\L LewF 7 Lewis, Furry \C title: Mean Old Bedbug Blues \C place and date: probably New York, c. late Oct. \C 1927 \C record numbers: ( ) Vo-1134 Rt RL-333 Man those bedbugs sure is evil : he sure don't mean me no good He thinks I'm a woodpecker : and he taken me for a chunk of wood When I lay down at night : and I wonder how can a poor man sleep When one holding your hand : while the other one eating your feet Bedbugs big as a jackass : he will bite you and stand and grin *Think you pull the bedbug apart* : come back and bite you again Someone moaning in the corner : Lord I tried so hard to see It was a mother bedbug : Lord praying for some more to eat I have to sit up all night long : my feet can't touch the floor Because the mean old bedbug : told me I can't live there no more \L LewF 8 Lewis, Furry \C title: Why Don't You Come Home Blues \C place and date: probably New York, c. late Oct. \C 1927 \C record numbers: ( ) Vo-1134 Rt RL-333 Sarah Lee : why don't you come home I ain't had no loving : gal since you been gone My mama told me : when I was a child Good time now : trouble after a while If I had a-listened : to what my mother said I wouldn't be in here : treated this a-way I'd rather see my coffin : roll in front of my door Than to hear my good gal : say I don't want you no more I dreamt last night : the world was caving in Wasn't nothing at all : my girl coming home again I feel like jumping : from the treetop to the ground The girl I love : she sure done put me down I wished I had a-died : babe when I was young I would not have : this *here red suit on* \L LewF 9 Lewis, Furry \C title: Furry's Blues \C place and date: Memphis, 28 Aug. 1928 \C record numbers: (45424-1) Vi-V38519 Rt RL-333 I believe I'll buy me : a graveyard of my own I'm going to kill everybody : that have done me wrong If you want to go to Nashville : man and ain't got no fare Cut your good girl's throat : and the judge will send you there I'm going to get my pistol : forty rounds of ball I'm going to shoot my woman : just to see her fall I'd rather hear the screws : on my coffin sound Than to hear my good girl : says I'm jumping down Get my pencil and paper : I'm going to sit right down I'm going to write me a letter : back to Youngstown This ain't my home : I ain't got no right to stay This ain't my home : must be my stopping place When I left my home : you would not let me be Wouldn't rest contented : till I come to Tennessee \L LewF 10 Lewis, Furry \C title: I Will Turn Your Money Green \C place and date: Memphis, 28 Aug. 1928 \C record numbers: (45425-2) Vi-V38506 Yz L-1008 When I was in Missouri : would not let me be Wouldn't rest content : till I came to Tennessee If you follow me baby : I'll turn your money green I show you more money : Rockerfeller ever seen If the river was whiskey : baby and I was a duck I'd dive to the bottom : Lord and I'd never come up Lord the woman I hate : I see her every day But the woman I love : she's so far away Talk about *sweetheart* : I declare I'm a honest man Give my woman so many dollars : it broke her apron string All she give me was trouble : I'm troubled all the time I been troubled so long : trouble don't worry my mind I been down so long : it seem like up to me Woman I love : she done quit poor me What's the need of me hollering : what's the need of me crying Woman I love : she don't pay me no mind \L LewF 11 Lewis, Furry \C title: Mistreatin' Mama \C place and date: Memphis, 28 Aug. 1928 \C record numbers: (45428-2) Vi-V38519 Rt RL-323 If your heart ain't iron : it must be marble stone For you're a mistreating mama : baby as sure as you born I can tell from a little : just what a whole lot means You treat me just like : somebody you ain't never seen I got a woman in Cuba : got a woman in Spain I got a woman in Chicago : I'm scared to call her name I got nineteen women : and all I wants one more If the one more suit me : I'm going to let the nineteen go I could have religion : Lord this very day But the womens and whiskey : Lord won't let me pray I can sit right here : and look on Jackson Avenue I can see everything : that my good woman do Sometime I believe I will : sometime I believe I won't Sometime I believe I do : sometime I believe I don't \L LewF 12 Lewis, Furry \C title: Dry Land Blues \C place and date: Memphis, 28 Aug. 1928 \C record numbers: (45429-1) Vi-23345 Yz L-1021 I can look through muddy water baby : and spy dry land If you don't want me honey : let's take and in hand I'm going so far : I can't hear your rooster crow This is my last time : ever knocking at your door You won't cook me no dinner : baby you won't iron me no clothes You won't do nothing : but walk the *Horn Lake* Road Man if you love your woman : better mess it in her cup So if she have not quit you boy : won't leave you in tough luck Now you can take my woman : but you ain't done nothing smart For I got more than one woman : playing in my back yard Windstorm come : and it blowed my house away I'm a good old boy : but I ain't got nowhere to stay And it's trouble here : and it's trouble everywhere So much trouble : floating in the air What you going to do : when your trouble get like mine \L LewF 13 Lewis, Furry \C title: Judge Harsh Blues \C place and date: Memphis, 28 Aug. 1928 \C record numbers: (45433-2) Vi-V38506 Yz L-1008 Good morning judge : what may be my fine Fifty dollars : and eleven twenty-nine They arrest me for murder : I ain't never harmed a man Women hollered murder : and I ain't raised my hand I ain't got nobody : get me out on bond I would not mind : but I ain't done nothing wrong Please Judge Harsh : make it light as you possibly can I ain't done no work : judge in I don't know when My woman come a-running : with a hundred dollars in her hand Crying judge : please spare my man One hundred dollars won't do : better run and get you three I can keep you man : from penitentiary Because I'm arrested baby : please don't grieve and moan Penitentiary : seems just like my home People all hollering : about what in the world they will do Lots of people had justice : and been in penitentiary too \L LewF 14 Lewis, Furry \C title: Black Gypsy Blues \C place and date: Memphis, 22 Sept. 1929 \C record numbers: (M-185- ) Vo-1547 Yz L-1008 My woman must be a black Gypsy : she knows every place I go She met me this morning : with a brand new forty-four When you used to be my Gypsy : done just so and so Now I got another baby : I can't use you no more Eagle rock me mama : *Sally long me too* Ain't nobody in town : can eagle rock like you My woman got a mouth : like a lighthouse in the sea Every time she smiles : she shine her light on me Had the blues all of twenty-eight : started again in twenty-nine They tell me the New York Central : is a nickel-plated line Lord I asked for cabbage : she brought me turnip greens I asked her for water : and she brought me gasoline \L LewF 15 Lewis, Furry \C title: Creeper's Blues \C place and date: Memphis, 22 Sept. 1929 \C record numbers: (M-186- ) Vo-1547 Yz L-1008 I woke up this morning : and I looked up against the wall Roaches and the bedbugs : playing a game of ball Score was twenty to nothing : the roaches was ahead Roaches got to fighting : and kicked me out of bed Bedbugs so bad : pull the pillow from under my head They got a Winchester rifle : and try to kill me dead When I woke up this morning : I looked down on the floor Bedbug had been in my pocket : and pulled out all my dough Mama get your hatchet : kill the fly on your baby's head Mama get your hatchet : and run here to my bed Please bedbugs : please I done begged you twice You done taken all my money : and now you want to take my life \L LewN 1 Lewis, Noah (Gus Cannon) \C title: Viola Lee Blues \C place and date: Memphis, 20 Sept. 1928 \C record numbers: (47066-?) Vi-V38523 OJL-21 The judge he repeat it : the clerk he wrote it down If you *mistreat your* ??? : you must be *Nashville* bound Some got six months : some got one solid year But me and my buddy : both got lifetimes here Fix my supper : let me go to bed I been drinking white lightning : it gone to my head \L LewN 2 Lewis, Noah (Gus Cannon) \C title: Going to Germany \C place and date: Memphis, 1 Oct. 1929 \C record numbers: (56318-2) Vi-V38585 OJL-4 I'm going to Germa : I'll be back some old day Please tell me mama : what more can I do Done all I knowed : I can't get along with you Go away from my window : stop knocking on my door I got another woman : can't use you no more When you's in trouble : I worked and paid your fine Now I'm in trouble : you don't pay me no mind \L LewN 3 Lewis, Noah (Gus Cannon) \C title: Pretty Mama Blues \C place and date: Memphis, 3 Oct. 1929 \C record numbers: (56342-2) Vi-V38585 RCA INT-1175 Hey pretty mama : can I get a job with you I ain't got no money : I can't get no work to do The woman I love : she weighs a thousand and four I don't care : if she weighed a thousand more I wrote her a letter : I mailed it in the air You may know by that : I got a friend somewhere I ain't never loved : but four womens in my life That was my mama my sister : sweetheart and my wife \L LewN 4 Lewis, Noah \C title: Ticket Agent Blues \C place and date: Memphis, 26 Nov. 1930 \C record numbers: (64736- ) BB-B5675 OJL-4 Ticket agent : please raise your window high So I will know my train : when it's passing by Depot agent : please turn your depot around My woman done quit me now : going to leave your town \L LewN 5 Lewis, Noah \C title: New Minglewood Blues \C place and date: Memphis, 26 Nov. 1930 \C record numbers: (64737-2) Vi-23266 OJL-4 I was born in the desert : I was raised in the lion's den Said my regular occupation : taking women from their men When you come to Memphis : please stop by Minglewood Says there's womens in the camp : don't mean no man no good \L LewN 6 Lewis, Noah \C title: Bad Luck's My Buddy \C place and date: Memphis, 26 Nov. 1930 \C record numbers: (64739- ) Vi-23266 Rt RL-307 And it's trouble here : it's trouble in the air Says I want to go home : but I know it's trouble there I'm going home : going to tell my brother will Said that old woman he's got : is sure going to get him killed Bad luck is my buddy : and trouble is my friend I been in trouble : ever since here I been \L Linc 1 Lincoln, Charley \C title: Jealous Hearted Blues \C place and date: Atlanta, 4 Nov. 1927 \C record numbers: (145103-2) Co-14305-D RBF RF-9 You can have my money : all I own For God's sake : leave my gal alone I got a range in my kitchen : bakes nice and brown All I need : someone to turn my damper down Take a rocking chair to rock : take a rubber ball to roll Take a gal I love : satisfy my soul I know the mens don't like me : because I speak my mind All the women crazy about me : because I takes my time I left my wife and baby : sitting on the doorstep crying I got a house full of children : and there ain't nar' one mine I says I got love : if I could have it in your home I can keep it turned off : or I can turn it on Says hello Central : give me two three nine *What takes : to get a day's help for mine* Oh some folks say : that them blues ain't bad That must not have been : ??? blues I had I says I can't help mama : what you do You can tell the world : I got those jealous-hearted blues I said stop still mama : and let me give you my advice If I catch you with a man : going to be too tight \L Linc 2 Lincoln, Charley \C title: Hard Luck Blues \C place and date: Atlanta, 4 Nov. 1927 \C record numbers: (145104-2) Co-14272-D His HLP-4 Two kind of people in this world mama : babe that I sure can't stand That's a two-faced woman : baby and a monkey-man Just as sure as a sparrow mama : babe flying in the air I got a loving sweet mama : in this world somewhere Said the blues in my body : I said making towards my head I believe to my soul : mama them blues going to kill me dead I ain't going to grieve mama : I sure ain't going to cry no more Going to take my best friend's gal : said the one that lives next door She's a married woman : but she says she likes me Hate to bite my friend : somebody been biting me Said I used to have money : but said now I'm cold in hand Said I used to have a good gal : but now she's got another man Talk about hard luck babe : sure done fell on me Says my brother stole a *ham sand* : the police has locked up me \L Linc 3 Lincoln, Charley \C title: Mojoe Blues \C place and date: Atlanta, 4 Nov. 1927 \C record numbers: (145105-3) Co-14475-D RBF RF-15 Oh the mojo blues mama : crawling across the floor Some hard-luck rascal : done told me I ain't here no more I'm leaving here mama : babe crying won't make me stay Honey the more you cry : further I'm going away Aw she went to a hoodoo : she went there all alone Because every time I leave her : I have to hurry back home Said I love you sweet mama : but I sure ain't no fool about you I can get another kid gal : just like I got you When I leave here : you can pin crepe over my door Said I won't be dead : just ain't coming here no more Some people tell me : honey them blues ain't bad That must not been : them lowdown things I had \L Linc 4 Lincoln, Charley \C title: My Wife Drove Me From the Door \C place and date: Atlanta, 4 Nov. 1927 \C record numbers: (145106-1) Co-14305-D RBF RF-202 When I came home this morning : my wife she met me at the door Go away sweet daddy : said I can't use you no more Hey hey mama : baby what the matter now Say you trying to quit me : honey and you don't know how Well it ain't no love : sure ain't no getting along Said my brown treat me so mean : that I don't know right from wrong Come back baby : papa ain't mad with you Says I do just like : mama babe that I used to do Take me back baby : try me just one more time If I don't do to suit you honey : I'll break my backbone trying I know the mens don't like me : because that I speak my mind But the women crazy about me : because that I take my time \L Linc 5 Lincoln, Charley \C title: Country Breakdown \C place and date: Atlanta, 4 Nov. 1927 \C record numbers: (145107-1) Co-14475-D RBF RF-15 I'm leaving here mama : crying won't make me stay Oh the more you cry babe : the farther I'm going away Soon as I get sober : I'll make me drunk again Said I'm going to leave the chicken : said I'm going back to the hen Did you ever wake up : 'twixt night and day Had your arm around your pillow : where your good gal used to lay I believe to my soul : my brown's got a stingaree When I woke up this morning : say she was stinging poor me Don't want no dollar mama : I sure can't use no half Say I got a brown : says I can hear her laugh \L Linc 6 Lincoln, Charley \C title: Chain Gang Trouble \C place and date: Atlanta, 4 Nov. 1927 \C record numbers: (145108-2) Co-14272-D His HLP-4 I asked my captain : for the time of day Say : he throwed his watch away If I listened at my mother : in farther day I never : would have been here today If I ever get back home : oh baby to stay I never : be treated this a-way How long how long : how long how long How long : before I can go home I rise with the blues : and I work with the blues Nothing I can get : but bad news \L Linc 7 Lincoln, Charley \C title: Doodle Hole Blues \C place and date: Atlanta, 18 Apr. 1930 \C record numbers: (150275-2) Co-14550-D Yz L-1012 I'm a little bit worried : getting kind of old Like to take my straw : go play in the doodle hole Do the doodle doodle do : oh doing the doodle doodle do I like to take my straw : go play in that doodle hole First time you try to doodle : take my advice Put a little spit on your straw : you can do so nice I knowed a little girl : who was very very nice She got to doodle once : and she want it twice Sometime a little doodle : pretty hard to get Keep on twisting : you will find it All you girls get together : with your straw in your hand Try to get to doodle : now just see if you can Keep twisting and twisting : around the hole Everybody like to doodle : both young and old I knowed a man once : who got a-on the doodle track He doodled so much : he got a hump in his back It sound mighty funny : but it sure is nice Get this doodle : it's sure worth the price \L Lint 1 Linthecome, Joe \C title: Pretty Mama Blues \C place and date: Richmond, Ind., 20 Nov. 1929 \C record numbers: (15906-A) Ge-7131 Rt RL-326 Listen here pretty mama : what's on your worried mind How come you treat me : so unkind If you don't want me mama : why don't you tell me so I can beat an ??? : getting down the road Mama mama : why don't you treat me right Now your papa's loving you : both day and night I'm not so good-looking : I don't dress [so] fine I'm just a plain daddy : and I takes my time I was raised in the mountains : way down in Tennessee If you don't like my peaches : don't you shake my tree The train's in the station : the crew has climbed aboard I'm going to grab that train : travel far down the road \L List 1 Liston, Virginia \C title: Rolls-Royce Papa \C place and date: New York, 29 May 1926 \C record numbers: ( ) Vo-1032 His HLP-1 Daddy I'll drop you in my garage : and that's no doubt I'm going to wipe your windshield : cut your taillight out Your carburettor's rusty : this I really mean Your gas tank's empty : won't hold gasoline Your windshield is broken : it ain't worth a cent Your steering wheel is wobbly : your piston rod is bent Your fender's all broken : your wheels ain't tight And I know doggone well : your spark plugs ain't hitting right \L LitS 1 Little Son Joe \C title: Black Cat Swing \C place and date: Chicago, 12 Dec. 1941 \C record numbers: (C-4098-1) OK-06707 BC-1 Yes you is one black rat : some day I'll find your trail Then I'll hide my shoes : somewhere here in your shirt-tail Yes I've taken you downtown : paid your doctor bill Now I'm in a little trouble : and you trying to get me killed Says he sneaked in my kitchen : eat up all the bread Soon as I left home : start to cutting up in my bed He *must dance* in the basement : was seen in my bedroom Trapped in ??? : I'm going to catch him some day soon \L Lock 1 Lockwood, Robert \C title: Little Boy Blue \C place and date: Chicago, 30 July 1941 \C record numbers: (064640- ) BB-B8820 BC-7 Little boy blues : please come blow your horn My baby she gone and left me : she left me all alone Now the sheep is in the meadow : and the cows is in the corn I've got a girl in Chicago : she loves to hear me blow my lonesome horn I'm going to take my whip and whip her : I'm going to whip her down to the ground I'm going to take dirk and stab her : then I'm you know I'm going to turn it around and around Now I've rambled and I've rambled : until I broke my poor self down I believe to my soul : that the little girl is out of town \L Lock 2 Lockwood, Robert \C title: Take a Little Walk with Me \C place and date: Chicago, 30 July 1941 \C record numbers: (064641- ) BB-B8820 Yz L-1038 Come one baby : please take a walk with me Back to the same old place : where we long to be Come on baby : take a little walk with me Back to the same old place : Memphis Tennessee Early one morning : just about half past three You done something : that's really worrying me Let's take a walk : out on the old avenue I have got something : for you to do Come on baby : now we going to walk so slow Until every time you see me: you want to walk some more \L LofC 1 Lofton, Cripple Clarence \C title: Monkey Man Blues \C place and date: Chicago, 2 Apr. 1935 \C record numbers: (C-948-A) Vo-02951 Yz L-1015 Some of these old days mama : some of these old sad lonely nights You will look for your good daddy : and he'll be getting his *half-day right* Because I leave town mama : don't count the days I'm gone Just count them days baby : that you tried to do your daddy wrong I been doing the same thing baby : ever since nineteen and twelve I been breaking down with you dizzy mares : seem like you want me to dig a country well I would be your monkey-man mama : just can't climb no coconut tree I breaks down with you dizzy mares : but I don't get on my happy black knees Some day you going to need me mama : swear when I won't need you Because when I try to love you right baby : seems like my loving won't do \L LofC 2 Lofton, Cripple Clarence \C title: Brown Skin Girls \C place and date: Chicago, 18 July 1935 \C record numbers: (C-1074-A) ARC-6-11-66 Yz L-1025 Got a gang of brownskin womens : bunch of high yellows too I got so many brownskins : I don't know what to do I love all of my loving women : I tell this world I do I hope some day : that they learn to love their daddy too Got a Monday Monday girl : she works on Broadway Main I've got a Tuesday girl : that *mama is* spending change Wednesday girl : drinks a bottle of beer I've got a Thursday one : that she better not catch me here Friday Friday girl : she love those teddy bears I've got a Saturday girl : takes me each and everywhere It's run here boys and girls : let *me papa* send a word to you She wears a bearcat skin : she got a suit of navy blues \L LofC 3 Lofton, Cripple Clarence \C title: I Don't Know \C place and date: probably Chicago, c. 1936-1938 \C record numbers: ( ) private record Yz L-1025 Got to sit around : for a while Shook his *juicy rib* : down his aisle There's a lady : but her name is Lou Shook that thing : till she caught the flu Getting sick and tired : of the way you do Time mama : I'm going to poison you Sprinkle gopher-dust : around your bed Wake up some morning : find your own self dead Shake it and break it Lord : you can hang it on the wall Out the window : catch it before it fall Stop awhile : shimmy if it's all night long ??? things : is got your habits on \L LofC 4 Lofton, Cripple Clarence \C title: Change My Mind Blues \C place and date: probably Chicago, c. 1936-1938 \C record numbers: ( ) private record Yz L-1025 If I change my mind Jane : I'll change my mind once again I have mistaken my life : people and I can't get back again Sometimes I wonder : what make you treat me so mean Good as I have been to you darling : now I can't get the things I need \L LofC 5 Lofton, Cripple Clarence \C title: Streamline Train \C place and date: probably Chicago, c. 1936-1938 \C record numbers: ( ) private record Yz L-1025 Streamline train : back train to front That that train : took my baby on Yes I'm leaving you in the morning : leaving on that streamline train One thing I could tell you : get your mind off that thing Trains rolled for New York : half past four Four o'clock that morning : I was thinking on my baby *door* She says come in loving daddy : where have you done been so long I ain't had my great loving : since my streamline been gone Train rolled to Birmingham : half past six Half five that morning : I trying to get it fixed I'm going out to West ??? : I'm going to marry me an Indian squaw Stay with them Indian chiefs : be my father-in-law Baby I'm leaving you in the morning : leaving on that streamline train One thing I can tell you : get your mind off that man \L LofW 1 Lofton, Willie \C title: Jake Leg Blues \C place and date: Chicago, 24 Aug. 1934 \C record numbers: (C-9386-A) De-7076 Rt RL-314 I say jake leg jake leg jake leg : tell me what in the world you going to do I say you done drunk so much jake oh Lord : till it done give him the *lemon leg* I say I know the jake leg oh Lord : just as far as I can hear the poor boy walk I say the people drink their jake on the rush : now oh Lord they even throw their bottle away But the jake leg ??? oh Lord : that keep them coming every day Mmm mama mama mama mama mama Lord children keep on crying : wonder what in the world poor daddy going to do I say he done drunk so much jake oh Lord : till it done give him the *lemon leg* Mama mama mama mama crying out and say oh Lord : there's nothing in the world poor daddy can do Because he done drunk so much jake oh Lord : till they got the *lemon leg* too \L LofW 2 Lofton, Willie \C title: My Mean Baby Blues \C place and date: Chicago, 24 Aug. 1934 \C record numbers: (C-9387-A) De-7076 Rt RL-314 When my baby left me : she didn't even say goodbye When I turned my back : she packed her clothes on the sly You can read my letter : but you sure can't read my mind You see me laughing honey : just to keep from crying Some of the meanest people : the poor boy most ever seen You ask for water : they give you gasoline I used to try to love you baby : a-loving you *in crime* Some day you going to want to love the poor boy : and I'll be done changed my mind \L LofW 3 Lofton, Willie \C title: Dark Road Blues \C place and date: Chicago, 1 Nov. 1935 \C record numbers: (96257- ) BB-B6229 Yz L-1007 Crying I ain't going down : that dark road by myself Crying if I don't carry you : carry somebody else Crying who that yonder : coming up the road Crying that look like my faro : but she walk too slow Crying won't let you do me : like you did poor shine Crying you taken the poor boy's money : going to have to kill me before you take mine Crying smokes like lightning : shine like faro gold Crying I wouldn't get in trouble : to save nobody's soul Crying I spied a spider : climbing up the wall Crying I asked the spider : did he want his ashes hauled Crying I ain't going to marry : ain't going to settle down Crying I'm a-stay right here : till my mustache dragged the ground Crying where was you : when the Frisco left the yard Crying I was standing right there : police had me barred \L Luca 1 Lucas, Jane \C title: Pussy Cat Blues \C place and date: New York, 15 Sept. 1930 \C record numbers: (10031-2) Ba-32138 Yz L-1035 You can play with my pussy : but please don't dog it around If you going to mistreat it : no pussy will be found Soon as I get sober : going to get drunk again If I can't get no liquor : drink that good garden gin If you got a good pussy : folks don't give it away The rats may overtake you : need your pussy cat some day \L Luca 2 Lucas, Jane \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 You can talk about me going : push me to the wall Check up on my loving : but you sure can't get it all \L Luca 3 Lucas, Jane \C title: Fix It \C place and date: Richmond, Ind., 19 Nov. 1930 \C record numbers: (17278-A) Ch-16215 Riv RM-8803 Mr oh Mr : can't you fix this thing for me I'd give anything to fix it : I don't care what it be Mr won't you fix it : what makes you wait so long If you don't want to fix it : tell me and I'll be moving on You got tools Mr : everybody say your work is fine So don't have no part missing : I want you to work all night \L Luca 4 Lucas, Jane \C title: Double Trouble Blues \C place and date: Richmond, Ind., 19 Nov. 1930 \C record numbers: (17285) Ch-16289 Yz L-1035 When you get in trouble : you can always tell who's your friend If you ask him for any money : say I ain't got none to lend Trouble wake me in the morning : put me to bed late at night Now if I get out of trouble : going to start living right Trouble trouble : I've been having it all my days Old trouble killed my sister : got me one foot in my grave Sometime I wonder : what am I going to do Sometime I'm happy : most every time I am blue \L Luca 5 Lucas, Jane \C title: Leave My Man Alone \C place and date: Richmond, Ind., 19 Nov. 1930 \C record numbers: (17286) Ch-16289 Yz L-1035 Didn't get this man : for nobody else I got this man : all for myself Call my man : on the telephone He was so sad : I wasn't at home He got plenty of money : ain't no *junk* He got one-way pocket : because he's going to come out You ain't good-looking : you ain't fair Look like you could find you : a man somewhere Had my man : long enough He ought to be tired : of that old stuff I let you stay here : in my house You took my man : you dirty louse If I catch you : in my bed Mama I'm going to : kill you dead \L McCl 1 McClennan, Tommy \C title: Brown Skin Girl \C place and date: Chicago, 22 Nov. 1939 \C record numbers: (044243-1) BB-B8444 RCA LPV-518 Now I got a brownskin [girl, woman] : with her front tooth crowned with gold She got a lien on my body : and a mortgage on my soul Now friend don't never let your good girl : fix you like this woman got me Got me stone crazy about her : as a doggone fool can be Now I ain't going to tell nobody : baby about the way you do Say you always keep : some some fatmouth following you Now I told you once now baby now : ain't going to tell you no more Next time I have to tell you : I'm sure going to let you go Now when you get you one of them faulty women : she won't do the truck Get you a two-by-four : and I swear you can strut your stuff Mmm : baby that's all I want Just a little bit of loving : and then you can be gone \L McCl 2 McClennan, Tommy \C title: Baby, Don't You Want to Go \C place and date: Chicago, 22 Nov. 1939 \C record numbers: (044245- ) BB-B8408 Rt RL-305 Mmm : baby don't you want to go To that land of California : sweet old Chicago Now did you get that letter : dropped in your back yard Wants to come to see you : your best man got me barred Now I don't drink because I'm dry : or drink because I'm blue The reason I drink pretty mama : now I can't get along with you Now look a-here baby : don't have to take no more You can get my loving : if you just let him go Now my my mama told me : papa started to cry Son you're too young a man : to have the women at your side She cried look a-here baby : I know you want to go To that land of California : sweet old Chicago \L McCl 3 McClennan, Tommy \C title: New Highway No. 51 \C place and date: Chicago, 10 May 1940 \C record numbers: (044986- ) BB-B8499 RBF RF-202 Highway Fifty : runs right by my baby's door Now if I don't get the girl I'm loving : ain't going down Highway Fifty-One no more Now if I should die : [just] before my time do come I want you to please bury my body : out on Highway Fifty-One Now yon come that Greyhound : with his tongue sticking out on the side If you buy your ticket : swear 'fore God that man'll let you ride My baby didn't have one five dollars : baby and I owned me a V-Eight Ford If I ever meet that Greyhound bus : on that Highway Fifty-One road Now any time you get lonesome : and you wants to have some fun Come out to little Tommy's cabin : he lives on Highway Fifty-One \L McCl 4 McClennan, Tommy \C title: She's Just Good Huggin' Size \C place and date: Chicago, 10 May 1940 \C record numbers: (044987- ) BB-B8605 Rt RL-305 Oh my baby : just about good hugging size Lord and if anybody wants to take her : I believe to my soul I'd die Lord I tried to give the little woman : everything that she tell me she needs But she will hold a conversation : with every lowdown dirty man she meets That little woman she won't wash : now now she won't even iron my clothes She won't do nothing I tell her : but she done bake me jellyroll Now I ain't going to tell you babe : about the way you do But I swear the way you do : it keeps on worrying me Now I used to have a woman : now now she's [just] as good as any in this [white man's] town But I caught her two-timing me : and I swear I turn her damper down \L McCl 5 McClennan, Tommy \C title: My Little Girl \C place and date: Chicago, 10 May 1940 \C record numbers: (044988- ) BB-B8605 Rt RL-305 I say my little girl : just as sweet as she can be And every time she kisses me : cold chill run all over me Now baby don't you worry : just because I'm out of town All my love I have for you darling : swear it can't be turned around Now you hurt my feelings : babe but [I swear] I wouldn't let on I believe it's some dirty deacon : is done been here and gone Now I love you baby : don't care what you do But the way you doing : I swear it's coming back home to you \L McCl 6 McClennan, Tommy \C title: My Baby's Doggin' Me \C place and date: Chicago, 10 May 1940 \C record numbers: (044991- ) BB-B8545 Rt RL-305 Now she dog me every morning : she dog me late at night She keep on a-dogging me : till I going to make everything all right Now look a-here mama : tell me where you stay last night She said ain't none of your business : you know you don't treat me right Now I done told you once pretty mama : ain't going to tell you no more You can get all my loving : if you just let him go I say look a-here babe : I'm getting tired of the way you're dogging me Because I like pretty mama : better than any woman that I ever seen Mmm : my baby's dogging me I love that little old woman : better than any woman that I ever seen \L McCl 7 McClennan, Tommy \C title: She's a Good Looking Mama \C place and date: Chicago, 10 May 1940 \C record numbers: (044992- ) BB-B8545 Rt RL-305 She's a good-looking woman : teeth don't even shine like pearls But that old good disposition that woman got : I do swear it will carry her all through the world Now please don't never let your good girl : treat you like this here woman got me She got me stone crazy about her : as a good-looking woman can be Now you know that I love you baby : and that's why we can't get along But some day you're going to be sorry : that you ever did your daddy wrong Now some day you're going to want me back : baby now now and you going to acknowledge that you did wrong But it's going to be too late pretty mama : your daddy will be gone Ooh : Lord Lord Lordy Lord Sure I love you sweet mama : but I sure ain't going to be your dog \L McCl 8 McClennan, Tommy \C title: Whiskey Head Man \C place and date: Chicago, 12 Dec. 1940 \C record numbers: (053736- ) BB-B8760 RBF RF-14 Now he's a whiskey-headed man : and he stays drunk all the time Just as sure if he don't stop drinking : I believe he's going to lose his mind Now every time I see this man : he's at some whiskey joint Trying to catch a big bet : so he can get him one more half a pint Now every time I see this man : he's standing on the street Laughing grinning talking : with most every man he meets Now every time I see this man : he at some whiskey joint Sniffing around the back door : begging one more half a pint \L McCl 9 McClennan, Tommy \C title: New Sugar Mama \C place and date: Chicago, 12 Dec. 1940 \C record numbers: (053737- ) BB-B8760 Rt RL-305 Sugar mama sugar mama : won't you please come back to me Bring me that granulated sugar : sugar mama to relieve my misery Now my coffee's sweet in the morning : you know I'm crazy about [that, my] tea at night Don't get my sugar three times a day : great Lord I don't feel right Now you been bragging about your whiskey : now now you've been bragging all over town The bootlegger won't sell enough sugar to make whiskey : don't even sell but about four or five pounds Now sugar mama sugar mama : [won't you] please come [on] back to me Bring me that granulated sugar : that all it take to ease my misery Now sugar mama sugar mama : you know you been gone all day long You been doing something with my sugar : ooo Lord now I know it was wrong Now sugar mama sugar mama : now won't you please come on back to me You know I don't like nothing but my sugar : and that's what it takes to ease my misery \L McCl 10 McClennan, Tommy \C title: Down to Skin and Bones \C place and date: Chicago, 12 Dec. 1940 \C record numbers: (053738- ) BB-B8725 Rt RL-305 I say my little woman : got me down to skin and bone She done got me to the place : I hate to see my baby leave home Now she leave me every morning : she don't come home till night She know I know she doing something : oh Lord but she know it ain't right Don't think because I love you : I'm going to be your dog I'll drink muddy water : and I'll lives in a hollow log Mmm : gal I don't know why I should Because you go with every man : mmm in anybody's neighborhood \L McCl 11 McClennan, Tommy \C title: Katy Mae Blues \C place and date: Chicago, 12 Dec. 1940 \C record numbers: (053739-1) BB-B8689 Rt RL-305 Katy Mae's a good-looking woman now : but she stays out all night long Katy Mae be doing something : oh Lord well you know is wrong You know I love you Katy Mae : and that's why we can't get along Some day you going to be sorry : that you ever done poor Tommy wrong I give you all my loving : Katy Mae what more can a poor man do You's a sweet little girl : but I swear you won't be true Now how can I do right : now baby you won't do right yourself Before you love me baby : you wants to love somebody else Now Katy Mae she won't wash : now she won't starch [and iron] my clothes Katy Mae won't do nothing : oh but walk the road \L McCl 12 McClennan, Tommy \C title: Love with a Feeling \C place and date: Chicago, 12 Dec. 1940 \C record numbers: (053740-1) BB-B8689 Rt RL-305 If you're going to have a woman : love her with a thrill And if you don't love her : some other man will Now no woman no woman : *ever but halfway stuffed* Because when you turn her loose : be sure she got enough Now you know 'Berta : you ain't doing me right And when you come home : we'll go to fuss and fight Mmm mama told me : papa started to cry The way you got doing babe : won't take your life \L McCl 13 McClennan, Tommy \C title: Drop Down Mama \C place and date: Chicago, 12 Dec. 1940 \C record numbers: (053741-1) BB-B8704 Rt RL-305 Drop down mama : let daddy see You got something : really worry me Now my mama she don't allow me : stay out the whole night long Because you may be a *model* : and you may be treated wrong Now my baby got ways soon in the morning : just like a squirrel Get up every morning : grabbing them *covers* on the world Now when you get your women : and she act funny in every way Just D B all right : she'll be home some day I'm going to write you a letter soon in the morning : mail it in the air You can tell by that : babe I got a somewhere Now if you get you a woman : now now treat her nice in every way Because when you get to Chicago : these women walking around here any day \L McCl 14 McClennan, Tommy \C title: Black Minnie \C place and date: Chicago, 12 Dec. 1940 \C record numbers: (053742-1) BB-B8704 Rt RL-305 Black Minnie Black Minnie : you know you ain't doing me right But the day you quit me Black Minnie : I swear that's the day you die Black Minnie you know I love you : and I love you for myself And I'd rather be with you Black Minnie : than to be with anyone else I give my money Black Minnie : and everything that you told me you need And one time done come and caught me : baby with my B V Ds Now Black Minnie Black Minnie : I'm going to take you one more time And if you don't suit me : I'm going to try to *fade the line* Black Minnie Black Minnie : what in the world are you trying to do I believe trying to love me Black Minnie : and my partner too Now Black Minnie Black Minnie : you know you don't mean me no good Because you going with the man : that lives right above my neighborhood Black Minnie Black Minnie : girl you stays in the dark And your no-good way : I ain't going to never give you my last dime Black Minnie Black Minnie : I'm going to try you one more time And if you don't do : I'm going to break your neck a-trying \L McCl 15 McClennan, Tommy \C title: Elsie Blues \C place and date: Chicago, 12 Dec. 1940 \C record numbers: (053743- ) BB-B8725 Rt RL-305 Elsie : is sweetest girl I know If you didn't love me Elsie : why didn't you tell me so Now I followed Elsie : right to the jumping-off ground But I never felt sorry : till they let my baby down Now I followed my baby Lord : long days and long nights I followed my baby : till I see she wasn't going to treat me right You can misuse me here now now : but you can't when I go home Elsie I got somebody there : will really make you leave me alone Now I give you all my loving : Elsie what more can a poor man do You a sweet little girl : Elsie but I swear you won't be true Now you can't have me Elsie : now now and my partner too Because your no-good way baby : oh baby that won't do Now I followed you to them dance now : and you jook jook all the time You jook jook so : that I wouldn't pay you no mind You if you don't quit jooking baby : that's going to be all right If your good man don't see you : I'll try to see you tomorrow night \L McCl 16 McClennan, Tommy \C title: Cross Cut Saw Blues \C place and date: Chicago, 15 Sept. 1941 \C record numbers: (064885- ) BB-B8897 Rt RL-305 Now I'm a crosscut saw : drive me across your log Baby I cut your wood so easy : you can't help but say hot dog They call me wood-cutting Sam : call me wood-cutting Bill But the woman I did the wood-cutting for : she wants me back again I got a double-bladed ax : and it sure cuts good But try my crosscut saw : it's evil to the wood Now look a-here mama : you stay last night Said ain't none of your business : you don't do me right Now when you go to fishing : now don't forget the pole You you's a good girl : but you ain't been out long \L McCl 17 McClennan, Tommy \C title: You Can't Read My Mind \C place and date: Chicago, 15 Sept. 1941 \C record numbers: (064887- ) BB-B8897 Rt RL-305 I say my good-looking woman : honey she lives up on that hill She been trying to quit poor Tommy : oh Lord but I love her still She walks the street [late at, every] night : she won't treat nobody right Oh she drinks her moonshine whiskey : but me and her will make everything all right I say if you quit Mr Butler : we will make everything all right If I can't see you today : we may get together tomorrow night Now you can read my letter : oh but you can't read my mind Sometime you think I'm crazy about you : I'm liable to be quitting you all the time Now that's all right babe : what you did [last, one] Sunday night If I hadn't been in my whiskey too : it's liable to cause our fussing and fight \L McCl 18 McClennan, Tommy \C title: Deep Blue Sea Blues \C place and date: Chicago, 15 Sept. 1941 \C record numbers: (064889- ) BB-B9005 Rt RL-313 I'm going babe I'm going : and crying won't make me stay Because the more you cry now now baby : the further you drive me away Now I wished that I was a bullfrog : swimming in the deep blue sea Lord I would have all these good-looking women now now now : fishing after me Now I went to my baby's house : and I sat down on her steps She said walk on in now now Tommy : my husband just now left Now it ain't none of none of my business : babe but you know I know it ain't right Hit your kid-man all day long : and play sick on your husband at night Now Lord oh Lord : baby hear me blow the blues Don't got nobody now now now : give me my last pair of shoes \L McCl 19 McClennan, Tommy \C title: I'm a Guitar King \C place and date: Chicago, 15 Sept. 1941 \C record numbers: (064890- ) BB-B8957 RBF RF-1 I'm a guitar king : singing the blues everywhere I go I'm going to sing these blues : till I get back in territor' Now my mama told me : son you most too old Oh don't forget : you got a soul But that ain't none of your business : keep it to yourself Don't you tell your kid-man : please don't tell nobody else Now I went to my baby's house : knocked upon her door She had the nerve to tell me : that she didn't want me no more I say that's all right babe : [most any, any old] way you do If you mistreat poor Tommy : I swear it's coming back home to you It's a crying pity : lowdown dirty shame Crazy about a married woman : afraid to call her name \L McCl 20 McClennan, Tommy \C title: It's a Cryin' Pity \C place and date: Chicago, 15 Sept. 1941 \C record numbers: (064891- ) BB-B9005 Rt RL-305 It's a crying pity : a lowdown dirty shame Crazy about a no-good woman : scared to call her name Now where were you babe : when I knocked upon your door You hadn't never tell poor Tommy : that you couldn't use me no more But that's all right babe : got to reap [just] what you sow But don't forget that night : I knocked upon you door Now I done some last winter : don't expect to do it no more Quit the best woman I had : and I have drove her from my door But forgive me baby : won't do wrong no more You can get all my loving : but you got to let that black man go Now I love you baby : I don't see why I should Because you going with the man : that lives right in my neighborhood \L McCl 21 McClennan, Tommy \C title: Mozelle Blues \C place and date: Chicago, 20 Feb. 1942 \C record numbers: (074100- ) BB-B9015 Rt RL-314 Mozelle : why we can't get along Because you know you always doing something : baby when you know it's wrong Mozelle you know you been rambling : rambling all night long Yeah I know you been doing something : yeah Mozelle well you know is wrong Mozelle you know you [like, love] your whiskey : don't forget I [likes, love] mine too But I'll get my whiskey so strong : I'll forget about you Mozelle : I love you for myself Every time I hear somebody speaking about you : I will beat you in the *B W O L* \L McCl 22 McClennan, Tommy \C title: Mr. So and So Blues \C place and date: Chicago, 20 Feb. 1942 \C record numbers: (074102- ) BB-B9015 Rt RL-314 Babe I feel so worried : yeah and I feel so low Because I believe you been out : with Mr so-and-so Now baby I ??? : please get out of my face Because I got myself a brand new woman : yeah girl to take your place Ooo babe : you know that sure ain't right *You're off having a binge* : you don't come home at all at night \L McCl 23 McClennan, Tommy \C title: Bluebird Blues \C place and date: Chicago, 20 Feb. 1942 \C record numbers: (074107- ) BB-B9037 RCA LPV-518 Bluebird bluebird : please fly down south for me If you don't find me on the M and O : you'll find me somewhere on that Santa Fe Bluebird when you get in Jackson : don't tell nobody I'm home Tell them I'm going back to Kansas City : that's where poor Tommy belong Oh babe : you is on my mind I hope to see you some of these days : you know I sure ain't lying Now bluebird you get to Jackson : out on China Street Tell them Tommy's too bad : go away girl you know I got the blues about me Oh babe : please your Tommy be all right If I can't see you today : it'll be all right tomorrow night \L McCli 1 McClintock, Lil \C title: Furniture Man \C place and date: Atlanta, 4 Dec. 1930 \C record numbers: (151016-2) Co-14575-D Rt RL-318 Well a-this piano : and everything Mr Cooper had it written down : under my name \L McClu 1 McClure, Matthew \C title: Prisoner's Blues \C place and date: Richmond, Ind., 22 Sept. 1932 \C record numbers: (18798) Ch-18514 Riv RM-8819 Did you ever get in trouble : and they take you down to jail You didn't have a friend : to come and go your bail When you got a lot of money: you've got friends for miles around But any time that you're broke : your good friends they can't be found When I lost all my money : no one would loan me a dime I could hear them all saying : he ain't no friend of mine It's tough when you're broke friends : you can't even get a dime If you even go a-begging : everyone will turn you down I'm going back to prison : don't know what else to do That's the only thing I know : to cure a prisoner's blues \L McCoC 1 McCoy, Charlie \C title: Last Time Blues \C place and date: Memphis, c. 22 Sept. 1929 \C record numbers: (M-176- ) Br-7141 Yz L-1001 Babe just as sure as a blackbird : flies in the skies above Bet your life ain't worth living babe : if you ain't with the one you love My baby tried to do me : like the tadpole do the trout That's getting me out in the deep water baby : then she walks on out Mmm good Lordy : send me an angel down Son I can't spare you no angel : but I'll send you a teasing brown I don't think : no woman in this whole round world do right If they be good all day : they will do wrong at night Baby you know it may be my last time : rider you sure don't know It may be my last time baby : knocking on your door \L McCoC 2 McCoy, Charlie \C title: That Lonesome Train Took My Baby Away \C place and date: Jackson, Miss., 15 Dec. 1930 \C record numbers: (404726-A) OK-8863 RBF RF-14 Woke up this morning : found something wrong My loving babe : had caught that train and gone Now won't you starch my jumper : iron my overalls I'm going to ride that train : that they call the Cannonball Mr depot agent : close your depot down The woman I'm loving : she's fixing to blow this town Now that mean old fireman : that cruel old engineer Going to take my baby : and leave me lonesome here It ain't no telling : what that train won't do It'll take your baby : and run right over you Now that engineer man : ought to be ashamed of himself Take women from their husbands : babies from their mother's breast I walked down the track : when the stars refused to shine Looked like every minute : I was going to lose my mind Now my knees was weak : my footsteps was all I heard Looked like every minute : I was stepping in another world \L McCoJ 1 McCoy, Joe \C title: That Will Be Alright \C place and date: New York, 18 June 1929 \C record numbers: (148708-3) Co-14439-D Yz L-1021 Well look here mama : see what you done done Took all my money : put me on a bum ??? : go to your knees Try and bum jelly : to who you please Going to buy me a dog : tired and old Keep these men : from my jellyroll I'm crazy about your loving : don't see why she can Saw them going : with another man Now you talk about jelly : you ought to see mine Sharing her jelly : all over town I had a good *cake* : *now sweet as mama's shelf* *Now she gone to town : with somebody else* I'm going to build me a house : out on the sea So these women : come see poor me Me and my brother : went around the bend Heard my gal : putting *cider* in \L McCoJ 2 McCoy, Joe (Memphis Minnie) \C title: Goin' Back to Texas \C place and date: New York, 18 June 1929 \C record numbers: (148709-2) Co-14455-D OJL-21 Oh mercy dear : you caused my heart It really is wrong : that we must part You learned I love you : *mores* all the rest Your leaving me : breaks my happiness I'll count the hours : lover when I'm gone Think of you : wish you back home My lonesome heart : will shake with fear The very hour : I call your name Every hour : Not at ease : with anyone else I'll *haunt the line* : for you I know I'm asking you dear : please don't go Oh honey babe : mama *ray* *Glory be* : I see that thing \L McCoJ 3 McCoy, Joe \C title: When the Levee Breaks \C place and date: New York, 18 June 1929 \C record numbers: (148711-1) Co-14439-D BC-1 If it keeps on raining : levee's going to break And the water going to come : and we'll have no place to stay Well all last night : I sat on the levee and moaned Thinking about my baby : and my happy home If it keeps on raining : levee's going to break And all these people : have no place to stay Now look here mama : what am I to do I ain't got nobody : tell my troubles to I worked on the levee : mama both night and day I ain't got nobody : to keep the water away On crying won't help you : praying won't do no good When the levee break : mom you got to move I worked on the levee : mama both night and day When the levee break : mom you got to move I worked on the levee : mama both night and day Say worked so hard : keep the water away I had a woman : she wouldn't do for me I'm going back : to my used-to-be Old mean old levee : cause me to weep and moan Cause me to leave my baby : and my happy home \L McCoJ 4 McCoy, Joe \C title: I'm Wild About My Stuff \C place and date: Chicago, c. early June 1930 \C record numbers: (C-5820-A) Vo-1570 His HLP-32 All of my chicken : is dressed mighty fine Can't get my chicken : take dressing from mine Went to the henhouse : looked on the roof Looking for my stuff : but it was no use Take a boa constrictor : and a lemon stick Wouldn't mind going : but my mama's sick You can toot your whistle : you can ring your bell Know you been waddling : by the way you smell Good stuff good stuff : is hard to find Kill my daddy : run my mama blind Now I'm going girls : don't flirt after me Got good stuff : and it's all I need Listen boys : don't mean no harm Go ahead on : let my stuff alone Now somebody ask you : who sung this song Kansas Joe : been here and gone \L McCoJ 5 McCoy, Joe \C title: My Mary Blues \C place and date: Chicago, c. early June 1930 \C record numbers: (C-5830- ) Vo-1576 Pal PL-101 Early one morning : *my mind* Was thinking about my Mary : didn't have no place to stay Now tell me Mary : where did you stay last night Come home this morning : the sun was shining bright I met my Mary : way across the sea She wouldn't write me no letter : she didn't care for me You see my Mary : tell her to hurry home Haven't been long loving : honey since you been gone I love my Mary : tell the whole round world I do I want some real good loving : why don't your heart be true Goodbye Mary : goodbye and it's fare you well That's when I get back home : can't anyone tell \L McCoJ 6 McCoy, Joe \C title: Cherry Ball Blues \C place and date: Chicago, c. mid June 1930 \C record numbers: (C-5864-A) Vo-1535 Pal PL-101 Ain't going to give you : no more cherry ball Well you might get mad now : show your Santa Claus Rocks and gravel : ??? road Takes a get-along woman : satisfy my soul See you dead now : in some cedar grove Than to see some man now : bothering with your clothes Ain't no driver : but the driver's son I can do your driving : till that driver comes \L McCoJ 7 McCoy, Joe \C title: Botherin' that Thing \C place and date: Chicago, c. mid June 1930 \C record numbers: (C-5865-A) Vo-1570 His HLP-32 I went to my window : my window was *cracked* Went to my door : my door was locked Old lady diamond : setting on a rock Raising her hand : trying to *change* that knot My old lady : ought to be ashamed She kept the watch : and give me the change Mama got the washboard : papa got the tub Brother got mad : because they wouldn't let him rub Drive up to the station : to catch that train Got there too late : from bothering that thing Went to the doctor : the doctor said Bothering that thing : is going to kill you dead \L McCoJ 8 McCoy, Joe \C title: Pile Drivin' Blues \C place and date: Chicago, c. 14 July 1930 \C record numbers: (C-6012- ) Vo-1612 Yz L-1002 Drove so many piles : my hammer's all worn out That's when I do my driving : they began to jump and shout Want all you people : just to understand That's when I do my driving : drive just like a man When I was young : driving was my crave You drove me so hard : drove me to my grave Get you a hammer : you can drive all the time You have broke my hammer : my hammer's out of line \L McCoJ 9 McCoy, Joe \C title: I Called You This Morning \C place and date: Chicago, c. 14 July 1930 \C record numbers: (C-6013- ) Vo-1631 BC-13 I called you this morning : about half past one Told me : that you just got on I called you this morning : about half past two Told me : that you just got through I called you this morning : about half past three Told me : that you couldn't use me I called you this morning : about half past four Told me : that you didn't want me no more I called you this morning : about half past five You turned over : cried like a child I called you this morning : about half past six You told me : that it was out of fix \L McCoJ 10 McCoy, Joe \C title: Beat It Right \C place and date: Chicago, c. 31 Jan. 1931 \C record numbers: (C-7246- ) Vo-1643 Pal PL-101 Some got both queens : some got both kings I got both aces : I know I got the best hand Oh I can beat it : I can beat it tonight I can beat it baby : got something to beat it right Now it's dark and cloudy : don't need no light You want me to beat it : you got to move it just right Oh I can beat it : I can beat it tonight I can beat it baby : got something to beat it with Now listen girl : don't be afraid I hits every nail : right on the head Now the men don't like me : because I speak my mind The women like me : because I can beat it all the time Now all you women : love to fuss and fight Come on around : now let us beat it up tight Now listen folks : don't mean no harm I got to go : and beat my way back home Well I went to the doctor : to get me a piece of advice Keep on beating it : it's going to take your life \L McCoJ 11 McCoy, Joe \C title: Preachers Blues \C place and date: Chicago, c. 31 Jan. 1931 \C record numbers: (C-7247- ) Vo-1643 BC-13 Some folks say : a preacher won't steal I caught three : in my cornfield One had a yellow : one had a brown Looked over by the mill : one was getting down Now some folks say : that a preacher won't steal But he will do more stealing : than I can get regular meals I went to my house : about half past ten Looked on my bed : where the preacher had been He will eat your chicken : he will eat your pie He will lead your wife out : on the sly I been trying so hard : trying to save my life To keep that preacher : from my wife I went out last night : came in late I found out : where he had made his date I done told you once : done told you twice ??? over that preacher : you be done lost your wife \L McCoJ 12 McCoy, Joe \C title: Shake Mattie \C place and date: Chicago, c. Feb. 1931 \C record numbers: (VO-109-A) Vo-1668 Mam S-3803 Shake shake Mattie : shake rattle and roll I can't get enough now : satisfy my soul Old shaking Mattie : meat shake on the bone Every time she shakes them : poor man's dollar gone Old shaking Mattie : and shaking Sue I can't get by now : at the way they do Old *gate-foot* Mattie : and *gate-foot bright* They meets at the levee : every Saturday night Well the bell rung for *dinner* : as I been *bad* If you ask her about it : have to reckon with her man Yonder come old Mattie : with a paper in her hand Going to the sergeant : trying to free her man Yonder come old Mattie : how in the world you know I know old Mattie : by the dress she wore \L McCoJ 13 McCoy, Joe \C title: My Wash Woman's Gone \C place and date: Chicago, c. Feb. 1931 \C record numbers: (VO-110-A) Vo-1668 Yz L-1026 My baby's *deaf-toweled* : can't hardly hear Such fussing and fighting : this whole round year Now my baby's gone : left my clothes in the tub I ain't got no washwoman : *mean* nobody can rub I got up this morning : said my morning prayers Didn't have nobody : to speak in my behalf I got an old tub now : so deep and wide Keep me rubbing : from side to side Well I got an old lady now : wash mighty clean When she go to rub : she rub so mean I feel like falling down : on bended knees Cried Lord have mercy : if you please \L McCoJ 14 McCoy, Joe \C title: Joliet Bound \C place and date: New York, 3 Feb. 1932 \C record numbers: (11220-A) Vo-1686 Yz L-1021 Now those police coming : with his ball and chain And they accusing me of murder : never harmed a man Now some got six months : some got one solid year Now me and my buddy : got a lifetime here Now the judge he pleaded : clerk he wrote it down Now I hear my last jail sentence now : must be Joliet bound Now cook my supper : let me go to bed I've been drinking white lightning : and it's gone to my head Now go and hurt me baby : do anything you want to do Some day you going to want it : and then I won't want you Now those police shifted : those pistol in my side Now if you run big boy now : ??? bound to die When they had my trial : you could not be found Now I done got on that dock : and I'm Joliet bound \L McCoJ 15 McCoy, Joe \C title: Someday I'll Be in the Clay \C place and date: Chicago, 13 Aug. 1932 \C record numbers: (C-9290) De-7008 Rt RL-329 I dropped my baby off : among my friends First thing I know : she done had turned me in But some day : I'll be in the clay And I won't be long here : to be treated this a-way When I was a man : I tried to prove a friend First thing I know : you had four or five men There come a time : I can't say no more I'll be a-hearsing : out my door But when I'm gone : don't cry over me Just think about : your used-to-be Now I can't stay : but fare you well If I ain't gone to heaven : you know I gone to hell \L McCoJ 16 McCoy, Joe \C title: Evil Devil Woman Blues \C place and date: Chicago, 16 Aug. 1934 \C record numbers: (C-9299-A) De-7822 BC-5 I'd rather be the devil : be that woman's man Because she was evil : wouldn't work hand in hand On she's all right now : she's all right with me But the devil is evil : evil as he can be I tried : to be nice and kind Oh she was evil : would not change her mind I'll cut your wood baby : and I'll build your fire I'll bring you water : through that muddy bayou I'll give my money : to buy your shoes and clothes But you was evil : throwed me out-of-doors But that's all right baby : it's coming home to you I tried to be : tried to be a man to you \L McCoJ 17 McCoy, Joe \C title: Going Back Home \C place and date: Chicago, 16 Aug. 1934 \C record numbers: (C-9300-A) De-7087 Yz L-1007 Lord wonder : will I ever get back home Crying how long : you going to keep me away from home I walked and I wandered : crying the whole night long Crying wonder : will I ever get back home I went to the station : looked up on the board Crying is it possible : will I ever get back home So long I traveled : the *way side and more* Crying wonder : will I ever get back home You may never never : see me anymore But you will never forget the day : I knocked upon your door \L McCoJ 18 McCoy, Joe (Memphis Minnie) \C title: You Got to Move-+-Part 1 \C place and date: Chicago, 24 Aug. 1934 \C record numbers: (C-9380- ) De-7038 BC-1 Say little girl : can I spend the night Wife and I : just had a fight I've got to move : out of the neighborhood For the woman I love : don't mean me no good Babe it ain't no use : you talking about no money tonight Pay for everything : tomorrow night If you can take it baby : it'll be all right Pay you off : right here tonight When I had her : she lived on Easy Street Now she's begging : every man she meets \L McCoJ 19 McCoy, Joe \C title: Something Gonna Happen to You \C place and date: Chicago, 1 Nov. 1935 \C record numbers: (96262- ) BB-B6260 Yz L-1021 I'm going to ask my buddy now : how come he shares Going to fool around : Crying something bad now : sure is going to happen to you That's when I done everything : that a poor boy could do I'm have bought me a pistol : shotgun and some shells Start some stuff : to show them raise some hell Yes you talked about me : all through the neighborhood Told everybody : that I was no good Yes you called on the old law : and he brought his ball and chain Accused me of murder : I never harmed a man Yes my mother she told me : my daddy sat down and he cried Some day son : you got to lay down and die There'll be one of these mornings : you going to jump and shout Open the jailhouse door : and you come walking out I used to have so many women : I didn't know what Lord Used to gang around me : like the ants on a bug \L McCoJ 20 McCoy, Joe (Harlem Hamfats) \C title: Oh Red \C place and date: Chicago, 18 Apr. 1936 \C record numbers: (90691-A) De-7182 AH-77 Oh Red : wish you were dead I'm sick and tired : rubbing my baby's head Oh Red : what you going to do I'm sick and tired : chastizing you Oh Red : baby's in jail She ain't got nobody : come and go her bail Oh Red : she's outdoors She ain't got nowhere : carry her dirty clothes Oh Red : she's all right And we ain't going to fuss : and we ain't going to fight Oh Red : all over now You didn't have no right : raise no hell nohow \L McCoJ 21 McCoy, Joe (Harlem Hamfats) \C title: What You Gonna Do \C place and date: Chicago, 2 July 1936 \C record numbers: (90782-A) De-7205 AH-77 What you going to do : when they put you in jail again Do like I would do : get out if you can What you going to do : when they put you outdoors again Do like I would do : get back if you can What you going to do : when you lose your money again Do like I would do : win it back if you can What you going to do : when you lose your baby again Do like I would do : win her back if you can What you going to do : when she put the dog on you Do like I would do : get loose if you can What you going to do : when she close the door in your face Do like I would do : open it if you can \L McCoJ 22 McCoy, Joe (Harlem Hamfats) \C title: Southern Blues \C place and date: Chicago, 2 Oct. 1936 \C record numbers: (90913-A) De-7229 AH-77 Blues jumped the monkey : and run him for a solid mile And the poor fellow lie down : cried like a natural child Blues is something : I just can't understand And when they gets on me : talk like a natural man \L McCoJ 23 McCoy, Joe (Harlem Hamfats) \C title: The Garbage Man \C place and date: Chicago, 2 Oct. 1936 \C record numbers: (90914-A) De-7229 AH-77 Stick out your can : here comes the garbage man Ain't nobody : stick it out like you can \L McCoJ 24 McCoy, Joe (Harlem Hamfats) \C title: My Daddy Was a Movin' Man \C place and date: Chicago, 22 Oct. 1936 \C record numbers: (90949-A) De-7251 AH-77 I want to do : like my daddy done He loved women : from sun to sun My daddy : was a loving man And he make them like it : everywhere he land When he start to loving : they cry for more Even laid the woman : lived next door Had twenty women : that I know Each one told me : he sure could go The only thing : he didn't do good Was make his women : lay it on wood \L McCoJ 25 McCoy, Joe (Harlem Hamfats) \C title: We Gonna Pitch a Boogie Woogie \C place and date: Chicago, 13 Nov. 1936 \C record numbers: (90982-A) De-7326 AH-77 We drinking whiskey : champagne and wine Want you to know : your woman from mine We're going to pitch boogie-woogie : going to have a ball tonight And we ain't going to fuss : and we ain't going to fight That's your woman : pin her to your side She flag my train : I'm going to give her a ride Everybody's talking : know what it's all about Your man started some stuff : we're going to put him out I'm taking one : to ninety-nine Don't be careful : you're liable to lose your mind Ain't no use : your gal being afraid He'll pay you off : if you use your head Pull your dresses : above your knees Sell your stuff : to who you please \L McCoJ 26 McCoy, Joe (Harlem Hamfats) \C title: Hallelujah Joe Ain't Preachin' No More \C place and date: Chicago, 14 Jan. 1937 \C record numbers: (91074-A) De-7299 AH-77 Everybody thought : he was through And he made a little song : about what you going to do All the sisters and brothers thought : he was dead Then he wrote a little song : by the name of Oh Red He made a little trip : down to New Orleans And he wrote that song : weed-smoker's dreams Everybody knew : his preaching was grand Then he wrote another blues : about move your hand \L McCoR 1 McCoy, Robert Lee \C title: Tough Luck \C place and date: Aurora, Ill., 5 May 1937 \C record numbers: (07655-1) BB-B7115 Rt RL-321 Now got in tough luck : all my people dead and gone And I haven't got any money : no place to call my home When a man gets in tough luck : nobody wants him around If he haven't got any money : there is no friend to be found When a man got lots of money : he'll have friend at every house But if he haven't got any money : he'll be treated like a cat with a mouse Now when I got in tough luck : my pigmeat didn't treat me right But why should I worry about the pigmeat : sleeping with an old hog every night So when I get out of this tough luck : I'm going to leave your home Because you treats me mean : you know you done me wrong \L McCoR 2 McCoy, Robert Lee \C title: Friar's Point Blues \C place and date: Chicago, 5 June 1940 \C record numbers: (93037-A) De-7819 Rt RL-319 Babe I know that you love me : you won't treat me right If you do good in the day : you'll go and do wrong at night Still I ain't going to worry : and I ain't going to raise no sand I'm going back to Friar's Point : down in sweet old Dixieland You can love me in the morning : you can love me late at night You don't have to worry : I'm going to treat you right Still I ain't going to worry : and I ain't going to raise no sand Yes I'm going away : way down in Dixieland Every time you kiss me : you make my love come down Sometimes I believe : you the sweetest girl in town Still I ain't going to worry : and I ain't going to raise no sand Yes I'm going to leave you : going down to Dixieland Babe I know you love me : you won't treat me right All you want to do : is fuss and fight \L McCoW 1 McCoy, William \C title: Central Tracks Blues \C place and date: Dallas, 8 Dec. 1928 \C record numbers: (147611-1) Co-14453-D Yz L-1018 Mmm : what's the matter now Well you're trying to quit your daddy mama : and you don't know how If you don't want me : hey [please] don't dog me around Oh just hand me my suitcase : I'll leave your Dallas town \L McFa 1 McFadden, Charlie Specks \C title: People People Blues \C place and date: Grafton, Wis., c. Feb. 1930 \C record numbers: (L-154-1) Pm-12928 Riv RM-8819 People people : you don't know my mind I'm sitting here thinking : about the girls that I left behind Blues and trouble : have been my best friends When my blues leave me : my trouble just begins Blues come down the alley : backing up to my door I've got the blues today : like I never had before Take me back mama : you know that I have been true ??? *me* ??? : is the same thing that I've done for you Left my baby : standing in the back door crying You got a home : just as long as I've got mine \L McFa 2 McFadden, Charlie Specks \C title: Groceries on the Shelf \C place and date: Grafton, Wis., c. Feb. 1930 \C record numbers: (L-155-1) Pm-12928 Riv RM-8819 My name is Piggly Wiggly : I've got groceries on my shelf Getting mighty tired : making these nights all by myself My mama told me : my papa told me too Don't let these Cadillac women : make no flat tire out of you If I had a-listened : to what my mama said Wouldn't have had such a hard time : in this world today I don't want no woman : wants to rove these streets night and day A woman like that : always wants to have her way I'm leaving you now mama : baby baby bye bye Going to miss your daddy : cuddling by your cozy side \L McFaB 1 MacFarland, Barrel House Buck \C title: I Got to Go Blues \C place and date: Chicago, 20 Aug. 1934 \C record numbers: (C-9321- ) De-7013 OJL-20 I got to go : got to leave my baby be And I love my woman : but my woman do not care for me Baby : baby what more can I do I done everything : cannot get along with you Oh yes : babe oh yes oh yes I know You don't want me woman : do like a *Mrs so-and-so* My God : babe my God my God my God I've got enough of you woman : I won't want to be your dog Nero : make me a soldier with a cross My babe quit me : then I know my soul is lost Baby : baby why don't you answer me I been a ??? fellow : babe I don't intend to be Sometime : my woman too sweet to die And again I believe : ought to be buried alive Oh : babe it hurts me to my heart But the Good Book says : that the best of friends must part Because I'm black : I was born black 'fore my birth And the women do tell me : I'm the sweetest black man on earth And : baby what's the matter now I'll always remember : you don't mean me no good nohow Oh : baby what's the matter you You worry me woman : babe I don't know what to do \L MackA 1 Mack, Alura \C title: West End Blues \C place and date: Richmond, Ind., 1 Mar. 1929 \C record numbers: (14847) Ge-6813 His HLP-4 I've got that *mainliner* feeling ooo : I'm full of gin I'm on my way to the West End : and that's where the trouble will begin Want to see some shooting : like there never has been before I mean my man and my best friend : will never see the West End anymore \L MackA 2 Mack, Alura \C title: Wicked Daddy Blues \C place and date: Richmond, Ind., 1 Mar. 1929 \C record numbers: (14848) Ge-6797 His HLP-4 I feel awfully : sad and blue Won't somebody : please tell me what to do My daddy left me : other day Couldn't be surprised : I was a poison snake Wicked daddy : I'll no longer be your slave Wicked daddy : now I'm going to put you in your grave I loved your pigmeat : so nice and so sweet And your loving ways : brother was hard to beat Now wicked daddy : you treat your mama cruel and rough I ain't *your rough* : and I sure know when I've had enough Oh wicked daddy : get out of my life Because you won't *smother* me : another night All of these mornings : how my poor heart aches Wicked daddy all you do : is take and take \L McMu 1 McMullen, Fred \C title: Wait and Listen \C place and date: New York, 16 Jan. 1933 \C record numbers: (12913-1) Ba-32690 Yz L-1012 Well you can't wait and listen : hear me when I cry When you hear me crying : know there's something wrong Well you can't wait and listen : *yeah there Willie Mae* *When it's through* baby : *something* churches tone Well he dug her grave : with a long-handled silver spade Well he let her down : with a great long leather line Well I followed my baby : to the burying ground What make it so sad eee baby : had done let her down Mmm smoke like lightning : church bells shine like gold *But with searching* I cry mama : see my baby laying on the bed \L McMu 2 McMullen, Fred \C title: De Kalb Chain Blues \C place and date: New York, 18 Jan. 1933 \C record numbers: (12936- ) Ba-32784 BC-5 And I'll tell all you people : that ain't no place to go Where they treat you cruel : dog you from morning till night Well they beat me and they search me : forty-five in my side ??? : mama working all day long Take these rings and chains : from all around my legs Well I believe to the Lord : these going to kill me dead \L Macon 1 Macon, Ed \C title: Wringing that Thing \C place and date: Atlanta, 12 Mar. 1929 \C record numbers: (402289-A) OK-8676 Mel MLP-7324 Now listen here folks : we don't mean no harm Don't get mad : we going to sing a little song There was a little black rooster : met a little brown hen Made a date at the barn : about half past ten I had a little woman : lived out Peach Tree Road Made more money : than John Henry Ford And the rooster crowed : and the hen looked around The bum-bum-biddly : going to carry you to town Now mama had a little dog : name was Ball Give him a lick : and he want it all Old Bill came in : about half past ten Key in the hole : but he couldn't get in Aunt Jane and Uncle Bud : ??? : If you see my girl : hurry home Had no breakfast : she been gone \L McPB 1 McPhail, Black Bottom \C title: Down in Black Bottom \C place and date: New York, 17 Mar. 1932 \C record numbers: (11512-A) Vo-1721 Yz L-1019 Now down in Black Bottom : that is so they say They drink good moonshine : and stay drunk all day Yes I went down in Black Bottom : I didn't go to stay down there long Police brought me out : by my right arm Now go down in Black Bottom : and you don't know the rules Black Bottom women : will try to make a fool out of you I'm crazy about Black Bottom : mmm so they say That's where they drink good moonshine : and stay drunk all day If you go down in Black Bottom : put your money in your shoes Don't them Black Bottom women : will give your pop the blues Now if you go down in Black Bottom : put your money down in your britches For them womens going to rob you : now you dirty mmm bitches Now if anybody asks you : who composed this song Tell them the Black Bottom Buddy : done been here and gone \L McPB 2 McPhail, Black Bottom \C title: My Dream Blues \C place and date: New York, 17 Mar. 1932 \C record numbers: (11513-A) Vo-1690 Yz L-1019 I'm going to tell all you people : my dream I had one week ago I dreamed my baby was leaving me : and I was begging her please don't go But whensoever you have a dream : always take you dream the other way For now I've been mistreated : and I'm leaving town this very day I'd rather be up on a mountain : or down in the deep blue sea Than to be right here baby : treated like you treat poor me Lord I cried last night : and I cried the night before But there's one thing I hope : I won't have to cry no more Now if you don't want me baby : why don't you tell me so Then I can sleep at night : and won't have to dream no more \L McPB 3 McPhail, Black Bottom \C title: Whiskey Man Blues \C place and date: New York, 17 Mar. 1932 \C record numbers: (11514-A) Vo-1721 Yz L-1019 Well I drink so much whiskey : till they call me whiskey man Lord I get drunk every morning : with a whiskey bottle in my hand Lord my baby treats me mean : she keeps me worried all the time And if I didn't drink my whiskey : I believe I would lose my mind When I drink my whiskey : I don't mistreat my friend I am sober now : but I'm going to get drunk again Lord whiskey whiskey : it don't mean me no good And I would stop drinking whiskey : baby if I only could Lord Lord : whiskey is killing me And why I can't stop drinking whiskey : Lord Lord I just can't see My baby put me out : I'm just going from hand to hand And I drink so much whiskey : till they call me whiskey man \L McTW 1 McTell, Blind Willie \C title: Writin' Paper Blues \C place and date: Atlanta, 18 Oct. 1927 \C record numbers: (40308-1) Vi-21474 Yz L-1005 I wrote you a letter mama : put it in your front yard I would love to come to see you : but your good mens got me barred Oh you wrote me a letter : to come back to Newport News To leave the town : and don't spread the news I wrote you a letter mama : sent you a telegram Not to meet me in Memphis : but meet me in Birmingham Mmm : hear my weep and moan Now don't you hear me pleading : hear my grieve and groan Now if I could get me : one more drink of booze I guess it would ease : these old writing paper blues I caught a freight train special : and my mama caught a passenger behind Because you can't quit me papa : there's no need in trying \L McTW 2 McTell, Blind Willie \C title: Stole Rider Blues \C place and date: Atlanta, 18 Oct. 1927 \C record numbers: (40309-2) Vi-21124 Yz L-1037 I'm going to grab me a train : ride the lonesome rail Liquor stole my baby: she's in the lonesome jail He took my mama : ??? her to the town of *Rome* Now she's screaming and crying : papa let your mama come back home I stole my good gal : from my bosom friend That fool got lucky : he stoled her back again That little woman I love : got a mouth chock full of good gold Every time you hug and kiss me : it make my blood run cold When you see two women : running hand in hand Bet you my last dollar : one done stole the other one's man I'm leaving town : please don't spread the news That why : I've got these old stole rider blues \L McTW 3 McTell, Blind Willie \C title: Mama, 'Tain't Long Fo' Day \C place and date: Atlanta, 18 Oct. 1927 \C record numbers: (40310-1) Vi-21474 Yz L-1005 Wake up mama : don't you sleep so hard For these old blues : walking all over your yard I've got these blues : means I'm not satisfied That's the reason why : I stole away and cried Blues grabbed me at midnight : didn't turn me loose till day I didn't have no mama : drive these blues away The big star falling : mama it ain't long 'fore day Maybe : the sunshine'll drive these blues away \L McTW 4 McTell, Blind Willie \C title: Mr. McTell Got the Blues \C place and date: Atlanta, 18 Oct. 1927 \C record numbers: (40311-?) Vi unissued RCA \C INT-1175 I'm leaving town : baby going to leave my home I'm going : where honey I'm better known I walk these blocks : I got to buy me some shoes That's the reason why : Mr McTell got the blues Got drunk last night : mama and the night before And if luck don't change : Mr McTell won't get drunk no more Cigarettes is my ruin : whiskey is my crave Some of these nice-looking women : going to take me to my grave \L McTW 5 McTell, Blind Willie \C title: Three Women Blues \C place and date: Atlanta, 17 Oct. 1928 \C record numbers: (47185-2) Vi-V38001 Yz L-1005 Got three womens : yellow brown and black It'll take the Governor of Georgia : to judge one of these women I like One for in the morning : one for late at night I got one for noontime : to treat your old daddy right These blues at midnight : they don't leave me till day I didn't have none of my three women : to drive those blues away One is a Memphis yellow : the other is a Savannah brown One is a Statesboro darkskin : she'll really turn your damper down Now if I had a-listened : to what my three women said I'd a-been home sleeping : in a doggone feather bed \L McTW 6 McTell, Blind Willie \C title: Statesboro Blues \C place and date: Atlanta, 17 Oct. 1928 \C record numbers: (47187-3) Vi-V38001 Yz L-1005 Wake up mama : turn your lamp down low Have you got the nerve : to drive papa McTell from your door My mother died and left me reckless : my daddy died and left me wild wild wild Know I'm not good-looking : but I'm some sweet woman's angel child She's a mighty mean woman : do me this a-way When I leave this time : pretty mama I'm going away to stay I once loved a woman : better than even I'd ever seen Treated me like I was a doggone king : and she was a doggone queen Going up the country : mama don't you want to go May take me a fair brown : may take one or two more Big Eighty left Savannah : Lord it did not stop You ought to see that colored fireman : when he got them boiler hot You can reach over in the corner mama : and hand me my traveling shoes You know by that : I've got them Statesboro blues We woke up this morning : we had them Statesboro blues I looked over in the corner : grandma and grandpa had them too \L McTW 7 McTell, Blind Willie \C title: Atlanta Strut \C place and date: Atlanta, 30 Oct. 1929 \C record numbers: (149299-2) Co-14657-D Yz L-1037 Went up on Kinnesaw Mountain : gave my horn a blow Prettiest girl in Atlanta : come stepping up to my door Hug me and she kissed me : called me sugar lump Throwed them sweet arms around me : like a grape vine around a stump \L McTW 8 McTell, Blind Willie \C title: Travelin' Blues \C place and date: Atlanta, 30 Oct. 1929 \C record numbers: (149300-1) Co-14484-D Yz L-1005 Mr engineer : let a [poor] man ride the blind Said I wouldn't mind it fellow : but you know this train ain't mine You's a cruel fireman : lowdown engineer I'm trying to hobo my way : and you leave me standing here Get up fellow : ride all around the world Poor boy : you ain't got no girl I love you Emery : I love you true I love you Emerald : tell the world I do \L McTW 9 McTell, Blind Willie \C title: Come On Around to My House Mama \C place and date: Atlanta, 30 Oct. 1929 \C record numbers: (149302-2) Co-14484-D Rt RL-324 Come on around to my house mama : ain't nobody there but me Call me a hot-shot liar and a cheater : because I'm from Tennessee Take it easy : don't get rough Just want to tell you : that I knows my stuff Come on around to my house mama : ain't nobody there but me That's why you hear me [screaming and crying, moaning] : going back to Tennessee Can't read and write : can't spell my name I can really drive : your man's heart insane I love my corn : and I love my booze I'll really give : your man the blues Pull down your windows : and lock up your blinds I'll tell you something : that will change your mind Went to the door : door was locked Think my baby : done changed the lock Wake up in the morning : about half past three Think my baby : done quit poor me \L McTW 10 McTell, Blind Willie \C title: Kind Mama \C place and date: Atlanta, 31 Oct. 1929 \C record numbers: (149319-2) Co-14657-D Yz L-1037 She's a real kind mama : looking for another man She ain't got nobody [in town] : [here] to hold her hand Way down yonder : on Cripple Creek Men all grow : over sixteen feet Would go to bed : but it ain't no use They pile up on the bed : like chickens on a roost Rooster chewed tobacco : and the hen did the snuff Bet he can't shimmy : but he struts his stuff See that fellow : with that derby on Looks good to me : just as sure as you're born Tell you the truth : and it's a natural fact *Could've built a road* : without being that black See that fellow : that's standing right there He don't live here : but he lives somewhere *Got a batch of* hair : right around his mouth He like he swallowed a mule : and left his tail hanging out Wake up in the morning : at half past three Think pretty mama : done fell on me Soon in the morning : at half past four Hot-shot rider : rapping at her door Went to the door : and the door was locked Think my baby : trying to eagle rock \L McTW 11 McTell, Blind Willie \C title: Drive Away Blues \C place and date: Atlanta, 26 Nov. 1929 \C record numbers: (56599-1) Vi-V38580 Yz L-1005 I believe that if I had my sweet woman's heart : in my hand in my hand I believe I could teach her : how to treat a real good man I drink so much whiskey : I can't hardly talk Well it's done addled on my brain : people I can't hardly walk How my poor heart weeped and worried : baby when you drove me away It was crying for poor boy McTell : some old rainy day Climbing on the Lookout Mountain : look dived in Niagara Falls Seem like to me : I can hear my Atlanta mama call Don't [fret, grieve] and worry : and don't [grieve, fret] after me Don't you scream and cry : because I'm going back to Tennessee Can't read and write : can't even spell my name You drove me away : and drove my heart insane \L McTW 12 McTell, Blind Willie \C title: Love-Changing Blues \C place and date: Atlanta, 29 Nov. 1929 \C record numbers: (56635-1) Vi-V38580 Yz L-1005 My love don't change : there's going to be some stealing done And if I backbite you : I don't mean no harm What do you want with a woman : when she won't do nothing she say What do you want with a rooster : when he won't crow 'fore day If my love don't change : there's going to be some riding done And if I take you woman : I just be made my run Going in one of these alleys : get me [some lonesome, a quart of this] booze My woman done left me : I got these love-changing blues \L McTW 13 McTell, Blind Willie \C title: Talking to Myself \C place and date: Atlanta, 17 Apr. 1930 \C record numbers: (150257-2) Co-14551-D Yz L-1005 Good Lord good Lord : send me an angel down Can't spare you no angel : but I'll swear I'll send you a teasing brown That new way of loving : mama it must be best These here Georgia women : just won't let Mr Samuel rest There was a crowd out on the corner : wondered who could it be It weren't a thing : but the women trying to get to me I even went down to the depot : with my suitcase in my hand Crowd of womens all crying : Mr Samuel won't you be my man My mama she told me : when I was a boy playing mumblepeg Don't drink no black cow's milk : don't you eat no black hen's eggs Black man give you a dollar : mama he won't think it nothing strange A yellow man'll give you a dollar : but he'll want back ninety-five cents change You may call me a cheater : pretty boy I'll real treat you But if you'll allow me a chance : I'll gnaw your backbone half in two I took a trip out on the ocean : walked the sand of the deep blue sea I found a crab with a shrimp : trying to do the shimmy-shee I want to tell you something mama : seem mighty doggone strange You done mess around gal : and made me break my yo-yo string Honey I ain't going to be : your old work ox no more You done mess around baby : and let your doggone ox get poor My mama she got a mojo : believe she trying to keep it hid Papa Samuel got something : to find that mojo with I even heard a rumbling : deep down in the ground It weren't a thing : but the women trying to run me down \L McTW 14 McTell, Blind Willie \C title: Razor Ball \C place and date: Atlanta, 17 Apr. 1930 \C record numbers: (150258-2) Co-14551-D Yz L-1037 Down in Atlanta at the razor ball : even at the razor ball Sluefoot Mose and cross-eyed Joe : didn't go in at all Big crap game in the hall : started in to fight Joe got drunk that wasn't all : went and turn out the lights And that *matcher* Charlie : shot his automatic twins Charlie grabbed his girl : and he *crow forked* in Playing baseball and football : and don't get enough Playing baseball and football : and strutting the stuff Mighty big chief : shot his automatic twin The high sheriff took the couple : and double-cross ten Put you lights on calico : and fight it for game Put me at the head of the list : and don't forget to call my name \L McTW 15 McTell, Blind Willie \C title: Southern Can Is Mine \C place and date: Atlanta, 23 Oct. 1931 \C record numbers: (151904-1) Co-14632-D Yz L-1005 Now look here mama : let me tell you this Now if you wants to get crooked : I'm going to give you my fist You might read from Revelation : back to Genesee You get crooked : your southern can belong to me If you go uptown : have me arrested and have me put in jail Some hot-shot got money : come in and go my bail Soon as I get out : kiss the ground Your southern can : worth two dollar half a pound You might take it from the South : you might carry it up north But understand you can't rule : and either be my boss Take it from the east : hide it in the west When I get it mama : your can will see no rest Well ashes to ashes mama : and sand to sand Every time I hit you : you think I got a dozen hands Hit you first : through that barbed wire fence Every time I hit you : you say I got no sense Get me a brick : out of my back yard Give you the devil : if you act kind of hard Now if I catch you mama : down in the heart of town Take me a brand new brick : and tear your can on down You may be deathbed sick : and mama and graveyard bound Make your can : moan like a hound Sit here and study : with your eyes all red What I said : kicked your grandma dead Oh you got to stop your balking : and raising the deuce I'll grab you mama : and turn you every way but loose You might twiggle like a tadpole : let it jump like a frog But every time I hit it : you going to holler God dog \L McTW 16 McTell, Blind Willie \C title: Broke Down Engine Blues \C place and date: Atlanta, 