Pre-war Blues Lyric Poetry: an Anthology
M - R
That Lonesome Train Took My Baby Away
We Gonna Pitch a Boogie Woogie
Hallelujah Joe Ain't Preachin' No More
Come On Around to My House Mama
Searching the Desert for the Blues
What's the Matter with the Mill
I Don't Want that Junk Outa You
Ain't No Use Trying to Tell On Me
Man You Won't Give Me No Money
Mississippi Moaner (Isaiah Nettles)
Montgomery, Eurreal Little Brother
Mama You Don't Mean Me No Good
Gettin' Dirty Just Shakin' that Thing
Hambone Willie's Dreamy‑Eyed Woman's Blues
Everybody's Talking About Sadie Green
You May Leave But This Will Bring You Back
Black Gal What Makes Your Head So Hard???‑‑
No. 2
Mooch Richardson's Low Down Barrel House Blues Part 1
I Raised My Window and Looked at the Risin' Sun
Ain't Goin' to Be Your Low Down Dog
�������� Chicago, 22 Nov. 1939
�������� (044243‑1) BB‑B8444 RCA
LPV‑518
Now
I got a brownskin [girl, woman] : with her front tooth crowned with gold
She
got a lien on my body : and a mortgage on my soul
Now
friend don't never let your good girl : fix you like this woman got me
Got
me stone crazy about her : as a doggone fool can be
Now
I ain't going to tell nobody : baby about the way you do
Say
you always keep : some some fatmouth following you
Now
I told you once now baby now : ain't going to tell you no more
Next
time I have to tell you : I'm sure going to let you go
Now
when you get you one of them faulty women : she won't do the truck
Get
you a two‑by‑four : and I swear you can strut your stuff
Mmm
: baby that's all I want
Just
a little bit of loving : and then you can be gone
��������
��� �����(044245‑ ) BB‑B8408 Rt RL‑305
Mmm
: baby don't you want to go
To
that land of
Now
did you get that letter : dropped in your back yard
Wants
to come to see you : your best man got me barred
Now
I don't drink because I'm dry : or drink because I'm blue
The
reason I drink pretty mama : now I can't get along with you
Now
look a‑here baby : don't have to take no more
You
can get my loving : if you just let him go
Now
my my mama told me : papa started to cry
Son
you're too young a man : to have the women at your side
She
cried look a‑here baby : I know you want to go
To
that land of
��������
�������� (044986‑ ) BB‑B8499 RBF RF‑202
Highway
Fifty : runs right by my baby's door
Now
if I don't get the girl I'm loving : ain't going down Highway Fifty‑One
no more
Now
if I should die : [just] before my time do come
I
want you to please bury my body : out on Highway Fifty‑One
Now
yon come that Greyhound : with his tongue sticking out on the side
If
you buy your ticket : swear 'fore God that man'll let you ride
My
baby didn't have one five dollars : baby and I owned me a V‑Eight Ford
If
I ever meet that Greyhound bus : on that Highway Fifty‑One road
Now
any time you get lonesome : and you wants to have some fun
Come
out to little Tommy's cabin : he lives on Highway Fifty‑One
��������
�������� (044987‑ ) BB‑B8605 Rt RL‑305
Oh
my baby : just about good hugging size
Lord
and if anybody wants to take her : I believe to my soul I'd die
Lord
I tried to give the little woman : everything that she tell me she needs
But
she will hold a conversation : with every lowdown dirty man she meets
That
little woman she won't wash : now now she won't even iron my clothes
She
won't do nothing I tell her : but she done bake me jellyroll
Now
I ain't going to tell you babe : about the way you do
But
I swear the way you do : it keeps on worrying me
Now
I used to have a woman : now now she's [just] as good as any in this [white
man's] town
But
I caught her two‑timing me : and I swear I turn her damper down
��������
�������� (044988‑ ) BB‑B8605 Rt RL‑305
I
say my little girl : just as sweet as she can be
And
every time she kisses me : cold chill run all over me
Now
baby don't you worry : just because I'm out of town
All
my love I have for you darling : swear it can't be turned around
Now
you hurt my feelings : babe but [I swear] I wouldn't let on
I
believe it's some dirty deacon : is done been here and gone
Now
I love you baby : don't care what you do
But
the way you doing : I swear it's coming back home to you
��������
�������� (044991‑ ) BB‑B8545 Rt RL‑305
Now
she dog me every morning : she dog me late at night
She
keep on a‑dogging me : till I going to make everything all right
Now
look a‑here mama : tell me where you stay last night
She
said ain't none of your business : you know you don't treat me right
Now
I done told you once pretty mama : ain't going to tell you no more
You
can get all my loving : if you just let him go
I
say look a‑here babe : I'm getting tired of the way you're dogging me
Because
I like pretty mama : better than any woman that I ever seen
Mmm
: my baby's dogging me
I
love that little old woman : better than any woman that I ever seen
��������
�������� (044992‑ ) BB‑B8545 Rt RL‑305
She's
a good‑looking woman : teeth don't even shine like pearls
But
that old good disposition that woman got : I do swear it will carry her all
through the world
Now
please don't never let your good girl : treat you like this here woman got me
She
got me stone crazy about her : as a good‑looking woman can be
Now
you know that I love you baby : and that's why we can't get along
But
some day you're going to be sorry : that you ever did your daddy wrong
Now
some day you're going to want me back : baby now now and you going to
acknowledge that you did wrong
But
it's going to be too late pretty mama : your daddy will be gone
Ooh
: Lord Lord Lordy Lord
Sure
I love you sweet mama : but I sure ain't going to be your dog
��������
�������� (053736‑ ) BB‑B8760 RBF RF‑14
Now
he's a whiskey‑headed man : and he stays drunk all the time
Just
as sure if he don't stop drinking : I believe he's going to lose his mind
Now
every time I see this man : he's at some whiskey joint
Trying
to catch a big bet : so he can get him one more half a pint
Now
every time I see this man : he's standing on the street
Laughing
grinning talking : with most every man he meets
Now
every time I see this man : he at some whiskey joint
Sniffing
around the back door : begging one more half a pint
��������
�������� (053737‑ ) BB‑B8760 Rt RL‑305
Sugar
mama sugar mama : won't you please come back to me
Bring
me that granulated sugar : sugar mama to relieve my misery
Now
my coffee's sweet in the morning : you know I'm crazy about [that, my] tea at
night
Don't
get my sugar three times a day : great Lord I don't feel right
Now
you been bragging about your whiskey : now now you've been bragging all over
town
The
bootlegger won't sell enough sugar to make whiskey : don't even sell but about
four or five pounds
Now
sugar mama sugar mama : [won't you] please come [on] back to me
Bring
me that granulated sugar : that all it take to ease my misery
Now
sugar mama sugar mama : you know you been gone all day long
You
been doing something with my sugar : ooo Lord now I know it was wrong
Now
sugar mama sugar mama : now won't you please come on back to me
You
know I don't like nothing but my sugar : and that's what it takes to ease my
misery
��������
�������� (053738‑ ) BB‑B8725 Rt RL‑305
I
say my little woman : got me down to skin and bone
She
done got me to the place : I hate to see my baby leave home
Now
she leave me every morning : she don't come home till night
She
know I know she doing something : oh Lord but she know it ain't right
Don't
think because I love you : I'm going to be your dog
I'll
drink muddy water : and I'll lives in a hollow log
Mmm
: gal I don't know why I should
Because
you go with every man : mmm in anybody's neighborhood
��������
�������� (053739‑1) BB‑B8689 Rt RL‑305
Katy
Mae's a good‑looking woman now : but she stays out all night long
Katy
Mae be doing something : oh Lord well you know is wrong
You
know I love you Katy Mae : and that's why we can't get along
Some
day you going to be sorry : that you ever done poor Tommy wrong
I
give you all my loving : Katy Mae what more can a poor man do
You's
a sweet little girl : but I swear you won't be true
Now
how can I do right : now baby you won't do right yourself
Before
you love me baby : you wants to love somebody else
Now
Katy Mae she won't wash : now she won't starch [and iron] my clothes
Katy
Mae won't do nothing : oh but walk the road
��������
�������� (053740‑1) BB‑B8689 Rt RL‑305
If
you're going to have a woman : love her with a thrill
And
if you don't love her : some other man will
Now
no woman no woman : *ever but halfway stuffed*
Because
when you turn her loose : be sure she got enough
Now
you know 'Berta : you ain't doing me right
And
when you come home : we'll go to fuss and fight
Mmm
mama told me : papa started to cry
The
way you got doing babe : won't take your life
��������
�������� (053741‑1) BB‑B8704 Rt RL‑305
Drop
down mama : let daddy see
You
got something : really worry me
Now
my mama she don't allow me : stay out the whole night long
Because
you may be a *model* : and you may be treated wrong
Now
my baby got ways soon in the morning : just like a squirrel
Get
up every morning : grabbing them *covers* on the world
Now
when you get your women : and she act funny in every way
Just
D B all right : she'll be home some day
I'm
going to write you a letter soon in the morning : mail it in the air
You
can tell by that : babe I got a somewhere
Now
if you get you a woman : now now treat her nice in every way
Because
when you get to
��������
�������� (053742‑1) BB‑B8704 Rt RL‑305
Black
Minnie Black Minnie : you know you ain't doing me right
But
the day you quit me Black Minnie : I swear that's the day you die
Black
Minnie you know I love you : and I love you for myself
And
I'd rather be with you Black Minnie : than to be with anyone else
I
give my money Black Minnie : and everything that you told me you need
And
one time done come and caught me : baby with my B V Ds
Now
Black Minnie Black Minnie : I'm going to take you one more time
And
if you don't suit me : I'm going to try to *fade the line*
Black
Minnie Black Minnie : what in the world are you trying to do
I
believe trying to love me Black Minnie : and my partner too
Now
Black Minnie Black Minnie : you know you don't mean me no good
Because
you going with the man : that lives right above my neighborhood
Black
Minnie Black Minnie : girl you stays in the dark
And
your no‑good way : I ain't going to never give you my last dime
Black
Minnie Black Minnie : I'm going to try you one more time
And
if you don't do : I'm going to break your neck a‑trying
��������
�������� (053743‑ ) BB‑B8725 Rt RL‑305
Elsie
: is sweetest girl I know
If
you didn't love me Elsie : why didn't you tell me so
Now
I followed Elsie : right to the jumping‑off ground
But
I never felt sorry : till they let my baby down
Now
I followed my baby Lord : long days and long nights
I
followed my baby : till I see she wasn't going to treat me right
You
can misuse me here now now : but you can't when I go home
Elsie
I got somebody there : will really make you leave me alone
Now
I give you all my loving : Elsie what more can a poor man do
You
a sweet little girl : Elsie but I swear you won't be true
Now
you can't have me Elsie : now now and my partner too
Because
your no‑good way baby : oh baby that won't do
Now
I followed you to them dance now : and you jook jook all the time
You
jook jook so : that I wouldn't pay you no mind
You
if you don't quit jooking baby : that's going to be all right
If
your good man don't see you : I'll try to see you tomorrow night
��������
�������� (064885‑ ) BB‑B8897 Rt RL‑305
Now
I'm a crosscut saw : drive me across your log
Baby
I cut your wood so easy : you can't help but say hot dog
They
call me wood‑cutting Sam : call me wood‑cutting Bill
But
the woman I did the wood‑cutting for : she wants me back again
I
got a double‑bladed ax : and it sure cuts good
But
try my crosscut saw : it's evil to the wood
Now
look a‑here mama : you stay last night
Said
ain't none of your business : you don't do me right
Now
when you go to fishing : now don't forget the pole
You
you's a good girl : but you ain't been out long
��������
�������� (064887‑ ) BB‑B8897 Rt RL‑305
I
say my good‑looking woman : honey she lives up on that hill
She
been trying to quit poor Tommy : oh Lord but I love her still
She
walks the street [late at, every] night : she won't treat nobody right
Oh
she drinks her moonshine whiskey : but me and her will make everything all
right
I
say if you quit Mr Butler : we will make everything all right
If
I can't see you today : we may get together tomorrow night
Now
you can read my letter : oh but you can't read my mind
Sometime
you think I'm crazy about you : I'm liable to be quitting you all the time
Now
that's all right babe : what you did [last, one] Sunday night
If
I hadn't been in my whiskey too : it's liable to cause our fussing and fight
��������
�������� (064889‑ ) BB‑B9005 Rt RL‑313
I'm
going babe I'm going : and crying won't make me stay
Because
the more you cry now now baby : the further you drive me away
Now
I wished that I was a bullfrog : swimming in the deep blue sea
Lord
I would have all these good‑looking women now now now : fishing after me
Now
I went to my baby's house : and I sat down on her steps
She
said walk on in now now Tommy : my husband just now left
Now
it ain't none of none of my business : babe but you know I know it ain't right
Hit
your kid‑man all day long : and play sick on your husband at night
Now
Lord oh Lord : baby hear me blow the blues
Don't
got nobody now now now : give me my last pair of shoes
��������
�������� (064890‑ ) BB‑B8957 RBF RF‑1
I'm
a guitar king : singing the blues everywhere I go
I'm
going to sing these blues : till I get back in territor'
Now
my mama told me : son you most too old
Oh
don't forget : you got a soul
But
that ain't none of your business : keep it to yourself
Don't
you tell your kid‑man : please don't tell nobody else
Now
I went to my baby's house : knocked upon her door
She
had the nerve to tell me : that she didn't want me no more
I
say that's all right babe : [most any, any old] way you do
If
you mistreat poor Tommy : I swear it's coming back home to you
It's
a crying pity : lowdown dirty shame
Crazy
about a married woman : afraid to call her name
��������
�������� (064891‑ ) BB‑B9005 Rt RL‑305
It's
a crying pity : a lowdown dirty shame
Crazy
about a no‑good woman : scared to call her name
Now
where were you babe : when I knocked upon your door
You
hadn't never tell poor Tommy : that you couldn't use me no more
But
that's all right babe : got to reap [just] what you sow
But
don't forget that night : I knocked upon you door
Now
I done some last winter : don't expect to do it no more
Quit
the best woman I had : and I have drove her from my door
But
forgive me baby : won't do wrong no more
You
can get all my loving : but you got to let that black man go
Now
I love you baby : I don't see why I should
Because
you going with the man : that lives right in my neighborhood
��������
�������� (074100‑ ) BB‑B9015 Rt
RL-314
Mozelle
: why we can't get along
Because
you know you always doing something : baby when you know it's wrong
Mozelle
you know you been rambling : rambling all night long
Yeah
I know you been doing something : yeah Mozelle well you know is wrong
Mozelle
you know you [like, love] your whiskey : don't forget I [likes, love] mine too
But
I'll get my whiskey so strong : I'll forget about you
Mozelle
: I love you for myself
Every
time I hear somebody speaking about you : I will beat you in the *B W O L*
��������
�������� (074102‑ ) BB‑B9015 Rt
RL-314
Babe
I feel so worried : yeah and I feel so low
Because
I believe you been out : with Mr so‑and‑so
Now
baby I ??? : please get out of my face
Because
I got myself a brand new woman : yeah girl to take your place
Ooo
babe : you know that sure ain't right
*You're
off having a binge* : you don't come home at all at night
��������
�������� (074107‑ ) BB‑B9037 RCA
LPV‑518
Bluebird
bluebird : please fly down south for me
If
you don't find me on the M and O : you'll find me somewhere on that
Bluebird
when you get in
Tell
them I'm going back to
Oh
babe : you is on my mind
I
hope to see you some of these days : you know I sure ain't lying
Now
bluebird you get to
Tell
them Tommy's too bad : go away girl you know I got the blues about me
Oh
babe : please your Tommy be all right
If
I can't see you today : it'll be all right tomorrow night
��������
�������� (151016‑2) Co‑14575‑D
Rt RL‑318
Well
a‑this piano : and everything
Mr
Cooper had it written down : under my name
��������
�������� (18798) Ch‑18514 Riv RM‑8819
Did
you ever get in trouble : and they take you down to jail
You
didn't have a friend : to come and go your bail
When
you got a lot of money: you've got friends for miles around
But
any time that you're broke : your good friends they can't be found
When
I lost all my money : no one would loan me a dime
I
could hear them all saying : he ain't no friend of mine
It's
tough when you're broke friends : you can't even get a dime
If
you even go a‑begging : everyone will turn you down
I'm
going back to prison : don't know what else to do
That's
the only thing I know : to cure a prisoner's blues
��������
�������� (M‑176‑ ) Br‑7141 Yz
L‑1001
Babe
just as sure as a blackbird : flies in the skies above
Bet
your life ain't worth living babe : if you ain't with the one you love
My
baby tried to do me : like the tadpole do the trout
That's
getting me out in the deep water baby : then she walks on out
Mmm
good Lordy : send me an angel down
Son
I can't spare you no angel : but I'll send you a teasing brown
I
don't think : no woman in this whole round world do right
If
they be good all day : they will do wrong at night
Baby
you know it may be my last time : rider you sure don't know
It
may be my last time baby : knocking on your door
��������
�������� (404726‑A) OK‑8863 RBF RF‑14
Woke
up this morning : found something wrong
My
loving babe : had caught that train and gone
Now
won't you starch my jumper : iron my overalls
I'm
going to ride that train : that they call the Cannonball
Mr
depot agent : close your depot down
The
woman I'm loving : she's fixing to blow this town
Now
that mean old fireman : that cruel old engineer
Going
to take my baby : and leave me lonesome here
It
ain't no telling : what that train won't do
It'll
take your baby : and run right over you
Now
that engineer man : ought to be ashamed of himself
Take
women from their husbands : babies from their mother's breast
I
walked down the track : when the stars refused to shine
Looked
like every minute : I was going to lose my mind
Now
my knees was weak : my footsteps was all I heard
Looked
like every minute : I was stepping in another world
��������
�������� (148708‑3) Co‑14439‑D
Yz L‑1021
Well
look here mama : see what you done done
Took
all my money : put me on a bum
???
: go to your knees
Try
and bum jelly : to who you please
Going
to buy me a dog : tired and old
Keep
these men : from my jellyroll
I'm
crazy about your loving : don't see why she can
Saw
them going : with another man
Now
you talk about jelly : you ought to see mine
Sharing
her jelly : all over town
I
had a good *cake* : *now sweet as mama's shelf*
*Now
she gone to town : with somebody else*
I'm
going to build me a house : out on the sea
So
these women : come see poor me
Me
and my brother : went around the bend
Heard
my gal : putting *cider* in
��������
�������� (148709‑2) Co‑14455‑D
OJL‑21
Oh
mercy dear : you caused my heart
It
really is wrong : that we must part
You
learned I love you : *mores* all the rest
Your
leaving me : breaks my happiness
I'll
count the hours : lover when I'm gone
Think
of you : wish you back home
My
lonesome heart : will shake with fear
The
very hour : I call your name
Every
hour :
Not
at ease : with anyone else
I'll
*haunt the line* : for you I know
I'm
asking you dear : please don't go
Oh
honey babe : mama *ray*
*Glory
be* : I see that thing
��������
�������� (148711‑1) Co‑14439‑D
BC‑1
If
it keeps on raining : levee's going to break
And
the water going to come : and we'll have no place to stay
Well
all last night : I sat on the levee and moaned
Thinking
about my baby : and my happy home
If
it keeps on raining : levee's going to break
And
all these people : have no place to stay
Now
look here mama : what am I to do
I
ain't got nobody : tell my troubles to
I
worked on the levee : mama both night and day
I
ain't got nobody : to keep the water away
On
crying won't help you : praying won't do no good
When
the levee break : mom you got to move
I
worked on the levee : mama both night and day
When
the levee break : mom you got to move
I
worked on the levee : mama both night and day
Say
worked so hard : keep the water away
I
had a woman : she wouldn't do for me
I'm
going back : to my used‑to‑be
Old
mean old levee : cause me to weep and moan
Cause
me to leave my baby : and my happy home
��������
�������� (C‑5820‑A) Vo‑1570
His HLP‑32
All
of my chicken : is dressed mighty fine
Can't
get my chicken : take dressing from mine
Went
to the henhouse : looked on the roof
Looking
for my stuff : but it was no use
Take
a boa constrictor : and a lemon stick
Wouldn't
mind going : but my mama's sick
You
can toot your whistle : you can ring your bell
Know
you been waddling : by the way you smell
Good
stuff good stuff : is hard to find
Kill
my daddy : run my mama blind
Now
I'm going girls : don't flirt after me
Got
good stuff : and it's all I need
Listen
boys : don't mean no harm
Go
ahead on : let my stuff alone
Now
somebody ask you : who sung this song
��������
�������� (C‑5830‑ ) Vo‑1576
Pal PL‑101
Early
one morning : *my mind*
Was
thinking about my Mary : didn't have no place to stay
Now
tell me Mary : where did you stay last night
Come
home this morning : the sun was shining bright
I
met my Mary : way across the sea
She
wouldn't write me no letter : she didn't care for me
You
see my Mary : tell her to hurry home
Haven't
been long loving : honey since you been gone
I
love my Mary : tell the whole round world I do
I
want some real good loving : why don't your heart be true
Goodbye
Mary : goodbye and it's fare you well
That's
when I get back home : can't anyone tell
��������
�������� (C‑5864‑A) Vo‑1535
Pal PL‑101
Ain't
going to give you : no more cherry ball
Well
you might get mad now : show your Santa Claus
Rocks
and gravel : ??? road
Takes
a get‑along woman : satisfy my soul
See
you dead now : in some cedar grove
Than
to see some man now : bothering with your clothes
Ain't
no driver : but the driver's son
I
can do your driving : till that driver comes
��������
�������� (C‑5865‑A) Vo‑1570
His HLP‑32
I
went to my window : my window was *cracked*
Went
to my door : my door was locked
Old
lady diamond : setting on a rock
Raising
her hand : trying to *change* that knot
My
old lady : ought to be ashamed
She
kept the watch : and give me the change
Mama
got the washboard : papa got the tub
Brother
got mad : because they wouldn't let him rub
Drive
up to the station : to catch that train
Got
there too late : from bothering that thing
Went
to the doctor : the doctor said
Bothering
that thing : is going to kill you dead
���� ����
�������� (C‑6012‑ ) Vo‑1612
Yz L‑1002
Drove
so many piles : my hammer's all worn out
That's
when I do my driving : they began to jump and shout
Want
all you people : just to understand
That's
when I do my driving : drive just like a man
When
I was young : driving was my crave
You
drove me so hard : drove me to my grave
Get
you a hammer : you can drive all the time
You
have broke my hammer : my hammer's out of line
��������
�������� (C‑6013‑ ) Vo‑1631
BC‑13
I
called you this morning : about half past one
Told
me : that you just got on
I
called you this morning : about
Told
me : that you just got through
I
called you this morning : about
Told
me : that you couldn't use me
I
called you this morning : about
Told
me : that you didn't want me no more
I
called you this morning : about
You
turned over : cried like a child
I
called you this morning : about
You
told me : that it was out of fix
��������
�������� (C‑7246‑ ) Vo‑1643
Pal PL‑101
Some
got both queens : some got both kings
I
got both aces : I know I got the best hand
Oh
I can beat it : I can beat it tonight
I
can beat it baby : got something to beat it right
Now
it's dark and cloudy : don't need no light
You
want me to beat it : you got to move it just right
Oh
I can beat it : I can beat it tonight
I
can beat it baby : got something to beat it with
Now
listen girl : don't be afraid
I
hits every nail : right on the head
Now
the men don't like me : because I speak my mind
The
women like me : because I can beat it all the time
Now
all you women : love to fuss and fight
Come
on around : now let us beat it up tight
Now
listen folks : don't mean no harm
I
got to go : and beat my way back home
Well
I went to the doctor : to get me a piece of advice
Keep
on beating it : it's going to take your life
��������
���� ����(C‑7247‑ ) Vo‑1643 BC‑13
Some
folks say : a preacher won't steal
I
caught three : in my cornfield
One
had a yellow : one had a brown
Looked
over by the mill : one was getting down
Now
some folks say : that a preacher won't steal
But
he will do more stealing : than I can get regular meals
I
went to my house : about
Looked
on my bed : where the preacher had been
He
will eat your chicken : he will eat your pie
He
will lead your wife out : on the sly
I
been trying so hard : trying to save my life
To
keep that preacher : from my wife
I
went out last night : came in late
I
found out : where he had made his date
I
done told you once : done told you twice
???
