Pre-war Blues Lyric Poetry: an Anthology
J - L
I Got What It Takes But It Breaks My Heart to Give It Away
Your Baby Ain't Sweet Like Mine
Baby Please Loan Me Your Heart
Little Cow and Calf Is Gonna Die Blues
If You Haven't Got Any Hay Get on Down the Road
Blind Lemon's Penitentiary Blues
Never Let Your Left Hand Know What Your Right Hand Do
You'll Never Miss Your Jelly Till Your Jelly Rollers Gone
Sweet Woman You Can't Go Wrong
I'm So Tired of Living All Alone
When You Fall For Someone That's Not Your Own
Baby Please Don't Leave Me No More
If I Let You Get Away With It Once You'll Do It All of the
Time
When a 'Gator Holler, Folk Say It's a Sign of Rain
If I Had Possession Over Judgment Day
Rolled From Side to Side Blues
Anybody Here Want to Try My Cabbage
You May Go, But You'll Come Back Some Day
Never Drive a Beggar from Your Door
Don't Put Your Dirty Hands on Me
How You Want Your Rollin' Done
Baby, Don't You Love Me No More
Nobody Knows You When You're Down and Out
My Wife Drove Me From the Door
��������
�������� (1850‑1) Pm‑12219 RBF RF‑9
I
love my baby : and my baby do love me
Get
away from my window : honey babe get away from my door
Honey
babe honey babe : why don't you tell me what you're going to do
I
ain't crazy about no yellow : I ain't no fool about no brown
Because
you can't tell the difference : mama when the sun goes down
I
got a wife got a girl : and I'm fooling on the outside too
��������
�������� (1851‑2) Pm‑12219 Yz L‑1029
Now
*look here Mr* ??? : *says you take a good drop*
???
: he done broke your heart
Put
you out : told you to go
You
never come back : to her house no more
Now
just trying : to throw it down
You
know : you the foolishest man in town
Keep
on talking : *to the will*
Says
you'll never : get to ??? *Bill*
Well
you can bring a lot of wood: you can bring in my clothes
You
can iron my shirts : you can bless my soul
��������
�������� (1893‑?) Pm‑12236 Yz L‑1029
Says
it ain't but the one thing : that grieve my mind
All
these women : and none is mine
Says
a little fish big fish : swimming in the water
Come
on back here man : and give me my quarter
It's
like hunting for a needle : in a bed of sand
Trying
to find a woman : haven't got no man
Three
barrels of your whiskey : four barrels of gin
Says
I have a papa home : and you can't come in
Says
God made a woman : and he made her mighty funny
Kiss
her on the mouth : just sweet as any honey
Now
who in the *ham* : *and the confoundation*
Been
sowing them potatoes : on my plantation
Now
the scariest I ever been : in my life
Uncle
??? caught me : kissing his wife
Now
if this was a coffeepot : and that was a spout
I'll
be the *worst* boy : to pour the coffee out
��������
�������� (10019‑3) Pm‑12259 Bio BLP‑12042
Now
the cat's got the measles : dog's got the whooping cough
Doggone
a man : let a woman be his boss
Now
I ain't no devil : crawl in a lion's den
But
my chief occupation : taking women from their monkey‑men
Says
I ain't good‑looking : my teeth don't shine like pearls
But
I've got something babe : to carry me through this big darn world
Now
I think I heard a rumbling : deep down in the ground
Well
it must have been the devil : chaining my good gal down
Now
the men don't like me : just because I speak my mind
But
the women cry papa : just because I take my time
��������
�������� (10020‑3) Pm‑12259 Bio BLP‑12042
I
saved it up : since the Lord knows when
I
ain't saved a thing : because of any of you men
I've
had it so long : I hate to lose it
Because
ever gets broke : I'll be able to use it
Now
when you're laying in jail : with your head in your arms
And
then you realize : your sweet mama's gone
��������
�������� (10042‑?) Pm‑12264 Yz L‑1029
Now
here's one thing : can't understand
Why
a bow‑legged woman : likes a knock‑kneed man
*Times*
way downtown : spread the news
State
Street women : wearing broken shoes
Now
I'm going away : to wear you off my mind
You
keep me broken‑hearted : mama all the time
Now
here's one thing : I can't understand
A
good‑looking woman : likes a workingman
Now
I don't see how : you *honky* women can *pace*
Shimmy
all day : without a bite to eat
Now
if it wasn't for the powder : store‑bought hair
State
Street women : couldn't go nowhere
Now
I went to the show : the other night
The
people on
I
ain't crazy about my brown : or about my brown
You
can't tell the difference : when the sun go down
When
you see two women : running hand by hand
You
bet your bottom dollar : she's got the other one's man
Now
run here mama : stay back in my home
If
your man catch you : I don't mean no harm
��������
�������� (10043‑?) Pm‑12264 Yz L‑1029
You
can always tell : when your good gal don't want to be seen
Because
your meals ain't ready : the house is never clean
Just
like hunting for a needle : buried in a bed of sand
That
is to find a woman : haven't got no man
Three
barrels of whiskey : mama four barrels of gin
She
said the *headknots* at home : daddy and you can't in
It
was early one morning : just at the close of four
When
Dolly Smith : knocked on Evelyn's door
She
jumped up sweet babe : tipped on across the floor
Hollering
long tall daddy : don't you knock no more
It
was in the loving kitchen : where they made the plot
For
to poison her father and her mother : in the coffeepot
Then
they carried the remains : throwed it out in the *shore*
Killed
fifteen chickens :
Policeman
said to Freddie : what do you know about this
Says
I guess : you'll have to go arrest poor Dolly Smith
Then
they carried poor dolly : put her behind the bar
Give
him thirty‑nine days : mama and that ain't all
Poor
evelyn's in jail : with her back turned to the wall
Hollering
cool kind daddy : you know you the cause it all
I'm
going to sing this time : ain't going to sing no more
Because
my throat's got dry : swear my tonsil's sore
��������
��������
(2120‑?) Pm‑12281 Yz L‑1029
Now
down in
There
ain't nothing to it : it is easy to do
Now
it ain't no
All
you got to do : is to shake that thing
Now
the old folks like it : the young folks too
The
old folks showing : the young folks how to do
Now
get back to me : and
Let
your mammy ??? you : just *all to do*
I
was walking downtown : and stumbled and fell
My
mouth jumped open : like a country well
Now
grandpa Johnson : grabbed sister Kate
He
shook her : just like you shake the *jelly from the wheat*
Now
old Uncle Jack : the jellyroll king
He
just got back : from shaking that thing
Now
old Uncle Moe : he's sick in bed
The
doctor says : he's almost dead
Now
the folks in
The
*hobo* ??? :
��������
�������� (2121‑?) Pm‑12281 Yz L‑1029
I
got plenty of whiskey : put them up on the shelf
But
I'm getting sick and tired : of doing ??? by my faking self
Now
tell me pretty mama : tell me please don't lie
Can
your sweet papa stop by here : or must I pass on by
I
got the faking blues : going to sing them anywhere I please
That's
the reason why : give my poor heart some ease
Lord
I'm going away mama : believe me it ain't stall
Because
I can get more women : than a passenger can haul
Lord
I'm going to the nation : buy me an Indian squaw
I'm
going to raise me a family : got me an Indian ma
I
got the faking blues : sing them anywhere I go
Tell
you the reason I sing them : my sweet mama don't love me no more
Lord
I went to the river : looking for a place to set down
I
thought about my faking jellyroll : come on back to town
��������
�������� (2144‑2) Pm‑12289 Yz L‑1029
Stood
on the corner : feet got soaking wet
I
was hollering and crying to every brown : to hell I'm at
I'm
Then
if you want me to love you babe : you got to leave this town
When
the rooster crowed : the hen looked around
Said
if you want me to love you babe : you got to run me down
Look
here pretty mama : who can your regular be
Says
the reason I'm *blacking out stalling* babe : you been so good to me
There's
a preacher in the pulpit : Bible in his hand
And
the sisters was back in the amen corner : hollering that's my man
Now
the boat's up the river : can't be floated down
But
she's *way on south* now darling babe :
Just
like a beefsteak beefsteak : ain't got no bone
Then
if a man like a good brownskin woman now babe : he ain't got no home
Elder
Green's in town : and he's going around
And
he's telling all the sisters and the brothers he meets : he's
Now
don't you leave me here : don't you leave me here
Just
before you and your partner get ready to go : leave a dime for beer
��������
�������� (2145‑1) Pm‑12289 Yz L‑1029
Now
I got a gal : works in the yard
She
brings me meat : she brings me lard
Only
thing : that keep me barred
People
she works for : don't allow me in the yard
Going
to tell you one thing : it's a natural fact
Want
you to come on home : and drop that sack
Now
I got a gal : she lives on the hill
Took
our corn : to the sugar mill
Still
I know : I wouldn't take no salt
I'll
grind your corn : into sweet jellyroll
I
asked for one : she brought me two
Down
to the crap game : me and you
Got
two dollars : my point was nine
Police
come a‑running : and the *chips* went flying
Said
I went to the Gypsy : to get me a hand
See
my gal walking : with another man
I
said you may go : you'll come back
If
you ever come back : you got to drop that sack
��������
�������� (2207‑2) Pm‑12305 Bio BLP‑12042
I
ain't good‑looking : and I don't dress cute
But
I just want to *break* : some good man's *opportune*
I
ain't no race horse : I ain't built for speed
But
I got everything : that a race horse papa needs
You
may fall from the mountain : down in the deep blue sea
You
ain't done no falling : till you fall in love with me
I
ain't no coalman : ain't no coalman's son
But
I can keep you warm : until your coalman comes
Won't
you tell me pretty mama : I won't have to wait
Will
I be your regular : or did I come too late
I
may look green : but I ain't no clown
I'm
just a red‑hot papa : just blowed in your town
��������
�������� (2208‑2) Pm‑12296 Bio BLP‑12042
Take
me back baby : you know I don't know my mind
For
when I'm mistreating you : I'm loving you all the time
I
walked the streets all day : hung my head and cried
I
laid awake all night : trying to make myself satisfied
There's
one thing honey : I want you to understand
That's
your time ain't long : if I catch you with another man
You
ain't good‑looking : and you don't dress fine
But
there ain't no reason : let some other man read my sign
Going
down to the river : honey don't you wear no black
Because
when you think I'm gone : I'll come creeping back
If
you don't want me : why don't you tell me why
Because
you flirting with the undertaker : I mean it ain't no lie
��������
�������� (2224‑2) Pm‑12305 Bio BLP‑12042
Got
a knock‑kneed mama : down in
She's
short and squatty : she's all right with me
Now
knock‑kneed mama : what you going to cook tonight
Whatever
you cook : just cook it right
You
got a face like a washboard : and a mouth like a tub
Teach
my mama : that washboard rub
Now
some people say : chitlings are good to eat
I'll
never eat chitlings : long as hog got feet
Takes
a long‑tailed monkey : a short‑tailed dog
To
do that dance : they call the falling off the log
Now
the monkey told the elephant : if he's not drunk
I
know you're sober : you got the tail in front
Now
the monkey told the elephant : you may be drinking wine
You
can't switch your tail : like I switch mine
��������
�������� (2288‑2) Pm‑12320 Bio BLP‑12042
I
was walking down Morgan : stopped on
I
asked the desk sergeant ??? police force : my gal ain't off of the street
I
couldn't talk to the desk sergeant : tell him *when and* where it took place
Because
I knew my mama : got arrested on
Lord
I'm talking about the wagon : talking about the ??? car too
Because
There's
Maxwell Street Market : got Water Street Market too
If
you ain't got no money : the women got nothing for you to do
I
got the
Because
the
I
live six twenty‑four Maxwell : mama and I'm talking about you
Because
I swear I don't walk : said Buly Buly Buly how do you
��������
�������� (2298‑1) Pm‑12320 Bio BLP‑12042
I
told you once : this makes twice
That's
the last time : don't you boil them rice
You
can brown your gravy : fry your steak
Sweet
mama : don't make no mistake
Just
sure as the winter : follows the fall
There
ain't no one woman : got it all
You
can meet a woman : that you can't understand
Must
be looking for you : or a monkey‑man
Now
cool kind mama : says you needn't've stalled
Throw
it out the window : I'll catch it before it falls
I
got the blues so bad : I couldn't sleep last night
My
cool kind mama : want to fuss and fight
Now
I'm so glad : that dog can talk
I
can't teach him : to take a morning's walk
Now
if you don't believe : that I can run mighty fast
Ask
that man : that run me last
��������
�������� (11031‑?) Pm‑12335 Yz L‑1029
I'm
If
you miss me on the local : look for me on the gine
My
suitcase is packed : my trunk's already home
Said
you can know by that : your sweet papa's going to be gone
Just
look around the corner : see that passenger train
Be
a long long time : before you see my face again
Takes
a good old fireman : a cool kind engineer
Now
to pull that train : take me away from here
I'm
Because
my sweet mama quit me : left me with the
��������
�������� (11069‑1) Pm‑12358 Bio BLP‑12042
Everybody
in town : got a butter and egg man but me
Tell
me please : Lord because I can't see
Come
here mama : sit down on your papa's knee
I'm
just a butter and egg man : you can easy get along with me
Why
don't you take me pretty mama : make something out of poor me
I'm
just a butter and egg man : just as soft as I can be
Well
it's butter and eggs butter and eggs : butter and eggs is all you crave
When
you die : put butter and eggs on your grave
Why
don't you take me pretty mama : let you treat me as you do
Because
my weakness is pretty women : keep me with the butter and egg blues
��������
�������� (2547‑1) Pm‑12375 Yz L‑1029
My
baby done quit me : and talk's all over town
I'm
too good a man : to let that talk go around
I'm
leaving today : going to leave this southern town
Because
my baby caught a plane : that was up the way bound
I
feel like jumping : from a treetop to the ground
To
get a flying start : and run my baby down
I'm
reeling and rocking : Lord howling like a hound
If
brownskin's the best : I'll *play a teasing brown*
Oh
feel like a dirty : feel like a dat dat dat
Doesn't
somebody know : where my baby at
I'm
going to grab me a train : beat it on up the line
I'm
going to ride : until I find that good‑goody woman of mine
��������
�������� (2613‑4) Pm‑12383 Yz L‑1029
Everybody's
talking : about the *gren??? day*
I
got one : with the sweetest ways
Your
baby : can roll her jelly fine
Nobody's
baby : can roll it like mine
Your
baby : ain't sweet like mine
She
bake her jellyroll : all the time
And
when I'm feeling : lonesome and blue
My
baby : know just what to do
Never
has a baby : put me outdoor
She
even buys me : all my clothes
I
don't want to brag : just want to put you in line
Your
baby : ain't sweet like mine
��������
�������� (2769‑3) Pm‑12422 Yz L‑1029
Tell
me tell me : please has anybody seen my brown
She
used to love me : till old fatmouth blew in town
She's
a long tall woman : with coal‑black curly hair
With
one gold tooth : then you'll know her anywhere
She
used to be mine : but the fatmouth has got her now
That's
a dirty mistreater : didn't mean me no good nohow
I'm
going to love you mama : till my whiskers pass the ground
When
you die : I'm going to keep on hanging around
I
bought all her clothes : I bought her a diamond ring
Then
along come a fatmouth : keep me shaking that thing
��������
�������� (4243‑1) Pm‑12461 Yz L‑1029
It
was early one morning : just about the break of day
Says
I thought I heard : my sweet baby say
You
can read a newspaper : you can't read a person's mind
But
when you think she's loving you : dropping you all the time
Now
baby you can tell me : just what are you to do
Now
I believe I'll go back : to my old‑time used‑to‑be
She's
long and she's tall : she's shaped just like a willow tree
And
the reason I love her : says she belongs to me
��������
�������� (4244‑2) Pm‑12461 Bio BLP‑12042
I
get up early in the morning : sweet mama and I comb and curry my horse
Because
I don't want nobody : not to *see my pause*
Then
I goed up to the coal pile : get me a friend to buy some coal
Then
I get on my wagon : *then I'm a coal‑traveling snow*
*I
ought to tell how much* for coal : thirty‑five cents a bag
And
if you want to know my name : just look around on my sack
I
got on my wagon : trying my best to sell my coal
My
baby's back home : serving my jellyroll
Now
a lot of your women : ought to be put in jail
Some
standing on the corner : trying to get themselves in jail
��������
�������� (4670‑1) Pm‑12501 Bio BLP‑12042
Now
I got a lady : by the name of Sue
She'd
like to know : just what to do
Now
when you what it : I agree
Don't
forget : to ask for me
Now
she's a woman : hard to beat
All
you got to do is dance : and stay on your feet
Now
you ain't good‑looking : you don't dress cute
You
got to keep a papa : for your personal use
Now
January February : and March too
The
women come along : and showed her just what to do
Now
a woman needn't think : she got a man by herself
A
man needn't think : he got a woman by himself
Now
tain't but one thing : that grieve my mind
All
these brownskins : none of them mine
����� ���
�������� (4671‑2) Pm‑12501 Bio BLP‑12042
I
know a man : he's on our street
He
don't do nothing : but eat and sleep
Now
he's a man : that I would love to meet
He's
always dressed up : and out in the street
Now
he don't drink whiskey : nothing sweet
When
it comes to pretty women : he sure loves to meet
*I'm
hot as the devil* : *I walk about the street*
All
that ??? : to the sweet man's *feet*
Now
he's a man : has a *copper* good to eat
He
always looks good : from his head to his feet
Now
when he walks into a place : and takes his seat
His
ways and actions : is hard to beat
��������
�������� (20604‑2) Pm‑12660 Bio BLP‑12042
I
ain't talking to one : I ain't talking to two
I'm
talking to the captain : and the whole doggone crew
Yes
she smokes the cigarettes : throws ashes in the tray
She's
a good woman : she likes to have her way
I'm
going away : won't be long
You
look for me : I'll be gone
��������
�������� (21045‑2) Pm‑12721 Bio BLP‑12042
Ain't
nothing in the jungle : that's any better than me
I'm
the baddest man : ever came from
I
slept with a panther : until just about the break of day
I
grabbed the wildcat in the collar : and asked the tiger what he had to say
I
wear a scorpion for my watch fob : a rattlesnake for my chain
I
scares a gorilla : and make him change his big ugly name
I
make a *sea tick* catch a freight train : I make a flea grab the mail
I
make a jumbo elephant : grab an airplane and sail
I
was traveling in a rowboat : drifting out in the sea
I
made a sea lion cub come back : and shake glad hands with me
Way
down in the forest : there's where I long to be
Because
ain't nothing in the jungle : that's any better than me
��������
�������� (21081‑2) Pm‑12736 Yz L‑1029
Now
you know baby : you know it's true
I
don't love : no one but you
I'm
going to tell you : just before we start
All
I want you to do : is to lone me your heart
I'm
going to ask you : now baby before you start
All
you got to do : is to lone me your heart
��������
�������� (41904‑2) Vi‑21268 Rt RL‑323
This
corn liquor ??? : there's plenty more to be made
Just
get a job at one of these stills : and you surely will be paid
I
tell you it's a mighty risk to run : and a mighty chance to take
To
spend your money : for the corn that the bootlegger makes
When
the bootlegger goes to his still : get ready to make his stuff
He
got his concentrated lye : cocaine and his snuff
I
went home the other night : I swore I wouldn't drink no more
Until
saloons come back with bottle and *bondy* : in the days of long ago
But
I see that will never be : so I just got drunk again
I
haven't nothing so long as corn liquor lasts : and I got no money to spend
��������
�������� (45416‑1) Vi‑V38505 His
HLP‑32
I'm
going to tell the sergeant : *he the* chief of police
The
women around here : won't let me see no peace
Because
I'm wild about my loving : and I like to have my fun
You
want to be a girl of mine baby : bring me whiskey when you come
Hello
Central : what's the matter with your line
I
want to talk : to that high brown of mine
I
don't want no sugar : stirred up in my tea
Because
the girl I want : is sweet enough for me
I
ain't no iceman : no iceman's son
But
I can keep you cool : till the iceman comes
I
ain't no fireman : and no fireman's son
But
I can keep you warm : until the fireman comes
I'm
going to tell you people : to listen to this song
I'm
going to see my gal : and it won't be long
��������
�������� (45417‑1) Vi‑V38003 His
HLP‑32
Oh
how she loved to dance : that old grizzly bear
I
guess she's gone to Frisco : to dance it there
Always
a sign : everybody know you through
The
more you do for people : the less they think of you
��������
�������� (45417‑2) Vi‑V38003 His
HLP‑5
Oh
how she loved to dance : that old grizzly bear
I
guess she's gone to Frisco : to dance it there
It's
always a sign : everybody knows it's true
The
more you do for people : the less they they think of you
��������
�������� (MEM‑804‑ ) Vo‑1477
Her H‑205
Hello
Central : what's the matter with your line
I
want to talk : to that high brown of mine
I'm
going to the river : with a rope and a rock
And
the way you treat me : I'm going to jump over the dock
Tell
me how long : will I have to wait
Can
I get you now : or must I hesitate
I'm
got something to tell you : and I know it ain't good news
Because
a hesitating woman : give me the hesitation blues
I'm
going to tell the sergeant : and the see the chief police
Because
the women around here : won't let me see no peace
I've
got a girl in
But
the girl in
I'm
got a girl in
But
the gal in
My
mother says I'm wicked : daddy says I'm wild
I
know I ain't good‑looking : but some woman's angel child
I'll
sing you these verses : and it didn't take long
If
you want to hear any more : you'll have to buy this song
��������
�������� (MEM‑805‑ ) Vo‑1477
Yz L‑1003
Well
I hates to see : that evening sun go down
Because
it makes me think : about my last go‑round
It
I'm feeling tomorrow : a‑like I feel today
I'm
going to pack my suitcase : and make my long get‑away
Because
the
She
leads a man around : by her apron string
If
it wasn't for powder : and this store‑bought hair
Oh
the girl I love : wouldn't go nowhere
A
redheaded woman : make a freight train jump the track
And
a black‑headed girl : will make a preacher ball the jack
��������
�������� (01893‑1) BB‑B7116 Yz L‑1015
I'm
a poor coal loader : I'm in the mine
Slave
for my woman : till I'm almost blind
I
work so hard : from dawn to dusk
Can't
find a woman : that I can trust
I
work so : from six to six
Kid‑man
wait : to get his business fixed
I
work every day : in the mine
Come
home at night : you got my best friend crying
The
food you cook : a hound dog sick
Woman
I swear : you's a no‑good chick
��������
�������� (90760‑ ) De unissued Yz L‑1028
Ah
wake up mama : wake up and don't sleep so sound
Give
me what you promised me : before you lay down
I
said get my tuni : only thing I love
Make
you weep like a willow : sling snot like a turtledove
Now
I've got a gal : and the kid live out on the hill
She
got good doing : serve to the one she may will
She
got good tuni : I'm a fool about my yam yam yam
Get
my yam yam yam : I'm going back to Alabam'
Now
come in here baby : and sit down in my lap
Sit
one side : I forgot to tell you I had the
Clap
your hands Charlie : Charlie where's you been so long
I
been down in
I
got a job in the freight house : trying to learn how to truck
A
box fell on me this morning : like to bust one of my
Nuthouse
for crazy folks : folks got sense don't go there
And
all the friends I had : done shook hands and left there
I
got a gal : and the kid playing deaf and dumb
But
the movements in her hip : will make a dead man
Come
on out my window : don't knock on my door
And
I told you two or three times : don't want you no more
Now
run in here baby : because I done got kind of sick
It
ain't nothing ailing my stomach : it's something wrong with my
Dixieland
was a camp in
All
the friends I had : done shook hands and gone
Now
here's a verse : I don't want a soul to miss
I
been taking charity grub : I've got to go outside
Shut
your mouth boy : four boys can't talk at once
And
I done told you two or three times : I don't want no junk
��������
�������� (90761‑A) De‑7213 AH‑158
I
heard the people say : Casey Jones can't run
I'm
going to tell you : what the poor boy done
Left
Got
to
Now
Casey Jones said : before he died
He
fixed the road : so a bum could ride
And
if he ride : he have to ride the rod
Rest
his heart : in the hand of God
Now
little girl says : mama is that a fact
Papa
got killed : on the I C track
Yes
yes honey : but hold your breath
Get
that money : from your daddy's death
When
the news reached town : Casey Jones was dead
Women
went home : and *had it* out in red
Slipping
and sliding : all across the streets
With
their loose mother hubbard : and their stocking feet
Now
Casey Jones : went from place to place
Another
train hit his train : right in the face
People
got off : but Casey Jones stayed on
Natural
policeman : but he dead and gone
Here
come the biggest boy : coming right from school
Hollering
and crying : like a doggone fool
Look
here mama : is our papa dead
Womens
going home : and *had it* out in red
*Low
cut* shoes : and their evening gowns
Following
papa : to the burying ground
Now
tell the truth mama : he say is that a fact
Papa
got killed : on the I C track
Quit
crying boy : don't do that
You
got another daddy : on the same damn track
��������
�������� (90762‑A) De‑7213 AH‑158
Lord
today has been : a long lonesome day
You
hear me talking to you : did you hear what I say
Lord
today has been : a long old lonesome day
And
now my rider : eee Lord will be the same old way
I've
been to the nation : around the territor'
You
hear me talking to you : you got to reap what you sow
I've
been all through the nation : and around the territor'
But
I found no heaven on earth : Lord nowhere I go
I'm
going to the big house : and I don't even care
Don't
you hear me talking to you : I'm scolding to my dear
I'm
going in the morning : and I don't even care
I
might get four or five years : Lord I might get the chair
Oh
stop and listen : see tomorrow bring
You
hear me talking to you : start to playing
You
better stop now and listen : and see what tomorrow brings
It
might bring you sunshine : Lord and it may bring rain
Some
got six months : some got a solid year
You
hear me talking to you : buddy what made you stop by here
Some
of them got six months partner : and some got a solid year
But
I believe my partner : Lord got a lifetime here
��������
�������� (L‑746‑1) Pm‑13088
Bio BLP‑12029
I'd
rather be the devil : to be that woman's man
Oh
nothing but the devil : changed my baby's mind
I
laid down last night : tried to take my rest
My
mind got to rambling : like the wild geese from the west
The
woman I love Lord : stoled her from my best friend
But
he got lucky : stoled her back again
��������
�������� (L‑747‑2) Pm‑13088
Bio BLP‑12029
I
would rather be buried : in some cypress grove
To
have some woman : Lord I can't control
And
I'm going away now : I'm going away to stay
That'll
be all right pretty mama : you going to need my help some day
Well
the sun going down : and you know what you promised me
And
what's the matter : baby I can't see
I
would rather be dead : and six feet in my grave
To
be way up here honey : treated this a‑way
Well
the old people told me : baby but I never did know
The
Good Book declares : we got to reap just what we sow
When
your knee bones aching : and your body cold
Well
you just getting ready : honey for the cypress grove
��������
�������� (L‑748‑2) Pm‑13065
Bio BLP‑12029
I
love my cherry ball : better than I love myself
She
gets so she don't love me : she won't love nobody else
Cherry
ball quit me : she quit me in a calm good way
Lordy
what to take to get her : I carries it every day
Sure
as that spider : hanging on the wall
I
warned little old cherry ball : she was *falling out cold*
I'll
catch the Southern : and she'll take the
I'm
going to ride and ramble : till cherry come back to me
��������
�������� (L‑752‑2) Pm‑13065
Bio BLP‑12029
Hard
times here : everywhere you go
Times
is harder : than ever been before
Well
the people are drifting : from door to door
Can't
find no heaven : I don't care where they go
Let
me tell you people : just before I go
These
hard times will kill you : just dry long so
When
you hear me singing : my so lonesome song
These
hard times : can last us so very long
If
I ever get off : this killing floor
I'll
never : get down this low no more
If
you say you had money : you better be sure
Because
these hard times will drive you : from door to door
Sing
this song : and I ain't going to sing no more
Hard
times will drive you : from door to door
��������
�������� (L‑760‑2) Pm‑13098
Yz L‑1001
I
ain't got no : special rider here
Ain't
got nobody : nobody feel my care
I
woke up this morning : looked at the special rising sun
I
