Ten thousand men on a hill,
Some of 'm goin' down, some of 'm gonna get killed.

Ten thousand men dressed in oxford blue,
Drummin' in the morning, in the evening they'll be coming for you.

Ten thousand men on the move,
None of them doing nothin' that your mama wouldn't disapprove.

Ten thousand men digging for silver and gold,
All clean shaven, all coming in from the cold.

Hey! Who could your lover be?
Let me eat off his head so you can really see!

Ten thousand women all dressed in white,
Standin' at my window wishing me goodnight.

Ten thousand men looking so lean and frail,
Each one of 'em got seven wives, each one of 'em just out of jail.

Ten thousand women all sweepin' my room,
Spilling my buttermilk, sweeping it up with a broom.

Baby, thank you for my tea!
It's so sweet of you to be so nice to me







One by one, they followed the sun,
One by one, until there were none.
Two by two, to their lovers they flew,
Two by two, into the foggy dew.
Three by three, they danced on the sea,
Four by four, they danced on the shore,
Five by five, they tried to survive,
Six by six, they were playing with tricks.

How many paths did they try and fail?
How many of their brothers and sisters lingered in jail?
How much poison did they inhale?
How many black cats crossed their trail?

Seven by seven, they headed for heaven,
Eight by eight, they got to the gate,
Nine by nine, they drank the wine,
Ten by ten, they drank again.

How many tomorrow's have are they given away?
How many compared to yesterday?
How many more without any reward?
How many more can they afford?

Two by two, they stepped into the ark,
Two by two, they step in the dark.
Three by three, they're turning the key,
Four by four, they turn it some more,
One by one, they follow the sun,
Two by two, to another rendezvous.






When she said,
"Don't waste your words, they're just lies,"
I cried she was deaf.
And she worked on my face until breaking my eyes,
Then said, "What else you got left?"
It was then that I got up to leave
But she said, "Don't forget,
Everybody must give something back
For something they get."

I stood there and hummed,
I tapped on her drum and asked her how come.
And she buttoned her boot,
And straightened her suit,
Then she said, "Don't get cute."
So I forced my hands in my pockets
And felt with my thumbs,
And gallantly handed her
My very last piece of gum.

She threw me outside,
I stood in the dirt where ev'ryone walked.
And after finding I'd
Forgotten my shirt,
I went back and knocked.
I waited in the hallway, she went to get it,
And I tried to make sense
Out of that picture of you in your wheelchair
That leaned up against . . .

Her Jamaican rum
And when she did come, I asked her for some.
She said, "No, dear."
I said, "Your words aren't clear,
You'd better spit out your gum."
She screamed till her face got so red
Then she fell on the floor,
And I covered her up and then
Thought I'd go look through her drawer.

And, when I was through
I filled up my shoe
And brought it to you.
And you, you took me in,
You loved me then
You didn't waste time.
And I, I never took much,
I never asked for your crutch.
Now don't ask for mine.






Oh, where have you been, my blue-eyed son?
Oh, where have you been, my darling young one?
I've stumbled on the side of twelve misty mountains,
I've walked and I've crawled on six crooked highways,
I've stepped in the middle of seven sad forests,
I've been out in front of a dozen dead oceans,
I've been ten thousand miles in the mouth of a graveyard,
And it's a hard, and it's a hard, it's a hard, and it's a hard,
And it's a hard rain's a-gonna fall.

Oh, what did you see, my blue-eyed son?
Oh, what did you see, my darling young one?
I saw a newborn baby with wild wolves all around it
I saw a highway of diamonds with nobody on it,
I saw a black branch with blood that kept drippin',
I saw a room full of men with their hammers a-bleedin',
I saw a white ladder all covered with water,
I saw ten thousand talkers whose tongues were all broken,
I saw guns and sharp swords in the hands of young children,

And what did you hear, my blue-eyed son?
And what did you hear, my darling young one?
I heard the sound of a thunder, it roared out a warnin',
Heard the roar of a wave that could drown the whole world,
Heard one hundred drummers whose hands were a-blazin',
Heard ten thousand whisperin' and nobody listenin',
Heard one person starve, I heard many people laughin',
Heard the song of a poet who died in the gutter,
Heard the sound of a clown who cried in the alley,

Oh, who did you meet, my blue-eyed son?
Who did you meet, my darling young one?
I met a young child beside a dead pony,
I met a white man who walked a black dog,
I met a young woman whose body was burning,
I met a young girl, she gave me a rainbow,
I met one man who was wounded in love,
I met another man who was wounded with hatred,

Oh, what'll you do now, my blue-eyed son?
Oh, what'll you do now, my darling young one?
I'm a-goin' back out 'fore the rain starts a-fallin',
I'll walk to the depths of the deepest black forest,
Where the people are many and their hands are all empty,
Where the pellets of poison are flooding their waters,
Where the home in the valley meets the damp dirty prison,
Where the executioner's face is always well hidden,
Where hunger is ugly, where souls are forgotten,
Where black is the color, where none is the number,
And I'll tell it and think it and speak it and breathe it,
And reflect it from the mountain so all souls can see it,
Then I'll stand on the ocean until I start sinkin',
But I'll know my song well before I start singin',







I can hear the turning of the key
I've been deceived by the clown inside of me.
I thought that he was righteous but he's vain
Oh, something's a-telling me I wear the ball and chain.

My patron saint is a-fighting with a ghost
He's always off somewhere when I need him most.
The Spanish moon is rising on the hill
But my heart is a-tellin' me I love ya still.

I come back to the town from the flaming moon
I see you in the streets, I begin to swoon.
I love to see you dress before the mirror
Won't you let me in your room one time 'fore I finally disappear?

Everybody's wearing a disguise
To hide what they've got left behind their eyes.
But me, I can't cover what I am
Wherever the children go I'll follow them.

I march in the parade of liberty
But as long as I love you I'm not free.
How long must I suffer such abuse
Won't you let me see you smile one time before I turn you loose?

I've given up the game, I've got to leave,
The pot of gold is only make-believe.
The treasure can't be found by men who search
Whose gods are dead and whose queens are in the church.

We sat in an empty theater and we kissed,
I asked ya please to cross me off-a your list.
My head tells me it's time to make a change
But my heart is telling me I love ya but you're strange.

One more time at midnight, near the wall
Take off your heavy make-up and your shawl.
Won't you descend from the throne, from where you sit?
Let me feel your love one more time before I abandon it.







Well, your railroad gate, you know I just can't jump it
Sometimes it gets so hard, you see
I'm just sitting here beating on my trumpet
With all these promises you left for me
But where are you tonight, sweet Marie?

Well, I waited for you when I was half sick
Yes, I waited for you when you hated me
Well, I waited for you inside of the frozen traffic
When you knew I had some other place to be

Well, anybody can be just like me, obviously
But then, now again, not too many can be like you, fortunately.

Well, six white horses that you did promise
Were fin'lly delivered down to the penitentiary
But to live outside the law, you must be honest
I know you always say that you agree

Well, I don't know how it happened
But the river-boat captain, he knows my fate
But ev'rybody else, even yourself
They're just gonna have to wait.

Well, I got the fever down in my pockets
The Persian drunkard, he follows me
Yes, I can take him to your house but I can't unlock it
You see, you forgot to leave me with the key

Now, I been in jail when all my mail showed
That a man can't give his address out to bad company
And now I stand here lookin' at your yellow railroad
In the ruins of your balcony
Wond'ring where you are tonight, sweet Marie.






Ain't a-gonna grieve
Well, I ain't a-gonna grieve no more, no more

Come on brother, join the band,
Come on sisters, clap your hands,
Tell everybody that's in the land,


Brown and blue and white and black,
All one color on the one-way track,
We got this far and ain't a-goin' back


We're gonna notify your next of kin,
You're gonna raise the roof until the house falls in.
If you get knocked down get up again,


We'll sing this song all night long,
Sing it to my baby from midnight on.
She'll sing it to you when I'm dead and gone,








When a man he serves the Lord, it makes his life worthwhile.
It don't matter 'bout his position, it don't matter 'bout his lifestyle.
Talk about perfection, I ain't never seen none
And there ain't no man righteous, no not one.

Sometimes the devil likes to drive you from the neighborhood.
He'll even work his ways through those whose intentions are good.
Some like to worship on the moon, others are worshipping the sun

Look around, ya see so many social hypocrites
Like to make rules for others while they do just the opposite.

You can't get to glory by the raising and the lowering of no flag.
Put your goodness next to God's and it comes out like a filthy rag.
In a city of darkness there's no need of the sun

Done so many evil things in the name of love, it's a crying shame
I never did see no fire that could put out a flame.

Pull your hat down, baby, pull the wool down over your eyes,
Keep a-talking, baby, 'til you run right out of alibis.
Someday you'll account for all the deeds that you done.

God got the power, man has got his vanity,
Man gotta choose before God can set him free.
Don't you know there's nothing new that's under the sun?

When I'm gone don't wonder where I be.
Just say that I trusted in God and that Christ was in me.
Say He defeated the devil, He was God's chosen Son







Alberta let your hair hang low
I'll give you more gold
Than your apron can hold
If you'd only let your hair hang low

Alberta what's on your mind
You keep me worried and bothered
All of the time

Alberta don't you treat me unkind
Oh my heart is so sad
Cause I want you so bad

Alberta let your hair hang low
I'll give you more gold
Than your apron can hold
If you'll only let your hair hang low













"There must be some way out of here," said the joker to the thief,
"There's too much confusion, I can't get no relief.
Businessmen, they drink my wine, plowmen dig my earth,
None of them along the line know what any of it is worth."

"No reason to get excited," the thief, he kindly spoke,
"There are many here among us who feel that life is but a joke.
But you and I, we've been through that, and this is not our fate,
So let us not talk falsely now, the hour is getting late."

All along the watchtower, princes kept the view
While all the women came and went, barefoot servants, too.

Outside in the distance a wildcat did growl,
Two riders were approaching, the wind began to howl.






I ain't lookin' to compete with you,
Beat or cheat or mistreat you,
Simplify you, classify you,
Deny, defy or crucify you.
All I really want to do
Is, baby, be friends with you.

No, and I ain't lookin' to fight with you,
Frighten you or uptighten you,
Drag you down or drain you down,
Chain you down or bring you down.

I ain't lookin' to block you up
Shock or knock or lock you up,
Analyze you, categorize you,
Finalize you or advertise you.

I don't want to straight-face you,
Race or chase you, track or trace you,
Or disgrace you or displace you,
Or define you or confine you.

I don't want to meet your kin,
Make you spin or do you in,
Or select you or dissect you,
Or inspect you or reject you.

I don't want to fake you out,
Take or shake or forsake you out,
I ain't lookin' for you to feel like me,
See like me or be like me.







Well, if I had to do it all over again,
Babe, I'd do it all over you.
And if I had to wait for ten thousand years,
Babe, I'd even do that too.
Well, a dog's got his bone in the alley,
A cat, she's got nine lives,
A millionaire's got a million dollars,
King Saud's got four hundred wives.
Well, ev'rybody's got somethin'
That they're lookin' forward to.
I'm lookin' forward to when I can do it all again
And babe, I'll do it all over you.

Well, if I had my way tomorrow or today,
Babe, I'd run circles all around.
I'd jump up in the wind, do a somersault and spin,
I'd even dance a jig on the ground.
Well, everybody gets their hour,
Everybody gets their time,
Little David when he picked up his pebbles,
Even Sampson after he went blind.
Well, everybody gets the chance
To do what they want to do.
When my time arrives you better run for your life

Well, I don't need no money, I just need a day that's sunny,
Baby, and my days are gonna come.
And I grab me a pint, you know that I'm a giant
When you hear me yellin', "Fee-fi-fo-fum."
Well, you cut me like a jigsaw puzzle,
You made me to a walkin' wreck,
Then you pushed my heart through my backbone,
Then you knocked off my head from my neck.
Well, if I'm ever standin' steady
A-doin' what I want to do,
Well, I tell you little lover that you better run for cover

I'm just restin' at your gate so that I won't be late
And, momma, I'm a-just sittin' on the shelf.
Look out your window fair and you'll see me squattin' there
Just a-fumblin' and a-mumblin' to myself.
Well, after my cigarette's been smoked up,
After all my liquor's been drunk,
After my dreams are dreamed out,
After all my thoughts have been thunk,
Well, after I do some of these things,
I'm gonna do what I have to do.
And I tell you on the side, that you better run and hide








All the tired horses in the sun
How'm I supposed to get any ridin' done? Hmm.






Well, it's always been my nature to take chances
My right hand drawing back while my left hand advances
Where the current is strong and the monkey dances
To the tune of a concertina

Blood dryin' in my yellow hair as I go from shore to shore
I know what it is that has drawn me to your door
But whatever it could be, makes you think you've seen me before
Angelina

Oh, Angelina. Oh, Angelina

His eyes were two slits that would make a snake proud
With a face that any painter would paint as he walked through the crowd
Worshipping a god with the body of a woman well endowed
And the head of a hyena

Do I need your permission to turn the other cheek?
If you can read my mind, why must I speak?
No, I have heard nothing about the man that you seek

In the valley of the giants where the stars and stripes explode
The peaches they were sweet and the milk and honey flowed
I was only following instructions when the judge sent me down the road
With your subpoena

When you cease to exist, then who will you blame?
I've tried my best to love you, but I cannot play this game
Your best friend and my worst enemy is one and the same

There's a black Mercedes rollin' through the combat zone
Your servants are half dead; you're down to the bone
Tell me, tall man, where would you like to be overthrown
Maybe down in Jerusalem or Argentina?

She was stolen from her mother when she was three days old
Now her vengeance has been satisfied and her possessions have been sold
He's surrounded by God's angels and she's wearin' a blindfold

I see pieces of men marching; trying to take heaven by force
I can see the unknown rider, I can see the pale white horse
In God's truth tell me what you want, and you'll have it of course
Just step into the arena

Beat a path of retreat up them spiral staircases
Pass the tree of smoke, pass the angel with four faces
Begging God for mercy and weepin' in unholy places







Old man sailin' in a dinghy boat
Down there
Old man down is baitin' a hook
On there
Gonna pull man down on a suckling hook
Gonna pull man into the suckling brook
Oh yeah!

Now, he's underneath that apple suckling tree
Under that apple suckling tree
There's gonna be just you and me

I push him back and I stand in line
Then I hush my Sadie and stand in line
I get on board in two-eyed tim

Now, who's on the table. who's to tell me?

Who should I tell, oh, who should I tell?
The forty-nine of you like bats out of hell






Are you ready, are you ready?

Are you ready to meet Jesus?
Are you where you ought to be?
Will He know you when He sees you
Or will He say, "Depart from Me"?

Are you ready, hope you're ready.
Am I ready, am I ready?

Am I ready to lay down my life for the brethren
And to take up my cross?
Have I surrendered to the will of God
Or am I still acting like the boss?

Am I ready, hope I'm ready.

When destruction cometh swiftly
And there's no time to say a fare-thee-well,
Have you decided whether you want to be
In heaven or in hell?

Have you got some unfinished business?
Is there something holding you back?
Are you thinking for yourself
Or are you following the pack?

Are you ready, hope you're ready.

Are you ready for the judgment?
Are you ready for that terrible swift sword?
Are you ready for Armageddon?
Are you ready for the day of the Lord?








As I went out one morning
To breathe the air around Tom Paine's,
I spied the fairest damsel
That ever did walk in chains.
I offer'd her my hand,
She took me by the arm.
I knew that very instant,
She meant to do me harm.

"Depart from me this moment,"
I told her with my voice.
Said she, "But I don't wish to,"
Said I, "But you have no choice."
"I beg you, sir," she pleaded
From the corners of her mouth,
"I will secretly accept you
And together we'll fly south."

Just then Tom Paine, himself,
Came running from across the field,
Shouting at this lovely girl
And commanding her to yield.
And as she was letting go her grip,
Up Tom Paine did run,
"I'm sorry, sir," he said to me,
"I'm sorry for what she's done."







Sometimes I'm in the mood, I wanna leave my lonesome home
And sometimes I'm in the mood, I wanna hear my milk cow moan
And sometimes I'm in the mood, I wanna hit the highway road
But then again, but then again, I said oh, I said oh, I said
Oh babe, I'm in the mood for you.

Sometimes I'm in the mood, Lord, I had my overflowin' fill
Sometimes I'm in the mood, I'm gonna make out my final will
Sometimes I'm in the mood, I'm gonna head for the walkin' hill

Sometimes I'm in the mood, I wanna lay right down and die
Sometimes I'm in the mood, I wanna climb up to the sky
Sometimes I'm in the mood, I'm gonna laugh until I cry

Sometimes I'm in the mood, I'm gonna sleep in my pony's stall
Sometimes I'm in the mood, I ain't gonna do nothin' at all
Sometimes I'm in the mood, I wanna fly like a cannon ball

Sometimes I'm in the mood, I wanna back up against the wall
Sometimes I'm in the mood, I wanna run till I have to crawl
Sometimes I'm in the mood, I ain't gonna do nothin' at all

Sometimes I'm in the mood, I wanna change my house around
Sometimes I'm in the mood, I'm gonna make a change in this here town
Sometimes I'm in the mood, I'm gonna change the world around







You been down to the bottom with a bad man, babe,
But you're back where you belong.
Go get me my pistol, babe,
Honey, I can't tell right from wrong.

Baby, please stop crying, stop crying, stop crying
Baby, please stop crying.
You know, I know, the sun will always shine
So baby, please stop crying 'cause it's tearing up my mind.

Go down to the river, babe,
Honey, I will meet you there.
Honey, I will pay your fare.

If you're looking for assistance, babe,
Or if you just want some company
Or if you just want a friend you can talk to,
Honey, come and see about me.

You been hurt so many times
And I know what you're thinking of.
Well, I don't have to be no doctor, babe,
To see that you're madly in love.





Sad I'm sittin' on the railroad track,
Watchin' that old smokestack.
Train is a-leavin' bit it won't be back.

Years ago we hung around,
Watchin' trains roll through the town.
Now that train is a-graveyard bound.

Where we go up in that North Country,
Lakes and streams and mines so free,
I had no better friend than he.

Something happened to him that day,
I thought I heard a stranger say,
I hung my head and stole away.

A diesel truck was rollin' slow,
Pullin' down a heavy load.
It left him on a Utah road.

They carried him back to his home town,
His mother cried, his sister moaned,
Listin' to them church bells tone.






I once loved a girl, her skin it was bronze.
With the innocence of a lamb, she was gentle like a fawn.
I courted her proudly but now she is gone,
Gone as the season she's taken.

Through young summer's breeze, I stole her away
From her mother and sister, though close did they stay.
Each one of them suffering from the failures of their day,
With strings of guilt they tried hard to guide us.

Of the two sisters, I loved the young.
With sensitive instincts, she was the creative one.
The constant scapegoat, she was easily undone
By the jealousy of others around her.

For her parasite sister, I had no respect,
Bound by her boredom, her pride to protect.
Countless visions of the other she'd reflect
As a crutch for her scenes and her society.

Myself, for what I did, I cannot be excused,
The changes I was going through can't even be used,
For the lies that I told her in hopes not to lose
The could-be dream-lover of my lifetime.

With unknown consciousness, I possessed in my grip
A magnificent mantelpiece, though its heart being chipped,
Noticing not that I'd already slipped
To a sin of love's false security.

From silhouetted anger to manufactured peace,
Answers of emptiness, voice vacancies,
Till the tombstones of damage read me no questions but, "Please,
What's wrong and what's exactly the matter?"

And so it did happen like it could have been foreseen,
The timeless explosion of fantasy's dream.
At the peak of the night, the king and the queen
Tumbled all down into pieces.

"The tragic figure!" her sister did shout,
"Leave her alone, God damn you, get out!"
And I in my armor, turning about
And nailing her to the ruins of her pettiness.

Beneath a bare light bulb the plaster did pound
Her sister and I in a screaming battleground.
And she in between, the victim of sound,
Soon shattered as a child 'neath her shadows.

All is gone, all is gone, admit it, take flight.
I gagged twice, doubled, tears blinding my sight.
My mind it was mangled, I ran into the night
Leaving all of love's ashes behind me.

The wind knocks my window, the room it is wet.
The words to say I'm sorry, I haven't found yet.
I think of her often and hope whoever she's met
Will be fully aware of how precious she is.

Ah, my friends from the prison, they ask unto me,
"How good, how good does it feel to be free?"
And I answer them most mysteriously,
"Are birds free from the chains of the skyway?"







You walk into the room
With your pencil in your hand
You see somebody naked
And you say, "Who is that man?"
You try so hard
But you don't understand
Just what you'll say
When you get home

Because something is happening here
But you don't know what it is
Do you, Mister Jones?

You raise up your head
And you ask, "Is this where it is?"
And somebody points to you and says
"It's his"
And you say, "What's mine?"
And somebody else says, "Where what is?"
And you say, "Oh my God
Am I here all alone?"


You hand in your ticket
And you go watch the geek
Who immediately walks up to you
When he hears you speak
And says, "How does it feel
To be such a freak?"
And you say, "Impossible"
As he hands you a bone

You have many contacts
Among the lumberjacks
To get you facts
When someone attacks your imagination
But nobody has any respect
Anyway they already expect you
To just give a check
To tax-deductible charity organizations

You've been with the professors
And they've all liked your looks
With great lawyers you have
Discussed lepers and crooks
You've been through all of
F. Scott Fitzgerald's books
You're very well read
It's well known


Well, the sword swallower, he comes up to you
And then he kneels
He crosses himself
And then he clicks his high heels
And without further notice
He asks you how it feels
And he says, "Here is your throat back
Thanks for the loan"


Now you see this one-eyed midget
Shouting the word "NOW"
And you say, "For what reason?"
And he says, "How?"
And you say, "What does this mean?"
And he screams back, "You're a cow
Give me some milk
Or else go home"


Well, you walk into the room
Like a camel and then you frown
You put your eyes in your pocket
And your nose on the ground
There ought to be a law
Against you comin' around
You should be made
To wear earphones








My name is Donald White, you see,
I stand before you all.
I was judged by you a murderer
And the hangman's knot must fall.
I will die upon the gallows pole
When the moon is shining clear,
And these are my final words
That you will ever hear.

I left my home in Kansas
When I was very young,
I landed in the old Northwest,
Seattle, Washington
Although I'd a-traveled many miles,
I never made a friend,
For I could never get along in life
With people that I met.

If I had some education
To give me a decent start,
I might have been a doctor or
A master in the arts.
But I used my hands for stealing
When I was very young,
And they locked me down in jailhouse cells,
That's how my life begun.

Oh, the inmates and the prisoners,
I found they were my kind,
And it was there inside the bars
I found my peace of mind.
But the jails they were too crowded,
Institutions overflowed,
So they turned me loose to walk upon
Life's hurried tangled road.

And there's danger on the ocean
Where the salt sea waves split high,
And there's danger on the battlefield
Where the shells of bullets fly,
And there's danger in this open world
Where men strive to be free,
And for me the greatest danger
Was in society.

So I asked them to send me back
To the institution home.
But they said they were too crowded,
For me they had no room.
I got down on my knees and begged,
"Oh, please put me away,"
But they would not listen to my plea
Or nothing I would say.

And so it was on Christmas eve
In the year of '59,
It was on that night I killed a man,
I did not try to hide,
The jury found me guilty
And I won't disagree,
For I knew that it would happen
If I wasn't put away.

And I'm glad I've had no parents
To care for me or cry,
For now they will never know
The horrible death I die.
And I'm also glad I've had no friends
To see me in disgrace,
For they'll never see that hangman's hood
Wrap around my face.

Farewell unto the old north woods
Of which I used to roam,
Farewell unto the crowded bars
Of which've been my home,
Farewell to all you people
Who think the worst of me,
I guess you'll feel much better when
I'm on that hanging tree.

But there's just one question
Before they kill me dead,
I'm wondering just how much
To you I really said
Concerning all the boys that come
Down a road like me,
Are they enemies or victims
Of your society?







Hollis Brown
He lived on the outside of town
With his wife and five children
And his cabin fallin' down

You looked for work and money
And you walked a rugged mile
Your children are so hungry
That they don't know how to smile


Your baby's eyes look crazy
They're a-tuggin' at your sleeve
You walk the floor and wonder why
With every breath you breathe

The rats have got your flour
Bad blood it got your mare
If there's anyone that knows
Is there anyone that cares?

You prayed to the Lord above
Oh please send you a friend
Your empty pockets tell yuh
That you ain't a-got no friend

Your babies are crying louder
It's pounding on your brain
Your wife's screams are stabbin' you
Like the dirty drivin' rain


Your grass is turning black
There's no water in your well
You spent your last lone dollar
On seven shotgun shells

Way out in the wilderness
A cold coyote calls
Your eyes fix on the shotgun
That's hangin' on the wall

Your brain is a-bleedin'
And your legs can't seem to stand
Your eyes fix on the shotgun
That you're holdin' in your hand

There's seven breezes a-blowin'
All around the cabin door
Seven shots ring out
Like the ocean's pounding roar

There's seven people dead
On a South Dakota farm
Somewhere in the distance
There's seven new people born







Band of the hand

Down these streets the fools rule
There's no freedom or self respect,
A knife's point or a trip to the joint
Is about all you can expect.

They kill people here who stand up for their rights,
The system's just too damned corrupt
It's always the same, the name of the game
Is who do you know higher up.


The blacks and the whites,
The idiotic, the exotic,
Wealth is a filthy rag
So erotic so unpatriotic
So wrapped up in the American flag.

Witchcraft scum exploiting the dumb,
Turning children into punks and slaves
Whose heroes and healers are rich drug dealers
Who should be put in their graves.


Listen to me Mr. Pussyman
This might be your last night in a bed so soft
We're not pimps on the make, politicians on the take,
You can't pay us off.

We're gonna blow up your home of Voodoo
And watch it burn without any regret
We got the power we're the new government,
You just don't know it yet.


For all of my brothers from Vietnam
And my uncles from World War II,
I'd like to say that it's countdown time now
And we're gonna do what the law should do.

And for you pretty baby,
I know you've seen it all.
I know your story is too painful to share.
One day though you'll be talking in your sleep
And when you do, I wanna be there.








There's guns across the river aimin' at ya
Lawman on your trail, he'd like to catch ya
Bounty hunters, too, they'd like to get ya
Billy, they don't like you to be so free.

Campin' out all night on the berenda
Dealin' cards 'til dawn in the hacienda
Up to Boot Hill they'd like to send ya
Billy, don't you turn your back on me.

Playin' around with some sweet senorita
Into her dark hallway she will lead ya
In some lonesome shadows she will greet ya
Billy, you're so far away from home.

There's eyes behind the mirrors in empty places
Bullet holes and scars between the spaces
There's always one more notch and ten more paces
Billy, and you're walkin' all alone.

They say that Pat Garrett's got your number
So sleep with one eye open when you slumber
Every little sound just might be thunder
Thunder from the barrel of his gun.

Guitars will play your grand finale
Down in some Tularosa alley,
Maybe in the Rio Pecos valley
Billy, you're so far away from home.

There's always some new stranger sneakin' glances
Some trigger-happy fool willin' to take chances
And some old whore from San Pedro to make advances
Advances on your spirit and your soul.

The businessmen from Taos want you to go down
They've hired Pat Garrett to force a showdown.
Billy, don't it make ya feel so low-down
To be shot down by the man who was your friend?

Hang on to your woman if you got one
Remember in El Paso, once, you shot one.
She may have been a whore, but she was a hot one
Billy, you been runnin' for so long.

Guitars will play your grand finale
Down in some Tularosa alley
Maybe in the Rio Pecos valley
Billy, you're so far away from home.






I woke in the mornin', wand'rin',
Wasted and worn out.
Wishin' my long-lost lover
Will walk to me, talk to me,
Tell me what it's all about.

Standin' at the side road
Listenin' to the billboard knock.
Well, my wrist was empty
But my nerves were kickin',
Tickin' like a clock.

If I got anything you need, babe,
Let me tell you in front.
You can come to me sometime,
Night time, day time,
Any time you want.

Sometimes I'm thinkin'
I'm Too high to fall.
Other times I'm thinkin' I'm
So low I don't know
If I can come up at all.

Black crows in the meadow
Across a broad highway.
Though it's funny, honey,
I just don't feel much like a
Scarecrow today.







Up on the white veranda
She wears a necktie and a Panama hat.
Her passport shows a face
From another time and place
She looks nothin' like that.
And all the remnants of her recent past
Are scattered in the wild wind.
She walks across the marble floor
Where a voice from the gambling room is callin' her to come on in.
She smiles, walks the other way
As the last ship sails and the moon fades away
From Black Diamond Bay.

As the mornin' light breaks open, the Greek comes down
And he asks for a rope and a pen that will write.
"Pardon, monsieur," the desk clerk says,
Carefully removes his fez,
"Am I hearin' you right?"
And as the yellow fog is liftin'
The Greek is quickly headin' for the second floor.
She passes him on the spiral staircase
Thinkin' he's the Soviet Ambassador,
She starts to speak, but he walks away
As the storm clouds rise and the palm branches sway

A soldier sits beneath the fan
Doin' business with a tiny man who sells him a ring.
Lightning strikes, the lights blow out.
The desk clerk wakes and begins to shout,
"Can you see anything?"
Then the Greek appears on the second floor
In his bare feet with a rope around his neck,
While a loser in the gambling room lights up a candle,
Says, "Open up another deck."
But the dealer says, "Attendez-vous, s'il vous plait"
As the rain beats down and the cranes fly away

The desk clerk heard the woman laugh
As he looked around the aftermath and the soldier got tough.
He tried to grab the woman's hand,
Said, "Here's a ring, it cost a grand."
She said, "That ain't enough."
Then she ran upstairs to pack her bags
While a horse-drawn taxi waited at the curb.
She passed the door that the Greek had locked,
Where a handwritten sign read, "Do Not Disturb."
She knocked upon it anyway
As the sun went down and the music did play

"I've got to talk to someone quick!"
But the Greek said, "Go away," and he kicked the chair to the floor.
He hung there from the chandelier.
She cried, "Help, there's danger near
Please open up the door!"
Then the volcano erupted
And the lava flowed down from the mountain high above.
The soldier and the tiny man were crouched in the corner
Thinking of forbidden love.
But the desk clerk said, "It happens every day,"
As the stars fell down and the fields burned away

As the island slowly sank
The loser finally broke the bank in the gambling room.
The dealer said, "It's too late now.
You can take your money, but I don't know how
You'll spend it in the tomb."
The tiny man bit the soldier's ear
As the floor caved in and the boiler in the basement blew,
While she's out on the balcony, where a stranger tells her,
"My darling, je vous aime beaucoup."
She sheds a tear and then begins to pray
As the fire burns on and the smoke drifts away

I was sittin' home alone one night in L.A.,
Watchin' old Cronkite on the seven o'clock news.
It seems there was an earthquake that
Left nothin' but a Panama hat
And a pair of old Greek shoes.
Didn't seem like much was happenin',
So I turned it off and went to grab another beer.
Seems like every time you turn around
There's another hard-luck story that you're gonna hear
And there's really nothin' anyone can say
And I never did plan to go anyway







Seen the arrow on the doorpost
Saying, "This land is condemned
All the way from New Orleans
To Jerusalem."
I traveled through East Texas
Where many martyrs fell
And I know no one can sing the blues
Like Blind Willie McTell

Well, I heard the hoot owl singing
As they were taking down the tents
The stars above the barren trees
Were his only audience
Them charcoal gypsy maidens
Can strut their feathers well

See them big plantations burning
Hear the cracking of the whips
Smell that sweet magnolia blooming
(And) see the ghosts of slavery ships
I can hear them tribes a-moaning
(I can) hear the undertaker's bell

There's a woman by the river
With some fine young handsome man
He's dressed up like a squire
Bootlegged whiskey in his hand
There's a chain gang on the highway
I can hear them rebels yell

Well, God is in heaven
And we all want what's his
But power and greed and corruptible seed
Seem to be all that there is
I'm gazing out the window
Of the St. James Hotel







How many roads must a man walk down
Before you call him a man?
Yes, 'n' how many seas must a white dove sail
Before she sleeps in the sand?
Yes, 'n' how many times must the cannon balls fly
Before they're forever banned?
The answer, my friend, is blowin' in the wind,
The answer is blowin' in the wind.

How many times must a man look up
Before he can see the sky?
Yes, 'n' how many ears must one man have
Before he can hear people cry?
Yes, 'n' how many deaths will it take till he knows
That too many people have died?

How many years can a mountain exist
Before it's washed to the sea?
Yes, 'n' how many years can some people exist
Before they're allowed to be free?
Yes, 'n' how many times can a man turn his head,
Pretending he just doesn't see?







I was riding on the Mayflower
When I thought I spied some land
I yelled for Captain Arab
I have yuh understand
Who came running to the deck
Said, "Boys, forget the whale
Look on over yonder
Cut the engines
Change the sail
Haul on the bowline"
We sang that melody
Like all tough sailors do
When they are far away at sea

"I think I'll call it America"
I said as we hit land
I took a deep breath
I fell down, I could not stand
Captain Arab he started
Writing up some deeds
He said, "Let's set up a fort
And start buying the place with beads"
Just then this cop comes down the street
Crazy as a loon
He throw us all in jail
For carryin' harpoons

Ah me I busted out
Don't even ask me how
I went to get some help
I walked by a Guernsey cow
Who directed me down
To the Bowery slums
Where people carried signs around
Saying, "Ban the bums"
I jumped right into line
Sayin', "I hope that I'm not late"
When I realized I hadn't eaten
For five days straight

I went into a restaurant
Lookin' for the cook
I told them I was the editor
Of a famous etiquette book
The waitress he was handsome
He wore a powder blue cape
I ordered some suzette, I said
"Could you please make that crepe"
Just then the whole kitchen exploded
From boilin' fat
Food was flying everywhere
And I left without my hat

Now, I didn't mean to be nosy
But I went into a bank
To get some bail for Arab
And all the boys back in the tank
They asked me for some collateral
And I pulled down my pants
They threw me in the alley
When up comes this girl from France
Who invited me to her house
I went, but she had a friend
Who knocked me out
And robbed my boots
And I was on the street again

Well, I rapped upon a house
With the U.S. flag upon display
I said, "Could you help me out
I got some friends down the way"
The man says, "Get out of here
I'll tear you limb from limb"
I said, "You know they refused Jesus, too"
He said, "You're not Him
Get out of here before I break your bones
I ain't your pop"
I decided to have him arrested
And I went looking for a cop

I ran right outside
And I hopped inside a cab
I went out the other door
This Englishman said, "Fab"
As he saw me leap a hot dog stand
And a chariot that stood
Parked across from a building
Advertising brotherhood
I ran right through the front door
Like a hobo sailor does
But it was just a funeral parlor
And the man asked me who I was

I repeated that my friends
Were all in jail, with a sigh
He gave me his card
He said, "Call me if they die"
I shook his hand and said goodbye
Ran out to the street
When a bowling ball came down the road
And knocked me off my feet
A pay phone was ringing
It just about blew my mind
When I picked it up and said hello
This foot came through the line

Well, by this time I was fed up
At tryin' to make a stab
At bringin' back any help
For my friends and Captain Arab
I decided to flip a coin
Like either heads or tails
Would let me know if I should go
Back to ship or back to jail
So I hocked my sailor suit
And I got a coin to flip
It came up tails
It rhymed with sails
So I made it back to the ship

Well, I got back and took
The parkin' ticket off the mast
I was ripping it to shreds
When this coastguard boat went past
They asked me my name
And I said, "Captain Kidd"
They believed me but
They wanted to know
What exactly that I did
I said for the Pope of Eruke
I was employed
They let me go right away
They were very paranoid

Well, the last I heard of Arab
He was stuck on a whale
That was married to the deputy
Sheriff of the jail
But the funniest thing was
When I was leavin' the bay
I saw three ships a-sailin'
They were all heading my way
I asked the captain what his name was
And how come he didn't drive a truck
He said his name was Columbus
I just said, "Good luck."







Well, the Lone Ranger and Tonto
They are ridin' down the line
Fixin' ev'rybody's troubles
Ev'rybody's 'cept mine
Somebody musta tol' 'em
That I was doin' fine

Oh you five and ten cent women
With nothin' in your heads
I got a real gal I'm lovin'
And Lord I'll love her till I'm dead
Go away from my door and my window too
Right now

Lord, I ain't goin' down to no race track
See no sports car run
I don't have no sports car
And I don't even care to have one
I can walk anytime around the block

Well, the wind keeps a-blowin' me
Up and down the street
With my hat in my hand
And my boots on my feet
Watch out so you don't step on me

Well, lookit here buddy
You want to be like me
Pull out your six-shooter
And rob every bank you can see
Tell the judge I said it was all right
Yes!







While riding on a train goin' west,
I fell asleep for to take my rest.
I dreamed a dream that made me sad,
Concerning myself and the first few friends I had.

With half-damp eyes I stared to the room
Where my friends and I spent many an afternoon,
Where we together weathered many a storm,
Laughin' and singin' till the early hours of the morn.

By the old wooden stove where our hats was hung,
Our words were told, our songs were sung,
Where we longed for nothin' and were quite satisfied
Talkin' and a-jokin' about the world outside.

With haunted hearts through the heat and cold,
We never thought we could ever get old.
We thought we could sit forever in fun
But our chances really was a million to one.

As easy it was to tell black from white,
It was all that easy to tell wrong from right.
And our choices were few and the thought never hit
That the one road we traveled would ever shatter and split.

How many a year has passed and gone,
And many a gamble has been lost and won,
And many a road taken by many a friend,
And each one I've never seen again.

I wish, I wish, I wish in vain,
That we could sit simply in that room again.
Ten thousand dollars at the drop of a hat,
I'd give it all gladly if our lives could be like that.







I was sittin' on a stump
Down in New Orleans,
I was feelin' kinda low down,
Dirty and mean.
Along came a fella
And he didn't even ask.
He says, "I know of a woman
That can fix you up fast."
I didn't think twice,
I said like I should,
"Let's go find this lady
That can do me some good."
We walked across the river
On a sailin' spree
And we came to a door
Called one-oh-three.

I was just about ready
To give it a little knock
When out comes a fella
Who couldn't even walk.
He's linkin' and a-slinkin',
Couldn't stand on his feet,
And he moaned and he groaned
And he shuffled down the street.
Well, out of the door
There comes another man.
He wiggled and he wobbled,
He couldn't hardly stand.
He had this frightened
Look in his eyes,
Like he just fought a bear,
He was ready to die.

Well, I peeked through the key crack,
Comin' down the hall
Was a long-legged man
Who couldn't hardly crawl.
He muttered and he uttered
In broken French,
And he looked like he'd been through
A monkey wrench.

Well, by this time
I was a-scared to knock,
I was a-scared to move,
I's in a state of shock.
I hummed a little tune
And I shuffled my feet
And I started walkin' backwards
Down that broad street.
Well, I got to the corner,
I tried my best to smile.
I turned around the corner
And I ran a bloody mile.
Man, I wasn't runnin'
'Cause I was sick,
I was just a-runnin'
To get out of there quick.

Well, I tripped right along
And I'm a-wheezin' in my chest.
I musta run a mile
In a minute or less.
I walked on a log
And I tripped on a stump,
I caught a fast freight
With a one-arm jump.
So, if you're travelin' down
Louisiana way,
And you feel kinda lonesome
And you need a place to stay,
Man, you're better off
In your misery
Than to tackle that lady
At one-oh-three.







Oh, I'm sailin' away my own true love,
I'm sailin' away in the morning.
Is there something I can send you from across the sea,
From the place that I'll be landing?

No, there's nothin' you can send me, my own true love,
There's nothin' I wish to be ownin'.
Just carry yourself back to me unspoiled,
From across that lonesome ocean.

Oh, but I just thought you might want something fine
Made of silver or of golden,
Either from the mountains of Madrid
Or from the coast of Barcelona.

Oh, but if I had the stars from the darkest night
And the diamonds from the deepest ocean,
I'd forsake them all for your sweet kiss,
For that's all I'm wishin' to be ownin'.

That I might be gone a long time
And it's only that I'm askin',
Is there something I can send you to remember me by,
To make your time more easy passin'.

Oh, how can, how can you ask me again,
It only brings me sorrow.
The same thing I want from you today,
I would want again tomorrow.

I got a letter on a lonesome day,
It was from her ship a-sailin',
Saying I don't know when I'll be comin' back again,
It depends on how I'm a-feelin'.

Well, if you, my love, must think that-a-way,
I'm sure your mind is roamin'.
I'm sure your heart is not with me,
But with the country to where you're goin'.

So take heed, take heed of the western wind,
Take heed of the stormy weather.
And yes, there's something you can send back to me,
Spanish boots of Spanish leather.







In the lonely night
In the blinking stardust of a pale blue light
You're comin' thru to me in black and white
When we were made of dreams.

You're blowing down the shaky street,
You're hearing my heart beat
In the record breaking heat
Where we were born in time.

Not one more night, not one more kiss,
Not this time baby, no more of this,
Takes too much skill, takes too much will,
It's revealing.
You came, you saw, just like the law
You married young, just like your ma,
You tried and tried, you made me slide
You left me reelin' with this feelin'.

On the rising curve
Where the ways of nature will test every nerve,
You won't get anything you don't deserve

You pressed me once, you pressed me twice,
You hang the flame, you'll pay the price,
Oh babe, that fire
Is still smokin'.
You were snow, you were rain
You were striped, you were plain,
Oh babe, truer words
Have not been spoken or broken.

In the hills of mystery,
In the foggy web of destiny,
You can have what's left of me,







Well, there was this movie I seen one time,
About a man riding 'cross the desert and it starred Gregory Peck.
He was shot down by a hungry kid trying to make a name for himself.
The townspeople wanted to crush that kid down and string him up by the neck.

Well, the marshal, now he beat that kid to a bloody pulp
as the dying gunfighter lay in the sun and gasped for his last breath.
Turn him loose, let him go, let him say he outdrew me fair and square,
I want him to feel what it's like to every moment face his death.

Well, I keep seeing this stuff and it just comes a-rolling in
And you know it blows right through me like a ball and chain.
You know I can't believe we've lived so long and are still so far apart.
The memory of you keeps callin' after me like a rollin' train.

I can still see the day that you came to me on the painted desert
In your busted down Ford and your platform heels
I could never figure out why you chose that particular place to meet
Ah, but you were right. It was perfect as I got in behind the wheel.

Well, we drove that car all night into San Anton'
And we slept near the Alamo, your skin was so tender and soft.
Way down in Mexico you went out to find a doctor and you never came back.
I would have gone on after you but I didn't feel like letting my head get blown
off.

Well, we're drivin' this car and the sun is comin' up over the Rockies,
Now I know she ain't you but she's here and she's got that dark rhythm in her
soul.
But I'm too over the edge and I ain't in the mood anymore to remember the times
when I was your only man
And she don't want to remind me. She knows this car would go out of control.

Brownsville girl with your Brownsville curls, teeth like pearls shining like the
moon above
Brownsville girl, show me all around the world, Brownsville girl, you're my
honey love.

Well, we crossed the panhandle and then we headed towards Amarillo
We pulled up where Henry Porter used to live. He owned a wreckin' lot outside of
town about a mile.
Ruby was in the backyard hanging clothes, she had her red hair tied back. She
saw us come rolling up in a trail of dust.
She said, "Henry ain't here but you can come on in, he'll be back in a little
while."

Then she told us how times were tough and about how she was thinkin' of bummin'
a ride back to where she started.
But ya know, she changed the subject every time money came up.
She said, "Welcome to the land of the living dead." You could tell she was so
broken-hearted.
She said, "Even the swap meets around here are getting pretty corrupt."

"How far are y'all going?" Ruby asked us with a sigh.
"We're going all the way 'til the wheels fall off and burn,
'Til the sun peels the paint and the seat covers fade and the water moccasin
dies."
Ruby just smiled and said, "Ah, you know some babies never learn."

Something about that movie though, well I just can't get it out of my head
But I can't remember why I was in it or what part I was supposed to play.
All I remember about it was Gregory Peck and the way people moved
And a lot of them seemed to be lookin' my way.

Well, they were looking for somebody with a pompadour.
I was crossin' the street when shots rang out.
I didn't know whether to duck or to run, so I ran.
"We got him cornered in the churchyard," I heard somebody shout.

Well, you saw my picture in the Corpus Christi Tribune. Underneath it, it said,
"A man with no alibi."
You went out on a limb to testify for me, you said I was with you.
Then when I saw you break down in front of the judge and cry real tears,
It was the best acting I saw anybody do.

Now I've always been the kind of person that doesn't like to trespass but
sometimes you just find yourself over the line.
Oh if there's an original thought out there, I could use it right now.
You know, I feel pretty good, but that ain't sayin' much. I could feel a whole
lot better,
If you were just here by my side to show me how.

Well, I'm standin' in line in the rain to see a movie starring Gregory Peck,
Yeah, but you know it's not the one that I had in mind.
He's got a new one out now, I don't even know what it's about
But I'll see him in anything so I'll stand in line.


You know, it's funny how things never turn out the way you had 'em planned.
The only thing we knew for sure about Henry Porter is that his name wasn't Henry
Porter.
And you know there was somethin' about you baby that I liked that was always too
good for this world
Just like you always said there was something about me you liked that I left
behind in the French Quarter.

Strange how people who suffer together have stronger connections than people who
are most content.
I don't have any regrets, they can talk about me plenty when I'm gone.
You always said people don't do what they believe in, they just do what's most
convenient, then they repent.
And I always said, "Hang on to me, baby, and let's hope that the roof stays on."

There was a movie I seen one time, I think I sat through it twice.
I don't remember who I was or where I was bound.
All I remember about it was it starred Gregory Peck, he wore a gun and he was
shot in the back.
Seems like a long time ago, long before the stars were torn down.








Buckets of rain
Buckets of tears
Got all them buckets comin' out of my ears.
Buckets of moonbeams in my hand,
I got all the love, honey baby,
You can stand.

I been meek
And hard like an oak
I seen pretty people disappear like smoke.
Friends will arrive, friends will disappear,
If you want me, honey baby,
I'll be here.

Like your smile
And your fingertips
Like the way that you move your lips.
I like the cool way you look at me,
Everything about you is bringing me
Misery.

Little red wagon
Little red bike
I ain't no monkey but I know what I like.
I like the way you love me strong and slow,
I'm takin' you with me, honey baby,
When I go.

Life is sad
Life is a bust
All ya can do is do what you must.
You do what you must do and ya do it well,
I'll do it for you, honey baby,
Can't you tell?







Bye and bye, I'm breathin' a lover's sigh
I'm sittin' on my watch so I can be on time
I'm singin' love's praises with sugar-coated rhyme
Bye and bye, on you I'm casting my eye

I'm paintin' the town - swinging my partner around
I know who I can depend on, I know who to trust
I'm watchin' the roads, I'm studying the dust
I'm paintin' the town, making my last go-round

Well, I'm scufflin' and I'm shufflin' and I'm walkin' on briars
I'm not even acquainted with my own desires

I'm rollin' slow - I'm doing all I know
I'm tellin' myself I found true happiness
That I've still got a dream that hasn't been repossessed
I'm rollin' slow, goin' where the wild roses grow

Well the future for me is already a thing of the past
You were my first love and you will be my last

Papa gone mad, mamma, she's feeling sad
I'm gonna baptize you in fire so you can sin no more
I'm gonna establish my rule through civil war
Gonna make you see just how loyal and true a man can be






I'm goin' down south,
'Neath the borderline.
Some fat momma
Kissed my mouth one time.

Well, I needed it this morning
Without a shadow of doubt.
My suitcase is packed,
My clothes are hangin' out.

San Francisco is fine.
You sure get lots of sun.
But I'm used to four seasons,
California's got but one.


I got my dark sunglasses,
And for good luck I got my black tooth.
Don't ask me nothin' about nothin',
I just might tell you the truth.






Well, I walked all night long
Listenin' to them church bells tone
Either someone needing mercy
Or maybe something I've done wrong

Well, your friends come by for you
I don't know what to say
I just can't face up to tell 'em
Honey, you just went away

Well, children cry for mother
I tell them, "Mother took a trip"
Well, I walk on pins and needles
I hope my tongue don't slip

Yes, I gaze at passing strangers
In case I might see you
But the sun goes around the heavens
And another day just drives on through

Way out in the distance
I know you're with some other man
But that's alright, baby
You know I always understand

Call girls in the doorway
All giving me the eye
But my heart's just not in it
I might as well pass right on by

My ears are ringin'
Ringin' like empty shells
Well, it can't be no guitar player
It must be convent bells






He sits in your room, his tomb, with a fist full of tacks
Preoccupied with his vengeance
Cursing the dead that can't answer him back
I'm sure that he has no intentions
Of looking your way, unless it's to say
That he needs you to test his inventions.

Can you please crawl out your window?
Use your arms and legs it won't ruin you
How can you say he will haunt you?
You can go back to him any time you want to.

He looks so truthful, is this how he feels
Trying to peel the moon and expose it
With his businesslike anger and his bloodhounds that kneel
If he needs a third eye he just grows it
He just needs you to talk or to hand him his chalk
Or pick it up after he throws it.


Why does he look so righteous while your face is so changed
Are you frightened of the box you keep him in
While his genocide fools and his friends rearrange
Their religion of the little ten women
That backs up their views but your face is so bruised
Come on out the dark is beginning.








I can't wait, wait for you to change your mind
It's late; I'm trying to walk the line
Well it's way past midnight and there are people all around
Some on their way up, some on their way down
The air burns and I'm trying to think straight
And I don't know how much longer I can wait

I'm your man; I'm trying to recover the sweet love that we knew
You understand that my heart can't go on beating without you
Well, your loveliness has wounded me, I'm reeling from the blow
I wish I knew what it was keeps me loving you so
I'm breathing hard, standing at the gate

Skies are grey, I'm looking for anything that will bring a happy glow
Night or day, it doesn't matter where I go anymore; I just go
If I ever saw you coming I don't know what I would do
I'd like to think I could control myself, but it isn't true
That's how it is when things disintegrate

I'm doomed to love you, I've been rolling through stormy weather
I'm thinking of you and all the places we could roam together

It's mighty funny; the end of time has just begun
Oh, honey, after all these years you're still the one
While I'm strolling through the lonely graveyard of my mind
I left my life with you somewhere back there along the line
I thought somehow that I would be spared this fate







She was the rose of Sharon from paradise lost
From the city of seven hills near the place of the cross.
I was playing a show in Miami in the theater of divine comedy.
Told about Jesus, told about the rain,
She told me about the jungle where her brothers were slain
By a man who danced on the roof of the embassy.

Was she a child or a woman, I can't say which
From one to another she could to easily switch
We went into the wall to where the long arm of the law could not reach.
Could I been used and played as a pawn?
It certainly was possible as the gay night wore on
Where men bathed in perfume and celebrated free speech.

And them Caribbean winds still blow from Nassau to Mexico
Fanning the flames in the furnace of desire
And them distant ships of liberty on them iron waves so bold and free,
Bringing everything that's near to me nearer to the fire.

She looked into my soul through the clothes that I wore
She said, "We got a mutual friend over by the door,
And you know he's got our best interest in mind."
He was well connected but her heart was a snare
And she had left him to die in there,
There were payments due and he was a little behind.

The cry of the peacock, flies buzz my head,
Ceiling fan broken, there's a heat in my bed,
Street band playing "Nearer My God to Thee."
We met at the steeple where the mission bells ring,
She said, "I know what you're thinking, but there ain't a thing
You can do about it, so let us just agree to agree."

Atlantic City by the cold grey sea
I hear a voice crying, "Daddy," I always think it's for me,
But it's only the silence in the buttermilk hills that call.
Every new messenger brings evil report
'Bout armies on the march and time that is short
And famines and earthquakes and hatred written upon walls.

Would I have married her? I don't know, I suppose.
She had bells in her braids and they hung to her toes
But I kept hearing my name and I had to be movin' on.
I saw screws break loose, saw the devil pound tin,
I saw a house in the country being torn from within.
I heard my ancestors calling from the land far beyond.








The cat's in the well, the wolf is looking down.
He got his big bushy tail dragging all over the ground.

The cat's in the well, the gentle lady is asleep.
She ain't hearing a thing, the silence is a-stickin' her deep.

The cat's in the well and grief is showing its face
The world's being slaughtered and it's such a bloody disgrace.

The cat's in the well, the horse is going bumpety bump.
Back alley Sally is doing the American jump.

The cat's in the well, and pappa is reading the news.
His hair is falling out and all of his daughters need shoes.

The cat's in the well and the barn is full of bull
The night is so long and the table is oh, so full

The cat's in the well and the servant is at the door.
The drinks are ready and the dogs are going to war.

The cat's in the well, the leaves are starting to fall
Goodnight, my love, may the lord have mercy on us all.







Lazy stadium night
Catfish on the mound.
"Strike three," the umpire said,
Batter have to go back and sit down.

Catfish, million-dollar-man,
Nobody can throw the ball like Catfish can.

Used to work on Mr. Finley's farm
But the old man wouldn't pay
So he packed his glove and took his arm
An' one day he just ran away.


Come up where the Yankees are,
Dress up in a pinstripe suit,
Smoke a custom-made cigar,
Wear an alligator boot.



Carolina born and bred,
Love to hunt the little quail.
Got a hundred-acre spread,
Got some huntin' dogs for sale.


Reggie Jackson at the plate
Seein' nothin' but the curve,
Swing too early or too late
Got to eat what Catfish serve.


Even Billy Martin grins
When the Fish is in the game.
Every season twenty wins
Gonna make the Hall of Fame.








Sixteen years,
Sixteen banners united over the field
Where the good shepherd grieves.
Desperate men, desperate women divided,
Spreading their wings 'neath the falling leaves.

Fortune calls.
I stepped forth from the shadows, to the marketplace,
Merchants and thieves, hungry for power, my last deal gone down.
She's smelling sweet like the meadows where she was born,
On midsummer's eve, near the tower.

The cold-blooded moon.
The captain waits above the celebration
Sending his thoughts to a beloved maid
Whose ebony face is beyond communication.
The captain is down but still believing that his love will be repaid.

They shaved her head.
She was torn between Jupiter and Apollo.
A messenger arrived with a black nightingale.
I seen her on the stairs and I couldn't help but follow,
Follow her down past the fountain where they lifted her veil.

I stumbled to my feet.
I rode past destruction in the ditches
With the stitches still mending 'neath a heart-shaped tattoo.
Renegade priests and treacherous young witches
Were handing out the flowers that I'd given to you.

The palace of mirrors
Where dog soldiers are reflected,
The endless road and the wailing of chimes,
The empty rooms where her memory is protected,
Where the angels' voices whisper to the souls of previous times.

She wakes him up
Forty-eight hours later, the sun is breaking
Near broken chains, mountain laurel and rolling rocks.
She's begging to know what measures he now will be taking.
He's pulling her down and she's clutching on to his long golden locks.

Gentlemen, he said,
I don't need your organization, I've shined your shoes,
I've moved your mountains and marked your cards
But Eden is burning, either brace yourself for elimination
Or else your hearts must have the courage for the changing of the guards.

Peace will come
With tranquility and splendor on the wheels of fire
But will bring us no reward when her false idols fall
And cruel death surrenders with its pale ghost retreating
Between the King and the Queen of Swords.








Far between sundown's finish an' midnight's broken toll
We ducked inside the doorway, thunder crashing
As majestic bells of bolts struck shadows in the sounds
Seeming to be the chimes of freedom flashing
Flashing for the warriors whose strength is not to fight
Flashing for the refugees on the unarmed road of flight
An' for each an' ev'ry underdog soldier in the night
An' we gazed upon the chimes of freedom flashing.

In the city's melted furnace, unexpectedly we watched
With faces hidden while the walls were tightening
As the echo of the wedding bells before the blowin' rain
Dissolved into the bells of the lightning
Tolling for the rebel, tolling for the rake
Tolling for the luckless, the abandoned an' forsaked
Tolling for the outcast, burnin' constantly at stake

Through the mad mystic hammering of the wild ripping hail
The sky cracked its poems in naked wonder
That the clinging of the church bells blew far into the breeze
Leaving only bells of lightning and its thunder
Striking for the gentle, striking for the kind
Striking for the guardians and protectors of the mind
An' the unpawned painter behind beyond his rightful time

Through the wild cathedral evening the rain unraveled tales
For the disrobed faceless forms of no position
Tolling for the tongues with no place to bring their thoughts
All down in taken-for-granted situations
Tolling for the deaf an' blind, tolling for the mute
Tolling for the mistreated, mateless mother, the mistitled prostitute
For the misdemeanor outlaw, chased an' cheated by pursuit

Even though a cloud's white curtain in a far-off corner flashed
An' the hypnotic splattered mist was slowly lifting
Electric light still struck like arrows, fired but for the ones
Condemned to drift or else be kept from drifting
Tolling for the searching ones, on their speechless, seeking trail
For the lonesome-hearted lovers with too personal a tale
An' for each unharmful, gentle soul misplaced inside a jail

Starry-eyed an' laughing as I recall when we were caught
Trapped by no track of hours for they hanged suspended
As we listened one last time an' we watched with one last look
Spellbound an' swallowed 'til the tolling ended
Tolling for the aching ones whose wounds cannot be nursed
For the countless confused, accused, misused, strung-out ones an' worse
An' for every hung-up person in the whole wide universe







Everybody wants to know why he couldn't adjust
Adjust to what, a dream that bust?

He was a clean-cut kid
But they made a killer out of him,
That's what they did

They said what's up is down, they said what isn't is
They put ideas in his head he thought were his


He was on the baseball team, he was in the marching band
When he was ten years old he had a watermelon stand


He went to church on Sunday, he was a Boy Scout
For his friends he would turn his pockets inside out


They said, "Listen boy, you're just a pup"
They sent him to a napalm health spa to shape up

They gave him dope to smoke, drinks and pills,
A jeep to drive, blood to spill

They said "Congratulations, you got what it takes"
They sent him back into the rat race without any brakes


He bought the American dream but it put him in debt
The only game he could play was Russian roulette

He drank Coca-Cola, he was eating Wonder Bread,
Ate Burger Kings, he was well fed

He went to Hollywood to see Peter O'Toole
He stole a Rolls Royce and drove it in a swimming pool


He could've sold insurance, owned a restaurant or bar
Could've been an accountant or a tennis star

He was wearing boxing gloves, took a dive one day
Off the Golden Gate Bridge into China Bay

His mama walks the floor, his daddy weeps and moans
They gotta sleep together in a home they don't own


Well, everybody's asking why he couldn't adjust
All he ever wanted was somebody to trust

They took his head and turned it inside out
He never did know what it was all about

He had a steady job, he joined the choir
He never did plan to walk the high wire







After a while we took in the clothes,
Nobody said very much.
Just some old wild shirts and a couple pairs of pants
Which nobody really wanted to touch.
Mama come in and picked up a book
An' Papa asked her what it was.
Someone else asked, "What do you care?"
Papa said, "Well, just because."
Then they started to take back their clothes,
Hang 'em on the line.
It was January the thirtieth
And everybody was feelin' fine.

The next day everybody got up
Seein' if the clothes were dry.
The dogs were barking, a neighbor passed,
Mama, of course, she said, "Hi!"
"Have you heard the news?" he said, with a grin,
"The Vice-President's gone mad!"
"Where?" "Downtown." "When?" "Last night."
"Hmm, say, that's too bad!"
"Well, there's nothin' we can do about it," said the neighbor,
"It's just somethin' we're gonna have to forget."
"Yes, I guess so," said Ma,
Then she asked me if the clothes was still wet.

I reached up, touched my shirt,
And the neighbor said, "Are those clothes yours?"
I said, "Some of 'em, not all of 'em."
He said, "Ya always help out around here with the chores?"
I said, "Sometime, not all the time."
Then my neighbor, he blew his nose
Just as papa yelled outside,
"Mama wants you t' come back in the house and bring them clothes."
Well, I just do what I'm told,
So, I did it, of course.
I went back in the house and Mama met me
And then I shut all the doors.







I'm beginning to hear voices and there's no one around
Well, I'm all used up and the fields have turned brown
I went to church on Sunday and she passed by
My love for her is taking such a long time to die

I'm waist deep, waist deep in the mist
It's almost like, almost like I don't exist
I'm twenty miles out of town, in cold irons bound

The walls of pride are high and wide
Can't see over to the other side
It's such a sad thing to see beauty decay
It's sadder still, to feel your heart torn away

One look at you and I'm out of control
Like the universe has swallowed me whole
I'm twenty miles out of town in Cold irons bound

There's too many people, too many to recall
I thought some of 'm were friends of mine; I was wrong about 'm all
Well, the road is rocky and the hillside's mud
Up over my head nothing but clouds of blood

I found my world, found my world in you
But your love just hasn't proved true
I'm twenty miles out of town in cold irons bound
Twenty miles out of town in cold irons bound

Oh, the winds in Chicago have torn me to shreds
Reality has always had too many heads
Some things last longer than you think they will
There are some kind of things you can never kill

It's you and you only, I'm been thinking about
But you can't see in and it's hard lookin' out
I'm twenty miles out of town in cold irons bound

Well the fats in the fire and the water's in the tank
The whiskey's in the jar and the money's in the bank
I tried to love and protect you because I cared
I'm gonna remember forever the joy that we shared

Looking at you and I'm on my bended knee
You have no idea what you do to me
I'm twenty miles out of town in cold irons bound
Twenty miles out of town in cold irons bound







We have got to come together
How long can we stay apart?
You may get it maybe never
But it's coming from the heart.

Your life is full of indecision
You can't make up your mind.
We must get it in position
And move it on down the line.

'Cause the road is long, it's a long hard climb
I been on that road too long of a time
Yes the road is long, and it winds and winds
When I think of the love that I left behind.

Make me up a bed of roses
And hang them down from the vine
Of all my loves you've been the closest
That's ever been on my mind.

Please don't talk about tomorrow
I'm really not one to care
This world is filled with too much sorrow
That nobody's heart should bear.


Please, please give me indication
Stop and talk to me
Like a river that is flowing
My love will never cease to be.

You will always be my honey
No one could take your part
Our love can't be bought with money
'Cause it's coming from the heart.








Corrina, Corrina,
Gal, where you been so long?
I been worr'in' 'bout you, baby,
Baby, please come home.

I got a bird that whistles,
I got a bird that sings.
But I ain' a-got Corrina,
Life don't mean a thing.

Corrina, Corrina,
Gal, you're on my mind.
I'm a-thinkin' 'bout you, baby,
I just can't keep from crying.







Just like old Saxophone Joe
When he's got the hogshead up on his toe
Oh me, oh my
Love that country pie

Listen to the fiddler play
When he's playin' 'til the break of day

Raspberry, strawberry, lemon and lime
What do I care?
Blueberry, apple, cherry, pumpkin and plum
Call me for dinner, honey, I'll be there

Saddle me up my big white goose
Tie me on 'er and turn her loose

I don't need much and that ain't no lie
Ain't runnin' any race
Give to me my country pie
I won't throw it up in anybody's face

Shake me up that old peach tree
Little Jack Horner's got nothin' on me







Covenant woman got a contract with the Lord
Way up yonder, great will be her reward.
Covenant woman, shining like a morning star,
I know I can trust you to stay where you are.

And I just got to tell you
I do intend
To stay closer than any friend.
I just got to thank you
Once again
For making your prayers known
Unto heaven for me
And to you, always, so grateful
I will forever be.

I've been broken, shattered like an empty cup.
I'm just waiting on the Lord to rebuild and fill me up
And I know He will do it 'cause He's faithful and He's true,
He must have loved me so much to send me someone as fine as you.


Covenant woman, intimate little girl
Who knows those most secret things of me that are hidden from the world.
You know we are strangers in a land we're passing through.
I'll always be right by your side, I've got a covenant too.








Well, I had to go down and see a guy named Mr. Goldsmith
A nasty, dirty, double-crossin', back-stabbin' phony I didn't wanna have to be
dealin' with
But I did it for you and all you gave me was a smile
Well, I cried for you - now it's your turn to cry awhile

I don't carry dead weight - I'm no flash in the pan
All right, I'll set you straight, can't you see I'm a union man?
I'm lettin' the cat out of the cage, I'm keeping a low profile

Feel like a fighting rooster - feel better than I ever felt
But the Pennsylvania line's in an awful mess and the Denver road is about to
melt
I went to the church house, every day I go an extra mile

Last night 'cross the alley there was a pounding on the walls
It must have been Don Pasquale makin' a two a.m. booty call
To break a trusting heart like mine was just your style

I'm on the fringes of the night, fighting back tears that I can't control
Some people they ain't human, they got no heart or soul
Well, I'm crying to The Lord - I'm tryin' to be meek and mild

Well, there's preachers in the pulpits and babies in the cribs
I'm longin' for that sweet fat that sticks to your ribs
I'm gonna buy me a barrel of whiskey - I'll die before I turn senile

Well, you bet on a horse and it ran on the wrong way
I always said you'd be sorry and today could be the day
I might need a good lawyer, could be your funeral, my trial







Oh, the gentlemen are talking and the midnight moon is on the riverside,
They're drinking up and walking and it is time for me to slide.
I live in another world where life and death are memorized,
Where the earth is strung with lovers' pearls and all I see are dark eyes.

A cock is crowing far away and another soldier's deep in prayer,
Some mother's child has gone astray, she can't find him anywhere.
But I can hear another drum beating for the dead that rise,
Whom nature's beast fears as they come and all I see are dark eyes.

They tell me to be discreet for all intended purposes,
They tell me revenge is sweet and from where they stand, I'm sure it is.
But I feel nothing for their game where beauty goes unrecognized,
All I feel is heat and flame and all I see are dark eyes.

Oh, the French girl, she's in paradise and a drunken man is at the wheel,
Hunger pays a heavy price to the falling gods of speed and steel.
Oh, time is short and the days are sweet and passion rules the arrow that flies,
A million faces at my feet but all I see are dark eyes.







Oh, the benches were stained with tears and perspiration,
The birdies were flying from tree to tree.
There was little to say, there was no conversation
As I stepped to the stage to pick up my degree.
And the locusts sang off in the distance,
Yeah, the locusts sang such a sweet melody.
Oh, the locusts sang off in the distance,
Yeah, the locusts sang and they were singing for me.

I glanced into the chamber where the judges were talking,
Darkness was everywhere, it smelled like a tomb.
I was ready to leave, I was already walkin',
But the next time I looked there was light in the room.
And the locusts sang, yeah, it give me a chill,
Oh, the locusts sang such a sweet melody.
Oh, the locusts sang their high whining trill,

Outside of the gates the trucks were unloadin',
The weather was hot, a-nearly 90 degrees.
The man standin' next to me, his head was exploding,
Well, I was prayin' the pieces wouldn't fall on me.

I put down my robe, picked up my diploma,
Took hold of my sweetheart and away we did drive,
Straight for the hills, the black hills of Dakota,
Sure was glad to get out of there alive.







Uttering idle words from a reprobate mind,
Clinging to strange promises, dying on the vine,
Never bein' able to separate the good from the bad,
Ooh, I can't stand it, I can't stand it,
It's makin' me feel so sad.

Dead man, dead man,
When will you arise?
Cobwebs in your mind,
Dust upon your eyes.

Satan got you by the heel, there's a bird's nest in your hair.
Do you have any faith at all? Do you have any love to share?
The way that you hold your head, cursin' God with every move,
Ooh, I can't stand it, I can't stand it,
What are you tryin' to prove?


The glamour and the bright lights and the politics of sin,
The ghetto that you build for me is the one you end up in,
The race of the engine that overrules your heart,
Ooh, I can't stand it, I can't stand it,
Pretending that you're so smart.


What are you tryin' to overpower me with, the doctrine or the gun?
My back is already to the wall, where can I run?
The tuxedo that you're wearin', the flower in your lapel,
Ooh, I can't stand it, I can't stand it,
You wanna take me down to hell.








Dear landlord,
Please don't put a price on my soul.
My burden is heavy,
My dreams are beyond control.
When that steamboat whistle blows,
I'm gonna give you all I got to give,
And I do hope you receive it well,
Dependin' on the way you feel that you live.

Dear landlord,
Please heed these words that I speak.
I know you've suffered much,
But in this you are not so unique.
All of us, at times, we might work too hard
To have it too fast and too much,
And anyone can fill his life up
With things he can see but he just cannot touch.

Dear landlord,
Please don't dismiss my case.
I'm not about to argue,
I'm not about to move to no other place.
Now, each of us has his own special gift
And you know this was meant to be true,
And if you don't underestimate me,
I won't underestimate you.







When you're sad and when you're lonely and you haven't got a friend
Just remember that death is not the end
And all that you've held sacred, falls down and does not mend
Just remember that death is not the end
Not the end, not the end
Just remember that death is not the end

When you're standing at the crossroads that you cannot comprehend

And all your dreams have vanished and you don't know what's up the bend

When the storm clouds gather 'round you, and heavy rains descend

And there's no one there to comfort you, with a helpin' hand to lend

Oh, the tree of life is growing
Where the spirit never dies
And the bright light of salvation shines
In dark and empty skies

When the cities are on fire with the burning flesh of men

And you search in vain to find just one law abiding citizen







Denise, Denise,
Gal, what's on your mind?
You got your eyes closed,
Heaven knows that you ain't blind.

Well, I can see you smiling,
But oh your mouth is inside out.
I can see you smiling,
But you're smiling inside out.
Well, I know you're laughin'
But what are you laughin' about.

Well, if you're tryin' to throw me,
Babe, I've already been tossed.
Babe, you're tryin' to lose me.
Babe, I'm already lost.

Well, what are you doing,
Are you flying or have you flipped?
Well, you call my name
And then say your tongue just slipped.

Denise, Denise,
You're concealed here on the shelf.
I'm looking deep in your eyes, babe,
And all I can see is myself.






They're selling postcards of the hanging
They're painting the passports brown
The beauty parlor is filled with sailors
The circus is in town
Here comes the blind commissioner
They've got him in a trance
One hand is tied to the tight-rope walker
The other is in his pants
And the riot squad they're restless
They need somewhere to go
As Lady and I look out tonight
From Desolation Row

Cinderella, she seems so easy
"It takes one to know one," she smiles
And puts her hands in her back pockets
Bette Davis style
And in comes Romeo, he's moaning
"You Belong to Me I Believe"
And someone says," You're in the wrong place, my friend
You better leave"
And the only sound that's left
After the ambulances go
Is Cinderella sweeping up
On Desolation Row

Now the moon is almost hidden
The stars are beginning to hide
The fortunetelling lady
Has even taken all her things inside
All except for Cain and Abel
And the hunchback of Notre Dame
Everybody is making love
Or else expecting rain
And the Good Samaritan, he's dressing
He's getting ready for the show
He's going to the carnival tonight
On Desolation Row

Now Ophelia, she's 'neath the window
For her I feel so afraid
On her twenty-second birthday
She already is an old maid

To her, death is quite romantic
She wears an iron vest
Her profession's her religion
Her sin is her lifelessness
And though her eyes are fixed upon
Noah's great rainbow
She spends her time peeking
Into Desolation Row

Einstein, disguised as Robin Hood
With his memories in a trunk
Passed this way an hour ago
With his friend, a jealous monk
He looked so immaculately frightful
As he bummed a cigarette
Then he went off sniffing drainpipes
And reciting the alphabet
Now you would not think to look at him
But he was famous long ago
For playing the electric violin
On Desolation Row

Dr. Filth, he keeps his world
Inside of a leather cup
But all his sexless patients
They're trying to blow it up
Now his nurse, some local loser
She's in charge of the cyanide hole
And she also keeps the cards that read
"Have Mercy on His Soul"
They all play on penny whistles
You can hear them blow
If you lean your head out far enough
From Desolation Row

Across the street they've nailed the curtains
They're getting ready for the feast
The Phantom of the Opera
A perfect image of a priest
They're spoonfeeding Casanova
To get him to feel more assured
Then they'll kill him with self-confidence
After poisoning him with words

And the Phantom's shouting to skinny girls
"Get Outa Here If You Don't Know
Casanova is just being punished for going
To Desolation Row"

Now at midnight all the agents
And the superhuman crew
Come out and round up everyone
That knows more than they do
Then they bring them to the factory
Where the heart-attack machine
Is strapped across their shoulders
And then the kerosene
Is brought down from the castles
By insurance men who go
Check to see that nobody is escaping
To Desolation Row

Praise be to Nero's Neptune
The Titanic sails at dawn
And everybody's shouting
"Which Side Are You On?"
And Ezra Pound and T. S. Eliot
Fighting in the captain's tower
While calypso singers laugh at them
And fishermen hold flowers
Between the windows of the sea
Where lovely mermaids flow
And nobody has to think too much
About Desolation Row

Yes, I received your letter yesterday
(About the time the door knob broke)
When you asked how I was doing
Was that some kind of joke?
All these people that you mention
Yes, I know them, they're quite lame
I had to rearrange their faces
And give them all another name
Right now I can't read too good
Don't send me no more letters no
Not unless you mail them
From Desolation Row







Fat man lookin' in a blade of steel
Thin man lookin' at his last meal
Hollow man lookin' in a cottonfield
For dignity

Wise man lookin' in a blade of grass
Young man lookin' in the shadows that pass
Poor man lookin' through painted glass
For dignity

Somebody got murdered on New Year's Eve
Somebody said dignity was the first to leave
I went into the city, went into the town
Went into the land of the midnight sun

Searchin' high, searchin' low
Searchin' everywhere I know
Askin' the cops wherever I go
Have you seen dignity?

Blind man breakin' out of a trance
Puts both his hands in the pockets of chance
Hopin' to find one circumstance
Of dignity

I went to the wedding of Mary-lou
She said ÒI don't want nobody see me talkin' to youÓ
Said she could get killed if she told me what she knew
About dignity

I went down where the vultures feed
I would've got deeper, but there wasn't any need
Heard the tongues of angels and the tongues of men
Wasn't any difference to me

Chilly wind sharp as a razor blade
House on fire, debts unpaid
Gonna stand at the window, gonna ask the maid
Have you seen dignity?

Drinkin' man listens to the voice he hears
In a crowded room full of covered up mirrors
Lookin' into the lost forgotten years
For dignity

Met Prince Phillip at the home of the blues
Said he'd give me information if his name wasn't used
He wanted money up front, said he was abused
By dignity

Footprints runnin' cross the silver sand
Steps goin' down into tattoo land
I met the sons of darkness and the sons of light
In the bordertowns of despair

Got no place to fade, got no coat
I'm on the rollin' river in a jerkin' boat
Tryin' to read a note somebody wrote
About dignity

Sick man lookin' for the doctor's cure
Lookin' at his hands for the lines that were
And into every masterpiece of literature
for dignity

Englishman stranded in the blackheart wind
Combin' his hair back, his future looks thin
Bites the bullet and he looks within
For dignity

Someone showed me a picture and I just laughed
Dignity never been photographed
I went into the red, went into the black
Into the valley of dry bone dreams

So many roads, so much at stake
So many dead ends, I'm at the edge of the lake
Sometimes I wonder what it's gonna take
To find dignity






I hate myself for lovin' you and the weakness that it showed
You were just a painted face on a trip down Suicide Road.
The stage was set, the lights went out all around the old hotel,
I hate myself for lovin' you and I'm glad the curtain fell.

I hate that foolish game we played and the need that was expressed
And the mercy that you showed to me, who ever would have guessed?
I went out on Lower Broadway and I felt that place within,
That hollow place where martyrs weep and angels play with sin.

Heard your songs of freedom and man forever stripped,
Acting out his folly while his back is being whipped.
Like a slave in orbit, he's beaten 'til he's tame,
All for a moment's glory and it's a dirty, rotten shame.

There are those who worship loneliness, I'm not one of them,
In this age of fiberglass I'm searching for a gem.
The crystal ball up on the wall hasn't shown me nothing yet,
I've paid the price of solitude, but at last I'm out of debt.

Can't recall a useful thing you ever did for me
'Cept pat me on the back one time when I was on my knees.
We stared into each other's eyes 'til one of us would break,
No use to apologize, what diff'rence would it make?

So sing your praise of progress and of the Doom Machine,
The naked truth is still taboo whenever it can be seen.
Lady Luck, who shines on me, will tell you where I'm at,
I hate myself for lovin' you, but I should get over that.







Gon' walk down that dirt road, 'til someone lets me ride
If I can't find my baby, I'm gonna run away and hide

I been pacing around the room hoping maybe she'd come back
Well, I been praying for salvation laying 'round in a one room country shack

Gon' walk down that dirt road until my eyes begin to bleed
'Til there's nothing left to see, 'til the chains have been shattered and I've
been freed

I been lookin' at my shadow, I been watching the colors up above
Rolling through the rain and hail, looking for the sunny side of love

Gon' walk on down that dirt road 'til I'm right beside the sun
I'm gonna have to put up a barrier to keep myself away from everyone.







There's a whole lot of people suffering tonight
From the disease of conceit.
Whole lot of people struggling tonight
From the disease of conceit.
Comes right down the highway,
Straight down the line,
Rips into your senses
Through your body and your mind.
Nothing about it that's sweet,
The disease of conceit.

There's a whole lot of hearts breaking tonight
From the disease of conceit,
Whole lot of hearts shaking tonight
From the disease of conceit.
Steps into your room,
Eats your soul,
Over your senses
You have no control.
Ain't nothing too discreet
About of disease of conceit.

There's a whole lot of people dying tonight
From the disease of conceit,
Whole lot of people crying tonight
From the disease of conceit,
Comes right out of nowhere
And you're down for the count
From the outside world,
The pressure will mount,
Turn you into a piece of meat,
The disease of conceit.

Conceit is a disease
That the doctors got no cure
They've done a lot of research on it
But what it is, they're still not sure

There's a whole lot of people in trouble tonight
From the disease of conceit,
Whole lot of people seeing double tonight
From the disease of conceit,
Give ya delusions of grandeur
And a evil eye
Give you idea that
You're too good to die,
Then they bury you from your head to your feet
From the disease of conceit.







Don't wanna judge nobody, don't wanna be judged,
Don't wanna touch nobody, don't wanna be touched.
Don't wanna hurt nobody, don't wanna be hurt,
Don't wanna treat nobody like they was dirt.

But if you do right to me, baby,
I'll do right to you, too.
Ya got to do unto others
Like you'd have them, like you'd have them, do unto you.

Don't wanna shoot nobody, don't wanna be shot,
Don't wanna buy nobody, don't wanna be bought.
Don't wanna bury nobody, don't wanna be buried,
Don't wanna marry nobody if they're already married.

Don't wanna burn nobody, don't wanna be burned,
Don't wanna learn from nobody what I gotta unlearn.
Don't wanna cheat nobody, don't wanna be cheated,
Don't wanna defeat nobody if they already been defeated.

Don't wanna wink at nobody, don't wanna be winked at,
Don't wanna be used by nobody for a doormat.
Don't wanna confuse nobody, don't wanna be confused,
Don't wanna amuse nobody, don't wanna be amused.

Don't wanna betray nobody, don't wanna be betrayed,
Don't wanna play with nobody, don't wanna be waylaid.
Don't wanna miss nobody, don't wanna be missed,
Don't put my faith in nobody, not even a scientist.







Just a minute before you leave, girl,
Just a minute before you touch the door.
What is it that you're trying to achieve, girl?
Do you think we can talk about it some more?
You know, the streets are filled with vipers
Who've lost all ray of hope,
You know, it ain't even safe no more
In the palace of the Pope.

Don't fall apart on me tonight,
I just don't think that I could handle it.
Don't fall apart on me tonight,
Yesterday's just a memory,
Tomorrow is never what it's supposed to be
And I need you, yeah.

Come over here from over there, girl,
Sit down here. You can have my chair.
I can't see us goin' anywhere, girl.
The only place open is a thousand miles away and I can't take you there.
I wish I'd have been a doctor,
Maybe I'd have saved some life that had been lost,
Maybe I'd have done some good in the world
'Stead of burning every bridge I crossed.

I ain't too good at conversation, girl,
So you might not know exactly how I feel,
But if I could, I'd bring you to the mountaintop, girl,
And build you a house made out of stainless steel.
But it's like I'm stuck inside a painting
That's hanging in the Louvre,
My throat start to tickle and my nose itches
But I know that I can't move.

Yesterday's gone but the past lives on,
Tomorrow's just one step beyond

Who are these people who are walking towards you?
Do you know them or will there be a fight?
With their humorless smiles so easy to see through,
Can they tell you what's wrong from what's right?

Do you remember St. James Street
Where you blew Jackie P.'s mind?
You were so fine, Clark Gable would have fell at your feet
And laid his life on the line.

Let's try to get beneath the surface waste, girl,
No more booby traps and bombs,
No more decadence and charm,
No more affection that's misplaced, girl,
No more mudcake creatures lying in your arms.
What about that millionaire with the drumsticks in his pants?
He looked so baffled and so bewildered
When he played and we didn't dance.








It ain't no use to sit and wonder why, babe
It don't matter, anyhow
If you don't know by now
When your rooster crows at the break of dawn
Look out your window and I'll be gone
You're the reason I'm trav'lin' on
Don't think twice, it's all right

It ain't no use in turnin' on your light, babe
That light I never knowed
I'm on the dark side of the road
Still I wish there was somethin' you would do or say
To try and make me change my mind and stay
We never did too much talkin' anyway

It ain't no use in callin' out my name, gal
Like you never did before
I can't hear you any more
I'm a-thinkin' and a-wond'rin' all the way down the road
I once loved a woman, a child I'm told
I give her my heart but she wanted my soul

I'm walkin' down that long, lonesome road, babe
Where I'm bound, I can't tell
But goodbye's too good a word, gal
So I'll just say fare thee well
I ain't sayin' you treated me unkind
You could have done better but I don't mind
You just kinda wasted my precious time







Don't ya tell Henry,
Apple's got your fly.

I went down to the river on a Saturday morn,
A-lookin' around just to see who's born.
I found a little chicken down on his knees,
I went up and yelled to him,
"Please, please, please!"
He said, "Don't ya tell Henry,
Don't ya tell Henry,
Don't ya tell Henry,
Apple's got your fly."

I went down to the corner at a-half past ten,
I's lookin' around, I wouldn't say when.
I looked down low, I looked above,
And who did I see but the one I love.

Now, I went down to the beanery at half past twelve,
A-lookin' around just to see myself.
I spotted a horse and a donkey, too,
I looked for a cow and I saw me a few.

Now, I went down to the pumphouse the other night,
A-lookin' around, it was outa sight.
I looked high and low for that big ol' tree,
I did go upstairs but I didn't see nobody but me.







Down along the cove,
I spied my true love comin' my way.
I say, "Lord, have mercy, mama,
It sure is good to see you comin' today."

Down along the cove,
I spied my little bundle of joy.
She said, "Lord, have mercy, honey,
I'm so glad you're my boy!"

Down along the cove,
We walked together hand in hand.
Ev'rybody watchin' us go by
Knows we're in love, yes, and they understand.







Crash on the levee, mama,
Water's gonna overflow,
Swamp's gonna rise,
No boat's gonna row.
Now, you can train on down
To Williams Point,
You can bust your feet,
You can rock this joint.
But oh mama, ain't you gonna miss your best friend now?
You're gonna have to find yourself
Another best friend, somehow.

Now, don't you try an' move me,
You're just gonna lose.
There's a crash on the levee
And, mama, you've been refused.
Well, it's sugar for sugar
And salt for salt,
If you go down in the flood,
It's gonna be your own fault.

Well, that high tide's risin',
Mama, don't you let me down.
Pack up your suitcase,
Mama, don't you make a sound.
Now, it's king for king,
Queen for queen,
It's gonna be the meanest flood
That anybody's seen.







Well, I'm walkin' down the highway
With my suitcase in my hand.
Lord, I really miss my baby,
She's in some far-off land.

Well, your streets are gettin' empty,
Lord, your highway's gettin' filled.
Well, the way I love that woman,
I swear it's bound to get me killed.

Well, I been gamblin' so long,
Lord, I ain't got much more to lose.
Right now I'm havin' trouble,
Please don't take away my highway shoes.

Well, I'm bound to get lucky, baby,
Or I'm bound to die tryin'.
Well, meet me in the middle of the ocean
And we'll leave this ol' highway behind.

Well, the ocean took my baby,
My baby stole my heart from me.
She packed it all up in a suitcase,
Lord, she took it away to Italy, Italy.

So, I'm a-walkin' down your highway
Just as far as my poor eyes can see.
From the Golden Gate Bridge
All the way to the Statue of Liberty.







"Oh, help me in my weakness,"
I heard the drifter say,
As they carried him from the courtroom
And were taking him away.
"My trip hasn't been a pleasant one
And my time it isn't long,
And I still do not know
What it was that I've done wrong."

Well, the judge, he cast his robe aside,
A tear came to his eye,
"You fail to understand," he said,
"Why must you even try?"
Outside, the crowd was stirring,
You could hear it from the door.
Inside, the judge was stepping down,
While the jury cried for more.

"Oh, stop that cursed jury,"
Cried the attendant and the nurse,
"The trial was bad enough,
But this is ten times worse."
Just then a bolt of lightning
Struck the courthouse out of shape,
And while ev'rybody knelt to pray
The drifter did escape.







I didn't know that you'd be leavin'
Or who you thought you were talkin' to.
I figure maybe we're even
Or maybe I'm one up on you.

I send you all my money
Just like I did before.
I tried to reach you honey,
But you're driftin' too far from shore.

I ain't gonna get lost in this current,
I don't like playing cat and mouse.
No gentleman likes making love to a servant.
Especially when he's in his father's house.

I never could guess your weight, baby,
Never needed to call you my whore.
I always thought you were straight, baby,
But you're driftin' too far from shore.

Well these times and these tunnels are haunted,
The bottom of the barrel is too.
I waited years sometimes for what I wanted.
Everybody can't be as lucky as you.

Never no more do I wonder,
Why you don't never play with me any more.
At any moment you could go under,
'Cause you're driftin' too far from shore.

You and me we had completeness,
I give you all of what I could provide
We weren't on the wrong side, sweetness,
We were the wrong side.

I've already ripped out the phones, honey.
You can't walk the streets in a war.
I can finish this alone, honey,
You're driftin' too far from shore.







Well, it's all up from Florida at the start of the spring,
The trucks and the trailers will be winding
Like a bullet we'll shoot for the carnival route.
We're following them dusty old fairgrounds a-calling.

From the Michigan mud past the Wisconsin sun
'Cross that Minnesota border, keep 'em scrambling
Through the clear county lakes and the lumberjack lands,

Hit Fargo on the jump and down to Aberdeen
'Cross them old Black Hills, keep 'em rolling
Through the cow country towns and the sands of old Montana.

As the white line on the highway sails under your wheels,
I've gazed from the trailer window laughing.
Oh, our clothes they was torn but the colors they was bright.

It's a-many a friend that follows the bend,
The jugglers, the hustlers, the gamblers.
Well, I've spent my time with the fortune-telling kind

Oh, it's pound down the rails and it's tie down the tents,
Get that canvas flag a-flying.
Well, let the caterpillars spin, let the ferris wheel wind

Well, it's roll into town straight to the fairgrounds
Just behind the posters that are hanging
And it's fill up every space with a different kind of face

Get the dancing girls in front, get the gambling show behind,
Hear that old music box a-banging.
Hear them kids, faces, smiles, up and down the midway aisles

It's a-drag it on down by the deadline in the town,
Hit the old highway by the morning
And it's ride yourself blind for the next town on time

As the harmonicas whined in the lonesome nighttime
Drinking red wine as we're rolling,
Many a turnin' I turn, many a lesson I learn

And it's roll back down to St. Petersburg
Tie down the trailers and camp 'em
And the money that we made will pay for the space







Come baby, find me, come baby, remind me of where I once begun.
Come baby, show me, show me you know me, tell me you're the one.
I could be learning, you could be yearning to see behind closed doors.
But I will always be emotionally yours.

Come baby, rock me, come baby, lock me into the shadows of your heart.
Come baby, teach me, come baby, reach me, let the music start.
I could be dreaming but I keep believing you're the one I'm livin' for.
And I will always be emotionally yours.

It's like my whole life never happened,
When I see you, it's as if I never had a thought.
I know this dream, it might be crazy,
But it's the only one I've got.

Come baby, shake me, come baby, take me, I would be satisfied.
Come baby, hold me, come baby, help me, my arms are open wide.
I could be unraveling wherever I'm traveling, even to foreign shores.
But I will always be emotionally yours.







I sang the song slowly
As she stood in the shadows
She stepped to the light
As my silver strings spun
She called with her eyes
To the tune I's a-playin'
But the song it was long
And I'd only begun

Through a bullet of light
Her face was reflectin'
The fast fading words
That rolled from my tongue
With a long-distance look
Her eyes was on fire
But the song it was long
And there was more to be sung.

My eyes danced a circle
Across her clear outline
With her head tilted sideways
She called me again
As the tune drifted out
She breathed hard through the echo
But the song it was long
And it was far to the end

I glanced at my guitar
And played it pretendin'
That of all the eyes out there
I could see none
As her thoughts pounded hard
Like the pierce of an arrow
But the song it was long
And it had to get done

As the tune finally folded
I laid down the guitar
Then looked for the girl
Who'd stayed for so long
But her shadow was missin'
For all of my searchin'
So I picked up my guitar
And began the next song






In the time of my confession, in the hour of my deepest need
When the pool of tears beneath my feet flood every newborn seed
There's a dyin' voice within me reaching out somewhere,
Toiling in the danger and in the morals of despair.

Don't have the inclination to look back on any mistake,
Like Cain, I now behold this chain of events that I must break.
In the fury of the moment I can see the Master's hand
In every leaf that trembles, in every grain of sand.

Oh, the flowers of indulgence and the weeds of yesteryear,
Like criminals, they have choked the breath of conscience and good cheer.
The sun beat down upon the steps of time to light the way
To ease the pain of idleness and the memory of decay.

I gaze into the doorway of temptation's angry flame
And every time I pass that way I always hear my name.
Then onward in my journey I come to understand
That every hair is numbered like every grain of sand.

I have gone from rags to riches in the sorrow of the night
In the violence of a summer's dream, in the chill of a wintry light,
In the bitter dance of loneliness fading into space,
In the broken mirror of innocence on each forgotten face.

I hear the ancient footsteps like the motion of the sea
Sometimes I turn, there's someone there, other times it's only me.
I am hanging in the balance of the reality of man
Like every sparrow falling, like every grain of sand.







Broken lines, broken strings,
Broken threads, broken springs,
Broken idols, broken heads,
People sleeping in broken beds.
Ain't no use jiving
Ain't no use joking
Everything is broken.

Broken bottles, broken plates,
Broken switches, broken gates,
Broken dishes, broken parts,
Streets are filled with broken hearts.
Broken words never meant to be spoken,

Seem like every time you stop and turn around
Something else just hit the ground

Broken cutters, broken saws,
Broken buckles, broken laws,
Broken bodies, broken bones,
Broken voices on broken phones.
Take a deep breath, feel like you're chokin',

Every time you leave and go off someplace
Things fall to pieces in my face

Broken hands on broken ploughs,
Broken treaties, broken vows,
Broken pipes, broken tools,
People bending broken rules.
Hound dog howling, bull frog croaking,







Oh it's fare thee well my darlin' true,
I'm leavin' in the first hour of the morn.
I'm bound off for the bay of Mexico
Or maybe the coast of Californ.
So it's fare thee well my own true love,
We'll meet another day, another time.
It ain't the leavin'
That's a-grievin' me
But my true love who's bound to stay behind.

Oh the weather is against me and the wind blows hard
And the rain she's a-turnin' into hail.
I still might strike it lucky on a highway goin' west,
Though I'm travelin' on a path beaten trail.

I will write you a letter from time to time,
As I'm ramblin' you can travel with me too.
With my head, my heart and my hands, my love,
I will send what I learn back home to you.

I will tell you of the laughter and of troubles,
Be them somebody else's or my own.
With my hands in my pockets and my coat collar high,
I will travel unnoticed and unknown.

I've heard tell of a town where I might as well be bound,
It's down around the old Mexican plains.
They say that the people are all friendly there
And all they ask of you is your name.







Farewell Angelina
The bells of the crown
Are being stolen by bandits
I must follow the sound
The triangle tingles
And the trumpet play slow
Farewell Angelina
The sky is on fire
And I must go.

There's no need for anger
There's no need for blame
There's nothing to prove
Ev'rything's still the same
Just a table standing empty
By the edge of the sea
Farewell Angelina
The sky is trembling
And I must leave.

The jacks and queens
Have forsaked the courtyard
Fifty-two gypsies
Now file past the guards
In the space where the deuce
And the ace once ran wild
Farewell Angelina
The sky is folding
I'll see you in a while.

See the cross-eyed pirates sitting
Perched in the sun
Shooting tin cans
With a sawed-off shotgun
And the neighbors they clap
And they cheer with each blast
Farewell Angelina
The sky's changing color
And I must leave fast.

King Kong, little elves
On the rooftoops they dance
Valentino-type tangos
While the make-up man's hands
Shut the eyes of the dead
Not to embarrass anyone
Farewell Angelina
The sky is embarrassed
And I must be gone.

The machine guns are roaring
The puppets heave rocks
The fiends nail time bombs
To the hands of the clocks
Call me any name you like
I will never deny it
Farewell Angelina
The sky is erupting
I must go where it's quiet.







Father of night, Father of day,
Father, who taketh the darkness away,
Father, who teacheth the bird to fly,
Builder of rainbows up in the sky,
Father of loneliness and pain,
Father of love and Father of rain.

Father of day, Father of night,
Father of black, Father of white,
Father, who build the mountain so high,
Who shapeth the cloud up in the sky,
Father of time, Father of dreams,
Father, who turneth the rivers and streams.

Father of grain, Father of wheat,
Father of cold and Father of heat,
Father of air and Father of trees,
Who dwells in our hearts and our memories,
Father of minutes, Father of days,
Father of whom we most solemnly praise.







Down over the window
Comes the dazzling sunlit rays
Through the back alleys - through the blinds
Another one of them endless days

Honeybees are buzzin'
Leaves begin to stir
I'm in love with my second cousin
I tell myself I could be happy forever with her

I keep listenin' for footsteps
But I ain't hearing any
From the boat I fish for bullheads
I catch a lot, sometimes too many

A summer breeze is blowing
A squall is settin' in
Sometimes it's just plain stupid
To get into any kind of wind

The old men 'round here, sometimes they get
On bad terms with the younger men
But old, young, age don't carry weight
It doesn't matter in the end

One of the boss' hangers-on
Comes to call at times you least expect
Try to bully ya - strong arm you - inspire you with fear
It has the opposite effect

There's a new grove of trees on the outskirts of town
The old one is long gone
Timber two-foot six across
Burns with the bark still on

They say times are hard, if you don't believe it
You can just follow your nose
It don't bother me - times are hard everywhere
We'll just have to see how it goes

My old man, he's like some feudal lord
Got more lives than a cat
Never seen him quarrel with my mother even once
Things come alive or they fall flat

You can smell the pine wood burnin'
You can hear the school bell ring
Gotta get up near the teacher if you can
If you wanna learn anything

Romeo, he said to Juliet, "You got a poor complexion.
It doesn't give your appearance a very youthful touch!"
Juliet said back to Romeo, "Why don't you just shove off
If it bothers you so much."

They all got out of here any way they could
The cold rain can give you the shivers
They went down the Ohio, the Cumberland, the Tennessee
All the rest of them rebel rivers

If you ever try to interfere with me or cross my path again
You do so at the peril of your own life
I'm not quite as cool or forgiving as I sound
I've seen enough heartaches and strife

My grandfather was a duck trapper
He could do it with just dragnets and ropes
My grandmother could sew new dresses out of old cloth
I don't know if they had any dreams or hopes

I had 'em once though, I suppose, to go along
With all the ring dancin' Christmas carols on all of the Christmas Eves
I left all my dreams and hopes
Buried under tobacco leaves

It's not always easy kicking someone out
Gotta wait a while - it can be an unpleasant task
Sometimes somebody wants you to give something up
And tears or not, it's too much to ask






Like the lion tears the flesh off of a man
So can a woman who passes herself off as a male
They sang "Danny Boy" at his funeral and the Lord's Prayer
Preacher talking 'bout Christ betrayed
It's like the earth just opened and swallowed him up
He reached too high, was thrown back to the ground
You know what they say about bein' nice to the right people on the way up
Sooner or later you gonna meet them comin' down

Well, there ain't no goin' back when your foot of pride come down
Ain't no goin' back

Hear ya got a brother named James, don't forget faces or names
Sunken cheeks and his blood is mixed
He looked straight into the sun and said revenge is mine
But he drinks, and drinks can be fixed
Sing me one more song, about ya love me to the moon and the stranger
And your fall by the sword love affair with Erroll Flynn
in these times of compassion when conformity's in fashion
Say one more stupid thing to me before the final nail is driven in.

There's a retired businessman named Red, cast down from heaven and he's out of
his head
He feeds off of everyone that he can touch
He said he only deals in cash or sells tickets to a plane crash
He's not somebody that you play around with much
Miss Delilah is his, a Philistine is what she is
She'll do wondrous works with your fate
Feed you coconut bread, spice buns in your bed
If you don't mind sleepin' with your head face down in a grave.

Well they'll choose a man for you to meet tonight
You'll play the fool and learn how to walk through doors
How to enter into the gates of paradise
No, how to carry a burden too heavy to be yours
Yeah, from the stage they'll be tryin' to get water outta rocks
A whore will pass the hat, collect a hundred grand and say thanks
They like to take all this money from sin, build big universities to study in
Sing "Amazing Grace" all the way to the Swiss banks

They got some beautiful people out there, man
They can be a terror to your mind and show you how to hold your tongue
They got mystery written all over their forehead
They kill babies in the crib and say only the good die young
They don't believe in mercy
Judgment on them is something that you'll never see
They can exalt you up or bring you down main route
Turn you into anything that they want you to be

Yes, I guess I loved him too
I can still see him in my mind climbin' that hill
Did he make it to the top, well he probably did and dropped
Struck down by the strength of the will
Ain't nothin' left here partner, just the dust of a plague that has left this
whole town afraid
From now on, this'll be where you're from
Let the dead bury the dead. Your time will come
Let hot iron blow as he raised the shade








May God bless and keep you always,
May your wishes all come true,
May you always do for others
And let others do for you.
May you build a ladder to the stars
And climb on every rung,
May you stay forever young,
Forever young, forever young,
May you stay forever young.

May you grow up to be righteous,
May you grow up to be true,
May you always know the truth
And see the lights surrounding you.
May you always be courageous,
Stand upright and be strong,

May your hands always be busy,
May your feet always be swift,
May you have a strong foundation
When the winds of changes shift.
May your heart always be joyful,
May your song always be sung,







I got this graveyard woman, you know she keeps my kid
But my soulful mama, you know she keeps me hid
She's a junkyard angel and she always gives me bread
Well, if I go down dyin', you know she bound to put a blanket on my bed.

Well, when the pipeline gets broken and I'm lost on the river bridge
I'm cracked up on the highway and on the water's edge
She comes down the thruway ready to sew me up with thread
Well, if I go down dyin', you know she bound to put a blanket on my bed.

Well, she don't make me nervous, she don't talk too much
She walks like Bo Diddley and she don't need no crutch
She keeps this four-ten all loaded with lead
Well, if I go down dyin', you know she bound to put a blanket on my bed.

Well, you know I need a steam shovel mama to keep away the dead
I need a dump truck mama to unload my head
She brings me everything and more, and just like I said
Well, if I go down dyin', you know she bound to put a blanket on my bed.






Of war and peace the truth just twists
Its curfew gull just glides
Upon four-legged forest clouds
The cowboy angel rides
With his candle lit into the sun
Though its glow is waxed in black
All except when 'neath the trees of Eden

The lamppost stands with folded arms
Its iron claws attached
To curbs 'neath holes where babies wail
Though it shadows metal badge
All and all can only fall
With a crashing but meaningless blow
No sound ever comes from the Gates of Eden

The savage soldier sticks his head in sand
And then complains
Unto the shoeless hunter who's gone deaf
But still remains
Upon the beach where hound dogs bay
At ships with tattooed sails
Heading for the Gates of Eden

With a time-rusted compass blade
Aladdin and his lamp
Sits with Utopian hermit monks
Side saddle on the Golden Calf
And on their promises of paradise
You will not hear a laugh
All except inside the Gates of Eden

Relationships of ownership
They whisper in the wings
To those condemned to act accordingly
And wait for succeeding kings
And I try to harmonize with songs
The lonesome sparrow sings
There are no kings inside the Gates of Eden

The motorcycle black madonna
Two-wheeled gypsy queen
And her silver-studded phantom cause
The gray flannel dwarf to scream
As he weeps to wicked birds of prey
Who pick up on his bread crumb sins
And there are no sins inside the Gates of Eden

The kingdoms of Experience
In the precious wind they rot
While paupers change possessions
Each one wishing for what the other has got
And the princess and the prince
Discuss what's real and what is not
It doesn't matter inside the Gates of Eden

The foreign sun, it squints upon
A bed that is never mine
As friends and other strangers
From their fates try to resign
Leaving men wholly, totally free
To do anything they wish to do but die
And there are no trials inside the Gates of Eden

At dawn my lover comes to me
And tells me of her dreams
With no attempts to shovel the glimpse
Into the ditch of what each one means
At times I think there are no words
But these to tell what's true
And there are no truths outside the Gates of Eden






I woke up this mornin',
There were tears in my bed.
They killed a man I really loved
Shot him through the head.
Lord, Lord,
They cut George Jackson down.
Lord, Lord,
They laid him in the ground.

Sent him off to prison
For a seventy-dollar robbery.
Closed the door behind him
And they threw away the key.

He wouldn't take shit from no one
He wouldn't bow down or kneel.
Authorities, they hated him
Because he was just too real.

Prison guards, they cursed him
As they watched him from above
But they were frightened of his power
They were scared of his love.

Sometimes I think this whole world
Is one big prison yard.
Some of us are prisoners
The rest of us are guards.







You know, there's two ol' maids layin' in the bed,
One picked herself up an' the other one, she said:
"Get your rocks off!
Get your rocks off! (Get 'em off!)
Get your rocks off! (Get 'em off!)
Get your rocks off-a me! (Get 'em off!)"

Well, you know, there late one night up on Blueberry Hill,
One man turned to the other man and said, with a blood-curdlin' chill, he said:

Well, you know, we was layin' down around Mink Muscle Creek,
One man said to the other man, he began to speak, he said:

Well, you know, we was cruisin' down the highway in a Greyhound bus.
All kinds-a children in the side road, they was hollerin' at us, sayin':







Well, if you're travelin' in the north country fair,
Where the winds hit heavy on the borderline,
Remember me to one who lives there.
She once was a true love of mine.

Well, if you go when the snowflakes storm,
When the rivers freeze and summer ends,
Please see if she's wearing a coat so warm,
To keep her from the howlin' winds.

Please see for me if her hair hangs long,
If it rolls and flows all down her breast.
Please see for me if her hair hangs long,
That's the way I remember her best.

I'm a-wonderin' if she remembers me at all.
Many times I've often prayed
In the darkness of my night,
In the brightness of my day.

So if you're travelin' in the north country fair,
Where the winds hit heavy on the borderline,
Remember me to one who lives there.
She once was a true love of mine.







Go 'way little boy
I'm not for you
Go back to her
Where you'll be more secure
She knows you better than I do
Go 'way little boy
I'm not for you

Go 'way little boy
You're making me sad
I don't wanna to see you bleed
She's the one that you need
You'll never miss what you ain't never had
Go 'way little boy
You're making me sad

Go 'way little boy
It's much too late
Walk back out the door
Don't wanna see you here no more
You're making it hard for me to concentrate
Go 'way little boy
It's much too late

Can't you hear your mama callin'
Don't you recognize her voice
I think you'd better heed her warning
While you still have the choice

Go 'way little boy
You're much too late
Your future's lookin' bright
Don't throw it away tonight
It's getting hard for me to look you in the eye
Go 'way little boy
Can't you see that you're makin' me cry






God knows you ain't pretty,
God knows it's true.
God knows there ain't anybody
Ever gonna take the place of you.

God knows it's a struggle,
God knows it's a crime,
God knows there's gonna be no more water
But fire next time.

God didn't call it treason,
God didn't call it wrong,
It was supposed to last a season
But it's been so strong for so long.

God knows it's fragile,
God knows everything,
God knows it could snap apart right now
Just like putting scissors to a string.

God knows it's terrifying,
God sees it all unfold,
There's a million reasons for you to be crying
You been so bold and so cold.

God knows that when you see it,
God knows you've got to weep,
God knows the secrets of your heart,
He'll tell them to you when you're asleep.

God knows there's a river,
God knows how to make it flow,
God knows you ain't gonna be taking
Nothing with you when you go.

God knows there's a purpose,
God knows there's a chance,
God knows you can rise above the darkest hour
Of any circumstance.

God knows there's a heaven,
God knows it's out of sight,
God knows we can get all the way from here to there
Even if we've got to walk a million miles by candlelight.







I'm going down to Rose Marie's
She never does me wrong.
She puts it to me plain as day
And gives it to me for a song.

It's a wicked life but what the hell
The stars ain't falling down.
I'm standing outside the Taj Mahal
I don't see no one around.

Goin' to Acapulco
Goin' on the run.
Goin' down to see fat gut
Goin' to have some fun.
Yeah
Goin' to have some fun.

Now, whenever I get up
And I ain't got what I see
I just make it down to Rose Marie's
'Bout a quarter after three.

There are worse ways of getting there
And I ain't complainin' none.
If the clouds don't drop and the train don't stop
I'm bound to meet the sun.

Now, if someone offers me a joke
I just say no thanks.
I try to tell it like it is
And keep away from pranks.

Well, sometime you know when the well breaks down
I just go pump on it some.
Rose Marie, she likes to go to big places
And just set there waitin' for me to come.








I've just reached a place
Where the willow don't bend.
There's not much more to be said
It's the top of the end.
I'm going,
I'm going,
I'm gone.

I'm closin' the book
On the pages and the text
And I don't really care
What happens next.

I been hangin' on threads,
I been playin' it straight,
Now, I've just got to cut loose
Before it gets late.

Grandma said, "Boy, go and follow your heart
And you'll be fine at the end of the line.
All that's gold isn't meant to shine.
Don't you and your one true love ever part."

I been walkin' the road,
I been livin' on the edge,
Now, I've just got to go
Before I get to the ledge.







Smoky autumn night, stars up in the sky,
I see the sailin' boats across the bay go by.
Eucalyptus trees hang above the street
And then I turn my head, for you're approachin' me.
Moonlight on the water, fisherman's daughter, floatin' in to my room
With a golden loom.

First we wash our feet near the immortal shrine
And then our shadows meet and then we drink the wine.
I see the hungry clouds up above your face
And then the tears roll down, what a bitter taste.
And then you drift away on a summer's day where the wildflowers bloom
With your golden loom.

I walk across the bridge in the dismal light
Where all the cars are stripped between the gates of night.
I see the trembling lion with the lotus flower tail
And then I kiss your lips as I lift your veil.
But you're gone and then all I seem to recall is the smell of perfume
And your golden loom.






Gonna change my way of thinking,
Make myself a different set of rules.
Gonna put my good foot forward,
And stop being influenced by fools.

So much oppression,
Can't keep track of it no more.
Sons becoming husbands to their mothers,
And old men turning young daughters into whores.

Stripes on your shoulders,
Stripes on your back and on your hands.
Swords piercing your side,
Blood and water flowing through the land.

Well don't know which one is worse,
Doing your own thing or just being cool.
You remember only about the brass ring,
You forget all about the golden rule.

You can mislead a man,
You can take ahold of his heart with your eyes.
But there's only one authority,
And that's the authority on high.

I got a God-fearing woman,
One I can easily afford.
She can do the Georgia crawl,
She can walk in the spirit of the Lord.

Jesus said, "Be ready,
For you know not the hour in which I come."
He said, "He who is not for Me is against Me,"
Just so you know where He's coming from.

There's a kingdom called Heaven,
A place where there is no pain of birth.
Well the Lord created it, mister,
About the same time He made the earth.







Don't ever try to change me,
I been in this thing too long.
There's nothin' you can say or do
To make me think I'm wrong.

Well, I'm goin' off to Libya,
There's a guy I gotta see.
He's been living there three years now,
In an oil refinery.
I've got my mind made up.
Oh, I 've got my mind made up.

Call your Ma in Tallahassee
Tell her her baby's on the line.
Tell her not to worry
Everything is gonna be fine.

Well, I gave you all my money
All my connections, too.
There ain't nothin' in this world, girl
You can say I didn't give to you.

You will be alright, girl,
Someone's watchin' over you.
He won't do nothin' to you
Baby that I wouldn't do.

Well, if you don't want to see me,
Look the other way.
You don't have to feed me,
I ain't your dog that's gone astray.







You may be an ambassador to England or France,
You may like to gamble, you might like to dance,
You may be the heavyweight champion of the world,
You may be a socialite with a long string of pearls

But you're gonna have to serve somebody, yes indeed
You're gonna have to serve somebody,
Well, it may be the devil or it may be the Lord
But you're gonna have to serve somebody.

You might be a rock 'n' roll addict prancing on the stage,
You might have drugs at your command, women in a cage,
You may be a business man or some high degree thief,
They may call you Doctor or they may call you Chief

You may be a state trooper, you might be a young Turk,
You may be the head of some big TV network,
You may be rich or poor, you may be blind or lame,
You may be living in another country under another name

You may be a construction worker working on a home,
You may be living in a mansion or you might live in a dome,
You might own guns and you might even own tanks,
You might be somebody's landlord, you might even own banks

You may be a preacher with your spiritual pride,
You may be a city councilman taking bribes on the side,
You may be workin' in a barbershop, you may know how to cut hair,
You may be somebody's mistress, may be somebody's heir

Might like to wear cotton, might like to wear silk,
Might like to drink whiskey, might like to drink milk,
You might like to eat caviar, you might like to eat bread,
You may be sleeping on the floor, sleeping in a king-sized bed

You may call me Terry, you may call me Timmy,
You may call me Bobby, you may call me Zimmy,
You may call me R.J., you may call me Ray,
You may call me anything but no matter what you say







Well, I ain't got my childhood
Or friends I once did know.
But I still got my voice left,
I can take it anywhere I go.
Hey, hey, so I guess I'm doin' fine.

And I've never had much money
But I'm still around somehow.
Many times I've bended
But I ain't never yet bowed.

Trouble, oh trouble,
I've trouble on my mind
But the trouble in the world, Lord,
Is much more bigger than mine.

And I never had no armies
To jump at my command.
But I don't need no armies,
I got me one good friend.

I been kicked and whipped and trampled on,
I been shot at just like you.
But as long as the world keeps a-turnin',
I just keep a-turnin' too.

Well, my road might be rocky,
The stones might cut my face.
But as some folks ain't got no road at all,
They gotta stand in the same old place.







If you getcha one girl, better get two
Case you run into Gypsy Lou
She's a ramblin' woman with a ramblin' mind
Always leavin' somebody behind.
Hey, 'round the bend
Gypsy Lou's gone again

Well, I seen the whole country through
Just to find Gypsy Lou
Seen it up, seen it down
Followin' Gypsy Lou around.

Well, I gotta stop and take some rest
My poor feet are second best
My poor feet are wearin' thin
Gypsy Lou's gone again.

Well, seen her up in old Cheyenne
Turned my head and away she ran
From Denver Town to Wichita
Last I heard she's in Arkansas.

Well, I tell you what if you what if you want to do
Tell you what, you'll wear out your shoes
If you want to wear out your shoes
Try and follow Gypsy Lou.

Well, Gypsy Lou, I been told
Livin' down on Gallus Road
Gallus Road, Arlington
Moved away to Washington.

Well, I went down to Washington
Then she went to Oregon
I skipped the ground and hopped a train
She's back in Gallus Road again.
Hey, I can't win

Well, the last I heard of Gypsy Lou
She's in a Memphis calaboose
She left one too many a boy behind
He committed suicide.
Hey, you can't win







I got to see you baby, I don't care
It may be someplace, baby, you say where.

I had a dream about you, baby
Had a dream about you, baby
Late last night you come a-rollin' across my mind

You got the crazy rhythm when you walk
You make me nervous when you start to talk

Standin' on the highway, you flag me down
Said, take me daddy, to the nearest town

The joint is jumpin'
It's really somethin'
The beat is pumpin'
My heart is thumpin'
Spent my money on you honey
My limbs are shakin'
My heart is breakin'

You kiss me, baby, in the coffee shop
You make me nervous, you gotta stop

You got a rag wrapped around your head
Wearing a long dress fire engine red







Handy dandy, controversy surrounds him
He been around the world and back again
Something in the moonlight still hounds him
Handy dandy, just like sugar and candy

Handy dandy, if every bone in his body was broken he would never admit it
He got an all girl orchestra and when he says
"Strike up the band", they hit it
Handy dandy, handy dandy

You say, "What are ya made of?"
He says, "Can you repeat what you said?"
You'll say, "What are you afraid of?"
He'll say, "Nothin' neither 'live nor dead."

Handy dandy, he got a stick in his hand and a pocket full of money
He says, "Darling, tell me the truth, how much time I got?"
She says, "You got all the time in the world, honey."
Handy dandy, Handy dandy

He's got that clear crystal fountain
He's got that soft silky skin
He's got that fortress on the mountain
With no doors, no windows, no thieves can break in

Handy dandy, sitting with a girl named Nancy in a garden feelin' kind of lazy
He says, "Ya want a gun? I'll give you one." She says, "Boy, you talking crazy."
Handy dandy, just like sugar and candy
Handy dandy, pour him another brandy

Handy dandy, he got a basket of flowers and a bag full or sorrow
He finishes his drink, he gets up from the table he says,
"Okay, boys, I'll see you tomorrow."
Handy dandy, handy dandy, just like sugar and candy
Handy dandy, just like sugar and candy







Come you ladies and you gentlemen, a-listen to my song.
Sing it to you right, but you might think it's wrong.
Just a little glimpse of a story I'll tell
"Bout an East Coast city that you all know well.
It's hard times in the city,
Livin' down in New York town.

Old New York City is a friendly old town,
From Washington Heights to Harlem on down.
There's a-mighty many people all millin' all around,
They'll kick you when you're up and knock you when you're down.

It's a mighty long ways from the Golden Gate
To Rockefeller Plaza n' the Empire State.
Mister Rockefeller sets up as high as a bird,
Old Mister Empire never says a word.
It's hard times from the country,

Well, it's up in the mornin' tryin' to find a job of work.
Stand in one place till your feet begin to hurt.
If you got a lot o' money you can make yourself merry,
If you only got a nickel, it's the Staten Island Ferry.

Mister Hudson come a-sailin' down the stream
And old Mister Minuet paid for his dream.
Bought your city on a one-way track,
'F I had my way I'd sell it right back.

I'll take all the smog in Cal-i-for-ne-ay,
'N' every bit of dust in the Oklahoma plains,
'N' the dirt in the caves of the Rocky Mountain mines.
It's all much cleaner than the New York kind.

So all you newsy people, spread the news around,
You c'n listen to m' story, listen to m' song.
You c'n step on my name, you c'n try 'n' get me beat,
When I leave New York, I'll be standin' on my feet.







Hazel, dirty-blonde hair
I wouldn't be ashamed to be seen with you anywhere.
You got something I want plenty of
Ooh, a little touch of your love.

Hazel, stardust in your eye
You're goin' somewhere and so am I.
I'd give you the sky high above

Oh no, I don't need any reminder
To know how much I really care
But it's just making me blinder and blinder
Because I'm up on a hill and still you're not there.

Hazel, you called and I came,
Now don't make me play this waiting game.
You've got something I want plenty of







He was a friend of mine
Every time I think about him now
Lord I just can't keep from cryin'
'Cause he was a friend of mine

He died on the road
He never had enough money
To pay his room or board

I stole away and cried
'Cause I never had too much money
And I never been quite satisfied

He never done no wrong
A thousand miles from home
And he never harmed no one

He was a friend of mine
Every time I hear his name
Lord I just can't keep from cryin'







Heart of mine be still,
You can play with fire but you'll get the bill.
Don't let her know
Don't let her know that you love her.
Don't be a fool, don't be blind
Heart of mine.

Heart of mine go back home,
You got no reason to wander, you got no reason to roam.
Don't let her see
Don't let her see that you need her.
Don't put yourself over the line

Heart of mine go back where you been,
It'll only be trouble for you if you let her in.
Don't let her hear
Don't let her hear you want her.
Don't let her know she's so fine

Heart of mine you know that she'll never be true,
She'll only give to others the love that she's gotten from you.
Don't let her know
Don't let her know where you're going.
Don't untie the ties that bind

Heart of mine so malicious and so full of guile,
Give you an inch and you'll take a mile.
Don't let yourself fall Don't let yourself stumble.
If you can't do the time, don't do the crime







There's a home place under fire tonight in the Heartland
And the bankers are takin' my home and my land from me
There's a big achin' hole in my chest now where my heart was
And a hole in the sky where God used to be

There's a well with water so bitter nobody can drink
Ain't no way to get high and my mouth is so dry that I can't speak
Don't they know that I'm dyin', Why nobody cryin' for me?

My American dream
Fell apart at the seams.
You tell me what it means,








Yes, the gal I got
I swear she's the screaming end
She wants me to be a hero
So she can tell all her friends

Well, she begged, she cried
She pleaded with me all last night
She wants me to go out
And find somebody to fight

She reads too many books
She got new movies inside her head
She wants me to walk out running
She wants me to crawl back dead

You need a different kinda man, babe
One that can grab and hold your heart
You need a different kind of man, babe
You need Napoleon Boneeparte

Well, when I'm dead
No more good times will I crave
You can stand and shout hero
All over my lonesome grave







High water risin' - risin' night and day
All the gold and silver are being stolen away
Big Joe Turner lookin' East and West
From the dark room of his mind
He made it to Kansas City
Twelfth Street and Vine
Nothing standing there
High water everywhere

High water risin', the shacks are slidin' down
Folks lose their possessions - folks are leaving town
Bertha Mason shook it - broke it
Then she hung it on a wall
Says, "You're dancin' with whom they tell you to
Or you don't dance at all."
It's tough out there

I got a cravin' love for blazing speed
Got a hopped up Mustang Ford
Jump into the wagon, love, throw your panties overboard
I can write you poems, make a strong man lose his mind
I'm no pig without a wig
I hope you treat me kind
Things are breakin' up out there

High water risin', six inches 'bove my head
Coffins droppin' in the street
Like balloons made out of lead
Water pourin' into Vicksburg, don't know what I'm going to do
"Don't reach out for me," she said
"Can't you see I'm drownin' too?"
It's rough out there

Well, George Lewis told the Englishman, the Italian and the Jew
"You can't open your mind, boys
To every conceivable point of view."
They got Charles Darwin trapped out there on Highway Five
Judge says to the High Sheriff,
"I want him dead or alive
Either one, I don't care."

The Cuckoo is a pretty bird, she warbles as she flies
I'm preachin' the Word of God
I'm puttin' out your eyes
I asked Fat Nancy for something to eat, she said, "Take it off the shelf -
As great as you are a man,
You'll never be greater than yourself."
I told her I didn't really care

I'm getting' up in the morning - I believe I'll dust my broom
Keeping away from the women
I'm givin' 'em lots of room
Thunder rolling over Clarksdale, everything is looking blue
I just can't be happy, love
Unless you're happy too
It's bad out there







Well my heart's in the Highlands gentle and fair
Honeysuckle blooming in the wildwood air
Bluebelles blazing, where the Aberdeen waters flow
Well my heart's in the Highland,
I'm gonna go there when I feel good enough to go

Windows were shakin' all night in my dreams
Everything was exactly the way that it seems
Woke up this morning and I looked at the same old page
Same ol' rat race
Life in the same ol' cage.

I don't want nothing from anyone, ain't that much to take
Wouldn't know the difference between a real blonde and a fake
Feel like a prisoner in a world of mystery
I wish someone would come
And push back the clock for me

Well my heart's in the Highlands wherever I roam
That's where I'll be when I get called home
The wind, it whispers to the buckeyed trees in rhyme
Well my heart's in the Highland,
I can only get there one step at a time.

I'm listening to Neil Young, I gotta turn up the sound
Someone's always yelling turn it down
Feel like I'm drifting
Drifting from scene the scene
I'm wondering what in the devil could it all possibly mean?

Insanity is smashing up against my soul
You can say I was on anything but a roll
If I had a conscience, well I just might blow my top
What would I do with it anyway
Maybe take it to the pawn shop

My heart's in the Highlands at the break of dawn
By the beautiful lake of the Black Swan
Big white clouds, like chariots that swing down low
Well my heart's in the Highlands
Only place left to go

I'm in Boston town, in some restaurant
I got no idea what I want
Well, maybe I do but I'm just really not sure
Waitress comes over
Nobody in the place but me and her

It must be a holiday, there's nobody around
She studies me closely as I sit down
She got a pretty face and long white shiny legs
She says, "What'll it be?"
I say, "I don't know, you got any soft boiled eggs?"

She looks at me, Says "I'd bring you some
but we're out of 'm, you picked the wrong time to come"
Then she says, "I know you're an artist, draw a picture of me!"
I say, "I would if I could, but,
I don't do sketches from memory."

"Well", she says, "I'm right here in front of you, or haven't you looked?"
I say," all right, I know, but I don't have my drawing book!"
She gives me a napkin, she says, "you can do it on that"
I say, "yes I could but,
I don't know where my pencil is at!"

She pulls one out from behind her ear
She says "all right now, go ahead, draw me, I'm standing right here"
I make a few lines, and I show it for her to see
Well she takes a napkin and throws it back
And says "that don't look a thing like me!"

I said, "Oh, kind miss, it most certainly does"
She says, "you must be jokin'" I say, "I wish I was!"
Then she says, "you don't read women authors, do you?"
Least that's what I think I hear her say,
"Well", I say, "how would you know and what would it matter anyway?"

