party : get with them wild women again Well I ain't going to leave my home : till I order me a quart of gin Wild women like their liquor : their gin and their rocking rye My gal wouldn't let me go home last night : wouldn't tell me the reason why Turned my face to the wall : and my baby made an awful moan Well I needs my daddy : because my clock is run down at home \L JefB 61 Jefferson, Blind Lemon \C title: Bed Springs Blues \C place and date: Richmond, Ind., 24 Sept. 1929 \C record numbers: (15664) Pm-12872 Mel MLP-7324 Got something to tell you : make the hair rise on your head Got a new way of getting down : make the springs tremble on your bed My gal got a new way of trembling down : make a crazy man leave his home When she grabs you and turns you loose : makes the flesh tremble on your bones Well my gal got something at home : that I sure do like That's the long folding bed : with the cover all right back Don't blame me mama : for talking out my head I'm worried about the movements you got : and those springs trembling on your bed \L JefB 62 Jefferson, Blind Lemon \C title: Yo Yo Blues \C place and date: Richmond, Ind., 24 Sept. 1929 \C record numbers: (15665) Pm-12872 Bio BLP-12000 I want to yo-yo : but I broke my yo-yo string I believe my baby's going crazy losing her mind : Lord the woman is going insane Don't a man feel bad : when he can't yo-yo no more Broke my yo-yo string last night : and I can't come home no more My sugar got ways : partner I can't understand Leave me all in my bed : go yo-yo with some other man I love me yo-yo : better than anything I know I'm feeling funny and foolish : I can't shake that thing no more \L JefB 63 Jefferson, Blind Lemon \C title: Mosquito Moan \C place and date: Richmond, Ind., 24 Sept. 1929 \C record numbers: (15666) Pm-12899 Mil MLP-2013 Lamp sits in my kitchen : mosquitoes all around my screen I'm about all ready to get a mosquito bomb : I'll be seldom seen [I'm going to, I believe I'll] keep on the Pinto : drive on back to Brandyville Oh mosquitoes so bad in this man's town : keep me away from my whiskey still I love my whiskey : better than some people like to eat Mosquitoes bother me so : I can't hardly stay on my feet I bought a spray last night : and I sprayed all over my house Mosquitoes all around my door : won't leave nobody come out Mosquitoes all around me : mosquitoes are everywhere I go No matter where I go : well they sticks their bills in me I wouldn't say a gabber-nipper : these gabber-nippers bite too hard I stepped back in my kitchen : and they springing up in my back yard \L JefB 64 Jefferson, Blind Lemon \C title: Southern Woman Blues \C place and date: Richmond, Ind., 24 Sept. 1929 \C record numbers: (15667) Pm-12899 Mil MLP-2013 Way down south : you ought to see the women shimmy and shake Their new way of wiggle : make a weak man break his neck You fed me greens : and I mean that they really can cook Make me a jellyroll : and I mean it's out the book I was down south : where all my whiskey cook Just looking at them women : makes me want to get my gauge stuck Southern women : man [they're, they sure is] hard to beat Ain't so easy to get along with : but Lord so sweet I'm going down south : and I believe I'll take my hook I'm going to fish in southern women : I declare it's out the book Me and my sugar : *something I did hold* I won't go to fishing : mama I done broke my pole \L JefB 65 Jefferson, Blind Lemon \C title: Bakershop Blues \C place and date: Richmond, Ind., 24 Sept. 1929 \C record numbers: (15668) Pm-12852 Mil MLP-2013 I'm standing in front of the bakershop : and I'm feeling lowdown in mind Hungry as could be : looking at all cakes of kind Girl in the bakershop : she hollered papa don't look so sad Come and try some of my cake : and you won't feel so bad *And with* sweet rolls in the window : honey and light bread cold I want to buy me some cake : but I had shot dice and lost my roll I'm crazy about my light bread : and my pigmeat on the side If I had a piece of your jellyroll : honey I'd be satisfied I want to know if your jellyroll fresh : I want to know if your jellyroll's stale I'm going to haul off and buy me some : if I have to break her loose in jail It's hard to be broke : and so hungry you about to drop If I don't get a break soon : I'll fall dead front of this bakershop \L JefB 66 Jefferson, Blind Lemon \C title: Pneumonia Blues \C place and date: Richmond, Ind., 24 Sept. 1929 \C record numbers: (15669) Pm-12880 Mil MLP-2013 I'm aching all over : believe I got the pneumonia this time And it's all on account of : that lowdown gal of mine Slinking around the corner : running up alleys too Watching my woman : trying to see what she going to do Stood down in the street : one cold dark stormy night Trying to see : if my good gal going to make it home all right [I believe she's, she must have] found something : that probably made her fall I stood out in the cold all night : and she didn't come home at all Wear B V Ds in the winter : traveling around in the rain Last time : my baby give me this pneumonia pain Now when I die : bury me in a Stetson hat Tell my good gal I'm going : but I'm still a-standing pat \L JefB 67 Jefferson, Blind Lemon \C title: Long Distance Moan \C place and date: Richmond, Ind., 24 Sept. 1929 \C record numbers: (15670-A) Pm-12852 Mil MLP-2013 I'm flying to South Carolina : I got to go there this time Women in Dallas Texas : is about to make me lose my mind Long distance long distance : will you please give me a credit call Want to talk to my gal in South Carolina : who looks like a Indian squaw Just want to ask my baby : what in the world is she been doing Give your loving to another joker : and it's sure going to be my ruin Hey long distance : I can't help but moan My baby's voice sound so sweet : oh I'm going to break this telephone You don't know you love your rider : till she is so far from you You can get long distance moan : and you don't care what you do I think I will use ??? poison : to get my brownie off my mind This long distance moan : about to worry me to death this time \L JefB 68 Jefferson, Blind Lemon \C title: That Crawlin' Baby Blues \C place and date: Richmond, Ind., 24 Sept. 1929 \C record numbers: (15671) Pm-12880 Mil MLP-2013 Well the baby crawling : on up to his mama's knee He's crying about his sweet milk : and she won't feed him just that cream Crawled from the fireplace : and he stopped in the middle of the floor Said mama ain't that your second daddy : standing back there in the door Well she grabbed my baby and spanked him : I tried to make her leave him alone I tried my best to stop her : and she said that baby ain't none of mine Some woman rocks the cradle : and I declare she rules her home Many man rocks some other man's baby : and the fool thinks he's rocking his own It was late last night : when I liked to crawl in baby's room My woman threw my clothes outdoors : and now I got those crawling baby blues \L JefB 69 Jefferson, Blind Lemon \C title: Fence Breakin' Yellin' Blues \C place and date: Richmond, Ind., 24 Sept. 1929 \C record numbers: (15672) Pm-12921 Bio BLP-12015 Here comes two women : I liked to drove them wild Well you drinking bad liquor : you'll be overtaken after a while He must be desperated : I don't know nothing else it could be Standing on the corner didn't mean no harm : the boy made a dash at me Made a break at me : groped for my pocketknife One had me cooling off : while the other one talked about taking my wife And when I went for my gun : you ought to see them yelling breaking that fence I first thought they was crazy : but I found out they didn't have no sense You can take my money : I mean you can wear my best clothes Lemon won't kill no quicker : if you bother with my jellyroll Some people like their sugar : I'm a fool about my China tea You can have all this world : but leave my honeycomb home with me \L JefB 70 Jefferson, Blind Lemon \C title: Cat Man Blues \C place and date: Richmond, Ind., 24 Sept. 1929 \C record numbers: (15673) Pm-12921 Bio BLP-12015 Cat man cat man : stay away from my house at night Prowling around my back door when I'm gone : you know that ain't right When I come home last night I heard a noise : asked my wife what was that She said don't be so suspicious : that wasn't a thing but a cat I've been all over the world : I've taken all kinds of chance I've never seen a cat : come home in a pair of pants I'm tired of this jellyroll man : come to my home when I'm out Know it's the cause of my woman : boys is *necking* about Reason I call him cat man : he don't [come, go] around in the day Come around at midnight : steals my cream when I'm away Tell me a cat got nine lives : honey and I believe that's true If the cat man is got nine lives : he going to need them when I get through \L JefB 71 Jefferson, Blind Lemon \C title: Bootin' Me 'Bout \C place and date: Richmond, Ind., 24 Sept. 1929 \C record numbers: (15675) Pm-12946 Mil MLP-2004 I got a brownskin mama : she built right to the ground When I goes to her house : old man starts to booting me around Now you mustn't blame his gal : it's nailed up to his door Don't want to go near no man : pretty soon she'll be too old Hey here Mr : you must be losing your mind Everybody's got to have : a little bit of loving sometime Her father told me : better not to come back no more If I catch you here : I'm going to boot you through the door I love my little brownskin : she's so young and green The old man's the bootingest thing : that I most ever seen I got to find me a scheme : to get my gal all to herself Because I'm a fool about that woman : don't want nobody else \L JohAl 1 Johnson, Alec \C title: Miss Meal Cramp Blues \C place and date: Atlanta, 2 Nov. 1928 \C record numbers: (147379-2) Co-14446-D CC-3 Lord I'm broke and hungry : and my money's all gone Weather is summer : I've got to travel on All my crops a failure : couldn't raise a doggone thing I'm just like a beggar : hear these lonesome blues I sing If I steal a pork chop : Lord I believe I'll pass away I ain't had a square meal : in many doggone days I'm so broke and hungry : I could eat a kangaroo I feel just like stealing : there's nothing else to do Won't somebody help me : with a little bite to eat Don't care what you give me : I'd eat even chicken meat Standing on the roadside : with a great big sign it read Say Uneeda biscuits : ??? near dropped dead My body feels so weary : because I got the miss-meal cramp Right now I could eat more : than a whole carload of tramps \L JohAl 2 Johnson, Alec \C title: Next Week Sometime \C place and date: Atlanta, 2 Nov. 1928 \C record numbers: (147382-2) Co-14416-D CC-3 I went out last night I got drunk : I was in whiskey up to my head A young lady she walked up to me : and this is what she said I told her to give me time : and let me think And I'd tell her : exactly when to buy that expensive drink I went to see a fortuneteller : just to have my fortune told She says young man you are partly rich : you're worth a great big pot of gold I got myself a pick and shovel : I reached twelve that night When I got there : I do declare I spied a form all dressed in white Now me and this haunt : run breast and breast He says look here brother : when are you going to rest \L JohBi 1 Johnson, Billiken \C title: Sun Beam Blues \C place and date: Dallas, 3 Dec. 1927 \C record numbers: (145322-1) Co-14293-D Rt RL-335 Sunbeam's on time : I ain't got my fare And if I start walking : Sunbeam will beat me there Don't need an airplane : steamboat or submarine But if I miss the Sunbeam : I will be seldom seen \L JohBi 2 Johnson, Billiken \C title: Interurban Blues \C place and date: Dallas, 3 Dec. 1927 \C record numbers: (145323-2) Co-14293-D Rt RL-335 Standing here a-wondering : will that car pass my way I'm going back to my baby : going back there to stay I know my baby : is bound to love me some She throws her arms around me : like the circle around the sun \L JohBi 3 Johnson, Billiken \C title: Frisco Blues \C place and date: Dallas, 8 Dec. 1928 \C record numbers: (147606-2) Co-14405-D Rt RL-312 I told the ticket agent : don't let your window down I'm sick and blue : but I'm Frisco bound Well a mean old fireman : a cruel old engineer That would leave big fat Billiken : *walking along out there* \L JohBi 4 Johnson, Billiken \C title: Wild Jack Blues \C place and date: Dallas, 8 Dec. 1928 \C record numbers: (147607-2) Co-14405-D Rt RL-315 Wild jack on the mountain : and he brays the whole day long Going to find me some lumber : build that old jack a home I'm going to build a stable : as long as he is tall So I can hear my wild jack : every time he calls You ought to see : this big black jack of mine He can eat more corn : than I feel like frying This big black jack : got mane just like a horse Going to keep my wild jack : lock him in my stall He's a big bad jack : and you can hear him all over town Going to keep my wild jack : if I have to chain him down \L JohBu 1 Johnson, Buster \C title: Undertaker Blues \C place and date: Richmond, Ind., 16 Jan. 1932 \C record numbers: (18323) Ch-16718 OJL-2 Mr undertaker Mr undertaker : drop your hammer and saw You take my baby to the cemetery : and don't bring her back no more I'm going take my females : hang them on a single line I'm going to count one two three four five : six seven eight and nine Well I went to the graveyard : kneeled down by my baby to talk I have to leave you to heaven : *oh my baby's do no wrong* \L JohE 1 Johnson, Edith North \C title: Nickel's Worth of Liver Blues \C place and date: Richmond, Ind., 7 Sept. 1929 \C record numbers: (15558-A) Pm-12823 CC-37 Bring me a nickel's worth of liver : a dime's worth of stew Feed everybody : on ??? Avenue Got a man upside one downside : one across the street Got your eyes wide open : but you're sound asleep Bring me a nickel's worth of liver : a dime's worth of grease ??? my man : he called all the police Listen papa : don't give me none of your head Keep on fooling : you'll be filled full of lead When you see me worried : I'm thinking about my burnt liver I'll kill you about him : and my hand won't even quiver \L JohE 2 Johnson, Edith North \C title: Good Chib Blues \C place and date: Richmond, Ind., 7 Sept. 1929 \C record numbers: (15559) Pm-12864 CC-37 Ooh : tomorrow I may be far away Don't try to dog me honey : sweet talk can't make me stay Now if you get loaded baby : and think you want to go Remember baby : you ain't no better than the man I had before When I get drunk I'm evil : I don't know what to do If I get my good chib : can get something good from you Now the man I love : he's just about the heightth of me I'm five foot two : Lord and that sweet man's five foot three \L JohE 3 Johnson, Edith North \C title: Can't Make Another Day \C place and date: Richmond, Ind., 7 Sept. 1929 \C record numbers: (15560) Pm-12864 Riv RM-8819 All this world's against me : I believe my baby is too Ah my baby's against me : Lord I can tell by the way he do Now the man I love : Lord he don't mean me no good Takes all his good jelly : around all the whole neighborhood Now if I was a Gypsy : Lord and I could read your mind Then I wouldn't have to wonder : where you spend all your time \L JohE 4 Johnson, Edith North \C title: Honeydripper Blues \C place and date: Richmond, Ind., 7 Sept. 1929 \C record numbers: (15561) Pm-12823 Mil MLP-2018 I wake up every morning : with the rising sun Oh thinking about my honeydripper : and all the wrongs he done Oh he treats me mean : [only, just] comes to see me sometime But the way he spreads his honey : Lord it makes me think I'll lose my mind Oh because I'm brown : Lord he wants to drive me away He knows he's a good honeydripper : Lord and I want him every day Lord the man I love : oh Lord he really made me fall Oh the way he drips his honey : Lord he won my heart that's all Oh sometimes I feel so lonesome : Lord I don't know where to go When my love comes down babe : I'll need you more than you'll ever know Because he's a real sweet man : and I [want to lease him, got to sign him up] for ninety-nine years That's what it takes to ease my mind : and stop all my tears \L JohEb 1 Johnson, Elizabeth \C title: Be My Kid Blues \C place and date: New York, 30 Oct. 1928 \C record numbers: (401279-B) OK-8789 Her H-201 If you be my kid : I'll be your teddy bear I'll get in your pocket : and follow you everywhere When you see me coming : heist your window high See me leaving : hand your head and cry It's raining here : storming on the sea I'm leaving here : but I sure don't want to go *Thieving* man : don't want me no more I'm going to town : I'm going to buy me a bed Sleep with my man : if it kills me dead \L JohEb 2 Johnson, Elizabeth \C title: Sobbin' Woman Blues \C place and date: New York, 30 Oct. 1928 \C record numbers: (401280-?) OK-8789 Her H-201 Oh I ain't got : no easy rider now The man I love : sure done turned me down He treats me : like I'm some old body's dog I ain't no dog : please don't dog me around Oh your time now : be mine after a while Give me my fare : I sure will leave this town I'm going home : I ain't been home in so long Going back to Georgia : if I don't stay long Wonder what's the matter : I can't get no mail Believe to my soul : they got my man in jail Going to buy me a pistol : with a great long shiny barrel When I'm dead : give it to my faro Get your one man : you sure better get you two Ain't no telling : what these men will do I'm going away : just to wear you off my mind Keep me worried : bothered all the time \L JohJa 1 Johnson, James Stump \C title: Barrel of Whiskey Blues \C place and date: Dallas, 10 Feb. 1932 \C record numbers: (70680-1) Vi-23327 Yz L-1033 I ain't going to marry : and I ain't going to settle down I'm going to do like a pimp : I'm going to walk all around this town Goodbye whiskey : sure don't worry me I can get just as drunk : as any drunken man can be My baby's gone : she didn't tell me because If she don't come back : I am going to starve Ever since : my baby's been gone away I've been raggedy and dirty : haven't got no place to stay My old gal : came into town last night She didn't have no money : but she was too tight Me and my gal : are going to make everything all right If we don't today : we will tomorrow night \L JohJo 1 Johnson, Joe (Memphis Minnie) \C title: I'm Going Back Home \C place and date: Memphis, 26 May 1930 \C record numbers: (59992- ) Vi-23352 His HLP-32 Oh mercy dear : you cause my heart *Sad and long* : *with how to win my part* I learn to love you : most all the rest You're leaving me : wrecking happiness I'll count the hours : *living when alone* Think of you : when you back home My lonesome heart : will shake with fear The very hour : that you call my name Minnie every hour : is a living fear For I'm not at ease : with anyone else I'll hunger long : for you evermore I'm asking you dear : please don't go Going to tell you this : ain't going to tell no lie Day you leave me : that's the day you die \L JohJo 2 Johnson, Joe (Memphis Minnie) \C title: Don't Want No Woman \C place and date: Memphis, 26 May 