23 Oct. 1931 \C record numbers: (151905-1) Co-14632-D Yz L-1005 Feel like a broke down engine : ain't got no driving-wheel You ever been down and lonesome : you know how a poor man feels I've been shooting craps and gambling : mama and I done got broke I done pawned my pistol : mama and my best clothes in soak I went down to my praying ground : and fell on bended knees I ain't crying for no religion : Lordy give me back my good gal please If you give me my baby : Lord I won't worry you no more You ain't got to put it in my house : Lordy only leave it to my door Don't you hear me baby : rapping on your door Can I get off *snake living* and tapping : playing tip light across your floor Feel like a broke down engine : ain't got no drivers at all What makes me love my woman : she can really do the Georgia crawl Feel like a broke down engine : ain't got no weather-the-bell If you's a real hot mama : drive away daddy's weeping spell \L McTW 17 McTell, Blind Willie \C title: Stomp Down Rider \C place and date: Atlanta, 23 Oct. 1931 \C record numbers: (405002-1) OK-8936 Yz L-1005 When I first met you mama : you were so nice and kind You done got reckless : and change your mind When I was down south baby : I was with my broad I'm here in Atlanta : treated like a dog Now if you don't want me baby : don't you dog me around My home ain't here : and I can leave your town Now if you don't want me : baby give me your right hand I'll go back to my woman : you go back to your man I even give you my money : *I admire* I done all for you : that you require Even hold your head : when you're feeling sad Sing and dance for you : when you're sad You done come in this morning : you won't tell me where you been You got strange living : going back again I'm walking around baby : with my head hung low Look here mama : I ain't going to do right no more I'm going to take me a trip : up on the mountain top Come back and show you : how to eagle rock \L McTW 18 McTell, Blind Willie \C title: Scarey Day Blues \C place and date: Atlanta, 23 Oct. 1931 \C record numbers: (405003-1) OK-8936 Yz L-1037 I wants to wait around here baby : until your fried *rice* get done Because I think I got a nickel : I wants to buy me one I wonder could I find a woman : to do like my last rider done She kept it all for her daddy : she didn't give nobody none Said my baby got a bed : it shines like a morning star And when I crawls in the middle : it rides me like a Cadillac car My good gal got a mojo : she's trying to keep it hid But Georgia Bill got something : to find that mojo with I said she got that mojo : and she won't let me see And every time I start to love her : she's tried to put them jinx on me Well she shakes it like the Central : she wobbles like the L and N Well she's a hot-shot mama : and I'm scared to tell her where I been Said my baby got something : she won't tell her daddy what it is But when I crawls in my bed : I just can't keep my black stuff still Well I done got reckless : and I broke my mama's rule I been wandering around Georgia : with these doggone scary day blues \L McTW 19 McTell, Blind Willie \C title: Georgia Rag \C place and date: Atlanta, 31 Oct. 1931 \C record numbers: (405085-1) OK-8924 Yz L-1005 Down on Atlanta : on Harris Street That's where the boys and gals : do meet Out in the alley : in the street Every little kid : that you meet Buzz all around : like a bee Shake it : like a ship on the sea Came all the way : from Paris France Come into Atlanta : to get a chance Grab your mama : and hold her tight Let's mess around : the rest of the night Grip your head : way up high Grab your daddy : and make him cry People come : from miles around Get in Dark Town : to break them down Down in dark town : night and day Trying to dance : them blues away Go all the way back : to Newport News Singing : these doggone Atlanta blues \L McTW 20 McTell, Blind Willie \C title: Rollin' Mama Blues \C place and date: Atlanta, 22 Feb. 1932 \C record numbers: (71603- ) Vi-23328 Rt RL-324 I want you to start in the morning baby : and roll me with the setting of the sun I want you to keep it all for your daddy : and don't give nobody none And if you get some of my loving : you won't want your rider no more You don't have to worry about your loving : I'm a deep-sea diver and I don't go wrong That's why I'm singing : these barrelhouse woman blues \L McTW 21 McTell, Blind Willie \C title: Searching the Desert for the Blues \C place and date: Atlanta, 22 Feb. 1932 \C record numbers: (71606-1) Vi-23353 RCA LPV-518 You may search the ocean : you might go across the deep blue sea But mama you'll never find : another hot-shot like me I followed my baby : from the station to the train And the blues came down : like doggone showers of rain I left her at the station : wringing her hands and crying I told her she had a home : just as long as I got mine I've got two women : and you can't tell them apart I got one in my bosom : the other one in my heart The one in my bosom : she's in Tennessee And the one in my heart : don't even give a darn for me I used to say a married woman : was the sweetest woman ever was born But I've changed that thing : you better let married women alone Take my advice : let these married women be Because their husbands'll grab you : and beat you ragged as a cedar tree When a woman say she love you : about as good as she do herself I don't pay her no attention : tell that same lie to somebody else I really don't believe : no woman in the whole round world do right Act like an angel in the daytime : ??? at night I'm going pretty mama : please don't break this rule That's why : I'm searching these deserts for the blues I'm going pretty mama : searching these deserts now That's why : I'm walking my baby home anyhow \L McTW 22 McTell, Blind Willie \C title: Warm It Up to Me \C place and date: New York, 14 Sept. 1933 \C record numbers: (14008-2) Vo-02595 Yz L-1005 Take a little trip : up on a mountain top Show the Florida women : how to eagle rock Tell you like the *bana* : told the *king of sal* Get another man : I got another gal Now if you don't believe : I can warm you right Take me to your house : and let me stay all night When you see me mama : standing in the door Papa wound up : saying mama won't go Don't be no *resting* : don't be no late Don't let these women : leave your heart insane Now look here boy : don't get rough These here women : they really knows their stuff I want you to set on a Cadillac : sit on a Ford You do that strutting : on the running board Don't be no rat : and don't be no fool Don't let these here women : break your rule Now look here boy : if you going to be my friend Let's go drink : moonshine again Now take it easy : late at night One of these here women : ain't going to treat you right \L McTW 23 McTell, Blind Willie \C title: It's a Good Little Thing \C place and date: New York, 14 Sept. 1933 \C record numbers: (14010-1) Vo-02622 Yz L-1037 Look a-here mama : just a word or two Said I get you : to let's go loo loo Look here mama : just don't stop I ain't going to be : your other man's stumbling block Wait just a minute : let's get this right We're going go a-looing : till broad daylight Going to Savannah : make some jack Hold that cat : till I get back What is that mama : you got in that sack It's got hair on it : and I believe it's a cat Well it looks pretty much : like Santy Claus Best little something : I ever saw Look here mama : just like a log She gets kissing : like a shaggy dog \L McTW 24 McTell, Blind Willie \C title: Savannah Mama \C place and date: New York, 18 Sept. 1933 \C record numbers: (14035-1) Vo-02568 Yz L-1005 Mmm : Lordy Lordy Lord Say the woman I love : treats me just like a dog I love you baby : but your ways I just can't stand Say you walked away and left me : good gal with another man Going back to Savannah mama : and sign my initial down Atlanta mens all hate me : and the women don't want me around Going back to Savannah baby : and write my initial on the wall Because these North Georgia women : don't mean me no good at all Mmm : babe ain't it hard ain't it hard ain't it hard Says I'd like to love you baby : but your good men got me barred \L McTW 25 McTell, Blind Willie \C title: Broke Down Engine \C place and date: New York, 18 Sept. 1933 \C record numbers: (14036-2) Vo-02577 RBF RF-15 Feel like a broke down engine : mama ain't got no driving-wheel You ever been down and lonesome : you know just how Willie McTell feels I been shooting craps and gambling : good gal and I done got broke I done pawned my thirty-two special : good gal and my clothes in soak I even went to my praying ground : dropped down on bended knees I ain't crying for no religion : Lordy give me back my good gal please If you give me my baby : Lord I won't worry you no more You ain't got to put her in my house : but Lordy only lead her to my door Don't you hear [me, your daddy] baby : knocking on your door Can I get off *sneak living and tapping* : playing tip light across your floor \L McTW 26 McTell, Blind Willie \C title: My Baby's Gone \C place and date: New York, 18 Sept. 1933 \C record numbers: (14038-2) Vo-02668 Yz L-1037 My baby's gone : and I'm almost in my grave But for your love : good gal I will be you slave My baby left me : says she didn't mean me no good And that's the reason why : I'm moving on back to the woods My baby left me : she didn't even say goodbye Says I'm drinking real good whiskey : that's the reason I did not *inquire why* My baby's gone : says I ain't even worried at all Before she even left me : says she riding that Cannonball Mmm : Lordy Lordy Lordy Lord Says my good gal she's gone : she didn't mean me no good at all \L McTW 27 McTell, Blind Willie \C title: Death Cell Blues \C place and date: New York, 19 Sept. 1933 \C record numbers: (14049-1) Vo-02577 RBF RF-15 Mmm : chained down in this dark cell by myself And my gal she skipped : guess she got somebody else Well they've got me accused for murder : and I haven't even harmed a man Oh they got me charged with burgling : and I haven't even raised my hand Mmm : the judge won't give me no fine Ain't but one thing could release me : and that's old father time Goodbye : oh here comes the jailor with the key I'll have to cry farewell to freedom : I want none of your women to pity me I'll have to give you my number : five nine ninety-four Because I'll be there forever : I'll have no other place to go They got me accused for forging : and I can't even write my name And my eyes *filled on this* : my baby left my poor heart in pain Mmm : Lordy Lordy Lord Inside my breast felt lonely : my baby left my heart in pain \L McTW 28 McTell, Blind Willie \C title: B and O Blues No. 2 \C place and date: New York, 21 Sept. 1933 \C record numbers: (14066-1) Vo-02568 Yz L-1037 I'm going to grab me a train : I'm going back to Baltimore I'm going to find my baby : because she rode that B and O I'm going to act like a rambler : and I can't stay home no more Because the gal I love : she rode that B and O She says daddy I'm leaving : and I can't come back no more And if she don't come back : I'm going down in Ohio I never would have thought : that my baby would treat me so Oh she broke my heart : when she grabbed that B and O Now she wants to come back : and I can't use that child no more Because I got another hot mama : and she lives in Baltimore \L McTW 29 McTell, Blind Willie \C title: Weary Hearted Blues \C place and date: New York, 21 Sept. 1933 \C record numbers: (14067-1) Vo-02568 Rt RL-324 Look a-here pretty mama : I'll tell you what I'll do I'll make these lonesome dollars : and bring them all home to you Now I'm weary : weary-hearted and blue And that's why I'm crying : these weary-hearted blues I'll give you my money : and baby I *admire* I does all for you mama : you require I even hold your head : when you are feeling bad I sing and dance for you : mama when you sad I want to tell all you men : nice and kind You lose your best woman : don't you fool with mine Now a white man go to the river : take him a seat and sit down The blues overtake him : he jump overboard and drown Now a colored man go to the river : take him a seat and sit down If he takes the blues : he come on back to town I wants all you men : to let my good gal alone I'll give her a dollar in the street : and I'll give her two at home \L McTW 30 McTell, Blind Willie \C title: Southern Can Mama \C place and date: New York, 21 Sept. 1933 \C record numbers: (14069-2) Vo-02622 Yz L-1037 Now look a-here mama : let me explain you this You wants to get crooked : I'll even give you my fist Read from Revelation : back to Genesee You get crooked : your southern can belongs to me You might go uptown : and have me arrested and have me put in jail Some hot-shot got money : come in and go my bail Soon as I get out : kiss the ground Your southern can : worth two dollars and a half a pound You might take it from the South : you might carry it up north Understand you can't rule : and either be my boss Take it from the east : hide it in the west When I get it mama : your can won't see no rest Ashes to ashes : and sand to sand Every time I strikes you : you know I got a dozen hands Give you a punch : through that barbed wire fence Every time I hit you : you know I ain't got no sense Look here women : don't get hard I'll get me a brick : and use it out of my back yard If I catch you mama : down in the heart of town Take a brand new brick : and tear your can on down You may be deathbed sickness : graveyard bound I'll make your can moan : like a graveyard hound You got to stop balking : and raising the deuce I'll grab you woman : and turn you every way but loose \L McTW 31 McTell, Blind Willie \C title: Runnin' Me Crazy \C place and date: New York, 21 Sept. 1933 \C record numbers: (14070-1) Vo-02595 Rt RL-324 Says I'm almost crazy : and I'm all here by myself All these women about to run me crazy : Lord she's got someone else Lord she's about to run me crazy : these reckless women are worrying me She don't have to treat me so bad : because she lives in Tennessee Lord you'll either run me crazy woman : or either make me lose my mind Because you keep me worried : and troubled all the time Lord these womens will run you crazy : they'll drive your heart insane They'll spend all your money : turn around and run you insane Well she spent all my money : and then she drove me outdoors And I was almost crazy : because I had nowhere to go Lord if you got a reckless woman : man don't never let her break your rule And when you know anything : you'd be almost crazy with the blues \L McTW 32 McTell, Blind Willie \C title: Bell Street Blues \C place and date: Chicago, 23 Apr. 1935 \C record numbers: (C-9946-A) De-7078 Rt RL-324 I live down in Bell Street Alley : just as drunk as I can be Seem like them Bell Street Crow Janes : have done got rough with me I drink so much Bell Street whiskey : they won't sell [McTell, poor boy] no more I've got the *cavenglass* boys : playing all around my door This Bell Street whiskey : make you sleep all in your clothes And when you wake up next morning : feel like you done laid outdoors You can get booze down on Bell Street : for two bits and half a *throw* They'll make you *send* out your mother and father : to just break down the jailhouse door Walked in my room : the other night Man come in : he want to fight Took my gun : my right hand ??? : I don't want to kill no man When I said that : he rapped me across my head The first shot I fired : then the man fell dead Bell street whiskey : drove me to the county jail Got me laying back here on my bunk : nobody in the world to go my bail \L McTW 33 McTell, Blind Willie \C title: Ticket Agent Blues \C place and date: Chicago, 25 Apr. 1935 \C record numbers: (C-9954-A) De-7078 Yz L-1037 Good Lord good Lord : send me an angel down Can't spare you no angel : will spare you a teasing brown That new way of loving : swear to God it must be best Because these Georgia women : won't let Willie McTell rest There was a crowd down on the corner : and I wondered who could it be Weren't a thing : but the women boy trying to get to me I went down to the shed : put my suitcase in my hand Crowd of women run crying : that McTell be my man Ticket agent ticket agent : which a-way has my woman gone Say describe your woman : and I'll tell you what road she's on She's a long tall mama : five and a half from the ground She's a tailor-made mama : and she ain't no hand-me-down Mama if you ride the Southern : I'll ride the Santa Fe When you get in Memphis : pretty mama look around for me You can't never tell : what a double-crossing woman will do They'll tip out with your buddy : and come home play sick on you I got two women : you can't tell them apart I got one in my bosom : the other one's in my heart Now the one in my bosom : she's in Tennessee And the one in my heart : don't even give a darn for me I used to say a married woman : was the sweetest woman ever was born I changed that thing : you better let married women alone Take my advice : let all married womens be Because their husbands will grab you : and beat you ragged with a cedar tree Now love ain't nothing : single women loving married men It will do for a while : but it will jam you after a end When a woman says she loves you : about as good as she do herself Don't pay her no attention : tell the same lie to somebody else She'll tell you that she love you : and love you all her life She'll have a man on the corner : and tell that same lie twice My baby she got a mojo : I believe she trying to keep it hid Mctell got something : to find that mojo with I want to tell you pretty mama : exactly who I am When I walk out the front door : I hear that back door slam \L McTW 34 McTell, Blind Willie \C title: Cold Winter Day \C place and date: Chicago, 25 Apr. 1935 \C record numbers: (C-9956-A) De-7810 Yz L-1037 I did everything baby : that I could do Fell on my knees : mama get along with you I give you my money baby : my last dime Soon as you got up mama : you changed your mind I gave you my money mama : buy you shoes and clothes Soon as you got bid change : you put me outdoors I took you mama : your shoes were thin No man wanted you : no one took you in When I took you mama : *feet'll* on the ground Ain't no man baby : wanted you around Took your breakfast : brought it to your bed Took my comb baby : combed your head Make no difference mama : take your lock and key Too many women : want a man like me Going away mama : it won't be long I know you'll miss me : the days I'm gone I took you mama : treated you nice and kind Soon as you got on your feet : you wouldn't pay me no mind \L McTW 35 McTell, Blind Willie \C title: Your Time to Worry \C place and date: Chicago, 25 Apr. 1935 \C record numbers: (C-9957-A) De-7117 Rt RL-324 I done told you mama : right from the start I ain't going to let no one woman : break my heart Your time to worry : my time to be alone Your reckless disposition : done drove your good man away from home I told you in my days : things I do Go out and work hard : and bring my money home to you You drink your whiskey : run around Get out in the street : and act like a sand-foot clown Went out with you baby : trying to treat you right I drinking whiskey woman : and drunk all night Need not come here pleading : holding up your hands I got myself a woman : you better get yourself a man Leave me alone baby : best you can do I would have been a murderer : if I'd a-fooled around with you Now go ahead baby : leave me alone Mess around with you : the chain-gang will be my home \L Mann 1 Manning, Leola \C title: The Blues Is All Wrong \C place and date: Knoxville, Tenn., c. Apr. 1930 \C record numbers: (K-8089- ) Vo-1529 Yz L-1015 *Feel like voting* : fall in line While I sing : this song of mine This song's all right : if you thinks it's wrong It's all right : it's a ??? song This song's all right : it just won't jump It's all right : it just won't This song brings joy : to our *cry* We're baptized : with fire This song's *composed* : the blues too tight Got the blues tune : but the words all right This song's all right : it just won't quit It's all right : we're singing it You can talks about me : treat me mean You got the *train* : \L MartC 1 Martin, Carl \C title: Farewell to You Baby \C place and date: Chicago, 8 Jan. 1935 \C record numbers: (C-877-1) OK-8961 Yz L-1016 I'm leaving you baby : just because you won't be true Oh you don't love me : after all I done for you You know I worked hard all winter : when the snow was on the ground You mistreated me then baby : Eli wouldn't throw you down You made a mistake baby : after you made your vow But your mistake-making : is all over now You going to miss [your daddy, me] : some old lonesome day And you going to be sorry : you did me this way Now I'm leaving you [baby] : with my clothes in my hand Farewell to you baby : get yourself a monkey-man \L MartC 2 Martin, Carl \C title: Badly Mistreated Man \C place and date: Chicago, 8 Jan. 1935 \C record numbers: (C-881-2) OK-8961 Yz L-1016 I worked hard baby : I worked hard every day I even turned over in your hand : every cent of my pay I been done so dirty : treated so lowdown mean You've even accused me of women : that I ain't never seen People what's the use of loving : when I can't see why I should Especially when you got a woman : and she don't mean you no good I woke up this morning : got on a stroll Met my baby : got her told Look a-here baby : you thinking wrong Let your papa help you : to sing this song I grabbed my coat and hat : down the road I'll start Before I'd worry : I'd rather part I wouldn't work : for no human being Neither no woman : that I ever seen Eighteen hundred : ninety years All of my women : sit in rocking chairs But ever since : nineteen and twenty-three All of my women : been working for me I got a mind : never work no more I've been badly mistreated : I've been drove from door to door \L MartC 3 Martin, Carl \C title: Good Morning, Judge \C place and date: Chicago, 8 Jan. 1935 \C record numbers: (C-882- ) Vo-03047 OJL-18 They arrested my baby : accused her of selling moon Judge they found whiskey : but it wasn't even in her room Now good morning judge : judge how do you do I just came here : to have a few words with you Please kind judge : listen to my plea And let my baby : go back home with me \L MartC 4 Martin, Carl \C title: Joe Louis Blues \C place and date: Chicago, 4 Sept. 1935 \C record numbers: (90293-A) De-7114 Yz L-1016 Now listen all you prize fighters : who don't want to meet defeat Take a tip from me : stay off Joe Louis' beat Now he won all his fights : twenty-three or four And left twenty of his opponents : lying on the floor They all tried to win : but the test was too hard When he laid the hambone : *couple jumped out for it* Listen all you prize fighters : don't play him too cheap If he lands with either hand : he'll sure put you to the seat Now he packs dynamite in his left : he carries a punching right He's the one will make you balky : or as high as a kite He charges on his opponents : from the beginning of the gong He batters them into submission : then they all sing a song I bet on the Brown Bomber : for he knows his stuff And lays it on his opponents : until he get enough Now he's a natural born fighter : who likes to fight them all The bigger they come : he says the harder they fall That terrific left : boys is all he needs But that six-inch right : come with lightning speed Listen all you prize fighters : don't play him too cheap Take a tip from me : stay off Joe Louis' beat \L MartC 5 Martin, Carl \C title: Let's Have a New Deal \C place and date: Chicago, 4 Sept. 1935 \C record numbers: (90294-A) De-7114 BC-14 Now everybody's crying : let's have a new deal Relief station's closing down : I know just how you feel Everybody's crying : let's have a new deal Because I've got to make a living : if I have to rob and steal Now I'm getting mighty tired : of sitting around I ain't making a dime : just wearing my shoe soles down I ain't making a dime : just wearing my shoe soles down Now I woke up this morning : doggone my soul My flour barrel was empty : swear I didn't have no coal We're going to dance : till *another* sun Now you go to your wicket : put in your complaint Eight time out of ten : you know they'll say I can't They don't want to give you no dough : won't hardly pay your rent Now it ain't costing them : one doggone cent Now I ain't made a dime : since they closed down the mill I'm sitting right here : waiting on that brand new deal \L MartD 1 Martin, Daisy \C title: Feelin' Blue \C place and date: New York, c. late July 1923 \C record numbers: (5237-1) Ba-1262 VJM VLP-40 Does anybody : does anybody feel like me Now if they do : I know the feeling is sad as can be Now I'm going home : to take a snooze Try to wear away : a thing they call the feeling blues I'm tired of fooling around : with one who don't love me If I ever find a way to leave him : if we cannot agree \L MartD 2 Martin, Daisy \C title: What You Was You Used to Be \C place and date: New York, c. late July 1923 \C record numbers: (5238-1) Ba-1262 VJM VLP-40 Because what you was you used to be : but you ain't no more I'm giving you your dispossess : welcome's off the door Be on your way : you got yourself in wrong You'll get flat feet : from standing too long Let this be a lesson : now that I have left you flat There's someone sitting pretty : in the place where you once sat You ought to see him do his stuff : my latest loving man Because where you left off : is just the place where he began You said you craved a gal with speed : that's why I wouldn't do But now the gal you left behind : is way ahead of you But what you was you used to be : but you ain't no more Just make your exit *smiling please* : there's no use getting sore You ran away : and left me on the shelf Keep right on running : go chase yourself \L MartS 1 Martin, Sara \C title: Blind Man Blues \C place and date: New York, c. 1 Aug. 1923 \C record numbers: (71711-B) OK-8090 Sw S-1240 I ain't going to marry : I ain't going to settle down I'm going to stay down here : and swing these men around Just when you think : that your loving man is true Then he's your man my man : somebody else's too Oh big fat woman : with the meat shaking on her bones Every time she shimmies : a skinny woman leaves her home \L MartS 2 Martin, Sara \C title: Death Sting Me Blues \C place and date: Long Island City, Nov. 1928 \C record numbers: (278-A) QRS-R7042 BYG-529073 I want all you women : to listen to my tale of woe I've got consumption of the heart : I feel myself sinking low Oh my heart is aching : and the blues are all around my *loo* Blues is like the devil : they'll have me hell bound too Blues you made me roll and tumble : you made me weep and sigh Made me use cocaine and whiskey: but you wouldn't let me die Blues blues blues : why did you bring trouble to me Oh death please sting me : and take me out of my misery \L MartS 3 Martin, Sara \C title: Mistreating Man Blues \C place and date: Long Island City, Dec. 1928 \C record numbers: (306) QRS-R7042 BYG-529073 I've got the blues : since I made up my mind I want to stop loving you : because you mistreat me all the time Oh this game called love : I played it on the square But you think : a good woman can be found anywhere You never meant me no good : you've always had your way But things can't go on forever : they are bound to change some day So now I'm leaving you : some day you'll understand *That's why* I can't go on : loving a mistreating man \L MasM 1 Mason, Moses \C title: Molly Man \C place and date: Chicago, c. Jan. 1928 \C record numbers: (20283-2) Pm-12605 OJL-8 Molly man's coming : I hear his voice He's got hot tamales : and it's just my choice Come on boys : and don't wait too long All my 'males : soon will be gone I can judge : by the way you act Somebody around here : had on a cotton-picking track Feeling tired : shoulder's getting sore If you see 'male : you're going to take some more Two for a nickel : four for a dime Thirty cents a dozen : and you'll sure eat fine Good times have come in : don't you see the signs Cotton bolls are open : you can make a-many dimes I can judge : by the way you walk You going to carry : half a dozen off If my holler boys : trouble your mind You had to come running : with a dime Good times have come in : don't you see the signs White folks standing around here : spending a-many dimes 'Males so hot : it burns my hand Says I can't hardly get them : out of my can \L MasM 2 Mason, Moses \C title: Shrimp Man \C place and date: Chicago, c. Jan. 1928 \C record numbers: (20302-3) Pm-12605 Rt RL-325 Shrimp is the thing : you love best *Ring them nice : and they'll* Here is my shrimp : fifty cents a quart Ask me for a gallon : two dollars is all Have my shrimp : both done and raw Have my shrimp hot : they are ready to go Have my shrimp : I'm selling them fast When I see you coming : you make me laugh If you going to bed : you can call I'll poke them through the window : that is all If your heart feel troubled : you can call I'll make *change selling* : that is all Selling your shrimp : don't sell them so high Want to buy it cold : so I can make up a pie Selling my shrimp : don't mean no harm My shrimp sick : it don't make no alarm Selling my shrimp : won't be here long I'm going to holler : but I'm going home \L MemM 1 Memphis Minnie \C title: Goin' Back to Texas \C place and date: New York, 18 June 1929 \C record numbers: (148709-2) Co-14455-D OJL-21 When I lived in Texas : doing very well You can ??? telling : I'm catching hell I'm going I'm going : crying won't make me stay The more you cry : the further it drive me away I've got something to tell you : know it's going to break your heart We been together a good while : but now we got to part When I had you : that wouldn't do Now I've got another man : and I can't use you You ought to have told me that : two or three weeks ago Lord when you heard : you might've thought you wasn't going to get broke I don't mind going : to say goodbye ??? : I'm *stopping* to die \L MemM 2 Memphis Minnie \C title: 'Frisco Town \C place and date: New York, 18 June 1929 \C record numbers: (148710-2) Co-14455-D Yz L-1008 That old Frisco train : left a mile a minute Well it's that old coach : I'm going to sit right in it You can toot your whistle : you can ring your bell Well I know you been worried : by the way you smell Oh there's a boa constrictor : and a lemon stick I don't mind being with you : but my mama's sick I would tell you what's the matter : but I done got scared Got to wait now : until we go to bed If you was sick : I wouldn't worry you I wouldn't want you to do something : that you couldn't do Well if you want it you can get it : and I ain't mad If you tell me this is something : that you ain't never had Look a-here you get mad : every time I call your name I ain't never told you : that you couldn't get that thing I woke up this morning : about half past five My baby turned over : cried just like a child I got something to tell you : I don't want to make you mad I got something for you : make you feel glad Look a-here look a-here : what you want me to do Give you my jelly : then I die for you I got something to tell you : going to break your heart We been together so far : we got to get \L MemM 3 Memphis Minnie \C title: I'm Talking About You \C place and date: Memphis, 20 Feb. 1930 \C record numbers: (MEM-772-A) Vo-1476 Pal PL-101 You can quit me : do anything you want to do Some day you'll want me : and I won't want you You's a man : running from hand to hand You can get you a woman : I got another man You will mistreat me : and you won't do right You can take it on back : where you had it last night Well you can't be mine : and somebody else's too I ain't going to stand : that way you do Know you is a married man : and you got a wife You keep a-running around here : you'll lose your life That that you had for me : the other night You can turn it around : and bring it home tonight When I was at home : I was with my man Now you got me here : from hand to hand Ain't no need you walking around : with your mouth poked out That is something : just wasn't *cut it* out You know when I met you : from house to house I know some of your women : had put you out It wouldn't been so bad : but you didn't have a dime And I wouldn't mind helping you : you no man of mine Well look a-here : what you expect for me to do Want me to be your mammy : and your doctor too \L MemM 4 Memphis Minnie \C title: Bumble Bee \C place and date: Memphis, 20 Feb. 1930 \C record numbers: (MEM-773- ) Vo-1476 His HLP-2 Bumblebee bumblebee : where is you been so long You stung me this morning : I been reckless all day long I met my bumblebee this morning : as it flying in the door And the way he stung me : he made me cry for more Mmm : don't stay so long from me You's my bumblebee : you got something that I really need I'm going to build me a bungalow : just for me and my bumblebee Then I won't worry : I will have all the honey I need He makes my honey : evil John makes my corn It's all I want now : my bumblebee just to stay at home \L MemM 5 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 When I was home : I was resting at ease Now you got me here : you trying to mistreat me I got something to tell you : know it's going to break your heart We been together a good while : but now we got to part I done told you once : I done told you twice If you don't mind : you will lose your life You ought to told me that : two or three weeks ago Know when you had your money : thought that you wouldn't get broke \L MemM 6 Memphis Minnie (Memphis Jug Band) \C title: Bumble Bee Blues \C place and date: Memphis, 26 May 1930 \C record numbers: (59993-2) Vi-V38599 BC-7 Bumblebee bumblebee : won't you please come back to me Because your best old stinger : than any bumblebee that I ever see He come in this morning : I been working for him all day long Lord he come in to the place : hate to see my bumblebee leave home You're my bumblebee : and you know your stuff Oh sting me bumblebee : until I get enough Mmm : stinger go in my right arm He stung me this morning : I been look for him all day long Sometimes he makes me happy : then sometimes he makes me cry He had me to the place : where I wish to God that I could die \L MemM 7 Memphis Minnie (Memphis Jug Band) \C title: Meningitis Blues \C place and date: Memphis, 26 May 1930 \C record numbers: (59994- ) Vi-23421 Rt RL-337 I come home one Saturday night : pull off my clothes and lie down And that morning just about the break of day : the meningitis began to creep around My head and neck was paining me : seem like my back going to break in two I hurried to the neighbors that morning : I didn't know what in the world to do My companion take me to the doctor : doctor please tell me my wife's complaint Doctor looked down on me and shook his head : said I wouldn't mind telling you son but I can't He taken me down to the city hospital : the clock was striking ten I imagine my companion say : I don't believe I'll see your smiling face again Then the nurses all began to stand around me : the doctors had done me out Every time I would have a potion : I would have a foaming at the mouth Mmm : the meningitis killing me I'm spinning I'm spinning baby : my head is nearly down in to my knees \L MemM 8 Memphis Minnie \C title: Don't Want No Woman \C place and date: Memphis, 29 May 1930 \C record numbers: (62539- ) Vi-23313 Pal PL-101 You's a worthless ??? man : I'll take it all away from you Yes but you don't treat me : honey papa like you should Yes I'm going somewhere : try to find me another man But I got nothing to worry about now : because I got the man I love Well I'm a good-hearted woman : just trying to get along with you \L MemM 9 Memphis Minnie \C title: Georgia Skin \C place and date: Memphis, 29 May 1930 \C record numbers: (62540- ) Vi-23352 His HLP-32 The reason I like the game : the game they call Georgia skin Because when you fall : you can really pick out again When you lose your money : please don't lose your mind Because each and every gambler : gets in hard luck sometimes I had a man : he gambled all the time He played the dice so in vain : until he liked to lose his mind Mmm : give me Georgia skin Because the womens can play : well so as the men \L MemM 10 Memphis Minnie \C title: Memphis Minnie-Jitis Blues \C place and date: Chicago, c. early June 1930 \C record numbers: (C-5822- ) Vo-1588 BC-13 Mmm : the meningitis killing me I'm feeling upended baby : my head is nearly down to my knees I coming home one Saturday night : pull my clothes off and I lie down And next morning just about day : the meningitis begin to creep around My head and neck was paining me : seem like my back going to break in two Lord I had such a mood that morning : I didn't know what in the world to do My companion take me to the doctor : doctor please tell me my worst complaint The doctor looked down at me and shook his head : said I wouldn't mind telling you son but I can't You take around to the city hospital : just as quick quick as you possibly can Think about the condition you in now : you never will get her back home alive again You roam around to the city hospital : the clock was striking ten I heard my ??? companion say : I will see your smiling face again \L MemM 11 Memphis Minnie \C title: Plymouth Rock Blues \C place and date: Chicago, c. early June 1930 \C record numbers: (C-5831- ) Vo-1631 BC-13 I got so many chickens : can't tell my roosters from my hens I got to go back now : and look them all over again I found my rooster this morning : by looking at his comb You can look out now pullets : this won't be long My hens are cackling : I can't find no eggs You ain't got no excuse now pullets : ain't nothing in your way I might take these old hens : I going down to the doctor's shop I don't see what's the matter with them : they won't never *cluck* I done told you one time papa : I don't want my chicken mixed Shoo chicken shoo : I don't want no banties on my yard I don't want them banties : mixed up with my Plymouth Rocks \L MemM 12 Memphis Minnie \C title: New Dirty Dozens \C place and date: Chicago, 1 July 1930 \C record numbers: (C-5894- ) Vo-1618 BC-13 I don't want them banties : mixed up with my *dominics* Come all you folks : and start to walk I'm fixing to start : my dozen talk What you thinking about : ain't on my mind That stuff you got : isn't ??? kind Some of you womens : ought to be in the can Out on the corner : stopping every man Now the soap is a nickel : and the towel is three I'm pigmeat *peppy* : now who wants me Now the funniest thing : I ever seen Tomcat jumping : on a sewing machine Sewing machine : run so fast Sewed ninety-nine stitches : in his yas yas yas I'm going to tell you : all about old man Bill He can't see : but he sure can smell Fish man pass here : the other day I done hear him : pretty mama I'm going your way Your auntie and your uncle : and your ma and pa They all got drunk : and showed their Santa Claus \L MemM 13 Memphis Minnie \C title: New Bumble Bee \C place and date: Chicago, 1 July 1930 \C record numbers: (C-5895- ) Vo-1618 BC-13 I got a bumblebee : don't sting nobody but me And I tell the world : he got all the stinger I need And he makes better honey : any bumblebee I ever seen And when he makes it : Lord how he makes me scream He get to flying and buzzing : stinging everybody he meets Lord I wonder why : my bumblebee want to mistreat me Mmm : where my bumblebee gone I been looking for him : my bumblebee's so long so long My bumblebee got ways : just like a natural man He stinging somebody : everywhere he lands \L MemM 14 Memphis Minnie \C title: I'm Talking About You-+-No. 2 \C place and date: Chicago, c. 14 July 1930 \C record numbers: (C-6010-A) Vo-1556 His HLP-2 You up and quit me : do anything you want to do Some day you'll want me : and I won't want you You ever saw a man : running from hand to hand You can get your woman : I got another man You will mistreat me : and you won't do right You can take it all back : where you had it last night Well you can't be mine : and somebody else's too I ain't going to stand : that way you do Know you's a married man : and you got a wife You keep a-running around here : you'll lose your life That that you had for me : the other night You can turn it around : and bring it home tonight When I was at home : I was with my man Now you got me here : from hand to hand Ain't no need you walking around : with your mouth poked out Daddy has something : just to cut it out You know when I met you : from house to house I know some of your women : had cut you out It wouldn't a-been so bad : but you didn't have a dime But I wouldn't mind helping : you no man of mine Well look a-here : what you expect for me to do Want me to be your mammy : and your doctor too \L MemM 15 Memphis Minnie \C title: I Called You This Morning \C place and date: Chicago, c. 14 July 1930 \C record numbers: (C-6013- ) Vo-1631 BC-13 I got something to tell you : hope I don't make you mad I got something for you : that you never had I got something to tell you : I hope I don't break your heart We been together a good while : but now we got to part I went to your house : I fell down on the floor You done something to me : wouldn't do it no more I want you to hug me baby : hug and squeeze me good and tight I been trying to hard : now can't you save my life I got something to tell you : just before you go Yes you going to leave your mama : standing in this door \L MemM 16 Memphis Minnie \C title: Grandpa and Grandma Blues \C place and date: Chicago, 9 Sept. 1930 \C record numbers: (C-6082- ) Vo-1601 OJL-4 Grandma got something : make grandpa break his pipe And grandpa got something : keep grandma awake all night Grandma grandma : please don't sleep so long Grandpa ain't smoked his pipe : grandma since you been gone Here comes grandpa : staring up and down the road With that pipe in his hand : he'll find you everywhere you go Grandma grandma : why don't you stay at home That's why you and grandpa : grandma can't get along Grandma grandma : what makes you love grandpa so He's got the same pipe now : he had forty years ago Grandpa swears : he won't get drunk no more Because he broke his pipe : he had forty years ago \L MemM 17 Memphis Minnie \C title: Garage Fire Blues \C place and date: Chicago, 9 Sept. 1930 \C record numbers: (C-6083- ) Vo-1601 Rt RL-307 My house on fire : where's that fire wagon now Ain't but the one thing : I don't want my garage to burn down I got a Hudson Super Six : I got me *a little old* Cadillac Eight I woke up this morning : my Cadillac standing at my back gate Hop on boys : I got the best chauffeur in town He said Hudson Super Six : my Cadillac didn't burn down Oh Lord Lord : wonder where is my chauffeur now Got my Cadillac Eight : done Cadillaced out of town I tell the whole round world : I ain't going to walk no more I got a Cadillac Eight : take me anywhere I want to go \L MemM 18 Memphis Minnie \C title: What's the Matter with the Mill \C place and date: Chicago, c. 15 Oct. 1930 \C record numbers: (C-6442- ) Vo-1550 BC-13 Well I had a little corn : I put it in a sack Started to the mill : and come right back Well the people keep a-talking : all over town Telling me : that the mill had broken down Now listen here folks : I don't want no stuff You can't bring me my meal : bring me the husk Well my papa said try : my brothers too They both been to the mill : they can't get nothing *for two* Now listen here folks : I want you all to bear this in mind If you're going to the mill : you get to there crying \L MemM 19 Memphis Minnie \C title: North Memphis Blues \C place and date: Chicago, c. 15 Oct. 1930 \C record numbers: (C-6443- ) Vo-1550 BC-13 I tell all you people : you can rest at ease You won't have to worry about cooking : go to North Memphis Cafe and eat I tell all of you people : you can rest at ease Because the North Memphis Cafe : got everything that you really need I don't buy no wood : even buy no coal I go to North Memphis Cafe : and eat and don't be outdoors I will tell you all something : I won't change like the wind If you go to North Memphis Cafe to eat : you'll go back again Now listen to me good people : I don't aim to make you mad You go to North Memphis Cafe : get something you never had \L MemM 20 Memphis Minnie \C title: I Don't Want that Junk Outa You \C place and date: Chicago, c. 30 Jan. 1931 \C record numbers: (VO-111-A) Vo-1678 Yz L-1008 I give you my money : and I ain't ashamed Now you got me here : and I'm scared to call your name I stood on the corner : looking for you all night long You know baby : you been doing me wrong And I ain't going to put up : at the way you do You can't be mine : and somebody else's too I ??? : till I done got tired *Oh joyful* : much obliged Now look here baby : what you take me to be Walking around with this low-life : in front of me And you got ways : I sure don't like You give me money : just to take it back Now look here baby : I don't want to make you mad I give you everything : in the world I had You come here baby : set down on my knee I do anything : to give your poor heart ease \L MemM 21 Memphis Minnie \C title: Crazy Cryin' Blues \C place and date: Chicago, c. 30 Jan. 1931 \C record numbers: (VO-112-A) Vo-1678 BC-13 I been going crazy : I just can't help myself Because the man I'm loving : he loving someone else I was locked outdoors : huddled myself all night long and cried I'm going crazy : crazy as I can be I got up this morning : I made a fire in my stove And made up my bread : and stuck my pan outdoors I'm crazy I'm crazy : just can't help myself I'm just as crazy crazy : as a poor girl can be \L MemM 22 Memphis Minnie \C title: Soo Cow Soo \C place and date: Chicago, 25 Mar. 1931 \C record numbers: (VO-151-A) Vo-1658 Yz L-1021 If you see my cow : tell her hurry home I ain't had no sweet milk : since she been gone If you see my cow : drive her to the barn I ain't had nothing to drink : since she been gone My cow little aches : she can't get no water She got a little calf : say you might've heard her holler I'm taking my cow : can of beer Never stopped a-jumping : till she finds good I got up this morning : I went outdoors I'd know my cow : by the way she lows I give her corn : I give her wheat I'd give anything : that the poor cow needs \L MemM 23 Memphis Minnie \C title: After While Blues \C place and date: Chicago, 25 Mar. 1931 \C record numbers: (VO-152-A) Vo-1658 BC-13 I walked around this world : You ought to heard them holler : say I've the whole round world I want you to let them know : You ain't my partner : because the times have done got hard I want you : like a monkey up a tree Using them coconuts : ??? some of them on me ??? : Don't you worry : because you got the *goodest thing* I got a man I love : better than myself *No one can take him* : I wouldn't want nobody else \L MemM 24 Memphis Minnie \C title: Where Is My Good Man \C place and date: New York, 3 Feb. 1932 \C record numbers: (11216-A) Vo-1698 OJL-6 Lord I wonder : where is my good man at He left here this morning : didn't carry nothing but his hat He left his suit : hanging all on the rack He left here this morning : didn't carry nothing but his hat If only : could get my good man back He left here this morning : didn't carry nothing but his hat \L MemM 25 Memphis Minnie \C title: Ain't No Use Trying to Tell On Me \C place and date: New York, 27 Oct. 1933 \C record numbers: (152537-2) Co unissued Yz L-1021 Just as sure as this paper : sticks aside the wall I'm going somewhere : and have my ashes hauled Because I remember last winter : when the weather was cold You's out on the corner : trying to sell jellyroll I was sitting in my kitchen : just as quiet as a lamb I wasn't too quiet : to hear my back door slam I want you tell me : how come you do like you do do do You know I love you : ain't done a thing to you When I want it I wants it : and I wants it bad You don't give it to me : want to make me mad \L MemM 26 Memphis Minnie \C title: Stinging Snake Blues \C place and date: Chicago, 25 Mar. 1934 \C record numbers: (CP-1069-1) Vo-02711 Pal PL-101 This house is full of stinging snakes : crawling all in my bed I can't rest at night : from them crawling all under my head I got up this morning : one stung me on my leg I can't sleep at night : because he keeps me awake Mmm : wonder where is my stinging snake gone I can't see no peace : since my stinging snake left the home I've got a stinging snake : I love sometime better than I do myself If the Lord was to take him : I wouldn't be stung by nobody else Mmm : where is my stinging snake now I believe to my soul : that my stinging snake trying to put me down \L MemM 27 Memphis Minnie \C title: Drunken Barrelhouse Blues \C place and date: Chicago, 25 Mar. 1934 \C record numbers: (CP-1070-1) Vo-02711 Yz L-1021 If you listen to me good people : I'll tell you what it's all about We have that good Dr Cheer: and it just come now Eight o'clock in the morning : don't say one mumbling word I can tell you all about it : and I ain't going to tell you nothing I heard Hey I believe I'll get drunk : tear this old barrelhouse down Because I ain't got no money : but I can hobo out of town Give me one more drink : drink of that *bottling burn* And I will tell everything : just as soon as I get back home Give me a draught of beer : if not a drink of gin I feel myself getting sober : I want to get back drunk again \L MemM 28 Memphis Minnie \C title: You Got to Move-+-Part I \C place and date: Chicago, 24 Aug. 1934 \C record numbers: (C-9380- ) De-7038 BC-1 Look here baby : you ain't got to go I've got my *first time* : to drive you from my door You ain't got to move : out this neighborhood Because I tell the world : I mean you only good I have a brand new bed : a brand new stool Come back baby : you ain't got to move Well you don't have to worry : about something to eat I made a-plenty money : all last week \L MemM 29 Memphis Minnie \C title: Chickasaw Train Blues \C place and date: Chicago, 24 Aug. 1934 \C record numbers: (C-9382- ) De-7019 Cor CP-58 I might tell everybody : what that Chickasaw have done done for me She done stole my man away : and blowed back dark smoke on me Ain't no woman : like to ride that Chickasaw Because everywhere she stops : she's stealing some woman's good man off I told the depot agent this morning : I don't think you treat me right He done sold my man a ticket : and know that Chickasaw is leaving town tonight I walking down the railroad track : that Chickasaw even wouldn't let me ride the blinds And she start picking up man : all up and down the line Mmm : Chickasaw don't pay no woman no mind And she start picking up men : all up and down this line \L MemM 30 Memphis Minnie \C title: Squat It \C place and date: Chicago, 10 Sept. 1934 \C record numbers: (C-9426-A) De-7146 Rt RL-329 I've got a man : works on the railroad track The reason he keeps his job : he can squat it in the sack He's not so good-looking : he don't dress so fine But when he does his squatting : he really takes his time Now I want you to go ahead on girls : and leave him alone That's the very reason : scared to trust him at home That's the man : he's scared to call his name Because when he go to squatting : it's a crying shame He not so short : he not so tall But when he's doing the squatting : you might a-hear me squall \L MemM 31 Memphis Minnie \C title: Dirty Mother For You \C place and date: Chicago, 10 Jan. 1935 \C record numbers: (C-9641-A) De-7048 Pal PL-101 I ain't no doctor : but I'm the doctor wife You better come to me : if you want to save your life He's a dirty mother for you : he don't mean no good He got drunk this morning : tore up the neighborhood I want you to come here baby : come here quick You done give me something : about to make me sick I went down to the station : talk to the judge He said don't bring me : none of that doggone crap you heard I went down to the office : fell out on the floor He done something to me now : he won't do no more Now won't you look here baby : what you done done You done *spread* my *liver* : now you done *broke the rungs* \L MemM 32 Memphis Minnie \C title: You Can't Give It Away \C place and date: Chicago, 10 Jan. 1935 \C record numbers: (C-9644-A) De-7048 Pal PL-101 What is that : you going around here trying to sell It ain't good to eat : you know it ain't good to smell The first time I met you : you had the meat in your hand Going to give it : to some woman's man You got something you can't sell : and you can't give away You just as well to take it : on back where you stay And don't let me catch you : trying to give it to my man If you do : *I'm ??? to pin a* doggone can Look a-here black girl : why don't you get off the line What you trying to sell : ain't nobody buying \L MemM 33 Memphis Minnie \C title: Reachin' Pete \C place and date: Chicago, 27 May 1935 \C record numbers: (90018- ) De-7102 Mam S-3803 When you go to Helena : stop on Cherry Street And just ask anybody : to show you Reaching Pete He's the tallest man : walks on Cherry Street And the baddest copper : ever walked that beat He met me one sunny morning : just about the break of day I was drinking my moonshine : he made me throw my knife away Well he taken my partner : down to the jail After he locked her up : he turned and went her bail Reaching Pete's all right : but his buddy *overzeal* Every time he meet you : he's ready for plenty hell \L MemM 34 Memphis Minnie \C title: He's in the Ring \C place and date: Chicago, 22 Aug. 1935 \C record numbers: (C-1099-B) Vo-03046 Pal PL-101 Hey all you peoples going out tonight : just going to see Joe Louis fight And if you ain't got no money : have to go tomorrow night Crying he even carried a mean left : and he carried a mean right And if he hits you with either one : same as a charge from a dynamite I'm going to tell all of you prize fighters : don't play Joe for no fool If he hits you with that left duke : same as a kick from a Texas mule Joe Louis is a two-fist fighter : and he stands six feet tall And the bigger they come : he say the harder they fall Boys if I only had ten hundred dollars : I'd a-laid it up on my shelf I'd bet anybody pass my house : that one round Joe would knock him out I wouldn't even pay my house rent : I wouldn't buy me nothing to eat Joe Louis would take a chance with them : I would put you on your feet \L MemM 35 Memphis Minnie \C title: Black Cat Blues \C place and date: Chicago, 27 May 1936 \C record numbers: (C-1386-1) Vo-03581 Pal PL-101 I got a big black cat : sitting in my back door He catches every rat : run across my floor If it wasn't for that cat : I wouldn't know what I would do Rats cutting up : all of my clothes and shoes I been had this old cat now : for three or four years Still nobody want him : till I brought him here Before I got that cat : rats had holes all in my walls Since I brought her home : you can't find no holes at all You have seen a lots of cats : and you going to see a lots of more I got one-eyed cats : everywhere I go \L MemM 36 Memphis Minnie \C title: Man You Won't Give Me No Money \C place and date: Chicago, 27 May 1936 \C record numbers: (C-1388-2) Vo-03474 BC-1 Man you won't give me no money : you won't buy me no clothes to wear Want to take me off in France : and know I ain't got no business over there Tell me men : what do you expect for us poor women to do Work and give you all our money : and be used like a doggone tool I'm so glad : that I ain't nobody's fool If I keep every dime of my money : sure got to come under my rule Know when you was a schoolboy : when you was going to school You know if you take my money : you be done broke your teacher's rule I don't mind trying to help you : please don't play me for no fool Don't forget these last words : you sure got to come under my rule \L MemM 37 Memphis Minnie \C title: Moonshine \C place and date: Chicago, 12 Nov. 1936 \C record numbers: (C-1670-1) Vo-03894 BC-1 I got to leave this town : I'm got to go before the sun go down Because I done got tired : of these coppers running me around I stayed in jail last night : and all last night before I would have been there now : if my daddy hadn't've sprung the door I been in so much of trouble : that's why I'm got to go But when I get out this time : I won't sell moonshine no more I done packed my trunk : and done shipped it on down the road Now I won't be bothered : with these big fat bulls no more Just keep me a-moving : going from door to door I done made up in my mind : not to sell moonshine no more \L MemM 38 Memphis Minnie \C title: It's Hard to Be Mistreated \C place and date: Chicago, 12 Nov. 1936 \C record numbers: (C-1671-1) Vo-03474 BC-1 Well it's hard to be mistreated : when you ain't done nothing wrong And you caught your lover-man : when you can't keep him at home Now I'm going to get myself a single man : and leave these married mens alone They ain't nothing but a wad of trouble : when they laying up in your arms I need someone to love me : but someone to call my own I'm tired of loving these married men : can say I know their wives got them and gone Well I'm getting so tired : staying home all by myself And every man I fall in love with : he loving someone else But I tried to be nice : tried to be nice and kind But every man I love : don't seem like he want to pay me no mind \L MemM 39 Memphis Minnie \C title: My Baby Don't Want Me No More \C place and date: Chicago, 17 June 1937 \C record numbers: (C-1936-1) Vo-03894 BC-1 I don't believe : my baby wants me no more Well if he did : he would take me everywhere he goes Asked my daddy last night : please take me to the show Said I wouldn't mind carrying you : but your daddy ain't got no dough Well you say you going away to leave me : going back down the road Well I just want to find out : now which a-way must I go If you catch that midnight train : I might ride that midnight train too Well I could still be riding : I don't have to be with you Mmm : look what you done made me do Done left my good man : all on account of you \L MemM 40 Memphis Minnie \C title: Lonesome Shark Blues \C place and date: Chicago, 27 June 1940 \C record numbers: (WC-3166-A) OK-05728 BC-1 Out across the hill : I built a lonesome shack So when my good man quit me : I won't have to beg him back In the southeast corner : that's where I'll put my cool iron bed So when he puts me out : have some place to lay my head Found my groceries and my stove : where they are selling cheap So when he stops feeding me : have some place to cook and eat Time I get me a sweetheart : and a ??? machine So when we part : be hard to find a ??? *bean* \L MemM 41 Memphis Minnie \C title: Nothin in Rambling \C place and date: Chicago, 27 June 1940 \C record numbers: (WC-3167-A) OK-05670 BC-1 I's born in Louisiana : I raised in Algiers And everywhere I been : the peoples all say Ain't nothing in rambling : either running around Well I believe I'll marry : ooo Lord and settle down I first left home : I stopped in Tennessee The peoples all begging : come and stay with me Because ain't nothing in rambling : either running around Well I believe I'll get me a good man : ooo Lord and settle down I walked through the alley : with my hand in my coat The police start to shoot me : thought it something I stole The peoples on the highway : is walking and crying Some is starving : some is dying You may go to Hollywood : and try to get on the screen But I'm going to stay right here : and eat these old charity beans \L MemM 42 Memphis Minnie \C title: Boy Friend Blues \C place and date: Chicago, 27 June 1940 \C record numbers: (WC-3168-A) OK-05670 BC-1 I'm alone : traveling by myself If I don't find the one I love : I don't want nobody else I was down : down one old lonesome road I didn't have me no baby : couldn't find no place to go Mmm : people wonder where could my baby be It don't make me no difference : just seem so lonesome here to me I can't feel happy : nowhere in the world I be If I don't find my baby : you going to have some trouble out of me Boy friend boy friend : where in the world can you be Ever since you been gone : you sure is worrying me \L MemM 43 Memphis Minnie \C title: It's Hard to Please My Man \C place and date: Chicago, 27 June 1940 \C record numbers: (WC-3170-A) OK-05728 BC-1 You keep me thinking : and wondering all the time Oh people it's so hard : to please that man of mine I combs his hair : I washes his feet And when I think that works : he's out strolling the street Last night he started an argument : he dared poor me to grunt Then taken my last dollar : to make his girl friend drunk I ain't going to give you my money : and don't know what it's all about Soon as I get cold in hand : you be ready to kick me out \L MemM 44 Memphis Minnie \C title: In My Girlish Days \C place and date: Chicago, 21 May 1941 \C record numbers: (C-3764-1) OK-06410 BC-1 Late hours at night : trying to play my hand Through my window : out stepped a man My mama cried : papa did too Oh daughter : look what a shame on you I flagged a train : didn't have a dime Tried to run away : from that home of mine I hit the highway : caught me a truck Nineteen and seventeen : when the world was tough All of my playmates : is not surprised I had to travel : before I got wise \L MemM 45 Memphis Minnie \C title: Me and My Chauffeur Blues \C place and date: Chicago, 21 May 1941 \C record numbers: (C-3765-1) OK-06788 BC-1 Won't you be my chauffeur : I want someone to drive me I want someone to drive me downtown Baby drives so easy : I can't turn him around But I don't want him : to be riding these girls to be riding these girls around You know I'm going to steal me a pistol : shoot my chauffeur down Well I must buy him : a brand new V-Eight a brand new V-Eight Ford And he won't need no passengers : I will be his load Going to let my chauffeur : drive me around the drive me around the world Then he can be my little boy : yes I'll feed him good \L MileL 1 Miles, Lizzie \C title: Shootin' Star Blues \C place and date: New York, 4 Jan. 1928 \C record numbers: (7708-2) Ba-7025 VJM VLP-40 I done crossed my fingers : and counted up to twenty-three I seen a star falling : that means bad luck done fell on me A black cat bone's a-boiling : I put it on at half past twelve I'll tie it in a sack : and walk off talking to myself A shooting star means evil : ain't never seen that thing to fail I'll either spend a month in jail : or I'm sure to lose my job Now I ain't superstitious : don't believe in not a sign I know But when my right hand itches : I know I'll get some money sure I let a black cat cross me : I walked right through a funeral line But when the stars are shooting : I know bad luck is in that sign \L MillL 1 Miller, Lillian \C title: Dead Drunk Blues \C place and date: Richmond, Ind., c. 3 May 1928 \C record numbers: (13718-A) Ge-6518 OJL-6 You knowed I was drunk : when I lay down across your bed All the whiskey I drank : it's gone right to my head Oh give me Houston : that's the place I crave So when I'm dry : I can get whiskey ??? *made* Whiskey whiskey : is some folk's downfall But if I don't get whiskey : I ain't no good at all When I was in Houston : drunk most every day I drank so much whiskey : I thought I'd pass away Have you ever been drunk : and slept in all your clothes And when you wake up : feel like you want a dose I'm going to get drunk : daddy just one more time Because when I'm drunk : nothing don't worry my mind \L MillS 1 Miller, Sodarisa \C title: Sunshine Special \C place and date: Chicago, c. Apr. 1925 \C record numbers: (2092-?) Pm-12276 Mil MLP-2018 Sunshine Special : shine down on me I ain't going home till morning : I've had the blues all my life : I think that's long enough I'm going out all night : ??? going to strut my stuff *Take your good girl* : *take your hands away* It's the way you *crow* mama : just awhile before day I say Sunshine Special : throw your light down on me I'm going home to my regular : drunk as I can be What my mama told me : ??? : my ruination \L MissM 1 Mississippi Moaner \C title: Mississippi Moan \C place and date: Jackson, Miss., 20 Oct. 1935 \C record numbers: (JAX-201-1) Vo-03166 Yz L-1009 Hey : something going on wrong Lord when I come in : find my *good gal* gone Lord I wish she come here : right down on her head And might be a few questions : she swore sure *kill her dead* And you treat me good : Lord will bless your soul If you treat me bad : mama to hell you surely go But I'm on my way back : to that lonesome hill Because that's where I can look down : where the *stack* man used to live I said mama : what become of me Every time I leave home : some of my follies follow me Some of my former deeds mama : cause me to leave my old home Lord I tried and tried : and I just can't let her go \L MissM 2 Mississippi Moaner \C title: It's Cold in China Blues \C place and date: Jackson, Miss., 20 Oct. 1935 \C record numbers: (JAX-202-1) Vo-03166 OJL-8 So cold in China : birds can't hardly sing You didn't make me mad : till you broke my diamond ring Take me mama : won't be bad no more You can get my loving : if you let that old black snake go Black snake crawling : crawling in my room Some high brown woman : better come and get this here black snake soon Hey mama : what have I said and done Folks tell me your loving : baby sure going to be my ruin Crying eee : your daddy do love you You's a high-stepping mama : and I don't care what you do I was a little boy : on my way to school Met a high brown woman : and she broke my mammy's rule Mama said I'm reckless : daddy said I'm young and wild Quit being so reckless : be my baby child \L MontE 1 Montgomery, Eurreal Little Brother \C title: The Woman I Love Blues \C place and date: New Orleans, 10 Aug. 1935 \C record numbers: (94418-1) BB-B6140 CC-35 The woman I love : she only sixteen years of age And she's a full-grown woman : but she just got childish ways She got a head full of diamonds : and a mouth chock full of gold And every time she smiles : Lord it makes my blood run cold And she's low and she's squatty : and made right to the ground And she's tailor-made : Lord and ain't no hand-me-down And the woman I love : Lord she do not pay me no mind And the one I hate : I see her all the time And the woman I love : she's gone far away And the one I hate : at the house every day \L MontE 2 Montgomery, Eurreal Little Brother \C title: Pleading Blues \C place and date: New Orleans, 10 Aug. 1935 \C record numbers: (94419-1) BB-B6140 CC-35 Folks you don't know : how worried must I be Nobody knows : but the good Lord and me Lord Lord : now won't you hear my plea Now I want you to stop my gal : from mistreating me Lord Lord : now I ain't got a friend Now one gal is in jail : and the other one is in the pen \L MontE 3 Montgomery, Eurreal Little Brother \C title: Vicksburg Blues No. 2 \C place and date: New Orleans, 10 Aug. 1935 \C record numbers: (94420-1) BB-B6072 Yz L-1028 I've been worrying all day mama : and could hardly sleep last night I had the blues for Vicksburg Mississippi : and couldn't be satisfied *Now if ever they find me the ship at* : where I long to be I've got a good gal pretty mama : waiting there for me Now there's nothing I can do mama : oh no more I can say All I know I do in Vicksburg : Lord is *paraday* \L MontE 4 Montgomery, Eurreal Little Brother \C title: Mama You Don't Mean Me No Good \C place and date: New Orleans, 10 Aug. 1935 \C record numbers: (94421-1) BB-B6072 CC-35 I love you mama : but you don't mean me no good I done everything for you : sweet mama that I could I brought you clothes : and diamond rings Give you all my money : and everything If you don't want me mama : now let your daddy be *For me* I may find someone : that cares for me I ain't no doctor : I can't ease your pain Ain't no brakeman : I can't take your train You know sweet : I'm a good-looking brown What it takes to please : I'm going to carry that around \L MontE 5 Montgomery, Eurreal Little Brother \C title: The First Time I Met You \C place and date: New Orleans, 16 Oct. 1936 \C record numbers: (02642-1) BB-B6766 RBF RF-12 The first time I met the blues mama : they came walking through the wood They stopped at my house first mama : and done me all the harm they could Now my blues got at me : Lord and run me from tree to tree You should have heard me begging : Mr blues don't murder me Good morning blues : what are you doing here so soon You bes with me every morning : Lordy every night and noon The blues came down the alley : mama and stopped right at my door They give me more hard luck and trouble : than I ever had before \L MontE 6 Montgomery, Eurreal Little Brother \C title: Vicksburg Blues-+-Part 3 \C place and date: New Orleans, 16 Oct. 1936 \C record numbers: (02645-1) BB-B6697 CC-35 Had a cool loving mama : and they call her Jesse P And she's the sweetest woman : has ever walked down Mulberry Street Now she's a kind loving baby : and give the men a thrill Now the reason I love her : she live in Vicksburg on the hill And I love her I love her : and I always will The reason I really love her : I think of Vicksburg on the hill \L MontE 7 Montgomery, Eurreal Little Brother \C title: Out West Blues \C place and date: New Orleans, 16 Oct. 1936 \C record numbers: (02649-1) BB-B6916 CC-35 I were laying upstairs mama : trying to take my rest And a notion struck me : Lord I believe I'll go out west Now I'm going out west mama : Lord and I can't take you Because it's nothing out there mama : that a woman like you can do Just as soon : as a train mama makes up in the yard And I'm out westbound : that's if the bulls don't have me barred \L MontE 8 Montgomery, Eurreal Little Brother \C title: Leaving Town Blues \C place and date: New Orleans, 16 Oct. 1936 \C record numbers: (02650-1) BB-B6916 CC-35 Now I'm leaving town baby : because you know you treats me wrong You go out at night and get full of bad whiskey : and stay out the whole night long And I tried everything mama in this world : to get along with you Now and you know I love you : that's why you treat me like the way you do And I'm going I'm going : mama and your crying won't make me stay And the more you cry mama : the farther that you drive me away Now when I leave this time mama : you can pin crepe on my door And I won't be dead : baby but I ain't coming here no more \L MontE 9 Montgomery, Eurreal Little Brother \C title: West Texas Blues \C place and date: New Orleans, 16 Oct. 1936 \C record numbers: (02651-1) BB-B7178 CC-35 I got a letter from Texas : how do you reckon it read It said hurry home brother : for the one you love is dead And I went to the station : but the train had gone I got to thinking about my baby : and I started walking on And I walked up on a stranger : I told him I was in so much misery He said you'll never start to Texas : you better take the T and T And he dropped me off in Texas : in a little place they call San Antone And you can't really imagine : how you hear those wild ox moan \L MontE 10 Montgomery, Eurreal Little Brother \C title: Never Go Wrong Blues \C place and date: New Orleans, 16 Oct. 1936 \C record numbers: (02652-1) BB-B6825 CC-35 Now boys I once had a good woman : but I really did not treat her right And I would do everything evil : and everything I could for spite I would go out at night : and get full of bucket gin And she would be absolutely hospital bound : if she ever even asked me where I had been Now I'm sorry that I mistreated her : just as sorry as a man can be Now it seem like the more that I do for her : it is the less she care for me Now boys if you got a good woman : treat her kind in every way Because a real good woman : can't be found every day \L MontE 11 Montgomery, Eurreal Little Brother \C title: Mistreatin' Woman Blues \C place and date: New Orleans, 16 Oct. 1936 \C record numbers: (02654-1) BB-B7178 CC-35 Boys have you ever had a woman : and she didn't mean you no good And you trust her with your hide : and she treat it just like a piece of wood And you will turn your back on everybody : baby you will really worry you best friend On account of a no-good woman : and then she loving other men Then you will sit right down and worry : about a friend that you could gain After you have forsaken everybody : it will be on account of another dame Now boys don't never let : no woman treat you nice and kind Because she's only been *you* : I can tell *you about the* mine \L MooA 1 Moore, Whistlin' Alex \C title: West Texas Woman \C place and date: Dallas, 5 Dec. 1929 \C record numbers: (149531-2) Co-14496-D His HLP-32 I met a woman in West Texas : she had been left by herself all alone I spied her looking ??? *cross* me : where I wasn't even known She fell for me a raggedy stranger : standing in the drizzling rain She said daddy I'll follow you : though you don't know my name We snuggled closely together : muddy water around our feet No place to call home : wet hungry and no place to eat She said I care for you daddy : but I love no man better than I do myself But I have a mind to care : a heart to love like anyone else The wolves howled at midnight : wild ox moaned till day The man in the moon looked down on us : but had nothing to say \L MooA 2 Moore, Whistlin' Alex \C title: It Wouldn't Be So Hard \C place and date: Dallas, 6 Dec. 1929 \C record numbers: (149562-2) Co-14496-D His HLP-32 I get up early every morning : to toil the whole day through Baby it wouldn't be so hard : if I was getting up from beside of you I'm so lonesome without you baby : I can't be satisfied Aren't you a little lonesome for me too : so we can both be pacified Your hugs are so shocking : your eyes tell me yes And you don't *store* it to me : that's what makes my happiness I'm not lying baby : you were always really mine And if I don't see you soon : I'll sure be found crying Right back to Dallas : I got to be on my way I'm going to let that Texas Special : drop me in southern U S A Right or wrong : I must be with my little southern Chocktaw I don't know that she loves me : but still she calls me her southpaw \L MooAl 1 Moore, Alice \C title: Black and Evil Blues \C place and date: Richmond, Ind., 16 Aug. 1929 \C record numbers: (15447) Pm-12819 CC-37 I'm black and I'm evil : and I did not make myself If my man don't have me : he won't have nobody else I've got to buy me a bulldog : he'll watch me while I sleep Because I'm so black and evil : that I might make a midnight creep I believe to my soul : the Lord has got a curse on me Because every man I get : a no-good woman steals him from me *Even as* I lay down at night : behind you lies an empty space And you wish on every *no-good* star : *bring here your baby to me* \L MooAl 2 Moore, Alice \C title: Prison Blues \C place and date: Richmond, Ind., 16 Aug. 1929 \C record numbers: (15448) Pm-12868 CC-37 Oh the judge he sentenced me : and the clerk he wrote it down My man *sat and stared before you babe* : that you are county farm bound Oh six months in *jail* : and a month on the county farm If my man hadn't a-been in the *jug* : he would help with my bond I worked hard on the county farm : tried to forget my man And some day he's going to be sorry : he treated me this a-way I've got to build me a scaffold : just to hang myself Because the man I'm loving : I don't care where he *follow me* \L MooAl 3 Moore, Alice \C title: My Man Blues \C place and date: Richmond, Ind., 16 Aug. 1929 \C record numbers: (15449-A) Pm-12868 CC-37 My man my man : treats me so lowdown Anything I do : he like to leave his mind I love my man : but he loves somebody else I think I'm a big fool : he'll keep on wearing my *Ever get ready for* lay down : and think about your man at night And you will get to twisting and turning : and you couldn't lay just right My babe turned to me : with tears running down his face Says I'm sorry for you woman : another woman has taken your place \L MooAl 4 Moore, Alice \C title: Broadway St. Woman Blues \C place and date: Richmond, Ind., 16 Aug. 1929 \C record numbers: (15452) Pm-12819 CC-37 I was standing on the corner : just between Broadway and Main A cop walked up : and he *laughed ??? me my name* ??? : my name was *little known* myself I'm a good-time woman : and I sure don't have to He says I'll take you to the station : and see what you will do *I'll make him despise you* : and he *lay* Oh he took me to the judge : with my head hanging low And the judge said hold you head up : for you are bound to go \L MooAl 5 Moore, Alice \C title: Lonesome Dream Blues \C place and date: Grafton, Wis., c. Feb. 1930 \C record numbers: (L-170-2) Pm-13107 CC-37 I had a dream last night : babe I can't understand I had a dream I saw some woman : *thieving* with my man I tried to be good : but he would not let me be Now he is leaving : just to spite me Now you got all my money : still you ain't satisfied And now you got another woman : going to catch the train and ride You may go babe : you may have your way But when you think of your loving : I know that you cannot behave \L MooAl 6 Moore, Alice \C title: Kid Man Blues \C place and date: Grafton, Wis., c. Feb. 1930 \C record numbers: (L-171-2) Pm-13107 CC-37 Baby when I was all down and out : you just could not be found Now I have someone to care for me : don't want you hanging around I have got a regular man here : Lord the good kid-man's downtown I can't quit my regular : and I won't throw my kid-man down Lord I quit my kid-man : because I caught him in a lie And all I can hear now : is his moaning his mournful cry Yes he told a little gal : looking in the deep blue sea I am ??? : so don't bring your blues to me \L MooAl 7 Moore, Alice \C title: Black Evil Blues \C place and date: Chicago, 18 Aug. 1934 \C record numbers: (C-9317-A) De-7028 OJL-20 And I'm black and I'm evil : and I did not make *myself* If my babe don't have me : he won't have nobody there Going to buy me a bulldog : to watch me while I sleep Because I'm so black and evil : that I might make a midnight creep I believe to my soul : the Lord have got a curse on me Because every *meat* that I gain : a no-good woman steals him from me Did you ever lay down at night : behind you lies an empty space You will turn over and hug a pillow : where your daddy used to die \L MooM 1 Moore, Monette \C title: Black Hearse Blues \C place and date: New York, c. Jan. 1925 \C record numbers: (31777) Ajax-17093 VJM VLP-40 Old death wagon : don't you dare stop at my door You took my first three daddies : you can't have number four Smallpox got my first man : booze killed number two I wore out the last one : but with this one I ain't through Slow down *bone archer* : call your *cold cart* back My daddy's engine running : on my *double track* Black hearse ain't no use : you sure can't have my man I'm just using him up : on the old \L MooM 2 Moore, Monette \C title: Scandal Blues \C place and date: New York, c. Jan. 1925 \C record numbers: (31779) Ajax-17093 VJM VLP-40 Spreading lies and gossip : surely is one shameful sin I hope when winter comes : they steal coal from her bin Scandal : is just a nice fancy name for dirt I'll *spy* some woman : lying *mouse* just in her skirt The buzzard : surely one lowdown rotten bird But when folks smell scandal : how they fly to spread the word Next time : I hear that mean ornery lowdown talk I'll put coals in someone's shoes : to make warts when they walk \L MooP 1 Moore, Kid Prince \C title: Bug Juice Blues \C place and date: New York, 8 Apr. 1936 \C record numbers: (18971-2) ARC-6-09-56 Rt RL-340 Love my bug juice : just as crazy about it as I can be *My late bug juice vane* : Lord I'm afraid he's going to pour it on me Took one drink last night : and it made me go stone blind Thought I'd run away : but I had to take my time Sometime : a drink make me act just like a doggone fool Two three drinks : make me kick like a doggone mule Good man when I'm sober : tiger when I'm drunk ??? : mama I'm going to hide in your trunk \L MooP 2 Moore, Kid Prince \C title: Honey Dripping Papa \C place and date: New York, 11 Apr. 1936 \C record numbers: (18999-2) ARC-6-09-56 Rt RL-340 'Tain't none of my business : but it sure ain't right Take another man's woman : play honeydrip all night I'm a stranger : I just come in your town I want some honeydrip : please don't turn me down If I mistreat you mama : I sure don't mean no harm I'm a honeydripping papa : I don't know right from wrong I got me a mama : she's so big and fat She hurt her honeydrip prince : because I know it's tight like that Don't play honeydrip : way down in no cell She's a sweet loving mama : I know she's going to raise a little hell Went up on a mountain : looked down in the deep blue sea Big fat woman : tried to flirt with me If I could holler : like that mountain jack I'd go up on the mountain : call my baby back \L MooR 1 Moore, Rosie Mae \C title: Staggering Blues \C place and date: Memphis, 3 Feb. 1928 \C record numbers: (41830-2) Vi-21280 Rt RL-310 Because you see me staggering : baby don't you think I'm drunk For I'm going away to leave you : I'm coming back no more Can't you tell me pretty papa : where did you stay last night He said it's none of your business : mama so I treat you right Because you see me staggering : daddy don't you think I'm drunk I got my eye on my shotgun : the other one is on your trunk Well I love you Mr Charlie : honey God knows I do But the day you try to quit me : brother that's the day you die \L MooR 2 Moore, Rosie Mae \C title: Ha-Ha Blues \C place and date: Memphis, 3 Feb. 1928 \C record numbers: (41831-1) Vi-21280 Her H-201 Go on old man : don't sing those blues to me I'm about as blue : as any girl can be You even told me : right to my face That you had another woman : to shimmy in my place I'm getting tired : of your dirty ways I'm going back : to my baby again So *crying to me* : don't mean you can't bluff Papa I'm slipping out tonight : I'm going ha ha ha *All you men* : you may go your way I'm sick and tired : of your dirty ways \L MooR 3 Moore, Rosie Mae \C title: School Girl Blues \C place and date: Memphis, 3 Feb. 1928 \C record numbers: (41832-2) Vi-21408 OJL-17 Now tell me little daddy : what you got on your worried mind Tell your little mama your troubles : swear I'll tell you mine I'll just ??? your carriage : and I'll check your line I just come to tell you : another man is got your child It's hard to love a man : when you know you really love Lord I can't quit him : and I sure can't let him alone Lord early one morning : girls on my way to school Lord that brownskin man : caused me not to obey my poor mother's rule \L MooR 4 Moore, Rosie Mae \C title: Stranger Blues \C place and date: Memphis, 3 Feb. 1928 \C record numbers: (41833-2) Vi-21408 OJL-6 If I feel tomorrow : like I feel today Before I stand to be mistreated : girls I'll take morphine and die Lord my daddy got something : that's a brand new thing to me I just want to tell you : it's sure been good to me I'm poor old stranger girls : and I just rolled in your town Lord I just come here : to ease my troubled mind Lord I'm so heart-broken girls : I cannot cry at all Well if I finds my man girls : I'm going to nail him to the wall I'm poor old stranger girls : and I just rolled in your town Lord I find my man : I'm going to nail him to the wall \L MooR 5 Moore, Rosie Mae \C title: Mad Dog Blues \C place and date: New Orleans, c. Dec. 1928 \C record numbers: (NOR-760) Br-7049 Rt RL-329 Read my search warrant lady : I'm just looking for my man I got my razor in my bosom : and my pistol in my hand I'm just like a mad dog : I snaps at everything I meet But if I find my man : he sure is going to be my meat I'm going to cut him with my razor : I'm going to use my pistol too Now they can call the undertaker : to put your last clean shirt on you I'm going to kill my man : then I'm going to kill myself I'd rather we both to be dead : than to see him with someone else \L MooW 1 Moore, William \C title: One Way Gal \C place and date: Chicago, c. Jan. 1928 \C record numbers: (20309-1) Pm-12648 OJL-8 There's one thing I like : about that gal of mine She treats me right : and loves me all the time Sometimes I'm broke : and blue as I can be But still my baby : she looks after me She walked in the rain : till her feet got soaking wet And these are the words : she said to every man she met Mr change a dollar : and give me one lousy dime So I can feed : this hungry man of mine She took me over : to a cabaret I ate and drank : and then I went away This gal of mine : she's one way all the time She takes the blues away : and satisfies my mind \L MooW 2 Moore, William \C title: Midnight Blues \C place and date: Chicago, c. Jan. 1928 \C record numbers: (20312-2) Pm-12636 Rt RL-340 Some people say : that the midnight blues ain't bad Well it must not have been : those midnight blues I had Tell me fair brownie : where did you stay last night Your hair's all down : and your clothes ain't fitting you right Oh run here mama : run and tell me now Says do you love your papa : anyhow When you see two women : going together so long You can bet your life : that there's something going on wrong I'm going to buy me a pistol : as long as my right arm Going to carry it in my pocket : and make you stay at home \L MoraH 1 Morand, Herb (Harlem Hamfats) \C title: Root Hog or Die \C place and date: New York, 6 Oct. 1937 \C record numbers: (62661-A) De-7439 AH-77 I pawned my watch : and my clothes and diamond ring Now you will have to stop : shaking shaking that old thing \L MossB 1 Moss, Buddy \C title: Daddy Don't Care \C place and date: New York, 16 Jan. 1933 \C record numbers: (12908-1) Ba-33106 RBF RF-15 She goes out Lord : and stays all day Got another woman : to take her place I got a gal : says she's long and tall Way she keep loving : says Lord Lord Lord I got a gal : says she's named Sally Right Says way she keep a-loving : says *it's* just too tight She stays out : all night long She's going to come home : and find me gone She stays out : both day and night Said I know my babe : she ain't treating me right \L MossB 2 Moss, Buddy \C title: Hard Road Blues \C place and date: New York, 19 Jan. 1933 \C record numbers: (12946-1) Ba-33106 RBF RF-15 Walking down the hard road : done wore the soles off of my shoes My soles are ragged : I got those hard road blues Have you ever laid down at night : thinking about your brown And get the hard road blues : and ramble from town to town Reason why I start : why I lowdown My gal done quit me : I got to leave this town I'm going to put some wheels : on my *broken* shoes Going to roll back to my baby : to get rid of these hard road blues I lay down last night : a thousand things on my mind Going to walk these hard roads : just to cure my lowdown mind Come here baby : give me your right hand Walking these hard roads : going to drive me insane \L MossB 3 Moss, Buddy \C title: Gravy Server \C place and date: New York, 21 Aug. 1935 \C record numbers: (17981- ) ARC-6-11-56 Rt RL-318 I've got a woman : she's sweet as she could be She long tall woman : she's all right with me Lord I love my woman : she treats me nice and kind All admit she got something : to ease my worried mind I'm going to ask my woman : will she be my wife I would believe she could boil water : make it suit my appetite Say the way she fries my steak : peoples I'm satisfied And the way she serves her gravy : man you'd be surprised Say she serves me in the morning : she serves me late at night Said and everything she serves me : she serves it to me right \L NelsR 1 Nelson, Romeo \C title: Gettin' Dirty Just Shakin' that Thing \C place and date: Chicago, 9 Oct. 1929 \C record numbers: (C-4629- ) Vo-1447 OJL-15 Now sister fooled brother man : and brother *moved down* The broad catch you signifying : you breaking her down Now mama : just poisoned you Sick and tired : of the way you do Spread the *goo-goo* dust : around your bed In the morning : find your own self dead I know a sister : called Miss Lou Shook so : she had the German flu Another sister : somebody call Miss Boone Shook so : you couldn't stay in her room Say mama cooked some cabbage : didn't have no meat Had to throw them : on Thirty-Fifth Street Old folk : go run and get your glass Catching the juice : from the too black bad Say mama killed a chicken : and she thought it was a duck Put him on the table : with his heel cocked up I had a mama : that spoke like this Shake your shoulder : shake your wig \L NelsR 2 Nelson, Romeo \C title: Dyin' Rider Blues \C place and date: Chicago, 26 Nov. 1929 \C record numbers: (C-4752- ) Vo-1494 RBF RF-12 I got a letter from my rider : what do you reckon it read Say hurry home papa : rider's almost dead And I walked slowly : looked down in the rider's