Pre-war Blues Lyric Poetry: an Anthology
D - H
Davis, Carl (Dallas Jamboree Jug Band)
That Stuff You Sell Ain't No Good
I Can Tell By the Way You Smell
I'm So Glad I'm Twenty‑One Years Old Today
Dooley, Simmie (Pink Anderson)
Dorsey, Thomas A.(Georgia Tom)
The Girl I Love, She Got Long Curly Hair
Broken‑Hearted, Ragged and Dirty Too
Who's Been Tellin' You Buddy Brown Blues
I Ain't Gonna Be Worried No More
Everybody Oughta Make a Change
I've Got Ford Movements in My Hips
Tired of Being Mistreated Part 1
Tired of Being Mistreated Part 2
I'm Gonna Leave You on the Outskirts of Town
Glaze, Ruby (Blind Willie McTell)
Mama's Quittin' and Leavin'‑Part 1
Mama's Quittin' and Leavin'‑Part 2
Hayes, Nap (T. C. Johnson Groups)
Poor Boy a Long Ways from Home
I Had a Gal for the Last Fifteen Years
Got the Blues Can't Be Satisfied
��������
�������� (11861‑A) Ge‑5459 Rt RL‑325
Mama
I woke up this morning : mama had the sundown blues
And
my fair brown told me : I refuse to go
Mama
I had so much chicken : mama cackles in my sleep
You
don't like my potatoes mama : oh don't you plow so deep
I
got nineteen fair browns : said I want you all to know
Mama
if you want to see me : mama I'll let the nineteen go
Now
you see my little fair brown : tell her to bring me meat
When
the wintertime gets here : I'll wear the B V Ds
��������
�������� (11862‑A) Ge‑5459 Rt RL‑325
When
you get down to
Just
lightning and smoking : on the road somewhere
I
was born in
Good
Lord oh when you get to
Well
they call me Daddy Stove Pipe : turn your damper down
Good
Lord now when you get to
��������
�������� (GEX‑730‑A) Ge‑6212
OJL‑14
I
don't want no sugar : stirred up in my rice
That
long *short* yellow : gives me my appetite
Mama
toot your whistle : you can't blow your horn
Your
little bow‑legged daddy : left you all alone
Mama
I don't like chicken : neither no piece of cake
Takes
a big fat fan‑belt : drive a Cadillac Eight
When
you get through to
When
you love your daddy : give me your right hand
�������� Atlanta, 19 Feb.
1927
�������� (37931‑2) Vi‑20658
Rt RL‑326
My
mama was a sailor : she love the ocean life
She
ride top and bottom : sometime on the side
Said
I'm going to
Said
a bobtailed coat : and a *hot ???
Lord
I told Mr Russell : don't you broke my plow
Says
he got bull‑headed : and broke it off anyhow
Standing
on the corner : talking with my brown
Up
stepped this policeman : take both of us down
Honey
where was you : when thirty blows was sound
Standing
on the corner : teasing with my brown
Lord
a lowdown fireman : dirty engineer
Say
they took my brown : left me standing here
All
you jealous men : better keep your women tied
If
they flag my train : I'm sure going to let them ride
If
anybody asks you : who composed this song
Tell
them Julius Daniels : done been here and gone
��������
�������� (37932‑2) Vi unissued Fwy FA‑2953
I'm
take me my pistol : three rounds of ball
Going
kill everybody : *broke the poor boy law*
On
a Monday I was arrested : on a Tuesday I was tried
Judge
found me guilty : and I hung my head and cried
Judge
: what'll be my fine
Says
a pick and a shovel : way down *Joe�
Brown's* coal mine
Be
light on me judge : I ain't been here before
Give
you ninety‑nine years : don't come back here no more
��������
�������� (15566) Pm‑12828 Yz L‑1003
What's
on your worried mind
You
keep your poor man worried : and bothered all the time
Lord Lordy : Lord Lord Lord Lord
I'm
a poor boy : been treated just like a dog
Got
a new way baby : spelling
Double M double E : double T double X Y Z
Baby
baby : what makes you treat me so
I've
done all : that a poor boy could do
I
helped you baby : when your kinfolks turned you down
Now
you loving someone else baby : and you done left this town
Look
a‑here baby : what more you want me to do
I
sacrificed my mother : just to get along long with you
Ever
lay down laughing : and wake up hollering and crying
And
you think about the woman : you treated so nice and kind
Take
me back baby : try poor me one more time
I'll
bet you hundred dollar : that I will change your mind
When
you got money : your friends will hear your plea
When
you ain't got no money : then you have to come home to me
Take
my woman : I won't get mad with you
For
she's three times seven : and she knows what she wants to do
Woke
up this morning : and I was half most dead
I
was bone‑down weary : a low and ache aching head
Baby
baby : won't you forgive me please
You're
the only woman : can give my poor poor heart ease
��������
�������� (67583‑1) Vi‑23311 OJL‑20
You
deceived me babe : about the things I did not want you to do
Now
I've lost confidence in you : because you won't be true
I
regarded you : like I were your baby child
But
when it comes to find out : you was misusing me all the while
But
me and my baby : we going to make everything all right
And
if we don't tomorrow : we will tomorrow night
Beef
to me baby : me and pork chops do not agree
I
love you : but I don't like the way that you are jiving me
I'll
work up to you : or you'll slip back [down] to me some day
And
you going to be sorry : that you done me this a‑way
��������
�������� (67584‑1) Vi‑23311 Yz L‑1003
I
never cried : till my babe got on the train
And
the tears went down : great God like drops of rain
Now
let me tell you : what that mean old train will do
It
will take your woman : and blow the smoke at you
And
it's oh my baby : don't treat me good no more
And
I ain't got no babe : ain't got nowhere to go
And
this woman I'm loving : don't pay me no mind
And
she keeps me worried : and bothered all the time
I
believe I believe : I'll stop my barrelhouse ways
For
I feel myself : sinking every day
And
it's oh my baby : don't act right no more
And
I can't feel welcome : babe nowhere I go
If
whiskey don't kill me : I'm doomed to lose my mind
For
I'm worried and bothered : and drinking all the time
Farewell
farewell : I bid this world goodbye
Little
babe done quit me : and I'll give on up to die
��������
�������� (63764‑A) De‑7462 AH‑158
I
ain't no iceman : I ain't no iceman's son
But
I can keep you cool : until the iceman comes
I
ain't no wood chopper : I ain't no wood chopper's son
But
babe I can chop your kindling : until the wood chopper comes
Baby
I ain't no stove man : I ain't no stove man's son
But
I can keep you heated up : babe until the stove man comes
Baby
I ain't no butcher : and I ain't no butcher's son
But
I can furnish you plenty of meat : baby until the butcher comes
I
ain't no milkman : I ain't no milkman's son
But
I can furnish you plenty of cream : baby until that milkman comes
��������
�������� (MEM‑774) Vo‑1513 OJL‑19
Work
now mama : both night and day
Make
my money : bring it all away
Liquor
sure : is a craving sin
Steal
it from the white folks : now and then
Up
to my lips : then down to my toes
That's
the way : ??? ten gallons goes
Went
to the doctor : and the doctor said
Don't
stop drinking : going to kill you dead
Mama
told me : papa told me too
Doing
that stuff : will be the death of you
��������
�������� (DAL‑103‑ ) Vo‑03092
BC‑2
Now
if you're ever in
You
can see the snuff‑sniffing women : like a police on his beat
Lordy
I'm so glad I'm so glad : police is back on the beat
So
he can stop them women : from begging every man they meet
Lord
I ain't going to marry : ain't going to settle down
I'm
going to hang around
Now
if you ever come to
Yes
sweet papa Charlie Chicken : he will pay your bail
I'm
going to tell you something mama : every word is true
Lord
I'm crazy about my pork and beans : wild about my good beef stew
��������
�������� (20908‑?) Pm‑12703 Yz L‑1039
Now
you talk about rags : boys but you ought to hear mine
My
red‑hot shaker : plays it all the time
It's
called : the red‑hot shaker rag
It's
the best rag : that I ever had
Now
you can talk about pepper : boys but it ain't hot
You
ought to hear my boys : making up their plot
Let's
play : the red‑hot shaker's rag
Now
blow it boys : you know it's just too bad
��������
�������� (20909‑?) Pm‑12703 Yz L‑1039
I'd
rather be in the *cripty* river : floating like a log
Than
to stay around here : be treated like a dog
Now
all the little children : playing around in a ring
Playing
hooky from school : just to rag that thing
Now
it's some folks says : a preacher won't steal
But
I caught a preacher : in the potato field
Now
one had the sack : the other had the hoe
If
that ain't stealing : boys I'd like to know
Here
come my father : with his gun
You
ought to see : them preachers run
�������� Cincinnati, 12
June 1930
�������� (62907‑2) Vi‑V38618
RCA INT‑1085
My
baby's gone : and she won't come back no more
Oh
she left me this morning : and she caught that M and O
Listen
here people : I've done everything that I could
But
she's gone and left me : she didn't mean me no good
There
is one thing baby : I just can't understand myself
When
the gal I love quit me : I don't want nobody else
But
that's all right babe : I can't stand the way you do
You
are running me crazy : and it's going to worry you
When
she left me she bought a ticket : just as long as she was tall
She
didn't know how much I loved her : or else she wouldn't have left at all
��������
�������� (69416‑2) Vi‑V23282 RCA
INT‑1085
That
stuff you sell : ain't no good
Smell
just like : old rotten burnt wood
That
stuff you sell : ain't no wine
One
thing about it : you serve it so kind
The
stuff you sell : ain't no booze
One
thing about it : mama give you the blues
The
stuff you sell : in a jug
You
don't give me some : I'm going to raise a bug
I
know you're sick : can't get well
When
you sell any more : it take God to tell
You
can go down on the corner : Market and Tenth
Get
that stuff : for fifty cents
That
stuff you sell : ain't so good
I
wouldn't buy none of that : even if I could
��������
�������� (67579‑1)
Vi‑V23308 RCA INT‑1085
The
north wind has begin howling : [and, but] the skies are pretty and blue
And
winter is coming : wonder what the poor people are going to do
People
talk about the time : that they never have seen before
But
hard times : is knocking on everybody's door
Poor
people are like prisoners : but they just ain't got on a ball and chain
But
the way they are faring : I do swear it's all the same
There
ain't no need to worry : times will bring about a change
And
if it don't : I swear it will always be the same
�������� Dallas, 10 Feb. 1932
�������� (70676‑1) Vi‑V23333
RBF RF‑12
I'm
a railroad man : and I love that M and O
And
when I leave this time : I ain't coming back no more
Now
don't the moon look pretty : shining down through the trees
I
can see my baby : but I swear that she can't see me
I'm
in a world of trouble : and I believe I've got to go
I'm
going to leave here people : going to catch that M and O
��������
�������� (76802‑1) BB‑B5143 RCA INT‑1085
The
L and N is a fast train : also that I N C N
If
I ever leave
L
and N L and N : bring my baby back to me
You
keep me bound down in trouble : just as long as I can be
Don't
your house look lonesome : when the one that you love is gone
And
you ain't got nobody : just to keep a happy home
I
wonder will my baby : ever come back to me again
When
she left me good people : she rode that L and N
��������
�������� (85479‑1) BB‑B5879 OJL‑20
My
gal done quit me : found somebody else
And
now I'm tired : of sleeping by myself
I
love my moonshine whiskey : and I love my cherry wine
Sloppy
drunk : about to lose my mind
I'm
going to get sloppy drunk : tell everything I know
Another
half a pint : mama will see me *Joe*
Ooo
: ooo wee
Wonder
what will : what will become of me
Water
when I'm thirsty : whiskey when I'm dry
A
brownskin woman : tell her when I come to die
��������
�������� (85480‑1) BB‑B5982 RCA INT‑1175
I
am traveling this lonesome road : if I never get back no more
I
have something to tell you : people just before I go
Take
care of my wife and my children : I hope to come back home some day
The
racket that I am now in : Lord it make *white slavery*
I'm
going to rob and I'm going to hijack : until I get satisfied
And
if the freight train leaves me : Lord I got a mule to ride
I
thinking about the times : when I was laying in my mother's arms
She
always told me : son don't you do nothing wrong
But
people before I will stand to see : my good woman go down
I
will pack my suitcase : while I hunt from town to town
��������
�������� (85481‑1) BB‑B5982 RCA INT‑1175
I
was sad and lonesome : when I walked into my baby's door
And
here's the words she told me : I can't use you no more
I
folded up my arms : and I slowly walked away
That's
all right baby : you going to need my help some day
Oh
Lord : oh Lord oh Lord oh Lord
Don't
you remember the day : you treated me like a lowdown dirty dog
Some
day I'm going to see you : when you down and out just like myself
Mama
just as I have told you : some day you going to need my help
So
goodbye : I ain't got no more to say
I
did not think : you would treat me this a‑way
��������
�������� (85482‑1) BB‑B5965 RCA INT‑1085
Every
since every since : I [first] left my mother's door
I
don't have the good times people : that I have had in my life so long
So
in believe I will go : right down I Paris Tennessee
Because
this life that I'm living : Lord it's bad luck *here*
Going
to write and tell my mother : to look for me on my way
I'm
going back home people : Lord and I'm going back there to stay
And
if you see my black angel : please don't tell her the way I've gone
Tell
her there ain't no need to worry : neither cry or weep and moan
I'll
try to travel if I want to : but I believe I will go by *mail*
I've
got a V‑Eight Ford now sweet mama : Lord you know I'm a minuteman
��������
�������� (85483‑1) BB‑B5965 RCA INT‑1085
My
tires ain't going to fail me : and my motor it is good and strong
I
have a V‑Eight Ford now sweet mama : Lord and you know it won't be long
All
I want is my thirty‑two twenty : hanging by my side
I
will pour in the high‑powered gasoline : and see how fast we can ride
I'm
going to make traintime and over : and I ain't going to be one minute late
I'm
going to hold it around ninety miles : and I ain't going to� break my gait
Won't
you listen to my V‑Eight motor : won't you listen to how my motor hums
This
minuteman is on that lonesome highway : and I swear it won't be long
��������
�������� (85484‑1) BB‑B5931 RCA INT‑1085
Uncle
Bert thought : he had *his daughter* trained
She's
out there : shaking that little old thing
Shaking
her *rumble* : just like she shake her *strike*
She
say run into me baby : and make me break my back
She
got a crankshaft motion : she got a cross‑town swing
She
got *the regular* : doing that thing
She's
out there : looking like a sugar lump
She
say want to *pum‑pitty* : got to make me drunk
*I'm
burn that* chicken : *and down handcuff*
Come
on here darling : let's go and talk
*Aunt
Dinah got a preacher* : *roll* above her knee
And
she strutting her stuff : to who she please
��������
�������� (91430‑1) BB‑B6040 RCA INT‑1085
Mama
here come your root man : open the door and let him in
It
is just about time : you using some of your good roots again
You
face is getting bumpy : and your skin looks awful bad
I
believe my root do you more good mama : than any herbs that you ever had
There
is one thing baby : you want the root all by yourself
But
you know I'm a doctor mama : I got to give it to somebody else
The
root that I'm selling : from it you can get lots of juice
And
when I'm giving it to you mama : you don't want to turn your doctor loose
I
was doctoring on a woman : she said Lord I can't see how can it be
She
say go away from here doctor : you got too much root for me
��������
�������� (91433‑1) BB‑B6059 Yz L‑1025
You
hair all wrinkled : and you full of sweat
Your
underskirt : is wringing wet
You
show your linen : to any man
And
that's something mama : that I just can't stand
Here
you come in here walking : just like a goose
You
look like : somebody just turned you loose
Run
here mama : just look at sis
She
got her hand in her toodle‑um : up to her wrist
Mama
and papa's in the back yard : trying to *call up Knot Hill*
Papa
ain't ready : so help me God
He
got the motion : and she got the swing
Just
look at papa out there : on that thing
��������
�������� (91434‑1) BB‑B6125 Yz L‑1025
Santy
Claus : won't you please hear my lonesome plea
I
don't want nothing for Christmas : but my baby back to me
You
know I loved you baby : that is why we could not get along
But
some day you going to be sorry : that you ever done me wrong
Oh
Lord it's near Christmas time : and I want to see Santy Claus
If
you don't bring my baby : swear I'll break all the laws
Santy
Claus Santy Claus Santy Claus : I'm down on my bended knees
I
don't want nothing for Christmas : but my baby back to me
��������
�������� (96234‑1) BB‑B6167 RCA INT‑1085
The
blue sky is my blanket : and the moonlight is my spread
The
rock is my pillow : that is where I rest my head
A
ghost and a night owl : they come to see me sometime
And
a Gypsy women : she comes and reads my mind
The
woman that I was loving : she did not mean me no good
She
give me so much trouble : I had to move back in the woods
I
am friendless and I'm lonesome : people you would be the same old way
If
the woman that you were loving : would mistreat you both night� and day
��������
�������� (96237‑1) BB‑B6201 RCA INT‑1085
They
put ashes in my whiskey : they put strychnine in my glass
Lord
I went out car‑riding with them : and they carried me too fast
She
put [castor oil, black drops] in my coffee : with that [black drops, castor
oil] in my tea
Lord
she's the meanest old woman : that a man most ever seen
I
believe I believe : that they trying to carry me down
Lord
the way they are feeding me : that they don't want me around
She
carries a razor in her pocket : with them frowns all in her face
Lord
I believe some other good joker : trying to root me out of my� place
��������
�������� (100338‑1) BB‑B6468 Yz L‑1025
I'm
going to write you a letter : my wife and I ain't going to do right no more
I
know the way you treat me baby : Lord you did not want me no more
What
I've got on my mind : ain't nobody in this world can tell
And
if I never see you no more baby : Lord I sure do wish you well
Now
I'm having bad luck : and bad luck I can't understand
Got
me out here scuffling mama : trying to make it if I can
Baby
baby : I ain't going to worry with you no more
Lord
I'm going down the country : let you have Mr so‑and‑so
� �������
�������� (100339‑1) BB‑B6498 RCA
INT‑1085
You
got bad blood mama : I believe you need a shot
Now
turn over here mama : let me see what else you got
I
doctors on women : I don't fool around with men
All
right take it easy here mama : whilst I stick my needle in
Lord
your ways is so loving : and your skin is nice and soft
Lord
if you keep on drunk mama : you going to make me break my needle off
Lord
my needle is in you baby : and you seem to feel all right
And
when your medicine go to coming down : I want you to hug me tight
Yeah
your medicine come now baby : put your [foot, leg] up side the wall
I
don't want to waste none of it mama : I want you to have it all
��������
�������� (040511‑1) BB‑B8282 RCA
INT‑1085
You
is built for speed : and fast just like twenty grand
I
would give more for you now : than a farmer would for land
I'm
a well‑trained jockey : won't you please ma'am let me ride
I
may not give a ride like you old jockey : but I'll try to make you satisfied
If
you let me get in your saddle : and just try me one time
Lord
I may can do something : baby that might change your mind
Twenty
grand is the fastest race horse : that ever run around a track
And
if you let me get in your saddle mama : I may ride the way you like
Just
let me get in your saddle baby : I ain't going to never do no wrong
I'm
a good jockey rider : and I don't stay there too long
��������
�������� (040523‑1) BB‑B8470 Yz L‑1025
Have
you ever been low in spirits : mama and you didn't know what was on your mind
Lord
it hurts you so bad sometimes : Lord you can't keep from crying
The
house where you were living : it don't [even] look right no more
And
you can't find no consolation : nowhere in the world you go
Then
you wonder what did you ever do : to make your poor heart ache and pain
Lord
it hurts you so bad : to hear somebody call Mr so‑and‑so's name
I
looked for you Sunday morning : till Monday in the afternoon
But
I hope you'll be here Tuesday morning : hope you will be here Tuesday morning
soon
If
I don't never see you no more : please drop me a post card
Lord
you know the way that you left me : mama it almost broke my heart
��������
�������� (049320‑1) BB‑B8600 Yz L‑1025
Your
picture has faded : mama that hangs up on the wall
It's
been hanging there so long : I can't see your face at all
Even
my old house seems haunted : mama and there ain't nobody around
Sometime
it seem like at night : that the old house is falling down
I
can hear my back door slamming : [seem like] I can hear a little baby crying
Lord
I wonder baby : have you got me on your mind
My
old clock is [still] ticking : that hangs up on the wall
But
now you gone and left me : and I can't see your face at all
��������
�������� (049323‑1) BB‑B8664 Yz L‑1025
Please
don't mistreat me : if you don't want me around
Lord
don't be mad with me baby : because your good man have left this town
You
say you don't [even] love me : you don't even love yourself
I
know there ain't a room in your heart for me : mama you loving someone else
I
got myself a mama : she always keep me feeling blue
Lord
she act just like the weather : and I don't know what she is going to do
If
I really loved you baby : I would not tell you no lies
Lord
I wouldn't say hard things to you mama : to make you hang your head and cry
��������
�������� (049325‑1) BB‑B8737 Yz L‑1025
Mama
why should I be worried : and why should I be so blue
Lord
it's all on account : of all on account of you
How
can I sleep and keep from worrying : how can I laugh and keep from crying
Lord
every time I turn my back : you always doing something to change my mind
I
just flutters when I see you : like a little bird up in his nest
Lord
sometime I think I love you : sometime I think I love my little gal the best
I
can't keep from worrying : Lord I can't keep from telling you lies
Lord
I would do all right with you baby : but you know you try to be too wise
��������
�������� (053975‑1) BB‑B8773 RCA
INT‑1085
Now
this was my sad story : I never will forget the day
It
was in the year of nineteen thirty‑five : on the twenty‑sixth day
of May
As
I walked into my bedroom : crowd all gathered around
They
was standing seemed to be in mourning : with their heads all hanging down
In
the midst there stood a doctor : he was standing gazing on
The
only woman in the world that I ever loved : she's gone she's gone
Now
I'm left here all alone : all in this great big world alone
That's
the end of my happy days : and I can't have no more happy home
On
the bed there laid a letter : said be as good as you can be
Lord
I'm sorry you couldn't be here now : to have the last few words with me
��������
�������� (053979‑1) BB‑B8833 RCA
INT‑1085
Now
you must have a heart : like a rock in the sea
I
been begging you baby : babe please don't leave
My
nights are getting lonely : my days are getting long
Now
tell me baby : I did not do no wrong
I
don't want to hurt your feelings : either make you mad
I
love you : better than anything I ever had
I
like you baby : I like to see you smile
But
I like to please you : every once in a while
��������
�������� (070448‑1) BB‑B9027 RCA
INT‑1085
I
heard somebody calling me : papa don't you want to go
Mama
dee‑da‑da calling me : papa so‑and‑so
Down
in the
I
begged you all night baby : all the night before
If
I ever did you wrong : I won't do that no more
All
last night baby : I tried to talk to you
But
you told me : there was nothing I could do
I
been good to you baby : did everything that I could
Now
you want to leave me : don't mean me no good
Oh
babe oh baby : down on my bended knees
Begging
you now baby : don't leave me please
Oh
babe oh baby : don't leave me now
All
alone by myself baby : won't be satisfied
��������
�������� (070451‑1) BB unissued RC INT‑1085
Now
I walked over to the table : and I picked up my telephone
But
the line was busy : or if it ain't nobody home
Give
me long long‑distance : I wonder what's wrong with my line
Lord
I just want to talk awhile : to that little old girl of mine
All
right operator : maybe it ain't nobody home
But
I'm sitting here wondering : why is my baby gone
I'm
calling long‑distance : and I wonder where could she be
Lord
I wonder is she listening : and won't even answer me
��������
�������� (149512‑1) Co‑14494‑D
Rt RL‑327
I
woke up this morning moaning : with the worried blues on my mind
I
was thinking about someone : who were left behind
It's
oh Lord Lord : please get him off of my mind
I
can't eat for dreaming : and I can't rest for crying
I'm
going back to my baby : going to knock on my baby's door
I'm
going to ask my pretty mama : baby can't you use me no more
Baby
: can I lay down here till day
I'm
a poor boy : and I got nowhere to stay
Love
is like water : it turns off and on
When
you think you got a good girl : Lord she done turn off and gone
��������
�������� (149538‑2) Co‑14514‑D
Fly LP‑103
Elm
Street painted in brass :
I
got a good girl live on East Commerce : I wouldn't mistreat her to save
nobody's soul
Hey
Billiken : these
When
your back is turned : they with every man in the neighborhood
These
If
you want to make a good woman : have to get on *Hospital* Avenue
��������
�������� (149539‑2) Co‑14514‑D
Rt RL‑335
Don't
the moon look pretty : shining through the trees
Don't
your house look lonesome : when your good girl is fixing to leave
Down
on my knees this morning : I prayed to the good Lord above
Please
let me live one more time : with the good girl that I love
I'm
going to get me a wire : stretched across the deep blue sea
So
when my good girl gets worried : she can sit down and talk to me
��������
�������� (146186‑2) Co‑14318‑D
Yz L‑1010
I'm
going to build me a little mansion : on
So
I can stick my head out the window : and see what my wicked women will do
Lord
I got a pretty mama : lives on
Lord
if that woman left and quit me *now* : what in the world that I would do
I
pray to heaven Lord : I seen my pretty mama up there
She
had one foot loose : and *curled up with the air*
Good
girl used to live here : don't live here no more
Left
here early this morning : carried all of her clothes
Boy
I'd *better see my good girl* : leave me in this town
I'd
beat the train to the *crossroads* : and I'd burn the depot down
Lord
pretty mama I wonder : what you trying to do
*She
make it trying* to run with me : and my buddy too
I'm
going to
Some
little brownskin woman : *stepping* in my way
��������
�������� (146191‑2) Co‑14318‑D
Yz L‑1032
Well
the sun rose this morning : and laid down on my floor
When
I ended my dreams : it was all around my door
Good
morning blues : what makes you come so soon
Here
early this morning : *crying ???* soon
Now
blues and trouble : boys what a nagging ache
These
old women now baby : running from man to man
Just