1930 \C record numbers: (62539- ) Vi-23313 Pal PL-101 Don't want no woman : have to give my money to I tried hard baby : did the very best I could I'm going to the mountain : hold up my right hand The girl I love : sings like a turtledove That's the way baby : you have *things* to do \L JohK 1 Johnson, Ki Ki \C title: Lady, Your Clock Ain't Right \C place and date: Long Island City, c. Aug. 1928 \C record numbers: ( ) QRS-R7003 His HLP-17 Every man that comes to see you : in this neighborhood Keeps on buzzing to each other : that your clock ain't no good Now your clock don't set : where it used to set before It used to be on the *centre* : close to your back door \L JohK 2 Johnson, Ki Ki \C title: Wrong Woman Blues \C place and date: Long Island City, c. Aug. 1928 \C record numbers: ( ) QRS-R7003 His HLP-17 I was lying down dreaming : when the blues eased up on me I was feeling so blue : down-hearted as could be A brownskin gal : makes a bulldog bark with pain And a bow-legged mama : make a snail catch a passenger train Now you can always tell : when your woman treats you mean I say your meals are never ready : and your house ain't never clean She will come downstairs : a towel was tied around her head You'll ask her for loving : she'll swear she's almost dead \L JohLe 1 Johnson, Lem \C title: Candy Blues \C place and date: New York, 19 May 1942 \C record numbers: (70761-A) De-7895 Br-87.504 I left my baby : standing in the doorway crying She said daddy you've got a home : just as long as I got mine My mama told me : papa told me too Some day son : candy's going to be the death of you Now it's chocolate candy : till my dying day The same old candy : is going to carry me away I've got one good woman : trying to make it four When one pretty woman quits me : I'll have three more \L JohLi 1 Johnson, Lil \C title: Never Let Your Left Hand Know \C What Your Right Hand Do \C place and date: Chicago, 23 Apr. 1929 \C record numbers: (C-3355- ) Vo-1299 His HLP-2 I had the blues last night : I've got them again today My man told me : he was going away Trouble trouble : is all I can see Look like my man : has turned his back on me Just let me tell you : what your friends will do Grin in your face : and then they'll talk about you Me and my girl friend : went out for a little run When she seen my man : she told him what I had done Bring me a pint of whiskey : and a bottle of beer If I get drunk : I sure don't care Take me back baby : try me one more time I do everything : to satisfy your mind Listen people : to what I'm telling you Don't let your left hand : know what your right hand do \L JohLi 2 Johnson, Lil \C title: You'll Never Miss Your Jelly \C Till Your Jelly Rollers Gone \C place and date: Chicago, 23 Apr. 1929 \C record numbers: (C-3356- ) Vo-1299 His HLP-2 I woke up this morning : with the blues all around my bed I felt just like : somebody in my family was dead I began to moan : and I began to cry My sweet man went away : you know the reason why If you don't like my sweet potato : what made you dig so deep You in my potato field : three or four times a week Whooping I've been whooping : whooping all night long Whooping I've been whooping : ever since my man been gone My dog got the rabbit : the rabbit fell down on his knees He looked up at the dog : he say won't you have mercy on me please Just as sure : as you hear me sing this song You never miss your jelly : till your jellyroller's gone \L JohLi 3 Johnson, Lil \C title: House Rent Scuffle \C place and date: Chicago, c. 29 June 1929 \C record numbers: (C-3749- ) Vo-1410 Yz L-1039 Play that thing : play that thing just right We got to scuffle : that house rent tonight My house rent's due : my gas going up to ten I wouldn't have no lights : but the lightman couldn't get in \L JohLo 1 Johnson, Lonnie \C title: Mr. Johnson's Blues \C place and date: St. Louis, 4 Nov. 1925 \C record numbers: (9435-A) OK-8253 CC-30 I want all you people : to listen to my song Remember me : after the days I'm gone \L JohLo 2 Johnson, Lonnie \C title: Falling Rain Blues \C place and date: St. Louis, 4 Nov. 1925 \C record numbers: (9436-A) OK-8253 CC-30 The storm is rising : the rains begin to fall I'm all alone by myself : no one to love me at all My blues at midnight : and don't leave me until day I've got no sweet woman : to drive my blues away Blues : falling like showers of rain Every once in a while : think I hear my baby call my name \L JohLo 3 Johnson, Lonnie \C title: Sweet Woman You Can't Go Wrong \C place and date: New York, 5 Aug. 1927 \C record numbers: (81189-B) OK-8512 CC-30 I'm lonesome as I can be : baby please come home to me Because you know I love you : and how come we can't agree You been gone the whole night long : I believe to my soul something going on wrong But there will come a day : and I know you will be glad to say I tried to please your mind : and you keep me worried all the time You will either run me crazy : or I'll lose my mind You know you don't treat me right : when you stay out both day and night And I must stop you now : because you got to consider somehow You know I love you now : and I love you all along Although you my sweet woman : and I mean you can't go wrong \L JohLo 4 Johnson, Lonnie \C title: St. Louis Cyclone Blues \C place and date: New York, 3 Oct. 1927 \C record numbers: (81503-B) OK-8512 CC-30 I was sitting in my kitchen : looking way out across the sky I thought the world was ending : I started to cry The wind was howling : the buildings begin to fall I seen that mean old twister coming : just like a cannonball The world was black as midnight : I never heard such a noise before Sound like a million lions : when they turn loose their roar Poor people was screaming : and running every which a-way I fell down on my knees : I started in to pray The shack where we was living : she reel and rock but never fell How the cyclone spared us : nobody but the Lord can tell \L JohLo 5 Johnson, Lonnie \C title: Life Saver Blues \C place and date: New York, 9 Nov. 1927 \C record numbers: (81801-B) OK-8557 CC-30 It's raining and storming on the sea : we're miles and miles from shore The way the waves is rocking this ship : we won't see home no more The wind is so strong : turning this old ship round and round Something tells me : won't be long before we're sinking down The captain say get your lifesavers : fasten them around your waist Because we're sinking down : and the lifeboat is your safest place Uncle Sam's ship was coming : painted in red white and blue We say we live in New York City : red white and blue brought us all the way through \L JohLo 6 Johnson, Lonnie \C title: Blue Ghost Blues \C place and date: New York, 9 Nov. 1927 \C record numbers: (81802-B) OK-8557 CC-30 Mmm : I feel myself sinking down My body is freezing : I feel something cold creeping around My windows is rattling : my doorknob turning round and round This haunted house blues is killing me : I feel myself sinking down I been fastened in this haunted house : six long months today The blue ghost has got the house surrounded : Lord and I can't get away They got shotguns and pistols : standing all around my door They haunt me all night long : so I can't sleep no more The blue ghost haunts me all night : the nightmare ride me all night long They worry me so in this haunted house : I wish I was dead and gone \L JohLo 7 Johnson, Lonnie \C title: Low Land Moan \C place and date: Chicago, 12 Dec. 1927 \C record numbers: (82043-A) OK-8677 CC-30 I went down to the levee : and [over, out] to the freight house yard They paid a dollar an hour : but the work was too long and hard Have pigtails in my pantry : neckbones on my shelf I ain't got none to give you : I got just enough for myself I'm going to buy me a shotgun : long as I am tall I'm going to shoot my woman : just to see her fall Over yonder's the river : yonder is your big lake At your house rent party : you made your last mistake I chew my bacca : and I spit my juice I tried to love you so hard : but I found out there's no use \L JohLo 8 Johnson, Lonnie \C title: I'm So Tired of Living All Alone \C place and date: San Antonio, 9 Mar. 1928 \C record numbers: (400447-B) OK-8677 CC-30 Although we are drifting : so far apart My arms may be empty : have not give up in my heart Although we are drifting : so far apart My arms may be empty : but never down in my heart \L JohLo 9 Johnson, Lonnie \C title: Way Down That Lonesome Road \C place and date: San Antonio, 13 Mar. 1928 \C record numbers: (400490-A) OK-8574 CC-30 Look down look down : that long old lonesome road And look up to the good Lord : just before you go That's a long that's a long : a long old tiresome road You'll find troubles and worries : that you never found before Then look back look back : and see what you're leaving all alone To grieve and worry : after the days you gone Then your days begin dreary : down that long old lonesome road And you want the Lord have mercy : how much more further I've got to go That's a long old road : a long road that has no end Then the blues will make you think : about all your right-hand friends \L JohLo 10 Johnson, Lonnie (Victoria Spivey) \C title: New Black Snake Blues-+-Part 1 \C place and date: New York, 13 Oct. 1928 \C record numbers: (401222-A) OK-8626 Spi LP-2001 Something keep a-moaning : I don't know what it is When my right eye winks : on my knees I begin to crawl It will be hell to tell the captain : if I catch another man kicking in my stall There's no use a-worrying : baby about the days being long The black snake is got the dough : you can't roll him from home \L JohLo 11 Johnson, Lonnie \C title: When You Fall For Someone That's Not Your \C Own \C place and date: New York, 16 Nov. 1928 \C record numbers: (401336-B) OK-8635 CC-30 They tell me blues and trouble : walk hand in hand But you ain't had no trouble : till your woman falls for some no-good man A married woman will swear : she'll love you all her life And meet her other man around the corner : and tell the same lie twice You tell me you've had troubles : and worry all your life Man but you ain't had no trouble : till you fall for another man's wife Then if you get a woman of your own : and make her happy night and day There will be some no-good man she'll fall for : pretty soon she'll go away When it begin raining : and you're looking through your windowpane And crazy about another man's wife : it's enough to drive you insane But a married woman : is the sweetest woman ever was born Only thing that hurts you : she have to go home sometime \L JohLo 12 Johnson, Lonnie \C title: Baby Please Don't Leave Me No More \C place and date: New York, 11 June 1929 \C record numbers: (402441-A) OK-8754 CC-30 I been lonesome all day : I've been grieving all night long Baby please hear my plea : why don't you come back home How many times : have I cried all night long You know I must love you baby : when I beg you to come back home I'll get a job in the coal yard : work in the rain and snow All I ask you baby : please don't leave me no more \L JohLo 13 Johnson, Lonnie \C title: Sam, You're Just a Rat \C place and date: New York, 9 Feb. 1932 \C record numbers: (405141-A) OK-8937 Yz L-1028 Sam you say you my friend : but your ways I just don't like Soon as I leave my home : you trying to bite me in my back Now Sam you not my friend : and my home you better stop hanging around Because I've paid for your coffin : and I mean that you graveyard bound Sam if you want a woman go get one : and let my wife alone Because if I ever catch you with my wife : you hell bound sure as I'm born Sam a real man can live happy : but no-good men like you You trying to wreck my family : and some other man's family too Sam I thought you was my friend : I thought you just was swell So I'm going to give you a vacation : that's a round-trip ticket to hell \L JohLo 14 Johnson, Lonnie \C title: I'm Nuts About that Gal \C place and date: New York, 12 Aug. 1932 \C record numbers: (152259-2) OK-8946 CC-30 Now she ain't good-looking : she don't dress fine The way that gal can love : change any man's mind Now she bake good jellyroll : she bakes it nice and hot It never fails : to touch the spot If I was sentenced to be hung : and this ain't no lie If I could just see my baby : I would be willing to die Now my gal is built : long and tall Lord when she starts to loving : I can't help from to fall She likes her music soft : when the lights are low When she starts to kiss me : does me good down in my toes When I met my gal : she was dumb as dumb could be But I believe to my soul : she put that thing on me \L JohLo 15 Johnson, Lonnie \C title: Racketeers Blues \C place and date: New York, 12 Aug. 1932 \C record numbers: (152260-2) OK-8946 CC-30 If you got over fifteen grand : better split it ninety-nine different ways Because the racketeers : got no certain place to dig your grave When they demand your money : you got to give it up with a smile And if you refuse : they'll read about you in a short little while When the gang is out to get you : it don't do no good to run It's true you can dodge the law : but you can't dodge them slugs out the machine gun You [slave, work] hard for your money : just to give it to some other one And if you refuse : the answer will be from a racketeer's gun When the gang is out to get you : they'll follow you everywhere You can even move to West Hell : doggone if they don't find you there \L JohLo 16 Johnson, Lonnie \C title: Man Killing Broad \C place and date: Chicago, 8 Nov. 1937 \C record numbers: (91339-A) De-7445 Sw S-1225 You've got a hatchet under your pillow baby : you got ice pick in your hand The best thing you better do : is find you another man You've got a shotgun in the corner : blackjack under your bed But you'll never catch me asleep : I know you wants to whip my head You put lice all in my gravy : black potash in my tea But I fed it to your man baby : instead of me That's the very reason why : you been so mean to me Trying to steal my life : to have your old used-to-be \L JohLo 17 Johnson, Lonnie \C title: Hard Time Ain't Gone No Where \C place and date: Chicago, 8 Nov. 1937 \C record numbers: (91340-A) De-7388 Sw S-1225 People is [raving, hollering] about hard times : tell me what it's all about Hard times don't worry me : I was broke when it first started out Friends it could be worser : you don't seem to understand Some is crying with a sack of gold under each arm : and a loaf of bread in each hand If you're a single man : you better drink and have your fun Because when that lovebug bites you : then your worries ain't never done People raving about hard times : I don't know why they should If some people was like me : they didn't have no money when times was good \L JohLo 18 Johnson, Lonnie \C title: Flood Water Blues \C place and date: Chicago, 8 Nov. 1937 \C record numbers: (91341-A) De-7397 Sw S-1225 It's been snowing forty days and nights : lakes and rivers begin to freeze Some places through my old home town : water's up above my knees Storm begin rising : and the sun begin sinking down I says mother and dad pack your trunk : we ain't safe here in this town When it lightning my mind gets frightened : my nerves begin weaken down And the shack where we was living : begin moving around Women and children were screaming : saying mama where must we go The flood water have broke the levee : and we ain't safe here no more \L JohLo 19 Johnson, Lonnie \C title: It Ain't What You Usta Be \C place and date: Chicago, 8 Nov. 1937 \C record numbers: (91342-A) De-7427 Sw S-1225 You see it ain't what you used to be baby : it's what you are today You see your good looks didn't hold your man : a little black gal's loving stole your man away I've got a woman now that I love : better than I love myself She treats me so cold sometimes : I think she got somebody else \L JohLo 20 Johnson, Lonnie \C title: Something Fishy \C place and date: Chicago, 8 Nov. 1937 \C record numbers: (91345-A) De-7388 Sw S-1225 You arms don't feel the same : your lips is icebox cold It's a mean black snake : is making his morning stroll You know : you once was the sweetest woman I ever found But since you been running out with your girl friend : you just a plain old everyday clown \L JohLo 21 Johnson, Lonnie \C title: I'm Nuts Over You \C place and date: Chicago, 8 Nov. 1937 \C record numbers: (91346-A) De-7397 Sw S-1225 If love is a crime then I'm guilty : but there's nothing I can do After all the good women in this world : why did I have to fall in love with you \L JohLo 22 Johnson, Lonnie \C title: Friendless and Blue \C place and date: New York, 31 Mar. 1938 \C record numbers: (63517-A) De-7487 Sw S-1225 Don't the world seem lonely : when you got to battle it all by yourself Even the one you love : turn their back on you for someone else My mother and dad left me : when I was too small to help myself And my sisters and brothers : drove me away to somebody else I'm motherless and I'm fatherless : I'm almost friendless too Seems the world is down on you : know knows what to do Rocks was my pillow : and the cold ground was my bed The blue skies was my blanket : and the moonlight was my spread \L JohLo 23 Johnson, Lonnie \C title: Devil's Got the Blues \C place and date: New York, 31 Mar. 1938 \C record numbers: (63518-A) De-7487 Sw S-1225 Good morning blues : where have you been so long I just stopped by to leave you enough of worries : to last you while I'm gone My brains is cloudy : my soul is upside down When I get that lowdown feeling : I know the blues must be somewhere close around The blues is like the devil : it comes on you like a spell Blues will leave your heart full of trouble : and your poor mind full of hell Some people say that's no blues : but that story's old and stale The blues will drive you to drink and murder : and spend the rest of your life in jail The blues and the devil : is your closest friend The blues will leave you with murder in your mind : that's when the devil out of hell steps in \L JohLo 24 Johnson, Lonnie \C title: I Ain't Gonna Be Your Fool \C place and date: New York, 31 Mar. 1938 \C record numbers: (63519-A) De-7509 Sw S-1225 I work all day long for you : until the sun go down And you take all my money and drink it up : and come home and wants to fuss and clown It hurts to love a person : that don't belong to you Because when they find out that you really love them : and they don't care what they do They'll take your heart and they'll use it : like a football on a football ground And when they get through playing with your heart : and they'll start dragging you all around \L JohLo 25 Johnson, Lonnie \C title: Mr. Johnson Swing \C place and date: New York, 31 Mar. 1938 \C record numbers: (63520-A) De-7509 Sw S-1225 Want all of you people to listen : while my guitar sings If you ain't got that rhythm : it don't mean a thing Some people thinks I'm dead : because I've been gone so long I just stop to see : would you miss me from singing these lonesome songs I want all you people to listen : while I swing this song If you were born with that rhythm : honest you can't