bed These are the words : that rider's said You haven't kissed me papa : like you done before I got a ??? : I just about have to go And I walked back : looking down in rider's face These are the words : rider heard me say And now goodbye mama : I'll meet you some old day The way I been treated : I sure will pass away \L NelsS 1 Nelson, Sonny Boy \C title: Street Walkin' \C place and date: New Orleans, 15 Oct. 1936 \C record numbers: (02600-1) BB-B6672 Yz L-1038 Nobody knows : streetwalking women like I do She'll keep you up all night long : then will spend your money too She'll come home every morning : with a rag tied on her head And if you speak about loving man : she'll swear that she's almost dead She won't cook you no breakfast : clothes ain't never clean But she can spend more money : than any woman that you ever seen Sometimes she will say : baby I love you so Then again she will tell you : to pack your clothes and go \L NelsT 1 Nelson, Blue Coat Tom (T. C. Johnson Groups) \C title: Blue Coat Blues \C place and date: Memphis, 17 Feb. 1928 \C record numbers: (400258-B) OK-8838 Rt RL-316 Hey baby : see what you have done You went made me love you : now your man did come I'm going away baby : to wear you off my mind For you keeps me worried : a-bothered all the time I woke up here this morning : feeling bad I was dreaming about sweet mama : the time once I've had Hey late last night : when everything was still And I found my Georgie : a-way behind some hill Now gal got something : I don't know what it is But on every time she touches me : my mind can't be still *Down down alley* : and heist your window high ??? : when he go easing by I'm going down south : to have my fortune told For I believe : some dirty rascal stole my jellyroll \L Newb 1 Newbern, Hambone Willie \C title: She Could Toodle-Oo \C place and date: Atlanta, 13 Mar. 1929 \C record numbers: (402295-A) OK-8740 Rt RL-323 Her mama phoned the doctor : says come here quick Says I believe I got to have my daughter : check-a-check checked Well the doctor came : says I never seen such Your daughter got the fever : she toodle-oo too much Toodle-oo in the summer : in the fall Got so cold : she couldn't toodle-oo at all Her mama's in the kitchen : cooking in a stew Me around the house : just a toodle-oodle-oo Well she went to leave me : *rat* stuck to her shoe Fell down : and broke her little toodle-oodle-oo \L Newb 2 Newbern, Hambone Willie \C title: Nobody Knows \C place and date: Atlanta, 13 Mar. 1929 \C record numbers: (402296-B) OK-8679 Rt RL-307 There was one old brother : by the name of Mose He got so happy : bull of *barley the claw* There was one old sister : by the name of *Yoon* Shame to tell you brother : what that sister was doing There was one old sister : lived down on Vance Said I'd have been her shimmy partner : Lord if I had a chance There was one old sister : named sister Green Jumped up and done the shimmy Lord : you ain't never seen She pulled off her slipper : and then one sock Got way back : and done the double eagle rock \L Newb 3 Newbern, Hambone Willie \C title: Shelby County Workhouse Blues \C place and date: Atlanta, 13 Mar. 1929 \C record numbers: (402297-B) OK-8740 RBF RF-202 I left old Memphis Tennessee : on my way back to [dear old] *Maltree* I ??? my baby : if this Says I phoned my *room* : I didn't have but one word to say Cast my eyes to the Lord : say you please have mercy on poor me Well I left old *Maltree* : [on my way back, going back] to Memphis Tennessee No sooner I got at the bus station Lord : police he arrested me Lord the police arrest me : carried me before the judge Well the lawyers talk so fast : didn't have time to say not nary word Well the lawyer pleaded: and the judge he done wrote it down Says I'll give you ten days buddy : out in little old Shelby town And they stood me up : *tied me around the peg* Guard said to the trustee : said put the shackles *still* around his leg Mmm : Lordy Lordy Lord Lord the guards done treat me : like I was a lowdown dog \L Newb 4 Newbern, Hambone Willie \C title: Hambone Willie's Dreamy-Eyed Woman's \C Blues \C place and date: Atlanta, 14 Mar. 1929 \C record numbers: (402305-B) OK-8693 OJL-17 I've got a dreamy-eyed woman : lives down on Cherry Street And she laughs and talks : with every brownskin old man she meets Says I told her last night : and all night before Say if you don't quit so much running : you can't be mine no more Put both hands on her hips : and these is the words she said Said big boy I couldn't miss you : if the good Lord told me you was dead I'm going to leave here walking : chances I may ride For I got the blues baby : and I can't be satisfied Honey mmm : baby what more can I do Want me to cut my throat : baby trying to get along with you \L Newb 5 Newbern, Hambone Willie \C title: Roll and Tumble Blues \C place and date: Atlanta, 14 Mar. 1929 \C record numbers: (402306-B) OK-8679 OJL-17 And I rolled and I tumbled : and I cried the whole night long And I rosed this morning mama : and I didn't know right from wrong Did you ever wake up : and find your dough-roller gone And you wrings your hands : and you cry the whole day long And I told my woman Lord : [just] before I left her town Don't she let nobody : tear her barrelhouse down And I fold my arms Lord : and I [slowly] walked away Says that's all right sweet mama : your trouble going to come some day \L Nick 1 Nickerson, Charlie Bozo (Memphis Jug Band) \C title: Everybody's Talking About Sadie Green \C place and date: Memphis, 12 May 1930 \C record numbers: (59917-2) Vi-V38599 Jo SM-3104 Down in Memphis : Tennessee There's a gal : sweet as she can be She's not too thin : not too fat But everything about her : is tight like that She wears her dresses : above her knees Lets folks say : what they please She lets you ride her : in your car But won't let you : ride her too far She don't dress shabby : and wears a tam Legs look as nice : as Georgia ham She uses powder : uses paint It makes her look : like what she ain't She spends it : so they say Because : she won't give nothing away When she dances : she don't move her head But moves everything else : instead Man you can believe it : or not Some day : I'll see what Sadie's got \L Nick 2 Nickerson, Charlie Bozo (Memphis Jug Band) \C title: Cave Man Blues \C place and date: Memphis, 21 May 1930 \C record numbers: (59962-2) Vi-V38605 Mel MLP-7324 Mr caveman : doggone your caving soul You better quit your bad habits : digging in every dark hole You cave so much : till you can't keep it hid You going to get in the wrong cave : like Floyd Collins did You won't go to the barber : you won't even shave You know a clean-face man : don't go in no cave I'm going in the cave : at the sounding of the drums And I'll dig and dig : till my good gal comes \L Nick 3 Nickerson, Charlie Bozo (Memphis Jug Band) \C title: It Won't Act Right \C place and date: Memphis, 21 May 1930 \C record numbers: (59964-2) Vi-V38620 Jo SM-3104 I take my gal out : to a dance one night She would've did the shimmy : but her dress was too tight I would play my fiddle : but I ain't got no bow It have worn off : I can't use it no more I went uptown : to see old lady Moore The bed fell down : I bumped my head on the floor I had a little dog : I leant him to my gal : to keep her company Around that chicken coop : the *fool* My baby tried to pull off : my derby She bit my rooster : bit him to the bone I told her : to let my thing alone \L Nick 4 Nickerson, Charlie Bozo (Memphis Jug Band) \C title: Going Back to Memphis \C place and date: Memphis, 5 June 1930 \C record numbers: (62583- ) Vi-23310 Jo SM-3104 I'm leaving here mama : don't you want to go Because I'm sick and tired : of all this ice and snow When I get back to Memphis : you can bet I'll stay And I ain't going to leave : until that Judgment Day I love old Memphis : the place where I was born Wear my buck??? shoes : and drink my pint of corn I wrote my gal a letter : way down in Tennessee Because I was up here hungry : hurry up and ??? to me I'm going to walk and walk : until I walk out of my shoes Because I've got what they call : *the new living here* blues \L Nick 5 Nickerson, Charlie Bozo (Memphis Jug Band) \C title: Got a Letter from My Darlin' \C place and date: Memphis, 26 Nov. 1930 \C record numbers: (64731- ) Vi-23267 Rt RL-337 I got a letter from my darling : said hurry home I got a letter from my darling : said how long you been gone She's little and neat : all nice so sweet Great big legs : and ??? feet She got great big eyes : rosy cheeks Now buddy : you know she must be a peach I'm coming home mama : if I have to I'm coming home mama : if I have to ride the rods You know you're as sweet : as a candy doll You know : you didn't have another man in my stall I got a letter from my darling : said hurry home I got a letter from my darling : didn't have a single dime I'm going in the morning : ain't going to lose no time *Easy kind of* walk : *reel and* rock behind \L Nick 6 Nickerson, Charlie Bozo (Memphis Jug Band) \C title: You May Leave But This Will Bring You \C Back \C place and date: Memphis, 26 Nov. 1930 \C record numbers: (64733- ) Vi-23267 Rt RL-337 My father was a jockey : learned me to ride behind You know by that : I got a job any time I walked around the corner : to the peanut stand My gal got stuck : on the peanut man You quit me pretty mama : because you couldn't be my boss But a rolling stone : don't gather no moss Just a nickel's worth of meal : a dime's worth of lard Will feed every dame : in *Jack Burse* yard \L Nick 7 Nickerson, Charlie Bozo (Memphis Jug Band) \C title: Move that Thing \C place and date: Memphis, 28 Nov. 1930 \C record numbers: (64740-2) Vi-23274 Rt RL-323 Last night : my gal went to bed She put a pistol : under my head I got a gal : *pass the* ??? out of my place The mules backed up : in my face A horse and a flea : and two little mice Was down in the cellar : shooting dice Says the horse he slipped : fell on the flea The flea said police : the horse on me Said the little red rooster : to the little red hen You haven't laid an egg : since I don't know when \L Nick 8 Nickerson, Charlie Bozo (Memphis Jug Band) \C title: Round and Round \C place and date: Memphis, 26 Nov. 1930 \C record numbers: (64732- ) Vi-23256 Jo SM-3104 My gal's got something : that I surely like Every time she hugs me : it nearly breaks my back Preacher in the pulpit : bobbing up and down Sisters in the amen corner : singing let's go round and round I got a gal : got movements like a cannonball You women better be careful : you won't have no man at all This winter you women better shimmy : and shimmy right fast If they miss *airy* movement : it sure is their last \L Nick 9 Nickerson, Charlie Bozo (Memphis Jug Band) \C title: You Got Me Rollin' \C place and date: Memphis, 28 Nov. 1930 \C record numbers: (64741-2) Vi-23274 Rt RL-323 You got me rolling mama : I don't know how come You want me to roll : from sun to sun I rolled in the summer : I rolled in the fall Winter's here : you don't want no rolling at all If I had swings : and a carpet bag I know by that : I'd get my baby back Squeeze me : till I get as little as a gnat Mama : then I'll bite like a cat \L Nobl 1 Noble, George \C title: The Seminole Blues \C place and date: Chicago, 11 Feb. 1935 \C record numbers: (C-897-2) ARC-7-06-75 Yz L-1028 And I came up this morning : baby don't you want to go She said ain't nothing I could say : *and Mary fact started home* and gone I got a rambling woman : she got a rambling mind I buy her a ticket : let her ease on down the line I think I heard that old Seminole : yeah baby when she blows I got a note about my baby : she was way down the road Lord I asked Mr conductor : won't you please help her with her load Because the way that she treated me : every day nobody knows Lord she treat me like a hog : treated me like a dog She treated me like a bear one morning : and then ah just like a log Don't nobody know : how she mistreated me Lord I got a-traveling on the mind : *anyone thing I'll be dying* \L Oden 1 Oden, Jimmy \C title: I Have Made Up My Mind \C place and date: Richmond, Ind., 22 Sept. 1932 \C record numbers: (18795) Ch-16540 Riv RM-8819 I have made up my mind : to explain to you in every way Today I am leaving : and I'm going away to stay And another thing baby : you don't worry me no more Because I can get a woman like you : anywhere I go I have made up my mind : baby to tell you the truth I'm explaining all I know how : and nothing more can I do I don't love you no more : and I don't see where I can I've got a woman in ??? : so you can find you another man \L Oden 2 Oden, Jimmy \C title: Sitting Down Thinking Blues \C place and date: Richmond, Ind., 22 Sept. 1932 \C record numbers: (18796) Ch-16540 Riv RM-8819 Just sitting down thinking : drinking my trouble through What in the world : makes me feel so blue I don't want to leave you : want to give you another break And just to see : what kind of woman you make Says you was off of whiskey : but you won't leave it alone And the next drink I see you with : babe you done lost your home Listen here little girl : love for you is true But if you don't stop drinking : I don't know what I'll do with you Why do you worry : when your daddy cares for you And if I don't love you : I wouldn't care what you do \L Oden 3 Oden, Jimmy \C title: Going Down Slow \C place and date: Chicago, 11 Nov. 1941 \C record numbers: (070409-1) BB-B8889 RBF RF-16 I have had my fun : if I don't get well no more My health is failing me : and I'm going down slow Please write my mother : tell her the shape I'm in Tell her to pray for me : forgive me for my sin Tell her don't send no doctor : doctor can't do no good It's all my fault : didn't do things I should On the next train south : look for my clothes home If you don't see my body : all you can do is moan Mother please don't worry : this is all in my prayer Just say your son is gone : I'm out in this world somewhere \L OweG 1 Owens, Big Boy George \C title: Kentucky Blues \C place and date: Richmond, Ind., Oct. 1926 \C record numbers: (12571) Ge-6006 Yz L-1018 I'm worried today : Lord and I'm worried in mind Be worried : honey be worried all the time What will you do : when your good friend throws you down Going to catch me a plane : babe going to leave your town Many days : I sit down weep and cry That's why : I'm dying to be by your side Some of these mornings : babe and it won't be long Going to call my name : darling and I'll be gone I woke up this morning : baby and feeling bad \L OweG 2 Owens, Big Boy George \C title: The Coon Crap Game \C place and date: Richmond, Ind., Oct. 1926 \C record numbers: (12579) Ge-6006 Rt RL-334 Well I went down to a coon crap game : *although it* went against my will The ??? won all the money I had : except a greenback dollar bill When I went down to see my girl : well the hour was about nine I ??? : but I got there just in time Well I went down to ??? Street : where the ??? *fine* Well I heard the ??? : ??? be no friend of mine \L OweM 1 Owens, Marshall \C title: Texas Blues \C place and date: Grafton, Wis., c. Jan. 1932 \C record numbers: (L-1238-2) Pm-13117 Yz L-1006 I'm going back to Texas : hear that wild ox moan Lord that is why : you hear me yell this moan Some day you going to be sorry : honey you done me wrong *Honey babe that's all right* : honey and I'll be gone Oh baby baby : you don't know my mind When you think I'm loving you : *I'm in the bed* all the time Oh I woke up this morning : honey about the break of day I hugging the pillow : where my fair brown did lay \L OweM 2 Owens, Marshall \C title: Try Me One More Time \C place and date: Grafton, Wis., c. Jan. 1932 \C record numbers: (L-1240-1) Pm-13117 Yz L-1006 Woke up this morning : get my shoes I love a woman : that I can't give it to Woke up this morning : to get my coat My brown knocking : on a-my back door Woke up this morning : to get my tie *I can't get you women* : *because you* let me die Woke up this morning : about the break of day Hugging the pillow : where that fair brown lay Mama told me : daddy told me too You got to *live in your place* : ??? you \L Palm 1 Palmer, Sylvester \C title: Broke Man Blues \C place and date: Chicago, 15 Nov. 1929 \C record numbers: (403305-B) Co-14524-D RBF RF-12 I know just how baby : Lord a broke man feels Says there is no one baby: that will do him a real good deal I been broke all day baby : did not have a lousy dime But I'll be all right baby : I swear some other time Lord I don't feel welcome : mama in St Louis no more Because I have no friends : baby and no place to go I'm going to leave this town baby : and I swear I ain't coming back no more I've been treated so bad : I can't be happy no more I've lost all my money : baby and everything I had too That's why you hear me crying : mama these broke man blues Mmm : I ain't got to sing it no more Because I been broke baby : and I got these broke man blues \L Patt 1 Patton, Charley \C title: Mississippi Bo Weavil Blues \C place and date: Richmond, Ind., 14 June 1929 \C record numbers: (15211) Pm-12805 Yz L-1020 It's a little boll weevil : she's moving in the air You can plant your cotton : and you won't get half a cent Boll weevil boll weevil : where's your little home A-Louisiana and Texas : is where I's bred and born Well I saw the boll weevil : Lord a-circle Lordy in the air The next time I seen him : Lord he had his family there Boll weevil left Texas : Lord he bid me fare you well I'm going down to Mississippi : going to give Louisiana hell Boll weevil and his wife : went and sit down on the hill Boll weevil told his wife : let's take this forty in Boll weevil told his wife : I believe I may go north Let's leave Louisiana : and go to Arkansas Boll weevil told the farmer : that I ain't going to treat you fair Took all the blossoms : and leave you an empty square Boll weevil boll weevil : where your little home Most anywhere : they raise cotton and corn Boll weevil boll weevil : call that treating me fair Next time I seen you : you have your family there \L Patt 2 Patton, Charley \C title: Screamin' and Hollerin' Blues \C place and date: Richmond, Ind., 14 June 1929 \C record numbers: (15214) Pm-12805 Yz L-1020 Jackson on a high hill mama : Natchez just below I ever get back home : I won't be back no more Oh my mama's getting old : her head is turning grey Don't you know it'll break her heart : know I'm living this a-way I woke up this morning : jinx all around my bed Turned my face to the wall : and I didn't have a word to say No use a-hollering : no use screaming and crying For you know you got a home : mama long as I got mine Hey Lord have mercy : on my wicked soul I wouldn't mistreat you : baby for my weight in gold Oh I'm going away baby : don't you want to go Take God to tell : when I'll be back here anymore \L Patt 3 Patton, Charley \C title: Down the Dirt Road Blues \C place and date: Richmond, Ind., 14 June 1929 \C record numbers: (15215) Pm-12854 Yz L-1020 I'm going away : to the one I know I'm worried now : but I won't be worried long My rider got something : she trying to keep it hid Lord I got something : to find that something with I feel like chopping : chips flying everywhere I've been to the nation : Lord but I couldn't stay there Some people say : them overseas blues ain't bad It must not have been : them overseas blues I had Every day : seem like murder here I'm going to leave tomorrow : I know you don't didn't want me here Can't go down : this dark road by myself I don't carry my rider : going to carry me someone's else \L Patt 4 Patton, Charley \C title: Pony Blues \C place and date: Richmond, Ind., 14 June 1929 \C record numbers: (15216) Pm-12792 Yz L-1020 You can catch my pony : saddle up my black mare I'm going to find a rider : baby in the world somewhere Hello Central : what's the matter with your line Come a storm last night : tore the wires down Got a brand new Shetland : man already trained Just get in the saddle : tighten up on your reins And a brownskin woman : like something fit to eat But a jet-black woman : don't put your hand on me Took my baby : to meet the morning train And the blues come down baby : like showers of rain I got something to tell you : when I gets a chance I don't want to marry : just want to be your man \L Patt 5 Patton, Charley \C title: Banty Rooster Blues \C place and date: Richmond, Ind., 14 June 1929 \C record numbers: (15217) Pm-12792 Yz L-1020 I'm going to buy me a banty : put him in my back door Lord he sees a stranger coming : he'll flap his wings and crow What you want with a rooster : he won't crow 'fore day What you want with a man : when he won't do nothing he say What you want with a hen : won't cackle when she lay What you want with a woman : when she won't do nothing I say Oh take my picture : hang it up in Jackson's wall Anybody ask you what about it : tell them that's all that's all My hook's in the water : and my cork's on top How can I lose Lord : with the help I got I know my dog : anywhere I hear him bark I can tell my rider : if I feel her in the dark \L Patt 6 Patton, Charley \C title: It Won't Be Long \C place and date: Richmond, Ind., 14 June 1929 \C record numbers: (15220) Pm-12854 Yz L-1020 I believe sweet mama : going to do like she say Going to cook my supper : Lord put me in her bed You ever go to Memphis : stop by Minglewood You Memphis women : don't mean no man no good She's got a man on her man : got a kid on her kid Done got so bold : Lord won't keep it hid Ah all right : ain't going to be here long I believe sweet mama : sure was kind to me She's up at night : like a police on his beat I'll tell you something : keep it to yourself Please don't tell your husband : Lord and no one else [She's, got] a long tall woman : tall like a cherry tree She gets up before day : and she puts that thing on me \L Patt 7 Patton, Charley \C title: Pea Vine Blues \C place and date: Richmond, Ind., 14 June 1929 \C record numbers: (15221-A) Pm-12877 Yz L-1001 I think I heard : the Pea Vine when she blowed Blowed just like : my rider getting on board You're living single : Lord you know I ain't going to stay I'm going up the country : mama in a few more days Yes you know it you know it : you know you done done me wrong Yes I cried last night : and I ain't going to cry no more But the Good Book tell us : you got to reap just what you sow Stop your way of living : and you won't have to cry no more I think I heard : the Pea Vine when she blowed She blowed just like : she wasn't going to blow no more \L Patt 8 Patton, Charley \C title: Tom Rushen Blues \C place and date: Richmond, Ind., 14 June 1929 \C record numbers: (15222-A) Pm-12877 Yz L-1020 I lay down last night : hoping I would have my peace But when I woke up : Tom Rushen was shaking me When you get in trouble : there's no use of screaming and crying Tom Rushen will take you : back to Cleveland a-flying It was late one night : Holloway was gone to bed Mr Day brought the whiskey : taken from under Holloway's head It take boozy booze : Lord to carry me through Thirty days seem like years in the jailhouse : where there is no booze I got up this morning : Tom Day was standing around If he lose his office now : he's running from town to town [Let me, I'm going to] tell you folksies : just how he treated me Ah he brought me here : and I was drunk as I could be \L Patt 9 Patton, Charley \C title: Going to Move to Alabama \C place and date: Grafton, Wis., c. late Nov. 1929 \C record numbers: (L-37-1) Pm-13014 Yz L-1020 Aah : she's long and tall *The way she do the boogie* : makes a panther squall I'm going to show you common women : how I feel Going to get me another woman : before I leave Say mama got the washboard : my sister got the tub My brother got the whiskey : mama got the jug Well these evil women : sure make me tight Got a handful of give-me : mouthful of much-obliged Well I got a woman : she's long and tall But when she wiggles : she makes a panther squall Say mama and papa : going to work Left my sister standing : at the watering trough My mama told me : Never love a woman : like she can't love you I got up this morning : my hat in my hand Didn't have no other brown : didn't have no man \L Patt 10 Patton, Charley \C title: Devil Sent the Rain \C place and date: Grafton, Wis., c. late Nov. 1929 \C record numbers: (L-40-1) Pm-13040 Yz L-1009 Good Lord send the sunshine : devil he send the rain I will be here tomorrow : on the morning train You don't know : sure don't know my mind I don't show you my ticket : and you don't know where I'm going Followed sweet mama : to the burying ground I didn't know that I loved her : till they laid her down I been to the ocean : peeped down the deep blue sea I didn't see nobody : looked like my sweet mama to me One of these mornings : you know it won't be long You going to be mistreated : and I'll have to leave you home I'm going away : mama don't you want to go \L Patt 11 Patton, Charley \C title: Green River Blues \C place and date: Grafton, Wis., c. late Nov. 1929 \C record numbers: (L-44-3) Pm-12972 Yz L-1020 I went up Green River : rolling like a log Think I heard : that Marion whistle blow And it blew just like : my baby getting on board I'm going : where the Southern cross the Dog Some people say : the Green River blues ain't bad Then it must not have been : them Green River blues I had It was late one evening : everything was still I could see my baby : upon a lonesome hill How long : evening train been gone Yes I'm worried now : but I won't be worried long I'm going away : to make it lonesome here \L Patt 12 Patton, Charley \C title: Hammer Blues \C place and date: Grafton, Wis., c. late Nov. 1929 \C record numbers: (L-47-2) Pm-12998 Yz L-1020 Going to buy me a hammock : carry it underneath through the trees So when the wind blow : the leaves may fall on me Go on baby : you can have your way Sister : every dog sure must have his day They got me in shackles : I'm wearing my ball and chain And they got me ready : for that Parchman train I went to the depot : I looked up at the board And the train had left : went steaming on up the road I was way up Red River : calling all night long I think I heard : the Bob Lee boat when she moaned \L Patt 13 Patton, Charley \C title: When Your Way Gets Dark \C place and date: Grafton, Wis., c. late Nov. 1929 \C record numbers: (L-49-1) Pm-12998 Yz L-1020 When your way gets dark : baby turn your lights up high When you see my man : Lordy he come easing by I take my baby : seven forty-five Trouble baby : trying to blow me down It wouldn't hurt so bad : but the news all over this town I love my baby : and I tell the world I do What made me love her : you'll come and love her too Yeah some day baby : well and it won't be long She calling me baby : and I'll be gone I'm going away baby : don't you want to go \L Patt 14 Patton, Charley \C title: Heart Like Railroad Steel \C place and date: Grafton, Wis., c. late Nov. 1929 \C record numbers: (L-50-1) Pm-12953 Her H-201 My babe's got a heart : like a piece of railroad steel If I leave you this morning : don't say dad how do you feel I will leave her at the crossing : when the train pass by She blowed for the crossing : then she started to fly I got up this morning : something after five And the morning sun Lord : was beginning to rise Cut your wood : baby I will make your fire I will tote you water : from the boggy bayou If your woman mistreat you : *better off in your lap* I didn't find me nobody : did not have a man \L Patt 15 Patton, Charley \C title: High Water Everywhere-+-Part I \C place and date: Grafton, Wis., c. early Dec. \C 1929 \C record numbers: (L-59-1) Pm-12909 Yz L-1020 The backwater done rose all around Sumner : drove [me, poor Charley] down the line Well I tell the world : the water done struck through this town Lord the whole round country : Lord creek water is overflowed I would go to the hill country : but they got me barred Now the water now mama : done struck Charlotte town Well I'm going to Vicksburg : before I have mine Lord the water done [rushed, raised] : all over that old Jackson Road I'm going back to the hilly country : won't be worried no more \L Patt 16 Patton, Charley \C title: High Water Everywhere-+-Part II \C place and date: Grafton, Wis., c. early Dec. \C 1929 \C record numbers: (L-60-2) Pm-12909 Yz L-1020 The water was rising : up in my friend's door The man said to his womenfolk : Lord we'd better go The water was [rising, rolling] : got up in my bed I thought I would take a trip Lord : out on the big *ice slab* \L Patt 17 Patton, Charley \C title: Rattlesnake Blues \C place and date: Grafton, Wis., c. early Dec. \C 1929 \C record numbers: (L-63-2) Pm-12924 Yz L-1020 I say I'm just like a rattlesnake baby : I say in the middle of his coil I ain't going to have no hard time : mama rolling through this world When I leave here mama : I'm going further down the road So if I meet him up there : I'm going back to the Gulf of Mexico I'm going to shake glad hands mama : I say Lord with your loving boy Fixing to eat my supper : in Shelby Illinois Vicksburg on a high hill : and Louisiana Lord it's just below If I get back there : I ain't going to never be bad no more And my baby's got a heart : like a piece of railroad steel If I leave here this morning : never say daddy how do you feel \L Patt 18 Patton, Charley \C title: Mean Black Moan \C place and date: Grafton, Wis., c. early Dec. \C 1929 \C record numbers: (L-77-1) Pm-12953 Yz L-1001 It's a mean black moan : and it's lying front of my door When I leave Chicago : Lord I ain't coming back no more Ninety men were laid off : at the railroad shop And the strike in Chicago : Lordy Lord it just won't stop I'm tired of mean black moans : friends lying front of my door But when I leave Chicago Lord : I ain't coming back here no more There are a hundred men Lordy : [standing] all around my bed I wish somebody : might be able to kill the black moan dead Every morning : Lord rent man is at my door And my man hasn't worked Lord : in two or three weeks or more It's all I can do Lord : ah fight for my life But when the strike is over : Lord I will be all right \L Patt 19 Patton, Charley \C title: Dry Well Blues \C place and date: Grafton, Wis., c. 28 May 1930 \C record numbers: (L-429-2) Pm-13070 Yz L-1020 When I was living at Lula : I was living there at ease Lord the drought come in cold autumn : parched up all the trees Oh today over in Lula : we'll bid that town goodbye Well when it come to another day : Lord the Lula well was gone dry Lord the citizens around Lula : all doing very well Lord they all got together : and they done bored a well I ain't got no money : and I sure ain't got no home The old weather done come in : and parched all the cotton and corn Oh look down the country : Lord it'll make you cry Most everybody : Lord had a watering bayou Lord the Lula women Lord : ??? up and down Lord you ought to been there : Lord see the womens all leaving town \L Patt 20 Patton, Charley \C title: Moon Going Down \C place and date: Grafton, Wis., c. 28 May 1930 \C record numbers: (L-432-1) Pm-13014 Yz L-1020 Oh the moon is going down : baby sun's about to shine Rosetta Henry told me Lord : I don't want you hanging around Oh well where were you now baby : Clarksdale mill burned down I was way down Sunflower : with my face all full of frowns There's a house over yonder : painted all over green Some of the finest young women : Lord a man most ever seen Lord I think I heard : that Helena whistle Helena whistle Helena whistle blow Lord I ain't going to stop walking : till I get in my rider's door Oh the smokestack is black : and the bell it shine like gold Lord I ain't going to walk here : baby around no more I was out at night : when I heard the loco blow I got to see my rider : where she's getting her dough \L Patt 21 Patton, Charley \C title: Bird Nest Bound \C place and date: Grafton, Wis., c. 28 May 1930 \C record numbers: (L-433-1) Pm-13070 Yz L-1020 Come on mama : out to the edge of town I know where there's a bird nest : built down on the ground If I was a bird mama : I would build a nest in the heart of town So when the town get lonesome : I'd be bird nest bound Hard luck is at your front door : blues are in your room Trouble is at your back door : what is going to become of you Sometimes I say I need you : then again I don't Sometimes I think I'll quit you : then again I won't Oh I remember one morning : standing in my baby's door Look a-here papa Charley : I don't want you no more Take me home sweet home : baby to that shining star You don't need no telling : mama take me in your car \L Patt 22 Patton, Charley \C title: Jersey Bull Blues \C place and date: New York, 30 Jan. 1934 \C record numbers: (14723- ) Vo-02782 Mam S-3802 If you got a good bullcow : you ought to keep your bull bull at home Say may come along a young heifer : and just tow your bull from home Oh my bull's in the pasture babe : Lord where there's no grass I swear every minute : it seems like it's going to be my last And my bull got a horn : long as my arm I've an old five pound ax : and I'll cut two different ways And I cut my little woman : both night and day I've an old five pound ax : and I just dropped in your town I got women now behind me : just try that old ax on down And I remember one morning : between midnight and day I were way upstairs : throwing myself away \L Patt 23 Patton, Charley \C title: High Sheriff Blues \C place and date: New York, 30 Jan. 1934 \C record numbers: (14725-2) Vo-02680 Yz L-1020 When the trial was in Belzoni : it ain't no use to screaming and cry Mr Webb will take you : back to Belzoni jail a-flying Let me tell you folks : just how he treated me And he put me in the cellar : it was dark as it could be It's late one evening : Mr Purvis was standing around Mr Purvis told Mr Webb : to let poor Charley down It takes boozy booze : Lord to carry me through Thirty days seem like years in a jailhouse : where there is no booze I got up one morning : feeling mighty bad And it must not have been : them Belzoni jail I had When I was in prison : it ain't no use to scream and cry Mr Purvis on his mansion : he don't pay no mind \L Patt 24 Patton, Charley \C title: Stone Pony Blues \C place and date: New York, 30 Jan. 1934 \C record numbers: (14727-1) Vo-02680 Yz L-1020 I got me a stone pony : and I don't ride Shetland no more You can find my stone pony : hooked to my rider's door Vicksburg's my pony : Greenville is my grey mare You can find my stone pony : down in Lula town somewhere And I got me a stone pony : don't ride Shetland no more And I can't feel welcome : rider nowhere I go Vicksburg's on a high hill : and Natchez just below And I can't feel welcome : rider nowhere I go Well I didn't come here : steal nobody's brown I just stopped by here : well to keep you from stealing mine Hello Central : what's the matter with your line Come a storm at night : and tore the wire down \L Patt 25 Patton, Charley \C title: 34 Blues \C place and date: New York, 31 Jan. 1934 \C record numbers: (14739-1) Vo-02651 Yz L-1020 I ain't going to tell nobody : thirty-four have done for me Took my roll Lord : I was broke as I could be They run me from Will Dockery's : Ah one of them told papa Charley : I don't want you hanging around my job no more Well look down the country : it almost make you cry Women and children : flagging freight trains for rides Carmen got a little Six Buick : big Six Chevrolet car And it don't do nothing : but follow behind Holloway's farmer's plow And it may bring sorrow : Lord and it may bring tears Oh Lord oh Lord : let me see your brand new year \L Patt 26 Patton, Charley \C title: Love My Stuff \C place and date: New York, 31 Jan. 1934 \C record numbers: (14746- ) Vo-02782 Mam S-3802 I love my stuff babe : I want to give it *a hop* And my rider's got the ??? shivers : swear it just won't stop Oh I know she want it hard babe : sure don't want it chawed It would break my heart : if *the ??? need* no more And I keeps on telling my rider : well she was *shivering* down Lord that jelly-baking strut : will make a monkey-man leave his town Oh the light burning dim : ??? *terrible near* It must a-be the devil : inside this barrel of gin Oh I'm going to leave Mississippi now babe : before it be too late It may be like Twenty-Seven Highway : swear it just won't wait Oh I once had a notion : Lord I believe I will I'm going to go to the river : and stop at Dago Hill \L Patt 27 Patton, Charley \C title: Revenue Man Blues \C place and date: New York, 31 Jan. 1934 \C record numbers: (14747- ) Vo-02931 Yz L-1020 Aw the revenue man is riding : boy you'd better look out If he halts you don't stop : you will likely be knocked out Well I don't love salt water : well she always wants a drink If they see you with a bottle : they will almost break your neck Aw take me home : to Lord that shining star She don't need no telling : daddy will take you in his car Aw come one mama : let us go to the edge of town I know where there's a bird nest : built down on the ground Aw I wake up every morning : now with the jinx all around my bed I have been a good provider : but I believe I've been misled \L Patt 28 Patton, Charley \C title: Poor Me \C place and date: New York, 1 Feb. 1934 \C record numbers: (14757-1) Vo-02651 Yz L-1020 You may go : you may stay But she'll come back : some sweet day Don't the moon look pretty : shining down through the tree I can see Bertha Lee : Lord but she can't see me \L PerkG 1 Perkins, Gertrude \C title: No Easy Rider Blues \C place and date: Dallas, 6 Dec. 1927 \C record numbers: (145340-1) Co-14313-D Fwy \C FJ-2802 I walked all night : got a few more miles to go Before the sun rises : I'll be at my rider's door *Blackland farms* : If I don't find my rider : I'm going to walk on across the way Hey : hey For my own easy rider : for he ain't no secondhand man The man I love : I know he's out of town And when I find him : he better not be messing around If the man across town : may get my rider's place *But he will stay where he set : and search hard in his face* No easy rider : hey hey hey When you ain't here to love me : I'll simply hey hey \L Pett 1 Petties, Arthur \C title: Two Time Blues \C place and date: Memphis, 14 Feb. 1928 \C record numbers: (41906-2) Vi-21282 Yz L-1007 A two-timing woman : don't want no one man *You allow her Lord* : take some poor girl's man When the blues is trailing you : you don't know what to do Go back to the one you love now : the blues will soon leave you You trying act right : girl will not let you Heart full of sorrow now : blues are all riding you A two-timing woman : keep you on that killing floor How can I love : when she's always in the road Once little lad I want to talk to you : don't be feeling sad Better get you a new girl : or one you once have had Well well well well : I ain't going to stay here long \L Pett 2 Petties, Arthur \C title: Out on Santa Fe-+-Blues \C place and date: Memphis, 14 Feb. 1928 \C record numbers: (41907-2) Vi-21282 Rt RL-314 The little woman in the cellar : the boss upstairs I'm going from hand to hand : and a woman going from man to man Don't let a woman know you love her : if you do you have done wrong You come in from your work now : she got her clothes and gone Then you catch you a freight train : going out on the Santa Fe I can't stay here now : this ain't the place for me Your mama tell you to travel : *it ain't* everywhere *When you're there* you going to stay now : you can't stay nowhere I can tell the day mama : I seen my baby's face She started me to loving her : then treat me this a-way You had all you want now : now please let me alone *It won't be love you* : back up this road I'm going \L Pett 3 Petties, Arthur \C title: Good Boy Blues \C place and date: Chicago, c. 2 July 1930 \C record numbers: (C-5921-B) Br-7182 Yz L-1038 When you's a good fellow : they'll always leave you alone When you's a bad fellow : the jail will be your home Canned heat ain't no good boy : keep you with *sin* ??? on your mind Jailhouse doors open : then you got a rambling mind You sit and you wondering : you looking through your mind You don't want no more canned heat : when the judge give you your time Wake up every morning : when everything look blue Go see the one you love : the blues will soon leave you Walking all night long : walking from place to place I was wandering and walking : to see my baby's face \L PetW 1 Petway, Robert \C title: Catfish Blues \C place and date: Chicago, 28 Mar. 1941 \C record numbers: (059476-1) BB-B8838 Yz L-1038 Well I lay down down last night : well I tried to take my rest Notion struck me last night baby : I believe I take a stroll out west Well if I were a catfish mama : I said swimming deep down in the deep blue sea All these gals now sweet mama : I said now setting out hooks for me Well I went down yeah down to the churchhouse : yes well they called on me to pray Got on my knees now mama : I didn't know not not a word to say Somebody write write me a letter baby : I'm going to write it just you see See if my baby my baby : do she thinking of little old thing of me \L PetW 2 Petway, Robert \C title: Bertha Lee Blues \C place and date: Chicago, 20 Feb. 1942 \C record numbers: (074108-1) BB-B9008 RBF RF-14 Bertha Lee : you sure have been good to me You been good Bertha Lee : as you's intend to be Bertha Lee : honey please don't you stray from home If you do Bertha Lee : something sure is going on wrong Bertha Lee : won't you come back home to me If you don't Bertha Lee : oh babe I sure can't sleep Look a-here now Bertha Lee : I don't want you to run around If you do Bertha Lee : please lay my money down \L PetW 3 Petway, Robert \C title: My Baby Left Me \C place and date: Chicago, 20 Feb. 1942 \C record numbers: (074114-1) BB-B9036 Rt RL-314 My baby left me this morning : she did not even shake my hand It's because you know partner : she got her another man Lord I'm going down south : where the weather sure do suit my clothes Well my baby said look daddy : I do swear to God you sure don't know Oh Lord baby : please don't you fool me no more You told me last night black gal : meet you at the *honey* next door That's all right baby : I'll see you just the same I'm getting tired now baby : that you trying to call my name I been down south so long : know it sure don't worry my mind I'm going to leave in the morning now partner : with that little sweety sure God on my mind \L PetW 4 Petway, Robert \C title: Cotton Pickin' Blues \C place and date: Chicago, 20 Feb. 1942 \C record numbers: (074115-1) BB-B9036 Rt RL-314 She's a cotton-picking woman : Lord she does it all the time If you don't stop picking cotton now baby : I believe you sure going to lose you mind She picked so much cotton : she even don't know where to go She'll even moan now sweet mama : honey she's going from door to door She's a cotton-picking woman : I swear she pick cotton all the time If you don't stop picking now baby : I believe you going to lose your mind I'm so far from my home : well I can't tell right from wrong Now my baby last night mama : oh well she said now black man I'm going How long : on my bended knees Pick so much cotton now partner : will you forgive me if you please \L Pick 1 Pickett, Charlie \C title: Crazy 'Bout My Black Gal \C place and date: New York, 2 Aug. 1937 \C record numbers: (62467-A) De-7762 Rt RL-310 Now tell me little black gal : what are you going to do Taking my money black gal : give it all to you Now I'm so crazy about my black gal : I'm just as wild as I can be Now I'm so crazy about my black gal : she ought to be a fool about me Now me and my black gal : had a fight last night Will you let me tell you : what it was all about Now tell me little black gal : where did you stay last night Just the reason I ask you black gal : know your clothes ain't right Now the little ??? black gal I been loving : she got teeth solid gold That's the only black gal : that's got a mortgage on my soul Now me and my black gal : walking down Main Street She was *breaking* and bumming : every man she meet \L Pick 2 Pickett, Charlie \C title: Let Me Squeeze Your Lemon \C place and date: New York, 3 Aug. 1937 \C record numbers: (62487-A) De-7707 RBF RF-9 Now you got fruit on your tree : lemons on your shelf You know loving mama : that you can't squeeze them all by yourself I said please let me squeeze your lemon : while I'm in your lonesome town Now let me squeeze your lemon baby : until my love come down I says it make no difference baby : what your daddy don't allow Let me squeeze your lemon mama : I mean anyhow I say I come to your house : knocked on your door You told me loving mama : that you couldn't use me no more I says one two three four five : six seven eight nine ten I would come and see you baby : but you really got too many men I said now me and my baby : had a fuss last night Will you let me tell you baby : what it was all about \L Pick 3 Pickett, Charlie \C title: Down the Highway \C place and date: New York, 3 Aug. 1937 \C record numbers: (62488-A) De-7707 RBF RF-202 Now I'm going to leave here walking : going down Highway Sixty-One If I find my sweet mama : baby I believe we're going to have some fun Oh well oh well : we're going to make everything all right Now if I don't come in the morning : you know I will do just tomorrow night Now the Sixty-One Highway : she only runs right by my door Runs from Atlanta into Georgia : down into the Gulf of Mexico Now I received a letter : some long-distance telegram Now if I don't be home Sunday : ??? will be home \L PooJ 1 Poor Jab (Memphis Jug Band) \C title: Whitewash Station Blues \C place and date: Memphis, 15 Sept. 1928 \C record numbers: (47036-2) Vi-V38504 RBF RF-6 You can toot your whistle : blow your horn The Memphis Jug Band : done been here and gone Now if you want to get to heaven : I tell you what to do You put on a sock : and boot and a shoe You place a bottle of corn : in your right hand That'll pass you right over : in the Promised Land And if you meet the devil : he ask you how you do I'm on my way to heaven : don't you want to go too Know the other place : will do just as well They call Whitewash Station : ten miles from hell ??? mama : what's on your mind You keep me worried : bothered all the time Ain't got no stockings : ain't got no shoes Know I've got : the Memphis Jug Band blues \L PooJ 2 Poor Jab (Memphis Jug Band) \C title: Stealin' Stealin' \C place and date: Memphis, 15 Sept. 1928 \C record numbers: (47037-2) Vi-V38504 RBF RF-1 Stealing stealing : pretty mama don't you tell on me I'm stealing back : to my same old used-to-be Now put your arms around me : like the circle around the sun I want you to love me mama : like my easy rider done If you don't believe I love you : look what a fool I've been If you don't believe I'm sinking : look what a whole I'm in The woman I'm loving : she's just my height and size She's a married woman : come to see me sometime \L PooJ 3 Poor Jab \C title: Come Along Little Children \C place and date: Richmond, Ind., 3 Aug. 1932 \C record numbers: (18656) Ch-16654 Rt RL-307 Now some folks say : a preacher won't steal I caught two : in my watermelon field They was eating them watermelons : throwing away the rinds They was *preaching* ??? : and stealing You know I had a little dog : it didn't have no sense He's always barking : at the pickets on the fence Said a picket flew off : and hit him in the jaw You ought to heard that dog : holler haw haw haw Now when I die : you bury me deep Place a jug of molasses : at my feet Just put some ??? : in my hand I'll *drop* my way : to the Promised Land \L Pope 1 Pope, Jenny \C title: Whiskey Drinkin' Blues \C place and date: Memphis, c. 23 Sept. 1929 \C record numbers: (M-193- ) Vo-1438 His HLP-1 Have you ever woke up : with whiskey-drinking on your mind You send away to that bootlegger : and you did not have a dime It makes me mad makes me rage : almost sends me to my grave I wonder : where is that bootlegger today You's a mean old bootlegger : know you doing me wrong I send for brandy : and you send me corn I am going to the distillery : carry me a brand new rocking chair I'm going to sit at the distillery : till the bootlegger pass by here They arrested that bootlegger : gave him a solid year And the guard told the prisoner : it ain't no whiskey-drinking here \L Pope 2 Pope, Jenny \C title: Doggin' Me Around Blues \C place and date: Memphis, c. 23 Sept. 1929 \C record numbers: (M-194- ) Vo-1438 His HLP-1 I'm a stranger here : just blowed in your town Just because I'm a stranger : I won't be dogged around It's raining here : storming over on the sea I ain't got nobody : here to take care of me I wonder : do my man know I'm here If he do : he sure don't feel my care I been your dog : ever since I entered your door I'm going to leave this town : I won't be dogged around no more I been your dog : been your dog all my days The reason I'm leaving you : I don't like your doggone ways \L Pope 3 Pope, Jenny \C title: Bull Frog Blues \C place and date: Memphis, c. Feb. 1930 \C record numbers: (MEM-757-A) Vo-1522 His HLP-15 Hey hey hey hey : bullfrog blues is really on my mind They're all in my bedroom : drinking all my wine Hey pretty papa hey pretty papa : I can't stand these bullfrog blues no more They're all in my cabinet : hopping all over my clothes I woke up this morning : to make a fire in the stove Bullfrogs in the bread pan: *bacon and eggs ??? they go* Hey Mr bullfrog hey I'm going to tell you all : I can't stand your jellyroll in here You can go out in the back yard : I'll make a pallet there I will make you a pallet : so you can jellyroll And you can cook a breakfast : right on my brand new stove \L Pope 4 Pope, Jenny \C title: Tennessee Workhouse Blues \C place and date: Memphis, c. Feb. 1930 \C record numbers: (MEM-758-B) Vo-1522 His HLP-15 This is that new workhouse : way out in Merlin Tennessee That's where they take the prisoners : and never set them free They carried my daddy to the workhouse : they put him down on the *lock* Just because he's ??? prisoner : they had him on *secret dock* He was charged with murder : but stealing was his crime He stole my jelly : and had to serve his time I went to a lawyer : I called him over the phone Said listen me lawyer : when will my man be home That workhouse workhouse : is way out on a lonesome road I hate to see my daddy : carrying that heavy load \L Pull 1 Pullum, Joe \C title: Black Gal What Makes Your Head So Hard???-- \C No. 2 \C place and date: San Antonio, 3 Apr. 1934 \C record numbers: (82786-?) BB-B5592 Rt RL-327 I woke up this morning : couldn't even get out of my bed I was just thinking about that black woman : and it almost killed me dead She may be home with her mama : she's the one I only want And when I find my black woman : Lord all *my bad days* are gone Mmm : how my poor heart is aching for me My black woman has quit me : I'm going back to Culver City Black gal : what makes your head so hard You got a head : just like some two-by-four in some lumber yard And if I see you with another woman : I would rather kill myself \L Rach 1 Rachel, James Yank \C title: Little Sarah \C place and date: Memphis, 26 Sept. 1929 \C record numbers: (55597-2) Vi-V38595 Rt RL-310 And I got up this morning : a light all in my room And I looked behind me : and I found my faro gone If a man don't never study : oh you would never have no books But you get to thinking way back : the way your baby used to do I got a little faro : she weigh about ninety pounds Now but her mama and papa : they sure don't allow me around I'm going to sing this song baby : I ain't going to sing no more I'm going to hang this mandolin under my shoulder : right down front street I'll go I can hear that old train coming : oh it must be coming after me And I'm going to slip right back home : to my same old used-to-be \L Rach 2 Rachel, James Yank \C title: T-Bone Steak Blues \C place and date: Memphis, 2 Oct. 1929 \C record numbers: (56336-2) Vi-V38595 Rt RL-310 Say you talking about your red ripe tomato : I'm crazy about my T-bone steak Said I'm going to buy me a faro : to care my Cadillac Eight I got the railroad blues : the boxcars on my mind And the girl I'm loving : she sure done left this town Say if I had wings : like a bullfrog on a pond I would rise back here : right in sweet mama's arms You know once ain't forever : you know baby two Lord ain't but twice But you women all get a good man : you don't know how to treat him right Say you mistreat me [now] mama : and that's the way you do But you going to want me some of these mornings : and poor dad won't have you \L Rach 3 Rachel, James Yank (Sleepy John Estes) \C title: Expressman Blues \C place and date: Memphis, 17 May 1930 \C record numbers: (59934- ) Vi-23318 Fwy FA-2953 I said expressman expressman Lord : you have parked your wagon wrong You took and moved my good gal : when I was a long long way from home But a woman make a man do things : and she knows darn well that's wrong Lord that's why you hear Crow Jane : singing these lonesome songs Said if you never if you never : hear me anymore Lord you can remember one morning baby : when I walked up on your porch Lord I'll sing this song : and ain't going to sing no more I'm going to put this mandolin under my arm : to the ??? *cafe* I'll go \L Rach 4 Rachel, James Yank (Sleepy John Estes) \C title: Sweet Mama \C place and date: Memphis, 30 May 1930 \C record numbers: (62550) Vi-23318 Rt RL-329 I say you used to be sweet mama : but I ain't going to call you sweet no more And every time I come to your house : there's a man standing in your door I said I'm going up the country : where the ??? cross the dog If you don't see me tomorrow : you won't have no man at all Baby if I had wings : like a bullfrog on a pond I would ride right here : and land in sweet mama's arms Lord said blues jumped a rabbit : run him for a solid mile Lord that fool couldn't catch him : and he fall right down and cried I said look a-here now baby : got something really worrying me It had ??? : of my old-time used-to-be \L Rach 5 Rachel, James Yank \C title: Squeaky Work Bench Blues \C place and date: New York, 6 Feb. 1934 \C record numbers: (14792-2) Ba-33047 Yz L-1021 I can't love you baby : I'm going to tell what's this all about It's that I don't begin to see you worry : hon' until I gets in the neighborhood of your house You have old squeaky workbench : and your mattress is torn every which a-way Baby and you come tell me to come and lay down : and I have not got no place to lay I get my ??? boots nasty : from walking around on your dirty rug Said I'd rather go by myself : and look to the good Lord above \L Rach 6 Rachel, James Yank \C title: Gravel Road Woman \C place and date: New York, 6 Feb. 1934 \C record numbers: (14793-2) Vo-02649 OJL-21 I don't want no skinny mama : I wants a woman she got on plenty of meat She can walk all night long : babe you won't stop and eat She won't cook me cook no breakfast : and she won't wash me no clothes Well she won't do nothing : but walk up and down the gravel road Baby it's dark babe dark at midnight : and the moon shine down like day I'm going to find some woman : to come and blow all my blues away I got up babe babe in a *slumber* : I put on my shoes and clothes I'm going to try to find my woman : I know she's strolling babe on the road \L Rain 1 Rainey, Ma Gertrude \C title: Bad Luck Blues \C place and date: Chicago, Dec. 1923 \C record numbers: (1596-2) Pm-12081 BYG-529.078 Hey people : listen while I sing my news I want to tell you people : all about my bad-luck blues Did you ever wake up : just at the break of day With your arms around the pillow : where your daddy used to lay Lord Lord : look where the sun done gone Hey Lord : there's something going on wrong What's the use of living : can't get the man you love You might as well die : give your soul to the man far above \L Rain 2 Rainey, Ma Gertrude \C title: Bo-Weavil Blues \C place and date: Chicago, Dec. 1923 \C record numbers: (1597-?) Pm-12080 BYG-529.078 Hey boll weevil : don't sing the blues no more Boll weevil's here : boll weevil's everywhere you go I'm a lone boll weevil : been out a great long time I'm going to tell you people : the evil boll weevil loves *some vine* I don't want no man : to put no sugar in my tea That bug is so evil : I'm afraid it might poison me \L Rain 3 Rainey, Ma Gertrude \C title: Barrel House Blues \C place and date: Chicago, Dec. 1923 \C record numbers: (1598-2) Pm-12082 BYG-529.078 Got the barrelhousing blues : feeling awfully dry I can't drink moonshine : because I'm afraid I'll die Papa likes his sherry : mama likes her corn Papa likes to shimmy : mama likes to *cole* Papa likes his bourbon : mama likes her gin Papa likes his outside women : mama likes the outside men \L Rain 4 Rainey, Ma Gertrude \C title: Those All Night Long Blues \C place and date: Chicago, Dec. 1923 \C record numbers: (1599-?) Pm-12081 BYG-529.078 I have ???ed : for many a week Because my man and I : don't agree There's no reason : why he should treat me this way Because the way I worry : I will soon be old and grey Don't want to do : nothing that's rough I can't stand : to treat *men* tough I just stay and suffer : sigh and cry all night long Because the way I'm worried : Lordy it sure is wrong With this one man : on my mind Can't sleep a wink at night : for crying All my worries : get renewed And I suffer : with those all night blues \L Rain 5 Rainey, Ma Gertrude \C title: Moonshine Blues \C place and date: Chicago, Dec. 1923 \C record numbers: (1608-?) Pm-12083 BYG-529.078 I've been reeling and a-rocking : hounded like a hound Catch the first train : that's running southbound Boys I can't stand up : I can't sit down The man I love : has done left town I feel like screaming : I feel like crying Lord I been mistreated : folks and I don't mind dying I'm going home : I'm going to settle down I'm going to stop : my running around \L Rain 6 Rainey, Ma Gertrude \C title: Last Minute Blues \C place and date: Chicago, Dec. 1923 \C record numbers: (1609-2) Pm-12080 BYG-529.078 Minutes seem like hours : hours seem like days It seem like my daddy : won't stop his evil ways Seem like every minute : is going to be my last If I can't tell my future : I will tell my past The brook runs into the river : river runs into the sea If I don't run into daddy : somebody'll have to bury me If anybody asks you : who wrote this lonesome song Tell them you don't know the writer : but Ma Rainey put it on \L Rain 7 Rainey, Ma Gertrude \C title: Southern Blues \C place and date: Chicago, Dec. 1923 \C record numbers: (1612-2) Pm-12083 BYG-529.078 House catches fire : ain't no water around Throw your trunk out the window : let it burn on down I went to the Gypsy : to have my fortune told He said doggone you girlie : doggone your bad-luck soul I turned around : went to the Gypsy next door She say you can get a man : anywhere you go Let me be your rag doll : until your China comes If he beats me ragging : he's got to rag it some \L Rain 8 Rainey, Ma Gertrude \C title: Walking Blues \C place and date: Chicago, Dec. 1923 \C record numbers: (1613-2) Pm-12082 BYG-529.078 Woke up this morning : with my head bowed down I had that mean old feeling : I was in the wrong man's town Mailman's been here : but didn't leave no news That's the reason why : mama's got the walking blues Walked and walked : till I almost lost my mind I'm afraid to stop walking : because I might lose some time Short time to make it : and a long ways to go Trying to find the town : they call San Antonio Thought I'd rest babe : I couldn't hear no news I'll soon be there : because I've got the walking blues \L Rain 9 Rainey, Ma Gertrude \C title: Lost Wandering Blues \C place and date: Chicago, c. Mar. 1924 \C record numbers: (1698-2) Pm-12098 BYG-529.078 I'm leaving this morning : with my clothes in my hand I won't stop to wandering : till I find my man I'm sitting here wondering : will a matchbox hold my clothes I've got a *sun to beat* : I'll be farther beyond the road I went up on the mountain : turned my face to the sky I heard the wind say : it said mama please don't die I turned around : looked into my right hand Well I looked there to see : if I was closer to my man Lord look a-yonder people : my love had been refused That's the reason why : mama's got the lost wandering blues \L Rain 10 Rainey, Ma Gertrude \C title: Dream Blues \C place and date: Chicago, c. Mar. 1924 \C record numbers: (1699-1) Pm-12098 BYG-529.078 Had a dream last night : and the night before Going to get drunk now : I won't dream no more Lord I dreamed : my man didn't treat me right Packed my clothes in a ??? : and walked the streets all night Lord I saw my man : fall on his knees and cry Take me back mama : or else I'll die Lord I wonder : what am I to do When everybody : try to mistreat you My heart is aching : mama feel like crying Since I had that dream last night : mama don't mind dying \L Rain 11 Rainey, Ma Gertrude \C title: Honey Where You Been So Long \C place and date: Chicago, c. Mar. 1924 \C record numbers: (1701-2) Pm-12200 BYG-529.078 My honey left me : he's gone away I've had the worried blues : all day My heart is aching : all for that man What makes me love him : I can't understand He'll soon be returning : and bad tidings he will bring Bad luck's *over* my house : ??? then begin to \L Rain 12 Rainey, Ma Gertrude \C title: Ya-Da-Do \C place and date: Chicago, c. Mar. 1924 \C record numbers: (1702-?) Pm-12257 BYG-529.078 Every evening : about half past four Big piano playing : near my door \L Rain 13 Rainey, Ma Gertrude \C title: Those Dogs of Mine \C place and date: Chicago, c. Mar. 1924 \C record numbers: (1703-1) Pm-12215 BYG-529.078 Oh Lord : these dogs of mine They sure do worry me : all the time The reason why : I don't know Sometimes I'm certain : it's the polio Lord : I beg to be excused I can't wear me : no *dark-toes* shoes \L Rain 14 Rainey, Ma Gertrude \C title: Lucky Rock Blues \C place and date: Chicago, c. Mar. 1924 \C record numbers: (1704-2) Pm-12215 BYG-529.078 Going to New Orleans : to find that lucky rock *Find the* ??? : for this bad luck I've got I'm on my way : to find that lucky rock Just to ease my mind : of all this trouble I've got \L Rain 15 Rainey, Ma Gertrude \C title: Jealous Hearted Blues \C place and date: New York, c. 15 Oct. 1924 \C record numbers: (1924-2) Pm-12252 Mil MLP-2001 You can have my money : everything I own But for God's sake : leave my man alone It takes a rocking chair to rock : a rubber ball to roll Takes a man I love : to satisfy my soul Yes I'm jealous jealous : jealous-hearted me Lord I'm just jealous : jealous as I can be Got a range in my kitchen : cooks nice and brown All I need is my man : to turn my damper down Going to buy me a bulldog : to watch me while I sleep To keep my man : from making his midnight creep \L Rain 16 Rainey, Ma Gertrude \C title: Cell Bound Blues \C place and date: Chicago, c. Nov. 1924 \C record numbers: (10001-2) Pm-12257 Mil MLP-2001 Hey jailor : tell me what have I done You got me all bound in chains : because I killed that woman's son I'm down in prison : all bound in chains Cold and dark all around me : no one to go my bail I've got a mother and father : they were never satisfied with me Got a sister and brother : wonder do they think of poor me I walked in my room : the other night Some man walked in : and began to fight I take my gun : in my right hand Holy smokes : I don't know but I killed my man When I did that : it crossed my head First shot I fired : my man fell dead The paper came out : and told the news That's what I said : I got those cell bound blues \L Rain 17 Rainey, Ma Gertrude \C title: Army Camp Harmony Blues \C place and date: Chicago, May 1925 \C record numbers: (2136-1) Pm-12284 Mil MLP-2001 My man is leaving : crying won't make him stay If crying do any good : I'd cry my poor self away If I had wings : I'd fly all over the land *When I look down* : I'd find my old-time man \L Rain 18 Rainey, Ma Gertrude \C title: Explaining the Blues \C place and date: Chicago, May 1925 \C record numbers: (2137-1) Pm-12284 Mil MLP-2001 Whole world would be forgived me : if I could just explain The man I love has left me : because I called another man's name Too sad to whisper : too broken-hearted to sing *That mean crazy lover : the day I lost that real thing* Explain why you left me : and tell me why you went away I'll explain why I need you : and want you back today I'm so alone without him : *ran away with some of the other bad news* But I'll never be down-hearted : if I can explain these blues \L Rain 19 Rainey, Ma Gertrude \C title: Rough and Tumble Blues \C place and date: Chicago, c. Aug. 1925 \C record numbers: (2210-2) Pm-12311 Mil MLP-2001 I'm going to the Western Union : type the news all down the line Because my man's on the Wabash : darling and I don't mind dying My man is so good-looking : and his clothes fit him so cute I cut off his mustache : and bought him a *Sunday* suit A ??? little devil : got on my man's clothes I wouldn't be so sore : hadn't've stole his *drawers* ??? : I stepped in the door He started *mauling* my man : ???ing down to the floor *I got up* and killed three women : 'fore police got the news Because my man's on the Wabash : with the rough and tumbling blues \L Rain 20 Rainey, Ma Gertrude \C title: Night Time Blues \C place and date: Chicago, c. Aug. 1925 \C record numbers: (2211-1) Pm-12303 Mil MLP-2001 Nighttime's falling : the day is almost dawned My man leaves at midnight : don't come back till early morn The night is dark and dreary : I can't see what to do I wonder why he leaves me : to roar and cry the whole night through Three o'clock in the morning : by the clock hanging on the wall He used to come home at midnight : now he don't come home at all When day starts to breaking : it seems to bring good news But I'm just broken-hearted : trying to overcome these nighttime blues \L Rain 21 Rainey, Ma Gertrude \C title: Four Day Honory Scat \C place and date: Chicago, c. Aug. 1925 \C record numbers: (2213-1) Pm-12303 Mil MLP-2001 I have a man I can't control : I don't know what to do My man left me two this morning : now he's trying to come back at noon He got up and *packed his suit* : *said he was going along about nine* I went to the fortuneteller to find my man : because he lays heavy on my mind She said your man was on : that 'fore-day scat And that's a different kind : of Maltese cat Poor girl I know : your man has done you wrong It's hard to tell : a man is long long gone He left here riding : left on the Cannonball He wasn't so handsome : and so long and tall I want all you women : to spread the news Want you to tell it : to who you choose \L Rain 22 Rainey, Ma Gertrude \C title: Memphis Bound Blues \C place and date: Chicago, c. Aug. 1925 \C record numbers: (2214-2) Pm-12311 Mil MLP-2001 You've got to drift to leave me : you're going to leave your home some day You have got me ??? : and Memphis *is all I've got to say* You can fly up high : you can ??? all alone But when you get to love her : you got to come back to Some *fool's* born with rickets : some *fool's* born with pain But I'm here to tell you : when you leave me *all is the same* I talk because I'm stubborn : I sing because I'm *sick* My man is gone and left me : gone to Memphis Tennessee \L Rain 23 Rainey, Ma Gertrude \C title: Slave to the Blues \C place and date: New York, Jan. 1926 \C record numbers: (2369-2) Pm-12332 Mil MLP-2001 Ain't robbed no train : ain't done no hanging crime It's that I'm a slave to the blues : even ??? that man of mine Blues do tell me : do I have to die a slave Do you hear me screaming : you're going to take me to my grave If I could break these chains : and let my worried heart go free Well it's too late now : the blues have made a slave of me You see me raving : you hear me crying Oh Lord : this wounded heart of mine Folks I'm a-grieving : from my head to my shoes I'm a good-hearted woman : but still I'm chained to the blues \L Rain 24 Rainey, Ma Gertrude \C title: Bessemer Bound Blues \C place and date: New York, Jan. 1926 \C record numbers: (2373-2) Pm-12374 Mil MLP-2001 Woke up this morning : looking for my darn old shoes Because mama's going home : singing the Bessemer blues Apple sugar papa : how come you do me like you do I've done everything you asked me : trying to get along with you I went in the water : walked through ice and snow But from now on papa : I won't be your dog no more *Electric all right : and* light shine nice and bright But I'd rather be in Memphis : reading by a candle light \L Rain 25 Rainey, Ma Gertrude \C title: Oh My Babe Blues \C place and date: New York, Jan. 1926 \C record numbers: (2374-1) Pm-12332 Jo SM-3098 Tell my dad : I'm going to leave my home Now I'm going I'm going : and it won't be long Tell my dad : I won't be home tonight My heart aches : said I'm not treated right Lordy Lord : have mercy on poor me Give me somebody : to let my heart go free I'm leaving now : I'm sorry we have to part Because you like : to break my aching heart \L Rain 26 Rainey, Ma Gertrude \C title: Down in the Basement \C place and date: Chicago, c. Aug. 1926 \C record numbers: (2627-1) Pm-12395 Jo SM-3098 I've got a man : he had a hound Chase everything : that's going around When he plays : that high brown stuff I cry brother : that's enough So take me to the basement : that's as low as I can go I want something lowdown : daddy want it nice and slow I will shimmy : from A to Z If you'll play : that thing for me \L Rain 27 Rainey, Ma Gertrude \C title: Trust No Man \C place and date: Chicago, c. Aug. 1926 \C record numbers: (2631-1) Pm-12395 Jo SM-3098 I want all you women : to listen to me Don't trust your man : no further than your eyes can see I trusted my man : with my best friend But that was a bad bargain : in the end He'll say that he loves you : and swear that it's true The very next minute : he'll turn his back on you Just feed your daddy : with a long-handled spoon Keep showing you love him : morning night and noon Sometimes your heart will ache : and almost bust That's why : there's no daddy good enough to trust He'll stay with you in the winter : whilst your money is long Come out in the summer : you'll find your pig will be gone \L Rain 28 Rainey, Ma Gertrude \C title: Gone Daddy Blues \C place and date: Chicago, c. Aug. 1927 \C record numbers: (4691-2) Pm-12526 Mil MLP-2001 I'm going away : I'm going to stay I'll find a man : I love some day I got my ticket : clothes in my hand Trying to find : that southbound man I'm going to ride : till I find that southbound man Going to keep a-riding : till I shake hands with my man I'm going away : I'm going to stay I'll come back : for my daddy some day I'm going away : I'm going to stay I long for my daddy : somewhere \L Rain 29 Rainey, Ma Gertrude \C title: Misery Blues \C place and date: Chicago, c. Aug. 1927 \C record numbers: (4707-1) Pm-12508 Fwy FJ-2802 I love my brownskin : indeed I do But there was no use : *tell me thing or two* I'm going to tell you : what I went and done I give him all my money : just to have some fun He told me that he loved me : loved me so If I would marry him : I needn't to work no more Now I'm grieving : almost dying Just because I didn't know : that he was lying I've got to go to work now : get another start Work is the thing : that's breaking my heart \L Rain 30 Rainey, Ma Gertrude \C title: Slow Driving Moan \C place and date: Chicago, c. Aug. 1927 \C record numbers: (4709-1) Pm-12526 Mil MLP-2001 I rambled till I'm tired : I'm not satisfied Don't find my man : going to ramble till I die Got the slow-driving blues : blue as I can be Don't play that band Mr : just play the blues for me \L Rain 31 Rainey, Ma Gertrude \C title: Black Eye Blues \C place and date: Chicago, c. Sept. 1928 \C record numbers: (20898-2) Pm-12963 Yz L-1039 Take all my money : blacken both my eyes Give it to another man : come home and tell me lies \L Rame 1 Ramey, Ben (Memphis Jug Band) \C title: I Can't Stand It \C place and date: Memphis, 17 Sept. 1929 \C record numbers: (55529-1) Vi-V38551 Rt RL-322 Now what are you going to do : when your supper get like mine Take a mouthful of sugar : and drink a bottle of turpentine You know the womens in the alley : they are playing cooncan They do a whole lot of funny things : us men really cannot understand And I went to my window : you know that window was blocked Yes and I went to my door : and that sure were locked My good gal come in this morning : about half past four I say where have you been mama : been out selling sweet jellyroll \L Rame 2 Ramey, Ben (Memphis Jug Band) \C title: Tired of You Driving Me \C place and date: Memphis, 3 Oct. 1929 \C record numbers: (56344) Vi V38586 Rt RL-337 I woke up this morning : the crying blues on my mind I done got to the place baby : that I hardly know my right mind I'm tired of you driving me : I mean baby all the time And if you want me to love you : you sure got to take you time And if you don't want me baby : you don't have to pay me no mind Because I done got tired of you driving me : ???ing me all the time \L Rame 3 Ramey, Ben (Memphis Jug Band) \C title: Cocaine Habit Blues \C place and date: Memphis, 17 May 1930 \C record numbers: (59933-2) Vi-V38620 BC-2 Cocaine habit : is mighty bad It's the worst old habit : that I ever had I went to Mr Lehman : in a lope Saw a sign on the window : says no more dope If you don't believe : cocaine is good Ask Alma Rose : down in Minglewood I love my whiskey : and I love my gin But the way I love my coke : is a doggone sin Since cocaine : went out of style You can catch them shooting needles : all the while It takes a little coke : to give me ease Strut your stuff : long as you please \L Rang 1 Ranger, Jack \C title: T. P. Window Blues \C place and date: San Antonio, 28 June 1929 \C record numbers: (402768) OK-8785 Rt RL-315 I was leaning in my window : looking in my baby's door She packed her trunk this morning : didn't know she was fixing to go Well the T P's running : smoke settling on the ground After the train was gone : couldn't find my easy rider around I ain't got me no more no more : no more baby now I didn't know my old pretty mama : to run me crazy now Engineer man engineer man : please turn your train around I want to speak one word to my baby : tell her she can heist her window down I was standing in my door : reason I hear the T P when she blows Taking my baby away : she ain't coming here no more \L RedN 1 Red Nelson \C title: Crying Mother Blues \C place and date: Chicago, 4 Feb. 1936 \C record numbers: (90597-A) De-7171 Br-87.504 Dear mother dead and gone to glory : my old dad done strayed away Only way to meet my mother : I'm going to have to change my lowdown ways Nobody knows my troubles : but myself and the good Lord I used to have a sweet woman to love me : now she treats me like a lowdown dog Tombstone's my pillow : graveyard going to be my bed Blue sky's going to be my blanket : and the pale moon going to be my spread Black cat crawls late hours at midnight : nightmares ride till the break of day What the use of loving some woman : some man done stole your love away Stop your crying : do away with all your tears If you can't stay with me mother : it must have been your time to leave from here \L RedN 2 Red Nelson \C title: Sweetest Thing Born \C place and date: Chicago, 6 Feb. 1936 \C record numbers: (90605-A) De-7155 Cor CP-58 Says a married woman : sweetest thing ever been born She would be most sweet and true to me : if I could go to her home Blues and trouble : two things I've had all my life I never had so much trouble : till I fell in love with another man's wife What's the use of getting sober : know you're going to be drunk again What's the use of leaving your mama : know you're going to beg back home again She's so evil : baby you know you can't clown Because you can't never tell : when your husband is around Tell me what's the matter mama : can't see no mail Post office on fire : mailman in jail I'm going to call you one morning : please don't forget that day If you can't do like I tell you : mama go on your no-good way \L ReedW 1 Reed, Willie \C title: Dreaming Blues \C place and date: Dallas, 8 Dec. 1928 \C record numbers: (147600-2) Co-14407-D Yz L-1004 I'm going to leave you : but I'll be back some old day I'm going to make you remember : how you drove me away Girl I lay down dreaming : woman I woke up crying Since my bird dog fly away : poor girl is on my mind Have you ever been accused mama : ain't done nothing wrong That's the cause today : many people leave their homes Sometime I think : my babe too sweet to die Then again I think Lord : she ought to be buried alive Excuse me mama : for knocking at your room If I can't be your sweeper : let me be your broom I followed Corrina : long as I could see And that man had my woman : Lord and the blues had me \L ReedW 2 Reed, Willie \C title: Texas Blues \C place and date: Dallas, 8 Dec. 1928 \C record numbers: (147601-1) Co-14407-D Yz L-1010 I'm going out in West Texas : where you hear the wild ox moan Till it moans so bad : till it make me leave my home Lord pretty mama : what's the matter now You know if you didn't want me : why didn't you leave me back in town I'm going way out in West Texas : just to lie in the Then I'm coming back down to Dallas : to run these women wild You can read your schoolbook : and book on down You can read my letter : but you sure can't read my mind You can't never tell : when your woman going to put you down She got a smile on her face : and a heart packed full of frowns Take me pretty mama : try me one more time If I don't treat you better : I'll break my neck a-trying Said I laid down last night : my mind was rambling around Thinking about my lover : she had done put me down \L ReedW 3 Reed, Willie \C title: Leavin' Home \C place and date: Dallas, 5 Dec. 1929 \C record numbers: (149544-1) Co unissued His \C HLP-17 I'm going to leave you : leaving some old day Don't you worry mama : because I was carried away Don't never take no woman : for to be your friend It will be death and destruction : *may* ought to be your end I was just sitting here a-wondering mama : about my used-to-be I can see my lover : Lord but she can't see me How can I love you : and you gone both night and day Girl that's the very reason : I'm bound to jail today \L ReyJ 1 Reynolds, Blind Joe \C title: Outside Woman Blues \C place and date: Grafton, Wis., c. Feb. 1930 \C record numbers: (L-144-3) Pm-12927 OJL-8 When you lose your money : please God don't lose your mind And when you lose your woman : please don't fool with mine I'm going to buy me a bulldog : watch my old lady whilst I sleep Because women these days is so doggone crooked : till they make a 'fore-day creep Tell you married men : how to keep your wives at home Just do a job roll for the man : and try to carry your labour home Tell you married women : how to keep your husbands at home You want to take care of the man's labour : and let these single boys alone You can't watch your wife : and your outside woman too While you're off with your woman : your wife could be at home beating you doing buddy what you trying to do \L ReyJ 2 Reynolds, Blind Joe \C title: Nehi Blues \C place and date: Grafton, Wis., c. Feb. 1930 \C record numbers: (L-146-2) Pm-12927 OJL-11 Some girls wear short dresses : some of these married women wear them too That's the reason : we single men Lord don't know what we wants to do Wish the proper judge : would make these women let their dresses down So there'd quit being so doggone much : of murdering in town When they pass the law : pulling the short dress down So we single men : can tell a married woman from a child Let me tell you boys : what these knee-high dresses will do Get you broke naked and hungry : boys then come down on you All of you [young] women : sure Lord ought to be ashamed Taking these old men's money : when they walking on walking canes A old man ain't nothing : but a young woman's slave They work hard all the time : trying to stay in these young men's ways \L ReyW 1 Reynolds, Blind Willie \C title: Married Man Blues \C place and date: Memphis, 26 Nov. 1930 \C record numbers: (64721-2) Vi-23258 Yz L-1009 When you lose your money : please don't lose your mind When you lose your woman : please don't fool with mine Tell you married men : how to keep your wives at home Get you a job and roll for the man : and try to carry your labour home Tell you married women : how to keep your husband at home Take care of your husband's labour : and let these single boys alone What make a single woman : crazy about a married man Because he works all the time : he puts money in her hand What make a married woman : so crazy about a single man Because the husband might lay down and die : and leave the fellow to her hand Let me tell you men : what those married women will do She will get your money : she will cat-curl up to you Tell you this men : ain't going to tell you nothing else Man's a fool : if he thinks he's got a whole woman by himself \L ReyW 2 Reynolds, Blind Willie \C title: Third Street Woman Blues \C place and date: Memphis, 26 Nov. 1930 \C record numbers: (64724-2) Vi-23258 OJL-11 Mmm : come my Third Street woman now But the way she treats me : that's the coldest stuff in town I had so much chicken : till I heard her clucking in my sleep Now it's don't like my 'taters : mama please don't dig so deep She's a big fat mama : with the meat shaking on her bones And every time she shake it : Lord a hustling woman lose her home She got something : that the men call a stingaree Four o'clock every morning : she turn it loose on me Mmm : where my Third Street woman gone Believe to my soul : she will hustle everywhere but home If you can't do my rolling mama : you can't spend my change \L RhoW 1 Rhodes, Walter \C title: The Crowing Rooster \C place and date: Memphis, 10 Dec. 1927 \C record numbers: (145358-2) Co-14289-D Rt RL-334 Going to buy me a rooster : put him in my back door See a stranger coming : he'll flap his wings and crow What you want with a rooster : he won't crow 'fore day What you want with a woman : won't do nothing she say What you want with a hen : won't cackle when she lay What you want with a man : won't do nothing he say Going to take my picture : hang it up against the wall And if I ask you what about it : daddy that's all that's all I'll take my picture : put it in a frame So if I die : you can see me just the same I know my dog : anywhere I hear him bark I can tell my baby : if I see her in the dark \L RhoW 2 Rhodes, Walter \C title: Leaving Home Blues \C place and date: Memphis, 10 Dec. 1927 \C record numbers: (145359-2) Co-14289-D Rt RL-334 Well I dreamt a dream : I never dreamt before Dreamt my baby told me : that I couldn't be *talking* no more I lay down happy : woke up this morning crying I didn't have no blues : but I was just dissatisfied I know my baby : sure don't know if I'm here Well if she did : she would surely feel my care Well I wonder : will my suitcase hold my clothes I ain't got so many : but I got so far to go Well my mama's dead : and my papa went to sea Oh the life I'm living : oh and it's killing me Well you used to know me : but you just don't know me now My mama told me : and papa told me too Well the life you're living : honey'll be the death of you \L RichM 1 Richardson, Mooch \C title: T and T Blues \C place and date: Memphis, 13 Feb. 1928 \C record numbers: (400213-B) OK-8554 Mam S-3803 Will you iron my jumper : yes and starch my overalls Lord if I miss the Two-Nineteen : I'm surely can't catch the Cannonball Well a brownskin woman : sure can get anything I got But a jet-black woman I got a letter from : throw it in my back yard Well it's T for Texas Lord : I got a T for Tennessee Know I got a T for the best girl I love : Lord she stay right in Memphis Tennessee Well I'm going away brownskin : I ain't going to come back here before next fall If I don't get me no good brown : I ain't coming back in this town at all Well the sun is going down : got mighty lonesome here But I ain't got me nobody : I'm sleeping every night just by myself \L RichM 2 Richardson, Mooch \C title: Mooch Richardson's Low Down Barrel House \C Blues Part 1 \C place and date: Memphis, 13 Feb. 1928 \C record numbers: (400215-A) OK-8554 Mam S-3803 I got something : some people call it worse than blues It must be : the lowdown dirty barrelhouse blues I got I'd rather see you dead : straight down in your grave To see you give another man : Lord my *roof* and *plate* Know my faro got something : mens all call it stingaree Reason I know it isn't : tell no lie she have rolled that same thing down on me Well I went to the nation : Lord I thought I'd fall Lord and die *Sitting by the* ??? Lord : \L RichM 3 Richardson, Mooch \C title: Burying Ground Blues \C place and date: Memphis, 23 Mar. 1928 \C record numbers: (400375-A) OK-8576 Mam S-3803 Well I went up on the mountain : give my horn a blow Thought I hear my true lover : say yonder come my beau Oh ten thousand people : was around her burying ground For to hear that elder say : for the laying her body down I follow her all the way : down to the burying ground I come back to my home : I's about to overboard and drown Bad luck in my family : all done fell on me It made me think about : going way across the sea I asked my captain : for to give me his best pair of shoes For I'm barefoot I ain't got nothing to wear Lord : I don't know what to do He told me he had a hole in his side : I don't expect he would do Lord these ain't like the shoes I got on the gutter : hole right in the bottom \L RobB 1 Robinson, Bob (The Hokum Boys) \C title: Selling That Stuff \C place and date: Chicago, c. Dec. 1928 \C record numbers: (21035-3) Pm-12714 Riv RM-8803 Aunt Jane gave a dance : and she had a crowd And she sold more whiskey : than the law allowed Aunt Jane stayed out : all night long Didn't go home : till the break of dawn Took Aunt Jane : to the county jail She didn't need nothing : to go her bail She sold some corn : and she sold some gin She sold it to the women : and she sold it to the men Uncle Jim went to jail : with a heavy load They gave him thirty days : on the county road Aunt Jane got a sister : and her name is Lil She used to sell stuff : and she sells it still \L RobB 2 Robinson, Bob (The Hokum Boys) \C title: Beedle Um Bum \C place and date: Chicago, c. Dec. 1928 \C record numbers: (21036-2) Pm-12714 Riv RM-8803 It'll make a dumb man speak : make a lame man run Sure miss something : if you don't get some It ain't made small : and it ain't made wide It's just made up : in a medium size Now you don't have to hurry : you don't have to go You get a little taste : you'll want some more \L RolW 1 Roland, Walter \C title: T Model Blues \C place and date: New York, 17 July 1933 \C record numbers: (13552-1) Ba-32932 Yz L-1017 Said it's mmm baby : mmm baby mmm Say you know you do not love me : like I say I love you Say you know these here women : sure do treat me mean You know I ask one for a drink of water : she give me gasoline Says mmm baby : you won't do nothing you say You know you told me you love me : but what about that man I seed you with the other day These here women what called theirselves a Cadillac : ought to be a T Model Ford You know they got the shape all right : but they can't carry no heavy load Says you know I'm going to sing this here verse now : ain't going to sing no more Because you know I'm got to go home and ??? my old lady : because she won't come back no more \L RolW 2 Roland, Walter \C title: Dices' Blues \C place and date: New York, 30 July 1934 \C record numbers: (15485-2) Ba-33343 RBF RF-12 Yes you know dices oh dices : please don't three on me You know says I'm just as broke and hungry : as any gambler ought to be Says my woman give me money : just to play *good* jack I didn't win no money : but great God you know I played my hand Says I went down in Louisiana : says you know down on that farm If I win any money : sure going to bring it home Says you know I gambled yesterday : and I gambled again today But you know if I don't win tomorrow : I'm going to throw my cards away Says you know I'm going to gamble : because you know I gamble all the time But you know says I've got to win some money : so I can give it to that gal of mine \L RolW 3 Roland, Walter \C title: Early in the Morning No. 2 \C place and date: New York, 31 July 1934 \C record numbers: (15495-2) Ba-33343 Yz L-1017 Says me and my good girl : we had a falling out And I bet you men can tell me : what it's all about We fell out early in the morning : baby about the break of day And I turned over and hugged the pillow : where my baby used to lay I says go get your hat