over that preacher : you be done lost your wife
��������
�������� (VO‑109‑A) Vo‑1668
Mam S‑3803
Shake
shake Mattie : shake rattle and roll
I
can't get enough now : satisfy my soul
Old
shaking Mattie : meat shake on the bone
Every
time she shakes them : poor man's dollar gone
Old
shaking Mattie : and shaking Sue
I
can't get by now : at the way they do
Old
*gate‑foot* Mattie : and *gate‑foot bright*
They
meets at the levee : every Saturday night
Well
the bell rung for *dinner* : as I been *bad*
If
you ask her about it : have to reckon with her man
Yonder
come old Mattie : with a paper in her hand
Going
to the sergeant : trying to free her man
Yonder
come old Mattie : how in the world you know
I
know old Mattie : by the dress she wore
��������
�������� (VO‑110‑A) Vo‑1668
Yz L‑1026
My
baby's *deaf‑toweled* : can't hardly hear
Such
fussing and fighting : this whole round year
Now
my baby's gone : left my clothes in the tub
I
ain't got no washwoman : *mean* nobody can rub
I
got up this morning : said my morning prayers
Didn't
have nobody : to speak in my behalf
I
got an old tub now : so deep and wide
Keep
me rubbing : from side to side
Well
I got an old lady now : wash mighty clean
When
she go to rub : she rub so mean
I
feel like falling down : on bended knees
Cried
Lord have mercy : if you please
��������
�������� (11220‑A) Vo‑1686 Yz L‑1021
Now
those police coming : with his ball and chain
And
they accusing me of murder : never harmed a man
Now
some got six months : some got one solid year
Now
me and my buddy : got a lifetime here
Now
the judge he pleaded : clerk he wrote it down
Now
I hear my last jail sentence now : must be
Now
cook my supper : let me go to bed
I've
been drinking white lightning : and it's gone to my head
Now
go and hurt me baby : do anything you want to do
Some
day you going to want it : and then I won't want you
Now
those police shifted : those pistol in my side
Now
if you run big boy now : ??? bound to die
When
they had my trial : you could not be found
Now
I done got on that dock : and I'm
��������
�������� (C‑9290) De‑7008 Rt RL‑329
I
dropped my baby off : among my friends
First
thing I know : she done had turned me in
But
some day : I'll be in the clay
And
I won't be long here : to be treated this a‑way
When
I was a man : I tried to prove a friend
First
thing I know : you had four or five men
There
come a time : I can't say no more
I'll
be a‑hearsing : out my door
But
when I'm gone : don't cry over me
Just
think about : your used‑to‑be
Now
I can't stay : but fare you well
If
I ain't gone to heaven : you know I gone to hell
��������
�������� (C‑9299‑A) De‑7822 BC‑5
I'd
rather be the devil : be that woman's man
Because
she was evil : wouldn't work hand in hand
On
she's all right now : she's all right with me
But
the devil is evil : evil as he can be
I
tried : to be nice and kind
Oh
she was evil : would not change her mind
I'll
cut your wood baby : and I'll build your fire
I'll
bring you water : through that muddy bayou
I'll
give my money : to buy your shoes and clothes
But
you was evil : throwed me out‑of‑doors
But
that's all right baby : it's coming home to you
I
tried to be : tried to be a man to you
��������
�������� (C‑9300‑A) De‑7087
Yz L‑1007
Lord
wonder : will I ever get back home
Crying
how long : you going to keep me away from home
I
walked and I wandered : crying the whole night long
Crying
wonder : will I ever get back home
I
went to the station : looked up on the board
Crying
is it possible : will I ever get back home
So
long I traveled : the *way side and more*
Crying
wonder : will I ever get back home
You
may never never : see me anymore
But
you will never forget the day : I knocked upon your door
��������
�������� (C‑9380‑ ) De‑7038
BC‑1
Say
little girl : can I spend the night
Wife
and I : just had a fight
I've
got to move : out of the neighborhood
For
the woman I love : don't mean me no good
Babe
it ain't no use : you talking about no money tonight
Pay
for everything : tomorrow night
If
you can take it baby : it'll be all right
Pay
you off : right here tonight
When
I had her : she lived on Easy Street
Now
she's begging : every man she meets
��������
�������� (96262‑ ) BB‑B6260 Yz L‑1021
I'm
going to ask my buddy now : how come he shares
Going
to fool around :
Crying
something bad now : sure is going to happen to you
That's
when I done everything : that a poor boy could do
I'm
have bought me a pistol : shotgun and some shells
Start
some stuff : to show them raise some hell
Yes
you talked about me : all through the neighborhood
Told
everybody : that I was no good
Yes
you called on the old law : and he brought his ball and chain
Accused
me of murder : I never harmed a man
Yes
my mother she told me : my daddy sat down and he cried
Some
day son : you got to lay down and die
There'll
be one of these mornings : you going to jump and shout
Open
the jailhouse door : and you come walking out
I
used to have so many women : I didn't know what Lord
Used
to gang around me : like the ants on a bug
��������
�������� (90691‑A) De‑7182 AH‑77
Oh
Red : wish you were dead
I'm
sick and tired : rubbing my baby's head
Oh
Red : what you going to do
I'm
sick and tired : chastizing you
Oh
Red : baby's in jail
She
ain't got nobody : come and go her bail
Oh
Red : she's outdoors
She
ain't got nowhere : carry her dirty clothes
Oh
Red : she's all right
And
we ain't going to fuss : and we ain't going to fight
Oh
Red : all over now
You
didn't have no right : raise no hell nohow
��������
�������� (90782‑A) De‑7205 AH‑77
What
you going to do : when they put you in jail again
Do
like I would do : get out if you can
What
you going to do : when they put you outdoors again
Do
like I would do : get back if you can
What
you going to do : when you lose your money again
Do
like I would do : win it back if you can
What
you going to do : when you lose your baby again
Do
like I would do : win her back if you can
What
you going to do : when she put the dog on you
Do
like I would do : get loose if you can
What
you going to do : when she close the door in your face
Do
like I would do : open it if you can
��������
�������� (90913‑A) De‑7229 AH‑77
Blues
jumped the monkey : and run him for a solid mile
And
the poor fellow lie down : cried like a natural child
Blues
is something : I just can't understand
And
when they gets on me : talk like a natural man
��������
�������� (90914‑A) De‑7229 AH‑77
Stick
out your can : here comes the garbage man
Ain't
nobody : stick it out like you can
��������
�������� (90949‑A) De‑7251 AH‑77
I
want to do : like my daddy done
He
loved women : from sun to sun
My
daddy : was a loving man
And
he make them like it : everywhere he land
When
he start to loving : they cry for more
Even
laid the woman : lived next door
Had
twenty women : that I know
Each
one told me : he sure could go
The
only thing : he didn't do good
Was
make his women : lay it on wood
��������
�������� (90982‑A) De‑7326 AH‑77
We
drinking whiskey : champagne and wine
Want
you to know : your woman from mine
We're
going to pitch boogie‑woogie : going to have a ball tonight
And
we ain't going to fuss : and we ain't going to fight
That's
your woman : pin her to your side
She
flag my train : I'm going to give her a ride
Everybody's
talking : know what it's all about
Your
man started some stuff : we're going to put him out
I'm
taking one : to ninety‑nine
Don't
be careful : you're liable to lose your mind
Ain't
no use : your gal being afraid
He'll
pay you off : if you use your head
Pull
your dresses : above your knees
Sell
your stuff : to who you please
��������
�������� (91074‑A) De‑7299 AH‑77
Everybody
thought : he was through
And
he made a little song : about what you going to do
All
the sisters and brothers thought : he was dead
Then
he wrote a little song : by the name of Oh Red
He
made a little trip : down to
And
he wrote that song : weed‑smoker's dreams
Everybody
knew : his preaching was grand
Then
he wrote another blues : about move your hand
��������
�������� (07655‑1) BB‑B7115 Rt RL‑321
Now
got in tough luck : all my people dead and gone
And
I haven't got any money : no place to call my home
When
a man gets in tough luck : nobody wants him around
If
he haven't got any money : there is no friend to be found
When
a man got lots of money : he'll have friend at every house
But
if he haven't got any money : he'll be treated like a cat with a mouse
Now
when I got in tough luck : my pigmeat didn't treat me right
But
why should I worry about the pigmeat : sleeping with an old hog every night
So
when I get out of this tough luck : I'm going to leave your home
Because
you treats me mean : you know you done me wrong
��������
�������� (93037‑A) De‑7819 Rt RL‑319
Babe
I know that you love me : you won't treat me right
If
you do good in the day : you'll go and do wrong at night
Still
I ain't going to worry : and I ain't going to raise no sand
I'm
going back to Friar's Point : down in sweet old Dixieland
You
can love me in the morning : you can love me late at night
You
don't have to worry : I'm going to treat you right
Still
I ain't going to worry : and I ain't going to raise no sand
Yes
I'm going away : way down in Dixieland
Every
time you kiss me : you make my love come down
Sometimes
I believe : you the sweetest girl in town
Still
I ain't going to worry : and I ain't going to raise no sand
Yes
I'm going to leave you : going down to Dixieland
Babe
I know you love me : you won't treat me right
All
you want to do : is fuss and fight
��������
�������� (147611‑1) Co‑14453‑D
Yz L‑1018
Mmm
: what's the matter now
Well
you're trying to quit your daddy mama : and you don't know how
If
you don't want me : hey [please] don't dog me around
Oh
just hand me my suitcase : I'll leave your
�� ������
�������� (L‑154‑1) Pm‑12928
Riv RM‑8819
People
people : you don't know my mind
I'm
sitting here thinking : about the girls that I left behind
Blues
and trouble : have been my best friends
When
my blues leave me : my trouble just begins
Blues
come down the alley : backing up to my door
I've
got the blues today : like I never had before
Take
me back mama : you know that I have been true
???
*me* ??? : is the same thing that I've done for you
Left
my baby : standing in the back door crying
You
got a home : just as long as I've got mine
��������
�������� (L‑155‑1) Pm‑12928
Riv RM‑8819
My
name is Piggly Wiggly : I've got groceries on my shelf
Getting
mighty tired : making these nights all by myself
My
mama told me : my papa told me too
Don't
let these Cadillac women : make no flat tire out of you
If
I had a‑listened : to what my mama said
Wouldn't
have had such a hard time : in this world today
I
don't want no woman : wants to rove these streets night and day
A
woman like that : always wants to have her way
I'm
leaving you now mama : baby baby bye bye
Going
to miss your daddy : cuddling by your cozy side
��������
�������� (C‑9321‑ ) De‑7013
OJL‑20
I
got to go : got to leave my baby be
And
I love my woman : but my woman do not care for me
Baby
: baby what more can I do
I
done everything : cannot get along with you
Oh
yes : babe oh yes oh yes I know
You
don't want me woman : do like a *Mrs so‑and‑so*
My
God : babe my God my God my God
I've
got enough of you woman : I won't want to be your dog
Nero
: make me a soldier with a cross
My
babe quit me : then I know my soul is lost
Baby
: baby why don't you answer me
I
been a ??? fellow : babe I don't intend to be
Sometime
: my woman too sweet to die
And
again I believe : ought to be buried alive
Oh
: babe it hurts me to my heart
But
the Good Book says : that the best of friends must part
Because
I'm black : I was born black 'fore my birth
And
the women do tell me : I'm the sweetest black man on earth
And
: baby what's the matter now
I'll
always remember : you don't mean me no good nohow
Oh
: baby what's the matter you
You
worry me woman : babe I don't know what to do
��������
�������� (14847) Ge‑6813 His HLP‑4
I've
got that *mainliner* feeling ooo : I'm full of gin
I'm
on my way to the
Want
to see some shooting : like there never has been before
I
mean my man and my best friend : will never see the
��������
�������� (14848) Ge‑6797 His HLP‑4
I
feel awfully : sad and blue
Won't
somebody : please tell me what to do
My
daddy left me : other day
Couldn't
be surprised : I was a poison snake
Wicked
daddy : I'll no longer be your slave
Wicked
daddy : now I'm going to put you in your grave
I
loved your pigmeat : so nice and so sweet
And
your loving ways : brother was hard to beat
Now
wicked daddy : you treat your mama cruel and rough
I
ain't *your rough* : and I sure know when I've had enough
Oh
wicked daddy : get out of my life
Because
you won't *smother* me : another night
All
of these mornings : how my poor heart aches
Wicked
daddy all you do : is take and take
��������
�������� (12913‑1) Ba‑32690 Yz L‑1012
Well
you can't wait and listen : hear me when I cry
When
you hear me crying : know there's something wrong
Well
you can't wait and listen : *yeah there Willie Mae*
*When
it's through* baby : *something* churches tone
Well
he dug her grave : with a long‑handled silver spade
Well
he let her down : with a great long leather line
Well
I followed my baby : to the burying ground
What
make it so sad eee baby : had done let her down
Mmm
smoke like lightning : church bells shine like gold
*But
with searching* I cry mama : see my baby laying on the bed
��������
�������� (12936‑ ) Ba‑32784 BC‑5
And
I'll tell all you people : that ain't no place to go
Where
they treat you cruel : dog you from morning till night
Well
they beat me and they search me : forty‑five in my side
???
: mama working all day long
Take
these rings and chains : from all around my legs
Well
I believe to the Lord : these going to kill me dead
��������
�������� (402289‑A) OK‑8676 Mel MLP‑7324
Now
listen here folks : we don't mean no harm
Don't
get mad : we going to sing a little song
There
was a little black rooster : met a little brown hen
Made
a date at the barn : about
I
had a little woman : lived out
Made
more money : than John Henry Ford
And
the rooster crowed : and the hen looked around
The
bum‑bum‑biddly : going to carry you to town
Now
mama had a little dog : name was Ball
Give
him a lick : and he want it all
Old
Bill came in : about
Key
in the hole : but he couldn't get in
Aunt
Jane and Uncle Bud :
???
:
If
you see my girl : hurry home
Had
no breakfast : she been gone
����� ���
�������� (11512‑A) Vo‑1721 Yz L‑1019
Now
down in Black Bottom : that is so they say
They
drink good moonshine : and stay drunk all day
Yes
I went down in Black Bottom : I didn't go to stay down there long
Police
brought me out : by my right arm
Now
go down in Black Bottom : and you don't know the rules
Black
Bottom women : will try to make a fool out of you
I'm
crazy about Black Bottom : mmm so they say
That's
where they drink good moonshine : and stay drunk all day
If
you go down in Black Bottom : put your money in your shoes
Don't
them Black Bottom women : will give your pop the blues
Now
if you go down in Black Bottom : put your money down in your britches
For
them womens going to rob you : now you dirty mmm bitches
Now
if anybody asks you : who composed this song
Tell
them the Black Bottom Buddy : done been here and gone
��������
�������� (11513‑A) Vo‑1690 Yz L‑1019
I'm
going to tell all you people : my dream I had one week ago
I
dreamed my baby was leaving me : and I was begging her please don't go
But
whensoever you have a dream : always take you dream the other way
For
now I've been mistreated : and I'm leaving town this very day
I'd
rather be up on a mountain : or down in the deep blue sea
Than
to be right here baby : treated like you treat poor me
Lord
I cried last night : and I cried the night before
But
there's one thing I hope : I won't have to cry no more
Now
if you don't want me baby : why don't you tell me so
Then
I can sleep at night : and won't have to dream no more
��������
�������� (11514‑A) Vo‑1721 Yz L‑1019
Well
I drink so much whiskey : till they call me whiskey man
Lord
I get drunk every morning : with a whiskey bottle in my hand
Lord
my baby treats me mean : she keeps me worried all the time
And
if I didn't drink my whiskey : I believe I would lose my mind
When
I drink my whiskey : I don't mistreat my friend
I
am sober now : but I'm going to get drunk again
Lord
whiskey whiskey : it don't mean me no good
And
I would stop drinking whiskey : baby if I only could
Lord
Lord : whiskey is killing me
And
why I can't stop drinking whiskey : Lord Lord I just can't see
My
baby put me out : I'm just going from hand to hand
And
I drink so much whiskey : till they call me whiskey man
�������� Atlanta, 18 Oct. 1927
�������� (40308‑1) Vi‑21474
Yz L‑1005
I
wrote you a letter mama : put it in your front yard
I
would love to come to see you : but your good mens got me barred
Oh
you wrote me a letter : to come back to
To
leave the town : and don't spread the news
I
wrote you a letter mama : sent you a telegram
Not
to meet me in
Mmm
: hear my weep and moan
Now
don't you hear me pleading : hear my grieve and groan
Now
if I could get me : one more drink of booze
I
guess it would ease : these old writing paper blues
I
caught a freight train special : and my mama caught a passenger behind
Because
you can't quit me papa : there's no need in trying
��������
�������� (40309‑2) Vi‑21124 Yz L‑1037
I'm
going to grab me a train : ride the lonesome rail
Liquor
stole my baby: she's in the lonesome jail
He
took my mama : ??? her to the town of *
Now
she's screaming and crying : papa let your mama come back home
I
stole my good gal : from my bosom friend
That
fool got lucky : he stoled her back again
That
little woman I love : got a mouth chock full of good gold
Every
time you hug and kiss me : it make my blood run cold
When
you see two women : running hand in hand
Bet
you my last dollar : one done stole the other one's man
I'm
leaving town : please don't spread the news
That
why : I've got these old stole rider blues
��������
�������� (40310‑1) Vi‑21474 Yz L‑1005
Wake
up mama : don't you sleep so hard
For
these old blues : walking all over your yard
I've
got these blues : means I'm not satisfied
That's
the reason why : I stole away and cried
Blues
grabbed me at
I
didn't have no mama : drive these blues away
The
big star falling : mama it ain't long 'fore day
Maybe
: the sunshine'll drive these blues away
��������
�������� (40311‑?) Vi unissued RCA� INT‑1175
I'm
leaving town : baby going to leave my home
I'm
going : where honey I'm better known
I
walk these blocks : I got to buy me some shoes
That's
the reason why : Mr McTell got the blues
Got
drunk last night : mama and the night before
And
if luck don't change : Mr McTell won't get drunk no more
Cigarettes
is my ruin : whiskey is my crave
Some
of these nice‑looking women : going to take me to my grave
��������
�������� (47185‑2) Vi‑V38001 Yz L‑1005
Got
three womens : yellow brown and black
It'll
take the Governor of Georgia : to judge one of these women I like
One
for in the morning : one for late at night
I
got one for noontime : to treat your old daddy right
These
blues at
I
didn't have none of my three women : to drive those blues away
One
is a
One
is a Statesboro darkskin : she'll really turn your damper down
Now
if I had a‑listened : to what my three women said
I'd
a‑been home sleeping : in a doggone feather bed
��������
�������� (47187‑3) Vi‑V38001 Yz L‑1005
Wake
up mama : turn your lamp down low
Have
you got the nerve : to drive papa McTell from your door
My
mother died and left me reckless : my daddy died and left me wild wild wild
Know
I'm not good‑looking : but I'm some sweet woman's angel child
She's
a mighty mean woman : do me this a‑way
When
I leave this time : pretty mama I'm going away to stay
I
once loved a woman : better than even I'd ever seen
Treated
me like I was a doggone king : and she was a doggone queen
Going
up the country : mama don't you want to go
May
take me a fair brown : may take one or two more
Big
Eighty left
You
ought to see that colored fireman : when he got them boiler hot
You
can reach over in the corner mama : and hand me my traveling shoes
You
know by that : I've got them Statesboro blues
We
woke up this morning : we had them Statesboro blues
I
looked over in the corner : grandma and grandpa had them too
��������
�������� (149299‑2) Co‑14657‑D
Yz L‑1037
Went
up on
Prettiest
girl in
Hug
me and she kissed me : called me sugar lump
Throwed
them sweet arms around me : like a grape vine around a stump
������ ��
�������� (149300‑1) Co‑14484‑D
Yz L‑1005
Mr
engineer : let a [poor] man ride the blind
Said
I wouldn't mind it fellow : but you know this train ain't mine
You's
a cruel fireman : lowdown engineer
I'm
trying to hobo my way : and you leave me standing here
Get
up fellow : ride all around the world
Poor
boy : you ain't got no girl
I
love you Emery : I love you true
I
love you Emerald : tell the world I do
��������
�������� (149302‑2) Co‑14484‑D
Rt RL‑324
Come
on around to my house mama : ain't nobody there but me
Call
me a hot‑shot liar and a cheater : because I'm from
Take
it easy : don't get rough
Just
want to tell you : that I knows my stuff
Come
on around to my house mama : ain't nobody there but me
That's
why you hear me [screaming and crying, moaning] : going back to
Can't
read and write : can't spell my name
I
can really drive : your man's heart insane
I
love my corn : and I love my booze
I'll
really give : your man the blues
Pull
down your windows : and lock up your blinds
I'll
tell you something : that will change your mind
Went
to the door : door was locked
Think
my baby : done changed the lock
Wake
up in the morning : about
Think
my baby : done quit poor me
��������
�������� (149319‑2) Co‑14657‑D
Yz L‑1037
She's
a real kind mama : looking for another man
She
ain't got nobody [in town] : [here] to hold her hand
Way
down yonder : on
Men
all grow : over sixteen feet
Would
go to bed : but it ain't no use
They
pile up on the bed : like chickens on a roost
Rooster
chewed tobacco : and the hen did the snuff
Bet
he can't shimmy : but he struts his stuff
See
that fellow : with that derby on
Looks
good to me : just as sure as you're born
Tell
you the truth : and it's a natural fact
*Could've
built a road* : without being that black
See
that fellow : that's standing right there
He
don't live here : but he lives somewhere
*Got
a batch of* hair : right around his mouth
He
like he swallowed a mule : and left his tail hanging out
Wake
up in the morning : at
Think
pretty mama : done fell on me
Soon
in the morning : at
Hot‑shot
rider : rapping at her door
Went
to the door : and the door was locked
Think
my baby : trying to eagle rock
��������
�������� (56599‑1)
Vi‑V38580 Yz L‑1005
I
believe that if I had my sweet woman's heart : in my hand in my hand
I
believe I could teach her : how to treat a real good man
I
drink so much whiskey : I can't hardly talk
Well
it's done addled on my brain : people I can't hardly walk
How
my poor heart weeped and worried : baby when you drove me away
It
was crying for poor boy McTell : some old rainy day
Climbing
on the
Seem
like to me : I can hear my
Don't
[fret, grieve] and worry : and don't [grieve, fret] after me
Don't
you scream and cry : because I'm going back to
Can't
read and write : can't even spell my name
You
drove me away : and drove my heart insane
��������
�������� (56635‑1)
Vi‑V38580 Yz L‑1005
My
love don't change : there's going to be some stealing done
And
if I backbite you : I don't mean no harm
What
do you want with a woman : when she won't do nothing she say
What
do you want with a rooster : when he won't crow 'fore day
If
my love don't change : there's going to be some riding done
And
if I take you woman : I just be made my run
Going
in one of these alleys : get me [some lonesome, a quart of this] booze
My
woman done left me : I got these love‑changing blues
��������
�������� (150257‑2) Co‑14551‑D
Yz L‑1005
Good
Lord good Lord : send me an angel down
Can't
spare you no angel : but I'll swear I'll send you a teasing brown
That
new way of loving : mama it must be best
These
here
There
was a crowd out on the corner : wondered who could it be
It
weren't a thing : but the women trying to get to me
I
even went down to the depot : with my suitcase in my hand
Crowd
of womens all crying : Mr Samuel won't you be my man
My
mama she told me : when I was a boy playing mumblepeg
Don't
drink no black cow's milk : don't you eat no black hen's eggs
Black
man give you a dollar : mama he won't think it nothing strange
A
yellow man'll give you a dollar : but he'll want back ninety‑five cents
change
You
may call me a cheater : pretty boy I'll real treat you
But
if you'll allow me a chance : I'll gnaw your backbone half in two
I
took a trip out on the ocean : walked the sand of the deep blue sea
I
found a crab with a shrimp : trying to do the shimmy‑shee
I
want to tell you something mama : seem mighty doggone strange
You
done mess around gal : and made me break my yo‑yo string
Honey
I ain't going to be : your old work ox no more
You
done mess around baby : and let your doggone ox get poor
My
mama she got a mojo : believe she trying to keep it hid
Papa
Samuel got something : to find that mojo with
I
even heard a rumbling : deep down in the ground
It
weren't a thing : but the women trying to run me down
��������
�������� (150258‑2) Co‑14551‑D
Yz L‑1037
Down
in
Sluefoot
Mose and cross‑eyed Joe : didn't go in at all
Big
crap game in the hall : started in to fight
Joe
got drunk that wasn't all : went and turn out the lights
And
that *matcher* Charlie : shot his automatic twins
Charlie
grabbed his girl : and he *crow forked* in
Playing
baseball and football : and don't get enough
Playing
baseball and football : and strutting the stuff
Mighty
big chief : shot his automatic twin
The
high sheriff took the couple : and double‑cross ten
Put
you lights on calico : and fight it for game
Put
me at the head of the list : and don't forget to call my name
��������
�������� (151904‑1) Co‑14632‑D
Yz L‑1005
Now
look here mama : let me tell you this
Now
if you wants to get crooked : I'm going to give you my fist
You
might read from Revelation : back to
You
get crooked : your southern can belong to me
If
you go uptown : have me arrested and have me put in jail
Some
hot‑shot got money : come in and go my bail
Soon
as I get out : kiss the ground
Your
southern can : worth two dollar half a pound
You
might take it from the South : you might carry it up north
But
understand you can't rule : and either be my boss
Take
it from the east : hide it in the west
When
I get it mama : your can will see no rest
Well
ashes to ashes mama : and sand to sand
Every
time I hit you : you think I got a dozen hands
Hit
you first : through that barbed wire fence
Every
time I hit you : you say I got no sense
Get
me a brick : out of my back yard
Give
you the devil : if you act kind of hard
Now
if I catch you mama : down in the heart of town
Take
me a brand new brick : and tear your can on down
You
may be deathbed sick : and mama and graveyard bound
Make
your can : moan like a hound
Sit
here and study : with your eyes all red
What
I said : kicked your grandma dead
Oh
you got to stop your balking : and raising the deuce
I'll
grab you mama : and turn you every way but loose
You
might twiggle like a tadpole : let it jump like a frog
But
every time I hit it : you going to holler God dog
�������� Atlanta, 23 Oct. 1931
�������� (151905‑1) Co‑14632‑D
Yz L‑1005
Feel
like a broke down engine : ain't got no driving‑wheel
You
ever been down and lonesome : you know how a poor man feels
I've
been shooting craps and gambling : mama and I done got broke
I
done pawned my pistol : mama and my best clothes in soak
I
went down to my praying ground : and fell on bended knees
I
ain't crying for no religion : Lordy give me back my good gal please
If
you give me my baby : Lord I won't worry you no more
You
ain't got to put it in my house : Lordy only leave it to my door
Don't
you hear me baby : rapping on your door
Can
I get off *snake living* and tapping : playing tip light across your floor
Feel
like a broke down engine : ain't got no drivers at all
What
makes me love my woman : she can really do the Georgia crawl
Feel
like a broke down engine : ain't got no weather‑the‑bell
If
you's a real hot mama : drive away daddy's weeping spell
�������� Atlanta, 23 Oct. 1931
�������� (405002‑1) OK‑8936 Yz L‑1005
When
I first met you mama : you were so nice and kind
You
done got reckless : and change your mind
When
I was down south baby : I was with my broad
I'm
here in Atlanta : treated like a dog
Now
if you don't want me baby : don't you dog me around
My
home ain't here : and I can leave your town
Now
if you don't want me : baby give me your right hand
I'll
go back to my woman : you go back to your man
I
even give you my money : *I admire*
I
done all for you : that you require
Even
hold your head : when you're feeling sad
Sing
and dance for you : when you're sad
You
done come in this morning : you won't tell me where you been
You
got strange living : going back again
I'm
walking around baby : with my head hung low
Look
here mama : I ain't going to do right no more
I'm
going to take me a trip : up on the mountain top
Come
back and show you : how to eagle rock
�������� Atlanta, 23 Oct. 1931
�������� (405003‑1) OK‑8936 Yz L‑1037
I
wants to wait around here baby : until your fried *rice*� get done
Because
I think I got a nickel : I wants to buy me one
I
wonder could I find a woman : to do like my last rider done
She
kept it all for her daddy : she didn't give nobody none
Said
my baby got a bed : it shines like a morning star
And
when I crawls in the middle : it rides me like a Cadillac car
My
good gal got a mojo : she's trying to keep it hid
But
Georgia Bill got something : to find that mojo with
I
said she got that mojo : and she won't let me see
And
every time I start to love her : she's tried to put them jinx on me
Well
she shakes it like the Central : she wobbles like the L and N
Well
she's a hot‑shot mama : and I'm scared to tell her where I been
Said
my baby got something : she won't tell her daddy what it is
But
when I crawls in my bed : I just can't keep my black stuff still
Well
I done got reckless : and I broke my mama's rule
I
been wandering around Georgia : with these doggone scary day blues
�������� Atlanta, 31 Oct. 1931
�������� (405085‑1) OK‑8924 Yz L‑1005
Down
on Atlanta : on Harris Street
That's
where the boys and gals : do meet
Out
in the alley : in the street
Every
little kid : that you meet
Buzz
all around : like a bee
Shake
it : like a ship on the sea
Came
all the way : from Paris France
Come
into Atlanta : to get a chance
Grab
your mama : and hold her tight
Let's
mess around : the rest of the night
Grip
your head : way up high
Grab
your daddy : and make him cry
People
come : from miles around
Get
in Dark Town : to break them down
Down
in dark town : night and day
Trying
to dance : them blues away
Go
all the way back : to Newport News
Singing
: these doggone Atlanta blues
�������� Atlanta, 22 Feb.