tell me pretty mama : what you trying to do
You
didn't do no more : than I looked for you to do
You
leave me laughing : some day you come back crying
You
been gone so long darling : wear you off of my mind
Lord Lord : Lord Lordy Lord Lord
The
girl I loving : treat me like a dog
My
heart's in trouble : mind's in misery
Got
the blues so bad : I really can't hardly see
��������
�������� (C‑5991‑ ) Vo‑1544
Yz L‑1028
Well
I'm so glad : I'm twenty‑one years old today
Lord
I'm so glad : my baby can't treat me that a‑way
Oh
babe : what you want poor me to do
Driving
a coal wagon babe : give all my money to you
Oh
babe : don't play me for no fool
Lord
I ain't no plumber : and I ain't nobody's stool
I
send it to the river : river to the deep blue sea
Now
your monkey ways babe : don't take no effect on me
Oh
babe : don't make no fool of me
Lord
I'm three time seven : baby why can't you see
That's
why I'm so glad : I'm twenty‑one years old today
Lord
I'm three times seven : I'm going to have my way
��������
�������� (MEM‑785‑ ) Vo‑1480
Yz L‑1009
I
can't go down : that big road by myself
If
I can't carry you : I carry someone else
I
asked him how about it : and he said all right
I
asked him how long : and he said all night
I
asked him how about it : said he didn't know how
But
I will do you mama : like a calf will do a cow
I'm
a traveling woman : I got a traveling mind
If
you don't take me back daddy : sure going to lose your mind
My
mother said : six months before I was born
She
was going to have a good child : wouldn't never stay at home
I
feel like crying : ain't got no tears to spare
I
had a happy home : and I wouldn't stay there
��������
�������� (MEM‑786‑ ) Vo‑1480
Yz L‑1001
Some
peoples on the
Some
people in the Delta : wondering what to do
They
don't build some levees : I don't know what become of you
High
water rising : get me troubled in mind
I
got to go : and leave my daddy behind
Lord
this water rising : and I sure can't swim
But
if it keeps on rising : sure going to follow him
Going
pack my suitcase : go back to
But
this
��������
�������� (145370‑3) Co‑14286‑D
Yz L‑1008
Mmm
: hey hey hey hey
Now
the man I love : treats me like a dog
I've
got a twelve pound daddy : and eight pound one too
And
if my twelve pound one won't come : my eight pound one will do
I'm
going to build me a castle : out of ice and snow
So
when my blues come around : I can freeze them from my door
Oh
pretty daddy : will you please tell me what to do
I
will do anything : baby to satisfy you
And
it's one thing baby : that I can't understand
If
you are *loving* me : I don't want no partnership man
��������
�������� (145371‑2) Co‑14286‑D
OJL‑6
I
started to heaven : but I changed my mind
But
I'm going to
Yes
when I go to
I
tell people there : it's a wonderful town
This
is the place : where I have long to be
Because
where I come from : the mens have mistreated poor me
Oh
I don't know why : they treat me so lowdown and cruel
And
if you don't want me baby : you don't have to use me as no fool
��������
�������� (400355‑B) OK‑8590 Yz L‑1002
Hey
hey : death bells in my ear
It
'tain't going to be long : before they going to ring me away from here
I
lay down last night all night : and the night before
Going
back home to mama : won't have to lay down no more
I'm
a stranger here : they're sending out in the sea
I'm
broke and hungry : not a bite to eat
Going
to stand right here : catch the first old gal I see
I'm
going to beg her to take me : see what she make of me
I'm
going to ask my rider : would she set my trunk outdoors
I
don't mean quitting you : but I got another place to go
The
woman I had : these men must have had her *foiled*
She
loved me all this summer : but she put me out this fall
I
began to study : and the wind begin to blow
I
couldn't figure no place : for a man like me to go
My
mama's dead : my papa's across the sea
That
leaves no one : to love and care for me
��������
�������� (400359‑B) OK‑8590 Yz L‑1002
Just
as happy : woman as I can be
Because
the woman I'm loving : is going back to
Woman
I'm loving : done mistreated me
For
another new morning : going to need your friend again
Treat
me : like someone you never seen
Blues
ain't nothing : good man on your mind
Well
it keep you worried : bothered all the time
When
you see me : with my head hung down
I
ain't got the blues : but another gal on my mind
I'm
going away baby : to see what could do
I
done all I could : can't get along with you
I
went to the station : I looked up on the board
Well
my train ain't here : but it's somewhere on the go
��������
�������� (400360‑A) OK‑8570 Yz L‑1008
Said
good morning captain : said good morning shine
'Tain't
nothing the matter : captain but I just ain't going
I
don't mind working : captain from sun to sun
But
I want my money : captain when payday come
Work
me all this summer : and you started on this fall
Now
I've got to take Christmas : in my overalls
If
you good men : want to keep her out of town at night
Just
feed her little pork chops : suits her appetite
Lord
it 'tain't no telling : what a
She
will get your money : then *poor gam* at you
It's
one pretty mama : going to need a friend again
You
can sing this song : when you want me to be your friend
Hey
tell me woman : where did you stay last night
For
your shoes unfastened : and your skirt don't fit you right
��������
�������� (146067‑1) Co‑14436‑D
OJL‑18
I
says go on girl : don't sing them blues to me
Because
I'm sweet : as any man can be
She
even told me : to my face
That
any old rounder : sure can take my place
Said
I'm getting tired : of your lowdown ways
I'm
going back : to my babe today
So
come on girl : honey you can't bluff
I'm
going to tip out tonight : and I'm going to strut my stuff
��������
�������� (��
) Vo‑1216 His HLP‑1
I
went down on the corner : with my money in my hand
To
kill my woman : about loving another man
You
see it's grieving me : oh it's grieving me
Going
to pack my grip : beat it back to
I'm
so sad and lonely : love has been refused
Can't
have no loving : but I still have the blues
They
call me pretty papa : swellest man in town
Women
all screaming about me : but I can't give up my brown
Daddy's
got the washboard : mama's got the tub
Sister's
got the liquor : and brother's got the jug
My
water pipe's all rusted : water's running cold
Someone's
in the basement : trying to find the hole
��������
�������� (15306‑A) Ge‑7008 Riv RM‑8803
Just
another evening : wasted away
Spending
and a‑lending : and it left me broke today
Run
here pretty mama : sit down on your daddy's knee
I'll
tell you : how these women made a perfect fool of me
I
wasted lots of money : went out every night
My
pals done all forsake me : and the times is getting tight
I'm
feeling like an outcast : looking like a tramp
Can't
price a post card : can't even buy a stamp
Ah
you used to call me papa : you used to call me dunce
You
used to call me daddy : and you used to love me once
Some
folks need the ice : some folks need the snow
If
I could get you back : mama I wouldn't need nothing more
��������
�������� (15310) Ge‑7008 Riv RM‑8803
You
may be little : you may have a tender snoot
But
I know what you is mama : when you start to root
You
go before the butcher : try to put on your stunt
He
can stick a knife in you : and you won't even grunt
I
see you got your squeal : you got your snoot
Still
you got your grunt : but you done lost your root
Oh
mama : you may have your snoot
Still
you got your grunt : but you done lost your root
��������
�� ������(16221) Ge‑7130 Riv RM‑8803
All
dolled up : looking keen
Like
a girlie : in her teens
Strutting
: down the avenue
Making
eyes : and flirting too
Now
the other night : when I phoned
You
had another : in your home
Parts
of me : big and fat
Can't
blame nobody : for that
I
want your love : I can't refuse
But
I don't want it : if it's ever been used
Some
is tall : some is cute
Some
is sweet : and some is true
I
don't mean : to speak so bold
Can't
use it : if it's forty years old
��������
�������� (16222) Ge‑7190 Riv RM‑8803
Something
pounding : in my breast
When
I lay down : to take my rest
Horrid
nightmares : scary dreams
Then
the blues : steps on the scene
Oh
maybe it's the blues : that keeps me worried all the time
If
I could lose these weary blues : that's on my mind
Happiness
that comes around : but never comes to stay
If
I only had someone : just to drive my tears away
��������
�������� (16224) Ch‑16682 Riv RM‑8803
I
had a brown in my town : sweet as any gal could be
I
loved my gal with all my might : she didn't love nobody but me
The
other night : a man named Willie come and stole my gal away
Now
I'm feeling down and out : and I've got the blues today
Say
if you see my gal : don't you tell her what I've done
I
got the blues : I going to sing them all night long
Now
folks if you see my gal : tell her that I'm gone
Feel
like riding : if it takes me all night long
Now
back to the levee I'm bound : I'm through with high yellows and browns
Now
I'm going to the levee : because my gal done turned me down
Now
say folks if you see my gal : tell her that I'm gone
I
feel like leaving : if it takes me all night long
��������
�������� (16225) Ch‑16682 Riv RM‑8803
Take
me back sweet mama : try me one more time
If
I don't satisfy you : I'll break my backbone trying
You
lay in your bed : with your face to the wall
Thinking
if you die : would that end it all
��������
�������� (10048‑2) Or‑8033 Yz L‑1035
Get
up on the table : pull off that gown
Raise
up that right leg : let the left one down
Pull
off them stockings : that silk underwear
The
doctor's got to cut you mama : Lord knows where
Got
two or three tumors : shaped like a cube
Two
or three leaks : in your inner tube
Bring
on that ether : bring on that gas
The
doctor's got to cut you mama : yas yas yas
Four
monkey wrenches : and a two‑horse shay
Pair
of old britches : and a bale of hay
Your
ribs was kind of loose : they moved about
If
I hadn't've sewed you up : everything would fell out
I
put in new tubes : hide the exhaust
I
went into your hood : and cleaned your spark plugs off
Your
body's kind of weak : now don't be hard
From
now on be careful : with them connection rods
Now
your body's kind of weak : don't be hard
Go
kind of easy : with them connection rods
��������
�������� (17276‑B) Ch‑16171 Riv RM‑8803
Get
up on this table : pull off that gown
Raise
up that right leg : let that left one down
Pull
off them stocking : that silk underwear
The
doctor's got to cut you : mama don't know where
You
got two or three tumors : shape like a cube
Two
or three leaks : in your inner tube
Bring
on that ether : bring on that gas
The
doctor's got to cut you mama : yas yas yas
Four
monkey wrenches : two‑horse shay
Pair
of old britches : and a bale of hay
Your
ribs was kind of loosened : they moved about
If
I hadn't sewed you up : everything would fell out
I
put in new tubes : tightened up the exhaust
Went
into your hood : and cleaned your spark plugs off
Your
body's kind of weak : don't be hard
From
now on you be careful : with them there connection rods
��������
�������� (17277‑A) Ch‑16171 Riv RM‑8803
Tell
me pretty mama : where'd you stay last night
Shoes
ain't buttoned : and you don't smell right
Now
you all drawed up : you look half drunk
Your
hair ain't combed : and you smell like a skunk
Train's
in the depot : boxcar's on the track
My
gal come home : with a tie across her back
��������
�������� (17278‑A) Ch‑16215 Riv RM‑8803
Now
when I fix it lady : sure will be mighty good
I
fixed so many of them : all over this neighborhood
��������
�������� (17290) Ch‑16237 Riv RM‑8803
I
had a sweet woman : she done turned sour on me
I
had a good woman : but the men wouldn't let her be
I
had a new way of loving : but I done lost my stroke
I
had a new gal : I lost her when I got broke
Now
I'm a real kind fellow folks : and that ain't so bad
But
I just ain't got them things : I once have had
I
got my mind all made up : and I'm going to leave this town
I'm
a‑going so far : till the women can't run me down
Now
I had a speak‑easy: but the police come and closed it down
Now
it sure is a hard thing : to sell booze around this town
I
got a woman down in
Got
one in
Now
the angels keep singing : the moon shines down at night
But
the good Lord knows : that the women don't treat me right
��������
�������� (L‑719‑2) Pm‑13104
Riv RM‑8803
Oh
set right down : and let's have some fun
My
wife's gone out : on a all‑night run
Oh
take this : take some of that
Take
anything : in the doggone flat
I'll
fry some meat : cook some bread
You
get sleepy : there's a great big bed
Oh
take this liquor : drink this wine
Let's
get drunk : and have one good time
Take
off your shirt : hang it on the chair
Take
off your socks : and give your feet some air
I'm
drunk and disorderly : I don't care
If
you want to : you can pull off your underwear
��������
�������� (11242‑A) Vo‑1682 Yz L‑1039
Now
if you want me to love you : here's what you got to do
You
want me to love you mama : and make [me, you] love [you, me] too
I
got to have my loving : when my habit get on
Start
at nine in the evening : and love me all night long
You
got to get up early in the morning : fix your lunch
And
get out early : with that scuffling bunch
If
I wake up at night : and I wants to eat
It's
up to you : to get me some of that western meat
You
got to take all your money : throw it against the wall
You
take what sticks : and I'll take what falls
Take
a butcher knife : cut off your head
Send
me a telegram : that your heart is dead
��������
�������� (MEM‑17‑1) OK‑05771
Rt RL‑329
Scuffling
have got so hard : seem like I can't even make a dime
I
must a‑have the wrong woman : seem like can't save money all the time
I
never want another women : that don't do nothing but hang around
She
will ??? to your weakness : she will keep you with a turned‑down hand
Life
have gotten miserable : seem like no more happiness to be made
But
life is really too short : to be worried about them old no‑good ways
Good
Book trying to tell us : where there's a will there's a way
But
it seem like the *many ways draining* out of me : more and more every day
��������
�������� (MEM‑18‑1) Vo‑05111
Rt RL‑319
Lord
grief will kill you : it will get you down to skin and bones
And
that devil *brother be upstairs* now : Lord after you are dead and gone
I
once grieved so hard : until I wake up weeping in my sleep
But
after you continue this life boys : you'll be living down in some graveyard
deep
Women
now about nowadays they don't want to love nobody : and don't worry about the
man behind the *left*
Boys
you better watch them women : because they're just slipping up the kingdom's
steps
��������
�������� (MEM‑152‑1) OK‑05771
Rt RL‑329
Now
baby let's stop our foolishness : and try to renew love over again
Because
I can't stay here in this world *after* : in this condition my poor heart's in
Now
baby I'm going to make you this promise : I make our home happy for you in
every way
But
I want you to take care of my money baby : and please don't give my belongings
away
Now
baby you know I love you : now why can't we get along
Maybe
some day you will consider baby : Lord and acknowledge that you have done wrong
��������
�������� (MEM‑153‑1) Vo‑05111
Rt RL‑319
Boys
I ain't doing no good : this slow death is killing me
Every
time *you going out swinging* : I'm just as blue as I can be
My
mind in such a condition : until I hardly know the days in the week
Baby
you give me plenty trouble : but some day you bound to see
When
I'm sleeping deep down in my grave : don't let no high *flat flappers* worry
you
You
can just step out in any yard : that old jimson weed will sure ??? you
Now
boys you can be cute with your woman : and see won't she do you dirty *ass*
She'll
forever keep you working : working with your coffin on your back
��������
�������� (L‑1120‑3) Pm‑13109
Yz L‑1012
I'm
cold in hand : can't get nothing here
I'm
hungry as a hound : I can't travel nowhere
I
can't help but worry : how my good friend done
Spent
my money by the dollar : now won't give me nickel one
Mama
told me : times and times again
Anybody
laughs in my face : just can't be my friend
Lord
look down on poor me : pity my worried cares
Help
me to rise once more : I'm going to change my free‑hearted ways
Just
give me one friend : to keep me from feeling so sad
Lord
you know I want a friend : like the one that Adam had
��������
�������� (11503‑A) Vo‑1719 His HLP‑31
Come
here pretty mama : come here right now
I've
been waiting on you so long : till I'm burning down
I'm
waiting on you : I'm waiting on you
I'm
waiting on you baby : tell me what you going to do
I
know a good woman well : something going on wrong
You
ain't never kept me waiting : this lonesome long
I
wait all last night : all the night before
If
I have to wait tonight : I'm going to pack my trunk and go
If
you don't want me baby : just leave me alone
I
can get another woman : to carry your business on
If
you meant : to treat me right
You
wouldn't keep me waiting : all day and night
That's
all right baby : if you don't want me no more
There
many more women : just rearing to go
��������
�������� (61241‑A) De‑7440 AH‑158
Now
I talked and I talked : now I ain't got no more to say
Hand
me down my jumper : and I'll be on my lonesome way
I
tried everything baby : don't nothing do no good
I
can't blame you honey : I'd be the same way if I could
You
came here from the country : just as green as green could be
Now
you're a wise city city : and you dodge all over me
Well
I ain't got no more to say : and I ain't going to chase you around
Some
day I'll be running : with the biggest shots in town
��������
�������� (C‑3811‑1) OK‑06393
BC‑6
I
saying I sad and lonesome : Lord what I'm going to do
Say
I'm going buy me a terraplane : I swear and a V‑Eight too
Well
I'm going to put them both there together : put them out on the road
Paint
both show mama : got a heavy load
Now
I saying I sad and lonesome : Lord what I'm going to do
Say
I'm going to step on that accelerator : till that gas come through
Say
my gal just quit me now man : pulled in another lane
Didn't
want to come back : till I bought that airplane
Crying
please Frank : please let me ride with you
Say
I got room for two or three more : I swear and you too
Says
stop now Frank : let's get a sack of flour
How
can I stop this airplane : making ninety mile an hour
Crying
please Frank : please let me ride with you
Say
I can *peel off* that accelerator : and that gas come through
��������
�������� (C‑3812‑1) OK‑06393
BC‑6
Hitler
cutting the world : gotten disturbed
Uncle
Sam better decide : and gotten blood in his eye
You
got to get together : you got to get together
Got
to closen up together : join one hand in hand
Mussolini
jumped back : up in the sack
Hitler
kicked him out : so he couldn't get back
Uncle
Sam called the men down : name by name
He
ain't together : but they ready just the same
Uncle
Sam need a champ :
A
well trained man : when you leave camp
Well
left my woman : standing in the door
Crying
Lord they mustn't let him : please don't go
����� ���
�������� (72817‑B) OK‑8163 Sw S‑1240
Now
there is something : you say that you expect
Now
come and tell me what it is : that I neglect
Come
and tell your papa : what you want me to do
Now
just before : I got from you
Get
up every morning : at
Ease
out to your job : without disturbing me
Now
when you come back : you must have plenty of jack
Because
any *??? still* : really hurts your papa's back
I
want you to work hard : for me and my brother
I
want you to come back from work : looking just like first one thing and then
another
��������
�������� (9750‑A) OK‑8355 Sw S‑1240
Says
I never like to hurry : I just take my time
��������
�������� (72817‑B) OK‑8163 Sw S‑1240
Now
here's all I ask of you : kind man
I
want an answer : I can understand
How
you get up every morning : at
Bring
the coal and kindling : make a fire for me
Cook
your own breakfast : fix your lunch
Get
your pick and shovel : work with that construction bunch
*Seven
eighty‑three* : without neglect
So
you bring me all your money : when they pay your check
��������
� �������(9750‑A) OK‑8355 Sw S‑1240
He
likes it slow : when he goes to *play*
He
likes it slow : when he goes to pray
When
he calls : he never brings no news
Always
got : them slow‑down blues
Just
like a snail : that man of mine
��������
�������� (80608‑1) BB‑B5826 CC‑3
Standing
on the corner : *all ??? man*
Police
come along : take me by his hand
Led
me down : to the county jail
Looking
for my Louise : to come and go my bail
Now
the judge have sentenced me : out on the county road
On
a horse : there's a man he rode
He
count me in the morning : count me through the day
Count
me every hour : see if I'd run away
It
was early in the evening : sun was going down
Seen
a lady coming : all dressed in brown
Looked
in her face : and I looked down in her hands
Was
Louise coming : coming to get her man
��������
�������� (55581‑1) Vi‑V38549 RBF RF‑8
Now
I'm going to
Lord
I ain't going to stop walking : till I get in sweet mama's door
Now
the girl I'm loving : she got this great long curly hair
And
her mama and her papa : they sure don't allow me there
If
you catch my jumper : hanging outside your wall
Now
you know by that babe : I need my ashes hauled
Now
what you going to do babe : your dough‑roller gone
Go
in your kitchen : Lord and cook until she come home
��������
�������� (55531‑3) Vi‑V38582 Rt RL‑307
Now
I'm broken‑hearted : ragged and dirty too
And
if I clean up pretty mama : may I stay all night with you
Now
if I can't come in mama : then I'll sit out on your porch
Lord
I will leave so soon : that your man he won't never know
Now
I went to my window : but I couldn't see through my blinds
I
heard the bedsprings popping : and I believe I heard my baby crying
Lord
how can I feel misery : Lord and feel like you
I
have a woman in
Now
I'm going to
You
know I'm bound to ??? :
��������
�������� (55596‑2) Vi‑V38549 RBF RF‑8
Now
if the river was whiskey : and I was a diving duck
I
would dive on the bottom : never would come up
Don't
never take a married woman : to be your friend
She
will get all your money : give it to her other man
Now
a married woman : always been my crave
Now
a married woman : going to carry me to my grave
Now
ain't it hard : to love someone else *dame*
You
can't get her when you want her : have to use her when you can
Now
the sun's going to shine : in my back door some day
Now
the wind's going to rise : going to blow my blues away
Now
went to the railroad : and looked up at the sun
If
the train don't hurry : going to be some walking done
��������
�������� (56335‑1) Vi‑V38582 Rt RL‑307
Oh
Black Mattie : where did you stay last night
With
your hair all tangled : clothes ain't fitting you right
Now
when I had money : hello sugar pie
Now
I'm spending all my money : goodbye country guy
Lord
my eyes are sorrow : tears come a‑rolling down
Now
you know by that babe : fixed to leave your town
Now
life ain't worth living : if you ain't with the one you love
Now
you three times seven : you know what you want to do
Now
the day that you quit me : I won't be mad with you
��������
�������� (59918‑ ) Vi‑V38614 RBF RF‑202
Now
asked sweet mama : let me be her kid
She
said I might go buggy : and I couldn't keep it hid
Well
she looked at me : she begin to smile
Says
I thought I would use you : for my man awhile
Now
went upstairs : to pack my leaving trunk
I
never saw no whiskey : the blues done made me sloppy drunk
Now
some say they *dream* : some say they was
But
it's a slow consumption : killing you by degrees
��������
�������� (59919‑ ) Vi‑V38614 RBF RF‑8
Now
I know the people : is on the wander everywhere
Because
they heard of poor John : was going around electric car
Now
catch it Smith and Park Lord : ride it down to Summer Street
Lord
I'm going to ease it down in Roebust : catch my baby out on a
Lord
the reason why baby : I I been so long writing to you
Because
I been studying so hard : Lord how to sing these blues
Lord
I lost my papa : and my dear mama too
Lord
I'm going to quit my bad way of living : and visit the Sunday school
�������� Memphis, 21 May 1930
�������� (59967‑ ) Vi‑V38628 Rt RL‑323
I
married my baby : married her for myself
Then
if I don't keep her : don't want nobody else
Now
depot agent : don't tell me no lie
Did
my baby stop here : did she keep in going
Now
I hate to hear : Illinois Central blow
When
my shoes get tickled : makes me want to go
When
a man's out working : know he's doing what's right
Some
old lowdown rascal : trying to steal his wife
Now
I got up this morning : couldn't make no time
I
didn't have no blues : messed all up in mind
Now
take me baby : I'll be mean no more
You
can get all my loving : let that black snake go
Get
up in the morning : grey towel around your head
Ask
her cook your breakfast : but she never did
��������
��������
(59968‑ ) Vi‑V38628 Rt RL‑323
Now
I'd rather be dead : sleep in an old hollow log
And
to be here baby : and you doing me like a dog
Now
: what you want poor John to do
Lord
I done everything : tried to get along with you
Now
the woman I'm loving : she got one teeth solid gold
Lord
that's been the onliest woman : got a mortgage on my soul
Now
sure as the grass : on
Lord
I ain't crazy : about nobody I ever seen
��������
�������� (62547‑2) Vi‑23397 Rt RL‑307
Stack
of dollars : just as long as I am tall
If
you be my woman : you can have them all
And
I heard a rumbling : way down in the ground
Must
have been somebody : slowly jumping down
You
see see two women : they walking hand by hand
They
just thinking of something Lord : how to fool some man
And
I went on the mountain : I looked down in the sea
Niggers
had my woman : Lord and the blues had me
Baby
done quit me : ain't said a mumbling word
It
weren't nothing that she knowed Lord : just something that she heard
��������
�������� (62548‑2) Vi‑23397 Rt RL‑307
Black
gal she took meth : gave my brown *to her* death
If
I hadn't've had my pistol : think I would run myself
When
you see me coming : heist your window high
When
you see me leaving : hang your head and cry
Now
if I just had a‑listened : what my mama said
I
would have been at home Lord : in my faro's bed
Got
a man on your man : kid‑man on your kid
Lord
she done got so buggy : don't try to keep it hid
Now
I got up this morning : blues all around my bed
I
turned back my *chivver* : blues all in my bed
�������� Chicago, 9 July 1935
�������� (90094‑A) Ch‑50001 Sw S‑1219
Now
I'm going down south : and I'll stay until winter is gone
Time
that wintertime is gone : I might come back home
Now
I get up every morning : and I walk to Third and Field
And
I'm just standing and I'm wondering : Lord just how to make a meal
Now
the peoples in
And
you know the time is hard : peoples is starving all over town
Now
I once have been a lover : baby back in my young days
But
now baby was so mean : she done drove all my love away
Now
I've got a girl in
But
my gal so mean : I'm scared to call her name
��������
�������� (90095‑A) Ch‑50001 Sw S‑1219
Now
mama killed a chicken : and thought it was a duck
Put
him on the table : with his legs straight up
???