baby : let's go in the woods If you can't go now : please ma'am tell me when you could She say I go early in the morning : baby about the break of day Then I turn over and hug the pillow : where my baby used to lay You know I got me a woman now : they call her Aunt Kate I told her to come to my house tonight : about half past eight She said she'd be there early in the morning : baby about the break of day Then I turned over and hugged the pillow : where my baby used to lay You know a girl get twelve years old : she thinks she's grown You never can catch : that kind of girl at home Unless you go there early in the morning : baby about the break of day Then I turned over and hugged the pillow : where my baby used to lay I'm going to sing this verse now : ain't going to sing no more I want to see my good girl : and I think I'll better go Before it get early in the morning : baby about the break of day Then I turn over and hug the pillow : where my baby used to lay \L RolW 4 Roland, Walter \C title: Big Mama \C place and date: New York, 2 Aug. 1934 \C record numbers: (15520-2) Ba-33282 RBF RF-12 She got them great big legs : she got the walking size And every time she leave me : you know it makes me cry Every time she calls me : you know she makes me mad But I ain't never told her : about the man she had You know she make me [awful] mad : when she calls my name But you know I never told her : she could not shake that thing \L RolW 5 Roland, Walter \C title: Every Morning Blues \C place and date: New York, 2 Aug. 1934 \C record numbers: (15521-2) Ba-33282 BC-7 Says every morning every morning : I wakes with the rising sun Says won't you run here pretty mama : see what your man have done I said take me back baby : I won't be bad no more Says I give you my money : if you let that other man go I said don't take my money : then try to dog me around Because if you do : I'm going to tear you playhouse down Says I ain't going to give you no more money : ain't going to let you do me wrong For you would take my money : then you will slip on home \L RolW 6 Roland, Walter \C title: 45 Pistol Blues \C place and date: New York, 14 Mar. 1935 \C record numbers: (17081-2) ARC-6-03-61 BC-7 I'm going over to Third Alley : Lord but I'm going to carry my forty-five Because you know ain't many men : goes there and comes back alive They will shoot you and cut you : Lord they will knock you down And you can ask anybody : ain't that the baddest place in town Mens carry thirty-eights : womens carry their razors too And you know you better not start nothing : know they'll make away with you Says I ain't going to Third Alley no more : unless I change my mind Because you know I done got shot once over there : Lord it's about three or four times \L RolW 7 Roland, Walter \C title: Penniless Blues \C place and date: New York, 20 Mar. 1935 \C record numbers: (17153-2) Ba-33461 Yz L-1017 I been blue all night : what is I going to do You know the reason I'm that a-way : Lord I'm broke and hungry too You know my woman left me : Lord when I wasn't feeling well You know said living with that woman : Lord it is just like living in hell I ain't got no money : not a penny can I show And you know folks that's the reason : Lord that I'm worried so You know I let that woman tote my money : Lord in a jomo sack And you know it's going to be some hell raised : Lord if she don't bring some of my money back \L RupO 1 Rupert, Ollie \C title: I Raised My Window and Looked at the \C Risin' Sun \C place and date: Memphis, 28 Feb. 1927 \C record numbers: (37963-2) Vi-20577 Rt RL-323 Lord early one morning : just about the break of day A passenger train : carried my man away I raised my window : looked at the rising sun Nobody else can love me : just like my good man done I'm standing on the railroad : looking north and south I couldn't see my good man : who done put me out Far down the railroad : far as I could see Look like I can see my good man : coming back to me Now papa : what you want me to do I did everything in this world : trying to get along with you When I had you pretty papa : you was blind and could not see When I quit you pretty papa : don't bring your blues to me Have you ever been accused : when you ain't done nothing wrong It's a hard-driving papa : just as sure as you born \L RupO 2 Rupert, Ollie \C title: Ain't Goin' to Be Your Low Down Dog \C place and date: Memphis, 28 Feb. 1927 \C record numbers: (37964-2) Vi-20577 Rt RL-323 I'm going to buy me a mansion : out on Bunker Hill Where I can get my whiskey : get it right from the still Out on Bunker Hill : where the peoples have their fun Where they lay out on the green grass : and look up at the sun I been your dog : every since I been your gal You know I love you pretty papa : love you each and everywhere Now pretty papa : what you want me to do I did everything in this world : trying to get along with you Going to write a letter : going to mail it in the air When the north wind blows : blows news everywhere \L Scha 1 Schaffer, Ed (Shreveport Home Wreckers) \C title: Fence Breakin' Blues \C place and date: Memphis, 21 May 1930 \C record numbers: (59965-2) Vi-23275 Yz L-1026 Lord I'm going to start a-rambling : ain't going to stop mama from raising sand Lord I'm going to thrill my baby : just like I ain't got no sense Tell me baby : what's the matter now Oh you trying to leave me : and you don't know how Mmm : babe will come back home to you Oh I'm coming right back babe : now that child's done roamed Lord I don't know what to do baby : I can't get along with you Now you may treat me right babe : that's all I can do \L Scha 2 Schaffer, Ed (Shreveport Home Wreckers) \C title: Home Wreckin' Blues \C place and date: Memphis, 21 May 1930 \C record numbers: (59966-2) Vi-23275 Rt RL-313 Oh tell me baby : the way back to your town The reason I'm asking : because I got to go Mmm : what's the matter now My good girl done quit me : sure have got to go Mmm : ain't going to sing no more I'm going to leave from here baby : ain't coming back no more \L ScotS 1 Scott, Sonny \C title: Red Cross Blues \C place and date: New York, 18 July 1933 \C record numbers: (13572-1) Vo-25012 Rt RL-325 Let me tell you : what the what the Red Cross people will do ??? *on King Street* : down on Third Avenue I told them no : baby I don't want to go You know I can't go down the hill : but I've got to go to the Red Cross store Go to the Red Cross in the morning babe : go up there at night Want me to tell the Red Cross : stop off day and night Now my girl told me this morning : that she done collared a job She going to take care of me : while the times was hard And I told her yes : great God now I won't have to go Because I can't go down the hill : you know I go to the Red Cross store I works on the mountain : till my shirt got soaking wet I don't want no foolishness : about my Red Cross check Well I saw two women : they was arguing on the street They asked me I go down to the Red Cross store : to get them to give me something to eat And I told her yes : great God and you better go Because I can't take you down the hill : but I'll show you to the Red Cross store \L Scru 1 Scruggs, Irene \C title: My Back to the Wall \C place and date: Richmond, Ind., 30 Aug. 1930 \C record numbers: (16975-A) Ge-7296 Yz L-1026 Everybody is screaming trouble : times ain't like they used to be You can hardly hold your man : your job is uncertain guarantee Well hard luck had me running : now my back is turned to the wall But no matter what you say : a good woman never falls Well you talk about drunken women : the kind that walks the streets all night But that's the only kind of woman : that you men are going to treat right So don't be no idle woman : don't be no sand-foot clown If your man is double-crossing : don't you start to running around Now I'll tell you the reason : I don't like a single man much Well a single man's all right : but he ain't got that married man's touch \L Shad 1 Shade, Will (Memphis Jug Band) \C title: Sometimes I Think I Love You \C place and date: Chicago, 9 June 1927 \C record numbers: (38657-1) Vi-20809 OJL-19 Hey sometime I think I love you : then again I don't Sometime I think I'll quit you : mama then again I won't Says I beat it for you baby : when I needed shoes on my feet All I know that she was doing partner : making her 'fore-day creep Hey baby : what do you want your papa to do Want for me to beg rob and steal : bring it all home to you \L Shad 2 Shade, Will (Memphis Jug Band) \C title: Memphis Boy-+-Blues \C place and date: Chicago, 9 June 1927 \C record numbers: (38659-1) Vi-20809 Rt RL-337 Going out west partner : going to marry me an Indian squaw That dirty big chief Indian : Lord can be my father-in-law Say I'm a poor boy partner : and I ain't got no relation here Say I ain't got no good woman : partner for to feel my care Hey pretty mama : honey what you got on your mind Lord I ain't going to stay with no woman : Lord no great long time \L Shad 3 Shade, Will (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 Hey black folks is evil : do anything that you want to do *So long as I can get* ??? : *get back out of you* I did more for you baby : mama in the rain and snow But I'm sick and tired now baby : you say you don't want me no more I packed my suitcase : Lord I started to the train I wouldn't hurt so bad mama : but you had another man just the same \L Shad 4 Shade, Will (Memphis Jug Band) \C title: State of Tennessee \C place and date: Atlanta, 19 Oct. 1927 \C record numbers: (40313-2) Vi-21185 Rt RL-322 I got a voice like a radio : it broadcasts everywhere Now if you can find the wild woman : boy by broadcasting in the air I got a new way of spelling : dear old state of Tennessee Double E double R : double E double N O P \L Shad 5 Shade, Will (Memphis Jug Band) \C title: Kansas City Blues \C place and date: Atlanta, 19 Oct. 1927 \C record numbers: (40315-1) Vi-21185 Rt RL-307 Boy I got three high yellows : one black and brown High yellow quit me : black ain't going to throw me down And you can always tell : when a woman want to play It don't make any difference : in a Hey mama mama : where you stay last night Your hair's all wrinkled : that they beating you right \L Shad 6 Shade, Will (Memphis Jug Band) \C title: Evergreen Money Blues \C place and date: Memphis, 1 Feb. 1928 \C record numbers: (41818-2) Vi-21657 Rt RL-310 I been drinking all night long baby : mama I ain't going to drink no more My good gal said if you drink any more corn liquor : how she don't want me no more I'll pack your suitcase mama : I will throw it over the fence I allow you don't need no telling baby : mama because you got plenty of sense I told you stay away from my window baby : mama don't knock at my old back door I allow you don't need no telling mama : babe because you already know \L Shad 7 Shade, Will (Memphis Jug Band) \C title: She Stays Out All Night Long \C place and date: Memphis, 13 Feb. 1928 \C record numbers: (41891-1) Vi unissued RCA \C INT-1175 Lord I told my old lady : no longer than week before last *I told* when I staying all night long baby : mama it's done come *to pass* How do you think a poor man feels : one he loves stay out all night long Oh Lord he's rolling and he's tumbling : know he just can't sleep alone How you think a poor man feels : one he loves stays out both night and day Just like a hobo on a freight train : haven't a decent meal today \L Shad 8 Shade, Will (Memphis Jug Band) \C title: She Stays Out All Night Long \C place and date: Memphis, 13 Feb. 1928 \C record numbers: (41891-2) Vi-21524 Rt RL-322 I told my old lady : no longer than the week before last *I told* when I'm staying all night long mama : Lord it's going to the *pass* How can a poor man sleep : Lord when the one he loves stays out all night long Now Lord he's rolling and he's tumbling : know he just can't sleep alone Lord how can a poor man feel : one he loves stays out all night long \L Shad 9 Shade, Will (Memphis Jug Band) \C title: A Black Woman Is Like a Black Snake \C place and date: Memphis, 11 Sept. 1928 \C record numbers: (47010-2) Vi-V38015 Rt RL-322 A black woman is like a black snake : she will strike and run ??? : *to give his dollar fun* Now I wouldn't marry a black woman : I'll tell you the reason why Because a black girl's evil : \L Shad 10 Shade, Will (Memphis Jug Band) \C title: On the Road Again \C place and date: Memphis, 11 Sept. 1928 \C record numbers: (47011-1) Vi-V38015 OJL-19 I wouldn't want a black woman : tell you the reason why Black woman's evil : do things on the sly You look for your supper : to be good and hot The nigger put a neckbone : in the pot I went to my window : my window was stuck I went to my door : my door was locked I stepped right back : I shook my head A big black nigger : in my folding bed I shot through the window : I broke the glass I never seen a nigger : run so fast Your friend come to your house : wife ask him to rest his hat The next thing he'll want to know : where is your husband at She says I don't know : he's gone and went to the 'gin Come on mama : let's get on the road again \L Shad 11 Shade, Will (Memphis Jug Band) \C title: Whitewash Station Blues \C place and date: Memphis, 15 Sept. 1928 \C record numbers: (47036-2) Vi-V38504 Rt RL-337 You can toot your whistle : blow your horn The Memphis Jug Band : done been here and gone Now if you want to get to heaven : I'll tell you what to do You put on a sock : a boot and a shoe You place a little corn : in your right hand That'll pass you right over : in the Promised Land And if you meet the devil : he ask you how you do I'm on my way to heaven : don't you want to go too Know there's a place : that do just as well They call Whitewash Station : ten miles from hell Lord mama : what's on your mind You keep me worried : and bothered all the time Ain't got no stockings : ain't got no shoes Know I've got : the Memphis Jug Band blues \L Shad 12 Shade, Will (Memphis Jug Band) \C title: Stealin' Stealin' \C place and date: Memphis, 15 Sept. 1928 \C record numbers: (47037-2) Vi-V38504 Rt RL-337 Stealing stealing : pretty mama don't you tell on me I'm stealing back : to my same old used-to-be Now put your arms around me : like the circle around the sun I want you to love me mama : like my easy rider done If you don't believe I love you : look what a fool I've been If you don't believe I'm sinking : look what a hole I'm in The woman I'm loving : she's just my height and size She's a married woman : come to see me sometime \L Shad 13 Shade, Will \C title: Better Leave That Stuff Alone \C place and date: Memphis, 24 Sept. 1928 \C record numbers: (47092- ) Vi-21725 Mam S-3803 People across the water : they're crying for meat and bread And the womens down on Beale Street : crying for that old canned heat every day I give my woman a dollar : to get her something to eat She spent a dime for neckbones : and ninety cents for that old canned heat If your woman says she don't drink corn liquor : don't think she's nice and sweet If she don't drink that old corn liquor : then your partner must drink the old canned heat Now just look what a difference : a little money can buy Before a woman spend fifty cents on corn liquor : she'll buy that bottle of canned heat on the sly Canned heat is just like morphine : it crawls all through your bones And if you keep on using canned heat mama : you soon get to the place you just can't leave it alone When you catch your woman begging nickels and dimes : all up and down the street She's only hustling them people : to get that stuff they call that old canned heat \L Shad 14 Shade, Will (Memphis Jug Band) \C title: What's the Matter \C place and date: Memphis, 17 Sept. 1929 \C record numbers: (55530-2) Vi-V38551 Jo SM-3104 Now yonder comes baby : he's coming down the street He going to knock you back : like Mr There was old lady *Linus* : she was sitting on a rock Had a forty-dollar razor : trying to shave that knot Yes my mother told me : father told me too Son that thing in Memphis : going to be the death of you I'm going to chew my bacca : I'm going to spit my juice I'm going to save my thing : for my particular use Yes my *cola* lady rose : about half past four Son you don't mean me no good : *I bet they* use you no more I went down on the dike : about half past four I seen two bullfrogs : doing the *cold down low* \L Shad 15 Shade, Will (Memphis Jug Band) \C title: Feed Your Friend with a Long Handled \C Spoon \C place and date: Memphis, 27 Sept. 1929 \C record numbers: (55598-1) Vi-V38578 Rt RL-311 Boy my mother always taught me : to learn to feed my friends with a long-handled spoon She said son if you feed them with a short one : Lord they will soon lose friendship with you Lord they will even laugh and grin in your face : Lord they don't mean you no good And if you don't keep your eyes dead on them : Lord they will take your woman from you Yes I'm going to taught my woman : don't never let a ??? at home If you should ever let him get there baby : he'll give you more trouble than the day is long I did something last winter : Lord I ain't going to do it no more I quit a thousand dollar woman : *but it wasn't worth* \L Shad 16 Shade, Will (Memphis Jug Band) \C title: I Can Beat You Plenty \C place and date: Memphis, 27 Sept. 1929 \C record numbers: (55599- ) Vi-V38586 Rt RL-337 Now if you ever go down south : go down in Dixieland Don't forget : the Memphis Jug Band You better hide : mama you better hide from me I can beat you playing that hand : mama you tried to deal to me I told my old lady : so long *as poker* last If I gets on Beale Street : then mama things will come to pass Now the preacher will come to your house : your wife will ask him to rest his hat Next thing he want to know : lady where is your husband at She say I don't know : I think he gone to jail Oh well it's come on mama : and let me go his bail Going to ask that black gal : won't you give me some Said she told me to wait : until tomorrow come Will tomorrow come : before I change my mind And I looked around : her man was standing around I'm going on ??? : I'm going to raise my hand I am looking for the woman : that ain't got no man \L Shad 17 Shade, Will (Memphis Jug Band) \C title: Taking Your Place \C place and date: Memphis, 3 Oct. 1929 \C record numbers: (56343) Vi-23347 Jo SM-3104 Now tell me baby : how come you do me this a-way Oh you go off to stay in the morning : and you stays all day I love you baby : I didn't know that you would do me this a-way How how can I love you mama : when you goes on the street always Now you done drove me baby : until you drove me away Now someone has done something mama : about to take your place \L Shad 18 Shade, Will (Memphis Jug Band) \C title: Jim Strainer \C place and date: Memphis, 21 May 1930 \C record numbers: (59961-2) Vi-23421 Rt RL-337 Oh Jim Strainer told Lula : on a Friday night Lula if I catch you with the Willie : Lula I'm going to steal you life Oh roll Mr hearseman : Mr hearseman roll slow I want to see the last of poor Lula : Mr hearseman before you go I followed poor Lula : Lord to that burying ground I stood and watched the graveyard diggers : ease poor Lula down I never have seen : Lord such a sight before When Jim Strainer killed poor Lula : it was on that barroom floor Lord poor Willie left here laughing : poor Jim left here crying Willie got fifteen years : poor Jim got ninety-nine I'm singing this tune : I ain't going to [play, pick] it no more Jim Strainer killed poor Lula : I'm booked out and bound to go \L Shad 19 Shade, Will (Memphis Jug Band) \C title: Mary Anna Cut Off \C place and date: Chicago, 6 Nov. 1934 \C record numbers: (C-780-2) OK-8960 Jo SM-3104 I'm going Mary Anna : I'm riding that old engineer When I come by : sweet babe will Going to start walking : I've even got a new bottle of booze Ain't going to stop walking : until I lose those Mary Anna blues Engineer blow his whistle : and the fireman ring his bell She poked her head out the window : daddy fare you well She's a long tall woman : she's got teeth they shine like gold Only woman in Mary Anna : done got a mortgage on my soul Going to Mary Anna : if I have to ride the rods I'm going to see that black gal : boys so help me God \L Shad 20 Shade, Will (Memphis Jug Band) \C title: Take Your Fingers Off It \C place and date: Chicago, 7 Nov. 1934 \C record numbers: (C-793- ) Vo-03175 Jo SM-3104 Sometimes I walk : with my I wouldn't stay here : but I can't take off I'm going to tell everybody : in the neighborhood I got a gal : who treats me good ??? : I'm going : I'm getting loose Old Aunt Anna : long and tall Her feets in the kitchen : her head's in the hall \L Shad 21 Shade, Will (Memphis Jug Band) \C title: She Done Sold It Out \C place and date: Chicago, 7 Nov. 1934 \C record numbers: (C-800-1) OK-8963 RBF RF-6 You know I had a gal : she run a java shop I asked her how about it : not a crust in that shop You know a man walked in : say have you any eggs Say I'll sell you some meat : if you furnish your bread Now the butcher's in the market : they begin to pout She sold all their meat : and the butchers could not sell out You know they taken me 'fore the judge : the judge asked me what is your name Cooncan Suzie : and my mother was to blame You know the judge said little girl : you know you're rather bold You can sell me some meat : just before you go I'm going to the races : see my pony run I believe I can find something : just begun \L Shaw 1 Shaw, Allen (Hattie Hart) \C title: Coldest Stuff in Town \C place and date: New York, 14 Sept. 1934 \C record numbers: (15952- ) Vo-02821 Yz L-1021 Hattie Hattie Hattie : what have you done to me I believe to my soul : you got a doggone stingaree My name is Rex : I lives down the west Don't want to be tangled up : in that nest Another drink Hattie : pass the bottle around Because that jive you and Willie B's shooting : coldest stuff in town \L Shaw 2 Shaw, Allen \C title: I Couldn't Help It \C place and date: New York, 17 Sept. 1934 \C record numbers: (15967-1) Vo-02844 OJL-21 Well I got up this morning : feeling bad Thinking about the times : that I once have had Well it ain't but the one thing : can grieve my mind All of these women : ain't nar' one mine Well I whips my woman : with a singletree You might've heard her holler : don't you murder me Mama told me : papa told me too Never let a woman : make a fool of you Well I woke up this morning : feeling blue Thinking about : no other one but you Well mama told me : papa too The way you got : it's going to be the ruin of you \L Shaw 3 Shaw, Allen \C title: Moanin' the Blues \C place and date: New York, 18 Sept. 1934 \C record numbers: (15978-1) Vo-02844 Yz L-1002 When I woke up this morning : mama's feeling bad Got to thinking : about the time I once have had Now if you don't want me : why don't you tell me so I can get a woman : anywhere I go Lord I asked the judge : what should be my fine Said eleven twenty-nine : and fifty dollar fine Yes I asked the judge : to be easy as you can That's all I want : you to send me from the pen Ever since : my mother has been dead Been trouble : since I have jumped and caught my head Crying mmm : don't nobody know \L Shor 1 Short, Jaydee \C title: Telephone Arguin' Blues \C place and date: Grafton, Wis., c. 1 June 1930 \C record numbers: (L-456-1) Pm-13043 OJL-11 There's so many people : arguing on the telegram This thought have run through my head : just like a stone in sand Hello Central : please give me five oh nine I just want to talk : to that old-time gal of mine Hey arguing : arguing everywhere I can't get no message : over the phone nowhere I go Mmm baby : when can I speak to you If you don't talk to me soon : baby I don't know what I'm going to do I picked up the receiver : I could not get a word I want to talk to my home : from this sad New York land I'm asking you a question : mama asking you very clear And if *all things true* : man I'm going to leave on the Mmm ain't seen my baby : in six long months today Some woman love I used to have : gone seen my babe some day \L Shor 2 Short, Jaydee \C title: Lonesome Swamp Rattlesnake \C place and date: Grafton, Wis., c. 1 June 1930 \C record numbers: (L-468-1) Pm-13043 OJL-11 Way lonesome : out in some swamp I know Well the lonesome rattlesnake : just creeped up to my door You ought to heard my baby hollering : daddy won't you come home Better be on your way : the rattlesnake's about to take your home That's all right baby : I won't leave you here no more For that creeping rattlesnake : done crawled up to my door Walking along : and ain't doing a thing I met a rattlesnake : oh baby at last I can't travel honey : night or day Lord these rattlesnakes traveling : won't let me get away Creeping rattlesnakes : done crawled around my bed And it loved my woman : hey man it done fell dead I love my baby : and I know for sure But these creeping rattlesnakes : done crawled up to my door Going to sing this song : and I ain't going to sing no more For that creeping rattlesnake : done crawled up to my door Have you ever been lonely : honey and feel so blue When the rattlesnake crawl : there ain't nobody can tell you what to do \L Shor 3 Short, Jaydee \C title: Snake Doctor Blues \C place and date: New York, 14 Mar. 1932 \C record numbers: (11474- ) Vo-1704 Yz L-1003 I'm a snake doctor man : everybody's trying to find out my name And when I fly by easy : mama I'm going to fly low low distant land I am a snake doctor : gang of womens everywhere I go And when I get to flying sometime : I can see a gang of women standing out in the door I'm going to fly by easy : man you know I ain't going to fly very low What I got in these sacks on my back man : you don't know honey know I ain't got many crooks in my bag : as the dyingest snake can crawl I puts up a solid foundation mens : and you know it don't never fall I'm a snake doctor man : got my medicine I say in my bag I mean to be a real snake doctor man : and you know I don't mean to be no quack Lord I know many of you mens wondering : what the snake doctor man got in his hand He's got roots and herbs : steals a woman man everywhere he land \L Shor 4 Short, Jaydee \C title: Barefoot Blues \C place and date: New York, 14 Mar. 1932 \C record numbers: (11475- ) Vo-1704 Yz L-1003 Let's get stomp barefoot mama : and get drunk and run I don't feel like running with you mama : but I just feel like having my fun You are a long-ways traveler : long ways from your home Spending all my money for whiskey and getting drunk : mama you don't know how you carry on I work hard daily daily : mama trying to make a good home for you Lord you do things to your good man : mama can make you feel so blue In a few more days now mama : your good man going to be going away You going to miss that hard-working man : you going to need his help some day I work hard daily daily : bring you home my pay I can't see how you have ??? : mama treat a good man this a-way Now I believe I'll go mama : don't feel welcome here You're a no-good woman : you don't feel in your hard-working man's care \L Shor 5 Short, Jaydee \C title: Grand Daddy Blues \C place and date: New York, 14 Mar. 1932 \C record numbers: (11479-A) Vo-1708 Yz L-1018 Now please Mr granddaddy : don't crawl up and down my wall You running so quick and dangerous : that I won't have no woman at all It was early this morning : I was lying out on my floor I was keeping daily watch on my wall : so that granddaddy won't crawl in my house no more If that granddaddy crawls : boy you sure be in my shape some old day You won't have no true-loving woman : for to pass your troubles away When you get bad luck in your home : there's a few men know just how you feel It takes a real good woman : for that *thirty-five year old soul to heal* I get wicked lonesome sometimes : in a dark room by myself The reason I feel that way mama : I ain't got nobody to feel my care \L Simp 1 Simpson, Coletha \C title: Down South Blues \C place and date: Chicago, c. 16 Apr. 1929 \C record numbers: (C-3299) Br-7112 His HLP-1 I'm going to write down home : tell mama to send for me I'm broke and disgusted : with every man I see I was nice I was kind : as a poor girl could be *Men are rather buy* kindness : you with every woman you see I feel like cocking : my pistol in your face I want to make the graveyard : be your resting place They tell me : the graveyard is a lonesome nasty place I want to lay my man down : smile right in his face Now never think : you got a man all by yourself He's sleeping with you : but he's loving somebody else \L SimsH 1 Sims, Henry \C title: Farrell Blues \C place and date: Grafton, Wis., c. Nov. 1929 \C record numbers: (L-45-1) Pm-12912 OJL-8 I'm going to Farrell : so I can have my fun Going to get me a gal now : so I can have my fun I think I heard : that Riverside whistle blow And I ain't going to stop walking : till I get to my rider's door Farrell blues mama : sure don't worry me It's all I want : just to do what a poor man do Blues come to me : just like a dream The blues *so* ??? : don't worry me Oh mama : what have I done to you The blues go away : I am going too \L SimsH 2 Sims, Henry \C title: Tell Me Man Blues \C place and date: Grafton, Wis., c. Dec. 1929 \C record numbers: (L-65-1) Pm-12940 OJL-2 Tell me man : which way the rising sun It rise in the east : and go down in the west I want to see you : go with the rising sun So I can always tell : when the sun is going down When I go : please don't talk after me Because I'm going : where to my suposed-to-be Tell me man : what you got on your mind You keep me worried : and bothered all the time You may want to see me : look little and cute I'm going to get me : a khaki suit \L Slue 1 Sluefoot Joe \C title: Tootin' Out Blues \C place and date: Long Island City, c. Apr. 1929 \C record numbers: (490-A) QRS-R7086 His HLP-17 You used to be my sugar : but you ain't sweet no more You got another joker : hanging around your door I know my baby : thinks the world and all of me Because every time she grins : she turns her light on me Talking about your [rider, woman] : but you just ought to see mamlish mine She's a long tall woman : and she tooting out behind She ain't so good-looking : she ain't got no great long mamlish hair She ain't got no gold teeth : you can follow her anywhere She stood on the corner : between Twenty-Fifth and Main You know a blind man saw her : and a dumb man called her name The dumb man asked her : said who is your regular be And then the blind man told her : said you sure look good to me \L Slue 2 Sluefoot Joe \C title: Shouting Baby Blues \C place and date: Long Island City, c. Apr. 1929 \C record numbers: ( ) QRS-R7086 His HLP-17 I know my baby : she going to jump and shout When the train rolls up : and I come walking out I wouldn't have a rooster : he won't crow for day And I wouldn't have a hen : won't cackle when she lay I wouldn't have a cook : wouldn't cook three meals a day I wouldn't have a woman : if she couldn't do what I say Lord I seen her at the station : and I seen her on the road And I'm sitting here wondering : will a matchbox hold my clothes When I leave town : my people started crying Oh hollering and screaming : where that long-gone man of mine \L SmiA 1 Smith, . . . (Smith and Harper) \C title: Insurance Policy Blues \C place and date: Augusta, Ga., 26 or 27 June 1936 \C record numbers: (AUG-126-3) ARC-6-10-61 Rt \C RL-334 I said hey hey insurance man : quit knocking on my door Because I'm four months behind : and you ought to know I ain't going to sell that old insurance no more Well the last time I seed you : I give you a five dollar bill And the next time I see you : you was running three or four whiskey stills That's why I said please : please stop knocking on my door Because I'm going to enjoy my simple straight life : and I ain't going to sell that old insurance no more Well you know you didn't even see me : when I was lying sick on my bed You haven't done no ways : like that old policy read \L SmiB 1 Smith, Bessie \C title: Down Hearted Blues \C place and date: New York, 16 Feb. 1923 \C record numbers: (80863-5) Co-A3844 Co CL-855 Gee but it's hard to love someone : when that someone don't love you I'm so disgusted heart-broken too : I've got those down-hearted blues Once I was crazy about a man : he mistreated me all the time The next man I get has got to promise me : to be mine all mine Trouble trouble : I've had it all my days It seem like trouble : going to follow me to my grave I ain't never loved : but three men in my life My father my brother : the man that wrecked my life It may be a week : it may be a month or two But the day you quit me honey : it's coming home to you I've got the world in a jug : the stopper's in my hand I'm going to hold it : until you men come under my command \L SmiB 2 Smith, Bessie \C title: Jail-House Blues \C place and date: New York, 21 Sept. 1923 \C record numbers: (81226-2) Co-A4001 Co CL-855 Thirty days in jail : with my back turned to the wall Look here Mr jail-keeper : put another gal in my stall I don't mind being in jail : but I got to stay there so long so long When every friend I had : is done shook hands and gone You better stop your man : from tickling me under my chin Because if he keeps on tickling : I'm sure going to *beg* him on in Good morning blues : blues how do you do Say I just come here : to have a few words with you \L SmiB 3 Smith, Bessie \C title: Ticket Agent Ease Your Window Down \C place and date: New York, 5 Apr. 1924 \C record numbers: (81670-2) Co-14025-D Co CL-855 Ticket agent : ease your window down Because my man's done quit me : and tried to leave this town I'd rather see : this whole world sloppy drunk Than to see my man : starting in to pack his trunk If he don't want me : he had no right to stall I can get more men : than a passenger train can haul He stole my money : and he pawned my clothes And which a-way my daddy went : the Gypsy only knows I hate a man : that don't play fair and square Because you can get a crooked daddy : most anywhere \L SmiB 4 Smith, Bessie \C title: Weeping Willow Blues \C place and date: New York, 26 Sept. 1924 \C record numbers: (140062-2) Co-14042-D Co CL-856 I went down to the river : sat beneath a willow tree The blues dropped on those willow leaves : and it rolled right down on me I went up on the mountain : high as any gal could stand And looked down on that engine : that took away my loving man I heard the whistle blowing : the fireman ring the bell They taking away that willow tree : that give me this weeping spell When you broken-hearted : and your man is out of town Go to the river : take a chair and sit down And if he don't come back to you : I tell you what to do Just jump right overboard : because he ain't no more to you Folks I love my man : I kiss him morning noon and night I wash his clothes and keep him clean : and try to treat him right Now he's gone and left me : after all I tried to do The way he treats me girls : he'll do the same thing to you \L SmiB 5 Smith, Bessie \C title: The St. Louis Blues \C place and date: New York, 14 Jan. 1925 \C record numbers: (140241-1) Co-14064-D Co CL-855 I hate to see : the evening sun go down It makes me think : on on my last go-round Feeling tomorrow : like I feel today I'll pack my grip : and make my get-away St Louis woman : wears diamond ring Pulls a man around : by her apron strings Wasn't for powder : and this store-bought hair The man I love : wouldn't go nowhere \L SmiB 6 Smith, Bessie \C title: Reckless Blues \C place and date: New York, 14 Jan. 1925 \C record numbers: (140242-1) Co-14056-D Co CL-855 When I was young : nothing but a child All you men : tried to drive me wild Now : I'm growing old And I got what it takes : to get all of you men told My mama says I'm reckless : my daddy says I'm wild I ain't good-looking : but I'm somebody's angel child Come in pretty papa : mama wants some loving I vow Come in pretty papa : mama wants some loving right now \L SmiB 7 Smith, Bessie \C title: Sobbin' Hearted Blues \C place and date: New York, 14 Jan. 1925 \C record numbers: (140249-2) Co-14056-D Co CL-855 You treated me wrong : I treated you right I worked for you : both day and night You brag to women : that I was your fool So now : I got them sobbing-hearted blues The sun's going to shine : in my back door some day It's true I love you : but I won't take mistreatment anymore All I want is your picture : it must be in a frame When you go : I can see you just the same I'm going to start walking : because I got a wooden pair of shoes Going to keep on walking : until I lose these sobbing-hearted blues \L SmiB 8 Smith, Bessie \C title: Cold In Hand Blues \C place and date: New York, 14 Jan. 1925 \C record numbers: (140250-2) Co-14064-D Co CL-855 Now I've tried hard : to treat him kind But it seems to me : his love is gone blind The man I've got : must have lost his mind The way he quits me : I can't understand I'm going to find myself : another man Because the one I've got : have done gone cold in hand \L SmiB 9 Smith, Bessie \C title: You've Been a Good Old Wagon \C place and date: New York, 14 Jan. 1925 \C record numbers: (140251-1) Co-14079-D Co CL-855 Look a-here daddy : I want to tell you please get out of my sight I'm playing quits now : right from this very night You've have your day : don't stand around and frown You've been a good old wagon : daddy but you done broke down Now you better go to the blacksmith's shop : and get yourself overhauled There ain't nothing about you : to make a good woman fall Nobody wants a baby : when a real man can be found You've been a good old wagon : daddy but you done broke down When the sun is shining : it's time to make hay *I ??? operate* : you can't make that wagon pay When you were in your prime : you loved to run around You've been a good old wagon : honey but you done broke down There's no need to cry : and make a big joke This man has taught me more about loving : than you will ever know He is the king of loving : this man deserve a crown He's a good old wagon : daddy and he ain't broke down \L SmiB 10 Smith, Bessie \C title: The Yellow Dog Blues \C place and date: New York, 6 May 1925 \C record numbers: (140586-2) Co-14075-D Co CL-857 Ever since Miss Suzie Johnson : lost her Jockey Lee There's been much excitement : and more to be You can hear her moaning : moaning night and morn She's wondering : where her easy rider's gone \L SmiB 11 Smith, Bessie \C title: Nashville Women's Blues \C place and date: New York, 26 May 1925 \C record numbers: (140625-2) Co-14090-D Co CL-855 Folks up north : you all have heard the blues But this is the one : you like to hear the news If you go down there : you have no time to lose Just go uptown : and buy a new pair of shoes Folks down there : they drinks a lots of booze You can ??? : just what you choose Down there : they strut their stuff They way they strut : is really no bluff \L SmiB 12 Smith, Bessie \C title: J. C. Holmes Blues \C place and date: New York, 27 May 1925 \C record numbers: (140629-2) Co-14095-D Co CL-855 Listen people : if you want to hear A story told : about a brave engineer J C Holmes : was the rider's name *A heavy weight woman : with a hearty fate* J C said : with a smile so fine Woman gets tired : of one man all the time Get two or three : if you have to hide If the train go and leave : you got a mule to ride In the second cabin : set Miss Alice Bry Want to ride : with Mr J C or die I ain't good-looking : and I don't dress fine But I'm a rambling woman : with a rambling mind Just then : the conductor hollered all aboard And the porter said : we've got a load Look a-here son : we ought to been gone I feel like riding : if it's all night long J C said : just before he died Two more roads : he wanted to ride Everybody wondered : what road it could be He said the Southern Pacific : and the Santa Fe J C said : I don't feel right I saw my gal : with a man last night Soon as I get : enough steam just right I been mistreated : and I don't mind dying \L SmiB 13 Smith, Bessie \C title: I Ain't Goin' to Play Second Fiddle \C place and date: New York, 27 May 1925 \C record numbers: (140630-1) Co-14090-D Co CL-855 Let me tell you daddy : mama ain't going to sit and grieve Pack up your duff : and get ready to leave I stood your foolishness : long enough So now : I'm going to call your bluff On certain things : I'm going to call your hand So now daddy : here's my plan I ain't going to play no second fiddle : I'm used to playing lead You must think that I am blind : you been cheating me all the time I've gone to your house : the other night Caught you and your good gal : having a fight I caught you : with your good-time vamp So now papa : I'm going to put out your lamp Now papa : I ain't sore You ain't going to mess up : with me no more I'm going to play : with another key Then you're going : to hang your head and weep \L SmiB 14 Smith, Bessie \C title: Jazzbo Brown from Memphis Town \C place and date: New York, 18 Mar. 1926 \C record numbers: (141819-2) Co-14133-D Co CL-856 Don't you start no crowing : lay your money down I've got mine on Jazzbo : that Memphis clarinet clown He ain't got no equal : nowhere in this land So let me tell you people : about this Memphis man He ain't seen no music school : he can't read a note But he's the playingest fool : on that Memphis boat When he wraps his big fat lips : around that doggone horn ??? : Lord carrying on He can moan and he can groan : I ain't fooling you There ain't nothing on that horn : that old Jazz can't do \L SmiB 15 Smith, Bessie \C title: The Gin House Blues \C place and date: New York, 18 Mar. 1926 \C record numbers: (141820-3) Co-14158-D Co CL-856 I'm going to the gin house : when the whistle blows My trouble come like rain : ??? *and cold* I'm going to the gin house : stay there by myself I mean to drown my sorrows : about sweet somebody else I'll make one trip there : to see can I ease my mind And if I do : I'm going to make it my last time To hold her man : when these gals have got so many different ways I mean to watch my man : don't care what these other gals say Because these gin house blues : is camping around my door I want him to drive them off : so they won't come back no more \L SmiB 16 Smith, Bessie \C title: Baby Doll \C place and date: New York, 4 May 1926 \C record numbers: (142147-2) Co-14147-D Co CL-857 I went to see the doctor the other day : he said I was well as well could be But I says doctor you don't know : really what is worrying me I want to be somebody's babydoll : so I can get my loving all the the time I want to be somebody's babydoll : to ease my mind He can be ugly : he can be black So long as he can eagle rock : and ball the jack Lord I went to the Gypsy : to get my fortune told She say you in hard luck Bessie : doggone your bad-luck soul \L SmiB 17 Smith, Bessie \C title: Lost Your Head Blues \C place and date: New York, 4 May 1926 \C record numbers: (142149-2) Co-14158-D Co CL-857 I was with you baby : when you didn't have a dime Now since you got plenty of money : you have throwed your good gal down Once ain't for always : two ain't for twice When you get a good gal : you better treat her nice When you were lonesome : I tried to treat you kind But since you got money : it's done changed your mind I'm going to leave baby : ain't going to say goodbye But I'll write you : and tell you the reason why Days are lonesome : nights are [so] long I'm a good old gal : but I've just been treated wrong \L SmiB 18 Smith, Bessie \C title: One and Two Blues \C place and date: New York, 26 Oct. 1926 \C record numbers: (142876-2) Co-14172-D Co CL-857 If you want me to love you : *keep much* Let mama : feel that money touch Quit messing around : you hear what I say Started to bringing : eight hours a day If you must be a rat : here's the fact Be a long-tailed one : have plenty of jack \L SmiB 19 Smith, Bessie \C title: Young Woman's Blues \C place and date: New York, 26 Oct. 1926 \C record numbers: (142878-3) Co-14179-D Co CL-857 Woke up this morning : when the chickens was crowing for day *Turned* on the right side of my pillow : my man had gone away By his pillow : he left a note Reading I'm sorry Jane : you got my goat No time to marry : no time to settle down I'm a young woman : and ain't done running around Some people call me a hobo : some call me a bum Nobody knows my name : nobody knows what I've done I'm as good : as any woman in your town I ain't no high yellow : I'm a *deep killer* brown I ain't going to marry : ain't going to settle down I'm going to drink good moonshine : and run these browns down See that long lonesome road : don't you know it's got to end And I'm a good woman : and I can get plenty of men \L SmiB 20 Smith, Bessie \C title: Preachin' the Blues \C place and date: New York, 17 Feb. 1927 \C record numbers: (143490-2) Co-14195-D Co CL-858 Because just a little spirit : of the blues tonight Let me tell you girls : if your man ain't treating you right Let me tell you : I don't mean no wrong I will learn you something : if you listen to this song I ain't here : to try to save your soul Just want to teach you : how to save your good jellyroll Going on down the line : a little further now There's : many a poor woman down Read on down : to Chapter Nine Woman must learn : how to take their time Read on down : to Chapter Ten Taking other women's men : you are doing a sin Lord one old sister : by the name of sister Green Jumped up and done a shimmy : you ain't never seen \L SmiB 21 Smith, Bessie \C title: Back Water Blues \C place and date: New York, 17 Feb. 1927 \C record numbers: (143491-1) Co-14195-D Co CL-858 When it rained five days : and the skies turned dark as night Then trouble taken place : in the lowlands at night I woke up this morning : can't even get out of my door There's enough trouble : to make a poor girl wonder where she want to go Then they rowed a little boat : about five miles across the pond I packed all my clothes throwed them in : and they rolled me along When it thunders and lightning : and the wind begin to blow There's thousands of people : ain't got no place to go Then I went and stood : up on some high old lonesome hill And looked down on the house : where I used to live Backwater blues : done caused me to pack up my things and go Because my house fell down : and I can't live there no more Mmm : I can't move no more There ain't no place : for a poor old girl to go \L SmiB 22 Smith, Bessie \C title: After You've Gone \C place and date: New York, 2 Mar. 1927 \C record numbers: (143567-2) Co-14197-D Co CL-857 Now listen honey : while I say How can you tell me : that you're going away You feel blue : you feel sad You'll miss the best pal : you ever had \L SmiB 23 Smith, Bessie \C title: Trombone Cholly \C place and date: New York, 3 Mar. 1927 \C record numbers: (143575-3) Co-14232-D Co CL-858 If Gabriel knowed : how you could blow He'd let you lead : his band I know You ain't seen : such shaking hips Like when that horn : is to your lips And he would break : a leg I know A-doing the Charleston : while you blow \L SmiB 24 Smith, Bessie \C title: Send Me to the 'Lectric Chair \C place and date: New York, 3 Mar. 1927 \C record numbers: (143576-2) Co-14209-D Co CL-858 Judge judge please Mr judge : send me to the electric chair Judge judge good Mr judge : let me go away from here I want to take a journey : to the devil down below I done killed my man : I want to reap just what I sow Judge judge hear me judge : send me to the electric chair Judge judge send me there judge : I love him so dear I cut him with my ??? : I kicked him in the side I stood there laughing over him : while he wobbled around and died Judge judge sweet me judge : send me to the electric chair Judge judge good kind judge : burn me because I don't care I don't want no bonded man : to go my bail I don't want : to spend no ninety-ninety years in jail \L SmiB 25 Smith, Bessie \C title: Mean Old Bed Bug Blues \C place and date: New York, 27 Sept. 1927 \C record numbers: (144796-3) Co-14250-D Fwy \C FJ-2802 Yes bedbugs sure is evil : they don't mean me no good Thinks he's a woodpecker : and I'm a chunk of wood When I lay down at night : I wonder how can a poor girl sleep When some is holding my hands : others eating my feet Bedbugs big as a jackass : will bite you and stand and grin Will drink all the *bedbug* ??? : and turn around and bite you again Got myself a wishbone : bedbugs done got my goat Got myself a wishbone : wish they cut their own doggone throats \L SmiB 26 Smith, Bessie \C title: Empty Bed Blues-+-Part \C place and date: New York, 20 Mar. 1928 \C record numbers: (14578?-?) Co-14312-D Co CL-858 I woke up this morning : with an awful aching head My new man had left me : just a room and an empty bed Bought me a coffee grinder : got the best one I could find So he could grind my coffee : because he had a brand new grind He's a deep-sea diver : with a stroke that can't go wrong He can touch the bottom : and his wind holds out so long He knows how to thrill me : and he thrills me night and day He's got a new way of loving : almost takes my breath away Lord he's got the sweetest something : and I told my gal friend Lou By the way she's raving : she must have gone and tried it too \L SmiB 27 Smith, Bessie \C title: Poor Man's Blues \C place and date: New York, 24 Aug. 1928 \C record numbers: (146895-1) Co-14399-D Co CL-856 Mr rich man rich man : open up you heart and mind Give a poor man a chance : help stop these hard hard times While you living in your mansion : you don't know what hard times means A workingman's wife is starving : your wife is living like a queen Please listen to my pleading : because I can't stand these hard times long They'll make an honest man : do things that you know is wrong Poor man fought all the battles : poor man would fight again today He would do anything you ask him : in the name of the U S A Now the war is over : poor man must live the same as you If it wasn't for the poor man : Mr rich man what would you do \L SmiB 28 Smith, Bessie \C title: Me and My Gin \C place and date: New York, 25 Aug. 1928 \C record numbers: (146897-3) Co-14384-D Co CL-856 Stay away from me : because I'm in my sin If this place gets raided : it's me and my gin Don't try me nobody : because you never will win I'll fight the army and navy : just me and my gin Any bootlegger : sure is a pal of mine Because a good old bottle of gin : will get it all the time When I'm feeling high : ain't nothing I won't do Keep me full of liquor : and I'll sure be nice to you I don't want no clothes : and I don't need no bed I don't want no pork chop : just give me gin instead \L SmiB 29 Smith, Bessie \C title: Nobody Knows You When You're Down and Out \C place and date: New York, 15 May 1929 \C record numbers: (148534-3) Co-14451-D Co CL-856 Once I lived the life : of a millionaire Spending my money : I didn't care I carried my friends : out for a good time Buying bootleg liquor : champagne and wine When I begin : to fall so low I didn't have a friend : and no place to go So if I ever get my hands : on a dollar again I'm going to hold on to it : till them eagles grin It's mighty strange : without a doubt Nobody knows you : when you down and out Mmm : I done fell so low Nobody wants me : around their door \L SmiB 30 Smith, Bessie \C title: St. Louis Blues-+-Part \C place and date: New York, c. Aug. 1929 \C record numbers: (NY-???- ) Ci-J1016 or 17 Jo \C SM-3098 I hate to see : that evening sun go down For my baby : he's done left this town Feeling tomorrow : like I feel today I'll pack my grip : and make my get-away St Louis woman : with her diamond rings Pulls my man around : by her apron strings Wasn't for powder : and this store-bought hair That man I love : he wouldn't go nowhere \L SmiB 31 Smith, Bessie \C title: Blue Spirit Blues \C place and date: New York, 11 Oct. 1929 \C record numbers: (149134-3) Co-14527-D Co CL-858 Had a dream last night : that I was dead Evil spirits : all around my bed The devil came : and grabbed my hand Took me way down : to that red-hot land Mean blues spirits : stuck their forks in me Made me moan and groan : in misery Fairies and dragons : spitting out blue flames Showing their teeth : for they was glad I came Demons : with their eyelash dripping blood Dragging sinnners : to their brimstone flood This is hell I cried : cried with all my might Oh my soul : I can't bear the sight Start running : because it is my *cup* Run so fast : till someone woke me up \L SmiB 32 Smith, Bessie \C title: Black Mountain Blues \C place and date: New York, 22 July 1930 \C record numbers: (150658-2) Co-14554-D Co CL-856 Back in Black Mountain : a child will smack your face Babies crying for liquor : and all the birds sing bass Black Mountain people : are bad as they can be They uses gunpowder : just to sweeten their tea On this Black Mountain : can't keep a man in jail If the jury finds them guilty : the judge'll go their bail Had a man in Black Mountain : sweetest man in town He met a city gal : and he throwed me down I'm bound for Black Mountain : me and my razor and my gun I'm going to shoot him if he stands still : and cut him if he run Down in Black Mountain : they all shoots quick and straight The bullet'll get you : if you starts a-dodging too late Got the devil in my soul : and I'm full of bad booze I'm out here for trouble : I've got the Black Mountain blues \L SmiB 33 Smith, Bessie \C title: Long Old Road \C place and date: New York, 11 June 1931 \C record numbers: (151595-3) Co-14663-D Co CL-858 It's a long old road : but I'm going to find the end And when I get there : I'm going to shake hands with a friend On the side of the road : I sat underneath a tree Nobody knows : the thoughts that came over me Weeping and crying : tears falling on the ground When I got to the end : I was so worried down He took me back baby : and I tried it again I got to make it : I've got to find the end You can't trust nobody : you might as well be alone Found my long lost friend : and I might as well stayed at home \L SmiB 34 Smith, Bessie \C title: Shipwreck Blues \C place and date: New York, 11 June 1931 \C record numbers: (151597-3) Co-14663-D Co CL-858 Captain : tell your men to get on board Cast your sail : just pull into another shore I'm dreary in mind : and I'm so worried in heart All the best friends : sure has got to part Blow your whistle captain : so your men will know what to do When a woman gets dreary : ain't no telling what she won't do It's cloudy outdoors : as can be That's the time : I need my good man with me It's raining : and it's storming on the sea I feel like : somebody has shipwrecked poor me \L SmiB 35 Smith, Bessie \C title: Do Your Duty \C place and date: New York, 24 Nov. 1933 \C record numbers: (152577-2) OK-8945 Co CL-856 I heard you say you didn't love me baby : *you say you heard* Mrs Brown I don't believe a word she said : she's the lyingest woman in town If you make your own bed hard : that's the way it lies If I'm tired of sleeping by myself : you too dumb to realize \L SmiB 36 Smith, Bessie \C title: Gimme a Pigfoot \C place and date: New York, 24 Nov. 1933 \C record numbers: (152578-2) OK-8949 Co CL-856 Up in Harlem : every Saturday night When the high browns get together : it's just too tight They all congregates there : in an all night strut And what they do : is tut tut tut Old Hannah Brown : from cross town Gets full of corn : and starts breaking them down Check all your razors : and your guns We going to be arrested : when the wagon comes Check all your razors : and your guns Do the shim-sham-shimmy : till the rising sun \L SmiB 37 Smith, Bessie \C title: Take Me for a Buggy Ride \C place and date: New York, 24 Nov. 1933 \C record numbers: (152579-2) OK-8949 Co CL-856 Daddy you really knows your stuff : when you take me for a buggy ride I like you when you got your habits on : you can shift a gear with so much pride I gets a funny feeling : when you gaze into my eyes You give me such a thrill : you make my thermometer rise Daddy you as sweet as you can be : when you take me for a buggy ride When you get me down upon your knee : and ask me to be your bride When you hug and kiss me : it makes me feel fine I gets this funny feeling : up and down my spine Your loving ain't so *fordy* : in the park But you a loving *cold* creature : in the dark You ain't so hot : what can it be What makes me say : daddy take all of me You always ready : every time that I call What I like about you : you never stall You ain't no creature : you a good old soul You done sent salvation : to my very soul \L SmiB 38 Smith, Bessie \C title: I'm Down in the Dumps \C place and date: New York, 24 Nov. 1933 \C record numbers: (152580-2) OK-8945 Co CL-856 My man's got something : he gives me such a thrill Every time he smiles at me : I can't keep my body still I done cried so much : look like I got the mumps I can't keep from worrying : because I'm down in the dumps I had a nightmare last night : when I lay down When I woke up this morning : my sweet man couldn't be found I'm going down to the river : into it I'm going to jump Can't keep from worrying : because I'm down in the dumps Someone knocked on my door : last night when I was asleep I thought it was that sweet man of mine : making his 'fore-day creep 'Twas nothing but my landlord : a great big chump Stay away from my door Mr landlord : because I'm down in the dumps When I woke up : my pillow was wet with tears Just one day from that man of mine : seem like a thousand years But I'm going to straighten up : *straight as a answer come* Ain't no use of telling me that lie : because I'm down in the dumps I'm twenty-five years old : that ain't no maid I got plenty of vim and vitality : I'm sure that I can make the grade I'm always like a tiger : I'm ready to jump I need a whole lots of loving : because I'm down in the dumps \L SmiBM 1 Smith, Bessie Mae \C title: St. Louis Daddy \C place and date: Grafton, Wis., c. Dec. 1929 \C record numbers: (L-78-?) Pm-12922 OJL-20 I hate to leave St Louis : and I tried so hard to stay But the meanest treatment : is driving me away You don't mean me no good : I can tell by the way you do Now you can't be mine : every womans in St Louis too Bad luck in St Louis : and it all fell on [poor] me And these bad-luck rattlesnakes : won't let my good man be I gave you clothes and money : and put shoes on your feet Now you's the sheik of this town now : won't keep you off the streets You done drove me from St Louis daddy : how much more can I stand Now I'm going to Detroit : and find me an angel man \L SmiBM 2 Smith, Bessie Mae \C title: Sugar Man Blues-+-Part 1 \C place and date: Chicago, 19 Sept. 1930 \C record numbers: (C-6167- ) Vo-1559 His HLP-2 Sugar man sugar man : please come back to me You know I love you : and I cannot let you be Love you sweet man : do anything you say Sweet daddy sweet daddy : don't treat me this a-way You got that sweet kind of sugar : make a good woman lose her mind If you take me back sweet daddy : I'll treat you so nice and kind I'm so wild about your sugar : don't know what to do It's that granulated sugar : ain't nobody got it but you My coffee must be sugared in the morning : my tea late at night When I don't get my sugar : babe I don't feel just right If you see my sugar : tell him to hurry home I ain't had nothing sweet : since my sugar been gone \L SmiBM 3 Smith, Bessie Mae \C title: Sugar Man Blues-+-Part 2 \C place and date: Chicago, 19 Sept. 1930 \C record numbers: (C-6168- ) Vo-1559 His HLP-2 Sugar man sugar man : you got the best sugar in town Please don't let some other woman : tear your sugar barrel down Every time you leave me : I hang my head and cry If you don't want me baby : please tell me the reason why Blues fell down on me : just like drops of rain You give your lump of sugar to another woman : and don't give me a grain I'm going to tell you something baby : want you to keep it to yourself If you don't give me all your sugar : you won't give it to no one else Mmm : want my sugar right now Lord I want my sugar : just to *have my* sugar *and how* \L SmiC 1 Smith, Clara \C title: I Got Everything a Woman Needs \C place and date: New York, 28 June 1923 \C record numbers: (81059-6) Co-A3943 VJM VLP-15 I've got everything that a woman needs : to make a good man fall I know just what to do : to back them in my stall Once inside : I'll treat them kind of rough Then I'll show them how : I can do my stuff \L SmiC 2 Smith, Clara \C title: Every Woman's Blues \C place and date: New York, 28 June 1923 \C record numbers: (81060-5) Co-A3943 VJM VLP-15 I'm so worried : down-hearted in mind My brown keeps me worried : all the time I love my daddy : honest and true Seems like others look better to him : than I do I haven't the heart to tell him : to his face That some other good brown : has taken his place Don't never let : no one man worry your mind Just keep you four and five : *messed* up all the time You can read my letters : but you sure can't read my mind When you think I'm crazy about you : I'm leaving you all the time Well there ain't no love : there ain't no getting along My brown treat me so mean : sometime don't know right from wrong \L SmiC 3 Smith, Clara \C title: Down South Blues \C place and date: New York, 27 July 1923 \C record numbers: (81151-3) Co-A3961 VJM VLP-15 I'm going to the station : and catch the fastest train that goes I'm going back south : where the weather suits my clothes Because my mama told me : and my daddy told me too Don't go north : and let them men make a fool out of you Because their love's like water : it turns off and on Time you think you've got them : it turned off and gone I'm going back south : if I wear out ninety-nine pair of shoes Because I'm broke-down-hearted : got those down-south blues \L SmiC 4 Smith, Clara \C title: All Night Blues \C place and date: New York, 27 July 1923 \C record numbers: (81153-3) Co-A3966 VJM VLP-15 All night blues : ever ever on my mind I've got those all night blues : feel like catching some old train and flying I felt so low : don't know what to do Ain't got nobody : to tell my troubles to All night blues : ever ever on my mind All night blues : feel like catching some disease and dying I'm feeling blue : don't know what to do Ain't got nobody : to tell my troubles to \L SmiC 5 Smith, Clara \C title: Play It a Long Time Papa \C place and date: New York, 27 July 1923 \C record numbers: (81154-2) Co-A3966 VJM VLP-15 Play it a long time papa : your mama's feeling blue Do it a long time papa : I don't love no one but you When you come on : beat that thing That you have come : to have to plink \L SmiC 6 Smith, Clara \C title: I Want My Sweet Daddy Now \C place and date: New York, 31 Aug. 1923 \C record numbers: (81183-1) Co-A3991 VJM VLP-15 Folks I'll tell : that he's not my regular man But he loves me better : than my regular can Early in the morning : late at night He gives me plenty loving : treats his mama right \L SmiC 7 Smith, Clara \C title: I Never Miss My Sunshine \C place and date: New York, 7 Sept. 1923 \C record numbers: (81202-2) Co-A4000 VJM VLP-15 You said you want to leave me : at the door I've been disappointed : many times before I'm going up on the mountain : to watch the sinking sun Ain't found nobody else to love me : like my loving daddy done \L SmiC 8 Smith, Clara \C title: Don't Never Tell Nobody \C place and date: New York, 1 Oct. 1923 \C record numbers: (81198-4) Co-13002-D VJM VLP-15 Don't never tell nobody : what your perfect good man can do You just get them anxious : to try some of his good points too \L SmiC 9 Smith, Clara \C title: Kansas City Man Blues \C place and date: New York, 2 Oct. 1923 \C record numbers: (81222-6) Co-12-D VJM VLP-15 Soon I will be : Kansas City bound When I get back : I will turn things upside down Because it's Kansas City : where I long to be I've got a Kansas City man : a-waiting there for me He's got white teeth : and two pretty gold crowns He's got *torro* hair : he's a coffee-colored brown Women crying murder : I ain't raised my hand It's all on account of : taking one woman's man \L SmiC 10 Smith, Clara \C title: Uncle Sam Blues \C place and date: New York, 2 Oct. 1923 \C record numbers: (81253-2) Co-12-D VJM VLP-15 Let me tell you postman : what the army have done to me It took my husband my good man : come back and got my used-to-be Uncle Sam is so bad : he walks so doggone cute He took my daddy out of his ??? : put him in a khaki suit Going to sit down and write a letter : to my Uncle Sam Tell him that war is over : please send me back my man Uncle Sam has told me : that things are ??? around He took all the booze away : and my good brown from town \L SmiC 11 Smith, Clara \C title: It Won't Be Long Now \C place and date: New York, 11 Jan. 1924 \C record numbers: (81476-1) Co-14006-D VJM VLP-16 Some day you'll want me : and it won't be long Then you'll be sorry : you ever done me wrong You'll miss my kindness : most everywhere No one to love you : no one to care There'll be no sunshine : always rain Then you going to want me back : once again Then you'll remember : Miss Smith's old song Some day you'll want me : and it won't be long \L SmiC 12 Smith, Clara \C title: Hot Papa \C place and date: New York, 11 Jan. 1924 \C record numbers: (81477-3) Co-14006-D VJM VLP-16 Hot papa : don't keep me waiting so long Hot papa : you know you're treating me wrong You had better come : and hurry home I'm getting tired : of being alone You better not do : just what I think If you *don't know* : between each drink Hot papa : you are driving me mad Hot papa : you are making me bad Now you better do right : stay out of my flat I'm just carrying a brick : for you a brickbat Now your ninety-nine degrees : would be just cool If you were trying : to play me for a fool \L SmiC 13 Smith, Clara \C title: I'm Gonna Tear Your Playhouse Down \C place and date: New York, 18 Jan. 1924 \C record numbers: (81495-1) Co-14013-D VJM VLP-16 You only had : a boot and a shoe Until : I fell in love with you They will think : the world is coming to an end It will only be the end : of one of my trifling men Don't you say you won't : because you surely will Because mama's going to stop you : with a *blue steel bill* \L SmiC 14 Smith, Clara \C title: I Don't Love Nobody \C place and date: New York, 18 Jan. 1924 \C record numbers: (81496-1) Co-14016-D VJM VLP-16 I don't want nobody : I want the world to know When I'm with a fellow : it's strictly for making dough I'll leave a fellow standing : till his money's gone And tell him that he's nothing : but a pure greenhorn I had a fellow take me : all around the town And if he ask to kiss me : I would knock him down \L SmiC 15 Smith, Clara \C title: Good Looking Papa Blues \C place and date: New York, 29 Jan. 1924 \C record numbers: (81508-1) Co-14026-D VJM VLP-16 Oh good-looking papa : where have you been so long Oh dough-spreading papa : you got your habits on When you went away : you didn't have a thing Now you come back : with clothes and diamond rings You went west : and bought a beautiful home You are looking good : as sure as you're born You were sweet papa : without a doubt But there is nothing doing : what you are thinking about \L SmiC 16 Smith, Clara \C title: You Don't Know My Mind \C place and date: New York, 29 Jan. 1924 \C record numbers: (81509-1) Co-14013-D VJM VLP-16 I went to the race track : my man *on derby* won Give the money to another gal : and wouldn't give me none You don't know : you don't know my mind When you see me laughing : laughing to keep from crying I said now papa : can you stand to see me cry He said yes woman : I could stand to see you die Fed my daddy : with plenty of jellyroll Pull the shoes off my feet : let me out in the cold \L SmiC 17 Smith, Clara \C title: My Doggone Lazy Man \C place and date: New York, 31 Jan. 1924 \C record numbers: (81512-2) Co-14016-D VJM VLP-16 He ain't worth the salt : that goes in his bread He is one third living : and three third dead He hangs his britches : down on the floor And wears his shoes and socks : When the preacher doing : the hands in hands The fool sat there : too tired to stand \L SmiC 18 Smith, Clara \C title: 31st Street Blues \C place and date: New York, 31 Jan. 1924 \C record numbers: (81514-2) Co-14009-D VJM VLP-16 Railroad take me back : got the Thirty-First Street blues Please don't jump the track : I ain't got no time to lose Can't get nothing : while roving around But it's all gravy : in my home town Ashes to ashes : dust to dust New York don't get me : Chicago must \L SmiC 19 Smith, Clara \C title: War Horse Mama \C place and date: New York, 10 Apr. 1924 \C record numbers: (81683-2) Co-14021-D VJM VLP-16 War horse papa : how come you do me like you do War horse papa : you can't be true War horse papa : that's seven going to ride in a hack War horse papa : but six is coming back War horse papa : I'm too good a girl War horse papa : you know you can't be true \L SmiC 20 Smith, Clara \C title: Mean Papa, Turn in Your Key \C place and date: New York, 17 Apr. 1924 \C record numbers: (81697-2) Co-14022-D VJM VLP-16 Mean papa turn in your key : because you don't live here no more Mean papa just let me be : stay away from my door *She can cheat murder* : But you just cheat : away a beautiful home I'm leaving town : I sure don't want to go I think there'll be trouble : and I had better go \L SmiC 21 Smith, Clara \C title: The Clearing House Blues \C place and date: New York, 17 Apr. 1924 \C record numbers: (81698-2) Co-14019-D VJM VLP-17 It seems to me : as if I'm all broke down Since I lost all my change : I lost my sealskin brown \L SmiC 22 Smith, Clara \C title: Don't Advertise Your Man \C place and date: New York, 23 Apr. 1924 \C record numbers: (81722-1) Co-14026-D VJM VLP-17 Your head will hang low : and your heart will ache You are fattening a frog : for a vampire snake Rave about the things : your loving man can do Some other woman : sure to take him away from you \L SmiC 23 Smith, Clara \C title: Back Woods Blues \C place and date: New York, 30 Apr. 1924 \C record numbers: (81694-4) Co-14022-D VJM VLP-17 Got the backwoods blues : but I don't want to go back home Got the blues so bad : for the place that I came from Ought to see my beau : but it's way too far To ride in a ??? : Got the backwoods blues : for the place way down in 'Bam Got the blues : but I'm going to stay here where I am Going to stay right here : just where I'm at Where there ain't no grinning : and snatching off my hat Got the backwoods blues : for the folks I left down home I got the blues : for them poor old folks alone Yes I'm going down there : I'm going to stay \L SmiC 24 Smith, Clara \C title: Deep Blue Sea Blues \C place and date: New York, 19 Aug. 1924 \C record numbers: (81931-3) Co-14034-D VJM VLP-17 My man's on the ocean : bobbing up and down He belongs to Uncle Sam : but he's always on my mind I've got the blues : for the deep blue sea Nothing but a *tear* : can satisfy me No automobile : can change my mind I feel like catching : a airplane and flying When I hear : that whistle blow I know : the ship is near ashore Ain't but one man in this world : that can satisfy me That's the man that keeps rocking : on the deep blue sea \L SmiC 25 Smith, Clara \C title: Texas Moaner Blues \C place and date: New York, 19 Aug. 1924 \C record numbers: (81932-1) Co-14034-D VJM VLP-17 I was born in Texas : but I didn't stay A cruel little daddy : throwed me right away I brought my man here : tried to treat him right Started fighting over a woman : stayed out every day and night What's the use of trying : I said trying trying to be kind When the one you love : haven't got you on his mind I stood at the station I said station : saw my man leaving town When that man quit me : that's what brought me down Talk about Texas I mean Texas : Texas people are your friends When one don't want you : the other one will take you in \L SmiC 26 Smith, Clara \C title: Basement Blues \C place and date: New York, 20 Sept. 1924 \C record numbers: (140052-1) Co-14039-D VJM VLP-17 The man I love : got lowdown ways for two That's why I'm *hanging* : and I'm lowdown too He ain't no orchard : and I ain't trying to be And you can't make : no orchard out of me Every day : I get as low as a *coat* For my home ain't here : it's further down the road In ??? Mississippi : where my folks are at And colored folks don't live : much lower down than that My papa's name is low : with a zero if you please And he can kiss my mammy : without bending his knees So please keep your *alley* : take the air if you please But my eye is at the ??? : in the basement blues \L SmiC 27 Smith, Clara \C title: Mama's Gone Goodbye \C place and date: New York, 20 Sept. 1924 \C record numbers: (140053-4) Co-14039-D VJM VLP-17 For years you dog me around : but now is the time To walk up and tell you : what's on my mind I'm going to get me a daddy : to treat me right One who will come home : and sleep every night There's a fire in my range : bakes nice and brown All I need is some good daddy : turn my damper down \L SmiC 28 Smith, Clara \C title: Freight Train Blues \C place and date: New York, 30 Sept. 1924 \C record numbers: (140064-3) Co-14041-D VJM VLP-17 I hate to hear : that engine blow boo hoo Every time I hear it blowing : I feel like riding too Got the freight train blues : I've got boxcars on my mind Going to leave this town : because my man is so unkind I'm going away : just to wear you off my mind And I may be gone : for a doggone long long time I asked the brakeman : let me ride the blinds The brakeman said : Clara you know this train ain't mine When a woman gets the blues : she goes to her room and hides When a man gets the blues : he catches a freight train and rides \L SmiC 29 Smith, Clara \C title: Done Sold My Soul to the Devil \C place and date: New York, 30 Sept. 1924 \C record numbers: (140076-3) Co-14041-D VJM VLP-17 He trails me like a bloodhound : he's quicker than a snake He follows right behind me : every crooked turn I make I'm stubborn and I'm hateful : I'd die before I'd run I'd drink carbolic acid : and I'd poke a gatling gun I live down in the valley : right by a hornets' nest Where lions bears and tigers : all come to take their rest \L SmiC 30 Smith, Clara \C title: Death Letter Blues \C place and date: New York, 15 Oct. 1924 \C record numbers: (140108-1) Co-14045-D VJM VLP-17 I received a letter : that my man was dying I caught the first train : and went back home a-flying He wasn't dead : but he was slowly dying And just to think of him : I just can't keep from crying I followed my daddy : to the burying ground I watched the pallbearers : slowly let him down That was the last time : I saw my daddy's face Mama loves you sweet papa : but I just can't take your place \L SmiC 31 Smith, Clara \C title: Prescription for the Blues \C place and date: New York, 15 Oct. 1924 \C record numbers: (140109-1) Co-14045-D VJM VLP-17 All day long I'm worried : all night long I'm blue I'm so awfully lonesome : I don't know what to do So I ask the doctor : see if you can find Something in your practice : to pacify my mind Let me tell you doctor : why I'm in misery Once I had a love : he went away from me Been to see the Gypsy : hoodoo doctors too Shook their heads and told me : nothing they could do Like a little baby : all day long I cry And if you can't cure me : I'm just as sure to die Give me something poison : doctor won't you please Then I'll sign a paper : died with heart disease \L SmiC 32 Smith, Clara \C title: Steel Drivin' Man \C place and date: New York, 16 Dec. 1924 \C record numbers: (140181-2) Co-14053-D VJM VLP-17 Steel-driving Sam : steel-driving man of mine He works on the railroad : making that railroad tie There ain't nobody : who lives in 'Bam Who can make a hammer ring : like my man Sam He swings a mean hammer : just as sure as you are born Because he can't drive steel : with a doggone horn Steel-driving Sam : steel-driving man of mine He works on the railroad : on that old Southern line He wouldn't know his name : printed on a wall In boxcar letters : that's as long as he is tall But steel-driving Sam : steel-driving man of mine He works on the railroad : daylight-savings time \L SmiC 33 Smith, Clara \C title: He's Mine, All Mine \C place and date: New York, 16 Dec. 1924 \C record numbers: (140182-1) Co-14053-D VJM VLP-17 He works all day : with all his might And brings me his money : every Saturday night He don't talk much : he's a hard-boiled man But I keep him eating : right out of my hand He digs in a ditch : full of mud and slime And when it ain't raining : he's making back time He eats his supper : throws his clothes on the floor And he's up every morning : at half past four \L SmiC 34 Smith, Clara \C title: Broken Busted Blues \C place and date: New York, 7 Jan. 1925 \C record numbers: (140227-2) Co-14062-D CC-32 I've got those broken busted blues : I feel bad I've got those can't be trusted blues : gee I'm sad \L SmiC 35 Smith, Clara \C title: Shipwrecked Blues \C place and date: New York, 3 Apr. 1925 \C record numbers: (140491-1) Co-14077-D CC-32 Oh the gale is raging : and my ship without a sail If the wind keeps on a-blowing : I won't be left to tell the tale Oh the ship is sinking : and the line in such a mess And my crew is done deserted : I got to stick here to the last Oh I don't mind drowning : but the water is so cold If I must leave this good world : I want to leave it brave and bold Mama's shipwrecked shipwrecked : she ain't got no time to lose Lord if someone don't save me : I'll go down singing the shipwreck blues \L SmiC 36 Smith, Clara \C title: Court House Blues \C place and date: New York, 3 Apr. 1925 \C record numbers: (140492-1) Co-14073-D CC-32 I give him beer : then a glass of ale For in this time tomorrow : I'll be laying in the county jail Three months in jail : ain't no long long time The man I love : he made ninety-nine The jurymen sit all night : ??? from eight to three And the verdict was : let the poor gal go free I sit in the courthouse : with my face hid in my hands And it all on account : of one trifling man \L SmiC 37 Smith, Clara \C title: My John Blues \C place and date: New York, 3 Apr. 1925 \C record numbers: (140493-1) Co-14077-D CC-32 You take a southbound *regular* : you ride my weary blues away Because my heart is getting weaker : and I'm sinking lower and lower every day To find myself a blue steel : I mean a blue steel blade If I find her with my John : I'll slice and I'll cut and send her to her grave \L SmiE 1 Smith, Eithel \C title: Jelly Roll Mill \C place and date: Richmond, Ind., 22 Sept. 1932 \C record numbers: (18804) Ch-16613 Riv RM-8819 I sold some jelly : to a man named Will Oh by all means : I had a jellyroll mill Jellyroll every morning : jellyroll at night He couldn't get my jelly : want to fuss and fight I just come here : to get you told Don't let him catch you : messing with my jellyroll Let me tell you one thing : about sweet jellyroll You can tell that jelly : and it's never been sold I'll tell you one thing : about the jellyroll mill If you have to have jelly : you won't have to steal \L SmiIv 1 Smith, Ivy \C title: Sad and Blue \C place and date: Chicago, c. Jan. 1927 \C record numbers: (4089-1) Pm-12447 His HLP-2 I'm going to write : my man today Because I'm getting tired : of this lowdown place Going to stay : I'll be all night long You know daddy : you treated your little mama wrong You got to stop : your running around If you come home : and your mama can't be found Don't start your mama : to slipping out on you Because when I start slipping : I'll make you sad and blue \L SmiIv 2 Smith, Ivy \C title: Third Alley Blues \C place and date: Chicago, c. Jan. 1927 \C record numbers: (4094-1) Pm-12447 His HLP-2 I just want to get back : to Birmingham I got a gang in Third Alley : don't know where I am I'd rather be in Third Alley : without a dime Than to be in Chicago : simply wasting my time I'm going to Third Alley : and bring my rider home Because these women in Third Alley : won't let my rider alone \L SmiJ 1 Smith, J. T. Funny Paper \C title: Howling Wolf Blues-+-No. 1 \C place and date: Chicago, 19 Sept. 1930 \C record numbers: (C-6404-A) Vo-1558 Yz L-1031 I am the wolf that everybody been trying to find out : where in the world I prowl Nobody ever gets a chance to see me : but they all hear me when I howl Know I howl to my baby : with her mother standing by her side And that's the reason I'm howling : I'm a-trying to be satisfied I even howled for you baby : when you was down and couldn't stand up on your feet Now you walk by the lone wolf : and act like you don't want to see What made you quit me : I love you as I did three years ago Take me back and I'll quit prowling : and I won't ever howl no more Now the preacher told me that God will forgive a black man : most anything he do I ain't black but I'm dark-complexioned : look like He ought to forgive me too [Look, seem] like God don't treat me : like I'm a human kind Seem like he wants me to be a prowler : and a howling wolf all the time \L SmiJ 2 Smith, J. T. Funny Paper \C title: Howling Wolf Blues-+-No. 2 \C place and date: Chicago, 19 Sept. 1930 \C record numbers: (C-6405-A) Vo-1558 Yz L-1031 Baby here I am : down on my bended knees Ask you to take me back and forgive me : do that for me if you please Now when you hear me howling mama : I mean howling at your door Come on and give me what I want mama : then you won't hear me howl no more Ever since you quit me mama : I ain't wanted nobody else For I'd rather be with nobody : than I'd rather be howling by myself Now I done howled and howled : until I [wore, made] my tonsils sore And when I howl this time mama : I never will howl no more Now here I am in Chicago : doing the best I can If I hear from my baby : I'll act the fool and go howling back south again Mmm : mama listen at me howl Watch the roads dark as night mama : and you liable to see me prowl \L SmiJ 3 Smith, J. T. Funny Paper \C title: Good Coffee Blues \C place and date: Chicago, c. 20 Sept. 1930 \C record numbers: (C-6409- ) Vo-1590 Yz L-1031 I heard you say this morning mama : that your head was throbbing through and through Come on let me make you some coffee : let me show you what my coffee will do Pull off your high shoes mama : lay down on the bed I won't be but a few minutes : before I'll kill that old headache dead Don't rush take your time : let it go down easy and slow Then when you have headache again : come back to me baby and I'll give you some more But I make coffee so good : it will make you bite your tongue Been all over the world grinding coffee mama : come on let me grind you some Now when your friends want coffee : please send all your friends to me I swear I'll give them good coffee : and won't give them no rotten tea \L SmiJ 4 Smith, J. T. Funny Paper (Magnolia Harris) \C title: Mama's Quittin' and Leavin'-+-Part 1 \C place and date: Chicago, c. late Dec. 1930 \C record numbers: (C-7100- ) Vo-1602 Yz L-1031 Talking about changing men : mama you been saying that stuff all over town But I'm liable to take my forty-five : mama and turn you upside down Mama when I talk to you : God above know I don't mean no harm But it's just because I love you : and I'm trying to teach you right from wrong Mama it ain't no need of leaving me : because you're going to be mistreated by someone else And rather than see someone else mistreat you : I'd rather keep you and mistreat you myself \L SmiJ 5 Smith, J. T. Funny Paper (Magnolia Harris) \C title: Mama's Quittin' and Leavin'-+-Part 2 \C place and date: Chicago, c. late Dec. 1930 \C record numbers: (C-7101- ) Vo-1602 Yz L-1031 When you drinking you talk too much mama : forgive me if you please I love you and always will mama : I'm down on my bended knees I know the reason I can't keep you mama : I taken you from my bosom friend I can feel rested God knows I can : I know you going to take him right back again Baby please don't baby please don't : I mean please don't go Here's one thing : that you don't know Baby come on and sit down and talk to me : and give me one more try And you can do just as you please : and I'll act just like some mother's child \L SmiJ 6 Smith, J. T. Funny Paper (Dessa Foster) \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 Now you can lose your temper : but please don't lose your head I'm going to search this shack this morning : come on and hear this search warrant read Last time I searched this shack : you know I found half a pint of gin Now what's the meaning of all this here liquor : call the wagon because I'm going to run you in You've had lots of breaks : but here's what I'm going to tell you before you go You better get on your knees and ask for mercy : because the judge giving breaks no more \L SmiJ 7 Smith, J. T. Funny Paper (Dessa Foster) \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 They got you charged with having liquor : now tell me what is your plea You know I been giving you a-many break : but the break this morning belongs to me Well you's a pretty good woman : and living in a nice neighborhood But I think one hundred and costs : and thirty days in Bridewell will do you good Don't get back at me Betty : because I'm liable to change my mind And change your sentence from the Bridewell : send you to the pen for ninety-nine \L SmiJ 8 Smith, J. T. Funny Paper \C title: Honey Blues \C place and date: Chicago, c. Mar. 1931 \C record numbers: (VO-126- ) Vo-1633 Yz L-1031 Come and kiss me honey babe : before I go I'm going to take a ride : on the T and O Goodbye honey : if you call that gone I'm going to take a ride : in my high brown's arms Me and my baby : we don't get along so well She ain't working : have a chance to raise so much hell You know the prettiest girl : that ever I seen Was standing on Frank Street : in New Orleans You know it's often said : and I've done found out I ain't got but one thing : women crazy about Monkey got his tail : caught up on the streetcar line honey Didn't think about his tail : till I started twisting mine honey Run back to the track : laid his head on a rail And lose his head : about a little piece of tail \L SmiJ 9 Smith, J. T. Funny Paper \C title: Corn Whiskey Blues \C place and date: Chicago, c. Mar. 1931 \C record numbers: (VO-127- ) Vo-1633 Yz L-1031 Now bring me that bottle : and let's have another drink of booze Because I can feel something coming : and it seems something like the blues I can tell when [I've got the blues, the blues is coming] : I can't help but feel so lowdown Then I want to get drunk : and pitch a bugger all over town When I start drinking I'm mean and hateful : and I won't treat nobody right I just keeps on walking : looking for places where they fuss and fight I'm going to keep on drinking : until I find me a good corn friend And when I can't find good corn : I'll drink moonshine again I've got a girl in Texas : she lives four miles from town And on account of moonshine : her people don't allow me around \L SmiJ 10 Smith, J. T. Funny Paper \C title: County Jail Blues \C place and date: Chicago, c. Mar. 1931 \C record numbers: (VO-132-A) Vo-1679 Yz L-1031 Here I am judge this morning : and here is my forty-five I shot my woman on the corner : and I don't know whether she's dead or alive Judge don't ask me no questions : about how our trouble began Just have it printed in your paper : a little trouble between women and men Mmm : oh Lord I heard that old judge say ninety-nine And it's one thing I wished I had this morning : that's that forty-five of mine I'm going to lay down in jail : like I used to lie down in Calumet May be a good luck to you : because I haven't forgot you yet \L SmiJ 11 Smith, J. T. Funny Paper \C title: Hungry Wolf \C place and date: Chicago, c. Apr. 1931 \C record numbers: (VO-165-A) Vo-1655 Yz L-1031 I'm that hungry wolf : and the ground is where I dug my cave I leave prowling just at dawn : and get back in the morning just a while before day I stroll through dark places : threatening to do my part With blood in my eye : and malice in my heart In places I used to go : I ain't been there I been blowed out by the wind I did think one more time : that I just about come to my end I can howl like a wolf : and I can bark just like a dog I can prowl and do good : because I sleeps in a hollow log Most times when I get hungry : I'm like a [drunk] man acting a clown Then my eyes start to jumping : then I'm dangerous as a doggone lion You gobblers keep on gobbling : you roosters watch your setting hen Old wolf is hungry now I'm going to do most 'napping : than I done since God knows when \L SmiJ 12 Smith, J. T. Funny Paper \C title: Hoppin' Toad Frog \C place and date: Chicago, c. Apr. 1931 \C record numbers: (VO-166-A) Vo-1655 Yz L-1031 I'm harmless as I can be : I stays out of all