I said look a-here mama : what in the world are you trying to do
You want to make me love you : you going to break my heart in two
I said you don't want me : what made you want to lie
Now the day you quit me fair brown : baby that's the day you die
I'd rather see you dead : buried in some cypress grove
Than to hear some gossip mama : that she had done you so
It was early one morning : just about the break of day
And along brownskin coming : man and drove me away
Lord my baby quit me : she done set my trunk outdoors
That put the poor boy wandering : Lord along the road
I said trouble here mama : and trouble everywhere you go
And it's trouble here mama : baby good gal I don't know



I got something I'm going to tell you : mama keep it all to yourself
Don't you tell your mama : don't you tell nobody else
I'm going to write you a letter : I'm going to mail it in the air
Then I know you going to catch it : babe in this world somewhere
I'm going to write you a letter : I'm going to mail it in the sky
Mama I know you going to catch it : when the wind blows on the line
Ooh : mama I don't know what to do
I knows you'll go : leave me all lowdown and blue
Ooh : that's the last word you said
And I just can't remember : babe last old words you said



And I rolled and I tumbled : and I cried the whole night long
And I rose this morning : and I didn't know right from wrong
Have you ever woke up : and found your dough-roller gone
Then you wring your hands : and you cry the whole day long


And I told my woman : just before I left your town
Don't you let nobody : tear the barrelhouse down
And I fold my arms : and I begin to walk away
I said that's all right sweet mama : your trouble's going to come some day



Lord I know my baby : sure going to jump and shout
When the train get here : I come a-rolling out
Lord I tell you it wasn't no need : of mama trying to be so kind
Ah you know you don't love me : you ain't got me on your mind
Mmm : you ain't got me on your mind
And it's what is the need : of baby trying to be so kind
Mmm : tried to treat her right
But you started with another man : and stayed out every day and night
Says I ain't going down : this big road by myself
If I can't get you mama : I'm going to get somebody else
Mmm : what you want your babe to do
Says I know it's something : gal it ain't no use




Yes today has been : a long old lonesome day
Lord it seem like tomorrow : going to be the same old way
Oh tell me pretty mama : how you want your rolling done
Don't want to do : just like my old-time rider done
Don't a woman act funny : she's going to put you down
She *jumped in the bay* : with a case of
Woman *use the jelly* : I like those old-time



I've got a brownskin woman : she lives up on that hill
Lord the fool trying to quit me : man but I love her still
She was a *broad back middy* : and a gambling stomping whore
She got a new way of getting down : have to get low as a toad
Some of [these, you] women : I just can't understand
They cook corn bread for their husbands : and biscuits for their men



I been working on the section : *section* thirty-two
I'll get a dollar and a quarter : I won't have to work hard as you
Oh nigger licked molasses : and the white man licked them too
I wonder what in the world : is the Mexican going to do
Oh captain captain : what's the matter with you
If you got any Battle Ax : please sir give me a chew
Water boy water boy : bring your water around
If you ain't got no water : set your bucket down
Oh captain captain : what time of day
Oh he looked at me : and he walked away



Lord they accused me of murder : I haven't harmed a man
Oh they accused me of forgery : I can't write my name
Oh I went all around : that whole corral
Lord I couldn't find a mule : with his shoulder well
Oh I worked old Maude : and I worked old Belle
Lord I couldn't find a mule : Maggie with his shoulder well
Mmm : mmm
Mmm : Lord that morning bell
Lord she went up the country : and but she's on my mind
Oh if she don't come on the big boat : she better not land



Some of these women : I just can't understand
They run around here : with one another's man
Oh black woman evil : brownskin evil too
Going to get me a yellow woman : see what she will do
Going to get me a heaven : heaven kingdom of my own
So these brownskin women : can cluster around my throne





Lord she won't pick cotton : girl won't pick no corn
Baby I don't see why : you want to hang around me so long
And it's one two three four : five six seven eight nine
When I count them blues : the men and women is mine
Lord if I get lucky : mama in this world again
I ain't going to fool with no more women : and a mighty few men
Mmm : mmm
Lord I walked all last night : and all last night before



I was sitting on a log : just like a doggone dog
That's the mean old woman : come and crossed my heart
Says I went to the church : and they called on me to pray
I fell down on my knees : and forgot just what to say
Oh Lordy mama : what am I to do
I'm going to stay right here : wait on something new



Mama I ain't going to be : your old work ox no more
You done fooled around woman : let your ox get gored
She will get up early in the morning : just awhile before day
Then cook your breakfast : man rush you away
Come in daddy : know my ox is gone
You can never tell : when your ox is coming back home
You can never tell : what the double-crossing women will do
Says they will have your buddy : then play fake on you



My woman got something : just like the rising sun
You can never tell : when that work is done
It's no use to worrying : about the days being long
Neither worry about your rolling : because it's sure going on
She got something round : and it look just like a bat
Sometime I wonder : what in the hell is that





Listen here woman : I'm calling on your name
You got me in trouble : and you say you ain't to blame
Don't you never drive : a stranger from your door
He may be your best friend : mama says you don't know
My woman got something : and I ain't ashamed
When I love my woman : it puts me in a strain



Some men like dogging : I just declare I don't
Babe if you think I'm same your mistreating men : I declare I won't
Let's stop our foolishness : and try to settle down
Says I [always] [wants, likes] a woman : that do not run around
I used to have a woman : good as any in this town
She had so many men : she kept me always crying



I'm going to get up in the morning : do like Buddy Brown
I'm going to eat my breakfast : man and lay back down
When a man get hairy : know he needs a shave
When a woman get musty : you know she needs to bathe
I've got something to tell you : make the hair rise on your head
Got a new way of loving a woman : make the springs screech on her bed
If you don't believe I love you : look what a fool I've been
Woman if you don't believe I love you : ah look what a shape I'm in
I says I love my baby : better than I do myself
If she don't love me : she won't love nobody else



Now my home's on the water : spending awhile on land
I was trying to find a woman : that ain't got no man
Says I used to have a friend : by the name of Sam
Says we was ragged and dirty : some called us a tramp
Says I stole my woman : from my friend they call him Sam
Says that scoundrel got lucky : stoled her back again
I was raised on the desert : born in a lion's den
Says my chief occupation : taking *musky* men women


Says I never had a woman : couldn't get her back again
Says I traveled over this country : every kind of man



I been moaning moaning : ever since you been gone
Going to find a new way of moaning : bring my woman back home
Says I went back home : and I looked up side the wall
Says I could not find : my woman's clothes at all



Mmm : mmm
I been moaning woman : ever since you been gone
Says I went back home : and I looked up on the shelf
Says I'm getting mighty tired : sleeping by myself
Says I went back home : and I walked up and down the hall
Says I spied another mule : pawing in my stall
Says I moaned early in the morning : moaned late late at night
I was trying to moan to your satisfaction : till I treat my woman right
Mmm : mmm
Says I'm going to moan going to moan : till I treat my baby right



A married woman : best woman ever been born
Only trouble you have : is trying to keep her at home
My woman left me this morning : but I blame myself
That backbiting man taken my woman : now he's going to the west
I can't sleep at night : when I lay down to take my rest
Say the woman I love Lord : she is my partner's maid



I seen better days : when times wasn't so hard
Says my woman got mad : and drove me out of her yard
I wonder what can the matter : with poor Betsy Mae
Lord she got mad : and drove poor me away
Says I wonder what's the matter : with my troublesome mind


Says I must be thinking : about my woman I left behind
My woman she got something : works like sleeping pills
It takes all of my time : to try to keep my backbone still
That's why I can't keep from thinking : times I used to have
Sometime I think : Lord I declare I declare



I was sitting looking : way out across the world
Said the wind had things switching : almost in a twirl
Says I been a good fellow : just good as I can be
Says it's Lord have mercy : Lord have mercy on me
Mmm : mmm
Says I been a good fellow : just as good as a man could be
Some *lost their baby* : was blowing for two three miles around
When they come to their right mind : they come on back to town
Said rooster was crowing cows was lowing : never heard such a noise before
Does it seem like hell was broke out : in this place below



Says I wonder where : my easy rider gone
She's a easy rider : but she do right not so long
Some give her a nickel : some give her a lousy dime
She's a easy rider : but she do right all sometime
I wonder what's the matter : you ain't got no settled mind
Says I got a little woman : ??? behind
Say it's in the morning : so late in the night
When she's loving you man : she loves you just right
I say every time : that evening sun go down
We gets in the bed : and we stay there a great long time
It takes midnight *watch* : the early rising sun
I looked out the window : says here my baby comes
What you going to do mama : when your thing give out
I'm going to telephone you : *we all* jump and shout
I ain't going to tell no story : tell you no doggone lie
Say when you get to loving : man I near about die






Did you ever wake up : between midnight and day
And felt for your rider : she done eased away
Fourteen long years : C and O run by my door
My fair brown told me this morning : she didn't want me no more
If you don't want me baby : what makes you wine and cry
You put that thing on me mama : and let a black child die
Which a-way which a-way : did the C and O leave your town
She's gone west baby : *Capital* Creek Junction bound
My mama told me baby : two long years ago
If you fool with that little woman : you'll have nowhere to go
Want all of you men : to clearly understand
Take a Alabama woman : sure going to quit you for another man
I love you baby : tell the whole round world I do
I love you baby : don't care what you do




I woke up this morning : about half past four
Told my girl : I couldn't use her no more
Look here pretty mama : what you done done
You done made me love you : now your man done come
Say God made a woman : he made her mighty funny
Ring around her mouth : is just as sweet as any honey
Say I got a key : shine like gold
The women all tell me : satisfied their soul
??? : treat me right
??? *women* : ??? *side*
Going away pretty mama : won't be back till fall
If I don't get back then : I won't be back at all
Said a monkey and a baboon : setting in the grass
One said no : and the other said yes




Six bits ain't no dollar : six months ain't no long time
If you want to come to your baby : you can see me any time
Take me for your prisoner : let that one I love go free
Six months in the workhouse : sure ain't hard for me
If you take me back baby : I'll let you be my boss
Let you do anything : but nail me on the cross
Baby baby baby : I got all my clothes out on pawn


I'm going to wake up one morning : and have all my glad rags gone



Trouble trouble : ever since I been a man
Seems like me and trouble : is just running hand and hand
I've had trouble in Rock Island : also on the old S T
But I seem so miscontented : every time I ride the big I C
Very next time I ride the I C : that long whistle blow
I'm going to hop right on : won't even stop to pack my clothes
When that I C train : goes hurrying around that lonesome bend
I'll be back to see my baby : but the Lord only knows when




Now it was early one morning mama : I was on my way to school
Lord that's when I got the notion : to break my mama's rule
Oh the blues : falling like showers of rain
I tell you once in a while moment : think I hear my baby call my name
Lord I cried last night mama : then I cried the whole night long
Going to do right mama : then I won't have to cry no more
Lord I don't feel welcome : pretty mama no place I go
Because the little woman I love mama : has a-drove me from her door



Hollering good morning : I said blues how do you do
Fell mighty well this morning : can't get along with you
I cannot do right baby : when you won't do right yourself
Lord if my good gal quits me : well I don't want nobody else
Now you can read out your handbook : preach out your Bible
Fall down on your knees and pray : the good Lord to help you
Because you going to need : you going to need my help some day
Mama if you can't quit your sinning : please quit your lowdown ways
Says I woke up this morning : and I looked outdoors
Says I know my mamlish milkcow pretty mama : Lord by the way she lows
Lord if you see my milkcow buddy : I said please drive her home
Says I ain't had no milk and butter mama : Lord since my cow been gone
Says my blues fell this morning : and my love come falling down
Says I'll be your lowdown dog mama : but please don't dog me around


Takes a rocking chair to rock mama : a rubber ball to roll
Take a little teasing brown mama : just to pacify my soul
Lord I don't feel welcome : eee no place I go
Lord the little woman I love mama : have done drove me from her door



Now one and one is two mama : two and two is four
Mess around here pretty mama : you know we got to go
Crying oh : baby don't you want to go
Back to the *living light* city : to sweet old Kokomo
Now four and one is five mama : five and one is six
You mess around here pretty mama : you going to get me tricked
Now six and one is seven mama : seven and one is eight
You mess around here pretty mama : you going to make me late
Says I told you mama : when you first fell across my bed
You been drinking your bad whiskey : and talking all out your head
I don't drink because I'm dry mama : don't drink because I'm blue
The reason I drink pretty mama : I can't get along with you
Now eight and one is nine mama : nine and one is ten
You mess around here pretty mama : I'm going to take you in
Now ten and one is eleven mama : eleven and one is twelve
You mess around here pretty mama : you going to catch you a lot of hell



I believe : that I got those black cat blues
Lord if I win on Friday : please Saturday night I'm sure to lose
Yes the black cat blues mama : ain't nothing but a doggone heart disease
Said I was broke and disgusted : I didn't have no money for Christmas Eve
Yes this black cat blues mama : don't mean no one nar' no good
Said all my friends done forgot me : everybody's down on me in my neighborhood
Lord some folks said blues and trouble nothing : but evil running across your mind
When you get to setting down thinking : about the black gal treated you so nice and kind
Oh if the black cat blues was money : I would be rich as Henry Ford
Lord if the black cat blues don't leave me mama : Lord I've got to get further down the road



I believe : I believe I'll go back home


Lord acknowledge to my good gal mama : Lord that I have done you wrong
Now I'm going to ring up China yeah man : see can I find my good gal over there
Says the Good Book tells me : that I got a good gal in this world some where
Oh and the church bells is toning yeah man : on one Sunday morning
Hollering some old dirty deacon : I mean rung that bell stole my gal and gone
Lord if you can't send me no woman : please send me some sissy man
Lord I woke up this morning : with my Port China tickets in my hand
I'm going to sing these blues mama yeah man : and I'm going to lay them upon your shelf
Lord you going to hear these blues again mama : well you sure got to sing them yourself



Says I knocked on my front door mama : my good gal wouldn't seem to let me in
Says it must be another rounder : laying up with my old black hen
Says it thunders and lightnings : and the rain begins to fall
Says it must've be another mule : mama kicking in my stall
Says I'm going to buy me a thirty-two twenty mama : with a long six inch barrel
Says I'm going to kill that mule : then I'm sure going kill my gal
Then I'm going to Caruthersville mama : just to take that right-hand road
Says I never quit walking : till I walked up in my mama's door
Says I'll be sad and I'll be lonesome : worried I'll be blue
Says I'm tired : of being worried with you



Says the blues come down the alley : headed up to my back door
Says I had the blues today mama : just like I never had before
Blues and trouble : have been my best friends
I says when my blues leave me : my trouble just walked in
Now some folks says blues is trouble : nothing but evil running across your mind
Lord when you setting down thinking about someone : have treated you so nice and kind
Said you roll and you tumble : till it almost make you blind
When you get to thinking about your good gal : well you almost to lose your mind
I said when you start walking : your mind running every way
If you think about that old black woman : Lord that led you off astray



Says I want everybody : fall in line
Shake your shimmy : like I'm shaking mine


You shake your shimmy : shake it fast
If you can't shake your shimmy : shake your yas yas yas
Says *I am* with your mama : out across the field
Slipping and a-sliding : just like an automobile
I hollered at your mama : I told her to wait
She slipped away from me : just like a Cadillac Eight
Say I like your mama : sister too
I did like your papa : but your papa wouldn't do
I met your papa : around the corner the other day
I soon found out : that he was funny that a-way
Says I went out yonder : New Orleans
The wildcat jumped : on the sewing machine
The sewing machine : sewed so fast
Sewed ninety-nine stitches : up his yas yas yas
Says God made Adam : made him stout
He wasn't satisfied : until he made him a snout
He made him a snout : just as long as a rail
He wasn't satisfied : until he made him a tail
He made him a tail : just to fan the flies
He wasn't satisfied : until he made him some eyes
He made him some eyes : just to look on the grass
He wasn't satisfied : then he made his yas yas yas
He made his yas yas yas : so he couldn't get a trick
He wasn't satisfied : until he made him sick
He made him sick : and then made him well
You know by that : the big boy's coughing in hell



Says I feel just like mama : throwing my slop jar in your face
Said you done lost your mind : and let that old *out-minder* take my place
Now I could cut your throat mama : and drink your blood like wine
Because you's a dirty old buzzard : and you sure done lost your mind
Mama here I am : right out in the cold again
Says the woman that I'm loving : got brains just like a turkey hen
Says I'd rather be a catfish : down in the Gulf of Mexico
Than to hear the woman that I'm loving : say sweet papa I got to go
Then I cried : till my pillow got soaking wet
Says I walked all the way up Beale Street : I bowed my head at every old gal I met





Well I stood on the corner mama : and I looked two blocks and a half
Lord I never seed Black Annie : but I sure God heard her laugh
Then I went down the alley : with my gatling gun in my hand
Just to kill my woman : for loving another man
Now it's trouble trouble : I been had it all my days
Well it seems like trouble : going to follow me to my grave
Now my love is just like water : you can turn it off and on
Now when you think I'm loving you mama : well I done turned you off and gone
Now I'm going to set my picture : Lord up on your shelf
Lord if you don't live with me mama : well you ain't going to live with nobody else



Says my gal she caught the Southern : and the fireman he rang the bell
And the engineer he left the station : just like a bat up out of hell
Said I waved my hand : she didn't even look around
Said and I felt like dropping : right down on the ground
Mama here I am : down on my bended knees
Says I'm crying to the good Lord : send me back my good gal if you please
Said now I got a notion : to leave this lonesome town
Says my gal she caught the Southern : and I know she done put me down
Now my old bones is aching : and my hair is turning grey
Said I'm going back home mama : and I'm going back there to stay



Busy booting : and you can't come in
Come back tomorrow night : and try it again
I met your mama : in the alley way
She's catching hunkies : both night and day
Don't you remember : last Friday night
You go out in the street : and you want to fight
Keep talking : about your neighbor next door
I caught her boogie-woogying : down on the floor
Don't you remember : when my door was locked
I had your mama : on the chopping block
Pretty mama : I'm telling you
I'm sick and tired : of the way you do
Stop knocking : on my windowpane
You tell what you see : don't you call my name





Let your money talk let your money talk : let your money talk let your money talk
If you feel like riding : and don't want to walk
Now you look so neat and you look so neat : and you talk so sweet you talk so sweet
Now you can't get by no matter how you try : on your dead beat
Let your money talk let your money talk : so we can hear so we can hear
If you ain't coming back tell me right now : leave a dime for beer
Let your money talk let your money talk : put it in my hand put it in my hand
If you like your cool kind beer pretty mama : we can rush the can
If you go to the butcher if you go to the butcher : to get you sausage grind your sausage grind
If he can't get it in the front door : he don't want it behind
You want your ashes hauled you want your ashes hauled : and ain't got no man ain't got no man
Just lay it on the wood pretty mama : I do the best I can
If you want to boogie-woogie if you want to boogie-woogie : and haven't got the price haven't
got the price
Just let the landlady know man : and she will put it on ice
And now if you can't see if you can't see : if you deaf and dumb you deaf and dumb
Don't stand around looking cute : and on a bum



Now while you playing policy buddy : play four eleven and forty-four
When you get your money : then pack your bags and go
Crying oh : look what that [policy wheel, coal-field, greyhound] have done to me
Says it done took all my money : and but it still won't let me be
Now while you playing policy : play four eighteen and fifty-six
You can pile up your black money : because you sure going to get it fixed
Now when you change your numbers : play thirteen thirty-two and fifty-one
But be careful buddy : because you might have to run
Now while you playing policy buddy : play five nine and fifty-nine
But be careful buddy : because you might lose your mind
Now *ask you to* about gambling : play eleven seventeen and sixty-one
If they don't give you your money : go buy you a gatling gun
Now if you wake up in the morning : ain't got nothing on your mind
Play that old country number : that you call three sixty-nine
Now you can break out your windows : and look down at your glass
Think you going to get my money mama : that's your yas yas yas





Oh stop and listen : hear those bells a-tone
I found my faro : lying on a cooling board
Says today has been : a long old lonesome day
Seems like tomorrow : mama going to be the same old way
Now don't your house look lonesome : when a hearse roll in front of your door
I found my faro : lying on a cooling board
Says and it smokes like lightning : and it *faro* shine like gold
I wouldn't have seen her : not to save nobody's soul
Lord then I ain't going down : that big road by myself
If I don't carry you : mama I'm going to carry somebody else
And I followed my faro : to the new burying ground
Watch the pallbearers : when they lay my faro down



Now it's mama mama mama : please keep your big legs down
So I can stop old John Russell : Lord from hanging around
Says I load coal in the morning : and I cut corn late at night
When I come on home : and you and John Russell sure don't treat me right
Says I hate like the devil : to declare war in my happy home
Says I loaned you my money : and then you stole my gal and gone
Now you going to hear thunder and lightning : from the end of my pistol barrel
Says you stole my money : then you turned around and took my gal
Now my *old back* is a-breaking : and my lights is a-burning low
When I load this carload of coal captain : I sure ain't going load no more



I can't get my milk in the morning : I can't get my cream no more
And I want somebody to come here : help me get this bull from my door
Says I went out to my barn this morning : he didn't have one word to say
He was laying down by my heifer's side : please on a pile of hay
Then I walked away : and I hung my head and cried
Says I feel so lonesome : I ain't got my heifer by my side
Now there's nothing that I could do : for that old bull has tea-rolled me
When I get myself another heifer : I'm going to move back to Tennessee
Says I'm still in love with my milkcow : I just can't stand the way she do
I don't mind her drinking her whiskey : but please don't ballyhoo



Says I've been traveling mama : all by myself
When I had you baby : you thought I had somebody else
But that's all right mama : I'll be up some day
And just like you did me baby : I'm going to do you the same old way
Says I asked my baby : to take me back once more
She said you ain't got no money : sweet papa there is the door
Said now I ain't got no money : and no place to go
I asked you for a little small favor : and you drove me from your door
Now I've got a little sweet woman : that I can call my own
I want your *turning-gate* women : to please leave me alone
Ever since you been gone mama : I've been about to lose my mind
But I got another little sweet woman : and I don't want your three sixty-nine



Says down in Georgia : where the dance is new
Ain't nothing to it : because it's easy to do
Now the old folks started it : and the young folks too
Old folks teaching the young ones : what to do
Said grandpa Johnson : grabbed sister Kate
Shook her like he shaking : jelly on a plate
Says old Uncle Jack : he is a jellyroll king
He got a hump in his back : just from shaking that thing
Says now I sees it : just a little funny swing
You don't need no lesson : to shake that thing



Why shouldn't I take a chance mama : when good luck comes along
Seems like everybody's down on me : always somebody's doing me wrong
Says I can't live for loving : but I just can't help myself
Now the little woman I'm loving quit me : well I sure don't want nobody else
Oh Mr Charlie : why don't you leave my gal alone
Well you keep on kicking her : you bound to break up my happy home
And it was early this morning : I was walking down the avenue
Says I had a good spirit : thought I was strolling along with you
Says I turned around : and I wrung my hands and cried
Says I felt so lonesome : I didn't have my baby by my side





Says I love you mama : but you don't even care for me
Because you a long tall woman : and I sure God ain't going to let you be
Now she's long and she's tall : shaped just like a cannonball
Says I found that woman : where the Southern cross the Yellow Dog
Then I heard the church bells toning : way out on Dago Hill
Then my heart struck sorrow : I guess you know just how I feel
Says now tell me mama : what make you do me like you do
Now some day you going to want me : and I swear and I won't want you
Some people crave high yellow : please give me my black and brown
Now if you mess with me mama : I'm sure going to turn your damper down



Now just one thing : that worry my mind
All of these womens : ain't none of them mine
Scaredest I ever been : in my life
Old Uncle Bud liked to caught me : kissing his wife
Now big fish little fish : playing in the water
Come on back here man : and give me my quarter
Just like looking for a needle : in a bed of sand
Just try to find a woman : ain't got no man
Says God made a woman : and he made her mighty funny
The lips around her mouth : just sweet as any honey
Old Uncle Bud : he's a man like this
He saves his money : and use his fist



I woke up this morning : I couldn't even get out of my door
Said this wild water got me covered : and I ain't got no place to go
Now I hear my mama crying : but I just can't help myself
Now this wild water keep on rising : I got to get help from someone else
Now good morning Mr wild water : why did you stop in my front door
Says you reaches from Cairo : clean down to the Gulf of Mexico
Now don't you hear your mother crying : weeping and moaning all night long
Because old man wild water done been here : took her best friends and gone
Now look a-here Mr wild water : why do you treat me so doggone mean


Says you took my house out of Cairo : carried it down in New Orleans



Now when you happy mama : everybody smiles with you
Just as soon as you feel down-hearted: the whole round world turns blue
Now when the sun is shining : everybody's happy as can be
Just as soon as it start to raining : you quiver just like a leaf on a tree
Now I got something to tell you mama : and I really want you to understand
Every man you see wearing britches : he sure God ain't no monkey-man
Now when I had plenty money : everybody want to be my friend
Just as soon as I got ragged and hungry : now they all wants to laugh and grin
Now I'm going to tell all you people : when I get on my feet again
Says you need not ask for no small favors : just go ahead laugh and grin



Now this dark cloud is rising : and it's thundering all around
Look like something bad is going to happen : you better lower your airplane down
Now that mean old twister's coming : poor people running every which a-way
Everybody's got to wonder : what's the matter with this cruel world today
Now my mama told me : when I was only five months old
If you obey your preacher : the good Lord is going to bless your soul
Now the daylight is failing : and the moon begin to rise
I'm just down here weeping and moaning : right by my mama's side
Now I'm going home : I done did all in this world that I could
Says I got everybody happy : around here in my neighborhood



When I was down in Georgia : I was doing mighty well
Since I been here in Chicago : I been catching a plenty hell
Says I'm going down to the station : ain't going to take no one's advice
Says I'm going back to Georgia : where I can get my red beans and rice
Now these Chicago women : have give me such a hard way to go
Says they done took all my black money : and they got me running from door to door
Now I been setting here looking : way down that lonesome road
Says I'm raggedy and I'm hungry : and I ain't got no place to go
Now I been rolling : I been rolling from sun to sun
Says I got where I can't get no loving : not until my payday comes





Said I ain't no preacher : I'm just a bachelor man
Some of these days mama : you bound to understand
Now set down gal : stop your crazy ways
Got trouble in the land : you're going to need my help some day
Now when I want it : I want it awful bad
If I don't get it : you know it's going to make me mad
Said I asked my mama : to not to be so rough
She ain't the type : to keep on strutting her stuff
Says I asked my baby : not to be so mean
She acts like a woman : from down in New Orleans
Now come on baby : stop this up and down
Don't like to catch you : start to messing around



Now this big ship was a-rocking : and my body's filled with aches and pains
Now if I get across the Atlantic Ocean : good people I will not live to Spain
Now the big tide is rising : you better lower your anchors down
Now if we don't make the circle : we never will get back to New York town
Now why don't you people quit laughing : I feel mighty sad in my mind
Said this big fog go to rising : and a cyclone is right behind
Now I feels bad : nobody seems to want to go my way
Says this big ship going to leaking : right between midnight and day
Now I see something shining : daylight is breaking all around
Soon as we make a few more lurches : I will be right back in New York town



Captain rung the bell this morning : just at the break of day
Said now it's time for you to go rolling : buddy why don't you be on your way
Mama you can cook my breakfast : great God don't you burn my bread
Do and I'm going to take my black hand razor : I'm going to cut you on your doggone head
Now my captain done called me : Lord and I got to go
Because he's on his old black stallion : and he's riding from door to door
Now I will be so glad : when my payday comes
Says I'm getting so tired mama : rolling from sun to sun
Now I'm going to get up in the morning : do just like old Buddy Brown


Says I'm going to eat my breakfast : please and lay back down



Now my road is rocky : but it won't be rocky long
Says I been catching the devil : ever since my good gal been gone
Says my mama told me : Lord when I was quite a child
Son you must always remember : Lord that you was born to die
Now I got so many wagons : till I done cut that good road down
Because the little woman that I been loving : said she do not even want me around
Says she won't write me no letter : she won't send me no telegram
She just a hard-headed woman : and she don't even give a damn
Now I'm going to smoke my reefer : drink my good champagne and wine
Say I ain't going to let these hard-headed women : make me lose my mind



I believe to my soul : there's a black cat sleeping under my bed
Every time I get drunk : my woman wants to cut my head
She keeps me running : ducking and dodging all night long
Every time I get drunk : I don't mean to treat nobody wrong
Now listen here mama : I ain't going to do it no more
When I get full of my good whiskey : you got me running from door to door
Now I'm leaving you mama : Lord and it won't be long
Now if you don't believe I'm leaving : please count the days I'm gone
Now just as sure as a freight train : rolls up in the yard
Says I'm going to go far : take two dollars to send me a postal card



Well I dreamed last night now : that my old shack was falling down
And when I woke up this morning : my poor head was going round and round
Now I'm going to be a robber and a cheater : I'm going to take that to be my game
And when I make my black money : I'm going on back home to Mary Jane
Now when I was a schoolboy : I would not take no one's advice
Now I'm just a broke man : nobody seems to want to treat me right
Now my poor heart is aching : and I really don't know what to do
Says I got a strong notion : coming right on back home to you
Now I'm going to close conversation : and I have no more to say
And a since I been a broke man : nobody seems to want to go my way





Some of these days you're going to miss me : mama Lord when I'm gone
Now just go ahead and forget it : and try to carry my good works on
Now I'm going away mama : but I'll be back some day soon
Just don't lose your head : let no lowdown rounder have my room
Mama here I am : right back on the job again
Says I've had no loving : Lord since God knows when
Now you acted bad : and you don't obey my rules
Because I'm back home again : I'm going to take you to a brand new school
Now listen here mama : go ahead and set down and be yourself
But the next time I go strolling : just try to find you someone else



Now your ways and your actions : speaks almost as loud as words
Because your dreamy eyes told me something : Lord that I never heard
Now you know that you love me : mama why don't you tell me so
Because you always hanging around : knocking on my door
Every time I see you baby : my flesh begin to crawl
Says why don't you be good : but my mule is kicking in your stall
How can I miss you : mama Lord when I got dead aim
Says I feel so different : till this old world don't look the same
Now there's nothing that I can do : I did all in this world that I could
Now she's gone and left me : she didn't mean me no good



I'm getting so tired : of running from town to town
For when I wake up in the morning : my head is going around and around
Some of these days : Lord and it won't be long
Says I'm going to run lucky : and find me a happy home
Now I'm going to keep on traveling : till *such another* comes my way
Says my woman get a chance to see me : not until the sunshiny day
Now I been waiting for tomorrow : look like tomorrow ain't going never come
Every day seems like Monday : just at the rising sun
Now my poor heart is aching : and my head can't rest no more
Says I'm getting so tired : of running from door to door



Says I never missed my water : not until my well went dry
Says I never missed sweet Annie : not until she said goodbye
Hey Lord sweet mama : tell me when you're coming back again
Says I ain't had none of your loving : Lord since God knows when
Now the mailman he passed : but he did not leave no news
Says he left me standing here : with the doggone aching-heart blues
Well I ain't going to be no fool man : I'm going to hold up my head and walk
Says my woman get a chance to see me : but they all hear me when I talk
Says I holler in the morning : I begin to moan late at night
Says I got a hard-hearted woman : and she don't know how to treat me right



In the morning : right between midnight and day
I'm going to pack my suitcase : and start to drift away
My gal she got ways : just like a snake in the grass
If I don't leave here soon : my life won't never last
It's so hard : to get right up and change your mind
When someone that you love : has been left behind
Sooner or later : one of us has got to walk away
She says I don't mind you going : but please don't go away to stay
Now I don't care baby : if the wind don't never change
If your coming don't bring sunshine : it sure God will bring rain



Now there's trouble trouble : I been having all my days
Now it seems like troubles : going to put me in my lonesome grave
Now my woman she got ways : just like a wildcat in the woods
She always raising hell and disturbance : right here in my neighborhood
I'm scared to stay here : scared to leave this old bad-luck town
So when I wake up every morning : my head is going round and round
Now listen here people : I don't want no one's advice
I done changed my way of living : going to find someone to treat me right
I'm going to tell everybody : what bad luck I've had in my life
I'd kill my sister and my brother : not a woman *break my line*





Now my [old] heart is ticking : just like a clock up on the wall
Says I tried to be good : but my woman treats me like a dog
Now I've got my name written : right on my right arm
Every time I want to leave : I know she's got to come back home
Now you said that you loved me : what make you treat me so unkind
You just old hard-headed woman : but I believe you about to lose your mind
Now you can tell your kid-man : he needn't take it so doggone hard
Because if he messes with me : going to crack him right on his nog
Now that's all I got to say mama : I ain't going to let you worry my mind
When I go away to leave you : I will stop by to see you sometime




Way down in Mississippi : where I was bred and born
Reason : that will forever be my native home
And my poor mother's old : Lord and her hair is turning grey
I know it would break her heart : if she found I was barrelhousing this way
And I'm going to where : now the water drink like wine
Where I can be drunk there : and staggering all the time
And it ain't but the one thing now : Lord that worries my mind
That's a house full of women Lord : none in there is mine
And my friend passed me : and she never said a word
Nothing I had did : but was something she had heard



Ain't going to marry : neither settle down
I'm going to stay right here : till they tear this barrelhouse down
And I love you babe : and I tell the world I do
I don't love nobody : whole in this round world but you
Ain't no use of weeping : ain't no need of crying
For you've got a home : just as long as I got mine
Is you ever been lucky now : woke up cold in hand
I would call that now : nothing but a monkey-man
And I love you baby : you so nice and brown
Because you put it up solid : so it won't come down
Did you get that letter now : mailed in your back yard
It's a sad word to say : but the best of friends have to part






Paid my room rent last night : half past ten
Take my gal to the door : but she wouldn't go in
I take a gal for a ride : she tried to get rough
*How* I been in your doorway : strutting my stuff
Ain't these women funny : about the way they do
Start to loving a man : then go to dogging you
I buy you a cigarette : and I buy you snuff
I know doggone well now : when I get enough
Now make someone : to tell you *loves* every day
I know that's enough : to let you have your way
Mama you been just like : says a farmer's mule
Longer I live with you : harder you is to rule
I told my wife : if you want me to wait
You better stop your sister : from doing her *gait*



I woke up this morning : my good gal was gone
Stood by my bedside : and I hung my head and hung my head and moaned
I walked down the street : I couldn't be satisfied
I had the no no blues : I couldn't keep from I couldn't keep from crying
It ain't none of my business : but it sure ain't right
Take another man's gal : walk the streets all walk the streets all night
Take a mighty *pricky* woman : to treat her good man wrong
Take a mighty mean man : take another man's take another man's home
I'm a stranger here : I just blowed in your town
If I ask for a favor : don't turn me don't turn me down
I'm long and tall : like a cannonball
Take a long tall man : make a good gal make a good gal squall
If I mistreat you : I don't mean no harm
Because I'm a motherless child : don't know right from don't know right from wrong
I ain't no gambler : and I don't play no pool
I'm a rambling roller : jelly-baking jelly-baking fool
She's low and squatty : right down on the ground
She's a lightweighted mama : so I can bear so I can bear down
I'm a stranger here : I come in on the train
I long to hear : some good gal call my good gal call my name





I wonder : will a matchbox hold my dirty clothes
I haven't got so many : but I got so far to go
Women all singing the blues : I can't raise my right hand
What make a woman have them blues : well you know somebody's got her man
The blues is something : woman I ain't never had
Just get your *best friend's good man* : and do the best you can
A weak-minded woman : will let a rounder tear her down
And when she get in trouble : that rounder can't be found
She got up last night : she crawled around my bed
Going love you long time daddy : I guess I will see you dead
Woman take the blues : she going to buy her a paper and read
Man take them blues : he going to catch a train and leave
My gal got a mouth : like a lighthouse on the sea
Every time she smiles : she throws that light on me



Bad luck in my bed : bad luck's in my home
That's the reason why : singing this bad-luck moan
I got a gal : though she's a little bit up in years
But she sure knows how : how to shift her gears
Some like pigmeat : but hogmeat's what I crave
I believe : this sure going to carry me to my grave
Mmm : mama come to my rescue
I'm feeling so bad : till I don't know what to do
Well the chinch has moved in : all in my room
Somebody better come here : pretty doggone soon



When a man gets down : the trouble lasts always
Your gal will leave you : and be gone for days and days
Tell all you women : how to make a happy home
Keep you a workingman : and leave those sweet boys alone
There's coming a time : these women won't need no men
Their body washed up : and money'll come rolling in
When you think : your women always running hand to hand
You can bet your bottom dollar : one's got the other one's man
On one Monday morning : on my way to school


That's the Monday morning : I broke my mama's rule



Yonder she goes : with a broom in her hand
Sweep me off : for another man



I wonder : will a matchbox mama hold my dirty clothes
I ain't got so many : but I got so far to go
Women all singing the blues : I ain't raise my right hand
What make a woman have them blues : when she knows somebody's got her man
The blues is something : woman I ain't never had
Just get your *best friend's good man* : and do the best you can
A weak-minded woman : will let a rounder tear her down
And when she get in trouble : that rounder can't be found
She got up last night : she crawled around my bed
Going love you long time daddy : guess I will see you dead
Woman take the blues : she going to buy her a paper and read
Man take them blues : he going to catch a train and leave
My gal got a mouth : like a lighthouse on the sea
Every time she smiles : she throws that light on me



I got a gal : she got a Rolls Royce
She didn't get it all : by using her voice
I'm wild about my tuni : only thing I crave
Well sweet patuni : going to carry me to my grave
Every time : my gal walk down the street
All the boys holler : ain't tuni sweet
I got a gal : she lives up on the hill
You can't get her tuni : she got automobile
Well I woke up this morning : half past four
A long tall gal : rapping at my door
She was singing sweet patuni : only thing I crave
Well sweet patuni : going to carry me to my grave
If all these tuni : was brought to a test
A long tall gal : can *break* it the best


Telling all you men : I been well blessed
If I get what I want : you can have the rest




I got the blues for my baby : she got the blues for I say me
But I can't see my baby : and she can't see me
I'm going to be condemned : early tomorrow I say morn
But I am not guilty : because I ain't done nobody wrong
My crime my crime : I really can't understand
They got me accused of murder : and I never harmed a man
Will you please come down : on my trial day
So when I be condemned : you can wipe my tears away
They ain't no need to cry : no need to weep and moan
Just try to get somebody : to go on my bond
It's going to be weeping : I begin to moan
Said I'm a poor boy here : I sure ain't got no home
The jury found me guilty : the judge say listen here
It ain't no fine for you : get ready for the electric chair



I done everything : a poor ??? man can do
Well mama *done leaving* : taken no ??? on you
I said you get blue mama : honey you can dance
But papa done got you : you've had your last chance
You going to miss me : baby when I'm gone
Won't be no need : a-sing this lonesome song
I give you all my money : I was cold in hand
And you spent all my money : on your other man
When you in my presence : mama you giggles and laughs
And tell me so many ??? : that I have no need no cash



Said high sheriff been here : got my girl and gone
I said isn't it lonely : since I'm all alone
Well listen Mr : what have my baby done
I just want to know : if she done anybody wrong
They took her on down : to that big rock jail


And her crime was so evil : nobody will go her bail
You took your gun : made her raise her hand
And you went wrong : because she ain't never harmed a man
My babe in jail : I can't get no news
I don't get nothing : but the mean old high sheriff blues



Oh you used to told me : you could drive me like a cow
But now you can't drive me : because you don't know how
From now on mama : I tell you just like that
If you hit my dog : sure going to kick your cat
From now on mama : I ain't going to have no rule
I'm going to get hard-headed : and act just like a doggone mule
From now on mama : you going to do what I say
You must understand : you can't have your ways
From now on mama : this way you got of doing
Sugar you better stop that : Lord it's sure going to be your ruin
From now on mama : starting from this very day
I'm going to get someone : who can drive my blues away
I want her to drive them off : so they won't come back no more
From now on mama : I said I'm going to let you go



I saw you doing something : don't do it no more
Because if I catch you : baby walking slow
*Lord* took another man : *right across my face*
Then told me : that the one had took my place
You say you done quit me : now what should I do
Can't make up my mind : to love no one but you
Now you take him for your sweet : take me to be a slave
You better see the undertaker : get someone to dig your grave
You say your suitcase is packed : your trunks done gone
Better stop your bus : and bring it right back home
I knocked on your door : and I *quit quit quit*
Begged till daybreak : and I ain't got none yet





Big girl I love : live on Eighteenth Street
She got a new line : for every man she meets
To let her tell it : she ain't got no man
But she hangs around here : always raising sand
One day ??? : we're riding along
I asked her how about it : and she walked back home
She don't do this : she don't do that
Rub your hand down her back : she act like a cat
She ain't low and squatty : she ain't long and slim
Only way you'll get it : have to grab your lemon
*It ain't right* : and I don't have fun
This girl I love : won't give me none
I want it right now : please tell me can I get it
I better not catch : nobody else with it



My baby done quit me : talked all over town
And I'm too good a man : for to let that talk go around
Take the shoes I bought her : bare foots on the I say ground
One these days : Jack Frost said he sure going to tear you down
Now Mr Mr : please spare my life
I got four little children : I got one *bald-*headed wife
If I should die : in the state of Arkansas
I want you to send my body : home to my mother-in-law
Said if she don't want it : baby give it to my ma
Said if my ma don't want it : baby give it to my pa
Said if my pa don't want it : baby give it to Abby Lee
Said if Abby don't want it : say give it to my used-to-be
Said if she don't want it : baby cast it in the sea
Then these squabbling women in Greenville : will stop squabbling over me
Said I won't be worried : with these blues no I say more
Said it's traintime now : *said that* ring I did adore



Baby I been working : all this blasted year
I want to go home : ain't got no shoes to wear
The times so hard : can't get no work to do
And my hard luck mama : because I ain't got no shoes
I'm going to sit right down : hang my head and cry


I feel just like : I could lay right down and die
Sugar I will never : be contented here
I am so barefooted : ain't got no shoes to wear
My coat all busted : my pants all full of holes
Barefooted hungry and raggedy : doggone my hard-luck soul



I can't sleep no more : can't get her off my mind
Know I wants to see my baby : man only one more time
I treated her wrong : before she left my home
I guess I'm not her daddy : and she would not have been gone
I didn't know I loved my baby : till she packed her trunk to leave
I telephoned the undertaker : just come and bury me please
Might get a black cat bone : going to bring my baby back home
Lord and if that don't do it : might be one more rounder gone



I been a bad bad boy : didn't treat nobody right
They want to give me thirty-five years : some want to turn out my light
Judge please don't kill me : I won't be bad no more
And I will listen to anybody : something I ain't never done before
I'm sitting here in prison : with my black cap on
I want to speak to all you fast fellows : that you are in the wrong
Well I'm so sorry : every day that I was born
But God remember this : even when I'm gone
When they get you in jail : with your back turned to the wall
I ain't going to sing no more : baby that is all




Take your picture : make it in a frame
When you're gone : I'll see you just the same
Believe to my soul : my girl got a black cat bone
Treat me mean : and I won't let her alone
See that spider : climbing up the wall
Hunt some place : to get his ashes hauled
Treat my slippers : with some *hog eye* lard
Hear me tipping : towards my good gal's yard


Mama mama : please let me alone
In the corner : can get what I want



If you want a good woman : go to the Larkin Dam
You want to ruin your woman : take her to Birmingham
Have you ever waked up babe : between midnight and day
Turn over and grab the pillow : where you great gal used to lay
If you want a good woman : get one long and tall
When she go to loving : she make a panther squall
I'm motherless and fatherless : sister and brotherless too
I wake up this morning : blues all around my bed
Well I had a high fever : going up to my head




I'm got two women in the country : I'm got two women stays in town
Reason I consider it so careful : because men don't dog me around
They may be brownskin woman : with Georgia hair long as my own
They can do the best playing poker : you sure done lost your home
I don't want no jealous-hearted woman : who tries making up my bed
And she puts *straw* in your mattress : makes you wish you was dead



I'm going to leave here walking : going down Number Sixty-One
If I find my baby : we are going to have some fun
I walked Sixty-One Highway : till I gives out in my knees
*Every time* that M and O : when she came on that Santa Fe
That Sixty-One Highway : longest road I ever knowed
It runs to Atlanta Georgia : clean to the Gulf of Mexico
I'm going home : get my Bible and set down and read
I'm going to ask the good Lord : give me back my baby if he please






Who's going to be : in the second bamalong
Been to the nation : and I just got back
Didn't get no money : but I'll go to *there*
If you didn't want me : don't you dog me around
I didn't come here : to be nobody's dog
Just as sure as the sun : sets in the golden west
I got the one : that I love the best



Thought I heard : old K C when it blowed
She blowed like : it never blowed before
Oh it's coming a time : when a woman won't need no man
Honey I love : God knows I do
Sister : give me that long-distance phone
I'm going to talk : to that brown of mine




I've got the blues : on my mother's knee
And I know : she's got the blues for me
I've been thinking all day : thinking of the past
And I'm thinking : of my mother last
I received a letter : what do you suppose it read
Said come home : your poor old mother's dead
Said I grabbed a train : I went home a-flying
She wasn't dead : but she was slowly dying
Said run here daughter : fall down on your knees
Won't you song : Nearer My God to Thee
Fell down on my knees : I begin to moan
Yes dear mother : I'll try to sing that song
The tears rolled out : like a black shower of rain
Goodbye mother : I won't see you again
Then I scampered away : with fear in my heart
I had no mother : here to take my part





I been drifting and rolling : along the road
Looking : for my room and board
Like a log : I've been jammed on the bank
So hungry : I grew lean and lank
Get me a pick and shovel : dig down in the ground
Going to keep on digging : till the blues come down
I've got the blues : for my sweet man in jail
Now the judge : won't let me go his bail
I've been rolling and drifting : from shore to shore
Going to fix it : so I won't have to drift no more



I'm going away : it won't be long
I know you'll miss me : from singing this lonesome song
I'm going away : mmm I won't be long
And then you know : you must have done me wrong
My daddy got ways : like a baby child
Those doggone ways : are driving me wild
Those doggone ways : are driving me wild
And that is why : you never see poor Lottie smile
My heart aches so : I can't be satisfied
I believe : I'll take a train and ride
I believe : I'll take a train and ride
Because I miss my cruel daddy : from my side
I've got Cadillac ways : got some super ideas
I can't see : what brought me here
I can't see : what brought me here
It must have been : this new canned city beer
I'm lame and blind : can't hardly see
My doggone daddy : turned his back on me
Because I'm lame : I can't hardly see
I ain't got nobody : to really comfort me



I'm going away : it won't be long
I know you'll miss me : from singing this lonesome song
I'm going away : it won't be long
And then you know : you must have done me wrong
My daddy got ways : like a baby child


Those doggone ways : are driving me wild
Those doggone ways : are driving me wild
And that is why : you never see poor Lottie smile
My heart aches so : I can't be satisfied
I believe : I'll take a train and ride
I believe : I'll take a train and ride
Because I miss my cruel daddy : from my side
I've got Cadillac ways : got some super ideas
I can't see : what brought me here
I can't see : what brought me here
It must have been : this new canned city beer
I'm lame and blind : can't hardly see
My doggone daddy : turned his back on me
I'm lame : I can't hardly see
I ain't got nobody : to really comfort me



I been rolling and drifting : along the road
Just looking : for my room and board
Like a log : I've been jammed on the bank
So hungry : I grew lean and lank
Get me a pick and shovel : dig down in the ground
Going to keep on digging : till the blues come down
I've got the blues : for my sweet man in jail
And the judge : won't let me go his bail
I've been rolling and drifting : along the road
Going to fix it : I won't have to drift no more




Is it hopeless : when I lost my best friend
Lord in my *doorbox* : is a call to him
Lowdown mean and hopeless : is just the way I feel
I can see from now on : all *luck flee* from me
Love sure have : made a fool out of me
Since my daddy left me : I'm hopeless as can be
??? : I sure can't find
Ooh : I can't get this daddy off my mind
Lonesome for you in my heart : way down in my ???ee
I want somebody to help me : if you ??? please





I love my daddy : better than I love myself
And I love *them* more : swear he can't be *less*
Get away from my window : stop knocking on my door
I got a brand new papa : I can't use you no more
If you see me stealing : please don't tell on me
I'm just stealing from my regular : back to my used-to-be
I ain't good-looking : I don't dress so fine
I'm just a big fat mama : I'm just taking my time
Have you ever seen sweet potatoes : growing on a vine
If you take a peep in my back yard : better take a look at mine



There's a certain girl : name is Suley Brown
She win a big fortune : shaking him down
Every time he shake it : makes you feel young
I could see him shake it : the whole night long
Oh don't be ashamed : to shake it so
Shake it : till they say
If you be in a gym : and want to reduce
Oh shake it yourself gals : put it on a juice
You can shake : just like it would shake a tree
The way you shake it : it's pleasing me
Just let me tell you : a thing or two
A plenty of people shake it : but not like you
Oh shake it : you know just what I mean
You are what I call : real shaking scene
Let me see you shake it : once more again
I spent all my money : to ??? that thing



If that were me : and me was it
I was so glad : to get rid of it
I can use a man : when it amuses me
Because a happy man : I never did meet
At first you think : that he is great


But you will find out : that always ain't
One time : he could put it on strong
But I think : those days now gone




Used to be my sugar : you ain't sweet no more
Because you mistreated me : and you throwed me from your door
Mama my cot's ready : keep it for myself
Mama I done got tired : of sleeping by myself
Mama didn't like me : papa give me ways
That's the very reason : I'm a wandering child today
Talk about your sure love : just ought to meet mine
She ain't so good-looking : but she do just fine
She stood on the corner : *see she going to steal that* man
And a blind man see her : dumb man call her name
Dumb man asked her : who your [man, regular] can be
And the blind man looked at you : sure look good to me



Jellyroll jellyroll : jellyroll is so hard to find
Ain't a baker in town : can bake a sweet jellyroll like mine
I got to go to Cincinnati : just to have my hambone boiled
Womens in Alabama : going to let my hambone spoil
Well she's mine and she's yours : and she's somebody else's too
Don't you mention about rolling : because she'll play her trick on you
That's the way that's the way : these barefooted soul'll do
They will get your money : and they'll have a man on you
You come home at night : she got a towel on her head
Don't you mention about rolling : because she swear she nearly dead
Jellyroll jellyroll : well you see what you went and done
You done had my grandpa : now you got his youngest son
I'm getting tired of walking : I believe I'll fly awhile
I'm getting tired of women : telling me their lies
I wonder : what made grandpa hey love your grandma so
She got the same jellyroll : she had forty years ago





That same train : same engineer
Took my woman away Lord : left me standing here
My girl caught a passenger : I caught the mamlish blinds
Hey you can't quit me : ain't no need a-trying
Hey Mr conductor : let a broke man ride your blinds
You better buy you a ticket : know this train ain't mine
I just want to blind it : from this half-good town
When she blows for the crossing : I'm going ease it on
I pray to the Lord : that Southern would wreck
*Till they* kill that fireman : break that engineer's neck
I stand here : looking up at the rising sun
Some train don't run : why be some walking done



Well I saw the Frisco : when she left the yard
When that train pull out babe : it nearly broke my heart
They's two trains running : none of them going my way
I'm going to leave here walking : on this very day
Well there's one thing I don't like : about the railroad track
They'll take your rider : never bring her back
Honey where were you babe : when the Frisco left the yard
I was on the corner : police had me barred



Look here woman : making me mad
Done bringing me something : somebody done had
Let me tell you : what these women do
Go out and get something : bring it home to you
Now you need not think : because you look cute
I've got to put up : with the way you do
The woman I love : she's long and tall
When she grab you and shake you : you bound to fall
Now bring this thing : down to a test
A long tall man : you know's the best
A short stubble man : go bumpty bump
Because he ain't got the movements : in his hump
Know what you been doing : by the whiff of your jaw
*My* ??? :
You need not come here : you ain't not get none of mine


You left a man on the doorstep : hollering and crying



Now you need not think : because you're black
I'm going to beg you : to take me back
No you need not think : because I look green
I ain't never been : down in New Orleans
I went down the road : that smoky road
Like to brought me back : on a cooling board
See that woman : all dressed in red
Cause a man : to kill you dead
You see that woman : all dressed in blue
You can't put up : with the way she do
See that woman : all dressed in white
She get your five dollars : she won't treat you right
Run to town : hurry back
Buddy got a girl : I really like
See that woman : all dressed in dark
Things will look better : in the Washington Park
You need not think : because you look sweet
You can make : a fool of me
Every time : I go to town
Meet my gal : hanging around
Girl I love : ain't no fool
Big as an elephant : strong as a mule




Railroad Bill : ought to be killed
Never worked : and he never will
Railroad Bill : done took my wife
Threatened to kill me : that he would take my life
Going up the mountain : take my stand
Forty-one derringer : in my right and left hand
Going up the mountain : going out west
Forty-one derringer : sticking in my breast
Buy me a gun : just as long as my arm
Kill everybody : ever done me wrong
Buy me a gun : with a shiny barrel
Kill somebody : about my good-looking gal


Got a thirty-eight special : on a forty-four frame
How in the world can I miss him : when I've got dead aim
When I went to the doctor : asked him what the matter could be
Said if you don't stop drinking son : it'll kill you dead
Going to drink my liquor : drink it and win
Doctor said it will kill me : but he never said when
If the river was brandy : and I was a duck
I'd sink to the bottom : and I'd never come up
Honey honey : do you think of me
Times have caught me : living on pork and beans
Son you talk about your honey : you ought to see mine
She's humpbacked bow-legged : crippled and blind
Honey honey : do you think I'm a fool
Think I'm going to quit you : while the weather is cool
Honey honey : quit your worrying me
It's going through the world : in my heart disease
Going up the mountain : *do everything*
Go through the world :



All I want is a new pair of shoes : that is all I pray
Some old place I can go : to lay my weary head
??? *dissatisfied* : any old place to be
For any old where I hangs my hat : is home sweet home to me
I don't need no real estate : and neither no ??? *long*
All I want is a place to stay : I can call my home
I say goodbye hard luck hello joy : here I come for tea
For I didn't bring nothing to this old world : and I can't carry nothing away