1932
�������� (71603‑ ) Vi‑23328
Rt RL‑324
I
want you to start in the morning baby : and roll me with the setting of the sun
I
want you to keep it all for your daddy : and don't give nobody none
And
if you get some of my loving : you won't want your rider no more
You
don't have to worry about your loving : I'm a deep‑sea diver and I don't
go wrong
That's
why I'm singing : these barrelhouse woman blues
�������� Atlanta, 22 Feb.
1932
�������� (71606‑1) Vi‑23353
RCA LPV‑518
You
may search the ocean : you might go across the deep blue sea
But
mama you'll never find : another hot‑shot like me
I
followed my baby : from the station to the train
And
the blues came down : like doggone showers of rain
I
left her at the station : wringing her hands and crying
I
told her she had a home : just as long as I got mine
I've
got two women : and you can't tell them apart
I
got one in my bosom : the other one in my heart
The
one in my bosom : she's in Tennessee
And
the one in my heart : don't even give a darn for me
I
used to say a married woman : was the sweetest woman ever was born
But
I've changed that thing : you better let married women alone
Take
my advice : let these married women be
Because
their husbands'll grab you : and beat you ragged as a cedar tree
When
a woman say she love you : about as good as she do herself
I
don't pay her no attention : tell that same lie to somebody else
I
really don't believe : no woman in the whole round world do right
Act
like an angel in the daytime : ??? at night
I'm
going pretty mama : please don't break this rule
That's
why : I'm searching these deserts for the blues
I'm
going pretty mama : searching these deserts now
That's
why : I'm walking my baby home anyhow
�������� New York, 14 Sept. 1933
�������� (14008‑2) Vo‑02595 Yz L‑1005
Take
a little trip : up on a mountain top
Show
the Florida women : how to eagle rock
Tell
you like the *bana* : told the *king of sal*
Get
another man : I got another gal
Now
if you don't believe : I can warm you right
Take
me to your house : and let me stay all night
When
you see me mama : standing in the door
Papa
wound up : saying mama won't go
Don't
be no *resting* : don't be no late
Don't
let these women : leave your heart insane
Now
look here boy : don't get rough
These
here women : they really knows their stuff
I
want you to set on a Cadillac : sit on a Ford
You
do that strutting : on the running board
Don't
be no rat : and don't be no fool
Don't
let these here women : break your rule
Now
look here boy : if you going to be my friend
Let's
go drink : moonshine again
Now
take it easy : late at night
One
of these here women : ain't going to treat you right
�������� New York, 14 Sept. 1933
�������� (14010‑1) Vo‑02622 Yz L‑1037
Look
a‑here mama : just a word or two
Said
I get you : to let's go loo loo
Look
here mama : just don't stop
I
ain't going to be : your other man's stumbling block
Wait
just a minute : let's get this right
We're
going go a‑looing : till broad daylight
Going
to Savannah : make some jack
Hold
that cat : till I get back
What
is that mama : you got in that sack
It's
got hair on it : and I believe it's a cat
Well
it looks pretty much : like Santy Claus
Best
little something : I ever saw
Look
here mama : just like a log
She
gets kissing : like a shaggy dog
�������� New York, 18 Sept. 1933
�������� (14035‑1) Vo‑02568 Yz L‑1005
Mmm
: Lordy Lordy Lord
Say
the woman I love : treats me just like a dog
I
love you baby : but your ways I just can't stand
Say
you walked away and left me : good gal with another man
Going
back to Savannah mama : and sign my initial down
Atlanta
mens all hate me : and the women don't want me around
Going
back to Savannah baby : and write my initial on the wall
Because
these North Georgia women : don't mean me no good at all
Mmm
: babe ain't it hard ain't it hard ain't it hard
Says
I'd like to love you baby : but your good men got me barred
�������� New York, 18 Sept. 1933
�������� (14036‑2) Vo‑02577 RBF RF‑15
Feel
like a broke down engine : mama ain't got no driving‑wheel
You
ever been down and lonesome : you know just how Willie McTell feels
I
been shooting craps and gambling : good gal and I done got broke
I
done pawned my thirty‑two special : good gal and my clothes in soak
I
even went to my praying ground : dropped down on bended knees
I
ain't crying for no religion : Lordy give me back my good gal please
If
you give me my baby : Lord I won't worry you no more
You
ain't got to put her in my house : but Lordy only lead her to my door
Don't
you hear [me, your daddy] baby : knocking on your door
Can
I get off *sneak living and tapping* : playing tip light across your floor
�������� New York, 18 Sept. 1933
�������� (14038‑2) Vo‑02668 Yz L‑1037
My
baby's gone : and I'm almost in my grave
But
for your love : good gal I will be you slave
My
baby left me : says she didn't mean me no good
And
that's the reason why : I'm moving on back to the woods
My
baby left me : she didn't even say goodbye
Says
I'm drinking real good whiskey : that's the reason I did not *inquire why*
My
baby's gone : says I ain't even worried at all
Before
she even left me : says she riding that Cannonball
Mmm
: Lordy Lordy Lordy Lord
Says
my good gal she's gone : she didn't mean me no good at all
�������� New York, 19 Sept. 1933
�������� (14049‑1) Vo‑02577 RBF RF‑15
Mmm
: chained down in this dark cell by myself
And
my gal she skipped : guess she got somebody else
Well
they've got me accused for murder : and I haven't even harmed a man
Oh
they got me charged with burgling : and I haven't even raised my hand
Mmm
: the judge won't give me no fine
Ain't
but one thing could release me : and that's old father time
Goodbye
: oh here comes the jailor with the key
I'll
have to cry farewell to freedom : I want none of your women to pity me
I'll
have to give you my number : five nine ninety‑four
Because
I'll be there forever : I'll have no other place to go
They
got me accused for forging : and I can't even write my name
And
my eyes *filled on this* : my baby left my poor heart in pain
Mmm
: Lordy Lordy Lord
Inside
my breast felt lonely : my baby left my heart in pain
�������� New York, 21 Sept. 1933
�������� (14066‑1) Vo‑02568 Yz L‑1037
I'm
going to grab me a train : I'm going back to Baltimore
I'm
going to find my baby : because she rode that B and O
I'm
going to act like a rambler : and I can't stay home no more
Because
the gal I love : she rode that B and O
She
says daddy I'm leaving : and I can't come back no more
And
if she don't come back : I'm going down in Ohio
I
never would have thought : that my baby would treat me so
Oh
she broke my heart : when she grabbed that B and O
Now
she wants to come back : and I can't use that child no more
Because
I got another hot mama : and she lives in Baltimore
�������� New York, 21 Sept. 1933
�������� (14067‑1) Vo‑02568 Rt RL‑324
Look
a‑here pretty mama : I'll tell you what I'll do
I'll
make these lonesome dollars : and bring them all home to you
Now
I'm weary : weary‑hearted and blue
And
that's why I'm crying : these weary‑hearted blues
I'll
give you my money : and baby I *admire*
I
does all for you mama : you require
I
even hold your head : when you are feeling bad
I
sing and dance for you : mama when you sad
I
want to tell all you men : nice and kind
You
lose your best woman : don't you fool with mine
Now
a white man go to the river : take him a seat and sit down
The
blues overtake him : he jump overboard and drown
Now
a colored man go to the river : take him a seat and sit down
If
he takes the blues : he come on back to town
I
wants all you men : to let my good gal alone
I'll
give her a dollar in the street : and I'll give her two at home
�������� New York, 21 Sept. 1933
�������� (14069‑2) Vo‑02622 Yz L‑1037
Now
look a‑here mama : let me explain you this
You
wants to get crooked : I'll even give you my fist
Read
from Revelation : back to Genesee
You
get crooked : your southern can belongs to me
You
might go uptown : and have me arrested and have me put in jail
Some
hot‑shot got money : come in and go my bail
Soon
as I get out : kiss the ground
Your
southern can : worth two dollars and a half a pound
You
might take it from the South : you might carry it up north
Understand
you can't rule : and either be my boss
Take
it from the east : hide it in the west
When
I get it mama : your can won't see no rest
Ashes
to ashes : and sand to sand
Every
time I strikes you : you know I got a dozen hands
Give
you a punch : through that barbed wire fence
Every
time I hit you : you know I ain't got no sense
Look
here women : don't get hard
I'll
get me a brick : and use it out of my back yard
If
I catch you mama : down in the heart of town
Take
a brand new brick : and tear your can on down
You
may be deathbed sickness : graveyard bound
I'll
make your can moan : like a graveyard hound
You
got to stop balking : and raising the deuce
I'll
grab you woman : and turn you every way but loose
�������� New York, 21 Sept. 1933
�������� (14070‑1) Vo‑02595 Rt RL‑324
Says
I'm almost crazy : and I'm all here by myself
All
these women about to run me crazy : Lord she's got someone else
Lord
she's about to run me crazy : these reckless women are worrying me
She
don't have to treat me so bad : because she lives in Tennessee
Lord
you'll either run me crazy woman : or either make me lose my mind
Because
you keep me worried : and troubled all the time
Lord
these womens will run you crazy : they'll drive your heart insane
They'll
spend all your money : turn around and run you insane
Well
she spent all my money : and then she drove me outdoors
And
I was almost crazy : because I had nowhere to go
Lord
if you got a reckless woman : man don't never let her break your rule
And
when you know anything : you'd be almost crazy with the blues
�������� Chicago, 23 Apr. 1935
�������� (C‑9946‑A) De‑7078
Rt RL‑324
I
live down in Bell Street Alley : just as drunk as I can be
Seem
like them Bell Street Crow Janes : have done got rough with me
I
drink so much Bell Street whiskey : they won't sell [McTell, poor boy] no more
I've
got the *cavenglass* boys : playing all around my door
This
Bell Street whiskey : make you sleep all in your clothes
And
when you wake up next morning : feel like you done laid outdoors
You
can get booze down on Bell Street : for two bits and half a *throw*
They'll
make you *send* out your mother and father : to just break down the jailhouse
door
Walked
in my room : the other night
Man
come in : he want to fight
Took
my gun : my right hand
???
: I don't want to kill no man
When
I said that : he rapped me across my head
The
first shot I fired : then the man fell dead
Bell
street whiskey : drove me to the county jail
Got
me laying back here on my bunk : nobody in the world to go my bail
�������� Chicago, 25 Apr. 1935
�������� (C‑9954‑A) De‑7078
Yz L‑1037
Good
Lord good Lord : send me an angel down
Can't
spare you no angel : will spare you a teasing brown
That
new way of loving : swear to God it must be best
Because
these Georgia women : won't let Willie McTell rest
There
was a crowd down on the corner : and I wondered who could it be
Weren't
a thing : but the women boy trying to get to me
I
went down to the shed : put my suitcase in my hand
Crowd
of women run crying : that McTell be my man
Ticket
agent ticket agent : which a‑way has my woman gone
Say
describe your woman : and I'll tell you what road she's on
She's
a long tall mama : five and a half from the ground
She's
a tailor‑made mama : and she ain't no hand‑me‑down
Mama
if you ride the Southern : I'll ride the Santa Fe
When
you get in Memphis : pretty mama look around for me
You
can't never tell : what a double‑crossing woman will do
They'll
tip out with your buddy : and come home play sick on you
I
got two women : you can't tell them apart
I
got one in my bosom : the other one's in my heart
Now
the one in my bosom : she's in Tennessee
And
the one in my heart : don't even give a darn for me
I
used to say a married woman : was the sweetest woman ever was born
I
changed that thing : you better let married women alone
Take
my advice : let all married womens be
Because
their husbands will grab you : and beat you ragged with a cedar tree
Now
love ain't nothing : single women loving married men
It
will do for a while : but it will jam you after a end
When
a woman says she loves you : about as good as she do herself
Don't
pay her no attention : tell the same lie to somebody else
She'll
tell you that she love you : and love you all her life
She'll
have a man on the corner : and tell that same lie twice
My
baby she got a mojo : I believe she trying to keep it hid
Mctell
got something : to find that mojo with
I
want to tell you pretty mama : exactly who I am
When
I walk out the front door : I hear that back door slam
�������� Chicago, 25 Apr. 1935
�������� (C‑9956‑A) De‑7810
Yz L‑1037
I
did everything baby : that I could do
Fell
on my knees : mama get along with you
I
give you my money baby : my last dime
Soon
as you got up mama : you changed your mind
I
gave you my money mama : buy you shoes and clothes
Soon
as you got bid change : you put me outdoors
I
took you mama : your shoes were thin
No
man wanted you : no one took you in
When
I took you mama : *feet'll* on the ground
Ain't
no man baby : wanted you around
Took
your breakfast : brought it to your bed
Took
my comb baby : combed your head
Make
no difference mama : take your lock and key
Too
many women : want a man like me
Going
away mama : it won't be long
I
know you'll miss me : the days I'm gone
I
took you mama : treated you nice and kind
Soon
as you got on your feet : you wouldn't pay me no mind
�������� Chicago, 25 Apr. 1935
�������� (C‑9957‑A) De‑7117
Rt RL‑324
I
done told you mama : right from the start
I
ain't going to let no one woman : break my heart
Your
time to worry : my time to be alone
Your
reckless disposition : done drove your good man away from home
I
told you in my days : things I do
Go
out and work hard : and bring my money home to you
You
drink your whiskey : run around
Get
out in the street : and act like a sand‑foot clown
Went
out with you baby : trying to treat you right
I
drinking whiskey woman : and drunk all night
Need
not come here pleading : holding up your hands
I
got myself a woman : you better get yourself a man
Leave
me alone baby : best you can do
I
would have been a murderer : if I'd a‑fooled around with you
Now
go ahead baby : leave me alone
Mess
around with you : the chain‑gang will be my home
�������� Knoxville,
Tenn., c. Apr. 1930
�������� (K‑8089‑
) Vo‑1529 Yz L‑1015
*Feel
like voting* : fall in line
While
I sing : this song of mine
This
song's all right : if you thinks it's wrong
It's
all right : it's a ??? song
This
song's all right : it just won't jump
It's
all right : it just won't
This
song brings joy : to our *cry*
We're
baptized : with fire
This
song's *composed* : the blues too tight
Got
the blues tune : but the words all right
This
song's all right : it just won't quit
It's
all right : we're singing it
You
can talks about me : treat me mean
You
got the *train* :
�������� Chicago, 8 Jan. 1935
�������� (C‑877‑1) OK‑8961 Yz
L‑1016
I'm
leaving you baby : just because you won't be true
Oh
you don't love me : after all I done for you
You
know I worked hard all winter : when the snow was on the ground
You
mistreated me then baby : Eli wouldn't throw you down
You
made a mistake baby : after you made your vow
But
your mistake‑making : is all over now
You
going to miss [your daddy, me] : some old lonesome day
And
you going to be sorry : you did me this way
Now
I'm leaving you [baby] : with my clothes in my hand
Farewell
to you baby : get yourself a monkey‑man
�������� Chicago, 8 Jan. 1935
�������� (C‑881‑2) OK‑8961 Yz
L‑1016
I
worked hard baby : I worked hard every day
I
even turned over in your hand : every cent of my pay
I
been done so dirty : treated so lowdown mean
You've
even accused me of women : that I ain't never seen
People
what's the use of loving : when I can't see why I should
Especially
when you got a woman : and she don't mean you no good
I
woke up this morning : got on a stroll
Met
my baby : got her told
Look
a‑here baby : you thinking wrong
Let
your papa help you : to sing this song
I
grabbed my coat and hat : down the road I'll start
Before
I'd worry : I'd rather part
I
wouldn't work : for no human being
Neither
no woman : that I ever seen
Eighteen
hundred : ninety years
All
of my women : sit in rocking chairs
But
ever since : nineteen and twenty‑three
All
of my women : been working for me
I
got a mind : never work no more
I've
been badly mistreated : I've been drove from door to door
�������� Chicago, 8 Jan. 1935
�������� (C‑882‑ ) Vo‑03047
OJL‑18
They
arrested my baby : accused her of selling moon
Judge
they found whiskey : but it wasn't even in her room
Now
good morning judge : judge how do you do
I
just came here : to have a few words with you
Please
kind judge : listen to my plea
And
let my baby : go back home with me
�������� Chicago, 4 Sept. 1935
�������� (90293‑A) De‑7114 Yz L‑1016
Now
listen all you prize fighters : who don't want to meet defeat
Take
a tip from me : stay off Joe Louis' beat
Now
he won all his fights : twenty‑three or four
And
left twenty of his opponents : lying on the floor
They
all tried to win : but the test was too hard
When
he laid the hambone : *couple jumped out for it*
Listen
all you prize fighters : don't play him too cheap
If
he lands with either hand : he'll sure put you to the seat
Now
he packs dynamite in his left : he carries a punching right
He's
the one will make you balky : or as high as a kite
He
charges on his opponents : from the beginning of the gong
He
batters them into submission : then they all sing a song
I
bet on the Brown Bomber : for he knows his stuff
And
lays it on his opponents : until he get enough
Now
he's a natural born fighter : who likes to fight them all
The
bigger they come : he says the harder they fall
That
terrific left : boys is all he needs
But
that six‑inch right : come with lightning speed
Listen
all you prize fighters : don't play him too cheap
Take
a tip from me : stay off Joe Louis' beat
�������� Chicago, 4 Sept. 1935
�������� (90294‑A) De‑7114 BC‑14
Now
everybody's crying : let's have a new deal
Relief
station's closing down : I know just how you feel
Everybody's
crying : let's have a new deal
Because
I've got to make a living : if I have to rob and steal
Now
I'm getting mighty tired : of sitting around
I
ain't making a dime : just wearing my shoe soles down
I
ain't making a dime : just wearing my shoe soles down
Now
I woke up this morning : doggone my soul
My
flour barrel was empty : swear I didn't have no coal
We're
going to dance : till *another* sun
Now
you go to your wicket : put in your complaint
Eight
time out of ten : you know they'll say I can't
They
don't want to give you no dough : won't hardly pay your rent
Now
it ain't costing them : one doggone cent
Now
I ain't made a dime : since they closed down the mill
I'm
sitting right here : waiting on that brand new deal
�������� New York, c. late July 1923
�������� (5237‑1) Ba‑1262 VJM VLP‑40
Does
anybody : does anybody feel like me
Now
if they do : I know the feeling is sad as can be
Now
I'm going home : to take a snooze
Try
to wear away : a thing they call the feeling blues
I'm
tired of fooling around : with one who don't love me
If
I ever find a way to leave him : if we cannot agree
�������� New York, c. late July 1923
�������� (5238‑1) Ba‑1262 VJM VLP‑40
Because
what you was you used to be : but you ain't no more
I'm
giving you your dispossess : welcome's off the door
Be
on your way : you got yourself in wrong
You'll
get flat feet : from standing too long
Let
this be a lesson : now that I have left you flat
There's
someone sitting pretty : in the place where you once sat
You
ought to see him do his stuff : my latest loving man
Because
where you left off : is just the place where he began
You
said you craved a gal with speed : that's why I wouldn't do
But
now the gal you left behind : is way ahead of you
But
what you was you used to be : but you ain't no more
Just
make your exit *smiling please* : there's no use getting sore
You
ran away : and left me on the shelf
Keep
right on running : go chase yourself
�������� New York, c. 1 Aug. 1923
�������� (71711‑B) OK‑8090 Sw S‑1240
I
ain't going to marry : I ain't going to settle down
I'm
going to stay down here : and swing these men around
Just
when you think : that your loving man is true
Then
he's your man my man : somebody else's too
Oh
big fat woman : with the meat shaking on her bones
Every
time she shimmies : a skinny woman leaves her home
�������� Long Island City, Nov. 1928
�������� (278‑A) QRS‑R7042 BYG‑529073
I
want all you women : to listen to my tale of woe
I've
got consumption of the heart : I feel myself sinking low
Oh
my heart is aching : and the blues are all around my *loo*
Blues
is like the devil : they'll have me hell bound too
Blues
you made me roll and tumble : you made me weep and sigh
Made
me use cocaine and whiskey: but you wouldn't let me die
Blues
blues blues : why did you bring trouble to me
Oh
death please sting me : and take me out of my misery
�������� Long Island City, Dec. 1928
�������� (306) QRS‑R7042 BYG‑529073
I've
got the blues : since I made up my mind
I
want to stop loving you : because you mistreat me all the time
Oh
this game called love : I played it on the square
But
you think : a good woman can be found anywhere
You
never meant me no good : you've always had your way
But
things can't go on forever : they are bound to change some day
So
now I'm leaving you : some day you'll understand
*That's
why* I can't go on : loving a mistreating man
�������� Chicago, c. Jan. 1928
�������� (20283‑2) Pm‑12605 OJL‑8
Molly
man's coming : I hear his voice
He's
got hot tamales : and it's just my choice
Come
on boys : and don't wait too long
All
my 'males� : soon will be gone
I
can judge : by the way you act
Somebody
around here : had on a cotton‑picking track
Feeling
tired : shoulder's getting sore
If
you see 'male : you're going to take some more
Two
for a nickel : four for a dime
Thirty
cents a dozen : and you'll sure eat fine
Good
times have come in : don't you see the signs
Cotton
bolls are open : you can make a‑many dimes
I
can judge : by the way you walk
You
going to carry : half a dozen off
If
my holler boys : trouble your mind
You
had to come running : with a dime
Good
times have come in : don't you see the signs
White
folks standing around here : spending a‑many dimes
'Males
so hot : it burns my hand
Says
I can't hardly get them : out of my can
�������� Chicago, c. Jan. 1928
�������� (20302‑3) Pm‑12605 Rt RL‑325
Shrimp
is the thing : you love best
*Ring
them nice : and they'll*
Here
is my shrimp : fifty cents a quart
Ask
me for a gallon : two dollars is all
Have
my shrimp : both done and raw
Have
my shrimp hot : they are ready to go
Have
my shrimp : I'm selling them fast
When
I see you coming : you make me laugh
If
you going to bed : you can call
I'll
poke them through the window : that is all
If
your heart feel troubled : you can call
I'll
make *change selling* : that is all
Selling
your shrimp : don't sell them so high
Want
to buy it cold : so I can make up a pie
Selling
my shrimp : don't mean no harm
My
shrimp sick : it don't make no alarm
Selling
my shrimp : won't be here long
I'm
going to holler : but I'm going home
�������� New York, 18 June 1929
�������� (148709‑2) Co‑14455‑D
OJL‑21
When
I lived in Texas : doing very well
You
can ??? telling : I'm catching hell
I'm
going I'm going : crying won't make me stay
The
more you cry : the further it drive me away
I've
got something to tell you : know it's going to break your heart
We
been together a good while : but now we got to part
When
I had you : that wouldn't do
Now
I've got another man : and I can't use you
You
ought to have told me that : two or three weeks ago
Lord
when you heard : you might've thought you wasn't going to get broke
I
don't mind going : to say goodbye
???