people's way I'm just a little old toad : I'm going to hop back to my home some day I've hop down in your basement : don't mean to harm a single soul I shake all of your ashes : then shovel you in some brand new coal I don't have no friend : by myself I'm always on the road Just let me hop you one time mama : and you'll keep me for your little old toad Mom would you let a poor little old toad frog : hop down in your water pond I'd dive down and come right out : and I won't stay in your water long But I know for myself : and your front yard is where I get my load Way you talk you like my hopping : why don't you keep me for your little toad Mama do you know one thing : your water tank is just deep enough I can dive down to the bottom : and take my time and tread right back up \L SmiJ 13 Smith, J. T. Funny Paper \C title: Fool's Blues \C place and date: Chicago, c. Apr. 1931 \C record numbers: (VO-167-A) Vo-1674 Yz L-1010 Some people tell me : God takes care of old folks and fools But since I been born : he must a-have changed his rules I used to ask a question : then answer that question myself About when I was born : wonder was there any more mercy left Look like here of late : I've been crying both day and night Everybody talks about me : and nobody don't treat me right You know until six months ago : I hadn't prayed a prayer since God knows when Now I'm asking God every day : to please forgive me for my sin You know this must be the devil I'm serving : I know it can't be Jesus Christ Because I asked him to save me : and look like he's trying to take my life My health is gone now : and left me with the sickness blues People it don't seem like to me : that God takes care of old folks and fools \L SmiJ 14 Smith, J. T. Funny Paper \C title: Seven Sisters Blues-+-Part 1 \C place and date: Chicago, c. Apr. 1931 \C record numbers: (VO-168-A) Vo-1641 Yz L-1031 They tell me seven sisters in New Orleans : they can really fix a man up right And I'm headed for New Orleans Louisiana : I'm traveling both day and night I hear them say : the oldest sister look like she's just twenty-one And said she can look right in your eyes : and tell you exactly what you want done They tell me they been hung : been bled and been crucified But I just want enough help : to stand on the water and rule the tide It's bound to be seven sisters : because I've heard it by everybody else Of course I'd love to take their word : but I'd rather go and see for myself When I leave the seven sisters : I'm piling stones all around And go to my baby and tell her : there's another seven-sister man in town Good morning seven sisters : just thought I'd come down and see Will you build me up where I'm torn down : and make me strong where I'm weak \L SmiJ 15 Smith, J. T. Funny Paper \C title: Seven Sisters Blues-+-Part 2 \C place and date: Chicago, c. Apr. 1931 \C record numbers: (VO-169-A) Vo-1641 Yz L-1031 I went to New Orleans Louisiana : just on account of something I heard The seven sisters told me everything I wanted to know : and they wouldn't let me speak a word Now it's Sarah Minnie Bertha : Holly Dolly Betty and Jane You can't know them seven sisters apart : because they all looks just the same The seven sisters sent me away happy : around the corner I met another little girl She looked at me and smiled : and said go devil and destroy the world Seven times you hear the seven sisters : will visit me [all] in my sleep And they said I won't have no more trouble : and said I'll live twelve days in a week Boy go down in Louisiana : and get the lead right out of your bean If seven sisters can't do anything in Louisiana : bet you'll have to go to New Orleans \L SmiJ 16 Smith, J. T. Funny Paper \C title: Before Long \C place and date: Chicago, c. Apr. 1931 \C record numbers: (VO-170-A) Vo-1674 Rt RL-312 When I had money baby : you was good to me But now I'm broke and hungry : and you cruel as you can be Last night you called me : a lowdown dirty name Woke up Monday morning : and done the same old thing It won't be long : before God will bring his day Give me my shirt and tie baby : and I'll get on my way You in good health now baby : and good and strong But before long baby : you'll be down to skin and bone I'm going now baby : kiss me goodbye I know you don't love me baby : and I don't see how you cry Reason I'm leaving you : you dog me all the time Look like it *do you good somebody* : the day they saw me crying \L SmiL 1 Smith, Laura \C title: Gonna Put You Right in Jail \C place and date: New York, c. early Feb. 1927 \C record numbers: (7074-2) Ba-1977 VJM VLP-40 Since you gone : and got so rough I won't stand : for that caveman stuff \L SmiL 2 Smith, Laura \C title: Don't You Leave Me Here \C place and date: New York, c. Mar. 1927 \C record numbers: (7130-2) Ba-1977 VJM VLP-40 Don't you leave me here : a good gal I've been If you ain't coming back sweet papa : leave a dime for gin You can dog me around : baby I don't care But here's a thing I got to say : just quit me if you dare The boat's up the river : and it ain't coming down But I believe to my soul : my man is Alabama bound If you buy your ticket : papa you better buy two Because if you try to leave me here : the way will sure get you So if you got a bad man : and he won't do right Take a chair and break it over his doggone head : and walk the streets all night \L SmiM 1 Smith, Mamie \C title: Jenny's Ball \C place and date: New York, 19 Feb. 1931 \C record numbers: (404852-A) OK-8915 Sw S-1240 There's a man in town : who's called the ladies' lover now Keeps his pockets full of mirrors : he's the pup's bow-wow He went into a cabaret : to see Miss Jenny dance Jenny stepped right up : and said you have no chance There'll be no doings here : before you pay No dancing prancing : until the break of day I know there's lots of girlies : you may charm And long to hold them : close up right in your arms But here's a lesson : that was taught to me You cannot eat and sleep : on mirth and glee Goodbye : and please don't call at all There'll be no preachers : at Miss Jenny's ball \L SmiSi 1 Smith, Six Cylinder \C title: Oh Oh Lonesome Blues \C place and date: Grafton, Wis., c. Mar. 1930 \C record numbers: (L-213-1) Pm-12968 Yz L-1004 If I had wings baby : just like a morning dove I'd heist my wings baby : out to the brown I love She left this morning : she's border bound today I hate the mean old Gypsy : carried my brown away Oh oh oh oh oh : oh oh oh oh oh oh That is why you hear me : moan these lonesome blues One thing in creation : I sure can't understand That's why : Chicago women want every woman's man Ooh : ooh That's why you hear me : ??? these lowdown blues Ooh : ooh That is why you hear me : singing these lonesome blues \L SmiSi 2 Smith, Six Cylinder \C title: Pennsylvania Woman Blues \C place and date: Grafton, Wis., c. Mar. 1930 \C record numbers: (L-214-2) Pm-12968 Yz L-1004 Working in the steel mills baby : handling Pennsylvania women : think that old man cannot do I think I heard : that steel mill whistle blow She blowed just like : she ain't going no more I'm going away baby : won't be back till fall If I win any money : won't be back at all Pennsylvania women : got hearts like solid stone Well they're so doggone evil : break up every woman's home \L SmiT 1 Smith, Trixie \C title: I Don't Know and I Don't Care Blues \C place and date: New York, c. May 1924 \C record numbers: (1766-1) Pm-12208 CC-29 I don't know and I don't care : where my loving daddy's gone He should have gone long ago : I'd like to know what he's waiting on If you love a man : he'll treat you like a dog If you don't : he'll hop around you like a frog I ain't seen the man : that I can't stand to lose Because I keep : the don't know and don't care blues \L SmiT 2 Smith, Trixie \C title: Freight Train Blues \C place and date: New York, c. May 1924 \C record numbers: (1767-1) Pm-12211 CC-29 I hate to hear : that engine blow boo hoo Every time I hear it blowing : I feel like riding too Got the freight train blues : got boxcars on my mind I'm going to leave this town : because my man is so unkind I'm going away : just to wear you off my mind And I may be gone honey : for a doggone long long time I asked the brakeman : to let me ride the blinds The brakeman said little girlie : you know this train ain't mine When a woman gets the blues : she goes to her room and hides But when a man gets the : he catches a freight train and rides \L SmiT 3 Smith, Trixie \C title: Sorrowful Blues \C place and date: New York, c. May 1924 \C record numbers: (1780-2) Pm-12208 CC-29 If you catch me stealing : I don't mean no harm It's a mark in my family : it must be carried on I got nineteen men : and I want one more When I get that one more : I'll let that nineteen go I'm going to tell you daddy : like the Chinaman told the Jew If you don't likee me : I sure don't likee you It's hard to love : another woman's man You can't get him when you want him : you got to catch him when you can Have you ever seen peaches : grow on a sweet potato vine Just step in my back yard : and take a peep at mine \L SmiT 4 Smith, Trixie \C title: Don't Shake It No More \C place and date: New York, c. June 1924 \C record numbers: (1807-2) Pm-12211 CC-29 Shimmy-shee-wobble : babe that's all Every time you start to shake it : everybody starts to fall And if you do it mama : do it slow Just shake it around and around : don't shake it no more \L SmiT 5 Smith, Trixie \C title: Praying Blues \C place and date: New York, Sept. 1924 \C record numbers: (1886-2) Pm-12232 CC-29 Folks you don't know : half the trouble I've seen Nobody knows : but the good Lord and me Lord Lord : kindly hear my plea Please send me a man : that wants nobody else but me Lord Lord : I ain't got a friend One man is in jail : the other one is in the pen \L SmiT 6 Smith, Trixie \C title: Ride Jockey Ride \C place and date: New York, Dec. 1924 \C record numbers: (1977-?) Pm-12245 CC-29 I got a jockey : riding for me He mounts his saddle : so differently The way he rides : is a shame If he don't bring it home : he's not to blame Get that hump : in your back Wave your whip : and make it crack \L SmiT 7 Smith, Trixie \C title: Choo Choo Blues \C place and date: New York, Dec. 1924 \C record numbers: (1978-3) Pm-12245 CC-29 The sound of a train : fills my heart with misery Since a choo choo train : took my man away from me I went to the station : but I got there too doggone late The last train was leaving : the boxcars were filled with freight Northern men are splendid : they will treat you mighty fine But when it comes to loving : I'll take a down-home man for mine I got the choo choo blues : because my man's in Dixieland today I'm going back to Dixie : if I have to crawl all the way \L SmiT 8 Smith, Trixie \C title: You've Got to Beat Me to Keep Me \C place and date: New York, c. Feb. 1925 \C record numbers: (2015-2) Pm-12256 CC-29 Beat me up for breakfast : knock me down for tea Black my eye for supper : then you're pleasing me Come down in my kitchen : *leave off instant and* Beat me to a frazzle : with your skillets pots and pans \L SmiT 9 Smith, Trixie \C title: Mining Camp Blues \C place and date: New York, c. Feb. 1925 \C record numbers: (2016-1) Pm-12256 CC-29 Once I had a daddy : and he worked down in a hole Digging and a-hauling : hauling that Birmingham coal Many times I wondered : when they put my daddy down Will he come back to me : will they leave him in the ground Something like the pitcher : that they sent down in the well Wondering will they break it : Lordy Lordy who can tell It was late one evening : I was standing at that mine Foreman said : my daddy had gone down for his last last time How he was a coal miner : from his hat down to his shoes And I'm nearly dying : with these mining camp blues \L SmiT 10 Smith, Trixie \C title: The World's Jazz Crazy and So Am I \C place and date: New York, Mar. 1925 \C record numbers: (2063-2) Pm-12262 CC-29 Jazz them : everybody jazz them now My pretty papa : he don't know how All night long : the band kept us awake So we could jazz away : until daybreak I like the motion : that my daddy has For everyone likes : the real good jazz Oh jazz them jazz them : play it all night The world's jazz crazy : Lord and so am I \L SmiT 11 Smith, Trixie \C title: Railroad Blues \C place and date: New York, Mar. 1925 \C record numbers: (2064-2) Pm-12262 CC-29 Now if the train fails on the track : I'm Alabama bound Don't you hear that train coming : I'm Alabama bound Now the train went by : with my papa on the inside Now I couldn't do nothing : but hang my head and cry Did you ever take a trip : on the Seaboard line Because if you ride that train : it will satisfy your mind I got the railroad blues : I want to see my home town And if the Seaboard God bless : I'm Alabama bound \L SmiT 12 Smith, Trixie \C title: He Likes It Slow \C place and date: New York, c. Dec. 1925 \C record numbers: (2363-?) Pm-12336 Jo SM-3098 Lord he likes it slow : when he goes to dance He likes it slow : when he goes to France Just like a snail : that man of mine He never likes to hurry : he takes his time And when he calls me : praying's no use He always got : them lowdown blues \L SmiT 13 Smith, Trixie \C title: Black Bottom Hop \C place and date: New York, c. Dec. 1925 \C record numbers: (2364-1) Pm-12336 CC-29 First you get over *town* : Do the Black Bottom : Walk up to your baby : twist and turn Get in a shape : like a fishing worm Do the *bo bo* : Turn out the lights : *cut out your* Now they'll have ??? steaks : alligator pie Pickled *eels* feet : and jambalaya Bullfrog legs : with onion sauce ??? stew : to kick it off Fried hot tomales : with yellow rice ??? crabs : and lemon ice Throw it in the creek : Strut your stuff : you dancing fool Red-hot mama : *eggs hard-boiled* They'll break up the dance : with a battle royal \L SmiT 14 Smith, Trixie \C title: Love Me Like You Used To \C place and date: New York, c. Dec. 1925 \C record numbers: (2365-?) Pm-12330 CC-29 Please come back and love me like you used to : I think about you every day You reap just what you sow in the sweet by-and-by : and be sorry that you went away Oh baby I'm crazy : almost dead I wish I had you here : to hold my aching head \L SmiT 15 Smith, Trixie \C title: Freight Train Blues \C place and date: New York, 26 May 1938 \C record numbers: (63866-A) De-7489 Cor CP-58 I hate to hear : that freight train blow boo hoo Every time I hear it blowing: I feel like riding too I asked the brakeman : to let me ride the blinds He said little girlie : you know this train ain't mine Oh it's a mean old fireman : cruel old engineer It was a mean old train : that took my man away from here I've got the freight train blues : but I'm too darn mean to cry I'm going to love that man : till the day he dies There's three trains ready : but none ain't going my way But the sun's going to shine : in my back door some day \L SmiT 16 Smith, Trixie \C title: No Good Man \C place and date: New York, 14 June 1939 \C record numbers: (65815-A) De-7617 AH-158 I'm one woman : who can't use a no-good man Because a man like him : is only good for a one night stand Now I'm a red-hot chick : just *puffing* out with flame and youth It takes a real hip man : to make me tell the truth He's got to get it in the groove : and get a new technique I'm tired of old style loving : a modern man I'm forced to seek My first name's Trixie : the last has never been told I've been chasing pigmeat : since I was nine days old [Now there ain't but, there's only] two people in this world : I can't stand That's a two-faced woman : and a lying man \L Span 1 Spand, Charlie \C title: Good Gal \C place and date: Richmond, Ind., 17 Aug. 1929 \C record numbers: (15453) Pm-12817 Yz L-1015 You wonder why : I treat you so You should have : sense enough to know You may say : that I'm changing fast But good things in life : don't never last You used to treat me : like a dog But now I learned : to hop from broad to broad Once I couldn't stand : to see you cry But I feel all the same : mama if you die I might as well : to tell you the facts I got a new gal : she's tight like that \L Span 2 Spand, Charlie \C title: Back to the Woods Blues \C place and date: Richmond, Ind., 17 Aug. 1929 \C record numbers: (15456) Pm-12817 Yz L-1015 I woke up this morning : clock was striking four And my baby told me : pack your things and go I'm going to pack my suitcase : and move back to the woods It's nobody here : that means me any good Just as sure as the good Lord : sits in the heaven above Now your life ain't all pleasure : unless you be with that one you love I'm going to the river : sit right on the ground Now if my heart strikes sorrow : my tears come rolling down Now she's little and she's low : right down on the ground Now this the reason I love her : she ain't no hand-me-down Mmm : ain't going to sing no more Now my train is waiting : baby and I got to go \L Spar 1 Sparks, Milton \C title: Erie Train Blues \C place and date: Chicago, 28 July 1935 \C record numbers: (91445) BB-B6529 BC-6 Lord I hate to hear : that Erie train whistle when he blow It give me a feeling : that I never had before Mmm : that Erie's got my baby gone That the reason why people : you hear me sing this moan The Erie : I swear it ain't *coming* back That train come and stole my baby people : swear it won't bring her back \L Spau 1 Spaulding, Henry \C title: Cairo Blues \C place and date: Chicago, c. 6 May 1929 \C record numbers: (C-3449- ) Br-7085 Yz L-1003 Cairo : Cairo is my baby's home Going where my Cairo baby lives : won't be long Mmm : mmm Mmm : won't be here long Women in Cairo : will treat you [nice and] kind of strange Get you rider : and take you off that thing Kick you and knife you : beat you and cut you too *When you through* : Cairo : Cairo is my baby's home I'm going home : and I swear and it won't be long \L Spau 2 Spaulding, Henry \C title: Biddle Street Blues \C place and date: Chicago, c. 6 May 1929 \C record numbers: (C-3450- ) Br-7085 OJL-20 Say some strange something : is easing down on me Because my best baby has quit me : and the world she cared for me Now will you please be kind babe : let me speak just one more time Because I have something to tell you baby : will ease your trouble in mind Now I'm going back to Biddle Street : try and wear you off my mind Because I have another woman on Biddle Street : will treat me nice and kind Biddle Street Biddle Street now : is only twenty-six blocks long And the women on Biddle Street : just won't leave me alone That's why I'm going back to Biddle Street : I swear it won't be long Because I know my baby's there : she will take my loving on \L Spec 1 Speckled Red \C title: House Dance Blues \C place and date: Memphis, 22 Sept. 1929 \C record numbers: (M-184- ) Br-7137 OJL-20 Let me tell you people : some of the grandest news Everybody's talking : about those house-dance blues Police and detectives : will declare by surprise They caught some wind of this : Lord in a dive House-dance blues boys : *still got in the drink* When you hear the judge : call your name *Eleven twenty-two* thirty days : is your fine Now ain't that enough : to change the colored people's mind ??? : *Doubt* if her could pay for her : all the time Tell him not to *slip* so much : and pay your fine You got to go to Cincy : to make your time Razor man : going to take your name Shave you up and down : put you on the ??? chain You can go to house dance : stay home if you choose You go to house dance : you catch them house-dance blues I'm going and I'm going : crying ain't going to make me stay The more that you cry : more fars I go away May be tomorrow : may be a year or two You mistreat me babe : it's coming home to you Mama told me : pop told me too Don't you let no woman : be the death of you Cigarettes and ??? strong whiskey : is my crave Son your ??? women : going to carry me to my grave You told me that you loved me : to give my poor heart ease Soon as my back was turned : you love just who you please You mistreat me now mama : without a cause I'm going away to leave you : and ain't coming back here at all \L SpiS 1 Spivey, Sweet Pease \C title: Double Dozens \C place and date: Chicago, 12 Aug. 1936 \C record numbers: (90787-C) De-7204 AH-158 Now you think : you are smart But you really : ain't worth a When I first met you : I thought I fell in good luck Now I know : you ain't worth a You want me to be humble to you : as a lamb I wouldn't mind doing : you ain't worth a I don't want no man : laying around on the grass All you want to do : is just sit on your I'm leaving you baby : fare you well Now your D P aching : just go to \L SpiV 1 Spivey, Victoria \C title: Arkansas Road Blues \C place and date: St. Louis, 27 Apr. 1927 \C record numbers: (80768-B) OK-8481 Spi LP-2001 I ain't going to travel : this big road all by myself If I don't take my baby : I sure want to have nobody else When he were arrested : and put in that mean old jail I were the only person : to try and go his bail Ooh : baby why didn't you let me go Daddy if you don't want me : had a-plenty more \L SpiV 2 Spivey, Victoria \C title: The Alligator Pond Went Dry \C place and date: St. Louis, 27 Apr. 1927 \C record numbers: (80769-B) OK-8481 Spi LP-2001 Now old Mr alligator : he got way back He say look out children : I'm going to *float on* my back Now old Mr alligator : he got real hot He said we going to have this function : whether there's a-water or not Now if you don't believe what I'm saying : ask old alligator Jack Wasn't a drop of water in the pond : a-when he got back \L SpiV 3 Spivey, Victoria \C title: Murder in the First Degree \C place and date: New York, 1 Nov. 1927 \C record numbers: (81596-B) OK-8581 Spi LP-2001 Well I'm laying here in this jailhouse : scared as any fool can be I believe they're going to hang me : from what my lawyer said to me My man got running around : with a woman he know I can't stand Add one notch on my gun : and the world's rid of one trifling man I scrubbed them pots and kettles : I washed and ironed the white folks clothes And he got it like I made it : I killed him judge and that's all I know I said I ain't done nothing : but kill a man what belong to me And here they got me charged : with murder in the first degree \L SpiV 4 Spivey, Victoria \C title: My Handy Man \C place and date: New York, 12 Sept. 1928 \C record numbers: (401114-B) OK-8615 Sw S-1240 Whoever said : a good man hard to find Positively absolutely : sure was blind He threads my needle : creams my wheat Heats my heater : chops my meat For everything : he's got a scheme I like the way : he whips my cream Sometimes he's up : before the dawn Busy working : on my lawn My ice don't seem : to melt away I get a fresh piece : every day \L SpiV 5 Spivey, Victoria \C title: Organ Grinder Blues \C place and date: New York, 12 Sept. 1928 \C record numbers: (401115-A) OK unissued Spi \C LP-2001 Organ grinder organ grinder : organ grinder play that melody Take your organ : and grind some more for me Grind it north grind it north : grind it north and grind it east and west When you grind it slow : I like it the best Organ grinder organ grinder : you don't have to pass your hat no more You're the grinder : I've been waiting for Organ grinder organ grinder : your sweet music seems to ease my mind It's not your organ : but the way you grind Organ grinder organ grinder : organ grinder don't tell me you're through If you are tired : let mama grind awhile for you \L SpiV 6 Spivey, Victoria \C title: Organ Grinder Blues \C place and date: New York, 12 Sept. 1928 \C record numbers: (401115-C) OK-8615 Sw S-1240 Organ grinder organ grinder : organ grinder play that melody Shake your organ : and grind some more for me Grind it north grind it north : grind it north and grind it east and west When you grind it so : I like it the best Organ grinder organ grinder : you don't have to tip your hat no more You're the grinder : I've been waiting for Organ grinder organ grinder : your sweet music seems to ease my mind It's not your organ : but it's the way you grind Organ grinder organ grinder : organ grinder don't tell me you're through If you are done : let mama grind awhile for you \L SpiV 7 Spivey, Victoria \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 In my path lay a black snake : about eight or nine inches long Got my ax and mean to kill him : before he sucks my rider's tongue Ooh : wonder if my black snake will come back home Wonder if he's got another woman : Lord since he been gone \L SpiV 8 Spivey, Victoria \C title: How Do You Do It That Way \C place and date: New York, 10 July 1929 \C record numbers: (402526-A) OK-8713 Spi LP-2001 Oh when the river runs : flowers are blooming in May And if you get good business : how do you do it that way Streetwalking women : they are happy and gay But I'm never happy : how do you get that way Now they can come and go : to and fro every day But I can't make them like me : how do you do it that way And when the rooster and the hen : go to the barn to play Oh the hen had chickens : how do they do it that way \L SpiV 9 Spivey, Victoria \C title: Telephoning the Blues \C place and date: New York, 1 Oct. 1929 \C record numbers: (56735-1) Vi-V38546 Spi LP-2001 Hello there Central : please give me my best man Well I gave you the right number : gee I can't understand Ooh : there must be somebody there Central Central : tell me what's that I hear Lord : could that be another woman there So start a-walking the floor : wring my hands and pulling my hair Ooh : Central won't you let me know Know that I can get a daddy : most any place I go Oh Central Central : I've been telephoning the blues Central Central : please give me good news I've been phoning phoning : I've been telephoning all night long Bet you fifty to one hundred : something is going on wrong \L SpiV 10 Spivey, Victoria \C title: Don't Trust Nobody Blues \C place and date: Chicago, 20 Mar. 1931 \C record numbers: (VO-150- ) Vo-1640 Spi LP-2001 I don't trust nobody : but the good Lord above And outside of my mother : there's nobody else I love Now they will love you and fool you : make you spend all your dough After they get what they want : why they don't like you no more So-called friends : all that they do Waiting for a chance : to double-cross you Mmm : this ain't no place for me Well I'm going up the country : I mean across the deep blue sea Oh friendship ain't no good : that's why I'm hitting that long long trail Because they fool with my money : mama don't mind going to jail Here I lay here after midnight : drinking my poor self to sleep While that lowdown man of mine : is trying to make his 'fore-day creep \L SpiV 11 Spivey, Victoria \C title: Black Snake Swing \C place and date: Chicago, 7 July 1936 \C record numbers: (90785-A) De-7203 AH-58 That is some black snake : trying to get the best of me But I'm too good a woman : you just wait and see Because oh : I ain't coming here no more Black snake's in my house : black snake's all around my door And it's no use to worry : baby about the days being long Now black snake got the best dough : and you sure can't roll him on Oh : I can't stay there no more My black snake is gone : and my poor heart is aching me so I don't care what you say : don't you come here no more Don't you crawl in my window : don't you creep in my door Oh : I don't want you no more Mmm : baby you really made me sore \L SpiV 12 Spivey, Victoria \C title: I'll Never Fall in Love Again \C place and date: Chicago, 7 July 1936 \C record numbers: (90789-A) De-7203 Spi LP-2001 Say I feel myself : falling again In the same hole : that I once was in \L SpiV 13 Spivey, Victoria \C title: T. B.'s Got Me Blues \C place and date: Chicago, 7 July 1936 \C record numbers: (90790-A) De-7222 Spi LP-2001 T B's got me : all my friends done throwed me down But they treated me so nice : when I was up able to run around Ooh : my poor lungs are hurting me so I don't get no peace or comfort : no matter where I go Lord : my good man don't want me no more Well I wished I was dead : and in the land I'm doomed to go \L SpiV 14 Spivey, Victoria \C title: I Can't Last Long \C place and date: Chicago, 20 Aug. 1936 \C record numbers: (C-1450-2) Vo-03314 Spi LP-2001 Lonesome lonesome : yes I'm sinking sinking sinking down below my grave Done had a good time : but my how I done paid Because the rising sun : ain't going to shine no more Well it's dark and dreary : no matter where I go For the lights in my room : even refuse to shine If my baby don't come back : I know I'll be doing time Because ooh : I can't stand no more Well he quit me for my best friend : and don't come to see me no more Tell all my good friends : because I know I can't last long Please don't you wait : for I'll be dead and gone \L SpiV 15 Spivey, Victoria \C title: Detroit Moan \C place and date: Chicago, 15 Oct. 1936 \C record numbers: (C-1568-?) Vo unissued Spi \C LP-2001 Detroit's a cold cold place : and I ain't got a dime to my name I would go to the poorhouse : but Lord you know I'm ashamed I been walking Hastings Street : nobody seems to treat me right I can make it in the daytime : but Lord these cold cold nights Well I'm tired of eating chile : and I can't eat beans no more People it hurts my feelings : Lord from door to door I've got to leave Detroit : if I have to flag Number Ninety-Four And if I ever get back home : I ain't never coming to Detroit no more \L Spru 1 Spruell, Freddie \C title: Milk Cow Blues \C place and date: Chicago, 25 June 1926 \C record numbers: (9793-A) OK-8422 Yz L-1038 Listen to my story now : please listen to my song Can you imagine how I feel now : have mercy my real milkcow gone She's a full-blood Jersey : I'm going to tell you boys the way I know ??? for my milkcow : I don't care where my Jersey go I been on thirty fields : listens boys I been on thirty-nine I rambled the whole South Side down : trying to find this real milkcow of mine Say my bed [seem lonely, is lonesome] : my pillow now it sure do I wake up out of the midnight : I really have those milkcow blues Mmm : baby listen hoo hoo hoo Say you look in my face now : run and tell them I got those milkcow blues Listen hey : sugar listen hey hey hey Can't you imagine how I feel now : I done told my real milkcow bye bye \L Spru 2 Spruell, Freddie \C title: Muddy Water Blues \C place and date: Chicago, 17 Nov. 1926 \C record numbers: (9908-A) OK-8422 Mam S-3802 I know you heard the story : listen now people I know the song I mean I drink muddy water : I mean sugar now the whole night long I'd rather drink muddy water : rather sleep in a real hollow log Baby now before I'd stay with you : let you treat me like your driving dog Now daddy daddy daddy listen : turn your lights down low I got something good to tell you : she *holler* daddy just before you go Put your hat on my dresser : put your shoes daddy now under my bed You yearn for my pillow daddy : just to hold your little old worried head Listen mmm : baby now how long how long I mean I'd rather drink muddy water baby : because you know you sure have done me wrong I'd rather drink muddy water : I'd rather wade in muddy water too Now before I'd stay with you : and take these lowdown dirty things you do \L Spru 3 Spruell, Freddie \C title: Way Back Down Home \C place and date: Chicago, 17 Nov. 1926 \C record numbers: (9909-A) OK-8422 Mam S-3802 I went to the Western Union : just to send up a telephone I heard a fellow say in Memphis : I really mean I was dragged down home Some people say that I'm right now : and some say I'm wrong You know I can't help but to study : when I really think about what it's like down home I mean I'm used to drinking : and I'm used to seeing a great good time Things happen way back down home now : they I declare they sure run across my mind Now the ticket agent she told me : when the Western Union message give me my number wrong You sure can get your number : but you can't go hear my words back down home Tell me now what's the matter : now darling something must a-be going on wrong I'd just like to get another ??? : I really mean now from way back down home Crying hey listen operator now : don't you tell me wrong I must've didn't have the right number : when I went to the Western Union to the telephone \L Spru 4 Spruell, Freddie \C title: Tom Cat Blues \C place and date: Chicago, c. July 1928 \C record numbers: (20727-2) Pm-12665 His HLP-17 It was late last night : I tried so hard to sleep When a mean old tomcat : started his midnight creep Tomcat's in my window : tomcat's all around my door I never heard so much moaning and whining : in my life before I don't trust the tomcat : he's got such an evil eye He's sneaking and mistreating : die if that ain't no lie A tomcat man : is trying to break up my home That's why it makes me mad : when I hear a tomcat moan Oh Mr tomcat : get somebody of your own For you will lose your nine lives : if you don't let my baby alone \L Spru 5 Spruell, Freddie \C title: Low-Down Mississippi Bottom Man \C place and date: Chicago, c. July 1928 \C record numbers: (20728-1) Pm-12665 Mam S-3802 In the lowlands of Mississippi : that's where I was born Way down in the sunny South : lowlands raise cotton and corn Oh way down in the Delta : that's where I long to be There's a Delta Bottom woman : who is sure going crazy over me I'm looking for a lowdown woman : who's looking for a lowdown man Ain't nobody in town : get no lowdowner I can I likes lowdown music : I like to barrelhouse get drunk too I'm just a lowdown man : always feeling lowdown and blue \L Spru 6 Spruell, Freddie \C title: 4A Highway \C place and date: Chicago, 12 Apr. 1935 \C record numbers: (85782- ) BB-B5995 Mam S-3802 My baby woke me up this morning : she told me she's Joliet bound She want to find Four-A Highway : that's the main Highway out of town She wouldn't even talk with me : wouldn't even have a word to say She asking all her friends around now : where she find number Four-A highway Number Four-A Highway : that's the main highway out of town And she leave out on that highway : I'm sure going to trail my baby down I feel like taking my suitcase : setting down on the side of that lonesome highway If she leave there between nine and midnight : I'll overtake her just before day If I had my machine : I wouldn't worry about leaving town I'd get on that Four-A Highway : and God knows I'd roll that highway down \L Spru 7 Spruell, Freddie \C title: Don't Cry Baby \C place and date: Chicago, 12 Apr. 1935 \C record numbers: (85783- ) BB-B6025 Mam S-3802 Don't worry baby : daddy been here so long I don't want you worrying all about me : because you know Freddie's coming back home Don't cry baby : daddy be home some day You know good and well when I left you baby : I did not leave to stay She cried all last night : my baby cried all the night before I'm going back home to my baby : so she won't have to cry no more Don't worry baby : don't you weep and moan Don't you be no ways uneasy about me : some day I'm coming back home Baby baby : you understand what I say Don't you worry nothing about me : because I'm coming back home some day \L Spru 8 Spruell, Freddie \C title: Your Man Is Gone \C place and date: Chicago, 12 Apr. 1935 \C record numbers: (85784- ) BB-B6025 Mam S-3802 I feel like taking my suitcase : sitting down by that railroad side If I ever get killed baby : don't tell nobody how I died Baby please don't tell my mother : please don't let my sister know Sure as you appreciate my death baby : will you please hang crepe on your door When you walk into the undertaker : look over on your right-hand side You can ask the undertakers about me : they may tell you how I died Baby baby don't you worry : sugar don't you weep and moan You may know about *bad luck* baby : that your Fred is dead and gone Buy me some flowers : see how they put my body away You can tell all your friends around baby : you heard the last word I had to say When [you, they] go to the cemetery : they begin to lower my body down You know that's the last of my good man : because they putting him down in the cold cold ground \L Spru 9 Spruell, Freddie \C title: Let's Go Riding \C place and date: Chicago, 12 Apr. 1935 \C record numbers: (85785- ) BB-B6261 OJL-18 Now come on girl : let's go out and have some fun Want to go out riding : I can tell you how it's done We can go out : and have a very good time I'll tell you all about it : now bear it in mind Want to go riding : don't have to go far You fix the blow-outs : I'll drive the car Dum dee da : dee da do Now explain it to me : tell me would you like to go I have told you that I would explain it to you : how it's done Now when you let me go out riding : and have some fun Now in case you want to go : now let me know Here now tell me : would you really like to go Now if you want to go with me riding : we could really have some fun If you buy the hot dogs : I got the buns Now tell me now : can't you go Now listen would you explain it to me : and tell me did you know Now you don't have to worry : we ain't so old Now if you got the line : I got the pole Now tell me dear : don't you know We can go out for a good time : would you like to go Now if you will just tell me brown : to know Tell me : would you like to go Now you don't have to worry : about being gone so long Now we going to have a good time : we'll take a blanket along Soap and towels : included too No telling what goes on : when you don't take that with you Now it's tell me dear : what you mean to do I'll go out riding : if you will too Now come on baby : we'll go out and have some really fun I told you you get the hot dogs : I'll get the buns Well dear : that's what I mean to say I want you to go out riding with me : and have a good time today \L Spru 10 Spruell, Freddie \C title: Mr. Freddie's Kokomo Blues \C place and date: Chicago, 12 Apr. 1935 \C record numbers: (85786- ) BB-B5995 Mam S-3802 Won't you come on baby come on baby : let's go back to Kokomo That's a small town in Western Michigan : tell daddy don't you want to go Now these women around Chicago is crazy : hollering about the times so hard And the women in Kokomo baby : they drinking liquor from real *costly* bar Why don't you come on baby come on : and let's go back to Kokomo Yes I'm leaving here tomorrow morning : tell me baby don't you want to go Kokomo's about the best city : I declare that I ever saw You can break them down both night and day : and won't be worried and bothered with no law Now I tell you all about that city : I declare it ain't a great large town But everywhere you go in Kokomo baby : you find the women there breaking them down Said now Mary had a little lamb : I mean his fleece was white as snow Mary take that little lamb with her : to most every place that she go She went down to the depot agent : they give her a ticket back to Kokomo Depot agent look down at mary's lamb : said Mary I declare your lamb can't go She *lied* just come on baby come on : I declare I'm going back to Kokomo Why don't you come on baby come on : listen tell me don't you want to go I will buy you a ticket baby : only cost us nineteen seventy-five When that train leaves tomorrow morning : I want to catch that morning train and ride \L Stev 1 Stevens, Vol (Memphis Jug Band) \C title: Beale Street Mess Around \C place and date: Atlanta, 20 Oct. 1927 \C record numbers: (40320-1) Vi-21066 Rt RL-322 Woke up early this morning : blues around my bed And the ??? : running everywhere I can sit right here : think a thousand miles away I was thinking about : that brownskin woman of mine I'm going to blow this town : honey it won't be long And I'm going to be dead : before I go back here no more And I'm going for the summer : won't be back till fall If I don't get no better treatment : go back here no more And it's one of these mornings : honey it won't be long You going to look for me : I'll be a thousand miles away You can take these blues : and lay them on your shelf ??? : sing them to yourself \L Stev 2 Stevens, Vol (Memphis Jug Band) \C title: I'll See You in the Spring When the Birds \C Begin to Sing \C place and date: Atlanta, 20 Oct. 1927 \C record numbers: (40321-1) Vi-21066 Rt RL-322 And I'm going away : just to wear you off my mind You keep me troubled : honey all the time \L Stev 3 Stevens, Vol \C title: Vol Stevens Blues \C place and date: Atlanta, 20 Oct. 1927 \C record numbers: (40324-1) Vi-21356 OJL-21 Woke up early this morning : feeling awful low And the blues they had me : *running up the wall* You can read my letter : you sure can't read my mind You think I love you : better change your mind Said my mother told me : my dear old father too Said I used to love some : *faro out of town* If I had a-listened : what my mother say I'd have been at home : with a *black-haired* Now a brownskin woman : always on my mind She keeps me troubled : worried all the time You can take these blues : and lay them on your shelf Get blue tomorrow : sing them for yourself \L Stev 4 Stevens, Vol \C title: Baby Got the Rickets \C place and date: Atlanta, 20 Oct. 1927 \C record numbers: (40325-1) Vi-21356 OJL-19 And it's one of these mornings : honey and it won't be long Going to catch the *knocker* : down on *Maple* Hill Got the rickets got the rickets : and my baby got the Mobile blues ??? : wear you off my mind And the girl I love : just went and broke my heart And I'm going away : wear you off my mind You can take these blues : and hang them on your shelf ??? tomorrow : sing them to yourself \L Stev 5 Stevens, Vol (Memphis Jug Band) \C title: Coal Oil Blues \C place and date: Memphis, 13 Feb. 1928 \C record numbers: (41888-2) Vi-21278 OJL-4 Woke up early early this morning : got out of my bed And the blues had started : climbing up the bed If you ever been been down : you know just how I feel Woke up early early this morning : with the blues all around my bed And the blues they tell me : crying man oh man Oh the preacher in the pulpit : he laid his Bible down And the members in the corner : singing Alabama bound ??? Coal-Oil Johnny : sure was a-born in hell Papa *preacher* thought : he sure was a-born in born I'm going to leave this town : honey and it won't be long And I'm going to be at the depot : blow back hell or home If I feel tomorrow : just like I feel right now Before the rising sun come : sure won't *scarcely know* \L Stev 6 Stevens, Vol (Memphis Jug Band) \C title: Papa Long Blues \C place and date: Memphis, 13 Feb. 1928 \C record numbers: (41889-2) Vi-21278 Rt RL-322 Woke up early this morning : blues all around my bed And the blues ain't there : they easing everywhere If I feel tomorrow : like I feel right now Going to pack my suitcase : get me down the road somewhere And I'm going I'm going : your crying won't make me stay And I won't be there : just won't blow back anymore If I feel tomorrow : like I feel right now Going to ride till sundown : tomorrow catch me *there* And it's one of these mornings : honey it won't be long You will call for me : and I'll be a thousand miles from home \L Stev 7 Stevens, Vol (Memphis Jug Band) \C title: Aunt Caroline Dyer Blues \C place and date: Memphis, 29 May 1930 \C record numbers: (62541- ) Vi-23347 Jo SM-3104 I'm going to Newport News : just to see Aunt Caroline Dyer She's the fortunetelling woman : oh Lord and she don't tell no lies I'm going to Newport News : just to pass ??? on the doggone day Because bad luck and hard work : oh Lord sure don't agree with me Aunt Caroline Dyer she told me : son you don't have to feel so rough I'm going to pick you up a mojo : oh Lord so you can strut your stuff Aunt Caroline Dyer she told me : son these women they don't mean you no good Said take my advice : and don't bother with none in your neighborhood I am leaving in the morning : I don't want no one to feel blue I'm going back to Newport News : and do what Aunt Caroline Dyer told me to do \L Stev 8 Stevens, Vol (Memphis Jug Band) \C title: Stonewall Blues \C place and date: Memphis, 29 May 1930 \C record numbers: (62542- ) BB-B5675 BC-2 Tell me mailman : I can't get no news Know by that baby : I'm bound to have those stonewall blues I called my good gal : my tongue was too weak to talk Go where she was : but my feet were too weak to walk Seem like I can hear : my good gal's voice in the air Said daddy I have a man ??? : and you have no rights in there Oh you ever get in jail : boy and you have no friends Feel just like Daniel : when they throwed him in that lion's den My good gal wrote a letter : how do you reckon it read Come home little daddy : your father's might near dead How can I come home baby : with these tall rock walls over my head Know by that baby : got no one to hold my aching head Oh where were you : when the clock struck five 'fore day Down in that old foundry : trying to roll my cares away \L Stok 1 Stokes, Frank \C title: You Shall \C place and date: Chicago, c. Aug. 1927 \C record numbers: (4771-3) Pm-12518 Rt RL-308 Oh well it's our Father : who art in heaven The preacher owed me ten dollars : he paid me seven Thy kingdom come : Thy will be done If I hadn't took the seven Lord : I wouldn't have gotten none Oh well some folks say : that a preacher won't steal I caught about eleven : in the watermelon field Just a-cutting and a-slicing : got to tearing up the vine They's eating and talking : most all the time Oh well you see a preacher : lay behind the log A hand on the trigger : got his eye on the hog The hog said mmm : the gun said zip Jumped on the hog : with all his grip Now when I first went over : to Memphis Tennessee I was crazy about the preachers : as I could be I went out on the front porch : a-walking about Invite the preacher over : to my house He washed his face : he combed his head And next thing he want to do : was slip in my bed I caught him by the head : man kicked him out the door Don't allow my preacher : at my house no more \L Stok 2 Stokes, Frank \C title: Sweet to Mama \C place and date: Chicago, c. Aug. 1927 \C record numbers: (4773-1) Pm-12531 Rt RL-308 Lord I woke up this morning : with the blues all around my baby's bed I turned my face to the wall : baby these are the words I said Lordy it's sweet to mama : now mama where you stay last night Because your clothes all wrinkled : mama and your hair sure ain't fixed up right Lord it's two drops of water : Lord and one or two grains of sand Now babe the blues ain't nothing : but a woman want to see her man Lord it's two pretty steamers : Lord they running along side by side And now you know my good gal : I can't keep her satisfied Lord my mama told me : Lord when I was a child You having good times now : you have trouble after awhile If I just had a-listened : to just what my mama said I would have been at home : trying to live good and Lord when you see the spider : Lord a-running up and down the wall He must be going somewhere : great God to try and have his ashes hauled I said a-weeping Mary : now Mary don't you weep no more And now stop and take your time : and do your work everywhere you go \L Stok 3 Stokes, Frank \C title: Half Cup of Tea \C place and date: Chicago, c. Aug. 1927 \C record numbers: (4774-2) Pm-12531 Rt RL-308 Hey : what do you want your man to do Said I rob and steal : and make everything for you Well now for my breakfast : give me half a cup of tea About half past nine : sing the same old song to me Now : I ain't going to work for you no more Every time I work for you : *carried* from door to door Well now your wife get ??? : and don't want to stay at home Find another one walking : let the front-door gal alone Hey : something's really worrying me It's not my best *filly* : but it's the gal I'd like to see I say sometime I feel : like I'm going away from home Men don't like my peaches : they sure can't leave me alone Hey : mama what's the matter now *Every midnight dream in the world* : and I don't know how And I feel like hollering : murder in the first degree You didn't have no business gal : starting to deal with me I : ain't going to stay with you no more Every time I stay with you : *carried* from door to door \L Stok 4 Stokes, Frank \C title: Beale Town Bound \C place and date: Chicago, c. Aug. 1927 \C record numbers: (4775-2) Pm-12576 Rt RL-308 Said I'm [leaving mama, going away] : I'm going to leave you now Every time I think : I think I'm downtown Yeah listen mama : what I'm about to say to you Ain't a thing to the world mama : that I want you to do If the blues get away from me mama : I'm going back home with you Every time I see you : I think about the things I want to do And I'm going I'm going mama : what you want me to bring you back Mama think about the things in the world : that your good friends have I'm going to the workhouse : set out on the floor And if the times don't get better : I ain't going back home no more And I feel like hollering : murder in the first degree You didn't have no business mama : starting this deal with me \L Stok 5 Stokes, Frank \C title: Last Go Round \C place and date: Chicago, c. Aug. 1927 \C record numbers: (4777-1) Pm-12591 Bio BLP-12041 Hey listen at me mama : don't be all night I know something : suit your appetite Yeah don't know nothing : meet my gal somewhere And I won't be : when you meet me there Oh when you meet me baby : go good and slow I take my time baby : where I go Now don't you think I know : my baby love me so She make five dollars : and she give me four She takes it to town : and she walks it about And she treats me nice : around her house \L Stok 6 Stokes, Frank \C title: You Shall \C place and date: Chicago, c. Sept. 1927 \C record numbers: (20043-2) Pm-12518 Bio BLP-12041 Oh well it's our Father : who art in heaven The preacher owed me ten dollars : he paid me seven Thy kingdom come : Thy will be done If I hadn't took the seven Lord : I wouldn't have gotten none Oh well some folks say : that a preacher won't steal I caught about eleven : in the watermelon field Just a-cutting and a-slicing : got to tearing up the vine They's eating and talking : most all the time Oh well you see a preacher : laying behind the log A hand on the trigger : got his eye on the hog The hog said mmm : the gun said zip Jumped on the hog : with all his grip Now when I first went over : to Memphis Tennessee I was crazy about preachers : as I could be I went out on the front porch : a-walking about Invite the preacher : over to my house He washed his face : he combed his head And the next thing he wanted to do : was slip in my bed I caught him by the head : man kicked him out the door Don't allow my preacher : at my house no more \L Stok 7 Stokes, Frank \C title: Its a Good Thing \C place and date: Chicago, c. Sept. 1927 \C record numbers: (20044-2) Pm-12518 Bio BLP-12041 Now when I was young : in my prime *Pick these* different women : all the time I had a woman : God her name was Lucy God almighty devil : what that woman wouldn't do Another woman : God her name Henrietta Talk to six straight men : say she knows no better Another woman : God her name was Mattie She's a-slipping and a-stalling : in some dark alley Another woman : God her name was Jenny Talked to white folks black folks : she wouldn't give a penny Another woman : God her name was Mae A white man only : got every day I knocked Mae down : I stomped in her face Half her trouble : must have I went to the workhouse : to work out my time And the same doggone woman : on my mind In time I got out : I drunk a little gin I goed right back : to Mae's house again By time I got in the house : getting ready to have a little fun Made me come back *about* : I gotten more than one Now let me tell you a little something : don't you raise no fuss Boys these young women : want to do their stuff From their legs and from their ankles : and on to their knees *Trying to ??? devilment* : as they can be While you're out man : trying to She's a-winking and a-blinking : at another man You get out at night : you peeping through a crack I wonder how long : before my husband gets back Your husband get back : you ready to have a little fun Before you get out of sight : he got more than one And now I'm getting old : Lord my head's getting grey Lord I'm not bow-legged : but I walks that way I *claim to see the oldest rat* : of the *barge* I known about the women : long before I got grown But some in the daytime : some at night How in the world : can you treat any living man right Any time you get out : you're ready to Turn around and slipping down : jumping in your bed He jumped in your bed : he begin to have a little fun Anything you want to know : got a little *lunch* done A little *lunch* done : from three to four Have to *turn down* : before your old man go You may be brownskin : you color may be black What I say about you women : I won't take it back I get drunk : love to have my fun But all the darn women : got more than one \L Stok 8 Stokes, Frank \C title: Mr. Crump Don't Like It \C place and date: Chicago, c. Sept. 1927 \C record numbers: (20045-1) Pm-12552 OJL-21 If Mr Crump don't like it : he ain't going to have it here No barrelhouse women : God and drinking no beer I saw the Baptist sister jump up : and began to shout But I'm so glad : that that whiskey vote is out I saw the Methodist sister jumped up : and they had a fit She was doggone sorry : *weren't* king corn *here* I saw the Presbyterian sister turn around : and began to grin Lord I believe I'll start out : to barrelhousing again I saw the deacon look around : sister why in the world don't you hush I'd rather see you get drunk : than wear this *hubbard* skirt You don't like my peaches : don't shake my tree Don't like my fruit : let my orange juice be \L Stok 9 Stokes, Frank \C title: Blues in D \C place and date: Chicago, c. Sept. 1927 \C record numbers: (20048-2) Pm-12552 Bio BLP-12041 And I'm going and I'm going : and your crying won't make me stay Baby the more you cry : the further you drive me away And I'm leaving baby : what you want me to bring you back Mama dream of what I'm leaving : something that your good gal like Hey hey : mama what's the matter now I would be your ??? : but I don't know how Take me in your arms mama : and rock me good and slow So I can take my time : and do my work everywhere I go Now you can tell a good man : looking in his face ??? shoulders : nice and cute through the waist \L Stok 10 Stokes, Frank \C title: Downtown Blues \C place and date: Memphis, 1 Feb. 1928 \C record numbers: (41822-1) Vi-21272 BC-5 Hey listen mama : the world is done gone away I'm got a bad-luck deal : give me trouble every day And I'm going I'm going : pin up black tape on your door Tell your man ain't dead : just ain't coming to your house no more And I'm going downtown : going to stay around there till dark I don't want no trouble : don't want you to drive off Now when you lay down at night : lit out early try to take your rest You'll get a couple phone calls : wake up and try to do your best I'm got a gal in the country : I'm got two that stays in town Reason I can fill it so careful : because nar' of them don't throw me down \L Stok 11 Stokes, Frank \C title: Downtown Blues \C place and date: Memphis, 1 Feb. 1928 \C record numbers: (41822-2) Vi unissued His HLP-31 Hey listen mama : the world is done gone away I got a bad-luck deal : give me trouble every day And I'm going I'm going : pin up black crepe on your door Tell your man ain't dead : just ain't coming to your house no more And I'm going downtown : going to stay around there till dawn And I want no trouble : don't want you to drive me home Now when you lay down at night : lit out early try to take your rest You'll get a couple phone calls : wake up and try to do your best I got a gal in the country : got two that stays in town The reason I can *fill it* so careful : because man don't know me there \L Stok 12 Stokes, Frank \C title: Bedtime Blues \C place and date: Memphis, 1 Feb. 1928 \C record numbers: (41825-1) Vi-21272 Rt RL-308 Now when you lay down at night : call your good friend by name You don't like my *teepee* : you sure can't make my And I looked at the sun : and the sun was shining warm You never miss your good gal : till you caught your train and gone And you stood and cried : what you want me to say to you I want you to think about the things baby : that me and you used to do Honey run here baby : let's join our good hands I been in trouble some place : gal ever since I been your man If the blues don't quit me : I'll stay drunk every day The last time I seen you : trying to make your get-away \L Stok 13 Stokes, Frank \C title: What's the Matter Blues \C place and date: Memphis, 1 Feb. 1928 \C record numbers: (41826-1) Vi-V38531 Yz L-1002 Oh now I wonder what's the matter : I can't rest at night A good woman that I'm loving : done took my appetite And she quit me she left me : to sing this song You never miss your friend : till you caught your train and gone And I'm going downtown : going to stay right there till fall Don't get the gal I want : I don't want no girl at all Say you talk about Sally : talk about Sally Lou Well the woman that I'm crazy about : she knows just what to do What's the matter now baby : that I could not treat you kind You give me a bad-luck deal : kept something on my mind \L Stok 14 Stokes, Frank \C title: Mistreatin' Blues \C place and date: Memphis, 27 Aug. 1928 \C record numbers: (45419-1) Vi-21672 Rt RL-308 Now you mistreat me : oh baby drove me from your door Oh but the Good Book say : mama you got to reap just what you sow Well if you don't want me : well mama you don't have to *run no salt* I can find more good girls : than a passenger train can haul I ain't going by your color : or woman neither by your good hair Oh but the dreams that you give me : baby call me from anywhere Now you may be brownskin : and your hair weren't too long If you mistreat me woman : you sure God lost your home And I'm going to the Gypsy : have my good gal's fortune told She got a pocket full of green : and back her mouth's up full of gold And it's wonder what the reason : now baby I can't rest at night For the gal that I'm crazy about : have took my appetite \L Stok 15 Stokes, Frank \C title: It Won't Be Long Now \C place and date: Memphis, 27 Aug. 1928 \C record numbers: (45420-2) Vi-21672 Rt RL-307 One of these mornings : mama and it won't be long Before you miss your good man : rolling in your arms I'm going I'm going mama : what you want me to bring you back Mama think what I'm carrying away : something that your good gal likes I don't want no gravy mama : when the gravy get cold Don't want no bad-luck woman : ain't got no place to go You miss your baby : rolling in your arms But if you don't come to see me : count the days I'm gone And I'm going I'm going : put a black tape on your door For your man ain't dead : just ain't coming here no more Now when you lay down at night : lay down early try to take your rest You get a call before down : wake up and try to do your best \L Stok 16 Stokes, Frank \C title: Nehi Mama Blues \C place and date: Memphis, 27 Aug. 1928 \C record numbers: (45421-2) Vi-21738 Rt RL-308 White man take the blues : he walk to the river and sit down If the blues get too heavy : he'll jump overboard and drown Now it's east and west : north and south Why the Nehi women : have done turned me out So they can eagle rock me they can talk me : about the things that I used to do I got the Nehi blues mama : don't know what in the world to do Well now T for Texas : T for Tennessee M is for mighty bad weather : boys she stole away from me Now down North Third Street : the corner of Beale Where the Nehi women : have got a terrible *steal* Now papa got to singing : my folks got to crying For Nehi women : stays on my mind Now little batch of posies : laid on my door The Nehi women keep me : everywhere I go \L Stok 17 Stokes, Frank \C title: Stomp that Thing \C place and date: Memphis, 28 Aug. 1928 \C record numbers: (45426-2) Vi-21738 Rt RL-308 Now my song's gotten tight : they won't treat me right Try to keep good drinking whiskey : out of my sight Now I'm a lonely guy : following the browns I think about the times : since I left town Bring around the bottle stopper : let's bottle some beer The town done got : too dry around here Now stomp it in the summertime : you needn't wait till fall Don't stomp it right : you needn't stomp it at all Now mama said one thing : my papa said the same Stomping that thing : is about to change my name \L Stok 18 Stokes, Frank \C title: Take Me Back \C place and date: Memphis, 30 Aug. 1928 \C record numbers: (45454-2) Vi-V38531 Yz L-1008 Now what I mean : by treating you right I'll bring you my money : every Saturday night Now that old girl : that stayed in town Called me *booze* : and turned me around Now if you love me mama : you'll treat me right You'll bring me that money : every Saturday night Now if you will mama : take me back I'll be good : as any man can act \L Stok 19 Stokes, Frank \C title: How Long \C place and date: Memphis, 30 Aug. 1928 \C record numbers: (45455-1) Vi-V38512 BC-6 I never never never : can forget that day If you see my baby baby baby : tell her to hurry home Now listen at me mama mama : why did you let me go Well I hate the train train : that carried my baby away Now listen at me baby baby : everything all right with me I never never : baby I can't see anymore When you called me baby : how long how long I ain't had no loving : how long how long I ain't had no good feeling : how long how long And I'm on my way babe : how long how long Oh look here baby : how long how long I ain't had no loving : how long how long And left me standing : how long how long I ain't had no loving : how long how long When you called me baby : how long how long I ain't had no loving : since my baby gone Oh look here baby : how long how long I ain't had no loving : since my baby gone Oh run here baby : how long how long I ain't had no loving : since my baby gone \L Stok 20 Stokes, Frank \C title: Ain't Going to Do Like I Used to Do \C place and date: Chicago, c. Mar. 1929 \C record numbers: (21229-2) Pm-12774 Rt RL-308 I : ain't going to do like I used to do I'm going to stand right here : do the same old thing to you Hey listen mama : if you will treat me right I will be good to you : I won't mistreat you no time Now if you love me baby : I'll treat you good and kind I will start being nice : and keep you on my mind \L Stok 21 Stokes, Frank \C title: Hunting Blues \C place and date: Chicago, c. Mar. 1929 \C record numbers: (21234-1) Pm-12774 Rt RL-333 Said I went out hunting : hunting all *night and day* When I got home : my gal was gone away Says that's all right : I'll see you again Now if you let me baby : I will treat you so good and kind Now you mistreat me : when you leave trouble in my mind If you feel like : your good gal just quit you in the *long* Then you'll set right here : play and begin to sing this song \L Stok 22 Stokes, Frank \C title: South Memphis Blues \C place and date: Memphis, 23 Sept. 1929 \C record numbers: (55573-2) Vi-V38548 Rt RL-308 I don't want you to weep mama : I don't want you to moan But I'm so glad : now made me leave my home When I was down in Mississippi : having troubles of my own But I done got satisfied : South Memphis is my home Mmm : mama what's the matter now I would take you to South Memphis : mama but I don't know how I've been so true mama : and I want you to do Before I'll take you to South Memphis : I going bid you adieu \L Stok 23 Stokes, Frank \C title: Bunker Hill Blues \C place and date: Memphis, 23 Sept. 1929 \C record numbers: (55574-1) Vi-V38548 Rt RL-308 Now old Bunker Hill : place that I [long, wants] to stay Where I can have a good time : ??? every day *Hey them* Mississippi mama : and you look all right to me I'm just crazy about your good looks : as any poor man can be And the people on Bunker Hill : look at me sing this song Say that's papa Frank Stokes : he sure got *worried on* I'm going to take me a *ladder* : I mean ??? *light* I see Mama that's all right : you're sweet enough for me I'm going to talk to some day : talk to you for myself If you don't treat me right mama : you can't *treat* nobody else \L Stok 24 Stokes, Frank \C title: Right Now Blues \C place and date: Memphis, 25 Sept. 1929 \C record numbers: (55584-2) Vi-V38589 Yz L-1018 Right now's the time : mama for you to change your mind You give me bad luck dear mama : you trouble me all the time Now I told mama listen : if you be good Give everything in this world mama : that a man ever could Sometime I think I will : then again I think I won't Sometime I think I like my good gal : again I think I don't Now listen at me mama : mama if you'll only be kind I do everything mama : to try to satisfy your mind \L Stok 25 Stokes, Frank \C title: Shiney Town Blues \C place and date: Memphis, 25 Sept. 1929 \C record numbers: (55591-1) Vi-V38589 RBF RF-202 I ain't no rounder : but I stays at home If you don't like my treatment : you sure can leave me alone Babe it's some day : you'll come to be my friend Then we will be all right : be back on the road again Tell me cloudy weather : the sun refuse to shine And I'll take my home : back in shiny town I love you baby : the best way in my life Ain't nothing that separate from me : for you to be my wife \L Stok 26 Stokes, Frank \C title: Frank Stoke's Dream \C place and date: Memphis, 30 Sept. 1929 \C record numbers: (56305-2) Vi-23411 Yz L-1008 And I'm going I'm going : and your crying won't make me stay Because the more you cry gal : the further you drive me away When I leave your house : pin up black crepe on your door Tell your man ain't dead : he ain't coming back here no more Ever dream that you lucky : and wake up cold in hand I wouldn't *hand her* my last dollar : to give your ???ing man Take me in your arms : rock me good and slow Know you hear them Frank Stokes blues : anywhere on earth you go And I'm leaving you mama : this is the last time I'll ever go When the Frank Stokes blues come around : I got a place to go \L Stok 27 Stokes, Frank \C title: Memphis Rounders Blues \C place and date: Memphis, 30 Sept. 1929 \C record numbers: (56306-2) Vi-23411 Rt RL-308 Now what makes Memphis women : love a rounder so Because he takes his time : doing the work everywhere he goes I don't drink whiskey : but I'm crazy about my wine If you take my good gal : I give you trouble all the time There's only four places in Memphis : that I'd like to go Where I could have a good time : and do my work everywhere I go Throwed up my hands : clasped them 'fore the sun I might take my time : with the work that I once have done Then I'm going to sing this verse : and I wasn't going to sing no more Know if you hear me doing any singing : I'll be standing around my door \L Ston 1 Stone, Joe \C title: It's Hard Time \C place and date: Chicago, 2 Aug. 1933 \C record numbers: (76837- ) BB-B5169 Yz L-1030 And it's hard time here : hard time everywhere I went down to the factory : where I worked three year And the bossman told me : man I ain't hiring here Now we have a little city : that they call *down in Baltimore* Times have got so hard : people ain't got no place to go Don't the moon look pretty : shining down through the trees I can see my fair brown : swear to God that she can't see me Car rolled this morning : I was lying out on my own Lord I didn't have no train fare baby : didn't have no place to go I'm going to send a trunk : babe I ain't going to send no more Because my baby keep on coming : baby and I believe that I better go Indeed I hate to hear : my faro call my name She don't call so lonesome : but she calls *my name* \L Ston 2 Stone, Joe \C title: Back Door Blues \C place and date: Chicago, 2 Aug. 1933 \C record numbers: (76838- ) BB-B5169 Yz L-1030 I'm going to buy me a little red rooster mama : put it in my back door So when a *trixie* be passing by : he will flap his little wings and crow I'm going to buy me a bulldog : because my pistol is number forty-one I'm going to shoot you if you stand still : mama I got a doggone dog to catch you if you run Catch a *day boat* at the freight yard : I'm going back to New Orleans Because honey I only want a mama : seems just like a *country* dream Sure to be buried in the river mama : than to be buried in a hollow log Because I got a no-good faro : and she treat me just like a dog Said I'm leave this time mama : please don't hang none that crepe on my door Because I won't be dead : but I ain't coming back here no more ??? : good as any man can be And I wonder why mama : that you can't get along with me \L Stov 1 Stovepipe No. 1 \C title: Court Street Blues \C place and date: St. Louis, 25 Apr. 1927 \C record numbers: (80749-A) OK-8514 Fly LP-103 Thought I'd get me a picket : off a graveyard fence Going to beat you brownskin : till you learn some sense Hey : what's the matter now Say you trying to flip with me : honey and you don't know how I'm leaving here : ain't coming back till fall If the blues overtake me : I ain't coming back at all Tell me brownskin : what is on your mind Reason I asks you browny : you about to run me blind \L Stov 2 Stovepipe No. 1 \C title: A Woman Gets Tired of the Same Man All \C the Time \C place and date: St. Louis, 26 Apr. 1927 \C record numbers: (80748-A) OK-8514 Rt RL-310 Oh a woman gets tired I mean real tired : of the same man all the time Oh the way my wife been *attracting* of late : she's about to make me lose my mind When I'm out on my wagon : try to sell a little coal Oh well she's around the corner : *oozing* sweet jellyroll \L Stov 3 Stovepipe No. 1 \C title: Bed Slats \C place and date: St. Louis, 26 Apr. 1927 \C record numbers: (80760-B) OK-8543 His HLP-4 And I went upstairs : about four o'clock I rapped on my door : and my door was locked I peeped through transom : and my gal was gone I caught another mule : kicking in my stall I had a gal : and her name was *Leese* Every time *I clasp her* : she would holler police She cooked them biscuits : she cooked them brown *Her pancakes were black* : when she turned them around I told my gal : the week before last I had to *take these canned beans* : most too fast I went to the river : take my rocking chair The blues overtake me : rock away from here And I told my gal : the week before last The gait she's carrying me : is most too fast \L SykR 1 Sykes, Roosevelt \C title: 44 Blues \C place and date: New York, 14 June 1929 \C record numbers: (402451-A) OK-8702 His HLP-5 And now I walked all night long : with my forty-four in my hand I was looking for my woman : found her with another man Lord I wore my forty-four so long : Lord it made my shoulder sore After I do what I want to : ain't going to wear my forty-four no more Lord my baby say : she heard the forty-four whistle blow Lord it sound just like : ain't going to blow this horn no more Lord I got a little cabin : Lord it's number forty-four Lord I wake up every morning : the world be scratching on my door \L SykR 2 Sykes, Roosevelt \C title: All My Money Gone Blues \C place and date: New York, 14 June 1929 \C record numbers: (402452-A) OK-8727 Yz L-1033 All my money gone : and there ain't no more to say Now you know I got to do something : baby that is not right People you could not blame me : when all I gots been *torn* A no-good woman mistreat me : she taken all my money and gone Now this world is in a tangle : everybody singing this song I ain't got a friend in the world : and all my money's gone Now I believe I believe : I am on my last go-round Have all my money gone : I feel myself sinking down \L SykR 3 Sykes, Roosevelt \C title: The Way I Feel Blues \C place and date: New York, 14 June 1929 \C record numbers: (402453-B) OK-8727 Yz L-1033 Hey : I know you don't know the way I feel Lord you treats me : just like my heart is made of steel My baby : don't see why I *pone thee* no more Lord I believe to my soul : that she's got the man next door I woke up this morning : just as sick as I could be Now nothing but these blues : almost killing poor me I spoke hard words to my mother : even to my dear old dad too Which I wouldn't have spoken : if it hadn't've been for you Since we been apart : my life don't seem the same Lord it breaks my heart : to hear the *work-hard* Miss so-and-so's name \L SykR 4 Sykes, Roosevelt \C title: Fire Detective Blues \C place and date: Richmond, Ind., 7 Sept. 1929 \C record numbers: (15557) Pm-12827 Riv RM-8819 My house burning down : the firemen are taking their time Please Mr fire detective : won't you save this old cabin of mine I spent my money : looking to be happy some day Now my house burning down : I ain't got no place to stay That fire detective : don't mean me no good Let my house burn into ashes : didn't leave me one stick of wood Sat baby : won't you please write to me I'm just as lonesome : as a young man can be My house burned down : didn't leave me a doggone thing Reason why it worries me : to hear that fire bell ring \L SykR 5 Sykes, Roosevelt \C title: Single Tree Blues \C place and date: Richmond, Ind., 7 Sept. 1929 \C record numbers: (15563) Pm-12827 Riv RM-8819 Hit my woman : with a singletree You might've heard her hollering : daddy don't you murder me Going to shoot you mama : going to cut you too Lord on account : of the old way you do Been sick and down babe : I'm getting up again Mmm : but *I'm blowed in the wind* Going away mama : coming here no more You know you shout at me : you throwed my trunk outdoor She's a good old gal : she do mess around She ain't there : she's all over town \L SykR 6 Sykes, Roosevelt \C title: Skeet and Garret \C place and date: Chicago, 16 Nov. 1929 \C record numbers: (403312-A) OK-8749 Yz L-1033 Got me accused for murder : and stealing was my crime Lord it was all on account : of me stealing a woman's mind I wrote my baby a letter : she send me a telegram She said daddy the reason I love you : you got ways just like a lamb She got a head like a switch-engine : and her feet just like a teddy bear She dipping her Skeet and Garret : and spitting it everywhere Lord I'd rather be in the woods mama : Lord in a lion's den Than to be here in this town mama : Lord and deceive her men Good night blues : why don't you let me sleep You been following me : around this whole week \L SykR 7 Sykes, Roosevelt \C title: Lost All I Had Blues \C place and date: Chicago, 16 Nov. 1929 \C record numbers: (403322-A) OK-8819 RBF RF-12 I woke up this morning : thousand things on my mind Lord I thought about my troubles : could not keep from crying I turned around : looked toward the sky I said if these blues don't kill me : then I wasn't born to die I lost all I had : everything I had to lose I lost the one I love : I just can't lose these blues And if I stay here : I'll be blue all the time If I don't go crazy : then I will lose my mind \L SykR 8 Sykes, Roosevelt \C title: Poor Boy Blues \C place and date: Chicago, 16 Nov. 1929 \C record numbers: (403323-A) OK-8787 Yz L-1033 Lord I'm a poor boy : I'm going to and fro What's on my mind : don't nobody know Lord I am disgusted : and heart-broken too So I went back to my mama : nothing else I can do Poor boy poor boy : ain't got no friends at all Lord I'm just like a rat : running from stall to stall Lord : have mercy on me please Lord I just want you : give this poor boy's heart some ease \L SykR 9 Sykes, Roosevelt \C title: Kelly's 44 Blues \C place and date: Cincinnati, 12 June 1930 \C record numbers: (62904-2) Vi-V38608 Yz L-1033 Lord I say good morning Mr pawnshop man : as I walked in his door I says I feel bad this morning : and I really wants my forty-four Lord I was at a party last night : I was out there till about half past two I'm going back out there tonight : I'm out to have some shooting to do Lord the policeman walked around me : they walked around me both night and day When they know I got my forty-four : they won't have a word to say Then I made up in my mind : and I [really, simply] don't care how I go Before I'll be mistreated : I'm going to shoot my forty-four \L SykR 10 Sykes, Roosevelt \C title: 3 6 and 9 \C place and date: Grafton, Wis., c. Aug. 1930 \C record numbers: (L-449-2) Pm-13004 Riv RM-8819 Well hello there old gal : you sure looks fine All I hate you for : that three six and nine Say no more : and I'll look for you down about half past nine And I want you to bring along : that girl of mine You know down here : where you got your steak potatoes and tea If you act right : you get your gravy free Well she's all right : a good old kid But she ain't the gal : a man should be worried with She's a fine kid too : *believe in your big time* But ain't one thing about you : full of that three six and nine Say who was that guy : you had with you last night Fine old boy : he was tight \L SykR 11 Sykes, Roosevelt \C title: We Can Sell that Thing \C place and date: Grafton, Wis., c. Aug. 1930 \C record numbers: (L-450-2) Pm-13004 Riv RM-8819 There you was : down in then *lees* Didn't have nothing : but a limburger cheese It may be just as good : just as good as gold No mess around it : and let it get too old You go away : and you stays all day When you come back : you smells in a different way Well I know something : that I won't say Tell me : why do you smell that old way But I can't tell you : because you don't know People talking : everywhere I go Wind blow at night : and the wind blows in the day Don't it smell : when it blowing your way \L SykR 12 Sykes, Roosevelt \C title: No Good Woman Blues \C place and date: Chicago, 3 Nov. 1930 \C record numbers: (C-6475-A) Me-M12086 Yz L-1033 I don't want no woman : partner that wants every man in town Know she ain't no good : she will tear your reputation down I went to my woman's house : just to sit down and talk awhile Her husband come in with his shotgun : and he run me for a solid mile When I got home partner : I didn't have time to [fasten, lock] my back gate I thought he was still behind me : and I didn't hesitate I won't try no mule : that don't know gee from haw I don't want no woman : she just soon as say yes as to say no Turn your light out mama : and [I want you to] pull you curtains down I'm going to fill you car with gasoline : and meet you going downtown \L SykR 13 Sykes, Roosevelt \C title: As True As I've Been to You \C place and date: Louisville, 9 June 1931 \C record numbers: (69403-1) Vi-23286 Yz L-1033 Now listen here babe : is that the way you intend to do Mistreat me for another man : as true as I have been to you You used to treat me like you loved me : I wonder why you changed your mind You know I did the best I could : to treat you loving and kind I'm going to see you babe : when you down and out like myself You're going to work for Willie Kelly : and he'll work for somebody else I'm going away to leave you : I know the men will be better if I do Because as long as I'm around here : they can't get a fair break at you I hate to go : and I'm really afraid to stay But I won't be around here : mama and let you have your way \L SykR 14 Sykes, Roosevelt \C title: Hard Luck Man Blues \C place and date: Louisville, 9 June 1931 \C record numbers: (69404- ) Vi-23320 Yz L-1033 My babe my babe : she don't do no way to comfort me She know that ain't no way : for a sweet little wife to be I'm in a worse fix now baby : than I ever been before I'd rather be on the North Pole : living in the ice and snow Last time my baby quit me : I say I didn't no more want her around But every time I see her smiling face : my kind-hearted feeling come down Love will make you do things : that you swear that you would not do You know if you ever been in love : what I'm say ain't nothing strange to you I'm a hard-luck man : just as hard-luck as I can be If I didn't have good friends : I don't know what would become of me \L SykR 15 Sykes, Roosevelt \C title: Mr. Sykes Blues \C place and date: Richmond, Ind., 22 Sept. 1932 \C record numbers: (18801) Ch-16586 Yz L-1033 Mmm I done you wrong : but I won't do that no more You taught me a lesson : about a Mr so-and-so My babe come running : [with a, she had] marriage license in her hand You say I ain't hardly got the heart to tell you : but I have got another man I said bye bye : bye bye girl friend bye bye I can't stay here and be happy : and I ain't going to even try Mmm : you asked me [to, would I] try you again I shook my head and said : you going out with my best friend Oh yeah : oh yes oh yes I know I found out you's no good mama : I think I better let you go Mmm : you can't do that again I'm watching everybody : I'm only watching my only best friend \L SykR 16 Sykes, Roosevelt \C title: Highway 61 Blues \C place and date: Richmond, Ind., 22 Sept. 1932 \C record numbers: (18802) Ch-16586 Yz L-1033 If you ever been to Memphis : you stop down in Hollywood Lord the women out there : don't mean no one man no good I'm leaving St Louis : I'm going out Grand Avenue I got to go to Memphis : something over there that I want to do When I hit Grand [Avenue] : look like my troubles just begun Lord it breaks my heart : to sing about Highway Sixty-One I felt so blue : while I was out on that lonely highway I say I'm riding now : but maybe my trouble will end some sweet day I can stand right here : look [down] on Beale Avenue I can see everything : that pretty Miss so-and-so do Oh listen kind mama : don't worry about your dad when I'm gone You know I'm wild about your kind mama : I ain't going to do nothing wrong \L Sylv 1 Sylvester, Hannah \C title: Midnight Blues \C place and date: New York, c. May 1923 \C record numbers: (1407-?) Pm-12033 VJM VLP-40 Daddy daddy : please come back to me *Sure my mouth* so down : as he can be Left me at midnight : clock was striking twelve To face this cruel world : world all by myself \L Sylv 2 Sylvester, Hannah \C title: Down South Blues \C place and date: New York, c. 21 Sept. 1923 \C record numbers: (70328) Pat-032007 VJM VLP-40 I have learned my lesson : believe me I am through And folks I am not joking : when I sing these down-south blues I'm going to the station : and get the fastest train that goes I'm going back south : where the weather suits my clothes Because my mama told me : and my daddy told me too Don't go north : and let the men make a fool out of you I have found out : it doesn't pay to love a northern man Can't get them when you want them : catch them when you can Because their love is like a faucet : it turns off and on Time you think you've got it : it turns off and gone I'm going back down south : if I wear out ninety-nine pair of shoes Because I'm broken-hearted : got those down-south blues \L Sylv 3 Sylvester, Hannah \C title: I Want My Sweet Daddy \C place and date: New York, c. 21 Sept. 1923 \C record numbers: (70329) Pat-032007 VJM VLP-40 Every night : when I go to bed I just weep in my ??? : across my head I'm a-tell you : that he's not my regular man But he loves me nicer : than my regular can If you knew the man like I do : you would agree That's the reason : why he makes a fool out of me \L Tamp 1 Tampa Red \C title: Through Train Blues \C place and date: Chicago, c. May 1928 \C record numbers: (20544-2) Pm-12685 Yz L-1039 I hate to hear : that through train blow boo hoo Every time I hear it blowing : I feel like riding too The woman I love : treat me so unkind Going to pack my grip : and leave this lonesome town I'm going away : just to wear you off my mind And I may be gone baby : a doggone long long time I'm going to grab me a freight train : ride until it stops Ain't going to stay around here : and be no stumbling block \L Tamp 2 Tampa Red \C title: It's Tight Like That \C place and date: Chicago, c. Sept. 1928 \C record numbers: ( ) Vo-1216 His HLP-1 Listen here folks : I'm going to sing a little song Don't get mad : we don't mean no harm There was a little black rooster : met a little brown hen Made a date at the barn : about half past ten I went to see my gal : up across the hall Found another mule : kicking in my stall Now the gal I love : she's long and slim When she whip it : it's too bad Jim Now the rooster crowed : and the hen looked around At the *bom bom diddly* : got to carry me into town Mama had a little dog : and its name was Ball And if you give him a little taste : he want it all Uncle Bud and Aunt Jane : went to *take a pan hon* Aunt Jane fell down : and Uncle Bud If you see my gal : tell her to hurry home I ain't had no sass : since she been gone I wear my britches : up above my knees Strut my jelly : with who I please Uncle Bill came home : about half past ten He see in the hole : but he couldn't get in Me and my brother : was up in the loft We was seeing a film : when they broke it off \L Tamp 3 Tampa Red \C title: The Duck Yas-Yas-Yas \C place and date: Chicago, c. 16 May 1929 \C record numbers: (C-3485- ) Vo-1277 Yz L-1039 Mama bought a rooster : she thought it was a duck She brought him to the table : with his legs straight up In came the children : with a cup and a glass To catch the liquor : from his yas yas yas Babe oh babe : have you ever been to Spain See those hoodoo women : shaking that thing They got rings on their fingers : bells on their toes What they got good babe : nobody knows I'm going down : Market Street Where the men and women : all do meet That's where the men : do the Georgia rub Women fall in line : with a big washtub Me and my gal : walking down the street She caught the rheumatism : in her feet She stooped over : to pick some grass And the same thing struck her : in the yas yas yas You catch the train : you call Forty-Nine Carries you down : to Caroline You catch the train : you call Forty-Eight Takes you right in : to the Golden Gate You shake your shoulder : you shake them fast You can't shake your shoulders : shake your yas yas yas Drink some rooster soup : before going to bed Wake up in the morning : find your own self dead Down on Morgan : there's a good location Right there : next to a gasoline station That's where you'll get your car : oil and greased Women crying honey : won't you come in please I'm going to sing this verse : ain't going to sing no more Somebody's knocking : on my door The people upstairs : have gone to bed I better stop that noise : before they crack my head \L Tamp 4 Tampa Red \C title: What Is It That Tastes Like Gravy \C place and date: Chicago, c. 14 June 1929 \C record numbers: (C-3594- ) Vo-1426 Yz L-1039 What is it tastes like gravy : boys I bet you don't know Can you guess what tastes like gravy : it's tight if you really want to know I taste it last night : the night before If I keep this appetite : I'm going to taste it a little more Now the gal that let me taste it : they put her in jail But she didn't need nothing : to go her bail Now if you don't know : I tell you who do Just see Tampa Red : and his best gal too \L Tamp 5 Tampa Red (Jim Jackson) \C title: Jim Jackson's Jamboree-+-Part I \C place and date: Memphis, 14 Oct. 1929 \C record numbers: (M-203/4) Vo-1428 Yz L-1021 Nobody knows : old Memphis like I do The reason I know it : I rambled it through and through Boys if you got a good woman : here's a lesson I'll give to you Don't bring her to Memphis : Jim Jackson will take them away from you \L Tamp 6 Tampa Red \C title: No Matter How She Done It \C place and date: New York, 3 Feb. 1932 \C record numbers: (11210-A) Vo-1699 Yz L-1039 I know a gal : by the name of Marylou She shook it so much : she had the German flu The women don't like her : they call her Ida Mae But the way the men love her : is a crying shame I tell you people : what she done She made a hit with Jack the Ripper : and the *only* one You women don't have to worry : about your life She made Jack the Ripper : throw away his knife She shakes all over : when she walks She made a blind man see : and a dumb man talk The copper brought her in : she didn't need no bail She shook it for the judge : and put the cop in jail \L Tamp 7 Tampa Red \C title: Kingfish Blues \C place and date: Chicago, 22 Mar. 1934 \C record numbers: (80385-1) BB-B5617 RCA LPV-518 Little minnows in the river : kingfish in the deep blue sea Lord I got a gang of women : trying to get a chance with me You may think it's all right : but baby doll can't you see Now you know doggone well : you are getting out of place with me I will play kingfish : if you act just like the minnows do In case old Tampa Red should flutter : don't you be ashamed to shoo Now I'm a kingfish papa : and I know what kind of bait to choose That's why so many women : crying those kingfish blues \L Tamp 8 Tampa Red \C title: Mean Mistreater Blues \C place and date: Chicago, 14 June 1934 \C record numbers: (80604-1) BB-B5546 RCA LPV-518 You's a mean mistreating mama : and you don't mean me no good But I don't blame you baby : I'd be the same way if I could You say you going to leave me : well you say you going away But that's all right baby : baby you'll come back home some day Now you's a mean mistreater : and you mistreat me all