: with your cup and glass
Catch
the liquor : just to make me laugh
Now
I went upstairs to sleep a little bit : went back to sleep a little more
The
old bed fell down : had to sleep on the floor
Old
Aunt Dinah : walking down the street
When
she walk : she begin to creep
Skin
on her head : just as tight as a drum
A
little song : called deedle dee dum
One
could beat it : and one could sing
One
tell you : why don't you do that thing
Now
a bow‑legged rooster : and a knock‑kneed hen
Both
run together : but they ain't no kin
Now
the monkey and the baboon : sitting on the fence
The
monkey told the baboon : you got no sense
��������
�������� (90096‑A) Ch‑50068 Br‑87.504
I
don't care how long you gone : I won't care how long you stay
But
that good kind treatment : bring you back home some day
Now
if that wind : that chilly old breeze
Come
blowing : through your B V Ds
If
you don't quit betting : boys them dice won't pass
It's
going to send you a‑home : on your yas yas yas
It
ain't but the one thing : that give a man the blues
He
ain't got no bottom : in his last pair of shoes
I
telled all the people : in your neighborhood
You's
a no‑good woman : you don't mean no good
�������� Chicago, 9 July 1935
�������� (90097‑A) Ch‑50068 Sw S‑1219
Baby
who : I mean who been telling you
Babe
whosoever told you : they did not tell you true
Now
have you ever tried loving : and you can't get it out of your mind
And
if you could find someone : to treat you loving and kind
Now
you used to be sweet : but I can't name you sweet no more
Because
every time I come to your house : some man hanging around your door
Now
I'm going to get up in the morning : and I'm going to do like Buddy Brown
Know
I'm going to eat my breakfast : I believe I'll lay back down
Now
I know my dog : [anywhere, wherever] I hear him bark
Know
I can tell my little woman : if I feel her in the dark
�������� Chicago, 17 July 1935
�������� (90175‑A) Ch‑50048 OJL‑21
Now
don't never take : a married woman to be your friend
She
will get all your money : to her same man back again
Now
my sweet woman : she always *doing my cleans*
Now
my little woman : won't help me sell my greens
Now
I looked down the railroad : till my eyes got *green* and sore
If
you don't stop tomorrow : then ??? will be my goal
Now
it must've be traintime : I hear the whistle blow
Now
it blow just like : it ain't going to blow no more
Now
just as sure as the grass : on the ground grow green
I
ain't crazy faro : woman that I ever seen
�������� Chicago, 17 July 1935
�������� (90176‑A) Ch‑50048 OJL‑21
Now
drop down baby : let your ??? be
I
know : just what you trying to pull on me
Well
mama you don't allow me : to fool around all night long
Now
I may look like I'm crazy : poor John do know right from wrong
Go
away from my window : quit scratching on my screen
You
were badly mistreated : I know just what you mean
Some
of these womens : sure do make me *charged*
Have
a handful of give‑me : a mouthful of much‑obliged
Woman
I'm loving : wants *me sell this gold*
That's
the onliest woman : a mortgage on my soul
See
me coming : put your men outdoors
You
know I ain't no stranger : done been here before
�������� New York, 2 Aug. 1935
�������� (62461‑A) De‑7414 Sw S‑1219
Now
on the farm : they all have joined the government loan
Now
the government give you three years chance : and you could have something of
your own
Now
the government furnish you a milkcow : a rooster and some portion of hen
You
know long through the spring : then you can have some money to spend
Now
the women used to [count, holler] on the bonus : but they are [hollering,
counting] on the *rent* check now
You
know I didn't go to the army : but I am using this government money anyhow
Now
the governor he fought : for the plant of plenty corn and wheat
You
know long through the winter : you can have something to eat
�������� New York, 2 Aug. 1935
�������� (62462‑A) De‑7342 Sw S‑1219
Tear
it long : tear it wide
Can
tear it down : to my sides
Tear
it for the young : tear it for the old
I
can tear it : just dry long so
Tear
it on the street : tear it on the shore
Know
by that : I want to tear it some more
Tear
it in the yard : tear it at the gate
Know
by that : I can tear it of late
Tear
it for Mae : tear it for Joe
You
know by that : I want to tear it some more
Tear
it in the morning : late at night
You
know by that : I didn't tear it just right
�������� New York, 2 Aug. 1935
�������� (62463‑A) De‑7342 Cor CP‑58
Vernita
: honey what do you want me to do
Now
I've done everything : but I can't get along with you
Now
if you see Vernita : tell her hurry home
Had
no loving : since she been gone
Vernita
: baby where did you stay last night
Now
you come home this morning : babe the moon was shining bright
Now
I met Alberta : way out across the sea
Now
she didn't write no letter : and she didn't care for me
Vernita
: could anything I do to change your mind
Now
I could come to love you : if you would treat me nice and kind
�������� New York, 2 Aug. 1935
�������� (62464‑A) De‑7414 Sw S‑1219
You
know I worried last night : all night before
You
know by that : I won't be worried no more
I
was worried for you : I was worried for me
You
know by that : I'm going to let it be
Now
look here baby : see what you done done
Made
me love you : now your man done come
Now
my baby doing something : that I never could stand
I
believe she's running : with a cooncan game
Now
I bought some slippers : I bought some socks
Come
home last night : had the back door locked
�������� New York, 2 Aug. 1935
�������� (62465‑A) De‑7442 RBF RF‑8
Now
I never will forget : that floating bridge
Tell
me five minutes time : under water I was hid
When
I was going down : I throwed up my hands
Please
: take me on dry land
Now
they carried me in the house : and they laid me across the bank
About
a gallon and a half of muddy water : I had drank
They
dried me off : and they laid me in the bed
Couldn't
hear nothing : but muddy water running through my head
Now
my mother often taught me : quit playing a bum
Go
somewhere : settle down and make a crop
Now
the people standing on the bridge : screaming and crying
Lord
have mercy : where we going
�������� New York, 2 Aug. 1935
�������� (62466‑A) De‑7365 RBF RF‑8
Need‑more
: it has hung a‑many men
And
that's the reason : I believe I'll make a change
Now
something to tell you : keep it to yourself
Don't
tell your sister : don't tell nobody else
Now
bought some gloves : bought you some socks
I
believe poor John : he needs a box
Now
look a‑here baby : see what you done done
Done
made me love you : now your man done come
Now
take me back : won't do you mean no more
Get
all my loving : you let Mr so‑and‑so go
�������� New York, 3 Aug. 1935
�������� (62479‑A) De‑7365 RBF RF‑8
Now
the sun going to shine : in my back door some day
Now
the wind going to rise : blow my blues away
Now
sure as the stars : shine in the world above
You
know life is too short : to worry about the one you love
Now
I ain't got no woman : ain't got no *child to school*
Reason
I'm hanging around here : sticking here dry long so
Now
you never have told me : how you want your rolling done
Now
I believe you must a‑want me : to roll from sun to sun
Now
it was late last night : when everything was still
Now
me and my baby : was playing old Jack and Jill
�������� New York, 3 Aug. 1935
�������� (62480‑A) De‑7442 RBF RF‑11
Well
well when you see *lindy women* : I want you to throw your wives in the van
Well
well probably next spring : hey I'm going to rig up my T Model again
Well
well the T Model Ford : I say is the poor man's friend
Well
well it will get you there : hey well when your money is spent
Well
well one thing about the T Model : you don't have to shift no gears
Well
well just let down the brake and feed the gas : hey and the stuff is here
Well
well a V‑Eight Ford : and it done took to style
Well
well they raised it all the way from ninety : hey down to a hundred miles
Well
well somebody : they done stole my wine on the road
Well
well it's find somebody : hey got a T Model Ford
�������� New York, 3 Aug. 1935
�������� (62481‑A) De‑7354 Sw S‑1219
Now
when I left Chicago : I left on that G and M
Then
if I reach my home : I'll be changed all on that L and N
Now
I came in all in that Main West : and I putted down at Chicago Heights
Now
you know it didn't hobo John none : and that's where I stayed all night
Now
if you hobo in Brownsville : you better not be peeping out
Now
Mr Whitten will get you : and Mr Guy will wear you out
Now
out east of Brownsville : about four miles from town
Now
if you ain't got your fare : that's where they will let you down
�������� New York, 3 Aug. 1935
�������� (62482‑A) De‑7354 Sw S‑1219
I'm
going to get in my airplane I'm going to get in my airplane : I'm going to ride
all over I'm going to ride all over your town
Then
if I spy the woman I'm loving : poor John going to let this air poor John going
to let this airplane down
Here's
my hand here's my hand : you can lead me where you want you can lead me where
you want me to go
Then
if you lead me wrong this time : you won't lead me no and you won't lead me no
more
I
know my baby I know my baby : and she's bound to jump and she's bound to jump
and shout
Now
when she gets over to Atlanta : I done rolled them few I done rolled them few
days out
You
three times seven you three times seven : you ought to know what you want you
ought to know what you want to do
Now
the day that you quit me : and I won't be mad with I won't be mad with you
Just
the day before Christmas just the day before Christmas : let me bring your
present let me bring your present tonight
Now
I will be your Santa Claus : even if my whiskers even if my whiskers is white
�������� New York, 22 Apr. 1938
�������� (63647‑A) De‑7571 RBF RF‑8
Now
change in the ocean : change in the deep blue sea
Take
me back baby : you'll find some change in me
Everybody
: they ought to change sometime
Because
it's soon or late : we have to go down in that old lonesome ground
Now
change my money : change my honey
I
change baby : just to keep from being funny
Now
change my pants : change my shirt
I
change baby : to get shed of the dirt
Now
change home : I change town
I
change baby : all the way around
Now
change walk : I change talk
I
change baby : just to keep from being balked
�������� New York, 22 Apr. 1938
�������� (63648‑A) De‑7491 RBF RF‑11
Now
if you're ever on *Fourth Street* : I'll tell you what to do
Let
Mr Peter Adams : get acquainted with you
Well
you won't have to go : well you won't have to go
You
can get what you want to : right here in my liquor store
He
got a little whiskey : he got a little gin
All
you got to do : is step in the back end
I
met Mr Peter : down on Monroe Street
Come
to Fourth Street : right around with me
He
got some on his floor : he got some on his shelf
All
you got to do : is just to help yourself
Mr
Peter Albert : the discount man
You
ask him for a favor : he won't make you ashamed
�������� New York, 22 Apr. 1938
�������� (63649‑A) De‑7516 Sw S‑1220
Now
woke up this morning : couldn't hardly see
Snow
on the ground : about eight foot deep
Lord
have mercy : baby what become of me
You
know I feel just like easing : back down into Tennessee
Now
call William in the office : want to see you alone
I
can't do nothing : with this white stuff on
Now
I'm on the South Side : my buddy on the east
I
don't know : whether he got any place to sleep
Say
car can't go : margin too slick
Probably
might slip back : off in a ditch
Now
twenty‑two twenty‑four : West *Hubbard* Avenue
That's
where you get : my nineteen and thirty‑two
�������� New York, 22 Apr. 1938
�������� (63650‑A) De‑7571 Sw S‑1220
Now
go call the fire department : for my house is burning down
You
know that must be little Martha Hardin : because it's on the north side of town
I
said the people is running : and I wonder who could it be
You
know that must be little Martha Hardin : I saw them turn down on Wilson Street
When
you see the chief : boys please clear the street
Because
you know he's going down : save little Martha Hardin's house for me
She's
a hard‑working woman : you know her salary is very small
Then
when she pay up her house rent : that don't leave anything for insurance at all
Now
I wrote little Martha a letter : five days it returned back to me
You
know little Martha Hardin's house done burnt down : she done moved on Bathurst
Street
�������� New York, 22 Apr. 1938
�������� (63651‑B) De‑7516 Sw S‑1220
I
washed my clothes : I hanged them by the fire
Get
up in the morning : they be finally dry
I
went to the ??? : trying to make me a dime
Say
go away boy : clean up and get on some time
Five
cent cap : and ten cent suit
Then
you all think : I'm trying to act cute
I
done something : that you can't do
Go
down on State Street : get a one potful stew
I
played for the colored : I play for the white
All
you got to do : act kind of nice
�������� New York, 22 Apr. 1938
�������� (63652‑A) De‑7473 RBF RF‑8
When
trouble first started : down in my front door
Seems
like I had more trouble : in my life before
Now
trouble in the morning : trouble late at night
Seems
like I'm treated : every way but right
Now
you got a little woman : she won't treat you right
Feed
you in the day : go out with some man at night
I
wonder what's the matter : can't get no mail
Had
a dream last night : black cat crossed my trail
I
know my baby : tell you how I know
By
the great long hair : same little dress she wore
Now
look a‑here baby : see what you done done
You
done made me love you : now your man done come
�������� New York, 22 Apr. 1938
�������� (63653‑A) De‑7473 RBF RF‑8
Now
I can straighten your wires : you know poor Vasser can grind your valves
Man
when I turn your motor loose : and it sure will split the air
Now
Vasser can line your wheels : you know poor Vasser can tune your horn
Then
when he set it out on the highway : you can hear your motor hum
Now
my generator is bad : and you know my lights done stopped
And
I reckon I'd better take it over to Durhamville : and I'm going to stop at
Vasser Williams' shop
Now
I were raised in Lauderdale County : you know I was schooled on Winfield Lane
Then
what I made of myself : I declare it was a crying shame
Now
Brownsville is my home : and you know I ain't going to throwed it down
Because
I'm acquainted with John Law : and they won't let me down
�������� New York, 22 Apr. 1938
�������� (63654‑A) De‑7491 RBF RF‑1
Now
when I left for Richmond : the weather was kind of cool
Said
boy you all be careful : probably you might catch the flu
Now
I *swung that manifest* : I went down in the three rail *box*
Now
I couldn't hear the special agent : when he come tipping over *soft*
Now
some special agents up the country : sure is hard on a man
Now
they will put him off when he hungry : and won't even let him ride no train
Now
I was setting down in Centralia : and I sure was feeling bad
Now
they wouldn't let me ride no fast train : they put me off on a doggone *drag*
Now
special agent special agent : put me off close to some town
Now
I got to do some recording : and I ought to be recording right now
�������� Chicago, 4 June 1940
�������� (93004‑A) De‑7789 Sw S‑1220
Mailman
: please stop by my box today
You
know I'm looking for a letter from my baby : you know I want to hear from her
right away
Reason
I ain't been getting no mail : you know I done found out what it's all about
You
know the mailman been getting drunk : he been leaving my mail at somebody
else's house
Now
I been waiting on the mailman : he usually come around about eleven o'clock
Now
I guess he must have had car trouble : or either the road must be blocked
Mailman
: please don't you lose your head
You
know I'm looking for a letter from my babe : some of my people might be dead
�������� Chicago, 4 June 1940
�������� (93005‑A) De‑7789 Sw S‑1220
Now
it used to be the time : be getting two bucks a day
But
now we getting fifty cents : *running down* proper pay
Time
: time is drawing near
Now
can't you see : more and more every year
Now
I remember back in time : before we got grown
Be
damned : to let sundown catch a ??? on
Now
my mother used to say : the sign will be
We
couldn't tell summer from winter : no more by the birds and of the trees
Now
it used to be the time : get a corn crop in March
But
now we can't get one in June : and neither July
Now
you'd go to the church : just to work for soul
But
now we go : to buy one another's clothes
�������� Chicago, 4 June 1940
�������� (93006‑A) De‑7814 Sw S‑1220
Stopped
little Mary : across the creek
Soon
as I got her : somebody took her from me
Love
little Mary : always will
Once
in town : she liked to got me killed
Took
little Mary : down to Tipton *bell*
All
the time she was out : she was raising hell
Down
in *Lake* County : in that gumbo mud
Where
the mosquito bills : keep a‑biting through her tub
You
get to *Stanford* : and look all around
Ask
anybody : little Mary in town
�������� Chicago, 4 June 1940
�������� (93007‑A) De‑7814 RBF RF‑8
Now
I was sitting in jail : with my eyes all full of tears
You
know I'm glad I didn't get lifetime : boys and I escaped the electric chair
Now
I consulted lawyers : and I know darn well I was wrong
You
know I couldn't get a white man in Brownsville : yes to even say they would go
my bond
Now
the sheriff he arrest me : and he march me around front of the circuit court
You
know I knowed the thing was getting kind of *squally* : I heard the city judge
when he set up his court
Now
no more stewball : yes and neither no more white rice
Now
you ought need not feel uneasy : you won't have to take this workhouse advice
�������� Chicago, 4 June 1940
�������� (93008‑A) De‑7766 Sw S‑1220
*Some*
was good : some said mean
All
these *cotton nip* : ain't got no tea
Ever
in Brownsville : go into nineteen
Old
*Tim Lepson* : *get stoned on gin*
Tommy
so tall : *no shine* low
Everybody
in Brownsville : say he got a‑plenty of dough
He
*rattle his field* : get *a ??? rule*
Ask
for a little money : he say boys share the mule
*Stone*
live in country : Mr ??? live in town
Soon
that morning : Mr ??? hit that black line
???