never go wrong \L JohLo 26 Johnson, Lonnie \C title: New Falling Rain Blues \C place and date: New York, 31 Mar. 1938 \C record numbers: (63521-A) De-7461 Sw S-1225 Storm is rising : and the rain begin to fall Trouble is breaking down my window : blues breaking down my door My blues started at sunrise : and rides me all through the day It takes the sweet woman I love : to drive these blues away Come into my arms sweet woman : and please explain yourself to me Tell me who do you really want : or do you still want your used-to-be Because sometimes you with me : baby then again you gone If you want your used-to-be : then you better let me alone Blues : falling like showers of rain Every once in a while : I can hear my baby call my name \L JohLo 27 Johnson, Lonnie \C title: Laplegged Drunk Again \C place and date: New York, 31 Mar. 1938 \C record numbers: (63522-A) De-7537 Sw S-1225 I've been drinking all night long : I've started again today I been trying my best : to drink these worried blues away Some people drinks to hide their [worries and] troubles : but that don't mean a thing When you think your troubles are gone : and you find yourself drunk again Friends I drink to keep from worrying : I smile to keep from crying That's why I cover my troubles : so the public don't know what's on my mind I said I was through with love : both whiskey wine and gin You know when I found myself : I was lap-legged drunk again Love will make a-many man drink and gamble : and stay out all night long Love will drive you to many places : sometimes where you don't belong \L JohLo 28 Johnson, Lonnie \C title: Blue Ghost Blues \C place and date: New York, 31 Mar. 1938 \C record numbers: (63523-A) De-7537 AH-158 Mmm : something cold is creeping around Blue ghost has got me : I feel myself sinking down Black cat and an owl : come to keep me company They understands my troubles : mmm and sympathize with me I been in this haunted house : for three long years today Blue ghost has got my shack surrounded : oh Lord and I can't get away I feel cold arms around me : and ice lips upon my cheek My lover is dead : how plainly plainly I can hear her speak My windows begin rattling : and my doorknob is turning around and around My lover's ghost has got me : and I know my time won't be long \L JohLo 29 Johnson, Lonnie \C title: South Bound Backwater \C place and date: New York, 31 Mar. 1938 \C record numbers: (63524-A) De-7461 Sw S-1225 It's been snowing forty days : and the ground is covered with snow I'm snow-bound in my cabin : and ice up around my door I woke up this morning : couldn't even get out my door I was snowbound in my cabin : had water seeping up through my floor Snow begin melting : and the rain begin to fall The backwaters done broke the levee : and I can't stay here no more Rowed my boat : just about four miles across the pond Backwater done wrecked my cabin : and there's no place that I can call my home \L JohLo 30 Johnson, Lonnie \C title: Crowin' Rooster Blues \C place and date: Chicago, 7 Feb. 1941 \C record numbers: (059205-1) BB-B8804 RCA LPV-518 What makes the rooster : crow every morning before day To let the pimps know : that the workingman is on his way We're up before sunrise : slaving sixteen hours a day We pay our house rent and grocery bills : and the pimps get the rest of our pay Men can't you see : you can't keep a whole woman by yourself If your best friend can't get your woman : he'll frame her for somebody else Something about some women : that I never could understand They're not satisfied with a good husband : they want some other woman's man \L JohLs 1 Johnson, Louise \C title: All Night Long Blues \C place and date: Grafton, Wis., 28 May 1930 \C record numbers: (L-398-1) Pm-12992 OJL-11 I woke up this morning : blues all around my bed I never had no good man : I mean to ease my aching head Well : pretty near all night long Well I swear before God : the man I'm loving is doing wrong Well I'm going away : swear the time ain't long If you don't believe I'm leaving daddy : count them days I'm gone You done caused me to weep baby : and I swear you done caused me to moan Well you know by that rider : that I ain't going to be here long Well : what evil have I done Well it must be something : my man have heard before he gone Lord I'm going to get drunk : and I'm going to walk the streets all night Because the man that I'm loving : I swear he sure don't treat me right \L JohLs 2 Johnson, Louise \C title: Long Way from Home \C place and date: Grafton, Wis., 28 May 1930 \C record numbers: (L-399-2) Pm-12992 OJL-11 Lord I woke up this morning : blues all around my bed I never had no good man : I mean to ease my worried head Now now now now now : I cried like a newborn child Lord even when I was a baby : I wasn't satisfied Well I'm going I'm going : daddy to wear you off my mind Because you keeps me worried baby : and troubled all the time I said Lord have mercy : I mean Lord have mercy on me I said Lord have mercy : mercy's all I need Lord ??? : and I fell down on my knees Well I done cried I cried : Lord have mercy on me \L JohLs 3 Johnson, Louise \C title: On the Wall \C place and date: Grafton, Wis., 28 May 1930 \C record numbers: (L-419-1) Pm-13008 Yz L-1028 Well I'm going to Memphis : come to stop at Cincinnat' I'm going to tell you women : how to treat a man I said now you ain't good-looking : and you don't dress fine That kind of treatment : make me ??? you most any old time Well I'm going to Memphis : stop at *Satches* hall Going to tell you women : how to cock it on the wall Now you can snatch it you can break it : you can hang it on the wall Throw it out the window : see if you catch it before it fall Well I'm going to leave here : \L JohLs 4 Johnson, Louise \C title: By the Moon and Stars \C place and date: Grafton, Wis., 28 May 1930 \C record numbers: (L-420-2) Pm-13008 Mil MLP-2018 ??? : I saw the moon go down And I swear my man must be somewhere : turning around and around I say the big star are falling : it don't be long before day The moon *want* my baby : ??? mighty far away I'm going to wake up : between midnight and day You going to ??? *my need* baby : and I swear I'll be gone away Now won't you come here baby : sit down on my knee Now I just want to tell you : black man how you have treated me \L JohM 1 Johnson, Margaret \C title: If I Let You Get Away With It Once \C You'll Do It All of the Time \C place and date: New York, 19 Oct. 1923 \C record numbers: (71972-B) OK-8107 Sw S-1240 You said you's going to leave me : but I don't care You thought the way I treated you : wasn't fair You went and told somebody : you thought I wouldn't do But if you think you'll get away with it : I'll sing this verse to you Because if I let you get away with it once : you'll do it all the time Now if you think I'm going crazy about you : you'd better change your mind You promised me once : you wouldn't cheat anymore But had a dozen keys : to fit my back door You crept away : to see a movie show today But when you came home : you didn't know the name of the play \L JohM 2 Johnson, Margaret \C title: When a 'Gator Holler, Folk Say \C It's a Sign of Rain \C place and date: New York, 20 Oct. 1926 \C record numbers: (36846-1) Vi-20333 Fwy FJ-2801 Blow whistle : my stomach say it's eating time My appetite is worth a million : and just got a measly dime It's Saturday night : and I'm higher than a Georgia pine One more drink of corn : and I'll leave my Georgia mind When a gator holler : folks say it's a sign of rain The weather's getting cloudy Lord : how these *birdies sing* \L JohMa 1 Johnson, Mary \C title: Barrel House Flat Blues \C place and date: Grafton, Wis., c. Feb. 1930 \C record numbers: (L-176-2) Pm-12996 CC-37 I got a barrelhouse flat in *Eastport* : and one I St Louis too But my barrelhouse flat in *Eastport* : really get *my ???* I'm going to build me a barrelhouse flat : way out on Dago Hill Where I can get my beer and whiskey : and it's fresh from the still I got a barrelhouse flat in Chicago : it's fifteen stories high I get all of these high yellows : and play these *crazy dice* Those ??? like my good whiskey : and they drink my cherry wine If you women want a good time : stop by this barrelhouse flat of mine \L JohMa 2 Johnson, Mary \C title: Key to the Mountain Blues \C place and date: Grafton, Wis., c. Feb. 1930 \C record numbers: (L-177-3) Pm-12996 Jo SM-3098 My man's in the mountain : and I've got the mountain key If you want to see my man : you got to come to me Mmm he was my man : before you women ever knew his name And you know by that : you got to see me just the same If you women wants a good man : find one of your own For this man is my man : I want you women to leave my man alone Now I have no place : for you women you see Oh my man's in the mountain : and I've got the mountain key \L JohMa 3 Johnson, Mary \C title: Rattlesnake Blues \C place and date: Richmond, Ind., 22 Sept. 1932 \C record numbers: (18791) Ch-16570 Riv RM-8819 Rattlesnake treating papa : what makes you treat your mama so mean You know that your mama loves you : that's why you treat me like you do You treats me like a rattlesnake : crawling on the ground The better I try to treat you : the more you throw your mama down Ah that's all right : daddy that's all right for you Some day you'll want poor Mary : and she'll be somewhere from you Oh rattlesnake crawling daddy : you know you doing me wrong I'm looking for you baby : and you crawling around some other person's home You dog me all in the morning : and dog me late at night And I can tell by that : you ain't treating your mama right \L JohMa 4 Johnson, Mary \C title: Mary Johnson Blues \C place and date: Richmond, Ind., 22 Sept. 1932 \C record numbers: (18792) Ch-16570 Riv RM-8819 I once was a married woman : sorry the day I ever was I was a young girl at home : and I did not know the world I'd rather be an old maid : than to be worried and blue each and every day Because these worrisome old men : will cause your head to turn white and grey Babe you caused me to leave my happy home : and you caused me to weep and moan That is why babe : this bad luck's taking place today I was just sitting here thinking : baby just a minute ago I once was a married woman : sorry the day I ever was \L JohR 1 Johnson, Robert \C title: Kind Hearted Woman Blues \C place and date: San Antonio, 23 Nov. 1936 \C record numbers: (SA-2580-1) ARC unissued \C Co CL-1654 I got a kind-hearted woman : do anything in this world for me But these evil-hearted women : man they will not let me be I love my baby : my baby don't love me But I really love that woman : can't stand to leave her be Now ain't but the one thing : makes Mr Johnson drink That's worry about how you treat me baby : I begin to think Oh babe : my life don't feel the same You breaks my heart : when you call Mr so-and-so's name She's a kind-hearted woman : she studies evil all the time You have to kill me : just to have it on your mind \L JohR 2 Johnson, Robert \C title: Kind Hearted Woman Blues \C place and date: San Antonio, 23 Nov. 1936 \C record numbers: (SA-2580-2) ARC-7-03-56 Co \C C-30034 I got a kind-hearted mama : do anything in this world for me But these evil-hearted women : man they will not let me be I love my baby : and my baby don't love me I really love that woman : can't stand to leave her be Now it ain't but one thing : make Mr Johnson drink I get worried about how you treat me baby : I begin to think Oh babe : my life don't feel the same You breaks my heart : when you call Mr so-and-so's name She's a kind-hearted [mama, woman] : [but she] studies evil all the time You have to kill me baby : just to have it on your mind Some day some day : I will shake your hand goodbye I can't give any more of my loving : because I just ain't satisfied \L JohR 3 Johnson, Robert \C title: I Believe I'll Dust My Broom \C place and date: San Antonio, 23 Nov. 1936 \C record numbers: (SA-2581-1) ARC-7-04-81 Co \C C-30034 I'm going to get up in the morning : I believe I'll dust my broom Because then the black man you been loving : girl friend can get my room I'm going to write a letter : telephone every town I know If I can't find her in West Selma : she must be in East Monroe I know I don't want no woman : wants every downtown man she meet She's a no-good dony : they shouldn't allow her on the street I believe : I believe I'll go back home If you mistreat me here babe : but you can't when I go home I'm going to call up China : see is my good girl over there If I can't find her on Philippines Island : she must be in Ethiopia somewhere \L JohR 4 Johnson, Robert \C title: Sweet Home Chicago \C place and date: San Antonio, 23 Nov. 1936 \C record numbers: (SA-2582- ) Vo-03601 OJL-17 Ooh : baby don't you want to go Back to the land of California : to my sweet home Chicago Now one and one is two : three and two is four I'm heavy loaded baby : I'm booked I've got to go Now two and two is four : four and two is six You going to keep on monkeying around here *pin boy* : you going to get your ??? in a fix Now six and two is eight : eight and two is ten His wife get tricky one time : she sure going to do it again I'm going to California : *some passing in my byway* Somebody will tell me : that you need my help some day \L JohR 5 Johnson, Robert \C title: Ramblin' On My Mind \C place and date: San Antonio, 23 Nov. 1936 \C record numbers: (SA-2583-1) ARC-7-05-81 Co \C C-30034 I got rambling : I got rambling [all] on my mind Hate to leave my baby : but she treats me so unkind Running down to the station : catch [that old, the] first mail train I see I got the blues about Miss so-and-so : and the child got the blues about me And I'm leaving this morning : with my arms folded up and crying I hate to leave my baby : but she treats me so unkind I got mean things : I got mean things [all] on my mind I got to leave my baby : but she treats me so unkind \L JohR 6 Johnson, Robert \C title: Ramblin' On My Mind \C place and date: San Antonio, 23 Nov. 1936 \C record numbers: (SA-2583-2) ARC-7-05-81 Co \C CL-1654 I got rambling : I got rambling [all] on my mind Hate to leave my baby : but she treats me so unkind Running down to the station : catch [that old, the] first mail train I see I got the blues about Miss so-and-so : and the child got the blues about me And I'm leaving this morning : with my arms folded up and crying I hate to leave my baby : but she treats me so unkind I got mean things : I got mean things [all] on my mind I got to leave my baby : but she treats me so unkind \L JohR 7 Johnson, Robert \C title: When You Get a Good Friend \C place and date: San Antonio, 23 Nov. 1936 \C record numbers: (SA-2584-1) ARC unissued Co \C CL-1654 When you got a good friend : have her stay right by your side Give her all of your spare time : love and treat her right I mistreated my baby : [but, and] I can't see no reason why Any time I think about it : I just wring my hands and cry Wonder could I ever apologize : or will she fisty-fight with me She's a brownskin woman : just as sweet as a girl friend can be Baby *do you think it mmm* : oh I may be right or wrong Got you a close friend baby : then your enemies can't do you no harm \L JohR 8 Johnson, Robert \C title: Come On in My Kitchen \C place and date: San Antonio, 23 Nov. 1936 \C record numbers: (SA-2585-1) ARC unissued Co \C CL-1654 Mmm : mmm You better come on in my kitchen : well it's going to be raining outdoors The woman I love : took from my best friend Some joker got lucky : stoled her back again Oh oh she's gone : I know she won't come back I taken her last nickel : out of her nation sack When a woman gets in trouble : everybody throws her down Looking for her good friends : none can be found And the time coming : it's going to be so You can't make the winter babe : just dry long so \L JohR 9 Johnson, Robert \C title: Terraplane Blues \C place and date: San Antonio, 23 Nov. 1936 \C record numbers: (SA-2586-1) ARC-7-03-56 Co \C CL-1654 Well I feel so lonesome : you hear me when I moan Who's been driving my terraplane for you : since I've been gone I said I flashed your lights mama : your horn won't even blow Got a short in this connection : hoo well babe and it's way down below I'm going heist your hood mama : I'm bound to check your oil I got a woman that I'm loving : way down in Arkansas Now you know the coils ain't even buzzing : little generator won't get the spark Motor's in a bad condition : you got to have these batteries charged I'm crying please : please don't do me wrong Who's been driving my terraplane : now for you since I've been gone Mr highwayman : please don't block the road Because she's registering a cold one hundred : and I'm booked till I got to go Eee : you can hear me weep and moan Who's been driving my terraplane now for you : since I've been gone I'm going to get deep down in this connection : keep on tangling with your wires And when I mash down on your little starter : then your spark plug will give me fire \L JohR 10 Johnson, Robert \C title: Phonograph Blues \C place and date: San Antonio, 23 Nov. 1936 \C record numbers: (SA-2587-2) ARC unissued Co \C C-30034 Yeah but she got a phonograph : but it won't say a lonesome word What evil have I done : what evil has the poor girl heard Yeah but I love my phonograph : but she have broke my winding chain And you've taken my loving : and given it to your other man Now we played it on the sofa now : we played it side the wall My needles have got rusty baby : it will now play at all Yeah but if I go crazy : baby I will lose my mind I can bring your clothes back home : and try me one more time \L JohR 11 Johnson, Robert \C title: 32-20 Blues \C place and date: San Antonio, 26 Nov. 1936 \C record numbers: (SA-2616-1) ARC-7-04-60 Co \C CL-1654 If I send for my baby : and she don't come All the doctors in [Hot Springs, Westmount] : sure can't help her none And if she gets unruly : things she don't want to do Take my thirty-two twenty : and I can cut her half in two She got a thirty-eight special : but I believe it's most too light I got a thirty-two twenty : got to make the camps all right I'm going to shoot my pistol : going to shoot my gatling gun You made me love you : now your man done come Ooh : baby where you stay last night You got your hair all tangled : and you ain't talking right Her thirty-eight special boys : it do very well I got a thirty-two twenty : now it's a burning hell Hey hey : baby where you stay last night You didn't come home : till the sun was shining bright Ooh : boys I just can't take my rest With this thirty-two twenty : laying up and down my breast \L JohR 12 Johnson, Robert \C title: They're Red Hot \C place and date: San Antonio, 27 Nov. 1936 \C record numbers: (SA-2627-1) ARC-7-07-57 Co \C C-30034 I got a girl : said she's long and tall She sleeps in the kitchen : with her feets in the hall She got two for a nickel : got four for a dime It's worth paying more : but they ain't none of mine I got a letter : from my girl in the room Now she got something good : she got to bring it home soon The billygoat backed : in the