Pre-war Blues Lyric Poetry: an Anthology
A - C
Anderson, . . . (Walter Taylor)
Tired of Runnin' from Door to Door
Barefoot Bill's Hard Luck Blues
If You Want a Good Woman‑Get One Long and Tall
Baxter, Jim (Andrew and Jim Baxter)
I Don't Care Who Gets What I Don't Want
Worrying You Off My Mind‑Part 1
Good Liquor Gonna Carry Me Down
Black Boy Shine (Harold Holiday)
Black Ivory King (Dave Alexander)
Blackman, Tewee (Memphis Jug Band)
I Whipped My Woman With a Single Tree
Come On Boys Let's Do that Messin' Around
Depression's Gone from Me Blues
I Hate that Train Called the M. and O.
Bonds, Son (Sleepy John Estes)
You Scolded Me and Drove Me from Your Door
Nobody But My Baby Is Getting My Love
New How Long How Long Blues‑Part 2
I Want Plenty of Grease in My Frying Pan
Your Biscuits Are Big Enough for Me
New Sittin' On Top of the World
I Packed My Suitcase, Started to the Train
Mistreated the Only Friend You Had
Save Your Money‑Let These Women Go
I'm Sitting on Top of the World
Wild Women Don't Have the Blues
���������
��� ������(M‑201‑ ) Vo‑1442 OJL‑2
I
said look a‑here mama : what in the world are you trying to do
You
want to make me love you : you going to break my heart in two
I
said you don't want me : what made you want to lie
Now
the day you quit me fair brown : baby that's the day you die
I'd
rather see you dead : buried in some cypress grove
Than
to hear some gossip mama : that she had done you so
It
was early one morning : just about the break of day
And
along brownskin coming : man and drove me away
Lord
my baby quit me : she done set my trunk outdoors
That
put the poor boy wandering : Lord along the road
I
said trouble here mama : and trouble everywhere you go
And
it's trouble here mama : baby good gal I don't know
��������
�������� (M‑202‑ ) Vo‑1442
OJL‑2
I
got something I'm going to tell you : mama keep it all to yourself
Don't
you tell your mama : don't you tell nobody else
I'm
going to write you a letter : I'm going to mail it in the air
Then
I know you going to catch it : babe in this world somewhere
I'm
going to write you a letter : I'm going to mail it in the sky
Mama
I know you going to catch it : when the wind blows on the line
Ooh
: mama I don't know what to do
I
knows you'll go : leave me all lowdown and blue
Ooh
: that's the last word you said
And
I just can't remember : babe last old words you said
��������
�������� (MEM‑776‑ ) Vo‑1481
OJL‑11
And
I rolled and I tumbled : and I cried the whole night long
And
I rose this morning : and I didn't know right from wrong
Have
you ever woke up : and found your dough‑roller gone
Then
you wring your hands : and you cry the whole day long
And
I told my woman : just before I left your town
Don't
you let nobody : tear the barrelhouse down
And
I fold my arms : and I begin to walk away
I
said that's all right sweet mama : your trouble's going to come some day
����������
���������� (MEM‑777‑A) Vo‑1481
OJL‑8
Lord
I know my baby : sure going to jump and shout
When
the train get here : I come a‑rolling out
Lord
I tell you it wasn't no need : of mama trying to be so kind
Ah
you know you don't love me : you ain't got me on your mind
Mmm
: you ain't got me on your mind
And
it's what is the need : of baby trying to be so kind
Mmm
: tried to treat her right
But
you started with another man : and stayed out every day and night
Says
I ain't going down : this big road by myself
If
I can't get you mama : I'm going to get somebody else
Mmm
: what you want your babe to do
Says
I know it's something : gal it ain't no use
��������
�������� (81213‑A) OK‑8511 Rt RL‑315
Yes
today has been : a long old lonesome day
Lord
it seem like tomorrow : going to be the same old way
Oh
tell me pretty mama : how you want your rolling done
Don't
want to do : just like my old‑time rider done
Don't
a woman act funny : she's going to put you down
She
*jumped in the bay* : with a case of
Woman
*use the jelly* : I like those old‑time
��������
�������� (81223‑A) OK‑8511 Rt RL‑315
I've
got a brownskin woman : she lives up on that hill
Lord
the fool trying to quit me : man but I love her still
She
was a *broad back middy* : and a gambling stomping whore
She
got a new way of getting down : have to get low as a toad
Some
of [these, you] women : I just can't understand
They
cook corn bread for their husbands : and biscuits for their men
��������
�������� (81224‑B) OK‑8498 Rt RL‑312
I
been working on the section : *section* thirty‑two
I'll
get a dollar and a quarter : I won't have to work hard as you
Oh
nigger licked molasses : and the white man licked them too
I
wonder what in the world : is the Mexican going to do
Oh
captain captain : what's the matter with you
If
you got any Battle Ax : please sir give me a chew
Water
boy water boy : bring your water around
If
you ain't got no water : set your bucket down
Oh
captain captain : what time of day
Oh
he looked at me : and he walked away
��������
�������� (81225‑B) OK‑8498 RBF RF‑9
Lord
they accused me of murder : I haven't harmed a man
Oh
they accused me of forgery : I can't write my name
Oh
I went all around : that whole corral
Lord
I couldn't find a mule : with his shoulder well
Oh
I worked old Maude : and I worked old Belle
Lord
I couldn't find a mule : Maggie with his shoulder well
Mmm
: mmm
Mmm
: Lord that morning bell
Lord
she went up the country : and but she's on my mind
Oh
if she don't come on the big boat : she better not land
��������
�������� (400442‑B) OK‑8801 His HLP‑31
Some
of these women : I just can't understand
They
run around here : with one another's man
Oh
black woman evil : brownskin evil too
Going
to get me a yellow woman : see what she will do
Going
to get me a heaven : heaven kingdom of my own
So
these brownskin women : can cluster around my throne
��������
�������� (400446‑A) OK‑8624 Rt RL‑312
Lord
she won't pick cotton : girl won't pick no corn
Baby
I don't see why : you want to hang around me so long
And
it's one two three four : five six seven eight nine
When
I count them blues : the men and women is mine
Lord
if I get lucky : mama in this world again
I
ain't going to fool with no more women : and a mighty few men
Mmm
: mmm
Lord
I walked all last night : and all last night before
��������
�������� (400454‑B) OK‑8624 Rt RL‑312
I
was sitting on a log : just like a doggone dog
That's
the mean old woman : come and crossed my heart
Says
I went to the church : and they called on me to pray
I
fell down on my knees : and forgot just what to say
Oh
Lordy mama : what am I to do
I'm
going to stay right here : wait on something new
��������
�������� (401330‑A) OK‑8658 Sw S‑1276
Mama
I ain't going to be : your old work ox no more
You
done fooled around woman : let your ox get gored
She
will get up early in the morning : just awhile before day
Then
cook your breakfast : man rush you away
Come
in daddy : know my ox is gone
You
can never tell : when your ox is coming back home
You
can never tell : what the double‑crossing women will do
Says
they will have your buddy : then play fake on you
��������
�������� (401331‑A) OK‑8673 Sw S‑1276
My
woman got something : just like the rising sun
You
can never tell : when that work is done
It's
no use to worrying : about the days being long
Neither
worry about your rolling : because it's sure going on
She
got something round : and it look just like a bat
Sometime
I wonder : what in the hell is that
��������
�������� (401349‑A) OK‑8801 His HLP‑31
Listen
here woman : I'm calling on your name
You
got me in trouble : and you say you ain't to blame
Don't
you never drive : a stranger from your door
He
may be your best friend : mama says you don't know
My
woman got something : and I ain't ashamed
When
I love my woman : it puts me in a strain
��������
�������� (402639‑B) OK‑8745 Yz L‑1032
Some
men like dogging : I just declare I don't
Babe
if you think I'm same your mistreating men : I declare I won't
Let's
stop our foolishness : and try to settle down
Says
I [always] [wants, likes] a woman : that do not run around
I
used to have a woman : good as any in this town
She
had so many men : she kept me always crying
��������
�������� (402640‑A) OK‑8705 Yz L‑1004
I'm
going to get up in the morning : do like Buddy Brown
I'm
going to eat my breakfast : man and lay back down
When
a man get hairy : know he needs a shave
When
a woman get musty : you know she needs to bathe
I've
got something to tell you : make the hair rise on your head
Got
a new way of loving a woman : make the springs screech on her bed
If
you don't believe I love you : look what a fool I've been
Woman
if you don't believe I love you : ah look what a shape I'm in
I
says I love my baby : better than I do myself
If
she don't love me : she won't love nobody else
��������
�������� (402642‑A) OK‑8785 Rt RL‑327
Now
my home's on the water : spending awhile on land
I
was trying to find a woman : that ain't got no man
Says
I used to have a friend : by the name of Sam
Says
we was ragged and dirty : some called us a tramp
Says
I stole my woman : from my friend they call him Sam
Says
that scoundrel got lucky : stoled her back again
I
was raised on the desert : born in a lion's den
Says
my chief occupation : taking *musky* men women
Says
I never had a woman : couldn't get her back again
Says
I traveled over this country : every kind of man
��������
�������� (402643‑B) OK‑8731 Rt RL‑327
I
been moaning moaning : ever since you been gone
Going
to find a new way of moaning : bring my woman back home
Says
I went back home : and I looked up side the wall
Says
I could not find : my woman's clothes at all
��������
�������� (402644‑B) OK‑8731 Rt RL‑327
Mmm
: mmm
I
been moaning woman : ever since you been gone
Says
I went back home : and I looked up on the shelf
Says
I'm getting mighty tired : sleeping by myself
Says
I went back home : and I walked up and down the hall
Says
I spied another mule : pawing in my stall
Says
I moaned early in the morning : moaned late late at night
I
was trying to moan to your satisfaction : till I treat my woman right
Mmm
: mmm
Says
I'm going to moan going to moan : till I treat my baby right
��������
�������� (403359‑B) OK‑8764 Fly LP‑103
A
married woman : best woman ever been born
Only
trouble you have : is trying to keep her at home
My
woman left me this morning : but I blame myself
That
backbiting man taken my woman : now he's going to the west
I
can't sleep at night : when I lay down to take my rest
Say
the woman I love Lord : she is my partner's maid
���� ����
�������� (404112‑B) OK‑8890 Rt RL‑316
I
seen better days : when times wasn't so hard
Says
my woman got mad : and drove me out of her yard
I
wonder what can the matter : with poor Betsy Mae
Lord
she got mad : and drove poor me away
Says
I wonder what's the matter : with my troublesome mind
Says
I must be thinking : about my woman I left behind
My
woman she got something : works like sleeping pills
It
takes all of my time : to try to keep my backbone still
That's
why I can't keep from thinking : times I used to have
Sometime
I think : Lord I declare I declare
��������
�������� (404117‑B) OK‑8890 Rt RL‑316
I
was sitting looking : way out across the world
Said
the wind had things switching : almost in a twirl
Says
I been a good fellow : just good as I can be
Says
it's Lord have mercy : Lord have mercy on me
Mmm
: mmm
Says
I been a good fellow : just as good as a man could be
Some
*lost their baby* : was blowing for two three miles around
When
they come to their right mind : they come on back to town
Said
rooster was crowing cows was lowing : never heard such a noise before
Does
it seem like hell was broke out : in this place below
��������
�������� (FW‑1138) Vo‑02856 Yz L‑1010
Says
I wonder where : my easy rider gone
She's
a easy rider : but she do right not so long
Some
give her a nickel : some give her a lousy dime
She's
a easy rider : but she do right all sometime
I
wonder what's the matter : you ain't got no settled mind
Says
I got a little woman : ??? behind
Say
it's in the morning : so late in the night
When
she's loving you man : she loves you just right
I
say every time : that evening sun go down
We
gets in the bed : and we stay there a great long time
It
takes
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
�������� probably
�������� (��
) Vo‑1116 OJL‑17
Did
you ever wake up : between
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
I
love you baby : tell the whole round world I do
I
love you baby : don't care what you do
��������
�������� (16266‑B) Ge‑7157 Fwy FJ‑2801
I
woke up this morning : about
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
��������
�������� (12718‑B) Ge‑6135 Rt RL‑340
Six
bits ain't no dollar : six months ain't no long time
If
you want to come to your baby : you can see me any time
Take
me for your prisoner : let that one I love go free
Six
months in the workhouse : sure ain't hard for me
If
you take me back baby : I'll let you be my boss
Let
you do anything : but nail me on the cross
Baby
baby baby : I got all my clothes out on pawn
I'm
going to wake up one morning : and have all my glad rags gone
��������
�������� (12722) Ge‑6135 His HLP‑22
Trouble
trouble : ever since I been a man
Seems
like me and trouble : is just running hand and hand
I've
had trouble in
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
��������
�������� (59938‑2) Vi‑23268 Yz L‑1012
Now
it was early one morning mama : I was on my way to school
Lord
that's when I got the notion : to break my mama's rule
Oh
the blues : falling like showers of rain
I
tell you once in a while moment : think I hear my baby call my name
Lord
I cried last night mama : then I cried the whole night long
Going
to do right mama : then I won't have to cry no more
Lord
I don't feel welcome : pretty mama no place I go
Because
the little woman I love mama : has a‑drove me from her door
��������
�������� (C‑9428‑B) De‑7026
BC‑4
Hollering
good morning : I said blues how do you do
Fell
mighty well this morning : can't get along with you
I
cannot do right baby : when you won't do right yourself
Lord
if my good gal quits me : well I don't want nobody else
Now
you can read out your handbook : preach out your Bible
Fall
down on your knees and pray : the good Lord to help you
Because
you going to need : you going to need my help some day
Mama
if you can't quit your sinning : please quit your lowdown ways
Says
I woke up this morning : and I looked outdoors
Says
I know my mamlish milkcow pretty mama : Lord by the way she lows
Lord
if you see my milkcow buddy : I said please drive her home
Says
I ain't had no milk and butter mama : Lord since my cow been gone
Says
my blues fell this morning : and my love come falling down
Says
I'll be your lowdown dog mama : but please don't dog me around
Takes
a rocking chair to rock mama : a rubber ball to roll
Take
a little teasing brown mama : just to pacify my soul
Lord
I don't feel welcome : eee no place I go
Lord
the little woman I love mama : have done drove me from her door
��������
�������� (C‑9429‑B) De‑7026
BC‑4
Now
one and one is two mama : two and two is four
Mess
around here pretty mama : you know we got to go
Crying
oh : baby don't you want to go
Back
to the *living light* city : to sweet old
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
��������
�������� (C‑9653‑A) De‑7050
CC‑25
I
believe : that I got those black cat blues
Lord
if I win on Friday : please Saturday night I'm sure to lose
Yes
the black cat blues mama : ain't nothing but a doggone heart disease
Said
I was broke and disgusted : I didn't have no money for Christmas Eve
Yes
this black cat blues mama : don't mean no one nar' no good
Said
all my friends done forgot me : everybody's down on me in my neighborhood
Lord
some folks said blues and trouble nothing : but evil running across your mind
When
you get to setting down thinking : about the black gal treated you so nice and
kind
Oh
if the black cat blues was money : I would be rich as Henry Ford
Lord
if the black cat blues don't leave me mama : Lord I've got to get further down
the road
��������
�������� (C‑9654‑A) De‑7050
CC‑25
I
believe : I believe I'll go back home
Lord
acknowledge to my good gal mama : Lord that I have done you wrong
Now
I'm going to ring up
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
��������
�������� (C‑9655‑A) De‑7156
BC‑4
Says
I knocked on my front door mama : my good gal wouldn't seem to let me in
Says
it must be another rounder : laying up with my old black hen
Says
it thunders and lightnings : and the rain begins to fall
Says
it must've be another mule : mama kicking in my stall
Says
I'm going to buy me a thirty‑two twenty mama : with a long six inch
barrel
Says
I'm going to kill that mule : then I'm sure going kill my gal
Then
I'm going to Caruthersville mama : just to take that right‑hand road
Says
I never quit walking : till I walked up in my mama's door
Says
I'll be sad and I'll be lonesome : worried I'll be blue
Says
I'm tired : of being worried with you
��������
�������� (C‑9656‑A) De‑7156
CC‑25
Says
the blues come down the alley : headed up to my back door
Says
I had the blues today mama : just like I never had before
Blues
and trouble : have been my best friends
I
says when my blues leave me : my trouble just walked in
Now
some folks says blues is trouble : nothing but evil running across your mind
Lord
when you setting down thinking about someone : have treated you so nice and
kind
Said
you roll and you tumble : till it almost make you blind
When
you get to thinking about your good gal : well you almost to lose your mind
I
said when you start walking : your mind running every way
If
you think about that old black woman : Lord that led you off astray
��������
�������� (C‑9671‑A) De‑7083
Say SDR‑163
Says
I want everybody : fall in line
Shake
your shimmy : like I'm shaking mine
You
shake your shimmy : shake it fast
If
you can't shake your shimmy : shake your yas yas yas
Says
*I am* with your mama : out across the field
Slipping
and a‑sliding : just like an automobile
I
hollered at your mama : I told her to wait
She
slipped away from me : just like a Cadillac Eight
Say
I like your mama : sister too
I
did like your papa : but your papa wouldn't do
I
met your papa : around the corner the other day
I
soon found out : that he was funny that a‑way
Says
I went out yonder :
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
��������
�������� (C‑9776‑A) De‑7092
Say SDR‑163
Says
I feel just like mama : throwing my slop jar in your face
Said
you done lost your mind : and let that old *out‑minder* take my place
Now
I could cut your throat mama : and drink your blood like wine
Because
you's a dirty old buzzard : and you sure done lost your mind
Mama
here I am : right out in the cold again
Says
the woman that I'm loving : got brains just like a turkey hen
Says
I'd rather be a catfish : down in the
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
��������
�������� (C‑9777‑A) De‑7092
Say SDR‑163
Well
I stood on the corner mama : and I looked two blocks and a half
Lord
I never seed Black Annie : but I sure God heard her laugh
Then
I went down the alley : with my gatling gun in my hand
Just
to kill my woman : for loving another man
Now
it's trouble trouble : I been had it all my days
Well
it seems like trouble : going to follow me to my grave
Now
my love is just like water : you can turn it off and on
Now
when you think I'm loving you mama : well I done turned you off and gone
Now
I'm going to set my picture : Lord up on your shelf
Lord
if you don't live with me mama : well you ain't going to live with nobody else
��������
�������� (C‑9921‑A) De‑7139
Say SDR‑163
Says
my gal she caught the Southern : and the fireman he rang the bell
And
the engineer he left the station : just like a bat up out of hell
Said
I waved my hand : she didn't even look around
Said
and I felt like dropping : right down on the ground
Mama
here I am : down on my bended knees
Says
I'm crying to the good Lord : send me back my good gal if you please
Said
now I got a notion : to leave this lonesome town
Says
my gal she caught the Southern : and I know she done put me down
Now
my old bones is aching : and my hair is turning grey
Said
I'm going back home mama : and I'm going back there to stay
��������
�������� (C‑9923‑A) De‑7139
Say SDR‑163
Busy
booting : and you can't come in
Come
back tomorrow night : and try it again
I
met your mama : in the alley way
She's
catching hunkies : both night and day
Don't
you remember : last Friday night
You
go out in the street : and you want to fight
Keep
talking : about your neighbor next door
I
caught her boogie‑woogying : down on the floor
Don't
you remember : when my door was locked
I
had your mama : on the chopping block
Pretty
mama : I'm telling you
I'm
sick and tired : of the way you do
Stop
knocking : on my windowpane
You
tell what you see : don't you call my name
��������
�������� (C‑9924‑ ) De‑7191
BC‑4
Let
your money talk let your money talk : let your money talk let your money talk
If
you feel like riding : and don't want to walk
Now
you look so neat and you look so neat : and you talk so sweet you talk so sweet
Now
you can't get by no matter how you try : on your dead beat
Let
your money talk let your money talk : so we can hear so we can hear
If
you ain't coming back tell me right now : leave a dime for beer
Let
your money talk let your money talk : put it in my hand put it in my hand
If
you like your cool kind beer pretty mama : we can rush the can
If
you go to the butcher if you go to the butcher : to get you sausage grind your
sausage grind
If
he can't get it in the front door : he don't want it behind
You
want your ashes hauled you want your ashes hauled : and ain't got no man ain't
got no man
Just
lay it on the wood pretty mama : I do the best I can
If
you want to boogie‑woogie if you want to boogie‑woogie : and
haven't got the price haven't got the price
Just
let the landlady know man : and she will put it on ice
And
now if you can't see if you can't see : if you deaf and dumb you deaf and dumb
Don't
stand around looking cute : and on a bum
��������
� �������(90158‑A) De‑7147 CC‑25
Now
while you playing policy buddy : play
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
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
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
��������
�������� (90201‑A) De‑7181 BC‑4
Oh
stop and listen : hear those bells a‑tone
I
found my faro : lying on a cooling board
Says
today has been : a long old lonesome day
Seems
like tomorrow : mama going to be the same old way
Now
don't your house look lonesome : when a hearse roll in front of your door
I
found my faro : lying on a cooling board
Says
and it smokes like lightning : and it *faro* shine like gold
I
wouldn't have seen her : not to save nobody's soul
Lord
then I ain't going down : that big road by myself
If
I don't carry you : mama I'm going to carry somebody else
And
I followed my faro : to the new burying ground
Watch
the pallbearers : when they lay my faro down
��������
�������� (90314‑A) De‑7116 Say SDR‑163
Now
it's mama mama mama : please keep your big legs down
So
I can stop old John Russell : Lord from hanging around
Says
I load coal in the morning : and I cut corn late at night
When
I come on home : and you and John Russell sure don't treat me right
Says
I hate like the devil : to declare war in my happy home
Says
I loaned you my money : and then you stole my gal and gone
Now
you going to hear thunder and lightning : from the end of my pistol barrel
Says
you stole my money : then you turned around and took my gal
Now
my *old back* is a‑breaking : and my lights is a‑burning low
When
I load this carload of coal captain : I sure ain't going load no more
��������
�������� (90316‑A) De‑7163 CC‑25
I
can't get my milk in the morning : I can't get my cream no more
And
I want somebody to come here : help me get this bull from my door
Says
I went out to my barn this morning : he didn't have one word to say
He
was laying down by my heifer's side : please on a pile of hay
Then
I walked away : and I hung my head and cried
Says
I feel so lonesome : I ain't got my heifer by my side
Now
there's nothing that I could do : for that old bull has tea‑rolled me
When
I get myself another heifer : I'm going to move back to
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
��������
�������� (60515‑ ) De‑7172 Say SDR‑163
Says
I've been traveling mama : all by myself
When
I had you baby : you thought I had somebody else
But
that's all right mama : I'll be up some day
And
just like you did me baby : I'm going to do you the same old way
Says
I asked my baby : to take me back once more
She
said you ain't got no money : sweet papa there is the door
Said
now I ain't got no money : and no place to go
I
asked you for a little small favor : and you drove me from your door
Now
I've got a little sweet woman : that I can call my own
I
want your *turning‑gate* women : to please leave me alone
Ever
since you been gone mama : I've been about to lose my mind
But
I got another little sweet woman : and I don't want your three sixty‑nine
��������
�������� (90795‑A) De‑7212 CC‑25
Says
down in
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
��������
�������� (90958‑A) De‑7261 CC‑25
Why
shouldn't I take a chance mama : when good luck comes along
Seems
like everybody's down on me : always somebody's doing me wrong
Says
I can't live for loving : but I just can't help myself
Now
the little woman I'm loving quit me : well I sure don't want nobody else
Oh
Mr Charlie : why don't you leave my gal alone
Well
you keep on kicking her : you bound to break up my happy home
And
it was early this morning : I was walking down the avenue
Says
I had a good spirit : thought I was strolling along with you
Says
I turned around : and I wrung my hands and cried
Says
I felt so lonesome : I didn't have my baby by my side
��������
�������� (91070‑A) De‑7306 CC‑25
Says
I love you mama : but you don't even care for me
Because
you a long tall woman : and I sure God ain't going to let you be
Now
she's long and she's tall : shaped just like a cannonball
Says
I found that woman : where the Southern cross the Yellow Dog
Then
I heard the church bells toning : way out on Dago Hill
Then
my heart struck sorrow : I guess you know just how I feel
Says
now tell me mama : what make you do me like you do
Now
some day you going to want me : and I swear and I won't want you
Some
people crave high yellow : please give me my black and brown
Now
if you mess with me mama : I'm sure going to turn your damper down
��������
�������� (91070‑A) De‑7267 Rt RL‑318
Now
just one thing : that worry my mind
All
of these womens : ain't none of them mine
Scaredest
I ever been : in my life
Old
Uncle Bud liked to caught me : kissing his wife
Now
big fish little fish : playing in the water
Come
on back here man : and give me my quarter
Just
like looking for a needle : in a bed of sand
Just
try to find a woman : ain't got no man
Says
God made a woman : and he made her mighty funny
The
lips around her mouth : just sweet as any honey
Old
Uncle Bud : he's a man like this
He
saves his money : and use his fist
��������
�������� (91134‑A) De‑7285 Cor CP‑58
I
woke up this morning : I couldn't even get out of my door
Said
this wild water got me covered : and I ain't got no place to go
Now
I hear my mama crying : but I just can't help myself
Now
this wild water keep on rising : I got to get help from someone else
Now
good morning Mr wild water : why did you stop in my front door
Says
you reaches from
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
��������
�������� (91135‑A) De‑7285 CC‑25
Now
when you happy mama : everybody smiles with you
Just
as soon as you feel down‑hearted: the whole round world turns blue
Now
when the sun is shining : everybody's happy as can be
Just
as soon as it start to raining : you quiver just like a leaf on a tree
Now
I got something to tell you mama : and I really want you to� understand
Every
man you see wearing britches : he sure God ain't no monkey‑man
Now
when I had plenty money : everybody want to be my friend
Just
as soon as I got ragged and hungry : now they all wants to laugh and grin
Now
I'm going to tell all you people : when I get on my feet again
Says
you need not ask for no small favors : just go ahead laugh and grin
��������
�������� (91161‑A) De‑7347 BC‑4
Now
this dark cloud is rising : and it's thundering all around
Look
like something bad is going to happen : you better lower your airplane down
Now
that mean old twister's coming : poor people running every which a‑way
Everybody's
got to wonder : what's the matter with this cruel world today
Now
my mama told me : when I was only five months old
If
you obey your preacher : the good Lord is going to bless your soul
Now
the daylight is failing : and the moon begin to rise
I'm
just down here weeping and moaning : right by my mama's side
Now
I'm going home : I done did all in this world that I could
Says
I got everybody happy : around here in my neighborhood
��������
�������� (91162‑A) De‑7347 BC‑4
When
I was down in
Since
I been here in
Says
I'm going down to the station : ain't going to take no one's advice
Says
I'm going back to
Now
these
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
��������
�������� (91166‑A) De‑7361 OJL‑20
Said
I ain't no preacher : I'm just a bachelor man
Some
of these days mama : you bound to understand
Now
set down gal : stop your crazy ways
Got
trouble in the land : you're going to need my help some day
Now
when I want it : I want it awful bad
If
I don't get it : you know it's going to make me mad
Said
I asked my mama : to not to be so rough
She
ain't the type : to keep on strutting her stuff
Says
I asked my baby : not to be so mean
She
acts like a woman : from down in
Now
come on baby : stop this up and down
Don't
like to catch you : start to messing around
��������
�������� (91167‑A) De‑7361 Say SDR‑163
Now
this big ship was a‑rocking : and my body's filled with aches and pains
Now
if I get across the
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
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
Now
I see something shining : daylight is breaking all around
Soon
as we make a few more lurches : I will be right back in
��������
�������� (91299‑A) De‑7449 CC‑25
Captain
rung the bell this morning : just at the break of day
Said
now it's time for you to go rolling : buddy why don't you be on your way
Mama
you can cook my breakfast : great God don't you burn my bread
Do
and I'm going to take my black hand razor : I'm going to cut you on your
doggone head
Now
my captain done called me : Lord and I got to go
Because
he's on his old black stallion : and he's riding from door to door
Now
I will be so glad : when my payday comes
Says
I'm getting so tired mama : rolling from sun to sun
Now
I'm going to get up in the morning : do just like old Buddy Brown
Says
I'm going to eat my breakfast : please and lay back down
��������
�������� (91300‑A) De‑7449 CC‑25
Now
my road is rocky : but it won't be rocky long
Says
