Pre-war Blues Lyric Poetry: an Anthology
S � Y
Schaffer,
Ed (Shreveport Home Wreckers)
I Packed My Suitcase, Started to the Train
A Black Woman Is Like a Black Snake
Feed Your Friend with a Long Handled Spoon
Smith, . . . (Smith and Harper)
Ticket Agent Ease Your Window Down
I Ain't Goin' to Play Second Fiddle
Jazzbo Brown from Memphis Town
Nobody Knows You When You're Down and Out
I Got Everything a Woman Needs
I'm Gonna Tear Your Playhouse Down
Done Sold My Soul to the Devil
Mama's Quittin' and Leavin'‑Part 1
Mama's Quittin' and Leavin'‑Part 2
I Don't Know and I Don't Care Blues
You've Got to Beat Me to Keep Me
The World's Jazz Crazy and So Am I
Spivey, Sweet Pease (Addie Spivey)
Low‑Down Mississippi Bottom Man
I'll See You in the Spring When the Birds Begin to Sing
Ain't Going to Do Like I Used to Do
A Woman Gets Tired of the Same Man All the Time
What Is It That Tastes Like Gravy
Honey, Won't You Allow Me One More Chance
Thomas, Ramblin' (Willard Thomas)
unknown artist (Kansas City Blues Strummers)
unknown artist (Memphis Jug Band)
unknown artist (George Bullet Williams)
unknown artist (Memphis Jug Band)
unknown artist (possibly Skip James)
unknown artist (Birmingham Jug Band)
unknown artist (Birmingham Jug Band)
unknown artist (Birmingham Jug Band)
unknown artist (Birmingham Jug Band)
Your Good Man Caught the Train and Gone
Honey Babe Let the Deal Go Down
Shake Hands and Tell Me Goodbye
I've Got Blood in My Eyes for You
You Can't Do What My Last Man Did
Hitch Me to Your Buggy and Drive Me Like a Mule
Don't Hang My Clothes on No Barbed Wire Line
The First Shall Be the Last and the Last Shall Be First
The Blues Ain't Nothin' But. . .
White, Washington (Booker Washington White)
Wilber, Bill (Joe Wilbur McCoy)
Somebody's Been Borrowing that Stuff
I Won't Be in Hard Luck No More
You've Been Foolin' Round Town
Wilson, Kid Wesley (Leola B. Wilson)
Don't Sell It‑Don't Give It Away
������� �
������� �(59965‑2)
Vi‑23275 Yz L‑1026
Lord
I'm going to start a‑rambling : ain't going to stop mama from raising
sand
Lord
I'm going to thrill my baby : just like I ain't got no sense
Tell
me baby : what's the matter now
Oh
you trying to leave me : and you don't know how
Mmm
: babe will come back home to you
Oh
I'm coming right back babe : now that child's done roamed
Lord
I don't know what to do baby : I can't get along with you
Now
you may treat me right babe : that's all I can do
������� �
������� �(59966‑2)
Vi‑23275 Rt RL‑313
Oh
tell me baby : the way back to your town
The
reason I'm asking : because I got to go
Mmm
: what's the matter now
My
good girl done quit me : sure have got to go
Mmm
: ain't going to sing no more
I'm
going to leave from here baby : ain't coming back no more
������� �
������� �(13572‑1)
Vo‑25012 Rt RL‑325
Let
me tell you : what the what the Red Cross people will do
???
*on
I
told them no : baby I don't want to go
You
know I can't go down the hill : but I've got to go to the Red Cross store
Go
to the Red Cross in the morning babe : go up there at night
Want
me to tell the Red Cross : stop off day and night
Now
my girl told me this morning : that she done collared a job
She
going to take care of me : while the times was hard
And
I told her yes : great God now I won't have to go
Because
I can't go down the hill : you know I go to the Red Cross store
I
works on the mountain : till my shirt got soaking wet
I
don't want no foolishness : about my Red Cross check
Well
I saw two women : they was arguing on the street
They
asked me I go down to the Red Cross store : to get them to give me something to
eat
And
I told her yes : great God and you better go
Because
I can't take you down the hill : but I'll show you to the Red Cross store
������� �
������� �(16975‑A)
Ge‑7296 Yz L‑1026
Everybody
is screaming trouble : times ain't like they used to be
You
can hardly hold your man : your job is uncertain guarantee
Well
hard luck had me running : now my back is turned to the wall
But
no matter what you say : a good woman never falls
Well
you talk about drunken women : the kind that walks the streets all night
But
that's the only kind of woman : that you men are going to treat right
So
don't be no idle woman : don't be no sand‑foot clown
If
your man is double‑crossing : don't you start to running around
Now
I'll tell you the reason : I don't like a single man much
Well
a single man's all right : but he ain't got that married man's touch
������� �
������� �(38657‑1)
Vi‑20809 OJL‑19
Hey
sometime I think I love you : then again I don't
Sometime
I think I'll quit you : mama then again I won't
Says
I beat it for you baby : when I needed shoes on my feet
All
I know that she was doing partner : making her 'fore‑day creep
Hey
baby : what do you want your papa to do
Want
for me to beg rob and steal : bring it all home to you
������� �
������� �(38659‑1)
Vi‑20809 Rt RL‑337
Going
out west partner : going to marry me an Indian squaw
That
dirty big chief Indian : Lord can be my father‑in‑law
Say
I'm a poor boy partner : and I ain't got no relation here
Say
I ain't got no good woman : partner for to feel my care
Hey
pretty mama : honey what you got on your mind
Lord
I ain't going to stay with no woman : Lord no great long time
������� �Atlanta, 19 Oct. 1927
������� �(40312‑1) Vi‑21412 Rt RL‑311
Hey
black folks is evil : do anything that you want to do
*So
long as I can get* ??? : *get back out of you*
I
did more for you baby : mama in the rain and snow
But
I'm sick and tired now baby : you say you don't want me no more
I
packed my suitcase : Lord I started to the train
I
wouldn't hurt so bad mama : but you had another man just the same
������� �
������� �(40313‑2)
Vi‑21185 Rt RL‑322
I
got a voice like a radio : it broadcasts everywhere
Now
if you can find the wild woman : boy by broadcasting in the air
I
got a new way of spelling : dear old state of
Double E double R : double E double N O P
������� �
������� �(40315‑1)
Vi‑21185 Rt RL‑307
Boy
I got three high yellows : one black and brown
High
yellow quit me : black ain't going to throw me down
And
you can always tell : when a woman want to play
It
don't make any difference : in a
Hey
mama mama : where you stay last night
Your
hair's all wrinkled : that they beating you right
������� �
������� �(41818‑2)
Vi‑21657 Rt RL‑310
I
been drinking all night long baby : mama I ain't going to drink no more
My
good gal said if you drink any more corn liquor : how she don't want me no more
I'll
pack your suitcase mama : I will throw it over the fence
I
allow you don't need no telling baby : mama because you got plenty of sense
I
told you stay away from my window baby : mama don't knock at my old back door
I
allow you don't need no telling mama : babe because you already know
������� �
������� �(41891‑1)
Vi unissued RCA INT‑1175
Lord
I told my old lady : no longer than week before last
*I
told* when I staying all night long baby : mama it's done come *to pass*
How
do you think a poor man feels : one he loves stay out all night long
Oh
Lord he's rolling and he's tumbling : know he just can't sleep alone
How
you think a poor man feels : one he loves stays out both night and day
Just
like a hobo on a freight train : haven't a decent meal today
������� �
������� �(41891‑2)
Vi‑21524 Rt RL‑322
I
told my old lady : no longer than the week before last
*I
told* when I'm staying all night long mama : Lord it's going to the *pass*
How
can a poor man sleep : Lord when the one he loves stays out all night long
Now
Lord he's rolling and he's tumbling : know he just can't sleep alone
Lord
how can a poor man feel : one he loves stays out all night long
������� �
������� �(47010‑2)
Vi‑V38015 Rt RL‑322
A
black woman is like a black snake : she will strike and run
???
: *to give his dollar fun*
Now
I wouldn't marry a black woman : I'll tell you the reason why
Because
a black girl's evil :
������� �
������� �(47011‑1)
Vi‑V38015 OJL‑19
I
wouldn't want a black woman : tell you the reason why
Black
woman's evil : do things on the sly
You
look for your supper : to be good and hot
The
nigger put a neckbone : in the pot
I
went to my window : my window was stuck
I
went to my door : my door was locked
I
stepped right back : I shook my head
A
big black nigger : in my folding bed
I
shot through the window : I broke the glass
I
never seen a nigger : run so fast
Your
friend come to your house : wife ask him to rest his hat
The
next thing he'll want to know : where is your husband at
She
says I don't know : he's gone and went to the 'gin
Come
on mama : let's get on the road again
������� �
������� �(47036‑2)
Vi‑V38504 Rt RL‑337
You
can toot your whistle : blow your horn
The
Now
if you want to get to heaven : I'll tell you what to do
You
put on a sock : a boot and a shoe
You
place a little corn : in your right hand
That'll
pass you right over : in the Promised Land
And
if you meet the devil : he ask you how you do
I'm
on my way to heaven : don't you want to go too
Know
there's a place : that do just as well
They
call Whitewash Station : ten miles from hell
Lord
mama : what's on your mind
You
keep me worried : and bothered all the time
Ain't
got no stockings : ain't got no shoes
Know
I've got : the Memphis Jug Band blues
������� �
������� �(47037‑2)
Vi‑V38504 Rt RL‑337
Stealing
stealing : pretty mama don't you tell on me
I'm
stealing back : to my same old used‑to‑be
Now
put your arms around me : like the circle around the sun
I
want you to love me mama : like my easy rider done
If
you don't believe I love you : look what a fool I've been
If
you don't believe I'm sinking : look what a hole I'm in
The
woman I'm loving : she's just my height and size
She's
a married woman : come to see me sometime
������� �
������� �(47092‑
) Vi‑21725 Mam S‑3803
People
across the water : they're crying for meat and bread
And
the womens down on
I
give my woman a dollar : to get her something to eat
She
spent a dime for neckbones : and ninety cents for that old canned heat
If
your woman says she don't drink corn liquor : don't think she's nice and sweet
If
she don't drink that old corn liquor : then your partner must drink the old
canned heat
Now
just look what a difference : a little money can buy
Before
a woman spend fifty cents on corn liquor : she'll buy that bottle of canned
heat on the sly
Canned
heat is just like morphine : it crawls all through your bones
And
if you keep on using canned heat mama : you soon get to the place you just
can't leave it alone
When
you catch your woman begging nickels and dimes : all up and down the street
She's
only hustling them people : to get that stuff they call that old canned heat
������� �
������� �(55530‑2)
Vi‑V38551 Jo SM‑3104
Now
yonder comes baby : he's coming down the street
He
going to knock you back : like Mr
There
was old lady *Linus* : she was sitting on a rock
Had
a forty‑dollar razor : trying to shave that knot
Yes
my mother told me : father told me too
Son
that thing in
I'm
going to chew my bacca : I'm going to spit my juice
I'm
going to save my thing : for my particular use
Yes
my *cola* lady rose : about
Son
you don't mean me no good : *I bet they* use you no more
I
went down on the dike : about
I
seen two bullfrogs : doing the *cold down low*
������� �
������� �(55598‑1)
Vi‑V38578 Rt RL‑311
Boy
my mother always taught me : to learn to feed my friends with a long‑handled
spoon
She
said son if you feed them with a short one : Lord they will soon lose
friendship with you
Lord
they will even laugh and grin in your face : Lord they don't mean you no good
And
if you don't keep your eyes dead on them : Lord they will take your woman from
you
Yes
I'm going to taught my woman : don't never let a ??? at home
If
you should ever let him get there baby : he'll give you more trouble than the
day is long
I
did something last winter : Lord I ain't going to do it no more
I
quit a thousand dollar woman : *but it wasn't worth*
������� �
������� �(55599‑
) Vi‑V38586 Rt RL‑337
Now
if you ever go down south : go down in Dixieland
Don't
forget : the Memphis Jug Band
You
better hide : mama you better hide from me
I
can beat you playing that hand : mama you tried to deal to me
I
told my old lady : so long *as poker* last
If
I gets on
Now
the preacher will come to your house : your wife will ask him to rest his hat
Next
thing he want to know : lady where is your husband at
She
say I don't know : I think he gone to jail
Oh
well it's come on mama : and let me go his bail
Going
to ask that black gal : won't you give me some
Said
she told me to wait : until tomorrow come
Will
tomorrow come : before I change my mind
And
I looked around : her man was standing around
I'm
going on ??? : I'm going to raise my hand
I
am looking for the woman : that ain't got no man
������� �
������� �(56343)
Vi‑23347 Jo SM‑3104
Now
tell me baby : how come you do me this a‑way
Oh
you go off to stay in the morning : and you stays all day
I
love you baby : I didn't know that you would do me this a‑way
How
how can I love you mama : when you goes on the street always
Now
you done drove me baby : until you drove me away
Now
someone has done something mama : about to take your place
������� �
������� �(59961‑2)
Vi‑23421 Rt RL‑337
Oh
Jim Strainer told Lula : on a Friday night
Lula
if I catch you with the Willie : Lula I'm going to steal you life
Oh
roll Mr hearseman : Mr hearseman roll slow
I
want to see the last of poor Lula : Mr hearseman before you go
I
followed poor Lula : Lord to that burying ground
I
stood and watched the graveyard diggers : ease poor Lula down
I
never have seen : Lord such a sight before
When
Jim Strainer killed poor Lula : it was on that barroom floor
Lord
poor Willie left here laughing : poor Jim left here crying
Willie
got fifteen years : poor Jim got ninety‑nine
I'm
singing this tune : I ain't going to [play, pick] it no more
Jim
Strainer killed poor Lula : I'm booked out and bound to go
������� �
������� �(C‑780‑2)
OK‑8960 Jo SM‑3104
I'm
going Mary Anna : I'm riding that old engineer
When
I come by : sweet babe will
Going
to start walking : I've even got a new bottle of booze
Ain't
going to stop walking : until I lose those Mary Anna blues
Engineer
blow his whistle : and the fireman ring his bell
She
poked her head out the window : daddy fare you well
She's
a long tall woman : she's got teeth they shine like gold
Only
woman in Mary Anna : done got a mortgage on my soul
Going
to Mary Anna : if I have to ride the rods
I'm
going to see that black gal : boys so help me God
������� �
������� �(C‑793‑
) Vo‑03175 Jo SM‑3104
Sometimes
I walk : with my
I
wouldn't stay here : but I can't take off
I'm
going to tell everybody : in the neighborhood
I
got a gal : who treats me good
???
:
I'm
going : I'm getting loose
Old
Aunt Anna : long and tall
Her
feets in the kitchen : her head's in the hall
������� �
������� �(C‑800‑1)
OK‑8963 RBF RF‑6
You
know I had a gal : she run a java shop
I
asked her how about it : not a crust in that shop
You
know a man walked in : say have you any eggs
Say
I'll sell you some meat : if you furnish your bread
Now
the butcher's in the market : they begin to pout
She
sold all their meat : and the butchers could not sell out
You
know they taken me 'fore the judge : the judge asked me what is your name
Cooncan
Suzie : and my mother was to blame
You
know the judge said little girl : you know you're rather bold
You
can sell me some meat : just before you go
I'm
going to the races : see my pony run
I
believe I can find something : just begun
������� �
������� �(15952‑
) Vo‑02821 Yz L‑1021
Hattie
Hattie Hattie : what have you done to me
I
believe to my soul : you got a doggone stingaree
My
name is Rex : I lives down the west
Don't
want to be tangled up : in that nest
Another
drink Hattie : pass the bottle around
Because
that jive you and Willie B's shooting : coldest stuff in town
������� �
������� �(15967‑1)
Vo‑02844 OJL‑21
Well
I got up this morning : feeling bad
Thinking
about the times : that I once have had
Well
it ain't but the one thing : can grieve my mind
All
of these women : ain't nar' one mine
Well
I whips my woman : with a singletree
You
might've heard her holler : don't you murder me
Mama
told me : papa told me too
Never
let a woman : make a fool of you
Well
I woke up this morning : feeling blue
Thinking
about : no other one but you
Well
mama told me : papa too
The
way you got : it's going to be the ruin of you
������� �
������� �(15978‑1)
Vo‑02844 Yz L‑1002
When
I woke up this morning : mama's feeling bad
Got
to thinking : about the time I once have had
Now
if you don't want me : why don't you tell me so
I
can get a woman : anywhere I go
Lord
I asked the judge : what should be my fine
Said
eleven twenty‑nine : and fifty dollar fine
Yes
I asked the judge : to be easy as you can
That's
all I want : you to send me from the pen
Ever
since : my mother has been dead
Been
trouble : since I have jumped and caught my head
Crying
mmm : don't nobody know
������� �
������� �(L‑456‑1)
Pm‑13043 OJL‑11
There's
so many people : arguing on the telegram
This
thought have run through my head : just like a stone in sand
Hello
Central : please give me five oh nine
I
just want to talk : to that old‑time gal of mine
Hey
arguing : arguing everywhere
I
can't get no message : over the phone nowhere I go
Mmm
baby : when can I speak to you
If
you don't talk to me soon : baby I don't know what I'm going to do
I
picked up the receiver : I could not get a word
I
want to talk to my home : from this sad
I'm
asking you a question : mama asking you very clear
And
if *all things true* : man I'm going to leave on the
Mmm
ain't seen my baby : in six long months today
Some
woman love I used to have : gone seen my babe some day
������� �
� �������(L‑468‑1) Pm‑13043 OJL‑11
Way
lonesome : out in some swamp I know
Well
the lonesome rattlesnake : just creeped up to my door
You
ought to heard my baby hollering : daddy won't you come home
Better
be on your way : the rattlesnake's about to take your home
That's
all right baby : I won't leave you here no more
For
that creeping rattlesnake : done crawled up to my door
Walking
along : and ain't doing a thing
I
met a rattlesnake : oh baby at last
I
can't travel honey : night or day
Lord
these rattlesnakes traveling : won't let me get away
Creeping
rattlesnakes : done crawled around my bed
And
it loved my woman : hey man it done fell dead
I
love my baby : and I know for sure
But
these creeping rattlesnakes : done crawled up to my door
Going
to sing this song : and I ain't going to sing no more
For
that creeping rattlesnake : done crawled up to my door
Have
you ever been lonely : honey and feel so blue
When
the rattlesnake crawl : there ain't nobody can tell you what to do
������ ��
������� �(11474‑
) Vo‑1704 Yz L‑1003
I'm
a snake doctor man : everybody's trying to find out my name
And
when I fly by easy : mama I'm going to fly low low distant land
I
am a snake doctor : gang of womens everywhere I go
And
when I get to flying sometime : I can see a gang of women standing out in the
door
I'm
going to fly by easy : man you know I ain't going to fly very low
What
I got in these sacks on my back man : you don't know honey know
I
ain't got many crooks in my bag : as the dyingest snake can crawl
I
puts up a solid foundation mens : and you know it don't never fall
I'm
a snake doctor man : got my medicine I say in my bag
I
mean to be a real snake doctor man : and you know I don't mean to be no quack
Lord
I know many of you mens wondering : what the snake doctor man got in his hand
He's
got roots and herbs : steals a woman man everywhere he land
������� �
������� �(11475‑
) Vo‑1704 Yz L‑1003
Let's
get stomp barefoot mama : and get drunk and run
I
don't feel like running with you mama : but I just feel like having my fun
You
are a long‑ways traveler : long ways from your home
Spending
all my money for whiskey and getting drunk : mama you don't know how you carry
on
I
work hard daily daily : mama trying to make a good home for you
Lord
you do things to your good man : mama can make you feel so blue
In
a few more days now mama : your good man going to be going away
You
going to miss that hard‑working man : you going to need his help some day
I
work hard daily daily : bring you home my pay
I
can't see how you have ??? : mama treat a good man this a‑way
Now
I believe I'll go mama : don't feel welcome here
You're
a no‑good woman : you don't feel in your hard‑working man's care
������� �New
York, 14 Mar. 1932
������� �(11479‑A)
Vo‑1708 Yz L‑1018
Now
please Mr granddaddy : don't crawl up and down my wall
You
running so quick and dangerous : that I won't have no woman at all
It
was early this morning : I was lying out on my floor
I
was keeping daily watch on my wall : so that granddaddy won't crawl in my house
no more
If
that granddaddy crawls : boy you sure be in my shape some old day
You
won't have no true‑loving woman : for to pass your troubles away
When
you get bad luck in your home : there's a few men know just how you feel
It
takes a real good woman : for that *thirty‑five year old soul to heal*
I
get wicked lonesome sometimes : in a dark room by myself
The
reason I feel that way mama : I ain't got nobody to feel my care
������� �Chicago,
c. 16 Apr. 1929
������� �(C‑3299)
Br‑7112 His HLP‑1
I'm
going to write down home : tell mama to send for me
I'm
broke and disgusted : with every man I see
I
was nice I was kind : as a poor girl could be
*Men
are rather buy* kindness : you with every woman you see
I
feel like cocking : my pistol in your face
I
want to make the graveyard : be your resting place
They
tell me : the graveyard is a lonesome nasty place
I
want to lay my man down : smile right in his face
Now
never think : you got a man all by yourself
He's
sleeping with you : but he's loving somebody else
������� �Grafton,
Wis., c. Nov. 1929
������� �(L‑45‑1)
Pm‑12912 OJL‑8
I'm
going to Farrell : so I can have my fun
Going
to get me a gal now : so I can have my fun
I
think I heard : that Riverside whistle blow
And
I ain't going to stop walking : till I get to my rider's door
Farrell
blues mama : sure don't worry me
It's
all I want : just to do what a poor man do
Blues
come to me : just like a dream
The
blues *so* ??? : don't worry me
Oh
mama : what have I done to you
The
blues go away : I am going too
������� �Grafton,
Wis., c. Dec. 1929
������� �(L‑65‑1)
Pm‑12940 OJL‑2
Tell
me man : which way the rising sun
It
rise in the east : and go down in the west
I
want to see you : go with the rising sun
So
I can always tell : when the sun is going down
When
I go : please don't talk after me
Because
I'm going : where to my suposed‑to‑be
Tell
me man : what you got on your mind
You
keep me worried : and bothered all the time
You
may want to see me : look little and cute
I'm
going to get me : a khaki suit
������� �Long
Island City, c. Apr. 1929
������� �(490‑A)
QRS‑R7086 His HLP‑17
You
used to be my sugar : but you ain't sweet no more
You
got another joker : hanging around your door
I
know my baby : thinks the world and all of me
Because
every time she grins : she turns her light on me
Talking
about your [rider, woman] : but you just ought to see mamlish mine
She's
a long tall woman : and she tooting out behind
She
ain't so good‑looking : she ain't got no great long mamlish hair
She
ain't got no gold teeth : you can follow her anywhere
She
stood on the corner : between Twenty‑Fifth and Main
You
know a blind man saw her : and a dumb man called her name
The
dumb man asked her : said who is your regular be
And
then the blind man told her : said you sure look good to me
������� �Long
Island City, c. Apr. 1929
������� �(�� ) QRS‑R7086 His HLP‑17
I
know my baby : she going to jump and shout
When
the train rolls up : and I come walking out
I
wouldn't have a rooster : he won't crow for day
And
I wouldn't have a hen : won't cackle when she lay
I
wouldn't have a cook : wouldn't cook three meals a day
I
wouldn't have a woman : if she couldn't do what I say
Lord
I seen her at the station : and I seen her on the road
And
I'm sitting here wondering : will a matchbox hold my clothes
When
I leave town : my people started crying
Oh
hollering and screaming : where that long‑gone man of mine
������� �Augusta,
Ga., 26 or 27 June 1936
������� �(AUG‑126‑3)
ARC‑6‑10‑61 Rt RL‑334
I
said hey hey insurance man : quit knocking on my door
Because
I'm four months behind : and you ought to know I ain't going to sell that old
insurance no more
Well
the last time I seed you : I give you a five dollar bill
And
the next time I see you : you was running three or four whiskey stills
That's
why I said please : please stop knocking on my door
Because
I'm going to enjoy my simple straight life : and I ain't going to sell that old
insurance no more
Well
you know you didn't even see me : when I was lying sick on my bed
You
haven't done no ways : like that old policy read
������� �New
York, 16 Feb. 1923
������� �(80863‑5)
Co‑A3844 Co CL‑855
Gee
but it's hard to love someone : when that someone don't love you
I'm
so disgusted heart‑broken too : I've got those down‑hearted blues
Once
I was crazy about a man : he mistreated me all the time
The
next man I get has got to promise me : to be mine all mine
Trouble
trouble : I've had it all my days
It
seem like trouble : going to follow me to my grave
I
ain't never loved : but three men in my life
My
father my brother : the man that wrecked my life
It
may be a week : it may be a month or two
But
the day you quit me honey : it's coming home to you
I've
got the world in a jug : the stopper's in my hand
I'm
going to hold it : until you men come under my command
������� �New
York, 21 Sept. 1923
������� �(81226‑2)
Co‑A4001 Co CL‑855
Thirty
days in jail : with my back turned to the wall
Look
here Mr jail‑keeper : put another gal in my stall
I
don't mind being in jail : but I got to stay there so long so long
When
every friend I had : is done shook hands and gone
You
better stop your man : from tickling me under my chin
Because
if he keeps on tickling : I'm sure going to *beg* him on in
Good
morning blues : blues how do you do
Say
I just come here : to have a few words with you
� �������New York, 5 Apr. 1924
������� �(81670‑2)
Co‑14025‑D Co CL‑855
Ticket
agent : ease your window down
Because
my man's done quit me : and tried to leave this town
I'd
rather see : this whole world sloppy drunk
Than
to see my man : starting in to pack his trunk
If
he don't want me : he had no right to stall
I
can get more men : than a passenger train can haul
He
stole my money : and he pawned my clothes
And
which a‑way my daddy went : the Gypsy only knows
I
hate a man : that don't play fair and square
Because
you can get a crooked daddy : most anywhere
������� �New
York, 26 Sept. 1924
������� �(140062‑2)
Co‑14042‑D Co CL‑856
I
went down to the river : sat beneath a willow tree
The
blues dropped on those willow leaves : and it rolled right down on me
I
went up on the mountain : high as any gal could stand
And
looked down on that engine : that took away my loving man
I
heard the whistle blowing : the fireman ring the bell
They
taking away that willow tree : that give me this weeping spell
When
you broken‑hearted : and your man is out of town
Go
to the river : take a chair and sit down
And
if he don't come back to you : I tell you what to do
Just
jump right overboard : because he ain't no more to you
Folks
I love my man : I kiss him morning noon and night
I
wash his clothes and keep him clean : and try to treat him right
Now
he's gone and left me : after all I tried to do
The
way he treats me girls : he'll do the same thing to you
������� �New
York, 14 Jan. 1925
������� �(140241‑1)
Co‑14064‑D Co CL‑855
I
hate to see : the evening sun go down
It
makes me think : on on my last go‑round
Feeling
tomorrow : like I feel today
I'll
pack my grip : and make my get‑away
St
Louis woman : wears diamond ring
Pulls
a man around : by her apron strings
Wasn't
for powder : and this store‑bought hair
The
man I love : wouldn't go nowhere
������� �New
York, 14 Jan. 1925
������� �(140242‑1)
Co‑14056‑D Co CL‑855
When
I was young : nothing but a child
All
you men : tried to drive me wild
Now
: I'm growing old
And
I got what it takes : to get all of you men told
My
mama says I'm reckless : my daddy says I'm wild
I
ain't good‑looking : but I'm somebody's angel child
Come
in pretty papa : mama wants some loving I vow
Come
in pretty papa : mama wants some loving right now
������� �New
York, 14 Jan. 1925
������� �(140249‑2)
Co‑14056‑D Co CL‑855
You
treated me wrong : I treated you right
I
worked for you : both day and night
You
brag to women : that I was your fool
So
now : I got them sobbing‑hearted blues
The
sun's going to shine : in my back door some day
It's
true I love you : but I won't take mistreatment anymore
All
I want is your picture : it must be in a frame
When
you go : I can see you just the same
I'm
going to start walking : because I got a wooden pair of shoes
Going
to keep on walking : until I lose these sobbing‑hearted blues
������� �New
York, 14 Jan. 1925
������� �(140250‑2)
Co‑14064‑D Co CL‑855
Now
I've tried hard : to treat him kind
But
it seems to me : his love is gone blind
The
man I've got : must have lost his mind
The
way he quits me : I can't understand
I'm
going to find myself : another man
Because
the one I've got : have done gone cold in hand
������� �New
York, 14 Jan. 1925
������� �(140251‑1)
Co‑14079‑D Co CL‑855
Look
a‑here daddy : I want to tell you please get out of my sight
I'm
playing quits now : right from this very night
You've
have your day : don't stand around and frown
You've
been a good old wagon : daddy but you done broke down
Now
you better go to the blacksmith's shop : and get yourself overhauled
There
ain't nothing about you : to make a good woman fall
Nobody
wants a baby : when a real man can be found
You've
been a good old wagon : daddy but you done broke down
When
the sun is shining : it's time to make hay
*I
??? operate* : you can't make that wagon pay
When
you were in your prime : you loved to run around
You've
been a good old wagon : honey but you done broke down
There's
no need to cry : and make a big joke
This
man has taught me more about loving : than you will ever know
He
is the king of loving : this man deserve a crown
He's
a good old wagon : daddy and he ain't broke down
������� �New
York, 6 May 1925
������� �(140586‑2)
Co‑14075‑D Co CL-857
Ever
since Miss Suzie Johnson : lost her Jockey Lee
There's
been much excitement : and more to be
You
can hear her moaning : moaning night and morn
She's
wondering : where her easy rider's gone
������� �New
York, 26 May 1925
������� �(140625‑2)
Co‑14090‑D Co CL‑855
Folks
up north : you all have heard the blues
But
this is the one : you like to hear the news
If
you go down there : you have no time to lose
Just
go uptown : and buy a new pair of shoes
Folks
down there : they drinks a lots of booze
You
can ??? : just what you choose
Down
there : they strut their stuff
They
way they strut : is really no bluff
������� �New
York, 27 May 1925
������� �(140629‑2)
Co‑14095‑D Co CL‑855
Listen
people : if you want to hear
A
story told : about a brave engineer
J
C Holmes : was the rider's name
*A
heavy weight woman : with a hearty fate*
J
C said : with a smile so fine
Woman
gets tired : of one man all the time
Get
two or three : if you have to hide
If
the train go and leave : you got a mule to ride
In
the second cabin : set Miss Alice Bry
Want
to ride : with Mr J C or die
I
ain't good‑looking : and I don't dress fine
But
I'm a rambling woman : with a rambling mind
Just
then : the conductor hollered all aboard
And
the porter said : we've got a load
Look
a‑here son : we ought to been gone
I
feel like riding : if it's all night long
J
C said : just before he died
Two
more roads : he wanted to ride
Everybody
wondered : what road it could be
He
said the Southern Pacific : and the Santa Fe
J
C said : I don't feel right
I
saw my gal : with a man last night
Soon
as I get : enough steam just right
I
been mistreated : and I don't mind dying
������� �New
York, 27 May 1925
������� �(140630‑1)
Co‑14090‑D Co CL‑855
Let
me tell you daddy : mama ain't going to sit and grieve
Pack
up your duff : and get ready to leave
I
stood your foolishness : long enough
So
now : I'm going to call your bluff
On
certain things : I'm going to call your hand
So
now daddy : here's my plan
I
ain't going to play no second fiddle : I'm used to playing lead
You
must think that I am blind : you been cheating me all the time
I've
gone to your house : the other night
Caught
you and your good gal : having a fight
I
caught you : with your good‑time vamp
So
now papa : I'm going to put out your lamp
Now
papa : I ain't sore
You
ain't going to mess up : with me no more
I'm
going to play : with another key
Then
you're going : to hang your head and weep
������� �New
York, 18 Mar. 1926
������� �(141819‑2)
Co‑14133‑D Co CL‑856
Don't
you start no crowing : lay your money down
I've
got mine on Jazzbo : that Memphis clarinet clown
He
ain't got no equal : nowhere in this land
So
let me tell you people : about this Memphis man
He
ain't seen no music school : he can't read a note
But
he's the playingest fool : on that Memphis boat
When
he wraps his big fat lips : around that doggone horn
???
: Lord carrying on
He
can moan and he can groan : I ain't fooling you
There
ain't nothing on that horn : that old Jazz can't do
������� �New
York, 18 Mar. 1926
������� �(141820‑3)
Co‑14158‑D Co CL‑856
I'm
going to the gin house : when the whistle blows
My
trouble come like rain : ??? *and cold*
I'm
going to the gin house : stay there by myself
I
mean to drown my sorrows : about sweet somebody else
I'll
make one trip there : to see can I ease my mind
And
if I do : I'm going to make it my last time
To
hold her man : when these gals have got so many different ways
I
mean to watch my man : don't care what these other gals say
Because
these gin house blues : is camping around my door
I
want him to drive them off : so they won't come back no more
������� �New
York, 4 May 1926
������� �(142147‑2)
Co‑14147‑D Co CL-857
I
went to see the doctor the other day : he said I was well as well could be
But
I says doctor you don't know : really what is worrying me
I
want to be somebody's babydoll : so I can get my loving all the the time
I
want to be somebody's babydoll : to ease my mind
He
can be ugly : he can be black
So
long as he can eagle rock : and ball the jack
Lord
I went to the Gypsy : to get my fortune told
She
say you in hard luck Bessie : doggone your bad‑luck soul
������� �New
York, 4 May 1926
������� �(142149‑2)
Co‑14158‑D Co CL-857
I
was with you baby : when you didn't have a dime
Now
since you got plenty of money : you have throwed your good gal down
Once
ain't for always : two ain't for twice
When
you get a good gal : you better treat her nice
When
you were lonesome : I tried to treat you kind
But
since you got money : it's done changed your mind
I'm
going to leave baby : ain't going to say goodbye
But
I'll write you : and tell you the reason why
Days
are lonesome : nights are [so] long
I'm
a good old gal : but I've just been treated wrong
������� �New
York, 26 Oct. 1926
������� �(142876‑2)
Co‑14172‑D Co CL-857
If
you want me to love you : *keep much*
Let
mama : feel that money touch
Quit
messing around : you hear what I say
Started
to bringing : eight hours a day
If
you must be a rat : here's the fact
Be
a long‑tailed one : have plenty of jack
������� �New
York, 26 Oct. 1926
������� �(142878‑3)
Co‑14179‑D Co CL-857
Woke
up this morning : when the chickens was crowing for day
*Turned*
on the right side of my pillow : my man had gone away
By
his pillow : he left a note
Reading
I'm sorry Jane : you got my goat
No
time to marry : no time to settle down
I'm
a young woman : and ain't done running around
Some
people call me a hobo : some call me a bum
Nobody
knows my name : nobody knows what I've done
I'm
as good : as any woman in your town
I
ain't no high yellow : I'm a *deep killer* brown
I
ain't going to marry : ain't going to settle down
I'm
going to drink good moonshine : and run these browns down
See
that long lonesome road : don't you know it's got to end
And
I'm a good woman : and I can get plenty of men
������� �New
York, 17 Feb. 1927
������� �(143490‑2)
Co‑14195‑D Co CL-858
Because
just a little spirit : of the blues tonight
Let
me tell you girls : if your man ain't treating you right
Let
me tell you : I don't mean no wrong
I
will learn you something : if you listen to this song
I
ain't here : to try to save your soul
Just
want to teach you : how to save your good jellyroll
Going
on down the line : a little further now
There's
: many a poor woman down
Read
on down : to Chapter Nine
Woman
must learn : how to take their time
Read
on down : to Chapter Ten
Taking
other women's men : you are doing a sin
Lord
one old sister : by the name of sister Green
Jumped
up and done a shimmy : you ain't never seen
������� �New
York, 17 Feb. 1927
������� �(143491‑1)
Co‑14195‑D Co CL-858
When
it rained five days : and the skies turned dark as night
Then
trouble taken place : in the lowlands at night
I
woke up this morning : can't even get out of my door
There's
enough trouble : to make a poor girl wonder where she want to go
Then
they rowed a little boat : about five miles across the pond
I
packed all my clothes throwed them in : and they rolled me along
When
it thunders and lightning : and the wind begin to blow
There's
thousands of people : ain't got no place to go
Then
I went and stood : up on some high old lonesome hill
And
looked down on the house : where I used to live
Backwater
blues : done caused me to pack up my things and go
Because
my house fell down : and I can't live there no more
Mmm
: I can't move no more
There
ain't no place : for a poor old girl to go
������� �New
York, 2 Mar. 1927
������� �(143567‑2)
Co‑14197‑D Co CL-857
Now
listen honey : while I say
How
can you tell me : that you're going away
You
feel blue : you feel sad
You'll
miss the best pal : you ever had
������� �New
York, 3 Mar. 1927
������� �(143575‑3)
Co‑14232‑D Co CL-858
If
Gabriel knowed : how you could blow
He'd
let you lead : his band I know
You
ain't seen : such shaking hips
Like
when that horn : is to your lips
And
he would break : a leg I know
A‑doing
the Charleston : while you blow
������� �New
York, 3 Mar. 1927
������� �(143576‑2)
Co‑14209‑D Co CL-858
Judge
judge please Mr judge : send me to the electric chair
Judge
judge good Mr judge : let me go away from here
I
want to take a journey : to the devil down below
I
done killed my man : I want to reap just what I sow
Judge
judge hear me judge : send me to the electric chair
Judge
judge send me there judge : I love him so dear
I
cut him with my ??? : I kicked him in the side
I
stood there laughing over him : while he wobbled around and died
Judge
judge sweet me judge : send me to the electric chair
Judge
judge good kind judge : burn me because I don't care
I
don't want no bonded man : to go my bail
I
don't want : to spend no ninety‑ninety years in jail
������� �New
York, 27 Sept. 1927
������� �(144796‑3)
Co‑14250‑D Fwy FJ‑2802
Yes
bedbugs sure is evil : they don't mean me no good
Thinks
he's a woodpecker : and I'm a chunk of wood
When
I lay down at night : I wonder how can a poor girl sleep
When
some is holding my hands : others eating my feet
Bedbugs
big as a jackass : will bite you and stand and grin
Will
drink all the *bedbug* ??? : and turn around and bite you again
Got
myself a wishbone : bedbugs done got my goat
Got
myself a wishbone : wish they cut their own doggone throats
������� �New
York, 20 Mar. 1928
������� �(14578?‑?)
Co‑14312‑D Co CL-858
I
woke up this morning : with an awful aching head
My
new man had left me : just a room and an empty bed
Bought
me a coffee grinder : got the best one I could find
So
he could grind my coffee : because he had a brand new grind
He's
a deep‑sea diver : with a stroke that can't go wrong
He
can touch the bottom : and his wind holds out so long
He
knows how to thrill me : and he thrills me night and day
He's
got a new way of loving : almost takes my breath away
Lord
he's got the sweetest something : and I told my gal friend Lou
By
the way she's raving : she must have gone and tried it too
������� �New
York, 24 Aug. 1928
������� �(146895‑1)
Co‑14399‑D Co CL‑856
Mr
rich man rich man : open up you heart and mind
Give
a poor man a chance : help stop these hard hard times
While
you living in your mansion : you don't know what hard times means
A
workingman's wife is starving : your wife is living like a queen
Please
listen to my pleading : because I can't stand these hard times long
They'll
make an honest man : do things that you know is wrong
Poor
man fought all the battles : poor man would fight again today
He
would do anything you ask him : in the name of the U S A
Now
the war is over : poor man must live the same as you
If
it wasn't for the poor man : Mr rich man what would you do
������� �New
York, 25 Aug. 1928
������� �(146897‑3)
Co‑14384‑D Co CL‑856
Stay
away from me : because I'm in my sin
If
this place gets raided : it's me and my gin
Don't
try me nobody : because you never will win
I'll
fight the army and navy : just me and my gin
Any
bootlegger : sure is a pal of mine
Because
a good old bottle of gin : will get it all the time
When
I'm feeling high : ain't nothing I won't do
Keep
me full of liquor : and I'll sure be nice to you
I
don't want no clothes : and I don't need no bed
I
don't want no pork chop : just give me gin instead
������� �New
York, 15 May 1929
������� �(148534‑3)
Co‑14451‑D Co CL‑856
Once
I lived the life : of a millionaire
Spending
my money : I didn't care
I
carried my friends : out for a good time
Buying
bootleg liquor : champagne and wine
When
I begin : to fall so low
I
didn't have a friend : and no place to go
So
if I ever get my hands : on a dollar again
I'm
going to hold on to it : till them eagles grin
It's
mighty strange : without a doubt
Nobody
knows you : when you down and out
Mmm
: I done fell so low
Nobody
wants me : around their door
������� �New
York, c. Aug. 1929
������� �(NY‑???‑
) Ci‑J1016 or 17 Jo SM‑3098
I
hate to see : that evening sun go down
For
my baby : he's done left this town
Feeling
tomorrow : like I feel today
I'll
pack my grip : and make my get‑away
St
Louis woman : with her diamond rings
Pulls
my man around : by her apron strings
Wasn't
for powder : and this store‑bought hair
That
man I love : he wouldn't go nowhere
������� �New
York, 11 Oct. 1929
������� �(149134‑3)
Co‑14527‑D Co CL-858
Had
a dream last night : that I was dead
Evil
spirits : all around my bed
The
devil came : and grabbed my hand
Took
me way down : to that red‑hot land
Mean
blues spirits : stuck their forks in me
Made
me moan and groan : in misery
Fairies
and dragons : spitting out blue flames
Showing
their teeth : for they was glad I came
Demons
: with their eyelash dripping blood
Dragging
sinnners : to their brimstone flood
This
is hell I cried : cried with all my might
Oh
my soul : I can't bear the sight
Start
running : because it is my *cup*
Run
so fast : till someone woke me up
������� �New
York, 22 July 1930
������� �(150658‑2)
Co‑14554‑D Co CL‑856
Back
in Black Mountain : a child will smack your face
Babies
crying for liquor : and all the birds sing bass
Black
Mountain people : are bad as they can be
They
uses gunpowder : just to sweeten their tea
On
this Black Mountain : can't keep a man in jail
If
the jury finds them guilty : the judge'll go their bail
Had
a man in Black Mountain : sweetest man in town
He
met a city gal : and he throwed me down
I'm
bound for Black Mountain : me and my razor and my gun
I'm
going to shoot him if he stands still : and cut him if he run
Down
in Black Mountain : they all shoots quick and straight
The
bullet'll get you : if you starts a‑dodging too late
Got
the devil in my soul : and I'm full of bad booze
I'm
out here for trouble : I've got the Black Mountain blues
������� �New
York, 11 June 1931
������� �(151595‑3)
Co‑14663‑D Co CL-858
It's
a long old road : but I'm going to find the end
And
when I get there : I'm going to shake hands with a friend
On
the side of the road : I sat underneath a tree
Nobody
knows : the thoughts that came over me
Weeping
and crying : tears falling on the ground
When
I got to the end : I was so worried down
He
took me back baby : and I tried it again
I
got to make it : I've got to find the end
You
can't trust nobody : you might as well be alone
Found
my long lost friend : and I might as well stayed at home
������� �New
York, 11 June 1931
������� �(151597‑3)
Co‑14663‑D Co CL-858
Captain
: tell your men to get on board
Cast
your sail : just pull into another shore
I'm
dreary in mind : and I'm so worried in heart
All
the best friends : sure has got to part
Blow
your whistle captain : so your men will know what to do
When
a woman gets dreary : ain't no telling what she won't do
It's
cloudy outdoors : as can be
That's
the time : I need my good man with me
It's
raining : and it's storming on the sea
I
feel like : somebody has shipwrecked poor me
������� �New
York, 24 Nov. 1933
������� �(152577‑2)
OK‑8945 Co CL‑856
I
heard you say you didn't love me baby : *you say you heard* Mrs Brown
I
don't believe a word she said : she's the lyingest woman in town
If
you make your own bed hard : that's the way it lies
If
I'm tired of sleeping by myself : you too dumb to realize
������� �New
York, 24 Nov. 1933
������� �(152578‑2)
OK‑8949 Co CL‑856
Up
in Harlem : every Saturday night
When
the high browns get together : it's just too tight
They
all congregates there : in an all night strut
And
what they do : is tut tut tut
Old
Hannah Brown : from cross town
Gets
full of corn : and starts breaking them down
Check
all your razors : and your guns
We
going to be arrested : when the wagon comes
Check
all your razors : and your guns
Do
the shim‑sham‑shimmy : till the rising sun
������� �New
York, 24 Nov. 1933
������� �(152579‑2)
OK‑8949 Co CL‑856
Daddy
you really knows your stuff : when you take me for a buggy ride
I
like you when you got your habits on : you can shift a gear with so much pride
I
gets a funny feeling : when you gaze into my eyes
You
give me such a thrill : you make my thermometer rise
Daddy
you as sweet as you can be : when you take me for a buggy ride
When
you get me down upon your knee : and ask me to be your bride
When
you hug and kiss me : it makes me feel fine
I
gets this funny feeling : up and down my spine
Your
loving ain't so *fordy* : in the park
But
you a loving *cold* creature : in the dark
You
ain't so hot : what can it be
What
makes me say : daddy take all of me
You
always ready : every time that I call
What
I like about you : you never stall
You
ain't no creature : you a good old soul
You
done sent salvation : to my very soul
������� �New
York, 24 Nov. 1933
������� �(152580‑2)
OK‑8945 Co CL‑856
My
man's got something : he gives me such a thrill
Every
time he smiles at me : I can't keep my body still
I
done cried so much : look like I got the mumps
I
can't keep from worrying : because I'm down in the dumps
I
had a nightmare last night : when I lay down
When
I woke up this morning : my sweet man couldn't be found
I'm
going down to the river : into it I'm going to jump
Can't
keep from worrying : because I'm down in the dumps
Someone
knocked on my door : last night when I was asleep
I
thought it was that sweet man of mine : making his 'fore‑day creep
'Twas
nothing but my landlord : a great big chump
Stay
away from my door Mr landlord : because I'm down in the dumps
When
I woke up : my pillow was wet with tears
Just
one day from that man of mine : seem like a thousand years
But
I'm going to straighten up : *straight as a answer come*
Ain't
no use of telling me that lie : because I'm down in the dumps
I'm
twenty‑five years old : that ain't no maid
I
got plenty of vim and vitality : I'm sure that I can make the grade
I'm
always like a tiger : I'm ready to jump
I
need a whole lots of loving : because I'm down in the dumps
������� �Grafton,
Wis., c. Dec. 1929
������� �(L‑78‑?)