the time But that's all right baby : I won't pay that no mind Can't you remember baby : when I knocked upon your door You had the nerve to tell me : that you didn't want me no more Boys ain't it lonesome : sleeping all by yourself When the woman that you loving : is loving someone else \L Tamp 9 Tampa Red \C title: Seminole Blues \C place and date: Aurora, Ill., 11 Oct. 1937 \C record numbers: (014333- ) BB-B7315 Yz L-1039 My baby's gone : won't be back no more She left me this morning : she caught that Seminole I got the blues so bad : it hurt my tongue to talk I would follow my baby : but it hurt my feet to walk She give me her love : even let me draw her pay She was a real good woman : but unkindness drove her away I got the Seminole blues : leaving on my mind I'm going to find my baby : if I have to ride the blinds \L TayC 1 Taylor, Charley \C title: Heavy Suitcase Blues \C place and date: Grafton, Wis., Mar. or Apr. 1930 \C record numbers: (L-251-2) Pm-12967 Yz L-1028 Lord I'm so *blurred so blurred* : can't hardly stand to play those blues myself That's the way I talk pretty mama : I don't have to beg nobody here Now my suitcase is packed : and my trunk's all ready to go And my suitcase is too heavy : to tote down that dusty road Now my baby my baby my baby : now she always keep me feeling blue I bet she's just like ??? : can't never tell what she's going to do Baby baby baby baby : I mean you really know what's wrong That's mistreat a poor boy : don't you know that's a very long way from home Mmm : oh Lord Lord Lordy Lord My suitcase is too heavy : to walk down that dusty road \L TayC 2 Taylor, Charley \C title: Louisiana Bound \C place and date: Grafton, Wis., Mar. or Apr. 1930 \C record numbers: (L-252-2) Pm-12967 Her H-205 Oh baby you know that I love you : that is the reason you treat me so unkind I'm going to get me a good girl : just to wear you off my mind Hon' I'm going down in Louisiana : baby just behind the sun And when I come back pretty mama : all my good work will be done Baby you treat me *so unkind* : you always keep me feeling blue Lord I sometimes wonder : honey what you trying to do Ooh : oh Lord Lord Lord Lord Lord I want to be you man : and you want me to be your dog And I'm leaving in the morning : and I'm leaving on the southbound train And when I come back baby : I don't want you to call my name \L Temp 1 Temple, Johnnie \C title: Big Boat Whistle \C place and date: Chicago, 14 May 1935 \C record numbers: (C-986-B) Vo-03068 OJL-17 And I heard a mighty rumbling : and it [sound, looks] just like a passenger train And I heard a sweet little woman : ooo Lord I hate to call her name Well I would ask of you my darling : just so quiet so soft and low Mmm it give me many heartache : baby ooo Lord as the mamas come and go Mmm now if I could holler : like this big boat whistle blow Mmm I would call my baby : baby ooo Lord off the killing floor Mmm now if I had a headlight : even like on some passenger train Well I would shine my light : ooo Lord in the ocean spring Now when my hair begin to snowdrift : and my eyes all dimmer grow Then I will lean upon some loved ones : ooo Lord in the valley baby I will go Now your love I know is truthful : but the truest love grow cold Now that's only this darling : ooo will you love me baby when I'm old \L Temp 2 Temple, Johnnie \C title: The Evil Devil Blues \C place and date: Chicago, 14 May 1935 \C record numbers: (C-987- ) Vo-02987 Yz L-1038 I'd rather be dead : and in my horrible tomb To hear my woman : some man done taken my room I'd rather be the devil : to be that woman's man The woman I love : she don't pay me no mind Going to pack my things : going further down the line I lay down last night : and I tried to take my rest My mind got to rambling : like the wild geese from the west The devil's evil : changed my baby's mind You be my woman : I tell you what I'll do I'll cut your kindling : I will build your fire I'll tote your water : from the boggy bayou The woman I love : I stole her from my best friend Lord he got lucky : and stoled her back again \L Temp 3 Temple, Johnnie \C title: Louise Louise Blues \C place and date: Chicago, 12 Nov. 1936 \C record numbers: (90981-A) De-7244 Cor CP-58 Louise : is the sweetest gal I know She made me walk from Chicago : to the Gulf of Mexico Now look a-here Louise : what you trying to do You trying to give some man my loving : and me too Now you know Louise : baby that will never do Now you know you can't love me : and love some other man too Louise I believe : somebody baby is fishing in my pond They catching all my perches : grinding up the bone Louise : baby won't you hurry home I ain't had no loving : oh since Louise been gone Louise you know you got ways : like a rattlesnake in his coil Every time you go to loving: I swear it's out of this world Now Louise the big boat is up the river : on a bank of sand If she don't strike deep water : I swear she'll never land \L Temp 4 Temple, Johnnie \C title: So Lonely and Blue \C place and date: Chicago, 14 May 1937 \C record numbers: (91247-A) De-7337 RBF RF-16 Baby I'm feeling so lonely : and I'm feeling so blue I just sitting here thinking : what in the world has become of you I had a gal : and her name was Lou Great God almighty : that woman she wouldn't do And I am feeling so lonely : and I'm feeling so blue I'm wondering : what in the world baby has done become of you You got ways : dragging my heart around Some of these days baby : I'm going to leave this town Then you will be sorry : that you treated me so lowdown And you will be feeling so lonely : and you will be feeling so blue Have you ever woke up in the morning : your bed going around and around You know about that baby : you have done throwed me down \L Temp 5 Temple, Johnnie \C title: New Louise Louise Blues \C place and date: Chicago, 14 May 1937 \C record numbers: (91248-A) De-7337 RBF RF-16 Louise left me this morning : she never said a word And she left me : about something that she heard Louise : baby please hurry home I ain't had no loving : since my Louise been gone Louise got ways : like a rolling stone When she leave a man : he have to grieve and moan I got a gal named Yola : she treats me nice and kind I don't care what she do : Louise is on my mind Louise wasn't so good-looking : and her hair wasn't red But she cooked my breakfast : brings it to my bed \L TexT 1 Texas Tommy \C title: Jail Break Blues \C place and date: Dallas, c. 25 Oct. 1928 \C record numbers: (DAL-689-A) Br-7044 Rt RL-312 The rising sun : will never catch me here I've been in this jailhouse : for one solid year The turnkey don't like me : that's why I have to steal The rising sun : will never catch me here I was reared as an orphan : never harmed a man But I've been kicked and driven : Lord from hand to hand It seems as if the world : is turning round and around Every time that old jailor : takes a prisoner down I'm going to get me a *stone* : and *roll from Mr Brown* Get me some cold-hearted man : I'm jailhouse bound \L ThoE 1 Thomas, Elvie \C title: Motherless Child Blues \C place and date: Grafton, Wis., c. Apr. 1930 \C record numbers: (L-264-2) Pm-12977 OJL-2 My mother told me : just before she died Oh daughter daughter : please don't be like me To fall in love : with every man you see But I did not listen : to what my mother said That's the reason why : I'm sitting here in Hattiesburg Baby now she's dead : and six feet in the ground And I'm her child : and I'm drifting around Do you remember the day : baby you drove me from your door Go away from here woman : and don't come here no more I walked away : and I wrang my hands and cried Didn't have no blues : I couldn't be satisfied \L ThoG 1 Thomas, George \C title: Fast Stuff Blues \C place and date: Grafton, Wis., c. Nov. 1929 \C record numbers: (L-17-2) Pm-12826 Rt RL-340 I keep tough : I'm clean all the time I can make any woman : make her change her mind I know my baby : bound to love me some She *cook all around me* : when my work day come She got on the Central : got on the Santa Fe That woman : keeps me busy as I can be Ain't but the one thing : really worries my mind That gal wants to run : the same race all the time Me and my gal : really had some race She got fast ways : and beat me to the winning place When your heart starts beating : and your hands and feets get cold You can't get a baby : because you most too old \L ThoG 2 Thomas, George \C title: Don't Kill Him in Here \C place and date: Grafton, Wis., c. Nov. 1929 \C record numbers: (L-18-2) Pm-12826 Rt RL-340 I went out last night folks : I meant to have some fun When I start to spend my money : a man pulled a great big gun I said excuse me Mr : I don't mean no harm I thought the girl was a ??? : and lived out on the farm Please Mr : please don't kill me in here Because I'm the landlord : I've got to sell the beer Well I'm a good fellow : I really spends my dough Every time I buy a drink : I ask if you want some more When I get drunk : will you take me to my Harlot Hill And don't you take all my money : and please don't kill him in here \L ThoH 1 Thomas, Henry \C title: Cottonfield Blues \C place and date: Chicago, c. early July 1927 \C record numbers: ( ) Vo-1094 OJL-3 I'm going to Texas : have to ride the rods Just show me the train : left out of that Mobile yard If you see my mama : before I do Don't tell her faro : what road I'm on Now the boat's up the river : and she won't come down I believe to my soul : great God she's water bound I look to the east : and I look to the west If she headed to the south : she's Alabama bound Said one of these mornings : it won't be long You going to call me : and I'll be gone \L ThoH 2 Thomas, Henry \C title: Arkansas \C place and date: Chicago, c. early July 1927 \C record numbers: ( ) Vo-1286 Rt RL-312 Oh little honey : don't you make me go I'll get a job : *if you allow me to* I am a rambling gambling man : I gamble in many towns I rambled this wide world over : I rambled and traveled around I had my ups and downs in life : and bitter times I saw But I never knew what misery was : till I left old Arkansas I started out one morning : to meet the early train He says you better work for me : I asked old Liza Jane I'll give you fifty cents today : ??? *on* And *yesterday* ??? : *was filled with ice and snow* \L ThoH 3 Thomas, Henry \C title: Bob McKinney \C place and date: Chicago, Oct. 1927 \C record numbers: ( ) Vo-1138 OJL-3 One of these mornings : won't be long You going to call me : I'll be gone Oh make me a pallet : on your floor Won't you make it : so your man'll never know Yes I'm looking for that bully : lay me down I'm looking for that bully : and that bully can't be found \L ThoH 4 Thomas, Henry \C title: Shanty Blues \C place and date: Chicago, Oct. 1927 \C record numbers: ( ) Vo-1139 OJL-3 I'm going to the nation : I ain't going to make no fuss Show me the woman : anybody can trust Ashes to ashes : *roll it into* dust Show me that woman : anybody can trust \L ThoH 5 Thomas, Henry \C title: Honey, Won't You Allow Me One More Chance \C place and date: Chicago, 7 Oct. 1927 \C record numbers: (C-1220) Vo-1141 OJL-3 Honey allow me a-one more chance : I only I will treat you right Honey won't you allow me a-one more chance : I won't stay out all night Honey won't you allow me a-one more chance : I take you to the ball in France One kind of favor I'll ask of you : just allow me just one more chance \L ThoH 6 Thomas, Henry \C title: Run, Mollie, Run \C place and date: Chicago, 7 Oct. 1927 \C record numbers: (C-1222) Vo-1141 OJL-3 Music in the kitchen : music in the hall If you can't come Saturday night : you need not come at all I went down to Huntsville : I did not go to stay Just got there in good old time : to wear them ball and chain \L ThoH 7 Thomas, Henry \C title: Bull Doze Blues \C place and date: Chicago, c. 13 June 1928 \C record numbers: (C-1999- ) Vo-1230 OJL-3 I'm going away babe : and it won't be long Just sure as that train : leaves out of that Mobile yard I'll shake your hand : tell your papa goodbye I'm going back : ??? Tennessee I'm going where : I never could fool you If you don't believe I'm sinking : look what a hole I'm in If you don't believe I'm sinking : look what a fool I've been \L ThoH 8 Thomas, Henry \C title: Texas Worried Blues \C place and date: Chicago, c. 13 June 1928 \C record numbers: (C-2002- ) Vo-1249 OJL-3 I've got the worried blues : Lord I'm feeling bad I've got no one: tell my troubles to You can box me up : and send me to my ma If my ma don't want me : send me to my pa If my pa don't want me : send me to my girl If my girl don't want me : cast me in the sea So the fish and the whales : make a fuss all over me I'm going to build me : a heaven of my own I'm going to give : all good-time women a home Get your hat and your coat : get shaking it all down the line Now fare thee my honey : fare thee \L ThoH 9 Thomas, Henry \C title: Don't Ease Me In \C place and date: Chicago, c. 13 June 1928 \C record numbers: ( ) Vo-1197 OJL-3 Sometimes I walk : and sometimes I talk I love you girl great God : *till my bluebird talk* I beat my girl : with a singletree ??? up *the winter* street mama : have a watch on me I've got a girl : her name is Joan She leaves here walking running fast : chocolate to the bone I was standing on the corner : talking to my brown I turned around sweet mama : I was workhouse bound Girl I've got a girl : and she working hard She got a dress she wear sweet mama : said it's pink and blue She brings me coffee : and she bring me tea She bring me everything : except the jailhouse key They got a little town man : all the other men too They got all the women coming down to the man : *I mean in Texas too* \L ThoH 10 Thomas, Henry \C title: Texas Easy Street Blues \C place and date: Chicago, c. 13 June 1928 \C record numbers: ( ) Vo-1197 OJL-3 Tell me mama : what's the matter now I'm going back to Texas : [live, sit] on Easy Street When you see me coming : don't call my name When you see me coming : heist your window high I got the Texas blues : blue as I can be Tell me mama : what's the matter now Got a black mule : *really* kicking in my stall When you see me running : something going on wrong \L ThoH 11 Thomas, Henry \C title: Charmin' Betsy \C place and date: Chicago, c. 7 Oct. 1929 \C record numbers: (C-4621- ) Vo-1468 Rt RL-315 I'm going around the mountain charming Betsy : going around the mountain to leave If I never see you no more : do Lord remember me The first time I see charming Betsy : she want everything that she see Last time I seen charming Betsy : she's wearing the ball and chain I went down to Huntsville town : I did not go to stay I just got there to do time : to wear that ball and chain Yellow gal rides in an automobile : brownskin do the same Black gal rides in an old airship : but she riding just the same \L ThoH 12 Thomas, Henry \C title: Don't Leave Me Here \C place and date: Chicago, c. 7 Oct. 1929 \C record numbers: (C-4624) Vo-1443 Yz L-1004 I was standing on the corner : a-talking to my brown I turned around sweet mama : I went across town Says I've got a girl : and she working hard She had a dress she wear loving babe : says it's pink and blue She bring me coffee : and she bring me tea She bring me everything : except the jailhouse key Yes I'm going away : and it won't be long Just sure as the train leaves out of the yard : she's Alabama bound I'm going away : and it won't be long *Just ease your train eleven days* : I'm Alabama bound Says the boat's up the river : and she won't come down I believe to my soul pretty mama : she's *water* bound I look to the east : and I look to the west If she heads to the South great God : she's Alabama bound \L ThoHo 1 Thomas, Hociel \C title: Gambler's Dream \C place and date: Chicago, 11 Nov. 1925 \C record numbers: (9471-A) OK-8289 Bio BLP-C6 I've traveled traveled : and I've seen And I've had the blues : they call the gambler's dream Many times many times : I have cried Many times many times : I wish that I could die Mama told me : father told me too Don't you let no gamblers : be the ruin of you \L ThoHo 2 Thomas, Hociel \C title: Adam and Eve Had the Blues \C place and date: Chicago, 11 Nov. 1925 \C record numbers: (9473-A) OK-8258 Bio BLP-C6 Eve called Adam : and he got close to her side Here's the tree with fruit : and it will make us wise The Lord said to Adam : also said to Eve You two have bit some fruit : from that forbidden tree \L ThoHo 3 Thomas, Hociel \C title: Put It Where I Can Get It \C place and date: Chicago, 11 Nov. 1925 \C record numbers: (9474-A) OK-8258 Bio BLP-C6 I got something at home : on my shelf If that ain't enough : I will get you something else Now if you want to sin : slide across to me I'll back my wagon : underneath your Christmas tree Listen sweet daddy : you know it's understood That every woman wants a man : that means her good \L ThoHo 4 Thomas, Hociel \C title: I've Stopped My Man \C place and date: Chicago, 11 Nov. 1925 \C record numbers: (9476-A) OK-8326 Bio BLP-C6 I know you love me : daddy it's understood Daddy you know : your mama means you good I got something : that sure will bring him back My daddy loves the *ground* : where I *have been sat* I've got a feeling : that I want to be mean I can do my stuff : and I'm going to do it *clean* You can get rough : but I will sure *stand* I can tell the world : that now that you're my man You can get rough : but I will too *Since my mother* : put that thing on you \L ThoHo 5 Thomas, Hociel \C title: Listen to Ma \C place and date: Chicago, 24 Feb. 1926 \C record numbers: (9521-A) OK-8346 Bio BLP-C6 I grow lonely : day by day For my mother : in every way She won't tell you : nothing wrong You're always welcome : in her home \L ThoJ 1 Thomas, Jesse Babyface \C title: Blue Goose Blues \C place and date: Dallas, 10 Aug. 1929 \C record numbers: (55326-2) Vi-V38555 Yz L-1032 If I lose : I'm going get some more I'm a pretty good worker : got a good way to go I can do anything : anybody else can do Any kind of work : and gambling too I'm going back to chauffeuring : I've been *done it* for three years I can make any hill : without shifting my gears Going to take my buddy : my buddy's friend Pick more cotton : than a gin can gin If I lose : won't be nothing lost Just two bits : and what did it cost When you go : to Shreveport town You find Blue Goose : happen to carry you down \L ThoJ 2 Thomas, Jesse Babyface \C title: No Good Woman Blues \C place and date: Dallas, 10 Aug. 1929 \C record numbers: (55327-2) Vi-V38555 Yz L-1032 What makes some women : when you treat them so nice and kind You can ask them for a favor : they don't even pay you no mind Just because you love them : and do anything they say They will love somebody else : and do you any way Hey they think they happy : and don't know what it's all about Maybe she will remember me : when her man has put her out You can hears I ain't got nobody : somebody come and get me I know you was blind pretty mama : baby but now you see I was good to you pretty mama : tried to please your mind Now you ain't got nobody : and a good man's hard to find \L ThoR 1 Thomas, Ramblin' \C title: So Lonesome \C place and date: Chicago, c. Feb. 1928 \C record numbers: (20334-2) Pm-12637 Yz L-1026 I'm so lonesome lonesome : I don't know what to do If you don't have no good woman : you'd be lonesome too Lord I'm going up the country : baby and I can't carry you Because I got one up there : and I can't see how you all would do I wished I had a-listened : what my baby sister said Said stay home brother : please don't stray away Oh my mama told me : when I first left her door Said be careful in your traveling son : you got to reap just what you sow \L ThoR 2 Thomas, Ramblin' \C title: Hard to Rule Woman Blues \C place and date: Chicago, c. Feb. 1928 \C record numbers: (20335-3) Pm-12670 Bio BLP-12004 I've got a girl : I wish I could keep her home at night She's always going off : on automobile rides She sleeps late every morning : I can't hardly get her woke She will wake up in one second : when she hears a car horn blow Some of these days : I'm going to be like Mr Henry Ford Going to have a car and a woman : running on every road If you ain't got a car : man a woman is hard to rule That's why : I got them automobile blues \L ThoR 3 Thomas, Ramblin' \C title: Lock and Key Blues \C place and date: Chicago, c. Feb. 1928 \C record numbers: (20336-3) Pm-12637 Yz L-1032 Springtime coming : and the grass all growing green And my time has come : where the blues don't worry me There's so many women : there's so many different kinds When one quit me : it's sure to worry my mind My mama give me a lock : and my papa give me the key Then after I know how : to lock them blues up for me I got northern women : I got southern women too I ain't going to tell the northern women : what the southern women can do \L ThoR 4 Thomas, Ramblin' \C title: Sawmill Moan \C place and date: Chicago, c. Feb. 1928 \C record numbers: (20337-2) Pm-12616 Bio BLP-12004 Oh : hey hey hey hey And I had them all night : and got them all again today And I wish I had : my same old good girl back Because that's the only one : that I ever did like How can I love you : you stay out both night and day How can I love you : you treat me most any way I'm going to sing this time : and I ain't going to sing no more Because my girl have called me : and I've got to go If I don't go crazy : I'm sure going to lose my mind Because I can't sleep for dreaming : sure can't stay woke for crying \L ThoR 5 Thomas, Ramblin' \C title: No Baby Blues \C place and date: Chicago, c. Feb. 1928 \C record numbers: (20338-1) Pm-12670 Bio BLP-12004 Hey no more baby : I ain't got no more baby now Since I looked into it : I don't need no baby nohow If you want me woman : better buy you a pair of overalls Because when I leave town : I'm going to ride that Cannonball If you get you one woman : you sure to get you two Better get you twenty-four : so twelve won't worry you I had a girl : she went out sailing on that sea That poor child got drownded : sailing after me \L ThoR 6 Thomas, Ramblin' \C title: Ramblin' Mind Blues \C place and date: Chicago, c. Feb. 1928 \C record numbers: (20339-2) Pm-12616 Bio BLP-12004 And I lay down last night : tried to take my rest And my mind got to rambling : like the wild geese in the west I'm going to West Texas : won't be back till fall If the blues overtake me : I won't be back at all And I had one woman : would make a passenger train hop the rail But now I got one : would make a tomcat heist its tail Said I started to write : but I believe I'll go myself Says a letter's too slow : and a telegram may get left \L ThoR 7 Thomas, Ramblin' \C title: No Job Blues \C place and date: Chicago, c. Feb. 1928 \C record numbers: (20343-2) Pm-12609 Bio BLP-12004 I been walking all day : and all night too Because my meal ticket woman have quit me : and I can't find no work to do I picking up the newspaper : and I looking in the ads And the policeman came along : and he arrested me for vag I said judge : judge what may be my fine He said get your pick and shovel : and get deep down in mine I'm a poor black prisoner : working in the ice and snow I got to get me another meal ticket woman : so I won't have to work no more \L ThoR 8 Thomas, Ramblin' \C title: Back Gnawing Blues \C place and date: Chicago, c. Feb. 1928 \C record numbers: (20344-2) Pm-12609 Bio BLP-12004 I ain't never loved : but three womens in my life My mother and my sister : and my partner's wife My mama told me : when I was about twelve years old Man you nothing but a backbiter : may God bless your soul I'm going to tell all you women something : baby you might not like I want to know : if I can bite your man in the back You might risk me brother : but I will never risk you If you allow me a chance : I will gnaw your backbone half in two \L ThoR 9 Thomas, Ramblin' \C title: Jig Head Blues \C place and date: Chicago, c. Nov. 1928 \C record numbers: (21017-4) Pm-12708 Bio BLP-12004 I stay drunk so much : I can't tell night from day Because the woman I love : she treats me any way I likes my whiskey : I likes my *swig and dip* too When I can't get alcorub : denatured alcohol will do Oh : whiskey's killing me Because I drink so much : I can't hardly see \L ThoR 10 Thomas, Ramblin' \C title: Hard Dallas Blues \C place and date: Chicago, c. Nov. 1928 \C record numbers: (21018-2) Pm-12708 Bio BLP-12004 Go out to Santa Fe : my baby go down I was took all of my clothes : and walk the streets in my morning gown And before I would stand to see : my baby leave this town I would beat the train to the crossing : and burn that doggone bridge down And Dallas is hard : I don't care how you work There will be somebody coming on your payday : to collect Hey : don't never make Dallas your home When you look for your friend : they will all be gone \L ThoR 11 Thomas, Ramblin' \C title: Ramblin' Man \C place and date: Chicago, c. Nov. 1928 \C record numbers: (21019-4) Pm-12722 Bio BLP-12004 I feel like rambling : rambling stays on my mind And I ain't satisfied : unless I'm rambling all the time Now you will wake up in the morning : and find me gone Because I'm a rambling man : I can't stay at one place long It's one day and one night : is long as I stay in one place But I been in Chicago one week : because I like these Chicago ways Lord I'm going to leave here walking : chance is that I may ride Because I'm going to ramble : until the day that I die \L ThoR 12 Thomas, Ramblin' \C title: Poor Boy Blues \C place and date: Chicago, c. Nov. 1928 \C record numbers: (21020-4) Pm-12722 Bio BLP-12004 I was down in Louisiana : doing as I please Now I'm in Texas : I got to work or leave If your home in Louisiana : what you doing over here Said my home ain't in Texas : and I sure don't care I don't care : if the boat don't never land I'd like to stay on the water : as long as any man And my boat come a-rocking : just like a drunken man And my home's on the water : and I sure don't like land \L ThoR 13 Thomas, Ramblin' \C title: Good Time Blues \C place and date: Chicago, c. Nov. 1928 \C record numbers: (21027-1) Pm-12752 Bio BLP-12004 I woke up this morning : I had the blues three different ways I had one mind to stay here : and two to leave this place I got one mind to stay here : got two to leave this place If you find me tomorrow : you'll find me in the same old way She's a *little old* woman : *so nice and clean* all the time The only thing I hate : she ain't no woman of mine And I'm worried now : but I won't be worried long Because I got a letter this morning : my baby was coming back home \L ThoR 14 Thomas, Ramblin' \C title: New Way of Living Blues \C place and date: Chicago, c. Nov. 1928 \C record numbers: (21028-2) Pm-12752 Bio BLP-12004 I got a new way of living : everybody can catch on Always gamble and steal : and don't collect nothing from home I don't bum : and I sure God don't beg I just keep my eyes open : and work my head I never wanted no woman : that I could not get Because I got a new way of living : it just won't quit I've got a gang of women : I got my eyes on a gang of *four* So if one wants to quit : I can turn her *go* \L ThoZ 1 Thomkins, Jim \C title: Bedside Blues \C place and date: Memphis, c. early Feb. 1930 \C record numbers: (MEM-780- ) Br-7200 Rt RL-319 I ain't going to be : your lowdown dog no more I'll get me a good gal : most any place I go I walked all night long : my feet got soaking wet And I haven't walked : up on my good gal yet Well mama mama : what's the matter now Trying to quit your daddy : honey and you don't know how I'm going I'm going : and your crying won't make me stay Honey the more you cry : the further I'm going away I don't like no woman : got hair like drops of rain Because the girl I like : got hair like a horse's mane That's what my mother told me : just before she died Son your trouble ain't now : but it sure be after a while Well I fell down on my knees : and cried I fell down : right by my mama's side Well there's one more thing son : that I want you to do And then these women : sure take care of you \L ThpA 1 Thompson, Ashley (Gus Cannon) \C title: Minglewood Blues \C place and date: Memphis, 30 Jan. 1928 \C record numbers: (41803-2) Vi-21267 Fwy FA-2953 Don't you never : let no woman rule your life Says she keeps you worried : worried all the time Don't you wish a *fair woman* : didn't have teeth like pearls *So* after you're married : Don't you never : let no woman rule your life She keep you troubled : worried all the time I got a letter mama : you ought to heard it read Says you coming back baby : and I'll be almost dead \L ThpE 1 Thompson, Edward \C title: Showers of Rain Blues \C place and date: New York, c. 23 Oct. 1929 \C record numbers: (GEX-2411-A) Pm-13018 Yz L-1006 Don't mistreat me mama : because I'm your little wild Because you must remember : you once have been a child Mama never : drive a stranger from your door He may be your best friend : baby you don't know I love my brownie : don't care what she do Some one of these days : she going to love me too I went to the station : in a shower rain I seen the brown I love : when she caught that lowdown train Got up one of these mornings : looked down in the sea What see the way them fishes : do the shivaree \L ThpE 2 Thompson, Edward \C title: Florida Bound \C place and date: New York, c. 23 Oct. 1929 \C record numbers: (GEX-2412) Pm-12873 Yz L-1006 I'm going to Florida : where I can have my fun Babe I'll lay in the green grass : look up at the sun Say Mr redcap porter : help me with my load Before your steamboat captain : let me on board Got a letter from my baby : bought me a piece of ground You can't blame me for leaving : boy I'm Florida bound It you home in Florida : what in the world you doing up here I wonder where you be : this time another year My mama told me : papa told me too Don't you let them bell-bottom : make no fool of you \L ThpE 3 Thompson, Edward \C title: Seven Sister Blues \C place and date: New York, c. 23 Oct. 1929 \C record numbers: (GEX-2413) Pm-12873 Yz L-1006 Coal-black woman : fry no meat for me You know black is evil : that gal may poison me I got a new way of spelling : sweet old Tennessee Double T double N : double T double S U Z My girl rolled and tumbled : cried the whole night long She received that message : that the man she loved was gone Said my love's like water : it turns off and on When you think I'm loving : I done took off and gone When the death wagon rolled up : with the rumbling sound Says I knowed by that : my gal was graveyard bound \L ThpE 4 Thompson, Edward \C title: West Virginia Blues \C place and date: New York, c. 23 Oct. 1929 \C record numbers: (GEX-2416-A) Pm-13018 Yz L-1006 On West Virginia : where the brown I love Ain't nobody stop me : ??? *home* I hate to see Lord : the evening sun go down Lord it make me think : of my last go-round My brownie caught me : this morning soon Got to go so far : to get my loving done She used to love me : she don't love me no more Got another man : she don't love me no more She used to rock me : in the morning soon Got another man : she don't rock me no more Coal-black dark : baby when I'm gone Come with my money baby : where you been so long See them peaches : hanging in the tree Then you know : that brown going to be the death of me \L Tore 1 Torey, George \C title: Married Woman Blues \C place and date: Birmingham, Ala., 2 Apr. 1937 \C record numbers: (B-64-2) ARC-7-08-57 Yz L-1002 If you ever been mistreated : then you know how mistreated feels Like a broke down engine : ain't got no driver-wheel You can always tell : when your brown want to throw you down She's always got business : on the other side of town Well I started once to write : but I believe I'll go myself Because a letter too slow : and a telegram may get lost Wake up soon every morning : babe wear a rag all around her head Every time you speak to her : she'll swear she nearly dead Ever been down : then you know just how I feel I feel like I ain't got no business here : somewhere on the sea It's mighty hard : to be married woman's man Can't see her when you want to : got to catch her just when you can If you love a married woman : you going to always have the blues Every time you want to see her : her husband want to see her too Then now run here run here baby : set down on your daddy's knee Because I done got drunk : and I'm blue as a poor man can be Said well I went to the window : and I looked down on the ground And my heart struck sorrow : and the tears come easing down \L Tore 2 Torey, George \C title: Lonesome Man Blues \C place and date: Birmingham, Ala., 2 Apr. 1937 \C record numbers: (B-65-1) ARC-7-08-57 Yz L-1002 Baby how long baby how long : *long* before you bring your *load* back home Say well it won't be no longer : than you quit doing me wrong Hey redcap porter : did my best woman ever get on board Say I don't know the clothes : she had on Just as sure as a bluebird : flies in the skies above Say your life ain't no pleasure : unless you with that one you love Then if I just had wings : then I'd fly just like Noah's dove Then I would heist my wings :and fly and light on that woman I love Well I went up on a mountain : taking a peep in that old deep blue sea I said I spied that woman : put them things on me Singing now hey how long : is you going to still [do, treat] me wrong Said I woke up this morning : just about the dawn of day Some man had my woman : and the worried blues had me \L TowH 1 Townsend, Henry \C title: Henry's Worried Blues \C place and date: Chicago, 15 Nov. 1929 \C record numbers: (403300-A) Co-14529-D Yz L-1030 My blues start in the morning : and they worries me the whole day long They worries the poor man so bad : until I wished that I was dead and gone And my baby she worries me : she worries me on every hand How she worries the poor man : just because she can Well it's bye bye baby : I ain't going to let you worry poor me no more I'm going to get me another woman : babe I'm going to let you go Mmm I've been asking for a favor : even I ask the good Lord above I cried oh Lord listen : please send back the woman I love Oh because she mistreat me : she mistreat me both night and day Lord she mistreats the poor man : to pass the time away Now babe I've been in trouble : forty-four nights and days But I got another woman now : drive my troubles away \L TowH 2 Townsend, Henry \C title: Mistreated Blues \C place and date: Chicago, 15 Nov. 1929 \C record numbers: (403301-A) Co-14491-D) yz L-1030 My baby mistreat me : night and day Oh she mistreat the poor man : just to pass the doggone time away And it's baby : baby what have I done went wrong Lord you mistreat me baby : and drove me from my home But I'm going now baby : and I won't be back no more Ain't going to let you mistreat me : drive me away from your door Well never mind never mind babe : I've got my [doggone] eyes on you And some old day pretty baby : you'll do like I want you to do \L TowH 3 Townsend, Henry \C title: Long Ago Blues \C place and date: Chicago, 15 Nov. 1929 \C record numbers: (403302-?) Co-14529-D Yz L-1003 Mmm can't you remember baby : long long time ago When you mistreated poor me : and drove me away from around your door Mmm and I'm going back home now baby : and I ain't coming back here no more I ain't going to let you drive me : babe away from around your door Mmm when I first seen you baby : you were so nice and kind to me And why you want to dog me : babe I swear I just can't see Mmm I'm going down on the levee : and down on the levee where I'm going to stay I'm going to stay down on the levee : babe until you change your ways \L TowH 4 Townsend, Henry \C title: Poor Man Blues \C place and date: Chicago, 15 Nov. 1929 \C record numbers: (403303-A) Co-14491-D Yz L-1030 And it's never mind never mind baby : I've got my doggone eyes on you And some old day pretty baby : do like I want you to do When I was sick and down : you drove me from your door Now you know honey I was a poor man : sleeping out in the ice and snow Yes baby I'm going to see you : when you baby do something I swear is wrong When you mistreat me baby : I'm going to send you clear back home That's all right for you babe : I even pawned my watch and ring I done give you my money : I can give you most anything \L TowH 5 Townsend, Henry \C title: Sick with the Blues \C place and date: possibly Chicago, 1933 \C record numbers: ( ) record unknown Yz L-1030 People I've tried every doctor : every doctor in my neighborhood But I haven't even found nar' doctor : is capable of doing my blues any good You had better leave her alone : she don't mean a doggone thing Ain't but the one thing that she's after : that is your doggone spending change Yes the girl that I wants now : she wants to walk out of my door She just left me worried : telling me she won't come back in my house no more But I'm going to try my best to leave her : Lord I'm going to try to let her go I'm going to try to find someone now : thinks the world and all of me So bye bye bye : reason that I'm leaving you Because I've already found out : that your love is not true \L TowH 6 Townsend, Henry \C title: She's Got a Mean Disposition \C place and date: Chicaco, 25 Feb. 1935 \C record numbers: (85494-1) BB-B5966 Yz L-1030 She got a mean disposition : and she got such a lowdown dirty way I been a-hoping and trusting : that my babe would change some day Many year I have traveled : yes I've traveled from door to door You can't find no heaven : nowhere in the world that you go You having a good time now : you like a fly while *that country may* You having your time now : but you got to die some day But you going to need me : you going to need my help I say And you had better use me lover : just before I go away Why can't I be happy : people like everybody else I just sit around and worry : I worry my fool self \L TowS 1 Townsend, Sam \C title: Lily Kimball Blues \C place and date: Atlanta, 17 Apr. 1930 \C record numbers: (150259-2) Co-14571-D Yz L-1021 Tell me Lilly Kimball : what did you do to me These Lilly Kimball blues : is nearly killing me It's hard it's hard : but I suppose it's fair These Lilly Kimball blues : won't let me rest nowhere I love you Lilly Kimball : don't want no other one Is it too late now : to make up for all I done It's hard to love you Lilly : you love somebody else I believe it's going to make me : grieve myself to death I believe I'm going crazy : my mind I'm bound to lose If I don't get over : these Lilly Kimball blues When I'm blue : it's good to have you around Because when you start loving : it bring my kindness down I'm going to the river : tie my hands behind And let that Tennessee water : satisfy my mind Can't you see Lilly : I want you to understand Take me back Lilly : I'll be a different man \L TucB 1 Tucker, Bessie \C title: Bessie's Moan \C place and date: Memphis, 29 Aug. 1928 \C record numbers: (45436-2) Vi-V38526 His HLP-4 Hey : hey hey hey hey Because the man I'm loving : treats me so unkind I woke up this morning : feeling mighty bad I done lost my daddy : best man I ever had It's your time now : be mine after a while You know that you hurt me : daddy because I seen you smile My mama's dead : papa throwed me away from home My man don't want me : that's why I weep and moan If you don't want me : please don't dog me around Just like you found me : you can put me down \L TucB 2 Tucker, Bessie \C title: Penitentiary \C place and date: Memphis, 29 Aug. 1928 \C record numbers: (45441-2) Vi-V38526 Fwy FJ-2801 Aah ha ha : what's the matter with my man today I ask him if he love me : Lord and he walked away Penitentiary penitentiary : oh is going to be my home Because my man he mistreated me : Lord he have done me wrong The man that I'm a-loving : Lord he going get me killed Because love is a proposition : that's got many a poor girl killed I'll love you *a minute* : oh but you won't behave You going to keep on *a-palling* : you going to wake up in your grave \L TurnB 1 Turner, Buck \C title: Black Ace \C place and date: Chicago, 15 Feb. 1937 \C record numbers: (61790-A) De-7281 Yz L-1026 I am the black ace : I'm the boss card in your hand And I'll play for you mama : if you please let me be your man Sometimes a black ace : never comes inside But I'll play for you mama : if you please will treat me right There's a little ace in the deck mama : *I'll lay forth and* tight But I'll play for you mama : if you treat me right If you don't want me mama : I said please sit here alone Because I'll play for you mama : eee when the can-get-it's gone I'll be your winner : in any game you please And if you don't want me mama : please just let me stay If you know you don't want me mama : you won't even say That's all right mama : you going to need my help some day I said please : mama please don't drive me away Because I'd be a good fellow : mama if you would please let me stay \L TurnB 2 Turner, Buck \C title: Christmas Time Blues \C place and date: Chicago, 15 Feb. 1937 \C record numbers: (61793-A) De-7387 Rt RL-327 Santa Claus : what is you going to bring If you don't bring my baby : don't bring me a doggone thing You know I love her Santa Claus : why don't you bring her home If you bring her back to me : I'll never do her wrong Oh Lord it's Christmas time : and I want to see old Santa Claus I asked my baby would she come home Christmas : she said go see old Santa Claus Oh please Santa Claus Santa Claus Santa Claus : Santa Claus my eyes is almost blind I am looking for you Christmas morning : before I lose my mind I'm going to buy me a shepherd dog : and keep him at my door And teach him to follow my baby : everywhere she goes \L TurnJ 1 Turner, Joe \C title: Blues on Central Avenue \C place and date: Los Angeles, 8 Sept. 1941 \C record numbers: (DLA-2739-A) De-7889 Br-87.504 I'm in the land of sunshine : standing on Central Avenue I was doing all right : till I fell in love with you Never have so much fought babe : anywhere in my life Till I fell in love with you : and found out you was somebody else's wife Now I'm in love with you baby : and I'm feeling awful low Now you know you was married : well why didn't you tell me so You have your chance at love : now I'm going to leave you flat I know that don't bother you baby : because you used to that Now let's have one more drink baby: we'll say goodbye to me and you I'll always remember : I met you on Central Avenue \L UnkA 1 unknown artist (Kansas City Blues Strummers) \C title: String Band Blues \C place and date: probably Chicago, c. late July \C 1926 \C record numbers: ( ) Vo-1048 Rt RL-311 Oh tell me brownskin : what's the matter now Trying to quit your daddy : and you don't know how I ain't going to marry : ain't going to settle down Going to stay single : till my mustache drags the ground Are you going to tell me : what's the matter now If you don't want me : hold up your right hand I had a good gal : I stole her from my friend But my buddy came looking : got her back again \L UnkA 2 unknown artist (Memphis Jug Band) \C title: Snitchin' Gambler Blues \C place and date: Memphis, 1 Feb. 1928 \C record numbers: (41817-2) Vi-21524 Rt RL-322 People in this town : Lord they ain't no friend to you All they'll do to you people : go down and tell lies on poor you If I only had me : ??? house of my own I wouldn't allow snitching and a-gambling : people around my home I hate a-snitching : worse than the good Lord hates sin If they ever get me into trouble : soon on my way to the pen If I only had me : a shelter of my own I wouldn't allow snitching and gambling : people around my home Now it's eighteen hundred : and it's ninety-one That's when the snitching : was people Lordy just begun Now it's eighteen hundred : and it's ninety-two The snitches in town : Lord they just won't do Now it's eighteen hundred : and it's ninety-three I got arrested : off of Beale Street I went before the judge : I said judge what is my fine A hundred dollar fine : and two eleven ninety-nine Now look a-here judge : can't you hold up off of that fine He say go ahead on nigger : that ain't no good long time Now it's eighteen hundred : and it's ninety-four The white people load me : in the workhouse door It's eighteen hundred : and it's ninety-five This people in the town : don't do nothing but tell dirty lies Oh it's eighteen hundred : and it's ninety-six That's when the snitchers thought : all all their snitching was fixed Nineteen hundred : and it's twenty-seven The snitchers that done the snitching : is way into heaven It's nineteen hundred : and it's twenty-eight I left the snitchers : standing at the workhouse gate Now it's nineteen hundred : and it's twenty-nine I left all the snitching people : way behind \L UnkA 3 unknown artist (George Bullet Williams) \C title: Touch Me Light Mama \C place and date: Chicago, c. May 1928 \C record numbers: (20590-2) Pm-12680 OJL-2 Touch me light pretty mama : this may be your last I went to the nation : from that dirty territor' Going to find my good gal : honey nowhere I go Woke up this morning : woke up before day Woke up this morning : with the same thing on my mind I believe to my soul mama : got to leave your town I got no pretty mama : talk baby-talk to me I went to the nation : from that dirty territor' I couldn't find my good gal : honey nowhere I go Going uptown mama : some whiskey *skey* for me Because my good gal done quit me : sure can't feel no peace \L UnkA 4 unknown artist (Memphis Jug Band) \C title: Sugar Pudding \C place and date: Memphis, 11 Sept. 1928 \C record numbers: (47009-1) Vi-21740 Rt RL-337 I'm tired of the women : *the day she cook* *She* ??? : that sugar pudding *That* ??? : she's long and tall She sits up there : from wall to wall *Oh won't you ??? me the* : *you going to* I'm talking about the ??? : ??? *your head* \L UnkA 5 unknown artist (possibly Skip James) \C title: Throw Me Down \C place and date: place unknown, c. Oct. 1928 \C record numbers: (20998-1) Pm unissued Bio \C BLP-12029 Hey you threw me down : and you threw me from my home That's all right baby : you're going to miss the days I'm gone I felt like falling : from the treetop to the ground *Should have been* my old babe : and she was leaving town It was dark and stormy : and the sun shining bright like day Some day the storm going to come : going to blow these old worried blues away I'm going to hang my hat baby : Lord in some old weeping willow tree Ain't going to wear it no more : till these old blues stop worrying me \L UnkA 6 unknown artist (Noah Lewis) \C title: Selling the Jelly \C place and date: Memphis, 28 Nov. 1930 \C record numbers: (64738- ) Vi-23319 OJL-19 I'm a jelly-selling woman : I sell it every day These women don't like me : because I almost give it away Two and a half a potful : five dollars a cup Ten dollars to the *one* : have me to wrap it up I'm not a cheap woman : I sell about every day My jelly too expensive : you know I can't give it away A good jelly-selling woman : is heard all over town You going to get my jellyroll : won't have no time to frown I sell jelly : sell it fresh and cold Before you buy my jelly : \L UnkA 7 unknown artist (Birmingham Jug Band) \C title: German Blues \C place and date: Atlanta, 11 Dec. 1930 \C record numbers: (404677-B) OK-8856 OJL-4 I believe I'll go back to Germany : *and pay a deposit gold* I'm going to get no one woman : staying out in the cold If you're worried mama : you know just how I feel Say wake up mama : the children done come home Nobody been here : since your daddy left your home \L UnkA 8 unknown artist (Birmingham Jug Band) \C title: The Wild Cat Squawl \C place and date: Atlanta, 11 Dec. 1930 \C record numbers: (404680-A) OK-8908 BC-2 I went home last night : about half past four Mr wildcat told me : didn't *pay* you no more Went a-hunting last night : out in the woods You ought to see wildcat : make my dog go good Went home this morning : about the break of day Ha baby : he's just staying away There's one thing about a wild cat : that he'll do He makes you holler : and he make a fool of you Ever been in the country : rattle around the woods You ought to hear Mrs wildcat : make her do good Say wake up mama : hear your rooster crow One at your window : one at your door \L UnkA 9 unknown artist (Birmingham Jug Band) \C title: Gettin' Ready for Trial \C place and date: Atlanta, 11 Dec. 1930 \C record numbers: (404682-C) OK-8856 OJL-4 Down in Alabama : we will have a trial Those jury down there : don't stand no lie Tell me big boy : let's start it again You had no business : catching that white man's hen Every morning : about half past nine Old judge : going to have somebody's wine Wake up mama : hear your rooster crow One at your window : one at your door Sister and brother : you needn't have cried The kids in the school : are ready to write Come on sister : let's start that thing Old brother : stole that hen again *Well I didn't have a nickel* : wouldn't pay me no fine Get you a shovel : and go down in the mine Don't want me mama : don't you tell no lies Because the day you quit me : that's the day you die Hey big boy : did you aim to run If you start to fooling : I'll shoot with my gun \L UnkA 10 unknown artist (Birmingham Jug Band) \C title: Giving It Away \C place and date: Atlanta, 11 Dec. 1930 \C record numbers: (404683-A) OK-8908 OJL-19 Say I woke up this morning : about the break of day I hugged the pillow : where you used to lay Red rooster comes back : with her *hen nipped* up Just can't so it : for to strut that stuff Old Aunt Anna : she's long and slim When start to shaking : it's too tight then What did the rooster : say to the hen Ain't seen my woman : in God knows when Says nickel is a nickel : and a dime a dime Got a house full of children : ain't nar' one mine Mama got the rowboat : papa got the tug Well sister got the whiskey : and brother got the jug Wake up mama : hear the rooster crow One at your window : one at your door Says the rooster crow : and the hen walk around I ain't seen my woman : since she leave this town \L Vinc 1 Vincson, Walter \C title: Overtime Blues \C place and date: Memphis, c. 22 Sept. 1929 \C record numbers: (M-178) Br-7141 Yz L-1007 I been working overtime baby : oh the sun got hot Just put a block on me baby : turn me in your back yard I been walking all night : when the sun refused to shine And if I find her tonight : I'm going to really work her overtime Sweet baby crying won't help you : praying won't do no good That's when your *faro sheriff* quit you : done everything you could The work ain't so hard baby : just the way you do Remember the way you treat poor Walter : it's coming home to you It'll be a day going after : need my help alone That's when you'll call for poor Walter : but he won't be in your home \L Vinc 2 Vincson, Walter (Mississippi Sheiks) \C title: Sitting on Top of the World \C place and date: Shreveport, La., 17 Feb. 1930 \C record numbers: (403805-B) OK-8784 Mam S-3804 Was 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'd gone to stay Needn't a-come here running : holding up your hands 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 prayer in vain Went to the station : down in the yard Going to get me a freight train : works done got hard The lonesome days : they have gone by Why should you beg me : and say goodbye \L Vinc 3 Vincson, Walter (Mississippi Sheiks) \C title: Stop and Listen Blues \C place and date: Shreveport, La., 17 Feb. 1930 \C record numbers: (403806-A) OK-8807 Yz L-1007 Yes I'm *jailhouse* ??? : long old lonesome day Trying to *scream like* ??? : these ??? same old ways Crying smokes like lightning : *bells* that shine like gold Crying I found my baby : laying on a cooling board Don't the house look lonesome mama : rolling before your door Crying she's gone *tell you Lord* : won't be back no more Oh stop and listen : hear how the bell is toned I had a sweet little faro : but she been and gone Crying followed my baby : down to the burying ground It was ??? : ??? all around \L Vinc 4 Vincson, Walter (Mississippi Sheiks) \C title: Lonely One in this Town \C place and date: Shreveport, La., 17 Feb. 1930 \C record numbers: (403807-B) OK-8784 Rt RL-316 Because I'm a stranger here : everybody turned their back on me I believe I'll go right back : to grand old Tennessee \L Vinc 5 Vincson, Walter (Mississippi Sheiks) \C title: Yodeling Fiddling Blues \C place and date: San Antonio, 12 June 1930 \C record numbers: (404146-B) OK-8834 Mam S-3804 Out in San Antone Texas : a long long ways from home I would love to live there : but I will be all and all My babe says she don't want me : she's calling someone else on I will have to learn : to live out here in San Antone Boys learn to yodel : that's the way to win her home Then you will be the only sheik : it is in San Antone These yodeling blues : make a Texas woman leave her home I see the way you going : you sure won't be here long \L Vinc 6 Vincson, Walter (Mississippi Sheiks) \C title: Your Good Man Caught the Train and Gone \C place and date: Jackson, Miss., 15 Dec. 1930 \C record numbers: (404710-A) OK-8905 Mam S-3804 If you don't want me : won't you please tell me so I can get a woman : anywhere I go Just as sure as you hear me : sing you this lonesome song Swear it ain't no loving : it ain't no getting along You can treat me mean : mean as you can be But there is coming a day : you will be longing for me You will long for me : but I will be far away And you will miss my loving : each night and day I lay down last night : tried to take my rest My mind begin to ramble : like wild geese in the west When you get up in the morning : begin to sing this lonesome song I had a good man : he caught the train and gone \L Vinc 7 Vincson, Walter (Mississippi Sheiks) \C title: Unhappy Blues \C place and date: Jackson, Miss., 15 Dec. 1930 \C record numbers: (404712-B) OK-8859 Mam S-3804 I can't be contented : oh nowhere I be No place I go to : seem like home to me Everybody seem welcome : here and every place but me That whiskey and women : caused me can't see no peace I have laid in jail : with my face turned to the wall It was judges and lawyers : says man you's the cause of it all Every day is growing older : and the nights growing near And some got six months : I have got a year And I been happy so : that I wished I was dead and gone For I'm so unhappy : out here on the county farm \L Vinc 8 Vincson, Walter (Mississippi Sheiks) \C title: Honey Babe Let the Deal Go Down \C place and date: Jackson, Miss., 19 Dec. 1930 \C record numbers: (404782-B) OK-8885 Mam S-3804 Honey babe : please let my deal go down We can get the money : walk on down through town I'm a stranger to you : and you's a stranger to me If you be my babe : how happy I will be I've traveled : until traveled the whole world through I ain't found a woman : looked as sweet to me as you Now honey babe : you got me troubled in mind You keep me worried : and bothered all the time I ain't mean : I'm good as I can be Tell me sweet baby : what fault you find on me \L Vinc 9 Vincson, Walter (Mississippi Sheiks) \C title: She Ain't No Good \C place and date: Jackson, Miss., 19 Dec. 1930 \C record numbers: (404783-B) OK-8885 Mam S-3804 Some men likes their country girl : my girl lives in town A town girl will be loving you : when the country girl is messing around A town girl will get one man : and always treat him swell But a country girl will get her ten men : and give them all hell A yellow gal drinks her corn whiskey : and a brownskin do the same A country girl *jewel brown mule* : but she's getting drunk just the same I went to a country girl's house : and only one night I spent I got up next morning and come back home : been running ever since \L Vinc 10 Vincson, Walter (Mississippi Sheiks) \C title: Ramrod Blues \C place and date: Jackson, Miss., 19 Dec. 1930 \C record numbers: (404784-A) OK-8905 Mam S-3804 I wonder where is the ramrod : belongs to my gun My brother's got one : but I can't use it none What good is a house : without a back yard What good is a gun : without a ramrod I rammed my gun : every morning before day When I woke up this morning : my ramrod was gone away I took you baby : when you was hand to hand Telling everybody : that I was your loving man Now I'm down : times is hard You want to : give some other girl your ramrod Now how you think : that I can have my fun When I ain't got the ramrod : belongs to my gun \L Vinc 11 Vincson, Walter (Mississippi Sheiks) \C title: Stop and Listen Blues No. 2 \C place and date: Jackson, Miss., 19 Dec. 1930 \C record numbers: (404785-?) OK-8859 Mam S-3804 When I left town this morning : I was on my way back home I heard the church bells : making a lonesome sound I stopped and listened : as the bells continued on I know by that : it's somebody's dead and gone When I got home : the peoples met me and said Oh run here Walter : your sweet little faro's dead When I got home : I was began to scream and cry I thought my little baby : was too cute to die I went to the churchhouse : cried at the door I never will see : sweet babe ever anymore \L Vinc 12 Vincson, Walter (Mississippi Sheiks) \C title: Please Baby \C place and date: Atlanta, 24 Oct. 1931 \C record numbers: (405007-1) OK-8922 Mam S-3804 Please baby please baby : won't you come back to your daddy one more time Please baby please baby : when I get my money I will give you my last dime When you left me baby : you left me feeling so blue You know babe : I didn't love no one but you Please baby please baby : won't you come back to your daddy one more time I'm so blue baby I'm so blue baby : I can't sleep at night I can't hardly talk for crying You know baby you know baby : you always forever on my mind Since you been gone : I can't sleep at night I go to take my meals : I can't eat a bite Please baby please baby : won't you come back and leave that other man alone Please baby please baby : I need you here to carry my loving on \L Vinc 13 Vincson, Walter (Mississippi Sheiks) \C title: The World Is Going Wrong \C place and date: Atlanta, 24 Oct. 1931 \C record numbers: (405009-1) Co-14660-D Mam S-3804 Strange things have happened : that never before My baby told me : I would have to go Feel bad this morning : ain't got no home No use a-worrying : because the world's gone wrong I told you baby : right to your head If I don't leave you : I would have to kill you dead I tried to be loving : and treat you kind But it seems that now : I got no loving mind If you have a woman : and she don't do kind Pray to the good Lord : to get her off your mind Said when you been good now : can't do no more Just tell her nicely : there is a front door Pack up my suitcase : give me my hat No use asking me babe : because I'll never be back \L Vinc 14 Vincson, Walter (Mississippi Sheiks) \C title: Shake Hands and Tell Me Goodbye \C place and date: Atlanta, 25 Oct. 1931 \C record numbers: (405020-1) OK-8951 Mam S-3804 I don't want you no more sweet baby : shake hands and tell your daddy goodbye I don't want you no more sweet baby : you didn't love me nohow Last night : the night before I saw another man : knocking on your door I worked all the winter : the winter was tough With another man : just a-strutting your stuff I don't want you no more sweet baby : shake hands and tell your daddy goodbye I'm leaving this town tomorrow : no use to sigh and cry I was good when you were sick : and good when you were well Know you can play : when you get in hell I don't want you no more sweet baby : shake hands and tell your daddy goodbye I done everything I could do : still you pass me by I worked all the winter : in the chilly winds You give your loving : to the other men \L Vinc 15 Vincson, Walter (Mississippi Sheiks) \C title: I've Got Blood in My Eyes for You \C place and date: Atlanta, 25 Oct. 1931 \C record numbers: (405023-1) Co-14660-D Mam S-3804 I was out this morning : feeling blue I seed a good-looking girl : can I make love with you Hey hey baby : I got blood in my eye for you I've got blood in my eyes for you baby : I don't care what in this world you do I went back home : put on my tie Going to get that girl : that this money will buy She looked at me : begin to smile Hey hey man : can't you wait awhile No no man : I can't wait You got the money : and trying to break this date I'm going to tell you something : going to tell you the facts If you don't want me : give me my money back It ain't no need : of getting rocks in your jaws You ain't going to get : none of my Santa Claus \L Vinc 16 Vincson, Walter (Mississippi Sheiks) \C title: The New Stop and Listen Blues \C place and date: Grafton, Wis., c. July 1932 \C record numbers: (L-1551-3) Pm-13134 Yz L-1014 Lord I went to the graveyard : and I peeped down in her face Crying ooo Lord : what a ooo lonesome place Well the woman I'm loving : she's six feet in the clay But the one I hate : I sees her every day Well I went to the churchhouse : praying on my bended knees Crying Lord help ooo : give me my ooo favor please Well I went to the graveyard : held up my right hand I asked the graveyard ooo : to show me the right man Ain't it sad to say : but the fun's all over now ??? : you didn't want ooo me nohow \L Vinc 17 Vincson, Walter (Mississippi Sheiks) \C title: Go Away Woman \C place and date: Grafton, Wis., c. July 1932 \C record numbers: (L-1554-1) Pm-13152 Bio \C BLP-12041 Last night : and the night before Saw another man : knocking on your door Oh go away woman : I can't use you no more Now you's a dirty mistreater : I can't use you no more *Last summer this time : and going ??? fall* I ain't going to let you : latch on to me no more I've always put a dollar : in your hand Now you done your cooking : for some other man Just like a lemon : is ??? *to me* You always got me : feeling so blue \L Vinc 18 Vincson, Walter (Mississippi Sheiks) \C title: New Shake that Thing \C place and date: Grafton, Wis., c. July 1932 \C record numbers: (L-1555-2) Pm-13143 Bio \C BLP-12041 So cold up north : till the birds can't sing The people down south : shaking that thing I lay down last night : I was awful sick I woke up this morning : she had my pocket picked I went down to the station : up to the train I couldn't buy no ticket : for shaking that thing I went down to the railroad : I laid my head on the track The train come along : and it broke my back \L Vinc 19 Vincson, Walter (Mississippi Sheiks) \C title: Don't Wake It Up \C place and date: Grafton, Wis., c. July 1932 \C record numbers: (L-1560-1) Pm-13152 Bio \C BLP-12041 Now the girl's got something : I don't know what it is Every time you move it : Lord I can't be still I may be right : I may be wrong Can't get me some *birdhouse* : to hold on strong She has good hair : her nails is neat But when you take off her shoe : you can smell her stinking feet Now some of these girls : will call you honey But when you go to their house : it will smell mighty funny I'm going to tell you something baby : I know it's just right Get a bar of *T and D* : and take a bath tonight She got up this morning : she looking mighty sweet The mens all thought : she was something good to eat Now some days I worry : some days I don't You got something : that I sure Lord want Well it ain't no use : to get rocks in your jaws You ain't going to get : none of my *peppermint cloth* \L Vinc 20 Vincson, Walter (Mississippi Sheiks) \C title: I'll Be Gone Long Gone \C place and date: Grafton, Wis., c. July 1932 \C record numbers: (L-1565-1) Pm-13153 Bio \C BLP-12041 I beg you baby : to treat me right Now I'm going to leave you honey : tomorrow night I work hard baby : give you all my dough Now you gone to act so funny : I'm bound to go You may have men around your house : everywhere you be But some day baby : you going to long for me You going to be sorry : sorry to your heart But some day baby : we'll have to part There's no use to grieve : no use to cry You sure miss your water honey : when your well go dry You may be happy : everywhere you be But some day baby : you'll long for me \L Virg 1 Virgial, Otto \C title: Little Girl in Rome \C place and date: Chicago, 31 Oct. 1935 \C record numbers: (96240-1) BB-B6213 Mam S-3802 I got a letter this morning : from that girl in Rome Said she got something for me : she going to bring it back home Said I'm going way away : to wear you off my mind Because you keeps me worried : and bothered all the time I got something to tell you : just before you go It ain't nothing baby : turn your lamp down low I went down the railroad : I looked down the tracks Thought about my little good girl : come a-easing on back Yon comes my baby : coming down the line With her headlights just shining : like ??? all behind Well I had one good girl : and she strayed away I didn't think : my baby treat me this a-way Now if I could holler : like some mountain jack I would go on a mountain : call my baby back Mama she caught the Southern : my daddy rode the blinds He said baby can't quit me : ain't no need of you trying \L Virg 2 Virgial, Otto \C title: Bad Notion Blues \C place and date: Chicago, 31 Oct. 1935 \C record numbers: (96241-1) BB-B6213 Mam S-3802 Oh I woke up this morning : sure was feeling bad *Don't know* about the good times : that I oh that I once have had Oh I had a notion this morning : oh and I believe I will Believe I'll make my home : way up on Dago Hill Oh I believe I'll leave here : before it is too late For my woman I love : she just won't wait Oh my mama she told me : ain't been no great long time Oh one of these mornings : Oh I'm going away way : to wear you off my mind For you keep me worried : and bothered all the time Oh Lord have mercy : on my worried soul I wouldn't mistreat my woman : for to save nobody's soul \L WalkA 1 Walker, Aaron T-Bone \C title: Trinity River Blues \C place and date: Dallas, 5 Dec. 1929 \C record numbers: (149548-1) Co-14506-D Rt RL-327 That dirty Trinity River : sure have done me wrong It came in my windows and doors : now all my bacon gone Trinity River blues : keep me bothered all the time I lose all my clothes baby : believe I'm going to lose my mind They'll build a levee now : I have no more to worry about If that river should happen to rise : won't have to move my things out Trinity River rising : it came in my windows and doors *If it wasn't for* ??? baby : honey it won't rise no more \L WalkB 1 Walker, Uncle Bud \C title: Look Here Mama Blues \C place and date: Atlanta, 30 July 1928 \C record numbers: (402008-A) OK-8828 Yz L-1018 I I want to tell you : what I know about you I believe to my soul : my girl got a black cat bone For when I leave : sure come creeping home I wonder what's the matter : with my rider here ??? *need my blues* : and drive me away from here *I wear* those blues mama : when the sun goes down I declare to God : I never take you down I ain't going to stay here : mama and nowhere else I'm going to live up in the country : buy me a rocking chair Now look a-here mama : what you trying to do I believe to my soul : you break my heart in two It rained five days : *and all lay dark* with me Oh let me tell you : what my used-to-be \L WalkB 2 Walker, Uncle Bud \C title: Stand Up Suitcase Blues \C place and date: Atlanta, 30 July 1928 \C record numbers: (402009-B) OK-8828 Yz L-1009 Hey mama : honey what's the matter now How in the world to tell me : honey what's the matter now I ain't going to stay [there, here] : mama [stay there] and nowhere else Said I walked from noon : honey way up north I got up this morning : crying mama I got to go Said I wait for Soo Lord : honey by the depot Hey hey hey : honey what's the matter now Said *won't poor* tell me : honey what's the matter now I was standing here early one [morning, evening] : right before my clothes I ain't got so many : got so far to go I want you to stand still suitcase : till I find my clothes Said the suitcase rolling : Monday man I go I ain't going to stay here : wondering about my soul Said a sideboard sent me : got to roll you know I got one old rider : all in my mind I got one in Tampa : Georgia she was bound [Oh see, oh look a-here] rider : I can't [stay, be] here long Said the sideboard tell you : got to *line my home* Hey rider : honey what is on your mind Said this sideboard Soo Lord : carry load of wine \L WalkW 1 Walker, Willie \C title: South Carolina Rag \C place and date: Atlanta, 6 Dec. 1930 \C record numbers: (151065- ) Co-14578-D OJL-18 I asked her for a drink of water : she brought gasoline Now listen to me : you doing me mighty mean Talk about your girl boy : you ought to see mine Ain't so pretty : but she sure do dress fine Talk about your gal : ought to see mine She is the sweetest : gal in town Music man : ain't it grand Play that thing boy : long as you can Asked her for water : she bring me gasoline Now let me tell you : ain't that mean Talk about your brown : you ought to see mine Ain't so pretty : but she's the sweetest in town \L WallM 1 Wallace, Minnie \C title: Dirty Butter \C place and date: Memphis, 23 Sept. 1929 \C record numbers: (55571-2) Vi-V38547 Rt RL-322 Old Aunt Dinah : she's a sister of the church She takes a drink : she says it will not hurt I met her one day : coming down Beale Street She was so drunk : until she could not see Some folks say : a preacher won't steal I caught a preacher : in my watermelon field He took that watermelon : off the vine He was running : when I thought he was flying Had me before the judge : about selling corn He made me hate the day : that I ever was born I turned my face : right to the wall He said a hundred and ten : and costs that's all I went to the ball : the other night My man danced with a gal : her dress was too tight She doing the shimmy-shee-wobble : right across the hall She made a misstep : you might've seen her fall Early one morning : about half past four A big police : was knocking on my door He had a glass of whiskey : right in his hand He's full of whiskey : and take me to the Promised Land \L WallM 2 Wallace, Minnie \C title: The Old Folks Started It \C place and date: Memphis, 23 Sept. 1929 \C record numbers: (55572-2) Vi-V38547 OJL-21 Talks about your *miller* : *he's from shore to shore* I give you the strut : show him *got the floor* Ain't no use : for you women to always be in a rut Just step up to your man : and do your wicked strut A hundred dollar bill : will make a broke man slobber A woman with a strut : will make a good man holler Take a Greyhound to run it : it's a round bumpy road Takes a married woman to strut it : satisfy my soul Talks about your women : when you're Your grandma done the strut : in your grandpa's shirt Some of you men : when you're *scratching hoe* Do *young* about your strutting : in your Just as sure as *the little pea* : ain't *leaving in the land* A woman with the strut : can always get a man \L WallM 3 Wallace, Minnie \C title: The Cockeyed World \C place and date: Jackson, Miss., 12 Oct. 1935 \C record numbers: (JAX-113-2) Vo-03106 Rt RL-321 I woke up this morning : feeling mighty sad Was the worst old feeling : that I ever had It's war in Ethiopia : and mama's feeling blue I tell the cockeyed world : I don't know what to do They say that Ethiopia : is a long way from here They trying to steal my man : and hurry him over there I love my man : tell the cockeyed world I do It's coming the time : that he'll sure love me too This old cockeyed world : will make your good man treat you mean He will treat you : just like a poor girl he never seen It's war in Ethiopia : and my man won't behave I tell the cockeyed world : I'll spit in my baby's face It's war in Ethiopia : baby please please behave I tell the cockeyed world : I'll follow you to your grave \L WallM 4 Wallace, Minnie \C title: Field Mouse Stomp \C place and date: Jackson, Miss., 12 Oct. 1935 \C record numbers: (JAX-114-1) Vo-03106 Rt RL-321 Now use to think : that you are cute You look like a monkey : in a baseball suit You come in creeping : just like a louse Got a face : like Mickey Mouse No use you doing : your evil ways ??? : you think I crave You prance around : *to be up trip* Only time to do : the *lind* snake hips No use to think : that you are tough Trying to be : too hard and rough \L WallS 1 Wallace, Sippie \C title: Special Delivery Blues \C place and date: Chicago, 1 Mar. 1926 \C record numbers: (9547-A) OK-8328 CC-32 My man packed his trunk : and said I'm going away And I'll send you a special delivery : some old day He said I'm leaving you baby : it almost breaks my heart But remember the times : that the best of friends must part I run to the window : as the train was passing by Lord it give me the blues so bad : I thought that I would die Hey Mr mailman : did you bring me any news Because if you didn't : it will give me those special delivery blues \L WallS 2 Wallace, Sippie \C title: Jack O' Diamonds Blues \C place and date: Chicago, 1 Mar. 1926 \C record numbers: (9548-A) OK-8328 CC-32 Jack of diamonds : you appear to be my friend But gambling : is going to be our end You stole all my money : and cut up all my clothes And you keep me broke : and tried to put me out-of-doors We have traveled : the whole round world through There is nothing in this world : I found that pleases you I love jack of diamonds : but he was a cruel man He would play dice and cards : and his game was old cooncan \L WallS 3 Wallace, Sippie \C title: Bedroom Blues \C place and date: Chicago, 20 Nov. 1926 \C record numbers: (9930-A) OK-8439 Sw S-1240 My room sure looks lonesome : since my good man been gone I ain't got nobody : that I can call my own I lay down last night : tried to take my rest My mind got to traveling : like the wild goose in the west I was thinking about my sweet daddy : I mean all night long Because he left me here : in this old lonesome home Lord I tried to cry : but my tears refused to fall I was all alone : no one to love at all I got the bedroom blues : because there's a bedroom in my home I thinks about my sweet man : all night long \L WallS 4 Wallace, Sippie \C title: Dead Drunk Blues \C place and date: Chicago, 6 May 1927 \C record numbers: (80837-A) OK-8499 Bio BLP-C6 Give me Houston : Dallas is not my crave So when I'm dry : I can drink whiskey just made Whiskey whiskey : is some folk's downfall But if I don't drink whiskey : I ain't no good at all Have you ever been drunk : slept in all of your clothes And when you woke up : you found that you were out of dough I'm going to get drunk : papa just one more time Because when I'm drunk : nothing don't worry my mind \L WallS 5 Wallace, Sippie \C title: Have You Ever Been Down \C place and date: Chicago, 6 May 1927 \C record numbers: (80838-A) OK-8499 Bio BLP-C6 If you ever been down : you know just how I feel Like a tramp on the railroad : ain't got a decent meal I'm a real good woman : but my man don't treat me right He takes all my money : and stays out all night I'm down today : but I won't be down always Because the sun's going to shine : in my back door some day It's one thing papa : I've decided to do I'm going to find another papa : then I can't use you \L WallS 6 Wallace, Sippie \C title: Lazy Man Blues \C place and date: Chicago, 6 May 1927 \C record numbers: (80839-B) OK-8470 CC-32 Wake up man : see how bright the sun does shine Get up in that section gang : and bring me up sometime Now he ain't got no teeth : and *beard* so low as your toe Now you know man : you got to bring me up some dough Now the meal in the barrel : is going fast How long man : do you think the *powder laws* will last Rip Van Winckle : slept for a long long time But Rip Van Winckle : wasn't no man of mine I don't want a man : that don't work every day I want a man : that brings home his pay So get out of that bed : man be on your way You ramble all night : and you sleep all day So now I'm cross : and man I'm feeling mad Because you's the laziest man : that I ever had \L WallS 7 Wallace, Sippie \C title: The Flood Blues \C place and date: Chicago, 6 May 1927 \C record numbers: (80840-B) OK-8470 Sw S-1240 I'm standing in this water : wishing I had a boat The only way I see : is take my clothes and float The water is rising : people fleeing for the hills Lord the water will obey : if you just say be still They sent out a law : for everybody to leave town But when I got the news : I was high-water bound They dynamite the levee : thought it might give us ease But the water still rising : do you hear this plea I called on the good Lord : and my man too What else is there : for a poor girl to do \L WasbS 1 Washboard Sam \C title: Mama Don't Allow No. 1 \C place and date: Chicago, 20 June 1935 \C record numbers: (C-1022-B) Vo-03275 BC-10 Now we don't care : what the mama don't allow We going to wiggle-wob : anyhow Oh we don't care : what the mama don't allow We going to do rough stuff : anyhow Oh we don't care : what the mama don't allow We going to boogly-woogly : anyhow Oh we don't care : what the mama don't allow We going to bee-bop : anyhow We don't care : what the mama don't allow Boy girls coming in here : anyhow Oh we don't care : what the mama don't allow We going to drink our whiskey : anyhow Oh we don't care : what the mama don't allow We going to play washboards : anyhow \L WasbS 2 Washboard Sam \C title: Jesse James Blues \C place and date: Chicago, 20 June 1935 \C record numbers: (C-1023-B) Vo-03375 BC-10 I wonder if you going to mistreat me woman : good as I have been to you It seems like you don't want me : no matter what I do Did you get that letter : that I throwed in your back yard Now I would come to see you : but your girl friend got me barred Now woman you must want me : to be like Jesse James I got to kill some man : and rob some passenger train I feel just like : snapping my pistol in your no-good face Because you told me late last night : you stayed in another place I'm going to shoot you woman : as long as my pistol will fire Because this is Jesse James : and you should not tell him a lie \L WasbS 3 Washboard Sam \C title: Mama Don't Allow No. 2 \C place and date: Chicago, 3 July 1935 \C record numbers: (C-1059-?) Vo-03375 RBF RF-202 Says we don't care : what mama don't allow We going to show : our nickers anyhow Says we don't care : what mama don't allow We going to play : our guitars anyhow Says we don't care : what mama don't allow We going to strut our stuff : anyhow Says we don't care : what the mama don't allow We going to shake our shimmy : anyhow Says we don't care : what mama don't allow We going to break them down : anyhow Says we don't care : what the mama don't allow We going to easy-woodle : anyhow \L WasbS 4 Washboard Sam \C title: Out with the Wrong Woman \C place and date: Chicago, 21 Dec. 1936 \C record numbers: (01883- ) BB-B6794 BC-10 I went to a party last night : I was dressed to kill When the people found who I was dancing with : I guess they laughing still I looked up at her face : I looked down at her feet She was built like an automobile : but didn't have no rumble seat Now I got her home with me : I got into bed When she pulled off her dress : she says daddy cover up your head I bought myself a bottle of booze : I went to drink it to myself But when I turned it up to my head : here comes somebody else I went to her place last night : I knocked upon the door When that lady opened that door : I said I'll never do this no more \L WasbS 5 Washboard Sam \C title: Come On In \C place and date: Chicago, 21 Dec. 1936 \C record numbers: (01884- ) BB-B6870 RBF RF-16 Sit right down : have some fun My old lady out : on a all night run I'll cook some meat : bake some bread If you get sleepy : there's a great big bed Take this liquor : take this wine Let's get drunk : have a whopping good time You can have some of that : have some of this Have everything : in the doggone flat I'm drunk and disorderly : and I don't care Why don't you : put on your underwear \L WasbS 6 Washboard Sam \C title: Big Woman \C place and date: Chicago, 21 Dec. 1936 \C record numbers: (01885- ) BB-B6870 BC-10 Got a little bitty mama : and a big mama too My little bitty mama : don't treat me like my big mama do Hey hey mama : don't be mean to me Because don't you know baby : you and I can't agree Hey hey mama : take your big legs off of me If you had good sense : you'd be down in misery Hey hey mama : let's go across town Now didn't we have fun : but you big legs is holding me down Hey hey mama : give me my shoes and clothes I done found out : I can't satisfy your soul There's a train at the station : and I'm ready to go You'll never get a chance : to put your big legs on me no more \L WasbS 7 Washboard Sam \C title: Back Door \C place and date: Aurora, Ill., 4 May 1937 \C record numbers: (07616- ) BB-B7001 BC-10 Oh tell me mama : who's that here awhile ago Yes when I come in : who is that went out that back door Now don't come here mama : I'm going to start to raising sand You been out boogly-wooglying : that's something I can't understand This is something : I never seen before You broke down my bed : got a pallet on my floor I had the windows nailed down : he couldn't get through Had his hat in his hand : and his underwear too So tell me baby : before I let you go Yes when I come in : who's that went out that back door He come by me running : but it likely he ain't got a chance With one leg in his pants : and his shoes in his hand \L WasbS 8 Washboard Sam \C title: We Gonna Move \C place and date: Aurora, Ill., 4 May 1937 \C record numbers: (07617- ) BB-B7001 BC-10 When I get you mama : we going to move on the outskirts of town Because I don't want nobody : ooo always hanging around Well the reason mama : I don't want you to stay here I don't need no iceman : I'm going to get me a frigidaire That's why : I'm going to move on the outskirts of town Because sweet baby : I don't want no iceman hanging around Well I'm going to heat with gas mama : and not with coal I don't need no coalman : stopping and hauling coal That's why : we going to move on the outskirts of town Because I don't want no coalman : always hanging around Well I'm going to bring my groceries mama : myself every day If that don't beat the grocery boy : I know a way That's what I'm going to do : when we move to the outskirts of town Because I don't want no delivery boy : always hanging around Well it may be funny mama : as funny as can be If we have any babies : I want them all to look like me \L WasbS 9 Washboard Sam \C title: Low Down Woman \C place and date: Aurora, Ill., 4 May 1937 \C record numbers: (07618- ) BB-B7048 BC-10 Hey hey baby : why you acting so lowdown Yeah all you do is drink moonshine : and clown all over town You drink moonshine : I believe you smoke reefers too Yeah because when you get drunk woman : you don't care what you do You said you loved me : I found out you told a lie When I started to tell you about your lowdown ways : you just hang your head and cry You can always tell : when your woman going to act lowdown Yeah she start drinking moonshine : and running with the lowest class in town I'm going to buy me a pistol : shotgun and some shells I'm going to stop these lowdown women : because I'm going to start to raising hell \L WasbS 10 Washboard Sam \C title: Lowland Blues \C place and date: Aurora, Ill., 4 May 1937 \C record numbers: (07620- ) BB-B7096 BC-10 I wonder why : that southbound train don't run Woman you don't need no telling : you know just what you done I got my ticket : I'm holding it in my hand I got a real good woman : but the poor fool don't understand I'm a hard-working man : to be mistreated where I go When I get down in the lowlands : I won't be mistreated no more I'm going to Jackson : Greenwood is where I belong Anywhere in Mississippi : is my native home I'm just like my mother left me : I ain't got nothing at all I'm just like a big mule baby : I ain't got no stall \L WasbS 11 Washboard Sam \C title: I'm On My Way Blues \C place and date: Aurora, Ill., 4 May 1937 \C record numbers: (07621- ) BB-B7096 BC-10 I was standing on the corner : and I was wringing my hands And up come a copper : and say he was a plain-clothes man He carried me to the station : and put me in a cell He said you stay there partner : until about twelve The judge he passed the sentence : the clerk he wrote it down I know by that baby : I was prison bound Bye bye bye baby : I see you some sweet day Yeah I was not a bad fellow : but the judge he sent me away I'm going away baby : but I never will forget this day Yeah the Good Book do tell you : ooo that crime do not pay \L WasbS 12 Washboard Sam \C title: Bucket's Got a Hole in It \C place and date: Aurora, Ill., 16 June 1938 \C record numbers: (020808- ) BB-B7906 BC-2 When you walking down Thirty-First Street : you had better look around The vice squad is on the beat : and you'll be jailhouse bound I was standing on the corner : everything was going slow Can't make no money : tricks ain't walking no more Going to start a little racket : going to start it out right Going to sell moonshine in the day : and sell the dope at night Then if I can't make no money : going to catch the Santa Fe Going to drink good liquor : and let all women be \L WasbS 13 Washboard Sam \C title: Save It for Me \C place and date: Aurora, Ill., 16 June 1938 \C record numbers: (020809- ) BB-B7866 BC-10 You's a good-looking woman : pretty as you can be Lot of mens running after you : you must save it for me You can invite men to dinner : let them drink my wine But now when it comes to loving you : that had better be mine You can throw away my money : drive me to the W P A If you want to keep breathing : don't give my loving away Oh men do tell me : I'm a doggone fool But if you save it for me : I'll work like a doggone mule Here I come mama : tired and dirty as I can be Just want to know mama : if you save it for me \L WasbS 14 Washboard Sam \C title: Sophisticated Mama \C place and date: Aurora, Ill., 16 June 1938 \C record numbers: (020814- ) BB-B7780 BC-2 Sophisticated mama : don't turn your nose up at me Don't try to be ritzy : you ain't what you seem to be You think you knows all answers : ain't got nothing to learn You don't want no man : if he ain't got money to burn I'm going to read you mama : tell you what I think of you You will do anything : that any other woman will do You can't drink nothing : unless it's champagne or wine But you would drink beer and like it : if you were the woman of mine You like high-price dresses : and mmm steaks every day If you belongs to me : you would eat hot dogs any time I say I'm a barrelhouse man : ain't got no money to give you Can't give you nothing but loving : and you'll have to make that do \L WasbS 15 Washboard Sam \C title: Diggin' My Potatoes \C place and date: Chicago, 15 May 1939 \C record numbers: (034797- ) BB-B8211 BC-10 Baby's digging my potatoes : tramping on my vines I have a special plan : resting on my mind I don't eat no cabbage sprouts : bring me solid head Go to call a wagon : if I find him in my bed Now she powdered her face : *Lord her* wavy hair Caught a taxicab : she's out across town somewhere Said my vine's coloured green : potatoes solid red Never found a bruised one : till I caught them in my bed \L WasbS 16 Washboard Sam \C title: I'm Goin' to St. Louis \C place and date: Chicago, 5 Aug. 1940 \C record numbers: (049370- ) BB-B8569 BC-10 Well trouble start this morning : at my front door When you say : you didn't want me no more I'm going to St Louis : to wear you off my mind You keep me worried : and bothered all the time I tried to treat you : nice and kind But you got to the place : you didn't pay me no mind You been drinking whiskey : and been drinking gin First thing you know : you will be drunk again I tried hard : all my life But you wouldn't try : to treat me right \L WasbS 17 Washboard Sam \C title: Yes I Got Your Woman \C place and date: Chicago, 5 Aug. 1940 \C record numbers: (049374- ) BB-B8599 RBF RF-16 You been tooting your whistle : and you been blowing your horn Oh you been raising sand : about what's going on Yes I got your woman : and you say that you was through Yes I got your woman : so what in the world are you going to do I wasn't bothering your woman : but you had left her alone So if she flagged my train : I'm sure going to take her home Oh you've unfastened your pistol : you've been making your bogus play If you bother me about that woman : I'm going to put you in your grave Oh when you had that woman : you didn't treat her right Oh she walked these blocks for you : both day and night \L WasbS 18 Washboard Sam \C title: Life Is Just a Book \C place and date: Chicago, 26 June 1941 \C record numbers: (064477-1) BB-B8909 RCA LPV-577 Life is just a book : every day is a brand new page There is one thing I know : ooo well we have no more There was so many people : standing on the corner today They can't find no job : ooo well and no place to stay Now once I