Down to the depot mama Lord : I looked up on the board
Lord I asked the ticket agent : how long the southbound train been gone
Got my ticket Lord Lord : conductor can I ride
Lord I want to *get to* that basement : I'll be satisfied
Sweety in the basement mama Lord : sweet as she can be
Lord she is low and she is squatty : she's all right with me
Down to the railroad mama Lord : and I looked up at the sun
Lord if the train don't come : there's going to be some walking done
Don't want no woman Lord Lord : *declare I'll stay at home*


Because she will hide in the bushes : she is hard to find



Starvation in my kitchen : rent sign's on my door
And if my luck don't change : I can't stay at my home no more
And I got up this morning : just about the dawn of day
Mean I ain't got no job : I ain't got no place to stay
Lord I walked to a store : I ain't got a dime
When I asked for a darn neckbone : the clerk don't pay me no mind
Lord Lord : mama some old rainy day
Mean my luck going to change : and I going to be treated this a-way



Listen everybody : from near and far
You want to know : just who we are
Now if you like : the way we play
Listen boy : we'll try to stay
We'll make you loose : we'll make you tight
Make you shake it : till broad daylight
I would never do brag : never do boast
Played this tune : from coast to coast
Now if you like this tune : think it's fine
Set right down : and drop a line
Sometime : we're down your way
We'll drop in : and spend the day
Now some want to know : just what you got
Got good okra man : serve it hot
Now we ain't good-looking : and we don't dress fine
The way we whip it : it's a hanging crime
If you see me stealing : don't tell on me
Just stealing : back to my used-to-be
We never have one gal : at a time
Always have : seven eight or nine



Got up this morning : with the same thing on my mind
And the girl I'm loving : but she don't pay me no mind


Lord my girl caught the train : and she left me a mule to ride
When the train turn the corner : got a note my black mule died
Just as sure as the grape vine : grows all around that stump
Said I want you and I need you : mama to be my sugar lump
Just as sure as the rabbit : mama plays on your grandma's farm
Said I done got tired : of that stuff you been carrying on
Now you see me coming : now mama heist your window high
But you know I'm going to leave you : girl I know you're going to grieve and cry
I've got so many wagons : it done run my good road down
And I got so many women : till the men don't want me around



Got up this morning : about half past four
Somebody's knocking : on my back door
Some of these mornings : mama it won't be long
You going to call me baby : and I'll be gone
Your right foot in mama : your left one out
Your time baby : and move your body about
Get me a picket : off of my back fence
Whop you on your head : until you learn some sense



Now listen here my baby : tell you what I want you to do
Want you treat me mama : like I do you
Because I can't be satisfied : and I can't be satisfied
And I can't mistreat her : not to please nobody's mind
Now I love my sweety : tell you the reason why
My baby got something : to satisfy my mind
Lord starvation's in my kitchen : rent sign's on my door
Good girl told me : she can't use me no more
I'm leaking at the heart : bleeding at the nose
Good girl told me : she can't use me no more
Got on my high-cut stockings : low cut shoes
Mama and I ain't ??? : ??? sure can use
Now look a-here boys : ain't this rich
I got to pay my wife : for everything I get





I got up this morning : mama about half past four
Somebody was knocking : on my back door
Some of these mornings : mama it won't be long
You going to call me babe : and I'll be gone
Down in Mississippi mama : doing very well
Now I went up north with you ma : I ain't doing so well
Get me a picket : off of my back fence
Whop you on the head : until you learn some sense



Pussy cat pussy cat : where have you been so long
Lord the mouse done been here : packed his grip and gone
Pussy cat pussy cat : why don't you stay at home
You sleep all day : run up the alley all night long



If you got money in the bank : don't let your woman draw it out
Because she'll spend your money : then she will throw you out
Oh Lord Lord Lord : crying Lord Lordy Lord
Said I used to be your regular : now I've got to be your dog
You were the cause got me broke : how can you be so mean
Say you taken all my money : give it to your no-good man
Said I have had money : but now I'm cold in hand
Says and the woman that I'm loving : living with another man
Says I know my baby : she sure going to jump and shout
When I get down to the bank : and draw my money out



Lord my hair is a-rising : my flesh begin to crawl
I had a dream last night babe : another mule in my doggone stall
And it's some people said : these Big Bill blues ain't bad
Lord it must not have been : them Big Bill blues I had
Lord I wonder what's the matter : Papa Bill can't get no mail
Lord the post office must be on fire : and the mailman must undoubtedly be in jail
I can't be your wagon : cinch I ain't going to be your mule
I ain't going to fix up your black *tarnation* : I ain't going to be your doggone fool





I got up this morning : hear the train whistle blow
Lord I thought about my baby : I sure did want to go
Lord I grabbed up my suitcase : I *dropped it on the floor*
I could see the conductor : he waving his hands to go
I said Mr conductor man : I want to talk to you
I want to ride your train : from here to Bugaloo
I'm leaving this morning : man I ain't got my fare
But I will shovel coal in your engine : till your train get me there
Crying please Mr conductor man : please take my last thin dime
Lord I got a woman in Bugaloo waiting : man I can't lose no time
When the bell started ringing : conductor hollered all aboard
Lord I picked up my suitcase : start walking down the road
I'm leaving this morning : I sure don't want to go
Lord and the woman I been loving : she don't want me no more



I made a long day : walking along and crying
I lost my baby : can't be satisfied
When you get in trouble : haven't got a friend
Just take it easy : they'll need your help again
Now ain't it hard : to live alone
Just as hard to be married : and break up your home
But that's all right : that's all right for you
You need me some morning : when I won't need you
When I was down : lost my wife and my friend
When I got my money : they all come back again
Well money and pretty women : running hand in hand
When they raising a squabble : taking some woman's man



If you got a good bullcow : better feed him every day
Because may come along some young cow : and tow your bull away
Leave you bull in a pasture : where there ain't no grass
But you women all thought you loved me : look like every minute going to be my last
Oh babe : don't mean your bull no good


Why don't you rub your bullcow and pet him : tell him what you want your bull to do
Babe your bull got a horn mama : as long as your right arm
Lord if you play with my horn baby : make you break up your happy home
Babe you may be beautiful : you got to die some day
So you well as to give me some of your loving : before you pass away
I got four feet to walk on : tail to shake if it's all night long
Lord at daybreak call me baby : you'll find your bullcow gone



Why don't you tell me loving mama : how you want your rolling done
Lord I'll give you satisfaction : now if it's all night long
Lord I got up this morning : just about the break of day
Lord I'm thinking about my baby : Lord the one that went away
Lord I got me a little old brownskin : just as sweet as she can be
Lord she low and she squatty : but she's all right with me
Now you can put me in the alley : my gal is name is Sally
You wake me up in the morning : mama I still got that old habit
Won't you tell me : how you want it done
Lord I'll give you satisfaction : now if it's all night long
Lord it's some of these old mornings : Lordy know it won't be long
Lord I know you going to call me : baby Lord and I'll be gone



Got a long tall mama : she stands about seven feet nine
And when she get to loving : holler papa won't you take your time
Oh when she start to loving : she sure can do her stuff
And she squeezing so tight : holler mama Lordy that's enough
Got a brand new movement : one that she calls her own
And when she start to kissing : make a poor man leave his home
And she do a little of this : and mama and she do a little of that
And when she put on full steam : make a freight train jump a track
Said she's long and tall : and half as sweet as she can be
To satisfy that woman : takes more than a bumblebee



Mississippi River : is so long deep and wide
I can't see my good gal : standing on that other side


I was crying and I called : I could not make my baby hear
Lord I'm going to get me a boat mama : paddle on down from here
Ain't it hard to love someone : when they are so far from you
Lord I'm going to get me a boat : and paddle this old river through
I went down to the landing : to see if any boats was there
And the ferryman told me : could not find no boats nowhere
The big boat is up the river : a-turning around and around
Lord I'm going to get me a good girl : or jump overboard and drown



It's a little train leaving out of here : they call the C and A
Going to take me home baby : I'm going home to stay
Because I'm leaving in the morning : Lord on that C and A
Babe I'm going back to St Louis : I'm going there to stay
Now my baby got unruly : she left from home
What she going to come back and say : when she find her daddy gone
My woman walks around : with her mouth poked out
She won't tell nobody : what it's all about
Now pack up my clothes : shove into your door
I'm leaving this morning mama : I won't be back no more
Now it's C for Chicago : A for Arkan
Why did I leave you baby : because I'm tired of taking you dogging



Boy she strictly tailor-made : boy she ain't no hand-me-down
Catch you messing with her boy : I sure shoot you down
She got them little bitty hands : them great big legs
She sure looks good : because everybody says it
She got them real dark eyes : now real curly hair
Big Bill is going to follow : that woman everywhere
You can look her up : and you can look her down
She got a heaven boy : ain't never been found
Ah watch her boy : as she pass by
Because the day I catch you with her : boy that's the day you're going to die



Now I know a little girl : about sixteen years old


She said Bill stop drinking : and I will satisfy your soul
Now my woman told me : about fifteen years ago
Bill you going to drink one of these mornings : and you'll never drink no more
Now I wake up in the morning : holding a bottle tight
When I lay down at night : mama just a gallon out of sight
Yes I went to the doctor : with my head in my hand
The doctor said Big Bill : I think I'll have to give you monkey glands
Now my woman told me to stop drinking : and come on home
Said if you don't Big Bill : some other man will carry your business on



I'm a rustling man : I rustle night and day
Just as soon as I get my money : I won't have to rustle this a-way
A rustling man : have a hard time in this town
Because when you get broke and down baby : your friends all turn you down
I am a rustling man : I go from town to town
I believe I will get married : married Lord and settle down
I've traveled and traveled : mama I mean this whole world through
I haven't found nothing : boy for a poor rustling man to do



Going to tell you women : and it goes for the men
Don't fool with me : because you sure can't win
You's all right baby : but your line's too short
Give me back my hat and shoes : now baby I bought
You may be fat : woman slim or tall
I've got something gal : that can kick in your stall
I asked my wife : where she had been all night
She said what you car : long as I treat you right
Going to tell you baby : like the farmer told his potato
I'm going to plant you now woman : but I will dig you later



I listened to my baby : when she was telling me her dreams
Lord everything now : baby would be peaches and cream
I had money on the horses : money on one two three
Now my water got muddy : and my horse run into a stream


Now when I had money : I had friends and a real good home
Lord I done lost my money : babe my friends and home is gone
Lord my mother tried : Lord to make me do right
Lord I would stay drunk all day : baby and I wouldn't come home at night
Lord if I had a-listened to my mother : Lord what she say
Lord I would not have been here no : baby laying in this old hospital bed



I've got the key to the highway : and I'm booked out and bound to go
I'm going to leave here running : because walking is most too slow
I'm going down on Florida : now where I'm better known
Because woman you don't do nothing : drive a good man away from home
Now when the moon peeps over the mountain : I'll be on my way
Now I'm going to walk this old highway : until the break of day
Run here sweet mama : run and help me with this heavy load
I'm due in West Texas : and I got to get on the road
I'm going to West Texas : I'm going down behind the sun
I'm going to ask the good Lord : what evil have I done




Yond comes a woman : with a peck of corn on her back
I'm going to stick around here : and I'm going to try and keep her from carrying it back
Now lady I ain't no mill man : just a mill man's son
But I can do your grinding : till the mill man comes
I want you to tell me pretty lady : how you want your grinding done
Said I want it fixed up baby : just like your daddy done
Said : I ain't going to talk no more
Since you told how you want it fixed baby : just like my daddy done
Many nights I rambled : and I hid out the whole night long
Trying to teach my woman : how to do right from wrong
Now mmm : mmm
Said I'm worried now baby : won't be worried long



Now T for Texas : and T for Tennessee
I'm not after your woman : man she's after me
And I went up on a mountain : and I looked down a little old hole


And I seen two monkeys : doing the sweet jellyroll
Now look here baby : look what you've done done
You done made me like you : now your man's done come
And I went up on a mountain : and I looked down in the sea
And I seen two monkeys : playing around after me



I went up on a mountain : just to see what I could see
And I seen two monkey-women : climbing up a tree
I want you women : to strictly understand
When my mother raised me : she didn't raise no monkey-man
Now one two three : four five six
I'm going to Chattanooga : get my hambone fixed
Said I went up to my girl's house : and I tipped right through the hall
I looked in through the keyhole : there's another nigger in my stall




Oh yes pretty mama : have no money to pay
Better get you a wood-chopper : to back up in your stall
You better go the the doctor : get you a seasick pill
I've been in pretty mama : and I won't be back no more
If I call around pretty mama : will you let me park
???-hearted woman : that man got nothing that he wants fixed
I can't help you woman : gasman got no jellyroll
I can't help it pretty mama : the gasman don't take no chance




You never have nothing : long as you live in Sugarland


Because you working for a woman : and a sweetback man
I dump sugar all day : clean until broad daylight
I done everything for that woman : still she don't treat me right
I'm going to stop working baby : get yourself another man
Because I've got another woman : you'll have to do the best you can
I work for you in the winter : I work for you in the ice and snow
And baby you told me : you didn't want me no more
It done come summertime : and I ain't going to work no more
Because I've got another woman : baby and I'm going to let you go




Flying Crow leave Port Arthur : why they come in Shreveport to change their crew
They'll take water in Texarkana : and for Ashtown they'll keep on through
Twenty-five minutes from evening : for a cup of coffee and a slice of cake
Flying Crow is heading for Kansas City : and boy she just won't wait
Yon she gone she gone : with a red and green light behind
Well now the red mean trouble : and the green means a rambling mind
Well I hate to hear : that old fireman when he tones the bell




See the train : weaving up and down the track
Said I won't be dead : just ain't coming back
When you see a train mama : come weaving up and down the line
Said I'm bound to get a letter : from that cheating brown of mine
Well I'm going away mama : won't be back till fall
And if I get kind of lucky : won't be back at all
I'm going to write a letter : mail it in the air
I'm going to find this gal : she's in the world somewhere
Don't you see mama : see what you done done
You made me love you : now your man done come
Mmm : I won't be here long
In a few more days : up the road I'm going
Said I'm going away mama : make it lonesome here
I said mmm : what you got on your mind
I got a mind to ramble : mind to leave this town



I'm going away tomorrow mama : going out on the cue
And if I find anything : coming back after you
It's soon one morning : I heard a panther squall
Tell your mama caught the local : you catch the Cannonball
Tell you my man caught the local : I caught on behind
Say now you can't leave me : 'tain't no need of crying
Mmm pretty mama : ain't going to be here long
You : and you treated me wrong
When I leave from here : going out on the O
I don't find no log camp : I'll find a gravel camp sure
Mmm what's the matter here
Ain't nothing going on wrong : but mama I don't care
Mmm : don't need you nohow
When I had you black gal : you didn't have nobody nohow



Hey hey hey : corn liquor in my bones
Now hurry up here you gals : and get me a barrel
I'm going to make corn liquor : for to tickle you gals
I went home last night : about half past four
I seen corn liquor : running out my back door
And it's mmm mama : what's the matter now
Now pick me up mama : put me in your bed
Corn liquor : is going all through your sweet daddy's head
Now mama when I die : I want you to bury me deep
I want you to put corn liquor : at my head and feet
I want you to put one bottle : in my hand
So I can drink my way : to the Promised Land
Oh Lord mama when I die : I want you to bury me low
So these corn liquor gals : know I ain't coming here no more
Now mama ashes to ashes : and dust to dust
Corn liquor daddy : done *push his first*
Now if anybody ask you : who composed this song
Tell them it's corn liquor daddy : he's been here and gone
Mmm : corn liquor on my mind
If you catch me out drinking : I'm not drinking just to keep from crying






I thought I heard that K C : when she blowed
And she blowed : like my woman's on board
When I get back : on that K C road
Going to love my baby : like I never loved before



I thought I heard : that K C when she blowed
And she blowed like : my woman's on board
When I get back : on that K C road
Going to love my baby : like I never loved before



I said my woman : had a falling out
People in town : want to know what it was all about
Yes I whipped my woman : with a singletree
You ought a-heard her hollering : don't you murder me
Yes I went to the Gypsy : to get my fortune told
The Gypsy told me something : I didn't want no one to know
Yes I went to my back door : and that ??? was locked
I went to that front door : you know the ??? was locked
Now don't you wish : your easy roller was little and cute like mine
Every time she walks : she leaves a lot behind




Mmm : baby don't you want to go
Pack your little suitcase : papa's going to Kokomo
Mmm : baby where you been so long
I can tell mama : there's something going on wrong
Mmm : baby you don't know you don't know
Papa's already : going back to Kokomo
And me and my baby : had a falling out last night
??? : my babe won't treat me right
Mmm : baby what's the matter now


Trying to quit your daddy : baby but you don't know how
And I'll sing this verse : baby I can't sing no more
My train is ready : and I'm going to Kokomo



Early one morning : on my way to the penal farm
Baby all I've done : ain't done nothing wrong
Loaded in the *dog* wagon : and down the road we go
Oh baby : oh baby you don't know
Into the office : then to the bathhouse below
And with a light shower : baby we change our clothes
All last night : baby it seemed so long
All I've done : I ain't done nothing wrong
I'll tell you people : the penal farm is a lonesome place
And no one there : to smile up in your face
Oh baby baby : it won't be so long now
Before your daddy : he will be coming home
Oh baby baby : won't you come after me
My time is up : and penal farm has set me free



When trouble starts : it stops at my front door
I've had more trouble : than ever in my life before
I wonder why : troubles keeps on worrying me
I'd just soon have my body : baby buried in the sea
I had trouble this morning : mailman didn't leave no mail
I can't see my baby : she's all locked up in jail
When trouble starts : it lasted so long
Look like everything happened : and everything goes wrong
Tell me baby : what trouble have done to me
Come and got my regular : then took my used-to-be



I can get my money : but trouble won't let it stay
Trouble gets on me : and my money gets away
I wonder why : trouble keeps on worrying me
I'd just soon : have my body baby buried in the sea


Trouble in the morning : noon and night
Seemed like I'm treated : every way but right
When trouble gets on me : it never ends
I get out of one thing : and back into something else again
Nobody knows : the trouble I do see
Nobody knows : but the good Lord and me



I woke up this morning : with rambling on my mind
And I lit out to walking : just to pass away the time
I rambled all night long : and I'm rambling again today
All I need is someone : drive my blues away
Come here baby : and let me be your man
I may not suit you : but I'll do the best I can



One day I sit thinking : when the rain pour down outside
And the more I thought : the more I began to cry
Today has been : a long old lonesome day
And it looks like tomorrow : going to be the same old way
My days seem lonesome : and my nights they are so long
I'll be mighty glad : when them old blue days are gone



I'm just sitting here thinking : of dear old sunny Tennessee
And wondering if my baby : is waiting there for me
I'm going : where the Monon crosses the L and N
And catch me a freight train : and go back home again
I'm going back south : where it's warm the whole year round
I'll be so glad : when my train pulls up in town



I'm going down to the river : just to see the water run
And to think about my troubles : and where all my money's gone
Times has got so hard : that I cannot find a job


And every morning : the rent man grabs on my doorknob
I'm getting so ragged : I ain't got no decent clothes
I ain't got nobody : ain't got nowhere to go
Now I'm worried : ain't no telling what I'm going to do
My friends don't know me : and I can't get a dime or two
Soon as hard time strike me : my baby puts me out
Now guess you know : what these hard time is all about



I left my baby : standing in the back door crying
Begging and pleading : don't you leave this time
Oh the sun's going to shine : in my back door some day
I wish I had somebody : to drive my blues away
Blues and trouble : both running hand in hand
If you ain't never had the blues : you just can't understand
You can always tell : when your woman's got another man
She will take your bad treatments : and do the best she can



I got a no-good woman : and she sure don't mean me no good
I hope there ain't another woman like her : in nobody's neighborhood
She leaves every morning : come back at the break of day
And when she comes in the morning : she ain't got a word to say
Every time I look at that woman : she's got a frown on her face
I believe that woman : done let my best friend take my place
Every evening : do you stop by my door
But since he's got my woman : she don't stop there no more
She's just a no-good woman : and I took her to be my friend
But she's taught me a lesson : about no-good women and men




Early this morning : my baby made me sore
I'm going away to leave you : ain't coming back no more
Tell me pretty mama : where did you stay last night
It ain't none of your business : daddy since I treat you right
When you see me sleeping : baby don't you think I'm drunk
I got one eye on my pistol : and the other on your trunk


I love you pretty mama : believe me it ain't no lie
The day you dare to quit me : baby that's the day you die



Early this morning : my baby made me sore
I'm going away to leave you : ain't coming back no more
Tell me pretty mama : where did you stay last night
It ain't none of your business : daddy since I treat you right
When you see me sleeping : baby don't you think I'm drunk
I got one eye on my pistol : and the other on your trunk
Love you pretty mama : believe me it ain't no lie
The day you try to quit me : baby that's the day you die



Grab your gal : fall in line
While I play : this rag of mine
Too tight : won't behave
Too tight : make you rave
Too tight : won't jump
Too tight : can't just once
Too tight : make you cry
Too tight : you want to die
Too tight : won't quit
Too tight : I'm singing it
Too tight : I'll confess
Too tight : it's a mess
Too tight : you hear me sing
Too tight : to shake that thing



I woke up this morning : worried in my mind
Thinking about : that girl I left behind
I'm worried now : I won't be worried long
The brownie I love : makes me sing this song
If the blues don't kill me : they will drill me through and through
Woman I love : don't know what to do
There's one thing in this world : I cannot understand


That's a bow-legged woman : crazy about a cross-eyed man



I'm feeling blue : lowdown as I can be
Come on gals : run and kiss poor me
I'm going downtown : to spread the news
My gal quit me : and I ain't got the blues
Come on gals : bob it up and down
But don't let me catch you : messing around



I'm going back to Tampa : to that girl I left behind
I'm going back to Tampa : just to kill my worried mind
Did you ever lie down at night : thinking about your brown
You commence rolling and tumbling : I guess I'm Tampa bound
The bridge washed out : the wire's all down
My gal is in the flood : and I'm Tampa bound
I got up this morning : put on my walking shoes
I'm going back to Tampa : just to kill my lowdown blues



Hey hey hey hey : hey hey hey hey
My Stonewall Street gal : makes me feel this a-way
You call me in the morning : you call me late at night
You swear that you love me : but you know you don't treat me right
I got the blues so bad : can feel them with my natural hand
I been your dog : ever since I been your man
I'm going to grab me a freight train : ride until it stops
I ain't going to stay around here : and be your stumbling block



Let me tell you mama : what my black dog done done to me
He chased me from my regular : now he's after my used-to-be
Black dog black dog : you caused me to weep and moan
You caused me : to leave my sweet old happy home


Black dog black dog : you forever on my mind
If you only let me : see my baby one more time
So long black dog : I'm quitting you on the fly
Because you got the nerve : to leave my good woman to cry



Ah : the rising sun going down
I ain't got nobody : since my baby's blowed this town
Ah : mama love me one more time
You give me a little chance : maybe you will change your mind
I done called you : till I almost lost my mind
I ain't going call no more : good man is hard to find
Ah : mama who can your regular be
I ain't got no regular : baby please take me
Take me : mama I'll tell you what I'll do
I'll get up every morning : work hard all day for you



I got the bad feeling blues : keeps me worried all the time
I can't get along : with that high brown gal of mine
Look a-here mama : you done throwed your papa down
I wouldn't hate it so bad : but the news all over town
Look a-here mama : what you want me to do
I work all the time : bring my money home to you
Lord Lord : your papa done going to stay
I never thought : you would treat your daddy this a-way
I got the bad feeling blues : keeps me so lowdown
I'm going to pack my grip : leave this lonesome town



Brownskin mama : what in the world you want me to do
You keep my poor heart aching : I'm blue through and through
I helped you when you were down : and could not help yourself
Now I'm down : you want to help somebody else
You can go : do anything that you want to do
Some day you want me : mama and I won't want you
You treat me lowdown and dirty : baby that's all you do


But some old rainy day : it's coming home to you
My mind's all churned up : that's why I'm all confused
That's the reason why : I'm moaning these brownskin mama blues



Keep on walking and walking : talking to myself
Gal I love : with somebody's else
I got the hard road blues : walking on down the line
Maybe some day : my gal must change her mind
It's a hard hard road : when your baby done throwed you down
Going to keep on walking : from town to town
It's been a long long time : since I seen my baby's face
And I don't see her joker : stand to my place
I'm going to find my baby : don't say she can't be found
Going to walk this hard hard road : until my mustache drags the ground



Hey hey : your daddy's feeling blue
I'm worried all the time : can't keep you off my mind
Hey hey : love you till the day you die
Nobody but me : you know the reason why
Hey hey : your daddy lonesome for you
I ain't going to tell no lie : your daddy's about to die
Hey hey : I'm lonesome night and day
I told you what I said : don't you drive the blues away



You going to quit me baby : good as I been to you
Give you my money honey : to buy your shoes and clothes
You going to quit me baby : put me out-of-doors
Six months on the chain-gang : believe me 'tain't no fun
The day you quit me baby : that's the day you die
Jailhouse ain't no place baby : believe me 'tain't no lie



Down south : on Wabash Street
Everybody : you chance to meet
They're doing it : night and day
See : if it will drive your blues away
Every little kid : that you meet
In the alley : in the street
Grab me mama : hold me tight
Let's mess around : the rest of the night
Throw your hands : way up high
Grab me mama : make me cry
People come : from miles around
Get on Wabash : break them down



There's no need of you dogging me : mama I ain't done nothing to you
If you keep on dogging me : no telling what I'll do
You dog me in the morning : mama you dog me late at night
If you keep on dogging daddy : I sure ain't going to treat you right



For years and years : I been your hard-working mule
I may be crazy : but I ain't no doggone fool
You used to be sugar : but you ain't sweet no more
Better keep your other man : from hanging around my door
You used to be kind : now you begun to change
You treat me : like an old dog got the mange
Goodbye mama : you ain't the same no more
Don't come back : but treat me like you did before



It's a hard hard time now : good man can't get no dough


All I do for my baby : don't satisfy her no more
I ain't got no job : now you going to put me down
You going to quit me baby : for a hard-working clown
Time is so hard now : maybe things will change some day
And when I get a job : maybe you will change your way
Don't quit me baby : because I can't find no work to do
Because all the dirt you done for me : it's coming back home to you
I used to be a joker : now I'm going to make a change
I'm going to get me a job : keep coal in your cold kitchen range



I love my whiskey : crazy about it as I can be
But my new bootlegger : well he's about to poison me
Took one drink last night : and it made me go stone blind
Got to run away : leave my sweet mama behind
Sometime one drink : make me act like a doggone fool
But two or three drinks : make me kick like a doggone mule
Mama mama : don't treat your papa mean no more
Get full of my bootleg whiskey : make you fly through the door
I'm a good man when I'm sober : but Lord Lord when I'm drunk
If you see me reeling : mama go hide in your trunk



I got a sweet mama : she ain't low at all
She got the kind of loving : will make a panther squall
She got Elgin movements : and a twenty-year guarantee
I bet you my last dollar : she don't put them jinx on me



Walking walking : talking to myself
Wondering if I die : would my baby love somebody else
Sighing and crying : broke down with the blues
My clothes are worn out : holes all in my shoes
Walking across the country : trying to get a stake
Because my baby : want every cent I make
Tired and hungry : I've been walking many days
Wondering : if my baby would stop her hateful ways


Walking across the country : with my head bowed down
A woman can still make a man : act like a clown



Mr police captain : listen to my plea
I want to make my baby : come back home to me
Give me a search warrant : and a great big hound
I'm going to find my baby : if I have to track her down
I know where she's at : but her man won't let me in
All I want is a search warrant : and a bottle of gin
I'm going to get running drunk : and go into that place
And that backbiting man : better not show his face
I love my baby : but she treat me so unkind
If she thinks she can quit me : she really have lost her mind



I got a notoriety woman : she about to drive me wild
Beside that woman : sits ever meek and mild
That woman is like a tiger : got ways like a bear
Carries a gun in her pocket : a dagger in her hair
To keep her quiet : I knocked her teeth out her mouth
That notoriety woman : is known all over the South
I can't get along with her : and I can't leave her alone
Because she knows just how to make me : come back home
She likes to fight : she likes to break them down
Everybody knows : when my notoriety woman come to town



Listen folks : to my moan
I'm going to tell you : about Sally Jones
I'm a man : play one gal
And that's : my loving Sal
She stepped out : I could see
He tried : to two-time me
So I thought : that I'd found out
What this man : all about
He was tall : he was thin


Drinks ??? : but *sips her* gin
Thought I'd catch her : when I walked in
Find her : loving my brother Jim
He pulled out a gun : said she was through
I'm going : to Chicago you
He started to shoot : the gun wouldn't go
I said that's all : I want to know
We got married : had a baby lamb
But that baby : looked like her iceman
When the rooster saw the eggs : and they was red
He walked across the road : and knocked the peacock dead
She's gone away : boys and I'm glad
Making : another poor fool sad
Six men are in jail : faces to the wall
But that gal : was the cause of it all



I love to gamble : and gambling's all I do
And when I lose : it never makes me blue
I gambled away my money : and I gambled away my shack
Same way I lost it : same way I'll get it back
I won a woman : in a poker game
I lost her too : win another one just the same
Sometime I'm rich : sometime I ain't got a cent
But I've had a good time : everywhere I went
Got a new mama : ain't going to gamble her away
Going to keep her with me : each and every day



I had a fall : five to twenty-one
When I get back : we going to have some fun
Baby baby : tell me the true facts
Will you be waiting : when I get back
I told the warden : you pay my fine
It didn't seem : that he paid me no mind
The good things you have done : I can't forget
If you quit me baby : it will be my death
I love you baby : whole heart and soul
Stand by me : until I get my parole


Be careful baby : while I'm gone
You can't be good : I'll be gone too long
Going away : and how happy I will be
I know : still love me



Went home last night : my baby won't let me in
She made me mad : and I've got in my gin
I been drunk so long : dizzy all the time
And I found out : whiskey ain't no friend of me
When I die : folks without a doubt
You won't have to do nothing : but pour me out
I can't sleep : and I can't eat a thing
The woman I love : has driven me to drink
I'm deep down in a hole : somebody else is up
Getting sick and tired : of fighting that jug



Hookworm in your body : and your food don't do you no good
Same way with a rounder : come in a nice neighborhood
Dirty old hookworm : got into my room
Causes me to walk : groan and moan
Man like a hookworm : got a hold to my baby
He got to *point it fast* : people and I don't mean maybe
Never can tell : what a hookworm man will do
Take your baby : and make her stop loving you
I'm going to leave my baby : and let her have her way
She want me back some day : when he throws her down
Mmm : mmm
Her man like a hookworm : taking a hold to my babe



There's : a great big mystery
And it surely : is worrying me
The little girl : about four feet four
Come on papa : and give me some more
I went out : and walked around


Somebody yelled : said look who's in town
Went to church : put my hat on the seat
Lady sat on it : said daddy you sure is sweet
I said sister : I'll soon be gone
Just give me that thing : you setting on
Then I got : put out of church
Because I talk : about diddie wa diddie too much



Got my gal : took a chance
We went : to a midnight dance
Too tight : it's a mess
Too tight : it's the best
Too tight : it's a wow
Too tight : I'll show you how
Too tight : stepping out
Too tight : hear me shout
Too tight : it's hot stuff
Too tight : can't get enough
Too tight : it's too bad
Too tight :
Too tight : sick in bed
Too tight : went to my head



All my life : I been a traveling man
Staying alone : and doing the best I can
I shipped my trunk : down to Tennessee
Hard to tell : about a man like me
I met a gal : I couldn't get her off my mind
She passed me up : says she didn't like my kind
I'm scared to bother : around her house at night
Got a police dog : craving for a fight
His name is rambler : and when he gets a chance
He leaves his mark : on everybody's pants
Guess I'll travel : I guess I'll let her be
Before she sics : her police dog on me





Packing my duffle : going to leave this town
And I'm going to hustle : to catch that train southbound
I got the Georgia blues : for the plow and the hoe
Walked out of my shoes : over this ice and snow
Tune up the fiddle : dust the cat and bow
Put on the griddle : and open the cabin door
I thought I was going : to the northland to stay
South is on my mind : my blues won't go away
Potatoes in the ashes : possum on the stove
You can have the hash : but please leave me the claw
Chicken on the roof : and melons on the vine
I'll be glad : to get back to that Georgia gal of mine



Numbers numbers : about to drive me wild
Thinking about the money : that I should have had
I dreamed last night : the woman I love was dead
If I had played the dead row : I would come out ahead
I act like a fool : and played on three six nine
Lost my money : and that gal of mine
I played on clearing house : couldn't make a grade
Lord think of the money : that I should have made
I begged my baby : let me in her door
Wanted to put my twenty-five fifty seventy-five : in her seven seventeen twenty-four
I want fifteen fifty : and see if it won
I'm going to keep playing policy : till some good luck comes



Listen everybody : I'm going to sing a song
It won't be dirty : and it won't be long
When you want some whiskey : right off the *stove*
Go over : and see Miss Stella Gold
The gals from the alley : slipping all around
Telling everybody : they're leaving town
I got a yellow gal : and a brown named Mame
But the best I've ever had : was the old Crow Jane
Met a funny fellow : he didn't like girls


Painted his face : and with his hair all curls
I'm staying with a woman : about fifty-two
I thought she was too old : I'm telling you



I caught a stranger in my house : and I busted his head with a club
I lay him out cold : with his heels in a tub
I seen the sheriff coming : and I jumped for the door
But I jumped too late : the sheriff had done jumped before
They buried a man Thursday : just two short days you see
And it makes me wonder : what they going to do to me
I killed a man : and that's the how and how
I'm sitting here wondering : if a woman's worth it now
Mmm : rope stretching all day long
In just a few more days : I won't be able to sing my song



Don't trust no woman : who mistreats her man
When you think she's in your kitchen cooking : she's got a stranger by the hand
Ain't no need of you chasing women : brother if you really haven't got the cash
Other men get all the chicken : and all you get is hash
I have a lot of woman : but I sure don't want one now
She always milks me dry : better than you ever milk a cow
Mmm : rope stretching all day long
I'm singing now mama : because it won't be long
It wouldn't be so bad : if the rope would just get slack
I wouldn't mind at all : but I just got a crick in my back
When it's all over mama : and you're all alone by my side
Just keep the flies from buzzing by me : and then I will be satisfied



All last winter : and all last fall
I didn't have nobody : to worry me at all
No need running : holding out your hand


I can get a woman : same as you can a man
When I first met you : you had your diamonds on
Since I done left you : you've got them all in pawn
No need a-running : hollering and crying
I'll take you back baby : if you was dying
Come on daddy : and tell me one more time
When I left : I didn't have my right mind
Ain't no need of sitting : with my head hung down
Your black man : ought to get on out of town




I was standing in my back door : looking at the evening sun go down
I was standing there wondering : if my woman was in this town
She left me this morning : she carried away all my clothes
I'm going to find that woman : I don't care where she goes
She sobbed when she told me : I just could not change my mind
I was loving that woman : I know she was quitting me all the time
Honey I went to the fortuneteller : asked her where had my baby gone
She left me this morning : I hadn't done nothing wrong




Going up Coal River : coming down no more
Going to leave your town pretty baby : stop knocking on your back door
Across deep water : ain't no skiffs around
The ??? won't bring ??? : just let her sink on down
My mama told me baby : my papa told me too
Never let a fat little woman : going have no place to *spoon*
Don't want no woman : got hair like horse's mane
Woman's so doggone evil : want every woman's man
Ooh : broke down in tears today
I got the blues so bad pretty mama : I can't *gee* away



Fourteenth Street women : don't mean no man no good
Go out and get full of liquor : wake the whole neighborhood
Let me tell you mama : like the Dago told the Jew
If you don't want me : it's cinch I don't want you


There's two kind of nations : I sure can't understand
That's Chinese women : and a doggone Dago man
I was born in Texas : I raised in Tennessee
You *missed a real brownie* : when you picked all over me
I feel like jumping : through the keyhole in your door
Told me this morning : you didn't want me no more
I feel like snapping : my big gun in your face
Had the nerve to tell me : another man's got my place




Let me tell you : what sweet patuni do
It take your money : and stay all night for you
Well I'm wild about my tuni : the only thing I crave
Sweet patuni : is going to follow me to my grave
I went up on the mountain : looked down in the deep blue sea
A big fat man : was trying to play with me
If I could holler : like a mountain jack
Go out on the mountain : call sweet patuni back
Sweet patuni man : I can't understand
He got ways like a barber : he's a full-blown man



Down in the levee : Camp Number Nine
You can pass my house : honey you can hear me cry
I never had no blues : *sure am*
I'm going to leave this camp : you *can go starry* here
I ain't found no doctor : ain't no doctor in this whole round world
Just to cure the blues : the blues of the leveecamp girl



Hey Jim Tampa : you treat your women so mean
You treat your *townie* : like a woman you ain't never seen
Womens all know my name : call him Mr Tampa Long
He made so much money : women when the weather was warm
My man's got five women : I can call them by their natural names
And all them are cheaters : sounds just the same
It must be a black cat bone : jomo can't work that hard


Every time I wake up : Jim Tampa's in my yard
I can stand right here : five miles down the road
Give a gander the way : Jim Tampa used to go



It ain't nobody in town : can grind their coffee like mine
I drink so much coffee : till I grind it in my sleep
And when you get like that : you know it can't be beat
It's so doggone good : that it made made me bite my tongue
Going to keep it for my daddy : ain't going to give nobody none
I ain't ever loved it : this a-way before
And I hope to the Lord : I won't love it anymore
I got so now : that I can't control my mind
I go to bed blue : and I get up crying
It's so doggone good : it made me talk out of my head
And it's better to me : than any I ever had
Now I grind my coffee : till it's two and three dollars a pound
And there ain't no more : cheap like mine in town
It's so doggone good : till it make you bite your tongue
And I'm a coffee-grinding mama : won't you let me grind you some



You must bring me a job : or money from anywhere
Because I can get your kind of loving : in the streets just anywhere
You come home every day : looking for your stew and beans
And you have got more nerve : than any pot hound I've ever seen
Now you take your money : and you have your fun
You don't have nothing : when house rent comes
And I'm through : cooking you stew and beans
And you can eat more neckbones : than any man I've ever seen
Now if you want me baby : you got to make your *for sure* down
And you got to put your money : down where I got mine
Now you laying up in my bed : between my two white sheets
I can't see or smell nothing : but your doggone feet
And I'm through : trying to make a man of you
And if you can't bring a job : don't you look for your daily stew
I worked hard from Monday : until late Saturday night
And you's a dirty mistreater : you ain't treating me right


And I'm through : cooking you stew and beans
And you's a dirty pot hound : dirtier than any man I seen



Look here papa : I don't mean no harm
Come get some Georgia grind : to carry the good work on
The thing I do : it's mighty fine
And the mens pays their ??? : all the time
When you got to doing it : it's a one-way strand
Got to do my Georgia grind : like a natural man
All you got to do : is to fall in line
Put your right hand up : and your left one behind
If you want to learn : you got to pay
Because I ain't going to give : my Georgia grind away
If you do it once : you'll do it twice
And it's mighty fine I tell you : if you do it right
I'm talking about my Georgia : I do mean grind
And if something bothers you baby : it will satisfy your worried mind
Some likes it slow : some likes it fast
But I like my Georgia grind : at half and half
Come past my house : and hear me cry
Big *bad* daddy : won't you take your time
I'm going back to Georgia : where I can have my fun
Going down in Georgia : where I get my good grinding done



Sometimes I'm up : sometimes I'm down
I can't make my living : around this town
Because tricks ain't working : tricks ain't working no more
And I got to make my living : don't care where I go
I need shoes on my feet : clothes on my back
Get tired of walking these streets : all dressed in black
Because tricks ain't working : tricks ain't working no more
And I see four or five good tricks : standing in front of my door
Please have mercy : bad luck's on my head
Four or five good tricks : is all the money I need
Because tricks ain't working : tricks ain't working no more
And I can't get a break : don't care where I go
I got a store on the corner : selling stuff cheap


I got a market across the street : where I sell my meat
This way of living : sure is hard
Ducking and dodging : the Cadillac squad
Because tricks ain't working : tricks ain't working no more
And if you think I'm lying : follow me to the door



I'd rather be sloppy drunk : than anything I know
And another half a pint : will see me go
I love my moonshine whiskey : better than I do my man
You can have your beer and your bottle : give me my cool kind can
I'd rather be sloppy drunk : sitting in the can
Than to be at home : rolling with my man
Mmm : bring me another two-bit pint
Because I got my habits on : I'm going to wreck this joint
I been on this sloppy drunk : for a solid year
And when I can't get my whiskey : bring me my cool can beer
My good man quit me : for somebody else
And I'm sloppy drunk : drinking by myself



I'm doing something now : I ain't never done before
Going to do it this time : ain't going to do it no more
My alley boogie: only thing I choose
And it's the only thing I do : to drown away by blues
I boogie all night : all the night before
When I woke up this morning : I want to boogie some more
Old alley boogie : only thing I crave
I can do my alley boogie : so many different ways
I got a bed in my bedroom : a pallet on my floor
Got to do the alley boogie : everywhere I go
Because I'm wild about my boogie : only thing I crave
Good alley boogie : will carry me to my grave
Mama loves my boogie : papa loves it too
And it runs in my family : that's all I like to do
I'm wild about my boogie : only thing I crave
I'm going to do my boogie : the rest of my days
Papa got a watch : mama got a ring
Sister got a hump : from really boogying that thing


I'm wild about my boogie : only thing I choose
Now she got to do the boogie : to buy her alley baby some shoes
Now I done sung this song : until I quit
And there ain't nobody : ??? no alley boogie yet
And I'm wild about my boogie : only thing I crave
I been doing my alley boogie : I been boogying all of my days



I got a sweet black angel : I like the way he spread his wings
And I'm crazy about him : he spreads so much joy in everything
If I ask him for a dime : he gives me a ten dollar bill
Yes he does everything : to keep my wants filled
If my black angel would leave me : I believe that I would die
And if I see him looking at another woman : I just scream and cry
I love my black angel : and I want him by myself
Lord I don't want him spreading his wings : over no one else
Womens don't bother my black angel : don't bother him in any way
I'll serve ninety-nine years in jail : most any day
I'm wild about my black angel : I like the way he spread his wings
He's got a new way of getting goose : and he sure can shake that thing



Times is done got hard : money's done got scarce
Stealing and robbing : is going to take place
Because tricks ain't working : tricks ain't working no more
And I'm going to rob somebody : if I don't make me some dough
I'm going to do just like a blind man : stand and beg for change
Until these arresting officers : change my tricking name
Because tricks ain't working : tricks ain't working no more
And I've got to make my living : don't care where I go
I'm going to learn these working tricks : what it's all about
I'm going to get them in my house : and ain't going to let them out
Because tricks ain't working : tricks ain't working no more
And I can't make no money : don't care where I go
I got up this morning : with the rising sun
Been working all day : and I ain't caught a one
Because tricks ain't working : tricks ain't working no more
And I can't make a dime : don't care where I go
I got up this morning : feeling tough


I've got to call in my tricks : in the rough rough rough
Because tricks ain't working : tricks ain't working no more
And I've got to change my luck : if I have to move next door



The train I ride : is eighteen coaches long
And the man that I love : done been here and gone
I hate to hear : that T and N O blow
Puts my mind on the wander : makes me want to go
Going to beat the train to the crossing : going to burn the trestle down
That's the onliest way : I can keep my man in town
He's a railroad man : and he sure do love to ride
If he don't ride that T and N O : he sure ain't satisfied
Going to fall down on my knees : pray to the Lord above
Please send me back : the only man I love



Got up this morning : by the rising sun
Didn't have no whiskey : I tried to buy me some
I use my Skeet and Garret : *feed* it everywhere
Lord I like them baking powder blues : and I sure don't care
Dice jumped to hustle Lord : I swear my money don't lose
I got to win tonight : and buy this baking powder man some shoes
Play them blues boy : and don't play them so slow
Because I'm going to give you some more money : and I'm going to give it to you sure



You may be beautiful : but baby you got to die some day
And you going to reap what you sow : for treating me this a-way
When the sun rose this morning : I was laying in my floor crying
And I've done got tired : of being dogged all the time
Tell me baby : what fault do you find in me
You don't treat me : like I'm no human being
Love hides all faults : make you do things you don't want to do
When you love someone : and that someone don't love you





I'm lonesome I'm lonesome : and I got them lonesome midnight blues
And I'm blue to my heart : my man I hate to lose
Blues and trouble : have overtaken me
And I've got those midnight blues : blue as I can be
Late last night : when my clock was striking three
My daddy was leaving : and the blues had me



Just one thing : I want my man to know
I ain't going to be : his lowdown dog no more
He gets up every morning : and before he goes
Say he don't want me to put my head : out of my front door
He won't buy me no shoes : he won't buy me no clothes
And he's got so lowdown : he wants to put me outdoors
I ain't got no coal : I ain't got no wood
And you know by that : that man don't mean me no good
I ain't got no flour : I ain't got no lard
And he knows doggone well : the times is done got hard



Some folks say black is evil : but I will tell the world they're wrong
Because I'm a sealskin brown : and I been evil ever since I been born
I a-scared to trust a rabbit : and I won't even trust a squirrel
And I won't bat my eyes : because I might lose sight on this whole round world
I've got a head like a freight train : and I walk just like a grizzly bear
And I use my Skeet and Garret : and I keep my ??? everywhere
They call me Pig Iron Sally because I live in Slag Iron Alley : and I'm evil and mean as I can be
And I ain't going to let nobody : put that doggone thing on me
I ain't nothing but a mistreater : baby and it ain't no joke
And if you don't believe I'm dirty : you can watch my bogus stroke



I hate that train : that they all call the M and O
It took my baby away : and he ain't coming back to me no more
When he was leaving : I couldn't hear nothing but that whistle blow


And the man at the throttle : Lord he wasn't coming back no more
He had his head in the window : that man the drivers roll
They are going away baby : and doggone your bad-luck soul
Now I'm so worried : and I'm so full of gloom
And deep down in my heart : ain't nothing but a lover's ruin
I was sorry : I was sorry sorry to my heart
To see that M and O train : and me and my daddy part



I worked all the winter : and I worked all the fall
I got to wait until spring : to get my ashes hauled
And now I'm tired : tired as I can be
And I'm going back home : where these blues don't worry me
I'm a free-hearted woman : I let you spend my dough
And you never did win : you kept on asking for more
And now I'm tired : I ain't going to do it no more
And when I leave you this time : you won't know where I go
My house rent's due : they done put me outdoors
And here you riding around here : in a V-Eight Ford
I done got tired : of your lowdown dirty ways
And your sisters say you been dirty : dirty all your days
I never will forget : when the times was good
I caught you standing out yonder : in the piney woods
And now I'm tired : tired as I can be
And I'm going back south : to my used-to-be



Sweet man sweet man : what makes you candy taste so hard
And I would come to see you : but your woman is got me barred
He caught the Frisco he caught the Frisco : and I just can't keep from crying
And if he don't come back : I will lose my worried mind
He is a rambler he is a rambler : and he is never satisfied
And I know he was a rambler : when he caught that train to ride
I'm going to find him I'm going to find him : with my smoking forty-five
Because you know I love that man : he so hard to find
He's gone he's gone : and he's forever on my mind
And I want to see my man : because because he's so good and kind





A woman gets tired : of one man all the time
And don't care what you give her : you can't change her rambling mind
Don't never think : you got a whole woman by yourself
Because there never was a woman : didn't love somebody else
I ain't never loved : just one man in my life
Because this kind of love I got : I can love the same way twice
Some womens like two men : some womens they like three
But I like as many men : I see is good to me



Way down in Boogie Alley : ain't nothing but skulls and bones
And when I get drunk : who's going to take me home
I'm going to stop my man : from running around
Because down in Boogie Alley : is where he can be found
He goes down in Boogie Alley : house number three
And when he gets down there : the womens won't let him come to see me
I went down in Boogie Alley : with my razor in my hand
And the blues struck : I brought back my man
If you go in Boogie Alley : you better take you forty-four
The womens will get your man down there : and they won't let him go



When you come to my house : come down behind the jail
I got a sign on my door : barbecue for sale
I'm talking about my barbecue : only thing I crave
And that good-doing meat : going to [carry, take] me to my grave
I'm selling it cheap : because I got good stuff
And if you try one time : you can't get enough
I'm talking about barbecue : only thing I sell
And if you want my meat : you can come to my house at twelve
Now some like it hot : some like it cold
Some take it : any way it's sold
Some people wants it : some people don't
If you buy my barbecue : it just won't don't don't don't
Some people wants to know : the regular price
Fifty-five cents : you can get some twice
And I'm talking about my barbecue : only thing I sell


And you can get my meat : any night at twelve



Jump steady daddy : please take your time
You got a year and a day : to satisfy my mind
Love me daddy : love me all the time
And if you love me like I tell you : you'll be the jump-steady man of mine
Jump-steady got to jumping : jumping in the room
And I got crazy about him : because he could strut his stuff
Now when jump-steady starts to jumping : he does it slow
He goes from the top : down to the floor
Ooh : just can't let him go
Because he jumps better : than any man that I know
He don't work on no rock pile : he don't tote no slag
And the way he jumps steady : it's just too bad



I went to bed last night : and the blues wouldn't let me rest
Because I ain't been used : to sleeping by myself
Oh blues oh blues : blues don't you see
You are carrying me down : blues you trying kill poor me
Now blues and trouble : go walk hand in hand
I never had these blues : until my best friend loved my man
She may have loved him one time : but that one man she can't hold
Because it's ??? *in Texas* : that I could sell fast jellyroll
He puts his arms around me : like the ring around the good Lord's sun
Said he ain't had no woman to love him : Lord like I done



A man say I had something : look like new
He want me to trade a *cam* : for some of my stew
Say he's going up the river : tried to sell his sack
He would pay me for my stuff : when the boat get back
I got good stew : and it's got to be sold
The price ain't high : I want to get you told
Go on up the river : man and sell your sack
It will be stew meat here : baby when the boat get back


Now look here man : what you want me to do
Give you my stew meat : and credit you too
I credit one man : it was to my sorrow
It's cash today : credit tomorrow
Now it's ashes to ashes : dust to dust
You try my stuff one time : you can't get enough



Good morning skin game : hollering skin game please last
I done staked my man to win : and I hope my money will pass
He done pawned my house : he got my life at stake
And I got to get it back : with that money he gamble and make
He never lost no money : until he drew that black queen of spades
And my man was in need of begging : he was in hard luck that very day
When he come back to me : got a dollar two
I want him to go back to that skin game : and see what he can do
If my man : he could only win my money back
I would take a walk downtown : buy me a brand new pair of shoes and hat




I'm worried now babe : I won't be worried long
Now when we is all going together : it's got to be carried on
Now did you get that letter : baby that I wrote to you
Oh you sitting in the shade baby : I declare you just won't do
Now I say once ain't forever : say but two time ain't for twice
Now when you get a good woman : you just won't treat her right
Mmm : Lord Lord Lord Lord Lord
Now if I can't be your regular mama : I sure ain't going to be your dog



Now a yellow gal rides in an automobile : a brownskin gal rides the same
A black gal *will tell you* an old hay wagon : she's getting by just the same
A yellow gal drinks good old whiskey : a brownskin gal drinks the same
But a black gal drinks shoe polish : she's getting drunk just the same
A yellow gal will bite you she will pop you with a stick : a brownskin gal bites the same
But a black gal get a rusty razor and run you all over town : and you know that woman raises hell
just the same


Now a yellow gal will kiss you she will kiss you awful sweet : a brownskin gal do the same
But a black gal spit bacca juice *shoo* snuff all on your lips : oh loving you just the same



Sitting down here thinking : yes babe I believe I better go
You know I believe I'll go down : that long long old dusty road
Now that Eighty Highway : is the longest highway that I know
Running all the way from Frisco Texas : *right cross* the Atlantic on the other *water course*
That church bell was beginning to tone : yes some other good gambler's gone
You know I wouldn't hate it so bad : but that Eighty Highway so long
You women fuss and argue with your good man : when you know you don't do right yourself
You know when I look for you at night : way down on Eighty Highway with someone else
Yes if you get in trouble : call on a *car* about forty-five
Baby now I just open up my chifforobe : and you'll see where my dollar lies




Never mind : honey never mind
Never mind : there's time to shine
You said you loved me : you know you told a lie
Oh never mind : never mind
I'm just a good woman : baby gone astray
Drinking charcoal liquor : throwing myself away
But never mind : there's time to shine
Spread your heart : babe just like mine




Now you tell me mama : do you think that's right
You with your kid all day : and run to me at night
Now my regular woman : totes my pocket change
And my sometime woman : wants to do the same
And you better not let : my regular catch you here

Because it ain't no telling : what she might do
Now she might cut you : and she might shoot you too
Now she's the meanest woman : that I've ever seen
And when I asked for water : give me gasoline
Now if you want your woman : to look like the rest


You buy her high brown powder : and Farmer's Skin Success
Now I got four or five puppies : and got one shaggy hound
It takes all them dogs : to run my woman down



I said the woman I'm loving : caught the train and gone
Got the lowdown feeling : I sure won't be here long
Now I went to the station : fold my arms and moan
Asked the operator : how long my rider been gone
Let me tell you : what that dirty train will do
Take your last rider Lord : blow black smoke on you
Ain't got no special : got no trifling kind
Ain't got nobody mama : *she has rock the ship*
Lord take me rider : take me to your hand
Let me in your darkest corner woman : hide me from your man
You don't want me rider : please don't dog me around
Just like you found me : you took and threw me down
Ask you to forgive me : darling if you please
Mama sure as I told you : I fall down on my knees