I been catching the devil : ever since my good gal been gone
Says
my mama told me : Lord when I was quite a child
Son
you must always remember : Lord that you was born to die
Now
I got so many wagons : till I done cut that good road down
Because
the little woman that I been loving : said she do not even want me around
Says
she won't write me no letter : she won't send me no telegram
She
just a hard‑headed woman : and she don't even give a damn
Now
I'm going to smoke my reefer : drink my good champagne and wine
Say
I ain't going to let these hard‑headed women : make me lose my mind
��������
�������� (91331‑A) De‑7417 BC‑4
I
believe to my soul : there's a black cat sleeping under my bed
Every
time I get drunk : my woman wants to cut my head
She
keeps me running : ducking and dodging all night long
Every
time I get drunk : I don't mean to treat nobody wrong
Now
listen here mama : I ain't going to do it no more
When
I get full of my good whiskey : you got me running from door to door
Now
I'm leaving you mama : Lord and it won't be long
Now
if you don't believe I'm leaving : please count the days I'm gone
Now
just as sure as a freight train : rolls up in the yard
Says
I'm going to go far : take two dollars to send me a postal card
��������
�������� (91332‑A) De‑7417 CC‑25
Well
I dreamed last night now : that my old shack was falling down
And
when I woke up this morning : my poor head was going round and round
Now
I'm going to be a robber and a cheater : I'm going to take that to be my game
And
when I make my black money : I'm going on back home to Mary Jane
Now
when I was a schoolboy : I would not take no one's advice
Now
I'm just a broke man : nobody seems to want to treat me right
Now
my poor heart is aching : and I really don't know what to do
Says
I got a strong notion : coming right on back home to you
Now
I'm going to close conversation : and I have no more to say
And
a since I been a broke man : nobody seems to want to go my way
��������
�������� (91333‑A) De‑7390 Say SDR‑163
Some
of these days you're going to miss me : mama Lord when I'm gone
Now
just go ahead and forget it : and try to carry my good works on
Now
I'm going away mama : but I'll be back some day soon
Just
don't lose your head : let no lowdown rounder have my room
Mama
here I am : right back on the job again
Says
I've had no loving : Lord since God knows when
Now
you acted bad : and you don't obey my rules
Because
I'm back home again : I'm going to take you to a brand new school
Now
listen here mama : go ahead and set down and be yourself
But
the next time I go strolling : just try to find you someone else
��������
�������� (67344‑A) De‑7510 Say SDR‑163
Now
your ways and your actions : speaks almost as loud as words
Because
your dreamy eyes told me something : Lord that I never heard
Now
you know that you love me : mama why don't you tell me so
Because
you always hanging around : knocking on my door
Every
time I see you baby : my flesh begin to crawl
Says
why don't you be good : but my mule is kicking in your stall
How
can I miss you : mama Lord when I got dead aim
Says
I feel so different : till this old world don't look the same
Now
there's nothing that I can do : I did all in this world that I could
Now
she's gone and left me : she didn't mean me no good
��������
�������� (67346) De‑7464 Say SDR‑163
I'm
getting so tired : of running from town to town
For
when I wake up in the morning : my head is going around and around
Some
of these days : Lord and it won't be long
Says
I'm going to run lucky : and find me a happy home
Now
I'm going to keep on traveling : till *such another* comes my way
Says
my woman get a chance to see me : not until the sunshiny day
Now
I been waiting for tomorrow : look like tomorrow ain't going never come
Every
day seems like Monday : just at the rising sun
Now
my poor heart is aching : and my head can't rest no more
Says
I'm getting so tired : of running from door to door
��������
�������� (63748‑A) De‑7540 CC‑25
Says
I never missed my water : not until my well went dry
Says
I never missed sweet Annie : not until she said goodbye
Hey
Lord sweet mama : tell me when you're coming back again
Says
I ain't had none of your loving : Lord since God knows when
Now
the mailman he passed : but he did not leave no news
Says
he left me standing here : with the doggone aching‑heart blues
Well
I ain't going to be no fool man : I'm going to hold up my head and walk
Says
my woman get a chance to see me : but they all hear me when I talk
Says
I holler in the morning : I begin to moan late at night
Says
I got a hard‑hearted woman : and she don't know how to treat me right
��������
�������� (63750‑A) De‑7510 Say SDR‑163
In
the morning : right between
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
��������
�������� (63753‑A) De‑7540 CC‑25
Now
there's trouble trouble : I been having all my days
Now
it seems like troubles : going to put me in my lonesome grave
Now
my woman she got ways : just like a wildcat in the woods
She
always raising hell and disturbance : right here in my neighborhood
I'm
scared to stay here : scared to leave this old bad‑luck town
So
when I wake up every morning : my head is going round and round
Now
listen here people : I don't want no one's advice
I
done changed my way of living : going to find someone to treat me right
I'm
going to tell everybody : what bad luck I've had in my life
I'd
kill my sister and my brother : not a woman *break my line*
��������
�������� (63754‑A) De‑7464 Say SDR‑163
Now
my [old] heart is ticking : just like a clock up on the wall
Says
I tried to be good : but my woman treats me like a dog
Now
I've got my name written : right on my right arm
Every
time I want to leave : I know she's got to come back home
Now
you said that you loved me : what make you treat me so unkind
You
just old hard‑headed woman : but I believe you about to lose your mind
Now
you can tell your kid‑man : he needn't take it so doggone hard
Because
if he messes with me : going to crack him right on his nog
Now
that's all I got to say mama : I ain't going to let you worry my mind
When
I go away to leave you : I will stop by to see you sometime
��������
�������� (M‑209/10) Br‑7114 OJL‑5
Way
down in
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
��������
�������� (M‑211) Br‑7114 OJL‑5
Ain't
going to marry : neither settle down
I'm
going to stay right here : till they tear this barrelhouse down
And
I love you babe : and I tell the world I do
I
don't love nobody : whole in this round world but you
Ain't
no use of weeping : ain't no need of crying
For
you've got a home : just as long as I got mine
Is
you ever been lucky now : woke up cold in hand
I
would call that now : nothing but a monkey‑man
And
I love you baby : you so nice and brown
Because
you put it up solid : so it won't come down
Did
you get that letter now : mailed in your back yard
It's
a sad word to say : but the best of friends have to part
��������
�������� (14666) Ge‑6766 His HLP‑22
Paid
my room rent last night :
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*
��������
����� ���(14667) Ge‑6766 BC‑5
I
woke up this morning : my good gal was gone
Stood
by my bedside : and I hung my head and hung my head and moaned
I
walked down the street : I couldn't be satisfied
I
had the no no blues : I couldn't keep from I couldn't keep from crying
It
ain't none of my business : but it sure ain't right
Take
another man's gal : walk the streets all walk the streets all night
Take
a mighty *pricky* woman : to treat her good man wrong
Take
a mighty mean man : take another man's take another man's home
I'm
a stranger here : I just blowed in your town
If
I ask for a favor : don't turn me don't turn me down
I'm
long and tall : like a cannonball
Take
a long tall man : make a good gal make a good gal squall
If
I mistreat you : I don't mean no harm
Because
I'm a motherless child : don't know right from don't know right from wrong
I
ain't no gambler : and I don't play no pool
I'm
a rambling roller : jelly‑baking jelly‑baking fool
She's
low and squatty : right down on the ground
She's
a lightweighted mama : so I can bear so I can bear down
I'm
a stranger here : I come in on the train
I
long to hear : some good gal call my good gal call my name
��������
�������� (14668) Spt‑9427 Yz L‑1012
I
wonder : will a matchbox hold my dirty clothes
I
haven't got so many : but I got so far to go
Women
all singing the blues : I can't raise my right hand
What
make a woman have them blues : well you know somebody's got her man
The
blues is something : woman I ain't never had
Just
get your *best friend's good man* : and do the best you can
A
weak‑minded woman : will let a rounder tear her down
And
when she get in trouble : that rounder can't be found
She
got up last night : she crawled around my bed
Going
love you long time daddy : I guess I will see you dead
Woman
take the blues : she going to buy her a paper and read
Man
take them blues : he going to catch a train and leave
My
gal got a mouth : like a lighthouse on the sea
Every
time she smiles : she throws that light on me
��������
�������� (14892) Ge‑6812 Rt RL‑326
Bad
luck in my bed : bad luck's in my home
That's
the reason why : singing this bad‑luck moan
I
got a gal : though she's a little bit up in years
But
she sure knows how : how to shift her gears
Some
like pigmeat : but hogmeat's what I crave
I
believe : this sure going to carry me to my grave
Mmm
: mama come to my rescue
I'm
feeling so bad : till I don't know what to do
Well
the chinch has moved in : all in my room
Somebody
better come here : pretty doggone soon
��������
�������� (14894‑A) Ge‑6846 Yz L‑1012
When
a man gets down : the trouble lasts always
Your
gal will leave you : and be gone for days and days
Tell
all you women : how to make a happy home
Keep
you a workingman : and leave those sweet boys alone
There's
coming a time : these women won't need no men
Their
body washed up : and money'll come rolling in
When
you think : your women always running hand to hand
You
can bet your bottom dollar : one's got the other one's man
On
one Monday morning : on my way to school
That's
the Monday morning : I broke my mama's rule
��������
�������� (14895‑B) Ge‑6846 Her H‑201
Yonder
she goes : with a broom in her hand
Sweep
me off : for another man
��������
�������� (14896) Ge‑6751 Her H‑201
I
wonder : will a matchbox mama hold my dirty clothes
I
ain't got so many : but I got so far to go
Women
all singing the blues : I ain't raise my right hand
What
make a woman have them blues : when she knows somebody's got her man
The
blues is something : woman I ain't never had
Just
get your *best friend's good man* : and do the best you can
A
weak‑minded woman : will let a rounder tear her down
And
when she get in trouble : that rounder can't be found
She
got up last night : she crawled around my bed
Going
love you long time daddy : guess I will see you dead
Woman
take the blues : she going to buy her a paper and read
Man
take them blues : he going to catch a train and leave
My
gal got a mouth : like a lighthouse on the sea
Every
time she smiles : she throws that light on me
��������
�������� (14897) Ge‑6751 His HLP‑22
I
got a gal : she got a Rolls Royce
She
didn't get it all : by using her voice
I'm
wild about my tuni : only thing I crave
Well
sweet patuni : going to carry me to my grave
Every
time : my gal walk down the street
All
the boys holler : ain't tuni sweet
I
got a gal : she lives up on the hill
You
can't get her tuni : she got automobile
Well
I woke up this morning :
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
��������
��������� (149352‑2) Co‑14510‑D
OJL‑14
I
got the blues for my baby : she got the blues for I say me
But
I can't see my baby : and she can't see me
I'm
going to be condemned : early tomorrow I say morn
But
I am not guilty : because I ain't done nobody wrong
My
crime my crime : I really can't understand
They
got me accused of murder : and I never harmed a man
Will
you please come down : on my trial day
So
when I be condemned : you can wipe my tears away
They
ain't no need to cry : no need to weep and moan
Just
try to get somebody : to go on my bond
It's
going to be weeping : I begin to moan
Said
I'm a poor boy here : I sure ain't got no home
The
jury found me guilty : the judge say listen here
It
ain't no fine for you : get ready for the electric chair
��������
�������� (149353‑2) Co‑14510‑D
Yz L‑1006
I
done everything : a poor ??? man can do
Well
mama *done leaving* : taken no ??? on you
I
said you get blue mama : honey you can dance
But
papa done got you : you've had your last chance
You
going to miss me : baby when I'm gone
Won't
be no need : a‑sing this lonesome song
I
give you all my money : I was cold in hand
And
you spent all my money : on your other man
When
you in my presence : mama you giggles and laughs
And
tell me so many ??? : that I have no need no cash
��������
�������� (149356‑2) Co‑14481‑D
Rt RL‑313
Said
high sheriff been here : got my girl and gone
I
said isn't it lonely : since I'm all alone
Well
listen Mr : what have my baby done
I
just want to know : if she done anybody wrong
They
took her on down : to that big rock jail
And
her crime was so evil : nobody will go her bail
You
took your gun : made her raise her hand
And
you went wrong : because she ain't never harmed a man
My
babe in jail : I can't get no news
I
don't get nothing : but the mean old high sheriff blues
��������
�������� (149357‑2) Co‑14481‑D
OJL‑14
Oh
you used to told me : you could drive me like a cow
But
now you can't drive me : because you don't know how
From
now on mama : I tell you just like that
If
you hit my dog : sure going to kick your cat
From
now on mama : I ain't going to have no rule
I'm
going to get hard‑headed : and act just like a doggone mule
From
now on mama : you going to do what I say
You
must understand : you can't have your ways
From
now on mama : this way you got of doing
Sugar
you better stop that : Lord it's sure going to be your ruin
From
now on mama : starting from this very day
I'm
going to get someone : who can drive my blues away
I
want her to drive them off : so they won't come back no more
From
now on mama : I said I'm going to let you go
��������
�������� (150301‑1) Co‑14544‑D
Rt RL‑325
I
saw you doing something : don't do it no more
Because
if I catch you : baby walking slow
*Lord*
took another man : *right across my face*
Then
told me : that the one had took my place
You
say you done quit me : now what should I do
Can't
make up my mind : to love no one but you
Now
you take him for your sweet : take me to be a slave
You
better see the undertaker : get someone to dig your grave
You
say your suitcase is packed : your trunks done gone
Better
stop your bus : and bring it right back home
I
knocked on your door : and I *quit quit quit*
Begged
till daybreak : and I ain't got none yet
��������
�������� (150302‑1) Co‑14544‑D
Rt RL‑325
Big
girl I love : live on
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
��������
�������� (150303‑2) Co‑14526‑D
OJL‑14
My
baby done quit me : talked all over town
And
I'm too good a man : for to let that talk go around
Take
the shoes I bought her : bare foots on the I say ground
One
these days : Jack Frost said he sure going to tear you down
Now
Mr Mr : please spare my life
I
got four little children : I got one *bald‑*headed wife
If
I should die : in the state of
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
Said
I won't be worried : with these blues no I say more
Said
it's traintime now : *said that* ring I did adore
��������
�������� (150304‑1) Co‑14561‑D
Rt RL‑325
Baby
I been working : all this blasted year
I
want to go home : ain't got no shoes to wear
The
times so hard : can't get no work to do
And
my hard luck mama : because I ain't got no shoes
I'm
going to sit right down : hang my head and cry
I
feel just like : I could lay right down and die
Sugar
I will never : be contented here
I
am so barefooted : ain't got no shoes to wear
My
coat all busted : my pants all full of holes
Barefooted
hungry and raggedy : doggone my hard‑luck soul
��������
�������� (150305‑1) Co‑14561‑D
Rt RL‑325
I
can't sleep no more : can't get her off my mind
Know
I wants to see my baby : man only one more time
I
treated her wrong : before she left my home
I
guess I'm not her daddy : and she would not have been gone
I
didn't know I loved my baby : till she packed her trunk to leave
I
telephoned the undertaker : just come and bury me please
Might
get a black cat bone : going to bring my baby back home
Lord
and if that don't do it : might be one more rounder gone
��������
�������� (150306‑2) Co‑14526‑D
CC‑3
I
been a bad bad boy : didn't treat nobody right
They
want to give me thirty‑five years : some want to turn out my light
Judge
please don't kill me : I won't be bad no more
And
I will listen to anybody : something I ain't never done before
I'm
sitting here in prison : with my black cap on
I
want to speak to all you fast fellows : that you are in the wrong
Well
I'm so sorry : every day that I was born
But
God remember this : even when I'm gone
When
they get you in jail : with your back turned to the wall
I
ain't going to sing no more : baby that is all
�������� Birmingham, Ala., c. 15 Aug. 1927
�������� (GEX‑803) Ge‑6261
OJL‑14
Take
your picture : make it in a frame
When
you're gone : I'll see you just the same
Believe
to my soul : my girl got a black cat bone
Treat
me mean : and I won't let her alone
See
that spider : climbing up the wall
Hunt
some place : to get his ashes hauled
Treat
my slippers : with some *hog eye* lard
Hear
me tipping : towards my good gal's yard
Mama
mama : please let me alone
In
the corner : can get what I want
��������
�������� (GEX‑804‑A) Ge‑6261
Rt RL‑313
If
you want a good woman : go to the Larkin Dam
You
want to ruin your woman : take her to
Have
you ever waked up babe : between
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
��������
�������� (13718‑1) Vo‑02531 Rt RL‑329
I'm
got two women in the country : I'm got two women stays in town
Reason
I consider it so careful : because men don't dog me around
They
may be brownskin woman : with
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
��������
�������� (13729‑1) Vo‑02531 Yz L‑1021
I'm
going to leave here walking : going down Number Sixty‑One
If
I find my baby : we are going to have some fun
I
walked
*Every
time* that M and O : when she came on that
That
It
runs to
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
��������
�������� (39784‑2) Vi‑20962 Rt RL‑318
Who's
going to be : in the second bamalong
Been
to the nation : and I just got back
Didn't
get no money : but I'll go to *there*
If
you didn't want me : don't you dog me around
I
didn't come here : to be nobody's dog
Just
as sure as the sun : sets in the golden west
I
got the one : that I love the best
�������� Charlotte, N.C., 9 Aug. 1927
�������� (39785‑1) Vi‑20962 Rt RL‑326
Thought
I heard : old K C when it blowed
She
blowed like : it never blowed before
Oh
it's coming a time : when a woman won't need no man
Honey
I love : God knows I do
Sister
: give me that long‑distance phone
I'm
going to talk : to that brown of mine
�������� Richmond, Ind., c. Aug. 1928
�������� (14161‑A) Ge‑6607 OJL‑6
I've
got the blues : on my mother's knee
And
I know : she's got the blues for me
I've
been thinking all day : thinking of the past
And
I'm thinking : of my mother last
I
received a letter : what do you suppose it read
Said
come home : your poor old mother's dead
Said
I grabbed a train : I went home a‑flying
She
wasn't dead : but she was slowly dying
Said
run here daughter : fall down on your knees
Won't
you song : Nearer My God to Thee
Fell
down on my knees : I begin to moan
Yes
dear mother : I'll try to sing that song
The
tears rolled out : like a black shower of rain
Goodbye
mother : I won't see you again
Then
I scampered away : with fear in my heart
I
had no mother : here to take my part
�������� Richmond, Ind., c. Aug. 1928
�������� (14162) Ge‑6624 OJL‑6
I
been drifting and rolling : along the road
Looking
: for my room and board
Like
a log : I've been jammed on the bank
So
hungry : I grew lean and lank
Get
me a pick and shovel : dig down in the ground
Going
to keep on digging : till the blues come down
I've
got the blues : for my sweet man in jail
Now
the judge : won't let me go his bail
I've
been rolling and drifting : from shore to shore
Going
to fix it : so I won't have to drift no more
�������� Richmond, Ind., c. Aug. 1928
�������� (14163‑A) Ge‑6624 OJL‑6
I'm
going away : it won't be long
I
know you'll miss me : from singing this lonesome song
I'm
going away : mmm I won't be long
And
then you know : you must have done me wrong
My
daddy got ways : like a baby child
Those
doggone ways : are driving me wild
Those
doggone ways : are driving me wild
And
that is why : you never see poor Lottie smile
My
heart aches so : I can't be satisfied
I
believe : I'll take a train and ride
I
believe : I'll take a train and ride
Because
I miss my cruel daddy : from my side
I've
got Cadillac ways : got some super ideas
I
can't see : what brought me here
I
can't see : what brought me here
It
must have been : this new canned city beer
I'm
lame and blind : can't hardly see
My
doggone daddy : turned his back on me
Because
I'm lame : I can't hardly see
I
ain't got nobody : to really comfort me
�������� Kansas City, early Nov. 1929
�������� (KC‑604‑ ) Br‑7147
Yz L‑1018
I'm
going away : it won't be long
I
know you'll miss me : from singing this lonesome song
I'm
going away : it won't be long
And
then you know : you must have done me wrong
My
daddy got ways : like a baby child
Those
doggone ways : are driving me wild
Those
doggone ways : are driving me wild
And
that is why : you never see poor Lottie smile
My
heart aches so : I can't be satisfied
I
believe : I'll take a train and ride
I
believe : I'll take a train and ride
Because
I miss my cruel daddy : from my side
I've
got Cadillac ways : got some super ideas
I
can't see : what brought me here
I
can't see : what brought me here
It
must have been : this new canned city beer
I'm
lame and blind : can't hardly see
My
doggone daddy : turned his back on me
I'm
lame : I can't hardly see
I
ain't got nobody : to really comfort me
�������� Kansas City, early Nov. 1929
�������� (KC‑605‑ ) Br‑7147
Yz L‑1018
I
been rolling and drifting : along the road
Just
looking : for my room and board
Like
a log : I've been jammed on the bank
So
hungry : I grew lean and lank
Get
me a pick and shovel : dig down in the ground
Going
to keep on digging : till the blues come down
I've
got the blues : for my sweet man in jail
And
the judge : won't let me go his bail
I've
been rolling and drifting : along the road
Going
to fix it : I won't have to drift no more
�������� Long Island City, c. Sept. 1928
�������� (171‑A) QRS‑R7007 His HLP‑21
Is
it hopeless : when I lost my best friend
Lord
in my *doorbox* : is a call to him
Lowdown
mean and hopeless : is just the way I feel
I
can see from now on : all *luck flee* from me
Love
sure have : made a fool out of me
Since
my daddy left me : I'm hopeless as can be
???
: I sure can't find
Ooh
: I can't get this daddy off my mind
Lonesome
for you in my heart : way down in my ???ee
I
want somebody to help me : if you ??? please
�������� Long Island City, c. Sept. 1928
�������� (172‑A) QRS‑R7007 His HLP‑21
I
love my daddy : better than I love myself
And
I love *them* more : swear he can't be *less*
Get
away from my window : stop knocking on my door
I
got a brand new papa : I can't use you no more
If
you see me stealing : please don't tell on me
I'm
just stealing from my regular : back to my used‑to‑be
I
ain't good‑looking : I don't dress so fine
I'm
just a big fat mama : I'm just taking my time
Have
you ever seen sweet potatoes : growing on a vine
If
you take a peep in my back yard : better take a look at mine
�������� Long Island City, c. Sept. 1928
�������� (175‑ ) QRS‑R7009 His HLP‑21
There's
a certain girl : name is Suley Brown
She
win a big fortune : shaking him down
Every
time he shake it : makes you feel young
I
could see him shake it : the whole night long
Oh
don't be ashamed : to shake it so
Shake
it : till they say
If
you be in a gym : and want to reduce
Oh
shake it yourself gals : put it on a juice
You
can shake : just like it would shake a tree
The
way you shake it : it's pleasing me
Just
let me tell you : a thing or two
A
plenty of people shake it : but not like you
Oh
shake it : you know just what I mean
You
are what I call : real shaking scene
Let
me see you shake it : once more again
I
spent all my money : to ??? that thing
�������� Long Island City, c. Sept. 1928
�������� (176‑A) QRS R7009 His HLP‑21
If
that were me : and me was it
I
was so glad : to get rid of it
I
can use a man : when it amuses me
Because
a happy man : I never did meet
At
first you think : that he is great
But
you will find out : that always ain't
One
time : he could put it on strong
But
I think : those days now gone
�������� Chicago, c. Sept. 1927
�������� (4816‑3) Pm‑12524 OJL‑14
Used
to be my sugar : you ain't sweet no more
Because
you mistreated me : and you throwed me from your door
Mama
my cot's ready : keep it for myself
Mama
I done got tired : of sleeping by myself
Mama
didn't like me : papa give me ways
That's
the very reason : I'm a wandering child today
Talk
about your sure love : just ought to meet mine
She
ain't so good‑looking : but she do just fine
She
stood on the corner : *see she going to steal that* man
And
a blind man see her : dumb man call her name
Dumb
man asked her : who your [man, regular] can be
And
the blind man looked at you : sure look good to me
�������� Chicago, c. Sept. 1927
�������� (4817‑3) Pm‑12524 OJL‑14
Jellyroll
jellyroll : jellyroll is so hard to find
Ain't
a baker in town : can bake a sweet jellyroll like mine
I
got to go to Cincinnati : just to have my hambone boiled
Womens
in Alabama : going to let my hambone spoil
Well
she's mine and she's yours : and she's somebody else's too
Don't
you mention about rolling : because she'll play her trick on you
That's
the way that's the way : these barefooted soul'll do
They
will get your money : and they'll have a man on you
You
come home at night : she got a towel on her head
Don't
you mention about rolling : because she swear she nearly dead
Jellyroll
jellyroll : well you see what you went and done
You
done had my grandpa : now you got his youngest son
I'm
getting tired of walking : I believe I'll fly awhile
I'm
getting tired of women : telling me their lies
I
wonder : what made grandpa hey love your grandma so
She
got the same jellyroll : she had forty years ago
�������� Chicago, c. Sept. 1927
�������� (4820‑1) Pm‑12546 Yz L‑1006
That
same train : same engineer
Took
my woman away Lord : left me standing here
My
girl caught a passenger : I caught the mamlish blinds
Hey
you can't quit me : ain't no need a‑trying
Hey
Mr conductor : let a broke man ride your blinds
You
better buy you a ticket : know this train ain't mine
I
just want to blind it : from this half‑good town
When
she blows for the crossing : I'm going ease it on
I
pray to the Lord : that Southern would wreck
*Till
they* kill that fireman : break that engineer's neck
I
stand here : looking up at the rising sun
Some
train don't run : why be some walking done
�������� Chicago, c. Sept. 1927
�������� (4822‑1) Pm‑12546 OJL‑14
Well
I saw the Frisco : when she left the yard
When
that train pull out babe : it nearly broke my heart
They's
two trains running : none of them going my way
I'm
going to leave here walking : on this very day
Well
there's one thing I don't like : about the railroad track
They'll
take your rider : never bring her back
Honey
where were you babe : when the Frisco left the yard
I
was on the corner : police had me barred
�������� Atlanta, 4 Dec. 1930
�������� (151037‑2) Co‑14595‑D
Rt RL‑325
Look
here woman : making me mad
Done
bringing me something : somebody done had
Let
me tell you : what these women do
Go
out and get something : bring it home to you
Now
you need not think : because you look cute
I've
got to put up : with the way you do
The
woman I love : she's long and tall
When
she grab you and shake you : you bound to fall
Now
bring this thing : down to a test
A
long tall man : you know's the best
A
short stubble man : go bumpty bump
Because
he ain't got the movements : in his hump
Know
what you been doing : by the whiff of your jaw
*My*
??? :
You
need not come here : you ain't not get none of mine
You
left a man on the doorstep : hollering and crying
�������� Atlanta, 4 Dec. 1930
������ ��(151038‑2) Co‑14595‑D Rt RL‑325
Now
you need not think : because you're black
I'm
going to beg you : to take me back
No
you need not think : because I look green
I
ain't never been : down in New Orleans
I
went down the road : that smoky road
Like
to brought me back : on a cooling board
See
that woman : all dressed in red
Cause
a man : to kill you dead
You
see that woman : all dressed in blue
You
can't put up : with the way she do
See
that woman : all dressed in white
She
get your five dollars : she won't treat you right
Run
to town : hurry back
Buddy
got a girl : I really like
See
that woman : all dressed in dark
Things
will look better : in the Washington Park
You
need not think : because you look sweet
You
can make : a fool of me
Every
time : I go to town
Meet
my gal : hanging around
Girl
I love : ain't no fool
Big
as an elephant : strong as a mule
�������� Knoxville, Tenn., c. Sept. 1930
�������� (K‑127‑ ) Vo‑1464
OJL‑18
Railroad
Bill : ought to be killed
Never
worked : and he never will
Railroad
Bill : done took my wife
Threatened
to kill me : that he would take my life
Going
up the mountain : take my stand
Forty‑one
derringer : in my right and left hand
Going
up the mountain : going out west
Forty‑one
derringer : sticking in my breast
Buy
me a gun : just as long as my arm
Kill
everybody : ever done me wrong
Buy
me a gun : with a shiny barrel
Kill
somebody : about my good‑looking gal
Got
a thirty‑eight special : on a forty‑four frame
How
in the world can I miss him : when I've got dead aim
When
I went to the doctor : asked him what the matter could be
Said
if you don't stop drinking son : it'll kill you dead
Going
to drink my liquor : drink it and win
Doctor
said it will kill me : but he never said when
If
the river was brandy : and I was a duck
I'd
sink to the bottom : and I'd never come up
Honey
honey : do you think of me
Times
have caught me : living on pork and beans
Son
you talk about your honey : you ought to see mine
She's
humpbacked bow‑legged : crippled and blind
Honey
honey : do you think I'm a fool
Think
I'm going to quit you : while the weather is cool
Honey
honey : quit your worrying me
It's
going through the world : in my heart disease
Going
up the mountain : *do everything*
Go
through the world :
�������� Knoxville, Tenn., c. Sept. 1930
�������� (K‑128‑ ) Vo‑1464 Rt
RL‑334
All
I want is a new pair of shoes : that is all I pray
Some
old place I can go : to lay my weary head
???