bumblebee's nest Ever since that : he can't take his rest I'm going to hump in your back : going to put your kidneys to sleep I due to break away your liver : and tear your heart to piece You know grandma left me : now grandpa too Well I wonder what in the world : we children going to do Me and my baby : bought a V-Eight Ford Well they ride that thing : all on the running board You know the monkey now the baboon : playing in the grass Well the monkey said to *fatto* : *good luck gas* \L JohR 13 Johnson, Robert \C title: Dead Shrimp Blues \C place and date: San Antonio, 27 Nov. 1936 \C record numbers: (SA-2628-2) ARC-7-04-81 Co \C C-30034 I woke up this morning : and all my shrimps was dead and gone I was thinking about you baby : will you hear me weep and moan I got dead shrimps here : someone is fishing in my pond I've sold you my best bait baby : and I can't do that no more Everything I do baby : you got your mouth stuck out Hole where I used to fish : you got me forced out I got dead shrimps here : someone's fishing in my pond Catching my goggle-eyed perches : and they barbecuing the bones Now you taken my shrimp baby : you know you turned me down I couldn't do nothing : until I got myself unwound \L JohR 14 Johnson, Robert \C title: Cross Road Blues \C place and date: San Antonio, 27 Nov. 1936 \C record numbers: (SA-2629-2) ARC unissued Co \C CL-1654 I went to the crossroads : fell down on my knees Asked the Lord above have mercy : save poor Bob if you please Mmm standing at the crossroads : I tried to flag a ride Didn't nobody seem to know me : everybody passed me by Mmm the sun going down boys : not going to catch me here I haven't got no loving sweet woman : but not to feel my care You can run you can run : tell my friend boy Willie Brown Lord that I'm standing at the crossroad baby : I believe I'm sinking down \L JohR 15 Johnson, Robert \C title: Walkin' Blues \C place and date: San Antonio, 27 Nov. 1936 \C record numbers: (SA-2630-1) Vo-03601 Co CL-1654 I woke up this morning : feeling around for my shoes Know by that : I got these old walking blues Lord I feel like blowing : my poor lonesome horn Got up this morning : my little Berniece was gone Lord I feel like blow : my lonesome horn Well I got up this morning : all I had was gone Well leaving this morning : if I have to oh ride the blinds I feel mistreated : and I don't mind dying Leaving this morning : I have to ride the blinds Babe I been mistreated : baby and I don't mind dying Well some people tell me : that the worried blues ain't bad Worst old feeling : I most ever had She's got Elgin movements : from her head down to her toes Break in on a dollar : most anywhere she goes \L JohR 16 Johnson, Robert \C title: Last Fair Deal Gone Down \C place and date: San Antonio, 27 Nov. 1936 \C record numbers: (SA-2631-1) ARC-7-04-60 Co \C CL-1654 If you cry about a nickel : you die about a dime She wouldn't cry : but the money ain't mine \L JohR 17 Johnson, Robert \C title: Preachin' Blues \C place and date: San Antonio, 27 Nov. 1936 \C record numbers: (SA-2632-1) ARC-7-04-60 Co \C C-30034 I got up this morning : the blues walking like a man Worried blues : give me your right hand Blues grabbed mama's child : and it tore me all upside down Travel on poor Bob : just can't turn you around The blues : is a lowdown shaking chill You ain't never had them : I hope you never will Well the blues : is a aching old heart disease Like consumption : killing me by degrees Now if it's starting a-raining : I'm going to drive my blues away Going to the ??? : stay out there all day \L JohR 18 Johnson, Robert \C title: Preachin' Blues \C place and date: San Antonio, 27 Nov. 1936 \C record numbers: (SA-2632-2) ARC-7-04-60 Co \C C-30034 I got up this morning : the blues walking like a man Worried blues : give me your right hand Blues grabbed mama's child : and it tore me all upside down Travel on poor Bob : just can't turn you around The blues : is a lowdown shaking chill You ain't never had them : I hope you never will Well the blues : is a aching old heart disease Like consumption : killing me by degrees Now if it's starting a-raining : I'm going to drive my blues away Going to the ??? : stay out there all day \L JohR 19 Johnson, Robert \C title: If I Had Possession Over Judgment Day \C place and date: San Antonio, 27 Nov. 1936 \C record numbers: (SA-2633-1) ARC unissued Co \C CL-1654 If I had possession : over Judgment Day Lord the little woman I'm loving : wouldn't have no right to pray I went to the mountain : look as far as my eyes could see Saw where the man got my woman : and lonesome blues got me And I rolled and I tumbled : and I cried the whole night long When I woke up this morning : my biscuit-roller's gone Had to fold my arms : and I slowly walked away I said in my mind : your trouble going to come some day Now run here baby : set down on my knee I want to tell you : all about the way they treated me \L JohR 20 Johnson, Robert \C title: Stone in My Passway \C place and date: Dallas, 19 June 1937 \C record numbers: (DAL-377-2) ARC-7-12-67 Co \C CL-1654 I got stones in my passway : and my road seem dark as night I have pains in my heart : they have taken my appetite I have a bird to whistle : and I have a bird to sing I got a woman that I'm loving : boy but she don't mean a thing My innocence betrayed me : have overtaken poor Bob at last And that's one thing certain : they have stones all in my pass Now you trying to take my life : and all my loving too You laid a passway for me : now what are you trying to do I'm crying please : please let us be friends And when you hear me howling in my passway rider : please open your door and let me in I got three legs to truck on : boys please don't block my road I been feeling ashamed about my rider : babe I'm booked and I got to go \L JohR 21 Johnson, Robert \C title: I'm a Steady Rollin Man \C place and date: Dallas, 19 June 1937 \C record numbers: (DAL-378- ) ARC-7-12-67 OJL-17 I'm a steady rolling man : I roll both night and day But I haven't got no sweet woman : mmm boys to be rolling this a-way I'm the man that rolls : when icicles hanging on the tree And now you hear me howling : baby mmm down on my bended knee I am a hard-working man : have been for many years I know And some cream puff's using my money : ooo well well babe but that'll never be no more You can't give your sweet woman : everything she wants in one time Well boys she get rambling in her brain : mmm some other man on her mind \L JohR 22 Johnson, Robert \C title: From Four Until Late \C place and date: Dallas, 19 June 1937 \C record numbers: (DAL-379-1) ARC-7-09-56 Co \C C-30034 From four until late : I was wringing my hands and crying I believe to my soul : that your daddy's going fall down From Memphis to Norfolk : is a thirty-six hour's ride A man is like a prisoner : and he's never satisfied A woman is like a dresser : with a man always rambling through its drawers It caused so many men : wear an apron overall From four until late : she give us a no-good bunching clown Now she won't do nothing : but tear a good man's reputation down When I leave this town : I'm going to bid you fare farewell And when I return again : you'll have a great long story to tell \L JohR 23 Johnson, Robert \C title: Hell Hound on My Trail \C place and date: Dallas, 20 June 1937 \C record numbers: (DAL-394-2) ARC-7-09-56 Co \C CL-1654 I've got to keep moving : blues falling down like hail And the days keep on worrying me : there's a hellhound on my trail If today was Christmas Eve : and tomorrow was Christmas Day All I would need my little sweet rider : just to pass the time away You sprinkled hot-foot powder : mmm around my door It keeps me with a rambling mind rider : every old place I go I can tell the wind is rising : the leaves trembling on the trees All I need my little sweet woman : and to keep my company \L JohR 24 Johnson, Robert \C title: Little Queen of Spades \C place and date: Dallas, 20 June 1937 \C record numbers: (DAL-395-?) Vo-04108 Co C-30034 Mmm she is a little queen of spades : and the men will not let her be Every time she makes a spread : a cold chill runs all over me Well I'm going to get me a gambling woman : the last thing that I do A man don't need a woman : ooo fair brown he got to give all of his money to And everybody say she got a mojo : [because she, baby you] been using that stuff She got a way trimmering down : ooo well babe and I mean it's most too tough Well well little girl says I'm the king : fair brown and you is the queen Let's we put our heads together : ooo fair brown then we can make our money green \L JohR 25 Johnson, Robert \C title: Little Queen of Spades \C place and date: Dallas, 20 June 1937 \C record numbers: (DAL-395-?) Vo-04108 His HLP-31 Now she is a little queen of spades : and the men will not let her be Every time she makes a spread : ooo fair brown cold chills just runs all over me I'm going to get me a gambling woman : if the last thing that I do Well a man don't need a woman : ooo fair brown that he got to give all his money to Everybody says she got a mojo : [because, now] she's been using that stuff Says she got a way of trimming it down : ooo fair brown and I mean it's most too tough Now little girl say I'm the king : baby and you is the queen Let's us put our heads together : ooo fair brown then we can make our money green \L JohR 26 Johnson, Robert \C title: Malted Milk \C place and date: Dallas, 20 June 1937 \C record numbers: (DAL-396-1) ARC-7-10-65 Co \C C-30034 I keep drinking malted milk : trying to drink my blues away Baby you just as welcome to my loving : as the flowers is in may Malted milk malted milk : keep rushing to my head And I have a funny funny feeling : that I'm talking all out my head Baby fix me one more drink : and hug your daddy one more time Keep on spilling my malted milk mama : until I change my mind My doorknob keeps on turning : it must be spooks around my bed I have a warm old feeling : and the hair rising on my head \L JohR 27 Johnson, Robert \C title: Drunken Hearted Man \C place and date: Dallas, 20 June 1937 \C record numbers: (DAL-397-1) ARC unissued Co \C C-30034 I'm a [poor] drunken-hearted man : my life seems so misery And if I could only change my way of living : it would mean so much to me I've been drunk and I've been driven : ever since I left my mother's home And I can't see the reason why : that I can't leave these no-good womens alone My poor father died and left me : and my mother done the best that she could Every man loves that game you call love : but it don't mean no man no good I'm a poor drunken-hearted man : and sin was the cause of it all But the day you get weak for no-good women : that's the day that you surely fall \L JohR 28 Johnson, Robert \C title: Drunken Hearted Man \C place and date: Dallas, 20 June 1937 \C record numbers: (DAL-397-2) ARC unissued Rt \C RL-314 I'm a [poor] drunken-hearted man : my life seems so misery And if I could only change my way of living : it would mean so much to me I've been dogged and I've been driven : ever since I left my mother's home And I can't see the reason why : that I can't leave these no-good womens alone My poor father died and left me : and my mother done the best that she could Every man loves that game you call love : but it don't mean no man no good I'm the poor drunken-hearted man : and sin was the cause of it all But the way you get weak for no-good women : that's the day that you surely fall \L JohR 29 Johnson, Robert \C title: Me and the Devil Blues \C place and date: Dallas, 20 June 1937 \C record numbers: (DAL-398-2) ARC unissued Co \C CL-1654 Early this morning : when you knocked upon my door And I said hello Satan : I believe it's time to go Me and the devil : was walking side by side I'm going to beat my woman : until I get satisfied She said you knows the way : that I always dog her around It must've be that old evil spirit : so deep down in the ground You may bury my body : down by the highway side So my old evil spirit : can get a Greyhound bus and ride \L JohR 30 Johnson, Robert \C title: Stop Breakin' Down Blues \C place and date: Dallas, 20 June 1937 \C record numbers: (DAL-399-1) Vo-04002 Co C-30034 Every time I'm walking : down the street Some pretty mama : starts breaking down with me Stop breaking down : yeah stop breaking down The stuff I got about you breaking down : ooo it will make you lose your mind I can't walk the streets : nor com- *compelate* my mind Some no-good woman : she starts breaking down Now you Saturday night women : you love to ape and clown You won't do nothing : but tear a good man's reputation down Now I gave my baby now : the ninety-nine degree She jumped up : and throwed a pistol down on me I can't start walking : down the street When some pretty mama : starts breaking down on me \L JohR 31 Johnson, Robert \C title: Traveling Riverside Blues \C place and date: Dallas, 20 June 1937 \C record numbers: (DAL-400-2) ARC unissued Co \C CL-1654 If your man gets personal : want to have your fun Just come on back to Friar's Point mama : and barrelhouse all night long I've got womens in Vicksburg : clean on into Tennessee But my Friar's point rider now : hops all over me I ain't going to state no color : but her front teeth crowned with gold She got a mortgage on my body : and a lien on my soul Lord I'm going to Rosedale : going to take my rider by my side We can still barrelhouse baby : because it's on the riverside \L JohR 32 Johnson, Robert \C title: Honeymoon Blues \C place and date: Dallas, 20 June 1937 \C record numbers: (DAL-401- ) Vo-04002 Co C-30034 Betty Mae Betty Mae : you shall be my wife some day I wants a little sweet girl : that will do anything that I say Betty Mae you is my heart-strings : you is my destiny And you rode across my mind : baby each and every day Little girl little girl : my life seems so misery Baby I guess it must be love now : ooo Lord that's taken effect on me Some day I will return : with a marriage license in my hand I'm going to take you for a honeymoon : in some long long distant land \L JohR 33 Johnson, Robert \C title: Love in Vain \C place and date: Dallas, 20 June 1937 \C record numbers: (DAL-402-?) Vo-04630 Co C-30034 And I followed her to the station : with a suitcase in my hand Well it's hard to tell it's hard to tell : when all your love's in vain When the train rolled up to the station : I looked her in the eye Well I was lonesome I felt so lonesome : and I could not help but cry The train it left the station : with two lights on behind Well the blue light was my blues : and the red light was my mind \L JohR 34 Johnson, Robert \C title: Love in Vain \C place and date: Dallas, 20 June 1937 \C record numbers: (DAL-402-?) Vo-04630 His HLP-31 I followed her to the station : with my suitcase in my hand Well it's hard to tell it's hard to tell : when all your love's in vain When the train rolled up to the station : and I looked her in the eye Well I felt so lonesome I was lonesome : and I could not help but cry When the train it left the station : with two lights on behind Well the blue light was my blues : and the red light was my mind \L JohR 35 Johnson, Robert \C title: Milkcow's Calf Blues \C place and date: Dallas, 20 June 1937 \C record numbers: (DAL-403-2) ARC-7-10-65 Yz \C L-1026 Tell me milkcow : what on earth is wrong with you Well well you have a new calf : ooo and your milk is turning blue Your calf is hungry : and I believe he needs a suck Well now but your milk is turning blue : ooo and I believe he's out of luck Now I feel like milking : and my cow won't come I feel like churning : and my milk won't turn I'm crying please : please don't do me wrong You can give right milk and butter now baby : who will stay at home My milkcow been rambling : ooo wee for miles around She been suckling some other bullcow : ooo Lord in a strange man's town \L JohR 36 Johnson, Robert \C title: Milkcow's Calf Blues \C place and date: Dallas, 20 June 1937 \C record numbers: (DAL-403-3) ARC unissued Co \C CL-1654 Tell me milkcow : what on earth is wrong with you Now you have a little new calf : ooo and your milk is turning blue Now your calf is hungry : I believe he needs a suck But your milk is turning blue : ooo I believe he's out of luck Now I feel like milking : and my cow won't come I feel like churning : and my milk won't turn I'm crying please : please don't do me wrong If you see my milkcow baby now : please drive her home My milkcow been rambling : ooo wee for miles around Now she been suckling some other man's bullcow : ooo in a strange man's town \L JohT 1 Johnson, T. C. \C title: J. C. Johnson's Blues \C place and date: Memphis, 16 Feb. 1928 \C record numbers: (400250-B) OK-8838 Rt RL-316 I was born in the state : of old Arkansas Where they don't allow : no Mississippi women there at all I'm going I'm going : back to my old home to stay And you'll find me : hanging around the levee both night and day Then after I walk the levee : from end to end I'll go to Sweet Mama Alley : go and get my hooch and gin I've tried old jelly : and old *loosha* too But me and my gin house liquor : well we sure can do I don't see why : white folks don't have no blues They got all kinds of money : and brownskin women too When you go to Vicksburg : please ask for old dripper king For he's the bootlegging fellow : your *turkey* sure can swing \L JohTo 1 Johnson, Tommy \C title: Cool Drink of Water Blues \C place and date: Memphis, 3 Feb. 1928 \C record numbers: (41836-2) Vi-21279 OJL-8 I asked for water : and she gave me gasoline Crying Lord I wonder : will I ever get back home I went to the depot : looked up on the board I asked the conductor : how long has this eastbound train been gone It done taken your faro : blowed its smoke on you Lord I asked the conductor : could I ride the blinds Son buy your ticket buy your ticket : because the train ain't none of mine \L JohTo 2 Johnson, Tommy \C title: Big Road Blues \C place and date: Memphis, 3 Feb. 1928 \C record numbers: (41837-2) Vi-21279 Rt RL-330 Crying I ain't going down : this big road by myself If I don't carry you : going to carry somebody else Crying sun going to shine : in my back door some day And the wind going to change : going to blow my blues away What makes you do me : like you do do do Now you think you going to do me : like you done poor Cherry Red Taken the poor boy's money now : sure Lord won't take mine \L JohTo 3 Johnson, Tommy \C title: Bye-Bye Blues \C place and date: Memphis, 4 Feb. 1928 \C record numbers: (41838-1) Vi-21409 Yz L-1007 Crying by-and-by : baby by-and-by Says Good Book tell you : reap just what you sow Going to reap it now : or baby reap it by-and-by Well I'm going away : won't be back till fall If I meet my good gal : then baby won't be back at all Well it's two trains running : running side by side You got my woman : babe I know you're satisfied \L JohTo 4 Johnson, Tommy \C title: Maggie Campbell Blues \C place and date: Memphis, 4 Feb. 1928 \C record numbers: (41839-2) Vi-21409 Rt RL-330 Mmm who's that yonder : coming down the road Well it looks like Maggie : baby but