Now I tell you mama : now I'm sure going to leave this town
Because I been in trouble : ever since I set my suitcase down
Now you don't believe I'm leaving : just watch the train I'm on
And you don't believe I'm lucky : just count the days I'm gone
Now I ain't going to be : your teasing brown no more
Sugar the way you do me : you make my blood run cold
Now before I stay here mama : and be treated this a-way
Now I'll let some freight train : *throw me in the sea*
Mmm Lord oh Lord oh : oh Lord oh Lord oh Lord
Now the woman I'm loving : she treat me like a mangy dog
Now look a-yonder sugar : where the rising sun done gone
I can't live over here mama : a long way from my home



Won't you tell me mama mama : what have I said *or done*
For you treat me : like my sugar just ain't *hard*


Mama mama mama : you sure can worry me
*I ain't seen* none of my best woman : since my old-time used-to-be
Now you see my rider now : I'll tell you what I'll do
I'll rob and steal : and I'll bring it home to you
See [how] the sun went down mama : left it so lonesome here
Mama this lonesome place : don't seem like home to me
Lord it's soon in the morning : going to believe I'll leaving here



Down so long : down don't worry me
Don't believe I'm sinking : believe what a hole I'm in
You don't believe I loved you : think what a fool I been
Went to the graveyard : fell down on my knees
I said Lord have mercy : on this lonesome place
Went to the graveyard : peeped in my rider's face
Says I love you rider Lord : just can't take your place
Thousands of people mmm : around the burying ground
Just to see the ??? : let my rider down
Felt so sorry mmm : till they let her down
Lord my heart felt sorry : tears come rolling down
Tell me mama : what's the matter now
Trying to quit your daddy Lord : and you don't know how
Tell me mama : on your worried mind
If I don't get no better mama : believe I'm going I'm going



I've been down so long : down don't worry me
Don't believe I'm sinking : believe what a hole I'm in
You don't believe I love you Lord : think what a fool I been
Went to the graveyard : fell down on my knees
Hollered Lord have mercy : on this lonesome place
Thousands of people : round the burying ground
Just to see the ??? : let my rider down
Felt so sorry : till they let her down


Lord my heart struck sorrow : tears come rolling down
Love you mama : till the sea go dry
Lord I love you rider Lord : till the day you die
Anybody ask you : who wrote this worried song
Tell them you don't know the writer : he'd rather had his happy song



Woke up this morning : mama was treating me night and day
I reached for my sugar : and the fool had stoled away
Worried now mama : but I shan't be very long
Mama this the way I be treated : be on the county farm
Wouldn't treat a dog : babe like you treat me
Woke up soon this morning : with my face up to the ground
I didn't have no sugar : not to pick up in my arms
Mama that's all right : sugar that's all right for you
Now you know you got me : just the way you do



Woman woman woman woman : Lord what in the world you trying to do
Baby the way you treat me : break my heart in two
I got a woman good little woman : she got coal-black curly hair
Now every time she smiles Lord : kindness everywhere
I got a woman good little woman : she ain't a thing but a *courtesy*
*Takes a* little redheaded woman : and I'll keep you company
Treat me like ??? little baby : want you turn me around and around
Babe when you love me : good Lord take me around and around
Now these blues blues ain't nothing : Lord but a doggone hungry feel
Got no money in your pocket : to get a decent meal
And I went went to the depot : Lord I read up on the board
Babe if you see me catch you there :
Now I got to send send down soon : for my old-time used-to-be
Lord I felt so hard : till the blues crept up on me



Hand me down my suitcase : *reach* my walking cane
*Know* my mother *treat me* : catch that morning train


Well I thought I'd write : but I believe I'll telephone
Now if you catch me stealing : please don't tell on me
Because I'm stealing : to my doggone used-to-be
I woke up this morning : had the blues all around my bed
I couldn't help but to think : about what my good gal said
Now I got a heart full of trouble : and a suitcase full of blues
I never seen no trouble : babe till I *stopped* with you
I'm going to leave here walking Lord : and talking to myself
I'm going to take my baby : or carry somebody else
It's hard it's hard : it's hard *to get out of this* town
*Get* another ??? :



Woke up this morning : couldn't even walk in my shoes
My baby just quit me : she left me with the bust up blues
When you see two women : running hand in hand for long
Bet your B V Ds : something is going on wrong
Bought you a yo-yo dress : *full packed in*
Now that's the thanks you give me : you left me with those bust up blues




Have you woke up in the morning : *you weep and moan*
Your best girl quit you : left you all alone
Got a brownskin woman : just about as I need
And the reason I say so : she so sweet to me
When she rub my head : she make my fever rise
When she rub my ??? : she's improved my appetite
Now I had me a woman : didn't mean me no good
Now I got me another woman : best in the neighborhood




You scold me faro now : drove all from your door
Well the Good Book say : you got to reap just what you sow
There was ice and snow now : laying outside your door
Your good old man rolled for you : at times when he was not able to go
I can't sleep for dreaming now : I can't stay woke for crying


I was thinking about : that little old brown of mine
Now I'm worried now : but I won't be worried long
It takes a worried woman now : sing a worried song
Now you got a bad husband now : baby that'll be all right
Said I'll dodge your husband : like a rabbit dodge a dog at night
I'll be so glad : when my buddy dead and gone
Know my buddy got something now : Lord I'd like to own



I'm going to give my baby : no more cherry ball
Don't you let her get drunk Lord : and she'll *lower* her
She used to be mine : but look who's got her now
Well he sure can't keep her : she don't mean no good nohow
You see me coming now : put your man outdoors
You know I ain't no stranger baby : I been here before
Sun rose this morning : I was laying out on my floor
No sweet woman to love me : I didn't have no place to go
Said the sun going down now : black dark caught me here
Ain't got nobody to love me : nobody to feel my care



She wouldn't if she could : and she wouldn't do it at all
Grab another man : and went across the hall
Grabbed my gal : around the waist
Told me you better hurry : and you better make haste
Run around the house : took me a peep through the crack
See my baby : at a dirty act
Just as well : make it up in your mind
Ain't mush *chitlin* : but stir it in the house



Worked all the summer : and all the fall
Now I've got to take Christmas now : in my overalls
Going up the country : won't be back till fall
Times get no better : I won't be back at all
You treat me : like didn't know my name
You mistreated me now : for another man


My baby quit me : didn't say a word
Was on account : of something that she heard
When I had money : I had a friend
Ain't got no money : I ain't ain't got no friend
Take one more drink : make me tell it all
Somebody : stole my little all-in-all




Because Adam said to Eve : *you been cute so cute*
You wouldn't give me none : of that forbidden fruit
They had one is named Cabel : one is named Ain
You know by that : they must have shook that thing



Everybody here baby : seem to have a jolly time
Lord there nobody knows : what's on my troubled mind
Lord but I may be the youngest : Lord take my advice
And don't never let : the same woman quit you twice
Don't let your woman know you love her : you do you have done wrong
She'll *commence* ??? : pack up her clothes and gone
When you catch you a freight train baby : bounded for Santa Fe
That's when I done found out baby : this ain't no place for me
Because I did everything mama : tried to make you kind
Now seem everything everything you do : it is to worry my mind



Sometimes I wonder : I want to go back home
Because my baby : have left me all alone
The clothes look lonesome : hanging out on the line
You can tell by that : I've got rambling on my mind
And I said Lord : baby don't act that way
Baby when I leave you : I'm going away to stay
I said Lord : what you want me to do
I took all my money : and I brought it home to you





Lord it's early this morning : Lord about four o'clock
There was something in my bedroom : began to reel and rock
Lord have you ever been accused baby : [when you] ain't done nothing wrong
Lord that's a heart filled with squalor: Lord just sure as you born
Lord but you can't be [mine, my baby] : and someone else's too
There can no one get you baby : Lord until I get through
Oh you can always tell : when a when a woman loves a man
Lord she'll take bad treatment : and she'll do the best thing she can



Lord when I got up this morning : snow was on my windowpane
I couldn't even see my baby : couldn't even hear her name
Lord and my baby is leaving : crying won't make her stay
Lord if crying would do : now I'd cry myself away
Lord and my room looked so lonesome : since my baby been gone
Lord I ain't got nobody : that I can call my own
Baby but you didn't come to see me : mama when I had felt alone
*If it had been love with you* baby : I wouldn't have been dead and gone
And you a no-good woman : you don't mean a man no good
Lord and if I don't love you : I would not if I could




I long to hear that : old guitar rag
Whenever I hear it : I do that guitar drag
Play that thing : old guitar for me
Take me back : to my home in Tennessee




Now some folks say : that love is blind
But I'm one gal : who knows her mind
Now one hot papa : is enough
Because I don't believe : in that two-time stuff






Early one morning : just about four o'clock
When the old Titanic : begin to reel and rock
Smith took his glasses : and walked out to the front
And he spied the iceberg a-coming : oh Lord had to bump
Some was drinking : some was playing cards
Some was in the corner : praying to their God
Little children cried mama : mama what shall we do
Captain Smith said children : I'll take care of you
Titanic sinking : in the deep blue sea
And the band all playing : Nearer My God to Thee



If you want to hear : preacher curse
Take his bread sweet mama : and save him the crust
Preacher in the pulpit : Bible in his hand
Sister in the corner : crying there's my man
Preacher comes to your house : you ask him to rest his hat
Next thing he want to know : sister where your husband at
Come in here elder : and shut my door
Want you to preach [for me] the same text : you did night before
See that preacher : walking down the street
Fixing to meddle : with every sister he meets
Preacher preacher : you nice and kind
Better not catch you : at that house of mine



Jellyroll keep working : just about Sixteenth Street
Well they got a nut factory : where the women do meet
Got a nut factory : where they work so hard
Well it's all over the country : husbands ain't got no job
Saturday evening : when they draw their pay
Well they don't draw nothing : if husbands don't draw them away
Some draw checks babe : some draw nothing at all
When they don't draw nothing : their husbands bust them in the jaw
Down on Franklin Avenue : jellybeans standing to and fro
Well you hear one jellybean ask the other one : which way did the good girl go





Skin man's hollering : passing right by my door
Well he's hollering skin : everywhere he goes
Some begs a nickel : some some begs a dime
Some begs the jelly : to that teasing brown of mine
Well it's skins oh skins : skin skin skin skin
I'm going away old skin : but I'm coming back again
Let me tell you : what the skin mens'll do
Well they sell your wife skins : and take her away from you




Times ain't now : nothing like they used to be
And I'm tell you all the truth : ooh take it for me
I done seen better days : but I'm putting up with these
I could have a much better time : but these girls now is so hard to please
Because I was born in the country : she thinks I'm easy to rule
She tried to hitch me to a wagon : she want to drive me like a mule
You know I bought the groceries : and I paid the rent
She tried to make me wash her clothes : but I got good common sense
I said if you don't want me : why don't you tell me so
Because it ain't like a man : that ain't got nowhere to go
I'll give you sugar for sugar : let you get salt for salt
And if you can't get along with me : well it's you own fault
Now wanted me to love you : and you treated me mean
You might *give a thought* : on my nightly dream
Sometime I think : that you too sweet to die
Then another time I think : you ought to be buried alive




Now when I leave here : I'm going to catch that M and O
I'm going way down south : where I ain't never been before
Once I had a notion : Lord and I believe I will
I'm going to build me a mansion : out on Decatur Hill
Now it's all of you men : ought to be ashamed of yourself
Going around here swearing before God : you got a poor woman by yourself
I started to kill my woman : till she laid down across the bed
And she looked so ambitious : till I took back everything I said
And I asked her how about it : Lord and she said all right
But she never showed up : at the shack last night





Can't tell my future : and I can't tell my past
Lord it seems like every minute : sure going to be my last
Oh a minute seems like hours : and hour seems like days
And it seems like my woman : ought to stop her lowdown ways
Oh that woman I love now : she's five feet from the ground
And she's tailor-made : and ain't no hand-me-down
I say that I've got a woman : Lord and she lightning when she smiles
Five feet and four inches : and she's just good hugging size
I know you see that picture : now up on your mother's shelf
Well you know by that : I'm getting tired of sleeping by myself
And it's T for Texas now : and it's T for Tennessee
Lord bless that woman : that put that thing on me




I'm having so much trouble : with those tooth ache blues
It's got me floor-walking : and wearing out my shoes
I need a quick-filling dentist : because I'm mean and cross
At night I'm hot with fever : and I just roll and toss
When I went to my dentist : he put me in his chair
It's a long pointed sharp something : don't make me pull my hair
He shot a burning something : into my cavity
Cocaine or soothing liquid : to ease my pain for me



I told him : he was grinding into my roots too deep
Sure was a rough old dentist : he made me moan and weep
He kept right on *a-progging* : until I lost my head
Right now I can't remember : the many things he did
And when he lay me way back : my senses left me fast
Before I hardly knew it : he flooded me with gas
I woke up weak and dizzy : he told me that I would
But all my pain had left me : he really done me good






Three pickaninnies : eating sugar-cane
Each one turned to the other : and said
*Must have made it good* : chicken in a pot
*Butter like melting* : on the front
Like a lollipop : with sugar tip
Wild about : my baby's lips
Grandma baked grandpa : some jellyroll
Ate it : and *said oh oh* my soul
*Went to my gal* : *on a Saturday night*
*Dinner* : suits her appetite
The blackest berry : the sweetest juice
*Black hair* : *for my prejudice*



Martha's sitting : on up that fence
Yowling : like she didn't have no sense
Blackbird cheeping : in a tree
Said to the redbird : skeedle-um-skee
Aunt Louise : she bought blue goose cheese
When she start shaking : it's *long loose please*
White little June bug : big fat duck
Come on ducky : let us try our luck
Jenny Mae : brother Sam
If you want to be : a good-time man
The night I saw : little Mickey Mouse
Sashaying : all around the house




Say excuse me mama : I don't mean no harm
Just come here : to sing this little song
Say my brown's got a wrist watch : and I got a ring
Bought that jewel : just tapping that thing
I been down in Memphis : been down in New Orleans
The way we tap it : boys it's most *obscene*
Now I bought a brand new car : it really wouldn't quit
I gave it to my baby : like to had a fit
Now look here baby : always having *soup*
*Got no rest : over my dead loot*





I got a house : way up on the hill
I got potatoes : and *they want*
I've got a patch : sitting in the back
??? *potatoes* : and it's tight like that
People in the kitchen : trying to
I've got potatoes :
I don't need no wife : don't need no home
Hang my potatoes : in a little brown
Potatoes on the simmer : potatoes on the boil
I've got potatoes : boys it won't stop at all
??? good as ??? : ??? good as
I've got potatoes : Lord they ought to



Oh tell me baby : where did you stay last night
For you come in this morning : sun was shining bright
Oh the black cat told the white one : let's go across town and clown
And the white cat told the black one : you better set your black self down
Tell me baby : where did you get your sugar from
I haven't had no boodle-bum : since you been gone
Now it was old lady *Diana* : was sitting on the rock
Along flew a bumblebee : and raised a great big knot
Tell me bumblebee : when did you fly from home
Oh you ain't done no stinging : on the boodie-bum
You know the baby kitten jumped up : oh and began to wine
You know he didn't know the racket : but he had the same thing on his mind
Tell me baby sister : where did you get your sugar from
Oh you don't know the racket : you ought to go back home
Oh tell me mama : what's the matter now
You don't know how to boodle-bum-bum : I know you didn't do it nohow




I didn't *roll in here* : *till Lord sometime* last night
I had to *ask* ??? : ??? *today*
I think I'll ramble : *rambling* on my mind


I ain't got no right to leave : ain't got no right to change my mind
Oh did you dream lucky : and wake up cold in hand
And you want to see some good gal : ain't got no man
Sometime I think I will : then I think that I won't
Sometime I think that I love her : then I think that I don't
Some screaming high yellow : I scream black or brown
For high yellow may mistreat you : but black won't turn you down
Mama I got a notion : honey and I believe I will
Catch a long jumping Judy : go on across the hill



Now I woke up this morning mama : blues all around my bed
Thinking about the kinds words : that my mama had said
Now my mama's dead : so is my daddy too
That's the reason I tried to hard : to get along with you
Now where there ain't no loving : ain't no getting along
Because you'll have more trouble : honey than all the day is long
So many days : I stoled away and cried
Poor boy has been mistreated : now I can't be satisfied
Now I'm going to write a letter : mail it in the air
Because the March wind blows : it blows news everywhere
Because I'm going up the country : won't be very long
Good gal : you can count the days I'm gone
I often tell my honey : don't have to fight
The gal that gets you : has got to try to treat you right
I'm crazy about my Jane : tell the world that I am
Because I'm going : got to sing long-distance blues
Now you get way back : you get to ball the jack
You begin to fuss : and get your rider back
I want to see my Jane : tell the world that I do
Because I'm going I'm going : to sing long-distance blues



I woke up this morning : blues all around my bed
Thinking about that wire : that my brown had sent
Lord I'm poor boy here : long ways from home
Ain't got nowhere : not to lay my head
Cold frosty ground : was my bed last night
Thinking about the wire : that my baby had sent


But my mama told me : Sam come down fast
Whiskey and women : will bother your learning bad
Now my mama dead : so is my daddy too
*Should I caught the wire* : trying to get along with you
So many days : I stoled away and cried
Poor boy's in the streets : can't be satisfied
Going write a letter : mailed it in the air
*Mail it by the window : love yous* everywhere
Lord Lord : ain't going to moan no more



If you wants your man : keep him out of Birmingham
Because the red-hot mama : drives your dollar down
I thought I'd send her : *but I'd leave it* at home
*Oh she showed a lot of farmers : boys how to right from wrong*
If you want your brown : better stay aside
I said on that train : you gone off of my mind
My road seem rocky : so the people do say
But I'm a ??? driver : lucky to find my way
Hot mama : sit down on my knee
*I got to walk them down the city : how you got it up for me*
*I said being in Alabama : meanest place I know
Because I'm going up the country : mama how bad *I feel*




Lord that Harlem goat mama : sure was feeling fine
*I went ??? search light* : up and down that long line
Now she grabbed that stick : and she broke that Harlem's back
And she tied old Harlem : to the railroad track
Lord the fast mail train : honey was coach and nine
And that Harlem goat : she was serving time
Lord *he gave her a shirt : it was a shirt of pink*
He caught that red shirt mama : trying to flag a train
He said when I die : don't bury me at all
Just pickle my body : up in alcohol
Lord I love my goat : better than I love myself
I'm going to kill my goat : I'm going kill somebody else
Lord it was early in the morning : about the break of day


With my head on a pillow : where my goat Lord used to lay



Old Timbrook was a black horse : black as any crow
Had a white ring around his forepaw : white as any snow
Yes old Timbrook he come darting : like a bullet from a gun
And old Molly she come creeping : like a criminal to be hung
Johnny Walker Johnny Walker : Johnny Walker my dear son
Hold tight rein on Timbrook : so that horse can run
Oh the cuckoo was a fine bird : hollers when he fly
But he never hollers cuckoo : till the fourth day of July
Oh the race track it was dusty : and the wind was high
Well you couldn't see old Timbrook : as he come darting by
Oh the children they did holler : and the old folks squalled
But old Timbrook he beat Molly : to the hole in the wall
I love my race horse : likes to have my fun
Old Mrs went to the race track : and lost all her mon'




Told me late last fall : you never had no man at all
Well you got more men : than a two-ton truck can haul
Told me to my face : that a good man in my place
Told me it was early last spring : when the birds began to sing
Well it's the last chance : kid to be around here with me
I told you early last June : when the flowers began to bloom
You can't do no better : another good girl can take your room
Go and heist your window : let your curtain down
Well you can't tell : there may be some joker around
Go and put on your nightgown : baby let's we go lie down
Well it's the last chance : shaking in bed with you



Well a short-legged mama : trying to carry your daddy by
Said I want to let you know : I growed most too high
When you see your rider : out in the road
Said she's telling all her friends : that's a nineteen thirty Ford
Now she doing things : that you don't never know
Oh stop and listen : at the *one-note* how she blow
Said you sell anyone parts : make the motor go
Walk with my good girl in the daytime : walk with her at night
Said I taught my kitchen *teller* : how to treat a good man right
Way you doing me mama : says its out of sight
Said anything a kid-man do : well it bes all right
I'm going to *jack* me a picket : from my yard back fence
I'm going to start a-whooping : learn the good girl some sense
Well I do and I do : do and I do love you
Said *nothing funny* : in a state about you




A lot of these women: too lazy to put up with none of good man's dirt
But they ain't too lazy : to count his money Saturday night
I know a lazy woman : put ten dollars in a telephone
Just to tell her sweet man : her monkey-man is out and gone
When a woman's too lazy : to try and bake an apple pie
She's too lazy to live : and she's too darn lazy to die
I know you lazy women are going to *pan me* : when you hear this song
But the truth *is* ??? : and I surely have to carry it on



Lonesome lovesick blues will make you feel so lonely : when you're left all alone
Dying for some loving : and the one you love has gone
Deep down in my heart : I'm feeling blue
Lonesome and lovesick : baby just for you
When I'm alone : I moan the whole night through
I want some loving : no one but you will do
My heart is aching : breaking for some news
My heart is aching : gee I'm all confused




I said dices oh dices : please don't you three on me


I'm just as broke and hungry : as any gambler can be
My buddy played the jack : when he give me that hard-luck queen
He was one of the luckiest at cards : that a gambler have ever seen
Jack of diamonds jack of diamonds : will turn your money green
It's the luckiest card : that a gambler have ever seen
I went to gamble in Cuba : I went to gamble in Spain
Say my woman told me last night : she did not want no gambling man
I said run here baby : sit on your daddy's knee
Say I just want to show you honey : just what gambling have done for me



Get me a shotgun : and use it in the woods
I would fix you this way : that you wouldn't do no man no good
Started to kill her : and she fell down on my bed
Before *ten* this morning : you had me talking out my head
Don't the moon look pretty : shining down from that willow tree
I can see my baby : and she can't see me
Some of these menfolks : look just like my sure-to-be
If you mistreat my woman : I'm going to make you jump in the deep blue sea
Say run here woman : and see what you done done
You done started me to loving you : and now your other man done come



Well I'm going to Detroit : get myself a job
I'm tired of laying around here : working on the starvation farm
Yeah I'm going down there and get me a job : working in Mr Ford's place
Say that woman told me last night : that you cannot even stand Mr Ford's ways
Say I got me a little [low, bitty] woman : five [foot, feet] from the ground
She five foot standing : and she four feet lying down
Say I know my dog : baby if I hear him bark
And I know my woman : if I feel her in the dark
Say you better stop your woman : from smiling in my face
Woman if you keep on a-smiling : I'm sure going to take your place




One of these mornings : it won't be long
You going to look for me baby : and I will be gone


Lord I'm going to leave here walking : Lord I'm going away
But I may be back to see you : one cold rainy day
She tried to make me think : she is true to me
But she just as crooked : as she can be
I spent her money : she spent mine
She used to spend my dollars : just like she spent my dimes
That's all right : *bad luck pass on*
I'd love to go home any time : and catch another mule in my stall
I don't want no woman : that wears a number nine
I wake up in the morning : I can't tell her shoes from mine




Every night : I wander all by myself
Thinking about the woman I love : loving someone else
Boo hoo : I just can't keep from crying
I'm worried about my baby : she's on my mind
Sometimes I wonder : do she think of me
And again I wonder : if I will ever be free
I'm telling all you women : what's on my mind
I never loved one woman : no more at a time
Boo hoo : I wring my hands and cry
I'm thinking about the loving : that I let go by
Since you been gone baby : I haven't been a bit of good
Because I never get the loving : that I really should



My baby ain't good-looking : and she don't dress fine
But she gives me money : all of the time
She goes out at night : just like she's on wheels
And then I know : she's going out to rob and steal
I lay in my bed : my baby brings me my meals
What good is a woman : if she don't rob and steal
I used to live with a woman : they called her *Tilty Til*
I soon got rid of her : she couldn't rob and steal
I know : how you hungry hustlers feel
Your woman don't know how to rob : she is too doggone scared to steal






Been a poor boy : a long way from home
??? : no money to bear my fine
Lord I guess : I'll have to catch that *Frisco out*
And if that don't do : I'm going to try the woods awhile
I cried hello Central : give me your long-distance phone
I cried please ma'am : give me thirteen forty-nine



Well I'm going downtown baby : won't be gone so long
Say I'm tired and worried : about to sing this song
And I stay at home baby : you don't treat me right
The best time I have girl : when you's out of my sight
Said give me back the wig I bought you : let your head go bald
But when I first met you babe : you didn't have no hair at all



I went downtown : didn't mean no harm
Police grabbed me : right by my arm
Soon I began to kick : I began to rear
They like to throw *me* : in the air
Now ??? : was in the stand
Had them law books : in his hand
*Evil Bridges* : and Moses Brown
Am going across the street ??? : going to town



I said hey mama : I'll give you your last chance
You do the world a service : but you want to wear my pants
I said hey : what's the matter now
You just a trifling woman : don't mean me no good nohow


I give you my money : but that don't do no good
I begun ??? *to worry* : that's just what I should




Nobody knows old Naptown : baby like I do
If you will stop and listen : I will tell you a thing or two
When you get lonesome : and want to have some fun
You just grab a train : and try old Naptown some
When you get to Naptown : the blues won't last very long
Because they have their pleasure : and they sure do carry on
I would rather be in Naptown : than any place I know
I can get me a ticket : and stop by the *Walter* show
I'm going back to Naptown : baby don't you want to go
Because there ain't nobody : knows old Naptown like I know



Woke up my baby : come my love
Unlock the door : the sky's above
Are leaking : on your bed
Papa's in the rain : getting all wet
Getting all wet : getting all wet
And if I die : you will regret
Papa had : no place to go
You got a nice warm room : and so
Share it with papa : don't forget
Papa's in the rain : getting all wet
This rain ain't healthy : I've been told
Hear me cough : catching cold
Ain't no telling : what I'll get
Papa's in the rain : getting all wet
Papa's got : no coat at all
You got a raincoat : in your hall
This suit I told you : was too small
You nappy head : you knew it all
It lets me stand : but I can't sit
Papa's in the rain : getting all wet
Papa must eat : or he will die
You got pork chops: you got pie
Graveyard : is such a lonely place


Don't want dirt : thrown in my face
Pity old papa : and don't forget
Papa's in the rain : getting all wet



Mama's baking cookies : out in the kitchen
Papa smells the cookies : and his nose starts to itching
Papa tried to steal one : like he did before
But mama's got the lock : on the kitchen door
Papa says to mama : come a little closer
Mama looks at papa : says oh oh no sir
Papa turns around : starts to go away
Comes right back : when she hear him say
Papa says to mama : you a real nice-looker
You turn on the heat : like a fireless cooker
Come a little closer : in your papa's arms
Another little kiss : wouldn't do us any harm
Papa comes home : when his work is over
Mama says to papa : you sure ain't clover
Guess what I cooked : for you today
Mama just smiles : when she hear papa say



Went to the station : to get me a train
Going to climb on board : and ride again
Just climb aboard : and ride around
I might get off : at Memphis town
Shovel in the coal : see the wheels go around
Everybody's going : down to Memphis town
I said conductor : where the trains all going
I want to go see : that gal of mine
He answered me : with a railroad frown
All trains going : to Memphis town
I said what's doing : down old Memphis way
The trains all going : there today
The trainman said : there's a jubilee
And Memphis is town : that's only place for me
I said to the station man : where's my train
He said I never knowed : you own the train


I said you better answer : or I'll smack you down
He said all trains going : to Memphis town
Goodbye folks : I'm on my way
See you : on some other day
Got my ticket : here's my train
Going down to Memphis : see my gal again



I'd rather be sloppy drunk : than anything I know
And another half a pint : mama will see me go
I love my moonshine whiskey : better than a filly loves her mare
You can take your pretty bucks : give me my cool kind can
I'd rather be sloppy drunk : sitting in the can
Than to be out in the streets : running from the man
Mmm : bring me another two-bit pint
Because I got my habits on : and I'm going to wreck this joint
My gal trying quit me : for somebody else
Now I'm sloppy drunk mama : sleeping all by myself



I'm a 'fore-day rider mama : riding all night long
Anywhere I come mama : I sing my worried song
Now I'm going to leave you mama : we can't get along
Going to let you go mama : and sing my worried song
I won't carry nobody mama : I'm riding by myself
Because the 'fore-day blues : don't worry nobody else
And I rode to make you happy baby : rode all night and day
You brought me these blues mama : seems like they're going to stay



Did you ever go down : on the Mobile and K C line
I just want to ask you : did you ever see that girl of mine
I rode the Central : and I hustled the L and N
The Alabama women : they live like section men
Don't cry baby : your papa will be home some day
I've been away baby : but I did not go to stay
Don't the clouds look lonesome : across the deep blue sea


Don't my gal look good : when she's coming after me



I ain't going to be : your lowdown dog no more
You don't want me baby : down the road I'll go
Now I work hard mama : and I brought you home my pay
You say you ain't going to miss me : when I'm gone away
Ooo : ooo wee
It's a lowdown shame : the way you treat poor me
My home ain't here : I ain't compelled to stay
It's your time now : but it'll be mine some sweet day
And I ain't going to be : your lowdown dog no more
The train is at the station : my mind's made up to go



I'm going to the country : put my watch in pawn
I don't want it to tell me : that you've been gone
I had some tough luck lately : I got locked up in jail
I sat and called you baby : to come and go my bail
I'm going down to Georgia : then up to Tennessee
So look me over baby : this is the last you'll see of me
The last time I tried to love you : you were so very cold
I thought that I was standing : holding the North Pole
I can look and see the greenback : growing on that hill
But I ain't seen the greenback : on a dollar bill
I haven't any money : for a ticket on the train
But I will ride the rods baby : to be with you again



I come to your house : and knock upon your door
You had the nerve to tell me : you didn't want me no more
After all I've done : what more can I do
I gave you my love : and tried to get along with you
I fed you when you were hungry : took you in when you was outdoors
I give you my money : and even bought your clothes
I tried to treat you right : you would not pay that no mind
There ain't no more I can do : there ain't no needs in trying


I know you won't miss me : after I am gone
But always remember : that you treated your daddy wrong
Now I'm going to leave you : and do the best I can
Because you don't want me : there must be some other man



I saw your mama : in Kansas City
The way she was looking : was a doggone pity
Feet on the ground : clothes wasn't clean
Dirtiest old stuff : I ever seen
Now I got a gal : she is big as a bull
She never stops drinking : till her belly gets full
Gets full of liquor : and tries to sing
Tight like that : and shake that thing
I ask her about it : she said before long
Let's get together : because your water's on
Let's get started : be long gone
Let's get together : what you waiting on
I saw you mama : way last spring
Eyeballs shining : like a diamond ring
Staggered down the street : hollering and a-fussing
I tried to stop her : and I got a good cussing
I saw your mama : your papa too
What they was doing : just won't do
I slipped up on them : and took one look
What they was doing : wasn't in the book
If you want some loving : you want it cheap
Go down on Ellsworth : about the middle of the week
Show them girls a quarter : they won't let you go
It's four or five times : and then some more



About four this morning : blues come in my door
Please Mr blues : don't come here no more
I keep the blues all night : and the whole day through
I'm so full of blues : I don't know what to do
Well something has got to be done : to get these blues off my mind
I believe I'll get drunk : and stay drunk all the time
Well I'm going to leave you : I ain't going to sing no more


Because I'm full of blue : and I have got to go



In the wee midnight hours : long before the break of day
When the blues creep up on you : and carry your mind away
While I lay in my bed : and cannot go to sleep
While my heart's in trouble : and my mind is thinking deep
My mind was running : back to days of long ago
And the one I love : I don't see her anymore
Blues why do you worry me : why do you stay so long
You come to me yesterday : been with me all night long
I've been so worried : I didn't know what to do
So I guess that's why : I've had these midnight hour blues



You're a mean mistreating mama : and you don't mean me no good
And I don't blame you baby : I'd be the same way if I could
You say you're going to leave me : well you say you going away
That's all right baby : maybe you'll come back home some day
Now you're a mean mistreater : and you mistreats me all the time
Now I tried to love you : swear but you won't pay that no mind
Can you remember mama : in the morning I knocked upon your door
You had the nerve to tell me : that you didn't want me no more
Ain't it lonesome : sleeping all by yourself
When the one that you love : is loving someone else



Hurry down sunshine : see what tomorrow brings
May bring drops of sorrow : and it may bring drops of rain
Now I love my baby : but [she, my baby] don't love me
When I get in trouble : she is the last one that I see
Going down on the bottom : back to the Lone Star State
Stand back pretty mama : I don't want you to make me wait
So long people and sweethearts : I'll soon be on my way
Now I'm leaving this lonesome old town : now I may come back some day
Now I never got worried : until the fireman rang his bell
Two keen long whistles : bid me long farewell





Now I love my good corn liquor : and I really mean I do
Now I don't care who knows it : and I really mean that too
Now I've been drinking my good corn liquor : I mean don't no one get rough
Now I try to treat everybody right : but I mean don't start no stuff
Give me another half a pint : [and, then] maybe I'll go home
The reason why I'm getting drunk today : I swear my baby's gone
Some folks like their alcohol : but give me my corn *I believe* all the time
Reason why I love it so well : it's so soothing to my mind
So give me some more corn liquor : if I get drunk [just please, please just] take me home
I ain't going to bother nobody : just let the good times baby roll on



Nights so lonesome : and the days so long
Ain't had no loving : since you been gone
If you see my baby : tell her to hurry home
Ain't had no mmm : since she has been gone
You put the puppies on my mama : you drove me crazy too
You done made me love you : what can I do
Won't you tell my baby : to hurry back to me
She's got the best old mmm : I ever did see
Won't you tell my baby : to hurry back to me
She got the best old loving : that I ever did see
You can pull your dress babe : up above your knees
You can strut your stuff babe : but don't mess with me
You going to leave me you going to leave me : you going to leave me blue
I want some of your loving : don't care what you do



Now I've got a girl : she lives down in in Shady Lane
I love that girl : but I'm scared to call her name
It's going to be one of these mornings : swear and it won't be long
I'm going to catch the first thing smoking : and down the road I'm going
Where I long ain't here baby : it's way out in the west
In the Smoky Mountains : where the eagle builds his nest
Did you ever love a girl : a girl you hate to lose


Don't lose your temper : when you've been drinking booze



I had the blues before sunrise : with tears standing in my eyes
It's such a miserable feeling : a feeling I do despise
Seems like everybody : everybody's down on me
I'm going to cast my troubles : down in the deep blue sea
Today have been : such a long old lonesome day
I've been sitting here thinking : with my mind a million miles away
Blues starts a-rolling : and it stops at my front door
I'm going to change my way of living : ain't going to worry no more
Now I love my baby : but my baby won't behave
I'm going to buy me a hard-shooting pistol : and put her in her grave



Believe I'll take me a walk : around the corner by myself
And if I can't find my baby : I don't want nobody else
She went out last night : and she didn't even say goodbye
How come she left me : Lord I really don't know why
Now I'm going out this morning : my forty-five in my hand
Now I'm going to kill my woman : for loving another man
Then I'm going to the judge : and I'm going to fall down on my knees
Ask him please fair judge : have mercy on me please
Judge I done killed my woman : because she treated me so unkind
Treated me so unkind : till I swear I lost my mind
Well it's please please please : don't send me to the electric chair
Just give me my time : and I'll try to do it anywhere
When I'm dead and gone : and six feet in the ground
You can only say : there's a good man has gone down
Oh it looks mighty cloudy : and I believe it's going to rain
I just love to hear : my baby call my name



Now I woke up this morning : my woman was standing over me
She had a big forty-five : and she was mad as she could be
Now I prayed to my baby : and to the Lord above
Now I said honey please don't shoot me : baby you the only woman I love


She seen me with a woman : standing at her front gate
Now I tried my best to dodge her : but I was just a little too late
Now and it's please please please darling : honey please don't take my life
Because you got me all wrong baby : honey that was another man's wife



No need to ask me : why I'm packing my clothes
I'm going to leave you mama : and I really don't care who knows
Now I used to love you : but now I'm getting tired of your kind
I'm going down south : just to see what I can find
Now I may miss you : but I don't think I will
I'm going to get me a new woman : to love me till I get my fill
You mistreated me mama : you would not treat me nice and sweet
So I'm going down south : shake this dust of this town off my feet



My woman so lowdown : she barrelhouse all the time
She's low and squatty : but I love that girl of mine
When she gets up in the morning : she starts to drink her corn
Every time I think of that woman : I wished I had never been born
She struts around all day : she barrelhouses the whole night through
But when she loves me : I forget that I ever was blue
I wish that I could cure : her barrelhousing ways
And is I stay with her : I'll barrelhouse some day myself
Now I love my woman : swear that she won't act right
Gets her head full of whiskey : and wants to start a fight



Well this barrelhouse woman : what makes you so mean
Well you the meanest old woman : baby that I ever seen
You stay drunk all night : and the whole day long
Sometimes I begin to wonder : what in the world is going on wrong
Now I've told you once : ain't going to tell you no more
Now the next time you get drunk : right out my door you'll go
Now I'm going to get real mean baby : I swear I won't act right
Next time I catch you drunk : baby we going to have a fight
I don't want no barrelhouse woman : messing around with me


If you got to get drunk baby : mama please just let me be



Now I believe : I believe I'll go back home
Because this life I'm living : won't let me stay here long
His wife is gone : but she was all right with me
He would give her ninety-four dollars : and she would give me ninety-three
I believe : I believe I'll make a change
Going to turn off this gas stove : I'm bound for a brand new range



Come on boy : let's go down on Tenth Street
Some of the prettiest women down there : that you ever did meet
Now down on Smith Street : where you get your rocking rye
Boy that's what I'm talking about : and I ain't talking no lie
Now I'm got a gal : she's so sweet
Sweetest little gal : that I ever did meet
Every time I see my woman : walking down the street
Boy great big legs : and that little bitty feet
Now give me whiskey : you can give him gin
I'm going away baby : but I'll be back again
Now down on Tenth Street : boy it's a terrible mess
Boy we can have more fun down there : than any place I guess
Now I like my bucketful of beer : and I like my gin
Boy I ain't coming back here no more : with a *very win*
You hear me talking to you : you hear me talking fast
Boy you liable to slip up : and fall on your yas yas yas



Big Four blowed this morning : at the break of day
And it sounds so lonesome : because it taken my baby away
Big Four Big Four : won't you please turn your train around
Because here I sit all down and out : with my head hung down
I tried to be as good to that woman : as one man could be
And I mean it's a shame : the way she went and left poor me
Yes I'm down and out : ain't got no money to ride no train
But I'm going to find my good gal : and bring her back home again


Please Mr brakeman : won't you let a poor man ride your blinds
I'm just trying to make it : back to that gal who is worrying my mind



I'm a hard-hearted papa : there's nothing pleases me
I've had to be good long enough : now I'm going to be mean as I can be
I don't even like what I drink : my food don't taste right at all
And a lowdown no-good woman : is the cause of it all
When I tried to be soft and easy : people would not let me be
Now I'm just as mean and hateful : swear as I can be
I spent all of my money : showing my friends a great big time
Now they laugh and grin at me : because I ain't got a lousy dime
So I'm a hard-hearted papa : I've done changed my ways
And I think they will stay changed : for the rest of my days



You left me crying baby : please come back to me
And you know I've done all baby : I've been as good as I could be
Why did you go : and leave me cold in hand
I know what it's all about : it was on account of your other man
Now I can't sleep at night : there's rocks all in my bed
Because I ain't got you pretty mama : to hold my aching head
I'm going to buy me a shiny pistol : I'm coming after you
I ain't going to let you : treat me just like you do
So watch your step mama : you know what you've done
If you don't come back to me : hot spring water won't help you none



Minutes seem like hours : and hours seem like years
Since I've had these blues : I just can't keep from shedding tears
I'm going to tell everybody : what my good gal done to me one day
She put me out and broke my heart : just to pass the time away
Now I ain't got no money : and I ain't got nowhere to stay
But that's all right baby : if you want to turn me away
You know I work hard baby : and I brung you home my check
Now I ain't never loved no woman : like I loved you yet



You evil-hearted woman : you got a heart like a stone
You don't mean me no good : so I leave you alone
You used to be sweet : but you ain't sweet no more
You want to leave me alone : and stay away from my door
You're just like a rattler : you always ready to bite
So I'm going to get me a good woman : who will treat me right
Yes you're evil : just as evil as you can be
I don't want you to cook for me no more : because you might poison me
So be on your way evil-hearted woman : and stay away from my door
I done took your foolishness long enough : and I don't want you no more



Women if you got a good man : give him three good meals every day
If you don't : some other woman is going to tow your man away
I've got so many women : that I don't care when one dies
I don't even weep : I don't even cry
Some men crave high yellow : but give me black or brown
Because I can't tell the difference : when the sun goes down
Blacker the berry : sweeter is the juice
I got a good black woman : and I ain't going to turn her loose
They say black is evil : and they don't mean you no good
But I would not quit my black woman : baby if I could
I've got a good black gal : I've got a good black gal
She's my buddy : and I swear she is my pal



Whiskey is my habit : good women is all I crave
And I don't believe in two things : will carry me to my grave
I'm going to Louisiana : where I can drink and have my fun
I can't stay here much longer : because my time has just about come
When you see me leaving baby : don't you wear no black
You see your loving daddy : walking down some lonesome railroad track
When I was a hustler : I'm in my prime
I would drink good whiskey : and gamble all the time





She ain't good-looking : but the good gal do go clean
And I'm crazy about my baby : though she is so mean
My gal got arrested : and they put her in the county jail
They fined her eleven twenty-nine : and they even allowed her no bail
Now I'm going to see that judge : and talk to him myself
Tell him that he sent my gal to the county road : and left me by myself
Now I never felt so sorry : till the people walked down the lane
And my heart struck sorrow : when they called my good gal's name
And I heard the jailor say hello : prisoners all fall in line
I'm also talking about that long-chain woman : that got eleven twenty-nine
I've got the blues so bad : that I just can't rest
I'm going to ask that jailor : can I do my good gal's time myself



Now you got me grieving mama : over nobody else but you
Yes you got me grieving mama : I really mean that's true
I'm not going to worry : in my life no more
If you want to leave me : you can go
Now you got me grieving mama : over nobody else but you
Yes you got me grieving mama : I love no one else but you
I woke up this morning : didn't find you there
Wondering what man : had his hand running down through your hair down there
But I'm not going to cry : I'm not going to sigh
You going to leave me : bye bye bye



She's got a bed in her bedroom : it shines like a morning star
When it starts to rocking : it looks just like a Cadillac car
Baby baby baby : you had better get your back yard cleaned
Because you *better* cook the best old corn bread : a poor man ever seen
Get your red ripe tomato : and your T-bone steak
And if you fix it like I like it : I will get you a new V-Eight
I like it early in the morning : I've got to have it late at night
I don't want you to fix it : if you don't fix it right
I smell your cabbage burning : baby turn your good bread around
Because in your kitchen baby : it's where the good stuff can be found



Times is done got so tight : so I'm going to rob and steal
It's done got so tight : a man can't get a decent meal
I ain't got no shoes : and I ain't got no clothes
The house rent man : has done put my things outdoors
It was thundering out and lightning : oh Lord how it did rain
But somehow : I'm going to get even with that house rent man
I've done got evil : and I've done got mean
And when I start to stealing : I'm going to pick the rounders clean



I'm longing for my sugar : and I don't want no one else
And I don't miss her so much : until I'm all by myself
Now I knowed when I quit her : I was doing wrong
Now I've got trouble on my mind : it's trying to get her back home
I'm going to pay the boss : and get my check-card today
And give it to my sugar : if she'll come back home to stay
Fussing and fighting : ain't no way to get along
This done caused me a world of trouble : and broke up my happy home
I can't work in the daytime : I can't sleep a wink at night
Thinking the woman that I love : ain't been treated right



I'm going to get me a brand new [shiny] pistol : with a long shiny barrel
I'm going to ramble this town over : until I find my girl
I'm going to go to the station : and try to find her there
And if the Lord has not got her : she's in this world somewhere
She left me with a head full of trouble : and a head full of misery
And now she's got me crying : baby please come back home to me
My mother told me : don't you weep don't you moan
Because son there'll be women here : when you dead and gone
When I get through rambling : and looking this whole world through
I won't be dead with trouble : you know I died to *lose*





Now I'm down and out : ain't got no friends around
I'm going from door to door : everybody turns me down
Now my woman treats me : [just] like I'm a motherless child
She's always squabbling : she don't give me a ??? smile*
Now here I am people : out in the ice and snow
My clothes all in pawn : ain't got nowhere to go
She said she liked my music : but my tune's too short
But if she gets long winded player : she's sure to get caught
Now babe I can't help it : if I can't play long
I'm just a little skinny fellow : and a player is strong



If somebody finds me : when I'm dead and gone
Say I did self-murder : I died with my boots on
Took me a Smith and Wesson : and blew out my brains
I didn't take no poison : I couldn't stand the strain
No I ain't no coward : and I'll tell you why
I was just tired of living : but wasn't afraid to die
Take me to the graveyard : put me in the ground
Please write on my tombstone : my woman threw me down
In my farewell letter : someone's sure to find
Goodbye old cruel world : I'm glad I left you behind




Rising river blues : running by my door
They running sweet mama : like they have not run before
I got to move in the alley : I ain't allowed on your street
These rising river blues : sure have got me beat
Come here sweet mama : let me speak my mind
*If you need to talk* : take a long long time



Jellyroll jellyroll : you can eat it on the fence
If you don't go get it : you ain't got no sense
Talking about my jelly : about my sweet jellyroll
When you take my jelly : mama can't keep you at home
Can make a blind man see : a lame man walk


It make a deaf woman hear : and a little baby talk
Now tell all you people : what jellyroll done done
Made grandma : marry her youngest grandson
Jellyroll is a thing : a man won't do without
He'll ??? *things* ??? : if the people *put him out*
I went up on the mountain : looked down in the sea
A good-looking woman : winked her eye at me
If you don't believe : my jellyroll will do
You can ask anybody : on Auburn Avenue




You know I use plenty grease : every day
But I ain't did no frying : while you was away
My frying pan was on the stove : getting hot
I said sweet papa : put some grease in my pot




Don't leave me *don't you* babe : all my clothes in pawn
I mistreated you baby : and I know I was wrong
I gave you all my love : still you were unsatisfied
But my love for you baby : is all gone and died
??? baby : you can't have this town
I'm leaving here baby : *feel no urge of backing down*
When I call you babe : you refuse to come
Hot spring waters : they won't help you none
Some day baby : when I'm dead and gone
You're going to hear : this old lonesome song




I am an old bumblebee : a stinger just as long as my arm
I stings every good-looking woman now : everywhere I goes along
Says as I fly around now : I makes a beautiful song
And everywhere I sting a good-looking woman : says I'll sure find me a home
Now I'm an old bumblebee : just dropped in your town
It ain't none of these women : turn this old bumblebee down
They crying come here bumblebee : you know you know your stuff
And you sting you old bumblebee : your old stinger just long enough


Mmm : what's going become of me
Every time I need stinging now : I get those long-stinger bumblebees
Says when I get to stinging them : I sting just like I should
And they all crying old bumblebee : you know it hurts so good



I'm a ramrodding daddy : I stays up on Main Street
I keeps my gun loaded : for every good-looking woman I meet
I'm a ramrodding daddy : Lord my rod is long and slim
And every time I load a gun for a woman : you know it's too tight Jim
I'm a ramrodding daddy : I rams as I walk along
Every time I use my ramrod : I surely will win a home
I want all you women : you better bear this in mind
A good ramrodding daddy : these days is hard to find
When I get to use my ramrod : I sure Lord take my time
It ain't no other ramrodding daddy : can put his load below where I put mine



I done told you told you : I told you too
Quit having liquor : and gambling too
A-look a-here baby : you [going, traveling] too fast
The law going to step : on your yas yas yas
Now you can twist you can twist : you can step on its tail
You going to need somebody : to go your bail
Now you may think : that they doing you wrong
But they'll send you : to the county farm
Now if you want : to leave from home
Walk around : with a bottle of corn
Now I told you told you : like a friend
You better draw : your business in



It makes no difference : baby where you go
I got something : want you to know
Every time I come : and feel your arms
It makes my feeling : just get all wrong
It is tomorrow : it's early or late


I want you baby : give me a date
You's a red-hot mama : meat shakes on the bone
Thinks about your loving : baby when you gone
Every time : meet you on the street
A funny feeling : my head to my feet
But your arms around me : baby like you should
I'm telling you baby : your loving is good
I'm going to hug you : baby good and tight
Now love me baby : like you done last night



Baby I want you to know : babe I want you to know
That way you been doing : Lord baby don't you do it no more
Babe I want you to know : honey I want you to know
That the way you been giving : Lord baby don't you give it no more
Because I'm a stranger here : just dropped in your town
Ain't none of these women : Lord turn me down
They want you to understand : honey want you to understand
I don't mean you no more good : now please get you another man



Bo Carter is a man : broadcasts all over this land
And he takes women from their men : Lord just any old place he lands
When I get to use my broadcaster : it goes all around and around
And when the women receiving you : they'll sure to put their men all down
When you turn your radio light on baby : you look right in Bo Carter's face
But you neither not worry : I'm going to surely broadcast for you some day
The men can always tell : when Bo Carter has hit this land
Says the women they all start : says a-really mistreating all their men
They give their women their money : they really buy them the clothes
But to that broadcasting Bo Carter : their women they are bound to go



I don't want no more navy beans : boys I don't want no more
I don't want no more navy beans : they're about to make my stomach sore
I ate them last night : and the night before
When I got through : I couldn't shut my door


I don't want no more pinto beans : boys I don't want no more
I don't want no more pinto beans : they about to make my stomach sore
I ate them last night : and the night before
When I got through : I had to scrub my floor
I don't want none of them *favor* beans : boys I don't want no more
I don't want none of them *favor* beans : they about to make my stomach sore
I ate them last night : and the night before
Get in the luck : I ain't going to eat no more
I don't want none of them *quinto* beans : boys I don't want no more
I don't want none of them *quinto* beans : they about to make my stomach sore
I ate them last night : and the night before
Run to the little house in the back : couldn't shut the door



When a man gets the blues : he sure will run around
And when a woman gets the blues : she try to put her sweety down
Let me tell you one thing : man don't you never do
Don't you never let your woman : know her bad ways is worrying you
Listen here sweet babe : one thing I want you to know
If I don't do to suit you : I'm really going to let you go
One more thing : I really want you to understand
If I don't love to suit you : you can get you another man
You can call me dirty : or any old thing you please
But some day baby : you really need my little aid



These times now : ain't suiting me
*Account it* : costing a dollar three
Old Aunt Martha : live behind the jail
A sign on the wall : saying liquor for sale
I never seen : the likes since I been born
The women got the sales tax : on the South End home
You used to buy it : for a dollar round
Now sales tax is on it : all over town
I'm as loving : as a woman can be
The stuff I've got : will cost you a dollar and three
Now you may take me : to be a fool
Everything is sold : by the government rule



Now listen here sweet baby : I never have been down
But I can roll your lemon better : than any man in this town
Baby please let me roll your lemon : and squeeze it the whole night long
Oh let me squeeze and roll your lemon : oh baby until your good juice come
There's some say your juice is sour : baby can't you see
But your juice baby : is plenty sweet enough for me
Now I just squeeze your lemon : baby one time
I believe it'll give me ease : baby all up in my mind
Says I come down last night : half past ten
I want to roll your lemon baby : soon as I got in
Says I woke up this morning : half past four
I want to roll your lemon baby : just before I go



Now don't you hear me mama : I'm begging at your door
Now I'm begging now mama : don't treat me this way no more
Says I'm here begging mama : down on my bended knees
I'm begging now mama : don't treat me this way no more if you please
Says [can't, don't] you hear me mama : rapping on your back door
But if I get what I want mama : I won't rap no more
Now don't you hear me mama : howling at your door
But if you give me what I want mama : you won't hear me rap no more
Now listen here mama : treat me in a lowdown way
But if I get what I want mama : you'll see me walk away
I'm at your door howling : like an old tomcat
But most any man now : will howl about something like that



Now listen here sweet baby : please listen to me
I know that your loving : is the best that I ever seen
Now listen here sweet baby : I really can't understand
Thinking about your loving : mixed with some other man





Now listen here women : I want you to know
I've got a new woman : just to roll my dough
She roll me every morning : she roll me every night
She never like to roll me : unless she roll me just right
Now listen here baby : I want you to know
It's no other woman : can do my rolling like you
She shook me this morning : at half past one
Oh wake up daddy : rolling must go on
She shook me again : at half past two
Oh wake up daddy : rolling ain't near through
She don't roll it too high : or either too low
She roll it good and easy : and it ain't too slow



Now I ain't no butcher : no butcher's son
I can do your cutting : until the butcher man comes
Now I ain't no plumber : no plumber's son
I can do your screwing : till the plumber man comes
Now I ain't no miller : no miller's son
I can do your grinding : till the miller-man comes
Now I ain't no milkman : no milkman's son
I can pull your titties : till the milkman comes
Now I ain't no spring-man : no spring-man's son
I can bounce your springs : till the spring-man comes
Now I ain't no auger-man : no auger-man's son
I can bore your hole : till the auger-man comes



I asked my good girl : to feed me some
She said wait : until my dinner get on
Dinner got on : and she fed me some
Now you know : we're carrying the good work on
I asked the good girl : to give me some
She said wait : until my dinner get on
Dinner got on : and she give me some
Now you know : we're carrying the good work on
I asked the good girl : to squeeze me some
She said wait : until my dinner get on
Dinner got on : and she squeezed me some


Now you know : we're carrying the good work on
I asked the good girl : to kiss me some
She said wait : until my dinner get on
Dinner got on : and she kissed me some
Now you know : we're carrying the good work on
I asked the good girl : to love me some
She said wait : until my dinner get on
Dinner got on : and then she love me some
Now you know : we're carrying the good work on