: I'm *stopping* to die
�������� New York, 18 June 1929
�������� (148710‑2) Co‑14455‑D
Yz L‑1008
That
old Frisco train : left a mile a minute
Well
it's that old coach : I'm going to sit right in it
You
can toot your whistle : you can ring your bell
Well
I know you been worried : by the way you smell
Oh
there's a boa constrictor : and a lemon stick
I
don't mind being with you : but my mama's sick
I
would tell you what's the matter : but I done got scared
Got
to wait now : until we go to bed
If
you was sick : I wouldn't worry you
I
wouldn't want you to do something : that you couldn't do
Well
if you want it you can get it : and I ain't mad
If
you tell me this is something : that you ain't never had
Look
a‑here you get mad : every time I call your name
I
ain't never told you : that you couldn't get that thing
I
woke up this morning : about half past five
My
baby turned over : cried just like a child
I
got something to tell you : I don't want to make you mad
I
got something for you : make you feel glad
Look
a‑here look a‑here : what you want me to do
Give
you my jelly : then I die for you
I
got something to tell you : going to break your heart
We
been together so far : we got to get
�������� Memphis, 20 Feb. 1930
�������� (MEM‑772‑A) Vo‑1476
Pal PL‑101
You
can quit me : do anything you want to do
Some
day you'll want me : and I won't want you
You's
a man : running from hand to hand
You
can get you a woman : I got another man
You
will mistreat me : and you won't do right
You
can take it on back : where you had it last night
Well
you can't be mine : and somebody else's too
I
ain't going to stand : that way you do
Know
you is a married man : and you got a wife
You
keep a‑running around here : you'll lose your life
That
that you had for me : the other night
You
can turn it around : and bring it home tonight
When
I was at home : I was with my man
Now
you got me here : from hand to hand
Ain't
no need you walking around : with your mouth poked out
That
is something : just wasn't *cut it* out
You
know when I met you : from house to house
I
know some of your women : had put you out
It
wouldn't been so bad : but you didn't have a dime
And
I wouldn't mind helping you : you no man of mine
Well
look a‑here : what you expect for me to do
Want
me to be your mammy : and your doctor too
�������� Memphis, 20 Feb. 1930
�������� (MEM‑773‑ ) Vo‑1476
His HLP‑2
Bumblebee
bumblebee : where is you been so long
You
stung me this morning : I been reckless all day long
I
met my bumblebee this morning : as it flying in the door
And
the way he stung me : he made me cry for more
Mmm
: don't stay so long from me
You's
my bumblebee : you got something that I really need
I'm
going to build me a bungalow : just for me and my bumblebee
Then
I won't worry : I will have all the honey I need
He
makes my honey : evil John makes my corn
It's
all I want now : my bumblebee just to stay at home
�������� Memphis, 26 May 1930
�������� (59992‑ ) Vi‑23352 His HLP‑32
When
I was home : I was resting at ease
Now
you got me here : you trying to mistreat me
I
got something to tell you : know it's going to break your heart
We
been together a good while : but now we got to part
I
done told you once : I done told you twice
If
you don't mind : you will lose your life
You
ought to told me that : two or three weeks ago
Know
when you had your money : thought that you wouldn't get broke
�������� Memphis, 26 May 1930
�������� (59993‑2) Vi‑V38599 BC‑7
Bumblebee
bumblebee : won't you please come back to me
Because
your best old stinger : than any bumblebee that I ever see
He
come in this morning : I been working for him all day long
Lord
he come in to the place : hate to see my bumblebee leave home
You're
my bumblebee : and you know your stuff
Oh
sting me bumblebee : until I get enough
Mmm
: stinger go in my right arm
He
stung me this morning : I been look for him all day long
Sometimes
he makes me happy : then sometimes he makes me cry
He
had me to the place : where I wish to God that I could die
�������� Memphis, 26 May 1930
�������� (59994‑ ) Vi‑23421 Rt RL‑337
I
come home one Saturday night : pull off my clothes and lie down
And
that morning just about the break of day : the meningitis began to creep around
My
head and neck was paining me : seem like my back going to break in two
I
hurried to the neighbors that morning : I didn't know what in the world to do
My
companion take me to the doctor : doctor please tell me my wife's complaint
Doctor
looked down on me and shook his head : said I wouldn't mind telling you son but
I can't
He
taken me down to the city hospital : the clock was striking ten
I
imagine my companion say : I don't believe I'll see your smiling face again
Then
the nurses all began to stand around me : the doctors had done me out
Every
time I would have a potion : I would have a foaming at the mouth
Mmm
: the meningitis killing me
I'm
spinning I'm spinning baby : my head is nearly down in to my knees
�������� Memphis, 29 May 1930
�������� (62539‑ ) Vi‑23313 Pal PL‑101
You's
a worthless ??? man : I'll take it all away from you
Yes
but you don't treat me : honey papa like you should
Yes
I'm going somewhere : try to find me another man
But
I got nothing to worry about now : because I got the man I love
Well
I'm a good‑hearted woman : just trying to get along with you
�������� Memphis, 29 May 1930
�������� (62540‑ ) Vi‑23352 His HLP‑32
The
reason I like the game : the game they call Georgia skin
Because
when you fall : you can really pick out again
When
you lose your money : please don't lose your mind
Because
each and every gambler : gets in hard luck sometimes
I
had a man : he gambled all the time
He
played the dice so in vain : until he liked to lose his mind
Mmm
: give me Georgia skin
Because
the womens can play : well so as the men
�������� Chicago, c. early June 1930
�������� (C‑5822‑ ) Vo‑1588
BC‑13
Mmm
: the meningitis killing me
I'm
feeling upended baby : my head is nearly down to my knees
I
coming home one Saturday night : pull my clothes off and I lie down
And
next morning just about day : the meningitis begin to creep around
My
head and neck was paining me : seem like my back going to break in two
Lord
I had such a mood that morning : I didn't know what in the world to do
My
companion take me to the doctor : doctor please tell me my worst complaint
The
doctor looked down at me and shook his head : said I wouldn't mind telling you
son but I can't
You
take around to the city hospital : just as quick quick as you possibly can
Think
about the condition you in now : you never will get her back home alive again
You
roam around to the city hospital : the clock was striking ten
I
heard my ??? companion say : I will see your smiling face again
�������� Chicago, c. early June 1930
�������� (C‑5831‑ ) Vo‑1631
BC‑13
I
got so many chickens : can't tell my roosters from my hens
I
got to go back now : and look them all over again
I
found my rooster this morning : by looking at his comb
You
can look out now pullets : this won't be long
My
hens are cackling : I can't find no eggs
You
ain't got no excuse now pullets : ain't nothing in your way
I
might take these old hens : I going down to the doctor's shop
I
don't see what's the matter with them : they won't never *cluck*
I
done told you one time papa : I don't want my chicken mixed
Shoo
chicken shoo : I don't want no banties on my yard
I
don't want them banties : mixed up with my Plymouth Rocks
�������� Chicago, 1 July 1930
�������� (C‑5894‑ ) Vo‑1618
BC‑13
I
don't want them banties : mixed up with my *dominics*
Come
all you folks : and start to walk
I'm
fixing to start : my dozen talk
What
you thinking about : ain't on my mind
That
stuff you got : isn't ??? kind
Some
of you womens : ought to be in the can
Out
on the corner : stopping every man
Now
the soap is a nickel : and the towel is three
I'm
pigmeat *peppy* : now who wants me
Now
the funniest thing : I ever seen
Tomcat
jumping : on a sewing machine
Sewing
machine : run so fast
Sewed
ninety‑nine stitches : in his yas yas yas
I'm
going to tell you : all about old man Bill
He
can't see : but he sure can smell
Fish
man pass here : the other day
I
done hear him : pretty mama I'm going your way
Your
auntie and your uncle : and your ma and pa
They
all got drunk : and showed their Santa Claus
�������� Chicago, 1 July 1930
�������� (C‑5895‑ ) Vo‑1618
BC‑13
I
got a bumblebee : don't sting nobody but me
And
I tell the world : he got all the stinger I need
And
he makes better honey : any bumblebee I ever seen
And
when he makes it : Lord how he makes me scream
He
get to flying and buzzing : stinging everybody he meets
Lord
I wonder why : my bumblebee want to mistreat me
Mmm
: where my bumblebee gone
I
been looking for him : my bumblebee's so long so long
My
bumblebee got ways : just like a natural man
He
stinging somebody : everywhere he lands
������� �Chicago, c. 14 July 1930
�������� (C‑6010‑A) Vo‑1556
His HLP‑2
You
up and quit me : do anything you want to do
Some
day you'll want me : and I won't want you
You
ever saw a man : running from hand to hand
You
can get your woman : I got another man
You
will mistreat me : and you won't do right
You
can take it all back : where you had it last night
Well
you can't be mine : and somebody else's too
I
ain't going to stand : that way you do
Know
you's a married man : and you got a wife
You
keep a‑running around here : you'll lose your life
That
that you had for me : the other night
You
can turn it around : and bring it home tonight
When
I was at home : I was with my man
Now
you got me here : from hand to hand
Ain't
no need you walking around : with your mouth poked out
Daddy
has something : just to cut it out
You
know when I met you : from house to house
I
know some of your women : had cut you out
It
wouldn't a‑been so bad : but you didn't have a dime
But
I wouldn't mind helping : you no man of mine
Well
look a‑here : what you expect for me to do
Want
me to be your mammy : and your doctor too
�������� Chicago, c. 14 July 1930
�������� (C‑6013‑ ) Vo‑1631
BC‑13
I
got something to tell you : hope I don't make you mad
I
got something for you : that you never had
I
got something to tell you : I hope I don't break your heart
We
been together a good while : but now we got to part
I
went to your house : I fell down on the floor
You
done something to me : wouldn't do it no more
I
want you to hug me baby : hug and squeeze me good and tight
I
been trying to hard : now can't you save my life
I
got something to tell you : just before you go
Yes
you going to leave your mama : standing in this door
�������� Chicago, 9 Sept. 1930
�������� (C‑6082‑ ) Vo‑1601
OJL‑4
Grandma
got something : make grandpa break his pipe
And
grandpa got something : keep grandma awake all night
Grandma
grandma : please don't sleep so long
Grandpa
ain't smoked his pipe : grandma since you been gone
Here
comes grandpa : staring up and down the road
With
that pipe in his hand : he'll find you everywhere you go
Grandma
grandma : why don't you stay at home
That's
why you and grandpa : grandma can't get along
Grandma
grandma : what makes you love grandpa so
He's
got the same pipe now : he had forty years ago
Grandpa
swears : he won't get drunk no more
Because
he broke his pipe : he had forty years ago
�������� Chicago, 9 Sept. 1930
�������� (C‑6083‑ ) Vo‑1601
Rt RL‑307
My
house on fire : where's that fire wagon now
Ain't
but the one thing : I don't want my garage to burn down
I
got a Hudson Super Six : I got me *a little old* Cadillac Eight
I
woke up this morning : my Cadillac standing at my back gate
Hop
on boys : I got the best chauffeur in town
He
said Hudson Super Six : my Cadillac didn't burn down
Oh
Lord Lord : wonder where is my chauffeur now
Got
my Cadillac Eight : done Cadillaced out of town
I
tell the whole round world : I ain't going to walk no more
I
got a Cadillac Eight : take me anywhere I want to go
�������� Chicago, c. 15 Oct. 1930
�������� (C‑6442‑ ) Vo‑1550
BC‑13
Well
I had a little corn : I put it in a sack
Started
to the mill : and come right back
Well
the people keep a‑talking : all over town
Telling
me : that the mill had broken down
Now
listen here folks : I don't want no stuff
You
can't bring me my meal : bring me the husk
Well
my papa said try : my brothers too
They
both been to the mill : they can't get nothing *for two*
Now
listen here folks : I want you all to bear this in mind
If
you're going to the mill : you get to there crying
�������� Chicago, c. 15 Oct. 1930
�������� (C‑6443‑ ) Vo‑1550
BC‑13
I
tell all you people : you can rest at ease
You
won't have to worry about cooking : go to North Memphis Cafe and eat
I
tell all of you people : you can rest at ease
Because
the North Memphis Cafe : got everything that you really need
I
don't buy no wood : even buy no coal
I
go to North Memphis Cafe : and eat and don't be outdoors
I
will tell you all something : I won't change like the wind
If
you go to North Memphis Cafe to eat : you'll go back again
Now
listen to me good people : I don't aim to make you mad
You
go to North Memphis Cafe : get something you never had
�������� Chicago, c. 30 Jan. 1931
�������� (VO‑111‑A) Vo‑1678
Yz L‑1008
I
give you my money : and I ain't ashamed
Now
you got me here : and I'm scared to call your name
I
stood on the corner : looking for you all night long
You
know baby : you been doing me wrong
And
I ain't going to put up : at the way you do
You
can't be mine : and somebody else's too
I
??? : till I done got tired
*Oh
joyful* : much obliged
Now
look here baby : what you take me to be
Walking
around with this low‑life : in front of me
And
you got ways : I sure don't like
You
give me money : just to take it back
Now
look here baby : I don't want to make you mad
I
give you everything : in the world I had
You
come here baby : set down on my knee
I
do anything : to give your poor heart ease
�������� Chicago, c. 30 Jan. 1931
�������� (VO‑112‑A) Vo‑1678
BC‑13
I
been going crazy : I just can't help myself
Because
the man I'm loving : he loving someone else
I
was locked outdoors : huddled myself all night long and cried
I'm
going crazy : crazy as I can be
I
got up this morning : I made a fire in my stove
And
made up my bread : and stuck my pan outdoors
I'm
crazy I'm crazy : just can't help myself
I'm
just as crazy crazy : as a poor girl can be
�������� Chicago, 25 Mar. 1931
�������� (VO‑151‑A) Vo‑1658
Yz L‑1021
If
you see my cow : tell her hurry home
I
ain't had no sweet milk : since she been gone
If
you see my cow : drive her to the barn
I
ain't had nothing to drink : since she been gone
My
cow little aches : she can't get no water
She
got a little calf : say you might've heard her holler
I'm
taking my cow : can of beer
Never
stopped a‑jumping : till she finds good
I
got up this morning : I went outdoors
I'd
know my cow : by the way she lows
I
give her corn : I give her wheat
I'd
give anything : that the poor cow needs
�������� Chicago, 25 Mar. 1931
�������� (VO‑152‑A) Vo‑1658
BC‑13
I
walked around this world :
You
ought to heard them holler : say I've the whole round world
I
want you to let them know :
You
ain't my partner : because the times have done got hard
I
want you : like a monkey up a tree
Using
them coconuts : ??? some of them on me
???
:
Don't
you worry : because you got the *goodest thing*
I
got a man I love : better than myself
*No
one can take him* : I wouldn't want nobody else
�������� New York, 3 Feb. 1932
�������� (11216‑A) Vo‑1698 OJL‑6
Lord
I wonder : where is my good man at
He
left here this morning : didn't carry nothing but his hat
He
left his suit : hanging all on the rack
He
left here this morning : didn't carry nothing but his hat
If
only : could get my good man back
He
left here this morning : didn't carry nothing but his hat
�������� New York, 27 Oct. 1933
�������� (152537‑2) Co unissued Yz L‑1021
Just
as sure as this paper : sticks aside the wall
I'm
going somewhere : and have my ashes hauled
Because
I remember last winter : when the weather was cold
You's
out on the corner : trying to sell jellyroll
I
was sitting in my kitchen : just as quiet as a lamb
I
wasn't too quiet : to hear my back door slam
I
want you tell me : how come you do like you do do do
You
know I love you : ain't done a thing to you
When
I want it I wants it : and I wants it bad
You
don't give it to me : want to make me mad
�������� Chicago, 25 Mar. 1934
�������� (CP‑1069‑1) Vo‑02711
Pal PL‑101
This
house is full of stinging snakes : crawling all in my bed
I
can't rest at night : from them crawling all under my head
I
got up this morning : one stung me on my leg
I
can't sleep at night : because he keeps me awake
Mmm
: wonder where is my stinging snake gone
I
can't see no peace : since my stinging snake left the home
I've
got a stinging snake : I love sometime better than I do myself
If
the Lord was to take him : I wouldn't be stung by nobody else
Mmm
: where is my stinging snake now
I
believe to my soul : that my stinging snake trying to put me down
�������� Chicago, 25 Mar. 1934
�������� (CP‑1070‑1) Vo‑02711
Yz L‑1021
If
you listen to me good people : I'll tell you what it's all about
We
have that good Dr Cheer: and it just come now
Eight
o'clock in the morning : don't say one mumbling word
I
can tell you all about it : and I ain't going to tell you nothing I heard
Hey
I believe I'll get drunk : tear this old barrelhouse down
Because
I ain't got no money : but I can hobo out of town
Give
me one more drink : drink of that *bottling burn*
And
I will tell everything : just as soon as I get back home
Give
me a draught of beer : if not a drink of gin
I
feel myself getting sober : I want to get back drunk again
�������� Chicago, 24 Aug. 1934
�������� (C‑9380‑ ) De‑7038
BC‑1
Look
here baby : you ain't got to go
I've
got my *first time* : to drive you from my door
You
ain't got to move : out this neighborhood
Because
I tell the world : I mean you only good
I
have a brand new bed : a brand new stool
Come
back baby : you ain't got to move
Well
you don't have to worry : about something to eat
I
made a‑plenty money : all last week
�������� Chicago, 24 Aug. 1934
�������� (C‑9382‑ ) De‑7019
Cor CP‑58
I
might tell everybody : what that Chickasaw have done done for me
She
done stole my man away : and blowed back dark smoke on me
Ain't
no woman : like to ride that Chickasaw
Because
everywhere she stops : she's stealing some woman's good man� off
I
told the depot agent this morning : I don't think you treat me right
He
done sold my man a ticket : and know that Chickasaw is leaving town tonight
I
walking down the railroad track : that Chickasaw even wouldn't let me ride the
blinds
And
she start picking up man : all up and down the line
Mmm
: Chickasaw don't pay no woman no mind
And
she start picking up men : all up and down this line
�������� Chicago, 10 Sept. 1934
�������� (C‑9426‑A) De‑7146
Rt RL‑329
I've
got a man : works on the railroad track
The
reason he keeps his job : he can squat it in the sack
He's
not so good‑looking : he don't dress so fine
But
when he does his squatting : he really takes his time
Now
I want you to go ahead on girls : and leave him alone
That's
the very reason : scared to trust him at home
That's
the man : he's scared to call his name
Because
when he go to squatting : it's a crying shame
He
not so short : he not so tall
But
when he's doing the squatting : you might a‑hear me squall
�������� Chicago, 10 Jan. 1935
�������� (C‑9641‑A)
De‑7048 Pal PL‑101
I
ain't no doctor : but I'm the doctor wife
You
better come to me : if you want to save your life
He's
a dirty mother for you : he don't mean no good
He
got drunk this morning : tore up the neighborhood
I
want you to come here baby : come here quick
You
done give me something : about to make me sick
I
went down to the station : talk to the judge
He
said don't bring me : none of that doggone crap you heard
I
went down to the office : fell out on the floor
He
done something to me now : he won't do no more
Now
won't you look here baby : what you done done
You
done *spread* my *liver* : now you done *broke the rungs*
�������� Chicago, 10 Jan. 1935
�������� (C‑9644‑A) De‑7048
Pal PL‑101
What
is that : you going around here trying to sell
It
ain't good to eat : you know it ain't good to smell
The
first time I met you : you had the meat in your hand
Going
to give it : to some woman's man
You
got something you can't sell : and you can't give away
You
just as well to take it : on back where you stay
And
don't let me catch you : trying to give it to my man
If
you do : *I'm ??? to pin a* doggone can
Look
a‑here black girl : why don't you get off the line
What
you trying to sell : ain't nobody buying
�������� Chicago, 27 May 1935
�������� (90018‑ ) De‑7102 Mam S‑3803
When
you go to Helena : stop on Cherry Street
And
just ask anybody : to show you Reaching Pete
He's
the tallest man : walks on Cherry Street
And
the baddest copper : ever walked that beat
He
met me one sunny morning : just about the break of day
I
was drinking my moonshine : he made me throw my knife away
Well
he taken my partner : down to the jail
After
he locked her up : he turned and went her bail
Reaching
Pete's all right : but his buddy *overzeal*
Every
time he meet you : he's ready for plenty hell
�������� Chicago, 22 Aug. 1935
�������� (C‑1099‑B) Vo‑03046
Pal PL‑101
Hey
all you peoples going out tonight : just going to see Joe Louis fight
And
if you ain't got no money : have to go tomorrow night
Crying
he even carried a mean left : and he carried a mean right
And
if he hits you with either one : same as a charge from a dynamite
I'm
going to tell all of you prize fighters : don't play Joe for no fool
If
he hits you with that left duke : same as a kick from a Texas mule
Joe
Louis is a two‑fist fighter : and he stands six feet tall
And
the bigger they come : he say the harder they fall
Boys
if I only had ten hundred dollars : I'd a‑laid it up on my shelf
I'd
bet anybody pass my house : that one round Joe would knock him out
I
wouldn't even pay my house rent : I wouldn't buy me nothing to eat
Joe
Louis would take a chance with them : I would put you on your feet
�������� Chicago, 27 May 1936
�������� (C‑1386‑1) Vo‑03581
Pal PL‑101
I
got a big black cat : sitting in my back door
He
catches every rat : run across my floor
If
it wasn't for that cat : I wouldn't know what I would do
Rats
cutting up : all of my clothes and shoes
I
been had this old cat now : for three or four years
Still
nobody want him : till I brought him here
Before
I got that cat : rats had holes all in my walls
Since
I brought her home : you can't find no holes at all
You
have seen a lots of cats : and you going to see a lots of more
I
got one‑eyed cats : everywhere I go
�������� Chicago, 27 May 1936
�������� (C‑1388‑2) Vo‑03474
BC‑1
Man
you won't give me no money : you won't buy me no clothes to wear
Want
to take me off in France : and know I ain't got no business over there
Tell
me men : what do you expect for us poor women to do
Work
and give you all our money : and be used like a doggone tool
I'm
so glad : that I ain't nobody's fool
If
I keep every dime of my money : sure got to come under my rule
Know
when you was a schoolboy : when you was going to school
You
know if you take my money : you be done broke your teacher's rule
I
don't mind trying to help you : please don't play me for no fool
Don't
forget these last words : you sure got to come under my rule
�������� Chicago, 12 Nov. 1936
�������� (C‑1670‑1) Vo‑03894
BC‑1
I
got to leave this town : I'm got to go before the sun go down
Because
I done got tired : of these coppers running me around
I
stayed in jail last night : and all last night before
I
would have been there now : if my daddy hadn't've sprung the door
I
been in so much of trouble : that's why I'm got to go
But
when I get out this time : I won't sell moonshine no more
I
done packed my trunk : and done shipped it on down the road
Now
I won't be bothered : with these big fat bulls no more
Just
keep me a‑moving : going from door to door
I
done made up in my mind : not to sell moonshine no more
�������� Chicago, 12 Nov. 1936
�������� (C‑1671‑1) Vo‑03474
BC‑1
Well
it's hard to be mistreated : when you ain't done nothing wrong
And
you caught your lover‑man : when you can't keep him at home
Now
I'm going to get myself a single man : and leave these married mens alone
They
ain't nothing but a wad of trouble : when they laying up in your arms
I
need someone to love me : but someone to call my own
I'm
tired of loving these married men : can say I know their wives got them and
gone
Well
I'm getting so tired : staying home all by myself
And
every man I fall in love with : he loving someone else
But
I tried to be nice : tried to be nice and kind
But
every man I love : don't seem like he want to pay me no mind
�������� Chicago, 17 June 1937
�������� (C‑1936 ‑1) Vo‑03894
BC‑1
I
don't believe : my baby wants me no more
Well
if he did : he would take me everywhere he goes
Asked
my daddy last night : please take me to the show
Said
I wouldn't mind carrying you : but your daddy ain't got no dough
Well
you say you going away to leave me : going back down the road
Well
I just want to find out : now which a‑way must I go
If
you catch that midnight train : I might ride that midnight train too
Well
I could still be riding : I don't have to be with you
Mmm
: look what you done made me do
Done
left my good man : all on account of you
�������� Chicago, 27 June 1940
�������� (WC‑3166‑A) OK‑05728
BC‑1
Out
across the hill : I built a lonesome shack
So
when my good man quit me : I won't have to beg him back
In
the southeast corner : that's where I'll put my cool iron bed
So
when he puts me out : have some place to lay my head
Found
my groceries and my stove : where they are selling cheap
So
when he stops feeding me : have some place to cook and eat
Time
I get me a sweetheart : and a ??? machine
So
when we part : be hard to find a ??? *bean*
�������� Chicago, 27 June 1940
�������� (WC‑3167‑A) OK‑05670
BC‑1
I's
born in Louisiana : I raised in Algiers
And
everywhere I been : the peoples all say
Ain't
nothing in rambling : either running around
Well
I believe I'll marry : ooo Lord and settle down
I
first left home : I stopped in Tennessee
The
peoples all begging : come and stay with me
Because
ain't nothing in rambling : either running around
Well
I believe I'll get me a good man : ooo Lord and settle down
I
walked through the alley : with my hand in my coat
The
police start to shoot me : thought it something I stole
The
peoples on the highway : is walking and crying
Some
is starving : some is dying
You
may go to Hollywood : and try to get on the screen
But
I'm going to stay right here : and eat these old charity beans
������� �Chicago, 27 June 1940
�������� (WC‑3168‑A) OK‑05670
BC‑1
I'm
alone : traveling by myself
If
I don't find the one I love : I don't want nobody else
I
was down : down one old lonesome road
I
didn't have me no baby : couldn't find no place to go
Mmm
: people wonder where could my baby be
It
don't make me no difference : just seem so lonesome here to me
I
can't feel happy : nowhere in the world I be
If
I don't find my baby : you going to have some trouble out of me
Boy
friend boy friend : where in the world can you be
Ever
since you been gone : you sure is worrying me
�������� Chicago, 27 June 1940
�������� (WC‑3170‑A) OK‑05728
BC‑1
You
keep me thinking : and wondering all the time
Oh
people it's so hard : to please that man of mine
I
combs his hair : I washes his feet
And
when I think that works : he's out strolling the street
Last
night he started an argument : he dared poor me to grunt
Then
taken my last dollar : to make his girl friend drunk
I
ain't going to give you my money : and don't know what it's all about
Soon
as I get cold in hand : you be ready to kick me out
�������� Chicago, 21 May 1941
�������� (C‑3764‑1) OK‑06410
BC‑1
Late
hours at night : trying to play my hand
Through
my window : out stepped a man
My
mama cried : papa did too
Oh
daughter : look what a shame on you
I
flagged a train : didn't have a dime
Tried
to run away : from that home of mine
I
hit the highway : caught me a truck
Nineteen
and seventeen : when the world was tough
All
of my playmates : is not surprised
I
had to travel : before I got wise
�������� Chicago, 21 May 1941
�������� (C‑3765‑1) OK‑06788
BC‑1
Won't
you be my chauffeur : I want someone to drive me I want someone to drive me
downtown
Baby
drives so easy : I can't turn him around
But
I don't want him : to be riding these girls to be riding these girls around
You
know I'm going to steal me a pistol : shoot my chauffeur down
Well
I must buy him : a brand new V‑Eight a brand new V‑Eight Ford
And
he won't need no passengers : I will be his load
Going
to let my chauffeur : drive me around the drive me around the world
Then
he can be my little boy : yes I'll feed him good
��� �����New York, 4 Jan. 1928
�������� (7708‑2) Ba‑7025 VJM VLP‑40
I
done crossed my fingers : and counted up to twenty‑three
I
seen a star falling : that means bad luck done fell on me
A
black cat bone's a‑boiling : I put it on at half past twelve
I'll
tie it in a sack : and walk off talking to myself
A
shooting star means evil : ain't never seen that thing to fail
I'll
either spend a month in jail : or I'm sure to lose my job
Now
I ain't superstitious : don't believe in not a sign I know
But
when my right hand itches : I know I'll get some money sure
I
let a black cat cross me : I walked right through a funeral line
But
when the stars are shooting : I know bad luck is in that sign
�������� Richmond, Ind., c. 3 May 1928
�������� (13718‑A) Ge‑6518 OJL‑6
You
knowed I was drunk : when I lay down across your bed
All
the whiskey I drank : it's gone right to my head
Oh
give me Houston : that's the place I crave
So
when I'm dry : I can get whiskey ??? *made*
Whiskey
whiskey : is some folk's downfall
But
if I don't get whiskey : I ain't no good at all
When
I was in Houston : drunk most every day
I
drank so much whiskey : I thought I'd pass away
Have
you ever been drunk : and slept in all your clothes
And
when you wake up : feel like you want a dose
I'm
going to get drunk : daddy just one more time
Because
when I'm drunk : nothing don't worry my mind
�������� Chicago, c. Apr. 1925
�������� (2092‑?) Pm‑12276 Mil MLP‑2018
Sunshine
Special : shine down on me
I
ain't going home till morning :
I've
had the blues all my life : I think that's long enough
I'm
going out all night : ??? going to strut my stuff
*Take
your good girl* : *take your hands away*
It's
the way you *crow* mama : just awhile before day
I
say Sunshine Special : throw your light down on me
I'm
going home to my regular : drunk as I can be
What
my mama told me :
???