had money : could go most anywhere Wouldn't wear a shirt : after it tear Now my money's gone : done pawned all my clothes And if I don't make some changes : I'll be sleeping outdoors So take it easy take it easy : Lord how can I rest If you ain't a stone pony : ooo well hard times will bust your vest Now since prices have went up : on meal and leg bone There's been a-many person : hung their head and moan But the reason : so many without a place to stay Standing around : depending on the W P A \L WasbS 19 Washboard Sam \C title: I'm Not the Lad \C place and date: Chicago, 26 June 1941 \C record numbers: (064478-1) BB-B8878 RCA LPV-577 You are the same girl : I met in nineteen hundred and four You have a nice line of jive : with a plow and a hoe We can be buddies : you are a good scout But the road you are traveling : is done played out Your game is so strong mama : yes your dice is too bad So find you another chump : ooo well mama because I'm not the lad When you get your money : don't be so tight You don't buy nothing but whiskey : from morning till night Just buy yourself : one good feed And you won't have to : weight everything you need You can't slice my meat : you can't make my bread You can't say : you want to fix your bed Now don't think because you're smart : because you lot of mouth For the line you are carrying : is done played out Now a nickel is a nickel : and a dime is a dime You spend your money : and I'll spend mine If you think you can boss me : and eat up my grub You are a lying sweet woman : so get up and out of that mud \L WasbS 20 Washboard Sam \C title: My Feet Jumped Salty \C place and date: Chicago, 26 June 1941 \C record numbers: (064479-1) BB-B8844 RCA LPV-577 Then the cow jumped salty : Lord because it was against her rule Now if you think that she likes it : ooo well you just a blackeyed fool The little game rooster : told the little guinea hen If I ever catch you squatting : around my nest again I will have to jump salty : Lord because it's really against my rule Now if you think that he likes it : ooo well you just a blackeyed fool Now two old womens : are running hand in hand One found out : the other one had a man Then that woman jumped salty : Lord because it was against her rule Now if you think that she likes it : ooo well you just a blackeyed fool I was chatting with a girl : in the wrong place A man cocked a pistol : right in my face Then my feet jumped salty : Lord because it was against his rule Now if you think that I liked it : ooo well you just a blackeyed fool \L WasbS 21 Washboard Sam \C title: Flying Crow Blues \C place and date: Chicago, 26 June 1941 \C record numbers: (064480-1) BB-B8844 BC-10 Flying Crow leave Port Arthur : come to Shreveport to change her crew She will take water at Texarkana : yes boys and keep on through That Flying Crow whistle : sounds so lonesome and sad Lord it broke my heart : and took the last woman I had Two days I cried : three days I walked the streets I couldn't find nobody : to give my poor heart relief Now she's gone she's gone : with a red and green light behind The red is for trouble : and the green is for my rambling mind \L WasbS 22 Washboard Sam \C title: Levee Camp Blues \C place and date: Chicago, 26 June 1941 \C record numbers: (064481-1) BB-B8909 BC-10 Says I worked in a leveecamp : just about a month ago Says I wind so many wagons : it made my poor hands sore We slept just like dogs : eat beans both night and day But I never did know : just when we were due our pay They had two shifts on day : and the same two shifts at night But if a man weren't working : he can't treat his baby right Electric lights going out : telephones is bogging down I'm going to keep on winding : because I'm the best old winder in town \L WasbS 23 Washboard Sam \C title: I'm Feeling Low Down \C place and date: Chicago, 26 June 1941 \C record numbers: (064482-1) BB-B8878 RCA LPV-577 I've got the blues : I feel so lowdown It's all about my baby : down in my old home town She got really white teeth : and long black wavy hair Yes I love my baby : because that stuff is really there I'm going back home : and take the right-hand road And I ain't going to stop : until I get in my baby's door These home-town blues : have got me down in mind Because I love my baby : *and there's such a good time* \L WasbS 24 Washboard Sam \C title: Brown and Yellow Woman Blues \C place and date: Chicago, 26 June 1941 \C record numbers: (064483-1) BB-B8937 RCA LPV-577 I'm going to get me a brownskin woman : Lord and let all the yellow ones go You know a brownskin woman : ooo well is not a don't you know Don't let no yellow woman : know Lord how much you really care She'll keep your mind upset : ooo well and won't be on the square Now I am a free man : Lord and sleeping all alone But I'm going to get me a brownskin : ooo Lord because the yellow one is gone That no-good woman followed me here : Lord but the police took her away I was so glad of that : ooo well I didn't like her lowdown ways \L WasbS 25 Washboard Sam \C title: She Belongs to the Devil \C place and date: Chicago, 26 June 1941 \C record numbers: (064484-1) BB-B8937 RCA LPV-577 She belongs to the devil : Lord I cried many a day Yes that child is so wicked : ooo well who could change her ways She could wink a mean eye : Lord she learned me to sing the blues And she had a little secret : ooo Lord make a washboard have it too Now when we both was young : on our way to school We stopped under a shade-tree : laying in the cool Babe oh babe oh babe : honey you should have a heart Just remember this day : ooo Lord Lord and we will never part Now I did not know the year : Lord neither the month she was born Yes she belongs to the devil : ooo well she have wrecked a-many home \L WasbS 26 Washboard Sam \C title: Let Me Play Your Vendor \C place and date: Chicago, 4 Nov. 1941 \C record numbers: (070375-1) BB-B8967 RCA LPV-577 First time I heard your music : I was just sixteen I couldn't understand all the records : because I was young and green Now let me play your *sea bird* : yes mama one more time Just let me play your vendor : your music sure sounds good to me I work hard for my money : I spends it all away You open your vendor at night : and keep it locked all day I don't know what folks tell me : if it's true or not They say your day or night records : are kind that were hot Play with these thirty year old nickels : will fit your machine just right I can't play it right now : I'll play it later on tonight \L WasbS 27 Washboard Sam \C title: Gonna Hit the Highway \C place and date: Chicago, 4 Nov. 1941 \C record numbers: (070377-1) BB-B8997 RCA LPV-577 I'm going to hit this old highway : catch the fastest thing I see Because I want to see my baby : ooo Lord I believe my baby want to see me I want to find my baby : I pray to the good Lord I don't fail If I never find her : ooo Lord I'll be forever on her trail I'm going to call up China : and telephone every town I know And if I don't find her in Shanghai : ooo Lord I'm going to look all over the Gulf of Mexico She's the onliest woman I ever loved : I can't get her off my mind Now I may not find her in the next twenty years : ooo Lord but I'll be forever trying \L WasbS 28 Washboard Sam \C title: I've Been Treated Wrong \C place and date: Chicago, 4 Nov. 1941 \C record numbers: (070378-1) BB-B9007 RBF RF-1 I don't know my real name : I don't know when I was born The trouble I been having : seem like I was raised in a orphan's home My mother died and left me : when I was only two years old And the trouble I been having : the good Lord only knows I been treated like an orphan : and been worked like a slave And if I ever get my revenge : evilness will carry me to my grave Now I been having trouble : ever since I been grown I'm too old for the orphan : and too young for the old folks' home \L WasbS 29 Washboard Sam \C title: Evil Blues \C place and date: Chicago, 4 Nov. 1941 \C record numbers: (070379-1) BB-B8997 RCA LPV-577 Yes yes : worst feeling I ever had These old evil blues : have treated me awful bad I had the blues all night : I'll be glad when morning comes I'm going to have a talk with some Gypsy : see what evil have I done These old evil blues : have been following me all this week I can't rest at midnight : and day I just can't sleep Down in old Death Valley : tombstones and old dry bones These old evil blues keep following me : Death Valley going to be my home \L WasbS 30 Washboard Sam \C title: Get Down Brother \C place and date: Chicago, 4 Nov. 1941 \C record numbers: (070380-1) BB-B9018 RCA LPV-577 Now listen here brother : you may can understand I might would pimp a woman : but I will never pimp a man So please get down big boy : man you big enough to walk And when I tell you about a job : ooo Lord you say you don't want to talk You said you would never work : as long as you was free So brother because I'm working : why you pick on me You come by my house : with a great long lie You say hello friends : I'm just passing by You came to stay a day : and you stayed a week And when my wife asked you to do her a favor : you pretend you were asleep \L WasbS 31 Washboard Sam \C title: Lover's Lane Blues \C place and date: Chicago, 4 Nov. 1941 \C record numbers: (070381-1) BB-B9007 BC-10 My name is Washboard Sam : but many call me loving Joe Listen to what I says : if you really wants to know Oh baby : meet me down in Lover's Lane I want you to sit and listen : ooo gal to my wonderful plan Now baby I'm not a bad man : you know we ain't no kin If you don't want to be my woman : we will still be friends Now when we are talking : I want you to hold my hand Look me in the eye : I think I can make you understand Now ask the ladies in your neighborhood : about my plan And they will all tell you : that loving Sam is the man \L WasbS 32 Washboard Sam \C title: You Stole My Love \C place and date: Chicago, 4 Nov. 1941 \C record numbers: (070382-1) BB-B9018 RCA LPV-577 Gal you stole my love : and you know that it was a crime So go on and take the punishment : it's no worry of mine I worried a long time ago : and you was as happy as you could be So now it's your worry : I'm glad you have set me free Now you know you had me your way : and I just couldn't turn around But now things have turned : but I ain't going to let you down So now we are even : and let's start over this very day Everything I start : I want you to meet me halfway \L WasbS 33 Washboard Sam \C title: I Laid My Cards on the Table \C place and date: Chicago, 31 July 1942 \C record numbers: (074686-1) BB-34-0710 RCA \C LPV-577 I laid my cards on the table : still you wouldn't give me a break But some day baby : you poor heart is sure going to ache Baby you made my poor heart bleed : and then you said I ain't fit And you have found someone else : and you want to call it quits Baby some day baby : I know things are going to turn And that one-sided love : is going to make your poor heart burn And I will look out of my window : and see you on the street And that load your poor heart will be carrying : will knock you off of your feet Because you stayed away all summer : and didn't come home till fall Now you are too late baby : because someone else in your stall \L WasbS 34 Washboard Sam \C title: I Get the Blues at Bedtime \C place and date: Chicago, 31 July 1942 \C record numbers: (074687-1) BB-34-0710 RCA \C LPV-577 I get the blues at bedtime : them things don't leave until day And if I just had you in my arms : them blues would blow away Now if you love me baby : try to keep me satisfied And you will lower down your chariot : and let your poor daddy ride Now if I could go back to China : and start my life brand new I would tell the whole world : just what I would do I wouldn't start to drinking and gambling : I wouldn't run around I think I would get married : baby and I would settle down \L WasbW 1 Washboard Walter \C title: Narrow Face Blues \C place and date: Grafton, Wis., c. Feb. 1930 \C record numbers: (L-142-4) Pm-12954 Her H-205 You can talk about burnt liver : but narrow-face is the meat I crave You can take a narrow-face : and lead a preacher to his grave You sister will do anything : when he begins to preach and smile You *bake grub* for your husband : to find those narrow-faced boys Lordy Lordy : here's what I want you to do Please deliver me : from these narrow-faced blues Hey hey hey : listen to the brother moan While the preacher and the sister : *love* those narrow-face *bones* You'd be surprised to know : what the word of narrow-face means But you see it ain't nothing : but a great big fat hen Hey hey : what you want me to do *Johnny* it with you : and eat those narrow-face too \L WasbW 2 Washboard Walter \C title: Insurance Man Blues \C place and date: Grafton, Wis., c. Apr. 1930 \C record numbers: (L-283-2) Pm-12954 Her H-205 Insurance man came this morning : and knocked on my door I didn't have no money : and I told him not to come no more I've taken awful sick : and I had to go to bed I didn't have no money : to get a nurse to hold my head You will need your insurance : no matter where you go Don't never : drive an insurance man from your door I will have my money : next time he comes around And then I can call up : old Dr Brown Money is so tight : I can't pay my insurance bill Please Mr insurance man : trust me if you will Insurance man turned around : and he looked me in the eye And said *your death* won't credit you : when you get ready to die Oh well it's Lordy Lordy : what am I to do Ain't got no money : now my insurance is due \L WashE 1 Washington, Elizabeth \C title: Garden of Joy-+-Blues \C place and date: Chicago, 6 June 1927 \C record numbers: (38637-2) Vi-21126 OJL-4 Well take me down : and have a time All I want : is [a bottle of, some more] \L WashL 1 Washington, Louis \C title: Tallahassee Woman \C place and date: New York, 18 Jan. 1934 \C record numbers: (14637-1) Ba-33105 Fly LP-103 When you get in Tallahassee : put your money down in your shoe Tallahassee women : they sure put a *method* on you Lord I'm going to Tallahassee : I got these Tallahassee blues Yes these Tallahassee women : sure put a *method* on you Yes I was walking down the street the other day : my Hattie on my mind A woman walked with me baby : to buy me one drink of shine I told her I'm going back to Tallahassee : I ain't got no money to spend But I'll buy you one drink baby : when I see you again Tell me ain't no need to worry : ain't no need to feel bad The folks down in Tallahassee : make me spend all the money I ever had Lord these Tallahassee women : they put a *method* on you But I can tell you one thing : I got these Tallahassee blues And I don't feel good : I don't feel bad I never had a gal : like the one I have had Now that was down in Tallahassee : where I had these Tallahassee blues I got these blues so bad : don't know what in the world to do When you go down in Smoky Hollow : put your money down in your shoe Them Smoky Hollow women : sure put a *method* on you Now I'm feeling so bad : I'm feeling so sad I ain't had a drink so long : till I feeling so bad Now I'm going I'm going to Tallahassee : got these Tallahassee blues When you get in Tallahassee : your woman put a *method* on you \L WashL 2 Washington, Louis \C title: Black Snake Blues \C place and date: New York, 24 Jan. 1934 \C record numbers: (14676-1) Ba-33058 Rt RL-313 I'm crying oh : where in the world my black snake gone I mean now some pretty mama : done [run, drove] my black snake home Mama it must have been a bedbug : baby a chinch can't bite that hard And I asked my baby for fifty cents : she said honey ain't a child in the yard I'm crying mmm : black snake crawling all in my room I mean some pretty mama : better come and get this black snake soon Now mama that's all right : mama that's all right for you I mean now that's all right pretty mama : most any old any old way you do Now you don't know : you don't worry my mind You keep your black snake worried : and want him most all the time I'm crying oh now : black snake crawling all on my room \L Wate 1 Waters, Ethel \C title: One Man Nan \C place and date: New York, c. Aug. 1921 \C record numbers: (P-146-1) BS-2021 Bio BLP-12022 The very thought of Sam sinking : that's my *cup* It's going to be my place : to pick him up \L Wate 2 Waters, Ethel \C title: There'll Be Some Changes Made \C place and date: New York, c. Aug. 1921 \C record numbers: (P-147-1) BS-2021 Bio BLP-12022 My walk will be different : my talk and my name Nothing about me : is going to be the same I'm going to change my long ??? : for a little short spat I'm going to change my number : where I'm living at Why there's a change in the weather : there's a change in the sea But from now on : there'll be a change in me I'm going to change my way of living : and that ain't no bluff Why I'm thinking about changing : the way I got to strut my stuff \L Wate 3 Waters, Ethel \C title: Georgia Blues \C place and date: New York, c. May 1922 \C record numbers: (B) BS-14120 Bio BLP-12022 A certain party : that I know Offered me a ticket : to Chicago *Arty* wanted to marry me : way last spring Even bought me : a great big diamond ring \L Wate 4 Waters, Ethel \C title: That Da Da Strain \C place and date: New York, c. May 1922 \C record numbers: (A) BS-14120 Bio BLP-12022 Have you heard it have you heard it : the da da swing It will shake you : it will make you really go insane Everybody : *is still obsessed* Make you watch : your every step Every ??? every ??? : starts to lay them down Everybody when they heard it : starts to ???ing around And I get crazy : as a loon When everybody : hums this tune \L Wate 5 Waters, Ethel \C title: At the New Jump Steady Ball \C place and date: New York, c. May 1922 \C record numbers: ( ) BS-14128 Bio BLP-12022 Now the Jump-Steady Club : they gave a ball And it was held : down at the new hope hall All the bootleggers : in the town Why they brought : that *stuff steady* along People came : from far and near To taste the different mixtures : that they handled there When the jazz band struck up : you'd be surprised Everybody in the hall : was goo-goo eyed They started serving : ??? wine And everything : that was alcohol-lined Chicago pop : and *lilac* All kinds of pep tonic : went along with the jazz Jamaica gin : to mix with turpentine With black molasses : made it super fine Extract of lemon : and ginger ale Sweet patuni with shoe polish : and you're bound for jail Night's awful hot : I was feeling fine To tell the truth : I was out of my mind But just before : I lost my head I saw them : carry six men out dead They walked out the window : in the air They called for music : but no jazz band was there Then everybody there : was You could get paralyzed : for fifteen cents Extract of lemon : with ginger ale *Eat cake* with some raisins : and you're bound for jail \L Wate 6 Waters, Ethel \C title: Oh, Joe, Play that Trombone \C place and date: New York, c. May 1922 \C record numbers: ( ) BS-14128 Bio BLP-12022 It makes me crazy : when you blow it up high And when you bring it down : and swing it side to side Because when you start to jazz : I get a feeling from the start That gives me such a *kicking and a twicking* : around my heart \L Wate 7 Waters, Ethel \C title: Memphis Man \C place and date: New York, c. Mar. 1923 \C record numbers: (564-1) BS-14146 Bio BLP-12022 Memphis man : comes knocking at the door Knocks like : nobody ever knocked before If you know your business : let him in Because he's so different : when loving begins Memphis man : the lovingest man I know Loves you : like you never been loved before Love you while he's talking : love you while he sings Swing his arms and hands : and a few other things Love you when he's working : love you when he slaves He could write a book : on his loving ways \L Wate 8 Waters, Ethel \C title: Midnight Blues \C place and date: New York, c. Mar. 1923 \C record numbers: (565-2) BS-14146 Bio BLP-12022 Daddy daddy : please come back to me Your mama's lonesome : as she can be You left [me] at midnight : clock was striking twelve To face this cruel world : well all by myself \L Wate 9 Waters, Ethel \C title: You Can't Do What My Last Man Did \C place and date: New York, c. June 1923 \C record numbers: (A) BS-14151 Bio BLP-12022 You can't do : what my last man did Dog me around : and treat me like he did My last man : tried to drag me down But he was one good man : to have around But when the clock on the wall : strikes half past three I want all the things : you do for me Early this morning : you wanted to fight Because you heard : I cabareted last night Tried to take my money : and pawn my *flat* Now you've worn the welcome : clean off my mat Now that last cruel papa : he blacked my eye Then left me alone : to sigh and cry \L Wate 10 Waters, Ethel \C title: Ethel Sings 'Em \C place and date: New York, c. June 1923 \C record numbers: (B) BS-14154 Bio BLP-12022 It's getting so I can't sleep for dreaming : and I can't laugh for crying Because the man I love : is forever on my mind He puts candy in my hand : and he calls me his candy doll Then he looks at me and cries mama : I mean your sweet old girl It's so hard to love : another woman's man Because you can't get him when you want him : you've got to take him when you can Oh love is like a faucet : that turns off and on Because every time you think you've got it : papa it's turned off and gone Life is nothing but a jam : a constant jamboree It jams everybody : now it's about to jam poor me \L Wate 11 Waters, Ethel \C title: Craving Blues \C place and date: Chicago, c. Apr. 1924 \C record numbers: (1742-2) Pm-12313 Bio BLP-12022 Some people crave for loving : some people crave for gold But craving is just a habit : so I've been told I love my man : I'll tell the world I do As good as I've been : he ought to love me too But he keeps me worried : day and night When I want to love him : he wants to fuss and fight \L WeaC 1 Weaver, Curley \C title: Sweet Patunia \C place and date: Atlanta, 26 Oct. 1928 \C record numbers: (147304-2) Co-14386-D His HLP-32 I've got a gal : lives down by the jail Sign on the door : sweet patuni for sale Lord I'm wild about my tuni : only thing I crave Oh sweet patuni : going to carry me to my grave I got up this morning : about half past four Big Bill *Johnny* : had his *'spenders* on the floor I got a gal : she's long and tall Every time she do the shimmy : I holler hot dog If I could holler : like a mountain jack Go up on a mountain : bring my tuni back Way back yonder : in one-oh-one Baby had good tunis : but she couldn't get none \L WeaC 2 Weaver, Curley \C title: No No Blues \C place and date: Atlanta, 26 Oct. 1928 \C record numbers: (147305-2) Co-14386-D His HLP-32 Got up this morning : my good gal was gone Stood by my bedside : long many long many morn Went down the street : I couldn't be satisfied Had the no no blues : just too mean just too mean to cry Take a mighty good woman : treat her good man wrong Ain't none of my business : but it sure ain't right Take another man's woman : walk the streets all walk the streets all night If I mistreat you : I sure don't mean no harm I'm a motherless child : don't know right from don't know right from wrong I'm a stranger here : just come 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 fellow : make a good gal make a good gal squall I ain't no gambler : I don't play no pool I'm just a roller : jelly-baking jelly-baking fool I'm a stranger here : I just come on this train I long to hear : some gal call some gal call my name My mama told me : papa told me too Don't let no woman : make a fool out of make a fool out of you \L WeaC 3 Weaver, Curley \C title: Sometime Mama \C place and date: Chicago, 23 Apr. 1935 \C record numbers: (C-9939-B) Ch-50065 His HLP-31 Sometime mama : you're good as good can be You changed your mind baby : trying to make a dog of me When I met you baby : you didn't have no sometime ways Now you done changed baby : trying to carry me to my grave Walked by you baby : everything seemed to be all right You ain't got a place now baby : won't even love me at night Now listen baby : what I'm going to say You going to get you another man : if you don't stop your sometime ways \L WeaC 4 Weaver, Curley \C title: Oh Lawdy Mama \C place and date: Chicago, 23 Apr. 1935 \C record numbers: (C-9940-A) Ch-50077 Rt RL-326 Meet me down at the river : bring me my suit of clothes I ain't got so many : but I got buggish far to go Woman I love : woman I crave to see She in Cincinnati : won't even write to me Woman I love : got mouth chock full of good gold Every time she hug and kiss me : make my buggish blood run cold Woman I love : caught that Southern train Heart she left me here : heart full of aching pain Now tell me sweet woman : time the train come through your town I just want to have : a talk with that teasing brown One goes south at eight : one goes north at nine I just want to have a talk : with that brown of mine Woman I love : right down on the ground She's a tailor-made mama : not no hand-me-down Going away to leave you : crying won't make me stay I may be back in June baby : may be back in first of May \L WeaC 5 Weaver, Curley \C title: Two Faced Woman \C place and date: Chicago, 23 Apr. 1935 \C record numbers: (C-9941-A) Ch-50065 His HLP-31 Two-faced woman : trying to see her two days at one time Be mighty doggone careful : of nar' one of them days be mine Every time I see you woman : got your glasses nice and clean If I tell you you can't go out : you say I'm acting mean You two-faced woman : wear glasses all the time Long you wear them glasses : you can't be no woman of mine You know you didn't want me : when you stuck your four eyes in my door I done spent all my money : now tell me you don't want me no more \L WeaC 6 Weaver, Curley \C title: Fried Pie Blues \C place and date: Chicago, 23 Apr. 1935 \C record numbers: (C-9943-A) Ch-50077 Rt RL-326 I ain't going down baby : that long road by myself If I can't carry you baby : carry somebody else Can I wait around here baby : till your fried pie get done If I have any money : I will buy me some My baby baked me fresh biscuits : baked them nice and brown What please me so well : she bake them with her damper down My baby she got a mojo : trying to keep it hid Papa Weaver got something : find that mojo with \L WeaS 1 Weaver, Sylvester \C title: Can't Be Trusted Blues \C place and date: New York, 31 Aug. 1927 \C record numbers: (81401-B) OK-8504 Yz L-1012 I don't love nobody : that's my policy I'll tell the world : that nobody can get along with me I can't be trusted : can't be satisfied The men all know it : and pin their women to their side I will sure backbite you : gnaw you to the bone I don't mean maybe : I can't let women alone Pull down your windows : and lock up all your doors Got ways like the devil : papa's *sneaking* on all fours \L Weld 1 Weldon, Will (Memphis Jug Band) \C title: Stingy Woman-+-Blues \C place and date: Memphis, 24 Feb. 1927 \C record numbers: (37942-1) Vi-20552 Rt RL-322 And it's stingy woman : come and sit down on my knee ??? *Lordy* : unless you going to care for me And it's hey faro : tell me what's the matter now And you trying to quit me : Lordy woman and you don't know how \L Weld 2 Weldon, Will (Memphis Jug Band) \C title: Memphis Jug-+-Blues \C place and date: Memphis, 24 Feb. 1927 \C record numbers: (37943-2) Vi-20576 Rt RL-322 Hey drop down drop down : mama like drops of rain Lord every once in a while : I think I hear my baby call my name Hey : I ain't going to change no more Said get away from my window mama : don't knock at my back door Says I ain't been your good man : since you been my Now you want me to ??? : and I ain't I stuck with you mama : when you did not have no man at all Now baby must want me : for to be her lowdown dog Lord I can stand right here partner : and look on *Culligan* Avenue Lord I can see everything : that my easy roller do \L Weld 3 Weldon, Will (Memphis Jug Band) \C title: Sunshine Blues \C place and date: Chicago, 9 June 1927 \C record numbers: (38658-1) Vi-20781 Rt RL-322 I've got the worried blues : got nowhere to go You can starch my jumper : iron my overalls I'm going down to the station : catch that West Cannonball And it's hurry sundown : let tomorrow come And it may bring sunshine : and it may bring rain \L Weld 4 Weldon, Will \C title: Turpentine Blues \C place and date: Atlanta, 20 Oct. 1927 \C record numbers: (40322-2) Vi-21134 Yz L-1008 Going home in the morning : woman and I sure can't carry you Ain't nothing else I learned : Lord a monkey-woman can do I don't want no jet-black woman : Lord to cook no pie for me Because black is evil : I guess she might poison me Some men love high yellows : boy you give me my black or brown Before your gal be with you : a yellow put you down Said I wonder : would a poor matchbox hold my clothes I ain't got so many : Lord I got so far to go Going to wash my face : in the dear old Mexico Going to eat my breakfast : thousand miles or more Now what you going to do boy : when your trouble get like mine Take you a mouthful of sugar : boy and drink a bottle of turpentine \L Weld 5 Weldon, Will \C title: Hitch Me to Your Buggy and Drive Me Like \C a Mule \C place and date: Atlanta, 20 Oct. 1927 \C record numbers: (40323-2) Vi-21134 OJL-21 You can hitch me to your buggy : babe drive me just like I was a mule But I want you to understand woman : ain't nobody's fool Boy I may be right Lord : boy I may be wrong But my faro done come here baby : caught the train and gone Going to buy me a bulldog : watch my baby while she sleeps Going to keep my baby : from making her midnight creep ??? said she loves me : boy I don't believe she told me the truth Every time I put my hand on her : boy she really get on me \L Weld 6 Weldon, Will (Memphis Jug Band) \C title: Peaches in the Springtime \C place and date: Memphis, 13 Feb. 1928 \C record numbers: (41890-2) Vi-21657 Rt RL-311 Now you give me peaches in the springtime : apples in the fall Can't get the gal I love : don't want none at all The woman I'm loving : she ain't no gal of mine She's a married woman : boy but comes to see me sometime Now it's apples on the table : peaches on the shelf Getting sick and tired : of sleeping by myself I'm going to build me a castle : fifteen story high So I can see my good gal : when she try and pass me by \L Weld 7 Weldon, Will \C title: W. P. A. Blues \C place and date: Chicago, 12 Feb. 1936 \C record numbers: (C-1256-1) Vo-03186 BC-7 Everybody's working in this town : and it's worrying me night and day If that mean working too : have to work for the W P A Well well the landlord come this morning : and he knocked on my door He asked me : if I was going to pay my rent no more He said you have to move : if you can't pay And then he turned : and he walked slowly away So I have to try : find me some other place to stay That housewrecking crew's coming : from the W P A Well well went to the relief station : and I didn't have a cent If that's the only way you stand : you don't have to pay no rent So when I got back home : they was tacking a notice on the door This house is condemned : and you can't live there no more So a notion struck me : I better be on my way They're going to tear my house down : ooo that crew from the W P A Well well I went out next morning : I put a lock on my door I thought I would move : but I have no place to go The real estate people : they all done got so They don't rent : to no relief clients no more So I know : have to walk the streets night and day Because that wrecking crew's coming : ooo from that W P A Well well a notion struck me : I'll try to stay a day or two But I soon found out : that that wouldn't do Early next morning : while I was laying in my bed I heard a mighty rumbling : and the bricks come tumbling down on my head So I had to start ducking and dodging : and be on my way They was tearing my house down on me : ooo that crew from that W P A \L Weld 8 Weldon, Will \C title: Blues Everywhere I Go \C place and date: Chicago, 2 Apr. 1936 \C record numbers: (100323) BB-B6356 Rt RL-329 Well well it's blues : it's blues everywhere I go Well well I'm going to find my good girl : ooo and I won't be blue no more Well the blues in my house : from the roof to the ground And the blues everywhere : because my good gal have left this town Well well the blues in my room : I don't know right from wrong Because the blues in my kitchen : my biscuit-roller's gone Well well the blues in my mailbox : because I can't get no mail And the blues in my bread box : because my bread is done gone stale Well well so I've blues in my meal barrel : and the blues on my shelf And the blues in my bed : because I'm sleeping by myself \L Weld 9 Weldon, Will \C title: Somebody's Got to Go \C place and date: Chicago, 2 Apr. 1936 \C record numbers: (100324) BB-B6356 Rt RL-329 Well well me and my woman : we can't get along no more Well well I don't want you hanging around : ooo somebody sure have to go Well well you been telling everybody : you been *playing in luck* My wife cook me neckbones and beans : why'd you cook me chicken and duck So somebody : somebody will have to go Therefore I don't want you : ooo a-hanging around my house no more Well well you said I was your friend : and a friend you sure did like But as soon as I'm gone : you always bite me in the back So I don't want you : hanging around my wife no more Therefore I'm sorry buddy : ooo somebody will have to go Well I come home in the evening : when my day's work is done My bed is all turned up : and my supper's never done So I don't want you : hanging around my home no more Well well I'm sorry buddy : ooo someone will sure have to go Well well so look a-here buddy : now don't get hard Because somebody : can't go to the graveyard And it may be me : and it may be you \L Weld 10 Weldon, Will \C title: Red Hot Blues \C place and date: Chicago, 21 Oct. 1937 \C record numbers: (C-2031-1) Vo-04066 CC-3 Hey get your partner : put on your dancing shoes Then you can dance : to these red-hot blues All you got to do : is just to swing and sway When you're feeling low : just dance these blues away I had so many women : I didn't know which one to choose So my best gal's gone : I got those red-hot blues There's some folks say : that the red-hot blues ain't bad It must not have been : those red-hot blues they had Had a red-hot mama : that I sure did hate to lose But now she's gone : and I got those red-hot blues \L Weld 11 Weldon, Will \C title: Worried About that Woman \C place and date: Chicago, 21 Oct. 1937 \C record numbers: (C-2032-1) Vo-04066 CC-3 And I get worried I worry : I worries all the time For the gal I'm loving : she just won't treat me kind I just lay in my bed : I smoke cigarettes all night I just thinking about my gal : because she ain't doing me right You know I'm worried : worried all the time Yes I'm worried : because she don't treat me kind Said I woke up this morning : I was feeling so bad Thinking about the good times : that I once have had You know I'm worried : worried all the time Lord I love that women : she just won't treat me kind Well there's something about that woman : that's worrying me all the time She got men's shoes under her bed : and they ain't mine I'm going to pack my suitcase : down the road I'll go Because the good times I've had : I don't have no more \L WelS 1 Welsh, Nolan \C title: The Bridwell Blues \C place and date: Chicago, 16 June 1926 \C record numbers: (9727-A) OK-8372 Fwy FJ-2802 I was standing on the corner : did not mean no harm And the police came : took me by the arm Now the prosecutor questioned me partner : the clerk he wrote it down The judge say I'll give you one chance Nolan : but you would not leave this town Now I got to leave Bridewell : fell down on my knees Crying kill me jailor : jailor kill me please They sent me to the stone quarry : I was standing in the door I said don't do me this a-way people : you know I been here before \L WelS 2 Welsh, Nolan \C title: St. Peter Blues \C place and date: Chicago, 16 June 1926 \C record numbers: (9728-A) OK-8372 CC-32 Mama mama : baby how can it be Well you loves everybody baby : better than you do poor me But some old day : some old [rainy, sunny] day Oh the wind going to rise baby : blow my blues away Chicken when I'm hungry : white lightning when I'm dry And a real kind woman : ??? when I die When I get to heaven : sit down in St Peter's chair I'll say look a-here St Peter : you got any white lightning here \L WelS 3 Welsh, Nolan \C title: Dying Pickpocket Blues \C place and date: Chicago, c. Jan. 1929 \C record numbers: (21098-3) Pm-12759 Yz L-1028 It was in New York City workhouse : *so they called big Sam for days* It was in a dirty ditch there : where the dying pickpocket lay And his buddy stood beside him : with his lowdown drooping head Listen to the last words : that the dying pickpocket say He said tell my [friends, brothers] back in Cincy : although I know she will feel blue That I got *these stones on the hammer* : and I cannot pull it through Although I'm going partner : going to a better land I ain't going to pick no more pockets : I'm going to be a regular man Although she has been a real pal : and she answers to all my calls I've ruined her health : trying to spring me from this vault \L Whea 1 Wheatstraw, Peetie \C title: Mama's Advice \C place and date: Chicago, 4 Nov. 1930 \C record numbers: (C-6487-A) Vo-1620 BC-4 Well well I loved my little girl : and I loved her for myself Well now now I'll tell you now baby : I don't love nobody else Mama now she told me : ooo mmm till I hold her head and cry Well well well some of these women now : done made up their minds all the time Crying sorry : sorry to my heart Well now I'm so sorry : I lose my only child Mama now she gone : crying fare farewell to thee Well well didn't never have no baby : now to laugh and talk with me Mmm I wonder : do my little girl knows I'm here Well well well if she do : well well she sure don't feel my care \L Whea 2 Wheatstraw, Peetie \C title: Ain't It a Pity and a Shame \C place and date: Chicago, 4 Nov. 1930 \C record numbers: (C-6488-A) Vo-1649 Say SDR-191 Well that a pity and a shame : ways the women treats the men Well well some of them now will take your money : carry it and give it to another man Lord I woke up this morning : when everything was still Well well well I seen my little mama : as she come creeping up the hill Mmm bring me my pistol : shotgun and some shells Well well now I been mistreated : baby and I'm going to raise some hell Well well well did you ever wake up mama : baby now between midnight and day Oh with your head on your pillow : babe where your good man he once have lay Well now my little girl she quit me : mama now now why did she run away \L Whea 3 Wheatstraw, Peetie \C title: Don't Hang My Clothes on No Barbed Wire \C Line \C place and date: Chicago, 4 Nov. 1930 \C record numbers: (C-6489-A) Vo-1649 Say SDR-191 I don't want my clothes : hung on that barbed wire line Well well well I'm going go crazy : but baby I've got to now lose my mind Well well well I want none of that sugar : mama sprinkled in my tea Well I *plan supper with* any of these women : they are sweet enough for me Well well well I can't use no gravy : mixed up in my rice Well well well now the one I love : I believe she could mix it for me so nice Mmm little girl got buggy : she throwed all of my clothes outdoors Well well right now I wonder : will a shopping bag hold my clothes Mmm wonder : do my little girl know where I am Well well now I wonder do she know : that I'm fixing to beat it on back to 'Bam \L Whea 4 Wheatstraw, Peetie \C title: C and A Blues \C place and date: Chicago, 6 Jan. 1931 \C record numbers: (C-6891-A) Vo-1672 OJL-20 Well now let me tell you people : what the C and A will do for you Well now it will take your little woman : then will holler back at you Mmm hate to hear : C and A whistle blow Mama now it blows so lonesome baby : honey because I want to go Mmm few more days : few more nights alone Baby then I'm going to pack my suitcase : honey now I will be gone Well now when a woman takes the blues : she will hang her head and cry Well now when a man takes the blues : please now he will catch him a train and ride Mmm going to write me a letter : mama going to mail it in the air Well well well going to send it up the country : mama now to see if my little girl there \L Whea 5 Wheatstraw, Peetie \C title: Ice and Snow Blues \C place and date: Chicago, 28 Sept. 1931 \C record numbers: (67567-1) BB-B5626 BC-4 This winter babe : going to be ice and snow You know my little mama : going to be sleeping on your floor Remember last winter : you drove me from your door Now little mama : it was in the ice and snow You left me baby : because I was cold in hand You taken my money : and spent it on your other man I did more for you : than you understand You can tell by the bullet holes mama : now here in my hand Now you pawned your pajamas : baby now you sold your clothes And the ??? : didn't have no : baby have no place to go \L Whea 6 Wheatstraw, Peetie \C title: Sleepless Nights Blues \C place and date: New York, 17 Mar. 1932 \C record numbers: (11519-A) Vo-1727 Yz L-1030 Now let me tell you : how I'd like to see my baby now I bet I'd want to see her : ooo Lord you don't know how Well I know my little woman : she can't sleep at night Well now she got it in her mind : that I'm ain't going to treat her right Baby baby : you may look for me most any day Well where does it matter : ooo I ain't going to scare her away Now how would you feel : baby now if I come home today You wouldn't have no time *with man-o* : to pass the time away Ooo look for me tomorrow : I'll be home I'm sure I want you to hug and kiss me baby : now when I come walking in your door \L Whea 7 Wheatstraw, Peetie \C title: All Night Long Blues \C place and date: Chicago, 18 Aug. 1934 \C record numbers: (C-9315-A) De-7082 AH-158 Stay out all night long : babe now to keep you off my mind Well now you keep me worried baby : honey now and bothered all the time Once was a good girl : they don't breed that way no more And don't forget the day now little mama : babe now you drove me from your door How do you feel : when you drive a good man from your door Well well now you must stop look and listen : may be your best friend you don't know What would you do : if you came walking to my door Well then I will tell you baby : see now don't come here no more Honey that's why that I tell you : don't drive a good man from your door Well well now you may need his help some day baby : oh well well you don't know \L Whea 8 Wheatstraw, Peetie \C title: Throw Me in the Alley \C place and date: Chicago, 24 Aug. 1934 \C record numbers: (C-9351- ) De-7018 Say SDR-191 *When I get low* : let's go down in the alley Peetie Wheatstraw good people : going to put you all in the alley Bye bye baby : what's the matter now The way you treat me little mama : you don't mean me no good nohow \L Whea 9 Wheatstraw, Peetie \C title: Doin' the Best I Can \C place and date: Chicago, 11 Sept. 1934 \C record numbers: (C-9443-?) De-7007 Say SDR-191 When a man is out working : working hard all his life Some lowdown rascal : always trying to steal his wife I hate to hear : New York Central whistle blow Every time she whistle : to the roundhouse I got to go I don't know hardly : baby what to do Don't want to hurt your feelings : either get mad at you You got up this morning : with a rag around your head Asked you to cook my breakfast : babe you went back to bed Went out this morning : could not make no time Didn't have no blues : but I was all worried in mind I'm a hard-working man : and trying to do things just right But my woman she *keeps that* on me : I ain't going to work tonight \L Whea 10 Wheatstraw, Peetie \C title: The Rising Sun Blues \C place and date: Chicago, 25 Mar. 1935 \C record numbers: (C-921-A) Vo-03066 Say SDR-191 Well now I lay down every morning : but I get up with the rising sun Well then I asked my little woman : mmm well now what evil have I done She said she had gone away to leave me : [and I wondered] now why don't she stay away Seems like now she ought to have it in her mind : ooo well well that I can get me a girl each and every day That's why I say I lays down every morning : said I get up with the rising sun And when I speak to my little woman : ooo well well seems like my troubles they have just begun Well now remember this morning : how you told me to pack up my clothes and go Well you said you'd rather see a rattlesnake : ooo well well now come crawling across your floor Well now that don't worry me baby : I have it in my mind that I can go Well then again after I'm gone : ooo please now don't bother with me no more \L Whea 11 Wheatstraw, Peetie \C title: Letter Writing Blues \C place and date: Chicago, 26 Mar. 1935 \C record numbers: (C-944-A) Vo-02978 Say SDR-191 If you move away : then I can write [me] a few line Well now the last word you gave me : ooo well well it keeps me bothered all the time Well now everything I do : well now I try to do it nice But now I feel like all of these women : ooo well well now they're trying to take my life All last night : I was all alone Well my little woman she had quit me : ooo well well now I didn't have no happy home Then again last night : I sat down and I weep and moan Well I was thinking about my little woman : ooo well but she was again you know she was gone Well there's no need to worry : *not for a while* to weep and moan Because now you know your little girl : ooo well well now have caught the train and gone \L Whea 12 Wheatstraw, Peetie \C title: Cocktail Man Blues \C place and date: Chicago, 17 July 1935 \C record numbers: (90173-A) De-7144 Say SDR-191 Good morning people : just got back from cocktail land Well I find my little woman : ooo well we going to raise some cocktail sand And I got up this morning : went down in old *alleycan* Now the women there was hollering : ooo well here come that little cocktail man Cry cocktails for two : baby that's all it can be Now if you got plenty of cocktails : please save it all for me I mix this cocktail with you : and you know started it all with a feather Now won't you come here little mama : please now let's have a cocktail together Well now I ain't no *farmer* : but I'll *watch your crop* the best I can But now when it comes to mixing cocktails : ooo well here's the little cocktail man \L Whea 13 Wheatstraw, Peetie \C title: King Spider Blues \C place and date: Chicago, 17 July 1935 \C record numbers: (90174-A) De-7144 Say SDR-191 Let me be your king spider : I want to build my web on your wall Then I want to catch your little flies : ooo well well now when they begin to fall Want to tell you baby : like the fox done told the hen I've got something good to tell you : ooo well well if you come rolling to my den I'm a good web-builder : please let me build your web one time Because now there ain't another spider : ooo well well can build a web like mine When I start to make a web : now I crawl around and around But now when I get it almost finished : ooo well well I crawl up and down Catfish told the *jackfish* : ??? now *I bet she going to build* And now the way that I feel this morning : ooo well really now I got to \L Whea 14 Wheatstraw, Peetie \C title: Last Dime Blues \C place and date: Chicago, 20 July 1935 \C record numbers: (C-1081-B) Vo-03444 Say SDR-191 I once have had money : but now I'm down to my last dime Well now the woman I have : ooo well well she bothers me all the time I works hard : just to get me a few dimes Well now if you don't watch yourself : ooo well well that woman will keep you down all the time That is why I say : don't give no woman your last dime Well now you know she's just trouble on your hands : ooo well and keep you worried all the time Now if you don't know what you will have to do : now don't get you a few dimes Well well but I can tell you : ooo well faro always hollering for mine all the time Now when a woman call you : and ask you for your last dime Well now don't be no fool : ooo well well and give it to her all the time \L Whea 15 Wheatstraw, Peetie \C title: King of Spades \C place and date: Chicago, 20 July 1935 \C record numbers: (C-1082-B) Vo-03066 Say SDR-191 I'm the king of spades : and the women takes on over me Well now when I lay my racket : ooo well well now I'm as sweet as I can be I am the king of spades : ain't been out in a great long time But I will work for you little mama : ooo well well baby if you ain't got a dime Let me be your dealer : I'm the best dealer in town Then again I say heave to me baby : ooo well well and let your love come falling down Ace of spades caught the jack : and the [ten, king] of spades caught the ten Dealer cut one more time : ooo well well and I will bring your dollars in Yes I'm the little black king of spades : and then again I always win Then again I will scratch for you little mama : ooo well well like a rooster scratch for a hen \L Whea 16 Wheatstraw, Peetie \C title: First and Last Blues \C place and date: Chicago, 13 Feb. 1936 \C record numbers: (C-1257-2) Vo-03185 Say SDR-191 I'm just sitting here thinking : thinking about the first But the Good Book is tell me : ooo well well that the first shall be the last I had the blues : every time I see your face Well there ain't no other one woman : ooo well well in this world can take her place I can't help but remember : those days of long time ago And then again I often wonder : ooo well well will they happen anymore I am worried : and I just can't help myself And the one little girl I love : ooo well well left me for somebody else I don't be happy : if I just could hold her hand And maybe people : ooo well well I could get her to understand \L Whea 17 Wheatstraw, Peetie \C title: True Blue Woman \C place and date: Chicago, 13 Feb. 1936 \C record numbers: (C-1258-1) Vo-03185 Say SDR-191 I know my babe : is bound to think of me Ain't no way she can forget : ooo well as close as we used to be She was by me : if I stayed up all night long Well now you know I want you people : ooo well now to listen to my song Sometimes I feel : like I would just soon to be dead Since now I got no baby : ooo well now to hold my aching head She done me dirty : but I loves her just the same And it hurts my heart : ooo well if I hear another man call her name I love my babe : no matter where she be Then again you know I know my babe : ooo well now is bound to think of me \L Whea 18 Wheatstraw, Peetie \C title: Sweet Home Blues \C place and date: Chicago, 13 Feb. 1936 \C record numbers: (C-1261-2) Vo-03396 Say SDR-191 I was thinking about going home : I don't believe that I will go I'm going to stay away a long time : ooo well well like I did once before My baby will be glad to see me : come walking in her door Ah but now remember : ooo well she will never see me anymore Home is a happy place : if you can make it that way Now if you can't keep a happy home : ooo well well will be the devil each and every day I try to be good : every place I go But now you know there will come a day : ooo well well I will have some place I know Now if I go home : do you think that is the best place to be Well then again then if I go home : ooo well now do you think she will be mean to me \L Whea 19 Wheatstraw, Peetie \C title: Good Woman Blues \C place and date: Chicago, 13 Feb. 1936 \C record numbers: (C-1262-1) Vo-03396 RBF RF-12 What makes me love you baby : she loved me when I was down Well now she was nice and kind : ooo well well she did not dog me around You know the most of the women : [will] listen to what people say Well but now you know my babe : ooo well well she's just the other way Well now she gave me money : and kept me nice and clean Well now you know when I was down : ooo well my babe didn't treat me mean Now I'm good to my baby : since I'm up on my feet Well now I don't care : ooo well if I never see a woman on the street \L Whea 20 Wheatstraw, Peetie \C title: Working Man \C place and date: New York, 18 Feb. 1936 \C record numbers: (60506-A) De-7200 BC-4 I been up the line : been up the line I couldn't find nothing : to pacify my mind I laying on my bed : holding my aching head I received a letter : the girl I love was dead I rolled and I tumbled : from side to side I was trying so hard : to be satisfied They call me Peetie : the lucky man But I wish : someone would give me a lucky hand I'm going away to leave you : ain't going to tell you goodbye And after I'm gone : please don't hang your head and cry I have so much bad luck : baby I'm the bad-luck man And I'm trying so hard : to do the best I can \L Whea 21 Wheatstraw, Peetie \C title: Low Down Rascal \C place and date: New York, 18 Feb. 1936 \C record numbers: (60507-A) De-7200 Say SDR-192 You's a lowdown rascal : just as mean as you can be Lays around my house : ooo well well trying to take my wife from me If I catch you around my house : you better jump in some country well Well I'm going to take my old shotgun : ooo well well and I'm going to raise some country hell If a man call you buddy : please don't take him for your friend Well well he'll hang around your house : ooo well and tickle your woman's can I work for my woman : she's so nice and sweet Well seem like she fall in love : ooo well with every lowdown rascal she meets You got that lowdown no-good rascal : said I'm going to let you be But now when you get broke and hungry : ooo well well please now don't you worry me \L Whea 22 Wheatstraw, Peetie \C title: When I Get My Bonus \C place and date: New York, 18 Feb. 1936 \C record numbers: (60511-A) De-7159 Say SDR-192 When I was broke : didn't have a dime You had your women : wouldn't pay me no mind Then I will be : up on my feet again I'm going drink my whiskey : and going to drink my gin You told everybody : I didn't do nothing but lie I wouldn't give you women : even time to die You had your women : get yourself a glass You can have a little drink : of your yas yas yas Now I'm telling you women : about my army pay You think you can get my money : that is going to be your D B A \L Whea 23 Wheatstraw, Peetie \C title: Coon Can Shorty \C place and date: New York, 18 Feb. 1936 \C record numbers: (60512-A) De-7159 Say SDR-192 Well now they call me Cooncan Shorty : the man from Cooncan Land Well I know how to play the man : ooo well well the game they call cooncan My dice won't pass : cards is the only game you see And every chump in town : ooo well well seems to fall out on me My babe give me money : Cooncan Shorty is my name Oh before I lose her money : ooo well I must *spread due* to the ??? game But some day my dice going to pass : and my money going to be on the wood And every chump in town : ooo well well they ain't going to be no good Some say they will coon the devil : if you chain him down But now you know I got a chump : ooo well well if he come in this town \L Whea 24 Wheatstraw, Peetie \C title: The First Shall Be the Last and the Last \C Shall Be First \C place and date: New York, 19 Feb. 1936 \C record numbers: (60523-A) De-7167 Say SDR-192 Well now the first shall be the last : and the last shall be the first Well now you know I was just sitting here thinking : ooo well well which woman treats me the worst Well now you know the last woman I had : she was so doggone mean Well now you know I asked her for water : ooo well well and she give me gasoline Well now the first woman I had : she made me get [down] on my knees And had the nerve to ask me : ooo well well if I liked limburger cheese Well the [next] woman I had : she do nothing but fuss and fight Well now you know that will make a barrelhouse man : ooo well well stay out each and every night That is why I say the first shall be the last : and the last shall be the first If I just could know : ooo well well now what woman treats me the worst \L Whea 25 Wheatstraw, Peetie \C title: Deep Sea Love \C place and date: New York, 20 Feb. 1936 \C record numbers: (60539-A) De-7167 Say SDR-192 I went home last night : and my honey doll was mad Well I wonder what did I do : ooo well well now to make her feel so sad Now don't you feel bad : when you are all alone Your friends have turned on you : ooo well well then again your little girl has gone Well I'm going to take my love : down to the deep blue sea Then again I'm going to give it to someone : ooo well well that will give it back to me Well now I'm going to call up in China : just to see if my little girl is there Well now if she's not in China : ooo well I believe she's in East St Louis somewhere Well baby : I don't believe I'll have no more to say Because now you know your love done changed : ooo well well that I feel this a-way \L Whea 26 Wheatstraw, Peetie \C title: Remember and Forget Blues \C place and date: Chicago, 8 Apr. 1936 \C record numbers: (C-1351-2) Vo-03273 Say SDR-192 It's so easy to remember : and it's so hard to forget The way my woman mistreats me : ooo well well I ain't got over it yet When I was working people : she really had her sway Because I gave her my money : ooo well well and she lived in a great big way She didn't have no worry : didn't have a lick at a snake She didn't even cook her meals : ooo well well I mean she really had got a break Now I ain't got no money : no job can I find She tells me that she loves me : ooo well well but she has changed her mind Now I ain't got nobody : I done put my love up on my shelf Since the woman I loved have deceived me : ooo well well now I don't want nobody else \L Whea 27 Wheatstraw, Peetie \C title: Don't Take a Chance \C place and date: Chicago, 8 Apr. 1936 \C record numbers: (C-1352-1) Vo-03348 Say SDR-192 It's a crime to take a chance : when you know you can get by It's better to take it easy : ooo well well than to take a chance and die When you know you got a good gal : I mean one that will treat you right One that will keep you when you're down : ooo well well and don't like to clown and fight When she says she want loving : don't tell her that you too tired Some other man might flag her train : ooo well well and she might let him ride Don't take a chance about telling her : that you can get a new gal every day Because she might walk out on you : ooo well well and make you prove what you say Just as sure as the red light [says, means] stop : and the green light means go It's a crime on taking a chance on losing her : ooo well well when you drive her from your door \L Whea 28 Wheatstraw, Peetie \C title: Block and Tackle \C place and date: Chicago, 9 Apr. 1936 \C record numbers: (C-1354-2) Vo-03348 Say SDR-192 My babe got a block and tackle : and I swear I can't get away Every time I try to quit her : ooo well well I find myself going her way I have a mind to ramble : I don't want to stay here another day But I can't leave my baby people : ooo well well I must do just what she say She put a block and tackle on me last night : when she was in my arms She said daddy I don't want to hurt you : ooo well but I just mean but to keep you safe from harm What she did to me people : ain't never been done before But she really made me like it : ooo well well and I want to do it some more Now boys when you love your baby : be careful about the way you do But if you don't want your good gal : ooo well now she will put a block and tackle on you too \L Whea 29 Wheatstraw, Peetie \C title: Cut Out Blues \C place and date: Chicago, 9 Apr. 1936 \C record numbers: (C-1355-1) Vo-03444 Say SDR-191 I'm going to cut out my way of living : and I'm going to change my ways Because I've got a funny feeling : ooo well and I believe it will shorten my days I'm going to cut out moaning and groaning : about these no-good Janes Ah they don't care nothing about you : ooo well well they just want you payday change I'm going to cut out going to the station : gazing down the railroad track Because them double-crossing woman left me : ooo well well and won't come back I'm going to cut out playing policy : because my numbers just won't fall Somebody done put jinx on me : ooo well and I can't have no luck at all I'm going to cut out all my troubles : start my life over again And when my *Toby* tells me : ooo well I'm going to cut in with some good Jane \L Whea 30 Wheatstraw, Peetie \C title: When a Man Gets Down \C place and date: Chicago, 26 Oct. 1936 \C record numbers: (90961-A) De-7243 Say SDR-192 When a man gets down : feel like he ain't got no friends at all It seem like everybody want to knock him around : like he's an old ball When it comes to women : he can't have no luck at all They want to put a halter on him : ooo well and tie him up like a mule in his stall When he go to his used-to-be woman : one he has give a real good time Then again you know if he ask her for her salary : if she got a dollar she will swear that she ain't got a dime When he walks in to see his old gang : with whom he used to drink Well if he asks them for a little taste : ooo well they say oh that's just what you think Now men when you're down : one thing you must do When you get up : try to remember everybody that mistreated you \L Whea 31 Wheatstraw, Peetie \C title: False Hearted Woman \C place and date: Chicago, 26 Oct. 1936 \C record numbers: (90963-A) De-7243 Say SDR-192 Lying here in prison : longing to be free A false-hearted woman : ooo well well is the downfall of me She caused me to steal : all a workingman could save Ah she nearly caused poor me : ooo well well to be in my grave She turn her back on me : time I landed in jail Ah well she wouldn't even write : ooo well well send poor me no mail May bad luck overtake you : pile up on you in a heap Well you are nothing but a crook : may around you now you know death may creep Now I have got to be old : and just about turning grey No other false-hearted woman : ooo well well can drive me this a-way \L Whea 32 Wheatstraw, Peetie \C title: Crazy with the Blues \C place and date: Chicago, 26 Mar. 1937 \C record numbers: (91150-A) De-7348 Cor CP-58 I wake up this morning : just crazy with the blues I can't even tell : oh well well the difference in my shoes I am just a crazy fool : I can't do a thing I am just jumping around here : oh well well now like a monkey on the end of a string I went downtown this morning : with my hat on upside down The people looked at me : like they thought that I was a country clown I heard somebody call me : it was the policeman on his beat Well well now he just wanted to tell me : oh well well that I was driving on the wrong side of the street Folks I keep on telling you : that I'm just a-crazy with the blues I'm going to the railroad then to the river : oh well well but I don't know which one that I will choose \L Whea 33 Wheatstraw, Peetie \C title: Peetie Wheatstraw Stomp \C place and date: Chicago, 26 Mar. 1937 \C record numbers: (91152-A) De-7292 BC-4 Women all raving : about Peetie Wheatstraw in this land He got some of these women now : going from hand to hand Don't tell all the girls : what that Peetie Wheatstraw can do That will cause suspicion now : you know they will try him too If you want to see : the women that may clown Just let that Peetie Wheatstraw : come into your town I am Peetie Wheatstraw : the high sheriff from hell The way I strut my stuff : ooo well now you never can tell \L Whea 34 Wheatstraw, Peetie \C title: Peetie Wheatstraw Stomp No. 2 \C place and date: Chicago, 26 Mar. 1937 \C record numbers: (91153- ) De-7391 BC-4 Everybody hollering : here come that Peetie Wheatstraw New he's better known : by the devil's son-in-law Everybody wondering : what that Peetie Wheatstraw do Because every time you hear him : he coming out with something new He makes some happy : some he make cry Well now he make one old lady : go hang herself and die *Now what I say* : save up your nickels and dimes You can come up : and see me sometime \L Whea 35 Wheatstraw, Peetie \C title: Crapshooter's Blues \C place and date: Chicago, 26 Mar. 1937 \C record numbers: (91154-A) De-7292 Say SDR-192 My baby's a crapshooter : and she shoots them like a man And ever since she's being shooting crap : ooo well well she's been going from hand to hand Sometime she win : but the most time she lose Boys now when she lose : ooo well well then I have the crapshooting blues She told me to always bet : that the dice won't pass But every time since I been betting that way : ooo well well I've been having a raggedy yas yas yas Says I have been shooting craps : I can't win a cent Well I can't win enough dough : ooo well well now to even pay my rent I am telling all you crapshooters : now to let crapshooting go Because now you will be stone barefooted : ooo well well then again and out of dough \L Whea 36 Wheatstraw, Peetie \C title: Working on the Project \C place and date: Chicago, 30 Mar. 1937 \C record numbers: (91164-A) De-7311 BC-4 I was working on the project : begging the relief for shoes Because the rock and concrete : oh well well they's giving my feet the blues Working on the project : with holes all in my clothes Trying to make me a dime : oh well well to keep the rent man from putting me outdoors I am working on the project : trying to make both ends meet But the payday is so long : oh well well until the grocery man won't let me eat Working on the project : my gal's spending all my dough Now I have waked up on her : oh well well and I won't be that weak no more Working on the project : with payday three or four weeks away Now how can you make ends meet : oh well well well when you can't get no pay \L Whea 37 Wheatstraw, Peetie \C title: Sick Bed Blues \C place and date: Chicago, 2 Nov. 1937 \C record numbers: (91317-A) De-7403 Say SDR-192 When I left [home] : my little girl was sick and in the bed Now I know she wished that I was there : ooo well now to hold her aching head She's on her sickbed : suffering with aches and pains Now you know it hurts my heart : ooo well now when she calls my name She rolls and she tumbles : now from side to side Then again now you know all that I can do : ooo well now is start and hang my head and cry Ain't it hard : now when you're all alone I *never did mind though* : ooo well now when all your *gold* is gone \L Whea 38 Wheatstraw, Peetie \C title: I'm Gonna Cut Out Everything \C place and date: Chicago, 2 Nov. 1937 \C record numbers: (91320-A) De-7422 Say SDR-192 I have cut out my way of living : I have changed my ways Because the funny feeling I had : ooo well now would let me live so many more days I have cut out moaning and groaning : about the no-good Jane Now I don't worry about it : ooo well well they'll never get my payday change I have cut out going to the station : gazing down at the railroad track Now it don't worry my mind : ooo well now I don't care if the woman never come back I'm going to cut out playing policy : because my number just won't fall I know somebody have put a jinx on me : ooo well now I know I won't have no luck at all I have cut out all my troubles : and started my life over again And if my money lasts me : ooo well I know I won't have to cut it with no-good Jane \L Whea 39 Wheatstraw, Peetie \C title: Devilment Blues \C place and date: Chicago, 2 Nov. 1937 \C record numbers: (91323-A) De-7422 Say SDR-192 Listen here baby : you got devilment on your mind If you don't change your way : ooo well well you might die before your time I know baby : you are doing the best you can Oh you're the married woman : ooo well well but you have your outside man I can look in your eyes sweet mama : tell what's on your mind You swear that you love me : ooo well well but you mistreats me all the time There's one thing about you women : I just can't understand If I take you away from your husbands : ooo well well you will leave me for another man \L Whea 40 Wheatstraw, Peetie \C title: Shack Bully Stomp \C place and date: New York, 1 Apr. 1938 \C record numbers: (63539-A) De-7479 BC-4 I used to play slow : but now I play it fast Just to see the women : shake their yas yas yas Now I am a man : that everybody knows And you can see a crowd : everywhere he goes Rambled and I rambled : till about the break of day I think it's time now : I stop my rambling ways My name is Peetie : I'm on the line you bet I got something new : that I ain't never told you yet \L Whea 41 Wheatstraw, Peetie \C title: Road Tramp Blues \C place and date: New York, 1 Apr. 1938 \C record numbers: (63540-B) De-7589 BC-4 I have walked the lonesome road : till my feet is too sore to walk I have begged scraps from the people : oh well well until my tongue is too stiff to talk I'm going to tell you women something : that I really ain't going to do That is give you women my labour : oh well well and my money too Everybody can tell you people : that I ain't no lazy man But I guess I'll have to go to the poorhouse : oh well well and do the best I can I am what I am : and all I was born to be And hard luck was in my family : oh well well and it's rolling down on me When I get over my troubles : I'm going to bring my money down And change my way of living : oh oh well well so I won't have to tramp around \L Whea 42 Wheatstraw, Peetie \C title: Truckin' Thru' Traffic \C place and date: Chicago, 18 Oct. 1938 \C record numbers: (91525-A) De-7529 Say SDR-192 Listen here man : don't talk about me I'm trucking through traffic : don't you see I'm trucking through traffic : fast as I can go When I truck this time : I ain't going to truck no more I'm trucking through traffic : trying to make you a dime Tell everybody : you ain't no woman of mine You got me trucking : through the ice and snow Taking my money : and told me to go When you're trucking out of traffic : it's very well But now I'm trucking through traffic : it's a burning hell You had me trucking through traffic : all over town Taken my money : and then throwed me down \L Whea 43 Wheatstraw, Peetie \C title: Sugar Mama \C place and date: Chicago, 18 Oct. 1938 \C record numbers: (91529-A) De-7529 Say SDR-192 Sugar mama sugar mama : where did you get your sugar from You must have got that sweet sugar : ooo well well from down on your man's sugar farm You got fine sugar sugar mama : and it's going right to my head And if you take it from me sugar mama : ooo well well I know I'll soon be dead Everybody's bragging about your sugar sugar mama : and I'm almost going bragging too And if I can't get that sugar mama : ooo well well I don't know what I will do I can do without my coffee in the morning : but I must have my tea at night But when I want that sweet sugar sugar mama : ooo well well I don't feel just right That sugar you got sugar mama : is going from town to town Everybody wants some of your sugar mama : ooo well well but please don't let them have more than four or five pounds \L WhhR 1 Whistlin' Rufus \C title: Sweet Jelly Rollin' \C place and date: Chicago, 11 Dec. 1933 \C record numbers: (77305- ) BB-B5306 Rt RL-334 Listen here mama : don't you be so fast Get in this bed : and give papa every pound of your I like you baby : you're short like a duck Ooo my soul baby : you sure can I hear you call uh-uh Mr : baby why you too fast You'll not cram all that meat : up in my little I hear it said baby : you too slick You'll not give me : all of that great big Guess who's sneaking around here : sneaking in the grass Trying your best : to sneak up on some woman's Mama mama : who you quit What's that *stone-hot* rat : over the head of papa's In Dixieland : take my stand Can't get the woman I want : I'm going to use my \L WhiG 1 White, Georgia \C title: Pigmeat Blues \C place and date: Chicago, 12 May 1936 \C record numbers: (90722-A) De-7209 AH-158 I know this is pigmeat : the kind that you won't regret I've got something about this pigmeat : I ain't told you yet I was born in the country : but daddy I was raised in town There's nobody there : can beat me from my head on down I ain't good-looking : I got no great long hair But I don't have to worry : because I knows pigmeat anywhere You can carry it to the mountain : it will be pigmeat there *Register it poor on* China : *span* the test anywhere \L WhiG 2 White, Georgia \C title: Walking the Street \C place and date: Chicago, 28 Jan. 1937 \C record numbers: (91104-A) De-7277 AH-158 Stood on the corner : till my feet got soaking wet These are the words I said : to each and every man I met If you ain't got a dollar : give me a lousy dime I've got to beg and steal : to please that man of mine My feets all blistered : just from walking these lonesome streets I've been walking all night : like a police on his beat Wait a minute Mr Mr : give me a cigarette Stop your calling me in : I've got what you should get I've got these streetwalking blues : I ain't got no time to lose I've got to make six dollars : just to buy my man a pair of shoes \L WhiG 3 White, Georgia \C title: The Blues Ain't Nothin' But. . . \C place and date: Chicago, 21 Oct. 1938 \C record numbers: (91545-A) De-7562 Cor CP-58 Oh the blues ain't nothing : but a woman want to see her man Because she wants some loving : you women will understand Oh the blues ain't nothing : but a lowdown heart disease Because loving your man : he's so hard to please Oh the blues ain't nothing : but a woman loving a married man Can't see him when she want to : got to see him when she can Oh the blues ain't nothing : but a good woman feeling bad Always down-hearted : blue disgusted and sad Oh the blues ain't nothing : but a feeling that will get you down Falling out with your man : you feel like leaving town \L WhiJ 1 White, Joshua \C title: Welfare Blues \C place and date: New York, 6 Mar. 1934 \C record numbers: (14902-2) Ba-33024 His HLP-22 The welfare helping people : each and every day But the rent men have put me out : I ain't got no place to stay I believe to my soul : I'm just a bad-luck man Welfare's helping everybody : but don't give me no helping hand I believe I'll go back south : cotton'll be a good price next year I might as well be gone : I ain't doing nothing around here Now the president's warning people : things will break some day He say everything will be all right : you will have a place to stay I believe I'll go back south : raise everything I need If I don't make nothing off my cotton : boss will pay me for my seed \L WhiJ 2 White, Joshua \C title: Stormy Weather No 1 \C place and date: New York, 6 Mar. 1934 \C record numbers: (14903-1) Ba-33024 His HLP-22 Lord it rained : it rained as far as I could see *I wonder what water creature* : keep on crawling up on poor me Like a fool : I gave everything I had for you to you Now you've gone and left me : seems like the world is falling on through People talk : I can hear them whisper everywhere I go All my friends come to see me : and say well I told you so What did I ever do : that made you leave so all alone Since you've gone and left me : I do nothing but weep and moan Every night I pray : for you to walk across my door And I won't be worried : about these stormy weather blues no more \L WhiW 1 White, Washington \C title: The Panama Limited \C place and date: Memphis, 26 May 1930 \C record numbers: (59996- ) Vi-23295 OJL-5 I ain't got nobody : take me to this train Mmm : mmm Fare you well : if I don't see you no more Mmm : Lord Lord Lord Lord I'm a motherless child : I'm a long ways from home Mmm : mmm This train I ride : it don't burn no coal Mmm : mmm \L WhiW 2 White, Washington \C title: Pinebluff Arkansas \C place and date: Chicago, 2 Sept. 1937 \C record numbers: (C-1996-2) Vo-03711 Co C-30036 Ooo well I got a little woman : in Pinebluff Arkansas She was the sweetest little woman : that you men most ever saw Going to get up in the morning : baby with the rising sun If the train don't run : going to be some walking done My baby she called me : she called me up on the phone She said daddy daddy : I don't see how come you don't hurry home My baby says I'm tired : going to bed and moan She said I ain't had no loving daddy : daddy since that you been gone Well she said I'm tired : daddy of singing these lonesome songs She *tired even* her daddy : I ain't even had you home My baby said I'm tired : daddy hearing my best friend groan She said I declare if you want me daddy : you better hurry home \L WhiW 3 White, Washington \C title: Shake 'Em On Down \C place and date: Chicago, 2 Sept. 1937 \C record numbers: (C-1997-1) Vo-03711 Co C-30036 Get your nightshirt mama : and your gown Baby before day : we going to shake them on down *To much you daddy* : to be going away Train leaving *Jackson* : some old rainy day Fix my supper : and let go to bed This white lightning : done gone to my head I ain't been in Georgia babe : I been told Georgia women : got the best jellyroll See see mama : what you done done Made me love you : now your man done come Baby got something : don't know what it is Made me drunker : than that old whiskey still \L WhiW 4 White, Washington \C title: Black Train Blues \C place and date: Chicago, 7 Mar. 1940 \C record numbers: (WC-2977-A) Vo-05588 Co C-30036 My heart is filled with pain : I believe I can't be trained The woman I love : she had another man Yon come the train : and I got no change All I can do : just stand and wring my hands I don't feel ashamed : standing and wringing my hands at the train I ain't the first man : the train left cold in hand Now the same big black train : that put me in a strain I'll ride the train : keep the women from spending my change I don't see nothing : but hands standing at the train That's the same black train : that left me in this pain \L WhiW 5 White, Washington \C title: Strange Place Blues \C place and date: Chicago, 7 Mar. 1940 \C record numbers: (WC-2978-A) Vo-05526 Co C-30036 I'm a stranger at this place : and I'm looking for my mother's grave Well it seems like to me : ooo well someone must stoled it away I was at my mother's grave : when they put my mother away And I can't find no one : ooo well to take her place I thought after my mother was put away : I thought my wife would take her place I show you difference in a mother and a wife : ooo well my wife done throwed me away I wished I could find someone : to take my mother's place If I can't find no one : ooo well you will find me in a grave I'm standing on my mother's grave : and I wished I could see her face I be glad when that day comes : ooo well when these blues drive me away \L WhiW 6 White, Washington \C title: When Can I Change My Clothes \C place and date: Chicago, 7 Mar. 1940 \C record numbers: (WC-2979-A) Vo-05489 Co C-30036 Never will forget the day : when they had me in Parchman jail Would no one even come : and go my bail So many days : I would be sitting down I would be sitting down : looking down on my clothes So many days : when the days would be cold They would carry me out : in the rain and cold So many days : when the days would be cold You could stand : and look at the convict tow So many days : I would be walking down the road I could hardly walk : with looking down on my clothes Never will forget the day : when they taken my clothes Taken my citizen's clothes : and throwed them away \L WhiW 7 White, Washington \C title: Sleepy Man Blues \C place and date: Chicago, 7 Mar. 1940 \C record numbers: (WC-2980-A) OK-05743 Co C-30036 When a man gets troubled in mind : he want to sleep all the time He knows if he can sleep all the time : his trouble won't worry his mind I'm feeling worried in mind : and I'm trying to keep from crying I am standing into the sunshine : to keep from weaking down I wonder what's the matter with my right mind : my mind keep me sleeping all the time But when I had plenty money : my friends would come around If I had my right mind : I would write my woman a few lines I will do most anything : to keep from weaking down \L WhiW 8 White, Washington \C title: Parchman Farm Blues \C place and date: Chicago, 7 Mar. 1940 \C record numbers: (WC-2981-A) OK-05683 Co C-30036 Judge give me life this morning : down on Parchman Farm I wouldn't hate it so bad : but I left my wife and my home Oh goodbye wife : all you have done gone But I hope some day : you will hear my lonesome song Oh listen men : I don't mean no harm If you want to do good : you better stay off of Parchman Farm We goes to work in the morning : just the dawn of day Just at the setting of the sun : that's when the work is done I'm down on old Parchman Farm : I sure want to go back home But I hope some day : I will overcome \L WhiW 9 White, Washington \C title: Good Gin Blues \C place and date: Chicago, 7 Mar. 1940 \C record numbers: (WC-2982-A) OK-05625 Co C-30036 Good morning friends : I want [me] a drink of gin Because they told me this morning : revenue mens will be back again Oh listen you men : don't you let them in Well they might catch me : all with a pint of gin Oh come in friends : and have a drink of gin I know it is a sin : but I loves my good old gin Oh come back friends : when I need my gin Because I don't care nothing : about oh them revenue men \L WhiW 10 White, Washington \C title: High Fever Blues \C place and date: Chicago, 8 Mar. 1940 \C record numbers: (WC-2987-A) Vo-05489 Co C-30036 I'm taken down with the fever : and it won't let me sleep It was about three o'clock : before he could let me be I wish somebody : would come and drive my fever away This fever I'm having : sure is in my way The fever I'm having : sure is hard on a man They don't allow my lover : come and shake my hand Doctor get your fever gauge : and put it under my tongue Doctor says all you need : your lover in your arms I wants my lover : come and drive my fever away Doctor said she do me more good in a day : than he would in all of his days \L WhiW 11 White, Washington \C title: District Attorney Blues \C place and date: Chicago, 8 Mar. 1940 \C record numbers: (WC-2988-A) OK-05683 Co C-30036 District attorney : sure is hard on a man They will take a woman's man : and leave her cold in hand The district attorney : sure is hard on a man He has caused a-many men : to be in some distant land District attorney : sure is hard on a man He has caused so many women : to be cold in hand The district attorney : sure is hard on a man He ain't no woman : but he sure will take a woman's man The district attorney : sure is hard on a man He can *tell us where* : when he going to take a woman's man A district attorney : sure is hard on a man He taken me from my woman : caused her to have some other man \L WhiW 12 White, Washington \C title: Fixin' to Die Blues \C place and date: Chicago, 8 Mar. 1940 \C record numbers: (WC-2989-A) Vo-05588 Co C-30036 I'm looking funny in my eyes : and I believe I'm fixing to die I know I was born to die : but I hate to leave my children crying Just as sure as we live : sure we's born to die I know I was born to die : but I hate to leave my children crying Your mother treated me : like I was her baby child That's why's I tried so hard : to come home to die So many nights at the fireside : how my children's mother would cry Because I told their mother : I had to say goodbye Look over yonder : on the burying ground Yon stand ten thousand : standing to see them let me down Mother take my children back : before they let me down And don't leave them screaming and crying : on the graveyard ground \L WhiW 13 White, Washington \C title: Aberdeen Mississippi Blues \C place and date: Chicago, 8 Mar. 1940 \C record numbers: (WC-2990-A) OK-05743 Co C-30036 I was over in Aberdeen : on my way to New Orleans Them Aberdeen women told me : they will buy my gasoline There's two little women : that I ain't never seen These two little women : they's from New Orleans I'm sitting down in Aberdeen : with New Orleans on my mind Lord I believe them Aberdeen women : going to make me lose my mind Aberdeen is my home : but the mens don't want me around They know I will take these women : and take them out of town Listen you Aberdeen women : you know I ain't got no dime They been had the poor boy : all hobbled down \L WhiW 14 White, Washington \C title: Bukka's Jitterbug Swing \C place and date: Chicago, 8 Mar. 1940 \C record numbers: (WC-2991-A) OK-05743 Co C-30036 Hey come on you women : let's a-do the jitterbug swing When you do the jitterbug swing : then you know you will be doing a thing Hey : you women working on my nerves Hey : you going to drive me in my blood Hey : please ma'am don't say uh-uh \L WhiW 15 White, Washington \C title: Special Stream Line \C place and date: Chicago, 8 Mar. 1940 \C record numbers: (WC-2992-A) OK-05743 Co C-30036 Hey dad : I'm sorry to leave my home Mmm : Lord Lord Lord Lord Daddy it's all right : how you turn me down Mmm : I ain't got a dime Hey daddy : I don't want to leave Mmm : I believe I'll lose my mind \L Wigg 1 Wiggins, James Boodle It \C title: Evil Woman Blues \C place and date: Chicago, c. Feb. 1928 \C record numbers: (20379-2) Pm-12662 Mil MLP-2018 I wake up every morning : with leaving on my mind Because my mama's so evil : and she treats me so unkind She left me last night : left me in the wrong But my times come : baby it won't be long My train is made up : ready to leave this town You can think about your baby : when the sun goes down Mr conductor man : I want to talk with you I want to ride your train : from here to Bugaloo I'm leaving this morning : I haven't got my fare I want to see : if I can find my good gal there \L Wigg 2 Wiggins, James Boodle It \C title: Forty-Four Blues \C place and date: Richmond, Ind., 12 Oct. 1929 \C record numbers: (15768-A) Pm-12860 OJL-15 I walked on and on : with my forty-four in my hand I was looking for my woman : involved with another man I wore my forty-four so long : that it made my shoulder sore And I will tell everybody : I ain't going to wear my forty-four no more Now baby said to your daddy : Forty-Four whistle blow It blow just like : it ain't going to blow no more Now I got a little old Chevy : Lord number is forty-four I wake up every morning : wolves sitting in my door \L Wigg 3 Wiggins, James Boodle It \C title: Frisco Bound Blues \C place and date: Richmond, Ind., 12 Oct. 1929 \C record numbers: (15769-A) Pm-12860 OJL-15 That Frisco train : runs a mile a minute You're in that coach : I'm going to stay there in it You can toot your whistle : you can ring your bell I know you been running : by the way you smell It's a boa constrictor : and a lemon stick I wouldn't mind being with you : but my mama's sick I would tell you what's the matter : but I done got scared You got to waits till the night : when we go to bed If you were sick : I wouldn't worry you I wouldn't want you to do something : that you couldn't do If you want it you can get it : and I ain't mad You going to get something baby : that you never had Look a-here you get mad : every time I call your name I ain't never told you : you couldn't get that thing I woke up this morning : about half past five My baby turned over : and tried to cop a jive I got something to tell you : going to make you mad I got something for you : going to make you feel glad Look a-here look a-here : what you want me to do You knew my jelly : didn't die for you I got something to tell you : is going to break your heart Been together so long : now got to get apart \L Wigg 4 Wiggins, James Boodle It \C title: Corrine Corrina Blues \C place and date: Grafton, Wis., c. Jan. 1930 \C record numbers: (L-103-2) Pm-12916 Her H-205 Corrine Corinna : where you been so long Ain't had no loving : since you been gone Corrine Corinna : where'd you stay last night Come in this morning : the sun was shining bright I miss Corinna : way across the sea It make no matter : she didn't care for me Corrine Corinna : what are you going to do Just a little bitty loving : can't your heart be true I love Corinna : tell the world I do Just a little bitty loving : let your love be true Corrine Corinna : that old pal of mine You left me walking the road : and then crying Corrine Corinna : what's the matter now You didn't write no letter : you didn't love me nohow Goodbye Corinna : and it's fare thee well When I'm coming back babe : can't nobody tell \L Wigg 5 Wiggins, James Boodle It \C title: Gotta Shave 'Em Dry \C place and date: Grafton, Wis., c. Jan. 1930 \C record numbers: (L-104-1) Pm-12916 Her H-205 Now if you be my sweet woman : tell you what I'm bound to do Going to beg borrow and steal : bring all my money home to you Babe I'd do anything for you : I do swear to God and you refuse to come You know it's hard to bring water : I ain't going to never tell nobody : what my mama done to me She done made me crazy about her : now she's trying to quit poor me Sweet woman I ain't going to stand no quitting : I ain't going to stand no jumping down Before I let you quit me baby : I'm going to burn half Chicago down Now the rooster crows in Italy : I heard him way down in France The way she getting down these days : you know I ain't going to have a possible