"Well", she says, "you just don't seem like you do!"
I said, "you're way wrong."
She says, "which ones have you read then?" I say, "I read Erica Jong!"
She goes away for a minute and I slide up out of my chair
I step outside back to the busy street, but nobody's going anywhere

Well my heart's in the Highlands, with the horses and hounds
Way up in the border country, far from the towns
With the twang of the arrow and a snap of the bow
My heart's in the Highlands
Can't see any other way to go

Every day is the same thing out the door
Feel further away then ever before
Some things in life, it gets too late to learn
Well, I'm lost somewhere
I must have made a few bad turns

I see people in the park forgetting their troubles and woes
They're drinking and dancing, wearing bright colored clothes
All the young men with their young women looking so good
Well, I'd trade places with any of them
In a minute, if I could

I'm crossing the street to get away from a mangy dog
Talking to myself in a monologue
I think what I need might be a full length leather coat
Somebody just asked me
If I registered to vote

The sun is beginning to shine on me
But it's not like the sun that used to be
The party's over, and there's less and less to say
I got new eyes
Everything looks far away

Well, my heart's in the Highlands at the break of day
Over the hills and far away
There's a way to get there, and I'll figure it out somehow
But I'm already there in my mind
And that's good enough for now






Oh God said to Abraham, "Kill me a son"
Abe says, "Man, you must be puttin' me on"
God say, "No." Abe say, "What?"
God say, "You can do what you want Abe, but
The next time you see me comin' you better run"
Well Abe says, "Where do you want this killin' done?"
God says, "Out on Highway 61."

Well Georgia Sam he had a bloody nose
Welfare Department they wouldn't give him no clothes
He asked poor Howard where can I go
Howard said there's only one place I know
Sam said tell me quick man I got to run
Ol' Howard just pointed with his gun
And said that way down on Highway 61.

Well Mack the Finger said to Louie the King
I got forty red white and blue shoe strings
And a thousand telephones that don't ring
Do you know where I can get rid of these things
And Louie the King said let me think for a minute son
And he said yes I think it can be easily done
Just take everything down to Highway 61.

Now the fifth daughter on the twelfth night
Told the first father that things weren't right
My complexion she said is much too white
He said come here and step into the light he says hmm you're right
Let me tell the second mother this has been done
But the second mother was with the seventh son
And they were both out on Highway 61.

Now the rovin' gambler he was very bored
He was tryin' to create a next world war
He found a promoter who nearly fell off the floor
He said I never engaged in this kind of thing before
But yes I think it can be very easily done
We'll just put some bleachers out in the sun
And have it on Highway 61.






Well, I'm stranded in the city that never sleeps
Some of these women they just give me the creeps
I'm avoidin' the Southside the best I can
These memories I got, they can strangle a man

Well I came ashore in the dead of the night
Lot of things can get in the way when you're tryin' to do what's right
You don't understand it - my feelings for you
You'd be honest with me if only you knew

I'm not sorry for nothin' I've done
I'm glad I fought - I only wish we'd won
The Siamese twins are comin' to town
People can't wait - they're gathered around

When I left my home the sky split open wide
I never wanted to go back there - I'd rather have died
You don't understand it - my feelings for you
You'd be honest with me if only you knew

My woman got a face like a teddy bear
She's tossin' a baseball bat in the air
The meat is so tough you can't cut it with a sword
I'm crashin' my car, trunk first into the boards

You say my eyes are pretty and my smile is nice
Well, I'll sell it to ya at a reduced price
You don't understand it - my feelings for you
You'd be honest with me, if only you knew

Some things are too terrible to be true
I won't come here no more if it bothers you
The Southern Pacific leaving at nine forty-five
I'm having a hard time believin' some people were ever alive

I'm stark naked, but I don't care
I'm going off into the woods, I'm huntin' bare
You don't understand it - my feelings for you
Well, you'd be honest with me if only you knew

I'm here to create the new imperial empire
I'm going to do whatever circumstances require
I care so much for you - didn't think that I could
I can't tell my heart that you're no good

Well, my parents they warned me not to waste my years
And I still got their advice oozing out of my ears
You don't understand it - my feelings for you
Well, you'd be honest with me if only you knew






Honey, just allow me one more chance
To get along with you.
Honey, just allow me one more chance,
Ah'll do anything with you.
Well, I'm a-walkin' down the road
With my head in my hand,
I'm lookin' for a woman
Needs a worried man.
Just-a one kind favor I ask you,
'Low me just-a one more chance.

Honey, just allow me one more chance
To ride your aeroplane.
Honey, just allow me one more chance
To ride your passenger train.
Well, I've been lookin' all over
For a gal like you,
I can't find nobody
So you'll have to do.

Honey, just allow me one more chance
To get along with you.
Honey, just allow me one more chance,
Ah'll do anything with you.
Well, lookin' for a woman
That ain't got no man,
Is just lookin' for a needle
That is lost in the sand.







Pistol shots ring out in the barroom night
Enter Patty Valentine from the upper hall.
She sees the bartender in a pool of blood,
Cries out, "My God, they killed them all!"
Here comes the story of the Hurricane,
The man the authorities came to blame
For somethin' that he never done.
Put in a prison cell, but one time he could-a been
The champion of the world.

Three bodies lyin' there does Patty see
And another man named Bello, movin' around mysteriously.
"I didn't do it," he says, and he throws up his hands
"I was only robbin' the register, I hope you understand.
I saw them leavin'," he says, and he stops
"One of us had better call up the cops."
And so Patty calls the cops
And they arrive on the scene with their red lights flashin'
In the hot New Jersey night.

Meanwhile, far away in another part of town
Rubin Carter and a couple of friends are drivin' around.
Number one contender for the middleweight crown
Had no idea what kinda shit was about to go down
When a cop pulled him over to the side of the road
Just like the time before and the time before that.
In Paterson that's just the way things go.
If you're black you might as well not show up on the street
'Less you wanna draw the heat.

Alfred Bello had a partner and he had a rap for the cops.
Him and Arthur Dexter Bradley were just out prowlin' around
He said, "I saw two men runnin' out, they looked like middleweights
They jumped into a white car with out-of-state plates."
And Miss Patty Valentine just nodded her head.
Cop said, "Wait a minute, boys, this one's not dead"
So they took him to the infirmary
And though this man could hardly see
They told him that he could identify the guilty men.

Four in the mornin' and they haul Rubin in,
Take him to the hospital and they bring him upstairs.
The wounded man looks up through his one dyin' eye
Says, "Wha'd you bring him in here for? He ain't the guy!"
Yes, here's the story of the Hurricane,
The man the authorities came to blame
For somethin' that he never done.
Put in a prison cell, but one time he could-a been
The champion of the world.

Four months later, the ghettos are in flame,
Rubin's in South America, fightin' for his name
While Arthur Dexter Bradley's still in the robbery game
And the cops are puttin' the screws to him, lookin' for somebody to blame.
"Remember that murder that happened in a bar?"
"Remember you said you saw the getaway car?"
"You think you'd like to play ball with the law?"
"Think it might-a been that fighter that you saw runnin' that night?"
"Don't forget that you are white."

Arthur Dexter Bradley said, "I'm really not sure."
Cops said, "A poor boy like you could use a break
We got you for the motel job and we're talkin' to your friend Bello
Now you don't wanta have to go back to jail, be a nice fellow.
You'll be doin' society a favor.
That sonofabitch is brave and gettin' braver.
We want to put his ass in stir
We want to pin this triple murder on him
He ain't no Gentleman Jim."

Rubin could take a man out with just one punch
But he never did like to talk about it all that much.
It's my work, he'd say, and I do it for pay
And when it's over I'd just as soon go on my way
Up to some paradise
Where the trout streams flow and the air is nice
And ride a horse along a trail.
But then they took him to the jailhouse
Where they try to turn a man into a mouse.

All of Rubin's cards were marked in advance
The trial was a pig-circus, he never had a chance.
The judge made Rubin's witnesses drunkards from the slums
To the white folks who watched he was a revolutionary bum
And to the black folks he was just a crazy nigger.
No one doubted that he pulled the trigger.
And though they could not produce the gun,
The D.A. said he was the one who did the deed
And the all-white jury agreed.

Rubin Carter was falsely tried.
The crime was murder "one," guess who testified?
Bello and Bradley and they both baldly lied
And the newspapers, they all went along for the ride.
How can the life of such a man
Be in the palm of some fool's hand?
To see him obviously framed
Couldn't help but make me feel ashamed to live in a land
Where justice is a game.

Now all the criminals in their coats and their ties
Are free to drink martinis and watch the sun rise
While Rubin sits like Buddha in a ten-foot cell
An innocent man in a living hell.
That's the story of the Hurricane,
But it won't be over till they clear his name
And give him back the time he's done.
Put in a prison cell, but one time he could-a been
The champion of the world.







I am a lonesome hobo
Without family or friends,
Where another man's life might begin,
That's exactly where mine ends.
I have tried my hand at bribery,
Blackmail and deceit,
And I've served time for ev'rything
'Cept beggin' on the street.

Well, once I was rather prosperous,
There was nothing I did lack.
I had fourteen-karat gold in my mouth
And silk upon my back.
But I did not trust my brother,
I carried him to blame,
Which led me to my fatal doom,
To wander off in shame.

Kind ladies and kind gentlemen,
Soon I will be gone,
But let me just warn you all,
Before I do pass on;
Stay free from petty jealousies,
Live by no man's code,
And hold your judgment for yourself
Lest you wind up on this road.







Been so long since a strange woman has slept in my bed.
Look how sweet she sleeps, how free must be her dreams.
In another lifetime she must have owned the world, or been faithfully wed
To some righteous king who wrote psalms beside moonlit streams.

I and I
In creation where one's nature neither honors nor forgives.
I and I
One says to the other, no man sees my face and lives.

Think I'll go out and go for a walk,
Not much happenin' here, nothin' ever does.
Besides, if she wakes up now, she'll just want me to talk
I got nothin' to say, 'specially about whatever was.

Took an untrodden path once, where the swift don't win the race,
It goes to the worthy, who can divide the word of truth.
Took a stranger to teach me, to look into justice's beautiful face
And to see an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.

Outside of two men on a train platform there's nobody in sight,
They're waiting for spring to come, smoking down the track.
The world could come to an end tonight, but that's all right.
She should still be there sleepin' when I get back.

Noontime, and I'm still pushin' myself along the road, the darkest part,
Into the narrow lanes, I can't stumble or stay put.
Someone else is speakin' with my mouth, but I'm listening only to my heart.
I've made shoes for everyone, even you, while I still go barefoot.







They ask me how I feel
And if my love is real
And how I know I'll make it through.
And they, they look at me and frown,
They'd like to drive me from this town,
They don't want me around
'Cause I believe in you.

They show me to the door,
They say don't come back no more
'Cause I don't be like they'd like me to,
And I walk out on my own
A thousand miles from home
But I don't feel alone

I believe in you even through the tears and the laughter,
I believe in you even though we be apart.
I believe in you even on the morning after.
Oh, when the dawn is nearing
Oh, when the night is disappearing
Oh, this feeling is still here in my heart.

Don't let me drift too far,
Keep me where you are
Where I will always be renewed.
And that which you've given me today
Is worth more than I could pay
And no matter what they say

I believe in you when winter turn to summer,
I believe in you when white turn to black,
I believe in you even though I be outnumbered.
Oh, though the earth may shake me
Oh, though my friends forsake me
Oh, even that couldn't make me go back.

Don't let me change my heart,
Keep me set apart
From all the plans they do pursue.
And I, I don't mind the pain
Don't mind the driving rain
I know I will sustain







I can't understand,
She let go of my hand
An' left me here facing the wall.
I'd sure like t' know
Why she did go,
But I can't get close t' her at all.
Though we kissed through the wild blazing nighttime,
She said she would never forget.
But now mornin's clear,
It's like I ain't here,
She just acts like we never have met.

It's all new t' me,
Like some mystery,
It could even be like a myth.
Yet it's hard t' think on,
That she's the same one
That last night I was with.
From darkness, dreams're deserted,
Am I still dreamin' yet?
I wish she'd unlock
Her voice once an' talk,
'Stead of acting like we never have met.

If she ain't feelin' well,
Then why don't she tell
'Stead of turnin' her back t' my face?
Without any doubt,
She seems too far out
For me t' return t' her chase.
Though the night ran swirling an' whirling,
I remember her whispering yet.
But evidently she don't
An' evidently she won't,

If I didn't have t' guess,
I'd gladly confess
T' anything I might've tried.
If I was with 'er too long
Or have done something wrong,
I wish she'd tell me what it is, I'll run an' hide.
Though her skirt it swayed as a guitar played,
Her mouth was watery and wet.
But now something has changed
For she ain't the same,

I'm leavin' today,
I'll be on my way
Of this I can't say very much.
But if you want me to,
I can be just like you
An' pretend that we never have touched.
An' if anybody asks me, "Is it easy to forget?"
I'll say, "It's easily done,
You just pick anyone,
An' pretend that you never have met!"







I dreamed I saw St. Augustine,
Alive as you or me,
Tearing through these quarters
In the utmost misery,
With a blanket underneath his arm
And a coat of solid gold,
Searching for the very souls
Whom already have been sold.

"Arise, arise," he cried so loud,
In a voice without restraint,
"Come out, ye gifted kings and queens
And hear my sad complaint.
No martyr is among ye now
Whom you can call your own,
So go on your way accordingly
But know you're not alone."

I dreamed I saw St. Augustine,
Alive with fiery breath,
And I dreamed I was amongst the ones
That put him out to death.
Oh, I awoke in anger,
So alone and terrified,
I put my fingers against the glass
And bowed my head and cried.







I pity the poor immigrant
Who wishes he would've stayed home,
Who uses all his power to do evil
But in the end is always left so alone.
That man whom with his fingers cheats
And who lies with ev'ry breath,
Who passionately hates his life
And likewise, fears his death.

Whose strength is spent in vain,
Whose heaven is like Ironsides,
Whose tears are like rain,
Who eats but is not satisfied,
Who hears but does not see,
Who falls in love with wealth itself
And turns his back on me.

Who tramples through the mud,
Who fills his mouth with laughing
And who builds his town with blood,
Whose visions in the final end
Must shatter like the glass.
I pity the poor immigrant
When his gladness comes to pass.






Well, I took me a woman late last night,
I's three-fourths drunk, she looked uptight.
She took off her wheel, took off her bell,
Took off her wig, said, "How do I smell?"
I hot-footed it . . . bare-naked . . .
Out the window!

Well, sometimes I might get drunk,
Walk like a duck and stomp like a skunk.
Don't hurt me none, don't hurt my pride
'Cause I got my little lady right by my side.
(Right there
Proud as can be)

I's out there paintin' on the old woodshed
When a can a black paint it fell on my head.
I went down to scrub and rub
But I had to sit in back of the tub.
(Cost a quarter
And I had to get out quick . . .
Someone wanted to come in and take a sauna)

Well, my telephone rang it would not stop,
It's President Kennedy callin' me up.
He said, "My friend, Bob, what do we need to make the country grow?"
I said, "My friend, John, Brigitte Bardot,
Anita Ekberg,
Sophia Loren."
(Put 'em all in the same room with Ernest Borgnine!)

Well, I got a woman sleeps on a cot,
She yells and hollers and squeals a lot.
Licks my face and tickles my ear,
Bends me over and buys me beer.
(She's a honeymooner
A June crooner
A spoon feeder
And a natural leader)

Oh, there ain't no use in me workin' so heavy,
I got a woman who works on the levee.
Pumping that water up to her neck,
Every week she sends me a monthly check.
(She's a humdinger
Folk singer
Dead ringer
For a thing-a-muh jigger)

Late one day in the middle of the week,
Eyes were closed I was half asleep.
I chased me a woman up the hill,
Right in the middle of an air raid drill.
It was Little Bo Peep!
(I jumped a fallout shelter
I jumped a bean stalk
I jumped a ferris wheel)

Now, the man on the stand he wants my vote,
He's a-runnin' for office on the ballot note.
He's out there preachin' in front of the steeple,
Tellin' me he loves all kinds-a people.
(He's eatin' bagels
He's eatin' pizza
He's eatin' chitlins
He's eatin' bullshit!)

Oh, set me down on a television floor,
I'll flip the channel to number four.
Out of the shower comes a grown-up man
With a bottle of hair oil in his hand.
(It's that greasy kid stuff.
What I want to know, Mr. Football Man, is
What do you do about Willy Mays and Yul Brynner,
Charles de Gaulle
And Robert Louis Stevenson?)

Well, the funniest woman I ever seen
Was the great-granddaughter of Mr. Clean.
She takes about fifteen baths a day,
Wants me to grow a cigar on my face.
(She's a little bit heavy!)

Well, ask me why I'm drunk alla time,
It levels my head and eases my mind.
I just walk along and stroll and sing,
I see better days and I do better things.
(I catch dinosaurs
I make love to Elizabeth Taylor . . .
Catch hell from Richard Burton!)







I'm just average, common too
I'm just like him, the same as you
I'm everybody's brother and son
I ain't different from anyone
It ain't no use a-talking to me
It's just the same as talking to you.

I was shadow-boxing earlier in the day
I figured I was ready for Cassius Clay
I said "Fee, fie, fo, fum, Cassius Clay, here I come
26, 27, 28, 29, I'm gonna make your face look just like mine
Five, four, three, two, one, Cassius Clay you'd better run
99, 100, 101, 102, your ma won't even recognize you
14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, gonna knock him clean right out of his spleen."

Well, I don't know, but I've been told
The streets in heaven are lined with gold
I ask you how things could get much worse
If the Russians happen to get up there first.
Wowee! Pretty scary!

Now, I'm liberal, but to a degree
I want ev'rybody to be free
But if you think that I'll let Barry Goldwater
Move in next door and marry my daughter
You must think I'm crazy!
I wouldn't let him do it for all the farms in Cuba.

Well, I set my monkey on the log
And ordered him to do the Dog
He wagged his tail and shook his head
And he went and did the Cat instead
He's a weird monkey, very funky.

I sat with my high-heeled sneakers on
Waiting to play tennis in the noonday sun
I had my white shorts rolled up past my waist
And my wig-hat was falling in my face
But they wouldn't let me on the tennis court.

I gotta woman, she's so mean
She sticks my boots in the washing machine
Sticks me with buckshot when I'm nude
Puts bubblegum in my food
She's funny, wants my money, calls me "honey."

Now I gotta friend who spends his life
Stabbing my picture with a bowie-knife
Dreams of strangling me with a scarf
When my name comes up he pretends to barf.
I've got a million friends!

Now they asked me to read a poem
At the sorority sister's home
I got knocked down and my head was swimmin'
I wound up with the Dean of Women
Yippee! I'm a poet, and I know it.
Hope I don't blow it.

I'm gonna grow my hair down to my feet so strange
So I look like a walking mountain range
And I'm gonna ride into Omaha on a horse
Out to the country club and the golf course.
Carry the New York Times, shoot a few holes, blow their minds.

Now you're probably wondering by now
Just what this song is all about
What's probably got you baffled more
Is what this thing here is for.
It's nothing
It's something I learned over in England.






They say ev'rything can be replaced,
Yet ev'ry distance is not near.
So I remember ev'ry face
Of ev'ry man who put me here.
I see my light come shining
From the west unto the east.
Any day now, any day now,
I shall be released.

They say ev'ry man needs protection,
They say ev'ry man must fall.
Yet I swear I see my reflection
Some place so high above this wall.

Standing next to me in this lonely crowd,
Is a man who swears he's not to blame.
All day long I hear him shout so loud,
Crying out that he was framed.







I once held her in my arms,
She said she would always stay.
But I was cruel,
I treated her like a fool,
I threw it all away.

Once I had mountains in the palm of my hand,
And rivers that ran through ev'ry day.
I must have been mad,
I never knew what I had,
Until I threw it all away.

Love is all there is, it makes the world go 'round,
Love and only love, it can't be denied.
No matter what you think about it
You just won't be able to do without it.
Take a tip from one who's tried.

So if you find someone that gives you all of her love,
Take it to your heart, don't let it stray,
For one thing that's certain,
You will surely be a-hurtin',
If you throw it all away.







Well, the rainman comes with his magic wand
And the judge says, "Mona can't have no bond."
And the walls collide, Mona cries,
And the rainman leaves in the wolfman's disguise.

I wanna be your lover, baby, I wanna be your man.
I wanna be your lover, baby,
I don't wanna be hers, I wanna be yours.

Well, the undertaker in his midnight suit
Says to the masked man, "Ain't you cute!"
Well, the mask man he gets up on the shelf
And he says, "You ain't so bad yourself."

Well, jumpin' Judy can't go no higher.
She had bullets in her eyes, and they fire.
Rasputin he's so dignified,
He touched the back of her head an' he died.

Well, Phaedra with her looking glass,
Stretchin' out upon the grass.
She gets all messed up and she faintsÑ
That's 'cause she's so obvious and you ain't.







The guilty undertaker sighs,
The lonesome organ grinder cries,
The silver saxophones say I should refuse you.
The cracked bells and washed-out horns
Blow into my face with scorn,
But it's not that way,
I wasn't born to lose you.
I want you, I want you,
I want you so bad,
Honey, I want you.

The drunken politician leaps
Upon the street where mothers weep
And the saviors who are fast asleep,
They wait for you.
And I wait for them to interrupt
Me drinkin' from my broken cup
And ask me to
Open up the gate for you.

Now all my fathers, they've gone down
True love they've been without it.
But all their daughters put me down
'Cause I don't think about it.

Well, I return to the Queen of Spades
And talk with my chambermaid.
She knows that I'm not afraid
To look at her.
She is good to me
And there's nothing she doesn't see.
She knows where I'd like to be
But it doesn't matter.

Now your dancing child with his Chinese suit,
He spoke to me, I took his flute.
No, I wasn't very cute to him,
Was I?
But I did it, though, because he lied
Because he took you for a ride
And because time was on his side
And because I . . .







Well, your clock is gonna stop
At Saint Peter's gate.
Ya gonna ask him what time it is,
He's gonna say, "It's too late."
Hey, hey!
I'd sure hate to be you
On that dreadful day.

You're gonna start to sweat
And you ain't gonna stop.
You're gonna have a nightmare
And never wake up.

You're gonna cry for pills
And your head's gonna be in a knot,
But the pills are gonna cost more
Than what you've got.

You're gonna have to walk naked,
Can't ride in no car.
You're gonna let ev'rybody see
Just what you are.

Well, the good wine's a-flowin'
For five cents a quart.
You're gonna look in your moneybags
And find you're one cent short.

You're gonna yell and scream,
"Don't anybody care?"
You're gonna hear out a voice say,
"Shoulda listened when you heard the word down there."







Let me in here, I know I've been here,
Let me into your heart.
Let me know you, let me show you,
Let me roll it to you.
All I have is yours,
All you see is mine
And I'm glad to have you in my arms,
I'd have you any time.

Let me say it, let me play it,
Let me lay it on you.
Let me know you, let me show you,
Let me grow it on you.








Close your eyes, close the door,
You don't have to worry any more.
I'll be your baby tonight.

Shut the light, shut the shade,
You don't have to be afraid.

Well, that mockingbird's gonna sail away,
We're gonna forget it.
That big, fat moon is gonna shine like a spoon,
But we're gonna let it,
You won't regret it.

Kick your shoes off, do not fear,
Bring that bottle over here.







You will search, babe,
At any cost.
But how long, babe,
Can you search for what's not lost?
Ev'rybody will help you,
Some people are very kind.
But if I can save you any time,
Come on, give it to me,
I'll keep it with mine.

I can't help it
If you might think I'm odd,
If I say I'm not loving you for what you are
But for what you're not.
Everybody will help you
Discover what you set out to find.

The train leaves
At half past ten,
But it'll be back tomorrow,
Same time again.
The conductor he's weary,
He's still stuck on the line.







I'll remember you
When I've forgotten all the rest,
You to me were true,
You to me were the best.
When there is no more,
You cut to the core
Quicker than anyone I knew.
When I'm all alone
In the great unknown,
I'll remember you.

I'll remember you
At the end of the trail,
I had so much left to do,
I had so little time to fail.
There's some people that
You don't forget,
Even though you've only seen'm
One time or two.
When the roses fade
And I'm in the shade,

Didn't I, didn't I try to love you?
Didn't I, didn't I try to care?
Didn't I sleep, didn't I weep beside you
With the rain blowing in your hair?

I'll remember you
When the wind blows through the piney wood.
It was you who came right through,
It was you who understood.
Though I'd never say
That I done it the way
That you'd have liked me to.
In the end,
My dear sweet friend,







Someone's got it in for me, they're planting stories in the press
Whoever it is I wish they'd cut it out but when they will I can only guess.
They say I shot a man named Gray and took his wife to Italy,
She inherited a million bucks and when she died it came to me.
I can't help it if I'm lucky.

People see me all the time and they just can't remember how to act
Their minds are filled with big ideas, images and distorted facts.
Even you, yesterday you had to ask me where it was at,
I couldn't believe after all these years, you didn't know me better than that
Sweet lady.

Idiot wind, blowing every time you move your mouth,
Blowing down the backroads headin' south.
Idiot wind, blowing every time you move your teeth,
You're an idiot, babe.
It's a wonder that you still know how to breathe.

I ran into the fortune-teller, who said beware of lightning that might strike
I haven't known peace and quiet for so long I can't remember what it's like.
There's a lone soldier on the cross, smoke pourin' out of a boxcar door,
You didn't know it, you didn't think it could be done, in the final end he won
the wars
After losin' every battle.

I woke up on the roadside, daydreamin' 'bout the way things sometimes are
Visions of your chestnut mare shoot through my head and are makin' me see stars.
You hurt the ones that I love best and cover up the truth with lies.
One day you'll be in the ditch, flies buzzin' around your eyes,
Blood on your saddle.

Idiot wind, blowing through the flowers on your tomb,
Blowing through the curtains in your room.
Idiot wind, blowing every time you move your teeth,
You're an idiot, babe.
It's a wonder that you still know how to breathe.

It was gravity which pulled us down and destiny which broke us apart
You tamed the lion in my cage but it just wasn't enough to change my heart.
Now everything's a little upside down, as a matter of fact the wheels have
stopped,
What's good is bad, what's bad is good, you'll find out when you reach the top
You're on the bottom.

I noticed at the ceremony, your corrupt ways had finally made you blind
I can't remember your face anymore, your mouth has changed, your eyes
don't look into mine.
The priest wore black on the seventh day and sat stone-faced while the building
burned.
I waited for you on the running boards, near the cypress trees, while the
springtime
turned Slowly into autumn.

Idiot wind, blowing like a circle around my skull,
From the Grand Coulee Dam to the Capitol.
Idiot wind, blowing every time you move your teeth,
You're an idiot, babe.
It's a wonder that you still know how to breathe.

I can't feel you anymore, I can't even touch the books you've read
Every time I crawl past your door, I been wishin' I was somebody else instead.
Down the highway, down the tracks, down the road to ecstasy,
I followed you beneath the stars, hounded by your memory
And all your ragin' glory.

I been double-crossed now for the very last time and now I'm finally free,
I kissed goodbye the howling beast on the borderline which separated you from
me.
You'll never know the hurt I suffered nor the pain I rise above,
And I'll never know the same about you, your holiness or your kind of love,
And it makes me feel so sorry.

Idiot wind, blowing through the buttons of our coats,
Blowing through the letters that we wrote.
Idiot wind, blowing through the dust upon our shelves,
We're idiots, babe.
It's a wonder we can even feed ourselves.







If dogs run free, then why not we
Across the swooping plain?
My ears hear a symphony
Of two mules, trains and rain.
The best is always yet to come,
That's what they explain to me.
Just do your thing, you'll be king,
If dogs run free.

If dogs run free, why not me
Across the swamp of time?
My mind weaves a symphony
And tapestry of rhyme.
Oh, winds which rush my tale to thee
So it may flow and be,
To each his own, it's all unknown,

If dogs run free, then what must be,
Must be, and that is all.
True love can make a blade of grass
Stand up straight and tall.
In harmony with the cosmic sea,
True love needs no company,
It can cure the soul, it can make it whole,







Blue sky upon the horizon,
Private eye on my trail,
And if I don't be there by morning
She'll know that I must've spent the night in jail.

I been runnin' from Memphis to L.A.,
Had an appointment set sometime for today
And if I don't be there by morning
She'll know that I must have gone the other way.

Finding my way home to you, girl, lonely and blue, mistreated too,
Sometimes I think about you, girl, is it true that you think of me too?

I got a woman living in L.A.,
I got a woman waiting for my pay,
And if I don't be there by morning
Pack my clothes, get down on your knees and pray.

I left my woman with a twenty-dollar bill,
Left her waiting, hope she's waiting for me still.
But if I don't be there by morning
I guess that I never will.









If not for you,
Babe, I couldn't find the door,
Couldn't even see the floor,
I'd be sad and blue,
If not for you.

Babe, I'd lay awake all night,
Wait for the mornin' light
To shine in through,
But it would not be new,

My sky would fall,
Rain would gather too.
Without your love I'd be nowhere at all,
I'd be lost if not for you,
And you know it's true.

My sky would fall,
Rain would gather too.
Without your love I'd be nowhere at all,
Oh! What would I do

Winter would have no spring,
Couldn't hear the robin sing,
I just wouldn't have a clue,
Anyway it wouldn't ring true,







Listen to me, baby,
There's something you must see.
I want to be with you, gal,
If you want to be with me.

But if you got to go,
It's all right.
But if you got to go, go now,
Or else you gotta stay all night.

It ain't that I'm questionin' you.
To take part in any quiz.
It's just that I ain't got no watch
An' you keep askin' me what time it is.

I am just a poor boy, baby,
Lookin' to connect.
But I certainly don't want you thinkin'
That I ain't got any respect.

You know I'd have nightmares
And a guilty conscience, too,
If I kept you from anything
That you really wanted to do.

It ain't that I'm wantin'
Anything you never gave before.
It's just that I'll be sleepin' soon,
It'll be too dark for you to find the door.








If you see her, say hello, she might be in Tangier
She left here last early spring, is livin' there, I hear
Say for me that I'm all right though things get kind of slow
She might think that I've forgotten her, don't tell her it isn't so.

We had a falling-out, like lovers often will
And to think of how she left that night, it still brings me a chill
And though our separation, it pierced me to the heart
She still lives inside of me, we've never been apart.

If you get close to her, kiss her once for me
I always have respected her for busting out and gettin' free
Oh, whatever makes her happy, I won't stand in the way
Though the bitter taste still lingers on from the night I tried to make her
stay.

I see a lot of people as I make the rounds
And I hear her name here and there as I go from town to town
And I've never gotten used to it, I've just learned to turn it off
Either I'm too sensitive or else I'm gettin' soft.

Sundown, yellow moon, I replay the past
I know every scene by heart, they all went by so fast
If she's passin' back this way, I'm not that hard to find
Tell her she can look me up if she's got the time.







Went out last night to take a little round.
I met my little Sadie and I brought her down.
I ran right home and I went to bed
With a forty-four smokeless under my head.

I began to think what a deed I'd done.
I grabbed my hat and I began to run.
I made a god run but I ran too slow;
They overtook me down in Jericho

Standing on a corner a ringin' my bell,
Up stepped the sheriff from Thomasville.
He said 'Young man is you name Brown?
Remember you blowed Sadie down."

"Oh yes sir, my name is Lee.
I murdered little Sadie in the first degree.
First degree and second degree.
If you've got any papers will you serve them to me?"

Well they took me down town and they dressed me in black,
They put me on a train and they sent me back.
I had no one to go my bail;
They crammed me back into the county jail.

Oh, yes they did.
The judge and the jury they took their stand.
The judge had the papers in his right hand.

Forty-one days, forty-one nights;
Forty-one years to wear the ball and the stripes;
Oh, no!

Went out last night to take a little round.
I met little Sadie and I blowed her down.
I ran right home and I went to bed,
A forty-four smokeless under my head.






When they came for Him in the garden, did they know?
Did they know He was the Son of God, did they know that He was Lord?
Did they hear when He told Peter, "Peter, put up your sword"?

When He spoke to them in the city, did they hear?
Nicodemus came at night so he wouldn't be seen by men
Saying, "Master, tell me why a man must be born again."

When He healed the blind and crippled, did they see?
When He said, "Pick up your bed and walk, why must you criticize?
Same thing My Father do, I can do likewise."

Did they speak out against Him, did they dare?
The multitude wanted to make Him king, put a crown upon His head
Why did He slip away to a quiet place instead?

When He rose from the dead, did they believe?
He said, "All power is given to Me in heaven and on earth."
Did they know right then and there what that power was worth?

When He rose from the dead, did they believe?
He said, "All power is given to Me in heaven and on earth."
Did they know right then and there what that power was worth?







I was in your presence for an hour or so
Or was it a day? I truly don't know.
Where the sun never set, where the trees hung low
By that soft and shining sea.
Did you respect me for what I did
Or for what I didn't do, or for keeping it hid?
Did I lose my mind when I tried to get rid
Of everything you see?

In the summertime, ah in the summertime,
In the summertime when you were with me.

I got the heart and you got the blood,
We cut through iron and we cut through mud.
Then came the warnin' that was before the flood
That set everybody free.
Fools they made a mock of sin,
Our loyalty they tried to win
But you were closer to me than my next of kin
When they didn't want to know or see.

Strangers, they meddled in our affairs,
Poverty and shame was theirs.
But all that sufferin' was not to be compared
With the glory that is to be.
And I'm still carrying the gift you gave,
It's a part of me now, it's been cherished and saved,
It'll be with me unto the grave
And then unto eternity.








Do you love me, or are you just extending goodwill?
Do you need me half as bad as you say, or are you just feeling guilt?
I've been burned before and I know the score
So you won't hear me complain.
Will I be able to count on you
Or is your love in vain?

Are you so fast that you cannot see that I must have solitude?
When I am in the darkness, why do you intrude?
Do you know my world, do you know my kind
Or must I explain?
Will you let me be myself

Well I've been to the mountain and I've been in the wind,
I've been in and out of happiness.
I have dined with kings, I've been offered wings
And I've never been too impressed.

All right, I'll take a chance, I will fall in love with you
If I'm a fool you can have the night, you can have the morning too.
Can you cook and sew, make flowers grow,
Do you understand my pain?
Are you willing to risk it all







I married Isis on the fifth day of May,
But I could not hold on to her very long.
So I cut off my hair and I rode straight away
For the wild unknown country where I could not go wrong.

I came to a high place of darkness and light.
The dividing line ran through the center of town.
I hitched up my pony to a post on the right,
Went in to a laundry to wash my clothes down.

A man in the corner approached me for a match.
I knew right away he was not ordinary.
He said, "Are you lookin' for somethin' easy to catch?"
I said, "I got no money." He said, "That ain't necessary."

We set out that night for the cold in the North.
I gave him my blanket, he gave me his word.
I said, "Where are we goin'?" He said we'd be back by the fourth.
I said, "That's the best news that I've ever heard."

I was thinkin' about turquoise, I was thinkin' about gold,
I was thinkin' about diamonds and the world's biggest necklace.
As we rode through the canyons, through the devilish cold,
I was thinkin' about Isis, how she thought I was so reckless.

How she told me that one day we would meet up again,
And things would be different the next time we wed,
If I only could hang on and just be her friend.
I still can't remember all the best things she said.

We came to the pyramids all embedded in ice.
He said, "There's a body I'm tryin' to find.
If I carry it out it'll bring a good price."
'Twas then that I knew what he had on his mind.

The wind it was howlin' and the snow was outrageous.
We chopped through the night and we chopped through the dawn.
When he died I was hopin' that it wasn't contagious,
But I made up my mind that I had to go on.

I broke into the tomb, but the casket was empty.
There was no jewels, no nothin', I felt I'd been had.
When I saw that my partner was just bein' friendly,
When I took up his offer I must-a been mad.

I picked up his body and I dragged him inside,
Threw him down in the hole and I put back the cover.
I said a quick prayer and I felt satisfied.
Then I rode back to find Isis just to tell her I love her.

She was there in the meadow where the creek used to rise.
Blinded by sleep and in need of a bed,
I came in from the East with the sun in my eyes.
I cursed her one time then I rode on ahead.

She said, "Where ya been?" I said, "No place special."
She said, "You look different." I said, "Well, not quite."
She said, "You been gone." I said, "That's only natural."
She said, "You gonna stay?" I said, "Yeah, I jes might."

Isis, oh, Isis, you mystical child.
What drives me to you is what drives me insane.
I still can remember the way that you smiled
On the fifth day of May in the drizzlin' rain.






Go 'way from my window,
Leave at your own chosen speed.
I'm not the one you want, babe,
I'm not the one you need.
You say you're lookin' for someone
Never weak but always strong,
To protect you an' defend you
Whether you are right or wrong,
Someone to open each and every door,
But it ain't me, babe,
No, no, no, it ain't me, babe,
It ain't me you're lookin' for, babe.

Go lightly from the ledge, babe,
Go lightly on the ground.
I'm not the one you want, babe,
I will only let you down.
You say you're lookin' for someone
Who will promise never to part,
Someone to close his eyes for you,
Someone to close his heart,
Someone who will die for you an' more,

Go melt back into the night, babe,
Everything inside is made of stone.
There's nothing in here moving
An' anyway I'm not alone.
You say you're looking for someone
Who'll pick you up each time you fall,
To gather flowers constantly
An' to come each time you call,
A lover for your life an' nothing more,







Well, I ride on a mailtrain, baby,
Can't buy a thrill.
Well, I've been up all night, baby,
Leanin' on the window sill.
Well, if I die
On top of the hill
And if I don't make it,
You know my baby will.

Don't the moon look good, mama,
Shinin' through the trees?
Don't the brakeman look good, mama,
Flagging down the "Double E"?
Don't the sun look good
Goin' down over the sea?
Don't my gal look fine
When she's comin' after me?

Now the wintertime is coming,
The windows are filled with frost.
I went to tell everybody,
But I could not get across.
Well, I wanna be your lover, baby,
I don't wanna be your boss.
Don't say I never warned you
When your train gets lost.






You must leave now, take what you need, you think will last.
But whatever you wish to keep, you better grab it fast.
Yonder stands your orphan with his gun,
Crying like a fire in the sun.
Look out the saints are comin' through
And it's all over now, Baby Blue.

The highway is for gamblers, better use your sense.
Take what you have gathered from coincidence.
The empty-handed painter from your streets
Is drawing crazy patterns on your sheets.
This sky, too, is folding under you

All your seasick sailors, they are rowing home.
All your reindeer armies, are all going home.
The lover who just walked out your door
Has taken all his blankets from the floor.
The carpet, too, is moving under you

Leave your stepping stones behind, something calls for you.
Forget the dead you've left, they will not follow you.
The vagabond who's rapping at your door
Is standing in the clothes that you once wore.
Strike another match, go start anew







Darkness at the break of noon
Shadows even the silver spoon
The handmade blade, the child's balloon
Eclipses both the sun and moon
To understand you know too soon
There is no sense in trying.

Pointed threats, they bluff with scorn
Suicide remarks are torn
From the fool's gold mouthpiece
The hollow horn plays wasted words
Proves to warn
That he not busy being born
Is busy dying.

Temptation's page flies out the door
You follow, find yourself at war
Watch waterfalls of pity roar
You feel to moan but unlike before
You discover
That you'd just be
One more person crying.

So don't fear if you hear
A foreign sound to your ear
It's alright, Ma, I'm only sighing.

As some warn victory, some downfall
Private reasons great or small
Can be seen in the eyes of those that call
To make all that should be killed to crawl
While others say don't hate nothing at all
Except hatred.

Disillusioned words like bullets bark
As human gods aim for their mark
Made everything from toy guns that spark
To flesh-colored Christs that glow in the dark
It's easy to see without looking too far
That not much
Is really sacred.

While preachers preach of evil fates
Teachers teach that knowledge waits
Can lead to hundred-dollar plates
Goodness hides behind its gates
But even the president of the United States
Sometimes must have
To stand naked.

An' though the rules of the road have been lodged
It's only people's games that you got to dodge
And it's alright, Ma, I can make it.

Advertising signs that con you
Into thinking you're the one
That can do what's never been done
That can win what's never been won
Meantime life outside goes on
All around you.

You lose yourself, you reappear
You suddenly find you got nothing to fear
Alone you stand with nobody near
When a trembling distant voice, unclear
Startles your sleeping ears to hear
That somebody thinks
They really found you.

A question in your nerves is lit
Yet you know there is no answer fit to satisfy
Insure you not to quit
To keep it in your mind and not fergit
That it is not he or she or them or it
That you belong to.

Although the masters make the rules
For the wise men and the fools
I got nothing, Ma, to live up to.

For them that must obey authority
That they do not respect in any degree
Who despise their jobs, their destinies
Speak jealously of them that are free
Cultivate their flowers to be
Nothing more than something
They invest in.

While some on principles baptized
To strict party platform ties
Social clubs in drag disguise
Outsiders they can freely criticize
Tell nothing except who to idolize
And then say God bless him.

While one who sings with his tongue on fire
Gargles in the rat race choir
Bent out of shape from society's pliers
Cares not to come up any higher
But rather get you down in the hole
That he's in.

But I mean no harm nor put fault
On anyone that lives in a vault
But it's alright, Ma, if I can't please him.

Old lady judges watch people in pairs
Limited in sex, they dare
To push fake morals, insult and stare
While money doesn't talk, it swears
Obscenity, who really cares
Propaganda, all is phony.

While them that defend what they cannot see
With a killer's pride, security
It blows the minds most bitterly
For them that think death's honesty
Won't fall upon them naturally
Life sometimes
Must get lonely.

My eyes collide head-on with stuffed graveyards
False gods, I scuff
At pettiness which plays so rough
Walk upside-down inside handcuffs
Kick my legs to crash it off
Say okay, I have had enough
What else can you show me?

And if my thought-dreams could be seen
They'd probably put my head in a guillotine
But it's alright, Ma, it's life, and life only.






Well, she's got Jet Pilot eyes from her hips on down.
All the bombardiers are trying to force her out of town.
She's five feet nine and she carries a monkey wrench.
She weighs more by the foot than she does by the inch.
She got all the downtown boys, all at her command
But you've got to watch her closely 'cause she ain't no woman
She's a man.







Born in Red Hook, Brooklyn, in the year of who knows when
Opened up his eyes to the tune of an accordion
Always on the outside of whatever side there was
When they asked him why it had to be that way, "Well," he answered, "just
because."

Larry was the oldest, Joey was next to last.
They called Joe "Crazy," the baby they called "Kid Blast."
Some say they lived off gambling and runnin' numbers too.
It always seemed they got caught between the mob and the men in blue.

Joey, Joey,
King of the streets, child of clay.
Joey, Joey,
What made them want to come and blow you away?

There was talk they killed their rivals, but the truth was far from that
No one ever knew for sure where they were really at.
When they tried to strangle Larry, Joey almost hit the roof.
He went out that night to seek revenge, thinkin' he was bulletproof.

The war broke out at the break of dawn, it emptied out the streets
Joey and his brothers suffered terrible defeats
Till they ventured out behind the lines and took five prisoners.
They stashed them away in a basement, called them amateurs.

The hostages were tremblin' when they heard a man exclaim,
"Let's blow this place to kingdom come, let Con Edison take the blame."
But Joey stepped up, he raised his hand, said, "We're not those kind of men.
It's peace and quiet that we need to go back to work again."

The police department hounded him, they called him Mr. Smith
They got him on conspiracy, they were never sure who with.
"What time is it?" said the judge to Joey when they met
"Five to ten," said Joey. The judge says, "That's exactly what you get."

He did ten years in Attica, reading Nietzsche and Wilhelm Reich
They threw him in the hole one time for tryin' to stop a strike.
His closest friends were black men 'cause they seemed to understand
What it's like to be in society with a shackle on your hand.

When they let him out in '71 he'd lost a little weight
But he dressed like Jimmy Cagney and I swear he did look great.
He tried to find the way back into the life he left behind
To the boss he said, "I have returned and now I want what's mine."

It was true that in his later years he would not carry a gun
"I'm around too many children," he'd say, "they should never know of one."
Yet he walked right into the clubhouse of his lifelong deadly foe,
Emptied out the register, said, "Tell 'em it was Crazy Joe."

One day they blew him down in a clam bar in New York
He could see it comin' through the door as he lifted up his fork.
He pushed the table over to protect his family
Then he staggered out into the streets of Little Italy.

Sister Jacqueline and Carmela and mother Mary all did weep.
I heard his best friend Frankie say, "He ain't dead, he's just asleep."
Then I saw the old man's limousine head back towards the grave
I guess he had to say one last goodbye to the son that he could not save.

The sun turned cold over President Street and the town of Brooklyn mourned
They said a mass in the old church near the house where he was born.
And someday if God's in heaven overlookin' His preserve
I know the men that shot him down will get what they deserve.








John Brown went off to war to fight on a foreign shore.
His mama sure was proud of him!
He stood straight and tall in his uniform and all.
His mama's face broke out all in a grin.

"Oh son, you look so fine, I'm glad you're a son of mine,
You make me proud to know you hold a gun.
Do what the captain says, lots of medals you will get,
And we'll put them on the wall when you come home."

As that old train pulled out, John's ma began to shout,
Tellin' ev'ryone in the neighborhood:
"That's my son that's about to go, he's a soldier now, you know."
She made well sure her neighbors understood.

She got a letter once in a while and her face broke into a smile
As she showed them to the people from next door.
And she bragged about her son with his uniform and gun,
And these things you called a good old-fashioned war.

Oh! Good old-fashioned war!

Then the letters ceased to come, for a long time they did not come.
They ceased to come for about ten months or more.
Then a letter finally came saying, "Go down and meet the train.
Your son's a-coming home from the war."

She smiled and went right down, she looked everywhere around
But she could not see her soldier son in sight.
But as all the people passed, she saw her son at last,
When she did she could hardly believe her eyes.

Oh his face was all shot up and his hand was all blown off
And he wore a metal brace around his waist.
He whispered kind of slow, in a voice she did not know,
While she couldn't even recognize his face!

Oh! Lord! Not even recognize his face.

"Oh tell me, my darling son, pray tell me what they done.
How is it you come to be this way?"
He tried his best to talk but his mouth could hardly move
And the mother had to turn her face away.

"Don't you remember, Ma, when I went off to war
You thought it was the best thing I could do?
I was on the battleground, you were home . . . acting proud.
You wasn't there standing in my shoes."

"Oh, and I thought when I was there, God, what am I doing here?
I'm a-tryin' to kill somebody or die tryin'.
But the thing that scared me most was when my enemy came close
And I saw that his face looked just like mine."

Oh! Lord! Just like mine!

"And I couldn't help but think, through the thunder rolling and stink,
That I was just a puppet in a play.
And through the roar and smoke, this string is finally broke,
And a cannon ball blew my eyes away."

As he turned away to walk, his Ma was still in shock
At seein' the metal brace that helped him stand.
But as he turned to go, he called his mother close
And he dropped his medals down into her hand.







John Wesley Harding
Was a friend to the poor,
He trav'led with a gun in ev'ry hand.
All along this countryside,
He opened a many a door,
But he was never known
To hurt an honest man.

'Twas down in Chaynee County,
A time they talk about,
With his lady by his side
He took a stand.
And soon the situation there
Was all but straightened out,
For he was always known
To lend a helping hand.

All across the telegraph
His name it did resound,
But no charge held against him
Could they prove.
And there was no man around
Who could track or chain him down,
He was never known
To make a foolish move.






Standing on the waters casting your bread
While the eyes of the idol with the iron head are glowing.
Distant ships sailing into the mist,
You were born with a snake in both of your fists while a hurricane was blowing.
Freedom just around the corner for you
But with the truth so far off, what good will it do?

Jokerman dance to the nightingale tune,
Bird fly high by the light of the moon,
Oh, oh, oh, Jokerman.

So swiftly the sun sets in the sky,
You rise up and say goodbye to no one.
Fools rush in where angels fear to tread,
Both of their futures, so full of dread, you don't show one.
Shedding off one more layer of skin,
Keeping one step ahead of the persecutor within.

You're a man of the mountains, you can walk on the clouds,
Manipulator of crowds, you're a dream twister.
You're going to Sodom and Gomorrah
But what do you care? Ain't nobody there would want to marry your sister.
Friend to the martyr, a friend to the woman of shame,
You look into the fiery furnace, see the rich man without any name.

Well, the Book of Leviticus and Deuteronomy,
The law of the jungle and the sea are your only teachers.
In the smoke of the twilight on a milk-white steed,
Michelangelo indeed could've carved out your features.
Resting in the fields, far from the turbulent space,
Half asleep near the stars with a small dog licking your face.

Well, the rifleman's stalking the sick and the lame,
Preacherman seeks the same, who'll get there first is uncertain.
Nightsticks and water cannons, tear gas, padlocks,
Molotov cocktails and rocks behind every curtain,
False-hearted judges dying in the webs that they spin,
Only a matter of time 'til night comes steppin' in.

It's a shadowy world, skies are slippery gray,
A woman just gave birth to a prince today and dressed him in scarlet.
He'll put the priest in his pocket, put the blade to the heat,
Take the motherless children off the street
And place them at the feet of a harlot.
Oh, Jokerman, you know what he wants,
Oh, Jokerman, you don't show any response.








Nobody feels any pain
Tonight as I stand inside the rain
Ev'rybody knows
That Baby's got new clothes
But lately I see her ribbons and her bows
Have fallen from her curls.
She takes just like a woman, yes, she does
She makes love just like a woman, yes, she does
And she aches just like a woman
But she breaks just like a little girl.

Queen Mary, she's my friend
Yes, I believe I'll go see her again
Nobody has to guess
That Baby can't be blessed
Till she sees finally that she's like all the rest
With her fog, her amphetamine and her pearls.

It was raining from the first
And I was dying there of thirst
So I came in here
And your long-time curse hurts
But what's worse
Is this pain in here
I can't stay in here
Ain't it clear that--

I just can't fit
Yes, I believe it's time for us to quit
When we meet again
Introduced as friends
Please don't let on that you knew me when
I was hungry and it was your world.
Ah, you fake just like a woman, yes, you do
You make love just like a woman, yes, you do
Then you ache just like a woman
But you break just like a little girl.







When you're lost in the rain in Juarez
And it's Eastertime too
And your gravity fails
And negativity don't pull you through
Don't put on any airs
When you're down on Rue Morgue Avenue
They got some hungry women there
And they really make a mess outa you

Now if you see Saint Annie
Please tell her thanks a lot
I cannot move
My fingers are all in a knot
I don't have the strength
To get up and take another shot
And my best friend, my doctor
Won't even say what it is I've got

Sweet Melinda
The peasants call her the goddess of gloom
She speaks good English
And she invites you up into her room
And you're so kind
And careful not to go to her too soon
And she takes your voice
And leaves you howling at the moon

Up on Housing Project Hill
It's either fortune or fame
You must pick up one or the other
Though neither of them are to be what they claim
If you're lookin' to get silly
You better go back to from where you came
Because the cops don't need you
And man they expect the same

Now all the authorities
They just stand around and boast
How they blackmailed the sergeant-at-arms
Into leaving his post
And picking up Angel who
Just arrived here from the coast
Who looked so fine at first
But left looking just like a ghost

I started out on burgundy
But soon hit the harder stuff
Everybody said they'd stand behind me
When the game got rough
But the joke was on me
There was nobody even there to call my bluff
I'm going back to New York City
I do believe I've had enough






Mama, take this badge off of me
I can't use it anymore.
It's gettin' dark, too dark for me to see
I feel like I'm knockin' on heaven's door.

Knock, knock, knockin' on heaven's door

Mama, put my guns in the ground
I can't shoot them anymore.
That long black cloud is comin' down







When yer head gets twisted and yer mind grows numb
When you think you're too old, too young, too smart or too dumb
When yer laggin' behind an' losin' yer pace
In a slow-motion crawl of life's busy race
No matter what yer doing if you start givin' up
If the wine don't come to the top of yer cup
If the wind's got you sideways with with one hand holdin' on
And the other starts slipping and the feeling is gone
And yer train engine fire needs a new spark to catch it
And the wood's easy findin' but yer lazy to fetch it
And yer sidewalk starts curlin' and the street gets too long
And you start walkin' backwards though you know its wrong
And lonesome comes up as down goes the day
And tomorrow's mornin' seems so far away
And you feel the reins from yer pony are slippin'
And yer rope is a-slidin' 'cause yer hands are a-drippin'
And yer sun-decked desert and evergreen valleys
Turn to broken down slums and trash-can alleys
And yer sky cries water and yer drain pipe's a-pourin'
And the lightnin's a-flashing and the thunder's a-crashin'
And the windows are rattlin' and breakin' and the roof tops a-shakin'
And yer whole world's a-slammin' and bangin'
And yer minutes of sun turn to hours of storm
And to yourself you sometimes say
"I never knew it was gonna be this way
Why didn't they tell me the day I was born"
And you start gettin' chills and yer jumping from sweat
And you're lookin' for somethin' you ain't quite found yet
And yer knee-deep in the dark water with yer hands in the air
And the whole world's a-watchin' with a window peek stare
And yer good gal leaves and she's long gone a-flying
And yer heart feels sick like fish when they're fryin'
And yer jackhammer falls from yer hand to yer feet
And you need it badly but it lays on the street
And yer bell's bangin' loudly but you can't hear its beat
And you think yer ears might a been hurt
Or yer eyes've turned filthy from the sight-blindin' dirt
And you figured you failed in yesterdays rush
When you were faked out an' fooled white facing a four flush
And all the time you were holdin' three queens
And it's makin you mad, it's makin' you mean
Like in the middle of Life magazine
Bouncin' around a pinball machine
And there's something on yer mind you wanna be saying
That somebody someplace oughta be hearin'
But it's trapped on yer tongue and sealed in yer head
And it bothers you badly when your layin' in bed
And no matter how you try you just can't say it
And yer scared to yer soul you just might forget it
And yer eyes get swimmy from the tears in yer head
And yer pillows of feathers turn to blankets of lead
And the lion's mouth opens and yer staring at his teeth
And his jaws start closin with you underneath
And yer flat on your belly with yer hands tied behind
And you wish you'd never taken that last detour sign
And you say to yourself just what am I doin'
On this road I'm walkin', on this trail I'm turnin'
On this curve I'm hanging
On this pathway I'm strolling, in the space I'm taking
In this air I'm inhaling
Am I mixed up too much, am I mixed up too hard
Why am I walking, where am I running
What am I saying, what am I knowing
On this guitar I'm playing, on this banjo I'm frailin'
On this mandolin I'm strummin', in the song I'm singin'
In the tune I'm hummin', in the words I'm writin'
In the words that I'm thinkin'
In this ocean of hours I'm all the time drinkin'
Who am I helping, what am I breaking
What am I giving, what am I taking
But you try with your whole soul best
Never to think these thoughts and never to let
Them kind of thoughts gain ground
Or make yer heart pound
But then again you know why they're around
Just waiting for a chance to slip and drop down
"Cause sometimes you hear'em when the night times comes creeping
And you fear that they might catch you a-sleeping
And you jump from yer bed, from yer last chapter of dreamin'
And you can't remember for the best of yer thinking
If that was you in the dream that was screaming
And you know that it's something special you're needin'
And you know that there's no drug that'll do for the healin'
And no liquor in the land to stop yer brain from bleeding
And you need something special
Yeah, you need something special all right
You need a fast flyin' train on a tornado track
To shoot you someplace and shoot you back
You need a cyclone wind on a stream engine howler
That's been banging and booming and blowing forever
That knows yer troubles a hundred times over
You need a Greyhound bus that don't bar no race
That won't laugh at yer looks
Your voice or your face
And by any number of bets in the book
Will be rollin' long after the bubblegum craze
You need something to open up a new door
To show you something you seen before
But overlooked a hundred times or more
You need something to open your eyes
You need something to make it known
That it's you and no one else that owns
That spot that yer standing, that space that you're sitting
That the world ain't got you beat
That it ain't got you licked
It can't get you crazy no matter how many
Times you might get kicked
You need something special all right
You need something special to give you hope
But hope's just a word
That maybe you said or maybe you heard
On some windy corner 'round a wide-angled curve

But that's what you need man, and you need it bad
And yer trouble is you know it too good
"Cause you look an' you start getting the chills

"Cause you can't find it on a dollar bill
And it ain't on Macy's window sill
And it ain't on no rich kid's road map
And it ain't in no fat kid's fraternity house
And it ain't made in no Hollywood wheat germ
And it ain't on that dimlit stage
With that half-wit comedian on it
Ranting and raving and taking yer money
And you thinks it's funny
No you can't find it in no night club or no yacht club
And it ain't in the seats of a supper club
And sure as hell you're bound to tell
That no matter how hard you rub
You just ain't a-gonna find it on yer ticket stub
No, and it ain't in the rumors people're tellin' you
And it ain't in the pimple-lotion people are sellin' you
And it ain't in no cardboard-box house
Or down any movie star's blouse
And you can't find it on the golf course
And Uncle Remus can't tell you and neither can Santa Claus
And it ain't in the cream puff hair-do or cotton candy clothes
And it ain't in the dime store dummies or bubblegum goons
And it ain't in the marshmallow noises of the chocolate cake voices
That come knockin' and tappin' in Christmas wrappin'
Sayin' ain't I pretty and ain't I cute and look at my skin
Look at my skin shine, look at my skin glow
Look at my skin laugh, look at my skin cry
When you can't even sense if they got any insides
These people so pretty in their ribbons and bows
No you'll not now or no other day
Find it on the doorsteps made out-a paper mache´
And inside it the people made of molasses
That every other day buy a new pair of sunglasses
And it ain't in the fifty-star generals and flipped-out phonies
Who'd turn yuh in for a tenth of a penny
Who breathe and burp and bend and crack
And before you can count from one to ten
Do it all over again but this time behind yer back
My friend
The ones that wheel and deal and whirl and twirl
And play games with each other in their sand-box world
And you can't find it either in the no-talent fools
That run around gallant
And make all rules for the ones that got talent
And it ain't in the ones that ain't got any talent but think they do
And think they're foolin' you
The ones who jump on the wagon
Just for a while 'cause they know it's in style
To get their kicks, get out of it quick
And make all kinds of money and chicks
And you yell to yourself and you throw down yer hat
Sayin', "Christ do I gotta be like that
Ain't there no one here that knows where I'm at
Ain't there no one here that knows how I feel
Good God Almighty
THAT STUFF AIN'T REAL"

No but that ain't yer game, it ain't even yer race
You can't hear yer name, you can't see yer face
You gotta look some other place
And where do you look for this hope that yer seekin'
Where do you look for this lamp that's a-burnin'
Where do you look for this oil well gushin'
Where do you look for this candle that's glowin'
Where do you look for this hope that you know is there
And out there somewhere
And your feet can only walk down two kinds of roads
Your eyes can only look through two kinds of windows
Your nose can only smell two kinds of hallways
You can touch and twist
And turn two kinds of doorknobs
You can either go to the church of your choice
Or you can go to Brooklyn State Hospital
You'll find God in the church of your choice
You'll find Woody Guthrie in Brooklyn State Hospital

And though it's only my opinion
I may be right or wrong
You'll find them both
In the Grand Canyon
At sundown







Lay down your weary tune, lay down,
Lay down the song you strum,
And rest yourself 'neath the strength of strings
No voice can hope to hum.

Struck by the sounds before the sun,
I knew the night had gone.
The morning breeze like a bugle blew
Against the drums of dawn.

The ocean wild like an organ played,
The seaweed's wove its strands.
The crashin' waves like cymbals clashed
Against the rocks and sands.

I stood unwound beneath the skies
And clouds unbound by laws.
The cryin' rain like a trumpet sang
And asked for no applause.

The last of leaves fell from the trees
And clung to a new love's breast.
The branches bare like a banjo played
To the winds that listened best.

I gazed down in the river's mirror
And watched its winding strum.
The water smooth ran like a hymn
And like a harp did hum.







Lay, lady, lay, lay across my big brass bed
Lay, lady, lay, lay across my big brass bed
Whatever colors you have in your mind
I'll show them to you and you'll see them shine

Lay, lady, lay, lay across my big brass bed
Stay, lady, stay, stay with your man awhile
Until the break of day, let me see you make him smile
His clothes are dirty but his hands are clean
And you're the best thing that he's ever seen

Stay, lady, stay, stay with your man awhile
Why wait any longer for the world to begin
You can have your cake and eat it too
Why wait any longer for the one you love
When he's standing in front of you

Lay, lady, lay, lay across my big brass bed
Stay, lady, stay, stay while the night is still ahead
I long to see you in the morning light
I long to reach for you in the night
Stay, lady, stay, stay while the night is still ahead







Some say it was radiation, some say there was acid on the microphone,
Some say a combination that turned their hearts to stone,
But whatever it was, it drove them to their knees.
Oh, Legionnaire's disease.

I wish I had a dollar for everyone that died within that year,
Got 'em hot by the collar, plenty an old maid shed a tear,
Now within my heart, it sure put on a squeeze.

Granddad fought in a revolutionary war, father in the War of 1812,
Uncle fought in Vietnam and then he fought a war all by himself,
But whatever it was, it came out of the trees.






Lenny Bruce is dead but his ghost lives on and on
Never did get any Golden Globe award, never made it to Synanon.
He was an outlaw, that's for sure,
More of an outlaw than you ever were.
Lenny Bruce is gone but his spirit's livin' on and on.

Maybe he had some problems, maybe some things that he couldn't work out
But he sure was funny and he sure told the truth and he knew what he was talkin'
about. Never robbed any churches nor cut off any babies' heads,
He just took the folks in high places and he shined a light in their beds.
He's on some other shore, he didn't wanna live anymore.

Lenny Bruce is dead but he didn't commit any crime
He just had the insight to rip off the lid before its time.
I rode with him in a taxi once, only for a mile and a half,
Seemed like it took a couple of months.
Lenny Bruce moved on and like the ones that killed him, gone.

They said that he was sick 'cause he didn't play by the rules
He just showed the wise men of his day to be nothing more than fools.
They stamped him and they labeled him like they do with pants and shirts,
He fought a war on a battlefield where every victory hurts.
Lenny Bruce was bad, he was the brother that you never had.







Well, I see you got your brand new leopard-skin pill-box hat
Yes, I see you got your brand new leopard-skin pill-box hat
Well, you must tell me, baby
How your head feels under somethin' like that
Under your brand new leopard-skin pill-box hat

Well, you look so pretty in it
Honey, can I jump on it sometime?
Yes, I just wanna see
If it's really that expensive kind
You know it balances on your head
Just like a mattress balances
On a bottle of wine
Your brand new leopard-skin pill-box hat

Well, if you wanna see the sun rise
Honey, I know where
We'll go out and see it sometime
We'll both just sit there and stare
Me with my belt
Wrapped around my head
And you just sittin' there
In your brand new leopard-skin pill-box hat

Well, I asked the doctor if I could see you
It's bad for your health, he said
Yes, I disobeyed his orders
I came to see you
But I found him there instead
You know, I don't mind him cheatin' on me
But I sure wish he'd take that off his head
Your brand new leopard-skin pill-box hat

Well, I see you got a new boyfriend
You know, I never seen him before
Well, I saw him
Makin' love to you
You forgot to close the garage door
You might think he loves you for your money
But I know what he really loves you for
It's your brand new leopard-skin pill-box hat







I will not go down under the ground
"Cause somebody tells me that death's comin' 'round
An' I will not carry myself down to die
When I go to my grave my head will be high,
Let me die in my footsteps
Before I go down under the ground.

There's been rumors of war and wars that have been
The meaning of the life has been lost in the wind
And some people thinkin' that the end is close by
"Stead of learnin' to live they are learning to die.

I don't know if I'm smart but I think I can see
When someone is pullin' the wool over me
And if this war comes and death's all around
Let me die on this land 'fore I die underground.

There's always been people that have to cause fear
They've been talking of the war now for many long years
I have read all their statements and I've not said a word
But now Lawd God, let my poor voice be heard.

If I had rubies and riches and crowns
I'd buy the whole world and change things around
I'd throw all the guns and the tanks in the sea
For they are mistakes of a past history.

Let me drink from the waters where the mountain streams flood
Let me smell of wildflowers flow free through my blood
Let me sleep in your meadows with the green grassy leaves
Let me walk down the highway with my brother in peace.

Go out in your country where the land meets the sun
See the craters and the canyons where the waterfalls run
Nevada, New Mexico, Arizona, Idaho
Let every state in this union seep in your souls.
And you'll die in your footsteps
Before you go down under the ground.






Let's keep it between us.
These people meddlin' in our affairs, they're not our friends.
Let's keep it between us
Before doors close and our togetherness comes to an end.
They'll turn you against me and me against you 'til we don't know who to trust.
Oh, darlin', can we keep it between us?

Let's keep it between us.
We've been through too much tough times that they never shared.
They've had nothing to say to us before,
Now all of a sudden it's as if they've always cared.
All we need is honesty, a little humility and trust.

I know we're not perfect
Then again, neither are they
They act like we got to live for them as if there just ain't no other way
And it's makin' me kind of tired.

Can we just lay back for a moment
Before we wake up and find ourselves in a daze that's got us out of our minds?
There must be something we're overlooking here,
We better drop down now and get back behind the lines.
There's some things not fit for human ears, some things don't need to be
discussed.

They'll tell you one thing and me another
'Til we don't know who to trust.

Let's keep it between us
Before it all snaps and goes too far.
If we can't deal with this by ourselves,
Tell me we ain't worse off than they think we are.
Backseat drivers don't know the feel of the wheel, but they sure know how to
make a fuss.







Man thinks 'cause he rules the earth he can do with it as he please
And if things don't change soon, he will.
Oh, man has invented his doom,
First step was touching the moon.

Now, there's a woman on my block,
She just sit there as the night grows still.
She say who gonna take away his license to kill?

Now, they take him and they teach him and they groom him for life
And they set him on a path where he's bound to get ill,
Then they bury him with stars,
Sell his body like they do used cars.

Now, there's a woman on my block,
She just sit there facin' the hill.

Now, he's hell-bent for destruction, he's afraid and confused,
And his brain has been mismanaged with great skill.
All he believes are his eyes
And his eyes, they just tell him lies.

But there's a woman on my block,
Sitting there in a cold chill.

Ya may be a noisemaker, spirit maker,
Heartbreaker, backbreaker,
Leave no stone unturned.
May be an actor in a plot,
That might be all that you got
'Til your error you clearly learn.

Now he worships at an altar of a stagnant pool
And when he sees his reflection, he's fulfilled.
Oh, man is opposed to fair play,
He wants it all and he wants it his way.

Now, there's a woman on my block,
She just sit there as the night grows still.







Once upon a time you dressed so fine
You threw the bums a dime in your prime, didn't you?
People'd call, say, "Beware doll, you're bound to fall"
You thought they were all kiddin' you
You used to laugh about
Everybody that was hangin' out
Now you don't talk so loud
Now you don't seem so proud
About having to be scrounging for your next meal.

How does it feel
How does it feel
To be without a home
Like a complete unknown
Like a rolling stone?

You've gone to the finest school all right, Miss Lonely
But you know you only used to get juiced in it
And nobody has ever taught you how to live on the street
And now you find out you're gonna have to get used to it
You said you'd never compromise
With the mystery tramp, but now you realize
He's not selling any alibis
As you stare into the vacuum of his eyes
And ask him do you want to make a deal?

How does it feel
How does it feel
To be on your own
With no direction home
Like a complete unknown
Like a rolling stone?

You never turned around to see the frowns on the jugglers and the clowns
When they all come down and did tricks for you
You never understood that it ain't no good
You shouldn't let other people get your kicks for you
You used to ride on the chrome horse with your diplomat
Who carried on his shoulder a Siamese cat
Ain't it hard when you discover that
He really wasn't where it's at
After he took from you everything he could steal.


Princess on the steeple and all the pretty people
They're drinkin', thinkin' that they got it made
Exchanging all kinds of precious gifts and things
But you'd better lift your diamond ring, you'd better pawn it babe
You used to be so amused
At Napoleon in rags and the language that he used
Go to him now, he calls you, you can't refuse
When you got nothing, you got nothing to lose
You're invisible now, you got no secrets to conceal.








The festival was over, the boys were all plannin' for a fall,
The cabaret was quiet except for the drillin' in the wall.
The curfew had been lifted and the gamblin' wheel shut down,
Anyone with any sense had already left town.
He was standin' in the doorway lookin' like the Jack of Hearts.

He moved across the mirrored room, "Set it up for everyone," he said,
Then everyone commenced to do what they were doin' before he turned their heads.
Then he walked up to a stranger and he asked him with a grin,
"Could you kindly tell me, friend, what time the show begins?"
Then he moved into the corner, face down like the Jack of Hearts.

Backstage the girls were playin' five-card stud by the stairs,
Lily had two queens, she was hopin' for a third to match her pair.
Outside the streets were fillin' up, the window was open wide,
A gentle breeze was blowin', you could feel it from inside.
Lily called another bet and drew up the Jack of Hearts.

Big Jim was no one's fool, he owned the town's only diamond mine,
He made his usual entrance lookin' so dandy and so fine.
With his bodyguards and silver cane and every hair in place,
He took whatever he wanted to and he laid it all to waste.
But his bodyguards and silver cane were no match for the Jack of Hearts.

Rosemary combed her hair and took a carriage into town,
She slipped in through the side door lookin' like a queen without a crown.
She fluttered her false eyelashes and whispered in his ear,
"Sorry, darlin', that I'm late," but he didn't seem to hear.
He was starin' into space over at the Jack of Hearts.

"I know I've seen that face before," Big Jim was thinkin' to himself,
"Maybe down in Mexico or a picture up on somebody's shelf."
But then the crowd began to stamp their feet and the house lights did dim
And in the darkness of the room there was only Jim and him,
Starin' at the butterfly who just drew the Jack of Hearts.

Lily was a princess, she was fair-skinned and precious as a child,
She did whatever she had to do, she had that certain flash every time she
smiled.
She'd come away from a broken home, had lots of strange affairs
With men in every walk of life which took her everywhere.
But she'd never met anyone quite like the Jack of Hearts.

The hangin' judge came in unnoticed and was being wined and dined,
The drillin' in the wall kept up but no one seemed to pay it any mind.
It was known all around that Lily had Jim's ring
And nothing would ever come between Lily and the king.
No, nothin' ever would except maybe the Jack of Hearts.

Rosemary started drinkin' hard and seein' her reflection in the knife,
She was tired of the attention, tired of playin' the role of Big Jim's wife.
She had done a lot of bad things, even once tried suicide,
Was lookin' to do just one good deed before she died.
She was gazin' to the future, riding on the Jack of Hearts.

Lily washed her face, took her dress off and buried it away.
"Has your luck run out?" she laughed at him, "Well, I guess you must
have known it would someday.
Be careful not to touch the wall, there's a brand-new coat of paint,
I'm glad to see you're still alive, you're lookin' like a saint."
Down the hallway footsteps were comin' for the Jack of Hearts.

The backstage manager was pacing all around by his chair.
"There's something funny going on," he said, "I can just feel it in the air."
He went to get the hangin' judge, but the hangin' judge was drunk,
As the leading actor hurried by in the costume of a monk.
There was no actor anywhere better than the Jack of Hearts.

Lily's arms were locked around the man that she dearly loved to touch,
She forgot all about the man she couldn't stand who hounded her so much.
"I've missed you so," she said to him, and he felt she was sincere,
But just beyond the door he felt jealousy and fear.
Just another night in the life of the Jack of Hearts.

No one knew the circumstance but they say that it happened pretty quick,
The door to the dressing room burst open and a cold revolver clicked.
And Big Jim was standin' there, ya couldn't say surprised,
Rosemary right beside him, steady in her eyes.
She was with Big Jim but she was leanin' to the Jack of Hearts.

Two doors down the boys finally made it through the wall
And cleaned out the bank safe, it's said that they got off with quite a haul.
In the darkness by the riverbed they waited on the ground
For one more member who had business back in town.
But they couldn't go no further without the Jack of Hearts.

The next day was hangin' day, the sky was overcast and black,
Big Jim lay covered up, killed by a penknife in the back.
And Rosemary on the gallows, she didn't even blink,
The hangin' judge was sober, he hadn't had a drink.
The only person on the scene missin' was the Jack of Hearts.

The cabaret was empty now, a sign said, "Closed for repair,"
Lily had already taken all of the dye out of her hair.
She was thinkin' 'bout her father, who she very rarely saw,
Thinkin' 'bout Rosemary and thinkin' about the law.
But, most of all she was thinkin' 'bout the Jack of Hearts.







Went out last night to take a little round.
I met my little Sadie and I brought her down.
I ran right home and I went to bed
With a forty-four smokeless under my head.

I began to think what a deed I'd done,
I grabbed my hat and I began to run.
I made a god run but I ran too slow;
They overtook me down in Jericho

Standing on a corner ringin' my bell,
Up stepped the sheriff from Thomasville.
He said "Young man is you name Brown?
Remember the night you blowed Little Sadie down."

"Oh, yes sir, my name is Lee.
I murdered little Sadie in the first degree.
First degree and second degree,
If you've got any papers will you serve them to me?"

Well they took me down town and they dressed me in black.
They put me on a train and they brought me back.
I had no one for to go my bail;
They crammed me back into the county jail.

The judge and the jury they took their stand.
The judge had the papers in his right hand.
Forty-one days, forty-one nights;
Forty-one years to wear the ball and the stripes.






Since you've been gone,
I've been walking around
With my head bowed down to my shoes.
I've been living the blues
Ev'ry night without you.

I don't have to go far
To know where you are,
Strangers all give me the news.

I think that it's best,
I soon get some rest
And forget my pride.
But I can't deny
This feeling that I
Carry for you deep down inside.

If you see me this way,
You'd come back and you'd stay,
Oh, how could you refuse.







I pulled out for San Anton',
I never felt so good.
My woman said she'd meet me there
And of course, I knew she would.
The coachman, he hit me for my hook
And he asked me my name.
I give it to him right away,
Then I hung my head in shame.
Lo and behold! Lo and behold!
Lookin' for my lo and behold,
Get me outa here, my dear man!

I come into Pittsburgh
At six-thirty flat.
I found myself a vacant seat
An' I put down my hat.
"What's the matter, Molly, dear,
What's the matter with your mound?"
"What's it to ya, Moby Dick?
This is chicken town!"

I bought my girl
A herd of moose,
One she could call her own.
Well, she came out the very next day
To see where they had flown.
I'm goin' down to Tennessee,
Get me a truck 'r somethin'.
Gonna save my money and rip it up!

Now, I come in on a ferris wheel
An' boys, I sure was slick.
I come in like a ton of bricks,
Laid a few tricks on 'em.
Goin' back to Pittsburgh,
Count up to thirty,
Round that horn and ride that herd,
Gonna thread up!







Well, today has been a sad ol' lonesome day
I'm just sittin' here thinking
With my mind a million miles away

Well, they're doing the double shuffle, throwin' sand on the floor
When I left my long-time darlin'
She was standing in the door

Well, my pa he died and left me, my brother got killed in the war
My sister, she ran off and got married
Never was heard of any more

Samantha Brown lived in my house for about four or five months
Don't know how it looked to other people
I never slept with her even once

Well, the road's washed out - weather not fit for man or beast
Funny, how the things you have the hardest time parting with
Are the things you need the least

I'm forty miles from the mill - I'm droppin' it into overdrive
Settin' my dial on the radio
I wish my mother was still alive

I see your lover-man comin' - comin' 'cross the barren field
He's not a gentleman at all - he's rotten to the core
He's a coward and he steals

Well my captain he's decorated - he's well schooled and he's skilled
He's not sentimental - don't bother him at all
How many of his pals have been killed

Last night the wind was whisperin', I was trying to make out what it was
I tell myself something's comin'
But it never does

I'm gonna spare the defeated - I'm gonna speak to the crowd
I am goin' to teach peace to the conquered
I'm gonna tame the proud

Well the leaves are rustlin' in the wood - things are fallin' off of the shelf
You gonna need my help, sweetheart
You can't make love all by yourself






To preach of peace and brotherhood,
Oh, what might be the cost!
A man he did it long ago
And they hung him on a cross.
Long ago, far away;
These things don't happen
No more, nowadays.

The chains of slaves
They dragged the ground
With heads and hearts hung low.
But it was during Lincoln's time

The war guns they went off wild,
The whole world bled its blood.
Men's bodies floated on the edge
Of oceans made of mud.

One man had much money,
One man had not enough to eat,
One man lived just like a king,
The other man begged on the street.

One man died of a knife so sharp,
One man died from the bullet of a gun,
One man died of a broken heart
To see the lynchin' of his son.

Gladiators killed themselves,
It was during the Roman times.
People cheered with bloodshot grins
As eye and minds went blind.

And to talk of peace and brotherhood,
Oh, what might be the cost!
A man he did it long ago
And they hung him on a cross.
No more, nowadays, do they?







My parents raised me tenderly,
I was their only son.
My mind got mixed with ramblin'
When I was all so young,
And I left my home the first time
When I was twelve and one.
I'm a long time a-comin', Maw,
An' I'll be a long time gone.

On the western side of Texas,
On the Texas plains,
I tried to find a job o'work
But they said I's young of age.
My eyes they burned when I heard,
"Go home where you belong!"

I remember when I's ramblin'
Around with the carnival trains,
Different towns, different people,
Somehow they're all the same.
I remember children's faces best,
I remember travelin' on.

I once loved a fair young maid
An' I ain't too big to tell,
If she broke my heart a single time,
She broke it ten or twelve.
I walked and talked all by myself,
I did not tell no one.

Many times by the highwayside,
I tried to flag a ride.
With bloodshot eyes and gritting teeth,
I'd watch the cars roll by.
The empty air hung in my head
I's thinkin' all day long.

You might see me on your crossroads
When I'm a-passin' through.
Remember me how you wished to
As I'm a-driftin' from your view.
I ain't got the time to think about it,
I got too much to get done.

If I can't help somebody
With a word or song,
If I can't show somebody
They are travelin' wrong.
But I know I ain't no prophet
An' I ain't no prophet's son.

So you can have your beauty,
It's skin deep and it only lies.
And you can have your youth,
It'll rot before your eyes.
Just give to me my gravestone
With it clearly carved upon:







Long-distance operator,
Place this call, it's not for fun.
I gotta get a message to my baby,
You know, she's not just anyone.

There are thousands in the phone booth,
Thousands at the gate.
Ev'rybody wants to make a long-distance call
But you know they're just gonna have to wait.

If a call comes from Louisiana,
Please, let it ride.
This phone booth's on fire,
It's getting hot inside.

Ev'rybody wants to be my friend,
But nobody wants to get higher.
Long-distance operator,
I believe I'm stranglin' on this telephone wire.






For his age, he's wise
He's got his mother's eyes
There's gladness in his heart
He's young and he's wild
My only prayer is, if I can't be there,
Lord, protect my child

As his youth now unfolds
He is centuries old
Just to see him at play makes me smile
No matter what happens to me
No matter what my destiny

While the world is asleep
You can look at it and weep
Few things you find are worthwhile
And though I don't ask for much
No material things to touch

He's young and on fire
Full of hope and desire
In a world that's been raped, raped and defiled
If I fall along the way
And can't see another day

There'll be a time I hear tell
When all will be well
When God and man will be reconciled
But until men lose their chains
And righteousness reigns







Seems like only yesterday
I left my mind behind
Down in the Gypsy Cafe
With a friend of a friend of mine
She sat with a baby heavy on her knee
Yet spoke of life most free from slavery
With eyes that showed no trace of misery
A phrase in connection first with she I heard
That love is just a four-letter word

Outside a rambling store-front window
Cats meowed to the break of day
Me, I kept my mouth shut, too
To you I had no words to say
My experience was limited and underfed
You were talking while I hid
To the one who was the father of your kid
You probably didn't think I did, but I heard
You say that love is just a four-letter word

I said goodbye unnoticed
Pushed towards things in my own games
Drifting in and out of lifetimes
Unmentionable by name
Searching for my double, looking for
Complete evaporation to the core
Though I tried and failed at finding any door
I must have thought that there was nothing more
Absurd than that love is just a four-letter word

Though I never knew just what you meant
When you were speaking to your man
I can only think in terms of me
And now I understand
After waking enough times to think I see
The Holy Kiss that's supposed to last eternity
Blow up in smoke, its destiny
Falls on strangers, travels free
Yes, I know now, traps are only set by me
And I do not really need to be
Assured that love is just a four-letter word







My love she speaks like silence,
Without ideals or violence,
She doesn't have to say she's faithful,
Yet she's true, like ice, like fire.
People carry roses,
Make promises by the hours,
My love she laughs like the flowers,
Valentines can't buy her.

In the dime stores and bus stations,
People talk of situations,
Read books, repeat quotations,
Draw conclusions on the wall.
Some speak of the future,
My love she speaks softly,
She knows there's no success like failure
And that failure's no success at all.

The cloak and dagger dangles,
Madams light the candles.
In ceremonies of the horsemen,
Even the pawn must hold a grudge.
Statues made of match sticks,
Crumble into one another,
My love winks, she does not bother,
She knows too much to argue or to judge.

The bridge at midnight trembles,
The country doctor rambles,
Bankers' nieces seek perfection,
Expecting all the gifts that wise men bring.
The wind howls like a hammer,
The night blows cold and rainy,
My love she's like some raven
At my window with a broken wing.







I'm walking through streets that are dead
Walking, walking with you in my head
My feet are so tired, my brain is so wired
And the clouds are weeping

Did I hear someone tell a lie?
Did I hear someone's distant cry?
I spoke like a child; you destroyed me with a smile
While I was sleeping

I'm sick of love but I'm in the thick of it
This kind of love I'm so sick of it

I see, I see lovers in the meadow
I see, I see silhouettes in the window
I watch them 'til they're gone and they leave me hanging on
To a shadow

I'm sick of love; I hear the clock tick
This kind of love; I'm love sick

Sometimes the silence can be like the thunder
Sometimes I wanna take to the road and plunder
Could you ever be true?
I think of you
And I wonder

I'm sick of love; I wish I'd never met you
I'm sick of love; I'm trying to forget you

Just don't know what to do
I'd give anything to
Be with you







I ain't gonna work on Maggie's farm no more.
Well, I wake in the morning,
Fold my hands and pray for rain.
I got a head full of ideas
That are drivin' me insane.
It's a shame the way she makes me scrub the floor.

I ain't gonna work for Maggie's brother no more.
Well, he hands you a nickel,
He hands you a dime,
He asks you with a grin
If you're havin' a good time,
Then he fines you every time you slam the door.

I ain't gonna work for Maggie's pa no more.
Well, he puts his cigar
Out in your face just for kicks.
His bedroom window
It is made out of bricks.
The National Guard stands around his door.

I ain't gonna work for Maggie's ma no more.
Well, she talks to all the servants
About man and God and law.
Everybody says
She's the brains behind pa.
She's sixty-eight, but she says she's twenty-four.

I ain't gonna work on Maggie's farm no more.
Well, I try my best
To be just like I am,
But everybody wants you
To be just like them.
They sing while you slave and I just get bored.







When the rain is blowing in your face
And the whole world is on your case
I could offer you a warm embrace
To make you feel my love

When the evening shadows and the stars appear
And there is no one there to dry your tears
I could hold you for a million years

I know you haven't made your mind up yet
But I would never do you wrong
I've known it from the moment that we met
No doubt in my mind where you belong

I'd go hungry, I'd go black and blue
I'd go crawling down the avenue
There's nothing that I wouldn't do

The storms are raging on the rollin' sea
And on the highway of regret
The winds of change are blowing wild and free
You ain't seen nothing like me yet

I could make you happy, make your dreams come true
Nothing that I wouldn't do
Go to the ends of the earth for you







Perhaps it's the color of the sun cut flat
An' cov'rin' the crossroads I'm standing at,
Or maybe it's the weather or something like that,
But mama, you been on my mind.

I don't mean trouble, please don't put me down or get upset,
I am not pleadin' or sayin', "I can't forget."
I do not walk the floor bowed down an' bent, but yet,

Even though my mind is hazy an' my thoughts they might be narrow,
Where you been don't bother me nor bring me down in sorrow.
It don't even matter to me where you're wakin' up tomorrow,

I am not askin' you to say words like "yes" or "no,"
Please understand me, I got no place for you t' go.
I'm just breathin' to myself, pretendin' not that I don't know,

When you wake up in the mornin', baby, look inside your mirror.
You know I won't be next to you, you know I won't be near.
I'd just be curious to know if you can see yourself as clear
As someone who has had you on his mind.






Man gave names to all the animals
In the beginning, in the beginning.
Man gave names to all the animals
In the beginning, long time ago.

He saw an animal that liked to growl,
Big furry paws and he liked to howl,
Great big furry back and furry hair.
"Ah, think I'll call it a bear."

He saw an animal up on a hill
Chewing up so much grass until she was filled.
He saw milk comin' out but he didn't know how.
"Ah, think I'll call it a cow."

He saw an animal that liked to snort,
Horns on his head and they weren't too short.
It looked like there wasn't nothin' that he couldn't pull.
"Ah, think I'll call it a bull."

He saw an animal leavin' a muddy trail,
Real dirty face and a curly tail.
He wasn't too small and he wasn't too big.
"Ah, think I'll call it a pig."

Next animal that he did meet
Had wool on his back and hooves on his feet,
Eating grass on a mountainside so steep.
"Ah, think I'll call it a sheep."

He saw an animal as smooth as glass
Slithering his way through the grass.
Saw him disappear by a tree near a lake . . .







Crickets are chirpin', the water is high,
There's a soft cotton dress on the line hangin' dry,
Window wide open, African trees
Bent over backwards from a hurricane breeze.
Not a word of goodbye, note even a note,
She gone with the man
In the long black coat.

Somebody seen him hanging around
At the old dance hall on the outskirts of town,
He looked into her eyes when she stopped to ask
If he wanted to dance, he had a face like a mask.
Somebody said from the Bible he'd quote
There was dust on the man

Preacher was a talkin' there's a sermon he gave,
He said every man's conscience is vile and depraved,
You cannot depend on it to be your guide
When it's you who must keep it satisfied.
It ain't easy to swallow, it sticks in the throat,
She gave her heart to the man

There are no mistakes in life some people say
It is true sometimes you can see it that way.
Bridge: But people don't live or die, people just float.
She went with the man

There's smoke on the water, it's been there since June,
Tree trunks uprooted, 'neath the high crescent moon
Feel the pulse and vibration and the rumbling force
Somebody is out there beating the dead horse.
She never said nothing there was nothing she wrote,
She gone with the man







Look out your window, baby, there's a scene you'd like to catch,
The band is playing "Dixie," a man got his hand outstretched.
Could be the Fuhrer
Could be the local priest.
You know sometimes
Satan comes as a man of peace.

He got a sweet gift of gab, he got a harmonious tongue,
He knows every song of love that ever has been sung.
Good intentions can be evil,
Both hands can be full of grease.

Well, first he's in the background, then he's in the front,
Both eyes are looking like they're on a rabbit hunt.
Nobody can see through him,
No, not even the Chief of Police.

Well, he catch you when you're hoping for a glimpse of the sun,
Catch you when your troubles feel like they weigh a ton.
He could be standing next to you,
The person that you'd notice least.
I hear that sometimes Satan comes as a man of peace.

Well, he can be fascinating, he can be dull,
He can ride down Niagara Falls in the barrels of your skull.
I can smell something cooking,
I can tell there's going to be a feast.

He's a great humanitarian, he's a great philanthropist,
He knows just where to touch you, honey, and how you like to be kissed.
He'll put both his arms around you,
You can feel the tender touch of the beast.

Well, the howling wolf will howl tonight, the king snake will crawl,
Trees that've stood for a thousand years suddenly will fall.
Wanna get married? Do it now,
Tomorrow all activity will cease.

Somewhere Mama's weeping for her blue-eyed boy,
She's holding them little white shoes and that little broken toy
And he's following a star,
The same one them three men followed from the East.







I'll sing you a song, ain't very long,
'Bout an old man who never done wrong.
How he died nobody can say,
They found him dead in the street one day.

Well, the crowd, they gathered one fine morn,
At the man whose clothes 'n' shoes were torn.
There on the sidewalk he did lay,
They stopped 'n' stared 'n' walked their way.

Well, the p'liceman come and he looked around,
"Get up, old man, or I'm a-takin' you down."
He jabbed him once with his billy club
And the old man then rolled off the curb.

Well, he jabbed him again and loudly said,
"Call the wagon; this man is dead."
The wagon come, they loaded him in,
I never saw the man again.

I've sung you my song, it ain't very long,
'Bout an old man who never done wrong.
How he died no one can say,
They found him dead in the street one day.







Come you masters of war
You that build all the guns
You that build the death planes
You that build the big bombs
You that hide behind walls
You that hide behind desks
I just want you to know
I can see through your masks

You that never done nothin'
But build to destroy
You play with my world
Like it's your little toy
You put a gun in my hand
And you hide from my eyes
And you turn and run farther
When the fast bullets fly

Like Judas of old
You lie and deceive
A world war can be won
You want me to believe
But I see through your eyes
And I see through your brain
Like I see through the water
That runs down my drain

You fasten the triggers
For the others to fire
Then you set back and watch
When the death count gets higher
You hide in your mansion
As young people's blood
Flows out of their bodies
And is buried in the mud

You've thrown the worst fear
That can ever be hurled
Fear to bring children
Into the world
For threatening my baby
Unborn and unnamed
You ain't worth the blood
That runs in your veins

How much do I know
To talk out of turn
You might say that I'm young
You might say I'm unlearned
But there's one thing I know
Though I'm younger than you
Even Jesus would never
Forgive what you do

Let me ask you one question
Is your money that good
Will it buy you forgiveness
Do you think that it could
I think you will find
When your death takes its toll
All the money you made
Will never buy back your soul

And I hope that you die
And your death'll come soon
I will follow your casket
In the pale afternoon
And I'll watch while you're lowered
Down to your deathbed
And I'll stand o'er your grave
'Til I'm sure that you're dead







Maybe someday you'll be satisfied
When you've lost everything you'll have nothing left to hide.
When you're through running over things like you're walking 'cross the tracks,
Maybe you'll beg me to take you back.
Maybe someday you'll find out everybody's somebody's fool,
Maybe then you'll realize what it would have taken to keep me cool.
Maybe someday when you're by yourself alone
You'll know the love that I had for you was never my own.

Maybe someday you'll have nowhere to turn,
You'll look back and wonder 'bout the bridges you have burned.
You'll look back sometime when the lights grow dim
And you'll see you look much better with me than you do with him.
Through hostile cities and unfriendly towns,
Thirty pieces of silver, no money down.
Maybe someday, you will understand
That something for nothing is everybody's plan.

Maybe someday you'll remember what you felt
When there was blood on the moon in the cotton belt.
When both of us, baby, were going though some sort of a test
Neither one of us could do what we do best.
I should have known better, baby, I should have called your bluff.
I guess I was too off the handle, not sentimental enough.
Maybe someday, you'll believe me when I say
That I wanted you, baby, in every kind of way.

Maybe someday you'll hear a voice from on high
Sayin' "For whose sake did you live, for whose sake did you die?"
Forgive me, baby, for what I didn't do
For not breakin' down no bedroom door to get at you.
Always was a sucker for the right cross.
Never wanted to go home 'til the last cent was lost.
Maybe someday you will look back and see
That I made it so easy for you to follow me.

Maybe someday there'll be nothing to tell.
I'm just as happy as you, baby, I just can't say it so well.
Never slumbered or slept or waited for lightning to strike.
There's no excuse for you to say that we don't think alike.
You said you were going' to Frisco, stay a couple of months.
I always liked San Francisco, I was there for a party once.
Maybe someday you'll see that it's true
There was no greater love than what I had for you.







Meet me in the morning, 56th and Wabasha
Honey, we could be in Kansas
By time the snow begins to thaw.

They say the darkest hour is right before the dawn
But you wouldn't know it by me
Every day's been darkness since you been gone.

Little rooster crowin', there must be something on his mind
Well, I feel just like that rooster
Honey, ya treat me so unkind.

The birds are flyin' low babe, honey I feel so exposed
Well now, I ain't got any matches
And the station doors are closed.

Well, I struggled through barbed wire, felt the hail fall from above
Well, you know I even outran the hound dogs
Honey, you know I've earned your love.

Look at the sun sinkin' like a ship
Ain't that just like my heart, babe
When you kissed my lips?







Well, that big dumb blonde
With her wheel in the gorge
And Turtle, that friend of theirs
With his checks all forged
And his cheeks in a chunk
With his cheese in the cash
They're all gonna be there
At that million dollar bash
Ooh, baby, ooh-ee
Ooh, baby, ooh-ee
It's that million dollar bash

Ev'rybody from right now
To over there and back
The louder they come
The harder they crack
Come now, sweet cream
Don't forget to flash
We're all gonna meet

Well, I took my counselor
Out to the barn
Silly Nelly was there
She told him a yarn
Then along came Jones
Emptied the trash
Ev'rybody went down

Well, I'm hittin' it too hard
My stones won't take
I get up in the mornin'
But it's too early to wake
First it's hello, goodbye
Then push and then crash
But we're all gonna make it

Well, I looked at my watch
I looked at my wrist
Punched myself in the face
With my fist
I took my potatoes
Down to be mashed
Then I made it over







You took a part of me that I really miss
I keep asking myself how long it can go on like this
You told yourself a lie; that's all right mama, I told myself one too
I'm trying to get closer but I'm still a million miles from you

You took the silver, you took the gold
You left me standing out in the cold
People ask about you; I didn't tell them everything I knew

I'm drifting in and out of dreamless sleep
Throwing all my memories in a ditch so deep
Did so many things I never did intend to do

I need your love so bad, turn your lamp down low
I need every bit of it for the places that I go
Sometimes I wonder just what it's all coming to

Well I don't dare close my eyes and I don't dare wink
Maybe in the next life I'll be able to hear myself think
Feel like talking to somebody but I just don't know who

The last thing you said before you hit the street
"Gonna find me a janitor to sweep me off my feet"
I said, "That's all right mama.... you..... you do what you gotta do"

Rock me, pretty baby, rock me 'til everything gets real
Rock me for a little while, rock me 'til there's nothing left to feel
And I'll rock you too

Well, there's voices in the night trying to be heard
I'm sitting here listening to every mind polluting word
I know plenty of people who would put me up for a day or two







Who's gonna throw that minstrel boy a coin?
Who's gonna let it roll?
Who's gonna throw that minstrel boy a coin?
Who's gonna let it down easy to save his soul?

Oh, Lucky's been drivin' a long, long time
And now he's stuck on top of the hill.
With twelve forward gears, it's been a long hard climb,
And with all of them ladies, though, he's lonely still.

Well, he deep in number and heavy in toil,
Mighty Mockingbird, he still has such a heavy load.
Beneath his bound'ries, what more can I tell,
With all of his trav'lin', but I'm still on that road.








Every step of the way we walk the line
Your days are numbered, so are mine
Time is pilin' up, we struggle and we scrape
We're all boxed in, nowhere to escape

City's just a jungle, more games to play
Trapped in the heart of it, trying to get away
I was raised in the country, I been workin' in the town
I been in trouble ever since I set my suitcase down

Got nothing for you, I had nothing before
Don't even have anything for myself anymore
Sky full of fire, pain pourin' down
Nothing you can sell me, I'll see you around

All my powers of expression and thoughts so sublime
Could never do you justice in reason or rhyme
Only one thing I did wrong
Stayed in Mississippi a day too long

Well, the devil's in the alley, mule's in the stall
Say anything you wanna, I have heard it all
I was thinkin' about the things that Rosie said
I was dreaming I was sleeping in Rosie's bed

Walking through the leaves, falling from the trees
Feeling like a stranger nobody sees
So many things that we never will undo
I know you're sorry, I'm sorry too

Some people will offer you their hand and some won't
Last night I knew you, tonight I don't
I need somethin' strong to distract my mind
I'm gonna look at you 'til my eyes go blind

Well I got here following the southern star
I crossed that river just to be where you are
Only one thing I did wrong
Stayed in Mississippi a day too long

Well my ship's been split to splinters and it's sinking fast
I'm drownin' in the poison, got no future, got no past
But my heart is not weary, it's light and it's free
I've got nothin' but affection for all those who've sailed with me

Everybody movin' if they ain't already there
Everybody got to move somewhere
Stick with me baby, stick with me anyhow
Things should start to get interesting right about now

My clothes are wet, tight on my skin
Not as tight as the corner that I painted myself in
I know that fortune is waitin' to be kind
So give me your hand and say you'll be mine

Well, the emptiness is endless, cold as the clay
You can always come back, but you can't come back all the way
Only one thing I did wrong
Stayed in Mississippi a day too long






I got mixed up confusion
Man, it's a-killin' me

Well, there's too many people
And they're all too hard to please

Well, my hat's in my hand
Babe, I'm walkin' down the line

An' I'm lookin' for a woman
Whose head's mixed up like mine

Well, my head's full of questions
My temp'rature's risin' fast

Well, I'm lookin' for some answers
But I don't know who to ask

But I'm walkin' and wonderin'
And my poor feet don't ever stop

Seein' my reflection
I'm hung over, hung down, hung up!






Sittin' here thinkin'
Where does the money go
Well, I give it to my woman
She ain't got it no more

Went out last night
Bought two eggs and a slice of ham
Bill came to three dollars and ten cents
And I didn't even get no jam

Man came around
Askin' for the rent
Well, I looked into the drawer
But the money's all been spent

Well, well
Ain't got no bank account
Went down to start one
But I didn't have the right amount

Everything's inflated
Like a tire on a car
Well, the man came and took my Chevy back
I'm glad I hid my old guitar

Come to me, mama
Ease my money crisis now
I need something to support me






The seasons they are turnin' and my sad heart is yearnin'
To hear again the songbird's sweet melodious tone
Won't you meet me out in the moonlight alone?

The dusky light, the day is losing
Orchids, poppies, black-eyed Susan
The earth and sky that melts with flesh and bone

The air is thick and heavy
All along the levee
Where the geese into the countryside have flown

Well, I'm preachin' peace and harmony
The blessings of tranquility
Yet I know when the time is right to strike
I'll take you 'cross the river dear
You've no need to linger here
I know the kinds of things you like

The clouds are turnin' crimson
The leaves fall from the limbs an'
The branches cast their shadows over stone

The boulevards of cypress trees
The masquerades of birds and bees
The petals, pink and white, the wind has blown

The trailing moss and mystic glow
Purple blossoms soft as snow
My tears keep flowing to the sea
Doctor, lawyer, Indian chief
It takes a thief to catch a thief
For whom does the bell toll for, love? It tolls for you and me

My pulse is runnin' through my palm
The sharp hills are rising from
The yellow fields with twisted oaks that groan







You say you love me
And you're thinkin' of me,
But you know you could be wrong.
You say you told me
That you wanna hold me,
But you know you're not that strong.
I just can't do what I done before,
I just can't beg you any more.
I'm gonna let you pass
And I'll go last.
Then time will tell just who fell
And who's been left behind,
When you go your way and I go mine.

You say you disturb me
And you don't deserve me,
But you know sometimes you lie.
You say you're shakin'
And you're always achin',
But you know how hard you try.
Sometimes it gets so hard to care,
It can't be this way ev'rywhere.

The judge, he holds a grudge,
He's gonna call on you.
But he's badly built
And he walks on stilts,
Watch out he don't fall on you.

You say you're sorry
For tellin' stories
That you know I believe are true.
You say ya got some
Other kinda lover
And yes, I believe you do.
You say my kisses are not like his,
But this time I'm not gonna tell you why that is.







Most of the time
I'm clear focused all around,
I can keep both feet on the ground,
I can follow the path, I can read the signs,
Stay right with it, when the road unwinds,
I can handle whatever I stumble upon,
I don't even notice she's gone,

It's well understood,
I wouldn't change it if I could,
I can't make it all match up, I can hold my own,
I can deal with the situation right down to the bone,
I can survive, I can endure
And I don't even think about her

My head is on straight,
I'm strong enough not to hate.
I don't build up illusion 'till it makes me sick,
I ain't afraid of confusion no matter how thick
I can smile in the face of mankind.
Don't even remember what her lips felt like on mine

She ain't even in my mind,
I wouldn't know her if I saw her
She's that far behind.
I can't even be sure
If she was ever with me
Or if I was with her.

I'm halfway content,
I know exactly where I went,
I don't cheat on myself, I don't run and hide,
Hide from the feelings, that are buried inside,
I don't compromised and I don't pretend,
I don't even care if I ever see her again







I pounded on a farmhouse
Lookin' for a place to stay.
I was mighty, mighty tired,
I had gone a long, long way.
I said, "Hey, hey, in there,
Is there anybody home?"
I was standin' on the steps
Feelin' most alone.
Well, out comes a farmer,
He must have thought that I was nuts.
He immediately looked at me
And stuck a gun into my guts.

I fell down
To my bended knees,
Saying, "I dig farmers,
Don't shoot me, please!"
He cocked his rifle
And began to shout,
"You're that travelin' salesman
That I have heard about."
I said, "No! No! No!
I'm a doctor and it's true,
I'm a clean-cut kid
And I been to college, too."

Then in comes his daughter
Whose name was Rita.
She looked like she stepped out of
La Dolce Vita.
I immediately tried to cool it
With her dad,
And told him what a
Nice, pretty farm he had.
He said, "What do doctors
Know about farms, pray tell?"
I said, "I was born
At the bottom of a wishing well."

Well, by the dirt 'neath my nails
I guess he knew I wouldn't lie.
"I guess you're tired,"
He said, kinda sly.
I said, "Yes, ten thousand miles
Today I drove."
He said, "I got a bed for you
Underneath the stove.
Just one condition
And you go to sleep right now,
That you don't touch my daughter
And in the morning, milk the cow."

I was sleepin' like a rat
When I heard something jerkin'.
There stood Rita
Lookin' just like Tony Perkins.
She said, "Would you like to take a shower?
I'll show you up to the door."
I said, "Oh, no! no!
I've been through this before."
I knew I had to split
But I didn't know how,
When she said,
"Would you like to take that shower, now?"

Well, I couldn't leave
Unless the old man chased me out,
'Cause I'd already promised
That I'd milk his cows.
I had to say something
To strike him very weird,
So I yelled out,
"I like Fidel Castro and his beard."
Rita looked offended
But she got out of the way,
As he came charging down the stairs
Sayin', "What's that I heard you say?"

I said, "I like Fidel Castro,
I think you heard me right,"
And ducked as he swung
At me with all his might.
Rita mumbled something
'Bout her mother on the hill,
As his fist hit the icebox,
He said he's going to kill me
If I don't get out the door
In two seconds flat,
"You unpatriotic,
Rotten doctor Commie rat."

Well, he threw a Reader's Digest
At my head and I did run,
I did a somersault
As I seen him get his gun
And crashed through the window
At a hundred miles an hour,
And landed fully blast
In his garden flowers.
Rita said, "Come back!"
As he started to load
The sun was comin' up
And I was runnin' down the road.

Well, I don't figure I'll be back
There for a spell,
Even though Rita moved away
And got a job in a motel.
He still waits for me,
Constant, on the sly.
He wants to turn me in
To the F.B.I.
Me, I romp and stomp,
Thankful as I romp,
Without freedom of speech,
I might be in the swamp.







I like to spend some time in Mozambique
The sunny sky is aqua blue
And all the couples dancing cheek to cheek.
It's very nice to stay a week or two.

There's lots of pretty girls in Mozambique
And plenty time for good romance
And everybody likes to stop and speak
To give the special one you seek a chance
Or maybe say hello with just a glance.

Lying next to her by the ocean
Reaching out and touching her hand,
Whispering your secret emotion
Magic in a magical land.

And when it's time for leaving Mozambique,
To say goodbye to sand and sea,
You turn around to take a final peek
And you see why it's so unique to be
Among the lovely people living free
Upon the beach of sunny Mozambique.







Hey! Mr. Tambourine Man, play a song for me,
I'm not sleepy and there is no place I'm going to.
Hey! Mr. Tambourine Man, play a song for me,
In the jingle jangle morning I'll come followin' you.

Though I know that evenin's empire has returned into sand,
Vanished from my hand,
Left me blindly here to stand but still not sleeping.
My weariness amazes me, I'm branded on my feet,
I have no one to meet
And the ancient empty street's too dead for dreaming.

Take me on a trip upon your magic swirlin' ship,
My senses have been stripped, my hands can't feel to grip,
My toes too numb to step, wait only for my boot heels
To be wanderin'.
I'm ready to go anywhere, I'm ready for to fade
Into my own parade, cast your dancing spell my way,
I promise to go under it.

Though you might hear laughin', spinnin', swingin' madly across the sun,
It's not aimed at anyone, it's just escapin' on the run
And but for the sky there are no fences facin'.
And if you hear vague traces of skippin' reels of rhyme
To your tambourine in time, it's just a ragged clown behind,
I wouldn't pay it any mind, it's just a shadow you're
Seein' that he's chasing.

Then take me disappearin' through the smoke rings of my mind,
Down the foggy ruins of time, far past the frozen leaves,
The haunted, frightened trees, out to the windy beach,
Far from the twisted reach of crazy sorrow.
Yes, to dance beneath the diamond sky with one hand waving free,
Silhouetted by the sea, circled by the circus sands,
With all memory and fate driven deep beneath the waves,
Let me forget about today until tomorrow.







Crimson flames tied through my ears
Rollin' high and mighty traps
Pounced with fire on flaming roads
Using ideas as my maps
"We'll meet on edges, soon," said I
Proud 'neath heated brow.
Ah, but I was so much older then,
I'm younger than that now.

Half-wracked prejudice leaped forth
"Rip down all hate," I screamed
Lies that life is black and white
Spoke from my skull. I dreamed
Romantic facts of musketeers
Foundationed deep, somehow.

Girls' faces formed the forward path
From phony jealousy
To memorizing politics
Of ancient history
Flung down by corpse evangelists
Unthought of, though, somehow.

A self-ordained professor's tongue
Too serious to fool
Spouted out that liberty
Is just equality in school
"Equality," I spoke the word
As if a wedding vow.

In a soldier's stance, I aimed my hand
At the mongrel dogs who teach
Fearing not that I'd become my enemy
In the instant that I preach
My pathway led by confusion boats
Mutiny from stern to bow.

Yes, my guard stood hard when abstract threats
Too noble to neglect
Deceived me into thinking
I had something to protect
Good and bad, I define these terms
Quite clear, no doubt, somehow.







It's been raining in the trenches all day long, dripping down to my clothes,
My patience is wearing thin, got a fire inside my nose.
Searching for the truth the way God designed it,
The truth is I might drown before I find it.

Well I need a woman, yes I do
Need a woman, yes I do.
Someone who can see me as I am,
Somebody who just don't give a damn.
And I want you to be that woman every night,
Be that woman.

I've had my eyes on you baby for about five long years,
You probably don't know me at all, but I have seen your laughter and tears.
Now you don't frighten me, my heart is jumping
And you look like it wouldn't hurt you none to have a man who could give ya
something.

Well I need a woman, oh don't I
Need a woman, bring it home safe at last.
Seen you turn the corner, seen your bootheels spark,
Seen you in the daylight, and watched you in the dark.
And I want you to be that woman, all right
Be that woman every night.

Well, if you believe in something long enough you just naturally come to think
it's true.
There ain't no wall you can't cross over, ain't no fire you can't walk through.
Well, believing is all right, just don't let the wrong people know what it's all
about.
They might put the evil eye on you, use their hidden powers to try to turn you
out.

Well I need a woman, just to be my queen.
Need a woman, know what I mean?






Well, the neighborhood bully, he's just one man,
His enemies say he's on their land.
They got him outnumbered about a million to one,
He got no place to escape to, no place to run.
He's the neighborhood bully.

The neighborhood bully just lives to survive,
He's criticized and condemned for being alive.
He's not supposed to fight back, he's supposed to have thick skin,
He's supposed to lay down and die when his door is kicked in.

The neighborhood bully been driven out of every land,
He's wandered the earth an exiled man.
Seen his family scattered, his people hounded and torn,
He's always on trial for just being born.

Well, he knocked out a lynch mob, he was criticized,
Old women condemned him, said he should apologize.
Then he destroyed a bomb factory, nobody was glad.
The bombs were meant for him.
He was supposed to feel bad.

Well, the chances are against it and the odds are slim
That he'll live by the rules that the world makes for him,
'Cause there's a noose at his neck and a gun at his back
And a license to kill him is given out to every maniac.

He got no allies to really speak of.
What he gets he must pay for, he don't get it out of love.
He buys obsolete weapons and he won't be denied
But no one sends flesh and blood to fight by his side.

Well, he's surrounded by pacifists who all want peace,
They pray for it nightly that the bloodshed must cease.
Now, they wouldn't hurt a fly.
To hurt one they would weep.
They lay and they wait for this bully to fall asleep.

Every empire that's enslaved him is gone,
Egypt and Rome, even the great Babylon.
He's made a garden of paradise in the desert sand,
In bed with nobody, under no one's command.

Now his holiest books have been trampled upon,
No contract he signed was worth what it was written on.
He took the crumbs of the world and he turned it into wealth,
Took sickness and disease and he turned it into health.

What's anybody indebted to him for?
Nothin', they say.
He just likes to cause war.
Pride and prejudice and superstition indeed,
They wait for this bully like a dog waits to feed.

What has he done to wear so many scars?
Does he change the course of rivers?
Does he pollute the moon and stars?
Neighborhood bully, standing on the hill,
Running out the clock, time standing still,







Now you're here beside me, baby,
You're a living dream.
And every time you get this close
It makes me want to scream.
You touched me and you knew
That I was warm for you and then,
I ain't never gonna be the same again.

Sorry if I hurt you, baby,
Sorry if I did.
Sorry if I touched the place
Where your secrets are hid.
But you meant more than everything,
And I could not pretend,

You give me something to think about, baby,
Every time I see ya.
Don't worry, baby, I don't mind leaving,
I'd just like it to be my idea.

You taught me how to love you, baby,
You taught me, oh, so well.
Now, I can't go back to what was, baby,
I can't unring the bell.
You took my reality
And cast it to the wind







Twilight on the frozen lake
North wind about to break
On footprints in the snow
Silence down below.

You're beautiful beyond words
You're beautiful to me
You can make me cry
Never say goodbye.

Time is all I have to give
You can have it if you choose
With me you can live
Never say goodbye.

My dreams are made of iron and steel
With a big bouquet
Of roses hanging down
From the heavens to the ground.

The crashing waves roll over me
As I stand upon the sand
Wait for you to come
And grab hold of my hand.

Oh, baby, baby, baby blue
You'll change your last name, too
You've turned your hair to brown
Love to see it hangin' down






Can't you hear that rooster crowin'?
Rabbit runnin' down across the road
Underneath the bridge where the water flowed through
So happy just to see you smile
Underneath the sky of blue
On this new morning, new morning
On this new morning with you.

Can't you hear that motor turnin'?
Automobile comin' into style
Comin' down the road for a country mile or two
So happy just to see you smile

The night passed away so quickly
It always does when you're with me.

Can't you feel that sun a-shinin'?
Ground hog runnin' by the country stream
This must be the day that all of my dreams come true
So happy just to be alive








Once I had a pony, her name was Lucifer
She broke her leg and she needed shooting
I swear it hurt me more than it could ever have hurted her

Sometimes I wonder what's going on in the mind of Miss X
You know she got such a sweet disposition
I never know what the poor girl's gonna do to me next

I got a new pony, she knows how to fox-trot, lope and pace
She got great big hind legs
And long black shaggy hair above her face

Well now, it was early in the mornin', I seen your shadow in the door
Now, I don't have to ask nobody
I know what you come here for

They say you're usin' voodoo, your feet walk by themselves
Oh, baby, that god you been prayin' to
Is gonna give ya back what you're wishin' on someone else

Come over here pony, I, I wanna climb up one time on you
Well, you're so bad and nasty
But I love you, yes I do







Night after night you wander the streets of my mind.
Night after night don't know what you think you will find.
No place to go, nowhere to turn,
Everything around you seems to burn, burn, burn.
And there's never any mercy night after night.

Night after night some new plan to blow up the world.
Night after night another old man kissing some young girl.
You look for salvation, you find none.
Just another broken heart, another barrel of a gun,
Just another stick of dynamite night after night.

Night after night you drop dead in your bed,
Night after night another bottle finds a head.
Night after night I think about cutting you loose
But I just can't do it, what would be the use?
So I just keep a holding you tight night after night.








In death, you face life with a child and a wife
Who sleep-walks through your dreams into walls.
You're a soldier of mercy, you're cold and you curse,
"He who cannot be trusted must fall."

Loneliness, tenderness, high society, notoriety.
You fight for the throne and you travel alone
Unknown as you slowly sink
And there's no time to think.

In the Federal City you been blown and shown pity,
In secret, for pieces of change.
The empress attracts you but oppression distracts you
And it makes you feel violent and strange.

Memory, ecstasy, tyranny, hypocrisy
Betrayed by a kiss on a cool night of bliss
In the valley of the missing link

Judges will haunt you, the country priestess will want you
Her worst is better than best.
I've seen all these decoys through a set of deep turquoise eyes
And I feel so depressed.

China doll, alcohol, duality, mortality.
Mercury rules you and destiny fools you
Like the plague, with a dangerous wink

Your conscience betrayed you when some tyrant waylaid you
Where the lion lies down with the lamb.
I'd have paid off the traitor and killed him much later
But that's just the way that I am.

Paradise, sacrifice, mortality, reality.
But the magician is quicker and his game
Is much thicker than blood and blacker than ink

Anger and jealousy's all that he sells us,
He's content when you're under his thumb.
Madmen oppose him, but your kindness throws him
To survive it you play deaf and dumb.

Equality, liberty, humility, simplicity.
You glance through the mirror and there's eyes staring clear
At the back of your head as you drink

Warlords of sorrow and queens of tomorrow
Will offer their heads for a prayer.
You can't find no salvation, you have no expectations
Anytime, anyplace, anywhere.

Mercury, gravity, nobility, humility.
You know you can't keep her and the water gets deeper
That is leading you onto the brink

You've murdered your vanity, buried your sanity
For pleasure you must now resist.
Lovers obey you but they cannot sway you
They're not even sure you exist.

Socialism, hypnotism, patriotism, materialism.
Fools making laws for the breaking of jaws
And the sound of the keys as they clink

The bridge that you travel on goes to the Babylon girl
With the rose in her hair.
Starlight in the East and you're finally released
You're stranded but with nothing to share.

Loyalty, unity, epitome, rigidity.
You turn around for one real last glimpse of Camille
'Neath the moon shinin' bloody and pink

Bullets can harm you and death can disarm you
But no, you will not be deceived.
Stripped of all virtue as you crawl through the dirt,
You can give but you cannot receive.

No time to choose when the truth must die,
No time to lose or say goodbye,
No time to prepare for the victim that's there,
No time to suffer or blink







There's nothing 'round here I believe in
'Cept you, yeah you
And there's nothing to me that's sacred

You're the one that reaches me
You're the one that I admire
Every time we meet together
My soul feels like it's on fire
Nothing matters to me
And there's nothing I desire

Nothing 'round here I care to try for
Got nothing left to live or die for

There's a hymn I used to hear
In the churches all the time
Make me feel so good inside
So peaceful, so sublime
And there's nothing to remind me of that
Old familiar chime

Used to play in the cemetery
Dance and sing and run when I was a child
Never seemed strange
But now I just pass mournfully by
That place where the bones of life are piled
I know somethin' has changed
I'm a stranger here and no one sees me

Nothing much matters or seems to please me
Nothing hypnotizes me
Or holds me in a spell
Everything runs by me
Just like water from a well
Everybody wants my attention
Ev'rybody's got something to sell







Come gather 'round friends
And I'll tell you a tale
Of when the red iron pits ran plenty.
But the cardboard filled windows
And old men on the benches
Tell you now that the whole town is empty.

In the north end of town,
My own children are grown
But I was raised on the other.
In the wee hours of youth,
My mother took sick
And I was brought up by my brother.

The iron ore poured
As the years passed the door,
The drag lines an' the shovels they was a-humming.
'Til one day my brother
Failed to come home
The same as my father before him.

Well a long winter's wait,
From the window I watched.
My friends they couldn't have been kinder.
And my schooling was cut
As I quit in the spring
To marry John Thomas, a miner.

Oh the years passed again
And the givin' was good,
With the lunch bucket filled every season.
What with three babies born,
The work was cut down
To a half a day's shift with no reason.

Then the shaft was soon shut
And more work was cut,
And the fire in the air, it felt frozen.
'Til a man come to speak
And he said in one week
That number eleven was closin'.

They complained in the East,
They are paying too high.
They say that your ore ain't worth digging.
That it's much cheaper down
In the South American towns
Where the miners work almost for nothing.

So the mining gates locked
And the red iron rotted
And the room smelled heavy from drinking.
Where the sad, silent song
Made the hour twice as long
As I waited for the sun to go sinking.

I lived by the window
As he talked to himself,
This silence of tongues it was building.
Then one morning's wake,
The bed it was bare,
And I's left alone with three children.

The summer is gone,
The ground's turning cold,
The stores one by one they're a-foldin'.
My children will go
As soon as they grow.
Well, there ain't nothing here now to hold them.






Shadows are falling and I've been here all day
It's too hot to sleep time is running away
Feel like my soul has turned into steel
I've still got the scars that the sun didn't heal
There's not even room enough to be anywhere
It's not dark yet, but it's getting there

Well my sense of humanity has gone down the drain
Behind every beautiful thing there's been some kind of pain
She wrote me a letter and she wrote it so kind
She put down in writing what was in her mind
I just don't see why I should even care

Well, I've been to London and I've been to gay Paree
I've followed the river and I got to the sea
I've been down on the bottom of a world full of lies
I ain't looking for nothing in anyone's eyes
Sometimes my burden seems more than I can bear

I was born here and I'll die here against my will
I know it looks like I'm moving, but I'm standing still
Every nerve in my body is so vacant and numb
I can't even remember what it was I came here to get away from
Don't even hear a murmur of a prayer







Nothing was delivered
And I tell this truth to you,
Not out of spite or anger
But simply because it's true.
Now, I hope you won't object to this,
Giving back all of what you owe,
The fewer words you have to waste on this,
The sooner you can go.

Nothing is better, nothing is best,
Take heed of this and get plenty of rest.

Nothing was delivered
But I can't say I sympathize
With what your fate is going to be,
Yes, for telling all those lies.
Now you must provide some answers
For what you sell has not been received,
And the sooner you come up with them,
The sooner you can leave.

(Now you know)
Nothing was delivered
And it's up to you to say
Just what you had in mind
When you made ev'rybody pay.
No, nothing was delivered,
Yes, 'n' someone must explain
That as long as it takes to do this
Then that's how long that you'll remain.








Early in the mornin'
I'm callin' you to
Please come home
Yes, I guess I could make it without you
If I just didn't feel so all alone

Don't let me down
I won't let you down
No I won't
You know I can if you can, honey
But, honey, please don't

I got my black dog barkin'
Yes it is now
Outside my yard
Yes, I could tell you what he means
If I just didn't have to try so hard

Your mama's workin'
She's cryin' you know
You better go now
Well, I'd tell you what she wants
But I just don't know how

Fifteen jugglers
Five believers
All dressed like men
Tell yo' mama not to worry because
They're just my friends

Early in the mornin'
I'm callin' you to
Please come home
Yes, I could make it without you
If I just didn't feel so all alone






I plan it all and I take my place
You break your promise all over the place
You promised to love me, but what do I see
Just you comin' and spillin' juice over me
Odds and ends, odds and ends
Lost time is not found again

Now, you take your file and you bend my head
I never can remember anything that you said
You promised to love me, but what do I know
You're always spillin' juice on me like you got someplace to go

Now, I've had enough, my box is clean
You know what I'm sayin' and you know what I mean
From now on you'd best get on someone else
While you're doin' it, keep that juice to yourself







Oh, sister, when I come to lie in your arms
You should not treat me like a stranger.
Our Father would not like the way that you act
And you must realize the danger.

Oh, sister, am I not a brother to you
And one deserving of affection?
And is our purpose not the same on this earth,
To love and follow his direction?

We grew up together
From the cradle to the grave
We died and were reborn
And then mysteriously saved.

Oh, sister, when I come to knock on your door,
Don't turn away, you'll create sorrow.
Time is an ocean but it ends at the shore
You may not see me tomorrow






On a night like this
So glad you came around,
Hold on to me so tight
And heat up some coffee grounds.
We got much to talk about
And much to reminisce,
It sure is right

So glad you've come to stay
Hold on to me, pretty miss
Say you'll never go away to stray.
Run your fingers down my spine
Bring me a touch of bliss
It sure feels right

I can't get any sleep,
The air is so cold outside
And the snow's so deep.
Build a fire, throw on logs
And listen to it hiss
And let it burn, burn, burn, burn

Put your body next to mine
And keep me company,
There is plenty a room for all,
So please don't elbow me.

Let the four winds blow
Around this old cabin door,
If I'm not too far off
I think we did this once before.
There's more frost on the window glass
With each new tender kiss,
But it sure feels right







Well, I woke up in the morning
There's frogs inside my socks
Your mama, she's a-hidin'
Inside the icebox
Your daddy walks in wearin'
A Napoleon Bonaparte mask
Then you ask why I don't live here
Honey, do you have to ask?

Well, I go to pet your monkey
I get a face full of claws
I ask who's in the fireplace
And you tell me Santa Claus
The milkman comes in
He's wearing a derby hat
Then you ask why I don't live here
Honey, how come you have to ask me that?

Well, I asked for something to eat
I'm hungry as a hog
So I get brown rice, seaweed
And a dirty hot dog
I've got a hole
Where my stomach disappeared
Then you ask why I don't live here
Honey, I gotta think you're really weird.

Your grandpa's cane
It turns into a sword
Your grandma prays to pictures
That are pasted on a board
Everything inside my pockets
Your uncle steals
Then you ask why I don't live here
Honey, I can't believe that you're for real.

Well, there's fist fights in the kitchen
They're enough to make me cry
The mailman comes in
Even he's gotta take a side
Even the butler
He's got something to prove
Then you ask why I don't live here
Honey, how come you don't move?







Your breath is sweet
Your eyes are like two jewels in the sky.
Your back is straight, your hair is smooth
On the pillow where you lie.
But I don't sense affection
No gratitude or love
Your loyalty is not to me
But to the stars above.

One more cup of coffee for the road,
One more cup of coffee 'fore I go
To the valley below.

Your daddy he's an outlaw
And a wanderer by trade
He'll teach you how to pick and choose
And how to throw the blade.
He oversees his kingdom
So no stranger does intrude
His voice it trembles as he calls out
For another plate of food.

Your sister sees the future
Like your mama and yourself.
You've never learned to read or write
There's no books upon your shelf.
And your pleasure knows no limits
Your voice is like a meadowlark
But your heart is like an ocean
Mysterious and dark.