prayed to the Lord : my special rider would come
I'm
going tell you something : to ease your trouble in mind
*Them
whiskey women* : *give* trouble all the time
Now
*honey* : what more can I do
Hear
you done call : the easy rider special blues
�������� Grafton, Wis., c. Feb. 1931
�������� (L‑763‑1) Pm‑13085
Bio BLP‑12029
Hey
hey hey hey : hey hey hey hey hey
And
every cow's calf man : honey he was born to die
I
going to take my heifer :
If
you see my rider : tell her carry on carry on
I
wring my hands : baby and I want to scream
And
I woke up : I found out it was all a dream
Hey
hey hey : I ain't going to be here long
That's
the reason why you hear me : sing my old lonesome song
Hey
hey hey hey : hey hey hey hey hey
And
every cow's calf : honey got to lay down and die
I
walked the levee : I just walked end to end
I
just want to find : my cow again
I'm
stealing I'm stealing : back to my used‑to‑be
Hey
pretty mama : please don't tell on me
��������
�������� (L‑765‑1) Pm‑13066
Bio BLP‑12029
If
I send for my baby : and she don't come
All
the doctors in West *Conton* : they won't help her none
And
if she gets unruly : and she don't want to do
Take
my thirty‑two twenty : I cut her half in two
You
talk about your forty‑four forty : buddy it'll do very well
But
my twenty‑two twenty : Lord is a burning hell
Now
that thirty‑eight special : buddy it's most too light
But
my twenty‑two twenty : make the *camp* go right
Hey
hey hey : and I can't take my rest
And
my forty‑four : laying up and down my breast
��������
�������� (L‑766‑1) Pm‑13066
Bio BLP‑12029
If
you haven't any hay : get on down the road
Get
your habit in your hand mama : Lord Lord get on down the road
I'm
going I'm going : coming here no more
If
I go to
If
you haven't any hay : get on down the road
I'm
going I'm going : coming back no more
Hitch
up my buggy : saddle up my black mare
You'll
find me riding : mama Lord Lord in this world somewhere
��������
�������� (C‑3585‑ ) Vo‑1539
Yz L‑1039
Folks
I'm going to tell you : about a brand new song
I'm
going to beat some dirt : and it won't take long
Well
they cool it on
You
ought to hear the frogs on
Now
the folks down east : are crying Lord Lord Lord
Gang
in the west : say the cops is so hard
Well
I went down to
Saw
the sweetbacks and the strutters : all raising sand
I
went to a good‑time flat : last Saturday night
The
cops knocked on the door : everybody made their flight
I
met myself a good gal : she said she was fifty‑one
She
started to loving and squeezing : I thought she say son you just begun
Now
a yellow gal is like a frigid zone : brownskin's about the same
You
want some good loving : get yourself an old Crow Jane
Now
I ain't no janitor : no fireman's son
But
I can keep your boiler hot : till the superintendent come
��������
�������� (��
) Vo‑1420 Yz L‑1039
Come
on and let me know : who you are
Do
that dance : called the *don't be long*
Do
the
Turn
right around : go the other way
Put
your hands on your hips : and let your mind move on
Holler
like you did : the first day you was born
Do
the black snake wriggle : and the frog hop
Take
it to the attic : if it gets too hot
Now
old sister Sue : *got* heavy a load
She
likes to do it : because she got kind of cold
*Hatsie
Gray* : and old friend Lou
Some
day : this thing's going to happen to you
��������
�������� (C‑6079‑A) Vo‑1540
Mel MLP‑7324
I've
got a gal : she's low and squatty
I
mean boys : she'll suit anybody
Last
night : she loved me for a while
You
could hear me holler : mmm for a while
Sometimes
she makes me sneeze : sometimes she makes me cough
Lord
you ought to see her : when she starting me off
Last
night : while I was sound asleep
I
felt a funny feeling : from my head to my feet
She
was born in
Came
all the way from
��������
�������� (65608‑A) De‑7619 AH‑158
Ain't
you getting tired : of [trying to cheat, cheating] on your papa hon'
Corrine
: you the meanest gal I ever seen
Corrine
: she just about five feet tall
She
sleeps in the kitchen : one foot in the hall
I've
got a corrine in
Got
a corrine in
��������
�������� (2471‑1) Pm‑12354 Bio BLP‑12000
I
walked from
After
I lost my sugar : I wasn't going to walk at all
Women
see you coming : they go get their rocking chair
I
want to fools this man : and make out he's welcome here
So
cold in
You
didn't make me mad : till you broke my diamond ring
I'm
going to grab my sugar : papa don't care what you do
I
know my baby : she's going to jump and shout
When
she gets a letter from Lemon : I wrote her two days out
Tell
me what's the matter : [papa Lemon, I] can't get no mail
Mama
said last night : don't let a black cat cross your trail
I
got up this morning : the blues all around my bed
Went
in to eat my breakfast : and the blues all in my bread
��������
�������� (2472‑2) Pm‑12354 Bio BLP‑12000
Well
the blues come to
You
take a high brown woman : man she's hard to fool
You
can't never tell : what a woman's got on her mind
You
might think she's crazy about you : but she leaving you all the time
Ain't
so good‑looking : your teeth don't shine like pearls
But
that nice disposition : carry a woman all through the world
I'm
going to the river : going to carry my rocking chair
Going
to ask that gal for a ??? : *how* the worried blues left here
I
think I heard : my good gal call my name
She
couldn't call so loud : but she calls so nice and plain
I
was raised in
High‑stepper
you can't make : no fatmouth out of me
Can't
a woman act funny : quit you for another man
Can't
go look down the street : but she's always raising sand
��������
�������� (2474‑1) Pm‑12347 Bio BLP‑12000
My
right foot itches : something going on wrong
My
right foot itching me : and I just can't stay here long
I
thought I'd write : but it's the best to telephone
For
that fast mail train : can carry your sugar so far from home
Girl
I can't live right : ain't going to try no more
This
woman's left town : and she ain't coming back no more
I
went to the depot : and I set my suitcase down
I
thought about my baby : and tears come rolling down
I
said ticket agent : how long your train been gone
Say
yon go the train : that this fair brown left here on
I
couldn't buy [me] no ticket : but I walked on to the door
Well
my baby left town : she ain't coming here no more
I
got up this morning : my sure‑enough on my mind
I
had to raise a conversation with the landlady : to keep from crying
Excuse
me woman : I won't say that no more
I'm
fixing to leave town : and hang crepe on your door
��������
�������� (2475‑1) Pm‑12347 Bio BLP‑12000
Well
my mind leads me : to take a trip down south
Take
a trip down south : *it's tough to spend my round*
A
train left the depot : with a red and blue light behind
Well
the blue light's the blues : the red light's the worried mind
I
hate to tell you : it ain't nobody there
If
a man stay here : he stay most anywhere
I
got up this morning : rambling for my shoes
The
little woman : sung me a song of her worried blues
Uncle
Sam wasn't no woman : but didn't he grab your man
Tell
me them good‑looking womens : is on the border raising sand
Well
women on the border : drinking out of the water trough
I
wish uncle Sam would hurry up : and pay these soldiers off
I
can't drink coffee : and the woman won't make no tea
I
believe to my soul : sweet mama going to hoodoo me
I
asked the girl did she love me : she said Lemon I don't know how
Caught
me *commentating* : yes I love you *sky high*
She
has feet like a monkey : head like a teddy bear
And
a mouthful of lip : I guarantee it's everywhere
I
got a girl in
I
got a brown yonder in
��������
�������� (2543‑1) Pm‑12367 Mil MLP‑2004
[Tell
me, I want to know] what time : do the trains come through your town
I
want to laugh and talk : with a long‑haired teasing brown
One
goes south at eight : and it's one goes north at nine
I
got to have a good talk : with that long‑haired brown of mine
Go
and get my black horse : and saddle up my grey mare
I'm
going home to my good gal : she's in the world somewhere
I
can't count the times : that I'm so unsatisfied
Sugar
the blues ain't on me : but things ain't going on right
��������
�������� (2544‑2) Pm‑12367 Mil MLP‑2004
See
see rider : you see what you done done
Made
me love you : and now your friend is come
A
great tall engine : and a little small engineer
Carried
the woman away Lord : and left me standing here
If
I had a‑listened : to my second mind
I
don't believe I'd a‑been here : wringing my hands and crying
Ain't
no more good 'taters : the frost have killed the vine
The
blues ain't nothing : but a good woman on your mind
I
done told you woman : I been telling your partner too
You're
three times seven : and you know what you want to do
If
you see Corinna : tell her to hurry home
I
ain't had no true love : since Corinna been gone
��������
�������� (2558‑2) Pm‑12373 Mil MLP‑2007
So
many wagons : they have cut that good road down
And
the girl I love : her mama don't want me around
Baby
I can't drink whiskey : but I'm a fool about my homemade wine
Ain't
no sense in leaving
These
here women want these men : to act like some boxer dog
Grab
a pick and shovel : and roll from sun to sun
I
got a girl for Monday Tuesday : Wednesday Thursday Friday too
I'm
going to sweeten up on Saturday : what are the women through the week going to
do
Don't
look for me on Sunday : I want to take pigmeat to Sunday school
She's
a fine looking fair brown : but she ain't never learned Lemon's rule
��������
�������� (3016‑4) Pm‑12394 Bio BLP‑12000
Listen
here mama : I'll be good
Drink
your wine : cut your wood
When
I had you : you wouldn't do
Now
I got another : and I don't want you
Every
evening :
*Hobbling
along* : *with my gait*
Working
in the spring : *sleeping in the sand*
Got
to get that fifty dollars : that I wish I had
You
may think : because you're black
I'm
going to beg you : to take me back
I
went a‑walking : down the line
To
see if this woman : changed her mind
She
turned around : two or three times
Take
you back : in the wintertime
��������
�������� (3018‑?) Pm‑12394 Rt RL‑306
I
ain't going to marry : ain't going to [be no settling, settle] down
I'm
going to stay like I am : going to ride from town to town
There's
a house over yonder : painted all over green
Going
to find these young women : that a man most ever seen
I'm
going to run to town : talk with that chief of police
Tell
him my good gal has quit me : and I can't live in no peace
My
home's in
I'm
just stopping around : to have a drink of a little drink of beer
I
went home last night : fell down on my bed
I
got to dreaming so : I was talking all out of my head
��������
�������� (3066‑1) Pm‑12407 Mil MLP‑2013
Somebody
: just keep on calling me
She
got hair : like a mermaid on the sea
Make
me down a pallet : on your floor
Make
it ??? and easy : make it down by your door
I
can't stay away : I done cried the whole night long
The
good woman I love : she done packed her trunk and gone
Don't
mistreat me : because I'm young and wild
Sister
you ought to remember : that you once was a child
I
don't feel welcome : and I don't care where I go
The
woman I love : she drove me from her door
Said
fair brown : where did you stay last night
Your
hair's all down : and you know you ain't talking right
I'm
a stranger here : just come in on the train
Won't
some good man : tell me some woman's name
��������
�������� (3067‑2) Pm‑12407 Mil MLP‑2013
Oh
: ain't got no mama now
She
told me late last night : you don't need no mama nohow
Mmm
: black snake crawling in my room
Some
pretty mama : better come and get this black snake soon
Oh
that must've been a bedbug : baby a chinch can't bite that hard
Asked
my sugar for fifty cents : she said Lemon ain't a dime in the yard
Mama
that's all right : mama that's all right for you
Mama
that's all right : most any old way you do
Mmm
: what's the matter now
Sugar
what's the matter : don't like no black snake nohow
Mmm
: wonder where my black snake gone
Black
snake mama : done run my darling home
��������
�������� (3070‑1) Pm‑12425 Rt RL‑301
What
you going to do : when they send your man to war
I'm
going to drink muddy water : go sleep in a hollow log
Ain't
got nobody : I'm all here by myself
Well
these women don't care : but the men don't need me here
Well
I'm going to the river : going to walk it up and down
If
I don't find *fourteen* : I'm going to jump overboard and drown
If
I could shine my light : like a headlight on some train
I
would shine my light : in Corinna's brain
Well
they tell me that southbound train : had a wreck last night
You
little section foreman : ain't treating your railroad right
Well
the girl I love : is the one I crave to see
Well
she's living in
Now
tell me woman : what have I said and done
You
treat me : like my trouble have just begun
��������
�������� (3076‑?) Pm‑12443 Mil MLP‑2007
I
am broke and hungry : ragged and dirty too
Mama
if I clean up : can I go home with you
I
am motherless fatherless : sister and brotherless too
Reason
I'm trying so hard : to make the trip with you
You
miss me woman : count the days I'm gone
I'm
going away : to build me a railroad of my own
I
feel like jumping : through the keyhole in your door
If
you jump this time baby : you won't jump no more
I
believe : my good gal have found my black cat bone
I
can leave here Sunday morning : Monday morning I'm sitting around home
I
want to show you women : what careless love have done
Caused
a man like me : steal way away from home
Girl
if you don't want me : why don't you let me know
So
I can leave at once : and hunt me somewhere else to go
��������
�������� (3077‑2) Pm‑12454 Mil MLP‑2007
I've
got your picture : and I'm going to put it in a frame
And
then if you leave town : we can find you just the same
Now
if you don't love me : please don't dog me around
If
you dog me around : I know you put me down
I
know my baby : thinks the world and all of me
Every
time she smiles : she shines her light on me
Oh
I said fair brown : something's going on wrong
This
here woman I love : she's done been here and gone
Oh
listen fair brown : don't you want to go
Going
to take you across the water : where that brownskin man can't go
Lord
I'm worried here : worried everywhere
Now
I just started home : and I'll not be worried there
Lord
I'm tired of being married : tired of this settling down
I
only want to stay like I am : and slip from town to town
��������
�������� (3088‑2) Pm‑12425 Bio BLP‑12015
I
drived to the station : woman I bid you all adieu
Tell
me : you always got a fatmouth following you
Now
my baby quit me : and she done throwed me down
I
wouldn't hate it so bad : but that talk is all over town
She's
a long tall woman : she got relatives in
She
ain't so good‑looking : but boys them dimples is *going to draw*
I
cried all night : and all that night before
Know
it's the best to get single : then you won't have to cry no more
I
got ten little puppies : I got twelve little shaggy hounds
Well
it just takes them twenty‑two dogs : to run my good gal down
I
got a girl in *
I
may live in Magnolia
Some
joker learned my baby : how to shift gears on a Cadillac Eight
If
you ever shift that habit : now I can't keep my business straight
��������
�������� (3089‑1) Pm‑12454 Mil MLP‑2004
Blues
jumped a rabbit : run him one solid mile
This
rabbit sat down : cried like a natural child
Well
it seem like you hungry : honey come and lunch with me
I
want to stop these married‑looking women : from worrying me
I
have Uneeda biscuits here : and a half a pint of gin
The
gin is mighty fine : them biscuits are a little too thin
[Baby
tell me something, I want to know] : about those meatless and wheatless days
This
not being my home : I don't think I could stay
I
cried for flour and meat : I declare it was gone
Keep
a‑feeding me corn bread : I just can't stick around long
Got
an airplane baby : now I'm going to get a submarine
Going
to get that Kaiser : and we'll be seldom seen
Mmm
hitch me to your buggy mama : drive me like a mule
Reason
I'm going home with you sugar : I ain't much hard to be fooled
��������
�������� (3090‑2) Pm‑12443 Mil MLP‑2007
I
want to go home : and I ain't got sufficient clothes
I
bet my money : and I lost it Lord it's dough
I'll
never bet : on this old trey game no more
Oh
my ??? *gambler's* gone : why don't you quit crying
That
joker stole off : with that long‑haired brown of mine
Sister
you catch the Katy : I'll catch that
When
you get to
The
woman I love : why she's five feet from the ground
She's
a tailor‑made woman : she ain't no hand‑me‑down
I
ain't seen my sugar : in two long weeks today
Girl
it's been so long : seems like my heart going to break
I'm
going to run across town : catch that southbound
Be
on my way : to what you call loving
��������
�������� (80523‑B) OK‑8455 Fwy FJ‑2802
Hey
: ain't got no mama now
She
told me late last night : you don't need no mama nohow
Mmm
: black snake crawling in my room
And
some pretty mama : had better come and get this black snake soon
Oh
that must have been a bedbug : you know a chinch can't bite that hard
Asked
my baby for fifty cents : she said Lemon ain't a dime in the yard
Mama
that's all right : mama that's all right for you
Said
baby that's all right : most any old way you do
Mmm
: what's the matter now
Tell
me what's the matter baby : I don't like no black snake nohow
Well
: wonder where's that black snake gone
Lord
that black snake mama : done run my darling home
��������
�������� (80524‑B) OK‑8455 RBF RF‑1
I'm
going to the river : going to walk down by the sea
I
got those tadpoles and minnows : arguing over me
Sitting
here wondering : would a matchbox hold my clothes
I
ain't got so many matches : but I got so far to go
Lord
mama : who may your manager be
He
asked so many questions : can you make arrangements for me
I
got a brown across town : she crochet all the time
Baby
if you don't quit crocheting : you going lose your mind
I
wouldn't mind marrying : but I can't stand settling down
I'm
going to act like a preacher : so I can ride from town to town
I'm
leaving town : crying won't make me stay
Baby
the more you cry : the further you drive me away
��������
�������� (4423‑2) Pm‑12474 Mil MLP‑2004
Now
tell me : where my easy rider's gone
Now
easy riding woman : always in the wrong
Well
easy rider : died on the road
I'm
a poor blind man : ain't got nowhere to go
It's
going to be the time : that a woman don't need no man
Then
baby shut your mouth : and don't be raising sand
The
train I ride : don't burn no coal at all
The
coal I'm burning : everybody says it's cannonballs
I
mean I went to the depot : and set my suitcase down
The
blues overtake me : and tears come rolling down
The
woman I love : she must be out of town
She
left me this morning : with a face that's full of frowns
I
got a gal across town : she crochets all the time
Baby
if you don't quit crocheting : you going to lose your mind
Said
fair brown : what's the matter now
You
turn your back to quit me : woman and you don't know how
��������
�������� (4424‑2) Pm‑12474 Mil MLP‑2004
I'm
sitting here wondering : will a matchbox hold my clothes
I
ain't got so many matches : but I got so far to go
Brown
across town : going to be my teddy bear
Put
that thing on me : and I'll follow you everywhere
I
say a peg leg woman : just can't hardly get her dough
I
left one in Lakeport last night : and I'm selling jellyroll
I
don't see why : these women treat me so mean
Sometimes
I think : a good man these women ain't never seen
Well
I got up this morning : with my [sure‑enough, same thing] on my mind
The
woman I love : she keeps a good man worried all the time
Now
tell me mama : who may your manager be
I
asked so many questions : can't you make arrangements for me
��������
�������� (4446‑4) Pm‑12474 Bio BLP‑12000
I'm
sitting here wondering : will a matchbox hold my clothes
I
ain't got so many matches : but I got so far to go
I
said fair brown : who may your manager be
He
asked so many questions : can't you make arrangements for me
I
got a girl across town : she crochets all the time
Sugar
the blues ain't on me : but things ain't going on right
Mama
if you don't quit crocheting : you going to lose your mind
I
can't count the times : I stoled away and cried
If
you want your [lover, baby] : you better pin him to your side
If
she flag my train : papa Lemon's going to let her ride
Ain't
seen my good gal : in three long weeks today
Lord
it's been so long : seems like my heart going to break
Excuse
me mama : for knocking on your door
If
my mind don't change : I'll never knock here no more
��������
�������� (4491‑5) Pm‑12487 Mil MLP‑2007
Backwater
rising : southern people can't make no time
And
I can't get no hearing : from that
Water
all in
If
I don't leave
People
since it's raining : it has been for nights and days
Thousand
people stands on the hill : looking down where they used to stay
Children
stand there screaming : mama we ain't got no home
Papa
says to children : black water left us all alone
Backwater
rising : come in my windows and doors
I
leave with a prayer in my heart : backwater won't rise no more
�� ������
�������� (4515‑2) Pm‑12510 Rt RL‑301
I
hate to hear : my good gal call my name
She
don't call so loud : but she call so nice and plain
Lord
the train I ride : eighteen coaches long
And
the girl I love : she's just now leaving home
Well
a high brown girl : loves to ride away somewhere
If
a man is worthy : she would make you a millionaire
Don't
never drive : a stranger away from your door
It
could be your best friend : mama you don't know
Don't
tell no stories : please don't tell no lies
Did
my gal stop here : Lord did the mama keep on by
Oh
if you don't love me : pretty mama don't run no stall
There's
a whole lots of women : *just ran through your brown's hall*
��������
�������� (4567‑2) Pm‑12487 Mil MLP‑2007
I'm
going to make friends : with the fish in the deep blue sea
And
stop the
Come
here pretty mama : going to take you far across the pond
I'm
going to make my stop in
These
women in
But
these women from
I
said fair brown : let me be your teddy bear
Tie
a string on my neck : and I'll follow everywhere
��������
�������� (4577‑2) Pm‑12510 Bio BLP‑12015
Black
snake is deceitful : crawling in all in my bed
I
had a dream last night : black snake is killed my baby dead
Hey
hey mama : black [snake's lying, snake is] all in my hall
And
if you quit me mama : you can't see that black snake at all
Listen
here mama : black snake is wearing my clothes
And
I told you about it : and you put my trunk outdoors
Take
me back mama : I [won't, can't] be bad no more
And
you can get my loving : if you let that black snake go
Black
snake crawl out : he said he don't mean no harm
But
I'm getting tired of that black snake : lying in my baby's arms
�������� Chicago, c. Sept. 1927
�������� (20039‑2) Pm‑12541 Rt RL‑335
I'm
going away : now don't you want to go
I'm
going to stop at a place : I haven't never been before
I
ain't got no watch : I ain't got no *China spoon*
Reason
I'm hanging around here : man I'm sticking here dry long so
If
you got a sweet woman : you better love her while you can
For
your heart strike sorrow : when I come back to town again
I
lie down last night : rolled from side to side
Say
that the blues ain't on me : but things ain't going on right
I
drink so much whiskey : I travel in my sleep
For
that brown across town : I declare she is worrying me
I
believe I'll sing this song : ain't going to sing no more
Going
to leave town : and hang crepe on your door
�������� Chicago, c. Sept. 1927
�������� (20040‑2) Pm‑12541 Bio BLP‑12015
Well
the train's ??? : track's all out of line
And
I commence to how I want to : catch that Number Nine
I'm
worried and bothered : don't know what to do
Reason
I'm worried and bothered : it's all on account of you
When
I left home : I left my baby crying
She
keeps me worried : and bothered in the mind
Now
don't your house look lonesome : when your baby pack up and leave
You
may drink your moonshine : but baby your heart ain't free
If
you take my rider : I can't get mad with you
Just
like you taken mine : I'll take someone else's too
I
got a girl in Texas : I got a brown in Tennessee
Lord
but that brown in Chicago : have put that jinx bug on me
�������� Chicago, c. Oct. 1927
�������� (20064‑1) Pm‑12551 Bio BLP‑12015
I
never feel uneasy : I know how you love your tricks
You
leave town the spate of ten days : you got your business well fixed
I
wonder if the chinches bite in Beaumont : bite like they do in Beale Street
town
The
first night I stayed in Memphis : chinch bugs turned my bed around
I
had to get sinful with the bedbugs : to keep the chinches from taking my life
Because
the chinches got my number : wrote a letter to my wife
My
wife caught me easing : way across that Richland Road
The
next time I go to slip out : I ain't going to leave on the light anymore
My
wife has quit me : and my best pigmeat gal has too
All
of ??? *Lord* : here with the chinch bug blues
�������� Chicago, c. Oct. 1927
�������� (20065‑2) Pm‑12551 Bio BLP‑12015
There's
a brown across town : and she's taller as a sycamore tree
That's
the gal'd walk through the rain and snow : for to ease that thing on me
Brownskin
girl is deceitful : till she gets you all worn down
She
get all your pocket change : she going drive you from her town
Went
home last night : found a note in my brownskin's door
Daddy
*stay long* has got your room : man you can't live here no more
I
[begun to walk, commenced walking] : walked till my feet got soaking wet
Trying
to find good home mama : man I ain't found none yet
Well
the sun's going to shine : in my back door some day
Ah
it's one more drink : going to drive these blues away
Lord
it's heavy‑hipped mama : and the meat shakes on the bone
Every
time it shakes : it's a sign my baby's home
�������� Chicago, c. Oct. 1927
�������� (20066‑?) Pm‑12593 Mil MLP‑2007
Burn
the railroad down : so that Sunshine Special can't run
I
got a gang of women : man they ride from sun to sun
Same
old fireman : going to keep this same old engineer
So
that Sunshine Special : is going to run me on away from here
Going
to leave on the Sunshine Special : going in on the Santa Fe
Going
to *set up and stop* that Katy : because it's taking my brown from me
Going
to ride that kansas Texas : right on to San Antone
Somebody's
been trying to fire your engines : man ever since you been gone
Cotton
Belt is a slow train : also that I and C N
If
I leave Texas anymore : going to leave on that L and N
�������� Chicago, c. Oct. 1927
�� ������(20076‑2) Pm‑12593 Mil MLP‑2007
I
had a dream last night : all about my gal
You
can tell by that : sweet papa ain't been so well
I'm
going away mama : just to wear you off my mind
So
if I live in Chicago : murder's going to be my crime
This
house is lonesome : my baby left me all alone
If
your heart ain't rock : sugar it must be marble stone
I
got the blues so bad : it hurts my feet to walk
It
has settled on my brain : and it hurts my tongue to talk
�������� Chicago, c. Feb. 1928
�������� (20363‑2) Pm‑12666 Mil MLP‑2013
Take
Fort Worth for your dressing : and Dallas all for your sal
So
you want to go to the state penitentiary : go to Grossbeck for your trial
I
hung around Grossbeck : I work in hard showers of rain
I
never felt the least bit uneasy : till I caught that penitentiary bound train
I
used to be a drunkard : rowdy everywhere I go
If
ever I get out of this trouble I'm in : man I won't be rowdy no more
Boys
don't be bad : please don't crowd your mind
If
you get in trouble in Grossbeck : they going to send you to penitentiary flying
I
want you to stop and study : don't take nobody's life
They
got walls at the state penitentiary : you can't jump man as hard as you try
�������� Chicago, c. Feb. 1928
�������� (20364‑2) Pm‑12608 Bio BLP‑12015
I
walked to the jail with my partner : asked him how come he's here
I
had a *ruckus* with my family : they going to send me to the electric chair
I
wonder why they electrocute a man : *if he ??? line*
Because
the current's much stronger : *when they send it straight out on the line*
*I
said to the electrocutor* : *awful lousy crime*
And
my baby asked the judge : was he going to electrocute that man of mine
Going
to get me a taxi : to take me away from here
I
don't know but one thing in this world : could keep me *married* to the
electric chair
I
feel like jumping in the ocean : I feel like jumping in the deep blue sea
There
wasn't no blood left in my heart : and they brought my� electrocuted daddy to me
�������� Chicago, c. Feb. 1928
�������� (20375‑3) Pm‑12622 Mil MLP‑2004
I'm
going to tell you why : I got Lemon's lowdown worried blues
I
left my meal ticket down at ??? : my pot of chitlings boiling a little past noon
Lord
I'm worried here : worried everywhere I go
I
worried my rider so late last night : she had a mule wagon backed up to my door
I
woke up this morning : took a walk till the break of day
I
asked for a woman to marry me : and I just made my get‑away
I
woke up this morning : woke up about half past ten
Ease
my head in the window : she's singing Lemon's worried blues again
Worried
so bad : can't tell my stockings from my shoes
I
lay down last night : with Lemon's lowdown worried blues
Lord
what makes that [banty] rooster : he keeps crowing for the dawn of day
His