she walks too slow Mmm sun going to shine : in my back door some day And the wind going to change : going to blow my blues away Mmm see see rider : see what you done done You done made me love you : now you're trying to put me down Well I'm going away Lord : won't be back till fall And if I meet my good gal : well I won't be back at all \L JohTo 5 Johnson, Tommy \C title: Canned Heat Blues \C place and date: Memphis, 31 Aug. 1928 \C record numbers: (45462-2) Vi-V38535 His HLP-31 Crying canned heat mama : sure Lord killing me Takes alcorub : to take these canned heat blues Crying mama mama mama : you know canned heat killing me Canned heat don't kill me : crying babe I'll never die I woke up up this morning : with canned heat on my mind I woked up up this morning : crying canned heat around my bed Run here somebody : take these canned heat blues Crying mama mama mama : crying canned heat killing me Believe to my soul : Lord it going to kill me dead \L JohTo 6 Johnson, Tommy \C title: Lonesome Home Blues \C place and date: Memphis, 31 Aug. 1928 \C record numbers: (45463-1) Vi unissued His HLP-31 Won't you wash my jumper : starch my overalls I'm going to find my woman : says she's in the world somewhere Well it's good to you mama : sure Lord killing me I wonder : do my rider think of [poor] me Lord if she did : she would sure Lord feel my care I woke up this morning : said my morning prayers I ain't got no woman : speak in my behalf \L JohTo 7 Johnson, Tommy \C title: Lonesome Home Blues \C place and date: Memphis, 31 Aug. 1928 \C record numbers: (45463-2) Vi unissued His HLP-31 Won't you wash my jumper : starch my overalls I'm going to find my woman : says she's in this world somewhere I wonder : do my good girl think of me Crying if she did : she would sure Lord feel my care Honey it's good to you : mama sure Lord killing me I woke up this morning : said my morning prayers I ain't got no woman : to speak in my behalf \L JohTo 8 Johnson, Tommy \C title: Big Fat Mama Blues \C place and date: Memphis, 31 Aug. 1928 \C record numbers: (45465-1) Vi-38535 Rt RL-330 Crying big fat mama : meat shaking on her bones Time the meat shake : it's a sign a woman lose her home Mmm going away mama : won't be back till fall Big fat mama : with the meat shaking on her bones Mmm no need to holler : I got to murmur low Big fat mama : Lord meat shake on her bones Mmm time meat shake : it's sign a fatmouth lose his home Mmm what's the matter rider : where did you stay last night Hair all down baby : and you won't treat me right Mmm big fat mama : meat shaking on her bones \L JohTo 9 Johnson, Tommy \C title: Lonesome Home Blues \C place and date: Grafton, Wis., c. Jan. 1930 \C record numbers: (L-230-2) Pm-13000 Yz L-1007 Lonesome place : don't seem like it's home to me Lord I woke up this morning : blues all around my bed Had the blues so bad mama : till I couldn't raise up my head If you want to live easy : pack your clothes with mine Mmm soon one morning : blues come falling down Well they fell so heavy : that it caused my heart to moan Well I'm going back home : going to fall down on my knees Says I'll acknowledge now pretty baby : that I treated you mean \L JohTo 10 Johnson, Tommy \C title: Black Mare Blues \C place and date: Grafton, Wis., c. Jan. 1930 \C record numbers: (L-245-2) Pm-13000 Yz L-1007 Hitch up my buggy : saddle up my black mare Find my woman : because she's out in the world somewhere Aah if I call you : and you will fail to come If I call you mama : going to sure Lord call your name I been drinking all night gal : did the night before Been drunk baby : and I ain't got sober yet Mmm : I ain't going to tell you no more Told you last night mama : what I did the night before Says you going to have : a rounder for your own \L JonAn 1 Jones, Anna \C title: Trixie Blues \C place and date: New York, c. June 1923 \C record numbers: (1473-1) Pm-12052 His HLP-15 Woke up this morning : blues all around my bed I didn't have my daddy : to hold my aching head I know the blues ain't nothing : but a woman wants to see her man Because every time my man leaves me : Lord knows I feel so bad You can never tell : what's on a brownskin man's mind He'll be hugging and kissing you : and quit you all the time \L JonB 1 Jones, Bo \C title: Back Door Blues \C place and date: Dallas, c. Nov. 1929 \C record numbers: (DAL-460- ) Vo-1452 Rt RL-327 Early one morning : I set down in my door Lord I sitting here wondering : where in the world can a good man go I hear my rider hollering : way up on the hill Said I know it's my rider : she got a voice like a whippoorwill I'm going to get you a ticket : going to take you on away from here Lord if you never come back : Lord I will never care I'm going to write my name : up on my baby's back door So she can see my name : if she never see me no more \L JonB 2 Jones, Bo \C title: Leavenworth Prison Blues \C place and date: Dallas, c. Nov. 1929 \C record numbers: (DAL-461- ) Vo-1452 Rt RL-327 I ain't got no money : nobody won't loan me none Said I heard my rider was dead : and I sure want to get back home If I had good luck Lord : like I once have had Says I won't have to worry : about the trouble I had I went to the graveyard : looked in my baby's face Says I love you rider : but I can't take your place The little boy's hollering extra : people did you read the news Says I done killed my rider : and I got them Leavenworth blues \L JonCo 1 Jones, Coley \C title: Sweet Mama Blues \C place and date: Dallas, 6 Dec. 1925 \C record numbers: (145344-3) Co-14290-D Rt RL-312 I tried to love you : way back on my young days You were so evil-hearted : throwed all my good love away Mmm : what's the matter now But now you want to quit me : and you don't know how I'm going down to the river : take me a rocking chair If the blues overtake me : rock away from there \L JonCo 2 Jones, Coley (Frenchy's String Band) \C title: Texas and Pacific Blues \C place and date: Dallas, 5 Dec. 1928 \C record numbers: (147566-1) Co-14387-D His HLP-17 That mean T P [railroad, railway] : sure has done me wrong It let that Sunshine Special : carry my good gal from home The blues : come down like showers of rain I couldn't see nothing : but smoke from that train Every time I hear : that Sunshine Special blow It makes me : want to pack up all my clothes and go \L JonCo 3 Jones, Coley \C title: Drunkard's Special \C place and date: Dallas, 6 Dec. 1929 \C record numbers: (149558-2) Co-14489-D Fwy \C FA-2951 First night that I went home : drunk as I could be There's another mule in the stable : where my mule ought to be Come here honey : explain yourself to me How come another mule in the stable : where my mule ought to be Oh crazy oh silly : can't you plainly see That's nothing but a milkcow : where your mule ought to be I've traveled this world over : million times or more Saddle on a milkcow's back : I've never seen before Second night when I got home : as drunk as I could be There's another coat on the coat rack : where my coat ought to be Come here honey : explain this thing to me How come another coat on the coat rack : where my coat ought to be Oh crazy oh silly : can't you plainly see Nothing but a bed quilt : where your coat ought to be I've traveled this world over : million times or more Pockets in a bed quilt : I've never seen before The third night when I went home : drunk as I could be There's another head on the pillow : where my head ought to be Come here honey come here : explain this thing to me How come another head on the pillow : where my head ought to be Oh crazy oh silly : can't you plainly see That's nothing but a cabbage head : that your grandma sent to me I've traveled this world over : million times or more Hair on a cabbage head : I've never seen before \L JonCo 4 Jones, Coley \C title: The Elder's He's My Man \C place and date: Dallas, 6 Dec. 1929 \C record numbers: (149559-2) Co-14489-D Rt RL-315 I washes hard : both day and night Catch you arguing with that fellow : you going to have a miserable fight Ashes to ashes : dust to dust The police don't get you : now the undertaker must \L JonE 1 Jones, Elijah \C title: Katy Fly \C place and date: Aurora, Ill., 13 Mar. 1938 \C record numbers: (020120-1) BB-B7616 RCA INT-1175 I was standing at the station : wondering what train boys must I ride Lord I'm on my way down in Louisiana : I believe I'll wait here for the Katy Fly My woman left me this morning : left me wondering all to myself Lord she said she didn't love me no more boys : wonder do she love anybody else Ain't but the two old roads : boys I did not want to ride Lordy that Southern Pacific now boys : and you know the Katy Fly I got the railroad blues bad : I got the boxcars on my running mind Now every time I get to studying about my sweet woman : boys I can hardly keep from crying \L JonE 2 Jones, Elijah \C title: Mean Actin' Mama \C place and date: Aurora, Ill., 13 Mar. 1938 \C record numbers: (020124-1) BB-B7616 RCA INT-1175 Now I can remember my baby : it was late one Friday night Now you know you mistreat me woman : you know you didn't do me right I walked and I walked baby : I walked to see you both night and day Oh now you know I give you my money baby : womans and I lets you have your doggone way Farewell baby : you going to need my help again Now you said that you didn't knowed that I was coming baby : you wouldn't have even let me in Now the troubles that I'm having : woman you was the cause of it all Now you even had me down walking baby : I could hardly but crawl along \L JonJ 1 Jones, Jake \C title: Monkeyin' Around \C place and date: Dallas, c. Oct. 1929 \C record numbers: (DAL-473- ) Br-7130 His HLP-2 I'm going to buy me a pistol : hang it up side the wall I'm going to stop that jellybean : from kicking in my stall I got a long tall woman : she don't do nothing but run around Every time I leave : she don't do nothing but mess around My woman's got a new way of loving : a monkey-man can't catch on When he knows anything : she done got his dollar and gone \L JonJ 2 Jones, Jake \C title: Southern Sea Blues \C place and date: Dallas, c. Oct. 1929 \C record numbers: (DAL-474- ) Br-7130 His HLP-2 I was shipwrecked on the ocean : throwed off on the southern sea When you get to Chicago : pretty mama please remember me I was standing beside the ocean : looking across on the other side My woman got little bitty legs : but man what a noble thigh I went down to the ocean : just to get a permanent wave My woman got a new way of loving : man and it won't behave When it storms on the ocean : you cannot see the sky If I don't love you pretty mama : I will pray to die \L JonL 1 Jones, Little Hat \C title: New Two Sixteen Blues \C place and date: San Antonio, 15 June 1929 \C record numbers: (402647-A) OK-8712 His HLP-32 I got a woman in Dallas : got one in San Antone too I pick this one in San Antone : I don't know what this poor girl in Dallas going to do She got nine gold teeth people : all that wavy hair And if you ever come in San Antone : you going to find my sweet woman there I never mistreated my baby : boy but I do wrong myself For if I be mean to my woman : she will really quit and take someone else Mmm baby : oh don't you think I know Said I want to make an end of her people : and shake hands and go I went to bed last night : I rolled from side to side Honey I didn't have no blues really : but things wasn't going on right I want someone to tell me : oh what Lord have mercy means So if it means anything : well Lord have mercy on me I'm going back to Dallas : oh don't you want to go Honey I'm going to stop in towns : I believe that I haven't never been before \L JonL 2 Jones, Little Hat \C title: Two String Blues \C place and date: San Antonio, 15 June 1929 \C record numbers: (402648-A) OK-8712 His HLP-32 I said listen baby : honey I can't move no more Oh these blues crawling up my windows : and traveling up under my door Some womens weeps like a willow : some only sack of dough But your life in misery : the minute that you ain't with the woman you love Mmm : mmm Lord it's something telling me : keeps on troubling me Will you please tell the judge : don't have a trial till June Because I got a working baby : let me see what my woman can do People here she come in the evening : honey hundred in her hand She had done robbed some fatmouth : who really looking for her man Tell me sweet baby : honey what's on your mind You keep a poor man troubled : really looking down-hearted all the time Mmm baby : honey don't you think I know Said I wouldn't make a man love her : if he wouldn't shake hands and go Lord I'm going to Louisiana : going to get me a hoodoo hand I'm going to stop my woman : and fix it so she can't have another man \L JonL 3 Jones, Little Hat \C title: Rolled From Side to Side Blues \C place and date: San Antonio, 21 June 1929 \C record numbers: (402698-A) OK-8794 Yz L-1010 Mr Ferris Mr Ferris : let your womenfolks go I done trying to get my sweet woman : like Mr Ferris got his girl Mmm : baby don't you think I know Pretty woman like a man : love him people and shake hands and go No you never take a woman : speaking about to be your friend Oh she get all of your money : then look what a hole you're in I went to bed last night : keep a-rolling from side to side I didn't have no blues : understand that things wasn't going right When you catch me sleeping : baby don't you think I'm drunk I's a-got one on the dresser : keep the other one on your trunk Tell me sweet baby : all what's on your mind You keep a poor man troubled : really looking down-hearted all the time \L JonL 4 Jones, Little Hat \C title: Hurry Blues \C place and date: San Antonio, 21 June 1929 \C record numbers: (402699-A) OK-8735 Yz L-1010 I know this eagle's on a dollar : other side In God We Trust Well a woman loves a man : but I know this dollar's first Have you ever loved a woman : man that didn't love you Then you have the worried blues : to bother you the whole night through Well I'm going sweet baby : honey don't you want to go Well I may stop in town : where I haven't never been before Sometime you hear me singing : Nearer My God To Thee Then again you hear me singing : sweet Atlanta blues to you \L JonL 5 Jones, Little Hat \C title: Little Hat Blues \C place and date: San Antonio, 21 June 1929 \C record numbers: (402700-A) OK-8794 Yz L-1032 Oh the train pass by : oh with my sweet baby inside And when I looked up and seen her : couldn't help but hang my head and cry She gets her water at *Fairman* : coal at *Shabama Mines* And I wouldn't let everybody ride : but people you know the train ain't mine I said good morning conductor : oh please let a broke man ride Because I want to see my sweet woman : just one more time before she get on Said I'm tired of hearing me singing : Our Father Kingdom Come Another year you hear me moaning : Lord let Thy will be done \L JonL 6 Jones, Little Hat \C title: Corpus Blues \C place and date: San Antonio, 21 June 1929 \C record numbers: (402701-B) OK-8735 Rt RL-315 I remember one time people : oh it is in nineteen and twenty-four Something happened that year : that I never want to see no more I remember one time : oh it is in nineteen twenty-one They say I got to watch my sweet woman : she's running from sun to sun I thought : that my woman oh was treating me right But oh when I went down to call for her : she didn't do nothing but fuss and fight I never earned nothing : oh so much to hurt me so Oh when I was talking to my babe that morning : and she told me that I didn't Mmm : baby what's on your mind Oh you want to be mean to me woman : give me a good word all the time \L JonL 7 Jones, Little Hat \C title: Bye Bye Baby Blues \C place and date: San Antonio, 14 June 1930 \C record numbers: (404198-B) OK-8815 Yz L-1004 Well I'm leaving sweet baby : can't carry you Well I'm leaving sweet baby : don't you want to go Well I tried to love a sweet mama : but she couldn't understand But I know she realized the trouble : since she met another man \L JonL 8 Jones, Little Hat \C title: Cross the Water Blues \C place and date: San Antonio, 14 June 1930 \C record numbers: (404199-B) OK-8829 Yz L-1032 I say you got a sweet woman : man which you just don't understand The man needs to take you women : and move across the no man's land Mmm : ain't going to [sing, blow] no more Blues done called up my woman : and traveled her and brought her up to my door I want you to take me on with you baby : let you ease me down across your bed I want you talk baby-talk to me : and then suck my tongue cherry red \L JonL 9 Jones, Little Hat \C title: Cherry Street Blues \C place and date: San Antonio, 14 June 1930 \C record numbers: (404300-A) OK-8829 Yz L-1032 Just as sure as the train come in San Antone : then ease up in the yard It's going to take two dollars and a quarter : I declare to send me a postal card Mmm baby : oh honey what's on your mind Because you really keeps me troubled : and I think about you all the time I'm going to move to the bottom : camp out on the ground Every morning I'll call my woman : to see have my coat found I got a woman in San Antone : I declare that is sweet to me Because the people don't know she's here : but she lives on Cherry Street Mmm : Lord Lord Lordy Lord I want Eddie Duncan : listen to be my brother-in-law Well I'll tell you men something : know you ain't going to think it's so \L JonM 1 Jones, Maggie \C title: Four Flushing Papa \C place and date: New York, 14 Oct. 1924 \C record numbers: (140104-2) Co-14044-D VJM VLP-23 Four-flushing papa : what kind of man is you Four-flushing papa : you thrill me through and through I've never been crazy : about men Who ain't done no strutting : since the Lord knows when Four-flushing papa : what have you done to me Because when you leave me : I'm blue as blue can be Now when I get a payday : I don't have no plans Keep a quarter for myself : have to give to my man Now when I get a payday : right to you I go You take it all papa : because it's all yours \L JonM 2 Jones, Maggie \C title: Jealous Mama Blues \C place and date: New York, 14 Oct. 1924 \C record numbers: (140105-1) Co-14044-D VJM VLP-23 I got the blues : blue as blue can be Because these no-good gals : trying to backbite me Now these backbiters : don't live long I'm told So you'd better watch out : doggone your bad-luck soul Just let your conscience : be your safety guide *Anything wrong* with me : *is a mitten to a side* It's one more thing : I can't understand Why these trifling gals : run after a good gal's man Take my advice : and please don't lose your head If you take my man : sure going to wake up dead \L JonM 3 Jones, Maggie \C title: Box Car Blues \C place and date: New York, 13 Nov. 1924 \C record numbers: (140134-3) Co-14047-D VJM VLP-23 Every time : I see a railroad track Feel like riding : feel like going back Catch a train : that's headed for the South Going back south : to get smacked in the mouth Got a man : way down old Texas way Going to meet him : ain't got time to stay Got the boxcar blues : feel like a tramp Going to be down : in a Texas camp Told the engineer : to