*dissatisfied* : any old place to be
For
any old where I hangs my hat : is home sweet home to me
I
don't need no real estate : and neither no ??? *long*
All
I want is a place to stay : I can call my home
I
say goodbye hard luck hello joy : here I come for tea
For
I didn't bring nothing to this old world : and I can't carry nothing away
�������� Chicago, c. Oct. 1928
�������� (20922‑1) Pm‑12707 Yz L‑1035
Down
to the depot mama Lord : I looked up on the board
Lord
I asked the ticket agent : how long the southbound train been gone
Got
my ticket Lord Lord : conductor can I ride
Lord
I want to *get to* that basement : I'll be satisfied
Sweety
in the basement mama Lord : sweet as she can be
Lord
she is low and she is squatty : she's all right with me
Down
to the railroad mama Lord : and I looked up at the sun
Lord
if the train don't come : there's going to be some walking done
Don't
want no woman Lord Lord : *declare I'll stay at home*
Because
she will hide in the bushes : she is hard to find
�������� Chicago, c. Oct. 1928
�������� (20923‑2) Pm‑12707 Yz L‑1011
Starvation
in my kitchen : rent sign's on my door
And
if my luck don't change : I can't stay at my home no more
And
I got up this morning : just about the dawn of day
Mean
I ain't got no job : I ain't got no place to stay
Lord
I walked to a store : I ain't got a dime
When
I asked for a darn neckbone : the clerk don't pay me no mind
Lord
Lord : mama some old rainy day
Mean
my luck going to change : and I going to be treated this a‑way
�������� New York, 9 Apr. 1930
�������� (9595‑1) Ba‑0712 Yz L‑1011
Listen
everybody : from near and far
You
want to know : just who we are
Now
if you like : the way we play
Listen
boy : we'll try to stay
We'll
make you loose : we'll make you tight
Make
you shake it : till broad daylight
I
would never do brag : never do boast
Played
this tune : from coast to coast
Now
if you like this tune : think it's fine
Set
right down : and drop a line
Sometime
: we're down your way
We'll
drop in : and spend the day
Now
some want to know : just what you got
Got
good okra man : serve it hot
Now
we ain't good‑looking : and we don't dress fine
The
way we whip it : it's a hanging crime
If
you see me stealing : don't tell on me
Just
stealing : back to my used‑to‑be
We
never have one gal : at a time
Always
have : seven eight or nine
�������� New York, 9 Apr. 1930
�������� (9600‑1) Pe‑187 Yz L‑1035
Got
up this morning : with the same thing on my mind
And
the girl I'm loving : but she don't pay me no mind
Lord
my girl caught the train : and she left me a mule to ride
When
the train turn the corner : got a note my black mule died
Just
as sure as the grape vine : grows all around that stump
Said
I want you and I need you : mama to be my sugar lump
Just
as sure as the rabbit : mama plays on your grandma's farm
Said
I done got tired : of that stuff you been carrying on
Now
you see me coming : now mama heist your window high
But
you know I'm going to leave you : girl I know you're going to grieve and cry
I've
got so many wagons : it done run my good road down
And
I got so many women : till the men don't want me around
�������� New York, 9 Apr. 1930
�������� (9601‑2) Pe‑157 Yz L‑1011
Got
up this morning : about half past four
Somebody's
knocking : on my back door
Some
of these mornings : mama it won't be long
You
going to call me baby : and I'll be gone
Your
right foot in mama : your left one out
Your
time baby : and move your body about
Get
me a picket : off of my back fence
Whop
you on your head : until you learn some sense
�������� Richmond, Ind., 2 May 1930
�������� (16569) Ge‑7230 Yz L‑1011
Now
listen here my baby : tell you what I want you to do
Want
you treat me mama : like I do you
Because
I can't be satisfied : and I can't be satisfied
And
I can't mistreat her : not to please nobody's mind
Now
I love my sweety : tell you the reason why
My
baby got something : to satisfy my mind
Lord
starvation's in my kitchen : rent sign's on my door
Good
girl told me : she can't use me no more
I'm
leaking at the heart : bleeding at the nose
Good
girl told me : she can't use me no more
Got
on my high‑cut stockings : low cut shoes
Mama
and I ain't ??? : ??? sure can use
Now
look a‑here boys : ain't this rich
I
got to pay my wife : for everything I get
�������� Richmond, Ind., 2 May 1930
�������� (16573) Ge‑7210 Yz L‑1035
I
got up this morning : mama about half past four
Somebody
was knocking : on my back door
Some
of these mornings : mama it won't be long
You
going to call me babe : and I'll be gone
Down
in Mississippi mama : doing very well
Now
I went up north with you ma : I ain't doing so well
Get
me a picket : off of my back fence
Whop
you on the head : until you learn some sense
�������� New York, 15 Sept. 1930
�������� (10031‑2) Ba‑32138 Yz L‑1035
Pussy
cat pussy cat : where have you been so long
Lord
the mouse done been here : packed his grip and gone
Pussy
cat pussy cat : why don't you stay at home
You
sleep all day : run up the alley all night long
�������� Richmond, Ind., 19 Nov. 1930
�������� (17281) Ch‑16327 Yz L‑1011
If
you got money in the bank : don't let your woman draw it out
Because
she'll spend your money : then she will throw you out
Oh
Lord Lord Lord : crying Lord Lordy Lord
Said
I used to be your regular : now I've got to be your dog
You
were the cause got me broke : how can you be so mean
Say
you taken all my money : give it to your no‑good man
Said
I have had money : but now I'm cold in hand
Says
and the woman that I'm loving : living with another man
Says
I know my baby : she sure going to jump and shout
When
I get down to the bank : and draw my money out
�������� Richmond, Ind., 9 Feb. 1932
�������� (18385) Ch‑16400 Yz L‑1035
Lord
my hair is a‑rising : my flesh begin to crawl
I
had a dream last night babe : another mule in my doggone stall
And
it's some people said : these Big Bill blues ain't bad
Lord
it must not have been : them Big Bill blues I had
Lord
I wonder what's the matter : Papa Bill can't get no mail
Lord
the post office must be on fire : and the mailman must undoubtedly be in jail
I
can't be your wagon : cinch I ain't going to be your mule
I
ain't going to fix up your black *tarnation* : I ain't going to be your doggone
fool
�������� Richmond, Ind., 9 Feb. 1932
�������� (18392) Ch‑16426 Yz L‑1035
I
got up this morning : hear the train whistle blow
Lord
I thought about my baby : I sure did want to go
Lord
I grabbed up my suitcase : I *dropped it on the floor*
I
could see the conductor : he waving his hands to go
I
said Mr conductor man : I want to talk to you
I
want to ride your train : from here to Bugaloo
I'm
leaving this morning : man I ain't got my fare
But
I will shovel coal in your engine : till your train get me there
Crying
please Mr conductor man : please take my last thin dime
Lord
I got a woman in Bugaloo waiting : man I can't lose no time
When
the bell started ringing : conductor hollered all aboard
Lord
I picked up my suitcase : start walking down the road
I'm
leaving this morning : I sure don't want to go
Lord
and the woman I been loving : she don't want me no more
�������� New York, 29 Mar. 1932
�������� (16606‑?) Ba‑32559 Yz L‑1035
I
made a long day : walking along and crying
I
lost my baby : can't be satisfied
When
you get in trouble : haven't got a friend
Just
take it easy : they'll need your help again
Now
ain't it hard : to live alone
Just
as hard to be married : and break up your home
But
that's all right : that's all right for you
You
need me some morning : when I won't need you
When
I was down : lost my wife and my friend
When
I got my money : they all come back again
Well
money and pretty women : running hand in hand
When
they raising a squabble : taking some woman's man
�������� New York, 29 Mar. 1932
�������� (11610‑2) Ba‑32653 Yz L‑1035
If
you got a good bullcow : better feed him every day
Because
may come along some young cow : and tow your bull away
Leave
you bull in a pasture : where there ain't no grass
But
you women all thought you loved me : look like every minute going to be my last
Oh
babe : don't mean your bull no good
Why
don't you rub your bullcow and pet him : tell him what you want your bull to do
Babe
your bull got a horn mama : as long as your right arm
Lord
if you play with my horn baby : make you break up your happy home
Babe
you may be beautiful : you got to die some day
So
you well as to give me some of your loving : before you pass away
I
got four feet to walk on : tail to shake if it's all night long
Lord
at daybreak call me baby : you'll find your bullcow gone
�������� New York, 29 Mar. 1932
�������� (11611‑2) Ba‑32436 Yz L‑1011
Why
don't you tell me loving mama : how you want your rolling done
Lord
I'll give you satisfaction : now if it's all night long
Lord
I got up this morning : just about the break of day
Lord
I'm thinking about my baby : Lord the one that went away
Lord
I got me a little old brownskin : just as sweet as she can be
Lord
she low and she squatty : but she's all right with me
Now
you can put me in the alley : my gal is name is Sally
You
wake me up in the morning : mama I still got that old habit
Won't
you tell me : how you want it done
Lord
I'll give you satisfaction : now if it's all night long
Lord
it's some of these old mornings : Lordy know it won't be long
Lord
I know you going to call me : baby Lord and I'll be gone
�������� New York, 30 Mar. 1932
�������� (11617‑1) Ba‑33085 Yz L‑1011
Got
a long tall mama : she stands about seven feet nine
And
when she get to loving : holler papa won't you take your time
Oh
when she start to loving : she sure can do her stuff
And
she squeezing so tight : holler mama Lordy that's enough
Got
a brand new movement : one that she calls her own
And
when she start to kissing : make a poor man leave his home
And
she do a little of this : and mama and she do a little of that
And
when she put on full steam : make a freight train jump a track
Said
she's long and tall : and half as sweet as she can be
To
satisfy that woman : takes more than a bumblebee
�������� Chicago, 23 Mar. 1934
�������� (80395‑1) Ba‑32670 Yz L‑1011
Mississippi
River : is so long deep and wide
I
can't see my good gal : standing on that other side
I
was crying and I called : I could not make my baby hear
Lord
I'm going to get me a boat mama : paddle on down from here
Ain't
it hard to love someone : when they are so far from you
Lord
I'm going to get me a boat : and paddle this old river through
I
went down to the landing : to see if any boats was there
And
the ferryman told me : could not find no boats nowhere
The
big boat is up the river : a‑turning around and around
Lord
I'm going to get me a good girl : or jump overboard and drown
�������� Chicago, 20 June 1935
�������� (C‑1020‑B) ARC‑5‑12‑65
Yz L‑1035
It's
a little train leaving out of here : they call the C and A
Going
to take me home baby : I'm going home to stay
Because
I'm leaving in the morning : Lord on that C and A
Babe
I'm going back to St Louis : I'm going there to stay
Now
my baby got unruly : she left from home
What
she going to come back and say : when she find her daddy gone
My
woman walks around : with her mouth poked out
She
won't tell nobody : what it's all about
Now
pack up my clothes : shove into your door
I'm
leaving this morning mama : I won't be back no more
Now
it's C for Chicago : A for Arkan
Why
did I leave you baby : because I'm tired of taking you dogging
�������� Chicago, 31 Oct. 1935
�������� (96230‑1) BB B6188 RBF RF‑16
Boy
she strictly tailor‑made : boy she ain't no hand‑me‑down
Catch
you messing with her boy : I sure shoot you down
She
got them little bitty hands : them great big legs
She
sure looks good : because everybody says it
She
got them real dark eyes : now real curly hair
Big
Bill is going to follow : that woman everywhere
You
can look her up : and you can look her down
She
got a heaven boy : ain't never been found
Ah
watch her boy : as she pass by
Because
the day I catch you with her : boy that's the day you're going to die
������ ��Chicago, 31 Oct. 1935
�������� (96232‑1) BB B6230 Yz L‑1011
Now
I know a little girl : about sixteen years old
She
said Bill stop drinking : and I will satisfy your soul
Now
my woman told me : about fifteen years ago
Bill
you going to drink one of these mornings : and you'll never drink no more
Now
I wake up in the morning : holding a bottle tight
When
I lay down at night : mama just a gallon out of sight
Yes
I went to the doctor : with my head in my hand
The
doctor said Big Bill : I think I'll have to give you monkey glands
Now
my woman told me to stop drinking : and come on home
Said
if you don't Big Bill : some other man will carry your business on
�������� Chicago, 9 Dec. 1935
�������� (C‑890‑3) ARC unissued Rt
RL‑316
I'm
a rustling man : I rustle night and day
Just
as soon as I get my money : I won't have to rustle this a‑way
A
rustling man : have a hard time in this town
Because
when you get broke and down baby : your friends all turn you down
I
am a rustling man : I go from town to town
I
believe I will get married : married Lord and settle down
I've
traveled and traveled : mama I mean this whole world through
I
haven't found nothing : boy for a poor rustling man to do
�������� Chicago, 17 Apr. 1940
�������� (WC‑3034‑A) Vo‑05563
RBF RF‑16
Going
to tell you women : and it goes for the men
Don't
fool with me : because you sure can't win
You's
all right baby : but your line's too short
Give
me back my hat and shoes : now baby I bought
You
may be fat : woman slim or tall
I've
got something gal : that can kick in your stall
I
asked my wife : where she had been all night
She
said what you car : long as I treat you right
Going
to tell you baby : like the farmer told his potato
I'm
going to plant you now woman : but I will dig you later
�������� Chicago, 17 Apr. 1940
�������� (WC‑3036‑A) Vo‑05563
RBF RF‑16
I
listened to my baby : when she was telling me her dreams
Lord
everything now : baby would be peaches and cream
I
had money on the horses : money on one two three
Now
my water got muddy : and my horse run into a stream
Now
when I had money : I had friends and a real good home
Lord
I done lost my money : babe my friends and home is gone
Lord
my mother tried : Lord to make me do right
Lord
I would stay drunk all day : baby and I wouldn't come home at night
Lord
if I had a‑listened to my mother : Lord what she say
Lord
I would not have been here no : baby laying in this old hospital bed
�������� Chicago, 2 May 1941
�������� (C‑3745‑1) OK‑06242
RBF RF‑1
I've
got the key to the highway : and I'm booked out and bound to go
I'm
going to leave here running : because walking is most too slow
I'm
going down on Florida : now where I'm better known
Because
woman you don't do nothing : drive a good man away from home
Now
when the moon peeps over the mountain : I'll be on my way
Now
I'm going to walk this old highway : until the break of day
Run
here sweet mama : run and help me with this heavy load
I'm
due in West Texas : and I got to get on the road
I'm
going to West Texas : I'm going down behind the sun
I'm
going to ask the good Lord : what evil have I done
�������� Atlanta, 29 Oct. 1928
�������� (147323‑2) Co‑14381‑D
Yz L‑1016
Yond
comes a woman : with a peck of corn on her back
I'm
going to stick around here : and I'm going to try and keep her from carrying it
back
Now
lady I ain't no mill man : just a mill man's son
But
I can do your grinding : till the mill man comes
I
want you to tell me pretty lady : how you want your grinding done
Said
I want it fixed up baby : just like your daddy done
Said
: I ain't going to talk no more
Since
you told how you want it fixed baby : just like my daddy done
Many
nights I rambled : and I hid out the whole night long
Trying
to teach my woman : how to do right from wrong
Now
mmm : mmm
Said
I'm worried now baby : won't be worried long
�������� Atlanta, 29 Oct. 1928
�������� (147325‑1) Co‑14418‑D
His HLP‑5
Now
T for Texas : and T for Tennessee
I'm
not after your woman : man she's after me
And
I went up on a mountain : and I looked down a little old hole
And
I seen two monkeys : doing the sweet jellyroll
Now
look here baby : look what you've done done
You
done made me like you : now your man's done come
And
I went up on a mountain : and I looked down in the sea
And
I seen two monkeys : playing around after me
�������� Atlanta, 29 Oct. 1928
�������� (147326‑1) Co‑14418‑D
His HLP‑5
I
went up on a mountain : just to see what I could see
And
I seen two monkey‑women : climbing up a tree
I
want you women : to strictly understand
When
my mother raised me : she didn't raise no monkey‑man
Now
one two three : four five six
I'm
going to Chattanooga : get my hambone fixed
Said
I went up to my girl's house : and I tipped right through the hall
I
looked in through the keyhole : there's another nigger in my stall
�������� Richmond, Ind., 29 July 1929
�������� (15396‑A) Ge‑7040 Yz L‑1009
Oh
yes pretty mama : have no money to pay
Better
get you a wood‑chopper : to back up in your stall
You
better go the the doctor : get you a seasick pill
I've
been in pretty mama : and I won't be back no more
If
I call around pretty mama : will you let me park
???‑hearted
woman : that man got nothing that he wants fixed
I
can't help you woman : gasman got no jellyroll
I
can't help it pretty mama : the gasman don't take no chance
�������� San Antonio, 20 Nov. 1936
�������� (SA‑2551‑1) Vo‑03417
BC‑7
You
never have nothing : long as you live in Sugarland
Because
you working for a woman : and a sweetback man
I
dump sugar all day : clean until broad daylight
I
done everything for that woman : still she don't treat me right
I'm
going to stop working baby : get yourself another man
Because
I've got another woman : you'll have to do the best you can
I
work for you in the winter : I work for you in the ice and snow
And
baby you told me : you didn't want me no more
It
done come summertime : and I ain't going to work no more
Because
I've got another woman : baby and I'm going to let you go
�������� Chicago, 15 Feb. 1937
�������� (61795‑A) De‑7307 BC‑5
Flying
Crow leave Port Arthur : why they come in Shreveport to change their crew
They'll
take water in Texarkana : and for Ashtown they'll keep on through
Twenty‑five
minutes from evening : for a cup of coffee and a slice of cake
Flying
Crow is heading for
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
��������
�������� (145361‑3) Co‑14429‑D
His HLP‑5
See
the train : weaving up and down the track
Said
I won't be dead : just ain't coming back
When
you see a train mama : come weaving up and down the line
Said
I'm bound to get a letter : from that cheating brown of mine
Well
I'm going away mama : won't be back till fall
And
if I get kind of lucky : won't be back at all
I'm
going to write a letter : mail it in the air
I'm
going to find this gal : she's in the world somewhere
Don't
you see mama : see what you done done
You
made me love you : now your man done come
Mmm
: I won't be here long
In
a few more days : up the road I'm going
Said
I'm going away mama : make it lonesome here
I
said mmm : what you got on your mind
I
got a mind to ramble : mind to leave this town
��������
�������� (145366‑2) Co‑14291‑D
Fly LP‑103
I'm
going away tomorrow mama : going out on the cue
And
if I find anything : coming back after you
It's
soon one morning : I heard a panther squall
Tell
your mama caught the local : you catch the Cannonball
Tell
you my man caught the local : I caught on behind
Say
now you can't leave me : 'tain't no need of crying
Mmm
pretty mama : ain't going to be here long
You
: and you treated me wrong
When
I leave from here : going out on the O
I
don't find no log camp : I'll find a gravel camp sure
Mmm
what's the matter here
Ain't
nothing going on wrong : but mama I don't care
Mmm
: don't need you nohow
When
I had you black gal : you didn't have nobody nohow
�������� Memphis, 10 Dec. 1927
�������� (145367‑2) Co‑14291‑D
Rt RL‑327
Hey
hey hey : corn liquor in my bones
Now
hurry up here you gals : and get me a barrel
I'm
going to make corn liquor : for to tickle you gals
I
went home last night : about half past four
I
seen corn liquor : running out my back door
And
it's mmm mama : what's the matter now
Now
pick me up mama : put me in your bed
Corn
liquor : is going all through your sweet daddy's head
Now
mama when I die : I want you to bury me deep
I
want you to put corn liquor : at my head and feet
I
want you to put one bottle : in my hand
So
I can drink my way : to the Promised Land
Oh
Lord mama when I die : I want you to bury me low
So
these corn liquor gals : know I ain't coming here no more
Now
mama ashes to ashes : and dust to dust
Corn
liquor daddy : done *push his first*
Now
if anybody ask you : who composed this song
Tell
them it's corn liquor daddy : he's been here and gone
Mmm
: corn liquor on my mind
If
you catch me out drinking : I'm not drinking just to keep from crying
�������� Memphis, 4 Oct. 1929
�������� (56346‑1) Vi‑V38558 Rt RL‑337
I
thought I heard that K C : when she blowed
And
she blowed : like my woman's on board
When
I get back : on that K C road
Going
to love my baby : like I never loved before
��� �����Memphis, 4 Oct. 1929
�������� (56346‑2) Vi V38558 Fwy FA‑2953
I
thought I heard : that K C when she blowed
And
she blowed like : my woman's on board
When
I get back : on that K C road
Going
to love my baby : like I never loved before
�������� Memphis, 4 Oct. 1929
�������� (56347‑2) Vi‑V38578 Rt RL‑311
I
said my woman : had a falling out
People
in town : want to know what it was all about
Yes
I whipped my woman : with a singletree
You
ought a‑heard her hollering : don't you murder me
Yes
I went to the Gypsy : to get my fortune told
The
Gypsy told me something : I didn't want no one to know
Yes
I went to my back door : and that ??? was locked
I
went to that front door : you know the ??? was locked
Now
don't you wish : your easy roller was little and cute like mine
Every
time she walks : she leaves a lot behind
�������� Indianapolis, c. June 1928
�������� (IND‑624‑ ) Vo‑1192
Yz L‑1019
Mmm
: baby don't you want to go
Pack
your little suitcase : papa's going to Kokomo
Mmm
: baby where you been so long
I
can tell mama : there's something going on wrong
Mmm
: baby you don't know you don't know
Papa's
already : going back to Kokomo
And
me and my baby : had a falling out last night
???
: my babe won't treat me right
Mmm
: baby what's the matter now
Trying
to quit your daddy : baby but you don't know how
And
I'll sing this verse : baby I can't sing no more
My
train is ready : and I'm going to Kokomo
�������� Indianapolis, c. June 1928 :
�������� (IND‑625‑ ) Vo‑1192
Yz L‑1019
Early
one morning : on my way to the penal farm
Baby
all I've done : ain't done nothing wrong
Loaded
in the *dog* wagon : and down the road we go
Oh
baby : oh baby you don't know
Into
the office : then to the bathhouse below
And
with a light shower : baby we change our clothes
All
last night : baby it seemed so long
All
I've done : I ain't done nothing wrong
I'll
tell you people : the penal farm is a lonesome place
And
no one there : to smile up in your face
Oh
baby baby : it won't be so long now
Before
your daddy : he will be coming home
Oh
baby baby : won't you come after me
My
time is up : and penal farm has set me free
������� �Chicago, c. 17 Aug. 1928
�������� (C‑2229‑ ) Vo‑1213
Yz L‑1019
When
trouble starts : it stops at my front door
I've
had more trouble : than ever in my life before
I
wonder why : troubles keeps on worrying me
I'd
just soon have my body : baby buried in the sea
I
had trouble this morning : mailman didn't leave no mail
I
can't see my baby : she's all locked up in jail
When
trouble starts : it lasted so long
Look
like everything happened : and everything goes wrong
Tell
me baby : what trouble have done to me
Come
and got my regular : then took my used‑to‑be
�������� Chicago, c. 17 Aug. 1928
�������� (C‑2230‑ ) Vo‑1213
Yz L‑1019
I
can get my money : but trouble won't let it stay
Trouble
gets on me : and my money gets away
I
wonder why : trouble keeps on worrying me
I'd
just soon : have my body baby buried in the sea
Trouble
in the morning : noon and night
Seemed
like I'm treated : every way but right
When
trouble gets on me : it never ends
I
get out of one thing : and back into something else again
Nobody
knows : the trouble I do see
Nobody
knows : but the good Lord and me
�������� Richmond, Ind., 24 Nov. 1931
�������� (18216) Ch‑16370 BC‑6
I
woke up this morning : with rambling on my mind
And
I lit out to walking : just to pass away the time
I
rambled all night long : and I'm rambling again today
All
I need is someone : drive my blues away
Come
here baby : and let me be your man
I
may not suit you : but I'll do the best I can
�������� Richmond, Ind., 24 Nov. 1931
�������� (18217‑A) Ch‑16452 Yz L‑1019
One
day I sit thinking : when the rain pour down outside
And
the more I thought : the more I began to cry
Today
has been : a long old lonesome day
And
it looks like tomorrow : going to be the same old way
My
days seem lonesome : and my nights they are so long
I'll
be mighty glad : when them old blue days are gone
�������� Richmond, Ind., 24 Nov. 1931
�������� (18218‑A) Ch‑16452 Yz L‑1019
I'm
just sitting here thinking : of dear old sunny Tennessee
And
wondering if my baby : is waiting there for me
I'm
going : where the Monon crosses the L and N
And
catch me a freight train : and go back home again
I'm
going back south : where it's warm the whole year round
I'll
be so glad : when my train pulls up in town
�������� Richmond, Ind., 24 Nov. 1931
�������� (18220) Ch‑16361 Yz L‑1019
I'm
going down to the river : just to see the water run
And
to think about my troubles : and where all my money's gone
Times
has got so hard : that I cannot find a job
And
every morning : the rent man grabs on my doorknob
I'm
getting so ragged : I ain't got no decent clothes
I
ain't got nobody : ain't got nowhere to go
Now
I'm worried : ain't no telling what I'm going to do
My
friends don't know me : and I can't get a dime or two
Soon
as hard time strike me : my baby puts me out
Now
guess you know : what these hard time is all about
�������� Richmond, Ind., 24 Nov. 1931
�������� (18221) Ch‑16361 Yz L‑1019
I
left my baby : standing in the back door crying
Begging
and pleading : don't you leave this time
Oh
the sun's going to shine : in my back door some day
I
wish I had somebody : to drive my blues away
Blues
and trouble : both running hand in hand
If
you ain't never had the blues : you just can't understand
You
can always tell : when your woman's got another man
She
will take your bad treatments : and do the best she can
�������� Chicago, 7 July 1935
�������� (90082‑A) Ch‑50049 Cor CP‑58
I
got a no‑good woman : and she sure don't mean me no good
I
hope there ain't another woman like her : in nobody's neighborhood
She
leaves every morning : come back at the break of day
And
when she comes in the morning : she ain't got a word to say
Every
time I look at that woman : she's got a frown on her face
I
believe that woman : done let my best friend take my place
Every
evening : do you stop by my door
But
since he's got my woman : she don't stop there no more
She's
just a no‑good woman : and I took her to be my friend
But
she's taught me a lesson : about no‑good women and men
�������� Chicago, c. Sept. 1926
�������� (3057‑1) Pm‑12387 Bio BLP‑12031
Early
this morning : my baby made me sore
I'm
going away to leave you : ain't coming back no more
Tell
me pretty mama : where did you stay last night
It
ain't none of your business : daddy since I treat you right
When
you see me sleeping : baby don't you think I'm drunk
I
got one eye on my pistol : and the other on your trunk
I
love you pretty mama : believe me it ain't no lie
The
day you dare to quit me : baby that's the day you die
�������� Chicago, c. Sept. 1926
�������� (3057‑2) Pm‑12387 Bio BLP‑12037
Early
this morning : my baby made me sore
I'm
going away to leave you : ain't coming back no more
Tell
me pretty mama : where did you stay last night
It
ain't none of your business : daddy since I treat you right
When
you see me sleeping : baby don't you think I'm drunk
I
got one eye on my pistol : and the other on your trunk
Love
you pretty mama : believe me it ain't no lie
The
day you try to quit me : baby that's the day you die
�������� Chicago, c. Sept. 1926
�������� (3059‑2) Pm‑12431 Bio BLP‑12031
Grab
your gal : fall in line
While
I play : this rag of mine
Too
tight : won't behave
Too
tight : make you rave
Too
tight : won't jump
Too
tight : can't just once
Too
tight : make you cry
Too
tight : you want to die
Too
tight : won't quit
Too
tight : I'm singing it
Too
tight : I'll confess
Too
tight : it's a mess
Too
tight : you hear me sing
Too
tight : to shake that thing
�������� Chicago, c. Sept. 1926
�������� (3060‑2) Pm‑12442 Bio BLP‑12023
I
woke up this morning : worried in my mind
Thinking
about : that girl I left behind
I'm
worried now : I won't be worried long
The
brownie I love : makes me sing this song
If
the blues don't kill me : they will drill me through and through
Woman
I love : don't know what to do
There's
one thing in this world : I cannot understand
That's
a bow‑legged woman : crazy about a cross‑eyed man
�������� Chicago, c. Sept. 1926
�������� (3061‑2) Pm‑12413 Bio BLP‑12003
I'm
feeling blue : lowdown as I can be
Come
on gals : run and kiss poor me
I'm
going downtown : to spread the news
My
gal quit me : and I ain't got the blues
Come
on gals : bob it up and down
But
don't let me catch you : messing around
�������� Chicago, c. Sept. 1926
�������� (3062‑2) Pm‑12442 Bio BLP‑12023
I'm
going back to Tampa : to that girl I left behind
I'm
going back to Tampa : just to kill my worried mind
Did
you ever lie down at night : thinking about your brown
You
commence rolling and tumbling : I guess I'm Tampa bound
The
bridge washed out : the wire's all down
My
gal is in the flood : and I'm Tampa bound
I
got up this morning : put on my walking shoes
I'm
going back to Tampa : just to kill my lowdown blues
� �������Chicago, c. Oct. 1926
�������� (3081‑1) Pm‑12431 Bio BLP‑12031
Hey
hey hey hey : hey hey hey hey
My
Stonewall Street gal : makes me feel this a‑way
You
call me in the morning : you call me late at night
You
swear that you love me : but you know you don't treat me right
I
got the blues so bad : can feel them with my natural hand
I
been your dog : ever since I been your man
I'm
going to grab me a freight train : ride until it stops
I
ain't going to stay around here : and be your stumbling block
�������� Chicago, c. Apr. 1927
�������� (4362‑1) Pm‑12464 Bio BLP‑12003
Let
me tell you mama : what my black dog done done to me
He
chased me from my regular : now he's after my used‑to‑be
Black
dog black dog : you caused me to weep and moan
You
caused me : to leave my sweet old happy home
Black
dog black dog : you forever on my mind
If
you only let me : see my baby one more time
So
long black dog : I'm quitting you on the fly
Because
you got the nerve : to leave my good woman to cry
�������� Chicago, c. Apr. 1927
�������� (4363‑2) Pm‑12479 Bio BLP‑12037
Ah
: the rising sun going down
I
ain't got nobody : since my baby's blowed this town
Ah
: mama love me one more time
You
give me a little chance : maybe you will change your mind
I
done called you : till I almost lost my mind
I
ain't going call no more : good man is hard to find
Ah
: mama who can your regular be
I
ain't got no regular : baby please take me
Take
me : mama I'll tell you what I'll do
I'll
get up every morning : work hard all day for you
�������� Chicago, c. May 1927
�������� (4443‑1) Pm‑12497 Bio BLP‑12003
I
got the bad feeling blues : keeps me worried all the time
I
can't get along : with that high brown gal of mine
Look
a‑here mama : you done throwed your papa down
I
wouldn't hate it so bad : but the news all over town
Look
a‑here mama : what you want me to do
I
work all the time : bring my money home to you
Lord
Lord : your papa done going to stay
I
never thought : you would treat your daddy this a‑way
I
got the bad feeling blues : keeps me so lowdown
I'm
going to pack my grip : leave this lonesome town
�������� Chicago, c. Oct. 1927
�������� (20106‑2) Pm‑12606‑2
Bio BLP‑12003
Brownskin
mama : what in the world you want me to do
You
keep my poor heart aching : I'm blue through and through
I
helped you when you were down : and could not help yourself
Now
I'm down : you want to help somebody else
You
can go : do anything that you want to do
Some
day you want me : mama and I won't want you
You
treat me lowdown and dirty : baby that's all you do
But
some old rainy day : it's coming home to you
My
mind's all churned up : that's why I'm all confused
That's
the reason why : I'm moaning these brownskin mama blues
�������� Chicago, c. Oct. 1927
�������� (20107‑2) Pm‑12583 Bio BLP‑12031
Keep
on walking and walking : talking to myself
Gal
I love : with somebody's else
I
got the hard road blues : walking on down the line
Maybe
some day : my gal must change her mind
It's
a hard hard road : when your baby done throwed you down
Going
to keep on walking : from town to town
It's
been a long long time : since I seen my baby's face
And
I don't see her joker : stand to my place
I'm
going to find my baby : don't say she can't be found
Going
to walk this hard hard road : until my mustache drags the ground
�������� Chicago, c. Oct. 1927
�������� (20108‑1) Pm‑12606 Bio BLP‑12003
Hey
hey : your daddy's feeling blue
I'm
worried all the time : can't keep you off my mind
Hey
hey : love you till the day you die
Nobody
but me : you know the reason why
Hey
hey : your daddy lonesome for you
I
ain't going to tell no lie : your daddy's about to die
Hey
hey : I'm lonesome night and day
I
told you what I said : don't you drive the blues away
�������� Chicago, c. Oct. 1927
�������� (20110‑1) Pm‑12597 Yz L‑1016
You
going to quit me baby : good as I been to you
Give
you my money honey : to buy your shoes and clothes
You
going to quit me baby : put me out‑of‑doors
Six
months on the chain‑gang : believe me 'tain't no fun
The
day you quit me baby : that's the day you die
Jailhouse
ain't no place baby : believe me 'tain't no lie
�������� Chicago, c. Nov. 1927
�������� (20154‑2) Pm‑12597 Yz L‑1016
Down
south : on Wabash Street
Everybody
: you chance to meet
They're
doing it : night and day
See
: if it will drive your blues away
Every
little kid : that you meet
In
the alley : in the street
Grab
me mama : hold me tight
Let's
mess around : the rest of the night
Throw
your hands : way up high
Grab
me mama : make me cry
People
come : from miles around
Get
on Wabash : break them down
�������� Chicago, c. Apr. 1928
��� �����(20517‑3) Pm‑12673 Bio BLP‑12037