Says now come over here sweet baby : because I'm all alone
Haven't got nobody : just to carry my smoking on
Won't you just draw on my cigarette : smoke it the whole night long
Just draw on my cigarette baby : until you make my good ashes come
Now I got to go up the country : just to get my cigarette boiled
The women around this place : going to let my cigarette spoil
I come over here sweet baby : just to get my ashes hauled
Lord the women at the other place : going to let my ashes spoil
Here's one thing I want you to know : before you leave from home
My cigarette ain't too big : and you know it ain't too long



Oh pussy cat pussy cat : where you been so long
Says I been around *the curve* : see could I find old Tom
Says pussy cat pussy cat : you couldn't not wait
You's afraid : old Tommy's going to make you late
Oh pussy cat pussy cat : what you whine all night
Says ain't old Tommy : doing you just right
Says the old cats and the kittens : is sitting in the sun
Says the old cats coughed : and the kittens all run
Says the little bitty kittens : come out the door a-saying
Baby I hear mama coughing : it's bound to be a *ben*
She dug a hole : with her right hand
And she buried her *corky* : down in the sand
Old Tom and old pussy cat : playing seven up
Old pussy turned the joker : and picked the money up
They had a mighty fight : and not much of a race
Old Tommy scratched pussy : in a dangerous place


Says the little bitty kittens : says papa Uncle Bud
Says all around your mouth : is something like mud



Says my baby got something : I don't know what it is
I mean every time she love me: and you know I can't be still
She got something : like a stingaree
She can stand in Melford : man and put the check on me
What she got : is really surprise
I mean what she got man : surely will hypnotize
She told me things : that was a fact
She said man if you ever love me : you surely will trot along back
She got something : that I really do love
It ain't in her stockings : and you know it's just above
I told her things : that I wanted her to und
Says I want you to come : and do my loving in my own home



Now listen here men : what Bo Carter say for you to do
Says don't you never let none of these old trifling women : man never worry you
I mean they'll keep you worried : they'll bother you all the time
Says they'll take some other man and leave you : after you give them your last dime
I mean they'll fuss and squabble : man the whole night through
Just let you know they want some other man now : go in the bed in the place of you
Says when you say you going to leave them : they'll beg you the whole night long
Says they'll tell you that they're going to do better : they'll swear they going to stay home
Now just listen here men : want you take Bo Carter's advice
Just learn to live a bachelor : then you play safe the first



Go down the river : there's something new
It ain't nothing to it : it ain't hard to do
Now listen here baby : this is coming to a test
We going to see : who can double in a knot the best
Now listen here baby : this ain't no fun
Double in a knot : you'll always get my mon'
Say you double in a knot : is the way


You can't make no money : laying straight these days
You can double in a knot : or you can let it be
You want to : hold your man you see
Now listen here baby : bear this in mind
You double in a knot right : you'll always have a dime
Says the women these days : trying to learn something new
See if they can : take your man from you



Baby don't put no more baking powder : in your bread you see
Because you [two] biscuits : is plenty tall enough for me
Baby I don't want no more sugar : in your jellyroll you see
Because your jellyroll : is plenty sweet enough for me
Some men like lunch meat : and some they likes old tongue
Some men don't care for biscuits : they like the doggone big fat bun
Says some men you know they're straight : some crooked as a barrel of snakes
Some men don't like bun and biscuits : like the doggone flat batter cake



Little boy little boy : who made your britches
Oh mama cut them out : daddy runned the stitches
Little girl little girl : who made your dress
Hey mama cut it out : and daddy done the rest
Soo cow : don't you buck your eye
I got to have the milk today : to make me a pie
Soo cow : won't you back your leg
I got to have that milk today : to make my bread



Say you laying around here sweet baby : your face full of frowns
Must I keep dealing : must I shuck them on down
Baby must I keep dealing : or must I shuck them on down
Baby I done quit dealing : I got to shuck them on down
Now here's one thing sweet baby : I really want you to know
You can push you can pull : don't you tear my clothes
Now there's two big cars : rolling side and side
You got my good girl : guess you satisfied


Now there's a big T for Texas : T for Tennessee
T for the girl : she didn't care for me
Says I went up to the station : looks up on the board
There's a good time here : better one around the road



Baby who been here : since your daddy been gone
Says he must have been a preacher daddy : had a long coat on
Baby who been here : since you daddy been gone
I don't know who the man was daddy : had a derby on
Baby who been here : since you daddy been gone
Says he must have been a jellybean : had long shoes on
Baby preacher's on the pulpit : just trying to save souls
And his daughter's out on the highway corner : selling sweet jellyroll
And the preacher's in the pulpit : jumping up and down
And the sisters back in the amen corner : their southern bound



Baby I got the whiskey : and you got the gin
Let's both baby drink : and get drunk again
Hey whiskey : uh what you say gin
Let's both baby drink : and get drunk again
It don't make me no difference : how drunk you may be
Since you don't hold back baby : honey in loving me
Hey I got the washboard : and you got the tub
Let's put them together : baby and we'll rub-a-dub-dub
Hey washboard : what you say tub
Let's put them together : baby and we'll rub-a-dub-dub
It don't make me no difference : how tired you may be
Since you don't hold back baby : honey in rubbing with me



Baby I say you going to need : my little help some old lonesome day
But it will be too late sweet baby : your daddy will be gone away
But I mean that's all right now baby : honey now that's all right for you
You got me here in all this lowdown trouble : baby and this lowdown way that you do



Go back old devil : and look up on your shelf
And get you soap and water : and bathe your dirty self
I beat my baby : man with a rope and a line
- : until she went stone blind
Some lowdown scoundrel : been fishing in my pond
Catching all my game fish : and grinding up their bones
What you want with a woman : man and she can't rob and steal
You don't need no man baby : don't know you in the dark when he feel



I says he's a country man : but that fool done moved to town
He really done sold his cotton : and now he's walking around
He's got the women : all calling him their old sugar pie
But now that country fool is broke : and they calling him the old country guy
He really wore a hole : in the bottom of his last pair of shoes
And his pants behind is hollering : I got those raggedy-holey blues
He's got to rob and steal : don't he got to leave out of this man's town
Know he'll say going back to the country : going to sow some more cotton seed down



Baby I'll split your kindling : you know I'll bellow your fire
I will pack your water : from the boggy bayou
Hey now tell me sweet baby : who may your manager be
Before many more questions : won't you please make arrangements for me
Your hair so doggone curly : and your eyes ain't blue
That's why sweet baby : I'm making a fool about you
Says I ain't good-looking : baby I don't dress fine
When you come to loving : I'll pacify your mind
Here's another little thing baby : want you to bear in mind
When I get my pay check: I give you my last dime
I wished I was like a little fish : in the deep blue sea
So a woman like you : could take a little fish at me





I taken my baby : to the candy stand
She got stuck : on the candy man
I taken my baby : to the candy stand
She got a fool : about the candy man
I taken my baby : to the peanut stand
She got a fool : about the old [nut, peanut] man
I taken my baby : to the banana stand
She got a fool : about the banana man
I taken my baby : to the whiskey stand
She fell on her face : about the whiskey man
I taken my baby : to the whiskey stand
She fell out : about the whiskey man
I taken my baby : to the money stand
She fell on her face : about the moneyman



Hey I wonder : where is that policy right man [at] now
I done lose all my money shooting craps : and I can't win no money nohow
I'm going to put my last dime : on the twenty thirty and the little old ten
Because they tell me that's my baby's initial : and it ought bring my money back home again
I'm going to play them straight across : man you know [I'm playing, I got] them straight down
Now policy man my number's done come out : bring me twenty-seven dollars on around
I'm going to put a four bit piece : back on the twenty thirty and the little old ten
And if them numbers come out man : it'll bring my money back right again
Policy man if my numbers come out : don't fool around on the street
Just cut across on St Lawrence Avenue : and bring my money on home to me



Now it don't make no difference sweet little old honey : a-how you trying to carry on
A-what you trying to do to me honey : I happen to have it in my bag
Now it don't make a bit of difference with me honey : things you trying to do to me
A-what you trying to do to me honey : I happen to have it in my bag
Now you may go honey you may go : you may stray all alone
But one of these days now little old sweet honey : you'll be out of house and home
Now you trying to do little dirty things honey : and keep it out of your daddy's sight
You fool right around now little old honey : and let me catch you dead to the right






I've had a funny feeling : all day and all night
Somehow here : I don't be treated just right
I ain't going to stay here today : if I have to walk
Ever since I been here : it's been the whole town's talk
I don't seem happy no more : I done got it bad
Thinking of the money : that I once have had
Now when you lose your money : don't lose your mind
If you lose your good girl : there's no use a-crying
I've had so much trouble : I've take it for my name
If you ever have trouble : man I want you to do the same
You will think : you left trouble all behind
Get well away from home : then it will roll across your mind



Made a date today : early or late
My baby got movements : like a old Cadillac Eight
I go away : I won't stay long
Thinking about that sweet thing : I've left at home
My baby loves me : tried to treat me right
Gives me her loving : both day and night
My baby says one thing : I know it is true
Can't have another man : and be good to you
Up in Chicago : long way from home
Wanted somebody else : carry my loving on
I'm going home : if I had a lock and key
To keep these men : from stealing my loving from me



Please baby please baby : won't you come back to your daddy one more time
You know baby you know baby : when I get my money will give you my last dime
When you left me babe : you left me feeling so blue
You know babe : I didn't love no one but you
I'm so blue baby I'm so blue baby : I can't sleep for drinking hardly talk for crying
You know baby you know baby : you are always forever on my mind
You know baby : I can't sleep at night


I go to take my meals : and can't eat a bite




I walked into a beer tavern : to give a girl a nice time
I had forty-five dollars when I entered : when I left I had one dime
Wasn't that a beer-drinking woman : don't you know man don't you know
She was a beer-drinking woman : I don't want to see her no more
When I spent down to my last dime : she said darling I know you're not through
I told her yes baby doll : and the diploma belongs to you
She'd often say excuse me a minute : I've got to step around here
And every time she'd come back : she'd say daddy buy me another quart of beer
I said got to step off baby : are there anything if she like
She said daddy I'll keep this table : if you promise me you'll be back
I said I'm sorry baby : but I only have one more dime
She said daddy buy me a small bottle of beer : so I can concentrate my mind



I got wise to you baby : after so many years
Once you had me worried : always shedding tears
But no : all over now
I just found out baby : you don't mean no good nohow
I tried to make things happy : so we could live a happy life
But darling after all I done : you wouldn't treat me right
People used to ask you was I your husband : you would gladly tell them no
Every time we'd get home : you said daddy I love you so
Now you want to come back baby : since you realized yourself
That I would treat you better : anybody else



My name is Memphis Slim : they call me the grinder man
If you be my customer : I'll let you have it on a easy plan
I do my ramming at midnight : and I don't be seen in the day
When everything is quiet and easy : Mr grinder can have his way
I got so many customers : it takes me a week to get around
But you need not be uneasy baby : Mr grinder won't let you down
If you want to see me baby : you better see me while you can
Because I'm a very busy fellow : you know they call me the grinder man





My room was empty : and my woman was gone
I didn't have a nickel : and all my clothes in pawn
I asked my next-door neighbor : which a-way did my baby go
She said she left for the border : down in old Mexico
I find a note on the floor : it almost send me off in a trance
She said it's nothing that you done : I'm just leaving in advance
It's so hard when a woman leave you : and she leave you on a *goon*
You come home feeling very happy : and find only a empty room



I've got something to tell you baby : don't let it break your heart
So long together : now we've got to part
Because I'm tired : of fattening frogs for snakes
After these long many years : believe I just see my great mistake
You told me that you loved me : say you love me all your life
I caught you around the corner : telling that same lie twice
Once I used to love you : I couldn't help myself
Found out : you given your love baby to somebody else
Now listen little girl : you don't worry my mind anymore
Found out you acting funny : I'm sure going to let you go



Now I love to sing : that good old Taylor blues
When we want a drink : I swear we just can't lose
Now you see [Mr Melrose, that man] : standing in the floor
He going to give us a little drink : just before he go



I believe I'll marry : I believe I'll settle down
Lord I'm tired of being a rambler : my last trip of running around
Lord I wonder : will she ever call my name
Now if she don't love me no more : peoples ain't that a crying shame
They tell me marriage is a sweet life : I believe I'll try it myself


Lord I wonder : will she ever think of me
I'm sitting with my head bended down : and tears falling on my knee



How he's got a gal : she's shaped like a hog
Her voice remind me : of an awful dog
Her hair look just like : a chinchilla coat
You get close up on her : she smells just like a goat
You know she's smelling : got B O all the time
And she thinks soap and water : is a doggone crime
Now her ears are so long : her nose so flat
Her head so big : she can't wear no hat
Now her dogs are swollen : and she got one eye
She looks like a wreck : that happened last July
She's a ugly : got B O all the time
And she thinks soap and water : is a doggone crime
Now she must have been : her mother's only child
She should be a gorilla : because she sure is wild
Got ways like a monkey : as sly as a fox
She should be in a chain-gang : breaking up rocks
Now she got legs like a needle : she ain't got no chin
She's a beautiful woman : for the shape she's in
Her feet look like swings : way out on a limb
That's why : her mother put her off on him
Because she's buggish : she's got B O all the time
And she thinks soap and water : is a doggone crime



Now you may be sweet little woman : as an apple on a tree
Don't want no woman : to *lay* up and depend on me
Now if I'm the Pullman porter girl : you got to be the maid
So when every Saturday comes : we both can get paid
Now when I go to bed little girl : and lay beside of you
Now if I shake the cover : please try to shake it too
Now there's no such thing : as man and wife nowadays
We'll just call partners : so you cannot get sold for slaves





Woman you been having your way : and you don't want to see me have mine
So there's no getting along : we're just two of the same old kind
I tried to make things happy : and your life I tried to let you enjoy
But you tell me you your mother's baby girl : do you realize I'm my mother's baby boy
Around home you was just a spoiled one : and what you said it had to be
But do you know that's the same old story : little girl really go for me
Since we are just two babies : darling why can't we agree
I'll talk baby-talk to you : if you'll talk baby-talk to me



Now once I lived a life : of a millionaire
I was spending plenty of money : and I didn't bit more care
I was taking my boy friend out : for a good time
Buying him champaign whiskey : and sometime wine
But somehow or other : Lord my money ran low
Well well and I couldn't find a friend : I declare nowhere I go
Now if I ever get hold : to a dollar again
People I'm going to squeeze on to it : until the eagle grins
Now you got to be *deep* born blind : and cannot see
Both legs cut off : above your knee
All this must happen : and then I must agree
And then I said maybe boy friend : you can borrow a dime from me
Now you must not have : a tooth in your head
Get a letter from home : some of your folks is dead
Bring me the Titanic : that sailed the sea



Everybody wants to know : how do Memphis slim get by
Well but it ain't but three in my family : that's me myself and I
Now my mother she told me : son just don't lead a doggone mule
She said son have good manners : learn to paddle your own canoe
Even my woman she asked me : daddy do you really love me
I said maybe some day baby : but now my love is just for three
She said daddy who is it please : with tears standing in her eye
I said baby at this particular time : it's just me myself and I





I've been out all day : drinking both whiskey and gin
Now if you catch me sober : please make me drunk again
I'm not drinking because I'm thirsty : neither because I'm blue
I've just got to stay drunk woman : to try to get along with you
Whiskey make me stagger and stumble : fall down and scar my chin
I know you ain't no good Mr whiskey : but I got to try you again
I'm drunk Monday Tuesday and Wednesday : Thursday Friday and Saturday too
I'm supposed to get drunk on a Sunday : as I have nothing else to do
Good whiskey good whiskey : is all in the world I crave
I'm going to drink good whiskey : the rest of my doggone days



I'm down now baby : I'll be up some day
And I won't have to put up : with your evil ways
But there's a day coming baby : you going to worry too
Lord and I won't have to put up : with the lowdown way you do
You know I done : woman all in this world I could
But I found out baby : you didn't mean no good
You know I loved you : babe you breaking my heart
It hurts me so bad : for us to part
Now I'm not going to worry : my sweet life no more
You been making your tip woman : I'm going to let you go
So bye bye babe : if you call it gone
I know it's going to worry me : but it won't last long



Here I am : head over heels in love again
Besides the woman was my mother : and that's where love begins
I used to be a playboy : I played out both night and day
But since I met Miss *Lamar* : she have made me change my ways
Oh yes woman : you've caught the old coon at last
But I just hope I'll be happy with my future : as I am with my present and past
Now I love the life I'm living : and I'm living the life I love
Woman I don't believe I could be any happier : if I were living in heaven above





Now lend me your love : baby please lend me your love
I know you hear me keep moaning : just like Noah's dove
You got a mortgage on my love : you know there really is no doubt
But some day I'm going to find another woman : is going to buy your love mortgage out




Down on Number Nine : where the M and M men go
Every day : to have a real good time
If you want some fun : and a real nice time
You better join the boys and girls : down on old Number Nine
Do that dance : they call the bedspring *pop*
You can shut your eyes : begin reel and rock
All you've got to do : is take your time
Drink good whiskey : gin and wine



You can go to the ocean : you can go to the deep blue sea
But you can't find nobody : going to treat you like poor me
You can spend my money : you can pawn my *sicking* clothes
Catch you stooping : I'm going to let your meat outdoors
Well the sun's going down : mama you know what you promised me
Midnight supper : and my 'fore-day tea
Leaving your town : mama and I sure don't want to go
But to keep down trouble : mama guess I better go




If you ever been down mama : you know just how I feel
Just like a broke down engine : ain't got no driving wheel
Easy mama : somebody knocking at my door
It may be my yellow woman : mama you sure don't know
I love you pretty mama : I tell the world I do
I'm going to love you mama : till my dreams come true
If you want me to love you mama : have to do like Jesse James
Go out on some railroad track : and rob your daddy a passenger train





I'm worried today mama : but I won't be worried long
I'm going to catch me a freight train : and I'm going to be long long gone
My woman got a bed mama : shine just like the morning star
When me and her get to laying in it : it ride like a Cadillac car
I'm going back south mama : way down in Tennessee
Know the woman I love : she sure was good to me
I cried last night mama : and I cried the night before
I ain't going to let you mistreat me mama : so I won't have to cry no more




It is up to you baby : do anything that you want to do
*So long as I can get ??? : get back out of you*
You ought to be grateful daddy :
You are three times seven : you know just what you want to do



I'm worried now : and I won't be worried long
If he don't come to see me : you can count the days I'm gone
Some sweet day : I say it's after a while
You having a good time now : but your troubles will be after a while
When I leave this town : don't pin black crepe on my door
I won't be dead baby : but I ain't coming back here no more
I want all of you women : to strictly understand
If you don't want no trouble : please don't you worry my man



I can't sleep for dreaming : and I can't stay awake for crying
Cried the man I love : said he's traveling on the line
If my man could holler : like the Bob Lee Junior blows
I would follow my daddy : most everywhere he goes
And I asked the conductor : to let me ride the blinds
He said buy you a ticket : you know this train ain't mine
Oh I hate the train : that carried my man away
But the same train carried him : going to bring him back some day






The train I ride : burn no coal at all
But the *doggone engine* : pull my *Texas haul*
I'm going away : to wear you off my mind
Keep me worried : bothered all the time
I hate to see : the evening sun go down
Make me feel : that I'm on my last go-round
My mama told me : papa told me too
Don't you let no woman : make a fatmouth out of you
I'm leaving here : crying won't make me stay
The more you cry : the further I'm going away
Train's down here : track's all out of line




Mistreat me baby : mistreat your only friend
Mistreat me baby : sure going to do it again
I'm going to the river : sit right on the ground
If the blues overtake me : jump overboard and drown
Going to buy a shotgun : long as I am tall
I'm going to shoot my baby : just to see her fall




Oh now it's loving : really really wor-worrying me
And that cruel-hearted loving : it's going to be the death of me
Prison : sure don't want to make it my home
I'm a good-hearted poor boy : just a long way from home
Tell me cruel-hearted mama : what's on your hard-hearted mind
Say you keep me in trouble : so worried and bothered all the time
And I love my little baby : tell you just how I know
I will work rob and steal for her : baby in the frosty snow
And it's blues : woke me for my telephone
I got a long-distance call from my baby : daddy I ain't coming back home
The two women I'm loving : they keep bothering my heart
That's one in Cincinnati : my Waco wife that broke my heart
Tell me cruel-hearted mama : what you want your daddy to do


I'd rather see you murder me : baby and to leave me too
And I'm going away : little baby crying it won't be long
Said take your Bible pretty mama : and read the days your daddy's gone



I got the Niagara Falls blues : pretty mama keeps a-worrying you
And those Niagara Falls blues pretty mama : going to be the death of you
I walked down my pantry : I walked back up my hall
I stuck my head over the transom : another mule was in my stall
I got the blues so bad : that it hurts my tongue to talk
I got the blues so bad : that it hurts my baby's feet to walk
Now it's run to your window : heist your shade up high
It's stick your head out the window : see the worried blues pass by
I looked down the lonesome road pretty mama : far as I could see
Another man had my wife : and I swear the Niagara blues had me
I got the blues in a bottle : got the rattlesnake in my hand
How can I live in this world babe : my baby with another man
Now it's run here sweet mama : I'm [about to, certainly going to] get you told
You ain't the onliest woman in Cincinnati : got such a loving jellyroll
And I woke up this morning : my pillow slip wringing wet
I looked around for my baby : daddy I can't use you yet




If you ever been down mama : you know just how [I, a prisoner] feel
I ain't got nobody on the outside : *to play in the field*
And I laid in prison : my face turned to the wall
Says a no-good crow-jane woman : was the cause of it all
And it's a many old day : I drop my weary head and cry
I did not have no blues : but little mama just wasn't satisfied
It's pull on your race horse : bet on your derby too
I ain't got nobody in this world : will do love me true
And I locked in the death cell : and drop my weary head and cried
I told the sing sing prison board : this ain't like being outside
And if if hadn't been for you little mama : I wouldn't not been here
I drinking wine and whiskey : mama and your home-brewed beer






When a man gets in trouble : every woman throws him down
I'm so worried : don't know what to do
I waked up this morning : mama feeling sad and blue
Because my woman had done quit me : didn't have nowhere to go
Hey hey : hey hey hey
When I'm in my good whiskey : this is the way I sing my blues



Says there's no more good water : because this pond is dry
I walked down to the river : then turned around and run
If the fishes in the water had my blues : they'd die
Got a head full of foolishness : my baby got a rambling mind
Hey pretty mama : tell me what have you done



I done told you mama : ain't going to tell you no more
Now the blues so worrisome mama : between midnight and day
Now the blues done caused my woman : hon' to run away
Lord I can't *let its* continue : don't care what I do



Mama told me : six long weeks ago
Son you save your money : just to buy your clothes
Buy your clothes : let these women go
Hey hey mama : what is going on wrong
Spend my woman's money : mama and she won't come
Can't rest contented : don't care where I go
You're a mean mama : whispering in your ear



I'm going to grind my coffee : two or three dollars a pound
Ain't a man in this town : can grind this coffee like mine
It done got so good : that it make you bite your tongue
I'm a coffee-grinding fool : now let me grind you some



Trouble worried trouble : I been having all my days
When a man gets in trouble : every woman throws him down
I woke up Lord this morning : *things are worrying on a-* poor me
Then I went upstairs : fell down across my bed
Now my baby has a-quit me : talked all out of my head




I've got the Rock Island blues : waiting for the Rock Island train
I took the Rock Island train : and take a Rock Island ride somewhere
I've got a free transportation : looking for the train to ride
I need to ride the Rock Island : *just riding to satisfy*
If you ever been down : you know just how I feel
I'm going away : *I come* to get on board
Leaving : hang crepe on your door
I've got the rickets and the rackets : and my baby's got the Mobile blues
I've got the Rock Island blues : and I don't know what to do
One thing about these women : I cannot understand
All wear short dresses : trying to fool a workingman
Baby if anyone should ask you : who composed this song
Just tell Lonnie Coleman : done been to your town and gone





Wild about my loving : *crazy deeds* I have my fun
And if you want me to love you : don't pretend you never done
I ain't rough : I don't bite
??? *womens* : don't you treat me right
Baby come right in : coming right at me
I can *catch those* ??? : ??? *at the Santa Fe*
You know I been out east : been out west
Hard to tell : which mamas love the best
*Turkey's for some* : ??? *France*
Where the men in Texas going : it seems just the same
Now there's two things about : I just can't understand
A *cawdy-cawdy* husband : ??? *scrubby* man
Well I'm going out the country : and I can't carry you
Nothing up the country : monkey-man can do




You can mistreat me here : but you can't when I go home
I got somebody there : will make you leave me alone
Walk on : walk on little girl walk on
Say you going to keep on walking : till you lose your happy home
And you know you didn't love me : you fell across my bed
Full of your moonshine whiskey : mama talking all out of you head
Say I walked around to my window : and I peeped right through my blinds
I seen another darky : trying to change my woman's mind



When I find a town : that will satisfy my mind
Tell you that's where I'll be : for a great long time
When I get to Atlanta : walk on Decatur Street
I'm going to shimmy-shee-wobble : with every fair brown I meet
I got a woman named Miss Hattie : she lives on Fourteenth Street
Oh the way that woman love me : I swear she can't be beat
I done spent all of my money : my bank account run low
My woman had the nerve to tell me : daddy aren't you spending slow
Says my mama's dead : and my daddy's in the mines


And I'm a motherless child : and I just can't keep from crying




When I was lying in jail : with my back turned to the wall
I could lay down and dream : I could hear my good gal squall
Lord she brought me coffee : and she brought me tea
Fell dead on the floor : with the jailhouse key
I'm going down to the courthouse : see the judge and the chief police
My good gal fell dead : now I sure can't see no peace
I'll tell you what I'll do : and I sure God ain't going to tell no lie
I believe I'll lay down : take morphine and die



Now my mama's dead : and my papa can't be found
I ain't got nobody : throw my arms around
Yonder comes the devil : going to set this town on fire
Now when the chance comes up : I'm going to bid this town goodbye
I got ways like the devil : slipping around your gate
So I can find me a good gal : or won't have to take no *hate*
Let me tell you mama : what you said last night
Lay down on my bedside : try to treat me right
Lord I'm going up the country : but crying won't make me stay
More you cry : the farer I'll ride away



Easy mama : don't fade away
I'm going : where the Drummond cross the Yellow Dog
Lord I'm freezing here : with *you a-fighting all around the hall*
And I felt so rotten : and I didn't want to ride no train
I want to ride the Yellow Dog : where way out in the
I sat deep in my saddle : and I don't *remember the name*
Sat deep in my saddle Lord : and I ??? *name*
Just as sure as the train : leaves the rounded curve



I never felt so worried : till I found the loving lady blues
I can't sleep for dreaming : I can't eat for crying
I lay down last night : with that gal all on my mind
I got nineteen bird dogs : got one floppy-eared hound
It just take those twenty : run my fair brown down
I got a good gal in town : but she don't treat me right
I feel like going to the cemetery : laying right down and die
Feel like going to the cemetery : laying right down and die
For I done got worried : with that gal of mine



I went down to the river : just thirty-one days and nights
I'm looking for my good gal : come back and treat me right
I ain't got me nobody : carry my troubles to
I tell you peoples : I don't know what to do
Just as sure as your train : Lord backs up in your yard
I'm going to see my baby : if I have to ride the rods
I went away last summer : got back in the fall
My mind had a-changed : I wouldn't have come back at all
You can press my jumper : iron my overalls
I'm going to the station : meet the Cannonball



She has the hesitating stockings : the hesitating shoes
*The rich and the poor* : got the hesitating blues
How long now : will I have to wait
Can I get you now : honey have to hesitate
I can learn ??? : not to ball the jack
I can beat anybody : getting the good gal back
And I got a gal : who loves to roll
??? : right by her door
Around the curve : and around the bend
Yonder comes : that engineer
*Rifle's* on the *stage* : my *coffee's* in the *cool*
My little gal's : from Illinois
I'm not so good-looking : got no curly hair
Have a woman : take me anywhere



When you get up in the morning : when the ding-dong rings
You make it to the station : see the same old thing
Ain't nothing on the table : but the pots and the pans
Say anything about it : have supper with the man
Yonder come the little Nora : how do you know
I know by the apron : and the dress she wear
??? on her shoulder : piece of paper in her hand
Looking for some sergeant : to release some man



I aim to take my gun : ??? in your face
Going to let some graveyard : be your resting place
You going to miss me when I'm gone : honey and it won't be long
When you think I'm going : I'm standing right here with your *wally* on
When I'm gone : don't you grieve after me
Don't you forget : how I went away



She's long and tall : and wears a diamond ring
But she can beat anybody : at doing that thing
You go through the *barrel* : and you ride like a *tiger*
You throws your backbone : clean out of sight



You did cause me to weep : you did cause me to moan
You did cause me : to leave my home
I cried last night : and the night before
And I swore : not to cry no more
In eighteen hundred : and ninety-nine
He got killed on that streetcar line
They took him down : that smoky road
Brought him back : on that cooling board
Says run here mama : and fall in your daddy's breast
These blues : going to let me rest





Said come in here : and you shut that door
He got shot : with a forty-four
I got a brand new pistol : and a box of balls
Going to shoot that woman : just to see her fall
You ??? *those stitches* : in the
He dug those potatoes : with the pocketknife
I'm going to town : hurry back
I'm going to show your people : how to ball the jack
She got good jelly : she sells it hot
I know here's something : that a man can't buy
Twenty-five cents : is the regular price
There's fifty cents : you can buy her twice
She pulls her dress : up above her knees
She shakes her shimmy : to who she please



Take your time kind mama : I'm going to do it just as slow as I can
I might start shimmying : don't let nobody in
Make your bed up higher : and turn your lamp way low
I'm going to hug and kiss you : ain't coming here no more
Make your lamp up higher : and turn your lamp around
Look out your back door : see me leave this town



The day you left me : you throwed me down
You didn't hurt me so bad babe : talk over town
Because I'm broke : I'm down and out
You ever quit me : and put me out
Went to the nation : and the territor'
Going to catch me the first train : I've got to go
You press my jumper : my overalls
Went to the station : meet the Cannonball
I'd rather ride : this ??? line
To be uneasy : be treated right
I give my money : and a diamond ring


Now come her partner : beat me shaking that thing
The day you left me : won't wear no black
I write you a letter : come sneaking back



You don't believe I'm traveling : on the road somewhere
Get your book : and count come and count the days I'm gone
You can go to *Moosefall* : find me there
Yes if I drink smoky : find me on the road somewhere
You can talk about your brick house : but you ought to see mine
It ain't so pretty : but it ??? fine
I got up this morning : looked at the rising sun
Can't nobody run me : like them bloodhounds done
I got up in my stockings : tipping across the floor
Scared the bloodhounds : are rapping upon my door
Now chickens on my back : and there's the hounds on my track
I dropped my head : and I couldn't stop to look back
I could hear those pistol balls : zooming by my head
I believe to my soul : they going to kill me dead
I got up this morning : just about the break of day
I could hear *a bunch of* bloodhounds : a-coming down my way
I got up this morning : fell down across my bed
I could hear something pushing : all around my head




My woman woke up this morning : dollar in her hand
Two bits for the monkey : six bits for her man



I hocked everything : from my hat down to my shoes
So now sweet mama : got those doggone hockshop blues




Now right is right : wrong is wrong
Ain't no harm : to sing a little song


Uncle Bud went home : just like they said
Stuck a match : caught a man in his bed
If I go home : about half past ten
Put the key in the hole : and can't get in
Now Lucy came home : with a big excuse
She left there tight : but she come back loose
I had a little kitty : I called her mine
Way in the night : I could hear her cry
We shoot a little dice : bound to have a little fun
Law walked up : and away we run
I asked the lady for a drink : this is what she said
I don't have the white : but I have the red
Some folks hates it : call it a sin
You see women : give money to men



I went down in the alley : trying to sell my coke today
And a woman run out and hollered : scared my mule away
I went with iceman Jackson : he sold me ice and coke
But he blowed in all his money : buying sweet jellyroll
We stopped on Eighteenth and Federal : just two blocks west of State
And when he got up under that ??? : well he would not wait
She said money don't excite me : and that we all know well
But Jackson showed her fifty dollars : and she almost fell
She had wind like the greyhound : and she sure could run
And Jackson got down like a reindeer : and he runned her some




Tell me pretty daddy : what's the matter now
Are you trying to quit me : and you don't know how
I'd rather be dead : buried in the sea
Than to have the man I love : say he don't want me
Lord Lord : Lordy Lordy Lord
Oh the man I love : treats me like a dog
I'd rather see : my coffin come rolling in my door
Than to hear the man I love : say I don't want you no more





I hear these women raving : about their monkey-man
About their trifling husbands : and their no-good friends
These poor women sit around : all day and moan
Wondering why : their wandering papa don't come home
Now when you got a man : don't never be on the square
Because if you do : he'll have a woman everywhere
I never was known : to treat no one man right
I keep them working hard : both day and night
I've got a different system : and a way of my own
When my man starts kicking : I let him find another home
I get full of good liquor : walk the streets all night
Go home and put my man out : if he don't act right
You never get nothing : by being an angel child
You better change your ways : and get me awhile
I want to tell you something : I wouldn't tell you a lie
Wild women are the only kind : that do



Early this morning : when everything was still
My daddy said he was leaving : though it's against my will
He said I'm leaving mama : and your crying won't make me stay
The more you cry : the further I'm going away
A man is like a car : that you have to overhaul
Keep him three or four weeks : and you can't get along at all
I gave him everything : from a diamond on down
The next thing I give him : will be six feet of ground



You can always tell : when your best man don't want you around
He will come home at night : turn the bed upside down
My heart's full of sorrow : tears come rolling down
Because my baby : was Kentucky bound
The pale moon shines : down on the mountain still
Way down in old Kentucky : mid those high blue hills
Shine on old moon : harvest moon shine on
Because old moon you'll be shining : when I'm dead and gone
I'm going to tell my mama : when I go back home
Tell her the folks up here : won't let my Kentucky man alone





Hello Central : give me long-distance please
I'm begging with tears in my eyes : and down on my bended knees
Hello Central : give me Mr Henry Brown
What you say you were calling : a storm has blown the wires down
Listen long-distance : can you send a telegram
Do this please : before I fall down *left in a jam*
You just tell him : he better hurry home
Because I'm tired : of making all these nights alone



Takes a southern woman : to sing this southern song
Lord I'm worried now : but I won't be worried long
When I was downtown : I wouldn't take no one's advice
But I ain't going to let : that same bee sting me twice
Because I'm going back : where the weather suits my clothes
Down where there ain't no snow : and the chilly winds never blow
I don't want no northerner : no northern black or brown
Southern men will stick by you : when the northern men can't be found
You ever been south : you know just what I mean
Southern men are all the same : from Kentucky to New Orleans
I'm going back south : where I can get my hambone boiled
These northern men : are about to let my poor hambone spoil



The blues came down my alley : and stopped right at my door
They made me feel : like I've never felt before
I'm a good-hearted woman : never done nobody wrong
But the better I treat my daddy : the worse we get along
If you don't want me daddy : please tell me what to do
I've never loved nobody daddy : like I'm loving you
I've got ten little puppies : twelve little shaggy hound
It takes all twenty-two : to run my good man down





Daddy oh daddy : won't you answer me please
All day I stood by your coffin : trying to give my poor heart ease
I rubbed my hands over your head : and whispered in your ear
And I wonder if you know : that your mama's near
You told me that you loved me : and I believed what you said
And I wished that I could fall : here across your coffin dead
When I left the undertakers : I couldn't help but cry
And it hurts me so bad : to tell the man I love goodbye



Early this morning : the blues come walking in my room
I said blues please tell me : what are you doing here so soon
He looked at me and smiled : but yet they refused to say
I asked him again : and they turned and walked away
The first thing they told you : your man you're going to lose
At first I didn't believe it : but I found that it was true
Blues oh blues : you know you been here before
The last time you were here : you made me cry and walk the floor



The time has come : for us to part
I ain't going to cry : it won't break my heart
Because I'm through with you : and I hope you don't feel hurt
You are like an old horseshoe : that's had its day
You're like an old shoe : I must throw away
You're like an old ship : that sprung a leak
You ain't young no more : and your loving is weak
You ain't got no money : you're down and broke
You're just an old has-been : like a worn out joke



Old pal old pal : you stole my man away
But that's all right : I'll get him back some day
You stole my man : between midnight and day
And if I catch you old pal : I sure will make you pay


Why should you : have a daddy of your own
Old pal old pal : you better let my man alone
Old pal you said : two friends could understand
But that's no sign : we should take each other's man




Going down to the river : take a rope and a rock
Tie it around my neck : and jump off the dock
Ain't no one : can change my mind
I've been mistreated : and I don't mind dying
Going to get me some poison : kill myself
Because the man I love : has put me on the shelf
If he didn't want me : he didn't have to lie
The day I see him : that's the day he'll die
Baby : you don't know my mind
When you see me laughing : I'm laughing just to keep from crying
A crooked man's worse : than crooked dice
With dice you lose your money : with your man you lose your life
I'm going to get me a razor : and a gun
Cut him if he stands still : shoot him if he runs




I got a coal-black mare : but Lord how that horse can run
Yes she win every race : man you don't see how it's done
I give her three gold teeth : I put earings in her ears
There ain't no use a-worrying : I do swear the stuff is here
I cut her mane : I put streamline shoes on her feet
Ain't a horse in the country : I do swear my horse can't beat
Say she foxtrot and pace : and I rode that horse today
Yeah when morning comes : she had never broke her gait
She going to the race track at midnight : and I rode her all night long
Yeah when morning come : she had never changed her weight
She's a coal-black mare : she's got long black curly mane
Well I'll follow that horse : man in any land



I went down in Death Valley : among the tombstones and dry bones


That's where poor me will be : Lord when I'm dead and gone
Now if I should die : I should die before my time
I want you to bury my body : down by that Frisco line
Now bury me mama : low down in the sand
Now bury me mama : where I won't bother your next old man
Oh bye bye baby : I said goodbye
Death Valley is my home : mama I want to die
Tell all the women : please come dressed in red
They going down Sixty-One Highway : that's where the poor boy he fell dead
Wear your patent leather slippers : mama put out your morning gown
You going to follow poor Crudup : down to his burying ground



That's all right mama : that's all right for you
Treat me lowdown and dirty : any old way you do
I've been worried all night mama : now worried again today
Because the woman I love : done throwed me away
Babe I wouldn't have been here : if it had not been for you
*Down in* Chicago : you treat me like you do
I'm leaving town mama : just to wear you off my mind
Now you treat me lowdown and dirty : I believe I'll lose my mind
If I get lucky mama : with my train fare home
I'm going back to Mississippi : Lord now where I belong



Well that mean old old Frisco : and that lowdown Santa Fe
Done took my babe away : Lord and blowed back at me
Yes my mama told me : papa told me too
Son every woman scream in your face : Lord she ain't no friend to you
Lord I wonder : do she ever think of me
Well I wonder I wonder : will my babe come back to me
Yes I'm standing and looking : watching that Southern whistle blow
Well she didn't catch that Southern : Lord now where did the woman go
Lord I ain't got no : special rider here
I might leave : because I don't feel welcome here






Do anything mama : tell the truth don't mean no lie
I have so many hard-working women : tell you men I don't mean no jive
Now she's *making* her jelly : and she will not give it away
She's going to save it for *Sally* : he will be home today
Some of these funny women : just like driving an automobile
You have to step on the gas : to make them climb the hill
Never mind never mind baby : I got my eyes on you
Some of these days mama : you going to do like I want you to




Mama I woke up this morning : mama had the sundown blues
And my fair brown told me : I refuse to go
Mama I had so much chicken : mama cackles in my sleep
You don't like my potatoes mama : oh don't you plow so deep
I got nineteen fair browns : said I want you all to know
Mama if you want to see me : mama I'll let the nineteen go
Now you see my little fair brown : tell her to bring me meat
When the wintertime gets here : I'll wear the B V Ds



When you get down to Memphis : won't find me there
Just lightning and smoking : on the road somewhere
I was born in Texas : raised in Tennessee
Good Lord oh when you get to Memphis : won't find me there
Well they call me Daddy Stove Pipe : turn your damper down
Good Lord now when you get to Memphis : won't find me there



I don't want no sugar : stirred up in my rice
That long *short* yellow : gives me my appetite
Mama toot your whistle : you can't blow your horn
Your little bow-legged daddy : left you all alone
Mama I don't like chicken : neither no piece of cake
Takes a big fat fan-belt : drive a Cadillac Eight
When you get through to Bessemer : almost to Birmingham
When you love your daddy : give me your right hand






My mama was a sailor : she love the ocean life
She ride top and bottom : sometime on the side
Said I'm going to China : honey what you want me to bring you back
Said a bobtailed coat : and a *hot ??? China* hat
Lord I told Mr Russell : don't you broke my plow
Says he got bull-headed : and broke it off anyhow
Standing on the corner : talking with my brown
Up stepped this policeman : take both of us down
Honey where was you : when thirty blows was sound
Standing on the corner : teasing with my brown
Lord a lowdown fireman : dirty engineer
Say they took my brown : left me standing here
All you jealous men : better keep your women tied
If they flag my train : I'm sure going to let them ride
If anybody asks you : who composed this song
Tell them Julius Daniels : done been here and gone



I'm take me my pistol : three rounds of ball
Going kill everybody : *broke the poor boy law*
On a Monday I was arrested : on a Tuesday I was tried
Judge found me guilty : and I hung my head and cried
Judge : what'll be my fine
Says a pick and a shovel : way down *Joe Brown's* coal mine
Be light on me judge : I ain't been here before
Give you ninety-nine years : don't come back here no more




What's on your worried mind
You keep your poor man worried : and bothered all the time
Lord Lordy : Lord Lord Lord Lord
I'm a poor boy : been treated just like a dog
Got a new way baby : spelling Memphis Tennessee
Double M double E : double T double X Y Z


Baby baby : what makes you treat me so
I've done all : that a poor boy could do
I helped you baby : when your kinfolks turned you down
Now you loving someone else baby : and you done left this town
Look a-here baby : what more you want me to do
I sacrificed my mother : just to get along long with you
Ever lay down laughing : and wake up hollering and crying
And you think about the woman : you treated so nice and kind
Take me back baby : try poor me one more time
I'll bet you hundred dollar : that I will change your mind
When you got money : your friends will hear your plea
When you ain't got no money : then you have to come home to me
Take my woman : I won't get mad with you
For she's three times seven : and she knows what she wants to do
Woke up this morning : and I was half most dead
I was bone-down weary : a low and ache aching head
Baby baby : won't you forgive me please
You're the only woman : can give my poor poor heart ease



You deceived me babe : about the things I did not want you to do
Now I've lost confidence in you : because you won't be true
I regarded you : like I were your baby child
But when it comes to find out : you was misusing me all the while
But me and my baby : we going to make everything all right
And if we don't tomorrow : we will tomorrow night
Beef to me baby : me and pork chops do not agree
I love you : but I don't like the way that you are jiving me
I'll work up to you : or you'll slip back [down] to me some day
And you going to be sorry : that you done me this a-way



I never cried : till my babe got on the train
And the tears went down : great God like drops of rain
Now let me tell you : what that mean old train will do
It will take your woman : and blow the smoke at you
And it's oh my baby : don't treat me good no more
And I ain't got no babe : ain't got nowhere to go
And this woman I'm loving : don't pay me no mind


And she keeps me worried : and bothered all the time
I believe I believe : I'll stop my barrelhouse ways
For I feel myself : sinking every day
And it's oh my baby : don't act right no more
And I can't feel welcome : babe nowhere I go
If whiskey don't kill me : I'm doomed to lose my mind
For I'm worried and bothered : and drinking all the time
Farewell farewell : I bid this world goodbye
Little babe done quit me : and I'll give on up to die




I ain't no iceman : I ain't no iceman's son
But I can keep you cool : until the iceman comes
I ain't no wood chopper : I ain't no wood chopper's son
But babe I can chop your kindling : until the wood chopper comes
Baby I ain't no stove man : I ain't no stove man's son
But I can keep you heated up : babe until the stove man comes
Baby I ain't no butcher : and I ain't no butcher's son
But I can furnish you plenty of meat : baby until the butcher comes
I ain't no milkman : I ain't no milkman's son
But I can furnish you plenty of cream : baby until that milkman comes




Work now mama : both night and day
Make my money : bring it all away
Liquor sure : is a craving sin
Steal it from the white folks : now and then
Up to my lips : then down to my toes
That's the way : ??? ten gallons goes
Went to the doctor : and the doctor said
Don't stop drinking : going to kill you dead
Mama told me : papa told me too
Doing that stuff : will be the death of you




Now if you're ever in Dallas boy : please visit old Elm Street
You can see the snuff-sniffing women : like a police on his beat


Lordy I'm so glad I'm so glad : police is back on the beat
So he can stop them women : from begging every man they meet
Lord I ain't going to marry : ain't going to settle down
I'm going to hang around Dallas Texas : and run old pigmeat down
Now if you ever come to Dallas : yes and get put in jail
Yes sweet papa Charlie Chicken : he will pay your bail
I'm going to tell you something mama : every word is true
Lord I'm crazy about my pork and beans : wild about my good beef stew




Now you talk about rags : boys but you ought to hear mine
My red-hot shaker : plays it all the time
It's called : the red-hot shaker rag
It's the best rag : that I ever had
Now you can talk about pepper : boys but it ain't hot
You ought to hear my boys : making up their plot
Let's play : the red-hot shaker's rag
Now blow it boys : you know it's just too bad



I'd rather be in the *cripty* river : floating like a log
Than to stay around here : be treated like a dog
Now all the little children : playing around in a ring
Playing hooky from school : just to rag that thing
Now it's some folks says : a preacher won't steal
But I caught a preacher : in the potato field
Now one had the sack : the other had the hoe
If that ain't stealing : boys I'd like to know
Here come my father : with his gun
You ought to see : them preachers run




My baby's gone : and she won't come back no more
Oh she left me this morning : and she caught that M and O
Listen here people : I've done everything that I could
But she's gone and left me : she didn't mean me no good
There is one thing baby : I just can't understand myself


When the gal I love quit me : I don't want nobody else
But that's all right babe : I can't stand the way you do
You are running me crazy : and it's going to worry you
When she left me she bought a ticket : just as long as she was tall
She didn't know how much I loved her : or else she wouldn't have left at all



That stuff you sell : ain't no good
Smell just like : old rotten burnt wood
That stuff you sell : ain't no wine
One thing about it : you serve it so kind
The stuff you sell : ain't no booze
One thing about it : mama give you the blues
The stuff you sell : in a jug
You don't give me some : I'm going to raise a bug
I know you're sick : can't get well
When you sell any more : it take God to tell
You can go down on the corner : Market and Tenth
Get that stuff : for fifty cents
That stuff you sell : ain't so good
I wouldn't buy none of that : even if I could



The north wind has begin howling : [and, but] the skies are pretty and blue
And winter is coming : wonder what the poor people are going to do
People talk about the time : that they never have seen before
But hard times : is knocking on everybody's door
Poor people are like prisoners : but they just ain't got on a ball and chain
But the way they are faring : I do swear it's all the same
There ain't no need to worry : times will bring about a change
And if it don't : I swear it will always be the same



I'm a railroad man : and I love that M and O
And when I leave this time : I ain't coming back no more
Now don't the moon look pretty : shining down through the trees
I can see my baby : but I swear that she can't see me


I'm in a world of trouble : and I believe I've got to go
I'm going to leave here people : going to catch that M and O



The L and N is a fast train : also that I N C N
If I ever leave Chicago : going to ride that Sunshine Special again
L and N L and N : bring my baby back to me
You keep me bound down in trouble : just as long as I can be
Don't your house look lonesome : when the one that you love is gone
And you ain't got nobody : just to keep a happy home
I wonder will my baby : ever come back to me again
When she left me good people : she rode that L and N



My gal done quit me : found somebody else
And now I'm tired : of sleeping by myself
I love my moonshine whiskey : and I love my cherry wine
Sloppy drunk : about to lose my mind
I'm going to get sloppy drunk : tell everything I know
Another half a pint : mama will see me *Joe*
Ooo : ooo wee
Wonder what will : what will become of me
Water when I'm thirsty : whiskey when I'm dry
A brownskin woman : tell her when I come to die



I am traveling this lonesome road : if I never get back no more
I have something to tell you : people just before I go
Take care of my wife and my children : I hope to come back home some day
The racket that I am now in : Lord it make *white slavery*
I'm going to rob and I'm going to hijack : until I get satisfied
And if the freight train leaves me : Lord I got a mule to ride
I thinking about the times : when I was laying in my mother's arms
She always told me : son don't you do nothing wrong
But people before I will stand to see : my good woman go down
I will pack my suitcase : while I hunt from town to town



I was sad and lonesome : when I walked into my baby's door
And here's the words she told me : I can't use you no more
I folded up my arms : and I slowly walked away
That's all right baby : you going to need my help some day
Oh Lord : oh Lord oh Lord oh Lord
Don't you remember the day : you treated me like a lowdown dirty dog
Some day I'm going to see you : when you down and out just like myself
Mama just as I have told you : some day you going to need my help
So goodbye : I ain't got no more to say
I did not think : you would treat me this a-way



Every since every since : I [first] left my mother's door
I don't have the good times people : that I have had in my life so long
So in believe I will go : right down I Paris Tennessee
Because this life that I'm living : Lord it's bad luck *here*
Going to write and tell my mother : to look for me on my way
I'm going back home people : Lord and I'm going back there to stay
And if you see my black angel : please don't tell her the way I've gone
Tell her there ain't no need to worry : neither cry or weep and moan
I'll try to travel if I want to : but I believe I will go by *mail*
I've got a V-Eight Ford now sweet mama : Lord you know I'm a minuteman



My tires ain't going to fail me : and my motor it is good and strong
I have a V-Eight Ford now sweet mama : Lord and you know it won't be long
All I want is my thirty-two twenty : hanging by my side
I will pour in the high-powered gasoline : and see how fast we can ride
I'm going to make traintime and over : and I ain't going to be one minute late
I'm going to hold it around ninety miles : and I ain't going to break my gait
Won't you listen to my V-Eight motor : won't you listen to how my motor hums
This minuteman is on that lonesome highway : and I swear it won't be long





Uncle Bert thought : he had *his daughter* trained
She's out there : shaking that little old thing
Shaking her *rumble* : just like she shake her *strike*
She say run into me baby : and make me break my back
She got a crankshaft motion : she got a cross-town swing
She got *the regular* : doing that thing
She's out there : looking like a sugar lump
She say want to *pum-pitty* : got to make me drunk
*I'm burn that* chicken : *and down handcuff*
Come on here darling : let's go and talk
*Aunt Dinah got a preacher* : *roll* above her knee
And she strutting her stuff : to who she please



Mama here come your root man : open the door and let him in
It is just about time : you using some of your good roots again
You face is getting bumpy : and your skin looks awful bad
I believe my root do you more good mama : than any herbs that you ever had
There is one thing baby : you want the root all by yourself
But you know I'm a doctor mama : I got to give it to somebody else
The root that I'm selling : from it you can get lots of juice
And when I'm giving it to you mama : you don't want to turn your doctor loose
I was doctoring on a woman : she said Lord I can't see how can it be
She say go away from here doctor : you got too much root for me



You hair all wrinkled : and you full of sweat
Your underskirt : is wringing wet
You show your linen : to any man
And that's something mama : that I just can't stand
Here you come in here walking : just like a goose
You look like : somebody just turned you loose
Run here mama : just look at sis
She got her hand in her toodle-um : up to her wrist
Mama and papa's in the back yard : trying to *call up Knot Hill*
Papa ain't ready : so help me God
He got the motion : and she got the swing
Just look at papa out there : on that thing



Santy Claus : won't you please hear my lonesome plea
I don't want nothing for Christmas : but my baby back to me
You know I loved you baby : that is why we could not get along
But some day you going to be sorry : that you ever done me wrong
Oh Lord it's near Christmas time : and I want to see Santy Claus
If you don't bring my baby : swear I'll break all the laws
Santy Claus Santy Claus Santy Claus : I'm down on my bended knees
I don't want nothing for Christmas : but my baby back to me



The blue sky is my blanket : and the moonlight is my spread
The rock is my pillow : that is where I rest my head
A ghost and a night owl : they come to see me sometime
And a Gypsy women : she comes and reads my mind
The woman that I was loving : she did not mean me no good
She give me so much trouble : I had to move back in the woods
I am friendless and I'm lonesome : people you would be the same old way
If the woman that you were loving : would mistreat you both night and day



They put ashes in my whiskey : they put strychnine in my glass
Lord I went out car-riding with them : and they carried me too fast
She put [castor oil, black drops] in my coffee : with that [black drops, castor oil] in my tea
Lord she's the meanest old woman : that a man most ever seen
I believe I believe : that they trying to carry me down
Lord the way they are feeding me : that they don't want me around
She carries a razor in her pocket : with them frowns all in her face
Lord I believe some other good joker : trying to root me out of my place



I'm going to write you a letter : my wife and I ain't going to do right no more
I know the way you treat me baby : Lord you did not want me no more
What I've got on my mind : ain't nobody in this world can tell
And if I never see you no more baby : Lord I sure do wish you well


Now I'm having bad luck : and bad luck I can't understand
Got me out here scuffling mama : trying to make it if I can
Baby baby : I ain't going to worry with you no more
Lord I'm going down the country : let you have Mr so-and-so



You got bad blood mama : I believe you need a shot
Now turn over here mama : let me see what else you got
I doctors on women : I don't fool around with men
All right take it easy here mama : whilst I stick my needle in
Lord your ways is so loving : and your skin is nice and soft
Lord if you keep on drunk mama : you going to make me break my needle off
Lord my needle is in you baby : and you seem to feel all right
And when your medicine go to coming down : I want you to hug me tight
Yeah your medicine come now baby : put your [foot, leg] up side the wall
I don't want to waste none of it mama : I want you to have it all