man better watch his footsteps for the hen : now doggone his ways
�������� Chicago, c. Feb. 1928
�������� (20380‑2) Pm‑12631 Mil MLP‑2007
I
feel like jumping : through the keyhole in your door
If
you jump this time baby : you won't jump no more
I
feel like falling : from treetops to the ground
My
rider's got a mean jumper : and he don't allow me around
I
go there early in the morning : and I goes there late at night
Don't
care how late I goes there : he hasn't ever turned down his light
I
believe he's looking for me : he's up all hours at night
She
used to be my rider : and he ain't treating her right
I
met this jumper one morning : he was out on the out edge of town
I
had to talk and plead : for to keep him from blowing me down
�������� Chicago, c. Feb. 1928
�������� (20381‑3) Pm‑12631 Mil MLP‑2007
I
got up this morning : sure was feeling fine
I
heard a rap at the door : must be that bad cat woman of mine
She
was fussing she was fighting : and acting like a doggone fool
And
hemming and a‑hawing : and acting just like a balky mule
Bad
cat ain't no wildcat : and he's going to stay home at night
But
when it comes to squabbling : he sure can scratch and bite
I
got up this morning : I was easing across this floor
Now
my bad cat's leaving me : ain't going to catch my mice no more
I
was standing on the corner : when they brought me the bad cat news
Now
here come my bad cat mama : to run me away with them bad cat blues
�������� Chicago, c. Feb. 1928
�������� (20387‑2) Pm‑12639 Mil MLP‑2007
Hey
hey mama : that rider's done and gone
I
just can't see : what in the world is you waiting on
I've
got another mama : she ain't long and up tall
But
to tell you the truth man : she is as soft as a butterball
She
got Elgin movements : from her head down to her toe
And
she can break in on a dollar : man most anywhere she goes
She
was my best mama : but she wouldn't treat me right
She
wouldn't do nothing : but barrelhouse all night long
I'm
going to get me a mama : I mean with lots of bucks
I'm
going to be gone mama : so I can change my luck
�������� Chicago, c. Feb. 1928
�������� (20388‑2) Pm‑12622 Mil MLP‑2004
Getting
tired of sleeping : in this lowdown lonesome cell
Lord
I wouldn't've been here : if it hadn't've been for Nell
Lay
awake at night : and just can't eat a bite
Used
to be my rider : but she just won't treat me right
Got
a red‑eyed captain : and a squabbling boss
Got
a mad dog sergeant : honey and he won't knock off
I
asked the government : to knock some days off my time
Well
the way I'm treated : I'm about to lose my mind
I
wrote to the governor : please turn me a‑loose
Since
I didn't get no answer : I know it ain't no use
I
hate to turn over : and find my rider gone
Walked
across my floor : Lordy how I moan
Lord
I wouldn't've been here : if it hadn't've been for Nell
I'm
getting tired of sleeping : in this lowdown lonesome cell
�������� Chicago, c. Feb. 1928
�������� (20407‑2) Pm‑12666 Mil MLP‑2013
I
wonder why : my partner sitting around looking sad
I
mean the woman if she quit me : it's going to be too black bad
She's
a fair made woman : and she's cunning as a squirrel
When
she starts to loving : man it's out the world
Oh
she's a dark brownskin : we always call her chocolate drop
If
the fool starts a‑loving : man it just won't stop
When
I first met the woman : I says I hadn't made no hit
She
got this old‑fashioned loving : man it just won't quit
I
met her at a *sociable* : she acts just like a crook
Lord
when she starts to loving : man it ain't in the book
�������� Chicago, c. Mar. 1928
�������� (20408‑2) Pm‑12650 Mil MLP‑2004
Lord
heavy‑hipped mama : she done moved to the piney wood
She's
a high‑stepping mama : and she don't mean no man no good
She
got ways like the devil : and hair like a Indian squaw
She
been trying two years : to get me to be her son‑in‑law
Big
mama : own everything in her neighborhood
But
when she made the money : is when she lived in the piney wood
Blues
in my kitchen : blues in my dining room
And
some nice young fair brown : had better come here soon
Well
the cook's in the kitchen : picking and fussing over turnip greens
White
folks in the parlor playing cards : and they're serving their cake and tea
My
baby loves my baby : like a cow loves to chew her cud
But
that fool just off and left me : she done moved to the piney wood
�������� Chicago, c. June 1928
�������� (20636‑1) Pm‑12650 Mil MLP‑2004
I
love my baby : better than a farmer likes his Jersey cow
Been
trying to quit my baby for two years : and man I don't know how
When
I was young : on my big‑foot way to school
I
met a nice‑looking brownskin : made me lose my mammy's rule
My
rider's got a mojo : and she won't let me see
Every
time I start to loving : she ease that thing on me
She's
got to fool her daddy : she's got to keep that mojo hid
But
papa's got something : for to find that mojo with
She
got four speeds forward : and she don't never stall
The
way she bumps over the hill : it would make a panther squall
�������� Chicago, c. July 1928
�������� (20749‑2) Pm‑12728 Rt RL‑306
Competition
worrying me : you been having a competition with me
*Big
foot* stops at every man's door : and he's always in his midnight creep
I
have a loving brown : I did never miss it *till her gone*
I
found a ??? competition : he better not get in town
I
passed my partner's house : I stopped in to comb my head
Who
should I find : but my gal making up my partner's bed
I'm
going to wreck my mind : competition going between me and my friend
It
hurt me so : I thought we'd be pals till the end
It
makes a man feel bad : when competition
Now
there's so much competition : I believe I'll leave your town
�������� Chicago, c. July 1928
�������� (20772‑2) Pm‑12728 Rt RL‑306
I
got a letter : I got a letter here in my hand
My
brown wrote to tell me sad news : she got a brand new man
I'm
a long long way from home : I ain't got no *lover* in town
I'm
going to get that *B and M* to Baltimore boy : I heard my baby *is there*
I
was drinking all night [long] : got up this morning sloppy drunk
I
would pack my things : but somebody done stole my trunk
I
went uptown last night : I tried drinking hard to ease my pain
But
you ain't got no money : so don't come back here again
It's
sad news : when your baby's ???ing on you
Even
though you been kind : there's nothing that you can do
�������� Chicago, c. July 1928
�������� (20788‑1) Pm‑12685 Bio BLP‑12015
Standing
at the station : watch my baby leave town
I
feel disgusted : no peace can be found
Now
you can hear the whistles blowing : but I just can't see no train
Way
down in my heart : got a lot of aches and pains
Sometime
I feel disgusted : and I feel so blue
I
hardly know what in this world baby : a good man can do
If
I could holler : just like a mountain jack
I'd
go up on the mountain : and call my baby back
Some
day you're going to be sorry : you ever done me wrong
It'll
be too late darling : your man will be gone
My
mind goes to wondering : I feel so bad
Thinking
about the trouble : a good man always have
�������� Chicago, c. Aug. 1928
������ ��(20815‑2) Pm‑12679 Mil MLP‑2004
I
used to take my feet : in a midnight tramp
Now
they got me : doing a different kind of dance
I
couldn't keep away from [wild, bad] women : bad [liquor, whiskey] cards and
dice
Now
I'm doing the lock‑step baby : things ain't going so nice
It
don't matter to me : whether it sunshine snow or rains
Because
I can't go gay cutting : and carry a ball and chain
Mean
old jailor : taking away my dancing shoes
I
can't strut my stuff : when I got those lock‑step blues
Big
rats in my cell : keeps me woke all night
My
woman done turned me down : and I don't think that's right
Every
morning : I walk down that big long hall
I'm
screaming for my mama : can't make no time at all
�������� Chicago, c. Aug. 1928
���� ����(20816‑2) Pm‑12679 Mil MLP‑2004
Hangman's
rope : it's so tough and strong
They
got to hang me : because I done something wrong
I
want to tell you : the gallows Lord is a fearful sight
Hang
me in the morning : and cut me down at night
Well
the mean old hangman : he went and tightened up that noose
Lord
I'm so scared : I am trembling in my shoes
[Jury,
jurymen] heard my case : and it said my hand was red
And
the judge is telling me : be hanging till I'm dead
The
crowd around the courthouse : and the time is growing fast
Soon
a good‑for‑nothing killer : is going to breathe his last
Lord
I'm almost dying : gasping for my breath
And
that trifling woman staying : until I breaks my neck
�������� Chicago, c. Aug. 1928
�������� (20818‑2) Pm‑12692 Bio BLP‑12000
Now
it's the day before Christmas : mama won't you hear me moan
If
you take me back baby : I'll give you anything you need
I
had a good chance : baby give me just one more
I
will change the way I'm loving : like you never have been before
I
know I did do wrong : I'm just as sorry as I can be
It's
the day before Christmas : mama come back to me
Mama
don't turn me down : on this Christmas Eve
I
cried about you so hard : done wetted my whole coat sleeve
It's
the day before Christmas : let me bring [me] your present� tonight
I'm
going to be your Santa Claus : even if my whiskers ain't white
�������� Chicago, c. Aug. 1928
�������� (20819‑2) Pm‑12692 Bio BLP‑12000
I'm
thinking about the year : of nineteen and twenty‑nine
New
year caught me with *marked money* : man I was doing just fine
I
was lying down with my baby : we had one small quart of gin
That
old doorbell kept ringing : I wouldn't leave nobody come in
The
whistle was blowing for New Year : around twelve o'clock at night
I
lied down on there with my baby : until the good Lord brought daylight
Early
one New Year morning : I was walking down by the hill
Every
man likes his liquor : when he gets it fresh from the still
I
hate to drink all new year : for this whiskey they making is too strong
Because
when I take two or three drinks : I'll be drunk the whole year long
�������� Chicago, c. Aug. 1928
�������� (20820‑1) Pm‑12712 Bio BLP‑12015
Rats
is mean in my kitchen : and I lost my Maltese cat
I'm
going to make things right with my good gal : man and it's tight like that
I'm
going to start walking : walk the shoes clean off of my feet
Just
thinking about my mama : and man that woman sure is sweet
I
ain't got no suitcase : I don't have a one bottle of gin
I've
got to stay drunk to keep warm : because my clothes is so thin
Long
lonesome train : come passing me a‑flying
I
was thinking about my mama : and I didn't pay that train no mind
When
you get a‑home : buy a Maltese cat
And
a good strong brownskin : man it's tight like that
�������� Chicago, c. Aug. 1928
�������� (20821‑1) Pm‑12712 Bio BLP‑12015
Who
is that coming : hey with a motor so strong
That's
Lemon in his D B : people think he's got his girl out on
Going
to get out of my four‑cylinder Dodge : I want to get me a Super Six
I'm
always around the ladies : and I like to have my business fixed
I'm
crazy about a Packard : but my baby only rates a Ford
A
Packard is too expensive : Ford will take you where you want to go
Come
here brownskin : listen to my motor roar
Because
my Super Six sufficient : to take you where you want to go
I
never did like no horses : I never could stand no *steel*
Ever
since I was old enough to catch a brown : give me the automobile
�������� Chicago, c. Jan. 1929
�������� (21095‑3) Pm‑12739 Rt RL‑301
My
woman got eyes like an eagle : and she watching me all the time
The
way she follow me around : Lordy it's going to be a crime
Watching
me all through the day : watching me all through the night
Keeps
her eagle eyes on me : till the good Lord brings daylight
Mmm
: papa Lemon's feeling so blue
Eagle‑eyed
mama's worrying me : what am I going to do
Dog
in my back yard : oh Lordy how he can howl
I'm
trying to quit that eagle‑eyed woman : man and I don't know how
My
eagle‑eyed woman : is got ways I can't explain
If
I ever leave her : I must be going insane
�������� Chicago, c. Jan. 1929
�������� (21096‑1) Pm‑12739 Rt RL‑301
I
feel like tramping : from the *great big corral*
Because
the woman I love : says she don't want me nohow
She
swore that she loved me : but I know that she doing me wrong
I'm
going to start something man : and I tell you it won't be long
The
way I feel now : I could get a keg of dynamite
Put
it all in her window : and blow her up late at night
I
just swallowed some fire : take a drink of gasoline
Throw
it up all over that woman : and let her go off and scream
I'm
going to get in a cannon : and let them blow me out to sea
Going
down with the whales : and the mermaids make love to me
�������� Chicago, c. Mar. 1929
�������� (21197‑1) Pm‑12771 Riv RLP‑12‑125
There
ain't nothing mama : no use
There's
a long distance well : and it's blowing oil that's all
Ain't
nothing to hurt you : it ain't nothing that's bad
It's
the first oil well : that *your* ??? ever had
I'm
a long distance driller : and I work every country through
Going
to stop working : if I bring in this well for you
I'm
a mean old well driller : and I been a driller since I been a man
Ain't
going to stop drilling : till I strikes that *Woodburn sand*
I
got a [mean] reputation : and they call me Drilling Sam
When
I starts to drilling : you hear women hollering too black bad
�������� Chicago, c. Mar. 1929
�������� (21198‑1) Pm‑12756 Mil MLP‑2013
I
was down and I cried : *my pillowcase was on the line*
Ain't
it tough to see a man : go to *wreck and almost fall and die*
I
stood on the corner : and almost bust my head
I
couldn't earn enough money : to buy me a loaf of bread
Baby
times is so hard : I almost call it tough
I
can't earn money to buy no bread : and you know I can't buy my snuff
My
gal's a housemaid : and she earns a dollar a week
And
I'm so hungry on payday : I can't hardly speak
Now
gather around me people : let me tell you a true fact
That
tough luck has sunk me : and the rats is creeping in my hat
�������� Chicago, c. Mar. 1929
�������� (21200‑1) Pm‑12946 Rt RL‑335
The
furniture man : he done been here and gone
Taking
all my furniture : didn't left nothing for me to sit down on
Well
it's tough to be alone : when I got to have my biscuits browned
Most
of these women I know : cooking ??? *down for down*
I
loved my baby in the morning : Lord loved her late at night
I
miss that midnight loving : and you know I ain't treated right
I
feel so disgusted : and I hate to be alone
I'm
getting some other man's loving : when I ought to be getting my own
My
love is like a storm : what blowed the walls all down
Soon
as you get some of my loving : they can't keep you out of town
�������� Chicago, c. Mar. 1929
�������� (21201‑2) Pm‑12771 Rt RL‑335
Every
Saturday : go to work in a doggone place
*With
food in my craw* : I goes there for *spending place*
I
find six or seven women : and a whole lots of fun
Then
we go out and break them down : honey till early morn
I
don't mind no men friends : but I am afraid of my grandma's child
I
like me a‑plenty of women : but man I like them wild
All
during the week : I work hard and I really save
But
on a Saturday night : I can get all the loving I crave
Now
I can't have the times : like I once have had
My
regular found out I was a Saturday night spender : and it sure did make her mad
�������� Chicago, c. Mar. 1929
�������� (21202‑1) Pm‑12756 Mil MLP‑2013
Mmm
: going to run that black snake down
I
ain't seen my mama : since black snake taken her away from town
Mmm
: black snake is so hard to find
I
am worried about my mama : I can't keep her off my mind
Oh
: better find my mama soon
I
woke up this morning : black snake was making *easy ruckus* in my room
Black
snake is evil : black snake is all I see
I
woke up this morning : black snake was moving in on me
Mmm
: black snake was hanging around
He
occupied my livingroom : and broke my *fairybook* down
�������� Chicago, c. Aug. 1929
�������� (21400‑2) Pm‑12801 Riv RLP‑12‑125
Peach
orchard mama : you swore nobody'd pick your fruit but me
I
found three kid‑men : shaking down your peaches tree
One
man bought your groceries : another joker paid your rent
While
I work in your orchard : and giving you every cent
Went
to the police station : begged the police to put me in jail
I
didn't want to kill you mama : but I hate to see your peaches tree fail
Peach
orchard mama : don't treat your papa so mean
Chase
out all those kid‑men : and let me keep your orchard clean
Peach
orchard mama : don't turn your papa down
Because
when I gets mad : I acts just like a clown
�������� Chicago, c. Aug. 1929
�������� (21402‑2) Pm‑12801 Riv RLP‑12‑125
My
feets is so cold : can't hardly wear my shoes
Out
last night with wild women : and it give me the big night blues
I
grabbed my baby : I danced till the clock struck twelve
I
had to wrestle so hard with my good gal : I just ain't feeling so well
I'm
going back to that party : get with them wild women again
Well
I ain't going to leave my home : till I order me a quart of gin
Wild
women like their liquor : their gin and their rocking rye
My
gal wouldn't let me go home last night : wouldn't tell me the reason why
Turned
my face to the wall : and my baby made an awful moan
Well
I needs my daddy : because my clock is run down at home
�������� Richmond, Ind., 24 Sept. 1929
�������� (15664) Pm‑12872 Mel MLP‑7324
Got
something to tell you : make the hair rise on your head
Got
a new way of getting down : make the springs tremble on your bed
My
gal got a new way of trembling down : make a crazy man leave his home
When
she grabs you and turns you loose : makes the flesh tremble on your bones
Well
my gal got something at home : that I sure do like
That's
the long folding bed : with the cover all right back
Don't
blame me mama : for talking out my head
I'm
worried about the movements you got : and those springs trembling on your bed
�������� Richmond, Ind., 24 Sept. 1929
�������� (15665) Pm‑12872 Bio BLP‑12000
I
want to yo‑yo : but I broke my yo‑yo string
I
believe my baby's going crazy losing her mind : Lord the woman is going insane
Don't
a man feel bad : when he can't yo‑yo no more
Broke
my yo‑yo string last night : and I can't come home no more
My
sugar got ways : partner I can't understand
Leave
me all in my bed : go yo‑yo with some other man
I
love me yo‑yo : better than anything I know
I'm
feeling funny and foolish : I can't shake that thing no more
�������� Richmond, Ind., 24 Sept. 1929
�������� (15666) Pm‑12899 Mil MLP‑2013
Lamp
sits in my kitchen : mosquitoes all around my screen
I'm
about all ready to get a mosquito bomb : I'll be seldom seen
[I'm
going to, I believe I'll] keep on the Pinto : drive on back to Brandyville
Oh
mosquitoes so bad in this man's town : keep me away from my whiskey still
I
love my whiskey : better than some people like to eat
Mosquitoes
bother me so : I can't hardly stay on my feet
I
bought a spray last night : and I sprayed all over my house
Mosquitoes
all around my door : won't leave nobody come out
Mosquitoes
all around me : mosquitoes are everywhere I go
No
matter where I go : well they sticks their bills in me
I
wouldn't say a gabber‑nipper : these gabber‑nippers bite too hard
I
stepped back in my kitchen : and they springing up in my back yard
�������� Richmond, Ind., 24 Sept. 1929
�������� (15667) Pm‑12899 Mil MLP‑2013
Way
down south : you ought to see the women shimmy and shake
Their
new way of wiggle : make a weak man break his neck
You
fed me greens : and I mean that they really can cook
Make
me a jellyroll : and I mean it's out the book
I
was down south : where all my whiskey cook
Just
looking at them women : makes me want to get my gauge stuck
Southern
women : man [they're, they sure is] hard to beat
Ain't
so easy to get along with : but Lord so sweet
I'm
going down south : and I believe I'll take my hook
I'm
going to fish in southern women : I declare it's out the book
Me
and my sugar : *something I did hold*
I
won't go to fishing : mama I done broke my pole
�������� Richmond, Ind., 24 Sept. 1929
�������� (15668) Pm‑12852 Mil MLP‑2013
I'm
standing in front of the bakershop : and I'm feeling lowdown in mind
Hungry
as could be : looking at all cakes of kind
Girl
in the bakershop : she hollered papa don't look so sad
Come
and try some of my cake : and you won't feel so bad
*And
with* sweet rolls in the window : honey and light bread cold
I
want to buy me some cake : but I had shot dice and lost my roll
I'm
crazy about my light bread : and my pigmeat on the side
If
I had a piece of your jellyroll : honey I'd be satisfied
I
want to know if your jellyroll fresh : I want to know if your jellyroll's stale
I'm
going to haul off and buy me some : if I have to break her loose in jail
It's
hard to be broke : and so hungry you about to drop
If
I don't get a break soon : I'll fall dead front of this bakershop
�������� Richmond, Ind., 24 Sept. 1929
�������� (15669) Pm‑12880 Mil MLP‑2013
I'm
aching all over : believe I got the pneumonia this time
And
it's all on account of : that lowdown gal of mine
Slinking
around the corner : running up alleys too
Watching
my woman : trying to see what she going to do
Stood
down in the street : one cold dark stormy night
Trying
to see : if my good gal going to make it home all right
[I
believe she's, she must have] found something : that probably made her fall
I
stood out in the cold all night : and she didn't come home at all
Wear
B V Ds in the winter : traveling around in the rain
Last
time : my baby give me this pneumonia pain
Now
when I die : bury me in a Stetson hat
Tell
my good gal I'm going : but I'm still a‑standing pat
�������� Richmond, Ind., 24 Sept. 1929
�������� (15670‑A) Pm‑12852 Mil MLP‑2013
I'm
flying to South Carolina : I got to go there this time
Women
in Dallas Texas : is about to make me lose my mind
Long
distance long distance : will you please give me a credit call
Want
to talk to my gal in South Carolina : who looks like a Indian squaw
Just
want to ask my baby : what in the world is she been doing
Give
your loving to another joker : and it's sure going to be my ruin
Hey
long distance : I can't help but moan
My
baby's voice sound so sweet : oh I'm going to break this telephone
You
don't know you love your rider : till she is so far from you
You
can get long distance moan : and you don't care what you do
I
think I will use ??? poison : to get my brownie off my mind
This
long distance moan : about to worry me to death this time
���� ����Richmond, Ind., 24 Sept. 1929
�������� (15671) Pm‑12880 Mil MLP‑2013
Well
the baby crawling : on up to his mama's knee
He's
crying about his sweet milk : and she won't feed him just that cream
Crawled
from the fireplace : and he stopped in the middle of the floor
Said
mama ain't that your second daddy : standing back there in the door
Well
she grabbed my baby and spanked him : I tried to make her leave him alone
I
tried my best to stop her : and she said that baby ain't none of mine
Some
woman rocks the cradle : and I declare she rules her home
Many
man rocks some other man's baby : and the fool thinks he's rocking his own
It
was late last night : when I liked to crawl in baby's room
My
woman threw my clothes outdoors : and now I got those crawling baby blues
�������� Richmond, Ind., 24 Sept. 1929
�������� (15672) Pm‑12921 Bio BLP‑12015
Here
comes two women : I liked to drove them wild
Well
you drinking bad liquor : you'll be overtaken after a while
He
must be desperated : I don't know nothing else it could be
Standing
on the corner didn't mean no harm : the boy made a dash at me
Made
a break at me : groped for my pocketknife
One
had me cooling off : while the other one talked about taking my wife
And
when I went for my gun : you ought to see them yelling breaking that fence
I
first thought they was crazy : but I found out they didn't have no sense
You
can take my money : I mean you can wear my best clothes
Lemon
won't kill no quicker : if you bother with my jellyroll
Some
people like their sugar : I'm a fool about my China tea
You
can have all this world : but leave my honeycomb home with me
�������� Richmond, Ind., 24 Sept. 1929
�������� (15673) Pm‑12921 Bio BLP‑12015
Cat
man cat man : stay away from my house at night
Prowling
around my back door when I'm gone : you know that ain't right
When
I come home last night I heard a noise : asked my wife what was that
She
said don't be so suspicious : that wasn't a thing but a cat
I've
been all over the world : I've taken all kinds of chance
I've
never seen a cat : come home in a pair of pants
I'm
tired of this jellyroll man : come to my home when I'm out
Know
it's the cause of my woman : boys is *necking* about
Reason
I call him cat man : he don't [come, go] around in the day
Come
around at midnight : steals my cream when I'm away
Tell
me a cat got nine lives : honey and I believe that's true
If
the cat man is got nine lives : he going to need them when I get through
�������� Richmond, Ind., 24 Sept. 1929
�������� (15675) Pm‑12946 Mil MLP‑2004
I
got a brownskin mama : she built right to the ground
When
I goes to her house : old man starts to booting me around
Now
you mustn't blame his gal : it's nailed up to his door
Don't
want to go near no man : pretty soon she'll be too old
Hey
here Mr : you must be losing your mind
Everybody's
got to have : a little bit of loving sometime
Her
father told me : better not to come back no more
If
I catch you here : I'm going to boot you through the door
I
love my little brownskin : she's so young and green
The
old man's the bootingest thing : that I most ever seen
I
got to find me a scheme : to get my gal all to herself
Because
I'm a fool about that woman : don't want nobody else
�������� Atlanta, 2 Nov. 1928
�������� (147379‑2) Co‑14446‑D
CC‑3
Lord
I'm broke and hungry : and my money's all gone
Weather
is summer : I've got to travel on
All
my crops a failure : couldn't raise a doggone thing
I'm
just like a beggar : hear these lonesome blues I sing
If
I steal a pork chop : Lord I believe I'll pass away
I
ain't had a square meal : in many doggone days
I'm
so broke and hungry : I could eat a kangaroo
I
feel just like stealing : there's nothing else to do
Won't
somebody help me : with a little bite to eat
Don't
care what you give me : I'd eat even chicken meat
Standing
on the roadside : with a great big sign it read
Say
Uneeda biscuits : ??? near dropped dead
My
body feels so weary : because I got the miss‑meal cramp
Right
now I could eat more : than a whole carload of tramps
�������� Atlanta, 2 Nov. 1928
�������� (147382‑2) Co‑14416‑D
CC‑3
I
went out last night I got drunk : I was in whiskey up to my head
A
young lady she walked up to me : and this is what she said
I
told her to give me time : and let me think
And
I'd tell her : exactly when to buy that expensive drink
I
went to see a fortuneteller : just to have my fortune told
She
says young man you are partly rich : you're worth a great big pot of gold
I
got myself a pick and shovel : I reached twelve that night
When
I got there : I do declare I spied a form all dressed in white
Now
me and this haunt : run breast and breast
He
says look here brother : when are you going to rest
�������� Dallas, 3 Dec. 1927
�������� (145322‑1) Co‑14293‑D
Rt RL‑335
Sunbeam's
on time : I ain't got my fare
And
if I start walking : Sunbeam will beat me there
Don't
need an airplane : steamboat or submarine
But
if I miss the Sunbeam : I will be seldom seen
�������� Dallas, 3 Dec. 1927
�������� (145323‑2) Co‑14293‑D
Rt RL‑335
Standing
here a‑wondering : will that car pass my way
I'm
going back to my baby : going back there to stay
I
know my baby : is bound to love me some
She
throws her arms around me : like the circle around the sun
�������� Dallas, 8 Dec. 1928
�������� (147606‑2) Co‑14405‑D
Rt RL‑312
I
told the ticket agent : don't let your window down
I'm
sick and blue : but I'm Frisco bound
Well
a mean old fireman : a cruel old engineer
That
would leave big fat Billiken : *walking along out there*
�������� Dallas, 8 Dec. 1928
�������� (147607‑2) Co‑14405‑D
Rt RL‑315
Wild
jack on the mountain : and he brays the whole day long
Going
to find me some lumber : build that old jack a home
I'm
going to build a stable : as long as he is tall
So
I can hear my wild jack : every time he calls
You
ought to see : this big black jack of mine
He
can eat more corn : than I feel like frying
This
big black jack : got mane just like a horse
Going
to keep my wild jack : lock him in my stall
He's
a big bad jack : and you can hear him all over town
Going
to keep my wild jack : if I have to chain him down
�������� Richmond, Ind., 16 Jan. 1932
�������� (18323) Ch‑16718 OJL‑2
Mr
undertaker Mr undertaker : drop your hammer and saw
You
take my baby to the cemetery : and don't bring her back no more
I'm
going take my females : hang them on a single line
I'm
going to count one two three four five : six seven eight and nine
Well
I went to the graveyard : kneeled down by my baby to talk
I
have to leave you to heaven : *oh my baby's do no wrong*
�������� Richmond, Ind., 7 Sept. 1929 :
�������� (15558‑A) Pm‑12823 CC‑37
Bring
me a nickel's worth of liver : a dime's worth of stew
Feed
everybody : on ??? Avenue
Got
a man upside one downside : one across the street
Got
your eyes wide open : but you're sound asleep
Bring
me a nickel's worth of liver : a dime's worth of grease
???