Pm‑12922 OJL‑20
I
hate to leave St Louis : and I tried so hard to stay
But
the meanest treatment : is driving me away
You
don't mean me no good : I can tell by the way you do
Now
you can't be mine : every womans in St Louis too
Bad
luck in St Louis : and it all fell on [poor] me
And
these bad‑luck rattlesnakes : won't let my good man be
I
gave you clothes and money : and put shoes on your feet
Now
you's the sheik of this town now : won't keep you off the streets
You
done drove me from St Louis daddy : how much more can I stand
Now
I'm going to Detroit : and find me an angel man
������� �Chicago,
19 Sept. 1930
������� �(C‑6167‑
) Vo‑1559 His HLP‑2
Sugar
man sugar man : please come back to me
You
know I love you : and I cannot let you be
Love
you sweet man : do anything you say
Sweet
daddy sweet daddy : don't treat me this a‑way
You
got that sweet kind of sugar : make a good woman lose her mind
If
you take me back sweet daddy : I'll treat you so nice and kind
I'm
so wild about your sugar : don't know what to do
It's
that granulated sugar : ain't nobody got it but you
My
coffee must be sugared in the morning : my tea late at night
When
I don't get my sugar : babe I don't feel just right
If
you see my sugar : tell him to hurry home
I
ain't had nothing sweet : since my sugar been gone
������� �Chicago,
19 Sept. 1930
������� �(C‑6168‑
) Vo‑1559 His HLP‑2
Sugar
man sugar man : you got the best sugar in town
Please
don't let some other woman : tear your sugar barrel down
Every
time you leave me : I hang my head and cry
If
you don't want me baby : please tell me the reason why
Blues
fell down on me : just like drops of rain
You
give your lump of sugar to another woman : and don't give me a� grain
I'm
going to tell you something baby : want you to keep it to yourself
If
you don't give me all your sugar : you won't give it to no one else
Mmm
: want my sugar right now
Lord
I want my sugar : just to *have my* sugar *and how*
������� �New
York, 28 June 1923
������� �(81059‑6)
Co‑A3943 VJM VLP-15
I've
got everything that a woman needs : to make a good man fall
I
know just what to do : to back them in my stall
Once
inside : I'll treat them kind of rough
Then
I'll show them how : I can do my stuff
������� �New
York, 28 June 1923
������� �(81060‑5)
Co‑A3943 VJM VLP-15
I'm
so worried : down‑hearted in mind
My
brown keeps me worried : all the time
I
love my daddy : honest and true
Seems
like others look better to him : than I do
I
haven't the heart to tell him : to his face
That
some other good brown : has taken his place
Don't
never let : no one man worry your mind
Just
keep you four and five : *messed* up all the time
You
can read my letters : but you sure can't read my mind
When
you think I'm crazy about you : I'm leaving you all the time
Well
there ain't no love : there ain't no getting along
My
brown treat me so mean : sometime don't know right from wrong
������� �New
York, 27 July 1923
������� �(81151‑3)
Co‑A3961 VJM VLP-15
I'm
going to the station : and catch the fastest train that goes
I'm
going back south : where the weather suits my clothes
Because
my mama told me : and my daddy told me too
Don't
go north : and let them men make a fool out of you
Because
their love's like water : it turns off and on
Time
you think you've got them : it turned off and gone
I'm
going back south : if I wear out ninety‑nine pair of shoes
Because
I'm broke‑down‑hearted : got those down‑south blues
������� �New
York, 27 July 1923
������� �(81153‑3)
Co‑A3966 VJM VLP-15
All
night blues : ever ever on my mind
I've
got those all night blues : feel like catching some old train and flying
I
felt so low : don't know what to do
Ain't
got nobody : to tell my troubles to
All
night blues : ever ever on my mind
All
night blues : feel like catching some disease and dying
I'm
feeling blue : don't know what to do
Ain't
got nobody : to tell my troubles to
������� �New
York, 27 July 1923
������� �(81154‑2)
Co‑A3966 VJM VLP-15
Play
it a long time papa : your mama's feeling blue
Do
it a long time papa : I don't love no one but you
When
you come on : beat that thing
That
you have come : to have to plink
������� �New
York, 31 Aug. 1923
������� �(81183‑1)
Co‑A3991 VJM VLP-15
Folks
I'll tell : that he's not my regular man
But
he loves me better : than my regular can
Early
in the morning : late at night
He
gives me plenty loving : treats his mama right
������� �New
York, 7 Sept. 1923
������� �(81202‑2)
Co‑A4000 VJM VLP-15
You
said you want to leave me : at the door
I've
been disappointed : many times before
I'm
going up on the mountain : to watch the sinking sun
Ain't
found nobody else to love me : like my loving daddy done
������� �New
York, 1 Oct. 1923
������� �(81198‑4)
Co‑13002‑D VJM VLP-15
Don't
never tell nobody : what your perfect good man can do
You
just get them anxious : to try some of his good points too
������� �New
York, 2 Oct. 1923
������� �(81222‑6)
Co‑12‑D VJM VLP-15
Soon
I will be : Kansas City bound
When
I get back : I will turn things upside down
Because
it's Kansas City : where I long to be
I've
got a Kansas City man : a‑waiting there for me
He's
got white teeth : and two pretty gold crowns
He's
got *torro* hair : he's a coffee‑colored brown
Women
crying murder : I ain't raised my hand
It's
all on account of : taking one woman's man
������� �New
York, 2 Oct. 1923
������� �(81253‑2)
Co‑12‑D VJM VLP-15
Let
me tell you postman : what the army have done to me
It
took my husband my good man : come back and got my used‑to‑be
Uncle
Sam is so bad : he walks so doggone cute
He
took my daddy out of his ??? : put him in a khaki suit
Going
to sit down and write a letter : to my Uncle Sam
Tell
him that war is over : please send me back my man
Uncle
Sam has told me : that things are ??? around
He
took all the booze away : and my good brown from town
������� �New
York, 11 Jan. 1924
������� �(81476‑1)
Co‑14006‑D VJM VLP-16
Some
day you'll want me : and it won't be long
Then
you'll be sorry : you ever done me wrong
You'll
miss my kindness : most everywhere
No
one to love you : no one to care
There'll
be no sunshine : always rain
Then
you going to want me back : once again
Then
you'll remember : Miss Smith's old song
Some
day you'll want me : and it won't be long
������� �New
York, 11 Jan. 1924
������� �(81477‑3)
Co‑14006‑D VJM VLP-16
Hot
papa : don't keep me waiting so long
Hot
papa : you know you're treating me wrong
You
had better come : and hurry home
I'm
getting tired : of being alone
You
better not do : just what I think
If
you *don't know* : between each drink
Hot
papa : you are driving me mad
Hot
papa : you are making me bad
Now
you better do right : stay out of my flat
I'm
just carrying a brick : for you a brickbat
Now
your ninety‑nine degrees : would be just cool
If
you were trying : to play me for a fool
������� �New
York, 18 Jan. 1924
������� �(81495‑1)
Co‑14013‑D VJM VLP-16
You
only had : a boot and a shoe
Until
: I fell in love with you
They
will think : the world is coming to an end
It
will only be the end : of one of my trifling men
Don't
you say you won't : because you surely will
Because
mama's going to stop you : with a *blue steel bill*
������� �New
York, 18 Jan. 1924
������� �(81496‑1)
Co‑14016‑D VJM VLP-16
I
don't want nobody : I want the world to know
When
I'm with a fellow : it's strictly for making dough
I'll
leave a fellow standing : till his money's gone
And
tell him that he's nothing : but a pure greenhorn
I
had a fellow take me : all around the town
And
if he ask to kiss me : I would knock him down
������� �New
York, 29 Jan. 1924
������� �(81508‑1)
Co‑14026‑D VJM VLP-16
Oh
good‑looking papa : where have you been so long
Oh
dough‑spreading papa : you got your habits on
When
you went away : you didn't have a thing
Now
you come back : with clothes and diamond rings
You
went west : and bought a beautiful home
You
are looking good : as sure as you're born
You
were sweet papa : without a doubt
But
there is nothing doing : what you are thinking about
������� �New
York, 29 Jan. 1924
������� �(81509‑1)
Co‑14013‑D VJM VLP-16
I
went to the race track : my man *on derby* won
Give
the money to another gal : and wouldn't give me none
You
don't know : you don't know my mind
When
you see me laughing : laughing to keep from crying
I
said now papa : can you stand to see me cry
He
said yes woman : I could stand to see you die
Fed
my daddy : with plenty of jellyroll
Pull
the shoes off my feet : let me out in the cold
������� �New
York, 31 Jan. 1924
������� �(81512‑2)
Co‑14016‑D VJM VLP-16
He
ain't worth the salt : that goes in his bread
He
is one third living : and three third dead
He
hangs his britches : down on the floor
And
wears his shoes and socks :
When
the preacher doing : the hands in hands
The
fool sat there : too tired to stand
������� �New
York, 31 Jan. 1924
������� �(81514‑2)
Co‑14009‑D VJM VLP-16
Railroad
take me back : got the Thirty‑First Street blues
Please
don't jump the track : I ain't got no time to lose
Can't
get nothing : while roving around
But
it's all gravy : in my home town
Ashes
to ashes : dust to dust
New
York don't get me : Chicago must
������� �New
York, 10 Apr. 1924
������� �(81683‑2)
Co‑14021‑D VJM VLP-16
War
horse papa : how come you do me like you do
War
horse papa : you can't be true
War
horse papa : that's seven going to ride in a hack
War
horse papa : but six is coming back
War
horse papa : I'm too good a girl
War
horse papa : you know you can't be true
������� �New
York, 17 Apr. 1924
������� �(81697‑2)
Co‑14022‑D VJM VLP-16
Mean
papa turn in your key : because you don't live here no more
Mean
papa just let me be : stay away from my door
*She
can cheat murder* :
But
you just cheat : away a beautiful home
I'm
leaving town : I sure don't want to go
I
think there'll be trouble : and I had better go
������� �New
York, 17 Apr. 1924
������� �(81698‑2)
Co‑14019‑D VJM VLP-17
It
seems to me : as if I'm all broke down
Since
I lost all my change : I lost my sealskin brown
������� �New
York, 23 Apr. 1924
��� �����(81722‑1) Co‑14026‑D VJM VLP-17
Your
head will hang low : and your heart will ache
You
are fattening a frog : for a vampire snake
Rave
about the things : your loving man can do
Some
other woman : sure to take him away from you
������� �New
York, 30 Apr. 1924
������� �(81694‑4)
Co‑14022‑D VJM VLP-17
Got
the backwoods blues : but I don't want to go back home
Got
the blues so bad : for the place that I came from
Ought
to see my beau : but it's way too far
To
ride in a ??? :
Got
the backwoods blues : for the place way down in 'Bam
Got
the blues : but I'm going to stay here where I am
Going
to stay right here : just where I'm at
Where
there ain't no grinning : and snatching off my hat
Got
the backwoods blues : for the folks I left down home
I
got the blues : for them poor old folks alone
Yes
I'm going down there : I'm going to stay
������� �New
York, 19 Aug. 1924
������� �(81931‑3)
Co‑14034‑D VJM VLP-17
My
man's on the ocean : bobbing up and down
He
belongs to Uncle Sam : but he's always on my mind
I've
got the blues : for the deep blue sea
Nothing
but a *tear* : can satisfy me
No
automobile : can change my mind
I
feel like catching : a airplane and flying
When
I hear : that whistle blow
I
know : the ship is near ashore
Ain't
but one man in this world : that can satisfy me
That's
the man that keeps rocking : on the deep blue sea
������� �New
York, 19 Aug. 1924
������� �(81932
‑1) Co‑14034‑D VJM VLP-17
I
was born in Texas : but I didn't stay
A
cruel little daddy : throwed me right away
I
brought my man here : tried to treat him right
Started
fighting over a woman : stayed out every day and night
What's
the use of trying : I said trying trying to be kind
When
the one you love : haven't got you on his mind
I
stood at the station I said station : saw my man leaving town
When
that man quit me : that's what brought me down
Talk
about Texas I mean Texas : Texas people are your friends
When
one don't want you : the other one will take you in
������� �New
York, 20 Sept. 1924
������� �(140052‑1)
Co‑14039‑D VJM VLP-17
The
man I love : got lowdown ways for two
That's
why I'm *hanging* : and I'm lowdown too
He
ain't no orchard : and I ain't trying to be
And
you can't make : no orchard out of me
Every
day : I get as low as a *coat*
For
my home ain't here : it's further down the road
In
??? Mississippi : where my folks are at
And
colored folks don't live : much lower down than that
My
papa's name is low : with a zero if you please
And
he can kiss my mammy : without bending his knees
So
please keep your *alley* : take the air if you please
But
my eye is at the ??? : in the basement blues
������� �New
York, 20 Sept. 1924
������� �(140053‑4)
Co‑14039‑D VJM VLP-17
For
years you dog me around : but now is the time
To
walk up and tell you : what's on my mind
I'm
going to get me a daddy : to treat me right
One
who will come home : and sleep every night
There's
a fire in my range : bakes nice and brown
All
I need is some good daddy : turn my damper down
������� �New
York, 30 Sept. 1924
������� �(140064‑3)
Co‑14041‑D VJM VLP-17
I
hate to hear : that engine blow boo hoo
Every
time I hear it blowing : I feel like riding too
Got
the freight train blues : I've got boxcars on my mind
Going
to leave this town : because my man is so unkind
I'm
going away : just to wear you off my mind
And
I may be gone : for a doggone long long time
I
asked the brakeman : let me ride the blinds
The
brakeman said : Clara you know this train ain't mine
When
a woman gets the blues : she goes to her room and hides
When
a man gets the blues : he catches a freight train and rides
������� �New
York, 30 Sept. 1924
����� ���(140076‑3) Co‑14041‑D VJM VLP-17
He
trails me like a bloodhound : he's quicker than a snake
He
follows right behind me : every crooked turn I make
I'm
stubborn and I'm hateful : I'd die before I'd run
I'd
drink carbolic acid : and I'd poke a gatling gun
I
live down in the valley : right by a hornets' nest
Where
lions bears and tigers : all come to take their rest
������� �New
York, 15 Oct. 1924
������� �(140108‑1)
Co‑14045‑D VJM VLP-17
I
received a letter : that my man was dying
I
caught the first train : and went back home a‑flying
He
wasn't dead : but he was slowly dying
And
just to think of him : I just can't keep from crying
I
followed my daddy : to the burying ground
I
watched the pallbearers : slowly let him down
That
was the last time : I saw my daddy's face
Mama
loves you sweet papa : but I just can't take your place
������� �New
York, 15 Oct. 1924
������� �(140109‑1)
Co‑14045‑D VJM VLP-17
All
day long I'm worried : all night long I'm blue
I'm
so awfully lonesome : I don't know what to do
So
I ask the doctor : see if you can find
Something
in your practice : to pacify my mind
Let
me tell you doctor : why I'm in misery
Once
I had a love : he went away from me
Been
to see the Gypsy : hoodoo doctors too
Shook
their heads and told me : nothing they could do
Like
a little baby : all day long I cry
And
if you can't cure me : I'm just as sure to die
Give
me something poison : doctor won't you please
Then
I'll sign a paper : died with heart disease
������� �New
York, 16 Dec. 1924
������� �(140181‑2)
Co‑14053‑D VJM VLP-17
Steel‑driving
Sam : steel‑driving man of mine
He
works on the railroad : making that railroad tie
There
ain't nobody : who lives in 'Bam
Who
can make a hammer ring : like my man Sam
He
swings a mean hammer : just as sure as you are born
Because
he can't drive steel : with a doggone horn
Steel‑driving
Sam : steel‑driving man of mine
He
works on the railroad : on that old Southern line
He
wouldn't know his name : printed on a wall
In
boxcar letters : that's as long as he is tall
But
steel‑driving Sam : steel‑driving man of mine
He
works on the railroad : daylight‑savings time
������� �New
York, 16 Dec. 1924
������� �(140182‑1)
Co‑14053‑D VJM VLP-17
He
works all day : with all his might
And
brings me his money : every Saturday night
He
don't talk much : he's a hard‑boiled man
But
I keep him eating : right out of my hand
He
digs in a ditch : full of mud and slime
And
when it ain't raining : he's making back time
He
eats his supper : throws his clothes on the floor
And
he's up every morning : at half past four
������� �New
York, 7 Jan. 1925
������� �(140227‑2)
Co‑14062‑D CC-32
I've
got those broken busted blues : I feel bad
I've
got those can't be trusted blues : gee I'm sad
������� �New
York, 3 Apr. 1925
������� �(140491‑1)
Co‑14077‑D CC-32
Oh
the gale is raging : and my ship without a sail
If
the wind keeps on a‑blowing : I won't be left to tell the tale
Oh
the ship is sinking : and the line in such a mess
And
my crew is done deserted : I got to stick here to the last
Oh
I don't mind drowning : but the water is so cold
If
I must leave this good world : I want to leave it brave and bold
Mama's
shipwrecked shipwrecked : she ain't got no time to lose
Lord
if someone don't save me : I'll go down singing the shipwreck blues
������� �New
York, 3 Apr. 1925
������� �(140492‑1)
Co‑14073‑D CC-32
I
give him beer : then a glass of ale
For
in this time tomorrow : I'll be laying in the county jail
Three
months in jail : ain't no long long time
The
man I love : he made ninety‑nine
The
jurymen sit all night : ??? from eight to three
And
the verdict was : let the poor gal go free
I
sit in the courthouse : with my face hid in my hands
And
it all on account : of one trifling man
������� �New
York, 3 Apr. 1925
������� �(140493‑1)
Co‑14077‑D CC-32
You
take a southbound *regular* : you ride my weary blues away
Because
my heart is getting weaker : and I'm sinking lower and lower every day
To
find myself a blue steel : I mean a blue steel blade
If
I find her with my John : I'll slice and I'll cut and send her to her grave
������� �Richmond,
Ind., 22 Sept. 1932
������� �(18804)
Ch‑16613 Riv RM‑8819
I
sold some jelly : to a man named Will
Oh
by all means : I had a jellyroll mill
Jellyroll
every morning : jellyroll at night
He
couldn't get my jelly : want to fuss and fight
I
just come here : to get you told
Don't
let him catch you : messing with my jellyroll
Let
me tell you one thing : about sweet jellyroll
You
can tell that jelly : and it's never been sold
I'll
tell you one thing : about the jellyroll mill
If
you have to have jelly : you won't have to steal
������� �Chicago,
c. Jan. 1927
������� �(4089‑1)
Pm‑12447 His HLP‑2
I'm
going to write : my man today
Because
I'm getting tired : of this lowdown place
Going
to stay : I'll be all night long
You
know daddy : you treated your little mama wrong
You
got to stop : your running around
If
you come home : and your mama can't be found
Don't
start your mama : to slipping out on you
Because
when I start slipping : I'll make you sad and blue
������� �Chicago,
c. Jan. 1927
������� �(4094‑1)
Pm‑12447 His HLP‑2
I
just want to get back : to Birmingham
I
got a gang in Third Alley : don't know where I am
I'd
rather be in Third Alley : without a dime
Than
to be in Chicago : simply wasting my time
I'm
going to Third Alley : and bring my rider home
Because
these women in Third Alley : won't let my rider alone
������� �Chicago,
19 Sept. 1930
������� �(C‑6404‑A)
Vo‑1558 Yz L‑1031
I
am the wolf that everybody been trying to find out : where in the world I prowl
Nobody
ever gets a chance to see me : but they all hear me when I howl
Know
I howl to my baby : with her mother standing by her side
And
that's the reason I'm howling : I'm a‑trying to be satisfied
I
even howled for you baby : when you was down and couldn't stand up on your feet
Now
you walk by the lone wolf : and act like you don't want to see
What
made you quit me : I love you as I did three years ago
Take
me back and I'll quit prowling : and I won't ever howl no more
Now
the preacher told me that God will forgive a black man : most anything he do
I
ain't black but I'm dark‑complexioned : look like He ought to forgive me
too
[Look,
seem] like God don't treat me : like I'm a human kind
Seem
like he wants me to be a prowler : and a howling wolf all the time
������� �Chicago,
19 Sept. 1930
������� �(C‑6405‑A)
Vo‑1558 Yz L‑1031
Baby
here I am : down on my bended knees
Ask
you to take me back and forgive me : do that for me if you please
Now
when you hear me howling mama : I mean howling at your door
Come
on and give me what I want mama : then you won't hear me howl no more
Ever
since you quit me mama : I ain't wanted nobody else
For
I'd rather be with nobody : than I'd rather be howling by myself
Now
I done howled and howled : until I [wore, made] my tonsils sore
And
when I howl this time mama : I never will howl no more
Now
here I am in Chicago : doing the best I can
If
I hear from my baby : I'll act the fool and go howling back south again
Mmm
: mama listen at me howl
Watch
the roads dark as night mama : and you liable to see me prowl
������� �Chicago,
c. 20 Sept. 1930
������� �(C‑6409‑ ) Vo‑1590 Yz L‑1031
I
heard you say this morning mama : that your head was throbbing through and
through
Come
on let me make you some coffee : let me show you what my coffee will do
Pull
off your high shoes mama : lay down on the bed
I
won't be but a few minutes : before I'll kill that old headache dead
Don't
rush take your time : let it go down easy and slow
Then
when you have headache again : come back to me baby and I'll give you some more
But
I make coffee so good : it will make you bite your tongue
Been
all over the world grinding coffee mama : come on let me grind you some
Now
when your friends want coffee : please send all your friends to me
I
swear I'll give them good coffee : and won't give them no rotten tea
������� �Chicago,
c. late Dec. 1930 ;
������� �(C‑7100‑
) Vo‑1602 Yz L‑1031
Talking
about changing men : mama you been saying that stuff all over town
But
I'm liable to take my forty‑five : mama and turn you upside down
Mama
when I talk to you : God above know I don't mean no harm
But
it's just because I love you : and I'm trying to teach you right from wrong
Mama
it ain't no need of leaving me : because you're going to be� mistreated by someone else
And
rather than see someone else mistreat you : I'd rather keep you and mistreat
you myself
������� �Chicago,
c. late Dec. 1930
������� �(C‑7101‑
) Vo‑1602 Yz L‑1031
When
you drinking you talk too much mama : forgive me if you please
I
love you and always will mama : I'm down on my bended knees
I
know the reason I can't keep you mama : I taken you from my bosom friend
I
can feel rested God knows I can : I know you going to take him right back again
Baby
please don't baby please don't : I mean please don't go
Here's
one thing : that you don't know
Baby
come on and sit down and talk to me : and give me one more try
And
you can do just as you please : and I'll act just like some mother's child
������� �Chicago,
c. 28 Jan. 1931
������� �(C‑7238‑A)
Me‑M12117 Yz L‑1031
Now
you can lose your temper : but please don't lose your head
I'm
going to search this shack this morning : come on and hear this search warrant
read
Last
time I searched this shack : you know I found half a pint of gin
Now
what's the meaning of all this here liquor : call the wagon because I'm going
to run you in
You've
had lots of breaks : but here's what I'm going to tell you before you go
You
better get on your knees and ask for mercy : because the judge giving breaks no
more
������� �Chicago,
c. 28 Jan. 1931
������� �(C‑7239‑?)
Me‑M12117 Yz L‑1031
They
got you charged with having liquor : now tell me what is your plea
You
know I been giving you a‑many break : but the break this morning belongs
to me
Well
you's a pretty good woman : and living in a nice neighborhood
But
I think one hundred and costs : and thirty days in Bridewell will do you good
Don't
get back at me Betty : because I'm liable to change my mind
And
change your sentence from the Bridewell : send you to the pen for ninety‑nine
������� �Chicago,
c. Mar. 1931
������� �(VO‑126‑
) Vo‑1633 Yz L‑1031
Come
and kiss me honey babe : before I go
I'm
going to take a ride : on the T and O
Goodbye
honey : if you call that gone
I'm
going to take a ride : in my high brown's arms
Me
and my baby : we don't get along so well
She
ain't working : have a chance to raise so much hell
You
know the prettiest girl : that ever I seen
Was
standing on Frank Street : in New Orleans
You
know it's often said : and I've done found out
I
ain't got but one thing : women crazy about
Monkey
got his tail : caught up on the streetcar line honey
Didn't
think about his tail : till I started twisting mine honey
Run
back to the track : laid his head on a rail
And
lose his head : about a little piece of tail
������� �Chicago,
c. Mar. 1931
������� �(VO‑127‑
) Vo‑1633 Yz L‑1031
Now
bring me that bottle : and let's have another drink of booze
Because
I can feel something coming : and it seems something like the blues
I
can tell when [I've got the blues, the blues is coming] : I can't help but feel
so lowdown
Then
I want to get drunk : and pitch a bugger all over town
When
I start drinking I'm mean and hateful : and I won't treat nobody� right
I
just keeps on walking : looking for places where they fuss and fight
I'm
going to keep on drinking : until I find me a good corn friend
And
when I can't find good corn : I'll drink moonshine again
I've
got a girl in Texas : she lives four miles from town
And
on account of moonshine : her people don't allow me around
������� �Chicago,
c. Mar. 1931
������� �(VO‑132‑A)
Vo‑1679 Yz L‑1031
Here
I am judge this morning : and here is my forty‑five
I
shot my woman on the corner : and I don't know whether she's dead or alive
Judge
don't ask me no questions : about how our trouble began
Just
have it printed in your paper : a little trouble between women and men
Mmm
: oh Lord I heard that old judge say ninety‑nine
And
it's one thing I wished I had this morning : that's that forty‑five of
mine
I'm
going to lay down in jail : like I used to lie down in Calumet
May
be a good luck to you : because I haven't forgot you yet
������� �Chicago,
c. Apr. 1931
������� �(VO‑165‑A)
Vo‑1655 Yz L‑1031
I'm
that hungry wolf : and the ground is where I dug my cave
I
leave prowling just at dawn : and get back in the morning just a while before
day
I
stroll through dark places : threatening to do my part
With
blood in my eye : and malice in my heart
In
places I used to go : I ain't been there I been blowed out by the wind
I
did think one more time : that I just about come to my end
I
can howl like a wolf : and I can bark just like a dog
I
can prowl and do good : because I sleeps in a hollow log
Most
times when I get hungry : I'm like a [drunk] man acting a clown
Then
my eyes start to jumping : then I'm dangerous as a doggone lion
You
gobblers keep on gobbling : you roosters watch your setting hen
Old
wolf is hungry now I'm going to do most 'napping : than I done since God knows
when
������� �Chicago,
c. Apr. 1931
������� �(VO‑166‑A)
Vo‑1655 Yz L‑1031
I'm
harmless as I can be : I stays out of all people's way
I'm
just a little old toad : I'm going to hop back to my home some day
I've
hop down in your basement : don't mean to harm a single soul
I
shake all of your ashes : then shovel you in some brand new coal
I
don't have no friend : by myself I'm always on the road
Just
let me hop you one time mama : and you'll keep me for your little old toad
Mom
would you let a poor little old toad frog : hop down in your water pond
I'd
dive down and come right out : and I won't stay in your water long
But
I know for myself : and your front yard is where I get my load
Way
you talk you like my hopping : why don't you keep me for your little toad
Mama
do you know one thing : your water tank is just deep enough
I
can dive down to the bottom : and take my time and tread right back up
������� �Chicago,
c. Apr. 1931
������� �(VO‑167‑A)
Vo‑1674 Yz L‑1010
Some
people tell me : God takes care of old folks and fools
But
since I been born : he must a‑have changed his rules
I
used to ask a question : then answer that question myself
About
when I was born : wonder was there any more mercy left
Look
like here of late : I've been crying both day and night
Everybody
talks about me : and nobody don't treat me right
You
know until six months ago : I hadn't prayed a prayer since God knows when
Now
I'm asking God every day : to please forgive me for my sin
You
know this must be the devil I'm serving : I know it can't be Jesus Christ
Because
I asked him to save me : and look like he's trying to take my life
My
health is gone now : and left me with the sickness blues
People
it don't seem like to me : that God takes care of old folks and fools
������� �Chicago,
c. Apr. 1931
������� �(VO‑168‑A)
Vo‑1641 Yz L-1031
They
tell me seven sisters in New Orleans : they can really fix a man up right
And
I'm headed for New Orleans Louisiana : I'm traveling both day and night
I
hear them say : the oldest sister look like she's just twenty‑one
And
said she can look right in your eyes : and tell you exactly what you want done
They
tell me they been hung : been bled and been crucified
But
I just want enough help : to stand on the water and rule the tide
It's
bound to be seven sisters : because I've heard it by everybody else
Of
course I'd love to take their word : but I'd rather go and see for myself
When
I leave the seven sisters : I'm piling stones all around
And
go to my baby and tell her : there's another seven‑sister man in town
Good
morning seven sisters : just thought I'd come down and see
Will
you build me up where I'm torn down : and make me strong where I'm weak
������� �Chicago,
c. Apr. 1931
������� �(VO‑169‑A)
Vo‑1641 Yz L-1031
I
went to New Orleans Louisiana : just on account of something I heard
The
seven sisters told me everything I wanted to know : and they wouldn't let me
speak a word
Now
it's Sarah Minnie Bertha : Holly Dolly Betty and Jane
You
can't know them seven sisters apart : because they all looks just the same
The
seven sisters sent me away happy : around the corner I met another little girl
She
looked at me and smiled : and said go devil and destroy the world
Seven
times you hear the seven sisters : will visit me [all] in my� sleep
And
they said I won't have no more trouble : and said I'll live twelve days in a
week
Boy
go down in Louisiana : and get the lead right out of your bean
If
seven sisters can't do anything in Louisiana : bet you'll have to go to New
Orleans
������� �Chicago,
c. Apr. 1931
������� �(VO‑170‑A)
Vo‑1674 Rt RL‑312
When
I had money baby : you was good to me
But
now I'm broke and hungry : and you cruel as you can be
Last
night you called me : a lowdown dirty name
Woke
up Monday morning : and done the same old thing
It
won't be long : before God will bring his day
Give
me my shirt and tie baby : and I'll get on my way
You
in good health now baby : and good and strong
But
before long baby : you'll be down to skin and bone
I'm
going now baby : kiss me goodbye
I
know you don't love me baby : and I don't see how you cry
Reason
I'm leaving you : you dog me all the time
Look
like it *do you good somebody* : the day they saw me crying
������� �New
York, c. early Feb. 1927
������� �(7074‑2)
Ba‑1977 VJM VLP‑40
Since
you gone : and got so rough
I
won't stand : for that caveman stuff
������� �New
York, c. Mar. 1927
������� �(7130‑2)
Ba‑1977 VJM VLP‑40
Don't
you leave me here : a good gal I've been
If
you ain't coming back sweet papa : leave a dime for gin
You
can dog me around : baby I don't care
But
here's a thing I got to say : just quit me if you dare
The
boat's up the river : and it ain't coming down
But
I believe to my soul : my man is Alabama bound
If
you buy your ticket : papa you better buy two
Because
if you try to leave me here : the way will sure get you
So
if you got a bad man : and he won't do right
Take
a chair and break it over his doggone head : and walk the streets all night
������� �New
York, 19 Feb. 1931
������� �(404852‑A)
OK‑8915 Sw S‑1240
There's
a man in town : who's called the ladies' lover now
Keeps
his pockets full of mirrors : he's the pup's bow‑wow
He
went into a cabaret : to see Miss Jenny dance
Jenny
stepped right up : and said you have no chance
There'll
be no doings here : before you pay
No
dancing prancing : until the break of day
I
know there's lots of girlies : you may charm
And
long to hold them : close up right in your arms
But
here's a lesson : that was taught to me
You
cannot eat and sleep : on mirth and glee
Goodbye
: and please don't call at all
There'll
be no preachers : at Miss Jenny's ball
������� �Grafton,
Wis., c. Mar. 1930
������� �(L‑213‑1)
Pm‑12968 Yz L‑1004
If
I had wings baby : just like a morning dove
I'd
heist my wings baby : out to the brown I love
She
left this morning : she's border bound today
I
hate the mean old Gypsy : carried my brown away
Oh
oh oh oh oh : oh oh oh oh oh oh
That
is why you hear me : moan these lonesome blues
One
thing in creation : I sure can't understand
That's
why : Chicago women want every woman's man
Ooh
: ooh
That's
why you hear me : ??? these lowdown blues
Ooh
: ooh
That
is why you hear me : singing these lonesome blues
������� �Grafton,
Wis., c. Mar. 1930
������� �(L‑214‑2)
Pm‑12968 Yz L‑1004
Working
in the steel mills baby : handling
Pennsylvania
women : think that old man cannot do
I
think I heard : that steel mill whistle blow
She
blowed just like : she ain't going no more
I'm
going away baby : won't be back till fall
If
I win any money : won't be back at all
Pennsylvania
women : got hearts like solid stone
Well
they're so doggone evil : break up every woman's home
������� �New
York, c. May 1924
������� �(1766‑1)
Pm‑12208 CC‑29
I
don't know and I don't care : where my loving daddy's gone
He
should have gone long ago : I'd like to know what he's waiting on
If
you love a man : he'll treat you like a dog
If
you don't : he'll hop around you like a frog
I
ain't seen the man : that I can't stand to lose
Because
I keep : the don't know and don't care blues
������� �New
York, c. May 1924
������� �(1767‑1)
Pm‑12211 CC‑29
I
hate to hear : that engine blow boo hoo
Every
time I hear it blowing : I feel like riding too
Got
the freight train blues : got boxcars on my mind
I'm
going to leave this town : because my man is so unkind
I'm
going away : just to wear you off my mind
And
I may be gone honey : for a doggone long long time
I
asked the brakeman : to let me ride the blinds
The
brakeman said little girlie : you know this train ain't mine
When
a woman gets the blues : she goes to her room and hides
But
when a man gets the : he catches a freight train and rides
������� �New
York, c. May 1924
������� �(1780‑2)
Pm‑12208 CC‑29
If
you catch me stealing : I don't mean no harm
It's
a mark in my family : it must be carried on
I
got nineteen men : and I want one more
When
I get that one more : I'll let that nineteen go
I'm
going to tell you daddy : like the Chinaman told the Jew
If
you don't likee me : I sure don't likee you
It's
hard to love : another woman's man
You
can't get him when you want him : you got to catch him when you can
Have
you ever seen peaches : grow on a sweet potato vine
Just
step in my back yard : and take a peep at mine
������� �New
York, c. June 1924
������� �(1807‑2)
Pm‑12211 CC‑29
Shimmy‑shee‑wobble
: babe that's all
Every
time you start to shake it : everybody starts to fall
And
if you do it mama : do it slow
Just
shake it around and around : don't shake it no more
������� �New
York, Sept. 1924
������ ��(1886‑2) Pm‑12232 CC‑29
Folks
you don't know : half the trouble I've seen
Nobody
knows : but the good Lord and me
Lord
Lord : kindly hear my plea
Please
send me a man : that wants nobody else but me
Lord
Lord : I ain't got a friend
One
man is in jail : the other one is in the pen
������� �New
York, Dec. 1924
������� �(1977‑?)
Pm‑12245 CC‑29
I
got a jockey : riding for me
He
mounts his saddle : so differently
The
way he rides : is a shame
If
he don't bring it home : he's not to blame
Get
that hump : in your back
Wave
your whip : and make it crack
������� �New
York, Dec. 1924
������� �(1978‑3)
Pm‑12245 CC‑29
The
sound of a train : fills my heart with misery
Since
a choo choo train : took my man away from me
I
went to the station : but I got there too doggone late
The
last train was leaving : the boxcars were filled with freight
Northern
men are splendid : they will treat you mighty fine
But
when it comes to loving : I'll take a down‑home man for mine
I
got the choo choo blues : because my man's in Dixieland today
I'm
going back to Dixie : if I have to crawl all the way
������� �New
York, c. Feb. 1925
������� �(2015‑2)
Pm‑12256 CC‑29
Beat
me up for breakfast : knock me down for tea
Black
my eye for supper : then you're pleasing me
Come
down in my kitchen : *leave off instant and*
Beat
me to a frazzle : with your skillets pots and pans
������� �New
York, c. Feb. 1925
������� �(2016‑1)
Pm‑12256 CC‑29
Once
I had a daddy : and he worked down in a hole
Digging
and a‑hauling : hauling that Birmingham coal
Many
times I wondered : when they put my daddy down
Will
he come back to me : will they leave him in the ground
Something
like the pitcher : that they sent down in the well
Wondering
will they break it : Lordy Lordy who can tell
It
was late one evening : I was standing at that mine
Foreman
said : my daddy had gone down for his last last time
How
he was a coal miner : from his hat down to his shoes
And
I'm nearly dying : with these mining camp blues
������� �New
York, Mar. 1925
������� �(2063‑2)
Pm‑12262 CC‑29
Jazz
them : everybody jazz them now
My
pretty papa : he don't know how
All
night long : the band kept us awake
So
we could jazz away : until daybreak
I
like the motion : that my daddy has
For
everyone likes : the real good jazz
Oh
jazz them jazz them : play it all night
The
world's jazz crazy : Lord and so am I
������� �New
York, Mar. 1925
������� �(2064‑2)
Pm‑12262 CC‑29
Now
if the train fails on the track : I'm Alabama bound
Don't
you hear that train coming : I'm Alabama bound
Now
the train went by : with my papa on the inside
Now
I couldn't do nothing : but hang my head and cry
Did
you ever take a trip : on the Seaboard line
Because
if you ride that train : it will satisfy your mind
I
got the railroad blues : I want to see my home town
And
if the Seaboard God bless : I'm Alabama bound
������� �New
York, c. Dec. 1925
������� �(2363‑?)
Pm‑12336 Jo SM‑3098
Lord
he likes it slow : when he goes to dance
He
likes it slow : when he goes to France
Just
like a snail : that man of mine
He
never likes to hurry : he takes his time
And
when he calls me : praying's no use
He
always got : them lowdown blues
������� �New
York, c. Dec. 1925
������� �(2364‑1)
Pm‑12336 CC‑29
First
you get over *town* :
Do
the Black Bottom :
Walk
up to your baby : twist and turn
Get
in a shape : like a fishing worm
Do
the *bo bo* :
Turn
out the lights : *cut out your*
Now
they'll have ??? steaks : alligator pie
Pickled
*eels* feet : and jambalaya
Bullfrog
legs : with onion sauce
???
stew : to kick it off
Fried
hot tomales : with yellow rice
???
crabs : and lemon ice
Throw
it in the creek :
Strut
your stuff : you dancing fool
Red‑hot
mama : *eggs hard‑boiled*
They'll
break up the dance : with a battle royal
������� �New
York, c. Dec. 1925
������� �(2365‑?)
Pm‑12330 CC‑29
Please
come back and love me like you used to : I think about you every day
You
reap just what you sow in the sweet by‑and‑by : and be sorry that
you went away
Oh
baby I'm crazy : almost dead
I
wish I had you here : to hold my aching head
�� ������New York, 26 May 1938
������� �(63866‑A)
De‑7489 Cor CP‑58
I
hate to hear : that freight train blow boo hoo
Every
time I hear it blowing: I feel like riding too
I
asked the brakeman : to let me ride the blinds
He
said little girlie : you know this train ain't mine
Oh
it's a mean old fireman : cruel old engineer
It
was a mean old train : that took my man away from here
I've
got the freight train blues : but I'm too darn mean to cry
I'm
going to love that man : till the day he dies
There's
three trains ready : but none ain't going my way
But
the sun's going to shine : in my back door some day
������� �New
York, 14 June 1939
������� �(65815‑A)
De‑7617 AH‑158
I'm
one woman : who can't use a no‑good man
Because
a man like him : is only good for a one night stand
Now
I'm a red‑hot chick : just *puffing* out with flame and youth
It
takes a real hip man : to make me tell the truth
He's
got to get it in the groove : and get a new technique
I'm
tired of old style loving : a modern man I'm forced to seek
My
first name's Trixie : the last has never been told
I've
been chasing pigmeat : since I was nine days old
[Now
there ain't but, there's only] two people in this world : I can't stand
That's
a two‑faced woman : and a lying man
������� �Richmond,
Ind., 17 Aug. 1929
������� �(15453)
Pm‑12817 Yz L‑1015
You
wonder why : I treat you so
You
should have : sense enough to know
You
may say : that I'm changing fast
But
good things in life : don't never last
You
used to treat me : like a dog
But
now I learned : to hop from broad to broad
Once
I couldn't stand : to see you cry
But
I feel all the same : mama if you die
I
might as well : to tell you the facts
I
got a new gal : she's tight like that
������� �Richmond,
Ind., 17 Aug. 1929
������� �(15456)
Pm‑12817 Yz L‑1015
I
woke up this morning : clock was striking four
And
my baby told me : pack your things and go
I'm
going to pack my suitcase : and move back to the woods
It's
nobody here : that means me any good
Just
as sure as the good Lord : sits in the heaven above
Now
your life ain't all pleasure : unless you be with that one you love
I'm
going to the river : sit right on the ground
Now
if my heart strikes sorrow : my tears come rolling down
Now
she's little and she's low : right down on the ground
Now
this the reason I love her : she ain't no hand‑me‑down
Mmm
: ain't going to sing no more
Now
my train is waiting : baby and I got to go
������� �Chicago,
28 July 1935
������� �(91445)
BB‑B6529 BC‑6
Lord
I hate to hear : that Erie train whistle when he blow
It
give me a feeling : that I never had before
Mmm
: that Erie's got my baby gone
That
the reason why people : you hear me sing this moan
The
Erie : I swear it ain't *coming* back
That
train come and stole my baby people : swear it won't bring her back
������� �Chicago,
c. 6 May 1929
������� �(C‑3449‑
) Br‑7085 Yz L‑1003
Cairo
: Cairo is my baby's home
Going
where my Cairo baby lives : won't be long
Mmm
: mmm
Mmm
: won't be here long
Women
in Cairo : will treat you [nice and] kind of strange
Get
you rider : and take you off that thing
Kick
you and knife you : beat you and cut you too
*When
you through* :
Cairo
: Cairo is my baby's home
I'm
going home : and I swear and it won't be long
������� �Chicago,
c. 6 May 1929
������� �(C‑3450‑
) Br‑7085 OJL‑20
Say
some strange something : is easing down on me
Because
my best baby has quit me : and the world she cared for me
Now
will you please be kind babe : let me speak just one more time
Because
I have something to tell you baby : will ease your trouble in mind
Now
I'm going back to Biddle Street : try and wear you off my mind
Because
I have another woman on Biddle Street : will treat me nice and kind
Biddle
Street Biddle Street now : is only twenty‑six blocks long
And
the women on Biddle Street : just won't leave me alone
That's
why I'm going back to Biddle Street : I swear it won't be long
Because
I know my baby's there : she will take my loving on
������� �Memphis,
22 Sept. 1929
������� �(M‑184‑
) Br‑7137 OJL‑20
Let
me tell you people : some of the grandest news
Everybody's
talking : about those house‑dance blues
Police
and detectives : will declare by surprise
They
caught some wind of this : Lord in a dive
House‑dance
blues boys : *still got in the drink*
When
you hear the judge : call your name
*Eleven
twenty‑two* thirty days : is your fine
Now
ain't that enough : to change the colored people's mind
???
:
*Doubt*
if her could pay for her : all the time
Tell
him not to *slip* so much : and pay your fine
You
got to go to Cincy : to make your time
Razor
man : going to take your name
Shave
you up and down : put you on the ??? chain
You
can go to house dance : stay home if you choose
You
go to house dance : you catch them house‑dance blues
I'm
going and I'm going : crying ain't going to make me stay
The
more that you cry : more fars I go away
May
be tomorrow : may be a year or two
You
mistreat me babe : it's coming home to you
Mama
told me : pop told me too
Don't
you let no woman : be the death of you
Cigarettes
and ??? strong whiskey : is my crave
Son
your ??? women : going to carry me to my grave
You
told me that you loved me : to give my poor heart ease
Soon
as my back was turned : you love just who you please
You
mistreat me now mama : without a cause
I'm
going away to leave you : and ain't coming back here at all
������� �Chicago,
12 Aug. 1936
������� �(90787‑C)
De‑7204 AH‑158
Now
you think : you are smart
But
you really : ain't worth a
When
I first met you : I thought I fell in good luck
Now
I know : you ain't worth a
You
want me to be humble to you : as a lamb
I
wouldn't mind doing : you ain't worth a
I
don't want no man : laying around on the grass
All
you want to do : is just sit on your
I'm
leaving you baby : fare you well
Now
your D P aching : just go to
������� �St.
Louis, 27 Apr. 1927
������� �(80768‑B)
OK‑8481 Spi LP-2001
I
ain't going to travel : this big road all by myself
If
I don't take my baby : I sure want to have nobody else
When
he were arrested : and put in that mean old jail
I
were the only person : to try and go his bail
Ooh
: baby why didn't you let me go
Daddy
if you don't want me : had a‑plenty more
������� �St.
Louis, 27 Apr. 1927
������� �(80769‑B)
OK‑8481 Spi LP-2001
Now
old Mr alligator : he got way back
He
say look out children : I'm going to *float on* my back
Now
old Mr alligator : he got real hot
He
said we going to have this function : whether there's a‑water or not
Now
if you don't believe what I'm saying : ask old alligator Jack
Wasn't
a drop of water in the pond : a‑when he got back
������� �New
York, 1 Nov. 1927
������� �(81596‑B)
OK‑8581 Spi LP-2001
Well
I'm laying here in this jailhouse : scared as any fool can be
I
believe they're going to hang me : from what my lawyer said to me
My
man got running around : with a woman he know I can't stand
Add
one notch on my gun : and the world's rid of one trifling man
I
scrubbed them pots and kettles : I washed and ironed the white folks clothes
And
he got it like I made it : I killed him judge and that's all I know
I
said I ain't done nothing : but kill a man what belong to me
And
here they got me charged : with murder in the first degree
������� �New
York, 12 Sept. 1928
������� �(401114‑B)
OK‑8615 Sw S‑1240
Whoever
said : a good man hard to find
Positively
absolutely : sure was blind
He
threads my needle : creams my wheat
Heats
my heater : chops my meat
For
everything : he's got a scheme
I
like the way : he whips my cream
Sometimes
he's up : before the dawn
Busy
working : on my lawn
My
ice don't seem : to melt away
I
get a fresh piece : every day
������ ��New York, 12 Sept. 1928
������� �(401115‑A)
OK unissued Spi LP-2001
Organ grinder organ grinder : organ grinder play that melody
Take
your organ : and grind some more for me
Grind
it north grind it north : grind it north and grind it east and west
When
you grind it slow : I like it the best
Organ
grinder organ grinder : you don't have to pass your hat no more
You're
the grinder : I've been waiting for
Organ
grinder organ grinder : your sweet music seems to ease my mind
It's
not your organ : but the way you grind
Organ
grinder organ grinder : organ grinder don't tell me you're through
If
you are tired : let mama grind awhile for you
������� �New
York, 12 Sept. 1928
������� �(401115‑C)
OK‑8615 Sw S‑1240
Organ grinder organ grinder : organ grinder play that
melody
Shake
your organ : and grind some more for me
Grind
it north grind it north : grind it north and grind it east and west
When
you grind it so : I like it the best
Organ
grinder organ grinder : you don't have to tip your hat no more
You're
the grinder : I've been waiting for
Organ
grinder organ grinder : your sweet music seems to ease my mind
It's
not your organ : but it's the way you grind
Organ
grinder organ grinder : organ grinder don't tell me you're through
If
you are done : let mama grind awhile for you
������� �New
York, 13 Oct. 1928
������� �(401222‑A)
OK‑8626 Spi LP-2001
In
my path lay a black snake : about eight or nine inches long
Got
my ax and mean to kill him : before he sucks my rider's tongue
Ooh
: wonder if my black snake will come back home
Wonder
if he's got another woman : Lord since he been gone
������� �New
York, 10 July 1929
������� �(402526‑A)
OK‑8713 Spi LP-2001
Oh
when the river runs : flowers are blooming in May
And
if you get good business : how do you do it that way
Streetwalking
women : they are happy and gay
But
I'm never happy : how do you get that way
Now
they can come and go : to and fro every day
But
I can't make them like me : how do you do it that way
And
when the rooster and the hen : go to the barn to play
Oh
the hen had chickens : how do they do it that way
������� �New
York, 1 Oct. 1929
������� �(56735‑1)
Vi‑V38546 Spi LP-2001
Hello
there Central : please give me my best man
Well
I gave you the right number : gee I can't understand
Ooh
: there must be somebody there
Central
Central : tell me what's that I hear
Lord
: could that be another woman there
So
start a‑walking the floor : wring my hands and pulling my hair
Ooh
: Central won't you let me know
Know
that I can get a daddy : most any place I go
Oh
Central Central : I've been telephoning the blues
Central
Central : please give me good news
I've
been phoning phoning : I've been telephoning all night long
Bet
you fifty to one hundred : something is going on wrong
������� �Chicago,
20 Mar. 1931
������� �(VO‑150‑
) Vo‑1640 Spi LP-2001
I
don't trust nobody : but the good Lord above
And
outside of my mother : there's nobody else I love
Now
they will love you and fool you : make you spend all your dough
After
they get what they want : why they don't like you no more
So‑called
friends : all that they do
Waiting
for a chance : to double‑cross you
Mmm
: this ain't no place for me
Well
I'm going up the country : I mean across the deep blue sea
Oh
friendship ain't no good : that's why I'm hitting that long long trail
Because
they fool with my money : mama don't mind going to jail
Here
I lay here after midnight : drinking my poor self to sleep
While
that lowdown man of mine : is trying to make his 'fore‑day creep
������� �Chicago,
7 July 1936
������� �(90785‑A)
De‑7203 AH‑58
That
is some black snake : trying to get the best of me
But
I'm too good a woman : you just wait and see
Because
oh : I ain't coming here no more
Black
snake's in my house : black snake's all around my door
And
it's no use to worry : baby about the days being long
Now
black snake got the best dough : and you sure can't roll him on
Oh
: I can't stay there no more
My
black snake is gone : and my poor heart is aching me so
I
don't care what you say : don't you come here no more
Don't
you crawl in my window : don't you creep in my door
Oh
: I don't want you no more
Mmm
: baby you really made me sore
������� �Chicago,
7 July 1936
������� �(90789‑A)
De‑7203 Spi LP-2001
Say
I feel myself : falling again
In
the same hole : that I once was in
������� �Chicago,
7 July 1936
������� �(90790‑A)
De‑7222 Spi LP-2001
T
B's got me : all my friends done throwed me down
But
they treated me so nice : when I was up able to run around
Ooh
: my poor lungs are hurting me so
I
don't get no peace or comfort : no matter where I go
Lord
: my good man don't want me no more
Well
I wished I was dead : and in the land I'm doomed to go
������� �Chicago,
20 Aug. 1936
������� �(C‑1450‑2)
Vo‑03314 Spi LP-2001
Lonesome
lonesome : yes I'm sinking sinking sinking down below my grave
Done
had a good time : but my how I done paid
Because
the rising sun : ain't going to shine no more
Well
it's dark and dreary : no matter where I go
For
the lights in my room : even refuse to shine
If
my baby don't come back : I know I'll be doing time
Because
ooh : I can't stand no more
Well
he quit me for my best friend : and don't come to see me no more
Tell
all my good friends : because I know I can't last long
Please
don't you wait : for I'll be dead and gone
����� ���Chicago, 15 Oct. 1936
������� �(C‑1568‑?)