You is built for speed : and fast just like twenty grand
I would give more for you now : than a farmer would for land
I'm a well-trained jockey : won't you please ma'am let me ride
I may not give a ride like you old jockey : but I'll try to make you satisfied
If you let me get in your saddle : and just try me one time
Lord I may can do something : baby that might change your mind
Twenty grand is the fastest race horse : that ever run around a track
And if you let me get in your saddle mama : I may ride the way you like
Just let me get in your saddle baby : I ain't going to never do no wrong
I'm a good jockey rider : and I don't stay there too long



Have you ever been low in spirits : mama and you didn't know what was on your mind
Lord it hurts you so bad sometimes : Lord you can't keep from crying
The house where you were living : it don't [even] look right no more
And you can't find no consolation : nowhere in the world you go
Then you wonder what did you ever do : to make your poor heart ache and pain
Lord it hurts you so bad : to hear somebody call Mr so-and-so's name
I looked for you Sunday morning : till Monday in the afternoon


But I hope you'll be here Tuesday morning : hope you will be here Tuesday morning soon
If I don't never see you no more : please drop me a post card
Lord you know the way that you left me : mama it almost broke my heart



Your picture has faded : mama that hangs up on the wall
It's been hanging there so long : I can't see your face at all
Even my old house seems haunted : mama and there ain't nobody around
Sometime it seem like at night : that the old house is falling down
I can hear my back door slamming : [seem like] I can hear a little baby crying
Lord I wonder baby : have you got me on your mind
My old clock is [still] ticking : that hangs up on the wall
But now you gone and left me : and I can't see your face at all



Please don't mistreat me : if you don't want me around
Lord don't be mad with me baby : because your good man have left this town
You say you don't [even] love me : you don't even love yourself
I know there ain't a room in your heart for me : mama you loving someone else
I got myself a mama : she always keep me feeling blue
Lord she act just like the weather : and I don't know what she is going to do
If I really loved you baby : I would not tell you no lies
Lord I wouldn't say hard things to you mama : to make you hang your head and cry



Mama why should I be worried : and why should I be so blue
Lord it's all on account : of all on account of you
How can I sleep and keep from worrying : how can I laugh and keep from crying
Lord every time I turn my back : you always doing something to change my mind
I just flutters when I see you : like a little bird up in his nest
Lord sometime I think I love you : sometime I think I love my little gal the best
I can't keep from worrying : Lord I can't keep from telling you lies
Lord I would do all right with you baby : but you know you try to be too wise





Now this was my sad story : I never will forget the day
It was in the year of nineteen thirty-five : on the twenty-sixth day of May
As I walked into my bedroom : crowd all gathered around
They was standing seemed to be in mourning : with their heads all hanging down
In the midst there stood a doctor : he was standing gazing on
The only woman in the world that I ever loved : she's gone she's gone
Now I'm left here all alone : all in this great big world alone
That's the end of my happy days : and I can't have no more happy home
On the bed there laid a letter : said be as good as you can be
Lord I'm sorry you couldn't be here now : to have the last few words with me



Now you must have a heart : like a rock in the sea
I been begging you baby : babe please don't leave
My nights are getting lonely : my days are getting long
Now tell me baby : I did not do no wrong
I don't want to hurt your feelings : either make you mad
I love you : better than anything I ever had
I like you baby : I like to see you smile
But I like to please you : every once in a while



I heard somebody calling me : papa don't you want to go
Mama dee-da-da calling me : papa so-and-so
Down in the land of California : sweet home Chicago
I begged you all night baby : all the night before
If I ever did you wrong : I won't do that no more
All last night baby : I tried to talk to you
But you told me : there was nothing I could do
I been good to you baby : did everything that I could
Now you want to leave me : don't mean me no good
Oh babe oh baby : down on my bended knees
Begging you now baby : don't leave me please
Oh babe oh baby : don't leave me now
All alone by myself baby : won't be satisfied





Now I walked over to the table : and I picked up my telephone
But the line was busy : or if it ain't nobody home
Give me long long-distance : I wonder what's wrong with my line
Lord I just want to talk awhile : to that little old girl of mine
All right operator : maybe it ain't nobody home
But I'm sitting here wondering : why is my baby gone
I'm calling long-distance : and I wonder where could she be
Lord I wonder is she listening : and won't even answer me




I woke up this morning moaning : with the worried blues on my mind
I was thinking about someone : who were left behind
It's oh Lord Lord : please get him off of my mind
I can't eat for dreaming : and I can't rest for crying
I'm going back to my baby : going to knock on my baby's door
I'm going to ask my pretty mama : baby can't you use me no more
Baby : can I lay down here till day
I'm a poor boy : and I got nowhere to stay
Love is like water : it turns off and on
When you think you got a good girl : Lord she done turn off and gone



Elm Street painted in brass : Main Street painted in gold
I got a good girl live on East Commerce : I wouldn't mistreat her to save nobody's soul
Hey Billiken : these Elm Street women don't mean you no good
When your back is turned : they with every man in the neighborhood
These Elm Street women : Billiken they don't mean you no good
If you want to make a good woman : have to get on *Hospital* Avenue



Don't the moon look pretty : shining through the trees
Don't your house look lonesome : when your good girl is fixing to leave
Down on my knees this morning : I prayed to the good Lord above
Please let me live one more time : with the good girl that I love
I'm going to get me a wire : stretched across the deep blue sea
So when my good girl gets worried : she can sit down and talk to me






I'm going to build me a little mansion : on Central Avenue
So I can stick my head out the window : and see what my wicked women will do
Lord I got a pretty mama : lives on Central Avenue
Lord if that woman left and quit me *now* : what in the world that I would do
I pray to heaven Lord : I seen my pretty mama up there
She had one foot loose : and *curled up with the air*
Good girl used to live here : don't live here no more
Left here early this morning : carried all of her clothes
Boy I'd *better see my good girl* : leave me in this town
I'd beat the train to the *crossroads* : and I'd burn the depot down
Lord pretty mama I wonder : what you trying to do
*She make it trying* to run with me : and my buddy too
I'm going to West Texas : Lord I'm going to stay
Some little brownskin woman : *stepping* in my way



Well the sun rose this morning : and laid down on my floor
When I ended my dreams : it was all around my door
Good morning blues : what makes you come so soon
Here early this morning : *crying ???* soon
Now blues and trouble : boys what a nagging ache
These old women now baby : running from man to man
Just tell me pretty mama : what you trying to do
You didn't do no more : than I looked for you to do
You leave me laughing : some day you come back crying
You been gone so long darling : wear you off of my mind
Lord Lord : Lord Lordy Lord Lord
The girl I loving : treat me like a dog
My heart's in trouble : mind's in misery
Got the blues so bad : I really can't hardly see




Well I'm so glad : I'm twenty-one years old today
Lord I'm so glad : my baby can't treat me that a-way


Oh babe : what you want poor me to do
Driving a coal wagon babe : give all my money to you
Oh babe : don't play me for no fool
Lord I ain't no plumber : and I ain't nobody's stool
I send it to the river : river to the deep blue sea
Now your monkey ways babe : don't take no effect on me
Oh babe : don't make no fool of me
Lord I'm three time seven : baby why can't you see
That's why I'm so glad : I'm twenty-one years old today
Lord I'm three times seven : I'm going to have my way




I can't go down : that big road by myself
If I can't carry you : I carry someone else
I asked him how about it : and he said all right
I asked him how long : and he said all night
I asked him how about it : said he didn't know how
But I will do you mama : like a calf will do a cow
I'm a traveling woman : I got a traveling mind
If you don't take me back daddy : sure going to lose your mind
My mother said : six months before I was born
She was going to have a good child : wouldn't never stay at home
I feel like crying : ain't got no tears to spare
I had a happy home : and I wouldn't stay there



Tallahatchie River rising : Lord it's mighty bad
Some peoples on the Tallahatchie : done lost everything they had
Some people in the Delta : wondering what to do
They don't build some levees : I don't know what become of you
High water rising : get me troubled in mind
I got to go : and leave my daddy behind
Lord this water rising : and I sure can't swim
But if it keeps on rising : sure going to follow him
Going pack my suitcase : go back to Tennessee
But this Tallahatchie River : done got the best of me






Mmm : hey hey hey hey
Now the man I love : treats me like a dog
I've got a twelve pound daddy : and eight pound one too
And if my twelve pound one won't come : my eight pound one will do
I'm going to build me a castle : out of ice and snow
So when my blues come around : I can freeze them from my door
Oh pretty daddy : will you please tell me what to do
I will do anything : baby to satisfy you
And it's one thing baby : that I can't understand
If you are *loving* me : I don't want no partnership man



I started to heaven : but I changed my mind
But I'm going to Little Rock : where I can have better time
Yes when I go to Little Rock : I can go three days without
I tell people there : it's a wonderful town
This is the place : where I have long to be
Because where I come from : the mens have mistreated poor me
Oh I don't know why : they treat me so lowdown and cruel
And if you don't want me baby : you don't have to use me as no fool




Hey hey : death bells in my ear
It 'tain't going to be long : before they going to ring me away from here
I lay down last night all night : and the night before
Going back home to mama : won't have to lay down no more
I'm a stranger here : they're sending out in the sea
I'm broke and hungry : not a bite to eat
Going to stand right here : catch the first old gal I see
I'm going to beg her to take me : see what she make of me
I'm going to ask my rider : would she set my trunk outdoors
I don't mean quitting you : but I got another place to go
The woman I had : these men must have had her *foiled*
She loved me all this summer : but she put me out this fall
I began to study : and the wind begin to blow
I couldn't figure no place : for a man like me to go
My mama's dead : my papa's across the sea
That leaves no one : to love and care for me





Just as happy : woman as I can be
Because the woman I'm loving : is going back to Kankakee
Woman I'm loving : done mistreated me
For another new morning : going to need your friend again
Treat me : like someone you never seen
Blues ain't nothing : good man on your mind
Well it keep you worried : bothered all the time
When you see me : with my head hung down
I ain't got the blues : but another gal on my mind
I'm going away baby : to see what could do
I done all I could : can't get along with you
I went to the station : I looked up on the board
Well my train ain't here : but it's somewhere on the go



Said good morning captain : said good morning shine
'Tain't nothing the matter : captain but I just ain't going
I don't mind working : captain from sun to sun
But I want my money : captain when payday come
Work me all this summer : and you started on this fall
Now I've got to take Christmas : in my overalls
If you good men : want to keep her out of town at night
Just feed her little pork chops : suits her appetite
Lord it 'tain't no telling : what a Mississippi gal will do
She will get your money : then *poor gam* at you
It's one pretty mama : going to need a friend again
You can sing this song : when you want me to be your friend
Hey tell me woman : where did you stay last night
For your shoes unfastened : and your skirt don't fit you right




I says go on girl : don't sing them blues to me
Because I'm sweet : as any man can be
She even told me : to my face


That any old rounder : sure can take my place
Said I'm getting tired : of your lowdown ways
I'm going back : to my babe today
So come on girl : honey you can't bluff
I'm going to tip out tonight : and I'm going to strut my stuff




I went down on the corner : with my money in my hand
To kill my woman : about loving another man
You see it's grieving me : oh it's grieving me
Going to pack my grip : beat it back to Tennessee
I'm so sad and lonely : love has been refused
Can't have no loving : but I still have the blues
They call me pretty papa : swellest man in town
Women all screaming about me : but I can't give up my brown
Daddy's got the washboard : mama's got the tub
Sister's got the liquor : and brother's got the jug
My water pipe's all rusted : water's running cold
Someone's in the basement : trying to find the hole



Just another evening : wasted away
Spending and a-lending : and it left me broke today
Run here pretty mama : sit down on your daddy's knee
I'll tell you : how these women made a perfect fool of me
I wasted lots of money : went out every night
My pals done all forsake me : and the times is getting tight
I'm feeling like an outcast : looking like a tramp
Can't price a post card : can't even buy a stamp
Ah you used to call me papa : you used to call me dunce
You used to call me daddy : and you used to love me once
Some folks need the ice : some folks need the snow
If I could get you back : mama I wouldn't need nothing more



You may be little : you may have a tender snoot
But I know what you is mama : when you start to root


You go before the butcher : try to put on your stunt
He can stick a knife in you : and you won't even grunt
I see you got your squeal : you got your snoot
Still you got your grunt : but you done lost your root
Oh mama : you may have your snoot
Still you got your grunt : but you done lost your root



All dolled up : looking keen
Like a girlie : in her teens
Strutting : down the avenue
Making eyes : and flirting too
Now the other night : when I phoned
You had another : in your home
Parts of me : big and fat
Can't blame nobody : for that
I want your love : I can't refuse
But I don't want it : if it's ever been used
Some is tall : some is cute
Some is sweet : and some is true
I don't mean : to speak so bold
Can't use it : if it's forty years old



Something pounding : in my breast
When I lay down : to take my rest
Horrid nightmares : scary dreams
Then the blues : steps on the scene
Oh maybe it's the blues : that keeps me worried all the time
If I could lose these weary blues : that's on my mind
Happiness that comes around : but never comes to stay
If I only had someone : just to drive my tears away



I had a brown in my town : sweet as any gal could be
I loved my gal with all my might : she didn't love nobody but me
The other night : a man named Willie come and stole my gal away


Now I'm feeling down and out : and I've got the blues today
Say if you see my gal : don't you tell her what I've done
I got the blues : I going to sing them all night long
Now folks if you see my gal : tell her that I'm gone
Feel like riding : if it takes me all night long
Now back to the levee I'm bound : I'm through with high yellows and browns
Now I'm going to the levee : because my gal done turned me down
Now say folks if you see my gal : tell her that I'm gone
I feel like leaving : if it takes me all night long



Take me back sweet mama : try me one more time
If I don't satisfy you : I'll break my backbone trying
You lay in your bed : with your face to the wall
Thinking if you die : would that end it all



Get up on the table : pull off that gown
Raise up that right leg : let the left one down
Pull off them stockings : that silk underwear
The doctor's got to cut you mama : Lord knows where
Got two or three tumors : shaped like a cube
Two or three leaks : in your inner tube
Bring on that ether : bring on that gas
The doctor's got to cut you mama : yas yas yas
Four monkey wrenches : and a two-horse shay
Pair of old britches : and a bale of hay
Your ribs was kind of loose : they moved about
If I hadn't've sewed you up : everything would fell out
I put in new tubes : hide the exhaust
I went into your hood : and cleaned your spark plugs off
Your body's kind of weak : now don't be hard
From now on be careful : with them connection rods
Now your body's kind of weak : don't be hard
Go kind of easy : with them connection rods





Get up on this table : pull off that gown
Raise up that right leg : let that left one down
Pull off them stocking : that silk underwear
The doctor's got to cut you : mama don't know where
You got two or three tumors : shape like a cube
Two or three leaks : in your inner tube
Bring on that ether : bring on that gas
The doctor's got to cut you mama : yas yas yas
Four monkey wrenches : two-horse shay
Pair of old britches : and a bale of hay
Your ribs was kind of loosened : they moved about
If I hadn't sewed you up : everything would fell out
I put in new tubes : tightened up the exhaust
Went into your hood : and cleaned your spark plugs off
Your body's kind of weak : don't be hard
From now on you be careful : with them there connection rods



Tell me pretty mama : where'd you stay last night
Shoes ain't buttoned : and you don't smell right
Now you all drawed up : you look half drunk
Your hair ain't combed : and you smell like a skunk
Train's in the depot : boxcar's on the track
My gal come home : with a tie across her back



Now when I fix it lady : sure will be mighty good
I fixed so many of them : all over this neighborhood



I had a sweet woman : she done turned sour on me
I had a good woman : but the men wouldn't let her be
I had a new way of loving : but I done lost my stroke
I had a new gal : I lost her when I got broke
Now I'm a real kind fellow folks : and that ain't so bad
But I just ain't got them things : I once have had
I got my mind all made up : and I'm going to leave this town


I'm a-going so far : till the women can't run me down
Now I had a speak-easy: but the police come and closed it down
Now it sure is a hard thing : to sell booze around this town
I got a woman down in Florida : got two up in Tennessee
Got one in Indiana : keeps on pulling after me
Now the angels keep singing : the moon shines down at night
But the good Lord knows : that the women don't treat me right



Oh set right down : and let's have some fun
My wife's gone out : on a all-night run
Oh take this : take some of that
Take anything : in the doggone flat
I'll fry some meat : cook some bread
You get sleepy : there's a great big bed
Oh take this liquor : drink this wine
Let's get drunk : and have one good time
Take off your shirt : hang it on the chair
Take off your socks : and give your feet some air
I'm drunk and disorderly : I don't care
If you want to : you can pull off your underwear



Now if you want me to love you : here's what you got to do
You want me to love you mama : and make [me, you] love [you, me] too
I got to have my loving : when my habit get on
Start at nine in the evening : and love me all night long
You got to get up early in the morning : fix your lunch
And get out early : with that scuffling bunch
If I wake up at night : and I wants to eat
It's up to you : to get me some of that western meat
You got to take all your money : throw it against the wall
You take what sticks : and I'll take what falls
Take a butcher knife : cut off your head
Send me a telegram : that your heart is dead






Scuffling have got so hard : seem like I can't even make a dime
I must a-have the wrong woman : seem like can't save money all the time
I never want another women : that don't do nothing but hang around
She will ??? to your weakness : she will keep you with a turned-down hand
Life have gotten miserable : seem like no more happiness to be made
But life is really too short : to be worried about them old no-good ways
Good Book trying to tell us : where there's a will there's a way
But it seem like the *many ways draining* out of me : more and more every day



Lord grief will kill you : it will get you down to skin and bones
And that devil *brother be upstairs* now : Lord after you are dead and gone
I once grieved so hard : until I wake up weeping in my sleep
But after you continue this life boys : you'll be living down in some graveyard deep
Women now about nowadays they don't want to love nobody : and don't worry about the man
behind the *left*
Boys you better watch them women : because they're just slipping up the kingdom's steps



Now baby let's stop our foolishness : and try to renew love over again
Because I can't stay here in this world *after* : in this condition my poor heart's in
Now baby I'm going to make you this promise : I make our home happy for you in every way
But I want you to take care of my money baby : and please don't give my belongings away
Now baby you know I love you : now why can't we get along
Maybe some day you will consider baby : Lord and acknowledge that you have done wrong



Boys I ain't doing no good : this slow death is killing me
Every time *you going out swinging* : I'm just as blue as I can be
My mind in such a condition : until I hardly know the days in the week
Baby you give me plenty trouble : but some day you bound to see
When I'm sleeping deep down in my grave : don't let no high *flat flappers* worry you
You can just step out in any yard : that old jimson weed will sure ??? you
Now boys you can be cute with your woman : and see won't she do you dirty *ass*
She'll forever keep you working : working with your coffin on your back






I'm cold in hand : can't get nothing here
I'm hungry as a hound : I can't travel nowhere
I can't help but worry : how my good friend done
Spent my money by the dollar : now won't give me nickel one
Mama told me : times and times again
Anybody laughs in my face : just can't be my friend
Lord look down on poor me : pity my worried cares
Help me to rise once more : I'm going to change my free-hearted ways
Just give me one friend : to keep me from feeling so sad
Lord you know I want a friend : like the one that Adam had



Come here pretty mama : come here right now
I've been waiting on you so long : till I'm burning down
I'm waiting on you : I'm waiting on you
I'm waiting on you baby : tell me what you going to do
I know a good woman well : something going on wrong
You ain't never kept me waiting : this lonesome long
I wait all last night : all the night before
If I have to wait tonight : I'm going to pack my trunk and go
If you don't want me baby : just leave me alone
I can get another woman : to carry your business on
If you meant : to treat me right
You wouldn't keep me waiting : all day and night
That's all right baby : if you don't want me no more
There many more women : just rearing to go



Now I talked and I talked : now I ain't got no more to say
Hand me down my jumper : and I'll be on my lonesome way
I tried everything baby : don't nothing do no good
I can't blame you honey : I'd be the same way if I could
You came here from the country : just as green as green could be
Now you're a wise city city : and you dodge all over me
Well I ain't got no more to say : and I ain't going to chase you around
Some day I'll be running : with the biggest shots in town






I saying I sad and lonesome : Lord what I'm going to do
Say I'm going buy me a terraplane : I swear and a V-Eight too
Well I'm going to put them both there together : put them out on the road
Paint both show mama : got a heavy load
Now I saying I sad and lonesome : Lord what I'm going to do
Say I'm going to step on that accelerator : till that gas come through
Say my gal just quit me now man : pulled in another lane
Didn't want to come back : till I bought that airplane
Crying please Frank : please let me ride with you
Say I got room for two or three more : I swear and you too
Says stop now Frank : let's get a sack of flour
How can I stop this airplane : making ninety mile an hour
Crying please Frank : please let me ride with you
Say I can *peel off* that accelerator : and that gas come through



Hitler cutting the world : gotten disturbed
Uncle Sam better decide : and gotten blood in his eye
You got to get together : you got to get together
Got to closen up together : join one hand in hand
Mussolini jumped back : up in the sack
Hitler kicked him out : so he couldn't get back
Uncle Sam called the men down : name by name
He ain't together : but they ready just the same
Uncle Sam need a champ :
A well trained man : when you leave camp
Well left my woman : standing in the door
Crying Lord they mustn't let him : please don't go




Now there is something : you say that you expect
Now come and tell me what it is : that I neglect
Come and tell your papa : what you want me to do
Now just before : I got from you
Get up every morning : at half past three
Ease out to your job : without disturbing me


Now when you come back : you must have plenty of jack
Because any *??? still* : really hurts your papa's back
I want you to work hard : for me and my brother
I want you to come back from work : looking just like first one thing and then another



Says I never like to hurry : I just take my time




Now here's all I ask of you : kind man
I want an answer : I can understand
How you get up every morning : at half past three
Bring the coal and kindling : make a fire for me
Cook your own breakfast : fix your lunch
Get your pick and shovel : work with that construction bunch
*Seven eighty-three* : without neglect
So you bring me all your money : when they pay your check



He likes it slow : when he goes to *play*
He likes it slow : when he goes to pray
When he calls : he never brings no news
Always got : them slow-down blues
Just like a snail : that man of mine




Standing on the corner : *all ??? man*
Police come along : take me by his hand
Led me down : to the county jail
Looking for my Louise : to come and go my bail
Now the judge have sentenced me : out on the county road
On a horse : there's a man he rode
He count me in the morning : count me through the day
Count me every hour : see if I'd run away


It was early in the evening : sun was going down
Seen a lady coming : all dressed in brown
Looked in her face : and I looked down in her hands
Was Louise coming : coming to get her man




Now I'm going to Brownsville : take that right-hand road
Lord I ain't going to stop walking : till I get in sweet mama's door
Now the girl I'm loving : she got this great long curly hair
And her mama and her papa : they sure don't allow me there
If you catch my jumper : hanging outside your wall
Now you know by that babe : I need my ashes hauled
Now what you going to do babe : your dough-roller gone
Go in your kitchen : Lord and cook until she come home



Now I'm broken-hearted : ragged and dirty too
And if I clean up pretty mama : may I stay all night with you
Now if I can't come in mama : then I'll sit out on your porch
Lord I will leave so soon : that your man he won't never know
Now I went to my window : but I couldn't see through my blinds
I heard the bedsprings popping : and I believe I heard my baby crying
Lord how can I feel misery : Lord and feel like you
I have a woman in Brownsville : and she *doing the coochie-coo*
Now I'm going to Chicago : trying to
You know I'm bound to ??? :



Now if the river was whiskey : and I was a diving duck
I would dive on the bottom : never would come up
Don't never take a married woman : to be your friend
She will get all your money : give it to her other man
Now a married woman : always been my crave
Now a married woman : going to carry me to my grave
Now ain't it hard : to love someone else *dame*
You can't get her when you want her : have to use her when you can
Now the sun's going to shine : in my back door some day


Now the wind's going to rise : going to blow my blues away
Now went to the railroad : and looked up at the sun
If the train don't hurry : going to be some walking done



Oh Black Mattie : where did you stay last night
With your hair all tangled : clothes ain't fitting you right
Now when I had money : hello sugar pie
Now I'm spending all my money : goodbye country guy
Lord my eyes are sorrow : tears come a-rolling down
Now you know by that babe : fixed to leave your town
Now life ain't worth living : if you ain't with the one you love
Now you three times seven : you know what you want to do
Now the day that you quit me : I won't be mad with you



Now asked sweet mama : let me be her kid
She said I might go buggy : and I couldn't keep it hid
Well she looked at me : she begin to smile
Says I thought I would use you : for my man awhile
Now went upstairs : to pack my leaving trunk
I never saw no whiskey : the blues done made me sloppy drunk
Now some say they *dream* : some say they was
But it's a slow consumption : killing you by degrees



Now I know the people : is on the wander everywhere
Because they heard of poor John : was going around electric car
Now catch it Smith and Park Lord : ride it down to Summer Street
Lord I'm going to ease it down in Roebust : catch my baby out on a midnight creep
Lord the reason why baby : I I been so long writing to you
Because I been studying so hard : Lord how to sing these blues
Lord I lost my papa : and my dear mama too
Lord I'm going to quit my bad way of living : and visit the Sunday school





I married my baby : married her for myself
Then if I don't keep her : don't want nobody else
Now depot agent : don't tell me no lie
Did my baby stop here : did she keep in going
Now I hate to hear : Illinois Central blow
When my shoes get tickled : makes me want to go
When a man's out working : know he's doing what's right
Some old lowdown rascal : trying to steal his wife
Now I got up this morning : couldn't make no time
I didn't have no blues : messed all up in mind
Now take me baby : I'll be mean no more
You can get all my loving : let that black snake go
Get up in the morning : grey towel around your head
Ask her cook your breakfast : but she never did



Now I'd rather be dead : sleep in an old hollow log
And to be here baby : and you doing me like a dog
Now : what you want poor John to do
Lord I done everything : tried to get along with you
Now the woman I'm loving : she got one teeth solid gold
Lord that's been the onliest woman : got a mortgage on my soul
Now sure as the grass : on Texas earth grow green
Lord I ain't crazy : about nobody I ever seen



Stack of dollars : just as long as I am tall
If you be my woman : you can have them all
And I heard a rumbling : way down in the ground
Must have been somebody : slowly jumping down
You see see two women : they walking hand by hand
They just thinking of something Lord : how to fool some man
And I went on the mountain : I looked down in the sea
Niggers had my woman : Lord and the blues had me
Baby done quit me : ain't said a mumbling word
It weren't nothing that she knowed Lord : just something that she heard



Black gal she took meth : gave my brown *to her* death
If I hadn't've had my pistol : think I would run myself
When you see me coming : heist your window high
When you see me leaving : hang your head and cry
Now if I just had a-listened : what my mama said
I would have been at home Lord : in my faro's bed
Got a man on your man : kid-man on your kid
Lord she done got so buggy : don't try to keep it hid
Now I got up this morning : blues all around my bed
I turned back my *chivver* : blues all in my bed



Now I'm going down south : and I'll stay until winter is gone
Time that wintertime is gone : I might come back home
Now I get up every morning : and I walk to Third and Field
And I'm just standing and I'm wondering : Lord just how to make a meal
Now the peoples in Memphis : they are walking the streets up and down
And you know the time is hard : peoples is starving all over town
Now I once have been a lover : baby back in my young days
But now baby was so mean : she done drove all my love away
Now I've got a girl in Brownsville : she lives down on *Buliphant* Lane
But my gal so mean : I'm scared to call her name



Now mama killed a chicken : and thought it was a duck
Put him on the table : with his legs straight up
??? : with your cup and glass
Catch the liquor : just to make me laugh
Now I went upstairs to sleep a little bit : went back to sleep a little more
The old bed fell down : had to sleep on the floor
Old Aunt Dinah : walking down the street
When she walk : she begin to creep
Skin on her head : just as tight as a drum
A little song : called deedle dee dum
One could beat it : and one could sing
One tell you : why don't you do that thing


Now a bow-legged rooster : and a knock-kneed hen
Both run together : but they ain't no kin
Now the monkey and the baboon : sitting on the fence
The monkey told the baboon : you got no sense



I don't care how long you gone : I won't care how long you stay
But that good kind treatment : bring you back home some day
Now if that wind : that chilly old breeze
Come blowing : through your B V Ds
If you don't quit betting : boys them dice won't pass
It's going to send you a-home : on your yas yas yas
It ain't but the one thing : that give a man the blues
He ain't got no bottom : in his last pair of shoes
I telled all the people : in your neighborhood
You's a no-good woman : you don't mean no good



Baby who : I mean who been telling you
Babe whosoever told you : they did not tell you true
Now have you ever tried loving : and you can't get it out of your mind
And if you could find someone : to treat you loving and kind
Now you used to be sweet : but I can't name you sweet no more
Because every time I come to your house : some man hanging around your door
Now I'm going to get up in the morning : and I'm going to do like Buddy Brown
Know I'm going to eat my breakfast : I believe I'll lay back down
Now I know my dog : [anywhere, wherever] I hear him bark
Know I can tell my little woman : if I feel her in the dark



Now don't never take : a married woman to be your friend
She will get all your money : to her same man back again
Now my sweet woman : she always *doing my cleans*
Now my little woman : won't help me sell my greens
Now I looked down the railroad : till my eyes got *green* and sore
If you don't stop tomorrow : then ??? will be my goal
Now it must've be traintime : I hear the whistle blow


Now it blow just like : it ain't going to blow no more
Now just as sure as the grass : on the ground grow green
I ain't crazy faro : woman that I ever seen



Now drop down baby : let your ??? be
I know : just what you trying to pull on me
Well mama you don't allow me : to fool around all night long
Now I may look like I'm crazy : poor John do know right from wrong
Go away from my window : quit scratching on my screen
You were badly mistreated : I know just what you mean
Some of these womens : sure do make me *charged*
Have a handful of give-me : a mouthful of much-obliged
Woman I'm loving : wants *me sell this gold*
That's the onliest woman : a mortgage on my soul
See me coming : put your men outdoors
You know I ain't no stranger : done been here before



Now on the farm : they all have joined the government loan
Now the government give you three years chance : and you could have something of your own
Now the government furnish you a milkcow : a rooster and some portion of hen
You know long through the spring : then you can have some money to spend
Now the women used to [count, holler] on the bonus : but they are [hollering, counting] on the
*rent* check now
You know I didn't go to the army : but I am using this government money anyhow
Now the governor he fought : for the plant of plenty corn and wheat
You know long through the winter : you can have something to eat



Tear it long : tear it wide
Can tear it down : to my sides
Tear it for the young : tear it for the old
I can tear it : just dry long so
Tear it on the street : tear it on the shore
Know by that : I want to tear it some more
Tear it in the yard : tear it at the gate


Know by that : I can tear it of late
Tear it for Mae : tear it for Joe
You know by that : I want to tear it some more
Tear it in the morning : late at night
You know by that : I didn't tear it just right



Vernita : honey what do you want me to do
Now I've done everything : but I can't get along with you
Now if you see Vernita : tell her hurry home
Had no loving : since she been gone
Vernita : baby where did you stay last night
Now you come home this morning : babe the moon was shining bright
Now I met Alberta : way out across the sea
Now she didn't write no letter : and she didn't care for me
Vernita : could anything I do to change your mind
Now I could come to love you : if you would treat me nice and kind



You know I worried last night : all night before
You know by that : I won't be worried no more
I was worried for you : I was worried for me
You know by that : I'm going to let it be
Now look here baby : see what you done done
Made me love you : now your man done come
Now my baby doing something : that I never could stand
I believe she's running : with a cooncan game
Now I bought some slippers : I bought some socks
Come home last night : had the back door locked



Now I never will forget : that floating bridge
Tell me five minutes time : under water I was hid
When I was going down : I throwed up my hands
Please : take me on dry land
Now they carried me in the house : and they laid me across the bank
About a gallon and a half of muddy water : I had drank


They dried me off : and they laid me in the bed
Couldn't hear nothing : but muddy water running through my head
Now my mother often taught me : quit playing a bum
Go somewhere : settle down and make a crop
Now the people standing on the bridge : screaming and crying
Lord have mercy : where we going



Need-more : it has hung a-many men
And that's the reason : I believe I'll make a change
Now something to tell you : keep it to yourself
Don't tell your sister : don't tell nobody else
Now bought some gloves : bought you some socks
I believe poor John : he needs a box
Now look a-here baby : see what you done done
Done made me love you : now your man done come
Now take me back : won't do you mean no more
Get all my loving : you let Mr so-and-so go



Now the sun going to shine : in my back door some day
Now the wind going to rise : blow my blues away
Now sure as the stars : shine in the world above
You know life is too short : to worry about the one you love
Now I ain't got no woman : ain't got no *child to school*
Reason I'm hanging around here : sticking here dry long so
Now you never have told me : how you want your rolling done
Now I believe you must a-want me : to roll from sun to sun
Now it was late last night : when everything was still
Now me and my baby : was playing old Jack and Jill



Well well when you see *lindy women* : I want you to throw your wives in the van
Well well probably next spring : hey I'm going to rig up my T Model again
Well well the T Model Ford : I say is the poor man's friend
Well well it will get you there : hey well when your money is spent
Well well one thing about the T Model : you don't have to shift no gears


Well well just let down the brake and feed the gas : hey and the stuff is here
Well well a V-Eight Ford : and it done took to style
Well well they raised it all the way from ninety : hey down to a hundred miles
Well well somebody : they done stole my wine on the road
Well well it's find somebody : hey got a T Model Ford



Now when I left Chicago : I left on that G and M
Then if I reach my home : I'll be changed all on that L and N
Now I came in all in that Main West : and I putted down at Chicago Heights
Now you know it didn't hobo John none : and that's where I stayed all night
Now if you hobo in Brownsville : you better not be peeping out
Now Mr Whitten will get you : and Mr Guy will wear you out
Now out east of Brownsville : about four miles from town
Now if you ain't got your fare : that's where they will let you down



I'm going to get in my airplane I'm going to get in my airplane : I'm going to ride all over I'm
going to ride all over your town
Then if I spy the woman I'm loving : poor John going to let this air poor John going to let this
airplane down
Here's my hand here's my hand : you can lead me where you want you can lead me where you
want me to go
Then if you lead me wrong this time : you won't lead me no and you won't lead me no more
I know my baby I know my baby : and she's bound to jump and she's bound to jump and shout
Now when she gets over to Atlanta : I done rolled them few I done rolled them few days out
You three times seven you three times seven : you ought to know what you want you ought to
know what you want to do
Now the day that you quit me : and I won't be mad with I won't be mad with you
Just the day before Christmas just the day before Christmas : let me bring your present let me
bring your present tonight
Now I will be your Santa Claus : even if my whiskers even if my whiskers is white



Now change in the ocean : change in the deep blue sea
Take me back baby : you'll find some change in me
Everybody : they ought to change sometime


Because it's soon or late : we have to go down in that old lonesome ground
Now change my money : change my honey
I change baby : just to keep from being funny
Now change my pants : change my shirt
I change baby : to get shed of the dirt
Now change home : I change town
I change baby : all the way around
Now change walk : I change talk
I change baby : just to keep from being balked



Now if you're ever on *Fourth Street* : I'll tell you what to do
Let Mr Peter Adams : get acquainted with you
Well you won't have to go : well you won't have to go
You can get what you want to : right here in my liquor store
He got a little whiskey : he got a little gin
All you got to do : is step in the back end
I met Mr Peter : down on Monroe Street
Come to Fourth Street : right around with me
He got some on his floor : he got some on his shelf
All you got to do : is just to help yourself
Mr Peter Albert : the discount man
You ask him for a favor : he won't make you ashamed



Now woke up this morning : couldn't hardly see
Snow on the ground : about eight foot deep
Lord have mercy : baby what become of me
You know I feel just like easing : back down into Tennessee
Now call William in the office : want to see you alone
I can't do nothing : with this white stuff on
Now I'm on the South Side : my buddy on the east
I don't know : whether he got any place to sleep
Say car can't go : margin too slick
Probably might slip back : off in a ditch
Now twenty-two twenty-four : West *Hubbard* Avenue
That's where you get : my nineteen and thirty-two





Now go call the fire department : for my house is burning down
You know that must be little Martha Hardin : because it's on the north side of town
I said the people is running : and I wonder who could it be
You know that must be little Martha Hardin : I saw them turn down on Wilson Street
When you see the chief : boys please clear the street
Because you know he's going down : save little Martha Hardin's house for me
She's a hard-working woman : you know her salary is very small
Then when she pay up her house rent : that don't leave anything for insurance at all
Now I wrote little Martha a letter : five days it returned back to me
You know little Martha Hardin's house done burnt down : she done moved on Bathurst Street



I washed my clothes : I hanged them by the fire
Get up in the morning : they be finally dry
I went to the ??? : trying to make me a dime
Say go away boy : clean up and get on some time
Five cent cap : and ten cent suit
Then you all think : I'm trying to act cute
I done something : that you can't do
Go down on State Street : get a one potful stew
I played for the colored : I play for the white
All you got to do : act kind of nice



When trouble first started : down in my front door
Seems like I had more trouble : in my life before
Now trouble in the morning : trouble late at night
Seems like I'm treated : every way but right
Now you got a little woman : she won't treat you right
Feed you in the day : go out with some man at night
I wonder what's the matter : can't get no mail
Had a dream last night : black cat crossed my trail
I know my baby : tell you how I know
By the great long hair : same little dress she wore
Now look a-here baby : see what you done done
You done made me love you : now your man done come



Now I can straighten your wires : you know poor Vasser can grind your valves
Man when I turn your motor loose : and it sure will split the air
Now Vasser can line your wheels : you know poor Vasser can tune your horn
Then when he set it out on the highway : you can hear your motor hum
Now my generator is bad : and you know my lights done stopped
And I reckon I'd better take it over to Durhamville : and I'm going to stop at Vasser Williams'
shop
Now I were raised in Lauderdale County : you know I was schooled on Winfield Lane
Then what I made of myself : I declare it was a crying shame
Now Brownsville is my home : and you know I ain't going to throwed it down
Because I'm acquainted with John Law : and they won't let me down



Now when I left for Richmond : the weather was kind of cool
Said boy you all be careful : probably you might catch the flu
Now I *swung that manifest* : I went down in the three rail *box*
Now I couldn't hear the special agent : when he come tipping over *soft*
Now some special agents up the country : sure is hard on a man


Now they will put him off when he hungry : and won't even let him ride no train
Now I was setting down in Centralia : and I sure was feeling bad
Now they wouldn't let me ride no fast train : they put me off on a doggone *drag*
Now special agent special agent : put me off close to some town
Now I got to do some recording : and I ought to be recording right now



Mailman : please stop by my box today
You know I'm looking for a letter from my baby : you know I want to hear from her right away
Reason I ain't been getting no mail : you know I done found out what it's all about
You know the mailman been getting drunk : he been leaving my mail at somebody else's house
Now I been waiting on the mailman : he usually come around about eleven o'clock
Now I guess he must have had car trouble : or either the road must be blocked
Mailman : please don't you lose your head
You know I'm looking for a letter from my babe : some of my people might be dead



Now it used to be the time : be getting two bucks a day
But now we getting fifty cents : *running down* proper pay
Time : time is drawing near
Now can't you see : more and more every year
Now I remember back in time : before we got grown
Be damned : to let sundown catch a ??? on
Now my mother used to say : the sign will be
We couldn't tell summer from winter : no more by the birds and of the trees
Now it used to be the time : get a corn crop in March
But now we can't get one in June : and neither July
Now you'd go to the church : just to work for soul
But now we go : to buy one another's clothes



Stopped little Mary : across the creek
Soon as I got her : somebody took her from me
Love little Mary : always will
Once in town : she liked to got me killed
Took little Mary : down to Tipton *bell*
All the time she was out : she was raising hell


Down in *Lake* County : in that gumbo mud
Where the mosquito bills : keep a-biting through her tub
You get to *Stanford* : and look all around
Ask anybody : little Mary in town



Now I was sitting in jail : with my eyes all full of tears
You know I'm glad I didn't get lifetime : boys and I escaped the electric chair
Now I consulted lawyers : and I know darn well I was wrong
You know I couldn't get a white man in Brownsville : yes to even say they would go my bond
Now the sheriff he arrest me : and he march me around front of the circuit court
You know I knowed the thing was getting kind of *squally* : I heard the city judge when he set
up his court
Now no more stewball : yes and neither no more white rice
Now you ought need not feel uneasy : you won't have to take this workhouse advice



*Some* was good : some said mean
All these *cotton nip* : ain't got no tea
Ever in Brownsville : go into nineteen
Old *Tim Lepson* : *get stoned on gin*
Tommy so tall : *no shine* low
Everybody in Brownsville : say he got a-plenty of dough
He *rattle his field* : get *a ??? rule*
Ask for a little money : he say boys share the mule
*Stone* live in country : Mr ??? live in town
Soon that morning : Mr ??? hit that black line
??? on the ??? : ??? on the truck
*Men say why* : *and hog people's stuff*



My old lady coming : down the line
She was low in front : she was bouncy behind
I believe I'll drop down : I don't feel welcome here
Now I'm going to get me a woman : for the brand new coming year
Went to the barber shop : to get me a shine
Say go away darky : to that door around the line


Now an old lady : had a jug of wine
Say go away son : you can't play the *lion*
Look here baby : see what you done done
You made me love you : now your man done come
Way down yonder : in the old West End
Women out there : look like sex of men



Don't a man do wrong : till a man make hisself at home
He may come back : catch his head while you lay on
Men goes and gambles : lose all his change
He come back home : his little wife has to bear the blame
Don't a man act funny : when a single woman ease in town
He stay out all night : he throw his home girl down
I knowed you never loved me : when you fell down on my knees
You had been drinking that old moonshine : trying to jive poor me
I won't play marbles : on my baby's marble ground
I won't be worried with the ??? : I'm going to move out to the edge of town



Now got offices in town : resident out on *Sentry* Road
He got a nice little lake : right inside the grove
But you know I like Mr Clark : yes he really is my friend
He say if I just stay out of the [grave, graveyard] : he see that I won't go to the pen
Now Mr Clark is a lawyer : his youngest brother is too
When the battles get hot : he tell him just what to do
Now he lawyers for the rich : he lawyers for the poor
He don't try to rob nobody : just bring *along to the store*
Now once I got in trouble : you know I was going to take a ride
He didn't let it reach the courthouse : he kept it on the outside
Now Mr Clark is a good lawyer : he good as I ever seen
He the first man that proved : that water run upstream



Little Laura was a gal : she was sixteen
Her *dammy dam* won't listen : to her dream
Little Laura was a dreamer : dream those disturbing dreams


She's the dreamingest gal : dreamingest gal I ever seen
Now she dreamed : she was going with the man next door
She dreamed : she was kissing his oh oh oh
She dreamed : she was riding in some man's automobile
She's the dreamingest gal : dreamingest gal I ever seen
Now she dreamed : she was sitting in the grass by the mill
She dreamed : she had taken me from the gal on the hill
Little Laura was a dreamer : most all of the dreams *forecast*
She's the dreamingest gal : dreamingest gal I ever seen
Now she dreamed : I was hugging her close to my breast
She told Jimmy that much of the dream : but she wouldn't tell the rest
Now she dreamed about love : from kissing on down
She's the dreamingest gal : for miles around
Little Laura was a dreamer : most all of her dreams come true
She had dream all about loving : and she know just what to do



Now you done spent all my nineteen forty rent : woman you done worked on my substitute
Then if you don't reach that nineteen forty-one : ooh babe what in the world you going to do
Now you ought to cut off so many trucks and tractors : white folks you ought to work more
mules and men
Then you know that would make : ooh boy money get thick again
Now when a man gets to gambling : you know he's turning his stocks into feed
He say he going to sell his corn and buy gas : ooh boys pour it in the automobile
Now I been studying I been wondering : what makes a man turn the ground over in the
wintertime
You know let the snow and rain rot the grass : ooh boys that make fertilizer for the ground
Now the government give us a school in Brownsville : boy you know I think that's very nice
You know the children can go in the daytime : ooh boys and the old folks have it at night




Write me a letter : and send it by mail
I want you to tell my dear old mother : I'm in the New Huntsville jail
I want you to tell her beans is tough : and the meat is so fat
I want you to tell my dear old mother : it's hard for me to eat that
If I had a-listened : what my mother said
I might have been rolling : somewheres in a folding bed
But I fooled around : with my long *harred*
Now I'm laying here in this New Huntsville jail : and I'm almost dead
Ashes to ashes : and dust to dust


And if God don't have me : you know the devil must
As I lay down in my cell at night : I tries so hard to take my rest
Cockroaches and chinches : begin to crawl over my breast



Worked all the summer : and all the fall
Just trying to find : my little all and all
Was in the spring : one summer day
Just when she left me : she's gone to stay
Needn't come here running : holding up your hands
I can get me a woman : quick as you can a man
It have been days : I didn't know your name
Why should I worry : and cry in vain
Going down to the station : down in the yard
Going to catch me a freight train : when times got hard
The lonesome days : have done gone by
Why should you beg me : and say goodbye



You go down Black Bottom : put your money in your shoe
Because the Black Bottom women gal : ain't going to do nothing but take it away from you
They don't care nothing : about what in the world they do
They'd sooner take that money : out of the bottom of your shoe
They'll take your money : and they'll take your clothes
And one of them tell the police next morning : *partner*
Now run here mama : and run here quick
Just take a look out here in the back yard : just look at sis
Come in here sis : you dirty little thing
Out there trying to be something : and you don't know how
I got me a woman : she lives way down in Tennessee
Just big as black and greasy : great God as greasy can be
Her head is nappy : and her feet done got long
Take God to tell : who she been waiting on



Now I shook it this morning : baby until late last night
And when I come in twelve o'clock : ??? shake it up right


Said now if I could holler : just like a mountain jack
I would crawl up on some mountain : holler for that woman back
Two kind of people : baby I can't understand
A bow-legged woman : likes a knock-kneed man
Now when you see two women : running hand in hand
You can bet your life : one's got the other's man
??? *upped* and come here : caught me in a barrel
I ain't even got no friends : even got no gal
I got a rock for my pillow : treetop for my bed
I ain't got nowheres : to lay my weary head




Now look here girl : put on your best dress
We going to see : who can do the boogie-woogie the best
Now look over : where them girls got them dress of green
I swear to God : this boogie too mean
Get a half pint of moonshine : two or three bottles of beer
I believe : I'll pitch the boogie right here
Get all your moonshine : get all your beer
Close the door : ain't going to let nobody up here




Let me be your wiggler : until your wobbler come
If she beats me wiggling : she got to wobble some
Women crying danger : but I ain't raising my hand
I got a way of loving : they just can't understand
Men they call me oven : they say that I'm red-hot
They say I got something : the other gals ain't got
I can strut my pudding : spread my grease with ease
Because I know my onions : that's why I always please
Wild about coffee : but I'm crazy about China tea
But this sugar daddy : is sweet enough for me
One John in the city : one lives up on the hill
But the man I'm loving : lives down in Jacksonville



I moaned I moaned : I cried the whole night long


I was wondering : where in the world my man done gone
I'd rather be dead : in some lonesome place
Than for my man : keeps treating me this a-way
When you see two of you women : going hand in hand
You can judge by that : they got one of the other one's man
I went to the Gypsy : to get my fortune told
*Said the evil* is hard luck : doggone your hard-luck soul
I said Lord Lord : something going on wrong
Because the man I love : done been here and gone
I turned around : and two of them Gypsies I told
Say Nellie needs a man : most anywhere you go
I went to my bedside : hung my head and cried
Got a letter from my man : that my man had died
I hung my head : and I cried the whole night long
Said I'm right upset : and I've got those weeping blues




I'm telling you this morning : I'm tired of you searching my house
I have a notion this morning : beating you up and throwing you out
The hell with the search warrant : go look and see what you can find
You ain't never found no liquor : and you searched my house two or three times
Give me a break : don't make me pay no fine
That judge is going to lick me : because I been here so many times



I'm guilty kind old judge : please treat me nice and kind
For I'll stay home and try my best : to get money to pay my fine
I never seen : a judge as mean as you before
Sending me a poor woman : and letting everybody else go
You can do as you please : thirty days won't make me cry
When I come back I'm going to gamble : and sell moonshine all my life




On a Sunday morning : just about half past four
My babe took my hand : said daddy I can't use you no more
Lord I may get better : babe I can't get well
I'm going back to my used-to-be : and baby it's country farewell


Lord I'm worried now : but I won't be worried long
It takes a man like me : to carry this worried song
Baby I've been worried so long : that worrying don't bother me
But ain't nobody here babe : to take pity on poor me
I've got a good girl : and I've got a lazy friend
And if I tell about her : he always tell me where she been
I always will have trouble : until I'm dead and gone
If you will love me mama : you'd never treat me wrong



And I got a letter from my baby : and it said that she was dying
I have to catch this mail train : I'm going back home flying
Now when I came in your town babe : I didn't come here to stay long
Now *do you believe that I gone back to her people* : but my baby knowed that I was gone
Lordy Lordy : Lordy Lordy Lord
The only little girl that I love : she treats me like a dog
I'm going to leave you baby : your crying won't make me stay
But it's just like I told you : you're going to need my help some day
Mama I'm the same man : you just only changed your ways
??? *has beaten* mama : you're going to be sorry some day




I woke up this morning : about half past four
Somebody knocking : on my back door
Yes he rattle this morning : about half past three
Half past four : he want to rattle some more
I got a range in my kitchen : bake bread nice and brown
Get my rattlesnake daddy : turn my damper upside down
I can rattle to the left : rattle to the right
My woman said I believe my rattlesnake daddy : can rattle all night
I rattle every morning : till late at night
Reason why : my rattlesnake mama don't allow me out of her sight
Now the old folks rattling : the young ones too
Ain't nobody rattle : just like the way I do
Yes I rattled this morning : about half past ten
Half past nine : I'm going to rattle again





Says I'm going up to town : hat in my hand
Looking for a woman : ain't got no man
Just as well be looking : for a needle in the sand
Looking for a woman : ain't got no man
Says I wouldn't have thought : my baby treat me so
Let another man : stayed at my back door
Mind mama : what you sow
You got to reap : just what you sow
Now if you get you one woman : you better get you two
One for your buddy : other one for you
I's got me a wife : and a sweetheart too
Wife don't love me : my sweetheart do
Cried my gal hollered murder : I ain't raised my hand
Pistol in my pocket : blackjack in my hand
Took my gal : under willow tree
Ought to hear her hollering : don't murder me



I'm not an elephant baby : my snout is large and round
Come to see me mama : when your love some down
If you see my pigmeat mama : tell her to hurry home
Says some lowdown bo-hog woman : have take my sow-pig from home
Yes the reason why I like pigmeat : you know it's nice and sweet
My gal she got something : sure is hard to beat
Yes she's large in the body : she's neat in the waist
My gal she got something : I know you would like to taste
Say you get away from my window : don't knock at my door
I got me a pigmeat woman : don't need sowbelly no more



Which a-way which a-way : do that Blood Red River run
Run from my window : to that rising sun
Now that jumper says loader : please send me six foot of clay
Because that Blood Red River mama : is rising six foot a day
Go down to the camp : and tell my brother Bill
The woman he's loving : is sure going to get him killed
Now the reason why these men here : they sure don't draw no more
Right from the long table : back to that commissary door


Now I love to hear : that M and O whistle blow
I'm in a world of trouble God knows : and I got to go
Now I got two women : and I don't know one apart
There's one in my bosom : t'other one in my heart



I can tell my dog : anywhere I hear him bark
I can tell my rider : if I feel her in the dark
You's a cold-blooded murderer : when you want me out your way
Says that's all right mama : you going need my help some day
And you say you going to put me : woman down in my lonesome grave
Say you must remember : I once have been your slave
And I feel like snapping : my pistol in your face
Let some brownskin woman : be here to take your place
Now you know you didn't want me : when you lied down across my bed
Drinking your moonshine whiskey mama : talking all out your head
Now give me the money baby : I'll catch that train and go
You don't have to kill me : because you don't want me no more
Now if you see my rider : tell her I said bring it home
I ain't had no loving : since my gal been gone
It's two kind of people in the world : that I can't stand
That's a lying woman : and a monkey-man



You talk about loving : that sure is *hit*
You got me to loving : and it just won't quit
Says when I'm on a farm : I hollering whoa haw gee
My gal's uptown : hollering who wants me
Every night I come home : you got your lips painted red
Then come on daddy : let's go to bed
Got great big legs : and a little bitty feet
Something about you : is sweet sweet sweet
You think : you the best-looking gal in town
You do that loving : let it go round and round





I never will forget the day : they transferred me to the county jail
I had shot the woman I love : ain't got no one to come go my bail
Then I sent for my friend : please spare the rod
Then my friend sent me word : Lord the job was too doggone hard
I got friend who's got money : please tell him come go my bail
And my friend sent me word : had no business in the county jail
Then I felt all right : till the judge turned around and frowned
Well I'm sorry for you buddy : but you on your last go-round
I says mmm : ain't got nobody now
Well I got nobody : Lord come and go my bail
I says mmm : I mean come and go my bail



The day I went uptown : caught you looking well
She fell down : her mouth flew open like a country well
Now if you go out : stay all night
??? : *about a* fuss and fight
She's built up a little : and I stay around
She can look up : long as you can look down
Get out now boys : and let me shut the door
I got to *cup them* : before I go
Going to tell you boys : just to call you my pals
A mighty bad sign : to advertise your gals



Had a little girl : she was little and low
Used to love me : but she don't no more
Got a little girl : she stays upstairs
Try to make a living : by putting on airs
Front door shut : back one too
Blinds pulled down : what you going to do
Now I got a little gal : whose name was ball
Give her a little bit : and she took it all
Me and my baby : walking down the street
Dealing everybody : but the chief of police
See my woman : tell her to hurry home
Ain't had no loving : since she been gone
I'll sing this verse : ain't going to sing no more