my man : he called all the police
Listen
papa : don't give me none of your head
Keep
on fooling : you'll be filled full of lead
When
you see me worried : I'm thinking about my burnt liver
I'll
kill you about him : and my hand won't even quiver
�������� Richmond, Ind., 7 Sept. 1929
�������� (15559) Pm‑12864 CC‑37
Ooh
: tomorrow I may be far away
Don't
try to dog me honey : sweet talk can't make me stay
Now
if you get loaded baby : and think you want to go
Remember
baby : you ain't no better than the man I had before
When
I get drunk I'm evil : I don't know what to do
If
I get my good chib : can get something good from you
Now
the man I love : he's just about the heightth of me
I'm
five foot two : Lord and that sweet man's five foot three
�������� Richmond, Ind., 7 Sept. 1929
�������� (15560) Pm‑12864 Riv RM‑8819
All
this world's against me : I believe my baby is too
Ah
my baby's against me : Lord I can tell by the way he do
Now
the man I love : Lord he don't mean me no good
Takes
all his good jelly : around all the whole neighborhood
Now
if I was a Gypsy : Lord and I could read your mind
Then
I wouldn't have to wonder : where you spend all your time
�������� Richmond, Ind., 7 Sept. 1929
�������� (15561) Pm‑12823 Mil MLP‑2018
I
wake up every morning : with the rising sun
Oh
thinking about my honeydripper : and all the wrongs he done
Oh
he treats me mean : [only, just] comes to see me sometime
But
the way he spreads his honey : Lord it makes me think I'll lose my mind
Oh
because I'm brown : Lord he wants to drive me away
He
knows he's a good honeydripper : Lord and I want him every day
Lord
the man I love : oh Lord he really made me fall
Oh
the way he drips his honey : Lord he won my heart that's all
Oh
sometimes I feel so lonesome : Lord I don't know where to go
When
my love comes down babe : I'll need you more than you'll ever know
Because
he's a real sweet man : and I [want to lease him, got to sign him up] for
ninety‑nine years
That's
what it takes to ease my mind : and stop all my tears
�������� New York, 30 Oct. 1928
�������� (401279‑B) OK‑8789 Her H‑201
If
you be my kid : I'll be your teddy bear
I'll
get in your pocket : and follow you everywhere
When
you see me coming : heist your window high
See
me leaving : hand your head and cry
It's
raining here : storming on the sea
I'm
leaving here : but I sure don't want to go
*Thieving*
man : don't want me no more
I'm
going to town : I'm going to buy me a bed
Sleep
with my man : if it kills me dead
�������� New York, 30 Oct. 1928
�������� (401280‑?) OK‑8789 Her H‑201
Oh
I ain't got : no easy rider now
The
man I love : sure done turned me down
He
treats me : like I'm some old body's dog
I
ain't no dog : please don't dog me around
Oh
your time now : be mine after a while
Give
me my fare : I sure will leave this town
I'm
going home : I ain't been home in so long
Going
back to Georgia : if I don't stay long
Wonder
what's the matter : I can't get no mail
Believe
to my soul : they got my man in jail
Going
to buy me a pistol : with a great long shiny barrel
When
I'm dead : give it to my faro
Get
your one man : you sure better get you two
Ain't
no telling : what these men will do
I'm
going away : just to wear you off my mind
Keep
me worried : bothered all the time
�������� Dallas, 10 Feb. 1932
�������� (70680‑1) Vi‑23327
Yz L‑1033
I
ain't going to marry : and I ain't going to settle down
I'm
going to do like a pimp : I'm going to walk all around this town
Goodbye
whiskey : sure don't worry me
I
can get just as drunk : as any drunken man can be
My
baby's gone : she didn't tell me because
If
she don't come back : I am going to starve
Ever
since : my baby's been gone away
I've
been raggedy and dirty : haven't got no place to stay
My
old gal : came into town last night
She
didn't have no money : but she was too tight
Me
and my gal : are going to make everything all right
If
we don't today : we will tomorrow night
�������� Memphis, 26 May 1930
�������� (59992‑ ) Vi‑23352 His HLP‑32
Oh
mercy dear : you cause my heart
*Sad
and long* : *with how to win my part*
I
learn to love you : most all the rest
You're
leaving me : wrecking happiness
I'll
count the hours : *living when alone*
Think
of you : when you back home
My
lonesome heart : will shake with fear
The
very hour : that you call my name
Minnie
every hour : is a living fear
For
I'm not at ease : with anyone else
I'll
hunger long : for you evermore
I'm
asking you dear : please don't go
Going
to tell you this : ain't going to tell no lie
Day
you leave me : that's the day you die
�������� Memphis, 26 May 1930
�������� (62539‑ ) Vi‑23313 Pal PL‑101
Don't
want no woman : have to give my money to
I
tried hard baby : did the very best I could
I'm
going to the mountain : hold up my right hand
The
girl I love : sings like a turtledove
That's
the way baby : you have *things* to do
�������� Long Island City, c. Aug. 1928
�������� (��
) QRS‑R7003 His HLP‑17
Every
man that comes to see you : in this neighborhood
Keeps
on buzzing to each other : that your clock ain't no good
Now
your clock don't set : where it used to set before
It
used to be on the *centre* : close to your back door
�������� Long Island City, c. Aug. 1928
�������� (��
) QRS‑R7003 His HLP‑17
I
was lying down dreaming : when the blues eased up on me
I
was feeling so blue : down‑hearted as could be
A
brownskin gal : makes a bulldog bark with pain
And
a bow‑legged mama : make a snail catch a passenger train
Now
you can always tell : when your woman treats you mean
I
say your meals are never ready : and your house ain't never clean
She
will come downstairs : a towel was tied around her head
You'll
ask her for loving : she'll swear she's almost dead
�������� New York, 19 May 1942
�������� (70761‑A) De‑7895 Br‑87.504
I
left my baby : standing in the doorway crying
She
said daddy you've got a home : just as long as I got mine
My
mama told me : papa told me too
Some
day son : candy's going to be the death of you
Now
it's chocolate candy : till my dying day
The
same old candy : is going to carry me away
I've
got one good woman : trying to make it four
When
one pretty woman quits me : I'll have three more
�������� Chicago, 23 Apr. 1929
�������� (C‑3355‑ ) Vo‑1299
His HLP‑2
I
had the blues last night : I've got them again today
My
man told me : he was going away
Trouble
trouble : is all I can see
Look
like my man : has turned his back on me
Just
let me tell you : what your friends will do
Grin
in your face : and then they'll talk about you
Me
and my girl friend : went out for a little run
When
she seen my man : she told him what I had done
Bring
me a pint of whiskey : and a bottle of beer
If
I get drunk : I sure don't care
Take
me back baby : try me one more time
I
do everything : to satisfy your mind
Listen
people : to what I'm telling you
Don't
let your left hand : know what your right hand do
�������� Chicago, 23 Apr. 1929
�������� (C‑3356‑ ) Vo‑1299
His HLP‑2
I
woke up this morning : with the blues all around my bed
I
felt just like : somebody in my family was dead
I
began to moan : and I began to cry
My
sweet man went away : you know the reason why
If
you don't like my sweet potato : what made you dig so deep
You
in my potato field : three or four times a week
Whooping
I've been whooping : whooping all night long
Whooping
I've been whooping : ever since my man been gone
My
dog got the rabbit : the rabbit fell down on his knees
He
looked up at the dog : he say won't you have mercy on me please
Just
as sure : as you hear me sing this song
You
never miss your jelly : till your jellyroller's gone
�������� Chicago, c. 29 June 1929
�������� (C‑3749‑ ) Vo‑1410
Yz L‑1039
Play
that thing : play that thing just right
We
got to scuffle : that house rent tonight
My
house rent's due : my gas going up to ten
I
wouldn't have no lights : but the lightman couldn't get in
�������� St. Louis, 4 Nov. 1925
�������� (9435‑A) OK‑8253 CC-30
I
want all you people : to listen to my song
Remember
me : after the days I'm gone
�������� St. Louis, 4 Nov. 1925
������� �(9436‑A) OK‑8253 CC-30
The
storm is rising : the rains begin to fall
I'm
all alone by myself : no one to love me at all
My
blues at midnight : and don't leave me until day
I've
got no sweet woman : to drive my blues away
Blues
: falling like showers of rain
Every
once in a while : think I hear my baby call my name
�������� New York, 5 Aug. 1927
�������� (81189‑B) OK‑8512 CC-30
I'm
lonesome as I can be : baby please come home to me
Because
you know I love you : and how come we can't agree
You
been gone the whole night long : I believe to my soul something going on wrong
But
there will come a day : and I know you will be glad to say
I
tried to please your mind : and you keep me worried all the time
You
will either run me crazy : or I'll lose my mind
You
know you don't treat me right : when you stay out both day and night
And
I must stop you now : because you got to consider somehow
You
know I love you now : and I love you all along
Although
you my sweet woman : and I mean you can't go wrong
�������� New York, 3 Oct. 1927
�������� (81503‑B) OK‑8512 CC-30
I
was sitting in my kitchen : looking way out across the sky
I
thought the world was ending : I started to cry
The
wind was howling : the buildings begin to fall
I
seen that mean old twister coming : just like a cannonball
The
world was black as midnight : I never heard such a noise before
Sound
like a million lions : when they turn loose their roar
Poor
people was screaming : and running every which a‑way
I
fell down on my knees : I started in to pray
The
shack where we was living : she reel and rock but never fell
How
the cyclone spared us : nobody but the Lord can tell
�������� New York, 9 Nov. 1927
�������� (81801‑B) OK‑8557 CC-30
It's
raining and storming on the sea : we're miles and miles from shore
The
way the waves is rocking this ship : we won't see home no more
The
wind is so strong : turning this old ship round and round
Something
tells me : won't be long before we're sinking down
The
captain say get your lifesavers : fasten them around your waist
Because
we're sinking down : and the lifeboat is your safest place
Uncle
Sam's ship was coming : painted in red white and blue
We
say we live in New York City : red white and blue brought us all the way
through
�������� New York, 9 Nov. 1927
�������� (81802‑B) OK‑8557 CC-30
Mmm
: I feel myself sinking down
My
body is freezing : I feel something cold creeping around
My
windows is rattling : my doorknob turning round and round
This
haunted house blues is killing me : I feel myself sinking down
I
been fastened in this haunted house : six long months today
The
blue ghost has got the house surrounded : Lord and I can't get away
They
got shotguns and pistols : standing all around my door
They
haunt me all night long : so I can't sleep no more
The
blue ghost haunts me all night : the nightmare ride me all night long
They
worry me so in this haunted house : I wish I was dead and gone
�������� Chicago, 12 Dec. 1927
�������� (82043‑A) OK‑8677 CC-30
I
went down to the levee : and [over, out] to the freight house yard
They
paid a dollar an hour : but the work was too long and hard
Have
pigtails in my pantry : neckbones on my shelf
I
ain't got none to give you : I got just enough for myself
I'm
going to buy me a shotgun : long as I am tall
I'm
going to shoot my woman : just to see her fall
Over
yonder's the river : yonder is your big lake
At
your house rent party : you made your last mistake
I
chew my bacca : and I spit my juice
I
tried to love you so hard : but I found out there's no use
�������� San Antonio, 9 Mar. 1928
�������� (400447‑B) OK‑8677 CC-30
Although
we are drifting : so far apart
My
arms may be empty : have not give up in my heart
Although
we are drifting : so far apart
My
arms may be empty : but never down in my heart
�������� San Antonio, 13 Mar. 1928
�������� (400490‑A) OK‑8574 CC-30
Look
down look down : that long old lonesome road
And
look up to the good Lord : just before you go
That's
a long that's a long : a long old tiresome road
You'll
find troubles and worries : that you never found before
Then
look back look back : and see what you're leaving all alone
To
grieve and worry : after the days you gone
Then
your days begin dreary : down that long old lonesome road
And
you want the Lord have mercy : how much more further I've got to go
That's
a long old road : a long road that has no end
Then
the blues will make you think : about all your right‑hand friends
�������� New York, 13 Oct. 1928
�������� (401222‑A) OK‑8626 Spi
LP-2001
Something
keep a‑moaning : I don't know what it is
When
my right eye winks : on my knees I begin to crawl
It
will be hell to tell the captain : if I catch another man kicking in my stall
There's
no use a‑worrying : baby about the days being long
The
black snake is got the dough : you can't roll him from home
�������� New York, 16 Nov. 1928
�������� (401336‑B) OK‑8635 CC-30
They
tell me blues and trouble : walk hand in hand
But
you ain't had no trouble : till your woman falls for some no‑good man
A
married woman will swear : she'll love you all her life
And
meet her other man around the corner : and tell the same lie twice
You
tell me you've had troubles : and worry all your life
Man
but you ain't had no trouble : till you fall for another man's wife
Then
if you get a woman of your own : and make her happy night and day
There
will be some no‑good man she'll fall for : pretty soon she'll go away
When
it begin raining : and you're looking through your windowpane
And
crazy about another man's wife : it's enough to drive you insane
But
a married woman : is the sweetest woman ever was born
Only
thing that hurts you : she have to go home sometime
�������� New York, 11 June 1929
�������� (402441‑A) OK‑8754 CC-30
I
been lonesome all day : I've been grieving all night long
Baby
please hear my plea : why don't you come back home
How
many times : have I cried all night long
You
know I must love you baby : when I beg you to come back home
I'll
get a job in the coal yard : work in the rain and snow
All
I ask you baby : please don't leave me no more
�������� New York, 9 Feb. 1932
�������� (405141‑A) OK‑8937 Yz L‑1028
Sam
you say you my friend : but your ways I just don't like
Soon
as I leave my home : you trying to bite me in my back
Now
Sam you not my friend : and my home you better stop hanging around
Because
I've paid for your coffin : and I mean that you graveyard bound
Sam
if you want a woman go get one : and let my wife alone
Because
if I ever catch you with my wife : you hell bound sure as I'm born
Sam
a real man can live happy : but no‑good men like you
You
trying to wreck my family : and some other man's family too
Sam
I thought you was my friend : I thought you just was swell
So
I'm going to give you a vacation : that's a round‑trip ticket to hell
�������� New York, 12 Aug. 1932
�������� (152259‑2) OK‑8946 CC-30
Now
she ain't good‑looking : she don't dress fine
The
way that gal can love : change any man's mind
Now
she bake good jellyroll : she bakes it nice and hot
It
never fails : to touch the spot
If
I was sentenced to be hung : and this ain't no lie
If
I could just see my baby : I would be willing to die
Now
my gal is built : long and tall
Lord
when she starts to loving : I can't help from to fall
She
likes her music soft : when the lights are low
When
she starts to kiss me : does me good down in my toes
When
I met my gal : she was dumb as dumb could be
But
I believe to my soul : she put that thing on me
��������
New York, 12 Aug. 1932
�������� (152260‑2) OK‑8946 CC-30
If
you got over fifteen grand : better split it ninety‑nine different ways
Because
the racketeers : got no certain place to dig your grave
When
they demand your money : you got to give it up with a smile
And
if you refuse : they'll read about you in a short little while
When
the gang is out to get you : it don't do no good to run
It's
true you can dodge the law : but you can't dodge them slugs out the machine gun
You
[slave, work] hard for your money : just to give it to some other one
And
if you refuse : the answer will be from a racketeer's gun
When
the gang is out to get you : they'll follow you everywhere
You
can even move to West Hell : doggone if they don't find you there
�������� Chicago, 8 Nov. 1937
�������� (91339‑A) De‑7445 Sw S‑1225
You've
got a hatchet under your pillow baby : you got ice pick in your hand
The
best thing you better do : is find you another man
You've
got a shotgun in the corner : blackjack under your bed
But
you'll never catch me asleep : I know you wants to whip my head
You
put lice all in my gravy : black potash in my tea
But
I fed it to your man baby : instead of me
That's
the very reason why : you been so mean to me
Trying
to steal my life : to have your old used‑to‑be
�������� Chicago, 8 Nov. 1937
�������� (91340‑A) De‑7388 Sw S‑1225
People
is [raving, hollering] about hard times : tell me what it's all about
Hard
times don't worry me : I was broke when it first started out
Friends
it could be worser : you don't seem to understand
Some
is crying with a sack of gold under each arm : and a loaf of bread in each hand
If
you're a single man : you better drink and have your fun
Because
when that lovebug bites you : then your worries ain't never� done
People
raving about hard times : I don't know why they should
If
some people was like me : they didn't have no money when times was good
�������� Chicago, 8 Nov. 1937
�������� (91341‑A) De‑7397 Sw S‑1225
It's
been snowing forty days and nights : lakes and rivers begin to freeze
Some
places through my old home town : water's up above my knees
Storm
begin rising : and the sun begin sinking down
I
says mother and dad pack your trunk : we ain't safe here in this town
When
it lightning my mind gets frightened : my nerves begin weaken down
And
the shack where we was living : begin moving around
Women
and children were screaming : saying mama where must we go
The
flood water have broke the levee : and we ain't safe here no more
�������� Chicago, 8 Nov. 1937
�������� (91342‑A) De‑7427 Sw S‑1225
You
see it ain't what you used to be baby : it's what you are today
You
see your good looks didn't hold your man : a little black gal's loving stole
your man away
I've
got a woman now that I love : better than I love myself
She
treats me so cold sometimes : I think she got somebody else
�������� Chicago, 8 Nov. 1937
�������� (91345‑A) De‑7388 Sw S‑1225
You
arms don't feel the same : your lips is icebox cold
It's
a mean black snake : is making his morning stroll
You
know : you once was the sweetest woman I ever found
But
since you been running out with your girl friend : you just a plain old everyday
clown
�������� Chicago, 8 Nov. 1937
�������� (91346‑A) De‑7397 Sw S‑1225
If
love is a crime then I'm guilty : but there's nothing I can do
After
all the good women in this world : why did I have to fall in love with you
�������� New York, 31 Mar. 1938
�������� (63517‑A) De‑7487 Sw S‑1225
Don't
the world seem lonely : when you got to battle it all by yourself
Even
the one you love : turn their back on you for someone else
My
mother and dad left me : when I was too small to help myself
And
my sisters and brothers : drove me away to somebody else
I'm
motherless and I'm fatherless : I'm almost friendless too
Seems
the world is down on you : know knows what to do
Rocks
was my pillow : and the cold ground was my bed
The
blue skies was my blanket : and the moonlight was my spread
�������� New York, 31 Mar. 1938
�������� (63518‑A) De‑7487 Sw S‑1225
Good
morning blues : where have you been so long
I
just stopped by to leave you enough of worries : to last you while I'm gone
My
brains is cloudy : my soul is upside down
When
I get that lowdown feeling : I know the blues must be somewhere close around
The
blues is like the devil : it comes on you like a spell
Blues
will leave your heart full of trouble : and your poor mind full of hell
Some
people say that's no blues : but that story's old and stale
The
blues will drive you to drink and murder : and spend the rest of your life in
jail
The
blues and the devil : is your closest friend
The
blues will leave you with murder in your mind : that's when the devil out of
hell steps in
�������� New York, 31 Mar. 1938
�������� (63519‑A) De‑7509 Sw S‑1225
I
work all day long for you : until the sun go down
And
you take all my money and drink it up : and come home and wants to fuss and
clown
It
hurts to love a person : that don't belong to you
Because
when they find out that you really love them : and they don't care what they do
They'll
take your heart and they'll use it : like a football on a football ground
And
when they get through playing with your heart : and they'll start dragging you
all around
�������� New York, 31 Mar. 1938
�������� (63520‑A) De‑7509 Sw S‑1225
Want
all of you people to listen : while my guitar sings
If
you ain't got that rhythm : it don't mean a thing
Some
people thinks I'm dead : because I've been gone so long
I
just stop to see : would you miss me from singing these lonesome songs
I
want all you people to listen : while I swing this song
If
you were born with that rhythm : honest you can't never go wrong
�������� New York, 31 Mar. 1938
�������� (63521‑A) De‑7461 Sw S‑1225
Storm
is rising : and the rain begin to fall
Trouble
is breaking down my window : blues breaking down my door
My
blues started at sunrise : and rides me all through the day
It
takes the sweet woman I love : to drive these blues away
Come
into my arms sweet woman : and please explain yourself to me
Tell
me who do you really want : or do you still want your used‑to‑be
Because
sometimes you with me : baby then again you gone
If
you want your used‑to‑be : then you better let me alone
Blues
: falling like showers of rain
Every
once in a while : I can hear my baby call my name
�������� New York, 31 Mar. 1938
�������� (63522‑A) De‑7537 Sw S‑1225
I've
been drinking all night long : I've started again today
I
been trying my best : to drink these worried blues away
Some
people drinks to hide their [worries and] troubles : but that don't mean a
thing
When
you think your troubles are gone : and you find yourself drunk again
Friends
I drink to keep from worrying : I smile to keep from crying
That's
why I cover my troubles : so the public don't know what's on my mind
I
said I was through with love : both whiskey wine and gin
You
know when I found myself : I was lap‑legged drunk again
Love
will make a‑many man drink and gamble : and stay out all night long
Love
will drive you to many places : sometimes where you don't belong
�������� New York, 31 Mar. 1938
�������� (63523‑A) De‑7537 AH‑158
Mmm
: something cold is creeping around
Blue
ghost has got me : I feel myself sinking down
Black
cat and an owl : come to keep me company
They
understands my troubles : mmm and sympathize with me
I
been in this haunted house : for three long years today
Blue
ghost has got my shack surrounded : oh Lord and I can't get away
I
feel cold arms around me : and ice lips upon my cheek
My
lover is dead : how plainly plainly I can hear her speak
My
windows begin rattling : and my doorknob is turning around and around
My
lover's ghost has got me : and I know my time won't be long
�������� New York, 31 Mar. 1938
�������� (63524‑A) De‑7461 Sw S‑1225
It's
been snowing forty days : and the ground is covered with snow
I'm
snow‑bound in my cabin : and ice up around my door
I
woke up this morning : couldn't even get out my door
I
was snowbound in my cabin : had water seeping up through my floor
Snow
begin melting : and the rain begin to fall
The
backwaters done broke the levee : and I can't stay here no more
Rowed
my boat : just about four miles across the pond
Backwater
done wrecked my cabin : and there's no place that I can call my home
�������� Chicago, 7 Feb. 1941
�������� (059205‑1) BB‑B8804 RCA
LPV‑518
What
makes the rooster : crow every morning before day
To
let the pimps know : that the workingman is on his way
We're
up before sunrise : slaving sixteen hours a day
We
pay our house rent and grocery bills : and the pimps get the rest of our pay
Men
can't you see : you can't keep a whole woman by yourself
If
your best friend can't get your woman : he'll frame her for somebody else
Something
about some women : that I never could understand
They're
not satisfied with a good husband : they want some other woman's man
�������� Grafton, Wis., 28 May 1930
�������� (L‑398‑1) Pm‑12992
OJL‑11
I
woke up this morning : blues all around my bed
I
never had no good man : I mean to ease my aching head
Well
: pretty near all night long
Well
I swear before God : the man I'm loving is doing wrong
Well
I'm going away : swear the time ain't long
If
you don't believe I'm leaving daddy : count them days I'm gone
You
done caused me to weep baby : and I swear you done caused me to moan
Well
you know by that rider : that I ain't going to be here long
Well
: what evil have I done
Well
it must be something : my man have heard before he gone
Lord
I'm going to get drunk : and I'm going to walk the streets all night
Because
the man that I'm loving : I swear he sure don't treat me right
�������� Grafton, Wis., 28 May 1930
�������� (L‑399‑2) Pm‑12992
OJL‑11
Lord
I woke up this morning : blues all around my bed
I
never had no good man : I mean to ease my worried head
Now
now now now now : I cried like a newborn child
Lord
even when I was a baby : I wasn't satisfied
Well
I'm going I'm going : daddy to wear you off my mind
Because
you keeps me worried baby : and troubled all the time
I
said Lord have mercy : I mean Lord have mercy on me
I
said Lord have mercy : mercy's all I need
Lord
??? : and I fell down on my knees
Well
I done cried I cried : Lord have mercy on me
�������� Grafton, Wis., 28 May 1930
�������� (L‑419‑1) Pm‑13008
Yz L‑1028
Well
I'm going to Memphis : come to stop at Cincinnat'
I'm
going to tell you women : how to treat a man
I
said now you ain't good‑looking : and you don't dress fine
That
kind of treatment : make me ??? you most any old time
Well
I'm going to Memphis : stop at *Satches* hall
Going
to tell you women : how to cock it on the wall
Now
you can snatch it you can break it : you can hang it on the wall
Throw
it out the window : see if you catch it before it fall
Well
I'm going to leave here :
�������� Grafton, Wis., 28 May 1930
�������� (L‑420‑2) Pm‑13008
Mil MLP‑2018
???