Vo unissued Spi LP-2001
Detroit's
a cold cold place : and I ain't got a dime to my name
I
would go to the poorhouse : but Lord you know I'm ashamed
I
been walking Hastings Street : nobody seems to treat me right
I
can make it in the daytime : but Lord these cold cold nights
Well
I'm tired of eating chile : and I can't eat beans no more
People
it hurts my feelings : Lord from door to door
I've
got to leave Detroit : if I have to flag Number Ninety‑Four
And
if I ever get back home : I ain't never coming to Detroit no more
������� �Chicago,
25 June 1926
������� �(9793‑A)
OK‑8422 Yz L‑1038
Listen
to my story now : please listen to my song
Can
you imagine how I feel now : have mercy my real milkcow gone
She's
a full‑blood Jersey : I'm going to tell you boys the way I know
???
for my milkcow : I don't care where my Jersey go
I
been on thirty fields : listens boys I been on thirty‑nine
I
rambled the whole South Side down : trying to find this real milkcow of mine
Say
my bed [seem lonely, is lonesome] : my pillow now it sure do
I
wake up out of the midnight : I really have those milkcow blues
Mmm
: baby listen hoo hoo hoo
Say
you look in my face now : run and tell them I got those milkcow blues
Listen
hey : sugar listen hey hey hey
Can't
you imagine how I feel now : I done told my real milkcow bye bye
������� �Chicago,
17 Nov. 1926
������� �(9908‑A)
OK‑8422 Mam S‑3802
I
know you heard the story : listen now people I know the song
I
mean I drink muddy water : I mean sugar now the whole night long
I'd
rather drink muddy water : rather sleep in a real hollow log
Baby
now before I'd stay with you : let you treat me like your driving dog
Now
daddy daddy daddy listen : turn your lights down low
I
got something good to tell you : she *holler* daddy just before you go
Put
your hat on my dresser : put your shoes daddy now under my bed
You
yearn for my pillow daddy : just to hold your little old worried head
Listen
mmm : baby now how long how long
I
mean I'd rather drink muddy water baby : because you know you sure have done me
wrong
I'd
rather drink muddy water : I'd rather wade in muddy water too
Now
before I'd stay with you : and take these lowdown dirty things you do
������� �Chicago,
17 Nov. 1926
������� �(9909‑A)
OK‑8422 Mam S‑3802
I
went to the Western Union : just to send up a telephone
I
heard a fellow say in Memphis : I really mean I was dragged down home
Some
people say that I'm right now : and some say I'm wrong
You
know I can't help but to study : when I really think about what it's like down
home
I
mean I'm used to drinking : and I'm used to seeing a great good time
Things
happen way back down home now : they I declare they sure run� across my mind
Now
the ticket agent she told me : when the Western Union message give me my number
wrong
You
sure can get your number : but you can't go hear my words back down home
Tell
me now what's the matter : now darling something must a‑be going on wrong
I'd
just like to get another ??? : I really mean now from way back down home
Crying
hey listen operator now : don't you tell me wrong
I
must've didn't have the right number : when I went to the Western Union to the
telephone
������� �Chicago,
c. July 1928
������� �(20727‑2)
Pm‑12665 His HLP‑17
It
was late last night : I tried so hard to sleep
When
a mean old tomcat : started his midnight creep
Tomcat's
in my window : tomcat's all around my door
I
never heard so much moaning and whining : in my life before
I
don't trust the tomcat : he's got such an evil eye
He's
sneaking and mistreating : die if that ain't no lie
A
tomcat man : is trying to break up my home
That's
why it makes me mad : when I hear a tomcat moan
Oh
Mr tomcat : get somebody of your own
For
you will lose your nine lives : if you don't let my baby alone
������� �Chicago,
c. July 1928
������� �(20728‑1)
Pm‑12665 Mam S‑3802
In
the lowlands of Mississippi : that's where I was born
Way
down in the sunny South : lowlands raise cotton and corn
Oh
way down in the Delta : that's where I long to be
There's
a Delta Bottom woman : who is sure going crazy over me
I'm
looking for a lowdown woman : who's looking for a lowdown man
Ain't
nobody in town : get no lowdowner I can
I
likes lowdown music : I like to barrelhouse get drunk too
I'm
just a lowdown man : always feeling lowdown and blue
������� �Chicago,
12 Apr. 1935
������� �(85782‑
) BB‑B5995 Mam S‑3802
My
baby woke me up this morning : she told me she's Joliet bound
She
want to find Four‑A Highway : that's the main Highway out of town
She
wouldn't even talk with me : wouldn't even have a word to say
She
asking all her friends around now : where she find number Four‑A highway
Number
Four‑A Highway : that's the main highway out of town
And
she leave out on that highway : I'm sure going to trail my baby down
I
feel like taking my suitcase : setting down on the side of that lonesome
highway
If
she leave there between nine and midnight : I'll overtake her just before day
If
I had my machine : I wouldn't worry about leaving town
I'd
get on that Four‑A Highway : and God knows I'd roll that highway down
������� �Chicago,
12 Apr. 1935
������� �(85783‑
) BB‑B6025 Mam S‑3802
Don't
worry baby : daddy been here so long
I
don't want you worrying all about me : because you know Freddie's coming back
home
Don't
cry baby : daddy be home some day
You
know good and well when I left you baby : I did not leave to stay
She
cried all last night : my baby cried all the night before
I'm
going back home to my baby : so she won't have to cry no more
Don't
worry baby : don't you weep and moan
Don't
you be no ways uneasy about me : some day I'm coming back home
Baby
baby : you understand what I say
Don't
you worry nothing about me : because I'm coming back home some day
������� �Chicago,
12 Apr. 1935
������� �(85784‑
) BB‑B6025 Mam S‑3802
I
feel like taking my suitcase : sitting down by that railroad side
If
I ever get killed baby : don't tell nobody how I died
Baby
please don't tell my mother : please don't let my sister know
Sure
as you appreciate my death baby : will you please hang crepe on your door
When
you walk into the undertaker : look over on your right‑hand side
You
can ask the undertakers about me : they may tell you how I died
Baby
baby don't you worry : sugar don't you weep and moan
You
may know about *bad luck* baby : that your Fred is dead and gone
Buy
me some flowers : see how they put my body away
You
can tell all your friends around baby : you heard the last word I had to say
When
[you, they] go to the cemetery : they begin to lower my body down
You
know that's the last of my good man : because they putting him down in the cold
cold ground
������� �Chicago,
12 Apr. 1935
������� �(85785‑
) BB‑B6261 OJL‑18
Now
come on girl : let's go out and have some fun
Want
to go out riding : I can tell you how it's done
We
can go out : and have a very good time
I'll
tell you all about it : now bear it in mind
Want
to go riding : don't have to go far
You
fix the blow‑outs : I'll drive the car
Dum dee da : dee da do
Now
explain it to me : tell me would you like to go
I
have told you that I would explain it to you : how it's done
Now
when you let me go out riding : and have some fun
Now
in case you want to go : now let me know
Here
now tell me : would you really like to go
Now
if you want to go with me riding : we could really have some fun
If
you buy the hot dogs : I got the buns
Now
tell me now : can't you go
Now
listen would you explain it to me : and tell me did you know
Now
you don't have to worry : we ain't so old
Now
if you got the line : I got the pole
Now
tell me dear : don't you know
We
can go out for a good time : would you like to go
Now
if you will just tell me brown : to know
Tell
me : would you like to go
Now
you don't have to worry : about being gone so long
Now
we going to have a good time : we'll take a blanket along
Soap
and towels : included too
No
telling what goes on : when you don't take that with you
Now
it's tell me dear : what you mean to do
I'll
go out riding : if you will too
Now
come on baby : we'll go out and have some really fun
I
told you you get the hot dogs : I'll get the buns
Well
dear : that's what I mean to say
I
want you to go out riding with me : and have a good time today
������� �Chicago,
12 Apr. 1935
������� �(85786‑
) BB‑B5995 Mam S‑3802
Won't
you come on baby come on baby : let's go back to Kokomo
That's
a small town in Western Michigan : tell daddy don't you want to go
Now
these women around Chicago is crazy : hollering about the times so hard
And
the women in Kokomo baby : they drinking liquor from real *costly* bar
Why
don't you come on baby come on : and let's go back to Kokomo
Yes
I'm leaving here tomorrow morning : tell me baby don't you want to go
Kokomo's
about the best city : I declare that I ever saw
You
can break them down both night and day : and won't be worried and bothered with
no law
Now
I tell you all about that city : I declare it ain't a great large town
But
everywhere you go in Kokomo baby : you find the women there breaking them down
Said
now Mary had a little lamb : I mean his fleece was white as snow
Mary
take that little lamb with her : to most every place that she go
She
went down to the depot agent : they give her a ticket back to Kokomo
Depot
agent look down at mary's lamb : said Mary I declare your lamb can't go
She
*lied* just come on baby come on : I declare I'm going back to Kokomo
Why
don't you come on baby come on : listen tell me don't you want to go
I
will buy you a ticket baby : only cost us nineteen seventy‑five
When
that train leaves tomorrow morning : I want to catch that morning train and
ride
������� �Atlanta,
20 Oct. 1927
������� �(40320‑1)
Vi‑21066 Rt RL‑322
Woke
up early this morning : blues around my bed
And
the ??? : running everywhere
I
can sit right here : think a thousand miles away
I
was thinking about : that brownskin woman of mine
I'm
going to blow this town : honey it won't be long
And
I'm going to be dead : before I go back here no more
And
I'm going for the summer : won't be back till fall
If
I don't get no better treatment : go back here no more
And
it's one of these mornings : honey it won't be long
You
going to look for me : I'll be a thousand miles away
You
can take these blues : and lay them on your shelf
???
: sing them to yourself
������� �Atlanta, 20 Oct. 1927
������� �(40321‑1) Vi‑21066 Rt RL‑322
And
I'm going away : just to wear you off my mind
You
keep me troubled : honey all the time
������� �Atlanta, 20 Oct. 1927
������� �(40324‑1) Vi‑21356 OJL‑21
Woke
up early this morning : feeling awful low
And
the blues they had me : *running up the wall*
You
can read my letter : you sure can't read my mind
You
think I love you : better change your mind
Said
my mother told me : my dear old father too
Said
I used to love some : *faro out of town*
If
I had a‑listened : what my mother say
I'd
have been at home : with a *black‑haired*
Now
a brownskin woman : always on my mind
She
keeps me troubled : worried all the time
You
can take these blues : and lay them on your shelf
Get
blue tomorrow : sing them for yourself
������� �Atlanta, 20 Oct. 1927
������� �(40325‑1) Vi‑21356 OJL‑19
And
it's one of these mornings : honey and it won't be long
Going
to catch the *knocker* : down on *Maple* Hill
Got
the rickets got the rickets : and my baby got the Mobile blues
???
: wear you off my mind
And
the girl I love : just went and broke my heart
And
I'm going away : wear you off my mind
You
can take these blues : and hang them on your shelf
???
tomorrow : sing them to yourself
������� �Memphis,
13 Feb. 1928
������� �(41888‑2)
Vi‑21278 OJL‑4
Woke
up early early this morning : got out of my bed
And
the blues had started : climbing up the bed
If
you ever been been down : you know just how I feel
Woke
up early early this morning : with the blues all around my bed
And
the blues they tell me : crying man oh man
Oh
the preacher in the pulpit : he laid his Bible down
And
the members in the corner : singing Alabama bound
???
Coal‑Oil Johnny : sure was a‑born in hell
Papa
*preacher* thought : he sure was a‑born in born
I'm
going to leave this town : honey and it won't be long
And
I'm going to be at the depot : blow back hell or home
If
I feel tomorrow : just like I feel right now
Before
the rising sun come : sure won't *scarcely know*
������� �Memphis,
13 Feb. 1928
������� �(41889‑2)
Vi‑21278 Rt RL‑322
Woke
up early this morning : blues all around my bed
And
the blues ain't there : they easing everywhere
If
I feel tomorrow : like I feel right now
Going
to pack my suitcase : get me down the road somewhere
And
I'm going I'm going : your crying won't make me stay
And
I won't be there : just won't blow back anymore
If
I feel tomorrow : like I feel right now
Going
to ride till sundown : tomorrow catch me *there*
And
it's one of these mornings : honey it won't be long
You
will call for me : and I'll be a thousand miles from home
������� �Memphis,
29 May 1930
������� �(62541‑
) Vi‑23347 Jo SM‑3104
I'm
going to Newport News : just to see Aunt Caroline� Dyer
She's
the fortunetelling woman : oh Lord and she don't tell no lies
I'm
going to Newport News : just to pass ??? on the doggone day
Because
bad luck and hard work : oh Lord sure don't agree with me
Aunt
Caroline Dyer she told me : son you don't have to feel so rough
I'm
going to pick you up a mojo : oh Lord so you can strut your stuff
Aunt
Caroline Dyer she told me : son these women they don't mean you no good
Said
take my advice : and don't bother with none in your neighborhood
I
am leaving in the morning : I don't want no one to feel blue
I'm
going back to Newport News : and do what Aunt Caroline Dyer told me to do
������� �Memphis,
29 May 1930
������� �(62542‑ ) BB‑B5675 BC‑2
Tell
me mailman : I can't get no news
Know
by that baby : I'm bound to have those stonewall blues
I
called my good gal : my tongue was too weak to talk
Go
where she was : but my feet were too weak to walk
Seem
like I can hear : my good gal's voice in the air
Said
daddy I have a man ??? : and you have no rights in there
Oh
you ever get in jail : boy and you have no friends
Feel
just like Daniel : when they throwed him in that lion's den
My
good gal wrote a letter : how do you reckon it read
Come
home little daddy : your father's might near dead
How
can I come home baby : with these tall rock walls over my head
Know
by that baby : got no one to hold my aching head
Oh
where were you : when the clock struck five 'fore day
Down
in that old foundry : trying to roll my cares away
������� �Chicago,
c. Aug. 1927
������� �(4771‑3)
Pm‑12518 Rt RL‑308
Oh
well it's our Father : who art in heaven
The
preacher owed me ten dollars : he paid me seven
Thy
kingdom come : Thy will be done
If
I hadn't took the seven Lord : I wouldn't have gotten none
Oh
well some folks say : that a preacher won't steal
I
caught about eleven : in the watermelon field
Just
a‑cutting and a‑slicing : got to tearing up the vine
They's
eating and talking : most all the time
Oh
well you see a preacher : lay behind the log
A
hand on the trigger : got his eye on the hog
The
hog said mmm : the gun said zip
Jumped
on the hog : with all his grip
Now
when I first went over : to Memphis Tennessee
I
was crazy about the preachers : as I could be
I
went out on the front porch : a‑walking about
Invite
the preacher over : to my house
He
washed his face : he combed his head
And
next thing he want to do : was slip in my bed
I
caught him by the head : man kicked him out the door
Don't
allow my preacher : at my house no more
������� �Chicago,
c. Aug. 1927
������� �(4773‑1)
Pm‑12531 Rt RL‑308
Lord
I woke up this morning : with the blues all around my baby's bed
I
turned my face to the wall : baby these are the words I said
Lordy
it's sweet to mama : now mama where you stay last night
Because
your clothes all wrinkled : mama and your hair sure ain't fixed up right
Lord
it's two drops of water : Lord and one or two grains of sand
Now
babe the blues ain't nothing : but a woman want to see her man
Lord
it's two pretty steamers : Lord they running along side by side
And
now you know my good gal : I can't keep her satisfied
Lord
my mama told me : Lord when I was a child
You
having good times now : you have trouble after awhile
If
I just had a‑listened : to just what my mama said
I
would have been at home : trying to live good and
Lord
when you see the spider : Lord a‑running up and down the wall
He
must be going somewhere : great God to try and have his ashes hauled
I
said a‑weeping Mary : now Mary don't you weep no more
And
now stop and take your time : and do your work everywhere you go
������� �Chicago,
c. Aug. 1927
������� �(4774‑2)
Pm‑12531 Rt RL‑308
Hey
: what do you want your man to do
Said
I rob and steal : and make everything for you
Well
now for my breakfast : give me half a cup of tea
About
half past nine : sing the same old song to me
Now
: I ain't going to work for you no more
Every
time I work for you : *carried* from door to door
Well
now your wife get ??? : and don't want to stay at home
Find
another one walking : let the front‑door gal alone
Hey
: something's really worrying me
It's
not my best *filly* : but it's the gal I'd like to see
I
say sometime I feel : like I'm going away from home
Men
don't like my peaches : they sure can't leave me alone
Hey
: mama what's the matter now
*Every
midnight dream in the world* : and I don't know how
And
I feel like hollering : murder in the first degree
You
didn't have no business gal : starting to deal with me
I
: ain't going to stay with you no more
Every
time I stay with you : *carried* from door to door
������� �Chicago,
c. Aug. 1927
������� �(4775‑2)
Pm‑12576 Rt RL‑308
Said
I'm [leaving mama, going away] : I'm going to leave you now
Every
time I think : I think I'm downtown
Yeah
listen mama : what I'm about to say to you
Ain't
a thing to the world mama : that I want you to do
If
the blues get away from me mama : I'm going back home with you
Every
time I see you : I think about the things I want to do
And
I'm going I'm going mama : what you want me to bring you back
Mama
think about the things in the world : that your good friends have
I'm
going to the workhouse : set out on the floor
And
if the times don't get better : I ain't going back home no more
And
I feel like hollering : murder in the first degree
You
didn't have no business mama : starting this deal with me
������� �Chicago,
c. Aug. 1927
������ ��(4777‑1) Pm‑12591 Bio BLP‑12041
Hey
listen at me mama : don't be all night
I
know something : suit your appetite
Yeah
don't know nothing : meet my gal somewhere
And
I won't be : when you meet me there
Oh
when you meet me baby : go good and slow
I
take my time baby : where I go
Now
don't you think I know : my baby love me so
She
make five dollars : and she give me four
She
takes it to town : and she walks it about
And
she treats me nice : around her house
������� �Chicago,
c. Sept. 1927
������� �(20043‑2)
Pm‑12518 Bio BLP‑12041
Oh
well it's our Father : who art in heaven
The
preacher owed me ten dollars : he paid me seven
Thy
kingdom come : Thy will be done
If
I hadn't took the seven Lord : I wouldn't have gotten none
Oh
well some folks say : that a preacher won't steal
I
caught about eleven : in the watermelon field
Just
a‑cutting and a‑slicing : got to tearing up the vine
They's
eating and talking : most all the time
Oh
well you see a preacher : laying behind the log
A
hand on the trigger : got his eye on the hog
The
hog said mmm : the gun said zip
Jumped
on the hog : with all his grip
Now
when I first went over : to Memphis Tennessee
I
was crazy about preachers : as I could be
I
went out on the front porch : a‑walking about
Invite
the preacher : over to my house
He
washed his face : he combed his head
And
the next thing he wanted to do : was slip in my bed
I
caught him by the head : man kicked him out the door
Don't
allow my preacher : at my house no more
������� �Chicago,
c. Sept. 1927
������� �(20044‑2)
Pm‑12518 Bio BLP‑12041
Now
when I was young : in my prime
*Pick
these* different women : all the time
I
had a woman : God her name was Lucy
God
almighty devil : what that woman wouldn't do
Another
woman : God her name Henrietta
Talk
to six straight men : say she knows no better
Another
woman : God her name was Mattie
She's
a‑slipping and a‑stalling : in some dark alley
Another
woman : God her name was Jenny
Talked
to white folks black folks : she wouldn't give a penny
Another
woman : God her name was Mae
A
white man only : got every day
I
knocked Mae down : I stomped in her face
Half
her trouble : must have
I
went to the workhouse : to work out my time
And
the same doggone woman : on my mind
In
time I got out : I drunk a little gin
I
goed right back : to Mae's house again
By
time I got in the house : getting ready to have a little fun
Made
me come back *about* : I gotten more than one
Now
let me tell you a little something : don't you raise no fuss
Boys
these young women : want to do their stuff
From
their legs and from their ankles : and on to their knees
*Trying
to ??? devilment* : as they can be
While
you're out man : trying to
She's
a‑winking and a‑blinking : at another man
You
get out at night : you peeping through a crack
I
wonder how long : before my husband gets back
Your
husband get back : you ready to have a little fun
Before
you get out of sight : he got more than one
And
now I'm getting old : Lord my head's getting grey
Lord
I'm not bow‑legged : but I walks that way
I
*claim to see the oldest rat* : of the *barge*
I
known about the women : long before I got grown
But
some in the daytime : some at night
How
in the world : can you treat any living man right
Any
time you get out : you're ready to
Turn
around and slipping down : jumping in your bed
He
jumped in your bed : he begin to have a little fun
Anything
you want to know : got a little *lunch* done
A
little *lunch* done : from three to four
Have
to *turn down* : before your old man go
You
may be brownskin : you color may be black
What
I say about you women : I won't take it back
I
get drunk : love to have my fun
But
all the darn women : got more than one
������� �Chicago,
c. Sept. 1927
������� �(20045‑1)
Pm‑12552 OJL‑21
If
Mr Crump don't like it : he ain't going to have it here
No
barrelhouse women : God and drinking no beer
I
saw the Baptist sister jump up : and began to shout
But
I'm so glad : that that whiskey vote is out
I
saw the Methodist sister jumped up : and they had a fit
She
was doggone sorry : *weren't* king corn *here*
I
saw the Presbyterian sister turn around : and began to grin
Lord
I believe I'll start out : to barrelhousing again
I
saw the deacon look around : sister why in the world don't you hush
I'd
rather see you get drunk : than wear this *hubbard* skirt
You
don't like my peaches : don't shake my tree
Don't
like my fruit : let my orange juice be
������� �Chicago,
c. Sept. 1927
������� �(20048‑2)
Pm‑12552 Bio BLP‑12041
And
I'm going and I'm going : and your crying won't make me stay
Baby
the more you cry : the further you drive me away
And
I'm leaving baby : what you want me to bring you back
Mama
dream of what I'm leaving : something that your good gal like
Hey
hey : mama what's the matter now
I
would be your ??? : but I don't know how
Take
me in your arms mama : and rock me good and slow
So
I can take my time : and do my work everywhere I go
Now
you can tell a good man : looking in his face
???
shoulders : nice and cute through the waist
������� �Memphis,
1 Feb. 1928
������� �(41822‑1)
Vi‑21272 BC‑5
Hey
listen mama : the world is done gone away
I'm
got a bad‑luck deal : give me trouble every day
And
I'm going I'm going : pin up black tape on your door
Tell
your man ain't dead : just ain't coming to your house no more
And
I'm going downtown : going to stay around there till dark
I
don't want no trouble : don't want you to drive off
Now
when you lay down at night : lit out early try to take your rest
You'll
get a couple phone calls : wake up and try to do your best
I'm
got a gal in the country : I'm got two that stays in town
Reason
I can fill it so careful : because nar' of them don't throw me down
������� �Memphis,
1 Feb. 1928
������� �(41822‑2)
Vi unissued His HLP‑31
Hey
listen mama : the world is done gone away
I
got a bad‑luck deal : give me trouble every day
And
I'm going I'm going : pin up black crepe on your door
Tell
your man ain't dead : just ain't coming to your house no more
And
I'm going downtown : going to stay around there till dawn
And
I want no trouble : don't want you to drive me home
Now
when you lay down at night : lit out early try to take your rest
You'll
get a couple phone calls : wake up and try to do your best
I
got a gal in the country : got two that stays in town
The
reason I can *fill it* so careful : because man don't know me there
������� �Memphis,
1 Feb. 1928
������� �(41825‑1)
Vi‑21272 Rt RL‑308
Now
when you lay down at night : call your good friend by name
You
don't like my *teepee* : you sure can't make my
And
I looked at the sun : and the sun was shining warm
You
never miss your good gal : till you caught your train and gone
And
you stood and cried : what you want me to say to you
I
want you to think about the things baby : that me and you used to do
Honey
run here baby : let's join our good hands
I
been in trouble some place : gal ever since I been your man
If
the blues don't quit me : I'll stay drunk every day
The
last time I seen you : trying to make your get‑away
������� �Memphis,
1 Feb. 1928
������� �(41826‑1)
Vi‑V38531 Yz L‑1002
Oh
now I wonder what's the matter : I can't rest at night
A
good woman that I'm loving : done took my appetite
And
she quit me she left me : to sing this song
You
never miss your friend : till you caught your train and gone
And
I'm going downtown : going to stay right there till fall
Don't
get the gal I want : I don't want no girl at all
Say
you talk about Sally : talk about Sally Lou
Well
the woman that I'm crazy about : she knows just what to do
What's
the matter now baby : that I could not treat you kind
You
give me a bad‑luck deal : kept something on my mind
������� �Memphis,
27 Aug. 1928
������� �(45419‑1)
Vi‑21672 Rt RL‑308
Now
you mistreat me : oh baby drove me from your door
Oh
but the Good Book say : mama you got to reap just what you sow
Well
if you don't want me : well mama you don't have to *run no salt*
I
can find more good girls : than a passenger train can haul
I
ain't going by your color : or woman neither by your good hair
Oh
but the dreams that you give me : baby call me from anywhere
Now
you may be brownskin : and your hair weren't too long
If
you mistreat me woman : you sure God lost your home
And
I'm going to the Gypsy : have my good gal's fortune told
She
got a pocket full of green : and back her mouth's up full of gold
And
it's wonder what the reason : now baby I can't rest at night
For
the gal that I'm crazy about : have took my appetite
������� �Memphis,
27 Aug. 1928
������� �(45420‑2)
Vi‑21672 Rt RL‑307
One
of these mornings : mama and it won't be long
Before
you miss your good man : rolling in your arms
I'm
going I'm going mama : what you want me to bring you back
Mama
think what I'm carrying away : something that your good gal likes
I
don't want no gravy mama : when the gravy get cold
Don't
want no bad‑luck woman : ain't got no place to go
You
miss your baby : rolling in your arms
But
if you don't come to see me : count the days I'm gone
And
I'm going I'm going : put a black tape on your door
For
your man ain't dead : just ain't coming here no more
Now
when you lay down at night : lay down early try to take your rest
You
get a call before down : wake up and try to do your best
������� �Memphis,
27 Aug. 1928
������� �(45421‑2)
Vi‑21738 Rt RL‑308
White
man take the blues : he walk to the river and sit down
If
the blues get too heavy : he'll jump overboard and drown
Now
it's east and west : north and south
Why
the Nehi women : have done turned me out
So
they can eagle rock me they can talk me : about the things that I used to do
I
got the Nehi blues mama : don't know what in the world to do
Well
now T for Texas : T for Tennessee
M
is for mighty bad weather : boys she stole away from me
Now
down North Third Street : the corner of Beale
Where
the Nehi women : have got a terrible *steal*
Now
papa got to singing : my folks got to crying
For
Nehi women : stays on my mind
Now
little batch of posies : laid on my door
The
Nehi women keep me : everywhere I go
������� �Memphis,
28 Aug. 1928
������� �(45426‑2)
Vi‑21738 Rt RL‑308
Now
my song's gotten tight : they won't treat me right
Try
to keep good drinking whiskey : out of my sight
Now
I'm a lonely guy : following the browns
I
think about the times : since I left town
Bring
around the bottle stopper : let's bottle some beer
The
town done got : too dry around here
Now
stomp it in the summertime : you needn't wait till fall
Don't
stomp it right : you needn't stomp it at all
Now
mama said one thing : my papa said the same
Stomping
that thing : is about to change my name
������� �Memphis,
30 Aug. 1928
������� �(45454‑2)
Vi‑V38531 Yz L‑1008
Now
what I mean : by treating you right
I'll
bring you my money : every Saturday night
Now
that old girl : that stayed in town
Called
me *booze* : and turned me around
Now
if you love me mama : you'll treat me right
You'll
bring me that money : every Saturday night
Now
if you will mama : take me back
I'll
be good : as any man can act
������� �Memphis,
30 Aug. 1928
������� �(45455‑1)
Vi‑V38512 BC‑6
I
never never never : can forget that day
If
you see my baby baby baby : tell her to hurry home
Now
listen at me mama mama : why did you let me go
Well
I hate the train train : that carried my baby away
Now
listen at me baby baby : everything all right with me
I
never never : baby I can't see anymore
When
you called me baby : how long how long
I
ain't had no loving : how long how long
I
ain't had no good feeling : how long how long
And
I'm on my way babe : how long how long
Oh
look here baby : how long how long
I
ain't had no loving : how long how long
And
left me standing : how long how long
I
ain't had no loving : how long how long
When
you called me baby : how long how long
I
ain't had no loving : since my baby gone
Oh
look here baby : how long how long
I
ain't had no loving : since my baby gone
Oh
run here baby : how long how long
I
ain't had no loving : since my baby gone
������� �Chicago,
c. Mar. 1929
������� �(21229‑2)
Pm‑12774 Rt RL‑308
I
: ain't going to do like I used to do
I'm
going to stand right here : do the same old thing to you
Hey
listen mama : if you will treat me right
I
will be good to you : I won't mistreat you no time
Now
if you love me baby : I'll treat you good and kind
I
will start being nice : and keep you on my mind
������� �Chicago,
c. Mar. 1929
������� �(21234‑1)
Pm‑12774 Rt RL‑333
Said
I went out hunting : hunting all *night and day*
When
I got home : my gal was gone away
Says
that's all right : I'll see you again
Now
if you let me baby : I will treat you so good and kind
Now
you mistreat me : when you leave trouble in my mind
If
you feel like : your good gal just quit you in the *long*
Then
you'll set right here : play and begin to sing this song
������� �Memphis,
23 Sept. 1929
������� �(55573‑2)
Vi‑V38548 Rt RL‑308
I
don't want you to weep mama : I don't want you to moan
But
I'm so glad : now made me leave my home
When
I was down in Mississippi : having troubles of my own
But
I done got satisfied : South Memphis is my home
Mmm
: mama what's the matter now
I
would take you to South Memphis : mama but I don't know how
I've
been so true mama : and I want you to do
Before
I'll take you to South Memphis : I going bid you adieu
������� �Memphis,
23 Sept. 1929
������� �(55574‑1)
Vi‑V38548 Rt RL‑308
Now
old Bunker Hill : place that I [long, wants] to stay
Where
I can have a good time : ??? every day
*Hey
them* Mississippi mama : and you look all right to me
I'm
just crazy about your good looks : as any poor man can be
And
the people on Bunker Hill : look at me sing this song
Say
that's papa Frank Stokes : he sure got *worried on*
I'm
going to take me a *ladder* : I mean ??? *light* I see
Mama
that's all right : you're sweet enough for me
I'm
going to talk to some day : talk to you for myself
If
you don't treat me right mama : you can't *treat* nobody else
������� �Memphis,
25 Sept. 1929
������� �(55584‑2)
Vi‑V38589 Yz L‑1018
Right
now's the time : mama for you to change your mind
You
give me bad luck dear mama : you trouble me all the time
Now
I told mama listen : if you be good
Give
everything in this world mama : that a man ever could
Sometime
I think I will : then again I think I won't
Sometime
I think I like my good gal : again I think I don't
Now
listen at me mama : mama if you'll only be kind
I
do everything mama : to try to satisfy your mind
������� �Memphis,
25 Sept. 1929
������� �(55591‑1)
Vi‑V38589 RBF RF‑202
I
ain't no rounder : but I stays at home
If
you don't like my treatment : you sure can leave me alone
Babe
it's some day : you'll come to be my friend
Then
we will be all right : be back on the road again
Tell
me cloudy weather : the sun refuse to shine
And
I'll take my home : back in shiny town
I
love you baby : the best way in my life
Ain't
nothing that separate from me : for you to be my wife
������� �Memphis,
30 Sept. 1929
������� �(56305‑2)
Vi‑23411 Yz L‑1008
And
I'm going I'm going : and your crying won't make me stay
Because
the more you cry gal : the further you drive me away
When
I leave your house : pin up black crepe on your door
Tell
your man ain't dead : he ain't coming back here no more
Ever
dream that you lucky : and wake up cold in hand
I
wouldn't *hand her* my last dollar : to give your ???ing man
Take
me in your arms : rock me good and slow
Know
you hear them Frank Stokes blues : anywhere on earth you go
And
I'm leaving you mama : this is the last time I'll ever go
When
the Frank Stokes blues come around : I got a place to go
������� �Memphis,
30 Sept. 1929
������� �(56306‑2)
Vi‑23411 Rt RL‑308
Now
what makes Memphis women : love a rounder so
Because
he takes his time : doing the work everywhere he goes
I
don't drink whiskey : but I'm crazy about my wine
If
you take my good gal : I give you trouble all the time
There's
only four places in Memphis : that I'd like to go
Where
I could have a good time : and do my work everywhere I go
Throwed
up my hands : clasped them 'fore the sun
I
might take my time : with the work that I once have done
Then
I'm going to sing this verse : and I wasn't going to sing no more
Know
if you hear me doing any singing : I'll be standing around my door
������� �Chicago,
2 Aug. 1933
������� �(76837‑
) BB‑B5169 Yz L‑1030
And
it's hard time here : hard time everywhere
I
went down to the factory : where I worked three year
And
the bossman told me : man I ain't hiring here
Now
we have a little city : that they call *down in Baltimore*
Times
have got so hard : people ain't got no place to go
Don't
the moon look pretty : shining down through the trees
I
can see my fair brown : swear to God that she can't see me
Car
rolled this morning : I was lying out on my own
Lord
I didn't have no train fare baby : didn't have no place to go
I'm
going to send a trunk : babe I ain't going to send no more
Because
my baby keep on coming : baby and I believe that I better go
Indeed
I hate to hear : my faro call my name
She
don't call so lonesome : but she calls *my name*
������� �Chicago,
2 Aug. 1933
������� �(76838‑
) BB‑B5169 Yz L-1030
I'm
going to buy me a little red rooster mama : put it in my back door
So
when a *trixie* be passing by : he will flap his little wings and crow
I'm
going to buy me a bulldog : because my pistol is number forty‑one
I'm
going to shoot you if you stand still : mama I got a doggone dog to catch you
if you run
Catch
a *day boat* at the freight yard : I'm going back to New� Orleans
Because
honey I only want a mama : seems just like a *country* dream
Sure
to be buried in the river mama : than to be buried in a hollow log
Because
I got a no‑good faro : and she treat me just like a dog
Said
I'm leave this time mama : please don't hang none that crepe on my door
Because
I won't be dead : but I ain't coming back here no more
???
: good as any man can be
And
I wonder why mama : that you can't get along with me
������� �St.
Louis, 25 Apr. 1927
������� �(80749‑A)
OK‑8514 Fly LP‑103
Thought
I'd get me a picket : off a graveyard fence
Going
to beat you brownskin : till you learn some sense
Hey
: what's the matter now
Say
you trying to flip with me : honey and you don't know how
I'm
leaving here : ain't coming back till fall
If
the blues overtake me : I ain't coming back at all
Tell
me brownskin : what is on your mind
Reason
I asks you browny : you about to run me blind
������� �St.
Louis, 26 Apr. 1927
������� �(80748‑A)
OK‑8514 Rt RL‑310
Oh
a woman gets tired I mean real tired : of the same man all the time
Oh
the way my wife been *attracting* of late : she's about to make me lose my mind
When
I'm out on my wagon : try to sell a little coal
Oh
well she's around the corner : *oozing* sweet jellyroll
������� �St.
Louis, 26 Apr. 1927
������� �(80760‑B)
OK‑8543 His HLP‑4
And
I went upstairs : about four o'clock
I
rapped on my door : and my door was locked
I
peeped through transom : and my gal was gone
I
caught another mule : kicking in my stall
I
had a gal : and her name was *Leese*
Every
time *I clasp her* : she would holler police
She
cooked them biscuits : she cooked them brown
*Her
pancakes were black* : when she turned them around
I
told my gal : the week before last
I
had to *take these canned beans* : most too fast
I
went to the river : take my rocking chair
The
blues overtake me : rock away from here
And
I told my gal : the week before last
The
gait she's carrying me : is most too fast
������� �New
York, 14 June 1929
������� �(402451‑A)
OK‑8702 His HLP‑5
And
now I walked all night long : with my forty‑four in my hand
I
was looking for my woman : found her with another man
Lord
I wore my forty‑four so long : Lord it made my shoulder sore
After
I do what I want to : ain't going to wear my forty‑four no more
Lord
my baby say : she heard the forty‑four whistle blow
Lord
it sound just like : ain't going to blow this horn no more
Lord
I got a little cabin : Lord it's number forty‑four
Lord
I wake up every morning : the world be scratching on my door
������� �New
York, 14 June 1929
������� �(402452‑A)
OK‑8727 Yz L-1033
All
my money gone : and there ain't no more to say
Now
you know I got to do something : baby that is not right
People
you could not blame me : when all I gots been *torn*
A
no‑good woman mistreat me : she taken all my money and gone
Now
this world is in a tangle : everybody singing this song
I
ain't got a friend in the world : and all my money's gone
Now
I believe I believe : I am on my last go‑round
Have
all my money gone : I feel myself sinking down
������� �New
York, 14 June 1929
������� �(402453‑B)
OK‑8727 Yz L-1033
Hey
: I know you don't know the way I feel
Lord
you treats me : just like my heart is made of steel
My
baby : don't see why I *pone thee* no more
Lord
I believe to my soul : that she's got the man next door
I
woke up this morning : just as sick as I could be
Now
nothing but these blues : almost killing poor me
I
spoke hard words to my mother : even to my dear old dad too
Which
I wouldn't have spoken : if it hadn't've been for you
Since
we been apart : my life don't seem the same
Lord
it breaks my heart : to hear the *work‑hard* Miss so‑and‑so's
name
������� �Richmond,
Ind., 7 Sept. 1929
������� �(15557)
Pm‑12827 Riv RM‑8819
My
house burning down : the firemen are taking their time
Please
Mr fire detective : won't you save this old cabin of mine
I
spent my money : looking to be happy some day
Now
my house burning down : I ain't got no place to stay
That
fire detective : don't mean me no good
Let
my house burn into ashes : didn't leave me one stick of wood
Sat
baby : won't you please write to me
I'm
just as lonesome : as a young man can be
My
house burned down : didn't leave me a doggone thing
Reason
why it worries me : to hear that fire bell ring
������� �Richmond,
Ind., 7 Sept. 1929
������� �(15563)
Pm‑12827 Riv RM‑8819
Hit
my woman : with a singletree
You
might've heard her hollering : daddy don't you murder me
Going
to shoot you mama : going to cut you too
Lord
on account : of the old way you do
Been
sick and down babe : I'm getting up again
Mmm
: but *I'm blowed in the wind*
Going
away mama : coming here no more
You
know you shout at me : you throwed my trunk outdoor
She's
a good old gal : she do mess around
She
ain't there : she's all over town
������� �Chicago,
16 Nov. 1929
������� �(403312‑A)
OK‑8749 Yz L-1033
Got
me accused for murder : and stealing was my crime
Lord
it was all on account : of me stealing a woman's mind
I
wrote my baby a letter : she send me a telegram
She
said daddy the reason I love you : you got ways just like a lamb
She
got a head like a switch‑engine : and her feet just like a teddy bear
She
dipping her Skeet and Garret : and spitting it everywhere
Lord
I'd rather be in the woods mama : Lord in a lion's den
Than
to be here in this town mama : Lord and deceive her men
Good
night blues : why don't you let me sleep
You
been following me : around this whole week
������� �Chicago,
16 Nov. 1929
������� �(403322‑A)
OK‑8819 RBF RF‑12
I
woke up this morning : thousand things on my mind
Lord
I thought about my troubles : could not keep from crying
I
turned around : looked toward the sky
I
said if these blues don't kill me : then I wasn't born to die
I
lost all I had : everything I had to lose
I
lost the one I love : I just can't lose these blues
And
if I stay here : I'll be blue all the time
If
I don't go crazy : then I will lose my mind
������� �Chicago,
16 Nov. 1929
������� �(403323‑A)
OK‑8787 Yz L-1033
Lord
I'm a poor boy : I'm going to and fro
What's
on my mind : don't nobody know
Lord
I am disgusted : and heart‑broken too
So
I went back to my mama : nothing else I can do
Poor
boy poor boy : ain't got no friends at all
Lord
I'm just like a rat : running from stall to stall
Lord
: have mercy on me please
Lord
I just want you : give this poor boy's heart some ease
������� �Cincinnati, 12 June 1930
������� �(62904‑2) Vi‑V38608 Yz L-1033
Lord
I say good morning Mr pawnshop man : as I walked in his door
I
says I feel bad this morning : and I really wants my forty‑four
Lord
I was at a party last night : I was out there till about half past two
I'm
going back out there tonight : I'm out to have some shooting to do
Lord
the policeman walked around me : they walked around me both night and day
When
they know I got my forty‑four : they won't have a word to say
Then
I made up in my mind : and I [really, simply] don't care how I go
Before
I'll be mistreated : I'm going to shoot my forty‑four
������� �Grafton,
Wis., c. Aug. 1930
������� �(L‑449‑2)
Pm‑13004 Riv RM‑8819
Well
hello there old gal : you sure looks fine
All
I hate you for : that three six and nine
Say
no more : and I'll look for you down about half past nine
And
I want you to bring along : that girl of mine
You
know down here : where you got your steak potatoes and tea
If
you act right : you get your gravy free
Well
she's all right : a good old kid
But
she ain't the gal : a man should be worried with
She's
a fine kid too : *believe in your big time*
But
ain't one thing about you : full of that three six and nine
Say
who was that guy : you had with you last night
Fine
old boy : he was tight
������� �Grafton,
Wis., c. Aug. 1930
������� �(L‑450‑2)
Pm‑13004 Riv RM‑8819
There
you was : down in then *lees*
Didn't
have nothing : but a limburger cheese
It
may be just as good : just as good as gold
No
mess around it : and let it get too old
You
go away : and you stays all day
When
you come back : you smells in a different way
Well
I know something : that I won't say
Tell
me : why do you smell that old way
But
I can't tell you : because you don't know
People
talking : everywhere I go
Wind
blow at night : and the wind blows in the day
Don't
it smell : when it blowing your way
������� �Chicago,
3 Nov. 1930
������� �(C‑6475‑A)
Me‑M12086 Yz L-1033
I
don't want no woman : partner that wants every man in town
Know
she ain't no good : she will tear your reputation down
I
went to my woman's house : just to sit down and talk awhile
Her
husband come in with his shotgun : and he run me for a solid mile
When
I got home partner : I didn't have time to [fasten, lock] my back gate
I
thought he was still behind me : and I didn't hesitate
I
won't try no mule : that don't know gee from haw
I
don't want no woman : she just soon as say yes as to say no
Turn
your light out mama : and [I want you to] pull you curtains down
I'm
going to fill you car with gasoline : and meet you going downtown
������� �Louisville,
9 June 1931
������ ��(69403‑1)
Vi‑23286 Yz L-1033
Now
listen here babe : is that the way you intend to do
Mistreat
me for another man : as true as I have been to you
You
used to treat me like you loved me : I wonder why you changed your mind
You
know I did the best I could : to treat you loving and kind
I'm
going to see you babe : when you down and out like myself
You're
going to work for Willie Kelly : and he'll work for somebody else
I'm
going away to leave you : I know the men will be better if I do
Because
as long as I'm around here : they can't get a fair break at you
I
hate to go : and I'm really afraid to stay
But
I won't be around here : mama and let you have your way
������� �Louisville, 9 June 1931
������� �(69404‑ ) Vi‑23320 Yz L-1033
My
babe my babe : she don't do no way to comfort me
She
know that ain't no way : for a sweet little wife to be
I'm
in a worse fix now baby : than I ever been before
I'd
rather be on the North Pole : living in the ice and snow
Last
time my baby quit me : I say I didn't no more want her around
But
every time I see her smiling face : my kind‑hearted feeling come down
Love
will make you do things : that you swear that you would not do
You
know if you ever been in love : what I'm say ain't nothing strange to you
I'm
a hard‑luck man : just as hard‑luck as I can be
If
I didn't have good friends : I don't know what would become of me
������� �Richmond,
Ind., 22 Sept. 1932
������� �(18801)
Ch‑16586 Yz L-1033
Mmm
I done you wrong : but I won't do that no more
You
taught me a lesson : about a Mr so‑and‑so
My
babe come running : [with a, she had] marriage license in her hand
You
say I ain't hardly got the heart to tell you : but I have got another man
I said bye bye : bye bye girl friend bye bye
I
can't stay here and be happy : and I ain't going to even try
Mmm
: you asked me [to, would I] try you again
I
shook my head and said : you going out with my best friend
Oh
yeah : oh yes oh yes I know
I
found out you's no good mama : I think I better let you go
Mmm
: you can't do that again
I'm
watching everybody : I'm only watching my only best friend
������� �Richmond,
Ind., 22 Sept. 1932
������� �(18802)
Ch‑16586 Yz L-1033
If
you ever been to Memphis : you stop down in Hollywood
Lord
the women out there : don't mean no one man no good
I'm
leaving St Louis : I'm going out Grand Avenue
I
got to go to Memphis : something over there that I want to do
When
I hit Grand [Avenue] : look like my troubles just begun
Lord
it breaks my heart : to sing about Highway Sixty‑One
I
felt so blue : while I was out on that lonely highway
I
say I'm riding now : but maybe my trouble will end some sweet day
I
can stand right here : look [down] on Beale Avenue
I
can see everything : that pretty Miss so‑and‑so do
Oh
listen kind mama : don't worry about your dad when I'm gone
You
know I'm wild about your kind mama : I ain't going to do nothing wrong
������� �New
York, c. May 1923
������� �(1407‑?)