There's
no need of you dogging me : mama I ain't done nothing to you
If
you keep on dogging me : no telling what I'll do
You
dog me in the morning : mama you dog me late at night
If
you keep on dogging daddy : I sure ain't going to treat you right
�������� Chicago, c. May 1928
�������� (20541‑1) Pm‑12634 Bio BLP‑12037
For
years and years : I been your hard‑working mule
I
may be crazy : but I ain't no doggone fool
You
used to be sugar : but you ain't sweet no more
Better
keep your other man : from hanging around my door
You
used to be kind : now you begun to change
You
treat me : like an old dog got the mange
Goodbye
mama : you ain't the same no more
Don't
come back : but treat me like you did before
�������� Chicago, c. May 1928
�������� (20559‑1) Pm‑12723 Bio BLP‑12031
It's
a hard hard time now : good man can't get no dough
All
I do for my baby : don't satisfy her no more
I
ain't got no job : now you going to put me down
You
going to quit me baby : for a hard‑working clown
Time
is so hard now : maybe things will change some day
And
when I get a job : maybe you will change your way
Don't
quit me baby : because I can't find no work to do
Because
all the dirt you done for me : it's coming back home to you
I
used to be a joker : now I'm going to make a change
I'm
going to get me a job : keep coal in your cold kitchen range
�������� Chicago, c. May 1928
�������� (20566‑1) Pm‑12695 Bio BLP‑12003
I
love my whiskey : crazy about it as I can be
But
my new bootlegger : well he's about to poison me
Took
one drink last night : and it made me go stone blind
Got
to run away : leave my sweet mama behind
Sometime
one drink : make me act like a doggone fool
But
two or three drinks : make me kick like a doggone mule
Mama
mama : don't treat your papa mean no more
Get
full of my bootleg whiskey : make you fly through the door
I'm
a good man when I'm sober : but Lord Lord when I'm drunk
If
you see me reeling : mama go hide in your trunk
�������� Chicago, c. May 1928
�������� (20582‑2) Pm‑12723 Yz L‑1016
I
got a sweet mama : she ain't low at all
She
got the kind of loving : will make a panther squall
She
got Elgin movements : and a twenty‑year guarantee
I
bet you my last dollar : she don't put them jinx on me
�������� Chicago, c. Sept. 1928
�������� (20868‑2) Pm‑12754 Bio BLP‑12031
Walking
walking : talking to myself
Wondering
if I die : would my baby love somebody else
Sighing
and crying : broke down with the blues
My
clothes are worn out : holes all in my shoes
Walking
across the country : trying to get a stake
Because
my baby : want every cent I make
Tired
and hungry : I've been walking many days
Wondering
: if my baby would stop her hateful ways
Walking
across the country : with my head bowed down
A
woman can still make a man : act like a clown
�������� Chicago, c. Sept. 1928
�������� (20871‑3) Pm‑12737 Bio BLP‑12023
Mr
police captain : listen to my plea
I
want to make my baby : come back home to me
Give
me a search warrant : and a great big hound
I'm
going to find my baby : if I have to track her down
I
know where she's at : but her man won't let me in
All
I want is a search warrant : and a bottle of gin
I'm
going to get running drunk : and go into that place
And
that backbiting man : better not show his face
I
love my baby : but she treat me so unkind
If
she thinks she can quit me : she really have lost her mind
�������� Chicago, c. Sept. 1928
�������� (20875‑2) Pm‑12754 Bio BLP‑12031
I
got a notoriety woman : she about to drive me wild
Beside
that woman : sits ever meek and mild
That
woman is like a tiger : got ways like a bear
Carries
a gun in her pocket : a dagger in her hair
To
keep her quiet : I knocked her teeth out her mouth
That
notoriety woman : is known all over the South
I
can't get along with her : and I can't leave her alone
Because
she knows just how to make me : come back home
She
likes to fight : she likes to break them down
Everybody
knows : when my notoriety woman come to town
�������� Chicago, c. Sept. 1928
�������� (20887‑5) Pm‑12695 Bio BLP‑12003
Listen
folks : to my moan
I'm
going to tell you : about Sally Jones
I'm
a man : play one gal
And
that's : my loving Sal
She
stepped out : I could see
He
tried : to two‑time me
So
I thought : that I'd found out
What
this man : all about
He
was tall : he was thin
Drinks
??? : but *sips her* gin
Thought
I'd catch her : when I walked in
Find
her : loving my brother Jim
He
pulled out a gun : said she was through
I'm
going : to Chicago you
He
started to shoot : the gun wouldn't go
I
said that's all : I want to know
We
got married : had a baby lamb
But
that baby : looked like her iceman
When
the rooster saw the eggs : and they was red
He
walked across the road : and knocked the peacock dead
She's
gone away : boys and I'm glad
Making
: another poor fool sad
Six
men are in jail : faces to the wall
But
that gal : was the cause of it all
�������� Richmond, Ind., 20 July 1929
�������� (15248‑A) Pm‑12810 Bio BLP‑12023
I
love to gamble : and gambling's all I do
And
when I lose : it never makes me blue
I
gambled away my money : and I gambled away my shack
Same
way I lost it : same way I'll get it back
I
won a woman : in a poker game
I
lost her too : win another one just the same
Sometime
I'm rich : sometime I ain't got a cent
But
I've had a good time : everywhere I went
Got
a new mama : ain't going to gamble her away
Going
to keep her with me : each and every day
�������� Richmond, Ind., 20 July 1929
�������� (15249‑A) Pm‑12810 Bio BLP‑12023
I
had a fall : five to twenty‑one
When
I get back : we going to have some fun
Baby
baby : tell me the true facts
Will
you be waiting : when I get back
I
told the warden : you pay my fine
It
didn't seem : that he paid me no mind
The
good things you have done : I can't forget
If
you quit me baby : it will be my death
I
love you baby : whole heart and soul
Stand
by me : until I get my parole
Be
careful baby : while I'm gone
You
can't be good : I'll be gone too long
Going
away : and how happy I will be
I
know : still love me
�������� Richmond, Ind., 20 July 1929
�������� (15250) Pm‑12863 Bio BLP‑12037
Went
home last night : my baby won't let me in
She
made me mad : and I've got in my gin
I
been drunk so long : dizzy all the time
And
I found out : whiskey ain't no friend of me
When
I die : folks without a doubt
You
won't have to do nothing : but pour me out
I
can't sleep : and I can't eat a thing
The
woman I love : has driven me to drink
I'm
deep down in a hole : somebody else is up
Getting
sick and tired : of fighting that jug
�������� Richmond, Ind., 20 July 1929
�������� (15251‑A) Pm‑12794 Bio BLP‑12031
Hookworm
in your body : and your food don't do you no good
Same
way with a rounder : come in a nice neighborhood
Dirty
old hookworm : got into my room
Causes
me to walk : groan and moan
Man
like a hookworm : got a hold to my baby
He
got to *point it fast* : people and I don't mean maybe
Never
can tell : what a hookworm man will do
Take
your baby : and make her stop loving you
I'm
going to leave my baby : and let her have her way
She
want me back some day : when he throws her down
Mmm
: mmm
Her
man like a hookworm : taking a hold to my babe
�������� Richmond, Ind., 17 Aug. 1929
�������� (15459‑A) Pm‑12888 Mel MLP‑7324
There's
: a great big mystery
And
it surely : is worrying me
The
little girl : about four feet four
Come
on papa : and give me some more
I
went out : and walked around
Somebody
yelled : said look who's in town
Went
to church : put my hat on the seat
Lady
sat on it : said daddy you sure is sweet
I
said sister : I'll soon be gone
Just
give me that thing : you setting on
Then
I got : put out of church
Because
I talk : about diddie wa diddie too much
�������� Richmond, Ind., 17 Aug. 1929
�������� (15460) Pm‑12824 Bio BLP‑12037
Got
my gal : took a chance
We
went : to a midnight dance
Too
tight : it's a mess
Too
tight : it's the best
Too
tight : it's a wow
Too
tight : I'll show you how
Too
tight : stepping out
Too
tight : hear me shout
Too
tight : it's hot stuff
Too
tight : can't get enough
Too
tight : it's too bad
Too
tight :
Too
tight : sick in bed
Too
tight : went to my head
�������� Richmond, Ind., 17 Aug. 1929
�������� (15463) Pm‑12888 Yz L‑1012
All
my life : I been a traveling man
Staying
alone : and doing the best I can
I
shipped my trunk : down to Tennessee
Hard
to tell : about a man like me
I
met a gal : I couldn't get her off my mind
She
passed me up : says she didn't like my kind
I'm
scared to bother : around her house at night
Got
a police dog : craving for a fight
His
name is rambler : and when he gets a chance
He
leaves his mark : on everybody's pants
Guess
I'll travel : I guess I'll let her be
Before
she sics : her police dog on me
�������� Richmond, Ind., 17 Aug. 1929
� �������(15466) Pm‑12824 Bio BLP‑12037
Packing
my duffle : going to leave this town
And
I'm going to hustle : to catch that train southbound
I
got the Georgia blues : for the plow and the hoe
Walked
out of my shoes : over this ice and snow
Tune
up the fiddle : dust the cat and bow
Put
on the griddle : and open the cabin door
I
thought I was going : to the northland to stay
South
is on my mind : my blues won't go away
Potatoes
in the ashes : possum on the stove
You
can have the hash : but please leave me the claw
Chicken
on the roof : and melons on the vine
I'll
be glad : to get back to that Georgia gal of mine
�������� Grafton, Wis., c. Dec. 1930
�������� (L‑647‑1) Pm‑13035
Bio BLP‑12003
Numbers
numbers : about to drive me wild
Thinking
about the money : that I should have had
I
dreamed last night : the woman I love was dead
If
I had played the dead row : I would come out ahead
I
act like a fool : and played on three six nine
Lost
my money : and that gal of mine
I
played on clearing house : couldn't make a grade
Lord
think of the money : that I should have made
I
begged my baby : let me in her door
Wanted
to put my twenty‑five fifty seventy‑five : in her seven seventeen
twenty‑four
I
want fifteen fifty : and see if it won
I'm
going to keep playing policy : till some good luck comes
�������� Grafton, Wis., c. Dec. 1930
�������� (L‑648‑1) Pm‑13035
Bio BLP‑12003
Listen
everybody : I'm going to sing a song
It
won't be dirty : and it won't be long
When
you want some whiskey : right off the *stove*
Go
over : and see Miss Stella Gold
The
gals from the alley : slipping all around
Telling
everybody : they're leaving town
I
got a yellow gal : and a brown named Mame
But
the best I've ever had : was the old Crow Jane
Met
a funny fellow : he didn't like girls
Painted
his face : and with his hair all curls
I'm
staying with a woman : about fifty‑two
I
thought she was too old : I'm telling you
�������� Grafton, Wis., c. Oct. 1931
������ ��(L‑1099‑2) Pm‑13103 Bio BLP‑12037
I
caught a stranger in my house : and I busted his head with a club
I
lay him out cold : with his heels in a tub
I
seen the sheriff coming : and I jumped for the door
But
I jumped too late : the sheriff had done jumped before
They
buried a man Thursday : just two short days you see
And
it makes me wonder : what they going to do to me
I
killed a man : and that's the how and how
I'm
sitting here wondering : if a woman's worth it now
Mmm
: rope stretching all day long
In
just a few more days : I won't be able to sing my song
�������� Grafton, Wis., c. Oct. 1931
�������� (L‑1101‑2) Pm‑13103
Bio BLP‑12037
Don't
trust no woman : who mistreats her man
When
you think she's in your kitchen cooking : she's got a stranger by the hand
Ain't
no need of you chasing women : brother if you really haven't got the cash
Other
men get all the chicken : and all you get is hash
I
have a lot of woman : but I sure don't want one now
She
always milks me dry : better than you ever milk a cow
Mmm
: rope stretching all day long
I'm
singing now mama : because it won't be long
It
wouldn't be so bad : if the rope would just get slack
I
wouldn't mind at all : but I just got a crick in my back
When
it's all over mama : and you're all alone by my side
Just
keep the flies from buzzing by me : and then I will be satisfied
�������� Grafton, Wis., c. June 1932
�������� (L‑1476‑2) Pm‑13137
Bio BLP‑12023
All
last winter : and all last fall
I
didn't have nobody : to worry me at all
No
need running : holding out your hand
I
can get a woman : same as you can a man
When
I first met you : you had your diamonds on
Since
I done left you : you've got them all in pawn
No
need a‑running : hollering and crying
I'll
take you back baby : if you was dying
Come
on daddy : and tell me one more time
When
I left : I didn't have my right mind
Ain't
no need of sitting : with my head hung down
Your
black man : ought to get on out of town
�������� Chicago, 18 Feb. 1937
�������� (61850‑A) De‑7290 BC‑6
I
was standing in my back door : looking at the evening sun go down
I
was standing there wondering : if my woman was in this town
She
left me this morning : she carried away all my clothes
I'm
going to find that woman : I don't care where she goes
She
sobbed when she told me : I just could not change my mind
I
was loving that woman : I know she was quitting me all the time
Honey
I went to the fortuneteller : asked her where had my baby gone
She
left me this morning : I hadn't done nothing wrong
�������� Chicago, c. Oct. 1927
�������� (20138‑2) Pm‑12584 Yz L‑1010
Going
up Coal River : coming down no more
Going
to leave your town pretty baby : stop knocking on your back door
Across
deep water : ain't no skiffs around
The
??? won't bring ??? : just let her sink on down
My
mama told me baby : my papa told me too
Never
let a fat little woman : going have no place to *spoon*
Don't
want no woman : got hair like horse's mane
Woman's
so doggone evil : want every woman's man
Ooh
: broke down in tears today
I
got the blues so bad pretty mama : I can't *gee* away
�������� Chicago, c. Nov. 1927
�������� (20180‑2) Pm‑12584 Rt RL‑327
Fourteenth
Street women : don't mean no man no good
Go
out and get full of liquor : wake the whole neighborhood
Let
me tell you mama : like the Dago told the Jew
If
you don't want me : it's cinch I don't want you
There's
two kind of nations : I sure can't understand
That's
Chinese women : and a doggone Dago man
I
was born in Texas : I raised in Tennessee
You
*missed a real brownie* : when you picked all over me
I
feel like jumping : through the keyhole in your door
Told
me this morning : you didn't want me no more
I
feel like snapping : my big gun in your face
Had
the nerve to tell me : another man's got my place
�������� Chicago, c. Mar. 1927
�������� (4309‑1) Pm‑12459 Yz L‑1017
Let
me tell you : what sweet patuni do
It
take your money : and stay all night for you
Well
I'm wild about my tuni : the only thing I crave
Sweet
patuni : is going to follow me to my grave
I
went up on the mountain : looked down in the deep blue sea
A
big fat man : was trying to play with me
If
I could holler : like a mountain jack
Go
out on the mountain : call sweet patuni back
Sweet patuni man : I can't understand
He
got ways like a barber : he's a full‑blown man
������� �Chicago, c. Mar. 1927 :
�������� (4324‑1) Pm‑12459 Yz L‑1017
Down
in the levee : Camp Number Nine
You
can pass my house : honey you can hear me cry
I
never had no blues : *sure am*
I'm
going to leave this camp : you *can go starry* here
I
ain't found no doctor : ain't no doctor in this whole round world
Just
to cure the blues : the blues of the leveecamp girl
�������� Chicago, c. July 1927
�������� (4672‑2) Pm‑12504 Yz L‑1017
Hey
Jim Tampa : you treat your women so mean
You
treat your *townie* : like a woman you ain't never seen
Womens
all know my name : call him Mr Tampa Long
He
made so much money : women when the weather was warm
My
man's got five women : I can call them by their natural names
And
all them are cheaters : sounds just the same
It
must be a black cat bone : jomo can't work that hard
Every
time I wake up : Jim Tampa's in my yard
I
can stand right here : five miles down the road
Give
a gander the way : Jim Tampa used to go
�������� Chicago, 10 May 1929
�������� (C‑3461‑ ) Br‑7083
His HLP‑15
It
ain't nobody in town : can grind their coffee like mine
I
drink so much coffee : till I grind it in my sleep
And
when you get like that : you know it can't be beat
It's
so doggone good : that it made made me bite my tongue
Going
to keep it for my daddy : ain't going to give nobody none
I
ain't ever loved it : this a‑way before
And
I hope to the Lord : I won't love it anymore
I
got so now : that I can't control my mind
I
go to bed blue : and I get up crying
It's
so doggone good : it made me talk out of my head
And
it's better to me : than any I ever had
Now
I grind my coffee : till it's two and three dollars a pound
And
there ain't no more : cheap like mine in town
It's
so doggone good : till it make you bite your tongue
And
I'm a coffee‑grinding mama : won't you let me grind you some
�������� Chicago, 10 May 1929
�������� (C‑3462‑ ) Br‑7083
His HLP‑15
You
must bring me a job : or money from anywhere
Because
I can get your kind of loving : in the streets just anywhere
You
come home every day : looking for your stew and beans
And
you have got more nerve : than any pot hound I've ever seen
Now
you take your money : and you have your fun
You
don't have nothing : when house rent comes
And
I'm through : cooking you stew and beans
And
you can eat more neckbones : than any man I've ever seen
Now
if you want me baby : you got to make your *for sure* down
And
you got to put your money : down where I got mine
Now
you laying up in my bed : between my two white sheets
I
can't see or smell nothing : but your doggone feet
And
I'm through : trying to make a man of you
And
if you can't bring a job : don't you look for your daily stew
I
worked hard from Monday : until late Saturday night
And
you's a dirty mistreater : you ain't treating me right
And
I'm through : cooking you stew and beans
And
you's a dirty pot hound : dirtier than any man I seen
�������� Chicago, c. 1 Feb. 1930
�������� (C‑5347‑ ) Br unissued Rt
RL‑317
Look
here papa : I don't mean no harm
Come
get some Georgia grind : to carry the good work on
The
thing I do : it's mighty fine
And
the mens pays their ??? : all the time
When
you got to doing it : it's a one‑way strand
Got
to do my Georgia grind : like a natural man
All
you got to do : is to fall in line
Put
your right hand up : and your left one behind
If
you want to learn : you got to pay
Because
I ain't going to give : my Georgia grind away
If
you do it once : you'll do it twice
And
it's mighty fine I tell you : if you do it right
I'm
talking about my Georgia : I do mean grind
And
if something bothers you baby : it will satisfy your worried mind
Some
likes it slow : some likes it fast
But
I like my Georgia grind : at half and half
Come
past my house : and hear me cry
Big
*bad* daddy : won't you take your time
I'm
going back to Georgia : where I can have my fun
Going
down in Georgia : where I get my good grinding done
�������� Chicago, late Mar. 1930
�������� (C‑5549‑ ) Br‑7163
Yz L‑1017
Sometimes
I'm up : sometimes I'm down
I
can't make my living : around this town
Because
tricks ain't working : tricks ain't working no more
And
I got to make my living : don't care where I go
I
need shoes on my feet : clothes on my back
Get
tired of walking these streets : all dressed in black
Because
tricks ain't working : tricks ain't working no more
And
I see four or five good tricks : standing in front of my door
Please
have mercy : bad luck's on my head
Four
or five good tricks : is all the money I need
Because
tricks ain't working : tricks ain't working no more
And
I can't get a break : don't care where I go
I
got a store on the corner : selling stuff cheap
I
got a market across the street : where I sell my meat
This
way of living : sure is hard
Ducking
and dodging : the Cadillac squad
Because
tricks ain't working : tricks ain't working no more
And
if you think I'm lying : follow me to the door
�������� Chicago, late Mar. 1930
�������� (C‑5562‑A) Br‑7210
Rt RL‑317
I'd
rather be sloppy drunk : than anything I know
And
another half a pint : will see me go
I
love my moonshine whiskey : better than I do my man
You
can have your beer and your bottle : give me my cool kind can
I'd
rather be sloppy drunk : sitting in the can
Than
to be at home : rolling with my man
Mmm
: bring me another two‑bit pint
Because
I got my habits on : I'm going to wreck this joint
I
been on this sloppy drunk : for a solid year
And
when I can't get my whiskey : bring me my cool can beer
My
good man quit me : for somebody else
And
I'm sloppy drunk : drinking by myself
�������� Chicago, late Mar. 1930
�������� (C‑5563‑A) Br‑7210
Rt RL‑317
I'm
doing something now : I ain't never done before
Going
to do it this time : ain't going to do it no more
My
alley boogie: only thing I choose
And
it's the only thing I do : to drown away by blues
I
boogie all night : all the night before
When
I woke up this morning : I want to boogie some more
Old
alley boogie : only thing I crave
I
can do my alley boogie : so many different ways
I
got a bed in my bedroom : a pallet on my floor
Got
to do the alley boogie : everywhere I go
Because
I'm wild about my boogie : only thing I crave
Good
alley boogie : will carry me to my grave
Mama
loves my boogie : papa loves it too
And
it runs in my family : that's all I like to do
I'm
wild about my boogie : only thing I crave
I'm
going to do my boogie : the rest of my days
Papa
got a watch : mama got a ring
Sister
got a hump : from really boogying that thing
I'm
wild about my boogie : only thing I choose
Now
she got to do the boogie : to buy her alley baby some shoes
Now
I done sung this song : until I quit
And
there ain't nobody : ??? no alley boogie yet
And
I'm wild about my boogie : only thing I crave
I
been doing my alley boogie : I been boogying all of my days
�������� Chicago, c. mid Dec. 1930
�������� (C‑6847‑A) Br‑7186
His HLP‑15
I
got a sweet black angel : I like the way he spread his wings
And
I'm crazy about him : he spreads so much joy in everything
If
I ask him for a dime : he gives me a ten dollar bill
Yes
he does everything : to keep my wants filled
If
my black angel would leave me : I believe that I would die
And
if I see him looking at another woman : I just scream and cry
I
love my black angel : and I want him by myself
Lord
I don't want him spreading his wings : over no one else
Womens
don't bother my black angel : don't bother him in any way
I'll
serve ninety‑nine years in jail : most any day
I'm
wild about my black angel : I like the way he spread his wings
He's
got a new way of getting goose : and he sure can shake that thing
�������� Chicago, c. mid Dec. 1930
�������� (C‑6848‑A) Br‑7186
His HLP‑15
Times
is done got hard : money's done got scarce
Stealing
and robbing : is going to take place
Because
tricks ain't working : tricks ain't working no more
And
I'm going to rob somebody : if I don't make me some dough
I'm
going to do just like a blind man : stand and beg for change
Until
these arresting officers : change my tricking name
Because
tricks ain't working : tricks ain't working no more
And
I've got to make my living : don't care where I go
I'm
going to learn these working tricks : what it's all about
I'm
going to get them in my house : and ain't going to let them out
Because
tricks ain't working : tricks ain't working no more
And
I can't make no money : don't care where I go
I
got up this morning : with the rising sun
Been
working all day : and I ain't caught a one
Because
tricks ain't working : tricks ain't working no more
And
I can't make a dime : don't care where I go
I
got up this morning : feeling tough
I've
got to call in my tricks : in the rough rough rough
Because
tricks ain't working : tricks ain't working no more
And
I've got to change my luck : if I have to move next door
�������� New York, 17 July 1933
�������� (13549‑1) Ba‑32845 Rt RL‑317
The
train I ride : is eighteen coaches long
And
the man that I love : done been here and gone
I
hate to hear : that T and N O blow
Puts
my mind on the wander : makes me want to go
Going
to beat the train to the crossing : going to burn the trestle down
That's
the onliest way : I can keep my man in town
He's
a railroad man : and he sure do love to ride
If
he don't ride that T and N O : he sure ain't satisfied
Going
to fall down on my knees : pray to the Lord above
Please
send me back : the only man I love
�������� New York, 17 July 1933
�������� (13569‑1) Ba‑33059 Yz L‑1017
Got
up this morning : by the rising sun
Didn't
have no whiskey : I tried to buy me some
I
use my Skeet and Garret : *feed* it everywhere
Lord
I like them baking powder blues : and I sure don't care
Dice
jumped to hustle Lord : I swear my money don't lose
I
got to win tonight : and buy this baking powder man some shoes
Play
them blues boy : and don't play them so slow
Because
I'm going to give you some more money : and I'm going to give it to you sure
�������� New York, 30 July 1934
�������� (15477‑2) ARC‑6‑04‑63
Rt RL‑317
You
may be beautiful : but baby you got to die some day
And
you going to reap what you sow : for treating me this a‑way
When
the sun rose this morning : I was laying in my floor crying
And
I've done got tired : of being dogged all the time
Tell
me baby : what fault do you find in me
You
don't treat me : like I'm no human being
Love
hides all faults : make you do things you don't want to do
When
you love someone : and that someone don't love you
�������� New York, 30 July 1934
�������� (15478‑2) ARC‑6‑04‑63
Rt RL‑317
I'm
lonesome I'm lonesome : and I got them lonesome midnight blues
And
I'm blue to my heart : my man I hate to lose
Blues
and trouble : have overtaken me
And
I've got those midnight blues : blue as I can be
Late
last night : when my clock was striking three
My
daddy was leaving : and the blues had me
�������� New York, 31 July 1934
�������� (15487‑2) Ba‑33375 Rt RL‑317
Just
one thing : I want my man to know
I
ain't going to be : his lowdown dog no more
He
gets up every morning : and before he goes
Say
he don't want me to put my head : out of my front door
He
won't buy me no shoes : he won't buy me no clothes
And
he's got so lowdown : he wants to put me outdoors
I
ain't got no coal : I ain't got no wood
And
you know by that : that man don't mean me no good
I
ain't got no flour : I ain't got no lard
And
he knows doggone well : the times is done got hard
�������� New York, 31 July 1934
�������� (15490‑2) Ba‑33375 Rt RL‑317
Some
folks say black is evil : but I will tell the world they're wrong
Because
I'm a sealskin brown : and I been evil ever since I been born
I
a‑scared to trust a rabbit : and I won't even trust a squirrel
And
I won't bat my eyes : because I might lose sight on this whole round world
I've
got a head like a freight train : and I walk just like a grizzly bear
And
I use my Skeet and Garret : and I keep my ??? everywhere
They
call me Pig Iron Sally because I live in Slag Iron Alley : and I'm evil and
mean as I can be
And
I ain't going to let nobody : put that doggone thing on me
I
ain't nothing but a mistreater : baby and it ain't no joke
And
if you don't believe I'm dirty : you can watch my bogus stroke
�������� New York, 31 July 1934
�������� (15491‑1) ARC‑6‑02‑04
OJL‑6
I
hate that train : that they all call the M and O
It
took my baby away : and he ain't coming back to me no more
When
he was leaving : I couldn't hear nothing but that whistle blow
And
the man at the throttle : Lord he wasn't coming back no more
He
had his head in the window : that man the drivers roll
They
are going away baby : and doggone your bad‑luck soul
Now
I'm so worried : and I'm so full of gloom
And
deep down in my heart : ain't nothing but a lover's ruin
I
was sorry : I was sorry sorry to my heart
To
see that M and O train : and me and my daddy part
�������� New York, 1 Aug. 1934
�������� (15505‑1) Ba‑33313 His HLP‑4
I
worked all the winter : and I worked all the fall
I
got to wait until spring : to get my ashes hauled
And
now I'm tired : tired as I can be
And
I'm going back home : where these blues don't worry me
I'm
a free‑hearted woman : I let you spend my dough
And
you never did win : you kept on asking for more
And
now I'm tired : I ain't going to do it no more
And
when I leave you this time : you won't know where I go
My
house rent's due : they done put me outdoors
And
here you riding around here : in a V‑Eight Ford
I
done got tired : of your lowdown dirty ways
And
your sisters say you been dirty : dirty all your days
I
never will forget : when the times was good
I
caught you standing out yonder : in the piney woods
And
now I'm tired : tired as I can be
And
I'm going back south : to my used‑to‑be
�������� New York, 1 Aug. 1934
�������� (15506‑2) Ba‑33149 Rt RL‑317
Sweet
man sweet man : what makes you candy taste so hard
And
I would come to see you : but your woman is got me barred
He
caught the Frisco he caught the Frisco : and I just can't keep from crying
And
if he don't come back : I will lose my worried mind
He
is a rambler he is a rambler : and he is never satisfied
And
I know he was a rambler : when he caught that train to ride
I'm
going to find him I'm going to find him : with my smoking forty‑five
Because
you know I love that man : he so hard to find
He's
gone he's gone : and he's forever on my mind
And
I want to see my man : because because he's so good and kind
�������� New York, 1 Aug. 1934
�������� (15507‑2) Ba‑33313 His HLP‑4
A
woman gets tired : of one man all the time
And
don't care what you give her : you can't change her rambling mind
Don't
never think : you got a whole woman by yourself
Because
there never was a woman : didn't love somebody else
I
ain't never loved : just one man in my life
Because
this kind of love I got : I can love the same way twice
Some
womens like two men : some womens they like three
But
I like as many men : I see is good to me
�������� New York, 1 Aug. 1934
�������� (15508‑2) Ba‑33149 Rt RL‑317
Way
down in Boogie Alley : ain't nothing but skulls and bones
And
when I get drunk : who's going to take me home
I'm
going to stop my man : from running around
Because
down in Boogie Alley : is where he can be found
He
goes down in Boogie Alley : house number three
And
when he gets down there : the womens won't let him come to see me
I
went down in Boogie Alley : with my razor in my hand
And
the blues struck : I brought back my man
If
you go in Boogie Alley : you better take you forty‑four
The
womens will get your man down there : and they won't let him go
�������� New York, 6 Mar. 1935
�������� (16984‑1) Ba‑33475 Yz L‑1017
When
you come to my house : come down behind the jail
I
got a sign on my door : barbecue for sale
I'm
talking about my barbecue : only thing I crave
And
that good‑doing meat : going to [carry, take] me to my grave
I'm
selling it cheap : because I got good stuff
And
if you try one time : you can't get enough
I'm
talking about barbecue : only thing I sell
And
if you want my meat : you can come to my house at twelve
Now
some like it hot : some like it cold
Some
take it : any way it's sold
Some
people wants it : some people don't
If
you buy my barbecue : it just won't don't don't don't
Some
people wants to know : the regular price
Fifty‑five
cents : you can get some twice
And
I'm talking about my barbecue : only thing I sell
And
you can get my meat : any night at twelve
�������� New York, 7 Mar. 1935
�������� (16993‑2) ARC‑5‑12‑58
Yz L‑1017
Jump
steady daddy : please take your time
You
got a year and a day : to satisfy my mind
Love
me daddy : love me all the time
And
if you love me like I tell you : you'll be the jump‑steady man of mine
Jump‑steady
got to jumping : jumping in the room
And
I got crazy about him : because he could strut his stuff
Now
when jump‑steady starts to jumping : he does it slow
He
goes from the top : down to the floor
Ooh
: just can't let him go
Because
he jumps better : than any man that I know
He
don't work on no rock pile : he don't tote no slag
And
the way he jumps steady : it's just too bad
�������� New York, 7 Mar. 1935
�������� (16997‑2) ARC‑35‑09‑13
Rt RL‑317
I
went to bed last night : and the blues wouldn't let me rest
Because
I ain't been used : to sleeping by myself
Oh
blues oh blues : blues don't you see
You
are carrying me down : blues you trying kill poor me
Now
blues and trouble : go walk hand in hand
I
never had these blues : until my best friend loved my man
She
may have loved him one time : but that one man she can't hold
Because
it's ??? *in Texas* : that I could sell fast jellyroll
He
puts his arms around me : like the ring around the good Lord's sun
Said
he ain't had no woman to love him : Lord like I done
�������� New York, 8 Mar. 1935
�������� (17013‑1) Ba‑33448 Rt RL‑317
A
man say I had something : look like new
He
want me to trade a *cam* : for some of my stew
Say
he's going up the river : tried to sell his sack
He
would pay me for my stuff : when the boat get back
I
got good stew : and it's got to be sold
The
price ain't high : I want to get you told
Go
on up the river : man and sell your sack
It
will be stew meat here : baby when the boat get back
Now
look here man : what you want me to do
Give
you my stew meat : and credit you too
I
credit one man : it was to my sorrow
It's
cash today : credit tomorrow
Now
it's ashes to ashes : dust to dust
You
try my stuff one time : you can't get enough
�������� New York, 8 Mar. 1935
�������� (17014‑1) Ba‑33448 Rt RL‑317
Good
morning skin game : hollering skin game please last
I
done staked my man to win : and I hope my money will pass
He
done pawned my house : he got my life at stake
And
I got to get it back : with that money he gamble and make
He
never lost no money : until he drew that black queen of spades
And
my man was in need of begging : he was in hard luck that very day
When
he come back to me : got a dollar two
I
want him to go back to that skin game : and see what he can do
If
my man : he could only win my money back
I
would take a walk downtown : buy me a brand new pair of shoes and hat
�������� Chicago, 6 Sept. 1934
�������� (C‑9403‑A) Ch‑50064
RBF RF‑9
I'm
worried now babe : I won't be worried long
Now
when we is all going together : it's got to be carried on
Now
did you get that letter : baby that I wrote to you
Oh
you sitting in the shade baby : I declare you just won't do
Now
I say once ain't forever : say but two time ain't for twice
Now
when you get a good woman : you just won't treat her right
Mmm : Lord Lord Lord Lord Lord
Now
if I can't be your regular mama : I sure ain't going to be your dog
�������� Chicago, 24 Sept. 1941
�������� (064918‑ ) BB‑B8852 BC‑7
Now
a yellow gal rides in an automobile : a brownskin gal rides the same
A