One more night, the stars are in sight
But tonight I'm as lonesome as can be.
Oh, the moon is shinin' bright,
Lighting ev'rything in sight,
But tonight no light will shine on me.

Oh, it's shameful and it's sad,
I lost the only pal I had,
I just could not be what she wanted me to be.
I will turn my head up high
To that dark and rolling sky,

I was so mistaken when I thought that she'd be true,
I had no idea what a woman in love would do!

One more night, I will wait for the light
While the wind blows high above the tree.
Oh, I miss my darling so,
I didn't mean to see her go,

One more night, the moon is shinin' bright
And the wind blows high above the tree.
Oh, I miss that woman so,
I didn't mean to see her go,







Slippin' and slidin' like a weasel on the run,
I'm lookin' good to see you, yeah, and we can have some fun.
One more weekend, one more weekend with you,
One more weekend, one more weekend'll do.

Come on down to my ship, honey, ride on deck,
We'll fly over the ocean just like you suspect.

We'll fly the night away,
Hang out the whole next day,
Things will be okay,
You wait and see.
We'll go someplace unknown,
Leave all the children home,
Honey, why not go alone
Just you and me.

Comin' and goin' like a rabbit in the wood,
I'm happy just to see you, yeah, lookin' so good.

Like a needle in a haystack, I'm gonna find you yet,
You're the sweetest gone mama that this boy's ever gonna get.







I didn't mean to treat you so bad
You shouldn't take it so personal
I didn't mean to make you so sad
You just happened to be there, that's all
When I saw you say "goodbye" to your friends and smile
I thought that it was well understood
That you'd be comin' back in a little while
I didn't know that you were sayin' "goodbye" for good

But, sooner or later, one of us must know
You just did what you're supposed to do
Sooner or later, one of us must know
That I really did try to get close to you

I couldn't see what you could show me
Your scarf had kept your mouth well hid
I couldn't see how you could know me
But you said you knew me and I believed you did
When you whispered in my ear
And asked me if I was leavin' with you or her
I didn't realize just what I did hear
I didn't realize how young you were

But, sooner or later, one of us must know
You just did what you're supposed to do
Sooner or later, one of us must know
That I really did try to get close to you

I couldn't see when it started snowin'
Your voice was all that I heard
I couldn't see where we were goin'
But you said you knew an' I took your word
And then you told me later, as I apologized
That you were just kiddin' me, you weren't really from the farm
An' I told you, as you clawed out my eyes
That I never really meant to do you any harm

But, sooner or later, one of us must know
You just did what you're supposed to do
Sooner or later, one of us must know
That I really did try to get close to you







Down the street the dogs are barkin'
And the day is a-gettin' dark.
As the night comes in a-fallin',
The dogs 'll lose their bark.
An' the silent night will shatter
From the sounds inside my mind,
For I'm one too many mornings
And a thousand miles behind.

From the crossroads of my doorstep,
My eyes they start to fade,
As I turn my head back to the room
Where my love and I have laid.
An' I gaze back to the street,
The sidewalk and the sign,
And I'm one too many mornings

It's a restless hungry feeling
That don't mean no one no good,
When ev'rything I'm a-sayin'
You can say it just as good.
You're right from your side,
I'm right from mine.
We're both just one too many mornings







As I was out walking on a corner one day,
I spied an old hobo, in a doorway he lay.
His face was all grounded in the cold sidewalk floor
And I guess he'd been there for the whole night or more.

Only a hobo, but one more is gone
Leavin' nobody to sing his sad song
Leavin' nobody to carry him home
Only a hobo, but one more is gone

A blanket of newspaper covered his head,
As the curb was his pillow, the street was his bed.
One look at his face showed the hard road he'd come
And a fistful of coins showed the money he bummed.

Does it take much of a man to see his whole life go down,
To look up on the world from a hole in the ground,
To wait for your future like a horse that's gone lame,
To lie in the gutter and die with no name?








A bullet from the back of a bush took Medgar Evers' blood.
A finger fired the trigger to his name.
A handle hid out in the dark
A hand set the spark
Two eyes took the aim
Behind a man's brain
But he can't be blamed
He's only a pawn in their game.

A South politician preaches to the poor white man,
"You got more than the blacks, don't complain.
You're better than them, you been born with white skin," they explain.
And the Negro's name
Is used it is plain
For the politician's gain
As he rises to fame
And the poor white remains
On the caboose of the train

The deputy sheriffs, the soldiers, the governors get paid,
And the marshals and cops get the same,
But the poor white man's used in the hands of them all like a tool.
He's taught in his school
From the start by the rule
That the laws are with him
To protect his white skin
To keep up his hate
So he never thinks straight
'Bout the shape that he's in

From the poverty shacks, he looks from the cracks to the tracks,
And the hoof beats pound in his brain.
And he's taught how to walk in a pack
Shoot in the back
With his fist in a clinch
To hang and to lynch
To hide 'neath the hood
To kill with no pain
Like a dog on a chain
He ain't got no name

Today, Medgar Evers was buried from the bullet he caught.
They lowered him down as a king.
But when the shadowy sun sets on the one
That fired the gun
He'll see by his grave
On the stone that remains
Carved next to his name
His epitaph plain:
Only a pawn in their game.







Now, there's a certain thing
That I learned from Jim
That he'd always make sure I'd understand
And that is that there's a certain way
That a man must swim
If he expects to live off
Of the fat of the land.
Open the door, Homer,
I've heard it said before.
Open the door, Homer,
I've heard it said before
But I ain't gonna hear it said no more.

Now, there's a certain thing
That I learned from my friend, Mouse
A fella who always blushes
And that is that ev'ryone
Must always flush out his house
If he don't expect to be
Goin' 'round housing flushes.


"Take care of all your memories"
Said my friend, Mick
"For you cannot relive them
And remember when you're out there
Tryin' to heal the sick
That you must always
First forgive them."









Ain't it hard to stumble
And land in some funny lagoon?
Especially when it's nine below zero
And three o'clock in the afternoon.

Ain't gonna hang no picture,
Ain't gonna hang no picture frame.
Well, I might look like Robert Ford
But I feel just like a Jesse James.

Well, I wish I was on some
Australian mountain range.
I got no reason to be there, but I
Imagine it would be some kind of change.

I got my dark sunglasses,
I got for good luck my black tooth.
Don't ask me nothin' about nothin',
I just might tell you the truth.

I got a woman in Jackson,
I ain't gonna say her name.
She's a brown-skin woman,
but I
Love her just the same.







Oxford Town, Oxford Town
Ev'rybody's got their heads bowed down
The sun don't shine above the ground
Ain't a-goin' down to Oxford Town

He went down to Oxford Town
Guns and clubs followed him down
All because his face was brown
Better get away from Oxford Town

Oxford Town around the bend
He come in to the door, he couldn't get in
All because of the color of his skin
What do you think about that, my frien'?

Me and my gal, my gal's son
We got met with a tear gas bomb
I don't even know why we come
Goin' back where we come from

Oxford Town in the afternoon
Ev'rybody singin' a sorrowful tune
Two men died 'neath the Mississippi moon
Somebody better investigate soon

Oxford Town, Oxford Town
Ev'rybody's got their heads bowed down
The sun don't shine above the ground
Ain't a-goin' down to Oxford Town







Trails of troubles,
Roads of battles,
Paths of victory,
I shall walk.

The trail is dusty
And my road it might be rough,
But the better roads are waiting
And boys it ain't far off.

I walked down by the river,
I turned my head up high.
I saw that silver linin'
That was hangin' in the sky.

The evenin' dusk was rollin',
I was walking down the track.
There was a one-way wind a-blowin'
And it was blowin' at my back.

The gravel road is bumpy,
It's a hard road to ride,
But there's a clearer road a-waitin'
With the cinders on the side.

That evening train was rollin',
The hummin' of its wheels,
My eyes they saw a better day
As I looked across the fields.

The trail is dusty,
The road it might be rough,
But the good road is a-waitin'
And boys it ain't far off.







Peggy Day stole my poor heart away,
By golly, what more can I say,
Love to spend the night with Peggy Day.

Peggy night makes my future look so bright,
Man, that girl is out of sight,
Love to spend the day with Peggy night.

Well, you know that even before I learned her name,
You know I loved her just the same.
An' I tell 'em all, wherever I may go,
Just so they'll know, that she's my little lady
And I love her so.

Peggy Day stole my poor heart away,
Turned my skies to blue from gray,

Peggy Day stole my poor heart away,
By golly, what more can I say,







Bad news, bad news,
Come to me where I sleep,
Turn, turn, turn again.
Sayin' one of your friends
Is in trouble deep,
Turn, turn to the rain
And the wind.

Tell me the trouble,
Tell once to my ear,
Joliet prison
And ninety-nine years,

Oh what's the charge
Of how this came to be,
Manslaughter
In the highest of degree,

I sat down and wrote
The best words I could write,
Explaining to the judge
I'd be there on Wednesday night,

Without a reply,
I left by the moon,
And was in his chambers
By the next afternoon,

Could ya tell me the facts?
I said without fear,
That a friend of mine
Would get ninety-nine years,

A crash on the highway
Flew the car to a field,
There was four persons killed
And he was at the wheel,

But I knew him as good
As I'm knowin' myself,
And he wouldn't harm a life
That belonged to someone else,

The judge spoke
Out of the side of his mouth,
Sayin', "The witness who saw,
He left little doubt,"

That may be true,
He's got a sentence to serve,
But ninety-nine years,
He just don't deserve,

Too late, too late,
For his case it is sealed,
His sentence is passed
And it cannot be repealed,

But he ain't no criminal
And his crime it is none,
What happened to him
Could happen to anyone,

And at that the judge jerked forward
And his face it did freeze,
Sayin', "Could you kindly leave
My office now, please,"

Well his eyes looked funny
And I stood up so slow,
With no other choice
Except for to go,

I walked down the hallway
And I heard his door slam,
I walked down the courthouse stairs
And I did not understand,

And I played my guitar
Through the night to the day,
And the only tune
My guitar could play
Was, "Oh the Cruel Rain
And the Wind."






Oh, ye playboys and playgirls
Ain't a-gonna run my world,
Not now or no other time.

You fallout shelter sellers
Can't get in my door,

Your Jim Crow ground
Can't turn me around,

The laughter in the lynch mob
Ain't a-gonna do no more,

You insane tongues of war talk
Ain't a-gonna guide my road,

You red baiters and race haters
Ain't a-gonna hang around here,

Ye playboys and playgirls
Ain't a-gonna own my world,







Well, I've already had two beers
I'm ready for the broom
Please, Missus Henry, won't you
Take me to my room?
I'm a good ol' boy
But I've been sniffin' too many eggs
Talkin' to too many people
Drinkin' too many kegs
Please, Missus Henry, Missus Henry, please!
Please, Missus Henry, Missus Henry, please!
I'm down on my knees
An' I ain't got a dime

Well, I'm groanin' in a hallway
Pretty soon I'll be mad
Please, Missus Henry, won't you
Take me to your dad?
I can drink like a fish
I can crawl like a snake
I can bite like a turkey
I can slam like a drake

Now, don't crowd me, lady
Or I'll fill up your shoe
I'm a sweet bourbon daddy
An' tonight I am blue
I'm a thousand years old
And I'm a generous bomb
I'm T-boned and punctured
But I'm known to be calm

Now, I'm startin' to drain
My stool's gonna squeak
If I walk too much farther
My crane's gonna leak
Look, Missus Henry
There's only so much I can do
Why don't you look my way
An' pump me a few?







Well, early in the mornin'
'Til late at night,
I got a poison headache,
But I feel all right.
I'm pledging my time to you,
Hopin' you'll come through, too.

Well, the hobo jumped up,
He came down natur'lly.
After he stole my baby,
Then he wanted to steal me.

Won't you come with me, baby?
I'll take you where you wanna go.
And if it don't work out,
You'll be the first to know.

Well, the room is so stuffy,
I can hardly breathe.
Ev'rybody's gone but me and you
And I can't be the last to leave.

Well, they sent for the ambulance
And one was sent.
Somebody got lucky
But it was an accident.







Man comes to the door - I say, "For whom are you looking?"
He says, "Your wife", I say, "She's busy in the kitchen cookin'."
Poor boy - where you been?
I already tol' you - won't tell you again

I say, "How much you want for that?" I go into the store
The man says, "Three dollars", "All right", I say, "Will you take four?"
Poor boy - never say die.
Things will be all right by and by

Been workin' on the mainline - workin' like the devil
The game is the same - it's just up on a different level
Poor boy - dressed in black
Police at your back

Poor boy in a red hot town
Out beyond the twinklin' stars
Ridin' first class trains - making the rounds
Tryin' to keep from fallin' between the cars

Othello told Desdemona, "I'm cold, cover me with a blanket.
By the way, what happened to that poison wine?"
She says, "I gave it to you, you drank it."
Poor boy, layin' 'em straight - pickin' up the cherries fallin' off the plate

Time and love has branded me with its claws
Had to go to Florida, dodgin' them Georgia laws
Poor boy, in the hotel called the Palace of Gloom
Calls down to room service, says, "Send up a room"

My mother was a daughter of a wealthy farmer
My father was a traveling salesman, I never met him
When my mother died, my uncle took me in - he ran a funeral parlor
He did a lot of nice things for me and I won't forget him

All I know is that I'm thrilled by your kiss
I don't know any more than this
Poor boy, pickin' up sticks
Build ya a house out of mortar and bricks

Knockin' on the door, I say, "Who is it and where are you from?"
Man says, "Freddy!" I say, "Freddy who?" He says, "Freddy or not here I come."
Poor boy 'neath the stars that shine
Washin' them dishes, feedin' them swine






We live in a political world,
Love don't have any place.
We're living in times where men commit crimes
And crime don't have a face

We live in a political world,
Icicles hanging down,
Wedding bells ring and angels sing,
clouds cover up the ground.

We live in a political world,
Wisdom is thrown into jail,
It rots in a cell, is misguided as hell
Leaving no one to pick up a trail.

We live in a political world
Where mercy walks the plank,
Life is in mirrors, death disappears
Up the steps into the nearest bank.

We live in a political world
Where courage is a thing of the past
Houses are haunted, children are unwanted
The next day could be your last.

We live in a political world.
The one we can see and can feel
But there's no one to check, it's all a stacked deck,
We all know for sure that it's real.

We live in a political world
In the cities of lonesome fear,
Little by little you turn in the middle
But you're never why you're here.

We live in a political world
Under the microscope,
You can travel anywhere and hang yourself there
You always got more than enough rope.

We live in a political world
Turning and a'thrashing about,
As soon as you're awake, you're trained to take
What looks like the easy way out.

We live in a political world
Where peace is not welcome at all,
It's turned away from the door to wander some more
Or put up against the wall.

We live in apolitical world
Everything is hers or his,
Climb into the frame and shout God's name
But you're never sure what it is.







Mm, tell mama,
Where'd ya sleep last night?
Cain't ya hear me cryin'?
Hm, hm, hm.

Hey, tell me baby,
What's the matter here?

Hey, stop you ol' train,
Let a poor boy ride.

Hey, Mister Bartender,
I swear I'm not too young.

Blow your whistle, policeman,
My poor feet are trained to run.

Long-distance operator,
I hear this poor call is on the house.

Ashes and diamonds,
The diff'rence I cain't see.

Mister Judge and Jury,
Cain't you see the shape I'm in?

Mississippi River,
You a-runnin' too fast for me.







You got a lotta nerve
To say you are my friend
When I was down
You just stood there grinning

You got a lotta nerve
To say you got a helping hand to lend
You just want to be on
The side that's winning

You say I let you down
You know it's not like that
If you're so hurt
Why then don't you show it

You say you lost your faith
But that's not where it's at
You had no faith to lose
And you know it

I know the reason
That you talk behind my back
I used to be among the crowd
You're in with

Do you take me for such a fool
To think I'd make contact
With the one who tries to hide
What he don't know to begin with

You see me on the street
You always act surprised
You say, "How are you?" "Good luck"
But you don't mean it

When you know as well as me
You'd rather see me paralyzed
Why don't you just come out once
And scream it

No, I do not feel that good
When I see the heartbreaks you embrace
If I was a master thief
Perhaps I'd rob them

And now I know you're dissatisfied
With your position and your place
Don't you understand
It's not my problem

I wish that for just one time
You could stand inside my shoes
And just for that one moment
I could be you

Yes, I wish that for just one time
You could stand inside my shoes
You'd know what a drag it is
To see you







Precious angel, under the sun,
How was I to know you'd be the one
To show me I was blinded, to show me I was gone
How weak was the foundation I was standing upon?

Now there's spiritual warfare and flesh and blood breaking down.
Ya either got faith or ya got unbelief and there ain't no neutral ground.
The enemy is subtle, how be it we are so deceived
When the truth's in our hearts and we still don't believe?

Shine your light, shine your light on me
Ya know I just couldn't make it by myself.
I'm a little too blind to see.

My so-called friends have fallen under a spell.
They look me squarely in the eye and they say, "All is well."
Can they imagine the darkness that will fall from on high
When men will beg God to kill them and they won't be able to die?

Sister, lemme tell you about a vision I saw.
You were drawing water for your husband, you were suffering under the law.
You were telling him about Buddha, you were telling him about Mohammed
in the same breath.
You never mentioned one time the Man who came and died a criminal's death.

Precious angel, you believe me when I say
What God has given to us no man can take away.
We are covered in blood, girl, you know our forefathers were slaves.
Let us hope they've found mercy in their bone-filled graves.

You're the queen of my flesh, girl, you're my woman, you're my delight,
You're the lamp of my soul, girl, and you torch up the night.
But there's violence in the eyes, girl, so let us not be enticed
On the way out of Egypt, through Ethiopia, to the judgment hall of Christ.








Well I'm pressing on
To the higher calling of my Lord.

Many try to stop me, shake me up in my mind,
Say, "Prove to me that He is Lord, show me a sign."
What kind of sign they need when it all come from within,
When what's lost has been found, what's to come has already been?

Shake the dust off of your feet, don't look back.
Nothing now can hold you down, nothing that you lack.
Temptation's not an easy thing, Adam given the devil reign
Because he sinned I got no choice, it run in my vein.








Go ahead and talk about him because he makes you doubt,
Because he has denied himself the things that you can't live without.
Laugh at him behind his back just like the others do,
Remind him of what he used to be when he comes walkin' through.

He's the property of Jesus
Resent him to the bone
You got something better
You've got a heart of stone

Stop your conversation when he passes on the street,
Hope he falls upon himself, oh, won't that be sweet
Because he can't be exploited by superstition anymore
Because he can't be bribed or bought by the things that you adore.

When the whip that's keeping you in line doesn't make him jump,
Say he's hard-of-hearin', say that he's a chump.
Say he's out of step with reality as you try to test his nerve
Because he doesn't pay no tribute to the king that you serve.

Say that he's a loser 'cause he got no common sense
Because he don't increase his worth at someone else's expense.
Because he's not afraid of trying, 'cause he don't look at you and smile,
'Cause he doesn't tell you jokes or fairy tales, say he's got no style.

You can laugh at salvation, you can play Olympic games,
You think that when you rest at last you'll go back from where you came.
But you've picked up quite a story and you've changed since the womb.
What happened to the real you, you've been captured but by whom?








When your mother sends back all your invitations
And your father to your sister he explains
That you're tired of yourself and all of your creations
Won't you come see me, Queen Jane?

Now when all of the flower ladies want back what they have lent you
And the smell of their roses does not remain
And all of your children start to resent you

Now when all the clowns that you have commissioned
Have died in battle or in vain
And you're sick of all this repetition

When all of your advisers heave their plastic
At your feet to convince you of your pain
Trying to prove that your conclusions should be more drastic

Now when all the bandits that you turned your other cheek to
All lay down their bandanas and complain
And you want somebody you don't have to speak to







Ev'rybody's building the big ships and the boats,
Some are building monuments,
Others, jotting down notes,
Ev'rybody's in despair,
Ev'ry girl and boy
But when Quinn the Eskimo gets here,
Ev'rybody's gonna jump for joy.
Come all without, come all within,
You'll not see nothing like the mighty Quinn.

I like to do just like the rest, I like my sugar sweet,
But guarding fumes and making haste,
It ain't my cup of meat.
Ev'rybody's 'neath the trees,
Feeding pigeons on a limb
But when Quinn the Eskimo gets here,
All the pigeons gonna run to him.

A cat's meow and a cow's moo, I can recite 'em all,
Just tell me where it hurts yuh, honey,
And I'll tell you who to call.
Nobody can get no sleep,
There's someone on ev'ryone's toes
But when Quinn the Eskimo gets here,
Ev'rybody's gonna wanna doze.







Oh, you can read out your Bible,
You can fall down on your knees, pretty mama,
And pray to the Lord
But it ain't gonna do no good.

You're gonna need
You're gonna need my help someday
Well, if you can't quit your sinnin'
Please quit your low down ways.

Well, you can run down to the White House,
You can gaze at the Capitol Dome, pretty mama,
You can pound on the President's gate
But you oughta know by now it's gonna be too late.

Well, you can run down to the desert,
Throw yourself on the burning sand.
You can raise up your right hand, pretty mama,
But you better understand you done lost your one good man.

And you can hitchhike on the highway,
You can stand all alone by the side of the road.
You can try to flag a ride back home, pretty mama,
But you can't ride in my car no more.









Well, they'll stone ya when you're trying to be so good,
They'll stone ya just a-like they said they would.
They'll stone ya when you're tryin' to go home.
Then they'll stone ya when you're there all alone.
But I would not feel so all alone,
Everybody must get stoned.

Well, they'll stone ya when you're walkin' 'long the street.
They'll stone ya when you're tryin' to keep your seat.
They'll stone ya when you're walkin' on the floor.
They'll stone ya when you're walkin' to the door.

They'll stone ya when you're at the breakfast table.
They'll stone ya when you are young and able.
They'll stone ya when you're tryin' to make a buck.
They'll stone ya and then they'll say, "good luck."

Well, they'll stone you and say that it's the end.
Then they'll stone you and then they'll come back again.
They'll stone you when you're riding in your car.
They'll stone you when you're playing your guitar.

Well, they'll stone you when you walk all alone.
They'll stone you when you are walking home.
They'll stone you and then say you are brave.
They'll stone you when you are set down in your grave.







Come around you rovin' gamblers and a story I will tell
About the greatest gambler, you all should know him well.
His name was Will O' Conley and he gambled all his life,
He had twenty-seven children, yet he never had a wife.
And it's ride, Willie, ride,
Roll, Willie, roll,
Wherever you are a-gamblin' now, nobody really knows.

He gambled in the White House and in the railroad yards,
Wherever there was people, there was Willie and his cards.
He had a reputation as the gamblin'est man around,
Wives would keep their husbands home when Willie came to town.

Sailin' down the Mississippi to a town called New Orleans,
They're still talkin' about their card game on that Jackson River Queen.
"I've come to win some money," Gamblin' Willie says,
When the game finally ended up, the whole damn boat was his.

Up in the Rocky Mountains in a town called Cripple Creek,
There was an all-night poker game, lasted about a week.
Nine hundred miners had laid their money down,
When Willie finally left the room, he owned the whole damn town.

But Willie had a heart of gold and this I know is true,
He supported all his children, and all their mothers too.
He wore no rings or fancy things, like other gamblers wore,
He spread his money far and wide, to help the sick and the poor.

When you played your cards with Willie, you never really knew
Whether he was bluffin' or whether he was true.
He won a fortune from a man who folded in his chair.
The man, he left a diamond flush, Willie didn't even have a pair.

It was late one evenin' during a poker game,
A man lost all his money, he said Willie was to blame.
He shot poor Willie through the head, which was a tragic fate,
When Willie's cards fell on the floor, they were aces backed with eights.

So all you rovin' gamblers, wherever you might be,
The moral of this story is very plain to see.
Make your money while you can, before you have to stop,
For when you pull that dead man's hand, your gamblin' days are up.







Oh all the money that in my whole life I did spend,
Be it mine right or wrongfully,
I let it slip gladly past the hands of my friends
To tie up the time most forcefully.
But the bottles are done,
We've killed each one
And the table's full and overflowed.
And the corner sign
Says it's closing time,
So I'll bid farewell and be down the road.

Oh ev'ry girl that ever I've touched,
I did not do it harmfully.
And ev'ry girl that ever I've hurt,
I did not do it knowin'ly.
But to remain as friends and make amends
You need the time and stay behind.
And since my feet are now fast
And point away from the past,
I'll bid farewell and be down the line.

Oh ev'ry foe that ever I faced,
The cause was there before we came.
And ev'ry cause that ever I fought,
I fought it full without regret or shame.
But the dark does die
As the curtain is drawn and somebody's eyes
Must meet the dawn.
And if I see the day
I'd only have to stay,
So I'll bid farewell in the night and be gone.

Oh, ev'ry thought that's strung a knot in my mind,
I might go insane if it couldn't be sprung.
But it's not to stand naked under unknowin' eyes,
It's for myself and my friends my stories are sung.
But the time ain't tall,
Yet on time you depend and no word is possessed
By no special friend.
And though the line is cut,
It ain't quite the end,
I'll just bid farewell till we meet again.

Oh a false clock tries to tick out my time
To disgrace, distract, and bother me.
And the dirt of gossip blows into my face,
And the dust of rumors covers me.
But if the arrow is straight
And the point is slick,
It can pierce through dust no matter how thick.
So I'll make my stand
And remain as I am
And bid farewell and not give a damn.







Ring them bells, ye heathen
From the city that dreams,
Ring them bells from the sanctuaries
Cross the valleys and streams,
For they're deep and they're wide
And the world's on its side
And time is running backwards
And so is the bride.

Ring them bells St. Peter
Where the four winds blow,
Ring them bells with an iron hand
So the people will know.
Oh it's rush hour now
On the wheel and the plow
And the sun is going down
Upon the sacred cow.

Ring them bells Sweet Martha,
For the poor man's son,
Ring them bells so the world will know
That God is one.
Oh the shepherd is asleep
Where the willows weep
And the mountains are filled
With lost sheep.

Ring them bells for the blind and the deaf,
Ring them bells for all of us who are left,
Ring them bells for the chosen few
Who will judge the many when the game is through.
Ring them bells, for the time that flies,
For the child that cries
When innocence dies.

Ring them bells St. Catherine
From the top of the room,
Ring them from the fortress
For the lilies that bloom.
Oh the lines are long
And the fighting is strong
And they're breaking down the distance
Between right and wrong.









Takes rocks and gravel, baby, make a solid road,
Make a solid road.
Takes a good woman mama,
To satisfy my weary soul.

Have you ever been down on that Mobil and K. C. line?
Well I just wanna ask you,
If you seen that gal of mine,

Don't the clouds look lonesome shining across the sea,
Don't my gal look good,
When she's comin' after me?






Hot chili peppers in the blistering sun
Dust on my face and my cape,
Me and Magdalena on the run
I think this time we shall escape.

Sold my guitar to the baker's son
For a few crumbs and a place to hide,
But I can get another one
And I'll play for Magdalena as we ride.

No llores, mi querida
Dios nos vigila
Soon the horse will take us to Durango.
Agarrame, mi vida
Soon the desert will be gone
Soon you will be dancing the fandango.

Past the Aztec ruins and the ghosts of our people
Hoofbeats like castanets on stone.
At night I dream of bells in the village steeple
Then I see the bloody face of Ramon.

Was it me that shot him down in the cantina
Was it my hand that held the gun?
Come, let us fly, my Magdalena
The dogs are barking and what's done is done.

At the corrida we'll sit in the shade
And watch the young torero stand alone.
We'll drink tequila where our grandfathers stayed
When they rode with Villa into Torreon.

Then the padre will recite the prayers of old
In the little church this side of town.
I will wear new boots and an earring of gold
You'll shine with diamonds in your wedding gown.

The way is long but the end is near
Already the fiesta has begun.
The face of God will appear
With His serpent eyes of obsidian.

Was that the thunder that I heard?
My head is vibrating, I feel a sharp pain
Come sit by me, don't say a word
Oh, can it be that I am slain?

Quick, Magdalena, take my gun
Look up in the hills, that flash of light.
Aim well my little one
We may not make it through the night.








With your mercury mouth in the missionary times,
And your eyes like smoke and your prayers like rhymes,
And your silver cross, and your voice like chimes,
Oh, who among them do they think could bury you?
With your pockets well protected at last,
And your streetcar visions which you place on the grass,
And your flesh like silk, and your face like glass,
Who among them do they think could carry you?
Sad-eyed lady of the lowlands,
Where the sad-eyed prophet says that no man comes,
My warehouse eyes, my Arabian drums,
Should I leave them by your gate,
Or, sad-eyed lady, should I wait?

With your sheets like metal and your belt like lace,
And your deck of cards missing the jack and the ace,
And your basement clothes and your hollow face,
Who among them can think he could outguess you?
With your silhouette when the sunlight dims
Into your eyes where the moonlight swims,
And your match-book songs and your gypsy hymns,
Who among them would try to impress you?

The kings of Tyrus with their convict list
Are waiting in line for their geranium kiss,
And you wouldn't know it would happen like this,
But who among them really wants just to kiss you?
With your childhood flames on your midnight rug,
And your Spanish manners and your mother's drugs,
And your cowboy mouth and your curfew plugs,
Who among them do you think could resist you?

Oh, the farmers and the businessmen, they all did decide
To show you the dead angels that they used to hide.
But why did they pick you to sympathize with their side?
Oh, how could they ever mistake you?
They wished you'd accepted the blame for the farm,
But with the sea at your feet and the phony false alarm,
And with the child of a hoodlum wrapped up in your arms,
How could they ever, ever persuade you?

With your sheet-metal memory of Cannery Row,
And your magazine-husband who one day just had to go,
And your gentleness now, which you just can't help but show,
Who among them do you think would employ you?
Now you stand with your thief, you're on his parole
With your holy medallion which your fingertips fold,
And your saintlike face and your ghostlike soul,
Oh, who among them do you think could destroy you







Santa-Fe,
Dear, dear, dear, dear, dear Santa-Fe,
My woman needs it ev'ryday,
She promised this a-lad she'd stay,
She's rollin' up a lotta bread
To toss away.
She's in Santa-Fe,
Dear, dear, dear, dear, dear Santa-Fe
Now she's opened up an old maid's home,
She's proud, but she needs to roam,
She's gonna write herself a roadside poem,
About Santa-Fe.

Since I'm never gonna cease to roam,
I'm never, ever far from home,
But I'll build a geodesic dome
And sail away.
Don't feel bad.
No, no, no, no, don't feel bad
It's the best food I've ever had.
Makes me feel so glad
That she's cooking in a home-made pad
She never caught a cold so bad
When I'm away.

My shrimp boat's in the bay
I won't have my nature this way,
And I'm leanin' on the wheel each day
To drift away
From Santa-Fe,
Dear, dear, dear, dear, dear Santa-Fe.
My sister looks good at home,
She's lickin' on an ice cream cone,
She's packin' her big white comb,
What does it weigh?







I laid on a dune, I looked at the sky,
When the children were babies and played on the beach.
You came up behind me, I saw you go by,
You were always so close and still within reach.

Sara, Sara,
Whatever made you want to change your mind?
Sara, Sara,
So easy to look at, so hard to define.

I can still see them playin' with their pails in the sand,
They run to the water their buckets to fill.
I can still see the shells fallin' out of their hands
As they follow each other back up the hill.

Sara, Sara,
Sweet virgin angel, sweet love of my life,
Sara, Sara,
Radiant jewel, mystical wife.

Sleepin' in the woods by a fire in the night,
Drinkin' white rum in a Portugal bar,
Them playin' leapfrog and hearin' about Snow White,
You in the marketplace in Savanna-la-Mar.

Sara, Sara,
It's all so clear, I could never forget,
Sara, Sara,
Lovin' you is the one thing I'll never regret.

I can still hear the sounds of those Methodist bells,
I'd taken the cure and had just gotten through,
Stayin' up for days in the Chelsea Hotel,
Writin' "Sad-Eyed Lady of the Lowlands" for you.

Sara, Sara,
Wherever we travel we're never apart.
Sara, oh Sara,
Beautiful lady, so dear to my heart.

How did I meet you? I don't know.
A messenger sent me in a tropical storm.
You were there in the winter, moonlight on the snow
And on Lily Pond Lane when the weather was warm.

Sara, oh Sara,
Scorpio Sphinx in a calico dress,
Sara, Sara,
You must forgive me my unworthiness.

Now the beach is deserted except for some kelp
And a piece of an old ship that lies on the shore.
You always responded when I needed your help,
You gimme a map and a key to your door.

Sara, oh Sara,
Glamorous nymph with an arrow and bow,
Sara, oh Sara,
Don't ever leave me, don't ever go.







I was blinded by the devil,
Born already ruined,
Stone-cold dead
As I stepped out of the womb.
By His grace I have been touched,
By His word I have been healed,
By His hand I've been delivered,
By His spirit I've been sealed.

I've been saved
By the blood of the lamb,
Saved
Saved,
Saved,
And I'm so glad.
Yes, I'm so glad,
I'm so glad,
So glad,
I want to thank You, Lord,
I just want to thank You, Lord,
Thank You, Lord.

By His truth I can be upright,
By His strength I do endure,
By His power I've been lifted,
In His love I am secure.
He bought me with a price,
Freed me from the pit,
Full of emptiness and wrath
And the fire that burns in it.

Nobody to rescue me,
Nobody would dare,
I was going down for the last time,
But by His mercy I've been spared.
Not by works,
But by faith in Him who called,
For so long I've been hindered,
For so long I've been stalled.








If You find it in Your heart, can I be forgiven?
Guess I owe You some kind of apology.
I've escaped death so many times, I know I'm only living
By the saving grace that's over me.

By this time I'd-a thought I would be sleeping
In a pine box for all eternity.
My faith keeps me alive, but I still be weeping

Well, the death of life, then come the resurrection,
Wherever I am welcome is where I'll be.
I put all my confidence in Him, my sole protection

Well, the devil's shining light, it can be most blinding,
But to search for love, that ain't no more than vanity.
As I look around this world all that I'm finding

The wicked know no peace and you just can't fake it,
There's only one road and it leads to Calvary.
It gets discouraging at times, but I know I'll make it







Well, I thought that the rain would cool things down
But it looks like it don't.
I'd like to get you to change your mind
But it looks like you won't.

From now on I'll be busy,
Ain't goin' nowhere fast.
I'm just glad it's over
And I'm seeing the real you at last.

Well, didn't I risk my neck for you,
Didn't I take chances?
Didn't I rise above it all for you,
The most unfortunate circumstances?

Well, I have had some rotten nights,
Didn't think that they would pass.
I'm just thankful and grateful
To be seeing the real you at last.

I'm hungry and I'm irritable
And I'm tired of this bag of tricks.
At one time there was nothing wrong with me
That you could not fix.

Well, I sailed through the storm
Strapped to the mast,
But the time has come
And I'm seeing the real you at last.

When I met you, baby,
You didn't show no visible scars.
You could ride like Annie Oakley,
You could shoot like Belle Starr.

Well, I don't mind a reasonable amount of trouble,
Trouble always comes to pass
But all I care about now
Is that I'm seeing the real you at last.

Well, I'm gonna quit this baby talk now,
I guess I should have known.
I got troubles, I think maybe you got troubles,
I think maybe we'd better leave each other alone.

Whatever you gonna do,
Please do it fast.
I'm still trying to get used to
Seeing the real you at last.






Senor, senor, do you know where we're headin'?
Lincoln County Road or Armageddon?
Seems like I been down this way before.
Is there any truth in that, senor?

Senor, senor, do you know where she is hidin'?
How long are we gonna be ridin'?
How long must I keep my eyes glued to the door?
Will there be any comfort there, senor?

There's a wicked wind still blowin' on that upper deck,
There's an iron cross still hanging down from around her neck.
There's a marchin' band still playin' in that vacant lot
Where she held me in her arms one time and said, "Forget me not."

Senor, senor, I can see that painted wagon,
I can smell the tail of the dragon.
Can't stand the suspense anymore.
Can you tell me who to contact here, senor?

Well, the last thing I remember before I stripped and kneeled
Was that trainload of fools bogged down in a magnetic field.
A gypsy with a broken flag and a flashing ring
Said, "Son, this ain't a dream no more, it's the real thing."

Senor, senor, you know their hearts is as hard as leather.
Well, give me a minute, let me get it together.
I just gotta pick myself up off the floor.
I'm ready when you are, senor.

Senor, senor, let's disconnect these cables,
Overturn these tables.
This place don't make sense to me no more.
Can you tell me what we're waiting for, senor?






I was thinking of a series of dreams
Where nothing comes up to the top
Everything stays down where it's wounded
And comes to a permanent stop
Wasn't thinking of anything specific
Like in a dream, when someone wakes up and screams
Nothing too very scientific
Just thinking of a series of dreams

Thinking of a series of dreams
Where the time and the tempo fly
And there's no exit in any direction
'Cept the one that you can't see with your eyes
Wasn't making any great connection
Wasn't falling for any intricate scheme
Nothing that would pass inspection

Dreams where the umbrella is folded
Into the path you are hurled
And the cards are no good that you're holding
Unless they're from another world

In one, numbers were burning
In another, I witnessed a crime
In one, I was running, and in another
All I seemed to be doing was climb
Wasn't looking for any special assistance
Not going to any great extremes
I'd already gone the distance







Old Reilly stole a stallion
But they caught him and they brought him back
And they laid him down on the jailhouse ground
With an iron chain around his neck.

Old Reilly's daughter got a message
That her father was goin' to hang.
She rode by night and came by morning
With gold and silver in her hand.

When the judge he saw Reilly's daughter
His old eyes deepened in his head,
Sayin', "Gold will never free your father,
The price, my dear, is you instead."

"Oh I'm as good as dead," cried Reilly,
"It's only you that he does crave
And my skin will surely crawl if he touches you at all.
Get on your horse and ride away."

"Oh father you will surely die
If I don't take the chance to try
And pay the price and not take your advice.
For that reason I will have to stay."

The gallows shadows shook the evening,
In the night a hound dog bayed,
In the night the grounds were groanin',
In the night the price was paid.

The next mornin' she had awoken
To know that the judge had never spoken.
She saw that hangin' branch a-bendin',
She saw her father's body broken.

These be seven curses on a judge so cruel:
That one doctor will not save him,
That two healers will not heal him,
That three eyes will not see him.

That four ears will not hear him,
That five walls will not hide him,
That six diggers will not bury him
And that seven deaths shall never kill him.






Seven days, seven more days she'll be comin'
I'll be waiting at the station for her to arrive
Seven more days, all I gotta do is survive.

She been gone ever since I been a child
Ever since I seen her smile, I ain't forgotten her eyes.
She had a face that could outshine the sun in the skies.

I been good, I been good while I been waitin'
Maybe guilty of hesitatin', I just been holdin' on
Seven more days, all that'll be gone.

There's kissing in the valley,
Thieving in the alley,
Fighting every inch of the way.
Trying to be tender
With somebody I remember
In a night that's always brighter'n the day.

Seven days, seven more days that are connected
Just like I expected, she'll be comin' on forth,
My beautiful comrade from the north.








She's got everything she needs,
She's an artist, she don't look back.
She can take the dark out of the nighttime
And paint the daytime black.

You will start out standing
Proud to steal her anything she sees.
But you will wind up peeking through her keyhole
Down upon your knees.

She never stumbles,
She's got no place to fall.
She's nobody's child,
The Law can't touch her at all.

She wears an Egyptian ring
That sparkles before she speaks.
She's a hypnotist collector,
You are a walking antique.

Bow down to her on Sunday,
Salute her when her birthday comes.
For Halloween give her a trumpet
And for Christmas, buy her a drum.






The pawnbroker roared
Also, so, so did the landlord
The scene was so crazy, wasn't it?
Both were so glad
To watch me destroy what I had
Pain sure brings out the best in people, doesn't it?
Why didn't you just leave me if you didn't want to stay?
Why'd you have to treat me so bad?
Did it have to be that way?
Now you stand here expectin' me to remember somethin' you forgot to say
Yes, and you, I see you're still with her, well
That's fine 'cause she's comin' on so strange, can't you tell?
Somebody had better explain
She's got her iron chain
I'd do it, but I, I just can't remember how
You talk to her
She's your lover now.

I already assumed
That we're in the felony room
But I ain't a judge, you don't have to be nice to me
But please tell that
To your friend in the cowboy hat
You know he keeps on sayin' ev'rythin' twice to me
You know I was straight with you
You know I've never tried to change you in any way
You know if you didn't want to be with me
That you could . . . didn't have to stay.
Now you stand here sayin' you forgive and forget. Honey, what can I say?
Yes, you, you just sit around and ask for ashtrays, can't you reach?
I see you kiss her on the cheek ev'rytime she gives a speech
With her picture books of the pyramid
And her postcards of Billy the Kid
(Why must everybody bow?)
You better talk to her 'bout it
You're her lover now.

Oh, ev'rybody that cares
Is goin' up the castle stairs
But I'm not up in your castle, honey
It's true, I just can't recall
San Francisco at all
I can't even remember El Paso, uh, honey
You never had to be faithful
I didn't want you to grieve
Oh, why was it so hard for you
If you didn't want to be with me, just to leave?
Now you stand here while your finger's goin' up my sleeve
An' you, just what do you do anyway? Ain't there nothin' you can say?
She'll be standin' on the bar soon
With a fish head an' a harpoon
An' a fake beard plastered on her brow
You'd better do somethin' quick
She's your lover now.







'Twas in another lifetime, one of toil and blood
When blackness was a virtue and the road was full of mud
I came in from the wilderness, a creature void of form.
"Come in," she said,
"I'll give you shelter from the storm."

And if I pass this way again, you can rest assured
I'll always do my best for her, on that I give my word
In a world of steel-eyed death, and men who are fighting to be warm.

Not a word was spoke between us, there was little risk involved
Everything up to that point had been left unresolved.
Try imagining a place where it's always safe and warm.

I was burned out from exhaustion, buried in the hail,
Poisoned in the bushes an' blown out on the trail,
Hunted like a crocodile, ravaged in the corn.

Suddenly I turned around and she was standin' there
With silver bracelets on her wrists and flowers in her hair.
She walked up to me so gracefully and took my crown of thorns.

Now there's a wall between us, somethin' there's been lost
I took too much for granted, got my signals crossed.
Just to think that it all began on a long-forgotten morn.

Well, the deputy walks on hard nails and the preacher rides a mount
But nothing really matters much, it's doom alone that counts
And the one-eyed undertaker, he blows a futile horn.

I've heard newborn babies wailin' like a mournin' dove
And old men with broken teeth stranded without love.
Do I understand your question, man, is it hopeless and forlorn?

In a little hilltop village, they gambled for my clothes
I bargained for salvation an' they gave me a lethal dose.
I offered up my innocence and got repaid with scorn.

Well, I'm livin' in a foreign country but I'm bound to cross the line
Beauty walks a razor's edge, someday I'll make it mine.
If I could only turn back the clock to when God and her were born.







Seen a shooting star tonight
And I thought of you.
You were trying to break into another world
A world I never knew.
I always kind of wondered
If you ever made it through.

Seen a shooting star tonight
And I thought of me.
If I was still the same
If I ever became what you wanted me to be
Did I miss the mark or
Over-step the line
That only you could see?

Listen to the engine, listen to the bell
As the last fire truck from hell
Goes rolling by, all good people are praying,
It's the last temptation
The last account
The last time you might hear the sermon on the mount,
The last radio is playing.

Seen a shooting star tonight
Slip Away.
Tomorrow will be another day.
Guess it's too late to say the things to you
That you needed to hear me say.







I need a shot of love, I need a shot of love.

Don't need a shot of heroin to kill my disease,
Don't need a shot of turpentine, only bring me to my knees,
Don't need a shot of codeine to help me to repent,
Don't need a shot of whiskey, help me be president.

Doctor, can you hear me? I need some Medicaid.
I seen the kingdoms of the world and it's makin' me feel afraid.
What I got ain't painful, it's just bound to kill me dead
Like the men that followed Jesus when they put a price upon His head.

I don't need no alibi when I'm spending time with you.
I've heard all of them rumors and you have heard 'em too.
Don't show me no picture show or give me no book to read,
It don't satisfy the hurt inside nor the habit that it feeds.

Why would I want to take your life?
You've only murdered my father, raped his wife,
Tattooed my babies with a poison pen,
Mocked my God, humiliated my friends.

Don't wanna be with nobody tonight Veronica not around nowhere,
Mavis just ain't right.
There's a man that hates me and he's swift, smooth and near,
Am I supposed to set back and wait until he's here?

What makes the wind wanna blow tonight?
Don't even feel like crossing the street and my car ain't actin' right.
Called home, everybody seemed to have moved away.
My conscience is beginning to bother me today.

If you're a doctor, I need a shot of love.






You speak to me
In sign language
As I'm eating a sandwich
In a small cafe
At a quarter to three
But I can't respond
To your sign language.
You're taking advantage,
Bringing me down.
Can't you make any sound?

'Twas there by the bakery
Surrounded by fakery
Tell her my story
Still I'm still there.
Does she know I still care?

Link Wray was playin'
On a jukebox I was payin'
For the words I was sayin'
So misunderstood
He didn't do me no good.








Now, I try, oh for so awf'ly long
And I just try to be.
And now, oh it's a gold mine
But it's so fine.
Yes, but I know in my head
That we're all so misled,
And it's that ol' sign on the cross
That worries me.

Now, when I was just a bawlin' child,
I saw what I wanted to be,
And it's all for the sake
Of that picture I should see.
But I was lost on the moon
As I heard that front door slam,


Well, it's that old sign on the cross,
Well, it's that old key to the kingdom,
Like you used to be.

But, when I hold my head so high
As I see my ol' friends go by,
That worries me.

Well, it seems to be the sign on the cross. Ev'ry day,
ev'ry night, see the sign on the cross just layin' up
on top of the hill. Yes, we thought it might have
disappeared long ago, but I'm here to tell you, friends,
that I'm afraid it's lyin' there still. Yes, just a
little time is all you need, you might say, but I don't
know 'bout that any more, because the bird is here and
you might want to enter it, but, of course, the door might
be closed. But I just would like to tell you one time,
if I don't see you again, that the thing is, that the sign
on the cross is the thing you might need the most.

Yes, the sign on the cross
Is just a sign on the cross.
Well, there is some on every chisel
And there is some in the championship, too.
Oh, when your, when your days are numbered
And your nights are long,
You might think you're weak
But I mean to say you're strong.
Yes you are, if that sign on the cross,
If it begins to worry you.
Well, that's all right because sing a song
And all your troubles will pass right on through.






Sign on the window says "Lonely,"
Sign on the door said "No Company Allowed,"
Sign on the street says "Y' Don't Own Me,"
Sign on the porch says "Three's A Crowd,"

Her and her boyfriend went to California,
Her and her boyfriend done changed their tune.
My best friend said, "Now didn' I warn ya,
Brighton girls are like the moon,

Looks like a-nothing but rain . . .
Sure gonna be wet tonight on Main Street . . .
Hope that it don't sleet.

Build me a cabin in Utah,
Marry me a wife, catch rainbow trout,
Have a bunch of kids who call me "Pa,"
That must be what it's all about,







Silent weekend,
My baby she gave it to me
She's actin' tough and hardy
She says it ain't my party
And she's leavin' me in misery.

Silent weekend,
My baby she took me by surprise.
She's rockin' and a-reelin'
Head up to ceiling
An' swinging with some other guys.

Silent weekend,
Oh Lord, I wish Monday would come.
She's uppity, she's rollin',
She's in the groove, she's strolling
Over to the jukebox playin' deaf and dumb.

Well, I done a whole lotta thinkin' 'bout a whole lot of cheatin',
And I, maybe I did some just to please.
But I just walloped a lotta pizza after makin' our peace,
Puts ya down on bended knees.

Silent weekend,
Man alive, I'm burnin' up on my brain.
She knows when I'm just teasin'
But it's not likely in the season
To open up a passenger train.







Stake my future on a hell of a past
Looks like tomorrow is coming on fast
Ain't complaining 'bout what I got
Seen better times, but who has not?

Silvio
Silver and gold
Won't buy back the beat of a heart grown cold
Silvio
I gotta go
Find out something only dead men know

Honest as the next jade rolling that stone
When I come knocking don't throw me no bone
I'm an old boll weevil looking for a home
If you don't like it you can leave me alone

I can snap my fingers and require the rain
From a clear blue sky and turn it off again
I can stroke your body and relieve your pain
And charm the whistle off an evening train

I give what I got until I got no more
I take what I get until I even the score
You know I love you and furthermore
When it's time to go you got an open door

I can tell you fancy, I can tell you plain
You give something up for everything you gain
Since every pleasure's got an edge of pain
Pay for your ticket and don't complain

One of these days and it won't be long
Going down in the valley and sing my song
I will sing it loud and sing it strong
Let the echo decide if I was right or wrong








They sat together in the park
As the evening sky grew dark,
She looked at him and he felt a spark tingle to his bones.
'Twas then he felt alone and wished that he'd gone straight
And watched out for a simple twist of fate.

They walked along by the old canal
A little confused, I remember well
And stopped into a strange hotel with a neon burnin' bright.
He felt the heat of the night hit him like a freight train
Moving with a simple twist of fate.

A saxophone someplace far off played
As she was walkin' by the arcade.
As the light bust through a beat-up shade where he was wakin' up,
She dropped a coin into the cup of a blind man at the gate
And forgot about a simple twist of fate.

He woke up, the room was bare
He didn't see her anywhere.
He told himself he didn't care, pushed the window open wide,
Felt an emptiness inside to which he just could not relate
Brought on by a simple twist of fate.

He hears the ticking of the clocks
And walks along with a parrot that talks,
Hunts her down by the waterfront docks where the sailers all come in.
Maybe she'll pick him out again, how long must he wait
Once more for a simple twist of fate.

People tell me it's a sin
To know and feel too much within.
I still believe she was my twin, but I lost the ring.
She was born in spring, but I was born too late
Blame it on a simple twist of fate.







I paid fifteen million dollars, twelve hundred and seventy-two cents
I paid one thousand two hundred twenty-seven dollars and fifty-five cents
See my hound dog bite a rabbit
And my football's sittin' on a barbed-wire fence

Well, my temperature rises and my feet don't walk so fast
Well, this Arabian doctor came in, gave me a shot
But wouldn't tell me if what I had would last

Well, this woman I've got, she's filling me with her drive
She's calling me Stan
Or else she calls me Mister Clive

Of course, you're gonna think this song is a riff
Unless you've been inside a tunnel
And fell down 69, 70 feet over a barbed-wire fence

All night!







Sometimes I feel so low-down and disgusted
Can't help but wonder what's happenin' to my companions,
Are they lost or are they found, have they counted the cost it'll take to bring
down
All their earthly principles they're gonna have to abandon?
There's a slow, slow train comin' up around the bend.

I had a woman down in Alabama,
She was a backwoods girl, but she sure was realistic,
She said, "Boy, without a doubt, have to quit your mess and straighten out,
You could die down here, be just another accident statistic."

All that foreign oil controlling American soil,
Look around you, it's just bound to make you embarrassed.
Sheiks walkin' around like kings, wearing fancy jewels and nose rings,
Deciding America's future from Amsterdam and to Paris

Man's ego is inflated, his laws are outdated, they don't apply no more,
You can't rely no more to be standin' around waitin'
In the home of the brave, Jefferson turnin' over in his grave,
Fools glorifying themselves, trying to manipulate Satan

Big-time negotiators, false healers and woman haters,
Masters of the bluff and masters of the proposition
But the enemy I see wears a cloak of decency,
All non-believers and men stealers talkin' in the name of religion

People starving and thirsting, grain elevators are bursting
Oh, you know it costs more to store the food than it do to give it.
They say lose your inhibitions, follow your own ambitions,
They talk about a life of brotherly love, show me someone who knows how to
live it.

Well, my baby went to Illinois with some bad-talkin' boy she could destroy
A real suicide case, but there was nothin' I could do to stop it,
I don't care about economy, I don't care about astronomy
But it sure do bother me to see my loved ones turning into puppets,







Well, I'm hangin' on to a solid rock
Made before the foundation of the world
And I won't let go, and I can't let go, won't let go
And I can't let go, won't let go, and I can't let go no more.

For me He was chastised, for me He was hated,
For me he was rejected by a world that He created.
Nations are angry, cursed are some,
People are expecting a false peace to come.

It's the ways of the flesh to war against the spirit
Twenty-four hours a day you can feel it and you can hear it
Using all the devices under the sun.
And He never give up 'til the battle's lost or won.








They say "Drink and be merry,
Take the bull by the horns."
I keep seeing visions of you, a lily among thorns
Everything looks a little far away to me

Gettin' harder and harder to recognize the trap
Too much information about nothin'
Too much educated rap
It's just like you told me, just like you said it would be

The moon rising like wildfire
I feel the breath of a storm
Something I got to do tonight
You go inside and stay warm

Someone's got a hold of my heart

Just got back from a city of powder blue skies
Everybody thinks with their stomach
There's plenty of spies
Every street is crooked, they just wind around till they disappear

Madame Butterfly, she lulls me to sleep
Like an ancient river
So wide and deep
She said, "Be easy, baby, ain't nothin' worth stealin' here"

You're the one I've been waitin' for
You're the one I desire
But you must first realize
I'm not another man for hire

I hear the hot-blooded singer
On the bandstand croon
September Song, Memphis in June
While they're beating the devil out of a guy who's wearing a flaming red wig

I been to Babylon
I gotta confess
I can still hear that voice crying in the wilderness
What looks large from a distance, close up is never that big
Never could learn to drink that blood and call it wine
Never could learn to look at your face and call it mine.








Something there is about you that strikes a match in me
Is it the way your body moves or is it the way your hair blows free?
Or is it because you remind me of something that used to be
Somethin' that crossed over from another century?

Thought I'd shaken the wonder and the phantoms of my youth
Rainy days on the Great Lakes, walkin' the hills of old Duluth.
There was me and Danny Lopez, cold eyes, black night and then there was Ruth
Something there is about you that brings back a long-forgotten truth.

Suddenly I found you and the spirit in me sings
Don't have to look no further, you're the soul of many things.
I could say that I'd be faithful, I could say it in one sweet, easy breath
But to you that would be cruelty and to me it surely would be death.

Something there is about you that moves with style and grace
I was in a whirlwind, now I'm in some better place.
My hand's on the sabre and you've picked up the baton
Somethin' there is about you that I can't quite put my finger on.







Something is burning, baby, are you aware?
Something is the matter, baby, there's smoke in your hair
Are you still my friend, baby, show me a sign
Is the love in your heart for me turning blind?

You've been avoiding the main streets for a long, long while
The truth that I'm seeking is in your missing file
What's your position, baby, what's going on?
Why is the light in your eyes nearly gone?

I know everything about this place, or so it seems
Am I no longer a part of your plans or your dreams?
Well, it is so obvious that something has changed
What's happening, baby, to make you act so strange?

Something is burning, baby, here's what I say
Even the bloodhounds of London couldn't find you today
I see the shadow of a man, baby, makin' you blue
Who is he, baby, and what's he to you?

We've reached the edge of the road, baby, where the pasture begins
Where charity is supposed to cover up a multitude of sins
But where do you live, baby, and where is the light?
Why are your eyes just staring off in the night?

I can feel it in the night when I think of you
I can feel it in the light and it's got to be true
You can't live by bread alone, you won't be satisfied
You can't roll away the stone if your hands are tied

Got to start someplace, baby, can you explain?
Please don't fade away on me, baby, like the midnight train
Answer me, baby, a casual look will do
Just what in the world has come over you?

I can feel it in the wind and it's upside down
I can feel it in the dust as I get off the bus on the outskirts of town
I've had the Mexico City blues since the last hairpin curve
I don't wanna see you bleed, I know what you need but it ain't what you deserve

Something is burning, baby, something's in flames
There's a man going 'round calling names
Ring down when you're ready, baby, I'm waiting for you
I believe in the impossible, you know that I do







I'm out here a thousand miles from my home,
Walkin' a road other men have gone down.
I'm seein' your world of people and things,
Your paupers and peasants and princes and kings.

Hey, hey Woody Guthrie, I wrote you a song
'Bout a funny ol' world that's a-comin' along.
Seems sick an' it's hungry, it's tired an' it's torn,
It looks like it's a-dyin' an' it's hardly been born.

Hey, Woody Guthrie, but I know that you know
All the things that I'm a-sayin' an' a-many times more.
I'm a-singin' you the song, but I can't sing enough,
'Cause there's not many men that done the things that you've done.

Here's to Cisco an' Sonny an' Leadbelly too,
An' to all the good people that traveled with you.
Here's to the hearts and the hands of the men
That come with the dust and are gone with the wind.

I'm a-leaving' tomorrow, but I could leave today,
Somewhere down the road someday.
The very last thing that I'd want to do
Is to say I've been hittin' some hard travelin' too.






Gypsy gal, the hands of Harlem
Cannot hold you to its heat.
Your temperature's too hot for taming,
Your flaming feet burn up the street.
I am homeless, come and take me
Into reach of your rattling drums.
Let me know, babe, about my fortune
Down along my restless palms.

Gypsy gal, you got me swallowed.
I have fallen far beneath
Your pearly eyes, so fast an' slashing,
An' your flashing diamond teeth.
The night is pitch black, come an' make my
Pale face fit into place, ah, please!
Let me know, babe, I got to know, babe,
If it's you my lifelines trace.

I been wond'rin' all about me
Ever since I seen you there.
On the cliffs of your wildcat charms I'm riding,
I know I'm 'round you but I don't know where.
You have slayed me, you have made me,
I got to laugh halfways off my heels.
I got to know, babe, will I be touching you
So I can tell if I'm really real.







I'm walking through the summer nights
Jukebox playing low
Yesterday everything was going too fast
Today, it's moving too slow
I got no place left to turn
I got nothing left to burn
Don't know if I saw you, if I would kiss you or kill you
It probably wouldn't matter to you anyhow
You left me standing in the doorway, crying
I got nothing to go back to now

The light in this place is so bad
Making me sick in the head
All the laughter is just making me sad
The stars have turned cherry red
I'm strumming on my gay guitar
Smoking a cheap cigar
The ghost of our old love has not gone away
Don't look like it will anytime soon
You left me standing in the doorway crying
Under the midnight moon

Maybe they'll get me and maybe they won't
But not tonight and it won't be here
There are things I could say but I don't
I know the mercy of God must be near
I've been riding the midnight train
Got ice water in my veins
I would be crazy if I took you back
It would go up against every rule
You left me standing in the doorway, crying
Suffering like a fool

When the last rays of daylight go down
Buddy, you'll roll no more
I can hear the church bells ringing in the yard
I wonder who they're ringing for
I know I can't win
But my heart just won't give in
Last night I danced with a stranger
But she just reminded me you were the one
You left me standing in the doorway crying
In the dark land of the sun

I'll eat when I'm hungry, drink when I'm dry
And live my life on the square
And even if the flesh falls off of my face
I know someone will be there to care
It always means so much
Even the softest touch
I see nothing to be gained by any explanation
There are no words that need to be said
You left me standing in the doorway crying
Blues wrapped around my head







Well, I'm standin' on the highway
Tryin' to bum a ride, tryin' to bum a ride,
Tryin' to bum a ride.
Nobody seem to know me,
Everybody pass me by.

Well, I'm standin' on the highway
Tryin' to hold up, tryin' to hold up,
Tryin to hold up and be brave.
One roads goin' to the bright lights,
The others goin' down to my grave.

Well, I'm lookin' down at two card,
They seem to be handmade.
One looks like it's the ace of diamonds,
The other looks like it is the ace of spades.

Well, I'm standin' on the highway
Watchin' my life roll by.
Well, I'm standin' on the highway
Tryin' to bum a ride.

Well, I'm standin' on the highway
Wonderin' where everybody went, wonderin' where everybody went,
Wonderin' where everybody went.
Please mister, pick me up,
I swear I ain't gonna kill nobody's kids.

I wonder if my good gal,
I wonder if she knows I'm here,
Nobody else seems to know I'm here.
If she knows I'm here, Lawd,
I wonder if she said a prayer.






In the night I hear you speak
Turn around, you're in my sleep
Feel your hands inside your soul
You're holding on and won't let go

I've tried running but there's no escape
Can't bend them, and (I know) I just can't break these...

Steel bars, wrapped all around me
I've been your prisoner since the day you found me
I'm bound forever, till the end of time
Steel bars wrapped around this heart of mine

Trying hard to recognize
See the face behind the eyes
Feel your haunting ways like chains
'Round my heart they still remain

I'm still running, but there's nowhere to hide
My love for you has got me locked up inside these...

And with every step I take
Every desperate move I make
It's clear to me
What can all my living mean
When time itself is so obscene
When time itself don't mean a thing
I'm still loving you








Oh, the ragman draws circles
Up and down the block.
I'd ask him what the matter was
But I know that he don't talk.
And the ladies treat me kindly
And furnish me with tape,
But deep inside my heart
I know I can't escape.
Oh, Mama, can this really be the end,
To be stuck inside of Mobile
With the Memphis blues again.

Well, Shakespeare, he's in the alley
With his pointed shoes and his bells,
Speaking to some French girl,
Who says she knows me well.
And I would send a message
To find out if she's talked,
But the post office has been stolen
And the mailbox is locked.

Mona tried to tell me
To stay away from the train line.
She said that all the railroad men
Just drink up your blood like wine.
An' I said, "Oh, I didn't know that,
But then again, there's only one I've met
An' he just smoked my eyelids
An' punched my cigarette."

Grandpa died last week
And now he's buried in the rocks,
But everybody still talks about
How badly they were shocked.
But me, I expected it to happen,
I knew he'd lost control
When he built a fire on Main Street
And shot it full of holes.

Now the senator came down here
Showing ev'ryone his gun,
Handing out free tickets
To the wedding of his son.
An' me, I nearly got busted
An' wouldn't it be my luck
To get caught without a ticket
And be discovered beneath a truck.

Now the preacher looked so baffled
When I asked him why he dressed
With twenty pounds of headlines
Stapled to his chest.
But he cursed me when I proved it to him,
Then I whispered, "Not even you can hide.
You see, you're just like me,
I hope you're satisfied."

Now the rainman gave me two cures,
Then he said, "Jump right in."
The one was Texas medicine,
The other was just railroad gin.
An' like a fool I mixed them
An' it strangled up my mind,
An' now people just get uglier
An' I have no sense of time.

When Ruthie says come see her
In her honky-tonk lagoon,
Where I can watch her waltz for free
'Neath her Panamanian moon.
An' I say, "Aw come on now,
You must know about my debutante."
An' she says, "Your debutante just knows what you need
But I know what you want."

Now the bricks lay on Grand Street
Where the neon madmen climb.
They all fall there so perfectly,
It all seems so well timed.
An' here I sit so patiently
Waiting to find out what price
You have to pay to get out of
Going through all these things twice.







Johnny's in the basement
Mixing up the medicine
I'm on the pavement
Thinking about the government
The man in the trench coat
Badge out, laid off
Says he's got a bad cough
Wants to get it paid off
Look out kid
It's somethin' you did
God knows when
But you're doin' it again
You better duck down the alley way
Lookin' for a new friend
The man in the coon-skin cap
In the big pen
Wants eleven dollar bills
You only got ten

Maggie comes fleet foot
Face full of black soot
Talkin' that the heat put
Plants in the bed but
The phone's tapped anyway
Maggie says that many say
They must bust in early May
Orders from the D. A.
Look out kid
Don't matter what you did
Walk on your tip toes
Don't try "No Doz"
Better stay away from those
That carry around a fire hose
Keep a clean nose
Watch the plain clothes
You don't need a weather man
To know which way the wind blows

Get sick, get well
Hang around a ink well
Ring bell, hard to tell
If anything is goin' to sell
Try hard, get barred
Get back, write braille
Get jailed, jump bail
Join the army, if you fail
Look out kid
You're gonna get hit
But users, cheaters
Six-time losers
Hang around the theaters
Girl by the whirlpool
Lookin' for a new fool
Don't follow leaders
Watch the parkin' meters

Ah get born, keep warm
Short pants, romance, learn to dance
Get dressed, get blessed
Try to be a success
Please her, please him, buy gifts
Don't steal, don't lift
Twenty years of schoolin'
And they put you on the day shift
Look out kid
They keep it all hid
Better jump down a manhole
Light yourself a candle
Don't wear sandals
Try to avoid the scandals
Don't wanna be a bum
You better chew gum
The pump don't work
'Cause the vandals took the handles






I got my back to the sun 'cause the light is too intense
I can see what everybody in the world is up against
You can't turn back - you can't come back, sometimes we push too far
One day you'll open up your eyes and you'll see where we are

Sugar Baby get on down the road
You ain't got no brains, no how
You went years without me
Might as well keep going now

Some of these bootleggers, they make pretty good stuff
Plenty of places to hide things here if you wanna hide 'em bad enough
I'm staying with Aunt Sally, but you know, she's not really my aunt
Some of these memories you can learn to live with and some of them you can't

The ladies down in Darktown, they're doing the Darktown Strut
You always got to be prepared but you never know for what
There ain't no limit to the amount of trouble women bring
Love is pleasing, love is teasing, love's not an evil thing

Every moment of existence seems like some dirty trick
Happiness can come suddenly and leave just as quick
Any minute of the day the bubble could burst
Try to make things better for someone, sometimes,
you just end up making it a thousand times worse

Your charms have broken many a heart and mine is surely one
You got a way of tearing a world apart, love, see what you done
Just as sure as we're living, just as sure as you're born
Look up, look up - seek your Maker - 'fore Gabriel blows his horn








Summer days, summer nights are gone
I know a place where there's still somethin' going on

I got a house on a hill, I got hogs all out on in the mud
Got a long haired woman, she got royal Indian blood

Everybody get ready - lift up your glasses and sing
Everybody get ready to lift up your glasses and sing
Well, I'm standin' on the table, I'm proposing a toast to the King

Well I'm drivin' in the flats in a Cadillac car
The girls all say, "You're a worn out star"
My pockets are loaded and I'm spending every dime
How can you say you love someone else when you know it's me all the time?

Well, the fog's so thick you can't spy the land
What good are you anyway, if you can't stand up to some old businessman?

Wedding bells ringin', the choir is beginning to sing
What looks good in the day, at night is another thing

She's looking into my eyes, she's holding my hand
She says, "You can't repeat the past." I say, "You can't? What do you mean, you
can't? Of course you can."

Where do you come from? Where do you go?
Sorry that's nothin' you would need to know
Well, my back has been to the wall for so long, it seems like it's stuck
Why don't you break my heart one more time just for good luck

I got eight carburetors, boys I'm using 'em all
I'm short on gas, my motor's starting to stall

My dogs are barking, there must be someone around
I got my hammer ringin', pretty baby, but the nails ain't goin' down

You got something to say, speak or hold your peace
If it's information you want you can go get it from the police

Politician got on his jogging shoes
He must be running for office, got no time to lose
He been suckin' the blood out of the genius of generosity
You been rolling your eyes - you been teasing me

Standing by God's river, my soul is beginnin' to shake
I'm countin' on you love, to give me a break

Well, I'm leaving in the morning as soon as the dark clouds lift
Gonna break the roof in - set fire to the place as a parting gift








Well, the pressure's down, the boss ain't here,
He gone North, he ain't around,
They say that vanity got the best of him
But he sure left here after sundown.
By the way, that's a cute hat,
And that smile's so hard to resist
But what's a sweetheart like you doin' in a dump like this?

You know, I once knew a woman who looked like you,
She wanted a whole man, not just a half,
She used to call me sweet daddy when I was only a child,
You kind of remind me of her when you laugh.
In order to deal in this game, got to make the queen disappear,
It's done with a flick of the wrist.

You know, a woman like you should be at home,
That's where you belong,
Watching out for someone who loves you true
Who would never do you wrong.
Just how much abuse will you be able to take?
Well, there's no way to tell by that first kiss.

You know you can make a name for yourself,
You can hear them tires squeal,
You can be known as the most beautiful woman
Who ever crawled across cut glass to make a deal.

You know, news of you has come down the line
Even before ya came in the door.
They say in your father's house, there's many mansions
Each one of them got a fireproof floor.
Snap out of it, baby, people are jealous of you,
They smile to your face, but behind your back they hiss.

Got to be an important person to be in here, honey,
Got to have done some evil deed,
Got to have your own harem when you come in the door,
Got to play your harp until your lips bleed.

They say that patriotism is the last refuge
To which a scoundrel clings.
Steal a little and they throw you in jail,
Steal a lot and they make you king.
There's only one step down from here, baby,
It's called the land of permanent bliss.







One time in London I'd gone out for a walk,
Past a place called Hyde park where people talk
'Bout all kinds of different gods, they have their point of view
To anyone passing by, that's who they're talking to.

There was someone on a platform talking to the folks
About the T.V. god and all the pain that it invokes.
"It's too bright a light", he said, "For anybody's eyes,
If you've never seen one it's a blessing in disguise."

I moved in closer, got up on my toes,
Two men in front of me were coming to blows
The man was saying something 'bout children when they're young
Being sacrificed to it while lullabies are being sung.

"The news of the day is on all the time,
All the latest gossip, all the latest rhyme,
Your mind is your temple, keep it beautiful and free,
Don't let an egg get laid in it by something you can't see."

"Pray for peace!". he said, you could feel it in the crowd.
My thoughts began to wander. His voice was ringing loud,
"It will destroy your family, your happy home is gone
No one can protect you fro it once you turn it on."

"It will led you into some strange pursuits,
Lead you to the land of forbidden fruits.
It will scramble up your head and drag your brain about,
Sometimes you gotta do like Elvis did and shoot the damn thing out."

"It's all been designed", he said, "To make you lose your mind,
And when you go back to find it, there's nothing there to find."
"Everytime you look at it, your situation's worse,
If you feel it grabbing out for you, send for the nurse."

The crowd began to riot and they grabbed hold of the man,
There was pushing, there was shoving and everybody ran.
The T.V. crew was there to film it, they jumped right over me,
Later on that evening, I watched it on T.V..







Well, I was feelin' sad and feelin' blue,
I didn't know what in the world I was gonna do,
Them Communists they wus comin' around,
They wus in the air,
They wus on the ground.
They wouldn't gimme no peace. . .

So I run down most hurriedly
And joined up with the John Birch Society,
I got me a secret membership card
And started off a-walkin' down the road.
Yee-hoo, I'm a real John Bircher now!
Look out you Commies!

Now we all agree with Hitlers' views,
Although he killed six million Jews.
It don't matter too much that he was a Fascist,
At least you can't say he was a Communist!
That's to say like if you got a cold you take a shot of malaria.

Well, I wus lookin' everywhere for them gol-darned Reds.
I got up in the mornin' 'n' looked under my bed,
Looked in the sink, behind the door,
Looked in the glove compartment of my car.
Couldn't find 'em . . .

I wus lookin' high an' low for them Reds everywhere,
I wus lookin' in the sink an' underneath the chair.
I looked way up my chimney hole,
I even looked deep inside my toilet bowl.
They got away . . .

Well, I wus sittin' home alone an' started to sweat,
Figured they wus in my T.V. set.
Peeked behind the picture frame,
Got a shock from my feet, hittin' right up in the brain.
Them Reds caused it!
I know they did . . . them hard-core ones.

Well, I quit my job so I could work alone,
Then I changed my name to Sherlock Holmes.
Followed some clues from my detective bag
And discovered they wus red stripes on the American flag!
That ol' Betty Ross . . .

Well, I investigated all the books in the library,
Ninety percent of 'em gotta be burned away.
I investigated all the people that I knowed,
Ninety-eight percent of them gotta go.
The other two percent are fellow Birchers . . . just like me.

Now Eisenhower, he's a Russian spy,
Lincoln, Jefferson and that Roosevelt guy.
To my knowledge there's just one man
That's really a true American: George Lincoln Rockwell.
I know for a fact he hates Commies cus he picketed the movie Exodus.

Well, I fin'ly started thinkin' straight
When I run outa things to investigate.
Couldn't imagine doin' anything else,
So now I'm sittin' home investigatin' myself!
Hope I don't find out anything . . . hmm, great God!






Some time ago a crazy dream came to me,
I dreamt I was walkin' into World War Three,
I went to the doctor the very next day
To see what kinda words he could say.
He said it was a bad dream.
I wouldn't worry 'bout it none, though,
They were my own dreams and they're only in my head.

I said, "Hold it, Doc, a World War passed through my brain."
He said, "Nurse, get your pad, this boy's insane,"
He grabbed my arm, I said "Ouch!"
As I landed on the psychiatric couch,
He said, "Tell me about it."

Well, the whole thing started at 3 o'clock fast,
It was all over by quarter past.
I was down in the sewer with some little lover
When I peeked out from a manhole cover
Wondering who turned the lights on.

Well, I got up and walked around
And up and down the lonesome town.
I stood a-wondering which way to go,
I lit a cigarette on a parking meter
And walked on down the road.
It was a normal day.

Well, I rung the fallout shelter bell
And I leaned my head and I gave a yell,
"Give me a string bean, I'm a hungry man."
A shotgun fired and away I ran.
I don't blame them too much though,
I know I look funny.

Down at the corner by a hot-dog stand
I seen a man, I said, "Howdy friend,
I guess there's just us two."
He screamed a bit and away he flew.
Thought I was a Communist.

Well, I spied a girl and before she could leave,
"Let's go and play Adam and Eve."
I took her by the hand and my heart it was thumpin'
When she said, "Hey man, you crazy or sumpin',
You see what happened last time they started."

Well, I seen a Cadillac window uptown
And there was nobody aroun',
I got into the driver's seat
And I drove 42nd Street
In my Cadillac.
Good car to drive after a war.

Well, I remember seein' some ad,
So I turned on my Conelrad.
But I didn't pay my Con Ed bill,
So the radio didn't work so well.
Turned on my player-
It was Rock-A-Day, Johnny singin',
"Tell Your Ma, Tell Your Pa,
Our Loves Are Gonna Grow Ooh-wah, Ooh-wah."

I was feelin' kinda lonesome and blue,
I needed somebody to talk to.
So I called up the operator of time
Just to hear a voice of some kind.
"When you hear the beep
It will be three o'clock,"
She said that for over an hour
And I hung it up.

Well, the doctor interrupted me just about then,
Sayin, "Hey I've been havin' the same old dreams,
But mine was a little different you see.
I dreamt that the only person left after the war was me.
I didn't see you around."

Well, now time passed and now it seems
Everybody's having them dreams.
Everybody sees themselves walkin' around with no one else.
Half of the people can be part right all of the time,
Some of the people can be all right part of the time.
But all the people can't be all right all the time
I think Abraham Lincoln said that.
"I'll let you be in my dreams if I can be in yours,"
I said that.







I saw it advertised one day,
Bear Mountain picnic was comin' my way.
"Come along 'n' take a trip,
We'll bring you up there on a ship.
Bring the wife and kids
Bring the whole family."
Yippee!

Well, I run right down 'n' bought a ticket
To this Bear Mountain Picnic.
But little did I realize
I was in for a picnic surprise.
Had nothin' to do with mountains.
I didn't even come close to a bear.

Took the wife 'n' kids down to the pier,
Six thousand people there,
Everybody had ticket for the trip.
"Oh well." I said, "it's a pretty big ship.
Besides, anyway, the more the merrier."

Well, we all got on 'n' what d'ya think,
That big old boat started t' sink
More people kept a-pilin' on,
That old ship was a-slowly goin' down.
Funny way t' start a picnic.

Well, I soon lost track of m' kids 'n' wife,
So many people there I never saw in m' life
That old ship sinkin' down in the water,
Six thousand people tryin' t' kill each other,
Dogs a-barkin', cats a-meowin',
Women screamin', fists a-flyin', babies cryin',
Cops a-comin', me a-runnin'.
Maybe we just better call off the picnic.

I got shoved down 'n' pushed around,
All I could hear there was a screamin' sound,
Don't remember one thing more,
Just remember walkin' up on a little shore,
Head busted, stomach cracked,
Feet splintered, I was bald, naked. . .
Quite lucky to be alive though.

Feelin' like I climbed outa m' casket,
I grabbed back hold of m' picnic basket.
Took the wife 'n' kids 'n' started home,
Wishin' I'd never got up that morn.

Now, I don't care just what you do,
If you wanta have a picnic, that's up t' you.
But don't tell me about it, I don't wanta hear it,
'Cause, see, I just lost all m' picnic spirit.
Stay in m' kitchen, have m' own picnic. . .
In the bathroom.

Now, it don't seem to me quite so funny
What some people are gonna do f'r money.
There's a bran' new gimmick every day
Just t' take somebody's money away.
I think we oughta take some o' these people
And put 'em on a boat, send 'em up to Bear Mountain . . .
For a picnic.






Ramblin' outa the wild West,
Leavin' the towns I love the best.
Thought I'd seen some ups and down,
"Til I come into New York town.
People goin' down to the ground,
Buildings goin' up to the sky.

Wintertime in New York town,
The wind blowin' snow around.
Walk around with nowhere to go,
Somebody could freeze right to the bone.
I froze right to the bone.
New York Times said it was the coldest winter in seventeen years;
I didn't feel so cold then.

I swung on to my old guitar,
Grabbed hold of a subway car,
And after a rocking, reeling, rolling ride,
I landed up on the downtown side;
Greenwich Village.

I walked down there and ended up
In one of them coffee-houses on the block.
Got on the stage to sing and play,
Man there said, "Come back some other day,
You sound like a hillbilly;
We want folk singer here."

Well, I got a harmonica job, begun to play,
Blowin' my lungs out for a dollar a day.
I blowed inside out and upside down.
The man there said he loved m' sound,
He was ravin' about how he loved m' sound;
Dollar a day's worth.

And after weeks and weeks of hangin' around,
I finally got a job in New York town,
In a bigger place, bigger money too,
Even joined the union and paid m' dues.

Now, a very great man once said
That some people rob you with a fountain pen.
It didn't take too long to find out
Just what he was talkin' about.
A lot of people don't have much food on their table,
But they got a lot of forks n' knives,
And they gotta cut somethin'.

So one mornin' when the sun was warm,
I rambled out of New York town.
Pulled my cap down over my eyes
And headed out for the western skies.
So long, New York.
Howdy, East Orange.







Early one mornin' the sun was shinin',
I was layin' in bed
Wond'rin' if she'd changed at all
If her hair was still red.
Her folks they said our lives together
Sure was gonna be rough
They never did like Mama's homemade dress
Papa's bankbook wasn't big enough.
And I was standin' on the side of the road
Rain fallin' on my shoes
Heading out for the East Coast
Lord knows I've paid some dues gettin' through,
Tangled up in blue.

She was married when we first met
Soon to be divorced
I helped her out of a jam, I guess,
But I used a little too much force.
We drove that car as far as we could
Abandoned it out West
Split up on a dark sad night
Both agreeing it was best.
She turned around to look at me
As I was walkin' away
I heard her say over my shoulder,
"We'll meet again someday on the avenue,"

I had a job in the great north woods
Working as a cook for a spell
But I never did like it all that much
And one day the ax just fell.
So I drifted down to New Orleans
Where I happened to be employed
Workin' for a while on a fishin' boat
Right outside of Delacroix.
But all the while I was alone
The past was close behind,
I seen a lot of women
But she never escaped my mind, and I just grew

She was workin' in a topless place
And I stopped in for a beer,
I just kept lookin' at the side of her face
In the spotlight so clear.
And later on as the crowd thinned out
I's just about to do the same,
She was standing there in back of my chair
Said to me, "Don't I know your name?"
I muttered somethin' underneath my breath,
She studied the lines on my face.
I must admit I felt a little uneasy
When she bent down to tie the laces of my shoe,

She lit a burner on the stove and offered me a pipe
"I thought you'd never say hello," she said
"You look like the silent type."
Then she opened up a book of poems
And handed it to me
Written by an Italian poet
From the thirteenth century.
And every one of them words rang true
And glowed like burnin' coal
Pourin' off of every page
Like it was written in my soul from me to you,

I lived with them on Montague Street
In a basement down the stairs,
There was music in the cafes at night
And revolution in the air.
Then he started into dealing with slaves
And something inside of him died.
She had to sell everything she owned
And froze up inside.
And when finally the bottom fell out
I became withdrawn,
The only thing I knew how to do
Was to keep on keepin' on like a bird that flew,

So now I'm goin' back again,
I got to get to her somehow.
All the people we used to know
They're an illusion to me now.
Some are mathematicians
Some are carpenter's wives.
Don't know how it all got started,
I don't know what they're doin' with their lives.
But me, I'm still on the road
Headin' for another joint
We always did feel the same,
We just saw it from a different point of view,







We carried you in our arms
On Independence Day,
And now you'd throw us all aside
And put us on our way.
Oh what dear daughter 'neath the sun
Would treat a father so,
To wait upon him hand and foot
And always tell him, "No"?
Tears of rage, tears of grief,
Why must I always be the thief?
Come to me now, you know
We're so alone
And life is brief.

We pointed out the way to go
And scratched your name in sand,
Though you just thought it was nothing more
Than a place for you to stand.
Now, I want you to know that while we watched,
You discover there was no one true.
Most ev'rybody really thought
It was a childish thing to do.

It was all very painless
When you went out to receive
All that false instruction
Which we never could believe.
And now the heart is filled with gold
As if it was a purse.
But, oh, what kind of love is this
Which goes from bad to worse?







Tell me, I've got to know.
Tell me, tell me before I go.
Does that flame still burn? Does that fire still glow?
Or has it died out and melted like the snow.

Tell me, what are you focused upon?
Tell me what I'll know better when you're gone.
Tell me quick with a glance on the side.
Shall I hold you close?
Or Shall I let you go by?

Are you looking at me and thinking of somebody else?
Can you feel the heat and the beat of my pulse?
Do you have any secrets that will come out in time?
Do you lie in bed and stare at the stars?
Is your main friend an acquaintance of ours?

Tell me, do those neon lights blind your eyes?
Tell me, behind what door your treasure lies.
Ever gone broke in a big way?
Ever gone the opposite of what the experts say?

Is it some kind of game that you're playin' with me.
Am I imagining something that never can be?
Do you have any morals?
Do you have any point of view?
Do you long to ride on that old ship of Zion?
What means more to you, a lap dog or a dead lion?

Tell me, is my name in your book?
Tell me, should I come back and take another look?
Tell me the truth, tell me no lies.
Are you someone, anyone?







0l' black Bascom, don't break no mirrors
Cold black water dog, make no tears
You say you love me with what may be love
Don't you remember makin' baby love?
Got your steam drill built and you're lookin' for some kid
To get it to work for you like your nine-pound hammer did
But I know that you know that I know that you show
Something is tearing up your mind.

Tell me, momma,
Tell me, momma,
Tell me, momma, what is it?
What's wrong with you this time?

Hey, John, come and get me some candy goods
Shucks, it sure feels like it's in the woods
Spend some time on your January trips
You got tombstone moose up and your brave-yard whips
If you're anxious to find out when your friendship's gonna end
Come on, baby, I'm your friend!
And I know that you know that I know that you show
Something is tearing up your mind.

Ohh, we bone the editor, can't get read
But his painted sled, instead it's a bed
Yes, I see you on your window ledge
But I can't tell just how far away you are from the edge
And, anyway, you're just gonna make people jump and roar
Whatcha wanna go and do that for?
For I know that you know that I know that you know
Something is tearing up your mind.








I have heard rumors all over town,
They say that you're planning to put me down.
All I would like you to do,
Is tell me that it isn't true.

They say that you've been seen with some other man,
That he's tall, dark and handsome, and you're holding his hand.
Darlin', I'm a-countin' on you,

To know that some other man is holdin' you tight,
It hurts me all over, it doesn't seem right.

All of those awful things that I have heard,
I don't want to believe them, all I want is your word.
So darlin', you better come through,

All of those awful things that I have heard,
I don't want to believe them, all I want is your word.
So darlin', I'm countin' on you,







Standing on your window, honey,
Yes, I've been here before.
Feeling so harmless,
I'm looking at your second door.
How come you don't send me no regards?
You know I want your lovin',
Honey, why are you so hard?

Kneeling 'neath your ceiling,
Yes, I guess I'll be here for a while.
I'm tryin' to read your portrait, but,
I'm helpless, like a rich man's child.
How come you send someone out to have me barred?

Like a poor fool in his prime,
Yes, I know you can hear me walk,
But is your heart made out of stone, or is it lime,
Or is it just solid rock?

Well, I rush into your hallway,
Lean against your velvet door.
I watch upon your scorpion
Who crawls across your circus floor.
Just what do you think you have to guard?

Achilles is in your alleyway,
He don't want me here,
He does brag.
He's pointing to the sky
And he's hungry, like a man in drag.
How come you get someone like him to be your guard?







Well, Frankie Lee and Judas Priest,
They were the best of friends.
So when Frankie Lee needed money one day,
Judas quickly pulled out a roll of tens
And placed them on a footstool
Just above the plotted plain,
Sayin', "Take your pick, Frankie Boy,
My loss will be your gain."

Well, Frankie Lee, he sat right down
And put his fingers to his chin,
But with the cold eyes of Judas on him,
His head began to spin.
"Would ya please not stare at me like that," he said,
"It's just my foolish pride,
But sometimes a man must be alone
And this is no place to hide."

Well, Judas, he just winked and said,
"All right, I'll leave you here,
But you'd better hurry up and choose
Which of those bills you want,
Before they all disappear."
"I'm gonna start my pickin' right now,
Just tell me where you'll be."

Judas pointed down the road
And said, "Eternity!"
"Eternity?" said Frankie Lee,
With a voice as cold as ice.
"That's right," said Judas Priest, "Eternity,
Though you might call it 'Paradise."

"I don't call it anything,"
Said Frankie Lee with a smile.
"All right," said Judas Priest,
"I'll see you after a while."

Well, Frankie Lee, he sat back down,
Feelin' low and mean,
When just then a passing stranger
Burst upon the scene,
Saying, "Are you Frankie Lee, the gambler,
Whose father is deceased?
Well, if you are,
There's a fellow callin' you down the road
And they say his name is Priest."

"Oh, yes, he is my friend,"
Said Frankie Lee in fright,
"I do recall him very well,
In fact, he just left my sight."
"Yes, that's the one," said the stranger,
As quiet as a mouse,
"Well, my message is, he's down the road,
Stranded in a house."

Well, Frankie Lee, he panicked,
He dropped ev'rything and ran
Until he came up to the spot
Where Judas Priest did stand.
"What kind of house is this," he said,
"Where I have come to roam?"
"It's not a house," said Judas Priest,
"It's not a house . . . it's a home."

Well, Frankie Lee, he trembled,
He soon lost all control
Over ev'rything which he had made
While the mission bells did toll.
He just stood there staring
At that big house as bright as any sun,
With four and twenty windows
And a woman's face in ev'ry one.

Well, up the stairs ran Frankie Lee
With a soulful, bounding leap,
And, foaming at the mouth,
He began to make his midnight creep.
For sixteen nights and days he raved,
But on the seventeenth he burst
Into the arms of Judas Priest,
Which is where he died of thirst.

No one tried to say a thing
When they took him out in jest,
Except, of course, the little neighbor boy
Who carried him to rest.
And he just walked along, alone,
With his guilt so well concealed,
And muttered underneath his breath,
"Nothing is revealed."

Well, the moral of the story,
The moral of this song,
Is simply that one should never be
Where one does not belong.
So when you see your neighbor carryin' somethin',
Help him with his load,
And don't go mistaking Paradise
For that home across the road.








Prayed in the ghetto with my face in the cement,
Heard the last moan of a boxer, seen the massacre of the innocent
Felt around for the light switch, became nauseated.
She was walking down the hallway while the walls deteriorated.

East of the Jordan, hard as the Rock of Gibraltar,
I see the burning of the page, Curtain risin' on a new age,
See the groom still waitin' at the altar.

Try to be pure at heart, they arrest you for robbery,
Mistake your shyness for aloofness, your shyness for snobbery,
Got the message this morning, the one that was sent to me
About the madness of becomin' what one was never meant to be.

West of the Jordan, east of the Rock of Gibraltar,

Don't know what I can say about Claudette that wouldn't come back to haunt me,
Finally had to give her up 'bout the time she began to want me.
But I know God has mercy on them who are slandered and humiliated.
I'd a-done anything for that woman if she didn't make me feel so obligated.

West of the Jordan, west of the Rock of Gibraltar,

Put your hand on my head, baby, do I have a temperature?
I see people who are supposed to know better standin' around like furniture.
There's a wall between you and what you want and you got to leap it,
Tonight you got the power to take it, tomorrow you won't have the power to
keep it.

West of the Jordan, east of the Rock of Gibraltar,

Cities on fire, phones out of order,
They're killing nuns and soldiers, there's fighting on the border.
What can I say about Claudette?
Ain't seen her since January,
She could be respectably married or running a whorehouse in Buenos Aires.








William Zanzinger killed poor Hattie Carroll
With a cane that he twirled around his diamond ring finger
At a Baltimore hotel society gath'rin'.
And the cops were called in and his weapon took from him
As they rode him in custody down to the station
And booked William Zanzinger for first-degree murder.
But you who philosophize disgrace and criticize all fears,
Take the rag away from your face.
Now ain't the time for your tears.

William Zanzinger, who at twenty-four years
Owns a tobacco farm of six hundred acres
With rich wealthy parents who provide and protect him
And high office relations in the politics of Maryland,
Reacted to his deed with a shrug of his shoulders
And swear words and sneering, and his tongue it was snarling,
In a matter of minutes on bail was out walking.

Hattie Carroll was a maid of the kitchen.
She was fifty-one years old and gave birth to ten children
Who carried the dishes and took out the garbage
And never sat once at the head of the table
And didn't even talk to the people at the table
Who just cleaned up all the food from the table
And emptied the ashtrays on a whole other level,
Got killed by a blow, lay slain by a cane
That sailed through the air and came down through the room,
Doomed and determined to destroy all the gentle.
And she never done nothing to William Zanzinger.

In the courtroom of honor, the judge pounded his gavel
To show that all's equal and that the courts are on the level
And that the strings in the books ain't pulled and persuaded
And that even the nobles get properly handled
Once that the cops have chased after and caught 'em
And that the ladder of law has no top and no bottom,
Stared at the person who killed for no reason
Who just happened to be feelin' that way without warnin'.
And he spoke through his cloak, most deep and distinguished,
And handed out strongly, for penalty and repentance,
William Zanzinger with a six-month sentence.
Oh, but you who philosophize disgrace and criticize all fears,
Bury the rag deep in your face
For now's the time for your tears.







The man in me will do nearly any task,
And as for compensation, there's little he would ask.
Take a woman like you
To get through to the man in me.

Storm clouds are raging all around my door,
I think to myself I might not take it any more.
Take a woman like your kind
To find the man in me.

But, oh, what a wonderful feeling
Just to know that you are near,
Sets my a heart a-reeling
From my toes up to my ears.

The man in me will hide sometimes to keep from bein' seen,
But that's just because he doesn't want to turn into some machine.







Come gather 'round people
Wherever you roam
And admit that the waters
Around you have grown
And accept it that soon
You'll be drenched to the bone.
If your time to you
Is worth savin'
Then you better start swimmin'
Or you'll sink like a stone
For the times they are a-changin'.

Come writers and critics
Who prophesize with your pen
And keep your eyes wide
The chance won't come again
And don't speak too soon
For the wheel's still in spin
And there's no tellin' who
That it's namin'.
For the loser now
Will be later to win

Come senators, congressmen
Please heed the call
Don't stand in the doorway
Don't block up the hall
For he that gets hurt
Will be he who has stalled
There's a battle outside
And it is ragin'.
It'll soon shake your windows
And rattle your walls

Come mothers and fathers
Throughout the land
And don't criticize
What you can't understand
Your sons and your daughters
Are beyond your command
Your old road is
Rapidly agin'.
Please get out of the new one
If you can't lend your hand

The line it is drawn
The curse it is cast
The slow one now
Will later be fast
As the present now
Will later be past
The order is
Rapidly fadin'.
And the first one now
Will later be last







She's like sweet water that runs down my face,
I keep her posted in diamonds and lace.
I give her freedom and what else I can find,
But I know she's restless in her mind
And the wandering kind.

Way down in Texas many years ago,
She traveled with me to ease my heavy load.
Some big shot saw her 'cause she looked so fine,
How was he to know she was restless in her mind
And the wandering kind.

A strange bedfellow wandered in her room
She was more unfaithful than I ever could assume
She took his money and slayed him from behind
'Cause she knew she was restless in her mind
She's the wander kind.

Down at the border with new plans of my own
Don't need no woman I'll go it alone
I miss my baby and I can't keep from cryin'
'Cause I know she's restless in her mind
And the wandering kind.

I should have known better than to get mixed up with her
I guess I'll never know for sure
For better or worse the situation now is reversed
And I'm broke 'cause she is no longer first in my heart.

I wrote this letter before leaving the hotel
To where she's staying in that dark adobe cell
I tried to help her but she knows I'm not blind
And because I'm not restless in my mind
I'm the wandering kind.







There was a wicked messenger
From Eli he did come,
With a mind that multiplied
The smallest matter.
When questioned who had sent for him,
He answered with his thumb,
For his tongue it could not speak, but only flatter.

He stayed behind the assembly hall,
It was there he made his bed,
Oftentimes he could be seen returning.
Until one day he just appeared
With a note in his hand which read,
"The soles of my feet, I swear they're burning."

Oh, the leaves began to fallin'
And the seas began to part,
And the people that confronted him were many.
And he was told but these few words,
Which opened up his heart,
"If ye cannot bring good news, then don't bring any."







A worried man with a worried mind
No one in front of me and nothing behind
There's a woman on my lap and she's drinking champagne
Got white skin, got assassin's eyes
I'm looking up into the sapphire tinted skies
I'm well dressed, waiting on the last train

Standing on the gallows with my head in a noose
Any minute now I'm expecting all hell to break loose

People are crazy and times are strange
I'm locked in tight, I'm out of range
I used to care, but things have changed

This place ain't doing me any good
I'm in the wrong town, I should be in Hollywood
Just for a second there I thought I saw something move
Gonna take dancing lessons do the jitterbug rag
Ain't no shortcuts, gonna dress in drag
Only a fool in here would think he's got anything to prove

Lot of water under the bridge, Lot of other stuff too
Don't get up gentlemen, I'm only passing through

I've been walking forty miles of bad road
If the bible is right, the world will explode
I've been trying to get as far away from myself as I can
Some things are too hot to touch
The human mind can only stand so much
You can't win with a losing hand

Feel like falling in love with the first woman I meet
Putting her in a wheel barrow and wheeling her down the street

I hurt easy, I just don't show it
You can hurt someone and not even know it
The next sixty seconds could be like an eternity
Gonna get low down, gonna fly high
All the truth in the world adds up to one big lie
I'm in love with a woman who don't even appeal to me

Mr. Jinx and Miss Lucy, they jumped in the lake
I'm not that eager to make a mistake






If your mem'ry serves you well,
We were goin' to meet again and wait,
So I'm goin' to unpack all my things
And sit before it gets too late.
No man alive will come to you
With another tale to tell,
But you know that we shall meet again
If your mem'ry serves you well.
This wheel's on fire,
Rolling down the road,
Best notify my next of kin,
This wheel shall explode!

If your mem'ry serves you well,
I was goin' to confiscate your lace,
And wrap it up in a sailor's knot
And hide it in your case.
If I knew for sure that it was yours . . .
But it was oh so hard to tell.

If your mem'ry serves you well,
You'll remember you're the one
That called on me to call on them
To get you your favors done.
And after ev'ry plan had failed
And there was nothing more to tell,







Three angels up above the street,
Each one playing a horn,
Dressed in green robes with wings that stick out,
They've been there since Christmas morn.
The wildest cat from Montana passes by in a flash,
Then a lady in a bright orange dress,
One U-Haul trailer, a truck with no wheels,
The Tenth Avenue bus going west.
The dogs and pigeons fly up and they flutter around,
A man with a badge skips by,
Three fellas crawlin' on their way back to work,
Nobody stops to ask why.
The bakery truck stops outside of that fence
Where the angels stand high on their poles,
The driver peeks out, trying to find one face
In this concrete world full of souls.
The angels play on their horns all day,
The whole earth in progression seems to pass by.
But does anyone hear the music they play,
Does anyone even try?






Well, I had to move fast
And I couldn't with you around my neck.
I said I'd send for you and I did
What did you expect?
My hands are sweating
And we haven't even started yet.
I'll go along with the charade
Until I can think my way out.
I know it was all a big joke
Whatever it was about.
Someday maybe
I'll remember to forget.

I'm gonna get my coat,
I feel the breath of a storm.
There's something I've got to do tonight,
You go inside and stay warm.

Has anybody seen my love,
Has anybody seen my love,
Has anybody seen my love.
I don't know,
Has anybody seen my love?

You want to talk to me,
Go ahead and talk.
Whatever you got to say to me
Won't come as any shock.
I must be guilty of something,
You just whisper it into my ear.
Madame Butterfly
She lulled me to sleep,
In a town without pity
Where the water runs deep.
She said, "Be easy, baby,
There ain't nothin' worth stealin' in here."

You're the one I've been looking for,
You're the one that's got the key.
But I can't figure out whether I'm too good for you
Or you're too good for me.

Well, they're not showing any lights tonight
And there's no moon.
There's just a hot-blooded singer
Singing "Memphis in June,"
While they're beatin' the devil out of a guy
Who's wearing a powder-blue wig.
Later he'll be shot
For resisting arrest,
I can still hear his voice crying
In the wilderness.
What looks large from a distance,
Close up ain't never that big.

Never could learn to drink that blood
And call it wine,
Never could learn to hold you, love,
And call you mine.







Well my nerves are exploding and my body's tense
I feel like the whole world got me pinned up against the fence
I've been hit too hard; I've seen too much
Nothing can heal me now, but your touch
I don't know what I'm gonna do
I was all right 'til I fell in love with you

Well my house is on fire; burning to the sky
I thought it would rain but the clouds passed by
Now I feel like I'm coming to the end of my way
But I know God is my shield and he won't lead me astray

Boys in the street beginning to play
Girls like birds flying away
When I'm gone you will remember my name
I'm gonna win my way to wealth and fame

Junk is piling up; taking up space
My eyes feel like they're falling off my face
Sweat falling down, I'm staring at the floor
I'm thinking about that girl who won't be back no more

Well I'm tired of talking; I'm tired of trying to explain
My attempts to please you were all in vain
Tomorrow night before the sun goes down
If I'm still among the living, I'll be Dixie bound







Time passes slowly up here in the mountains,
We sit beside bridges and walk beside fountains,
Catch the wild fishes that float through the stream,
Time passes slowly when you're lost in a dream.

Once I had a sweetheart, she was fine and good-lookin',
We sat in her kitchen while her mama was cookin',
Stared out the window to the stars high above,
Time passes slowly when you're searchin' for love.

Ain't no reason to go in a wagon to town,
Ain't no reason to go to the fair.
Ain't no reason to go up, ain't no reason to go down,
Ain't no reason to go anywhere.

Time passes slowly up here in the daylight,
We stare straight ahead and try so hard to stay right,
Like the red rose of summer that blooms in the day,
Time passes slowly and fades away.







Well you can tell ev'rybody
Down in ol' Frisco
Tell 'em
Tiny Montgomery says hello

Now ev'ry boy and girl's
Gonna get their bang
'Cause Tiny Montgomery's
Gonna shake that thing
Tell ev'rybody
Down in ol' Frisco
That Tiny Montgomery's comin'
Down to say hello

Skinny Moo and
Half-track Frank
They're gonna both be gettin'
Outa the tank
One bird book
And a buzzard and a crow
Tell 'em all
That Tiny's gonna say hello

Scratch your dad
Do that bird
Suck that pig
And bring it on home
Pick that drip
And bake that dough
Tell 'em all
That Tiny says hello

Now he's king of the drunks
An' he squeezes, too
Watch out, Lester
Take it, Lou
Join the monks
The C.I.O.
Tell 'em all
That Tiny Montgomery says hello

Now grease that pig
And sing praise
Go on out
And gas that dog
Trick on in
Honk that stink
Take it on down
And watch it grow
Play it low
And pick it up
Take it on in
In a plucking cup
Three-legged man
And a hot-lipped hoe
Tell 'em all
Montgomery says hello

Well you can tell ev'rybody
Down in ol' Frisco
Tell 'em all
Montgomery says hello







To be alone with you
Just you and me
Now won't you tell me true
Ain't that the way it oughta be?
To hold each other tight
The whole night through
Ev'rything is always right
When I'm alone with you.

To be alone with you
At the close of the day
With only you in view
While evening slips away
It only goes to show
That while life's pleasures be few
The only one I know
Is when I'm alone with you.

They say that nighttime is the right time
To be with the one you love
Too many thoughts get in the way in the day
But you're always what I'm thinkin' of
I wish the night were here
Bringin' me all of your charms
When only you are near
To hold me in your arms.

I'll always thank the Lord
When my working day's through
I get my sweet reward
To be alone with you.







Ramona, come closer,
Shut softly your watery eyes.
The pangs of your sadness
Shall pass as your senses will rise.
The flowers of the city
Though breathlike, get deathlike at times.
And there's no use in tryin'
T' deal with the dyin',
Though I cannot explain that in lines.

Your cracked country lips,
I still wish to kiss,
As to be under the strength of your skin.
Your magnetic movements
Still capture the minutes I'm in.
But it grieves my heart, love,
To see you tryin' to be a part of
A world that just don't exist.
It's all just a dream, babe,
A vacuum, a scheme, babe,
That sucks you into feelin' like this.

I can see that your head
Has been twisted and fed
By worthless foam from the mouth.
I can tell you are torn
Between stayin' and returnin'
On back to the South.
You've been fooled into thinking
That the finishin' end is at hand.
Yet there's no one to beat you,
No one t' defeat you,
'Cept the thoughts of yourself feeling bad.

I've heard you say many times
That you're better 'n no one
And no one is better 'n you.
If you really believe that,
You know you got
Nothing to win and nothing to lose.
From fixtures and forces and friends,
Your sorrow does stem,
That hype you and type you,
Making you feel
That you must be exactly like them.

I'd forever talk to you,
But soon my words,
They would turn into a meaningless ring.
For deep in my heart
I know there is no help I can bring.
Everything passes,
Everything changes,
Just do what you think you should do.
And someday maybe,
Who knows, baby,
I'll come and be cryin' to you.







The sweet pretty things are in bed now of course
The city fathers they're trying to endorse
The reincarnation of Paul Revere's horse
But the town has no need to be nervous

The ghost of Belle Starr she hands down her wits
To Jezebel the nun she violently knits
A bald wig for Jack the Ripper who sits
At the head of the chamber of commerce

Mama's in the fact'ry
She ain't got no shoes
Daddy's in the alley
He's lookin' for the fuse
I'm in the streets
With the tombstone blues

The hysterical bride in the penny arcade
Screaming she moans, "I've just been made"
Then sends out for the doctor who pulls down the shade
Says, "My advice is to not let the boys in"

Now the medicine man comes and he shuffles inside
He walks with a swagger and he says to the bride
"Stop all this weeping, swallow your pride
You will not die, it's not poison"

Well, John the Baptist after torturing a thief
Looks up at his hero the Commander-in-Chief
Saying, "Tell me great hero, but please make it brief
Is there a hole for me to get sick in?"

The Commander-in-Chief answers him while chasing a fly
Saying, "Death to all those who would whimper and cry"
And dropping a bar bell he points to the sky
Saving, "The sun's not yellow it's chicken"

The king of the Philistines his soldiers to save
Puts jawbones on their tombstones and flatters their graves
Puts the pied pipers in prison and fattens the slaves
Then sends them out to the jungle

Gypsy Davey with a blowtorch he burns out their camps
With his faithful slave Pedro behind him he tramps
With a fantastic collection of stamps
To win friends and influence his uncle

The geometry of innocent flesh on the bone
Causes Galileo's math book to get thrown
At Delilah who sits worthlessly alone
But the tears on her cheeks are from laughter

Now I wish I could give Brother Bill his great thrill
I would set him in chains at the top of the hill
Then send out for some pillars and Cecil B. DeMille
He could die happily ever after

Where Ma Raney and Beethoven once unwrapped their bed roll
Tuba players now rehearse around the flagpole
And the National Bank at a profit sells road maps for the soul
To the old folks home and the college

Now I wish I could write you a melody so plain
That could hold you dear lady from going insane
That could ease you and cool you and cease the pain
Of your useless and pointless knowledge







If today was not an endless highway,
If tonight was not a crooked trail,
If tomorrow wasn't such a long time,
Then lonesome would mean nothing to you at all.
Yes, and only if my own true love was waitin',
Yes, and if I could hear her heart a-softly poundin',
Only if she was lyin' by me,
Then I'd lie in my bed once again.

I can't see my reflection in the waters,
I can't speak the sounds that show no pain,
I can't hear the echo of my footsteps,
Or can't remember the sound of my own name.

There's beauty in the silver, singin' river,
There's beauty in the sunrise in the sky,
But none of these and nothing else can touch the beauty
That I remember in my true love's eyes.







Throw my ticket out the window,
Throw my suitcase out there, too,
Throw my troubles out the door,
I don't need them any more
'Cause tonight I'll be staying here with you.

I should have left this town this morning
But it was more than I could do.
Oh, your love comes on so strong
And I've waited all day long

Is it really any wonder
The love that a stranger might receive.
You cast your spell and I went under,
I find it so difficult to leave.

I can hear that whistle blowin',
I see that stationmaster, too,
If there's a poor boy on the street,
Then let him have my seat








Now, too much of nothing
Can make a man feel ill at ease.
One man's temper might rise
While another man's temper might freeze.
In the day of confession
We cannot mock a soul.
Oh, when there's too much of nothing,
No one has control.

Say hello to Valerie
Say hello to Vivian
Send them all my salary
On the waters of oblivion

Too much of nothing
Can make a man abuse a king.
He can walk the streets and boast like most
But he wouldn't know a thing.
Now, it's all been done before,
It's all been written in the book,
But when there's too much of nothing,
Nobody should look.

Too much of nothing
Can turn a man into a liar,
It can cause one man to sleep on nails
And another man to eat fire.
Ev'rybody's doin' somethin',
I heard it in a dream,
But when there's too much of nothing,
It just makes a fella mean.







Tough Mama
Meat shakin' on your bones
I'm gonna go down to the river and get some stones.
Sister's on the highway with that steel-drivin' crew,
Papa's in the big house, his workin' days are through.
Tough Mama
Can I blow a little smoke on you?

Dark Beauty
Won't you move it on over and make some room?
It's my duty to bring you down to the field where the flowers bloom.
Ashes in the furnace, dust on the rise,
You came through it all the way, flyin' through the skies.
Dark Beauty
With that long night's journey in your eyes.

Sweet Goddess
Born of a blinding light and a changing wind,
Now, don't be modest, you know who you are and where you've been.
Jack the Cowboy went up north
He's buried in your past.
The Lone Wolf went out drinking
That was over pretty fast.
Sweet Goddess
Your perfect stranger's comin' in at last.

Silver Angel
With the badge of the lonesome road sewed in your sleeve,
I'd be grateful if this golden ring you would receive.
Today on the countryside it was a-hotter than a crotch,
I stood alone upon the ridge and all I did was watch.
Sweet Goddess
It must be time to carve another notch.

I'm crestfallen
The world of illusion is at my door,
I ain't a-haulin' any of my lambs to the marketplace anymore.
The prison walls are crumblin', there is no end in sight,
I've gained some recognition but I lost my appetite.
Dark Beauty
Meet me at the border late tonight.







There's an iron train a-travelin' that's been a-rollin' through the years,
With a firebox of hatred and a furnace full of fears.
If you ever heard its sound or seen its blood-red broken frame,
Then you heard my voice a-singin' and you know my name.

Did you ever stop to wonder 'bout the hatred that it holds?
Did you ever see its passengers, its crazy mixed-up souls?
Did you ever start a-thinkin' that you gotta stop that train?

Do you ever get tired of the preachin' sounds of fear
When they're hammered at your head and pounded in your ear?
Have you ever asked about it and not been answered plain?

I'm a-wonderin' if the leaders of the nations understand
This murder-minded world that they're leavin' in my hands.
Have you ever laid awake at night and wondered 'bout the same?

Have you ever had it on your lips or said it in your head
That the person standin' next to you just might be misled?
Does the raving of the maniacs make your insides go insane?

Do the kill-crazy bandits and the haters get you down?
Does the preachin' and the politics spin your head around?
Does the burning of the buses give your heart a pain?







Trouble in the city, trouble in the farm,
You got your rabbit's foot, you got your good-luck charm.
But they can't help you none when there's trouble.

Trouble,
Trouble, trouble, trouble,
Nothin' but trouble.

Trouble in the water, trouble in the air,
Go all the way to the other side of the world, you'll find trouble there.
Revolution even ain't no solution for trouble.

Drought and starvation, packaging of the soul,
Persecution, execution, governments out of control.
You can see the writing on the wall inviting trouble.

Put your ear to the train tracks, put your ear to the ground,
You ever feel like you're never alone even when there's nobody else around?
Since the beginning of the universe man's been cursed by trouble.

Nightclubs of the broken-hearted, stadiums of the damned,
Legislature, perverted nature, doors that are rudely slammed.
Look into infinity, all you see is trouble.








I got to know, Lord, when to pull back on the reins,
Death can be the result of the most underrated pain.
Satan whispers to ya, "Well, I don't want to bore ya,
But when ya get tired of the Miss So-and-so I got another woman for ya."

Trouble in mind, Lord, trouble in mind,
Lord, take away this trouble in mind.

When the deeds that you do don't add up to zero,
It's what's inside that counts, ask any war hero.
You think you can hide but you're never alone,
Ask Lot what he thought when his wife turned to stone.

Here comes Satan, prince of the power of the air,
He's gonna make you a law unto yourself, gonna build a bird's nest in your hair.
He's gonna deaden your conscience 'til you worship the work of your own hands,
You'll be serving strangers in a strange, forsaken land.

Well, your true love has caught you where you don't belong,
You say, "Baby, everybody's doing it so I guess it can't be wrong."
The truth is far from you, so you know you got to lie,
Then you're all the time defending what you can never justify.

So many of my brothers, they still want to be the boss,
They can't relate to the Lord's kingdom, they can't relate to the cross.
They self-inflict punishment on their own broken lives,
Put their faith in their possessions, in their jobs or their wives.

When my life is over, it'll be like a puff of smoke,
How long must I suffer, Lord, how long must I be provoked?
Satan will give you a little taste, then he'll move in with rapid speed,
Lord keep my blind side covered and see that I don't bleed.







I'm getting weary looking in my baby's eyes
When she's near me she's so hard to recognize.
I finally realize there's no room for regret,
True love, true love, true love tends to forget.

Hold me, baby be near,
You told me that you'd be sincere.
Every day of the year's like playin' Russian roulette,

I was lyin' down in the reeds without any oxygen
I saw you in the wilderness among the men.
Saw you drift into infinity and come back again
All you got to do is wait and I'll tell you when.

You're a tearjerker, baby, but I'm under your spell,
You're a hard worker, baby, and I know you well.
But this weekend in hell is making me sweat,

I was lyin' down in the reeds without any oxygen
I saw you in the wilderness among the men.
Saw you drift into infinity and come back again
All you got to do is wait and I'll tell you when.

You belong to me, baby, without any doubt,
Don't forsake me, baby, don't sell me out.
Don't keep me knockin' about from Mexico to Tibet,







Trust yourself,
Trust yourself to do the things that only you know best.
Trust yourself,
Trust yourself to do what's right and not be second-guessed.
Don't trust me to show you beauty
When beauty may only turn to rust.
If you need somebody you can trust, trust yourself.

Trust yourself,
Trust yourself to know the way that will prove true in the end.
Trust yourself,
Trust yourself to find the path where there is no if and when.
Don't trust me to show you the truth
When the truth may only be ashes and dust.

Well, you're on your own, you always were,
In a land of wolves and thieves.
Don't put your hope in ungodly man
Or be a slave to what somebody else believes.

Trust yourself
And you won't be disappointed when vain people let you down.
Trust yourself
And look not for answers where no answers can be found.
Don't trust me to show you love
When my love may be only lust.







The air is getting hotter
There's a rumbling in the skies
I've been wading through the high muddy water
With the heat rising in my eyes
Every day your memory grows dimmer
It doesn't haunt me like it did before
I've been walking through the middle of nowhere
Trying to get to heaven before they close the door

When I was in Missouri
They would not let me be
I had to leave there in a hurry
I only saw what they let me see
You broke a heart that loved you
Now you can seal up the book and not write anymore
I've been walking that lonesome valley

People on the platforms
Waiting for the trains
I can hear their hearts a-beatin'
Like pendulums swinging on chains
When you think that you lost everything
You find out you can always lose a little more
I'm just going down the road feeling bad

I'm going down the river
Down to New Orleans
They tell me everything is gonna be all right
But I don't know what "all right" even means
I was riding in a buggy with Miss Mary-Jane
Miss Mary-Jane got a house in Baltimore
I been all around the world, boys

Gonna sleep down in the parlor
And relive my dreams
I'll close my eyes and I wonder
If everything is as hollow as it seems
Some trains don't pull no gamblers
No midnight ramblers, like they did before
I been to Sugar Town, I shook the sugar down







Tweedle-dee Dum and Tweedle-dee Dee
They're throwing knives into the tree
Two big bags of dead man's bones
Got their noses to the grindstones

Living in the Land of Nod
Trustin' their fate to the Hands of God
They pass by so silently
Tweedle-dee Dum and Tweedle-dee Dee

Well, they're going to the country, they're gonna retire
They're taking a streetcar named Desire
Looking in the window at the pecan pie
Lot of things they'd like they would never buy

Neither one gonna turn and run
They're making a voyage to the sun
"His Master's voice is calling me,"
Says Tweedle-dee Dum to Tweedle-dee Dee

Tweedle-dee Dee and Tweedle-dee Dum
All that and more and then some
They walk among the stately trees
They know the secrets of the breeze

Tweedle-dee Dum said to Tweedle-dee Dee
"Your presence is obnoxious to me."
They're like babies sittin' on a woman's knee
Tweedle-dee Dum and Tweedle-dee Dee

Well, the rain beating down on my windowpane
I got love for you and it's all in vain
Brains in the pot, they're beginning to boil
They're dripping with garlic and olive oil

Tweedle-dee Dee - he's on his hands and his knees
Saying, "Throw me somethin', Mister, please."
"What's good for you is good for me,"
Says Tweedle-dee Dum to Tweedle-dee Dee

Well, they're living in a happy harmony
Tweedle-dee Dum and Tweedle-dee Dee
They're one day older and a dollar short
They've got a parade permit and a police escort

They're lying low and they're makin' hay
They seem determined to go all the way
They run a brick and tile company
Tweedle-dee Dum and Tweedle-dee Dee

Well a childish dream is a deathless need
And a noble truth is a sacred creed
My pretty baby, she's lookin' around
She's wearin' a multi-thousand dollar gown

Tweedle-dee Dee is a lowdown, sorry old man
Tweedle-dee Dum, he'll stab you where you stand
"I've had too much of your company,"
Says, Tweedle-dee Dum to Tweedle-dee Dee






The woman that I love she got a hook in her nose
her eyebrows meet, she wears second hand clothes
She speaks with a stutter and she walks with a hop
I don't know why I love her but I just can't stop

You know I love her
Yeah I love her
I'm in love with the Ugliest Girl in the World

If I ever lose her I will go insane
I go half crazy when she calls my name
When she says babababababy I l-l-love you
There ain't nothing in the world that I wouldn't do

The woman that I love she got two flat feet
Her knees knock together walking down the street
She cracks her knuckles and she snores in bed
She ain't much to look at but like I said

I don't mean to say that she got nothing goin'
She got a weird sense of humor that's all her own
When I get low she sets me on my feet
Got a five inch smile but her breath is sweet

The woman that I love she a got a prizefighter nose
Cauliflower ears and a run in her hose
She speaks with a stutter and she walks with a hop
I don't know why I love her but I just can't stop






It's unbelievable, it's strange but true,
It's inconceivable it could happen to you.
You go north and you go south
Just like bait in the fish's mouth.
Ya must be livin' in the shadow of some kind of evil star.
It's unbelievable it would get this far.

It's undeniable what they'd have you to think,
It's indescribable it can drive you to drink.
They said it was the land of milk and honey,
now they say it's the land of money.
Who ever thought they could ever make that stick.
It's unbelievable you can get this rich this quick.

Every head is so dignified, every moon is so sanctified,
Every urge is so satisfied as long as you're with me.
All the silver, all the gold, all the sweethearts you can hold
That don't come back with stories untold, are hanging on a tree.

It's unbelievable like a lead balloon,
It's so impossible to even learn the tune.
Kill that beast and feed that swine,
Scale that wall and smoke that vine,
Feed that horse and saddle up the drum.
It's unbelievable, the day would finally come.

Once there was a man who had no eyes,
Every lady in the land told him lies,
He stood beneath the silver skies
And his heart began to bleed.
Every brain is civilized,
Every nerve is analyzed,
Everything is criticized when you are in need.

It's unbelievable, it's fancy-free,
So interchangeable, so delightful to see.
Turn your back, wash your hands,
There's always someone who understands
It don't matter no more what you got to say
It's unbelievable it would go down this way.







There was a little boy and there was a little girl
And they lived in an alley under the red sky.

There was an old man and he lived in the moon,
One summer's day he came passing by.

Someday little girl, everything for you is gonna be new
Someday little girl you'll have a diamond as big as your shoe

Let the wind blow low, let the wind blow high.
One day the little boy and the little girl were both baked in a pie.

This is the key to the kingdom and this is the town
This is the blind horse that leads you around

Let the bird sing, let the bird fly,
One day the man in the moon went home and the river went dry.







Something about you that I can't shake,
Don't know how much of this I can take,
Baby I'm under your spell.

I was knocked out and loaded in the naked night.
When my last dream exploded, I noticed your light.
Baby, oh what a story I could tell.

It's been nice seeing you, you read me like a book
If you ever want to reach me, you know where to look.
Baby, I'll be at the same hotel.

I'd like to help you but I'm in a bit of a jam,
I'll call you tomorrow if there's phones where I am.
Baby, caught between heaven and hell.

But I will be back, I will survive,
You'll never get rid of me as long as you're alive.
Baby, can't you tell.

Well it's four in the morning by the sound of the birds,
I'm starin' at your picture, I'm hearin' your words.
Baby, they ring in my head like a bell.

Everywhere you go it's enough to break hearts
Someone always gets hurt, a fire always starts.
You were too hot to handle, you were breaking every vow.
I trusted you, baby, you can trust me now.

Turn back, baby, wipe your eye,
Don't think I'm leaving you here without a kiss goodbye.
Baby, is there anything left to tell?

I'll see you later when I'm not so out of my head,
Maybe next time I'll let the dead bury the dead.
Baby, what more can I tell?

Well the desert is hot, the mountain is cursed,
Pray that I don't die of thirst,
Baby, two feet from the well.






Well, my shoes, they come from Singapore,
My flashlight's from Taiwan,
My tablecloth's from Malaysia,
My belt buckle's from the Amazon.
You know, this shirt I wear comes from the Philippines
And the car I drive is a Chevrolet,
It was put together down in Argentina
By a guy makin' thirty cents a day.

Well, it's sundown on the union
And what's made in the U.S.A.
Sure was a good idea
'Til greed got in the way.

Well, this silk dress is from Hong Kong
And the pearls are from Japan.
Well, the dog collar's from India
And the flower pot's from Pakistan.
All the furniture, it says "Made in Brazil"
Where a woman, she slaved for sure
Bringin' home thirty cents a day to a family of twelve,
You know, that's a lot of money to her.

Well, you know, lots of people complainin' that there is no work.
I say, "Why you say that for
When nothin' you got is U.S.-made?"
They don't make nothin' here no more,
You know, capitalism is above the law.
It say, "It don't count 'less it sells."
When it costs too much to build it at home
You just build it cheaper someplace else.

Well, the job that you used to have,
They gave it to somebody down in El Salvador.
The unions are big business, friend,
And they're goin' out like a dinosaur.
They used to grow food in Kansas
Now they want to grow it on the moon and eat it raw.
I can see the day coming when even your home garden
Is gonna be against the law.

Democracy don't rule the world,
You'd better get that in your head.
This world is ruled by violence
But I guess that's better left unsaid.
From Broadway to the Milky Way,
That's a lot of territory indeed
And a man's gonna do what he has to do
When he's got a hungry mouth to feed.








Everything went from bad to worse, money never changed a thing,
Death kept followin', trackin' us down, at least I heard your bluebird sing.
Now somebody's got to show their hand, time is an enemy,
I know you're long gone,
I guess it must be up to me.

If I'd thought about it I never would've done it, I guess I would've let it
slide,
If I'd lived my life by what others were thinkin', the heart inside me would've
died.
I was just too stubborn to ever be governed by enforced insanity,
Someone had to reach for the risin' star,

Oh, the Union Central is pullin' out and the orchids are in bloom,
I've only got me one good shirt left and it smells of stale perfume.
In fourteen months I've only smiled once and I didn't do it consciously,
Somebody's got to find your trail,

It was like a revelation when you betrayed me with your touch,
I'd just about convinced myself that nothin' had changed that much.
The old Rounder in the iron mask slipped me the master key,
Somebody had to unlock your heart,
He said it was up to me.

Well, I watched you slowly disappear down into the officers' club,
I would've followed you in the door but I didn't have a ticket stub.
So I waited all night 'til the break of day, hopin' one of us could get free,
When the dawn came over the river bridge,
I knew it was up to me.

Oh, the only decent thing I did when I worked as a postal clerk
Was to haul your picture down off the wall near the cage where I used to work.
Was I a fool or not to try to protect your identity?
You looked a little burned out, my friend,
I thought it might be up to me.