: my ruination
�������� Jackson, Miss., 20 Oct. 1935
�������� (JAX‑201‑1) Vo‑03166
Yz L‑1009
Hey
: something going on wrong
Lord
when I come in : find my *good gal* gone
Lord
I wish she come here : right down on her head
And
might be a few questions : she swore sure *kill her dead*
And
you treat me good : Lord will bless your soul
If
you treat me bad : mama to hell you surely go
But
I'm on my way back : to that lonesome hill
Because
that's where I can look down : where the *stack* man used to live
I
said mama : what become of me
Every
time I leave home : some of my follies follow me
Some
of my former deeds mama : cause me to leave my old home
Lord
I tried and tried : and I just can't let her go
�������� Jackson, Miss., 20 Oct. 1935
�������� (JAX‑202‑1) Vo‑03166
OJL‑8
So
cold in China : birds can't hardly sing
You
didn't make me mad : till you broke my diamond ring
Take
me mama : won't be bad no more
You
can get my loving : if you let that old black snake go
Black
snake crawling : crawling in my room
Some
high brown woman : better come and get this here black snake soon
Hey
mama : what have I said and done
Folks
tell me your loving : baby sure going to be my ruin
Crying
eee : your daddy do love you
You's
a high‑stepping mama : and I don't care what you do
I
was a little boy : on my way to school
Met
a high brown woman : and she broke my mammy's rule
Mama
said I'm reckless : daddy said I'm young and wild
Quit
being so reckless : be my baby child
�������� New Orleans, 10 Aug. 1935
�������� (94418‑1) BB‑B6140 CC‑35
The
woman I love : she only sixteen years of age
And
she's a full‑grown woman : but she just got childish ways
She
got a head full of diamonds : and a mouth chock full of gold
And
every time she smiles : Lord it makes my blood run cold
And
she's low and she's squatty : and made right to the ground
And
she's tailor‑made : Lord and ain't no hand‑me‑down
And
the woman I love : Lord she do not pay me no mind
And
the one I hate : I see her all the time
And
the woman I love : she's gone far away
And
the one I hate : at the house every day
�������� New Orleans, 10 Aug. 1935
�������� (94419‑1) BB‑B6140 CC‑35
Folks
you don't know : how worried must I be
Nobody
knows : but the good Lord and me
Lord
Lord : now won't you hear my plea
Now
I want you to stop my gal : from mistreating me
Lord
Lord : now I ain't got a friend
Now
one gal is in jail : and the other one is in the pen
�������� New Orleans, 10 Aug. 1935
�������� (94420‑1) BB‑B6072 Yz L‑1028
I've
been worrying all day mama : and could hardly sleep last night
I
had the blues for Vicksburg Mississippi : and couldn't be satisfied
*Now
if ever they find me the ship at* : where I long to be
I've
got a good gal pretty mama : waiting there for me
Now
there's nothing I can do mama : oh no more I can say
All
I know I do in Vicksburg : Lord is *paraday*
�������� New Orleans, 10 Aug. 1935
�������� (94421‑1) BB‑B6072 CC‑35
I
love you mama : but you don't mean me no good
I
done everything for you : sweet mama that I could
I
brought you clothes : and diamond rings
Give
you all my money : and everything
If
you don't want me mama : now let your daddy be
*For
me* I may find someone : that cares for me
I
ain't no doctor : I can't ease your pain
Ain't
no brakeman : I can't take your train
You
know sweet : I'm a good‑looking brown
What
it takes to please : I'm going to carry that around
�������� New Orleans, 16 Oct. 1936
�������� (02642‑1) BB‑B6766 RBF RF‑12
The
first time I met the blues mama : they came walking through the wood
They
stopped at my house first mama : and done me all the harm they could
Now
my blues got at me : Lord and run me from tree to tree
You
should have heard me begging : Mr blues don't murder me
Good
morning blues : what are you doing here so soon
You
bes with me every morning : Lordy every night and noon
The
blues came down the alley : mama and stopped right at my door
They
give me more hard luck and trouble : than I ever had before
�������� New Orleans, 16 Oct. 1936
�������� (02645‑1) BB‑B6697 CC‑35
Had
a cool loving mama : and they call her Jesse P
And
she's the sweetest woman : has ever walked down Mulberry Street
Now
she's a kind loving baby : and give the men a thrill
Now
the reason I love her : she live in Vicksburg on the hill
And
I love her I love her : and I always will
The
reason I really love her : I think of Vicksburg on the hill
�������� New Orleans, 16 Oct. 1936
�������� (02649‑1) BB‑B6916 CC‑35
I
were laying upstairs mama : trying to take my rest
And
a notion struck me : Lord I believe I'll go out west
Now
I'm going out west mama : Lord and I can't take you
Because
it's nothing out there mama : that a woman like you can do
Just
as soon : as a train mama makes up in the yard
And
I'm out westbound : that's if the bulls don't have me barred
�������� New Orleans, 16 Oct. 1936
�������� (02650‑1) BB‑B6916 CC‑35
Now
I'm leaving town baby : because you know you treats me wrong
You
go out at night and get full of bad whiskey : and stay out the whole night long
And
I tried everything mama in this world : to get along with you
Now
and you know I love you : that's why you treat me like the way you do
And
I'm going I'm going : mama and your crying won't make me stay
And
the more you cry mama : the farther that you drive me away
Now
when I leave this time mama : you can pin crepe on my door
And
I won't be dead : baby but I ain't coming here no more
�������� New Orleans, 16 Oct. 1936
�������� (02651‑1) BB‑B7178 CC‑35
I
got a letter from Texas : how do you reckon it read
It
said hurry home brother : for the one you love is dead
And
I went to the station : but the train had gone
I
got to thinking about my baby : and I started walking on
And
I walked up on a stranger : I told him I was in so much misery
He
said you'll never start to Texas : you better take the T and T
And
he dropped me off in Texas : in a little place they call San Antone
And
you can't really imagine : how you hear those wild ox moan
�������� New Orleans, 16 Oct. 1936
�������� (02652‑1) BB‑B6825 CC‑35
Now
boys I once had a good woman : but I really did not treat her right
And
I would do everything evil : and everything I could for spite
I
would go out at night : and get full of bucket gin
And
she would be absolutely hospital bound : if she ever even asked me where I had
been
Now
I'm sorry that I mistreated her : just as sorry as a man can be
Now
it seem like the more that I do for her : it is the less she care for me
Now
boys if you got a good woman : treat her kind in every way
Because
a real good woman : can't be found every day
�������� New Orleans, 16 Oct. 1936
�������� (02654‑1) BB‑B7178 CC‑35
Boys
have you ever had a woman : and she didn't mean you no good
And
you trust her with your hide : and she treat it just like a piece of wood
And
you will turn your back on everybody : baby you will really worry you best
friend
On
account of a no‑good woman : and then she loving other men
Then
you will sit right down and worry : about a friend that you could gain
After
you have forsaken everybody : it will be on account of another dame
Now
boys don't never let : no woman treat you nice and kind
Because
she's only been *you* : I can tell *you about the* mine
�������� Dallas, 5 Dec. 1929
�������� (149531‑2) Co‑14496‑D
His HLP‑32
I
met a woman in West Texas : she had been left by herself all alone
I
spied her looking ??? *cross* me : where I wasn't even known
She
fell for me a raggedy stranger : standing in the drizzling rain
She
said daddy I'll follow you : though you don't know my name
We
snuggled closely together : muddy water around our feet
No
place to call home : wet hungry and no place to eat
She
said I care for you daddy : but I love no man better than I do myself
But
I have a mind to care : a heart to love like anyone else
The
wolves howled at midnight : wild ox moaned till day
The
man in the moon looked down on us : but had nothing to say
�������� Dallas, 6 Dec. 1929
�������� (149562‑2) Co‑14496‑D
His HLP‑32
I
get up early every morning : to toil the whole day through
Baby
it wouldn't be so hard : if I was getting up from beside of you
I'm
so lonesome without you baby : I can't be satisfied
Aren't
you a little lonesome for me too : so we can both be pacified
Your
hugs are so shocking : your eyes tell me yes
And
you don't *store* it to me : that's what makes my happiness
I'm
not lying baby : you were always really mine
And
if I don't see you soon : I'll sure be found crying
Right
back to Dallas : I got to be on my way
I'm
going to let that Texas Special : drop me in southern U S A
Right
or wrong : I must be with my little southern Chocktaw
I
don't know that she loves me : but still she calls me her southpaw
�������� Richmond, Ind., 16 Aug. 1929
�������� (15447) Pm‑12819 CC‑37
I'm
black and I'm evil : and I did not make myself
If
my man don't have me : he won't have nobody else
I've
got to buy me a bulldog : he'll watch me while I sleep
Because
I'm so black and evil : that I might make a midnight creep
I
believe to my soul : the Lord has got a curse on me
Because
every man I get : a no‑good woman steals him from me
*Even
as* I lay down at night : behind you lies an empty space
And
you wish on every *no‑good* star : *bring here your baby to me*
�������� Richmond, Ind., 16 Aug. 1929
�������� (15448) Pm‑12868 CC‑37
Oh
the judge he sentenced me : and the clerk he wrote it down
My
man *sat and stared before you babe* : that you are county farm bound
Oh
six months in *jail* : and a month on the county farm
If
my man hadn't a‑been in the *jug* : he would help with my bond
I
worked hard on the county farm : tried to forget my man
And
some day he's going to be sorry : he treated me this a‑way
I've
got to build me a scaffold : just to hang myself
Because
the man I'm loving : I don't care where he *follow me*
�������� Richmond, Ind., 16 Aug. 1929
�������� (15449‑A) Pm‑12868 CC‑37
My
man my man : treats me so lowdown
Anything
I do : he like to leave his mind
I
love my man : but he loves somebody else
I
think I'm a big fool : he'll keep on wearing my
*Ever
get ready for* lay down : and think about your man at night
And
you will get to twisting and turning : and you couldn't lay just right
My
babe turned to me : with tears running down his face
Says
I'm sorry for you woman : another woman has taken your place
�������� Richmond, Ind., 16 Aug. 1929
�� ������(15452) Pm‑12819 CC‑37
I
was standing on the corner : just between Broadway and Main
A
cop walked up : and he *laughed ??? me my name*
???
: my name was *little known* myself
I'm
a good‑time woman : and I sure don't have to
He
says I'll take you to the station : and see what you will do
*I'll
make him despise you* : and he *lay*
Oh
he took me to the judge : with my head hanging low
And
the judge said hold you head up : for you are bound to go
�������� Grafton, Wis., c. Feb. 1930
�������� (L‑170‑2) Pm‑13107
CC‑37
I
had a dream last night : babe I can't understand
I
had a dream I saw some woman : *thieving* with my man
I
tried to be good : but he would not let me be
Now
he is leaving : just to spite me
Now
you got all my money : still you ain't satisfied
And
now you got another woman : going to catch the train and ride
You
may go babe : you may have your way
But
when you think of your loving : I know that you cannot behave
�������� Grafton, Wis., c. Feb. 1930
�������� (L‑171‑2) Pm‑13107
CC‑37
Baby
when I was all down and out : you just could not be found
Now
I have someone to care for me : don't want you hanging around
I
have got a regular man here : Lord the good kid‑man's downtown
I
can't quit my regular : and I won't throw my kid‑man down
Lord
I quit my kid‑man : because I caught him in a lie
And
all I can hear now : is his moaning his mournful cry
Yes
he told a little gal : looking in the deep blue sea
I
am ??? : so don't bring your blues to me
�������� Chicago, 18 Aug. 1934
�������� (C‑9317‑A) De‑7028
OJL‑20
And
I'm black and I'm evil : and I did not make *myself*
If
my babe don't have me : he won't have nobody there
Going
to buy me a bulldog : to watch me while I sleep
Because
I'm so black and evil : that I might make a midnight creep
I
believe to my soul : the Lord have got a curse on me
Because
every *meat* that I gain : a no‑good woman steals him from me
Did
you ever lay down at night : behind you lies an empty space
You
will turn over and hug a pillow : where your daddy used to die
�������� New York, c. Jan. 1925
�������� (31777) Ajax‑17093 VJM VLP‑40
Old
death wagon : don't you dare stop at my door
You
took my first three daddies : you can't have number four
Smallpox
got my first man : booze killed number two
I
wore out the last one : but with this one I ain't through
Slow
down *bone archer* : call your *cold cart* back
My
daddy's engine running : on my *double track*
Black
hearse ain't no use : you sure can't have my man
I'm
just using him up : on the old
�������� New York, c. Jan. 1925
�������� (31779) Ajax‑17093 VJM VLP‑40
Spreading
lies and gossip : surely is one shameful sin
I
hope when winter comes : they steal coal from her bin
Scandal
: is just a nice fancy name for dirt
I'll
*spy* some woman : lying *mouse* just in her skirt
The
buzzard : surely one lowdown rotten bird
But
when folks smell scandal : how they fly to spread the word
Next
time : I hear that mean ornery lowdown talk
I'll
put coals in someone's shoes : to make warts when they walk
�������� New York, 8 Apr. 1936
�������� (18971‑2) ARC‑6‑09‑56
Rt RL‑340
Love
my bug juice : just as crazy about it as I can be
*My
late bug juice vane* : Lord I'm afraid he's going to pour it on me
Took
one drink last night : and it made me go stone blind
Thought
I'd run away : but I had to take my time
Sometime
: a drink make me act just like a doggone fool
Two
three drinks : make me kick like a doggone mule
Good
man when I'm sober : tiger when I'm drunk
???
: mama I'm going to hide in your trunk
�������� New York, 11 Apr. 1936
�������� (18999‑2) ARC‑6‑09‑56
Rt RL‑340
'Tain't
none of my business : but it sure ain't right
Take
another man's woman : play honeydrip all night
I'm
a stranger : I just come in your town
I
want some honeydrip : please don't turn me down
If
I mistreat you mama : I sure don't mean no harm
I'm
a honeydripping papa : I don't know right from wrong
I
got me a mama : she's so big and fat
She
hurt her honeydrip prince : because I know it's tight like that
Don't
play honeydrip : way down in no cell
She's
a sweet loving mama : I know she's going to raise a little hell
Went
up on a mountain : looked down in the deep blue sea
Big
fat woman : tried to flirt with me
If
I could holler : like that mountain jack
I'd
go up on the mountain : call my baby back
�������� Memphis, 3 Feb. 1928
�������� (41830‑2) Vi‑21280 Rt RL‑310
Because
you see me staggering : baby don't you think I'm drunk
For
I'm going away to leave you : I'm coming back no more
Can't
you tell me pretty papa : where did you stay last night
He
said it's none of your business : mama so I treat you right
Because
you see me staggering : daddy don't you think I'm drunk
I
got my eye on my shotgun : the other one is on your trunk
Well
I love you Mr Charlie : honey God knows I do
But
the day you try to quit me : brother that's the day you die
�������� Memphis, 3 Feb. 1928
�������� (41831‑1) Vi‑21280 Her H‑201
Go
on old man : don't sing those blues to me
I'm
about as blue : as any girl can be
You
even told me : right to my face
That
you had another woman : to shimmy in my place
I'm
getting tired : of your dirty ways
I'm
going back : to my baby again
So
*crying to me* : don't mean you can't bluff
Papa
I'm slipping out tonight : I'm going ha ha ha
*All
you men* : you may go your way
I'm
sick and tired : of your dirty ways
�������� Memphis, 3 Feb. 1928
�������� (41832‑2) Vi‑21408 OJL‑17
Now
tell me little daddy : what you got on your worried mind
Tell
your little mama your troubles : swear I'll tell you mine
I'll
just ??? your carriage : and I'll check your line
I
just come to tell you : another man is got your child
It's
hard to love a man : when you know you really love
Lord
I can't quit him : and I sure can't let him alone
Lord
early one morning : girls on my way to school
Lord
that brownskin man : caused me not to obey my poor mother's rule
�������� Memphis, 3 Feb. 1928
�������� (41833‑2) Vi‑21408 OJL‑6
If
I feel tomorrow : like I feel today
Before
I stand to be mistreated : girls I'll take morphine and die
Lord
my daddy got something : that's a brand new thing to me
I
just want to tell you : it's sure been good to me
I'm
poor old stranger girls : and I just rolled in your town
Lord
I just come here : to ease my troubled mind
Lord
I'm so heart‑broken girls : I cannot cry at all
Well
if I finds my man girls : I'm going to nail him to the wall
I'm
poor old stranger girls : and I just rolled in your town
Lord
I find my man : I'm going to nail him to the wall
��������
New Orleans, c. Dec. 1928
�������� (NOR‑760) Br‑7049 Rt RL‑329
Read
my search warrant lady : I'm just looking for my man
I
got my razor in my bosom : and my pistol in my hand
I'm
just like a mad dog : I snaps at everything I meet
But
if I find my man : he sure is going to be my meat
I'm
going to cut him with my razor : I'm going to use my pistol too
Now
they can call the undertaker : to put your last clean shirt on you
I'm
going to kill my man : then I'm going to kill myself
I'd
rather we both to be dead : than to see him with someone else
�������� Chicago, c. Jan. 1928
�������� (20309‑1) Pm‑12648 OJL‑8
There's
one thing I like : about that gal of mine
She
treats me right : and loves me all the time
Sometimes
I'm broke : and blue as I can be
But
still my baby : she looks after me
She
walked in the rain : till her feet got soaking wet
And
these are the words : she said to every man she met
Mr
change a dollar : and give me one lousy dime
So
I can feed : this hungry man of mine
She
took me over : to a cabaret
I
ate and drank : and then I went away
This
gal of mine : she's one way all the time
She
takes the blues away : and satisfies my mind
�������� Chicago, c. Jan. 1928
������ ��(20312‑2) Pm‑12636 Rt RL‑340
Some
people say : that the midnight blues ain't bad
Well
it must not have been : those midnight blues I had
Tell
me fair brownie : where did you stay last night
Your
hair's all down : and your clothes ain't fitting you right
Oh
run here mama : run and tell me now
Says
do you love your papa : anyhow
When
you see two women : going together so long
You
can bet your life : that there's something going on wrong
I'm
going to buy me a pistol : as long as my right arm
Going
to carry it in my pocket : and make you stay at home
�������� New York, 6 Oct. 1937
�������� (62661‑A) De‑7439 AH‑77
I
pawned my watch : and my clothes and diamond ring
Now
you will have to stop : shaking shaking that old thing
�������� New York, 16 Jan. 1933
�������� (12908‑1) Ba‑33106 RBF RF‑15
She
goes out Lord : and stays all day
Got
another woman : to take her place
I
got a gal : says she's long and tall
Way
she keep loving : says Lord Lord Lord
I
got a gal : says she's named Sally Right
Says
way she keep a‑loving : says *it's* just too tight
She
stays out : all night long
She's
going to come home : and find me gone
She
stays out : both day and night
Said
I know my babe : she ain't treating me right
�������� New York, 19 Jan. 1933
�������� (12946‑1) Ba‑33106 RBF RF‑15
Walking
down the hard road : done wore the soles off of my shoes
My
soles are ragged : I got those hard road blues
Have
you ever laid down at night : thinking about your brown
And
get the hard road blues : and ramble from town to town
Reason
why I start : why I lowdown
My
gal done quit me : I got to leave this town
I'm
going to put some wheels : on my *broken* shoes
Going
to roll back to my baby : to get rid of these hard road blues
I
lay down last night : a thousand things on my mind
Going
to walk these hard roads : just to cure my lowdown mind
Come
here baby : give me your right hand
Walking
these hard roads : going to drive me insane
�������� New York, 21 Aug. 1935
�������� (17981‑ ) ARC‑6‑11‑56
Rt RL‑318
I've
got a woman : she's sweet as she could be
She
long tall woman : she's all right with me
Lord
I love my woman : she treats me nice and kind
All
admit she got something : to ease my worried mind
I'm
going to ask my woman : will she be my wife
I
would believe she could boil water : make it suit my appetite
Say
the way she fries my steak : peoples I'm satisfied
And
the way she serves her gravy : man you'd be surprised
Say
she serves me in the morning : she serves me late at night
Said
and everything she serves me : she serves it to me right
�������� Chicago, 9 Oct. 1929
��������
(C‑4629‑ ) Vo‑1447 OJL‑15
Now
sister fooled brother man : and brother *moved down*
The
broad catch you signifying : you breaking her down
Now
mama : just poisoned you
Sick
and tired : of the way you do
Spread
the *goo‑goo* dust : around your bed
In
the morning : find your own self dead
I
know a sister : called Miss Lou
Shook
so : she had the German flu
Another
sister : somebody call Miss Boone
Shook
so : you couldn't stay in her room
Say
mama cooked some cabbage : didn't have no meat
Had
to throw them : on Thirty‑Fifth Street
Old
folk : go run and get your glass
Catching
the juice : from the too black bad
Say
mama killed a chicken : and she thought it was a duck
Put
him on the table : with his heel cocked up
I
had a mama : that spoke like this
Shake
your shoulder : shake your wig
�������� Chicago, 26 Nov. 1929
�������� (C‑4752‑ ) Vo‑1494
RBF RF‑12
I
got a letter from my rider : what do you reckon it read
Say
hurry home papa : rider's almost dead
And
I walked slowly : looked down in the rider's bed
These
are the words : that rider's said
You
haven't kissed me papa : like you done before
I
got a ??? : I just about have to go
And
I walked back : looking down in rider's face
These
are the words : rider heard me say
And
now goodbye mama : I'll meet you some old day
The
way I been treated : I sure will pass away
�������� New Orleans, 15 Oct. 1936
�������� (02600‑1) BB‑B6672 Yz L‑1038
Nobody
knows : streetwalking women like I do
She'll
keep you up all night long : then will spend your money too
She'll
come home every morning : with a rag tied on her head
And
if you speak about loving man : she'll swear that she's almost dead
She
won't cook you no breakfast : clothes ain't never clean
But
she can spend more money : than any woman that you ever seen
Sometimes
she will say : baby I love you so
Then
again she will tell you : to pack your clothes and go
�������� Memphis, 17 Feb. 1928
�������� (400258‑B) OK‑8838 Rt RL‑316
Hey
baby : see what you have done
You
went made me love you : now your man did come
I'm
going away baby : to wear you off my mind
For
you keeps me worried : a‑bothered all the time
I
woke up here this morning : feeling bad
I
was dreaming about sweet mama : the time once I've had
Hey
late last night : when everything was still
And
I found my Georgie : a‑way behind some hill
Now
gal got something : I don't know what it is
But
on every time she touches me : my mind can't be still
*Down
down alley* : and heist your window high
???
: when he go easing by
I'm
going down south : to have my fortune told
For
I believe : some dirty rascal stole my jellyroll
�������� Atlanta, 13 Mar. 1929
�������� (402295‑A) OK‑8740 Rt RL‑323
Her
mama phoned the doctor : says come here quick
Says
I believe I got to have my daughter : check‑a‑check checked
Well
the doctor came : says I never seen such
Your
daughter got the fever : she toodle‑oo too much
Toodle‑oo
in the summer : in the fall
Got
so cold : she couldn't toodle‑oo at all
Her
mama's in the kitchen : cooking in a stew
Me
around the house : just a toodle‑oodle‑oo
Well
she went to leave me : *rat* stuck to her shoe
Fell
down : and broke her little toodle‑oodle‑oo
�������� Atlanta, 13 Mar. 1929
�������� (402296‑B) OK‑8679 Rt RL‑307
There
was one old brother : by the name of Mose
He
got so happy : bull of *barley the claw*
There
was one old sister : by the name of *Yoon*
Shame
to tell you brother : what that sister was doing
There
was one old sister : lived down on Vance
Said
I'd have been her shimmy partner : Lord if I had a chance
There
was one old sister : named sister Green
Jumped
up and done the shimmy Lord : you ain't never seen
She
pulled off her slipper : and then one sock
Got
way back : and done the double eagle rock
�������� Atlanta, 13 Mar. 1929
�������� (402297‑B) OK‑8740 RBF RF‑202
I
left old Memphis Tennessee : on my way back to [dear old] *Maltree*
I
??? my baby : if this
Says
I phoned my *room* : I didn't have but one word to say
Cast
my eyes to the Lord : say you please have mercy on poor me
Well
I left old *Maltree* : [on my way back, going back] to Memphis Tennessee
No
sooner I got at the bus station Lord : police he arrested me
Lord
the police arrest me : carried me before the judge
Well
the lawyers talk so fast : didn't have time to say not nary word
Well
the lawyer pleaded: and the judge he done wrote it down
Says
I'll give you ten days buddy : out in little old Shelby town
And
they stood me up : *tied me around the peg*
Guard
said to the trustee : said put the shackles *still* around his leg
Mmm
: Lordy Lordy Lord
Lord
the guards done treat me : like I was a lowdown dog
�������� Atlanta, 14 Mar.