black gal *will tell you* an old hay wagon : she's getting by just the same
A
yellow gal drinks good old whiskey : a brownskin gal drinks the same
But
a black gal drinks shoe polish : she's getting drunk just the same
A
yellow gal will bite you she will pop you with a stick : a brownskin gal bites
the same
But
a black gal get a rusty razor and run you all over town : and you know that
woman raises hell just the same
Now
a yellow gal will kiss you she will kiss you awful sweet : a brownskin gal do
the same
But
a black gal spit bacca juice *shoo* snuff all on your lips : oh loving you just
the same
�������� Chicago, 24 Sept. 1941
�������� (064921‑1) BB‑B8927 BC‑7
Sitting
down here thinking : yes babe I believe I better go
You
know I believe I'll go down : that long long old dusty road
Now
that Eighty Highway : is the longest highway that I know
Running
all the way from Frisco Texas : *right cross* the Atlantic on the other *water
course*
That
church bell was beginning to tone : yes some other good gambler's gone
You
know I wouldn't hate it so bad : but that Eighty Highway so long
You
women fuss and argue with your good man : when you know you don't do right
yourself
You
know when I look for you at night : way down on Eighty Highway with someone
else
Yes
if you get in trouble : call on a *car* about forty‑five
Baby
now I just open up my chifforobe : and you'll see where my dollar lies
�������� Chicago, 2 Aug. 1933
�������� (76835‑1) BB‑B5573 Yz L‑1030
Never
mind : honey never mind
Never
mind : there's time to shine
You
said you loved me : you know you told a lie
Oh
never mind : never mind
I'm
just a good woman : baby gone astray
Drinking
charcoal liquor : throwing myself away
But
never mind : there's time to shine
Spread
your heart : babe just like mine
�������� Memphis, 4 Feb. 1928
�������� (41842‑1) Vi‑21349 OJL‑8
Now
you tell me mama : do you think that's right
You
with your kid all day : and run to me at night
Now
my regular woman : totes my pocket change
And
my sometime woman : wants to do the same
And
you better not let : my regular catch you here
Because
it ain't no telling : what she might do
Now
she might cut you : and she might shoot you too
Now
she's the meanest woman : that I've ever seen
And
when I asked for water : give me gasoline
Now
if you want your woman : to look like the rest
You
buy her high brown powder : and Farmer's Skin Success
Now
I got four or five puppies : and got one shaggy hound
It
takes all them dogs : to run my woman down
�������� Memphis, 4 Feb. 1928
�������� (41843‑2) Vi‑21349 Rt RL‑330
I
said the woman I'm loving : caught the train and gone
Got
the lowdown feeling : I sure won't be here long
Now
I went to the station : fold my arms and moan
Asked
the operator : how long my rider been gone
Let
me tell you : what that dirty train will do
Take
your last rider Lord : blow black smoke on you
Ain't
got no special : got no trifling kind
Ain't
got nobody mama : *she has rock the ship*
Lord
take me rider : take me to your hand
Let
me in your darkest corner woman : hide me from your man
You
don't want me rider : please don't dog me around
Just
like you found me : you took and threw me down
Ask
you to forgive me : darling if you please
Mama
sure as I told you : I fall down on my knees
�������� Memphis, 31 Aug. 1928
�������� (45458‑?) Vi‑V38560(?) Rt
RL‑330
Now
I tell you mama : now I'm sure going to leave this town
Because
I been in trouble : ever since I set my suitcase down
Now
you don't believe I'm leaving : just watch the train I'm on
And
you don't believe I'm lucky : just count the days I'm gone
Now
I ain't going to be : your teasing brown no more
Sugar
the way you do me : you make my blood run cold
Now
before I stay here mama : and be treated this a‑way
Now
I'll let some freight train : *throw me in the sea*
Mmm
Lord oh Lord oh : oh Lord oh Lord oh Lord
Now
the woman I'm loving : she treat me like a mangy dog
Now
look a‑yonder sugar : where the rising sun done gone
I
can't live over here mama : a long way from my home
�������� Memphis, 31 Aug. 1928
�������� (45459‑?) Vi‑21691(?) Rt
RL‑330
Won't
you tell me mama mama : what have I said *or done*
For
you treat me : like my sugar just ain't *hard*
Mama
mama mama : you sure can worry me
*I
ain't seen* none of my best woman : since my old‑time used‑to‑be
Now
you see my rider now : I'll tell you what I'll do
I'll
rob and steal : and I'll bring it home to you
See
[how] the sun went down mama : left it so lonesome here
Mama
this lonesome place : don't seem like home to me
Lord
it's soon in the morning : going to believe I'll leaving here
�������� Memphis, 31 Aug. 1928
�������� (45460‑1) Vi‑21691 Yz L‑1007
Down
so long : down don't worry me
Don't
believe I'm sinking : believe what a hole I'm in
You
don't believe I loved you : think what a fool I been
Went
to the graveyard : fell down on my knees
I
said Lord have mercy : on this lonesome place
Went
to the graveyard : peeped in my rider's face
Says
I love you rider Lord : just can't take your place
Thousands
of people mmm : around the burying ground
Just
to see the ??? : let my rider down
Felt
so sorry mmm : till they let her down
Lord
my heart felt sorry : tears come rolling down
Tell
me mama : what's the matter now
Trying
to quit your daddy Lord : and you don't know how
Tell
me mama : on your worried mind
If
I don't get no better mama : believe I'm going I'm going
����� ���Memphis, 31 Aug. 1928
�������� (45460‑2)� Vi‑RCX7167 Rt RL‑330
I've
been down so long : down don't worry me
Don't
believe I'm sinking : believe what a hole I'm in
You
don't believe I love you Lord : think what a fool I been
Went
to the graveyard : fell down on my knees
Hollered
Lord have mercy : on this lonesome place
Thousands
of people : round the burying ground
Just
to see the ??? : let my rider down
Felt
so sorry : till they let her down
Lord
my heart struck sorrow : tears come rolling down
Love
you mama : till the sea go dry
Lord
I love you rider Lord : till the day you die
Anybody
ask you : who wrote this worried song
Tell
them you don't know the writer : he'd rather had his happy song
�������� Memphis, 31 Aug. 1928
�� ������(45461‑2) Vi‑V38560 Yz L‑1007
Woke
up this morning : mama was treating me night and day
I
reached for my sugar : and the fool had stoled away
Worried
now mama : but I shan't be very long
Mama
this the way I be treated : be on the county farm
Wouldn't
treat a dog : babe like you treat me
Woke
up soon this morning : with my face up to the ground
I
didn't have no sugar : not to pick up in my arms
Mama
that's all right : sugar that's all right for you
Now
you know you got me : just the way you do
�������� Grafton, Wis., c. Mar. 1930
�������� (L‑239‑2) Pm‑12970
OJL‑2
Woman
woman woman woman : Lord what in the world you trying to do
Baby
the way you treat me : break my heart in two
I
got a woman good little woman : she got coal‑black curly hair
Now
every time she smiles Lord : kindness everywhere
I
got a woman good little woman : she ain't a thing but a *courtesy*
*Takes
a* little redheaded woman : and I'll keep you company
Treat
me like ??? little baby : want you turn me around and around
Babe
when you love me : good Lord take me around and around
Now
these blues blues ain't nothing : Lord but a doggone hungry feel
Got
no money in your pocket : to get a decent meal
And
I went went to the depot : Lord I read up on the board
Babe
if you see me catch you there :
Now
I got to send send down soon : for my old‑time used‑to‑be
Lord
I felt so hard : till the blues crept up on me
�������� Grafton, Wis., c. Mar. 1930
�������� (L‑240‑1) Pm‑12970
Her H‑201
Hand
me down my suitcase : *reach* my walking cane
*Know*
my mother *treat me* : catch that morning train
Well
I thought I'd write : but I believe I'll telephone
Now
if you catch me stealing : please don't tell on me
Because
I'm stealing : to my doggone used‑to‑be
I
woke up this morning : had the blues all around my bed
I
couldn't help but to think : about what my good gal said
Now
I got a heart full of trouble : and a suitcase full of blues
I
never seen no trouble : babe till I *stopped* with you
I'm
going to leave here walking Lord : and talking to myself
I'm
going to take my baby : or carry somebody else
It's
hard it's hard : it's hard *to get out of this* town
*Get*
another ??? :
�������� Grafton, Wis., c. Mar. 1930
�������� (L‑241‑2) Pm‑13038
Her H‑205
Woke
up this morning : couldn't even walk in my shoes
My
baby just quit me : she left me with the bust up blues
When
you see two women : running hand in hand for long
Bet
your B V Ds : something is going on wrong
Bought
you a yo‑yo dress : *full packed in*
Now
that's the thanks you give me : you left me with those bust up blues
�������� Grafton, Wis., c. Mar. 1930
�������� (L‑242‑2) Pm‑13038
Yz L‑1007
Have
you woke up in the morning : *you weep and moan*
Your
best girl quit you : left you all alone
Got
a brownskin woman : just about as I need
And
the reason I say so : she so sweet to me
When
she rub my head : she make my fever rise
When
she rub my ??? : she's improved my appetite
Now
I had me a woman : didn't mean me no good
Now
I got me another woman : best in the neighborhood
�������� Jackson, Miss., 17 Mar. 1930
�������� (404764‑B) OK‑8904 OJL‑17
You
scold me faro now : drove all from your door
Well
the Good Book say : you got to reap just what you sow
There
was ice and snow now : laying outside your door
Your
good old man rolled for you : at times when he was not able to go
I
can't sleep for dreaming now : I can't stay woke for crying
I
was thinking about : that little old brown of mine
Now
I'm worried now : but I won't be worried long
It
takes a worried woman now : sing a worried song
Now
you got a bad husband now : baby that'll be all right
Said
I'll dodge your husband : like a rabbit dodge a dog at night
I'll
be so glad : when my buddy dead and gone
Know
my buddy got something now : Lord I'd like to own
�������� Jackson, Miss., 17 Mar. 1930
�������� (404765‑B) OK‑8867 Yz L‑1038
I'm
going to give my baby : no more cherry ball
Don't
you let her get drunk Lord : and she'll *lower* her
She
used to be mine : but look who's got her now
Well
he sure can't keep her : she don't mean no good nohow
You
see me coming now : put your man outdoors
You
know I ain't no stranger baby : I been here before
Sun
rose this morning : I was laying out on my floor
No
sweet woman to love me : I didn't have no place to go
Said
the sun going down now : black dark caught me here
Ain't
got nobody to love me : nobody to feel my care
�������� Jackson, Miss., 17 Mar. 1930
�������� (404766‑B) OK‑8867 Yz L‑1038
She
wouldn't if she could : and she wouldn't do it at all
Grab
another man : and went across the hall
Grabbed
my gal : around the waist
Told
me you better hurry : and you better make haste
Run
around the house : took me a peep through the crack
See
my baby : at a dirty act
Just
as well : make it up in your mind
Ain't
mush *chitlin* : but stir it in the house
�������� Jackson, Miss., 17 Mar. 1930
�������� (404767‑B) OK‑8904 OJL‑17
Worked
all the summer : and all the fall
Now
I've got to take Christmas now : in my overalls
Going
up the country : won't be back till fall
Times
get no better : I won't be back at all
You
treat me : like didn't know my name
You
mistreated me now : for another man
My
baby quit me : didn't say a word
Was
on account : of something that she heard
When
I had money : I had a friend
Ain't
got no money : I ain't ain't got no friend
Take
one more drink : make me tell it all
Somebody
: stole my little all‑in‑all
�������� Richmond, Ind., 27 Sept. 1930
�������� (17084) Ch‑16149 OJL‑19
Because
Adam said to Eve : *you been cute so cute*
You
wouldn't give me none : of that forbidden fruit
They
had one is named Cabel : one is named Ain
You
know by that : they must have shook that thing
�������� Richmond, Ind., 27 Oct. 1930:
�������� (17206) Ch‑16149 Yz L‑1019
Everybody
here baby : seem to have a jolly time
Lord
there nobody knows : what's on my troubled mind
Lord
but I may be the youngest : Lord take my advice
And
don't never let : the same woman quit you twice
Don't
let your woman know you love her : you do you have done wrong
She'll
*commence* ??? : pack up her clothes and gone
When
you catch you a freight train baby : bounded for Santa Fe
That's
when I done found out baby : this ain't no place for me
Because
I did everything mama : tried to make you kind
Now
seem everything everything you do : it is to worry my mind
�������� Richmond, Ind., 17 July 1931
�������� (17884) Ch‑16339 Mam S‑3802
Sometimes
I wonder : I want to go back home
Because
my baby : have left me all alone
The
clothes look lonesome : hanging out on the line
You
can tell by that : I've got rambling on my mind
And
I said Lord : baby don't act that way
Baby
when I leave you : I'm going away to stay
I
said Lord : what you want me to do
I
took all my money : and I brought it home to you
�������� Richmond, Ind., 17 July 1931
�������� (17886‑A) Ch‑16339 OJL‑19
Lord
it's early this morning : Lord about four o'clock
There
was something in my bedroom : began to reel and rock
Lord
have you ever been accused baby : [when you] ain't done nothing wrong
Lord
that's a heart filled with squalor: Lord just sure as you born
Lord
but you can't be [mine, my baby] : and someone else's too
There
can no one get you baby : Lord until I get through
Oh
you can always tell : when a when a woman loves a man
Lord
she'll take bad treatment : and she'll do the best thing she can
�������� Richmond, Ind., 16 Jan. 1932
�������� (18326) Ch‑16696 BC‑5
Lord
when I got up this morning : snow was on my windowpane
I
couldn't even see my baby : couldn't even hear her name
Lord
and my baby is leaving : crying won't make her stay
Lord
if crying would do : now I'd cry myself away
Lord
and my room looked so lonesome : since my baby been gone
Lord
I ain't got nobody : that I can call my own
Baby
but you didn't come to see me : mama when I had felt alone
*If
it had been love with you* baby : I wouldn't have been dead and gone
And
you a no‑good woman : you don't mean a man no good
Lord
and if I don't love you : I would not if I could
�������� Richmond, Ind., 2 May 1930
�������� (16580‑A) Ge unissued Yz L‑1035
I
long to hear that : old guitar rag
Whenever
I hear it : I do that guitar drag
Play
that thing : old guitar for me
Take
me back : to my home in Tennessee
�������� New York, c. early Sept. 1926
�������� (6813‑?) Ba‑1859 VJM VLP‑40
Now
some folks say : that love is blind
But
I'm one gal : who knows her mind
Now
one hot papa : is enough
Because
I don't believe : in that two‑time stuff
�������� New York, 14 Mar. 1932 :
�������� (11476‑A) Vo‑1728 Yz L‑1030
Early
one morning : just about four o'clock
When
the old Titanic : begin to reel and rock
Smith
took his glasses : and walked out to the front
And
he spied the iceberg a‑coming : oh Lord had to bump
Some
was drinking : some was playing cards
Some
was in the corner : praying to their God
Little
children cried mama : mama what shall we do
Captain
Smith said children : I'll take care of you
Titanic
sinking : in the deep blue sea
And
the band all playing : Nearer My God to Thee
�������� New York, 14 Mar. 1932
�������� (11477‑A) Vo‑1728 Yz L‑1030
If
you want to hear : preacher curse
Take
his bread sweet mama : and save him the crust
Preacher
in the pulpit : Bible in his hand
Sister
in the corner : crying there's my man
Preacher
comes to your house : you ask him to rest his hat
Next
thing he want to know : sister where your husband at
Come
in here elder : and shut my door
Want
you to preach [for me] the same text : you did night before
See
that preacher : walking down the street
Fixing
to meddle : with every sister he meets
Preacher
preacher : you nice and kind
Better
not catch you : at that house of mine
�������� New York, 17 Mar. 1932
�������� (11506‑A) Vo‑1692 Yz L‑1003
Jellyroll
keep working : just about Sixteenth Street
Well
they got a nut factory : where the women do meet
Got
a nut factory : where they work so hard
Well
it's all over the country : husbands ain't got no job
Saturday
evening : when they draw their pay
Well
they don't draw nothing : if husbands don't draw them away
Some
draw checks babe : some draw nothing at all
When
they don't draw nothing : their husbands bust them in the jaw
Down
on Franklin Avenue : jellybeans standing to and fro
Well
you hear one jellybean ask the other one : which way did the good girl go
�������� New York, 17 Mar. 1932
�������� (11509‑A) Vo‑1692 Yz L‑1003
Skin
man's hollering : passing right by my door
Well
he's hollering skin : everywhere he goes
Some
begs a nickel : some some begs a dime
Some
begs the jelly : to that teasing brown of mine
Well
it's skins oh skins : skin skin skin skin
I'm
going away old skin : but I'm coming back again
Let
me tell you : what the skin mens'll do
Well
they sell your wife skins : and take her away from you
�������� New Orleans, 11 Mar. 1927
�������� (38000‑1) Vi‑20578 Yz L‑1032
Times
ain't now : nothing like they used to be
And
I'm tell you all the truth : ooh take it for me
I
done seen better days : but I'm putting up with these
I
could have a much better time : but these girls now is so hard to please
Because
I was born in the country : she thinks I'm easy to rule
She
tried to hitch me to a wagon : she want to drive me like a mule
You
know I bought the groceries : and I paid the rent
She
tried to make me wash her clothes : but I got good common sense
I
said if you don't want me : why don't you tell me so
Because
it ain't like a man : that ain't got nowhere to go
I'll
give you sugar for sugar : let you get salt for salt
And
if you can't get along with me : well it's you own fault
Now
wanted me to love you : and you treated me mean
You
might *give a thought* : on my nightly dream
Sometime
I think : that you too sweet to die
Then
another time I think : you ought to be buried alive
�������� Grafton, Wis., 28 May 1930
�������� (L‑413‑2) Pm‑13090
OJL‑5
Now
when I leave here : I'm going to catch that M and O
I'm
going way down south : where I ain't never been before
Once
I had a notion : Lord and I believe I will
I'm
going to build me a mansion : out on Decatur Hill
Now
it's all of you men : ought to be ashamed of yourself
Going
around here swearing before God : you got a poor woman by yourself
I
started to kill my woman : till she laid down across the bed
And
she looked so ambitious : till I took back everything I said
And
I asked her how about it : Lord and she said all right
But
she never showed up : at the shack last night
�������� Grafton, Wis., 28 May 1930
�������� (L‑418‑2) Pm‑13090
OJL‑5
Can't
tell my future : and I can't tell my past
Lord
it seems like every minute : sure going to be my last
Oh
a minute seems like hours : and hour seems like days
And
it seems like my woman : ought to stop her lowdown ways
Oh
that woman I love now : she's five feet from the ground
And
she's tailor‑made : and ain't no hand‑me‑down
I
say that I've got a woman : Lord and she lightning when she smiles
Five
feet and four inches : and she's just good hugging size
I
know you see that picture : now up on your mother's shelf
Well
you know by that : I'm getting tired of sleeping by myself
And
it's T for Texas now : and it's T for Tennessee
Lord
bless that woman : that put that thing on me
�������� Long Island City, c. Jan. 1929
�������� (322‑A) QRS‑R7055 His HLP‑21
I'm
having so much trouble : with those tooth ache blues
It's
got me floor‑walking : and wearing out my shoes
I
need a quick‑filling dentist : because I'm mean and cross
At
night I'm hot with fever : and I just roll and toss
When
I went to my dentist : he put me in his chair
It's
a long pointed sharp something : don't make me pull my hair
He
shot a burning something : into my cavity
Cocaine
or soothing liquid : to ease my pain for me
�������� Long Island City, c. Jan. 1929
�������� (323‑A) QRS‑R7055 His HLP‑21
I
told him : he was grinding into my roots too deep
Sure
was a rough old dentist : he made me moan and weep
He
kept right on *a‑progging* : until I lost my head
Right
now I can't remember : the many things he did
And
when he lay me way back : my senses left me fast
Before
I hardly knew it : he flooded me with gas
I
woke up weak and dizzy : he told me that I would
But
all my pain had left me : he really done me good
�������� New York, 7 Apr. 1930
�������� (59739‑1) Vi‑V38592 His
HLP‑5
Three
pickaninnies : eating sugar‑cane
Each
one turned to the other : and said
*Must
have made it good* : chicken in a pot
*Butter
like melting* : on the front
Like
a lollipop : with sugar tip
Wild
about : my baby's lips
Grandma
baked grandpa : some jellyroll
Ate
it : and *said oh oh* my soul
*Went
to my gal* : *on a Saturday night*
*Dinner*
: suits her appetite
The
blackest berry : the sweetest juice
*Black
hair* : *for my prejudice*
�������� New York, 7 Apr. 1930:
�������� (59740‑1) Vi‑V38592 His
HLP‑5
Martha's
sitting : on up that fence
Yowling
: like she didn't have no sense
Blackbird
cheeping : in a tree
Said
to the redbird : skeedle‑um‑skee
Aunt
Louise : she bought blue goose cheese
When
she start shaking : it's *long loose please*
White
little June bug : big fat duck
Come
on ducky : let us try our luck
Jenny
Mae : brother Sam
If
you want to be : a good‑time man
The
night I saw : little Mickey Mouse
Sashaying
: all around the house
�������� Richmond, Ind., 3 Aug. 1932
�������� (18648) Ch‑16654 Rt RL‑307
Say
excuse me mama : I don't mean no harm
Just
come here : to sing this little song
Say
my brown's got a wrist watch : and I got a ring
Bought
that jewel : just tapping that thing
I
been down in Memphis : been down in New Orleans
The
way we tap it : boys it's most *obscene*
Now
I bought a brand new car : it really wouldn't quit
I
gave it to my baby : like to had a fit
Now
look here baby : always having *soup*
*Got
no rest : over my dead loot*
�������� Richmond, Ind., 3 Aug. 1932
�������� (18650) Ch‑16481 Rt RL‑337
I
got a house : way up on the hill
I
got potatoes : and *they want*
I've
got a patch : sitting in the back
???
*potatoes* : and it's tight like that
People
in the kitchen : trying to
I've
got potatoes :
I
don't need no wife : don't need no home
Hang
my potatoes : in a little brown
Potatoes
on the simmer : potatoes on the boil
I've
got potatoes : boys it won't stop at all
???
good as ??? : ??? good as
I've
got potatoes : Lord they ought to
�������� Chicago, 7 Nov. 1934
�������� (C‑792‑1) OK‑8956 Jo
SM‑3104
Oh
tell me baby : where did you stay last night
For
you come in this morning : sun was shining bright
Oh
the black cat told the white one : let's go across town and clown
And
the white cat told the black one : you better set your black self down
Tell
me baby : where did you get your sugar from
I
haven't had no boodle‑bum : since you been gone
Now
it was old lady *Diana* : was sitting on the rock
Along
flew a bumblebee : and raised a great big knot
Tell
me bumblebee : when did you fly from home
Oh
you ain't done no stinging : on the boodie‑bum
You
know the baby kitten jumped up : oh and began to wine
You
know he didn't know the racket : but he had the same thing on his mind
Tell
me baby sister : where did you get your sugar from
Oh
you don't know the racket : you ought to go back home
Oh
tell me mama : what's the matter now
You
don't know how to boodle‑bum‑bum : I know you didn't do it nohow
�������� Chicago, c. Oct. 1926
�������� (2677‑2) Pm‑12423 Yz L‑1016
I
didn't *roll in here* : *till Lord sometime* last night
I
had to *ask* ??? : ??? *today*
I
think I'll ramble : *rambling* on my mind
I
ain't got no right to leave : ain't got no right to change my mind
Oh
did you dream lucky : and wake up cold in hand
And
you want to see some good gal : ain't got no man
Sometime
I think I will : then I think that I won't
Sometime
I think that I love her : then I think that I don't
Some
screaming high yellow : I scream black or brown
For
high yellow may mistreat you : but black won't turn you down
Mama
I got a notion : honey and I believe I will
Catch
a long jumping Judy : go on across the hill
�������� Chicago, c. Oct. 1926
�������� (2678‑2) Pm‑12389 Yz L‑1026
Now
I woke up this morning mama : blues all around my bed
Thinking
about the kinds words : that my mama had said
Now
my mama's dead : so is my daddy too
That's
the reason I tried to hard : to get along with you
Now
where there ain't no loving : ain't no getting along
Because
you'll have more trouble : honey than all the day is long
So
many days : I stoled away and cried
Poor
boy has been mistreated : now I can't be satisfied
Now
I'm going to write a letter : mail it in the air
Because
the March wind blows : it blows news everywhere
Because
I'm going up the country : won't be very long
Good
gal : you can count the days I'm gone
I
often tell my honey : don't have to fight
The
gal that gets you : has got to try to treat you right
I'm
crazy about my Jane : tell the world that I am
Because
I'm going : got to sing long‑distance blues
Now
you get way back : you get to ball the jack
You
begin to fuss : and get your rider back
I
want to see my Jane : tell the world that I do
Because
I'm going I'm going : to sing long‑distance blues
�������� Chicago, c. Oct. 1926
�������� (��
) Vo‑1057 Yz L‑1016
I
woke up this morning : blues all around my bed
Thinking
about that wire : that my brown had sent
Lord
I'm poor boy here : long ways from home
Ain't
got nowhere : not to lay my head
Cold
frosty ground : was my bed last night
Thinking
about the wire : that my baby had sent
But
my mama told me : Sam come down fast
Whiskey
and women : will bother your learning bad
Now
my mama dead : so is my daddy too
*Should
I caught the wire* : trying to get along with you
So
many days : I stoled away and cried
Poor
boy's in the streets : can't be satisfied
Going
write a letter : mailed it in the air
*Mail
it by the window : love yous* everywhere
Lord
Lord : ain't going to moan no more
�������� Chicago, c. Oct. 1926
�������� (��
) Vo‑1057 Yz L‑1016
If
you wants your man : keep him out of Birmingham
Because
the red‑hot mama : drives your dollar down
I
thought I'd send her : *but I'd leave it* at home
*Oh
she showed a lot of farmers : boys how to right from wrong*
If
you want your brown : better stay aside
I
said on that train : you gone off of my mind
My
road seem rocky : so the people do say
But
I'm a ??? driver : lucky to find my way
Hot
mama : sit down on my knee
*I
got to walk them down the city : how you got it up for me*
*I
said being in Alabama : meanest place I know
Because
I'm going up the country : mama how bad *I feel*
�������� Grafton, Wis., c. Apr. 1930
�������� (L‑289‑2) Pm‑12997
Yz L‑1001
Lord
that Harlem goat mama : sure was feeling fine
*I
went ??? search light* : up and down that long line
Now
she grabbed that stick : and she broke that Harlem's back
And
she tied old Harlem : to the railroad track
Lord
the fast mail train : honey was coach and nine
And
that Harlem goat : she was serving time
Lord
*he gave her a shirt : it was a shirt of pink*
He
caught that red shirt mama : trying to flag a train
He
said when I die : don't bury me at all
Just
pickle my body : up in alcohol
Lord
I love my goat : better than I love myself
I'm
going to kill my goat : I'm going kill somebody else
Lord
it was early in the morning : about the break of day
With
my head on a pillow : where my goat Lord used to lay
�������� Grafton, Wis., c. Apr. 1930
�������� (L‑291‑1) Pm‑12997
OJL‑8
Old
Timbrook was a black horse : black as any crow
Had
a white ring around his forepaw : white as any snow
Yes
old Timbrook he come darting : like a bullet from a gun
And
old Molly she come creeping : like a criminal to be hung
Johnny
Walker Johnny Walker : Johnny Walker my dear son
Hold
tight rein on Timbrook : so that horse can run
Oh
the cuckoo was a fine bird : hollers when he fly
But
he never hollers cuckoo : till the fourth day of July
Oh
the race track it was dusty : and the wind was high
Well
you couldn't see old Timbrook : as he come darting by
Oh
the children they did holler : and the old folks squalled
But
old Timbrook he beat Molly : to the hole in the wall
I
love my race horse : likes to have my fun
Old
Mrs went to the race track : and lost all her mon'
�������� Memphis, c. 21 Feb. 1930
�������� (MEM‑778‑ ) Br‑7166
OJL‑11
Told
me late last fall : you never had no man at all
Well
you got more men : than a two‑ton truck can haul
Told
me to my face : that a good man in my place
Told
me it was early last spring : when the birds began to sing
Well
it's the last chance : kid to be around here with me
I
told you early last June : when the flowers began to bloom
You
can't do no better : another good girl can take your room
Go
and heist your window : let your curtain down
Well
you can't tell : there may be some joker around
Go
and put on your nightgown : baby let's we go lie down
Well
it's the last chance : shaking in bed with you
�������� Memphis, c. 21 Feb. 1930
�������� (MEM‑779‑ ) Br‑7166
Yz L‑1009
Well
a short‑legged mama : trying to carry your daddy by
Said
I want to let you know : I growed most too high
When
you see your rider : out in the road
Said
she's telling all her friends : that's a nineteen thirty Ford
Now
she doing things : that you don't never know
Oh
stop and listen : at the *one‑note* how she blow
Said
you sell anyone parts : make the motor go
Walk
with my good girl in the daytime : walk with her at night
Said
I taught my kitchen *teller* : how to treat a good man right
Way
you doing me mama : says its out of sight
Said
anything a kid‑man do : well it bes all right
I'm
going to *jack* me a picket : from my yard back fence
I'm
going to start a‑whooping : learn the good girl some sense
Well
I do and I do : do and I do love you
Said
*nothing funny* : in a state about you
�������� Chicago, 9 Nov. 1925
�������� (9458‑A) OK‑8279 CC-32
A
lot of these women: too lazy to put up with none of good man's dirt
But
they ain't too lazy : to count his money Saturday night
I
know a lazy woman : put ten dollars in a telephone
Just
to tell her sweet man : her monkey‑man is out and gone
When
a woman's too lazy : to try and bake an apple pie
She's
too lazy to live : and she's too darn lazy to die
I
know you lazy women are going to *pan me* : when you hear this song
But
the truth *is* ??? : and I surely have to carry it on
�������� Chicago, 9 Nov. 1925
�������� (9459‑A) OK‑8279 CC-32
Lonesome
lovesick blues will make you feel so lonely : when you're left all alone
Dying
for some loving : and the one you love has gone
Deep
down in my heart : I'm feeling blue
Lonesome
and lovesick : baby just for you
When
I'm alone : I moan the whole night through
I
want some loving : no one but you will do
My
heart is aching : breaking for some news
My
heart is aching : gee I'm all confused
�������� New York, 30 July 1934
�������� (15483‑1) Vo‑02830 Rt RL‑340
I
said dices oh dices : please don't you three on me
I'm
just as broke and hungry : as any gambler can be
My
buddy played the jack : when he give me that hard‑luck queen
He
was one of the luckiest at cards : that a gambler have ever seen
Jack
of diamonds jack of diamonds : will turn your money green
It's
the luckiest card : that a gambler have ever seen
I
went to gamble in Cuba : I went to gamble in Spain
Say
my woman told me last night : she did not want no gambling man
I
said run here baby : sit on your daddy's knee
Say
I just want to show you honey : just what gambling have done for me
�������� New York, 30 July 1934
�������� (15484‑1) Vo‑02830 Rt RL‑340
Get
me a shotgun : and use it in the woods
I
would fix you this way : that you wouldn't do no man no good
Started
to kill her : and she fell down on my bed
Before
*ten* this morning : you had me talking out my head
Don't
the moon look pretty : shining down from that willow tree
I
can see my baby : and she can't see me
Some
of these menfolks : look just like my sure‑to‑be
If
you mistreat my woman : I'm going to make you jump in the deep blue sea
Say
run here woman : and see what you done done
You
done started me to loving you : and now your other man done come
�������� New York, 1 Aug. 1934
�������� (15503‑2) Vo‑02798 Fly LP‑103
Well
I'm going to Detroit : get myself a job
I'm
tired of laying around here : working on the starvation farm
Yeah
I'm going down there and get me a job : working in Mr Ford's place
Say
that woman told me last night : that you cannot even stand Mr Ford's ways
Say
I got me a little [low, bitty] woman : five [foot, feet] from the ground
She
five foot standing : and she four feet lying down
Say
I know my dog : baby if I hear him bark
And
I know my woman : if I feel her in the dark
Say
you better stop your woman : from smiling in my face
Woman
if you keep on a‑smiling : I'm sure going to take your place
�������� Birmingham, Ala. 25 Mar. 1937
�������� (B‑32‑2) Vo‑03571
Fly LP‑103
One
of these mornings : it won't be long
You
going to look for me baby : and I will be gone
Lord
I'm going to leave here walking : Lord I'm going away
But
I may be back to see you : one cold rainy day
She
tried to make me think : she is true to me
But
she just as crooked : as she can be
I
spent her money : she spent mine
She
used to spend my dollars : just like she spent my dimes
That's
all right : *bad luck pass on*
I'd
love to go home any time : and catch another mule in my stall
I
don't want no woman : that wears a number nine
I
wake up in the morning : I can't tell her shoes from mine
�������� Chicago, c. May 1930
�������� (C‑5701‑A) Br‑7170
His HLP‑2
Every
night : I wander all by myself
Thinking
about the woman I love : loving someone else
Boo
hoo : I just can't keep from crying
I'm
worried about my baby : she's on my mind
Sometimes
I wonder : do she think of me
And
again I wonder : if I will ever be free
I'm
telling all you women : what's on my mind
I
never loved one woman : no more at a time
Boo
hoo : I wring my hands and cry
I'm
thinking about the loving : that I let go by
Since
you been gone baby : I haven't been a bit of good
Because
I never get the loving : that I really should
�������� Chicago, c. May 1930
�������� (C‑5704‑B) Br‑7170
His HLP‑2
My
baby ain't good‑looking : and she don't dress fine
But
she gives me money : all of the time
She
goes out at night : just like she's on wheels
And
then I know : she's going out to rob and steal
I
lay in my bed : my baby brings me my meals
What
good is a woman : if she don't rob and steal
I
used to live with a woman : they called her *Tilty Til*
I
soon got rid of her : she couldn't rob and steal
I
know : how you hungry hustlers feel
Your
woman don't know how to rob : she is too doggone scared to steal
�������� Chicago, c. Nov. 1927
�������� (20144‑2) Pm‑12571 Yz L‑1002
Been
a poor boy : a long way from home
???