: I saw the moon go down
And
I swear my man must be somewhere : turning around and around
I
say the big star are falling : it don't be long before day
The
moon *want* my baby : ??? mighty far away
I'm
going to wake up : between midnight and day
You
going to ??? *my need* baby : and I swear I'll be gone away
Now
won't you come here baby : sit down on my knee
Now
I just want to tell you : black man how you have treated me
�������� New York, 19 Oct. 1923
��������
(71972‑B) OK‑8107 Sw S‑1240
You
said you's going to leave me : but I don't care
You
thought the way I treated you : wasn't fair
You
went and told somebody : you thought I wouldn't do
But
if you think you'll get away with it : I'll sing this verse to you
Because
if I let you get away with it once : you'll do it all the time
Now
if you think I'm going crazy about you : you'd better change your mind
You
promised me once : you wouldn't cheat anymore
But
had a dozen keys : to fit my back door
You
crept away : to see a movie show today
But
when you came home : you didn't know the name of the play
�������� New York, 20 Oct. 1926
�������� (36846‑1) Vi‑20333 Fwy FJ‑2801
Blow
whistle : my stomach say it's eating time
My
appetite is worth a million : and just got a measly dime
It's
Saturday night : and I'm higher than a Georgia pine
One
more drink of corn : and I'll leave my Georgia mind
When
a gator holler : folks say it's a sign of rain
The
weather's getting cloudy Lord : how these *birdies sing*
�������� Grafton, Wis., c. Feb. 1930
�������� (L‑176‑2) Pm‑12996
CC‑37
I
got a barrelhouse flat in *Eastport* : and one I St Louis too
But
my barrelhouse flat in *Eastport* : really get *my ???*
I'm
going to build me a barrelhouse flat : way out on Dago Hill
Where
I can get my beer and whiskey : and it's fresh from the still
I
got a barrelhouse flat in Chicago : it's fifteen stories high
I
get all of these high yellows : and play these *crazy dice*
Those
??? like my good whiskey : and they drink my cherry wine
If
you women want a good time : stop by this barrelhouse flat of mine
�������� Grafton, Wis., c. Feb. 1930
�������� (L‑177‑3) Pm‑12996
Jo SM‑3098
My
man's in the mountain : and I've got the mountain key
If
you want to see my man : you got to come to me
Mmm
he was my man : before you women ever knew his name
And
you know by that : you got to see me just the same
If
you women wants a good man : find one of your own
For
this man is my man : I want you women to leave my man alone
Now
I have no place : for you women you see
Oh
my man's in the mountain : and I've got the mountain key
����� ���Richmond, Ind., 22 Sept. 1932
�������� (18791) Ch‑16570 Riv RM‑8819
Rattlesnake
treating papa : what makes you treat your mama so mean
You
know that your mama loves you : that's why you treat me like you do
You
treats me like a rattlesnake : crawling on the ground
The
better I try to treat you : the more you throw your mama down
Ah
that's all right : daddy that's all right for you
Some
day you'll want poor Mary : and she'll be somewhere from you
Oh
rattlesnake crawling daddy : you know you doing me wrong
I'm
looking for you baby : and you crawling around some other person's home
You
dog me all in the morning : and dog me late at night
And
I can tell by that : you ain't treating your mama right
�������� Richmond, Ind., 22 Sept. 1932
�������� (18792) Ch‑16570 Riv RM‑8819
I
once was a married woman : sorry the day I ever was
I
was a young girl at home : and I did not know the world
I'd
rather be an old maid : than to be worried and blue each and every day
Because
these worrisome old men : will cause your head to turn white and grey
Babe
you caused me to leave my happy home : and you caused me to weep and moan
That
is why babe : this bad luck's taking place today
I
was just sitting here thinking : baby just a minute ago
I
once was a married woman : sorry the day I ever was
�������� San Antonio, 23 Nov. 1936
�������� (SA‑2580‑1) ARC unissued
Co CL‑1654
I
got a kind‑hearted woman : do anything in this world for me
But
these evil‑hearted women : man they will not let me be
I
love my baby : my baby don't love me
But
I really love that woman : can't stand to leave her be
Now
ain't but the one thing : makes Mr Johnson drink
That's
worry about how you treat me baby : I begin to think
Oh
babe : my life don't feel the same
You
breaks my heart : when you call Mr so‑and‑so's name
She's
a kind‑hearted woman : she studies evil all the time
You
have to kill me : just to have it on your mind
�������� San Antonio, 23 Nov. 1936
�������� (SA‑2580‑2) ARC‑7‑03‑56
Co C‑30034
I
got a kind‑hearted mama : do anything in this world for me
But
these evil‑hearted women : man they will not let me be
I
love my baby : and my baby don't love me
I
really love that woman : can't stand to leave her be
Now
it ain't but one thing : make Mr Johnson drink
I
get worried about how you treat me baby : I begin to think
Oh
babe : my life don't feel the same
You
breaks my heart : when you call Mr so‑and‑so's name
She's
a kind‑hearted [mama, woman] : [but she] studies evil all the time
You
have to kill me baby : just to have it on your mind
Some
day some day : I will shake your hand goodbye
I
can't give any more of my loving : because I just ain't satisfied
�������� San Antonio, 23 Nov. 1936
�������� (SA‑2581‑1) ARC‑7‑04‑81
Co C‑30034
I'm
going to get up in the morning : I believe I'll dust my broom
Because
then the black man you been loving : girl friend can get my room
I'm
going to write a letter : telephone every town I know
If
I can't find her in West Selma : she must be in East Monroe I know
I
don't want no woman : wants every downtown man she meet
She's
a no‑good dony : they shouldn't allow her on the street
I
believe : I believe I'll go back home
If
you mistreat me here babe : but you can't when I go home
I'm
going to call up China : see is my good girl over there
If
I can't find her on Philippines Island : she must be in Ethiopia somewhere
�������� San Antonio, 23 Nov. 1936
�������� (SA‑2582‑ ) Vo‑03601
OJL‑17
Ooh
: baby don't you want to go
Back
to the land of California : to my sweet home Chicago
Now
one and one is two : three and two is four
I'm
heavy loaded baby : I'm booked I've got to go
Now
two and two is four : four and two is six
You
going to keep on monkeying around here *pin boy* : you going to get your ??? in
a fix
Now
six and two is eight : eight and two is ten
His
wife get tricky one time : she sure going to do it again
I'm
going to California : *some passing in my byway*
Somebody
will tell me : that you need my help some day
�������� San Antonio, 23 Nov. 1936
�������� (SA‑2583‑1) ARC‑7‑05‑81
Co C‑30034
I
got rambling : I got rambling [all] on my mind
Hate
to leave my baby : but she treats me so unkind
Running
down to the station : catch [that old, the] first mail train I see
I
got the blues about Miss so‑and‑so : and the child got the blues
about me
And
I'm leaving this morning : with my arms folded up and crying
I
hate to leave my baby : but she treats me so unkind
I
got mean things : I got mean things [all] on my mind
I
got to leave my baby : but she treats me so unkind
�������� San Antonio, 23 Nov. 1936
�������� (SA‑2583‑2) ARC‑7‑05‑81
Co CL‑1654
I
got rambling : I got rambling [all] on my mind
Hate
to leave my baby : but she treats me so unkind
Running
down to the station : catch [that old, the] first mail train I see
I
got the blues about Miss so‑and‑so : and the child got the blues
about me
And
I'm leaving this morning : with my arms folded up and crying
I
hate to leave my baby : but she treats me so unkind
I
got mean things : I got mean things [all] on my mind
I
got to leave my baby : but she treats me so unkind
�������� San Antonio, 23 Nov. 1936
�������� (SA‑2584‑1) ARC unissued
Co CL‑1654
When
you got a good friend : have her stay right by your side
Give
her all of your spare time : love and treat her right
I
mistreated my baby : [but, and] I can't see no reason why
Any
time I think about it : I just wring my hands and cry
Wonder
could I ever apologize : or will she fisty‑fight with me
She's
a brownskin woman : just as sweet as a girl friend can be
Baby
*do you think it mmm* : oh I may be right or wrong
Got
you a close friend baby : then your enemies can't do you no harm
�������� San Antonio, 23 Nov. 1936
�������� (SA‑2585‑1) ARC unissued
Co CL‑1654
Mmm
: mmm
You
better come on in my kitchen : well it's going to be raining outdoors
The
woman I love : took from my best friend
Some
joker got lucky : stoled her back again
Oh
oh she's gone : I know she won't come back
I
taken her last nickel : out of her nation sack
When
a woman gets in trouble : everybody throws her down
Looking
for her good friends : none can be found
And
the time coming : it's going to be so
You
can't make the winter babe : just dry long so
�������� San Antonio, 23 Nov. 1936
�������� (SA‑2586‑1) ARC‑7‑03‑56
Co CL‑1654
Well
I feel so lonesome : you hear me when I moan
Who's
been driving my terraplane for you : since I've been gone
I
said I flashed your lights mama : your horn won't even blow
Got
a short in this connection : hoo well babe and it's way down below
I'm
going heist your hood mama : I'm bound to check your oil
I
got a woman that I'm loving : way down in Arkansas
Now
you know the coils ain't even buzzing : little generator won't get the spark
Motor's
in a bad condition : you got to have these batteries charged
I'm
crying please : please don't do me wrong
Who's
been driving my terraplane : now for you since I've been gone
Mr
highwayman : please don't block the road
Because
she's registering a cold one hundred : and I'm booked till I got to go
Eee
: you can hear me weep and moan
Who's
been driving my terraplane now for you : since I've been gone
I'm
going to get deep down in this connection : keep on tangling with your wires
And
when I mash down on your little starter : then your spark plug will give me
fire
��������
San Antonio, 23 Nov. 1936
�������� (SA‑2587‑2) ARC unissued
Co C‑30034
Yeah
but she got a phonograph : but it won't say a lonesome word
What
evil have I done : what evil has the poor girl heard
Yeah
but I love my phonograph : but she have broke my winding chain
And
you've taken my loving : and given it to your other man
Now
we played it on the sofa now : we played it side the wall
My
needles have got rusty baby : it will now play at all
Yeah
but if I go crazy : baby I will lose my mind
I
can bring your clothes back home : and try me one more time
�������� San Antonio, 26 Nov. 1936
�������� (SA‑2616‑1) ARC‑7‑04‑60
Co CL‑1654
If
I send for my baby : and she don't come
All
the doctors in [Hot Springs, Westmount] : sure can't help her none
And
if she gets unruly : things she don't want to do
Take
my thirty‑two twenty : and I can cut her half in two
She
got a thirty‑eight special : but I believe it's most too light
I
got a thirty‑two twenty : got to make the camps all right
I'm
going to shoot my pistol : going to shoot my gatling gun
You
made me love you : now your man done come
Ooh
: baby where you stay last night
You
got your hair all tangled : and you ain't talking right
Her
thirty‑eight special boys : it do very well
I
got a thirty‑two twenty : now it's a burning hell
Hey
hey : baby where you stay last night
You
didn't come home : till the sun was shining bright
Ooh
: boys I just can't take my rest
With
this thirty‑two twenty : laying up and down my breast
��������
San Antonio, 27 Nov. 1936
�������� (SA‑2627‑1) ARC‑7‑07‑57
Co C‑30034
I
got a girl : said she's long and tall
She
sleeps in the kitchen : with her feets in the hall
She
got two for a nickel : got four for a dime
It's
worth paying more : but they ain't none of mine
I
got a letter : from my girl in the room
Now
she got something good : she got to bring it home soon
The
billygoat backed : in the bumblebee's nest
Ever
since that : he can't take his rest
I'm
going to hump in your back : going to put your kidneys to sleep
I
due to break away your liver : and tear your heart to piece
You
know grandma left me : now grandpa too
Well
I wonder what in the world : we children going to do
Me
and my baby : bought a V‑Eight Ford
Well
they ride that thing : all on the running board
You
know the monkey now the baboon : playing in the grass
Well
the monkey said to *fatto* : *good luck gas*
�������� San Antonio, 27 Nov. 1936
�������� (SA‑2628‑2) ARC‑7‑04‑81
Co C‑30034
I
woke up this morning : and all my shrimps was dead and gone
I
was thinking about you baby : will you hear me weep and moan
I
got dead shrimps here : someone is fishing in my pond
I've
sold you my best bait baby : and I can't do that no more
Everything
I do baby : you got your mouth stuck out
Hole
where I used to fish : you got me forced out
I
got dead shrimps here : someone's fishing in my pond
Catching
my goggle‑eyed perches : and they barbecuing the bones
Now
you taken my shrimp baby : you know you turned me down
I
couldn't do nothing : until I got myself unwound
�������� San Antonio, 27 Nov. 1936
�������� (SA‑2629‑2) ARC unissued
Co CL‑1654
I
went to the crossroads : fell down on my knees
Asked
the Lord above have mercy : save poor Bob if you please
Mmm
standing at the crossroads : I tried to flag a ride
Didn't
nobody seem to know me : everybody passed me by
Mmm
the sun going down boys : not going to catch me here
I
haven't got no loving sweet woman : but not to feel my care
You
can run you can run : tell my friend boy Willie Brown
Lord
that I'm standing at the crossroad baby : I believe I'm sinking down
�������� San Antonio, 27 Nov. 1936
�������� (SA‑2630‑1) Vo‑03601
Co CL‑1654
I
woke up this morning : feeling around for my shoes
Know
by that : I got these old walking blues
Lord
I feel like blowing : my poor lonesome horn
Got
up this morning : my little Berniece was gone
Lord
I feel like blow : my lonesome horn
Well
I got up this morning : all I had was gone
Well
leaving this morning : if I have to oh ride the blinds
I
feel mistreated : and I don't mind dying
Leaving
this morning : I have to ride the blinds
Babe
I been mistreated : baby and I don't mind dying
Well
some people tell me : that the worried blues ain't bad
Worst
old feeling : I most ever had
She's
got Elgin movements : from her head down to her toes
Break
in on a dollar : most anywhere she goes
�������� San Antonio, 27 Nov. 1936
�������� (SA‑2631‑1) ARC‑7‑04‑60
Co CL‑1654
If
you cry about a nickel : you die about a dime
She
wouldn't cry : but the money ain't mine
�������� San Antonio, 27 Nov. 1936
�������� (SA‑2632‑1) ARC‑7‑04‑60
Co C‑30034
I
got up this morning : the blues walking like a man
Worried
blues : give me your right hand
Blues
grabbed mama's child : and it tore me all upside down
Travel
on poor Bob : just can't turn you around
The
blues : is a lowdown shaking chill
You
ain't never had them : I hope you never will
Well
the blues : is a aching old heart disease
Like
consumption : killing me by degrees
Now
if it's starting a‑raining : I'm going to drive my blues away
Going
to the ??? : stay out there all day
�������� San Antonio, 27 Nov. 1936
�������� (SA‑2632‑2) ARC‑7‑04‑60
Co C‑30034
I
got up this morning : the blues walking like a man
Worried
blues : give me your right hand
Blues
grabbed mama's child : and it tore me all upside down
Travel
on poor Bob : just can't turn you around
The
blues : is a lowdown shaking chill
You
ain't never had them : I hope you never will
Well
the blues : is a aching old heart disease
Like
consumption : killing me by degrees
Now
if it's starting a‑raining : I'm going to drive my blues away
Going
to the ??? : stay out there all day
�������� San Antonio, 27 Nov. 1936
�������� (SA‑2633‑1) ARC unissued
Co CL‑1654
If
I had possession : over Judgment Day
Lord
the little woman I'm loving : wouldn't have no right to pray
I
went to the mountain : look as far as my eyes could see
Saw
where the man got my woman : and lonesome blues got me
And
I rolled and I tumbled : and I cried the whole night long
When
I woke up this morning : my biscuit‑roller's gone
Had
to fold my arms : and I slowly walked away
I
said in my mind : your trouble going to come some day
Now
run here baby : set down on my knee
I
want to tell you : all about the way they treated me
�������� Dallas, 19 June 1937
�������� (DAL‑377‑2) ARC‑7‑12‑67
Co CL‑1654
I
got stones in my passway : and my road seem dark as night
I
have pains in my heart : they have taken my appetite
I
have a bird to whistle : and I have a bird to sing
I
got a woman that I'm loving : boy but she don't mean a thing
My
innocence betrayed me : have overtaken poor Bob at last
And
that's one thing certain : they have stones all in my pass
Now
you trying to take my life : and all my loving too
You
laid a passway for me : now what are you trying to do
I'm
crying please : please let us be friends
And
when you hear me howling in my passway rider : please open your door and let me
in
I
got three legs to truck on : boys please don't block my road
I
been feeling ashamed about my rider : babe I'm booked and I got to go
�������� Dallas, 19 June 1937
�������� (DAL‑378‑ ) ARC‑7‑12‑67
OJL‑17
I'm
a steady rolling man : I roll both night and day
But
I haven't got no sweet woman : mmm boys to be rolling this a‑way
I'm
the man that rolls : when icicles hanging on the tree
And
now you hear me howling : baby mmm down on my bended knee
I
am a hard‑working man : have been for many years I know
And
some cream puff's using my money : ooo well well babe but that'll never be no
more
You
can't give your sweet woman : everything she wants in one time
Well
boys she get rambling in her brain : mmm some other man on her mind
�������� Dallas, 19 June 1937
�������� (DAL‑379‑1) ARC‑7‑09‑56
Co C‑30034
From
four until late : I was wringing my hands and crying
I
believe to my soul : that your daddy's going fall down
From
Memphis to Norfolk : is a thirty‑six hour's ride
A
man is like a prisoner : and he's never satisfied
A
woman is like a dresser : with a man always rambling through its drawers
It
caused so many men : wear an apron overall
From
four until late : she give us a no‑good bunching clown
Now
she won't do nothing : but tear a good man's reputation down
When
I leave this town : I'm going to bid you fare farewell
And
when I return again : you'll have a great long story to tell
�������� Dallas, 20 June 1937
�������� (DAL‑394‑2) ARC‑7‑09‑56
Co CL‑1654
I've
got to keep moving : blues falling down like hail
And
the days keep on worrying me : there's a hellhound on my trail
If
today was Christmas Eve : and tomorrow was Christmas Day
All
I would need my little sweet rider : just to pass the time away
You
sprinkled hot‑foot powder : mmm around my door
It
keeps me with a rambling mind rider : every old place I go
I
can tell the wind is rising : the leaves trembling on the trees
All
I need my little sweet woman : and to keep my company
�������� Dallas, 20 June 1937
�������� (DAL‑395‑?) Vo‑04108
Co C‑30034
Mmm
she is a little queen of spades : and the men will not let her be
Every
time she makes a spread : a cold chill runs all over me
Well
I'm going to get me a gambling woman : the last thing that I do
A
man don't need a woman : ooo fair brown he got to give all of his money to
And
everybody say she got a mojo : [because she, baby you] been using that stuff
She
got a way trimmering down : ooo well babe and I mean it's most too tough
Well
well little girl says I'm the king : fair brown and you is the queen
Let's
we put our heads together : ooo fair brown then we can make our money green
�������� Dallas, 20 June 1937
�������� (DAL‑395‑?) Vo‑04108
His HLP‑31
Now
she is a little queen of spades : and the men will not let her be
Every
time she makes a spread : ooo fair brown cold chills just runs all over me
I'm
going to get me a gambling woman : if the last thing that I do
Well
a man don't need a woman : ooo fair brown that he got to give all his money to
Everybody
says she got a mojo : [because, now] she's been using that stuff
Says
she got a way of trimming it down : ooo fair brown and I mean it's most too
tough
Now
little girl say I'm the king : baby and you is the queen
Let's
us put our heads together : ooo fair brown then we can make our money green
�������� Dallas, 20 June 1937
������ ��(DAL‑396‑1) ARC‑7‑10‑65
Co C‑30034
I
keep drinking malted milk : trying to drink my blues away
Baby
you just as welcome to my loving : as the flowers is in may
Malted
milk malted milk : keep rushing to my head
And
I have a funny funny feeling : that I'm talking all out my head
Baby
fix me one more drink : and hug your daddy one more time
Keep
on spilling my malted milk mama : until I change my mind
My
doorknob keeps on turning : it must be spooks around my bed
I
have a warm old feeling : and the hair rising on my head
�������� Dallas, 20 June 1937
�������� (DAL‑397‑1) ARC unissued
Co C‑30034
I'm
a [poor] drunken‑hearted man : my life seems so misery
And
if I could only change my way of living : it would mean so much to me
I've
been drunk and I've been driven : ever since I left my mother's home
And
I can't see the reason why : that I can't leave these no‑good womens
alone
My
poor father died and left me : and my mother done the best that she could
Every
man loves that game you call love : but it don't mean no man no good
I'm
a poor drunken‑hearted man : and sin was the cause of it all
But
the day you get weak for no‑good women : that's the day that you surely
fall
�������� Dallas, 20 June 1937
������ ��(DAL‑397‑2) ARC unissued Rt
RL-314
I'm
a [poor] drunken‑hearted man : my life seems so misery
And
if I could only change my way of living : it would mean so much to me
I've
been dogged and I've been driven : ever since I left my mother's home
And
I can't see the reason why : that I can't leave these no‑good womens
alone
My
poor father died and left me : and my mother done the best that she could
Every
man loves that game you call love : but it don't mean no man no good
I'm
the poor drunken‑hearted man : and sin was the cause of it all
But
the way you get weak for no‑good women : that's the day that you surely
fall
�������� Dallas, 20 June 1937
�������� (DAL‑398‑2) ARC unissued
Co CL‑1654
Early
this morning : when you knocked upon my door
And
I said hello Satan : I believe it's time to go
Me
and the devil : was walking side by side
I'm
going to beat my woman : until I get satisfied
She
said you knows the way : that I always dog her around
It
must've be that old evil spirit : so deep down in the ground
You
may bury my body : down by the highway side
So
my old evil spirit : can get a Greyhound bus and ride
�������� Dallas, 20 June 1937
�������� (DAL‑399‑1) Vo‑04002
Co C‑30034
Every
time I'm walking : down the street
Some
pretty mama : starts breaking down with me
Stop
breaking down : yeah stop breaking down
The
stuff I got about you breaking down : ooo it will make you lose your mind
I
can't walk the streets : nor com‑ *compelate* my mind
Some
no‑good woman : she starts breaking down
Now
you Saturday night women : you love to ape and clown
You
won't do nothing : but tear a good man's reputation down
Now
I gave my baby now : the ninety‑nine degree
She
jumped up : and throwed a pistol down on me
I
can't start walking : down the street
When
some pretty mama : starts breaking down on me
�������� Dallas, 20 June 1937
�������� (DAL‑400‑2) ARC unissued
Co CL‑1654
If
your man gets personal : want to have your fun
Just
come on back to Friar's Point mama : and barrelhouse all night long
I've
got womens in Vicksburg : clean on into Tennessee
But
my Friar's point rider now : hops all over me
I
ain't going to state no color : but her front teeth crowned with gold
She
got a mortgage on my body : and a lien on my soul
Lord
I'm going to Rosedale : going to take my rider by my side
We
can still barrelhouse baby : because it's on the riverside
�������� Dallas, 20 June 1937
�������� (DAL‑401‑ ) Vo‑04002
Co C‑30034
Betty
Mae Betty Mae : you shall be my wife some day
I
wants a little sweet girl : that will do anything that I say
Betty
Mae you is my heart‑strings : you is my destiny
And
you rode across my mind : baby each and every day
Little
girl little girl : my life seems so misery
Baby
I guess it must be love now : ooo Lord that's taken effect on me
Some
day I will return : with a marriage license in my hand
I'm
going to take you for a honeymoon : in some long long distant land
�������� Dallas, 20 June 1937
�������� (DAL‑402‑?) Vo‑04630
Co C‑30034
And
I followed her to the station : with a suitcase in my hand
Well
it's hard to tell it's hard to tell : when all your love's in vain
When
the train rolled up to the station : I looked her in the eye
Well
I was lonesome I felt so lonesome : and I could not help but cry
The
train it left the station : with two lights on behind
Well
the blue light was my blues : and the red light was my mind
�������� Dallas, 20 June 1937
���� ����(DAL‑402‑?) Vo‑04630 His
HLP‑31
I
followed her to the station : with my suitcase in my hand
Well
it's hard to tell it's hard to tell : when all your love's in vain
When
the train rolled up to the station : and I looked her in the eye
Well
I felt so lonesome I was lonesome : and I could not help but cry
When
the train it left the station : with two lights on behind
Well
the blue light was my blues : and the red light was my mind
�������� Dallas, 20 June 1937
�������� (DAL‑403‑2) ARC‑7‑10‑65
Yz L‑1026
Tell
me milkcow : what on earth is wrong with you
Well
well you have a new calf : ooo and your milk is turning blue
Your
calf is hungry : and I believe he needs a suck
Well
now but your milk is turning blue : ooo and I believe he's out of luck
Now
I feel like milking : and my cow won't come
I
feel like churning : and my milk won't turn
I'm
crying please : please don't do me wrong
You
can give right milk and butter now baby : who will stay at home
My
milkcow been rambling : ooo wee for miles around
She
been suckling some other bullcow : ooo Lord in a strange man's town
�������� Dallas, 20 June 1937
�������� (DAL‑403‑3) ARC unissued
Co CL‑1654
Tell
me milkcow : what on earth is wrong with you
Now
you have a little new calf : ooo and your milk is turning blue
Now
your calf is hungry : I believe he needs a suck
But
your milk is turning blue : ooo I believe he's out of luck
Now
I feel like milking : and my cow won't come
I
feel like churning : and my milk won't turn
I'm
crying please : please don't do me wrong
If
you see my milkcow baby now : please drive her home
My
milkcow been rambling : ooo wee for miles around
Now
she been suckling some other man's bullcow : ooo in a strange man's town
�������� Memphis, 16 Feb. 1928
�������� (400250‑B) OK‑8838 Rt RL‑316
I
was born in the state : of old Arkansas
Where
they don't allow : no Mississippi women there at all
I'm
going I'm going : back to my old home to stay
And
you'll find me : hanging around the levee both night and day
Then
after I walk the levee : from end to end
I'll
go to Sweet Mama Alley : go and get my hooch and gin
I've
tried old jelly : and old *loosha* too
But
me and my gin house liquor : well we sure can do
I
don't see why : white folks don't have no blues
They
got all kinds of money : and brownskin women too
When
you go to Vicksburg : please ask for old dripper king
For
he's the bootlegging fellow : your *turkey* sure can swing
�������� Memphis, 3 Feb. 1928
�������� (41836‑2) Vi‑21279 OJL‑8
I
asked for water : and she gave me gasoline
Crying
Lord I wonder : will I ever get back home
I
went to the depot : looked up on the board
I
asked the conductor : how long has this eastbound train been gone
It
done taken your faro : blowed its smoke on you
Lord
I asked the conductor : could I ride the blinds
Son
buy your ticket buy your ticket : because the train ain't none of mine
�������� Memphis, 3 Feb. 1928
�������� (41837‑2) Vi‑21279 Rt RL‑330
Crying
I ain't going down : this big road by myself
If
I don't carry you : going to carry somebody else
Crying
sun going to shine : in my back door some day
And
the wind going to change : going to blow my blues away
What
makes you do me : like you do do do
Now
you think you going to do me : like you done poor Cherry Red
Taken
the poor boy's money now : sure Lord won't take mine
�������� Memphis, 4 Feb. 1928
�������� (41838‑1) Vi‑21409 Yz L‑1007
Crying
by‑and‑by : baby by‑and‑by
Says
Good Book tell you : reap just what you sow
Going
to reap it now : or baby reap it by‑and‑by
Well
I'm going away : won't be back till fall
If
I meet my good gal : then baby won't be back at all
Well
it's two trains running : running side by side
You
got my woman : babe I know you're satisfied
�������� Memphis, 4 Feb. 1928
�������� (41839‑2) Vi‑21409 Rt RL‑330
Mmm
who's that yonder : coming down the road
Well
it looks like Maggie : baby but she walks too slow
Mmm
sun going to shine : in my back door some day
And
the wind going to change : going to blow my blues away
Mmm
see see rider : see what you done done
You
done made me love you : now you're trying to put me down
Well
I'm going away Lord : won't be back till fall
And
if I meet my good gal : well I won't be back at all
�������� Memphis, 31 Aug. 1928
�������� (45462‑2) Vi‑V38535 His
HLP‑31
Crying
canned heat mama : sure Lord killing me
Takes
alcorub : to take these canned heat blues
Crying
mama mama mama : you know canned heat killing me
Canned
heat don't kill me : crying babe I'll never die
I
woke up up this morning : with canned heat on my mind
I
woked up up this morning : crying canned heat around my bed
Run
here somebody : take these canned heat blues
Crying
mama mama mama : crying canned heat killing me
Believe
to my soul : Lord it going to kill me dead
�������� Memphis, 31 Aug. 1928
��������
(45463‑1) Vi unissued His HLP‑31
Won't
you wash my jumper : starch my overalls
I'm
going to find my woman : says she's in the world somewhere
Well
it's good to you mama : sure Lord killing me
I
wonder : do my rider think of [poor] me
Lord
if she did : she would sure Lord feel my care
I
woke up this morning : said my morning prayers
I
ain't got no woman : speak in my behalf
�������� Memphis, 31 Aug. 1928
�������� (45463‑2) Vi unissued His HLP‑31
Won't
you wash my jumper : starch my overalls
I'm
going to find my woman : says she's in this world somewhere
I
wonder : do my good girl think of me
Crying
if she did : she would sure Lord feel my care
Honey
it's good to you : mama sure Lord killing me
I
woke up this morning : said my morning prayers
I
ain't got no woman : to speak in my behalf
�������� Memphis, 31 Aug. 1928
�������� (45465‑1) Vi‑38535 Rt RL‑330
Crying
big fat mama : meat shaking on her bones
Time
the meat shake : it's a sign a woman lose her home
Mmm
going away mama : won't be back till fall
Big
fat mama : with the meat shaking on her bones
Mmm
no need to holler : I got to murmur low
Big
fat mama : Lord meat shake on her bones
Mmm
time meat shake : it's sign a fatmouth lose his home
Mmm
what's the matter rider : where did you stay last night
Hair
all down baby : and you won't treat me right
Mmm
big fat mama : meat shaking on her bones
�������� Grafton, Wis., c. Jan. 1930
�������� (L‑230‑2) Pm‑13000
Yz L‑1007
Lonesome
place : don't seem like it's home to me
Lord
I woke up this morning : blues all around my bed
Had
the blues so bad mama : till I couldn't raise up my head
If
you want to live easy : pack your clothes with mine
Mmm
soon one morning : blues come falling down
Well
they fell so heavy : that it caused my heart to moan
Well
I'm going back home : going to fall down on my knees
Says
I'll acknowledge now pretty baby : that I treated you mean
�������� Grafton, Wis., c. Jan. 1930
��� �����(L‑245‑2) Pm‑13000 Yz L‑1007