Well, I met somebody face to face and I had to remove my hat,
She's everything I need and love but I can't be swayed by that.
It frightens me, the awful truth of how sweet life can be,
But she ain't a-gonna make me move,

We heard the Sermon on the Mount and I knew it was too complex,
It didn't amount to anything more than what the broken glass reflects.
When you bite off more than you can chew you pay the penalty,
Somebody's got to tell the tale,

Well, Dupree came in pimpin' tonight to the Thunderbird Cafe,
Crystal wanted to talk to him, I had to look the other way.
Well, I just can't rest without you, love, I need your company,
But you ain't a-gonna cross the line,

There's a note left in the bottle, you can give it to Estelle,
She's the one you been wond'rin' about, but there's really nothin' much to tell.
We both heard voices for a while, now the rest is history,
Somebody's got to cry some tears,

So go on, boys, and play your hands, life is a pantomime,
The ringleaders from the county seat say you don't have all that much time.
And the girl with me behind the shades, she ain't my property,
One of us has got to hit the road,

And if we never meet again, baby, remember me,
How my lone guitar played sweet for you that old-time melody.
And the harmonica around my neck, I blew it for you, free,
No one else could play that tune,
You know it was up to me.







Ain't it just like the night to play tricks when you're tryin' to be so quiet?
We sit here stranded, though we're all doin' our best to deny it
And Louise holds a handful of rain, temptin' you to defy it
Lights flicker from the opposite loft
In this room the heat pipes just cough
The country music station plays soft
But there's nothing, really nothing to turn off
Just Louise and her lover so entwined
And these visions of Johanna that conquer my mind

In the empty lot where the ladies play blindman's bluff with the key chain
And the all-night girls they whisper of escapades out on the "D" train
We can hear the night watchman click his flashlight
Ask himself if it's him or them that's really insane
Louise, she's all right, she's just near
She's delicate and seems like the mirror
But she just makes it all too concise and too clear
That Johanna's not here
The ghost of 'lectricity howls in the bones of her face
Where these visions of Johanna have now taken my place

Now, little boy lost, he takes himself so seriously
He brags of his misery, he likes to live dangerously
And when bringing her name up
He speaks of a farewell kiss to me
He's sure got a lotta gall to be so useless and all
Muttering small talk at the wall while I'm in the hall
How can I explain?
Oh, it's so hard to get on
And these visions of Johanna, they kept me up past the dawn

Inside the museums, Infinity goes up on trial
Voices echo this is what salvation must be like after a while
But Mona Lisa musta had the highway blues
You can tell by the way she smiles
See the primitive wallflower freeze
When the jelly-faced women all sneeze
Hear the one with the mustache say, "Jeeze
I can't find my knees"
Oh, jewels and binoculars hang from the head of the mule
But these visions of Johanna, they make it all seem so cruel

The peddler now speaks to the countess who's pretending to care for him
Sayin', "Name me someone that's not a parasite and I'll go out and say a prayer
for him"
But like Louise always says
"Ya can't look at much, can ya man?"
As she, herself, prepares for him
And Madonna, she still has not showed
We see this empty cage now corrode
Where her cape of the stage once had flowed
The fiddler, he now steps to the road
He writes ev'rything's been returned which was owed
On the back of the fish truck that loads
While my conscience explodes
The harmonicas play the skeleton keys and the rain
And these visions of Johanna are now all that remain




Walk out if it doesn't feel right,
I can tell you're only lying.
If you got something better tonight,
Don't mess up my mind with your crying.

Walk out in the rain,
Walk out with your dreams,
Walk out of my life
If it doesn't feel right
And catch the next train.
Oh, darling, walk out in the rain.

I have come from so far away
Just to put a ring on your finger.
You've said all that you've got to say,
So please don't feel the need to linger.

It's rainin' inside of the city,
My poor feet have walked 'til they're sore.
If you don't want my love, it's a pity,
I guess I can't see you no more.








Well, I'm walkin' down the line,
My feet'll be a-flyin'
To tell about my troubled mind.

I got a heavy-headed gal
She ain't feelin' well
When she's better only time will tell


My money comes and goes
And rolls and flows and rolls and flows
Through the holes in the pockets in my clothes

I see the morning light
Well it's not because
I'm an early riser
I didn't go to sleep last night

I got my walkin' shoes
An' I ain't a-gonna lose
I believe I got the walkin' blues








Wallflower, wallflower
Won't you dance with me?
I'm sad and lonely too.
I'm fallin' in love with you.

Just like you I'm wondrin' what I'm doin' here.
Just like you I'm wondrin' what's goin' on.

Wallflower, wallflower
Won't you dance with me?
The night will soon be gone.

I have seen you standing in the smoky haze
And I know that you're gonna be mine one of these days,
Mine alone.

Wallflower, wallflower
Take a chance on me.
Please let me ride you home.







Oh, the age of the inmates
I remember quite freely:
No younger than twelve,
No older 'n seventeen.
Thrown in like bandits
And cast off like criminals,
Inside the walls,
The walls of Red Wing.

From the dirty old mess hall
You march to the brick wall,
Too weary to talk
And too tired to sing.
Oh, it's all afternoon
You remember your home town,

Oh, the gates are cast iron
And the walls are barbed wire.
Stay far from the fence
With the 'lectricity sting.
And it's keep down your head
And stay in your number,

Oh, it's fare thee well
To the deep hollow dungeon,
Farewell to the boardwalk
That takes you to the screen.
And farewell to the minutes
They threaten you with it,

It's many a guard
That stands around smilin',
Holdin' his club
Like he was a king.
Hopin' to get you
Behind a wood pilin',

The night aimed shadows
Through the crossbar windows,
And the wind punched hard
To make the wall-siding sing.
It's many a night I pretended to be a-sleepin',

As the rain rattled heavy
On the bunk-house shingles,
And the sounds in the night,
They made my ears ring.
'Til the keys of the guards
Clicked the tune of the morning,

Oh, some of us'll end up
In St. Cloud Prison,
And some of us'll wind up
To be lawyers and things,
And some of us'll stand up
To meet you on your crossroads,







Wanted man in California, wanted man in Buffalo,
Wanted man in Kansas City, wanted man in Ohio,
Wanted man in Mississippi, wanted man in old Cheyenne,
Wherever you might look tonight, you might see this wanted man.

I might be in Colorado or Georgia by the sea,
Working for some man who may not know at all who I might be.
If you ever see me comin' and if you know who I am,
Don't you breathe it to nobody 'cause you know I'm on the lam.

Wanted man by Lucy Watson, wanted man by Jeannie Brown,
Wanted man by Nellie Johnson, wanted man in this next town.
But I've had all that I've wanted of a lot of things I had
And a lot more than I needed of some things that turned out bad.

I got sidetracked in El Paso, stopped to get myself a map
Went the wrong way into Juarez with Juanita on my lap.
Then I went to sleep in Shreveport, woke up in Abilene
Wonderin' why the hell I'm wanted at some town halfway between.

Wanted man in Albuquerque, wanted man in Syracuse,
Wanted man in Tallahassee, wanted man in Baton Rouge,
There's somebody set to grab me anywhere that I might be
And wherever you might look tonight, you might get a glimpse of me.








What's the matter with me,
I don't have much to say,
Daylight sneakin' through the window
And I'm still in this all-night cafe.
Walkin' to and fro beneath the moon
Out to where the trucks are rollin' slow,
To sit down on this bank of sand
And watch the river flow.

Wish I was back in the city
Instead of this old bank of sand,
With the sun beating down over the chimney tops
And the one I love so close at hand.
If I had wings and I could fly,
I know where I would go.
But right now I'll just sit here so contentedly

People disagreeing on all just about everything, yeah,
Makes you stop and all wonder why.
Why only yesterday I saw somebody on the street
Who just couldn't help but cry.
Oh, this ol' river keeps on rollin', though,
No matter what gets in the way and which way the wind does blow,
And as long as it does I'll just sit here

People disagreeing everywhere you look,
Makes you wanna stop and read a book.
Why only yesterday I saw somebody on the street
That was really shook.
But this ol' river keeps on rollin', though,
No matter what gets in the way and which way the wind does blow,








Love that's pure hopes all things,
Believes all things, won't pull no strings,
Won't sneak up into your room, tall, dark and handsome,
Capture your heart and hold it for ransom.

You don't want a love that's pure
You wanna drown love
You want a watered-down love

Love that's pure, it don't make no claims,
Intercedes for you 'stead of casting you blame,
Will not deceive you or lead you to transgression,
Won't write it up and make you sign a false confession.

Love that's pure won't lead you astray,
Won't hold you back, won't mess up your day,
Won't pervert you, corrupt you with stupid wishes,
It don't make you envious, it don't make you suspicious.

Love that's pure ain't no accident,
Always on time, is always content,
An eternal flame, quietly burning,
Never needs to be proud, restlessly yearning.







I think we better talk this over
Maybe when we both get sober
You'll understand I'm only a man
Doin' the best that I can.

This situation can only get rougher.
Why should we needlessly suffer?
Let's call it a day, go our own different ways
Before we decay.

You don't have to be afraid of looking into my face,
We've done nothing to each other time will not erase.

I feel displaced, I got a low-down feeling
You been two-faced, you been double-dealing.
I took a chance, got caught in the trance
Of a downhill dance.

Oh, child, why you wanna hurt me?
I'm exiled, you can't convert me.
I'm lost in the haze of your delicate ways
With both eyes glazed.

You don't have to yearn for love, you don't have to be alone,
Somewheres in this universe there's a place that you can call home.

I guess I'll be leaving tomorrow
If I have to beg, steal or borrow.
It'd be great to cross paths in a day and a half
Look at each other and laugh.

But I don't think it's liable to happen
Like the sound of one hand clappin'.
The vows that we kept are now broken and swept
'Neath the bed where we slept.

Don't think of me and fantasize on what we never had,
Be grateful for what we've shared together and be glad.

Why should we go on watching each other through a telescope?
Eventually we'll hang ourselves on all this tangled rope.

Oh, babe, time for a new transition
I wish I was a magician.
I would wave a wand and tie back the bond
That we've both gone beyond.







I love you more than ever, more than time and more than love,
I love you more than money and more than the stars above,
Love you more than madness, more than waves upon the sea,
Love you more than life itself, you mean that much to me.

Ever since you walked right in, the circle's been complete,
I've said goodbye to haunted rooms and faces in the street,
To the courtyard of the jester which is hidden from the sun,
I love you more than ever and I haven't yet begun.

You breathed on me and made my life a richer one to live,
When I was deep in poverty you taught me how to give,
Dried the tears up from my dreams and pulled me from the hole,
Quenched my thirst and satisfied the burning in my soul.

You gave me babies one, two, three, what is more, you saved my life,
Eye for eye and tooth for tooth, your love cuts like a knife,
My thoughts of you don't ever rest, they'd kill me if I lie,
I'd sacrifice the world for you and watch my senses die.

The tune that is yours and mine to play upon this earth,
We'll play it out the best we know, whatever it is worth,
What's lost is lost, we can't regain what went down in the flood,
But happiness to me is you and I love you more than blood.

It's never been my duty to remake the world at large,
Nor is it my intention to sound a battle charge,
'Cause I love you more than all of that with a love that doesn't bend,
And if there is eternity I'd love you there again.

Oh, can't you see that you were born to stand by my side
And I was born to be with you, you were born to be my bride,
You're the other half of what I am, you're the missing piece
And I love you more than ever with that love that doesn't cease.

You turn the tide on me each day and teach my eyes to see,
Just bein' next to you is a natural thing for me
And I could never let you go, no matter what goes on,
'Cause I love you more than ever now that the past is gone.







Went to see the gypsy,
Stayin' in a big hotel.
He smiled when he saw me coming,
And he said, "Well, well, well."
His room was dark and crowded,
Lights were low and dim.
"How are you?" he said to me,
I said it back to him.

I went down to the lobby
To make a small call out.
A pretty dancing girl was there,
And she began to shout,
"Go on back to see the gypsy.
He can move you from the rear,
Drive you from your fear,
Bring you through the mirror.
He did it in Las Vegas,
And he can do it here."

Outside the lights were shining
On the river of tears,
I watched them from the distance
With music in my ears.

I went back to see the gypsy,
It was nearly early dawn.
The gypsy's door was open wide
But the gypsy was gone,
And that pretty dancing girl,
She could not be found.
So I watched that sun come rising
From that little Minnesota town.







You have given everything to me.
What can I do for You?
You have given me eyes to see.
What can I do for You?

Pulled me out of bondage and You made me renewed inside,
Filled up a hunger that had always been denied,
Opened up a door no man can shut and You opened it up so wide
And You've chosen me to be among the few.
What can I do for You?

You have laid down Your life for me.
What can I do for You?
You have explained every mystery.

Soon as a man is born, you know the sparks begin to fly,
He gets wise in his own eyes and he's made to believe a lie.
Who would deliver him from the death he's bound to die?
Well, You've done it all and there's no more anyone can pretend to do.

You have given all there is to give.
What can I do for You?
You have given me life to live.
How can I live for You?

I know all about poison, I know all about fiery darts,
I don't care how rough the road is, show me where it starts,
Whatever pleases You, tell it to my heart.
Well, I don't deserve it but I sure did make it through.






What good am I if I'm like all the rest,
If I just turned away, when I see how you're dressed,
If I shut myself off so I can't hear you cry,
What good am I?

What good am I if I know and don't do,
If I see and don't say, if I look right through you,
If I turn a deaf ear to the thunderin' sky,

What good am I while you softly weep
And I hear in my head what you say in your sleep,
And I freeze in the moment like the rest who don't try,

What good am I then to others and me
If I've had every chance and yet still fail to see
Bridge: If my hands tied must I not wonder within
Who tied them and why and where must I have been

What good am I if I say foolish things
And I laugh in the face of what sorrow brings
And I just turn my back while you silently die,







What was it you wanted?
Tell me again so I'll know.
What's happening in there,
What's going on in your show.
What was it you wanted,
Could you say it again?
I'll be back in a minute
You can get it together by then.

What was it you wanted
You can tell me, I'm back,
We can start it all over
Get it back on the track,
You got my attention,
Go ahead, speak.
What was it you wanted
When you were kissing my cheek?

Was there somebody looking
When you give me that kiss
Someone there in the shadows
Someone that I might have missed?
Is there something you needed,
Something I don't understand.
What was it you wanted,
Do I have it here in my hand?

Whatever you wanted
Slipped out of my mind,
Would you remind me again
If you'd be so kind.
Has the record been breaking,
Did the needle just skip,
Is there somebody waitin',
Was there a slip of the lip?

What was it you wanted
I ain't keepin' score
Are you the same person
That was here before?
Is it something important?
Maybe not.
What was it you wanted?
Tell me again I forgot.

Whatever you wanted
What could it be
Did somebody tell you
That you could get it from me,
Is it something that comes natural
Is it easy to say,
Why do you want it,
Who are you anyway?

Is the scenery changing,
Am I getting it wrong,
Is the whole thing going backwards,
Are they playing our song?
Where were you when it started
Do you want it for free
What was it you wanted
Are you talking to me?







Tell me what you're gonna do
When the shadow comes under your door.
O Lord, O Lord,
What shall you do?

Tell me what you're gonna do
When the devil calls your cards.

Tell me what you're gonna do
When your water turns to wine.

Tell me what you're gonna do
When you can't play God no more.

Tell me what you're gonna do
When the shadow comes creepin' in your room.







The iron hand it ain't no match for the iron rod,
The strongest wall will crumble and fall to a mighty God.
For all those who have eyes and all those who have ears
It is only He who can reduce me to tears.
Don't you cry and don't you die and don't you burn
For like a thief in the night, He'll replace wrong with right
When He returns.

Truth is an arrow and the gate is narrow that it passes through,
He unleashed His power at an unknown hour that no one knew.
How long can I listen to the lies of prejudice?
How long can I stay drunk on fear out in the wilderness?
Can I cast it aside, all this loyalty and this pride?
Will I ever learn that there'll be no peace, that the war won't cease
Until He returns?

Surrender your crown on this blood-stained ground, take off your mask,
He sees your deeds, He knows your needs even before you ask.
How long can you falsify and deny what is real?
How long can you hate yourself for the weakness you conceal?
Of every earthly plan that be known to man, He is unconcerned,
He's got plans of His own to set up His throne
When He returns.







Oh, the streets of Rome are filled with rubble,
Ancient footprints are everywhere.
You can almost think that you're seein' double
On a cold, dark night on the Spanish Stairs.
Got to hurry on back to my hotel room,
Where I've got me a date with Botticelli's niece.
She promised that she'd be right there with me
When I paint my masterpiece.

Oh, the hours I've spent inside the Coliseum,
Dodging lions and wastin' time.
Oh, those mighty kings of the jungle, I could hardly stand to see 'em,
Yes, it sure has been a long, hard climb.
Train wheels runnin' through the back of my memory,
When I ran on the hilltop following a pack of wild geese.
Someday, everything is gonna be smooth like a rhapsody
When I paint my masterpiece.

Sailin' 'round the world in a dirty gondola.
Oh, to be back in the land of Coca-Cola!

I left Rome and landed in Brussels,
On a plane ride so bumpy that I almost cried.
Clergymen in uniform and young girls pullin' muscles,
Everyone was there to greet me when I stepped inside.
Newspapermen eating candy
Had to be held down by big police.
Someday, everything is gonna be diff'rent
When I paint my masterpiece.






Look out across the fields, see me returning,
Smoke is in your eye, you draw a smile.
From the fireplace where my letters to you are burning,
You've had time to think about it for a while.

Well, I've walked two hundred miles, now look me over,
It's the end of the chase and the moon is high.
It won't matter who loves who,
You'll love me or I'll love you
When the night comes falling from the sky.

I can see through your walls and I know you're hurting,
Sorrow covers you up like a cape.
Only yesterday I know that you've been flirting
With disaster that you managed to escape.

I can't provide for you no easy answers,
Who are you that I should have to lie?
You'll know all about it, love,
It'll fit you like a glove
When the night comes falling from the sky.

I can hear your trembling heart beat like a river,
You must have been protecting someone last time I called.
I've never asked you for nothing you couldn't deliver,
I've never asked you to set yourself up for a fall.

I saw thousands who could have overcome the darkness,
For the love of a lousy buck, I've watched them die.
Stick around, baby, we're not through,
Don't look for me, I'll see you
When the night comes falling from the sky.

In your teardrops, I can see my own reflection,
It was on the northern border of Texas where I crossed the line.
I don't want to be a fool starving for affection,
I don't want to drown in someone else's wine.

For all eternity I think I will remember
That icy wind that's howling in your eye.
You will seek me and you'll find me In the wasteland of your mind
When the night comes falling from the sky.

Well, I sent you my feelings in a letter
But you were gambling for support.
This time tomorrow I'll know you better
When my memory is not so short.

This time I'm asking for freedom,
Freedom from a world which you deny.
And you'll give it to me now,
I'll take it anyhow
When the night comes falling from the sky.







Oh the time will come up
When the winds will stop
And the breeze will cease to be breathin'.
Like the stillness in the wind
'Fore the hurricane begins,
The hour when the ship comes in.

Oh the seas will split
And the ship will hit
And the sands on the shoreline will be shaking.
Then the tide will sound
And the wind will pound
And the morning will be breaking.

Oh the fishes will laugh
As they swim out of the path
And the seagulls they'll be smiling.
And the rocks on the sand
Will proudly stand,
The hour that the ship comes in.

And the words that are used
For to get the ship confused
Will not be understood as they're spoken.
For the chains of the sea
Will have busted in the night
And will be buried at the bottom of the ocean.

A song will lift
As the mainsail shifts
And the boat drifts on to the shoreline.
And the sun will respect
Every face on the deck,
The hour that the ship comes in.

Then the sands will roll
Out a carpet of gold
For your weary toes to be a-touchin'.
And the ship's wise men
Will remind you once again
That the whole wide world is watchin'.

Oh the foes will rise
With the sleep still in their eyes
And they'll jerk from their beds and think they're dreamin'.
But they'll pinch themselves and squeal
And know that it's for real,
The hour when the ship comes in.

Then they'll raise their hands,
Sayin' we'll meet all your demands,
But we'll shout from the bow your days are numbered.
And like Pharaoh's tribe,
They'll be drownded in the tide,
And like Goliath, they'll be conquered.







God don't make no promises that He don't keep.
You got some big dreams, baby, but in order to dream you gotta still be asleep.

When you gonna wake up, when you gonna wake up
When you gonna wake up and strengthen the things that remain?

Counterfeit philosophies have polluted all of your thoughts.
Karl Marx has got ya by the throat, Henry Kissinger's got you tied up in knots.

You got innocent men in jail, your insane asylums are filled,
You got unrighteous doctors dealing drugs that'll never cure your ills.

You got men who can't hold their peace and women who can't control their
tongues,
The rich seduce the poor and the old are seduced by the young.

Adulterers in churches and pornography in the schools,
You got gangsters in power and lawbreakers making rules.

Spiritual advisors and gurus to guide your every move,
Instant inner peace and every step you take has got to be approved.

Do you ever wonder just what God requires?
You think He's just an errand boy to satisfy your wandering desires.

You can't take it with you and you know that it's too worthless to be sold,
They tell you, "Time is money" as if your life was worth its weight in gold.

There's a Man up on a cross and He's been crucified.
Do you have any idea why or for who He died?








There's a long-distance train rolling through the rain, tears on the letter I
write.
There's a woman I long to touch and I miss her so much but she's drifting like a
satellite. There's a neon light ablaze in this green smoky haze, laughter down
on
Elizabeth Street
And a lonesome bell tone in that valley of stone where she bathed in a stream of
pure
heat. Her father would emphasize you got to be more than street-wise but he
practiced
what he preached from the heart.
A full-blooded Cherokee, he predicted to me the time and the place that the
trouble would start.

There's a babe in the arms of a woman in a rage
And a longtime golden-haired stripper onstage
And she winds back the clock and she turns back the page
Of a book that no one can write.
Oh, where are you tonight?

The truth was obscure, too profound and too pure, to live it you have to
explode.
In that last hour of need, we entirely agreed, sacrifice was the code of the
road.
I left town at dawn, with Marcel and St. John, strong men belittled by doubt.
I couldn't tell her what my private thoughts were but she had some way of
finding
them out. He took dead-center aim but he missed just the same, she was waiting,
putting flowers on the shelf.
She could feel my despair as I climbed up her hair and discovered her invisible
self.

There's a lion in the road, there's a demon escaped,
There's a million dreams gone, there's a landscape being raped,
As her beauty fades and I watch her undrape,
I won't, but then again, maybe I might.
Oh, if I could just find you tonight.

I fought with my twin, that enemy within, 'til both of us fell by the way.
Horseplay and disease is killing me by degrees while the law looks the other
way.
Your partners in crime hit me up for nickels and dimes, the guy you were lovin'
couldn't stay clean.
It felt outa place, my foot in his face, but he should-a stayed where his money
was
green.
I bit into the root of forbidden fruit with the juice running down my leg.
Then I dealt with your boss, who'd never known about loss and who always was
too proud to beg.
There's a white diamond gloom on the dark side of this room and a pathway that
leads
up to the stars.
If you don't believe there's a price for this sweet paradise, remind me to show
you the
scars.

There's a new day at dawn and I've finally arrived.
If I'm there in the morning, baby, you'll know I've survived.
I can't believe it, I can't believe I'm alive,
But without you it just doesn't seem right.
Oh, where are you tonight?







Far Away where the soft wind blow,
Far away from it all,
There is a place you go
Where teardrops fall.

Far away in the stormy night,
Far away and over the wall,
You are there in the flickering light
Where teardrops fall.

We banged the drum slowly
And played the fife lowly
You know the song in my heart
Bridge: In the turning of twilight
In the shadows of moonlight
You can show me a new place to start

I've torn my clothes and I've drained the cup
Strippin' away at it all,
Thinking of you when the sun comes up
Where teardrops fall.

By rivers of blindness,
In love and with kindness
We could hold up a toast if we meet
Bridge: To the cuttin' of fences
To sharpen the senses
That linger in the fireball heat.

Roses are red, violets are blue
And time is beginning to crawl,
I just might have to come see you
Where teardrops fall.







Who killed Davey Moore,
Why an' what's the reason for?

"Not I," says the referee,
"Don't point your finger at me.
I could've stopped it in the eighth
An' maybe kept him from his fate,
But the crowd would've booed, I'm sure,
At not gettin' their money's worth.
It's too bad he had to go,
But there was a pressure on me too, you know.
It wasn't me that made him fall.
No, you can't blame me at all."

"Not us," says the angry crowd,
Whose screams filled the arena loud.
"It's too bad he died that night
But we just like to see a fight.
We didn't mean for him t' meet his death,
We just meant to see some sweat,
There ain't nothing wrong in that.
It wasn't us that made him fall.
No, you can't blame us at all."

"Not me," says his manager,
Puffing on a big cigar.
"It's hard to say, it's hard to tell,
I always thought that he was well.
It's too bad for his wife an' kids he's dead,
But if he was sick, he should've said.
It wasn't me that made him fall.
No, you can't blame me at all."

"Not me," says the gambling man,
With his ticket stub still in his hand.
"It wasn't me that knocked him down,
My hands never touched him none.
I didn't commit no ugly sin,
Anyway, I put money on him to win.
It wasn't me that made him fall.
No, you can't blame me at all."

"Not me," says the boxing writer,
Pounding print on his old typewriter,
Sayin', "Boxing ain't to blame,
There's just as much danger in a football game."
Sayin', "Fist fighting is here to stay,
It's just the old American way.
It wasn't me that made him fall.
No, you can't blame me at all."

"Not me," says the man whose fists
Laid him low in a cloud of mist,
Who came here from Cuba's door
Where boxing ain't allowed no more.
"I hit him, yes, it's true,
But that's what I am paid to do.
Don't say murder, don't say kill.
It was destiny, it was God's will."







Wiggle, wiggle, wiggle like a gypsy queen,
Wiggle, wiggle, wiggle all dressed in green,
Wiggle, wiggle, wiggle 'til the moon is blue,
Wiggle 'til the moon sees you.

Wiggle, wiggle, wiggle in your boots and shoes,
Wiggle, wiggle, wiggle, you got nothing to lose,
Wiggle, wiggle, wiggle, like a swarm of bees,
Wiggle on your hands and knees.

Wiggle to the front, wiggle to the rear,
Wiggle 'til you wiggle right out of here,
Wiggle 'til it opens, wiggle 'til it shuts,
Wiggle 'til it bites, wiggle 'til it cuts.

Wiggle, wiggle, wiggle like a bowl of soup,
Wiggle, wiggle, wiggle like a rolling hoop,
Wiggle, wiggle, wiggle like a ton of lead,
Wiggle - you can raise the dead.

Wiggle 'til you're high, wiggle 'til you're higher,
Wiggle 'til you vomit fire,
Wiggle 'til it whispers, wiggle 'til it hums,
Wiggle 'til it answers, wiggle 'til it comes.

Wiggle, wiggle, wiggle like satin and silk,
Wiggle, wiggle, wiggle like a pail of milk,
Wiggle, wiggle, wiggle, rattle and shake,
Wiggle like a big fat snake.







Winterlude, Winterlude, oh darlin',
Winterlude by the road tonight.
Tonight there will be no quarrelin',
Ev'rything is gonna be all right.
Oh, I see by the angel beside me
That love has a reason to shine.
You're the one I adore, come over here and give me more,
Then Winterlude, this dude thinks you're fine.

Winterlude, Winterlude, my little apple,
Winterlude by the corn in the field,
Winterlude, let's go down to the chapel,
Then come back and cook up a meal.
Well, come out when the skating rink glistens
By the sun, near the old crossroads sign.
The snow is so cold, but our love can be bold,
Winterlude, don't be rude, please be mine.

Winterlude, Winterlude, my little daisy,
Winterlude by the telephone wire,
Winterlude, it's makin' me lazy,
Come on, sit by the logs in the fire.
The moonlight reflects from the window
Where the snowflakes, they cover the sand.
Come out tonight, ev'rything will be tight,
Winterlude, this dude thinks you're grand.







Oh my name it is nothin'
My age it means less
The country I come from
Is called the Midwest
I's taught and brought up there
The laws to abide
And that land that I live in
Has God on its side.

Oh the history books tell it
They tell it so well
The cavalries charged
The Indians fell
The cavalries charged
The Indians died
Oh the country was young
With God on its side.

Oh the Spanish-American
War had its day
And the Civil War too
Was soon laid away
And the names of the heroes
I's made to memorize
With guns in their hands
And God on their side.

Oh the First World War, boys
It closed out its fate
The reason for fighting
I never got straight
But I learned to accept it
Accept it with pride
For you don't count the dead
When God's on your side.

When the Second World War
Came to an end
We forgave the Germans
And we were friends
Though they murdered six million
In the ovens they fried
The Germans now too
Have God on their side.

I've learned to hate Russians
All through my whole life
If another war starts
It's them we must fight
To hate them and fear them
To run and to hide
And accept it all bravely
With God on my side.

But now we got weapons
Of the chemical dust
If fire them we're forced to
Then fire them we must
One push of the button
And a shot the world wide
And you never ask questions
When God's on your side.

In a many dark hour
I've been thinkin' about this
That Jesus Christ
Was betrayed by a kiss
But I can't think for you
You'll have to decide
Whether Judas Iscariot
Had God on his side.

So now as I'm leavin'
I'm weary as Hell
The confusion I'm feelin'
Ain't no tongue can tell
The words fill my head
And fall to the floor
If God's on our side
He'll stop the next war.






You harbor resentment
You know there ain't too much of a thrill
You wish for contentment
But you got an emptiness that can't be filled
You've had enough hatred
Your bones are breaking (and you) can't find nothing sacred, (but)

Ye shall be changed, ye shall be changed
In a twinkling of an eye, when the last trumpet blows
The dead will arise and burst out of your cloths
And ye shall be changed

Everything you've gotten
You've gotten by sweat, blood and muscle
From early in the morning 'til way past dark
All you ever do is hustle
All your loved ones have walked out the door
You're not even sure 'bout your wife and kids no more, but

(Now) the past don't control you
But the future's like a roulette wheel spinning
(And) deep down inside
You know you need a whole new beginning
Don't have to go to Russia or Iran
Just surrender to God and He'll move you right here where you stand, and

You drink bitter water
And you been eating the bread of sorrow
You can't live for today
When all you're ever thinking of is tomorrow
The path you've endured has been rough
And when you've decided that you've had enough, then







Well, the comic book and me, just us, we caught the bus.
The poor little chauffeur, though, she was back in bed
On the very next day, with a nose full of pus.
Yea! Heavy and a bottle of bread

It's a one-track town, just brown, and a breeze, too,
Pack up the meat, sweet, we're headin' out
For Wichita in a pile of fruit.
Get the loot, don't be slow, we're gonna catch a trout

Now, pull that drummer out from behind that bottle.
Bring me my pipe, we're gonna shake it.
Slap that drummer with a pie that smells.
Take me down to California, baby








Clouds so swift
Rain won't lift
Gate won't close
Railings froze
Get your mind off wintertime
You ain't goin' nowhere
Whoo-ee! Ride me high
Tomorrow's the day
My bride's gonna come
Oh, oh, are we gonna fly
Down in the easy chair!

I don't care
How many letters they sent
Morning came and morning went
Pick up your money
And pack up your tent

Buy me a flute
And a gun that shoots
Tailgates and substitutes
Strap yourself
To the tree with roots

Genghis Khan
He could not keep
All his kings
Supplied with sleep
We'll climb that hill no matter how steep
When we get up to it







You angel you
You got me under your wing.
The way you walk and the way you talk
I feel I could almost sing.

You angel you
You're as fine as anything's fine.
The way you walk and the way you talk
It sure plays on my mind.

You know I can't sleep at night for trying,
Never did feel this way before.
I get up at night and walk the floor.
If this is love then gimme more
And more and more and more and more.

You angel you
You're as fine as can be.
The way you smile like a sweet baby child,
It just falls all over me.

You know I can't sleep at night for trying
Never did feel this way before,
Never did get up and walk the floor.
If this is love then gimme more
And more and more and more.

You angel you
You got me under your wing.
The way you walk and the way you talk
It says everything.







You changed my life
Came along in a time of strife
In hunger and need
You made my heart bleed
You changed my life
You changed my life

Now the nature of man
Is to beg and to steal
I'd do it myself
It's not so unreal
The call of the wild's
Forever at my door
Want me to fly like an eagle
Being chained to the floor, but

Eating with the pigs
Off a fancy tray
I was bold, I was looking good
And to have a nice day
It all seemed so proper
And so elite
Eating absolute garbage
While being so discreet.

You were glowing in the light
Being peaceably calm
Well, how often does a man dance
To the beat of the balm?
Your eyes were on fire
Your feet were of brass
In a world that you made
You were an outcast

Truce makers and partakers
Of every selfish whim
Her running to meet me running to her
And you running back to him
Their destruction of my confidence
Was like a sharpness of the tongue
I said: Make my faith greater
But I was a little high strung








Our conversation was short and sweet
It nearly swept me off-a my feet.
And I'm back in the rain, oh, oh,
And you are on dry land.
You made it there somehow
You're a big girl now.

Bird on the horizon, sittin' on a fence,
He's singin' his song for me at his own expense.
And I'm just like that bird, oh, oh,
Singin' just for you.
I hope that you can hear,
Hear me singin' through these tears.

Time is a jet plane, it moves too fast
Oh, but what a shame if all we've shared can't last.
I can change, I swear, oh, oh,
See what you can do.
I can make it through,
You can make it too.

Love is so simple, to quote a phrase,
You've known it all the time, I'm learnin' it these days.
Oh, I know where I can find you, oh, oh,
In somebody's room.
It's a price I have to pay
You're a big girl all the way.

A change in the weather is known to be extreme
But what's the sense of changing horses in midstream?
I'm going out of my mind, oh, oh,
With a pain that stops and starts
Like a corkscrew to my heart
Ever since we've been apart.






I've seen love go by my door
It's never been this close before
Never been so easy or so slow.
Been shooting in the dark too long
When somethin's not right it's wrong
Yer gonna make me lonesome when you go.

Dragon clouds so high above
I've only known careless love,
It's always hit me from below.
This time around it's more correct
Right on target, so direct,

Purple clover, Queen Anne lace,
Crimson hair across your face,
You could make me cry if you don't know.
Can't remember what I was thinkin' of
You might be spoilin' me too much, love,

Flowers on the hillside, bloomin' crazy,
Crickets talkin' back and forth in rhyme,
Blue river runnin' slow and lazy,
I could stay with you forever
And never realize the time.

Situations have ended sad,
Relationships have all been bad.
Mine've been like Verlaine's and Rimbaud.
But there's no way I can compare
All those scenes to this affair,

Yer gonna make me wonder what I'm doin',
Stayin' far behind without you.
Yer gonna make me wonder what I'm sayin',
Yer gonna make me give myself a good talkin' to.

I'll look for you in old Honolulu,
San Francisco, Ashtabula,
Yer gonna have to leave me now, I know.
But I'll see you in the sky above,
In the tall grass, in the ones I love,







Listen to that Duquesne whistle blowing
Blowing like it's gonna sweep my world away
I'm gonna stop at Carmangale and keep on going
That Duquesne train gon' rock me night and day

You say I'm a gambler, you say I'm a pimp
But I ain't neither one

Sound like it's on a final run

Blowing like she never blowed before
Little light blinking, red light glowing
Blowing like she's at my chamber door

You smiling through the fence at me
Just like you've always smiled before

Blowing like she ain't gon' blow no more

Can't you hear that Duquesne whistle blowing?
Blowing like the sky's gonna blow apart
You're the only thing alive that keeps me going
You're like a time bomb in my heart

I can hear a sweet voice steadily calling
Must be the mother of our Lord

Blowing like my woman's on board

Blowing like it's gon' blow my blues away
You're a rascal, I know exactly where you're going
I'll lead you there myself at the break of day

I wake up every morning with that woman in my bed
Everybody telling me she's gone to my head

Blowing like it's gon' kill me dead

Blowing through another no good town

The lights on my native land are glowing
I wonder if they'll know me next time 'round
I wonder if that old oak tree's still standing
That old oak tree, the one we used to climb

Blowing like she's blowing right on time




All the early Roman kings
In their sharkskin suits
Bow ties and buttons
High top boots
Drivin' the spikes in
Blazin' the rails
Nailed in their coffins
In top hats and tails

Fly away, little bird
Fly away, flap your wings
Fly by night
Like the early Roman kings

In the early, early morn'
Coming down the mountain
Distributing the corn
Speeding through the forest
Racing down the track
You try to get away
They drag you back

Tomorrow is Friday
We'll see what it brings
Everybody's talking
'Bout the early Roman kings

They're peddlers and they're meddlers
They buy and they sell
They destroyed your city
They'll destroy you as well
They're lecherous and treacherous
Hell-bent for leather
Each of 'em bigger
Than all men put together

Sluggers and muggers
Wearing fancy gold rings
All the women goin' crazy

I can dress up your wounds
With a blood-clotted rag
I ain't afraid to make love
To a bitch or a hag
If you see me comin'
And you're standing there
Wave your handkerchief
In the air

I ain't dead yet
My bell still rings
I keep my fingers crossed

I can strip you of life
Strip you of breath
Ship you down
To the house of death
One day
You will ask for me
There'll be no one else
That you'll wanna see

Bring down my fiddle
Tune up my strings
I'm gonna break it wide open

I was up on black mountain
The day Detroit fell
They killed 'em all off
And they sent 'em to hell
Ding dong daddy
You're coming up short
Gonna put you on trial
In a Sicilian court

I've had my fun
I've had my flings
Gonna shake 'em all down





I'm gonna walk across the desert, 'til I'm in my right mind.
I won't even thing about, what I left behind
Nothing back there anyway, that I can call my own
Go back home, leave me alone
It's a long road, it's a long and narrow way
If I can't work up to you, you'll surely have to work down to me someday

Ever since the British, burned the White House down
There's a bleeding wound, in the heart of town
I saw you drinking, from an empty cup
I saw you buried, and I saw you dug up


Look down angel, from the skies
Help my, weary soul to rise
I kissed her cheek, I dragged your plow
You broke my heart, I was your friend 'til now


In the courtyard, of the golden sun
You stand and fight, or you break and run
You went and lost, your lovely head
For a drink of wine, and a crust of bread

We neutered and we plundered, on distant shores
Why is my share, not equal to yours
Your father left you, your mother too
Even death has, washed it's hands of you


This is hard country, to stay alive in
Blades are everywhere, and they're breaking my skin
I'm armed to the hilt, and I'm struggling hard
You won't get out, of here unscarred

You got too many lovers, waiting at the wall
About a thousand tons, I couldn't count them all
Yesterday, I could've thrown them all in the sea
Today, even one, may be too much for me

Can't walk them baby, you could do no wrong
Put your arms around me, where they belong
I won't take you under, for the ghost to lie
Lay my hands all over ya, tie you to my side


I've got a heavy stacked woman, with a smile on her face
And she has crowned, my soul with grace
I'm still hurting from an arrow, that pierced my chest
I'm gonna have to take my head, and bury it between your breasts

Been dark all night, but now it's dawn
The moving finger, is moving on
You can guard me, while I sleep
Piss away, the tears I weep

I love women, and she loves men
We've been to the west, and we going back again
I heard a voice, at the dusk of day
Saying, "Be gentle brother, be gentle and pray"





Doctor, doctor tell me the time of day
Another bottle's empty, another penny spent
He turned around and he slowly walked away
They shot him in the back and down he went

Shine your light
Movin' on
You burned so bright
Roll on, John

From the Liverpool docks to the red-light Hamburg streets
Down in the quarry with the Quarry men
Playing to the big crowds, playing to the cheap seats
Another day in the life on your way to your journey's end


Sailin' through the trade winds bound for the south
Rags on your back just like any other slave
They tied your hands and they clamped your mouth
Wasn't no way out of that deep dark cave


I heard the news today, oh boy
They hauled your ship up on the shore
Now the city gone dark, there is no more joy
They tore the heart right out and cut him to the core


Put on your bags and get 'em packed
Leave right now, you won't be far from wrong
The sooner you go the quicker you'll be back
You've been cooped up on an island far too long


Slow down you're moving way too fast
Come together right now over me
Your bones are weary, you're about to breathe your last
Lord, you know how hard that it can be


Roll on, John, roll through the rain and snow
Take the right-hand road and go where the buffalo roam
They'll trap you in an ambush before you know
Too late now to sail back home


Tyger, tyger burning bright
I pray the Lord my soul to keep
In the forests of the night
Cover 'em over and let him sleep






In Scarlet Town, where I was born
There's ivy leaf and silver thorn
The streets have names that you can't pronounce
Gold is down to a quarter of an ounce

The music starts and the people sway
Everybody says, "Are you going my way?"
Uncle Tom still workin' for Uncle Bill
Scarlet Town is under the hill

Scarlet Town in the month of May
Sweet William Holme on his deathbed lay
Mistress Mary by the side of the bed
Kissin' his face, heapin' prayers on his head

So brave and true, so gentle is he
I'll weep for him as he'd weep for me
Little Boy Blue come blow your horn

Scarlet Town, in the hot noon hours
There's palm-leaf shadows and scattered flowers
Beggars crouching at the gate
Help comes, but it comes too late

By marble slabs and in fields of stone
You make your humble wishes known
I touched the garment, but the hem was torn

In Scarlet Town, the end is near
The Seven Wonders of the World are here
The evil and the good, livin' side by side
All human forms seem glorified

Put your heart on a platter and see who'll bite
See who'll hold you and kiss you good night
There's walnut groves and maplewood
In Scarlet Town cryin', won't do no good

In Scarlet Town, you fight your father's foes
Up on the hill, a chilly wind blows
You fight 'em on high and you fight 'em down in
You fight 'em with whiskey, morphine and gin

You've got legs that can drive men mad
A lot of things we didn't do, that I wish we had
In Scarlet Town, the sky is clear
You'll wish to God that you stayed right here

Set 'em Joe, play "Walkin' the Floor"
Play it for my flat-chested junkie whore
I'm staying up late, I'm making amends
While we smile, our heaven descends

If love is a sin, then beauty is a crime
All things are beautiful, in their time
The black and the white, the yellow and the brown
It's all right there in front of you in Scarlet Town




I'm searching for phrases
To sing your praises
I need to tell someone
It's soon after midnight
And my day has just begun

A girl named Honey
Took my money
She was passing by
It's soon after midnight
And the moon is in my eye

My heart is cheerful
It's never fearful
I've been down on the killing floors
I'm in no great hurry
I'm not afraid of your fury
I've faced stronger walls than yours

Charlotte's a harlot
Dresses in scarlet
Mary dresses in green
It's soon after midnight
And I've got a date with the fairy queen

They chirp and they chatter
What does it matter?
They lie and dine in their blood
Two timing Slim
Who's every heard of him?
I'll drag his corpse through the mud

It's now or never
More than ever
When I met you I didn't think you do
Its soon after midnight
And I don't want nobody but you




The pale moon rose in it's glory
Out on the Western town
She told a sad, sad story
Of the great ship that went down

T'was the fourteenth day of April
Over the waves she rode
Sailing into tomorrow
To a golden age foretold

The night was black with starlight
The seas were sharp and clear
Moving through the shadows
The promised hour was near

Lights were holding steady
Gliding over the foam
All the lords and ladies
Heading for their eternal home

The chandeliers were swaying
From the balustrades above
The orchestra was playing
Songs of faded love

The watchman, he lay dreaming
As the ballroom dancers twirled
He dreamed the Titanic was sinking
Into the underworld

Leo took his sketchbook
He was often so inclined
He closed his eyes and painted
The scenery in his mind

Cupid struck his bosom
And broke it with a snap
The closest woman to him
He fell into her lap

He heard a loud commotion
Something sounded wrong
His inner spirit was saying
That he couldn't stand here long

He staggered to the quarterdeck
No time now to sleep
Water on the quarterdeck
Already three foot deep

Smokestack was leaning sideways
Heavy feet began to pound
He walked into the whirlwind
Sky splitting all around

The ship was going under
The universe had opened wide
The roll was called up yonder
The angels turned aside

Lights down in the hallway
Flickering dim and dull
Dead bodies already floating
In the double bottom hull

The engines then exploded
Propellers they failed to start
The boilers overloaded
The ship's bow split apart

Passengers were flying
Backward, forward, far and fast
They mumbled, fumbled, and tumbled
Each one more weary than the last

The veil was torn asunder
'Tween the hours of twelve and one
No change, no sudden wonder
Could undo what had been done

The watchman lay there dreaming
At fourty five degrees
He dreamed that the Titanic was sinking
Dropping to her knees

Wellington he was sleeping
His bed began to slide
His valiant heart was beating
He pushed the tables aside

Glass of shattered crystal
Lay scattered roundabout
He strapped on both his pistols
How long could he hold out?

His men and his companions
Were nowhere to be seen
In silence there he waited for
Time and space to intervene

The passageway was narrow
There was blackness in the air
He saw every kind of sorrow
Heard voices everywhere

Alarm-bells were ringing
To hold back the swelling tide
Friends and lovers clinging
To each other side by side

Mothers and their daughters
Descending down the stairs
Jumped into the icy waters
Love and pity sent their prayers

The rich man, Mister Astor
Kissed his darling wife
He had no way of knowing
It'd be the last trip of his life

Calvin, Blake and Wilson
Gambled in the dark
Not one of them would ever live to
Tell the tale on the disembark

Brother rose up 'gainst brother
In every circumstance
They fought and slaughtered each other
In a deadly dance

They lowered down the lifeboats
From the sinking wreck
There were traitors, there were turncoats
Broken backs and broken necks

The bishop left his cabin
To help others in need
Turned his eyes up to the heavens
Said, "The poor are yours to feed"

Davey the brothel-keeper
Came out dismissed his girls
Saw the water getting deeper
Saw the changing of his world

Jim Dandy smiled
He never learned to swim
Saw the little crippled child
And he gave his seat to him

He saw the starlight shining
Streaming from the East
Death was on the rampage
But his heart was now at peace

They battened down the hatches
But the hatches wouldn't hold
They drowned upon the staircase
Of brass and polished gold

Leo said to Cleo
I think I'm going mad
But he'd lost his mind already
Whatever mind he had

He tried to block the doorway
To save all those from harm
Blood from an open wound
Pouring down his arm

Petals fell from flowers
'Til all of them were gone
In the long and dreadful hours
The wizard's curse played on

The host was pouring brandy
He was going down slow
He stayed right to the end and he
Was the last to go

There were many, many others
Nameless here forever more
They never sailed the ocean
Or left their homes before

The watchman, he lay dreaming
The damage had been done
He dreamed the Titanic was sinking
And he tried to tell someone

The captain, barely breathing
Kneeling at the wheel
Above him and beneath him
Fifty thousand tons of steel

He looked over at his compass
And he gazed into its face
Needle pointing downward
He knew he lost the race

In the dark illumination
He remembered bygone years
He read the Book of Revelation
And he filled his cup with tears

When the Reaper's task had ended
Sixteen hundred had gone to rest
The good, the bad, the rich, the poor
The loveliest and the best

They waited at the landing
And they tried to understand
But there is no understanding
On the judgement of God's hand

The news came over the wires
And struck with deadly force
Love had lost its fires
All things had run their course

The watchman he lay dreaming
Of all the things that can be
He dreamed the Titanic was sinking
Into the deep blue sea




It was late last night when the boss came home
To a deserted mansion and a desolate throne
Servant said: "Boss, the lady's gone
She left this morning just 'fore dawn."
"You got something to tell me, tell it to me, man
Come to the point as straight as you can"
"Old Henry Lee, chief of the clan
Came riding through the woods and took her by the hand"
The boss he lay back flat on his bed
He cursed the heat and he clutched his head
He pondered the future of his fate
To wait another day would be far too late
"Go fetch me my coat and my tie
And the cheapest labor that money can buy
Saddle me up my buckskin mare
If you see me go by, put up a prayer"
Well, they rode all night, and they rode all day
Eastward, long down the broad highway
His spirit was tired and his vision was bent
His men deserted him and onward he went
He came to a place where the light was dull
His forehead pounding in his skull
Heavy heart was racked with pain
Insomnia raging in his brain
Well, he threw down his helmet and his cross-handled sword
He renounced his faith, he denied his Lord
Crawled on his belly, put his ear to the wall
One way or another put an end to it all
He leaned down, cut the electric wire
Stared into the flames and he snorted the fire
Peered through the darkness, caught a glimpse of the two
It was hard to tell for certain who was who
He lowered himself down on a golden chain
His nerves were quaking in every vein
His knuckles were bloody, he sucked in the air
He ran his fingers through his greasy hair
They looked at each other and their glasses clinked
One single unit, inseparably linked
"Got a strange premonition there's a man close by"
"Don't worry about him, he wouldn't harm a fly"
From behind the curtain, the boss he crossed the floor
He moved his feet and he bolted the door
Shadows hiding the lines in his face
With all the nobility of an ancient race
She turned, she was startled with a look of surprise
With a hatred that could hit the skies
"You're a reckless fool, I could see it in your eyes
To come this way was by no means wise"
"Get up, stand up, you greedy-lipped wench
And cover your face or suffer the consequence
You are making my heart feel sick
Put your clothes back on, double-quick"
"Silly boy, you think me a saint
I'll listen no more to your words of complaint
You've given me nothing but the sweetest lies
Now hold your tongue and feed your eyes"
"I'd have given you the stars and the planets, too
But what good would these things do you?
Bow the heart if not the knee
Or never again this world you'll see"
"Oh, please let not your heart be cold
This man is dearer to me than gold"
"Oh, my dear, you must be blind
He's a gutless ape with a worthless mind"
"You've had your way too long with me
Now it's me who'll determine how things shall be"
"Try to escape, " he cussed and cursed
'You'll have to try to get past me first"
"Do not let your passion rule
You think my heart the heart of a fool
And you, sir, you can not deny
You made a monkey of me, what and for why?"
"I'll have no more of this insulting chat
The devil can have you, I'll see to that
Look sharp or step aside
Or in the cradle you'll wish you'd died"
The gun went boom and the shot rang clear
First bullet grazed his ear
Second ball went right straight in
And he bent in the middle like a twisted pin
He crawled to the corner and he lowered his head
He gripped the chair and he grabbed the bed
It would take more than needle and thread
Bleeding from the mouth, he's as good as dead
"You shot my husband down, you fiend"
"Husband? What husband? What the hell do you mean?
He was a man of strife, a man of sin
I cut him down and I threw him to the wind"
This she said with angry breath
"You too shall meet the lord of death
It was I who brought your soul to life"
Then she raised her robe and she drew out a knife
His face was hard and caked with sweat
His arms ached and his hands were wet
"You're a murderous queen and a bloody wife
If you don't mind, I'll have the knife"
"We're two of a kind and our blood runs hot
But we're no way similar in body or thought
All husbands are good men, as all wives know"
Then she pierced him to the heart and his blood did flow
His knees went limp and he reached for the door
His tomb was sealed, he slid to the floor
He whispered in her ear: "This is all your fault
My fighting days have come to a halt"
She touched his lips and kissed his cheek
He tried to speak but his breath was weak
"You died for me, now I'll die for you"
She put the blade to her heart and she ran it through
All three lovers together in a heap
Thrown into the grave, forever to sleep
Funeral torches blazed away
Through the towns and the villages all night and all day




Well I'm grinding my life out, steady and sure
Nothing more wretched than what I must endure
I'm drenched in the light that shines from the sun
I could stone you to death for the wrongs that you've done
Sooner or later you make a mistake,
I'll put you in a chain that you never will break
Legs and arms and body and bone
I pay in blood, but not my own
Night after night, day after day
They strip your useless hopes away
The more I take the more I give
The more I die the more I live
I got something in my pocket make your eyeballs swim
I got dogs could tear you limb from limb
I'm circlin' around the southern zone
Low cards are what I've got
But I'll play this hand whether I like it or not
I'm sworn to uphold the laws of God
You could put me out in front of a firing squad
I've been out and around with the rising men
Just like you, my handsome friend
My head's so hard, must be made of stone
Another politician coming out the abyss
Another angry beggar blowing you a kiss
You got the same eyes that your mother does
If only you could prove who your father was
Someone must of slipped a drug in your wine
You gulped it down and you've crossed the line
Man can't live by bread alone
How I made it back home, nobody knows
Or how I survived so many blows
I've been through Hell, What good did it do?
You bastard! I'm suppose to respect you!
I'll give you justice, I'll fathom your purse
Show me your moral that you reversed
Hear me holler, hear me moan
You get your lover in the bed
Come here I'll break your lousy head
Our nation must be saved and freed
You've been accused of murder, how do you plead?
This is how I spend my days
I came to bury, not to raise
I'll drink my fill and sleep alone





It's been such a long, long time
Since we loved each other and our hearts were true
One time, for one brief day, I was the man for you
Last night I heard you talkin' in your sleep
Saying things you shouldn't say, oh baby
You just might have to go to jail someday
Is there a place we can go,
Is there anybody we can see? Maybe
It's the same for you as it is for me
I ain't seen my family in twenty years
That ain't easy to understand, they may be dead by now
I lost track of 'em after they lost their land
Shake it up baby, twist and shout
You know what it's all about
What are you doing out there in the sun anyway?
Don't you know, the sun can burn your brains right out
My enemy crashed into the dust
Stopped dead in his tracks and he lost his lust
He was run down hard and he broke apart
He died in shame, he had an iron heart
I wear dark glasses to cover my eyes
There are secrets in 'em that I can't disguise
Come back baby
If I hurt your feelings, I apologize
Two trains running side by side, forty miles wide
Down the eastern line
You don't have to go, I just came to you because you're a friend of mine
I think that when my back was turned,
The whole world behind me burned
It's been a while,
Since we walked down that long, long aisle
We cried on a cold and frosty morn,
We cried because our souls were torn
So much for tears
So much for these long and wasted years








Thunder on the mountain, fires on the moon
There's a ruckus in the alley and the sun will be here soon
Today's the day, gonna grab my trombone and blow
Well, there's hot stuff here and it's everywhere I go

I was thinkin' 'bout Alicia Keys, couldn't keep from crying
When she was born in Hell's Kitchen, I was living down the line
I'm wondering where in the world Alicia Keys could be
I been looking for her even clear through Tennessee

Feel like my soul is beginning to expand
Look into my heart and you will sort of understand
You brought me here, now you're trying to run me away
The writing's on the wall, come read it, come see what it say

Thunder on the mountain, rolling like a drum
Gonna sleep over there, that's where the music coming from
I don't need any guide, I already know the way
Remember this, I'm your servant both night and day

The pistols are poppin' and the power is down
I'd like to try somethin' but I'm so far from town
The sun keeps shinin' and the North Wind keeps picking up speed
Gonna forget about myself for a while, gonna go out and see what others need

I've been sitting down studying the art of love
I think it will fit me like a glove
I want some real good woman to do just what I say
Everybody got to wonder what's the matter with this cruel world today

Thunder on the mountain rolling to the ground
Gonna get up in the morning walk the hard road down
Some sweet day I'll stand beside my king
I wouldn't betray your love or any other thing

Gonna raise me an army, some tough sons of bitches
I'll recruit my army from the orphanages
I been to St. Herman's church and I've said my religious vows
I've sucked the milk out of a thousand cows

I got the porkchops, she got the pie
She ain't no angel and neither am I
Shame on your greed, shame on your wicked schemes
I'll say this, I don't give a damn about your dreams

Thunder on the mountain heavy as can be
Mean old twister bearing down on me
All the ladies of Washington scrambling to get out of town
Looks like something bad gonna happen, better roll your airplane down

Everybody's going and I want to go too
Don't wanna take a chance with somebody new
I did all I could and I did it right there and then
I've already confessed � no need to confess again

Gonna make a lot of money, gonna go up north
I'll plant and I'll harvest what the earth brings forth
The hammer's on the table, the pitchfork's on the shelf
For the love of God, you ought to take pity on yourself





Spirit on the water
Darkness on the face of the deep
I keep thinking about you baby
I can't hardly sleep

I'm traveling by land
Traveling through the dawn of day
You're always on my mind
I can't stay away

I'd forgotten about you
Then you turned up again
I always knew
That we were meant to be more than friends

When you are near
It's just as plain as it can be
I'm wild about you, gal
You ought to be a fool about me

Can't explain
The sources of this hidden pain
You burned your way into my heart
You got the key to my brain

I've been trampling through mud
Praying to the powers above
I'm sweating blood
You got a face that begs for love

Life without you
Doesn't mean a thing to me
If I can't have you,
I'll throw my love into the deep blue sea

Sometimes I wonder
Why you can't treat me right
You do good all day
Then you do wrong all night

When you're with me
I'm a thousand times happier than I could ever say
What does it matter
What price I pay

They brag about your sugar
Brag about it all over town
Put some sugar in my bowl
I feel like laying down

I'm pale as a ghost
Holding a blossom on a stem
You ever seen a ghost? No
But you have heard of them

I see you there
I'm blinded by the colors I see
I take good care
Of what belongs to me

I hear your name
Ringing up and down the line
I'm saying it plain
These ties are strong enough to bind

Your sweet voice
Calls out from some old familiar shrine
I got no choice
Can't believe these things would ever fade from your mind

I could live forever
With you perfectly
You don't ever
Have to make a fuss over me

From East to West
Ever since the world began
I only mean it for the best
I want to be with you any way I can

I been in a brawl
Now I'm feeling the wall
I'm going away baby
I won't be back �til fall

High on the hill
You can carry all my thoughts with you
You've numbed my will
This love could tear me in two

I wanna be with you in paradise
And it seems so unfair
I can't go to paradise no more
I killed a man back there

You think I'm over the hill
You think I'm past my prime
Let me see what you got
We can have a whoppin' good time




I rolled and I tumbled, I cried the whole night long
Woke up this mornin', I must have bet my money wrong

I got troubles so hard, I can't stand the strain
Some young lazy slut has charmed away my brains

The landscape is glowin', gleamin' in the golden light of day
I ain't holding nothin' back now, I ain't standin' in anybody's way

Well, I did all I know just to keep you off my mind
Well, I paid and I paid and my sufferin' heart is always on the line

Well, I get up in the dawn and I go down and lay in the shade
I ain't nobody's house boy, I ain't nobody's well trained maid

I'm flat-out spent, this woman been drivin' me to tears
This woman so crazy, I swear I ain't gonna touch another one for years

Well, the warm weather is comin' and the buds are on the vine
Ain't nothing so depressing as trying to satisfy this woman of mine

I got up this mornin', saw the rising sun return
Sooner or later you too shall burn

The night's filled with shadows, the years are filled with early doom
I've been conjuring up all these long dead souls from their crumblin' tombs

Let's forgive each other darlin', let's go down to the greenwood glen
Let's put our heads together, let's put old matters to an end

I woke up this morning, I think I must be travelin' wrong




In the still of the night, in the world's ancient light
Where wisdom grows up in strife
My bewildering brain, toils in vain
Through the darkness on the pathways of life
Each invisible prayer is like a cloud in the air
Tomorrow keeps turning around
We live and we die, we know not why
But I'll be with you when the deal goes down

We eat and we drink, we feel and we think
Far down the street we stray
I laugh and I cry and I'm haunted by
Things I never meant nor wished to say
The midnight rain follows the train
We all wear the same thorny crown
Soul to soul, our shadows roll

The moon gives light and shines by night
I scarcely feel the glow
We learn to live and then we forgive
O'er the road we're bound to go
More frailer than the flowers, these precious hours
That keep us so tightly bound
You come to my eyes like a vision from the skies


I picked up a rose and it poked through my clothes
I followed the winding stream
I heard a deafening noise, I felt transient joys
I know they're not what they seem
In this earthly domain, full of disappointment and pain
You'll never see me frown
I owe my heart to you, and that's sayin' it true







I don�t care what you do, I don�t care what you say
I don�t care where you go or how long you stay
Someday baby, you ain�t gonna worry po� me anymore

Well you take my money and you turn me out
You fill me up with nothin� but self doubt

When I was young, driving was my crave
You drive me so hard, almost to the grave

Something is the matter, my mind tied up in knots
I keep recycling the same old thoughts

So many good things in life I overlooked
I don�t know what to do now, you got me so hooked

Gonna get myself together, I�m gonna ring your neck
When all else fails I�ll make it a matter of self-respect

You can take your clothes, put �m in a sack
You goin� down the road, baby and you can�t come back




There's an evenin' haze settlin' over the town
Starlight by the edge of the creek
The buyin' power of the proletariat's gone down
Money's gettin' shallow and weak
The place I love best is a sweet memory
It's a new path that we trod
They say low wages are a reality
If we want to compete abroad

My cruel weapons have been put on the shelf
Come sit down on my knee
You are dearer to me than myself
As you yourself can see
I'm listenin' to the steel rails hum
Got both eyes tight shut
Just sitting here trying to keep the hunger from
Creeping it's way into my gut

Meet me at the bottom, don't lag behind
Bring me my boots and shoes
You can hang back or fight your best on the front line
Sing a little bit of these workingman's blues

Now, I'm sailin' on back, ready for the long haul
Tossed by the winds and the seas
I'll drag �em all down to hell and I'll stand �em at the wall
I'll sell �em to their enemies
I'm tryin' to feed my soul with thought
Gonna sleep off the rest of the day
Sometimes no one wants what we got
Sometimes you can't give it away

Now the place is ringed with countless foes
Some of them may be deaf and dumb
No man, no woman knows
The hour that sorrow will come
In the dark I hear the night birds call
I can hear a lover's breath
I sleep in the kitchen with my feet in the hall
Sleep is like a temporary death


Well, they burned my barn, they stole my horse
I can't save a dime
I got to be careful, I don't want to be forced
Into a life of continual crime
I can see for myself that the sun is sinking
How I wish you were here to see
Tell me now, am I wrong in thinking
That you have forgotten me?

Now they worry and they hurry and they fuss and they fret
They waste your nights and days
Them I will forget
But you I'll remember always
Old memories of you to me have clung
You've wounded me with words
Gonna have to straighten out your tongue
It's all true, everything you have heard

In you, my friend, I find no blame
Wanna look in my eyes, please do
No one can ever claim
That I took up arms against you
All across the peaceful sacred fields
They will lay you low
They'll break your horns and slash you with steel
I say it so it must be so

Now I'm down on my luck and I'm black and blue
Gonna give you another chance
I'm all alone and I'm expecting you
To lead me off in a cheerful dance
Got a brand new suit and a brand new wife
I can live on rice and beans
Some people never worked a day in their life
Don't know what work even means




Beyond the horizon, behind the sun
At the end of the rainbow life has only begun
In the long hours of twilight 'neath the stardust above
Beyond the horizon it is easy to love

My wretched heart's pounding
I felt an angel's kiss
My memories are drowning
In mortal bliss

Beyond the horizon, in the Springtime or Fall
Love waits forever for one and for all

Beyond the horizon across the divide
'Round about midnight, we'll be on the same side
Down in the valley the water runs cold
Beyond the horizon someone prayed for your soul

I'm touched with desire
What don't I do?
I'll throw the logs on the fire
I'll build my world around you

Beyond the horizon, at the end of the game
Every step that you take, I'm walking the same

Beyond the horizon the night winds blow
The theme of a melody from many moons ago
The bells of St. Mary, how sweetly they chime
Beyond the horizon I found you just in time

It's dark and it's dreary
I ponder in vain
I'm weakened, I'm weary
My repentance is plain

Beyond the horizon o'er the treacherous sea
I still can't believe that you've set aside your love for me

Beyond the horizon, 'neath crimson skies
In the soft light of morning I'll follow you with my eyes
Through countries and kingdoms and temples of stone
Beyond the horizon right down to the bone

It's late in the season
Never knew, never cared
Whatever the reason
Someone's life has been spared

Beyond the horizon the sky is so blue
I've got more than a lifetime to live lovin' you




Lost John sitting on a railroad track
Something's out of wack
Blues this morning falling down like hail
Gonna leave a greasy trail

Gonna travel the world is what I'm gonna do
Then come back and see you
All I ever do is struggle and strive
If I don't do anybody any harm, I might make it back home alive

I'm the oldest son of a crazy man
I'm in a cowboy band
Got a pile of sins to pay for and I ain't got time to hide
I'd walk through a blazing fire, baby, if I knew you was on the other side

Oh, I miss you Nettie Moore
And my happiness is o'er
Winter's gone, the river's on the rise
I loved you then and ever shall
But there's no one here that's left to tell
The world has gone black before my eyes

The world of research has gone berserk
Too much paperwork
Albert's in the graveyard, Frankie's raising hell
I'm beginning to believe what the scriptures tell

I'm going where the Southern crosses the Yellow Dog
Get away from these demagogues
And these bad luck women stick like glue
It's either one or the other or neither of the two

She says, "look out daddy, don't want you to tear your pants.
You can get wrecked in this dance."
They say whiskey will kill ya, but I don't think it will
I'm riding with you to the top of the hill

And my happiness is o'er
Winter's gone, the river's on the rise
I loved you then and ever shall
But there's no one here that's left to tell

Don't know why my baby never looked so good before
I don't have to wonder no more
She been cooking all day and it's gonna take me all night
I can't eat all that stuff in a single bite

The Judge is coming in, everybody rise
Lift up your eyes
You can do what you please, you don't need my advice
Before you call me any dirty names you better think twice

Getting light outside, the temperature dropped
I think the rain has stopped
I'm going to make you come to grips with fate
When I'm through with you, you'll learn to keep your business straight

And my happiness is o'er
Winter's gone, the river's on the rise
I loved you then and ever shall
But there's no one here that's left to tell

The bright spark of the steady lights
Has dimmed my sights
When you're around all my grief gives 'way
A lifetime with you is like some heavenly day

Everything I've ever known to be right has proven wrong
I'll be drifting along
The woman I'm lovin', she rules my heart
No knife could ever cut our love apart

Today I'll stand in faith and raise
The voice of praise
The sun is strong, I'm standing in the light
I wish to God that it were night

And my happiness is o'er
Winter's gone, the river's on the rise
I loved you then and ever shall
But there's no one here that's left to tell




If it keep on rainin' the levee gonna break
Everybody saying this is a day only the Lord could make

Well I worked on the levee Mama, both night and day
I got to the river and I threw my clothes away

I paid my time and now I'm as good as new
They can't take me back, not unless I want them to

If it keep on rainin' the levee gonna break
Some of these people gonna strip you of all they can take

I can't stop here, I ain't ready to unload
Riches and salvation can be waiting behind the next bend in the road

I picked you up from the gutter and this is the thanks I get
You say you want me to quit ya, I told you no, not just yet

I look in your eyes, I see nobody else but me
I see all that I am and all I hope to be

If it keep on rainin' the levee gonna break
Some of these people don't know which road to take

When I'm with you I forget I was ever blue
Without you there's no meaning in anything I do

Some people on the road carrying everything that they own
Some people got barely enough skin to cover their bones

Put on your cat clothes, Mama, put on your evening dress
A few more years of hard work then there'll be a thousand years of happiness

If it keep on rainin' the levee gonna break
I tried to get you to love me, but I won't repeat that mistake

If it keep on rainin' the levee gonna break
Plenty of cheap stuff out there still around that you take

I woke up this morning, butter and eggs in my bed
I ain't got enough room to even raise my head

Come back, baby, say we never more will part
Don't be a stranger without a brain or heart

If it keep on rainin' the levee gonna break
Some people still sleepin', some people are wide awake




As I walked out tonight in the mystic garden
The wounded flowers were dangling from the vines
I was passing by yon cool and crystal fountain
Someone hit me from behind

Ain't talkin', just walkin'
Through this weary world of woe
Heart burnin', still yearnin'
No one on earth would ever know

They say prayer has the power to help
So pray from the mother
In the human heart an evil spirit can dwell
I'm trying to love my neighbor and do good unto others
But oh, mother, things ain't going well

I'll burn that bridge before you can cross
Heart burnin', still yearnin'
They'll be no mercy for you once you've lost

Now I'm all worn down by weepin'
My eyes are filled with tears, my lips are dry
If I catch my opponents ever sleepin'
I'll just slaughter them where they lie

Through the world mysterious and vague
Heart burnin', still yearnin'
Walking through the cities of the plague

The whole world is filled with speculation
The whole wide world which people say is round
They will tear your mind away from contemplation
They will jump on your misfortune when you're down

Eatin' hog-eyed grease in hog-eyed town
Heart burnin' � still yearnin'
Someday you'll be glad to have me around

They will crush you with wealth and power
Every waking moment you could crack
I'll make the most of one last extra hour
I'll avenge my father's death then I'll step back

Hand me down my walkin' cane
Heart burnin', still yearnin'
Got to get you out of my miserable brain

All my loyal and much-loved companions
They approve of me and share my code
I practice a faith that's been long abandoned
Ain't no altars on this long and lonesome road

My mule is sick, my horse is blind
Heart burnin', still yearnin'
Thinkin' �bout that gal I left behind

It's bright in the heavens and the wheels are flying
Fame and honor never seem to fade
The fire's gone out but the light is never dying
Who says I can't get heavenly aid?

Carrying a dead man's shield
Heart burnin', still yearnin'
Walkin' with a toothache in my heel

The suffering is unending
Every nook and cranny has it's tears
I'm not playing, I'm not pretending
I'm not nursing any superfluous fears

Walkin' ever since the other night
Heart burnin', still yearnin'
Walkin' �til I'm clean out of sight

As I walked out in the mystic garden
On a hot summer day, hot summer lawn
Excuse me, ma'am I beg your pardon
There's no one here, the gardener is gone

Up the road around the bend
Heart burnin', still yearnin'
In the last outback, at the world's end













I love you pretty baby
You're the only love I've ever known
Just as long as you stay with me
The whole world is my throne
Beyond here lies nothin'
Nothin' we can call our own

I'm movin' after midnight
Down boulevards of broken cars
Don't know what to do without it
Without this love that we call ours
Nothin' but the moon and stars

Down every street there's a window
And every window made of glass
We'll keep on lovin' pretty baby
For as long as love will last
But the mountains of the past

My ship is in the harbor
And the sails are spread
Listen to me pretty baby
Lay your hand upon my head
Nothin' done and nothin' said




The evening winds are still
I've lost the way and will
Can't tell you where they went
I just know what they meant
I'm always on my guard
Admitting life is hard
Without you near me

The friend you used to be
So near and dear to me
You slipped so far away
Where did we go a-stray
I pass the old schoolyard

Ever since the day
The day you went away
I felt that emptiness so wide
I don't know what's wrong or right
I just know I need strength to fight
Strength to fight that world outside

Since we've been out of touch
I haven't felt that much
From day to barren day
My heart stays locked away
I walk the boulevard

The sun is sinking low
I guess it's time to go
I feel a chilly breeze
In place of memories
My dreams are locked and barred




Well I didn�t come here to deal with a doggone thing
I just came here to hear the drummer�s cymbal ring
There ain�t no way you can put me down
I just want to say that Hell�s my wife�s home town

Well there�s reasons for that and reasons for this
I can�t think of any just now, but I know they exist
I�m sitting in the sun �til my skin turns brown
I just want to say that Hell�s my wife�s home town


She can make you steal, make you rob
Give you the hives, make you lose your job
Make things bad, she can make things worse
She got stuff more potent than a gypsy curse

One of these days, I�ll end up on the run
I�m pretty sure she�ll make me kill someone
I�m going inside, roll the shutters down
I just want to say that Hell�s my wife�s home town

Well there�s plenty to remember, plenty to forget
I still can remember the day we met
I lost my reason long ago
My love for her is all I know

State gone broke, the county�s dry
Don�t be looking at me with that evil eye
Keep on walking, don�t be hanging around
I�m telling you again that Hell�s my wife�s home town




If you ever go to Houston
Better walk right
Keep your hands in your pockets
And your gun-belt tight
You'll be asking for trouble
If you're lookin' for a fight

If you're ever down there
On Bagby and Lamar
You better watch out for
The man with the shining star
Better know where you're going
Or stay where you are
If you're ever down there
On Bagby and Lamar

I know these streets
I've been here before
I nearly got killed here
During the Mexican war
Something always
Keeps me coming back for more
I know these streets
I've been here before

If you ever go to Dallas
Say hello to Mary Anne
Say I'm still pullin' on the trigger
Hangin' on the best I can
If you see her sister Lucy
Say I'm sorry I'm not there
Tell her other sister Betsy
To pray the sinner's prayer

I got a restless fever
Burnin' in my brain
Got to keep ridin' forward
Can't spoil the game
The same way I leave here
Will be the way that I came

Mr. Policeman
Can you help me find my gal
Last time I saw her
Was at the Magnolia Hotel
If you help me find her
You can be my pal

If you ever go to Austin
Fort Worth or San Antone
Find the bar rooms I got lost in
And send my memories home
Put my tears in a bottle
Screw the top on tight
If you ever go to Houston
You better walk right




Forgetful heart
Lost your power of recall
Every little detail
You don't remember at all
The times we knew
Who would remember better then you

We laughed and had a good time you and I
It's been so long
Now you're content to let the days go by
When you were there
You were the answer to my prayer

We loved with all the love that life can give
What can I say
Without you it's so hard to live
Can't take much more
Why can't we love like we did before

Like a walking shadow in my brain
All night long
I lay awake and listen to the sound of pain
The door has closed forevermore
If indeed there ever was a door




Well you're comin' down High Street, walkin' in the sun
You make the dead man rise, and holler she's the one
Jolene, Jolene
Baby, I am the king and you're the queen

Well it's a long old highway, don't ever end
I've got a Saturday night special, I'm back again
I'll sleep by your door, lay my life on the line
You probably don't know, but I'm gonna make you mine

I keep my hands in my pocket, I'm movin' along
People think they know, but they're all wrong
You're something nice, I'm gonna grab my dice
I can't say I haven't paid the price

Well I found out the hard way, I've had my fill
You can't find somebody with his back to a hill
Those big brown eyes, they set off a spark
When you hold me in your arms things don't look so dark




How long can I stay in this nowhere café
'fore night turns into day
I wonder why I'm so frightened of dawn
All I have and all I know
Is this dream of you
Which keeps me living on

There's a moment when all old things
Become new again
But that moment might have come and gone

I look away, but I keep seeing it
I don't want to believe, but I keep believing it
Shadows dance upon the wall
Shadows that seem to know it all

Am I too blind to see, is my heart playing tricks on me
I'm lost in the crowd
All my tears are gone

Everything I touch seems to disappear
Everywhere I turn you are always here
I'll run this race until my earthly death
I'll defend this place with my dying breath

From a cheerless room in a curtained gloom
I saw a star from heaven fall
I turned and looked again but it was gone




I get the blues for you baby when I look up at the sun
Come back here we can have some real fun

Well it's early in the evening and everything is still
One more time, I'm walking up on heartbreak hill

Shake, shake mama, like a ship goin' out to sea
You took all my money and you give it to Richard Lee

Down by the river Judge Simpson walkin' around
Nothing shocks me more than that old clown

Some of you women you really know your stuff
But your clothes are all torn and your language is a little too rough

Shake, shake mama, shake it 'til the break of day
I'm right here baby, I'm not that far away

I'm motherless, fatherless, almost friendless too
It's Friday morning on Franklin Avenue

Shake, shake mama, raise your voice and pray
If you're goin' on home, better go the shortest way




Well I'm looking the world over
Looking far off into the East
And I see my baby coming
She's walking with the village priest
I feel a change coming on
And the last part of the day is already gone

We got so much in common
We strive for the same old ends
And I just can't wait
Wait for us to become friends

Life is for love
And they say that love is blind
If you want to live easy
Baby pack your clothes with mine

Well now what's the use in dreamin'
You got better things to do
Dreams never did work for me anyway
Even when they did come true

You are as whorish as ever
Baby you could start a fire
I must be losing my mind
You're the object of my desire

I'm listening to Billy Joe Shaver
And I'm reading James Joyce
Some people they tell me
I got the blood of the land in my voice

Everybody got all the money
Everybody got all the beautiful clothes
Everybody got all the flowers
I don't have one single rose




Talk about me babe, if you must
Throw on the dirt, pile on the dust
I'd do the same thing if I could
You know what they say, they say it's all good
All good
It's all good

Big politician telling lies
Restaurant kitchen, all full of flies
Don't make a bit of difference, don't see why it should
But it's all right, 'cause it's all good

Wives are leavin' their husbands, they beginning to roam
They leave the party and they never get home
I wouldn't change it, even if I could
You know what they say man, it's all good

Brick by brick, they tear you down
A teacup of water is enough to drown
You ought to know, if they could they would
Whatever going down, it's all good

People in the country, people on the land
Some of them so sick, they can hardly stand
Everybody would move away, if they could
It's hard to believe but it's all good
Yeah

The widow's cry, the orphan's plea
Everywhere you look, more misery
Come along with me, babe, I wish you would
You know what I'm sayin', it's all good

Cold-blooded killer, stalking the town
Cop cars blinking, something bad going down
Buildings are crumbling in the neighborhood
But there's nothing to worry about, 'cause it's all good

I'll pluck off your beard and blow it in your face
This time tomorrow I'll be rolling in your place
I wouldn't change a thing even if I could
You know what they say, they say it's all good







Rita May, Rita May
You got your body in the way
You�re so damn nonchalant
But it�s your mind that I want
You got me huffin� and a-puffin�
Next to you I feel like nothin�


How�d you ever get that way?
When do you ever see the light?
Don�t you ever feel a fright?
You got me burnin� and I�m turnin�
But I know I must be learnin�

All my friends have told me
If I hang around with you
That I�ll go blind
But I know that when you hold me
That there really must be somethin�
On your mind

Laying in a stack of hay
Do you remember where you been?
What�s that crazy place you�re in?
I�m gonna have to go to college
�Cause you are the book of knowledge






The light in this place is really bad
Like being at the bottom of a stream
Any minute now
I�m expecting to wake up from a dream

Means so much, the softest touch
By the grave of some child, who neither wept or smiled
I pondered my faith in the rain
I�ve been dreamin� of you, that�s all I do
And it�s driving me insane

Somewhere dawn is breaking
Light is streaking �cross the floor
Church bells are ringing
I wonder who they�re ringing for

Travel under any star
You�ll see me wherever you are
The shadowy past is awake and so vast
I�m sleeping in the palace of pain

Maybe they�ll get me, maybe they won�t
But whatever it won�t be tonight
I wish your hand was in mine right now
We could go where the moon is white

For years they had me locked in a cage
Then they threw me onto the stage
Some things just last longer than you thought they would
And they never, ever explain

Well, I eat when I�m hungry, drink when I�m dry
Live my life on the square
Even if the flesh falls off my face
It won�t matter, long as you�re there

Feel like a ghost in love
Underneath the heavens above
Feel further away than I ever did before
Feel further than I can take

Everything in the way is so shiny today
A queer and unusual fall
Spirals of golden haze, here and there in a blaze
Like beams of light in the storm

Maybe you were here and maybe you weren�t
Maybe you touched somebody and got burnt
The silent sun has got me on the run
Burning a hole in my brain





Well I wandered alone through a desert of stone
And I dreamt of my future wife
My sword's in my hand and I'm next in command
In this version of death called life
My plate and my cup are right straight up
I took a rose from the hand of a child
When I kiss your lips, the honey drips
But I'm gonna have to put you down for a while

Every day we meet on any old street
And you're in your girlish prime
The short and the tall are coming to the ball
I go there all the time
Behind every tree, there's something to see
The river is wider than a mile
I tried you twice, you can't be nice

Here come the nurse with money in her purse
Here come the ladies and men
You push it all in and you've no chance to win
You play 'em on down to the end
I'm laying in the sand getting a sunshine tan
Moving along riding in style
From my toes to my head, you knock me dead

I count the years and I shed no tears
I'm blinded to what might have been
Nature's voice makes my heart rejoice
Play me the wild song of the wind
I found hopeless love in the room above
When the sun and the weather were mild
You're as fine as wine, I ain't handing you no line

All the merry little elves can go hang themselves
My faith is as cold as can be
I'm stacked high to the roof and I'm not without proof
If you don't believe me, come see
You think I'm blue, I think so too
In my words, you'll find no guile
The game's gotten old, the deck's gone cold

The game's gotten old, the deck's gone cold






�Twas down in Mississippi not so long ago
When a young boy from Chicago town stepped through a Southern door
This boy�s dreadful tragedy I can still remember well
The color of his skin was black and his name was Emmett Till

Some men they dragged him to a barn and there they beat him up
They said they had a reason, but I can�t remember what
They tortured him and did some things too evil to repeat
There were screaming sounds inside the barn, there was laughing sounds
out on the street

Then they rolled his body down a gulf amidst a bloody red rain
And they threw him in the waters wide to cease his screaming pain
The reason that they killed him there, and I�m sure it ain�t no lie
Was just for the fun of killin� him and to watch him slowly die

And then to stop the United States of yelling for a trial
Two brothers they confessed that they had killed poor Emmett Till
But on the jury there were men who helped the brothers commit this
awful crime
And so this trial was a mockery, but nobody seemed to mind

I saw the morning papers but I could not bear to see
The smiling brothers walkin� down the courthouse stairs
For the jury found them innocent and the brothers they went free
While Emmett�s body floats the foam of a Jim Crow southern sea

If you can�t speak out against this kind of thing, a crime that�s so unjust
Your eyes are filled with dead men�s dirt, your mind is filled with dust
Your arms and legs they must be in shackles and chains, and your blood
it must refuse to flow
For you let this human race fall down so God-awful low!

This song is just a reminder to remind your fellow man
That this kind of thing still lives today in that ghost-robed Ku Klux Klan
But if all of us folks that thinks alike, if we gave all we could give
We could make this great land of ours a greater place to live





I was young when I left home
But I been out a-ramblin� �round
And I never wrote a letter to my home
To my home, Lord, to my home

It was just the other day
I was bringing home my pay
When I met an old friend I used to know

Said your mother�s dead and gone
Baby sister�s all gone wrong
And your daddy needs you home right away

Not a shirt on my back
Not a penny on my name
Well I can�t go home thisaway
Thisaway, Lord, Lord, Lord

If you miss the train I�m on
Count the days I�m gone
You will hear that whistle blow a hundred miles
A hundred miles, honey baby. Lord Lord Lord
And you�ll hear that whistle blow a hundred miles

I�m playing on a track
Ma would come and whoop me back
On them trestles down by old Jim McKay�s

When I pay the debt I owe
To the commissary store
I will pawn my watch and chain and go home
Go home, Lord Lord Lord

Used to tell Ma sometimes
When I see them riding blinds
Gonna make me a home out in the wind
In the wind, Lord in the wind

I don�t like it in the wind
Wanna go back home again
But I can�t go home thisaway
Thisaway, Lord Lord Lord










I said look a-here mama : what in the world are you trying to do
You want to make me love you : you going to break my heart in two
I said you don't want me : what made you want to lie
Now the day you quit me fair brown : baby that's the day you die
I'd rather see you dead : buried in some cypress grove
Than to hear some gossip mama : that she had done you so
It was early one morning : just about the break of day
And along brownskin coming : man and drove me away
Lord my baby quit me : she done set my trunk outdoors
That put the poor boy wandering : Lord along the road
I said trouble here mama : and trouble everywhere you go
And it's trouble here mama : baby good gal I don't know



I got something I'm going to tell you : mama keep it all to yourself
Don't you tell your mama : don't you tell nobody else
I'm going to write you a letter : I'm going to mail it in the air
Then I know you going to catch it : babe in this world somewhere
I'm going to write you a letter : I'm going to mail it in the sky
Mama I know you going to catch it : when the wind blows on the line
Ooh : mama I don't know what to do
I knows you'll go : leave me all lowdown and blue
Ooh : that's the last word you said
And I just can't remember : babe last old words you said



And I rolled and I tumbled : and I cried the whole night long
And I rose this morning : and I didn't know right from wrong
Have you ever woke up : and found your dough-roller gone
Then you wring your hands : and you cry the whole day long


And I told my woman : just before I left your town
Don't you let nobody : tear the barrelhouse down
And I fold my arms : and I begin to walk away
I said that's all right sweet mama : your trouble's going to come some day



Lord I know my baby : sure going to jump and shout
When the train get here : I come a-rolling out
Lord I tell you it wasn't no need : of mama trying to be so kind
Ah you know you don't love me : you ain't got me on your mind
Mmm : you ain't got me on your mind
And it's what is the need : of baby trying to be so kind
Mmm : tried to treat her right
But you started with another man : and stayed out every day and night
Says I ain't going down : this big road by myself
If I can't get you mama : I'm going to get somebody else
Mmm : what you want your babe to do
Says I know it's something : gal it ain't no use




Yes today has been : a long old lonesome day
Lord it seem like tomorrow : going to be the same old way
Oh tell me pretty mama : how you want your rolling done
Don't want to do : just like my old-time rider done
Don't a woman act funny : she's going to put you down
She *jumped in the bay* : with a case of
Woman *use the jelly* : I like those old-time



I've got a brownskin woman : she lives up on that hill
Lord the fool trying to quit me : man but I love her still
She was a *broad back middy* : and a gambling stomping whore
She got a new way of getting down : have to get low as a toad
Some of [these, you] women : I just can't understand
They cook corn bread for their husbands : and biscuits for their men



I been working on the section : *section* thirty-two
I'll get a dollar and a quarter : I won't have to work hard as you
Oh nigger licked molasses : and the white man licked them too
I wonder what in the world : is the Mexican going to do
Oh captain captain : what's the matter with you
If you got any Battle Ax : please sir give me a chew
Water boy water boy : bring your water around
If you ain't got no water : set your bucket down
Oh captain captain : what time of day
Oh he looked at me : and he walked away



Lord they accused me of murder : I haven't harmed a man
Oh they accused me of forgery : I can't write my name
Oh I went all around : that whole corral
Lord I couldn't find a mule : with his shoulder well
Oh I worked old Maude : and I worked old Belle
Lord I couldn't find a mule : Maggie with his shoulder well
Mmm : mmm
Mmm : Lord that morning bell
Lord she went up the country : and but she's on my mind
Oh if she don't come on the big boat : she better not land



Some of these women : I just can't understand
They run around here : with one another's man
Oh black woman evil : brownskin evil too
Going to get me a yellow woman : see what she will do
Going to get me a heaven : heaven kingdom of my own
So these brownskin women : can cluster around my throne





Lord she won't pick cotton : girl won't pick no corn
Baby I don't see why : you want to hang around me so long
And it's one two three four : five six seven eight nine
When I count them blues : the men and women is mine
Lord if I get lucky : mama in this world again
I ain't going to fool with no more women : and a mighty few men
Mmm : mmm
Lord I walked all last night : and all last night before



I was sitting on a log : just like a doggone dog
That's the mean old woman : come and crossed my heart
Says I went to the church : and they called on me to pray
I fell down on my knees : and forgot just what to say
Oh Lordy mama : what am I to do
I'm going to stay right here : wait on something new



Mama I ain't going to be : your old work ox no more
You done fooled around woman : let your ox get gored
She will get up early in the morning : just awhile before day
Then cook your breakfast : man rush you away
Come in daddy : know my ox is gone
You can never tell : when your ox is coming back home
You can never tell : what the double-crossing women will do
Says they will have your buddy : then play fake on you



My woman got something : just like the rising sun
You can never tell : when that work is done
It's no use to worrying : about the days being long
Neither worry about your rolling : because it's sure going on
She got something round : and it look just like a bat
Sometime I wonder : what in the hell is that





Listen here woman : I'm calling on your name
You got me in trouble : and you say you ain't to blame
Don't you never drive : a stranger from your door
He may be your best friend : mama says you don't know
My woman got something : and I ain't ashamed
When I love my woman : it puts me in a strain



Some men like dogging : I just declare I don't
Babe if you think I'm same your mistreating men : I declare I won't
Let's stop our foolishness : and try to settle down
Says I [always] [wants, likes] a woman : that do not run around
I used to have a woman : good as any in this town
She had so many men : she kept me always crying



I'm going to get up in the morning : do like Buddy Brown
I'm going to eat my breakfast : man and lay back down
When a man get hairy : know he needs a shave
When a woman get musty : you know she needs to bathe
I've got something to tell you : make the hair rise on your head
Got a new way of loving a woman : make the springs screech on her bed
If you don't believe I love you : look what a fool I've been
Woman if you don't believe I love you : ah look what a shape I'm in
I says I love my baby : better than I do myself
If she don't love me : she won't love nobody else



Now my home's on the water : spending awhile on land
I was trying to find a woman : that ain't got no man
Says I used to have a friend : by the name of Sam
Says we was ragged and dirty : some called us a tramp
Says I stole my woman : from my friend they call him Sam
Says that scoundrel got lucky : stoled her back again
I was raised on the desert : born in a lion's den
Says my chief occupation : taking *musky* men women


Says I never had a woman : couldn't get her back again
Says I traveled over this country : every kind of man



I been moaning moaning : ever since you been gone
Going to find a new way of moaning : bring my woman back home
Says I went back home : and I looked up side the wall
Says I could not find : my woman's clothes at all



Mmm : mmm
I been moaning woman : ever since you been gone
Says I went back home : and I looked up on the shelf
Says I'm getting mighty tired : sleeping by myself
Says I went back home : and I walked up and down the hall
Says I spied another mule : pawing in my stall
Says I moaned early in the morning : moaned late late at night
I was trying to moan to your satisfaction : till I treat my woman right
Mmm : mmm
Says I'm going to moan going to moan : till I treat my baby right



A married woman : best woman ever been born
Only trouble you have : is trying to keep her at home
My woman left me this morning : but I blame myself
That backbiting man taken my woman : now he's going to the west
I can't sleep at night : when I lay down to take my rest
Say the woman I love Lord : she is my partner's maid



I seen better days : when times wasn't so hard
Says my woman got mad : and drove me out of her yard
I wonder what can the matter : with poor Betsy Mae
Lord she got mad : and drove poor me away
Says I wonder what's the matter : with my troublesome mind


Says I must be thinking : about my woman I left behind
My woman she got something : works like sleeping pills
It takes all of my time : to try to keep my backbone still
That's why I can't keep from thinking : times I used to have
Sometime I think : Lord I declare I declare



I was sitting looking : way out across the world
Said the wind had things switching : almost in a twirl
Says I been a good fellow : just good as I can be
Says it's Lord have mercy : Lord have mercy on me
Mmm : mmm
Says I been a good fellow : just as good as a man could be
Some *lost their baby* : was blowing for two three miles around
When they come to their right mind : they come on back to town
Said rooster was crowing cows was lowing : never heard such a noise before
Does it seem like hell was broke out : in this place below



Says I wonder where : my easy rider gone
She's a easy rider : but she do right not so long
Some give her a nickel : some give her a lousy dime
She's a easy rider : but she do right all sometime
I wonder what's the matter : you ain't got no settled mind
Says I got a little woman : ??? behind
Say it's in the morning : so late in the night
When she's loving you man : she loves you just right
I say every time : that evening sun go down
We gets in the bed : and we stay there a great long time
It takes midnight *watch* : the early rising sun
I looked out the window : says here my baby comes
What you going to do mama : when your thing give out
I'm going to telephone you : *we all* jump and shout
I ain't going to tell no story : tell you no doggone lie
Say when you get to loving : man I near about die






Did you ever wake up : between midnight and day
And felt for your rider : she done eased away
Fourteen long years : C and O run by my door
My fair brown told me this morning : she didn't want me no more
If you don't want me baby : what makes you wine and cry
You put that thing on me mama : and let a black child die
Which a-way which a-way : did the C and O leave your town
She's gone west baby : *Capital* Creek Junction bound
My mama told me baby : two long years ago
If you fool with that little woman : you'll have nowhere to go
Want all of you men : to clearly understand
Take a Alabama woman : sure going to quit you for another man
I love you baby : tell the whole round world I do
I love you baby : don't care what you do




I woke up this morning : about half past four
Told my girl : I couldn't use her no more
Look here pretty mama : what you done done
You done made me love you : now your man done come
Say God made a woman : he made her mighty funny
Ring around her mouth : is just as sweet as any honey
Say I got a key : shine like gold
The women all tell me : satisfied their soul
??? : treat me right
??? *women* : ??? *side*
Going away pretty mama : won't be back till fall
If I don't get back then : I won't be back at all
Said a monkey and a baboon : setting in the grass
One said no : and the other said yes




Six bits ain't no dollar : six months ain't no long time
If you want to come to your baby : you can see me any time
Take me for your prisoner : let that one I love go free
Six months in the workhouse : sure ain't hard for me
If you take me back baby : I'll let you be my boss
Let you do anything : but nail me on the cross
Baby baby baby : I got all my clothes out on pawn


I'm going to wake up one morning : and have all my glad rags gone



Trouble trouble : ever since I been a man
Seems like me and trouble : is just running hand and hand
I've had trouble in Rock Island : also on the old S T
But I seem so miscontented : every time I ride the big I C
Very next time I ride the I C : that long whistle blow
I'm going to hop right on : won't even stop to pack my clothes
When that I C train : goes hurrying around that lonesome bend
I'll be back to see my baby : but the Lord only knows when




Now it was early one morning mama : I was on my way to school
Lord that's when I got the notion : to break my mama's rule
Oh the blues : falling like showers of rain
I tell you once in a while moment : think I hear my baby call my name
Lord I cried last night mama : then I cried the whole night long
Going to do right mama : then I won't have to cry no more
Lord I don't feel welcome : pretty mama no place I go
Because the little woman I love mama : has a-drove me from her door



Hollering good morning : I said blues how do you do
Fell mighty well this morning : can't get along with you
I cannot do right baby : when you won't do right yourself
Lord if my good gal quits me : well I don't want nobody else
Now you can read out your handbook : preach out your Bible
Fall down on your knees and pray : the good Lord to help you
Because you going to need : you going to need my help some day
Mama if you can't quit your sinning : please quit your lowdown ways
Says I woke up this morning : and I looked outdoors
Says I know my mamlish milkcow pretty mama : Lord by the way she lows
Lord if you see my milkcow buddy : I said please drive her home
Says I ain't had no milk and butter mama : Lord since my cow been gone
Says my blues fell this morning : and my love come falling down
Says I'll be your lowdown dog mama : but please don't dog me around


Takes a rocking chair to rock mama : a rubber ball to roll
Take a little teasing brown mama : just to pacify my soul
Lord I don't feel welcome : eee no place I go
Lord the little woman I love mama : have done drove me from her door



Now one and one is two mama : two and two is four
Mess around here pretty mama : you know we got to go
Crying oh : baby don't you want to go
Back to the *living light* city : to sweet old Kokomo
Now four and one is five mama : five and one is six
You mess around here pretty mama : you going to get me tricked
Now six and one is seven mama : seven and one is eight
You mess around here pretty mama : you going to make me late
Says I told you mama : when you first fell across my bed
You been drinking your bad whiskey : and talking all out your head
I don't drink because I'm dry mama : don't drink because I'm blue
The reason I drink pretty mama : I can't get along with you
Now eight and one is nine mama : nine and one is ten
You mess around here pretty mama : I'm going to take you in
Now ten and one is eleven mama : eleven and one is twelve
You mess around here pretty mama : you going to catch you a lot of hell



I believe : that I got those black cat blues
Lord if I win on Friday : please Saturday night I'm sure to lose
Yes the black cat blues mama : ain't nothing but a doggone heart disease
Said I was broke and disgusted : I didn't have no money for Christmas Eve
Yes this black cat blues mama : don't mean no one nar' no good
Said all my friends done forgot me : everybody's down on me in my neighborhood
Lord some folks said blues and trouble nothing : but evil running across your mind
When you get to setting down thinking : about the black gal treated you so nice and kind
Oh if the black cat blues was money : I would be rich as Henry Ford
Lord if the black cat blues don't leave me mama : Lord I've got to get further down the road



I believe : I believe I'll go back home


Lord acknowledge to my good gal mama : Lord that I have done you wrong
Now I'm going to ring up China yeah man : see can I find my good gal over there
Says the Good Book tells me : that I got a good gal in this world some where
Oh and the church bells is toning yeah man : on one Sunday morning
Hollering some old dirty deacon : I mean rung that bell stole my gal and gone
Lord if you can't send me no woman : please send me some sissy man
Lord I woke up this morning : with my Port China tickets in my hand
I'm going to sing these blues mama yeah man : and I'm going to lay them upon your shelf
Lord you going to hear these blues again mama : well you sure got to sing them yourself



Says I knocked on my front door mama : my good gal wouldn't seem to let me in
Says it must be another rounder : laying up with my old black hen
Says it thunders and lightnings : and the rain begins to fall
Says it must've be another mule : mama kicking in my stall
Says I'm going to buy me a thirty-two twenty mama : with a long six inch barrel
Says I'm going to kill that mule : then I'm sure going kill my gal
Then I'm going to Caruthersville mama : just to take that right-hand road
Says I never quit walking : till I walked up in my mama's door
Says I'll be sad and I'll be lonesome : worried I'll be blue
Says I'm tired : of being worried with you



Says the blues come down the alley : headed up to my back door
Says I had the blues today mama : just like I never had before
Blues and trouble : have been my best friends
I says when my blues leave me : my trouble just walked in
Now some folks says blues is trouble : nothing but evil running across your mind
Lord when you setting down thinking about someone : have treated you so nice and kind
Said you roll and you tumble : till it almost make you blind
When you get to thinking about your good gal : well you almost to lose your mind
I said when you start walking : your mind running every way
If you think about that old black woman : Lord that led you off astray



Says I want everybody : fall in line
Shake your shimmy : like I'm shaking mine


You shake your shimmy : shake it fast
If you can't shake your shimmy : shake your yas yas yas
Says *I am* with your mama : out across the field
Slipping and a-sliding : just like an automobile
I hollered at your mama : I told her to wait
She slipped away from me : just like a Cadillac Eight
Say I like your mama : sister too
I did like your papa : but your papa wouldn't do
I met your papa : around the corner the other day
I soon found out : that he was funny that a-way
Says I went out yonder : New Orleans
The wildcat jumped : on the sewing machine
The sewing machine : sewed so fast
Sewed ninety-nine stitches : up his yas yas yas
Says God made Adam : made him stout
He wasn't satisfied : until he made him a snout
He made him a snout : just as long as a rail
He wasn't satisfied : until he made him a tail
He made him a tail : just to fan the flies
He wasn't satisfied : until he made him some eyes
He made him some eyes : just to look on the grass
He wasn't satisfied : then he made his yas yas yas
He made his yas yas yas : so he couldn't get a trick
He wasn't satisfied : until he made him sick
He made him sick : and then made him well
You know by that : the big boy's coughing in hell



Says I feel just like mama : throwing my slop jar in your face
Said you done lost your mind : and let that old *out-minder* take my place
Now I could cut your throat mama : and drink your blood like wine
Because you's a dirty old buzzard : and you sure done lost your mind
Mama here I am : right out in the cold again
Says the woman that I'm loving : got brains just like a turkey hen
Says I'd rather be a catfish : down in the Gulf of Mexico
Than to hear the woman that I'm loving : say sweet papa I got to go
Then I cried : till my pillow got soaking wet
Says I walked all the way up Beale Street : I bowed my head at every old gal I met





Well I stood on the corner mama : and I looked two blocks and a half
Lord I never seed Black Annie : but I sure God heard her laugh
Then I went down the alley : with my gatling gun in my hand
Just to kill my woman : for loving another man
Now it's trouble trouble : I been had it all my days
Well it seems like trouble : going to follow me to my grave
Now my love is just like water : you can turn it off and on
Now when you think I'm loving you mama : well I done turned you off and gone
Now I'm going to set my picture : Lord up on your shelf
Lord if you don't live with me mama : well you ain't going to live with nobody else



Says my gal she caught the Southern : and the fireman he rang the bell
And the engineer he left the station : just like a bat up out of hell
Said I waved my hand : she didn't even look around
Said and I felt like dropping : right down on the ground
Mama here I am : down on my bended knees
Says I'm crying to the good Lord : send me back my good gal if you please
Said now I got a notion : to leave this lonesome town
Says my gal she caught the Southern : and I know she done put me down
Now my old bones is aching : and my hair is turning grey
Said I'm going back home mama : and I'm going back there to stay



Busy booting : and you can't come in
Come back tomorrow night : and try it again
I met your mama : in the alley way
She's catching hunkies : both night and day
Don't you remember : last Friday night
You go out in the street : and you want to fight
Keep talking : about your neighbor next door
I caught her boogie-woogying : down on the floor
Don't you remember : when my door was locked
I had your mama : on the chopping block
Pretty mama : I'm telling you
I'm sick and tired : of the way you do
Stop knocking : on my windowpane
You tell what you see : don't you call my name





Let your money talk let your money talk : let your money talk let your money talk
If you feel like riding : and don't want to walk
Now you look so neat and you look so neat : and you talk so sweet you talk so sweet
Now you can't get by no matter how you try : on your dead beat
Let your money talk let your money talk : so we can hear so we can hear
If you ain't coming back tell me right now : leave a dime for beer
Let your money talk let your money talk : put it in my hand put it in my hand
If you like your cool kind beer pretty mama : we can rush the can
If you go to the butcher if you go to the butcher : to get you sausage grind your sausage grind
If he can't get it in the front door : he don't want it behind
You want your ashes hauled you want your ashes hauled : and ain't got no man ain't got no man
Just lay it on the wood pretty mama : I do the best I can
If you want to boogie-woogie if you want to boogie-woogie : and haven't got the price haven't
got the price
Just let the landlady know man : and she will put it on ice
And now if you can't see if you can't see : if you deaf and dumb you deaf and dumb
Don't stand around looking cute : and on a bum



Now while you playing policy buddy : play four eleven and forty-four
When you get your money : then pack your bags and go
Crying oh : look what that [policy wheel, coal-field, greyhound] have done to me
Says it done took all my money : and but it still won't let me be
Now while you playing policy : play four eighteen and fifty-six
You can pile up your black money : because you sure going to get it fixed
Now when you change your numbers : play thirteen thirty-two and fifty-one
But be careful buddy : because you might have to run
Now while you playing policy buddy : play five nine and fifty-nine
But be careful buddy : because you might lose your mind
Now *ask you to* about gambling : play eleven seventeen and sixty-one
If they don't give you your money : go buy you a gatling gun
Now if you wake up in the morning : ain't got nothing on your mind
Play that old country number : that you call three sixty-nine
Now you can break out your windows : and look down at your glass
Think you going to get my money mama : that's your yas yas yas





Oh stop and listen : hear those bells a-tone
I found my faro : lying on a cooling board
Says today has been : a long old lonesome day
Seems like tomorrow : mama going to be the same old way
Now don't your house look lonesome : when a hearse roll in front of your door
I found my faro : lying on a cooling board
Says and it smokes like lightning : and it *faro* shine like gold
I wouldn't have seen her : not to save nobody's soul
Lord then I ain't going down : that big road by myself
If I don't carry you : mama I'm going to carry somebody else
And I followed my faro : to the new burying ground
Watch the pallbearers : when they lay my faro down



Now it's mama mama mama : please keep your big legs down
So I can stop old John Russell : Lord from hanging around
Says I load coal in the morning : and I cut corn late at night
When I come on home : and you and John Russell sure don't treat me right
Says I hate like the devil : to declare war in my happy home
Says I loaned you my money : and then you stole my gal and gone
Now you going to hear thunder and lightning : from the end of my pistol barrel
Says you stole my money : then you turned around and took my gal
Now my *old back* is a-breaking : and my lights is a-burning low
When I load this carload of coal captain : I sure ain't going load no more



I can't get my milk in the morning : I can't get my cream no more
And I want somebody to come here : help me get this bull from my door
Says I went out to my barn this morning : he didn't have one word to say
He was laying down by my heifer's side : please on a pile of hay
Then I walked away : and I hung my head and cried
Says I feel so lonesome : I ain't got my heifer by my side
Now there's nothing that I could do : for that old bull has tea-rolled me
When I get myself another heifer : I'm going to move back to Tennessee
Says I'm still in love with my milkcow : I just can't stand the way she do
I don't mind her drinking her whiskey : but please don't ballyhoo



Says I've been traveling mama : all by myself
When I had you baby : you thought I had somebody else
But that's all right mama : I'll be up some day
And just like you did me baby : I'm going to do you the same old way
Says I asked my baby : to take me back once more
She said you ain't got no money : sweet papa there is the door
Said now I ain't got no money : and no place to go
I asked you for a little small favor : and you drove me from your door
Now I've got a little sweet woman : that I can call my own
I want your *turning-gate* women : to please leave me alone
Ever since you been gone mama : I've been about to lose my mind
But I got another little sweet woman : and I don't want your three sixty-nine



Says down in Georgia : where the dance is new
Ain't nothing to it : because it's easy to do
Now the old folks started it : and the young folks too
Old folks teaching the young ones : what to do
Said grandpa Johnson : grabbed sister Kate
Shook her like he shaking : jelly on a plate
Says old Uncle Jack : he is a jellyroll king
He got a hump in his back : just from shaking that thing
Says now I sees it : just a little funny swing
You don't need no lesson : to shake that thing



Why shouldn't I take a chance mama : when good luck comes along
Seems like everybody's down on me : always somebody's doing me wrong
Says I can't live for loving : but I just can't help myself
Now the little woman I'm loving quit me : well I sure don't want nobody else
Oh Mr Charlie : why don't you leave my gal alone
Well you keep on kicking her : you bound to break up my happy home
And it was early this morning : I was walking down the avenue
Says I had a good spirit : thought I was strolling along with you
Says I turned around : and I wrung my hands and cried
Says I felt so lonesome : I didn't have my baby by my side





Says I love you mama : but you don't even care for me
Because you a long tall woman : and I sure God ain't going to let you be
Now she's long and she's tall : shaped just like a cannonball
Says I found that woman : where the Southern cross the Yellow Dog
Then I heard the church bells toning : way out on Dago Hill
Then my heart struck sorrow : I guess you know just how I feel
Says now tell me mama : what make you do me like you do
Now some day you going to want me : and I swear and I won't want you
Some people crave high yellow : please give me my black and brown
Now if you mess with me mama : I'm sure going to turn your damper down



Now just one thing : that worry my mind
All of these womens : ain't none of them mine
Scaredest I ever been : in my life
Old Uncle Bud liked to caught me : kissing his wife
Now big fish little fish : playing in the water
Come on back here man : and give me my quarter
Just like looking for a needle : in a bed of sand
Just try to find a woman : ain't got no man
Says God made a woman : and he made her mighty funny
The lips around her mouth : just sweet as any honey
Old Uncle Bud : he's a man like this
He saves his money : and use his fist



I woke up this morning : I couldn't even get out of my door
Said this wild water got me covered : and I ain't got no place to go
Now I hear my mama crying : but I just can't help myself
Now this wild water keep on rising : I got to get help from someone else
Now good morning Mr wild water : why did you stop in my front door
Says you reaches from Cairo : clean down to the Gulf of Mexico
Now don't you hear your mother crying : weeping and moaning all night long
Because old man wild water done been here : took her best friends and gone
Now look a-here Mr wild water : why do you treat me so doggone mean


Says you took my house out of Cairo : carried it down in New Orleans



Now when you happy mama : everybody smiles with you
Just as soon as you feel down-hearted: the whole round world turns blue
Now when the sun is shining : everybody's happy as can be
Just as soon as it start to raining : you quiver just like a leaf on a tree
Now I got something to tell you mama : and I really want you to understand
Every man you see wearing britches : he sure God ain't no monkey-man
Now when I had plenty money : everybody want to be my friend
Just as soon as I got ragged and hungry : now they all wants to laugh and grin
Now I'm going to tell all you people : when I get on my feet again
Says you need not ask for no small favors : just go ahead laugh and grin



Now this dark cloud is rising : and it's thundering all around
Look like something bad is going to happen : you better lower your airplane down
Now that mean old twister's coming : poor people running every which a-way
Everybody's got to wonder : what's the matter with this cruel world today
Now my mama told me : when I was only five months old
If you obey your preacher : the good Lord is going to bless your soul
Now the daylight is failing : and the moon begin to rise
I'm just down here weeping and moaning : right by my mama's side
Now I'm going home : I done did all in this world that I could
Says I got everybody happy : around here in my neighborhood



When I was down in Georgia : I was doing mighty well
Since I been here in Chicago : I been catching a plenty hell
Says I'm going down to the station : ain't going to take no one's advice
Says I'm going back to Georgia : where I can get my red beans and rice
Now these Chicago women : have give me such a hard way to go
Says they done took all my black money : and they got me running from door to door
Now I been setting here looking : way down that lonesome road
Says I'm raggedy and I'm hungry : and I ain't got no place to go
Now I been rolling : I been rolling from sun to sun
Says I got where I can't get no loving : not until my payday comes





Said I ain't no preacher : I'm just a bachelor man
Some of these days mama : you bound to understand
Now set down gal : stop your crazy ways
Got trouble in the land : you're going to need my help some day
Now when I want it : I want it awful bad
If I don't get it : you know it's going to make me mad
Said I asked my mama : to not to be so rough
She ain't the type : to keep on strutting her stuff
Says I asked my baby : not to be so mean
She acts like a woman : from down in New Orleans
Now come on baby : stop this up and down
Don't like to catch you : start to messing around



Now this big ship was a-rocking : and my body's filled with aches and pains
Now if I get across the Atlantic Ocean : good people I will not live to Spain
Now the big tide is rising : you better lower your anchors down
Now if we don't make the circle : we never will get back to New York town
Now why don't you people quit laughing : I feel mighty sad in my mind
Said this big fog go to rising : and a cyclone is right behind
Now I feels bad : nobody seems to want to go my way
Says this big ship going to leaking : right between midnight and day
Now I see something shining : daylight is breaking all around
Soon as we make a few more lurches : I will be right back in New York town



Captain rung the bell this morning : just at the break of day
Said now it's time for you to go rolling : buddy why don't you be on your way
Mama you can cook my breakfast : great God don't you burn my bread
Do and I'm going to take my black hand razor : I'm going to cut you on your doggone head
Now my captain done called me : Lord and I got to go
Because he's on his old black stallion : and he's riding from door to door
Now I will be so glad : when my payday comes
Says I'm getting so tired mama : rolling from sun to sun
Now I'm going to get up in the morning : do just like old Buddy Brown


Says I'm going to eat my breakfast : please and lay back down



Now my road is rocky : but it won't be rocky long
Says I been catching the devil : ever since my good gal been gone
Says my mama told me : Lord when I was quite a child
Son you must always remember : Lord that you was born to die
Now I got so many wagons : till I done cut that good road down
Because the little woman that I been loving : said she do not even want me around
Says she won't write me no letter : she won't send me no telegram
She just a hard-headed woman : and she don't even give a damn
Now I'm going to smoke my reefer : drink my good champagne and wine
Say I ain't going to let these hard-headed women : make me lose my mind



I believe to my soul : there's a black cat sleeping under my bed
Every time I get drunk : my woman wants to cut my head
She keeps me running : ducking and dodging all night long
Every time I get drunk : I don't mean to treat nobody wrong
Now listen here mama : I ain't going to do it no more
When I get full of my good whiskey : you got me running from door to door
Now I'm leaving you mama : Lord and it won't be long
Now if you don't believe I'm leaving : please count the days I'm gone
Now just as sure as a freight train : rolls up in the yard
Says I'm going to go far : take two dollars to send me a postal card



Well I dreamed last night now : that my old shack was falling down
And when I woke up this morning : my poor head was going round and round
Now I'm going to be a robber and a cheater : I'm going to take that to be my game
And when I make my black money : I'm going on back home to Mary Jane
Now when I was a schoolboy : I would not take no one's advice
Now I'm just a broke man : nobody seems to want to treat me right
Now my poor heart is aching : and I really don't know what to do
Says I got a strong notion : coming right on back home to you
Now I'm going to close conversation : and I have no more to say
And a since I been a broke man : nobody seems to want to go my way





Some of these days you're going to miss me : mama Lord when I'm gone
Now just go ahead and forget it : and try to carry my good works on
Now I'm going away mama : but I'll be back some day soon
Just don't lose your head : let no lowdown rounder have my room
Mama here I am : right back on the job again
Says I've had no loving : Lord since God knows when
Now you acted bad : and you don't obey my rules
Because I'm back home again : I'm going to take you to a brand new school
Now listen here mama : go ahead and set down and be yourself
But the next time I go strolling : just try to find you someone else



Now your ways and your actions : speaks almost as loud as words
Because your dreamy eyes told me something : Lord that I never heard
Now you know that you love me : mama why don't you tell me so
Because you always hanging around : knocking on my door
Every time I see you baby : my flesh begin to crawl
Says why don't you be good : but my mule is kicking in your stall
How can I miss you : mama Lord when I got dead aim
Says I feel so different : till this old world don't look the same
Now there's nothing that I can do : I did all in this world that I could
Now she's gone and left me : she didn't mean me no good



I'm getting so tired : of running from town to town
For when I wake up in the morning : my head is going around and around
Some of these days : Lord and it won't be long
Says I'm going to run lucky : and find me a happy home
Now I'm going to keep on traveling : till *such another* comes my way
Says my woman get a chance to see me : not until the sunshiny day
Now I been waiting for tomorrow : look like tomorrow ain't going never come
Every day seems like Monday : just at the rising sun
Now my poor heart is aching : and my head can't rest no more
Says I'm getting so tired : of running from door to door



Says I never missed my water : not until my well went dry
Says I never missed sweet Annie : not until she said goodbye
Hey Lord sweet mama : tell me when you're coming back again
Says I ain't had none of your loving : Lord since God knows when
Now the mailman he passed : but he did not leave no news
Says he left me standing here : with the doggone aching-heart blues
Well I ain't going to be no fool man : I'm going to hold up my head and walk
Says my woman get a chance to see me : but they all hear me when I talk
Says I holler in the morning : I begin to moan late at night
Says I got a hard-hearted woman : and she don't know how to treat me right



In the morning : right between midnight and day
I'm going to pack my suitcase : and start to drift away
My gal she got ways : just like a snake in the grass
If I don't leave here soon : my life won't never last
It's so hard : to get right up and change your mind
When someone that you love : has been left behind
Sooner or later : one of us has got to walk away
She says I don't mind you going : but please don't go away to stay
Now I don't care baby : if the wind don't never change
If your coming don't bring sunshine : it sure God will bring rain



Now there's trouble trouble : I been having all my days
Now it seems like troubles : going to put me in my lonesome grave
Now my woman she got ways : just like a wildcat in the woods
She always raising hell and disturbance : right here in my neighborhood
I'm scared to stay here : scared to leave this old bad-luck town
So when I wake up every morning : my head is going round and round
Now listen here people : I don't want no one's advice
I done changed my way of living : going to find someone to treat me right
I'm going to tell everybody : what bad luck I've had in my life
I'd kill my sister and my brother : not a woman *break my line*





Now my [old] heart is ticking : just like a clock up on the wall
Says I tried to be good : but my woman treats me like a dog
Now I've got my name written : right on my right arm
Every time I want to leave : I know she's got to come back home
Now you said that you loved me : what make you treat me so unkind
You just old hard-headed woman : but I believe you about to lose your mind
Now you can tell your kid-man : he needn't take it so doggone hard
Because if he messes with me : going to crack him right on his nog
Now that's all I got to say mama : I ain't going to let you worry my mind
When I go away to leave you : I will stop by to see you sometime




Way down in Mississippi : where I was bred and born
Reason : that will forever be my native home
And my poor mother's old : Lord and her hair is turning grey
I know it would break her heart : if she found I was barrelhousing this way
And I'm going to where : now the water drink like wine
Where I can be drunk there : and staggering all the time
And it ain't but the one thing now : Lord that worries my mind
That's a house full of women Lord : none in there is mine
And my friend passed me : and she never said a word
Nothing I had did : but was something she had heard



Ain't going to marry : neither settle down
I'm going to stay right here : till they tear this barrelhouse down
And I love you babe : and I tell the world I do
I don't love nobody : whole in this round world but you
Ain't no use of weeping : ain't no need of crying
For you've got a home : just as long as I got mine
Is you ever been lucky now : woke up cold in hand
I would call that now : nothing but a monkey-man
And I love you baby : you so nice and brown
Because you put it up solid : so it won't come down
Did you get that letter now : mailed in your back yard
It's a sad word to say : but the best of friends have to part






Paid my room rent last night : half past ten
Take my gal to the door : but she wouldn't go in
I take a gal for a ride : she tried to get rough
*How* I been in your doorway : strutting my stuff
Ain't these women funny : about the way they do
Start to loving a man : then go to dogging you
I buy you a cigarette : and I buy you snuff
I know doggone well now : when I get enough
Now make someone : to tell you *loves* every day
I know that's enough : to let you have your way
Mama you been just like : says a farmer's mule
Longer I live with you : harder you is to rule
I told my wife : if you want me to wait
You better stop your sister : from doing her *gait*



I woke up this morning : my good gal was gone
Stood by my bedside : and I hung my head and hung my head and moaned
I walked down the street : I couldn't be satisfied
I had the no no blues : I couldn't keep from I couldn't keep from crying
It ain't none of my business : but it sure ain't right
Take another man's gal : walk the streets all walk the streets all night
Take a mighty *pricky* woman : to treat her good man wrong
Take a mighty mean man : take another man's take another man's home
I'm a stranger here : I just blowed in your town
If I ask for a favor : don't turn me don't turn me down
I'm long and tall : like a cannonball
Take a long tall man : make a good gal make a good gal squall
If I mistreat you : I don't mean no harm
Because I'm a motherless child : don't know right from don't know right from wrong
I ain't no gambler : and I don't play no pool
I'm a rambling roller : jelly-baking jelly-baking fool
She's low and squatty : right down on the ground
She's a lightweighted mama : so I can bear so I can bear down
I'm a stranger here : I come in on the train
I long to hear : some good gal call my good gal call my name





I wonder : will a matchbox hold my dirty clothes
I haven't got so many : but I got so far to go
Women all singing the blues : I can't raise my right hand
What make a woman have them blues : well you know somebody's got her man
The blues is something : woman I ain't never had
Just get your *best friend's good man* : and do the best you can
A weak-minded woman : will let a rounder tear her down
And when she get in trouble : that rounder can't be found
She got up last night : she crawled around my bed
Going love you long time daddy : I guess I will see you dead
Woman take the blues : she going to buy her a paper and read
Man take them blues : he going to catch a train and leave
My gal got a mouth : like a lighthouse on the sea
Every time she smiles : she throws that light on me



Bad luck in my bed : bad luck's in my home
That's the reason why : singing this bad-luck moan
I got a gal : though she's a little bit up in years
But she sure knows how : how to shift her gears
Some like pigmeat : but hogmeat's what I crave
I believe : this sure going to carry me to my grave
Mmm : mama come to my rescue
I'm feeling so bad : till I don't know what to do
Well the chinch has moved in : all in my room
Somebody better come here : pretty doggone soon



When a man gets down : the trouble lasts always
Your gal will leave you : and be gone for days and days
Tell all you women : how to make a happy home
Keep you a workingman : and leave those sweet boys alone
There's coming a time : these women won't need no men
Their body washed up : and money'll come rolling in
When you think : your women always running hand to hand
You can bet your bottom dollar : one's got the other one's man
On one Monday morning : on my way to school


That's the Monday morning : I broke my mama's rule



Yonder she goes : with a broom in her hand
Sweep me off : for another man



I wonder : will a matchbox mama hold my dirty clothes
I ain't got so many : but I got so far to go
Women all singing the blues : I ain't raise my right hand
What make a woman have them blues : when she knows somebody's got her man
The blues is something : woman I ain't never had
Just get your *best friend's good man* : and do the best you can
A weak-minded woman : will let a rounder tear her down
And when she get in trouble : that rounder can't be found
She got up last night : she crawled around my bed
Going love you long time daddy : guess I will see you dead
Woman take the blues : she going to buy her a paper and read
Man take them blues : he going to catch a train and leave
My gal got a mouth : like a lighthouse on the sea
Every time she smiles : she throws that light on me



I got a gal : she got a Rolls Royce
She didn't get it all : by using her voice
I'm wild about my tuni : only thing I crave
Well sweet patuni : going to carry me to my grave
Every time : my gal walk down the street
All the boys holler : ain't tuni sweet
I got a gal : she lives up on the hill
You can't get her tuni : she got automobile
Well I woke up this morning : half past four
A long tall gal : rapping at my door
She was singing sweet patuni : only thing I crave
Well sweet patuni : going to carry me to my grave
If all these tuni : was brought to a test
A long tall gal : can *break* it the best


Telling all you men : I been well blessed
If I get what I want : you can have the rest




I got the blues for my baby : she got the blues for I say me
But I can't see my baby : and she can't see me
I'm going to be condemned : early tomorrow I say morn
But I am not guilty : because I ain't done nobody wrong
My crime my crime : I really can't understand
They got me accused of murder : and I never harmed a man
Will you please come down : on my trial day
So when I be condemned : you can wipe my tears away
They ain't no need to cry : no need to weep and moan
Just try to get somebody : to go on my bond
It's going to be weeping : I begin to moan
Said I'm a poor boy here : I sure ain't got no home
The jury found me guilty : the judge say listen here
It ain't no fine for you : get ready for the electric chair



I done everything : a poor ??? man can do
Well mama *done leaving* : taken no ??? on you
I said you get blue mama : honey you can dance
But papa done got you : you've had your last chance
You going to miss me : baby when I'm gone
Won't be no need : a-sing this lonesome song
I give you all my money : I was cold in hand
And you spent all my money : on your other man
When you in my presence : mama you giggles and laughs
And tell me so many ??? : that I have no need no cash



Said high sheriff been here : got my girl and gone
I said isn't it lonely : since I'm all alone
Well listen Mr : what have my baby done
I just want to know : if she done anybody wrong
They took her on down : to that big rock jail


And her crime was so evil : nobody will go her bail
You took your gun : made her raise her hand
And you went wrong : because she ain't never harmed a man
My babe in jail : I can't get no news
I don't get nothing : but the mean old high sheriff blues



Oh you used to told me : you could drive me like a cow
But now you can't drive me : because you don't know how
From now on mama : I tell you just like that
If you hit my dog : sure going to kick your cat
From now on mama : I ain't going to have no rule
I'm going to get hard-headed : and act just like a doggone mule
From now on mama : you going to do what I say
You must understand : you can't have your ways
From now on mama : this way you got of doing
Sugar you better stop that : Lord it's sure going to be your ruin
From now on mama : starting from this very day
I'm going to get someone : who can drive my blues away
I want her to drive them off : so they won't come back no more
From now on mama : I said I'm going to let you go



I saw you doing something : don't do it no more
Because if I catch you : baby walking slow
*Lord* took another man : *right across my face*
Then told me : that the one had took my place
You say you done quit me : now what should I do
Can't make up my mind : to love no one but you
Now you take him for your sweet : take me to be a slave
You better see the undertaker : get someone to dig your grave
You say your suitcase is packed : your trunks done gone
Better stop your bus : and bring it right back home
I knocked on your door : and I *quit quit quit*
Begged till daybreak : and I ain't got none yet