: no money to bear my fine
Lord
I guess : I'll have to catch that *Frisco out*
And
if that don't do : I'm going to try the woods awhile
I
cried hello Central : give me your long‑distance phone
I
cried please ma'am : give me thirteen forty‑nine
�������� Memphis, 9 Sept. 1928
�������� (47001‑2) Vi‑V38523 OJL‑4
Well
I'm going downtown baby : won't be gone so long
Say
I'm tired and worried : about to sing this song
And
I stay at home baby : you don't treat me right
The
best time I have girl : when you's out of my sight
Said
give me back the wig I bought you : let your head go bald
But
when I first met you babe : you didn't have no hair at all
�������� Memphis, 9 Sept. 1928
�������� (47002‑2) Vi‑V38515 Fwy FA‑2953
I
went downtown : didn't mean no harm
Police
grabbed me : right by my arm
Soon
I began to kick : I began to rear
They
like to throw *me* : in the air
Now
??? : was in the stand
Had
them law books : in his hand
*Evil
Bridges* : and Moses Brown
Am
going across the street ??? : going to town
�������� Chicago, c. 12 Sept. 1929
�������� (C‑4337‑ ) Br‑7138
His HLP‑15
I
said hey mama : I'll give you your last chance
You
do the world a service : but you want to wear my pants
I
said hey : what's the matter now
You
just a trifling woman : don't mean me no good nohow
I
give you my money : but that don't do no good
I
begun ??? *to worry* : that's just what I should
�������� Chicago, 17 June 1929
�������� (C‑3267‑ ) Vo‑1400 Yz
L‑1036
Nobody
knows old Naptown : baby like I do
If
you will stop and listen : I will tell you a thing or two
When
you get lonesome : and want to have some fun
You
just grab a train : and try old Naptown some
When
you get to Naptown : the blues won't last very long
Because
they have their pleasure : and they sure do carry on
I
would rather be in Naptown : than any place I know
I
can get me a ticket : and stop by the *Walter* show
I'm
going back to Naptown : baby don't you want to go
Because
there ain't nobody : knows old Naptown like I know
�������� Chicago, 13 Aug. 1929
�������� (C‑4034‑ ) Vo‑1423
Yz L‑1036
Woke
up my baby : come my love
Unlock
the door : the sky's above
Are
leaking : on your bed
Papa's
in the rain : getting all wet
Getting
all wet : getting all wet
And
if I die : you will regret
Papa
had : no place to go
You
got a nice warm room : and so
Share
it with papa : don't forget
Papa's
in the rain : getting all wet
This
rain ain't healthy : I've been told
Hear
me cough : catching cold
Ain't
no telling : what I'll get
Papa's
in the rain : getting all wet
Papa's
got : no coat at all
You
got a raincoat : in your hall
This
suit I told you : was too small
You
nappy head : you knew it all
It
lets me stand : but I can't sit
Papa's
in the rain : getting all wet
Papa
must eat : or he will die
You
got pork chops: you got pie
Graveyard
: is such a lonely place
Don't
want dirt : thrown in my face
Pity
old papa : and don't forget
Papa's
in the rain : getting all wet
�������� Chicago, 2 Jan. 1930
�������� (C‑5070‑ ) Vo‑1561
Yz L‑1036
Mama's
baking cookies : out in the kitchen
Papa
smells the cookies : and his nose starts to itching
Papa
tried to steal one : like he did before
But
mama's got the lock : on the kitchen door
Papa
says to mama : come a little closer
Mama
looks at papa : says oh oh no sir
Papa
turns around : starts to go away
Comes
right back : when she hear him say
Papa
says to mama : you a real nice‑looker
You
turn on the heat : like a fireless cooker
Come
a little closer : in your papa's arms
Another
little kiss : wouldn't do us any harm
Papa
comes home : when his work is over
Mama
says to papa : you sure ain't clover
Guess
what I cooked : for you today
Mama
just smiles : when she hear papa say
�������� Chicago, 2 Jan. 1930
�������� (C‑5071‑ ) Vo‑1527
Yz L‑1036
Went
to the station : to get me a train
Going
to climb on board : and ride again
Just
climb aboard : and ride around
I
might get off : at Memphis town
Shovel
in the coal : see the wheels go around
Everybody's
going : down to Memphis town
I
said conductor : where the trains all going
I
want to go see : that gal of mine
He
answered me : with a railroad frown
All
trains going : to Memphis town
I
said what's doing : down old Memphis way
The
trains all going : there today
The
trainman said : there's a jubilee
And
Memphis is town : that's only place for me
I
said to the station man : where's my train
He
said I never knowed : you own the train
I
said you better answer : or I'll smack you down
He
said all trains going : to Memphis town
Goodbye
folks : I'm on my way
See
you : on some other day
Got
my ticket : here's my train
Going
down to Memphis : see my gal again
�������� Chicago, 19 Sept. 1930
���� ����(C‑6086‑B) Vo‑1541 Yz L‑1015
I'd
rather be sloppy drunk : than anything I know
And
another half a pint : mama will see me go
I
love my moonshine whiskey : better than a filly loves her mare
You
can take your pretty bucks : give me my cool kind can
I'd
rather be sloppy drunk : sitting in the can
Than
to be out in the streets : running from the man
Mmm
: bring me another two‑bit pint
Because
I got my habits on : and I'm going to wreck this joint
My
gal trying quit me : for somebody else
Now
I'm sloppy drunk mama : sleeping all by myself
�������� Chicago, 19 Sept. 1930
�������� (C‑6090‑A) Vo‑1574
Yz L‑1036
I'm
a 'fore‑day rider mama : riding all night long
Anywhere
I come mama : I sing my worried song
Now
I'm going to leave you mama : we can't get along
Going
to let you go mama : and sing my worried song
I
won't carry nobody mama : I'm riding by myself
Because
the 'fore‑day blues : don't worry nobody else
And
I rode to make you happy baby : rode all night and day
You
brought me these blues mama : seems like they're going to stay
�������� Chicago, 19 Sept. 1930
�������� (C‑6091‑B) Vo‑1549
RBF RF‑1
Did
you ever go down : on the Mobile and K C line
I
just want to ask you : did you ever see that girl of mine
I
rode the Central : and I hustled the L and N
The
Alabama women : they live like section men
Don't
cry baby : your papa will be home some day
I've
been away baby : but I did not go to stay
Don't
the clouds look lonesome : across the deep blue sea
Don't
my gal look good : when she's coming after me
�������� Chicago, c. 20 Jan. 1931
�������� (C‑7215‑A) Vo‑1605
Yz L‑1036
I
ain't going to be : your lowdown dog no more
You
don't want me baby : down the road I'll go
Now
I work hard mama : and I brought you home my pay
You
say you ain't going to miss me : when I'm gone away
Ooo
: ooo wee
It's
a lowdown shame : the way you treat poor me
My
home ain't here : I ain't compelled to stay
It's
your time now : but it'll be mine some sweet day
And
I ain't going to be : your lowdown dog no more
The
train is at the station : my mind's made up to go
�������� Chicago, c. 20 Jan. 1931
�������� (C‑7221‑A) Vo‑1585
RBF RF‑202
I'm
going to the country : put my watch in pawn
I
don't want it to tell me : that you've been gone
I
had some tough luck lately : I got locked up in jail
I
sat and called you baby : to come and go my bail
I'm
going down to Georgia : then up to Tennessee
So
look me over baby : this is the last you'll see of me
The
last time I tried to love you : you were so very cold
I
thought that I was standing : holding the North Pole
I
can look and see the greenback : growing on that hill
But
I ain't seen the greenback : on a dollar bill
I
haven't any money : for a ticket on the train
But
I will ride the rods baby : to be with you again
�������� Chicago, c. 20 Jan. 1931
�������� (C‑7222‑A) Vo‑1651
Yz L‑1036
I
come to your house : and knock upon your door
You
had the nerve to tell me : you didn't want me no more
After
all I've done : what more can I do
I
gave you my love : and tried to get along with you
I
fed you when you were hungry : took you in when you was outdoors
I
give you my money : and even bought your clothes
I
tried to treat you right : you would not pay that no mind
There
ain't no more I can do : there ain't no needs in trying
I
know you won't miss me : after I am gone
But
always remember : that you treated your daddy wrong
Now
I'm going to leave you : and do the best I can
Because
you don't want me : there must be some other man
�������� Chicago, c. 20 Jan. 1931
�������� (C‑7223‑A) Vo‑1651
Yz L‑1036
I
saw your mama : in Kansas City
The
way she was looking : was a doggone pity
Feet
on the ground : clothes wasn't clean
Dirtiest
old stuff : I ever seen
Now
I got a gal : she is big as a bull
She
never stops drinking : till her belly gets full
Gets
full of liquor : and tries to sing
Tight
like that : and shake that thing
I
ask her about it : she said before long
Let's
get together : because your water's on
Let's
get started : be long gone
Let's
get together : what you waiting on
I
saw you mama : way last spring
Eyeballs
shining : like a diamond ring
Staggered
down the street : hollering and a‑fussing
I
tried to stop her : and I got a good cussing
I
saw your mama : your papa too
What
they was doing : just won't do
I
slipped up on them : and took one look
What
they was doing : wasn't in the book
If
you want some loving : you want it cheap
Go
down on Ellsworth : about the middle of the week
Show
them girls a quarter : they won't let you go
It's
four or five times : and then some more
�������� New York, 15 Mar. 1932
�������� (11497‑A) Vo‑1709 Yz L‑1036
About
four this morning : blues come in my door
Please
Mr blues : don't come here no more
I
keep the blues all night : and the whole day through
I'm
so full of blues : I don't know what to do
Well
something has got to be done : to get these blues off my mind
I
believe I'll get drunk : and stay drunk all the time
Well
I'm going to leave you : I ain't going to sing no more
Because
I'm full of blue : and I have got to go
�������� New York, 16 Mar. 1932
�������� (11499‑A) Vo‑1703 Co C‑30496
In
the wee midnight hours : long before the break of day
When
the blues creep up on you : and carry your mind away
While
I lay in my bed : and cannot go to sleep
While
my heart's in trouble : and my mind is thinking deep
My
mind was running : back to days of long ago
And
the one I love : I don't see her anymore
Blues
why do you worry me : why do you stay so long
You
come to me yesterday : been with me all night long
I've
been so worried : I didn't know what to do
So
I guess that's why : I've had these midnight hour blues
�������� St. Louis, 20 Feb. 1934
�������� (SL‑1‑?) Vo‑02657 Co
C‑30496
You're
a mean mistreating mama : and you don't mean me no good
And
I don't blame you baby : I'd be the same way if I could
You
say you're going to leave me : well you say you going away
That's
all right baby : maybe you'll come back home some day
Now
you're a mean mistreater : and you mistreats me all the time
Now
I tried to love you : swear but you won't pay that no mind
Can
you remember mama : in the morning I knocked upon your door
You
had the nerve to tell me : that you didn't want me no more
Ain't
it lonesome : sleeping all by yourself
When
the one that you love : is loving someone else
�������� St. Louis, 20 Feb. 1934
�������� (SL‑4‑3) Vo‑02741 Co
C‑30496
Hurry
down sunshine : see what tomorrow brings
May
bring drops of sorrow : and it may bring drops of rain
Now
I love my baby : but [she, my baby] don't love me
When
I get in trouble : she is the last one that I see
Going
down on the bottom : back to the Lone Star State
Stand
back pretty mama : I don't want you to make me wait
So
long people and sweethearts : I'll soon be on my way
Now
I'm leaving this lonesome old town : now I may come back some day
Now
I never got worried : until the fireman rang his bell
Two
keen long whistles : bid me long farewell
�������� St. Louis, 20 Feb. 1934
�������� (SL‑5‑3) Vo‑02741 Co
C‑30496
Now
I love my good corn liquor : and I really mean I do
Now
I don't care who knows it : and I really mean that too
Now
I've been drinking my good corn liquor : I mean don't no one get rough
Now
I try to treat everybody right : but I mean don't start no stuff
Give
me another half a pint : [and, then] maybe I'll go home
The
reason why I'm getting drunk today : I swear my baby's gone
Some
folks like their alcohol : but give me my corn *I believe* all the time
Reason
why I love it so well : it's so soothing to my mind
So
give me some more corn liquor : if I get drunk [just please, please just] take
me home
I
ain't going to bother nobody : just let the good times baby roll on
�������� St. Louis, 20 Feb. 1934
�������� (SL‑6‑3) Vo‑02751 Yz
L‑1036
Nights
so lonesome : and the days so long
Ain't
had no loving : since you been gone
If
you see my baby : tell her to hurry home
Ain't
had no mmm : since she has been gone
You
put the puppies on my mama : you drove me crazy too
You
done made me love you : what can I do
Won't
you tell my baby : to hurry back to me
She's
got the best old mmm : I ever did see
Won't
you tell my baby : to hurry back to me
She
got the best old loving : that I ever did see
You
can pull your dress babe : up above your knees
You
can strut your stuff babe : but don't mess with me
You
going to leave me you going to leave me : you going to leave me blue
I
want some of your loving : don't care what you do
�������� St. Louis, 20 Feb. 1934
�������� (SL‑7‑3) Vo‑02762 Co
C‑30496
Now
I've got a girl : she lives down in in Shady Lane
I
love that girl : but I'm scared to call her name
It's
going to be one of these mornings : swear and it won't be long
I'm
going to catch the first thing smoking : and down the road I'm going
Where
I long ain't here baby : it's way out in the west
In
the Smoky Mountains : where the eagle builds his nest
Did
you ever love a girl : a girl you hate to lose
Don't
lose your temper : when you've been drinking booze
�������� St. Louis, 21 Feb. 1934
�������� (SL‑12‑1) Vo‑02657
Co C‑30496
I
had the blues before sunrise : with tears standing in my eyes
It's
such a miserable feeling : a feeling I do despise
Seems
like everybody : everybody's down on me
I'm
going to cast my troubles : down in the deep blue sea
Today
have been : such a long old lonesome day
I've
been sitting here thinking : with my mind a million miles away
Blues
starts a‑rolling : and it stops at my front door
I'm
going to change my way of living : ain't going to worry no more
Now
I love my baby : but my baby won't behave
I'm
going to buy me a hard‑shooting pistol : and put her in her grave
�������� New York, 14 Aug. 1934
�������� (15604‑ ) Vo‑02986 Co C‑30496
Believe
I'll take me a walk : around the corner by myself
And
if I can't find my baby : I don't want nobody else
She
went out last night : and she didn't even say goodbye
How
come she left me : Lord I really don't know why
Now
I'm going out this morning : my forty‑five in my hand
Now
I'm going to kill my woman : for loving another man
Then
I'm going to the judge : and I'm going to fall down on my knees
Ask
him please fair judge : have mercy on me please
Judge
I done killed my woman : because she treated me so unkind
Treated
me so unkind : till I swear I lost my mind
Well
it's please please please : don't send me to the electric chair
Just
give me my time : and I'll try to do it anywhere
When
I'm dead and gone : and six feet in the ground
You
can only say : there's a good man has gone down
Oh
it looks mighty cloudy : and I believe it's going to rain
I
just love to hear : my baby call my name
�������� New York, 14 Aug. 1934
�������� (15626‑1) Vo‑02950 Co C‑30496
Now
I woke up this morning : my woman was standing over me
She
had a big forty‑five : and she was mad as she could be
Now
I prayed to my baby : and to the Lord above
Now
I said honey please don't shoot me : baby you the only woman I love
She
seen me with a woman : standing at her front gate
Now
I tried my best to dodge her : but I was just a little too late
Now
and it's please please please darling : honey please don't take my life
Because
you got me all wrong baby : honey that was another man's wife
�������� New York, 14 Aug. 1934
�������� (15627‑2) Vo‑03107 Co C‑30496
No
need to ask me : why I'm packing my clothes
I'm
going to leave you mama : and I really don't care who knows
Now
I used to love you : but now I'm getting tired of your kind
I'm
going down south : just to see what I can find
Now
I may miss you : but I don't think I will
I'm
going to get me a new woman : to love me till I get my fill
You
mistreated me mama : you would not treat me nice and sweet
So
I'm going down south : shake this dust of this town off my feet
�������� New York, 14 Aug. 1934
�������� (15628‑2) Vo‑02791 Co C‑30496
My
woman so lowdown : she barrelhouse all the time
She's
low and squatty : but I love that girl of mine
When
she gets up in the morning : she starts to drink her corn
Every
time I think of that woman : I wished I had never been born
She
struts around all day : she barrelhouses the whole night through
But
when she loves me : I forget that I ever was blue
I
wish that I could cure : her barrelhousing ways
And
is I stay with her : I'll barrelhouse some day myself
Now
I love my woman : swear that she won't act right
Gets
her head full of whiskey : and wants to start a fight
�������� New York, 15 Aug. 1934
�������� (15633‑2) Vo‑02820 Yz L‑1019
Well
this barrelhouse woman : what makes you so mean
Well
you the meanest old woman : baby that I ever seen
You
stay drunk all night : and the whole day long
Sometimes
I begin to wonder : what in the world is going on wrong
Now
I've told you once : ain't going to tell you no more
Now
the next time you get drunk : right out my door you'll go
Now
I'm going to get real mean baby : I swear I won't act right
Next
time I catch you drunk : baby we going to have a fight
I
don't want no barrelhouse woman : messing around with me
If
you got to get drunk baby : mama please just let me be
�������� New York, 16 Aug. 1934
�������� (15645‑2) Vo‑02820 Co C‑30496
Now
I believe : I believe I'll go back home
Because
this life I'm living : won't let me stay here long
His
wife is gone : but she was all right with me
He
would give her ninety‑four dollars : and she would give me ninety‑three
I
believe : I believe I'll make a change
Going
to turn off this gas stove : I'm bound for a brand new range
�������� New York, 16 Aug. 1934
�������� (15649‑1) Vo‑02969 Co C‑30496
Come
on boy : let's go down on Tenth Street
Some
of the prettiest women down there : that you ever did meet
Now
down on Smith Street : where you get your rocking rye
Boy
that's what I'm talking about : and I ain't talking no lie
Now
I'm got a gal : she's so sweet
Sweetest
little gal : that I ever did meet
Every
time I see my woman : walking down the street
Boy
great big legs : and that little bitty feet
Now
give me whiskey : you can give him gin
I'm
going away baby : but I'll be back again
Now
down on Tenth Street : boy it's a terrible mess
Boy
we can have more fun down there : than any place I guess
Now
I like my bucketful of beer : and I like my gin
Boy
I ain't coming back here no more : with a *very win*
You
hear me talking to you : you hear me talking fast
Boy
you liable to slip up : and fall on your yas yas yas
�������� New York, 14 Dec. 1934
�������� (16416‑1) Vo‑03349 Co C‑30496
Big
Four blowed this morning : at the break of day
And
it sounds so lonesome : because it taken my baby away
Big
Four Big Four : won't you please turn your train around
Because
here I sit all down and out : with my head hung down
I
tried to be as good to that woman : as one man could be
And
I mean it's a shame : the way she went and left poor me
Yes
I'm down and out : ain't got no money to ride no train
But
I'm going to find my good gal : and bring her back home again
Please
Mr brakeman : won't you let a poor man ride your blinds
I'm
just trying to make it : back to that gal who is worrying my mind
�������� New York, 14 Dec. 1934
�������� (16417‑2) Vo unissued Bio BLP‑C9
I'm
a hard‑hearted papa : there's nothing pleases me
I've
had to be good long enough : now I'm going to be mean as I can be
I
don't even like what I drink : my food don't taste right at all
And
a lowdown no‑good woman : is the cause of it all
When
I tried to be soft and easy : people would not let me be
Now
I'm just as mean and hateful : swear as I can be
I
spent all of my money : showing my friends a great big time
Now
they laugh and grin at me : because I ain't got a lousy dime
So
I'm a hard‑hearted papa : I've done changed my ways
And
I think they will stay changed : for the rest of my days
�������� New York, 14 Dec. 1934
�������� (16418‑2) Vo unissued Bio BLP‑C9
You
left me crying baby : please come back to me
And
you know I've done all baby : I've been as good as I could be
Why
did you go : and leave me cold in hand
I
know what it's all about : it was on account of your other man
Now
I can't sleep at night : there's rocks all in my bed
Because
I ain't got you pretty mama : to hold my aching head
I'm
going to buy me a shiny pistol : I'm coming after you
I
ain't going to let you : treat me just like you do
So
watch your step mama : you know what you've done
If
you don't come back to me : hot spring water won't help you none
�������� New York, 14 Dec. 1934
�������� (16425‑1) Vo unissued Bio BLP‑C9
Minutes
seem like hours : and hours seem like years
Since
I've had these blues : I just can't keep from shedding tears
I'm
going to tell everybody : what my good gal done to me one day
She
put me out and broke my heart : just to pass the time away
Now
I ain't got no money : and I ain't got nowhere to stay
But
that's all right baby : if you want to turn me away
You
know I work hard baby : and I brung you home my check
Now
I ain't never loved no woman : like I loved you yet
�������� New York, 14 Dec. 1934
�������� (16426‑1) Vo unissued Bio BLP‑C9
You
evil‑hearted woman : you got a heart like a stone
You
don't mean me no good : so I leave you alone
You
used to be sweet : but you ain't sweet no more
You
want to leave me alone : and stay away from my door
You're
just like a rattler : you always ready to bite
So
I'm going to get me a good woman : who will treat me right
Yes
you're evil : just as evil as you can be
I
don't want you to cook for me no more : because you might poison me
So
be on your way evil‑hearted woman : and stay away from my door
I
done took your foolishness long enough : and I don't want you no more
�������� New York, 14 Dec. 1934
�������� (16427‑1) Vo‑03296 Yz L‑1019
Women
if you got a good man : give him three good meals every day
If
you don't : some other woman is going to tow your man away
I've
got so many women : that I don't care when one dies
I
don't even weep : I don't even cry
Some
men crave high yellow : but give me black or brown
Because
I can't tell the difference : when the sun goes down
Blacker
the berry : sweeter is the juice
I
got a good black woman : and I ain't going to turn her loose
They
say black is evil : and they don't mean you no good
But
I would not quit my black woman : baby if I could
I've
got a good black gal : I've got a good black gal
She's
my buddy : and I swear she is my pal
�������� New York, 14 Dec. 1934
�������� (16428‑1) Vo‑03034 Co C‑30496
Whiskey
is my habit : good women is all I crave
And
I don't believe in two things : will carry me to my grave
I'm
going to Louisiana : where I can drink and have my fun
I
can't stay here much longer : because my time has just about come
When
you see me leaving baby : don't you wear no black
You
see your loving daddy : walking down some lonesome railroad track
When
I was a hustler : I'm in my prime
I
would drink good whiskey : and gamble all the time
�������� New York, 14 Dec. 1934
�������� (16429‑1) Vo‑03157 Bio BLP‑C9
She
ain't good‑looking : but the good gal do go clean
And
I'm crazy about my baby : though she is so mean
My
gal got arrested : and they put her in the county jail
They
fined her eleven twenty‑nine : and they even allowed her no bail
Now
I'm going to see that judge : and talk to him myself
Tell
him that he sent my gal to the county road : and left me by myself
Now
I never felt so sorry : till the people walked down the lane
And
my heart struck sorrow : when they called my good gal's name
And
I heard the jailor say hello : prisoners all fall in line
I'm
also talking about that long‑chain woman : that got eleven twenty‑nine
I've
got the blues so bad : that I just can't rest
I'm
going to ask that jailor : can I do my good gal's time myself
�������� New York, 14 Dec. 1934
�������� (16430‑2) Vo‑03349 Bio BLP‑C9
Now
you got me grieving mama : over nobody else but you
Yes
you got me grieving mama : I really mean that's true
I'm
not going to worry : in my life no more
If
you want to leave me : you can go
Now
you got me grieving mama : over nobody else but you
Yes
you got me grieving mama : I love no one else but you
I
woke up this morning : didn't find you there
Wondering
what man : had his hand running down through your hair down there
But
I'm not going to cry : I'm not going to sigh
You
going to leave me : bye bye bye
�������� New York, 17 Dec. 1934
�������� (16432‑1) Vo‑03296 Yz L‑1036
She's
got a bed in her bedroom : it shines like a morning star
When
it starts to rocking : it looks just like a Cadillac car
Baby
baby baby : you had better get your back yard cleaned
Because
you *better* cook the best old corn bread : a poor man ever seen
Get
your red ripe tomato : and your T‑bone steak
And
if you fix it like I like it : I will get you a new V‑Eight
I
like it early in the morning : I've got to have it late at night
I
don't want you to fix it : if you don't fix it right
I
smell your cabbage burning : baby turn your good bread around
Because
in your kitchen baby : it's where the good stuff can be found
�������� New York, 17 Dec. 1934
�������� (16433‑1) Vo‑03034 Bio BLP‑C9
Times
is done got so tight : so I'm going to rob and steal
It's
done got so tight : a man can't get a decent meal
I
ain't got no shoes : and I ain't got no clothes
The
house rent man : has done put my things outdoors
It
was thundering out and lightning : oh Lord how it did rain
But
somehow : I'm going to get even with that house rent man
I've
done got evil : and I've done got mean
And
when I start to stealing : I'm going to pick the rounders clean
�������� New York, 17 Dec. 1934
�������� (16434‑1) Vo‑02875 Yz L‑1036
I'm
longing for my sugar : and I don't want no one else
And
I don't miss her so much : until I'm all by myself
Now
I knowed when I quit her : I was doing wrong
Now
I've got trouble on my mind : it's trying to get her back home
I'm
going to pay the boss : and get my check‑card today
And
give it to my sugar : if she'll come back home to stay
Fussing
and fighting : ain't no way to get along
This
done caused me a world of trouble : and broke up my happy home
I
can't work in the daytime : I can't sleep a wink at night
Thinking
the woman that I love : ain't been treated right
�������� New York, 17 Dec. 1934
�������� (16438‑1) Vo‑03067 Co C‑30496
I'm
going to get me a brand new [shiny] pistol : with a long shiny barrel
I'm
going to ramble this town over : until I find my girl
I'm
going to go to the station : and try to find her there
And
if the Lord has not got her : she's in this world somewhere
She
left me with a head full of trouble : and a head full of misery
And
now she's got me crying : baby please come back home to me
My
mother told me : don't you weep don't you moan
Because
son there'll be women here : when you dead and gone
When
I get through rambling : and looking this whole world through
I
won't be dead with trouble : you know I died to *lose*
�������� New York, 17 Dec. 1934
�������� (16440‑1) Vo‑02875 Co C‑30496
Now
I'm down and out : ain't got no friends around
I'm
going from door to door : everybody turns me down
Now
my woman treats me : [just] like I'm a motherless child
She's
always squabbling : she don't give me a ??? smile*
Now
here I am people : out in the ice and snow
My
clothes all in pawn : ain't got nowhere to go
She
said she liked my music : but my tune's too short
But
if she gets long winded player : she's sure to get caught
Now
babe I can't help it : if I can't play long
I'm
just a little skinny fellow : and a player is strong
�������� New York, 17 Dec. 1934
�������� (16442‑1) Vo unissued Bio BLP‑C9
If
somebody finds me : when I'm dead and gone
Say
I did self‑murder : I died with my boots on
Took
me a Smith and Wesson : and blew out my brains
I
didn't take no poison : I couldn't stand the strain
No
I ain't no coward : and I'll tell you why
I
was just tired of living : but wasn't afraid to die
Take
me to the graveyard : put me in the ground
Please
write on my tombstone : my woman threw me down
In
my farewell letter : someone's sure to find
Goodbye
old cruel world : I'm glad I left you behind
�������� Chicago, c. Feb. 1929
�������� (21153‑2) Pm‑12750 Yz L‑1012
Rising
river blues : running by my door
They
running sweet mama : like they have not run before
I
got to move in the alley : I ain't allowed on your street
These
rising river blues : sure have got me beat
Come
here sweet mama : let me speak my mind
*If
you need to talk* : take a long long time
�������� Chicago, c. Feb. 1929
�������� (21154‑2) Pm‑12750 Yz L‑1012
Jellyroll
jellyroll : you can eat it on the fence
If
you don't go get it : you ain't got no sense
Talking
about my jelly : about my sweet jellyroll
When
you take my jelly : mama can't keep you at home
Can
make a blind man see : a lame man walk
It
make a deaf woman hear : and a little baby talk
Now
tell all you people : what jellyroll done done
Made
grandma : marry her youngest grandson
Jellyroll
is a thing : a man won't do without
He'll
??? *things* ??? : if the people *put him out*
I
went up on the mountain : looked down in the sea
A
good‑looking woman : winked her eye at me
If
you don't believe : my jellyroll will do
You
can ask anybody : on Auburn Avenue
�������� New York, Aug. 1926
�������� (107041) Pat‑7511 His HLP‑15
You
know I use plenty grease : every day
But
I ain't did no frying : while you was away
My
frying pan was on the stove : getting hot
I
said sweet papa : put some grease in my pot
�������� Chicago, c. 8 Nov. 1930
�������� (C‑6165‑ ) Br‑7188
Rt RL‑340
Don't
leave me *don't you* babe : all my clothes in pawn
I
mistreated you baby : and I know I was wrong
I
gave you all my love : still you were unsatisfied
But
my love for you baby : is all gone and died
???