on the ??? : ??? on the truck
*Men
say why* : *and hog people's stuff*
�������� Chicago, 4 June 1940
�������� (93009‑A) De‑7766 Sw S‑1220
My
old lady coming : down the line
She
was low in front : she was bouncy behind
I
believe I'll drop down : I don't feel welcome here
Now
I'm going to get me a woman : for the brand new coming year
Went
to the barber shop : to get me a shine
Say
go away darky : to that door around the line
Now
an old lady : had a jug of wine
Say
go away son : you can't play the *lion*
Look
here baby : see what you done done
You
made me love you : now your man done come
Way
down yonder : in the old West End
Women
out there : look like sex of men
�������� Chicago, 24 Sept. 1941
�������� (064916‑1) BB‑B8915 BC‑7
Don't
a man do wrong : till a man make hisself at home
He
may come back : catch his head while you lay on
Men
goes and gambles : lose all his change
He
come back home : his little wife has to bear the blame
Don't
a man act funny : when a single woman ease in town
He
stay out all night : he throw his home girl down
I
knowed you never loved me : when you fell down on my knees
You
had been drinking that old moonshine : trying to jive poor me
I
won't play marbles : on my baby's marble ground
I
won't be worried with the ??? : I'm going to move out to the edge of town
�������� Chicago, 24 Sept. 1941
�������� (064924‑1) BB‑B8871 RCA
LPV‑518
Now
got offices in town : resident out on *Sentry* Road
He
got a nice little lake : right inside the grove
But
you know I like Mr Clark : yes he really is my friend
He
say if I just stay out of the [grave, graveyard] : he see that I won't go to
the pen
Now
Mr Clark is a lawyer : his youngest brother is too
When
the battles get hot : he tell him just what to do
Now
he lawyers for the rich : he lawyers for the poor
He
don't try to rob nobody : just bring *along to the store*
Now
once I got in trouble : you know I was going to take a ride
He
didn't let it reach the courthouse : he kept it on the outside
Now
Mr Clark is a good lawyer : he good as I ever seen
He
the first man that proved : that water run upstream
�������� Chicago, 24 Sept. 1941
�������� (064925‑1) BB‑B8871 RCA
LPV‑518
Little
Laura was a gal : she was sixteen
Her
*dammy dam* won't listen : to her dream
Little
Laura was a dreamer : dream those disturbing dreams
She's
the dreamingest gal : dreamingest gal I ever seen
Now
she dreamed : she was going with the man next door
She
dreamed : she was kissing his oh oh oh
She
dreamed : she was riding in some man's automobile
She's
the dreamingest gal : dreamingest gal I ever seen
Now
she dreamed : she was sitting in the grass by the mill
She
dreamed : she had taken me from the gal on the hill
Little
Laura was a dreamer : most all of the dreams *forecast*
She's
the dreamingest gal : dreamingest gal I ever seen
Now
she dreamed : I was hugging her close to my breast
She
told Jimmy that much of the dream : but she wouldn't tell the rest
Now
she dreamed about love : from kissing on down
She's
the dreamingest gal : for miles around
Little
Laura was a dreamer : most all of her dreams come true
She
had dream all about loving : and she know just what to do
�������� Chicago, 24 Sept. 1941
�������� (064926‑1) BB‑B8950 RBF RF‑8
Now
you done spent all my nineteen forty rent : woman you done worked on my
substitute
Then
if you don't reach that nineteen forty‑one : ooh babe what in the world
you going to do
Now
you ought to cut off so many trucks and tractors : white folks you ought to
work more mules and men
Then
you know that would make : ooh boy money get thick again
Now
when a man gets to gambling : you know he's turning his stocks into feed
He
say he going to sell his corn and buy gas : ooh boys pour it in the automobile
Now
I been studying I been wondering : what makes a man turn the ground over in the
wintertime
You
know let the snow and rain rot the grass : ooh boys that make fertilizer for
the ground
Now
the government give us a school in Brownsville : boy you know I think that's
very nice
You
know the children can go in the daytime : ooh boys and the old folks have it at
night
�������� New York, 20 May 1931
�������� (10651‑2) Or‑8080 His HLP‑8002
Write
me a letter : and send it by mail
I
want you to tell my dear old mother : I'm in the New Huntsville jail
I
want you to tell her beans is tough : and the meat is so fat
I
want you to tell my dear old mother : it's hard for me to eat that
If
I had a‑listened : what my mother said
I
might have been rolling : somewheres in a folding bed
But
I fooled around : with my long *harred*
Now
I'm laying here in this New Huntsville jail : and I'm almost dead
Ashes
to ashes : and dust to dust
And
if God don't have me : you know the devil must
As
I lay down in my cell at night : I tries so hard to take my rest
Cockroaches
and chinches : begin to crawl over my breast
�������� New York, 21 May 1931
�������� (10659‑1) Ba‑32211 His HLP‑8002
Worked
all the summer : and all the fall
Just
trying to find : my little all and all
Was
in the spring : one summer day
Just
when she left me : she's gone to stay
Needn't
come here running : holding up your hands
I
can get me a woman : quick as you can a man
It
have been days : I didn't know your name
Why
should I worry : and cry in vain
Going
down to the station : down in the yard
Going
to catch me a freight train : when times got hard
The
lonesome days : have done gone by
Why
should you beg me : and say goodbye
�������� New York, 21 May 1931
�������� (10664‑1) Or‑8083 Yz L‑1015
You
go down Black Bottom : put your money in your shoe
Because
the Black Bottom women gal : ain't going to do nothing but take it away from
you
They
don't care nothing : about what in the world they do
They'd
sooner take that money : out of the bottom of your shoe
They'll
take your money : and they'll take your clothes
And
one of them tell the police next morning : *partner*
Now
run here mama : and run here quick
Just
take a look out here in the back yard : just look at sis
Come
in here sis : you dirty little thing
Out
there trying to be something : and you don't know how
I
got me a woman : she lives way down in Tennessee
Just
big as black and greasy : great God as greasy can be
Her
head is nappy : and her feet done got long
Take
God to tell : who she been waiting on
�������� New York, 21 May 1931
�������� (10665‑2) Or‑8083 Yz L‑1015
Now
I shook it this morning : baby until late last night
And
when I come in twelve o'clock : ??? shake it up right
Said
now if I could holler : just like a mountain jack
I
would crawl up on some mountain : holler for that woman back
Two
kind of people : baby I can't understand
A
bow‑legged woman : likes a knock‑kneed man
Now
when you see two women : running hand in hand
You
can bet your life : one's got the other's man
???
*upped* and come here : caught me in a barrel
I
ain't even got no friends : even got no gal
I
got a rock for my pillow : treetop for my bed
I
ain't got nowheres : to lay my weary head
�������� Richmond, Ind., 20 Sept. 1929
�������� (15650) Pm‑12855 Mil MLP‑2018
Now
look here girl : put on your best dress
We
going to see : who can do the boogie‑woogie the best
Now
look over : where them girls got them dress of green
I
swear to God : this boogie too mean
Get
a half pint of moonshine : two or three bottles of beer
I
believe : I'll pitch the boogie right here
Get
all your moonshine : get all your beer
Close
the door : ain't going to let nobody up here
�������� Atlanta, 21 Apr. 1928
�������� (146174‑1) Co‑14342‑D
OJL‑6
Let
me be your wiggler : until your wobbler come
If
she beats me wiggling : she got to wobble some
Women
crying danger : but I ain't raising my hand
I
got a way of loving : they just can't understand
Men
they call me oven : they say that I'm red‑hot
They
say I got something : the other gals ain't got
I
can strut my pudding : spread my grease with ease
Because
I know my onions : that's why I always please
Wild
about coffee : but I'm crazy about China tea
But
this sugar daddy : is sweet enough for me
One
John in the city : one lives up on the hill
But
the man I'm loving : lives down in Jacksonville
�������� Atlanta, 21 Apr. 1928
�������� (146175‑2) Co‑14342‑D
OJL‑6
I
moaned I moaned : I cried the whole night long
I
was wondering : where in the world my man done gone
I'd
rather be dead : in some lonesome place
Than
for my man : keeps treating me this a‑way
When
you see two of you women : going hand in hand
You
can judge by that : they got one of the other one's man
I
went to the Gypsy : to get my fortune told
*Said
the evil* is hard luck : doggone your hard‑luck soul
I
said Lord Lord : something going on wrong
Because
the man I love : done been here and gone
I
turned around : and two of them Gypsies I told
Say
Nellie needs a man : most anywhere you go
I
went to my bedside : hung my head and cried
Got
a letter from my man : that my man had died
I
hung my head : and I cried the whole night long
Said
I'm right upset : and I've got those weeping blues
�������� Chicago, c. 28 Jan. 1931
�������� (C‑7238‑A) Me‑M12117
Yz L-1031
I'm
telling you this morning : I'm tired of you searching my house
I
have a notion this morning : beating you up and throwing you out
The
hell with the search warrant : go look and see what you can find
You
ain't never found no liquor : and you searched my house two or three times
Give
me a break : don't make me pay no fine
That
judge is going to lick me : because I been here so many times
�������� Chicago, c. 28 Jan. 1931
��������
(C‑7239‑?) Me‑M12117 Yz L‑1031
I'm
guilty kind old judge : please treat me nice and kind
For
I'll stay home and try my best : to get money to pay my fine
I
never seen : a judge as mean as you before
Sending
me a poor woman : and letting everybody else go
You
can do as you please : thirty days won't make me cry
When
I come back I'm going to gamble : and sell moonshine all my life
�������� Richmond, Ind., 14 Dec. 1927
�������� (GEX‑1011‑A) Ge‑6352
OJL‑10
On
a Sunday morning : just about half past four
My
babe took my hand : said daddy I can't use you no more
Lord
I may get better : babe I can't get well
I'm
going back to my used‑to‑be : and baby it's country farewell
Lord
I'm worried now : but I won't be worried long
It
takes a man like me : to carry this worried song
Baby
I've been worried so long : that worrying don't bother me
But
ain't nobody here babe : to take pity on poor me
I've
got a good girl : and I've got a lazy friend
And
if I tell about her : he always tell me where she been
I
always will have trouble : until I'm dead and gone
If
you will love me mama : you'd never treat me wrong
�������� Richmond, Ind., 15 Dec. 1927
�������� (GEX‑1019‑A) Ge‑6352
Rt RL‑334
And
I got a letter from my baby : and it said that she was dying
I
have to catch this mail train : I'm going back home flying
Now
when I came in your town babe : I didn't come here to stay long
Now
*do you believe that I gone back to her people* : but my baby knowed that I was
gone
Lordy
Lordy : Lordy Lordy Lord
The
only little girl that I love : she treats me like a dog
I'm
going to leave you baby : your crying won't make me stay
But
it's just like I told you : you're going to need my help some day
Mama
I'm the same man : you just only changed your ways
???
*has beaten* mama : you're going to be sorry some day
�������� New York, 23 July 1935
�������� (17862‑2) ARC‑6‑01‑56
BC‑11
I
woke up this morning : about half past four
Somebody
knocking : on my back door
Yes
he rattle this morning : about half past three
Half
past four : he want to rattle some more
I
got a range in my kitchen : bake bread nice and brown
Get
my rattlesnake daddy : turn my damper upside down
I
can rattle to the left : rattle to the right
My
woman said I believe my rattlesnake daddy : can rattle all night
I
rattle every morning : till late at night
Reason
why : my rattlesnake mama don't allow me out of her sight
Now
the old folks rattling : the young ones too
Ain't
nobody rattle : just like the way I do
Yes
I rattled this morning : about half past ten
Half
past nine : I'm going to rattle again
�������� New York, 25 July 1935
�������� (17863‑2) ARC‑35‑10‑32
BC‑6
Says
I'm going up to town : hat in my hand
Looking
for a woman : ain't got no man
Just
as well be looking : for a needle in the sand
Looking
for a woman : ain't got no man
Says
I wouldn't have thought : my baby treat me so
Let
another man : stayed at my back door
Mind
mama : what you sow
You
got to reap : just what you sow
Now
if you get you one woman : you better get you two
One
for your buddy : other one for you
I's
got me a wife : and a sweetheart too
Wife
don't love me : my sweetheart do
Cried
my gal hollered murder : I ain't raised my hand
Pistol
in my pocket : blackjack in my hand
Took
my gal : under willow tree
Ought
to hear her hollering : don't murder me
�������� New York, 7 Sept. 1937
�������� (21627‑2) ARC‑8‑01‑65
BC‑11
I'm
not an elephant baby : my snout is large and round
Come
to see me mama : when your love some down
If
you see my pigmeat mama : tell her to hurry home
Says
some lowdown bo‑hog woman : have take my sow‑pig from home
Yes
the reason why I like pigmeat : you know it's nice and sweet
My
gal she got something : sure is hard to beat
Yes
she's large in the body : she's neat in the waist
My
gal she got something : I know you would like to taste
Say
you get away from my window : don't knock at my door
I
got me a pigmeat woman : don't need sowbelly no more
�������� New York, 15 Dec. 1937
�������� (22156‑1) Vo‑04843 RBF RF‑9
Which
a‑way which a‑way : do that Blood Red River run
Run
from my window : to that rising sun
Now
that jumper says loader : please send me six foot of clay
Because
that Blood Red River mama : is rising six foot a day
Go
down to the camp : and tell my brother Bill
The
woman he's loving : is sure going to get him killed
Now
the reason why these men here : they sure don't draw no more
Right
from the long table : back to that commissary door
Now
I love to hear : that M and O whistle blow
I'm
in a world of trouble God knows : and I got to go
Now
I got two women : and I don't know one apart
There's
one in my bosom : t'other one in my heart
�������� New York, 5 Apr. 1938
�������� (22674‑1) Vo‑04106 BC‑11
I
can tell my dog : anywhere I hear him bark
I
can tell my rider : if I feel her in the dark
You's
a cold‑blooded murderer : when you want me out your way
Says
that's all right mama : you going need my help some day
And
you say you going to put me : woman down in my lonesome grave
Say
you must remember : I once have been your slave
And
I feel like snapping : my pistol in your face
Let
some brownskin woman : be here to take your place
Now
you know you didn't want me : when you lied down across my bed
Drinking
your moonshine whiskey mama : talking all out your head
Now
give me the money baby : I'll catch that train and go
You
don't have to kill me : because you don't want me no more
Now
if you see my rider : tell her I said bring it home
I
ain't had no loving : since my gal been gone
It's
two kind of people in the world : that I can't stand
That's
a lying woman : and a monkey‑man
�������� New York, 5 Apr. 1938
�������� (22677‑1) OK‑06437 BC‑11
You
talk about loving : that sure is *hit*
You
got me to loving : and it just won't quit
Says
when I'm on a farm : I hollering whoa haw gee
My
gal's uptown : hollering who wants me
Every
night I come home : you got your lips painted red
Then
come on daddy : let's go to bed
Got
great big legs : and a little bitty feet
Something
about you : is sweet sweet sweet
You
think : you the best‑looking gal in town
You
do that loving : let it go round and round
�������� possibly Columbia, S.C., 29 Oct. 1938
�������� (SC‑25‑1) Vo‑04897
BC‑11
I
never will forget the day : they transferred me to the county jail
I
had shot the woman I love : ain't got no one to come go my bail
Then
I sent for my friend : please spare the rod
Then
my friend sent me word : Lord the job was too doggone hard
I
got friend who's got money : please tell him come go my bail
And
my friend sent me word : had no business in the county jail
Then
I felt all right : till the judge turned around and frowned
Well
I'm sorry for you buddy : but you on your last go‑round
I
says mmm : ain't got nobody now
Well
I got nobody : Lord come and go my bail
I
says mmm : I mean come and go my bail
�������� Memphis, 12 July 1939
�������� (MEM‑102‑1) Vo‑05083
BC‑11
The
day I went uptown : caught you looking well
She
fell down : her mouth flew open like a country well
Now
if you go out : stay all night
???
: *about a* fuss and fight
She's
built up a little : and I stay around
She
can look up : long as you can look down
Get
out now boys : and let me shut the door
I
got to *cup them* : before I go
Going
to tell you boys : just to call you my pals
A
mighty bad sign : to advertise your gals
�������� New York, 5 Mar. 1940
�������� (26592‑A) Vo‑05476 BC‑11
Had
a little girl : she was little and low
Used
to love me : but she don't no more
Got
a little girl : she stays upstairs
Try
to make a living : by putting on airs
Front
door shut : back one too
Blinds
pulled down : what you going to do
Now
I got a little gal : whose name was ball
Give
her a little bit : and she took it all
Me
and my baby : walking down the street
Dealing
everybody : but the chief of police
See
my woman : tell her to hurry home
Ain't
had no loving : since she been gone
I'll
sing this verse : ain't going to sing no more
Hear
my gal call me : and I got to go
�������� New York, 6 Mar. 1940
�������� (26599‑A) Vo‑05527 Rt RL‑318
I
hate to see : that rising sun go down
It
makes me believe : my woman got me on my last go‑round
She
used to be mine : but look who got her now
She
didn't mean me no good : God knows I couldn't keep her nohow
Said
hear me mama : who in the world been telling you
You
don't even treat me : nothing like you used to do
Said
it may be a week : and it could be a month or two
But
when I get lucky gal : I'm coming right back to you
Said
a woman I love : she rolled all over the bed
She
got the kind of loving : make me talk out of my head
She
got coal‑black eyes : she got long black curly hair
My
baby got something : to lead me most anywhere
I
hate to see : that rising sun go down
Lord
I got a notion : my woman done and left this town
��� �����New York, 6 Mar. 1940
�������� (26600‑A) Vo‑05440 BC‑11
I
was walking around the streets : hear somebody call me and I can't stop
Yeah
I was broke and I was hungry : on my way to the pawnshop
Says
I went to the pawnshop : great God with my shoes in my hand
Says
give me a loan Mr pawnshop man : and help me if you can
Says
I called up in Burlington : ask my bossman to help me if he please
Says
please hurry up and do something : great God I'm about to freeze
He
wrote me and told me : just be sure it's one and two and three
Yeah
that pawnshop something : great God that come falling down on poor me
Says
I'm about to lose my home : I've done and lost my car
Yeah
I'm going down to the pawnshop : see can I pawn my guitar
Says
I asked that pawnshop man : what the three balls doing hanging on that wall
Says
it's two to one buddy : you don't get your things back out of here at all
�������� New York, 7 Mar. 1940
�������� (26616‑A) OK‑06231 BC‑11
You
got a little woman : she won't treat you right
Leave
in the day : and go back nights
When
I called this morning : about half past one
Wake
up baby : loving has just begun
Said
I know my little woman : going to change her mind
When
she walks : she reels and rocks behind
Says
I told my baby : about half past two
Wake
up mama : loving ain't half through
Says
my woman she quit me : keep me worried and blue
Take
me in your arms and love me : like you used to do
Then
I called her this morning : about half past ten
Wake
up mama : loving is just began
�������� New York, 7 Mar. 1940
�������� (26619‑A) Vo‑05527 Rt RL‑318
You
can always tell : when your woman don't want you around
She
will put you in jail : six feet in the ground
Yeah
locked up in jail : and I just can't help myself
Yeah
when I get out : I'm going to find me someone else
Yeah
I don't believe no woman : in the whole round world do right
She
act like an angel in the daytime : crooked as the devil at night
Said
I got the blues : been had them all day long
And
when I get my pistol : I won't have them long
Yeah
I know my woman : tell you how I know
By
the great long hair : and the same little dress she wore
�������� Chicago, 19 June 1940
�������� (WC‑3139‑A) OK‑05933
BC‑11
Going
to catch that old Greyhound : going to ride from town going to ride from town
to town
Then
I will find my little woman : don't think she can't be don't think she can't be
found
Now
Mr redcap porter : won't you help me with my heavy won't you help me with my
heavy load
Say
now my woman she done and quit me : she's far on down the she's far on down the
road
Then
I know my little woman : she bound to love she bound to love me some
When
she throws her arms around poor me : like the circle around a like the circle
around the sun
It's
the day before Christmas : let me bring your presents let me bring your
presents tonight
Then
I will be your Santy Claus : says even if my whiskers says even if my whiskers
ain't white
�������� Chicago, 19 June 1940
�������� (WC‑3140‑A) OK‑05712
His HLP‑31
When
I had money : I had women and friends for miles around
Yeah
now I'm broke : women and friends they can't be found
Says
I'm talking about a dollar : I mean a dollar bill
And
I just got your dollar : you sure can get your order filled
Said
if I could only read : read my little woman's mind
Then
I wouldn't be here worrying : and stayed blue all the time
My
baby keep me guessing : about things I want to know
Yes
she got me doing things : that I never did before
�������� Chicago, 19 June 1940
�������� (WC‑3142‑A) OK‑05657
RBF RF‑202
I
ain't never loved : but a thousand women in my life
Now
the love I have for you woman : God knows it sure is strong
Then
if you love me now woman : then you won't do nothing wrong
Now
my woman please don't worry : baby while I'm out of your town
Now
the love I have for you mama : God knows it can't be turned around
Now
my little woman : I said she's sweet as she can be
Every
time I kiss her : send a cold chill run over me
�������� Chicago, 12 June 1940
�������� (WC‑3104‑A) OK‑05714
His HLP‑31
I
know you from Georgia : but you are all right with me
And
if you love me : I wonder what can it be
You
was once a good girl : and I had faith in you
But
when you started to drinking : Lord that's too bad to do
Drinking
won't help you none : crying won't do no good
Before
day in the morning : I'll be done left your neighborhood
I'm
going to drink one of these nights : and tell my sober thoughts
You
know what I mean : give me back everything I bought
�������� Atlanta, 14 Mar. 1929
�������� (402311) OK‑8700 Sw S‑1240
I've
got Ford engine movements in my hips : ten thousand miles guarantee
A
Ford is a car everybody wants to ride : jump in you will see
You
can all have the Rolls Royal : your Packard and Studs
Take
a Ford engine boys : to do your stuff
������� �Atlanta, 14 Mar. 1929
�������� (402312) OK‑8700 Sw S‑1240
I'm
so blue : just as blue as I can be
Because
every day : is a cloudy day for me
I
went to the depot : and looked up on the board
Oh
I asked the operator : how long that train been gone
Oh
it left here this evening : just about five o'clock
Oh
that must have been the train : that my good man caught
Oh
what makes my grandpa : love my grandma so
She's
got the same old jelly : she had forty years ago
I'm
going to Washington : to get my hambone boiled
Because
these mens in Atlanta : about to let my hambone spoil
�������� Long Island City, c. June 1929
�������� (482‑A) QRS‑R7087 Yz L‑1027
I've
have the blues about my money : had the blues because I'm feeling bad
But
when my sweet woman quit me : them was the worst blues I ever had
You
can ever so much money : and friends of different kinds
But
to find someone to love you : I swear they're hard to find
If
you should find someone to love you : someone to treat you right
You
must be kind and loving : and don't run around at night
Because
a woman's very funny : she wants you around her all the time