1929
�������� (402305‑B) OK‑8693
OJL‑17
I've
got a dreamy‑eyed woman : lives down on Cherry Street
And
she laughs and talks : with every brownskin old man she meets
Says
I told her last night : and all night before
Say
if you don't quit so much running : you can't be mine no more
Put
both hands on her hips : and these is the words she said
Said
big boy I couldn't miss you : if the good Lord told me you was dead
I'm
going to leave here walking : chances I may ride
For
I got the blues baby : and I can't be satisfied
Honey
mmm : baby what more can I do
Want
me to cut my throat : baby trying to get along with you
����� ���Atlanta, 14 Mar. 1929
�������� (402306‑B)
OK‑8679 OJL‑17
And
I rolled and I tumbled : and I cried the whole night long
And
I rosed this morning mama : and I didn't know right from wrong
Did
you ever wake up : and find your dough‑roller gone
And
you wrings your hands : and you cry the whole day long
And
I told my woman Lord : [just] before I left her town
Don't
she let nobody : tear her barrelhouse down
And
I fold my arms Lord : and I [slowly] walked away
Says
that's all right sweet mama : your trouble going to come some day
�������� Memphis, 12 May 1930
�������� (59917‑2) Vi‑V38599 Jo SM‑3104
Down
in Memphis : Tennessee
There's
a gal : sweet as she can be
She's
not too thin : not too fat
But
everything about her : is tight like that
She
wears her dresses : above her knees
Lets
folks say : what they please
She
lets you ride her : in your car
But
won't let you : ride her too far
She
don't dress shabby : and wears a tam
Legs
look as nice : as Georgia ham
She
uses powder : uses paint
It
makes her look : like what she ain't
She
spends it : so they say
Because
: she won't give nothing away
When
she dances : she don't move her head
But
moves everything else : instead
Man
you can believe it : or not
Some
day : I'll see what Sadie's got
�������� Memphis, 21 May 1930
�������� (59962‑2)
Vi‑V38605 Mel MLP‑7324
Mr
caveman : doggone your caving soul
You
better quit your bad habits : digging in every dark hole
You
cave so much : till you can't keep it hid
You
going to get in the wrong cave : like Floyd Collins did
You
won't go to the barber : you won't even shave
You
know a clean‑face man : don't go in no cave
I'm
going in the cave : at the sounding of the drums
And
I'll dig and dig : till my good gal comes
�������� Memphis, 21 May 1930
�������� (59964‑2) Vi‑V38620 Jo SM‑3104
I
take my gal out : to a dance one night
She
would've did the shimmy : but her dress was too tight
I
would play my fiddle : but I ain't got no bow
It
have worn off : I can't use it no more
I
went uptown : to see old lady Moore
The
bed fell down : I bumped my head on the floor
I
had a little dog :
I
leant him to my gal : to keep her company
Around
that chicken coop : the *fool*
My
baby tried to pull off : my derby
She
bit my rooster : bit him to the bone
I
told her : to let my thing alone
�������� Memphis, 5 June 1930
�������� (62583‑ ) Vi‑23310 Jo SM‑3104
I'm
leaving here mama : don't you want to go
Because
I'm sick and tired : of all this ice and snow
When
I get back to Memphis : you can bet I'll stay
And
I ain't going to leave : until that Judgment Day
I
love old Memphis : the place where I was born
Wear
my buck??? shoes : and drink my pint of corn
I
wrote my gal a letter : way down in Tennessee
Because
I was up here hungry : hurry up and ??? to me
I'm
going to walk and walk : until I walk out of my shoes
Because
I've got what they call : *the new living here* blues
�������� Memphis, 26 Nov. 1930
�������� (64731‑ ) Vi‑23267 Rt RL‑337
I
got a letter from my darling : said hurry home
I
got a letter from my darling : said how long you been gone
She's
little and neat : all nice so sweet
Great
big legs : and ??? feet
She
got great big eyes : rosy cheeks
Now
buddy : you know she must be a peach
I'm
coming home mama : if I have to
I'm
coming home mama : if I have to ride the rods
You
know you're as sweet : as a candy doll
You
know : you didn't have another man in my stall
I
got a letter from my darling : said hurry home
I
got a letter from my darling : didn't have a single dime
I'm
going in the morning : ain't going to lose no time
*Easy
kind of* walk : *reel and* rock behind
�������� Memphis, 26 Nov. 1930
�������� (64733‑ ) Vi‑23267 Rt RL‑337
My
father was a jockey : learned me to ride behind
You
know by that : I got a job any time
I
walked around the corner : to the peanut stand
My
gal got stuck : on the peanut man
You
quit me pretty mama : because you couldn't be my boss
But
a rolling stone : don't gather no moss
Just
a nickel's worth of meal : a dime's worth of lard
Will
feed every dame : in *Jack Burse* yard
�������� Memphis, 28 Nov. 1930
�������� (64740‑2) Vi‑23274 Rt RL‑323
Last
night : my gal went to bed
She
put a pistol : under my head
I
got a gal : *pass the* ??? out of my place
The
mules backed up : in my face
A
horse and a flea : and two little mice
Was
down in the cellar : shooting dice
Says
the horse he slipped : fell on the flea
The
flea said police : the horse on me
Said
the little red rooster : to the little red hen
You
haven't laid an egg : since I don't know when
�������� Memphis, 26 Nov. 1930
�������� (64732‑ ) Vi‑23256 Jo SM‑3104
My
gal's got something : that I surely like
Every
time she hugs me : it nearly breaks my back
Preacher
in the pulpit : bobbing up and down
Sisters
in the amen corner : singing let's go round and round
I
got a gal : got movements like a cannonball
You
women better be careful : you won't have no man at all
This
winter you women better shimmy : and shimmy right fast
If
they miss *airy* movement : it sure is their last
�������� Memphis, 28 Nov. 1930
�������� (64741‑2) Vi‑23274 Rt RL‑323
You
got me rolling mama : I don't know how come
You
want me to roll : from sun to sun
I
rolled in the summer : I rolled in the fall
Winter's
here : you don't want no rolling at all
If
I had swings : and a carpet bag
I
know by that : I'd get my baby back
Squeeze
me : till I get as little as a gnat
Mama
: then I'll bite like a cat
�������� Chicago, 11 Feb. 1935
�������� (C‑897‑2) ARC‑7‑06‑75
Yz L‑1028
And
I came up this morning : baby don't you want to go
She
said ain't nothing I could say : *and Mary fact started home* and gone
I
got a rambling woman : she got a rambling mind
I
buy her a ticket : let her ease on down the line
I
think I heard that old Seminole : yeah baby when she blows
I
got a note about my baby : she was way down the road
Lord
I asked Mr conductor : won't you please help her with her load
Because
the way that she treated me : every day nobody knows
Lord
she treat me like a hog : treated me like a dog
She
treated me like a bear one morning : and then ah just like a log
Don't
nobody know : how she mistreated me
Lord
I got a‑traveling on the mind : *anyone thing I'll be dying*
�������� Richmond, Ind., 22 Sept. 1932
�������� (18795) Ch‑16540 Riv RM‑8819
I
have made up my mind : to explain to you in every way
Today
I am leaving : and I'm going away to stay
And
another thing baby : you don't worry me no more
Because
I can get a woman like you : anywhere I go
I
have made up my mind : baby to tell you the truth
I'm
explaining all I know how : and nothing more can I do
I
don't love you no more : and I don't see where I can
I've
got a woman in ??? : so you can find you another man
�������� Richmond, Ind., 22 Sept. 1932
�������� (18796) Ch‑16540 Riv RM‑8819
Just
sitting down thinking : drinking my trouble through
What
in the world : makes me feel so blue
I
don't want to leave you : want to give you another break
And
just to see : what kind of woman you make
Says
you was off of whiskey : but you won't leave it alone
And
the next drink I see you with : babe you done lost your home
Listen
here little girl : love for you is true
But
if you don't stop drinking : I don't know what I'll do with you
Why
do you worry : when your daddy cares for you
And
if I don't love you : I wouldn't care what you do
�������� Chicago, 11 Nov. 1941
�������� (070409‑1) BB‑B8889 RBF RF‑16
I
have had my fun : if I don't get well no more
My
health is failing me : and I'm going down slow
Please
write my mother : tell her the shape I'm in
Tell
her to pray for me : forgive me for my sin
Tell
her don't send no doctor : doctor can't do no good
It's
all my fault : didn't do things I should
On
the next train south : look for my clothes home
If
you don't see my body : all you can do is moan
Mother
please don't worry : this is all in my prayer
Just
say your son is gone : I'm out in this world somewhere
�������� Richmond, Ind., Oct. 1926
�������� (12571) Ge‑6006 Yz L‑1018
I'm
worried today : Lord and I'm worried in mind
Be
worried : honey be worried all the time
What
will you do : when your good friend throws you down
Going
to catch me a plane : babe going to leave your town
Many
days : I sit down weep and cry
That's
why : I'm dying to be by your side
Some
of these mornings : babe and it won't be long
Going
to call my name : darling and I'll be gone
I
woke up this morning : baby and feeling bad
�������� Richmond, Ind., Oct. 1926
�������� (12579) Ge‑6006 Rt RL‑334
Well
I went down to a coon crap game : *although it* went against my will
The
??? won all the money I had : except a greenback dollar bill
When
I went down to see my girl : well the hour was about nine
I
??? : but I got there just in time
Well
I went down to ??? Street : where the ??? *fine*
Well
I heard the ??? : ??? be no friend of mine
�������� Grafton, Wis., c. Jan. 1932
�������� (L‑1238‑2) Pm‑13117
Yz L‑1006
I'm
going back to Texas : hear that wild ox moan
Lord
that is why : you hear me yell this moan
Some
day you going to be sorry : honey you done me wrong
*Honey
babe that's all right* : honey and I'll be gone
Oh
baby baby : you don't know my mind
When
you think I'm loving you : *I'm in the bed* all the time
Oh
I woke up this morning : honey about the break of day
I
hugging the pillow : where my fair brown did lay
�������� Grafton, Wis., c. Jan. 1932
�������� (L‑1240‑1) Pm‑13117
Yz L‑1006
Woke
up this morning : get my shoes
I
love a woman : that I can't give it to
Woke
up this morning : to get my coat
My
brown knocking : on a‑my back door
Woke
up this morning : to get my tie
*I
can't get you women* : *because you* let me die
Woke
up this morning : about the break of day
Hugging
the pillow : where that fair brown lay
Mama
told me : daddy told me too
You
got to *live in your place* : ??? you
�������� Chicago, 15 Nov. 1929
�������� (403305‑B) Co‑14524‑D
RBF RF‑12
I
know just how baby : Lord a broke man feels
Says
there is no one baby: that will do him a real good deal
I
been broke all day baby : did not have a lousy dime
But
I'll be all right baby : I swear some other time
Lord
I don't feel welcome : mama in St Louis no more
Because
I have no friends : baby and no place to go
I'm
going to leave this town baby : and I swear I ain't coming back no more
I've
been treated so bad : I can't be happy no more
I've
lost all my money : baby and everything I had too
That's
why you hear me crying : mama these broke man blues
Mmm
: I ain't got to sing it no more
Because
I been broke baby : and I got these broke man blues
�������� Richmond, Ind., 14 June 1929
�������� (15211) Pm‑12805 Yz L‑1020
It's
a little boll weevil : she's moving in the air
You
can plant your cotton : and you won't get half a cent
Boll
weevil boll weevil : where's your little home
A‑Louisiana
and Texas : is where I's bred and born
Well
I saw the boll weevil : Lord a‑circle Lordy in the air
The
next time I seen him : Lord he had his family there
Boll
weevil left Texas : Lord he bid me fare you well
I'm
going down to Mississippi : going to give Louisiana hell
Boll
weevil and his wife : went and sit down on the hill
Boll
weevil told his wife : let's take this forty in
Boll
weevil told his wife : I believe I may go north
Let's
leave Louisiana : and go to Arkansas
Boll
weevil told the farmer : that I ain't going to treat you fair
Took
all the blossoms : and leave you an empty square
Boll
weevil boll weevil : where your little home
Most
anywhere : they raise cotton and corn
Boll
weevil boll weevil : call that treating me fair
Next
time I seen you : you have your family there
�������� Richmond, Ind., 14 June 1929
�������� (15214) Pm‑12805 Yz L‑1020
Jackson
on a high hill mama : Natchez just below
I
ever get back home : I won't be back no more
Oh
my mama's getting old : her head is turning grey
Don't
you know it'll break her heart : know I'm living this a‑way
I
woke up this morning : jinx all around my bed
Turned
my face to the wall : and I didn't have a word to say
No
use a‑hollering : no use screaming and crying
For
you know you got a home : mama long as I got mine
Hey
Lord have mercy : on my wicked soul
I
wouldn't mistreat you : baby for my weight in gold
Oh
I'm going away baby : don't you want to go
Take
God to tell : when I'll be back here anymore
�������� Richmond, Ind., 14 June 1929
�������� (15215) Pm‑12854 Yz L‑1020
I'm
going away : to the one I know
I'm
worried now : but I won't be worried long
My
rider got something : she trying to keep it hid
Lord
I got something : to find that something with
I
feel like chopping : chips flying everywhere
I've
been to the nation : Lord but I couldn't stay there
Some
people say : them overseas blues ain't bad
It
must not have been : them overseas blues I had
Every
day : seem like murder here
I'm
going to leave tomorrow : I know you don't didn't want me here
Can't
go down : this dark road by myself
I
don't carry my rider : going to carry me someone's else
�������� Richmond, Ind., 14 June 1929
�������� (15216) Pm‑12792 Yz L‑1020
You
can catch my pony : saddle up my black mare
I'm
going to find a rider : baby in the world somewhere
Hello
Central : what's the matter with your line
Come
a storm last night : tore the wires down
Got
a brand new Shetland : man already trained
Just
get in the saddle : tighten up on your reins
And
a brownskin woman : like something fit to eat
But
a jet‑black woman : don't put your hand on me
Took
my baby : to meet the morning train
And
the blues come down baby : like showers of rain
I
got something to tell you : when I gets a chance
I
don't want to marry : just want to be your man
�������� Richmond, Ind., 14 June 1929
�������� (15217) Pm‑12792 Yz L‑1020
I'm
going to buy me a banty : put him in my back door
Lord
he sees a stranger coming : he'll flap his wings and crow
What
you want with a rooster : he won't crow 'fore day
What
you want with a man : when he won't do nothing he say
What
you want with a hen : won't cackle when she lay
What
you want with a woman : when she won't do nothing I say
Oh
take my picture : hang it up in Jackson's wall
Anybody
ask you what about it : tell them that's all that's all
My
hook's in the water : and my cork's on top
How
can I lose Lord : with the help I got
I
know my dog : anywhere I hear him bark
I
can tell my rider : if I feel her in the dark
�������� Richmond, Ind., 14 June 1929
�������� (15220) Pm‑12854 Yz L‑1020
I
believe sweet mama : going to do like she say
Going
to cook my supper : Lord put me in her bed
You
ever go to Memphis : stop by Minglewood
You
Memphis women : don't mean no man no good
She's
got a man on her man : got a kid on her kid
Done
got so bold : Lord won't keep it hid
Ah
all right : ain't going to be here long
I
believe sweet mama : sure was kind to me
She's
up at night : like a police on his beat
I'll
tell you something : keep it to yourself
Please
don't tell your husband : Lord and no one else
[She's,
got] a long tall woman : tall like a cherry tree
She
gets up before day : and she puts that thing on me
�������� Richmond, Ind., 14 June 1929
�������� (15221‑A) Pm‑12877 Yz L‑1001
I
think I heard : the Pea Vine when she blowed
Blowed
just like : my rider getting on board
You're
living single : Lord you know I ain't going to stay
I'm
going up the country : mama in a few more days
Yes
you know it you know it : you know you done done me wrong
Yes
I cried last night : and I ain't going to cry no more
But
the Good Book tell us : you got to reap just what you sow
Stop
your way of living : and you won't have to cry no more
I
think I heard : the Pea Vine when she blowed
She
blowed just like : she wasn't going to blow no more
�������� Richmond, Ind., 14 June 1929
�������� (15222‑A) Pm‑12877 Yz L‑1020
I
lay down last night : hoping I would have my peace
But
when I woke up : Tom Rushen was shaking me
When
you get in trouble : there's no use of screaming and crying
Tom
Rushen will take you : back to Cleveland a‑flying
It
was late one night : Holloway was gone to bed
Mr
Day brought the whiskey : taken from under Holloway's head
It
take boozy booze : Lord to carry me through
Thirty
days seem like years in the jailhouse : where there is no booze
I
got up this morning : Tom Day was standing around
If
he lose his office now : he's running from town to town
[Let
me, I'm going to] tell you folksies : just how he treated me
Ah
he brought me here : and I was drunk as I could be
�������� Grafton, Wis., c. late Nov. 1929
�������� (L‑37‑1) Pm‑13014 Yz
L‑1020
Aah
: she's long and tall
*The
way she do the boogie* : makes a panther squall
I'm
going to show you common women : how I feel
Going
to get me another woman : before I leave
Say
mama got the washboard : my sister got the tub
My
brother got the whiskey : mama got the jug
Well
these evil women : sure make me tight
Got
a handful of give‑me : mouthful of much‑obliged
Well
I got a woman : she's long and tall
But
when she wiggles : she makes a panther squall
Say
mama and papa : going to work
Left
my sister standing : at the watering trough
My
mama told me :
Never
love a woman : like she can't love you
I
got up this morning : my hat in my hand
Didn't
have no other brown : didn't have no man
�������� Grafton, Wis., c. late Nov. 1929
�������� (L‑40‑1) Pm‑13040 Yz
L‑1009
Good
Lord send the sunshine : devil he send the rain
I
will be here tomorrow : on the morning train
You
don't know : sure don't know my mind
I
don't show you my ticket : and you don't know where I'm going
Followed
sweet mama : to the burying ground
I
didn't know that I loved her : till they laid her down
I
been to the ocean : peeped down the deep blue sea
I
didn't see nobody : looked like my sweet mama to me
One
of these mornings : you know it won't be long
You
going to be mistreated : and I'll have to leave you home
I'm
going away : mama don't you want to go
�������� Grafton, Wis., c. late Nov. 1929
�������� (L‑44‑3) Pm‑12972 Yz
L‑1020
I
went up Green River : rolling like a log
Think
I heard : that Marion whistle blow
And
it blew just like : my baby getting on board
I'm
going : where the Southern cross the Dog
Some
people say : the Green River blues ain't bad
Then
it must not have been : them Green River blues I had
It
was late one evening : everything was still
I
could see my baby : upon a lonesome hill
How
long : evening train been gone
Yes
I'm worried now : but I won't be worried long
I'm
going away : to make it lonesome here
�������� Grafton, Wis., c. late Nov. 1929
�������� (L‑47‑2) Pm‑12998 Yz
L‑1020
Going
to buy me a hammock : carry it underneath through the trees
So
when the wind blow : the leaves may fall on me
Go
on baby : you can have your way
Sister
: every dog sure must have his day
They
got me in shackles : I'm wearing my ball and chain
And
they got me ready : for that Parchman train
I
went to the depot : I looked up at the board
And
the train had left : went steaming on up the road
I
was way up Red River : calling all night long
I
think I heard : the Bob Lee boat when she moaned
�������� Grafton, Wis., c. late Nov. 1929
�������� (L‑49‑1) Pm‑12998 Yz
L‑1020
When
your way gets dark : baby turn your lights up high
When
you see my man : Lordy he come easing by
I
take my baby : seven forty‑five
Trouble
baby : trying to blow me down
It
wouldn't hurt so bad : but the news all over this town
I
love my baby : and I tell the world I do
What
made me love her : you'll come and love her too
Yeah
some day baby : well and it won't be long
She
calling me baby : and I'll be gone
I'm
going away baby : don't you want to go
�������� Grafton, Wis., c. late Nov. 1929
�������� (L‑50‑1) Pm‑12953
Her H‑201
My
babe's got a heart : like a piece of railroad steel
If
I leave you this morning : don't say dad how do you feel
I
will leave her at the crossing : when the train pass by
She
blowed for the crossing : then she started to fly
I
got up this morning : something after five
And
the morning sun Lord : was beginning to rise
Cut
your wood : baby I will make your fire
I
will tote you water : from the boggy bayou
If
your woman mistreat you : *better off in your lap*
I
didn't find me nobody : did not have a man
�������� Grafton, Wis., c. early Dec. 1929
�������� (L‑59‑1) Pm‑12909 Yz
L‑1020
The
backwater done rose all around Sumner : drove [me, poor Charley] down the line
Well
I tell the world : the water done struck through this town
Lord
the whole round country : Lord creek water is overflowed
I
would go to the hill country : but they got me barred
Now
the water now mama : done struck Charlotte town
Well
I'm going to Vicksburg : before I have mine
Lord
the water done [rushed, raised] : all over that old Jackson Road
I'm
going back to the hilly country : won't be worried no more
�������� Grafton, Wis., c. early Dec. 1929
�������� (L‑60‑2) Pm‑12909 Yz
L‑1020
The
water was rising : up in my friend's door
The
man said to his womenfolk : Lord we'd better go
The
water was [rising, rolling] : got up in my bed
I
thought I would take a trip Lord : out on the big *ice slab*
�������� Grafton, Wis., c. early Dec. 1929
�������� (L‑63‑2) Pm‑12924 Yz
L‑1020
I
say I'm just like a rattlesnake baby : I say in the middle of his coil
I
ain't going to have no hard time : mama rolling through this world
When
I leave here mama : I'm going further down the road
So
if I meet him up there : I'm going back to the Gulf of Mexico
I'm
going to shake glad hands mama : I say Lord with your loving boy
Fixing
to eat my supper : in Shelby Illinois
Vicksburg
on a high hill : and Louisiana Lord it's just below
If
I get back there : I ain't going to never be bad no more
And
my baby's got a heart : like a piece of railroad steel
If
I leave here this morning : never say daddy how do you feel
�������� Grafton, Wis., c. early Dec. 1929
�������� (L‑77‑1) Pm‑12953 Yz
L‑1001
It's
a mean black moan : and it's lying front of my door
When
I leave Chicago : Lord I ain't coming back no more
Ninety
men were laid off : at the railroad shop
And
the strike in Chicago : Lordy Lord it just won't stop
I'm
tired of mean black moans : friends lying front of my door
But
when I leave Chicago Lord : I ain't coming back here no more
There
are a hundred men Lordy : [standing] all around my bed
I
wish somebody : might be able to kill the black moan dead
Every
morning : Lord rent man is at my door
And
my man hasn't worked Lord : in two or three weeks or more
It's
all I can do Lord : ah fight for my life
But
when the strike is over : Lord I will be all right
�������� Grafton, Wis., c. 28 May 1930
�������� (L‑429‑2) Pm‑13070 Yz
L‑1020
When
I was living at Lula : I was living there at ease
Lord
the drought come in cold autumn : parched up all the trees
Oh
today over in Lula : we'll bid that town goodbye
Well
when it come to another day : Lord the Lula well was gone dry
Lord
the citizens around Lula : all doing very well
Lord
they all got together : and they done bored a well
I
ain't got no money : and I sure ain't got no home
The
old weather done come in : and parched all the cotton and corn
Oh
look down the country : Lord it'll make you cry
Most
everybody : Lord had a watering bayou
Lord
the Lula women Lord : ??? up and down
Lord
you ought to been there : Lord see the womens all leaving town
�������� Grafton, Wis., c. 28 May 1930
�������� (L‑432‑1) Pm‑13014
Yz L‑1020
Oh
the moon is going down : baby sun's about to shine
Rosetta
Henry told me Lord : I don't want you hanging around
Oh
well where were you now baby : Clarksdale mill burned down
I
was way down Sunflower : with my face all full of frowns
There's
a house over yonder : painted all over green
Some
of the finest young women : Lord a man most ever seen
Lord
I think I heard : that Helena whistle Helena whistle Helena whistle blow
Lord
I ain't going to stop walking : till I get in my rider's door
Oh
the smokestack is black : and the bell it shine like gold
Lord
I ain't going to walk here : baby around no more
I
was out at night : when I heard the loco blow
I
got to see my rider : where she's getting her dough
�������� Grafton, Wis., c. 28 May 1930
�������� (L‑433‑1) Pm‑13070
Yz L‑1020
Come
on mama : out to the edge of town
I
know where there's a bird nest : built down on the ground
If
I was a bird mama : I would build a nest in the heart of town
So
when the town get lonesome : I'd be bird nest bound
Hard
luck is at your front door : blues are in your room
Trouble
is at your back door : what is going to become of you
Sometimes
I say I need you : then again I don't
Sometimes
I think I'll quit you : then again I won't
Oh
I remember one morning : standing in my baby's door
Look
a‑here papa Charley : I don't want you no more
Take
me home sweet home : baby to that shining star
You
don't need no telling : mama take me in your car
�������� New York, 30 Jan. 1934
�������� (14723‑ ) Vo‑02782 Mam S‑3802
If
you got a good bullcow : you ought to keep your bull bull at home
Say
may come along a young heifer : and just tow your bull from home
Oh
my bull's in the pasture babe : Lord where there's no grass
I
swear every minute : it seems like it's going to be my last
And
my bull got a horn : long as my arm
I've
an old five pound ax : and I'll cut two different ways
And
I cut my little woman : both night and day
I've
an old five pound ax : and I just dropped in your town
I
got women now behind me : just try that old ax on down
And
I remember one morning : between midnight and day
I
were way upstairs : throwing myself away
�������� New York, 30 Jan. 1934
�������� (14725‑2) Vo‑02680 Yz L‑1020
When
the trial was in Belzoni : it ain't no use to screaming and cry
Mr
Webb will take you : back to Belzoni jail a‑flying
Let
me tell you folks : just how he treated me
And
he put me in the cellar : it was dark as it could be
It's
late one evening : Mr Purvis was standing around
Mr
Purvis told Mr Webb : to let poor Charley down
It
takes boozy booze : Lord to carry me through
Thirty
days seem like years in a jailhouse : where there is no booze
I
got up one morning : feeling mighty bad
And
it must not have been : them Belzoni jail I had
When
I was in prison : it ain't no use to scream and cry
Mr
Purvis on his mansion : he don't pay no mind
�������� New York, 30 Jan. 1934
�������� (14727‑1) Vo‑02680 Yz L‑1020
I
got me a stone pony : and I don't ride Shetland no more
You
can find my stone pony : hooked to my rider's door
Vicksburg's
my pony : Greenville is my grey mare
You
can find my stone pony : down in Lula town somewhere
And