Pm‑12033 VJM VLP‑40
Daddy
daddy : please come back to me
*Sure
my mouth* so down : as he can be
Left
me at midnight : clock was striking twelve
To
face this cruel world : world all by myself
������� �New
York, c. 21 Sept. 1923
���� ����(70328) Pat‑032007 VJM VLP‑40
I
have learned my lesson : believe me I am through
And
folks I am not joking : when I sing these down‑south blues
I'm
going to the station : and get the fastest train that goes
I'm
going back south : where the weather suits my clothes
Because
my mama told me : and my daddy told me too
Don't
go north : and let the men make a fool out of you
I
have found out : it doesn't pay to love a northern man
Can't
get them when you want them : catch them when you can
Because
their love is like a faucet : it turns off and on
Time
you think you've got it : it turns off and gone
I'm
going back down south : if I wear out ninety‑nine pair of shoes
Because
I'm broken‑hearted : got those down‑south blues
������� �New
York, c. 21 Sept. 1923
������� �(70329)
Pat‑032007 VJM VLP‑40
Every
night : when I go to bed
I
just weep in my ??? : across my head
I'm
a‑tell you : that he's not my regular man
But
he loves me nicer : than my regular can
If
you knew the man like I do : you would agree
That's
the reason : why he makes a fool out of me
������� �Chicago,
c. May 1928
������� �(20544‑2)
Pm‑12685 Yz L-1039
I
hate to hear : that through train blow boo hoo
Every
time I hear it blowing : I feel like riding too
The
woman I love : treat me so unkind
Going
to pack my grip : and leave this lonesome town
I'm
going away : just to wear you off my mind
And
I may be gone baby : a doggone long long time
I'm
going to grab me a freight train : ride until it stops
Ain't
going to stay around here : and be no stumbling block
������� �Chicago,
c. Sept. 1928
������� �(�� ) Vo‑1216 His HLP‑1
Listen
here folks : I'm going to sing a little song
Don't
get mad : we don't mean no harm
There
was a little black rooster : met a little brown hen
Made
a date at the barn : about half past ten
I
went to see my gal : up across the hall
Found
another mule : kicking in my stall
Now
the gal I love : she's long and slim
When
she whip it : it's too bad Jim
Now
the rooster crowed : and the hen looked around
At
the *bom bom diddly* : got to carry me into town
Mama
had a little dog : and its name was Ball
And
if you give him a little taste : he want it all
Uncle
Bud and Aunt Jane : went to *take a pan hon*
Aunt
Jane fell down : and Uncle Bud
If
you see my gal : tell her to hurry home
I
ain't had no sass : since she been gone
I
wear my britches : up above my knees
Strut
my jelly : with who I please
Uncle
Bill came home : about half past ten
He
see in the hole : but he couldn't get in
Me
and my brother : was up in the loft
We
was seeing a film : when they broke it off
������� �Chicago,
c. 16 May 1929
������� �(C‑3485‑
) Vo‑1277 Yz L-1039
Mama
bought a rooster : she thought it was a duck
She
brought him to the table : with his legs straight up
In
came the children : with a cup and a glass
To
catch the liquor : from his yas yas yas
Babe
oh babe : have you ever been to Spain
See
those hoodoo women : shaking that thing
They
got rings on their fingers : bells on their toes
What
they got good babe : nobody knows
I'm
going down : Market Street
Where
the men and women : all do meet
That's
where the men : do the Georgia rub
Women
fall in line : with a big washtub
Me
and my gal : walking down the street
She
caught the rheumatism : in her feet
She
stooped over : to pick some grass
And
the same thing struck her : in the yas yas yas
You
catch the train : you call Forty‑Nine
Carries
you down : to Caroline
You
catch the train : you call Forty‑Eight
Takes
you right in : to the Golden Gate
You
shake your shoulder : you shake them fast
You
can't shake your shoulders : shake your yas yas yas
Drink
some rooster soup : before going to bed
Wake
up in the morning : find your own self dead
Down
on Morgan : there's a good location
Right
there : next to a gasoline station
That's
where you'll get your car : oil and greased
Women
crying honey : won't you come in please
I'm
going to sing this verse : ain't going to sing no more
Somebody's
knocking : on my door
The
people upstairs : have gone to bed
I
better stop that noise : before they crack my head
������� �Chicago,
c. 14 June 1929
������� �(C‑3594‑
) Vo‑1426 Yz L-1039
What
is it tastes like gravy : boys I bet you don't know
Can
you guess what tastes like gravy : it's tight if you really want to know
I
taste it last night : the night before
If
I keep this appetite : I'm going to taste it a little more
Now
the gal that let me taste it : they put her in jail
But
she didn't need nothing : to go her bail
Now
if you don't know : I tell you who do
Just
see Tampa Red : and his best gal too
������� �Memphis,
14 Oct. 1929
������� �(M‑203/4)
Vo‑1428 Yz L‑1021
Nobody
knows : old Memphis like I do
The
reason I know it : I rambled it through and through
Boys
if you got a good woman : here's a lesson I'll give to you
Don't
bring her to Memphis : Jim Jackson will take them away from you
������� �New
York, 3 Feb. 1932
������� �(11210‑A)
Vo‑1699 Yz L-1039
I
know a gal : by the name of Marylou
She
shook it so much : she had the German flu
The
women don't like her : they call her Ida Mae
But
the way the men love her : is a crying shame
I
tell you people : what she done
She
made a hit with Jack the Ripper : and the *only* one
You
women don't have to worry : about your life
She
made Jack the Ripper : throw away his knife
She
shakes all over : when she walks
She
made a blind man see : and a dumb man talk
The
copper brought her in : she didn't need no bail
She
shook it for the judge : and put the cop in jail
������� �Chicago,
22 Mar. 1934
������� �(80385‑1)
BB‑B5617 RCA LPV‑518
Little
minnows in the river : kingfish in the deep blue sea
Lord
I got a gang of women : trying to get a chance with me
You
may think it's all right : but baby doll can't you see
Now
you know doggone well : you are getting out of place with me
I
will play kingfish : if you act just like the minnows do
In
case old Tampa Red should flutter : don't you be ashamed to shoo
Now
I'm a kingfish papa : and I know what kind of bait to choose
That's
why so many women : crying those kingfish blues
������� �Chicago,
14 June 1934
������� �(80604‑1)
BB‑B5546 RCA LPV‑518
You's
a mean mistreating mama : and you don't mean me no good
But
I don't blame you baby : I'd be the same way if I could
You
say you going to leave me : well you say you going away
But
that's all right baby : baby you'll come back home some day
Now
you's a mean mistreater : and you mistreat me all the time
But
that's all right baby : I won't pay that no mind
Can't
you remember baby : when I knocked upon your door
You
had the nerve to tell me : that you didn't want me no more
Boys
ain't it lonesome : sleeping all by yourself
When
the woman that you loving : is loving someone else
������� �Aurora,
Ill., 11 Oct. 1937
������� �(014333‑
) BB‑B7315 Yz L-1039
My
baby's gone : won't be back no more
She
left me this morning : she caught that Seminole
I
got the blues so bad : it hurt my tongue to talk
I
would follow my baby : but it hurt my feet to walk
She
give me her love : even let me draw her pay
She
was a real good woman : but unkindness drove her away
I
got the Seminole blues : leaving on my mind
I'm
going to find my baby : if I have to ride the blinds
������� �Grafton,
Wis., Mar. or Apr. 1930
������� �(L‑251‑2)
Pm‑12967 Yz L‑1028
Lord
I'm so *blurred so blurred* : can't hardly stand to play those blues myself
That's
the way I talk pretty mama : I don't have to beg nobody here
Now
my suitcase is packed : and my trunk's all ready to go
And
my suitcase is too heavy : to tote down that dusty road
Now
my baby my baby my baby : now she always keep me feeling blue
I
bet she's just like ??? : can't never tell what she's going to do
Baby
baby baby baby : I mean you really know what's wrong
That's
mistreat a poor boy : don't you know that's a very long way from home
Mmm : oh Lord Lord Lordy Lord
My
suitcase is too heavy : to walk down that dusty road
������� �Grafton,
Wis., Mar. or Apr. 1930
������� �(L‑252‑2)
Pm‑12967 Her H‑205
Oh
baby you know that I love you : that is the reason you treat me so unkind
I'm
going to get me a good girl : just to wear you off my mind
Hon'
I'm going down in Louisiana : baby just behind the sun
And
when I come back pretty mama : all my good work will be done
Baby
you treat me *so unkind* : you always keep me feeling blue
Lord
I sometimes wonder : honey what you trying to do
Ooh : oh Lord Lord Lord Lord Lord
I
want to be you man : and you want me to be your dog
And
I'm leaving in the morning : and I'm leaving on the southbound train
And
when I come back baby : I don't want you to call my name
������� �Chicago,
14 May 1935
������� �(C‑986‑B)
Vo‑03068 OJL‑17
And
I heard a mighty rumbling : and it [sound, looks] just like a passenger train
And
I heard a sweet little woman : ooo Lord I hate to call her name
Well
I would ask of you my darling : just so quiet so soft and low
Mmm
it give me many heartache : baby ooo Lord as the mamas come and go
Mmm
now if I could holler : like this big boat whistle blow
Mmm
I would call my baby : baby ooo Lord off the killing floor
Mmm
now if I had a headlight : even like on some passenger train
Well
I would shine my light : ooo Lord in the ocean spring
Now
when my hair begin to snowdrift : and my eyes all dimmer grow
Then
I will lean upon some loved ones : ooo Lord in the valley baby I will go
Now
your love I know is truthful : but the truest love grow cold
Now
that's only this darling : ooo will you love me baby when I'm old
�� ������Chicago, 14 May 1935
������� �(C‑987‑
) Vo‑02987 Yz L‑1038
I'd
rather be dead : and in my horrible tomb
To
hear my woman : some man done taken my room
I'd
rather be the devil : to be that woman's man
The
woman I love : she don't pay me no mind
Going
to pack my things : going further down the line
I
lay down last night : and I tried to take my rest
My
mind got to rambling : like the wild geese from the west
The
devil's evil : changed my baby's mind
You
be my woman : I tell you what I'll do
I'll
cut your kindling : I will build your fire
I'll
tote your water : from the boggy bayou
The
woman I love : I stole her from my best friend
Lord
he got lucky : and stoled her back again
������� �Chicago,
12 Nov. 1936
������� �(90981‑A)
De‑7244 Cor CP‑58
Louise
: is the sweetest gal I know
She
made me walk from Chicago : to the Gulf of Mexico
Now
look a‑here Louise : what you trying to do
You
trying to give some man my loving : and me too
Now
you know Louise : baby that will never do
Now
you know you can't love me : and love some other man too
Louise
I believe : somebody baby is fishing in my pond
They
catching all my perches : grinding up the bone
Louise
: baby won't you hurry home
I
ain't had no loving : oh since Louise been gone
Louise
you know you got ways : like a rattlesnake in his coil
Every
time you go to loving: I swear it's out of this world
Now
Louise the big boat is up the river : on a bank of sand
If
she don't strike deep water : I swear she'll never land
������� �Chicago,
14 May 1937
������� �(91247‑A)
De‑7337 RBF RF‑16
Baby
I'm feeling so lonely : and I'm feeling so blue
I
just sitting here thinking : what in the world has become of you
I
had a gal : and her name was Lou
Great
God almighty : that woman she wouldn't do
And
I am feeling so lonely : and I'm feeling so blue
I'm
wondering : what in the world baby has done become of you
You
got ways : dragging my heart around
Some
of these days baby : I'm going to leave this town
Then
you will be sorry : that you treated me so lowdown
And
you will be feeling so lonely : and you will be feeling so blue
Have
you ever woke up in the morning : your bed going around and around
You
know about that baby : you have done throwed me down
������� �Chicago,
14 May 1937
������� �(91248‑A)
De‑7337 RBF RF‑16
Louise
left me this morning : she never said a word
And
she left me : about something that she heard
Louise
: baby please hurry home
I
ain't had no loving : since my Louise been gone
Louise
got ways : like a rolling stone
When
she leave a man : he have to grieve and moan
I
got a gal named Yola : she treats me nice and kind
I
don't care what she do : Louise is on my mind
Louise
wasn't so good‑looking : and her hair wasn't red
But
she cooked my breakfast : brings it to my bed
������� �Dallas,
c. 25 Oct. 1928
������� �(DAL‑689‑A)
Br‑7044 Rt RL‑312
The
rising sun : will never catch me here
I've
been in this jailhouse : for one solid year
The
turnkey don't like me : that's why I have to steal
The
rising sun : will never catch me here
I
was reared as an orphan : never harmed a man
But
I've been kicked and driven : Lord from hand to hand
It
seems as if the world : is turning round and around
Every
time that old jailor : takes a prisoner down
I'm
going to get me a *stone* : and *roll from Mr Brown*
Get
me some cold‑hearted man : I'm jailhouse bound
������� �Grafton,
Wis., c. Apr. 1930
������� �(L‑264‑2)
Pm‑12977 OJL‑2
My
mother told me : just before she died
Oh
daughter daughter : please don't be like me
To
fall in love : with every man you see
But
I did not listen : to what my mother said
That's
the reason why : I'm sitting here in Hattiesburg
Baby
now she's dead : and six feet in the ground
And
I'm her child : and I'm drifting around
Do
you remember the day : baby you drove me from your door
Go
away from here woman : and don't come here no more
I
walked away : and I wrang my hands and cried
Didn't
have no blues : I couldn't be satisfied
������� �Grafton,
Wis., c. Nov. 1929
������� �(L‑17‑2)
Pm‑12826 Rt RL‑340
I
keep tough : I'm clean all the time
I
can make any woman : make her change her mind
I
know my baby : bound to love me some
She
*cook all around me* : when my work day come
She
got on the Central : got on the Santa Fe
That
woman : keeps me busy as I can be
Ain't
but the one thing : really worries my mind
That
gal wants to run : the same race all the time
Me
and my gal : really had some race
She
got fast ways : and beat me to the winning place
When
your heart starts beating : and your hands and feets get cold
You
can't get a baby : because you most too old
������� �Grafton,
Wis., c. Nov. 1929
������� �(L‑18‑2)
Pm‑12826 Rt RL‑340
I
went out last night folks : I meant to have some fun
When
I start to spend my money : a man pulled a great big gun
I
said excuse me Mr : I don't mean no harm
I
thought the girl was a ??? : and lived out on the farm
Please
Mr : please don't kill me in here
Because
I'm the landlord : I've got to sell the beer
Well
I'm a good fellow : I really spends my dough
Every
time I buy a drink : I ask if you want some more
When
I get drunk : will you take me to my Harlot Hill
And
don't you take all my money : and please don't kill him in here
������� �Chicago,
c. early July 1927
������� �(�� ) Vo‑1094 OJL‑3
I'm
going to Texas : have to ride the rods
Just
show me the train : left out of that Mobile yard
If
you see my mama : before I do
Don't
tell her faro : what road I'm on
Now
the boat's up the river : and she won't come down
I
believe to my soul : great God she's water bound
I
look to the east : and I look to the west
If
she headed to the south : she's Alabama bound
Said
one of these mornings : it won't be long
You
going to call me : and I'll be gone
������� �Chicago,
c. early July 1927
������� �(�� ) Vo‑1286 Rt RL‑312
Oh
little honey : don't you make me go
I'll
get a job : *if you allow me to*
I
am a rambling gambling man : I gamble in many towns
I
rambled this wide world over : I rambled and traveled around
I
had my ups and downs in life : and bitter times I saw
But
I never knew what misery was : till I left old Arkansas
I
started out one morning : to meet the early train
He
says you better work for me : I asked old Liza Jane
I'll
give you fifty cents today : ??? *on*
And
*yesterday* ??? : *was filled with ice and snow*
������� �Chicago,
Oct. 1927
������� �(�� ) Vo‑1138 OJL‑3
One
of these mornings : won't be long
You
going to call me : I'll be gone
Oh
make me a pallet : on your floor
Won't
you make it : so your man'll never know
Yes
I'm looking for that bully : lay me down
I'm
looking for that bully : and that bully can't be found
������� �Chicago,
Oct. 1927
������� �(�� ) Vo‑1139 OJL‑3
I'm
going to the nation : I ain't going to make no fuss
Show
me the woman : anybody can trust
Ashes
to ashes : *roll it into* dust
Show
me that woman : anybody can trust
������� �Chicago,
7 Oct. 1927
������� �(C‑1220)
Vo‑1141 OJL‑3
Honey
allow me a‑one more chance : I only I will treat you right
Honey
won't you allow me a‑one more chance : I won't stay out all night
Honey
won't you allow me a‑one more chance : I take you to the ball in France
One
kind of favor I'll ask of you : just allow me just one more chance
������� �Chicago,
7 Oct. 1927
������� �(C‑1222)
Vo‑1141 OJL‑3
Music
in the kitchen : music in the hall
If
you can't come Saturday night : you need not come at all
I
went down to Huntsville : I did not go to stay
Just
got there in good old time : to wear them ball and chain
������� �Chicago,
c. 13 June 1928
������� �(C‑1999‑
) Vo‑1230 OJL‑3
I'm
going away babe : and it won't be long
Just
sure as that train : leaves out of that Mobile yard
I'll
shake your hand : tell your papa goodbye
I'm
going back : ??? Tennessee
I'm
going where : I never could fool you
If
you don't believe I'm sinking : look what a hole I'm in
If
you don't believe I'm sinking : look what a fool I've been
������� �Chicago,
c. 13 June 1928
������� �(C‑2002‑
) Vo‑1249 OJL‑3
I've
got the worried blues : Lord I'm feeling bad
I've
got no one: tell my troubles to
You
can box me up : and send me to my ma
If
my ma don't want me : send me to my pa
If
my pa don't want me : send me to my girl
If
my girl don't want me : cast me in the sea
So
the fish and the whales : make a fuss all over me
I'm
going to build me : a heaven of my own
I'm
going to give : all good‑time women a home
Get
your hat and your coat : get shaking it all down the line
Now
fare thee my honey : fare thee
������� �Chicago,
c. 13 June 1928
������� �(�� ) Vo‑1197 OJL‑3
Sometimes
I walk : and sometimes I talk
I
love you girl great God : *till my bluebird talk*
I
beat my girl : with a singletree
???
up *the winter* street mama : have a watch on me
I've
got a girl : her name is Joan
She
leaves here walking running fast : chocolate to the bone
I
was standing on the corner : talking to my brown
I
turned around sweet mama : I was workhouse bound
Girl
I've got a girl : and she working hard
She
got a dress she wear sweet mama : said it's pink and blue
She
brings me coffee : and she bring me tea
She
bring me everything : except the jailhouse key
They
got a little town man : all the other men too
They
got all the women coming down to the man : *I mean in Texas too*
������� �Chicago,
c. 13 June 1928
������� �(�� ) Vo‑1197 OJL‑3
Tell
me mama : what's the matter now
I'm
going back to Texas : [live, sit] on Easy Street
When
you see me coming : don't call my name
When
you see me coming : heist your window high
I
got the Texas blues : blue as I can be
Tell
me mama : what's the matter now
Got
a black mule : *really* kicking in my stall
When
you see me running : something going on wrong
������� �Chicago,
c. 7 Oct. 1929
������� �(C‑4621‑
) Vo‑1468 Rt RL‑315
I'm
going around the mountain charming Betsy : going around the mountain to leave
If
I never see you no more : do Lord remember me
The
first time I see charming Betsy : she want everything that she see
Last
time I seen charming Betsy : she's wearing the ball and chain
I
went down to Huntsville town : I did not go to stay
I
just got there to do time : to wear that ball and chain
Yellow
gal rides in an automobile : brownskin do the same
Black
gal rides in an old airship : but she riding just the same
������� �Chicago,
c. 7 Oct. 1929
������� �(C‑4624)
Vo‑1443 Yz L‑1004
I
was standing on the corner : a‑talking to my brown
I
turned around sweet mama : I went across town
Says
I've got a girl : and she working hard
She
had a dress she wear loving babe : says it's pink and blue
She
bring me coffee : and she bring me tea
She
bring me everything : except the jailhouse key
Yes
I'm going away : and it won't be long
Just
sure as the train leaves out of the yard : she's Alabama bound
I'm
going away : and it won't be long
*Just
ease your train eleven days* : I'm Alabama bound
Says
the boat's up the river : and she won't come down
I
believe to my soul pretty mama : she's *water* bound
I
look to the east : and I look to the west
If
she heads to the South great God : she's Alabama bound
������� �Chicago,
11 Nov. 1925
������� �(9471‑A)
OK‑8289 Bio BLP‑C6
I've
traveled traveled : and I've seen
And
I've had the blues : they call the gambler's dream
Many
times many times : I have cried
Many
times many times : I wish that I could die
Mama
told me : father told me too
Don't
you let no gamblers : be the ruin of you
������� �Chicago,
11 Nov. 1925
������� �(9473‑A)
OK‑8258 Bio BLP‑C6
Eve
called Adam : and he got close to her side
Here's
the tree with fruit : and it will make us wise
The
Lord said to Adam : also said to Eve
You
two have bit some fruit : from that forbidden tree
������� �Chicago,
11 Nov. 1925
������� �(9474‑A)
OK‑8258 Bio BLP‑C6
I
got something at home : on my shelf
If
that ain't enough : I will get you something else
Now
if you want to sin : slide across to me
I'll
back my wagon : underneath your Christmas tree
Listen
sweet daddy : you know it's understood
That
every woman wants a man : that means her good
������� �Chicago,
11 Nov. 1925
������� �(9476‑A)
OK‑8326 Bio BLP‑C6
I
know you love me : daddy it's understood
Daddy
you know : your mama means you good
I
got something : that sure will bring him back
My
daddy loves the *ground* : where I *have been sat*
I've
got a feeling : that I want to be mean
I
can do my stuff : and I'm going to do it *clean*
You
can get rough : but I will sure *stand*
I
can tell the world : that now that you're my man
You
can get rough : but I will too
*Since
my mother* : put that thing on you
������� �Chicago,
24 Feb. 1926
������� �(9521‑A)
OK‑8346 Bio BLP‑C6
I
grow lonely : day by day
For
my mother : in every way
She
won't tell you : nothing wrong
You're
always welcome : in her home
������� �Dallas, 10 Aug. 1929
������� �(55326‑2) Vi‑V38555 Yz L‑1032
If
I lose : I'm going get some more
I'm
a pretty good worker : got a good way to go
I
can do anything : anybody else can do
Any
kind of work : and gambling too
I'm
going back to chauffeuring : I've been *done it* for three years
I
can make any hill : without shifting my gears
Going
to take my buddy : my buddy's friend
Pick
more cotton : than a gin can gin
If
I lose : won't be nothing lost
Just
two bits : and what did it cost
When
you go : to Shreveport town
You
find Blue Goose : happen to carry you down
������� �Dallas,
10 Aug. 1929
������� �(55327‑2)
Vi‑V38555 Yz L‑1032
What
makes some women : when you treat them so nice and kind
You
can ask them for a favor : they don't even pay you no mind
Just
because you love them : and do anything they say
They
will love somebody else : and do you any way
Hey
they think they happy : and don't know what it's all about
Maybe
she will remember me : when her man has put her out
You
can hears I ain't got nobody : somebody come and get me
I
know you was blind pretty mama : baby but now you see
I
was good to you pretty mama : tried to please your mind
Now
you ain't got nobody : and a good man's hard to find
������� �Chicago,
c. Feb. 1928
������� �(20334‑2)
Pm‑12637 Yz L‑1026
I'm
so lonesome lonesome : I don't know what to do
If
you don't have no good woman : you'd be lonesome too
Lord
I'm going up the country : baby and I can't carry you
Because
I got one up there : and I can't see how you all would do
I
wished I had a‑listened : what my baby sister said
Said
stay home brother : please don't stray away
Oh
my mama told me : when I first left her door
Said
be careful in your traveling son : you got to reap just what you sow
������� �Chicago,
c. Feb. 1928
������� �(20335‑3)
Pm‑12670 Bio BLP‑12004
I've
got a girl : I wish I could keep her home at night
She's
always going off : on automobile rides
She
sleeps late every morning : I can't hardly get her woke
She
will wake up in one second : when she hears a car horn blow
Some
of these days : I'm going to be like Mr Henry Ford
Going
to have a car and a woman : running on every road
If
you ain't got a car : man a woman is hard to rule
That's
why : I got them automobile blues
������� �Chicago,
c. Feb. 1928
������� �(20336‑3)
Pm‑12637 Yz L‑1032
Springtime
coming : and the grass all growing green
And
my time has come : where the blues don't worry me
There's
so many women : there's so many different kinds
When
one quit me : it's sure to worry my mind
My
mama give me a lock : and my papa give me the key
Then
after I know how : to lock them blues up for me
I
got northern women : I got southern women too
I
ain't going to tell the northern women : what the southern women can do
������� �Chicago,
c. Feb. 1928
������� �(20337‑2)
Pm‑12616 Bio BLP‑12004
Oh
: hey hey hey hey
And
I had them all night : and got them all again today
And
I wish I had : my same old good girl back
Because
that's the only one : that I ever did like
How
can I love you : you stay out both night and day
How
can I love you : you treat me most any way
I'm
going to sing this time : and I ain't going to sing no more
Because
my girl have called me : and I've got to go
If
I don't go crazy : I'm sure going to lose my mind
Because
I can't sleep for dreaming : sure can't stay woke for crying
������� �Chicago,
c. Feb. 1928
������� �(20338‑1)
Pm‑12670 Bio BLP‑12004
Hey
no more baby : I ain't got no more baby now
Since
I looked into it : I don't need no baby nohow
If
you want me woman : better buy you a pair of overalls
Because
when I leave town : I'm going to ride that Cannonball
If
you get you one woman : you sure to get you two
Better
get you twenty‑four : so twelve won't worry you
I
had a girl : she went out sailing on that sea
That
poor child got drownded : sailing after me
������� �Chicago,
c. Feb. 1928
�� ������(20339‑2) Pm‑12616 Bio BLP‑12004
And
I lay down last night : tried to take my rest
And
my mind got to rambling : like the wild geese in the west
I'm
going to West Texas : won't be back till fall
If
the blues overtake me : I won't be back at all
And
I had one woman : would make a passenger train hop the rail
But
now I got one : would make a tomcat heist its tail
Said
I started to write : but I believe I'll go myself
Says
a letter's too slow : and a telegram may get left
������� �Chicago,
c. Feb. 1928
������� �(20343‑2)
Pm‑12609 Bio BLP‑12004
I
been walking all day : and all night too
Because
my meal ticket woman have quit me : and I can't find no work to do
I
picking up the newspaper : and I looking in the ads
And
the policeman came along : and he arrested me for vag
I
said judge : judge what may be my fine
He
said get your pick and shovel : and get deep down in mine
I'm
a poor black prisoner : working in the ice and snow
I
got to get me another meal ticket woman : so I won't have to work no more
������� �Chicago,
c. Feb. 1928
������� �(20344‑2)
Pm‑12609 Bio BLP‑12004
I
ain't never loved : but three womens in my life
My
mother and my sister : and my partner's wife
My
mama told me : when I was about twelve years old
Man
you nothing but a backbiter : may God bless your soul
I'm
going to tell all you women something : baby you might not like
I
want to know : if I can bite your man in the back
You
might risk me brother : but I will never risk you
If
you allow me a chance : I will gnaw your backbone half in two
������� �Chicago,
c. Nov. 1928
������� �(21017‑4)
Pm‑12708 Bio BLP‑12004
I
stay drunk so much : I can't tell night from day
Because
the woman I love : she treats me any way
I
likes my whiskey : I likes my *swig and dip* too
When
I can't get alcorub : denatured alcohol will do
Oh
: whiskey's killing me
Because
I drink so much : I can't hardly see
������� �Chicago,
c. Nov. 1928
������� �(21018‑2)
Pm‑12708 Bio BLP‑12004
Go
out to Santa Fe : my baby go down
I
was took all of my clothes : and walk the streets in my morning gown
And
before I would stand to see : my baby leave this town
I
would beat the train to the crossing : and burn that doggone bridge down
And
Dallas is hard : I don't care how you work
There
will be somebody coming on your payday : to collect
Hey
: don't never make Dallas your home
When
you look for your friend : they will all be gone
������� �Chicago,
c. Nov. 1928
������ ��(21019‑4) Pm‑12722 Bio BLP‑12004
I
feel like rambling : rambling stays on my mind
And
I ain't satisfied : unless I'm rambling all the time
Now
you will wake up in the morning : and find me gone
Because
I'm a rambling man : I can't stay at one place long
It's
one day and one night : is long as I stay in one place
But
I been in Chicago one week : because I like these Chicago ways
Lord
I'm going to leave here walking : chance is that I may ride
Because
I'm going to ramble : until the day that I die
������� �Chicago,
c. Nov. 1928
������� �(21020‑4)
Pm‑12722 Bio BLP‑12004
I
was down in Louisiana : doing as I please
Now
I'm in Texas : I got to work or leave
If
your home in Louisiana : what you doing over here
Said
my home ain't in Texas : and I sure don't care
I
don't care : if the boat don't never land
I'd
like to stay on the water : as long as any man
And
my boat come a‑rocking : just like a drunken man
And
my home's on the water : and I sure don't like land
���� ����Chicago, c. Nov. 1928
������� �(21027‑1)
Pm‑12752 Bio BLP‑12004
I
woke up this morning : I had the blues three different ways
I
had one mind to stay here : and two to leave this place
I
got one mind to stay here : got two to leave this place
If
you find me tomorrow : you'll find me in the same old way
She's
a *little old* woman : *so nice and clean* all the time
The
only thing I hate : she ain't no woman of mine
And
I'm worried now : but I won't be worried long
Because
I got a letter this morning : my baby was coming back home
������� �Chicago,
c. Nov. 1928
������� �(21028‑2)
Pm‑12752 Bio BLP‑12004
I
got a new way of living : everybody can catch on
Always
gamble and steal : and don't collect nothing from home
I
don't bum : and I sure God don't beg
I
just keep my eyes open : and work my head
I
never wanted no woman : that I could not get
Because
I got a new way of living : it just won't quit
I've
got a gang of women : I got my eyes on a gang of *four*
So
if one wants to quit : I can turn her *go*
������� �Memphis,
c. early Feb. 1930
������� �(MEM‑780‑
) Br‑7200 Rt RL‑319
I
ain't going to be : your lowdown dog no more
I'll
get me a good gal : most any place I go
I
walked all night long : my feet got soaking wet
And
I haven't walked : up on my good gal yet
Well
mama mama : what's the matter now
Trying
to quit your daddy : honey and you don't know how
I'm
going I'm going : and your crying won't make me stay
Honey
the more you cry : the further I'm going away
I
don't like no woman : got hair like drops of rain
Because
the girl I like : got hair like a horse's mane
That's
what my mother told me : just before she died
Son
your trouble ain't now : but it sure be after a while
Well
I fell down on my knees : and cried
I
fell down : right by my mama's side
Well
there's one more thing son : that I want you to do
And
then these women : sure take care of you
������� �Memphis,
30 Jan. 1928
������� �(41803‑2)
Vi‑21267 Fwy FA‑2953
Don't
you never : let no woman rule your life
Says
she keeps you worried : worried all the time
Don't
you wish a *fair woman* : didn't have teeth like pearls
*So*
after you're married :
Don't
you never : let no woman rule your life
She
keep you troubled : worried all the time
I
got a letter mama : you ought to heard it read
Says
you coming back baby : and I'll be almost dead
������� �New
York, c. 23 Oct. 1929
������� �(GEX‑2411‑A)
Pm‑13018 Yz L‑1006
Don't
mistreat me mama : because I'm your little wild
Because
you must remember : you once have been a child
Mama
never : drive a stranger from your door
He
may be your best friend : baby you don't know
I
love my brownie : don't care what she do
Some
one of these days : she going to love me too
I
went to the station : in a shower rain
I
seen the brown I love : when she caught that lowdown train
Got
up one of these mornings : looked down in the sea
What
see the way them fishes : do the shivaree
������� �New
York, c. 23 Oct. 1929
������� �(GEX‑2412)
Pm‑12873 Yz L‑1006
I'm
going to Florida : where I can have my fun
Babe
I'll lay in the green grass : look up at the sun
Say
Mr redcap porter : help me with my load
Before
your steamboat captain : let me on board
Got
a letter from my baby : bought me a piece of ground
You
can't blame me for leaving : boy I'm Florida bound
It
you home in Florida : what in the world you doing up here
I
wonder where you be : this time another year
My
mama told me : papa told me too
Don't
you let them bell‑bottom : make no fool of you
������� �New
York, c. 23 Oct. 1929
������� �(GEX‑2413)
Pm‑12873 Yz L‑1006
Coal‑black
woman : fry no meat for me
You
know black is evil : that gal may poison me
I
got a new way of spelling : sweet old Tennessee
Double T double N : double T double S U Z
My
girl rolled and tumbled : cried the whole night long
She
received that message : that the man she loved was gone
Said
my love's like water : it turns off and on
When
you think I'm loving : I done took off and gone
When
the death wagon rolled up : with the rumbling sound
Says
I knowed by that : my gal was graveyard bound
��� �����New York, c. 23 Oct. 1929
������� �(GEX‑2416‑A)
Pm‑13018 Yz L‑1006
On
West Virginia : where the brown I love
Ain't
nobody stop me : ??? *home*
I
hate to see Lord : the evening sun go down
Lord
it make me think : of my last go‑round
My
brownie caught me : this morning soon
Got
to go so far : to get my loving done
She
used to love me : she don't love me no more
Got
another man : she don't love me no more
She
used to rock me : in the morning soon
Got
another man : she don't rock me no more
Coal‑black
dark : baby when I'm gone
Come
with my money baby : where you been so long
See
them peaches : hanging in the tree
Then
you know : that brown going to be the death of me
������� �Birmingham,
Ala., 2 Apr. 1937
������� �(B‑64‑2)
ARC‑7‑08‑57 Yz L‑1002
If
you ever been mistreated : then you know how mistreated feels
Like
a broke down engine : ain't got no driver‑wheel
You
can always tell : when your brown want to throw you down
She's
always got business : on the other side of town
Well
I started once to write : but I believe I'll go myself
Because
a letter too slow : and a telegram may get lost
Wake
up soon every morning : babe wear a rag all around her head
Every
time you speak to her : she'll swear she nearly dead
Ever
been down : then you know just how I feel
I
feel like I ain't got no business here : somewhere on the sea
It's
mighty hard : to be married woman's man
Can't
see her when you want to : got to catch her just when you can
If
you love a married woman : you going to always have the blues
Every
time you want to see her : her husband want to see her too
Then
now run here run here baby : set down on your daddy's knee
Because
I done got drunk : and I'm blue as a poor man can be
Said
well I went to the window : and I looked down on the ground
And
my heart struck sorrow : and the tears come easing down
������� �Birmingham,
Ala., 2 Apr. 1937
������� �(B‑65‑1)
ARC‑7‑08‑57 Yz L‑1002
Baby
how long baby how long : *long* before you bring your *load* back home
Say
well it won't be no longer : than you quit doing me wrong
Hey
redcap porter : did my best woman ever get on board
Say
I don't know the clothes : she had on
Just
as sure as a bluebird : flies in the skies above
Say
your life ain't no pleasure : unless you with that one you love
Then
if I just had wings : then I'd fly just like Noah's dove
Then
I would heist my wings :and fly and light on that woman I love
Well
I went up on a mountain : taking a peep in that old deep blue sea
I
said I spied that woman : put them things on me
Singing
now hey how long : is you going to still [do, treat] me wrong
Said
I woke up this morning : just about the dawn of day
Some
man had my woman : and the worried blues had me
������� �Chicago,
15 Nov. 1929
������� �(403300‑A)
Co‑14529‑D Yz L-1030
My
blues start in the morning : and they worries me the whole day long
They
worries the poor man so bad : until I wished that I was dead and gone
And
my baby she worries me : she worries me on every hand
How
she worries the poor man : just because she can
Well
it's bye bye baby : I ain't going to let you worry poor me no more
I'm
going to get me another woman : babe I'm going to let you go
Mmm
I've been asking for a favor : even I ask the good Lord above
I
cried oh Lord listen : please send back the woman I love
Oh
because she mistreat me : she mistreat me both night and day
Lord
she mistreats the poor man : to pass the time away
Now
babe I've been in trouble : forty‑four nights and days
But
I got another woman now : drive my troubles away
������� �Chicago,
15 Nov. 1929
������� �(403301‑A)
Co‑14491‑D) yz L-1030
My
baby mistreat me : night and day
Oh
she mistreat the poor man : just to pass the doggone time away
And
it's baby : baby what have I done went wrong
Lord
you mistreat me baby : and drove me from my home
But
I'm going now baby : and I won't be back no more
Ain't
going to let you mistreat me : drive me away from your door
Well
never mind never mind babe : I've got my [doggone] eyes on you
And
some old day pretty baby : you'll do like I want you to do
������� �Chicago,
15 Nov. 1929
������� �(403302‑?)
Co‑14529‑D Yz L‑1003
Mmm
can't you remember baby : long long time ago
When
you mistreated poor me : and drove me away from around your door
Mmm
and I'm going back home now baby : and I ain't coming back here no more
I
ain't going to let you drive me : babe away from around your door
Mmm
when I first seen you baby : you were so nice and kind to me
And
why you want to dog me : babe I swear I just can't see
Mmm
I'm going down on the levee : and down on the levee where I'm going to stay
I'm
going to stay down on the levee : babe until you change your ways
������� �Chicago,
15 Nov. 1929
������� �(403303‑A)
Co‑14491‑D Yz L-1030
And
it's never mind never mind baby : I've got my doggone eyes on you
And
some old day pretty baby : do like I want you to do
When
I was sick and down : you drove me from your door
Now
you know honey I was a poor man : sleeping out in the ice and snow
Yes
baby I'm going to see you : when you baby do something I swear is wrong
When
you mistreat me baby : I'm going to send you clear back home
That's
all right for you babe : I even pawned my watch and ring
I
done give you my money : I can give you most anything
������� �possibly
Chicago, 1933
������� �(�� ) record unknown Yz L-1030
People
I've tried every doctor : every doctor in my neighborhood
But
I haven't even found nar' doctor : is capable of doing my blues any good
You
had better leave her alone : she don't mean a doggone thing
Ain't
but the one thing that she's after : that is your doggone spending change
Yes
the girl that I wants now : she wants to walk out of my door
She
just left me worried : telling me she won't come back in my house no more
But
I'm going to try my best to leave her : Lord I'm going to try to let her go
I'm
going to try to find someone now : thinks the world and all of me
So
bye bye bye : reason that I'm leaving you
Because
I've already found out : that your love is not true
������� �Chicaco,
25 Feb. 1935
������� �(85494‑1)
BB‑B5966 Yz L-1030
She
got a mean disposition : and she got such a lowdown dirty way
I
been a‑hoping and trusting : that my babe would change some day
Many
year I have traveled : yes I've traveled from door to door
You
can't find no heaven : nowhere in the world that you go
You
having a good time now : you like a fly while *that country may*
You
having your time now : but you got to die some day
But
you going to need me : you going to need my help I say
And
you had better use me lover : just before I go away
Why
can't I be happy : people like everybody else
I
just sit around and worry : I worry my fool self
������� �Atlanta,
17 Apr. 1930
������� �(150259‑2)
Co‑14571‑D Yz L‑1021
Tell
me Lilly Kimball : what did you do to me
These
Lilly Kimball blues : is nearly killing me
It's
hard it's hard : but I suppose it's fair
These
Lilly Kimball blues : won't let me rest nowhere
I
love you Lilly Kimball : don't want no other one
Is
it too late now : to make up for all I done
It's
hard to love you Lilly : you love somebody else
I
believe it's going to make me : grieve myself to death
I
believe I'm going crazy : my mind I'm bound to lose
If
I don't get over : these Lilly Kimball blues
When
I'm blue : it's good to have you around
Because
when you start loving : it bring my kindness down
I'm
going to the river : tie my hands behind
And
let that Tennessee water : satisfy my mind
Can't
you see Lilly : I want you to understand
Take
me back Lilly : I'll be a different man
������� �Memphis,
29 Aug. 1928
������� �(45436‑2)
Vi‑V38526 His HLP‑4
Hey
: hey hey hey hey
Because
the man I'm loving : treats me so unkind
I
woke up this morning : feeling mighty bad
I
done lost my daddy : best man I ever had
It's
your time now : be mine after a while
You
know that you hurt me : daddy because I seen you smile
My
mama's dead : papa throwed me away from home
My
man don't want me : that's why I weep and moan
If
you don't want me : please don't dog me around
Just
like you found me : you can put me down
������� �Memphis,
29 Aug. 1928
������� �(45441‑2)
Vi‑V38526 Fwy FJ‑2801
Aah
ha ha : what's the matter with my man today
I
ask him if he love me : Lord and he walked away
Penitentiary
penitentiary : oh is going to be my home
Because
my man he mistreated me : Lord he have done me wrong
The
man that I'm a‑loving : Lord he going get me killed
Because
love is a proposition : that's got many a poor girl killed
I'll
love you *a minute* : oh but you won't behave
You
going to keep on *a‑palling* : you going to wake up in your grave
������� �Chicago,
15 Feb. 1937
������� �(61790‑A)
De‑7281 Yz L‑1026
I
am the black ace : I'm the boss card in your hand
And
I'll play for you mama : if you please let me be your man
Sometimes
a black ace : never comes inside
But
I'll play for you mama : if you please will treat me right
There's
a little ace in the deck mama : *I'll lay forth and* tight
But
I'll play for you mama : if you treat me right
If
you don't want me mama : I said please sit here alone
Because
I'll play for you mama : eee when the can‑get‑it's gone
I'll
be your winner : in any game you please
And
if you don't want me mama : please just let me stay
If
you know you don't want me mama : you won't even say
That's
all right mama : you going to need my help some day
I
said please : mama please don't drive me away
Because
I'd be a good fellow : mama if you would please let me stay
������� �Chicago,
15 Feb. 1937
�� ������(61793‑A) De‑7387 Rt RL‑327
Santa
Claus : what is you going to bring
If
you don't bring my baby : don't bring me a doggone thing
You
know I love her Santa Claus : why don't you bring her home
If
you bring her back to me : I'll never do her wrong
Oh
Lord it's Christmas time : and I want to see old Santa Claus
I
asked my baby would she come home Christmas : she said go see old Santa Claus
Oh
please Santa Claus Santa Claus Santa Claus : Santa Claus my eyes is almost
blind
I
am looking for you Christmas morning : before I lose my mind
I'm
going to buy me a shepherd dog : and keep him at my door
And
teach him to follow my baby : everywhere she goes
������� �Los Angeles, 8 Sept. 1941
������� �(DLA‑2739‑A) De‑7889 Br‑87.504
I'm
in the land of sunshine : standing on Central Avenue
I
was doing all right : till I fell in love with you
Never
have so much fought babe : anywhere in my life
Till
I fell in love with you : and found out you was somebody else's wife
Now
I'm in love with you baby : and I'm feeling awful low
Now
you know you was married : well why didn't you tell me so
You
have your chance at love : now I'm going to leave you flat
I
know that don't bother you baby : because you used to that
Now
let's have one more drink baby: we'll say goodbye to me and you
I'll
always remember : I met you on Central Avenue
������� �probably
Chicago, c. late July 1926
������� �(�� ) Vo‑1048 Rt RL‑311
Oh
tell me brownskin : what's the matter now
Trying
to quit your daddy : and you don't know how
I
ain't going to marry : ain't going to settle down
Going
to stay single : till my mustache drags the ground
Are
you going to tell me : what's the matter now
If
you don't want me : hold up your right hand
I
had a good gal : I stole her from my friend
But
my buddy came looking : got her back again
������� �Memphis,
1 Feb. 1928
������� �(41817‑2)
Vi‑21524 Rt RL‑322
People
in this town : Lord they ain't no friend to you
All
they'll do to you people : go down and tell lies on poor you
If
I only had me : ??? house of my own
I
wouldn't allow snitching and a‑gambling : people around my home
I
hate a‑snitching : worse than the good Lord hates sin
If
they ever get me into trouble : soon on my way to the pen
If
I only had me : a shelter of my own
I
wouldn't allow snitching and gambling : people around my home
Now
it's eighteen hundred : and it's ninety‑one
That's
when the snitching : was people Lordy just begun
Now
it's eighteen hundred : and it's ninety‑two
The
snitches in town : Lord they just won't do
Now
it's eighteen hundred : and it's ninety‑three
I
got arrested : off of Beale Street
I
went before the judge : I said judge what is my fine
A
hundred dollar fine : and two eleven ninety‑nine
Now
look a‑here judge : can't you hold up off of that fine
He
say go ahead on nigger : that ain't no good long time
Now
it's eighteen hundred : and it's ninety‑four
The
white people load me : in the workhouse door
It's
eighteen hundred : and it's ninety‑five
This
people in the town : don't do nothing but tell dirty lies
Oh
it's eighteen hundred : and it's ninety‑six
That's
when the snitchers thought : all all their snitching was fixed
Nineteen
hundred : and it's twenty‑seven
The
snitchers that done the snitching : is way into heaven
It's
nineteen hundred : and it's twenty‑eight
I
left the snitchers : standing at the workhouse gate
Now
it's nineteen hundred : and it's twenty‑nine
I
left all the snitching people : way behind
������� �Chicago,
c. May 1928
������� �(20590‑2)
Pm‑12680 OJL‑2
Touch
me light pretty mama : this may be your last
I
went to the nation : from that dirty territor'
Going
to find my good gal : honey nowhere I go
Woke
up this morning : woke up before day
Woke
up this morning : with the same thing on my mind
I
believe to my soul mama : got to leave your town
I
got no pretty mama : talk baby‑talk to me
I
went to the nation : from that dirty territor'
I
couldn't find my good gal : honey nowhere I go
Going
uptown mama : some whiskey *skey* for me
Because
my good gal done quit me : sure can't feel no peace
������� �Memphis,
11 Sept. 1928
������� �(47009‑1)
Vi‑21740 Rt RL‑337
I'm
tired of the women : *the day she cook*
*She*
??? : that sugar pudding
*That*
??? : she's long and tall
She
sits up there : from wall to wall
*Oh
won't you ??? me the* : *you going to*
I'm
talking about the ??? : ??? *your head*
������� �place
unknown, c. Oct. 1928
����� ���(20998‑1) Pm unissued Bio BLP‑12029
Hey
you threw me down : and you threw me from my home
That's
all right baby : you're going to miss the days I'm gone
I
felt like falling : from the treetop to the ground
*Should
have been* my old babe : and she was leaving town
It
was dark and stormy : and the sun shining bright like day
Some
day the storm going to come : going to blow these old worried blues away
I'm
going to hang my hat baby : Lord in some old weeping willow tree
Ain't
going to wear it no more : till these old blues stop worrying me
������� �Memphis,
28 Nov. 1930
������� �(64738‑
) Vi‑23319 OJL‑19
I'm
a jelly‑selling woman : I sell it every day
These
women don't like me : because I almost give it away
Two
and a half a potful : five dollars a cup
Ten
dollars to the *one* : have me to wrap it up
I'm
not a cheap woman : I sell about every day
My
jelly too expensive : you know I can't give it away
A
good jelly‑selling woman : is heard all over town
You
going to get my jellyroll : won't have no time to frown
I
sell jelly : sell it fresh and cold
Before
you buy my jelly :
������� �Atlanta,
11 Dec. 1930
������� �(404677‑B)
OK‑8856 OJL‑4
�I believe I'll go back to Germany : *and pay a
deposit gold*
�I'm going to get no one woman : staying out in
the cold
�If you're worried mama : you know just how I
feel
�Say wake up mama : the children done come home
�Nobody been here : since your daddy left your
home
������� �Atlanta,
11 Dec. 1930
������� �(404680‑A)
OK‑8908 BC‑2
�I went home last night : about half past four
�Mr wildcat told me : didn't *pay* you no more
�Went a‑hunting last night : out in the
woods
�You ought to see wildcat : make my dog go good
�Went home this morning : about the break of
day
�Ha baby : he's just staying away
�There's one thing about a wild cat : that
he'll do
�He makes you holler : and he make a fool of
you
�Ever been in the country : rattle around the
woods
�You ought to hear Mrs wildcat : make her do
good
�Say wake up mama : hear your rooster crow
�One at your window : one at your door
������� �Atlanta,
11 Dec. 1930
������� �(404682‑C)
OK‑8856 OJL‑4
�Down in Alabama : we will have a trial
�Those jury down there : don't stand no lie
�Tell me big boy : let's start it again
�You had no business : catching that white
man's hen
�Every morning : about half past nine
�Old judge : going to have somebody's wine
�Wake up mama : hear your rooster crow
�One at your window : one at your door
�Sister and brother : you needn't have cried
�The kids in the school : are ready to write
�Come on sister : let's start that thing
�Old brother : stole that hen again
�*Well I didn't have a nickel* : wouldn't pay
me no fine
�Get you a shovel : and go down in the mine
�Don't want me mama : don't you tell no lies
�Because the day you quit me : that's the day
you die
�Hey big boy : did you aim to run
�If you start to fooling : I'll shoot with my
gun
������� �Atlanta,
11 Dec. 1930
������� �(404683‑A)
OK‑8908 OJL‑19
�Say I woke up this morning : about the break
of day
�I hugged the pillow : where you used to lay
�Red rooster comes back : with her *hen nipped*
up
�Just can't so it : for to strut that stuff
�Old Aunt Anna : she's long and slim
�When start to shaking : it's too tight then
�What did the rooster : say to the hen
�Ain't seen my woman : in God knows when
�Says nickel is a nickel : and a dime a dime
�Got a house full of children : ain't nar' one
mine
�Mama got the rowboat : papa got the tug
�Well sister got the whiskey : and brother got
the jug
�Wake up mama : hear the rooster crow
�One at your window : one at your door
�Says the rooster crow : and the hen walk
around
�I ain't seen my woman : since she leave this
town
������� �Memphis,
c. 22 Sept. 1929
������� �(M‑178)
Br‑7141 Yz L‑1007
I
been working overtime baby : oh the sun got hot
Just
put a block on me baby : turn me in your back yard
I
been walking all night : when the sun refused to shine
And
if I find her tonight : I'm going to really work her overtime
Sweet
baby crying won't help you : praying won't do no good
That's
when your *faro sheriff* quit you : done everything you could
The
work ain't so hard baby : just the way you do
Remember
the way you treat poor Walter : it's coming home to you
It'll
be a day going after : need my help alone
That's
when you'll call for poor Walter : but he won't be in your home
������� �Shreveport,
La., 17 Feb. 1930
������� �(403805‑B)
OK‑8784 Mam S‑3804
Was
all the summer : and all the fall
Just
trying to find : my little all and all
Was
in the spring : one summer day
Just
when she left me : she'd gone to stay
Needn't
a‑come here running : holding up your hands
Can
get me a woman : quick as you can a man
It
have been days : I didn't know your name
Why
should I worry : and prayer in vain
Went
to the station : down in the yard
Going
to get me a freight train : works done got hard
The
lonesome days : they have gone by
Why
should you beg me : and say goodbye
������� �Shreveport,
La., 17 Feb. 1930
������� �(403806‑A)
OK‑8807 Yz L‑1007
Yes
I'm *jailhouse* ??? : long old lonesome day
Trying
to *scream like* ??? : these ??? same old ways
Crying
smokes like lightning : *bells* that shine like gold
Crying
I found my baby : laying on a cooling board
Don't
the house look lonesome mama : rolling before your door
Crying
she's gone *tell you Lord* : won't be back no more
Oh
stop and listen : hear how the bell is toned
I
had a sweet little faro : but she been and gone
Crying
followed my baby : down to the burying ground
It
was ??? : ??? all around
������� �Shreveport,
La., 17 Feb. 1930
������� �(403807‑B)
OK‑8784 Rt RL‑316
Because
I'm a stranger here : everybody turned their back on me
I
believe I'll go right back : to grand old Tennessee
������� �San
Antonio, 12 June 1930
������� �(404146‑B)
OK‑8834 Mam S‑3804
Out
in San Antone Texas : a long long ways from home
I
would love to live there : but I will be all and all
My
babe says she don't want me : she's calling someone else on
I
will have to learn : to live out here in San Antone
Boys
learn to yodel : that's the way to win her home
Then
you will be the only sheik : it is in San Antone
These
yodeling blues : make a Texas woman leave her home
I
see the way you going : you sure won't be here long
������� �Jackson,
Miss., 15 Dec. 1930
� �������(404710‑A) OK‑8905 Mam S‑3804
If
you don't want me : won't you please tell me so
I
can get a woman : anywhere I go
Just
as sure as you hear me : sing you this lonesome song
Swear
it ain't no loving : it ain't no getting along
You
can treat me mean : mean as you can be
But
there is coming a day : you will be longing for me
You
will long for me : but I will be far away
And
you will miss my loving : each night and day
I
lay down last night : tried to take my rest
My
mind begin to ramble : like wild geese in the west
When
you get up in the morning : begin to sing this lonesome song
I
had a good man : he caught the train and gone
������� �Jackson,
Miss., 15 Dec. 1930
������� �(404712‑B)
OK‑8859 Mam S‑3804
I
can't be contented : oh nowhere I be
No
place I go to : seem like home to me
Everybody
seem welcome : here and every place but me
That
whiskey and women : caused me can't see no peace
I
have laid in jail : with my face turned to the wall
It
was judges and lawyers : says man you's the cause of it all
Every
day is growing older : and the nights growing near
And
some got six months : I have got a year
And
I been happy so : that I wished I was dead and gone
For
I'm so unhappy : out here on the county farm
������� �Jackson,
Miss., 19 Dec. 1930
������� �(404782‑B)
OK‑8885 Mam S‑3804
Honey
babe : please let my deal go down
We
can get the money : walk on down through town
I'm
a stranger to you : and you's a stranger to me
If
you be my babe : how happy I will be
I've
traveled : until traveled the whole world through
I
ain't found a woman : looked as sweet to me as you
Now
honey babe : you got me troubled in mind
You
keep me worried : and bothered all the time
I
ain't mean : I'm good as I can be
Tell
me sweet baby : what fault you find on me
������� �Jackson,
Miss., 19 Dec. 1930
������� �(404783‑B)
OK‑8885 Mam S‑3804
Some
men likes their country girl : my girl lives in town
A
town girl will be loving you : when the country girl is messing around
A
town girl will get one man : and always treat him swell
But
a country girl will get her ten men : and give them all hell
A
yellow gal drinks her corn whiskey : and a brownskin do the same
A
country girl *jewel brown mule* : but she's getting drunk just the same
I
went to a country girl's house : and only one night I spent
I
got up next morning and come back home : been running ever since
������� �Jackson,
Miss., 19 Dec. 1930
������� �(404784‑A)
OK‑8905 Mam S‑3804
I
wonder where is the ramrod : belongs to my gun
My
brother's got one : but I can't use it none
What
good is a house : without a back yard
What
good is a gun : without a ramrod
I
rammed my gun : every morning before day
When
I woke up this morning : my ramrod was gone away
I
took you baby : when you was hand to hand
Telling
everybody : that I was your loving man
Now
I'm down : times is hard
You
want to : give some other girl your ramrod
Now
how you think : that I can have my fun
When
I ain't got the ramrod : belongs to my gun
������� �Jackson,
Miss., 19 Dec. 1930
������� �(404785‑?)