And
find you's been gone : some old rounder might change her mind
Don't
you never believe : your woman thinks too much of you
Because
there's always been some good man : to beat you doing what you're trying to do
�������� Long Island City, c. June 1929
�������� (483‑A) QRS‑R7087 Yz L‑1006
I
been drinking and gambling : barrelhousing all my days
But
I found someone to love me : I'm going to change my ways
I've
always heard it : but now I know it's true
If
you mistreat a good woman : she'll turn her back on you
If
your woman loves you : she'll stand by you to the end
Nobody
can steal your place : you can leave her with a bunch of men
If
you get a jealous‑hearted woman : be careful what you do
Because
there's always somebody : tell her lies on you
Whiskey
has been my pleasure : good‑time places I've always found
But
it's been so different now : since I have fell down
�������� Long Island City, c. June 1929
�������� (484‑A) QRS‑R7079 Yz L‑1027
Ain't
going to cut no kindling : ain't going to pack no coal
I
wouldn't spend a nickel : not to save your soul
Because
I'm tired of being mistreated : and the way you do
Want
you to tell everybody : that I'm down on you
You
taken my money : you left me cold in hand
I'm
going to black your eye : you can tell your man
You
can go tell the parson : you can tell Chief O'Brien
Before
I take you back : I'd rather serve some time
You
fooled me once : you fooled me twice
You
fooled me just enough : for me to take your life
You
left me this morning : you stayed away all day
You
must've found something : to keep you away
A
nickel for some sugar : a dime for some rice
I'm
going to crucify my woman : I'm going to *take her life*
�������� Long Island City, c. June 1929
�������� (485‑A) QRS‑R7079 Yz L‑1006
You
might be brownskin : I might be black
But
what I want baby : you really like
Girl
I'm tired of being mistreated : and the way you do
Want
you tell everybody : that I'm down on you
I
got the money : to buy a house and lot
But
what I want baby : you really haven't got
*Nice
little partner* :
When
I get you home : I'm going to curl your hair
I'm
not short : I'm long and tall
I've
just got what it takes : to make you crawl
Go
out with me baby : in a brand new car
Taking
a ride woman : you won't have to walk so far
I
had two wives : I want one more
Come
in here baby : let us lock the door
�������� Long Island City, c. June 1929
�������� (486‑A) QRS‑R7083 Yz L‑1027
Baby
stop your way of rambling : stay at home with me sometime
Because
this way you going every night : will soon start me with a rambling mind
I
don't mind you going : please don't stay the whole night long
Because
you made me love you baby : and I miss you when you go
Oh
it seems so different : you don't care for me no more
But
some day baby : you're going to reap just what you sow
�������� Long Island City, c. June 1929
�������� (478‑A) QRS‑R7083 Yz L‑1027
Oh
tell me baby : how can it be
You
will give everybody : but you won't give me
Ooh
baby : the sun begins to shine
Bought
you a brand new dress : now you won't pay me no mind
You
can spend my money : but you got to stay at home with me
Got
to give me lots of loving : and keep my company
�������� New York, 14 June 1929
�������� (402459‑B) OK‑8742 Yz L‑1027
Ain't
going to cut no kindling : ain't going to buy no corn
I
wouldn't spend a quarter : not to save your soul
Because
I'm tired of being mistreated : tired of the way you do
Want
you to tell everybody : that I'm down on you
You
fooled me once : you fooled me twice
You
fooled me just enough : for me to take your life
You
taken my money : you left me cold in hand
I'm
going to black your eyes : you can go tell your man
You
can go tell the sergeant : you can tell Chief O'Brien
But
before I take it back : I'd rather serve some time
Now
you left me this morning : you stayed away all day
You
must have found something : to keep you away
�������� New York, 26 Nov. 1929
�������� (57173‑2) Vi‑V38562 Yz L‑1027
I'm
going to build me a castle : out of ice and snow
So
I can freeze these barefooted women : away from around my door
Just
because you were a cheater : I won't give up the game
It
don't break my heart to win : when I lose I feel the same
I'm
going I'm going : my face you'll never see
But
you can kiss my picture : and think the world of me
You
accuse me of women : brought your men right before my face
After
all your mistreating : no one can take your place
�������� New York, 26 Nov. 1929
�������� (57174‑2) Vi‑V38572 Yz L‑1006
Don't
care what you say : don't care what you do
You
sure can't quit your woman : and if she put that thing on you
She
put that thing on you : she puts it on you right
You
can't eat when you get hungry partner : you can't sleep at night
I
asked a married woman : to let me be her kid
She
said she's afraid she'd put that thing on me : and I couldn't keep it hid
My
woman quit me : got her another man
And
the way she had that thing on me : I couldn't raise my hand
Now
from my experience : I give you your advice
If
you got a good woman partner : you'd better treat her right
�������� New York, 26 Nov. 1929
�������� (57175‑2) Vi‑V38562 Yz L‑1027
Mr
drayman Mr drayman : back your truck up to my door
Take
my trunk down to the station : take it never here no more
I'm
in bad luck now : going to catch me somebody's train
Take
this whole world through : my luck will be bound to change
Bad
luck wakes me every morning : trouble follows me all night long
If
I see this ain't no place for me : I'm going back where I belong
I
just received a letter : baby won't you please come home
Say
the days seem so lonesome : and the nights so long
�������� New York, 26 Nov. 1929
�������� (57176‑2) Vi‑23255 Yz L‑1027
Believe
I'll take : my old‑timey rider back
Because
she got a way of loving : that her daddy likes
[Awful]
nice to meet strangers : just to come and spend the day
But
that old‑timey rider : can drive your blues away
Did
you ever wake up in the morning : and find your rider gone
I
know just how it feels : that's why I composed this song
I
went to the doctor : for my misery
Said
it's nothing but the blues : bearing down on me
And
I asked the doctor : [was there] anything that he could do
Says
I can't do nothing : till that woman come back to you
�������� New York, 10 Dec. 1929
�������� (57753‑ ) Vi‑V38590 Yz L‑1027
I
believe I'll try : them bad‑luck dice again
If
I keep on a‑trying : I'll be bound to win
Every
man tries to gamble : must have a losing day
So
he shouldn't get evil : and throw my dice away
Sometimes
I believe : my woman's bad luck to me
Because
every time I start to gamble : I can't throw a thing but a three
I
lost all I had : everything I had to lose
Even
lost the one I love : but I swear I can't lose with you
Nine
and five my weakness : ten and four keeps me all in pawn
But
if I ever get lucky : I swear I'll have my diamonds on
�������� New York, 10 Dec. 1929
�������� (57754‑2) Vi‑V38577 Yz L‑1027
I
am sorry : that I can't take you
You
don't know how to gamble : nothing else for you to do
It's
not because I love you : but it's just because I've been with you so long
And
I know you bound to miss me : baby when I'm gone
Blues
have mercy : have mercy on poor me
Oh
it might be my fault : please have my sympathy
Baby
if you never : never never no more
If
you never no more see me : you'll miss me when I go
Mmm
baby : believe I will go back home
Going
back to the one I love : and acknowledge that I done wrong
�������� New York, 10 Dec. 1929
�������� (57755‑2) Vi‑V38577 Yz L‑1027
A
hard‑headed woman : just like a bulldog without a chain
She
won't never listen to what you say : and that will leave your heart in pain
I've
fooled with women : till I lost everything I own
It
was a married woman : cause me to lose my home
A
woman's so deceitful : but she's so loving and kind
You
can pack up your trunk to move : but you will change your mind
You
told me you loved me : told my boy friend too
And
I would not have been here : if it don't been for you
When
a dumb man tries to gamble : he expects to lose
When
you got a hard‑headed woman : you bound to have the blues
�������� New York, 10 Dec. 1929
�������� (57756‑ ) Vi‑V38590 Yz L‑1027
Bad
luck and trouble : and the blues without a dime
When
a man's got money : the blues don't cross his mind
Always
try : to keep a dollar in your hand
When
you ain't got no money : your woman get another man
Don't
never allow your woman : to talk no baby‑talk to you
You
can tell by that : they got something in their heads to do
I
don't want no woman : if she ain't got a railroad man
Because
every day's like Sunday : I mean she's always got a dollar in her hand
�������� New York, 10 Dec. 1929
�������� (57757) Vi‑V38612 Yz L‑1006
Keep
your back door locked : baby keeps your windows pinned
If
your husband should knock : tell him you're cooking and he can't come in
You
ought to buy you a bulldog : to watch us whilst we sleep
So
he can see your husband : if he makes a 'fore‑day creep
Wake
up baby : please don't be so still
Unless
you fixing a good way : to get your daddy killed
What's
that baby : pecking on your windowpane
Say
the stars is shining : I know it can't be rain
The
big star's falling : I know it can't be long before day
And
I think it's time for me : to make my get‑away
�������� New York, 10 Dec. 1929
�������� (57758‑1) Vi‑V38572 Yz L‑1027
You
can jive me baby : but I don't believe a thing you say
You
just a confidencing woman : and wants to have your way
You
can spend my money baby : you can get my loving too
I'll
do most anything : just to get along with you
I
lay down on my pillow : I rolled from side to side
I
didn't have no blues : I just was not satisfied
When
you see me coming : my head all hanging down
It's
that my sweet woman done quit me : the news all over town
My
suitcase is packed : my trunk's already gone
You
can tell by that : I won't be here long
�������� New York, 10 Dec. 1929
�������� (57759‑1) Vi‑23255 Yz L‑1027
Since
we been apart : ??? seems strange to me
We
been together all these years : and now we can't agree
Somebody
must have told you : something to worry your mind
But
you should stop your way of living : and stay at home sometime
All
my past life : I found till today
I've
been trying to listen : to everything you say
If
you call that leaving : make the best out of life you can
But
you must always remember : your daddy has been your friend
Some
of these mornings : you going to long for me
You
going to want me baby : just for company
�������� New York, 10 Dec. 1929
�������� (57760‑ ) Vi‑38612 Yz L‑1027
When
I was society : the women would not let me be
Now
I'm wild and reckless : and nobody cares for me
Some
people like religion : some like to rob and steal
But
I like to play with my yellow women : and my whiskey right from the still
Cigarettes
is my pleasure : and whiskey I do crave
And
some long tall and slender : to follow me to my grave
I
want to tell you something : happened to me one day
It
was a little brownskin woman : stole my heart away
�������� Louisville, 9 June 1931
�������� (69405‑ ) Vi‑23290 RCA INT‑1175
I
got a little woman : but I swear she treats me mean
Well
she can bake good jellyroll : and she's so nice and clean
She
don't make no charges : she don't set no price
But
if you roll it once : you want to roll it twice
Now
the best doctor in my town : says he never heard tell of such
Little
bitty woman : could roll that jellyroll so much
She
roll it for Uncle Bill : he like to lost his mind
He
want her to keep rolling it : all the time
Oh
she mix up her jelly : she rolls it over slow
Gets
it all together : then she mix it in her dough
�������� Aurora, Ill., 16 June 1938
�������� (020822‑ ) BB‑B7769 RCA
INT‑1177
Said
I work for you baby : I treat you like a baby child
Well
you laughing at me now mama : you'll be crying after a while
Says
I give you my money : you treat me like a tramp
I
got holes in my shoes : and my feet is getting damp
Oh
babe : you oughtn't be so doggone wise
Well
you laughing at me now mama : you'll be crying after a while
Says
you three time seven : and you knows what you want to do
Sometimes
you going to think : about the good things I used to do
You
laughed and laughed : until you put my clothes in a pile
Well
you laughing at me now mama : you'll be crying after a while
Says
I tried so hard : to get along with you
But
somehow I couldn't please you : no way I do
You
laughed and said : honey I was driving you wild
Well
you laughing at me now mama : you'll be crying after a while
�������� Aurora, Ill., 16 June 1938
�������� (020823‑ ) BB‑B7769 RCA
INT‑1177
Say
the holdup man : says don't act tough
Give
me your money : I'll treat you rough
Now
the little dog : started in to run
The
big dog said : pup you just begun
Now
I'm going downtown : to see Lizzie Brown
She
got the best jellyroll : that is in town
Yes
there's one thing : I'm pleased to say
A
short‑legged woman : can go a long long way
I've
got what it takes : I am no child
Makes
no mistake : yes I'm running wild
�������� Aurora, Ill., 16 Dec. 1938
�������� (030823‑ ) BB‑B8027 RCA
INT‑1177
I
have never been worried : like I'm worried today
Said
my baby is going to leave me : and she's going away to stay
When
you get to thinking : about your gal
Says
you baby is going to leave you : and taken dime you have
I
work all day : I wrestle all night
I
did not think my baby : would go out and stay all night
�������� Aurora, Ill., 16 Dec. 1938
�������� (030826‑ ) BB‑B8106 RCA
INT‑1177
Well
I worry I worry : I worries all the time
For
the gal I love : she just won't treat me kind
I
just worry : worry all the time
Yes
I worry : because she won't treat me kind
I
just lay down on my bed : I smoke cigarettes all night
Just
thinking about my gal : because she ain't doing me right
Says
I woke up this morning : feeling so bad
Thinking
about the good times : that I once have had
I'm
going to pack my suitcase : and down the road I'll go
Because
the good times I used to have : I can't have no more
�������� Aurora, Ill., 16 Dec. 1938
�������� (030827‑ ) BB‑B8106 RCA
INT‑1177
I'm
going to leave here : walking too
Just
on account : of the way you do
Now
you told me : that wouldn't do
It
may be me : it may be you
I
have been walking : for nights and days
Thinking
about the words baby : that you have said
I
give you my money : you wouldn't play fair
You
taken my money : and gave me the air
�������� Chicago, 17 May 1939
�������� (034810‑ ) BB‑B8287 RCA
INT‑1177
I
woke up this morning : Lord and my baby was gone
I
didn't have no sweet woman : just to hold me in her arms
Yes
I'm a poor poor boy : and a great long way from home
I
ain't got nobody : just to teach me right from wrong
I'm
bound down in trouble : and you know just how I feel
Like
a broke down engine : without a driving wheel
That's
why I'm leaving : I ain't got no place to go
Because
the Good Book says : you going to reap just what you sow
�������� Chicago, 17 May 1939
������ ��(034813‑ ) BB‑B8221 RCA INT‑1177
Well
I followed my woman : to a place she didn't want me to be
And
I seed something : that I did not want to see
Well
I seen my friend : give her a bottle of booze
And
then what hurt me : she started pulling off her shoes
Says
I was in a place : that I did not want to be
And
I seen something : that I did not want to see
I
said to myself : what you think of that
I
seen on the wall : they hung their coat and hat
And
then I begin to wonder : what to think of this
And
then I saw them : begin to hug and kiss
She
was with my friend : instead of being with me
And
I seen something : that I did not want to see
�������� Chicago, 9 May 1940
�������� (044972‑ ) BB‑B8529 RBF RF‑16
I
got the key to the highway : billed out and ready to go
I'm
going to leave here running : because walking is most too slow
I'm
going back to the border : where I'm better known
Because
you haven't done nothing : but drove a good man away from home
Give
me one more kiss mama : just before I go
Because
when I'm leaving here : I won't be back no more
When
the moon creep over the mountain : honey I'll be on my way
I'm
going to walk this highway : until the break of day
Well
it's so long so long baby : I must say goodbye
I'm
going to roam this highway : until the day I die
�������� Chicago, 4 July 1941
�������� (064737‑ ) BB‑B8846 RCA
INT‑1177
I
ain't going down : to Riley Springs no more
When
I was there : you drove me from your door
You
don't know : how you treated me
You
used to love me : and went back to your used‑to‑be
Riley
Springs : is a place to go
But
you done me so bad : I won't be back no more
You
don't care : what become of me
All
you care : is to give your poor heart ease
See
now : what you done to me
You
broke my heart : and left me in misery
�������� Chicago, 4 July 1941
�������� (064739‑ ) BB‑B8816 RCA
INT‑1177
Now
you didn't want me : when I was treating you nice and kind
Now
it's too late baby : I have changed my mind
You
won't act right : when I tried to do right myself
Now
it's no no baby : I've got somebody else
It
ain't no need : you calling me on my telephone
It's
too bad baby : you have broke up your happy home
Now
I am through : going from door to door
For
what you done : I don't want you no more
Now
what you done : you done it to yourself
When
I wanted you : you wanted someone else
�������� Chicago, 4 July 1941
�������� (064741‑ ) BB‑B8816 RCA
INT‑1177
I
tried to get you : to stop raising sand
Before
they put you : back in the can
Oh
baby : it looks bad for you
Now
you hear me talking : I've done all I'm going to do
I
tried to love you : a long time ago
I
love you : until you drove me from your door
Now
love is mighty : rest on either hand
I
know you don't love : when you keep on raising sand
I
tried to tell you : but you wouldn't understand
Now
I'm leaving you : cold in hand
I
tried to tell you baby : just before you go
Don't
you looking : for me no more
��������
Chicago, 4 July 1941
�������� (064742‑ ) BB‑B8872 RCA
INT‑1177
Me
and my buddy : I mean he is my friend
We
can drink more whiskey : ooo well well than a thousand men
My
buddy my buddy : was a dear old friend of mine
When
I didn't have the price of whiskey : ooo well well my buddy had it all the time
When
I was in trouble : with my hands and feet both tied
I
didn't have to look for my buddy : ooo well well he's right there by my side
I
know me and my buddy : never will have no falling out
Because
we got wise to women : ooo well well we knows what it's all about
�������� Chicago, 5 Dec. 1941
�������� (070440‑ ) BB‑B8975 RCA
INT‑1177
When
I had you baby : you wouldn't act right
You
with your man honey : staying out every night
It
was a time : you broke my heart
That's
when I found out : that I and you had to part
It's
come a day : it won't be long
You
will be sorry : that you drove me away from home
When
I was in trouble : had my ups and downs
I
looked for you baby : you could not be found
�������� Chicago, 5 Dec. 1941
�������� (070443‑ ) BB‑B8943 RCA
INT‑1177
I
believe I'll write : just one more letter home
I'm
going to ask my baby : what's been going on wrong
I'm
going to tell my baby : baby I will be home
You
better make some arrangements : because it a‑won't be very long
I'm
going to ask my baby : baby is that your friend
She
said now don't you worry : you just walk on in
Now
I have acknowledged : baby that I have done you wrong
Now
tell me what is the reason : that a‑we can't get along
�������� Chicago, 5 Dec. 1941
�������� (070445‑ ) BB‑B9004 RCA
INT‑1177
The
graveyard is lonely : you better put brakes on yourself
Because
that's just where you're going : if I catch you with anyone else
It's
a hard pill to swallow : when the neighbors all bring you the news
They
say you drinks in the alley : on corners or any place you choose
If
you don't treat me no better : I ain't going to be your man no more
I
love you it's true : but I will have to let you go
If
you don't want to tell your mother : that you soon will be coming home
You
better cut out you late hours : and let other mens alone
You
drinks way too much whiskey : you ain't got no stopping point
And
as soon as all the taverns close : you then head for some moonshine joint
�������� Chicago, 30 July 1942
�������� (074648‑ ) BB‑B9042 RCA
INT‑1177
I'm
going to leave you baby : out here on the outskirts of town
I
brought you out here mama : and you won't stop fooling around
I've
cut out my iceman : I bought me a frigidaire
Now
you let the serviceman : take you everywhere
I'm
going to leave you baby : out here on the outskirts of town
I
ain't going to stand nobody : ooo always hanging around
I
brought my own groceries : I brought them every day
Now
you letting the grocery boy : lay up in the hay
I
see you wiggling and giggling : when I'm mad as I can be
Now
we got seven children : ain't none of them look like me
�������� Chicago, 30 July 1942
�������� (074651‑ ) BB‑B9042 RCA
INT‑1177
Since
the hard time is got me : I've been running from door to door
I
ain't got no bed to sleep in : I've got to sleep down on the doggone floor
Well
it's hard times here : and it's hard times everywhere I go
I've
got to make me some money : so I won't have these hard‑luck blues no more
You
know I used to get me a dollar : before I could catch my breath
But
now I ain't got me a dime : unless I toss my poor self to death
Have
you ever dreamed you were lucky : and then woke up cold in hand
Well
you dreamed you had a dollar : and your woman's got another man
�������� Atlanta, 22 Feb. 1932
���� ����(71603‑ ) Vi‑23328
Rt RL‑324
Now
tell me baby : how do you want your loving done
Oh
roll me on my belly baby : feed me with your chocolate drop
Want
you to roll me baby : like the baker rolls his dough
Oh
reel and rock me baby : honey if it's all night long
Won't
you come back baby : you get me all confused
�������� Atlanta, 22 Feb. 1932
�������� (71604‑1) Vi‑23353 RCA LPV‑518
You
can go : you can stay
But
you'll come home : some old lonesome day
Some
day baby : some old lonesome day
I'm
coming home to my baby : some old lonesome day
The
Mississippi River : so deep and wide
I
can't see my good man : on the other side
I
was born in Georgia : but I hangs around Tennessee
I've
got a man here in Georgia : partner he's crazy about me
Where
were you baby : when that L and N left the shed
You
was standing in your back door : with a hung down head
�������� Richmond, Ind., 29 July 1929
�������� (15392) Ge‑6964 OJL‑6
You
used to be sweet milk : but you done turned sour on me
If
you want me to love you : you hum like a honeybee
Now
the old folks shake it : young folks too
Ain't
nobody shake it : like my daddy do
Lord
the way he shakes it : will make me lose my appetite
And
nobody shake it : like papa ??? can
Because
the way you shake it : will make me lose my appetite
Because
the way you shake it : will make me do things right
�������� Richmond, Ind., 29 July 1929
�������� (15393) Ge‑6948 Rt RL‑319
I'm
a pigmeat mama : pigmeat's all I crave
Pigmeat's
going to carry me : carry me to my grave
Some
women like their pork chops: some women like their wine
But
I'm a pigmeat mama : give it to me all the time
I
got pigmeat in Texas : pigmeat in Tennessee
My
pigmeat in Virginia : Lord is wild about me
Tell
all you women : what you better do
You
better lay off my pigmeat : or it won't be good for you
Pigmeat
for breakfast : pigmeat when I'm in bed
If
I don't get my pigmeat : Lord I'd rather be dead
�������� Richmond, Ind., 29 July 1929
�������� (15395‑A) Ge‑6948 Her H‑201
My
man left me : he left me feeling bad
He's
the best *kind fellow* : that I ever had
I'm
going to send you a ticket : hoping you will come
Come
back home : nevermore to roam
If
you come back home baby : tell you what I'll do
I'll
*teach* my kid‑man : how to live true to you
Since
you been gone papa : listen what I've done
I've
made a lot of money: but I ain't give nobody none
I'll
wash you clothes in the morning : bake jellyroll at night
When
you come home : that'll be so doggone nice
I
drink so much coffee : the grounds are in my *wheeze*
I
don't care how I do it : doggone heart disease
�������� Richmond, Ind., 29 July 1929
�������� (15396‑A) Ge‑7040 Yz L‑1009
Mr
gasman : please don't turn off my gas today
But