Big girl I love : live on Eighteenth Street
She got a new line : for every man she meets
To let her tell it : she ain't got no man
But she hangs around here : always raising sand
One day ??? : we're riding along
I asked her how about it : and she walked back home
She don't do this : she don't do that
Rub your hand down her back : she act like a cat
She ain't low and squatty : she ain't long and slim
Only way you'll get it : have to grab your lemon
*It ain't right* : and I don't have fun
This girl I love : won't give me none
I want it right now : please tell me can I get it
I better not catch : nobody else with it



My baby done quit me : talked all over town
And I'm too good a man : for to let that talk go around
Take the shoes I bought her : bare foots on the I say ground
One these days : Jack Frost said he sure going to tear you down
Now Mr Mr : please spare my life
I got four little children : I got one *bald-*headed wife
If I should die : in the state of Arkansas
I want you to send my body : home to my mother-in-law
Said if she don't want it : baby give it to my ma
Said if my ma don't want it : baby give it to my pa
Said if my pa don't want it : baby give it to Abby Lee
Said if Abby don't want it : say give it to my used-to-be
Said if she don't want it : baby cast it in the sea
Then these squabbling women in Greenville : will stop squabbling over me
Said I won't be worried : with these blues no I say more
Said it's traintime now : *said that* ring I did adore



Baby I been working : all this blasted year
I want to go home : ain't got no shoes to wear
The times so hard : can't get no work to do
And my hard luck mama : because I ain't got no shoes
I'm going to sit right down : hang my head and cry


I feel just like : I could lay right down and die
Sugar I will never : be contented here
I am so barefooted : ain't got no shoes to wear
My coat all busted : my pants all full of holes
Barefooted hungry and raggedy : doggone my hard-luck soul



I can't sleep no more : can't get her off my mind
Know I wants to see my baby : man only one more time
I treated her wrong : before she left my home
I guess I'm not her daddy : and she would not have been gone
I didn't know I loved my baby : till she packed her trunk to leave
I telephoned the undertaker : just come and bury me please
Might get a black cat bone : going to bring my baby back home
Lord and if that don't do it : might be one more rounder gone



I been a bad bad boy : didn't treat nobody right
They want to give me thirty-five years : some want to turn out my light
Judge please don't kill me : I won't be bad no more
And I will listen to anybody : something I ain't never done before
I'm sitting here in prison : with my black cap on
I want to speak to all you fast fellows : that you are in the wrong
Well I'm so sorry : every day that I was born
But God remember this : even when I'm gone
When they get you in jail : with your back turned to the wall
I ain't going to sing no more : baby that is all




Take your picture : make it in a frame
When you're gone : I'll see you just the same
Believe to my soul : my girl got a black cat bone
Treat me mean : and I won't let her alone
See that spider : climbing up the wall
Hunt some place : to get his ashes hauled
Treat my slippers : with some *hog eye* lard
Hear me tipping : towards my good gal's yard


Mama mama : please let me alone
In the corner : can get what I want



If you want a good woman : go to the Larkin Dam
You want to ruin your woman : take her to Birmingham
Have you ever waked up babe : between midnight and day
Turn over and grab the pillow : where you great gal used to lay
If you want a good woman : get one long and tall
When she go to loving : she make a panther squall
I'm motherless and fatherless : sister and brotherless too
I wake up this morning : blues all around my bed
Well I had a high fever : going up to my head




I'm got two women in the country : I'm got two women stays in town
Reason I consider it so careful : because men don't dog me around
They may be brownskin woman : with Georgia hair long as my own
They can do the best playing poker : you sure done lost your home
I don't want no jealous-hearted woman : who tries making up my bed
And she puts *straw* in your mattress : makes you wish you was dead



I'm going to leave here walking : going down Number Sixty-One
If I find my baby : we are going to have some fun
I walked Sixty-One Highway : till I gives out in my knees
*Every time* that M and O : when she came on that Santa Fe
That Sixty-One Highway : longest road I ever knowed
It runs to Atlanta Georgia : clean to the Gulf of Mexico
I'm going home : get my Bible and set down and read
I'm going to ask the good Lord : give me back my baby if he please






Who's going to be : in the second bamalong
Been to the nation : and I just got back
Didn't get no money : but I'll go to *there*
If you didn't want me : don't you dog me around
I didn't come here : to be nobody's dog
Just as sure as the sun : sets in the golden west
I got the one : that I love the best



Thought I heard : old K C when it blowed
She blowed like : it never blowed before
Oh it's coming a time : when a woman won't need no man
Honey I love : God knows I do
Sister : give me that long-distance phone
I'm going to talk : to that brown of mine




I've got the blues : on my mother's knee
And I know : she's got the blues for me
I've been thinking all day : thinking of the past
And I'm thinking : of my mother last
I received a letter : what do you suppose it read
Said come home : your poor old mother's dead
Said I grabbed a train : I went home a-flying
She wasn't dead : but she was slowly dying
Said run here daughter : fall down on your knees
Won't you song : Nearer My God to Thee
Fell down on my knees : I begin to moan
Yes dear mother : I'll try to sing that song
The tears rolled out : like a black shower of rain
Goodbye mother : I won't see you again
Then I scampered away : with fear in my heart
I had no mother : here to take my part





I been drifting and rolling : along the road
Looking : for my room and board
Like a log : I've been jammed on the bank
So hungry : I grew lean and lank
Get me a pick and shovel : dig down in the ground
Going to keep on digging : till the blues come down
I've got the blues : for my sweet man in jail
Now the judge : won't let me go his bail
I've been rolling and drifting : from shore to shore
Going to fix it : so I won't have to drift no more



I'm going away : it won't be long
I know you'll miss me : from singing this lonesome song
I'm going away : mmm I won't be long
And then you know : you must have done me wrong
My daddy got ways : like a baby child
Those doggone ways : are driving me wild
Those doggone ways : are driving me wild
And that is why : you never see poor Lottie smile
My heart aches so : I can't be satisfied
I believe : I'll take a train and ride
I believe : I'll take a train and ride
Because I miss my cruel daddy : from my side
I've got Cadillac ways : got some super ideas
I can't see : what brought me here
I can't see : what brought me here
It must have been : this new canned city beer
I'm lame and blind : can't hardly see
My doggone daddy : turned his back on me
Because I'm lame : I can't hardly see
I ain't got nobody : to really comfort me



I'm going away : it won't be long
I know you'll miss me : from singing this lonesome song
I'm going away : it won't be long
And then you know : you must have done me wrong
My daddy got ways : like a baby child


Those doggone ways : are driving me wild
Those doggone ways : are driving me wild
And that is why : you never see poor Lottie smile
My heart aches so : I can't be satisfied
I believe : I'll take a train and ride
I believe : I'll take a train and ride
Because I miss my cruel daddy : from my side
I've got Cadillac ways : got some super ideas
I can't see : what brought me here
I can't see : what brought me here
It must have been : this new canned city beer
I'm lame and blind : can't hardly see
My doggone daddy : turned his back on me
I'm lame : I can't hardly see
I ain't got nobody : to really comfort me



I been rolling and drifting : along the road
Just looking : for my room and board
Like a log : I've been jammed on the bank
So hungry : I grew lean and lank
Get me a pick and shovel : dig down in the ground
Going to keep on digging : till the blues come down
I've got the blues : for my sweet man in jail
And the judge : won't let me go his bail
I've been rolling and drifting : along the road
Going to fix it : I won't have to drift no more




Is it hopeless : when I lost my best friend
Lord in my *doorbox* : is a call to him
Lowdown mean and hopeless : is just the way I feel
I can see from now on : all *luck flee* from me
Love sure have : made a fool out of me
Since my daddy left me : I'm hopeless as can be
??? : I sure can't find
Ooh : I can't get this daddy off my mind
Lonesome for you in my heart : way down in my ???ee
I want somebody to help me : if you ??? please





I love my daddy : better than I love myself
And I love *them* more : swear he can't be *less*
Get away from my window : stop knocking on my door
I got a brand new papa : I can't use you no more
If you see me stealing : please don't tell on me
I'm just stealing from my regular : back to my used-to-be
I ain't good-looking : I don't dress so fine
I'm just a big fat mama : I'm just taking my time
Have you ever seen sweet potatoes : growing on a vine
If you take a peep in my back yard : better take a look at mine



There's a certain girl : name is Suley Brown
She win a big fortune : shaking him down
Every time he shake it : makes you feel young
I could see him shake it : the whole night long
Oh don't be ashamed : to shake it so
Shake it : till they say
If you be in a gym : and want to reduce
Oh shake it yourself gals : put it on a juice
You can shake : just like it would shake a tree
The way you shake it : it's pleasing me
Just let me tell you : a thing or two
A plenty of people shake it : but not like you
Oh shake it : you know just what I mean
You are what I call : real shaking scene
Let me see you shake it : once more again
I spent all my money : to ??? that thing



If that were me : and me was it
I was so glad : to get rid of it
I can use a man : when it amuses me
Because a happy man : I never did meet
At first you think : that he is great


But you will find out : that always ain't
One time : he could put it on strong
But I think : those days now gone




Used to be my sugar : you ain't sweet no more
Because you mistreated me : and you throwed me from your door
Mama my cot's ready : keep it for myself
Mama I done got tired : of sleeping by myself
Mama didn't like me : papa give me ways
That's the very reason : I'm a wandering child today
Talk about your sure love : just ought to meet mine
She ain't so good-looking : but she do just fine
She stood on the corner : *see she going to steal that* man
And a blind man see her : dumb man call her name
Dumb man asked her : who your [man, regular] can be
And the blind man looked at you : sure look good to me



Jellyroll jellyroll : jellyroll is so hard to find
Ain't a baker in town : can bake a sweet jellyroll like mine
I got to go to Cincinnati : just to have my hambone boiled
Womens in Alabama : going to let my hambone spoil
Well she's mine and she's yours : and she's somebody else's too
Don't you mention about rolling : because she'll play her trick on you
That's the way that's the way : these barefooted soul'll do
They will get your money : and they'll have a man on you
You come home at night : she got a towel on her head
Don't you mention about rolling : because she swear she nearly dead
Jellyroll jellyroll : well you see what you went and done
You done had my grandpa : now you got his youngest son
I'm getting tired of walking : I believe I'll fly awhile
I'm getting tired of women : telling me their lies
I wonder : what made grandpa hey love your grandma so
She got the same jellyroll : she had forty years ago





That same train : same engineer
Took my woman away Lord : left me standing here
My girl caught a passenger : I caught the mamlish blinds
Hey you can't quit me : ain't no need a-trying
Hey Mr conductor : let a broke man ride your blinds
You better buy you a ticket : know this train ain't mine
I just want to blind it : from this half-good town
When she blows for the crossing : I'm going ease it on
I pray to the Lord : that Southern would wreck
*Till they* kill that fireman : break that engineer's neck
I stand here : looking up at the rising sun
Some train don't run : why be some walking done



Well I saw the Frisco : when she left the yard
When that train pull out babe : it nearly broke my heart
They's two trains running : none of them going my way
I'm going to leave here walking : on this very day
Well there's one thing I don't like : about the railroad track
They'll take your rider : never bring her back
Honey where were you babe : when the Frisco left the yard
I was on the corner : police had me barred



Look here woman : making me mad
Done bringing me something : somebody done had
Let me tell you : what these women do
Go out and get something : bring it home to you
Now you need not think : because you look cute
I've got to put up : with the way you do
The woman I love : she's long and tall
When she grab you and shake you : you bound to fall
Now bring this thing : down to a test
A long tall man : you know's the best
A short stubble man : go bumpty bump
Because he ain't got the movements : in his hump
Know what you been doing : by the whiff of your jaw
*My* ??? :
You need not come here : you ain't not get none of mine


You left a man on the doorstep : hollering and crying



Now you need not think : because you're black
I'm going to beg you : to take me back
No you need not think : because I look green
I ain't never been : down in New Orleans
I went down the road : that smoky road
Like to brought me back : on a cooling board
See that woman : all dressed in red
Cause a man : to kill you dead
You see that woman : all dressed in blue
You can't put up : with the way she do
See that woman : all dressed in white
She get your five dollars : she won't treat you right
Run to town : hurry back
Buddy got a girl : I really like
See that woman : all dressed in dark
Things will look better : in the Washington Park
You need not think : because you look sweet
You can make : a fool of me
Every time : I go to town
Meet my gal : hanging around
Girl I love : ain't no fool
Big as an elephant : strong as a mule




Railroad Bill : ought to be killed
Never worked : and he never will
Railroad Bill : done took my wife
Threatened to kill me : that he would take my life
Going up the mountain : take my stand
Forty-one derringer : in my right and left hand
Going up the mountain : going out west
Forty-one derringer : sticking in my breast
Buy me a gun : just as long as my arm
Kill everybody : ever done me wrong
Buy me a gun : with a shiny barrel
Kill somebody : about my good-looking gal


Got a thirty-eight special : on a forty-four frame
How in the world can I miss him : when I've got dead aim
When I went to the doctor : asked him what the matter could be
Said if you don't stop drinking son : it'll kill you dead
Going to drink my liquor : drink it and win
Doctor said it will kill me : but he never said when
If the river was brandy : and I was a duck
I'd sink to the bottom : and I'd never come up
Honey honey : do you think of me
Times have caught me : living on pork and beans
Son you talk about your honey : you ought to see mine
She's humpbacked bow-legged : crippled and blind
Honey honey : do you think I'm a fool
Think I'm going to quit you : while the weather is cool
Honey honey : quit your worrying me
It's going through the world : in my heart disease
Going up the mountain : *do everything*
Go through the world :



All I want is a new pair of shoes : that is all I pray
Some old place I can go : to lay my weary head
??? *dissatisfied* : any old place to be
For any old where I hangs my hat : is home sweet home to me
I don't need no real estate : and neither no ??? *long*
All I want is a place to stay : I can call my home
I say goodbye hard luck hello joy : here I come for tea
For I didn't bring nothing to this old world : and I can't carry nothing away




Down to the depot mama Lord : I looked up on the board
Lord I asked the ticket agent : how long the southbound train been gone
Got my ticket Lord Lord : conductor can I ride
Lord I want to *get to* that basement : I'll be satisfied
Sweety in the basement mama Lord : sweet as she can be
Lord she is low and she is squatty : she's all right with me
Down to the railroad mama Lord : and I looked up at the sun
Lord if the train don't come : there's going to be some walking done
Don't want no woman Lord Lord : *declare I'll stay at home*


Because she will hide in the bushes : she is hard to find



Starvation in my kitchen : rent sign's on my door
And if my luck don't change : I can't stay at my home no more
And I got up this morning : just about the dawn of day
Mean I ain't got no job : I ain't got no place to stay
Lord I walked to a store : I ain't got a dime
When I asked for a darn neckbone : the clerk don't pay me no mind
Lord Lord : mama some old rainy day
Mean my luck going to change : and I going to be treated this a-way



Listen everybody : from near and far
You want to know : just who we are
Now if you like : the way we play
Listen boy : we'll try to stay
We'll make you loose : we'll make you tight
Make you shake it : till broad daylight
I would never do brag : never do boast
Played this tune : from coast to coast
Now if you like this tune : think it's fine
Set right down : and drop a line
Sometime : we're down your way
We'll drop in : and spend the day
Now some want to know : just what you got
Got good okra man : serve it hot
Now we ain't good-looking : and we don't dress fine
The way we whip it : it's a hanging crime
If you see me stealing : don't tell on me
Just stealing : back to my used-to-be
We never have one gal : at a time
Always have : seven eight or nine



Got up this morning : with the same thing on my mind
And the girl I'm loving : but she don't pay me no mind


Lord my girl caught the train : and she left me a mule to ride
When the train turn the corner : got a note my black mule died
Just as sure as the grape vine : grows all around that stump
Said I want you and I need you : mama to be my sugar lump
Just as sure as the rabbit : mama plays on your grandma's farm
Said I done got tired : of that stuff you been carrying on
Now you see me coming : now mama heist your window high
But you know I'm going to leave you : girl I know you're going to grieve and cry
I've got so many wagons : it done run my good road down
And I got so many women : till the men don't want me around



Got up this morning : about half past four
Somebody's knocking : on my back door
Some of these mornings : mama it won't be long
You going to call me baby : and I'll be gone
Your right foot in mama : your left one out
Your time baby : and move your body about
Get me a picket : off of my back fence
Whop you on your head : until you learn some sense



Now listen here my baby : tell you what I want you to do
Want you treat me mama : like I do you
Because I can't be satisfied : and I can't be satisfied
And I can't mistreat her : not to please nobody's mind
Now I love my sweety : tell you the reason why
My baby got something : to satisfy my mind
Lord starvation's in my kitchen : rent sign's on my door
Good girl told me : she can't use me no more
I'm leaking at the heart : bleeding at the nose
Good girl told me : she can't use me no more
Got on my high-cut stockings : low cut shoes
Mama and I ain't ??? : ??? sure can use
Now look a-here boys : ain't this rich
I got to pay my wife : for everything I get





I got up this morning : mama about half past four
Somebody was knocking : on my back door
Some of these mornings : mama it won't be long
You going to call me babe : and I'll be gone
Down in Mississippi mama : doing very well
Now I went up north with you ma : I ain't doing so well
Get me a picket : off of my back fence
Whop you on the head : until you learn some sense



Pussy cat pussy cat : where have you been so long
Lord the mouse done been here : packed his grip and gone
Pussy cat pussy cat : why don't you stay at home
You sleep all day : run up the alley all night long



If you got money in the bank : don't let your woman draw it out
Because she'll spend your money : then she will throw you out
Oh Lord Lord Lord : crying Lord Lordy Lord
Said I used to be your regular : now I've got to be your dog
You were the cause got me broke : how can you be so mean
Say you taken all my money : give it to your no-good man
Said I have had money : but now I'm cold in hand
Says and the woman that I'm loving : living with another man
Says I know my baby : she sure going to jump and shout
When I get down to the bank : and draw my money out



Lord my hair is a-rising : my flesh begin to crawl
I had a dream last night babe : another mule in my doggone stall
And it's some people said : these Big Bill blues ain't bad
Lord it must not have been : them Big Bill blues I had
Lord I wonder what's the matter : Papa Bill can't get no mail
Lord the post office must be on fire : and the mailman must undoubtedly be in jail
I can't be your wagon : cinch I ain't going to be your mule
I ain't going to fix up your black *tarnation* : I ain't going to be your doggone fool





I got up this morning : hear the train whistle blow
Lord I thought about my baby : I sure did want to go
Lord I grabbed up my suitcase : I *dropped it on the floor*
I could see the conductor : he waving his hands to go
I said Mr conductor man : I want to talk to you
I want to ride your train : from here to Bugaloo
I'm leaving this morning : man I ain't got my fare
But I will shovel coal in your engine : till your train get me there
Crying please Mr conductor man : please take my last thin dime
Lord I got a woman in Bugaloo waiting : man I can't lose no time
When the bell started ringing : conductor hollered all aboard
Lord I picked up my suitcase : start walking down the road
I'm leaving this morning : I sure don't want to go
Lord and the woman I been loving : she don't want me no more



I made a long day : walking along and crying
I lost my baby : can't be satisfied
When you get in trouble : haven't got a friend
Just take it easy : they'll need your help again
Now ain't it hard : to live alone
Just as hard to be married : and break up your home
But that's all right : that's all right for you
You need me some morning : when I won't need you
When I was down : lost my wife and my friend
When I got my money : they all come back again
Well money and pretty women : running hand in hand
When they raising a squabble : taking some woman's man



If you got a good bullcow : better feed him every day
Because may come along some young cow : and tow your bull away
Leave you bull in a pasture : where there ain't no grass
But you women all thought you loved me : look like every minute going to be my last
Oh babe : don't mean your bull no good


Why don't you rub your bullcow and pet him : tell him what you want your bull to do
Babe your bull got a horn mama : as long as your right arm
Lord if you play with my horn baby : make you break up your happy home
Babe you may be beautiful : you got to die some day
So you well as to give me some of your loving : before you pass away
I got four feet to walk on : tail to shake if it's all night long
Lord at daybreak call me baby : you'll find your bullcow gone



Why don't you tell me loving mama : how you want your rolling done
Lord I'll give you satisfaction : now if it's all night long
Lord I got up this morning : just about the break of day
Lord I'm thinking about my baby : Lord the one that went away
Lord I got me a little old brownskin : just as sweet as she can be
Lord she low and she squatty : but she's all right with me
Now you can put me in the alley : my gal is name is Sally
You wake me up in the morning : mama I still got that old habit
Won't you tell me : how you want it done
Lord I'll give you satisfaction : now if it's all night long
Lord it's some of these old mornings : Lordy know it won't be long
Lord I know you going to call me : baby Lord and I'll be gone



Got a long tall mama : she stands about seven feet nine
And when she get to loving : holler papa won't you take your time
Oh when she start to loving : she sure can do her stuff
And she squeezing so tight : holler mama Lordy that's enough
Got a brand new movement : one that she calls her own
And when she start to kissing : make a poor man leave his home
And she do a little of this : and mama and she do a little of that
And when she put on full steam : make a freight train jump a track
Said she's long and tall : and half as sweet as she can be
To satisfy that woman : takes more than a bumblebee



Mississippi River : is so long deep and wide
I can't see my good gal : standing on that other side


I was crying and I called : I could not make my baby hear
Lord I'm going to get me a boat mama : paddle on down from here
Ain't it hard to love someone : when they are so far from you
Lord I'm going to get me a boat : and paddle this old river through
I went down to the landing : to see if any boats was there
And the ferryman told me : could not find no boats nowhere
The big boat is up the river : a-turning around and around
Lord I'm going to get me a good girl : or jump overboard and drown



It's a little train leaving out of here : they call the C and A
Going to take me home baby : I'm going home to stay
Because I'm leaving in the morning : Lord on that C and A
Babe I'm going back to St Louis : I'm going there to stay
Now my baby got unruly : she left from home
What she going to come back and say : when she find her daddy gone
My woman walks around : with her mouth poked out
She won't tell nobody : what it's all about
Now pack up my clothes : shove into your door
I'm leaving this morning mama : I won't be back no more
Now it's C for Chicago : A for Arkan
Why did I leave you baby : because I'm tired of taking you dogging



Boy she strictly tailor-made : boy she ain't no hand-me-down
Catch you messing with her boy : I sure shoot you down
She got them little bitty hands : them great big legs
She sure looks good : because everybody says it
She got them real dark eyes : now real curly hair
Big Bill is going to follow : that woman everywhere
You can look her up : and you can look her down
She got a heaven boy : ain't never been found
Ah watch her boy : as she pass by
Because the day I catch you with her : boy that's the day you're going to die



Now I know a little girl : about sixteen years old


She said Bill stop drinking : and I will satisfy your soul
Now my woman told me : about fifteen years ago
Bill you going to drink one of these mornings : and you'll never drink no more
Now I wake up in the morning : holding a bottle tight
When I lay down at night : mama just a gallon out of sight
Yes I went to the doctor : with my head in my hand
The doctor said Big Bill : I think I'll have to give you monkey glands
Now my woman told me to stop drinking : and come on home
Said if you don't Big Bill : some other man will carry your business on



I'm a rustling man : I rustle night and day
Just as soon as I get my money : I won't have to rustle this a-way
A rustling man : have a hard time in this town
Because when you get broke and down baby : your friends all turn you down
I am a rustling man : I go from town to town
I believe I will get married : married Lord and settle down
I've traveled and traveled : mama I mean this whole world through
I haven't found nothing : boy for a poor rustling man to do



Going to tell you women : and it goes for the men
Don't fool with me : because you sure can't win
You's all right baby : but your line's too short
Give me back my hat and shoes : now baby I bought
You may be fat : woman slim or tall
I've got something gal : that can kick in your stall
I asked my wife : where she had been all night
She said what you car : long as I treat you right
Going to tell you baby : like the farmer told his potato
I'm going to plant you now woman : but I will dig you later



I listened to my baby : when she was telling me her dreams
Lord everything now : baby would be peaches and cream
I had money on the horses : money on one two three
Now my water got muddy : and my horse run into a stream


Now when I had money : I had friends and a real good home
Lord I done lost my money : babe my friends and home is gone
Lord my mother tried : Lord to make me do right
Lord I would stay drunk all day : baby and I wouldn't come home at night
Lord if I had a-listened to my mother : Lord what she say
Lord I would not have been here no : baby laying in this old hospital bed



I've got the key to the highway : and I'm booked out and bound to go
I'm going to leave here running : because walking is most too slow
I'm going down on Florida : now where I'm better known
Because woman you don't do nothing : drive a good man away from home
Now when the moon peeps over the mountain : I'll be on my way
Now I'm going to walk this old highway : until the break of day
Run here sweet mama : run and help me with this heavy load
I'm due in West Texas : and I got to get on the road
I'm going to West Texas : I'm going down behind the sun
I'm going to ask the good Lord : what evil have I done




Yond comes a woman : with a peck of corn on her back
I'm going to stick around here : and I'm going to try and keep her from carrying it back
Now lady I ain't no mill man : just a mill man's son
But I can do your grinding : till the mill man comes
I want you to tell me pretty lady : how you want your grinding done
Said I want it fixed up baby : just like your daddy done
Said : I ain't going to talk no more
Since you told how you want it fixed baby : just like my daddy done
Many nights I rambled : and I hid out the whole night long
Trying to teach my woman : how to do right from wrong
Now mmm : mmm
Said I'm worried now baby : won't be worried long



Now T for Texas : and T for Tennessee
I'm not after your woman : man she's after me
And I went up on a mountain : and I looked down a little old hole


And I seen two monkeys : doing the sweet jellyroll
Now look here baby : look what you've done done
You done made me like you : now your man's done come
And I went up on a mountain : and I looked down in the sea
And I seen two monkeys : playing around after me



I went up on a mountain : just to see what I could see
And I seen two monkey-women : climbing up a tree
I want you women : to strictly understand
When my mother raised me : she didn't raise no monkey-man
Now one two three : four five six
I'm going to Chattanooga : get my hambone fixed
Said I went up to my girl's house : and I tipped right through the hall
I looked in through the keyhole : there's another nigger in my stall




Oh yes pretty mama : have no money to pay
Better get you a wood-chopper : to back up in your stall
You better go the the doctor : get you a seasick pill
I've been in pretty mama : and I won't be back no more
If I call around pretty mama : will you let me park
???-hearted woman : that man got nothing that he wants fixed
I can't help you woman : gasman got no jellyroll
I can't help it pretty mama : the gasman don't take no chance




You never have nothing : long as you live in Sugarland


Because you working for a woman : and a sweetback man
I dump sugar all day : clean until broad daylight
I done everything for that woman : still she don't treat me right
I'm going to stop working baby : get yourself another man
Because I've got another woman : you'll have to do the best you can
I work for you in the winter : I work for you in the ice and snow
And baby you told me : you didn't want me no more
It done come summertime : and I ain't going to work no more
Because I've got another woman : baby and I'm going to let you go




Flying Crow leave Port Arthur : why they come in Shreveport to change their crew
They'll take water in Texarkana : and for Ashtown they'll keep on through
Twenty-five minutes from evening : for a cup of coffee and a slice of cake
Flying Crow is heading for Kansas City : and boy she just won't wait
Yon she gone she gone : with a red and green light behind
Well now the red mean trouble : and the green means a rambling mind
Well I hate to hear : that old fireman when he tones the bell




See the train : weaving up and down the track
Said I won't be dead : just ain't coming back
When you see a train mama : come weaving up and down the line
Said I'm bound to get a letter : from that cheating brown of mine
Well I'm going away mama : won't be back till fall
And if I get kind of lucky : won't be back at all
I'm going to write a letter : mail it in the air
I'm going to find this gal : she's in the world somewhere
Don't you see mama : see what you done done
You made me love you : now your man done come
Mmm : I won't be here long
In a few more days : up the road I'm going
Said I'm going away mama : make it lonesome here
I said mmm : what you got on your mind
I got a mind to ramble : mind to leave this town



I'm going away tomorrow mama : going out on the cue
And if I find anything : coming back after you
It's soon one morning : I heard a panther squall
Tell your mama caught the local : you catch the Cannonball
Tell you my man caught the local : I caught on behind
Say now you can't leave me : 'tain't no need of crying
Mmm pretty mama : ain't going to be here long
You : and you treated me wrong
When I leave from here : going out on the O
I don't find no log camp : I'll find a gravel camp sure
Mmm what's the matter here
Ain't nothing going on wrong : but mama I don't care
Mmm : don't need you nohow
When I had you black gal : you didn't have nobody nohow



Hey hey hey : corn liquor in my bones
Now hurry up here you gals : and get me a barrel
I'm going to make corn liquor : for to tickle you gals
I went home last night : about half past four
I seen corn liquor : running out my back door
And it's mmm mama : what's the matter now
Now pick me up mama : put me in your bed
Corn liquor : is going all through your sweet daddy's head
Now mama when I die : I want you to bury me deep
I want you to put corn liquor : at my head and feet
I want you to put one bottle : in my hand
So I can drink my way : to the Promised Land
Oh Lord mama when I die : I want you to bury me low
So these corn liquor gals : know I ain't coming here no more
Now mama ashes to ashes : and dust to dust
Corn liquor daddy : done *push his first*
Now if anybody ask you : who composed this song
Tell them it's corn liquor daddy : he's been here and gone
Mmm : corn liquor on my mind
If you catch me out drinking : I'm not drinking just to keep from crying






I thought I heard that K C : when she blowed
And she blowed : like my woman's on board
When I get back : on that K C road
Going to love my baby : like I never loved before



I thought I heard : that K C when she blowed
And she blowed like : my woman's on board
When I get back : on that K C road
Going to love my baby : like I never loved before



I said my woman : had a falling out
People in town : want to know what it was all about
Yes I whipped my woman : with a singletree
You ought a-heard her hollering : don't you murder me
Yes I went to the Gypsy : to get my fortune told
The Gypsy told me something : I didn't want no one to know
Yes I went to my back door : and that ??? was locked
I went to that front door : you know the ??? was locked
Now don't you wish : your easy roller was little and cute like mine
Every time she walks : she leaves a lot behind




Mmm : baby don't you want to go
Pack your little suitcase : papa's going to Kokomo
Mmm : baby where you been so long
I can tell mama : there's something going on wrong
Mmm : baby you don't know you don't know
Papa's already : going back to Kokomo
And me and my baby : had a falling out last night
??? : my babe won't treat me right
Mmm : baby what's the matter now


Trying to quit your daddy : baby but you don't know how
And I'll sing this verse : baby I can't sing no more
My train is ready : and I'm going to Kokomo



Early one morning : on my way to the penal farm
Baby all I've done : ain't done nothing wrong
Loaded in the *dog* wagon : and down the road we go
Oh baby : oh baby you don't know
Into the office : then to the bathhouse below
And with a light shower : baby we change our clothes
All last night : baby it seemed so long
All I've done : I ain't done nothing wrong
I'll tell you people : the penal farm is a lonesome place
And no one there : to smile up in your face
Oh baby baby : it won't be so long now
Before your daddy : he will be coming home
Oh baby baby : won't you come after me
My time is up : and penal farm has set me free



When trouble starts : it stops at my front door
I've had more trouble : than ever in my life before
I wonder why : troubles keeps on worrying me
I'd just soon have my body : baby buried in the sea
I had trouble this morning : mailman didn't leave no mail
I can't see my baby : she's all locked up in jail
When trouble starts : it lasted so long
Look like everything happened : and everything goes wrong
Tell me baby : what trouble have done to me
Come and got my regular : then took my used-to-be



I can get my money : but trouble won't let it stay
Trouble gets on me : and my money gets away
I wonder why : trouble keeps on worrying me
I'd just soon : have my body baby buried in the sea


Trouble in the morning : noon and night
Seemed like I'm treated : every way but right
When trouble gets on me : it never ends
I get out of one thing : and back into something else again
Nobody knows : the trouble I do see
Nobody knows : but the good Lord and me



I woke up this morning : with rambling on my mind
And I lit out to walking : just to pass away the time
I rambled all night long : and I'm rambling again today
All I need is someone : drive my blues away
Come here baby : and let me be your man
I may not suit you : but I'll do the best I can



One day I sit thinking : when the rain pour down outside
And the more I thought : the more I began to cry
Today has been : a long old lonesome day
And it looks like tomorrow : going to be the same old way
My days seem lonesome : and my nights they are so long
I'll be mighty glad : when them old blue days are gone



I'm just sitting here thinking : of dear old sunny Tennessee
And wondering if my baby : is waiting there for me
I'm going : where the Monon crosses the L and N
And catch me a freight train : and go back home again
I'm going back south : where it's warm the whole year round
I'll be so glad : when my train pulls up in town



I'm going down to the river : just to see the water run
And to think about my troubles : and where all my money's gone
Times has got so hard : that I cannot find a job


And every morning : the rent man grabs on my doorknob
I'm getting so ragged : I ain't got no decent clothes
I ain't got nobody : ain't got nowhere to go
Now I'm worried : ain't no telling what I'm going to do
My friends don't know me : and I can't get a dime or two
Soon as hard time strike me : my baby puts me out
Now guess you know : what these hard time is all about



I left my baby : standing in the back door crying
Begging and pleading : don't you leave this time
Oh the sun's going to shine : in my back door some day
I wish I had somebody : to drive my blues away
Blues and trouble : both running hand in hand
If you ain't never had the blues : you just can't understand
You can always tell : when your woman's got another man
She will take your bad treatments : and do the best she can



I got a no-good woman : and she sure don't mean me no good
I hope there ain't another woman like her : in nobody's neighborhood
She leaves every morning : come back at the break of day
And when she comes in the morning : she ain't got a word to say
Every time I look at that woman : she's got a frown on her face
I believe that woman : done let my best friend take my place
Every evening : do you stop by my door
But since he's got my woman : she don't stop there no more
She's just a no-good woman : and I took her to be my friend
But she's taught me a lesson : about no-good women and men




Early this morning : my baby made me sore
I'm going away to leave you : ain't coming back no more
Tell me pretty mama : where did you stay last night
It ain't none of your business : daddy since I treat you right
When you see me sleeping : baby don't you think I'm drunk
I got one eye on my pistol : and the other on your trunk


I love you pretty mama : believe me it ain't no lie
The day you dare to quit me : baby that's the day you die



Early this morning : my baby made me sore
I'm going away to leave you : ain't coming back no more
Tell me pretty mama : where did you stay last night
It ain't none of your business : daddy since I treat you right
When you see me sleeping : baby don't you think I'm drunk
I got one eye on my pistol : and the other on your trunk
Love you pretty mama : believe me it ain't no lie
The day you try to quit me : baby that's the day you die



Grab your gal : fall in line
While I play : this rag of mine
Too tight : won't behave
Too tight : make you rave
Too tight : won't jump
Too tight : can't just once
Too tight : make you cry
Too tight : you want to die
Too tight : won't quit
Too tight : I'm singing it
Too tight : I'll confess
Too tight : it's a mess
Too tight : you hear me sing
Too tight : to shake that thing



I woke up this morning : worried in my mind
Thinking about : that girl I left behind
I'm worried now : I won't be worried long
The brownie I love : makes me sing this song
If the blues don't kill me : they will drill me through and through
Woman I love : don't know what to do
There's one thing in this world : I cannot understand


That's a bow-legged woman : crazy about a cross-eyed man



I'm feeling blue : lowdown as I can be
Come on gals : run and kiss poor me
I'm going downtown : to spread the news
My gal quit me : and I ain't got the blues
Come on gals : bob it up and down
But don't let me catch you : messing around



I'm going back to Tampa : to that girl I left behind
I'm going back to Tampa : just to kill my worried mind
Did you ever lie down at night : thinking about your brown
You commence rolling and tumbling : I guess I'm Tampa bound
The bridge washed out : the wire's all down
My gal is in the flood : and I'm Tampa bound
I got up this morning : put on my walking shoes
I'm going back to Tampa : just to kill my lowdown blues



Hey hey hey hey : hey hey hey hey
My Stonewall Street gal : makes me feel this a-way
You call me in the morning : you call me late at night
You swear that you love me : but you know you don't treat me right
I got the blues so bad : can feel them with my natural hand
I been your dog : ever since I been your man
I'm going to grab me a freight train : ride until it stops
I ain't going to stay around here : and be your stumbling block



Let me tell you mama : what my black dog done done to me
He chased me from my regular : now he's after my used-to-be
Black dog black dog : you caused me to weep and moan
You caused me : to leave my sweet old happy home


Black dog black dog : you forever on my mind
If you only let me : see my baby one more time
So long black dog : I'm quitting you on the fly
Because you got the nerve : to leave my good woman to cry



Ah : the rising sun going down
I ain't got nobody : since my baby's blowed this town
Ah : mama love me one more time
You give me a little chance : maybe you will change your mind
I done called you : till I almost lost my mind
I ain't going call no more : good man is hard to find
Ah : mama who can your regular be
I ain't got no regular : baby please take me
Take me : mama I'll tell you what I'll do
I'll get up every morning : work hard all day for you



I got the bad feeling blues : keeps me worried all the time
I can't get along : with that high brown gal of mine
Look a-here mama : you done throwed your papa down
I wouldn't hate it so bad : but the news all over town
Look a-here mama : what you want me to do
I work all the time : bring my money home to you
Lord Lord : your papa done going to stay
I never thought : you would treat your daddy this a-way
I got the bad feeling blues : keeps me so lowdown
I'm going to pack my grip : leave this lonesome town



Brownskin mama : what in the world you want me to do
You keep my poor heart aching : I'm blue through and through
I helped you when you were down : and could not help yourself
Now I'm down : you want to help somebody else
You can go : do anything that you want to do
Some day you want me : mama and I won't want you
You treat me lowdown and dirty : baby that's all you do


But some old rainy day : it's coming home to you
My mind's all churned up : that's why I'm all confused
That's the reason why : I'm moaning these brownskin mama blues



Keep on walking and walking : talking to myself
Gal I love : with somebody's else
I got the hard road blues : walking on down the line
Maybe some day : my gal must change her mind
It's a hard hard road : when your baby done throwed you down
Going to keep on walking : from town to town
It's been a long long time : since I seen my baby's face
And I don't see her joker : stand to my place
I'm going to find my baby : don't say she can't be found
Going to walk this hard hard road : until my mustache drags the ground



Hey hey : your daddy's feeling blue
I'm worried all the time : can't keep you off my mind
Hey hey : love you till the day you die
Nobody but me : you know the reason why
Hey hey : your daddy lonesome for you
I ain't going to tell no lie : your daddy's about to die
Hey hey : I'm lonesome night and day
I told you what I said : don't you drive the blues away



You going to quit me baby : good as I been to you
Give you my money honey : to buy your shoes and clothes
You going to quit me baby : put me out-of-doors
Six months on the chain-gang : believe me 'tain't no fun
The day you quit me baby : that's the day you die
Jailhouse ain't no place baby : believe me 'tain't no lie



Down south : on Wabash Street
Everybody : you chance to meet
They're doing it : night and day
See : if it will drive your blues away
Every little kid : that you meet
In the alley : in the street
Grab me mama : hold me tight
Let's mess around : the rest of the night
Throw your hands : way up high
Grab me mama : make me cry
People come : from miles around
Get on Wabash : break them down



There's no need of you dogging me : mama I ain't done nothing to you
If you keep on dogging me : no telling what I'll do
You dog me in the morning : mama you dog me late at night
If you keep on dogging daddy : I sure ain't going to treat you right



For years and years : I been your hard-working mule
I may be crazy : but I ain't no doggone fool
You used to be sugar : but you ain't sweet no more
Better keep your other man : from hanging around my door
You used to be kind : now you begun to change
You treat me : like an old dog got the mange
Goodbye mama : you ain't the same no more
Don't come back : but treat me like you did before



It's a hard hard time now : good man can't get no dough


All I do for my baby : don't satisfy her no more
I ain't got no job : now you going to put me down
You going to quit me baby : for a hard-working clown
Time is so hard now : maybe things will change some day
And when I get a job : maybe you will change your way
Don't quit me baby : because I can't find no work to do
Because all the dirt you done for me : it's coming back home to you
I used to be a joker : now I'm going to make a change
I'm going to get me a job : keep coal in your cold kitchen range



I love my whiskey : crazy about it as I can be
But my new bootlegger : well he's about to poison me
Took one drink last night : and it made me go stone blind
Got to run away : leave my sweet mama behind
Sometime one drink : make me act like a doggone fool
But two or three drinks : make me kick like a doggone mule
Mama mama : don't treat your papa mean no more
Get full of my bootleg whiskey : make you fly through the door
I'm a good man when I'm sober : but Lord Lord when I'm drunk
If you see me reeling : mama go hide in your trunk



I got a sweet mama : she ain't low at all
She got the kind of loving : will make a panther squall
She got Elgin movements : and a twenty-year guarantee
I bet you my last dollar : she don't put them jinx on me



Walking walking : talking to myself
Wondering if I die : would my baby love somebody else
Sighing and crying : broke down with the blues
My clothes are worn out : holes all in my shoes
Walking across the country : trying to get a stake
Because my baby : want every cent I make
Tired and hungry : I've been walking many days
Wondering : if my baby would stop her hateful ways


Walking across the country : with my head bowed down
A woman can still make a man : act like a clown



Mr police captain : listen to my plea
I want to make my baby : come back home to me
Give me a search warrant : and a great big hound
I'm going to find my baby : if I have to track her down
I know where she's at : but her man won't let me in
All I want is a search warrant : and a bottle of gin
I'm going to get running drunk : and go into that place
And that backbiting man : better not show his face
I love my baby : but she treat me so unkind
If she thinks she can quit me : she really have lost her mind



I got a notoriety woman : she about to drive me wild
Beside that woman : sits ever meek and mild
That woman is like a tiger : got ways like a bear
Carries a gun in her pocket : a dagger in her hair
To keep her quiet : I knocked her teeth out her mouth
That notoriety woman : is known all over the South
I can't get along with her : and I can't leave her alone
Because she knows just how to make me : come back home
She likes to fight : she likes to break them down
Everybody knows : when my notoriety woman come to town



Listen folks : to my moan
I'm going to tell you : about Sally Jones
I'm a man : play one gal
And that's : my loving Sal
She stepped out : I could see
He tried : to two-time me
So I thought : that I'd found out
What this man : all about
He was tall : he was thin


Drinks ??? : but *sips her* gin
Thought I'd catch her : when I walked in
Find her : loving my brother Jim
He pulled out a gun : said she was through
I'm going : to Chicago you
He started to shoot : the gun wouldn't go
I said that's all : I want to know
We got married : had a baby lamb
But that baby : looked like her iceman
When the rooster saw the eggs : and they was red
He walked across the road : and knocked the peacock dead
She's gone away : boys and I'm glad
Making : another poor fool sad
Six men are in jail : faces to the wall
But that gal : was the cause of it all



I love to gamble : and gambling's all I do
And when I lose : it never makes me blue
I gambled away my money : and I gambled away my shack
Same way I lost it : same way I'll get it back
I won a woman : in a poker game
I lost her too : win another one just the same
Sometime I'm rich : sometime I ain't got a cent
But I've had a good time : everywhere I went
Got a new mama : ain't going to gamble her away
Going to keep her with me : each and every day



I had a fall : five to twenty-one
When I get back : we going to have some fun
Baby baby : tell me the true facts
Will you be waiting : when I get back
I told the warden : you pay my fine
It didn't seem : that he paid me no mind
The good things you have done : I can't forget
If you quit me baby : it will be my death
I love you baby : whole heart and soul
Stand by me : until I get my parole


Be careful baby : while I'm gone
You can't be good : I'll be gone too long
Going away : and how happy I will be
I know : still love me



Went home last night : my baby won't let me in
She made me mad : and I've got in my gin
I been drunk so long : dizzy all the time
And I found out : whiskey ain't no friend of me
When I die : folks without a doubt
You won't have to do nothing : but pour me out
I can't sleep : and I can't eat a thing
The woman I love : has driven me to drink
I'm deep down in a hole : somebody else is up
Getting sick and tired : of fighting that jug



Hookworm in your body : and your food don't do you no good
Same way with a rounder : come in a nice neighborhood
Dirty old hookworm : got into my room
Causes me to walk : groan and moan
Man like a hookworm : got a hold to my baby
He got to *point it fast* : people and I don't mean maybe
Never can tell : what a hookworm man will do
Take your baby : and make her stop loving you
I'm going to leave my baby : and let her have her way
She want me back some day : when he throws her down
Mmm : mmm
Her man like a hookworm : taking a hold to my babe



There's : a great big mystery
And it surely : is worrying me
The little girl : about four feet four
Come on papa : and give me some more
I went out : and walked around


Somebody yelled : said look who's in town
Went to church : put my hat on the seat
Lady sat on it : said daddy you sure is sweet
I said sister : I'll soon be gone
Just give me that thing : you setting on
Then I got : put out of church
Because I talk : about diddie wa diddie too much



Got my gal : took a chance
We went : to a midnight dance
Too tight : it's a mess
Too tight : it's the best
Too tight : it's a wow
Too tight : I'll show you how
Too tight : stepping out
Too tight : hear me shout
Too tight : it's hot stuff
Too tight : can't get enough
Too tight : it's too bad
Too tight :
Too tight : sick in bed
Too tight : went to my head



All my life : I been a traveling man
Staying alone : and doing the best I can
I shipped my trunk : down to Tennessee
Hard to tell : about a man like me
I met a gal : I couldn't get her off my mind
She passed me up : says she didn't like my kind
I'm scared to bother : around her house at night
Got a police dog : craving for a fight
His name is rambler : and when he gets a chance
He leaves his mark : on everybody's pants
Guess I'll travel : I guess I'll let her be
Before she sics : her police dog on me





Packing my duffle : going to leave this town
And I'm going to hustle : to catch that train southbound
I got the Georgia blues : for the plow and the hoe
Walked out of my shoes : over this ice and snow
Tune up the fiddle : dust the cat and bow
Put on the griddle : and open the cabin door
I thought I was going : to the northland to stay
South is on my mind : my blues won't go away
Potatoes in the ashes : possum on the stove
You can have the hash : but please leave me the claw
Chicken on the roof : and melons on the vine
I'll be glad : to get back to that Georgia gal of mine



Numbers numbers : about to drive me wild
Thinking about the money : that I should have had
I dreamed last night : the woman I love was dead
If I had played the dead row : I would come out ahead
I act like a fool : and played on three six nine
Lost my money : and that gal of mine
I played on clearing house : couldn't make a grade
Lord think of the money : that I should have made
I begged my baby : let me in her door
Wanted to put my twenty-five fifty seventy-five : in her seven seventeen twenty-four
I want fifteen fifty : and see if it won
I'm going to keep playing policy : till some good luck comes



Listen everybody : I'm going to sing a song
It won't be dirty : and it won't be long
When you want some whiskey : right off the *stove*
Go over : and see Miss Stella Gold
The gals from the alley : slipping all around
Telling everybody : they're leaving town
I got a yellow gal : and a brown named Mame
But the best I've ever had : was the old Crow Jane
Met a funny fellow : he didn't like girls


Painted his face : and with his hair all curls
I'm staying with a woman : about fifty-two
I thought she was too old : I'm telling you



I caught a stranger in my house : and I busted his head with a club
I lay him out cold : with his heels in a tub
I seen the sheriff coming : and I jumped for the door
But I jumped too late : the sheriff had done jumped before
They buried a man Thursday : just two short days you see
And it makes me wonder : what they going to do to me
I killed a man : and that's the how and how
I'm sitting here wondering : if a woman's worth it now
Mmm : rope stretching all day long
In just a few more days : I won't be able to sing my song



Don't trust no woman : who mistreats her man
When you think she's in your kitchen cooking : she's got a stranger by the hand
Ain't no need of you chasing women : brother if you really haven't got the cash
Other men get all the chicken : and all you get is hash
I have a lot of woman : but I sure don't want one now
She always milks me dry : better than you ever milk a cow
Mmm : rope stretching all day long
I'm singing now mama : because it won't be long
It wouldn't be so bad : if the rope would just get slack
I wouldn't mind at all : but I just got a crick in my back
When it's all over mama : and you're all alone by my side
Just keep the flies from buzzing by me : and then I will be satisfied



All last winter : and all last fall
I didn't have nobody : to worry me at all
No need running : holding out your hand


I can get a woman : same as you can a man
When I first met you : you had your diamonds on
Since I done left you : you've got them all in pawn
No need a-running : hollering and crying
I'll take you back baby : if you was dying
Come on daddy : and tell me one more time
When I left : I didn't have my right mind
Ain't no need of sitting : with my head hung down
Your black man : ought to get on out of town




I was standing in my back door : looking at the evening sun go down
I was standing there wondering : if my woman was in this town
She left me this morning : she carried away all my clothes
I'm going to find that woman : I don't care where she goes
She sobbed when she told me : I just could not change my mind
I was loving that woman : I know she was quitting me all the time
Honey I went to the fortuneteller : asked her where had my baby gone
She left me this morning : I hadn't done nothing wrong




Going up Coal River : coming down no more
Going to leave your town pretty baby : stop knocking on your back door
Across deep water : ain't no skiffs around
The ??? won't bring ??? : just let her sink on down
My mama told me baby : my papa told me too
Never let a fat little woman : going have no place to *spoon*
Don't want no woman : got hair like horse's mane
Woman's so doggone evil : want every woman's man
Ooh : broke down in tears today
I got the blues so bad pretty mama : I can't *gee* away



Fourteenth Street women : don't mean no man no good
Go out and get full of liquor : wake the whole neighborhood
Let me tell you mama : like the Dago told the Jew
If you don't want me : it's cinch I don't want you


There's two kind of nations : I sure can't understand
That's Chinese women : and a doggone Dago man
I was born in Texas : I raised in Tennessee
You *missed a real brownie* : when you picked all over me
I feel like jumping : through the keyhole in your door
Told me this morning : you didn't want me no more
I feel like snapping : my big gun in your face
Had the nerve to tell me : another man's got my place




Let me tell you : what sweet patuni do
It take your money : and stay all night for you
Well I'm wild about my tuni : the only thing I crave
Sweet patuni : is going to follow me to my grave
I went up on the mountain : looked down in the deep blue sea
A big fat man : was trying to play with me
If I could holler : like a mountain jack
Go out on the mountain : call sweet patuni back
Sweet patuni man : I can't understand
He got ways like a barber : he's a full-blown man



Down in the levee : Camp Number Nine
You can pass my house : honey you can hear me cry
I never had no blues : *sure am*
I'm going to leave this camp : you *can go starry* here
I ain't found no doctor : ain't no doctor in this whole round world
Just to cure the blues : the blues of the leveecamp girl



Hey Jim Tampa : you treat your women so mean
You treat your *townie* : like a woman you ain't never seen
Womens all know my name : call him Mr Tampa Long
He made so much money : women when the weather was warm
My man's got five women : I can call them by their natural names
And all them are cheaters : sounds just the same
It must be a black cat bone : jomo can't work that hard


Every time I wake up : Jim Tampa's in my yard
I can stand right here : five miles down the road
Give a gander the way : Jim Tampa used to go



It ain't nobody in town : can grind their coffee like mine
I drink so much coffee : till I grind it in my sleep
And when you get like that : you know it can't be beat
It's so doggone good : that it made made me bite my tongue
Going to keep it for my daddy : ain't going to give nobody none
I ain't ever loved it : this a-way before
And I hope to the Lord : I won't love it anymore
I got so now : that I can't control my mind
I go to bed blue : and I get up crying
It's so doggone good : it made me talk out of my head
And it's better to me : than any I ever had
Now I grind my coffee : till it's two and three dollars a pound
And there ain't no more : cheap like mine in town
It's so doggone good : till it make you bite your tongue
And I'm a coffee-grinding mama : won't you let me grind you some



You must bring me a job : or money from anywhere
Because I can get your kind of loving : in the streets just anywhere
You come home every day : looking for your stew and beans
And you have got more nerve : than any pot hound I've ever seen
Now you take your money : and you have your fun
You don't have nothing : when house rent comes
And I'm through : cooking you stew and beans
And you can eat more neckbones : than any man I've ever seen
Now if you want me baby : you got to make your *for sure* down
And you got to put your money : down where I got mine
Now you laying up in my bed : between my two white sheets
I can't see or smell nothing : but your doggone feet
And I'm through : trying to make a man of you
And if you can't bring a job : don't you look for your daily stew
I worked hard from Monday : until late Saturday night
And you's a dirty mistreater : you ain't treating me right


And I'm through : cooking you stew and beans
And you's a dirty pot hound : dirtier than any man I seen



Look here papa : I don't mean no harm
Come get some Georgia grind : to carry the good work on
The thing I do : it's mighty fine
And the mens pays their ??? : all the time
When you got to doing it : it's a one-way strand
Got to do my Georgia grind : like a natural man
All you got to do : is to fall in line
Put your right hand up : and your left one behind
If you want to learn : you got to pay
Because I ain't going to give : my Georgia grind away
If you do it once : you'll do it twice
And it's mighty fine I tell you : if you do it right
I'm talking about my Georgia : I do mean grind
And if something bothers you baby : it will satisfy your worried mind
Some likes it slow : some likes it fast
But I like my Georgia grind : at half and half
Come past my house : and hear me cry
Big *bad* daddy : won't you take your time
I'm going back to Georgia : where I can have my fun
Going down in Georgia : where I get my good grinding done



Sometimes I'm up : sometimes I'm down
I can't make my living : around this town
Because tricks ain't working : tricks ain't working no more
And I got to make my living : don't care where I go
I need shoes on my feet : clothes on my back
Get tired of walking these streets : all dressed in black
Because tricks ain't working : tricks ain't working no more
And I see four or five good tricks : standing in front of my door
Please have mercy : bad luck's on my head
Four or five good tricks : is all the money I need
Because tricks ain't working : tricks ain't working no more
And I can't get a break : don't care where I go
I got a store on the corner : selling stuff cheap


I got a market across the street : where I sell my meat
This way of living : sure is hard
Ducking and dodging : the Cadillac squad
Because tricks ain't working : tricks ain't working no more
And if you think I'm lying : follow me to the door



I'd rather be sloppy drunk : than anything I know
And another half a pint : will see me go
I love my moonshine whiskey : better than I do my man
You can have your beer and your bottle : give me my cool kind can
I'd rather be sloppy drunk : sitting in the can
Than to be at home : rolling with my man
Mmm : bring me another two-bit pint
Because I got my habits on : I'm going to wreck this joint
I been on this sloppy drunk : for a solid year
And when I can't get my whiskey : bring me my cool can beer
My good man quit me : for somebody else
And I'm sloppy drunk : drinking by myself



I'm doing something now : I ain't never done before
Going to do it this time : ain't going to do it no more
My alley boogie: only thing I choose
And it's the only thing I do : to drown away by blues
I boogie all night : all the night before
When I woke up this morning : I want to boogie some more
Old alley boogie : only thing I crave
I can do my alley boogie : so many different ways
I got a bed in my bedroom : a pallet on my floor
Got to do the alley boogie : everywhere I go
Because I'm wild about my boogie : only thing I crave
Good alley boogie : will carry me to my grave
Mama loves my boogie : papa loves it too
And it runs in my family : that's all I like to do
I'm wild about my boogie : only thing I crave
I'm going to do my boogie : the rest of my days
Papa got a watch : mama got a ring
Sister got a hump : from really boogying that thing


I'm wild about my boogie : only thing I choose
Now she got to do the boogie : to buy her alley baby some shoes
Now I done sung this song : until I quit
And there ain't nobody : ??? no alley boogie yet
And I'm wild about my boogie : only thing I crave
I been doing my alley boogie : I been boogying all of my days



I got a sweet black angel : I like the way he spread his wings
And I'm crazy about him : he spreads so much joy in everything
If I ask him for a dime : he gives me a ten dollar bill
Yes he does everything : to keep my wants filled
If my black angel would leave me : I believe that I would die
And if I see him looking at another woman : I just scream and cry
I love my black angel : and I want him by myself
Lord I don't want him spreading his wings : over no one else
Womens don't bother my black angel : don't bother him in any way
I'll serve ninety-nine years in jail : most any day
I'm wild about my black angel : I like the way he spread his wings
He's got a new way of getting goose : and he sure can shake that thing



Times is done got hard : money's done got scarce
Stealing and robbing : is going to take place
Because tricks ain't working : tricks ain't working no more
And I'm going to rob somebody : if I don't make me some dough
I'm going to do just like a blind man : stand and beg for change
Until these arresting officers : change my tricking name
Because tricks ain't working : tricks ain't working no more
And I've got to make my living : don't care where I go
I'm going to learn these working tricks : what it's all about
I'm going to get them in my house : and ain't going to let them out
Because tricks ain't working : tricks ain't working no more
And I can't make no money : don't care where I go
I got up this morning : with the rising sun
Been working all day : and I ain't caught a one
Because tricks ain't working : tricks ain't working no more
And I can't make a dime : don't care where I go
I got up this morning : feeling tough


I've got to call in my tricks : in the rough rough rough
Because tricks ain't working : tricks ain't working no more
And I've got to change my luck : if I have to move next door



The train I ride : is eighteen coaches long
And the man that I love : done been here and gone
I hate to hear : that T and N O blow
Puts my mind on the wander : makes me want to go
Going to beat the train to the crossing : going to burn the trestle down
That's the onliest way : I can keep my man in town
He's a railroad man : and he sure do love to ride
If he don't ride that T and N O : he sure ain't satisfied
Going to fall down on my knees : pray to the Lord above
Please send me back : the only man I love



Got up this morning : by the rising sun
Didn't have no whiskey : I tried to buy me some
I use my Skeet and Garret : *feed* it everywhere
Lord I like them baking powder blues : and I sure don't care
Dice jumped to hustle Lord : I swear my money don't lose
I got to win tonight : and buy this baking powder man some shoes
Play them blues boy : and don't play them so slow
Because I'm going to give you some more money : and I'm going to give it to you sure



You may be beautiful : but baby you got to die some day
And you going to reap what you sow : for treating me this a-way
When the sun rose this morning : I was laying in my floor crying
And I've done got tired : of being dogged all the time
Tell me baby : what fault do you find in me
You don't treat me : like I'm no human being
Love hides all faults : make you do things you don't want to do
When you love someone : and that someone don't love you





I'm lonesome I'm lonesome : and I got them lonesome midnight blues
And I'm blue to my heart : my man I hate to lose
Blues and trouble : have overtaken me
And I've got those midnight blues : blue as I can be
Late last night : when my clock was striking three
My daddy was leaving : and the blues had me



Just one thing : I want my man to know
I ain't going to be : his lowdown dog no more
He gets up every morning : and before he goes
Say he don't want me to put my head : out of my front door
He won't buy me no shoes : he won't buy me no clothes
And he's got so lowdown : he wants to put me outdoors
I ain't got no coal : I ain't got no wood
And you know by that : that man don't mean me no good
I ain't got no flour : I ain't got no lard
And he knows doggone well : the times is done got hard



Some folks say black is evil : but I will tell the world they're wrong
Because I'm a sealskin brown : and I been evil ever since I been born
I a-scared to trust a rabbit : and I won't even trust a squirrel
And I won't bat my eyes : because I might lose sight on this whole round world
I've got a head like a freight train : and I walk just like a grizzly bear
And I use my Skeet and Garret : and I keep my ??? everywhere
They call me Pig Iron Sally because I live in Slag Iron Alley : and I'm evil and mean as I can be
And I ain't going to let nobody : put that doggone thing on me
I ain't nothing but a mistreater : baby and it ain't no joke
And if you don't believe I'm dirty : you can watch my bogus stroke



I hate that train : that they all call the M and O
It took my baby away : and he ain't coming back to me no more
When he was leaving : I couldn't hear nothing but that whistle blow


And the man at the throttle : Lord he wasn't coming back no more
He had his head in the window : that man the drivers roll
They are going away baby : and doggone your bad-luck soul
Now I'm so worried : and I'm so full of gloom
And deep down in my heart : ain't nothing but a lover's ruin
I was sorry : I was sorry sorry to my heart
To see that M and O train : and me and my daddy part



I worked all the winter : and I worked all the fall
I got to wait until spring : to get my ashes hauled
And now I'm tired : tired as I can be
And I'm going back home : where these blues don't worry me
I'm a free-hearted woman : I let you spend my dough
And you never did win : you kept on asking for more
And now I'm tired : I ain't going to do it no more
And when I leave you this time : you won't know where I go
My house rent's due : they done put me outdoors
And here you riding around here : in a V-Eight Ford
I done got tired : of your lowdown dirty ways
And your sisters say you been dirty : dirty all your days
I never will forget : when the times was good
I caught you standing out yonder : in the piney woods
And now I'm tired : tired as I can be
And I'm going back south : to my used-to-be



Sweet man sweet man : what makes you candy taste so hard
And I would come to see you : but your woman is got me barred
He caught the Frisco he caught the Frisco : and I just can't keep from crying
And if he don't come back : I will lose my worried mind
He is a rambler he is a rambler : and he is never satisfied
And I know he was a rambler : when he caught that train to ride
I'm going to find him I'm going to find him : with my smoking forty-five
Because you know I love that man : he so hard to find
He's gone he's gone : and he's forever on my mind
And I want to see my man : because because he's so good and kind





A woman gets tired : of one man all the time
And don't care what you give her : you can't change her rambling mind
Don't never think : you got a whole woman by yourself
Because there never was a woman : didn't love somebody else
I ain't never loved : just one man in my life
Because this kind of love I got : I can love the same way twice
Some womens like two men : some womens they like three
But I like as many men : I see is good to me



Way down in Boogie Alley : ain't nothing but skulls and bones
And when I get drunk : who's going to take me home
I'm going to stop my man : from running around
Because down in Boogie Alley : is where he can be found
He goes down in Boogie Alley : house number three
And when he gets down there : the womens won't let him come to see me
I went down in Boogie Alley : with my razor in my hand
And the blues struck : I brought back my man
If you go in Boogie Alley : you better take you forty-four
The womens will get your man down there : and they won't let him go



When you come to my house : come down behind the jail
I got a sign on my door : barbecue for sale
I'm talking about my barbecue : only thing I crave
And that good-doing meat : going to [carry, take] me to my grave
I'm selling it cheap : because I got good stuff
And if you try one time : you can't get enough
I'm talking about barbecue : only thing I sell
And if you want my meat : you can come to my house at twelve
Now some like it hot : some like it cold
Some take it : any way it's sold
Some people wants it : some people don't
If you buy my barbecue : it just won't don't don't don't
Some people wants to know : the regular price
Fifty-five cents : you can get some twice
And I'm talking about my barbecue : only thing I sell


And you can get my meat : any night at twelve



Jump steady daddy : please take your time
You got a year and a day : to satisfy my mind
Love me daddy : love me all the time
And if you love me like I tell you : you'll be the jump-steady man of mine
Jump-steady got to jumping : jumping in the room
And I got crazy about him : because he could strut his stuff
Now when jump-steady starts to jumping : he does it slow
He goes from the top : down to the floor
Ooh : just can't let him go
Because he jumps better : than any man that I know
He don't work on no rock pile : he don't tote no slag
And the way he jumps steady : it's just too bad



I went to bed last night : and the blues wouldn't let me rest
Because I ain't been used : to sleeping by myself
Oh blues oh blues : blues don't you see
You are carrying me down : blues you trying kill poor me
Now blues and trouble : go walk hand in hand
I never had these blues : until my best friend loved my man
She may have loved him one time : but that one man she can't hold
Because it's ??? *in Texas* : that I could sell fast jellyroll
He puts his arms around me : like the ring around the good Lord's sun
Said he ain't had no woman to love him : Lord like I done



A man say I had something : look like new
He want me to trade a *cam* : for some of my stew
Say he's going up the river : tried to sell his sack
He would pay me for my stuff : when the boat get back
I got good stew : and it's got to be sold
The price ain't high : I want to get you told
Go on up the river : man and sell your sack
It will be stew meat here : baby when the boat get back


Now look here man : what you want me to do
Give you my stew meat : and credit you too
I credit one man : it was to my sorrow
It's cash today : credit tomorrow
Now it's ashes to ashes : dust to dust
You try my stuff one time : you can't get enough



Good morning skin game : hollering skin game please last
I done staked my man to win : and I hope my money will pass
He done pawned my house : he got my life at stake
And I got to get it back : with that money he gamble and make
He never lost no money : until he drew that black queen of spades
And my man was in need of begging : he was in hard luck that very day
When he come back to me : got a dollar two
I want him to go back to that skin game : and see what he can do
If my man : he could only win my money back
I would take a walk downtown : buy me a brand new pair of shoes and hat




I'm worried now babe : I won't be worried long
Now when we is all going together : it's got to be carried on
Now did you get that letter : baby that I wrote to you
Oh you sitting in the shade baby : I declare you just won't do
Now I say once ain't forever : say but two time ain't for twice
Now when you get a good woman : you just won't treat her right
Mmm : Lord Lord Lord Lord Lord
Now if I can't be your regular mama : I sure ain't going to be your dog



Now a yellow gal rides in an automobile : a brownskin gal rides the same
A black gal *will tell you* an old hay wagon : she's getting by just the same
A yellow gal drinks good old whiskey : a brownskin gal drinks the same
But a black gal drinks shoe polish : she's getting drunk just the same
A yellow gal will bite you she will pop you with a stick : a brownskin gal bites the same
But a black gal get a rusty razor and run you all over town : and you know that woman raises hell
just the same


Now a yellow gal will kiss you she will kiss you awful sweet : a brownskin gal do the same
But a black gal spit bacca juice *shoo* snuff all on your lips : oh loving you just the same



Sitting down here thinking : yes babe I believe I better go
You know I believe I'll go down : that long long old dusty road
Now that Eighty Highway : is the longest highway that I know
Running all the way from Frisco Texas : *right cross* the Atlantic on the other *water course*
That church bell was beginning to tone : yes some other good gambler's gone
You know I wouldn't hate it so bad : but that Eighty Highway so long
You women fuss and argue with your good man : when you know you don't do right yourself
You know when I look for you at night : way down on Eighty Highway with someone else
Yes if you get in trouble : call on a *car* about forty-five
Baby now I just open up my chifforobe : and you'll see where my dollar lies




Never mind : honey never mind
Never mind : there's time to shine
You said you loved me : you know you told a lie
Oh never mind : never mind
I'm just a good woman : baby gone astray
Drinking charcoal liquor : throwing myself away
But never mind : there's time to shine
Spread your heart : babe just like mine




Now you tell me mama : do you think that's right
You with your kid all day : and run to me at night
Now my regular woman : totes my pocket change
And my sometime woman : wants to do the same
And you better not let : my regular catch you here

Because it ain't no telling : what she might do
Now she might cut you : and she might shoot you too
Now she's the meanest woman : that I've ever seen
And when I asked for water : give me gasoline
Now if you want your woman : to look like the rest


You buy her high brown powder : and Farmer's Skin Success
Now I got four or five puppies : and got one shaggy hound
It takes all them dogs : to run my woman down



I said the woman I'm loving : caught the train and gone
Got the lowdown feeling : I sure won't be here long
Now I went to the station : fold my arms and moan
Asked the operator : how long my rider been gone
Let me tell you : what that dirty train will do
Take your last rider Lord : blow black smoke on you
Ain't got no special : got no trifling kind
Ain't got nobody mama : *she has rock the ship*
Lord take me rider : take me to your hand
Let me in your darkest corner woman : hide me from your man
You don't want me rider : please don't dog me around
Just like you found me : you took and threw me down
Ask you to forgive me : darling if you please
Mama sure as I told you : I fall down on my knees



Now I tell you mama : now I'm sure going to leave this town
Because I been in trouble : ever since I set my suitcase down
Now you don't believe I'm leaving : just watch the train I'm on
And you don't believe I'm lucky : just count the days I'm gone
Now I ain't going to be : your teasing brown no more
Sugar the way you do me : you make my blood run cold
Now before I stay here mama : and be treated this a-way
Now I'll let some freight train : *throw me in the sea*
Mmm Lord oh Lord oh : oh Lord oh Lord oh Lord
Now the woman I'm loving : she treat me like a mangy dog
Now look a-yonder sugar : where the rising sun done gone
I can't live over here mama : a long way from my home



Won't you tell me mama mama : what have I said *or done*
For you treat me : like my sugar just ain't *hard*


Mama mama mama : you sure can worry me
*I ain't seen* none of my best woman : since my old-time used-to-be
Now you see my rider now : I'll tell you what I'll do
I'll rob and steal : and I'll bring it home to you
See [how] the sun went down mama : left it so lonesome here
Mama this lonesome place : don't seem like home to me
Lord it's soon in the morning : going to believe I'll leaving here



Down so long : down don't worry me
Don't believe I'm sinking : believe what a hole I'm in
You don't believe I loved you : think what a fool I been
Went to the graveyard : fell down on my knees
I said Lord have mercy : on this lonesome place
Went to the graveyard : peeped in my rider's face
Says I love you rider Lord : just can't take your place
Thousands of people mmm : around the burying ground
Just to see the ??? : let my rider down
Felt so sorry mmm : till they let her down
Lord my heart felt sorry : tears come rolling down
Tell me mama : what's the matter now
Trying to quit your daddy Lord : and you don't know how
Tell me mama : on your worried mind
If I don't get no better mama : believe I'm going I'm going



I've been down so long : down don't worry me
Don't believe I'm sinking : believe what a hole I'm in
You don't believe I love you Lord : think what a fool I been
Went to the graveyard : fell down on my knees
Hollered Lord have mercy : on this lonesome place
Thousands of people : round the burying ground
Just to see the ??? : let my rider down
Felt so sorry : till they let her down


Lord my heart struck sorrow : tears come rolling down
Love you mama : till the sea go dry
Lord I love you rider Lord : till the day you die
Anybody ask you : who wrote this worried song
Tell them you don't know the writer : he'd rather had his happy song



Woke up this morning : mama was treating me night and day
I reached for my sugar : and the fool had stoled away
Worried now mama : but I shan't be very long
Mama this the way I be treated : be on the county farm
Wouldn't treat a dog : babe like you treat me
Woke up soon this morning : with my face up to the ground
I didn't have no sugar : not to pick up in my arms
Mama that's all right : sugar that's all right for you
Now you know you got me : just the way you do



Woman woman woman woman : Lord what in the world you trying to do
Baby the way you treat me : break my heart in two
I got a woman good little woman : she got coal-black curly hair
Now every time she smiles Lord : kindness everywhere
I got a woman good little woman : she ain't a thing but a *courtesy*
*Takes a* little redheaded woman : and I'll keep you company
Treat me like ??? little baby : want you turn me around and around
Babe when you love me : good Lord take me around and around
Now these blues blues ain't nothing : Lord but a doggone hungry feel
Got no money in your pocket : to get a decent meal
And I went went to the depot : Lord I read up on the board
Babe if you see me catch you there :
Now I got to send send down soon : for my old-time used-to-be
Lord I felt so hard : till the blues crept up on me



Hand me down my suitcase : *reach* my walking cane
*Know* my mother *treat me* : catch that morning train


Well I thought I'd write : but I believe I'll telephone
Now if you catch me stealing : please don't tell on me
Because I'm stealing : to my doggone used-to-be
I woke up this morning : had the blues all around my bed
I couldn't help but to think : about what my good gal said
Now I got a heart full of trouble : and a suitcase full of blues
I never seen no trouble : babe till I *stopped* with you
I'm going to leave here walking Lord : and talking to myself
I'm going to take my baby : or carry somebody else
It's hard it's hard : it's hard *to get out of this* town
*Get* another ??? :



Woke up this morning : couldn't even walk in my shoes
My baby just quit me : she left me with the bust up blues
When you see two women : running hand in hand for long
Bet your B V Ds : something is going on wrong
Bought you a yo-yo dress : *full packed in*
Now that's the thanks you give me : you left me with those bust up blues




Have you woke up in the morning : *you weep and moan*
Your best girl quit you : left you all alone
Got a brownskin woman : just about as I need
And the reason I say so : she so sweet to me
When she rub my head : she make my fever rise
When she rub my ??? : she's improved my appetite
Now I had me a woman : didn't mean me no good
Now I got me another woman : best in the neighborhood




You scold me faro now : drove all from your door
Well the Good Book say : you got to reap just what you sow
There was ice and snow now : laying outside your door
Your good old man rolled for you : at times when he was not able to go
I can't sleep for dreaming now : I can't stay woke for crying


I was thinking about : that little old brown of mine
Now I'm worried now : but I won't be worried long
It takes a worried woman now : sing a worried song
Now you got a bad husband now : baby that'll be all right
Said I'll dodge your husband : like a rabbit dodge a dog at night
I'll be so glad : when my buddy dead and gone
Know my buddy got something now : Lord I'd like to own



I'm going to give my baby : no more cherry ball
Don't you let her get drunk Lord : and she'll *lower* her
She used to be mine : but look who's got her now
Well he sure can't keep her : she don't mean no good nohow
You see me coming now : put your man outdoors
You know I ain't no stranger baby : I been here before
Sun rose this morning : I was laying out on my floor
No sweet woman to love me : I didn't have no place to go
Said the sun going down now : black dark caught me here
Ain't got nobody to love me : nobody to feel my care



She wouldn't if she could : and she wouldn't do it at all
Grab another man : and went across the hall
Grabbed my gal : around the waist
Told me you better hurry : and you better make haste
Run around the house : took me a peep through the crack
See my baby : at a dirty act
Just as well : make it up in your mind
Ain't mush *chitlin* : but stir it in the house



Worked all the summer : and all the fall
Now I've got to take Christmas now : in my overalls
Going up the country : won't be back till fall
Times get no better : I won't be back at all
You treat me : like didn't know my name
You mistreated me now : for another man


My baby quit me : didn't say a word
Was on account : of something that she heard
When I had money : I had a friend
Ain't got no money : I ain't ain't got no friend
Take one more drink : make me tell it all
Somebody : stole my little all-in-all




Because Adam said to Eve : *you been cute so cute*
You wouldn't give me none : of that forbidden fruit
They had one is named Cabel : one is named Ain
You know by that : they must have shook that thing



Everybody here baby : seem to have a jolly time
Lord there nobody knows : what's on my troubled mind
Lord but I may be the youngest : Lord take my advice
And don't never let : the same woman quit you twice
Don't let your woman know you love her : you do you have done wrong
She'll *commence* ??? : pack up her clothes and gone
When you catch you a freight train baby : bounded for Santa Fe
That's when I done found out baby : this ain't no place for me
Because I did everything mama : tried to make you kind
Now seem everything everything you do : it is to worry my mind



Sometimes I wonder : I want to go back home
Because my baby : have left me all alone
The clothes look lonesome : hanging out on the line
You can tell by that : I've got rambling on my mind
And I said Lord : baby don't act that way
Baby when I leave you : I'm going away to stay
I said Lord : what you want me to do
I took all my money : and I brought it home to you





Lord it's early this morning : Lord about four o'clock
There was something in my bedroom : began to reel and rock
Lord have you ever been accused baby : [when you] ain't done nothing wrong
Lord that's a heart filled with squalor: Lord just sure as you born
Lord but you can't be [mine, my baby] : and someone else's too
There can no one get you baby : Lord until I get through
Oh you can always tell : when a when a woman loves a man
Lord she'll take bad treatment : and she'll do the best thing she can



Lord when I got up this morning : snow was on my windowpane
I couldn't even see my baby : couldn't even hear her name
Lord and my baby is leaving : crying won't make her stay
Lord if crying would do : now I'd cry myself away
Lord and my room looked so lonesome : since my baby been gone
Lord I ain't got nobody : that I can call my own
Baby but you didn't come to see me : mama when I had felt alone
*If it had been love with you* baby : I wouldn't have been dead and gone
And you a no-good woman : you don't mean a man no good
Lord and if I don't love you : I would not if I could




I long to hear that : old guitar rag
Whenever I hear it : I do that guitar drag
Play that thing : old guitar for me
Take me back : to my home in Tennessee




Now some folks say : that love is blind
But I'm one gal : who knows her mind
Now one hot papa : is enough
Because I don't believe : in that two-time stuff






Early one morning : just about four o'clock
When the old Titanic : begin to reel and rock
Smith took his glasses : and walked out to the front
And he spied the iceberg a-coming : oh Lord had to bump
Some was drinking : some was playing cards
Some was in the corner : praying to their God
Little children cried mama : mama what shall we do
Captain Smith said children : I'll take care of you
Titanic sinking : in the deep blue sea
And the band all playing : Nearer My God to Thee



If you want to hear : preacher curse
Take his bread sweet mama : and save him the crust
Preacher in the pulpit : Bible in his hand
Sister in the corner : crying there's my man
Preacher comes to your house : you ask him to rest his hat
Next thing he want to know : sister where your husband at
Come in here elder : and shut my door
Want you to preach [for me] the same text : you did night before
See that preacher : walking down the street
Fixing to meddle : with every sister he meets
Preacher preacher : you nice and kind
Better not catch you : at that house of mine



Jellyroll keep working : just about Sixteenth Street
Well they got a nut factory : where the women do meet
Got a nut factory : where they work so hard
Well it's all over the country : husbands ain't got no job
Saturday evening : when they draw their pay
Well they don't draw nothing : if husbands don't draw them away
Some draw checks babe : some draw nothing at all
When they don't draw nothing : their husbands bust them in the jaw
Down on Franklin Avenue : jellybeans standing to and fro
Well you hear one jellybean ask the other one : which way did the good girl go





Skin man's hollering : passing right by my door
Well he's hollering skin : everywhere he goes
Some begs a nickel : some some begs a dime
Some begs the jelly : to that teasing brown of mine
Well it's skins oh skins : skin skin skin skin
I'm going away old skin : but I'm coming back again
Let me tell you : what the skin mens'll do
Well they sell your wife skins : and take her away from you




Times ain't now : nothing like they used to be
And I'm tell you all the truth : ooh take it for me
I done seen better days : but I'm putting up with these
I could have a much better time : but these girls now is so hard to please
Because I was born in the country : she thinks I'm easy to rule
She tried to hitch me to a wagon : she want to drive me like a mule
You know I bought the groceries : and I paid the rent
She tried to make me wash her clothes : but I got good common sense
I said if you don't want me : why don't you tell me so
Because it ain't like a man : that ain't got nowhere to go
I'll give you sugar for sugar : let you get salt for salt
And if you can't get along with me : well it's you own fault
Now wanted me to love you : and you treated me mean
You might *give a thought* : on my nightly dream
Sometime I think : that you too sweet to die
Then another time I think : you ought to be buried alive




Now when I leave here : I'm going to catch that M and O
I'm going way down south : where I ain't never been before
Once I had a notion : Lord and I believe I will
I'm going to build me a mansion : out on Decatur Hill
Now it's all of you men : ought to be ashamed of yourself
Going around here swearing before God : you got a poor woman by yourself
I started to kill my woman : till she laid down across the bed
And she looked so ambitious : till I took back everything I said
And I asked her how about it : Lord and she said all right
But she never showed up : at the shack last night





Can't tell my future : and I can't tell my past
Lord it seems like every minute : sure going to be my last
Oh a minute seems like hours : and hour seems like days
And it seems like my woman : ought to stop her lowdown ways
Oh that woman I love now : she's five feet from the ground
And she's tailor-made : and ain't no hand-me-down
I say that I've got a woman : Lord and she lightning when she smiles
Five feet and four inches : and she's just good hugging size
I know you see that picture : now up on your mother's shelf
Well you know by that : I'm getting tired of sleeping by myself
And it's T for Texas now : and it's T for Tennessee
Lord bless that woman : that put that thing on me




I'm having so much trouble : with those tooth ache blues
It's got me floor-walking : and wearing out my shoes
I need a quick-filling dentist : because I'm mean and cross
At night I'm hot with fever : and I just roll and toss
When I went to my dentist : he put me in his chair
It's a long pointed sharp something : don't make me pull my hair
He shot a burning something : into my cavity
Cocaine or soothing liquid : to ease my pain for me



I told him : he was grinding into my roots too deep
Sure was a rough old dentist : he made me moan and weep
He kept right on *a-progging* : until I lost my head
Right now I can't remember : the many things he did
And when he lay me way back : my senses left me fast
Before I hardly knew it : he flooded me with gas
I woke up weak and dizzy : he told me that I would
But all my pain had left me : he really done me good






Three pickaninnies : eating sugar-cane
Each one turned to the other : and said
*Must have made it good* : chicken in a pot
*Butter like melting* : on the front
Like a lollipop : with sugar tip
Wild about : my baby's lips
Grandma baked grandpa : some jellyroll
Ate it : and *said oh oh* my soul
*Went to my gal* : *on a Saturday night*
*Dinner* : suits her appetite
The blackest berry : the sweetest juice
*Black hair* : *for my prejudice*



Martha's sitting : on up that fence
Yowling : like she didn't have no sense
Blackbird cheeping : in a tree
Said to the redbird : skeedle-um-skee
Aunt Louise : she bought blue goose cheese
When she start shaking : it's *long loose please*
White little June bug : big fat duck
Come on ducky : let us try our luck
Jenny Mae : brother Sam
If you want to be : a good-time man
The night I saw : little Mickey Mouse
Sashaying : all around the house




Say excuse me mama : I don't mean no harm
Just come here : to sing this little song
Say my brown's got a wrist watch : and I got a ring
Bought that jewel : just tapping that thing
I been down in Memphis : been down in New Orleans
The way we tap it : boys it's most *obscene*
Now I bought a brand new car : it really wouldn't quit
I gave it to my baby : like to had a fit
Now look here baby : always having *soup*
*Got no rest : over my dead loot*





I got a house : way up on the hill
I got potatoes : and *they want*
I've got a patch : sitting in the back
??? *potatoes* : and it's tight like that
People in the kitchen : trying to
I've got potatoes :
I don't need no wife : don't need no home
Hang my potatoes : in a little brown
Potatoes on the simmer : potatoes on the boil
I've got potatoes : boys it won't stop at all
??? good as ??? : ??? good as
I've got potatoes : Lord they ought to



Oh tell me baby : where did you stay last night
For you come in this morning : sun was shining bright
Oh the black cat told the white one : let's go across town and clown
And the white cat told the black one : you better set your black self down
Tell me baby : where did you get your sugar from
I haven't had no boodle-bum : since you been gone
Now it was old lady *Diana* : was sitting on the rock
Along flew a bumblebee : and raised a great big knot
Tell me bumblebee : when did you fly from home
Oh you ain't done no stinging : on the boodie-bum
You know the baby kitten jumped up : oh and began to wine
You know he didn't know the racket : but he had the same thing on his mind
Tell me baby sister : where did you get your sugar from
Oh you don't know the racket : you ought to go back home
Oh tell me mama : what's the matter now
You don't know how to boodle-bum-bum : I know you didn't do it nohow




I didn't *roll in here* : *till Lord sometime* last night
I had to *ask* ??? : ??? *today*
I think I'll ramble : *rambling* on my mind


I ain't got no right to leave : ain't got no right to change my mind
Oh did you dream lucky : and wake up cold in hand
And you want to see some good gal : ain't got no man
Sometime I think I will : then I think that I won't
Sometime I think that I love her : then I think that I don't
Some screaming high yellow : I scream black or brown
For high yellow may mistreat you : but black won't turn you down
Mama I got a notion : honey and I believe I will
Catch a long jumping Judy : go on across the hill



Now I woke up this morning mama : blues all around my bed
Thinking about the kinds words : that my mama had said
Now my mama's dead : so is my daddy too
That's the reason I tried to hard : to get along with you
Now where there ain't no loving : ain't no getting along
Because you'll have more trouble : honey than all the day is long
So many days : I stoled away and cried
Poor boy has been mistreated : now I can't be satisfied
Now I'm going to write a letter : mail it in the air
Because the March wind blows : it blows news everywhere
Because I'm going up the country : won't be very long
Good gal : you can count the days I'm gone
I often tell my honey : don't have to fight
The gal that gets you : has got to try to treat you right
I'm crazy about my Jane : tell the world that I am
Because I'm going : got to sing long-distance blues
Now you get way back : you get to ball the jack
You begin to fuss : and get your rider back
I want to see my Jane : tell the world that I do
Because I'm going I'm going : to sing long-distance blues



I woke up this morning : blues all around my bed
Thinking about that wire : that my brown had sent
Lord I'm poor boy here : long ways from home
Ain't got nowhere : not to lay my head
Cold frosty ground : was my bed last night
Thinking about the wire : that my baby had sent


But my mama told me : Sam come down fast
Whiskey and women : will bother your learning bad
Now my mama dead : so is my daddy too
*Should I caught the wire* : trying to get along with you
So many days : I stoled away and cried
Poor boy's in the streets : can't be satisfied
Going write a letter : mailed it in the air
*Mail it by the window : love yous* everywhere
Lord Lord : ain't going to moan no more



If you wants your man : keep him out of Birmingham
Because the red-hot mama : drives your dollar down
I thought I'd send her : *but I'd leave it* at home
*Oh she showed a lot of farmers : boys how to right from wrong*
If you want your brown : better stay aside
I said on that train : you gone off of my mind
My road seem rocky : so the people do say
But I'm a ??? driver : lucky to find my way
Hot mama : sit down on my knee
*I got to walk them down the city : how you got it up for me*
*I said being in Alabama : meanest place I know
Because I'm going up the country : mama how bad *I feel*




Lord that Harlem goat mama : sure was feeling fine
*I went ??? search light* : up and down that long line
Now she grabbed that stick : and she broke that Harlem's back
And she tied old Harlem : to the railroad track
Lord the fast mail train : honey was coach and nine
And that Harlem goat : she was serving time
Lord *he gave her a shirt : it was a shirt of pink*
He caught that red shirt mama : trying to flag a train
He said when I die : don't bury me at all
Just pickle my body : up in alcohol
Lord I love my goat : better than I love myself
I'm going to kill my goat : I'm going kill somebody else
Lord it was early in the morning : about the break of day


With my head on a pillow : where my goat Lord used to lay



Old Timbrook was a black horse : black as any crow
Had a white ring around his forepaw : white as any snow
Yes old Timbrook he come darting : like a bullet from a gun
And old Molly she come creeping : like a criminal to be hung
Johnny Walker Johnny Walker : Johnny Walker my dear son
Hold tight rein on Timbrook : so that horse can run
Oh the cuckoo was a fine bird : hollers when he fly
But he never hollers cuckoo : till the fourth day of July
Oh the race track it was dusty : and the wind was high
Well you couldn't see old Timbrook : as he come darting by
Oh the children they did holler : and the old folks squalled
But old Timbrook he beat Molly : to the hole in the wall
I love my race horse : likes to have my fun
Old Mrs went to the race track : and lost all her mon'




Told me late last fall : you never had no man at all
Well you got more men : than a two-ton truck can haul
Told me to my face : that a good man in my place
Told me it was early last spring : when the birds began to sing
Well it's the last chance : kid to be around here with me
I told you early last June : when the flowers began to bloom
You can't do no better : another good girl can take your room
Go and heist your window : let your curtain down
Well you can't tell : there may be some joker around
Go and put on your nightgown : baby let's we go lie down
Well it's the last chance : shaking in bed with you



Well a short-legged mama : trying to carry your daddy by
Said I want to let you know : I growed most too high
When you see your rider : out in the road
Said she's telling all her friends : that's a nineteen thirty Ford
Now she doing things : that you don't never know
Oh stop and listen : at the *one-note* how she blow
Said you sell anyone parts : make the motor go
Walk with my good girl in the daytime : walk with her at night
Said I taught my kitchen *teller* : how to treat a good man right
Way you doing me mama : says its out of sight
Said anything a kid-man do : well it bes all right
I'm going to *jack* me a picket : from my yard back fence
I'm going to start a-whooping : learn the good girl some sense
Well I do and I do : do and I do love you
Said *nothing funny* : in a state about you




A lot of these women: too lazy to put up with none of good man's dirt
But they ain't too lazy : to count his money Saturday night
I know a lazy woman : put ten dollars in a telephone
Just to tell her sweet man : her monkey-man is out and gone
When a woman's too lazy : to try and bake an apple pie
She's too lazy to live : and she's too darn lazy to die
I know you lazy women are going to *pan me* : when you hear this song
But the truth *is* ??? : and I surely have to carry it on



Lonesome lovesick blues will make you feel so lonely : when you're left all alone
Dying for some loving : and the one you love has gone
Deep down in my heart : I'm feeling blue
Lonesome and lovesick : baby just for you
When I'm alone : I moan the whole night through
I want some loving : no one but you will do
My heart is aching : breaking for some news
My heart is aching : gee I'm all confused




I said dices oh dices : please don't you three on me


I'm just as broke and hungry : as any gambler can be
My buddy played the jack : when he give me that hard-luck queen
He was one of the luckiest at cards : that a gambler have ever seen
Jack of diamonds jack of diamonds : will turn your money green
It's the luckiest card : that a gambler have ever seen
I went to gamble in Cuba : I went to gamble in Spain
Say my woman told me last night : she did not want no gambling man
I said run here baby : sit on your daddy's knee
Say I just want to show you honey : just what gambling have done for me



Get me a shotgun : and use it in the woods
I would fix you this way : that you wouldn't do no man no good
Started to kill her : and she fell down on my bed
Before *ten* this morning : you had me talking out my head
Don't the moon look pretty : shining down from that willow tree
I can see my baby : and she can't see me
Some of these menfolks : look just like my sure-to-be
If you mistreat my woman : I'm going to make you jump in the deep blue sea
Say run here woman : and see what you done done
You done started me to loving you : and now your other man done come



Well I'm going to Detroit : get myself a job
I'm tired of laying around here : working on the starvation farm
Yeah I'm going down there and get me a job : working in Mr Ford's place
Say that woman told me last night : that you cannot even stand Mr Ford's ways
Say I got me a little [low, bitty] woman : five [foot, feet] from the ground
She five foot standing : and she four feet lying down
Say I know my dog : baby if I hear him bark
And I know my woman : if I feel her in the dark
Say you better stop your woman : from smiling in my face
Woman if you keep on a-smiling : I'm sure going to take your place




One of these mornings : it won't be long
You going to look for me baby : and I will be gone


Lord I'm going to leave here walking : Lord I'm going away
But I may be back to see you : one cold rainy day
She tried to make me think : she is true to me
But she just as crooked : as she can be
I spent her money : she spent mine
She used to spend my dollars : just like she spent my dimes
That's all right : *bad luck pass on*
I'd love to go home any time : and catch another mule in my stall
I don't want no woman : that wears a number nine
I wake up in the morning : I can't tell her shoes from mine




Every night : I wander all by myself
Thinking about the woman I love : loving someone else
Boo hoo : I just can't keep from crying
I'm worried about my baby : she's on my mind
Sometimes I wonder : do she think of me
And again I wonder : if I will ever be free
I'm telling all you women : what's on my mind
I never loved one woman : no more at a time
Boo hoo : I wring my hands and cry
I'm thinking about the loving : that I let go by
Since you been gone baby : I haven't been a bit of good
Because I never get the loving : that I really should



My baby ain't good-looking : and she don't dress fine
But she gives me money : all of the time
She goes out at night : just like she's on wheels
And then I know : she's going out to rob and steal
I lay in my bed : my baby brings me my meals
What good is a woman : if she don't rob and steal
I used to live with a woman : they called her *Tilty Til*
I soon got rid of her : she couldn't rob and steal
I know : how you hungry hustlers feel
Your woman don't know how to rob : she is too doggone scared to steal






Been a poor boy : a long way from home
??? : no money to bear my fine
Lord I guess : I'll have to catch that *Frisco out*
And if that don't do : I'm going to try the woods awhile
I cried hello Central : give me your long-distance phone
I cried please ma'am : give me thirteen forty-nine



Well I'm going downtown baby : won't be gone so long
Say I'm tired and worried : about to sing this song
And I stay at home baby : you don't treat me right
The best time I have girl : when you's out of my sight
Said give me back the wig I bought you : let your head go bald
But when I first met you babe : you didn't have no hair at all



I went downtown : didn't mean no harm
Police grabbed me : right by my arm
Soon I began to kick : I began to rear
They like to throw *me* : in the air
Now ??? : was in the stand
Had them law books : in his hand
*Evil Bridges* : and Moses Brown
Am going across the street ??? : going to town



I said hey mama : I'll give you your last chance
You do the world a service : but you want to wear my pants
I said hey : what's the matter now
You just a trifling woman : don't mean me no good nohow


I give you my money : but that don't do no good
I begun ??? *to worry* : that's just what I should




Nobody knows old Naptown : baby like I do
If you will stop and listen : I will tell you a thing or two
When you get lonesome : and want to have some fun
You just grab a train : and try old Naptown some
When you get to Naptown : the blues won't last very long
Because they have their pleasure : and they sure do carry on
I would rather be in Naptown : than any place I know
I can get me a ticket : and stop by the *Walter* show
I'm going back to Naptown : baby don't you want to go
Because there ain't nobody : knows old Naptown like I know



Woke up my baby : come my love
Unlock the door : the sky's above
Are leaking : on your bed
Papa's in the rain : getting all wet
Getting all wet : getting all wet
And if I die : you will regret
Papa had : no place to go
You got a nice warm room : and so
Share it with papa : don't forget
Papa's in the rain : getting all wet
This rain ain't healthy : I've been told
Hear me cough : catching cold
Ain't no telling : what I'll get
Papa's in the rain : getting all wet
Papa's got : no coat at all
You got a raincoat : in your hall
This suit I told you : was too small
You nappy head : you knew it all
It lets me stand : but I can't sit
Papa's in the rain : getting all wet
Papa must eat : or he will die
You got pork chops: you got pie
Graveyard : is such a lonely place


Don't want dirt : thrown in my face
Pity old papa : and don't forget
Papa's in the rain : getting all wet



Mama's baking cookies : out in the kitchen
Papa smells the cookies : and his nose starts to itching
Papa tried to steal one : like he did before
But mama's got the lock : on the kitchen door
Papa says to mama : come a little closer
Mama looks at papa : says oh oh no sir
Papa turns around : starts to go away
Comes right back : when she hear him say
Papa says to mama : you a real nice-looker
You turn on the heat : like a fireless cooker
Come a little closer : in your papa's arms
Another little kiss : wouldn't do us any harm
Papa comes home : when his work is over
Mama says to papa : you sure ain't clover
Guess what I cooked : for you today
Mama just smiles : when she hear papa say



Went to the station : to get me a train
Going to climb on board : and ride again
Just climb aboard : and ride around
I might get off : at Memphis town
Shovel in the coal : see the wheels go around
Everybody's going : down to Memphis town
I said conductor : where the trains all going
I want to go see : that gal of mine
He answered me : with a railroad frown
All trains going : to Memphis town
I said what's doing : down old Memphis way
The trains all going : there today
The trainman said : there's a jubilee
And Memphis is town : that's only place for me
I said to the station man : where's my train
He said I never knowed : you own the train


I said you better answer : or I'll smack you down
He said all trains going : to Memphis town
Goodbye folks : I'm on my way
See you : on some other day
Got my ticket : here's my train
Going down to Memphis : see my gal again



I'd rather be sloppy drunk : than anything I know
And another half a pint : mama will see me go
I love my moonshine whiskey : better than a filly loves her mare
You can take your pretty bucks : give me my cool kind can
I'd rather be sloppy drunk : sitting in the can
Than to be out in the streets : running from the man
Mmm : bring me another two-bit pint
Because I got my habits on : and I'm going to wreck this joint
My gal trying quit me : for somebody else
Now I'm sloppy drunk mama : sleeping all by myself



I'm a 'fore-day rider mama : riding all night long
Anywhere I come mama : I sing my worried song
Now I'm going to leave you mama : we can't get along
Going to let you go mama : and sing my worried song
I won't carry nobody mama : I'm riding by myself
Because the 'fore-day blues : don't worry nobody else
And I rode to make you happy baby : rode all night and day
You brought me these blues mama : seems like they're going to stay



Did you ever go down : on the Mobile and K C line
I just want to ask you : did you ever see that girl of mine
I rode the Central : and I hustled the L and N
The Alabama women : they live like section men
Don't cry baby : your papa will be home some day
I've been away baby : but I did not go to stay
Don't the clouds look lonesome : across the deep blue sea


Don't my gal look good : when she's coming after me



I ain't going to be : your lowdown dog no more
You don't want me baby : down the road I'll go
Now I work hard mama : and I brought you home my pay
You say you ain't going to miss me : when I'm gone away
Ooo : ooo wee
It's a lowdown shame : the way you treat poor me
My home ain't here : I ain't compelled to stay
It's your time now : but it'll be mine some sweet day
And I ain't going to be : your lowdown dog no more
The train is at the station : my mind's made up to go



I'm going to the country : put my watch in pawn
I don't want it to tell me : that you've been gone
I had some tough luck lately : I got locked up in jail
I sat and called you baby : to come and go my bail
I'm going down to Georgia : then up to Tennessee
So look me over baby : this is the last you'll see of me
The last time I tried to love you : you were so very cold
I thought that I was standing : holding the North Pole
I can look and see the greenback : growing on that hill
But I ain't seen the greenback : on a dollar bill
I haven't any money : for a ticket on the train
But I will ride the rods baby : to be with you again



I come to your house : and knock upon your door
You had the nerve to tell me : you didn't want me no more
After all I've done : what more can I do
I gave you my love : and tried to get along with you
I fed you when you were hungry : took you in when you was outdoors
I give you my money : and even bought your clothes
I tried to treat you right : you would not pay that no mind
There ain't no more I can do : there ain't no needs in trying


I know you won't miss me : after I am gone
But always remember : that you treated your daddy wrong
Now I'm going to leave you : and do the best I can
Because you don't want me : there must be some other man



I saw your mama : in Kansas City
The way she was looking : was a doggone pity
Feet on the ground : clothes wasn't clean
Dirtiest old stuff : I ever seen
Now I got a gal : she is big as a bull
She never stops drinking : till her belly gets full
Gets full of liquor : and tries to sing
Tight like that : and shake that thing
I ask her about it : she said before long
Let's get together : because your water's on
Let's get started : be long gone
Let's get together : what you waiting on
I saw you mama : way last spring
Eyeballs shining : like a diamond ring
Staggered down the street : hollering and a-fussing
I tried to stop her : and I got a good cussing
I saw your mama : your papa too
What they was doing : just won't do
I slipped up on them : and took one look
What they was doing : wasn't in the book
If you want some loving : you want it cheap
Go down on Ellsworth : about the middle of the week
Show them girls a quarter : they won't let you go
It's four or five times : and then some more



About four this morning : blues come in my door
Please Mr blues : don't come here no more
I keep the blues all night : and the whole day through
I'm so full of blues : I don't know what to do
Well something has got to be done : to get these blues off my mind
I believe I'll get drunk : and stay drunk all the time
Well I'm going to leave you : I ain't going to sing no more


Because I'm full of blue : and I have got to go



In the wee midnight hours : long before the break of day
When the blues creep up on you : and carry your mind away
While I lay in my bed : and cannot go to sleep
While my heart's in trouble : and my mind is thinking deep
My mind was running : back to days of long ago
And the one I love : I don't see her anymore
Blues why do you worry me : why do you stay so long
You come to me yesterday : been with me all night long
I've been so worried : I didn't know what to do
So I guess that's why : I've had these midnight hour blues



You're a mean mistreating mama : and you don't mean me no good
And I don't blame you baby : I'd be the same way if I could
You say you're going to leave me : well you say you going away
That's all right baby : maybe you'll come back home some day
Now you're a mean mistreater : and you mistreats me all the time
Now I tried to love you : swear but you won't pay that no mind
Can you remember mama : in the morning I knocked upon your door
You had the nerve to tell me : that you didn't want me no more
Ain't it lonesome : sleeping all by yourself
When the one that you love : is loving someone else



Hurry down sunshine : see what tomorrow brings
May bring drops of sorrow : and it may bring drops of rain
Now I love my baby : but [she, my baby] don't love me
When I get in trouble : she is the last one that I see
Going down on the bottom : back to the Lone Star State
Stand back pretty mama : I don't want you to make me wait
So long people and sweethearts : I'll soon be on my way
Now I'm leaving this lonesome old town : now I may come back some day
Now I never got worried : until the fireman rang his bell
Two keen long whistles : bid me long farewell





Now I love my good corn liquor : and I really mean I do
Now I don't care who knows it : and I really mean that too
Now I've been drinking my good corn liquor : I mean don't no one get rough
Now I try to treat everybody right : but I mean don't start no stuff
Give me another half a pint : [and, then] maybe I'll go home
The reason why I'm getting drunk today : I swear my baby's gone
Some folks like their alcohol : but give me my corn *I believe* all the time
Reason why I love it so well : it's so soothing to my mind
So give me some more corn liquor : if I get drunk [just please, please just] take me home
I ain't going to bother nobody : just let the good times baby roll on



Nights so lonesome : and the days so long
Ain't had no loving : since you been gone
If you see my baby : tell her to hurry home
Ain't had no mmm : since she has been gone
You put the puppies on my mama : you drove me crazy too
You done made me love you : what can I do
Won't you tell my baby : to hurry back to me
She's got the best old mmm : I ever did see
Won't you tell my baby : to hurry back to me
She got the best old loving : that I ever did see
You can pull your dress babe : up above your knees
You can strut your stuff babe : but don't mess with me
You going to leave me you going to leave me : you going to leave me blue
I want some of your loving : don't care what you do



Now I've got a girl : she lives down in in Shady Lane
I love that girl : but I'm scared to call her name
It's going to be one of these mornings : swear and it won't be long
I'm going to catch the first thing smoking : and down the road I'm going
Where I long ain't here baby : it's way out in the west
In the Smoky Mountains : where the eagle builds his nest
Did you ever love a girl : a girl you hate to lose


Don't lose your temper : when you've been drinking booze



I had the blues before sunrise : with tears standing in my eyes
It's such a miserable feeling : a feeling I do despise
Seems like everybody : everybody's down on me
I'm going to cast my troubles : down in the deep blue sea
Today have been : such a long old lonesome day
I've been sitting here thinking : with my mind a million miles away
Blues starts a-rolling : and it stops at my front door
I'm going to change my way of living : ain't going to worry no more
Now I love my baby : but my baby won't behave
I'm going to buy me a hard-shooting pistol : and put her in her grave



Believe I'll take me a walk : around the corner by myself
And if I can't find my baby : I don't want nobody else
She went out last night : and she didn't even say goodbye
How come she left me : Lord I really don't know why
Now I'm going out this morning : my forty-five in my hand
Now I'm going to kill my woman : for loving another man
Then I'm going to the judge : and I'm going to fall down on my knees
Ask him please fair judge : have mercy on me please
Judge I done killed my woman : because she treated me so unkind
Treated me so unkind : till I swear I lost my mind
Well it's please please please : don't send me to the electric chair
Just give me my time : and I'll try to do it anywhere
When I'm dead and gone : and six feet in the ground
You can only say : there's a good man has gone down
Oh it looks mighty cloudy : and I believe it's going to rain
I just love to hear : my baby call my name



Now I woke up this morning : my woman was standing over me
She had a big forty-five : and she was mad as she could be
Now I prayed to my baby : and to the Lord above
Now I said honey please don't shoot me : baby you the only woman I love


She seen me with a woman : standing at her front gate
Now I tried my best to dodge her : but I was just a little too late
Now and it's please please please darling : honey please don't take my life
Because you got me all wrong baby : honey that was another man's wife



No need to ask me : why I'm packing my clothes
I'm going to leave you mama : and I really don't care who knows
Now I used to love you : but now I'm getting tired of your kind
I'm going down south : just to see what I can find
Now I may miss you : but I don't think I will
I'm going to get me a new woman : to love me till I get my fill
You mistreated me mama : you would not treat me nice and sweet
So I'm going down south : shake this dust of this town off my feet



My woman so lowdown : she barrelhouse all the time
She's low and squatty : but I love that girl of mine
When she gets up in the morning : she starts to drink her corn
Every time I think of that woman : I wished I had never been born
She struts around all day : she barrelhouses the whole night through
But when she loves me : I forget that I ever was blue
I wish that I could cure : her barrelhousing ways
And is I stay with her : I'll barrelhouse some day myself
Now I love my woman : swear that she won't act right
Gets her head full of whiskey : and wants to start a fight



Well this barrelhouse woman : what makes you so mean
Well you the meanest old woman : baby that I ever seen
You stay drunk all night : and the whole day long
Sometimes I begin to wonder : what in the world is going on wrong
Now I've told you once : ain't going to tell you no more
Now the next time you get drunk : right out my door you'll go
Now I'm going to get real mean baby : I swear I won't act right
Next time I catch you drunk : baby we going to have a fight
I don't want no barrelhouse woman : messing around with me


If you got to get drunk baby : mama please just let me be



Now I believe : I believe I'll go back home
Because this life I'm living : won't let me stay here long
His wife is gone : but she was all right with me
He would give her ninety-four dollars : and she would give me ninety-three
I believe : I believe I'll make a change
Going to turn off this gas stove : I'm bound for a brand new range



Come on boy : let's go down on Tenth Street
Some of the prettiest women down there : that you ever did meet
Now down on Smith Street : where you get your rocking rye
Boy that's what I'm talking about : and I ain't talking no lie
Now I'm got a gal : she's so sweet
Sweetest little gal : that I ever did meet
Every time I see my woman : walking down the street
Boy great big legs : and that little bitty feet
Now give me whiskey : you can give him gin
I'm going away baby : but I'll be back again
Now down on Tenth Street : boy it's a terrible mess
Boy we can have more fun down there : than any place I guess
Now I like my bucketful of beer : and I like my gin
Boy I ain't coming back here no more : with a *very win*
You hear me talking to you : you hear me talking fast
Boy you liable to slip up : and fall on your yas yas yas



Big Four blowed this morning : at the break of day
And it sounds so lonesome : because it taken my baby away
Big Four Big Four : won't you please turn your train around
Because here I sit all down and out : with my head hung down
I tried to be as good to that woman : as one man could be
And I mean it's a shame : the way she went and left poor me
Yes I'm down and out : ain't got no money to ride no train
But I'm going to find my good gal : and bring her back home again


Please Mr brakeman : won't you let a poor man ride your blinds
I'm just trying to make it : back to that gal who is worrying my mind



I'm a hard-hearted papa : there's nothing pleases me
I've had to be good long enough : now I'm going to be mean as I can be
I don't even like what I drink : my food don't taste right at all
And a lowdown no-good woman : is the cause of it all
When I tried to be soft and easy : people would not let me be
Now I'm just as mean and hateful : swear as I can be
I spent all of my money : showing my friends a great big time
Now they laugh and grin at me : because I ain't got a lousy dime
So I'm a hard-hearted papa : I've done changed my ways
And I think they will stay changed : for the rest of my days



You left me crying baby : please come back to me
And you know I've done all baby : I've been as good as I could be
Why did you go : and leave me cold in hand
I know what it's all about : it was on account of your other man
Now I can't sleep at night : there's rocks all in my bed
Because I ain't got you pretty mama : to hold my aching head
I'm going to buy me a shiny pistol : I'm coming after you
I ain't going to let you : treat me just like you do
So watch your step mama : you know what you've done
If you don't come back to me : hot spring water won't help you none



Minutes seem like hours : and hours seem like years
Since I've had these blues : I just can't keep from shedding tears
I'm going to tell everybody : what my good gal done to me one day
She put me out and broke my heart : just to pass the time away
Now I ain't got no money : and I ain't got nowhere to stay
But that's all right baby : if you want to turn me away
You know I work hard baby : and I brung you home my check
Now I ain't never loved no woman : like I loved you yet



You evil-hearted woman : you got a heart like a stone
You don't mean me no good : so I leave you alone
You used to be sweet : but you ain't sweet no more
You want to leave me alone : and stay away from my door
You're just like a rattler : you always ready to bite
So I'm going to get me a good woman : who will treat me right
Yes you're evil : just as evil as you can be
I don't want you to cook for me no more : because you might poison me
So be on your way evil-hearted woman : and stay away from my door
I done took your foolishness long enough : and I don't want you no more



Women if you got a good man : give him three good meals every day
If you don't : some other woman is going to tow your man away
I've got so many women : that I don't care when one dies
I don't even weep : I don't even cry
Some men crave high yellow : but give me black or brown
Because I can't tell the difference : when the sun goes down
Blacker the berry : sweeter is the juice
I got a good black woman : and I ain't going to turn her loose
They say black is evil : and they don't mean you no good
But I would not quit my black woman : baby if I could
I've got a good black gal : I've got a good black gal
She's my buddy : and I swear she is my pal



Whiskey is my habit : good women is all I crave
And I don't believe in two things : will carry me to my grave
I'm going to Louisiana : where I can drink and have my fun
I can't stay here much longer : because my time has just about come
When you see me leaving baby : don't you wear no black
You see your loving daddy : walking down some lonesome railroad track
When I was a hustler : I'm in my prime
I would drink good whiskey : and gamble all the time





She ain't good-looking : but the good gal do go clean
And I'm crazy about my baby : though she is so mean
My gal got arrested : and they put her in the county jail
They fined her eleven twenty-nine : and they even allowed her no bail
Now I'm going to see that judge : and talk to him myself
Tell him that he sent my gal to the county road : and left me by myself
Now I never felt so sorry : till the people walked down the lane
And my heart struck sorrow : when they called my good gal's name
And I heard the jailor say hello : prisoners all fall in line
I'm also talking about that long-chain woman : that got eleven twenty-nine
I've got the blues so bad : that I just can't rest
I'm going to ask that jailor : can I do my good gal's time myself



Now you got me grieving mama : over nobody else but you
Yes you got me grieving mama : I really mean that's true
I'm not going to worry : in my life no more
If you want to leave me : you can go
Now you got me grieving mama : over nobody else but you
Yes you got me grieving mama : I love no one else but you
I woke up this morning : didn't find you there
Wondering what man : had his hand running down through your hair down there
But I'm not going to cry : I'm not going to sigh
You going to leave me : bye bye bye



She's got a bed in her bedroom : it shines like a morning star
When it starts to rocking : it looks just like a Cadillac car
Baby baby baby : you had better get your back yard cleaned
Because you *better* cook the best old corn bread : a poor man ever seen
Get your red ripe tomato : and your T-bone steak
And if you fix it like I like it : I will get you a new V-Eight
I like it early in the morning : I've got to have it late at night
I don't want you to fix it : if you don't fix it right
I smell your cabbage burning : baby turn your good bread around
Because in your kitchen baby : it's where the good stuff can be found



Times is done got so tight : so I'm going to rob and steal
It's done got so tight : a man can't get a decent meal
I ain't got no shoes : and I ain't got no clothes
The house rent man : has done put my things outdoors
It was thundering out and lightning : oh Lord how it did rain
But somehow : I'm going to get even with that house rent man
I've done got evil : and I've done got mean
And when I start to stealing : I'm going to pick the rounders clean



I'm longing for my sugar : and I don't want no one else
And I don't miss her so much : until I'm all by myself
Now I knowed when I quit her : I was doing wrong
Now I've got trouble on my mind : it's trying to get her back home
I'm going to pay the boss : and get my check-card today
And give it to my sugar : if she'll come back home to stay
Fussing and fighting : ain't no way to get along
This done caused me a world of trouble : and broke up my happy home
I can't work in the daytime : I can't sleep a wink at night
Thinking the woman that I love : ain't been treated right



I'm going to get me a brand new [shiny] pistol : with a long shiny barrel
I'm going to ramble this town over : until I find my girl
I'm going to go to the station : and try to find her there
And if the Lord has not got her : she's in this world somewhere
She left me with a head full of trouble : and a head full of misery
And now she's got me crying : baby please come back home to me
My mother told me : don't you weep don't you moan
Because son there'll be women here : when you dead and gone
When I get through rambling : and looking this whole world through
I won't be dead with trouble : you know I died to *lose*





Now I'm down and out : ain't got no friends around
I'm going from door to door : everybody turns me down
Now my woman treats me : [just] like I'm a motherless child
She's always squabbling : she don't give me a ??? smile*
Now here I am people : out in the ice and snow
My clothes all in pawn : ain't got nowhere to go
She said she liked my music : but my tune's too short
But if she gets long winded player : she's sure to get caught
Now babe I can't help it : if I can't play long
I'm just a little skinny fellow : and a player is strong



If somebody finds me : when I'm dead and gone
Say I did self-murder : I died with my boots on
Took me a Smith and Wesson : and blew out my brains
I didn't take no poison : I couldn't stand the strain
No I ain't no coward : and I'll tell you why
I was just tired of living : but wasn't afraid to die
Take me to the graveyard : put me in the ground
Please write on my tombstone : my woman threw me down
In my farewell letter : someone's sure to find
Goodbye old cruel world : I'm glad I left you behind




Rising river blues : running by my door
They running sweet mama : like they have not run before
I got to move in the alley : I ain't allowed on your street
These rising river blues : sure have got me beat
Come here sweet mama : let me speak my mind
*If you need to talk* : take a long long time



Jellyroll jellyroll : you can eat it on the fence
If you don't go get it : you ain't got no sense
Talking about my jelly : about my sweet jellyroll
When you take my jelly : mama can't keep you at home
Can make a blind man see : a lame man walk


It make a deaf woman hear : and a little baby talk
Now tell all you people : what jellyroll done done
Made grandma : marry her youngest grandson
Jellyroll is a thing : a man won't do without
He'll ??? *things* ??? : if the people *put him out*
I went up on the mountain : looked down in the sea
A good-looking woman : winked her eye at me
If you don't believe : my jellyroll will do
You can ask anybody : on Auburn Avenue




You know I use plenty grease : every day
But I ain't did no frying : while you was away
My frying pan was on the stove : getting hot
I said sweet papa : put some grease in my pot




Don't leave me *don't you* babe : all my clothes in pawn
I mistreated you baby : and I know I was wrong
I gave you all my love : still you were unsatisfied
But my love for you baby : is all gone and died
??? baby : you can't have this town
I'm leaving here baby : *feel no urge of backing down*
When I call you babe : you refuse to come
Hot spring waters : they won't help you none
Some day baby : when I'm dead and gone
You're going to hear : this old lonesome song




I am an old bumblebee : a stinger just as long as my arm
I stings every good-looking woman now : everywhere I goes along
Says as I fly around now : I makes a beautiful song
And everywhere I sting a good-looking woman : says I'll sure find me a home
Now I'm an old bumblebee : just dropped in your town
It ain't none of these women : turn this old bumblebee down
They crying come here bumblebee : you know you know your stuff
And you sting you old bumblebee : your old stinger just long enough


Mmm : what's going become of me
Every time I need stinging now : I get those long-stinger bumblebees
Says when I get to stinging them : I sting just like I should
And they all crying old bumblebee : you know it hurts so good



I'm a ramrodding daddy : I stays up on Main Street
I keeps my gun loaded : for every good-looking woman I meet
I'm a ramrodding daddy : Lord my rod is long and slim
And every time I load a gun for a woman : you know it's too tight Jim
I'm a ramrodding daddy : I rams as I walk along
Every time I use my ramrod : I surely will win a home
I want all you women : you better bear this in mind
A good ramrodding daddy : these days is hard to find
When I get to use my ramrod : I sure Lord take my time
It ain't no other ramrodding daddy : can put his load below where I put mine



I done told you told you : I told you too
Quit having liquor : and gambling too
A-look a-here baby : you [going, traveling] too fast
The law going to step : on your yas yas yas
Now you can twist you can twist : you can step on its tail
You going to need somebody : to go your bail
Now you may think : that they doing you wrong
But they'll send you : to the county farm
Now if you want : to leave from home
Walk around : with a bottle of corn
Now I told you told you : like a friend
You better draw : your business in



It makes no difference : baby where you go
I got something : want you to know
Every time I come : and feel your arms
It makes my feeling : just get all wrong
It is tomorrow : it's early or late


I want you baby : give me a date
You's a red-hot mama : meat shakes on the bone
Thinks about your loving : baby when you gone
Every time : meet you on the street
A funny feeling : my head to my feet
But your arms around me : baby like you should
I'm telling you baby : your loving is good
I'm going to hug you : baby good and tight
Now love me baby : like you done last night



Baby I want you to know : babe I want you to know
That way you been doing : Lord baby don't you do it no more
Babe I want you to know : honey I want you to know
That the way you been giving : Lord baby don't you give it no more
Because I'm a stranger here : just dropped in your town
Ain't none of these women : Lord turn me down
They want you to understand : honey want you to understand
I don't mean you no more good : now please get you another man



Bo Carter is a man : broadcasts all over this land
And he takes women from their men : Lord just any old place he lands
When I get to use my broadcaster : it goes all around and around
And when the women receiving you : they'll sure to put their men all down
When you turn your radio light on baby : you look right in Bo Carter's face
But you neither not worry : I'm going to surely broadcast for you some day
The men can always tell : when Bo Carter has hit this land
Says the women they all start : says a-really mistreating all their men
They give their women their money : they really buy them the clothes
But to that broadcasting Bo Carter : their women they are bound to go



I don't want no more navy beans : boys I don't want no more
I don't want no more navy beans : they're about to make my stomach sore
I ate them last night : and the night before
When I got through : I couldn't shut my door


I don't want no more pinto beans : boys I don't want no more
I don't want no more pinto beans : they about to make my stomach sore
I ate them last night : and the night before
When I got through : I had to scrub my floor
I don't want none of them *favor* beans : boys I don't want no more
I don't want none of them *favor* beans : they about to make my stomach sore
I ate them last night : and the night before
Get in the luck : I ain't going to eat no more
I don't want none of them *quinto* beans : boys I don't want no more
I don't want none of them *quinto* beans : they about to make my stomach sore
I ate them last night : and the night before
Run to the little house in the back : couldn't shut the door



When a man gets the blues : he sure will run around
And when a woman gets the blues : she try to put her sweety down
Let me tell you one thing : man don't you never do
Don't you never let your woman : know her bad ways is worrying you
Listen here sweet babe : one thing I want you to know
If I don't do to suit you : I'm really going to let you go
One more thing : I really want you to understand
If I don't love to suit you : you can get you another man
You can call me dirty : or any old thing you please
But some day baby : you really need my little aid



These times now : ain't suiting me
*Account it* : costing a dollar three
Old Aunt Martha : live behind the jail
A sign on the wall : saying liquor for sale
I never seen : the likes since I been born
The women got the sales tax : on the South End home
You used to buy it : for a dollar round
Now sales tax is on it : all over town
I'm as loving : as a woman can be
The stuff I've got : will cost you a dollar and three
Now you may take me : to be a fool
Everything is sold : by the government rule



Now listen here sweet baby : I never have been down
But I can roll your lemon better : than any man in this town
Baby please let me roll your lemon : and squeeze it the whole night long
Oh let me squeeze and roll your lemon : oh baby until your good juice come
There's some say your juice is sour : baby can't you see
But your juice baby : is plenty sweet enough for me
Now I just squeeze your lemon : baby one time
I believe it'll give me ease : baby all up in my mind
Says I come down last night : half past ten
I want to roll your lemon baby : soon as I got in
Says I woke up this morning : half past four
I want to roll your lemon baby : just before I go



Now don't you hear me mama : I'm begging at your door
Now I'm begging now mama : don't treat me this way no more
Says I'm here begging mama : down on my bended knees
I'm begging now mama : don't treat me this way no more if you please
Says [can't, don't] you hear me mama : rapping on your back door
But if I get what I want mama : I won't rap no more
Now don't you hear me mama : howling at your door
But if you give me what I want mama : you won't hear me rap no more
Now listen here mama : treat me in a lowdown way
But if I get what I want mama : you'll see me walk away
I'm at your door howling : like an old tomcat
But most any man now : will howl about something like that



Now listen here sweet baby : please listen to me
I know that your loving : is the best that I ever seen
Now listen here sweet baby : I really can't understand
Thinking about your loving : mixed with some other man





Now listen here women : I want you to know
I've got a new woman : just to roll my dough
She roll me every morning : she roll me every night
She never like to roll me : unless she roll me just right
Now listen here baby : I want you to know
It's no other woman : can do my rolling like you
She shook me this morning : at half past one
Oh wake up daddy : rolling must go on
She shook me again : at half past two
Oh wake up daddy : rolling ain't near through
She don't roll it too high : or either too low
She roll it good and easy : and it ain't too slow



Now I ain't no butcher : no butcher's son
I can do your cutting : until the butcher man comes
Now I ain't no plumber : no plumber's son
I can do your screwing : till the plumber man comes
Now I ain't no miller : no miller's son
I can do your grinding : till the miller-man comes
Now I ain't no milkman : no milkman's son
I can pull your titties : till the milkman comes
Now I ain't no spring-man : no spring-man's son
I can bounce your springs : till the spring-man comes
Now I ain't no auger-man : no auger-man's son
I can bore your hole : till the auger-man comes



I asked my good girl : to feed me some
She said wait : until my dinner get on
Dinner got on : and she fed me some
Now you know : we're carrying the good work on
I asked the good girl : to give me some
She said wait : until my dinner get on
Dinner got on : and she give me some
Now you know : we're carrying the good work on
I asked the good girl : to squeeze me some
She said wait : until my dinner get on
Dinner got on : and she squeezed me some


Now you know : we're carrying the good work on
I asked the good girl : to kiss me some
She said wait : until my dinner get on
Dinner got on : and she kissed me some
Now you know : we're carrying the good work on
I asked the good girl : to love me some
She said wait : until my dinner get on
Dinner got on : and then she love me some
Now you know : we're carrying the good work on



Says now come over here sweet baby : because I'm all alone
Haven't got nobody : just to carry my smoking on
Won't you just draw on my cigarette : smoke it the whole night long
Just draw on my cigarette baby : until you make my good ashes come
Now I got to go up the country : just to get my cigarette boiled
The women around this place : going to let my cigarette spoil
I come over here sweet baby : just to get my ashes hauled
Lord the women at the other place : going to let my ashes spoil
Here's one thing I want you to know : before you leave from home
My cigarette ain't too big : and you know it ain't too long



Oh pussy cat pussy cat : where you been so long
Says I been around *the curve* : see could I find old Tom
Says pussy cat pussy cat : you couldn't not wait
You's afraid : old Tommy's going to make you late
Oh pussy cat pussy cat : what you whine all night
Says ain't old Tommy : doing you just right
Says the old cats and the kittens : is sitting in the sun
Says the old cats coughed : and the kittens all run
Says the little bitty kittens : come out the door a-saying
Baby I hear mama coughing : it's bound to be a *ben*
She dug a hole : with her right hand
And she buried her *corky* : down in the sand
Old Tom and old pussy cat : playing seven up
Old pussy turned the joker : and picked the money up
They had a mighty fight : and not much of a race
Old Tommy scratched pussy : in a dangerous place


Says the little bitty kittens : says papa Uncle Bud
Says all around your mouth : is something like mud