OK‑8859 Mam S‑3804
When
I left town this morning : I was on my way back home
I
heard the church bells : making a lonesome sound
I
stopped and listened : as the bells continued on
I
know by that : it's somebody's dead and gone
When
I got home : the peoples met me and said
Oh
run here Walter : your sweet little faro's dead
When
I got home : I was began to scream and cry
I
thought my little baby : was too cute to die
I
went to the churchhouse : cried at the door
I
never will see : sweet babe ever anymore
������� �Atlanta,
24 Oct. 1931
������� �(405007‑1)
OK‑8922 Mam S‑3804
Please
baby please baby : won't you come back to your daddy one more time
Please
baby please baby : when I get my money I will give you my last dime
When
you left me baby : you left me feeling so blue
You
know babe : I didn't love no one but you
Please
baby please baby : won't you come back to your daddy one more time
I'm
so blue baby I'm so blue baby : I can't sleep at night I can't hardly talk for
crying
You
know baby you know baby : you always forever on my mind
Since
you been gone : I can't sleep at night
I
go to take my meals : I can't eat a bite
Please
baby please baby : won't you come back and leave that other man alone
Please
baby please baby : I need you here to carry my loving on
������� �Atlanta,
24 Oct. 1931
������� �(405009‑1)
Co‑14660‑D Mam S‑3804
Strange
things have happened : that never before
My
baby told me : I would have to go
Feel
bad this morning : ain't got no home
No
use a‑worrying : because the world's gone wrong
I
told you baby : right to your head
If
I don't leave you : I would have to kill you dead
I
tried to be loving : and treat you kind
But
it seems that now : I got no loving mind
If
you have a woman : and she don't do kind
Pray
to the good Lord : to get her off your mind
Said
when you been good now : can't do no more
Just
tell her nicely : there is a front door
Pack
up my suitcase : give me my hat
No
use asking me babe : because I'll never be back
������� �Atlanta,
25 Oct. 1931
������� �(405020‑1)
OK‑8951 Mam S‑3804
I
don't want you no more sweet baby : shake hands and tell your daddy goodbye
I
don't want you no more sweet baby : you didn't love me nohow
Last
night : the night before
I
saw another man : knocking on your door
I
worked all the winter : the winter was tough
With
another man : just a‑strutting your stuff
I
don't want you no more sweet baby : shake hands and tell your daddy goodbye
I'm
leaving this town tomorrow : no use to sigh and cry
I
was good when you were sick : and good when you were well
Know
you can play : when you get in hell
I
don't want you no more sweet baby : shake hands and tell your daddy goodbye
I
done everything I could do : still you pass me by
I
worked all the winter : in the chilly winds
You
give your loving : to the other men
������� �Atlanta,
25 Oct. 1931
������� �(405023‑1)
Co‑14660‑D Mam S‑3804
I
was out this morning : feeling blue
I
seed a good‑looking girl : can I make love with you
Hey
hey baby : I got blood in my eye for you
I've
got blood in my eyes for you baby : I don't care what in this world you do
I
went back home : put on my tie
Going
to get that girl : that this money will buy
She
looked at me : begin to smile
Hey
hey man : can't you wait awhile
No
no man : I can't wait
You
got the money : and trying to break this date
I'm
going to tell you something : going to tell you the facts
If
you don't want me : give me my money back
It
ain't no need : of getting rocks in your jaws
You
ain't going to get : none of my Santa Claus
������� �Grafton,
Wis., c. July 1932
������� �(L‑1551‑3)
Pm‑13134 Yz L‑1014
Lord
I went to the graveyard : and I peeped down in her face
Crying
ooo Lord : what a ooo lonesome place
Well
the woman I'm loving : she's six feet in the clay
But
the one I hate : I sees her every day
Well
I went to the churchhouse : praying on my bended knees
Crying
Lord help ooo : give me my ooo favor please
Well
I went to the graveyard : held up my right hand
I
asked the graveyard ooo : to show me the right man
Ain't
it sad to say : but the fun's all over now
???
: you didn't want ooo me nohow
������� �Grafton,
Wis., c. July 1932
������� �(L‑1554‑1)
Pm‑13152 Bio BLP‑12041
Last
night : and the night before
Saw
another man : knocking on your door
Oh
go away woman : I can't use you no more
Now
you's a dirty mistreater : I can't use you no more
*Last
summer this time : and going ??? fall*
I
ain't going to let you : latch on to me no more
I've
always put a dollar : in your hand
Now
you done your cooking : for some other man
Just
like a lemon : is ??? *to me*
You
always got me : feeling so blue
������� �Grafton,
Wis., c. July 1932
������� �(L‑1555‑2)
Pm‑13143 Bio BLP‑12041
So
cold up north : till the birds can't sing
The
people down south : shaking that thing
I
lay down last night : I was awful sick
I
woke up this morning : she had my pocket picked
I
went down to the station : up to the train
I
couldn't buy no ticket : for shaking that thing
I
went down to the railroad : I laid my head on the track
The
train come along : and it broke my back
������� �Grafton,
Wis., c. July 1932
������� �(L‑1560‑1)
Pm‑13152 Bio� BLP‑12041
Now
the girl's got something : I don't know what it is
Every
time you move it : Lord I can't be still
I
may be right : I may be wrong
Can't
get me some *birdhouse* : to hold on strong
She
has good hair : her nails is neat
But
when you take off her shoe : you can smell her stinking feet
Now
some of these girls : will call you honey
But
when you go to their house : it will smell mighty funny
I'm
going to tell you something baby : I know it's just right
Get
a bar of *T and D* : and take a bath tonight
She
got up this morning : she looking mighty sweet
The
mens all thought : she was something good to eat
Now
some days I worry : some days I don't
You
got something : that I sure Lord want
Well
it ain't no use : to get rocks in your jaws
You
ain't going to get : none of my *peppermint cloth*
������� �Grafton,
Wis., c. July 1932
������� �(L‑1565‑1)
Pm‑13153 Bio BLP‑12041
I
beg you baby : to treat me right
Now
I'm going to leave you honey : tomorrow night
I
work hard baby : give you all my dough
Now
you gone to act so funny : I'm bound to go
You
may have men around your house : everywhere you be
But
some day baby : you going to long for me
You
going to be sorry : sorry to your heart
But
some day baby : we'll have to part
There's
no use to grieve : no use to cry
You
sure miss your water honey : when your well go dry
You
may be happy : everywhere you be
But
some day baby : you'll long for me
������� �Chicago,
31 Oct. 1935
������� �(96240‑1)
BB‑B6213 Mam S‑3802
I
got a letter this morning : from that girl in Rome
Said
she got something for me : she going to bring it back home
Said
I'm going way away : to wear you off my mind
Because
you keeps me worried : and bothered all the time
I
got something to tell you : just before you go
It
ain't nothing baby : turn your lamp down low
I
went down the railroad : I looked down the tracks
Thought
about my little good girl : come a‑easing on back
Yon
comes my baby : coming down the line
With
her headlights just shining : like ??? all behind
Well
I had one good girl : and she strayed away
I
didn't think : my baby treat me this a‑way
Now
if I could holler : like some mountain jack
I
would go on a mountain : call my baby back
Mama
she caught the Southern : my daddy rode the blinds
He
said baby can't quit me : ain't no need of you trying
������� �Chicago,
31 Oct. 1935
������� �(96241‑1)
BB‑B6213 Mam S‑3802
Oh
I woke up this morning : sure was feeling bad
*Don't
know* about the good times : that I oh that I once have had
Oh
I had a notion this morning : oh and I believe I will
Believe
I'll make my home : way up on Dago Hill
Oh
I believe I'll leave here : before it is too late
For
my woman I love : she just won't wait
Oh
my mama she told me : ain't been no great long time
Oh
one of these mornings :
Oh
I'm going away way : to wear you off my mind
For
you keep me worried : and bothered all the time
Oh
Lord have mercy : on my worried soul
I
wouldn't mistreat my woman : for to save nobody's soul
������� �Dallas,
5 Dec. 1929
�� ������(149548‑1) Co‑14506‑D Rt RL‑327
That
dirty Trinity River : sure have done me wrong
It
came in my windows and doors : now all my bacon gone
Trinity
River blues : keep me bothered all the time
I
lose all my clothes baby : believe I'm going to lose my mind
They'll
build a levee now : I have no more to worry about
If
that river should happen to rise : won't have to move my things out
Trinity
River rising : it came in my windows and doors
*If
it wasn't for* ??? baby : honey it won't rise no more
������� �Atlanta,
30 July 1928
������� �(402008‑A)
OK‑8828 Yz L‑1018
I
I want to tell you : what I know about you
I
believe to my soul : my girl got a black cat bone
For
when I leave : sure come creeping home
I
wonder what's the matter : with my rider here
???
*need my blues* : and drive me away from here
*I
wear* those blues mama : when the sun goes down
I
declare to God : I never take you down
I
ain't going to stay here : mama and nowhere else
I'm
going to live up in the country : buy me a rocking chair
Now
look a‑here mama : what you trying to do
I
believe to my soul : you break my heart in two
It
rained five days : *and all lay dark* with me
Oh
let me tell you : what my used‑to‑be
������� �Atlanta,
30 July 1928
������� �(402009‑B)
OK‑8828 Yz L‑1009
Hey
mama : honey what's the matter now
How
in the world to tell me : honey what's the matter now
I
ain't going to stay [there, here] : mama [stay there] and nowhere else
Said
I walked from noon : honey way up north
I
got up this morning : crying mama I got to go
Said
I wait for Soo Lord : honey by the depot
Hey
hey hey : honey what's the matter now
Said
*won't poor* tell me : honey what's the matter now
I
was standing here early one [morning, evening] : right before my clothes
I
ain't got so many : got so far to go
I
want you to stand still suitcase : till I find my clothes
Said
the suitcase rolling : Monday man I go
I
ain't going to stay here : wondering about my soul
Said
a sideboard sent me : got to roll you know
I
got one old rider : all in my mind
I
got one in Tampa : Georgia she was bound
[Oh
see, oh look a‑here] rider : I can't [stay, be] here long
Said
the sideboard tell you : got to *line my home*
Hey
rider : honey what is on your mind
Said
this sideboard Soo Lord : carry load of wine
������� �Atlanta,
6 Dec. 1930
������� �(151065‑
) Co‑14578‑D OJL‑18
I
asked her for a drink of water : she brought gasoline
Now
listen to me : you doing me mighty mean
Talk
about your girl boy : you ought to see mine
Ain't
so pretty : but she sure do dress fine
Talk
about your gal : ought to see mine
She
is the sweetest : gal in town
Music
man : ain't it grand
Play
that thing boy : long as you can
Asked
her for water : she bring me gasoline
Now
let me tell you : ain't that mean
Talk
about your brown : you ought to see mine
Ain't
so pretty : but she's the sweetest in town
������� �Memphis,
23 Sept. 1929
������� �(55571‑2)
Vi‑V38547 Rt RL‑322
Old
Aunt Dinah : she's a sister of the church
She
takes a drink : she says it will not hurt
I
met her one day : coming down Beale Street
She
was so drunk : until she could not see
Some
folks say : a preacher won't steal
I
caught a preacher : in my watermelon field
He
took that watermelon : off the vine
He
was running : when I thought he was flying
Had
me before the judge : about selling corn
He
made me hate the day : that I ever was born
I
turned my face : right to the wall
He
said a hundred and ten : and costs that's all
I
went to the ball : the other night
My
man danced with a gal : her dress was too tight
She
doing the shimmy‑shee‑wobble : right across the hall
She
made a misstep : you might've seen her fall
Early
one morning : about half past four
A
big police : was knocking on my door
He
had a glass of whiskey : right in his hand
He's
full of whiskey : and take me to the Promised Land
������� �Memphis,
23 Sept. 1929
������� �(55572‑2)
Vi‑V38547 OJL‑21
Talks
about your *miller* : *he's from shore to shore*
I
give you the strut : show him *got the floor*
Ain't
no use : for you women to always be in a rut
Just
step up to your man : and do your wicked strut
A
hundred dollar bill : will make a broke man slobber
A
woman with a strut : will make a good man holler
Take
a Greyhound to run it : it's a round bumpy road
Takes
a married woman to strut it : satisfy my soul
Talks
about your women : when you're
Your
grandma done the strut : in your grandpa's shirt
Some
of you men : when you're *scratching hoe*
Do
*young* about your strutting : in your
Just
as sure as *the little pea* : ain't *leaving in the land*
A
woman with the strut : can always get a man
������� �Jackson,
Miss., 12 Oct. 1935
������� �(JAX‑113‑2)
Vo‑03106 Rt RL‑321
I
woke up this morning : feeling mighty sad
Was
the worst old feeling : that I ever had
It's
war in Ethiopia : and mama's feeling blue
I
tell the cockeyed world : I don't know what to do
They
say that Ethiopia : is a long way from here
They
trying to steal my man : and hurry him over there
I
love my man : tell the cockeyed world I do
It's
coming the time : that he'll sure love me too
This
old cockeyed world : will make your good man treat you mean
He
will treat you : just like a poor girl he never seen
It's
war in Ethiopia : and my man won't behave
I
tell the cockeyed world : I'll spit in my baby's face
It's
war in Ethiopia : baby please please behave
I
tell the cockeyed world : I'll follow you to your grave
������� �Jackson,
Miss., 12 Oct. 1935
������� �(JAX‑114‑1)
Vo‑03106 Rt RL‑321
Now
use to think : that you are cute
You
look like a monkey : in a baseball suit
You
come in creeping : just like a louse
Got
a face : like Mickey Mouse
No
use you doing : your evil ways
???
: you think I crave
You
prance around : *to be up trip*
Only
time to do : the *lind* snake hips
No
use to think : that you are tough
Trying
to be : too hard and rough
������� �Chicago,
1 Mar. 1926
������� �(9547‑A)
OK‑8328 CC-32
My
man packed his trunk : and said I'm going away
And
I'll send you a special delivery : some old day
He
said I'm leaving you baby : it almost breaks my heart
But
remember the times : that the best of friends must part
I
run to the window : as the train was passing by
Lord
it give me the blues so bad : I thought that I would die
Hey
Mr mailman : did you bring me any news
Because
if you didn't : it will give me those special delivery blues
������� �Chicago,
1 Mar. 1926
������� �(9548‑A)
OK‑8328 CC-32
Jack
of diamonds : you appear to be my friend
But
gambling : is going to be our end
You
stole all my money : and cut up all my clothes
And
you keep me broke : and tried to put me out‑of‑doors
We
have traveled : the whole round world through
There
is nothing in this world : I found that pleases you
I
love jack of diamonds : but he was a cruel man
He
would play dice and cards : and his game was old cooncan
������� �Chicago,
20 Nov. 1926
������� �(9930‑A)
OK‑8439 Sw S‑1240
My
room sure looks lonesome : since my good man been gone
I
ain't got nobody : that I can call my own
I
lay down last night : tried to take my rest
My
mind got to traveling : like the wild goose in the west
I
was thinking about my sweet daddy : I mean all night long
Because
he left me here : in this old lonesome home
Lord
I tried to cry : but my tears refused to fall
I
was all alone : no one to love at all
I
got the bedroom blues : because there's a bedroom in my home
I
thinks about my sweet man : all night long
������� �Chicago,
6 May 1927
������� �(80837‑A)
OK‑8499 Bio BLP‑C6
Give
me Houston : Dallas is not my crave
So
when I'm dry : I can drink whiskey just made
Whiskey
whiskey : is some folk's downfall
But
if I don't drink whiskey : I ain't no good at all
Have
you ever been drunk : slept in all of your clothes
And
when you woke up : you found that you were out of dough
I'm
going to get drunk : papa just one more time
Because
when I'm drunk : nothing don't worry my mind
������� �Chicago,
6 May 1927
������� �(80838‑A)
OK‑8499 Bio BLP‑C6
If
you ever been down : you know just how I feel
Like
a tramp on the railroad : ain't got a decent meal
I'm
a real good woman : but my man don't treat me right
He
takes all my money : and stays out all night
I'm
down today : but I won't be down always
Because
the sun's going to shine : in my back door some day
It's
one thing papa : I've decided to do
I'm
going to find another papa : then I can't use you
������� �Chicago,
6 May 1927
������� �(80839‑B)
OK‑8470 CC-32
Wake
up man : see how bright the sun does shine
Get
up in that section gang : and bring me up sometime
Now
he ain't got no teeth : and *beard* so low as your toe
Now
you know man : you got to bring me up some dough
Now
the meal in the barrel : is going fast
How
long man : do you think the *powder laws* will last
Rip
Van Winckle : slept for a long long time
But
Rip Van Winckle : wasn't no man of mine
I
don't want a man : that don't work every day
I
want a man : that brings home his pay
So
get out of that bed : man be on your way
You
ramble all night : and you sleep all day
So
now I'm cross : and man I'm feeling mad
Because
you's the laziest man : that I ever had
������� �Chicago,
6 May 1927
������� �(80840‑B)
OK‑8470 Sw S‑1240
I'm
standing in this water : wishing I had a boat
The
only way I see : is take my clothes and float
The
water is rising : people fleeing for the hills
Lord
the water will obey : if you just say be still
They
sent out a law : for everybody to leave town
But
when I got the news : I was high‑water bound
They
dynamite the levee : thought it might give us ease
But
the water still rising : do you hear this plea
I
called on the good Lord : and my man too
What
else is there : for a poor girl to do
������� �Chicago,
20 June 1935
������� �(C‑1022‑B)
Vo‑03275 BC‑10
Now
we don't care : what the mama don't allow
We
going to wiggle‑wob : anyhow
Oh
we don't care : what the mama don't allow
We
going to do rough stuff : anyhow
Oh
we don't care : what the mama don't allow
We
going to boogly‑woogly : anyhow
Oh
we don't care : what the mama don't allow
We
going to bee‑bop : anyhow
We
don't care : what the mama don't allow
Boy
girls coming in here : anyhow
Oh
we don't care : what the mama don't allow
We
going to drink our whiskey : anyhow
Oh
we don't care : what the mama don't allow
We
going to play washboards : anyhow
������� �Chicago,
20 June 1935
������� �(C‑1023‑B)
Vo‑03375 BC‑10
I
wonder if you going to mistreat me woman : good as I have been to you
It
seems like you don't want me : no matter what I do
Did
you get that letter : that I throwed in your back yard
Now
I would come to see you : but your girl friend got me barred
Now
woman you must want me : to be like Jesse James
I
got to kill some man : and rob some passenger train
I
feel just like : snapping my pistol in your no‑good face
Because
you told me late last night : you stayed in another place
I'm
going to shoot you woman : as long as my pistol will fire
Because
this is Jesse James : and you should not tell him a lie
������� �Chicago,
3 July 1935
������� �(C‑1059‑?)
Vo‑03375 RBF RF‑202
Says
we don't care : what mama don't allow
We
going to show : our nickers anyhow
Says
we don't care : what mama don't allow
We
going to play : our guitars anyhow
Says
we don't care : what mama don't allow
We
going to strut our stuff : anyhow
Says
we don't care : what the mama don't allow
We
going to shake our shimmy : anyhow
Says
we don't care : what mama don't allow
We
going to break them down : anyhow
Says
we don't care : what the mama don't allow
We
going to easy‑woodle : anyhow
������� �Chicago,
21 Dec. 1936
������� �(01883‑
) BB‑B6794 BC‑10
I
went to a party last night : I was dressed to kill
When
the people found who I was dancing with : I guess they laughing still
I
looked up at her face : I looked down at her feet
She
was built like an automobile : but didn't have no rumble seat
Now
I got her home with me : I got into bed
When
she pulled off her dress : she says daddy cover up your head
I
bought myself a bottle of booze : I went to drink it to myself
But
when I turned it up to my head : here comes somebody else
I
went to her place last night : I knocked upon the door
When
that lady opened that door : I said I'll never do this no more
������� �Chicago,
21 Dec. 1936
������� �(01884‑
) BB‑B6870 RBF RF‑16
Sit
right down : have some fun
My
old lady out : on a all night run
I'll
cook some meat : bake some bread
If
you get sleepy : there's a great big bed
Take
this liquor : take this wine
Let's
get drunk : have a whopping good time
You
can have some of that : have some of this
Have
everything : in the doggone flat
I'm
drunk and disorderly : and I don't care
Why
don't you : put on your underwear
������� �Chicago,
21 Dec. 1936
������� �(01885‑
) BB‑B6870 BC‑10
Got
a little bitty mama : and a big mama too
My
little bitty mama : don't treat me like my big mama do
Hey
hey mama : don't be mean to me
Because
don't you know baby : you and I can't agree
Hey
hey mama : take your big legs off of me
If
you had good sense : you'd be down in misery
Hey
hey mama : let's go across town
Now
didn't we have fun : but you big legs is holding me down
Hey
hey mama : give me my shoes and clothes
I
done found out : I can't satisfy your soul
There's
a train at the station : and I'm ready to go
You'll
never get a chance : to put your big legs on me no more
������� �Aurora,
Ill., 4 May 1937
������� �(07616‑
) BB‑B7001 BC‑10
Oh
tell me mama : who's that here awhile ago
Yes
when I come in : who is that went out that back door
Now
don't come here mama : I'm going to start to raising sand
You
been out boogly‑wooglying : that's something I can't understand
This
is something : I never seen before
You
broke down my bed : got a pallet on my floor
I
had the windows nailed down : he couldn't get through
Had
his hat in his hand : and his underwear too
So
tell me baby : before I let you go
Yes
when I come in : who's that went out that back door
He
come by me running : but it likely he ain't got a chance
With
one leg in his pants : and his shoes in his hand
������� �Aurora,
Ill., 4 May 1937
������� �(07617‑
) BB‑B7001 BC‑10
When
I get you mama : we going to move on the outskirts of town
Because
I don't want nobody : ooo always hanging around
Well
the reason mama : I don't want you to stay here
I
don't need no iceman : I'm going to get me a frigidaire
That's
why : I'm going to move on the outskirts of town
Because
sweet baby : I don't want no iceman hanging around
Well
I'm going to heat with gas mama : and not with coal
I
don't need no coalman : stopping and hauling coal
That's
why : we going to move on the outskirts of town
Because
I don't want no coalman : always hanging around
Well
I'm going to bring my groceries mama : myself every day
If
that don't beat the grocery boy : I know a way
That's
what I'm going to do : when we move to the outskirts of town
Because
I don't want no delivery boy : always hanging around
Well
it may be funny mama : as funny as can be
If
we have any babies : I want them all to look like me
������� �Aurora,
Ill., 4 May 1937
������� �(07618‑
) BB‑B7048 BC‑10
Hey
hey baby : why you acting so lowdown
Yeah
all you do is drink moonshine : and clown all over town
You
drink moonshine : I believe you smoke reefers too
Yeah
because when you get drunk woman : you don't care what you do
You
said you loved me : I found out you told a lie
When
I started to tell you about your lowdown ways : you just hang your head and cry
You
can always tell : when your woman going to act lowdown
Yeah
she start drinking moonshine : and running with the lowest class in town
I'm
going to buy me a pistol : shotgun and some shells
I'm
going to stop these lowdown women : because I'm going to start to raising hell
������� �Aurora,
Ill., 4 May 1937
������� �(07620‑
) BB‑B7096 BC‑10
I
wonder why : that southbound train don't run
Woman
you don't need no telling : you know just what you done
I
got my ticket : I'm holding it in my hand
I
got a real good woman : but the poor fool don't understand
I'm
a hard‑working man : to be mistreated where I go
When
I get down in the lowlands : I won't be mistreated no more
I'm
going to Jackson : Greenwood is where I belong
Anywhere
in Mississippi : is my native home
I'm
just like my mother left me : I ain't got nothing at all
I'm
just like a big mule baby : I ain't got no stall
������� �Aurora,
Ill., 4 May 1937
������� �(07621‑
) BB‑B7096 BC‑10
I
was standing on the corner : and I was wringing my hands
And
up come a copper : and say he was a plain‑clothes man
He
carried me to the station : and put me in a cell
He
said you stay there partner : until about twelve
The
judge he passed the sentence : the clerk he wrote it down
I
know by that baby : I was prison bound
Bye
bye bye baby : I see you some sweet day
Yeah
I was not a bad fellow : but the judge he sent me away
I'm
going away baby : but I never will forget this day
Yeah
the Good Book do tell you : ooo that crime do not pay
������� �Aurora,
Ill., 16 June 1938
������� �(020808‑
) BB‑B7906 BC‑2
When
you walking down Thirty‑First Street : you had better look around
The
vice squad is on the beat : and you'll be jailhouse bound
I
was standing on the corner : everything was going slow
Can't
make no money : tricks ain't walking no more
Going
to start a little racket : going to start it out right
Going
to sell moonshine in the day : and sell the dope at night
Then
if I can't make no money : going to catch the Santa Fe
Going
to drink good liquor : and let all women be
������� �Aurora,
Ill., 16 June 1938
������� �(020809‑
) BB‑B7866 BC‑10
You's
a good‑looking woman : pretty as you can be
Lot
of mens running after you : you must save it for me
You
can invite men to dinner : let them drink my wine
But
now when it comes to loving you : that had better be mine
You
can throw away my money : drive me to the W P A
If
you want to keep breathing : don't give my loving away
Oh
men do tell me : I'm a doggone fool
But
if you save it for me : I'll work like a doggone mule
Here
I come mama : tired and dirty as I can be
Just
want to know mama : if you save it for me
������� �Aurora,
Ill., 16 June 1938
������� �(020814‑
) BB‑B7780 BC‑2
Sophisticated
mama : don't turn your nose up at me
Don't
try to be ritzy : you ain't what you seem to be
You
think you knows all answers : ain't got nothing to learn
You
don't want no man : if he ain't got money to burn
I'm
going to read you mama : tell you what I think of you
You
will do anything : that any other woman will do
You
can't drink nothing : unless it's champagne or wine
But
you would drink beer and like it : if you were the woman of mine
You
like high‑price dresses : and mmm steaks every day
If
you belongs to me : you would eat hot dogs any time I say
I'm
a barrelhouse man : ain't got no money to give you
Can't
give you nothing but loving : and you'll have to make that do
������� �Chicago,
15 May 1939
������� �(034797‑
) BB‑B8211 BC‑10
Baby's
digging my potatoes : tramping on my vines
I
have a special plan : resting on my mind
I
don't eat no cabbage sprouts : bring me solid head
Go
to call a wagon : if I find him in my bed
Now
she powdered her face : *Lord her* wavy hair
Caught
a taxicab : she's out across town somewhere
Said
my vine's coloured green : potatoes solid red
Never
found a bruised one : till I caught them in my bed
������� �Chicago,
5 Aug. 1940
������� �(049370‑
) BB‑B8569 BC‑10
Well
trouble start this morning : at my front door
When
you say : you didn't want me no more
I'm
going to St Louis : to wear you off my mind
You
keep me worried : and bothered all the time
I
tried to treat you : nice and kind
But
you got to the place : you didn't pay me no mind
You
been drinking whiskey : and been drinking gin
First
thing you know : you will be drunk again
I
tried hard : all my life
But
you wouldn't try : to treat me right
������� �Chicago,
5 Aug. 1940
������� �(049374‑
) BB‑B8599 RBF RF‑16
You
been tooting your whistle : and you been blowing your horn
Oh
you been raising sand : about what's going on
Yes
I got your woman : and you say that you was through
Yes
I got your woman : so what in the world are you going to do
I
wasn't bothering your woman : but you had left her alone
So
if she flagged my train : I'm sure going to take her home
Oh
you've unfastened your pistol : you've been making your bogus play
If
you bother me about that woman : I'm going to put you in your grave
Oh
when you had that woman : you didn't treat her right
Oh
she walked these blocks for you : both day and night
������� �Chicago,
26 June 1941
���� ����(064477‑1) BB‑B8909 RCA LPV‑577
Life
is just a book : every day is a brand new page
There
is one thing I know : ooo well we have no more
There
was so many people : standing on the corner today
They
can't find no job : ooo well and no place to stay
Now
once I had money : could go most anywhere
Wouldn't
wear a shirt : after it tear
Now
my money's gone : done pawned all my clothes
And
if I don't make some changes : I'll be sleeping outdoors
So
take it easy take it easy : Lord how can I rest
If
you ain't a stone pony : ooo well hard times will bust your vest
Now
since prices have went up : on meal and leg bone
There's
been a‑many person : hung their head and moan
But
the reason : so many without a place to stay
Standing
around : depending on the W P A
������� �Chicago,
26 June 1941
������� �(064478‑1)
BB‑B8878 RCA LPV‑577
You
are the same girl : I met in nineteen hundred and four
You
have a nice line of jive : with a plow and a hoe
We
can be buddies : you are a good scout
But
the road you are traveling : is done played out
Your
game is so strong mama : yes your dice is too bad
So
find you another chump : ooo well mama because I'm not the lad
When
you get your money : don't be so tight
You
don't buy nothing but whiskey : from morning till night
Just
buy yourself : one good feed
And
you won't have to : weight everything you need
You
can't slice my meat : you can't make my bread
You
can't say : you want to fix your bed
Now
don't think because you're smart : because you lot of mouth
For
the line you are carrying : is done played out
Now
a nickel is a nickel : and a dime is a dime
You
spend your money : and I'll spend mine
If
you think you can boss me : and eat up my grub
You
are a lying sweet woman : so get up and out of that mud
������� �Chicago,
26 June 1941
������� �(064479‑1)
BB‑B8844 RCA LPV‑577
Then
the cow jumped salty : Lord because it was against her rule
Now
if you think that she likes it : ooo well you just a blackeyed fool
The
little game rooster : told the little guinea hen
If
I ever catch you squatting : around my nest again
I
will have to jump salty : Lord because it's really against my rule
Now
if you think that he likes it : ooo well you just a blackeyed fool
Now
two old womens : are running hand in hand
One
found out : the other one had a man
Then
that woman jumped salty : Lord because it was against her rule
Now
if you think that she likes it : ooo well you just a blackeyed fool
I
was chatting with a girl : in the wrong place
A
man cocked a pistol : right in my face
Then
my feet jumped salty : Lord because it was against his rule
Now
if you think that I liked it : ooo well you just a blackeyed fool
������� �Chicago,
26 June 1941
������� �(064480‑1)
BB‑B8844 BC‑10
Flying
Crow leave Port Arthur : come to Shreveport to change her crew
She
will take water at Texarkana : yes boys and keep on through
That
Flying Crow whistle : sounds so lonesome and sad
Lord
it broke my heart : and took the last woman I had
Two
days I cried : three days I walked the streets
I
couldn't find nobody : to give my poor heart relief
Now
she's gone she's gone : with a red and green light behind
The
red is for trouble : and the green is for my rambling mind
������� �Chicago,
26 June 1941
������� �(064481‑1)
BB‑B8909 BC‑10
Says
I worked in a leveecamp : just about a month ago
Says
I wind so many wagons : it made my poor hands sore
We
slept just like dogs : eat beans both night and day
But
I never did know : just when we were due our pay
They
had two shifts on day : and the same two shifts at night
But
if a man weren't working : he can't treat his baby right
Electric
lights going out : telephones is bogging down
I'm
going to keep on winding : because I'm the best old winder in town
������� �Chicago,
26 June 1941
������� �(064482‑1)
BB‑B8878 RCA LPV‑577
I've
got the blues : I feel so lowdown
It's
all about my baby : down in my old home town
She
got really white teeth : and long black wavy hair
Yes
I love my baby : because that stuff is really there
I'm
going back home : and take the right‑hand road
And
I ain't going to stop : until I get in my baby's door
These
home‑town blues : have got me down in mind
Because
I love my baby : *and there's such a good time*
������� �Chicago,
26 June 1941
������� �(064483‑1)
BB‑B8937 RCA LPV‑577
I'm
going to get me a brownskin woman : Lord and let all the yellow ones go
You
know a brownskin woman : ooo well is not a don't you know
Don't
let no yellow woman : know Lord how much you really care
She'll
keep your mind upset : ooo well and won't be on the square
Now
I am a free man : Lord and sleeping all alone
But
I'm going to get me a brownskin : ooo Lord because the yellow one is gone
That
no‑good woman followed me here : Lord but the police took her away
I
was so glad of that : ooo well I didn't like her lowdown ways
������� �Chicago,
26 June 1941
������� �(064484‑1)
BB‑B8937 RCA LPV‑577
She
belongs to the devil : Lord I cried many a day
Yes
that child is so wicked : ooo well who could change her ways
She
could wink a mean eye : Lord she learned me to sing the blues
And
she had a little secret : ooo Lord make a washboard have it too
Now
when we both was young : on our way to school
We
stopped under a shade‑tree : laying in the cool
Babe
oh babe oh babe : honey you should have a heart
Just
remember this day : ooo Lord Lord and we will never part
Now
I did not know the year : Lord neither the month she was born
Yes
she belongs to the devil : ooo well she have wrecked a‑many home
������� �Chicago,
4 Nov. 1941
������� �(070375‑1)
BB‑B8967 RCA LPV‑577
First
time I heard your music : I was just sixteen
I
couldn't understand all the records : because I was young and green
Now
let me play your *sea bird* : yes mama one more time
Just
let me play your vendor : your music sure sounds good to me
I
work hard for my money : I spends it all away
You
open your vendor at night : and keep it locked all day
I
don't know what folks tell me : if it's true or not
They
say your day or night records : are kind that were hot
Play
with these thirty year old nickels : will fit your machine just right
I
can't play it right now : I'll play it later on tonight
������� �Chicago,
4 Nov. 1941
������� �(070377‑1)
BB‑B8997 RCA LPV‑577
I'm
going to hit this old highway : catch the fastest thing I see
Because
I want to see my baby : ooo Lord I believe my baby want to see me
I
want to find my baby : I pray to the good Lord I don't fail
If
I never find her : ooo Lord I'll be forever on her trail
I'm
going to call up China : and telephone every town I know
And
if I don't find her in Shanghai : ooo Lord I'm going to look all over the Gulf
of Mexico
She's
the onliest woman I ever loved : I can't get her off my mind
Now
I may not find her in the next twenty years : ooo Lord but I'll be forever
trying
������� �Chicago,
4 Nov. 1941
������� �(070378‑1)
BB‑B9007 RBF RF‑1
I
don't know my real name : I don't know when I was born
The
trouble I been having : seem like I was raised in a orphan's home
My
mother died and left me : when I was only two years old
And
the trouble I been having : the good Lord only knows
I
been treated like an orphan : and been worked like a slave
And
if I ever get my revenge : evilness will carry me to my grave
Now
I been having trouble : ever since I been grown
I'm
too old for the orphan : and too young for the old folks' home
������� �Chicago,
4 Nov. 1941
������� �(070379‑1)
BB‑B8997 RCA LPV‑577
Yes
yes : worst feeling I ever had
These
old evil blues : have treated me awful bad
I
had the blues all night : I'll be glad when morning comes
I'm
going to have a talk with some Gypsy : see what evil have I done
These
old evil blues : have been following me all this week
I
can't rest at midnight : and day I just can't sleep
Down
in old Death Valley : tombstones and old dry bones
These
old evil blues keep following me : Death Valley going to be my home
������� �Chicago,
4 Nov. 1941
������� �(070380‑1)
BB‑B9018 RCA LPV‑577
Now
listen here brother : you may can understand
I
might would pimp a woman : but I will never pimp a man
So
please get down big boy : man you big enough to walk
And
when I tell you about a job : ooo Lord you say you don't want to talk
You
said you would never work : as long as you was free
So
brother because I'm working : why you pick on me
You
come by my house : with a great long lie
You
say hello friends : I'm just passing by
You
came to stay a day : and you stayed a week
And
when my wife asked you to do her a favor : you pretend you were asleep
������� �Chicago,
4 Nov. 1941
������� �(070381‑1)
BB‑B9007 BC‑10
My
name is Washboard Sam : but many call me loving Joe
Listen
to what I says : if you really wants to know
Oh
baby : meet me down in Lover's Lane
I
want you to sit and listen : ooo gal to my wonderful plan
Now
baby I'm not a bad man : you know we ain't no kin
If
you don't want to be my woman : we will still be friends
Now
when we are talking : I want you to hold my hand
Look
me in the eye : I think I can make you understand
Now
ask the ladies in your neighborhood : about my plan
And
they will all tell you : that loving Sam is the man
������� �Chicago,
4 Nov. 1941
������� �(070382‑1)
BB‑B9018 RCA LPV‑577
Gal
you stole my love : and you know that it was a crime
So
go on and take the punishment : it's no worry of mine
I
worried a long time ago : and you was as happy as you could be
So
now it's your worry : I'm glad you have set me free
Now
you know you had me your way : and I just couldn't turn around
But
now things have turned : but I ain't going to let you down
So
now we are even : and let's start over this very day
Everything
I start : I want you to meet me halfway
������� �Chicago,
31 July 1942
������� �(074686‑1)
BB‑34‑0710 RCA LPV‑577
I
laid my cards on the table : still you wouldn't give me a break
But
some day baby : you poor heart is sure going to ache
Baby
you made my poor heart bleed : and then you said I ain't fit
And
you have found someone else : and you want to call it quits
Baby
some day baby : I know things are going to turn
And
that one‑sided love : is going to make your poor heart burn
And
I will look out of my window : and see you on the street
And
that load your poor heart will be carrying : will knock you off of your feet
Because
you stayed away all summer : and didn't come home till fall
Now
you are too late baby : because someone else in your stall
������� �Chicago,
31 July 1942
������� �(074687‑1)
BB‑34‑0710 RCA LPV‑577
I
get the blues at bedtime : them things don't leave until day
And
if I just had you in my arms : them blues would blow away
Now
if you love me baby : try to keep me satisfied
And
you will lower down your chariot : and let your poor daddy ride
Now
if I could go back to China : and start my life brand new
I
would tell the whole world : just what I would do
I
wouldn't start to drinking and gambling : I wouldn't run around
I
think I would get married : baby and I would settle down
������� �Grafton,
Wis., c. Feb. 1930
� �������(L‑142‑4) Pm‑12954 Her H‑205
You
can talk about burnt liver : but narrow‑face is the meat I crave
You
can take a narrow‑face : and lead a preacher to his grave
You
sister will do anything : when he begins to preach and smile
You
*bake grub* for your husband : to find those narrow‑faced boys
Lordy
Lordy : here's what I want you to do
Please
deliver me : from these narrow‑faced blues
Hey
hey hey : listen to the brother moan
While
the preacher and the sister : *love* those narrow‑face *bones*
You'd
be surprised to know : what the word of narrow‑face means
But
you see it ain't nothing : but a great big fat hen
Hey
hey : what you want me to do
*Johnny*
it with you : and eat those narrow‑face too
������� �Grafton,
Wis., c. Apr. 1930
������� �(L‑283‑2)
Pm‑12954 Her H‑205
Insurance
man came this morning : and knocked on my door
I
didn't have no money : and I told him not to come no more
I've
taken awful sick : and I had to go to bed
I
didn't have no money : to get a nurse to hold my head
You
will need your insurance : no matter where you go
Don't
never : drive an insurance man from your door
I
will have my money : next time he comes around
And
then I can call up : old Dr Brown
Money
is so tight : I can't pay my insurance bill
Please
Mr insurance man : trust me if you will
Insurance
man turned around : and he looked me in the eye
And
said *your death* won't credit you : when you get ready to die
Oh
well it's Lordy Lordy : what am I to do
Ain't
got no money : now my insurance is due
������� �Chicago,
6 June 1927
������� �(38637‑2)
Vi‑21126 OJL‑4
Well
take me down : and have a time
All
I want : is [a bottle of, some more]
������� �New
York, 18 Jan. 1934
������� �(14637‑1)
Ba‑33105 Fly LP‑103
When
you get in Tallahassee : put your money down in your shoe
Tallahassee
women : they sure put a *method* on you
Lord
I'm going to Tallahassee : I got these Tallahassee blues
Yes
these Tallahassee women : sure put a *method* on you
Yes
I was walking down the street the other day : my Hattie on my mind
A
woman walked with me baby : to buy me one drink of shine
I
told her I'm going back to Tallahassee : I ain't got no money to spend
But
I'll buy you one drink baby : when I see you again
Tell
me ain't no need to worry : ain't no need to feel bad
The
folks down in Tallahassee : make me spend all the money I ever had
Lord
these Tallahassee women : they put a *method* on you
But
I can tell you one thing : I got these Tallahassee blues
And
I don't feel good : I don't feel bad
I
never had a gal : like the one I have had
Now
that was down in Tallahassee : where I had these Tallahassee blues
I
got these blues so bad : don't know what in the world to do
When
you go down in Smoky Hollow : put your money down in your shoe
Them
Smoky Hollow women : sure put a *method* on you
Now
I'm feeling so bad : I'm feeling so sad
I
ain't had a drink so long : till I feeling so bad
Now
I'm going I'm going to Tallahassee : got these Tallahassee blues
When
you get in Tallahassee : your woman put a *method* on you
������� �New
York, 24 Jan. 1934
������� �(14676‑1)
Ba‑33058 Rt RL‑313
I'm
crying oh : where in the world my black snake gone
I
mean now some pretty mama : done [run, drove] my black snake home
Mama
it must have been a bedbug : baby a chinch can't bite that hard
And
I asked my baby for fifty cents : she said honey ain't a child in the yard
I'm
crying mmm : black snake crawling all in my room
I
mean some pretty mama : better come and get this black snake soon
Now
mama that's all right : mama that's all right for you
I
mean now that's all right pretty mama : most any old any old way you do
Now
you don't know : you don't worry my mind
You
keep your black snake worried : and want him most all the time
I'm
crying oh now : black snake crawling all on my room
������� �New
York, c. Aug. 1921
������� �(P‑146‑1)
BS‑2021 Bio BLP‑12022
The
very thought of Sam sinking : that's my *cup*
It's
going to be my place : to pick him up
������� �New
York, c. Aug. 1921
������� �(P‑147‑1)
BS‑2021 Bio BLP‑12022
My
walk will be different : my talk and my name
Nothing
about me : is going to be the same
I'm
going to change my long ??? : for a little short spat
I'm
going to change my number : where I'm living at
Why
there's a change in the weather : there's a change in the sea
But
from now on : there'll be a change in me
I'm
going to change my way of living : and that ain't no bluff
Why
I'm thinking about changing : the way I got to strut my stuff
������� �New
York, c. May 1922
������� �(B)
BS‑14120 Bio BLP‑12022
A
certain party : that I know
Offered
me a ticket : to Chicago
*Arty*
wanted to marry me : way last spring
Even
bought me : a great big diamond ring
������� �New
York, c. May 1922
������� �(A)
BS‑14120 Bio BLP-12022
Have
you heard it have you heard it : the da da swing
It
will shake you : it will make you really go insane
Everybody
: *is still obsessed*
Make
you watch : your every step
Every
??? every ??? : starts to lay them down
Everybody
when they heard it : starts to ???ing around
And
I get crazy : as a loon
When
everybody : hums this tune
������� �New
York, c. May 1922
������� �(�� ) BS‑14128 Bio BLP-12022
Now
the Jump‑Steady Club : they gave a ball
And
it was held : down at the new hope hall
All
the bootleggers : in the town
Why
they brought : that *stuff steady* along
People
came : from far and near
To
taste the different mixtures : that they handled there
When
the jazz band struck up : you'd be surprised
Everybody
in the hall : was goo‑goo eyed
They
started serving : ??? wine
And
everything : that was alcohol‑lined
Chicago
pop : and *lilac*
All
kinds of pep tonic : went along with the jazz
Jamaica
gin : to mix with turpentine
With
black molasses : made it super fine
Extract
of lemon : and ginger ale
Sweet
patuni with shoe polish : and you're bound for jail
Night's
awful hot : I was feeling fine
To
tell the truth : I was out of my mind
But
just before : I lost my head
I
saw them : carry six men out dead
They
walked out the window : in the air
They
called for music : but no jazz band was there
Then
everybody there : was
You
could get paralyzed : for fifteen cents
Extract
of lemon : with ginger ale
*Eat
cake* with some raisins : and you're bound for jail
������� �New
York, c. May 1922
� �������(�� ) BS‑14128
Bio BLP-12022
It
makes me crazy : when you blow it up high
And
when you bring it down : and swing it side to side
Because
when you start to jazz : I get a feeling from the start
That
gives me such a *kicking and a twicking* : around my heart
������� �New
York, c. Mar. 1923
������� �(564‑1)
BS‑14146 Bio BLP-12022
Memphis
man : comes knocking at the door
Knocks
like : nobody ever knocked before
If
you know your business : let him in
Because
he's so different : when loving begins
Memphis
man : the lovingest man I know
Loves
you : like you never been loved before
Love
you while he's talking : love you while he sings
Swing
his arms and hands : and a few other things
Love
you when he's working : love you when he slaves
He
could write a book : on his loving ways
������� �New
York, c. Mar. 1923
������� �(565‑2)
BS‑14146 Bio BLP-12022
Daddy
daddy : please come back to me
Your
mama's lonesome : as she can be
You
left [me] at midnight : clock was striking twelve
To
face this cruel world : well all by myself
������� �New
York, c. June 1923
������� �(A)
BS‑14151 Bio BLP-12022
You
can't do : what my last man did
Dog
me around : and treat me like he did
My
last man : tried to drag me down
But
he was one good man : to have around
But
when the clock on the wall : strikes half past three
I
want all the things : you do for me
Early
this morning : you wanted to fight
Because
you heard : I cabareted last night
Tried
to take my money : and pawn my *flat*
Now
you've worn the welcome : clean off my mat
Now
that last cruel papa : he blacked my eye
Then
left me alone : to sigh and cry
������� �New
York, c. June 1923
������� �(B)
BS‑14154 Bio BLP-12022
It's
getting so I can't sleep for dreaming : and I can't laugh for crying
Because
the man I love : is forever on my mind
He
puts candy in my hand : and he calls me his candy doll
Then
he looks at me and cries mama : I mean your sweet old girl
It's
so hard to love : another woman's man
Because
you can't get him when you want him : you've got to take him when you can