the wind is blowing : and the snow begins to fall
But
Mr gasman : these cold winds will really give me a chill
Mr
gasman come into my parlor : I want to ask you to close the door
Mr
gasman : will you please come around after dark
Are
you coming in Mr gasman : I want to tell you something right quick
I
want to get you early : and *beat some head cold*
Mr
gasman : you got that old hot bankroll right over there in your pants
�������� Chicago, c. Dec. 1927
�������� (20204‑3) Pm‑12595 Yz L‑1001
When
you hear me walking : turn your lamp down low
Then
turn it so : your man'll never know
Going
to buy me a bed : and it shine like a morning sun
When
I get to bed : it rock like a Cadillac car
Your
head is nappy : your feet so mamlish long
And
you move like a turkey : coming through the mamlish corn
I
done told you I loved you : what more can I do
And
you must a‑want me : to lay down and die for you
�������� Chicago, c. Dec. 1927
�������� (20212‑2) Pm‑12595 Yz L‑1009
I'm
so lonesome : I'm so lonesome and I'm so blue
I'm
so sad and lonesome : mama I don't know what to do
When
you have a feeling : that I sure gal don't want no more
You
just might as well leave her : even if it hurts you so
I'm
going to walk down that dirt road : till somebody lets me ride
If
I can't find my baby : I'll run away and hide
I'm
going back to Atlanta : down on Decatur Street
If
I can't find my baby : I'll be so kind to meet
�������� Richmond, Ind., 20 Sept. 1929
�������� (15640‑A) Pm‑12820 His HLP‑15
I
got a brown in New York : what I am afraid
If
I *just tell her* in her face baby : *that will*
�������� Chicago, 9 May 1940
�������� (044975‑1) BB‑B8464 RCA
LPV‑574
Rocking
: rocking myself to sleep
Watching
my baby : make that midnight creep
I'm
rocking : rocking my worries away
What
worries me now : worries me every day
Rocking
: rocking on down the road
I'm
rocking in places : I never rocked before
Rocking
: rocking my blues away
I'm
going to rock right here : until the break of day
�������� Chicago, 9 May 1940
���� ����(044976‑1) BB‑B8524 RCA LPV‑574
Listen
babe : tell me the truth
Please
tell me babe : what you going to do
I
love you babe : always treated you kind
But
your ways and actions : make me lose my mind
I
took you in babe : right off the block
You
was beat and raggedy : as a mop
You
going to be sorry : you treated me this way
You
going to want me babe : I'll be far away
Goodbye
babe : I'm leaving you
You
haven't did babe : what you should do
�������� Chicago, 21 Jan. 1941
��������
(059150‑1) BB‑B8640 RCA LPV‑574
I
love you baby : ain't going to tell you no lie
Always
want you : by my side
Come
on baby : let's talk awhile
You
know I love you : don't you realize
I'll
do anything : just to be with you
Say
anything darling : don't say we're through
I
love you baby : and you know that's true
What
make you do your little mama : like you do
I
don't care what they say : I don't care what they do
I'll
do anything : in the world for you
Put
your arms around me : hold me tight
And
love your mama baby : love your mama right
�������� Chicago, 21 Jan. 1941
�������� (059151‑1) BB‑B8640 RCA
LPV‑574
Mmm
: oh my mellow man
Can't
nobody thrill me : like my mellow man can
He
don't stand on no corners : he don't rob and steal
Come
home to me : each day to get his meal
Now
he ain't no organ grinder : he just nice and sweet
I
love that man : from his head down to his feet
My
man is so mellow : they call him spongy boy
But
that ain't his name : his name is plain Leroy
�������� Chicago, 21 Jan. 1941
�������� (059152‑1) BB‑B8659 RCA
LPV‑574
Listen
girls and boys : I've got one stick
Give
me a match : and let me take a whiff quick
I
started blowing my gauge : and I was having my fun
I
spied the police : and I started to run
But
the very moment : I looked around
My
mind fell ill : throwed that gauge on the ground
I
used to didn't blow gauge : drink nothing of the kind
But
my man quit me : and that changed my mind
I
know to blow this jive : it's a sin and a shame
But
it's the only thing : ease my heart about my man
�������� Chicago, 23 Apr. 1941
�������� (064130‑1) BB‑B8714 RCA
LPV‑574
You
had plenty of money : in nineteen twenty‑two
But
you let other women : make a fool of you
Why
don't you do right : like some other men do
Get
out of here : and get me some money too
You
sitting down wondering : what it's all about
If
you ain't got no money : they going to put you out
If
you had prepared : twenty years ago
You
wouldn't have been drifting : from door to door
I
fell for your jiving : I took you in
Now
all you got to offer me : is a drink of gin
�������� Chicago, 23 Apr. 1941
�������� (064131‑1) BB‑B8714 RCA
LPV‑574
I
tried hard : a long time
To
get you : to change your mind
You
want to know : what it's all about
If
you love me : you will soon find out
I
work : hard for you
Now
tell me daddy : what you going to do
When
I see you : walking down the street
I
get the thrill : from my head to my feet
It's
no use : for us to fuss and fight
We
should love some : every night
�������� Chicago, 23 Apr. 1941
�������� (064133‑1) BB‑B8754 RCA
LPV‑574
You
got me : feeling sad
The
worst feeling : I ever had
�������� Chicago, 23 Apr. 1941
�������� (064134‑1) BB‑B8754 RCA
LPV‑574
I
got a man : a real handsome one
He
ain't no loafer : he's just a little old country boy
I
love him : if he is a little old country boy
Yes
I love him : because he fills my heart with joy
Some
people say he is lazy : but I know that is a lie
For
three years he been doing my work : and I'm perfectly satisfied
I
know he will [learn to] love me : when he gets to be a man
Because
I'm always going to feed him : right from my hand
Now
people all want to know : why do I follow my man
There's
no need to explain : because they really wouldn't understand
�������� Chicago, 23 Apr. 1941
�������� (064135‑1) BB‑B8790 RCA
LPV‑574
I'm
so sorry you heard : I don't know what to do
I'm
sorry for the time : I made you blue
�������� Chicago, 23 Apr. 1941
�������� (064728‑1) BB‑B8865 RCA
LPV‑574
Baby
what's the matter : why don't you be yourself
If
I didn't love you : I'd get somebody else
But
you are so dull and rotten : you think everybody like yourself
If
I didn't love you : I'd get somebody else
Because
I love you baby : and I want you for myself
If
I didn't love you : I would get somebody else
The
way you been doing : you know it's wrong
How
do you expect : for us to get along
Now
maybe some day baby : you'd know for yourself
If
I didn't love you : I'd get somebody else
�������� Chicago, 21 Jan. 1942
�������� (070802‑1) BB‑B8985 RCA
LPV‑574
You
say I'm a fool : and everyone knows
They
wondering why : I don't let you go
Everybody
tells me : what he do
But
still : I don't believe it's true
You
say : he don't treat me right
But
he say he love me : both day and night
I'm
telling you : right from the start
I
don't intend : for us to part
This
is all : I have done my best
I
love him : and darn the rest
�������� Chicago, 21 Jan. 1942
�������� (070803‑1) BB‑B9010 RCA
LPV‑574
I'm
so down‑hearted : feeling sad
Baby
you left me : sick in bed
Mama
and papa told me : when I left my home
I
would have to face : the world alone
I
keep knocking : but they won't let me in
Because
you in there with your new love : drinking your gin
I'm
so down‑hearted : no place to go
Out
in the rain : hail sleet and snow
I'm
so down‑hearted : everywhere I go
Hard
luck and trouble : meets me at the door
�������� New York, c. May 1924
�������� (31564‑1) Ajax‑17037 VJM
VLP‑40
My
man done quit me : he done throwed me down
I'm
sad : because he didn't call around
Did
you ever lay down : and dream the whole night long
Dream
about your man : and all your ??? *is gone*
�������� New York, c. July 1924
�������� (31590‑1) Ajax‑17050 VJM
VLP‑40
Last
night I went out alone : I was lonesome as could be
How
I longed to find someone : to keep my company
Strange
man strange man : let me come close to you
I'm
feeling lonely : won't you tell me what to do
I'm
looking for someone to love : who can your good gal be
I
ain't got nobody : and you sure look good to me
�������� Grafton, Wis., c. Oct. 1930
�������� (L‑562‑1)
Pm‑13024 Mil MLP‑2018
Call
me a freakish man : what more was there to do
Just
because she said I was strange : that did not make it true
I
sent her to the mill : to have her coffee ground
Because
my wheel was broke : and my grinder could not be found
You
mix ink with water : bound to turn it black
You
run around with funny people : you get a streak of it up your back
There
was a time when I was alone : my freakish ways to see
But
they're so common now : you get one every day in the week
Had
a strange feeling this morning : I swear I've had it all day
I'll
wake up one of these mornings : that feeling will be here to stay
�������� Chicago, 28 July 1935
�������� (91450‑1) BB‑B6242 Rt RL‑319
Now
I was just sitting here wondering : where I would go get some ease
Now
I'm going back to California : so I can do just as I please
Crossing
that old desert mama : just like breaking the Hindenburg Line
Now
if you get ditched off on that freight train : you know that will be the end of
the line
Oh
yes I know I know : oh yes I know
Now
the train's at the station : in my mind I'm made up to go
When
I reach old Los Angeles California : you ought to hear me jump and shout
Now
the people in Los Angeles : they didn't know what it's all about
�������� Chicago, c. late Dec. 1930
�������� (C‑7100‑ ) Me‑M12077
Yz L‑1031
I
feel bluer this morning : than I ever felt before
I'm
changing friends and men : and I won't be blue no more
I
know you 'buke and dog me : baby with your forty‑five
And
I couldn't do nothing : but wring my hands and cry
Know
you trying to be mean babe : and use me as a child
But
it's going to hurt you to your heart : when I leave you for a while
�������� Chicago, c. late Dec. 1930
�������� (C‑7101‑ ) Me‑M12077
Yz L‑1031
I'm
tired of being scolded : when I know I'm doing to best I can
To
keep from being your dog daddy : I will get me a brand new man
No
use of getting on your knees : because I can't use you no more
I
been your dog long enough : so this morning I'll have to go
You
know all this time : thinking you was all mine
And
I come to find : you was worse all the time
And
I didn't say one sentence : till six months after you left
I'll
give you one more chance : to make a man out of yourself
�������� Dallas, 8 Dec. 1928
�������� (147608‑1) Co‑14428‑D
Fly LP‑103
Did
you ever wake up with the blues : and didn't have no place to go
And
you couldn't do nothing : but just walk from door to door
It
was late last night mama : and I hear you cry out in bed
I
went *over rolled* my baby : and she talked all out of her head
If
you don't like my loving : what make you keep on worrying me
Why
don't you get you some other man : oh mama and just let me be
Good
morning Mr blues : Mr blues I come to talk with you
Mr
blues ain't doing nothing : and I would like to get a job from you
�������� Dallas, 8 Dec. 1928
�������� (147609‑2) Co‑14428‑D
Yz L‑1032
I
know you like my loving : I can tell from the way you wine
Let
you taste my jelly : you just worries me all the time
I
told you pretty mama : I have the best jelly in your town
Bet
you got a little taste : you just keep on hanging around
I
swim deep pretty mama : just like a catfish loaded down
And
every time you see me : you wants to fall down on the ground
When
me and my baby start to loving : we wants to fight like cats and dogs
But
before it's over with : we hollering Lord oh Lordy Lord
�������� Birmingham, Ala., c. 18 July 1927
�������� (GEX‑743‑B)
Ge‑6306 Yz L‑1001
Yeah
mean mama : where you stay last night
Oh
your hair all wrinkled : and your clothes ain't fitting you right
Got
up this morning : and I could not keep from crying
Thinking
about my rider : she done put me down
The
sun going to shine : in my back door some day
I
know my woman : going to come my way some day
When
I get drunk : well I don't want to drink no more
Listen
here : what my dear old mother says
These
women and whiskey : going to get my child astray
Easy
mama : no good bearing down
�������� Richmond, Ind., 10 Oct. 1928
�������� (14318) Ge‑6661 OJL‑5
Have
you ever woke up : with them bullfrogs on your mind
It's
going to rain today mama : sun shine in your back door
I'm
going to tell you this time mama : I ain't going to tell you no I ain't going
to tell you no I mean more
I'm
going to tell you this time mama : ain't going to tell you no more
I'm
going to leave you partner : and I won't be back here no more
I
left you standing here : in your back door crying
I
got the bullfrog blues : and I can't be satisfied
Have
you ever dreamed lucky : woke up cold in hand
I'm
going to tell you : what a Chinaman told a Jew
You
don't likee me : well I sure God don't like you
Look
a‑here partner : see what you done to me
The
sun going to shine : in my back door some day
�������� Richmond, Ind., 10 Oct. 1928
�������� (14323) Ge‑6707 OJL‑5
Say
it makes no difference : what mama don't allow
We
going to have a good time : right anyhow
Well
come on daddy : what do you say
Just
give me a kiss : that very same way
Well
I'm just going to tell you : this one time
Mama
this ain't nothing : but to worry your mind
Well
it's take me back : try me again
Says
I may do better : than what I once have been
Oh
come on daddy : this ain't no joke
If
you got a good cigarette : just give me a smoke
Take
me back : and try me again
Says
we'll do better : than what we used to
Well
if you don't like my peaches : don't shake my tree
Gal
stay out of my orchard : and let my peaches be
Well
I tell you buddy : this is a natural fact
Whenever
you quit me : I ain't going to take you back
�������� Chicago, c. mid Mar. 1930
�������� (C‑5551‑ ) Br‑7149
Rt RL‑340
If
you just listen closely : tell you just what I mean
I
want to tell you : all about my lonesome midnight dream
Something
was troubling me last night baby : I swear it was very mean
All
night long in my sleep : I felt like I wanted to scream
I
would lie down on my bed : I just rolled from side to side
Feel
like the girl that I love : have just lay down and died
And
I called the undertaker : and the hearse came driving slow
Made
me feel so sorry : to see my baby go
Lord
I heard a mighty rumbling : just about the dawn of day
It
was only the wagon : coming to carry my baby away
When
I woke up this morning : folks I just started to scream
Why
when I came to find out : that it was just a lonesome midnight dream
�������� Grafton, Wis., c. Dec. 1929
�������� (L‑79‑1) Pm‑12920 Rt
RL‑340
Lord
I remember : what my big fat mama said
She
so big and fat : got to put ashes all in my bed
Now
I got rocks all in my pillow : gravel all in my bed
I
got morphine in my belly : cocaine in my head
Now
if you go : have to bring my good clothes on back
I
says go on home mama : you gots: *ruses*�
all in your back
Says
I been to Montana : been all over Tennessee
Says
now tell me what's the reason you get tired of here : baby I been really
homesick about you
So
true so true Lord : mama so true
Says
I seen you leaving last night : baby by the light of the moon
Got
three great big bulldogs Lord : to watch you while you sleep
To
keep papa's little gold *watch‑key* : from doing that 'fore‑day
creep
�������� Grafton, Wis., c. Dec. 1929
�������� (L‑80‑1) Pm‑12920 Rt
RL‑340
So
soon this morning mama : you were knocking on my door
Babe
you knock : just like you never knocked before
I'm
going to tell my baby : what the Chinaman told the Jew
Baby
no iggly‑oggly me mama : sister no iggly‑oggly you
I
got eighty in New York : I got ninety in Tupalo
No
need to smile mama : don't believe I want no more
Says
so cold in China baby : those birds can't hardly sing
Says
they don't do nothing : but fly in *frosty* wings
My
gal's got a new way : Lord spelling Tennessee
Double
S double E : double I double A double L
Lord
I'm going I'm going mama Lord : I'm I'm going so far away
Says
I'm going too far baby : that you can't hear me say
�������� Memphis, 4 Oct. 1929
�������� (56345‑2) Vi‑V38558 Rt RL‑322
I
woke up this morning : feeling sad and blue
Couldn't
find my yo‑yo : didn't know what to do
I
hurried downtown : called my daddy on the phone
He
said don't cry mama : daddy will bring your yo‑yo home
If
you don't believe I can yo‑yo : watch me wind my string
Come
home daddy : and make the yo‑yo sing
Bring
your yo‑yo : wind the string around my thumb
I'm
an old milkcow : to make the yo‑yo mum
If
your daddy can't yo‑yo : you better learn him how
Listen
women : I don't mean to start no row
�������� Memphis, 17 May 1930
�������� (59932‑2)
Vi‑V38605 Mel MLP‑7324
Hey
daddy hey daddy : don't let me cry in vain
You
see I'm wounded wounded and bleeding : can't you ease my pain
Hearts
is aching day is breaking : listen to me pray
See
it's snowing cold wind is blowing : so please be on your way
Mr
ambulance man : I can't stay still to save my soul
And
you ought to be careful : how you handle my jellyroll
�������� New York, 13 Sept. 1934
�������� (15899‑ ) Vo‑02855 Mam S‑3803
Says
people call me Mama Treetop : because I'm slender and tall
But
when I get ready : to get my ashes hauled
I
got a range in my kitchen : I've got a strict rule
When
it gets too hot : I want my oven just cool
You
can drink my liquor : where my clothes
But
when it comes time : for spending my dough
You
can milk my cow : use the cream
But
when it comes to loving me : that will be in a dream
You
can crank my car : shift my gear
But
when any easy riding : goes on here
�������� New York, 14 Sept. 1934
�������� (15952‑ ) Vo‑02821 Yz L‑1021
When
I go out singing : I goes out all alone
I
got a new way of singing : makes a good woman lose her home
Singing
is my trade : I don't have to lie
If
you feel my stinger : you want to until you die
It
was soon this morning : I heard my doorbell ring
I
thought slim was working : and he wasn't doing a doggone thing
�������� Chicago, c. Apr. 1927
�������� (4415‑ ) Pm‑12489 Rt RL‑319
I'm
going up on a mountain : I'm going to do just like a hog
Because
the women around here : just treat a good man like a dog
I
say I'd rather be shaggy : mama just like a dog
Than
to hear my little jet‑black woman : say Buddy Boy she don't need me no
more
When
you see two [jet‑black, old black] women : standing and talking so long
Bet
your life : there's something going on wrong
My
mama told me : my papa told me too
Son
these women around here : just *they pretty want* you
�������� Chicago, c. Apr. 1927
�������� (4416‑2) Pm‑12475 Yz L‑1010
I
lost all my money : I got nowhere to go
I
believe to my soul : I'm about to lose my brown
All
you women get mad : because I won't twa twa twa
All
you women get mad at buddy boy : because I won't dee da da da
I
say I *flied when I was four* mama : be careful *in years gone* by
I
couldn't do anything partner : but fold my little arms and cry
I
said here come Number Three : with her headlights turned down
I
believe to my soul : *she* is Alabama bound
Apples
on my table : peaches on my chair
I
got to stay there : to eat them all by myself
�������� Chicago, c. Apr. 1927
�������� (4419‑2) Pm‑12489 Rt RL‑319
Hey
Mr jailor : don't sleep so sound
Jailhouse
on fire : ??? burning down
I
say the woman I love : she in the jailhouse now
But
please Mr jailor : she got to get out of there somehow
Mmm
: my woman in trouble now
I
said but one of these good mornings : I'm bound to get her out of jail
When
I get my little cell‑block key : I'm going to be country bound
*And
hey* Mr jailor : I hope the jailhouse burns down
�������� Chicago, c. Apr. 1927
�������� (4420‑2) Pm‑12475 Yz L‑1010
I'm
going to lay my head : down on some railroad track
Boy
when that train come along : I'm going to snatch it back
Tell
me brownskin mama : where did you stay last night
With
your hair all down : your face is never washed
I
say I love you pretty mama : I don't care what you do
You
go to your black man mama : I'll stick to my gal
I
say if you don't [need your black woman, want me mama] : you [don't have to,
ain't got to] turn your head and stall
Because
I can get more jet‑black women : than a‑seven freight trains can
haul
I
got ooo : twa twa twa twa twa twa twa
Ooo
: ooo
�������� Chicago, c. Sept. 1927
�������� (20034‑1) Pm‑12539 Yz L‑1004
Hey
mama : tell me what have I done
I
just seem like you trying : to beat your loving *self on down*
You
going to wake up one of these mornings : mama baby and I'll be gone
And
you may not never : mama see me in your town no more
Lord
I'm a stranger [to you, in here] brownskin : mama I just blowed in your town
And
if I ask you for a favor : mama please now don't turn me down
If
you get one old woman : you better get you five or six
So
if that one happen to quit you : it won't leave you in a awful fix
When
I had you little black woman : I tried to do the best I could
Now
your little daddy's gone : now who you going to get to chop your wood
�������� Richmond, Ind., 14 June 1929
�������� (15213) Pm‑12802� Yz L‑1010
How
come you do me like you do baby : how come you do me like you do
How
come you try to make me feel so blue : mama you know I ain't done nothing unto
you
Now
you know you left poor me at seven : come back at eight
You
got another big fat man : slam up to my gate
You
know you hug and kissed him : said daddy you sure is fat
I
stuck my head out the window : man and hollered who in the world is that
I
bought a pistol : I bought it today
Now
I got the undertaker with me : just to haul you away
You
know you kept on talking : about that you want to get my goat
I
had a brand new razor woman : just to slit your throat
A
nickel is a nickel : a dime is a dime
A
woman get tired of one man : all the time
You
try to give these women : everything they need
You
have to make them : one of your G B V Ds
�������� Richmond, Ind., 14 June 1929
�������� (15219) Pm‑12802� Yz L‑1010
Come
in at dawn : stay out late
If
I call you : don't you hesitate
Tell
me how long : does I have to wait
Can
I get you now honey : or must I hesitate
I
ain't no miller : no miller's son
Can
be your miller : till your miller come
I
might think it's funny :
Make
me mad : think
*Ain't
yellow evil* : ??? *too*
The
reason fair brown : I don't need you
Mama
told me : daddy told me too
*Womens*
??? : and it'll be end of you
I
ain't no doctor : doctor's son
Ease
your pain : till your doctor come
I
don't want no sugar : in my tea
The
woman I got : sweet enough for me
�������� Memphis, 15 Feb. 1928
�������� (400239‑A) OK‑8708 Rt RL‑316
Ooh
: my baby don't treat me good no more
When
I was sick and down : she drove me from her door
I
just found out : why my baby treats me so unkind
When
she go to bed every night : she tells everything what's on her mind
�������� Chicago, c. May 1928 :
�������� (20560‑2) Pm‑12655 Bio BLP‑12037
Baby
baby : I am so lonesome for you
Can't
wear you off my mind : don't care what I do
When
I wake up in the morning : my heart it feels like lead
When
I go to bed at midnight : sometimes I wish I was dead
You
told me baby : before you left my door
Some
day I'd be sorry : that I told you to go
Lord
Lord : can't rest no place I go
Blues
is driving me crazy : must be reaping what I sow
�������� Chicago, c. May 1928
�������� (20562‑2) Pm‑12655 Bio BLP‑12037
Let's
get our gauge up papa : let our love come down
Get
leaping drunk : and leave this lowdown town
Go
down on the levee : where the water's high
Let
our love come down : till the *cleared outside*
Hey
hey my daddy : he's so nice and brown
We
going to get our gauge up : let our love come down
If
you quit me daddy : I'm going to leave this town
Can't
get my gauge up : and let my love come down
�������� Long Island City, c. Sept. 1928
�������� (235‑A) QRS‑R7024 His HLP‑21
I'm
full of mean evil feeling : and I'm full of gin
I'm
on my way to the West End : and there's where troubles will begin
They're
going to see some shooting : like they've never seen before
I
mean my man and my best friend : won't cheat in West End anymore
I
got a mean evil feeling : you going to hear bad news
I'm
on my way to the West End : to lose those ugly old West End blues
�������� Long Island City, c. Sept. 1928
�������� (236‑A) QRS‑R7024 His HLP‑21
I
hate to see : that evening sun go down
Because