chance Better get your crowing from the rooster : better get your eggs from a hen You get your feathers from a robin : get your music from a wren Now mama little mama : what's on your *ruddy* mind Any time you feel superstitious : you know somebody riding your blinds And it's mmm : something must be wrong If I keep on worrying about you baby : you know I can't last long \L Wilb 1 Wilber, Bill \C title: My Babe My Babe \C place and date: Chicago, 22 July 1935 \C record numbers: (90198-A) Ch-50053 OJL-8 My babe my babe : sure is good to me She tore up my troubles : broke up my misery I can ask her for whiskey : she gives me cherry wine So you wish your woman : would treat you good like mine Her hair ain't curly : but it hang like horse's mane Know you wish you had a woman : to treat you just the same I can ask her for a nickel : she gives me ten and a dime Know you wish you had a woman : to treat you just like mine She got me out of jail : bought me a diamond ring I ain't going to do nothing : but lay around and shake that thing She calls me daddy : then she calls me sugar pie I ain't going to do nothing : but lay down by her side Now when she's dead : six feet in the clay Won't have another woman : to treat me this a-way Now goodbye goodbye : baby now fare you well If I don't meet you in heaven : you know I'll meet you in hell Now I'm leaving I'm leaving : leaving on the eagle wing All don't see me : know can hear me sing She had an old job : making four dollars a day I didn't have to do nothing : but lay around and throw it away \L Wilb 2 Wilber, Bill \C title: Greyhound Blues \C place and date: Chicago, 22 July 1935 \C record numbers: (90199-A) Ch-50053 Rt RL-334 Going to catch me a Greyhound : going to leave here tonight Woman I'm loving : won't treat me right My mama was a killer : and my old daddy was a bear She grab her daddy : she run anywhere I had an old ??? : in the ??? camp She didn't do nothing : but lay down with her man She makes me coffee : throws my sugar on the floor Say big boy : you got to go I went to the governor : to buy one of his bands Leave here boy : you don't understand Called her this morning : about half past five She turned over : cried like a child A nickel is a nickel : and a dime is a dime House full of children : ain't nar' one mine \L WileG 1 Wiley, Geeshie (Elvie Thomas) \C title: Over to My House \C place and date: Grafton, Wis., c. Apr. 1930 \C record numbers: (L-265-1) Pm-12977 Yz L-1018 Come around over to my house : ain't nobody here but me I been listening for the last six months : and I could not see Now you can shake you can break it : you can hang it on the wall Throw it out the window : run and catch it 'fore it falls I say you need not think : because you little and cute I'm going to buy you : a ??? suit Well now I was sitting in the parlor : just as dumb as a lamb I wasn't too dumb : to hear the back door slam I'm going to grab me a picket : off of my back fence Going to whip your nappy head : until you learn some sense I cried ashes to ashes : said sand to sand Every married woman : got a back-door man \L WileG 2 Wiley, Geeshie \C title: Eagles on a Half \C place and date: Grafton, Wis., c. Mar. 1931 \C record numbers: (L-826-1) Pm-13074 Yz L-1001 It's a low it's a low low : lowdown dirty shame I've got a brownskin man : but I'm scared to call his name I said squat low papa : let your mama see I want to see that old business : keeps on worrying me I twisted and I tumbled : I rolled the whole night long I didn't have no daddy : to hold me in his arms I said get back rider : don't care how you lay I want to tell you : I can't stay here till day I say eagle's on a half Lord : baby In God We Trust I love you daddy : want your dollar first \L Wilk 1 Wilkins, Robert \C title: Jail House Blues \C place and date: Memphis, 8 Sept. 1928 \C record numbers: (45499- ) Vi-23379 Yz L-1002 Oh look like : I can see trouble in the air But ain't only here friend : it trouble everywhere Now I wished I had listened : what my mother said I wouldn't have been bound down : in this trouble today I'm lying in jail : with my face turned to the wall And that woman I'm loving : she was the cause of it all Now the judge going to sentence me : and the clerk going to write it down So they accuse me of stealing : I fixing to leave your town I got something to tell you : just before I go Getting out of trouble this time : woman I won't do wrong no more Oh the judge going to give me : six months on the road Woman I can't stand it : God in heaven do know it But I don't mind going : I'm going and leave you here These men going to mistreat you : God knows they don't care Going to tell you this : just before I go When I come back here woman : you going to have me some more \L Wilk 2 Wilkins, Robert \C title: I Do Blues \C place and date: Memphis, 8 Sept. 1928 \C record numbers: (47000- ) Vi-23379 OJL-5 Oh woman I do : God knows I do I do more for you : than any poor man can do I done everything woman : but die for you Want you to tell me : what more woman do you want me to do Woman : I done done all I know to do I done everything woman : but lay down and die for you Now if you don't want me : give me your right hand I'll go to my woman : and you can go to your man You better come here woman : sit down on my knee Oh and talk all night : tell poor Timmy what you please Want you to tell me something : give my mind some ease I can't be satisfied : woman and I can't be pleased Because I'd rather be dead : buried on my face Than to love you woman : you treat me this a-way But I don't want nobody : baby don't want me I'd rather be somewhere friends : buried on my knee I got something to tell you : tell you before I go Meet me down at the station : and kiss me before I go Because I'm going up the country : coming here no more Oh I love you woman : but you always treat me so Is today the day : that you walked away Oh you told me you was going : you was going to stay \L Wilk 3 Wilkins, Robert \C title: That's No Way to Get Along \C place and date: Memphis, c. 23 Sept. 1929 \C record numbers: (M-189- ) Br-7125 OJL-5 I'm going home : sit down and tell my ma And that's no way : for me to get along These lowdown women mama : treated your poor son wrong And that's no way : for him to get along Treated me : like my poor heart was made of a rock of stone And that's no way : for me to get along That was enough : to make your son mama wished he's dead and gone Because that's no way : got him to get along I stood on the roadside : and cried alone by myself And that's no way : for me to get along Some train come along : and take me away from here And that be no way : for me to get along \L Wilk 4 Wilkins, Robert \C title: Alabama Blues \C place and date: Memphis, c. 23 Sept. 1929 \C record numbers: (M-190- ) Br-7205 Rt RL-333 I tell you girls : and I'm going to tell you now If you don't want me : please don't dog me around My home ain't here : it's in most any old town I'm going up on the mountain : and look down in the sea *Troubling* alligators : keeps doing that shivaree Tell me friends : ever since that *pull in Jackson maid* Kansas City Missouri : has been her regular trade ??? : that is turning around and around The churn-wheel knocking : friends I'm Alabama bound My mama told me : and papa told me too Say brownskin women son : going to be the death of you I told mama last night friends : and papa the night before If brownskin women kills me : mama let me go When I leaves that time mama : I won't be back no more I ain't coming back here : to worry your papa so I walked off : and left my mother standing in the snow She's crying to me son : please son don't you go \L Wilk 5 Wilkins, Robert \C title: Long Train Blues \C place and date: Memphis, c. 23 Sept. 1929 \C record numbers: (M-191- ) Br-7205 Rt RL-333 She walked down in the yard : caught the longest train she seen Say she ride she ride : till the blues lay off of me It's a *bull* and a freight train : running side by side They done stole my rider : and I guess they satisfied *They roll* in the Delta : ??? *leaves and rye* Know I feel just like : she said her last goodbye Well she won't write : she won't telephone Makes me believe to my soul : that my rider's cold dead gone Well if I had wings : baby like Noah's dove I would raise and fly : God knows where my lover was I lay down at night : I can't sleep at all All for lying there wondering : if there one rolling in her arms Laid my head on my pillow : Take it down ??? : I'm getting sick and about to die \L Wilk 6 Wilkins, Robert \C title: Falling Down Blues \C place and date: Memphis, c. 23 Sept. 1929 \C record numbers: (M-192- ) Br-7125 Yz L-1002 I'm tired of standing : on the long lonesome road Thinking about my baby : and got nowhere to go It's far down the road : friend as I can see See the woman I love : standing waving after me I run to her friend : fell down at her knees Crying take me back baby : God knows if you please If you don't believe : girl I'll treat you right Come and walk with me : down to my loving shack tonight I'll certainly treat you : just like you was white That don't satisfy you : girl I'll take your life I love you girl : I will tell the world I do And that's the reason : you treat me like you do But go ahead : that will be all right for you I will meet you some day : when you down in hard luck too \L Wilk 7 Wilkins, Robert \C title: Nashville Stonewall Blues \C place and date: Memphis, c. early Feb. 1930 \C record numbers: (MEM-740-A) Br-7168 Rt RL-307 I stayed in jail : it was thirty long days And that woman said she loved me : I could not see her face I looked out the window : saw the long chain man Oh he's coming : to call us boys name by name He's going to take me from here : to Nashville Tennessee He's going to take me right back : boys where I used to be I got a letter from home : reckon how it read It read son come home to your mama : she's sick and nearly dead I sat down and cried : and I screamed and squawled Said how can I come home mama : I'm behind these walls Every morning about four : boys might be half past You ought to see me down the foundry : trying to do my best Oh the judge he sentenced me : boys from five to ten I get out I'm going to that woman : and I'll be right back again \L Wilk 8 Wilkins, Robert \C title: Police Sergeant Blues \C place and date: Memphis, c. early Feb. 1930 \C record numbers: (MEM-741-B) Br-7168 Rt RL-307 I'm going to tell you : baby tell you now If you don't want me : you don't have to dog me around Now look a-yonder : baby what I see The police and a sergeant : they's a-coming after me I am going to tell you : that I'm going to the station to ride When you see me going : baby hang your head and cry I am going to tell the judge : I know that I done wrong You go and get some lawyers : to come and go my bond I know the judge : is going to give me thirty long days I made it up in my mind : baby to go and stay I'm going outside : and work out my time Because the girl I love : she's not got a dime \L Wilk 9 Wilkins, Robert \C title: Get Away Blues \C place and date: Memphis, c. early Feb. 1930 \C record numbers: (MEM-742-B) Br-7158 OJL-11 I walked down to the station : fold my troubled arms We walked and asked the agent : has the train done gone I looked down the track : I seed it in the bend Walked bought me a ticket : oh for me and my friend Told her come on woman : let us board this train Right here : while we get away from your man Woman you just tell me : do you want to go I'll take you somewhere : you never been before Then I'll give you silver : give you paper and gold I'll give you anything : that'll satisfy your worried soul Woman if I don't love you : I don't love myself You did something to me : I ain't going to tell nobody else \L Wilk 10 Wilkins, Robert \C title: I'll Go With Her Blues \C place and date: Memphis, c. early Feb. 1930 \C record numbers: (MEM-743- ) Br-7158 OJL-11 I'll go with her I'll follow her I will : to her burying place Hang my head and cry friend I will : mmm as she pass away Up a-yonder she goes friend : please run try to call her back Because that sure was one woman : I did mmm love and like I believe I'll go home friend : and do this dress myself in black Show the world I wants her : but I can't mmm get her back Every time I hear : that lonesome mmm church bell ring Makes me think about that song : my baby used to sing \L Wilk 11 Wilkins, Robert \C title: Dirty Deal Blues \C place and date: Jackson, Miss., 10 Oct. 1935 \C record numbers: (JAX-104- ) Vo-03223 BC-5 Early one morning : baby something was on my mind I thinking about my welfare : and I just couldn't keep from crying Oh I cried one time : mama your daddy ain't going to cry no more Lord I made up in my mind pretty mama : honest great God let you go Goodbye pretty mama : oh baby fare thee well Lord I'm afraid to meet you : in that other world somewhere Oh baby I'm so glad : that this whole round world do know That every living creature : mmm reap just what they sow That's the reason why you hear me crying : Lord please have mercy on me Because I don't want my woman : mmm reap no bad seed That's the reason why I'm through telling her : ??? about her dirty deal Please God ??? : make my woman reap righteous seed \L Wilk 12 Wilkins, Robert \C title: New Stock Yard Blues \C place and date: Jackson, Miss., 10 Oct. 1935 \C record numbers: (JAX-107- ) Vo-03223 OJL-21 Listen here men : what I've got to say Monday and Tuesday : is [Mr Owens's] auction day Get your money in your hand : and don't be long Can't buy from a better man : than Mr Owens He's a man that sells : he's a man that buys I bet you my life : he'll treat you right When you wake up Monday morning : with the stockyard blues Come and talk to Mr Owens : about his good-looking mules I know he's good : I know he's nice and kind Have a talk with him : before you start to buying The Union Stockyards : is a good place to go Not for so much talk : but to spend your dough I want you to understand : every word I say Monday and Tuesday : is [Mr Owens's] auction day I want all of you men : to meet me there Speak to Mr Kelly : he's the auctioneer \L Wilk 13 Wilkins, Robert \C title: Old Jim Canan's \C place and date: Jackson, Miss., 12 Oct. 1935 \C record numbers: (JAX-117- ) Vo unissued Yz \C L-1018 I wished I was back : at old Jim Canan's I'd stand on the corner : and wave my hand And if you don't believe : that I'm a drinking man Just baby stop by here : with the ??? can I'm going uptown : buy me coke and beer Coming back : and tell you how these women is They drink their whiskey : drink their coke and gin When you don't play the dozens : they will ease you in The men and women : running hand and hand Going to and fro : to old Jim Canan's Drinking their whiskey : sniffing cocaine That's the reason why : I wished I was back at Jim Canan's \L WillH 1 Williams, Henry \C title: Georgia Crawl \C place and date: Atlanta, 19 Apr. 1928 \C record numbers: (146148-2) Co-14328-D Rt RL-316 Run here papa : look at sis Out in the back yard : just shaking like this I can shake it east : shake it west Way down south : I can shake it best *Come in this house* gal : come here right now Out there trying to do the crawl : and you don't know how There's old Aunt Sally : old and grey Do the Georgia crawl : till she died away \L WillH 2 Williams, Henry \C title: Lonesome Blues \C place and date: Atlanta, 19 Apr. 1928 \C record numbers: (146149-2) Co-14328-D Fly LP-103 Did you ever wake up lonesome : all by yourself And the one you love : off loving someone else I wrote these blues : I'm going to sing them as I feel And old Mr Eddie liking me singing them : I swear to goodness there's no one else to please I tell you people : I don't know your name But taking other men's women : I swear to God is a shame Ooh : look where the sun going down I ain't had no righteous woman : since my baby blowed this town \L WillI 1 Williams, Jabo \C title: Polock Blues \C place and date: Grafton, Wis., c. May 1932 \C record numbers: (L-1406-?) Pm-13130 Yz L-1028 Way down way down : way down in Polack Town There the ??? polices : have teared my playhouse down And I went to the pawnshop : and I lays my diamond down Said give me some money : I'm going to Polack Town I went to the ticket office : and I lays my money down I said gives me my ticket : I'm going to Polack Town I said to the ticket agent : ease your window down I got my ticket : and I'm going to Polack Town I spent all my days : way down in Polack Town For womens and bad whiskey : have torn my playhouse down Said they cook good cabbage : but they *called it* Oh the best old cabbage : that a man most ever seen Now I'm going down : going to ride the same old way And *the luck of the fortune* mama : you may need me around some day \L WillJ 1 Williams, Joe \C title: Little Leg Woman \C place and date: Chicago, 25 Feb. 1935 \C record numbers: (85487-1) BB-B5900 Yz L-1038 Well look here mama : let your daddy see You got something baby : worrying me Well mama don't allow : no laying out all night long Well well you know I'm a mind to : because my woman done done me wrong Well big-leg woman : better keep your dresses down You got me standing around : with my face full of frowns Little leg woman : do just like a squirrel Get up in the morning : *caught that* on the world Drop your window woman : and down your blinds Can't hear nothing : but your doggone best friend crying One of these mornings : either late or soon Some old joker boys : can have my room Yeah mama don't allow : no oh laying out all night long Well well the woman I'm loving : ooo ooo Lord she done done me wrong Well I'll tell you women : how to keep your man at home Lord you can squeeze his lemon woman : and roll him all night long Sweetest peaches woman : don't grow on no tree Sweetest honey : now come from no bee \L WillJ 2 Williams, Joe \C title: Somebody's Been Borrowing that Stuff \C place and date: Chicago, 25 Feb. 1935 \C record numbers: (85488-1) BB-B5900 RCA LPV-518 Look a-here judge : give me the lowest fine I killed a man : about the stuff of mine I don't mind : my gal running around *Saving* there's more : of that stuff of mine I got up this morning : feeling bad Thinking about : that stuff I had Want to keep : your daddy from crying Save a little more : of that stuff of mine You can arrest me judge : put me in the cell Me and my gal : ain't doing very well You can drink your whiskey : woman I may decline Got to save : that stuff of mine When I was a little boy : running around Kill every man : about the stuff of mine I got a little gal : she lives way edge of town Save me : all of that stuff of mine I cried last night : all night before Took my stuff : and I walked out your door You can put on your dress gal : and run around Swear I'll kill you : about that stuff of mine Farewell baby : I'm doing very well I am going : to raise some hell \L WillJ 3 Williams, Joe \C title: 49 Highway Blues \C place and date: Chicago, 25 Feb. 1935 \C record numbers: (85490- ) BB-B5996 OJL-17 Well I'll get up in the morning : catch the Highway Forty-Nine Well well I'm going to look for little Malvina : ooo man don't say she can't be found I got a long tall woman : live on Highway Forty-Nine Well well I get up in the morning : ooo Lord boys she's down on my mind Malvina my sweet woman : she don't pay me no mind You got poor Joe walking down woman : ooo Lord Highway Forty-Nine [I'm going to, if I] get up in the morning Malvina : I believe I'll dust my bed I'm going down Highway Forty-Nine : boys I'm going to be rocking to my head If you ever get the blues : catch the Highway Forty-Nine Well Malvina my sweet woman : ooo Lord boys she don't pay me no mind Soon this morning boys : I may roll in Jackson town I done got tired of laying around : walking that Highway Forty-Nine I'm standing in Chicago mama : New Orleans on my mind Malvina she's my sweet woman : she on Highway Forty-Nine \L WillJ 4 Williams, Joe \C title: My Grey Pony \C place and date: Chicago, 25 Feb. 1935 \C record numbers: (85491- ) BB-B5948 RBF RF-14 I got me a pony Lord : and she already trained When I get in my bed mama : baby tighten up on your reins Well I got something to tell you : mama when I get a chance Well I don't want to marry : baby just want to be your man I got a brownskin woman : she don't pay me no mind And I know you going to miss me : baby when I leave this town And I know my woman : she going to scream and cry When she gets that letter : baby Lord I pass my I got me a grey pony : down in my pasture somewhere I'm going to find my woman : baby in this world somewhere Fare you well : may be tomorrow or today I want you to know : babe I didn't come here to stay I ain't got nobody : to talk baby-talk to me Said my mama's getting old : Lord her hair done got grey Lord my mama she got older : now her hair done got grey Well well why break her heart : you know ooo Lord treat her this way \L WillJ 5 Williams, Joe \C title: Stepfather Blues \C place and date: Chicago, 25 Feb. 1935 \C record numbers: (85492-1) BB-B5996 OJL-17 When I was a little boy baby : about sixteen inches high I had a mean stepfather : Lord he didn't want me to eat a bite I've got a mean stepfather : and I know you have one too And my mother dead and gone : nothing in this world that he will do Well my mother she gone : and I hope she gone to stay I have a mean stepfather : he done drove me away When I was a little boy Lord : my stepfather didn't allow me around He's a no-good weed mama : and the cows going to mow him down Well [poor Joe, I'm] leaving this morning : my face is full of frowns I got a mean stepfather : and my dear mother she don't allow me around That's all right : may be home some day My mean stepfather : he won't give me no place to lay I am a little boy : [I'm crying all, I cried the whole] night long My stepfather : he swears he done done me wrong And before I'll be a dog mama : I'll leave my happy home He's a no-good weed : and swear he done me wrong \L WillJ 6 Williams, Joe \C title: Baby Please Don't Go \C place and date: Chicago, 31 Oct. 1935 \C record numbers: (96244-1) BB-B6200 RCA INT-1087 Now baby please don't go : now baby please don't go Baby please don't go back to New Orleans : and get your cold ice cream I believe another man done gone : I believe another man done gone I believe another man done gone to the county farm : now with his long chain on Turn your lamp down low : turn your lamp down low Turn your lamp down low I crying all night long : now baby please don't go I beg you night before : I beg you night before I beg you night before turn your lamp down low : now baby please don't go I believe my baby done lied : I believe my baby done lied I believe my baby she lied said she didn't have a man : now while I had my time Before I'll be your dog : before I'll be your dog Before I'll be your dog I'll pack my trunk this morning baby : *and take* the road *and gone* I believe I'll leave you here : I believe I'll leave you here I believe I'll leave you here because you got me way out here : and you don't feel my care Now baby please don't go : now baby please don't go Now baby please don't go back to New Orleans : you know I love you so I believe you trying to leave me here : trying to leave your daddy here Trying to leave your daddy here they got me way down here : and you don't feel my care \L WillJ 7 Williams, Joe \C title: Wild Cow Blues \C place and date: Chicago, 31 Oct. 1935 \C record numbers: (96246-1) BB-B6200 RCA INT-1087 Yeah I got up this morning : I was feeling awful bad I was thinking about the good time mama : mmm Lord me and my baby once have had Babe I woke up this morning : I looked down the road I think I heard my wild cow mama : when she begin to low If you see my wild cow buddy : please tell her [hurry, come back] home Lord I ain't had no milk and butter : since my wild cow been gone I'm going to the bottom : just to hear my wild cow moan If she moans so lonesome : I'm going to bring my wild cow home My wild cow got a horn : just long as your right arm She yields so much milk and butter : I hate to see my wild cow leave home It take a ??? to roll : and a rocking chair to rock The girl I'm loving : she talk that old baby-talk Lord I don't feel welcome : I say nowhere I go Lord I said good girl I'm loving : she done drove me away from her door You can read out your hymn book : you got your Bible too Fall down on your knees : ask the good Lord to help you Because you going to need : you going to need my help some day You won't quit your running around woman : please quit your lowdown ways Lord I went home at night : I looked out my door There some other man had my wild cow : she could low If you see my wild cow : please drive her back home Lord I ain't had no milk and butter : since he stole my wild cow and gone Now good morning : blues how do you do I cried all night long Lordy : and I can't get along with you \L WillJ 8 Williams, Joe \C title: I Know You Gonna Miss Me \C place and date: Aurora, Ill., 5 May 1937 \C record numbers: (07661-1) BB-B7022 RCA INT-1087 Well I beg you baby : baby so long Know you're going to miss me : when I'm dead and gone Well I know she going to miss me : well when I'm dead and gone I know you going to miss me baby : *oh poor boy will be* When you hear me singing : mama this old lonesome song Know you going to miss poor Joe : when I'm dead and gone Went down to the station : went out on the track Saw my baby leaving : couldn't call her back Well I know that woman going to miss me : well when I'm dead and gone I know you going to miss me baby : count the days I'm gone Cried last night baby : all night before Stop my way of living : and I won't have to cry no more When I get down and out : sing this lonesome song Swear you going to miss me woman : when I'm dead and gone Cried last night mama : cried all night before Going back home to my baby : won't have to cry no more \L WillJ 9 Williams, Joe \C title: Rootin' Ground Hog \C place and date: Aurora, Ill., 5 May 1937 \C record numbers: (07662-1) BB-B7065 RCA INT-1087 Well I'm a rooting ground hog : and I roots both nights and days I want some good-looking mama to come here now : please drive these blues away I went home last night babe : just about the break of day I did grab the pillow : where my baby used to lay I'm a rooting ground hog : *if I do ??? day* Well look for poor Joe down north : ooo well I will be so far away I'm a rooting ground hog : and I roots everywhere I go I'm trying to keep my woman taking my loving : carrying it out handing it to Mr so-and-so Let me tell you now women : just before I go Give me back my money : I'll catch the train and go I'm a rooting ground hog : and I root everywhere I go Well my baby had the nerve to tell me : that she didn't want me no more I'm a-leaving Chicago : ain't going to leave my baby no more I'm that good rooting ground hog : I got a home anywhere I go I woke up this morning : I looked down the line Couldn't hear nothing : but my babe's train crying \L WillJ 10 Williams, Joe \C title: Brother James \C place and date: Aurora, Ill., 5 May 1937 \C record numbers: (07663-1) BB-B7022 RCA INT-1087 Brother James went out riding : riding in that twenty-nine Ford That poor man was drinking bad whiskey : ooo well boys he sure going to lose his soul Lord I went out in Greenville : looked down in brother James' face I says sleep on brother James : I'll meet you Resurrection Day Lord brother James died under surgery : and he didn't have the time to pray I said goodbye brother James : ooo well I'll meet you Resurrection Day Now he love sister Lottie : trying to save her wicked soul She ain't going to drink no more whiskey : ooo well boys going to ride no twenty-nine Ford I went to the graveyard : and I peeped down in brother James' face Says you know you died drunk brother James : and you didn't have no time to pray Farewell brother James : hope we will meet some day I will be at the *official table* : ooo well when *they send* brother James *my way* \L WillJ 11 Williams, Joe \C title: I Won't Be in Hard Luck No More \C place and date: Aurora, Ill., 5 May 1937 \C record numbers: (07664-1) BB-B7065 RCA INT-1087 I said goodbye baby : oh yes I got to go I don't want to be wearing mustache : ooo well mistreated for Mr so-and-so I say the hard luck and trouble : every place I go I believe somebody put bad luck on me : ooo well I believe now it's time to go I had money baby : I even had friends for miles around Well all the money gone : ooo well and my friends cannot be found I started down : I started down in Polack Town Seem like the snitches and the police babe : trying to tear poor Joe's reputation down Now you can hear me when I'm down : be the same way when I rise I got a gal in East St Louis : she lives in Polack Town \L WillJ 12 Williams, Joe \C title: Crawlin' King Snake \C place and date: Chicago, 27 Mar. 1941 \C record numbers: (053989-2) BB-B8738 RCA INT-1087 Yes I'm a crawling king snake : baby I'm going to ??? all around your door You had the nerve to tell me : ooo well well she didn't want me no more You couldn't see me baby : passing by Mama be your crawling king snake : till the day I die I'm going to be your crawling king snake : I'm ???ing all around your door You had the nerve to tell me : ooo well well you didn't want poor Joey no more You couldn't see me baby : now when I was walking by Might be your crawling king snake : mama if I have to die I'm going back to Memphis : if I have to walk I ain't got nobody in Chicago : talk that old baby-talk Now I'm going back to St Louis : I'm going to sit right down I'm going to throw my poison : on every pretty woman in town \L WillJ 13 Williams, Joe \C title: I'm Getting Wild About Her \C place and date: Chicago, 27 Mar. 1941 \C record numbers: (053990-1) BB-B8774 BC-6 Good morning judge : he done lowered the fine Tell the man : about this stuff of mine Baby : want to keep your daddy from crying Save me a little more : of that stuff of mine Now baby : don't be so fast If you can't shimmy : shake your yas yas yas I get drunk : walk streets all night All you got to do : is treat your daddy right All I want : is my regular right *Treat me in the days* : and my loving every night The lawyer told the judge : can you lower his fine Tell the man : about the stuff of mine Yeah baby : don't you be so rough Daddy wild : about my heavy stuff \L WillJ 14 Williams, Joe \C title: Peach Orchard Mama \C place and date: Chicago, 27 Mar. 1941 \C record numbers: (053991-1) BB-B8774 RCA INT-1087 Peach orchard mama : you swore wasn't nobody going to use your peaches but me Well you want Joe Williams to work in your orchard : well and I'll keep your orchard clean You done got me to the place : I hate to see that evening sun go down Well when I get up in the morning : ooo well peach orchard man she's on my mind Got a man to buy your groceries : and another joker to pay your rent Well you got me working in your orchard : ooo well well and bring you every cent Sometime she make me happy : then again she make me cry Ever again I want a peach orchard mama : ooo well well wish to God that you would die \L WillJ 15 Williams, Joe \C title: Meet Me Around the Corner \C place and date: Chicago, 27 Mar. 1941 \C record numbers: (053992-1R) BB-B8738 RCA \C INT-1087 Meet me around the corner baby : bring my boots and shoes My best woman done quit me : and I ain't got no time to lose Now she low and she squatty : she right down on the ground Every time she wobbles : she make my love came down Lord the woman I'm loving : sleeping in her *ray* Lord the one I hate : I can meet her every day Please : don't give my baby no job She's a married woman : and I don't allow her to work too hard What you going to do : when they take your man to the war Have to drink muddy water : sleep in a hollow log Early one morning : just about the break of day I hugged the pillow : where my baby used to lay She ain't [very] good-looking : she got two teeth crowned with gold Got a lien on her body : got a mortgage on her soul \L WillJ 16 Williams, Joe \C title: Please Don't Go \C place and date: Chicago, 12 Dec. 1941 \C record numbers: (070484-1) BB-B8969 RCA \C INT-1087 Now baby please don't go : baby please don't go Baby please don't go back to New Orleans : you know I love you so Turn your lamp down low : turn your lamp down low Turn your lamp down low now baby all night long : baby please don't go I believe another man done gone : I believe another man done gone He left the county farm : he got them shackles on Baby please don't go : baby please don't go Baby please don't go back to New Orleans : get your cold ice cream Before I'll be your dog : before I'll be your dog I'll get you way down here : I'll make you walk a log You got me way down here : you got me way down here You got me way down here by Rolling Fork : you treat me like a dog Don't call my name : don't call my name Don't call my name you got me way down here : wearing the ball and chain \L WillJ 17 Williams, Joe \C title: Highway 49 \C place and date: Chicago, 12 Dec. 1941 \C record numbers: (070485-1) BB-B9025 RBF RF-11 Well I'm going to get up in the morning : get to Highway Forty-Nine Well *about* my sweet woman : ooo well well she don't pay poor Joey no mind Well if you ever had the blues : get to Highway Forty-Nine Well *about* sweet woman : ooo well boys she trying to throw poor Joey down [I'm going to wake, well I'm going to get] in the morning : I believe I'll dust my bed Going down the Highway Forty-Nine : ooo well boys I be rocking to my head Blues this morning : I'll be rolling in Jackson town Lord I'm tired of laying around : ooo well boys on Highway Forty-Nine \L WillJ 18 Williams, Joe \C title: Someday Baby \C place and date: Chicago, 12 Dec. 1941 \C record numbers: (070486-1) BB-B9025 RBF RF-11 Don't care where you go : how long you stay Lord it's good-time females : bring you back some day Ain't but the one thing Sonny Boy : get Joey in the blues I got on : my last pair of shoes Yes I keep on betting : but the dice won't pass You going to leave Chicago running : running most too fast I liked everybody : in your neighborhood You a no-good woman : you don't mean me no good You can steal my chickens boy : you sure can't make them lay You can steal my best woman : but you sure can't make her stay \L WillJ 19 Williams, Joe \C title: Break 'Em On Down \C place and date: Chicago, 12 Dec. 1941 \C record numbers: (070487-1) BB-B8969 BC-21 Yes I'm a gambling man : still gambling yet Don't never get too rough boy : *one kill* won't lay them dead Done got funny baby : funny as it can be If you raise any kids : they all got to look like me Take your sweet potato : *raise them at your home* If you want a good woman : get you one that long and tall Raised in the country : first in town Your *good time* : all is mine Breaking them down : all I crave Breaking them down : might take me to my grave Mama went to town : papa ain't here Take them down boys : because you know this stuff is here \L WillK 1 Williams, Joe \C title: I Want It Awful Bad \C place and date: Memphis, c. 24 Sept. 1929 \C record numbers: (M-195- ) Vo-1457 Rt RL-321 You get mad : someone call your name You never did ??? : get that thing You wore your dresses : above your knees You sell your jelly : to who you please I got something to ask you : I done got scared I got to wait now : before I go to bed I called you this morning : about half past one You told me : that you was done I called you this morning : about half past five You turned over : cried like a child I called you this morning : about half past six You told me : you got it fixed I got something to ask you : don't you get mad I want you to give me something : I ain't never had Look pretty mama : what you done done You squeezed my lemon : caused my juice to run \L WillK 2 Williams, Joe \C title: Mr. Devil Blues \C place and date: Memphis, c. 24 Sept. 1929 \C record numbers: (M-196- ) Vo-1457 Rt RL-321 Good morning Mr devil : I come here to chain you down Every time I move : you got my rider down You's a mean old devil : cause me to weep and moan Cause me to leave my family : and my happy home I brought my chain : to lock it around your waist I don't care woman : who gets all in my way I wouldn't have been here : had not been for you Now you got me here now : this old way you do I was at home : doing very well Now you got me here now : and I'm catching hell Now look Mr devil : see what you done done You done wrecked my family : caused me to leave a happy home I'm going to write a letter now : going to mail it in the air I'm going to ask Dr Jesus : if the devil ever been there \L WillK 3 Williams, Joe \C title: Get Your Head Trimmed Down \C place and date: Aurora, Ill., 17 June 1938 \C record numbers: (020854-1) BB-B7719 RCA INT-1175 The wind begin to blow : and my baby begin to knock on my door Yes you keep fooling around downtown : you going to get your head trimmed down I know you got men friends : baby when I drive from your door Because you keep on running around : you going to get your head trimmed down Now it ain't no use you fooling around : trying to take that other woman's man Well now you keep on fooling around : you going to get your head trimmed down Now when I left *Granville* : I was on my way back to *Shoetown* Road Yes I know you going to miss me baby : from knocking on your door Now you begin to run from hand to hand : and you begin to run around Well now you keep on running around baby : you going to get your head trimmed down \L WillK 4 Williams, Joe \C title: Peach Orchard Mama \C place and date: Aurora, Ill., 17 June 1938 \C record numbers: (020855-1) BB-B7770 RCA INT-1175 Peach orchard mama : you swore no one get your fruit but me Whilst I'm working in your orchard : keeping your orchard free You got a man to buy your groceries : another [joker, man] to pay your rent Whilst ??? Sonny Boy working in your orchard : giving you every cent Now you done got me so : I hate to see that evening sun go down I wake up in the morning : peach orchard woman on my mind Sometimes you make me happy : sometimes you make me cry Now peach orchard mama since you been in trouble : you wish to God that I would die \L WillS 1 Williamson, Sonny Boy \C title: Skinny Woman \C place and date: Aurora, Ill., 5 May 1937 \C record numbers: (07654- ) BB-B7012 BC-20 Lord I don't want no skinny woman : I want a a woman with a-plenty of meat Now we can roll all night long : this woman won't have to stop and eat Lord I've got so many women : that I I really don't know who I love Now it seems like the girl I been crazy for : slipped away to the good Lord above Lord I have the blues in the morning : blues is the first thing when I lay down at night Now that's the reason my baby worries me : my baby she don't treat me right Oh Lord ah she's gone she's gone : she's forever be on my mind Now she was a sweet little woman : she just wouldn't be loving and kind \L WillS 2 Williamson, Sonny Boy \C title: Collector Man Blues \C place and date: Aurora, Ill., 11 Nov. 1937 \C record numbers: (016521- ) BB-B7428 BC-3 Now go open the door : here comes the collector man Well you can tell him I said come back tomorrow : because Sonny Boy ain't got a doggone thing Tell him that I ain't got no money : now and he know I trying to Well you tell him a man ain't got no money : can't hardly find a place to stand Tell him but some day I'll have some money : now I want everybody to watch and see Well now tell him that it's hard : to keep down you know a real good man like me Tell him I know I'm down now : now but I won't be down always Well now you can tell him watch and see old Sonny Boy getting some money : oh Lord know it's some of these days \L WillS 3 Williamson, Sonny Boy \C title: Early in the Morning \C place and date: Aurora, Ill., 11 Nov. 1937 \C record numbers: (016524- ) BB-B7302 RCA INT-1175 Lord when a little girl become twelve years old : begin to think she's grown Say you can never : catch that kind of little girl at home But you have to go down early in the morning : baby about the break of day Now you ought to see me grab the pillows : where my baby used to lay Well I got a new woman : her name is Miss Katy She told me to come to her house this morning : I got there about half past eight I said look a-here woman : you fool too many men I can't never come to see you in the evening : now I have to come to see you when I can Well I said look a-here woman : I ain't going to fool around with you no more I know you don't love me : you wild about Mr so-and-so \L WillS 4 Williamson, Sonny Boy \C title: Project Highway \C place and date: Aurora, Ill., 11 Nov. 1937 \C record numbers: (016525- ) BB-B7302 RCA INT-1175 Well well well I've got to get some money : I wants to buy a V-Eight Ford Well well I wants to ride this new highway : ooo that the project just completed in a week ago Well I got to ride this new highway : Lord and I'm going to cross the Gulf of Mexico Well well well then I ain't going to stop riding : well until I park in front of my baby's door Well when my baby come out and see me : I know she's going to jump and shout Well well well if that don't draw a crowd : ooo people going to know what all this racket about Now when people gather around : now in front of my baby's door Well well then I'm going to tell them don't get excited : ooo same ??? *bit* I was singing about before \L WillS 5 Williamson, Sonny Boy \C title: Moonshine \C place and date: Aurora, Ill., 13 Mar. 1938 \C record numbers: (020113-1) BB-B7603 RCA LPV-518 Now and it's moonshine : moonshine do harm to many men Now that is the reason why : you ain't got to believe I'll make a change Now moonshine will make you shoot dice : make a-you want to sing Now when you go home : you can't change your wild rice You been drinking moonshine : moonshine do harm to many men Now that is the reason why : I'm I'll believe I'll make a change Now moonshine will make you think : that the policeman is really delivery boy Moonshine will make you think : that shoe polish is really children's play-toy Now moonshine will make you go home : lay down across your bed And your wife try to talk with you : you say you didn't hear a word she said Now moonshine will make you just drunk : walk out in the street Moonshine will make you curse out : most anybody you meet \L WillS 6 Williamson, Sonny Boy \C title: Miss Louisa Blues \C place and date: Aurora, Ill., 13 Mar. 1938 \C record numbers: (020114- ) BB-B7576 RBF RF-14 Now ever since Louisa you been gone : my life don't seem the same Now you know it really breaks my heart : to hear anybody call Miss Louisa's name Now Miss Louisa she mistreated me : and she drove me from her door Now that will be all right : Louisa you will have to reap just what you sow Now Louisa you know : I have been Lord the very best that I could Now listen if you don't treat me no better : Lord I sure do wish you would Now but that will be all right : Louisa you will come back home some day Now but I'm scared that when you get back : Louisa you ain't going to have no place to stay \L WillS 7 Williamson, Sonny Boy \C title: Down South \C place and date: Aurora, Ill., 13 Mar. 1938 \C record numbers: (020117-1) BB-B7665 RCA LPV-518 Lord I'm going back down south : man where the weather suits my clothes Now I done fooled around in Chicago : and I done almost froze Lord my baby my baby : she don't treat me good no more Now I know the reason she don't love me : she's wild about Mr so-and-so Now and I know my baby : and I know Miss Mary's going to scream now Because my baby she didn't want me : to come way back up here nohow \L WillS 8 Williamson, Sonny Boy \C title: Until My Love Come Down \C place and date: Aurora, Ill., 13 Mar. 1938 \C record numbers: (020119- ) BB-B7576 RBF RF-14 Now you got fruit on your tree : lemons on your shelf But you know loving mama : that you can't squeeze them all yourself Now I said please let me be your lemon-squeezer : now while I'm in your lonesome town Now if you let me be your lemon-squeezer : Lord until my love comes down Now it makes no difference baby : what your mama don't allow Come on let me squeeze your lemon baby : I mean anyhow I like your apples on your tree : I'm crazy about your peaches too I'm crazy about your fruit baby : because you know just how to do Now and it ain't but the one thing : baby now that it really makes me cry I asked you about your lemons : baby and you ups and tells me a lie \L WillS 9 Williamson, Sonny Boy \C title: Honey Bee Blues \C place and date: Aurora, Ill., 17 June 1938 \C record numbers: (020842-1) BB-B7707 RCA INT-1088 I want you to come on baby : now and take a walk with me Well then I assure you there's won't nothing bother you : I'll be your little honeybee I will make you honey in the morning : now I will make you honey in the night Now then I'll make you honey three times a day : baby if you would just treat me right Well we will take a walk out in the park : now and sit down under some little shady tree Well now you said that I was your baby : and that I could be your little honeybee I want to hold you in my arms : baby and I want you to hug me tight Now because you said that I was your little honeybee : and I could make your honey just right \L WillS 10 Williamson, Sonny Boy \C title: Whiskey Headed Blues \C place and date: Aurora, Ill., 17 June 1938 \C record numbers: (020844-1) BB-B7707 RCA INT-1088 Now you's a whiskey-headed woman : now and you stay drunk all the time Now if you don't stop drinking : now I believe you going to lose your mind Well now every time I see you : you's at some whiskey joint Standing at the back door : asking for another half a pint Because you's a whiskey-headed woman : now and you stay drunk all the time Now if you don't stop drinking : I believe you going to go stone blind Well now and I took you out of the street baby : when you didn't have no place to lay You ain't acting nothing but a fool : dogging me around this a-way Well now every time I meet you baby : you walking up and down the street You grinning laughing and talking : with most every man you meet \L WillS 11 Williamson, Sonny Boy \C title: Lord, Oh Lord Blues \C place and date: Aurora, Ill., 17 June 1938 \C record numbers: (020845-1) BB-B7847 RCA INT-1088 Now I'm going away baby : just to wear you off my mind Now and you keep me bothered : worried all the time Now and sometimes I feel : like I'm going going away to stay Well I get to thinking about my baby : I just as swear and I can't stay away Now I want you to tell me baby : baby just what's getting wrong with you Now and you don't treat me : nothing baby like you used to do \L WillS 12 Williamson, Sonny Boy \C title: You Give an Account \C place and date: Aurora, Ill., 17 June 1938 \C record numbers: (020846- ) BB-B7756 BC-3 I'm going to tell you something : baby you can't do You better take it kind of easy : I've got my eyes on you If you got a good woman : and she won't treat you right You beat her three times a day : and whip her a little at night Now Mr depot agent : don't you make me cry Did my baby stop here : did she keep on by Now I want all you people : to gather around My baby done left me : treat me like a hound I told her I'd buy her a Chevrolet : say but she wanted a V-Eight Ford She say she wanted something : would beat us all on the road Now I waved my hands : she wouldn't pay me no mind Way out on my door : she made a loving sign \L WillS 13 Williamson, Sonny Boy \C title: Shannon Street Blues \C place and date: Aurora, Ill., 17 June 1938 \C record numbers: (020847-1) BB-B7847 RCA INT-1088 I went down on Shannon Street : now to buy me some alcohol I told them to fill it half full of water : but they didn't put in a drop at all So I drunk my straight whiskey : Lord I staggered on up the street Now but my head got so heavy : that my eyes couldn't even give a peep Lady tells me papa papa : well you ain't no good at all Now she say you don't make me happy : so long as you fool with this alcohol Sometimes I tell her oh : lady this alcohol is killing me Well now they told me if I didn't quit drinking : in some lonesome cemetery I would be I said lazy baby won't you go riding : can I take you riding with me in my car She said Sonny Boy I'm scared if you get a drink of whiskey : and I'm scared that we won't ride very far \L WillS 14 Williamson, Sonny Boy \C title: You've Been Foolin' Round Town \C place and date: Aurora, Ill., 17 June 1938 \C record numbers: (020848-1) BB-B7756 RCA INT-1088 I'm going to tell you something : keep it to yourself Don't tell your kid-man : and nobody else Told her come on go out : come go and get a quart of wine You told me yeah : you think that was just fine Well I will tell you one thing baby : that I can't do I can't love you : and be your dog too Well a-here's my hand : I'll mind you like a child Can't I be : you man awhile Well I got something to tell you : I ain't going to tell you no more About fooling around : with Mr so-and-so Now tell me baby : what you want me to do Think I can love you : and be your dog too Well fare you well baby : I ain't going to have no more to say Marry Mr so-and-so : you can have your way \L WillS 15 Williamson, Sonny Boy \C title: Deep Down in the Ground \C place and date: Aurora, Ill., 17 June 1938 \C record numbers: (020849-1) BB-B7805 RCA INT-1088 You hear that rumbling : deep down in the ground Now it must be the devil : you know turning my womens around Stack of dollars : just as high as I am tall Now if you be my baby : mama you can have them all She's a great big woman : head right full of hair I call her tailor-made : but them people they don't allow me there Now here's my hand : if I never see you anymore Well now I'm going to leave you alone : to go with your Mr so-and-so Tell me baby : baby where did you stay last night Now with your hair all tangled : and your clothes ain't fitting you right \L WillS 16 Williamson, Sonny Boy \C title: Number Five Blues \C place and date: Aurora, Ill., 17 Dec. 1938 \C record numbers: (030848-1R) BB-B8010 RCA INT-1088 Number Five Number Five : please bring my baby back to me Now you's the meanest old train : Number Five that I ever seen Now when my baby left me : my baby wouldn't even wave her hand Well I know the reason she left me : because she was wild about some other man Woman that will be all right : I know my baby ain't going to stay away Well now she forever stays on my mind : people she the only woman I crave Lord and I just looked on the almanac : Lord just to see when your birthday was going to be Now then I believe that you must have been born in ??? : because you got changing ways with me Now fare you well : baby yes I'm going away Well I know you didn't love me : now I'm going to find me some other place to stay \L WillS 17 Williamson, Sonny Boy \C title: Christmas Morning Blues \C place and date: Aurora, Ill., 17 Dec. 1938 \C record numbers: (030849-1) BB-B8094 RCA INT-1088 Well it was on one Christmas morning : *T-bird's* Christmas coming back again Well now I'm trying to hide my little woman : to keep her from running around with these other men Now Santa Claus : I want you to bring my baby a lot of toys Now I know my baby wants to have fun : now with these other little girls and boys Santa Claus Santa Claus : can I get you to understand Now that I want you to bring my baby one of these radios : and two or three of them little electric fans I want Santa Claus to bring my baby one of these coats : I mean with that long fur hanging down Now then I want her to be looking good : Lord when I drop by in her town Now Santa Claus : Santa Claus can't you hear my lonesome cry Well now be sure to do what I told you : Santa Claus before I tell you goodbye \L WillS 18 Williamson, Sonny Boy \C title: Susie-Q \C place and date: Aurora, Ill., 17 Dec. 1938 \C record numbers: (030850-1) BB-B7995 RCA INT-1088 Well now I knowed a family : lived down in the avenue Old man Mose : and sister Sue Well now I knowed the man : by the name of old man Mose He got so happy : pull off all his clothes Well I knowed a lady : by the name of sister Kate Pulled off her clothes : in front of her front gate Crying you step one step : then mess all around You look up : then you look down Well now I know a girl : by the name of sister Louise She jumped up : and danced with who she pleased Now look a-here baby : now tell me what you going to do You can't marry me : and somebody else too \L WillS 19 Williamson, Sonny Boy \C title: Blue Bird Blues-+-Part 1 \C place and date: Aurora, Ill., 17 Dec. 1938 \C record numbers: (030851-1) BB-B7979 RCA INT-1088 Lord I wonder where is my bluebird : wonder where is my bluebird gone Now and she left me this morning : people and I been looking for her all day long Now my bluebird left me the other day : people and I ain't seen her since Now then I believe she gone to Washington : you know to visit the president Now if my bluebird don't come back : wonder what am I going to do Now if my bluebird continue on to stay : I believe I'll move to Washington too Now when my bluebird left : she put a note up in my door Now she said I'm going to Washington : Sonny Boy and I don't want you no more Oh now but that will be all right : maybe my bluebird will change her mind Now because a good bluebird now babe : peoples I just do swear they's hard to find \L WillS 20 Williamson, Sonny Boy \C title: Little Girl Blues \C place and date: Aurora, Ill., 17 Dec. 1938 \C record numbers: (030852-1) BB-B8010 RCA INT-1088 Little girl little girl : I got something I want to say to you Now it ain't none of your bad treatment : I just want to warn you about the old way you do You just my little girl : and I love to hold you in my arms Now and if you think about me baby : I swear you can't do nothing wrong Tell me baby : baby who can your little man be Lord I wouldn't keep on worrying : but I wonder if there any chance for me Think about me when I'm gone : little girl think about me in your sleep Well I think about how you used to love me : little girl nobody in this world but me But that's all right : little girl trouble ain't going to last always Well now you can treat me like a dog : but you'll be sorry you treated me this a-way Fare you well : little girl if I never see you anymore Well I said that I always love you : and Sonny Boy don't care where you go \L WillS 21 Williamson, Sonny Boy \C title: Low Down Ways \C place and date: Aurora, Ill., 17 Dec. 1938 \C record numbers: (030853-1) BB-B7979 RCA INT-1088 Now listen little baby : do you think I'm going to be your fool I mean what you think baby : you want Sonny Boy to be your mule Every time I meet you baby : walking up and down the street You walk by me smiling : act like you don't want to speak But *honest* little girl : I got tired of your lowdown dirty ways Well now drinking whiskey and running around : little girl that's all you crave Well then I give you my money : baby and you left me cold in hand You took my money : you know you started to raising sand You started to hitting bootlegging joint : and every whiskeyhouse you know Riding up and down the street : you know with Mr so-and-so Well now and I was going to buy you a ??? : I was going to buy you a Packard too I was going to buy you a Cadillac : you know just to try to get along with you I was going down to the jewelry store : and I was going to buy you a diamond ring But now you won't treat me nice : and I ain't going to buy you a doggone thing When I left my mother told me one thing : you know my father said the same You running around with this little girl : son and that going to change your name But I won't pay them no mind : but I continue to drink But I don't never sit down one time : you know and just sit and think But I got tired : of this little girl's lowdown dirty ways Now when I leave her this time : I swear I'm going away to stay \L WillS 22 Williamson, Sonny Boy \C title: Goodbye Red \C place and date: Aurora, Ill., 17 Dec. 1938 \C record numbers: (030854-1) BB-B7995 RCA INT-1088 Well goodbye Red : now ain't going to cry Well I ain't going to frown : wouldn't tell you no lie Well my little Red : she just don't know Well now she say she love me : she wild about Mr so-and-so Well I ain't going to worry : about the way you do Well the way you treat me : coming back home to you Well I ain't going to frown : I ain't going to make no noise Well I ain't going to bring no *help* : and none of these ??? *toys* Well I waved my hand : Red shook her head Well I'm sick and tired : I reckon I'm going to bed Now tell me Red : what you want me to do Now do you think I can love you : and be your little dog too Well after a while : be all over now Now because didn't have nobody : to raise no sand nohow \L WillS 23 Williamson, Sonny Boy \C title: The Right Kind of Life \C place and date: Aurora, Ill., 17 Dec. 1938 \C record numbers: (030855-1) BB-B8034 RCA INT-1088 Now I'm only twenty-four : I just declare I been married twice Well now you people know by that : Lord that I ain't been living the right kind of life Now my mother often sit down and talked with me : talked with me about being so wild Well then she said I'm scared that women and whiskey : is going to be the ruin of my only child Oh you know how boys and girls is nowadays : they won't pay their mother no mind Well and when they go out and stay all night long : your mother's standing in her back door crying Well but some day : some day people I'm going to change my mind Well now I'm going to stop running at women : and staying drunk all the time Oh now ain't it hard to have a home : a home and you can't go there no more Now when this little woman that you been loving : have fell in love with Mr so-and-so \L WillS 24 Williamson, Sonny Boy \C title: Insurance Man Blues \C place and date: Aurora, Ill., 17 Dec. 1938 \C record numbers: (030856-1) BB-B8034 RCA INT-1088 Every Monday morning : people the insurance man knocking on my door Well now I tell him to come back on a Tuesday : because Sonny Boy haven't made no money you know He said yeah but you haven't paid your insurance in two or three weeks : said Sonny Boy and your insurance have done He said if you don't pay it by next Wednesday : I reckon I'll have to let your insurance I said insurance man please don't turn me out : Lord and I ain't got nobody to bury me Well now I said if you won't bury me : they'll throw my body in the deep blue sea I say you know how times is nowadays : can't no one man find a job I said I can't even take care of my wife and baby : and I'm mighty near to letting my family starve I said please give me two more weeks : insurance man please do that for me Well I say I don't live up north : my home is back down in Tennessee \L WillS 25 Williamson, Sonny Boy \C title: Rainy Day Blues \C place and date: Aurora, Ill., 17 Dec. 1938 \C record numbers: (030857-1) BB-B8094 RCA INT-1088 Rainy day rainy day : you ought to hear my baby sing the blues Now and she said she just walking around : just to tell these strange people the news Now what's the use of loving : people and I don't see why I should Now and you know the woman I'm loving : Lord and she don't mean me no good Now but that will be all right now : my bad luck ain't going to last always Now just because I'm down and out now : I'm going to see some old lucky day Take care of my wife and my baby : tell them that I'll be back home some day Now tell her that she ain't acting nothing but a fool : dogging me around this way Lord sometime I go out walking : people go out [walking, talking] to myself Now because my baby bes on my mind : and I don't be thinking about nobody else Now I'm just as sure : just as sure as one and one is two Now when I get my money : babe I'm going to be ???ing just like you \L WillS 26 Williamson, Sonny Boy \C title: Bad Luck Blues \C place and date: Chicago, 21 July 1939 \C record numbers: (040525- ) BB-B8265 BC-3 Now did you hear about this bad luck : the bad luck happened just about six months ago Now my cousin *Martin* got shot down : just as he was walking out the door Now and he said please Mr : said please don't shoot me no more He said because my breath is getting short : and my heart is beating awful slow And *Martin* said I know I got some friends : I want someone to go and get my mother please Said maybe she can help me with my troubles : people I'm in so much misery And he said I hate to go leave my mother and father : I hate to go and leave my cousin Sonny Boy Now but tell them if they be good they come to see me : people on Resurrection Day \L WillS 27 Williamson, Sonny Boy \C title: T. B. Blues \C place and date: Chicago, 21 July 1939 \C record numbers: (040532- ) BB-B8333 BC-20 Now but ooh : T B's is killing me Now I want my body buried : way down in Jackson Tennessee Now when I was up on my feet : now I couldn't even walk down the street For the women looking at me : from my head to my feet I ain't going to buy you no more pretty dresses : I ain't going to even buy you no diamond rings And I'm going to sell my V-Eight Ford : because I don't want a doggone thing Well now my mother she said one thing : you know my father said the same You keep on fooling around : Sonny Boy they going to change your name Well now here I am here sick baby : you know and I'm I'm laying here in my bed And now even won't none of my friends : come and even rub my aching head \L WillS 28 Williamson, Sonny Boy \C title: Joe Louis and John Henry \C place and date: Chicago, 21 July 1939 \C record numbers: (040535- ) BB-B8403 BC-3 Well well I was sitting in Madison Square Gardens : now to just watch the big fight come through Well well the right and left that Joe Louis was using : ooo well man give John Henry Louis' head the blues Well that night I didn't have but fifty cents : I was in Jackson whooping with them women and men Well well and I bet my fifty cents on Joe : ooo well in no time I won my fifty cents back again \L WillS 29 Williamson, Sonny Boy \C title: Train Fare Blues \C place and date: Chicago, 17 May 1940 \C record numbers: (049198- ) BB-B8610 BC-20 Mama all that I want : Lord is just my train fare home Well now I ain't got nobody to love me : out here in this great big old world alone Now baby if'n you wouldn't write me : look like you would send me a telegram Look like I would kind of run across your mind : baby you would want to know just where I am Now but I know you don't love me : baby you don't love me no more I know the reason you don't love woman : because you is crazy about Mr so-and-so Now it was a lowdown fireman : and that must have been a dirty engineer Lord and they sure did treat me mean : because they taking my babe away from here \L WillS 30 Williamson, Sonny Boy \C title: Welfare Store Blues \C place and date: Chicago, 17 May 1940 \C record numbers: (053001- ) BB-B8610 BC-3 Now me and my baby talked last night : and we talked for nearly an hour She wanted me to go down to the welfare store : and a sack of that welfare flour But I told her no : baby and I sure don't want to go I say I'll do anything in the world for you : I don't want to go down to that welfare store Now you need to go get you some real white man : you know to sign you a little note Then get you a pair of them *keen-*toed shoes : and one of them old *peat-*back soldier coats President Roosevelt said : them welfare people they going to treat everybody right Says they give you a can of them beans : and a can or two of them old tripe Lord now me and my baby we talked yesterday : and we talked in my back yard She say I take care of you Sonny Boy : just as long as these times stay hard And I told her yeah : baby and I sure won't have to go I say and if you do that for me : I won't have to go down to that welfare store \L WillS 31 Williamson, Sonny Boy \C title: My Little Machine \C place and date: Chicago, 17 May 1940 \C record numbers: (053002- ) BB-B8674 BC-3 Oh yes : something getting wrong with my little machine Now she got a standard carburettor : my baby been burning bad gasoline Now I'm going to do like an eagle : I'm going to fly up on the mountain top Lord and I don't find my baby : it ain't no telling where I'll stop Well I don't know baby : I don't know what to do You know I don't want to hurt your feelings : baby even getting mad with you Well I don't know baby : I don't know what to do Baby you is so sweet : but you just won't be true \L WillS 32 Williamson, Sonny Boy \C title: Western Union Man \C place and date: Chicago, 4 Apr. 1941 \C record numbers: (064019- ) BB-B8731 BC-3 Western Union man : please stop by my house today I'm expecting a call from Miss *Laza* : I've got to hear from her right away Now the reason I ain't been getting no calls : people I'm going to tell you all what it's all about They tell me Western Union man been getting drunk : he been leaving my calls at somebody else's house Western Union man : please don't you lose your head You know I'm expecting a call from Miss *Laza* : you know some of my people might be dead I been sitting here waiting on the Western Union man : oh you know he usually comes along about eleven o'clock I reckon he must have had trouble with his machine : or *the word* the roads oh they must be blocked I believe I'll move up here in Chicago : I'm going to get that old Mr Western Union man's route Now what's the use of me worrying about a Western Union man : when I have passenger plane flying right over my house \L WillS 33 Williamson, Sonny Boy \C title: Big Apple Blues \C place and date: Chicago, 4 Apr. 1941 \C record numbers: (064020- ) BB-B8766 BC-20 I know you got some good apples : right down on Mr Rudolph's farm Now I love you so much : baby I'd like to hold you in my arms Now I want to get a truck-load of your apples : I want to peddle your apples up north Now maybe I can keep them ??? till your wintertime : and we'll make them be little children's Santa Claus Now my grandmother says she want to buy a bushel of your apples : she wants to make her some applesauce Now I'd be delighted and pay for them : for I bet they would be on out of this world Lord I can see your little apple : hanging way up in your little apple tree Now you may like you love me so much : baby please drop one down for me Now you know the rain washed away my cotton : people and the sun burned up my new ground corn Now if somebody don't give me *any* something to eat pretty soon : I just as swear we won't be here long \L WillS 34 Williamson, Sonny Boy \C title: My Baby Made a Change \C place and date: Chicago, 4 Apr. 1941 \C record numbers: (064022- ) BB-B8766 BC-20 Now peoples I believe : somebody oh somebody's changed that lock on my door Now because this little key that I got : oh well well won't fit my little lock no more Now my baby have changed her way of living : I mean she's changed all around Because she even changed her house number : oh you know she done moved to another town Oh now but that change that hurt me : oh somebody have changed that lock on my door Oh now because this little key that I got : oh well well it won't fit in that little lock no more Well now my baby have changed her way of dancing : oh she don't two-step no more Oh she do that new dance you call jitterbug : oh man she jumps clear the floor Oh now my mother she says one thing : my grandmother jumped up and said the same Oh said you keep on fooling around Sonny Boy : says I swear one of them going to change your name \L WillS 35 Williamson, Sonny Boy \C title: Shotgun Blues \C place and date: Chicago, 4 Apr. 1941 \C record numbers: (064023- ) BB-B8731 BC-3 You ought to heard my grandmother : when she got my grandfather told She said get away from me man : I swear you done gotten too old Now when my baby left me : you know she left me a mule to ride Now when the train left the station : know my mule laid down and died You know I sent my baby : you know a brand new twenty dollar bill Now if that don't bring her back : I'm doggone sure my shotgun will Now if I can't come in : let me sit down in front of your door I'll leave so early in the morning : you know your real man won't never know Mmm baby : I ain't going to sing to you no more Now if you can stand to leave me : I'll try to love to see you go \L WillS 36 Williamson, Sonny Boy \C title: Shady Grove Blues \C place and date: Chicago, 2 July 1941 \C record numbers: (064492- ) BB-B8914 BC-20 Now baby but I'll see you : baby in the spring Just after the bluebirds : begin to sing Now but maybe I won't see you : babe but until in the fall And I know : you won't have no real regular man at all Now but I believe I'll wait and see you : baby some old rainy day Just after the mockingbird : come out to play Now you going to keep on : baby you know fooling around Oh you know the police : is going to run you clean out of town Now tell me babe : what do you want me to do I did everything I could baby : to try to get along with you Go bring my shotgun : my *biskins* and shells You know my woman she done quit me : and I'm going to start to raising hell \L WillS 37 Williamson, Sonny Boy \C title: Sloppy Drunk Blues \C place and date: Chicago, 2 July 1941 \C record numbers: (064493- ) BB-B8822 BC-3 Now I would rather be sloppy drunk : oh than anything I know Oh you know and another half a pint : woman you will see me go Now my gal she done quit me : for somebody else Now and I'm sloppy drunk again woman : sleeping all by myself Now I would rather be sloppy drunk : sitting in the can Now than to be out in Beale Street : running from the man Because mmm : bring another half a pint Now I believe I'll get drunk : babe I'm going to wreck this joint Now and I love my moonshine whiskey : I tell the world I do Now but I drinks my whiskey : to get along with you Now I'm going to drink whilst I'm up babe : drink until I fall Now if you want me to stop drinking whiskey : you ain't talking about nothing at all \L WillS 38 Williamson, Sonny Boy \C title: She Was a Dreamer \C place and date: Chicago, 2 July 1941 \C record numbers: (064494- ) BB-B8914 BC-20 Now my baby was a girl : she was sweet sixteen Her mother wouldn't listen : to her dreams I knowed she was a dreamer : she dreamed them old southern dreams She was the dreamingest girl : the dreamingest girl I most ever seen Well she knowed about loving : from kisses on down She was the dreamingest girl : from miles around Well now she dreamed I was kissing and hugging her : close to my breast She told that much of the dream : but she wouldn't tell the rest Well she dreamed that we was kissing : down by the mill She dreamed that she had taken me : from the girl on the hill Well she knowed about kissing : from hugging on down She was the dreamingest girl : from miles around \L WillS 39 Williamson, Sonny Boy \C title: You Got to Step Back \C place and date: Chicago, 2 July 1941 \C record numbers: (064495- ) BB-B8822 BC-20 Well I asked you woman : where did you stay last night You said it wasn't none of my business : just since you treating me right Now tell me baby : what you trying to do You trying to love me : and some other man too Well now look a-here woman : I got something to tell you can't do You can't love me : and some other man too Well now look a-here baby : I ain't going to be your dog no more You try to fool me baby : like you did a long time ago Now baby it ain't but the one thing : really give me the blues When I ain't got no bottom : on my last pair of shoes \L WillS 40 Williamson, Sonny Boy \C title: Ground Hog Blues \C place and date: Chicago, 11 Dec. 1941 \C record numbers: (070143- ) BB-B9031 BC-3 Now I'm just a walking ground hog : mama and I walks around in my den Lord if I come out and see my shadow : John I believe I'll go back in Lord I want some feeding mama : so I can hear a *high sound* Says if you don't feed me baby : I believe I'll go back in the ground Lord I want to hear some swinging music : I want to hear a Fats Waller sound Now if I start to jitterbugging : I'll forget my hole down in the ground Now and I need some petting baby : if you know what I mean Now if you don't pet me baby : I believe I'll go back down in New Orleans \L WillS 41 Williamson, Sonny Boy \C title: Black Panter Blues \C place and date: Chicago, 11 Dec. 1941 \C record numbers: (070144- ) BB-34-0701 BC-3 My baby thinks she's a black panther : she want to climb up in a tree and jump down Now she wants to cut my throat : when ain't nobody else around My baby thinks she's a black panther : now and she won't do me awhile Now when she says something contrary : now she don't want me to do nothing but smile Last night in my bed I found a black panther : must have been about forty-nine inches You could hear me holler : man and I didn't have no time to swallow In my bed I found a black panther : must have been forty-nine inches long Now I went and got my shotgun and I started to kill it : but I thought my baby's been doing me wrong My little brown thinks she's the rule : now because she always has her way Now but some day she going to meet the lion : she ain't going to even have no place to stay \L WillS 42 Williamson, Sonny Boy \C title: Broken Hearted Blues \C place and date: Chicago, 11 Dec. 1941 \C record numbers: (070145- ) BB-B9031 BC-20 Now I'm broke and I'm hungry : ragged and I'm dirty too Now if I clean up pretty mama : can I stay all night with you Now you remember way last fall : ooo they put me in the old *Brisby* jail Now that done learned me a lesson : about shaking my pistol in these womenfolks' face Now and if I can't come in : let me sit down in front of your door Now I'll leave so early in the morning : that your real man won't never know Now just let me be your little dog : baby until your big dog comes Now when your big dog comes : I want you to tell him what your little dog done done \L WillS 43 Williamson, Sonny Boy \C title: She Don't Love Me That Way \C place and date: Chicago, 11 Dec. 1941 \C record numbers: (070146- ) BB-34-0701 BC-3 Now I got something to tell you baby : you can't do You can't love me : and some other man too Now I met an old lady : with her face right to the ground She's up in the front : but she's all broke down behind Now if the river was whiskey : and I was a diving duck I would dive on the bottom : never would come up Now the sun is going to shine : in my back door some day The wind going to rise : and blow my blues away Now I got something baby : I want to say to you Had enough of you bad treatment : I wonder the way you do You made plenty of money : in nineteen twenty-two You let these cats : make a fool of you \L WillS 44 Williamson, Sonny Boy \C title: My Black Name Blues \C place and date: Chicago, 11 Dec. 1941 \C record numbers: (070147- ) BB-B8992 BC-3 Now I can hear my black name a-ringing : all up and down the line Now I don't believe you love me : woman I believe I'm just trifling away my time Well I had this blues before sunrise : oh with tears standing in my eyes Now that make me have such a funny feeling : man a feeling I do despise Now last night I was laying down dreaming : oh you know and I was dreaming all to myself Now I was just thinking my woman didn't love me : I hope she ain't in love with nobody else \L WillX 1 Willis, Ruth Mary \C title: Experience Blues \C place and date: Atlanta, 23 Oct. 1931 \C record numbers: (151906-1) Co-14642-D Yz L-1037 I once loved a man : that didn't mean me no good Wasn't any use stop loving : I couldn't see why I should I woke up one morning : walking across the floor I'm going away to leave you baby : I don't mean you no good no more You didn't mean it baby : you hadn't no right to lie So go baby go : and stay until you die I'm talking about a man : a man by the name of John He's the meanest man : that ever lived under the sun What you see here Jenkins : just look what you done done Lord you treat me : like my troubles have just begun Lord you left me worried : that's why I'm all confused That's why I'm singing : these old experience blues \L WillX 2 Willis, Ruth Mary \C title: Painful Blues \C place and date: Atlanta, 23 Oct. 1931 \C record numbers: (151907-1) Co-14642-D Yz L-1037 My heart is painful : I believe my blues are pouring down I feel like sinking : six feet in the lonesome ground My heart did pain : when my baby got on the train My heart struck sorrow : it fell like drops of rain I've got a baby : that keeps me feeling blue He acts like the weather : I can't tell what he's going to do Women don't let your man : treat like mine done for me He had me almost crazy : as a doggone girl could be Delano was a man : who could flag my train for a ride He has me almost crazy : till I was satisfied \L WillX 3 Willis, Ruth Mary \C title: Man of My Own \C place and date: New York, 17 Jan. 1933 \C record numbers: (12920-1) Ba-32687 Yz L-1026 Now I went down Eighteenth Street : didn't have no hat Asking all the women : where was my man at I'm going to grab me a train : ride it till it stops Not going to stay around here : and be a stumbling block Woke up this morning : at the break of day Looked on my pillow : where my man used to lay My suitcase was packed : trunk's already home So it won't be long : before your mama be gone You caused my heart to weep : you caused it to moan So why fetch me : no train I'm on \L WilsL 1 Wilson, Leola B. \C title: Scoop It \C place and date: Chicago, c. Aug. 1926 \C record numbers: (2607-4) Pm-12379 His HLP-1 Now you grab your partner : large or small And dance her : around the hall Big fat mama : and I can bend down low Just see me do this scoop it : across the floor I can get way back : in my knees \L WilsL 2 Wilson, Leola B. \C title: Stevedore Man \C place and date: Chicago, c. Aug. 1926 \C record numbers: (2616-1) Pm-12379 His HLP-1 Woke up this morning about half past nine : and I just could not keep from crying I was worried about : that stevedore man of mine It's raining and it's hailing : storming daddy on the sea Now that's the onliest way : to keep my sweet daddy away from me I went down to the station : and I could not keep from crying Lord a train had my man : and it was fairly flying I stole that sweet man of mine : stole him from my best friend And that woman done got lucky : Lord and stoled her man back again \L WilsL 3 Wilson, Leola B. \C title: Down the Country \C place and date: Chicago, c. Nov. 1926 \C record numbers: (4012-2) Pm-12444 Bio BLP-12037 You ever wake up : just about the break of day With your arms around the pillow : where Mr so-and-so used to lay I'm going away baby : won't be back until fall If I don't win no money : I won't be back at all I heard you scratching : early in this room If you don't think I'm leaving : count the days I'll be gone If the river was liquor : and I was a duck I would go to the bottom : and I would never come up I'm leaving this town : I got on my last pair of shoes Walking away from here : these old down the country blues \L WilsL 4 Wilson, Leola B. \C title: Back Biting Bee Blues \C place and date: Chicago, c. Nov. 1926 \C record numbers: (4013-2) Pm-12444 Bio BLP-12037 Early this morning : heard someone calling me It was my baby : that black backbiting bee Going to take my razor : cut my honeysuckle vine Darn black bee : that stole that honey of mine Rather have my head in alcohol : my body on some railroad track Than have that black bee : bite me in my back It's raining in my kitchen : lightning on my wall I know by that : some mule is kicking in my stall \L WilsW 1 Wilson, Kid Wesley (Leola B. Wilson) \C title: Scoop It \C place and date: Chicago, c. Aug. 1926 \C record numbers: (2607-4) Pm-12379 His HLP-1 Scoop it : pretty mama for me \L WilsW 2 Wilson, Kid Wesley (Leola B. Wilson) \C title: The Gin Done Done It \C place and date: New York, 5 Sept. 1929 \C record numbers: (148977-?) Co-14463-D His HLP-5 Going to take my gal : to a social dance But I didn't have no seat : in my pants Give me four dollars : take me in I took the four dollars : and I bought some gin I tore my hair : and I walked the streets I wanted to whip : everyone I meet Along came John : who's my best friend Cut his head : till it was a sin I shot some craps : to my disgrace I run everybody : out the place Dice was loaded : made me sore I left four hustlers : lying on the floor I went to church : to do the holy roll Grabbed me a sister : to convert her soul Two minutes later : preacher came in She stopped rolling with me : started rolling with him I took my cow : to the doctor man Something about her : I couldn't understand I milked her good : about half past ten Didn't give nothing : but a bucket of gin I tore up : all my gal's good clothes Didn't mean to do it : the good Lord knows My landlady : is a good old soul I even took : some of her sweet jellyroll I went downtown : about half past four Stoled two hot dogs : from a butcher store Got locked up : judge he said Take six months : to clear your head The jailhouse steps : was slick as glass I tried to run away : got shot in my yas Yes I told my gal : to bring me bail Get some money : if she have to sell a little coal \L WilsW 3 Wilson, Kid Wesley (Leola B. Wilson) \C title: Do It Right \C place and date: New York, 5 Sept. 1929 \C record numbers: (148978-3) Co-14463-D His HLP-5 When your gal gets old : she wants to be alone You left a little work : undone at home Whenever you do it : whatever you should Just do your best : to do it good When you have a fight : and you didn't win Buy a shotgun : start over again If you gal come home : she's feeling tight She wants some loving : that very night If you feeling bad : because you're on the shelf Get some rope : go hang yourself If your gal need money : how bad you feel Go get some money : if you have to steal If your wife leave home : every time you do Somebody outside : knows more than you When your pal buy your gal : a Coca-Cola You can bet your life : he's playing her victrola The elephant said : when he swallowed the cat Got a mouthful of kitty : and it's tight like that \L WooH 1 Woods, Hosea (Gus Cannon) \C title: Fourth and Beale \C place and date: Chicago, c. 12 Sept. 1929 \C record numbers: (C-4338- ) Br-7138 His HLP-15 And it's hey mama : I'm going to leave your town I ain't got no man : to put my arms around Oh did you get my letter : throwed in your back yard I wanted to see you mama : but your good man had me barred You caught me with a woman : I caught you with a man Baby if I see you regular : mama see me when you can I'm going to Memphis : stop on Fourth and Beale If I can't find Roberta : I hope to find Lucille \L WooH 2 Woods, Hosea (Gus Cannon) \C title: Last Chance Blues \C place and date: Memphis, 1 Oct. 1929 \C record numbers: (56316- ) Vi-V38593 Her H-205 I said hey baby : I give you your last chance *All you do to wear my jacket* : but you want to wear my pants Oh baby : what's the matter now You just a trifling woman : don't mean me no good nohow Said I give you my money baby : but that don't do no good I bring her supper while you working : that's just what I do I said hey : what am I going to do I done everything baby : can't get along with you \L WooH 3 Woods, Hosea (Gus Cannon) \C title: The Rooster's Crowing Blues \C place and date: Memphis, 3 Oct. 1929 \C record numbers: (56340- ) Vi-V38593 Her H-205 And hey what makes a rooster : crow at the break of day That's to let the rounder know : the workingman is on his way Hey : he is on his way That's to let the rounder know : the workingman is on his way I used to be a lover : baby in my younger days Now I'm old and feeble : but I still got my loving ways Hey : in my younger days Now I'm old and feeble : I still got my loving ways I tell you partner : I ain't got a friend They'll take your baby from you : *just like ??? hen* \L WooH 4 Woods, Hosea (Gus Cannon) \C title: Wolf River Blues \C place and date: Memphis, 24 Nov. 1930 \C record numbers: (64709- ) Vi-23272 OJL-19 Says I left Memphis : went down the Macon Road The Wolf River : sit down on the *road* Cried Wolf River Wolf River : sure is deep and wide I want to cross the river : go down the other side So long so long : Wolf River so long Lord I need somebody : hear me sing this song \L WooH 5 Woods, Hosea (Gus Cannon) \C title: Prison Wall Blues \C place and date: Memphis, 28 Nov. 1930 \C record numbers: (64747) Vi-23272 Rt RL-329 When they bring you : through that gate You wish you hadn't a-done it : but it's just too late You might as well laugh : ??? you fall Now hollering won't get you nothing : behind the wall The prison wall blues : keep rolling across my mind I can't get parole : wish *like* the governor would quit my time I once was lost : but now I'm found I'd leave this place running : but I'm scared of them flop-eared hounds This is the highest fence I ever saw : in my life I can't climb This fence will make a high yellow girl turn dark : it make a weak-eyed man go blind When I leave these walls : I'll be running ??? *a speed* You see the bottom of my feet so many times : you think I'm on my knees \L WooO 1 Woods, Oscar \C title: Evil Hearted Woman \C place and date: New Orleans, 21 Mar. 1936 \C record numbers: (60847- ) De-7904 Yz L-1026 I had an evil-hearted woman : she mistreated me all the time She went away and left me : but she's forever on my mind I done her wrong : and I can't deny myself Lord I can't love her : and she loving somebody else Let me tell you people : what she told me one sunny day She said I love you daddy : I can't stand your lowdown ways Early one morning : about the break of day She told me daddy daddy : I'm going to let you have your way I get lonesome : around here by myself Thinking about you Jesse : you have been with someone else \L WooO 2 Woods, Oscar \C title: Lone Wolf Blues \C place and date: New Orleans, 21 Mar. 1936 \C record numbers: (60848-A) De-7219 Cor CP-58 Lord my mother told me : when I was quite a child That the life that you are living : will kill you after a while I just began to realize : the things my mother said Since I been down here : and been mistreated this a-way I never loved no one woman : hope to God I never will All the attracting women : will get some good man killed Now I ain't no monkey : and I sure can't climb no tree And I ain't going to let no woman : make no monkey out of me Now I sent my baby : a brand new twenty dollar bill If that don't bring her : I know my shotgun will \L WooO 3 Woods, Oscar \C title: Don't Sell It-+-Don't Give It Away \C place and date: New Orleans, 21 Mar. 1936 \C record numbers: (60849- ) De-7219 Yz L-1032 Says it was early one morning : about the break of day Don't you hear me crying : won't you listen what I say Early one morning : baby about the break of day Well she told me not to sell it : papa don't you give it away I said yes baby yes : then I said no baby no I sold some jelly : I sure won't sell no more Now you know you didn't want me : why did you so Don't you hear me crying : little on and on You know you didn't want me : baby why did you so I can get more women : than a passenger train can haul Now she told me not to sell it : don't you give it away Don't you hear me crying : don't you listen what I say She told me not to sell it : papa don't you give it away You ought to keep that jelly : until Judgment Day I said yes baby yes : then I said no baby no I got a brand new gal : and I don't want you no more \L WooO 4 Woods, Oscar \C title: Don't Sell It \C place and date: San Antonio, 30 Oct. 1937 \C record numbers: (SA-2845-1) Vo-03906 Yz L-1015 It was early one morning : about the break of day Don't you hear me crying : won't you lead me where to stay Early one morning : baby about the break of day She told me not to sell it : papa don't you give it away I said yes baby yes : then I said no baby no I sold some jelly : I sure won't sell no more Now you know you didn't want me : why did you stall Don't you hear me crying : little all and all You know you didn't want me : baby why did you stall I can get more women : than a passenger train can haul \L Yate 1 Yates, Blind Richard \C title: I'm Gonna Moan My Blues Away \C place and date: New York, c. 9 Apr. 1927 \C record numbers: (GEX-577-A) Ge-6104 His HLP-1 I went to the Gypsy : to have my fortune told And the Gypsy told me : doggone my hard-luck soul Then I turned right around : went to the next door And the Gypsy told me : I have a woman every place I go I got a brown in the bottom : one up on the hill Now when one don't love me : I know the other one will I done moaned I done groaned : moaned my blues away \L Yate 2 Yates, Blind Richard \C title: Sore Bunion Blues \C place and date: New York, c. 9 Apr. 1927 \C record numbers: (GEX-578-A) Ge-6104 His HLP-1 Told the shoe man : give me a size fourteen My poor bunions : they are hard to me Bunions bunions : won't you hear my plea Stop your aching : let my poor feet be Going to see : old Dr *fojo* bones Let him start : to working on my buns