Oh
love is like a faucet : that turns off and on
Because
every time you think you've got it : papa it's turned off and gone
Life
is nothing but a jam : a constant jamboree
It
jams everybody : now it's about to jam poor me
������� �Chicago,
c. Apr. 1924
������� �(1742‑2)
Pm‑12313 Bio BLP-12022
Some
people crave for loving : some people crave for gold
But
craving is just a habit : so I've been told
I
love my man : I'll tell the world I do
As
good as I've been : he ought to love me too
But
he keeps me worried : day and night
When
I want to love him : he wants to fuss and fight
������� �Atlanta,
26 Oct. 1928
������� �(147304‑2)
Co‑14386‑D His HLP‑32
I've
got a gal : lives down by the jail
Sign
on the door : sweet patuni for sale
Lord
I'm wild about my tuni : only thing I crave
Oh
sweet patuni : going to carry me to my grave
I
got up this morning : about half past four
Big
Bill *Johnny* : had his *'spenders* on the floor
I
got a gal : she's long and tall
Every
time she do the shimmy : I holler hot dog
If
I could holler : like a mountain jack
Go
up on a mountain : bring my tuni back
Way
back yonder : in one‑oh‑one
Baby
had good tunis : but she couldn't get none
������� �Atlanta,
26 Oct. 1928
������� �(147305‑2)
Co‑14386‑D His HLP‑32
Got
up this morning : my good gal was gone
Stood
by my bedside : long many long many morn
Went
down the street : I couldn't be satisfied
Had
the no no blues : just too mean just too mean to cry
Take
a mighty good woman : treat her good man wrong
Ain't
none of my business : but it sure ain't right
Take
another man's woman : walk the streets all walk the streets all night
If
I mistreat you : I sure don't mean no harm
I'm
a motherless child : don't know right from don't know right from wrong
I'm
a stranger here : just come in your town
If
I ask for a favor : don't turn me don't turn me down
I'm
long and tall : like a cannonball
Take
a long tall fellow : make a good gal make a good gal squall
I
ain't no gambler : I don't play no pool
I'm
just a roller : jelly‑baking jelly‑baking fool
I'm
a stranger here : I just come on this train
I
long to hear : some gal call some gal call my name
My
mama told me : papa told me too
Don't
let no woman : make a fool out of make a fool out of you
������� �Chicago,
23 Apr. 1935
������� �(C‑9939‑B)
Ch‑50065 His HLP‑31
Sometime
mama : you're good as good can be
You
changed your mind baby : trying to make a dog of me
When
I met you baby : you didn't have no sometime ways
Now
you done changed baby : trying to carry me to my grave
Walked
by you baby : everything seemed to be all right
You
ain't got a place now baby : won't even love me at night
Now
listen baby : what I'm going to say
You
going to get you another man : if you don't stop your sometime ways
������� �Chicago,
23 Apr. 1935
������� �(C‑9940‑A)
Ch‑50077 Rt RL‑326
Meet
me down at the river : bring me my suit of clothes
I
ain't got so many : but I got buggish far to go
Woman
I love : woman I crave to see
She
in Cincinnati : won't even write to me
Woman
I love : got mouth chock full of good gold
Every
time she hug and kiss me : make my buggish blood run cold
Woman
I love : caught that Southern train
Heart
she left me here : heart full of aching pain
Now
tell me sweet woman : time the train come through your town
I
just want to have : a talk with that teasing brown
One
goes south at eight : one goes north at nine
I
just want to have a talk : with that brown of mine
Woman
I love : right down on the ground
She's
a tailor‑made mama : not no hand‑me‑down
Going
away to leave you : crying won't make me stay
I
may be back in June baby : may be back in first of May
������� �Chicago,
23 Apr. 1935
������� �(C‑9941‑A)
Ch‑50065 His HLP‑31
Two‑faced
woman : trying to see her two days at one time
Be
mighty doggone careful : of nar' one of them days be mine
Every
time I see you woman : got your glasses nice and clean
If
I tell you you can't go out : you say I'm acting mean
You
two‑faced woman : wear glasses all the time
Long
you wear them glasses : you can't be no woman of mine
You
know you didn't want me : when you stuck your four eyes in my door
I
done spent all my money : now tell me you don't want me no more
������� �Chicago,
23 Apr. 1935
������� �(C‑9943‑A)
Ch‑50077 Rt RL‑326
I
ain't going down baby : that long road by myself
If
I can't carry you baby : carry somebody else
Can
I wait around here baby : till your fried pie get done
If
I have any money : I will buy me some
My
baby baked me fresh biscuits : baked them nice and brown
What
please me so well : she bake them with her damper down
My
baby she got a mojo : trying to keep it hid
Papa
Weaver got something : find that mojo with
������� �New
York, 31 Aug. 1927
������� �(81401‑B)
OK‑8504 Yz L‑1012
�I don't love nobody : that's my policy
�I'll tell the world : that nobody can get
along with me
�I can't be trusted : can't be satisfied
�The men all know it : and pin their women to
their side
�I will sure backbite you : gnaw you to the
bone
�I don't mean maybe : I can't let women alone
�Pull down your windows : and lock up all your
doors
�Got ways like the devil : papa's *sneaking* on
all fours
������� �Memphis,
24 Feb. 1927
������� �(37942‑1)
Vi‑20552 Rt RL‑322
�And it's stingy woman : come and sit down on
my knee
�??? *Lordy* : unless you going to care for me
�And it's hey faro : tell me what's the matter
now
�And you trying to quit me : Lordy woman and
you don't know how
�� ������Memphis, 24 Feb. 1927
������� �(37943‑2)
Vi‑20576 Rt RL‑322
�Hey drop down drop down : mama like drops of
rain
�Lord every once in a while : I think I hear my
baby call my name
�Hey : I ain't going to change no more
�Said get away from my window mama : don't
knock at my back door
�Says I ain't been your good man : since you
been my
�Now you want me to ??? : and I ain't
�I stuck with you mama : when you did not have
no man at all
�Now baby must want me : for to be her lowdown
dog
�Lord I can stand right here partner : and look
on *Culligan* Avenue
�Lord I can see everything : that my easy
roller do
������� �Chicago,
9 June 1927
������� �(38658‑1)
Vi‑20781 Rt RL‑322
�I've got the worried blues : got nowhere to go
�You can starch my jumper : iron my overalls
�I'm going down to the station : catch that
West Cannonball
�And it's hurry sundown : let tomorrow come
�And it may bring sunshine : and it may bring
rain
������� �Atlanta,
20 Oct. 1927
������� �(40322‑2)
Vi‑21134 Yz L‑1008
�Going home in the morning : woman and I sure
can't carry you
�Ain't nothing else I learned : Lord a monkey‑woman
can do
�I don't want no jet‑black woman : Lord
to cook no pie for me
�Because black is evil : I guess she might
poison me
�Some men love high yellows : boy you give me
my black or brown
�Before your gal be with you : a yellow put you
down
�Said I wonder : would a poor matchbox hold my
clothes
�I ain't got so many : Lord I got so far to go
�Going to wash my face : in the dear old Mexico
�Going to eat my breakfast : thousand miles or
more
�Now what you going to do boy : when your
trouble get like mine
�Take you a mouthful of sugar : boy and drink a
bottle of turpentine
������� �Atlanta,
20 Oct. 1927
������� �(40323‑2) Vi‑21134 OJL‑21
�You can hitch me to your
buggy : babe drive me just like I was a mule
�But I want you to understand woman : ain't
nobody's fool
�Boy I may be right Lord : boy I may be wrong
�But my faro done come here baby : caught the
train and gone
�Going to buy me a bulldog : watch my baby
while she sleeps
�Going to keep my baby : from making her
midnight creep
�??? said she loves me : boy I don't believe
she told me the truth
�Every time I put my hand on her : boy she
really get on me
������� �Memphis,
13 Feb. 1928
������� �(41890‑2)
Vi‑21657 Rt RL‑311
�Now you give me peaches in the springtime :
apples in the fall
�Can't get the gal I love : don't want none at
all
�The woman I'm loving : she ain't no gal of
mine
�She's a married woman : boy but comes to see
me sometime
�Now it's apples on the table : peaches on the
shelf
�Getting sick and tired : of sleeping by myself
�I'm going to build me a castle : fifteen story
high
�So I can see my good gal : when she try and
pass me by
������� �Chicago,
12 Feb. 1936
������� �(C‑1256‑1)
Vo‑03186 BC‑7
�Everybody's working in this town : and it's
worrying me night and day
�If that mean working too : have to work for
the W P A
�Well well the landlord come this morning : and
he knocked on my door
�He asked me : if I was going to pay my rent no
more
�He said you have to move : if you can't pay
�And then he turned : and he walked slowly away
�So I have to try : find me some other place to
stay
�That housewrecking crew's coming : from the W
P A
�Well well went to the relief station : and I
didn't have a cent
�If that's the only way you stand : you don't
have to pay no rent
�So when I got back home : they was tacking a
notice on the door
�This house is condemned : and you can't live
there no more
�So a notion struck me : I better be on my way
�They're going to tear my house down : ooo that
crew from the W P A
�Well well I went out next morning : I put a
lock on my door
�I thought I would move : but I have no place
to go
�The real estate people : they all done got so
�They don't rent : to no relief clients no more
�So I know : have to walk the streets night and
day
�Because that wrecking crew's coming : ooo from
that W P A
�Well well a notion struck me : I'll try to
stay a day or two
�But I soon found out : that that wouldn't do
�Early next morning : while I was laying in my
bed
�I heard a mighty rumbling : and the bricks
come tumbling down on my head
�So I had to start ducking and dodging : and be
on my way
�They was tearing my house down on me : ooo
that crew from that W P A
������� �Chicago,
2 Apr. 1936
������� �(100323)
BB‑B6356 Rt RL‑329
�Well well it's blues : it's blues everywhere I
go
�Well well I'm going to find my good girl : ooo
and I won't be blue no more
�Well the blues in my house : from the roof to
the ground
�And the blues everywhere : because my good gal
have left this town
�Well well the blues in my room : I don't know
right from wrong
�Because the blues in my kitchen : my biscuit‑roller's
gone
�Well well the blues in my mailbox : because I
can't get no mail
�And the blues in my bread box : because my
bread is done gone stale
�Well well so I've blues in my meal barrel :
and the blues on my shelf
�And the blues in my bed : because I'm sleeping
by myself
������� �Chicago,
2 Apr. 1936
������� �(100324)
BB‑B6356 Rt RL‑329
�Well well me and my woman : we can't get along
no more
�Well well I don't want you hanging around :
ooo somebody sure have to go
�Well well you been telling everybody : you
been *playing in luck*
�My wife cook me neckbones and beans : why'd
you cook me chicken and duck
�So somebody : somebody will have to go
�Therefore I don't want you : ooo a‑hanging
around my house no more
�Well well you said I was your friend : and a
friend you sure did like
�But as soon as I'm gone : you always bite me
in the back
�So I don't want you : hanging around my wife
no more
�Therefore I'm sorry buddy : ooo somebody will
have to go
�Well I come home in the evening : when my
day's work is done
�My bed is all turned up : and my supper's
never done
�So I don't want you : hanging around my home
no more
�Well well I'm sorry buddy : ooo someone will
sure have to go
�Well well so look a‑here buddy : now
don't get hard
�Because somebody : can't go to the graveyard
�And it may be me : and it may be you
������� �Chicago,
21 Oct. 1937
������� �(C‑2031‑1)
Vo‑04066 CC‑3
�Hey get your partner : put on your dancing
shoes
�Then you can dance : to these red‑hot
blues
�All you got to do : is just to swing and sway
�When you're feeling low : just dance these
blues away
�I had so many women : I didn't know which one
to choose
�So my best gal's gone : I got those red‑hot
blues
�There's some folks say : that the red‑hot
blues ain't bad
�It must not have been : those red‑hot
blues they had
�Had a red‑hot mama : that I sure did
hate to lose
�But now she's gone : and I got those red‑hot
blues
������� �Chicago,
21 Oct. 1937
������� �(C‑2032‑1)
Vo‑04066 CC‑3
�And I get worried I worry : I worries all the
time
�For the gal I'm loving : she just won't treat
me kind
�I just lay in my bed : I smoke cigarettes all
night
�I just thinking about my gal : because she
ain't doing me right
�You know I'm worried : worried all the time
�Yes I'm worried : because she don't treat me
kind
�Said I woke up this morning : I was feeling so
bad
�Thinking about the good times : that I once
have had
�You know I'm worried : worried all the time
�Lord I love that women : she just won't treat
me kind
�Well there's something about that woman :
that's worrying me all the time
�She got men's shoes under her bed : and they
ain't mine
�I'm going to pack my suitcase : down the road
I'll go
�Because the good times I've had : I don't have
no more
������� �Chicago,
16 June 1926
������� �(9727‑A)
OK‑8372 Fwy FJ‑2802
�I was standing on the corner : did not mean no
harm
�And the police came : took me by the arm
�Now the prosecutor questioned me partner : the
clerk he wrote it down
�The judge say I'll give you one chance Nolan :
but you would not leave this town
�Now I got to leave Bridewell : fell down on my
knees
�Crying kill me jailor : jailor kill me please
�They sent me to the stone quarry : I was
standing in the door
�I said don't do me this a‑way people :
you know I been here before
������� �Chicago,
16 June 1926
������� �(9728‑A)
OK‑8372 CC-32
�Mama mama : baby how can it be
�Well you loves everybody baby : better than
you do poor me
�But some old day : some old [rainy, sunny] day
�Oh the wind going to rise baby : blow my blues
away
�Chicken when I'm hungry : white lightning when
I'm dry
�And a real kind woman : ??? when I die
�When I get to heaven : sit down in St Peter's
chair
�I'll say look a‑here St Peter : you got
any white lightning here
������� �Chicago,
c. Jan. 1929
������� �(21098‑3)
Pm‑12759 Yz L‑1028
�It was in New York City workhouse : *so they
called big Sam for days*
�It was in a dirty ditch there : where the
dying pickpocket lay
And
his buddy stood beside him : with his lowdown drooping head
�Listen to the last words : that the dying
pickpocket say
�He said tell my [friends, brothers] back in
Cincy : although I know she will feel blue
�That I got *these stones on the hammer* : and
I cannot pull it through
�Although I'm going partner : going to a better
land
�I ain't going to pick no more pockets : I'm
going to be a regular man
�Although she has been a real pal : and she
answers to all my calls
�I've ruined her health : trying to spring me
from this vault
������� �Chicago,
4 Nov. 1930
� �������(C‑6487‑A) Vo‑1620 BC‑4
�Well well I loved my little girl : and I loved
her for myself
�Well now now I'll tell you now baby : I don't
love nobody else
�Mama now she told me : ooo mmm till I hold her
head and cry
�Well well well some of these women now : done
made up their minds all the time
�Crying sorry : sorry to my heart
�Well now I'm so sorry : I lose my only child
�Mama now she gone : crying fare farewell to
thee
�Well well didn't never have no baby : now to
laugh and talk with me
�Mmm I wonder : do my little girl knows I'm
here
�Well well well if she do : well well she sure
don't feel my care
������� �Chicago,
4 Nov. 1930
������� �(C‑6488‑A)
Vo‑1649 Say SDR‑191
�Well that a pity and a shame : ways the women treats
the men
�Well well some of them now will take your
money : carry it and give it to another man
�Lord I woke up this morning : when everything
was still
�Well well well I seen my little mama : as she
come creeping up the hill
�Mmm bring me my pistol : shotgun and some
shells
�Well well now I been mistreated : baby and I'm
going to raise some hell
�Well well well did you ever wake up mama :
baby now between midnight and day
�Oh with your head on your pillow : babe where
your good man he once have lay
�Well now my little girl she quit me : mama now
now why did she run away
������� �Chicago,
4 Nov. 1930
������� �(C‑6489‑A)
Vo‑1649 Say SDR‑191
�I don't want my clothes : hung on that barbed
wire line
�Well well well I'm going go crazy : but baby
I've got to now lose my mind
�Well well well I want none of that sugar :
mama sprinkled in my tea
�Well I *plan supper with* any of these women :
they are sweet enough for me
�Well well well I can't use no gravy : mixed up
in my rice
�Well well well now the one I love : I believe
she could mix it for me so nice
�Mmm little girl got buggy : she throwed all of
my clothes outdoors
�Well well right now I wonder : will a shopping
bag hold my clothes
�Mmm wonder : do my little girl know where I am
�Well well now I wonder do she know : that I'm
fixing to beat it on back to 'Bam
������� �Chicago,
6 Jan. 1931
������� �(C‑6891‑A)
Vo‑1672 OJL‑20
�Well now let me tell you people : what the C
and A will do for you
�Well now it will take your little woman : then
will holler back at you
�Mmm hate to hear : C and A whistle blow
�Mama now it blows so lonesome baby : honey
because I want to go
�Mmm few more days : few more nights alone
�Baby then I'm going to pack my suitcase :
honey now I will be gone
�Well now when a woman takes the blues : she
will hang her head and cry
�Well now when a man takes the blues : please
now he will catch him a train and ride
�Mmm going to write me a letter : mama going to
mail it in the air
�Well well well going to send it up the country
: mama now to see if my little girl there
������� �Chicago,
28 Sept. 1931
������� �(67567‑1)
BB‑B5626 BC‑4
�This winter babe : going to be ice and snow
�You know my little mama : going to be sleeping
on your floor
�Remember last winter : you drove me from your
door
�Now little mama : it was in the ice and snow
�You left me baby : because I was cold in hand
�You taken my money : and spent it on your
other man
�I did more for you : than you understand
�You can tell by the bullet holes mama : now
here in my hand
�Now you pawned your pajamas : baby now you
sold your clothes
�And the ??? : didn't have no : baby have no
place to go
������� �New
York, 17 Mar. 1932
������� �(11519‑A)
Vo‑1727 Yz L-1030
�Now let me tell you : how I'd like to see my
baby now
�I bet I'd want to see her : ooo Lord you don't
know how
�Well I know my little woman : she can't sleep
at night
�Well now she got it in her mind : that I'm
ain't going to treat her right
�Baby baby : you may look for me most any day
�Well where does it matter : ooo I ain't going
to scare her away
�Now how would you feel : baby now if I come
home today
�You wouldn't have no time *with man‑o* :
to pass the time away
�Ooo look for me tomorrow : I'll be home I'm
sure
�I want you to hug and kiss me baby : now when
I come walking in your door
������� �Chicago,
18 Aug. 1934
������� �(C‑9315‑A)
De‑7082 AH‑158
�Stay out all night long : babe now to keep you
off my mind
�Well now you keep me worried baby : honey now
and bothered all the time
�Once was a good girl : they don't breed that
way no more
�And don't forget the day now little mama :
babe now you drove me from your door
�How do you feel : when you drive a good man
from your door
�Well well now you must stop look and listen :
may be your best friend you don't know
�What would you do : if you came walking to my
door
�Well then I will tell you baby : see now don't
come here no more
�Honey that's why that I tell you : don't drive
a good man from your door
�Well well now you may need his help some day
baby : oh well well you don't know
������� �Chicago,
24 Aug. 1934
������� �(C‑9351‑
) De‑7018 Say SDR‑191
�*When I get low* : let's go down in the alley
�Peetie Wheatstraw good people : going to put
you all in the alley
�Bye bye baby : what's the matter now
�The way you treat me little mama : you don't
mean me no good nohow
������� �Chicago, 11 Sept. 1934
������� �(C‑9443‑?)
De‑7007 Say SDR‑191
�When a man is out working : working hard all
his life
�Some lowdown rascal : always trying to steal
his wife
�I hate to hear : New York Central whistle blow
�Every time she whistle : to the roundhouse I
got to go
�I don't know hardly : baby what to do
�Don't want to hurt your feelings : either get
mad at you
�You got up this morning : with a rag around
your head
�Asked you to cook my breakfast : babe you went
back to bed
�Went out this morning : could not make no time
�Didn't have no blues : but I was all worried
in mind
�I'm a hard‑working man : and trying to
do things just right
�But my woman she *keeps that* on me : I ain't
going to work tonight
������� �Chicago,
25 Mar. 1935
������� �(C‑921‑A)
Vo‑03066 Say SDR‑191
�Well now I lay down every morning : but I get
up with the rising sun
�Well then I asked my little woman : mmm well
now what evil have I done
�She said she had gone away to leave me : [and
I wondered] now why don't she stay away
�Seems like now she ought to have it in her
mind : ooo well well that I can get me a girl each and every day
�That's why I say I lays down every morning :
said I get up with the rising sun
�And when I speak to my little woman : ooo well
well seems like my troubles they have just begun
�Well now remember this morning : how you told
me to pack up my clothes and go
�Well you said you'd rather see a rattlesnake :
ooo well well now come crawling across your floor
�Well now that don't worry me baby : I have it
in my mind that I can go
�Well then again after I'm gone : ooo please
now don't bother with me no more
������� �Chicago,
26 Mar. 1935
������� �(C‑944‑A)
Vo‑02978 Say SDR‑191
�If you move away : then I can write [me] a few
line
�Well now the last word you gave me : ooo well
well it keeps me bothered all the time
�Well now everything I do : well now I try to
do it nice
�But now I feel like all of these women : ooo
well well now they're trying to take my life
�All last night : I was all alone
�Well my little woman she had quit me : ooo
well well now I didn't have no happy home
�Then again last night : I sat down and I weep
and moan
�Well I was thinking about my little woman :
ooo well but she was again you know she was gone
�Well there's no need to worry : *not for a
while* to weep and moan
�Because now you know your little girl : ooo
well well now have caught the train and gone
������� �Chicago,
17 July 1935
������� �(90173‑A)
De‑7144 Say SDR‑191
�Good morning people : just got back from
cocktail land
�Well I find my little woman : ooo well we
going to raise some cocktail sand
�And I got up this morning : went down in old
*alleycan*
�Now the women there was hollering : ooo well
here come that little cocktail man
�Cry cocktails for two : baby that's all it can
be
�Now if you got plenty of cocktails : please
save it all for me
�I mix this cocktail with you : and you know
started it all with a feather
�Now won't you come here little mama : please
now let's have a cocktail together
�Well now I ain't no *farmer* : but I'll *watch
your crop* the best I can
�But now when it comes to mixing cocktails :
ooo well here's the little cocktail man
������� �Chicago,
17 July 1935
������� �(90174‑A)
De‑7144 Say SDR‑191
�Let me be your king spider : I want to build
my web on your wall
�Then I want to catch your little flies : ooo
well well now when they begin to fall
�Want to tell you baby : like the fox done told
the hen
�I've got something good to tell you : ooo well
well if you come rolling to my den
�I'm a good web‑builder : please let me
build your web one time
�Because now there ain't another spider : ooo
well well can build a web like mine
�When I start to make a web : now I crawl
around and around
�But now when I get it almost finished : ooo
well well I crawl up and down
�Catfish told the *jackfish* : ??? now *I bet
she going to build*
�And now the way that I feel this morning : ooo
well really now I got to
������� �Chicago,
20 July 1935
������� �(C‑1081‑B)
Vo‑03444 Say SDR‑191
�I once have had money : but now I'm down to my
last dime
�Well now the woman I have : ooo well well she
bothers me all the time
�I works hard : just to get me a few dimes
�Well now if you don't watch yourself : ooo
well well that woman will keep you down all the time
�That is why I say : don't give no woman your
last dime
�Well now you know she's just trouble on your
hands : ooo well and keep you worried all the time
�Now if you don't know what you will have to do
: now don't get you a few dimes
�Well well but I can tell you : ooo well faro
always hollering for mine all the time
�Now when a woman call you : and ask you for
your last dime
�Well now don't be no fool : ooo well well and
give it to her all the time
������� �Chicago,
20 July 1935
������� �(C‑1082‑B)
Vo‑03066 Say SDR‑191
�I'm the king of spades : and the women takes
on over me
�Well now when I lay my racket : ooo well well
now I'm as sweet as I can be
�I am the king of spades : ain't been out in a
great long time
�But I will work for you little mama : ooo well
well baby if you ain't got a dime
�Let me be your dealer : I'm the best dealer in
town
�Then again I say heave to me baby : ooo well
well and let your love come falling down
�Ace of spades caught the jack : and the [ten,
king] of spades caught the ten
�Dealer cut one more time : ooo well well and I
will bring your dollars in
�Yes I'm the little black king of spades : and
then again I always win
�Then again I will scratch for you little mama
: ooo well well like a rooster scratch for a hen
������� �Chicago,
13 Feb. 1936
������� �(C‑1257‑2)
Vo‑03185 Say SDR‑191
�I'm just sitting here thinking : thinking
about the first
�But the Good Book is tell me : ooo well well
that the first shall be the last
�I had the blues : every time I see your face
�Well there ain't no other one woman : ooo well
well in this world can take her place
�I can't help but remember : those days of long
time ago
�And then again I often wonder : ooo well well
will they happen anymore
�I am worried : and I just can't help myself
�And the one little girl I love : ooo well well
left me for somebody else
�I don't be happy : if I just could hold her
hand
�And maybe people : ooo well well I could get
her to understand
������� �Chicago,
13 Feb. 1936
������� �(C‑1258‑1)
Vo‑03185 Say SDR‑191
�I know my babe : is bound to think of me
�Ain't no way she can forget : ooo well as
close as we used to be
�She was by me : if I stayed up all night long
�Well now you know I want you people : ooo well
now to listen to my song
�Sometimes I feel : like I would just soon to
be dead
�Since now I got no baby : ooo well now to hold
my aching head
�She done me dirty : but I loves her just the
same
�And it hurts my heart : ooo well if I hear
another man call her name
�I love my babe : no matter where she be
�Then again you know I know my babe : ooo well
now is bound to think of me
������� �Chicago,
13 Feb. 1936
������� �(C‑1261‑2)
Vo‑03396 Say SDR‑191
�I was thinking about going home : I don't
believe that I will go
�I'm going to stay away a long time : ooo well
well like I did once before
�My baby will be glad to see me : come walking
in her door
�Ah but now remember : ooo well she will never
see me anymore
�Home is a happy place : if you can make it
that way
�Now if you can't keep a happy home : ooo well
well will be the devil each and every day
�I try to be good : every place I go
�But now you know there will come a day : ooo
well well I will have some place I know
�Now if I go home : do you think that is the
best place to be
�Well then again then if I go home : ooo well
now do you think she will be mean to me
������� �Chicago,
13 Feb. 1936
������� �(C‑1262‑1)
Vo‑03396 RBF RF‑12
�What makes me love you baby : she loved me
when I was down
�Well now she was nice and kind : ooo well well
she did not dog me around
�You know the most of the women : [will] listen
to what people say
�Well but now you know my babe : ooo well well
she's just the other way
�Well now she gave me money : and kept me nice
and clean
�Well now you know when I was down : ooo well
my babe didn't treat me mean
�Now I'm good to my baby : since I'm up on my
feet
�Well now I don't care : ooo well if I never
see a woman on the street
������� �New
York, 18 Feb. 1936
������� �(60506‑A)
De‑7200 BC‑4
�I been up the line : been up the line
�I couldn't find nothing : to pacify my mind
�I laying on my bed : holding my aching head
�I received a letter : the girl I love was dead
�I rolled and I tumbled : from side to side
�I was trying so hard : to be satisfied
�They call me Peetie : the lucky man
�But I wish : someone would give me a lucky
hand
�I'm going away to leave you : ain't going to
tell you goodbye
�And after I'm gone : please don't hang your
head and cry
�I have so much bad luck : baby I'm the bad‑luck
man
�And I'm trying so hard : to do the best I can
������� �New
York, 18 Feb. 1936
������� �(60507‑A)
De‑7200 Say SDR‑192
�You's a lowdown rascal : just as mean as you
can be
�Lays around my house : ooo well well trying to
take my wife from me
�If I catch you around my house : you better
jump in some country well
�Well I'm going to take my old shotgun : ooo
well well and I'm going to raise some country hell
�If a man call you buddy : please don't take
him for your friend
�Well well he'll hang around your house : ooo
well and tickle your woman's can
�I work for my woman : she's so nice and sweet
�Well seem like she fall in love : ooo well
with every lowdown rascal she meets
�You got that lowdown no‑good rascal :
said I'm going to let you be
�But now when you get broke and hungry : ooo well
well please now don't you worry me
������� �New
York, 18 Feb. 1936
������� �(60511‑A)
De‑7159 Say SDR‑192
�When I was broke : didn't have a dime
�You had your women : wouldn't pay me no mind
�Then I will be : up on my feet again
�I'm going drink my whiskey : and going to
drink my gin
�You told everybody : I didn't do nothing but
lie
�I wouldn't give you women : even time to die
�You had your women : get yourself a glass
�You can have a little drink : of your yas yas
yas
�Now I'm telling you women : about my army pay
�You think you can get my money : that is going
to be your D B A
������� �New
York, 18 Feb. 1936
������� �(60512‑A)
De‑7159 Say SDR‑192
�Well now they call me Cooncan Shorty : the man
from Cooncan Land
�Well I know how to play the man : ooo well
well the game they call cooncan
�My dice won't pass : cards is the only game
you see
�And every chump in town : ooo well well seems
to fall out on me
�My babe give me money : Cooncan Shorty is my
name
�Oh before I lose her money : ooo well I must
*spread due* to the ??? game
�But some day my dice going to pass : and my
money going to be on the wood
�And every chump in town : ooo well well they
ain't going to be no good
�Some say they will coon the devil : if you
chain him down
�But now you know I got a chump : ooo well well
if he come in this town
������� �New
York, 19 Feb. 1936
������� �(60523‑A)
De‑7167 Say SDR-192
�Well now the first shall be the last : and the
last shall be the first
�Well now you know I was just sitting here
thinking : ooo well well which woman treats me the worst
�Well now you know the last woman I had : she
was so doggone mean
�Well now you know I asked her for water : ooo
well well and she give me gasoline
�Well now the first woman I had : she made me
get [down] on my knees
�And had the nerve to ask me : ooo well well if
I liked limburger cheese
�Well the [next] woman I had : she do nothing
but fuss and fight
�Well now you know that will make a barrelhouse
man : ooo well well stay out each and every night
�That is why I say the first shall be the last
: and the last shall be the first
�If I just could know : ooo well well now what
woman treats me the worst
������� �New
York, 20 Feb. 1936
������� �(60539‑A)
De‑7167 Say SDR-192
�I went home last night : and my honey doll was
mad
�Well I wonder what did I do : ooo well well
now to make her feel so sad
�Now don't you feel bad : when you are all alone
�Your friends have turned on you : ooo well
well then again your little girl has gone
�Well I'm going to take my love : down to the
deep blue sea
�Then again I'm going to give it to someone :
ooo well well that will give it back to me
�Well now I'm going to call up in China : just
to see if my little girl is there
�Well now if she's not in China : ooo well I
believe she's in East St Louis somewhere
�Well baby : I don't believe I'll have no more
to say
�Because now you know your love done changed :
ooo well well that I feel this a‑way
������� �Chicago,
8 Apr. 1936
������� �(C‑1351‑2)
Vo‑03273 Say SDR-192
�It's so easy to remember : and it's so hard to
forget
�The way my woman mistreats me : ooo well well
I ain't got over it yet
�When I was working people : she really had her
sway
�Because I gave her my money : ooo well well
and she lived in a great big way
�She didn't have no worry : didn't have a lick
at a snake
�She didn't even cook her meals : ooo well well
I mean she really had got a break
�Now I ain't got no money : no job can I find
�She tells me that she loves me : ooo well well
but she has changed her mind
�Now I ain't got nobody : I done put my love up
on my shelf
�Since the woman I loved have deceived me : ooo
well well now I don't want nobody else
������� �Chicago,
8 Apr. 1936
������� �(C‑1352‑1)
Vo‑03348 Say SDR-192
�It's a crime to take a chance : when you know
you can get by
�It's better to take it easy : ooo well well
than to take a chance and die
�When you know you got a good gal : I mean one
that will treat you right
�One that will keep you when you're down : ooo
well well and don't like to clown and fight
�When she says she want loving : don't tell her
that you too tired
�Some other man might flag her train : ooo well
well and she might let him ride
�Don't take a chance about telling her : that
you can get a new gal every day
�Because she might walk out on you : ooo well
well and make you prove what you say
�Just as sure as the red light [says, means]
stop : and the green light means go
�It's a crime on taking a chance on losing her
: ooo well well when you drive her from your door
������� �Chicago,
9 Apr. 1936
������� �(C‑1354‑2)
Vo‑03348 Say SDR-192
�My babe got a block and tackle : and I swear I
can't get away
�Every time I try to quit her : ooo well well I
find myself going her way
�I have a mind to ramble : I don't want to stay
here another day
�But I can't leave my baby people : ooo well
well I must do just what she say
�She put a block and tackle on me last night :
when she was in my arms
�She said daddy I don't want to hurt you : ooo
well but I just mean but to keep you safe from harm
�What she did to me people : ain't never been
done before
�But she really made me like it : ooo well well
and I want to do it some more
�Now boys when you love your baby : be careful
about the way you do
�But if you don't want your good gal : ooo well
now she will put a block and tackle on you too
������� �Chicago,
9 Apr. 1936
������� �(C‑1355‑1)
Vo‑03444 Say SDR‑191
�I'm going to cut out my way of living : and
I'm going to change my ways
�Because I've got a funny feeling : ooo well
and I believe it will shorten my days
�I'm going to cut out moaning and groaning :
about these no‑good Janes
�Ah they don't care nothing about you : ooo
well well they just want you payday change
�I'm going to cut out going to the station :
gazing down the railroad track
�Because them double‑crossing woman left
me : ooo well well and won't come back
�I'm going to cut out playing policy : because
my numbers just won't fall
�Somebody done put jinx on me : ooo well and I
can't have no luck at all
�I'm going to cut out all my troubles : start
my life over again
�And when my *Toby* tells me : ooo well I'm
going to cut in with some good Jane
������� �Chicago,
26 Oct. 1936
������� �(90961‑A)
De‑7243 Say SDR-192
�When a man gets down : feel like he ain't got
no friends at all
�It seem like everybody want to knock him
around : like he's an old ball
�When it comes to women : he can't have no luck
at all
�They want to put a halter on him : ooo well
and tie him up like a mule in his stall
�When he go to his used‑to‑be woman
: one he has give a real good time
�Then again you know if he ask her for her
salary : if she got a dollar she will swear that she ain't got a dime
�When he walks in to see his old gang : with
whom he used to drink
�Well if he asks them for a little taste : ooo
well they say oh that's just what you think
�Now men when you're down : one thing you must
do
�When you get up : try to remember everybody
that mistreated you
������� �Chicago,
26 Oct. 1936
������� �(90963‑A)
De‑7243 Say SDR-192
�Lying here in prison : longing to be free
�A false‑hearted woman : ooo well well is
the downfall of me
�She caused me to steal : all a workingman
could save
�Ah she nearly caused poor me : ooo well well
to be in my grave
�She turn her back on me : time I landed in
jail
�Ah well she wouldn't even write : ooo well
well send poor me no mail
�May bad luck overtake you : pile up on you in
a heap
�Well you are nothing but a crook : may around
you now you know death may creep
�Now I have got to be old : and just about
turning grey
�No other false‑hearted woman : ooo well
well can drive me this a‑way
������� �Chicago,
26 Mar. 1937
������� �(91150‑A)
De‑7348 Cor CP‑58
�I wake up this morning : just crazy with the
blues
�I can't even tell : oh well well the difference
in my shoes
�I am just a crazy fool : I can't do a thing
�I am just jumping around here : oh well well
now like a monkey on the end of a string
�I went downtown this morning : with my hat on
upside down
�The people looked at me : like they thought
that I was a country clown
�I heard somebody call me : it was the
policeman on his beat
�Well well now he just wanted to tell me : oh
well well that I was driving on the wrong side of the street
�Folks I keep on telling you : that I'm just a‑crazy
with the blues
�I'm going to the railroad then to the river :
oh well well but I don't know which one that I will choose
������� �Chicago,
26 Mar. 1937
������� �(91152‑A)
De‑7292 BC‑4
�Women all raving : about Peetie Wheatstraw in
this land
�He got some of these women now : going from
hand to hand
�Don't tell all the girls : what that Peetie
Wheatstraw can do
�That will cause suspicion now : you know they
will try him too
�If you want to see : the women that may clown
�Just let that Peetie Wheatstraw : come into
your town
�I am Peetie Wheatstraw : the high sheriff from
hell
�The way I strut my stuff : ooo well now you
never can tell
������� �Chicago,
26 Mar. 1937
������� �(91153‑
) De‑7391 BC‑4
�Everybody hollering : here come that Peetie
Wheatstraw
�New he's better known : by the devil's son‑in‑law
�Everybody wondering : what that Peetie
Wheatstraw do
�Because every time you hear him : he coming
out with something new
�He makes some happy : some he make cry
�Well now he make one old lady : go hang
herself and die
�*Now what I say* : save up your nickels and
dimes
�You can come up : and see me sometime
������� �Chicago,
26 Mar. 1937
������� �(91154‑A)
De‑7292 Say SDR-192
�My baby's a crapshooter : and she shoots them
like a man
�And ever since she's being shooting crap : ooo
well well she's been going from hand to hand
�Sometime she win : but the most time she lose
�Boys now when she lose : ooo well well then I
have the crapshooting blues
�She told me to always bet : that the dice
won't pass
�But every time since I been betting that way :
ooo well well I've been having a raggedy yas yas yas
�Says I have been shooting craps : I can't win
a cent
�Well I can't win enough dough : ooo well well
now to even pay my rent
�I am telling all you crapshooters : now to let
crapshooting go
�Because now you will be stone barefooted : ooo
well well then again and out of dough
������� �Chicago,
30 Mar. 1937
������� �(91164‑A)
De‑7311 BC‑4
�I was working on the project : begging the
relief for shoes
�Because the rock and concrete : oh well well
they's giving my feet the blues
�Working on the project : with holes all in my
clothes
�Trying to make me a dime : oh well well to
keep the rent man from putting me outdoors
�I am working on the project : trying to make
both ends meet
�But the payday is so long : oh well well until
the grocery man won't let me eat
�Working on the project : my gal's spending all
my dough
�Now I have waked up on her : oh well well and
I won't be that weak no more
�Working on the project : with payday three or
four weeks away
�Now how can you make ends meet : oh well well
well when you can't get no pay
������� �Chicago,
2 Nov. 1937
������� �(91317‑A)
De‑7403 Say SDR-192
�When I left [home] : my little girl was sick
and in the bed
�Now I know she wished that I was there : ooo
well now to hold her aching head
�She's on her sickbed : suffering with aches
and pains
�Now you know it hurts my heart : ooo well now
when she calls my name
�She rolls and she tumbles : now from side to
side
�Then again now you know all that I can do :
ooo well now is start and hang my head and cry
�Ain't it hard : now when you're all alone
�I *never did mind though* : ooo well now when
all your *gold* is gone
������� �Chicago,
2 Nov. 1937
������� �(91320‑A)
De‑7422 Say SDR-192
�I have cut out my way of living : I have
changed my ways
�Because the funny feeling I had : ooo well now
would let me live so many more days
�I have cut out moaning and groaning : about
the no‑good Jane
�Now I don't worry about it : ooo well well
they'll never get my payday change
�I have cut out going to the station : gazing
down at the railroad track
�Now it don't worry my mind : ooo well now I
don't care if the woman never come back
�I'm going to cut out playing policy : because
my number just won't fall
�I know somebody have put a jinx on me : ooo
well now I know I won't have no luck at all
�I have cut out all my troubles : and started
my life over again
�And if my money lasts me : ooo well I know I
won't have to cut it with no‑good Jane
������� �Chicago,
2 Nov. 1937
������� �(91323‑A)
De‑7422 Say SDR-192
�Listen here baby : you got devilment on your
mind
�If you don't change your way : ooo well well
you might die before your time
�I know baby : you are doing the best you can
�Oh you're the married woman : ooo well well
but you have your outside man
�I can look in your eyes sweet mama : tell
what's on your mind
�You swear that you love me : ooo well well but
you mistreats me all the time
�There's one thing about you women : I just
can't understand
�If I take you away from your husbands : ooo
well well you will leave me for another man
������� �New
York, 1 Apr. 1938
������� �(63539‑A)
De‑7479 BC‑4
�I used to play slow : but now I play it fast
�Just to see the women : shake their yas yas
yas
�Now I am a man : that everybody knows
�And you can see a crowd : everywhere he goes
�Rambled and I rambled : till about the break
of day
�I think it's time now : I stop my rambling
ways
�My name is Peetie : I'm on the line you bet
�I got something new : that I ain't never told
you yet
������� �New
York, 1 Apr. 1938
������� �(63540‑B)
De‑7589 BC‑4
�I have walked the lonesome road : till my feet
is too sore to walk
�I have begged scraps from the people : oh well
well until my tongue is too stiff to talk
�I'm going to tell you women something : that I
really ain't going to do
�That is give you women my labour : oh well
well and my money too
�Everybody can tell you people : that I ain't
no lazy man
�But I guess I'll have to go to the poorhouse :
oh well well and do the best I can
�I am what I am : and all I was born to be
�And hard luck was in my family : oh well well
and it's rolling down on me
�When I get over my troubles : I'm going to
bring my money down
�And change my way of living : oh oh well well
so I won't have to tramp around
������� �Chicago,
18 Oct. 1938
������� �(91525‑A)
De‑7529 Say SDR-192
�Listen here man : don't talk about me
�I'm trucking through traffic : don't you see
�I'm trucking through traffic : fast as I can
go
�When I truck this time : I ain't going to
truck no more
�I'm trucking through traffic : trying to make
you a dime
�Tell everybody : you ain't no woman of mine
�You got me trucking : through the ice and snow
�Taking my money : and told me to go
�When you're trucking out of traffic : it's
very well
�But now I'm trucking through traffic : it's a
burning hell
�You had me trucking through traffic : all over
town
�Taken my money : and then throwed me down
������� �Chicago,
18 Oct. 1938
������� �(91529‑A)
De‑7529 Say SDR-192
�Sugar mama sugar mama : where did you get your
sugar from
�You must have got that sweet sugar : ooo well
well from down on your man's sugar farm
�You got fine sugar sugar mama : and it's going
right to my head
�And if you take it from me sugar mama : ooo
well well I know I'll soon be dead
�Everybody's bragging about your sugar sugar
mama : and I'm almost going bragging too
�And if I can't get that sugar mama : ooo well
well I don't know what I will do
�I can do without my coffee in the morning :
but I must have my tea at night
�But when I want that sweet sugar sugar mama :
ooo well well I don't feel just right
�That sugar you got sugar mama : is going from
town to town
�Everybody wants some of your sugar mama : ooo
well well but please don't let them have more than four or five pounds
������� �Chicago,
11 Dec. 1933
������� �(77305‑
) BB‑B5306 Rt RL‑334
�Listen here mama : don't you be so fast
�Get in this bed : and give papa every pound of
your
�I like you baby : you're short like a duck
�Ooo my soul baby : you sure can
�I hear you call uh‑uh Mr : baby why you
too fast
�You'll not cram all that meat : up in my
little
�I hear it said baby : you too slick
�You'll not give me : all of that great big
�Guess who's sneaking around here : sneaking in
the grass
�Trying your best : to sneak up on some woman's
�Mama mama : who you quit
�What's that *stone‑hot* rat : over the
head of papa's
�In Dixieland : take my stand
�Can't get the woman I want : I'm going to use
my
������� �Chicago,
12 May 1936
������� �(90722‑A)
De‑7209 AH‑158
�I know this is pigmeat : the kind that you
won't regret
�I've got something about this pigmeat : I
ain't told you yet
�I was born in the country : but daddy I was
raised in town
�There's nobody there : can beat me from my
head on down
�I ain't good‑looking : I got no great
long hair
�But I don't have to worry : because I knows
pigmeat anywhere
�You can carry it to the mountain : it will be
pigmeat there
�*Register it poor on* China : *span* the test
anywhere
������� �Chicago,
28 Jan. 1937
������� �(91104‑A)
De‑7277 AH‑158
�Stood on the corner : till my feet got soaking
wet
�These are the words I said : to each and every
man I met
�If you ain't got a dollar : give me a lousy
dime
�I've got to beg and steal : to please that man
of mine
�My feets all blistered : just from walking
these lonesome streets
�I've been walking all night : like a police on
his beat
�Wait a minute Mr Mr : give me a cigarette
�Stop your calling me in : I've got what you
should get
�I've got these streetwalking blues : I ain't
got no time to lose
�I've got to make six dollars : just to buy my
man a pair of shoes
������� �Chicago,
21 Oct. 1938
������� �(91545‑A)
De‑7562 Cor CP‑58
�Oh the blues ain't nothing : but a woman want
to see her man
�Because she wants some loving : you women will
understand
�Oh the blues ain't nothing : but a lowdown
heart disease
�Because loving your man : he's so hard to
please
�Oh the blues ain't nothing : but a woman
loving a married man
�Can't see him when she want to : got to see
him when she can
�Oh the blues ain't nothing : but a good woman
feeling bad
�Always down‑hearted : blue disgusted and
sad
�Oh the blues ain't nothing : but a feeling
that will get you down
�Falling out with your man : you feel like
leaving town
������� �New
York, 6 Mar. 1934
������� �(14902‑2)
Ba‑33024 His HLP‑22
�The welfare helping people : each and every
day
�But the rent men have put me out : I ain't got