my daddy : he's done left this town
Feeling
tomorrow : just like I feel today
I'm
going to pack up my grip : and make my get‑away
Oh
St Louis women : with their diamond rings
Just
pull their men around : by their apron strings
If
it weren't for *mortar* : and for store‑bought hair
Why
the man I love : would not have gone nowhere
�������� Long Island City, c. Oct. 1928
�������� (257‑A) QRS‑7023 His HLP‑21
You're
walking around : no one in sight
Wondering
: where your baby is tonight
You're
feeling forlorn : you've got the blues
Night
and day : you sing those weary tunes
You
so down‑hearted : you don't know what to do
You
ain't got nobody : to tell your troubles to
You're
walking for miles : no place to go
You're
talking to yourself : Lord but you don't know
�������� Long Island City, c. Nov. 1928
�������� (274‑A) QRS‑7054 His HLP‑21
Pick
me up : don't let me go
Hold
me hold me : whisper something sweet and low
Call
me lovey : lovey‑do
Something
sweet : to drive away the blues
Then
hold me tight : with all your might
And
swear : that you will treat me right
Oh
love me : like a caveman does
Because
everybody's crazy : about mushy love
�������� New York, c. Apr. 1925
�������� (��
) Vo‑1177 His HLP‑15
Papa
papa : let me tell to you
Daddy
daddy : here's what you must do
When
you come around : sweet precious turtledove
Better
come here ready : if you want to win my love
Don't
come around : telling me a lot of lies
Because
a lying man : I do despise
Papa
papa : better do your stuff
Daddy
daddy : but don't be too rough
Mama
want some loving kisses : right away
Want
them when I want them : come on honey don't delay
Don't
make me think : you've got a lot of dough
If
you ain't got nothing : please tell me so
�������� Chicago, 17 Oct. 1928
�������� (C‑2451‑ ) Vo‑1288
His HLP‑2
Now
run here pretty mama : tell papa where you been so long
Say
you come in here mama : with your clothes on wrong
Says
a brownskin gal : make a mule kick his stable down
But
a right black gal : make a rabbit move his family to town
Says
I went to my gal last night : papa knocked on her door
She
said is that you Mr Houndhead : mama can't use you no more
Now
woke up this morning : my gal had the worried blues
I
looked over in the corner : my poor grandma *what* had them too
�������� Chicago, 17 Oct. 1928
�������� (C‑2452‑ ) Vo‑1288
His HLP‑2
The
gal I love : she lives on a silver dollar
Every
time she leaves me : I declare I'm bound to holler
I
don't care who you are : I don't care where you been
Woman
on the dollar : that's my best friend
Said
she knock and kick me : treat me like a lowdown dirty dog
So
I got a pocket full of dollars : huh so you see I ain't on the hog
I
got a gal in Alabama : gal in Tennessee
But
the gal on the dollar : that's the sweetest baby for me
�������� New York, 22 Aug. 1924
�������� (13596) Vo‑14873 His HLP‑15
I
feel worried : I feel sad
I
lost the best friend : I ever had
Don't
care about living : don't want to die
That's
the reason : that I hang my head and cry
My
man quit me this morning : about the break of day
And
he told me : he was going away to stay
He
packed his grip up : didn't even say goodbye
When
I think of how he left me : I can't help but cry
�������� Atlanta, 25 Mar. 1927
�������� (143757‑1) Co‑14205‑D
CC‑36
Woke
up this morning gal : 'twixt midnight and day
With
my hand around my pillow : where my brownie used to lay
I
know I ain't good‑looking : teeth don't shine like pearls
So
glad : good looks don't take you through this world
Going
to starch my jumper mama : iron my overalls
My
brown done quit me : God knows she had it all
I'm
going to tell you now gal : like Gypsy told the Jew
If
you don't want me : it's a cinch I don't want you
Did
you ever dream lucky : wake up cold in hand
That's
a mighty true sign : your brown got some other man
My
mama told me : papa told me too
Some
brownskin woman : going to be the death of you
�������� Atlanta, 25 Mar. 1927
�������� (143758‑2) Co‑14205‑D
CC‑36
It
seems cloudy brown : I believe it's going to rain
Going
back to my regular : because she got everything
Hey
hey mama : mama that ain't no way to do
You
trying to quit me : mama you know I been good to you
Hello
Central : give me long long‑distant phone
I
want to hear : from my sweet mama back home
When
your brown [gets, acts] funny : everything you do she gets off
You
can hunt you another home : because she don't want you no more
�������� New York, 16 June 1927
�������� (144281‑2) Co‑14246‑D
Rt RL‑326
I'm
a poor boy : I'm a long way from home
I'm
a poor boy : ain't got nowhere to go
Ain't
got nowhere : to lay my worried head
Sometime
: I'd sooner to be dead
Please
tell me : what you going to do
I
left my brown : standing in the door
What
you reckon she said : you're not obliged to go
I'm
a poor boy : stood on the road and cried
I
didn't have no blues : just couldn't be satisfied
Now
give me : long‑distance phone
I
want to hear : from my sweet mama back home
I
said to her : ring six four nine
I
want to hear : from that bobcat gal of mine
�������� New York, 16 June 1927
�������� (144282‑3) Co‑14231‑D
RBF RF‑15
Going
up to town : what you want me to bring you back
Oh
just anything : you think your baby like
Honey
honey : you sweet as a plum
Baby
you throw your arms around me : let's have some fun
Going
up to town : with my hat in my hand
I'm
looking for the woman : ain't got no man
Mama
mama : just look at sis
Standing
on the corner : trying to do the twist
Come
here sis : you old stinking sow
You
trying to be a woman : and you don't know how
Ain't
but two things : I just like
That's
salting the dog : and balling the Jack
Wears
them in the summer : and she wears them in the fall
Some
folks : they don't wear them at all
Honey
honey : I'm going to tell you the truth
The
day you quit me : that's the day you die
�������� Atlanta, 5 Nov. 1927
�������� (145134‑1) Co‑14299‑D
RBF RF‑15
If
I mistreat you gal : I sure don't mean no harm
I'm
a motherless child : and I don't know right from wrong
Please
tell me pretty mama : honey where you stayed last night
You
didn't come home : till the sun was shining bright
I
have to go so far : to get my hambone boiled
These
Atlanta women : going to let my hambone spoil
I
done done more for you : than your daddy ever done
I
give you my jelly : he ain't give you none
When
you see two women : always running hand in hand
You
can bet your bottom dollar : one's got the other one's man
I'm
going to the river : get me a *dang* old rocking chair
If
the blues overtake me : going to rock on away from here
�������� Atlanta, 10 Nov. 1927
�������� (145198‑1) Co‑14280‑D
CC‑36
Oh
the way my wife treats me : it sure is a sin
Stayed
out all night long : before day come creeping in
Then
I wanted to know : honey where have you been
She
couldn't say nothing : but it'll never happen again
I
think sweet mama : I'll have to let you go
So
pack up all your clothes : you can't sleep here no more
It's
bad to have a crooked woman : she'll keep you living in sin
Then
all she will say : it'll never happen again
Now
if I had a‑listened : to my mama's rule
I
wouldn't have been singing : these crooked woman blues
I'm
going to sing this verse : and I ain't going to sing no more
I
got them blues : and I'm sure Lord got to go
�������� Atlanta, 10 Nov. 1927
�������� (145199‑1) Co‑14280‑D
CC‑36
You
passed my door brown : you won't even look in
You
passed : just like a whirlwind
You
can pass me up : try to ignore me too
You
like you ignore me : somebody's going to ignore you
I
lied down last night : I couldn't even sleep
I
thinking about that gal : might make that 'fore‑day creep
It's
a lowdown fireman : dirty engineer
Done
took my gal : and left me standing here
Then
I asked the brakeman : let me ride your blinds
Say
I'm sorry buddy : but you know this train ain't mine
Some
people are happy : and some are burdened down
Some
are *so ???ing* : some are so lowdown
�������� Atlanta, 13 Apr. 1928
�������� (146050‑1) Co‑14372‑D
CC‑36
Let
me in please Charlie : no one here but me
I'm
speaking easy : give me a pint of stingaree
Pour
me out some white mule : pour me out some sandy rye
I
don't want no bug juice : that old stuff is too darn high
Oh
liquor liquor liquor : give me liquor until I die
And
I'm always happy : when I've got my liquor nigh
I'm
kind of worried : got something on my mind
That's
why I drink my whiskey : make my faro wait behind
Blind
pig blind pig : sure glad you can't see
For
if you could : it would be too tight for me
I'm
slipping slipping slipping : trying to dodge United States law
I'm
loaded down with bootleg : like to make them yammies bawl
�������� Atlanta, 13 Apr. 1928
�������� (146054‑?) Co‑14331‑D
CC‑36
So
glad I'm brownskin : chocolate to the bone
And
I've got what it takes : to make a monkey‑man leave his home
Black
man is evil : yellow is so lowdown
I
walk into these houses : just to see these black men frown
I'm
just like Miss Lilliam : I mean Miss Lynn you see
She
said a brownskin man : is just all right with me
Yellow
man won't quit : black man just won't hey
But
a pigmeat mama crazy : about brownskin baby ways
I
got a yellow mama : always got a pleasant smile
But
that brownskin gal : with her coal‑black dreamy eyes
�������� Atlanta, 13 Apr. 1928
�������� (146055‑2) Co‑14372‑D
CC‑36
I
got them blues : and I can't be satisfied
Got
them so bad : I could just lay down and die
Woke
up this morning : my clock was striking four
Someone
started knocking : knocking on my door
I
went to see : what the noise was all about
Someone
told me : your brown done left this town
On
a Monday morning : first thing sad news
Listen
here professor : play for me those blues
Now
mama mama : hurry bring it on back to me
You
were so crazy : for ever leaving me
Now
haven't I done : everything you asked me to
You
know by that : I don't love no one but you
Listen
here sweet mama : I'm going to tell you a natural fact
You
got what I want : so hurry bring it back
�������� Atlanta, 21 Apr. 1928
�������� (146173‑2) Co‑14614‑D
BC‑7
Some
people want to have plenty of money : some want their wine and song
All
I crave is my sweet mama : that I dreams about all night long
Once
I had a dear sweet mama : I didn't treat her right
She
left this town with a teasing brown : and her name was Mandy White
I'm
leaving town : today
When
I find that gal : this what I'm going to say
You
can have my money : all I want is the facts
I
ain't got no time to lose : I got to hurry on back
When
I find that aggravated papa : who tried to two‑time me
I
know I serve a great long sentence : in the penitentiary
I'm
going to buy me a gun : airplane and a submarine
I'm
going to kill everybody : ever treat me mean
�������� Atlanta, 26 Oct. 1928
�������� (147306‑1) Co‑14461‑D
RBF RF‑15
When
you were down : sick down on your bed
Know
bobby brought you your medicine : also brought you bread
You
is up today : looking good again
I
knocked on your door : wouldn't even let me in
But
the sun going to shine : once more in my back door
It's
true I love you sweet mama : but you can't mistreat me no more
I
was standing at the terminal : arms fold up and cried
Crying
I wonder what train : taking that brown of mine
And
I run to the telephone : took the receiver down
I
said hello Central : give me Doctor Brown
My
baby looks for me : at any old hour at night
No
matter when I go there : she's never turning off her light
Mmm
: Lord Lord Lord
You
womens in Atlanta : treat your men like your dog
Before
this time brown : maybe another year
I'll
be up the country : drinking that cool can beer
�������� Atlanta, 18 Apr. 1929
�������� (148358‑2) Co‑14573‑D
CC‑36
How
long how long : how long my train been gone
Been
gone long enough : to take you to your good gal home
Tell
my wild women in California : where I so long to be
Wild
women and whiskey : can make a fool out of me
They
can lead me like a little airedale : that's only seven weeks old
They
can lead me to the water : shake my head no no no
The
longest train I ever rode : was seventy‑nine coaches long
But
if the man had a‑seed me : around the mountain I'd have been gone
I
was on my way to California : where I so long to be
Honey
I'm from Missouri : you have to *side* me
�������� Atlanta, 18 Apr. 1929
�������� (148360‑2) Co‑14573‑D
CC‑36
I
caught a pretty little animal : it was striped black and white
What
it done to me : spoiled me the rest of my life
I
thought it was a squirrel : I took him into my camp
When
I put him down : all my clothes was damp
All
the people around me : they give me plenty of air
It
was so doggone strong : I sniffled it everywhere
I
never smelled a smell : that smelled so doggone bad
It
was the worst old smell : baby I ever had
I
jumped into the water : I scrubbed scrubbed scrubbed scrubbed
But
I smelled stronger : baby the harder I rubbed
It
was a doggone polecat : and he [sure] ain't no friend of mine
He
as pretty as a white dog : but he ain't worth a doggone dime
�������� Atlanta, 3 Nov. 1929
�������� (149345‑2) Co‑14507‑D
CC‑36
Said
come along mama : give me a hug
You
got the world : I got the stopper and the jug
Gals
all call me : big bad Pete
But
they crazy : about this little pigmeat
Skinny
gal in the summer : may be all right
But
a fat gal in the winter : just too tight
My
gal she's easy : some say she's slow
There's
things about her : you don't know
Listen
to me : please listen to my song
Take
it slow and easy : you bound to get along
Me
and my gal : was side by side
She
said daddy : I would like to ride
�������� Atlanta, 3 Nov. 1929
�������� (149346‑2) Co‑14507‑D
CC‑36
When
I'm in my whiskey : I don't care what I say
Because
me and my whiskey : we going to have our way
Please
tell me mama : what kind of loving you crave
I
got the *kind that know about* : seven different ways
I'm
down in Atlanta : where the womens they all know me
I'm
going up to Detroit : give me you gal you ain't *seen*
Don't
you never : want new loving sometimes
They
moves it a little different : but it's all the same old kind
Don't
let your gal fix you : like my gal fixed me
She
made me love her : now she's way down in Tennessee
Wild
women out west : where I so long to be
Wild
women and whiskey : can make a fool out of me
�������� Atlanta, 3 Nov. 1929
�������� (149347‑1) Co unissued Yz L‑1012
Let
me be your little dog : until your big hound comes
I
can do more howling : than your big dog ever done
Look
over your role books : see if you got my baby's name
She's
acting funny : and I she don't seem the same
Take
care of the baby : because she'll a broad some day
And
if I'm not too busy : I'll be stopping by your way
I
feel like falling : from the treetop to the ground
My
girl got a mean joker : and a‑he don't allow me around
I
go there early in the morning : and I'll go there late at night
She
used to be my sugar : now he ain't treating her right
You
got to love your baby : so she'll stay home at night
And
if you don't love her : she sure ain't going to treat you right
You
can't love me baby : and love my brother too
Because
that's that's something : it will never do
�������� Atlanta, 17 Apr. 1930
���� ����(150269‑2) Co‑14523‑D CC‑3
Hey
Mr conductor : let me ride your train
I
want to play your yo play your yo : play your yo‑yo again
You
don't let me on : I'm going to ride the blinds
You
wants to yo‑yo Bob : but you know this train you know this train ain't
mine
I
know a man : his age was fifty‑four
Oh
he didn't do nothing : but play with his yo play with his yo‑yo
I
like to yo‑yo : yes both night and day
Some
folks say it's hard work : but me it's famous me it's famous play
You
may be blue : and way down in the depths
Go
play your yo‑yo : your yo‑yo your little yo‑yo will help
When
you hear them yelling : up and down the hall
Don't
get uneasy : they's playing yo‑yo playing yo‑yo that's all
I
got a gal : she sure is big and fat
Let's
yo‑yo Bob : because it's tight because it's tight like that
I'm
just a traveler : I've got to leave this squat
You
want to yo‑yo mama : call on Barbecue call on Barbecue Bob
�������� Atlanta, 18 Apr. 1930
�������� (150273‑1) Co‑14558‑D
CC‑36
Got
a song to sing you : and it's no excuse
And
as sure as the devil : I believe he's got a‑loose
[When]
you want a drink of liquor : you think it's awful nice
You
put your hand in your pocket : and you ain't got the price
You
hear about a job : now you is on your way
Twenty
mens after the same job : all in the same old day
Hard
times hard times : we [sure] got hard times now
Just
drink and think about it : we got hard times now
You
start in mooching : but your mooching been in vain
Be
careful with yourself : you'll get a ball and chain
Lord
and bacon : gone to a dollar a pound
Cotton
have started to selling : but it keeps going down and down
Just
before election : you was talking about how you was going to vote
And
after election was over : your head's down like a billygoat
�������� Atlanta, 23 Apr. 1930
�������� (150365‑2) Co‑14558‑D
CC‑36
Up
said the spider : to the little fly one day
Won't
you come around : let's pass the time away
Come
into my parlor : said the spider to the fly
You
won't have to do no hollering : I love you until you die
My
mama told me be careful : wherever I flew
Spider's
will try to tempt you : and be *baby*
I
think it would be a treat : just for you and I
To
order in some quince meat : and get all ???fied
Come
into my parlor : said the spider to the fly
I'll
give you loving : loving until you die
�������� Atlanta, 5 Dec. 1930
�������� (151054‑2) Co‑14591‑D
Yz L‑1026
Oh
nobody knows : Atlanta like I do
But
the reason I know it : I traveled it through and through
If
you got a good woman : here's the lesson I'll give to you
Don't
you take her to Atlanta : the men will take her away from you
Lord
they taken my woman : hurt me to the bone
That's
the reason why : you hear me cry and moan
I
taken one woman : believe me I am through
Just
for what you do : it coming home to you
Oh
don't you hear : that steamboat whistle blow
And
it blows just like : it never blowed before
That's
all right baby : about how you run around
But
you had to face sorrow : when Bob gets back in town
If
you take my woman : I won't get mad with you
Like
you take her from me : somebody sure take her from you
�������� Atlanta, 5 Dec. 1930
�������� (151056‑2) Co‑14591‑D
CC‑36
Down
in Dixie : there's a dance that's new
Ain't
much to it : it is easy to do
You
wiggle and you wobble : and you move it around
Ball
the jack : and you go to town
I
know a gal : by name of Lizzie Brown
She
do that scraunch : she's the best in town
She
steps so fast : and she steps so light
Find
her doing that scraunch : on a Saturday night
My
little gal : know what scraunching means
Showed
her once : now she's a scraunching queen
Grandma
and grandpa : at the age of eighty‑three
They's
the best scraunchers : you ever see
Standing
on the levee : in New Orleans
Find
the best scraunchers : the world ever seen
Got
the right step : you move it just right
You
do that scraunch : and it's just too tight
I've
got a gal : by the name of Blind Lemon Mack
She
do that scraunch : it's good like that
�������� Chicago, 9 Nov. 1925 :
�������� (9456‑A) OK‑8273 Bio BLP‑C6
I
ain't going to marry : ain't going to settle down
I'll
keep on drinking : keep on running around
The
mouse got the measles : the dog's got the whooping cough
Doggone
any man : lets a woman be his boss
The
womens don't like me : because I speak my mind
But
the men call mama : because I take my time
I
ain't good‑looking : and I ain't long and tall
Don't
believe I'm a donkey : put me in a stall
�������� Chicago, 9 Nov. 1925
�������� (9457‑A) OK‑8273 Bio BLP‑C6
Papa
papa : something's going on wrong
If
I catch you stealing : regret the day you's born
When
daddy gets his razor : babies in the cradle moan
Because
they lost their mama : he's got them all alone
Nobody
knows : what the sheik will do
They'll
spend all their money : leave you sad and blue
I'm
going to quit my kid‑man : I like my used‑to‑be
My
kid‑man don't want nobody : to talk to me
�������� Chicago, 23 Nov. 1926
�������� (9949‑A) OK‑8420 Sw S‑1240
I'm
not crying : pleading at your feet
Sent
for you baby : you treat me kind and sweet
Baby
I'd rather work : than to play
But
if you treat me mean : I'll have to run away
I
left my mother : why can't I leave you
I
will leave anybody : that treats me like you do
�������� Chicago, 23 Nov. 1926
�������� (9950‑A) OK‑8420 Sw S‑1240
Pratt
City : is where I was born
If
you get to there : you can get your water on
Get
full of high‑powered liquor : it's bound to make him scream
Going
back to Pratt City : if it takes *nice and mean*
You
walk Sandusky : keep your head hung down
Don't
worry hot papa : I'm *driftrack* bound
��� �����Chicago, 26 Nov. 1926
�������� (9971‑A) OK‑8453 CC-32
Lonesome
lovesick blues will make you feel so lonely : when you're left all alone
Dying
for some loving : and the one you love has gone
Deep
down in my heart : I'm feeling blue
Lonesome
and lovesick : baby just for you
When
I am alone : I moan the whole night through
I
want some loving : no one but you will do
My
heart is aching : breaking for some news
My
heart is aching : gee I'm all confused
�������� Chicago, 26 Nov. 1926
�������� (9972‑A) OK‑8453 CC-32
When
I'm alone : I long to see my used‑to‑be
Because
he's the only one : to ??? for me
I
was down with a rock : rock by the deep blue sea
So
I could roll : these lonesome lowdown blues from me
I'm
lonesome mama : and I know it's true
Way
my heart aches : you'd be lonesome mama too
If
I ever lose these blues : never be worried again
�������� Grafton, Wis., c. Jan. 1932
�������� (L‑1252‑1) Pm‑13116
Rt RL‑335
Baby
you been gone all day : that you may make whoopee all night
If
I going to take my razor and cut your late hours : you wouldn't think I be
serving you right
Undertaker
been here and gone : I give him your height and size
You'll
be making whoopee with the devil : in hell tomorrow night
Oh
you done made me love you : now got me for your slave
From
now on you'll be making whoopee : baby in your lonesome grave
Devil
got ninety thousand women : he just need one more
He's
on the mountain calling for you : women broke down surely must go
Next
time you go out : carry your black suit along
Coffin
going to be your present : hell going to be your brand new home
Cuckoo
was howling : sun was almost down
Then
I got to go through Death Valley : there ain't a house for twenty‑five
miles around
�������� Grafton, Wis., c. Jan. 1932
�������� (L‑1252‑2) Pm‑13116
Yz L‑1026
Honey
you been gone all day : that you may make whoopee all night
I'm
going to take my razor and cut your late hours : you wouldn't think I be
serving you right
Undertaker
been here and gone : I give him your heightth and size
You'll
be making whoopee with the devil : in hell tomorrow night
You
done made me love you : now you got me for your slave
From
now on you'll be making whoopee : baby in your lonesome grave
Baby
next time you go out : carry your black suit along
Coffin
going to be your present : hell going to be your brand new home
I
say the devil got ninety thousand women : he just need one more
He's
on the mountain calling for you : baby broke down surely must go
Cuckoo
was howling : sun was almost down
Then
I got to go through Death Valley : there ain't a house for twenty‑five
miles around
My
poor feet is so tired : Lord help me some way
Then
I got three hundred miles to go : traveling through the mud and clay
�������� Grafton, Wis., c. Jan. 1932
�������� (L‑1253‑2) Pm‑13116
Yz L‑1032
Ella
Ella : down on my bended knees
I'm
worried about my baby : bring her back to me
You
know I love my baby : that's why we can't get along
Looks
like everything I do : something going on wrong
I
can see the sun a‑shining : leaves shaking on the tree
I
got a letter from my dona : my babe sung a song to me
Mmm
: hear my lonesome plea
I'm
worried about my baby : down on my bended knee
�������� Grafton, Wis., c. Jan. 1932
�������� (L‑1254‑2) Pm‑13129
Yz L‑1004
Lord
I'm going way down : Lord I'm going to try to leave here today
Tell
me that's a mean old fireman : and that train is just that way
Got
to get on that train : I said I'd even brought my trunk
Boys