drive them down Broke and hungry : tired of tramping around Boxcar boxcar : don't you carry two Ride me ride me : sooth my boxcar blues \L JonM 4 Jones, Maggie \C title: Western Union Blues \C place and date: New York, 13 Nov. 1924 \C record numbers: (140135-3) Co-14047-D VJM VLP-23 Western Union : send this telegram To my man : way down in Birmingham ??? : please don't play today So disgusted : got no place to stay Send me car fare : want to come back home When I get back : never will I roam Am I hungry : I ain't nothing but Stomach's empty : think my throat is stuck \L JonM 5 Jones, Maggie \C title: Poor House Blues \C place and date: New York, 9 Dec. 1924 \C record numbers: (140171-2) Co-14050-D VJM VLP-23 The road to hardship : leads right to the poorhouse door I'm going there : and ain't coming back no more Poorhouse poorhouse : open wide your poorhouse gate I'm down and out : now I know it's too late Spent my money : spent it on my so-called friends And now I'm broke : that's where their friendship ends Here's the wagon : it's come to take me away In the poorhouse : I'll be till Judgment Day \L JonM 6 Jones, Maggie \C title: Anybody Here Want to Try My Cabbage \C place and date: New York, 10 Dec. 1924 \C record numbers: (140174-2) Co-14063-D VJM VLP-23 Anybody here want to try my cabbage : just step this way Anybody here like to buy good cabbage : just holler hey There's no sweeter cabbage : anywhere in town You can have it boiled : until it's nice and brown Gave some to the parson : and he shook with glee He took up collection : gave it all to me Gave it to a corn doctor : to fix my feet Every time he sees me : he wants to eat Gave some to the jailor : who turned the key on me When I got through feeding him : he said gal you're free \L JonM 7 Jones, Maggie \C title: Thunderstorm Blues \C place and date: New York, 10 Dec. 1924 \C record numbers: (140175-2) Co-14050-D VJM VLP-23 Hear the thunder rumbling : see the lightning flash Devil is a-groaning : listen to that crash The trees are breaking : shaking all around The wind is howling : hear that wicked sound Gee I'm frightened : nearly scared to death That's why I'm hiding : I'm all out of breath My man's cruel : left me all alone In the darkness : I just weep and moan The storm is raging : I know what I'll do I'll start in praying : till the storm is through \L JonM 8 Jones, Maggie \C title: If I Lose, Let Me Lose \C place and date: New York, 17 Dec. 1924 \C record numbers: (140187-1) Co-14059-D VJM VLP-23 I got on : my walking shoes I'm going to walk : away my blues He stays out late : every night Comes back home : and wants to fight Whiskey : and trifling men In the jail : would be my end \L JonM 9 Jones, Maggie \C title: Screamin' the Blues \C place and date: New York, 17 Dec. 1924 \C record numbers: (140188-1) Co-14055-D VJM VLP-23 Talk about blues : you ought to hear mine The man I love : keeps me worried all the time One thing I hate : I can't have my way The man that mistreat me : should be buried today The better I treat him : the worse he treats me I'm going to keep a good man : wherever he can be You can always call : your good man's hand Just let him know : that you got another man \L JonM 10 Jones, Maggie \C title: Good Time Flat Blues \C place and date: New York, 17 Dec. 1924 \C record numbers: (140191-2) Co-14055-D VJM VLP-23 Can't sell no whiskey : I can't sell no gin Ain't got no money : to buy my winter coat Can't save a dollar : to save my doggone soul I can't keep open : I'm going to close the shack The chief of police : done tore my playhouse down No use in grieving : I'm going to leave this town \L JonM 11 Jones, Maggie \C title: You May Go, But You'll Come Back Some Day \C place and date: New York, 18 Dec. 1924 \C record numbers: (140192-2) Co-14063-D VJM VLP-23 Now you may go : but you'll come back some day And you'll be sorry : that you went away When you think of my good loving : that's the time you'll find That none of your flip-floppers : going to satisfy your mind You miss my love and kisses : and you wish you back home But someone else : will be picking on your chicken bones I've got another daddy : and he's sweet as can be And what I like about him : he just idolize me You might back up in your stable : when the snow begins to fall But you'll find another mule : just kicking in your stall \L JonM 12 Jones, Maggie \C title: Early Every Morn' \C place and date: New York, 18 Dec. 1924 \C record numbers: (140193-2) Co-14059-D VJM VLP-23 Everybody in this world : got something that they crave And when they get just what they want : then you see them rave Poor folks crave fine clothes and money : rich folks crave the gold But what I crave is loving : that will satisfy my soul And when he kisses me : Lordy knows A funny feeling : goes from my head to my toes \L JonM 13 Jones, Maggie \C title: Dangerous Blues \C place and date: New York, 1 Apr. 1925 \C record numbers: (140489-3) Co-14070-D VJM VLP-23 I'm like a red-hot stove : I'm burning down And the *moon is* ??? : in this man's town I'm low and ornery : don't care what I do Feel like cutting my man : half in two A hornets' nest : don't mean a thing to me I been stung so much : I'm up a tree Now dynamite : ain't got a chance you see I'm red-hot : and dangerous as can be \L JonM 14 Jones, Maggie \C title: Suicide Blues \C place and date: New York, 1 Apr. 1925 \C record numbers: (140490-3) Co-14070-D VJM VLP-23 If somebody finds me : when I'm dead and gone Say I did self-murder : I died with my boots on Took a Smith and Wesson : and blew out my brain Didn't take no poison : I couldn't stand the strain No I ain't no coward : and I'll tell you why I was tired of living : but wasn't scared to die Take me to the graveyard : put me in the ground Please write on my tombstone : my daddy threw me down In my farewell letter : someone's sure to find So goodbye old cold world : I'm glad you're left behind \L JonM 15 Jones, Maggie \C title: Undertaker's Blues \C place and date: New York, 16 Apr. 1925 \C record numbers: (140533-2) Co-14092-D VJM VLP-23 Six pallbearers : take his to his last go-round Going to place him : 'neath six feet of ground Cemetery : sure is one old lonesome place When you're dead : they throw dirt in your face Yes I loved him : but he trifled with my heart Had to shoot him : because he was too smart Went gay-cutting : with another sealskin brown Rambled : till the butcher cut him down \L JonM 16 Jones, Maggie \C title: North Bound Blues \C place and date: New York, 16 Apr. 1925 \C record numbers: (140534-2) Co-14092-D VJM VLP-23 Going north child : where I can be free Where there's no hardships : like in Tennessee Going where : they don't have Jim Crow laws Don't have to work there : like in Arkansas When I cross : the Mason-Dixon Line Goodbye old *gallion* : mama's going a-flying Going to daddy : got no time to lose *So I won't be alone* : can hear my northbound blues \L JonM 17 Jones, Maggie \C title: Mamma \C place and date: New York, 5 May 1925 \C record numbers: (140584-1) Co-14074-D VJM VLP-25 Don't know what to do with myself : at night Don't know anyone : that will treat me right Listen I don't mean maybe : but you know Take it from me : and don't you call my bluff Need the kind of loving : that will make my heart beat The sort that will thrill me : from my head to my feet \L JonM 18 Jones, Maggie \C title: I'm a Back Bitin' Mama \C place and date: New York, 17 Sept. 1925 \C record numbers: (140951-4) Co-14127-D VJM VLP-25 I'm a backbiting mama : looking for a cheating man When you start double-crossing : you play right into my hand If you stay out all night : and come home at four You'll get back in time : to see me unlock my door You can tell the world : I ain't no fool I learned backbiting : when I went to school \L JonM 19 Jones, Maggie \C title: Dallas Blues \C place and date: New York, 17 Sept. 1925 \C record numbers: (140952-3) Co-14114-D VJM VLP-25 I've got the Dallas blues : and the Main Street heart disease Buzzing around my head : like a swarm of little honeybees I'm going to put myself : on a Santa Fe and go To that Texas town : where you never see the ice and snow I wonder : if my sweet baby will wait for me Maybe someone else : \L JonM 20 Jones, Maggie \C title: Never Drive a Beggar from Your Door \C place and date: New York, 18 Sept. 1925 \C record numbers: (140965-3) Co-14127-D VJM VLP-25 If you see a blind man : on the street Just remember : that he's got to eat You can't live : in this big world alone You might have : the finest kind of home No one ever knows: what the future has in store Never drive : a beggar from your door \L JonM 21 Jones, Maggie \C title: Single Woman's Blues \C place and date: New York, 29 Sept. 1925 \C record numbers: (141056-1) Co-14102-D VJM VLP-25 I don't feel welcome : I'm going to blow Your ways and actions : really ails me so Crying and weeping : won't do me no good I'm a lonesome mama : need someone to chop my wood I'm going to keep on going : till I find a mate Then I will quit wandering : before it's too late \L JonM 22 Jones, Maggie \C title: Never Tell a Woman Friend \C place and date: New York, 29 Sept. 1925 \C record numbers: (141057-2) Co-14102-D VJM VLP-25 If you start telling her : he's got the stuff She will walk right in : and make your home life tough If your good man can please you : don't tell a soul Just keep him well supplied : with down-home jellyroll If he's got a little something : not like the rest Just keep him busy : he will never leave your nest He beats you *then* and loves you : pay that no mind Because what you got must suit him : that's the surest sign \L JonM 23 Jones, Maggie \C title: The Man I Love Is Oh So Good \C place and date: New York, 7 May 1926 \C record numbers: (142165-3) Co-14243-D VJM VLP-25 The man I love : is oh so good to me I'm just crazy : want the world to see Buys me clothes : like I never had *Now all* : it used to be *the mad* I have to pinch myself : to see if I'm awake Meals with him : all taste like wedding cake \L JonM 24 Jones, Maggie \C title: I'm a Real Kind Mama \C place and date: New York, 7 May 1926 \C record numbers: (142167-?) Co-14139-D VJM VLP-25 I'm a real kind mama : looking for a loving man I ain't got nobody : who will come and claim my hand Now all I want : is all your love At morning noon and night : that's all I'm thinking of \L JorC 1 Jordan, Charley \C title: Stack O' Dollars Blues \C place and date: Chicago, c. mid June 1930 \C record numbers: (C-5834- ) Vo-1557 Yz L-1018 Now it's too late to holler baby : too late to weep and moan Too late to holler great God : when that stack of dollars done gone Well it's mama mama mama : what that you got in that grip That's nothing but a stack of dollars : you babe going to take a little trip I'm sitting on a stack of dollars : just as high as I am tall If you be my little old baby : you sure can have them all Well it's baby baby : I tell you what I will do I will give you stack of dollars : just to make one more night with you You can mistreat me baby : do anything you want to do Some day you going to want me : but your baby won't want you Now I'm going to sing this verse baby : and I ain't going to sing no more For that stack of dollars is worrying me : Lord and I got to go \L JorC 2 Jordan, Charley \C title: Keep It Clean \C place and date: Chicago, c. mid June 1930 \C record numbers: (C-5836- ) Vo-1511 Yz L-1030 I went to the river : couldn't get across I jumped on your papa : because I thought he was a horse Up she jumped : down she fell Her mouth flew open : like a mussel shell You sister was a teddy : your daddy was a bear Put the muzzle on your mama : because she had bad hair If you want to hear : that elephant laugh Take him down to the river : and wash his yas yas yas If you want to go to heaven : when you D I E You got to put on your collar : and your T I E If you want to get the rabbits : out the L O G You got to put on the stump : like a D O G Run here doctor : run here fast See what's the matter : with his yas yas yas \L JorC 3 Jordan, Charley \C title: Big Four Blues \C place and date: Chicago, c. mid June 1930 \C record numbers: (C-5837- ) Vo-1511 Yz L-1030 And that Big Four the Big Four : is a mean old train to ride She took my babe away : and left me dissatisfied Baby is all I want mama : just one more crack at you If I can't make you love me : then I don't care what you do Please hold my head baby : and let my whiskey run down Lord I catch that Big Four : and beat it on back to town When I asked that woman : Lord to let me be her kid She say you might get buggish : Lord you won't keep it hid I've got the blues for my baby : my babe got the blues for me For she went and caught that Big Four : she beat it back to Tennessee Just a few more days : and a few more nights ain't long You going to reach for your boiler : and your plate will be gone \L JorC 4 Jordan, Charley \C title: Raidin' Squad Blues \C place and date: Chicago, c. mid June 1930 \C record numbers: (C-5840- ) Vo-1528 Yz L-1030 It's too late too late : too late too late too late Here we are on our way to the holdover : and we cannot hesitate Mmm : these boards is killing me Say I know I am a criminal : but I always want to be free Oh no : these raids is killing me *See that woman* about it baby : Lord it's down in Tennessee Mmm : these raids is killing me I got the raiding squad blues : the holdover is killing poor me When the raid began : the people began to squall The sergeant said ain't no need a-squalling : the captain said to bring you all When I had money : my friends all ganged around Now I'm in this raid : my friends have all thrown me down \L JorC 5 Jordan, Charley \C title: Hunkie Tunkie Blues \C place and date: Chicago, c. mid June 1930 \C record numbers: (C-5841- ) Vo-1528 Yz L-1003 Baby I'm going uptown : tell the chief police My woman quit me : I can't see no peace She keep me worried : bothered all the time Well I love you woman : love your husband too I have to love your husband : to get to be with you Because he don't allow : no man around his house My mama told me : my papa too Don't let no woman : be the death of you She don't allow me : to stay out all night long What you going to do : when they tear your barrelhouse down Going to pack my suitcase : hunt some other town Well they say everybody talking : about your honky-tonky blues Well they say everybody talking : about your honky-tonky baby You ought to see : that curly-headed monkey-head Head is curly : baby and bushy too \L JorC 6 Jordan, Charley \C title: Gasoline Blues \C place and date: Chicago, 19 Sept. 1930 \C record numbers: (C-6164- ) Vo-1551 Yz L-1030 You can always tell baby : when your woman going to treat you mean If you ask for a glass of water : she give you a glass of gasoline Some of these women : they sure to be ashamed Babe they go out and take money : from a man walking with a walking cane What makes you blow up baby : every time I speak to you You make me think : that you full of gasoline too I've got the trickiest woman : that you ever seen Whenever she get mad : she blows up just like gasoline Won't you let me tell you partner : what the gasoline women will do They will stay out all night long : then come home and blow up on you Hey baby : you just full of gas as you can be Because when you get drunk : you come home and blow up on me Some of these gasoline women : I just can't understand They'll cook *make one* for their husband : they'll chicken for their man \L JorC 7 Jordan, Charley \C title: Keep It Clean-+-No. 2 \C place and date: Chicago, 17 Mar. 1931 \C record numbers: (VO-141- ) Vo-1611 Yz L-1003 I runned to the river : runned so fast And you couldn't see nothing : but that yas yas yas If you want to hear : that elephant grunt You take him down to the river : and then wash his trunk Up he jumped : down he fell His trap flew open : like a mussel shell If you keep it dirty : and I keep it clean You don't know : what keeping it dirty means I will tell you one thing : and I mean it It sure will take soap and water : for to keep it clean The terriblest sight : that I ever seen Was a cook cooking victuals : and his hands wasn't clean You got a head like a mouse : mouth like a goat Every time you see me : you looking for some soap \L JorC 8 Jordan, Charley \C title: You Run and Tell Your Daddy \C place and date: Chicago, 17 Mar. 1931 \C record numbers: (VO-143- ) Vo-1611 Yz L-1003 Well it's everything I tell you : you run and tell your daddy-law I ain't going to tell you nothing else : because you done run and tell your daddy-law And it's everything I give you : you give it to your daddy-law Hey my doggy jumped a rabbit : and he run him for a solid mile When he seen he couldn't catch him : so he cried just like a natural child Yeah your sister was a teddy : your daddy was a great big bear Put a rope around my neck : you can lead me anywhere When I asked that woman : to let me be her kid She say you might get mawkish : baby you won't keep it hid \L JorC 9 Jordan, Charley \C title: Tight Haired Mama Blues \C place and date: Chicago, 17 Mar. 1931 \C record numbers: (VO-144) Vo-1645 OJL-20 Here come my tight-haired woman : I can tell by the way she walks But I know she be shaking that thing : because I can tell by the way she talks I don't want no tight-haired woman : to cook no meat for me Because she's so tight-haired and evil : I'm scared she might poison poor me Now your hair ain't curly : know your teeth ain't neither pearls If the men were asking for hair : you would have a hard time in this world Babe you know I did more for you : than the good Lord ever done You know I bought you some hair : because he sure didn't give you none Now if you got good hair : you want to keep it looking neat Just go down to the ten-cents store : get you a nickel worth of I will tell you girls one thing : you know it really is true Baby now you got good hair : but you bought bought this from the Jew \L JorC 10 Jordan, Charley \C title: I Couldn't Stay Here \C place and date: New York, 10 Apr. 1936 \C record numbers: (18980- ) ARC-6-09-61 Yz L-1021 I went home last night baby : found my good gal there I'm going to leave you baby : traveling everywhere I said ain't it hard to leave you : hoo Lord going to travel everywhere I had a good home mama : Lord but I couldn't stay there I was down in jail baby : I went down on my knees Been so good to you honey : *good meat* for me I said hoo I'm going to leave you : hoo Lord traveling everywhere I had a good home baby : Lord but I wouldn't stay there Have you ever been down baby : way down in Polack Town She slashing and she twisting : till she turned my damper down Won't you tell me baby : who can your good man be I woke up this morning baby : with a hex all over me I can do more for you : than the good Lord ever done I can buy you foresight baby : when the Lord ain't give you none \L JorC 11 Jordan, Charley \C title: Got Your Water On \C place and date: New York, 10 Apr. 1936 \C record numbers: (18982-2) ARC-6-06-61 Rt RL-310 I met my gal this morning : long long way from home Ain't no use drinking good baby : said I ain't got your water on I'd rather be dead baby : buried in the deep blue sea Than to be so far from home baby : people making a fool of me Lord my girl got something : sure Lord worries me I woke up soon this morning : had that thing all over me Now I got something to tell you : make your hair rise on your head I got a-this old Elgin movement : make the springs tremble all on your bed \L JorC 12 Jordan, Charley \C title: Don't Put Your Dirty Hands on Me \C place and date: New York, 10 Apr. 1936 \C record numbers: (18983-1) ARC-6-06-61 Rt RL-310 If you put your dirty black hands on me : I'm going to put you back in jail Put so many crimes against you loving baby : take a millionaire to go your bail I was walking down Main Street : looking for a zoo ??? *you trying to make* : *would make a ??? of* you Tell me pretty mama : where have you been Don't like whiskey : and you're drunk again And I'm going downtown : going to spread the news A big-feet woman : wearing *broken* shoes Now if I get lucky : get a bottle of gin *Pull a number of* women : *to their* mighty few men \L JorL 1 Jordan, Luke \C title: Church Bells Blues \C place and date: Charlotte, N.C., 16 Aug. 1927 \C record numbers: (39819-1) Vi unissued RCA \C INT-1175 Children's in the pulpit : mama trying to learn the Psalms Now the lowdown dirty deacon : done stole my gal and gone Woke up this morning : the family had the weary blues Now *must've* peep over in the corner : poor grandmammy had them too I did more for you woman : good Lordy ever done Went downtown and bought you good hair : and the Lord hadn't give you none You better stop your gal : from from tickling under my chin You going to run over some of these mornings : papa swear you can't get in \L JorL 2 Jordan, Luke \C title: Church Bells Blues \C place and date: Charlotte, N.C., 16 Aug. 1927 \C record numbers: (39819-2) Vi-21076 RBF RF-9 Children's in the pulpit : mama trying to learn the Psalms Now that lowdown dirty deacon : done stole my gal and gone Woke up this morning : the family had the weary blues Poked my head over in the corner : poor grandmammy had them too I did more for you woman : than the good Lord had ever done Went out town bought you good hair : and the Lord hadn't give you none You don't like your daddy : you got no right to carrying a stole Hand me back that wig I bought you : mama let your doggone head go bald But then I promised the good Lord : partner not to dig no coal I'm going to hang around the country : and try to sell some jellyroll Some men is crave for yellow women : some men like the teasing brown I'm a stranger in town mama : figuring on going the whole way down She squawk about my supper : she kicked me outdoors She had a nerve to ask me : would a matchbox hold my clothes \L JorL 3 Jordan, Luke \C title: Cocaine Blues \C place and date: Charlotte, N.C., 16 Aug. 1927 \C record numbers: (39821-2) Vi-21076 Rt RL-326 I'm going gal : don't you take me for no fool I'm not going to quit you pretty mama : whilst the weather's cool Around your back door : says honey I'm going to creep As long as : you make your two and a half a week Now I got a girl : she works in the white folk's yard She brings me meat : I can swear she brings me lard Now Barnum Bailey Circus : came to town They had a *stepper* : looking good and brown They didn't know : it was against the law But the monkey stopped : at a ??? drugstore Stepped around the corner : just a minute too late Another one sitting there : *to kick back eight* Say come on sister : with her nose all *spoiled* The doctor's gone : going to sell no more Now there's twenty-two men came to my house : it was last Sunday morn They asked me was my wife at home : and I told she has long been gone He backed his wagon up to my door : took everything I had He carried it back to the furniture store : and I swear that I did feel sad Saying coke's for horses : not women or men The doctors say it'll kill you : but they didn't say when \L JorL 4 Jordan, Luke \C title: My Gal's Done Quit Me \C place and date: New York, 18 Nov. 1929 \C record numbers: (57703-1) Vi-V38564 Rt RL-318 Well a-my gal had quit me : the talks all over town She left me a note laying on the kitchen table : saying daddy I'm Alabama bound I went running to the station : wringing my hands and crying Crying come back pretty mama : God sakes don't go this time I done bought my ticket : daddy I'm compelled to ride Say you done know when you had me : man you couldn't be satisfied Then she showed me a ticket : just as long as my right arm Have to be riding it so long : I expect you dead and gone I had the railroad blues : I didn't have the railroad fare Say my shoes hold up : I mean to walk the distance there I woke up this morning : with traveling on my mind Kept a-feeling my pocket : and I didn't have a lousy dime \L KelE 1 Kelly, Eddie \C title: Poole County Blues \C place and date: Charlotte, N.C., 6 Aug. 1937 \C record numbers: (013023-1) BB-B7204 RBF RF-9 There's nobody know : Polk County like I do Because I traveled Polk County : mama through and through Well woke up this morning : and I feeling bad I thinking about good times : that I used to have Say if I'd listened : what my mama said I'd be at home : in my folding bed Don't your house look lonesome : when your best buddy's gone You turn over on your pillow : then you cry right on Ooh : mama what's the matter now You make me think : I'll break my heart in that house Say look a-here baby : I'm going to tell the truth I don't love nobody : honey else but you I'm going away mama : and it won't be long You sure going to miss me : just as sure as you born I'm going to sing this old song : ain't going to sing no more I'm going to sing this old song : everywhere I go \L KelE 2 Kelly, Eddie \C title: Shim Shamming \C place and date: Charlotte, N.C., 6 Aug. 1937 \C record numbers: (013026-1) BB-B7148 BC-2 Said I don't care : what mama don't allow Going to strut my stuff : old anyhow Said I don't care : what mama don't allow Going to eat my watermelon : anyhow Said I don't care : what mama don't allow Going to play our washboard : any old how Said I don't care : what mama don't allow Going to play that trombone : anyhow Said we don't care : what mama don't allow He going to do his stuff : old anyhow Said I don't care : what mama don't allow Going to *eeya-eeya* : anyhow \L KelJ 1 Kelly, Jack \C title: Highway No. 61 Blues \C place and date: New York, 1 Aug. 1933 \C record numbers: (13712-1) Ba-32844 Rt RL-316 I'm going to leave here walking : I'm going down Number Sixty-One And if I find my baby : you know we going to have some fun I walked Sixty-One Highway : and I give down in my knees I looking for my babe on Indian Ocean : but she come on that China sea That Sixty-One Highway : longest highway that I ever knowed It reach from Atlanta Georgia : clean down to the Gulf of Mexico Now I'm going home : get my Bible and sit down and read I'm going to ask the good Lord : to give me back my baby if you please \L KelJ 2 Kelly, Jack \C title: Highway No. 61 Blues No. 2 \C place and date: New York, 1 Aug. 1933 \C record numbers: (13713) Ba-32934 Rt RL-329 I can hear the hell dog ringing : and the people all a-crying I mean all up and down : I say that old Sixty-One Line The man that built the Sixty-One flat-top : he's just as true as a *fox* You can ride or walk across it : and you can't even hear a knock That flat-top flat-top : is the prettiest thing I ever seen ??? : and it takes me *Water* Street I am in dear love with Sixty-One : I say it from my heart That is the reason I am so *love with it* : Sixty-One has give me a new start \L KelJ 3 Kelly, Jack \C title: Red Ripe Tomatoes \C place and date: New York, 1 Aug. 1933 \C record numbers: (13714-2) Ba-32844 OJL-4 I've got a thirty-two twenty : shoots just like a forty-five I can walk that old Green River levee : babe I won't have to hide I ain't going to sell it : too good to give away I'm going to save it for me and my baby : and snatch her some rainy day Now red ripe tomatoes : don't forget your T-bone steak Well when you get ready to go fishing : *put* ??? on that heart you take Well Mr Charlie : you had better watch your men They are going through the bushes : and they are going in \L KelJ 4 Kelly, Jack \C title: Believe I'll Go Back Home \C place and date: New York, 1 Aug. 1933 \C record numbers: (13715-2) Me-M12812 Rt RL-311 I believe I believe : I believe I'll go back home I'm going down to tell my baby : that I have done her wrong St Louis is on afire : Chicago is burning down I'm so sick and tired : that my baby keeps on cooling down Babe please forgive me : I know that I've done you wrong I'm going to get down on my knees : I want my little old baby back home It's the same old fireman : same old engineer And it took my baby : and it left me standing here \L KelJ 5 Kelly, Jack \C title: Ko-ko-mo Blues \C place and date: New York, 1 Aug. 1933 \C record numbers: (13721-2) Me-M12812 Rt RL-311 Now my first love is in Texas : my [next one, second] lives in Kokomo I'm going to catch me a freight train : and I'm going on down the road I said don't ever drive a stranger : from your door May be your sister or brother : say you don't never know I have got a brother : and his name is Dan The women all say : he sure can sing Dan Sane Dan Sane : where have you been so long And you know : that you have I say done me wrong \L KelJ 6 Kelly, Jack \C title: Cold Iron Bed \C place and date: New York, 1 Aug. 1933 \C record numbers: (13722- ) Ba-32934 OJL-4 Baby take me upstairs : baby won't you lay me down in your cool iron bed If I don't get no better : I want you to come and rub my head You're a no good wheat : the cow is going to mow you down And if I want to ??? : I'll run you wheat out of town Ever since ever since : my poor mother been dead The rocks have been my pillow : and the cold ground have been my bed Baby : I'll make everything all right If I don't see you tomorrow : I'll see you tomorrow night \L KelJ 7 Kelly, Jack \C title: Betty Sue Blues \C place and date: Memphis, 14 July 1939 \C record numbers: (MEM-143-1) Vo unissued OJL-19 Betty Sue Betty Sue : is the sweetest girl I know Well you caused me to walk from Chicago : clear to the Gulf of Mexico Now Betty Sue got ways : like a horse that it get wild Every time she struggles : I swears it's out the world Betty Sue the big boat's up the river : on a *bank* of sand If it don't [change the, strike that deep] water : swear it won't land Now look a-here Sue : what you trying to do Giving away my luggage : and trying to love me too \L KelJ 8 Kelly, Jack \C title: Flower Blues \C place and date: Memphis, 14 July 1939 \C record numbers: (MEM-144-1) Vo unissued OJL-21 I'd rather see the flowers : growing on top of my baby's grave Than to see some other man : smiling smiling in my baby's face Here I am here I am : setting in that chair with folded arms Well it seems like all good times : I mean this whole world have gone I've got a ??? to glory : papa he's done throwed me away But you had a lowdown dirty heart : to baby to mistreat me this a-way If you take me back baby : I'll tell you just what I'll do I will work hard and I'll slave : babe I'll bring that money back home to you \L KelJ 9 Kelly, Jack \C title: Men Fooler Blues \C place and date: Memphis, 14 July 1939 \C record numbers: (MEM-151- ) Vo-05312 OJL-19 I had a girl : give her everything I had Well my friend took her from me : and it surely was too bad Now I'm going to kill her : if I should happen to live I'm going to take something from her : Lord that I really can give I've got another woman : man she's so bony and lean Well she's got something : Lord I ain't never seen She's got a little bitty foot now : Lord and got them great big thighs Well she's got something on the under : weep just like a *pool hall eye* \L KidS 1 Kid Stormy Weather \C title: Short Hair Blues \C place and date: Jackson, Miss., 17 Oct. 1935 \C record numbers: (JAX-179-2) Vo-03145 BC-7 That's all right baby : Lord that's all right for you Now it's all right baby : Lord about the way you do The blues came down my alley : rolling up into my back door I got the blues this morning : Lord Lord like I never had before Mama you remember the time : babe I made you like it and how But the thing you trying to do : babe somebody doing it now Go on back old gal : you know you can't make me change Because your hair is so short : swear to God I can smell your *brand* Way way down babe : way down in old Polack Town Dirty roaches and the chinches : done tore my little gin house down \L King 1 King David \C title: What's That Tastes Like Gravy \C place and date: Atlanta, 11 Dec. 1930 \C record numbers: (404664-A) OK-8913 RBF RF-6 Says she killed a chicken : and she cook him down low Said cook that chicken : a sweet jellyroll Said they cooked that possum : and they cook him down low And the grease come running : from his jo jo jo Said she *sound so loo : sound so soo* *Sound* just like : she couldn't *blow* Great life for sure : when time was tough I was laying coal yard : strutting my stuff \L King 2 King David \C title: Rising Sun Blues \C place and date: Atlanta, 11 Dec. 1930 \C record numbers: (404665-A) OK-8913 RBF RF-6 Woke up this morning : look at the rising sun I thought about my good gal : who done gone along I ain't never loved : and I hope I never will Why love is proposition : sure get a good man killed I got twelve little puppies : ten big shaggy hounds It takes all twenty-two : to run my brownskin down \L King 3 King David \C title: Sweet Potato Blues \C place and date: Atlanta, 11 Dec. 1930 \C record numbers: (404666-B) OK-8901 Rt RL-311 There ain't no more potatoes : the frost done killed the vine Ain't no more good times : with that girl of mine I ain't never loved Lord : I hopes I never will A loving proposition : sure get a good man killed I got twelve little puppies : ten big shaggy hounds Take the whole twenty-two : to run my brownskin down My brownie caught a passenger : left me a mule to ride When the train pulled out : the mule lay down and die There's one thing certain : I sure can't understand She could feed the ??? *pigmeat* : corn bread for her man \L King 4 King David \C title: I Can Deal Worry \C place and date: Atlanta, 11 Dec. 1930 \C record numbers: (404668-A) OK-8901 Rt RL-311 I'm worried now Lord : I won't be worried long It takes a worried man Lord : to sing a worried song Take me mama : try me one more time I don't do better : kill myself a-trying Just as sure as the birds : fly in the sky above Say you know pretty mama : you ain't with the man you love Well I cooked her breakfast : brought it to her bed Say she taking one bite : threw the teacup at my head \L Kyle 1 Kyle, Charlie \C title: Kyle's Worried Blues \C place and date: Memphis, 1 Sept. 1928 \C record numbers: (45468-2) Vi-21707 Yz L-1018 I'm worried now : but I won't be worried long It takes a worried man : to sing this worried song I'm going away : baby and it won't be long You mistreat me : I'm going to leave my happy home I'm going to the river : sit down on the ground If the blues overtake me : I'll jump overboard and drown I woke up this morning : those blues were on my mind I was so down-hearted : I couldn't do nothing but cry When you see me leaving : baby don't you cry If you mistreat me again : baby you will surely die Lord I'm going away : honey I cannot stay I can't be down-hearted : mistreated this a-way Lord I went up on a mountain : peeped in a little hole I saw two little monkeys : doing the monkey jellyroll \L Lacy 1 Lacy, Rubin \C title: Mississippi Jail House Groan \C place and date: Chicago, Mar. 1928 \C record numbers: (20419-2) Pm-12629 OJL-8 Eee laying in jail now : with my back turned to the wall And she brought me coffee : and she brought me tea She brought me everything : now but that lowdown jailhouse key Mmm : mmm I promised not to holler now : now mama now hey hey hey I looked at my mama : and I hung my head and cried If my woman kills me now : Lord I'll pray to die \L Lacy 2 Lacy, Rubin \C title: Ham Hound Crave \C place and date: Chicago, Mar. 1928 \C record numbers: (20420-3) Pm-12629 Yz L-1009 You can read my letter : now you sure don't know my mind When you think I'm loving you : I'm leaving all the time I ain't got nobody now : I'm all here by myself Let me be your sometime now : till your always comes And I'll do more for you now : your always ever done Mama got a hambone : I wonder can I get it boiled Because these Chicago women now : about to let my hambone spoil The dirty deacon : has taken my gal and gone And all the children now : papa trying to sing my song Let me be your rocker : till your straight chair comes And I rock you easier : you straight chair ever done \L Lask 1 Lasky, Louie \C title: How You Want Your Rollin' Done \C place and date: Chicago, 2 Apr. 1935 \C record numbers: (C-915-C) Vo-02955 Her H-201 Now tell me mama : just how you want your rolling done And just as long as you like it : if it takes the whole night long Now gal got teeth : like the lighthouse on the sea And every time she smiles : she throws her loving light on me Now my rider got something : and I don't know just what it is And every time she wiggles and wobbles : papa can't keep his black stuff still Now I can get religion : baby most any day But the dice and these women : I swear they won't let me pray Now if you steal my rider : I won't get mad with you Because she's three time seven : and she knows just exactly what to do \L Lask 2 Lasky, Louie \C title: Teasin' Brown Blues \C place and date: Chicago, 2 Apr. 1935 \C record numbers: (C-945-B) Vo-02955 Her H-201 Oh mama : I dream about you night and day I had my hand on some this morning : and I swear I let it get away I love you mama : and I'll tell the world I do Because can't nobody treat me : honey like my rider do You don't have to cook me no chicken : because your plain old neckbone will do I'm going to buy you some blackeyed peas : mama and try to get along with you I'm crazy about the way you do it : I'm talking about your jellyroll Because I know you got something : will send salvation to your soul She got hair like Gloria Swanson : and she walk just like Priscilla Deane Because she's the prettiest woman : old Louie ever seen I'm going to ask the good Lord : to send me an angel down But she ain't not a good one : I'm going to cling on to my teasing brown \L Ledb 1 Ledbetter, Huddie \C title: Roberta-+-Part 1 \C place and date: New York, 23 Jan. 1935 \C record numbers: (16683- ) ARC unissued Co \C C-30035 Oh Roberta : honey where you been so long You done been across the country : a-with my long clothes on Oh Roberta : sit down on my knee Got a lot to tell you : a-that's been worrying me Way up the river : far as I can see Lord I thought I spied : my old-time used-to-be Lord I thought I spied : my old-time used-to-be And it was nothing : honey but a cypress tree Honey I'm down on the river : sitting out on the ground Well I'll stay right here Lord : until Roberta come down \L Ledb 2 Ledbetter, Huddie \C title: Roberta-+-Part 2 \C