I got me a stone pony : don't ride Shetland no more
And
I can't feel welcome : rider nowhere I go
Vicksburg's
on a high hill : and Natchez just below
And
I can't feel welcome : rider nowhere I go
Well
I didn't come here : steal nobody's brown
I
just stopped by here : well to keep you from stealing mine
Hello
Central : what's the matter with your line
Come
a storm at night : and tore the wire down
�������� New York, 31 Jan. 1934
�������� (14739‑1) Vo‑02651 Yz L‑1020
I
ain't going to tell nobody : thirty‑four have done for me
Took
my roll Lord : I was broke as I could be
They
run me from Will Dockery's :
Ah
one of them told papa Charley : I don't want you hanging around my job no more
Well
look down the country : it almost make you cry
Women
and children : flagging freight trains for rides
Carmen
got a little Six Buick : big Six Chevrolet car
And
it don't do nothing : but follow behind Holloway's farmer's plow
And
it may bring sorrow : Lord and it may bring tears
Oh
Lord oh Lord : let me see your brand new year
�������� New York, 31 Jan. 1934
�������� (14746‑ ) Vo‑02782 Mam S‑3802
I
love my stuff babe : I want to give it *a hop*
And
my rider's got the ??? shivers : swear it just won't stop
Oh
I know she want it hard babe : sure don't want it chawed
It
would break my heart : if *the ??? need* no more
And
I keeps on telling my rider : well she was *shivering* down
Lord
that jelly‑baking strut : will make a monkey‑man leave his town
Oh
the light burning dim : ??? *terrible near*
It
must a‑be the devil : inside this barrel of gin
Oh
I'm going to leave Mississippi now babe : before it be too late
It
may be like Twenty‑Seven Highway : swear it just won't wait
Oh
I once had a notion : Lord I believe I will
I'm
going to go to the river : and stop at Dago Hill
������ ��New York, 31 Jan. 1934
�������� (14747‑ ) Vo‑02931 Yz L‑1020
Aw
the revenue man is riding : boy you'd better look out
If
he halts you don't stop : you will likely be knocked out
Well
I don't love salt water : well she always wants a drink
If
they see you with a bottle : they will almost break your neck
Aw
take me home : to Lord that shining star
She
don't need no telling : daddy will take you in his car
Aw
come one mama : let us go to the edge of town
I
know where there's a bird nest : built down on the ground
Aw
I wake up every morning : now with the jinx all around my bed
I
have been a good provider : but I believe I've been misled
�������� New York, 1 Feb. 1934
�������� (14757‑1) Vo‑02651 Yz L‑1020
You
may go : you may stay
But
she'll come back : some sweet day
Don't
the moon look pretty : shining down through the tree
I
can see Bertha Lee : Lord but she can't see me
�������� Dallas, 6 Dec. 1927
�������� (145340‑1) Co‑14313‑D
Fwy FJ‑2802
I
walked all night : got a few more miles to go
Before
the sun rises : I'll be at my rider's door
*Blackland
farms* :
If
I don't find my rider : I'm going to walk on across the way
Hey
: hey
For
my own easy rider : for he ain't no secondhand man
The
man I love : I know he's out of town
And
when I find him : he better not be messing around
If
the man across town : may get my rider's place
*But
he will stay where he set : and search hard in his face*
No
easy rider : hey hey hey
When
you ain't here to love me : I'll simply hey hey
�������� Memphis, 14 Feb. 1928
�������� (41906‑2) Vi‑21282 Yz L‑1007
A
two‑timing woman : don't want no one man
*You
allow her Lord* : take some poor girl's man
When
the blues is trailing you : you don't know what to do
Go
back to the one you love now : the blues will soon leave you
You
trying act right : girl will not let you
Heart
full of sorrow now : blues are all riding you
A
two‑timing woman : keep you on that killing floor
How
can I love : when she's always in the road
Once
little lad I want to talk to you : don't be feeling sad
Better
get you a new girl : or one you once have had
Well
well well well : I ain't going to stay here long
�������� Memphis, 14 Feb. 1928
�������� (41907‑2) Vi‑21282 Rt
RL-314
The
little woman in the cellar : the boss upstairs
I'm
going from hand to hand : and a woman going from man to man
Don't
let a woman know you love her : if you do you have done wrong
You
come in from your work now : she got her clothes and gone
Then
you catch you a freight train : going out on the Santa Fe
I
can't stay here now : this ain't the place for me
Your
mama tell you to travel : *it ain't* everywhere
*When
you're there* you going to stay now : you can't stay nowhere
I
can tell the day mama : I seen my baby's face
She
started me to loving her : then treat me this a‑way
You
had all you want now : now please let me alone
*It
won't be love you* : back up this road I'm going
�������� Chicago, c. 2 July 1930
�������� (C‑5921‑B) Br‑7182
Yz L‑1038
When
you's a good fellow : they'll always leave you alone
When
you's a bad fellow : the jail will be your home
Canned
heat ain't no good boy : keep you with *sin* ??? on your mind
Jailhouse
doors open : then you got a rambling mind
You
sit and you wondering : you looking through your mind
You
don't want no more canned heat : when the judge give you your time
Wake
up every morning : when everything look blue
Go
see the one you love : the blues will soon leave you
Walking
all night long : walking from place to place
I
was wandering and walking : to see my baby's face
�������� Chicago, 28 Mar. 1941
�������� (059476‑1) BB‑B8838 Yz L‑1038
Well
I lay down down last night : well I tried to take my rest
Notion
struck me last night baby : I believe I take a stroll out west
Well
if I were a catfish mama : I said swimming deep down in the deep blue sea
All
these gals now sweet mama : I said now setting out hooks for me
Well
I went down yeah down to the churchhouse : yes well they called on me to pray
Got
on my knees now mama : I didn't know not not a word to say
Somebody
write write me a letter baby : I'm going to write it just you see
See
if my baby my baby : do she thinking of little old thing of me
�������� Chicago, 20 Feb. 1942
�������� (074108‑1) BB‑B9008 RBF RF‑14
Bertha
Lee : you sure have been good to me
You
been good Bertha Lee : as you's intend to be
Bertha
Lee : honey please don't you stray from home
If
you do Bertha Lee : something sure is going on wrong
Bertha
Lee : won't you come back home to me
If
you don't Bertha Lee : oh babe I sure can't sleep
Look
a‑here now Bertha Lee : I don't want you to run around
If
you do Bertha Lee : please lay my money down
�������� Chicago, 20 Feb. 1942
�������� (074114‑1) BB‑B9036 Rt
RL-314
My
baby left me this morning : she did not even shake my hand
It's
because you know partner : she got her another man
Lord
I'm going down south : where the weather sure do suit my clothes
Well
my baby said look daddy : I do swear to God you sure don't know
Oh
Lord baby : please don't you fool me no more
You
told me last night black gal : meet you at the *honey* next door
That's
all right baby : I'll see you just the same
I'm
getting tired now baby : that you trying to call my name
I
been down south so long : know it sure don't worry my mind
I'm
going to leave in the morning now partner : with that little sweety sure God on
my mind
�������� Chicago, 20 Feb. 1942
�������� (074115‑1) BB‑B9036 Rt
RL-314
She's
a cotton‑picking woman : Lord she does it all the time
If
you don't stop picking cotton now baby : I believe you sure going to lose you
mind
She
picked so much cotton : she even don't know where to go
She'll
even moan now sweet mama : honey she's going from door to door
She's
a cotton‑picking woman : I swear she pick cotton all the time
If
you don't stop picking now baby : I believe you going to lose your mind
I'm
so far from my home : well I can't tell right from wrong
Now
my baby last night mama : oh well she said now black man I'm going
How
long : on my bended knees
Pick
so much cotton now partner : will you forgive me if you please
�������� New York, 2 Aug. 1937
�������� (62467‑A) De‑7762 Rt RL‑310
Now
tell me little black gal : what are you going to do
Taking
my money black gal : give it all to you
Now
I'm so crazy about my black gal : I'm just as wild as I can be
Now
I'm so crazy about my black gal : she ought to be a fool about me
Now
me and my black gal : had a fight last night
Will
you let me tell you : what it was all about
Now
tell me little black gal : where did you stay last night
Just
the reason I ask you black gal : know your clothes ain't right
Now
the little ??? black gal I been loving : she got teeth solid gold
That's
the only black gal : that's got a mortgage on my soul
Now
me and my black gal : walking down Main Street
She
was *breaking* and bumming : every man she meet
�������� New York, 3 Aug. 1937
�������� (62487‑A) De‑7707 RBF RF‑9
Now
you got fruit on your tree : lemons on your shelf
You
know loving mama : that you can't squeeze them all by yourself
I
said please let me squeeze your lemon : while I'm in your lonesome town
Now
let me squeeze your lemon baby : until my love come down
I
says it make no difference baby : what your daddy don't allow
Let
me squeeze your lemon mama : I mean anyhow
I
say I come to your house : knocked on your door
You
told me loving mama : that you couldn't use me no more
I
says one two three four five : six seven eight nine ten
I
would come and see you baby : but you really got too many men
I
said now me and my baby : had a fuss last night
Will
you let me tell you baby : what it was all about
�������� New York, 3 Aug. 1937
�������� (62488‑A) De‑7707 RBF RF‑202
Now
I'm going to leave here walking : going down Highway Sixty‑One
If
I find my sweet mama : baby I believe we're going to have some fun
Oh
well oh well : we're going to make everything all right
Now
if I don't come in the morning : you know I will do just tomorrow night
Now
the Sixty‑One Highway : she only runs right by my door
Runs
from Atlanta into Georgia : down into the Gulf of Mexico
Now
I received a letter : some long‑distance telegram
Now
if I don't be home Sunday : ??? will be home
�������� Memphis, 15 Sept. 1928
�������� (47036‑2) Vi‑V38504 RBF RF‑6
You
can toot your whistle : blow your horn
The
Memphis Jug Band : done been here and gone
Now
if you want to get to heaven : I tell you what to do
You
put on a sock : and boot and a shoe
You
place a bottle of corn : in your right hand
That'll
pass you right over : in the Promised Land
And
if you meet the devil : he ask you how you do
I'm
on my way to heaven : don't you want to go too
Know
the other place : will do just as well
They
call Whitewash Station : ten miles from hell
???
mama : what's on your mind
You
keep me worried : bothered all the time
Ain't
got no stockings : ain't got no shoes
Know
I've got : the Memphis Jug Band blues
�������� Memphis, 15 Sept. 1928
�������� (47037‑2) Vi‑V38504 RBF RF‑1
Stealing
stealing : pretty mama don't you tell on me
I'm
stealing back : to my same old used‑to‑be
Now
put your arms around me : like the circle around the sun
I
want you to love me mama : like my easy rider done
If
you don't believe I love you : look what a fool I've been
If
you don't believe I'm sinking : look what a whole I'm in
The
woman I'm loving : she's just my height and size
She's
a married woman : come to see me sometime
�������� Richmond, Ind., 3 Aug. 1932
�������� (18656) Ch‑16654 Rt RL‑307
Now
some folks say : a preacher won't steal
I
caught two : in my watermelon field
They
was eating them watermelons : throwing away the rinds
They
was *preaching* ??? : and stealing
You
know I had a little dog : it didn't have no sense
He's
always barking : at the pickets on the fence
Said
a picket flew off : and hit him in the jaw
You
ought to heard that dog : holler haw haw haw
Now
when I die : you bury me deep
Place
a jug of molasses : at my feet
Just
put some ??? : in my hand
I'll
*drop* my way : to the Promised Land
�������� Memphis, c. 23 Sept. 1929
�������� (M‑193‑ ) Vo‑1438
His HLP‑1
Have
you ever woke up : with whiskey‑drinking on your mind
You
send away to that bootlegger : and you did not have a dime
It
makes me mad makes me rage : almost sends me to my grave
I
wonder : where is that bootlegger today
You's
a mean old bootlegger : know you doing me wrong
I
send for brandy : and you send me corn
I
am going to the distillery : carry me a brand new rocking chair
I'm
going to sit at the distillery : till the bootlegger pass by here
They
arrested that bootlegger : gave him a solid year
And
the guard told the prisoner : it ain't no whiskey‑drinking here
�������� Memphis, c. 23 Sept. 1929
�������� (M‑194‑ ) Vo‑1438
His HLP‑1
I'm
a stranger here : just blowed in your town
Just
because I'm a stranger : I won't be dogged around
It's
raining here : storming over on the sea
I
ain't got nobody : here to take care of me
I
wonder : do my man know I'm here
If
he do : he sure don't feel my care
I
been your dog : ever since I entered your door
I'm
going to leave this town : I won't be dogged around no more
I
been your dog : been your dog all my days
The
reason I'm leaving you : I don't like your doggone ways
�������� Memphis, c. Feb. 1930
�������� (MEM‑757‑A) Vo‑1522
His HLP‑15
Hey
hey hey hey : bullfrog blues is really on my mind
They're
all in my bedroom : drinking all my wine
Hey
pretty papa hey pretty papa : I can't stand these bullfrog blues no more
They're
all in my cabinet : hopping all over my clothes
I
woke up this morning : to make a fire in the stove
Bullfrogs
in the bread pan: *bacon and eggs ??? they go*
Hey
Mr bullfrog hey I'm going to tell you all : I can't stand your jellyroll in
here
You
can go out in the back yard : I'll make a pallet there
I
will make you a pallet : so you can jellyroll
And
you can cook a breakfast : right on my brand new stove
�������� Memphis, c. Feb. 1930
�������� (MEM‑758‑B) Vo‑1522
His HLP‑15
This
is that new workhouse : way out in Merlin Tennessee
That's
where they take the prisoners : and never set them free
They
carried my daddy to the workhouse : they put him down on the *lock*
Just
because he's ??? prisoner : they had him on *secret dock*
He
was charged with murder : but stealing was his crime
He
stole my jelly : and had to serve his time
I
went to a lawyer : I called him over the phone
Said
listen me lawyer : when will my man be home
That
workhouse workhouse : is way out on a lonesome road
I
hate to see my daddy : carrying that heavy load
�������� San Antonio, 3 Apr. 1934
�������� (82786‑?) BB‑B5592 Rt RL‑327
I
woke up this morning : couldn't even get out of my bed
I
was just thinking about that black woman : and it almost killed me dead
She
may be home with her mama : she's the one I only want
And
when I find my black woman : Lord all *my bad days* are gone
Mmm
: how my poor heart is aching for me
My
black woman has quit me : I'm going back to Culver City
Black
gal : what makes your head so hard
You
got a head : just like some two‑by‑four in some lumber yard
And
if I see you with another woman : I would rather kill myself
�������� Memphis, 26 Sept. 1929
�������� (55597‑2) Vi‑V38595 Rt RL‑310
And
I got up this morning : a light all in my room
And
I looked behind me : and I found my faro gone
If
a man don't never study : oh you would never have no books
But
you get to thinking way back : the way your baby used to do
I
got a little faro : she weigh about ninety pounds
Now
but her mama and papa : they sure don't allow me around
I'm
going to sing this song baby : I ain't going to sing no more
I'm
going to hang this mandolin under my shoulder : right down front street I'll go
I
can hear that old train coming : oh it must be coming after me
And
I'm going to slip right back home : to my same old used‑to‑be
�������� Memphis, 2 Oct. 1929
�������� (56336‑2) Vi‑V38595 Rt RL‑310
Say
you talking about your red ripe tomato : I'm crazy about my T‑bone steak
Said
I'm going to buy me a faro : to care my Cadillac Eight
I
got the railroad blues : the boxcars on my mind
And
the girl I'm loving : she sure done left this town
Say
if I had wings : like a bullfrog on a pond
I
would rise back here : right in sweet mama's arms
You
know once ain't forever : you know baby two Lord ain't but twice
But
you women all get a good man : you don't know how to treat him right
Say
you mistreat me [now] mama : and that's the way you do
But
you going to want me some of these mornings : and poor dad won't have you
�������� Memphis, 17 May 1930
�������� (59934‑ ) Vi‑23318 Fwy FA‑2953
I
said expressman expressman Lord : you have parked your wagon wrong
You
took and moved my good gal : when I was a long long way from home
But
a woman make a man do things : and she knows darn well that's wrong
Lord
that's why you hear Crow Jane : singing these lonesome songs
Said
if you never if you never : hear me anymore
Lord
you can remember one morning baby : when I walked up on your porch
Lord
I'll sing this song : and ain't going to sing no more
I'm
going to put this mandolin under my arm : to the ??? *cafe* I'll go
�������� Memphis, 30 May 1930
�������� (62550) Vi‑23318 Rt RL‑329
I
say you used to be sweet mama : but I ain't going to call you sweet no more
And
every time I come to your house : there's a man standing in your door
I
said I'm going up the country : where the ??? cross the dog
If
you don't see me tomorrow : you won't have no man at all
Baby
if I had wings : like a bullfrog on a pond
I
would ride right here : and land in sweet mama's arms
Lord
said blues jumped a rabbit : run him for a solid mile
Lord
that fool couldn't catch him : and he fall right down and cried
I
said look a‑here now baby : got something really worrying me
It
had ??? : of my old‑time used‑to‑be
�������� New York, 6 Feb. 1934
�������� (14792‑2) Ba‑33047 Yz L‑1021
I
can't love you baby : I'm going to tell what's this all about
It's
that I don't begin to see you worry : hon' until I gets in the neighborhood of
your house
You
have old squeaky workbench : and your mattress is torn every which a‑way
Baby
and you come tell me to come and lay down : and I have not got no place to lay
I
get my ??? boots nasty : from walking around on your dirty rug
Said
I'd rather go by myself : and look to the good Lord above
�������� New York, 6 Feb. 1934
�������� (14793‑2) Vo‑02649 OJL‑21
I
don't want no skinny mama : I wants a woman she got on plenty of meat
She
can walk all night long : babe you won't stop and eat
She
won't cook me cook no breakfast : and she won't wash me no clothes
Well
she won't do nothing : but walk up and down the gravel road
Baby
it's dark babe dark at midnight : and the moon shine down like day
I'm
going to find some woman : to come and blow all my blues away
I
got up babe babe in a *slumber* : I put on my shoes and clothes
I'm
going to try to find my woman : I know she's strolling babe on the road
�������� Chicago, Dec. 1923
�������� (1596‑2) Pm‑12081 BYG‑529.078
Hey
people : listen while I sing my news
I
want to tell you people : all about my bad‑luck blues
Did
you ever wake up : just at the break of day
With
your arms around the pillow : where your daddy used to lay
Lord
Lord : look where the sun done gone
Hey
Lord : there's something going on wrong
What's
the use of living : can't get the man you love
You
might as well die : give your soul to the man far above
�������� Chicago, Dec. 1923
�������� (1597‑?) Pm‑12080 BYG‑529.078
Hey
boll weevil : don't sing the blues no more
Boll
weevil's here : boll weevil's everywhere you go
I'm
a lone boll weevil : been out a great long time
I'm
going to tell you people : the evil boll weevil loves *some vine*
I
don't want no man : to put no sugar in my tea
That
bug is so evil : I'm afraid it might poison me
�������� Chicago, Dec. 1923
�������� (1598‑2) Pm‑12082 BYG‑529.078
Got
the barrelhousing blues : feeling awfully dry
I
can't drink moonshine : because I'm afraid I'll die
Papa
likes his sherry : mama likes her corn
Papa
likes to shimmy : mama likes to *cole*
Papa
likes his bourbon : mama likes her gin
Papa
likes his outside women : mama likes the outside men
�������� Chicago, Dec. 1923
�������� (1599‑?) Pm‑12081 BYG‑529.078
I
have ???ed : for many a week
Because
my man and I : don't agree
There's
no reason : why he should treat me this way
Because
the way I worry : I will soon be old and grey
Don't
want to do : nothing that's rough
I
can't stand : to treat *men* tough
I
just stay and suffer : sigh and cry all night long
Because
the way I'm worried : Lordy it sure is wrong
With
this one man : on my mind
Can't
sleep a wink at night : for crying
All
my worries : get renewed
And
I suffer : with those all night blues
�������� Chicago, Dec. 1923
�������� (1608‑?) Pm‑12083 BYG‑529.078
I've
been reeling and a‑rocking : hounded like a hound
Catch
the first train : that's running southbound
Boys
I can't stand up : I can't sit down
The
man I love : has done left town
I
feel like screaming : I feel like crying
Lord
I been mistreated : folks and I don't mind dying
I'm
going home : I'm going to settle down
I'm
going to stop : my running around
�������� Chicago, Dec. 1923
�������� (1609‑2) Pm‑12080 BYG‑529.078
Minutes
seem like hours : hours seem like days
It
seem like my daddy : won't stop his evil ways
Seem
like every minute : is going to be my last
If
I can't tell my future : I will tell my past
The
brook runs into the river : river runs into the sea
If
I don't run into daddy : somebody'll have to bury me
If
anybody asks you : who wrote this lonesome song
Tell
them you don't know the writer : but Ma Rainey put it on
�������� Chicago, Dec. 1923
�������� (1612‑2) Pm‑12083 BYG‑529.078
House
catches fire : ain't no water around
Throw
your trunk out the window : let it burn on down
I
went to the Gypsy : to have my fortune told
He
said doggone you girlie : doggone your bad‑luck soul
I
turned around : went to the Gypsy next door
She
say you can get a man : anywhere you go
Let
me be your rag doll : until your China comes
If
he beats me ragging : he's got to rag it some
�������� Chicago, Dec. 1923
�������� (1613‑2) Pm‑12082 BYG‑529.078
Woke
up this morning : with my head bowed down
I
had that mean old feeling : I was in the wrong man's town
Mailman's
been here : but didn't leave no news
That's
the reason why : mama's got the walking blues
Walked
and walked : till I almost lost my mind
I'm
afraid to stop walking : because I might lose some time
Short
time to make it : and a long ways to go
Trying
to find the town : they call San Antonio
Thought
I'd rest babe : I couldn't hear no news
I'll
soon be there : because I've got the walking blues
�������� Chicago, c. Mar. 1924
�������� (1698‑2) Pm‑12098 BYG‑529.078
I'm
leaving this morning : with my clothes in my hand
I
won't stop to wandering : till I find my man
I'm
sitting here wondering : will a matchbox hold my clothes
I've
got a *sun to beat* : I'll be farther beyond the road
I
went up on the mountain : turned my face to the sky
I
heard the wind say : it said mama please don't die
I
turned around : looked into my right hand
Well
I looked there to see : if I was closer to my man
Lord
look a‑yonder people : my love had been refused
That's
the reason why : mama's got the lost wandering blues
�������� Chicago, c. Mar. 1924
�������� (1699‑1) Pm‑12098 BYG‑529.078
Had
a dream last night : and the night before
Going
to get drunk now : I won't dream no more
Lord
I dreamed : my man didn't treat me right
Packed
my clothes in a ??? : and walked the streets all night
Lord
I saw my man : fall on his knees and cry
Take
me back mama : or else I'll die
Lord
I wonder : what am I to do
When
everybody : try to mistreat you
My
heart is aching : mama feel like crying
Since
I had that dream last night : mama don't mind dying
�������� Chicago, c. Mar. 1924
�������� (1701‑2) Pm‑12200 BYG‑529.078
My
honey left me : he's gone away
I've
had the worried blues : all day
My
heart is aching : all for that man
What
makes me love him : I can't understand
He'll
soon be returning : and bad tidings he will bring
Bad
luck's *over* my house : ??? then begin to
�������� Chicago, c. Mar. 1924
�������� (1702‑?) Pm‑12257 BYG‑529.078
Every
evening : about half past four
Big
piano playing : near my door
�������� Chicago, c. Mar. 1924
�������� (1703‑1) Pm‑12215 BYG‑529.078
Oh
Lord : these dogs of mine
They
sure do worry me : all the time
The
reason why : I don't know
Sometimes
I'm certain : it's the polio
Lord
: I beg to be excused
I
can't wear me : no *dark‑toes* shoes
�������� Chicago, c. Mar. 1924
�������� (1704‑2) Pm‑12215 BYG‑529.078
Going
to New Orleans : to find that lucky rock
*Find
the* ??? : for this bad luck I've got
I'm
on my way : to find that lucky rock
Just
to ease my mind : of all this trouble I've got
�������� New York, c. 15 Oct. 1924
�������� (1924‑2) Pm‑12252 Mil
MLP-2001
You
can have my money : everything I own
But
for God's sake : leave my man alone
It
takes a rocking chair to rock : a rubber ball to roll
Takes
a man I love : to satisfy my soul
Yes
I'm jealous jealous : jealous‑hearted me
Lord
I'm just jealous : jealous as I can be
Got
a range in my kitchen : cooks nice and brown
All
I need is my man : to turn my damper down
Going
to buy me a bulldog : to watch me while I sleep
To
keep my man : from making his midnight creep
�������� Chicago, c. Nov. 1924
�������� (10001‑2) Pm‑12257 Mil
MLP-2001
Hey
jailor : tell me what have I done
You
got me all bound in chains : because I killed that woman's son
I'm
down in prison : all bound in chains
Cold
and dark all around me : no one to go my bail
I've
got a mother and father : they were never satisfied with me
Got
a sister and brother : wonder do they think of poor me
I
walked in my room : the other night
Some
man walked in : and began to fight
I
take my gun : in my right hand
Holy
smokes : I don't know but I killed my man
When
I did that : it crossed my head
First
shot I fired : my man fell dead
The
paper came out : and told the news
That's
what I said : I got those cell bound blues
�������� Chicago, May 1925
�������� (2136‑1) Pm‑12284 Mil
MLP-2001
My
man is leaving : crying won't make him stay
If
crying do any good : I'd cry my poor self away
If
I had wings : I'd fly all over the land
*When
I look down* : I'd find my old‑time man
�������� Chicago, May 1925
�������� (2137‑1) Pm‑12284 Mil
MLP-2001
Whole
world would be forgived me : if I could just explain
The
man I love has left me : because I called another man's name
Too
sad to whisper : too broken‑hearted to sing
*That
mean crazy lover : the day I lost that real thing*
Explain
why you left me : and tell me why you went away
I'll
explain why I need you : and want you back today
I'm
so alone without him : *ran away with some of the other bad news*
But
I'll never be down‑hearted : if I can explain these blues
�������� Chicago, c. Aug. 1925
�������� (2210‑2) Pm‑12311 Mil
MLP-2001
I'm
going to the Western Union : type the news all down the line
Because
my man's on the Wabash : darling and I don't mind dying
My
man is so good‑looking : and his clothes fit him so cute
I
cut off his mustache : and bought him a *Sunday* suit
A
??? little devil : got on my man's clothes
I
wouldn't be so sore : hadn't've stole his *drawers*
???