baby : you can't have this town
I'm
leaving here baby : *feel no urge of backing down*
When
I call you babe : you refuse to come
Hot
spring waters : they won't help you none
Some
day baby : when I'm dead and gone
You're
going to hear : this old lonesome song
�������� Jackson, Miss., 15 Dec. 1930
�������� (404720‑B) OK‑8852 RBF RF‑9
I
am an old bumblebee : a stinger just as long as my arm
I
stings every good‑looking woman now : everywhere I goes along
Says
as I fly around now : I makes a beautiful song
And
everywhere I sting a good‑looking woman : says I'll sure find me a home
Now
I'm an old bumblebee : just dropped in your town
It
ain't none of these women : turn this old bumblebee down
They
crying come here bumblebee : you know you know your stuff
And
you sting you old bumblebee : your old stinger just long enough
Mmm
: what's going become of me
Every
time I need stinging now : I get those long‑stinger bumblebees
Says
when I get to stinging them : I sting just like I should
And
they all crying old bumblebee : you know it hurts so good
�������� New York, 4 June 1931
�������� (404926‑A) OK‑8897 His HLP‑5
I'm
a ramrodding daddy : I stays up on Main Street
I
keeps my gun loaded : for every good‑looking woman I meet
I'm
a ramrodding daddy : Lord my rod is long and slim
And
every time I load a gun for a woman : you know it's too tight Jim
I'm
a ramrodding daddy : I rams as I walk along
Every
time I use my ramrod : I surely will win a home
I
want all you women : you better bear this in mind
A
good ramrodding daddy : these days is hard to find
When
I get to use my ramrod : I sure Lord take my time
It
ain't no other ramrodding daddy : can put his load below where I put mine
�������� New York, 5 June 1931
� �������(404935‑A) OK unissued Yz L‑1034
I
done told you told you : I told you too
Quit
having liquor : and gambling too
A‑look
a‑here baby : you [going, traveling] too fast
The
law going to step : on your yas yas yas
Now
you can twist you can twist : you can step on its tail
You
going to need somebody : to go your bail
Now
you may think : that they doing you wrong
But
they'll send you : to the county farm
Now
if you want : to leave from home
Walk
around : with a bottle of corn
Now
I told you told you : like a friend
You
better draw : your business in
�������� New York, 5 June 1931
�������� (404938‑B) OK‑8897 His HLP‑5
It
makes no difference : baby where you go
I
got something : want you to know
Every
time I come : and feel your arms
It
makes my feeling : just get all wrong
It
is tomorrow : it's early or late
I
want you baby : give me a date
You's
a red‑hot mama : meat shakes on the bone
Thinks
about your loving : baby when you gone
Every
time : meet you on the street
A
funny feeling : my head to my feet
But
your arms around me : baby like you should
I'm
telling you baby : your loving is good
I'm
going to hug you : baby good and tight
Now
love me baby : like you done last night
�������� Atlanta, 25 Oct. 1931
�������� (405025‑1) OK‑8935 Yz L‑1014
Baby
I want you to know : babe I want you to know
That
way you been doing : Lord baby don't you do it no more
Babe
I want you to know : honey I want you to know
That
the way you been giving : Lord baby don't you give it no more
Because
I'm a stranger here : just dropped in your town
Ain't
none of these women : Lord turn me down
They
want you to understand : honey want you to understand
I
don't mean you no more good : now please get you another man
�������� San Antonio, 26 Mar. 1934
�������� (82611‑1) BB‑B5489 Yz L‑1034
Bo
Carter is a man : broadcasts all over this land
And
he takes women from their men : Lord just any old place he lands
When
I get to use my broadcaster : it goes all around and around
And
when the women receiving you : they'll sure to put their men all down
When
you turn your radio light on baby : you look right in Bo Carter's face
But
you neither not worry : I'm going to surely broadcast for you some day
The
men can always tell : when Bo Carter has hit this land
Says
the women they all start : says a‑really mistreating all their men
They
give their women their money : they really buy them the clothes
But
to that broadcasting Bo Carter : their women they are bound to go
�������� San Antonio, 26 Mar. 1934
�������� (82612‑1) BB‑B5629 Yz L‑1014
I
don't want no more navy beans : boys I don't want no more
I
don't want no more navy beans : they're about to make my stomach sore
I
ate them last night : and the night before
When
I got through : I couldn't shut my door
I
don't want no more pinto beans : boys I don't want no more
I
don't want no more pinto beans : they about to make my stomach sore
I
ate them last night : and the night before
When
I got through : I had to scrub my floor
I
don't want none of them *favor* beans : boys I don't want no more
I
don't want none of them *favor* beans : they about to make my stomach sore
I
ate them last night : and the night before
Get
in the luck : I ain't going to eat no more
I
don't want none of them *quinto* beans : boys I don't want no more
I
don't want none of them *quinto* beans : they about to make my stomach sore
I
ate them last night : and the night before
Run
to the little house in the back : couldn't shut the door
�������� San Antonio, 26 Mar. 1934
�������� (82616‑1) BB‑B5629 Yz L‑1014
When
a man gets the blues : he sure will run around
And
when a woman gets the blues : she try to put her sweety down
Let
me tell you one thing : man don't you never do
Don't
you never let your woman : know her bad ways is worrying you
Listen
here sweet babe : one thing I want you to know
If
I don't do to suit you : I'm really going to let you go
One
more thing : I really want you to understand
If
I don't love to suit you : you can get you another man
You
can call me dirty : or any old thing you please
But
some day baby : you really need my little aid
�������� San Antonio, 27 Mar. 1934
�������� (82635‑1) BB‑B5453 Yz L‑1014
These
times now : ain't suiting me
*Account
it* : costing a dollar three
Old
Aunt Martha : live behind the jail
A
sign on the wall : saying liquor for sale
I
never seen : the likes since I been born
The
women got the sales tax : on the South End home
You
used to buy it : for a dollar round
Now
sales tax is on it : all over town
I'm
as loving : as a woman can be
The
stuff I've got : will cost you a dollar and three
Now
you may take me : to be a fool
Everything
is sold : by the government rule
�������� New Orleans, 19 Jan. 1935
�������� (87624‑1) BB‑B5861 Yz L‑1034
Now
listen here sweet baby : I never have been down
But
I can roll your lemon better : than any man in this town
Baby
please let me roll your lemon : and squeeze it the whole night long
Oh
let me squeeze and roll your lemon : oh baby until your good juice come
There's
some say your juice is sour : baby can't you see
But
your juice baby : is plenty sweet enough for me
Now
I just squeeze your lemon : baby one time
I
believe it'll give me ease : baby all up in my mind
Says
I come down last night : half past ten
I
want to roll your lemon baby : soon as I got in
Says
I woke up this morning : half past four
I
want to roll your lemon baby : just before I go
�������� San Antonio, 27 Mar. 1934:
�������� (82630‑1) BB‑5536 Yz L‑1034
Now
don't you hear me mama : I'm begging at your door
Now
I'm begging now mama : don't treat me this way no more
Says
I'm here begging mama : down on my bended knees
I'm
begging now mama : don't treat me this way no more if you please
Says
[can't, don't] you hear me mama : rapping on your back door
But
if I get what I want mama : I won't rap no more
Now
don't you hear me mama : howling at your door
But
if you give me what I want mama : you won't hear me rap no more
Now
listen here mama : treat me in a lowdown way
But
if I get what I want mama : you'll see me walk away
I'm
at your door howling : like an old tomcat
But
most any man now : will howl about something like that
���� ����New Orleans, 20 Feb. 1936
�������� (99235‑1) BB‑B6589 Yz L‑1034
Now
listen here sweet baby : please listen to me
I
know that your loving : is the best that I ever seen
Now
listen here sweet baby : I really can't understand
Thinking
about your loving : mixed with some other man
�������� New Orleans, 20 Feb. 1936
�������� (99237‑1) BB‑B6373 Yz L‑1034
Now
listen here women : I want you to know
I've
got a new woman : just to roll my dough
She
roll me every morning : she roll me every night
She
never like to roll me : unless she roll me just right
Now
listen here baby : I want you to know
It's
no other woman : can do my rolling like you
She
shook me this morning : at half past one
Oh
wake up daddy : rolling must go on
She
shook me again : at half past two
Oh
wake up daddy : rolling ain't near through
She
don't roll it too high : or either too low
She
roll it good and easy : and it ain't too slow
�������� New Orleans, 20 Feb. 1936
�������� (99238‑1)
BB‑B6295 Mel MLP‑7324
Now
I ain't no butcher : no butcher's son
I
can do your cutting : until the butcher man comes
Now
I ain't no plumber : no plumber's son
I
can do your screwing : till the plumber man comes
Now
I ain't no miller : no miller's son
I
can do your grinding : till the miller‑man comes
Now
I ain't no milkman : no milkman's son
I
can pull your titties : till the milkman comes
Now
I ain't no spring‑man : no spring‑man's son
I
can bounce your springs : till the spring‑man comes
Now
I ain't no auger‑man : no auger‑man's son
I
can bore your hole : till the auger‑man comes
�������� New Orleans, 20 Feb. 1936
�������� (99242‑1) BB‑B6407 Yz L‑1014
I
asked my good girl : to feed me some
She
said wait : until my dinner get on
Dinner
got on : and she fed me some
Now
you know : we're carrying the good work on
I
asked the good girl : to give me some
She
said wait : until my dinner get on
Dinner
got on : and she give me some
Now
you know : we're carrying the good work on
I
asked the good girl : to squeeze me some
She
said wait : until my dinner get on
Dinner
got on : and she squeezed me some
Now
you know : we're carrying the good work on
I
asked the good girl : to kiss me some
She
said wait : until my dinner get on
Dinner
got on : and she kissed me some
Now
you know : we're carrying the good work on
I
asked the good girl : to love me some
She
said wait : until my dinner get on
Dinner
got on : and then she love me some
Now
you know : we're carrying the good work on
�������� New Orleans, 20 Feb. 1936
�������� (99244‑1) BB‑B6295 RBF RF‑14
Says
now come over here sweet baby : because I'm all alone
Haven't
got nobody : just to carry my smoking on
Won't
you just draw on my cigarette : smoke it the whole night long
Just
draw on my cigarette baby : until you make my good ashes come
Now
I got to go up the country : just to get my cigarette boiled
The
women around this place : going to let my cigarette spoil
I
come over here sweet baby : just to get my ashes hauled
Lord
the women at the other place : going to let my ashes spoil
Here's
one thing I want you to know : before you leave from home
My
cigarette ain't too big : and you know it ain't too long
�������� New Orleans, 15 Oct. 1936
�������� (02613‑1) BB‑B6735 Yz L‑1034
Oh
pussy cat pussy cat : where you been so long
Says
I been around *the curve* : see could I find old Tom
Says
pussy cat pussy cat : you couldn't not wait
You's
afraid : old Tommy's going to make you late
Oh
pussy cat pussy cat : what you whine all night
Says
ain't old Tommy : doing you just right
Says
the old cats and the kittens : is sitting in the sun
Says
the old cats coughed : and the kittens all run
Says
the little bitty kittens : come out the door a‑saying
Baby
I hear mama coughing : it's bound to be a *ben*
She
dug a hole : with her right hand
And
she buried her *corky* : down in the sand
Old
Tom and old pussy cat : playing seven up
Old
pussy turned the joker : and picked the money up
They
had a mighty fight : and not much of a race
Old
Tommy scratched pussy : in a dangerous place
Says
the little bitty kittens : says papa Uncle Bud
Says
all around your mouth : is something like mud
�������� New Orleans, 15 Oct. 1936
�������� (02614‑1) BB‑B7213 Yz L‑1014
Says
my baby got something : I don't know what it is
I
mean every time she love me: and you know I can't be still
She
got something : like a stingaree
She
can stand in Melford : man and put the check on me
What
she got : is really surprise
I
mean what she got man : surely will hypnotize
She
told me things : that was a fact
She
said man if you ever love me : you surely will trot along back
She
got something : that I really do love
It
ain't in her stockings : and you know it's just above
I
told her things : that I wanted her to und
Says
I want you to come : and do my loving in my own home
�������� New Orleans, 15 Oct. 1936
�������� (02616‑1) BB‑B7073 Yz L‑1014
Now
listen here men : what Bo Carter say for you to do
Says
don't you never let none of these old trifling women : man never worry you
I
mean they'll keep you worried : they'll bother you all the time
Says
they'll take some other man and leave you : after you give them your last dime
I
mean they'll fuss and squabble : man the whole night through
Just
let you know they want some other man now : go in the bed in the place of you
Says
when you say you going to leave them : they'll beg you the whole night long
Says
they'll tell you that they're going to do better : they'll swear they going to
stay home
Now
just listen here men : want you take Bo Carter's advice
Just
learn to live a bachelor : then you play safe the first
�������� New Orleans, 15 Oct. 1936
�������� (02617‑1) BB‑B6659 Yz L‑1034
Go
down the river : there's something new
It
ain't nothing to it : it ain't hard to do
Now
listen here baby : this is coming to a test
We
going to see : who can double in a knot the best
Now
listen here baby : this ain't no fun
Double
in a knot : you'll always get my mon'
Say
you double in a knot : is the way
You
can't make no money : laying straight these days
You
can double in a knot : or you can let it be
You
want to : hold your man you see
Now
listen here baby : bear this in mind
You
double in a knot right : you'll always have a dime
Says
the women these days : trying to learn something new
See
if they can : take your man from you
�������� New Orleans, 15 Oct. 1936
�������� (02619‑1) BB‑B8159 Yz L‑1014
Baby
don't put no more baking powder : in your bread you see
Because
you [two] biscuits : is plenty tall enough for me
Baby
I don't want no more sugar : in your jellyroll you see
Because
your jellyroll : is plenty sweet enough for me
Some
men like lunch meat : and some they likes old tongue
Some
men don't care for biscuits : they like the doggone big fat bun
Says
some men you know they're straight : some crooked as a barrel of snakes
Some
men don't like bun and biscuits : like the doggone flat batter cake
����� ���New Orleans, 15 Oct. 1936
�������� (02624‑1) BB‑B6695 OJL‑18
Little
boy little boy : who made your britches
Oh
mama cut them out : daddy runned the stitches
Little
girl little girl : who made your dress
Hey
mama cut it out : and daddy done the rest
Soo
cow : don't you buck your eye
I
got to have the milk today : to make me a pie
Soo
cow : won't you back your leg
I
got to have that milk today : to make my bread
�������� San Antonio, 22 Oct. 1938
�������� (027869‑1) BB‑B7927 Yz L‑1034
Say
you laying around here sweet baby : your face full of frowns
Must
I keep dealing : must I shuck them on down
Baby
must I keep dealing : or must I shuck them on down
Baby
I done quit dealing : I got to shuck them on down
Now
here's one thing sweet baby : I really want you to know
You
can push you can pull : don't you tear my clothes
Now
there's two big cars : rolling side and side
You
got my good girl : guess you satisfied
Now
there's a big T for Texas : T for Tennessee
T
for the girl : she didn't care for me
Says
I went up to the station : looks up on the board
There's
a good time here : better one around the road
�������� San Antonio, 22 Oct. 1938
�������� (027873‑1) BB‑B7927 Yz L‑1014
Baby
who been here : since your daddy been gone
Says
he must have been a preacher daddy : had a long coat on
Baby
who been here : since you daddy been gone
I
don't know who the man was daddy : had a derby on
Baby
who been here : since you daddy been gone
Says
he must have been a jellybean : had long shoes on
Baby
preacher's on the pulpit : just trying to save souls
And
his daughter's out on the highway corner : selling sweet jellyroll
And
the preacher's in the pulpit : jumping up and down
And
the sisters back in the amen corner : their southern bound
�������� San Antonio, 22 Oct. 1938
�������� (027876‑1) BB‑B8045 Yz L‑1014
Baby
I got the whiskey : and you got the gin
Let's
both baby drink : and get drunk again
Hey
whiskey : uh what you say gin
Let's
both baby drink : and get drunk again
It
don't make me no difference : how drunk you may be
Since
you don't hold back baby : honey in loving me
Hey
I got the washboard : and you got the tub
Let's
put them together : baby and we'll rub‑a‑dub‑dub
Hey
washboard : what you say tub
Let's
put them together : baby and we'll rub‑a‑dub‑dub
It
don't make me no difference : how tired you may be
Since
you don't hold back baby : honey in rubbing with me
�������� San Antonio, 22 Oct. 1938
�������� (027877‑1) BB‑B8147 Yz L‑1034
Baby
I say you going to need : my little help some old lonesome day
But
it will be too late sweet baby : your daddy will be gone away
But
I mean that's all right now baby : honey now that's all right for you
You
got me here in all this lowdown trouble : baby and this lowdown way that you do
�������� San Antonio, 22 Oct. 1938
�������� (027878‑1) BB‑B8093 Yz L‑1007
Go
back old devil : and look up on your shelf
And
get you soap and water : and bathe your dirty self
I
beat my baby : man with a rope and a line
-
: 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
�������� San Antonio, 22 Oct. 1938
�������� (027879‑1) BB‑B8122 Yz L‑1014
I
says he's a country man : but that fool done moved to town
He
really done sold his cotton : and now he's walking around
He's
got the women : all calling him their old sugar pie
But
now that country fool is broke : and they calling him the old country guy
He
really wore a hole : in the bottom of his last pair of shoes
And
his pants behind is hollering : I got those raggedy‑holey blues
He's
got to rob and steal : don't he got to leave out of this man's town
Know
he'll say going back to the country : going to sow some more cotton seed down
�������� Atlanta, 12 Feb. 1940
�������� (047647‑1) BB‑B8397 Yz L‑1014
Baby
I'll split your kindling : you know I'll bellow your fire
I
will pack your water : from the boggy bayou
Hey
now tell me sweet baby : who may your manager be
Before
many more questions : won't you please make arrangements for me
Your
hair so doggone curly : and your eyes ain't blue
That's
why sweet baby : I'm making a fool about you
Says
I ain't good‑looking : baby I don't dress fine
When
you come to loving : I'll pacify your mind
Here's
another little thing baby : want you to bear in mind
When
I get my pay check: I give you my last dime
I
wished I was like a little fish : in the deep blue sea
So
a woman like you : could take a little fish at me
�������� Atlanta, 12 Feb. 1940
�������� (047652‑1) BB‑B8495 Yz L‑1034
I
taken my baby : to the candy stand
She
got stuck : on the candy man
I
taken my baby : to the candy stand
She
got a fool : about the candy man
I
taken my baby : to the peanut stand
She
got a fool : about the old [nut, peanut] man
I
taken my baby : to the banana stand
She
got a fool : about the banana man
I
taken my baby : to the whiskey stand
She
fell on her face : about the whiskey man
I
taken my baby : to the whiskey stand
She
fell out : about the whiskey man
I
taken my baby : to the money stand
She
fell on her face : about the moneyman
�������� Atlanta, 12 Feb. 1940
�������� (047653‑1) BB‑B8495 Yz L‑1034
Hey
I wonder : where is that policy right man [at] now
I
done lose all my money shooting craps : and I can't win no money nohow
I'm
going to put my last dime : on the twenty thirty and the little old ten
Because
they tell me that's my baby's initial : and it ought bring my money back home
again
I'm
going to play them straight across : man you know [I'm playing, I got] them
straight down
Now
policy man my number's done come out : bring me twenty‑seven dollars on
around
I'm
going to put a four bit piece : back on the twenty thirty and the little old
ten
And
if them numbers come out man : it'll bring my money back right again
Policy
man if my numbers come out : don't fool around on the street
Just
cut across on St Lawrence Avenue : and bring my money on home to me
�������� Atlanta, 12 Feb. 1940
�������� (047657‑1) BB‑B8555 Yz L‑1034
Now
it don't make no difference sweet little old honey : a‑how you trying to
carry on
A‑what
you trying to do to me honey : I happen to have it in my bag
Now
it don't make a bit of difference with me honey : things you trying to do to me
A‑what
you trying to do to me honey : I happen to have it in my bag
Now
you may go honey you may go : you may stray all alone
But
one of these days now little old sweet honey : you'll be out of house and home
Now
you trying to do little dirty things honey : and keep it out of your daddy's
sight
You
fool right around now little old honey : and let me catch you dead to the right
�������� Grafton, Wis., c. July 1932
�������� (L‑1545‑2) Pm‑13143
Bio BLP‑12041
I've
had a funny feeling : all day and all night
Somehow
here : I don't be treated just right
I
ain't going to stay here today : if I have to walk
Ever
since I been here : it's been the whole town's talk
I
don't seem happy no more : I done got it bad
Thinking
of the money : that I once have had
Now
when you lose your money : don't lose your mind
If
you lose your good girl : there's no use a‑crying
I've
had so much trouble : I've take it for my name
If
you ever have trouble : man I want you to do the same
You
will think : you left trouble all behind
Get
well away from home : then it will roll across your mind
�������� Grafton, Wis., c. July 1932
�������� (L‑1556‑2) Pm‑13134
Bio BLP‑12041
Made
a date today : early or late
My
baby got movements : like a old Cadillac Eight
I
go away : I won't stay long
Thinking
about that sweet thing : I've left at home
My
baby loves me : tried to treat me right
Gives
me her loving : both day and night
My
baby says one thing : I know it is true
Can't
have another man : and be good to you
Up
in Chicago : long way from home
Wanted
somebody else : carry my loving on
I'm
going home : if I had a lock and key
To
keep these men : from stealing my loving from me
�������� Grafton, Wis., c. July 1932
�������� (L‑1562‑2) Pm‑13153
Bio BLP‑12041
Please
baby please baby : won't you come back to your daddy one more time
You
know baby you know baby : when I get my money will give you my last dime
When
you left me babe : you left me feeling so blue
You
know babe : I didn't love no one but you
I'm
so blue baby I'm so blue baby : I can't sleep for drinking hardly talk for
crying
You
know baby you know baby : you are always forever on my mind
You
know baby : I can't sleep at night
I
go to take my meals : and can't eat a bite
�������� Chicago, 30 Oct. 1940
�������� (053590‑1) BB‑B8584 RCA‑730.581
I
walked into a beer tavern : to give a girl a nice time
I
had forty‑five dollars when I entered : when I left I had one dime
Wasn't
that a beer‑drinking woman : don't you know man don't you know
She
was a beer‑drinking woman : I don't want to see her no more
When
I spent down to my last dime : she said darling I know you're not through
I
told her yes baby doll : and the diploma belongs to you
She'd
often say excuse me a minute : I've got to step around here
And
every time she'd come back : she'd say daddy buy me another quart of beer
I
said got to step off baby : are there anything if she like
She
said daddy I'll keep this table : if you promise me you'll be back
I
said I'm sorry baby : but I only have one more dime
She
said daddy buy me a small bottle of beer : so I can concentrate my mind
�������� Chicago, 30 Oct. 1940
�������� (053591‑1) BB‑B8615 RCA‑730.581
I
got wise to you baby : after so many years
Once
you had me worried : always shedding tears
But
no : all over now
I
just found out baby : you don't mean no good nohow
I
tried to make things happy : so we could live a happy life
But
darling after all I done : you wouldn't treat me right
People
used to ask you was I your husband : you would gladly tell them no
Every
time we'd get home : you said daddy I love you so
Now
you want to come back baby : since you realized yourself
That
I would treat you better : anybody else
�������� Chicago, 30 Oct. 1940
�������� (053592‑1) BB‑B8584 RCA‑730.581
My
name is Memphis Slim : they call me the grinder man
If
you be my customer : I'll let you have it on a easy plan
I
do my ramming at midnight : and I don't be seen in the day
When
everything is quiet and easy : Mr grinder can have his way
I
got so many customers : it takes me a week to get around
But
you need not be uneasy baby : Mr grinder won't let you down
If
you want to see me baby : you better see me while you can
Because
I'm a very busy fellow : you know they call me the grinder man
�������� Chicago, 30 Oct. 1940
�������� (053593‑1) BB‑B8615 RCA‑730.581
My
room was empty : and my woman was gone
I
didn't have a nickel : and all my clothes in pawn
I
asked my next‑door neighbor : which a‑way did my baby go
She
said she left for the border : down in old Mexico
I
find a note on the floor : it almost send me off in a trance
She
said it's nothing that you done : I'm just leaving in advance
It's
so hard when a woman leave you : and she leave you on a *goon*
You
come home feeling very happy : and find only a empty room
�������� Chicago, 30 Oct. 1940
�������� (053595‑1) BB‑B8645 RCA‑730.581
I've
got something to tell you baby : don't let it break your heart
So
long together : now we've got to part
Because
I'm tired : of fattening frogs for snakes
After
these long many years : believe I just see my great mistake
You
told me that you loved me : say you love me all your life
I
caught you around the corner : telling that same lie twice
Once
I used to love you : I couldn't help myself
Found
out : you given your love baby to somebody else
Now
listen little girl : you don't worry my mind anymore
Found
out you acting funny : I'm sure going to let you go
�������� Chicago, 1 Apr. 1941
�������� (059497‑1) BB‑B8903 RCA‑730.581
Now
I love to sing : that good old Taylor blues
When
we want a drink : I swear we just can't lose
Now
you see [Mr Melrose, that man] : standing in the floor
He
going to give us a little drink : just before he go
�������� Chicago, 1 Apr. 1941
�������� (059498‑1) BB‑B8903 RCA‑730.581
I
believe I'll marry : I believe I'll settle down
Lord
I'm tired of being a rambler : my last trip of running around
Lord
I wonder : will she ever call my name
Now
if she don't love me no more : peoples ain't that a crying shame
They
tell me marriage is a sweet life : I believe I'll try it myself
Lord
I wonder : will she ever think of me
I'm
sitting with my head bended down : and tears falling on my knee
�������� Chicago, 1 Apr. 1941
�������� (059499‑1) BB‑B8749 RCA‑730.581
How
he's got a gal : she's shaped like a hog
Her
voice remind me : of an awful dog
Her
hair look just like : a chinchilla coat
You
get close up on her : she smells just like a goat
You
know she's smelling : got B O all the time
And
she thinks soap and water : is a doggone crime
Now
her ears are so long : her nose so flat
Her
head so big : she can't wear no hat
Now
her dogs are swollen : and she got one eye
She
looks like a wreck : that happened last July
She's
a ugly : got B O all the time
And
she thinks soap and water : is a doggone crime
Now
she must have been : her mother's only child
She
should be a gorilla : because she sure is wild
Got
ways like a monkey : as sly as a fox
She
should be in a chain‑gang : breaking up rocks
Now
she got legs like a needle : she ain't got no chin
She's
a beautiful woman : for the shape she's in
Her
feet look like swings : way out on a limb
That's
why : her mother put her off on him
Because
she's buggish : she's got B O all the time
And
she thinks soap and water : is a doggone crime
�������� Chicago, 1 Apr. 1941
�������� (064000‑1) BB‑B8834 RCA‑730.581
Now
you may be sweet little woman : as an apple on a tree
Don't
want no woman : to *lay* up and depend on me
Now
if I'm the Pullman porter girl : you got to be the maid
So
when every Saturday comes : we both can get paid
Now
when I go to bed little girl : and lay beside of you
Now
if I shake the cover : please try to shake it too
Now
there's no such thing : as man and wife nowadays
We'll
just call partners : so you cannot get sold for slaves
�������� Chicago, 1 Apr. 1941
�������� (064001‑1) BB‑B8749 RCA‑730.581
Woman
you been having your way : and you don't want to see me have mine
So
there's no getting along : we're just two of the same old kind
I
tried to make things happy : and your life I tried to let you enjoy
But
you tell me you your mother's baby girl : do you realize I'm my mother's baby
boy
Around
home you was just a spoiled one : and what you said it had to be
But
do you know that's the same old story : little girl really go for me
Since
we are just two babies : darling why can't we agree
I'll
talk baby‑talk to you : if you'll talk baby‑talk to me
�������� Chicago, 1 Apr. 1941
�������� (064003‑1) BB‑B8784 RCA‑730.581
Now
once I lived a life : of a millionaire
I
was spending plenty of money : and I didn't bit more care
I
was taking my boy friend out : for a good time
Buying
him champaign whiskey : and sometime wine
But
somehow or other : Lord my money ran low
Well
well and I couldn't find a friend : I declare nowhere I go
Now
if I ever get hold : to a dollar again
People
I'm going to squeeze on to it : until the eagle grins
Now
you got to be *deep* born blind : and cannot see
Both
legs cut off : above your knee
All
this must happen : and then I must agree
And
then I said maybe boy friend : you can borrow a dime from me
Now
you must not have : a tooth in your head
Get
a letter from home : some of your folks is dead
Bring
me the Titanic : that sailed the sea
��������
Chicago, 1 Apr. 1941
�������� (064004‑1) BB‑B8784 RCA‑730.581
Everybody
wants to know : how do Memphis slim get by
Well
but it ain't but three in my family : that's me myself and I
Now
my mother she told me : son just don't lead a doggone mule
She
said son have good manners : learn to paddle your own canoe
Even
my woman she asked me : daddy do you really love me
I
said maybe some day baby : but now my love is just for three
She
said daddy who is it please : with tears standing in her eye
I
said baby at this particular time : it's just me myself and I
�������� Chicago, 4 Dec. 1941
�������� (070434‑1) BB‑B8945 RCA‑730.581
I've
been out all day : drinking both whiskey and gin
Now
if you catch me sober : please make me drunk again
I'm
not drinking because I'm thirsty : neither because I'm blue
I've
just got to stay drunk woman : to try to get along with you
Whiskey
make me stagger and stumble : fall down and scar my chin
I
know you ain't no good Mr whiskey : but I got to try you again
I'm
drunk Monday Tuesday and Wednesday : Thursday Friday and Saturday too
I'm
supposed to get drunk on a Sunday : as I have nothing else to do
Good
whiskey good whiskey : is all in the world I crave
I'm
going to drink good whiskey : the rest of my doggone days
�������� Chicago, 4 Dec. 1941
�������� (070435‑1) BB‑B8945 RCA‑730.581
I'm
down now baby : I'll be up some day
And
I won't have to put up : with your evil ways
But
there's a day coming baby : you going to worry too
Lord
and I won't have to put up : with the lowdown way you do
You
know I done : woman all in this world I could
But
I found out baby : you didn't mean no good
You
know I loved you : babe you breaking my heart
It
hurts me so bad : for us to part
Now
I'm not going to worry : my sweet life no more
You
been making your tip woman : I'm going to let you go
So
bye bye babe : if you call it gone
I
know it's going to worry me : but it won't last long
�������� Chicago, 4 Dec. 1941
�������� (070437‑1) BB‑B8974 RCA‑730.581
Here
I am : head over heels in love again
Besides
the woman was my mother : and that's where love begins
I
used to be a playboy : I played out both night and day
But
since I met Miss *Lamar* : she have made me change my ways
Oh
yes woman : you've caught the old coon at last
But
I just hope I'll be happy with my future : as I am with my present and past
Now
I love the life I'm living : and I'm living the life I love
Woman
I don't believe I could be any happier : if I were living in heaven above
�������� Chicago, 4 Dec. 1941
�������� (070439‑1) BB‑B9028 RCA‑730.581
Now
lend me your love : baby please lend me your love
I
know you hear me keep moaning : just like Noah's dove
You
got a mortgage on my love : you know there really is no doubt
But
some day I'm going to find another woman : is going to buy your love mortgage
out
�������� Memphis, 30 Sept. 1929
�������� (56307) Vi‑23271 Rt RL‑329
Down
on Number Nine : where the M and M men go
Every
day : to have a real good time
If
you want some fun : and a real nice time
You
better join the boys and girls : down on old Number Nine
Do
that dance : they call the bedspring *pop*
You
can shut your eyes : begin reel and rock
All
you've got to do : is take your time
Drink
good whiskey : gin and wine
�������� Memphis, 30 Sept. 1929
�������� (56308) Vi‑23271 Rt RL‑329
You
can go to the ocean : you can go to the deep blue sea
But
you can't find nobody : going to treat you like poor me
You
can spend my money : you can pawn my *sicking* clothes
Catch
you stooping : I'm going to let your meat outdoors
Well
the sun's going down : mama you know what you promised me
Midnight
supper : and my 'fore‑day tea
Leaving
your town : mama and I sure don't want to go
But
to keep down trouble : mama guess I better go
�������� Richmond, Ind., 21 Sept. 1929
�������� (15660) Pm‑12871 Rt RL‑340
If
you ever been down mama : you know just how I feel
Just
like a broke down engine : ain't got no driving wheel
Easy
mama : somebody knocking at my door
It
may be my yellow woman : mama you sure don't know
I
love you pretty mama : I tell the world I do
I'm
going to love you mama : till my dreams come true
If
you want me to love you mama : have to do like Jesse James
Go
out on some railroad track : and rob your daddy a passenger train
�������� Richmond, Ind., 21 Sept. 1929
�������� (15661) Pm‑12871 Rt RL‑340
I'm
worried today mama : but I won't be worried long
I'm
going to catch me a freight train : and I'm going to be long long gone
My
woman got a bed mama : shine just like the morning star
When
me and her get to laying in it : it ride like a Cadillac car
I'm
going back south mama : way down in Tennessee
Know
the woman I love : she sure was good to me
I
cried last night mama : and I cried the night before
I
ain't going to let you mistreat me mama : so I won't have to cry no more
�������� Atlanta, 19 Oct.