place and date: New York, 23 Jan. 1935 \C record numbers: (16684- ) ARC unissued Co \C C-30035 Oh Roberta : what in the world you mean Honey the way you treat me : beats all I ever seen Lord I'm going to the station : going to tell the chief of police Roberta done quit me : and I can't see no peace She's a brownskin woman : got black wavy hair And I can describe her : oh partner most anywhere Tell me Roberta : what's the matter with you This man ain't got nobody : to take his troubles to \L Ledb 3 Ledbetter, Huddie \C title: Packin' Trunk Blues \C place and date: New York, 23 Jan. 1935 \C record numbers: (16685-1) Ba-33359 Rt RL-315 I'm sitting down here wondering : would a matchbox hold my clothes I don't want to be bothered : with no suitcase on my road Now what would you do : when your baby packing up her trunk You get half a gallon of whiskey : you get on your big drunk \L Ledb 4 Ledbetter, Huddie \C title: C. C. Rider \C place and date: New York, 23 Jan. 1935 \C record numbers: (16686- ) ARC unissued Co \C C-30035 See see rider : see what you done done You made me love you : now your man done come I was looking right at her : when the sun went down She was standing in the kitchen : in her morning gown Let me be your sidetrack : till your mainline comes \L Ledb 5 Ledbetter, Huddie \C title: Honey, I'm All Out and Down \C place and date: New York, 23 Jan. 1935 \C record numbers: (16688-2) Ba-33359 Rt RL-315 I'm broke baby : and I ain't got a dime Every good man : gets in hard luck sometimes I'm going to tell my woman : like the Dago told the Jew You don't want me : now honey I don't want you Oh the women in the levee : *Charlie because it's most* payday The men on the levee : hollering don't you move your knee Oh the women on the levee : honey hollering whoa gee The men on the levee : hollering don't you murder me I'm down in the bottom : ???ing for Johnny Rye Wouldn't mind a jug : honey on the mule's behind Yes a brownskin woman : make a preacher lay his Bible down A jet-black woman : make a rabbit hug a hound \L Ledb 6 Ledbetter, Huddie \C title: New Black Snake Moan \C place and date: New York, 23 Jan. 1935 \C record numbers: (16691-2) Ba-33360 Co C-30035 Ooh : I ain't got no mammy now She told me late last night : you didn't need no mammy nohow Ooh : black snake crawling in my room Better tell somebody : better come and get this old black snake soon Oh must have been a bedbug : because a chinch couldn't bite me that hard Asked my sugar for fifty cents : said Leadbelly ain't a child in the yard Honey that's all right : that's all right for you Darling that's all right : most any old way you do Mmm : oh honey what's the matter now Darling tell me what's the matter : don't like no black snake nohow Well : wonder where that black snake gone That old black snake mama : done run my darling home \L Ledb 7 Ledbetter, Huddie \C title: Alberta \C place and date: New York, 23 Jan. 1935 \C record numbers: (16692- ) ARC unissued Co \C C-30035 Oh Alberta oh Alberta : don't you hear me calling you If Alberta hear your calling : what you want Alberta to do I woke up this morning I woke up this morning : with the blues right there around my bed Went to eat my breakfast : and the blues all in my bread I lay down last night I lay down last night : I was turning from side to side And I was not sick : but I was just dissatisfied I called for you yesterday I called for you yesterday : honey and here you come ??? *day* Had you mouth wide open : and you don't know what to say Please Alberta please Alberta : tell me what in the world you mean Honey the way you treats me : beats all I ever seen What makes an old woman what makes an old woman : she go crazy about a right young man Because she know she can take him : and raise him to hang \L Ledb 8 Ledbetter, Huddie \C title: Baby, Don't You Love Me No More \C place and date: New York, 24 Jan. 1935 \C record numbers: (16693- ) ARC unissued Co \C C-30035 Mmm : baby why you have to go Oh you ain't love me baby : you used to love me so Mmm : when you left you broke my heart You said you love me baby : and we would never part Mmm : baby your papa ain't a fool There's nothing wrong baby : sweet mama turning cool Mmm : baby what are you going to do You say you love me baby : but now you say you are through Mmm : baby ain't you coming back Got money baby : going to use it as I like \L Ledb 9 Ledbetter, Huddie \C title: Death Letter Blues-+-Part 1 \C place and date: New York, 24 Jan. 1935 \C record numbers: (16695-1) ARC unissued Bio \C BLP-12013 Yes she wrote me a letter : what you reckon it read Come home big papa : your loving baby's dead Yes I went to the depot : caught a train a-flying When I walked in Lord : she was slowly dying My mama said howdy : papa said goodbye Poor boy couldn't do nothing : but hang his head and cry He went to the bedside : looked down in her face I love you pretty mama : just can't take your place \L Ledb 10 Ledbetter, Huddie \C title: Death Letter Blues-+-Part 2 \C place and date: New York, 24 Jan. 1935 \C record numbers: (16696-1) ARC unissued Bio \C BLP-12013 So many high *gate* buggies : were a-standing around Waiting to take my baby : to the burying ground Yes you taken my baby : to the burying ground You didn't break my heart Lord : till you laid her down Yes he went to the headboard : fell down on his knees If you speak one word babe : you can give my heart some ease You don't miss your water : till your well go dry You don't miss pretty mama : till you shake your hand goodbye Don't your house look lonesome : when your woman is gone Don't you feel mistreated : but you won't let on \L Ledb 11 Ledbetter, Huddie \C title: Kansas City Papa \C place and date: New York, 24 Jan. 1935 \C record numbers: (16697-1) ARC unissued Bio \C BLP-12013 I'm going to Kansas City : I'm going to lower my line I get in Kansas City : I be hard to find Women in Kansas City Lord : doing the turkey trot The women in Louisiana Lord : doing the eagle rock The funniest thing : that I ever seen The tomcat stitching : on a sewing machine The funniest thing : that I ever did see A polecat climbing : up a 'simmon tree You keep on talking : till you make me think You daddy was a bulldog : your mammy was a mink You keep on talking : till you make me mad I tell you about the troubles : that your sister had \L Ledb 12 Ledbetter, Huddie \C title: Red River Blues \C place and date: New York, 24 Jan. 1935 \C record numbers: (16704- ) ARC unissued Co \C C-30035 Tell me which a-way : do the Red River run I suppose : they run oh run sun to sun Lord it's some boats sail : run from sun to sun Way down in Louisiana : oh where the work all done Tell me pretty mama : which a-way you going If you can't tell me : that going to be your ruin I got up this morning : hung all around my brown Because she told me : which a-way the Red River was a-running down Would you take a poor ??? : *or a slave* like me I love my baby : you going to let me be \L Ledb 13 Ledbetter, Huddie \C title: My Friend Blind Lemon \C place and date: New York, 5 Feb. 1935 \C record numbers: (16807- ) ARC unissued Co \C C-30035 Dreamed last night : and all that night before Heard my baby : knocking on my door Crying babe : have I ever done you wrong You's a long time coming : daddy but you welcome here \L Ledb 14 Ledbetter, Huddie \C title: Mr. Hughe's Town \C place and date: New York, 5 Feb. 1935 \C record numbers: (16808- ) ARC unissued Co \C C-30035 My mama told me : my sister too Women in Shreveport son : going to be the death of you I told my mama : mama you don't know Women in Shreveport kill me : why don't you let me go Told my mama : fell on my knees Crying oh Lordy mama : will you forgive me please I got a woman : living on Stony Hill She been sitting down : gambling with Buffalo Bill Been sitting down : gambling with Buffalo Bill *You chance it once* baby : you ain't done got killed Anybody should ask you : who composed this song Tell them : Huddie Ledbetter's done been here and gone \L Ledb 15 Ledbetter, Huddie \C title: Shorty George \C place and date: New York, 5 Feb. 1935 \C record numbers: (16814-2) ARC unissued Bio \C BLP-12013 Well Shorty George : ain't no friend of mine He keeps a-taking all the women : keep all the men behind Lord I went to my captain : and the man he don't care I'm going to take my woman : bring her right back here I want to tell you captain : it's a dirty shame Shorty George got my woman : left me all in vain Yes I went to the station : looked up on the sign Lord the train she ride : you marked up on time Well I can't do nothing : hon' but wave my hands Got me a lifetime sentence : down in Sugarland Lordy some has got six months : some got two and three years But it's so many good men : got lifetime here And Shorty George : traveling through the land He don't take your woman : take some woman's man Got something to tell you : don't let it make you mad I ain't got long down here : honey you heard I had \L Ledb 16 Ledbetter, Huddie \C title: Match Box Blues \C place and date: New York, 5 Feb. 1935 \C record numbers: (168???- ) ARC unissued Co \C C-30035 Sitting down here wondering : would a matchbox hold my clothes I don't want to be bothered : with no big trunk on my road Now what would you do : when your baby packing up her trunk Get you half a gallon of whiskey : and get on you a big drunk Lord : have mercy on me \L Ledb 17 Ledbetter, Huddie \C title: Yellow Jacket \C place and date: New York, 23 Mar. 1935 \C record numbers: (17179-1) ARC unissued Bio \C BLP-12013 Yellow jacket yellow jacket : you sting me once more You can sting me once more : and then I've got to go You stung me this morning : stung me till I was sore You can sting me one more time : please don't sting me no more You can buzz yellow jacket : buzz all around my face I don't want no other yellow jacket : to just take your place You can go downtown : can buzz all around But if I catch you stinging : believe I'll pull your nest all on down \L Ledb 18 Ledbetter, Huddie \C title: T. B. Woman Blues \C place and date: New York, 23 Mar. 1935 \C record numbers: (17180-1) ARC unissued Bio \C BLP-12013 It's too late too late : too late too late too late I'm on my way to Denver : and mama must I hesitate T B's all right to have : if your friend didn't treat you so lowdown Don't you ask them for no favor : they even stop a-coming around Mmm : this T B is killing me I'm a-like a prisoner : I'm always a-working the street When I was on my feet : couldn't even walk down the street I want my body buried : in the deep blue sea Mmm : mmm I got tuberculosis : consumption is killing me \L Ledb 19 Ledbetter, Huddie \C title: Pig Meat Papa \C place and date: New York, 23 Mar. 1935 \C record numbers: (17181-2) ARC-6-04-55 His HLP-4 Just look a-here mama : don't treat pigmeat the way you do Your baby's pigmeat : as anybody in the neighborhood If you don't believe it's pigmeat : come in and you won't regret I got something about this pigmeat : sweet mama I ain't told you yet I was born and raised in the country : mama but I'm staying in town If you don't believe this pigmeat : mama from my head on down You can take me to the mountain : there will be pigmeat there You take a boat to China : *they'll catch us* anywhere Ooh : and *catch us* anywhere Take a boat to China : then it's *catch us* anywhere \L Ledb 20 Ledbetter, Huddie \C title: Bull Cow \C place and date: New York, 23 Mar. 1935 \C record numbers: (17182- ) ARC unissued Co \C C-30035 If you got you a bullcow : *feed her morning grass* Because when them heifers come around : eat your yas yas yas If you got you a bullcow : *feed her in the grove* Because when them heifers leave him : you know he's going to rove Oh oh oh : hey hey hey hey But you know good and well baby : *might be a heifer calf* If you got you a bullcow : lead her with a long line Because when them heifers leave him : you know they on his mind Oh bullcow : where you been so long I been all out in the country : with my big bell on \L LeeB 1 Lee, Bertha \C title: Mind Reader Blues \C place and date: New York, 31 Jan. 1934 \C record numbers: (14736-1) Vo-02650 OJL-17 Baby I can see : just what's on your mind You got a long black woman : with a gold teeth in her face I'll take a long look : right smack down in your mind And I don't see but one woman : rambling up and down the line Don't kid your mama : you ain't fooling nobody but yourself And when I see on your mind : you would not have no friend I remember the day : when I was living at Lula town My man did so many wrong things : that I had to leave the town I'm by the riverside : my man caught the transfer boat And the last time I seed him : he had done gone way up the road Well I'm worried now : and I won't be worried long \L LeeX 1 Leecan, Bobby \C title: Macon Georgia Cut-Out \C place and date: New York, c. June 1927 \C record numbers: ( ) Pat-7533 His HLP-17 Now if you want to learn this dance : don't do it in a *pout* Put both feet together : and do the Macon cutout You need not to worry : neither think Just tell the waiter man : to bring on a drink Now you grab your girl : you hold her tight You do it in one position : all night Ease up daddy : you been a good old scout You made a hit with your mama : now you can't lose out Now back in eighteen hundred : and sixty-two Folks mess around : but they didn't know what to do Old Uncle Mose : he was the jellyroll king He get to flat-foot shuffling : call it everything Old *Rufus* Pete : he was very slow All the women loved him : and give him their dough Now take it easy mama : and be a good scout If you want to do this dance : Macon cutout \L LeeX 2 Leecan, Bobby \C title: Nobody Knows You When You're Down and Out \C place and date: New York, c. June 1927 \C record numbers: ( ) Pat-7533 His HLP-17 Now I went downtown : along Broadway Looked up at a sign : that said no free meals today Walked right in : I took a seat Waiter looked at me and said : hey brother pay up before you eat I was raggedy : thirsty too *Last* all my money : was won from two-by-two In my pocket : I didn't have a cent Sashay down the street : to where I went In your pockets : you ain't ain't got a dime Look all over town : not a friend you can find As soon as your money : grows treetop tall Bill Jack and Harry : will give you a call Now listen now brother : this ain't no doubt Nobody wants you : when you're down and out Now I was singing : them lonesome kind of blues I thought I'd play some numbers : like most colored people do I put my money down : on old twenty-two I didn't play no believing : I thought that would do As soon as I saw : that I had won The man *brought over* eleven : instead of twenty-one A friend walked up to me : the very next day He said he lost on that number : the very same way \L LewAr 1 Lewis, Archie \C title: Miss Handy Hanks \C place and date: Richmond, Ind., 30 Mar. 1933 \C record numbers: (19107) Ch-16677 Rt RL-334 I got spreading mustard : from north to south Seeds taste good : right in your mouth \L LewF 1 Lewis, Furry \C title: Jellyroll \C place and date: probably New York, 28 May 1927 \C record numbers: ( ) Vo-1115 RBF RF-11 I went to the Gypsy : get my fortune told Lord the Gypsy told me : boy you got a jellyroll Ain't nobody in town : cook a jellyroll like mine I was first on Main Street : Lord and I started down Beale Looking for my girl : Lord that we all call Lucille I know you don't want me : why don't you tell me so Then you won't be bothered : with me around your house no more Lord my good girl quit me : my kid done put me down I wouldn't hurt so bad : but the doggone news across town We got a new way of spelling : Memphis Tennessee Double M double E : Lord A Y Lord Z Ooh : my gal done quit me now I'm going to the river : I'm going to jump overboard and drown \L LewF 2 Lewis, Furry \C title: Mr. Furry's Blues \C place and date: probably New York, 28 May 1927 \C record numbers: ( ) Vo-1115 Rt RL-323 I wish I had : my poor heart in my hand I'd show you women : how to treat a man I'm going I'm going : your crying won't make me stay For the more you cry : further you drive me away You know you didn't want me : you oughtn't've made no stall There's plenty more women : If the river was whiskey : I'd stay drunk all the time So a woman like you : could not worry my mind Some of these mornings : baby listen to what I say I'm going away to leave you : it will be too late to pray \L LewF 3 Lewis, Furry \C title: Sweet Papa Moan \C place and date: probably New York, 28 May 1927 \C record numbers: ( ) Vo-1116 RBF RF-11 Ooh : what am I going to do now Because the girl I love : she don't treat me right Baby : what do you want [me, your papa] to do Beg borrow and steal : bring it all home to you Say the sun's going to shine : in my back door some day Lord the wind's going to blow : blow my blues away Hey : wonder where the I C train Babe I'll go to my woman : you go to your man Ooh : I'd rather be dead and in my grave Than be here in the world : baby and be your slave \L LewF 4 Lewis, Furry \C title: Good Looking Girl Blues \C place and date: probably New York, c. late Oct. \C 1927 \C record numbers: ( ) Vo-1132 Rt RL-329 Don't you wish : your good girl was long and tall like mine Lord she ain't good-looking : but I think she takes her time Said my good girl said : she didn't want me no more But she don't mind *dancing* : Lord everywhere I go Lord the train I ride : is sixteen coaches long And she don't *allow* nothing : but chocolate to the bone I'm worried now : been worried all day long Babe I'm going to be worried : until the day I'm gone Lord there's some say yellow : but give me my black and brown When your high brown quit you : your black will run you down I want to see want to see : the girl I'm *for painted about* I be so glad : I sure can't help but shout \L LewF 5 Lewis, Furry \C title: Big Chief Blues \C place and date: probably New York, c. late Oct. \C 1927 \C record numbers: ( ) Vo-1133 Yz L-1002 I'm going away baby : take me seven long months to ride January February : March April May June July I was three years old : when my poor mother died If you mistreat me : mistreat a motherless child I dreamt last night : the whole round world was mine Wasn't nothing at all : but my good girl jumping down She put carbolic in my coffee : turpentine in my tea Strychnine in my biscuits : Lord but she didn't hurt me Baby when I marry : going to marry an Indian squaw Big chief Lord : be my daddy-in-law \L LewF 6 Lewis, Furry \C title: Falling Down Blues \C place and date: probably New York, c. late Oct. \C 1927 \C record numbers: ( ) Vo-1133 OJL-21 I got the blues so bad : it hurts my feet to walk I wouldn't hurt so bad : but it hurt my tongue to talk Mama I feel like jumping : through the keyhole in your door I can jump so easy : your man will never know Some people say : worried blues ain't tough If they don't kill you : hell you mighty rough Hitch up my buggy : please saddle up my black mare I'm going to find my woman : on the road somewhere She caught the rumbling : I caught the falling down If I ever see her : I never turn around