Says my baby got something : I don't know what it is
I mean every time she love me: and you know I can't be still
She got something : like a stingaree
She can stand in Melford : man and put the check on me
What she got : is really surprise
I mean what she got man : surely will hypnotize
She told me things : that was a fact
She said man if you ever love me : you surely will trot along back
She got something : that I really do love
It ain't in her stockings : and you know it's just above
I told her things : that I wanted her to und
Says I want you to come : and do my loving in my own home



Now listen here men : what Bo Carter say for you to do
Says don't you never let none of these old trifling women : man never worry you
I mean they'll keep you worried : they'll bother you all the time
Says they'll take some other man and leave you : after you give them your last dime
I mean they'll fuss and squabble : man the whole night through
Just let you know they want some other man now : go in the bed in the place of you
Says when you say you going to leave them : they'll beg you the whole night long
Says they'll tell you that they're going to do better : they'll swear they going to stay home
Now just listen here men : want you take Bo Carter's advice
Just learn to live a bachelor : then you play safe the first



Go down the river : there's something new
It ain't nothing to it : it ain't hard to do
Now listen here baby : this is coming to a test
We going to see : who can double in a knot the best
Now listen here baby : this ain't no fun
Double in a knot : you'll always get my mon'
Say you double in a knot : is the way


You can't make no money : laying straight these days
You can double in a knot : or you can let it be
You want to : hold your man you see
Now listen here baby : bear this in mind
You double in a knot right : you'll always have a dime
Says the women these days : trying to learn something new
See if they can : take your man from you



Baby don't put no more baking powder : in your bread you see
Because you [two] biscuits : is plenty tall enough for me
Baby I don't want no more sugar : in your jellyroll you see
Because your jellyroll : is plenty sweet enough for me
Some men like lunch meat : and some they likes old tongue
Some men don't care for biscuits : they like the doggone big fat bun
Says some men you know they're straight : some crooked as a barrel of snakes
Some men don't like bun and biscuits : like the doggone flat batter cake



Little boy little boy : who made your britches
Oh mama cut them out : daddy runned the stitches
Little girl little girl : who made your dress
Hey mama cut it out : and daddy done the rest
Soo cow : don't you buck your eye
I got to have the milk today : to make me a pie
Soo cow : won't you back your leg
I got to have that milk today : to make my bread



Say you laying around here sweet baby : your face full of frowns
Must I keep dealing : must I shuck them on down
Baby must I keep dealing : or must I shuck them on down
Baby I done quit dealing : I got to shuck them on down
Now here's one thing sweet baby : I really want you to know
You can push you can pull : don't you tear my clothes
Now there's two big cars : rolling side and side
You got my good girl : guess you satisfied


Now there's a big T for Texas : T for Tennessee
T for the girl : she didn't care for me
Says I went up to the station : looks up on the board
There's a good time here : better one around the road



Baby who been here : since your daddy been gone
Says he must have been a preacher daddy : had a long coat on
Baby who been here : since you daddy been gone
I don't know who the man was daddy : had a derby on
Baby who been here : since you daddy been gone
Says he must have been a jellybean : had long shoes on
Baby preacher's on the pulpit : just trying to save souls
And his daughter's out on the highway corner : selling sweet jellyroll
And the preacher's in the pulpit : jumping up and down
And the sisters back in the amen corner : their southern bound



Baby I got the whiskey : and you got the gin
Let's both baby drink : and get drunk again
Hey whiskey : uh what you say gin
Let's both baby drink : and get drunk again
It don't make me no difference : how drunk you may be
Since you don't hold back baby : honey in loving me
Hey I got the washboard : and you got the tub
Let's put them together : baby and we'll rub-a-dub-dub
Hey washboard : what you say tub
Let's put them together : baby and we'll rub-a-dub-dub
It don't make me no difference : how tired you may be
Since you don't hold back baby : honey in rubbing with me



Baby I say you going to need : my little help some old lonesome day
But it will be too late sweet baby : your daddy will be gone away
But I mean that's all right now baby : honey now that's all right for you
You got me here in all this lowdown trouble : baby and this lowdown way that you do



Go back old devil : and look up on your shelf
And get you soap and water : and bathe your dirty self
I beat my baby : man with a rope and a line
- : until she went stone blind
Some lowdown scoundrel : been fishing in my pond
Catching all my game fish : and grinding up their bones
What you want with a woman : man and she can't rob and steal
You don't need no man baby : don't know you in the dark when he feel



I says he's a country man : but that fool done moved to town
He really done sold his cotton : and now he's walking around
He's got the women : all calling him their old sugar pie
But now that country fool is broke : and they calling him the old country guy
He really wore a hole : in the bottom of his last pair of shoes
And his pants behind is hollering : I got those raggedy-holey blues
He's got to rob and steal : don't he got to leave out of this man's town
Know he'll say going back to the country : going to sow some more cotton seed down



Baby I'll split your kindling : you know I'll bellow your fire
I will pack your water : from the boggy bayou
Hey now tell me sweet baby : who may your manager be
Before many more questions : won't you please make arrangements for me
Your hair so doggone curly : and your eyes ain't blue
That's why sweet baby : I'm making a fool about you
Says I ain't good-looking : baby I don't dress fine
When you come to loving : I'll pacify your mind
Here's another little thing baby : want you to bear in mind
When I get my pay check: I give you my last dime
I wished I was like a little fish : in the deep blue sea
So a woman like you : could take a little fish at me





I taken my baby : to the candy stand
She got stuck : on the candy man
I taken my baby : to the candy stand
She got a fool : about the candy man
I taken my baby : to the peanut stand
She got a fool : about the old [nut, peanut] man
I taken my baby : to the banana stand
She got a fool : about the banana man
I taken my baby : to the whiskey stand
She fell on her face : about the whiskey man
I taken my baby : to the whiskey stand
She fell out : about the whiskey man
I taken my baby : to the money stand
She fell on her face : about the moneyman



Hey I wonder : where is that policy right man [at] now
I done lose all my money shooting craps : and I can't win no money nohow
I'm going to put my last dime : on the twenty thirty and the little old ten
Because they tell me that's my baby's initial : and it ought bring my money back home again
I'm going to play them straight across : man you know [I'm playing, I got] them straight down
Now policy man my number's done come out : bring me twenty-seven dollars on around
I'm going to put a four bit piece : back on the twenty thirty and the little old ten
And if them numbers come out man : it'll bring my money back right again
Policy man if my numbers come out : don't fool around on the street
Just cut across on St Lawrence Avenue : and bring my money on home to me



Now it don't make no difference sweet little old honey : a-how you trying to carry on
A-what you trying to do to me honey : I happen to have it in my bag
Now it don't make a bit of difference with me honey : things you trying to do to me
A-what you trying to do to me honey : I happen to have it in my bag
Now you may go honey you may go : you may stray all alone
But one of these days now little old sweet honey : you'll be out of house and home
Now you trying to do little dirty things honey : and keep it out of your daddy's sight
You fool right around now little old honey : and let me catch you dead to the right






I've had a funny feeling : all day and all night
Somehow here : I don't be treated just right
I ain't going to stay here today : if I have to walk
Ever since I been here : it's been the whole town's talk
I don't seem happy no more : I done got it bad
Thinking of the money : that I once have had
Now when you lose your money : don't lose your mind
If you lose your good girl : there's no use a-crying
I've had so much trouble : I've take it for my name
If you ever have trouble : man I want you to do the same
You will think : you left trouble all behind
Get well away from home : then it will roll across your mind



Made a date today : early or late
My baby got movements : like a old Cadillac Eight
I go away : I won't stay long
Thinking about that sweet thing : I've left at home
My baby loves me : tried to treat me right
Gives me her loving : both day and night
My baby says one thing : I know it is true
Can't have another man : and be good to you
Up in Chicago : long way from home
Wanted somebody else : carry my loving on
I'm going home : if I had a lock and key
To keep these men : from stealing my loving from me



Please baby please baby : won't you come back to your daddy one more time
You know baby you know baby : when I get my money will give you my last dime
When you left me babe : you left me feeling so blue
You know babe : I didn't love no one but you
I'm so blue baby I'm so blue baby : I can't sleep for drinking hardly talk for crying
You know baby you know baby : you are always forever on my mind
You know baby : I can't sleep at night


I go to take my meals : and can't eat a bite




I walked into a beer tavern : to give a girl a nice time
I had forty-five dollars when I entered : when I left I had one dime
Wasn't that a beer-drinking woman : don't you know man don't you know
She was a beer-drinking woman : I don't want to see her no more
When I spent down to my last dime : she said darling I know you're not through
I told her yes baby doll : and the diploma belongs to you
She'd often say excuse me a minute : I've got to step around here
And every time she'd come back : she'd say daddy buy me another quart of beer
I said got to step off baby : are there anything if she like
She said daddy I'll keep this table : if you promise me you'll be back
I said I'm sorry baby : but I only have one more dime
She said daddy buy me a small bottle of beer : so I can concentrate my mind



I got wise to you baby : after so many years
Once you had me worried : always shedding tears
But no : all over now
I just found out baby : you don't mean no good nohow
I tried to make things happy : so we could live a happy life
But darling after all I done : you wouldn't treat me right
People used to ask you was I your husband : you would gladly tell them no
Every time we'd get home : you said daddy I love you so
Now you want to come back baby : since you realized yourself
That I would treat you better : anybody else



My name is Memphis Slim : they call me the grinder man
If you be my customer : I'll let you have it on a easy plan
I do my ramming at midnight : and I don't be seen in the day
When everything is quiet and easy : Mr grinder can have his way
I got so many customers : it takes me a week to get around
But you need not be uneasy baby : Mr grinder won't let you down
If you want to see me baby : you better see me while you can
Because I'm a very busy fellow : you know they call me the grinder man





My room was empty : and my woman was gone
I didn't have a nickel : and all my clothes in pawn
I asked my next-door neighbor : which a-way did my baby go
She said she left for the border : down in old Mexico
I find a note on the floor : it almost send me off in a trance
She said it's nothing that you done : I'm just leaving in advance
It's so hard when a woman leave you : and she leave you on a *goon*
You come home feeling very happy : and find only a empty room



I've got something to tell you baby : don't let it break your heart
So long together : now we've got to part
Because I'm tired : of fattening frogs for snakes
After these long many years : believe I just see my great mistake
You told me that you loved me : say you love me all your life
I caught you around the corner : telling that same lie twice
Once I used to love you : I couldn't help myself
Found out : you given your love baby to somebody else
Now listen little girl : you don't worry my mind anymore
Found out you acting funny : I'm sure going to let you go



Now I love to sing : that good old Taylor blues
When we want a drink : I swear we just can't lose
Now you see [Mr Melrose, that man] : standing in the floor
He going to give us a little drink : just before he go



I believe I'll marry : I believe I'll settle down
Lord I'm tired of being a rambler : my last trip of running around
Lord I wonder : will she ever call my name
Now if she don't love me no more : peoples ain't that a crying shame
They tell me marriage is a sweet life : I believe I'll try it myself


Lord I wonder : will she ever think of me
I'm sitting with my head bended down : and tears falling on my knee



How he's got a gal : she's shaped like a hog
Her voice remind me : of an awful dog
Her hair look just like : a chinchilla coat
You get close up on her : she smells just like a goat
You know she's smelling : got B O all the time
And she thinks soap and water : is a doggone crime
Now her ears are so long : her nose so flat
Her head so big : she can't wear no hat
Now her dogs are swollen : and she got one eye
She looks like a wreck : that happened last July
She's a ugly : got B O all the time
And she thinks soap and water : is a doggone crime
Now she must have been : her mother's only child
She should be a gorilla : because she sure is wild
Got ways like a monkey : as sly as a fox
She should be in a chain-gang : breaking up rocks
Now she got legs like a needle : she ain't got no chin
She's a beautiful woman : for the shape she's in
Her feet look like swings : way out on a limb
That's why : her mother put her off on him
Because she's buggish : she's got B O all the time
And she thinks soap and water : is a doggone crime



Now you may be sweet little woman : as an apple on a tree
Don't want no woman : to *lay* up and depend on me
Now if I'm the Pullman porter girl : you got to be the maid
So when every Saturday comes : we both can get paid
Now when I go to bed little girl : and lay beside of you
Now if I shake the cover : please try to shake it too
Now there's no such thing : as man and wife nowadays
We'll just call partners : so you cannot get sold for slaves





Woman you been having your way : and you don't want to see me have mine
So there's no getting along : we're just two of the same old kind
I tried to make things happy : and your life I tried to let you enjoy
But you tell me you your mother's baby girl : do you realize I'm my mother's baby boy
Around home you was just a spoiled one : and what you said it had to be
But do you know that's the same old story : little girl really go for me
Since we are just two babies : darling why can't we agree
I'll talk baby-talk to you : if you'll talk baby-talk to me



Now once I lived a life : of a millionaire
I was spending plenty of money : and I didn't bit more care
I was taking my boy friend out : for a good time
Buying him champaign whiskey : and sometime wine
But somehow or other : Lord my money ran low
Well well and I couldn't find a friend : I declare nowhere I go
Now if I ever get hold : to a dollar again
People I'm going to squeeze on to it : until the eagle grins
Now you got to be *deep* born blind : and cannot see
Both legs cut off : above your knee
All this must happen : and then I must agree
And then I said maybe boy friend : you can borrow a dime from me
Now you must not have : a tooth in your head
Get a letter from home : some of your folks is dead
Bring me the Titanic : that sailed the sea



Everybody wants to know : how do Memphis slim get by
Well but it ain't but three in my family : that's me myself and I
Now my mother she told me : son just don't lead a doggone mule
She said son have good manners : learn to paddle your own canoe
Even my woman she asked me : daddy do you really love me
I said maybe some day baby : but now my love is just for three
She said daddy who is it please : with tears standing in her eye
I said baby at this particular time : it's just me myself and I





I've been out all day : drinking both whiskey and gin
Now if you catch me sober : please make me drunk again
I'm not drinking because I'm thirsty : neither because I'm blue
I've just got to stay drunk woman : to try to get along with you
Whiskey make me stagger and stumble : fall down and scar my chin
I know you ain't no good Mr whiskey : but I got to try you again
I'm drunk Monday Tuesday and Wednesday : Thursday Friday and Saturday too
I'm supposed to get drunk on a Sunday : as I have nothing else to do
Good whiskey good whiskey : is all in the world I crave
I'm going to drink good whiskey : the rest of my doggone days



I'm down now baby : I'll be up some day
And I won't have to put up : with your evil ways
But there's a day coming baby : you going to worry too
Lord and I won't have to put up : with the lowdown way you do
You know I done : woman all in this world I could
But I found out baby : you didn't mean no good
You know I loved you : babe you breaking my heart
It hurts me so bad : for us to part
Now I'm not going to worry : my sweet life no more
You been making your tip woman : I'm going to let you go
So bye bye babe : if you call it gone
I know it's going to worry me : but it won't last long



Here I am : head over heels in love again
Besides the woman was my mother : and that's where love begins
I used to be a playboy : I played out both night and day
But since I met Miss *Lamar* : she have made me change my ways
Oh yes woman : you've caught the old coon at last
But I just hope I'll be happy with my future : as I am with my present and past
Now I love the life I'm living : and I'm living the life I love
Woman I don't believe I could be any happier : if I were living in heaven above





Now lend me your love : baby please lend me your love
I know you hear me keep moaning : just like Noah's dove
You got a mortgage on my love : you know there really is no doubt
But some day I'm going to find another woman : is going to buy your love mortgage out




Down on Number Nine : where the M and M men go
Every day : to have a real good time
If you want some fun : and a real nice time
You better join the boys and girls : down on old Number Nine
Do that dance : they call the bedspring *pop*
You can shut your eyes : begin reel and rock
All you've got to do : is take your time
Drink good whiskey : gin and wine



You can go to the ocean : you can go to the deep blue sea
But you can't find nobody : going to treat you like poor me
You can spend my money : you can pawn my *sicking* clothes
Catch you stooping : I'm going to let your meat outdoors
Well the sun's going down : mama you know what you promised me
Midnight supper : and my 'fore-day tea
Leaving your town : mama and I sure don't want to go
But to keep down trouble : mama guess I better go




If you ever been down mama : you know just how I feel
Just like a broke down engine : ain't got no driving wheel
Easy mama : somebody knocking at my door
It may be my yellow woman : mama you sure don't know
I love you pretty mama : I tell the world I do
I'm going to love you mama : till my dreams come true
If you want me to love you mama : have to do like Jesse James
Go out on some railroad track : and rob your daddy a passenger train





I'm worried today mama : but I won't be worried long
I'm going to catch me a freight train : and I'm going to be long long gone
My woman got a bed mama : shine just like the morning star
When me and her get to laying in it : it ride like a Cadillac car
I'm going back south mama : way down in Tennessee
Know the woman I love : she sure was good to me
I cried last night mama : and I cried the night before
I ain't going to let you mistreat me mama : so I won't have to cry no more




It is up to you baby : do anything that you want to do
*So long as I can get ??? : get back out of you*
You ought to be grateful daddy :
You are three times seven : you know just what you want to do



I'm worried now : and I won't be worried long
If he don't come to see me : you can count the days I'm gone
Some sweet day : I say it's after a while
You having a good time now : but your troubles will be after a while
When I leave this town : don't pin black crepe on my door
I won't be dead baby : but I ain't coming back here no more
I want all of you women : to strictly understand
If you don't want no trouble : please don't you worry my man



I can't sleep for dreaming : and I can't stay awake for crying
Cried the man I love : said he's traveling on the line
If my man could holler : like the Bob Lee Junior blows
I would follow my daddy : most everywhere he goes
And I asked the conductor : to let me ride the blinds
He said buy you a ticket : you know this train ain't mine
Oh I hate the train : that carried my man away
But the same train carried him : going to bring him back some day






The train I ride : burn no coal at all
But the *doggone engine* : pull my *Texas haul*
I'm going away : to wear you off my mind
Keep me worried : bothered all the time
I hate to see : the evening sun go down
Make me feel : that I'm on my last go-round
My mama told me : papa told me too
Don't you let no woman : make a fatmouth out of you
I'm leaving here : crying won't make me stay
The more you cry : the further I'm going away
Train's down here : track's all out of line




Mistreat me baby : mistreat your only friend
Mistreat me baby : sure going to do it again
I'm going to the river : sit right on the ground
If the blues overtake me : jump overboard and drown
Going to buy a shotgun : long as I am tall
I'm going to shoot my baby : just to see her fall




Oh now it's loving : really really wor-worrying me
And that cruel-hearted loving : it's going to be the death of me
Prison : sure don't want to make it my home
I'm a good-hearted poor boy : just a long way from home
Tell me cruel-hearted mama : what's on your hard-hearted mind
Say you keep me in trouble : so worried and bothered all the time
And I love my little baby : tell you just how I know
I will work rob and steal for her : baby in the frosty snow
And it's blues : woke me for my telephone
I got a long-distance call from my baby : daddy I ain't coming back home
The two women I'm loving : they keep bothering my heart
That's one in Cincinnati : my Waco wife that broke my heart
Tell me cruel-hearted mama : what you want your daddy to do


I'd rather see you murder me : baby and to leave me too
And I'm going away : little baby crying it won't be long
Said take your Bible pretty mama : and read the days your daddy's gone



I got the Niagara Falls blues : pretty mama keeps a-worrying you
And those Niagara Falls blues pretty mama : going to be the death of you
I walked down my pantry : I walked back up my hall
I stuck my head over the transom : another mule was in my stall
I got the blues so bad : that it hurts my tongue to talk
I got the blues so bad : that it hurts my baby's feet to walk
Now it's run to your window : heist your shade up high
It's stick your head out the window : see the worried blues pass by
I looked down the lonesome road pretty mama : far as I could see
Another man had my wife : and I swear the Niagara blues had me
I got the blues in a bottle : got the rattlesnake in my hand
How can I live in this world babe : my baby with another man
Now it's run here sweet mama : I'm [about to, certainly going to] get you told
You ain't the onliest woman in Cincinnati : got such a loving jellyroll
And I woke up this morning : my pillow slip wringing wet
I looked around for my baby : daddy I can't use you yet




If you ever been down mama : you know just how [I, a prisoner] feel
I ain't got nobody on the outside : *to play in the field*
And I laid in prison : my face turned to the wall
Says a no-good crow-jane woman : was the cause of it all
And it's a many old day : I drop my weary head and cry
I did not have no blues : but little mama just wasn't satisfied
It's pull on your race horse : bet on your derby too
I ain't got nobody in this world : will do love me true
And I locked in the death cell : and drop my weary head and cried
I told the sing sing prison board : this ain't like being outside
And if if hadn't been for you little mama : I wouldn't not been here
I drinking wine and whiskey : mama and your home-brewed beer






When a man gets in trouble : every woman throws him down
I'm so worried : don't know what to do
I waked up this morning : mama feeling sad and blue
Because my woman had done quit me : didn't have nowhere to go
Hey hey : hey hey hey
When I'm in my good whiskey : this is the way I sing my blues



Says there's no more good water : because this pond is dry
I walked down to the river : then turned around and run
If the fishes in the water had my blues : they'd die
Got a head full of foolishness : my baby got a rambling mind
Hey pretty mama : tell me what have you done



I done told you mama : ain't going to tell you no more
Now the blues so worrisome mama : between midnight and day
Now the blues done caused my woman : hon' to run away
Lord I can't *let its* continue : don't care what I do



Mama told me : six long weeks ago
Son you save your money : just to buy your clothes
Buy your clothes : let these women go
Hey hey mama : what is going on wrong
Spend my woman's money : mama and she won't come
Can't rest contented : don't care where I go
You're a mean mama : whispering in your ear



I'm going to grind my coffee : two or three dollars a pound
Ain't a man in this town : can grind this coffee like mine
It done got so good : that it make you bite your tongue
I'm a coffee-grinding fool : now let me grind you some



Trouble worried trouble : I been having all my days
When a man gets in trouble : every woman throws him down
I woke up Lord this morning : *things are worrying on a-* poor me
Then I went upstairs : fell down across my bed
Now my baby has a-quit me : talked all out of my head




I've got the Rock Island blues : waiting for the Rock Island train
I took the Rock Island train : and take a Rock Island ride somewhere
I've got a free transportation : looking for the train to ride
I need to ride the Rock Island : *just riding to satisfy*
If you ever been down : you know just how I feel
I'm going away : *I come* to get on board
Leaving : hang crepe on your door
I've got the rickets and the rackets : and my baby's got the Mobile blues
I've got the Rock Island blues : and I don't know what to do
One thing about these women : I cannot understand
All wear short dresses : trying to fool a workingman
Baby if anyone should ask you : who composed this song
Just tell Lonnie Coleman : done been to your town and gone





Wild about my loving : *crazy deeds* I have my fun
And if you want me to love you : don't pretend you never done
I ain't rough : I don't bite
??? *womens* : don't you treat me right
Baby come right in : coming right at me
I can *catch those* ??? : ??? *at the Santa Fe*
You know I been out east : been out west
Hard to tell : which mamas love the best
*Turkey's for some* : ??? *France*
Where the men in Texas going : it seems just the same
Now there's two things about : I just can't understand
A *cawdy-cawdy* husband : ??? *scrubby* man
Well I'm going out the country : and I can't carry you
Nothing up the country : monkey-man can do




You can mistreat me here : but you can't when I go home
I got somebody there : will make you leave me alone
Walk on : walk on little girl walk on
Say you going to keep on walking : till you lose your happy home
And you know you didn't love me : you fell across my bed
Full of your moonshine whiskey : mama talking all out of you head
Say I walked around to my window : and I peeped right through my blinds
I seen another darky : trying to change my woman's mind



When I find a town : that will satisfy my mind
Tell you that's where I'll be : for a great long time
When I get to Atlanta : walk on Decatur Street
I'm going to shimmy-shee-wobble : with every fair brown I meet
I got a woman named Miss Hattie : she lives on Fourteenth Street
Oh the way that woman love me : I swear she can't be beat
I done spent all of my money : my bank account run low
My woman had the nerve to tell me : daddy aren't you spending slow
Says my mama's dead : and my daddy's in the mines


And I'm a motherless child : and I just can't keep from crying




When I was lying in jail : with my back turned to the wall
I could lay down and dream : I could hear my good gal squall
Lord she brought me coffee : and she brought me tea
Fell dead on the floor : with the jailhouse key
I'm going down to the courthouse : see the judge and the chief police
My good gal fell dead : now I sure can't see no peace
I'll tell you what I'll do : and I sure God ain't going to tell no lie
I believe I'll lay down : take morphine and die



Now my mama's dead : and my papa can't be found
I ain't got nobody : throw my arms around
Yonder comes the devil : going to set this town on fire
Now when the chance comes up : I'm going to bid this town goodbye
I got ways like the devil : slipping around your gate
So I can find me a good gal : or won't have to take no *hate*
Let me tell you mama : what you said last night
Lay down on my bedside : try to treat me right
Lord I'm going up the country : but crying won't make me stay
More you cry : the farer I'll ride away



Easy mama : don't fade away
I'm going : where the Drummond cross the Yellow Dog
Lord I'm freezing here : with *you a-fighting all around the hall*
And I felt so rotten : and I didn't want to ride no train
I want to ride the Yellow Dog : where way out in the
I sat deep in my saddle : and I don't *remember the name*
Sat deep in my saddle Lord : and I ??? *name*
Just as sure as the train : leaves the rounded curve



I never felt so worried : till I found the loving lady blues
I can't sleep for dreaming : I can't eat for crying
I lay down last night : with that gal all on my mind
I got nineteen bird dogs : got one floppy-eared hound
It just take those twenty : run my fair brown down
I got a good gal in town : but she don't treat me right
I feel like going to the cemetery : laying right down and die
Feel like going to the cemetery : laying right down and die
For I done got worried : with that gal of mine



I went down to the river : just thirty-one days and nights
I'm looking for my good gal : come back and treat me right
I ain't got me nobody : carry my troubles to
I tell you peoples : I don't know what to do
Just as sure as your train : Lord backs up in your yard
I'm going to see my baby : if I have to ride the rods
I went away last summer : got back in the fall
My mind had a-changed : I wouldn't have come back at all
You can press my jumper : iron my overalls
I'm going to the station : meet the Cannonball



She has the hesitating stockings : the hesitating shoes
*The rich and the poor* : got the hesitating blues
How long now : will I have to wait
Can I get you now : honey have to hesitate
I can learn ??? : not to ball the jack
I can beat anybody : getting the good gal back
And I got a gal : who loves to roll
??? : right by her door
Around the curve : and around the bend
Yonder comes : that engineer
*Rifle's* on the *stage* : my *coffee's* in the *cool*
My little gal's : from Illinois
I'm not so good-looking : got no curly hair
Have a woman : take me anywhere



When you get up in the morning : when the ding-dong rings
You make it to the station : see the same old thing
Ain't nothing on the table : but the pots and the pans
Say anything about it : have supper with the man
Yonder come the little Nora : how do you know
I know by the apron : and the dress she wear
??? on her shoulder : piece of paper in her hand
Looking for some sergeant : to release some man



I aim to take my gun : ??? in your face
Going to let some graveyard : be your resting place
You going to miss me when I'm gone : honey and it won't be long
When you think I'm going : I'm standing right here with your *wally* on
When I'm gone : don't you grieve after me
Don't you forget : how I went away



She's long and tall : and wears a diamond ring
But she can beat anybody : at doing that thing
You go through the *barrel* : and you ride like a *tiger*
You throws your backbone : clean out of sight



You did cause me to weep : you did cause me to moan
You did cause me : to leave my home
I cried last night : and the night before
And I swore : not to cry no more
In eighteen hundred : and ninety-nine
He got killed on that streetcar line
They took him down : that smoky road
Brought him back : on that cooling board
Says run here mama : and fall in your daddy's breast
These blues : going to let me rest





Said come in here : and you shut that door
He got shot : with a forty-four
I got a brand new pistol : and a box of balls
Going to shoot that woman : just to see her fall
You ??? *those stitches* : in the
He dug those potatoes : with the pocketknife
I'm going to town : hurry back
I'm going to show your people : how to ball the jack
She got good jelly : she sells it hot
I know here's something : that a man can't buy
Twenty-five cents : is the regular price
There's fifty cents : you can buy her twice
She pulls her dress : up above her knees
She shakes her shimmy : to who she please



Take your time kind mama : I'm going to do it just as slow as I can
I might start shimmying : don't let nobody in
Make your bed up higher : and turn your lamp way low
I'm going to hug and kiss you : ain't coming here no more
Make your lamp up higher : and turn your lamp around
Look out your back door : see me leave this town



The day you left me : you throwed me down
You didn't hurt me so bad babe : talk over town
Because I'm broke : I'm down and out
You ever quit me : and put me out
Went to the nation : and the territor'
Going to catch me the first train : I've got to go
You press my jumper : my overalls
Went to the station : meet the Cannonball
I'd rather ride : this ??? line
To be uneasy : be treated right
I give my money : and a diamond ring


Now come her partner : beat me shaking that thing
The day you left me : won't wear no black
I write you a letter : come sneaking back



You don't believe I'm traveling : on the road somewhere
Get your book : and count come and count the days I'm gone
You can go to *Moosefall* : find me there
Yes if I drink smoky : find me on the road somewhere
You can talk about your brick house : but you ought to see mine
It ain't so pretty : but it ??? fine
I got up this morning : looked at the rising sun
Can't nobody run me : like them bloodhounds done
I got up in my stockings : tipping across the floor
Scared the bloodhounds : are rapping upon my door
Now chickens on my back : and there's the hounds on my track
I dropped my head : and I couldn't stop to look back
I could hear those pistol balls : zooming by my head
I believe to my soul : they going to kill me dead
I got up this morning : just about the break of day
I could hear *a bunch of* bloodhounds : a-coming down my way
I got up this morning : fell down across my bed
I could hear something pushing : all around my head




My woman woke up this morning : dollar in her hand
Two bits for the monkey : six bits for her man



I hocked everything : from my hat down to my shoes
So now sweet mama : got those doggone hockshop blues




Now right is right : wrong is wrong
Ain't no harm : to sing a little song


Uncle Bud went home : just like they said
Stuck a match : caught a man in his bed
If I go home : about half past ten
Put the key in the hole : and can't get in
Now Lucy came home : with a big excuse
She left there tight : but she come back loose
I had a little kitty : I called her mine
Way in the night : I could hear her cry
We shoot a little dice : bound to have a little fun
Law walked up : and away we run
I asked the lady for a drink : this is what she said
I don't have the white : but I have the red
Some folks hates it : call it a sin
You see women : give money to men



I went down in the alley : trying to sell my coke today
And a woman run out and hollered : scared my mule away
I went with iceman Jackson : he sold me ice and coke
But he blowed in all his money : buying sweet jellyroll
We stopped on Eighteenth and Federal : just two blocks west of State
And when he got up under that ??? : well he would not wait
She said money don't excite me : and that we all know well
But Jackson showed her fifty dollars : and she almost fell
She had wind like the greyhound : and she sure could run
And Jackson got down like a reindeer : and he runned her some




Tell me pretty daddy : what's the matter now
Are you trying to quit me : and you don't know how
I'd rather be dead : buried in the sea
Than to have the man I love : say he don't want me
Lord Lord : Lordy Lordy Lord
Oh the man I love : treats me like a dog
I'd rather see : my coffin come rolling in my door
Than to hear the man I love : say I don't want you no more





I hear these women raving : about their monkey-man
About their trifling husbands : and their no-good friends
These poor women sit around : all day and moan
Wondering why : their wandering papa don't come home
Now when you got a man : don't never be on the square
Because if you do : he'll have a woman everywhere
I never was known : to treat no one man right
I keep them working hard : both day and night
I've got a different system : and a way of my own
When my man starts kicking : I let him find another home
I get full of good liquor : walk the streets all night
Go home and put my man out : if he don't act right
You never get nothing : by being an angel child
You better change your ways : and get me awhile
I want to tell you something : I wouldn't tell you a lie
Wild women are the only kind : that do



Early this morning : when everything was still
My daddy said he was leaving : though it's against my will
He said I'm leaving mama : and your crying won't make me stay
The more you cry : the further I'm going away
A man is like a car : that you have to overhaul
Keep him three or four weeks : and you can't get along at all
I gave him everything : from a diamond on down
The next thing I give him : will be six feet of ground



You can always tell : when your best man don't want you around
He will come home at night : turn the bed upside down
My heart's full of sorrow : tears come rolling down
Because my baby : was Kentucky bound
The pale moon shines : down on the mountain still
Way down in old Kentucky : mid those high blue hills
Shine on old moon : harvest moon shine on
Because old moon you'll be shining : when I'm dead and gone
I'm going to tell my mama : when I go back home
Tell her the folks up here : won't let my Kentucky man alone





Hello Central : give me long-distance please
I'm begging with tears in my eyes : and down on my bended knees
Hello Central : give me Mr Henry Brown
What you say you were calling : a storm has blown the wires down
Listen long-distance : can you send a telegram
Do this please : before I fall down *left in a jam*
You just tell him : he better hurry home
Because I'm tired : of making all these nights alone



Takes a southern woman : to sing this southern song
Lord I'm worried now : but I won't be worried long
When I was downtown : I wouldn't take no one's advice
But I ain't going to let : that same bee sting me twice
Because I'm going back : where the weather suits my clothes
Down where there ain't no snow : and the chilly winds never blow
I don't want no northerner : no northern black or brown
Southern men will stick by you : when the northern men can't be found
You ever been south : you know just what I mean
Southern men are all the same : from Kentucky to New Orleans
I'm going back south : where I can get my hambone boiled
These northern men : are about to let my poor hambone spoil



The blues came down my alley : and stopped right at my door
They made me feel : like I've never felt before
I'm a good-hearted woman : never done nobody wrong
But the better I treat my daddy : the worse we get along
If you don't want me daddy : please tell me what to do
I've never loved nobody daddy : like I'm loving you
I've got ten little puppies : twelve little shaggy hound
It takes all twenty-two : to run my good man down





Daddy oh daddy : won't you answer me please
All day I stood by your coffin : trying to give my poor heart ease
I rubbed my hands over your head : and whispered in your ear
And I wonder if you know : that your mama's near
You told me that you loved me : and I believed what you said
And I wished that I could fall : here across your coffin dead
When I left the undertakers : I couldn't help but cry
And it hurts me so bad : to tell the man I love goodbye



Early this morning : the blues come walking in my room
I said blues please tell me : what are you doing here so soon
He looked at me and smiled : but yet they refused to say
I asked him again : and they turned and walked away
The first thing they told you : your man you're going to lose
At first I didn't believe it : but I found that it was true
Blues oh blues : you know you been here before
The last time you were here : you made me cry and walk the floor



The time has come : for us to part
I ain't going to cry : it won't break my heart
Because I'm through with you : and I hope you don't feel hurt
You are like an old horseshoe : that's had its day
You're like an old shoe : I must throw away
You're like an old ship : that sprung a leak
You ain't young no more : and your loving is weak
You ain't got no money : you're down and broke
You're just an old has-been : like a worn out joke



Old pal old pal : you stole my man away
But that's all right : I'll get him back some day
You stole my man : between midnight and day
And if I catch you old pal : I sure will make you pay


Why should you : have a daddy of your own
Old pal old pal : you better let my man alone
Old pal you said : two friends could understand
But that's no sign : we should take each other's man




Going down to the river : take a rope and a rock
Tie it around my neck : and jump off the dock
Ain't no one : can change my mind
I've been mistreated : and I don't mind dying
Going to get me some poison : kill myself
Because the man I love : has put me on the shelf
If he didn't want me : he didn't have to lie
The day I see him : that's the day he'll die
Baby : you don't know my mind
When you see me laughing : I'm laughing just to keep from crying
A crooked man's worse : than crooked dice
With dice you lose your money : with your man you lose your life
I'm going to get me a razor : and a gun
Cut him if he stands still : shoot him if he runs




I got a coal-black mare : but Lord how that horse can run
Yes she win every race : man you don't see how it's done
I give her three gold teeth : I put earings in her ears
There ain't no use a-worrying : I do swear the stuff is here
I cut her mane : I put streamline shoes on her feet
Ain't a horse in the country : I do swear my horse can't beat
Say she foxtrot and pace : and I rode that horse today
Yeah when morning comes : she had never broke her gait
She going to the race track at midnight : and I rode her all night long
Yeah when morning come : she had never changed her weight
She's a coal-black mare : she's got long black curly mane
Well I'll follow that horse : man in any land



I went down in Death Valley : among the tombstones and dry bones


That's where poor me will be : Lord when I'm dead and gone
Now if I should die : I should die before my time
I want you to bury my body : down by that Frisco line
Now bury me mama : low down in the sand
Now bury me mama : where I won't bother your next old man
Oh bye bye baby : I said goodbye
Death Valley is my home : mama I want to die
Tell all the women : please come dressed in red
They going down Sixty-One Highway : that's where the poor boy he fell dead
Wear your patent leather slippers : mama put out your morning gown
You going to follow poor Crudup : down to his burying ground



That's all right mama : that's all right for you
Treat me lowdown and dirty : any old way you do
I've been worried all night mama : now worried again today
Because the woman I love : done throwed me away
Babe I wouldn't have been here : if it had not been for you
*Down in* Chicago : you treat me like you do
I'm leaving town mama : just to wear you off my mind
Now you treat me lowdown and dirty : I believe I'll lose my mind
If I get lucky mama : with my train fare home
I'm going back to Mississippi : Lord now where I belong



Well that mean old old Frisco : and that lowdown Santa Fe
Done took my babe away : Lord and blowed back at me
Yes my mama told me : papa told me too
Son every woman scream in your face : Lord she ain't no friend to you
Lord I wonder : do she ever think of me
Well I wonder I wonder : will my babe come back to me
Yes I'm standing and looking : watching that Southern whistle blow
Well she didn't catch that Southern : Lord now where did the woman go
Lord I ain't got no : special rider here
I might leave : because I don't feel welcome here






Do anything mama : tell the truth don't mean no lie
I have so many hard-working women : tell you men I don't mean no jive
Now she's *making* her jelly : and she will not give it away
She's going to save it for *Sally* : he will be home today
Some of these funny women : just like driving an automobile
You have to step on the gas : to make them climb the hill
Never mind never mind baby : I got my eyes on you
Some of these days mama : you going to do like I want you to




Mama I woke up this morning : mama had the sundown blues
And my fair brown told me : I refuse to go
Mama I had so much chicken : mama cackles in my sleep
You don't like my potatoes mama : oh don't you plow so deep
I got nineteen fair browns : said I want you all to know
Mama if you want to see me : mama I'll let the nineteen go
Now you see my little fair brown : tell her to bring me meat
When the wintertime gets here : I'll wear the B V Ds



When you get down to Memphis : won't find me there
Just lightning and smoking : on the road somewhere
I was born in Texas : raised in Tennessee
Good Lord oh when you get to Memphis : won't find me there
Well they call me Daddy Stove Pipe : turn your damper down
Good Lord now when you get to Memphis : won't find me there



I don't want no sugar : stirred up in my rice
That long *short* yellow : gives me my appetite
Mama toot your whistle : you can't blow your horn
Your little bow-legged daddy : left you all alone
Mama I don't like chicken : neither no piece of cake
Takes a big fat fan-belt : drive a Cadillac Eight
When you get through to Bessemer : almost to Birmingham
When you love your daddy : give me your right hand






My mama was a sailor : she love the ocean life
She ride top and bottom : sometime on the side
Said I'm going to China : honey what you want me to bring you back
Said a bobtailed coat : and a *hot ??? China* hat
Lord I told Mr Russell : don't you broke my plow
Says he got bull-headed : and broke it off anyhow
Standing on the corner : talking with my brown
Up stepped this policeman : take both of us down
Honey where was you : when thirty blows was sound
Standing on the corner : teasing with my brown
Lord a lowdown fireman : dirty engineer
Say they took my brown : left me standing here
All you jealous men : better keep your women tied
If they flag my train : I'm sure going to let them ride
If anybody asks you : who composed this song
Tell them Julius Daniels : done been here and gone



I'm take me my pistol : three rounds of ball
Going kill everybody : *broke the poor boy law*
On a Monday I was arrested : on a Tuesday I was tried
Judge found me guilty : and I hung my head and cried
Judge : what'll be my fine
Says a pick and a shovel : way down *Joe Brown's* coal mine
Be light on me judge : I ain't been here before
Give you ninety-nine years : don't come back here no more




What's on your worried mind
You keep your poor man worried : and bothered all the time
Lord Lordy : Lord Lord Lord Lord
I'm a poor boy : been treated just like a dog
Got a new way baby : spelling Memphis Tennessee
Double M double E : double T double X Y Z


Baby baby : what makes you treat me so
I've done all : that a poor boy could do
I helped you baby : when your kinfolks turned you down
Now you loving someone else baby : and you done left this town
Look a-here baby : what more you want me to do
I sacrificed my mother : just to get along long with you
Ever lay down laughing : and wake up hollering and crying
And you think about the woman : you treated so nice and kind
Take me back baby : try poor me one more time
I'll bet you hundred dollar : that I will change your mind
When you got money : your friends will hear your plea
When you ain't got no money : then you have to come home to me
Take my woman : I won't get mad with you
For she's three times seven : and she knows what she wants to do
Woke up this morning : and I was half most dead
I was bone-down weary : a low and ache aching head
Baby baby : won't you forgive me please
You're the only woman : can give my poor poor heart ease



You deceived me babe : about the things I did not want you to do
Now I've lost confidence in you : because you won't be true
I regarded you : like I were your baby child
But when it comes to find out : you was misusing me all the while
But me and my baby : we going to make everything all right
And if we don't tomorrow : we will tomorrow night
Beef to me baby : me and pork chops do not agree
I love you : but I don't like the way that you are jiving me
I'll work up to you : or you'll slip back [down] to me some day
And you going to be sorry : that you done me this a-way



I never cried : till my babe got on the train
And the tears went down : great God like drops of rain
Now let me tell you : what that mean old train will do
It will take your woman : and blow the smoke at you
And it's oh my baby : don't treat me good no more
And I ain't got no babe : ain't got nowhere to go
And this woman I'm loving : don't pay me no mind


And she keeps me worried : and bothered all the time
I believe I believe : I'll stop my barrelhouse ways
For I feel myself : sinking every day
And it's oh my baby : don't act right no more
And I can't feel welcome : babe nowhere I go
If whiskey don't kill me : I'm doomed to lose my mind
For I'm worried and bothered : and drinking all the time
Farewell farewell : I bid this world goodbye
Little babe done quit me : and I'll give on up to die




I ain't no iceman : I ain't no iceman's son
But I can keep you cool : until the iceman comes
I ain't no wood chopper : I ain't no wood chopper's son
But babe I can chop your kindling : until the wood chopper comes
Baby I ain't no stove man : I ain't no stove man's son
But I can keep you heated up : babe until the stove man comes
Baby I ain't no butcher : and I ain't no butcher's son
But I can furnish you plenty of meat : baby until the butcher comes
I ain't no milkman : I ain't no milkman's son
But I can furnish you plenty of cream : baby until that milkman comes




Work now mama : both night and day
Make my money : bring it all away
Liquor sure : is a craving sin
Steal it from the white folks : now and then
Up to my lips : then down to my toes
That's the way : ??? ten gallons goes
Went to the doctor : and the doctor said
Don't stop drinking : going to kill you dead
Mama told me : papa told me too
Doing that stuff : will be the death of you




Now if you're ever in Dallas boy : please visit old Elm Street
You can see the snuff-sniffing women : like a police on his beat


Lordy I'm so glad I'm so glad : police is back on the beat
So he can stop them women : from begging every man they meet
Lord I ain't going to marry : ain't going to settle down
I'm going to hang around Dallas Texas : and run old pigmeat down
Now if you ever come to Dallas : yes and get put in jail
Yes sweet papa Charlie Chicken : he will pay your bail
I'm going to tell you something mama : every word is true
Lord I'm crazy about my pork and beans : wild about my good beef stew




Now you talk about rags : boys but you ought to hear mine
My red-hot shaker : plays it all the time
It's called : the red-hot shaker rag
It's the best rag : that I ever had
Now you can talk about pepper : boys but it ain't hot
You ought to hear my boys : making up their plot
Let's play : the red-hot shaker's rag
Now blow it boys : you know it's just too bad



I'd rather be in the *cripty* river : floating like a log
Than to stay around here : be treated like a dog
Now all the little children : playing around in a ring
Playing hooky from school : just to rag that thing
Now it's some folks says : a preacher won't steal
But I caught a preacher : in the potato field
Now one had the sack : the other had the hoe
If that ain't stealing : boys I'd like to know
Here come my father : with his gun
You ought to see : them preachers run




My baby's gone : and she won't come back no more
Oh she left me this morning : and she caught that M and O
Listen here people : I've done everything that I could
But she's gone and left me : she didn't mean me no good
There is one thing baby : I just can't understand myself


When the gal I love quit me : I don't want nobody else
But that's all right babe : I can't stand the way you do
You are running me crazy : and it's going to worry you
When she left me she bought a ticket : just as long as she was tall
She didn't know how much I loved her : or else she wouldn't have left at all



That stuff you sell : ain't no good
Smell just like : old rotten burnt wood
That stuff you sell : ain't no wine
One thing about it : you serve it so kind
The stuff you sell : ain't no booze
One thing about it : mama give you the blues
The stuff you sell : in a jug
You don't give me some : I'm going to raise a bug
I know you're sick : can't get well
When you sell any more : it take God to tell
You can go down on the corner : Market and Tenth
Get that stuff : for fifty cents
That stuff you sell : ain't so good
I wouldn't buy none of that : even if I could



The north wind has begin howling : [and, but] the skies are pretty and blue
And winter is coming : wonder what the poor people are going to do
People talk about the time : that they never have seen before
But hard times : is knocking on everybody's door
Poor people are like prisoners : but they just ain't got on a ball and chain
But the way they are faring : I do swear it's all the same
There ain't no need to worry : times will bring about a change
And if it don't : I swear it will always be the same



I'm a railroad man : and I love that M and O
And when I leave this time : I ain't coming back no more
Now don't the moon look pretty : shining down through the trees
I can see my baby : but I swear that she can't see me


I'm in a world of trouble : and I believe I've got to go
I'm going to leave here people : going to catch that M and O



The L and N is a fast train : also that I N C N
If I ever leave Chicago : going to ride that Sunshine Special again
L and N L and N : bring my baby back to me
You keep me bound down in trouble : just as long as I can be
Don't your house look lonesome : when the one that you love is gone
And you ain't got nobody : just to keep a happy home
I wonder will my baby : ever come back to me again
When she left me good people : she rode that L and N



My gal done quit me : found somebody else
And now I'm tired : of sleeping by myself
I love my moonshine whiskey : and I love my cherry wine
Sloppy drunk : about to lose my mind
I'm going to get sloppy drunk : tell everything I know
Another half a pint : mama will see me *Joe*
Ooo : ooo wee
Wonder what will : what will become of me
Water when I'm thirsty : whiskey when I'm dry
A brownskin woman : tell her when I come to die



I am traveling this lonesome road : if I never get back no more
I have something to tell you : people just before I go
Take care of my wife and my children : I hope to come back home some day
The racket that I am now in : Lord it make *white slavery*
I'm going to rob and I'm going to hijack : until I get satisfied
And if the freight train leaves me : Lord I got a mule to ride
I thinking about the times : when I was laying in my mother's arms
She always told me : son don't you do nothing wrong
But people before I will stand to see : my good woman go down
I will pack my suitcase : while I hunt from town to town



I was sad and lonesome : when I walked into my baby's door
And here's the words she told me : I can't use you no more
I folded up my arms : and I slowly walked away
That's all right baby : you going to need my help some day
Oh Lord : oh Lord oh Lord oh Lord
Don't you remember the day : you treated me like a lowdown dirty dog
Some day I'm going to see you : when you down and out just like myself
Mama just as I have told you : some day you going to need my help
So goodbye : I ain't got no more to say
I did not think : you would treat me this a-way



Every since every since : I [first] left my mother's door
I don't have the good times people : that I have had in my life so long
So in believe I will go : right down I Paris Tennessee
Because this life that I'm living : Lord it's bad luck *here*
Going to write and tell my mother : to look for me on my way
I'm going back home people : Lord and I'm going back there to stay
And if you see my black angel : please don't tell her the way I've gone
Tell her there ain't no need to worry : neither cry or weep and moan
I'll try to travel if I want to : but I believe I will go by *mail*
I've got a V-Eight Ford now sweet mama : Lord you know I'm a minuteman



My tires ain't going to fail me : and my motor it is good and strong
I have a V-Eight Ford now sweet mama : Lord and you know it won't be long
All I want is my thirty-two twenty : hanging by my side
I will pour in the high-powered gasoline : and see how fast we can ride
I'm going to make traintime and over : and I ain't going to be one minute late
I'm going to hold it around ninety miles : and I ain't going to break my gait
Won't you listen to my V-Eight motor : won't you listen to how my motor hums
This minuteman is on that lonesome highway : and I swear it won't be long





Uncle Bert thought : he had *his daughter* trained
She's out there : shaking that little old thing
Shaking her *rumble* : just like she shake her *strike*
She say run into me baby : and make me break my back
She got a crankshaft motion : she got a cross-town swing
She got *the regular* : doing that thing
She's out there : looking like a sugar lump
She say want to *pum-pitty* : got to make me drunk
*I'm burn that* chicken : *and down handcuff*
Come on here darling : let's go and talk
*Aunt Dinah got a preacher* : *roll* above her knee
And she strutting her stuff : to who she please



Mama here come your root man : open the door and let him in
It is just about time : you using some of your good roots again
You face is getting bumpy : and your skin looks awful bad
I believe my root do you more good mama : than any herbs that you ever had
There is one thing baby : you want the root all by yourself
But you know I'm a doctor mama : I got to give it to somebody else
The root that I'm selling : from it you can get lots of juice
And when I'm giving it to you mama : you don't want to turn your doctor loose
I was doctoring on a woman : she said Lord I can't see how can it be
She say go away from here doctor : you got too much root for me



You hair all wrinkled : and you full of sweat
Your underskirt : is wringing wet
You show your linen : to any man
And that's something mama : that I just can't stand
Here you come in here walking : just like a goose
You look like : somebody just turned you loose
Run here mama : just look at sis
She got her hand in her toodle-um : up to her wrist
Mama and papa's in the back yard : trying to *call up Knot Hill*
Papa ain't ready : so help me God
He got the motion : and she got the swing
Just look at papa out there : on that thing



Santy Claus : won't you please hear my lonesome plea
I don't want nothing for Christmas : but my baby back to me
You know I loved you baby : that is why we could not get along
But some day you going to be sorry : that you ever done me wrong
Oh Lord it's near Christmas time : and I want to see Santy Claus
If you don't bring my baby : swear I'll break all the laws
Santy Claus Santy Claus Santy Claus : I'm down on my bended knees
I don't want nothing for Christmas : but my baby back to me



The blue sky is my blanket : and the moonlight is my spread
The rock is my pillow : that is where I rest my head
A ghost and a night owl : they come to see me sometime
And a Gypsy women : she comes and reads my mind
The woman that I was loving : she did not mean me no good
She give me so much trouble : I had to move back in the woods
I am friendless and I'm lonesome : people you would be the same old way
If the woman that you were loving : would mistreat you both night and day



They put ashes in my whiskey : they put strychnine in my glass
Lord I went out car-riding with them : and they carried me too fast
She put [castor oil, black drops] in my coffee : with that [black drops, castor oil] in my tea
Lord she's the meanest old woman : that a man most ever seen
I believe I believe : that they trying to carry me down
Lord the way they are feeding me : that they don't want me around
She carries a razor in her pocket : with them frowns all in her face
Lord I believe some other good joker : trying to root me out of my place



I'm going to write you a letter : my wife and I ain't going to do right no more
I know the way you treat me baby : Lord you did not want me no more
What I've got on my mind : ain't nobody in this world can tell
And if I never see you no more baby : Lord I sure do wish you well


Now I'm having bad luck : and bad luck I can't understand
Got me out here scuffling mama : trying to make it if I can
Baby baby : I ain't going to worry with you no more
Lord I'm going down the country : let you have Mr so-and-so



You got bad blood mama : I believe you need a shot
Now turn over here mama : let me see what else you got
I doctors on women : I don't fool around with men
All right take it easy here mama : whilst I stick my needle in
Lord your ways is so loving : and your skin is nice and soft
Lord if you keep on drunk mama : you going to make me break my needle off
Lord my needle is in you baby : and you seem to feel all right
And when your medicine go to coming down : I want you to hug me tight
Yeah your medicine come now baby : put your [foot, leg] up side the wall
I don't want to waste none of it mama : I want you to have it all



You is built for speed : and fast just like twenty grand
I would give more for you now : than a farmer would for land
I'm a well-trained jockey : won't you please ma'am let me ride
I may not give a ride like you old jockey : but I'll try to make you satisfied
If you let me get in your saddle : and just try me one time
Lord I may can do something : baby that might change your mind
Twenty grand is the fastest race horse : that ever run around a track
And if you let me get in your saddle mama : I may ride the way you like
Just let me get in your saddle baby : I ain't going to never do no wrong
I'm a good jockey rider : and I don't stay there too long



Have you ever been low in spirits : mama and you didn't know what was on your mind
Lord it hurts you so bad sometimes : Lord you can't keep from crying
The house where you were living : it don't [even] look right no more
And you can't find no consolation : nowhere in the world you go
Then you wonder what did you ever do : to make your poor heart ache and pain
Lord it hurts you so bad : to hear somebody call Mr so-and-so's name
I looked for you Sunday morning : till Monday in the afternoon


But I hope you'll be here Tuesday morning : hope you will be here Tuesday morning soon
If I don't never see you no more : please drop me a post card
Lord you know the way that you left me : mama it almost broke my heart



Your picture has faded : mama that hangs up on the wall
It's been hanging there so long : I can't see your face at all
Even my old house seems haunted : mama and there ain't nobody around
Sometime it seem like at night : that the old house is falling down
I can hear my back door slamming : [seem like] I can hear a little baby crying
Lord I wonder baby : have you got me on your mind
My old clock is [still] ticking : that hangs up on the wall
But now you gone and left me : and I can't see your face at all



Please don't mistreat me : if you don't want me around
Lord don't be mad with me baby : because your good man have left this town
You say you don't [even] love me : you don't even love yourself
I know there ain't a room in your heart for me : mama you loving someone else
I got myself a mama : she always keep me feeling blue
Lord she act just like the weather : and I don't know what she is going to do
If I really loved you baby : I would not tell you no lies
Lord I wouldn't say hard things to you mama : to make you hang your head and cry



Mama why should I be worried : and why should I be so blue
Lord it's all on account : of all on account of you
How can I sleep and keep from worrying : how can I laugh and keep from crying
Lord every time I turn my back : you always doing something to change my mind
I just flutters when I see you : like a little bird up in his nest
Lord sometime I think I love you : sometime I think I love my little gal the best
I can't keep from worrying : Lord I can't keep from telling you lies
Lord I would do all right with you baby : but you know you try to be too wise





Now this was my sad story : I never will forget the day
It was in the year of nineteen thirty-five : on the twenty-sixth day of May
As I walked into my bedroom : crowd all gathered around
They was standing seemed to be in mourning : with their heads all hanging down
In the midst there stood a doctor : he was standing gazing on
The only woman in the world that I ever loved : she's gone she's gone
Now I'm left here all alone : all in this great big world alone
That's the end of my happy days : and I can't have no more happy home
On the bed there laid a letter : said be as good as you can be
Lord I'm sorry you couldn't be here now : to have the last few words with me



Now you must have a heart : like a rock in the sea
I been begging you baby : babe please don't leave
My nights are getting lonely : my days are getting long
Now tell me baby : I did not do no wrong
I don't want to hurt your feelings : either make you mad
I love you : better than anything I ever had
I like you baby : I like to see you smile
But I like to please you : every once in a while



I heard somebody calling me : papa don't you want to go
Mama dee-da-da calling me : papa so-and-so
Down in the land of California : sweet home Chicago
I begged you all night baby : all the night before
If I ever did you wrong : I won't do that no more
All last night baby : I tried to talk to you
But you told me : there was nothing I could do
I been good to you baby : did everything that I could
Now you want to leave me : don't mean me no good
Oh babe oh baby : down on my bended knees
Begging you now baby : don't leave me please
Oh babe oh baby : don't leave me now
All alone by myself baby : won't be satisfied





Now I walked over to the table : and I picked up my telephone
But the line was busy : or if it ain't nobody home
Give me long long-distance : I wonder what's wrong with my line
Lord I just want to talk awhile : to that little old girl of mine
All right operator : maybe it ain't nobody home
But I'm sitting here wondering : why is my baby gone
I'm calling long-distance : and I wonder where could she be
Lord I wonder is she listening : and won't even answer me




I woke up this morning moaning : with the worried blues on my mind
I was thinking about someone : who were left behind
It's oh Lord Lord : please get him off of my mind
I can't eat for dreaming : and I can't rest for crying
I'm going back to my baby : going to knock on my baby's door
I'm going to ask my pretty mama : baby can't you use me no more
Baby : can I lay down here till day
I'm a poor boy : and I got nowhere to stay
Love is like water : it turns off and on
When you think you got a good girl : Lord she done turn off and gone



Elm Street painted in brass : Main Street painted in gold
I got a good girl live on East Commerce : I wouldn't mistreat her to save nobody's soul
Hey Billiken : these Elm Street women don't mean you no good
When your back is turned : they with every man in the neighborhood
These Elm Street women : Billiken they don't mean you no good
If you want to make a good woman : have to get on *Hospital* Avenue



Don't the moon look pretty : shining through the trees
Don't your house look lonesome : when your good girl is fixing to leave
Down on my knees this morning : I prayed to the good Lord above
Please let me live one more time : with the good girl that I love
I'm going to get me a wire : stretched across the deep blue sea
So when my good girl gets worried : she can sit down and talk to me






I'm going to build me a little mansion : on Central Avenue
So I can stick my head out the window : and see what my wicked women will do
Lord I got a pretty mama : lives on Central Avenue
Lord if that woman left and quit me *now* : what in the world that I would do
I pray to heaven Lord : I seen my pretty mama up there
She had one foot loose : and *curled up with the air*
Good girl used to live here : don't live here no more
Left here early this morning : carried all of her clothes
Boy I'd *better see my good girl* : leave me in this town
I'd beat the train to the *crossroads* : and I'd burn the depot down
Lord pretty mama I wonder : what you trying to do
*She make it trying* to run with me : and my buddy too
I'm going to West Texas : Lord I'm going to stay
Some little brownskin woman : *stepping* in my way



Well the sun rose this morning : and laid down on my floor
When I ended my dreams : it was all around my door
Good morning blues : what makes you come so soon
Here early this morning : *crying ???* soon
Now blues and trouble : boys what a nagging ache
These old women now baby : running from man to man
Just tell me pretty mama : what you trying to do
You didn't do no more : than I looked for you to do
You leave me laughing : some day you come back crying
You been gone so long darling : wear you off of my mind
Lord Lord : Lord Lordy Lord Lord
The girl I loving : treat me like a dog
My heart's in trouble : mind's in misery
Got the blues so bad : I really can't hardly see




Well I'm so glad : I'm twenty-one years old today
Lord I'm so glad : my baby can't treat me that a-way


Oh babe : what you want poor me to do
Driving a coal wagon babe : give all my money to you
Oh babe : don't play me for no fool
Lord I ain't no plumber : and I ain't nobody's stool
I send it to the river : river to the deep blue sea
Now your monkey ways babe : don't take no effect on me
Oh babe : don't make no fool of me
Lord I'm three time seven : baby why can't you see
That's why I'm so glad : I'm twenty-one years old today
Lord I'm three times seven : I'm going to have my way




I can't go down : that big road by myself
If I can't carry you : I carry someone else
I asked him how about it : and he said all right
I asked him how long : and he said all night
I asked him how about it : said he didn't know how
But I will do you mama : like a calf will do a cow
I'm a traveling woman : I got a traveling mind
If you don't take me back daddy : sure going to lose your mind
My mother said : six months before I was born
She was going to have a good child : wouldn't never stay at home
I feel like crying : ain't got no tears to spare
I had a happy home : and I wouldn't stay there



Tallahatchie River rising : Lord it's mighty bad
Some peoples on the Tallahatchie : done lost everything they had
Some people in the Delta : wondering what to do
They don't build some levees : I don't know what become of you
High water rising : get me troubled in mind
I got to go : and leave my daddy behind
Lord this water rising : and I sure can't swim
But if it keeps on rising : sure going to follow him
Going pack my suitcase : go back to Tennessee
But this Tallahatchie River : done got the best of me






Mmm : hey hey hey hey
Now the man I love : treats me like a dog
I've got a twelve pound daddy : and eight pound one too
And if my twelve pound one won't come : my eight pound one will do
I'm going to build me a castle : out of ice and snow
So when my blues come around : I can freeze them from my door
Oh pretty daddy : will you please tell me what to do
I will do anything : baby to satisfy you
And it's one thing baby : that I can't understand
If you are *loving* me : I don't want no partnership man



I started to heaven : but I changed my mind
But I'm going to Little Rock : where I can have better time
Yes when I go to Little Rock : I can go three days without
I tell people there : it's a wonderful town
This is the place : where I have long to be
Because where I come from : the mens have mistreated poor me
Oh I don't know why : they treat me so lowdown and cruel
And if you don't want me baby : you don't have to use me as no fool




Hey hey : death bells in my ear
It 'tain't going to be long : before they going to ring me away from here
I lay down last night all night : and the night before
Going back home to mama : won't have to lay down no more
I'm a stranger here : they're sending out in the sea
I'm broke and hungry : not a bite to eat
Going to stand right here : catch the first old gal I see
I'm going to beg her to take me : see what she make of me
I'm going to ask my rider : would she set my trunk outdoors
I don't mean quitting you : but I got another place to go
The woman I had : these men must have had her *foiled*
She loved me all this summer : but she put me out this fall
I began to study : and the wind begin to blow
I couldn't figure no place : for a man like me to go
My mama's dead : my papa's across the sea
That leaves no one : to love and care for me





Just as happy : woman as I can be
Because the woman I'm loving : is going back to Kankakee
Woman I'm loving : done mistreated me
For another new morning : going to need your friend again
Treat me : like someone you never seen
Blues ain't nothing : good man on your mind
Well it keep you worried : bothered all the time
When you see me : with my head hung down
I ain't got the blues : but another gal on my mind
I'm going away baby : to see what could do
I done all I could : can't get along with you
I went to the station : I looked up on the board
Well my train ain't here : but it's somewhere on the go



Said good morning captain : said good morning shine
'Tain't nothing the matter : captain but I just ain't going
I don't mind working : captain from sun to sun
But I want my money : captain when payday come
Work me all this summer : and you started on this fall
Now I've got to take Christmas : in my overalls
If you good men : want to keep her out of town at night
Just feed her little pork chops : suits her appetite
Lord it 'tain't no telling : what a Mississippi gal will do
She will get your money : then *poor gam* at you
It's one pretty mama : going to need a friend again
You can sing this song : when you want me to be your friend
Hey tell me woman : where did you stay last night
For your shoes unfastened : and your skirt don't fit you right




I says go on girl : don't sing them blues to me
Because I'm sweet : as any man can be
She even told me : to my face


That any old rounder : sure can take my place
Said I'm getting tired : of your lowdown ways
I'm going back : to my babe today
So come on girl : honey you can't bluff
I'm going to tip out tonight : and I'm going to strut my stuff




I went down on the corner : with my money in my hand
To kill my woman : about loving another man
You see it's grieving me : oh it's grieving me
Going to pack my grip : beat it back to Tennessee
I'm so sad and lonely : love has been refused
Can't have no loving : but I still have the blues
They call me pretty papa : swellest man in town
Women all screaming about me : but I can't give up my brown
Daddy's got the washboard : mama's got the tub
Sister's got the liquor : and brother's got the jug
My water pipe's all rusted : water's running cold
Someone's in the basement : trying to find the hole



Just another evening : wasted away
Spending and a-lending : and it left me broke today
Run here pretty mama : sit down on your daddy's knee
I'll tell you : how these women made a perfect fool of me
I wasted lots of money : went out every night
My pals done all forsake me : and the times is getting tight
I'm feeling like an outcast : looking like a tramp
Can't price a post card : can't even buy a stamp
Ah you used to call me papa : you used to call me dunce
You used to call me daddy : and you used to love me once
Some folks need the ice : some folks need the snow
If I could get you back : mama I wouldn't need nothing more



You may be little : you may have a tender snoot
But I know what you is mama : when you start to root


You go before the butcher : try to put on your stunt
He can stick a knife in you : and you won't even grunt
I see you got your squeal : you got your snoot
Still you got your grunt : but you done lost your root
Oh mama : you may have your snoot
Still you got your grunt : but you done lost your root



All dolled up : looking keen
Like a girlie : in her teens
Strutting : down the avenue
Making eyes : and flirting too
Now the other night : when I phoned
You had another : in your home
Parts of me : big and fat
Can't blame nobody : for that
I want your love : I can't refuse
But I don't want it : if it's ever been used
Some is tall : some is cute
Some is sweet : and some is true
I don't mean : to speak so bold
Can't use it : if it's forty years old



Something pounding : in my breast
When I lay down : to take my rest
Horrid nightmares : scary dreams
Then the blues : steps on the scene
Oh maybe it's the blues : that keeps me worried all the time
If I could lose these weary blues : that's on my mind
Happiness that comes around : but never comes to stay
If I only had someone : just to drive my tears away



I had a brown in my town : sweet as any gal could be
I loved my gal with all my might : she didn't love nobody but me
The other night : a man named Willie come and stole my gal away


Now I'm feeling down and out : and I've got the blues today
Say if you see my gal : don't you tell her what I've done
I got the blues : I going to sing them all night long
Now folks if you see my gal : tell her that I'm gone
Feel like riding : if it takes me all night long
Now back to the levee I'm bound : I'm through with high yellows and browns
Now I'm going to the levee : because my gal done turned me down
Now say folks if you see my gal : tell her that I'm gone
I feel like leaving : if it takes me all night long



Take me back sweet mama : try me one more time
If I don't satisfy you : I'll break my backbone trying
You lay in your bed : with your face to the wall
Thinking if you die : would that end it all



Get up on the table : pull off that gown
Raise up that right leg : let the left one down
Pull off them stockings : that silk underwear
The doctor's got to cut you mama : Lord knows where
Got two or three tumors : shaped like a cube
Two or three leaks : in your inner tube
Bring on that ether : bring on that gas
The doctor's got to cut you mama : yas yas yas
Four monkey wrenches : and a two-horse shay
Pair of old britches : and a bale of hay
Your ribs was kind of loose : they moved about
If I hadn't've sewed you up : everything would fell out
I put in new tubes : hide the exhaust
I went into your hood : and cleaned your spark plugs off
Your body's kind of weak : now don't be hard
From now on be careful : with them connection rods
Now your body's kind of weak : don't be hard
Go kind of easy : with them connection rods





Get up on this table : pull off that gown
Raise up that right leg : let that left one down
Pull off them stocking : that silk underwear
The doctor's got to cut you : mama don't know where
You got two or three tumors : shape like a cube
Two or three leaks : in your inner tube
Bring on that ether : bring on that gas
The doctor's got to cut you mama : yas yas yas
Four monkey wrenches : two-horse shay
Pair of old britches : and a bale of hay
Your ribs was kind of loosened : they moved about
If I hadn't sewed you up : everything would fell out
I put in new tubes : tightened up the exhaust
Went into your hood : and cleaned your spark plugs off
Your body's kind of weak : don't be hard
From now on you be careful : with them there connection rods



Tell me pretty mama : where'd you stay last night
Shoes ain't buttoned : and you don't smell right
Now you all drawed up : you look half drunk
Your hair ain't combed : and you smell like a skunk
Train's in the depot : boxcar's on the track
My gal come home : with a tie across her back



Now when I fix it lady : sure will be mighty good
I fixed so many of them : all over this neighborhood



I had a sweet woman : she done turned sour on me
I had a good woman : but the men wouldn't let her be
I had a new way of loving : but I done lost my stroke
I had a new gal : I lost her when I got broke
Now I'm a real kind fellow folks : and that ain't so bad
But I just ain't got them things : I once have had
I got my mind all made up : and I'm going to leave this town


I'm a-going so far : till the women can't run me down
Now I had a speak-easy: but the police come and closed it down
Now it sure is a hard thing : to sell booze around this town
I got a woman down in Florida : got two up in Tennessee
Got one in Indiana : keeps on pulling after me
Now the angels keep singing : the moon shines down at night
But the good Lord knows : that the women don't treat me right



Oh set right down : and let's have some fun
My wife's gone out : on a all-night run
Oh take this : take some of that
Take anything : in the doggone flat
I'll fry some meat : cook some bread
You get sleepy : there's a great big bed
Oh take this liquor : drink this wine
Let's get drunk : and have one good time
Take off your shirt : hang it on the chair
Take off your socks : and give your feet some air
I'm drunk and disorderly : I don't care
If you want to : you can pull off your underwear



Now if you want me to love you : here's what you got to do
You want me to love you mama : and make [me, you] love [you, me] too
I got to have my loving : when my habit get on
Start at nine in the evening : and love me all night long
You got to get up early in the morning : fix your lunch
And get out early : with that scuffling bunch
If I wake up at night : and I wants to eat
It's up to you : to get me some of that western meat
You got to take all your money : throw it against the wall
You take what sticks : and I'll take what falls
Take a butcher knife : cut off your head
Send me a telegram : that your heart is dead






Scuffling have got so hard : seem like I can't even make a dime
I must a-have the wrong woman : seem like can't save money all the time
I never want another women : that don't do nothing but hang around
She will ??? to your weakness : she will keep you with a turned-down hand
Life have gotten miserable : seem like no more happiness to be made
But life is really too short : to be worried about them old no-good ways
Good Book trying to tell us : where there's a will there's a way
But it seem like the *many ways draining* out of me : more and more every day



Lord grief will kill you : it will get you down to skin and bones
And that devil *brother be upstairs* now : Lord after you are dead and gone
I once grieved so hard : until I wake up weeping in my sleep
But after you continue this life boys : you'll be living down in some graveyard deep
Women now about nowadays they don't want to love nobody : and don't worry about the man
behind the *left*
Boys you better watch them women : because they're just slipping up the kingdom's steps



Now baby let's stop our foolishness : and try to renew love over again
Because I can't stay here in this world *after* : in this condition my poor heart's in
Now baby I'm going to make you this promise : I make our home happy for you in every way
But I want you to take care of my money baby : and please don't give my belongings away
Now baby you know I love you : now why can't we get along
Maybe some day you will consider baby : Lord and acknowledge that you have done wrong



Boys I ain't doing no good : this slow death is killing me
Every time *you going out swinging* : I'm just as blue as I can be
My mind in such a condition : until I hardly know the days in the week
Baby you give me plenty trouble : but some day you bound to see
When I'm sleeping deep down in my grave : don't let no high *flat flappers* worry you
You can just step out in any yard : that old jimson weed will sure ??? you
Now boys you can be cute with your woman : and see won't she do you dirty *ass*
She'll forever keep you working : working with your coffin on your back






I'm cold in hand : can't get nothing here
I'm hungry as a hound : I can't travel nowhere
I can't help but worry : how my good friend done
Spent my money by the dollar : now won't give me nickel one
Mama told me : times and times again
Anybody laughs in my face : just can't be my friend
Lord look down on poor me : pity my worried cares
Help me to rise once more : I'm going to change my free-hearted ways
Just give me one friend : to keep me from feeling so sad
Lord you know I want a friend : like the one that Adam had



Come here pretty mama : come here right now
I've been waiting on you so long : till I'm burning down
I'm waiting on you : I'm waiting on you
I'm waiting on you baby : tell me what you going to do
I know a good woman well : something going on wrong
You ain't never kept me waiting : this lonesome long
I wait all last night : all the night before
If I have to wait tonight : I'm going to pack my trunk and go
If you don't want me baby : just leave me alone
I can get another woman : to carry your business on
If you meant : to treat me right
You wouldn't keep me waiting : all day and night
That's all right baby : if you don't want me no more
There many more women : just rearing to go



Now I talked and I talked : now I ain't got no more to say
Hand me down my jumper : and I'll be on my lonesome way
I tried everything baby : don't nothing do no good
I can't blame you honey : I'd be the same way if I could
You came here from the country : just as green as green could be
Now you're a wise city city : and you dodge all over me
Well I ain't got no more to say : and I ain't going to chase you around
Some day I'll be running : with the biggest shots in town






I saying I sad and lonesome : Lord what I'm going to do
Say I'm going buy me a terraplane : I swear and a V-Eight too
Well I'm going to put them both there together : put them out on the road
Paint both show mama : got a heavy load
Now I saying I sad and lonesome : Lord what I'm going to do
Say I'm going to step on that accelerator : till that gas come through
Say my gal just quit me now man : pulled in another lane
Didn't want to come back : till I bought that airplane
Crying please Frank : please let me ride with you
Say I got room for two or three more : I swear and you too
Says stop now Frank : let's get a sack of flour
How can I stop this airplane : making ninety mile an hour
Crying please Frank : please let me ride with you
Say I can *peel off* that accelerator : and that gas come through



Hitler cutting the world : gotten disturbed
Uncle Sam better decide : and gotten blood in his eye
You got to get together : you got to get together
Got to closen up together : join one hand in hand
Mussolini jumped back : up in the sack
Hitler kicked him out : so he couldn't get back
Uncle Sam called the men down : name by name
He ain't together : but they ready just the same
Uncle Sam need a champ :
A well trained man : when you leave camp
Well left my woman : standing in the door
Crying Lord they mustn't let him : please don't go




Now there is something : you say that you expect
Now come and tell me what it is : that I neglect
Come and tell your papa : what you want me to do
Now just before : I got from you
Get up every morning : at half past three
Ease out to your job : without disturbing me


Now when you come back : you must have plenty of jack
Because any *??? still* : really hurts your papa's back
I want you to work hard : for me and my brother
I want you to come back from work : looking just like first one thing and then another



Says I never like to hurry : I just take my time




Now here's all I ask of you : kind man
I want an answer : I can understand
How you get up every morning : at half past three
Bring the coal and kindling : make a fire for me
Cook your own breakfast : fix your lunch
Get your pick and shovel : work with that construction bunch
*Seven eighty-three* : without neglect
So you bring me all your money : when they pay your check



He likes it slow : when he goes to *play*
He likes it slow : when he goes to pray
When he calls : he never brings no news
Always got : them slow-down blues
Just like a snail : that man of mine




Standing on the corner : *all ??? man*
Police come along : take me by his hand
Led me down : to the county jail
Looking for my Louise : to come and go my bail
Now the judge have sentenced me : out on the county road
On a horse : there's a man he rode
He count me in the morning : count me through the day
Count me every hour : see if I'd run away


It was early in the evening : sun was going down
Seen a lady coming : all dressed in brown
Looked in her face : and I looked down in her hands
Was Louise coming : coming to get her man




Now I'm going to Brownsville : take that right-hand road
Lord I ain't going to stop walking : till I get in sweet mama's door
Now the girl I'm loving : she got this great long curly hair
And her mama and her papa : they sure don't allow me there
If you catch my jumper : hanging outside your wall
Now you know by that babe : I need my ashes hauled
Now what you going to do babe : your dough-roller gone
Go in your kitchen : Lord and cook until she come home



Now I'm broken-hearted : ragged and dirty too
And if I clean up pretty mama : may I stay all night with you
Now if I can't come in mama : then I'll sit out on your porch
Lord I will leave so soon : that your man he won't never know
Now I went to my window : but I couldn't see through my blinds
I heard the bedsprings popping : and I believe I heard my baby crying
Lord how can I feel misery : Lord and feel like you
I have a woman in Brownsville : and she *doing the coochie-coo*
Now I'm going to Chicago : trying to
You know I'm bound to ??? :



Now if the river was whiskey : and I was a diving duck
I would dive on the bottom : never would come up
Don't never take a married woman : to be your friend
She will get all your money : give it to her other man
Now a married woman : always been my crave
Now a married woman : going to carry me to my grave
Now ain't it hard : to love someone else *dame*
You can't get her when you want her : have to use her when you can
Now the sun's going to shine : in my back door some day


Now the wind's going to rise : going to blow my blues away
Now went to the railroad : and looked up at the sun
If the train don't hurry : going to be some walking done



Oh Black Mattie : where did you stay last night
With your hair all tangled : clothes ain't fitting you right
Now when I had money : hello sugar pie
Now I'm spending all my money : goodbye country guy
Lord my eyes are sorrow : tears come a-rolling down
Now you know by that babe : fixed to leave your town
Now life ain't worth living : if you ain't with the one you love
Now you three times seven : you know what you want to do
Now the day that you quit me : I won't be mad with you



Now asked sweet mama : let me be her kid
She said I might go buggy : and I couldn't keep it hid
Well she looked at me : she begin to smile
Says I thought I would use you : for my man awhile
Now went upstairs : to pack my leaving trunk
I never saw no whiskey : the blues done made me sloppy drunk
Now some say they *dream* : some say they was
But it's a slow consumption : killing you by degrees



Now I know the people : is on the wander everywhere
Because they heard of poor John : was going around electric car
Now catch it Smith and Park Lord : ride it down to Summer Street
Lord I'm going to ease it down in Roebust : catch my baby out on a midnight creep
Lord the reason why baby : I I been so long writing to you
Because I been studying so hard : Lord how to sing these blues
Lord I lost my papa : and my dear mama too
Lord I'm going to quit my bad way of living : and visit the Sunday school





I married my baby : married her for myself
Then if I don't keep her : don't want nobody else
Now depot agent : don't tell me no lie
Did my baby stop here : did she keep in going
Now I hate to hear : Illinois Central blow
When my shoes get tickled : makes me want to go
When a man's out working : know he's doing what's right
Some old lowdown rascal : trying to steal his wife
Now I got up this morning : couldn't make no time
I didn't have no blues : messed all up in mind
Now take me baby : I'll be mean no more
You can get all my loving : let that black snake go
Get up in the morning : grey towel around your head
Ask her cook your breakfast : but she never did



Now I'd rather be dead : sleep in an old hollow log
And to be here baby : and you doing me like a dog
Now : what you want poor John to do
Lord I done everything : tried to get along with you
Now the woman I'm loving : she got one teeth solid gold
Lord that's been the onliest woman : got a mortgage on my soul
Now sure as the grass : on Texas earth grow green
Lord I ain't crazy : about nobody I ever seen



Stack of dollars : just as long as I am tall
If you be my woman : you can have them all
And I heard a rumbling : way down in the ground
Must have been somebody : slowly jumping down
You see see two women : they walking hand by hand
They just thinking of something Lord : how to fool some man
And I went on the mountain : I looked down in the sea
Niggers had my woman : Lord and the blues had me
Baby done quit me : ain't said a mumbling word
It weren't nothing that she knowed Lord : just something that she heard



Black gal she took meth : gave my brown *to her* death
If I hadn't've had my pistol : think I would run myself
When you see me coming : heist your window high
When you see me leaving : hang your head and cry
Now if I just had a-listened : what my mama said
I would have been at home Lord : in my faro's bed
Got a man on your man : kid-man on your kid
Lord she done got so buggy : don't try to keep it hid
Now I got up this morning : blues all around my bed
I turned back my *chivver* : blues all in my bed



Now I'm going down south : and I'll stay until winter is gone
Time that wintertime is gone : I might come back home
Now I get up every morning : and I walk to Third and Field
And I'm just standing and I'm wondering : Lord just how to make a meal
Now the peoples in Memphis : they are walking the streets up and down
And you know the time is hard : peoples is starving all over town
Now I once have been a lover : baby back in my young days
But now baby was so mean : she done drove all my love away
Now I've got a girl in Brownsville : she lives down on *Buliphant* Lane
But my gal so mean : I'm scared to call her name



Now mama killed a chicken : and thought it was a duck
Put him on the table : with his legs straight up
??? : with your cup and glass
Catch the liquor : just to make me laugh
Now I went upstairs to sleep a little bit : went back to sleep a little more
The old bed fell down : had to sleep on the floor
Old Aunt Dinah : walking down the street
When she walk : she begin to creep
Skin on her head : just as tight as a drum
A little song : called deedle dee dum
One could beat it : and one could sing
One tell you : why don't you do that thing


Now a bow-legged rooster : and a knock-kneed hen
Both run together : but they ain't no kin
Now the monkey and the baboon : sitting on the fence
The monkey told the baboon : you got no sense



I don't care how long you gone : I won't care how long you stay
But that good kind treatment : bring you back home some day
Now if that wind : that chilly old breeze
Come blowing : through your B V Ds
If you don't quit betting : boys them dice won't pass
It's going to send you a-home : on your yas yas yas
It ain't but the one thing : that give a man the blues
He ain't got no bottom : in his last pair of shoes
I telled all the people : in your neighborhood
You's a no-good woman : you don't mean no good



Baby who : I mean who been telling you
Babe whosoever told you : they did not tell you true
Now have you ever tried loving : and you can't get it out of your mind
And if you could find someone : to treat you loving and kind
Now you used to be sweet : but I can't name you sweet no more
Because every time I come to your house : some man hanging around your door
Now I'm going to get up in the morning : and I'm going to do like Buddy Brown
Know I'm going to eat my breakfast : I believe I'll lay back down
Now I know my dog : [anywhere, wherever] I hear him bark
Know I can tell my little woman : if I feel her in the dark



Now don't never take : a married woman to be your friend
She will get all your money : to her same man back again
Now my sweet woman : she always *doing my cleans*
Now my little woman : won't help me sell my greens
Now I looked down the railroad : till my eyes got *green* and sore
If you don't stop tomorrow : then ??? will be my goal
Now it must've be traintime : I hear the whistle blow


Now it blow just like : it ain't going to blow no more
Now just as sure as the grass : on the ground grow green
I ain't crazy faro : woman that I ever seen



Now drop down baby : let your ??? be
I know : just what you trying to pull on me
Well mama you don't allow me : to fool around all night long
Now I may look like I'm crazy : poor John do know right from wrong
Go away from my window : quit scratching on my screen
You were badly mistreated : I know just what you mean
Some of these womens : sure do make me *charged*
Have a handful of give-me : a mouthful of much-obliged
Woman I'm loving : wants *me sell this gold*
That's the onliest woman : a mortgage on my soul
See me coming : put your men outdoors
You know I ain't no stranger : done been here before



Now on the farm : they all have joined the government loan
Now the government give you three years chance : and you could have something of your own
Now the government furnish you a milkcow : a rooster and some portion of hen
You know long through the spring : then you can have some money to spend
Now the women used to [count, holler] on the bonus : but they are [hollering, counting] on the
*rent* check now
You know I didn't go to the army : but I am using this government money anyhow
Now the governor he fought : for the plant of plenty corn and wheat
You know long through the winter : you can have something to eat



Tear it long : tear it wide
Can tear it down : to my sides
Tear it for the young : tear it for the old
I can tear it : just dry long so
Tear it on the street : tear it on the shore
Know by that : I want to tear it some more
Tear it in the yard : tear it at the gate


Know by that : I can tear it of late
Tear it for Mae : tear it for Joe
You know by that : I want to tear it some more
Tear it in the morning : late at night
You know by that : I didn't tear it just right



Vernita : honey what do you want me to do
Now I've done everything : but I can't get along with you
Now if you see Vernita : tell her hurry home
Had no loving : since she been gone
Vernita : baby where did you stay last night
Now you come home this morning : babe the moon was shining bright
Now I met Alberta : way out across the sea
Now she didn't write no letter : and she didn't care for me
Vernita : could anything I do to change your mind
Now I could come to love you : if you would treat me nice and kind



You know I worried last night : all night before
You know by that : I won't be worried no more
I was worried for you : I was worried for me
You know by that : I'm going to let it be
Now look here baby : see what you done done
Made me love you : now your man done come
Now my baby doing something : that I never could stand
I believe she's running : with a cooncan game
Now I bought some slippers : I bought some socks
Come home last night : had the back door locked



Now I never will forget : that floating bridge
Tell me five minutes time : under water I was hid
When I was going down : I throwed up my hands
Please : take me on dry land
Now they carried me in the house : and they laid me across the bank
About a gallon and a half of muddy water : I had drank


They dried me off : and they laid me in the bed
Couldn't hear nothing : but muddy water running through my head
Now my mother often taught me : quit playing a bum
Go somewhere : settle down and make a crop
Now the people standing on the bridge : screaming and crying
Lord have mercy : where we going



Need-more : it has hung a-many men
And that's the reason : I believe I'll make a change
Now something to tell you : keep it to yourself
Don't tell your sister : don't tell nobody else
Now bought some gloves : bought you some socks
I believe poor John : he needs a box
Now look a-here baby : see what you done done
Done made me love you : now your man done come
Now take me back : won't do you mean no more
Get all my loving : you let Mr so-and-so go



Now the sun going to shine : in my back door some day
Now the wind going to rise : blow my blues away
Now sure as the stars : shine in the world above
You know life is too short : to worry about the one you love
Now I ain't got no woman : ain't got no *child to school*
Reason I'm hanging around here : sticking here dry long so
Now you never have told me : how you want your rolling done
Now I believe you must a-want me : to roll from sun to sun
Now it was late last night : when everything was still
Now me and my baby : was playing old Jack and Jill



Well well when you see *lindy women* : I want you to throw your wives in the van
Well well probably next spring : hey I'm going to rig up my T Model again
Well well the T Model Ford : I say is the poor man's friend
Well well it will get you there : hey well when your money is spent
Well well one thing about the T Model : you don't have to shift no gears


Well well just let down the brake and feed the gas : hey and the stuff is here
Well well a V-Eight Ford : and it done took to style
Well well they raised it all the way from ninety : hey down to a hundred miles
Well well somebody : they done stole my wine on the road
Well well it's find somebody : hey got a T Model Ford



Now when I left Chicago : I left on that G and M
Then if I reach my home : I'll be changed all on that L and N
Now I came in all in that Main West : and I putted down at Chicago Heights
Now you know it didn't hobo John none : and that's where I stayed all night
Now if you hobo in Brownsville : you better not be peeping out
Now Mr Whitten will get you : and Mr Guy will wear you out
Now out east of Brownsville : about four miles from town
Now if you ain't got your fare : that's where they will let you down



I'm going to get in my airplane I'm going to get in my airplane : I'm going to ride all over I'm
going to ride all over your town
Then if I spy the woman I'm loving : poor John going to let this air poor John going to let this
airplane down
Here's my hand here's my hand : you can lead me where you want you can lead me where you
want me to go
Then if you lead me wrong this time : you won't lead me no and you won't lead me no more
I know my baby I know my baby : and she's bound to jump and she's bound to jump and shout
Now when she gets over to Atlanta : I done rolled them few I done rolled them few days out
You three times seven you three times seven : you ought to know what you want you ought to
know what you want to do
Now the day that you quit me : and I won't be mad with I won't be mad with you
Just the day before Christmas just the day before Christmas : let me bring your present let me
bring your present tonight
Now I will be your Santa Claus : even if my whiskers even if my whiskers is white



Now change in the ocean : change in the deep blue sea
Take me back baby : you'll find some change in me
Everybody : they ought to change sometime


Because it's soon or late : we have to go down in that old lonesome ground
Now change my money : change my honey
I change baby : just to keep from being funny
Now change my pants : change my shirt
I change baby : to get shed of the dirt
Now change home : I change town
I change baby : all the way around
Now change walk : I change talk
I change baby : just to keep from being balked



Now if you're ever on *Fourth Street* : I'll tell you what to do
Let Mr Peter Adams : get acquainted with you
Well you won't have to go : well you won't have to go
You can get what you want to : right here in my liquor store
He got a little whiskey : he got a little gin
All you got to do : is step in the back end
I met Mr Peter : down on Monroe Street
Come to Fourth Street : right around with me
He got some on his floor : he got some on his shelf
All you got to do : is just to help yourself
Mr Peter Albert : the discount man
You ask him for a favor : he won't make you ashamed



Now woke up this morning : couldn't hardly see
Snow on the ground : about eight foot deep
Lord have mercy : baby what become of me
You know I feel just like easing : back down into Tennessee
Now call William in the office : want to see you alone
I can't do nothing : with this white stuff on
Now I'm on the South Side : my buddy on the east
I don't know : whether he got any place to sleep
Say car can't go : margin too slick
Probably might slip back : off in a ditch
Now twenty-two twenty-four : West *Hubbard* Avenue
That's where you get : my nineteen and thirty-two





Now go call the fire department : for my house is burning down
You know that must be little Martha Hardin : because it's on the north side of town
I said the people is running : and I wonder who could it be
You know that must be little Martha Hardin : I saw them turn down on Wilson Street
When you see the chief : boys please clear the street
Because you know he's going down : save little Martha Hardin's house for me
She's a hard-working woman : you know her salary is very small
Then when she pay up her house rent : that don't leave anything for insurance at all
Now I wrote little Martha a letter : five days it returned back to me
You know little Martha Hardin's house done burnt down : she done moved on Bathurst Street



I washed my clothes : I hanged them by the fire
Get up in the morning : they be finally dry
I went to the ??? : trying to make me a dime
Say go away boy : clean up and get on some time
Five cent cap : and ten cent suit
Then you all think : I'm trying to act cute
I done something : that you can't do
Go down on State Street : get a one potful stew
I played for the colored : I play for the white
All you got to do : act kind of nice



When trouble first started : down in my front door
Seems like I had more trouble : in my life before
Now trouble in the morning : trouble late at night
Seems like I'm treated : every way but right
Now you got a little woman : she won't treat you right
Feed you in the day : go out with some man at night
I wonder what's the matter : can't get no mail
Had a dream last night : black cat crossed my trail
I know my baby : tell you how I know
By the great long hair : same little dress she wore
Now look a-here baby : see what you done done
You done made me love you : now your man done come



Now I can straighten your wires : you know poor Vasser can grind your valves
Man when I turn your motor loose : and it sure will split the air
Now Vasser can line your wheels : you know poor Vasser can tune your horn
Then when he set it out on the highway : you can hear your motor hum
Now my generator is bad : and you know my lights done stopped
And I reckon I'd better take it over to Durhamville : and I'm going to stop at Vasser Williams'
shop
Now I were raised in Lauderdale County : you know I was schooled on Winfield Lane
Then what I made of myself : I declare it was a crying shame
Now Brownsville is my home : and you know I ain't going to throwed it down
Because I'm acquainted with John Law : and they won't let me down



Now when I left for Richmond : the weather was kind of cool
Said boy you all be careful : probably you might catch the flu
Now I *swung that manifest* : I went down in the three rail *box*
Now I couldn't hear the special agent : when he come tipping over *soft*
Now some special agents up the country : sure is hard on a man


Now they will put him off when he hungry : and won't even let him ride no train
Now I was setting down in Centralia : and I sure was feeling bad
Now they wouldn't let me ride no fast train : they put me off on a doggone *drag*
Now special agent special agent : put me off close to some town
Now I got to do some recording : and I ought to be recording right now



Mailman : please stop by my box today
You know I'm looking for a letter from my baby : you know I want to hear from her right away
Reason I ain't been getting no mail : you know I done found out what it's all about
You know the mailman been getting drunk : he been leaving my mail at somebody else's house
Now I been waiting on the mailman : he usually come around about eleven o'clock
Now I guess he must have had car trouble : or either the road must be blocked
Mailman : please don't you lose your head
You know I'm looking for a letter from my babe : some of my people might be dead



Now it used to be the time : be getting two bucks a day
But now we getting fifty cents : *running down* proper pay
Time : time is drawing near
Now can't you see : more and more every year
Now I remember back in time : before we got grown
Be damned : to let sundown catch a ??? on
Now my mother used to say : the sign will be
We couldn't tell summer from winter : no more by the birds and of the trees
Now it used to be the time : get a corn crop in March
But now we can't get one in June : and neither July
Now you'd go to the church : just to work for soul
But now we go : to buy one another's clothes



Stopped little Mary : across the creek
Soon as I got her : somebody took her from me
Love little Mary : always will
Once in town : she liked to got me killed
Took little Mary : down to Tipton *bell*
All the time she was out : she was raising hell


Down in *Lake* County : in that gumbo mud
Where the mosquito bills : keep a-biting through her tub
You get to *Stanford* : and look all around
Ask anybody : little Mary in town



Now I was sitting in jail : with my eyes all full of tears
You know I'm glad I didn't get lifetime : boys and I escaped the electric chair
Now I consulted lawyers : and I know darn well I was wrong
You know I couldn't get a white man in Brownsville : yes to even say they would go my bond
Now the sheriff he arrest me : and he march me around front of the circuit court
You know I knowed the thing was getting kind of *squally* : I heard the city judge when he set
up his court
Now no more stewball : yes and neither no more white rice
Now you ought need not feel uneasy : you won't have to take this workhouse advice



*Some* was good : some said mean
All these *cotton nip* : ain't got no tea
Ever in Brownsville : go into nineteen
Old *Tim Lepson* : *get stoned on gin*
Tommy so tall : *no shine* low
Everybody in Brownsville : say he got a-plenty of dough
He *rattle his field* : get *a ??? rule*
Ask for a little money : he say boys share the mule
*Stone* live in country : Mr ??? live in town
Soon that morning : Mr ??? hit that black line
??? on the ??? : ??? on the truck
*Men say why* : *and hog people's stuff*



My old lady coming : down the line
She was low in front : she was bouncy behind
I believe I'll drop down : I don't feel welcome here
Now I'm going to get me a woman : for the brand new coming year
Went to the barber shop : to get me a shine
Say go away darky : to that door around the line


Now an old lady : had a jug of wine
Say go away son : you can't play the *lion*
Look here baby : see what you done done
You made me love you : now your man done come
Way down yonder : in the old West End
Women out there : look like sex of men



Don't a man do wrong : till a man make hisself at home
He may come back : catch his head while you lay on
Men goes and gambles : lose all his change
He come back home : his little wife has to bear the blame
Don't a man act funny : when a single woman ease in town
He stay out all night : he throw his home girl down
I knowed you never loved me : when you fell down on my knees
You had been drinking that old moonshine : trying to jive poor me
I won't play marbles : on my baby's marble ground
I won't be worried with the ??? : I'm going to move out to the edge of town



Now got offices in town : resident out on *Sentry* Road
He got a nice little lake : right inside the grove
But you know I like Mr Clark : yes he really is my friend
He say if I just stay out of the [grave, graveyard] : he see that I won't go to the pen
Now Mr Clark is a lawyer : his youngest brother is too
When the battles get hot : he tell him just what to do
Now he lawyers for the rich : he lawyers for the poor
He don't try to rob nobody : just bring *along to the store*
Now once I got in trouble : you know I was going to take a ride
He didn't let it reach the courthouse : he kept it on the outside
Now Mr Clark is a good lawyer : he good as I ever seen
He the first man that proved : that water run upstream



Little Laura was a gal : she was sixteen
Her *dammy dam* won't listen : to her dream
Little Laura was a dreamer : dream those disturbing dreams


She's the dreamingest gal : dreamingest gal I ever seen
Now she dreamed : she was going with the man next door
She dreamed : she was kissing his oh oh oh
She dreamed : she was riding in some man's automobile
She's the dreamingest gal : dreamingest gal I ever seen
Now she dreamed : she was sitting in the grass by the mill
She dreamed : she had taken me from the gal on the hill
Little Laura was a dreamer : most all of the dreams *forecast*
She's the dreamingest gal : dreamingest gal I ever seen
Now she dreamed : I was hugging her close to my breast
She told Jimmy that much of the dream : but she wouldn't tell the rest
Now she dreamed about love : from kissing on down
She's the dreamingest gal : for miles around
Little Laura was a dreamer : most all of her dreams come true
She had dream all about loving : and she know just what to do



Now you done spent all my nineteen forty rent : woman you done worked on my substitute
Then if you don't reach that nineteen forty-one : ooh babe what in the world you going to do
Now you ought to cut off so many trucks and tractors : white folks you ought to work more
mules and men
Then you know that would make : ooh boy money get thick again
Now when a man gets to gambling : you know he's turning his stocks into feed
He say he going to sell his corn and buy gas : ooh boys pour it in the automobile
Now I been studying I been wondering : what makes a man turn the ground over in the
wintertime
You know let the snow and rain rot the grass : ooh boys that make fertilizer for the ground
Now the government give us a school in Brownsville : boy you know I think that's very nice
You know the children can go in the daytime : ooh boys and the old folks have it at night




Write me a letter : and send it by mail
I want you to tell my dear old mother : I'm in the New Huntsville jail
I want you to tell her beans is tough : and the meat is so fat
I want you to tell my dear old mother : it's hard for me to eat that
If I had a-listened : what my mother said
I might have been rolling : somewheres in a folding bed
But I fooled around : with my long *harred*
Now I'm laying here in this New Huntsville jail : and I'm almost dead
Ashes to ashes : and dust to dust


And if God don't have me : you know the devil must
As I lay down in my cell at night : I tries so hard to take my rest
Cockroaches and chinches : begin to crawl over my breast



Worked all the summer : and all the fall
Just trying to find : my little all and all
Was in the spring : one summer day
Just when she left me : she's gone to stay
Needn't come here running : holding up your hands
I can get me a woman : quick as you can a man
It have been days : I didn't know your name
Why should I worry : and cry in vain
Going down to the station : down in the yard
Going to catch me a freight train : when times got hard
The lonesome days : have done gone by
Why should you beg me : and say goodbye



You go down Black Bottom : put your money in your shoe
Because the Black Bottom women gal : ain't going to do nothing but take it away from you
They don't care nothing : about what in the world they do
They'd sooner take that money : out of the bottom of your shoe
They'll take your money : and they'll take your clothes
And one of them tell the police next morning : *partner*
Now run here mama : and run here quick
Just take a look out here in the back yard : just look at sis
Come in here sis : you dirty little thing
Out there trying to be something : and you don't know how
I got me a woman : she lives way down in Tennessee
Just big as black and greasy : great God as greasy can be
Her head is nappy : and her feet done got long
Take God to tell : who she been waiting on



Now I shook it this morning : baby until late last night
And when I come in twelve o'clock : ??? shake it up right


Said now if I could holler : just like a mountain jack
I would crawl up on some mountain : holler for that woman back
Two kind of people : baby I can't understand
A bow-legged woman : likes a knock-kneed man
Now when you see two women : running hand in hand
You can bet your life : one's got the other's man
??? *upped* and come here : caught me in a barrel
I ain't even got no friends : even got no gal
I got a rock for my pillow : treetop for my bed
I ain't got nowheres : to lay my weary head




Now look here girl : put on your best dress
We going to see : who can do the boogie-woogie the best
Now look over : where them girls got them dress of green
I swear to God : this boogie too mean
Get a half pint of moonshine : two or three bottles of beer
I believe : I'll pitch the boogie right here
Get all your moonshine : get all your beer
Close the door : ain't going to let nobody up here




Let me be your wiggler : until your wobbler come
If she beats me wiggling : she got to wobble some
Women crying danger : but I ain't raising my hand
I got a way of loving : they just can't understand
Men they call me oven : they say that I'm red-hot
They say I got something : the other gals ain't got
I can strut my pudding : spread my grease with ease
Because I know my onions : that's why I always please
Wild about coffee : but I'm crazy about China tea
But this sugar daddy : is sweet enough for me
One John in the city : one lives up on the hill
But the man I'm loving : lives down in Jacksonville



I moaned I moaned : I cried the whole night long


I was wondering : where in the world my man done gone
I'd rather be dead : in some lonesome place
Than for my man : keeps treating me this a-way
When you see two of you women : going hand in hand
You can judge by that : they got one of the other one's man
I went to the Gypsy : to get my fortune told
*Said the evil* is hard luck : doggone your hard-luck soul
I said Lord Lord : something going on wrong
Because the man I love : done been here and gone
I turned around : and two of them Gypsies I told
Say Nellie needs a man : most anywhere you go
I went to my bedside : hung my head and cried
Got a letter from my man : that my man had died
I hung my head : and I cried the whole night long
Said I'm right upset : and I've got those weeping blues




I'm telling you this morning : I'm tired of you searching my house
I have a notion this morning : beating you up and throwing you out
The hell with the search warrant : go look and see what you can find
You ain't never found no liquor : and you searched my house two or three times
Give me a break : don't make me pay no fine
That judge is going to lick me : because I been here so many times



I'm guilty kind old judge : please treat me nice and kind
For I'll stay home and try my best : to get money to pay my fine
I never seen : a judge as mean as you before
Sending me a poor woman : and letting everybody else go
You can do as you please : thirty days won't make me cry
When I come back I'm going to gamble : and sell moonshine all my life




On a Sunday morning : just about half past four
My babe took my hand : said daddy I can't use you no more
Lord I may get better : babe I can't get well
I'm going back to my used-to-be : and baby it's country farewell


Lord I'm worried now : but I won't be worried long
It takes a man like me : to carry this worried song
Baby I've been worried so long : that worrying don't bother me
But ain't nobody here babe : to take pity on poor me
I've got a good girl : and I've got a lazy friend
And if I tell about her : he always tell me where she been
I always will have trouble : until I'm dead and gone
If you will love me mama : you'd never treat me wrong



And I got a letter from my baby : and it said that she was dying
I have to catch this mail train : I'm going back home flying
Now when I came in your town babe : I didn't come here to stay long
Now *do you believe that I gone back to her people* : but my baby knowed that I was gone
Lordy Lordy : Lordy Lordy Lord
The only little girl that I love : she treats me like a dog
I'm going to leave you baby : your crying won't make me stay
But it's just like I told you : you're going to need my help some day
Mama I'm the same man : you just only changed your ways
??? *has beaten* mama : you're going to be sorry some day




I woke up this morning : about half past four
Somebody knocking : on my back door
Yes he rattle this morning : about half past three
Half past four : he want to rattle some more
I got a range in my kitchen : bake bread nice and brown
Get my rattlesnake daddy : turn my damper upside down
I can rattle to the left : rattle to the right
My woman said I believe my rattlesnake daddy : can rattle all night
I rattle every morning : till late at night
Reason why : my rattlesnake mama don't allow me out of her sight
Now the old folks rattling : the young ones too
Ain't nobody rattle : just like the way I do
Yes I rattled this morning : about half past ten
Half past nine : I'm going to rattle again





Says I'm going up to town : hat in my hand
Looking for a woman : ain't got no man
Just as well be looking : for a needle in the sand
Looking for a woman : ain't got no man
Says I wouldn't have thought : my baby treat me so
Let another man : stayed at my back door
Mind mama : what you sow
You got to reap : just what you sow
Now if you get you one woman : you better get you two
One for your buddy : other one for you
I's got me a wife : and a sweetheart too
Wife don't love me : my sweetheart do
Cried my gal hollered murder : I ain't raised my hand
Pistol in my pocket : blackjack in my hand
Took my gal : under willow tree
Ought to hear her hollering : don't murder me



I'm not an elephant baby : my snout is large and round
Come to see me mama : when your love some down
If you see my pigmeat mama : tell her to hurry home
Says some lowdown bo-hog woman : have take my sow-pig from home
Yes the reason why I like pigmeat : you know it's nice and sweet
My gal she got something : sure is hard to beat
Yes she's large in the body : she's neat in the waist
My gal she got something : I know you would like to taste
Say you get away from my window : don't knock at my door
I got me a pigmeat woman : don't need sowbelly no more



Which a-way which a-way : do that Blood Red River run
Run from my window : to that rising sun
Now that jumper says loader : please send me six foot of clay
Because that Blood Red River mama : is rising six foot a day
Go down to the camp : and tell my brother Bill
The woman he's loving : is sure going to get him killed
Now the reason why these men here : they sure don't draw no more
Right from the long table : back to that commissary door


Now I love to hear : that M and O whistle blow
I'm in a world of trouble God knows : and I got to go
Now I got two women : and I don't know one apart
There's one in my bosom : t'other one in my heart



I can tell my dog : anywhere I hear him bark
I can tell my rider : if I feel her in the dark
You's a cold-blooded murderer : when you want me out your way
Says that's all right mama : you going need my help some day
And you say you going to put me : woman down in my lonesome grave
Say you must remember : I once have been your slave
And I feel like snapping : my pistol in your face
Let some brownskin woman : be here to take your place
Now you know you didn't want me : when you lied down across my bed
Drinking your moonshine whiskey mama : talking all out your head
Now give me the money baby : I'll catch that train and go
You don't have to kill me : because you don't want me no more
Now if you see my rider : tell her I said bring it home
I ain't had no loving : since my gal been gone
It's two kind of people in the world : that I can't stand
That's a lying woman : and a monkey-man



You talk about loving : that sure is *hit*
You got me to loving : and it just won't quit
Says when I'm on a farm : I hollering whoa haw gee
My gal's uptown : hollering who wants me
Every night I come home : you got your lips painted red
Then come on daddy : let's go to bed
Got great big legs : and a little bitty feet
Something about you : is sweet sweet sweet
You think : you the best-looking gal in town
You do that loving : let it go round and round





I never will forget the day : they transferred me to the county jail
I had shot the woman I love : ain't got no one to come go my bail
Then I sent for my friend : please spare the rod
Then my friend sent me word : Lord the job was too doggone hard
I got friend who's got money : please tell him come go my bail
And my friend sent me word : had no business in the county jail
Then I felt all right : till the judge turned around and frowned
Well I'm sorry for you buddy : but you on your last go-round
I says mmm : ain't got nobody now
Well I got nobody : Lord come and go my bail
I says mmm : I mean come and go my bail



The day I went uptown : caught you looking well
She fell down : her mouth flew open like a country well
Now if you go out : stay all night
??? : *about a* fuss and fight
She's built up a little : and I stay around
She can look up : long as you can look down
Get out now boys : and let me shut the door
I got to *cup them* : before I go
Going to tell you boys : just to call you my pals
A mighty bad sign : to advertise your gals



Had a little girl : she was little and low
Used to love me : but she don't no more
Got a little girl : she stays upstairs
Try to make a living : by putting on airs
Front door shut : back one too
Blinds pulled down : what you going to do
Now I got a little gal : whose name was ball
Give her a little bit : and she took it all
Me and my baby : walking down the street
Dealing everybody : but the chief of police
See my woman : tell her to hurry home
Ain't had no loving : since she been gone
I'll sing this verse : ain't going to sing no more


Hear my gal call me : and I got to go



I hate to see : that rising sun go down
It makes me believe : my woman got me on my last go-round
She used to be mine : but look who got her now
She didn't mean me no good : God knows I couldn't keep her nohow
Said hear me mama : who in the world been telling you
You don't even treat me : nothing like you used to do
Said it may be a week : and it could be a month or two
But when I get lucky gal : I'm coming right back to you
Said a woman I love : she rolled all over the bed
She got the kind of loving : make me talk out of my head
She got coal-black eyes : she got long black curly hair
My baby got something : to lead me most anywhere
I hate to see : that rising sun go down
Lord I got a notion : my woman done and left this town



I was walking around the streets : hear somebody call me and I can't stop
Yeah I was broke and I was hungry : on my way to the pawnshop
Says I went to the pawnshop : great God with my shoes in my hand
Says give me a loan Mr pawnshop man : and help me if you can
Says I called up in Burlington : ask my bossman to help me if he please
Says please hurry up and do something : great God I'm about to freeze
He wrote me and told me : just be sure it's one and two and three
Yeah that pawnshop something : great God that come falling down on poor me
Says I'm about to lose my home : I've done and lost my car
Yeah I'm going down to the pawnshop : see can I pawn my guitar
Says I asked that pawnshop man : what the three balls doing hanging on that wall
Says it's two to one buddy : you don't get your things back out of here at all



You got a little woman : she won't treat you right
Leave in the day : and go back nights
When I called this morning : about half past one
Wake up baby : loving has just begun


Said I know my little woman : going to change her mind
When she walks : she reels and rocks behind
Says I told my baby : about half past two
Wake up mama : loving ain't half through
Says my woman she quit me : keep me worried and blue
Take me in your arms and love me : like you used to do
Then I called her this morning : about half past ten
Wake up mama : loving is just began



You can always tell : when your woman don't want you around
She will put you in jail : six feet in the ground
Yeah locked up in jail : and I just can't help myself
Yeah when I get out : I'm going to find me someone else
Yeah I don't believe no woman : in the whole round world do right
She act like an angel in the daytime : crooked as the devil at night
Said I got the blues : been had them all day long
And when I get my pistol : I won't have them long
Yeah I know my woman : tell you how I know
By the great long hair : and the same little dress she wore



Going to catch that old Greyhound : going to ride from town going to ride from town to town
Then I will find my little woman : don't think she can't be don't think she can't be found
Now Mr redcap porter : won't you help me with my heavy won't you help me with my heavy
load
Say now my woman she done and quit me : she's far on down the she's far on down the road
Then I know my little woman : she bound to love she bound to love me some
When she throws her arms around poor me : like the circle around a like the circle around the
sun
It's the day before Christmas : let me bring your presents let me bring your presents tonight
Then I will be your Santy Claus : says even if my whiskers says even if my whiskers ain't white



When I had money : I had women and friends for miles around
Yeah now I'm broke : women and friends they can't be found
Says I'm talking about a dollar : I mean a dollar bill
And I just got your dollar : you sure can get your order filled
Said if I could only read : read my little woman's mind


Then I wouldn't be here worrying : and stayed blue all the time
My baby keep me guessing : about things I want to know
Yes she got me doing things : that I never did before



I ain't never loved : but a thousand women in my life
Now the love I have for you woman : God knows it sure is strong
Then if you love me now woman : then you won't do nothing wrong
Now my woman please don't worry : baby while I'm out of your town
Now the love I have for you mama : God knows it can't be turned around
Now my little woman : I said she's sweet as she can be
Every time I kiss her : send a cold chill run over me




I know you from Georgia : but you are all right with me
And if you love me : I wonder what can it be
You was once a good girl : and I had faith in you
But when you started to drinking : Lord that's too bad to do
Drinking won't help you none : crying won't do no good
Before day in the morning : I'll be done left your neighborhood
I'm going to drink one of these nights : and tell my sober thoughts
You know what I mean : give me back everything I bought




I've got Ford engine movements in my hips : ten thousand miles guarantee
A Ford is a car everybody wants to ride : jump in you will see
You can all have the Rolls Royal : your Packard and Studs
Take a Ford engine boys : to do your stuff



I'm so blue : just as blue as I can be
Because every day : is a cloudy day for me
I went to the depot : and looked up on the board
Oh I asked the operator : how long that train been gone


Oh it left here this evening : just about five o'clock
Oh that must have been the train : that my good man caught
Oh what makes my grandpa : love my grandma so
She's got the same old jelly : she had forty years ago
I'm going to Washington : to get my hambone boiled
Because these mens in Atlanta : about to let my hambone spoil




I've have the blues about my money : had the blues because I'm feeling bad
But when my sweet woman quit me : them was the worst blues I ever had
You can ever so much money : and friends of different kinds
But to find someone to love you : I swear they're hard to find
If you should find someone to love you : someone to treat you right
You must be kind and loving : and don't run around at night
Because a woman's very funny : she wants you around her all the time
And find you's been gone : some old rounder might change her mind
Don't you never believe : your woman thinks too much of you
Because there's always been some good man : to beat you doing what you're trying to do



I been drinking and gambling : barrelhousing all my days
But I found someone to love me : I'm going to change my ways
I've always heard it : but now I know it's true
If you mistreat a good woman : she'll turn her back on you
If your woman loves you : she'll stand by you to the end
Nobody can steal your place : you can leave her with a bunch of men
If you get a jealous-hearted woman : be careful what you do
Because there's always somebody : tell her lies on you
Whiskey has been my pleasure : good-time places I've always found
But it's been so different now : since I have fell down



Ain't going to cut no kindling : ain't going to pack no coal
I wouldn't spend a nickel : not to save your soul
Because I'm tired of being mistreated : and the way you do
Want you to tell everybody : that I'm down on you
You taken my money : you left me cold in hand


I'm going to black your eye : you can tell your man
You can go tell the parson : you can tell Chief O'Brien
Before I take you back : I'd rather serve some time
You fooled me once : you fooled me twice
You fooled me just enough : for me to take your life
You left me this morning : you stayed away all day
You must've found something : to keep you away
A nickel for some sugar : a dime for some rice
I'm going to crucify my woman : I'm going to *take her life*



You might be brownskin : I might be black
But what I want baby : you really like
Girl I'm tired of being mistreated : and the way you do
Want you tell everybody : that I'm down on you
I got the money : to buy a house and lot
But what I want baby : you really haven't got
*Nice little partner* :
When I get you home : I'm going to curl your hair
I'm not short : I'm long and tall
I've just got what it takes : to make you crawl
Go out with me baby : in a brand new car
Taking a ride woman : you won't have to walk so far
I had two wives : I want one more
Come in here baby : let us lock the door



Baby stop your way of rambling : stay at home with me sometime
Because this way you going every night : will soon start me with a rambling mind
I don't mind you going : please don't stay the whole night long
Because you made me love you baby : and I miss you when you go
Oh it seems so different : you don't care for me no more
But some day baby : you're going to reap just what you sow



Oh tell me baby : how can it be
You will give everybody : but you won't give me


Ooh baby : the sun begins to shine
Bought you a brand new dress : now you won't pay me no mind
You can spend my money : but you got to stay at home with me
Got to give me lots of loving : and keep my company



Ain't going to cut no kindling : ain't going to buy no corn
I wouldn't spend a quarter : not to save your soul
Because I'm tired of being mistreated : tired of the way you do
Want you to tell everybody : that I'm down on you
You fooled me once : you fooled me twice
You fooled me just enough : for me to take your life
You taken my money : you left me cold in hand
I'm going to black your eyes : you can go tell your man
You can go tell the sergeant : you can tell Chief O'Brien
But before I take it back : I'd rather serve some time
Now you left me this morning : you stayed away all day
You must have found something : to keep you away



I'm going to build me a castle : out of ice and snow
So I can freeze these barefooted women : away from around my door
Just because you were a cheater : I won't give up the game
It don't break my heart to win : when I lose I feel the same
I'm going I'm going : my face you'll never see
But you can kiss my picture : and think the world of me
You accuse me of women : brought your men right before my face
After all your mistreating : no one can take your place



Don't care what you say : don't care what you do
You sure can't quit your woman : and if she put that thing on you
She put that thing on you : she puts it on you right
You can't eat when you get hungry partner : you can't sleep at night
I asked a married woman : to let me be her kid
She said she's afraid she'd put that thing on me : and I couldn't keep it hid
My woman quit me : got her another man


And the way she had that thing on me : I couldn't raise my hand
Now from my experience : I give you your advice
If you got a good woman partner : you'd better treat her right



Mr drayman Mr drayman : back your truck up to my door
Take my trunk down to the station : take it never here no more
I'm in bad luck now : going to catch me somebody's train
Take this whole world through : my luck will be bound to change
Bad luck wakes me every morning : trouble follows me all night long
If I see this ain't no place for me : I'm going back where I belong
I just received a letter : baby won't you please come home
Say the days seem so lonesome : and the nights so long



Believe I'll take : my old-timey rider back
Because she got a way of loving : that her daddy likes
[Awful] nice to meet strangers : just to come and spend the day
But that old-timey rider : can drive your blues away
Did you ever wake up in the morning : and find your rider gone
I know just how it feels : that's why I composed this song
I went to the doctor : for my misery
Said it's nothing but the blues : bearing down on me
And I asked the doctor : [was there] anything that he could do
Says I can't do nothing : till that woman come back to you



I believe I'll try : them bad-luck dice again
If I keep on a-trying : I'll be bound to win
Every man tries to gamble : must have a losing day
So he shouldn't get evil : and throw my dice away
Sometimes I believe : my woman's bad luck to me
Because every time I start to gamble : I can't throw a thing but a three
I lost all I had : everything I had to lose
Even lost the one I love : but I swear I can't lose with you
Nine and five my weakness : ten and four keeps me all in pawn
But if I ever get lucky : I swear I'll have my diamonds on





I am sorry : that I can't take you
You don't know how to gamble : nothing else for you to do
It's not because I love you : but it's just because I've been with you so long
And I know you bound to miss me : baby when I'm gone
Blues have mercy : have mercy on poor me
Oh it might be my fault : please have my sympathy
Baby if you never : never never no more
If you never no more see me : you'll miss me when I go
Mmm baby : believe I will go back home
Going back to the one I love : and acknowledge that I done wrong



A hard-headed woman : just like a bulldog without a chain
She won't never listen to what you say : and that will leave your heart in pain
I've fooled with women : till I lost everything I own
It was a married woman : cause me to lose my home
A woman's so deceitful : but she's so loving and kind
You can pack up your trunk to move : but you will change your mind
You told me you loved me : told my boy friend too
And I would not have been here : if it don't been for you
When a dumb man tries to gamble : he expects to lose
When you got a hard-headed woman : you bound to have the blues



Bad luck and trouble : and the blues without a dime
When a man's got money : the blues don't cross his mind
Always try : to keep a dollar in your hand
When you ain't got no money : your woman get another man
Don't never allow your woman : to talk no baby-talk to you
You can tell by that : they got something in their heads to do
I don't want no woman : if she ain't got a railroad man
Because every day's like Sunday : I mean she's always got a dollar in her hand





Keep your back door locked : baby keeps your windows pinned
If your husband should knock : tell him you're cooking and he can't come in
You ought to buy you a bulldog : to watch us whilst we sleep
So he can see your husband : if he makes a 'fore-day creep
Wake up baby : please don't be so still
Unless you fixing a good way : to get your daddy killed
What's that baby : pecking on your windowpane
Say the stars is shining : I know it can't be rain
The big star's falling : I know it can't be long before day
And I think it's time for me : to make my get-away



You can jive me baby : but I don't believe a thing you say
You just a confidencing woman : and wants to have your way
You can spend my money baby : you can get my loving too
I'll do most anything : just to get along with you
I lay down on my pillow : I rolled from side to side
I didn't have no blues : I just was not satisfied
When you see me coming : my head all hanging down
It's that my sweet woman done quit me : the news all over town
My suitcase is packed : my trunk's already gone
You can tell by that : I won't be here long



Since we been apart : ??? seems strange to me
We been together all these years : and now we can't agree
Somebody must have told you : something to worry your mind
But you should stop your way of living : and stay at home sometime
All my past life : I found till today
I've been trying to listen : to everything you say
If you call that leaving : make the best out of life you can
But you must always remember : your daddy has been your friend
Some of these mornings : you going to long for me
You going to want me baby : just for company





When I was society : the women would not let me be
Now I'm wild and reckless : and nobody cares for me
Some people like religion : some like to rob and steal
But I like to play with my yellow women : and my whiskey right from the still
Cigarettes is my pleasure : and whiskey I do crave
And some long tall and slender : to follow me to my grave
I want to tell you something : happened to me one day
It was a little brownskin woman : stole my heart away



I got a little woman : but I swear she treats me mean
Well she can bake good jellyroll : and she's so nice and clean
She don't make no charges : she don't set no price
But if you roll it once : you want to roll it twice
Now the best doctor in my town : says he never heard tell of such
Little bitty woman : could roll that jellyroll so much
She roll it for Uncle Bill : he like to lost his mind
He want her to keep rolling it : all the time
Oh she mix up her jelly : she rolls it over slow
Gets it all together : then she mix it in her dough




Said I work for you baby : I treat you like a baby child
Well you laughing at me now mama : you'll be crying after a while
Says I give you my money : you treat me like a tramp
I got holes in my shoes : and my feet is getting damp
Oh babe : you oughtn't be so doggone wise
Well you laughing at me now mama : you'll be crying after a while
Says you three time seven : and you knows what you want to do
Sometimes you going to think : about the good things I used to do
You laughed and laughed : until you put my clothes in a pile
Well you laughing at me now mama : you'll be crying after a while
Says I tried so hard : to get along with you
But somehow I couldn't please you : no way I do
You laughed and said : honey I was driving you wild
Well you laughing at me now mama : you'll be crying after a while





Say the holdup man : says don't act tough
Give me your money : I'll treat you rough
Now the little dog : started in to run
The big dog said : pup you just begun
Now I'm going downtown : to see Lizzie Brown
She got the best jellyroll : that is in town
Yes there's one thing : I'm pleased to say
A short-legged woman : can go a long long way
I've got what it takes : I am no child
Makes no mistake : yes I'm running wild



I have never been worried : like I'm worried today
Said my baby is going to leave me : and she's going away to stay
When you get to thinking : about your gal
Says you baby is going to leave you : and taken dime you have
I work all day : I wrestle all night
I did not think my baby : would go out and stay all night



Well I worry I worry : I worries all the time
For the gal I love : she just won't treat me kind
I just worry : worry all the time
Yes I worry : because she won't treat me kind
I just lay down on my bed : I smoke cigarettes all night
Just thinking about my gal : because she ain't doing me right
Says I woke up this morning : feeling so bad
Thinking about the good times : that I once have had
I'm going to pack my suitcase : and down the road I'll go
Because the good times I used to have : I can't have no more



I'm going to leave here : walking too
Just on account : of the way you do
Now you told me : that wouldn't do
It may be me : it may be you


I have been walking : for nights and days
Thinking about the words baby : that you have said
I give you my money : you wouldn't play fair
You taken my money : and gave me the air



I woke up this morning : Lord and my baby was gone
I didn't have no sweet woman : just to hold me in her arms
Yes I'm a poor poor boy : and a great long way from home
I ain't got nobody : just to teach me right from wrong
I'm bound down in trouble : and you know just how I feel
Like a broke down engine : without a driving wheel
That's why I'm leaving : I ain't got no place to go
Because the Good Book says : you going to reap just what you sow



Well I followed my woman : to a place she didn't want me to be
And I seed something : that I did not want to see
Well I seen my friend : give her a bottle of booze
And then what hurt me : she started pulling off her shoes
Says I was in a place : that I did not want to be
And I seen something : that I did not want to see
I said to myself : what you think of that
I seen on the wall : they hung their coat and hat
And then I begin to wonder : what to think of this
And then I saw them : begin to hug and kiss
She was with my friend : instead of being with me
And I seen something : that I did not want to see



I got the key to the highway : billed out and ready to go
I'm going to leave here running : because walking is most too slow
I'm going back to the border : where I'm better known
Because you haven't done nothing : but drove a good man away from home
Give me one more kiss mama : just before I go
Because when I'm leaving here : I won't be back no more
When the moon creep over the mountain : honey I'll be on my way


I'm going to walk this highway : until the break of day
Well it's so long so long baby : I must say goodbye
I'm going to roam this highway : until the day I die