1927
�������� (40312‑1) Vi‑21412
Rt RL‑311
It
is up to you baby : do anything that you want to do
*So
long as I can get ??? : get back out of you*
You
ought to be grateful daddy :
You
are three times seven : you know just what you want to do
��������
Atlanta, 19 Oct. 1927
�������� (40313‑2)
Vi‑21185 Rt RL‑322
I'm
worried now : and I won't be worried long
If
he don't come to see me : you can count the days I'm gone
Some
sweet day : I say it's after a while
You
having a good time now : but your troubles will be after a while
When
I leave this town : don't pin black crepe on my door
I
won't be dead baby : but I ain't coming back here no more
I
want all of you women : to strictly understand
If
you don't want no trouble : please don't you worry my man
�������� Atlanta, 19 Oct. 1927
�������� (40314‑2) Vi‑21412 Fwy FA‑2953
I
can't sleep for dreaming : and I can't stay awake for crying
Cried
the man I love : said he's traveling on the line
If
my man could holler : like the Bob Lee Junior blows
I
would follow my daddy : most everywhere he goes
And
I asked the conductor : to let me ride the blinds
He
said buy you a ticket : you know this train ain't mine
Oh
I hate the train : that carried my man away
But
the same train carried him : going to bring him back some day
�������� Chicago or Richmond, Ind., 12
Apr. 1927
�������� (12700)
Ge‑6108 His HLP‑22
The
train I ride : burn no coal at all
But
the *doggone engine* : pull my *Texas haul*
I'm
going away : to wear you off my mind
Keep
me worried : bothered all the time
I
hate to see : the evening sun go down
Make
me feel : that I'm on my last go‑round
My
mama told me : papa told me too
Don't
you let no woman : make a fatmouth out of you
I'm
leaving here : crying won't make me stay
The
more you cry : the further I'm going away
Train's
down here : track's all out of line
�������� Richmond, Ind., 16 Jan. 1932
�������� (18324) Ch‑16718 Rt RL‑311
Mistreat
me baby : mistreat your only friend
Mistreat
me baby : sure going to do it again
I'm
going to the river : sit right on the ground
If
the blues overtake me : jump overboard and drown
Going
to buy a shotgun : long as I am tall
I'm
going to shoot my baby : just to see her fall
�������� Chicago, c. June 1928
�������� (C‑1997‑1) Vo‑1187
Rt RL‑313
Oh
now it's loving : really really wor‑worrying me
And
that cruel‑hearted loving : it's going to be the death of me
Prison
: sure don't want to make it my home
I'm
a good‑hearted poor boy : just a long way from home
Tell
me cruel‑hearted mama : what's on your hard‑hearted mind
Say
you keep me in trouble : so worried and bothered all the time
And
I love my little baby : tell you just how I know
I
will work rob and steal for her : baby in the frosty snow
And
it's blues : woke me for my telephone
I
got a long‑distance call from my baby : daddy I ain't coming back home
The
two women I'm loving : they keep bothering my heart
That's
one in Cincinnati : my Waco wife that broke my heart
Tell
me cruel‑hearted mama : what you want your daddy to do
I'd
rather see you murder me : baby and to leave me too
And
I'm going away : little baby crying it won't be long
Said
take your Bible pretty mama : and read the days your daddy's gone
�������� Chicago, c. June 1928
�������� (C‑1998‑1) Vo‑1187
Rt RL‑313
I
got the Niagara Falls blues : pretty mama keeps a‑worrying you
And
those Niagara Falls blues pretty mama : going to be the death of you
I
walked down my pantry : I walked back up my hall
I
stuck my head over the transom : another mule was in my stall
I
got the blues so bad : that it hurts my tongue to talk
I
got the blues so bad : that it hurts my baby's feet to walk
Now
it's run to your window : heist your shade up high
It's
stick your head out the window : see the worried blues pass by
I
looked down the lonesome road pretty mama : far as I could see
Another
man had my wife : and I swear the Niagara blues had me
I
got the blues in a bottle : got the rattlesnake in my hand
How
can I live in this world babe : my baby with another man
Now
it's run here sweet mama : I'm [about to, certainly going to] get you told
You
ain't the onliest woman in Cincinnati : got such a loving jellyroll
And
I woke up this morning : my pillow slip wringing wet
I
looked around for my baby : daddy I can't use you yet
�������� Richmond, Ind., 7 June 1929
�������� (15167) Pm‑12791 Rt RL‑340
If
you ever been down mama : you know just how [I, a prisoner] feel
I
ain't got nobody on the outside : *to play in the field*
And
I laid in prison : my face turned to the wall
Says
a no‑good crow‑jane woman : was the cause of it all
And
it's a many old day : I drop my weary head and cry
I
did not have no blues : but little mama just wasn't satisfied
It's
pull on your race horse : bet on your derby too
I
ain't got nobody in this world : will do love me true
And
I locked in the death cell : and drop my weary head and cried
I
told the sing sing prison board : this ain't like being outside
And
if if hadn't been for you little mama : I wouldn't not been here
I
drinking wine and whiskey : mama and your home‑brewed beer
�������� Birmingham, Ala., c. 3 Aug. 1927
�������� (GEX‑771) Ge‑6245 OJL‑8
When
a man gets in trouble : every woman throws him down
I'm
so worried : don't know what to do
I
waked up this morning : mama feeling sad and blue
Because
my woman had done quit me : didn't have nowhere to go
Hey
hey : hey hey hey
When
I'm in my good whiskey : this is the way I sing my blues
�������� Birmingham, Ala., c. 11 Aug. 1927
�������� (GEX‑800)
Ge‑6276 OJL‑14
Says
there's no more good water : because this pond is dry
I
walked down to the river : then turned around and run
If
the fishes in the water had my blues : they'd die
Got
a head full of foolishness : my baby got a rambling mind
Hey
pretty mama : tell me what have you done
�������� Birmingham, Ala., c. 11 Aug. 1927
�������� (GEX‑801‑A) BP‑8052
OJL‑14
I
done told you mama : ain't going to tell you no more
Now
the blues so worrisome mama : between midnight and day
Now
the blues done caused my woman : hon' to run away
Lord
I can't *let its* continue : don't care what I do
�������� Birmingham, Ala., c. 11 Aug. 1927
�������� (GEX‑802‑B) BP‑8052
Rt RL‑313
Mama
told me : six long weeks ago
Son
you save your money : just to buy your clothes
Buy
your clothes : let these women go
Hey
hey mama : what is going on wrong
Spend
my woman's money : mama and she won't come
Can't
rest contented : don't care where I go
You're
a mean mama : whispering in your ear
�������� Atlanta, 22 Apr. 1930
�������� (150360‑2) Co‑14534‑D
Yz L‑1006
I'm
going to grind my coffee : two or three dollars a pound
Ain't
a man in this town : can grind this coffee like mine
It
done got so good : that it make you bite your tongue
I'm
a coffee‑grinding fool : now let me grind you some
�������� Atlanta, 22 Apr. 1930
�������� (150631‑1) Co‑14534‑D
Rt RL‑313
Trouble
worried trouble : I been having all my days
When
a man gets in trouble : every woman throws him down
I
woke up Lord this morning : *things are worrying on a‑* poor me
Then
I went upstairs : fell down across my bed
Now
my baby has a‑quit me : talked all out of my head
�������� Atlanta, 12 Apr. 1929
�������� (148258‑2) Co‑14440‑D
RBF RF‑15
I've
got the Rock Island blues : waiting for the Rock Island train
I
took the Rock Island train : and take a Rock Island ride somewhere
I've
got a free transportation : looking for the train to ride
I
need to ride the Rock Island : *just riding to satisfy*
If
you ever been down : you know just how I feel
I'm
going away : *I come* to get on board
Leaving
: hang crepe on your door
I've
got the rickets and the rackets : and my baby's got the Mobile blues
I've
got the Rock Island blues : and I don't know what to do
One
thing about these women : I cannot understand
All
wear short dresses : trying to fool a workingman
Baby
if anyone should ask you : who composed this song
Just
tell Lonnie Coleman : done been to your town and gone
� �������Atlanta, 12 Apr. 1929
�������� (148259‑2) Co‑14440‑D
Rt RL‑318
Wild
about my loving : *crazy deeds* I have my fun
And
if you want me to love you : don't pretend you never done
I
ain't rough : I don't bite
???
*womens* : don't you treat me right
Baby
come right in : coming right at me
I
can *catch those* ??? : ??? *at the Santa Fe*
You
know I been out east : been out west
Hard
to tell : which mamas love the best
*Turkey's
for some* : ??? *France*
Where
the men in Texas going : it seems just the same
Now
there's two things about : I just can't understand
A
*cawdy‑cawdy* husband : ??? *scrubby* man
Well
I'm going out the country : and I can't carry you
Nothing
up the country : monkey‑man can do
���� ����Chicago, 31 Oct. 1935
�������� (96248‑1) BB‑B6261 Rt RL‑316
You
can mistreat me here : but you can't when I go home
I
got somebody there : will make you leave me alone
Walk
on : walk on little girl walk on
Say
you going to keep on walking : till you lose your happy home
And
you know you didn't love me : you fell across my bed
Full
of your moonshine whiskey : mama talking all out of you head
Say
I walked around to my window : and I peeped right through my blinds
I
seen another darky : trying to change my woman's mind
�������� Chicago, 31 Oct. 1935
�������� (96249‑1) BB‑B6187 BC‑6
When
I find a town : that will satisfy my mind
Tell
you that's where I'll be : for a great long time
When
I get to Atlanta : walk on Decatur Street
I'm
going to shimmy‑shee‑wobble : with every fair brown I meet
I
got a woman named Miss Hattie : she lives on Fourteenth Street
Oh
the way that woman love me : I swear she can't be beat
I
done spent all of my money : my bank account run low
My
woman had the nerve to tell me : daddy aren't you spending slow
Says
my mama's dead : and my daddy's in the mines
And
I'm a motherless child : and I just can't keep from crying
�������� Richmond, Ind., c. 23 Apr. 1927
�������� (12736) Ge‑6167 OJL‑2
When
I was lying in jail : with my back turned to the wall
I
could lay down and dream : I could hear my good gal squall
Lord
she brought me coffee : and she brought me tea
Fell
dead on the floor : with the jailhouse key
I'm
going down to the courthouse : see the judge and the chief police
My
good gal fell dead : now I sure can't see no peace
I'll
tell you what I'll do : and I sure God ain't going to tell no lie
I
believe I'll lay down : take morphine and die
�������� Richmond, Ind., c. 23 Apr. 1927
�������� (12737‑A) Ge‑6181 OJL‑10
Now
my mama's dead : and my papa can't be found
I
ain't got nobody : throw my arms around
Yonder
comes the devil : going to set this town on fire
Now
when the chance comes up : I'm going to bid this town goodbye
I
got ways like the devil : slipping around your gate
So
I can find me a good gal : or won't have to take no *hate*
Let
me tell you mama : what you said last night
Lay
down on my bedside : try to treat me right
Lord
I'm going up the country : but crying won't make me stay
More
you cry : the farer I'll ride away
�������� Richmond, Ind., c. 23 Apr. 1927
�������� (12738) Ge‑6146 OJL‑10
Easy
mama : don't fade away
I'm
going : where the Drummond cross the Yellow Dog
Lord
I'm freezing here : with *you a‑fighting all around the hall*
And
I felt so rotten : and I didn't want to ride no train
I
want to ride the Yellow Dog : where way out in the
I
sat deep in my saddle : and I don't *remember the name*
Sat
deep in my saddle Lord : and I ??? *name*
Just
as sure as the train : leaves the rounded curve
�������� Richmond, Ind., c. 23 Apr. 1927
�������� (12739) Ge‑6146 OJL‑10
I
never felt so worried : till I found the loving lady blues
I
can't sleep for dreaming : I can't eat for crying
I
lay down last night : with that gal all on my mind
I
got nineteen bird dogs : got one floppy‑eared hound
It
just take those twenty : run my fair brown down
I
got a good gal in town : but she don't treat me right
I
feel like going to the cemetery : laying right down and die
Feel
like going to the cemetery : laying right down and die
For
I done got worried : with that gal of mine
�������� Richmond, Ind., c. 23 Apr. 1927
�������� (12740) Ge‑6167 OJL‑10
I
went down to the river : just thirty‑one days and nights
I'm
looking for my good gal : come back and treat me right
I
ain't got me nobody : carry my troubles to
I
tell you peoples : I don't know what to do
Just
as sure as your train : Lord backs up in your yard
I'm
going to see my baby : if I have to ride the rods
I
went away last summer : got back in the fall
My
mind had a‑changed : I wouldn't have come back at all
You
can press my jumper : iron my overalls
I'm
going to the station : meet the Cannonball
�������� Richmond, Ind., c. 17 Sept. 1927
�������� (13033) Ge‑6379 OJL‑10
She
has the hesitating stockings : the hesitating shoes
*The
rich and the poor* : got the hesitating blues
How
long now : will I have to wait
Can
I get you now : honey have to hesitate
I
can learn ??? : not to ball the jack
I
can beat anybody : getting the good gal back
And
I got a gal : who loves to roll
???
: right by her door
Around
the curve : and around the bend
Yonder
comes : that engineer
*Rifle's*
on the *stage* : my *coffee's* in the *cool*
My
little gal's : from Illinois
I'm
not so good‑looking : got no curly hair
Have
a woman : take me anywhere
�������� Richmond, Ind., c. 17 Sept. 1927
�������� (13035) Ge‑6307 OJL‑10
When
you get up in the morning : when the ding‑dong rings
You
make it to the station : see the same old thing
Ain't
nothing on the table : but the pots and the pans
Say
anything about it : have supper with the man
Yonder
come the little Nora : how do you know
I
know by the apron : and the dress she wear
???
on her shoulder : piece of paper in her hand
Looking
for some sergeant : to release some man
�������� Richmond, Ind., c. 17 Sept. 1927
������ ��(13049‑A) Ge‑6379 OJL‑10
I
aim to take my gun : ??? in your face
Going
to let some graveyard : be your resting place
You
going to miss me when I'm gone : honey and it won't be long
When
you think I'm going : I'm standing right here with your *wally* on
When
I'm gone : don't you grieve after me
Don't
you forget : how I went away
�������� Richmond, Ind., c. 17 Sept. 1927
�������� (13050‑A) Ge‑6307 OJL‑10
She's
long and tall : and wears a diamond ring
But
she can beat anybody : at doing that thing
You
go through the *barrel* : and you ride like a *tiger*
You
throws your backbone : clean out of sight
�������� New York, 8 Oct. 1931
�������� (10836‑1) Ba‑32669 Yz L‑1038
You
did cause me to weep : you did cause me to moan
You
did cause me : to leave my home
I
cried last night : and the night before
And
I swore : not to cry no more
In
eighteen hundred : and ninety‑nine
He
got killed on that streetcar line
They
took him down : that smoky road
Brought
him back : on that cooling board
Says
run here mama : and fall in your daddy's breast
These
blues : going to let me rest
�������� New York, 8 Oct. 1931
�������� (10837‑1) Ba‑32311 OJL‑10
Said
come in here : and you shut that door
He
got shot : with a forty‑four
I
got a brand new pistol : and a box of balls
Going
to shoot that woman : just to see her fall
You
??? *those stitches* : in the
He
dug those potatoes : with the pocketknife
I'm
going to town : hurry back
I'm
going to show your people : how to ball the jack
She
got good jelly : she sells it hot
I
know here's something : that a man can't buy
Twenty‑five
cents : is the regular price
There's
fifty cents : you can buy her twice
She
pulls her dress : up above her knees
She
shakes her shimmy : to who she please
�������� New York, 8 Oct. 1931
�������� (10839‑2) Ba‑32311 OJL‑10
Take
your time kind mama : I'm going to do it just as slow as I can
I
might start shimmying : don't let nobody in
Make
your bed up higher : and turn your lamp way low
I'm
going to hug and kiss you : ain't coming here no more
Make
your lamp up higher : and turn your lamp around
Look
out your back door : see me leave this town
�������� New York, 8 Oct. 1931
������� �(10842‑2) Ba‑32395 OJL‑10
The
day you left me : you throwed me down
You
didn't hurt me so bad babe : talk over town
Because
I'm broke : I'm down and out
You
ever quit me : and put me out
Went
to the nation : and the territor'
Going
to catch me the first train : I've got to go
You
press my jumper : my overalls
Went
to the station : meet the Cannonball
I'd
rather ride : this ??? line
To
be uneasy : be treated right
I
give my money : and a diamond ring
Now
come her partner : beat me shaking that thing
The
day you left me : won't wear no black
I
write you a letter : come sneaking back
�������� New York, c. Oct. 1931
�������� (��
) unknown Yz L‑1038
You
don't believe I'm traveling : on the road somewhere
Get
your book : and count come and count the days I'm gone
You
can go to *Moosefall* : find me there
Yes
if I drink smoky : find me on the road somewhere
You
can talk about your brick house : but you ought to see mine
It
ain't so pretty : but it ??? fine
I
got up this morning : looked at the rising sun
Can't
nobody run me : like them bloodhounds done
I
got up in my stockings : tipping across the floor
Scared
the bloodhounds : are rapping upon my door
Now
chickens on my back : and there's the hounds on my track
I
dropped my head : and I couldn't stop to look back
I
could hear those pistol balls : zooming by my head
I
believe to my soul : they going to kill me dead
I
got up this morning : just about the break of day
I
could hear *a bunch of* bloodhounds : a‑coming down my way
I
got up this morning : fell down across my bed
I
could hear something pushing : all around my head
�������� New York, c. 21 Mar. 1927
�������� (E‑22051) Br‑7007 Rt RL‑321
My
woman woke up this morning : dollar in her hand
Two
bits for the monkey : six bits for her man
�������� New York, c. 21 Mar. 1927
�������� (E‑22059) Br‑7007 Rt RL‑321
I
hocked everything : from my hat down to my shoes
So
now sweet mama : got those doggone hockshop blues
�������� Chicago, c. 9 Oct. 1928
�������� (C‑4630‑ ) Br‑7121
Rt RL‑325
Now
right is right : wrong is wrong
Ain't
no harm : to sing a little song
Uncle
Bud went home : just like they said
Stuck
a match : caught a man in his bed
If
I go home : about half past ten
Put
the key in the hole : and can't get in
Now
Lucy came home : with a big excuse
She
left there tight : but she come back loose
I
had a little kitty : I called her mine
Way
in the night : I could hear her cry
We
shoot a little dice : bound to have a little fun
Law
walked up : and away we run
I
asked the lady for a drink : this is what she said
I
don't have the white : but I have the red
Some
folks hates it : call it a sin
You
see women : give money to men
�������� Chicago, c. 9 Oct. 1928
�������� (C‑4631‑ ) Br‑7121
Rt RL‑325
I
went down in the alley : trying to sell my coke today
And
a woman run out and hollered : scared my mule away
I
went with iceman Jackson : he sold me ice and coke
But
he blowed in all his money : buying sweet jellyroll
We
stopped on Eighteenth and Federal : just two blocks west of State
And
when he got up under that ??? : well he would not wait
She
said money don't excite me : and that we all know well
But
Jackson showed her fifty dollars : and she almost fell
She
had wind like the greyhound : and she sure could run
And
Jackson got down like a reindeer : and he runned her some
�������� Chicago, July 1923
�������� (1488‑?) Pm‑12064 BYG‑529073
Tell
me pretty daddy : what's the matter now
Are
you trying to quit me : and you don't know how
I'd
rather be dead : buried in the sea
Than
to have the man I love : say he don't want me
Lord
Lord : Lordy Lordy Lord
Oh
the man I love : treats me like a dog
I'd
rather see : my coffin come rolling in my door
Than
to hear the man I love : say I don't want you no more
�������� Chicago, c. Aug. 1924
�������� (1842‑?) Pm‑12228 Jo SM‑3098
I
hear these women raving : about their monkey‑man
About
their trifling husbands : and their no‑good friends
These
poor women sit around : all day and moan
Wondering
why : their wandering papa don't come home
Now
when you got a man : don't never be on the square
Because
if you do : he'll have a woman everywhere
I
never was known : to treat no one man right
I
keep them working hard : both day and night
I've
got a different system : and a way of my own
When
my man starts kicking : I let him find another home
I
get full of good liquor : walk the streets all night
Go
home and put my man out : if he don't act right
You
never get nothing : by being an angel child
You
better change your ways : and get me awhile
I
want to tell you something : I wouldn't tell you a lie
Wild
women are the only kind : that do
�������� New York, late Jan. 1925
�������� (1999‑?) Pm‑12258 BYG‑529073
Early
this morning : when everything was still
My
daddy said he was leaving : though it's against my will
He
said I'm leaving mama : and your crying won't make me stay
The
more you cry : the further I'm going away
A
man is like a car : that you have to overhaul
Keep
him three or four weeks : and you can't get along at all
I
gave him everything : from a diamond on down
The
next thing I give him : will be six feet of ground
�������� New York, late Jan. 1925
�������� (2003‑2) Pm‑12258 BYG‑529073
You
can always tell : when your best man don't want you around
He
will come home at night : turn the bed upside down
My
heart's full of sorrow : tears come rolling down
Because
my baby : was Kentucky bound
The
pale moon shines : down on the mountain still
Way
down in old Kentucky : mid those high blue hills
Shine
on old moon : harvest moon shine on
Because
old moon you'll be shining : when I'm dead and gone
I'm
going to tell my mama : when I go back home
Tell
her the folks up here : won't let my Kentucky man alone
�������� Chicago, Aug. 1925
�������� (2243‑?) Pm‑12307 BYG‑529073
Hello
Central : give me long‑distance please
I'm
begging with tears in my eyes : and down on my bended knees
Hello
Central : give me Mr Henry Brown
What
you say you were calling : a storm has blown the wires down
Listen
long‑distance : can you send a telegram
Do
this please : before I fall down *left in a jam*
You
just tell him : he better hurry home
Because
I'm tired : of making all these nights alone
�������� Chicago, Aug. 1925
��������
(2244‑?) Pm‑12298 Jo SM‑3098
Takes
a southern woman : to sing this southern song
Lord
I'm worried now : but I won't be worried long
When
I was downtown : I wouldn't take no one's advice
But
I ain't going to let : that same bee sting me twice
Because
I'm going back : where the weather suits my clothes
Down
where there ain't no snow : and the chilly winds never blow
I
don't want no northerner : no northern black or brown
Southern
men will stick by you : when the northern men can't be found
You
ever been south : you know just what I mean
Southern
men are all the same : from Kentucky to New Orleans
I'm
going back south : where I can get my hambone boiled
These
northern men : are about to let my poor hambone spoil
�������� Chicago, Aug. 1925
�������� (2246‑1) Pm‑12307 BYG‑529073
The
blues came down my alley : and stopped right at my door
They
made me feel : like I've never felt before
I'm
a good‑hearted woman : never done nobody wrong
But
the better I treat my daddy : the worse we get along
If
you don't want me daddy : please tell me what to do
I've
never loved nobody daddy : like I'm loving you
I've
got ten little puppies : twelve little shaggy hound
It
takes all twenty‑two : to run my good man down
�������� Chicago, Sept. 1925
�������� (2293‑1) Pm‑12318 BYG‑529073
Daddy
oh daddy : won't you answer me please
All
day I stood by your coffin : trying to give my poor heart ease
I
rubbed my hands over your head : and whispered in your ear
And
I wonder if you know : that your mama's near
You
told me that you loved me : and I believed what you said
And
I wished that I could fall : here across your coffin dead
When
I left the undertakers : I couldn't help but cry
And
it hurts me so bad : to tell the man I love goodbye
�������� Chicago, Sept. 1925
�������� (2294‑?) Pm‑12318 BYG‑529073
Early
this morning : the blues come walking in my room
I
said blues please tell me : what are you doing here so soon
He
looked at me and smiled : but yet they refused to say
I
asked him again : and they turned and walked away
The
first thing they told you : your man you're going to lose
At
first I didn't believe it : but I found that it was true
Blues
oh blues : you know you been here before
The
last time you were here : you made me cry and walk the floor
�������� Chicago, c. Aug. 1928
�������� (20766‑1) Pm‑12704 BYG‑529073
The
time has come : for us to part
I
ain't going to cry : it won't break my heart
Because
I'm through with you : and I hope you don't feel hurt
You
are like an old horseshoe : that's had its day
You're
like an old shoe : I must throw away
You're
like an old ship : that sprung a leak
You
ain't young no more : and your loving is weak
You
ain't got no money : you're down and broke
You're
just an old has‑been : like a worn out joke
�������� Chicago, c. Aug. 1928
�������� (20768‑1) Pm‑12704 BYG‑529073
Old
pal old pal : you stole my man away
But
that's all right : I'll get him back some day
You
stole my man : between midnight and day
And
if I catch you old pal : I sure will make you pay
Why
should you : have a daddy of your own
Old
pal old pal : you better let my man alone
Old
pal you said : two friends could understand
But
that's no sign : we should take each other's man
�������� New York, 1 Feb. 1939
�������� (64972‑A) De‑7567 Cor CP‑58
Going
down to the river : take a rope and a rock
Tie
it around my neck : and jump off the dock
Ain't
no one : can change my mind
I've
been mistreated : and I don't mind dying
Going
to get me some poison : kill myself
Because
the man I love : has put me on the shelf
If
he didn't want me : he didn't have to lie
The
day I see him : that's the day he'll die
Baby
: you don't know my mind
When
you see me laughing : I'm laughing just to keep from crying
A
crooked man's worse : than crooked dice
With
dice you lose your money : with your man you lose your life
I'm
going to get me a razor : and a gun
Cut
him if he stands still : shoot him if he runs
�������� Chicago, 11 Sept. 1941
�������� (064873‑1) BB‑B8896 RCA
LPV‑518
I
got a coal‑black mare : but Lord how that horse can run
Yes
she win every race : man you don't see how it's done
I
give her three gold teeth : I put earings in her ears
There
ain't no use a‑worrying : I do swear the stuff is here
I
cut her mane : I put streamline shoes on her feet
Ain't
a horse in the country : I do swear my horse can't beat
Say
she foxtrot and pace : and I rode that horse today
Yeah
when morning comes : she had never broke her gait
She
going to the race track at midnight : and I rode her all night long
Yeah
when morning come : she had never changed her weight
She's
a coal‑black mare : she's got long black curly mane
Well
I'll follow that horse : man in any land
�������� Chicago, 11 Sept. 1941
�������� (064874‑1) BB‑B8858 RCA
LPV‑518
I
went down in Death Valley : among the tombstones and dry bones
That's
where poor me will be : Lord when I'm dead and gone
Now
if I should die : I should die before my time
I
want you to bury my body : down by that Frisco line
Now
bury me mama : low down in the sand
Now
bury me mama : where I won't bother your next old man
Oh
bye bye baby : I said goodbye
Death
Valley is my home : mama I want to die
Tell
all the women : please come dressed in red
They
going down Sixty‑One Highway : that's where the poor boy he fell dead
Wear
your patent leather slippers : mama put out your morning gown
You
going to follow poor Crudup : down to his burying ground
�������� Chicago, 11 Sept. 1941
�������� (064876‑1) BB‑B8858 RBF RF‑202
That's
all right mama : that's all right for you
Treat
me lowdown and dirty : any old way you do
I've
been worried all night mama : now worried again today
Because
the woman I love : done throwed me away
Babe
I wouldn't have been here : if it had not been for you
*Down
in* Chicago : you treat me like you do
I'm
leaving town mama : just to wear you off my mind
Now
you treat me lowdown and dirty : I believe I'll lose my mind
If
I get lucky mama : with my train fare home
I'm
going back to Mississippi : Lord now where I belong
�������� Chicago, 15 Apr. 1942
�������� (070863‑1) BB‑34‑0704
RBF RF‑202
Well
that mean old old Frisco : and that lowdown Santa Fe
Done
took my babe away : Lord and blowed back at me
Yes
my mama told me : papa told me too
Son
every woman scream in your face : Lord she ain't no friend to you
Lord
I wonder : do she ever think of me
Well
I wonder I wonder : will my babe come back to me
Yes
I'm standing and looking : watching that Southern whistle blow
Well
she didn't catch that Southern : Lord now where did the woman go
Lord
I ain't got no : special rider here
I
might leave : because I don't feel welcome here
�������� Grafton, Wis., c. Jan. 1932
�������� (L‑1236‑2) Pm‑13118
Rt RL‑325
Do
anything mama : tell the truth don't mean no lie
I
have so many hard‑working women : tell you men I don't mean no jive
Now
she's *making* her jelly : and she will not give it away
She's
going to save it for *Sally* : he will be home today
Some
of these funny women : just like driving an automobile
You
have to step on the gas : to make them climb the hill
Never
mind never mind baby : I got my eyes on you
Some
of these days mama : you going to do like I want you to