Hear my gal call me : and I got to go



I hate to see : that rising sun go down
It makes me believe : my woman got me on my last go-round
She used to be mine : but look who got her now
She didn't mean me no good : God knows I couldn't keep her nohow
Said hear me mama : who in the world been telling you
You don't even treat me : nothing like you used to do
Said it may be a week : and it could be a month or two
But when I get lucky gal : I'm coming right back to you
Said a woman I love : she rolled all over the bed
She got the kind of loving : make me talk out of my head
She got coal-black eyes : she got long black curly hair
My baby got something : to lead me most anywhere
I hate to see : that rising sun go down
Lord I got a notion : my woman done and left this town



I was walking around the streets : hear somebody call me and I can't stop
Yeah I was broke and I was hungry : on my way to the pawnshop
Says I went to the pawnshop : great God with my shoes in my hand
Says give me a loan Mr pawnshop man : and help me if you can
Says I called up in Burlington : ask my bossman to help me if he please
Says please hurry up and do something : great God I'm about to freeze
He wrote me and told me : just be sure it's one and two and three
Yeah that pawnshop something : great God that come falling down on poor me
Says I'm about to lose my home : I've done and lost my car
Yeah I'm going down to the pawnshop : see can I pawn my guitar
Says I asked that pawnshop man : what the three balls doing hanging on that wall
Says it's two to one buddy : you don't get your things back out of here at all



You got a little woman : she won't treat you right
Leave in the day : and go back nights
When I called this morning : about half past one
Wake up baby : loving has just begun


Said I know my little woman : going to change her mind
When she walks : she reels and rocks behind
Says I told my baby : about half past two
Wake up mama : loving ain't half through
Says my woman she quit me : keep me worried and blue
Take me in your arms and love me : like you used to do
Then I called her this morning : about half past ten
Wake up mama : loving is just began



You can always tell : when your woman don't want you around
She will put you in jail : six feet in the ground
Yeah locked up in jail : and I just can't help myself
Yeah when I get out : I'm going to find me someone else
Yeah I don't believe no woman : in the whole round world do right
She act like an angel in the daytime : crooked as the devil at night
Said I got the blues : been had them all day long
And when I get my pistol : I won't have them long
Yeah I know my woman : tell you how I know
By the great long hair : and the same little dress she wore



Going to catch that old Greyhound : going to ride from town going to ride from town to town
Then I will find my little woman : don't think she can't be don't think she can't be found
Now Mr redcap porter : won't you help me with my heavy won't you help me with my heavy
load
Say now my woman she done and quit me : she's far on down the she's far on down the road
Then I know my little woman : she bound to love she bound to love me some
When she throws her arms around poor me : like the circle around a like the circle around the
sun
It's the day before Christmas : let me bring your presents let me bring your presents tonight
Then I will be your Santy Claus : says even if my whiskers says even if my whiskers ain't white



When I had money : I had women and friends for miles around
Yeah now I'm broke : women and friends they can't be found
Says I'm talking about a dollar : I mean a dollar bill
And I just got your dollar : you sure can get your order filled
Said if I could only read : read my little woman's mind


Then I wouldn't be here worrying : and stayed blue all the time
My baby keep me guessing : about things I want to know
Yes she got me doing things : that I never did before



I ain't never loved : but a thousand women in my life
Now the love I have for you woman : God knows it sure is strong
Then if you love me now woman : then you won't do nothing wrong
Now my woman please don't worry : baby while I'm out of your town
Now the love I have for you mama : God knows it can't be turned around
Now my little woman : I said she's sweet as she can be
Every time I kiss her : send a cold chill run over me




I know you from Georgia : but you are all right with me
And if you love me : I wonder what can it be
You was once a good girl : and I had faith in you
But when you started to drinking : Lord that's too bad to do
Drinking won't help you none : crying won't do no good
Before day in the morning : I'll be done left your neighborhood
I'm going to drink one of these nights : and tell my sober thoughts
You know what I mean : give me back everything I bought




I've got Ford engine movements in my hips : ten thousand miles guarantee
A Ford is a car everybody wants to ride : jump in you will see
You can all have the Rolls Royal : your Packard and Studs
Take a Ford engine boys : to do your stuff



I'm so blue : just as blue as I can be
Because every day : is a cloudy day for me
I went to the depot : and looked up on the board
Oh I asked the operator : how long that train been gone


Oh it left here this evening : just about five o'clock
Oh that must have been the train : that my good man caught
Oh what makes my grandpa : love my grandma so
She's got the same old jelly : she had forty years ago
I'm going to Washington : to get my hambone boiled
Because these mens in Atlanta : about to let my hambone spoil




I've have the blues about my money : had the blues because I'm feeling bad
But when my sweet woman quit me : them was the worst blues I ever had
You can ever so much money : and friends of different kinds
But to find someone to love you : I swear they're hard to find
If you should find someone to love you : someone to treat you right
You must be kind and loving : and don't run around at night
Because a woman's very funny : she wants you around her all the time
And find you's been gone : some old rounder might change her mind
Don't you never believe : your woman thinks too much of you
Because there's always been some good man : to beat you doing what you're trying to do



I been drinking and gambling : barrelhousing all my days
But I found someone to love me : I'm going to change my ways
I've always heard it : but now I know it's true
If you mistreat a good woman : she'll turn her back on you
If your woman loves you : she'll stand by you to the end
Nobody can steal your place : you can leave her with a bunch of men
If you get a jealous-hearted woman : be careful what you do
Because there's always somebody : tell her lies on you
Whiskey has been my pleasure : good-time places I've always found
But it's been so different now : since I have fell down



Ain't going to cut no kindling : ain't going to pack no coal
I wouldn't spend a nickel : not to save your soul
Because I'm tired of being mistreated : and the way you do
Want you to tell everybody : that I'm down on you
You taken my money : you left me cold in hand


I'm going to black your eye : you can tell your man
You can go tell the parson : you can tell Chief O'Brien
Before I take you back : I'd rather serve some time
You fooled me once : you fooled me twice
You fooled me just enough : for me to take your life
You left me this morning : you stayed away all day
You must've found something : to keep you away
A nickel for some sugar : a dime for some rice
I'm going to crucify my woman : I'm going to *take her life*



You might be brownskin : I might be black
But what I want baby : you really like
Girl I'm tired of being mistreated : and the way you do
Want you tell everybody : that I'm down on you
I got the money : to buy a house and lot
But what I want baby : you really haven't got
*Nice little partner* :
When I get you home : I'm going to curl your hair
I'm not short : I'm long and tall
I've just got what it takes : to make you crawl
Go out with me baby : in a brand new car
Taking a ride woman : you won't have to walk so far
I had two wives : I want one more
Come in here baby : let us lock the door



Baby stop your way of rambling : stay at home with me sometime
Because this way you going every night : will soon start me with a rambling mind
I don't mind you going : please don't stay the whole night long
Because you made me love you baby : and I miss you when you go
Oh it seems so different : you don't care for me no more
But some day baby : you're going to reap just what you sow



Oh tell me baby : how can it be
You will give everybody : but you won't give me


Ooh baby : the sun begins to shine
Bought you a brand new dress : now you won't pay me no mind
You can spend my money : but you got to stay at home with me
Got to give me lots of loving : and keep my company



Ain't going to cut no kindling : ain't going to buy no corn
I wouldn't spend a quarter : not to save your soul
Because I'm tired of being mistreated : tired of the way you do
Want you to tell everybody : that I'm down on you
You fooled me once : you fooled me twice
You fooled me just enough : for me to take your life
You taken my money : you left me cold in hand
I'm going to black your eyes : you can go tell your man
You can go tell the sergeant : you can tell Chief O'Brien
But before I take it back : I'd rather serve some time
Now you left me this morning : you stayed away all day
You must have found something : to keep you away



I'm going to build me a castle : out of ice and snow
So I can freeze these barefooted women : away from around my door
Just because you were a cheater : I won't give up the game
It don't break my heart to win : when I lose I feel the same
I'm going I'm going : my face you'll never see
But you can kiss my picture : and think the world of me
You accuse me of women : brought your men right before my face
After all your mistreating : no one can take your place



Don't care what you say : don't care what you do
You sure can't quit your woman : and if she put that thing on you
She put that thing on you : she puts it on you right
You can't eat when you get hungry partner : you can't sleep at night
I asked a married woman : to let me be her kid
She said she's afraid she'd put that thing on me : and I couldn't keep it hid
My woman quit me : got her another man


And the way she had that thing on me : I couldn't raise my hand
Now from my experience : I give you your advice
If you got a good woman partner : you'd better treat her right



Mr drayman Mr drayman : back your truck up to my door
Take my trunk down to the station : take it never here no more
I'm in bad luck now : going to catch me somebody's train
Take this whole world through : my luck will be bound to change
Bad luck wakes me every morning : trouble follows me all night long
If I see this ain't no place for me : I'm going back where I belong
I just received a letter : baby won't you please come home
Say the days seem so lonesome : and the nights so long



Believe I'll take : my old-timey rider back
Because she got a way of loving : that her daddy likes
[Awful] nice to meet strangers : just to come and spend the day
But that old-timey rider : can drive your blues away
Did you ever wake up in the morning : and find your rider gone
I know just how it feels : that's why I composed this song
I went to the doctor : for my misery
Said it's nothing but the blues : bearing down on me
And I asked the doctor : [was there] anything that he could do
Says I can't do nothing : till that woman come back to you



I believe I'll try : them bad-luck dice again
If I keep on a-trying : I'll be bound to win
Every man tries to gamble : must have a losing day
So he shouldn't get evil : and throw my dice away
Sometimes I believe : my woman's bad luck to me
Because every time I start to gamble : I can't throw a thing but a three
I lost all I had : everything I had to lose
Even lost the one I love : but I swear I can't lose with you
Nine and five my weakness : ten and four keeps me all in pawn
But if I ever get lucky : I swear I'll have my diamonds on





I am sorry : that I can't take you
You don't know how to gamble : nothing else for you to do
It's not because I love you : but it's just because I've been with you so long
And I know you bound to miss me : baby when I'm gone
Blues have mercy : have mercy on poor me
Oh it might be my fault : please have my sympathy
Baby if you never : never never no more
If you never no more see me : you'll miss me when I go
Mmm baby : believe I will go back home
Going back to the one I love : and acknowledge that I done wrong



A hard-headed woman : just like a bulldog without a chain
She won't never listen to what you say : and that will leave your heart in pain
I've fooled with women : till I lost everything I own
It was a married woman : cause me to lose my home
A woman's so deceitful : but she's so loving and kind
You can pack up your trunk to move : but you will change your mind
You told me you loved me : told my boy friend too
And I would not have been here : if it don't been for you
When a dumb man tries to gamble : he expects to lose
When you got a hard-headed woman : you bound to have the blues



Bad luck and trouble : and the blues without a dime
When a man's got money : the blues don't cross his mind
Always try : to keep a dollar in your hand
When you ain't got no money : your woman get another man
Don't never allow your woman : to talk no baby-talk to you
You can tell by that : they got something in their heads to do
I don't want no woman : if she ain't got a railroad man
Because every day's like Sunday : I mean she's always got a dollar in her hand





Keep your back door locked : baby keeps your windows pinned
If your husband should knock : tell him you're cooking and he can't come in
You ought to buy you a bulldog : to watch us whilst we sleep
So he can see your husband : if he makes a 'fore-day creep
Wake up baby : please don't be so still
Unless you fixing a good way : to get your daddy killed
What's that baby : pecking on your windowpane
Say the stars is shining : I know it can't be rain
The big star's falling : I know it can't be long before day
And I think it's time for me : to make my get-away



You can jive me baby : but I don't believe a thing you say
You just a confidencing woman : and wants to have your way
You can spend my money baby : you can get my loving too
I'll do most anything : just to get along with you
I lay down on my pillow : I rolled from side to side
I didn't have no blues : I just was not satisfied
When you see me coming : my head all hanging down
It's that my sweet woman done quit me : the news all over town
My suitcase is packed : my trunk's already gone
You can tell by that : I won't be here long



Since we been apart : ??? seems strange to me
We been together all these years : and now we can't agree
Somebody must have told you : something to worry your mind
But you should stop your way of living : and stay at home sometime
All my past life : I found till today
I've been trying to listen : to everything you say
If you call that leaving : make the best out of life you can
But you must always remember : your daddy has been your friend
Some of these mornings : you going to long for me
You going to want me baby : just for company





When I was society : the women would not let me be
Now I'm wild and reckless : and nobody cares for me
Some people like religion : some like to rob and steal
But I like to play with my yellow women : and my whiskey right from the still
Cigarettes is my pleasure : and whiskey I do crave
And some long tall and slender : to follow me to my grave
I want to tell you something : happened to me one day
It was a little brownskin woman : stole my heart away



I got a little woman : but I swear she treats me mean
Well she can bake good jellyroll : and she's so nice and clean
She don't make no charges : she don't set no price
But if you roll it once : you want to roll it twice
Now the best doctor in my town : says he never heard tell of such
Little bitty woman : could roll that jellyroll so much
She roll it for Uncle Bill : he like to lost his mind
He want her to keep rolling it : all the time
Oh she mix up her jelly : she rolls it over slow
Gets it all together : then she mix it in her dough




Said I work for you baby : I treat you like a baby child
Well you laughing at me now mama : you'll be crying after a while
Says I give you my money : you treat me like a tramp
I got holes in my shoes : and my feet is getting damp
Oh babe : you oughtn't be so doggone wise
Well you laughing at me now mama : you'll be crying after a while
Says you three time seven : and you knows what you want to do
Sometimes you going to think : about the good things I used to do
You laughed and laughed : until you put my clothes in a pile
Well you laughing at me now mama : you'll be crying after a while
Says I tried so hard : to get along with you
But somehow I couldn't please you : no way I do
You laughed and said : honey I was driving you wild
Well you laughing at me now mama : you'll be crying after a while





Say the holdup man : says don't act tough
Give me your money : I'll treat you rough
Now the little dog : started in to run
The big dog said : pup you just begun
Now I'm going downtown : to see Lizzie Brown
She got the best jellyroll : that is in town
Yes there's one thing : I'm pleased to say
A short-legged woman : can go a long long way
I've got what it takes : I am no child
Makes no mistake : yes I'm running wild



I have never been worried : like I'm worried today
Said my baby is going to leave me : and she's going away to stay
When you get to thinking : about your gal
Says you baby is going to leave you : and taken dime you have
I work all day : I wrestle all night
I did not think my baby : would go out and stay all night



Well I worry I worry : I worries all the time
For the gal I love : she just won't treat me kind
I just worry : worry all the time
Yes I worry : because she won't treat me kind
I just lay down on my bed : I smoke cigarettes all night
Just thinking about my gal : because she ain't doing me right
Says I woke up this morning : feeling so bad
Thinking about the good times : that I once have had
I'm going to pack my suitcase : and down the road I'll go
Because the good times I used to have : I can't have no more



I'm going to leave here : walking too
Just on account : of the way you do
Now you told me : that wouldn't do
It may be me : it may be you


I have been walking : for nights and days
Thinking about the words baby : that you have said
I give you my money : you wouldn't play fair
You taken my money : and gave me the air



I woke up this morning : Lord and my baby was gone
I didn't have no sweet woman : just to hold me in her arms
Yes I'm a poor poor boy : and a great long way from home
I ain't got nobody : just to teach me right from wrong
I'm bound down in trouble : and you know just how I feel
Like a broke down engine : without a driving wheel
That's why I'm leaving : I ain't got no place to go
Because the Good Book says : you going to reap just what you sow



Well I followed my woman : to a place she didn't want me to be
And I seed something : that I did not want to see
Well I seen my friend : give her a bottle of booze
And then what hurt me : she started pulling off her shoes
Says I was in a place : that I did not want to be
And I seen something : that I did not want to see
I said to myself : what you think of that
I seen on the wall : they hung their coat and hat
And then I begin to wonder : what to think of this
And then I saw them : begin to hug and kiss
She was with my friend : instead of being with me
And I seen something : that I did not want to see



I got the key to the highway : billed out and ready to go
I'm going to leave here running : because walking is most too slow
I'm going back to the border : where I'm better known
Because you haven't done nothing : but drove a good man away from home
Give me one more kiss mama : just before I go
Because when I'm leaving here : I won't be back no more
When the moon creep over the mountain : honey I'll be on my way


I'm going to walk this highway : until the break of day
Well it's so long so long baby : I must say goodbye
I'm going to roam this highway : until the day I die



I ain't going down : to Riley Springs no more
When I was there : you drove me from your door
You don't know : how you treated me
You used to love me : and went back to your used-to-be
Riley Springs : is a place to go
But you done me so bad : I won't be back no more
You don't care : what become of me
All you care : is to give your poor heart ease
See now : what you done to me
You broke my heart : and left me in misery



Now you didn't want me : when I was treating you nice and kind
Now it's too late baby : I have changed my mind
You won't act right : when I tried to do right myself
Now it's no no baby : I've got somebody else
It ain't no need : you calling me on my telephone
It's too bad baby : you have broke up your happy home
Now I am through : going from door to door
For what you done : I don't want you no more
Now what you done : you done it to yourself
When I wanted you : you wanted someone else



I tried to get you : to stop raising sand
Before they put you : back in the can
Oh baby : it looks bad for you
Now you hear me talking : I've done all I'm going to do
I tried to love you : a long time ago
I love you : until you drove me from your door
Now love is mighty : rest on either hand
I know you don't love : when you keep on raising sand


I tried to tell you : but you wouldn't understand
Now I'm leaving you : cold in hand
I tried to tell you baby : just before you go
Don't you looking : for me no more



Me and my buddy : I mean he is my friend
We can drink more whiskey : ooo well well than a thousand men
My buddy my buddy : was a dear old friend of mine
When I didn't have the price of whiskey : ooo well well my buddy had it all the time
When I was in trouble : with my hands and feet both tied
I didn't have to look for my buddy : ooo well well he's right there by my side
I know me and my buddy : never will have no falling out
Because we got wise to women : ooo well well we knows what it's all about



When I had you baby : you wouldn't act right
You with your man honey : staying out every night
It was a time : you broke my heart
That's when I found out : that I and you had to part
It's come a day : it won't be long
You will be sorry : that you drove me away from home
When I was in trouble : had my ups and downs
I looked for you baby : you could not be found



I believe I'll write : just one more letter home
I'm going to ask my baby : what's been going on wrong
I'm going to tell my baby : baby I will be home
You better make some arrangements : because it a-won't be very long
I'm going to ask my baby : baby is that your friend
She said now don't you worry : you just walk on in
Now I have acknowledged : baby that I have done you wrong
Now tell me what is the reason : that a-we can't get along





The graveyard is lonely : you better put brakes on yourself
Because that's just where you're going : if I catch you with anyone else
It's a hard pill to swallow : when the neighbors all bring you the news
They say you drinks in the alley : on corners or any place you choose
If you don't treat me no better : I ain't going to be your man no more
I love you it's true : but I will have to let you go
If you don't want to tell your mother : that you soon will be coming home
You better cut out you late hours : and let other mens alone
You drinks way too much whiskey : you ain't got no stopping point
And as soon as all the taverns close : you then head for some moonshine joint



I'm going to leave you baby : out here on the outskirts of town
I brought you out here mama : and you won't stop fooling around
I've cut out my iceman : I bought me a frigidaire
Now you let the serviceman : take you everywhere
I'm going to leave you baby : out here on the outskirts of town
I ain't going to stand nobody : ooo always hanging around
I brought my own groceries : I brought them every day
Now you letting the grocery boy : lay up in the hay
I see you wiggling and giggling : when I'm mad as I can be
Now we got seven children : ain't none of them look like me



Since the hard time is got me : I've been running from door to door
I ain't got no bed to sleep in : I've got to sleep down on the doggone floor
Well it's hard times here : and it's hard times everywhere I go
I've got to make me some money : so I won't have these hard-luck blues no more
You know I used to get me a dollar : before I could catch my breath
But now I ain't got me a dime : unless I toss my poor self to death
Have you ever dreamed you were lucky : and then woke up cold in hand
Well you dreamed you had a dollar : and your woman's got another man




Now tell me baby : how do you want your loving done


Oh roll me on my belly baby : feed me with your chocolate drop
Want you to roll me baby : like the baker rolls his dough
Oh reel and rock me baby : honey if it's all night long
Won't you come back baby : you get me all confused



You can go : you can stay
But you'll come home : some old lonesome day
Some day baby : some old lonesome day
I'm coming home to my baby : some old lonesome day
The Mississippi River : so deep and wide
I can't see my good man : on the other side
I was born in Georgia : but I hangs around Tennessee
I've got a man here in Georgia : partner he's crazy about me
Where were you baby : when that L and N left the shed
You was standing in your back door : with a hung down head




You used to be sweet milk : but you done turned sour on me
If you want me to love you : you hum like a honeybee
Now the old folks shake it : young folks too
Ain't nobody shake it : like my daddy do
Lord the way he shakes it : will make me lose my appetite
And nobody shake it : like papa ??? can
Because the way you shake it : will make me lose my appetite
Because the way you shake it : will make me do things right



I'm a pigmeat mama : pigmeat's all I crave
Pigmeat's going to carry me : carry me to my grave
Some women like their pork chops: some women like their wine
But I'm a pigmeat mama : give it to me all the time
I got pigmeat in Texas : pigmeat in Tennessee
My pigmeat in Virginia : Lord is wild about me


Tell all you women : what you better do
You better lay off my pigmeat : or it won't be good for you
Pigmeat for breakfast : pigmeat when I'm in bed
If I don't get my pigmeat : Lord I'd rather be dead



My man left me : he left me feeling bad
He's the best *kind fellow* : that I ever had
I'm going to send you a ticket : hoping you will come
Come back home : nevermore to roam
If you come back home baby : tell you what I'll do
I'll *teach* my kid-man : how to live true to you
Since you been gone papa : listen what I've done
I've made a lot of money: but I ain't give nobody none
I'll wash you clothes in the morning : bake jellyroll at night
When you come home : that'll be so doggone nice
I drink so much coffee : the grounds are in my *wheeze*
I don't care how I do it : doggone heart disease



Mr gasman : please don't turn off my gas today
But the wind is blowing : and the snow begins to fall
But Mr gasman : these cold winds will really give me a chill
Mr gasman come into my parlor : I want to ask you to close the door
Mr gasman : will you please come around after dark
Are you coming in Mr gasman : I want to tell you something right quick
I want to get you early : and *beat some head cold*
Mr gasman : you got that old hot bankroll right over there in your pants






When you hear me walking : turn your lamp down low
Then turn it so : your man'll never know
Going to buy me a bed : and it shine like a morning sun
When I get to bed : it rock like a Cadillac car
Your head is nappy : your feet so mamlish long
And you move like a turkey : coming through the mamlish corn
I done told you I loved you : what more can I do
And you must a-want me : to lay down and die for you



I'm so lonesome : I'm so lonesome and I'm so blue
I'm so sad and lonesome : mama I don't know what to do
When you have a feeling : that I sure gal don't want no more
You just might as well leave her : even if it hurts you so
I'm going to walk down that dirt road : till somebody lets me ride
If I can't find my baby : I'll run away and hide
I'm going back to Atlanta : down on Decatur Street
If I can't find my baby : I'll be so kind to meet




I got a brown in New York : what I am afraid
If I *just tell her* in her face baby : *that will*




Rocking : rocking myself to sleep
Watching my baby : make that midnight creep
I'm rocking : rocking my worries away
What worries me now : worries me every day
Rocking : rocking on down the road
I'm rocking in places : I never rocked before
Rocking : rocking my blues away
I'm going to rock right here : until the break of day



Listen babe : tell me the truth


Please tell me babe : what you going to do
I love you babe : always treated you kind
But your ways and actions : make me lose my mind
I took you in babe : right off the block
You was beat and raggedy : as a mop
You going to be sorry : you treated me this way
You going to want me babe : I'll be far away
Goodbye babe : I'm leaving you
You haven't did babe : what you should do



I love you baby : ain't going to tell you no lie
Always want you : by my side
Come on baby : let's talk awhile
You know I love you : don't you realize
I'll do anything : just to be with you
Say anything darling : don't say we're through
I love you baby : and you know that's true
What make you do your little mama : like you do
I don't care what they say : I don't care what they do
I'll do anything : in the world for you
Put your arms around me : hold me tight
And love your mama baby : love your mama right



Mmm : oh my mellow man
Can't nobody thrill me : like my mellow man can
He don't stand on no corners : he don't rob and steal
Come home to me : each day to get his meal
Now he ain't no organ grinder : he just nice and sweet
I love that man : from his head down to his feet
My man is so mellow : they call him spongy boy
But that ain't his name : his name is plain Leroy



Listen girls and boys : I've got one stick
Give me a match : and let me take a whiff quick


I started blowing my gauge : and I was having my fun
I spied the police : and I started to run
But the very moment : I looked around
My mind fell ill : throwed that gauge on the ground
I used to didn't blow gauge : drink nothing of the kind
But my man quit me : and that changed my mind
I know to blow this jive : it's a sin and a shame
But it's the only thing : ease my heart about my man



You had plenty of money : in nineteen twenty-two
But you let other women : make a fool of you
Why don't you do right : like some other men do
Get out of here : and get me some money too
You sitting down wondering : what it's all about
If you ain't got no money : they going to put you out
If you had prepared : twenty years ago
You wouldn't have been drifting : from door to door
I fell for your jiving : I took you in
Now all you got to offer me : is a drink of gin



I tried hard : a long time
To get you : to change your mind
You want to know : what it's all about
If you love me : you will soon find out
I work : hard for you
Now tell me daddy : what you going to do
When I see you : walking down the street
I get the thrill : from my head to my feet
It's no use : for us to fuss and fight
We should love some : every night



You got me : feeling sad
The worst feeling : I ever had



I got a man : a real handsome one
He ain't no loafer : he's just a little old country boy
I love him : if he is a little old country boy
Yes I love him : because he fills my heart with joy
Some people say he is lazy : but I know that is a lie
For three years he been doing my work : and I'm perfectly satisfied
I know he will [learn to] love me : when he gets to be a man
Because I'm always going to feed him : right from my hand
Now people all want to know : why do I follow my man
There's no need to explain : because they really wouldn't understand



I'm so sorry you heard : I don't know what to do
I'm sorry for the time : I made you blue



Baby what's the matter : why don't you be yourself
If I didn't love you : I'd get somebody else
But you are so dull and rotten : you think everybody like yourself
If I didn't love you : I'd get somebody else
Because I love you baby : and I want you for myself
If I didn't love you : I would get somebody else
The way you been doing : you know it's wrong
How do you expect : for us to get along
Now maybe some day baby : you'd know for yourself
If I didn't love you : I'd get somebody else



You say I'm a fool : and everyone knows
They wondering why : I don't let you go
Everybody tells me : what he do
But still : I don't believe it's true
You say : he don't treat me right
But he say he love me : both day and night


I'm telling you : right from the start
I don't intend : for us to part
This is all : I have done my best
I love him : and darn the rest



I'm so down-hearted : feeling sad
Baby you left me : sick in bed
Mama and papa told me : when I left my home
I would have to face : the world alone
I keep knocking : but they won't let me in
Because you in there with your new love : drinking your gin
I'm so down-hearted : no place to go
Out in the rain : hail sleet and snow
I'm so down-hearted : everywhere I go
Hard luck and trouble : meets me at the door




My man done quit me : he done throwed me down
I'm sad : because he didn't call around
Did you ever lay down : and dream the whole night long
Dream about your man : and all your ??? *is gone*



Last night I went out alone : I was lonesome as could be
How I longed to find someone : to keep my company
Strange man strange man : let me come close to you
I'm feeling lonely : won't you tell me what to do
I'm looking for someone to love : who can your good gal be
I ain't got nobody : and you sure look good to me




Call me a freakish man : what more was there to do
Just because she said I was strange : that did not make it true
I sent her to the mill : to have her coffee ground


Because my wheel was broke : and my grinder could not be found
You mix ink with water : bound to turn it black
You run around with funny people : you get a streak of it up your back
There was a time when I was alone : my freakish ways to see
But they're so common now : you get one every day in the week
Had a strange feeling this morning : I swear I've had it all day
I'll wake up one of these mornings : that feeling will be here to stay




Now I was just sitting here wondering : where I would go get some ease
Now I'm going back to California : so I can do just as I please
Crossing that old desert mama : just like breaking the Hindenburg Line
Now if you get ditched off on that freight train : you know that will be the end of the line
Oh yes I know I know : oh yes I know
Now the train's at the station : in my mind I'm made up to go
When I reach old Los Angeles California : you ought to hear me jump and shout
Now the people in Los Angeles : they didn't know what it's all about




I feel bluer this morning : than I ever felt before
I'm changing friends and men : and I won't be blue no more
I know you 'buke and dog me : baby with your forty-five
And I couldn't do nothing : but wring my hands and cry
Know you trying to be mean babe : and use me as a child
But it's going to hurt you to your heart : when I leave you for a while



I'm tired of being scolded : when I know I'm doing to best I can
To keep from being your dog daddy : I will get me a brand new man
No use of getting on your knees : because I can't use you no more
I been your dog long enough : so this morning I'll have to go
You know all this time : thinking you was all mine
And I come to find : you was worse all the time
And I didn't say one sentence : till six months after you left
I'll give you one more chance : to make a man out of yourself






Did you ever wake up with the blues : and didn't have no place to go
And you couldn't do nothing : but just walk from door to door
It was late last night mama : and I hear you cry out in bed
I went *over rolled* my baby : and she talked all out of her head
If you don't like my loving : what make you keep on worrying me
Why don't you get you some other man : oh mama and just let me be
Good morning Mr blues : Mr blues I come to talk with you
Mr blues ain't doing nothing : and I would like to get a job from you



I know you like my loving : I can tell from the way you wine
Let you taste my jelly : you just worries me all the time
I told you pretty mama : I have the best jelly in your town
Bet you got a little taste : you just keep on hanging around
I swim deep pretty mama : just like a catfish loaded down
And every time you see me : you wants to fall down on the ground
When me and my baby start to loving : we wants to fight like cats and dogs
But before it's over with : we hollering Lord oh Lordy Lord




Yeah mean mama : where you stay last night
Oh your hair all wrinkled : and your clothes ain't fitting you right
Got up this morning : and I could not keep from crying
Thinking about my rider : she done put me down
The sun going to shine : in my back door some day
I know my woman : going to come my way some day
When I get drunk : well I don't want to drink no more
Listen here : what my dear old mother says
These women and whiskey : going to get my child astray
Easy mama : no good bearing down





Have you ever woke up : with them bullfrogs on your mind
It's going to rain today mama : sun shine in your back door
I'm going to tell you this time mama : I ain't going to tell you no I ain't going to tell you no I
mean more
I'm going to tell you this time mama : ain't going to tell you no more
I'm going to leave you partner : and I won't be back here no more
I left you standing here : in your back door crying
I got the bullfrog blues : and I can't be satisfied
Have you ever dreamed lucky : woke up cold in hand
I'm going to tell you : what a Chinaman told a Jew
You don't likee me : well I sure God don't like you
Look a-here partner : see what you done to me
The sun going to shine : in my back door some day



Say it makes no difference : what mama don't allow
We going to have a good time : right anyhow
Well come on daddy : what do you say
Just give me a kiss : that very same way
Well I'm just going to tell you : this one time
Mama this ain't nothing : but to worry your mind
Well it's take me back : try me again
Says I may do better : than what I once have been
Oh come on daddy : this ain't no joke
If you got a good cigarette : just give me a smoke
Take me back : and try me again
Says we'll do better : than what we used to
Well if you don't like my peaches : don't shake my tree
Gal stay out of my orchard : and let my peaches be
Well I tell you buddy : this is a natural fact
Whenever you quit me : I ain't going to take you back




If you just listen closely : tell you just what I mean
I want to tell you : all about my lonesome midnight dream
Something was troubling me last night baby : I swear it was very mean


All night long in my sleep : I felt like I wanted to scream
I would lie down on my bed : I just rolled from side to side
Feel like the girl that I love : have just lay down and died
And I called the undertaker : and the hearse came driving slow
Made me feel so sorry : to see my baby go
Lord I heard a mighty rumbling : just about the dawn of day
It was only the wagon : coming to carry my baby away
When I woke up this morning : folks I just started to scream
Why when I came to find out : that it was just a lonesome midnight dream




Lord I remember : what my big fat mama said
She so big and fat : got to put ashes all in my bed
Now I got rocks all in my pillow : gravel all in my bed
I got morphine in my belly : cocaine in my head
Now if you go : have to bring my good clothes on back
I says go on home mama : you gots: *ruses* all in your back
Says I been to Montana : been all over Tennessee
Says now tell me what's the reason you get tired of here : baby I been really homesick about you
So true so true Lord : mama so true
Says I seen you leaving last night : baby by the light of the moon
Got three great big bulldogs Lord : to watch you while you sleep
To keep papa's little gold *watch-key* : from doing that 'fore-day creep



So soon this morning mama : you were knocking on my door
Babe you knock : just like you never knocked before
I'm going to tell my baby : what the Chinaman told the Jew
Baby no iggly-oggly me mama : sister no iggly-oggly you
I got eighty in New York : I got ninety in Tupalo
No need to smile mama : don't believe I want no more
Says so cold in China baby : those birds can't hardly sing
Says they don't do nothing : but fly in *frosty* wings
My gal's got a new way : Lord spelling Tennessee
Double S double E : double I double A double L
Lord I'm going I'm going mama Lord : I'm I'm going so far away
Says I'm going too far baby : that you can't hear me say






I woke up this morning : feeling sad and blue
Couldn't find my yo-yo : didn't know what to do
I hurried downtown : called my daddy on the phone
He said don't cry mama : daddy will bring your yo-yo home
If you don't believe I can yo-yo : watch me wind my string
Come home daddy : and make the yo-yo sing
Bring your yo-yo : wind the string around my thumb
I'm an old milkcow : to make the yo-yo mum
If your daddy can't yo-yo : you better learn him how
Listen women : I don't mean to start no row



Hey daddy hey daddy : don't let me cry in vain
You see I'm wounded wounded and bleeding : can't you ease my pain
Hearts is aching day is breaking : listen to me pray
See it's snowing cold wind is blowing : so please be on your way
Mr ambulance man : I can't stay still to save my soul
And you ought to be careful : how you handle my jellyroll



Says people call me Mama Treetop : because I'm slender and tall
But when I get ready : to get my ashes hauled
I got a range in my kitchen : I've got a strict rule
When it gets too hot : I want my oven just cool
You can drink my liquor : where my clothes
But when it comes time : for spending my dough
You can milk my cow : use the cream
But when it comes to loving me : that will be in a dream
You can crank my car : shift my gear
But when any easy riding : goes on here



When I go out singing : I goes out all alone
I got a new way of singing : makes a good woman lose her home
Singing is my trade : I don't have to lie


If you feel my stinger : you want to until you die
It was soon this morning : I heard my doorbell ring
I thought slim was working : and he wasn't doing a doggone thing




I'm going up on a mountain : I'm going to do just like a hog
Because the women around here : just treat a good man like a dog
I say I'd rather be shaggy : mama just like a dog
Than to hear my little jet-black woman : say Buddy Boy she don't need me no more
When you see two [jet-black, old black] women : standing and talking so long
Bet your life : there's something going on wrong
My mama told me : my papa told me too
Son these women around here : just *they pretty want* you



I lost all my money : I got nowhere to go
I believe to my soul : I'm about to lose my brown
All you women get mad : because I won't twa twa twa
All you women get mad at buddy boy : because I won't dee da da da
I say I *flied when I was four* mama : be careful *in years gone* by
I couldn't do anything partner : but fold my little arms and cry
I said here come Number Three : with her headlights turned down
I believe to my soul : *she* is Alabama bound
Apples on my table : peaches on my chair
I got to stay there : to eat them all by myself



Hey Mr jailor : don't sleep so sound
Jailhouse on fire : ??? burning down
I say the woman I love : she in the jailhouse now
But please Mr jailor : she got to get out of there somehow
Mmm : my woman in trouble now
I said but one of these good mornings : I'm bound to get her out of jail
When I get my little cell-block key : I'm going to be country bound
*And hey* Mr jailor : I hope the jailhouse burns down





I'm going to lay my head : down on some railroad track
Boy when that train come along : I'm going to snatch it back
Tell me brownskin mama : where did you stay last night
With your hair all down : your face is never washed
I say I love you pretty mama : I don't care what you do
You go to your black man mama : I'll stick to my gal
I say if you don't [need your black woman, want me mama] : you [don't have to, ain't got to] turn
your head and stall
Because I can get more jet-black women : than a-seven freight trains can haul
I got ooo : twa twa twa twa twa twa twa
Ooo : ooo



Hey mama : tell me what have I done
I just seem like you trying : to beat your loving *self on down*
You going to wake up one of these mornings : mama baby and I'll be gone
And you may not never : mama see me in your town no more
Lord I'm a stranger [to you, in here] brownskin : mama I just blowed in your town
And if I ask you for a favor : mama please now don't turn me down
If you get one old woman : you better get you five or six
So if that one happen to quit you : it won't leave you in a awful fix
When I had you little black woman : I tried to do the best I could
Now your little daddy's gone : now who you going to get to chop your wood



How come you do me like you do baby : how come you do me like you do
How come you try to make me feel so blue : mama you know I ain't done nothing unto you
Now you know you left poor me at seven : come back at eight
You got another big fat man : slam up to my gate
You know you hug and kissed him : said daddy you sure is fat
I stuck my head out the window : man and hollered who in the world is that
I bought a pistol : I bought it today
Now I got the undertaker with me : just to haul you away
You know you kept on talking : about that you want to get my goat
I had a brand new razor woman : just to slit your throat
A nickel is a nickel : a dime is a dime
A woman get tired of one man : all the time


You try to give these women : everything they need
You have to make them : one of your G B V Ds



Come in at dawn : stay out late
If I call you : don't you hesitate
Tell me how long : does I have to wait
Can I get you now honey : or must I hesitate
I ain't no miller : no miller's son
Can be your miller : till your miller come
I might think it's funny :
Make me mad : think
*Ain't yellow evil* : ??? *too*
The reason fair brown : I don't need you
Mama told me : daddy told me too
*Womens* ??? : and it'll be end of you
I ain't no doctor : doctor's son
Ease your pain : till your doctor come
I don't want no sugar : in my tea
The woman I got : sweet enough for me




Ooh : my baby don't treat me good no more
When I was sick and down : she drove me from her door
I just found out : why my baby treats me so unkind
When she go to bed every night : she tells everything what's on her mind




Baby baby : I am so lonesome for you
Can't wear you off my mind : don't care what I do
When I wake up in the morning : my heart it feels like lead
When I go to bed at midnight : sometimes I wish I was dead
You told me baby : before you left my door
Some day I'd be sorry : that I told you to go
Lord Lord : can't rest no place I go
Blues is driving me crazy : must be reaping what I sow



Let's get our gauge up papa : let our love come down
Get leaping drunk : and leave this lowdown town
Go down on the levee : where the water's high
Let our love come down : till the *cleared outside*
Hey hey my daddy : he's so nice and brown
We going to get our gauge up : let our love come down
If you quit me daddy : I'm going to leave this town
Can't get my gauge up : and let my love come down




I'm full of mean evil feeling : and I'm full of gin
I'm on my way to the West End : and there's where troubles will begin
They're going to see some shooting : like they've never seen before
I mean my man and my best friend : won't cheat in West End anymore
I got a mean evil feeling : you going to hear bad news
I'm on my way to the West End : to lose those ugly old West End blues



I hate to see : that evening sun go down
Because my daddy : he's done left this town
Feeling tomorrow : just like I feel today
I'm going to pack up my grip : and make my get-away
Oh St Louis women : with their diamond rings
Just pull their men around : by their apron strings
If it weren't for *mortar* : and for store-bought hair
Why the man I love : would not have gone nowhere



You're walking around : no one in sight
Wondering : where your baby is tonight
You're feeling forlorn : you've got the blues
Night and day : you sing those weary tunes
You so down-hearted : you don't know what to do
You ain't got nobody : to tell your troubles to


You're walking for miles : no place to go
You're talking to yourself : Lord but you don't know



Pick me up : don't let me go
Hold me hold me : whisper something sweet and low
Call me lovey : lovey-do
Something sweet : to drive away the blues
Then hold me tight : with all your might
And swear : that you will treat me right
Oh love me : like a caveman does
Because everybody's crazy : about mushy love




Papa papa : let me tell to you
Daddy daddy : here's what you must do
When you come around : sweet precious turtledove
Better come here ready : if you want to win my love
Don't come around : telling me a lot of lies
Because a lying man : I do despise
Papa papa : better do your stuff
Daddy daddy : but don't be too rough
Mama want some loving kisses : right away
Want them when I want them : come on honey don't delay
Don't make me think : you've got a lot of dough
If you ain't got nothing : please tell me so




Now run here pretty mama : tell papa where you been so long
Say you come in here mama : with your clothes on wrong
Says a brownskin gal : make a mule kick his stable down
But a right black gal : make a rabbit move his family to town
Says I went to my gal last night : papa knocked on her door
She said is that you Mr Houndhead : mama can't use you no more
Now woke up this morning : my gal had the worried blues
I looked over in the corner : my poor grandma *what* had them too



The gal I love : she lives on a silver dollar
Every time she leaves me : I declare I'm bound to holler
I don't care who you are : I don't care where you been
Woman on the dollar : that's my best friend
Said she knock and kick me : treat me like a lowdown dirty dog
So I got a pocket full of dollars : huh so you see I ain't on the hog
I got a gal in Alabama : gal in Tennessee
But the gal on the dollar : that's the sweetest baby for me




I feel worried : I feel sad
I lost the best friend : I ever had
Don't care about living : don't want to die
That's the reason : that I hang my head and cry
My man quit me this morning : about the break of day
And he told me : he was going away to stay
He packed his grip up : didn't even say goodbye
When I think of how he left me : I can't help but cry




Woke up this morning gal : 'twixt midnight and day
With my hand around my pillow : where my brownie used to lay
I know I ain't good-looking : teeth don't shine like pearls
So glad : good looks don't take you through this world
Going to starch my jumper mama : iron my overalls
My brown done quit me : God knows she had it all
I'm going to tell you now gal : like Gypsy told the Jew
If you don't want me : it's a cinch I don't want you
Did you ever dream lucky : wake up cold in hand
That's a mighty true sign : your brown got some other man
My mama told me : papa told me too
Some brownskin woman : going to be the death of you





It seems cloudy brown : I believe it's going to rain
Going back to my regular : because she got everything
Hey hey mama : mama that ain't no way to do
You trying to quit me : mama you know I been good to you
Hello Central : give me long long-distant phone
I want to hear : from my sweet mama back home
When your brown [gets, acts] funny : everything you do she gets off
You can hunt you another home : because she don't want you no more



I'm a poor boy : I'm a long way from home
I'm a poor boy : ain't got nowhere to go
Ain't got nowhere : to lay my worried head
Sometime : I'd sooner to be dead
Please tell me : what you going to do
I left my brown : standing in the door
What you reckon she said : you're not obliged to go
I'm a poor boy : stood on the road and cried
I didn't have no blues : just couldn't be satisfied
Now give me : long-distance phone
I want to hear : from my sweet mama back home
I said to her : ring six four nine
I want to hear : from that bobcat gal of mine



Going up to town : what you want me to bring you back
Oh just anything : you think your baby like
Honey honey : you sweet as a plum
Baby you throw your arms around me : let's have some fun
Going up to town : with my hat in my hand
I'm looking for the woman : ain't got no man
Mama mama : just look at sis
Standing on the corner : trying to do the twist
Come here sis : you old stinking sow
You trying to be a woman : and you don't know how
Ain't but two things : I just like
That's salting the dog : and balling the Jack
Wears them in the summer : and she wears them in the fall


Some folks : they don't wear them at all
Honey honey : I'm going to tell you the truth
The day you quit me : that's the day you die



If I mistreat you gal : I sure don't mean no harm
I'm a motherless child : and I don't know right from wrong
Please tell me pretty mama : honey where you stayed last night
You didn't come home : till the sun was shining bright
I have to go so far : to get my hambone boiled
These Atlanta women : going to let my hambone spoil
I done done more for you : than your daddy ever done
I give you my jelly : he ain't give you none
When you see two women : always running hand in hand
You can bet your bottom dollar : one's got the other one's man
I'm going to the river : get me a *dang* old rocking chair
If the blues overtake me : going to rock on away from here



Oh the way my wife treats me : it sure is a sin
Stayed out all night long : before day come creeping in
Then I wanted to know : honey where have you been
She couldn't say nothing : but it'll never happen again
I think sweet mama : I'll have to let you go
So pack up all your clothes : you can't sleep here no more
It's bad to have a crooked woman : she'll keep you living in sin
Then all she will say : it'll never happen again
Now if I had a-listened : to my mama's rule
I wouldn't have been singing : these crooked woman blues
I'm going to sing this verse : and I ain't going to sing no more
I got them blues : and I'm sure Lord got to go



You passed my door brown : you won't even look in
You passed : just like a whirlwind
You can pass me up : try to ignore me too
You like you ignore me : somebody's going to ignore you


I lied down last night : I couldn't even sleep
I thinking about that gal : might make that 'fore-day creep
It's a lowdown fireman : dirty engineer
Done took my gal : and left me standing here
Then I asked the brakeman : let me ride your blinds
Say I'm sorry buddy : but you know this train ain't mine
Some people are happy : and some are burdened down
Some are *so ???ing* : some are so lowdown



Let me in please Charlie : no one here but me
I'm speaking easy : give me a pint of stingaree
Pour me out some white mule : pour me out some sandy rye
I don't want no bug juice : that old stuff is too darn high
Oh liquor liquor liquor : give me liquor until I die
And I'm always happy : when I've got my liquor nigh
I'm kind of worried : got something on my mind
That's why I drink my whiskey : make my faro wait behind
Blind pig blind pig : sure glad you can't see
For if you could : it would be too tight for me
I'm slipping slipping slipping : trying to dodge United States law
I'm loaded down with bootleg : like to make them yammies bawl



So glad I'm brownskin : chocolate to the bone
And I've got what it takes : to make a monkey-man leave his home
Black man is evil : yellow is so lowdown
I walk into these houses : just to see these black men frown
I'm just like Miss Lilliam : I mean Miss Lynn you see
She said a brownskin man : is just all right with me
Yellow man won't quit : black man just won't hey
But a pigmeat mama crazy : about brownskin baby ways
I got a yellow mama : always got a pleasant smile
But that brownskin gal : with her coal-black dreamy eyes



I got them blues : and I can't be satisfied


Got them so bad : I could just lay down and die
Woke up this morning : my clock was striking four
Someone started knocking : knocking on my door
I went to see : what the noise was all about
Someone told me : your brown done left this town
On a Monday morning : first thing sad news
Listen here professor : play for me those blues
Now mama mama : hurry bring it on back to me
You were so crazy : for ever leaving me
Now haven't I done : everything you asked me to
You know by that : I don't love no one but you
Listen here sweet mama : I'm going to tell you a natural fact
You got what I want : so hurry bring it back



Some people want to have plenty of money : some want their wine and song
All I crave is my sweet mama : that I dreams about all night long
Once I had a dear sweet mama : I didn't treat her right
She left this town with a teasing brown : and her name was Mandy White
I'm leaving town : today
When I find that gal : this what I'm going to say
You can have my money : all I want is the facts
I ain't got no time to lose : I got to hurry on back
When I find that aggravated papa : who tried to two-time me
I know I serve a great long sentence : in the penitentiary
I'm going to buy me a gun : airplane and a submarine
I'm going to kill everybody : ever treat me mean



When you were down : sick down on your bed
Know bobby brought you your medicine : also brought you bread
You is up today : looking good again
I knocked on your door : wouldn't even let me in
But the sun going to shine : once more in my back door
It's true I love you sweet mama : but you can't mistreat me no more
I was standing at the terminal : arms fold up and cried
Crying I wonder what train : taking that brown of mine
And I run to the telephone : took the receiver down
I said hello Central : give me Doctor Brown


My baby looks for me : at any old hour at night
No matter when I go there : she's never turning off her light
Mmm : Lord Lord Lord
You womens in Atlanta : treat your men like your dog
Before this time brown : maybe another year
I'll be up the country : drinking that cool can beer



How long how long : how long my train been gone
Been gone long enough : to take you to your good gal home
Tell my wild women in California : where I so long to be
Wild women and whiskey : can make a fool out of me
They can lead me like a little airedale : that's only seven weeks old
They can lead me to the water : shake my head no no no
The longest train I ever rode : was seventy-nine coaches long
But if the man had a-seed me : around the mountain I'd have been gone
I was on my way to California : where I so long to be
Honey I'm from Missouri : you have to *side* me



I caught a pretty little animal : it was striped black and white
What it done to me : spoiled me the rest of my life
I thought it was a squirrel : I took him into my camp
When I put him down : all my clothes was damp
All the people around me : they give me plenty of air
It was so doggone strong : I sniffled it everywhere
I never smelled a smell : that smelled so doggone bad
It was the worst old smell : baby I ever had
I jumped into the water : I scrubbed scrubbed scrubbed scrubbed
But I smelled stronger : baby the harder I rubbed
It was a doggone polecat : and he [sure] ain't no friend of mine
He as pretty as a white dog : but he ain't worth a doggone dime



Said come along mama : give me a hug
You got the world : I got the stopper and the jug
Gals all call me : big bad Pete


But they crazy : about this little pigmeat
Skinny gal in the summer : may be all right
But a fat gal in the winter : just too tight
My gal she's easy : some say she's slow
There's things about her : you don't know
Listen to me : please listen to my song
Take it slow and easy : you bound to get along
Me and my gal : was side by side
She said daddy : I would like to ride



When I'm in my whiskey : I don't care what I say
Because me and my whiskey : we going to have our way
Please tell me mama : what kind of loving you crave
I got the *kind that know about* : seven different ways
I'm down in Atlanta : where the womens they all know me
I'm going up to Detroit : give me you gal you ain't *seen*
Don't you never : want new loving sometimes
They moves it a little different : but it's all the same old kind
Don't let your gal fix you : like my gal fixed me
She made me love her : now she's way down in Tennessee
Wild women out west : where I so long to be
Wild women and whiskey : can make a fool out of me



Let me be your little dog : until your big hound comes
I can do more howling : than your big dog ever done
Look over your role books : see if you got my baby's name
She's acting funny : and I she don't seem the same
Take care of the baby : because she'll a broad some day
And if I'm not too busy : I'll be stopping by your way
I feel like falling : from the treetop to the ground
My girl got a mean joker : and a-he don't allow me around
I go there early in the morning : and I'll go there late at night
She used to be my sugar : now he ain't treating her right
You got to love your baby : so she'll stay home at night
And if you don't love her : she sure ain't going to treat you right
You can't love me baby : and love my brother too
Because that's that's something : it will never do





Hey Mr conductor : let me ride your train
I want to play your yo play your yo : play your yo-yo again
You don't let me on : I'm going to ride the blinds
You wants to yo-yo Bob : but you know this train you know this train ain't mine
I know a man : his age was fifty-four
Oh he didn't do nothing : but play with his yo play with his yo-yo
I like to yo-yo : yes both night and day
Some folks say it's hard work : but me it's famous me it's famous play
You may be blue : and way down in the depths
Go play your yo-yo : your yo-yo your little yo-yo will help
When you hear them yelling : up and down the hall
Don't get uneasy : they's playing yo-yo playing yo-yo that's all
I got a gal : she sure is big and fat
Let's yo-yo Bob : because it's tight because it's tight like that
I'm just a traveler : I've got to leave this squat
You want to yo-yo mama : call on Barbecue call on Barbecue Bob



Got a song to sing you : and it's no excuse
And as sure as the devil : I believe he's got a-loose
[When] you want a drink of liquor : you think it's awful nice
You put your hand in your pocket : and you ain't got the price
You hear about a job : now you is on your way
Twenty mens after the same job : all in the same old day
Hard times hard times : we [sure] got hard times now
Just drink and think about it : we got hard times now
You start in mooching : but your mooching been in vain
Be careful with yourself : you'll get a ball and chain
Lord and bacon : gone to a dollar a pound
Cotton have started to selling : but it keeps going down and down
Just before election : you was talking about how you was going to vote
And after election was over : your head's down like a billygoat



Up said the spider : to the little fly one day


Won't you come around : let's pass the time away
Come into my parlor : said the spider to the fly
You won't have to do no hollering : I love you until you die
My mama told me be careful : wherever I flew
Spider's will try to tempt you : and be *baby*
I think it would be a treat : just for you and I
To order in some quince meat : and get all ???fied
Come into my parlor : said the spider to the fly
I'll give you loving : loving until you die



Oh nobody knows : Atlanta like I do
But the reason I know it : I traveled it through and through
If you got a good woman : here's the lesson I'll give to you
Don't you take her to Atlanta : the men will take her away from you
Lord they taken my woman : hurt me to the bone
That's the reason why : you hear me cry and moan
I taken one woman : believe me I am through
Just for what you do : it coming home to you
Oh don't you hear : that steamboat whistle blow
And it blows just like : it never blowed before
That's all right baby : about how you run around
But you had to face sorrow : when Bob gets back in town
If you take my woman : I won't get mad with you
Like you take her from me : somebody sure take her from you



Down in Dixie : there's a dance that's new
Ain't much to it : it is easy to do
You wiggle and you wobble : and you move it around
Ball the jack : and you go to town
I know a gal : by name of Lizzie Brown
She do that scraunch : she's the best in town
She steps so fast : and she steps so light
Find her doing that scraunch : on a Saturday night
My little gal : know what scraunching means
Showed her once : now she's a scraunching queen
Grandma and grandpa : at the age of eighty-three
They's the best scraunchers : you ever see


Standing on the levee : in New Orleans
Find the best scraunchers : the world ever seen
Got the right step : you move it just right
You do that scraunch : and it's just too tight
I've got a gal : by the name of Blind Lemon Mack
She do that scraunch : it's good like that




I ain't going to marry : ain't going to settle down
I'll keep on drinking : keep on running around
The mouse got the measles : the dog's got the whooping cough
Doggone any man : lets a woman be his boss
The womens don't like me : because I speak my mind
But the men call mama : because I take my time
I ain't good-looking : and I ain't long and tall
Don't believe I'm a donkey : put me in a stall