I ain't going down : to Riley Springs no more
When I was there : you drove me from your door
You don't know : how you treated me
You used to love me : and went back to your used-to-be
Riley Springs : is a place to go
But you done me so bad : I won't be back no more
You don't care : what become of me
All you care : is to give your poor heart ease
See now : what you done to me
You broke my heart : and left me in misery



Now you didn't want me : when I was treating you nice and kind
Now it's too late baby : I have changed my mind
You won't act right : when I tried to do right myself
Now it's no no baby : I've got somebody else
It ain't no need : you calling me on my telephone
It's too bad baby : you have broke up your happy home
Now I am through : going from door to door
For what you done : I don't want you no more
Now what you done : you done it to yourself
When I wanted you : you wanted someone else



I tried to get you : to stop raising sand
Before they put you : back in the can
Oh baby : it looks bad for you
Now you hear me talking : I've done all I'm going to do
I tried to love you : a long time ago
I love you : until you drove me from your door
Now love is mighty : rest on either hand
I know you don't love : when you keep on raising sand


I tried to tell you : but you wouldn't understand
Now I'm leaving you : cold in hand
I tried to tell you baby : just before you go
Don't you looking : for me no more



Me and my buddy : I mean he is my friend
We can drink more whiskey : ooo well well than a thousand men
My buddy my buddy : was a dear old friend of mine
When I didn't have the price of whiskey : ooo well well my buddy had it all the time
When I was in trouble : with my hands and feet both tied
I didn't have to look for my buddy : ooo well well he's right there by my side
I know me and my buddy : never will have no falling out
Because we got wise to women : ooo well well we knows what it's all about



When I had you baby : you wouldn't act right
You with your man honey : staying out every night
It was a time : you broke my heart
That's when I found out : that I and you had to part
It's come a day : it won't be long
You will be sorry : that you drove me away from home
When I was in trouble : had my ups and downs
I looked for you baby : you could not be found



I believe I'll write : just one more letter home
I'm going to ask my baby : what's been going on wrong
I'm going to tell my baby : baby I will be home
You better make some arrangements : because it a-won't be very long
I'm going to ask my baby : baby is that your friend
She said now don't you worry : you just walk on in
Now I have acknowledged : baby that I have done you wrong
Now tell me what is the reason : that a-we can't get along





The graveyard is lonely : you better put brakes on yourself
Because that's just where you're going : if I catch you with anyone else
It's a hard pill to swallow : when the neighbors all bring you the news
They say you drinks in the alley : on corners or any place you choose
If you don't treat me no better : I ain't going to be your man no more
I love you it's true : but I will have to let you go
If you don't want to tell your mother : that you soon will be coming home
You better cut out you late hours : and let other mens alone
You drinks way too much whiskey : you ain't got no stopping point
And as soon as all the taverns close : you then head for some moonshine joint



I'm going to leave you baby : out here on the outskirts of town
I brought you out here mama : and you won't stop fooling around
I've cut out my iceman : I bought me a frigidaire
Now you let the serviceman : take you everywhere
I'm going to leave you baby : out here on the outskirts of town
I ain't going to stand nobody : ooo always hanging around
I brought my own groceries : I brought them every day
Now you letting the grocery boy : lay up in the hay
I see you wiggling and giggling : when I'm mad as I can be
Now we got seven children : ain't none of them look like me



Since the hard time is got me : I've been running from door to door
I ain't got no bed to sleep in : I've got to sleep down on the doggone floor
Well it's hard times here : and it's hard times everywhere I go
I've got to make me some money : so I won't have these hard-luck blues no more
You know I used to get me a dollar : before I could catch my breath
But now I ain't got me a dime : unless I toss my poor self to death
Have you ever dreamed you were lucky : and then woke up cold in hand
Well you dreamed you had a dollar : and your woman's got another man




Now tell me baby : how do you want your loving done


Oh roll me on my belly baby : feed me with your chocolate drop
Want you to roll me baby : like the baker rolls his dough
Oh reel and rock me baby : honey if it's all night long
Won't you come back baby : you get me all confused



You can go : you can stay
But you'll come home : some old lonesome day
Some day baby : some old lonesome day
I'm coming home to my baby : some old lonesome day
The Mississippi River : so deep and wide
I can't see my good man : on the other side
I was born in Georgia : but I hangs around Tennessee
I've got a man here in Georgia : partner he's crazy about me
Where were you baby : when that L and N left the shed
You was standing in your back door : with a hung down head




You used to be sweet milk : but you done turned sour on me
If you want me to love you : you hum like a honeybee
Now the old folks shake it : young folks too
Ain't nobody shake it : like my daddy do
Lord the way he shakes it : will make me lose my appetite
And nobody shake it : like papa ??? can
Because the way you shake it : will make me lose my appetite
Because the way you shake it : will make me do things right



I'm a pigmeat mama : pigmeat's all I crave
Pigmeat's going to carry me : carry me to my grave
Some women like their pork chops: some women like their wine
But I'm a pigmeat mama : give it to me all the time
I got pigmeat in Texas : pigmeat in Tennessee
My pigmeat in Virginia : Lord is wild about me


Tell all you women : what you better do
You better lay off my pigmeat : or it won't be good for you
Pigmeat for breakfast : pigmeat when I'm in bed
If I don't get my pigmeat : Lord I'd rather be dead



My man left me : he left me feeling bad
He's the best *kind fellow* : that I ever had
I'm going to send you a ticket : hoping you will come
Come back home : nevermore to roam
If you come back home baby : tell you what I'll do
I'll *teach* my kid-man : how to live true to you
Since you been gone papa : listen what I've done
I've made a lot of money: but I ain't give nobody none
I'll wash you clothes in the morning : bake jellyroll at night
When you come home : that'll be so doggone nice
I drink so much coffee : the grounds are in my *wheeze*
I don't care how I do it : doggone heart disease



Mr gasman : please don't turn off my gas today
But the wind is blowing : and the snow begins to fall
But Mr gasman : these cold winds will really give me a chill
Mr gasman come into my parlor : I want to ask you to close the door
Mr gasman : will you please come around after dark
Are you coming in Mr gasman : I want to tell you something right quick
I want to get you early : and *beat some head cold*
Mr gasman : you got that old hot bankroll right over there in your pants






When you hear me walking : turn your lamp down low
Then turn it so : your man'll never know
Going to buy me a bed : and it shine like a morning sun
When I get to bed : it rock like a Cadillac car
Your head is nappy : your feet so mamlish long
And you move like a turkey : coming through the mamlish corn
I done told you I loved you : what more can I do
And you must a-want me : to lay down and die for you



I'm so lonesome : I'm so lonesome and I'm so blue
I'm so sad and lonesome : mama I don't know what to do
When you have a feeling : that I sure gal don't want no more
You just might as well leave her : even if it hurts you so
I'm going to walk down that dirt road : till somebody lets me ride
If I can't find my baby : I'll run away and hide
I'm going back to Atlanta : down on Decatur Street
If I can't find my baby : I'll be so kind to meet




I got a brown in New York : what I am afraid
If I *just tell her* in her face baby : *that will*




Rocking : rocking myself to sleep
Watching my baby : make that midnight creep
I'm rocking : rocking my worries away
What worries me now : worries me every day
Rocking : rocking on down the road
I'm rocking in places : I never rocked before
Rocking : rocking my blues away
I'm going to rock right here : until the break of day



Listen babe : tell me the truth


Please tell me babe : what you going to do
I love you babe : always treated you kind
But your ways and actions : make me lose my mind
I took you in babe : right off the block
You was beat and raggedy : as a mop
You going to be sorry : you treated me this way
You going to want me babe : I'll be far away
Goodbye babe : I'm leaving you
You haven't did babe : what you should do



I love you baby : ain't going to tell you no lie
Always want you : by my side
Come on baby : let's talk awhile
You know I love you : don't you realize
I'll do anything : just to be with you
Say anything darling : don't say we're through
I love you baby : and you know that's true
What make you do your little mama : like you do
I don't care what they say : I don't care what they do
I'll do anything : in the world for you
Put your arms around me : hold me tight
And love your mama baby : love your mama right



Mmm : oh my mellow man
Can't nobody thrill me : like my mellow man can
He don't stand on no corners : he don't rob and steal
Come home to me : each day to get his meal
Now he ain't no organ grinder : he just nice and sweet
I love that man : from his head down to his feet
My man is so mellow : they call him spongy boy
But that ain't his name : his name is plain Leroy



Listen girls and boys : I've got one stick
Give me a match : and let me take a whiff quick


I started blowing my gauge : and I was having my fun
I spied the police : and I started to run
But the very moment : I looked around
My mind fell ill : throwed that gauge on the ground
I used to didn't blow gauge : drink nothing of the kind
But my man quit me : and that changed my mind
I know to blow this jive : it's a sin and a shame
But it's the only thing : ease my heart about my man



You had plenty of money : in nineteen twenty-two
But you let other women : make a fool of you
Why don't you do right : like some other men do
Get out of here : and get me some money too
You sitting down wondering : what it's all about
If you ain't got no money : they going to put you out
If you had prepared : twenty years ago
You wouldn't have been drifting : from door to door
I fell for your jiving : I took you in
Now all you got to offer me : is a drink of gin



I tried hard : a long time
To get you : to change your mind
You want to know : what it's all about
If you love me : you will soon find out
I work : hard for you
Now tell me daddy : what you going to do
When I see you : walking down the street
I get the thrill : from my head to my feet
It's no use : for us to fuss and fight
We should love some : every night



You got me : feeling sad
The worst feeling : I ever had



I got a man : a real handsome one
He ain't no loafer : he's just a little old country boy
I love him : if he is a little old country boy
Yes I love him : because he fills my heart with joy
Some people say he is lazy : but I know that is a lie
For three years he been doing my work : and I'm perfectly satisfied
I know he will [learn to] love me : when he gets to be a man
Because I'm always going to feed him : right from my hand
Now people all want to know : why do I follow my man
There's no need to explain : because they really wouldn't understand



I'm so sorry you heard : I don't know what to do
I'm sorry for the time : I made you blue



Baby what's the matter : why don't you be yourself
If I didn't love you : I'd get somebody else
But you are so dull and rotten : you think everybody like yourself
If I didn't love you : I'd get somebody else
Because I love you baby : and I want you for myself
If I didn't love you : I would get somebody else
The way you been doing : you know it's wrong
How do you expect : for us to get along
Now maybe some day baby : you'd know for yourself
If I didn't love you : I'd get somebody else



You say I'm a fool : and everyone knows
They wondering why : I don't let you go
Everybody tells me : what he do
But still : I don't believe it's true
You say : he don't treat me right
But he say he love me : both day and night


I'm telling you : right from the start
I don't intend : for us to part
This is all : I have done my best
I love him : and darn the rest



I'm so down-hearted : feeling sad
Baby you left me : sick in bed
Mama and papa told me : when I left my home
I would have to face : the world alone
I keep knocking : but they won't let me in
Because you in there with your new love : drinking your gin
I'm so down-hearted : no place to go
Out in the rain : hail sleet and snow
I'm so down-hearted : everywhere I go
Hard luck and trouble : meets me at the door




My man done quit me : he done throwed me down
I'm sad : because he didn't call around
Did you ever lay down : and dream the whole night long
Dream about your man : and all your ??? *is gone*



Last night I went out alone : I was lonesome as could be
How I longed to find someone : to keep my company
Strange man strange man : let me come close to you
I'm feeling lonely : won't you tell me what to do
I'm looking for someone to love : who can your good gal be
I ain't got nobody : and you sure look good to me




Call me a freakish man : what more was there to do
Just because she said I was strange : that did not make it true
I sent her to the mill : to have her coffee ground


Because my wheel was broke : and my grinder could not be found
You mix ink with water : bound to turn it black
You run around with funny people : you get a streak of it up your back
There was a time when I was alone : my freakish ways to see
But they're so common now : you get one every day in the week
Had a strange feeling this morning : I swear I've had it all day
I'll wake up one of these mornings : that feeling will be here to stay




Now I was just sitting here wondering : where I would go get some ease
Now I'm going back to California : so I can do just as I please
Crossing that old desert mama : just like breaking the Hindenburg Line
Now if you get ditched off on that freight train : you know that will be the end of the line
Oh yes I know I know : oh yes I know
Now the train's at the station : in my mind I'm made up to go
When I reach old Los Angeles California : you ought to hear me jump and shout
Now the people in Los Angeles : they didn't know what it's all about




I feel bluer this morning : than I ever felt before
I'm changing friends and men : and I won't be blue no more
I know you 'buke and dog me : baby with your forty-five
And I couldn't do nothing : but wring my hands and cry
Know you trying to be mean babe : and use me as a child
But it's going to hurt you to your heart : when I leave you for a while



I'm tired of being scolded : when I know I'm doing to best I can
To keep from being your dog daddy : I will get me a brand new man
No use of getting on your knees : because I can't use you no more
I been your dog long enough : so this morning I'll have to go
You know all this time : thinking you was all mine
And I come to find : you was worse all the time
And I didn't say one sentence : till six months after you left
I'll give you one more chance : to make a man out of yourself






Did you ever wake up with the blues : and didn't have no place to go
And you couldn't do nothing : but just walk from door to door
It was late last night mama : and I hear you cry out in bed
I went *over rolled* my baby : and she talked all out of her head
If you don't like my loving : what make you keep on worrying me
Why don't you get you some other man : oh mama and just let me be
Good morning Mr blues : Mr blues I come to talk with you
Mr blues ain't doing nothing : and I would like to get a job from you



I know you like my loving : I can tell from the way you wine
Let you taste my jelly : you just worries me all the time
I told you pretty mama : I have the best jelly in your town
Bet you got a little taste : you just keep on hanging around
I swim deep pretty mama : just like a catfish loaded down
And every time you see me : you wants to fall down on the ground
When me and my baby start to loving : we wants to fight like cats and dogs
But before it's over with : we hollering Lord oh Lordy Lord




Yeah mean mama : where you stay last night
Oh your hair all wrinkled : and your clothes ain't fitting you right
Got up this morning : and I could not keep from crying
Thinking about my rider : she done put me down
The sun going to shine : in my back door some day
I know my woman : going to come my way some day
When I get drunk : well I don't want to drink no more
Listen here : what my dear old mother says
These women and whiskey : going to get my child astray
Easy mama : no good bearing down





Have you ever woke up : with them bullfrogs on your mind
It's going to rain today mama : sun shine in your back door
I'm going to tell you this time mama : I ain't going to tell you no I ain't going to tell you no I
mean more
I'm going to tell you this time mama : ain't going to tell you no more
I'm going to leave you partner : and I won't be back here no more
I left you standing here : in your back door crying
I got the bullfrog blues : and I can't be satisfied
Have you ever dreamed lucky : woke up cold in hand
I'm going to tell you : what a Chinaman told a Jew
You don't likee me : well I sure God don't like you
Look a-here partner : see what you done to me
The sun going to shine : in my back door some day



Say it makes no difference : what mama don't allow
We going to have a good time : right anyhow
Well come on daddy : what do you say
Just give me a kiss : that very same way
Well I'm just going to tell you : this one time
Mama this ain't nothing : but to worry your mind
Well it's take me back : try me again
Says I may do better : than what I once have been
Oh come on daddy : this ain't no joke
If you got a good cigarette : just give me a smoke
Take me back : and try me again
Says we'll do better : than what we used to
Well if you don't like my peaches : don't shake my tree
Gal stay out of my orchard : and let my peaches be
Well I tell you buddy : this is a natural fact
Whenever you quit me : I ain't going to take you back




If you just listen closely : tell you just what I mean
I want to tell you : all about my lonesome midnight dream
Something was troubling me last night baby : I swear it was very mean


All night long in my sleep : I felt like I wanted to scream
I would lie down on my bed : I just rolled from side to side
Feel like the girl that I love : have just lay down and died
And I called the undertaker : and the hearse came driving slow
Made me feel so sorry : to see my baby go
Lord I heard a mighty rumbling : just about the dawn of day
It was only the wagon : coming to carry my baby away
When I woke up this morning : folks I just started to scream
Why when I came to find out : that it was just a lonesome midnight dream




Lord I remember : what my big fat mama said
She so big and fat : got to put ashes all in my bed
Now I got rocks all in my pillow : gravel all in my bed
I got morphine in my belly : cocaine in my head
Now if you go : have to bring my good clothes on back
I says go on home mama : you gots: *ruses* all in your back
Says I been to Montana : been all over Tennessee
Says now tell me what's the reason you get tired of here : baby I been really homesick about you
So true so true Lord : mama so true
Says I seen you leaving last night : baby by the light of the moon
Got three great big bulldogs Lord : to watch you while you sleep
To keep papa's little gold *watch-key* : from doing that 'fore-day creep



So soon this morning mama : you were knocking on my door
Babe you knock : just like you never knocked before
I'm going to tell my baby : what the Chinaman told the Jew
Baby no iggly-oggly me mama : sister no iggly-oggly you
I got eighty in New York : I got ninety in Tupalo
No need to smile mama : don't believe I want no more
Says so cold in China baby : those birds can't hardly sing
Says they don't do nothing : but fly in *frosty* wings
My gal's got a new way : Lord spelling Tennessee
Double S double E : double I double A double L
Lord I'm going I'm going mama Lord : I'm I'm going so far away
Says I'm going too far baby : that you can't hear me say






I woke up this morning : feeling sad and blue
Couldn't find my yo-yo : didn't know what to do
I hurried downtown : called my daddy on the phone
He said don't cry mama : daddy will bring your yo-yo home
If you don't believe I can yo-yo : watch me wind my string
Come home daddy : and make the yo-yo sing
Bring your yo-yo : wind the string around my thumb
I'm an old milkcow : to make the yo-yo mum
If your daddy can't yo-yo : you better learn him how
Listen women : I don't mean to start no row



Hey daddy hey daddy : don't let me cry in vain
You see I'm wounded wounded and bleeding : can't you ease my pain
Hearts is aching day is breaking : listen to me pray
See it's snowing cold wind is blowing : so please be on your way
Mr ambulance man : I can't stay still to save my soul
And you ought to be careful : how you handle my jellyroll



Says people call me Mama Treetop : because I'm slender and tall
But when I get ready : to get my ashes hauled
I got a range in my kitchen : I've got a strict rule
When it gets too hot : I want my oven just cool
You can drink my liquor : where my clothes
But when it comes time : for spending my dough
You can milk my cow : use the cream
But when it comes to loving me : that will be in a dream
You can crank my car : shift my gear
But when any easy riding : goes on here



When I go out singing : I goes out all alone
I got a new way of singing : makes a good woman lose her home
Singing is my trade : I don't have to lie


If you feel my stinger : you want to until you die
It was soon this morning : I heard my doorbell ring
I thought slim was working : and he wasn't doing a doggone thing




I'm going up on a mountain : I'm going to do just like a hog
Because the women around here : just treat a good man like a dog
I say I'd rather be shaggy : mama just like a dog
Than to hear my little jet-black woman : say Buddy Boy she don't need me no more
When you see two [jet-black, old black] women : standing and talking so long
Bet your life : there's something going on wrong
My mama told me : my papa told me too
Son these women around here : just *they pretty want* you



I lost all my money : I got nowhere to go
I believe to my soul : I'm about to lose my brown
All you women get mad : because I won't twa twa twa
All you women get mad at buddy boy : because I won't dee da da da
I say I *flied when I was four* mama : be careful *in years gone* by
I couldn't do anything partner : but fold my little arms and cry
I said here come Number Three : with her headlights turned down
I believe to my soul : *she* is Alabama bound
Apples on my table : peaches on my chair
I got to stay there : to eat them all by myself



Hey Mr jailor : don't sleep so sound
Jailhouse on fire : ??? burning down
I say the woman I love : she in the jailhouse now
But please Mr jailor : she got to get out of there somehow
Mmm : my woman in trouble now
I said but one of these good mornings : I'm bound to get her out of jail
When I get my little cell-block key : I'm going to be country bound
*And hey* Mr jailor : I hope the jailhouse burns down





I'm going to lay my head : down on some railroad track
Boy when that train come along : I'm going to snatch it back
Tell me brownskin mama : where did you stay last night
With your hair all down : your face is never washed
I say I love you pretty mama : I don't care what you do
You go to your black man mama : I'll stick to my gal
I say if you don't [need your black woman, want me mama] : you [don't have to, ain't got to] turn
your head and stall
Because I can get more jet-black women : than a-seven freight trains can haul
I got ooo : twa twa twa twa twa twa twa
Ooo : ooo



Hey mama : tell me what have I done
I just seem like you trying : to beat your loving *self on down*
You going to wake up one of these mornings : mama baby and I'll be gone
And you may not never : mama see me in your town no more
Lord I'm a stranger [to you, in here] brownskin : mama I just blowed in your town
And if I ask you for a favor : mama please now don't turn me down
If you get one old woman : you better get you five or six
So if that one happen to quit you : it won't leave you in a awful fix
When I had you little black woman : I tried to do the best I could
Now your little daddy's gone : now who you going to get to chop your wood



How come you do me like you do baby : how come you do me like you do
How come you try to make me feel so blue : mama you know I ain't done nothing unto you
Now you know you left poor me at seven : come back at eight
You got another big fat man : slam up to my gate
You know you hug and kissed him : said daddy you sure is fat
I stuck my head out the window : man and hollered who in the world is that
I bought a pistol : I bought it today
Now I got the undertaker with me : just to haul you away
You know you kept on talking : about that you want to get my goat
I had a brand new razor woman : just to slit your throat
A nickel is a nickel : a dime is a dime
A woman get tired of one man : all the time


You try to give these women : everything they need
You have to make them : one of your G B V Ds



Come in at dawn : stay out late
If I call you : don't you hesitate
Tell me how long : does I have to wait
Can I get you now honey : or must I hesitate
I ain't no miller : no miller's son
Can be your miller : till your miller come
I might think it's funny :
Make me mad : think
*Ain't yellow evil* : ??? *too*
The reason fair brown : I don't need you
Mama told me : daddy told me too
*Womens* ??? : and it'll be end of you
I ain't no doctor : doctor's son
Ease your pain : till your doctor come
I don't want no sugar : in my tea
The woman I got : sweet enough for me




Ooh : my baby don't treat me good no more
When I was sick and down : she drove me from her door
I just found out : why my baby treats me so unkind
When she go to bed every night : she tells everything what's on her mind




Baby baby : I am so lonesome for you
Can't wear you off my mind : don't care what I do
When I wake up in the morning : my heart it feels like lead
When I go to bed at midnight : sometimes I wish I was dead
You told me baby : before you left my door
Some day I'd be sorry : that I told you to go
Lord Lord : can't rest no place I go
Blues is driving me crazy : must be reaping what I sow



Let's get our gauge up papa : let our love come down
Get leaping drunk : and leave this lowdown town
Go down on the levee : where the water's high
Let our love come down : till the *cleared outside*
Hey hey my daddy : he's so nice and brown
We going to get our gauge up : let our love come down
If you quit me daddy : I'm going to leave this town
Can't get my gauge up : and let my love come down




I'm full of mean evil feeling : and I'm full of gin
I'm on my way to the West End : and there's where troubles will begin
They're going to see some shooting : like they've never seen before
I mean my man and my best friend : won't cheat in West End anymore
I got a mean evil feeling : you going to hear bad news
I'm on my way to the West End : to lose those ugly old West End blues



I hate to see : that evening sun go down
Because my daddy : he's done left this town
Feeling tomorrow : just like I feel today
I'm going to pack up my grip : and make my get-away
Oh St Louis women : with their diamond rings
Just pull their men around : by their apron strings
If it weren't for *mortar* : and for store-bought hair
Why the man I love : would not have gone nowhere



You're walking around : no one in sight
Wondering : where your baby is tonight
You're feeling forlorn : you've got the blues
Night and day : you sing those weary tunes
You so down-hearted : you don't know what to do
You ain't got nobody : to tell your troubles to


You're walking for miles : no place to go
You're talking to yourself : Lord but you don't know



Pick me up : don't let me go
Hold me hold me : whisper something sweet and low
Call me lovey : lovey-do
Something sweet : to drive away the blues
Then hold me tight : with all your might
And swear : that you will treat me right
Oh love me : like a caveman does
Because everybody's crazy : about mushy love




Papa papa : let me tell to you
Daddy daddy : here's what you must do
When you come around : sweet precious turtledove
Better come here ready : if you want to win my love
Don't come around : telling me a lot of lies
Because a lying man : I do despise
Papa papa : better do your stuff
Daddy daddy : but don't be too rough
Mama want some loving kisses : right away
Want them when I want them : come on honey don't delay
Don't make me think : you've got a lot of dough
If you ain't got nothing : please tell me so




Now run here pretty mama : tell papa where you been so long
Say you come in here mama : with your clothes on wrong
Says a brownskin gal : make a mule kick his stable down
But a right black gal : make a rabbit move his family to town
Says I went to my gal last night : papa knocked on her door
She said is that you Mr Houndhead : mama can't use you no more
Now woke up this morning : my gal had the worried blues
I looked over in the corner : my poor grandma *what* had them too



The gal I love : she lives on a silver dollar
Every time she leaves me : I declare I'm bound to holler
I don't care who you are : I don't care where you been
Woman on the dollar : that's my best friend
Said she knock and kick me : treat me like a lowdown dirty dog
So I got a pocket full of dollars : huh so you see I ain't on the hog
I got a gal in Alabama : gal in Tennessee
But the gal on the dollar : that's the sweetest baby for me




I feel worried : I feel sad
I lost the best friend : I ever had
Don't care about living : don't want to die
That's the reason : that I hang my head and cry
My man quit me this morning : about the break of day
And he told me : he was going away to stay
He packed his grip up : didn't even say goodbye
When I think of how he left me : I can't help but cry




Woke up this morning gal : 'twixt midnight and day
With my hand around my pillow : where my brownie used to lay
I know I ain't good-looking : teeth don't shine like pearls
So glad : good looks don't take you through this world
Going to starch my jumper mama : iron my overalls
My brown done quit me : God knows she had it all
I'm going to tell you now gal : like Gypsy told the Jew
If you don't want me : it's a cinch I don't want you
Did you ever dream lucky : wake up cold in hand
That's a mighty true sign : your brown got some other man
My mama told me : papa told me too
Some brownskin woman : going to be the death of you





It seems cloudy brown : I believe it's going to rain
Going back to my regular : because she got everything
Hey hey mama : mama that ain't no way to do
You trying to quit me : mama you know I been good to you
Hello Central : give me long long-distant phone
I want to hear : from my sweet mama back home
When your brown [gets, acts] funny : everything you do she gets off
You can hunt you another home : because she don't want you no more



I'm a poor boy : I'm a long way from home
I'm a poor boy : ain't got nowhere to go
Ain't got nowhere : to lay my worried head
Sometime : I'd sooner to be dead
Please tell me : what you going to do
I left my brown : standing in the door
What you reckon she said : you're not obliged to go
I'm a poor boy : stood on the road and cried
I didn't have no blues : just couldn't be satisfied
Now give me : long-distance phone
I want to hear : from my sweet mama back home
I said to her : ring six four nine
I want to hear : from that bobcat gal of mine



Going up to town : what you want me to bring you back
Oh just anything : you think your baby like
Honey honey : you sweet as a plum
Baby you throw your arms around me : let's have some fun
Going up to town : with my hat in my hand
I'm looking for the woman : ain't got no man
Mama mama : just look at sis
Standing on the corner : trying to do the twist
Come here sis : you old stinking sow
You trying to be a woman : and you don't know how
Ain't but two things : I just like
That's salting the dog : and balling the Jack
Wears them in the summer : and she wears them in the fall


Some folks : they don't wear them at all
Honey honey : I'm going to tell you the truth
The day you quit me : that's the day you die



If I mistreat you gal : I sure don't mean no harm
I'm a motherless child : and I don't know right from wrong
Please tell me pretty mama : honey where you stayed last night
You didn't come home : till the sun was shining bright
I have to go so far : to get my hambone boiled
These Atlanta women : going to let my hambone spoil
I done done more for you : than your daddy ever done
I give you my jelly : he ain't give you none
When you see two women : always running hand in hand
You can bet your bottom dollar : one's got the other one's man
I'm going to the river : get me a *dang* old rocking chair
If the blues overtake me : going to rock on away from here



Oh the way my wife treats me : it sure is a sin
Stayed out all night long : before day come creeping in
Then I wanted to know : honey where have you been
She couldn't say nothing : but it'll never happen again
I think sweet mama : I'll have to let you go
So pack up all your clothes : you can't sleep here no more
It's bad to have a crooked woman : she'll keep you living in sin
Then all she will say : it'll never happen again
Now if I had a-listened : to my mama's rule
I wouldn't have been singing : these crooked woman blues
I'm going to sing this verse : and I ain't going to sing no more
I got them blues : and I'm sure Lord got to go



You passed my door brown : you won't even look in
You passed : just like a whirlwind
You can pass me up : try to ignore me too
You like you ignore me : somebody's going to ignore you


I lied down last night : I couldn't even sleep
I thinking about that gal : might make that 'fore-day creep
It's a lowdown fireman : dirty engineer
Done took my gal : and left me standing here
Then I asked the brakeman : let me ride your blinds
Say I'm sorry buddy : but you know this train ain't mine
Some people are happy : and some are burdened down
Some are *so ???ing* : some are so lowdown



Let me in please Charlie : no one here but me
I'm speaking easy : give me a pint of stingaree
Pour me out some white mule : pour me out some sandy rye
I don't want no bug juice : that old stuff is too darn high
Oh liquor liquor liquor : give me liquor until I die
And I'm always happy : when I've got my liquor nigh
I'm kind of worried : got something on my mind
That's why I drink my whiskey : make my faro wait behind
Blind pig blind pig : sure glad you can't see
For if you could : it would be too tight for me
I'm slipping slipping slipping : trying to dodge United States law
I'm loaded down with bootleg : like to make them yammies bawl



So glad I'm brownskin : chocolate to the bone
And I've got what it takes : to make a monkey-man leave his home
Black man is evil : yellow is so lowdown
I walk into these houses : just to see these black men frown
I'm just like Miss Lilliam : I mean Miss Lynn you see
She said a brownskin man : is just all right with me
Yellow man won't quit : black man just won't hey
But a pigmeat mama crazy : about brownskin baby ways
I got a yellow mama : always got a pleasant smile
But that brownskin gal : with her coal-black dreamy eyes



I got them blues : and I can't be satisfied


Got them so bad : I could just lay down and die
Woke up this morning : my clock was striking four
Someone started knocking : knocking on my door
I went to see : what the noise was all about
Someone told me : your brown done left this town
On a Monday morning : first thing sad news
Listen here professor : play for me those blues
Now mama mama : hurry bring it on back to me
You were so crazy : for ever leaving me
Now haven't I done : everything you asked me to
You know by that : I don't love no one but you
Listen here sweet mama : I'm going to tell you a natural fact
You got what I want : so hurry bring it back



Some people want to have plenty of money : some want their wine and song
All I crave is my sweet mama : that I dreams about all night long
Once I had a dear sweet mama : I didn't treat her right
She left this town with a teasing brown : and her name was Mandy White
I'm leaving town : today
When I find that gal : this what I'm going to say
You can have my money : all I want is the facts
I ain't got no time to lose : I got to hurry on back
When I find that aggravated papa : who tried to two-time me
I know I serve a great long sentence : in the penitentiary
I'm going to buy me a gun : airplane and a submarine
I'm going to kill everybody : ever treat me mean



When you were down : sick down on your bed
Know bobby brought you your medicine : also brought you bread
You is up today : looking good again
I knocked on your door : wouldn't even let me in
But the sun going to shine : once more in my back door
It's true I love you sweet mama : but you can't mistreat me no more
I was standing at the terminal : arms fold up and cried
Crying I wonder what train : taking that brown of mine
And I run to the telephone : took the receiver down
I said hello Central : give me Doctor Brown


My baby looks for me : at any old hour at night
No matter when I go there : she's never turning off her light
Mmm : Lord Lord Lord
You womens in Atlanta : treat your men like your dog
Before this time brown : maybe another year
I'll be up the country : drinking that cool can beer



How long how long : how long my train been gone
Been gone long enough : to take you to your good gal home
Tell my wild women in California : where I so long to be
Wild women and whiskey : can make a fool out of me
They can lead me like a little airedale : that's only seven weeks old
They can lead me to the water : shake my head no no no
The longest train I ever rode : was seventy-nine coaches long
But if the man had a-seed me : around the mountain I'd have been gone
I was on my way to California : where I so long to be
Honey I'm from Missouri : you have to *side* me



I caught a pretty little animal : it was striped black and white
What it done to me : spoiled me the rest of my life
I thought it was a squirrel : I took him into my camp
When I put him down : all my clothes was damp
All the people around me : they give me plenty of air
It was so doggone strong : I sniffled it everywhere
I never smelled a smell : that smelled so doggone bad
It was the worst old smell : baby I ever had
I jumped into the water : I scrubbed scrubbed scrubbed scrubbed
But I smelled stronger : baby the harder I rubbed
It was a doggone polecat : and he [sure] ain't no friend of mine
He as pretty as a white dog : but he ain't worth a doggone dime



Said come along mama : give me a hug
You got the world : I got the stopper and the jug
Gals all call me : big bad Pete


But they crazy : about this little pigmeat
Skinny gal in the summer : may be all right
But a fat gal in the winter : just too tight
My gal she's easy : some say she's slow
There's things about her : you don't know
Listen to me : please listen to my song
Take it slow and easy : you bound to get along
Me and my gal : was side by side
She said daddy : I would like to ride



When I'm in my whiskey : I don't care what I say
Because me and my whiskey : we going to have our way
Please tell me mama : what kind of loving you crave
I got the *kind that know about* : seven different ways
I'm down in Atlanta : where the womens they all know me
I'm going up to Detroit : give me you gal you ain't *seen*
Don't you never : want new loving sometimes
They moves it a little different : but it's all the same old kind
Don't let your gal fix you : like my gal fixed me
She made me love her : now she's way down in Tennessee
Wild women out west : where I so long to be
Wild women and whiskey : can make a fool out of me



Let me be your little dog : until your big hound comes
I can do more howling : than your big dog ever done
Look over your role books : see if you got my baby's name
She's acting funny : and I she don't seem the same
Take care of the baby : because she'll a broad some day
And if I'm not too busy : I'll be stopping by your way
I feel like falling : from the treetop to the ground
My girl got a mean joker : and a-he don't allow me around
I go there early in the morning : and I'll go there late at night
She used to be my sugar : now he ain't treating her right
You got to love your baby : so she'll stay home at night
And if you don't love her : she sure ain't going to treat you right
You can't love me baby : and love my brother too
Because that's that's something : it will never do





Hey Mr conductor : let me ride your train
I want to play your yo play your yo : play your yo-yo again
You don't let me on : I'm going to ride the blinds
You wants to yo-yo Bob : but you know this train you know this train ain't mine
I know a man : his age was fifty-four
Oh he didn't do nothing : but play with his yo play with his yo-yo
I like to yo-yo : yes both night and day
Some folks say it's hard work : but me it's famous me it's famous play
You may be blue : and way down in the depths
Go play your yo-yo : your yo-yo your little yo-yo will help
When you hear them yelling : up and down the hall
Don't get uneasy : they's playing yo-yo playing yo-yo that's all
I got a gal : she sure is big and fat
Let's yo-yo Bob : because it's tight because it's tight like that
I'm just a traveler : I've got to leave this squat
You want to yo-yo mama : call on Barbecue call on Barbecue Bob



Got a song to sing you : and it's no excuse
And as sure as the devil : I believe he's got a-loose
[When] you want a drink of liquor : you think it's awful nice
You put your hand in your pocket : and you ain't got the price
You hear about a job : now you is on your way
Twenty mens after the same job : all in the same old day
Hard times hard times : we [sure] got hard times now
Just drink and think about it : we got hard times now
You start in mooching : but your mooching been in vain
Be careful with yourself : you'll get a ball and chain
Lord and bacon : gone to a dollar a pound
Cotton have started to selling : but it keeps going down and down
Just before election : you was talking about how you was going to vote
And after election was over : your head's down like a billygoat



Up said the spider : to the little fly one day


Won't you come around : let's pass the time away
Come into my parlor : said the spider to the fly
You won't have to do no hollering : I love you until you die
My mama told me be careful : wherever I flew
Spider's will try to tempt you : and be *baby*
I think it would be a treat : just for you and I
To order in some quince meat : and get all ???fied
Come into my parlor : said the spider to the fly
I'll give you loving : loving until you die



Oh nobody knows : Atlanta like I do
But the reason I know it : I traveled it through and through
If you got a good woman : here's the lesson I'll give to you
Don't you take her to Atlanta : the men will take her away from you
Lord they taken my woman : hurt me to the bone
That's the reason why : you hear me cry and moan
I taken one woman : believe me I am through
Just for what you do : it coming home to you
Oh don't you hear : that steamboat whistle blow
And it blows just like : it never blowed before
That's all right baby : about how you run around
But you had to face sorrow : when Bob gets back in town
If you take my woman : I won't get mad with you
Like you take her from me : somebody sure take her from you



Down in Dixie : there's a dance that's new
Ain't much to it : it is easy to do
You wiggle and you wobble : and you move it around
Ball the jack : and you go to town
I know a gal : by name of Lizzie Brown
She do that scraunch : she's the best in town
She steps so fast : and she steps so light
Find her doing that scraunch : on a Saturday night
My little gal : know what scraunching means
Showed her once : now she's a scraunching queen
Grandma and grandpa : at the age of eighty-three
They's the best scraunchers : you ever see


Standing on the levee : in New Orleans
Find the best scraunchers : the world ever seen
Got the right step : you move it just right
You do that scraunch : and it's just too tight
I've got a gal : by the name of Blind Lemon Mack
She do that scraunch : it's good like that




I ain't going to marry : ain't going to settle down
I'll keep on drinking : keep on running around
The mouse got the measles : the dog's got the whooping cough
Doggone any man : lets a woman be his boss
The womens don't like me : because I speak my mind
But the men call mama : because I take my time
I ain't good-looking : and I ain't long and tall
Don't believe I'm a donkey : put me in a stall



Papa papa : something's going on wrong
If I catch you stealing : regret the day you's born
When daddy gets his razor : babies in the cradle moan
Because they lost their mama : he's got them all alone
Nobody knows : what the sheik will do
They'll spend all their money : leave you sad and blue
I'm going to quit my kid-man : I like my used-to-be
My kid-man don't want nobody : to talk to me



I'm not crying : pleading at your feet
Sent for you baby : you treat me kind and sweet
Baby I'd rather work : than to play
But if you treat me mean : I'll have to run away
I left my mother : why can't I leave you
I will leave anybody : that treats me like you do





Pratt City : is where I was born
If you get to there : you can get your water on
Get full of high-powered liquor : it's bound to make him scream
Going back to Pratt City : if it takes *nice and mean*
You walk Sandusky : keep your head hung down
Don't worry hot papa : I'm *driftrack* bound



Lonesome lovesick blues will make you feel so lonely : when you're left all alone
Dying for some loving : and the one you love has gone
Deep down in my heart : I'm feeling blue
Lonesome and lovesick : baby just for you
When I am alone : I moan the whole night through
I want some loving : no one but you will do
My heart is aching : breaking for some news
My heart is aching : gee I'm all confused



When I'm alone : I long to see my used-to-be
Because he's the only one : to ??? for me
I was down with a rock : rock by the deep blue sea
So I could roll : these lonesome lowdown blues from me
I'm lonesome mama : and I know it's true
Way my heart aches : you'd be lonesome mama too
If I ever lose these blues : never be worried again




Baby you been gone all day : that you may make whoopee all night
If I going to take my razor and cut your late hours : you wouldn't think I be serving you right
Undertaker been here and gone : I give him your height and size
You'll be making whoopee with the devil : in hell tomorrow night
Oh you done made me love you : now got me for your slave
From now on you'll be making whoopee : baby in your lonesome grave
Devil got ninety thousand women : he just need one more
He's on the mountain calling for you : women broke down surely must go


Next time you go out : carry your black suit along
Coffin going to be your present : hell going to be your brand new home
Cuckoo was howling : sun was almost down
Then I got to go through Death Valley : there ain't a house for twenty-five miles around



Honey you been gone all day : that you may make whoopee all night
I'm going to take my razor and cut your late hours : you wouldn't think I be serving you right
Undertaker been here and gone : I give him your heightth and size
You'll be making whoopee with the devil : in hell tomorrow night
You done made me love you : now you got me for your slave
From now on you'll be making whoopee : baby in your lonesome grave
Baby next time you go out : carry your black suit along
Coffin going to be your present : hell going to be your brand new home
I say the devil got ninety thousand women : he just need one more
He's on the mountain calling for you : baby broke down surely must go
Cuckoo was howling : sun was almost down
Then I got to go through Death Valley : there ain't a house for twenty-five miles around
My poor feet is so tired : Lord help me some way
Then I got three hundred miles to go : traveling through the mud and clay



Ella Ella : down on my bended knees
I'm worried about my baby : bring her back to me
You know I love my baby : that's why we can't get along
Looks like everything I do : something going on wrong
I can see the sun a-shining : leaves shaking on the tree
I got a letter from my dona : my babe sung a song to me
Mmm : hear my lonesome plea
I'm worried about my baby : down on my bended knee



Lord I'm going way down : Lord I'm going to try to leave here today
Tell me that's a mean old fireman : and that train is just that way
Got to get on that train : I said I'd even brought my trunk
Boys if you have been running around in this world : this train will wreck your mind
Lord I once was a hobo : I crossed so many *points*


But I decided to pull down for a fast life : and take it as it comes
There's so many people : have gone down today
And these fast trains north and south : have settled their lives in clay
I said look here engineer : can I ride your train
He said look you ought to know this train ain't mine : and you asking me in vain
Said if you go to the Western Union : you might get a chance
You might to wire to some of your people : and your fare will be sent right here
I want to go home : and this train is done gone dead
I done lost my wife and my three little children : and my mother's sick in bed
Mmm please : help me win my fare
Because I'm a traveling man : boys I can't stay here



Now tell me baby : what time your ??? leave
I'm going pack my suitcase : beat it back to Tennessee
I wrung my hands and cried :
Now tell me baby : what time your ??? leave
Nickel is a nickel : dime is a dime
Wish I had a loving mama : love me all the time
Nickel is a nickel : dime is a dime
Got a house full of children : and ain't nary one mine
Babe I can't see : honey to save my life
Why we can't get along : oh just like man and wife
I say mama told me : papa told me too
All these Winston women : going to be the ruin of you




When the rooster gets to worrying : he brings it to the hen
Ought to be on tiptoe : of you know *wouldn't let in*
Well the ground hog even gets it : puts it in his hole
So my woman's got to get it : doggone her soul
Well the bee gets the honey : puts it in his comb
If he kick out : of his own sweet home
Tired of buying pork chops : to grease your fat lips
You got to find another place : for to park your *rotsy* hips






Did you ever wake up in the morning baby : same thing all on your mind
Something keep you bothered mama : honey worried all the time
When I was just a little boy sweet mama : on my way to school
Met an old *dark-kissing* brown boy : made me break my teacher's rule
Mmm : mmm
I ain't got no sweet mama : teach me right from wrong
My mama got a hen great God Lord : lays nineteen eggs a day
He layed so many eggs : my baby ??? away
Lord : am I right or wrong
I ain't got no sweet mama : Lord to rock me in her arms
Now take your black daddy : wrap him all in your arms
Sweet mama I haven't my right mind baby : Lord since you been gone



My baby's gone : please don't wait till day
I'm sorry I wasn't at home mama : just my babe hadn't've stayed
Well I went back home great God : sit in my back kitchen door
I just want to tell my mama : I mustn't see my baby anymore
Well I went out mama : and I begin to prayer and moan
I want to be good Lord Lord : send me my babe back home
Once I heard a knocking : on my back kitchen door
It's knock like my sweet mama : boys she been here before
Babe : honey what am I to do
Don't you want your sweet man mama : honey lie down and die for you
But I feel so sad baby : honey and I'm lonesome too
Ain't nothing in this world boys : Lord for your black man to do




Blues on my mind : blues all around my head
Had a dream last night : that the man I love was dead
Went to the graveyard : fell down on my knees
And I asked the gravedigger : to give me back my good man please
The gravedigger : looked me in the eye
Says I'm sorry lady : but your man has said his last goodbye
I wrung my hands : and I wanted to scream
But when I woke up : I found it was only a dream





Way down : below the Mason-Dixon line
That's where I'm going : just to ease my mind
Want to see my folks : I miss them so
I bought my ticket : and I'm bound to go
Won't I be glad : when my train pulls in
See my mammy : and my Uncle Ben
This northern country : it make you choose
But it will never cure : the Mason-Dixon blues




Well now I have a woman : I try to treat her right
Well now she will get drunk : ooo well well and fuss and fight all night
I love that woman : I done the best I could
Well now she proved to me : ooo well well that she didn't mean me no good
There's a day coming : I believe I'll make a change
Well now the way she treat me : ooo well well a lowdown dirty shame
I wonder what's the matter : that I can't sleep at night
Well something in my family : ooo well well you know ain't going on right
That's all right baby : *sorry* you drove me away
Well now you don't think : ooo well well that you need my help some day
My woman she told me : nineteen and thirty-four
Well now you have a new man : ooo well well she can't use me no more




Well I woke up this morning : half past four
Met a big crowd : at the ??? store
Well I'm a country man : never go to town
The women in Chicago : trying to jive me around
Well if you ever in Chicago : and the times get hard
Take a little walk : out on South Park
Well the womens up here : play me to be a fool
Think I'm the boy : ain't never been schooled
Well now I got cheer : I had good luck
The woman I love : she keeps me up
Well I woke up this morning : half past two
Streets was crowded : and I couldn't get through






Well black mama : what's the matter with you today
Ain't satisfactory : don't care what I do
Hey mama : what's the matter with you
Baby it ain't satisfactory : baby I don't care what I do
You say a brownskin woman : will make a rabbit move to town
Say a [jet, real] black woman : will make a mule kick his stable down
Yeah it ain't no heaven now : and it ain't no burning hell
Said I where I'm going when I die : can't nobody tell
Well my black mama's face : shine like the sun
Oh lipstick and powder : sure won't help her none
Well if you see my milkcow : tell her to hurry home
I ain't had no milk : since that cow been gone
Well I'm going to the race track : to see my pony run
He ain't the best in the world : but he's a running son of a gun
Oh Lord have mercy : on my wicked soul
I wouldn't mistreat you baby : for my weight in gold



Well I solemnly swear : Lord I raise my right hand
That I'm going to get me a woman : you get you another man
I got a letter this morning : how do you reckon it read
Oh hurry hurry : gal you love is dead
I grabbed my suitcase : I took on up the road
I got there : she was laying on the cooling board
Well I walked up close : I looked down in her face
Good old gal : got to lay there till Judgment Day
Oh my woman's so black : she stays apart of this town
Can't nothing go : when the poor gal is around
Oh some people tell me : the worried blues ain't bad
It's the worst old feeling : that I ever had
Mmm I fold my arms : and I walked away
That's all right mama : your troubles will come some day



Oh I'm going to get me religion : I'm going to join the Baptist Church
I'm going to be a Baptist preacher : and I sure won't have to work
Oh I'm going to preach these blues now : and I want everybody to shout


I'm going to do like a prisoner : I'm going to roll my time on out
Oh up in my room : I bowed down to pray
Say the blues come along : and they drove my spirit away
Oh and I had religion : Lord this very day
But the womens and whiskey : well they would not let me pray
Oh I wish I had me : a heaven of my own
Then I'd give all my women : a long long happy home
Yeah I love my baby : just like I love myself
Well if she don't have me : she won't have nobody else



Hey I'm going to fold my arms : I'm going to kneel down in prayer
When I get up : I'm going to see if my preaching suit a man's ear
Now I met the blues this morning : walking just like a man
I said good morning blues : now give me your right hand
Now it ain't nothing now baby : Lord that's going to worry my mind
Oh I'm satisfied : I got the longest line
Oh I got to stay on the job : I ain't got no time to lose
I swear to God : I got to preach these gospel blues
Oh I'm going to preach these blues : and choose my seat and sit down
When the spirit comes sisters : I want you to jump straight up and down



The dry spell blues have fallen : drive me from door to door
The dry spell blues : have put everybody on the killing flood
Now the people down south : sure won't have no home
Because the dry spell : have parched all this cotton and corn
Hard luck's on everybody : and many people are blue
Now besides the shower : ain't got no help for you
Lord I fold my arms : and I walked away
Just like I tell you : somebody's got to pay
Pork chops forty-five cents a pound : cotton is only ten
I can't keep no woman : no no nowhere I been
So dry : old boll weevil turned up his toes and died
Now ain't nothing to do : bootleg moonshine and rye





It have been so dry : you can make a powderhouse out of the world
Then all the moneymen : like a rattlesnake in his coil
I done throwed up my hands : Lord and solemnly swore
There ain't no need of me changing towns : it's a drought everywhere I go
It's a dry old spell : everywhere I been
I believe to my soul : this old world is about to end
Well I stood in my back yard : wrung my hands and screamed
And I couldn't see nothing : couldn't see nothing green
Oh Lord : have mercy if you please
Let your rain come down : and give our poor hearts ease
These blues these blues : is worthwhile to be heard
For it's very likely : bound to rain somewhere




Woke up this morning : about five o'clock
Get me some eggs : and a nice pork chop
Cheap cigar : and a magazine
Had to run through the street : to catch the five-fifteen
Let me tell you something : that I seen
Coalman got run over : by the five-fifteen
Cut off his arms : and it cracked his ribs
Did the poor man die : no the poor man lived
Let me tell you something : that I know
Coalman got run over : by the five forty-four
Cut off his arms : and it crunched his head
The poor man died : no the poor man lived
I ain't got : but a little bit left
If you don't come and get it : I'm going to burn it myself
Get the wood in the stove : and the match in your hand
You run to the door : and stop the *dirty* coalman
Sell it to the rich : and I sell it to the poor
Sell it to the nice brown : a-standing in the door
Furnish you wood : furnish you coal
Make you love me : doggone your soul
I got your water : got you gas
You treat me mama : says that's your last
Let me tell you mama : what's the matter now
You don't want me : take me anyhow
Sweet mama sweet mama : what's on your mind
Say you can't quit me : no need of trying
I'm going up the country : don't you want to go


Leaving here : ain't coming back no more
Me and my rider : and two or three more
We're going up the country : don't you want to go
Went down the road : feeling bad
I feel so worried : that I ever had
Don't believe I'm leaving : count the day I'm gone



I'm going to Tishamingo : because I'm sad today
Say the woman I love : she done drove me away
I'm going to Tishamingo : to have my hambone boiled
These Atlanta women : done let my hambone spoil
I woke up this morning : between midnight and day
I felt for my rider : she done walked away
Can't you always tell : when your good gal going to treat you mean
You meals is unregular : you house ain't never clean
You can always tell : that something going on wrong
When you come in : your rider she's out and gone
Say when she come in : she got a rag tied around her head
You speak about loving : she swear she's almost dead
Sweet mama : what's on your loving mind
You can't quit me : 'tain't no need of trying
I got a loving faro : she's long and tall like me
I love my brownskin : don't care where she be



Grab your gal : fall in line
While I play : this rag of mine
Too tight : it won't *don*
Too tight : it'll make you warm
Too tight : ain't it a shame
Too tight : shaking that thing
Too tight : hear me cry
Too tight : just don't die
Too tight :
Too tight : he tried to pull it back out
Too tight : give it the gate
Too tight : let's don't wait
Too tight : you hear me say


Too tight : it make us afraid



Take me sweet mama : allow me one more show
I swear to the Lord : that I won't do wrong no more
I don't love no woman : if she ain't got baby ways
I'm crazy about my loving : it's always been my crave
I hung my head : I cried just like a child
Said the way I'm treated mama : I sure ain't satisfied
If you ever go to Memphis : stop by Jessie's hall
You'll see my picture : hanging on the wall
I got the blues so bad : mama my poor heart is sore
Can't rest contented : nowhere I go
Take me mama : please don't throw me down
I'm going to pack my suitcase : I'm going to blow this town



When I ??? game last night : thought I'd have some fun
Lost all the money that I had baby : pawned my special gun
Says I gambled all over Missouri : gambled all through Spain
Police come to arrest me babe : and they did not know my name
Gambled all over Missouri : gambled through Tennessee
Soon as I reach old Georgia : the niggers carried a handcuff to me



Been begging you : all night long
I'll acknowledge : I done wrong
Begging you : down on my knees
Begging you : babe if you please



Just a worried old rounder : with a troublesome mind
All bundled up from hardship : fate to me have been unkind
I wouldn't listen to my mother : wouldn't listen to my dad
And by my reckless living : I've put myself in bad


I ain't trusting nobody : I'm afraid of myself
I've been too lowdown : life have put me on the shelf
My friends have turned against me : smiling in my face
Since I been so disobedient : I must travel in disgrace
I cannot shun the devil : he stay right by my side
There is no way to cheat him : I'm so dissatisfied
Ain't nobody wants me : they wouldn't be in my shoes
I feel so disgusted : I've got them lowdown rounder blues



I'm laying in jail : my back turned to the wall
Says a Georgia woman : was the cause of it all
They arrested me : carried me before the judge
Say the judge wouldn't like me : and he say a mumbling word
I asked the judge : what might be my fine
Get a pick and shovel : dig down in the mine
I told the judge : I ain't been here before
If you give me light sentence : I won't come here no more
Mr judge Mr judge : please don't break so hard
I always been a poor boy : never hurt no John
So the next day : they carried the poor boy away
Said the next day : I *led* a ball and chain
Take the stripes off my back : chains from around my legs
This ball and chain : about to kill me dead



Standing in the station : waiting for my train
I was outdoors : sleeping in the rain
My mama's sick : papa's dead and gone
Didn't have no loving pillow : to lay head on
Thousand miles : baby away from home
My mama's sick : my papa's dead and gone
I asked the operator : how long the train been gone
Your train been gone : ever since this morn
Said the train I ride : it's eighteen coaches long
I'm a poor boy : I'm a long ways from my home
I'm a poor boy : ain't got nowhere to stay
Says everybody : sure done throwed me away
I'm down in Cincinnati : baby on the hog


I'm drinking muddy water : sleep in a hollow log




Got a gang of brownskin sweet women : got a gang of high yellows too
I got so many womens : I don't know what to do
Got a Monday Monday girl : she works it on Broad and Main
Got a Tuesday one *there : to issue* my spending change
Got a Wednesday Wednesday girl : she works it on Broadway Square
Got a Thursday one : take me each and everywhere
Got a Friday Friday girl : she brings me a bottle of beer
Got a Saturday one : well she better not catch me here
Now gang around girls and boys : explain my sonnet to you
Wear those patent leather slippers : mama don't *made dad* blue
Well I love my sweet baby : I tell this world I do
And I hope some day : she'll learn to love daddy too
Got a gang of brownskin sweet women : got a gang of high yellows too
And I hope some day : she'll learn to love daddy too



Have you ever took a trip : baby on the Mobile Line
That's the road to ride baby : ease your troubling mind
Well I got a letter baby : this is the way it read
Come home come home baby : because your love is dead
Well I packed my suitcase : bundled up my clothes
When I got there : she was laying on the cooling board
Well I took my baby : to the burying ground
You ought to heard me hollering : when they let her down
Well there's two black horses : standing on the burying ground
When I turned around : these big tears run on down
When you go to heaven : going to babe going to stop by France
Going to stop by there : just to give these girls a chance
Baby when I die : don't bury daddy at all
Well pickle daddy's bones : baby in alcohol
Well the boat's up the river : baby and she won't come down
Well I believe to my soul : baby boat is water bound
Baby when I die : put daddy's picture in a frame
So where daddy's going : you can see him just the same
Hello heaven : daddy want to give you a telephone
So you can talk to your daddy :any time when he's gone





Got two little Tommies : can't hardly tell them apart
One is my lover : the other in my heart
Got two little Tommies : they is black and brown
One lives in the country : the other lives in town
When you see me coming : put your man outdoors
Well I ain't no stranger : I been here before
When you see me coming : bake your biscuits brown
Put your meat in the cupboard : turn your damper down
When you see me leaving : hang your head and cry
Got a mind to ramble : ain't going to settle down
Going to move to the city : tear these girls on down
Can you tell me : how far Jackson to back home



Boat's up the river : running side by side
Well you got my loving sweet babe : guess you're satisfied
Don't you leave me here : don't you leave me here
Well I don't mind you going sweet loving babe : leave a dollar for beer
How long how long : had the train been gone
Katy Adams got ways : just like a man
Because she steals a woman sweet loving babe : everywhere she lands
Can you tell me how long : Jackson to McComb
Well it's fifteen miles sweet loving babe : Memphis to my home



Ooh : I ain't got no mama now
Going to be another *war* : don't need no mama nohow
Lord it was late last night mama : everything was still
Here to meet my sweet baby : *he's* around the hill
Lord I'd rather be dead mama : mouldering in the clay
Seeing my sweet baby : treated this a-way
Ooh : mama you don't know how


Got another sweet baby : know she's taking it now
Going to sing this verse mama : ain't going to sing no more
Because the landlady's liquor : Lord it's coming too slow




Some of these mornings : going to wake up crazy
Going to grab me a gun : kill my baby
Some of these mornings : going to wake up boozy
Going to grab my gun : going to kill old Suzie
Going back : to Pensicola
Going to buy my babe : a money *moler*
Babe babe : did you get that letter
Oh you take me back : I'll treat you better



Don't you let : my good girl catch you here
She might shoot you : may cut you and stab you too
'Tain't no telling : what she might do
I'm up the country : where the cold sleet and snow
Ain't no telling : how much further I may go
Eat my breakfast here : my dinner in Tennessee
I told you I was coming : baby won't you look for me
The way I'm sleeping : my back and shoulders tired
Going to turn over : try it on this side



I been in New York this morning : just about half past nine
Thought of my mama in Avalon : couldn't hardly keep from crying
Avalon my home town : always on my mind
Pretty mama's in Avalon : want me there all the time
When the train left Avalon : throwing kisses and waving at me
Says come back daddy : stay right here with me
Avalon's a small town : have no great big range
Pretty mama's in Avalon : sure will spend your change
New York's a good town : but it's not for mine
Going back to Avalon : stay there with pretty mama all the time





Raise up baby : get your big leg off of mine
It's so heavy : made a good man change his mind
I asked you baby : come and hold my head
Send me away : said you'd rather see me dead
I'm going I'm going : crying won't make me stay
The more you cry : further you drive me away
Some crave high yellow : I like black and brown
Black won't quit you : brown won't lay you down
It was late at midnight : moon shine bright like day
I seen you faro : going up the right of way



Want all you ladies : all gather around
That good sweet candy man's : in town
He got a stick of candy : just nine inch long
He sells as fast : a hog can chew his corn
All heard : what sister Johnson said
She always takes : a candy stick to bed
Don't stand close : to the candy man
He'll leave a big candy stick : in your hand
He sold some candy : to sister bad
The very next day : she took all he had
If you try his candy : good friend of mine
You sure will want it : for a long long time
His stick candy : don't melt away
It just gets better : so the ladies say



Got the blues : can't be satisfied
Keep the blues : I'll catch that train and ride
Whiskey straight : will drive the blues away
That be the case : I want a quart today
Bought my gal : a great big diamond ring
Come right back home : and caught her shaking that thing


I said baby : what makes you act this a-way
Said I won't miss a thing : she gives away
Took my gun : and I broke the barrel down
Put my baby : six feet under the ground
I cut that joker : so long deep and wide
You got the blues : and still ain't satisfied



Standing on the mountain : far as I can see
Dark clouds above me : clouds all around poor me
Feeling low and weary : Lord I've got a trouble in mind
Everything that gets me : everybody's so unkind
Harvest time's coming : and will catch me unprepared
Haven't made a dollar : bad luck is all I've had
Lord how can I bear it : Lord what will the harvest bring
Putting up all my money : and I isn't got a doggone thing
I'm a weary traveler : roaming around from place to place
If I don't find something : this will end me in disgrace
Ain't got no mother : father left me long ago
I'm just like an orphan : where my folks is I don't know
Blues around my shoulder : blues are all around my head
With my heavy burden : Lord I wished I was dead




I love my baby : and my baby do love me
Get away from my window : honey babe get away from my door
Honey babe honey babe : why don't you tell me what you're going to do
I ain't crazy about no yellow : I ain't no fool about no brown
Because you can't tell the difference : mama when the sun goes down
I got a wife got a girl : and I'm fooling on the outside too



Now *look here Mr* ??? : *says you take a good drop*


??? : he done broke your heart
Put you out : told you to go
You never come back : to her house no more
Now just trying : to throw it down
You know : you the foolishest man in town
Keep on talking : *to the will*
Says you'll never : get to ??? *Bill*
Well you can bring a lot of wood: you can bring in my clothes
You can iron my shirts : you can bless my soul



Says it ain't but the one thing : that grieve my mind
All these women : and none is mine
Says a little fish big fish : swimming in the water
Come on back here man : and give me my quarter
It's like hunting for a needle : in a bed of sand
Trying to find a woman : haven't got no man
Three barrels of your whiskey : four barrels of gin
Says I have a papa home : and you can't come in
Says God made a woman : and he made her mighty funny
Kiss her on the mouth : just sweet as any honey
Now who in the *ham* : *and the confoundation*
Been sowing them potatoes : on my plantation
Now the scariest I ever been : in my life
Uncle ??? caught me : kissing his wife
Now if this was a coffeepot : and that was a spout
I'll be the *worst* boy : to pour the coffee out



Now the cat's got the measles : dog's got the whooping cough
Doggone a man : let a woman be his boss
Now I ain't no devil : crawl in a lion's den
But my chief occupation : taking women from their monkey-men
Says I ain't good-looking : my teeth don't shine like pearls
But I've got something babe : to carry me through this big darn world
Now I think I heard a rumbling : deep down in the ground
Well it must have been the devil : chaining my good gal down
Now the men don't like me : just because I speak my mind
But the women cry papa : just because I take my time





I saved it up : since the Lord knows when
I ain't saved a thing : because of any of you men
I've had it so long : I hate to lose it
Because ever gets broke : I'll be able to use it
Now when you're laying in jail : with your head in your arms
And then you realize : your sweet mama's gone



Now here's one thing : can't understand
Why a bow-legged woman : likes a knock-kneed man
*Times* way downtown : spread the news
State Street women : wearing broken shoes
Now I'm going away : to wear you off my mind
You keep me broken-hearted : mama all the time
Now here's one thing : I can't understand
A good-looking woman : likes a workingman
Now I don't see how : you *honky* women can *pace*
Shimmy all day : without a bite to eat
Now if it wasn't for the powder : store-bought hair
State Street women : couldn't go nowhere
Now I went to the show : the other night
The people on State Street : trying to fight
I ain't crazy about my brown : or about my brown
You can't tell the difference : when the sun go down
When you see two women : running hand by hand
You bet your bottom dollar : she's got the other one's man
Now run here mama : stay back in my home
If your man catch you : I don't mean no harm



You can always tell : when your good gal don't want to be seen
Because your meals ain't ready : the house is never clean
Just like hunting for a needle : buried in a bed of sand
That is to find a woman : haven't got no man


Three barrels of whiskey : mama four barrels of gin
She said the *headknots* at home : daddy and you can't in
It was early one morning : just at the close of four
When Dolly Smith : knocked on Evelyn's door
She jumped up sweet babe : tipped on across the floor
Hollering long tall daddy : don't you knock no more
It was in the loving kitchen : where they made the plot
For to poison her father and her mother : in the coffeepot
Then they carried the remains : throwed it out in the *shore*
Killed fifteen chickens :
Policeman said to Freddie : what do you know about this
Says I guess : you'll have to go arrest poor Dolly Smith
Then they carried poor dolly : put her behind the bar
Give him thirty-nine days : mama and that ain't all
Poor evelyn's in jail : with her back turned to the wall
Hollering cool kind daddy : you know you the cause it all
I'm going to sing this time : ain't going to sing no more
Because my throat's got dry : swear my tonsil's sore



Now down in Georgia : they got a dance that's new
There ain't nothing to it : it is easy to do
Now it ain't no Charleston : ain't no buck and wing
All you got to do : is to shake that thing
Now the old folks like it : the young folks too
The old folks showing : the young folks how to do
Now get back to me : and
Let your mammy ??? you : just *all to do*
I was walking downtown : and stumbled and fell
My mouth jumped open : like a country well
Now grandpa Johnson : grabbed sister Kate
He shook her : just like you shake the *jelly from the wheat*
Now old Uncle Jack : the jellyroll king
He just got back : from shaking that thing
Now old Uncle Moe : he's sick in bed
The doctor says : he's almost dead
Now the folks in Georgia : they done got wild
The *hobo* ??? :





I got plenty of whiskey : put them up on the shelf
But I'm getting sick and tired : of doing ??? by my faking self
Now tell me pretty mama : tell me please don't lie
Can your sweet papa stop by here : or must I pass on by
I got the faking blues : going to sing them anywhere I please
That's the reason why : give my poor heart some ease
Lord I'm going away mama : believe me it ain't stall
Because I can get more women : than a passenger can haul
Lord I'm going to the nation : buy me an Indian squaw
I'm going to raise me a family : got me an Indian ma
I got the faking blues : sing them anywhere I go
Tell you the reason I sing them : my sweet mama don't love me no more
Lord I went to the river : looking for a place to set down
I thought about my faking jellyroll : come on back to town



Stood on the corner : feet got soaking wet
I was hollering and crying to every brown : to hell I'm at
I'm Alabama bound : I'm Alabama bound
Then if you want me to love you babe : you got to leave this town
When the rooster crowed : the hen looked around
Said if you want me to love you babe : you got to run me down
Look here pretty mama : who can your regular be
Says the reason I'm *blacking out stalling* babe : you been so good to me
There's a preacher in the pulpit : Bible in his hand
And the sisters was back in the amen corner : hollering that's my man
Now the boat's up the river : can't be floated down
But she's *way on south* now darling babe : Alabama bound
Just like a beefsteak beefsteak : ain't got no bone
Then if a man like a good brownskin woman now babe : he ain't got no home
Elder Green's in town : and he's going around
And he's telling all the sisters and the brothers he meets : he's Alabama bound
Now don't you leave me here : don't you leave me here
Just before you and your partner get ready to go : leave a dime for beer



Now I got a gal : works in the yard
She brings me meat : she brings me lard


Only thing : that keep me barred
People she works for : don't allow me in the yard
Going to tell you one thing : it's a natural fact
Want you to come on home : and drop that sack
Now I got a gal : she lives on the hill
Took our corn : to the sugar mill
Still I know : I wouldn't take no salt
I'll grind your corn : into sweet jellyroll
I asked for one : she brought me two
Down to the crap game : me and you
Got two dollars : my point was nine
Police come a-running : and the *chips* went flying
Said I went to the Gypsy : to get me a hand
See my gal walking : with another man
I said you may go : you'll come back
If you ever come back : you got to drop that sack



I ain't good-looking : and I don't dress cute
But I just want to *break* : some good man's *opportune*
I ain't no race horse : I ain't built for speed
But I got everything : that a race horse papa needs
You may fall from the mountain : down in the deep blue sea
You ain't done no falling : till you fall in love with me
I ain't no coalman : ain't no coalman's son
But I can keep you warm : until your coalman comes
Won't you tell me pretty mama : I won't have to wait
Will I be your regular : or did I come too late
I may look green : but I ain't no clown
I'm just a red-hot papa : just blowed in your town



Take me back baby : you know I don't know my mind
For when I'm mistreating you : I'm loving you all the time
I walked the streets all day : hung my head and cried
I laid awake all night : trying to make myself satisfied
There's one thing honey : I want you to understand
That's your time ain't long : if I catch you with another man
You ain't good-looking : and you don't dress fine


But there ain't no reason : let some other man read my sign
Going down to the river : honey don't you wear no black
Because when you think I'm gone : I'll come creeping back
If you don't want me : why don't you tell me why
Because you flirting with the undertaker : I mean it ain't no lie



Got a knock-kneed mama : down in Tennessee
She's short and squatty : she's all right with me
Now knock-kneed mama : what you going to cook tonight
Whatever you cook : just cook it right
You got a face like a washboard : and a mouth like a tub
Teach my mama : that washboard rub
Now some people say : chitlings are good to eat
I'll never eat chitlings : long as hog got feet
Takes a long-tailed monkey : a short-tailed dog
To do that dance : they call the falling off the log
Now the monkey told the elephant : if he's not drunk
I know you're sober : you got the tail in front
Now the monkey told the elephant : you may be drinking wine
You can't switch your tail : like I switch mine



I was walking down Morgan : stopped on Maxwell Street
I asked the desk sergeant ??? police force : my gal ain't off of the street
I couldn't talk to the desk sergeant : tell him *when and* where it took place
Because I knew my mama : got arrested on Maxwell Street
Lord I'm talking about the wagon : talking about the ??? car too
Because Maxwell Street's so crowded on a Sunday : you can hardly pass through
There's Maxwell Street Market : got Water Street Market too
If you ain't got no money : the women got nothing for you to do
I got the Maxwell Street blues : mama and it just won't pay
Because the Maxwell Street women : going to carry me to my grave
I live six twenty-four Maxwell : mama and I'm talking about you
Because I swear I don't walk : said Buly Buly Buly how do you





I told you once : this makes twice
That's the last time : don't you boil them rice
You can brown your gravy : fry your steak
Sweet mama : don't make no mistake
Just sure as the winter : follows the fall
There ain't no one woman : got it all
You can meet a woman : that you can't understand
Must be looking for you : or a monkey-man
Now cool kind mama : says you needn't've stalled
Throw it out the window : I'll catch it before it falls
I got the blues so bad : I couldn't sleep last night
My cool kind mama : want to fuss and fight
Now I'm so glad : that dog can talk
I can't teach him : to take a morning's walk
Now if you don't believe : that I can run mighty fast
Ask that man : that run me last



I'm Texas bound : I got a freight train on my mind
If you miss me on the local : look for me on the gine
My suitcase is packed : my trunk's already home
Said you can know by that : your sweet papa's going to be gone
Just look around the corner : see that passenger train
Be a long long time : before you see my face again
Takes a good old fireman : a cool kind engineer
Now to pull that train : take me away from here
I'm Texas bound : got no time to lose
Because my sweet mama quit me : left me with the Texas blues



Everybody in town : got a butter and egg man but me
Tell me please : Lord because I can't see
Come here mama : sit down on your papa's knee
I'm just a butter and egg man : you can easy get along with me
Why don't you take me pretty mama : make something out of poor me
I'm just a butter and egg man : just as soft as I can be
Well it's butter and eggs butter and eggs : butter and eggs is all you crave
When you die : put butter and eggs on your grave
Why don't you take me pretty mama : let you treat me as you do


Because my weakness is pretty women : keep me with the butter and egg blues



My baby done quit me : and talk's all over town
I'm too good a man : to let that talk go around
I'm leaving today : going to leave this southern town
Because my baby caught a plane : that was up the way bound
I feel like jumping : from a treetop to the ground
To get a flying start : and run my baby down
I'm reeling and rocking : Lord howling like a hound
If brownskin's the best : I'll *play a teasing brown*
Oh feel like a dirty : feel like a dat dat dat
Doesn't somebody know : where my baby at
I'm going to grab me a train : beat it on up the line
I'm going to ride : until I find that good-goody woman of mine



Everybody's talking : about the *gren??? day*
I got one : with the sweetest ways
Your baby : can roll her jelly fine
Nobody's baby : can roll it like mine
Your baby : ain't sweet like mine
She bake her jellyroll : all the time
And when I'm feeling : lonesome and blue
My baby : know just what to do
Never has a baby : put me outdoor
She even buys me : all my clothes
I don't want to brag : just want to put you in line
Your baby : ain't sweet like mine



Tell me tell me : please has anybody seen my brown
She used to love me : till old fatmouth blew in town
She's a long tall woman : with coal-black curly hair
With one gold tooth : then you'll know her anywhere
She used to be mine : but the fatmouth has got her now
That's a dirty mistreater : didn't mean me no good nohow


I'm going to love you mama : till my whiskers pass the ground
When you die : I'm going to keep on hanging around
I bought all her clothes : I bought her a diamond ring
Then along come a fatmouth : keep me shaking that thing



It was early one morning : just about the break of day
Says I thought I heard : my sweet baby say
You can read a newspaper : you can't read a person's mind
But when you think she's loving you : dropping you all the time
Now baby you can tell me : just what are you to do
Now I believe I'll go back : to my old-time used-to-be
She's long and she's tall : she's shaped just like a willow tree
And the reason I love her : says she belongs to me



I get up early in the morning : sweet mama and I comb and curry my horse
Because I don't want nobody : not to *see my pause*
Then I goed up to the coal pile : get me a friend to buy some coal
Then I get on my wagon : *then I'm a coal-traveling snow*
*I ought to tell how much* for coal : thirty-five cents a bag
And if you want to know my name : just look around on my sack
I got on my wagon : trying my best to sell my coal
My baby's back home : serving my jellyroll
Now a lot of your women : ought to be put in jail
Some standing on the corner : trying to get themselves in jail



Now I got a lady : by the name of Sue
She'd like to know : just what to do
Now when you what it : I agree
Don't forget : to ask for me
Now she's a woman : hard to beat
All you got to do is dance : and stay on your feet
Now you ain't good-looking : you don't dress cute
You got to keep a papa : for your personal use
Now January February : and March too


The women come along : and showed her just what to do
Now a woman needn't think : she got a man by herself
A man needn't think : he got a woman by himself
Now tain't but one thing : that grieve my mind
All these brownskins : none of them mine



I know a man : he's on our street
He don't do nothing : but eat and sleep
Now he's a man : that I would love to meet
He's always dressed up : and out in the street
Now he don't drink whiskey : nothing sweet
When it comes to pretty women : he sure loves to meet
*I'm hot as the devil* : *I walk about the street*
All that ??? : to the sweet man's *feet*
Now he's a man : has a *copper* good to eat
He always looks good : from his head to his feet
Now when he walks into a place : and takes his seat
His ways and actions : is hard to beat



I ain't talking to one : I ain't talking to two
I'm talking to the captain : and the whole doggone crew
Yes she smokes the cigarettes : throws ashes in the tray
She's a good woman : she likes to have her way
I'm going away : won't be long
You look for me : I'll be gone



Ain't nothing in the jungle : that's any better than me
I'm the baddest man : ever came from Tennessee
I slept with a panther : until just about the break of day
I grabbed the wildcat in the collar : and asked the tiger what he had to say
I wear a scorpion for my watch fob : a rattlesnake for my chain
I scares a gorilla : and make him change his big ugly name
I make a *sea tick* catch a freight train : I make a flea grab the mail
I make a jumbo elephant : grab an airplane and sail


I was traveling in a rowboat : drifting out in the sea
I made a sea lion cub come back : and shake glad hands with me
Way down in the forest : there's where I long to be
Because ain't nothing in the jungle : that's any better than me



Now you know baby : you know it's true
I don't love : no one but you
I'm going to tell you : just before we start
All I want you to do : is to lone me your heart
I'm going to ask you : now baby before you start
All you got to do : is to lone me your heart




This corn liquor ??? : there's plenty more to be made
Just get a job at one of these stills : and you surely will be paid
I tell you it's a mighty risk to run : and a mighty chance to take
To spend your money : for the corn that the bootlegger makes
When the bootlegger goes to his still : get ready to make his stuff
He got his concentrated lye : cocaine and his snuff
I went home the other night : I swore I wouldn't drink no more
Until saloons come back with bottle and *bondy* : in the days of long ago
But I see that will never be : so I just got drunk again
I haven't nothing so long as corn liquor lasts : and I got no money to spend



I'm going to tell the sergeant : *he the* chief of police
The women around here : won't let me see no peace
Because I'm wild about my loving : and I like to have my fun
You want to be a girl of mine baby : bring me whiskey when you come
Hello Central : what's the matter with your line
I want to talk : to that high brown of mine
I don't want no sugar : stirred up in my tea
Because the girl I want : is sweet enough for me
I ain't no iceman : no iceman's son
But I can keep you cool : till the iceman comes
I ain't no fireman : and no fireman's son


But I can keep you warm : until the fireman comes
I'm going to tell you people : to listen to this song
I'm going to see my gal : and it won't be long



Oh how she loved to dance : that old grizzly bear
I guess she's gone to Frisco : to dance it there
Always a sign : everybody know you through
The more you do for people : the less they think of you



Oh how she loved to dance : that old grizzly bear
I guess she's gone to Frisco : to dance it there
It's always a sign : everybody knows it's true
The more you do for people : the less they they think of you



Hello Central : what's the matter with your line
I want to talk : to that high brown of mine
I'm going to the river : with a rope and a rock
And the way you treat me : I'm going to jump over the dock
Tell me how long : will I have to wait
Can I get you now : or must I hesitate
I'm got something to tell you : and I know it ain't good news
Because a hesitating woman : give me the hesitation blues
I'm going to tell the sergeant : and the see the chief police
Because the women around here : won't let me see no peace
I've got a girl in Memphis : she's all right
But the girl in Cincinnati : is just too tight
I'm got a girl in Cairo : loves me I know
But the gal in Louisville : has got the best *clothes*
My mother says I'm wicked : daddy says I'm wild
I know I ain't good-looking : but some woman's angel child
I'll sing you these verses : and it didn't take long
If you want to hear any more : you'll have to buy this song





Well I hates to see : that evening sun go down
Because it makes me think : about my last go-round
It I'm feeling tomorrow : a-like I feel today
I'm going to pack my suitcase : and make my long get-away
Because the St Louis woman : she wears a diamond ring
She leads a man around : by her apron string
If it wasn't for powder : and this store-bought hair
Oh the girl I love : wouldn't go nowhere
A redheaded woman : make a freight train jump the track
And a black-headed girl : will make a preacher ball the jack




I'm a poor coal loader : I'm in the mine
Slave for my woman : till I'm almost blind
I work so hard : from dawn to dusk
Can't find a woman : that I can trust
I work so : from six to six
Kid-man wait : to get his business fixed
I work every day : in the mine
Come home at night : you got my best friend crying
The food you cook : a hound dog sick
Woman I swear : you's a no-good chick




Ah wake up mama : wake up and don't sleep so sound
Give me what you promised me : before you lay down
I said get my tuni : only thing I love
Make you weep like a willow : sling snot like a turtledove
Now I've got a gal : and the kid live out on the hill
She got good doing : serve to the one she may will
She got good tuni : I'm a fool about my yam yam yam
Get my yam yam yam : I'm going back to Alabam'
Now come in here baby : and sit down in my lap
Sit one side : I forgot to tell you I had the
Clap your hands Charlie : Charlie where's you been so long
I been down in Tennessee : and I couldn't stay there very long
I got a job in the freight house : trying to learn how to truck


A box fell on me this morning : like to bust one of my
Nuthouse for crazy folks : folks got sense don't go there
And all the friends I had : done shook hands and left there
I got a gal : and the kid playing deaf and dumb
But the movements in her hip : will make a dead man
Come on out my window : don't knock on my door
And I told you two or three times : don't want you no more
Now run in here baby : because I done got kind of sick
It ain't nothing ailing my stomach : it's something wrong with my
Dixieland was a camp in Georgia : you can't stay there very long
All the friends I had : done shook hands and gone
Now here's a verse : I don't want a soul to miss
I been taking charity grub : I've got to go outside
Shut your mouth boy : four boys can't talk at once
And I done told you two or three times : I don't want no junk



I heard the people say : Casey Jones can't run
I'm going to tell you : what the poor boy done
Left Cincinnati : about half past nine
Got to Newport News : before dinner time
Now Casey Jones said : before he died
He fixed the road : so a bum could ride
And if he ride : he have to ride the rod
Rest his heart : in the hand of God
Now little girl says : mama is that a fact
Papa got killed : on the I C track
Yes yes honey : but hold your breath
Get that money : from your daddy's death
When the news reached town : Casey Jones was dead
Women went home : and *had it* out in red
Slipping and sliding : all across the streets
With their loose mother hubbard : and their stocking feet
Now Casey Jones : went from place to place
Another train hit his train : right in the face
People got off : but Casey Jones stayed on
Natural policeman : but he dead and gone
Here come the biggest boy : coming right from school
Hollering and crying : like a doggone fool
Look here mama : is our papa dead
Womens going home : and *had it* out in red


*Low cut* shoes : and their evening gowns
Following papa : to the burying ground
Now tell the truth mama : he say is that a fact
Papa got killed : on the I C track
Quit crying boy : don't do that
You got another daddy : on the same damn track



Lord today has been : a long lonesome day
You hear me talking to you : did you hear what I say
Lord today has been : a long old lonesome day
And now my rider : eee Lord will be the same old way
I've been to the nation : around the territor'
You hear me talking to you : you got to reap what you sow
I've been all through the nation : and around the territor'
But I found no heaven on earth : Lord nowhere I go
I'm going to the big house : and I don't even care
Don't you hear me talking to you : I'm scolding to my dear
I'm going in the morning : and I don't even care
I might get four or five years : Lord I might get the chair
Oh stop and listen : see tomorrow bring
You hear me talking to you : start to playing
You better stop now and listen : and see what tomorrow brings
It might bring you sunshine : Lord and it may bring rain
Some got six months : some got a solid year
You hear me talking to you : buddy what made you stop by here
Some of them got six months partner : and some got a solid year
But I believe my partner : Lord got a lifetime here




I'd rather be the devil : to be that woman's man
Oh nothing but the devil : changed my baby's mind
I laid down last night : tried to take my rest
My mind got to rambling : like the wild geese from the west
The woman I love Lord : stoled her from my best friend
But he got lucky : stoled her back again



I would rather be buried : in some cypress grove
To have some woman : Lord I can't control
And I'm going away now : I'm going away to stay
That'll be all right pretty mama : you going to need my help some day
Well the sun going down : and you know what you promised me
And what's the matter : baby I can't see
I would rather be dead : and six feet in my grave
To be way up here honey : treated this a-way
Well the old people told me : baby but I never did know
The Good Book declares : we got to reap just what we sow
When your knee bones aching : and your body cold
Well you just getting ready : honey for the cypress grove



I love my cherry ball : better than I love myself
She gets so she don't love me : she won't love nobody else
Cherry ball quit me : she quit me in a calm good way
Lordy what to take to get her : I carries it every day
Sure as that spider : hanging on the wall
I warned little old cherry ball : she was *falling out cold*
I'll catch the Southern : and she'll take the Santa Fe
I'm going to ride and ramble : till cherry come back to me



Hard times here : everywhere you go
Times is harder : than ever been before
Well the people are drifting : from door to door
Can't find no heaven : I don't care where they go
Let me tell you people : just before I go
These hard times will kill you : just dry long so
When you hear me singing : my so lonesome song
These hard times : can last us so very long
If I ever get off : this killing floor
I'll never : get down this low no more
If you say you had money : you better be sure
Because these hard times will drive you : from door to door


Sing this song : and I ain't going to sing no more
Hard times will drive you : from door to door



I ain't got no : special rider here
Ain't got nobody : nobody feel my care
I woke up this morning : looked at the special rising sun
I prayed to the Lord : my special rider would come
I'm going tell you something : to ease your trouble in mind
*Them whiskey women* : *give* trouble all the time
Now *honey* : what more can I do
Hear you done call : the easy rider special blues



Hey hey hey hey : hey hey hey hey hey
And every cow's calf man : honey he was born to die
I going to take my heifer :
If you see my rider : tell her carry on carry on
I wring my hands : baby and I want to scream
And I woke up : I found out it was all a dream
Hey hey hey : I ain't going to be here long
That's the reason why you hear me : sing my old lonesome song
Hey hey hey hey : hey hey hey hey hey
And every cow's calf : honey got to lay down and die
I walked the levee : I just walked end to end
I just want to find : my cow again
I'm stealing I'm stealing : back to my used-to-be
Hey pretty mama : please don't tell on me



If I send for my baby : and she don't come
All the doctors in West *Conton* : they won't help her none
And if she gets unruly : and she don't want to do
Take my thirty-two twenty : I cut her half in two
You talk about your forty-four forty : buddy it'll do very well
But my twenty-two twenty : Lord is a burning hell
Now that thirty-eight special : buddy it's most too light


But my twenty-two twenty : make the *camp* go right
Hey hey hey : and I can't take my rest
And my forty-four : laying up and down my breast



If you haven't any hay : get on down the road
Get your habit in your hand mama : Lord Lord get on down the road
I'm going I'm going : coming here no more
If I go to Louisiana mama : Lord Lord they'll hang me sure
If you haven't any hay : get on down the road
I'm going I'm going : coming back no more
Hitch up my buggy : saddle up my black mare
You'll find me riding : mama Lord Lord in this world somewhere




Folks I'm going to tell you : about a brand new song
I'm going to beat some dirt : and it won't take long
Well they cool it on State Street : warm it down the line
You ought to hear the frogs on Durban : singing and crying
Now the folks down east : are crying Lord Lord Lord
Gang in the west : say the cops is so hard
Well I went down to Michigan : came up Grant
Saw the sweetbacks and the strutters : all raising sand
I went to a good-time flat : last Saturday night
The cops knocked on the door : everybody made their flight
I met myself a good gal : she said she was fifty-one
She started to loving and squeezing : I thought she say son you just begun
Now a yellow gal is like a frigid zone : brownskin's about the same
You want some good loving : get yourself an old Crow Jane
Now I ain't no janitor : no fireman's son
But I can keep your boiler hot : till the superintendent come



Come on and let me know : who you are
Do that dance : called the *don't be long*
Do the Mississippi : and the Mobile Bay


Turn right around : go the other way
Put your hands on your hips : and let your mind move on
Holler like you did : the first day you was born
Do the black snake wriggle : and the frog hop
Take it to the attic : if it gets too hot
Now old sister Sue : *got* heavy a load
She likes to do it : because she got kind of cold
*Hatsie Gray* : and old friend Lou
Some day : this thing's going to happen to you



I've got a gal : she's low and squatty
I mean boys : she'll suit anybody
Last night : she loved me for a while
You could hear me holler : mmm for a while
Sometimes she makes me sneeze : sometimes she makes me cough
Lord you ought to see her : when she starting me off
Last night : while I was sound asleep
I felt a funny feeling : from my head to my feet
She was born in Kentucky : raised in Tennessee
Came all the way from Dixie : to put that thing on me



Ain't you getting tired : of [trying to cheat, cheating] on your papa hon'
Corrine : you the meanest gal I ever seen
Corrine : she just about five feet tall
She sleeps in the kitchen : one foot in the hall
I've got a corrine in Texas : sure can bring me down
Got a corrine in Harlem : make a rabbit hug a hound




I walked from Dallas : I walked to Wichita Falls
After I lost my sugar : I wasn't going to walk at all
Women see you coming : they go get their rocking chair
I want to fools this man : and make out he's welcome here
So cold in China : this voice can't hardly sing
You didn't make me mad : till you broke my diamond ring


I'm going to grab my sugar : papa don't care what you do
I know my baby : she's going to jump and shout
When she gets a letter from Lemon : I wrote her two days out
Tell me what's the matter : [papa Lemon, I] can't get no mail
Mama said last night : don't let a black cat cross your trail
I got up this morning : the blues all around my bed
Went in to eat my breakfast : and the blues all in my bread



Well the blues come to Texas : loping like a mule
You take a high brown woman : man she's hard to fool
You can't never tell : what a woman's got on her mind
You might think she's crazy about you : but she leaving you all the time
Ain't so good-looking : your teeth don't shine like pearls
But that nice disposition : carry a woman all through the world
I'm going to the river : going to carry my rocking chair
Going to ask that gal for a ??? : *how* the worried blues left here
I think I heard : my good gal call my name
She couldn't call so loud : but she calls so nice and plain
I was raised in Texas : schooled in Tennessee
High-stepper you can't make : no fatmouth out of me
Can't a woman act funny : quit you for another man
Can't go look down the street : but she's always raising sand



My right foot itches : something going on wrong
My right foot itching me : and I just can't stay here long
I thought I'd write : but it's the best to telephone
For that fast mail train : can carry your sugar so far from home
Girl I can't live right : ain't going to try no more
This woman's left town : and she ain't coming back no more
I went to the depot : and I set my suitcase down
I thought about my baby : and tears come rolling down
I said ticket agent : how long your train been gone
Say yon go the train : that this fair brown left here on
I couldn't buy [me] no ticket : but I walked on to the door
Well my baby left town : she ain't coming here no more
I got up this morning : my sure-enough on my mind
I had to raise a conversation with the landlady : to keep from crying


Excuse me woman : I won't say that no more
I'm fixing to leave town : and hang crepe on your door



Well my mind leads me : to take a trip down south
Take a trip down south : *it's tough to spend my round*
A train left the depot : with a red and blue light behind
Well the blue light's the blues : the red light's the worried mind
I hate to tell you : it ain't nobody there
If a man stay here : he stay most anywhere
I got up this morning : rambling for my shoes
The little woman : sung me a song of her worried blues
Uncle Sam wasn't no woman : but didn't he grab your man
Tell me them good-looking womens : is on the border raising sand
Well women on the border : drinking out of the water trough
I wish uncle Sam would hurry up : and pay these soldiers off
I can't drink coffee : and the woman won't make no tea
I believe to my soul : sweet mama going to hoodoo me
I asked the girl did she love me : she said Lemon I don't know how
Caught me *commentating* : yes I love you *sky high*
She has feet like a monkey : head like a teddy bear
And a mouthful of lip : I guarantee it's everywhere
I got a girl in Cuba : I got a girl in Spain
I got a brown yonder in Dallas : I's afraid to call her name



[Tell me, I want to know] what time : do the trains come through your town
I want to laugh and talk : with a long-haired teasing brown
One goes south at eight : and it's one goes north at nine
I got to have a good talk : with that long-haired brown of mine
Go and get my black horse : and saddle up my grey mare
I'm going home to my good gal : she's in the world somewhere
I can't count the times : that I'm so unsatisfied
Sugar the blues ain't on me : but things ain't going on right



See see rider : you see what you done done


Made me love you : and now your friend is come
A great tall engine : and a little small engineer
Carried the woman away Lord : and left me standing here
If I had a-listened : to my second mind
I don't believe I'd a-been here : wringing my hands and crying
Ain't no more good 'taters : the frost have killed the vine
The blues ain't nothing : but a good woman on your mind
I done told you woman : I been telling your partner too
You're three times seven : and you know what you want to do
If you see Corinna : tell her to hurry home
I ain't had no true love : since Corinna been gone



So many wagons : they have cut that good road down
And the girl I love : her mama don't want me around
Baby I can't drink whiskey : but I'm a fool about my homemade wine
Ain't no sense in leaving Dallas : they makes it there all the time
These here women want these men : to act like some boxer dog
Grab a pick and shovel : and roll from sun to sun
I got a girl for Monday Tuesday : Wednesday Thursday Friday too
I'm going to sweeten up on Saturday : what are the women through the week going to do
Don't look for me on Sunday : I want to take pigmeat to Sunday school
She's a fine looking fair brown : but she ain't never learned Lemon's rule



Listen here mama : I'll be good
Drink your wine : cut your wood
When I had you : you wouldn't do
Now I got another : and I don't want you
Every evening : half past eight
*Hobbling along* : *with my gait*
Working in the spring : *sleeping in the sand*
Got to get that fifty dollars : that I wish I had
You may think : because you're black
I'm going to beg you : to take me back
I went a-walking : down the line
To see if this woman : changed her mind
She turned around : two or three times
Take you back : in the wintertime





I ain't going to marry : ain't going to [be no settling, settle] down
I'm going to stay like I am : going to ride from town to town
There's a house over yonder : painted all over green
Going to find these young women : that a man most ever seen
I'm going to run to town : talk with that chief of police
Tell him my good gal has quit me : and I can't live in no peace
My home's in Oklahoma : I ain't got no business here
I'm just stopping around : to have a drink of a little drink of beer
I went home last night : fell down on my bed
I got to dreaming so : I was talking all out of my head



Somebody : just keep on calling me
She got hair : like a mermaid on the sea
Make me down a pallet : on your floor
Make it ??? and easy : make it down by your door
I can't stay away : I done cried the whole night long
The good woman I love : she done packed her trunk and gone
Don't mistreat me : because I'm young and wild
Sister you ought to remember : that you once was a child
I don't feel welcome : and I don't care where I go
The woman I love : she drove me from her door
Said fair brown : where did you stay last night
Your hair's all down : and you know you ain't talking right
I'm a stranger here : just come in on the train
Won't some good man : tell me some woman's name



Oh : ain't got no mama now
She told me late last night : you don't need no mama nohow
Mmm : black snake crawling in my room
Some pretty mama : better come and get this black snake soon
Oh that must've been a bedbug : baby a chinch can't bite that hard
Asked my sugar for fifty cents : she said Lemon ain't a dime in the yard
Mama that's all right : mama that's all right for you


Mama that's all right : most any old way you do
Mmm : what's the matter now
Sugar what's the matter : don't like no black snake nohow
Mmm : wonder where my black snake gone
Black snake mama : done run my darling home



What you going to do : when they send your man to war
I'm going to drink muddy water : go sleep in a hollow log
Ain't got nobody : I'm all here by myself
Well these women don't care : but the men don't need me here
Well I'm going to the river : going to walk it up and down
If I don't find *fourteen* : I'm going to jump overboard and drown
If I could shine my light : like a headlight on some train
I would shine my light : in Corinna's brain
Well they tell me that southbound train : had a wreck last night
You little section foreman : ain't treating your railroad right
Well the girl I love : is the one I crave to see
Well she's living in Memphis : and the fool won't write to me
Now tell me woman : what have I said and done
You treat me : like my trouble have just begun



I am broke and hungry : ragged and dirty too
Mama if I clean up : can I go home with you
I am motherless fatherless : sister and brotherless too
Reason I'm trying so hard : to make the trip with you
You miss me woman : count the days I'm gone
I'm going away : to build me a railroad of my own
I feel like jumping : through the keyhole in your door
If you jump this time baby : you won't jump no more
I believe : my good gal have found my black cat bone
I can leave here Sunday morning : Monday morning I'm sitting around home
I want to show you women : what careless love have done
Caused a man like me : steal way away from home
Girl if you don't want me : why don't you let me know
So I can leave at once : and hunt me somewhere else to go



I've got your picture : and I'm going to put it in a frame
And then if you leave town : we can find you just the same
Now if you don't love me : please don't dog me around
If you dog me around : I know you put me down
I know my baby : thinks the world and all of me
Every time she smiles : she shines her light on me
Oh I said fair brown : something's going on wrong
This here woman I love : she's done been here and gone
Oh listen fair brown : don't you want to go
Going to take you across the water : where that brownskin man can't go
Lord I'm worried here : worried everywhere
Now I just started home : and I'll not be worried there
Lord I'm tired of being married : tired of this settling down
I only want to stay like I am : and slip from town to town



I drived to the station : woman I bid you all adieu
Tell me : you always got a fatmouth following you
Now my baby quit me : and she done throwed me down
I wouldn't hate it so bad : but that talk is all over town
She's a long tall woman : she got relatives in Arkansas
She ain't so good-looking : but boys them dimples is *going to draw*
I cried all night : and all that night before
Know it's the best to get single : then you won't have to cry no more
I got ten little puppies : I got twelve little shaggy hounds
Well it just takes them twenty-two dogs : to run my good gal down
I got a girl in *North Clifton* : *hollering for a good long-legged man* too
I may live in Magnolia Texas : what them Mill City women going to do


Some joker learned my baby : how to shift gears on a Cadillac Eight
If you ever shift that habit : now I can't keep my business straight



Blues jumped a rabbit : run him one solid mile
This rabbit sat down : cried like a natural child
Well it seem like you hungry : honey come and lunch with me
I want to stop these married-looking women : from worrying me
I have Uneeda biscuits here : and a half a pint of gin
The gin is mighty fine : them biscuits are a little too thin
[Baby tell me something, I want to know] : about those meatless and wheatless days
This not being my home : I don't think I could stay
I cried for flour and meat : I declare it was gone
Keep a-feeding me corn bread : I just can't stick around long
Got an airplane baby : now I'm going to get a submarine
Going to get that Kaiser : and we'll be seldom seen
Mmm hitch me to your buggy mama : drive me like a mule
Reason I'm going home with you sugar : I ain't much hard to be fooled



I want to go home : and I ain't got sufficient clothes
I bet my money : and I lost it Lord it's dough
I'll never bet : on this old trey game no more
Oh my ??? *gambler's* gone : why don't you quit crying
That joker stole off : with that long-haired brown of mine
Sister you catch the Katy : I'll catch that Santa Fe
When you get to Denver : pretty mama look around for me
The woman I love : why she's five feet from the ground
She's a tailor-made woman : she ain't no hand-me-down
I ain't seen my sugar : in two long weeks today
Girl it's been so long : seems like my heart going to break
I'm going to run across town : catch that southbound Santa Fe
Be on my way : to what you call loving Tennessee



Hey : ain't got no mama now


She told me late last night : you don't need no mama nohow
Mmm : black snake crawling in my room
And some pretty mama : had better come and get this black snake soon
Oh that must have been a bedbug : you know a chinch can't bite that hard
Asked my baby for fifty cents : she said Lemon ain't a dime in the yard
Mama that's all right : mama that's all right for you
Said baby that's all right : most any old way you do
Mmm : what's the matter now
Tell me what's the matter baby : I don't like no black snake nohow
Well : wonder where's that black snake gone
Lord that black snake mama : done run my darling home



I'm going to the river : going to walk down by the sea
I got those tadpoles and minnows : arguing over me
Sitting here wondering : would a matchbox hold my clothes
I ain't got so many matches : but I got so far to go
Lord mama : who may your manager be
He asked so many questions : can you make arrangements for me
I got a brown across town : she crochet all the time
Baby if you don't quit crocheting : you going lose your mind
I wouldn't mind marrying : but I can't stand settling down
I'm going to act like a preacher : so I can ride from town to town
I'm leaving town : crying won't make me stay
Baby the more you cry : the further you drive me away



Now tell me : where my easy rider's gone
Now easy riding woman : always in the wrong
Well easy rider : died on the road
I'm a poor blind man : ain't got nowhere to go
It's going to be the time : that a woman don't need no man
Then baby shut your mouth : and don't be raising sand
The train I ride : don't burn no coal at all
The coal I'm burning : everybody says it's cannonballs
I mean I went to the depot : and set my suitcase down
The blues overtake me : and tears come rolling down
The woman I love : she must be out of town
She left me this morning : with a face that's full of frowns


I got a gal across town : she crochets all the time
Baby if you don't quit crocheting : you going to lose your mind
Said fair brown : what's the matter now
You turn your back to quit me : woman and you don't know how



I'm sitting here wondering : will a matchbox hold my clothes
I ain't got so many matches : but I got so far to go
Brown across town : going to be my teddy bear
Put that thing on me : and I'll follow you everywhere
I say a peg leg woman : just can't hardly get her dough
I left one in Lakeport last night : and I'm selling jellyroll
I don't see why : these women treat me so mean
Sometimes I think : a good man these women ain't never seen
Well I got up this morning : with my [sure-enough, same thing] on my mind
The woman I love : she keeps a good man worried all the time
Now tell me mama : who may your manager be
I asked so many questions : can't you make arrangements for me



I'm sitting here wondering : will a matchbox hold my clothes
I ain't got so many matches : but I got so far to go
I said fair brown : who may your manager be
He asked so many questions : can't you make arrangements for me
I got a girl across town : she crochets all the time
Sugar the blues ain't on me : but things ain't going on right
Mama if you don't quit crocheting : you going to lose your mind
I can't count the times : I stoled away and cried
If you want your [lover, baby] : you better pin him to your side
If she flag my train : papa Lemon's going to let her ride
Ain't seen my good gal : in three long weeks today
Lord it's been so long : seems like my heart going to break
Excuse me mama : for knocking on your door
If my mind don't change : I'll never knock here no more



Backwater rising : southern people can't make no time


And I can't get no hearing : from that Memphis gal of mine
Water all in Arkansas : people screaming in Tennessee
If I don't leave Memphis : black water been all over poor me
People since it's raining : it has been for nights and days
Thousand people stands on the hill : looking down where they used to stay
Children stand there screaming : mama we ain't got no home
Papa says to children : black water left us all alone
Backwater rising : come in my windows and doors
I leave with a prayer in my heart : backwater won't rise no more



I hate to hear : my good gal call my name
She don't call so loud : but she call so nice and plain
Lord the train I ride : eighteen coaches long
And the girl I love : she's just now leaving home
Well a high brown girl : loves to ride away somewhere
If a man is worthy : she would make you a millionaire
Don't never drive : a stranger away from your door
It could be your best friend : mama you don't know
Don't tell no stories : please don't tell no lies
Did my gal stop here : Lord did the mama keep on by
Oh if you don't love me : pretty mama don't run no stall
There's a whole lots of women : *just ran through your brown's hall*



I'm going to make friends : with the fish in the deep blue sea
And stop the Chicago women : from arguing over me
Come here pretty mama : going to take you far across the pond
I'm going to make my stop in Italy : where the monkey-man don't belong
These women in Chicago : they like their fashions and forms
But these women from Nashville : swear they just won't be here long
I said fair brown : let me be your teddy bear
Tie a string on my neck : and I'll follow everywhere



Black snake is deceitful : crawling in all in my bed
I had a dream last night : black snake is killed my baby dead


Hey hey mama : black [snake's lying, snake is] all in my hall
And if you quit me mama : you can't see that black snake at all
Listen here mama : black snake is wearing my clothes
And I told you about it : and you put my trunk outdoors
Take me back mama : I [won't, can't] be bad no more
And you can get my loving : if you let that black snake go
Black snake crawl out : he said he don't mean no harm
But I'm getting tired of that black snake : lying in my baby's arms



I'm going away : now don't you want to go
I'm going to stop at a place : I haven't never been before
I ain't got no watch : I ain't got no *China spoon*
Reason I'm hanging around here : man I'm sticking here dry long so
If you got a sweet woman : you better love her while you can
For your heart strike sorrow : when I come back to town again
I lie down last night : rolled from side to side
Say that the blues ain't on me : but things ain't going on right
I drink so much whiskey : I travel in my sleep
For that brown across town : I declare she is worrying me
I believe I'll sing this song : ain't going to sing no more
Going to leave town : and hang crepe on your door



Well the train's ??? : track's all out of line
And I commence to how I want to : catch that Number Nine
I'm worried and bothered : don't know what to do
Reason I'm worried and bothered : it's all on account of you
When I left home : I left my baby crying
She keeps me worried : and bothered in the mind
Now don't your house look lonesome : when your baby pack up and leave
You may drink your moonshine : but baby your heart ain't free
If you take my rider : I can't get mad with you
Just like you taken mine : I'll take someone else's too
I got a girl in Texas : I got a brown in Tennessee
Lord but that brown in Chicago : have put that jinx bug on me





I never feel uneasy : I know how you love your tricks
You leave town the spate of ten days : you got your business well fixed
I wonder if the chinches bite in Beaumont : bite like they do in Beale Street town
The first night I stayed in Memphis : chinch bugs turned my bed around
I had to get sinful with the bedbugs : to keep the chinches from taking my life
Because the chinches got my number : wrote a letter to my wife
My wife caught me easing : way across that Richland Road
The next time I go to slip out : I ain't going to leave on the light anymore
My wife has quit me : and my best pigmeat gal has too
All of ??? *Lord* : here with the chinch bug blues



There's a brown across town : and she's taller as a sycamore tree
That's the gal'd walk through the rain and snow : for to ease that thing on me
Brownskin girl is deceitful : till she gets you all worn down
She get all your pocket change : she going drive you from her town
Went home last night : found a note in my brownskin's door
Daddy *stay long* has got your room : man you can't live here no more
I [begun to walk, commenced walking] : walked till my feet got soaking wet
Trying to find good home mama : man I ain't found none yet
Well the sun's going to shine : in my back door some day
Ah it's one more drink : going to drive these blues away
Lord it's heavy-hipped mama : and the meat shakes on the bone
Every time it shakes : it's a sign my baby's home



Burn the railroad down : so that Sunshine Special can't run
I got a gang of women : man they ride from sun to sun
Same old fireman : going to keep this same old engineer
So that Sunshine Special : is going to run me on away from here
Going to leave on the Sunshine Special : going in on the Santa Fe
Going to *set up and stop* that Katy : because it's taking my brown from me
Going to ride that kansas Texas : right on to San Antone
Somebody's been trying to fire your engines : man ever since you been gone
Cotton Belt is a slow train : also that I and C N
If I leave Texas anymore : going to leave on that L and N





I had a dream last night : all about my gal
You can tell by that : sweet papa ain't been so well
I'm going away mama : just to wear you off my mind
So if I live in Chicago : murder's going to be my crime
This house is lonesome : my baby left me all alone
If your heart ain't rock : sugar it must be marble stone
I got the blues so bad : it hurts my feet to walk
It has settled on my brain : and it hurts my tongue to talk



Take Fort Worth for your dressing : and Dallas all for your sal
So you want to go to the state penitentiary : go to Grossbeck for your trial
I hung around Grossbeck : I work in hard showers of rain
I never felt the least bit uneasy : till I caught that penitentiary bound train
I used to be a drunkard : rowdy everywhere I go
If ever I get out of this trouble I'm in : man I won't be rowdy no more
Boys don't be bad : please don't crowd your mind
If you get in trouble in Grossbeck : they going to send you to penitentiary flying
I want you to stop and study : don't take nobody's life
They got walls at the state penitentiary : you can't jump man as hard as you try



I walked to the jail with my partner : asked him how come he's here
I had a *ruckus* with my family : they going to send me to the electric chair
I wonder why they electrocute a man : *if he ??? line*
Because the current's much stronger : *when they send it straight out on the line*
*I said to the electrocutor* : *awful lousy crime*
And my baby asked the judge : was he going to electrocute that man of mine
Going to get me a taxi : to take me away from here
I don't know but one thing in this world : could keep me *married* to the electric chair
I feel like jumping in the ocean : I feel like jumping in the deep blue sea
There wasn't no blood left in my heart : and they brought my electrocuted daddy to me



I'm going to tell you why : I got Lemon's lowdown worried blues


I left my meal ticket down at ??? : my pot of chitlings boiling a little past noon
Lord I'm worried here : worried everywhere I go
I worried my rider so late last night : she had a mule wagon backed up to my door
I woke up this morning : took a walk till the break of day
I asked for a woman to marry me : and I just made my get-away
I woke up this morning : woke up about half past ten
Ease my head in the window : she's singing Lemon's worried blues again
Worried so bad : can't tell my stockings from my shoes
I lay down last night : with Lemon's lowdown worried blues
Lord what makes that [banty] rooster : he keeps crowing for the dawn of day
His man better watch his footsteps for the hen : now doggone his ways



I feel like jumping : through the keyhole in your door
If you jump this time baby : you won't jump no more
I feel like falling : from treetops to the ground
My rider's got a mean jumper : and he don't allow me around
I go there early in the morning : and I goes there late at night
Don't care how late I goes there : he hasn't ever turned down his light
I believe he's looking for me : he's up all hours at night
She used to be my rider : and he ain't treating her right
I met this jumper one morning : he was out on the out edge of town
I had to talk and plead : for to keep him from blowing me down



I got up this morning : sure was feeling fine
I heard a rap at the door : must be that bad cat woman of mine
She was fussing she was fighting : and acting like a doggone fool
And hemming and a-hawing : and acting just like a balky mule
Bad cat ain't no wildcat : and he's going to stay home at night
But when it comes to squabbling : he sure can scratch and bite
I got up this morning : I was easing across this floor
Now my bad cat's leaving me : ain't going to catch my mice no more
I was standing on the corner : when they brought me the bad cat news
Now here come my bad cat mama : to run me away with them bad cat blues





Hey hey mama : that rider's done and gone
I just can't see : what in the world is you waiting on
I've got another mama : she ain't long and up tall
But to tell you the truth man : she is as soft as a butterball
She got Elgin movements : from her head down to her toe
And she can break in on a dollar : man most anywhere she goes
She was my best mama : but she wouldn't treat me right
She wouldn't do nothing : but barrelhouse all night long
I'm going to get me a mama : I mean with lots of bucks
I'm going to be gone mama : so I can change my luck



Getting tired of sleeping : in this lowdown lonesome cell
Lord I wouldn't've been here : if it hadn't've been for Nell
Lay awake at night : and just can't eat a bite
Used to be my rider : but she just won't treat me right
Got a red-eyed captain : and a squabbling boss
Got a mad dog sergeant : honey and he won't knock off
I asked the government : to knock some days off my time
Well the way I'm treated : I'm about to lose my mind
I wrote to the governor : please turn me a-loose
Since I didn't get no answer : I know it ain't no use
I hate to turn over : and find my rider gone
Walked across my floor : Lordy how I moan
Lord I wouldn't've been here : if it hadn't've been for Nell
I'm getting tired of sleeping : in this lowdown lonesome cell



I wonder why : my partner sitting around looking sad
I mean the woman if she quit me : it's going to be too black bad
She's a fair made woman : and she's cunning as a squirrel
When she starts to loving : man it's out the world
Oh she's a dark brownskin : we always call her chocolate drop
If the fool starts a-loving : man it just won't stop
When I first met the woman : I says I hadn't made no hit
She got this old-fashioned loving : man it just won't quit
I met her at a *sociable* : she acts just like a crook
Lord when she starts to loving : man it ain't in the book



Lord heavy-hipped mama : she done moved to the piney wood
She's a high-stepping mama : and she don't mean no man no good
She got ways like the devil : and hair like a Indian squaw
She been trying two years : to get me to be her son-in-law
Big mama : own everything in her neighborhood
But when she made the money : is when she lived in the piney wood
Blues in my kitchen : blues in my dining room
And some nice young fair brown : had better come here soon
Well the cook's in the kitchen : picking and fussing over turnip greens
White folks in the parlor playing cards : and they're serving their cake and tea
My baby loves my baby : like a cow loves to chew her cud
But that fool just off and left me : she done moved to the piney wood



I love my baby : better than a farmer likes his Jersey cow
Been trying to quit my baby for two years : and man I don't know how
When I was young : on my big-foot way to school
I met a nice-looking brownskin : made me lose my mammy's rule
My rider's got a mojo : and she won't let me see
Every time I start to loving : she ease that thing on me
She's got to fool her daddy : she's got to keep that mojo hid
But papa's got something : for to find that mojo with
She got four speeds forward : and she don't never stall
The way she bumps over the hill : it would make a panther squall



Competition worrying me : you been having a competition with me
*Big foot* stops at every man's door : and he's always in his midnight creep
I have a loving brown : I did never miss it *till her gone*
I found a ??? competition : he better not get in town
I passed my partner's house : I stopped in to comb my head
Who should I find : but my gal making up my partner's bed
I'm going to wreck my mind : competition going between me and my friend
It hurt me so : I thought we'd be pals till the end
It makes a man feel bad : when competition
Now there's so much competition : I believe I'll leave your town





I got a letter : I got a letter here in my hand
My brown wrote to tell me sad news : she got a brand new man
I'm a long long way from home : I ain't got no *lover* in town
I'm going to get that *B and M* to Baltimore boy : I heard my baby *is there*
I was drinking all night [long] : got up this morning sloppy drunk
I would pack my things : but somebody done stole my trunk
I went uptown last night : I tried drinking hard to ease my pain
But you ain't got no money : so don't come back here again
It's sad news : when your baby's ???ing on you
Even though you been kind : there's nothing that you can do



Standing at the station : watch my baby leave town
I feel disgusted : no peace can be found
Now you can hear the whistles blowing : but I just can't see no train
Way down in my heart : got a lot of aches and pains
Sometime I feel disgusted : and I feel so blue
I hardly know what in this world baby : a good man can do
If I could holler : just like a mountain jack
I'd go up on the mountain : and call my baby back
Some day you're going to be sorry : you ever done me wrong
It'll be too late darling : your man will be gone
My mind goes to wondering : I feel so bad
Thinking about the trouble : a good man always have



I used to take my feet : in a midnight tramp
Now they got me : doing a different kind of dance
I couldn't keep away from [wild, bad] women : bad [liquor, whiskey] cards and dice
Now I'm doing the lock-step baby : things ain't going so nice
It don't matter to me : whether it sunshine snow or rains
Because I can't go gay cutting : and carry a ball and chain
Mean old jailor : taking away my dancing shoes
I can't strut my stuff : when I got those lock-step blues
Big rats in my cell : keeps me woke all night


My woman done turned me down : and I don't think that's right
Every morning : I walk down that big long hall
I'm screaming for my mama : can't make no time at all



Hangman's rope : it's so tough and strong
They got to hang me : because I done something wrong
I want to tell you : the gallows Lord is a fearful sight
Hang me in the morning : and cut me down at night
Well the mean old hangman : he went and tightened up that noose
Lord I'm so scared : I am trembling in my shoes
[Jury, jurymen] heard my case : and it said my hand was red
And the judge is telling me : be hanging till I'm dead
The crowd around the courthouse : and the time is growing fast
Soon a good-for-nothing killer : is going to breathe his last
Lord I'm almost dying : gasping for my breath
And that trifling woman staying : until I breaks my neck



Now it's the day before Christmas : mama won't you hear me moan
If you take me back baby : I'll give you anything you need
I had a good chance : baby give me just one more
I will change the way I'm loving : like you never have been before
I know I did do wrong : I'm just as sorry as I can be
It's the day before Christmas : mama come back to me
Mama don't turn me down : on this Christmas Eve
I cried about you so hard : done wetted my whole coat sleeve
It's the day before Christmas : let me bring [me] your present tonight
I'm going to be your Santa Claus : even if my whiskers ain't white



I'm thinking about the year : of nineteen and twenty-nine
New year caught me with *marked money* : man I was doing just fine
I was lying down with my baby : we had one small quart of gin
That old doorbell kept ringing : I wouldn't leave nobody come in
The whistle was blowing for New Year : around twelve o'clock at night
I lied down on there with my baby : until the good Lord brought daylight


Early one New Year morning : I was walking down by the hill
Every man likes his liquor : when he gets it fresh from the still
I hate to drink all new year : for this whiskey they making is too strong
Because when I take two or three drinks : I'll be drunk the whole year long



Rats is mean in my kitchen : and I lost my Maltese cat
I'm going to make things right with my good gal : man and it's tight like that
I'm going to start walking : walk the shoes clean off of my feet
Just thinking about my mama : and man that woman sure is sweet
I ain't got no suitcase : I don't have a one bottle of gin
I've got to stay drunk to keep warm : because my clothes is so thin
Long lonesome train : come passing me a-flying
I was thinking about my mama : and I didn't pay that train no mind
When you get a-home : buy a Maltese cat
And a good strong brownskin : man it's tight like that



Who is that coming : hey with a motor so strong
That's Lemon in his D B : people think he's got his girl out on
Going to get out of my four-cylinder Dodge : I want to get me a Super Six
I'm always around the ladies : and I like to have my business fixed
I'm crazy about a Packard : but my baby only rates a Ford
A Packard is too expensive : Ford will take you where you want to go
Come here brownskin : listen to my motor roar
Because my Super Six sufficient : to take you where you want to go
I never did like no horses : I never could stand no *steel*
Ever since I was old enough to catch a brown : give me the automobile



My woman got eyes like an eagle : and she watching me all the time
The way she follow me around : Lordy it's going to be a crime
Watching me all through the day : watching me all through the night
Keeps her eagle eyes on me : till the good Lord brings daylight
Mmm : papa Lemon's feeling so blue
Eagle-eyed mama's worrying me : what am I going to do
Dog in my back yard : oh Lordy how he can howl


I'm trying to quit that eagle-eyed woman : man and I don't know how
My eagle-eyed woman : is got ways I can't explain
If I ever leave her : I must be going insane



I feel like tramping : from the *great big corral*
Because the woman I love : says she don't want me nohow
She swore that she loved me : but I know that she doing me wrong
I'm going to start something man : and I tell you it won't be long
The way I feel now : I could get a keg of dynamite
Put it all in her window : and blow her up late at night
I just swallowed some fire : take a drink of gasoline
Throw it up all over that woman : and let her go off and scream
I'm going to get in a cannon : and let them blow me out to sea
Going down with the whales : and the mermaids make love to me



There ain't nothing mama : no use
There's a long distance well : and it's blowing oil that's all
Ain't nothing to hurt you : it ain't nothing that's bad
It's the first oil well : that *your* ??? ever had
I'm a long distance driller : and I work every country through
Going to stop working : if I bring in this well for you
I'm a mean old well driller : and I been a driller since I been a man
Ain't going to stop drilling : till I strikes that *Woodburn sand*
I got a [mean] reputation : and they call me Drilling Sam
When I starts to drilling : you hear women hollering too black bad



I was down and I cried : *my pillowcase was on the line*
Ain't it tough to see a man : go to *wreck and almost fall and die*
I stood on the corner : and almost bust my head
I couldn't earn enough money : to buy me a loaf of bread
Baby times is so hard : I almost call it tough
I can't earn money to buy no bread : and you know I can't buy my snuff
My gal's a housemaid : and she earns a dollar a week
And I'm so hungry on payday : I can't hardly speak


Now gather around me people : let me tell you a true fact
That tough luck has sunk me : and the rats is creeping in my hat



The furniture man : he done been here and gone
Taking all my furniture : didn't left nothing for me to sit down on
Well it's tough to be alone : when I got to have my biscuits browned
Most of these women I know : cooking ??? *down for down*
I loved my baby in the morning : Lord loved her late at night
I miss that midnight loving : and you know I ain't treated right
I feel so disgusted : and I hate to be alone
I'm getting some other man's loving : when I ought to be getting my own
My love is like a storm : what blowed the walls all down
Soon as you get some of my loving : they can't keep you out of town



Every Saturday : go to work in a doggone place
*With food in my craw* : I goes there for *spending place*
I find six or seven women : and a whole lots of fun
Then we go out and break them down : honey till early morn
I don't mind no men friends : but I am afraid of my grandma's child
I like me a-plenty of women : but man I like them wild
All during the week : I work hard and I really save
But on a Saturday night : I can get all the loving I crave
Now I can't have the times : like I once have had
My regular found out I was a Saturday night spender : and it sure did make her mad



Mmm : going to run that black snake down
I ain't seen my mama : since black snake taken her away from town
Mmm : black snake is so hard to find
I am worried about my mama : I can't keep her off my mind
Oh : better find my mama soon
I woke up this morning : black snake was making *easy ruckus* in my room
Black snake is evil : black snake is all I see
I woke up this morning : black snake was moving in on me
Mmm : black snake was hanging around


He occupied my livingroom : and broke my *fairybook* down



Peach orchard mama : you swore nobody'd pick your fruit but me
I found three kid-men : shaking down your peaches tree
One man bought your groceries : another joker paid your rent
While I work in your orchard : and giving you every cent
Went to the police station : begged the police to put me in jail
I didn't want to kill you mama : but I hate to see your peaches tree fail
Peach orchard mama : don't treat your papa so mean
Chase out all those kid-men : and let me keep your orchard clean
Peach orchard mama : don't turn your papa down
Because when I gets mad : I acts just like a clown



My feets is so cold : can't hardly wear my shoes
Out last night with wild women : and it give me the big night blues
I grabbed my baby : I danced till the clock struck twelve
I had to wrestle so hard with my good gal : I just ain't feeling so well
I'm going back to that party : get with them wild women again
Well I ain't going to leave my home : till I order me a quart of gin
Wild women like their liquor : their gin and their rocking rye
My gal wouldn't let me go home last night : wouldn't tell me the reason why
Turned my face to the wall : and my baby made an awful moan
Well I needs my daddy : because my clock is run down at home



Got something to tell you : make the hair rise on your head
Got a new way of getting down : make the springs tremble on your bed
My gal got a new way of trembling down : make a crazy man leave his home
When she grabs you and turns you loose : makes the flesh tremble on your bones
Well my gal got something at home : that I sure do like
That's the long folding bed : with the cover all right back
Don't blame me mama : for talking out my head
I'm worried about the movements you got : and those springs trembling on your bed





I want to yo-yo : but I broke my yo-yo string
I believe my baby's going crazy losing her mind : Lord the woman is going insane
Don't a man feel bad : when he can't yo-yo no more
Broke my yo-yo string last night : and I can't come home no more
My sugar got ways : partner I can't understand
Leave me all in my bed : go yo-yo with some other man
I love me yo-yo : better than anything I know
I'm feeling funny and foolish : I can't shake that thing no more



Lamp sits in my kitchen : mosquitoes all around my screen
I'm about all ready to get a mosquito bomb : I'll be seldom seen
[I'm going to, I believe I'll] keep on the Pinto : drive on back to Brandyville
Oh mosquitoes so bad in this man's town : keep me away from my whiskey still
I love my whiskey : better than some people like to eat
Mosquitoes bother me so : I can't hardly stay on my feet
I bought a spray last night : and I sprayed all over my house
Mosquitoes all around my door : won't leave nobody come out
Mosquitoes all around me : mosquitoes are everywhere I go
No matter where I go : well they sticks their bills in me
I wouldn't say a gabber-nipper : these gabber-nippers bite too hard
I stepped back in my kitchen : and they springing up in my back yard



Way down south : you ought to see the women shimmy and shake
Their new way of wiggle : make a weak man break his neck
You fed me greens : and I mean that they really can cook
Make me a jellyroll : and I mean it's out the book
I was down south : where all my whiskey cook
Just looking at them women : makes me want to get my gauge stuck
Southern women : man [they're, they sure is] hard to beat
Ain't so easy to get along with : but Lord so sweet
I'm going down south : and I believe I'll take my hook
I'm going to fish in southern women : I declare it's out the book
Me and my sugar : *something I did hold*
I won't go to fishing : mama I done broke my pole



I'm standing in front of the bakershop : and I'm feeling lowdown in mind
Hungry as could be : looking at all cakes of kind
Girl in the bakershop : she hollered papa don't look so sad
Come and try some of my cake : and you won't feel so bad
*And with* sweet rolls in the window : honey and light bread cold
I want to buy me some cake : but I had shot dice and lost my roll
I'm crazy about my light bread : and my pigmeat on the side
If I had a piece of your jellyroll : honey I'd be satisfied
I want to know if your jellyroll fresh : I want to know if your jellyroll's stale
I'm going to haul off and buy me some : if I have to break her loose in jail
It's hard to be broke : and so hungry you about to drop
If I don't get a break soon : I'll fall dead front of this bakershop