Hitch
up my buggy : saddle up my black mare
Find
my woman : because she's out in the world somewhere
Aah
if I call you : and you will fail to come
If
I call you mama : going to sure Lord call your name
I
been drinking all night gal : did the night before
Been
drunk baby : and I ain't got sober yet
Mmm
: I ain't going to tell you no more
Told
you last night mama : what I did the night before
Says
you going to have : a rounder for your own
�������� New York, c. June 1923
�������� (1473‑1) Pm‑12052 His HLP‑15
Woke
up this morning : blues all around my bed
I
didn't have my daddy : to hold my aching head
I
know the blues ain't nothing : but a woman wants to see her man
Because
every time my man leaves me : Lord knows I feel so bad
You
can never tell : what's on a brownskin man's mind
He'll
be hugging and kissing you : and quit you all the time
�������� Dallas, c. Nov. 1929
������ ��(DAL‑460‑ ) Vo‑1452 Rt RL‑327
Early
one morning : I set down in my door
Lord
I sitting here wondering : where in the world can a good man go
I
hear my rider hollering : way up on the hill
Said
I know it's my rider : she got a voice like a whippoorwill
I'm
going to get you a ticket : going to take you on away from here
Lord
if you never come back : Lord I will never care
I'm
going to write my name : up on my baby's back door
So
she can see my name : if she never see me no more
�������� Dallas, c. Nov. 1929
�������� (DAL‑461‑ ) Vo‑1452
Rt RL‑327
I
ain't got no money : nobody won't loan me none
Said
I heard my rider was dead : and I sure want to get back home
If
I had good luck Lord : like I once have had
Says
I won't have to worry : about the trouble I had
I
went to the graveyard : looked in my baby's face
Says
I love you rider : but I can't take your place
The
little boy's hollering extra : people did you read the news
Says
I done killed my rider : and I got them Leavenworth blues
�������� Dallas, 6 Dec. 1925
�������� (145344‑3) Co‑14290‑D
Rt RL‑312
I
tried to love you : way back on my young days
You
were so evil‑hearted : throwed all my good love away
Mmm
: what's the matter now
But
now you want to quit me : and you don't know how
I'm
going down to the river : take me a rocking chair
If
the blues overtake me : rock away from there
�������� Dallas, 5 Dec. 1928
�������� (147566‑1) Co‑14387‑D
His HLP‑17
That
mean T P [railroad, railway] : sure has done me wrong
It
let that Sunshine Special : carry my good gal from home
The
blues : come down like showers of rain
I
couldn't see nothing : but smoke from that train
Every
time I hear : that Sunshine Special blow
It
makes me : want to pack up all my clothes and go
�������� Dallas, 6 Dec. 1929
�������� (149558‑2) Co‑14489‑D
Fwy FA‑2951
First
night that I went home : drunk as I could be
There's
another mule in the stable : where my mule ought to be
Come
here honey : explain yourself to me
How
come another mule in the stable : where my mule ought to be
Oh
crazy oh silly : can't you plainly see
That's
nothing but a milkcow : where your mule ought to be
I've
traveled this world over : million times or more
Saddle
on a milkcow's back : I've never seen before
Second
night when I got home : as drunk as I could be
There's
another coat on the coat rack : where my coat ought to be
Come
here honey : explain this thing to me
How
come another coat on the coat rack : where my coat ought to be
Oh
crazy oh silly : can't you plainly see
Nothing
but a bed quilt : where your coat ought to be
I've
traveled this world over : million times or more
Pockets
in a bed quilt : I've never seen before
The
third night when I went home : drunk as I could be
There's
another head on the pillow : where my head ought to be
Come
here honey come here : explain this thing to me
How
come another head on the pillow : where my head ought to be
Oh
crazy oh silly : can't you plainly see
That's
nothing but a cabbage head : that your grandma sent to me
I've
traveled this world over : million times or more
Hair
on a cabbage head : I've never seen before
�������� Dallas, 6 Dec. 1929
������ ��(149559‑2) Co‑14489‑D Rt RL‑315
I
washes hard : both day and night
Catch
you arguing with that fellow : you going to have a miserable fight
Ashes
to ashes : dust to dust
The
police don't get you : now the undertaker must
�������� Aurora, Ill., 13 Mar. 1938
�������� (020120‑1) BB‑B7616 RCA
INT‑1175
I
was standing at the station : wondering what train boys must I ride
Lord
I'm on my way down in Louisiana : I believe I'll wait here for the Katy Fly
My
woman left me this morning : left me wondering all to myself
Lord
she said she didn't love me no more boys : wonder do she love anybody else
Ain't
but the two old roads : boys I did not want to ride
Lordy
that Southern Pacific now boys : and you know the Katy Fly
I
got the railroad blues bad : I got the boxcars on my running mind
Now
every time I get to studying about my sweet woman : boys I can hardly keep from
crying
�������� Aurora, Ill., 13 Mar. 1938
�������� (020124‑1) BB‑B7616 RCA
INT‑1175
Now
I can remember my baby : it was late one Friday night
Now
you know you mistreat me woman : you know you didn't do me right
I
walked and I walked baby : I walked to see you both night and day
Oh
now you know I give you my money baby : womans and I lets you have your doggone
way
Farewell
baby : you going to need my help again
Now
you said that you didn't knowed that I was coming baby : you� wouldn't have even let me in
Now
the troubles that I'm having : woman you was the cause of it all
Now
you even had me down walking baby : I could hardly but crawl along
�������� Dallas, c. Oct. 1929
�������� (DAL‑473‑ ) Br‑7130
His HLP‑2
I'm
going to buy me a pistol : hang it up side the wall
I'm
going to stop that jellybean : from kicking in my stall
I
got a long tall woman : she don't do nothing but run around
Every
time I leave : she don't do nothing but mess around
My
woman's got a new way of loving : a monkey‑man can't catch on
When
he knows anything : she done got his dollar and gone
�������� Dallas, c. Oct. 1929
�������� (DAL‑474‑ ) Br‑7130
His HLP‑2
I
was shipwrecked on the ocean : throwed off on the southern sea
When
you get to Chicago : pretty mama please remember me
I
was standing beside the ocean : looking across on the other side
My
woman got little bitty legs : but man what a noble thigh
I
went down to the ocean : just to get a permanent wave
My
woman got a new way of loving : man and it won't behave
When
it storms on the ocean : you cannot see the sky
If
I don't love you pretty mama : I will pray to die
�������� San Antonio, 15 June 1929
�������� (402647‑A) OK‑8712 His HLP‑32
I
got a woman in Dallas : got one in San Antone too
I
pick this one in San Antone : I don't know what this poor girl in Dallas going
to do
She
got nine gold teeth people : all that wavy hair
And
if you ever come in San Antone : you going to find my sweet woman there
I
never mistreated my baby : boy but I do wrong myself
For
if I be mean to my woman : she will really quit and take someone else
Mmm
baby : oh don't you think I know
Said
I want to make an end of her people : and shake hands and go
I
went to bed last night : I rolled from side to side
Honey
I didn't have no blues really : but things wasn't going on right
I
want someone to tell me : oh what Lord have mercy means
So
if it means anything : well Lord have mercy on me
I'm
going back to Dallas : oh don't you want to go
Honey
I'm going to stop in towns : I believe that I haven't never been before
�������� San Antonio, 15 June 1929
�������� (402648‑A) OK‑8712 His HLP‑32
I
said listen baby : honey I can't move no more
Oh
these blues crawling up my windows : and traveling up under my door
Some
womens weeps like a willow : some only sack of dough
But
your life in misery : the minute that you ain't with the woman you love
Mmm
: mmm
Lord
it's something telling me : keeps on troubling me
Will
you please tell the judge : don't have a trial till June
Because
I got a working baby : let me see what my woman can do
People
here she come in the evening : honey hundred in her hand
She
had done robbed some fatmouth : who really looking for her man
Tell
me sweet baby : honey what's on your mind
You
keep a poor man troubled : really looking down‑hearted all the time
Mmm
baby : honey don't you think I know
Said
I wouldn't make a man love her : if he wouldn't shake hands and go
Lord
I'm going to Louisiana : going to get me a hoodoo hand
I'm
going to stop my woman : and fix it so she can't have another man
�������� San Antonio, 21 June 1929
�������� (402698‑A) OK‑8794 Yz L‑1010
Mr
Ferris Mr Ferris : let your womenfolks go
I
done trying to get my sweet woman : like Mr Ferris got his girl
Mmm
: baby don't you think I know
Pretty
woman like a man : love him people and shake hands and go
No
you never take a woman : speaking about to be your friend
Oh
she get all of your money : then look what a hole you're in
I
went to bed last night : keep a‑rolling from side to side
I
didn't have no blues : understand that things wasn't going right
When
you catch me sleeping : baby don't you think I'm drunk
I's
a‑got one on the dresser : keep the other one on your trunk
Tell
me sweet baby : all what's on your mind
You
keep a poor man troubled : really looking down‑hearted all the time
�������� San Antonio, 21 June 1929
�������� (402699‑A) OK‑8735 Yz L‑1010
I
know this eagle's on a dollar : other side In God We Trust
Well
a woman loves a man : but I know this dollar's first
Have
you ever loved a woman : man that didn't love you
Then
you have the worried blues : to bother you the whole night through
Well
I'm going sweet baby : honey don't you want to go
Well
I may stop in town : where I haven't never been before
Sometime
you hear me singing : Nearer My God To Thee
Then
again you hear me singing : sweet Atlanta blues to you
�������� San Antonio, 21 June 1929
�������� (402700‑A) OK‑8794 Yz L‑1032
Oh
the train pass by : oh with my sweet baby inside
And
when I looked up and seen her : couldn't help but hang my head and cry
She
gets her water at *Fairman* : coal at *Shabama Mines*
And
I wouldn't let everybody ride : but people you know the train ain't mine
I
said good morning conductor : oh please let a broke man ride
Because
I want to see my sweet woman : just one more time before she get on
Said
I'm tired of hearing me singing : Our Father Kingdom Come
Another
year you hear me moaning : Lord let Thy will be done
�������� San Antonio, 21 June 1929
�������� (402701‑B) OK‑8735 Rt RL‑315
I
remember one time people : oh it is in nineteen and twenty‑four
Something
happened that year : that I never want to see no more
I
remember one time : oh it is in nineteen twenty‑one
They
say I got to watch my sweet woman : she's running from sun to sun
I
thought : that my woman oh was treating me right
But
oh when I went down to call for her : she didn't do nothing but fuss and fight
I
never earned nothing : oh so much to hurt me so
Oh
when I was talking to my babe that morning : and she told me that I didn't
Mmm
: baby what's on your mind
Oh
you want to be mean to me woman : give me a good word all the time
�������� San Antonio, 14 June 1930
�������� (404198‑B) OK‑8815 Yz L‑1004
Well
I'm leaving sweet baby : can't carry you
Well
I'm leaving sweet baby : don't you want to go
Well
I tried to love a sweet mama : but she couldn't understand
But
I know she realized the trouble : since she met another man
�������� San Antonio, 14 June 1930
�������� (404199‑B) OK‑8829 Yz L‑1032
I
say you got a sweet woman : man which you just don't understand
The
man needs to take you women : and move across the no man's land
Mmm
: ain't going to [sing, blow] no more
Blues
done called up my woman : and traveled her and brought her up to my door
I
want you to take me on with you baby : let you ease me down across your bed
I
want you talk baby‑talk to me : and then suck my tongue cherry red
�������� San Antonio, 14 June 1930
�������� (404300‑A) OK‑8829 Yz L‑1032
Just
as sure as the train come in San Antone : then ease up in the yard
It's
going to take two dollars and a quarter : I declare to send me a postal card
Mmm
baby : oh honey what's on your mind
Because
you really keeps me troubled : and I think about you all the time
I'm
going to move to the bottom : camp out on the ground
Every
morning I'll call my woman : to see have my coat found
I
got a woman in San Antone : I declare that is sweet to me
Because
the people don't know she's here : but she lives on Cherry Street
Mmm
: Lord Lord Lordy Lord
I
want Eddie Duncan : listen to be my brother‑in‑law
Well
I'll tell you men something : know you ain't going to think it's so
�������� New York, 14 Oct. 1924
�������� (140104‑2) Co‑14044‑D
VJM VLP‑23
Four‑flushing
papa : what kind of man is you
Four‑flushing
papa : you thrill me through and through
I've
never been crazy : about men
Who
ain't done no strutting : since the Lord knows when
Four‑flushing
papa : what have you done to me
Because
when you leave me : I'm blue as blue can be
Now
when I get a payday : I don't have no plans
Keep
a quarter for myself : have to give to my man
Now
when I get a payday : right to you I go
You
take it all papa : because it's all yours
�������� New York, 14 Oct. 1924
�������� (140105‑1) Co‑14044‑D
VJM VLP‑23
I
got the blues : blue as blue can be
Because
these no‑good gals : trying to backbite me
Now
these backbiters : don't live long I'm told
So
you'd better watch out : doggone your bad‑luck soul
Just
let your conscience : be your safety guide
*Anything
wrong* with me : *is a mitten to a side*
It's
one more thing : I can't understand
Why
these trifling gals : run after a good gal's man
Take
my advice : and please don't lose your head
If
you take my man : sure going to wake up dead
�������� New York, 13 Nov. 1924
�������� (140134‑3) Co‑14047‑D
VJM VLP‑23
Every
time : I see a railroad track
Feel
like riding : feel like going back
Catch
a train : that's headed for the South
Going
back south : to get smacked in the mouth
Got
a man : way down old Texas way
Going
to meet him : ain't got time to stay
Got
the boxcar blues : feel like a tramp
Going
to be down : in a Texas camp
Told
the engineer : to drive them down
Broke
and hungry : tired of tramping around
Boxcar
boxcar : don't you carry two
Ride
me ride me : sooth my boxcar blues
�������� New York, 13 Nov. 1924
�������� (140135‑3) Co‑14047‑D
VJM VLP‑23
Western
Union : send this telegram
To
my man : way down in Birmingham
???
: please don't play today
So
disgusted : got no place to stay
Send
me car fare : want to come back home
When
I get back : never will I roam
Am
I hungry : I ain't nothing but
Stomach's
empty : think my throat is stuck
�������� New York, 9 Dec. 1924
�������� (140171‑2) Co‑14050‑D
VJM VLP‑23
The
road to hardship : leads right to the poorhouse door
I'm
going there : and ain't coming back no more
Poorhouse
poorhouse : open wide your poorhouse gate
I'm
down and out : now I know it's too late
Spent
my money : spent it on my so‑called friends
And
now I'm broke : that's where their friendship ends
Here's
the wagon : it's come to take me away
In
the poorhouse : I'll be till Judgment Day
�������� New York, 10 Dec. 1924
�������� (140174‑2) Co‑14063‑D
VJM VLP‑23
Anybody
here want to try my cabbage : just step this way
Anybody
here like to buy good cabbage : just holler hey
There's
no sweeter cabbage : anywhere in town
You
can have it boiled : until it's nice and brown
Gave
some to the parson : and he shook with glee
He
took up collection : gave it all to me
Gave
it to a corn doctor : to fix my feet
Every
time he sees me : he wants to eat
Gave
some to the jailor : who turned the key on me
When
I got through feeding him : he said gal you're free
�������� New York, 10 Dec. 1924
�������� (140175‑2) Co‑14050‑D
VJM VLP‑23
Hear
the thunder rumbling : see the lightning flash
Devil
is a‑groaning : listen to that crash
The
trees are breaking : shaking all around
The
wind is howling : hear that wicked sound
Gee
I'm frightened : nearly scared to death
That's
why I'm hiding : I'm all out of breath
My
man's cruel : left me all alone
In
the darkness : I just weep and moan
The
storm is raging : I know what I'll do
I'll
start in praying : till the storm is through
�������� New York, 17 Dec. 1924
�������� (140187‑1) Co‑14059‑D
VJM VLP‑23
I
got on : my walking shoes
I'm
going to walk : away my blues
He
stays out late : every night
Comes
back home : and wants to fight
Whiskey
: and trifling men
In
the jail : would be my end
�������� New York, 17 Dec. 1924
�������� (140188‑1) Co‑14055‑D
VJM VLP‑23
Talk
about blues : you ought to hear mine
The
man I love : keeps me worried all the time
One
thing I hate : I can't have my way
The
man that mistreat me : should be buried today
The
better I treat him : the worse he treats me
I'm
going to keep a good man : wherever he can be
You
can always call : your good man's hand
Just
let him know : that you got another man
�������� New York, 17 Dec. 1924
�������� (140191‑2) Co‑14055‑D
VJM VLP‑23
Can't
sell no whiskey : I can't sell no gin
Ain't
got no money : to buy my winter coat
Can't
save a dollar : to save my doggone soul
I
can't keep open : I'm going to close the shack
The
chief of police : done tore my playhouse down
No
use in grieving : I'm going to leave this town
�������� New York, 18 Dec. 1924
�������� (140192‑2) Co‑14063‑D
VJM VLP‑23
Now
you may go : but you'll come back some day
And
you'll be sorry : that you went away
When
you think of my good loving : that's the time you'll find
That
none of your flip‑floppers : going to satisfy your mind
You
miss my love and kisses : and you wish you back home
But
someone else : will be picking on your chicken bones
I've
got another daddy : and he's sweet as can be
And
what I like about him : he just idolize me
You
might back up in your stable : when the snow begins to fall
But
you'll find another mule : just kicking in your stall
�������� New York, 18 Dec. 1924
�������� (140193‑2) Co‑14059‑D
VJM VLP‑23
Everybody
in this world : got something that they crave
And
when they get just what they want : then you see them rave
Poor
folks crave fine clothes and money : rich folks crave the gold
But
what I crave is loving : that will satisfy my soul
And
when he kisses me : Lordy knows
A
funny feeling : goes from my head to my toes
�������� New York, 1 Apr. 1925
�������� (140489‑3) Co‑14070‑D
VJM VLP‑23
I'm
like a red‑hot stove : I'm burning down
And
the *moon is* ??? : in this man's town
I'm
low and ornery : don't care what I do
Feel
like cutting my man : half in two
A
hornets' nest : don't mean a thing to me
I
been stung so much : I'm up a tree
Now
dynamite : ain't got a chance you see
I'm
red‑hot : and dangerous as can be
�������� New York, 1 Apr. 1925
�������� (140490‑3) Co‑14070‑D
VJM VLP‑23
If
somebody finds me : when I'm dead and gone
Say
I did self‑murder : I died with my boots on
Took
a Smith and Wesson : and blew out my brain
Didn't
take no poison : I couldn't stand the strain
No
I ain't no coward : and I'll tell you why
I
was tired of living : but wasn't scared to die
Take
me to the graveyard : put me in the ground
Please
write on my tombstone : my daddy threw me down
In
my farewell letter : someone's sure to find
So
goodbye old cold world : I'm glad you're left behind
�������� New York, 16 Apr. 1925
�������� (140533‑2) Co‑14092‑D
VJM VLP‑23
Six
pallbearers : take his to his last go‑round
Going
to place him : 'neath six feet of ground
Cemetery
: sure is one old lonesome place
When
you're dead : they throw dirt in your face
Yes
I loved him : but he trifled with my heart
Had
to shoot him : because he was too smart
Went
gay‑cutting : with another sealskin brown
Rambled
: till the butcher cut him down
�������� New York, 16 Apr. 1925
�������� (140534‑2) Co‑14092‑D
VJM VLP‑23
Going
north child : where I can be free
Where
there's no hardships : like in Tennessee
Going
where : they don't have Jim Crow laws
Don't
have to work there : like in Arkansas
When
I cross : the Mason‑Dixon Line
Goodbye
old *gallion* : mama's going a‑flying
Going
to daddy : got no time to lose
*So
I won't be alone* : can hear my northbound blues
�������� New York, 5 May 1925
�������� (140584‑1) Co‑14074‑D
VJM VLP‑25
Don't
know what to do with myself : at night
Don't
know anyone : that will treat me right
Listen
I don't mean maybe : but you know
Take
it from me : and don't you call my bluff
Need
the kind of loving : that will make my heart beat
The
sort that will thrill me : from my head to my feet
��� �����New York, 17 Sept. 1925
�������� (140951‑4) Co‑14127‑D
VJM VLP‑25
I'm
a backbiting mama : looking for a cheating man
When
you start double‑crossing : you play right into my hand
If
you stay out all night : and come home at four
You'll
get back in time : to see me unlock my door
You
can tell the world : I ain't no fool
I
learned backbiting : when I went to school
�������� New York, 17 Sept. 1925
�������� (140952‑3) Co‑14114‑D
VJM VLP‑25
I've
got the Dallas blues : and the Main Street heart disease
Buzzing
around my head : like a swarm of little honeybees
I'm
going to put myself : on a Santa Fe and go
To
that Texas town : where you never see the ice and snow
I
wonder : if my sweet baby will wait for me
Maybe
someone else :
�������� New York, 18 Sept. 1925
�������� (140965‑3) Co‑14127‑D
VJM VLP‑25
If
you see a blind man : on the street
Just
remember : that he's got to eat
You
can't live : in this big world alone
You
might have : the finest kind of home
No
one ever knows: what the future has in store
Never
drive : a beggar from your door
�������� New York, 29 Sept. 1925
�������� (141056‑1) Co‑14102‑D
VJM VLP‑25
I
don't feel welcome : I'm going to blow
Your
ways and actions : really ails me so
Crying
and weeping : won't do me no good
I'm
a lonesome mama : need someone to chop my wood
I'm
going to keep on going : till I find a mate
Then
I will quit wandering : before it's too late
�������� New York, 29 Sept. 1925
�������� (141057‑2) Co‑14102‑D
VJM VLP‑25
If
you start telling her : he's got the stuff
She
will walk right in : and make your home life tough
If
your good man can please you : don't tell a soul
Just
keep him well supplied : with down‑home jellyroll
If
he's got a little something : not like the rest
Just
keep him busy : he will never leave your nest
He
beats you *then* and loves you : pay that no mind
Because
what you got must suit him : that's the surest sign
�������� New York, 7 May 1926
�������� (142165‑3) Co‑14243‑D
VJM VLP‑25
The
man I love : is oh so good to me
I'm
just crazy : want the world to see
Buys
me clothes : like I never had
*Now
all* : it used to be *the mad*
I
have to pinch myself : to see if I'm awake
Meals
with him : all taste like wedding cake
�������� New York, 7 May 1926
�������� (142167‑?) Co‑14139‑D
VJM VLP‑25
I'm
a real kind mama : looking for a loving man
I
ain't got nobody : who will come and claim my hand
Now
all I want : is all your love
At
morning noon and night : that's all I'm thinking of
�������� Chicago, c. mid June 1930
�������� (C‑5834‑ ) Vo‑1557
Yz L‑1018
Now
it's too late to holler baby : too late to weep and moan
Too
late to holler great God : when that stack of dollars done gone
Well
it's mama mama mama : what that you got in that grip
That's
nothing but a stack of dollars : you babe going to take a little trip
I'm
sitting on a stack of dollars : just as high as I am tall
If
you be my little old baby : you sure can have them all
Well
it's baby baby : I tell you what I will do
I
will give you stack of dollars : just to make one more night with you
You
can mistreat me baby : do anything you want to do
Some
day you going to want me : but your baby won't want you
Now
I'm going to sing this verse baby : and I ain't going to sing no more
For
that stack of dollars is worrying me : Lord and I got to go
�������� Chicago, c. mid June 1930
�������� (C‑5836‑ ) Vo‑1511
Yz L‑1030
I
went to the river : couldn't get across
I
jumped on your papa : because I thought he was a horse
Up
she jumped : down she fell
Her
mouth flew open : like a mussel shell
You
sister was a teddy : your daddy was a bear
Put
the muzzle on your mama : because she had bad hair
If
you want to hear : that elephant laugh
Take
him down to the river : and wash his yas yas yas
If
you want to go to heaven : when you D I E
You
got to put on your collar : and your T I E
If
you want to get the rabbits : out the L O G
You
got to put on the stump : like a D O G
Run
here doctor : run here fast
See
what's the matter : with his yas yas yas
�������� Chicago, c. mid June 1930
�������� (C‑5837‑ ) Vo‑1511
Yz L‑1030
And
that Big Four the Big Four : is a mean old train to ride
She
took my babe away : and left me dissatisfied
Baby
is all I want mama : just one more crack at you
If
I can't make you love me : then I don't care what you do
Please
hold my head baby : and let my whiskey run down
Lord
I catch that Big Four : and beat it on back to town
When
I asked that woman : Lord to let me be her kid
She
say you might get buggish : Lord you won't keep it hid
I've
got the blues for my baby : my babe got the blues for me
For
she went and caught that Big Four : she beat it back to Tennessee
Just
a few more days : and a few more nights ain't long
You
going to reach for your boiler : and your plate will be gone
�� ������Chicago, c. mid June 1930:
�������� (C‑5840‑ ) Vo‑1528
Yz L‑1030
It's
too late too late : too late too late too late
Here
we are on our way to the holdover : and we cannot hesitate
Mmm
: these boards is killing me
Say
I know I am a criminal : but I always want to be free
Oh
no : these raids is killing me
*See
that woman* about it baby : Lord it's down in Tennessee
Mmm
: these raids is killing me
I
got the raiding squad blues : the holdover is killing poor me
When
the raid began : the people began to squall
The
sergeant said ain't no need a‑squalling : the captain said to bring you
all
When
I had money : my friends all ganged around
Now
I'm in this raid : my friends have all thrown me down
�������� Chicago, c. mid June 1930
�������� (C‑5841‑ ) Vo‑1528
Yz L‑1003
Baby
I'm going uptown : tell the chief police
My
woman quit me : I can't see no peace
She
keep me worried : bothered all the time
Well
I love you woman : love your husband too
I
have to love your husband : to get to be with you
Because
he don't allow : no man around his house
My
mama told me : my papa too
Don't
let no woman : be the death of you
She
don't allow me : to stay out all night long
What
you going to do : when they tear your barrelhouse down
Going
to pack my suitcase : hunt some other town
Well
they say everybody talking : about your honky‑tonky blues
Well
they say everybody talking : about your honky‑tonky baby
You
ought to see : that curly‑headed monkey‑head
Head
is curly : baby and bushy too
�������� Chicago, 19 Sept. 1930
�������� (C‑6164‑ ) Vo‑1551
Yz L‑1030
You
can always tell baby : when your woman going to treat you mean
If
you ask for a glass of water : she give you a glass of gasoline
Some
of these women : they sure to be ashamed
Babe
they go out and take money : from a man walking with a walking cane
What
makes you blow up baby : every time I speak to you
You
make me think : that you full of gasoline too
I've
got the trickiest woman : that you ever seen
Whenever
she get mad : she blows up just like gasoline
Won't
you let me tell you partner : what the gasoline women will do
They
will stay out all night long : then come home and blow up on you
Hey
baby : you just full of gas as you can be
Because
when you get drunk : you come home and blow up on me
Some
of these gasoline women : I just can't understand
They'll
cook *make one* for their husband : they'll chicken for their man
�������� Chicago, 17 Mar. 1931
�������� (VO‑141‑ ) Vo‑1611
Yz L‑1003
I
runned to the river : runned so fast
And
you couldn't see nothing : but that yas yas yas
If
you want to hear : that elephant grunt
You
take him down to the river : and then wash his trunk
Up
he jumped : down he fell
His
trap flew open : like a mussel shell
If
you keep it dirty : and I keep it clean
You
don't know : what keeping it dirty means
I
will tell you one thing : and I mean it
It
sure will take soap and water : for to keep it clean
The
terriblest sight : that I ever seen
Was
a cook cooking victuals : and his hands wasn't clean
You
got a head like a mouse : mouth like a goat
Every
time you see me : you looking for some soap
�������� Chicago, 17 Mar. 1931
�������� (VO‑143‑ ) Vo‑1611
Yz L‑1003
Well
it's everything I tell you : you run and tell your daddy‑law
I
ain't going to tell you nothing else : because you done run and tell your daddy‑law
And
it's everything I give you : you give it to your daddy‑law
Hey
my doggy jumped a rabbit : and he run him for a solid mile
When
he seen he couldn't catch him : so he cried just like a natural child
Yeah
your sister was a teddy : your daddy was a great big bear
Put
a rope around my neck : you can lead me anywhere
When
I asked that woman : to let me be her kid
She
say you might get mawkish : baby you won't keep it hid
�������� Chicago, 17 Mar. 1931
�������� (VO‑144) Vo‑1645 OJL‑20
Here
come my tight‑haired woman : I can tell by the way she walks
But
I know she be shaking that thing : because I can tell by the way she talks
I
don't want no tight‑haired woman : to cook no meat for me
Because
she's so tight‑haired and evil : I'm scared she might poison poor me
Now
your hair ain't curly : know your teeth ain't neither pearls
If
the men were asking for hair : you would have a hard time in this world
Babe
you know I did more for you : than the good Lord ever done
You
know I bought you some hair : because he sure didn't give you none
Now
if you got good hair : you want to keep it looking neat
Just
go down to the ten‑cents store : get you a nickel worth of
I
will tell you girls one thing : you know it really is true
Baby
now you got good hair : but you bought bought this from the Jew
�������� New York, 10 Apr. 1936
�������� (18980‑ ) ARC‑6‑09‑61
Yz L‑1021
I
went home last night baby : found my good gal there
I'm
going to leave you baby : traveling everywhere
I
said ain't it hard to leave you : hoo Lord going to travel everywhere
I
had a good home mama : Lord but I couldn't stay there
I
was down in jail baby : I went down on my knees
Been
so good to you honey : *good meat* for me
I
said hoo I'm going to leave you : hoo Lord traveling everywhere
I
had a good home baby : Lord but I wouldn't stay there
Have
you ever been down baby : way down in Polack Town
She
slashing and she twisting : till she turned my damper down
Won't
you tell me baby : who can your good man be
I
woke up this morning baby : with a hex all over me
I
can do more for you : than the good Lord ever done
I
can buy you foresight baby : when the Lord ain't give you none
�������� New York, 10 Apr. 1936
�������� (18982‑2) ARC‑6‑06‑61
Rt RL‑310
I
met my gal this morning : long long way from home
Ain't
no use drinking good baby : said I ain't got your water on
I'd
rather be dead baby : buried in the deep blue sea
Than
to be so far from home baby : people making a fool of me
Lord
my girl got something : sure Lord worries me
I
woke up soon this morning : had that thing all over me
Now
I got something to tell you : make your hair rise on your head
I
got a‑this old Elgin movement : make the springs tremble all on your bed
�������� New York, 10 Apr. 1936
�������� (18983‑1) ARC‑6‑06‑61
Rt RL‑310
If
you put your dirty black hands on me : I'm going to put you back in jail
Put
so many crimes against you loving baby : take a millionaire to go your bail
I
was walking down Main Street : looking for a zoo
???