Papa papa : something's going on wrong
If I catch you stealing : regret the day you's born
When daddy gets his razor : babies in the cradle moan
Because they lost their mama : he's got them all alone
Nobody knows : what the sheik will do
They'll spend all their money : leave you sad and blue
I'm going to quit my kid-man : I like my used-to-be
My kid-man don't want nobody : to talk to me



I'm not crying : pleading at your feet
Sent for you baby : you treat me kind and sweet
Baby I'd rather work : than to play
But if you treat me mean : I'll have to run away
I left my mother : why can't I leave you
I will leave anybody : that treats me like you do





Pratt City : is where I was born
If you get to there : you can get your water on
Get full of high-powered liquor : it's bound to make him scream
Going back to Pratt City : if it takes *nice and mean*
You walk Sandusky : keep your head hung down
Don't worry hot papa : I'm *driftrack* bound



Lonesome lovesick blues will make you feel so lonely : when you're left all alone
Dying for some loving : and the one you love has gone
Deep down in my heart : I'm feeling blue
Lonesome and lovesick : baby just for you
When I am alone : I moan the whole night through
I want some loving : no one but you will do
My heart is aching : breaking for some news
My heart is aching : gee I'm all confused



When I'm alone : I long to see my used-to-be
Because he's the only one : to ??? for me
I was down with a rock : rock by the deep blue sea
So I could roll : these lonesome lowdown blues from me
I'm lonesome mama : and I know it's true
Way my heart aches : you'd be lonesome mama too
If I ever lose these blues : never be worried again




Baby you been gone all day : that you may make whoopee all night
If I going to take my razor and cut your late hours : you wouldn't think I be serving you right
Undertaker been here and gone : I give him your height and size
You'll be making whoopee with the devil : in hell tomorrow night
Oh you done made me love you : now got me for your slave
From now on you'll be making whoopee : baby in your lonesome grave
Devil got ninety thousand women : he just need one more
He's on the mountain calling for you : women broke down surely must go


Next time you go out : carry your black suit along
Coffin going to be your present : hell going to be your brand new home
Cuckoo was howling : sun was almost down
Then I got to go through Death Valley : there ain't a house for twenty-five miles around



Honey you been gone all day : that you may make whoopee all night
I'm going to take my razor and cut your late hours : you wouldn't think I be serving you right
Undertaker been here and gone : I give him your heightth and size
You'll be making whoopee with the devil : in hell tomorrow night
You done made me love you : now you got me for your slave
From now on you'll be making whoopee : baby in your lonesome grave
Baby next time you go out : carry your black suit along
Coffin going to be your present : hell going to be your brand new home
I say the devil got ninety thousand women : he just need one more
He's on the mountain calling for you : baby broke down surely must go
Cuckoo was howling : sun was almost down
Then I got to go through Death Valley : there ain't a house for twenty-five miles around
My poor feet is so tired : Lord help me some way
Then I got three hundred miles to go : traveling through the mud and clay



Ella Ella : down on my bended knees
I'm worried about my baby : bring her back to me
You know I love my baby : that's why we can't get along
Looks like everything I do : something going on wrong
I can see the sun a-shining : leaves shaking on the tree
I got a letter from my dona : my babe sung a song to me
Mmm : hear my lonesome plea
I'm worried about my baby : down on my bended knee



Lord I'm going way down : Lord I'm going to try to leave here today
Tell me that's a mean old fireman : and that train is just that way
Got to get on that train : I said I'd even brought my trunk
Boys if you have been running around in this world : this train will wreck your mind
Lord I once was a hobo : I crossed so many *points*


But I decided to pull down for a fast life : and take it as it comes
There's so many people : have gone down today
And these fast trains north and south : have settled their lives in clay
I said look here engineer : can I ride your train
He said look you ought to know this train ain't mine : and you asking me in vain
Said if you go to the Western Union : you might get a chance
You might to wire to some of your people : and your fare will be sent right here
I want to go home : and this train is done gone dead
I done lost my wife and my three little children : and my mother's sick in bed
Mmm please : help me win my fare
Because I'm a traveling man : boys I can't stay here



Now tell me baby : what time your ??? leave
I'm going pack my suitcase : beat it back to Tennessee
I wrung my hands and cried :
Now tell me baby : what time your ??? leave
Nickel is a nickel : dime is a dime
Wish I had a loving mama : love me all the time
Nickel is a nickel : dime is a dime
Got a house full of children : and ain't nary one mine
Babe I can't see : honey to save my life
Why we can't get along : oh just like man and wife
I say mama told me : papa told me too
All these Winston women : going to be the ruin of you




When the rooster gets to worrying : he brings it to the hen
Ought to be on tiptoe : of you know *wouldn't let in*
Well the ground hog even gets it : puts it in his hole
So my woman's got to get it : doggone her soul
Well the bee gets the honey : puts it in his comb
If he kick out : of his own sweet home
Tired of buying pork chops : to grease your fat lips
You got to find another place : for to park your *rotsy* hips






Did you ever wake up in the morning baby : same thing all on your mind
Something keep you bothered mama : honey worried all the time
When I was just a little boy sweet mama : on my way to school
Met an old *dark-kissing* brown boy : made me break my teacher's rule
Mmm : mmm
I ain't got no sweet mama : teach me right from wrong
My mama got a hen great God Lord : lays nineteen eggs a day
He layed so many eggs : my baby ??? away
Lord : am I right or wrong
I ain't got no sweet mama : Lord to rock me in her arms
Now take your black daddy : wrap him all in your arms
Sweet mama I haven't my right mind baby : Lord since you been gone



My baby's gone : please don't wait till day
I'm sorry I wasn't at home mama : just my babe hadn't've stayed
Well I went back home great God : sit in my back kitchen door
I just want to tell my mama : I mustn't see my baby anymore
Well I went out mama : and I begin to prayer and moan
I want to be good Lord Lord : send me my babe back home
Once I heard a knocking : on my back kitchen door
It's knock like my sweet mama : boys she been here before
Babe : honey what am I to do
Don't you want your sweet man mama : honey lie down and die for you
But I feel so sad baby : honey and I'm lonesome too
Ain't nothing in this world boys : Lord for your black man to do




Blues on my mind : blues all around my head
Had a dream last night : that the man I love was dead
Went to the graveyard : fell down on my knees
And I asked the gravedigger : to give me back my good man please
The gravedigger : looked me in the eye
Says I'm sorry lady : but your man has said his last goodbye
I wrung my hands : and I wanted to scream
But when I woke up : I found it was only a dream





Way down : below the Mason-Dixon line
That's where I'm going : just to ease my mind
Want to see my folks : I miss them so
I bought my ticket : and I'm bound to go
Won't I be glad : when my train pulls in
See my mammy : and my Uncle Ben
This northern country : it make you choose
But it will never cure : the Mason-Dixon blues




Well now I have a woman : I try to treat her right
Well now she will get drunk : ooo well well and fuss and fight all night
I love that woman : I done the best I could
Well now she proved to me : ooo well well that she didn't mean me no good
There's a day coming : I believe I'll make a change
Well now the way she treat me : ooo well well a lowdown dirty shame
I wonder what's the matter : that I can't sleep at night
Well something in my family : ooo well well you know ain't going on right
That's all right baby : *sorry* you drove me away
Well now you don't think : ooo well well that you need my help some day
My woman she told me : nineteen and thirty-four
Well now you have a new man : ooo well well she can't use me no more




Well I woke up this morning : half past four
Met a big crowd : at the ??? store
Well I'm a country man : never go to town
The women in Chicago : trying to jive me around
Well if you ever in Chicago : and the times get hard
Take a little walk : out on South Park
Well the womens up here : play me to be a fool
Think I'm the boy : ain't never been schooled
Well now I got cheer : I had good luck
The woman I love : she keeps me up
Well I woke up this morning : half past two
Streets was crowded : and I couldn't get through






Well black mama : what's the matter with you today
Ain't satisfactory : don't care what I do
Hey mama : what's the matter with you
Baby it ain't satisfactory : baby I don't care what I do
You say a brownskin woman : will make a rabbit move to town
Say a [jet, real] black woman : will make a mule kick his stable down
Yeah it ain't no heaven now : and it ain't no burning hell
Said I where I'm going when I die : can't nobody tell
Well my black mama's face : shine like the sun
Oh lipstick and powder : sure won't help her none
Well if you see my milkcow : tell her to hurry home
I ain't had no milk : since that cow been gone
Well I'm going to the race track : to see my pony run
He ain't the best in the world : but he's a running son of a gun
Oh Lord have mercy : on my wicked soul
I wouldn't mistreat you baby : for my weight in gold



Well I solemnly swear : Lord I raise my right hand
That I'm going to get me a woman : you get you another man
I got a letter this morning : how do you reckon it read
Oh hurry hurry : gal you love is dead
I grabbed my suitcase : I took on up the road
I got there : she was laying on the cooling board
Well I walked up close : I looked down in her face
Good old gal : got to lay there till Judgment Day
Oh my woman's so black : she stays apart of this town
Can't nothing go : when the poor gal is around
Oh some people tell me : the worried blues ain't bad
It's the worst old feeling : that I ever had
Mmm I fold my arms : and I walked away
That's all right mama : your troubles will come some day



Oh I'm going to get me religion : I'm going to join the Baptist Church
I'm going to be a Baptist preacher : and I sure won't have to work
Oh I'm going to preach these blues now : and I want everybody to shout


I'm going to do like a prisoner : I'm going to roll my time on out
Oh up in my room : I bowed down to pray
Say the blues come along : and they drove my spirit away
Oh and I had religion : Lord this very day
But the womens and whiskey : well they would not let me pray
Oh I wish I had me : a heaven of my own
Then I'd give all my women : a long long happy home
Yeah I love my baby : just like I love myself
Well if she don't have me : she won't have nobody else



Hey I'm going to fold my arms : I'm going to kneel down in prayer
When I get up : I'm going to see if my preaching suit a man's ear
Now I met the blues this morning : walking just like a man
I said good morning blues : now give me your right hand
Now it ain't nothing now baby : Lord that's going to worry my mind
Oh I'm satisfied : I got the longest line
Oh I got to stay on the job : I ain't got no time to lose
I swear to God : I got to preach these gospel blues
Oh I'm going to preach these blues : and choose my seat and sit down
When the spirit comes sisters : I want you to jump straight up and down



The dry spell blues have fallen : drive me from door to door
The dry spell blues : have put everybody on the killing flood
Now the people down south : sure won't have no home
Because the dry spell : have parched all this cotton and corn
Hard luck's on everybody : and many people are blue
Now besides the shower : ain't got no help for you
Lord I fold my arms : and I walked away
Just like I tell you : somebody's got to pay
Pork chops forty-five cents a pound : cotton is only ten
I can't keep no woman : no no nowhere I been
So dry : old boll weevil turned up his toes and died
Now ain't nothing to do : bootleg moonshine and rye





It have been so dry : you can make a powderhouse out of the world
Then all the moneymen : like a rattlesnake in his coil
I done throwed up my hands : Lord and solemnly swore
There ain't no need of me changing towns : it's a drought everywhere I go
It's a dry old spell : everywhere I been
I believe to my soul : this old world is about to end
Well I stood in my back yard : wrung my hands and screamed
And I couldn't see nothing : couldn't see nothing green
Oh Lord : have mercy if you please
Let your rain come down : and give our poor hearts ease
These blues these blues : is worthwhile to be heard
For it's very likely : bound to rain somewhere




Woke up this morning : about five o'clock
Get me some eggs : and a nice pork chop
Cheap cigar : and a magazine
Had to run through the street : to catch the five-fifteen
Let me tell you something : that I seen
Coalman got run over : by the five-fifteen
Cut off his arms : and it cracked his ribs
Did the poor man die : no the poor man lived
Let me tell you something : that I know
Coalman got run over : by the five forty-four
Cut off his arms : and it crunched his head
The poor man died : no the poor man lived
I ain't got : but a little bit left
If you don't come and get it : I'm going to burn it myself
Get the wood in the stove : and the match in your hand
You run to the door : and stop the *dirty* coalman
Sell it to the rich : and I sell it to the poor
Sell it to the nice brown : a-standing in the door
Furnish you wood : furnish you coal
Make you love me : doggone your soul
I got your water : got you gas
You treat me mama : says that's your last
Let me tell you mama : what's the matter now
You don't want me : take me anyhow
Sweet mama sweet mama : what's on your mind
Say you can't quit me : no need of trying
I'm going up the country : don't you want to go


Leaving here : ain't coming back no more
Me and my rider : and two or three more
We're going up the country : don't you want to go
Went down the road : feeling bad
I feel so worried : that I ever had
Don't believe I'm leaving : count the day I'm gone



I'm going to Tishamingo : because I'm sad today
Say the woman I love : she done drove me away
I'm going to Tishamingo : to have my hambone boiled
These Atlanta women : done let my hambone spoil
I woke up this morning : between midnight and day
I felt for my rider : she done walked away
Can't you always tell : when your good gal going to treat you mean
You meals is unregular : you house ain't never clean
You can always tell : that something going on wrong
When you come in : your rider she's out and gone
Say when she come in : she got a rag tied around her head
You speak about loving : she swear she's almost dead
Sweet mama : what's on your loving mind
You can't quit me : 'tain't no need of trying
I got a loving faro : she's long and tall like me
I love my brownskin : don't care where she be



Grab your gal : fall in line
While I play : this rag of mine
Too tight : it won't *don*
Too tight : it'll make you warm
Too tight : ain't it a shame
Too tight : shaking that thing
Too tight : hear me cry
Too tight : just don't die
Too tight :
Too tight : he tried to pull it back out
Too tight : give it the gate
Too tight : let's don't wait
Too tight : you hear me say


Too tight : it make us afraid



Take me sweet mama : allow me one more show
I swear to the Lord : that I won't do wrong no more
I don't love no woman : if she ain't got baby ways
I'm crazy about my loving : it's always been my crave
I hung my head : I cried just like a child
Said the way I'm treated mama : I sure ain't satisfied
If you ever go to Memphis : stop by Jessie's hall
You'll see my picture : hanging on the wall
I got the blues so bad : mama my poor heart is sore
Can't rest contented : nowhere I go
Take me mama : please don't throw me down
I'm going to pack my suitcase : I'm going to blow this town



When I ??? game last night : thought I'd have some fun
Lost all the money that I had baby : pawned my special gun
Says I gambled all over Missouri : gambled all through Spain
Police come to arrest me babe : and they did not know my name
Gambled all over Missouri : gambled through Tennessee
Soon as I reach old Georgia : the niggers carried a handcuff to me



Been begging you : all night long
I'll acknowledge : I done wrong
Begging you : down on my knees
Begging you : babe if you please



Just a worried old rounder : with a troublesome mind
All bundled up from hardship : fate to me have been unkind
I wouldn't listen to my mother : wouldn't listen to my dad
And by my reckless living : I've put myself in bad


I ain't trusting nobody : I'm afraid of myself
I've been too lowdown : life have put me on the shelf
My friends have turned against me : smiling in my face
Since I been so disobedient : I must travel in disgrace
I cannot shun the devil : he stay right by my side
There is no way to cheat him : I'm so dissatisfied
Ain't nobody wants me : they wouldn't be in my shoes
I feel so disgusted : I've got them lowdown rounder blues



I'm laying in jail : my back turned to the wall
Says a Georgia woman : was the cause of it all
They arrested me : carried me before the judge
Say the judge wouldn't like me : and he say a mumbling word
I asked the judge : what might be my fine
Get a pick and shovel : dig down in the mine
I told the judge : I ain't been here before
If you give me light sentence : I won't come here no more
Mr judge Mr judge : please don't break so hard
I always been a poor boy : never hurt no John
So the next day : they carried the poor boy away
Said the next day : I *led* a ball and chain
Take the stripes off my back : chains from around my legs
This ball and chain : about to kill me dead



Standing in the station : waiting for my train
I was outdoors : sleeping in the rain
My mama's sick : papa's dead and gone
Didn't have no loving pillow : to lay head on
Thousand miles : baby away from home
My mama's sick : my papa's dead and gone
I asked the operator : how long the train been gone
Your train been gone : ever since this morn
Said the train I ride : it's eighteen coaches long
I'm a poor boy : I'm a long ways from my home
I'm a poor boy : ain't got nowhere to stay
Says everybody : sure done throwed me away
I'm down in Cincinnati : baby on the hog


I'm drinking muddy water : sleep in a hollow log




Got a gang of brownskin sweet women : got a gang of high yellows too
I got so many womens : I don't know what to do
Got a Monday Monday girl : she works it on Broad and Main
Got a Tuesday one *there : to issue* my spending change
Got a Wednesday Wednesday girl : she works it on Broadway Square
Got a Thursday one : take me each and everywhere
Got a Friday Friday girl : she brings me a bottle of beer
Got a Saturday one : well she better not catch me here
Now gang around girls and boys : explain my sonnet to you
Wear those patent leather slippers : mama don't *made dad* blue
Well I love my sweet baby : I tell this world I do
And I hope some day : she'll learn to love daddy too
Got a gang of brownskin sweet women : got a gang of high yellows too
And I hope some day : she'll learn to love daddy too



Have you ever took a trip : baby on the Mobile Line
That's the road to ride baby : ease your troubling mind
Well I got a letter baby : this is the way it read
Come home come home baby : because your love is dead
Well I packed my suitcase : bundled up my clothes
When I got there : she was laying on the cooling board
Well I took my baby : to the burying ground
You ought to heard me hollering : when they let her down
Well there's two black horses : standing on the burying ground
When I turned around : these big tears run on down
When you go to heaven : going to babe going to stop by France
Going to stop by there : just to give these girls a chance
Baby when I die : don't bury daddy at all
Well pickle daddy's bones : baby in alcohol
Well the boat's up the river : baby and she won't come down
Well I believe to my soul : baby boat is water bound
Baby when I die : put daddy's picture in a frame
So where daddy's going : you can see him just the same
Hello heaven : daddy want to give you a telephone
So you can talk to your daddy :any time when he's gone





Got two little Tommies : can't hardly tell them apart
One is my lover : the other in my heart
Got two little Tommies : they is black and brown
One lives in the country : the other lives in town
When you see me coming : put your man outdoors
Well I ain't no stranger : I been here before
When you see me coming : bake your biscuits brown
Put your meat in the cupboard : turn your damper down
When you see me leaving : hang your head and cry
Got a mind to ramble : ain't going to settle down
Going to move to the city : tear these girls on down
Can you tell me : how far Jackson to back home



Boat's up the river : running side by side
Well you got my loving sweet babe : guess you're satisfied
Don't you leave me here : don't you leave me here
Well I don't mind you going sweet loving babe : leave a dollar for beer
How long how long : had the train been gone
Katy Adams got ways : just like a man
Because she steals a woman sweet loving babe : everywhere she lands
Can you tell me how long : Jackson to McComb
Well it's fifteen miles sweet loving babe : Memphis to my home



Ooh : I ain't got no mama now
Going to be another *war* : don't need no mama nohow
Lord it was late last night mama : everything was still
Here to meet my sweet baby : *he's* around the hill
Lord I'd rather be dead mama : mouldering in the clay
Seeing my sweet baby : treated this a-way
Ooh : mama you don't know how


Got another sweet baby : know she's taking it now
Going to sing this verse mama : ain't going to sing no more
Because the landlady's liquor : Lord it's coming too slow




Some of these mornings : going to wake up crazy
Going to grab me a gun : kill my baby
Some of these mornings : going to wake up boozy
Going to grab my gun : going to kill old Suzie
Going back : to Pensicola
Going to buy my babe : a money *moler*
Babe babe : did you get that letter
Oh you take me back : I'll treat you better



Don't you let : my good girl catch you here
She might shoot you : may cut you and stab you too
'Tain't no telling : what she might do
I'm up the country : where the cold sleet and snow
Ain't no telling : how much further I may go
Eat my breakfast here : my dinner in Tennessee
I told you I was coming : baby won't you look for me
The way I'm sleeping : my back and shoulders tired
Going to turn over : try it on this side



I been in New York this morning : just about half past nine
Thought of my mama in Avalon : couldn't hardly keep from crying
Avalon my home town : always on my mind
Pretty mama's in Avalon : want me there all the time
When the train left Avalon : throwing kisses and waving at me
Says come back daddy : stay right here with me
Avalon's a small town : have no great big range
Pretty mama's in Avalon : sure will spend your change
New York's a good town : but it's not for mine
Going back to Avalon : stay there with pretty mama all the time





Raise up baby : get your big leg off of mine
It's so heavy : made a good man change his mind
I asked you baby : come and hold my head
Send me away : said you'd rather see me dead
I'm going I'm going : crying won't make me stay
The more you cry : further you drive me away
Some crave high yellow : I like black and brown
Black won't quit you : brown won't lay you down
It was late at midnight : moon shine bright like day
I seen you faro : going up the right of way



Want all you ladies : all gather around
That good sweet candy man's : in town
He got a stick of candy : just nine inch long
He sells as fast : a hog can chew his corn
All heard : what sister Johnson said
She always takes : a candy stick to bed
Don't stand close : to the candy man
He'll leave a big candy stick : in your hand
He sold some candy : to sister bad
The very next day : she took all he had
If you try his candy : good friend of mine
You sure will want it : for a long long time
His stick candy : don't melt away
It just gets better : so the ladies say



Got the blues : can't be satisfied
Keep the blues : I'll catch that train and ride
Whiskey straight : will drive the blues away
That be the case : I want a quart today
Bought my gal : a great big diamond ring
Come right back home : and caught her shaking that thing


I said baby : what makes you act this a-way
Said I won't miss a thing : she gives away
Took my gun : and I broke the barrel down
Put my baby : six feet under the ground
I cut that joker : so long deep and wide
You got the blues : and still ain't satisfied



Standing on the mountain : far as I can see
Dark clouds above me : clouds all around poor me
Feeling low and weary : Lord I've got a trouble in mind
Everything that gets me : everybody's so unkind
Harvest time's coming : and will catch me unprepared
Haven't made a dollar : bad luck is all I've had
Lord how can I bear it : Lord what will the harvest bring
Putting up all my money : and I isn't got a doggone thing
I'm a weary traveler : roaming around from place to place
If I don't find something : this will end me in disgrace
Ain't got no mother : father left me long ago
I'm just like an orphan : where my folks is I don't know
Blues around my shoulder : blues are all around my head
With my heavy burden : Lord I wished I was dead




I love my baby : and my baby do love me
Get away from my window : honey babe get away from my door
Honey babe honey babe : why don't you tell me what you're going to do
I ain't crazy about no yellow : I ain't no fool about no brown
Because you can't tell the difference : mama when the sun goes down
I got a wife got a girl : and I'm fooling on the outside too



Now *look here Mr* ??? : *says you take a good drop*


??? : he done broke your heart
Put you out : told you to go
You never come back : to her house no more
Now just trying : to throw it down
You know : you the foolishest man in town
Keep on talking : *to the will*
Says you'll never : get to ??? *Bill*
Well you can bring a lot of wood: you can bring in my clothes
You can iron my shirts : you can bless my soul



Says it ain't but the one thing : that grieve my mind
All these women : and none is mine
Says a little fish big fish : swimming in the water
Come on back here man : and give me my quarter
It's like hunting for a needle : in a bed of sand
Trying to find a woman : haven't got no man
Three barrels of your whiskey : four barrels of gin
Says I have a papa home : and you can't come in
Says God made a woman : and he made her mighty funny
Kiss her on the mouth : just sweet as any honey
Now who in the *ham* : *and the confoundation*
Been sowing them potatoes : on my plantation
Now the scariest I ever been : in my life
Uncle ??? caught me : kissing his wife
Now if this was a coffeepot : and that was a spout
I'll be the *worst* boy : to pour the coffee out



Now the cat's got the measles : dog's got the whooping cough
Doggone a man : let a woman be his boss
Now I ain't no devil : crawl in a lion's den
But my chief occupation : taking women from their monkey-men
Says I ain't good-looking : my teeth don't shine like pearls
But I've got something babe : to carry me through this big darn world
Now I think I heard a rumbling : deep down in the ground
Well it must have been the devil : chaining my good gal down
Now the men don't like me : just because I speak my mind
But the women cry papa : just because I take my time





I saved it up : since the Lord knows when
I ain't saved a thing : because of any of you men
I've had it so long : I hate to lose it
Because ever gets broke : I'll be able to use it
Now when you're laying in jail : with your head in your arms
And then you realize : your sweet mama's gone



Now here's one thing : can't understand
Why a bow-legged woman : likes a knock-kneed man
*Times* way downtown : spread the news
State Street women : wearing broken shoes
Now I'm going away : to wear you off my mind
You keep me broken-hearted : mama all the time
Now here's one thing : I can't understand
A good-looking woman : likes a workingman
Now I don't see how : you *honky* women can *pace*
Shimmy all day : without a bite to eat
Now if it wasn't for the powder : store-bought hair
State Street women : couldn't go nowhere
Now I went to the show : the other night
The people on State Street : trying to fight
I ain't crazy about my brown : or about my brown
You can't tell the difference : when the sun go down
When you see two women : running hand by hand
You bet your bottom dollar : she's got the other one's man
Now run here mama : stay back in my home
If your man catch you : I don't mean no harm



You can always tell : when your good gal don't want to be seen
Because your meals ain't ready : the house is never clean
Just like hunting for a needle : buried in a bed of sand
That is to find a woman : haven't got no man


Three barrels of whiskey : mama four barrels of gin
She said the *headknots* at home : daddy and you can't in
It was early one morning : just at the close of four
When Dolly Smith : knocked on Evelyn's door
She jumped up sweet babe : tipped on across the floor
Hollering long tall daddy : don't you knock no more
It was in the loving kitchen : where they made the plot
For to poison her father and her mother : in the coffeepot
Then they carried the remains : throwed it out in the *shore*
Killed fifteen chickens :
Policeman said to Freddie : what do you know about this
Says I guess : you'll have to go arrest poor Dolly Smith
Then they carried poor dolly : put her behind the bar
Give him thirty-nine days : mama and that ain't all
Poor evelyn's in jail : with her back turned to the wall
Hollering cool kind daddy : you know you the cause it all
I'm going to sing this time : ain't going to sing no more
Because my throat's got dry : swear my tonsil's sore



Now down in Georgia : they got a dance that's new
There ain't nothing to it : it is easy to do
Now it ain't no Charleston : ain't no buck and wing
All you got to do : is to shake that thing
Now the old folks like it : the young folks too
The old folks showing : the young folks how to do
Now get back to me : and
Let your mammy ??? you : just *all to do*
I was walking downtown : and stumbled and fell
My mouth jumped open : like a country well
Now grandpa Johnson : grabbed sister Kate
He shook her : just like you shake the *jelly from the wheat*
Now old Uncle Jack : the jellyroll king
He just got back : from shaking that thing
Now old Uncle Moe : he's sick in bed
The doctor says : he's almost dead
Now the folks in Georgia : they done got wild
The *hobo* ??? :





I got plenty of whiskey : put them up on the shelf
But I'm getting sick and tired : of doing ??? by my faking self
Now tell me pretty mama : tell me please don't lie
Can your sweet papa stop by here : or must I pass on by
I got the faking blues : going to sing them anywhere I please
That's the reason why : give my poor heart some ease
Lord I'm going away mama : believe me it ain't stall
Because I can get more women : than a passenger can haul
Lord I'm going to the nation : buy me an Indian squaw
I'm going to raise me a family : got me an Indian ma
I got the faking blues : sing them anywhere I go
Tell you the reason I sing them : my sweet mama don't love me no more
Lord I went to the river : looking for a place to set down
I thought about my faking jellyroll : come on back to town



Stood on the corner : feet got soaking wet
I was hollering and crying to every brown : to hell I'm at
I'm Alabama bound : I'm Alabama bound
Then if you want me to love you babe : you got to leave this town
When the rooster crowed : the hen looked around
Said if you want me to love you babe : you got to run me down
Look here pretty mama : who can your regular be
Says the reason I'm *blacking out stalling* babe : you been so good to me
There's a preacher in the pulpit : Bible in his hand
And the sisters was back in the amen corner : hollering that's my man
Now the boat's up the river : can't be floated down
But she's *way on south* now darling babe : Alabama bound
Just like a beefsteak beefsteak : ain't got no bone
Then if a man like a good brownskin woman now babe : he ain't got no home
Elder Green's in town : and he's going around
And he's telling all the sisters and the brothers he meets : he's Alabama bound
Now don't you leave me here : don't you leave me here
Just before you and your partner get ready to go : leave a dime for beer



Now I got a gal : works in the yard
She brings me meat : she brings me lard


Only thing : that keep me barred
People she works for : don't allow me in the yard
Going to tell you one thing : it's a natural fact
Want you to come on home : and drop that sack
Now I got a gal : she lives on the hill
Took our corn : to the sugar mill
Still I know : I wouldn't take no salt
I'll grind your corn : into sweet jellyroll
I asked for one : she brought me two
Down to the crap game : me and you
Got two dollars : my point was nine
Police come a-running : and the *chips* went flying
Said I went to the Gypsy : to get me a hand
See my gal walking : with another man
I said you may go : you'll come back
If you ever come back : you got to drop that sack



I ain't good-looking : and I don't dress cute
But I just want to *break* : some good man's *opportune*
I ain't no race horse : I ain't built for speed
But I got everything : that a race horse papa needs
You may fall from the mountain : down in the deep blue sea
You ain't done no falling : till you fall in love with me
I ain't no coalman : ain't no coalman's son
But I can keep you warm : until your coalman comes
Won't you tell me pretty mama : I won't have to wait
Will I be your regular : or did I come too late
I may look green : but I ain't no clown
I'm just a red-hot papa : just blowed in your town



Take me back baby : you know I don't know my mind
For when I'm mistreating you : I'm loving you all the time
I walked the streets all day : hung my head and cried
I laid awake all night : trying to make myself satisfied
There's one thing honey : I want you to understand
That's your time ain't long : if I catch you with another man
You ain't good-looking : and you don't dress fine


But there ain't no reason : let some other man read my sign
Going down to the river : honey don't you wear no black
Because when you think I'm gone : I'll come creeping back
If you don't want me : why don't you tell me why
Because you flirting with the undertaker : I mean it ain't no lie



Got a knock-kneed mama : down in Tennessee
She's short and squatty : she's all right with me
Now knock-kneed mama : what you going to cook tonight
Whatever you cook : just cook it right
You got a face like a washboard : and a mouth like a tub
Teach my mama : that washboard rub
Now some people say : chitlings are good to eat
I'll never eat chitlings : long as hog got feet
Takes a long-tailed monkey : a short-tailed dog
To do that dance : they call the falling off the log
Now the monkey told the elephant : if he's not drunk
I know you're sober : you got the tail in front
Now the monkey told the elephant : you may be drinking wine
You can't switch your tail : like I switch mine



I was walking down Morgan : stopped on Maxwell Street
I asked the desk sergeant ??? police force : my gal ain't off of the street
I couldn't talk to the desk sergeant : tell him *when and* where it took place
Because I knew my mama : got arrested on Maxwell Street
Lord I'm talking about the wagon : talking about the ??? car too
Because Maxwell Street's so crowded on a Sunday : you can hardly pass through
There's Maxwell Street Market : got Water Street Market too
If you ain't got no money : the women got nothing for you to do
I got the Maxwell Street blues : mama and it just won't pay
Because the Maxwell Street women : going to carry me to my grave
I live six twenty-four Maxwell : mama and I'm talking about you
Because I swear I don't walk : said Buly Buly Buly how do you





I told you once : this makes twice
That's the last time : don't you boil them rice
You can brown your gravy : fry your steak
Sweet mama : don't make no mistake
Just sure as the winter : follows the fall
There ain't no one woman : got it all
You can meet a woman : that you can't understand
Must be looking for you : or a monkey-man
Now cool kind mama : says you needn't've stalled
Throw it out the window : I'll catch it before it falls
I got the blues so bad : I couldn't sleep last night
My cool kind mama : want to fuss and fight
Now I'm so glad : that dog can talk
I can't teach him : to take a morning's walk
Now if you don't believe : that I can run mighty fast
Ask that man : that run me last



I'm Texas bound : I got a freight train on my mind
If you miss me on the local : look for me on the gine
My suitcase is packed : my trunk's already home
Said you can know by that : your sweet papa's going to be gone
Just look around the corner : see that passenger train
Be a long long time : before you see my face again
Takes a good old fireman : a cool kind engineer
Now to pull that train : take me away from here
I'm Texas bound : got no time to lose
Because my sweet mama quit me : left me with the Texas blues



Everybody in town : got a butter and egg man but me
Tell me please : Lord because I can't see
Come here mama : sit down on your papa's knee
I'm just a butter and egg man : you can easy get along with me
Why don't you take me pretty mama : make something out of poor me
I'm just a butter and egg man : just as soft as I can be
Well it's butter and eggs butter and eggs : butter and eggs is all you crave
When you die : put butter and eggs on your grave
Why don't you take me pretty mama : let you treat me as you do


Because my weakness is pretty women : keep me with the butter and egg blues



My baby done quit me : and talk's all over town
I'm too good a man : to let that talk go around
I'm leaving today : going to leave this southern town
Because my baby caught a plane : that was up the way bound
I feel like jumping : from a treetop to the ground
To get a flying start : and run my baby down
I'm reeling and rocking : Lord howling like a hound
If brownskin's the best : I'll *play a teasing brown*
Oh feel like a dirty : feel like a dat dat dat
Doesn't somebody know : where my baby at
I'm going to grab me a train : beat it on up the line
I'm going to ride : until I find that good-goody woman of mine



Everybody's talking : about the *gren??? day*
I got one : with the sweetest ways
Your baby : can roll her jelly fine
Nobody's baby : can roll it like mine
Your baby : ain't sweet like mine
She bake her jellyroll : all the time
And when I'm feeling : lonesome and blue
My baby : know just what to do
Never has a baby : put me outdoor
She even buys me : all my clothes
I don't want to brag : just want to put you in line
Your baby : ain't sweet like mine



Tell me tell me : please has anybody seen my brown
She used to love me : till old fatmouth blew in town
She's a long tall woman : with coal-black curly hair
With one gold tooth : then you'll know her anywhere
She used to be mine : but the fatmouth has got her now
That's a dirty mistreater : didn't mean me no good nohow


I'm going to love you mama : till my whiskers pass the ground
When you die : I'm going to keep on hanging around
I bought all her clothes : I bought her a diamond ring
Then along come a fatmouth : keep me shaking that thing



It was early one morning : just about the break of day
Says I thought I heard : my sweet baby say
You can read a newspaper : you can't read a person's mind
But when you think she's loving you : dropping you all the time
Now baby you can tell me : just what are you to do
Now I believe I'll go back : to my old-time used-to-be
She's long and she's tall : she's shaped just like a willow tree
And the reason I love her : says she belongs to me



I get up early in the morning : sweet mama and I comb and curry my horse
Because I don't want nobody : not to *see my pause*
Then I goed up to the coal pile : get me a friend to buy some coal
Then I get on my wagon : *then I'm a coal-traveling snow*
*I ought to tell how much* for coal : thirty-five cents a bag
And if you want to know my name : just look around on my sack
I got on my wagon : trying my best to sell my coal
My baby's back home : serving my jellyroll
Now a lot of your women : ought to be put in jail
Some standing on the corner : trying to get themselves in jail



Now I got a lady : by the name of Sue
She'd like to know : just what to do
Now when you what it : I agree
Don't forget : to ask for me
Now she's a woman : hard to beat
All you got to do is dance : and stay on your feet
Now you ain't good-looking : you don't dress cute
You got to keep a papa : for your personal use
Now January February : and March too


The women come along : and showed her just what to do
Now a woman needn't think : she got a man by herself
A man needn't think : he got a woman by himself
Now tain't but one thing : that grieve my mind
All these brownskins : none of them mine



I know a man : he's on our street
He don't do nothing : but eat and sleep
Now he's a man : that I would love to meet
He's always dressed up : and out in the street
Now he don't drink whiskey : nothing sweet
When it comes to pretty women : he sure loves to meet
*I'm hot as the devil* : *I walk about the street*
All that ??? : to the sweet man's *feet*
Now he's a man : has a *copper* good to eat
He always looks good : from his head to his feet
Now when he walks into a place : and takes his seat
His ways and actions : is hard to beat



I ain't talking to one : I ain't talking to two
I'm talking to the captain : and the whole doggone crew
Yes she smokes the cigarettes : throws ashes in the tray
She's a good woman : she likes to have her way
I'm going away : won't be long
You look for me : I'll be gone



Ain't nothing in the jungle : that's any better than me
I'm the baddest man : ever came from Tennessee
I slept with a panther : until just about the break of day
I grabbed the wildcat in the collar : and asked the tiger what he had to say
I wear a scorpion for my watch fob : a rattlesnake for my chain
I scares a gorilla : and make him change his big ugly name
I make a *sea tick* catch a freight train : I make a flea grab the mail
I make a jumbo elephant : grab an airplane and sail


I was traveling in a rowboat : drifting out in the sea
I made a sea lion cub come back : and shake glad hands with me
Way down in the forest : there's where I long to be
Because ain't nothing in the jungle : that's any better than me



Now you know baby : you know it's true
I don't love : no one but you
I'm going to tell you : just before we start
All I want you to do : is to lone me your heart
I'm going to ask you : now baby before you start
All you got to do : is to lone me your heart




This corn liquor ??? : there's plenty more to be made
Just get a job at one of these stills : and you surely will be paid
I tell you it's a mighty risk to run : and a mighty chance to take
To spend your money : for the corn that the bootlegger makes
When the bootlegger goes to his still : get ready to make his stuff
He got his concentrated lye : cocaine and his snuff
I went home the other night : I swore I wouldn't drink no more
Until saloons come back with bottle and *bondy* : in the days of long ago
But I see that will never be : so I just got drunk again
I haven't nothing so long as corn liquor lasts : and I got no money to spend



I'm going to tell the sergeant : *he the* chief of police
The women around here : won't let me see no peace
Because I'm wild about my loving : and I like to have my fun
You want to be a girl of mine baby : bring me whiskey when you come
Hello Central : what's the matter with your line
I want to talk : to that high brown of mine
I don't want no sugar : stirred up in my tea
Because the girl I want : is sweet enough for me
I ain't no iceman : no iceman's son
But I can keep you cool : till the iceman comes
I ain't no fireman : and no fireman's son


But I can keep you warm : until the fireman comes
I'm going to tell you people : to listen to this song
I'm going to see my gal : and it won't be long



Oh how she loved to dance : that old grizzly bear
I guess she's gone to Frisco : to dance it there
Always a sign : everybody know you through
The more you do for people : the less they think of you



Oh how she loved to dance : that old grizzly bear
I guess she's gone to Frisco : to dance it there
It's always a sign : everybody knows it's true
The more you do for people : the less they they think of you



Hello Central : what's the matter with your line
I want to talk : to that high brown of mine
I'm going to the river : with a rope and a rock
And the way you treat me : I'm going to jump over the dock
Tell me how long : will I have to wait
Can I get you now : or must I hesitate
I'm got something to tell you : and I know it ain't good news
Because a hesitating woman : give me the hesitation blues
I'm going to tell the sergeant : and the see the chief police
Because the women around here : won't let me see no peace
I've got a girl in Memphis : she's all right
But the girl in Cincinnati : is just too tight
I'm got a girl in Cairo : loves me I know
But the gal in Louisville : has got the best *clothes*
My mother says I'm wicked : daddy says I'm wild
I know I ain't good-looking : but some woman's angel child
I'll sing you these verses : and it didn't take long
If you want to hear any more : you'll have to buy this song





Well I hates to see : that evening sun go down
Because it makes me think : about my last go-round
It I'm feeling tomorrow : a-like I feel today
I'm going to pack my suitcase : and make my long get-away
Because the St Louis woman : she wears a diamond ring
She leads a man around : by her apron string
If it wasn't for powder : and this store-bought hair
Oh the girl I love : wouldn't go nowhere
A redheaded woman : make a freight train jump the track
And a black-headed girl : will make a preacher ball the jack




I'm a poor coal loader : I'm in the mine
Slave for my woman : till I'm almost blind
I work so hard : from dawn to dusk
Can't find a woman : that I can trust
I work so : from six to six
Kid-man wait : to get his business fixed
I work every day : in the mine
Come home at night : you got my best friend crying
The food you cook : a hound dog sick
Woman I swear : you's a no-good chick




Ah wake up mama : wake up and don't sleep so sound
Give me what you promised me : before you lay down
I said get my tuni : only thing I love
Make you weep like a willow : sling snot like a turtledove
Now I've got a gal : and the kid live out on the hill
She got good doing : serve to the one she may will
She got good tuni : I'm a fool about my yam yam yam
Get my yam yam yam : I'm going back to Alabam'
Now come in here baby : and sit down in my lap
Sit one side : I forgot to tell you I had the
Clap your hands Charlie : Charlie where's you been so long
I been down in Tennessee : and I couldn't stay there very long
I got a job in the freight house : trying to learn how to truck


A box fell on me this morning : like to bust one of my
Nuthouse for crazy folks : folks got sense don't go there
And all the friends I had : done shook hands and left there
I got a gal : and the kid playing deaf and dumb
But the movements in her hip : will make a dead man
Come on out my window : don't knock on my door
And I told you two or three times : don't want you no more
Now run in here baby : because I done got kind of sick
It ain't nothing ailing my stomach : it's something wrong with my
Dixieland was a camp in Georgia : you can't stay there very long
All the friends I had : done shook hands and gone
Now here's a verse : I don't want a soul to miss
I been taking charity grub : I've got to go outside
Shut your mouth boy : four boys can't talk at once
And I done told you two or three times : I don't want no junk



I heard the people say : Casey Jones can't run
I'm going to tell you : what the poor boy done
Left Cincinnati : about half past nine
Got to Newport News : before dinner time
Now Casey Jones said : before he died
He fixed the road : so a bum could ride
And if he ride : he have to ride the rod
Rest his heart : in the hand of God
Now little girl says : mama is that a fact
Papa got killed : on the I C track
Yes yes honey : but hold your breath
Get that money : from your daddy's death
When the news reached town : Casey Jones was dead
Women went home : and *had it* out in red
Slipping and sliding : all across the streets
With their loose mother hubbard : and their stocking feet
Now Casey Jones : went from place to place
Another train hit his train : right in the face
People got off : but Casey Jones stayed on
Natural policeman : but he dead and gone
Here come the biggest boy : coming right from school
Hollering and crying : like a doggone fool
Look here mama : is our papa dead
Womens going home : and *had it* out in red


*Low cut* shoes : and their evening gowns
Following papa : to the burying ground
Now tell the truth mama : he say is that a fact
Papa got killed : on the I C track
Quit crying boy : don't do that
You got another daddy : on the same damn track



Lord today has been : a long lonesome day
You hear me talking to you : did you hear what I say
Lord today has been : a long old lonesome day
And now my rider : eee Lord will be the same old way
I've been to the nation : around the territor'
You hear me talking to you : you got to reap what you sow
I've been all through the nation : and around the territor'
But I found no heaven on earth : Lord nowhere I go
I'm going to the big house : and I don't even care
Don't you hear me talking to you : I'm scolding to my dear
I'm going in the morning : and I don't even care
I might get four or five years : Lord I might get the chair
Oh stop and listen : see tomorrow bring
You hear me talking to you : start to playing
You better stop now and listen : and see what tomorrow brings
It might bring you sunshine : Lord and it may bring rain
Some got six months : some got a solid year
You hear me talking to you : buddy what made you stop by here
Some of them got six months partner : and some got a solid year
But I believe my partner : Lord got a lifetime here




I'd rather be the devil : to be that woman's man
Oh nothing but the devil : changed my baby's mind
I laid down last night : tried to take my rest
My mind got to rambling : like the wild geese from the west
The woman I love Lord : stoled her from my best friend
But he got lucky : stoled her back again



I would rather be buried : in some cypress grove
To have some woman : Lord I can't control
And I'm going away now : I'm going away to stay
That'll be all right pretty mama : you going to need my help some day
Well the sun going down : and you know what you promised me
And what's the matter : baby I can't see
I would rather be dead : and six feet in my grave
To be way up here honey : treated this a-way
Well the old people told me : baby but I never did know
The Good Book declares : we got to reap just what we sow
When your knee bones aching : and your body cold
Well you just getting ready : honey for the cypress grove



I love my cherry ball : better than I love myself
She gets so she don't love me : she won't love nobody else
Cherry ball quit me : she quit me in a calm good way
Lordy what to take to get her : I carries it every day
Sure as that spider : hanging on the wall
I warned little old cherry ball : she was *falling out cold*
I'll catch the Southern : and she'll take the Santa Fe
I'm going to ride and ramble : till cherry come back to me



Hard times here : everywhere you go
Times is harder : than ever been before
Well the people are drifting : from door to door
Can't find no heaven : I don't care where they go
Let me tell you people : just before I go
These hard times will kill you : just dry long so
When you hear me singing : my so lonesome song
These hard times : can last us so very long
If I ever get off : this killing floor
I'll never : get down this low no more
If you say you had money : you better be sure
Because these hard times will drive you : from door to door


Sing this song : and I ain't going to sing no more
Hard times will drive you : from door to door



I ain't got no : special rider here
Ain't got nobody : nobody feel my care
I woke up this morning : looked at the special rising sun
I prayed to the Lord : my special rider would come
I'm going tell you something : to ease your trouble in mind
*Them whiskey women* : *give* trouble all the time
Now *honey* : what more can I do
Hear you done call : the easy rider special blues



Hey hey hey hey : hey hey hey hey hey
And every cow's calf man : honey he was born to die
I going to take my heifer :
If you see my rider : tell her carry on carry on
I wring my hands : baby and I want to scream
And I woke up : I found out it was all a dream
Hey hey hey : I ain't going to be here long
That's the reason why you hear me : sing my old lonesome song
Hey hey hey hey : hey hey hey hey hey
And every cow's calf : honey got to lay down and die
I walked the levee : I just walked end to end
I just want to find : my cow again
I'm stealing I'm stealing : back to my used-to-be
Hey pretty mama : please don't tell on me



If I send for my baby : and she don't come
All the doctors in West *Conton* : they won't help her none
And if she gets unruly : and she don't want to do
Take my thirty-two twenty : I cut her half in two
You talk about your forty-four forty : buddy it'll do very well
But my twenty-two twenty : Lord is a burning hell
Now that thirty-eight special : buddy it's most too light


But my twenty-two twenty : make the *camp* go right
Hey hey hey : and I can't take my rest
And my forty-four : laying up and down my breast



If you haven't any hay : get on down the road
Get your habit in your hand mama : Lord Lord get on down the road
I'm going I'm going : coming here no more
If I go to Louisiana mama : Lord Lord they'll hang me sure
If you haven't any hay : get on down the road
I'm going I'm going : coming back no more
Hitch up my buggy : saddle up my black mare
You'll find me riding : mama Lord Lord in this world somewhere




Folks I'm going to tell you : about a brand new song
I'm going to beat some dirt : and it won't take long
Well they cool it on State Street : warm it down the line
You ought to hear the frogs on Durban : singing and crying
Now the folks down east : are crying Lord Lord Lord
Gang in the west : say the cops is so hard
Well I went down to Michigan : came up Grant
Saw the sweetbacks and the strutters : all raising sand
I went to a good-time flat : last Saturday night
The cops knocked on the door : everybody made their flight
I met myself a good gal : she said she was fifty-one
She started to loving and squeezing : I thought she say son you just begun
Now a yellow gal is like a frigid zone : brownskin's about the same
You want some good loving : get yourself an old Crow Jane
Now I ain't no janitor : no fireman's son
But I can keep your boiler hot : till the superintendent come



Come on and let me know : who you are
Do that dance : called the *don't be long*
Do the Mississippi : and the Mobile Bay


Turn right around : go the other way
Put your hands on your hips : and let your mind move on
Holler like you did : the first day you was born
Do the black snake wriggle : and the frog hop
Take it to the attic : if it gets too hot
Now old sister Sue : *got* heavy a load
She likes to do it : because she got kind of cold
*Hatsie Gray* : and old friend Lou
Some day : this thing's going to happen to you



I've got a gal : she's low and squatty
I mean boys : she'll suit anybody
Last night : she loved me for a while
You could hear me holler : mmm for a while
Sometimes she makes me sneeze : sometimes she makes me cough
Lord you ought to see her : when she starting me off
Last night : while I was sound asleep
I felt a funny feeling : from my head to my feet
She was born in Kentucky : raised in Tennessee
Came all the way from Dixie : to put that thing on me



Ain't you getting tired : of [trying to cheat, cheating] on your papa hon'
Corrine : you the meanest gal I ever seen
Corrine : she just about five feet tall
She sleeps in the kitchen : one foot in the hall
I've got a corrine in Texas : sure can bring me down
Got a corrine in Harlem : make a rabbit hug a hound




I walked from Dallas : I walked to Wichita Falls
After I lost my sugar : I wasn't going to walk at all
Women see you coming : they go get their rocking chair
I want to fools this man : and make out he's welcome here
So cold in China : this voice can't hardly sing
You didn't make me mad : till you broke my diamond ring


I'm going to grab my sugar : papa don't care what you do
I know my baby : she's going to jump and shout
When she gets a letter from Lemon : I wrote her two days out
Tell me what's the matter : [papa Lemon, I] can't get no mail
Mama said last night : don't let a black cat cross your trail
I got up this morning : the blues all around my bed
Went in to eat my breakfast : and the blues all in my bread



Well the blues come to Texas : loping like a mule
You take a high brown woman : man she's hard to fool
You can't never tell : what a woman's got on her mind
You might think she's crazy about you : but she leaving you all the time
Ain't so good-looking : your teeth don't shine like pearls
But that nice disposition : carry a woman all through the world
I'm going to the river : going to carry my rocking chair
Going to ask that gal for a ??? : *how* the worried blues left here
I think I heard : my good gal call my name
She couldn't call so loud : but she calls so nice and plain
I was raised in Texas : schooled in Tennessee
High-stepper you can't make : no fatmouth out of me
Can't a woman act funny : quit you for another man
Can't go look down the street : but she's always raising sand



My right foot itches : something going on wrong
My right foot itching me : and I just can't stay here long
I thought I'd write : but it's the best to telephone
For that fast mail train : can carry your sugar so far from home
Girl I can't live right : ain't going to try no more
This woman's left town : and she ain't coming back no more
I went to the depot : and I set my suitcase down
I thought about my baby : and tears come rolling down
I said ticket agent : how long your train been gone
Say yon go the train : that this fair brown left here on
I couldn't buy [me] no ticket : but I walked on to the door
Well my baby left town : she ain't coming here no more
I got up this morning : my sure-enough on my mind
I had to raise a conversation with the landlady : to keep from crying


Excuse me woman : I won't say that no more
I'm fixing to leave town : and hang crepe on your door



Well my mind leads me : to take a trip down south
Take a trip down south : *it's tough to spend my round*
A train left the depot : with a red and blue light behind
Well the blue light's the blues : the red light's the worried mind
I hate to tell you : it ain't nobody there
If a man stay here : he stay most anywhere
I got up this morning : rambling for my shoes
The little woman : sung me a song of her worried blues
Uncle Sam wasn't no woman : but didn't he grab your man
Tell me them good-looking womens : is on the border raising sand
Well women on the border : drinking out of the water trough
I wish uncle Sam would hurry up : and pay these soldiers off
I can't drink coffee : and the woman won't make no tea
I believe to my soul : sweet mama going to hoodoo me
I asked the girl did she love me : she said Lemon I don't know how
Caught me *commentating* : yes I love you *sky high*
She has feet like a monkey : head like a teddy bear
And a mouthful of lip : I guarantee it's everywhere
I got a girl in Cuba : I got a girl in Spain
I got a brown yonder in Dallas : I's afraid to call her name



[Tell me, I want to know] what time : do the trains come through your town
I want to laugh and talk : with a long-haired teasing brown
One goes south at eight : and it's one goes north at nine
I got to have a good talk : with that long-haired brown of mine
Go and get my black horse : and saddle up my grey mare
I'm going home to my good gal : she's in the world somewhere
I can't count the times : that I'm so unsatisfied
Sugar the blues ain't on me : but things ain't going on right



See see rider : you see what you done done


Made me love you : and now your friend is come
A great tall engine : and a little small engineer
Carried the woman away Lord : and left me standing here
If I had a-listened : to my second mind
I don't believe I'd a-been here : wringing my hands and crying
Ain't no more good 'taters : the frost have killed the vine
The blues ain't nothing : but a good woman on your mind
I done told you woman : I been telling your partner too
You're three times seven : and you know what you want to do
If you see Corinna : tell her to hurry home
I ain't had no true love : since Corinna been gone



So many wagons : they have cut that good road down
And the girl I love : her mama don't want me around
Baby I can't drink whiskey : but I'm a fool about my homemade wine
Ain't no sense in leaving Dallas : they makes it there all the time
These here women want these men : to act like some boxer dog
Grab a pick and shovel : and roll from sun to sun
I got a girl for Monday Tuesday : Wednesday Thursday Friday too
I'm going to sweeten up on Saturday : what are the women through the week going to do
Don't look for me on Sunday : I want to take pigmeat to Sunday school
She's a fine looking fair brown : but she ain't never learned Lemon's rule



Listen here mama : I'll be good
Drink your wine : cut your wood
When I had you : you wouldn't do
Now I got another : and I don't want you
Every evening : half past eight
*Hobbling along* : *with my gait*
Working in the spring : *sleeping in the sand*
Got to get that fifty dollars : that I wish I had
You may think : because you're black
I'm going to beg you : to take me back
I went a-walking : down the line
To see if this woman : changed her mind
She turned around : two or three times
Take you back : in the wintertime





I ain't going to marry : ain't going to [be no settling, settle] down
I'm going to stay like I am : going to ride from town to town
There's a house over yonder : painted all over green
Going to find these young women : that a man most ever seen
I'm going to run to town : talk with that chief of police
Tell him my good gal has quit me : and I can't live in no peace
My home's in Oklahoma : I ain't got no business here
I'm just stopping around : to have a drink of a little drink of beer
I went home last night : fell down on my bed
I got to dreaming so : I was talking all out of my head