if you have been running around in this world : this train will wreck your mind
Lord
I once was a hobo : I crossed so many *points*
But
I decided to pull down for a fast life : and take it as it comes
There's
so many people : have gone down today
And
these fast trains north and south : have settled their lives in clay
I
said look here engineer : can I ride your train
He
said look you ought to know this train ain't mine : and you asking me in vain
Said
if you go to the Western Union : you might get a chance
You
might to wire to some of your people : and your fare will be sent right here
I
want to go home : and this train is done gone dead
I
done lost my wife and my three little children : and my mother's sick in bed
Mmm
please : help me win my fare
Because
I'm a traveling man : boys I can't stay here
�������� Grafton, Wis., c. Jan. 1932
�������� (L‑1258‑2) Pm‑13129
Yz L‑1004
Now
tell me baby : what time your ??? leave
I'm
going pack my suitcase : beat it back to Tennessee
I
wrung my hands and cried :
Now
tell me baby : what time your ??? leave
Nickel
is a nickel : dime is a dime
Wish
I had a loving mama : love me all the time
Nickel
is a nickel : dime is a dime
Got
a house full of children : and ain't nary one mine
Babe
I can't see : honey to save my life
Why
we can't get along : oh just like man and wife
I
say mama told me : papa told me too
All
these Winston women : going to be the ruin of you
�������� New Orleans, 15 Oct. 1936
�������� (02603‑1) BB‑B6741 His HLP‑31
When
the rooster gets to worrying : he brings it to the hen
Ought
to be on tiptoe : of you know *wouldn't let in*
Well
the ground hog even gets it : puts it in his hole
So
my woman's got to get it : doggone her soul
Well
the bee gets the honey : puts it in his comb
If
he kick out : of his own sweet home
Tired
of buying pork chops : to grease your fat lips
You
got to find another place : for to park your *rotsy* hips
�������� Dallas, 9 Aug. 1929
�������� (55319) Vi‑V38588 Yz L‑1004
Did
you ever wake up in the morning baby : same thing all on your mind
Something
keep you bothered mama : honey worried all the time
When
I was just a little boy sweet mama : on my way to school
Met
an old *dark‑kissing* brown boy : made me break my teacher's rule
Mmm
: mmm
I
ain't got no sweet mama : teach me right from wrong
My
mama got a hen great God Lord : lays nineteen eggs a day
He
layed so many eggs : my baby ??? away
Lord
: am I right or wrong
I
ain't got no sweet mama : Lord to rock me in her arms
Now
take your black daddy : wrap him all in your arms
Sweet
mama I haven't my right mind baby : Lord since you been gone
�������� Dallas, 9 Aug. 1929
�������� (55320) Vi‑V38588 Yz L‑1004
My
baby's gone : please don't wait till day
I'm
sorry I wasn't at home mama : just my babe hadn't've stayed
Well
I went back home great God : sit in my back kitchen door
I
just want to tell my mama : I mustn't see my baby anymore
Well
I went out mama : and I begin to prayer and moan
I
want to be good Lord Lord : send me my babe back home
Once
I heard a knocking : on my back kitchen door
It's
knock like my sweet mama : boys she been here before
Babe
: honey what am I to do
Don't
you want your sweet man mama : honey lie down and die for you
But
I feel so sad baby : honey and I'm lonesome too
Ain't
nothing in this world boys : Lord for your black man to do
�������� New York, c. mid Nov. 1923
�������� (70413) Pat‑032014 VJM VLP‑40
Blues
on my mind : blues all around my head
Had
a dream last night : that the man I love was dead
Went
to the graveyard : fell down on my knees
And
I asked the gravedigger : to give me back my good man please
The
gravedigger : looked me in the eye
Says
I'm sorry lady : but your man has said his last goodbye
I
wrung my hands : and I wanted to scream
But
when I woke up : I found it was only a dream
�������� New York, c. mid Nov. 1923
�������� (70414) Pat‑032014 VJM VLP‑40
Way
down : below the Mason‑Dixon line
That's
where I'm going : just to ease my mind
Want
to see my folks : I miss them so
I
bought my ticket : and I'm bound to go
Won't
I be glad : when my train pulls in
See
my mammy : and my Uncle Ben
This
northern country : it make you choose
But
it will never cure : the Mason‑Dixon blues
�������� Chicago, 18 Feb. 1937
�������� (61856‑A) De‑7303 Rt RL‑315
Well
now I have a woman : I try to treat her right
Well
now she will get drunk : ooo well well and fuss and fight all night
I
love that woman : I done the best I could
Well
now she proved to me : ooo well well that she didn't mean me no good
There's
a day coming : I believe I'll make a change
Well
now the way she treat me : ooo well well a lowdown dirty shame
I
wonder what's the matter : that I can't sleep at night
Well
something in my family : ooo well well you know ain't going on right
That's
all right baby : *sorry* you drove me away
Well
now you don't think : ooo well well that you need my help some day
My
woman she told me : nineteen and thirty‑four
Well
now you have a new man : ooo well well she can't use me no more
�������� Chicago, 3 June 1941
�������� (C‑3843‑1) OK‑06351
BC‑5
Well
I woke up this morning : half past four
Met
a big crowd : at the ??? store
Well
I'm a country man : never go to town
The
women in Chicago : trying to jive me around
Well
if you ever in Chicago : and the times get hard
Take
a little walk : out on South Park
Well
the womens up here : play me to be a fool
Think
I'm the boy : ain't never been schooled
Well
now I got cheer : I had good luck
The
woman I love : she keeps me up
Well
I woke up this morning : half past two
Streets
was crowded : and I couldn't get through
�������� Grafton, Wis., 28 May 1930
�������� (L‑408‑2) Pm‑13042
OJL‑2
Well
black mama : what's the matter with you today
Ain't
satisfactory : don't care what I do
Hey
mama : what's the matter with you
Baby
it ain't satisfactory : baby I don't care what I do
You
say a brownskin woman : will make a rabbit move to town
Say
a [jet, real] black woman : will make a mule kick his stable down
Yeah
it ain't no heaven now : and it ain't no burning hell
Said
I where I'm going when I die : can't nobody tell
Well
my black mama's face : shine like the sun
Oh
lipstick and powder : sure won't help her none
Well
if you see my milkcow : tell her to hurry home
I
ain't had no milk : since that cow been gone
Well
I'm going to the race track : to see my pony run
He
ain't the best in the world : but he's a running son of a gun
Oh
Lord have mercy : on my wicked soul
I
wouldn't mistreat you baby : for my weight in gold
�������� Grafton, Wis., 28 May 1930
�������� (L‑409‑2) Pm‑13042
OJL‑2
Well
I solemnly swear : Lord I raise my right hand
That
I'm going to get me a woman : you get you another man
I
got a letter this morning : how do you reckon it read
Oh
hurry hurry : gal you love is dead
I
grabbed my suitcase : I took on up the road
I
got there : she was laying on the cooling board
Well
I walked up close : I looked down in her face
Good
old gal : got to lay there till Judgment Day
Oh
my woman's so black : she stays apart of this town
Can't
nothing go : when the poor gal is around
Oh
some people tell me : the worried blues ain't bad
It's
the worst old feeling : that I ever had
Mmm
I fold my arms : and I walked away
That's
all right mama : your troubles will come some day
�������� Grafton, Wis., 28 May 1930
�������� (L‑410‑1) Pm‑13013
OJL‑5
Oh
I'm going to get me religion : I'm going to join the Baptist Church
I'm
going to be a Baptist preacher : and I sure won't have to work
Oh
I'm going to preach these blues now : and I want everybody to shout
I'm
going to do like a prisoner : I'm going to roll my time on out
Oh
up in my room : I bowed down to pray
Say
the blues come along : and they drove my spirit away
Oh
and I had religion : Lord this very day
But
the womens and whiskey : well they would not let me pray
Oh
I wish I had me : a heaven of my own
Then
I'd give all my women : a long long happy home
Yeah
I love my baby : just like I love myself
Well
if she don't have me : she won't have nobody else
�������� Grafton, Wis., 28 May 1930
�������� (L‑411‑1) Pm‑13013
OJL‑5
Hey
I'm going to fold my arms : I'm going to kneel down in prayer
When
I get up : I'm going to see if my preaching suit a man's ear
Now
I met the blues this morning : walking just like a man
I
said good morning blues : now give me your right hand
Now
it ain't nothing now baby : Lord that's going to worry my mind
Oh
I'm satisfied : I got the longest line
Oh
I got to stay on the job : I ain't got no time to lose
I
swear to God : I got to preach these gospel blues
Oh
I'm going to preach these blues : and choose my seat and sit down
When
the spirit comes sisters : I want you to jump straight up and down
�������� Grafton, Wis., 28 May 1930
�������� (L‑425‑4) Pm‑12990
OJL‑11
The
dry spell blues have fallen : drive me from door to door
The
dry spell blues : have put everybody on the killing flood
Now
the people down south : sure won't have no home
Because
the dry spell : have parched all this cotton and corn
Hard
luck's on everybody : and many people are blue
Now
besides the shower : ain't got no help for you
Lord
I fold my arms : and I walked away
Just
like I tell you : somebody's got to pay
Pork
chops forty‑five cents a pound : cotton is only ten
I
can't keep no woman : no no nowhere I been
So
dry : old boll weevil turned up his toes and died
Now
ain't nothing to do : bootleg moonshine and rye
�������� Grafton, Wis., 28 May 1930
�������� (L‑426‑2) Pm‑12990
OJL‑11
It
have been so dry : you can make a powderhouse out of the world
Then
all the moneymen : like a rattlesnake in his coil
I
done throwed up my hands : Lord and solemnly swore
There
ain't no need of me changing towns : it's a drought everywhere I go
It's
a dry old spell : everywhere I been
I
believe to my soul : this old world is about to end
Well
I stood in my back yard : wrung my hands and screamed
And
I couldn't see nothing : couldn't see nothing green
Oh
Lord : have mercy if you please
Let
your rain come down : and give our poor hearts ease
These
blues these blues : is worthwhile to be heard
For
it's very likely : bound to rain somewhere
�������� Atlanta, 8 Nov. 1926
�������� (143116‑2) Co‑14194‑D
RBF RF‑202
Woke
up this morning : about five o'clock
Get
me some eggs : and a nice pork chop
Cheap
cigar : and a magazine
Had
to run through the street : to catch the five‑fifteen
Let
me tell you something : that I seen
Coalman
got run over : by the five‑fifteen
Cut
off his arms : and it cracked his ribs
Did
the poor man die : no the poor man lived
Let
me tell you something : that I know
Coalman
got run over : by the five forty‑four
Cut
off his arms : and it crunched his head
The
poor man died : no the poor man lived
I
ain't got : but a little bit left
If
you don't come and get it : I'm going to burn it myself
Get
the wood in the stove : and the match in your hand
You
run to the door : and stop the *dirty* coalman
Sell
it to the rich : and I sell it to the poor
Sell
it to the nice brown : a‑standing in the door
Furnish
you wood : furnish you coal
Make
you love me : doggone your soul
I
got your water : got you gas
You
treat me mama : says that's your last
Let
me tell you mama : what's the matter now
You
don't want me : take me anyhow
Sweet
mama sweet mama : what's on your mind
Say
you can't quit me : no need of trying
I'm
going up the country : don't you want to go
Leaving
here : ain't coming back no more
Me
and my rider : and two or three more
We're
going up the country : don't you want to go
Went
down the road : feeling bad
I
feel so worried : that I ever had
Don't
believe I'm leaving : count the day I'm gone
�������� Atlanta, 8 Nov. 1926 :
�������� (143117‑1) Co‑14194‑D
RBF RF‑9
I'm
going to Tishamingo : because I'm sad today
Say
the woman I love : she done drove me away
I'm
going to Tishamingo : to have my hambone boiled
These
Atlanta women : done let my hambone spoil
I
woke up this morning : between midnight and day
I
felt for my rider : she done walked away
Can't
you always tell : when your good gal going to treat you mean
You
meals is unregular : you house ain't never clean
You
can always tell : that something going on wrong
When
you come in : your rider she's out and gone
Say
when she come in : she got a rag tied around her head
You
speak about loving : she swear she's almost dead
Sweet
mama : what's on your loving mind
You
can't quit me : 'tain't no need of trying
I
got a loving faro : she's long and tall like me
I
love my brownskin : don't care where she be
�������� Atlanta, 1 Nov. 1927
�������� (145062‑1) Co‑14298‑D
Rt RL‑316
Grab
your gal : fall in line
While
I play : this rag of mine
Too
tight : it won't *don*
Too
tight : it'll make you warm
Too
tight : ain't it a shame
Too
tight : shaking that thing
Too
tight : hear me cry
Too
tight : just don't die
Too
tight :
Too
tight : he tried to pull it back out
Too
tight : give it the gate
Too
tight : let's don't wait
Too
tight : you hear me say
Too
tight : it make us afraid
�������� Atlanta, 9 Nov. 1927
�������� (145184‑2) Co‑14473‑D
RBF RF‑11
Take
me sweet mama : allow me one more show
I
swear to the Lord : that I won't do wrong no more
I
don't love no woman : if she ain't got baby ways
I'm
crazy about my loving : it's always been my crave
I
hung my head : I cried just like a child
Said
the way I'm treated mama : I sure ain't satisfied
If
you ever go to Memphis : stop by Jessie's hall
You'll
see my picture : hanging on the wall
I
got the blues so bad : mama my poor heart is sore
Can't
rest contented : nowhere I go
Take
me mama : please don't throw me down
I'm
going to pack my suitcase : I'm going to blow this town
�������� Atlanta, 9 Nov. 1927
�������� (145185‑2) Co‑14473‑D
RBF RF‑202
When
I ??? game last night : thought I'd have some fun
Lost
all the money that I had baby : pawned my special gun
Says
I gambled all over Missouri : gambled all through Spain
Police
come to arrest me babe : and they did not know my name
Gambled
all over Missouri : gambled through Tennessee
Soon
as I reach old Georgia : the niggers carried a handcuff to me
�������� Atlanta, 20 Apr. 1928
�������� (146159‑2) Co‑14356‑D
RBF RF‑15
Been
begging you : all night long
I'll
acknowledge : I done wrong
Begging
you : down on my knees
Begging
you : babe if you please
�������� Atlanta, 20 Apr. 1928
�������� (146161‑1) Co‑14320‑D
RBF RF‑1
Just
a worried old rounder : with a troublesome mind
All
bundled up from hardship : fate to me have been unkind
I
wouldn't listen to my mother : wouldn't listen to my dad
And
by my reckless living : I've put myself in bad
I
ain't trusting nobody : I'm afraid of myself
I've
been too lowdown : life have put me on the shelf
My
friends have turned against me : smiling in my face
Since
I been so disobedient : I must travel in disgrace
I
cannot shun the devil : he stay right by my side
There
is no way to cheat him : I'm so dissatisfied
Ain't
nobody wants me : they wouldn't be in my shoes
I
feel so disgusted : I've got them lowdown rounder blues
�������� Atlanta, 13 Apr. 1929
�������� (148270‑2) Co‑14535‑D
Rt RL‑318
I'm
laying in jail : my back turned to the wall
Says
a Georgia woman : was the cause of it all
They
arrested me : carried me before the judge
Say
the judge wouldn't like me : and he say a mumbling word
I
asked the judge : what might be my fine
Get
a pick and shovel : dig down in the mine
I
told the judge : I ain't been here before
If
you give me light sentence : I won't come here no more
Mr
judge Mr judge : please don't break so hard
I
always been a poor boy : never hurt no John
So
the next day : they carried the poor boy away
Said
the next day : I *led* a ball and chain
Take
the stripes off my back : chains from around my legs
This
ball and chain : about to kill me dead
�������� Atlanta, 13 Apr. 1929
�������� (148273‑2) Co‑14535‑D
Rt RL‑318
Standing
in the station : waiting for my train
I
was outdoors : sleeping in the rain
My
mama's sick : papa's dead and gone
Didn't
have no loving pillow : to lay head on
Thousand
miles : baby away from home
My
mama's sick : my papa's dead and gone
I
asked the operator : how long the train been gone
Your
train been gone : ever since this morn
Said
the train I ride : it's eighteen coaches long
I'm
a poor boy : I'm a long ways from my home
I'm
a poor boy : ain't got nowhere to stay
Says
everybody : sure done throwed me away
I'm
down in Cincinnati : baby on the hog
I'm
drinking muddy water : sleep in a hollow log
��� �����Chicago, c. 8 Apr. 1927
�������� (12689) Ge‑6122 Yz L‑1001
Got
a gang of brownskin sweet women : got a gang of high yellows too
I
got so many womens : I don't know what to do
Got
a Monday Monday girl : she works it on Broad and Main
Got
a Tuesday one *there : to issue* my spending change
Got
a Wednesday Wednesday girl : she works it on Broadway Square
Got
a Thursday one : take me each and everywhere
Got
a Friday Friday girl : she brings me a bottle of beer
Got
a Saturday one : well she better not catch me here
Now
gang around girls and boys : explain my sonnet to you
Wear
those patent leather slippers : mama don't *made dad* blue
Well
I love my sweet baby : I tell this world I do
And
I hope some day : she'll learn to love daddy too
Got
a gang of brownskin sweet women : got a gang of high yellows too
And
I hope some day : she'll learn to love daddy too
�������� Chicago, c. 8 Apr. 1927
�������� (12690) Ge‑6106 OJL‑2
Have
you ever took a trip : baby on the Mobile Line
That's
the road to ride baby : ease your troubling mind
Well
I got a letter baby : this is the way it read
Come
home come home baby : because your love is dead
Well
I packed my suitcase : bundled up my clothes
When
I got there : she was laying on the cooling board
Well
I took my baby : to the burying ground
You
ought to heard me hollering : when they let her down
Well
there's two black horses : standing on the burying ground
When
I turned around : these big tears run on down
When
you go to heaven : going to babe going to stop by France
Going
to stop by there : just to give these girls a chance
Baby
when I die : don't bury daddy at all
Well
pickle daddy's bones : baby in alcohol
Well
the boat's up the river : baby and she won't come down
Well
I believe to my soul : baby boat is water bound
Baby
when I die : put daddy's picture in a frame
So
where daddy's going : you can see him just the same
Hello
heaven : daddy want to give you a telephone
So
you can talk to your daddy :any time when he's gone
�������� Chicago, c. 8 Apr. 1927
�������� (12691) Ge‑6122 Yz L‑1009
Got
two little Tommies : can't hardly tell them apart
One
is my lover : the other in my heart
Got
two little Tommies : they is black and brown
One
lives in the country : the other lives in town
When
you see me coming : put your man outdoors
Well
I ain't no stranger : I been here before
When
you see me coming : bake your biscuits brown
Put
your meat in the cupboard : turn your damper down
When
you see me leaving : hang your head and cry
Got
a mind to ramble : ain't going to settle down
Going
to move to the city : tear these girls on down
Can
you tell me : how far Jackson to back home
�������� Chicago, c. 8 Apr. 1927
�������� (12692) Ge‑6106 OJL‑8
Boat's
up the river : running side by side
Well
you got my loving sweet babe : guess you're satisfied
Don't
you leave me here : don't you leave me here
Well
I don't mind you going sweet loving babe : leave a dollar for beer
How
long how long : had the train been gone
Katy
Adams got ways : just like a man
Because
she steals a woman sweet loving babe : everywhere she lands
Can
you tell me how long : Jackson to McComb
Well
it's fifteen miles sweet loving babe : Memphis to my home
������ ��Chicago, c. May 1927
�������� (��
) BP‑8030 Her H‑201
Ooh
: I ain't got no mama now
Going
to be another *war* : don't need no mama nohow
Lord
it was late last night mama : everything was still
Here
to meet my sweet baby : *he's* around the hill
Lord
I'd rather be dead mama : mouldering in the clay
Seeing
my sweet baby : treated this a‑way
Ooh
: mama you don't know how
Got
another sweet baby : know she's taking it now
Going
to sing this verse mama : ain't going to sing no more
Because
the landlady's liquor : Lord it's coming too slow
�������� Memphis, 14 Feb. 1928
�������� (400223‑B) OK‑8560 Bio BLP‑C4
Some
of these mornings : going to wake up crazy
Going
to grab me a gun : kill my baby
Some
of these mornings : going to wake up boozy
Going
to grab my gun : going to kill old Suzie
Going
back : to Pensicola
Going
to buy my babe : a money *moler*
Babe
babe : did you get that letter
Oh
you take me back : I'll treat you better
�������� New York, 21 Dec. 1928
�������� (401471‑A) OK‑8759 Bio BLP‑C4
Don't
you let : my good girl catch you here
She
might shoot you : may cut you and stab you too
'Tain't
no telling : what she might do
I'm
up the country : where the cold sleet and snow
Ain't
no telling : how much further I may go
Eat
my breakfast here : my dinner in Tennessee
I
told you I was coming : baby won't you look for me
The
way I'm sleeping : my back and shoulders tired
Going
to turn over : try it on this side
�������� New York, 21 Dec. 1928
�������� (401473‑B) OK‑8759 Bio BLP‑C4
I
been in New York this morning : just about half past nine
Thought
of my mama in Avalon : couldn't hardly keep from crying
Avalon
my home town : always on my mind
Pretty
mama's in Avalon : want me there all the time
When
the train left Avalon : throwing kisses and waving at me
Says
come back daddy : stay right here with me
Avalon's
a small town : have no great big range
Pretty
mama's in Avalon : sure will spend your change
New
York's a good town : but it's not for mine
Going
back to Avalon : stay there with pretty mama all the time
�������� New York, 21 Dec. 1928
�������� (401474‑A) OK unissued Bio BLP‑C4
Raise
up baby : get your big leg off of mine
It's
so heavy : made a good man change his mind
I
asked you baby : come and hold my head
Send
me away : said you'd rather see me dead
I'm
going I'm going : crying won't make me stay
The
more you cry : further you drive me away
Some
crave high yellow : I like black and brown
Black
won't quit you : brown won't lay you down
It
was late at midnight : moon shine bright like day
I
seen you faro : going up the right of way
�������� New York, 28 Dec. 1928
�������� (401483‑B) OK‑8654 Bio BLP‑C4
Want
all you ladies : all gather around
That
good sweet candy man's : in town
He
got a stick of candy : just nine inch long
He
sells as fast : a hog can chew his corn
All
heard : what sister Johnson said
She
always takes : a candy stick to bed
Don't
stand close : to the candy man
He'll
leave a big candy stick : in your hand
He
sold some candy : to sister bad
The
very next day : she took all he had
If
you try his candy : good friend of mine
You
sure will want it : for a long long time
His
stick candy : don't melt away
It
just gets better : so the ladies say
�������� New York, 28 Dec. 1928
�������� (401484‑B) OK‑8724 Bio BLP‑C4
Got
the blues : can't be satisfied
Keep
the blues : I'll catch that train and ride
Whiskey
straight : will drive the blues away
That
be the case : I want a quart today
Bought
my gal : a great big diamond ring
Come
right back home : and caught her shaking that thing
I
said baby : what makes you act this a‑way
Said
I won't miss a thing : she gives away
Took
my gun : and I broke the barrel down
Put
my baby : six feet under the ground
I
cut that joker : so long deep and wide
You
got the blues : and still ain't satisfied
��������
�������� (401487‑A) OK‑8692 Bio BLP‑C4
Standing
on the mountain : far as I can see
Dark
clouds above me : clouds all around poor me
Feeling
low and weary : Lord I've got a trouble in mind
Everything
that gets me : everybody's so unkind
Harvest
time's coming : and will catch me unprepared
Haven't
made a dollar : bad luck is all I've had
Lord
how can I bear it : Lord what will the harvest bring
Putting
up all my money : and I isn't got a doggone thing
I'm
a weary traveler : roaming around from place to place
If
I don't find something : this will end me in disgrace
Ain't
got no mother : father left me long ago
I'm
just like an orphan : where my folks is I don't know
Blues
around my shoulder : blues are all around my head
With
my heavy burden : Lord I wished I was dead