no place to stay
�I believe to my soul : I'm just a bad‑luck
man
�Welfare's helping everybody : but don't give
me no helping hand
�I believe I'll go back south : cotton'll be a
good price next year
�I might as well be gone : I ain't doing
nothing around here
�Now the president's warning people : things
will break some day
�He say everything will be all right : you will
have a place to stay
�I believe I'll go back south : raise
everything I need
�If I don't make nothing off my cotton : boss
will pay me for my seed
������� �New
York, 6 Mar. 1934
������� �(14903‑1)
Ba‑33024 His HLP‑22
�Lord it rained : it rained as far as I could
see
�*I wonder what water creature* : keep on
crawling up on poor me
�Like a fool : I gave everything I had for you
to you
�Now you've gone and left me : seems like the
world is falling on through
�People talk : I can hear them whisper
everywhere I go
�All my friends come to see me : and say well I
told you so
�What did I ever do : that made you leave so
all alone
�Since you've gone and left me : I do nothing
but weep and moan
�Every night I pray : for you to walk across my
door
�And I won't be worried : about these stormy
weather blues no more
������� �Memphis,
26 May 1930
������� �(59996‑
) Vi‑23295 OJL‑5
�I ain't got nobody : take me to this train
�Mmm : mmm
�Fare you well : if I don't see you no more
�Mmm : Lord Lord Lord Lord
�I'm a motherless child : I'm a long ways from
home
�Mmm : mmm
�This train I ride : it don't burn no coal
�Mmm : mmm
������� �Chicago,
2 Sept. 1937
������� �(C‑1996‑2)
Vo‑03711 Co C‑30036
�Ooo well I got a little woman : in Pinebluff
Arkansas
�She was the sweetest little woman : that you
men most ever saw
�Going to get up in the morning : baby with the
rising sun
�If the train don't run : going to be some
walking done
�My baby she called me : she called me up on
the phone
�She said daddy daddy : I don't see how come
you don't hurry home
�My baby says I'm tired : going to bed and moan
�She said I ain't had no loving daddy : daddy
since that you been gone
�Well she said I'm tired : daddy of singing
these lonesome songs
�She *tired even* her daddy : I ain't even had
you home
�My baby said I'm tired : daddy hearing my best
friend groan
�She said I declare if you want me daddy : you
better hurry home
������� �Chicago,
2 Sept. 1937
������� �(C‑1997‑1)
Vo‑03711 Co C‑30036
�Get your nightshirt mama : and your gown
�Baby before day : we going to shake them on
down
�*To much you daddy* : to be going away
�Train leaving *Jackson* : some old rainy day
�Fix my supper : and let go to bed
�This white lightning : done gone to my head
�I ain't been in Georgia babe : I been told
�Georgia women : got the best jellyroll
�See see mama : what you done done
�Made me love you : now your man done come
�Baby got something : don't know what it is
�Made me drunker : than that old whiskey still
������� �Chicago,
7 Mar. 1940
������� �(WC‑2977‑A)
Vo‑05588 Co C‑30036
�My heart is filled with pain : I believe I can't
be trained
�The woman I love : she had another man
�Yon come the train : and I got no change
�All I can do : just stand and wring my hands
�I don't feel ashamed : standing and wringing
my hands at the train
�I ain't the first man : the train left cold in
hand
�Now the same big black train : that put me in
a strain
�I'll ride the train : keep the women from
spending my change
�I don't see nothing : but hands standing at
the train
�That's the same black train : that left me in
this pain
������� �Chicago,
7 Mar. 1940
������� �(WC‑2978‑A)
Vo‑05526 Co C‑30036
�I'm a stranger at this place : and I'm looking
for my mother's grave
�Well it seems like to me : ooo well someone
must stoled it away
�I was at my mother's grave : when they put my
mother away
�And I can't find no one : ooo well to take her
place
�I thought after my mother was put away : I
thought my wife would take her place
�I show you difference in a mother and a wife :
ooo well my wife done throwed me away
�I wished I could find someone : to take my
mother's place
�If I can't find no one : ooo well you will
find me in a grave
�I'm standing on my mother's grave : and I
wished I could see her face
�I be glad when that day comes : ooo well when
these blues drive me away
������� �Chicago,
7 Mar. 1940
������� �(WC‑2979‑A)
Vo‑05489 Co C‑30036
�Never will forget the day : when they had me
in Parchman jail
�Would no one even come : and go my bail
�So many days : I would be sitting down
�I would be sitting down : looking down on my
clothes
�So many days : when the days would be cold
�They would carry me out : in the rain and cold
�So many days : when the days would be cold
�You could stand : and look at the convict tow
�So many days : I would be walking down the
road
�I could hardly walk : with looking down on my
clothes
�Never will forget the day : when they taken my
clothes
�Taken my citizen's clothes : and throwed them
away
������� �Chicago,
7 Mar. 1940
������� �(WC‑2980‑A)
OK‑05743 Co C‑30036
�When a man gets troubled in mind : he want to
sleep all the time
�He knows if he can sleep all the time : his
trouble won't worry his mind
�I'm feeling worried in mind : and I'm trying
to keep from crying
�I am standing into the sunshine : to keep from
weaking down
�I wonder what's the matter with my right mind
: my mind keep me sleeping all the time
�But when I had plenty money : my friends would
come around
�If I had my right mind : I would write my
woman a few lines
�I will do most anything : to keep from weaking
down
������� �Chicago,
7 Mar. 1940
������� �(WC‑2981‑A)
OK‑05683 Co C‑30036
�Judge give me life this morning : down on
Parchman Farm
�I wouldn't hate it so bad : but I left my wife
and my home
�Oh goodbye wife : all you have done gone
�But I hope some day : you will hear my
lonesome song
�Oh listen men : I don't mean no harm
�If you want to do good : you better stay off
of Parchman Farm
�We goes to work in the morning : just the dawn
of day
�Just at the setting of the sun : that's when
the work is done
�I'm down on old Parchman Farm : I sure want to
go back home
�But I hope some day : I will overcome
������� �Chicago,
7 Mar. 1940
������� �(WC‑2982‑A)
OK‑05625 Co C‑30036
�Good morning friends : I want [me] a drink of
gin
�Because they told me this morning : revenue
mens will be back again
�Oh listen you men : don't you let them in
�Well they might catch me : all with a pint of
gin
�Oh come in friends : and have a drink of gin
�I know it is a sin : but I loves my good old
gin
�Oh come back friends : when I need my gin
�Because I don't care nothing : about oh them
revenue men
������� �Chicago,
8 Mar. 1940
������� �(WC‑2987‑A)
Vo‑05489 Co C‑30036
�I'm taken down with the fever : and it won't
let me sleep
�It was about three o'clock : before he could
let me be
�I wish somebody : would come and drive my
fever away
�This fever I'm having : sure is in my way
�The fever I'm having : sure is hard on a man
�They don't allow my lover : come and shake my
hand
�Doctor get your fever gauge : and put it under
my tongue
�Doctor says all you need : your lover in your
arms
�I wants my lover : come and drive my fever
away
�Doctor said she do me more good in a day : than
he would in all of his days
������� �Chicago,
8 Mar. 1940
������� �(WC‑2988‑A)
OK‑05683 Co C‑30036
�District attorney : sure is hard on a man
�They will take a woman's man : and leave her
cold in hand
�The district attorney : sure is hard on a man
�He has caused a‑many men : to be in some
distant land
�District attorney : sure is hard on a man
�He has caused so many women : to be cold in
hand
�The district attorney : sure is hard on a man
�He ain't no woman : but he sure will take a
woman's man
�The district attorney : sure is hard on a man
�He can *tell us where* : when he going to take
a woman's man
�A district attorney : sure is hard on a man
�He taken me from my woman : caused her to have
some other man
������� �Chicago,
8 Mar. 1940
������� �(WC‑2989‑A)
Vo‑05588 Co C‑30036
�I'm looking funny in my eyes : and I believe
I'm fixing to die
�I know I was born to die : but I hate to leave
my children crying
�Just as sure as we live : sure we's born to
die
�I know I was born to die : but I hate to leave
my children crying
�Your mother treated me : like I was her baby
child
�That's why's I tried so hard : to come home to
die
�So many nights at the fireside : how my
children's mother would cry
�Because I told their mother : I had to say
goodbye
�Look over yonder : on the burying ground
�Yon stand ten thousand : standing to see them
let me down
�Mother take my children back : before they let
me down
�And don't leave them screaming and crying : on
the graveyard ground
������� �Chicago,
8 Mar. 1940
������� �(WC‑2990‑A)
OK‑05743 Co C‑30036
�I was over in Aberdeen : on my way to New
Orleans
�Them Aberdeen women told me : they will buy my
gasoline
�There's two little women : that I ain't never
seen
�These two little women : they's from New
Orleans
�I'm sitting down in Aberdeen : with New
Orleans on my mind
�Lord I believe them Aberdeen women : going to
make me lose my mind
�Aberdeen is my home : but the mens don't want
me around
�They know I will take these women : and take
them out of town
�Listen you Aberdeen women : you know I ain't
got no dime
�They been had the poor boy : all hobbled down
������� �Chicago,
8 Mar. 1940
������� �(WC‑2991‑A)
OK‑05743 Co C‑30036
�Hey come on you women : let's a‑do the
jitterbug swing
�When you do the jitterbug swing : then you
know you will be doing a thing
�Hey : you women working on my nerves
�Hey : you going to drive me in my blood
�Hey : please ma'am don't say uh‑uh
������� �Chicago,
8 Mar. 1940
������� �(WC‑2992‑A)
OK‑05743 Co C‑30036
�Hey dad : I'm sorry to leave my home
�Mmm : Lord Lord Lord Lord
�Daddy it's all right : how you turn me down
�Mmm : I ain't got a dime
�Hey daddy : I don't want to leave
�Mmm : I believe I'll lose my mind
������� �Chicago,
c. Feb. 1928
������� �(20379‑2)
Pm‑12662 Mil MLP‑2018
�I wake up every morning : with leaving on my
mind
�Because my mama's so evil : and she treats me
so unkind
�She left me last night : left me in the wrong
�But my times come : baby it won't be long
�My train is made up : ready to leave this town
�You can think about your baby : when the sun
goes down
�Mr conductor man : I want to talk with you
�I want to ride your train : from here to
Bugaloo
�I'm leaving this morning : I haven't got my
fare
�I want to see : if I can find my good gal
there
������� �Richmond,
Ind., 12 Oct. 1929
����� ���(15768‑A) Pm‑12860 OJL‑15
�I walked on and on : with my forty‑four
in my hand
�I was looking for my woman : involved with
another man
�I wore my forty‑four so long : that it
made my shoulder sore
�And I will tell everybody : I ain't going to
wear my forty‑four no more
�Now baby said to your daddy : Forty‑Four
whistle blow
�It blow just like : it ain't going to blow no
more
�Now I got a little old Chevy : Lord number is
forty‑four
�I wake up every morning : wolves sitting in my
door
������� �Richmond,
Ind., 12 Oct. 1929
������� �(15769‑A)
Pm‑12860 OJL‑15
�That Frisco train : runs a mile a minute
�You're in that coach : I'm going to stay there
in it
�You can toot your whistle : you can ring your
bell
�I know you been running : by the way you smell
�It's a boa constrictor : and a lemon stick
�I wouldn't mind being with you : but my mama's
sick
�I would tell you what's the matter : but I
done got scared
�You got to waits till the night : when we go
to bed
�If you were sick : I wouldn't worry you
�I wouldn't want you to do something : that you
couldn't do
�If you want it you can get it : and I ain't
mad
�You going to get something baby : that you
never had
�Look a‑here you get mad : every time I
call your name
�I ain't never told you : you couldn't get that
thing
�I woke up this morning : about half past five
�My baby turned over : and tried to cop a jive
�I got something to tell you : going to make
you mad
�I got something for you : going to make you
feel glad
�Look a‑here look a‑here : what you
want me to do
�You knew my jelly : didn't die for you
�I got something to tell you : is going to
break your heart
�Been together so long : now got to get apart
������� �Grafton,
Wis., c. Jan. 1930
������� �(L‑103‑2)
Pm‑12916 Her H‑205
�Corrine Corinna : where you been so long
�Ain't had no loving : since you been gone
�Corrine Corinna : where'd you stay last night
�Come in this morning : the sun was shining
bright
�I miss Corinna : way across the sea
�It make no matter : she didn't care for me
�Corrine Corinna : what are you going to do
�Just a little bitty loving : can't your heart
be true
�I love Corinna : tell the world I do
�Just a little bitty loving : let your love be
true
�Corrine Corinna : that old pal of mine
�You left me walking the road : and then crying
�Corrine Corinna : what's the matter now
�You didn't write no letter : you didn't love
me nohow
�Goodbye Corinna : and it's fare thee well
�When I'm coming back babe : can't nobody tell
������� �Grafton,
Wis., c. Jan. 1930
������� �(L‑104‑1)
Pm‑12916 Her H‑205
�Now if you be my sweet woman : tell you what
I'm bound to do
�Going to beg borrow and steal : bring all my
money home to you
�Babe I'd do anything for you : I do swear to
God and you refuse to come
�You know it's hard to bring water :
�I ain't going to never tell nobody : what my
mama done to me
�She done made me crazy about her : now she's
trying to quit poor me
�Sweet woman I ain't going to stand no quitting
: I ain't going to stand no jumping down
�Before I let you quit me baby : I'm going to
burn half Chicago down
�Now the rooster crows in Italy : I heard him
way down in France
�The way she getting down these days : you know
I ain't going to have a possible chance
�Better get your crowing from the rooster :
better get your eggs from a hen
�You get your feathers from a robin : get your
music from a wren
�Now mama little mama : what's on your *ruddy*
mind
�Any time you feel superstitious : you know
somebody riding your blinds
�And it's mmm : something must be wrong
�If I keep on worrying about you baby : you
know I can't last long
������� �Chicago,
22 July 1935
������� �(90198‑A)
Ch‑50053 OJL‑8
�My babe my babe : sure is good to me
�She tore up my troubles : broke up my misery
�I can ask her for whiskey : she gives me
cherry wine
�So you wish your woman : would treat you good
like mine
�Her hair ain't curly : but it hang like
horse's mane
�Know you wish you had a woman : to treat you
just the same
�I can ask her for a nickel : she gives me ten
and a dime
�Know you wish you had a woman : to treat you
just like mine
�She got me out of jail : bought me a diamond
ring
�I ain't going to do nothing : but lay around
and shake that thing
�She calls me daddy : then she calls me sugar
pie
�I ain't going to do nothing : but lay down by
her side
�Now when she's dead : six feet in the clay
�Won't have another woman : to treat me this a‑way
�Now goodbye goodbye : baby now fare you well
�If I don't meet you in heaven : you know I'll
meet you in hell
�Now I'm leaving I'm leaving : leaving on the
eagle wing
�All don't see me : know can hear me sing
�She had an old job : making four dollars a day
�I didn't have to do nothing : but lay around
and throw it away
������� �Chicago,
22 July 1935
������� �(90199‑A)
Ch‑50053 Rt RL‑334
�Going to catch me a Greyhound : going to leave
here tonight
�Woman I'm loving : won't treat me right
�My mama was a killer : and my old daddy was a
bear
�She grab her daddy : she run anywhere
�I had an old ??? : in the ??? camp
�She didn't do nothing : but lay down with her
man
�She makes me coffee : throws my sugar on the
floor
�Say big boy : you got to go
�I went to the governor : to buy one of his
bands
�Leave here boy : you don't understand
�Called her this morning : about half past five
�She turned over : cried like a child
�A nickel is a nickel : and a dime is a dime
�House full of children : ain't nar' one mine
������� �Grafton,
Wis., c. Apr. 1930
������� �(L‑265‑1)
Pm‑12977 Yz L‑1018
�Come around over to my house : ain't nobody
here but me
�I been listening for the last six months : and
I could not see
�Now you can shake you can break it : you can
hang it on the wall
�Throw it out the window : run and catch it
'fore it falls
�I say you need not think : because you little
and cute
�I'm going to buy you : a ??? suit
�Well now I was sitting in the parlor : just as
dumb as a lamb
�I wasn't too dumb : to hear the back door slam
�I'm going to grab me a picket : off of my back
fence
�Going to whip your nappy head : until you
learn some sense
�I cried ashes to ashes : said sand to sand
�Every married woman : got a back‑door
man
������� �Grafton,
Wis., c. Mar. 1931
������� �(L‑826‑1)
Pm‑13074 Yz L‑1001
�It's a low it's a low low : lowdown dirty
shame
�I've got a brownskin man : but I'm scared to
call his name
�I said squat low papa : let your mama see
�I want to see that old business : keeps on
worrying me
�I twisted and I tumbled : I rolled the whole
night long
�I didn't have no daddy : to hold me in his
arms
�I said get back rider : don't care how you lay
�I want to tell you : I can't stay here till
day
�I say eagle's on a half Lord : baby In God We
Trust
�I love you daddy : want your dollar first
������� �Memphis,
8 Sept. 1928
������� �(45499‑
) Vi‑23379 Yz L‑1002
�Oh look like : I can see trouble in the air
�But ain't only here friend : it trouble
everywhere
�Now I wished I had listened : what my mother
said
�I wouldn't have been bound down : in this
trouble today
�I'm lying in jail : with my face turned to the
wall
�And that woman I'm loving : she was the cause
of it all
�Now the judge going to sentence me : and the
clerk going to write it down
�So they accuse me of stealing : I fixing to
leave your town
�I got something to tell you : just before I go
�Getting out of trouble this time : woman I
won't do wrong no more
�Oh the judge going to give me : six months on
the road
�Woman I can't stand it : God in heaven do know
it
�But I don't mind going : I'm going and leave
you here
�These men going to mistreat you : God knows
they don't care
�Going to tell you this : just before I go
�When I come back here woman : you going to
have me some more
������� �Memphis,
8 Sept. 1928
������� �(47000‑
) Vi‑23379 OJL‑5
�Oh woman I do : God knows I do
�I do more for you : than any poor man can do
�I done everything woman : but die for you
�Want you to tell me : what more woman do you
want me to do
�Woman : I done done all I know to do
�I done everything woman : but lay down and die
for you
�Now if you don't want me : give me your right
hand
�I'll go to my woman : and you can go to your
man
�You better come here woman : sit down on my
knee
�Oh and talk all night : tell poor Timmy what
you please
�Want you to tell me something : give my mind
some ease
�I can't be satisfied : woman and I can't be
pleased
�Because I'd rather be dead : buried on my face
�Than to love you woman : you treat me this a‑way
�But I don't want nobody : baby don't want me
�I'd rather be somewhere friends : buried on my
knee
�I got something to tell you : tell you before
I go
�Meet me down at the station : and kiss me
before I go
�Because I'm going up the country : coming here
no more
�Oh I love you woman : but you always treat me
so
�Is today the day : that you walked away
�Oh you told me you was going : you was going
to stay
������� �Memphis,
c. 23 Sept. 1929
������� �(M‑189‑
) Br‑7125 OJL‑5
�I'm going home : sit down and tell my ma
�And that's no way : for me to get along
�These lowdown women mama : treated your poor
son wrong
�And that's no way : for him to get along
�Treated me : like my poor heart was made of a
rock of stone
�And that's no way : for me to get along
�That was enough : to make your son mama wished
he's dead and gone
�Because that's no way : got him to get along
�I stood on the roadside : and cried alone by
myself
�And that's no way : for me to get along
�Some train come along : and take me away from
here
�And that be no way : for me to get along
������� �Memphis,
c. 23 Sept. 1929
�� ������(M‑190‑ ) Br‑7205 Rt RL‑333
�I tell you girls : and I'm going to tell you
now
�If you don't want me : please don't dog me
around
�My home ain't here : it's in most any old town
�I'm going up on the mountain : and look down
in the sea
�*Troubling* alligators : keeps doing that
shivaree
�Tell me friends : ever since that *pull in
Jackson maid*
�Kansas City Missouri : has been her regular
trade
�??? : that is turning around and around
�The churn‑wheel knocking : friends I'm
Alabama bound
�My mama told me : and papa told me too
�Say brownskin women son : going to be the
death of you
�I told mama last night friends : and papa the
night before
�If brownskin women kills me : mama let me go
�When I leaves that time mama : I won't be back
no more
�I ain't coming back here : to worry your papa
so
�I walked off : and left my mother standing in
the snow
�She's crying to me son : please son don't you
go
������� �Memphis,
c. 23 Sept. 1929
������� �(M‑191‑
) Br‑7205 Rt RL‑333
�She walked down in the yard : caught the
longest train she seen
�Say she ride she ride : till the blues lay off
of me
�It's a *bull* and a freight train : running
side by side
�They done stole my rider : and I guess they
satisfied
�*They roll* in the Delta : ??? *leaves and
rye*
�Know I feel just like : she said her last
goodbye
�Well she won't write : she won't telephone
�Makes me believe to my soul : that my rider's
cold dead gone
�Well if I had wings : baby like Noah's dove
�I would raise and fly : God knows where my lover
was
�I lay down at night : I can't sleep at all
�All for lying there wondering : if there one
rolling in her arms
�Laid my head on my pillow :
�Take it down ??? : I'm getting sick and about
to die
������� �Memphis,
c. 23 Sept. 1929
������� �(M‑192‑
) Br‑7125 Yz L‑1002
�I'm tired of standing : on the long lonesome
road
�Thinking about my baby : and got nowhere to go
�It's far down the road : friend as I can see
�See the woman I love : standing waving after
me
�I run to her friend : fell down at her knees
�Crying take me back baby : God knows if you
please
�If you don't believe : girl I'll treat you
right
�Come and walk with me : down to my loving
shack tonight
�I'll certainly treat you : just like you was
white
�That don't satisfy you : girl I'll take your
life
�I love you girl : I will tell the world I do
�And that's the reason : you treat me like you
do
�But go ahead : that will be all right for you
�I will meet you some day : when you down in
hard luck too
������� �Memphis,
c. early Feb. 1930
������� �(MEM‑740‑A)
Br‑7168 Rt RL‑307
�I stayed in jail : it was thirty long days
�And that woman said she loved me : I could not
see her face
�I looked out the window : saw the long chain
man
�Oh he's coming : to call us boys name by name
�He's going to take me from here : to Nashville
Tennessee
�He's going to take me right back : boys where
I used to be
�I got a letter from home : reckon how it read
�It read son come home to your mama : she's
sick and nearly dead
�I sat down and cried : and I screamed and
squawled
�Said how can I come home mama : I'm behind
these walls
�Every morning about four : boys might be half
past
�You ought to see me down the foundry : trying
to do my best
�Oh the judge he sentenced me : boys from five
to ten
�I get out I'm going to that woman : and I'll
be right back again
������� �Memphis,
c. early Feb. 1930
������� �(MEM‑741‑B)
Br‑7168 Rt RL‑307
�I'm going to tell you : baby tell you now
�If you don't want me : you don't have to dog
me around
�Now look a‑yonder : baby what I see
�The police and a sergeant : they's a‑coming
after me
�I am going to tell you : that I'm going to the
station to ride
�When you see me going : baby hang your head
and cry
�I am going to tell the judge : I know that I
done wrong
�You go and get some lawyers : to come and go
my bond
�I know the judge : is going to give me thirty
long days
�I made it up in my mind : baby to go and stay
�I'm going outside : and work out my time
�Because the girl I love : she's not got a dime
������� �Memphis,
c. early Feb. 1930
������� �(MEM‑742‑B)
Br‑7158 OJL‑11
�I walked down to the station : fold my
troubled arms
�We walked and asked the agent : has the train
done gone
�I looked down the track : I seed it in the
bend
�Walked bought me a ticket : oh for me and my
friend
�Told her come on woman : let us board this
train
�Right here : while we get away from your man
�Woman you just tell me : do you want to go
�I'll take you somewhere : you never been
before
�Then I'll give you silver : give you paper and
gold
�I'll give you anything : that'll satisfy your
worried soul
�Woman if I don't love you : I don't love
myself
�You did something to me : I ain't going to
tell nobody else
������� �Memphis,
c. early Feb. 1930
������� �(MEM‑743‑
) Br‑7158 OJL‑11
�I'll go with her I'll follow her I will : to
her burying place
�Hang my head and cry friend I will : mmm as
she pass away
�Up a‑yonder she goes friend : please run
try to call her back
�Because that sure was one woman : I did mmm
love and like
�I believe I'll go home friend : and do this
dress myself in black
�Show the world I wants her : but I can't mmm
get her back
�Every time I hear : that lonesome mmm church
bell ring
�Makes me think about that song : my baby used
to sing
������� �Jackson,
Miss., 10 Oct. 1935
������� �(JAX‑104‑
) Vo‑03223 BC‑5
�Early one morning : baby something was on my
mind
�I thinking about my welfare : and I just
couldn't keep from crying
�Oh I cried one time : mama your daddy ain't
going to cry no more
�Lord I made up in my mind pretty mama : honest
great God let you go
�Goodbye pretty mama : oh baby fare thee well
�Lord I'm afraid to meet you : in that other
world somewhere
�Oh baby I'm so glad : that this whole round
world do know
�That every living creature : mmm reap just
what they sow
�That's the reason why you hear me crying :
Lord please have mercy on me
�Because I don't want my woman : mmm reap no
bad seed
�That's the reason why I'm through telling her
: ??? about her dirty deal
�Please God ??? : make my woman reap righteous
seed
������� �Jackson,
Miss., 10 Oct. 1935
������� �(JAX‑107‑
) Vo‑03223 OJL‑21
�Listen here men : what I've got to say
�Monday and Tuesday : is [Mr Owens's] auction
day
�Get your money in your hand : and don't be
long
�Can't buy from a better man : than Mr Owens
�He's a man that sells : he's a man that buys
�I bet you my life : he'll treat you right
�When you wake up Monday morning : with the
stockyard blues
�Come and talk to Mr Owens : about his good‑looking
mules
�I know he's good : I know he's nice and kind
�Have a talk with him : before you start to
buying
�The Union Stockyards : is a good place to go
�Not for so much talk : but to spend your dough
�I want you to understand : every word I say
�Monday and Tuesday : is [Mr Owens's] auction
day
�I want all of you men : to meet me there
�Speak to Mr Kelly : he's the auctioneer
������� �Jackson,
Miss., 12 Oct. 1935
������� �(JAX‑117‑
) Vo unissued Yz L‑1018
�I wished I was back : at old Jim Canan's
�I'd stand on the corner : and wave my hand
�And if you don't believe : that I'm a drinking
man
�Just baby stop by here : with the ??? can
�I'm going uptown : buy me coke and beer
�Coming back : and tell you how these women is
�They drink their whiskey : drink their coke
and gin
�When you don't play the dozens : they will
ease you in
�The men and women : running hand and hand
�Going to and fro : to old Jim Canan's
�Drinking their whiskey : sniffing cocaine
�That's the reason why : I wished I was back at
Jim Canan's
������� �Atlanta,
19 Apr. 1928
������� �(146148‑2)
Co‑14328‑D Rt RL‑316
�Run here papa : look at sis
�Out in the back yard : just shaking like this
�I can shake it east : shake it west
�Way down south : I can shake it best
�*Come in this house* gal : come here right now
�Out there trying to do the crawl : and you
don't know how
�There's old Aunt Sally : old and grey
�Do the Georgia crawl : till she died away
������� �Atlanta,
19 Apr. 1928
������� �(146149‑2)
Co‑14328‑D Fly LP‑103
�Did you ever wake up lonesome : all by
yourself
�And the one you love : off loving someone else
�I wrote these blues : I'm going to sing them
as I feel
�And old Mr Eddie liking me singing them : I
swear to goodness there's no one else to please
�I tell you people : I don't know your name
�But taking other men's women : I swear to God
is a shame
�Ooh : look where the sun going down
�I ain't had no righteous woman : since my baby
blowed this town
������� �Grafton,
Wis., c. May 1932
������� �(L‑1406‑?)
Pm‑13130 Yz L‑1028
�Way down way down : way down in Polack Town
�There the ??? polices : have teared my
playhouse down
�And I went to the pawnshop : and I lays my
diamond down
�Said give me some money : I'm going to Polack
Town
�I went to the ticket office : and I lays my
money down
�I said gives me my ticket : I'm going to
Polack Town
�I said to the ticket agent : ease your window
down
�I got my ticket : and I'm going to Polack Town
�I spent all my days : way down in Polack Town
�For womens and bad whiskey : have torn my
playhouse down
�Said they cook good cabbage : but they *called
it*
�Oh the best old cabbage : that a man most ever
seen
�Now I'm going down : going to ride the same
old way
�And *the luck of the fortune* mama : you may
need me around some day
������� �Chicago,
25 Feb. 1935
������� �(85487‑1)
BB‑B5900 Yz L‑1038
�Well look here mama : let your daddy see
�You got something baby : worrying me
�Well mama don't allow : no laying out all
night long
�Well well you know I'm a mind to : because my
woman done done me wrong
�Well big‑leg woman : better keep your
dresses down
�You got me standing around : with my face full
of frowns
�Little leg woman : do just like a squirrel
�Get up in the morning : *caught that* on the
world
�Drop your window woman : and down your blinds
�Can't hear nothing : but your doggone best
friend crying
�One of these mornings : either late or soon
�Some old joker boys : can have my room
�Yeah mama don't allow : no oh laying out all
night long
�Well well the woman I'm loving : ooo ooo Lord
she done done me wrong
�Well I'll tell you women : how to keep your
man at home
�Lord you can squeeze his lemon woman : and
roll him all night long
�Sweetest peaches woman : don't grow on no tree
�Sweetest honey : now come from no bee
������� �Chicago,
25 Feb. 1935
������� �(85488‑1)
BB‑B5900 RCA LPV‑518
�Look a‑here judge : give me the lowest
fine
�I killed a man : about the stuff of mine
�I don't mind : my gal running around
�*Saving* there's more : of that stuff of mine
�I got up this morning : feeling bad
�Thinking about : that stuff I had
�Want to keep : your daddy from crying
�Save a little more : of that stuff of mine
�You can arrest me judge : put me in the cell
�Me and my gal : ain't doing very well
�You can drink your whiskey : woman I may
decline
�Got to save : that stuff of mine
�When I was a little boy : running around
�Kill every man : about the stuff of mine
�I got a little gal : she lives way edge of
town
�Save me : all of that stuff of mine
�I cried last night : all night before
�Took my stuff : and I walked out your door
�You can put on your dress gal : and run around
�Swear I'll kill you : about that stuff of mine
�Farewell baby : I'm doing very well
�I am going : to raise some hell
������� �Chicago,
25 Feb. 1935
������� �(85490‑
) BB‑B5996 OJL‑17
�Well I'll get up in the morning : catch the
Highway Forty‑Nine
�Well well I'm going to look for little Malvina
: ooo man don't say she can't be found
�I got a long tall woman : live on Highway
Forty‑Nine
�Well well I get up in the morning : ooo Lord
boys she's down on my mind
�Malvina my sweet woman : she don't pay me no
mind
�You got poor Joe walking down woman : ooo Lord
Highway Forty‑Nine
�[I'm going to, if I] get up in the morning
Malvina : I believe I'll dust my bed
�I'm going down Highway Forty‑Nine : boys
I'm going to be rocking to my head
�If you ever get the blues : catch the Highway
Forty‑Nine
�Well Malvina my sweet woman : ooo Lord boys
she don't pay me no mind
�Soon this morning boys : I may roll in Jackson
town
�I done got tired of laying around : walking
that Highway Forty‑Nine
�I'm standing in Chicago mama : New Orleans on
my mind
�Malvina she's my sweet woman : she on Highway
Forty‑Nine
������� �Chicago,
25 Feb. 1935
������� �(85491‑
) BB‑B5948 RBF RF‑14
�I got me a pony Lord : and she already trained
�When I get in my bed mama : baby tighten up on
your reins
�Well I got something to tell you : mama when I
get a chance
�Well I don't want to marry : baby just want to
be your man
�I got a brownskin woman : she don't pay me no
mind
�And I know you going to miss me : baby when I
leave this town
�And I know my woman : she going to scream and
cry
�When she gets that letter : baby Lord I pass
my
�I got me a grey pony : down in my pasture
somewhere
�I'm going to find my woman : baby in this
world somewhere
�Fare you well : may be tomorrow or today
�I want you to know : babe I didn't come here
to stay
�I ain't got nobody : to talk baby‑talk
to me
�Said my mama's getting old : Lord her hair
done got grey
�Lord my mama she got older : now her hair done
got grey
�Well well why break her heart : you know ooo
Lord treat her this way
������� �Chicago,
25 Feb. 1935
������� �(85492‑1)
BB‑B5996 OJL‑17
�When I was a little boy baby : about sixteen
inches high
�I had a mean stepfather : Lord he didn't want
me to eat a bite
�I've got a mean stepfather : and I know you
have one too
�And my mother dead and gone : nothing in this
world that he will do
�Well my mother she gone : and I hope she gone
to stay
�I have a mean stepfather : he done drove me
away
�When I was a little boy Lord : my stepfather
didn't allow me around
�He's a no‑good weed mama : and the cows
going to mow him down
�Well [poor Joe, I'm] leaving this morning : my
face is full of frowns
�I got a mean stepfather : and my dear mother
she don't allow me around
�That's all right : may be home some day
�My mean stepfather : he won't give me no place
to lay
�I am a little boy : [I'm crying all, I cried
the whole] night long
�My stepfather : he swears he done done me
wrong
�And before I'll be a dog mama : I'll leave my
happy home
�He's a no‑good weed : and swear he done
me wrong
������� �Chicago,
31 Oct. 1935
������� �(96244‑1)
BB‑B6200 RCA INT‑1087
�Now baby please don't go : now baby please
don't go
�Baby please don't go back to New Orleans : and
get your cold ice cream
�I believe another man done gone : I believe
another man done gone
�I believe another man done gone to the county
farm : now with his long chain on
�Turn your lamp down low : turn your lamp down
low
�Turn your lamp down low I crying all night
long : now baby please don't go
�I beg you night before : I beg you night
before
�I beg you night before turn your lamp down low
: now baby please don't go
�I believe my baby done lied : I believe my
baby done lied
�I believe my baby she lied said she didn't
have a man : now while I had my time
�Before I'll be your dog : before I'll be your
dog
�Before I'll be your dog I'll pack my trunk
this morning baby : *and take* the road *and gone*
�I believe I'll leave you here : I believe I'll
leave you here
�I believe I'll leave you here because you got
me way out here : and you don't feel my care
�Now baby please don't go : now baby please
don't go
�Now baby please don't go back to New Orleans :
you know I love you so
�I believe you trying to leave me here : trying
to leave your daddy here
�Trying to leave your daddy here they got me
way down here : and you don't feel my care
������� �Chicago,
31 Oct. 1935
������� �(96246‑1)
BB‑B6200 RCA INT‑1087
�Yeah I got up this morning : I was feeling
awful bad
�I was thinking about the good time mama : mmm
Lord me and my baby once have had
�Babe I woke up this morning : I looked down
the road
�I think I heard my wild cow mama : when she
begin to low
�If you see my wild cow buddy : please tell her
[hurry, come back] home
�Lord I ain't had no milk and butter : since my
wild cow been gone
�I'm going to the bottom : just to hear my wild
cow moan
�If she moans so lonesome : I'm going to bring
my wild cow home
�My wild cow got a horn : just long as your
right arm
�She yields so much milk and butter : I hate to
see my wild cow leave home
�It take a ??? to roll : and a rocking chair to
rock
�The girl I'm loving : she talk that old baby‑talk
�Lord I don't feel welcome : I say nowhere I go
�Lord I said good girl I'm loving : she done
drove me away from her door
�You can read out your hymn book : you got your
Bible too
�Fall down on your knees : ask the good Lord to
help you
�Because you going to need : you going to need
my help some day
�You won't quit your running around woman :
please quit your lowdown ways
�Lord I went home at night : I looked out my
door
�There some other man had my wild cow : she
could low
�If you see my wild cow : please drive her back
home
�Lord I ain't had no milk and butter : since he
stole my wild cow and gone
�Now good morning : blues how do you do
�I cried all night long Lordy : and I can't get
along with you
������� �Aurora,
Ill., 5 May 1937
������� �(07661‑1)
BB‑B7022 RCA INT‑1087
�Well I beg you baby : baby so long
�Know you're going to miss me : when I'm dead
and gone
�Well I know she going to miss me : well when
I'm dead and gone
�I know you going to miss me baby : *oh poor
boy will be*
�When you hear me singing : mama this old
lonesome song
�Know you going to miss poor Joe : when I'm
dead and gone
�Went down to the station : went out on the
track
�Saw my baby leaving : couldn't call her back
�Well I know that woman going to miss me : well
when I'm dead and gone
�I know you going to miss me baby : count the
days I'm gone
�Cried last night baby : all night before
�Stop my way of living : and I won't have to
cry no more
�When I get down and out : sing this lonesome
song
�Swear you going to miss me woman : when I'm
dead and gone
�Cried last night mama : cried all night before
�Going back home to my baby : won't have to cry
no more
������� �Aurora,
Ill., 5 May 1937
������� �(07662‑1)
BB‑B7065 RCA INT‑1087
�Well I'm a rooting ground hog : and I roots
both nights and days
�I want some good‑looking mama to come
here now : please drive these blues away
�I went home last night babe : just about the
break of day
�I did grab the pillow : where my baby used to
lay
�I'm a rooting ground hog : *if I do ??? day*
�Well look for poor Joe down north : ooo well I
will be so far away
�I'm a rooting ground hog : and I roots
everywhere I go
�I'm trying to keep my woman taking my loving :
carrying it out handing it to Mr so‑and‑so
�Let me tell you now women : just before I go
�Give me back my money : I'll catch the train
and go
�I'm a rooting ground hog : and I root
everywhere I go
�Well my baby had the nerve to tell me : that
she didn't want me no more
�I'm a‑leaving Chicago : ain't going to
leave my baby no more
�I'm that good rooting ground hog : I got a
home anywhere I go
�I woke up this morning : I looked down the
line
�Couldn't hear nothing : but my babe's train
crying
������� �Aurora,
Ill., 5 May 1937
������� �(07663‑1)
BB‑B7022 RCA INT‑1087
�Brother James went out riding : riding in that
twenty‑nine Ford
�That poor man was drinking bad whiskey : ooo
well boys he sure going to lose his soul
�Lord I went out in Greenville : looked down in
brother James' face
�I says sleep on brother James : I'll meet you
Resurrection Day
�Lord brother James died under surgery : and he
didn't have the time to pray
�I said goodbye brother James : ooo well I'll
meet you Resurrection Day
�Now he love sister Lottie : trying to save her
wicked soul
�She ain't going to drink no more whiskey : ooo
well boys going to ride no twenty‑nine Ford
�I went to the graveyard : and I peeped down in
brother James' face
�Says you know you died drunk brother James :
and you didn't have no time to pray
�Farewell brother James : hope we will meet
some day
�I will be at the *official table* : ooo well
when *they send* brother James *my way*
������� �Aurora,
Ill., 5 May 1937
������� �(07664‑1)
BB‑B7065 RCA INT‑1087
�I said goodbye baby : oh yes I got to go
�I don't want to be wearing mustache : ooo well
mistreated for Mr so‑and‑so
�I say the hard luck and trouble : every place
I go
�I believe somebody put bad luck on me : ooo
well I believe now it's time to go
�I had money baby : I even had friends for
miles around
�Well all the money gone : ooo well and my
friends cannot be found
�I started down : I started down in Polack Town
�Seem like the snitches and the police babe :
trying to tear poor Joe's reputation down
�Now you can hear me when I'm down : be the
same way when I rise
�I got a gal in East St Louis : she lives in
Polack Town
������� �Chicago,
27 Mar. 1941
������� �(053989‑2)
BB‑B8738 RCA INT‑1087
�Yes I'm a crawling king snake : baby I'm going
to ??? all around your door
�You had the nerve to tell me : ooo well well
she didn't want me no more
�You couldn't see me baby : passing by
�Mama be your crawling king snake : till the
day I die
�I'm going to be your crawling king snake : I'm
???ing all around your door
�You had the nerve to tell me : ooo well well
you didn't want poor Joey no more
�You couldn't see me baby : now when I was
walking by
�Might be your crawling king snake : mama if I
have to die
�I'm going back to Memphis : if I have to walk
�I ain't got nobody in Chicago : talk that old
baby‑talk
�Now I'm going back to St Louis : I'm going to
sit right down
�I'm going to throw my poison : on every pretty
woman in town
������� �Chicago,
27 Mar. 1941
������� �(053990‑1)
BB‑B8774 BC‑6
�Good morning judge : he done lowered the fine
�Tell the man : about this stuff of mine
�Baby : want to keep your daddy from crying
�Save me a little more : of that stuff of mine
�Now baby : don't be so fast
�If you can't shimmy : shake your yas yas yas
�I get drunk : walk streets all night
�All you got to do : is treat your daddy right
�All I want : is my regular right
�*Treat me in the days* : and my loving every
night
�The lawyer told the judge : can you lower his
fine
�Tell the man : about the stuff of mine
�Yeah baby : don't you be so rough
�Daddy wild : about my heavy stuff
������� �Chicago,
27 Mar. 1941
������� �(053991‑1)
BB‑B8774 RCA INT‑1087
�Peach orchard mama : you swore wasn't nobody
going to use your peaches but me
�Well you want Joe Williams to work in your
orchard : well and I'll keep your orchard clean
�You done got me to the place : I hate to see
that evening sun go down
�Well when I get up in the morning : ooo well
peach orchard man she's on my mind
�Got a man to buy your groceries : and another
joker to pay your rent
�Well you got me working in your orchard : ooo
well well and bring you every cent
�Sometime she make me happy : then again she
make me cry
�Ever again I want a peach orchard mama : ooo
well well wish to God that you would die
������� �Chicago,
27 Mar. 1941
������� �(053992‑1R)
BB‑B8738 RCA INT‑1087
�Meet me around the corner baby : bring my
boots and shoes
�My best woman done quit me : and I ain't got
no time to lose
�Now she low and she squatty : she right down
on the ground
�Every time she wobbles : she make my love came
down
�Lord the woman I'm loving : sleeping in her
*ray*
�Lord the one I hate : I can meet her every day
�Please : don't give my baby no job
�She's a married woman : and I don't allow her
to work too hard
�What you going to do : when they take your man
to the war
�Have to drink muddy water : sleep in a hollow
log
�Early one morning : just about the break of
day
�I hugged the pillow : where my baby used to
lay
�She ain't [very] good‑looking : she got
two teeth crowned with gold
�Got a lien on her body : got a mortgage on her
soul
������� �Chicago,
12 Dec. 1941
������� �(070484‑1)
BB‑B8969 RCA INT‑1087
�Now baby please don't go : baby please don't
go
�Baby please don't go back to New Orleans : you
know I love you so
�Turn your lamp down low : turn your lamp down
low
�Turn your lamp down low now baby all night
long : baby please don't go
�I believe another man done gone : I believe
another man done gone
�He left the county farm : he got them shackles
on
�Baby please don't go : baby please don't go
�Baby please don't go back to New Orleans : get
your cold ice cream
�Before I'll be your dog : before I'll be your
dog
�I'll get you way down here : I'll make you
walk a log
�You got me way down here : you got me way down
here
�You got me way down here by Rolling Fork : you
treat me like a dog
�Don't call my name : don't call my name
�Don't call my name you got me way down here :
wearing the ball and chain
������� �Chicago,
12 Dec. 1941
����� ���(070485‑1) BB‑B9025 RBF RF‑11
�Well I'm going to get up in the morning : get
to Highway Forty‑Nine
�Well *about* my sweet woman : ooo well well
she don't pay poor Joey no mind
�Well if you ever had the blues : get to
Highway Forty‑Nine
�Well *about* sweet woman : ooo well boys she
trying to throw poor Joey down
�[I'm going to wake, well I'm going to get] in
the morning : I believe I'll dust my bed
�Going down the Highway Forty‑Nine : ooo
well boys I be rocking to my head
�Blues this morning : I'll be rolling in
Jackson town
�Lord I'm tired of laying around : ooo well
boys on Highway Forty‑Nine
������� �Chicago,
12 Dec. 1941
������� �(070486‑1)
BB‑B9025 RBF RF‑11
�Don't care where you go : how long you stay
�Lord it's good‑time females : bring you
back some day
�Ain't but the one thing Sonny Boy : get Joey
in the blues
�I got on : my last pair of shoes
�Yes I keep on betting : but the dice won't
pass
�You going to leave Chicago running : running
most too fast
�I liked everybody : in your neighborhood
�You a no‑good woman : you don't mean me
no good
�You can steal my chickens boy : you sure can't
make them lay
�You can steal my best woman : but you sure
can't make her stay
������� �Chicago,
12 Dec. 1941
������ ��(070487‑1) BB‑B8969 BC‑21
�Yes I'm a gambling man : still gambling yet
�Don't never get too rough boy : *one kill*
won't lay them dead
�Done got funny baby : funny as it can be
�If you raise any kids : they all got to look
like me
�Take your sweet potato : *raise them at your
home*
�If you want a good woman : get you one that
long and tall
�Raised in the country : first in town
�Your *good time* : all is mine
�Breaking them down : all I crave
�Breaking them down : might take me to my grave
�Mama went to town : papa ain't here
�Take them down boys : because you know this
stuff is here
������� �Memphis,
c. 24 Sept. 1929
������� �(M‑195‑
) Vo‑1457 Rt RL‑321
�You get mad : someone call your name
�You never did ??? : get that thing
�You wore your dresses : above your knees
�You sell your jelly : to who you please
�I got something to ask you : I done got scared
�I got to wait now : before I go to bed
�I called you this morning : about half past
one
�You told me : that you was done
�I called you this morning : about half past
five
�You turned over : cried like a child
�I called you this morning : about half past
six
�You told me : you got it fixed
�I got something to ask you : don't you get mad
�I want you to give me something : I ain't
never had
�Look pretty mama : what you done done
�You squeezed my lemon : caused my juice to run
������� �Memphis,
c. 24 Sept. 1929
������� �(M‑196‑
) Vo‑1457 Rt RL‑321
�Good morning Mr devil : I come here to chain
you down
�Every time I move : you got my rider down
�You's a mean old devil : cause me to weep and
moan
�Cause me to leave my family : and my happy
home
�I brought my chain : to lock it around your
waist
�I don't care woman : who gets all in my way
�I wouldn't have been here : had not been for
you
�Now you got me here now : this old way you do
�I was at home : doing very well
�Now you got me here now : and I'm catching
hell