*you trying to make* : *would make a ??? of* you
Tell
me pretty mama : where have you been
Don't
like whiskey : and you're drunk again
And
I'm going downtown : going to spread the news
A
big‑feet woman : wearing *broken* shoes
Now
if I get lucky : get a bottle of gin
*Pull
a number of* women : *to their* mighty few men
�������� Charlotte, N.C., 16 Aug. 1927
�������� (39819‑1) Vi unissued RCA INT‑1175
Children's
in the pulpit : mama trying to learn the Psalms
Now
the lowdown dirty deacon : done stole my gal and gone
Woke
up this morning : the family had the weary blues
Now
*must've* peep over in the corner : poor grandmammy had them too
I
did more for you woman : good Lordy ever done
Went
downtown and bought you good hair : and the Lord hadn't give you none
You
better stop your gal : from from tickling under my chin
You
going to run over some of these mornings : papa swear you can't get in
�������� Charlotte, N.C., 16 Aug. 1927
�������� (39819‑2) Vi‑21076 RBF RF‑9
Children's
in the pulpit : mama trying to learn the Psalms
Now
that lowdown dirty deacon : done stole my gal and gone
Woke
up this morning : the family had the weary blues
Poked
my head over in the corner : poor grandmammy had them too
I
did more for you woman : than the good Lord had ever done
Went
out town bought you good hair : and the Lord hadn't give you none
You
don't like your daddy : you got no right to carrying a stole
Hand
me back that wig I bought you : mama let your doggone head go bald
But
then I promised the good Lord : partner not to dig no coal
I'm
going to hang around the country : and try to sell some jellyroll
Some
men is crave for yellow women : some men like the teasing brown
I'm
a stranger in town mama : figuring on going the whole way down
She
squawk about my supper : she kicked me outdoors
She
had a nerve to ask me : would a matchbox hold my clothes
�������� Charlotte, N.C., 16 Aug. 1927
�������� (39821‑2) Vi‑21076 Rt RL‑326
I'm
going gal : don't you take me for no fool
I'm
not going to quit you pretty mama : whilst the weather's cool
Around
your back door : says honey I'm going to creep
As
long as : you make your two and a half a week
Now
I got a girl : she works in the white folk's yard
She
brings me meat : I can swear she brings me lard
Now
Barnum Bailey Circus : came to town
They
had a *stepper* : looking good and brown
They
didn't know : it was against the law
But
the monkey stopped : at a ??? drugstore
Stepped
around the corner : just a minute too late
Another
one sitting there : *to kick back eight*
Say
come on sister : with her nose all *spoiled*
The
doctor's gone : going to sell no more
Now
there's twenty‑two men came to my house : it was last Sunday morn
They
asked me was my wife at home : and I told she has long been gone
He
backed his wagon up to my door : took everything I had
He
carried it back to the furniture store : and I swear that I did feel sad
Saying
coke's for horses : not women or men
The
doctors say it'll kill you : but they didn't say when
�� ������New York, 18 Nov. 1929
�������� (57703‑1) Vi‑V38564 Rt RL‑318
Well
a‑my gal had quit me : the talks all over town
She
left me a note laying on the kitchen table : saying daddy I'm Alabama bound
I
went running to the station : wringing my hands and crying
Crying
come back pretty mama : God sakes don't go this time
I
done bought my ticket : daddy I'm compelled to ride
Say
you done know when you had me : man you couldn't be satisfied
Then
she showed me a ticket : just as long as my right arm
Have
to be riding it so long : I expect you dead and gone
I
had the railroad blues : I didn't have the railroad fare
Say
my shoes hold up : I mean to walk the distance there
I
woke up this morning : with traveling on my mind
Kept
a‑feeling my pocket : and I didn't have a lousy dime
�������� Charlotte, N.C., 6 Aug. 1937
�������� (013023‑1) BB‑B7204 RBF RF‑9
There's
nobody know : Polk County like I do
Because
I traveled Polk County : mama through and through
Well
woke up this morning : and I feeling bad
I
thinking about good times : that I used to have
Say
if I'd listened : what my mama said
I'd
be at home : in my folding bed
Don't
your house look lonesome : when your best buddy's gone
You
turn over on your pillow : then you cry right on
Ooh
: mama what's the matter now
You
make me think : I'll break my heart in that house
Say
look a‑here baby : I'm going to tell the truth
I
don't love nobody : honey else but you
I'm
going away mama : and it won't be long
You
sure going to miss me : just as sure as you born
I'm
going to sing this old song : ain't going to sing no more
I'm
going to sing this old song : everywhere I go
�������� Charlotte, N.C., 6 Aug. 1937
�������� (013026‑1) BB‑B7148 BC‑2
Said
I don't care : what mama don't allow
Going
to strut my stuff : old anyhow
Said
I don't care : what mama don't allow
Going
to eat my watermelon : anyhow
Said
I don't care : what mama don't allow
Going
to play our washboard : any old how
Said
I don't care : what mama don't allow
Going
to play that trombone : anyhow
Said
we don't care : what mama don't allow
He
going to do his stuff : old anyhow
Said
I don't care : what mama don't allow
Going
to *eeya‑eeya* : anyhow
�������� New York, 1 Aug. 1933
�������� (13712‑1) Ba‑32844 Rt RL‑316
I'm
going to leave here walking : I'm going down Number Sixty‑One
And
if I find my baby : you know we going to have some fun
I
walked Sixty‑One Highway : and I give down in my knees
I
looking for my babe on Indian Ocean : but she come on that China sea
That
Sixty‑One Highway : longest highway that I ever knowed
It
reach from Atlanta Georgia : clean down to the Gulf of Mexico
Now
I'm going home : get my Bible and sit down and read
I'm
going to ask the good Lord : to give me back my baby if you please
�������� New York, 1 Aug. 1933
�������� (13713) Ba‑32934 Rt RL‑329
I
can hear the hell dog ringing : and the people all a‑crying
I
mean all up and down : I say that old Sixty‑One Line
The
man that built the Sixty‑One flat‑top : he's just as true as a
*fox*
You
can ride or walk across it : and you can't even hear a knock
That
flat‑top flat‑top : is the prettiest thing I ever seen
???
: and it takes me *Water* Street
I
am in dear love with Sixty‑One : I say it from my heart
That
is the reason I am so *love with it* : Sixty‑One has give me a new start
�������� New York, 1 Aug. 1933
�������� (13714‑2) Ba‑32844 OJL‑4
I've
got a thirty‑two twenty : shoots just like a forty‑five
I
can walk that old Green River levee : babe I won't have to hide
I
ain't going to sell it : too good to give away
I'm
going to save it for me and my baby : and snatch her some rainy day
Now
red ripe tomatoes : don't forget your T‑bone steak
Well
when you get ready to go fishing : *put* ??? on that heart you take
Well
Mr Charlie : you had better watch your men
They
are going through the bushes : and they are going in
��� �����New York, 1 Aug. 1933
�������� (13715‑2) Me‑M12812 Rt RL‑311
I
believe I believe : I believe I'll go back home
I'm
going down to tell my baby : that I have done her wrong
St
Louis is on afire : Chicago is burning down
I'm
so sick and tired : that my baby keeps on cooling down
Babe
please forgive me : I know that I've done you wrong
I'm
going to get down on my knees : I want my little old baby back home
It's
the same old fireman : same old engineer
And
it took my baby : and it left me standing here
�������� New York, 1 Aug. 1933
�������� (13721‑2) Me‑M12812 Rt RL‑311
Now
my first love is in Texas : my [next one, second] lives in Kokomo
I'm
going to catch me a freight train : and I'm going on down the road
I
said don't ever drive a stranger : from your door
May
be your sister or brother : say you don't never know
I
have got a brother : and his name is Dan
The
women all say : he sure can sing
Dan
Sane Dan Sane : where have you been so long
And
you know : that you have I say done me wrong
�������� New York, 1 Aug. 1933
�������� (13722‑ ) Ba‑32934 OJL‑4
Baby
take me upstairs : baby won't you lay me down in your cool iron bed
If
I don't get no better : I want you to come and rub my head
You're
a no good wheat : the cow is going to mow you down
And
if I want to ??? : I'll run you wheat out of town
Ever
since ever since : my poor mother been dead
The
rocks have been my pillow : and the cold ground have been my bed
Baby
: I'll make everything all right
If
I don't see you tomorrow : I'll see you tomorrow night
�������� Memphis, 14 July 1939
�������� (MEM‑143‑1) Vo unissued
OJL‑19
Betty
Sue Betty Sue : is the sweetest girl I know
Well
you caused me to walk from Chicago : clear to the Gulf of Mexico
Now
Betty Sue got ways : like a horse that it get wild
Every
time she struggles : I swears it's out the world
Betty
Sue the big boat's up the river : on a *bank* of sand
If
it don't [change the, strike that deep] water : swear it won't land
Now
look a‑here Sue : what you trying to do
Giving
away my luggage : and trying to love me too
�������� Memphis, 14 July 1939
�������� (MEM‑144‑1) Vo unissued
OJL‑21
I'd
rather see the flowers : growing on top of my baby's grave
Than
to see some other man : smiling smiling in my baby's face
Here
I am here I am : setting in that chair with folded arms
Well
it seems like all good times : I mean this whole world have gone
I've
got a ??? to glory : papa he's done throwed me away
But
you had a lowdown dirty heart : to baby to mistreat me this a‑way
If
you take me back baby : I'll tell you just what I'll do
I
will work hard and I'll slave : babe I'll bring that money back home to you
�������� Memphis, 14 July 1939
�������� (MEM‑151‑ ) Vo‑05312
OJL‑19
I
had a girl : give her everything I had
Well
my friend took her from me : and it surely was too bad
Now
I'm going to kill her : if I should happen to live
I'm
going to take something from her : Lord that I really can give
I've
got another woman : man she's so bony and lean
Well
she's got something : Lord I ain't never seen
She's
got a little bitty foot now : Lord and got them great big thighs
Well
she's got something on the under : weep just like a *pool hall eye*
�������� Jackson, Miss., 17 Oct. 1935
�������� (JAX‑179‑2) Vo‑03145
BC‑7
That's
all right baby : Lord that's all right for you
Now
it's all right baby : Lord about the way you do
The
blues came down my alley : rolling up into my back door
I
got the blues this morning : Lord Lord like I never had before
Mama
you remember the time : babe I made you like it and how
But
the thing you trying to do : babe somebody doing it now
Go
on back old gal : you know you can't make me change
Because
your hair is so short : swear to God I can smell your *brand*
Way
way down babe : way down in old Polack Town
Dirty
roaches and the chinches : done tore my little gin house down
�������� Atlanta, 11 Dec. 1930
�������� (404664‑A) OK‑8913 RBF RF‑6
Says
she killed a chicken : and she cook him down low
Said
cook that chicken : a sweet jellyroll
Said
they cooked that possum : and they cook him down low
And
the grease come running : from his jo jo jo
Said
she *sound so loo : sound so soo*
*Sound*
just like : she couldn't *blow*
Great
life for sure : when time was tough
I
was laying coal yard : strutting my stuff
�������� Atlanta, 11 Dec. 1930
�������� (404665‑A) OK‑8913 RBF RF‑6
Woke
up this morning : look at the rising sun
I
thought about my good gal : who done gone along
I
ain't never loved : and I hope I never will
Why
love is proposition : sure get a good man killed
I
got twelve little puppies : ten big shaggy hounds
It
takes all twenty‑two : to run my brownskin down
�������� Atlanta, 11 Dec. 1930
�������� (404666‑B) OK‑8901 Rt RL‑311
There
ain't no more potatoes : the frost done killed the vine
Ain't
no more good times : with that girl of mine
I
ain't never loved Lord : I hopes I never will
A
loving proposition : sure get a good man killed
I
got twelve little puppies : ten big shaggy hounds
Take
the whole twenty‑two : to run my brownskin down
My
brownie caught a passenger : left me a mule to ride
When
the train pulled out : the mule lay down and die
There's
one thing certain : I sure can't understand
She
could feed the ??? *pigmeat* : corn bread for her man
�������� Atlanta, 11 Dec. 1930
�������� (404668‑A) OK‑8901 Rt RL‑311
I'm
worried now Lord : I won't be worried long
It
takes a worried man Lord : to sing a worried song
Take
me mama : try me one more time
I
don't do better : kill myself a‑trying
Just
as sure as the birds : fly in the sky above
Say
you know pretty mama : you ain't with the man you love
Well
I cooked her breakfast : brought it to her bed
Say
she taking one bite : threw the teacup at my head
�������� Memphis, 1 Sept. 1928
�� ������(45468‑2) Vi‑21707 Yz L‑1018
I'm
worried now : but I won't be worried long
It
takes a worried man : to sing this worried song
I'm
going away : baby and it won't be long
You
mistreat me : I'm going to leave my happy home
I'm
going to the river : sit down on the ground
If
the blues overtake me : I'll jump overboard and drown
I
woke up this morning : those blues were on my mind
I
was so down‑hearted : I couldn't do nothing but cry
When
you see me leaving : baby don't you cry
If
you mistreat me again : baby you will surely die
Lord
I'm going away : honey I cannot stay
I
can't be down‑hearted : mistreated this a‑way
Lord
I went up on a mountain : peeped in a little hole
I
saw two little monkeys : doing the monkey jellyroll
�������� Chicago, Mar. 1928
�������� (20419‑2) Pm‑12629 OJL‑8
Eee
laying in jail now : with my back turned to the wall
And
she brought me coffee : and she brought me tea
She
brought me everything : now but that lowdown jailhouse key
Mmm
: mmm
I
promised not to holler now : now mama now hey hey hey
I
looked at my mama : and I hung my head and cried
If
my woman kills me now : Lord I'll pray to die
�������� Chicago, Mar. 1928
�������� (20420‑3) Pm‑12629 Yz L‑1009
You
can read my letter : now you sure don't know my mind
When
you think I'm loving you : I'm leaving all the time
I
ain't got nobody now : I'm all here by myself
Let
me be your sometime now : till your always comes
And
I'll do more for you now : your always ever done
Mama
got a hambone : I wonder can I get it boiled
Because
these Chicago women now : about to let my hambone spoil
The
dirty deacon : has taken my gal and gone
And
all the children now : papa trying to sing my song
Let
me be your rocker : till your straight chair comes
And
I rock you easier : you straight chair ever done
�������� Chicago, 2 Apr. 1935
�������� (C‑915‑C) Vo‑02955
Her H‑201
Now
tell me mama : just how you want your rolling done
And
just as long as you like it : if it takes the whole night long
Now
gal got teeth : like the lighthouse on the sea
And
every time she smiles : she throws her loving light on me
Now
my rider got something : and I don't know just what it is
And
every time she wiggles and wobbles : papa can't keep his black stuff still
Now
I can get religion : baby most any day
But
the dice and these women : I swear they won't let me pray
Now
if you steal my rider : I won't get mad with you
Because
she's three time seven : and she knows just exactly what to do
�������� Chicago, 2 Apr. 1935
�������� (C‑945‑B) Vo‑02955
Her H‑201
Oh
mama : I dream about you night and day
I
had my hand on some this morning : and I swear I let it get away
I
love you mama : and I'll tell the world I do
Because
can't nobody treat me : honey like my rider do
You
don't have to cook me no chicken : because your plain old neckbone will do
I'm
going to buy you some blackeyed peas : mama and try to get along with you
I'm
crazy about the way you do it : I'm talking about your jellyroll
Because
I know you got something : will send salvation to your soul
She
got hair like Gloria Swanson : and she walk just like Priscilla Deane
Because
she's the prettiest woman : old Louie ever seen
I'm
going to ask the good Lord : to send me an angel down
But
she ain't not a good one : I'm going to cling on to my teasing brown
�������� New York, 23 Jan. 1935
������ ��(16683‑ ) ARC unissued Co C‑30035
Oh
Roberta : honey where you been so long
You
done been across the country : a‑with my long clothes on
Oh
Roberta : sit down on my knee
Got
a lot to tell you : a‑that's been worrying me
Way
up the river : far as I can see
Lord
I thought I spied : my old‑time used‑to‑be
Lord
I thought I spied : my old‑time used‑to‑be
And
it was nothing : honey but a cypress tree
Honey
I'm down on the river : sitting out on the ground
Well
I'll stay right here Lord : until Roberta come down
�������� New York, 23 Jan. 1935
�������� (16684‑ ) ARC unissued Co C‑30035
Oh
Roberta : what in the world you mean
Honey
the way you treat me : beats all I ever seen
Lord
I'm going to the station : going to tell the chief of police
Roberta
done quit me : and I can't see no peace
She's
a brownskin woman : got black wavy hair
And
I can describe her : oh partner most anywhere
Tell
me Roberta : what's the matter with you
This
man ain't got nobody : to take his troubles to
�������� New York, 23 Jan. 1935
�������� (16685‑1) Ba‑33359 Rt RL‑315
I'm
sitting down here wondering : would a matchbox hold my clothes
I
don't want to be bothered : with no suitcase on my road
Now
what would you do : when your baby packing up her trunk
You
get half a gallon of whiskey : you get on your big drunk
�������� New York, 23 Jan. 1935
�������� (16686‑ ) ARC unissued Co C‑30035
See
see rider : see what you done done
You
made me love you : now your man done come
I
was looking right at her : when the sun went down
She
was standing in the kitchen : in her morning gown
Let
me be your sidetrack : till your mainline comes
�������� New York, 23 Jan. 1935
�������� (16688‑2) Ba‑33359 Rt RL‑315
I'm
broke baby : and I ain't got a dime
Every
good man : gets in hard luck sometimes
I'm
going to tell my woman : like the Dago told the Jew
You
don't want me : now honey I don't want you
Oh
the women in the levee : *Charlie because it's most* payday
The
men on the levee : hollering don't you move your knee
Oh
the women on the levee : honey hollering whoa gee
The
men on the levee : hollering don't you murder me
I'm
down in the bottom : ???ing for Johnny Rye
Wouldn't
mind a jug : honey on the mule's behind
Yes
a brownskin woman : make a preacher lay his Bible down
A
jet‑black woman : make a rabbit hug a hound
�������� New York, 23 Jan. 1935
�������� (16691‑2) Ba‑33360 Co C‑30035
Ooh
: I ain't got no mammy now
She
told me late last night : you didn't need no mammy nohow
Ooh
: black snake crawling in my room
Better
tell somebody : better come and get this old black snake soon
Oh
must have been a bedbug : because a chinch couldn't bite me that hard
Asked
my sugar for fifty cents : said Leadbelly ain't a child in the yard
Honey
that's all right : that's all right for you
Darling
that's all right : most any old way you do
Mmm
: oh honey what's the matter now
Darling
tell me what's the matter : don't like no black snake nohow
Well
: wonder where that black snake gone
That
old black snake mama : done run my darling home
�������� New York, 23 Jan. 1935
�������� (16692‑ ) ARC unissued Co C‑30035
Oh
Alberta oh Alberta : don't you hear me calling you
If
Alberta hear your calling : what you want Alberta to do
I
woke up this morning I woke up this morning : with the blues right there around
my bed
Went
to eat my breakfast : and the blues all in my bread
I
lay down last night I lay down last night : I was turning from side to side
And
I was not sick : but I was just dissatisfied
I
called for you yesterday I called for you yesterday : honey and here you come
??? *day*
Had
you mouth wide open : and you don't know what to say
Please
Alberta please Alberta : tell me what in the world you mean
Honey
the way you treats me : beats all I ever seen
What
makes an old woman what makes an old woman : she go crazy about a right young
man
Because
she know she can take him : and raise him to hang
��������
New York, 24 Jan. 1935
�������� (16693‑ ) ARC unissued Co C‑30035
Mmm
: baby why you have to go
Oh
you ain't love me baby : you used to love me so
Mmm
: when you left you broke my heart
You
said you love me baby : and we would never part
Mmm
: baby your papa ain't a fool
There's
nothing wrong baby : sweet mama turning cool
Mmm
: baby what are you going to do
You
say you love me baby : but now you say you are through
Mmm
: baby ain't you coming back
Got
money baby : going to use it as I like
�������� New York, 24 Jan. 1935
�������� (16695‑1) ARC unissued Bio BLP‑12013
Yes
she wrote me a letter : what you reckon it read
Come
home big papa : your loving baby's dead
Yes
I went to the depot : caught a train a‑flying
When
I walked in Lord : she was slowly dying
My
mama said howdy : papa said goodbye
Poor
boy couldn't do nothing : but hang his head and cry
He
went to the bedside : looked down in her face
I
love you pretty mama : just can't take your place
�������� New York, 24 Jan. 1935
�������� (16696‑1) ARC unissued Bio� BLP‑12013
So
many high *gate* buggies : were a‑standing around
Waiting
to take my baby : to the burying ground
Yes
you taken my baby : to the burying ground
You
didn't break my heart Lord : till you laid her down
Yes
he went to the headboard : fell down on his knees
If
you speak one word babe : you can give my heart some ease
You
don't miss your water : till your well go dry
You
don't miss pretty mama : till you shake your hand goodbye
Don't
your house look lonesome : when your woman is gone
Don't
you feel mistreated : but you won't let on
�������� New York, 24 Jan. 1935
�������� (16697‑1) ARC unissued Bio BLP‑12013
I'm
going to Kansas City : I'm going to lower my line
I
get in Kansas City : I be hard to find
Women
in Kansas City Lord : doing the turkey trot
The
women in Louisiana Lord : doing the eagle rock
The
funniest thing : that I ever seen
The
tomcat stitching : on a sewing machine
The
funniest thing : that I ever did see
A
polecat climbing : up a 'simmon tree
You
keep on talking : till you make me think
You
daddy was a bulldog : your mammy was a mink
You
keep on talking : till you make me mad
I
tell you about the troubles : that your sister had
�������� New York, 24 Jan. 1935
�������� (16704‑ ) ARC unissued Co C‑30035
Tell
me which a‑way : do the Red River run
I
suppose : they run oh run sun to sun
Lord
it's some boats sail : run from sun to sun
Way
down in Louisiana : oh where the work all done
Tell
me pretty mama : which a‑way you going
If
you can't tell me : that going to be your ruin
I
got up this morning : hung all around my brown
Because
she told me : which a‑way the Red River was a‑running down
Would
you take a poor ??? : *or a slave* like me
I
love my baby : you going to let me be
�������� New York, 5 Feb. 1935
�������� (16807‑ ) ARC unissued Co C‑30035
Dreamed
last night : and all that night before
Heard
my baby : knocking on my door
Crying
babe : have I ever done you wrong
You's
a long time coming : daddy but you welcome here
�������� New York, 5 Feb. 1935
�������� (16808‑ ) ARC unissued Co C‑30035
My
mama told me : my sister too
Women
in Shreveport son : going to be the death of you
I
told my mama : mama you don't know
Women
in Shreveport kill me : why don't you let me go
Told
my mama : fell on my knees
Crying
oh Lordy mama : will you forgive me please
I
got a woman : living on Stony Hill
She
been sitting down : gambling with Buffalo Bill
Been
sitting down : gambling with Buffalo Bill
*You
chance it once* baby : you ain't done got killed
Anybody
should ask you : who composed this song
Tell
them : Huddie Ledbetter's done been here and gone
�������� New York, 5 Feb. 1935
�������� (16814‑2) ARC unissued Bio BLP‑12013
Well
Shorty George : ain't no friend of mine
He
keeps a‑taking all the women : keep all the men behind
Lord
I went to my captain : and the man he don't care
I'm
going to take my woman : bring her right back here
I
want to tell you captain : it's a dirty shame
Shorty
George got my woman : left me all in vain
Yes
I went to the station : looked up on the sign
Lord
the train she ride : you marked up on time
Well
I can't do nothing : hon' but wave my hands
Got
me a lifetime sentence : down in Sugarland
Lordy
some has got six months : some got two and three years
But
it's so many good men : got lifetime here
And
Shorty George : traveling through the land
He
don't take your woman : take some woman's man
Got
something to tell you : don't let it make you mad
I
ain't got long down here : honey you heard I had
�������� New York, 5 Feb. 1935
�������� (168???‑ ) ARC unissued Co C‑30035
Sitting
down here wondering : would a matchbox hold my clothes
I
don't want to be bothered : with no big trunk on my road
Now
what would you do : when your baby packing up her trunk
Get
you half a gallon of whiskey : and get on you a big drunk
Lord
: have mercy on me
�������� New York, 23 Mar. 1935
�������� (17179‑1) ARC unissued Bio BLP‑12013
Yellow
jacket yellow jacket : you sting me once more
You
can sting me once more : and then I've got to go
You
stung me this morning : stung me till I was sore
You
can sting me one more time : please don't sting me no more
You
can buzz yellow jacket : buzz all around my face
I
don't want no other yellow jacket : to just take your place
You
can go downtown : can buzz all around
But
if I catch you stinging : believe I'll pull your nest all on down
�������� New York, 23 Mar. 1935
�������� (17180‑1) ARC unissued Bio BLP‑12013
It's
too late too late : too late too late too late
I'm
on my way to Denver : and mama must I hesitate
T
B's all right to have : if your friend didn't treat you so lowdown
Don't
you ask them for no favor : they even stop a‑coming around
Mmm
: this T B is killing me
I'm
a‑like a prisoner : I'm always a‑working the street
When
I was on my feet : couldn't even walk down the street
I
want my body buried : in the deep blue sea
Mmm
: mmm
I
got tuberculosis : consumption is killing me
�������� New York, 23 Mar. 1935
�������� (17181‑2) ARC‑6‑04‑55
His HLP‑4
Just
look a‑here mama : don't treat pigmeat the way you do
Your
baby's pigmeat : as anybody in the neighborhood
If
you don't believe it's pigmeat : come in and you won't regret
I
got something about this pigmeat : sweet mama I ain't told you yet
I
was born and raised in the country : mama but I'm staying in town
If
you don't believe this pigmeat : mama from my head on down
You
can take me to the mountain : there will be pigmeat there
You
take a boat to China : *they'll catch us* anywhere
Ooh
: and *catch us* anywhere
Take
a boat to China : then it's *catch us* anywhere
�������� New York, 23 Mar. 1935
�������� (17182‑ ) ARC unissued Co C‑30035
If
you got you a bullcow : *feed her morning grass*
Because
when them heifers come around : eat your yas yas yas
If
you got you a bullcow : *feed her in the grove*
Because
when them heifers leave him : you know he's going to rove
Oh
oh oh : hey hey hey hey
But
you know good and well baby : *might be a heifer calf*
If
you got you a bullcow : lead her with a long line
Because
when them heifers leave him : you know they on his mind
Oh
bullcow : where you been so long
I
been all out in the country : with my big bell on
�������� New York, 31 Jan. 1934
�������� (14736‑1) Vo‑02650 OJL‑17
Baby
I can see : just what's on your mind
You
got a long black woman : with a gold teeth in her face
I'll
take a long look : right smack down in your mind
And
I don't see but one woman : rambling up and down the line
Don't
kid your mama : you ain't fooling nobody but yourself
And
when I see on your mind : you would not have no friend
I
remember the day : when I was living at Lula town
My
man did so many wrong things : that I had to leave the town
I'm
by the riverside : my man caught the transfer boat
And
the last time I seed him : he had done gone way up the road
Well
I'm worried now : and I won't be worried long
�������� New York, c. June 1927
�������� (��
) Pat‑7533 His HLP‑17
Now
if you want to learn this dance : don't do it in a *pout*
Put
both feet together : and do the Macon cutout
You
need not to worry : neither think
Just
tell the waiter man : to bring on a drink
Now
you grab your girl : you hold her tight
You
do it in one position : all night
Ease
up daddy : you been a good old scout
You
made a hit with your mama : now you can't lose out
Now
back in eighteen hundred : and sixty‑two
Folks
mess around : but they didn't know what to do
Old
Uncle Mose : he was the jellyroll king
He
get to flat‑foot shuffling : call it everything
Old
*Rufus* Pete : he was very slow
All
the women loved him : and give him their dough
Now
take it easy mama : and be a good scout
If
you want to do this dance : Macon cutout
�������� New York, c. June 1927
�������� (��
) Pat‑7533 His HLP‑17
Now
I went downtown : along Broadway
Looked
up at a sign : that said no free meals today
Walked
right in : I took a seat
Waiter
looked at me and said : hey brother pay up before you eat
I
was raggedy : thirsty too
*Last*
all my money : was won from two‑by‑two
In
my pocket : I didn't have a cent
Sashay
down the street : to where I went
In
your pockets : you ain't ain't got a dime
Look
all over town : not a friend you can find
As
soon as your money : grows treetop tall
Bill
Jack and Harry : will give you a call