I'm aching all over : believe I got the pneumonia this time
And it's all on account of : that lowdown gal of mine
Slinking around the corner : running up alleys too
Watching my woman : trying to see what she going to do
Stood down in the street : one cold dark stormy night
Trying to see : if my good gal going to make it home all right
[I believe she's, she must have] found something : that probably made her fall
I stood out in the cold all night : and she didn't come home at all
Wear B V Ds in the winter : traveling around in the rain
Last time : my baby give me this pneumonia pain
Now when I die : bury me in a Stetson hat
Tell my good gal I'm going : but I'm still a-standing pat



I'm flying to South Carolina : I got to go there this time
Women in Dallas Texas : is about to make me lose my mind
Long distance long distance : will you please give me a credit call
Want to talk to my gal in South Carolina : who looks like a Indian squaw
Just want to ask my baby : what in the world is she been doing
Give your loving to another joker : and it's sure going to be my ruin
Hey long distance : I can't help but moan
My baby's voice sound so sweet : oh I'm going to break this telephone


You don't know you love your rider : till she is so far from you
You can get long distance moan : and you don't care what you do
I think I will use ??? poison : to get my brownie off my mind
This long distance moan : about to worry me to death this time



Well the baby crawling : on up to his mama's knee
He's crying about his sweet milk : and she won't feed him just that cream
Crawled from the fireplace : and he stopped in the middle of the floor
Said mama ain't that your second daddy : standing back there in the door
Well she grabbed my baby and spanked him : I tried to make her leave him alone
I tried my best to stop her : and she said that baby ain't none of mine
Some woman rocks the cradle : and I declare she rules her home
Many man rocks some other man's baby : and the fool thinks he's rocking his own
It was late last night : when I liked to crawl in baby's room
My woman threw my clothes outdoors : and now I got those crawling baby blues



Here comes two women : I liked to drove them wild
Well you drinking bad liquor : you'll be overtaken after a while
He must be desperated : I don't know nothing else it could be
Standing on the corner didn't mean no harm : the boy made a dash at me
Made a break at me : groped for my pocketknife
One had me cooling off : while the other one talked about taking my wife
And when I went for my gun : you ought to see them yelling breaking that fence
I first thought they was crazy : but I found out they didn't have no sense
You can take my money : I mean you can wear my best clothes
Lemon won't kill no quicker : if you bother with my jellyroll
Some people like their sugar : I'm a fool about my China tea
You can have all this world : but leave my honeycomb home with me



Cat man cat man : stay away from my house at night
Prowling around my back door when I'm gone : you know that ain't right
When I come home last night I heard a noise : asked my wife what was that
She said don't be so suspicious : that wasn't a thing but a cat
I've been all over the world : I've taken all kinds of chance


I've never seen a cat : come home in a pair of pants
I'm tired of this jellyroll man : come to my home when I'm out
Know it's the cause of my woman : boys is *necking* about
Reason I call him cat man : he don't [come, go] around in the day
Come around at midnight : steals my cream when I'm away
Tell me a cat got nine lives : honey and I believe that's true
If the cat man is got nine lives : he going to need them when I get through



I got a brownskin mama : she built right to the ground
When I goes to her house : old man starts to booting me around
Now you mustn't blame his gal : it's nailed up to his door
Don't want to go near no man : pretty soon she'll be too old
Hey here Mr : you must be losing your mind
Everybody's got to have : a little bit of loving sometime
Her father told me : better not to come back no more
If I catch you here : I'm going to boot you through the door
I love my little brownskin : she's so young and green
The old man's the bootingest thing : that I most ever seen
I got to find me a scheme : to get my gal all to herself
Because I'm a fool about that woman : don't want nobody else




Lord I'm broke and hungry : and my money's all gone
Weather is summer : I've got to travel on
All my crops a failure : couldn't raise a doggone thing
I'm just like a beggar : hear these lonesome blues I sing
If I steal a pork chop : Lord I believe I'll pass away
I ain't had a square meal : in many doggone days
I'm so broke and hungry : I could eat a kangaroo
I feel just like stealing : there's nothing else to do
Won't somebody help me : with a little bite to eat
Don't care what you give me : I'd eat even chicken meat
Standing on the roadside : with a great big sign it read
Say Uneeda biscuits : ??? near dropped dead
My body feels so weary : because I got the miss-meal cramp
Right now I could eat more : than a whole carload of tramps





I went out last night I got drunk : I was in whiskey up to my head
A young lady she walked up to me : and this is what she said
I told her to give me time : and let me think
And I'd tell her : exactly when to buy that expensive drink
I went to see a fortuneteller : just to have my fortune told
She says young man you are partly rich : you're worth a great big pot of gold
I got myself a pick and shovel : I reached twelve that night
When I got there : I do declare I spied a form all dressed in white
Now me and this haunt : run breast and breast
He says look here brother : when are you going to rest




Sunbeam's on time : I ain't got my fare
And if I start walking : Sunbeam will beat me there
Don't need an airplane : steamboat or submarine
But if I miss the Sunbeam : I will be seldom seen



Standing here a-wondering : will that car pass my way
I'm going back to my baby : going back there to stay
I know my baby : is bound to love me some
She throws her arms around me : like the circle around the sun



I told the ticket agent : don't let your window down
I'm sick and blue : but I'm Frisco bound
Well a mean old fireman : a cruel old engineer
That would leave big fat Billiken : *walking along out there*



Wild jack on the mountain : and he brays the whole day long
Going to find me some lumber : build that old jack a home
I'm going to build a stable : as long as he is tall


So I can hear my wild jack : every time he calls
You ought to see : this big black jack of mine
He can eat more corn : than I feel like frying
This big black jack : got mane just like a horse
Going to keep my wild jack : lock him in my stall
He's a big bad jack : and you can hear him all over town
Going to keep my wild jack : if I have to chain him down




Mr undertaker Mr undertaker : drop your hammer and saw
You take my baby to the cemetery : and don't bring her back no more
I'm going take my females : hang them on a single line
I'm going to count one two three four five : six seven eight and nine
Well I went to the graveyard : kneeled down by my baby to talk
I have to leave you to heaven : *oh my baby's do no wrong*




Bring me a nickel's worth of liver : a dime's worth of stew
Feed everybody : on ??? Avenue
Got a man upside one downside : one across the street
Got your eyes wide open : but you're sound asleep
Bring me a nickel's worth of liver : a dime's worth of grease
??? my man : he called all the police
Listen papa : don't give me none of your head
Keep on fooling : you'll be filled full of lead
When you see me worried : I'm thinking about my burnt liver
I'll kill you about him : and my hand won't even quiver



Ooh : tomorrow I may be far away
Don't try to dog me honey : sweet talk can't make me stay
Now if you get loaded baby : and think you want to go
Remember baby : you ain't no better than the man I had before
When I get drunk I'm evil : I don't know what to do
If I get my good chib : can get something good from you
Now the man I love : he's just about the heightth of me
I'm five foot two : Lord and that sweet man's five foot three





All this world's against me : I believe my baby is too
Ah my baby's against me : Lord I can tell by the way he do
Now the man I love : Lord he don't mean me no good
Takes all his good jelly : around all the whole neighborhood
Now if I was a Gypsy : Lord and I could read your mind
Then I wouldn't have to wonder : where you spend all your time



I wake up every morning : with the rising sun
Oh thinking about my honeydripper : and all the wrongs he done
Oh he treats me mean : [only, just] comes to see me sometime
But the way he spreads his honey : Lord it makes me think I'll lose my mind
Oh because I'm brown : Lord he wants to drive me away
He knows he's a good honeydripper : Lord and I want him every day
Lord the man I love : oh Lord he really made me fall
Oh the way he drips his honey : Lord he won my heart that's all
Oh sometimes I feel so lonesome : Lord I don't know where to go
When my love comes down babe : I'll need you more than you'll ever know
Because he's a real sweet man : and I [want to lease him, got to sign him up] for ninety-nine
years
That's what it takes to ease my mind : and stop all my tears




If you be my kid : I'll be your teddy bear
I'll get in your pocket : and follow you everywhere
When you see me coming : heist your window high
See me leaving : hand your head and cry
It's raining here : storming on the sea
I'm leaving here : but I sure don't want to go
*Thieving* man : don't want me no more
I'm going to town : I'm going to buy me a bed
Sleep with my man : if it kills me dead





Oh I ain't got : no easy rider now
The man I love : sure done turned me down
He treats me : like I'm some old body's dog
I ain't no dog : please don't dog me around
Oh your time now : be mine after a while
Give me my fare : I sure will leave this town
I'm going home : I ain't been home in so long
Going back to Georgia : if I don't stay long
Wonder what's the matter : I can't get no mail
Believe to my soul : they got my man in jail
Going to buy me a pistol : with a great long shiny barrel
When I'm dead : give it to my faro
Get your one man : you sure better get you two
Ain't no telling : what these men will do
I'm going away : just to wear you off my mind
Keep me worried : bothered all the time




I ain't going to marry : and I ain't going to settle down
I'm going to do like a pimp : I'm going to walk all around this town
Goodbye whiskey : sure don't worry me
I can get just as drunk : as any drunken man can be
My baby's gone : she didn't tell me because
If she don't come back : I am going to starve
Ever since : my baby's been gone away
I've been raggedy and dirty : haven't got no place to stay
My old gal : came into town last night
She didn't have no money : but she was too tight
Me and my gal : are going to make everything all right
If we don't today : we will tomorrow night




Oh mercy dear : you cause my heart
*Sad and long* : *with how to win my part*
I learn to love you : most all the rest
You're leaving me : wrecking happiness
I'll count the hours : *living when alone*
Think of you : when you back home


My lonesome heart : will shake with fear
The very hour : that you call my name
Minnie every hour : is a living fear
For I'm not at ease : with anyone else
I'll hunger long : for you evermore
I'm asking you dear : please don't go
Going to tell you this : ain't going to tell no lie
Day you leave me : that's the day you die



Don't want no woman : have to give my money to
I tried hard baby : did the very best I could
I'm going to the mountain : hold up my right hand
The girl I love : sings like a turtledove
That's the way baby : you have *things* to do




Every man that comes to see you : in this neighborhood
Keeps on buzzing to each other : that your clock ain't no good
Now your clock don't set : where it used to set before
It used to be on the *centre* : close to your back door



I was lying down dreaming : when the blues eased up on me
I was feeling so blue : down-hearted as could be
A brownskin gal : makes a bulldog bark with pain
And a bow-legged mama : make a snail catch a passenger train
Now you can always tell : when your woman treats you mean
I say your meals are never ready : and your house ain't never clean
She will come downstairs : a towel was tied around her head
You'll ask her for loving : she'll swear she's almost dead






I left my baby : standing in the doorway crying
She said daddy you've got a home : just as long as I got mine
My mama told me : papa told me too
Some day son : candy's going to be the death of you
Now it's chocolate candy : till my dying day
The same old candy : is going to carry me away
I've got one good woman : trying to make it four
When one pretty woman quits me : I'll have three more




I had the blues last night : I've got them again today
My man told me : he was going away
Trouble trouble : is all I can see
Look like my man : has turned his back on me
Just let me tell you : what your friends will do
Grin in your face : and then they'll talk about you
Me and my girl friend : went out for a little run
When she seen my man : she told him what I had done
Bring me a pint of whiskey : and a bottle of beer
If I get drunk : I sure don't care
Take me back baby : try me one more time
I do everything : to satisfy your mind
Listen people : to what I'm telling you
Don't let your left hand : know what your right hand do



I woke up this morning : with the blues all around my bed
I felt just like : somebody in my family was dead
I began to moan : and I began to cry
My sweet man went away : you know the reason why
If you don't like my sweet potato : what made you dig so deep
You in my potato field : three or four times a week
Whooping I've been whooping : whooping all night long
Whooping I've been whooping : ever since my man been gone
My dog got the rabbit : the rabbit fell down on his knees


He looked up at the dog : he say won't you have mercy on me please
Just as sure : as you hear me sing this song
You never miss your jelly : till your jellyroller's gone



Play that thing : play that thing just right
We got to scuffle : that house rent tonight
My house rent's due : my gas going up to ten
I wouldn't have no lights : but the lightman couldn't get in




I want all you people : to listen to my song
Remember me : after the days I'm gone



The storm is rising : the rains begin to fall
I'm all alone by myself : no one to love me at all
My blues at midnight : and don't leave me until day
I've got no sweet woman : to drive my blues away
Blues : falling like showers of rain
Every once in a while : think I hear my baby call my name



I'm lonesome as I can be : baby please come home to me
Because you know I love you : and how come we can't agree
You been gone the whole night long : I believe to my soul something going on wrong
But there will come a day : and I know you will be glad to say
I tried to please your mind : and you keep me worried all the time
You will either run me crazy : or I'll lose my mind
You know you don't treat me right : when you stay out both day and night
And I must stop you now : because you got to consider somehow
You know I love you now : and I love you all along
Although you my sweet woman : and I mean you can't go wrong





I was sitting in my kitchen : looking way out across the sky
I thought the world was ending : I started to cry
The wind was howling : the buildings begin to fall
I seen that mean old twister coming : just like a cannonball
The world was black as midnight : I never heard such a noise before
Sound like a million lions : when they turn loose their roar
Poor people was screaming : and running every which a-way
I fell down on my knees : I started in to pray
The shack where we was living : she reel and rock but never fell
How the cyclone spared us : nobody but the Lord can tell



It's raining and storming on the sea : we're miles and miles from shore
The way the waves is rocking this ship : we won't see home no more
The wind is so strong : turning this old ship round and round
Something tells me : won't be long before we're sinking down
The captain say get your lifesavers : fasten them around your waist
Because we're sinking down : and the lifeboat is your safest place
Uncle Sam's ship was coming : painted in red white and blue
We say we live in New York City : red white and blue brought us all the way through



Mmm : I feel myself sinking down
My body is freezing : I feel something cold creeping around
My windows is rattling : my doorknob turning round and round
This haunted house blues is killing me : I feel myself sinking down
I been fastened in this haunted house : six long months today
The blue ghost has got the house surrounded : Lord and I can't get away
They got shotguns and pistols : standing all around my door
They haunt me all night long : so I can't sleep no more
The blue ghost haunts me all night : the nightmare ride me all night long
They worry me so in this haunted house : I wish I was dead and gone



I went down to the levee : and [over, out] to the freight house yard


They paid a dollar an hour : but the work was too long and hard
Have pigtails in my pantry : neckbones on my shelf
I ain't got none to give you : I got just enough for myself
I'm going to buy me a shotgun : long as I am tall
I'm going to shoot my woman : just to see her fall
Over yonder's the river : yonder is your big lake
At your house rent party : you made your last mistake
I chew my bacca : and I spit my juice
I tried to love you so hard : but I found out there's no use



Although we are drifting : so far apart
My arms may be empty : have not give up in my heart
Although we are drifting : so far apart
My arms may be empty : but never down in my heart



Look down look down : that long old lonesome road
And look up to the good Lord : just before you go
That's a long that's a long : a long old tiresome road
You'll find troubles and worries : that you never found before
Then look back look back : and see what you're leaving all alone
To grieve and worry : after the days you gone
Then your days begin dreary : down that long old lonesome road
And you want the Lord have mercy : how much more further I've got to go
That's a long old road : a long road that has no end
Then the blues will make you think : about all your right-hand friends



Something keep a-moaning : I don't know what it is
When my right eye winks : on my knees I begin to crawl
It will be hell to tell the captain : if I catch another man kicking in my stall
There's no use a-worrying : baby about the days being long
The black snake is got the dough : you can't roll him from home





They tell me blues and trouble : walk hand in hand
But you ain't had no trouble : till your woman falls for some no-good man
A married woman will swear : she'll love you all her life
And meet her other man around the corner : and tell the same lie twice
You tell me you've had troubles : and worry all your life
Man but you ain't had no trouble : till you fall for another man's wife
Then if you get a woman of your own : and make her happy night and day
There will be some no-good man she'll fall for : pretty soon she'll go away
When it begin raining : and you're looking through your windowpane
And crazy about another man's wife : it's enough to drive you insane
But a married woman : is the sweetest woman ever was born
Only thing that hurts you : she have to go home sometime



I been lonesome all day : I've been grieving all night long
Baby please hear my plea : why don't you come back home
How many times : have I cried all night long
You know I must love you baby : when I beg you to come back home
I'll get a job in the coal yard : work in the rain and snow
All I ask you baby : please don't leave me no more



Sam you say you my friend : but your ways I just don't like
Soon as I leave my home : you trying to bite me in my back
Now Sam you not my friend : and my home you better stop hanging around
Because I've paid for your coffin : and I mean that you graveyard bound
Sam if you want a woman go get one : and let my wife alone
Because if I ever catch you with my wife : you hell bound sure as I'm born
Sam a real man can live happy : but no-good men like you
You trying to wreck my family : and some other man's family too
Sam I thought you was my friend : I thought you just was swell
So I'm going to give you a vacation : that's a round-trip ticket to hell





Now she ain't good-looking : she don't dress fine
The way that gal can love : change any man's mind
Now she bake good jellyroll : she bakes it nice and hot
It never fails : to touch the spot
If I was sentenced to be hung : and this ain't no lie
If I could just see my baby : I would be willing to die
Now my gal is built : long and tall
Lord when she starts to loving : I can't help from to fall
She likes her music soft : when the lights are low
When she starts to kiss me : does me good down in my toes
When I met my gal : she was dumb as dumb could be
But I believe to my soul : she put that thing on me



If you got over fifteen grand : better split it ninety-nine different ways
Because the racketeers : got no certain place to dig your grave
When they demand your money : you got to give it up with a smile
And if you refuse : they'll read about you in a short little while
When the gang is out to get you : it don't do no good to run
It's true you can dodge the law : but you can't dodge them slugs out the machine gun
You [slave, work] hard for your money : just to give it to some other one
And if you refuse : the answer will be from a racketeer's gun
When the gang is out to get you : they'll follow you everywhere
You can even move to West Hell : doggone if they don't find you there



You've got a hatchet under your pillow baby : you got ice pick in your hand
The best thing you better do : is find you another man
You've got a shotgun in the corner : blackjack under your bed
But you'll never catch me asleep : I know you wants to whip my head
You put lice all in my gravy : black potash in my tea
But I fed it to your man baby : instead of me
That's the very reason why : you been so mean to me
Trying to steal my life : to have your old used-to-be



People is [raving, hollering] about hard times : tell me what it's all about


Hard times don't worry me : I was broke when it first started out
Friends it could be worser : you don't seem to understand
Some is crying with a sack of gold under each arm : and a loaf of bread in each hand
If you're a single man : you better drink and have your fun
Because when that lovebug bites you : then your worries ain't never done
People raving about hard times : I don't know why they should
If some people was like me : they didn't have no money when times was good



It's been snowing forty days and nights : lakes and rivers begin to freeze
Some places through my old home town : water's up above my knees
Storm begin rising : and the sun begin sinking down
I says mother and dad pack your trunk : we ain't safe here in this town
When it lightning my mind gets frightened : my nerves begin weaken down
And the shack where we was living : begin moving around
Women and children were screaming : saying mama where must we go
The flood water have broke the levee : and we ain't safe here no more



You see it ain't what you used to be baby : it's what you are today
You see your good looks didn't hold your man : a little black gal's loving stole your man away
I've got a woman now that I love : better than I love myself
She treats me so cold sometimes : I think she got somebody else



You arms don't feel the same : your lips is icebox cold
It's a mean black snake : is making his morning stroll
You know : you once was the sweetest woman I ever found
But since you been running out with your girl friend : you just a plain old everyday clown



If love is a crime then I'm guilty : but there's nothing I can do
After all the good women in this world : why did I have to fall in love with you





Don't the world seem lonely : when you got to battle it all by yourself
Even the one you love : turn their back on you for someone else
My mother and dad left me : when I was too small to help myself
And my sisters and brothers : drove me away to somebody else
I'm motherless and I'm fatherless : I'm almost friendless too
Seems the world is down on you : know knows what to do
Rocks was my pillow : and the cold ground was my bed
The blue skies was my blanket : and the moonlight was my spread



Good morning blues : where have you been so long
I just stopped by to leave you enough of worries : to last you while I'm gone
My brains is cloudy : my soul is upside down
When I get that lowdown feeling : I know the blues must be somewhere close around
The blues is like the devil : it comes on you like a spell
Blues will leave your heart full of trouble : and your poor mind full of hell
Some people say that's no blues : but that story's old and stale
The blues will drive you to drink and murder : and spend the rest of your life in jail
The blues and the devil : is your closest friend
The blues will leave you with murder in your mind : that's when the devil out of hell steps in



I work all day long for you : until the sun go down
And you take all my money and drink it up : and come home and wants to fuss and clown
It hurts to love a person : that don't belong to you
Because when they find out that you really love them : and they don't care what they do
They'll take your heart and they'll use it : like a football on a football ground
And when they get through playing with your heart : and they'll start dragging you all around



Want all of you people to listen : while my guitar sings
If you ain't got that rhythm : it don't mean a thing
Some people thinks I'm dead : because I've been gone so long
I just stop to see : would you miss me from singing these lonesome songs
I want all you people to listen : while I swing this song


If you were born with that rhythm : honest you can't never go wrong



Storm is rising : and the rain begin to fall
Trouble is breaking down my window : blues breaking down my door
My blues started at sunrise : and rides me all through the day
It takes the sweet woman I love : to drive these blues away
Come into my arms sweet woman : and please explain yourself to me
Tell me who do you really want : or do you still want your used-to-be
Because sometimes you with me : baby then again you gone
If you want your used-to-be : then you better let me alone
Blues : falling like showers of rain
Every once in a while : I can hear my baby call my name



I've been drinking all night long : I've started again today
I been trying my best : to drink these worried blues away
Some people drinks to hide their [worries and] troubles : but that don't mean a thing
When you think your troubles are gone : and you find yourself drunk again
Friends I drink to keep from worrying : I smile to keep from crying
That's why I cover my troubles : so the public don't know what's on my mind
I said I was through with love : both whiskey wine and gin
You know when I found myself : I was lap-legged drunk again
Love will make a-many man drink and gamble : and stay out all night long
Love will drive you to many places : sometimes where you don't belong



Mmm : something cold is creeping around
Blue ghost has got me : I feel myself sinking down
Black cat and an owl : come to keep me company
They understands my troubles : mmm and sympathize with me
I been in this haunted house : for three long years today
Blue ghost has got my shack surrounded : oh Lord and I can't get away
I feel cold arms around me : and ice lips upon my cheek
My lover is dead : how plainly plainly I can hear her speak
My windows begin rattling : and my doorknob is turning around and around
My lover's ghost has got me : and I know my time won't be long





It's been snowing forty days : and the ground is covered with snow
I'm snow-bound in my cabin : and ice up around my door
I woke up this morning : couldn't even get out my door
I was snowbound in my cabin : had water seeping up through my floor
Snow begin melting : and the rain begin to fall
The backwaters done broke the levee : and I can't stay here no more
Rowed my boat : just about four miles across the pond
Backwater done wrecked my cabin : and there's no place that I can call my home



What makes the rooster : crow every morning before day
To let the pimps know : that the workingman is on his way
We're up before sunrise : slaving sixteen hours a day
We pay our house rent and grocery bills : and the pimps get the rest of our pay
Men can't you see : you can't keep a whole woman by yourself
If your best friend can't get your woman : he'll frame her for somebody else
Something about some women : that I never could understand
They're not satisfied with a good husband : they want some other woman's man




I woke up this morning : blues all around my bed
I never had no good man : I mean to ease my aching head
Well : pretty near all night long
Well I swear before God : the man I'm loving is doing wrong
Well I'm going away : swear the time ain't long
If you don't believe I'm leaving daddy : count them days I'm gone
You done caused me to weep baby : and I swear you done caused me to moan
Well you know by that rider : that I ain't going to be here long
Well : what evil have I done
Well it must be something : my man have heard before he gone
Lord I'm going to get drunk : and I'm going to walk the streets all night
Because the man that I'm loving : I swear he sure don't treat me right





Lord I woke up this morning : blues all around my bed
I never had no good man : I mean to ease my worried head
Now now now now now : I cried like a newborn child
Lord even when I was a baby : I wasn't satisfied
Well I'm going I'm going : daddy to wear you off my mind
Because you keeps me worried baby : and troubled all the time
I said Lord have mercy : I mean Lord have mercy on me
I said Lord have mercy : mercy's all I need
Lord ??? : and I fell down on my knees
Well I done cried I cried : Lord have mercy on me



Well I'm going to Memphis : come to stop at Cincinnat'
I'm going to tell you women : how to treat a man
I said now you ain't good-looking : and you don't dress fine
That kind of treatment : make me ??? you most any old time
Well I'm going to Memphis : stop at *Satches* hall
Going to tell you women : how to cock it on the wall
Now you can snatch it you can break it : you can hang it on the wall
Throw it out the window : see if you catch it before it fall
Well I'm going to leave here :



??? : I saw the moon go down
And I swear my man must be somewhere : turning around and around
I say the big star are falling : it don't be long before day
The moon *want* my baby : ??? mighty far away
I'm going to wake up : between midnight and day
You going to ??? *my need* baby : and I swear I'll be gone away
Now won't you come here baby : sit down on my knee
Now I just want to tell you : black man how you have treated me




You said you's going to leave me : but I don't care


You thought the way I treated you : wasn't fair
You went and told somebody : you thought I wouldn't do
But if you think you'll get away with it : I'll sing this verse to you
Because if I let you get away with it once : you'll do it all the time
Now if you think I'm going crazy about you : you'd better change your mind
You promised me once : you wouldn't cheat anymore
But had a dozen keys : to fit my back door
You crept away : to see a movie show today
But when you came home : you didn't know the name of the play



Blow whistle : my stomach say it's eating time
My appetite is worth a million : and just got a measly dime
It's Saturday night : and I'm higher than a Georgia pine
One more drink of corn : and I'll leave my Georgia mind
When a gator holler : folks say it's a sign of rain
The weather's getting cloudy Lord : how these *birdies sing*




I got a barrelhouse flat in *Eastport* : and one I St Louis too
But my barrelhouse flat in *Eastport* : really get *my ???*
I'm going to build me a barrelhouse flat : way out on Dago Hill
Where I can get my beer and whiskey : and it's fresh from the still
I got a barrelhouse flat in Chicago : it's fifteen stories high
I get all of these high yellows : and play these *crazy dice*
Those ??? like my good whiskey : and they drink my cherry wine
If you women want a good time : stop by this barrelhouse flat of mine



My man's in the mountain : and I've got the mountain key
If you want to see my man : you got to come to me
Mmm he was my man : before you women ever knew his name
And you know by that : you got to see me just the same
If you women wants a good man : find one of your own
For this man is my man : I want you women to leave my man alone
Now I have no place : for you women you see


Oh my man's in the mountain : and I've got the mountain key



Rattlesnake treating papa : what makes you treat your mama so mean
You know that your mama loves you : that's why you treat me like you do
You treats me like a rattlesnake : crawling on the ground
The better I try to treat you : the more you throw your mama down
Ah that's all right : daddy that's all right for you
Some day you'll want poor Mary : and she'll be somewhere from you
Oh rattlesnake crawling daddy : you know you doing me wrong
I'm looking for you baby : and you crawling around some other person's home
You dog me all in the morning : and dog me late at night
And I can tell by that : you ain't treating your mama right



I once was a married woman : sorry the day I ever was
I was a young girl at home : and I did not know the world
I'd rather be an old maid : than to be worried and blue each and every day
Because these worrisome old men : will cause your head to turn white and grey
Babe you caused me to leave my happy home : and you caused me to weep and moan
That is why babe : this bad luck's taking place today
I was just sitting here thinking : baby just a minute ago
I once was a married woman : sorry the day I ever was




I got a kind-hearted woman : do anything in this world for me
But these evil-hearted women : man they will not let me be
I love my baby : my baby don't love me
But I really love that woman : can't stand to leave her be
Now ain't but the one thing : makes Mr Johnson drink
That's worry about how you treat me baby : I begin to think
Oh babe : my life don't feel the same
You breaks my heart : when you call Mr so-and-so's name
She's a kind-hearted woman : she studies evil all the time
You have to kill me : just to have it on your mind



I got a kind-hearted mama : do anything in this world for me
But these evil-hearted women : man they will not let me be
I love my baby : and my baby don't love me
I really love that woman : can't stand to leave her be
Now it ain't but one thing : make Mr Johnson drink
I get worried about how you treat me baby : I begin to think
Oh babe : my life don't feel the same
You breaks my heart : when you call Mr so-and-so's name
She's a kind-hearted [mama, woman] : [but she] studies evil all the time
You have to kill me baby : just to have it on your mind
Some day some day : I will shake your hand goodbye
I can't give any more of my loving : because I just ain't satisfied



I'm going to get up in the morning : I believe I'll dust my broom
Because then the black man you been loving : girl friend can get my room
I'm going to write a letter : telephone every town I know
If I can't find her in West Selma : she must be in East Monroe I know
I don't want no woman : wants every downtown man she meet
She's a no-good dony : they shouldn't allow her on the street
I believe : I believe I'll go back home
If you mistreat me here babe : but you can't when I go home
I'm going to call up China : see is my good girl over there
If I can't find her on Philippines Island : she must be in Ethiopia somewhere



Ooh : baby don't you want to go
Back to the land of California : to my sweet home Chicago
Now one and one is two : three and two is four
I'm heavy loaded baby : I'm booked I've got to go
Now two and two is four : four and two is six
You going to keep on monkeying around here *pin boy* : you going to get your ??? in a fix
Now six and two is eight : eight and two is ten
His wife get tricky one time : she sure going to do it again


I'm going to California : *some passing in my byway*
Somebody will tell me : that you need my help some day



I got rambling : I got rambling [all] on my mind
Hate to leave my baby : but she treats me so unkind
Running down to the station : catch [that old, the] first mail train I see
I got the blues about Miss so-and-so : and the child got the blues about me
And I'm leaving this morning : with my arms folded up and crying
I hate to leave my baby : but she treats me so unkind
I got mean things : I got mean things [all] on my mind
I got to leave my baby : but she treats me so unkind



I got rambling : I got rambling [all] on my mind
Hate to leave my baby : but she treats me so unkind
Running down to the station : catch [that old, the] first mail train I see
I got the blues about Miss so-and-so : and the child got the blues about me
And I'm leaving this morning : with my arms folded up and crying
I hate to leave my baby : but she treats me so unkind
I got mean things : I got mean things [all] on my mind
I got to leave my baby : but she treats me so unkind



When you got a good friend : have her stay right by your side
Give her all of your spare time : love and treat her right
I mistreated my baby : [but, and] I can't see no reason why
Any time I think about it : I just wring my hands and cry
Wonder could I ever apologize : or will she fisty-fight with me
She's a brownskin woman : just as sweet as a girl friend can be
Baby *do you think it mmm* : oh I may be right or wrong
Got you a close friend baby : then your enemies can't do you no harm





Mmm : mmm
You better come on in my kitchen : well it's going to be raining outdoors
The woman I love : took from my best friend
Some joker got lucky : stoled her back again
Oh oh she's gone : I know she won't come back
I taken her last nickel : out of her nation sack
When a woman gets in trouble : everybody throws her down
Looking for her good friends : none can be found
And the time coming : it's going to be so
You can't make the winter babe : just dry long so



Well I feel so lonesome : you hear me when I moan
Who's been driving my terraplane for you : since I've been gone
I said I flashed your lights mama : your horn won't even blow
Got a short in this connection : hoo well babe and it's way down below
I'm going heist your hood mama : I'm bound to check your oil
I got a woman that I'm loving : way down in Arkansas
Now you know the coils ain't even buzzing : little generator won't get the spark
Motor's in a bad condition : you got to have these batteries charged
I'm crying please : please don't do me wrong
Who's been driving my terraplane : now for you since I've been gone
Mr highwayman : please don't block the road
Because she's registering a cold one hundred : and I'm booked till I got to go
Eee : you can hear me weep and moan
Who's been driving my terraplane now for you : since I've been gone
I'm going to get deep down in this connection : keep on tangling with your wires
And when I mash down on your little starter : then your spark plug will give me fire



Yeah but she got a phonograph : but it won't say a lonesome word
What evil have I done : what evil has the poor girl heard
Yeah but I love my phonograph : but she have broke my winding chain
And you've taken my loving : and given it to your other man


Now we played it on the sofa now : we played it side the wall
My needles have got rusty baby : it will now play at all
Yeah but if I go crazy : baby I will lose my mind
I can bring your clothes back home : and try me one more time



If I send for my baby : and she don't come
All the doctors in [Hot Springs, Westmount] : sure can't help her none
And if she gets unruly : things she don't want to do
Take my thirty-two twenty : and I can cut her half in two
She got a thirty-eight special : but I believe it's most too light
I got a thirty-two twenty : got to make the camps all right
I'm going to shoot my pistol : going to shoot my gatling gun
You made me love you : now your man done come
Ooh : baby where you stay last night
You got your hair all tangled : and you ain't talking right
Her thirty-eight special boys : it do very well
I got a thirty-two twenty : now it's a burning hell
Hey hey : baby where you stay last night
You didn't come home : till the sun was shining bright
Ooh : boys I just can't take my rest
With this thirty-two twenty : laying up and down my breast



I got a girl : said she's long and tall
She sleeps in the kitchen : with her feets in the hall
She got two for a nickel : got four for a dime
It's worth paying more : but they ain't none of mine
I got a letter : from my girl in the room
Now she got something good : she got to bring it home soon
The billygoat backed : in the bumblebee's nest
Ever since that : he can't take his rest
I'm going to hump in your back : going to put your kidneys to sleep
I due to break away your liver : and tear your heart to piece
You know grandma left me : now grandpa too
Well I wonder what in the world : we children going to do
Me and my baby : bought a V-Eight Ford


Well they ride that thing : all on the running board
You know the monkey now the baboon : playing in the grass
Well the monkey said to *fatto* : *good luck gas*



I woke up this morning : and all my shrimps was dead and gone
I was thinking about you baby : will you hear me weep and moan
I got dead shrimps here : someone is fishing in my pond
I've sold you my best bait baby : and I can't do that no more
Everything I do baby : you got your mouth stuck out
Hole where I used to fish : you got me forced out
I got dead shrimps here : someone's fishing in my pond
Catching my goggle-eyed perches : and they barbecuing the bones
Now you taken my shrimp baby : you know you turned me down
I couldn't do nothing : until I got myself unwound



I went to the crossroads : fell down on my knees
Asked the Lord above have mercy : save poor Bob if you please
Mmm standing at the crossroads : I tried to flag a ride
Didn't nobody seem to know me : everybody passed me by
Mmm the sun going down boys : not going to catch me here
I haven't got no loving sweet woman : but not to feel my care
You can run you can run : tell my friend boy Willie Brown
Lord that I'm standing at the crossroad baby : I believe I'm sinking down



I woke up this morning : feeling around for my shoes
Know by that : I got these old walking blues
Lord I feel like blowing : my poor lonesome horn
Got up this morning : my little Berniece was gone
Lord I feel like blow : my lonesome horn
Well I got up this morning : all I had was gone
Well leaving this morning : if I have to oh ride the blinds
I feel mistreated : and I don't mind dying


Leaving this morning : I have to ride the blinds
Babe I been mistreated : baby and I don't mind dying
Well some people tell me : that the worried blues ain't bad
Worst old feeling : I most ever had
She's got Elgin movements : from her head down to her toes
Break in on a dollar : most anywhere she goes



If you cry about a nickel : you die about a dime
She wouldn't cry : but the money ain't mine



I got up this morning : the blues walking like a man
Worried blues : give me your right hand
Blues grabbed mama's child : and it tore me all upside down
Travel on poor Bob : just can't turn you around
The blues : is a lowdown shaking chill
You ain't never had them : I hope you never will
Well the blues : is a aching old heart disease
Like consumption : killing me by degrees
Now if it's starting a-raining : I'm going to drive my blues away
Going to the ??? : stay out there all day



I got up this morning : the blues walking like a man
Worried blues : give me your right hand
Blues grabbed mama's child : and it tore me all upside down
Travel on poor Bob : just can't turn you around
The blues : is a lowdown shaking chill
You ain't never had them : I hope you never will
Well the blues : is a aching old heart disease
Like consumption : killing me by degrees
Now if it's starting a-raining : I'm going to drive my blues away
Going to the ??? : stay out there all day





If I had possession : over Judgment Day
Lord the little woman I'm loving : wouldn't have no right to pray
I went to the mountain : look as far as my eyes could see
Saw where the man got my woman : and lonesome blues got me
And I rolled and I tumbled : and I cried the whole night long
When I woke up this morning : my biscuit-roller's gone
Had to fold my arms : and I slowly walked away
I said in my mind : your trouble going to come some day
Now run here baby : set down on my knee
I want to tell you : all about the way they treated me



I got stones in my passway : and my road seem dark as night
I have pains in my heart : they have taken my appetite
I have a bird to whistle : and I have a bird to sing
I got a woman that I'm loving : boy but she don't mean a thing
My innocence betrayed me : have overtaken poor Bob at last
And that's one thing certain : they have stones all in my pass
Now you trying to take my life : and all my loving too
You laid a passway for me : now what are you trying to do
I'm crying please : please let us be friends
And when you hear me howling in my passway rider : please open your door and let me in
I got three legs to truck on : boys please don't block my road
I been feeling ashamed about my rider : babe I'm booked and I got to go



I'm a steady rolling man : I roll both night and day
But I haven't got no sweet woman : mmm boys to be rolling this a-way
I'm the man that rolls : when icicles hanging on the tree
And now you hear me howling : baby mmm down on my bended knee
I am a hard-working man : have been for many years I know
And some cream puff's using my money : ooo well well babe but that'll never be no more
You can't give your sweet woman : everything she wants in one time


Well boys she get rambling in her brain : mmm some other man on her mind



From four until late : I was wringing my hands and crying
I believe to my soul : that your daddy's going fall down
From Memphis to Norfolk : is a thirty-six hour's ride
A man is like a prisoner : and he's never satisfied
A woman is like a dresser : with a man always rambling through its drawers
It caused so many men : wear an apron overall
From four until late : she give us a no-good bunching clown
Now she won't do nothing : but tear a good man's reputation down
When I leave this town : I'm going to bid you fare farewell
And when I return again : you'll have a great long story to tell



I've got to keep moving : blues falling down like hail
And the days keep on worrying me : there's a hellhound on my trail
If today was Christmas Eve : and tomorrow was Christmas Day
All I would need my little sweet rider : just to pass the time away
You sprinkled hot-foot powder : mmm around my door
It keeps me with a rambling mind rider : every old place I go
I can tell the wind is rising : the leaves trembling on the trees
All I need my little sweet woman : and to keep my company



Mmm she is a little queen of spades : and the men will not let her be
Every time she makes a spread : a cold chill runs all over me
Well I'm going to get me a gambling woman : the last thing that I do
A man don't need a woman : ooo fair brown he got to give all of his money to
And everybody say she got a mojo : [because she, baby you] been using that stuff
She got a way trimmering down : ooo well babe and I mean it's most too tough
Well well little girl says I'm the king : fair brown and you is the queen
Let's we put our heads together : ooo fair brown then we can make our money green





Now she is a little queen of spades : and the men will not let her be
Every time she makes a spread : ooo fair brown cold chills just runs all over me
I'm going to get me a gambling woman : if the last thing that I do
Well a man don't need a woman : ooo fair brown that he got to give all his money to
Everybody says she got a mojo : [because, now] she's been using that stuff
Says she got a way of trimming it down : ooo fair brown and I mean it's most too tough
Now little girl say I'm the king : baby and you is the queen
Let's us put our heads together : ooo fair brown then we can make our money green



I keep drinking malted milk : trying to drink my blues away
Baby you just as welcome to my loving : as the flowers is in may
Malted milk malted milk : keep rushing to my head
And I have a funny funny feeling : that I'm talking all out my head
Baby fix me one more drink : and hug your daddy one more time
Keep on spilling my malted milk mama : until I change my mind
My doorknob keeps on turning : it must be spooks around my bed
I have a warm old feeling : and the hair rising on my head



I'm a [poor] drunken-hearted man : my life seems so misery
And if I could only change my way of living : it would mean so much to me
I've been drunk and I've been driven : ever since I left my mother's home
And I can't see the reason why : that I can't leave these no-good womens alone
My poor father died and left me : and my mother done the best that she could
Every man loves that game you call love : but it don't mean no man no good
I'm a poor drunken-hearted man : and sin was the cause of it all
But the day you get weak for no-good women : that's the day that you surely fall



I'm a [poor] drunken-hearted man : my life seems so misery
And if I could only change my way of living : it would mean so much to me


I've been dogged and I've been driven : ever since I left my mother's home
And I can't see the reason why : that I can't leave these no-good womens alone
My poor father died and left me : and my mother done the best that she could
Every man loves that game you call love : but it don't mean no man no good
I'm the poor drunken-hearted man : and sin was the cause of it all
But the way you get weak for no-good women : that's the day that you surely fall



Early this morning : when you knocked upon my door
And I said hello Satan : I believe it's time to go
Me and the devil : was walking side by side
I'm going to beat my woman : until I get satisfied
She said you knows the way : that I always dog her around
It must've be that old evil spirit : so deep down in the ground
You may bury my body : down by the highway side
So my old evil spirit : can get a Greyhound bus and ride



Every time I'm walking : down the street
Some pretty mama : starts breaking down with me
Stop breaking down : yeah stop breaking down
The stuff I got about you breaking down : ooo it will make you lose your mind
I can't walk the streets : nor com- *compelate* my mind
Some no-good woman : she starts breaking down
Now you Saturday night women : you love to ape and clown
You won't do nothing : but tear a good man's reputation down
Now I gave my baby now : the ninety-nine degree
She jumped up : and throwed a pistol down on me
I can't start walking : down the street
When some pretty mama : starts breaking down on me



If your man gets personal : want to have your fun
Just come on back to Friar's Point mama : and barrelhouse all night long
I've got womens in Vicksburg : clean on into Tennessee


But my Friar's point rider now : hops all over me
I ain't going to state no color : but her front teeth crowned with gold
She got a mortgage on my body : and a lien on my soul
Lord I'm going to Rosedale : going to take my rider by my side
We can still barrelhouse baby : because it's on the riverside



Betty Mae Betty Mae : you shall be my wife some day
I wants a little sweet girl : that will do anything that I say
Betty Mae you is my heart-strings : you is my destiny
And you rode across my mind : baby each and every day
Little girl little girl : my life seems so misery
Baby I guess it must be love now : ooo Lord that's taken effect on me
Some day I will return : with a marriage license in my hand
I'm going to take you for a honeymoon : in some long long distant land



And I followed her to the station : with a suitcase in my hand
Well it's hard to tell it's hard to tell : when all your love's in vain
When the train rolled up to the station : I looked her in the eye
Well I was lonesome I felt so lonesome : and I could not help but cry
The train it left the station : with two lights on behind
Well the blue light was my blues : and the red light was my mind



I followed her to the station : with my suitcase in my hand
Well it's hard to tell it's hard to tell : when all your love's in vain
When the train rolled up to the station : and I looked her in the eye
Well I felt so lonesome I was lonesome : and I could not help but cry
When the train it left the station : with two lights on behind
Well the blue light was my blues : and the red light was my mind



Tell me milkcow : what on earth is wrong with you


Well well you have a new calf : ooo and your milk is turning blue
Your calf is hungry : and I believe he needs a suck
Well now but your milk is turning blue : ooo and I believe he's out of luck
Now I feel like milking : and my cow won't come
I feel like churning : and my milk won't turn
I'm crying please : please don't do me wrong
You can give right milk and butter now baby : who will stay at home
My milkcow been rambling : ooo wee for miles around
She been suckling some other bullcow : ooo Lord in a strange man's town



Tell me milkcow : what on earth is wrong with you
Now you have a little new calf : ooo and your milk is turning blue
Now your calf is hungry : I believe he needs a suck
But your milk is turning blue : ooo I believe he's out of luck
Now I feel like milking : and my cow won't come
I feel like churning : and my milk won't turn
I'm crying please : please don't do me wrong
If you see my milkcow baby now : please drive her home
My milkcow been rambling : ooo wee for miles around
Now she been suckling some other man's bullcow : ooo in a strange man's town




I was born in the state : of old Arkansas
Where they don't allow : no Mississippi women there at all
I'm going I'm going : back to my old home to stay
And you'll find me : hanging around the levee both night and day
Then after I walk the levee : from end to end
I'll go to Sweet Mama Alley : go and get my hooch and gin
I've tried old jelly : and old *loosha* too
But me and my gin house liquor : well we sure can do
I don't see why : white folks don't have no blues
They got all kinds of money : and brownskin women too
When you go to Vicksburg : please ask for old dripper king
For he's the bootlegging fellow : your *turkey* sure can swing






I asked for water : and she gave me gasoline
Crying Lord I wonder : will I ever get back home
I went to the depot : looked up on the board
I asked the conductor : how long has this eastbound train been gone
It done taken your faro : blowed its smoke on you
Lord I asked the conductor : could I ride the blinds
Son buy your ticket buy your ticket : because the train ain't none of mine



Crying I ain't going down : this big road by myself
If I don't carry you : going to carry somebody else
Crying sun going to shine : in my back door some day
And the wind going to change : going to blow my blues away
What makes you do me : like you do do do
Now you think you going to do me : like you done poor Cherry Red
Taken the poor boy's money now : sure Lord won't take mine



Crying by-and-by : baby by-and-by
Says Good Book tell you : reap just what you sow
Going to reap it now : or baby reap it by-and-by
Well I'm going away : won't be back till fall
If I meet my good gal : then baby won't be back at all
Well it's two trains running : running side by side
You got my woman : babe I know you're satisfied



Mmm who's that yonder : coming down the road
Well it looks like Maggie : baby but she walks too slow
Mmm sun going to shine : in my back door some day
And the wind going to change : going to blow my blues away


Mmm see see rider : see what you done done
You done made me love you : now you're trying to put me down
Well I'm going away Lord : won't be back till fall
And if I meet my good gal : well I won't be back at all



Crying canned heat mama : sure Lord killing me
Takes alcorub : to take these canned heat blues
Crying mama mama mama : you know canned heat killing me
Canned heat don't kill me : crying babe I'll never die
I woke up up this morning : with canned heat on my mind
I woked up up this morning : crying canned heat around my bed
Run here somebody : take these canned heat blues
Crying mama mama mama : crying canned heat killing me
Believe to my soul : Lord it going to kill me dead



Won't you wash my jumper : starch my overalls
I'm going to find my woman : says she's in the world somewhere
Well it's good to you mama : sure Lord killing me
I wonder : do my rider think of [poor] me
Lord if she did : she would sure Lord feel my care
I woke up this morning : said my morning prayers
I ain't got no woman : speak in my behalf



Won't you wash my jumper : starch my overalls
I'm going to find my woman : says she's in this world somewhere
I wonder : do my good girl think of me
Crying if she did : she would sure Lord feel my care
Honey it's good to you : mama sure Lord killing me
I woke up this morning : said my morning prayers


I ain't got no woman : to speak in my behalf



Crying big fat mama : meat shaking on her bones
Time the meat shake : it's a sign a woman lose her home
Mmm going away mama : won't be back till fall
Big fat mama : with the meat shaking on her bones
Mmm no need to holler : I got to murmur low
Big fat mama : Lord meat shake on her bones
Mmm time meat shake : it's sign a fatmouth lose his home
Mmm what's the matter rider : where did you stay last night
Hair all down baby : and you won't treat me right
Mmm big fat mama : meat shaking on her bones



Lonesome place : don't seem like it's home to me
Lord I woke up this morning : blues all around my bed
Had the blues so bad mama : till I couldn't raise up my head
If you want to live easy : pack your clothes with mine
Mmm soon one morning : blues come falling down
Well they fell so heavy : that it caused my heart to moan
Well I'm going back home : going to fall down on my knees
Says I'll acknowledge now pretty baby : that I treated you mean



Hitch up my buggy : saddle up my black mare
Find my woman : because she's out in the world somewhere
Aah if I call you : and you will fail to come
If I call you mama : going to sure Lord call your name
I been drinking all night gal : did the night before
Been drunk baby : and I ain't got sober yet
Mmm : I ain't going to tell you no more
Told you last night mama : what I did the night before


Says you going to have : a rounder for your own




Woke up this morning : blues all around my bed
I didn't have my daddy : to hold my aching head
I know the blues ain't nothing : but a woman wants to see her man
Because every time my man leaves me : Lord knows I feel so bad
You can never tell : what's on a brownskin man's mind
He'll be hugging and kissing you : and quit you all the time




Early one morning : I set down in my door
Lord I sitting here wondering : where in the world can a good man go
I hear my rider hollering : way up on the hill
Said I know it's my rider : she got a voice like a whippoorwill
I'm going to get you a ticket : going to take you on away from here
Lord if you never come back : Lord I will never care
I'm going to write my name : up on my baby's back door
So she can see my name : if she never see me no more



I ain't got no money : nobody won't loan me none
Said I heard my rider was dead : and I sure want to get back home
If I had good luck Lord : like I once have had
Says I won't have to worry : about the trouble I had
I went to the graveyard : looked in my baby's face
Says I love you rider : but I can't take your place
The little boy's hollering extra : people did you read the news
Says I done killed my rider : and I got them Leavenworth blues




I tried to love you : way back on my young days
You were so evil-hearted : throwed all my good love away
Mmm : what's the matter now
But now you want to quit me : and you don't know how


I'm going down to the river : take me a rocking chair
If the blues overtake me : rock away from there



That mean T P [railroad, railway] : sure has done me wrong
It let that Sunshine Special : carry my good gal from home
The blues : come down like showers of rain
I couldn't see nothing : but smoke from that train
Every time I hear : that Sunshine Special blow
It makes me : want to pack up all my clothes and go



First night that I went home : drunk as I could be
There's another mule in the stable : where my mule ought to be
Come here honey : explain yourself to me
How come another mule in the stable : where my mule ought to be
Oh crazy oh silly : can't you plainly see
That's nothing but a milkcow : where your mule ought to be
I've traveled this world over : million times or more
Saddle on a milkcow's back : I've never seen before
Second night when I got home : as drunk as I could be
There's another coat on the coat rack : where my coat ought to be
Come here honey : explain this thing to me
How come another coat on the coat rack : where my coat ought to be
Oh crazy oh silly : can't you plainly see
Nothing but a bed quilt : where your coat ought to be
I've traveled this world over : million times or more
Pockets in a bed quilt : I've never seen before
The third night when I went home : drunk as I could be
There's another head on the pillow : where my head ought to be
Come here honey come here : explain this thing to me
How come another head on the pillow : where my head ought to be
Oh crazy oh silly : can't you plainly see
That's nothing but a cabbage head : that your grandma sent to me
I've traveled this world over : million times or more
Hair on a cabbage head : I've never seen before





I washes hard : both day and night
Catch you arguing with that fellow : you going to have a miserable fight
Ashes to ashes : dust to dust
The police don't get you : now the undertaker must




I was standing at the station : wondering what train boys must I ride
Lord I'm on my way down in Louisiana : I believe I'll wait here for the Katy Fly
My woman left me this morning : left me wondering all to myself
Lord she said she didn't love me no more boys : wonder do she love anybody else
Ain't but the two old roads : boys I did not want to ride
Lordy that Southern Pacific now boys : and you know the Katy Fly
I got the railroad blues bad : I got the boxcars on my running mind
Now every time I get to studying about my sweet woman : boys I can hardly keep from crying



Now I can remember my baby : it was late one Friday night
Now you know you mistreat me woman : you know you didn't do me right
I walked and I walked baby : I walked to see you both night and day
Oh now you know I give you my money baby : womans and I lets you have your doggone way
Farewell baby : you going to need my help again
Now you said that you didn't knowed that I was coming baby : you wouldn't have even let me in
Now the troubles that I'm having : woman you was the cause of it all
Now you even had me down walking baby : I could hardly but crawl along




I'm going to buy me a pistol : hang it up side the wall
I'm going to stop that jellybean : from kicking in my stall
I got a long tall woman : she don't do nothing but run around
Every time I leave : she don't do nothing but mess around
My woman's got a new way of loving : a monkey-man can't catch on
When he knows anything : she done got his dollar and gone





I was shipwrecked on the ocean : throwed off on the southern sea
When you get to Chicago : pretty mama please remember me
I was standing beside the ocean : looking across on the other side
My woman got little bitty legs : but man what a noble thigh
I went down to the ocean : just to get a permanent wave
My woman got a new way of loving : man and it won't behave
When it storms on the ocean : you cannot see the sky
If I don't love you pretty mama : I will pray to die




I got a woman in Dallas : got one in San Antone too
I pick this one in San Antone : I don't know what this poor girl in Dallas going to do
She got nine gold teeth people : all that wavy hair
And if you ever come in San Antone : you going to find my sweet woman there
I never mistreated my baby : boy but I do wrong myself
For if I be mean to my woman : she will really quit and take someone else
Mmm baby : oh don't you think I know
Said I want to make an end of her people : and shake hands and go
I went to bed last night : I rolled from side to side
Honey I didn't have no blues really : but things wasn't going on right
I want someone to tell me : oh what Lord have mercy means
So if it means anything : well Lord have mercy on me
I'm going back to Dallas : oh don't you want to go
Honey I'm going to stop in towns : I believe that I haven't never been before



I said listen baby : honey I can't move no more
Oh these blues crawling up my windows : and traveling up under my door
Some womens weeps like a willow : some only sack of dough
But your life in misery : the minute that you ain't with the woman you love
Mmm : mmm
Lord it's something telling me : keeps on troubling me
Will you please tell the judge : don't have a trial till June
Because I got a working baby : let me see what my woman can do
People here she come in the evening : honey hundred in her hand
She had done robbed some fatmouth : who really looking for her man
Tell me sweet baby : honey what's on your mind
You keep a poor man troubled : really looking down-hearted all the time


Mmm baby : honey don't you think I know
Said I wouldn't make a man love her : if he wouldn't shake hands and go
Lord I'm going to Louisiana : going to get me a hoodoo hand
I'm going to stop my woman : and fix it so she can't have another man



Mr Ferris Mr Ferris : let your womenfolks go
I done trying to get my sweet woman : like Mr Ferris got his girl
Mmm : baby don't you think I know
Pretty woman like a man : love him people and shake hands and go
No you never take a woman : speaking about to be your friend
Oh she get all of your money : then look what a hole you're in
I went to bed last night : keep a-rolling from side to side
I didn't have no blues : understand that things wasn't going right
When you catch me sleeping : baby don't you think I'm drunk
I's a-got one on the dresser : keep the other one on your trunk
Tell me sweet baby : all what's on your mind
You keep a poor man troubled : really looking down-hearted all the time



I know this eagle's on a dollar : other side In God We Trust
Well a woman loves a man : but I know this dollar's first
Have you ever loved a woman : man that didn't love you
Then you have the worried blues : to bother you the whole night through
Well I'm going sweet baby : honey don't you want to go
Well I may stop in town : where I haven't never been before
Sometime you hear me singing : Nearer My God To Thee
Then again you hear me singing : sweet Atlanta blues to you



Oh the train pass by : oh with my sweet baby inside
And when I looked up and seen her : couldn't help but hang my head and cry
She gets her water at *Fairman* : coal at *Shabama Mines*
And I wouldn't let everybody ride : but people you know the train ain't mine
I said good morning conductor : oh please let a broke man ride
Because I want to see my sweet woman : just one more time before she get on
Said I'm tired of hearing me singing : Our Father Kingdom Come


Another year you hear me moaning : Lord let Thy will be done



I remember one time people : oh it is in nineteen and twenty-four
Something happened that year : that I never want to see no more
I remember one time : oh it is in nineteen twenty-one
They say I got to watch my sweet woman : she's running from sun to sun
I thought : that my woman oh was treating me right
But oh when I went down to call for her : she didn't do nothing but fuss and fight
I never earned nothing : oh so much to hurt me so
Oh when I was talking to my babe that morning : and she told me that I didn't
Mmm : baby what's on your mind
Oh you want to be mean to me woman : give me a good word all the time



Well I'm leaving sweet baby : can't carry you
Well I'm leaving sweet baby : don't you want to go
Well I tried to love a sweet mama : but she couldn't understand
But I know she realized the trouble : since she met another man



I say you got a sweet woman : man which you just don't understand
The man needs to take you women : and move across the no man's land
Mmm : ain't going to [sing, blow] no more
Blues done called up my woman : and traveled her and brought her up to my door
I want you to take me on with you baby : let you ease me down across your bed
I want you talk baby-talk to me : and then suck my tongue cherry red



Just as sure as the train come in San Antone : then ease up in the yard
It's going to take two dollars and a quarter : I declare to send me a postal card
Mmm baby : oh honey what's on your mind
Because you really keeps me troubled : and I think about you all the time
I'm going to move to the bottom : camp out on the ground
Every morning I'll call my woman : to see have my coat found


I got a woman in San Antone : I declare that is sweet to me
Because the people don't know she's here : but she lives on Cherry Street
Mmm : Lord Lord Lordy Lord
I want Eddie Duncan : listen to be my brother-in-law
Well I'll tell you men something : know you ain't going to think it's so




Four-flushing papa : what kind of man is you
Four-flushing papa : you thrill me through and through
I've never been crazy : about men
Who ain't done no strutting : since the Lord knows when
Four-flushing papa : what have you done to me
Because when you leave me : I'm blue as blue can be
Now when I get a payday : I don't have no plans
Keep a quarter for myself : have to give to my man
Now when I get a payday : right to you I go
You take it all papa : because it's all yours



I got the blues : blue as blue can be
Because these no-good gals : trying to backbite me
Now these backbiters : don't live long I'm told
So you'd better watch out : doggone your bad-luck soul
Just let your conscience : be your safety guide
*Anything wrong* with me : *is a mitten to a side*
It's one more thing : I can't understand
Why these trifling gals : run after a good gal's man
Take my advice : and please don't lose your head
If you take my man : sure going to wake up dead



Every time : I see a railroad track
Feel like riding : feel like going back
Catch a train : that's headed for the South
Going back south : to get smacked in the mouth
Got a man : way down old Texas way


Going to meet him : ain't got time to stay
Got the boxcar blues : feel like a tramp
Going to be down : in a Texas camp
Told the engineer : to drive them down
Broke and hungry : tired of tramping around
Boxcar boxcar : don't you carry two
Ride me ride me : sooth my boxcar blues



Western Union : send this telegram
To my man : way down in Birmingham
??? : please don't play today
So disgusted : got no place to stay
Send me car fare : want to come back home
When I get back : never will I roam
Am I hungry : I ain't nothing but
Stomach's empty : think my throat is stuck



The road to hardship : leads right to the poorhouse door
I'm going there : and ain't coming back no more
Poorhouse poorhouse : open wide your poorhouse gate
I'm down and out : now I know it's too late
Spent my money : spent it on my so-called friends
And now I'm broke : that's where their friendship ends
Here's the wagon : it's come to take me away
In the poorhouse : I'll be till Judgment Day



Anybody here want to try my cabbage : just step this way
Anybody here like to buy good cabbage : just holler hey
There's no sweeter cabbage : anywhere in town
You can have it boiled : until it's nice and brown
Gave some to the parson : and he shook with glee
He took up collection : gave it all to me
Gave it to a corn doctor : to fix my feet
Every time he sees me : he wants to eat


Gave some to the jailor : who turned the key on me
When I got through feeding him : he said gal you're free



Hear the thunder rumbling : see the lightning flash
Devil is a-groaning : listen to that crash
The trees are breaking : shaking all around
The wind is howling : hear that wicked sound
Gee I'm frightened : nearly scared to death
That's why I'm hiding : I'm all out of breath
My man's cruel : left me all alone
In the darkness : I just weep and moan
The storm is raging : I know what I'll do
I'll start in praying : till the storm is through



I got on : my walking shoes
I'm going to walk : away my blues
He stays out late : every night
Comes back home : and wants to fight
Whiskey : and trifling men
In the jail : would be my end



Talk about blues : you ought to hear mine
The man I love : keeps me worried all the time
One thing I hate : I can't have my way
The man that mistreat me : should be buried today
The better I treat him : the worse he treats me
I'm going to keep a good man : wherever he can be
You can always call : your good man's hand
Just let him know : that you got another man



Can't sell no whiskey : I can't sell no gin


Ain't got no money : to buy my winter coat
Can't save a dollar : to save my doggone soul
I can't keep open : I'm going to close the shack
The chief of police : done tore my playhouse down
No use in grieving : I'm going to leave this town



Now you may go : but you'll come back some day
And you'll be sorry : that you went away
When you think of my good loving : that's the time you'll find
That none of your flip-floppers : going to satisfy your mind
You miss my love and kisses : and you wish you back home
But someone else : will be picking on your chicken bones
I've got another daddy : and he's sweet as can be
And what I like about him : he just idolize me
You might back up in your stable : when the snow begins to fall
But you'll find another mule : just kicking in your stall



Everybody in this world : got something that they crave
And when they get just what they want : then you see them rave
Poor folks crave fine clothes and money : rich folks crave the gold
But what I crave is loving : that will satisfy my soul
And when he kisses me : Lordy knows
A funny feeling : goes from my head to my toes



I'm like a red-hot stove : I'm burning down
And the *moon is* ??? : in this man's town
I'm low and ornery : don't care what I do
Feel like cutting my man : half in two
A hornets' nest : don't mean a thing to me
I been stung so much : I'm up a tree
Now dynamite : ain't got a chance you see
I'm red-hot : and dangerous as can be



If somebody finds me : when I'm dead and gone
Say I did self-murder : I died with my boots on
Took a Smith and Wesson : and blew out my brain
Didn't take no poison : I couldn't stand the strain
No I ain't no coward : and I'll tell you why
I was tired of living : but wasn't scared to die
Take me to the graveyard : put me in the ground
Please write on my tombstone : my daddy threw me down
In my farewell letter : someone's sure to find
So goodbye old cold world : I'm glad you're left behind



Six pallbearers : take his to his last go-round
Going to place him : 'neath six feet of ground
Cemetery : sure is one old lonesome place
When you're dead : they throw dirt in your face
Yes I loved him : but he trifled with my heart
Had to shoot him : because he was too smart
Went gay-cutting : with another sealskin brown
Rambled : till the butcher cut him down



Going north child : where I can be free
Where there's no hardships : like in Tennessee
Going where : they don't have Jim Crow laws
Don't have to work there : like in Arkansas
When I cross : the Mason-Dixon Line
Goodbye old *gallion* : mama's going a-flying
Going to daddy : got no time to lose
*So I won't be alone* : can hear my northbound blues



Don't know what to do with myself : at night
Don't know anyone : that will treat me right


Listen I don't mean maybe : but you know
Take it from me : and don't you call my bluff
Need the kind of loving : that will make my heart beat
The sort that will thrill me : from my head to my feet



I'm a backbiting mama : looking for a cheating man
When you start double-crossing : you play right into my hand
If you stay out all night : and come home at four
You'll get back in time : to see me unlock my door
You can tell the world : I ain't no fool
I learned backbiting : when I went to school



I've got the Dallas blues : and the Main Street heart disease
Buzzing around my head : like a swarm of little honeybees
I'm going to put myself : on a Santa Fe and go
To that Texas town : where you never see the ice and snow
I wonder : if my sweet baby will wait for me
Maybe someone else :



If you see a blind man : on the street
Just remember : that he's got to eat
You can't live : in this big world alone
You might have : the finest kind of home
No one ever knows: what the future has in store
Never drive : a beggar from your door



I don't feel welcome : I'm going to blow
Your ways and actions : really ails me so
Crying and weeping : won't do me no good
I'm a lonesome mama : need someone to chop my wood
I'm going to keep on going : till I find a mate


Then I will quit wandering : before it's too late



If you start telling her : he's got the stuff
She will walk right in : and make your home life tough
If your good man can please you : don't tell a soul
Just keep him well supplied : with down-home jellyroll
If he's got a little something : not like the rest
Just keep him busy : he will never leave your nest
He beats you *then* and loves you : pay that no mind
Because what you got must suit him : that's the surest sign



The man I love : is oh so good to me
I'm just crazy : want the world to see
Buys me clothes : like I never had
*Now all* : it used to be *the mad*
I have to pinch myself : to see if I'm awake
Meals with him : all taste like wedding cake



I'm a real kind mama : looking for a loving man
I ain't got nobody : who will come and claim my hand
Now all I want : is all your love
At morning noon and night : that's all I'm thinking of




Now it's too late to holler baby : too late to weep and moan
Too late to holler great God : when that stack of dollars done gone
Well it's mama mama mama : what that you got in that grip
That's nothing but a stack of dollars : you babe going to take a little trip
I'm sitting on a stack of dollars : just as high as I am tall
If you be my little old baby : you sure can have them all
Well it's baby baby : I tell you what I will do
I will give you stack of dollars : just to make one more night with you


You can mistreat me baby : do anything you want to do
Some day you going to want me : but your baby won't want you
Now I'm going to sing this verse baby : and I ain't going to sing no more
For that stack of dollars is worrying me : Lord and I got to go



I went to the river : couldn't get across
I jumped on your papa : because I thought he was a horse
Up she jumped : down she fell
Her mouth flew open : like a mussel shell
You sister was a teddy : your daddy was a bear
Put the muzzle on your mama : because she had bad hair
If you want to hear : that elephant laugh
Take him down to the river : and wash his yas yas yas
If you want to go to heaven : when you D I E
You got to put on your collar : and your T I E
If you want to get the rabbits : out the L O G
You got to put on the stump : like a D O G
Run here doctor : run here fast
See what's the matter : with his yas yas yas



And that Big Four the Big Four : is a mean old train to ride
She took my babe away : and left me dissatisfied
Baby is all I want mama : just one more crack at you
If I can't make you love me : then I don't care what you do
Please hold my head baby : and let my whiskey run down
Lord I catch that Big Four : and beat it on back to town
When I asked that woman : Lord to let me be her kid
She say you might get buggish : Lord you won't keep it hid
I've got the blues for my baby : my babe got the blues for me
For she went and caught that Big Four : she beat it back to Tennessee
Just a few more days : and a few more nights ain't long
You going to reach for your boiler : and your plate will be gone



It's too late too late : too late too late too late


Here we are on our way to the holdover : and we cannot hesitate
Mmm : these boards is killing me
Say I know I am a criminal : but I always want to be free
Oh no : these raids is killing me
*See that woman* about it baby : Lord it's down in Tennessee
Mmm : these raids is killing me
I got the raiding squad blues : the holdover is killing poor me
When the raid began : the people began to squall
The sergeant said ain't no need a-squalling : the captain said to bring you all
When I had money : my friends all ganged around
Now I'm in this raid : my friends have all thrown me down



Baby I'm going uptown : tell the chief police
My woman quit me : I can't see no peace
She keep me worried : bothered all the time
Well I love you woman : love your husband too
I have to love your husband : to get to be with you
Because he don't allow : no man around his house
My mama told me : my papa too
Don't let no woman : be the death of you
She don't allow me : to stay out all night long
What you going to do : when they tear your barrelhouse down
Going to pack my suitcase : hunt some other town
Well they say everybody talking : about your honky-tonky blues
Well they say everybody talking : about your honky-tonky baby
You ought to see : that curly-headed monkey-head
Head is curly : baby and bushy too



You can always tell baby : when your woman going to treat you mean
If you ask for a glass of water : she give you a glass of gasoline
Some of these women : they sure to be ashamed
Babe they go out and take money : from a man walking with a walking cane


What makes you blow up baby : every time I speak to you
You make me think : that you full of gasoline too
I've got the trickiest woman : that you ever seen
Whenever she get mad : she blows up just like gasoline
Won't you let me tell you partner : what the gasoline women will do
They will stay out all night long : then come home and blow up on you
Hey baby : you just full of gas as you can be
Because when you get drunk : you come home and blow up on me
Some of these gasoline women : I just can't understand
They'll cook *make one* for their husband : they'll chicken for their man



I runned to the river : runned so fast
And you couldn't see nothing : but that yas yas yas
If you want to hear : that elephant grunt
You take him down to the river : and then wash his trunk
Up he jumped : down he fell
His trap flew open : like a mussel shell
If you keep it dirty : and I keep it clean
You don't know : what keeping it dirty means
I will tell you one thing : and I mean it
It sure will take soap and water : for to keep it clean
The terriblest sight : that I ever seen
Was a cook cooking victuals : and his hands wasn't clean
You got a head like a mouse : mouth like a goat
Every time you see me : you looking for some soap



Well it's everything I tell you : you run and tell your daddy-law
I ain't going to tell you nothing else : because you done run and tell your daddy-law
And it's everything I give you : you give it to your daddy-law
Hey my doggy jumped a rabbit : and he run him for a solid mile
When he seen he couldn't catch him : so he cried just like a natural child
Yeah your sister was a teddy : your daddy was a great big bear
Put a rope around my neck : you can lead me anywhere
When I asked that woman : to let me be her kid


She say you might get mawkish : baby you won't keep it hid



Here come my tight-haired woman : I can tell by the way she walks
But I know she be shaking that thing : because I can tell by the way she talks
I don't want no tight-haired woman : to cook no meat for me
Because she's so tight-haired and evil : I'm scared she might poison poor me
Now your hair ain't curly : know your teeth ain't neither pearls
If the men were asking for hair : you would have a hard time in this world
Babe you know I did more for you : than the good Lord ever done
You know I bought you some hair : because he sure didn't give you none
Now if you got good hair : you want to keep it looking neat
Just go down to the ten-cents store : get you a nickel worth of
I will tell you girls one thing : you know it really is true
Baby now you got good hair : but you bought bought this from the Jew



I went home last night baby : found my good gal there
I'm going to leave you baby : traveling everywhere
I said ain't it hard to leave you : hoo Lord going to travel everywhere
I had a good home mama : Lord but I couldn't stay there
I was down in jail baby : I went down on my knees
Been so good to you honey : *good meat* for me
I said hoo I'm going to leave you : hoo Lord traveling everywhere
I had a good home baby : Lord but I wouldn't stay there
Have you ever been down baby : way down in Polack Town
She slashing and she twisting : till she turned my damper down
Won't you tell me baby : who can your good man be
I woke up this morning baby : with a hex all over me
I can do more for you : than the good Lord ever done
I can buy you foresight baby : when the Lord ain't give you none



I met my gal this morning : long long way from home
Ain't no use drinking good baby : said I ain't got your water on
I'd rather be dead baby : buried in the deep blue sea
Than to be so far from home baby : people making a fool of me


Lord my girl got something : sure Lord worries me
I woke up soon this morning : had that thing all over me
Now I got something to tell you : make your hair rise on your head
I got a-this old Elgin movement : make the springs tremble all on your bed



If you put your dirty black hands on me : I'm going to put you back in jail
Put so many crimes against you loving baby : take a millionaire to go your bail
I was walking down Main Street : looking for a zoo
??? *you trying to make* : *would make a ??? of* you
Tell me pretty mama : where have you been
Don't like whiskey : and you're drunk again
And I'm going downtown : going to spread the news
A big-feet woman : wearing *broken* shoes
Now if I get lucky : get a bottle of gin
*Pull a number of* women : *to their* mighty few men




Children's in the pulpit : mama trying to learn the Psalms
Now the lowdown dirty deacon : done stole my gal and gone
Woke up this morning : the family had the weary blues
Now *must've* peep over in the corner : poor grandmammy had them too
I did more for you woman : good Lordy ever done
Went downtown and bought you good hair : and the Lord hadn't give you none
You better stop your gal : from from tickling under my chin
You going to run over some of these mornings : papa swear you can't get in



Children's in the pulpit : mama trying to learn the Psalms
Now that lowdown dirty deacon : done stole my gal and gone
Woke up this morning : the family had the weary blues
Poked my head over in the corner : poor grandmammy had them too
I did more for you woman : than the good Lord had ever done
Went out town bought you good hair : and the Lord hadn't give you none
You don't like your daddy : you got no right to carrying a stole
Hand me back that wig I bought you : mama let your doggone head go bald


But then I promised the good Lord : partner not to dig no coal
I'm going to hang around the country : and try to sell some jellyroll
Some men is crave for yellow women : some men like the teasing brown
I'm a stranger in town mama : figuring on going the whole way down
She squawk about my supper : she kicked me outdoors
She had a nerve to ask me : would a matchbox hold my clothes



I'm going gal : don't you take me for no fool
I'm not going to quit you pretty mama : whilst the weather's cool
Around your back door : says honey I'm going to creep
As long as : you make your two and a half a week
Now I got a girl : she works in the white folk's yard
She brings me meat : I can swear she brings me lard
Now Barnum Bailey Circus : came to town
They had a *stepper* : looking good and brown
They didn't know : it was against the law
But the monkey stopped : at a ??? drugstore
Stepped around the corner : just a minute too late
Another one sitting there : *to kick back eight*
Say come on sister : with her nose all *spoiled*
The doctor's gone : going to sell no more
Now there's twenty-two men came to my house : it was last Sunday morn
They asked me was my wife at home : and I told she has long been gone
He backed his wagon up to my door : took everything I had
He carried it back to the furniture store : and I swear that I did feel sad
Saying coke's for horses : not women or men
The doctors say it'll kill you : but they didn't say when



Well a-my gal had quit me : the talks all over town
She left me a note laying on the kitchen table : saying daddy I'm Alabama bound
I went running to the station : wringing my hands and crying
Crying come back pretty mama : God sakes don't go this time
I done bought my ticket : daddy I'm compelled to ride
Say you done know when you had me : man you couldn't be satisfied
Then she showed me a ticket : just as long as my right arm
Have to be riding it so long : I expect you dead and gone
I had the railroad blues : I didn't have the railroad fare


Say my shoes hold up : I mean to walk the distance there
I woke up this morning : with traveling on my mind
Kept a-feeling my pocket : and I didn't have a lousy dime




There's nobody know : Polk County like I do
Because I traveled Polk County : mama through and through
Well woke up this morning : and I feeling bad
I thinking about good times : that I used to have
Say if I'd listened : what my mama said
I'd be at home : in my folding bed
Don't your house look lonesome : when your best buddy's gone
You turn over on your pillow : then you cry right on
Ooh : mama what's the matter now
You make me think : I'll break my heart in that house
Say look a-here baby : I'm going to tell the truth
I don't love nobody : honey else but you
I'm going away mama : and it won't be long
You sure going to miss me : just as sure as you born
I'm going to sing this old song : ain't going to sing no more
I'm going to sing this old song : everywhere I go



Said I don't care : what mama don't allow
Going to strut my stuff : old anyhow
Said I don't care : what mama don't allow
Going to eat my watermelon : anyhow
Said I don't care : what mama don't allow
Going to play our washboard : any old how
Said I don't care : what mama don't allow
Going to play that trombone : anyhow
Said we don't care : what mama don't allow
He going to do his stuff : old anyhow
Said I don't care : what mama don't allow
Going to *eeya-eeya* : anyhow






I'm going to leave here walking : I'm going down Number Sixty-One
And if I find my baby : you know we going to have some fun
I walked Sixty-One Highway : and I give down in my knees
I looking for my babe on Indian Ocean : but she come on that China sea
That Sixty-One Highway : longest highway that I ever knowed
It reach from Atlanta Georgia : clean down to the Gulf of Mexico
Now I'm going home : get my Bible and sit down and read
I'm going to ask the good Lord : to give me back my baby if you please



I can hear the hell dog ringing : and the people all a-crying
I mean all up and down : I say that old Sixty-One Line
The man that built the Sixty-One flat-top : he's just as true as a *fox*
You can ride or walk across it : and you can't even hear a knock
That flat-top flat-top : is the prettiest thing I ever seen
??? : and it takes me *Water* Street
I am in dear love with Sixty-One : I say it from my heart
That is the reason I am so *love with it* : Sixty-One has give me a new start



I've got a thirty-two twenty : shoots just like a forty-five
I can walk that old Green River levee : babe I won't have to hide
I ain't going to sell it : too good to give away
I'm going to save it for me and my baby : and snatch her some rainy day
Now red ripe tomatoes : don't forget your T-bone steak
Well when you get ready to go fishing : *put* ??? on that heart you take
Well Mr Charlie : you had better watch your men
They are going through the bushes : and they are going in



I believe I believe : I believe I'll go back home
I'm going down to tell my baby : that I have done her wrong
St Louis is on afire : Chicago is burning down
I'm so sick and tired : that my baby keeps on cooling down
Babe please forgive me : I know that I've done you wrong
I'm going to get down on my knees : I want my little old baby back home
It's the same old fireman : same old engineer


And it took my baby : and it left me standing here



Now my first love is in Texas : my [next one, second] lives in Kokomo
I'm going to catch me a freight train : and I'm going on down the road
I said don't ever drive a stranger : from your door
May be your sister or brother : say you don't never know
I have got a brother : and his name is Dan
The women all say : he sure can sing
Dan Sane Dan Sane : where have you been so long
And you know : that you have I say done me wrong



Baby take me upstairs : baby won't you lay me down in your cool iron bed
If I don't get no better : I want you to come and rub my head
You're a no good wheat : the cow is going to mow you down
And if I want to ??? : I'll run you wheat out of town
Ever since ever since : my poor mother been dead
The rocks have been my pillow : and the cold ground have been my bed
Baby : I'll make everything all right
If I don't see you tomorrow : I'll see you tomorrow night



Betty Sue Betty Sue : is the sweetest girl I know
Well you caused me to walk from Chicago : clear to the Gulf of Mexico
Now Betty Sue got ways : like a horse that it get wild
Every time she struggles : I swears it's out the world
Betty Sue the big boat's up the river : on a *bank* of sand
If it don't [change the, strike that deep] water : swear it won't land
Now look a-here Sue : what you trying to do
Giving away my luggage : and trying to love me too



I'd rather see the flowers : growing on top of my baby's grave
Than to see some other man : smiling smiling in my baby's face


Here I am here I am : setting in that chair with folded arms
Well it seems like all good times : I mean this whole world have gone
I've got a ??? to glory : papa he's done throwed me away
But you had a lowdown dirty heart : to baby to mistreat me this a-way
If you take me back baby : I'll tell you just what I'll do
I will work hard and I'll slave : babe I'll bring that money back home to you



I had a girl : give her everything I had
Well my friend took her from me : and it surely was too bad
Now I'm going to kill her : if I should happen to live
I'm going to take something from her : Lord that I really can give
I've got another woman : man she's so bony and lean
Well she's got something : Lord I ain't never seen
She's got a little bitty foot now : Lord and got them great big thighs
Well she's got something on the under : weep just like a *pool hall eye*




That's all right baby : Lord that's all right for you
Now it's all right baby : Lord about the way you do
The blues came down my alley : rolling up into my back door
I got the blues this morning : Lord Lord like I never had before
Mama you remember the time : babe I made you like it and how
But the thing you trying to do : babe somebody doing it now
Go on back old gal : you know you can't make me change
Because your hair is so short : swear to God I can smell your *brand*
Way way down babe : way down in old Polack Town
Dirty roaches and the chinches : done tore my little gin house down




Says she killed a chicken : and she cook him down low
Said cook that chicken : a sweet jellyroll
Said they cooked that possum : and they cook him down low
And the grease come running : from his jo jo jo
Said she *sound so loo : sound so soo*
*Sound* just like : she couldn't *blow*
Great life for sure : when time was tough


I was laying coal yard : strutting my stuff



Woke up this morning : look at the rising sun
I thought about my good gal : who done gone along
I ain't never loved : and I hope I never will
Why love is proposition : sure get a good man killed
I got twelve little puppies : ten big shaggy hounds
It takes all twenty-two : to run my brownskin down



There ain't no more potatoes : the frost done killed the vine
Ain't no more good times : with that girl of mine
I ain't never loved Lord : I hopes I never will
A loving proposition : sure get a good man killed
I got twelve little puppies : ten big shaggy hounds
Take the whole twenty-two : to run my brownskin down
My brownie caught a passenger : left me a mule to ride
When the train pulled out : the mule lay down and die
There's one thing certain : I sure can't understand
She could feed the ??? *pigmeat* : corn bread for her man



I'm worried now Lord : I won't be worried long
It takes a worried man Lord : to sing a worried song
Take me mama : try me one more time
I don't do better : kill myself a-trying
Just as sure as the birds : fly in the sky above
Say you know pretty mama : you ain't with the man you love
Well I cooked her breakfast : brought it to her bed
Say she taking one bite : threw the teacup at my head




I'm worried now : but I won't be worried long
It takes a worried man : to sing this worried song


I'm going away : baby and it won't be long
You mistreat me : I'm going to leave my happy home
I'm going to the river : sit down on the ground
If the blues overtake me : I'll jump overboard and drown
I woke up this morning : those blues were on my mind
I was so down-hearted : I couldn't do nothing but cry
When you see me leaving : baby don't you cry
If you mistreat me again : baby you will surely die
Lord I'm going away : honey I cannot stay
I can't be down-hearted : mistreated this a-way
Lord I went up on a mountain : peeped in a little hole
I saw two little monkeys : doing the monkey jellyroll




Eee laying in jail now : with my back turned to the wall
And she brought me coffee : and she brought me tea
She brought me everything : now but that lowdown jailhouse key
Mmm : mmm
I promised not to holler now : now mama now hey hey hey
I looked at my mama : and I hung my head and cried
If my woman kills me now : Lord I'll pray to die



You can read my letter : now you sure don't know my mind
When you think I'm loving you : I'm leaving all the time
I ain't got nobody now : I'm all here by myself
Let me be your sometime now : till your always comes
And I'll do more for you now : your always ever done
Mama got a hambone : I wonder can I get it boiled
Because these Chicago women now : about to let my hambone spoil
The dirty deacon : has taken my gal and gone
And all the children now : papa trying to sing my song
Let me be your rocker : till your straight chair comes
And I rock you easier : you straight chair ever done






Now tell me mama : just how you want your rolling done
And just as long as you like it : if it takes the whole night long
Now gal got teeth : like the lighthouse on the sea
And every time she smiles : she throws her loving light on me
Now my rider got something : and I don't know just what it is
And every time she wiggles and wobbles : papa can't keep his black stuff still
Now I can get religion : baby most any day
But the dice and these women : I swear they won't let me pray
Now if you steal my rider : I won't get mad with you
Because she's three time seven : and she knows just exactly what to do



Oh mama : I dream about you night and day
I had my hand on some this morning : and I swear I let it get away
I love you mama : and I'll tell the world I do
Because can't nobody treat me : honey like my rider do
You don't have to cook me no chicken : because your plain old neckbone will do
I'm going to buy you some blackeyed peas : mama and try to get along with you
I'm crazy about the way you do it : I'm talking about your jellyroll
Because I know you got something : will send salvation to your soul
She got hair like Gloria Swanson : and she walk just like Priscilla Deane
Because she's the prettiest woman : old Louie ever seen
I'm going to ask the good Lord : to send me an angel down
But she ain't not a good one : I'm going to cling on to my teasing brown




Oh Roberta : honey where you been so long
You done been across the country : a-with my long clothes on
Oh Roberta : sit down on my knee
Got a lot to tell you : a-that's been worrying me
Way up the river : far as I can see
Lord I thought I spied : my old-time used-to-be
Lord I thought I spied : my old-time used-to-be
And it was nothing : honey but a cypress tree
Honey I'm down on the river : sitting out on the ground
Well I'll stay right here Lord : until Roberta come down



Oh Roberta : what in the world you mean
Honey the way you treat me : beats all I ever seen
Lord I'm going to the station : going to tell the chief of police
Roberta done quit me : and I can't see no peace
She's a brownskin woman : got black wavy hair
And I can describe her : oh partner most anywhere
Tell me Roberta : what's the matter with you
This man ain't got nobody : to take his troubles to



I'm sitting down here wondering : would a matchbox hold my clothes
I don't want to be bothered : with no suitcase on my road
Now what would you do : when your baby packing up her trunk
You get half a gallon of whiskey : you get on your big drunk



See see rider : see what you done done
You made me love you : now your man done come
I was looking right at her : when the sun went down
She was standing in the kitchen : in her morning gown
Let me be your sidetrack : till your mainline comes



I'm broke baby : and I ain't got a dime
Every good man : gets in hard luck sometimes
I'm going to tell my woman : like the Dago told the Jew
You don't want me : now honey I don't want you
Oh the women in the levee : *Charlie because it's most* payday
The men on the levee : hollering don't you move your knee
Oh the women on the levee : honey hollering whoa gee
The men on the levee : hollering don't you murder me


I'm down in the bottom : ???ing for Johnny Rye
Wouldn't mind a jug : honey on the mule's behind
Yes a brownskin woman : make a preacher lay his Bible down
A jet-black woman : make a rabbit hug a hound



Ooh : I ain't got no mammy now
She told me late last night : you didn't need no mammy nohow
Ooh : black snake crawling in my room
Better tell somebody : better come and get this old black snake soon
Oh must have been a bedbug : because a chinch couldn't bite me that hard
Asked my sugar for fifty cents : said Leadbelly ain't a child in the yard
Honey that's all right : that's all right for you
Darling that's all right : most any old way you do
Mmm : oh honey what's the matter now
Darling tell me what's the matter : don't like no black snake nohow
Well : wonder where that black snake gone
That old black snake mama : done run my darling home



Oh Alberta oh Alberta : don't you hear me calling you
If Alberta hear your calling : what you want Alberta to do
I woke up this morning I woke up this morning : with the blues right there around my bed
Went to eat my breakfast : and the blues all in my bread
I lay down last night I lay down last night : I was turning from side to side
And I was not sick : but I was just dissatisfied
I called for you yesterday I called for you yesterday : honey and here you come ??? *day*
Had you mouth wide open : and you don't know what to say
Please Alberta please Alberta : tell me what in the world you mean
Honey the way you treats me : beats all I ever seen
What makes an old woman what makes an old woman : she go crazy about a right young man
Because she know she can take him : and raise him to hang



Mmm : baby why you have to go


Oh you ain't love me baby : you used to love me so
Mmm : when you left you broke my heart
You said you love me baby : and we would never part
Mmm : baby your papa ain't a fool
There's nothing wrong baby : sweet mama turning cool
Mmm : baby what are you going to do
You say you love me baby : but now you say you are through
Mmm : baby ain't you coming back
Got money baby : going to use it as I like



Yes she wrote me a letter : what you reckon it read
Come home big papa : your loving baby's dead
Yes I went to the depot : caught a train a-flying
When I walked in Lord : she was slowly dying
My mama said howdy : papa said goodbye
Poor boy couldn't do nothing : but hang his head and cry
He went to the bedside : looked down in her face
I love you pretty mama : just can't take your place



So many high *gate* buggies : were a-standing around
Waiting to take my baby : to the burying ground
Yes you taken my baby : to the burying ground
You didn't break my heart Lord : till you laid her down
Yes he went to the headboard : fell down on his knees
If you speak one word babe : you can give my heart some ease
You don't miss your water : till your well go dry
You don't miss pretty mama : till you shake your hand goodbye
Don't your house look lonesome : when your woman is gone
Don't you feel mistreated : but you won't let on



I'm going to Kansas City : I'm going to lower my line


I get in Kansas City : I be hard to find
Women in Kansas City Lord : doing the turkey trot
The women in Louisiana Lord : doing the eagle rock
The funniest thing : that I ever seen
The tomcat stitching : on a sewing machine
The funniest thing : that I ever did see
A polecat climbing : up a 'simmon tree
You keep on talking : till you make me think
You daddy was a bulldog : your mammy was a mink
You keep on talking : till you make me mad
I tell you about the troubles : that your sister had



Tell me which a-way : do the Red River run
I suppose : they run oh run sun to sun
Lord it's some boats sail : run from sun to sun
Way down in Louisiana : oh where the work all done
Tell me pretty mama : which a-way you going
If you can't tell me : that going to be your ruin
I got up this morning : hung all around my brown
Because she told me : which a-way the Red River was a-running down
Would you take a poor ??? : *or a slave* like me
I love my baby : you going to let me be



Dreamed last night : and all that night before
Heard my baby : knocking on my door
Crying babe : have I ever done you wrong
You's a long time coming : daddy but you welcome here



My mama told me : my sister too


Women in Shreveport son : going to be the death of you
I told my mama : mama you don't know
Women in Shreveport kill me : why don't you let me go
Told my mama : fell on my knees
Crying oh Lordy mama : will you forgive me please
I got a woman : living on Stony Hill
She been sitting down : gambling with Buffalo Bill
Been sitting down : gambling with Buffalo Bill
*You chance it once* baby : you ain't done got killed
Anybody should ask you : who composed this song
Tell them : Huddie Ledbetter's done been here and gone



Well Shorty George : ain't no friend of mine
He keeps a-taking all the women : keep all the men behind
Lord I went to my captain : and the man he don't care
I'm going to take my woman : bring her right back here
I want to tell you captain : it's a dirty shame
Shorty George got my woman : left me all in vain
Yes I went to the station : looked up on the sign
Lord the train she ride : you marked up on time
Well I can't do nothing : hon' but wave my hands
Got me a lifetime sentence : down in Sugarland
Lordy some has got six months : some got two and three years
But it's so many good men : got lifetime here
And Shorty George : traveling through the land
He don't take your woman : take some woman's man
Got something to tell you : don't let it make you mad
I ain't got long down here : honey you heard I had



Sitting down here wondering : would a matchbox hold my clothes
I don't want to be bothered : with no big trunk on my road
Now what would you do : when your baby packing up her trunk
Get you half a gallon of whiskey : and get on you a big drunk
Lord : have mercy on me



Yellow jacket yellow jacket : you sting me once more
You can sting me once more : and then I've got to go
You stung me this morning : stung me till I was sore
You can sting me one more time : please don't sting me no more
You can buzz yellow jacket : buzz all around my face
I don't want no other yellow jacket : to just take your place
You can go downtown : can buzz all around
But if I catch you stinging : believe I'll pull your nest all on down



It's too late too late : too late too late too late
I'm on my way to Denver : and mama must I hesitate
T B's all right to have : if your friend didn't treat you so lowdown
Don't you ask them for no favor : they even stop a-coming around
Mmm : this T B is killing me
I'm a-like a prisoner : I'm always a-working the street
When I was on my feet : couldn't even walk down the street
I want my body buried : in the deep blue sea
Mmm : mmm
I got tuberculosis : consumption is killing me



Just look a-here mama : don't treat pigmeat the way you do
Your baby's pigmeat : as anybody in the neighborhood
If you don't believe it's pigmeat : come in and you won't regret
I got something about this pigmeat : sweet mama I ain't told you yet
I was born and raised in the country : mama but I'm staying in town
If you don't believe this pigmeat : mama from my head on down
You can take me to the mountain : there will be pigmeat there
You take a boat to China : *they'll catch us* anywhere
Ooh : and *catch us* anywhere
Take a boat to China : then it's *catch us* anywhere



If you got you a bullcow : *feed her morning grass*
Because when them heifers come around : eat your yas yas yas
If you got you a bullcow : *feed her in the grove*
Because when them heifers leave him : you know he's going to rove
Oh oh oh : hey hey hey hey
But you know good and well baby : *might be a heifer calf*
If you got you a bullcow : lead her with a long line
Because when them heifers leave him : you know they on his mind
Oh bullcow : where you been so long
I been all out in the country : with my big bell on




Baby I can see : just what's on your mind
You got a long black woman : with a gold teeth in her face
I'll take a long look : right smack down in your mind
And I don't see but one woman : rambling up and down the line
Don't kid your mama : you ain't fooling nobody but yourself
And when I see on your mind : you would not have no friend
I remember the day : when I was living at Lula town
My man did so many wrong things : that I had to leave the town
I'm by the riverside : my man caught the transfer boat
And the last time I seed him : he had done gone way up the road
Well I'm worried now : and I won't be worried long




Now if you want to learn this dance : don't do it in a *pout*
Put both feet together : and do the Macon cutout
You need not to worry : neither think
Just tell the waiter man : to bring on a drink
Now you grab your girl : you hold her tight
You do it in one position : all night
Ease up daddy : you been a good old scout
You made a hit with your mama : now you can't lose out
Now back in eighteen hundred : and sixty-two


Folks mess around : but they didn't know what to do
Old Uncle Mose : he was the jellyroll king
He get to flat-foot shuffling : call it everything
Old *Rufus* Pete : he was very slow
All the women loved him : and give him their dough
Now take it easy mama : and be a good scout
If you want to do this dance : Macon cutout



Now I went downtown : along Broadway
Looked up at a sign : that said no free meals today
Walked right in : I took a seat
Waiter looked at me and said : hey brother pay up before you eat
I was raggedy : thirsty too
*Last* all my money : was won from two-by-two
In my pocket : I didn't have a cent
Sashay down the street : to where I went
In your pockets : you ain't ain't got a dime
Look all over town : not a friend you can find
As soon as your money : grows treetop tall
Bill Jack and Harry : will give you a call
Now listen now brother : this ain't no doubt
Nobody wants you : when you're down and out
Now I was singing : them lonesome kind of blues
I thought I'd play some numbers : like most colored people do
I put my money down : on old twenty-two
I didn't play no believing : I thought that would do
As soon as I saw : that I had won
The man *brought over* eleven : instead of twenty-one
A friend walked up to me : the very next day
He said he lost on that number : the very same way




I got spreading mustard : from north to south
Seeds taste good : right in your mouth






I went to the Gypsy : get my fortune told
Lord the Gypsy told me : boy you got a jellyroll
Ain't nobody in town : cook a jellyroll like mine
I was first on Main Street : Lord and I started down Beale
Looking for my girl : Lord that we all call Lucille
I know you don't want me : why don't you tell me so
Then you won't be bothered : with me around your house no more
Lord my good girl quit me : my kid done put me down
I wouldn't hurt so bad : but the doggone news across town
We got a new way of spelling : Memphis Tennessee
Double M double E : Lord A Y Lord Z
Ooh : my gal done quit me now
I'm going to the river : I'm going to jump overboard and drown



I wish I had : my poor heart in my hand
I'd show you women : how to treat a man
I'm going I'm going : your crying won't make me stay
For the more you cry : further you drive me away
You know you didn't want me : you oughtn't've made no stall
There's plenty more women :
If the river was whiskey : I'd stay drunk all the time
So a woman like you : could not worry my mind
Some of these mornings : baby listen to what I say
I'm going away to leave you : it will be too late to pray



Ooh : what am I going to do now
Because the girl I love : she don't treat me right
Baby : what do you want [me, your papa] to do
Beg borrow and steal : bring it all home to you
Say the sun's going to shine : in my back door some day
Lord the wind's going to blow : blow my blues away
Hey : wonder where the I C train
Babe I'll go to my woman : you go to your man
Ooh : I'd rather be dead and in my grave
Than be here in the world : baby and be your slave



Don't you wish : your good girl was long and tall like mine
Lord she ain't good-looking : but I think she takes her time
Said my good girl said : she didn't want me no more
But she don't mind *dancing* : Lord everywhere I go
Lord the train I ride : is sixteen coaches long
And she don't *allow* nothing : but chocolate to the bone
I'm worried now : been worried all day long
Babe I'm going to be worried : until the day I'm gone
Lord there's some say yellow : but give me my black and brown
When your high brown quit you : your black will run you down
I want to see want to see : the girl I'm *for painted about*
I be so glad : I sure can't help but shout



I'm going away baby : take me seven long months to ride
January February : March April May June July
I was three years old : when my poor mother died
If you mistreat me : mistreat a motherless child
I dreamt last night : the whole round world was mine
Wasn't nothing at all : but my good girl jumping down
She put carbolic in my coffee : turpentine in my tea
Strychnine in my biscuits : Lord but she didn't hurt me
Baby when I marry : going to marry an Indian squaw
Big chief Lord : be my daddy-in-law



I got the blues so bad : it hurts my feet to walk
I wouldn't hurt so bad : but it hurt my tongue to talk
Mama I feel like jumping : through the keyhole in your door
I can jump so easy : your man will never know
Some people say : worried blues ain't tough
If they don't kill you : hell you mighty rough
Hitch up my buggy : please saddle up my black mare


I'm going to find my woman : on the road somewhere
She caught the rumbling : I caught the falling down
If I ever see her : I never turn around



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



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*



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



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



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



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



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



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



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




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





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



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



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



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





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




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



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



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



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



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



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



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




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




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




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






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



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




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





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



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



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



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




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



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



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




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



You can talk about me going : push me to the wall
Check up on my loving : but you sure can't get it all



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





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



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




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



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



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



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





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



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



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





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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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*



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



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




Well a-this piano : and everything
Mr Cooper had it written down : under my name




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




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



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




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



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



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



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



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





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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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





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



Stick out your can : here comes the garbage man
Ain't nobody : stick it out like you can



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



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



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




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



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




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




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



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






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




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



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




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



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




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




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



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





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




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



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



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



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



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





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



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



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



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



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





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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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





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



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



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



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



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




*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* :




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



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





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



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



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




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



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






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



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



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




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



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




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



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



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



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



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





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



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



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



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



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



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





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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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*



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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*



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



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



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



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



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




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






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




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




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



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




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



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



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*



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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




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



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




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*



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*



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



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



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



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



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




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



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




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





'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




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



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





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



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



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




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



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




I pawned my watch : and my clothes and diamond ring
Now you will have to stop : shaking shaking that old thing




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





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



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




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



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




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




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




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



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



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



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



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






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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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




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*




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



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



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




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





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




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



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




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




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



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



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



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



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



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



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





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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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





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*



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



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



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



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



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





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



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



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



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



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



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



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




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




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



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



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




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



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



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



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






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



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



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






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



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



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




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



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



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



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




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




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



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



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



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





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



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




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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Every evening : about half past four
Big piano playing : near my door



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





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



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



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





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



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



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



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





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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Take all my money : blacken both my eyes
Give it to another man : come home and tell me lies




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



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



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




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




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



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




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



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



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




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



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




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



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




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



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




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



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 :



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




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



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




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



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



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



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



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



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



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




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



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




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



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




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




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




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



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





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



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



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



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



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



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



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 :



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



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



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



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





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*



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*



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



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



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



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





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



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




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



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



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




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



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



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





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



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




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






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



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




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



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




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




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



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



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



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





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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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





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



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



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



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





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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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




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





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



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*




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



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



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



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



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





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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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*





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



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



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



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



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



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



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



It seems to me : as if I'm all broke down
Since I lost all my change : I lost my sealskin brown



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





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



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



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



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



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



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





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
;


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



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



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



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



I've got those broken busted blues : I feel bad
I've got those can't be trusted blues : gee I'm sad



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





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



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




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




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



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




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



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





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

;

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



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



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



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



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



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





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



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



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



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



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



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



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




Since you gone : and got so rough
I won't stand : for that caveman stuff



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






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




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



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






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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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





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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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




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



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




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




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



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






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




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




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



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



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



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



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



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



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





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



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



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



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



Say I feel myself : falling again
In the same hole : that I once was in



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



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



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




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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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





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




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



And I'm going away : just to wear you off my mind
You keep me troubled : honey all the time



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



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



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*



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



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



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




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



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



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



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



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



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





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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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





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



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



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




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*



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




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





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



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




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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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





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



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



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



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



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



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





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



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




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



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



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




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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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






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



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




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





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



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



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



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




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




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




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



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






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



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*



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



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





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



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



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



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



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*



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





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



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




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





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



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



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



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




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



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




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



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



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



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



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





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



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



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



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



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



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



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





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



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*




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






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




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



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



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



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




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



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




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





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



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



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



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



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




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




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



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




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



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




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




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




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




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






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*




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




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 :




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




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




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




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




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



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



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



Because I'm a stranger here : everybody turned their back on me
I believe I'll go right back : to grand old Tennessee




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



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



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



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





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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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





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



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



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*



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




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





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




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




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





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




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






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



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





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



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




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





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



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



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



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



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



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




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



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



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





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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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*



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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





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




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



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




Well take me down : and have a time
All I want : is [a bottle of, some more]




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



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




The very thought of Sam sinking : that's my *cup*
It's going to be my place : to pick him up



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



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



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



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



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





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



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



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



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



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




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



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



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



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



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



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




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




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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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




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



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



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




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



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



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



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



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



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



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



*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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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





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



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



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



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



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



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





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



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



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





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



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



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





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



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



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





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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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





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



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



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






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




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



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



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




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



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






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



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




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



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



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



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



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



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



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





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



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



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





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



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



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




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



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



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





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



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






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



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






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



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




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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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




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



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




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




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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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*



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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





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




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



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



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



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




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



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



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



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





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



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



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



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



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



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



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





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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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




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



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



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




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



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



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



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




Scoop it : pretty mama for me



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



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






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



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



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*



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



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




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



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



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



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






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



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








Today and tomorrow and yesterday too
The flowers are dying like all things do
Follow me close - I'm going to Bally-Na-Lee
I'll lose my mind if you don't come with me
I fuss with my hair and I fight blood feuds . . . I contain multitudes

Gotta tell tale heart like Mr. Poe
Got skeletons in the walls of people you know
I'll drink to the truth of things that we said
I'll drink to the man that shares your bed
I paint landscapes - I paint nudes

A red Cadillac and a black moustache
Rings on my fingers that sparkle and flash
Tell me what's next - what shall we do
Half my soul baby belongs to you
I rollick and I frolic with all the young dudes

I'm just like Anne Frank - like Indiana Jones
And them British bad boys the Rolling Stones
I go right to the edge - I go right to the end
I go right where all things lost - are made good again

I sing the songs of experience like William Blake
I have no apologies to make
Everything's flowin' all at the same time
I live on the boulevard of crime
I drive fast cars and I eat fast foods

Pink pedal pushers and red blue jeans
All the pretty maids and all the old queens
All the old queens from all my past lives
I carry four pistols and two large knives
I'm a man of contradictions and a man of many moods

Greedy old wolf - I'll show you my heart
But not all of it - only the hateful part
I'll sell you down the river - I'll put a price on your head
What more can I tell ya - I sleep with life and death in the same bed

Get lost Madam - get up off my knee
Keep your mouth away from me
I'll keep the path open - the path in my mind
I'll see to it that there's no love left behind
I play Beethoven sonatas Chopin's preludes




Another day without end - another ship going out
Another day of anger - bitterness and doubt
I know how it happened - I saw it begin
I opened my heart to the world and the world came in

Hello Mary Lou - Hello Miss Pearl
My fleet footed guides from the underworld
No stars in the sky shine brighter than you
You girls mean business and I do too

I'm the enemy of treason - the enemy of strife
I'm the enemy of the unlived meaningless life
I ain't no false prophet - I just know what I know
I go where only the lonely can go

I'm first among equals - second to none
I'm last of the best - you can bury the rest
Bury �em naked with their silver and gold
Put �em six feet under and then pray for their souls

What are you lookin' at - there's nothing to see
Just a cool breeze encircling me
Let's walk in the garden - so far and so wide
We can sit in the shade by the fountain side

I've searched the world over for the Holy Grail
I sing songs of love - I sing songs of betrayal
Don't care what I drink - don't care what I eat
I climbed a mountain of swords on my bare feet

You don't know me darlin' - you never would guess
I'm nothing like my ghostly appearance would suggest
I ain't no false prophet - I just said what I said
I'm here to bring vengeance on somebody's head

Put out your hand - there's nothin' to hold
Open your mouth - I'll stuff it with gold
Oh you poor Devil - look up if you will
The City of God is there on the hill

Hello stranger - Hello and goodbye
You rule the land but so do I
You lusty old mule - you got a poisoned brain
I'm gonna marry you to a ball and chain

You know darlin' the kind of life that I live
When your smile meets my smile - something's got to give
I ain't no false prophet - I'm nobody's bride
Can't remember when I was born and I forgot when I died




All through the summers and into January
I've been visiting morgues and monasteries
Looking for the necessary body parts
Limbs and livers and brains and hearts

I want to bring someone to life - is what I want to do
I want to create my own version of you

It must be the winter of my discontent
I wish you'd taken me with you wherever you went
They talk all night - they talk all day
Not for a second do I believe what they say

I want to bring someone to life - someone I've never seen
You know what I mean - you know exactly what I mean

I'll take Scarface Pacino and the Godfather Brando
Mix �em up in a tank and get a robot commando
If I do it upright and put the head on straight
I'll be saved by the creature that I create
I get blood from a cactus - make gunpowder from ice
I don't gamble with cards and I don't shoot no dice
Can you look in my face with your sightless eye
Can you cross your heart and hope to die

I'll bring someone to life - someone for real
Someone who feels the way that I feel

I study Sanskrit and Arabic to improve my mind
I want to do things for the benefit of all mankind
I say to the willow tree - don't weep for me
I'm saying the hell with all things that used to be
I get into trouble and I hit the wall
No place to turn - no place at all
I pick a number between one and two
And I ask myself what would Julius Caesar do

I'll bring someone to life - in more ways than one
Don't matter how long it takes - it'll be done when it's done

I'm gonna make you play the piano like Leon Russell
Like Liberace - like St. John the Apostle
Play every number that I can play
I'll see you baby on Judgement Day
After midnight if you still want to meet
I'll be at the Black Horse Tavern on Armageddon Street
Two doors down not that far to walk
I'll hear your footsteps - you won't have to knock

I'll bring someone to life - balance the scales
I'm not gonna get involved in any insignificant details

You can bring it to St. Peter - you can bring it to Jerome
You can move it on over - bring it all the way home
Bring it to the corner where the children play
You can bring it to me on a silver tray

I'll bring someone to life - spare no expense
Do it with decency and common sense

Can you tell me what it means to be or not to be
You won't get away with fooling me
Can you help me walk that moonlight mile
Can you give me the blessings of your smile

I want to bring someone to life - use all my powers
Do it in the dark in the wee small hours

I can see the history of the whole human race
It's all right there - its carved into your face
Should I break it all down - should I fall on my knees
Is there light at the end of the tunnel - can you tell me please
Stand over there by the Cypress tree
Where the Trojan women and children were sold into slavery
Long ago before the First Crusade
Way back before England or America were made
Step right into the burning hell
Where some of the best known enemies of mankind dwell
Mister Freud with his dreams and Mister Marx with his axe
See the raw hide lash rip the skin off their backs
You got the right spirit - you can feel it you can hear it
You got what they call the immortal spirit
You can feel it all night you can feel it in the morn
Creeps into your body the day you are born
One strike of lightning is all that I need
And a blast of �lectricity that runs at top speed
Show me your ribs - I'll stick in the knife
I'm gonna jump start my creation to life

I want to bring someone to life - turn back the years
Do it with laughter - do it with tears





Sitting on my terrace lost in the stars
Listenin' to the sounds of the sad guitars
Been thinking it over and I thought it all through
I've made up my mind to give myself to you

I saw the first fall of snow
I saw the flowers come and go
I don't think anyone else ever knew

I'm giving myself to you, I am
From Salt Lake City to Birmingham
From East L.A. to San Antone
I don't think I could bear to live my life alone

My eye is like a shooting star
It looks at nothing, neither near or far
No one ever told me, it's just something I knew

If I had the wings of a snow white dove
I'd preach the gospel, the gospel of love
A love so real - a love so true

Take me out traveling, you're a traveling man
Show me something that I'll understand
I'm not what I was, things aren't what they were
I'm going to go far away from home with her

I traveled the long road of despair
I met no other traveler there
A lot of people gone, a lot of people I knew

My heart's like a river - a river that sings
It just takes me a while to realize things
I'll see you at sunrise - I'll see you at dawn
I'll lay down beside you, when everyone is gone

From the plains and the prairies - from the mountains to the sea
I hope that the gods go easy with me
I knew you'd say yes - I'm saying it too





Black Rider Black Rider you been livin' too hard
You been up all night havin' to stay on your guard
The path that you're walkin' - is too narrow to walk
Every step of the way another stumblin' block
The road that you're on - same road that you know
But it's not the same as - it was a minute ago

Black Rider Black Rider you've seen it all
You've seen the great world and you've seen the small
You fell into the fire and you're eating the flame
Better seal up your lips if you want to stay in the game
Be reasonable Mister - be honest be fair
Let all of your earthly thoughts be a prayer

Black Rider Black Rider all dressed in black
I'm walking away and you try to make me look back
My heart is at rest I'd like to keep it that way
I don't want to fight - at least not today
Go home to your wife stop visiting mine
One of these days I'll forget to be kind

Black Rider Black Rider tell me when - tell me how
If there ever was a time then let it be now
Let me go through - open the door
My soul is distressed my mind is at war
Don't hug me - don't flatter me - don't turn on the charm
I'll take out a sword and have to hack off your arm

Black Rider Black Rider hold it right there
The size of your cock will get you nowhere
I'll suffer in silence I'll not make a sound
Maybe I'll take the - high moral ground
Some enchanted evening I'll sing you a song
Black Rider Black Rider you've been on the job too long




I live on a street named after a Saint
Women in the churches wear powder and paint
Where the Jews and the Catholics and the Muslims all pray
I can tell a Proddy from a mile away
Goodbye Jimmy Reed - Jimmy Reed indeed
Give me that old time religion, it's just what I need

For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory
Go tell it on the Mountain, go tell the real story
Tell it in that straight forward puritanical tone
In the mystic hours when a person's alone
Goodbye Jimmy Reed - Godspeed
Thump on the bible - proclaim the creed

You won't amount to much the people all said
�Cause I didn't play guitar behind my head
Never pandered never acted proud
Never took off my shoes and threw them into the crowd
Goodbye Jimmy Reed - goodbye and goodnight
I'll put a jewel in your crown - I'll put out the light

They threw everything at me, everything in the book
Had nothing to fight with but a butcher's hook
They have no pity - they don't lend a hand
And I can't sing a song that I don't understand
Goodbye Jimmy Reed - goodbye and good luck
Can't play the record �cause my needle got stuck

Transparent woman in a transparent dress
It suits you well - I must confess
I'll break open your grapes I'll suck out the juice
I need you like my head needs a noose
Goodbye Jimmy Reed, goodbye and so long
I thought I could resist her but I was so wrong

G-d be with you, brother dear
If you don't mind me asking, what brings you here?
Oh, nothing much, I'm just looking for the man
I came to see where he's lying in this lost land
Goodbye Jimmy Reed and with everything within ya
Can't you hear me calling from down in Virginia




Mother of Muses sing for me
Sing of the mountains and the deep dark sea
Sing of the lakes and the nymphs in the forest
Sing your hearts out - all you women of the chorus
Sing of honor and fame and of glory be
Mother of Muses, sing for me

Mother of Muses sing for my heart
Sing for a love too soon to depart
Sing of the Heroes who stood alone
Whose names are engraved on tablets of stone
Who struggled with pain so the world could go free

Sing of Sherman - Montgomery and Scott
Sing of Zhukov and Patton and the battles they fought
Who cleared the path for Presley to sing
Who carved out the path for Martin Luther King
Who did what they did and then went on their way
Man, I could tell their stories all day

I'm falling in love with Calliope
She doesn't belong to anybody - why not give her to me
She's speaking to me, speaking with her eyes
I've grown so tired of chasing lies
Mother of Muses wherever you are
I've already outlived my life by far

Mother of Muses unleash your wrath
Things I can't see - they're blocking my path
Show me your wisdom - tell me my fate
Put me upright - make me walk straight
Forge my identity from the inside out
You know what I'm talking about

Take me to the river and release your charms
Let me lay down in your sweet lovin' arms
Wake me - shake me - free me from sin
Make me invisible like the wind
Got a mind to ramble - got a mind to roam
I'm travelin' light and I'm slow coming home




I crossed the Rubicon on the 14th day of the most dangerous month of the year
At the worst time at the worst place - that's all I seem to hear
I got up early so I could greet the Goddess of the Dawn
I painted my wagon - I abandoned all hope and I crossed the Rubicon

The Rubicon is the Red River, going gently as she flows
Redder then your ruby lips and the blood that flows from the rose
Three miles north of purgatory - one step from the great beyond
I prayed to the cross and I kissed the girls and I crossed the Rubicon

What are these dark days I see in this world so badly bent
How can I redeem the time - the time so idly spent
How much longer can it last - how long can this go on
I embraced my love put down my head and I crossed the Rubicon

I feel the bones beneath my skin and they're tremblin' with rage
I'll make your wife a widow - you'll never see old age
Show me one good man in sight that the sun shines down upon
I pawned my watch and I paid my debts and I crossed the Rubicon

Put my heart upon the hill where some happiness I'll find
If I survive then let me love - let the hour be mine
Take the high road - take the low, take the one you're on
I poured the cup and I passed it along and I crossed the Rubicon

You defiled the most lovely flower in all of womanhood
Others can be tolerant - others can be good
I'll cut you up with a crooked knife and I'll miss you when you're gone
I stood between heaven and earth and I crossed the Rubicon

You won't find any happiness here - no happiness or joy
Go back to the gutter and try your luck - find you some nice young pretty boy
Tell me how many men I need and who I can count upon
I strapped my belt and buttoned my coat and I crossed the Rubicon

I feel the Holy Spirit inside and see the light that freedom gives
I believe it's within the reach of every man who lives
Keep as far away as possible - it's darkest �fore the dawn
I turned the key and I broke it off and I crossed the Rubicon

Mona Baby, are you still in my mind - I truly believe that you are
Couldn't be anybody else but you who's come with me this far
The killing frost is on the ground and the autumn leaves are gone
I lit the torch and I looked to the east and I crossed the Rubicon




McKinley hollered - McKinley squalled
Doctor said McKinley - death is on the wall
Say it to me if you got something to confess
I heard all about it - he was going down slow
Heard it on the wireless radio
From down in the boondocks - way down in Key West

I'm searchin' for love and inspiration
On that pirate radio station
It's comin' out of Luxembourg and Budapest
Radio signal clear as can be
I'm so deep in love I can hardly see
Down in the flatlands

Key West is the place to be
If you're lookin' for immortality
Stay on the road � follow the highway sign
Key West is fine and fair
If you lost your mind, you'll find it there
Key West is on the horizon line

I was born on the wrong side of the railroad track
Like Ginsberg, Corso and Kerouac
Like Louie and Jimmy and Buddy and all of the rest
It might not be the thing to do
But I'm stickin' with you through and through
Down in the flatlands

I got both my feet planted square on the ground
Got my right hand high with the thumb down
Such is life - such is happiness
Hibiscus flowers grow everywhere here
If you wear one put it behind your ear
Down on the bottom

Key West is the place to go
Down by the Gulf of Mexico
Beyond the sea - beyond the shifting sand
Key West is the gateway key
To innocence and purity
Key West - Key West is the enchanted land

I've never lived in the land of Oz
Or wasted my time with an unworthy cause
It's hot down here and you can't be overdressed
The tiny blossoms of a toxic plant
They can make you dizzy - I'd like to help ya but I can't
Down in the flatlands

The fishtail ponds and the orchid trees
They can give you the bleedin' heart disease
People tell me - I oughta try a little tenderness
Amelia Street - Bay View Park
Walkin' in the shadows after dark
Down under

I play the gumbo limbo spirituals
I know all the Hindu rituals
People tell me that I'm truly blessed
Bougainvillea bloomin' in the summer and spring
Winter here is an unknown thing
Down the flatlands

Key West is under the sun
Under the radar - under the gun
You stay to the left and then you lean to the right
Feel the sunlight on your skin
And the healing virtues of the wind
Key West - Key West is the land of light

Wherever I travel - wherever I roam
I'm not that far from the convent home
I do what I think is right - what I think is best
Mystery Street off Mallory Square
Truman had his White House there
Eastbound - westbound

Twelve years old and they put me in a suit
Forced me to marry a prostitute
There were gold fringes on her wedding dress
That's my story but not where it ends
She's still cute and we're still friends
Down in the bottom

I play both sides against the middle
Pickin' up that pirate radio signal
I heard the news - I heard your last request
Fly around my Pretty Little Miss
I don't love nobody - gimme a kiss
Down at the bottom

Key West is the place to be
If you're lookin' for immortality
Key West is paradise divine
Key West is fine and fair
If you lost your mind you'll find it there
Key West is on the horizon line






�Twas a dark day in Dallas - November �63
The day that will live on in infamy
President Kennedy was riding high
A good day to be living and a good day to die
Being led to the slaughter like a sacrificial lamb
Say wait a minute boys, do you know who I am?
Of course we do, we know who you are
Then they blew off his head when he was still in the car
Shot down like a dog in broad daylight
�Twas a matter of timing and the timing was right
You got unpaid debts and we've come to collect
We're gon' kill you with hatred and without any respect
We'll mock you and shock you, we'll grin in your face
We've already got someone here to take your place
The day that they blew out the brains of the king
Thousands were watching, no one saw a thing
It happened so quickly - so quick by surprise
Right there in front of everyone's eyes

Greatest magic trick ever under the sun
Perfectly executed, skillfully done
Wolfman, oh wolfman, oh wolfman, howl
Rub a dub dub � it's murder most foul

Hush lil children, you'll soon understand
The Beatles are coming they're gonna hold your hand
Slide down the banister, go get your coat
Ferry �cross the Mersey and go for the throat
There's three bums comin' all dressed in rags
Pick up the pieces and lower the flags
I'm going to Woodstock, it's the Aquarian Age
Then I'll go over to Altamont and sit near the stage
Put your head out the window, let the good times roll
There's a party going on behind the grassy knoll
Stack up the bricks and pour the cement
Don't say Dallas don't love you, Mr. President
Put your foot in the tank and step on the gas
Try to make it to the triple underpass
Black face singer - white face clown
Better not show your faces after the sun goes down

I'm in the red-light district like a cop on the beat
Living in a nightmare on Elm Street
When you're down on Deep Ellum put your money in your shoe
Don't ask what your country can do for you
Cash on the barrel head, money to burn
Dealey Plaza, make a left hand turn
Go down to the crossroads, try to flag a ride
That's the place where Faith, Hope and Charity died
Shoot �em while he runs, boy, shoot �em while you can
See if you can shoot the Invisible Man
Goodbye, Charlie, goodbye Uncle Sam?Frankly, Miss Scarlet, I don't give a damn
What is the truth and where did it go
Ask Oswald and Ruby - they oughta know
Shut your mouth, says the wise old owl
Business is business and it's murder most foul

Tommy can you hear me, I'm the Acid Queen
I'm ridin' in a long black Lincoln limousine
Ridin' in the back seat, next to my wife
Heading straight on into the afterlife
I'm leaning to the left, got my head in her lap
Oh Lord, I've been led into some kind of a trap
We ask no quarter, no quarter do we give
We're right down the street from the street where you live
They mutilated his body and took out his brain
What more could they do, they piled on the pain
But his soul was not there where it was supposed to be at
For the last fifty years they've been searching for that
Freedom, oh freedom, freedom over me
Hate to tell you, Mister, but only dead men are free
Send me some loving - tell me no lie
Throw the gun in the gutter and walk on by
Wake up, Little Suzie, let's go for a drive
Cross the Trinity River, let's keep hope alive
Turn the radio on, don't touch the dials
Parkland Hospital's only six more miles
You got me dizzy Miss Lizzy, you filled me with lead
That magic bullet of yours has gone to my head
I'm just a patsy like Patsy Cline
I never shot anyone from in front or behind
Got blood in my eyes, got blood in my ear
I'm never gonna make it to the New Frontier

Zapruder's film, I've seen that before
Seen it thirty three times, maybe more
It's vile and deceitful - it's cruel and it's mean
Ugliest thing that you ever have seen
They killed him once, they killed him twice
Killed him like a human sacrifice
The day that they killed him, someone said to me, "Son,?The age of the anti-Christ has just only begun."
Air Force One coming in through the gate
Johnson sworn in at two thirty-eight
Let me know when you decide to throw in the towel
It is what it is and it's murder most foul

What's New Pussycat - wha'd I say
I said the soul of a nation been torn away
It's beginning to go down into a slow decay
And that it's thirty-six hours past judgment day
Wolfman Jack, he's speaking in tongues
He's going on and on at the top of his lungs
Play me a song, Mr. Wolfman Jack
Play it for me in my long Cadillac
Play that Only The Good Die Young
Take me to the place where Tom Dooley was hung
Play St. James Infirmary in the court of King James
If you want to remember, better write down the names
Play Etta James too, play I'd Rather Go Blind
Play it for the man with the telepathic mind
Play John Lee Hooker play Scratch My Back
Play it for that strip club owner named Jack
Guitar Slim - Goin' Down Slow
Play it for me and for Marilyn Monroe
And please, Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood
Play it for the First Lady, she ain't feeling that good
Play Don Henley - play Glenn Frey
Take it to the Limit and let it go by
And play it for Carl Wilson, too
Lookin' far, far away down Gower Avenue
Play Tragedy, play Twilight Time
Take Me Back to Tulsa to the scene of the crime
Play another one and Another One Bites the Dust
Play the Old Rugged Cross and in G-d We Trust
Ride the Pink Horse down that Long, Lonesome Road
Stand there and wait for his head to explode
Play Mystery Train for Mr. Mystery
The man who fell down dead, like a rootless tree
Play it for the Reverend, play it for the Pastor
Play it for the dog that's got no master
Play Oscar Peterson and play Stan Getz
Play Blue Sky, play Dickie Betts
Play Art Pepper, play Thelonious Monk
Charlie Parker and all that junk
All that junk and All That Jazz
Play something for The Birdman of Alcatraz
Play Buster Keaton play Harold Lloyd
Play Bugsy Siegel play Pretty Boy Floyd
Play all the numbers, play all the odds
Play Cry Me A River for the Lord of the Gods
Play number nine, play number six
Play it for Lindsey and Stevie Nicks
Play Nat King Cole, play Nature Boy
Play Down in the Boondocks for Terry Malloy
Play It Happened One Night and One Night of Sin
There's twelve million souls that are listening in
Play the Merchant of Venice, play the merchants of death
Play Stella by Starlight for Lady Macbeth
Don't worry Mr. President, help's on the way
Your brothers are comin', there'll be hell to pay
Brothers? What brothers? What's this about hell?
Tell �em we're waitin'- keep coming - we'll get �em as well
Love Field is where his plane touched down
But it never did get back up off of the ground
Was a hard act to follow, second to none
They killed him on the Altar of the Rising Sun
Play Misty for me and that Old Devil Moon
Play Anything Goes and Memphis in June
Play Lonely at the Top and Lonely Are the Brave
Play it for Houdini spinning around in his grave?Play Jelly Roll Morton, play Lucille
Play Deep in a Dream and play Drivin' Wheel ?Play Moonlight Sonata in F sharp
And Key to the Highway by the king of the harp
Play Marchin' Through Georgia and Dumbarton's Drums
Play Darkness and death will come when it comes
Play Love Me or Leave Me by the great Bud Powell
Play the Blood Stained Banner - play Murder Most Foul