�Now look Mr devil : see what you done done
�You done wrecked my family : caused me to
leave a happy home
�I'm going to write a letter now : going to
mail it in the air
�I'm going to ask Dr Jesus : if the devil ever
been there
������� �Aurora,
Ill., 17 June 1938
������� �(020854‑1)
BB‑B7719 RCA INT‑1175
�The wind begin to blow : and my baby begin to
knock on my door
�Yes you keep fooling around downtown : you
going to get your head trimmed down
�I know you got men friends : baby when I drive
from your door
�Because you keep on running around : you going
to get your head trimmed down
�Now it ain't no use you fooling around :
trying to take that other woman's man
�Well now you keep on fooling around : you
going to get your head trimmed down
�Now when I left *Granville* : I was on my way
back to *Shoetown* Road
�Yes I know you going to miss me baby : from
knocking on your door
�Now you begin to run from hand to hand : and
you begin to run around
�Well now you keep on running around baby : you
going to get your head trimmed down
������� �Aurora,
Ill., 17 June 1938
������� �(020855‑1)
BB‑B7770 RCA INT‑1175
�Peach orchard mama : you swore no one get your
fruit but me
�Whilst I'm working in your orchard : keeping
your orchard free
�You got a man to buy your groceries : another
[joker, man] to pay your rent
�Whilst ??? Sonny Boy working in your orchard :
giving you every cent
�Now you done got me so : I hate to see that
evening sun go down
�I wake up in the morning : peach orchard woman
on my mind
�Sometimes you make me happy : sometimes you
make me cry
�Now peach orchard mama since you been in
trouble : you wish to God that I would die
������� �Aurora,
Ill., 5 May 1937
������� �(07654‑
) BB‑B7012 BC‑20
�Lord I don't want no skinny woman : I want a a
woman with a‑plenty of meat
�Now we can roll all night long : this woman
won't have to stop and eat
�Lord I've got so many women : that I I really
don't know who I love
�Now it seems like the girl I been crazy for :
slipped away to the good Lord above
�Lord I have the blues in the morning : blues
is the first thing when I lay down at night
�Now that's the reason my baby worries me : my
baby she don't treat me right
�Oh Lord ah she's gone she's gone : she's
forever be on my mind
�Now she was a sweet little woman : she just
wouldn't be loving and kind
������� �Aurora,
Ill., 11 Nov. 1937
������� �(016521‑
) BB‑B7428 BC‑3
�Now go open the door : here comes the
collector man
�Well you can tell him I said come back
tomorrow : because Sonny Boy ain't got a doggone thing
�Tell him that I ain't got no money : now and
he know I trying to
�Well you tell him a man ain't got no money :
can't hardly find a place to stand
�Tell him but some day I'll have some money :
now I want everybody to watch and see
�Well now tell him that it's hard : to keep
down you know a real good man like me
�Tell him I know I'm down now : now but I won't
be down always
�Well now you can tell him watch and see old
Sonny Boy getting some money : oh Lord know it's some of these days
������� �Aurora,
Ill., 11 Nov. 1937
������� �(016524‑
) BB‑B7302 RCA INT‑1175
�Lord when a little girl become twelve years
old : begin to think she's grown
�Say you can never : catch that kind of little
girl at home
�But you have to go down early in the morning :
baby about the break of day
�Now you ought to see me grab the pillows :
where my baby used to lay
�Well I got a new woman : her name is Miss Katy
�She told me to come to her house this morning
: I got there about half past eight
�I said look a‑here woman : you fool too
many men
�I can't never come to see you in the evening :
now I have to come to see you when I can
�Well I said look a‑here woman : I ain't
going to fool around with you no more
�I know you don't love me : you wild about Mr
so‑and‑so
������� �Aurora,
Ill., 11 Nov. 1937
������� �(016525‑
) BB‑B7302 RCA INT‑1175
�Well well well I've got to get some money : I
wants to buy a V‑Eight Ford
�Well well I wants to ride this new highway :
ooo that the project just completed in a week ago
�Well I got to ride this new highway : Lord and
I'm going to cross the Gulf of Mexico
�Well well well then I ain't going to stop
riding : well until I park in front of my baby's door
�Well when my baby come out and see me : I know
she's going to jump and shout
�Well well well if that don't draw a crowd :
ooo people going to know what all this racket about
�Now when people gather around : now in front
of my baby's door
�Well well then I'm going to tell them don't
get excited : ooo same ??? *bit* I was singing about before
������� �Aurora,
Ill., 13 Mar. 1938
������� �(020113‑1)
BB‑B7603 RCA LPV‑518
�Now and it's moonshine : moonshine do harm to
many men
�Now that is the reason why : you ain't got to
believe I'll make a change
�Now moonshine will make you shoot dice : make
a‑you want to sing
�Now when you go home : you can't change your
wild rice
�You been drinking moonshine : moonshine do
harm to many men
�Now that is the reason why : I'm I'll believe
I'll make a change
�Now moonshine will make you think : that the
policeman is really delivery boy
�Moonshine will make you think : that shoe
polish is really children's play‑toy
�Now moonshine will make you go home : lay down
across your bed
�And your wife try to talk with you : you say
you didn't hear a word she said
�Now moonshine will make you just drunk : walk
out in the street
�Moonshine will make you curse out : most
anybody you meet
������� �Aurora,
Ill., 13 Mar. 1938
������� �(020114‑
) BB‑B7576 RBF RF‑14
�Now ever since Louisa you been gone : my life
don't seem the same
�Now you know it really breaks my heart : to
hear anybody call Miss Louisa's name
�Now Miss Louisa she mistreated me : and she
drove me from her door
�Now that will be all right : Louisa you will
have to reap just what you sow
�Now Louisa you know : I have been Lord the
very best that I could
�Now listen if you don't treat me no better :
Lord I sure do wish you would
�Now but that will be all right : Louisa you
will come back home some day
�Now but I'm scared that when you get back :
Louisa you ain't going to have no place to stay
������� �Aurora,
Ill., 13 Mar. 1938
������� �(020117‑1)
BB‑B7665 RCA LPV‑518
�Lord I'm going back down south : man where the
weather suits my clothes
�Now I done fooled around in Chicago : and I
done almost froze
�Lord my baby my baby : she don't treat me good
no more
�Now I know the reason she don't love me :
she's wild about Mr so‑and‑so
�Now and I know my baby : and I know Miss
Mary's going to scream now
�Because my baby she didn't want me : to come
way back up here nohow
������� �Aurora,
Ill., 13 Mar. 1938
������� �(020119‑
) BB‑B7576 RBF RF‑14
�Now you got fruit on your tree : lemons on
your shelf
�But you know loving mama : that you can't
squeeze them all yourself
�Now I said please let me be your lemon‑squeezer
: now while I'm in your lonesome town
�Now if you let me be your lemon‑squeezer
: Lord until my love comes down
�Now it makes no difference baby : what your
mama don't allow
�Come on let me squeeze your lemon baby : I
mean anyhow
�I like your apples on your tree : I'm crazy
about your peaches too
�I'm crazy about your fruit baby : because you
know just how to do
�Now and it ain't but the one thing : baby now
that it really makes me cry
�I asked you about your lemons : baby and you
ups and tells me a lie
������� �Aurora,
Ill., 17 June 1938
������� �(020842‑1)
BB‑B7707 RCA INT‑1088
�I want you to come on baby : now and take a
walk with me
�Well then I assure you there's won't nothing
bother you : I'll be your little honeybee
�I will make you honey in the morning : now I
will make you honey in the night
�Now then I'll make you honey three times a day
: baby if you would just treat me right
�Well we will take a walk out in the park : now
and sit down under some little shady tree
�Well now you said that I was your baby : and
that I could be your little honeybee
�I want to hold you in my arms : baby and I
want you to hug me tight
�Now because you said that I was your little
honeybee : and I could make your honey just right
������� �Aurora,
Ill., 17 June 1938
������� �(020844‑1)
BB‑B7707 RCA INT‑1088
�Now you's a whiskey‑headed woman : now
and you stay drunk all the time
�Now if you don't stop drinking : now I believe
you going to lose your mind
�Well now every time I see you : you's at some
whiskey joint
�Standing at the back door : asking for another
half a pint
�Because you's a whiskey‑headed woman :
now and you stay drunk all the time
�Now if you don't stop drinking : I believe you
going to go stone blind
�Well now and I took you out of the street baby
: when you didn't have no place to lay
�You ain't acting nothing but a fool : dogging
me around this a‑way
�Well now every time I meet you baby : you
walking up and down the street
�You grinning laughing and talking : with most
every man you meet
������� �Aurora,
Ill., 17 June 1938
������� �(020845‑1)
BB‑B7847 RCA INT-1088
�Now I'm going away baby : just to wear you off
my mind
�Now and you keep me bothered : worried all the
time
�Now and sometimes I feel : like I'm going
going away to stay
�Well I get to thinking about my baby : I just
as swear and I can't stay away
�Now I want you to tell me baby : baby just
what's getting wrong with you
�Now and you don't treat me : nothing baby like
you used to do
������� �Aurora,
Ill., 17 June 1938
������� �(020846‑
) BB‑B7756 BC‑3
�I'm going to tell you something : baby you
can't do
�You better take it kind of easy : I've got my
eyes on you
�If you got a good woman : and she won't treat
you right
�You beat her three times a day : and whip her
a little at night
�Now Mr depot agent : don't you make me cry
�Did my baby stop here : did she keep on by
�Now I want all you people : to gather around
�My baby done left me : treat me like a hound
�I told her I'd buy her a Chevrolet : say but
she wanted a V‑Eight Ford
�She say she wanted something : would beat us
all on the road
�Now I waved my hands : she wouldn't pay me no
mind
�Way out on my door : she made a loving sign
������� �Aurora,
Ill., 17 June 1938
������� �(020847‑1)
BB‑B7847 RCA INT-1088
�I went down on Shannon Street : now to buy me
some alcohol
�I told them to fill it half full of water :
but they didn't put in a drop at all
�So I drunk my straight whiskey : Lord I
staggered on up the street
�Now but my head got so heavy : that my eyes
couldn't even give a peep
�Lady tells me papa papa : well you ain't no
good at all
�Now she say you don't make me happy : so long
as you fool with this alcohol
�Sometimes I tell her oh : lady this alcohol is
killing me
�Well now they told me if I didn't quit
drinking : in some lonesome cemetery I would be
�I said lazy baby won't you go riding : can I
take you riding with me in my car
�She said Sonny Boy I'm scared if you get a
drink of whiskey : and I'm scared that we won't ride very far
������� �Aurora,
Ill., 17 June 1938
������� �(020848‑1)
BB‑B7756 RCA INT-1088
�I'm going to tell you something : keep it to
yourself
�Don't tell your kid‑man : and nobody
else
�Told her come on go out : come go and get a
quart of wine
�You told me yeah : you think that was just
fine
�Well I will tell you one thing baby : that I
can't do
�I can't love you : and be your dog too
�Well a‑here's my hand : I'll mind you
like a child
�Can't I be : you man awhile
�Well I got something to tell you : I ain't
going to tell you no more
�About fooling around : with Mr so‑and‑so
�Now tell me baby : what you want me to do
�Think I can love you : and be your dog too
�Well fare you well baby : I ain't going to have
no more to say
�Marry Mr so‑and‑so : you can have
your way
������� �Aurora,
Ill., 17 June 1938
������� �(020849‑1)
BB‑B7805 RCA INT-1088
�You hear that rumbling : deep down in the
ground
�Now it must be the devil : you know turning my
womens around
�Stack of dollars : just as high as I am tall
�Now if you be my baby : mama you can have them
all
�She's a great big woman : head right full of
hair
�I call her tailor‑made : but them people
they don't allow me there
�Now here's my hand : if I never see you
anymore
�Well now I'm going to leave you alone : to go
with your Mr so‑and‑so
�Tell me baby : baby where did you stay last
night
�Now with your hair all tangled : and your
clothes ain't fitting you right
������� �Aurora,
Ill., 17 Dec. 1938
������� �(030848‑1R)
BB‑B8010 RCA INT-1088
�Number Five Number Five : please bring my baby
back to me
�Now you's the meanest old train : Number Five
that I ever seen
�Now when my baby left me : my baby wouldn't even
wave her hand
�Well I know the reason she left me : because
she was wild about some other man
�Woman that will be all right : I know my baby
ain't going to stay away
�Well now she forever stays on my mind : people
she the only woman I crave
�Lord and I just looked on the almanac : Lord
just to see when your birthday was going to be
�Now then I believe that you must have been
born in ??? : because you got changing ways with me
�Now fare you well : baby yes I'm going away
�Well I know you didn't love me : now I'm going
to find me some other place to stay
������� �Aurora,
Ill., 17 Dec. 1938
������� �(030849‑1)
BB‑B8094 RCA INT-1088
�Well it was on one Christmas morning : *T‑bird's*
Christmas coming back again
�Well now I'm trying to hide my little woman :
to keep her from running around with these other men
�Now Santa Claus : I want you to bring my baby
a lot of toys
�Now I know my baby wants to have fun : now
with these other little girls and boys
�Santa Claus Santa Claus : can I get you to
understand
�Now that I want you to bring my baby one of
these radios : and two or three of them little electric fans
�I want Santa Claus to bring my baby one of
these coats : I mean with that long fur hanging down
�Now then I want her to be looking good : Lord
when I drop by in her town
�Now Santa Claus : Santa Claus can't you hear
my lonesome cry
�Well now be sure to do what I told you : Santa
Claus before I tell you goodbye
������� �Aurora, Ill., 17 Dec. 1938
������� �(030850‑1) BB‑B7995 RCA INT-1088
�Well now I knowed a family : lived down in the
avenue
�Old man Mose : and sister Sue
�Well now I knowed the man : by the name of old
man Mose
�He got so happy : pull off all his clothes
�Well I knowed a lady : by the name of sister
Kate
�Pulled off her clothes : in front of her front
gate
�Crying you step one step : then mess all
around
�You look up : then you look down
�Well now I know a girl : by the name of sister
Louise
�She jumped up : and danced with who she
pleased
�Now look a‑here baby : now tell me what
you going to do
�You can't marry me : and somebody else too
������� �Aurora,
Ill., 17 Dec. 1938
������� �(030851‑1)
BB‑B7979 RCA INT-1088
�Lord I wonder where is my bluebird : wonder
where is my bluebird gone
�Now and she left me this morning : people and
I been looking for her all day long
�Now my bluebird left me the other day : people
and I ain't seen her since
�Now then I believe she gone to Washington :
you know to visit the president
�Now if my bluebird don't come back : wonder
what am I going to do
�Now if my bluebird continue on to stay : I
believe I'll move to Washington too
�Now when my bluebird left : she put a note up
in my door
�Now she said I'm going to Washington : Sonny
Boy and I don't want you no more
�Oh now but that will be all right : maybe my
bluebird will change her mind
�Now because a good bluebird now babe : peoples
I just do swear they's hard to find
������� �Aurora,
Ill., 17 Dec. 1938
��� �����(030852‑1) BB‑B8010 RCA INT-1088
�Little girl little girl : I got something I
want to say to you
�Now it ain't none of your bad treatment : I
just want to warn you about the old way you do
�You just my little girl : and I love to hold
you in my arms
�Now and if you think about me baby : I swear
you can't do nothing wrong
�Tell me baby : baby who can your little man be
�Lord I wouldn't keep on worrying : but I
wonder if there any chance for me
�Think about me when I'm gone : little girl
think about me in your sleep
�Well I think about how you used to love me :
little girl nobody in this world but me
�But that's all right : little girl trouble
ain't going to last always
�Well now you can treat me like a dog : but
you'll be sorry you treated me this a‑way
�Fare you well : little girl if I never see you
anymore
�Well I said that I always love you : and Sonny
Boy don't care where you go
������� �Aurora,
Ill., 17 Dec. 1938
������� �(030853‑1)
BB‑B7979 RCA INT-1088
�Now listen little baby : do you think I'm
going to be your fool
�I mean what you think baby : you want Sonny
Boy to be your mule
�Every time I meet you baby : walking up and
down the street
�You walk by me smiling : act like you don't
want to speak
�But *honest* little girl : I got tired of your
lowdown dirty ways
�Well now drinking whiskey and running around :
little girl that's all you crave
�Well then I give you my money : baby and you
left me cold in hand
�You took my money : you know you started to
raising sand
�You started to hitting bootlegging joint : and
every whiskeyhouse you know
�Riding up and down the street : you know with
Mr so‑and‑so
�Well now and I was going to buy you a ??? : I
was going to buy you a Packard too
�I was going to buy you a Cadillac : you know
just to try to get along with you
�I was going down to the jewelry store : and I
was going to buy you a diamond ring
�But now you won't treat me nice : and I ain't
going to buy you a doggone thing
�When I left my mother told me one thing : you
know my father said the same
�You running around with this little girl : son
and that going to change your name
�But I won't pay them no mind : but I continue
to drink
�But I don't never sit down one time : you know
and just sit and think
�But I got tired : of this little girl's
lowdown dirty ways
�Now when I leave her this time : I swear I'm
going away to stay
������� �Aurora,
Ill., 17 Dec. 1938
������� �(030854‑1)
BB‑B7995 RCA INT-1088
�Well goodbye Red : now ain't going to cry
�Well I ain't going to frown : wouldn't tell
you no lie
�Well my little Red : she just don't know
�Well now she say she love me : she wild about
Mr so‑and‑so
�Well I ain't going to worry : about the way
you do
�Well the way you treat me : coming back home
to you
�Well I ain't going to frown : I ain't going to
make no noise
�Well I ain't going to bring no *help* : and
none of these ??? *toys*
�Well I waved my hand : Red shook her head
�Well I'm sick and tired : I reckon I'm going
to bed
�Now tell me Red : what you want me to do
�Now do you think I can love you : and be your
little dog too
�Well after a while : be all over now
�Now because didn't have nobody : to raise no
sand nohow
������� �Aurora,
Ill., 17 Dec. 1938
������� �(030855‑1)
BB‑B8034 RCA INT-1088
�Now I'm only twenty‑four : I just
declare I been married twice
�Well now you people know by that : Lord that I
ain't been living the right kind of life
�Now my mother often sit down and talked with
me : talked with me about being so wild
�Well then she said I'm scared that women and
whiskey : is going to be the ruin of my only child
�Oh you know how boys and girls is nowadays :
they won't pay their mother no mind
�Well and when they go out and stay all night
long : your mother's standing in her back door crying
�Well but some day : some day people I'm going
to change my mind
�Well now I'm going to stop running at women :
and staying drunk all the time
�Oh now ain't it hard to have a home : a home
and you can't go there no more
�Now when this little woman that you been
loving : have fell in love with Mr so‑and‑so
������� �Aurora,
Ill., 17 Dec. 1938
������� �(030856‑1)
BB‑B8034 RCA INT-1088
�Every Monday morning : people the insurance
man knocking on my door
�Well now I tell him to come back on a Tuesday
: because Sonny Boy haven't made no money you know
�He said yeah but you haven't paid your
insurance in two or three weeks : said Sonny Boy and your insurance have done
�He said if you don't pay it by next Wednesday
: I reckon I'll have to let your insurance
�I said insurance man please don't turn me out
: Lord and I ain't got nobody to bury me
�Well now I said if you won't bury me : they'll
throw my body in the deep blue sea
�I say you know how times is nowadays : can't
no one man find a job
�I said I can't even take care of my wife and
baby : and I'm mighty near to letting my family starve
�I said please give me two more weeks :
insurance man please do that for me
�Well I say I don't live up north : my home is
back down in Tennessee
������� �Aurora,
Ill., 17 Dec. 1938
������� �(030857‑1)
BB‑B8094 RCA INT-1088
�Rainy day rainy day : you ought to hear my
baby sing the blues
�Now and she said she just walking around :
just to tell these strange people the news
�Now what's the use of loving : people and I
don't see why I should
�Now and you know the woman I'm loving : Lord
and she don't mean me no good
�Now but that will be all right now : my bad
luck ain't going to last always
�Now just because I'm down and out now : I'm
going to see some old lucky day
�Take care of my wife and my baby : tell them
that I'll be back home some day
�Now tell her that she ain't acting nothing but
a fool : dogging me around this way
�Lord sometime I go out walking : people go out
[walking, talking] to myself
�Now because my baby bes on my mind : and I
don't be thinking about nobody else
�Now I'm just as sure : just as sure as one and
one is two
�Now when I get my money : babe I'm going to be
???ing just like you
������� �Chicago,
21 July 1939
������� �(040525‑
) BB‑B8265 BC‑3
�Now did you hear about this bad luck : the bad
luck happened just about six months ago
�Now my cousin *Martin* got shot down : just as
he was walking out the door
�Now and he said please Mr : said please don't
shoot me no more
�He said because my breath is getting short :
and my heart is beating awful slow
�And *Martin* said I know I got some friends :
I want someone to go and get my mother please
�Said maybe she can help me with my troubles :
people I'm in so much misery
�And he said I hate to go leave my mother and
father : I hate to go and leave my cousin Sonny Boy
�Now but tell them if they be good they come to
see me : people on Resurrection Day
������� �Chicago,
21 July 1939
������� �(040532‑
) BB‑B8333 BC‑20
�Now but ooh : T B's is killing me
�Now I want my body buried : way down in
Jackson Tennessee
�Now when I was up on my feet : now I couldn't
even walk down the street
�For the women looking at me : from my head to
my feet
�I ain't going to buy you no more pretty
dresses : I ain't going to even buy you no diamond rings
�And I'm going to sell my V‑Eight Ford :
because I don't want a doggone thing
�Well now my mother she said one thing : you
know my father said the same
�You keep on fooling around : Sonny Boy they
going to change your name
�Well now here I am here sick baby : you know
and I'm I'm laying here in my bed
�And now even won't none of my friends : come
and even rub my aching head
������� �Chicago,
21 July 1939
������� �(040535‑
) BB‑B8403 BC‑3
�Well well I was sitting in Madison Square
Gardens : now to just watch the big fight come through
�Well well the right and left that Joe Louis
was using : ooo well man give John Henry Louis' head the blues
�Well that night I didn't have but fifty cents
: I was in Jackson whooping with them women and men
�Well well and I bet my fifty cents on Joe :
ooo well in no time I won my fifty cents back again
������� �Chicago,
17 May 1940
������� �(049198‑
) BB‑B8610 BC‑20
�Mama all that I want : Lord is just my train
fare home
�Well now I ain't got nobody to love me : out
here in this great big old world alone
�Now baby if'n you wouldn't write me : look like
you would send me a telegram
�Look like I would kind of run across your mind
: baby you would want to know just where I am
�Now but I know you don't love me : baby you
don't love me no more
�I know the reason you don't love woman :
because you is crazy about Mr so‑and‑so
�Now it was a lowdown fireman : and that must
have been a dirty engineer
�Lord and they sure did treat me mean : because
they taking my babe away from here
������� �Chicago,
17 May 1940
������� �(053001‑
) BB‑B8610 BC‑3
�Now me and my baby talked last night : and we
talked for nearly an hour
�She wanted me to go down to the welfare store
: and a sack of that welfare flour
�But I told her no : baby and I sure don't want
to go
�I say I'll do anything in the world for you :
I don't want to go down to that welfare store
�Now you need to go get you some real white man
: you know to sign you a little note
�Then get you a pair of them *keen‑*toed
shoes : and one of them old *peat‑*back soldier coats
�President Roosevelt said : them welfare people
they going to treat everybody right
�Says they give you a can of them beans : and a
can or two of them old tripe
�Lord now me and my baby we talked yesterday :
and we talked in my back yard
�She say I take care of you Sonny Boy : just as
long as these times stay hard
�And I told her yeah : baby and I sure won't
have to go
�I say and if you do that for me : I won't have
to go down to that welfare store
������� �Chicago,
17 May 1940
������� �(053002‑
) BB‑B8674 BC‑3
�Oh yes : something getting wrong with my
little machine
�Now she got a standard carburettor : my baby
been burning bad gasoline
�Now I'm going to do like an eagle : I'm going
to fly up on the mountain top
�Lord and I don't find my baby : it ain't no
telling where I'll stop
�Well I don't know baby : I don't know what to
do
�You know I don't want to hurt your feelings :
baby even getting mad with you
�Well I don't know baby : I don't know what to
do
�Baby you is so sweet : but you just won't be true
������� �Chicago,
4 Apr. 1941
������� �(064019‑
) BB‑B8731 BC‑3
�Western Union man : please stop by my house
today
�I'm expecting a call from Miss *Laza* : I've
got to hear from her right away
�Now the reason I ain't been getting no calls :
people I'm going to tell you all what it's all about
�They tell me Western Union man been getting
drunk : he been leaving my calls at somebody else's house
�Western Union man : please don't you lose your
head
�You know I'm expecting a call from Miss *Laza*
: you know some of my people might be dead
�I been sitting here waiting on the Western
Union man : oh you know he usually comes along about eleven o'clock
�I reckon he must have had trouble with his
machine : or *the word* the roads oh they must be blocked
�I believe I'll move up here in Chicago : I'm
going to get that old Mr Western Union man's route
�Now what's the use of me worrying about a
Western Union man : when I have passenger plane flying right over my house
������� �Chicago,
4 Apr. 1941
������� �(064020‑
) BB‑B8766 BC‑20
�I know you got some good apples : right down
on Mr Rudolph's farm
�Now I love you so much : baby I'd like to hold
you in my arms
�Now I want to get a truck‑load of your
apples : I want to peddle your apples up north
�Now maybe I can keep them ??? till your
wintertime : and we'll make them be little children's Santa Claus
�Now my grandmother says she want to buy a
bushel of your apples : she wants to make her some applesauce
�Now I'd be delighted and pay for them : for I
bet they would be on out of this world
�Lord I can see your little apple : hanging way
up in your little apple tree
�Now you may like you love me so much : baby
please drop one down for me
�Now you know the rain washed away my cotton :
people and the sun burned up my new ground corn
�Now if somebody don't give me *any* something
to eat pretty soon : I just as swear we won't be here long
������� �Chicago,
4 Apr. 1941
������� �(064022‑
) BB‑B8766 BC‑20
�Now peoples I believe : somebody oh somebody's
changed that lock on my door
�Now because this little key that I got : oh
well well won't fit my little lock no more
�Now my baby have changed her way of living : I
mean she's changed all around
�Because she even changed her house number : oh
you know she done moved to another town
�Oh now but that change that hurt me : oh
somebody have changed that lock on my door
�Oh now because this little key that I got : oh
well well it won't fit in that little lock no more
�Well now my baby have changed her way of
dancing : oh she don't two‑step no more
�Oh she do that new dance you call jitterbug :
oh man she jumps clear the floor
�Oh now my mother she says one thing : my
grandmother jumped up and said the same
�Oh said you keep on fooling around Sonny Boy :
says I swear one of them going to change your name
������� �Chicago,
4 Apr. 1941
������� �(064023‑
) BB‑B8731 BC‑3
�You ought to heard my grandmother : when she
got my grandfather told
�She said get away from me man : I swear you
done gotten too old
�Now when my baby left me : you know she left
me a mule to ride
�Now when the train left the station : know my
mule laid down and died
�You know I sent my baby : you know a brand new
twenty dollar bill
�Now if that don't bring her back : I'm doggone
sure my shotgun will
�Now if I can't come in : let me sit down in
front of your door
�I'll leave so early in the morning : you know
your real man won't never know
�Mmm baby : I ain't going to sing to you no
more
�Now if you can stand to leave me : I'll try to
love to see you go
������� �Chicago,
2 July 1941
������� �(064492‑
) BB‑B8914 BC‑20
�Now baby but I'll see you : baby in the spring
�Just after the bluebirds : begin to sing
�Now but maybe I won't see you : babe but until
in the fall
�And I know : you won't have no real regular
man at all
�Now but I believe I'll wait and see you : baby
some old rainy day
�Just after the mockingbird : come out to play
�Now you going to keep on : baby you know
fooling around
�Oh you know the police : is going to run you
clean out of town
�Now tell me babe : what do you want me to do
�I did everything I could baby : to try to get
along with you
�Go bring my shotgun : my *biskins* and shells
�You know my woman she done quit me : and I'm
going to start to raising hell
������� �Chicago,
2 July 1941
������� �(064493‑
) BB‑B8822 BC‑3
�Now I would rather be sloppy drunk : oh than
anything I know
�Oh you know and another half a pint : woman
you will see me go
�Now my gal she done quit me : for somebody
else
�Now and I'm sloppy drunk again woman :
sleeping all by myself
�Now I would rather be sloppy drunk : sitting
in the can
�Now than to be out in Beale Street : running from
the man
�Because mmm : bring another half a pint
�Now I believe I'll get drunk : babe I'm going
to wreck this joint
�Now and I love my moonshine whiskey : I tell
the world I do
�Now but I drinks my whiskey : to get along
with you
�Now I'm going to drink whilst I'm up babe :
drink until I fall
�Now if you want me to stop drinking whiskey :
you ain't talking about nothing at all
������� �Chicago,
2 July 1941
������� �(064494‑
) BB‑B8914 BC‑20
�Now my baby was a girl : she was sweet sixteen
�Her mother wouldn't listen : to her dreams
�I knowed she was a dreamer : she dreamed them
old southern dreams
�She was the dreamingest girl : the dreamingest
girl I most ever seen
�Well she knowed about loving : from kisses on
down
�She was the dreamingest girl : from miles
around
�Well now she dreamed I was kissing and hugging
her : close to my breast
�She told that much of the dream : but she
wouldn't tell the rest
�Well she dreamed that we was kissing : down by
the mill
�She dreamed that she had taken me : from the
girl on the hill
�Well she knowed about kissing : from hugging
on down
�She was the dreamingest girl : from miles
around
������� �Chicago,
2 July 1941
������� �(064495‑
) BB‑B8822 BC‑20
�Well I asked you woman : where did you stay
last night
�You said it wasn't none of my business : just
since you treating me right
�Now tell me baby : what you trying to do
�You trying to love me : and some other man too
�Well now look a‑here woman : I got
something to tell you can't do
�You can't love me : and some other man too
�Well now look a‑here baby : I ain't
going to be your dog no more
�You try to fool me baby : like you did a long
time ago
�Now baby it ain't but the one thing : really
give me the blues
�When I ain't got no bottom : on my last pair
of shoes
������� �Chicago,
11 Dec. 1941
������� �(070143‑
) BB‑B9031 BC‑3
�Now I'm just a walking ground hog : mama and I
walks around in my den
�Lord if I come out and see my shadow : John I
believe I'll go back in
�Lord I want some feeding mama : so I can hear
a *high sound*
�Says if you don't feed me baby : I believe
I'll go back in the ground
�Lord I want to hear some swinging music : I
want to hear a Fats Waller sound
�Now if I start to jitterbugging : I'll forget
my hole down in the ground
�Now and I need some petting baby : if you know
what I mean
�Now if you don't pet me baby : I believe I'll
go back down in New Orleans
������� �Chicago,
11 Dec. 1941
������� �(070144‑
) BB‑34‑0701 BC‑3
�My baby thinks she's a black panther : she
want to climb up in a tree and jump down
�Now she wants to cut my throat : when ain't
nobody else around
�My baby thinks she's a black panther : now and
she won't do me awhile
�Now when she says something contrary : now she
don't want me to do nothing but smile
�Last night in my bed I found a black panther :
must have been about forty‑nine inches
�You could hear me holler : man and I didn't
have no time to swallow
�In my bed I found a black panther : must have
been forty‑nine inches long
�Now I went and got my shotgun and I started to
kill it : but I thought my baby's been doing me wrong
�My little brown thinks she's the rule : now
because she always has her way
�Now but some day she going to meet the lion :
she ain't going to even have no place to stay
������� �Chicago,
11 Dec. 1941
������� �(070145‑
) BB‑B9031� BC‑20
�Now I'm broke and I'm hungry : ragged and I'm
dirty too
�Now if I clean up pretty mama : can I stay all
night with you
�Now you remember way last fall : ooo they put
me in the old *Brisby* jail
�Now that done learned me a lesson : about
shaking my pistol in these womenfolks' face
�Now and if I can't come in : let me sit down
in front of your door
�Now I'll leave so early in the morning : that
your real man won't never know
�Now just let me be your little dog : baby
until your big dog comes
�Now when your big dog comes : I want you to
tell him what your little dog done done
������� �Chicago,
11 Dec. 1941
������� �(070146‑
) BB‑34‑0701 BC‑3
�Now I got something to tell you baby : you
can't do
�You can't love me : and some other man too
�Now I met an old lady : with her face right to
the ground
�She's up in the front : but she's all broke
down behind
�Now if the river was whiskey : and I was a
diving duck
�I would dive on the bottom : never would come
up
�Now the sun is going to shine : in my back
door some day
�The wind going to rise : and blow my blues
away
�Now I got something baby : I want to say to
you
�Had enough of you bad treatment : I wonder the
way you do
�You made plenty of money : in nineteen twenty‑two
�You let these cats : make a fool of you
������� �Chicago,
11 Dec. 1941
� �������(070147‑ ) BB‑B8992 BC‑3
�Now I can hear my black name a‑ringing :
all up and down the line
�Now I don't believe you love me : woman I
believe I'm just trifling away my time
�Well I had this blues before sunrise : oh with
tears standing in my eyes
�Now that make me have such a funny feeling :
man a feeling I do despise
�Now last night I was laying down dreaming : oh
you know and I was dreaming all to myself
�Now I was just thinking my woman didn't love
me : I hope she ain't in love with nobody else
������� �Atlanta,
23 Oct. 1931
������� �(151906‑1)
Co‑14642‑D Yz L‑1037
�I once loved a man : that didn't mean me no
good
�Wasn't any use stop loving : I couldn't see
why I should
�I woke up one morning : walking across the
floor
�I'm going away to leave you baby : I don't
mean you no good no more
�You didn't mean it baby : you hadn't no right
to lie
�So go baby go : and stay until you die
�I'm talking about a man : a man by the name of
John
�He's the meanest man : that ever lived under
the sun
�What you see here Jenkins : just look what you
done done
�Lord you treat me : like my troubles have just
begun
�Lord you left me worried : that's why I'm all
confused
�That's why I'm singing : these old experience
blues
������� �Atlanta,
23 Oct. 1931
������� �(151907‑1)
Co‑14642‑D Yz L‑1037
�My heart is painful : I believe my blues are
pouring down
�I feel like sinking : six feet in the lonesome
ground
�My heart did pain : when my baby got on the
train
�My heart struck sorrow : it fell like drops of
rain
�I've got a baby : that keeps me feeling blue
�He acts like the weather : I can't tell what
he's going to do
�Women don't let your man : treat like mine
done for me
�He had me almost crazy : as a doggone girl
could be
�Delano was a man : who could flag my train for
a ride
�He has me almost crazy : till I was satisfied
������� �New
York, 17 Jan. 1933
������� �(12920‑1)
Ba‑32687 Yz L‑1026
�Now I went down Eighteenth Street : didn't
have no hat
�Asking all the women : where was my man at
�I'm going to grab me a train : ride it till it
stops
�Not going to stay around here : and be a
stumbling block
�Woke up this morning : at the break of day
�Looked on my pillow : where my man used to lay
�My suitcase was packed : trunk's already home
�So it won't be long : before your mama be gone
�You caused my heart to weep : you caused it to
moan
�So why fetch me : no train I'm on
��� �����Chicago, c. Aug. 1926
������� �(2607‑4)
Pm‑12379 His HLP‑1
�Now you grab your partner : large or small
�And dance her : around the hall
�Big fat mama : and I can bend down low
�Just see me do this scoop it : across the
floor
� I can get way back : in my knees
������� �Chicago,
c. Aug. 1926
������� �(2616‑1)
Pm‑12379 His HLP‑1
�Woke up this morning about half past nine :
and I just could not keep from crying
�I was worried about : that stevedore man of
mine
�It's raining and it's hailing : storming daddy
on the sea
�Now that's the onliest way : to keep my sweet
daddy away from me
�I went down to the station : and I could not
keep from crying
�Lord a train had my man : and it was fairly
flying
�I stole that sweet man of mine : stole him
from my best friend
�And that woman done got lucky : Lord and
stoled her man back again
������� �Chicago,
c. Nov. 1926
������� �(4012‑2)
Pm‑12444 Bio BLP‑12037
�You ever wake up : just about the break of day
�With your arms around the pillow : where Mr so‑and‑so
used to lay
�I'm going away baby : won't be back until fall
�If I don't win no money : I won't be back at
all
�I heard you scratching : early in this room
�If you don't think I'm leaving : count the
days I'll be gone
�If the river was liquor : and I was a duck
�I would go to the bottom : and I would never
come up
�I'm leaving this town : I got on my last pair
of shoes
�Walking away from here : these old down the
country blues
������� �Chicago,
c. Nov. 1926
������� �(4013‑2)
Pm‑12444 Bio BLP‑12037
�Early this morning : heard someone calling me
�It was my baby : that black backbiting bee
�Going to take my razor : cut my honeysuckle
vine
�Darn black bee : that stole that honey of mine
�Rather have my head in alcohol : my body on
some railroad track
�Than have that black bee : bite me in my back
�It's raining in my kitchen : lightning on my
wall
�I know by that : some mule is kicking in my
stall
������� �Chicago,
c. Aug. 1926
������� �(2607‑4)
Pm‑12379 His HLP‑1
�Scoop it : pretty mama for me
������� �New
York, 5 Sept. 1929
������� �(148977‑?)
Co‑14463‑D His HLP‑5
�Going to take my gal : to a social dance
�But I didn't have no seat : in my pants
�Give me four dollars : take me in
�I took the four dollars : and I bought some
gin
�I tore my hair : and I walked the streets
�I wanted to whip : everyone I meet
�Along came John : who's my best friend
�Cut his head : till it was a sin
�I shot some craps : to my disgrace
�I run everybody : out the place
�Dice was loaded : made me sore
�I left four hustlers : lying on the floor
�I went to church : to do the holy roll
�Grabbed me a sister : to convert her soul
�Two minutes later : preacher came in
�She stopped rolling with me : started rolling
with him
�I took my cow : to the doctor man
�Something about her : I couldn't understand
�I milked her good : about half past ten
�Didn't give nothing : but a bucket of gin
�I tore up : all my gal's good clothes
�Didn't mean to do it : the good Lord knows
�My landlady : is a good old soul
�I even took : some of her sweet jellyroll
�I went downtown : about half past four
�Stoled two hot dogs : from a butcher store
�Got locked up : judge he said
�Take six months : to clear your head
�The jailhouse steps : was slick as glass
�I tried to run away : got shot in my yas
�Yes I told my gal : to bring me bail
�Get some money : if she have to sell a little
coal
������� �New
York, 5 Sept. 1929
������� �(148978‑3)
Co‑14463‑D His HLP‑5
�When your gal gets old : she wants to be alone
�You left a little work : undone at home
�Whenever you do it : whatever you should
�Just do your best : to do it good
�When you have a fight : and you didn't win
�Buy a shotgun : start over again
�If you gal come home : she's feeling tight
�She wants some loving : that very night
�If you feeling bad : because you're on the
shelf
�Get some rope : go hang yourself
�If your gal need money : how bad you feel
�Go get some money : if you have to steal
�If your wife leave home : every time you do
�Somebody outside : knows more than you
�When your pal buy your gal : a Coca‑Cola
�You can bet your life : he's playing her
victrola
�The elephant said : when he swallowed the cat
�Got a mouthful of kitty : and it's tight like
that
������� �Chicago,
c. 12 Sept. 1929
������� �(C‑4338‑
) Br‑7138 His HLP‑15
�And it's hey mama : I'm going to leave your
town
�I ain't got no man : to put my arms around
�Oh did you get my letter : throwed in your
back yard
�I wanted to see you mama : but your good man
had me barred
�You caught me with a woman : I caught you with
a man
�Baby if I see you regular : mama see me when
you can
�I'm going to Memphis : stop on Fourth and
Beale
�If I can't find Roberta : I hope to find
Lucille
������� �Memphis,
1 Oct. 1929
������� �(56316‑
) Vi‑V38593 Her H‑205
�I said hey baby : I give you your last chance
�*All you do to wear my jacket* : but you want
to wear my pants
�Oh baby : what's the matter now
�You just a trifling woman : don't mean me no
good nohow
�Said I give you my money baby : but that don't
do no good
�I bring her supper while you working : that's
just what I do
�I said hey : what am I going to do
�I done everything baby : can't get along with
you
������� �Memphis,
3 Oct. 1929
������� �(56340‑
) Vi‑V38593 Her H‑205
�And hey what makes a rooster : crow at the
break of day
�That's to let the rounder know : the
workingman is on his way
�Hey : he is on his way
�That's to let the rounder know : the
workingman is on his way
�I used to be a lover : baby in my younger days
�Now I'm old and feeble : but I still got my
loving ways
�Hey : in my younger days
�Now I'm old and feeble : I still got my loving
ways
�I tell you partner : I ain't got a friend
�They'll take your baby from you : *just like
??? hen*
������� �Memphis,
24 Nov. 1930
������� �(64709‑
) Vi‑23272 OJL‑19
�Says I left Memphis : went down the Macon Road
�The Wolf River : sit down on the *road*
�Cried Wolf River Wolf River : sure is deep and
wide
�I want to cross the river : go down the other
side
�So long so long : Wolf River so long
�Lord I need somebody : hear me sing this song
������� �Memphis,
28 Nov. 1930
������� �(64747)
Vi‑23272 Rt RL‑329
�When they bring you : through that gate
�You wish you hadn't a‑done it : but it's
just too late
�You might as well laugh : ??? you fall
�Now hollering won't get you nothing : behind
the wall
�The prison wall blues : keep rolling across my
mind
�I can't get parole : wish *like* the governor
would quit my time
�I once was lost : but now I'm found
�I'd leave this place running : but I'm scared
of them flop‑eared hounds
�This is the highest fence I ever saw : in my
life I can't climb
�This fence will make a high yellow girl turn
dark : it make a weak‑eyed man go blind
�When I leave these walls : I'll be running ???
*a speed*
�You see the bottom of my feet so many times :
you think I'm on my knees
������� �New
Orleans, 21 Mar. 1936
������� �(60847‑
) De‑7904 Yz L‑1026
�I had an evil‑hearted woman : she
mistreated me all the time
�She went away and left me : but she's forever
on my mind
�I done her wrong : and I can't deny myself
�Lord I can't love her : and she loving
somebody else
�Let me tell you people : what she told me one
sunny day
�She said I love you daddy : I can't stand your
lowdown ways
�Early one morning : about the break of day
�She told me daddy daddy : I'm going to let you
have your way
�I get lonesome : around here by myself
�Thinking about you Jesse : you have been with
someone else
������� �New
Orleans, 21 Mar. 1936
������� �(60848‑A)
De‑7219 Cor CP‑58
�Lord my mother told me : when I was quite a
child
�That the life that you are living : will kill
you after a while
�I just began to realize : the things my mother
said
�Since I been down here : and been mistreated
this a‑way
�I never loved no one woman : hope to God I
never will
�All the attracting women : will get some good
man killed
�Now I ain't no monkey : and I sure can't climb
no tree
�And I ain't going to let no woman : make no
monkey out of me
�Now I sent my baby : a brand new twenty dollar
bill
�If that don't bring her : I know my shotgun
will
������� �New
Orleans, 21 Mar. 1936
������� �(60849‑
) De‑7219 Yz L‑1032
�Says it was early one morning : about the
break of day
�Don't you hear me crying : won't you listen
what I say
�Early one morning : baby about the break of
day
�Well she told me not to sell it : papa don't
you give it away
�I said yes baby yes : then I said no baby no
�I sold some jelly : I sure won't sell no more
�Now you know you didn't want me : why did you
so
�Don't you hear me crying : little on and on
�You know you didn't want me : baby why did you
so
�I can get more women : than a passenger train can
haul
�Now she told me not to sell it : don't you
give it away
�Don't you hear me crying : don't you listen
what I say
�She told me not to sell it : papa don't you
give it away
�You ought to keep that jelly : until Judgment
Day
�I said yes baby yes : then I said no baby no
�I got a brand new gal : and I don't want you
no more
������� �San
Antonio, 30 Oct. 1937
������� �(SA‑2845‑1)
Vo‑03906 Yz L‑1015
�It was early one morning : about the break of
day
�Don't you hear me crying : won't you lead me
where to stay
�Early one morning : baby about the break of
day
�She told me not to sell it : papa don't you
give it away
�I said yes baby yes : then I said no baby no
�I sold some jelly : I sure won't sell no more
�Now you know you didn't want me : why did you
stall
�Don't you hear me crying : little all and all
�You know you didn't want me : baby why did you
stall
�I can get more women : than a passenger train
can haul
������� �New York, c. 9 Apr. 1927
������� �(GEX‑577‑A)
Ge‑6104 His HLP‑1
�I went to the Gypsy : to have my fortune told
�And the Gypsy told me : doggone my hard‑luck
soul
�Then I turned right around : went to the next
door
�And the Gypsy told me : I have a woman every
place I go
�I got a brown in the bottom : one up on the
hill
�Now when one don't love me : I know the other
one will
�I done moaned I done groaned : moaned my blues
away
������� �New
York, c. 9 Apr. 1927
������� �(GEX‑578‑A)
Ge‑6104 His HLP‑1
�Told the shoe man : give me a size fourteen
�My poor bunions : they are hard to me
�Bunions bunions : won't you hear my plea
�Stop your aching : let my poor feet be
�Going to see : old Dr *fojo* bones
�Let him start : to working on my buns