: I stepped in the door
He
started *mauling* my man : ???ing down to the floor
*I
got up* and killed three women : 'fore police got the news
Because
my man's on the Wabash : with the rough and tumbling blues
�������� Chicago, c. Aug. 1925
�������� (2211‑1) Pm‑12303 Mil
MLP-2001
Nighttime's
falling : the day is almost dawned
My
man leaves at midnight : don't come back till early morn
The
night is dark and dreary : I can't see what to do
I
wonder why he leaves me : to roar and cry the whole night through
Three
o'clock in the morning : by the clock hanging on the wall
He
used to come home at midnight : now he don't come home at all
When
day starts to breaking : it seems to bring good news
But
I'm just broken‑hearted : trying to overcome these nighttime blues
�������� Chicago, c. Aug. 1925
�������� (2213‑1) Pm‑12303 Mil
MLP-2001
I
have a man I can't control : I don't know what to do
My
man left me two this morning : now he's trying to come back at noon
He
got up and *packed his suit* : *said he was going along about nine*
I
went to the fortuneteller to find my man : because he lays heavy on my mind
She
said your man was on : that 'fore‑day scat
And
that's a different kind : of Maltese cat
Poor
girl I know : your man has done you wrong
It's
hard to tell : a man is long long gone
He
left here riding : left on the Cannonball
He
wasn't so handsome : and so long and tall
I
want all you women : to spread the news
Want
you to tell it : to who you choose
�������� Chicago, c. Aug. 1925
�������� (2214‑2) Pm‑12311 Mil
MLP-2001
You've
got to drift to leave me : you're going to leave your home some day
You
have got me ??? : and Memphis *is all I've got to say*
You
can fly up high : you can ??? all alone
But
when you get to love her : you got to come back to
Some
*fool's* born with rickets : some *fool's* born with pain
But
I'm here to tell you : when you leave me *all is the same*
I
talk because I'm stubborn : I sing because I'm *sick*
My
man is gone and left me : gone to Memphis Tennessee
�������� New York, Jan. 1926
�������� (2369‑2) Pm‑12332 Mil
MLP-2001
Ain't
robbed no train : ain't done no hanging crime
It's
that I'm a slave to the blues : even ??? that man of mine
Blues
do tell me : do I have to die a slave
Do
you hear me screaming : you're going to take me to my grave
If
I could break these chains : and let my worried heart go free
Well
it's too late now : the blues have made a slave of me
You
see me raving : you hear me crying
Oh
Lord : this wounded heart of mine
Folks
I'm a‑grieving : from my head to my shoes
I'm
a good‑hearted woman : but still I'm chained to the blues
�������� New York, Jan. 1926
�������� (2373‑2) Pm‑12374 Mil
MLP-2001
Woke
up this morning : looking for my darn old shoes
Because
mama's going home : singing the Bessemer blues
Apple
sugar papa : how come you do me like you do
I've
done everything you asked me : trying to get along with you
I
went in the water : walked through ice and snow
But
from now on papa : I won't be your dog no more
*Electric
all right : and* light shine nice and bright
But
I'd rather be in Memphis : reading by a candle light
�������� New York, Jan. 1926
�������� (2374‑1) Pm‑12332 Jo SM‑3098
Tell
my dad : I'm going to leave my home
Now
I'm going I'm going : and it won't be long
Tell
my dad : I won't be home tonight
My
heart aches : said I'm not treated right
Lordy
Lord : have mercy on poor me
Give
me somebody : to let my heart go free
I'm
leaving now : I'm sorry we have to part
Because
you like : to break my aching heart
�������� Chicago, c. Aug. 1926
�������� (2627‑1) Pm‑12395 Jo SM‑3098
I've
got a man : he had a hound
Chase
everything : that's going around
When
he plays : that high brown stuff
I
cry brother : that's enough
So
take me to the basement : that's as low as I can go
I
want something lowdown : daddy want it nice and slow
I
will shimmy : from A to Z
If
you'll play : that thing for me
�������� Chicago, c. Aug. 1926
�������� (2631‑1) Pm‑12395 Jo SM‑3098
I
want all you women : to listen to me
Don't
trust your man : no further than your eyes can see
I
trusted my man : with my best friend
But
that was a bad bargain : in the end
He'll
say that he loves you : and swear that it's true
The
very next minute : he'll turn his back on you
Just
feed your daddy : with a long‑handled spoon
Keep
showing you love him : morning night and noon
Sometimes
your heart will ache : and almost bust
That's
why : there's no daddy good enough to trust
He'll
stay with you in the winter : whilst your money is long
Come
out in the summer : you'll find your pig will be gone
�������� Chicago, c. Aug. 1927
�������� (4691‑2) Pm‑12526 Mil
MLP-2001
I'm
going away : I'm going to stay
I'll
find a man : I love some day
I
got my ticket : clothes in my hand
Trying
to find : that southbound man
I'm
going to ride : till I find that southbound man
Going
to keep a‑riding : till I shake hands with my man
I'm
going away : I'm going to stay
I'll
come back : for my daddy some day
I'm
going away : I'm going to stay
I
long for my daddy : somewhere
�������� Chicago, c. Aug. 1927
�������� (4707‑1) Pm‑12508 Fwy FJ‑2802
I
love my brownskin : indeed I do
But
there was no use : *tell me thing or two*
I'm
going to tell you : what I went and done
I
give him all my money : just to have some fun
He
told me that he loved me : loved me so
If
I would marry him : I needn't to work no more
Now
I'm grieving : almost dying
Just
because I didn't know : that he was lying
I've
got to go to work now : get another start
Work
is the thing : that's breaking my heart
�������� Chicago, c. Aug. 1927
�������� (4709‑1) Pm‑12526 Mil
MLP-2001
I
rambled till I'm tired : I'm not satisfied
Don't
find my man : going to ramble till I die
Got
the slow‑driving blues : blue as I can be
Don't
play that band Mr : just play the blues for me
�������� Chicago, c. Sept. 1928
�������� (20898‑2) Pm‑12963 Yz
L-1039
Take
all my money : blacken both my eyes
Give
it to another man : come home and tell me lies
�������� Memphis, 17 Sept. 1929
�������� (55529‑1) Vi‑V38551 Rt RL‑322
Now
what are you going to do : when your supper get like mine
Take
a mouthful of sugar : and drink a bottle of turpentine
You
know the womens in the alley : they are playing cooncan
They
do a whole lot of funny things : us men really cannot understand
And
I went to my window : you know that window was blocked
Yes
and I went to my door : and that sure were locked
My
good gal come in this morning : about half past four
I
say where have you been mama : been out selling sweet jellyroll
�������� Memphis, 3 Oct. 1929
�������� (56344) Vi V38586 Rt RL‑337
I
woke up this morning : the crying blues on my mind
I
done got to the place baby : that I hardly know my right mind
I'm
tired of you driving me : I mean baby all the time
And
if you want me to love you : you sure got to take you time
And
if you don't want me baby : you don't have to pay me no mind
Because
I done got tired of you driving me : ???ing me all the time
�������� Memphis, 17 May 1930
�������� (59933‑2) Vi‑V38620 BC‑2
Cocaine
habit : is mighty bad
It's
the worst old habit : that I ever had
I
went to Mr Lehman : in a lope
Saw
a sign on the window : says no more dope
If
you don't believe : cocaine is good
Ask
Alma Rose : down in Minglewood
I
love my whiskey : and I love my gin
But
the way I love my coke : is a doggone sin
Since
cocaine : went out of style
You
can catch them shooting needles : all the while
It
takes a little coke : to give me ease
Strut
your stuff : long as you please
�������� San Antonio, 28 June 1929
�������� (402768) OK‑8785 Rt RL‑315
I
was leaning in my window : looking in my baby's door
She
packed her trunk this morning : didn't know she was fixing to go
Well
the T P's running : smoke settling on the ground
After
the train was gone : couldn't find my easy rider around
I
ain't got me no more no more : no more baby now
I
didn't know my old pretty mama : to run me crazy now
Engineer
man engineer man : please turn your train around
I
want to speak one word to my baby : tell her she can heist her window down
I
was standing in my door : reason I hear the T P when she blows
Taking
my baby away : she ain't coming here no more
�������� Chicago, 4 Feb. 1936
�������� (90597‑A) De‑7171 Br‑87.504
Dear
mother dead and gone to glory : my old dad done strayed away
Only
way to meet my mother : I'm going to have to change my lowdown ways
Nobody
knows my troubles : but myself and the good Lord
I
used to have a sweet woman to love me : now she treats me like a lowdown dog
Tombstone's
my pillow : graveyard going to be my bed
Blue
sky's going to be my blanket : and the pale moon going to be my spread
Black
cat crawls late hours at midnight : nightmares ride till the break of day
What
the use of loving some woman : some man done stole your love away
Stop
your crying : do away with all your tears
If
you can't stay with me mother : it must have been your time to leave from here
�������� Chicago, 6 Feb. 1936
�������� (90605‑A) De‑7155 Cor CP‑58
Says
a married woman : sweetest thing ever been born
She
would be most sweet and true to me : if I could go to her home
Blues
and trouble : two things I've had all my life
I
never had so much trouble : till I fell in love with another man's wife
What's
the use of getting sober : know you're going to be drunk again
What's
the use of leaving your mama : know you're going to beg back home again
She's
so evil : baby you know you can't clown
Because
you can't never tell : when your husband is around
Tell
me what's the matter mama : can't see no mail
Post
office on fire : mailman in jail
I'm
going to call you one morning : please don't forget that day
If
you can't do like I tell you : mama go on your no‑good way
�������� Dallas, 8 Dec. 1928
�������� (147600‑2) Co‑14407‑D
Yz L‑1004
I'm
going to leave you : but I'll be back some old day
I'm
going to make you remember : how you drove me away
Girl
I lay down dreaming : woman I woke up crying
Since
my bird dog fly away : poor girl is on my mind
Have
you ever been accused mama : ain't done nothing wrong
That's
the cause today : many people leave their homes
Sometime
I think : my babe too sweet to die
Then
again I think Lord : she ought to be buried alive
Excuse
me mama : for knocking at your room
If
I can't be your sweeper : let me be your broom
I
followed Corrina : long as I could see
And
that man had my woman : Lord and the blues had me
�������� Dallas, 8 Dec. 1928
�������� (147601‑1) Co‑14407‑D
Yz L‑1010
I'm
going out in West Texas : where you hear the wild ox moan
Till
it moans so bad : till it make me leave my home
Lord
pretty mama : what's the matter now
You
know if you didn't want me : why didn't you leave me back in town
I'm
going way out in West Texas : just to lie in the
Then
I'm coming back down to Dallas : to run these women wild
You
can read your schoolbook : and book on down
You
can read my letter : but you sure can't read my mind
You
can't never tell : when your woman going to put you down
She
got a smile on her face : and a heart packed full of frowns
Take
me pretty mama : try me one more time
If
I don't treat you better : I'll break my neck a‑trying
Said
I laid down last night : my mind was rambling around
Thinking
about my lover : she had done put me down
�������� Dallas, 5 Dec. 1929
�������� (149544‑1) Co unissued His HLP‑17
I'm
going to leave you : leaving some old day
Don't
you worry mama : because I was carried away
Don't
never take no woman : for to be your friend
It
will be death and destruction : *may* ought to be your end
I
was just sitting here a‑wondering mama : about my used‑to‑be
I
can see my lover : Lord but she can't see me
How
can I love you : and you gone both night and day
Girl
that's the very reason : I'm bound to jail today
�������� Grafton, Wis., c. Feb. 1930
�������� (L‑144‑3) Pm‑12927
OJL‑8
When
you lose your money : please God don't lose your mind
And
when you lose your woman : please don't fool with mine
I'm
going to buy me a bulldog : watch my old lady whilst I sleep
Because
women these days is so doggone crooked : till they make a 'fore‑day creep
Tell
you married men : how to keep your wives at home
Just
do a job roll for the man : and try to carry your labour home
Tell
you married women : how to keep your husbands at home
You
want to take care of the man's labour : and let these single boys alone
You
can't watch your wife : and your outside woman too
While
you're off with your woman : your wife could be at home beating you doing buddy
what you trying to do
�������� Grafton, Wis., c. Feb. 1930
�������� (L‑146‑2) Pm‑12927
OJL‑11
Some
girls wear short dresses : some of these married women wear them too
That's
the reason : we single men Lord don't know what we wants to do
Wish
the proper judge : would make these women let their dresses down
So
there'd quit being so doggone much : of murdering in town
When
they pass the law : pulling the short dress down
So
we single men : can tell a married woman from a child
Let
me tell you boys : what these knee‑high dresses will do
Get
you broke naked and hungry : boys then come down on you
All
of you [young] women : sure Lord ought to be ashamed
Taking
these old men's money : when they walking on walking canes
A
old man ain't nothing : but a young woman's slave
They
work hard all the time : trying to stay in these young men's ways
�������� Memphis, 26 Nov. 1930
�������� (64721‑2) Vi‑23258 Yz L‑1009
When
you lose your money : please don't lose your mind
When
you lose your woman : please don't fool with mine
Tell
you married men : how to keep your wives at home
Get
you a job and roll for the man : and try to carry your labour home
Tell
you married women : how to keep your husband at home
Take
care of your husband's labour : and let these single boys alone
What
make a single woman : crazy about a married man
Because
he works all the time : he puts money in her hand
What
make a married woman : so crazy about a single man
Because
the husband might lay down and die : and leave the fellow to her hand
Let
me tell you men : what those married women will do
She
will get your money : she will cat‑curl up to you
Tell
you this men : ain't going to tell you nothing else
Man's
a fool : if he thinks he's got a whole woman by himself
�������� Memphis, 26 Nov. 1930
�������� (64724‑2) Vi‑23258 OJL‑11
Mmm
: come my Third Street woman now
But
the way she treats me : that's the coldest stuff in town
I
had so much chicken : till I heard her clucking in my sleep
Now
it's don't like my 'taters : mama please don't dig so deep
She's
a big fat mama : with the meat shaking on her bones
And
every time she shake it : Lord a hustling woman lose her home
She
got something : that the men call a stingaree
Four
o'clock every morning : she turn it loose on me
Mmm
: where my Third Street woman gone
Believe
to my soul : she will hustle everywhere but home
If
you can't do my rolling mama : you can't spend my change
�������� Memphis, 10 Dec. 1927
�������� (145358‑2) Co‑14289‑D
Rt RL‑334
Going
to buy me a rooster : put him in my back door
See
a stranger coming : he'll flap his wings and crow
What
you want with a rooster : he won't crow 'fore day
What
you want with a woman : won't do nothing she say
What
you want with a hen : won't cackle when she lay
What
you want with a man : won't do nothing he say
Going
to take my picture : hang it up against the wall
And
if I ask you what about it : daddy that's all that's all
I'll
take my picture : put it in a frame
So
if I die : you can see me just the same
I
know my dog : anywhere I hear him bark
I
can tell my baby : if I see her in the dark
�������� Memphis, 10 Dec. 1927
�������� (145359‑2) Co‑14289‑D
Rt RL‑334
Well
I dreamt a dream : I never dreamt before
Dreamt
my baby told me : that I couldn't be *talking* no more
I
lay down happy : woke up this morning crying
I
didn't have no blues : but I was just dissatisfied
I
know my baby : sure don't know if I'm here
Well
if she did : she would surely feel my care
Well
I wonder : will my suitcase hold my clothes
I
ain't got so many : but I got so far to go
Well
my mama's dead : and my papa went to sea
Oh
the life I'm living : oh and it's killing me
Well
you used to know me : but you just don't know me now
My
mama told me : and papa told me too
Well
the life you're living : honey'll be the death of you
�������� Memphis, 13 Feb. 1928
�������� (400213‑B) OK‑8554 Mam S‑3803
Will
you iron my jumper : yes and starch my overalls
Lord
if I miss the Two‑Nineteen : I'm surely can't catch the Cannonball
Well
a brownskin woman : sure can get anything I got
But
a jet‑black woman I got a letter from : throw it in my back yard
Well
it's T for Texas Lord : I got a T for Tennessee
Know
I got a T for the best girl I love : Lord she stay right in Memphis Tennessee
Well
I'm going away brownskin : I ain't going to come back here before next fall
If
I don't get me no good brown : I ain't coming back in this town at all
Well
the sun is going down : got mighty lonesome here
But
I ain't got me nobody : I'm sleeping every night just by myself
�������� Memphis, 13 Feb. 1928
�������� (400215‑A) OK‑8554 Mam S‑3803
I
got something : some people call it worse than blues
It
must be : the lowdown dirty barrelhouse blues I got
I'd
rather see you dead : straight down in your grave
To
see you give another man : Lord my *roof* and *plate*
Know
my faro got something : mens all call it stingaree
Reason
I know it isn't : tell no lie she have rolled that same thing down on me
Well
I went to the nation : Lord I thought I'd fall Lord and die
*Sitting
by the* ??? Lord :
�������� Memphis, 23 Mar. 1928
�������� (400375‑A) OK‑8576 Mam S‑3803
Well
I went up on the mountain : give my horn a blow
Thought
I hear my true lover : say yonder come my beau
Oh
ten thousand people : was around her burying ground
For
to hear that elder say : for the laying her body down
I
follow her all the way : down to the burying ground
I
come back to my home : I's about to overboard and drown
Bad
luck in my family : all done fell on me
It
made me think about : going way across the sea
I
asked my captain : for to give me his best pair of shoes
For
I'm barefoot I ain't got nothing to wear Lord : I don't know what to do
He
told me he had a hole in his side : I don't expect he would do
Lord
these ain't like the shoes I got on the gutter : hole right in the bottom
�������� Chicago, c. Dec. 1928
������ ��(21035‑3) Pm‑12714 Riv RM‑8803
Aunt
Jane gave a dance : and she had a crowd
And
she sold more whiskey : than the law allowed
Aunt
Jane stayed out : all night long
Didn't
go home : till the break of dawn
Took
Aunt Jane : to the county jail
She
didn't need nothing : to go her bail
She
sold some corn : and she sold some gin
She
sold it to the women : and she sold it to the men
Uncle
Jim went to jail : with a heavy load
They
gave him thirty days : on the county road
Aunt
Jane got a sister : and her name is Lil
She
used to sell stuff : and she sells it still
�������� Chicago, c. Dec. 1928
�������� (21036‑2) Pm‑12714 Riv RM‑8803
It'll
make a dumb man speak : make a lame man run
Sure
miss something : if you don't get some
It
ain't made small : and it ain't made wide
It's
just made up : in a medium size
Now
you don't have to hurry : you don't have to go
You
get a little taste : you'll want some more
�������� New York, 17 July 1933
������ ��(13552‑1) Ba‑32932 Yz L‑1017
Said
it's mmm baby : mmm baby mmm
Say
you know you do not love me : like I say I love you
Say
you know these here women : sure do treat me mean
You
know I ask one for a drink of water : she give me gasoline
Says
mmm baby : you won't do nothing you say
You
know you told me you love me : but what about that man I seed you with the
other day
These
here women what called theirselves a Cadillac : ought to be a T Model Ford
You
know they got the shape all right : but they can't carry no heavy load
Says
you know I'm going to sing this here verse now : ain't going to sing no more
Because
you know I'm got to go home and ??? my old lady : because she won't come back
no more
�������� New York, 30 July 1934
�������� (15485‑2) Ba‑33343 RBF RF‑12
Yes
you know dices oh dices : please don't three on me
You
know says I'm just as broke and hungry : as any gambler ought to be
Says
my woman give me money : just to play *good* jack
I
didn't win no money : but great God you know I played my hand
Says
I went down in Louisiana : says you know down on that farm
If
I win any money : sure going to bring it home
Says
you know I gambled yesterday : and I gambled again today
But
you know if I don't win tomorrow : I'm going to throw my cards away
Says
you know I'm going to gamble : because you know I gamble all the time
But
you know says I've got to win some money : so I can give it to that gal of mine
�������� New York, 31 July 1934
�������� (15495‑2) Ba‑33343 Yz L‑1017
Says
me and my good girl : we had a falling out
And
I bet you men can tell me : what it's all about
We
fell out early in the morning : baby about the break of day
And
I turned over and hugged the pillow : where my baby used to lay
I
says go get your hat baby : let's go in the woods
If
you can't go now : please ma'am tell me when you could
She
say I go early in the morning : baby about the break of day
Then
I turn over and hug the pillow : where my baby used to lay
You
know I got me a woman now : they call her Aunt Kate
I
told her to come to my house tonight : about half past eight
She
said she'd be there early in the morning : baby about the break� of day
Then
I turned over and hugged the pillow : where my baby used to lay
You
know a girl get twelve years old : she thinks she's grown
You
never can catch : that kind of girl at home
Unless
you go there early in the morning : baby about the break of day
Then
I turned over and hugged the pillow : where my baby used to lay
I'm
going to sing this verse now : ain't going to sing no more
I
want to see my good girl : and I think I'll better go
Before
it get early in the morning : baby about the break of day
Then
I turn over and hug the pillow : where my baby used to lay
�������� New York, 2 Aug. 1934
�������� (15520‑2) Ba‑33282 RBF RF‑12
She
got them great big legs : she got the walking size
And
every time she leave me : you know it makes me cry
Every
time she calls me : you know she makes me mad
But
I ain't never told her : about the man she had
You
know she make me [awful] mad : when she calls my name
But
you know I never told her : she could not shake that thing
�������� New York, 2 Aug. 1934
�������� (15521‑2) Ba‑33282 BC‑7
Says
every morning every morning : I wakes with the rising sun
Says
won't you run here pretty mama : see what your man have done
I
said take me back baby : I won't be bad no more
Says
I give you my money : if you let that other man go
I
said don't take my money : then try to dog me around
Because
if you do : I'm going to tear you playhouse down
Says
I ain't going to give you no more money : ain't going to let you do me wrong
For
you would take my money : then you will slip on home
�������� New York, 14 Mar. 1935
�������� (17081‑2) ARC‑6‑03‑61
BC‑7
I'm
going over to Third Alley : Lord but I'm going to carry my� forty‑five
Because
you know ain't many men : goes there and comes back alive
They
will shoot you and cut you : Lord they will knock you down
And
you can ask anybody : ain't that the baddest place in town
Mens
carry thirty‑eights : womens carry their razors too
And
you know you better not start nothing : know they'll make away with you
Says
I ain't going to Third Alley no more : unless I change my mind
Because
you know I done got shot once over there : Lord it's about three or four times
�������� New York, 20 Mar. 1935
�������� (17153‑2) Ba‑33461 Yz L‑1017
I
been blue all night : what is I going to do
You
know the reason I'm that a‑way : Lord I'm broke and hungry too
You
know my woman left me : Lord when I wasn't feeling well
You
know said living with that woman : Lord it is just like living in hell
I
ain't got no money : not a penny can I show
And
you know folks that's the reason : Lord that I'm worried so
You
know I let that woman tote my money : Lord in a jomo sack
And
you know it's going to be some hell raised : Lord if she don't bring some of my
money back
�������� Memphis, 28 Feb. 1927
�������� (37963‑2) Vi‑20577 Rt RL‑323
Lord
early one morning : just about the break of day
A
passenger train : carried my man away
I
raised my window : looked at the rising sun
Nobody
else can love me : just like my good man done
I'm
standing on the railroad : looking north and south
I
couldn't see my good man : who done put me out
Far
down the railroad : far as I could see
Look
like I can see my good man : coming back to me
Now
papa : what you want me to do
I
did everything in this world : trying to get along with you
When
I had you pretty papa : you was blind and could not see
When
I quit you pretty papa : don't bring your blues to me
Have
you ever been accused : when you ain't done nothing wrong
It's
a hard‑driving papa : just as sure as you born
�������� Memphis, 28 Feb. 1927
�������� (37964‑2) Vi‑20577 Rt RL‑323
I'm
going to buy me a mansion : out on Bunker Hill
Where
I can get my whiskey : get it right from the still
Out
on Bunker Hill : where the peoples have their fun
Where
they lay out on the green grass : and look up at the sun
I
been your dog : every since I been your gal
You
know I love you pretty papa : love you each and everywhere
Now
pretty papa : what you want me to do
I
did everything in this world : trying to get along with you
Going
to write a letter : going to mail it in the air
When
the north wind blows : blows news everywhere