Now
listen now brother : this ain't no doubt
Nobody
wants you : when you're down and out
Now
I was singing : them lonesome kind of blues
I
thought I'd play some numbers : like most colored people do
I
put my money down : on old twenty‑two
I
didn't play no believing : I thought that would do
As
soon as I saw : that I had won
The
man *brought over* eleven : instead of twenty‑one
A
friend walked up to me : the very next day
He
said he lost on that number : the very same way
�������� Richmond, Ind., 30 Mar. 1933
�������� (19107) Ch‑16677 Rt RL‑334
I
got spreading mustard : from north to south
Seeds
taste good : right in your mouth
�������� probably New York, 28 May 1927
�������� (��
) Vo‑1115 RBF RF‑11
I
went to the Gypsy : get my fortune told
Lord
the Gypsy told me : boy you got a jellyroll
Ain't
nobody in town : cook a jellyroll like mine
I
was first on Main Street : Lord and I started down Beale
Looking
for my girl : Lord that we all call Lucille
I
know you don't want me : why don't you tell me so
Then
you won't be bothered : with me around your house no more
Lord
my good girl quit me : my kid done put me down
I
wouldn't hurt so bad : but the doggone news across town
We
got a new way of spelling : Memphis Tennessee
Double M double E : Lord A Y Lord Z
Ooh
: my gal done quit me now
I'm
going to the river : I'm going to jump overboard and drown
�������� probably New York, 28 May 1927
�������� (��
) Vo‑1115 Rt RL‑323
I
wish I had : my poor heart in my hand
I'd
show you women : how to treat a man
I'm
going I'm going : your crying won't make me stay
For
the more you cry : further you drive me away
You
know you didn't want me : you oughtn't've made no stall
There's
plenty more women :
If
the river was whiskey : I'd stay drunk all the time
So
a woman like you : could not worry my mind
Some
of these mornings : baby listen to what I say
I'm
going away to leave you : it will be too late to pray
�������� probably New York, 28 May 1927
�������� (��
) Vo‑1116 RBF RF‑11
Ooh
: what am I going to do now
Because
the girl I love : she don't treat me right
Baby
: what do you want [me, your papa] to do
Beg
borrow and steal : bring it all home to you
Say
the sun's going to shine : in my back door some day
Lord
the wind's going to blow : blow my blues away
Hey
: wonder where the I C train
Babe
I'll go to my woman : you go to your man
Ooh
: I'd rather be dead and in my grave
Than
be here in the world : baby and be your slave
�������� probably New York, c. late Oct. 1927
�������� (��
) Vo‑1132 Rt RL‑329
Don't
you wish : your good girl was long and tall like mine
Lord
she ain't good‑looking : but I think she takes her time
Said
my good girl said : she didn't want me no more
But
she don't mind *dancing* : Lord everywhere I go
Lord
the train I ride : is sixteen coaches long
And
she don't *allow* nothing : but chocolate to the bone
I'm
worried now : been worried all day long
Babe
I'm going to be worried : until the day I'm gone
Lord
there's some say yellow : but give me my black and brown
When
your high brown quit you : your black will run you down
I
want to see want to see : the girl I'm *for painted about*
I
be so glad : I sure can't help but shout
�������� probably New York, c. late Oct.� 1927
�������� (��
) Vo‑1133 Yz L‑1002
I'm
going away baby : take me seven long months to ride
January
February : March April May June July
I
was three years old : when my poor mother died
If
you mistreat me : mistreat a motherless child
I
dreamt last night : the whole round world was mine
Wasn't
nothing at all : but my good girl jumping down
She
put carbolic in my coffee : turpentine in my tea
Strychnine
in my biscuits : Lord but she didn't hurt me
Baby
when I marry : going to marry an Indian squaw
Big
chief Lord : be my daddy‑in‑law
�������� probably New York, c. late Oct. 1927
�������� (��
) Vo‑1133 OJL‑21
I
got the blues so bad : it hurts my feet to walk
I
wouldn't hurt so bad : but it hurt my tongue to talk
Mama
I feel like jumping : through the keyhole in your door
I
can jump so easy : your man will never know
Some
people say : worried blues ain't tough
If
they don't kill you : hell you mighty rough
Hitch
up my buggy : please saddle up my black mare
I'm
going to find my woman : on the road somewhere
She
caught the rumbling : I caught the falling down
If
I ever see her : I never turn around
�������� probably New York, c. late Oct. 1927
�������� (��
) Vo‑1134 Rt RL‑333
Man
those bedbugs sure is evil : he sure don't mean me no good
He
thinks I'm a woodpecker : and he taken me for a chunk of wood
When
I lay down at night : and I wonder how can a poor man sleep
When
one holding your hand : while the other one eating your feet
Bedbugs
big as a jackass : he will bite you and stand and grin
*Think
you pull the bedbug apart* : come back and bite you again
Someone
moaning in the corner : Lord I tried so hard to see
It
was a mother bedbug : Lord praying for some more to eat
I
have to sit up all night long : my feet can't touch the floor
Because
the mean old bedbug : told me I can't live there no more
�������� probably New York, c. late Oct. 1927
�������� (��
) Vo‑1134 Rt RL‑333
Sarah
Lee : why don't you come home
I
ain't had no loving : gal since you been gone
My
mama told me : when I was a child
Good
time now : trouble after a while
If
I had a‑listened : to what my mother said
I
wouldn't be in here : treated this a‑way
I'd
rather see my coffin : roll in front of my door
Than
to hear my good gal : say I don't want you no more
I
dreamt last night : the world was caving in
Wasn't
nothing at all : my girl coming home again
I
feel like jumping : from the treetop to the ground
The
girl I love : she sure done put me down
I
wished I had a‑died : babe when I was young
I
would not have : this *here red suit on*
�������� Memphis, 28 Aug. 1928
�������� (45424‑1) Vi‑V38519 Rt RL‑333
I
believe I'll buy me : a graveyard of my own
I'm
going to kill everybody : that have done me wrong
If
you want to go to Nashville : man and ain't got no fare
Cut
your good girl's throat : and the judge will send you there
I'm
going to get my pistol : forty rounds of ball
I'm
going to shoot my woman : just to see her fall
I'd
rather hear the screws : on my coffin sound
Than
to hear my good girl : says I'm jumping down
Get
my pencil and paper : I'm going to sit right down
I'm
going to write me a letter : back to Youngstown
This
ain't my home : I ain't got no right to stay
This
ain't my home : must be my stopping place
When
I left my home : you would not let me be
Wouldn't
rest contented : till I come to Tennessee
�������� Memphis, 28 Aug. 1928
�������� (45425‑2) Vi‑V38506 Yz L‑1008
When
I was in Missouri : would not let me be
Wouldn't
rest content : till I came to Tennessee
If
you follow me baby : I'll turn your money green
I
show you more money : Rockerfeller ever seen
If
the river was whiskey : baby and I was a duck
I'd
dive to the bottom : Lord and I'd never come up
Lord
the woman I hate : I see her every day
But
the woman I love : she's so far away
Talk
about *sweetheart* : I declare I'm a honest man
Give
my woman so many dollars : it broke her apron string
All
she give me was trouble : I'm troubled all the time
I
been troubled so long : trouble don't worry my mind
I
been down so long : it seem like up to me
Woman
I love : she done quit poor me
What's
the need of me hollering : what's the need of me crying
Woman
I love : she don't pay me no mind
�������� Memphis, 28 Aug. 1928
�������� (45428‑2) Vi‑V38519 Rt RL‑323
If
your heart ain't iron : it must be marble stone
For
you're a mistreating mama : baby as sure as you born
I
can tell from a little : just what a whole lot means
You
treat me just like : somebody you ain't never seen
I
got a woman in Cuba : got a woman in Spain
I
got a woman in Chicago : I'm scared to call her name
I
got nineteen women : and all I wants one more
If
the one more suit me : I'm going to let the nineteen go
I
could have religion : Lord this very day
But
the womens and whiskey : Lord won't let me pray
I
can sit right here : and look on Jackson Avenue
I
can see everything : that my good woman do
Sometime
I believe I will : sometime I believe I won't
Sometime
I believe I do : sometime I believe I don't
�������� Memphis, 28 Aug. 1928
�������� (45429‑1) Vi‑23345 Yz L‑1021
I
can look through muddy water baby : and spy dry land
If
you don't want me honey : let's take and in hand
I'm
going so far : I can't hear your rooster crow
This
is my last time : ever knocking at your door
You
won't cook me no dinner : baby you won't iron me no clothes
You
won't do nothing : but walk the *Horn Lake* Road
Man
if you love your woman : better mess it in her cup
So
if she have not quit you boy : won't leave you in tough luck
Now
you can take my woman : but you ain't done nothing smart
For
I got more than one woman : playing in my back yard
Windstorm
come : and it blowed my house away
I'm
a good old boy : but I ain't got nowhere to stay
And
it's trouble here : and it's trouble everywhere
So
much trouble : floating in the air
What
you going to do : when your trouble get like mine
�������� Memphis, 28 Aug. 1928
�������� (45433‑2) Vi‑V38506 Yz L‑1008
Good
morning judge : what may be my fine
Fifty
dollars : and eleven twenty‑nine
They
arrest me for murder : I ain't never harmed a man
Women
hollered murder : and I ain't raised my hand
I
ain't got nobody : get me out on bond
I
would not mind : but I ain't done nothing wrong
Please
Judge Harsh : make it light as you possibly can
I
ain't done no work : judge in I don't know when
My
woman come a‑running : with a hundred dollars in her hand
Crying
judge : please spare my man
One
hundred dollars won't do : better run and get you three
I
can keep you man : from penitentiary
Because
I'm arrested baby : please don't grieve and moan
Penitentiary
: seems just like my home
People
all hollering : about what in the world they will do
Lots
of people had justice : and been in penitentiary too
�������� Memphis, 22 Sept. 1929
�� ������(M‑185‑ ) Vo‑1547 Yz L‑1008
My
woman must be a black Gypsy : she knows every place I go
She
met me this morning : with a brand new forty‑four
When
you used to be my Gypsy : done just so and so
Now
I got another baby : I can't use you no more
Eagle
rock me mama : *Sally long me too*
Ain't
nobody in town : can eagle rock like you
My
woman got a mouth : like a lighthouse in the sea
Every
time she smiles : she shine her light on me
Had
the blues all of twenty‑eight : started again in twenty‑nine
They
tell me the New York Central : is a nickel‑plated line
Lord
I asked for cabbage : she brought me turnip greens
I
asked her for water : and she brought me gasoline
�������� Memphis, 22 Sept. 1929
�������� (M‑186‑ ) Vo‑1547 Yz
L‑1008
I
woke up this morning : and I looked up against the wall
Roaches
and the bedbugs : playing a game of ball
Score
was twenty to nothing : the roaches was ahead
Roaches
got to fighting : and kicked me out of bed
Bedbugs
so bad : pull the pillow from under my head
They
got a Winchester rifle : and try to kill me dead
When
I woke up this morning : I looked down on the floor
Bedbug
had been in my pocket : and pulled out all my dough
Mama
get your hatchet : kill the fly on your baby's head
Mama
get your hatchet : and run here to my bed
Please
bedbugs : please I done begged you twice
You
done taken all my money : and now you want to take my life
�������� Memphis, 20 Sept. 1928
�������� (47066‑?) Vi‑V38523 OJL‑21
The
judge he repeat it : the clerk he wrote it down
If
you *mistreat your* ??? : you must be *Nashville* bound
Some
got six months : some got one solid year
But
me and my buddy : both got lifetimes here
Fix
my supper : let me go to bed
I
been drinking white lightning : it gone to my head
�������� Memphis, 1 Oct. 1929
�������� (56318‑2) Vi‑V38585 OJL‑4
I'm
going to Germa : I'll be back some old day
Please
tell me mama : what more can I do
Done
all I knowed : I can't get along with you
Go
away from my window : stop knocking on my door
I
got another woman : can't use you no more
When
you's in trouble : I worked and paid your fine
Now
I'm in trouble : you don't pay me no mind
�������� Memphis, 3 Oct. 1929
�������� (56342‑2)
Vi‑V38585 RCA INT‑1175
Hey
pretty mama : can I get a job with you
I
ain't got no money : I can't get no work to do
The
woman I love : she weighs a thousand and four
I
don't care : if she weighed a thousand more
I
wrote her a letter : I mailed it in the air
You
may know by that : I got a friend somewhere
I
ain't never loved : but four womens in my life
That
was my mama my sister : sweetheart and my wife
�������� Memphis, 26 Nov. 1930
�������� (64736‑ ) BB‑B5675 OJL‑4
Ticket
agent : please raise your window high
So
I will know my train : when it's passing by
Depot
agent : please turn your depot around
My
woman done quit me now : going to leave your town
�������� Memphis, 26 Nov. 1930
�������� (64737‑2) Vi‑23266 OJL‑4
I
was born in the desert : I was raised in the lion's den
Said
my regular occupation : taking women from their men
When
you come to Memphis : please stop by Minglewood
Says
there's womens in the camp : don't mean no man no good
�������� Memphis, 26 Nov. 1930
�������� (64739‑ ) Vi‑23266 Rt RL‑307
And
it's trouble here : it's trouble in the air
Says
I want to go home : but I know it's trouble there
I'm
going home : going to tell my brother will
Said
that old woman he's got : is sure going to get him killed
Bad
luck is my buddy : and trouble is my friend
I
been in trouble : ever since here I been
�������� Atlanta, 4 Nov. 1927
� �������(145103‑2) Co‑14305‑D
RBF RF‑9
You
can have my money : all I own
For
God's sake : leave my gal alone
I
got a range in my kitchen : bakes nice and brown
All
I need : someone to turn my damper down
Take
a rocking chair to rock : take a rubber ball to roll
Take
a gal I love : satisfy my soul
I
know the mens don't like me : because I speak my mind
All
the women crazy about me : because I takes my time
I
left my wife and baby : sitting on the doorstep crying
I
got a house full of children : and there ain't nar' one mine
I
says I got love : if I could have it in your home
I
can keep it turned off : or I can turn it on
Says
hello Central : give me two three nine
*What
takes : to get a day's help for mine*
Oh
some folks say : that them blues ain't bad
That
must not have been : ??? blues I had
I
says I can't help mama : what you do
You
can tell the world : I got those jealous‑hearted blues
I
said stop still mama : and let me give you my advice
If
I catch you with a man : going to be too tight
�������� Atlanta, 4 Nov. 1927
�������� (145104‑2) Co‑14272‑D
His HLP‑4
Two
kind of people in this world mama : babe that I sure can't stand
That's
a two‑faced woman : baby and a monkey‑man
Just
as sure as a sparrow mama : babe flying in the air
I
got a loving sweet mama : in this world somewhere
Said
the blues in my body : I said making towards my head
I
believe to my soul : mama them blues going to kill me dead
I
ain't going to grieve mama : I sure ain't going to cry no more
Going
to take my best friend's gal : said the one that lives next door
She's
a married woman : but she says she likes me
Hate
to bite my friend : somebody been biting me
Said
I used to have money : but said now I'm cold in hand
Said
I used to have a good gal : but now she's got another man
Talk
about hard luck babe : sure done fell on me
Says
my brother stole a *ham sand* : the police has locked up me
�������� Atlanta, 4 Nov. 1927
�������� (145105‑3) Co‑14475‑D
RBF RF‑15
Oh
the mojo blues mama : crawling across the floor
Some
hard‑luck rascal : done told me I ain't here no more
I'm
leaving here mama : babe crying won't make me stay
Honey
the more you cry : further I'm going away
Aw
she went to a hoodoo : she went there all alone
Because
every time I leave her : I have to hurry back home
Said
I love you sweet mama : but I sure ain't no fool about you
I
can get another kid gal : just like I got you
When
I leave here : you can pin crepe over my door
Said
I won't be dead : just ain't coming here no more
Some
people tell me : honey them blues ain't bad
That
must not been : them lowdown things I had
�������� Atlanta, 4 Nov. 1927
�������� (145106‑1) Co‑14305‑D
RBF RF‑202
When
I came home this morning : my wife she met me at the door
Go
away sweet daddy : said I can't use you no more
Hey
hey mama : baby what the matter now
Say
you trying to quit me : honey and you don't know how
Well
it ain't no love : sure ain't no getting along
Said
my brown treat me so mean : that I don't know right from wrong
Come
back baby : papa ain't mad with you
Says
I do just like : mama babe that I used to do
Take
me back baby : try me just one more time
If
I don't do to suit you honey : I'll break my backbone trying
I
know the mens don't like me : because that I speak my mind
But
the women crazy about me : because that I take my time
�������� Atlanta, 4 Nov. 1927
�������� (145107‑1) Co‑14475‑D
RBF RF‑15
I'm
leaving here mama : crying won't make me stay
Oh
the more you cry babe : the farther I'm going away
Soon
as I get sober : I'll make me drunk again
Said
I'm going to leave the chicken : said I'm going back to the hen
Did
you ever wake up : 'twixt night and day
Had
your arm around your pillow : where your good gal used to lay
I
believe to my soul : my brown's got a stingaree
When
I woke up this morning : say she was stinging poor me
Don't
want no dollar mama : I sure can't use no half
Say
I got a brown : says I can hear her laugh
�������� Atlanta, 4 Nov. 1927
�������� (145108‑2) Co‑14272‑D
His HLP‑4
I
asked my captain : for the time of day
Say
: he throwed his watch away
If
I listened at my mother : in farther day
I
never : would have been here today
If
I ever get back home : oh baby to stay
I
never : be treated this a‑way
How
long how long : how long how long
How
long : before I can go home
I
rise with the blues : and I work with the blues
Nothing
I can get : but bad news
�������� Atlanta, 18 Apr. 1930
�������� (150275‑2) Co‑14550‑D
Yz L‑1012
I'm
a little bit worried : getting kind of old
Like
to take my straw : go play in the doodle hole
Do
the doodle doodle do : oh doing the doodle doodle do
I
like to take my straw : go play in that doodle hole
First
time you try to doodle : take my advice
Put
a little spit on your straw : you can do so nice
I
knowed a little girl : who was very very nice
She
got to doodle once : and she want it twice
Sometime
a little doodle : pretty hard to get
Keep
on twisting : you will find it
All
you girls get together : with your straw in your hand
Try
to get to doodle : now just see if you can
Keep
twisting and twisting : around the hole
Everybody
like to doodle : both young and old
I
knowed a man once : who got a‑on the doodle track
He
doodled so much : he got a hump in his back
It
sound mighty funny : but it sure is nice
Get
this doodle : it's sure worth the price
�������� Richmond, Ind., 20 Nov. 1929
�������� (15906‑A) Ge‑7131 Rt RL‑326
Listen
here pretty mama : what's on your worried mind
How
come you treat me : so unkind
If
you don't want me mama : why don't you tell me so
I
can beat an ??? : getting down the road
Mama
mama : why don't you treat me right
Now
your papa's loving you : both day and night
I'm
not so good‑looking : I don't dress [so] fine
I'm
just a plain daddy : and I takes my time
I
was raised in the mountains : way down in Tennessee
If
you don't like my peaches : don't you shake my tree
The
train's in the station : the crew has climbed aboard
I'm
going to grab that train : travel far down the road
�������� New York, 29 May 1926
�������� (��
) Vo‑1032 His HLP‑1
Daddy
I'll drop you in my garage : and that's no doubt
I'm
going to wipe your windshield : cut your taillight out
Your
carburettor's rusty : this I really mean
Your
gas tank's empty : won't hold gasoline
Your
windshield is broken : it ain't worth a cent
Your
steering wheel is wobbly : your piston rod is bent
Your
fender's all broken : your wheels ain't tight
And
I know doggone well : your spark plugs ain't hitting right
�������� Chicago, 12 Dec. 1941
�������� (C‑4098‑1) OK‑06707
BC‑1
Yes
you is one black rat : some day I'll find your trail
Then
I'll hide my shoes : somewhere here in your shirt‑tail
Yes
I've taken you downtown : paid your doctor bill
Now
I'm in a little trouble : and you trying to get me killed
Says
he sneaked in my kitchen : eat up all the bread
Soon
as I left home : start to cutting up in my bed
He
*must dance* in the basement : was seen in my bedroom
Trapped
in ??? : I'm going to catch him some day soon
�������� Chicago, 30 July 1941
�� ������(064640‑ ) BB‑B8820 BC‑7
Little
boy blues : please come blow your horn
My
baby she gone and left me : she left me all alone
Now
the sheep is in the meadow : and the cows is in the corn
I've
got a girl in Chicago : she loves to hear me blow my lonesome horn
I'm
going to take my whip and whip her : I'm going to whip her down to the ground
I'm
going to take dirk and stab her : then I'm you know I'm going to turn it around
and around
Now
I've rambled and I've rambled : until I broke my poor self down
I
believe to my soul : that the little girl is out of town
�������� Chicago, 30 July 1941
�������� (064641‑ ) BB‑B8820 Yz L‑1038
Come
one baby : please take a walk with me
Back
to the same old place : where we long to be
Come
on baby : take a little walk with me
Back
to the same old place : Memphis Tennessee
Early
one morning : just about half past three
You
done something : that's really worrying me
Let's
take a walk : out on the old avenue
I
have got something : for you to do
Come
on baby : now we going to walk so slow
Until
every time you see me: you want to walk some more
�������� Chicago, 2 Apr. 1935
�������� (C‑948‑A) Vo‑02951
Yz L‑1015
Some
of these old days mama : some of these old sad lonely nights
You
will look for your good daddy : and he'll be getting his *half‑day right*
Because
I leave town mama : don't count the days I'm gone
Just
count them days baby : that you tried to do your daddy wrong
I
been doing the same thing baby : ever since nineteen and twelve
I
been breaking down with you dizzy mares : seem like you want me to dig a
country well
I
would be your monkey‑man mama : just can't climb no coconut tree
I
breaks down with you dizzy mares : but I don't get on my happy black knees
Some
day you going to need me mama : swear when I won't need you
Because
when I try to love you right baby : seems like my loving won't do
�������� Chicago, 18 July 1935
�������� (C‑1074‑A) ARC‑6‑11‑66
Yz L‑1025
Got
a gang of brownskin womens : bunch of high yellows too
I
got so many brownskins : I don't know what to do
I
love all of my loving women : I tell this world I do
I
hope some day : that they learn to love their daddy too
Got
a Monday Monday girl : she works on Broadway Main
I've
got a Tuesday girl : that *mama is* spending change
Wednesday
girl : drinks a bottle of beer
I've
got a Thursday one : that she better not catch me here
Friday
Friday girl : she love those teddy bears
I've
got a Saturday girl : takes me each and everywhere
It's
run here boys and girls : let *me papa* send a word to you
She
wears a bearcat skin : she got a suit of navy blues
�������� probably Chicago, c. 1936 ‑1938
�������� (��
) private record Yz L‑1025
Got
to sit around : for a while
Shook
his *juicy rib* : down his aisle
There's
a lady : but her name is Lou
Shook
that thing : till she caught the flu
Getting
sick and tired : of the way you do
Time
mama : I'm going to poison you
Sprinkle
gopher‑dust : around your bed
Wake
up some morning : find your own self dead
Shake
it and break it Lord : you can hang it on the wall
Out
the window : catch it before it fall
Stop
awhile : shimmy if it's all night long
???
things : is got your habits on
�������� probably Chicago, c. 1936 ‑1938
�������� (��
) private record Yz L‑1025
If
I change my mind Jane : I'll change my mind once again
I
have mistaken my life : people and I can't get back again
Sometimes
I wonder : what make you treat me so mean
Good
as I have been to you darling : now I can't get the things I need
�������� probably Chicago, c. 1936 ‑1938
�������� (��
) private record Yz L‑1025
Streamline
train : back train to front
That
that train : took my baby on
Yes
I'm leaving you in the morning : leaving on that streamline train
One
thing I could tell you : get your mind off that thing
Trains
rolled for New York : half past four
Four
o'clock that morning : I was thinking on my baby *door*
She
says come in loving daddy : where have you done been so long
I
ain't had my great loving : since my streamline been gone
Train
rolled to Birmingham : half past six
Half
five that morning : I trying to get it fixed
I'm
going out to West ??? : I'm going to marry me an Indian squaw
Stay
with them Indian chiefs : be my father‑in‑law
Baby
I'm leaving you in the morning : leaving on that streamline train
One
thing I can tell you : get your mind off that man
����� ���Chicago, 24 Aug. 1934
�������� (C‑9386‑A) De‑7076
Rt RL-314
I
say jake leg jake leg jake leg : tell me what in the world you going to do
I
say you done drunk so much jake oh Lord : till it done give him the *lemon leg*
I
say I know the jake leg oh Lord : just as far as I can hear the poor boy walk
I
say the people drink their jake on the rush : now oh Lord they even throw their
bottle away
But
the jake leg ??? oh Lord : that keep them coming every day
Mmm
mama mama mama mama mama Lord children keep on crying : wonder what in the
world poor daddy going to do
I
say he done drunk so much jake oh Lord : till it done give him the *lemon leg*
Mama
mama mama mama crying out and say oh Lord : there's nothing in the world poor
daddy can do
Because
he done drunk so much jake oh Lord : till they got the *lemon leg* too
�������� Chicago, 24 Aug. 1934
�������� (C‑9387‑A) De‑7076
Rt RL-314
When
my baby left me : she didn't even say goodbye
When
I turned my back : she packed her clothes on the sly
You
can read my letter : but you sure can't read my mind
You
see me laughing honey : just to keep from crying
Some
of the meanest people : the poor boy most ever seen
You
ask for water : they give you gasoline
I
used to try to love you baby : a‑loving you *in crime*
Some
day you going to want to love the poor boy : and I'll be done changed my mind
�������� Chicago, 1 Nov. 1935
�������� (96257‑ ) BB‑B6229 Yz L‑1007
Crying
I ain't going down : that dark road by myself
Crying
if I don't carry you : carry somebody else
Crying
who that yonder : coming up the road
Crying
that look like my faro : but she walk too slow
Crying
won't let you do me : like you did poor shine
Crying
you taken the poor boy's money : going to have to kill me before you take mine
Crying
smokes like lightning : shine like faro gold
Crying
I wouldn't get in trouble : to save nobody's soul
Crying
I spied a spider : climbing up the wall
Crying
I asked the spider : did he want his ashes hauled
Crying
I ain't going to marry : ain't going to settle down
Crying
I'm a‑stay right here : till my mustache dragged the ground
Crying
where was you : when the Frisco left the yard
Crying
I was standing right there : police had me barred
�������� New York, 15 Sept. 1930
�������� (10031‑2) Ba‑32138 Yz L‑1035
You
can play with my pussy : but please don't dog it around
If
you going to mistreat it : no pussy will be found
Soon
as I get sober : going to get drunk again
If
I can't get no liquor : drink that good garden gin
If
you got a good pussy : folks don't give it away
The
rats may overtake you : need your pussy cat some day
�������� Richmond, Ind., 19 Nov. 1930
�������� (17277‑A) Ch‑16171 Riv RM‑8803
You
can talk about me going : push me to the wall
Check
up on my loving : but you sure can't get it all
�������� Richmond, Ind., 19 Nov. 1930
�������� (17278‑A) Ch‑16215 Riv RM‑8803
Mr
oh Mr : can't you fix this thing for me
I'd
give anything to fix it : I don't care what it be
Mr
won't you fix it : what makes you wait so long
If
you don't want to fix it : tell me and I'll be moving on
You
got tools Mr : everybody say your work is fine
So
don't have no part missing : I want you to work all night
�������� Richmond, Ind., 19 Nov. 1930
�������� (17285) Ch‑16289 Yz L‑1035
When
you get in trouble : you can always tell who's your friend
If
you ask him for any money : say I ain't got none to lend
Trouble
wake me in the morning : put me to bed late at night
Now
if I get out of trouble : going to start living right
Trouble
trouble : I've been having it all my days
Old
trouble killed my sister : got me one foot in my grave
Sometime
I wonder : what am I going to do
Sometime
I'm happy : most every time I am blue
��������
�������� (17286) Ch‑16289 Yz L‑1035
Didn't
get this man : for nobody else
I
got this man : all for myself
Call
my man : on the telephone
He
was so sad : I wasn't at home
He
got plenty of money : ain't no *junk*
He
got one‑way pocket : because he's going to come out
You
ain't good‑looking : you ain't fair
Look
like you could find you : a man somewhere
Had
my man : long enough
He
ought to be tired : of that old stuff
I
let you stay here : in my house
You
took my man : you dirty louse
If
I catch you : in my bed
Mama
I'm going to : kill you dead