Somebody : just keep on calling me
She got hair : like a mermaid on the sea
Make me down a pallet : on your floor
Make it ??? and easy : make it down by your door
I can't stay away : I done cried the whole night long
The good woman I love : she done packed her trunk and gone
Don't mistreat me : because I'm young and wild
Sister you ought to remember : that you once was a child
I don't feel welcome : and I don't care where I go
The woman I love : she drove me from her door
Said fair brown : where did you stay last night
Your hair's all down : and you know you ain't talking right
I'm a stranger here : just come in on the train
Won't some good man : tell me some woman's name



Oh : ain't got no mama now
She told me late last night : you don't need no mama nohow
Mmm : black snake crawling in my room
Some pretty mama : better come and get this black snake soon
Oh that must've been a bedbug : baby a chinch can't bite that hard
Asked my sugar for fifty cents : she said Lemon ain't a dime in the yard
Mama that's all right : mama that's all right for you


Mama that's all right : most any old way you do
Mmm : what's the matter now
Sugar what's the matter : don't like no black snake nohow
Mmm : wonder where my black snake gone
Black snake mama : done run my darling home



What you going to do : when they send your man to war
I'm going to drink muddy water : go sleep in a hollow log
Ain't got nobody : I'm all here by myself
Well these women don't care : but the men don't need me here
Well I'm going to the river : going to walk it up and down
If I don't find *fourteen* : I'm going to jump overboard and drown
If I could shine my light : like a headlight on some train
I would shine my light : in Corinna's brain
Well they tell me that southbound train : had a wreck last night
You little section foreman : ain't treating your railroad right
Well the girl I love : is the one I crave to see
Well she's living in Memphis : and the fool won't write to me
Now tell me woman : what have I said and done
You treat me : like my trouble have just begun



I am broke and hungry : ragged and dirty too
Mama if I clean up : can I go home with you
I am motherless fatherless : sister and brotherless too
Reason I'm trying so hard : to make the trip with you
You miss me woman : count the days I'm gone
I'm going away : to build me a railroad of my own
I feel like jumping : through the keyhole in your door
If you jump this time baby : you won't jump no more
I believe : my good gal have found my black cat bone
I can leave here Sunday morning : Monday morning I'm sitting around home
I want to show you women : what careless love have done
Caused a man like me : steal way away from home
Girl if you don't want me : why don't you let me know
So I can leave at once : and hunt me somewhere else to go



I've got your picture : and I'm going to put it in a frame
And then if you leave town : we can find you just the same
Now if you don't love me : please don't dog me around
If you dog me around : I know you put me down
I know my baby : thinks the world and all of me
Every time she smiles : she shines her light on me
Oh I said fair brown : something's going on wrong
This here woman I love : she's done been here and gone
Oh listen fair brown : don't you want to go
Going to take you across the water : where that brownskin man can't go
Lord I'm worried here : worried everywhere
Now I just started home : and I'll not be worried there
Lord I'm tired of being married : tired of this settling down
I only want to stay like I am : and slip from town to town



I drived to the station : woman I bid you all adieu
Tell me : you always got a fatmouth following you
Now my baby quit me : and she done throwed me down
I wouldn't hate it so bad : but that talk is all over town
She's a long tall woman : she got relatives in Arkansas
She ain't so good-looking : but boys them dimples is *going to draw*
I cried all night : and all that night before
Know it's the best to get single : then you won't have to cry no more
I got ten little puppies : I got twelve little shaggy hounds
Well it just takes them twenty-two dogs : to run my good gal down
I got a girl in *North Clifton* : *hollering for a good long-legged man* too
I may live in Magnolia Texas : what them Mill City women going to do


Some joker learned my baby : how to shift gears on a Cadillac Eight
If you ever shift that habit : now I can't keep my business straight



Blues jumped a rabbit : run him one solid mile
This rabbit sat down : cried like a natural child
Well it seem like you hungry : honey come and lunch with me
I want to stop these married-looking women : from worrying me
I have Uneeda biscuits here : and a half a pint of gin
The gin is mighty fine : them biscuits are a little too thin
[Baby tell me something, I want to know] : about those meatless and wheatless days
This not being my home : I don't think I could stay
I cried for flour and meat : I declare it was gone
Keep a-feeding me corn bread : I just can't stick around long
Got an airplane baby : now I'm going to get a submarine
Going to get that Kaiser : and we'll be seldom seen
Mmm hitch me to your buggy mama : drive me like a mule
Reason I'm going home with you sugar : I ain't much hard to be fooled



I want to go home : and I ain't got sufficient clothes
I bet my money : and I lost it Lord it's dough
I'll never bet : on this old trey game no more
Oh my ??? *gambler's* gone : why don't you quit crying
That joker stole off : with that long-haired brown of mine
Sister you catch the Katy : I'll catch that Santa Fe
When you get to Denver : pretty mama look around for me
The woman I love : why she's five feet from the ground
She's a tailor-made woman : she ain't no hand-me-down
I ain't seen my sugar : in two long weeks today
Girl it's been so long : seems like my heart going to break
I'm going to run across town : catch that southbound Santa Fe
Be on my way : to what you call loving Tennessee



Hey : ain't got no mama now


She told me late last night : you don't need no mama nohow
Mmm : black snake crawling in my room
And some pretty mama : had better come and get this black snake soon
Oh that must have been a bedbug : you know a chinch can't bite that hard
Asked my baby for fifty cents : she said Lemon ain't a dime in the yard
Mama that's all right : mama that's all right for you
Said baby that's all right : most any old way you do
Mmm : what's the matter now
Tell me what's the matter baby : I don't like no black snake nohow
Well : wonder where's that black snake gone
Lord that black snake mama : done run my darling home



I'm going to the river : going to walk down by the sea
I got those tadpoles and minnows : arguing over me
Sitting here wondering : would a matchbox hold my clothes
I ain't got so many matches : but I got so far to go
Lord mama : who may your manager be
He asked so many questions : can you make arrangements for me
I got a brown across town : she crochet all the time
Baby if you don't quit crocheting : you going lose your mind
I wouldn't mind marrying : but I can't stand settling down
I'm going to act like a preacher : so I can ride from town to town
I'm leaving town : crying won't make me stay
Baby the more you cry : the further you drive me away



Now tell me : where my easy rider's gone
Now easy riding woman : always in the wrong
Well easy rider : died on the road
I'm a poor blind man : ain't got nowhere to go
It's going to be the time : that a woman don't need no man
Then baby shut your mouth : and don't be raising sand
The train I ride : don't burn no coal at all
The coal I'm burning : everybody says it's cannonballs
I mean I went to the depot : and set my suitcase down
The blues overtake me : and tears come rolling down
The woman I love : she must be out of town
She left me this morning : with a face that's full of frowns


I got a gal across town : she crochets all the time
Baby if you don't quit crocheting : you going to lose your mind
Said fair brown : what's the matter now
You turn your back to quit me : woman and you don't know how



I'm sitting here wondering : will a matchbox hold my clothes
I ain't got so many matches : but I got so far to go
Brown across town : going to be my teddy bear
Put that thing on me : and I'll follow you everywhere
I say a peg leg woman : just can't hardly get her dough
I left one in Lakeport last night : and I'm selling jellyroll
I don't see why : these women treat me so mean
Sometimes I think : a good man these women ain't never seen
Well I got up this morning : with my [sure-enough, same thing] on my mind
The woman I love : she keeps a good man worried all the time
Now tell me mama : who may your manager be
I asked so many questions : can't you make arrangements for me



I'm sitting here wondering : will a matchbox hold my clothes
I ain't got so many matches : but I got so far to go
I said fair brown : who may your manager be
He asked so many questions : can't you make arrangements for me
I got a girl across town : she crochets all the time
Sugar the blues ain't on me : but things ain't going on right
Mama if you don't quit crocheting : you going to lose your mind
I can't count the times : I stoled away and cried
If you want your [lover, baby] : you better pin him to your side
If she flag my train : papa Lemon's going to let her ride
Ain't seen my good gal : in three long weeks today
Lord it's been so long : seems like my heart going to break
Excuse me mama : for knocking on your door
If my mind don't change : I'll never knock here no more



Backwater rising : southern people can't make no time


And I can't get no hearing : from that Memphis gal of mine
Water all in Arkansas : people screaming in Tennessee
If I don't leave Memphis : black water been all over poor me
People since it's raining : it has been for nights and days
Thousand people stands on the hill : looking down where they used to stay
Children stand there screaming : mama we ain't got no home
Papa says to children : black water left us all alone
Backwater rising : come in my windows and doors
I leave with a prayer in my heart : backwater won't rise no more



I hate to hear : my good gal call my name
She don't call so loud : but she call so nice and plain
Lord the train I ride : eighteen coaches long
And the girl I love : she's just now leaving home
Well a high brown girl : loves to ride away somewhere
If a man is worthy : she would make you a millionaire
Don't never drive : a stranger away from your door
It could be your best friend : mama you don't know
Don't tell no stories : please don't tell no lies
Did my gal stop here : Lord did the mama keep on by
Oh if you don't love me : pretty mama don't run no stall
There's a whole lots of women : *just ran through your brown's hall*



I'm going to make friends : with the fish in the deep blue sea
And stop the Chicago women : from arguing over me
Come here pretty mama : going to take you far across the pond
I'm going to make my stop in Italy : where the monkey-man don't belong
These women in Chicago : they like their fashions and forms
But these women from Nashville : swear they just won't be here long
I said fair brown : let me be your teddy bear
Tie a string on my neck : and I'll follow everywhere



Black snake is deceitful : crawling in all in my bed
I had a dream last night : black snake is killed my baby dead


Hey hey mama : black [snake's lying, snake is] all in my hall
And if you quit me mama : you can't see that black snake at all
Listen here mama : black snake is wearing my clothes
And I told you about it : and you put my trunk outdoors
Take me back mama : I [won't, can't] be bad no more
And you can get my loving : if you let that black snake go
Black snake crawl out : he said he don't mean no harm
But I'm getting tired of that black snake : lying in my baby's arms



I'm going away : now don't you want to go
I'm going to stop at a place : I haven't never been before
I ain't got no watch : I ain't got no *China spoon*
Reason I'm hanging around here : man I'm sticking here dry long so
If you got a sweet woman : you better love her while you can
For your heart strike sorrow : when I come back to town again
I lie down last night : rolled from side to side
Say that the blues ain't on me : but things ain't going on right
I drink so much whiskey : I travel in my sleep
For that brown across town : I declare she is worrying me
I believe I'll sing this song : ain't going to sing no more
Going to leave town : and hang crepe on your door



Well the train's ??? : track's all out of line
And I commence to how I want to : catch that Number Nine
I'm worried and bothered : don't know what to do
Reason I'm worried and bothered : it's all on account of you
When I left home : I left my baby crying
She keeps me worried : and bothered in the mind
Now don't your house look lonesome : when your baby pack up and leave
You may drink your moonshine : but baby your heart ain't free
If you take my rider : I can't get mad with you
Just like you taken mine : I'll take someone else's too
I got a girl in Texas : I got a brown in Tennessee
Lord but that brown in Chicago : have put that jinx bug on me





I never feel uneasy : I know how you love your tricks
You leave town the spate of ten days : you got your business well fixed
I wonder if the chinches bite in Beaumont : bite like they do in Beale Street town
The first night I stayed in Memphis : chinch bugs turned my bed around
I had to get sinful with the bedbugs : to keep the chinches from taking my life
Because the chinches got my number : wrote a letter to my wife
My wife caught me easing : way across that Richland Road
The next time I go to slip out : I ain't going to leave on the light anymore
My wife has quit me : and my best pigmeat gal has too
All of ??? *Lord* : here with the chinch bug blues



There's a brown across town : and she's taller as a sycamore tree
That's the gal'd walk through the rain and snow : for to ease that thing on me
Brownskin girl is deceitful : till she gets you all worn down
She get all your pocket change : she going drive you from her town
Went home last night : found a note in my brownskin's door
Daddy *stay long* has got your room : man you can't live here no more
I [begun to walk, commenced walking] : walked till my feet got soaking wet
Trying to find good home mama : man I ain't found none yet
Well the sun's going to shine : in my back door some day
Ah it's one more drink : going to drive these blues away
Lord it's heavy-hipped mama : and the meat shakes on the bone
Every time it shakes : it's a sign my baby's home



Burn the railroad down : so that Sunshine Special can't run
I got a gang of women : man they ride from sun to sun
Same old fireman : going to keep this same old engineer
So that Sunshine Special : is going to run me on away from here
Going to leave on the Sunshine Special : going in on the Santa Fe
Going to *set up and stop* that Katy : because it's taking my brown from me
Going to ride that kansas Texas : right on to San Antone
Somebody's been trying to fire your engines : man ever since you been gone
Cotton Belt is a slow train : also that I and C N
If I leave Texas anymore : going to leave on that L and N





I had a dream last night : all about my gal
You can tell by that : sweet papa ain't been so well
I'm going away mama : just to wear you off my mind
So if I live in Chicago : murder's going to be my crime
This house is lonesome : my baby left me all alone
If your heart ain't rock : sugar it must be marble stone
I got the blues so bad : it hurts my feet to walk
It has settled on my brain : and it hurts my tongue to talk



Take Fort Worth for your dressing : and Dallas all for your sal
So you want to go to the state penitentiary : go to Grossbeck for your trial
I hung around Grossbeck : I work in hard showers of rain
I never felt the least bit uneasy : till I caught that penitentiary bound train
I used to be a drunkard : rowdy everywhere I go
If ever I get out of this trouble I'm in : man I won't be rowdy no more
Boys don't be bad : please don't crowd your mind
If you get in trouble in Grossbeck : they going to send you to penitentiary flying
I want you to stop and study : don't take nobody's life
They got walls at the state penitentiary : you can't jump man as hard as you try



I walked to the jail with my partner : asked him how come he's here
I had a *ruckus* with my family : they going to send me to the electric chair
I wonder why they electrocute a man : *if he ??? line*
Because the current's much stronger : *when they send it straight out on the line*
*I said to the electrocutor* : *awful lousy crime*
And my baby asked the judge : was he going to electrocute that man of mine
Going to get me a taxi : to take me away from here
I don't know but one thing in this world : could keep me *married* to the electric chair
I feel like jumping in the ocean : I feel like jumping in the deep blue sea
There wasn't no blood left in my heart : and they brought my electrocuted daddy to me



I'm going to tell you why : I got Lemon's lowdown worried blues


I left my meal ticket down at ??? : my pot of chitlings boiling a little past noon
Lord I'm worried here : worried everywhere I go
I worried my rider so late last night : she had a mule wagon backed up to my door
I woke up this morning : took a walk till the break of day
I asked for a woman to marry me : and I just made my get-away
I woke up this morning : woke up about half past ten
Ease my head in the window : she's singing Lemon's worried blues again
Worried so bad : can't tell my stockings from my shoes
I lay down last night : with Lemon's lowdown worried blues
Lord what makes that [banty] rooster : he keeps crowing for the dawn of day
His man better watch his footsteps for the hen : now doggone his ways



I feel like jumping : through the keyhole in your door
If you jump this time baby : you won't jump no more
I feel like falling : from treetops to the ground
My rider's got a mean jumper : and he don't allow me around
I go there early in the morning : and I goes there late at night
Don't care how late I goes there : he hasn't ever turned down his light
I believe he's looking for me : he's up all hours at night
She used to be my rider : and he ain't treating her right
I met this jumper one morning : he was out on the out edge of town
I had to talk and plead : for to keep him from blowing me down



I got up this morning : sure was feeling fine
I heard a rap at the door : must be that bad cat woman of mine
She was fussing she was fighting : and acting like a doggone fool
And hemming and a-hawing : and acting just like a balky mule
Bad cat ain't no wildcat : and he's going to stay home at night
But when it comes to squabbling : he sure can scratch and bite
I got up this morning : I was easing across this floor
Now my bad cat's leaving me : ain't going to catch my mice no more
I was standing on the corner : when they brought me the bad cat news
Now here come my bad cat mama : to run me away with them bad cat blues





Hey hey mama : that rider's done and gone
I just can't see : what in the world is you waiting on
I've got another mama : she ain't long and up tall
But to tell you the truth man : she is as soft as a butterball
She got Elgin movements : from her head down to her toe
And she can break in on a dollar : man most anywhere she goes
She was my best mama : but she wouldn't treat me right
She wouldn't do nothing : but barrelhouse all night long
I'm going to get me a mama : I mean with lots of bucks
I'm going to be gone mama : so I can change my luck



Getting tired of sleeping : in this lowdown lonesome cell
Lord I wouldn't've been here : if it hadn't've been for Nell
Lay awake at night : and just can't eat a bite
Used to be my rider : but she just won't treat me right
Got a red-eyed captain : and a squabbling boss
Got a mad dog sergeant : honey and he won't knock off
I asked the government : to knock some days off my time
Well the way I'm treated : I'm about to lose my mind
I wrote to the governor : please turn me a-loose
Since I didn't get no answer : I know it ain't no use
I hate to turn over : and find my rider gone
Walked across my floor : Lordy how I moan
Lord I wouldn't've been here : if it hadn't've been for Nell
I'm getting tired of sleeping : in this lowdown lonesome cell



I wonder why : my partner sitting around looking sad
I mean the woman if she quit me : it's going to be too black bad
She's a fair made woman : and she's cunning as a squirrel
When she starts to loving : man it's out the world
Oh she's a dark brownskin : we always call her chocolate drop
If the fool starts a-loving : man it just won't stop
When I first met the woman : I says I hadn't made no hit
She got this old-fashioned loving : man it just won't quit
I met her at a *sociable* : she acts just like a crook
Lord when she starts to loving : man it ain't in the book



Lord heavy-hipped mama : she done moved to the piney wood
She's a high-stepping mama : and she don't mean no man no good
She got ways like the devil : and hair like a Indian squaw
She been trying two years : to get me to be her son-in-law
Big mama : own everything in her neighborhood
But when she made the money : is when she lived in the piney wood
Blues in my kitchen : blues in my dining room
And some nice young fair brown : had better come here soon
Well the cook's in the kitchen : picking and fussing over turnip greens
White folks in the parlor playing cards : and they're serving their cake and tea
My baby loves my baby : like a cow loves to chew her cud
But that fool just off and left me : she done moved to the piney wood



I love my baby : better than a farmer likes his Jersey cow
Been trying to quit my baby for two years : and man I don't know how
When I was young : on my big-foot way to school
I met a nice-looking brownskin : made me lose my mammy's rule
My rider's got a mojo : and she won't let me see
Every time I start to loving : she ease that thing on me
She's got to fool her daddy : she's got to keep that mojo hid
But papa's got something : for to find that mojo with
She got four speeds forward : and she don't never stall
The way she bumps over the hill : it would make a panther squall



Competition worrying me : you been having a competition with me
*Big foot* stops at every man's door : and he's always in his midnight creep
I have a loving brown : I did never miss it *till her gone*
I found a ??? competition : he better not get in town
I passed my partner's house : I stopped in to comb my head
Who should I find : but my gal making up my partner's bed
I'm going to wreck my mind : competition going between me and my friend
It hurt me so : I thought we'd be pals till the end
It makes a man feel bad : when competition
Now there's so much competition : I believe I'll leave your town





I got a letter : I got a letter here in my hand
My brown wrote to tell me sad news : she got a brand new man
I'm a long long way from home : I ain't got no *lover* in town
I'm going to get that *B and M* to Baltimore boy : I heard my baby *is there*
I was drinking all night [long] : got up this morning sloppy drunk
I would pack my things : but somebody done stole my trunk
I went uptown last night : I tried drinking hard to ease my pain
But you ain't got no money : so don't come back here again
It's sad news : when your baby's ???ing on you
Even though you been kind : there's nothing that you can do



Standing at the station : watch my baby leave town
I feel disgusted : no peace can be found
Now you can hear the whistles blowing : but I just can't see no train
Way down in my heart : got a lot of aches and pains
Sometime I feel disgusted : and I feel so blue
I hardly know what in this world baby : a good man can do
If I could holler : just like a mountain jack
I'd go up on the mountain : and call my baby back
Some day you're going to be sorry : you ever done me wrong
It'll be too late darling : your man will be gone
My mind goes to wondering : I feel so bad
Thinking about the trouble : a good man always have



I used to take my feet : in a midnight tramp
Now they got me : doing a different kind of dance
I couldn't keep away from [wild, bad] women : bad [liquor, whiskey] cards and dice
Now I'm doing the lock-step baby : things ain't going so nice
It don't matter to me : whether it sunshine snow or rains
Because I can't go gay cutting : and carry a ball and chain
Mean old jailor : taking away my dancing shoes
I can't strut my stuff : when I got those lock-step blues
Big rats in my cell : keeps me woke all night


My woman done turned me down : and I don't think that's right
Every morning : I walk down that big long hall
I'm screaming for my mama : can't make no time at all



Hangman's rope : it's so tough and strong
They got to hang me : because I done something wrong
I want to tell you : the gallows Lord is a fearful sight
Hang me in the morning : and cut me down at night
Well the mean old hangman : he went and tightened up that noose
Lord I'm so scared : I am trembling in my shoes
[Jury, jurymen] heard my case : and it said my hand was red
And the judge is telling me : be hanging till I'm dead
The crowd around the courthouse : and the time is growing fast
Soon a good-for-nothing killer : is going to breathe his last
Lord I'm almost dying : gasping for my breath
And that trifling woman staying : until I breaks my neck



Now it's the day before Christmas : mama won't you hear me moan
If you take me back baby : I'll give you anything you need
I had a good chance : baby give me just one more
I will change the way I'm loving : like you never have been before
I know I did do wrong : I'm just as sorry as I can be
It's the day before Christmas : mama come back to me
Mama don't turn me down : on this Christmas Eve
I cried about you so hard : done wetted my whole coat sleeve
It's the day before Christmas : let me bring [me] your present tonight
I'm going to be your Santa Claus : even if my whiskers ain't white



I'm thinking about the year : of nineteen and twenty-nine
New year caught me with *marked money* : man I was doing just fine
I was lying down with my baby : we had one small quart of gin
That old doorbell kept ringing : I wouldn't leave nobody come in
The whistle was blowing for New Year : around twelve o'clock at night
I lied down on there with my baby : until the good Lord brought daylight


Early one New Year morning : I was walking down by the hill
Every man likes his liquor : when he gets it fresh from the still
I hate to drink all new year : for this whiskey they making is too strong
Because when I take two or three drinks : I'll be drunk the whole year long



Rats is mean in my kitchen : and I lost my Maltese cat
I'm going to make things right with my good gal : man and it's tight like that
I'm going to start walking : walk the shoes clean off of my feet
Just thinking about my mama : and man that woman sure is sweet
I ain't got no suitcase : I don't have a one bottle of gin
I've got to stay drunk to keep warm : because my clothes is so thin
Long lonesome train : come passing me a-flying
I was thinking about my mama : and I didn't pay that train no mind
When you get a-home : buy a Maltese cat
And a good strong brownskin : man it's tight like that



Who is that coming : hey with a motor so strong
That's Lemon in his D B : people think he's got his girl out on
Going to get out of my four-cylinder Dodge : I want to get me a Super Six
I'm always around the ladies : and I like to have my business fixed
I'm crazy about a Packard : but my baby only rates a Ford
A Packard is too expensive : Ford will take you where you want to go
Come here brownskin : listen to my motor roar
Because my Super Six sufficient : to take you where you want to go
I never did like no horses : I never could stand no *steel*
Ever since I was old enough to catch a brown : give me the automobile



My woman got eyes like an eagle : and she watching me all the time
The way she follow me around : Lordy it's going to be a crime
Watching me all through the day : watching me all through the night
Keeps her eagle eyes on me : till the good Lord brings daylight
Mmm : papa Lemon's feeling so blue
Eagle-eyed mama's worrying me : what am I going to do
Dog in my back yard : oh Lordy how he can howl


I'm trying to quit that eagle-eyed woman : man and I don't know how
My eagle-eyed woman : is got ways I can't explain
If I ever leave her : I must be going insane



I feel like tramping : from the *great big corral*
Because the woman I love : says she don't want me nohow
She swore that she loved me : but I know that she doing me wrong
I'm going to start something man : and I tell you it won't be long
The way I feel now : I could get a keg of dynamite
Put it all in her window : and blow her up late at night
I just swallowed some fire : take a drink of gasoline
Throw it up all over that woman : and let her go off and scream
I'm going to get in a cannon : and let them blow me out to sea
Going down with the whales : and the mermaids make love to me



There ain't nothing mama : no use
There's a long distance well : and it's blowing oil that's all
Ain't nothing to hurt you : it ain't nothing that's bad
It's the first oil well : that *your* ??? ever had
I'm a long distance driller : and I work every country through
Going to stop working : if I bring in this well for you
I'm a mean old well driller : and I been a driller since I been a man
Ain't going to stop drilling : till I strikes that *Woodburn sand*
I got a [mean] reputation : and they call me Drilling Sam
When I starts to drilling : you hear women hollering too black bad



I was down and I cried : *my pillowcase was on the line*
Ain't it tough to see a man : go to *wreck and almost fall and die*
I stood on the corner : and almost bust my head
I couldn't earn enough money : to buy me a loaf of bread
Baby times is so hard : I almost call it tough
I can't earn money to buy no bread : and you know I can't buy my snuff
My gal's a housemaid : and she earns a dollar a week
And I'm so hungry on payday : I can't hardly speak


Now gather around me people : let me tell you a true fact
That tough luck has sunk me : and the rats is creeping in my hat



The furniture man : he done been here and gone
Taking all my furniture : didn't left nothing for me to sit down on
Well it's tough to be alone : when I got to have my biscuits browned
Most of these women I know : cooking ??? *down for down*
I loved my baby in the morning : Lord loved her late at night
I miss that midnight loving : and you know I ain't treated right
I feel so disgusted : and I hate to be alone
I'm getting some other man's loving : when I ought to be getting my own
My love is like a storm : what blowed the walls all down
Soon as you get some of my loving : they can't keep you out of town



Every Saturday : go to work in a doggone place
*With food in my craw* : I goes there for *spending place*
I find six or seven women : and a whole lots of fun
Then we go out and break them down : honey till early morn
I don't mind no men friends : but I am afraid of my grandma's child
I like me a-plenty of women : but man I like them wild
All during the week : I work hard and I really save
But on a Saturday night : I can get all the loving I crave
Now I can't have the times : like I once have had
My regular found out I was a Saturday night spender : and it sure did make her mad



Mmm : going to run that black snake down
I ain't seen my mama : since black snake taken her away from town
Mmm : black snake is so hard to find
I am worried about my mama : I can't keep her off my mind
Oh : better find my mama soon
I woke up this morning : black snake was making *easy ruckus* in my room
Black snake is evil : black snake is all I see
I woke up this morning : black snake was moving in on me
Mmm : black snake was hanging around


He occupied my livingroom : and broke my *fairybook* down



Peach orchard mama : you swore nobody'd pick your fruit but me
I found three kid-men : shaking down your peaches tree
One man bought your groceries : another joker paid your rent
While I work in your orchard : and giving you every cent
Went to the police station : begged the police to put me in jail
I didn't want to kill you mama : but I hate to see your peaches tree fail
Peach orchard mama : don't treat your papa so mean
Chase out all those kid-men : and let me keep your orchard clean
Peach orchard mama : don't turn your papa down
Because when I gets mad : I acts just like a clown



My feets is so cold : can't hardly wear my shoes
Out last night with wild women : and it give me the big night blues
I grabbed my baby : I danced till the clock struck twelve
I had to wrestle so hard with my good gal : I just ain't feeling so well
I'm going back to that party : get with them wild women again
Well I ain't going to leave my home : till I order me a quart of gin
Wild women like their liquor : their gin and their rocking rye
My gal wouldn't let me go home last night : wouldn't tell me the reason why
Turned my face to the wall : and my baby made an awful moan
Well I needs my daddy : because my clock is run down at home



Got something to tell you : make the hair rise on your head
Got a new way of getting down : make the springs tremble on your bed
My gal got a new way of trembling down : make a crazy man leave his home
When she grabs you and turns you loose : makes the flesh tremble on your bones
Well my gal got something at home : that I sure do like
That's the long folding bed : with the cover all right back
Don't blame me mama : for talking out my head
I'm worried about the movements you got : and those springs trembling on your bed





I want to yo-yo : but I broke my yo-yo string
I believe my baby's going crazy losing her mind : Lord the woman is going insane
Don't a man feel bad : when he can't yo-yo no more
Broke my yo-yo string last night : and I can't come home no more
My sugar got ways : partner I can't understand
Leave me all in my bed : go yo-yo with some other man
I love me yo-yo : better than anything I know
I'm feeling funny and foolish : I can't shake that thing no more



Lamp sits in my kitchen : mosquitoes all around my screen
I'm about all ready to get a mosquito bomb : I'll be seldom seen
[I'm going to, I believe I'll] keep on the Pinto : drive on back to Brandyville
Oh mosquitoes so bad in this man's town : keep me away from my whiskey still
I love my whiskey : better than some people like to eat
Mosquitoes bother me so : I can't hardly stay on my feet
I bought a spray last night : and I sprayed all over my house
Mosquitoes all around my door : won't leave nobody come out
Mosquitoes all around me : mosquitoes are everywhere I go
No matter where I go : well they sticks their bills in me
I wouldn't say a gabber-nipper : these gabber-nippers bite too hard
I stepped back in my kitchen : and they springing up in my back yard



Way down south : you ought to see the women shimmy and shake
Their new way of wiggle : make a weak man break his neck
You fed me greens : and I mean that they really can cook
Make me a jellyroll : and I mean it's out the book
I was down south : where all my whiskey cook
Just looking at them women : makes me want to get my gauge stuck
Southern women : man [they're, they sure is] hard to beat
Ain't so easy to get along with : but Lord so sweet
I'm going down south : and I believe I'll take my hook
I'm going to fish in southern women : I declare it's out the book
Me and my sugar : *something I did hold*
I won't go to fishing : mama I done broke my pole



I'm standing in front of the bakershop : and I'm feeling lowdown in mind
Hungry as could be : looking at all cakes of kind
Girl in the bakershop : she hollered papa don't look so sad
Come and try some of my cake : and you won't feel so bad
*And with* sweet rolls in the window : honey and light bread cold
I want to buy me some cake : but I had shot dice and lost my roll
I'm crazy about my light bread : and my pigmeat on the side
If I had a piece of your jellyroll : honey I'd be satisfied
I want to know if your jellyroll fresh : I want to know if your jellyroll's stale
I'm going to haul off and buy me some : if I have to break her loose in jail
It's hard to be broke : and so hungry you about to drop
If I don't get a break soon : I'll fall dead front of this bakershop



I'm aching all over : believe I got the pneumonia this time
And it's all on account of : that lowdown gal of mine
Slinking around the corner : running up alleys too
Watching my woman : trying to see what she going to do
Stood down in the street : one cold dark stormy night
Trying to see : if my good gal going to make it home all right
[I believe she's, she must have] found something : that probably made her fall
I stood out in the cold all night : and she didn't come home at all
Wear B V Ds in the winter : traveling around in the rain
Last time : my baby give me this pneumonia pain
Now when I die : bury me in a Stetson hat
Tell my good gal I'm going : but I'm still a-standing pat



I'm flying to South Carolina : I got to go there this time
Women in Dallas Texas : is about to make me lose my mind
Long distance long distance : will you please give me a credit call
Want to talk to my gal in South Carolina : who looks like a Indian squaw
Just want to ask my baby : what in the world is she been doing
Give your loving to another joker : and it's sure going to be my ruin
Hey long distance : I can't help but moan
My baby's voice sound so sweet : oh I'm going to break this telephone


You don't know you love your rider : till she is so far from you
You can get long distance moan : and you don't care what you do
I think I will use ??? poison : to get my brownie off my mind
This long distance moan : about to worry me to death this time



Well the baby crawling : on up to his mama's knee
He's crying about his sweet milk : and she won't feed him just that cream
Crawled from the fireplace : and he stopped in the middle of the floor
Said mama ain't that your second daddy : standing back there in the door
Well she grabbed my baby and spanked him : I tried to make her leave him alone
I tried my best to stop her : and she said that baby ain't none of mine
Some woman rocks the cradle : and I declare she rules her home
Many man rocks some other man's baby : and the fool thinks he's rocking his own
It was late last night : when I liked to crawl in baby's room
My woman threw my clothes outdoors : and now I got those crawling baby blues



Here comes two women : I liked to drove them wild
Well you drinking bad liquor : you'll be overtaken after a while
He must be desperated : I don't know nothing else it could be
Standing on the corner didn't mean no harm : the boy made a dash at me
Made a break at me : groped for my pocketknife
One had me cooling off : while the other one talked about taking my wife
And when I went for my gun : you ought to see them yelling breaking that fence
I first thought they was crazy : but I found out they didn't have no sense
You can take my money : I mean you can wear my best clothes
Lemon won't kill no quicker : if you bother with my jellyroll
Some people like their sugar : I'm a fool about my China tea
You can have all this world : but leave my honeycomb home with me



Cat man cat man : stay away from my house at night
Prowling around my back door when I'm gone : you know that ain't right
When I come home last night I heard a noise : asked my wife what was that
She said don't be so suspicious : that wasn't a thing but a cat
I've been all over the world : I've taken all kinds of chance


I've never seen a cat : come home in a pair of pants
I'm tired of this jellyroll man : come to my home when I'm out
Know it's the cause of my woman : boys is *necking* about
Reason I call him cat man : he don't [come, go] around in the day
Come around at midnight : steals my cream when I'm away
Tell me a cat got nine lives : honey and I believe that's true
If the cat man is got nine lives : he going to need them when I get through



I got a brownskin mama : she built right to the ground
When I goes to her house : old man starts to booting me around
Now you mustn't blame his gal : it's nailed up to his door
Don't want to go near no man : pretty soon she'll be too old
Hey here Mr : you must be losing your mind
Everybody's got to have : a little bit of loving sometime
Her father told me : better not to come back no more
If I catch you here : I'm going to boot you through the door
I love my little brownskin : she's so young and green
The old man's the bootingest thing : that I most ever seen
I got to find me a scheme : to get my gal all to herself
Because I'm a fool about that woman : don't want nobody else




Lord I'm broke and hungry : and my money's all gone
Weather is summer : I've got to travel on
All my crops a failure : couldn't raise a doggone thing
I'm just like a beggar : hear these lonesome blues I sing
If I steal a pork chop : Lord I believe I'll pass away
I ain't had a square meal : in many doggone days
I'm so broke and hungry : I could eat a kangaroo
I feel just like stealing : there's nothing else to do
Won't somebody help me : with a little bite to eat
Don't care what you give me : I'd eat even chicken meat
Standing on the roadside : with a great big sign it read
Say Uneeda biscuits : ??? near dropped dead
My body feels so weary : because I got the miss-meal cramp
Right now I could eat more : than a whole carload of tramps





I went out last night I got drunk : I was in whiskey up to my head
A young lady she walked up to me : and this is what she said
I told her to give me time : and let me think
And I'd tell her : exactly when to buy that expensive drink
I went to see a fortuneteller : just to have my fortune told
She says young man you are partly rich : you're worth a great big pot of gold
I got myself a pick and shovel : I reached twelve that night
When I got there : I do declare I spied a form all dressed in white
Now me and this haunt : run breast and breast
He says look here brother : when are you going to rest




Sunbeam's on time : I ain't got my fare
And if I start walking : Sunbeam will beat me there
Don't need an airplane : steamboat or submarine
But if I miss the Sunbeam : I will be seldom seen



Standing here a-wondering : will that car pass my way
I'm going back to my baby : going back there to stay
I know my baby : is bound to love me some
She throws her arms around me : like the circle around the sun



I told the ticket agent : don't let your window down
I'm sick and blue : but I'm Frisco bound
Well a mean old fireman : a cruel old engineer
That would leave big fat Billiken : *walking along out there*



Wild jack on the mountain : and he brays the whole day long
Going to find me some lumber : build that old jack a home
I'm going to build a stable : as long as he is tall


So I can hear my wild jack : every time he calls
You ought to see : this big black jack of mine
He can eat more corn : than I feel like frying
This big black jack : got mane just like a horse
Going to keep my wild jack : lock him in my stall
He's a big bad jack : and you can hear him all over town
Going to keep my wild jack : if I have to chain him down




Mr undertaker Mr undertaker : drop your hammer and saw
You take my baby to the cemetery : and don't bring her back no more
I'm going take my females : hang them on a single line
I'm going to count one two three four five : six seven eight and nine
Well I went to the graveyard : kneeled down by my baby to talk
I have to leave you to heaven : *oh my baby's do no wrong*




Bring me a nickel's worth of liver : a dime's worth of stew
Feed everybody : on ??? Avenue
Got a man upside one downside : one across the street
Got your eyes wide open : but you're sound asleep
Bring me a nickel's worth of liver : a dime's worth of grease
??? my man : he called all the police
Listen papa : don't give me none of your head
Keep on fooling : you'll be filled full of lead
When you see me worried : I'm thinking about my burnt liver
I'll kill you about him : and my hand won't even quiver



Ooh : tomorrow I may be far away
Don't try to dog me honey : sweet talk can't make me stay
Now if you get loaded baby : and think you want to go
Remember baby : you ain't no better than the man I had before
When I get drunk I'm evil : I don't know what to do
If I get my good chib : can get something good from you
Now the man I love : he's just about the heightth of me
I'm five foot two : Lord and that sweet man's five foot three





All this world's against me : I believe my baby is too
Ah my baby's against me : Lord I can tell by the way he do
Now the man I love : Lord he don't mean me no good
Takes all his good jelly : around all the whole neighborhood
Now if I was a Gypsy : Lord and I could read your mind
Then I wouldn't have to wonder : where you spend all your time



I wake up every morning : with the rising sun
Oh thinking about my honeydripper : and all the wrongs he done
Oh he treats me mean : [only, just] comes to see me sometime
But the way he spreads his honey : Lord it makes me think I'll lose my mind
Oh because I'm brown : Lord he wants to drive me away
He knows he's a good honeydripper : Lord and I want him every day
Lord the man I love : oh Lord he really made me fall
Oh the way he drips his honey : Lord he won my heart that's all
Oh sometimes I feel so lonesome : Lord I don't know where to go
When my love comes down babe : I'll need you more than you'll ever know
Because he's a real sweet man : and I [want to lease him, got to sign him up] for ninety-nine
years
That's what it takes to ease my mind : and stop all my tears




If you be my kid : I'll be your teddy bear
I'll get in your pocket : and follow you everywhere
When you see me coming : heist your window high
See me leaving : hand your head and cry
It's raining here : storming on the sea
I'm leaving here : but I sure don't want to go
*Thieving* man : don't want me no more
I'm going to town : I'm going to buy me a bed
Sleep with my man : if it kills me dead





Oh I ain't got : no easy rider now
The man I love : sure done turned me down
He treats me : like I'm some old body's dog
I ain't no dog : please don't dog me around
Oh your time now : be mine after a while
Give me my fare : I sure will leave this town
I'm going home : I ain't been home in so long
Going back to Georgia : if I don't stay long
Wonder what's the matter : I can't get no mail
Believe to my soul : they got my man in jail
Going to buy me a pistol : with a great long shiny barrel
When I'm dead : give it to my faro
Get your one man : you sure better get you two
Ain't no telling : what these men will do
I'm going away : just to wear you off my mind
Keep me worried : bothered all the time




I ain't going to marry : and I ain't going to settle down
I'm going to do like a pimp : I'm going to walk all around this town
Goodbye whiskey : sure don't worry me
I can get just as drunk : as any drunken man can be
My baby's gone : she didn't tell me because
If she don't come back : I am going to starve
Ever since : my baby's been gone away
I've been raggedy and dirty : haven't got no place to stay
My old gal : came into town last night
She didn't have no money : but she was too tight
Me and my gal : are going to make everything all right
If we don't today : we will tomorrow night




Oh mercy dear : you cause my heart
*Sad and long* : *with how to win my part*
I learn to love you : most all the rest
You're leaving me : wrecking happiness
I'll count the hours : *living when alone*
Think of you : when you back home


My lonesome heart : will shake with fear
The very hour : that you call my name
Minnie every hour : is a living fear
For I'm not at ease : with anyone else
I'll hunger long : for you evermore
I'm asking you dear : please don't go
Going to tell you this : ain't going to tell no lie
Day you leave me : that's the day you die



Don't want no woman : have to give my money to
I tried hard baby : did the very best I could
I'm going to the mountain : hold up my right hand
The girl I love : sings like a turtledove
That's the way baby : you have *things* to do




Every man that comes to see you : in this neighborhood
Keeps on buzzing to each other : that your clock ain't no good
Now your clock don't set : where it used to set before
It used to be on the *centre* : close to your back door



I was lying down dreaming : when the blues eased up on me
I was feeling so blue : down-hearted as could be
A brownskin gal : makes a bulldog bark with pain
And a bow-legged mama : make a snail catch a passenger train
Now you can always tell : when your woman treats you mean
I say your meals are never ready : and your house ain't never clean
She will come downstairs : a towel was tied around her head
You'll ask her for loving : she'll swear she's almost dead






I left my baby : standing in the doorway crying
She said daddy you've got a home : just as long as I got mine
My mama told me : papa told me too
Some day son : candy's going to be the death of you
Now it's chocolate candy : till my dying day
The same old candy : is going to carry me away
I've got one good woman : trying to make it four
When one pretty woman quits me : I'll have three more




I had the blues last night : I've got them again today
My man told me : he was going away
Trouble trouble : is all I can see
Look like my man : has turned his back on me
Just let me tell you : what your friends will do
Grin in your face : and then they'll talk about you
Me and my girl friend : went out for a little run
When she seen my man : she told him what I had done
Bring me a pint of whiskey : and a bottle of beer
If I get drunk : I sure don't care
Take me back baby : try me one more time
I do everything : to satisfy your mind
Listen people : to what I'm telling you
Don't let your left hand : know what your right hand do



I woke up this morning : with the blues all around my bed
I felt just like : somebody in my family was dead
I began to moan : and I began to cry
My sweet man went away : you know the reason why
If you don't like my sweet potato : what made you dig so deep
You in my potato field : three or four times a week
Whooping I've been whooping : whooping all night long
Whooping I've been whooping : ever since my man been gone
My dog got the rabbit : the rabbit fell down on his knees


He looked up at the dog : he say won't you have mercy on me please
Just as sure : as you hear me sing this song
You never miss your jelly : till your jellyroller's gone



Play that thing : play that thing just right
We got to scuffle : that house rent tonight
My house rent's due : my gas going up to ten
I wouldn't have no lights : but the lightman couldn't get in




I want all you people : to listen to my song
Remember me : after the days I'm gone



The storm is rising : the rains begin to fall
I'm all alone by myself : no one to love me at all
My blues at midnight : and don't leave me until day
I've got no sweet woman : to drive my blues away
Blues : falling like showers of rain
Every once in a while : think I hear my baby call my name



I'm lonesome as I can be : baby please come home to me
Because you know I love you : and how come we can't agree
You been gone the whole night long : I believe to my soul something going on wrong
But there will come a day : and I know you will be glad to say
I tried to please your mind : and you keep me worried all the time
You will either run me crazy : or I'll lose my mind
You know you don't treat me right : when you stay out both day and night
And I must stop you now : because you got to consider somehow
You know I love you now : and I love you all along
Although you my sweet woman : and I mean you can't go wrong





I was sitting in my kitchen : looking way out across the sky
I thought the world was ending : I started to cry
The wind was howling : the buildings begin to fall
I seen that mean old twister coming : just like a cannonball
The world was black as midnight : I never heard such a noise before
Sound like a million lions : when they turn loose their roar
Poor people was screaming : and running every which a-way
I fell down on my knees : I started in to pray
The shack where we was living : she reel and rock but never fell
How the cyclone spared us : nobody but the Lord can tell



It's raining and storming on the sea : we're miles and miles from shore
The way the waves is rocking this ship : we won't see home no more
The wind is so strong : turning this old ship round and round
Something tells me : won't be long before we're sinking down
The captain say get your lifesavers : fasten them around your waist
Because we're sinking down : and the lifeboat is your safest place
Uncle Sam's ship was coming : painted in red white and blue
We say we live in New York City : red white and blue brought us all the way through



Mmm : I feel myself sinking down
My body is freezing : I feel something cold creeping around
My windows is rattling : my doorknob turning round and round
This haunted house blues is killing me : I feel myself sinking down
I been fastened in this haunted house : six long months today
The blue ghost has got the house surrounded : Lord and I can't get away
They got shotguns and pistols : standing all around my door
They haunt me all night long : so I can't sleep no more
The blue ghost haunts me all night : the nightmare ride me all night long
They worry me so in this haunted house : I wish I was dead and gone



I went down to the levee : and [over, out] to the freight house yard


They paid a dollar an hour : but the work was too long and hard
Have pigtails in my pantry : neckbones on my shelf
I ain't got none to give you : I got just enough for myself
I'm going to buy me a shotgun : long as I am tall
I'm going to shoot my woman : just to see her fall
Over yonder's the river : yonder is your big lake
At your house rent party : you made your last mistake
I chew my bacca : and I spit my juice
I tried to love you so hard : but I found out there's no use



Although we are drifting : so far apart
My arms may be empty : have not give up in my heart
Although we are drifting : so far apart
My arms may be empty : but never down in my heart



Look down look down : that long old lonesome road
And look up to the good Lord : just before you go
That's a long that's a long : a long old tiresome road
You'll find troubles and worries : that you never found before
Then look back look back : and see what you're leaving all alone
To grieve and worry : after the days you gone
Then your days begin dreary : down that long old lonesome road
And you want the Lord have mercy : how much more further I've got to go
That's a long old road : a long road that has no end
Then the blues will make you think : about all your right-hand friends



Something keep a-moaning : I don't know what it is
When my right eye winks : on my knees I begin to crawl
It will be hell to tell the captain : if I catch another man kicking in my stall
There's no use a-worrying : baby about the days being long
The black snake is got the dough : you can't roll him from home





They tell me blues and trouble : walk hand in hand
But you ain't had no trouble : till your woman falls for some no-good man
A married woman will swear : she'll love you all her life
And meet her other man around the corner : and tell the same lie twice
You tell me you've had troubles : and worry all your life
Man but you ain't had no trouble : till you fall for another man's wife
Then if you get a woman of your own : and make her happy night and day
There will be some no-good man she'll fall for : pretty soon she'll go away
When it begin raining : and you're looking through your windowpane
And crazy about another man's wife : it's enough to drive you insane
But a married woman : is the sweetest woman ever was born
Only thing that hurts you : she have to go home sometime



I been lonesome all day : I've been grieving all night long
Baby please hear my plea : why don't you come back home
How many times : have I cried all night long
You know I must love you baby : when I beg you to come back home
I'll get a job in the coal yard : work in the rain and snow
All I ask you baby : please don't leave me no more



Sam you say you my friend : but your ways I just don't like
Soon as I leave my home : you trying to bite me in my back
Now Sam you not my friend : and my home you better stop hanging around
Because I've paid for your coffin : and I mean that you graveyard bound
Sam if you want a woman go get one : and let my wife alone
Because if I ever catch you with my wife : you hell bound sure as I'm born
Sam a real man can live happy : but no-good men like you
You trying to wreck my family : and some other man's family too
Sam I thought you was my friend : I thought you just was swell
So I'm going to give you a vacation : that's a round-trip ticket to hell





Now she ain't good-looking : she don't dress fine
The way that gal can love : change any man's mind
Now she bake good jellyroll : she bakes it nice and hot
It never fails : to touch the spot
If I was sentenced to be hung : and this ain't no lie
If I could just see my baby : I would be willing to die
Now my gal is built : long and tall
Lord when she starts to loving : I can't help from to fall
She likes her music soft : when the lights are low
When she starts to kiss me : does me good down in my toes
When I met my gal : she was dumb as dumb could be
But I believe to my soul : she put that thing on me



If you got over fifteen grand : better split it ninety-nine different ways
Because the racketeers : got no certain place to dig your grave
When they demand your money : you got to give it up with a smile
And if you refuse : they'll read about you in a short little while
When the gang is out to get you : it don't do no good to run
It's true you can dodge the law : but you can't dodge them slugs out the machine gun
You [slave, work] hard for your money : just to give it to some other one
And if you refuse : the answer will be from a racketeer's gun
When the gang is out to get you : they'll follow you everywhere
You can even move to West Hell : doggone if they don't find you there



You've got a hatchet under your pillow baby : you got ice pick in your hand
The best thing you better do : is find you another man
You've got a shotgun in the corner : blackjack under your bed
But you'll never catch me asleep : I know you wants to whip my head
You put lice all in my gravy : black potash in my tea
But I fed it to your man baby : instead of me
That's the very reason why : you been so mean to me
Trying to steal my life : to have your old used-to-be



People is [raving, hollering] about hard times : tell me what it's all about


Hard times don't worry me : I was broke when it first started out
Friends it could be worser : you don't seem to understand
Some is crying with a sack of gold under each arm : and a loaf of bread in each hand
If you're a single man : you better drink and have your fun
Because when that lovebug bites you : then your worries ain't never done
People raving about hard times : I don't know why they should
If some people was like me : they didn't have no money when times was good



It's been snowing forty days and nights : lakes and rivers begin to freeze
Some places through my old home town : water's up above my knees
Storm begin rising : and the sun begin sinking down
I says mother and dad pack your trunk : we ain't safe here in this town
When it lightning my mind gets frightened : my nerves begin weaken down
And the shack where we was living : begin moving around
Women and children were screaming : saying mama where must we go
The flood water have broke the levee : and we ain't safe here no more



You see it ain't what you used to be baby : it's what you are today
You see your good looks didn't hold your man : a little black gal's loving stole your man away
I've got a woman now that I love : better than I love myself
She treats me so cold sometimes : I think she got somebody else



You arms don't feel the same : your lips is icebox cold
It's a mean black snake : is making his morning stroll
You know : you once was the sweetest woman I ever found
But since you been running out with your girl friend : you just a plain old everyday clown



If love is a crime then I'm guilty : but there's nothing I can do
After all the good women in this world : why did I have to fall in love with you





Don't the world seem lonely : when you got to battle it all by yourself
Even the one you love : turn their back on you for someone else
My mother and dad left me : when I was too small to help myself
And my sisters and brothers : drove me away to somebody else
I'm motherless and I'm fatherless : I'm almost friendless too
Seems the world is down on you : know knows what to do
Rocks was my pillow : and the cold ground was my bed
The blue skies was my blanket : and the moonlight was my spread



Good morning blues : where have you been so long
I just stopped by to leave you enough of worries : to last you while I'm gone
My brains is cloudy : my soul is upside down
When I get that lowdown feeling : I know the blues must be somewhere close around
The blues is like the devil : it comes on you like a spell
Blues will leave your heart full of trouble : and your poor mind full of hell
Some people say that's no blues : but that story's old and stale
The blues will drive you to drink and murder : and spend the rest of your life in jail
The blues and the devil : is your closest friend
The blues will leave you with murder in your mind : that's when the devil out of hell steps in



I work all day long for you : until the sun go down
And you take all my money and drink it up : and come home and wants to fuss and clown
It hurts to love a person : that don't belong to you
Because when they find out that you really love them : and they don't care what they do
They'll take your heart and they'll use it : like a football on a football ground
And when they get through playing with your heart : and they'll start dragging you all around



Want all of you people to listen : while my guitar sings
If you ain't got that rhythm : it don't mean a thing
Some people thinks I'm dead : because I've been gone so long
I just stop to see : would you miss me from singing these lonesome songs
I want all you people to listen : while I swing this song


If you were born with that rhythm : honest you can't never go wrong



Storm is rising : and the rain begin to fall
Trouble is breaking down my window : blues breaking down my door
My blues started at sunrise : and rides me all through the day
It takes the sweet woman I love : to drive these blues away
Come into my arms sweet woman : and please explain yourself to me
Tell me who do you really want : or do you still want your used-to-be
Because sometimes you with me : baby then again you gone
If you want your used-to-be : then you better let me alone
Blues : falling like showers of rain
Every once in a while : I can hear my baby call my name



I've been drinking all night long : I've started again today
I been trying my best : to drink these worried blues away
Some people drinks to hide their [worries and] troubles : but that don't mean a thing
When you think your troubles are gone : and you find yourself drunk again
Friends I drink to keep from worrying : I smile to keep from crying
That's why I cover my troubles : so the public don't know what's on my mind
I said I was through with love : both whiskey wine and gin
You know when I found myself : I was lap-legged drunk again
Love will make a-many man drink and gamble : and stay out all night long
Love will drive you to many places : sometimes where you don't belong



Mmm : something cold is creeping around
Blue ghost has got me : I feel myself sinking down
Black cat and an owl : come to keep me company
They understands my troubles : mmm and sympathize with me
I been in this haunted house : for three long years today
Blue ghost has got my shack surrounded : oh Lord and I can't get away
I feel cold arms around me : and ice lips upon my cheek
My lover is dead : how plainly plainly I can hear her speak
My windows begin rattling : and my doorknob is turning around and around
My lover's ghost has got me : and I know my time won't be long





It's been snowing forty days : and the ground is covered with snow
I'm snow-bound in my cabin : and ice up around my door
I woke up this morning : couldn't even get out my door
I was snowbound in my cabin : had water seeping up through my floor
Snow begin melting : and the rain begin to fall
The backwaters done broke the levee : and I can't stay here no more
Rowed my boat : just about four miles across the pond
Backwater done wrecked my cabin : and there's no place that I can call my home



What makes the rooster : crow every morning before day
To let the pimps know : that the workingman is on his way
We're up before sunrise : slaving sixteen hours a day
We pay our house rent and grocery bills : and the pimps get the rest of our pay
Men can't you see : you can't keep a whole woman by yourself
If your best friend can't get your woman : he'll frame her for somebody else
Something about some women : that I never could understand
They're not satisfied with a good husband : they want some other woman's man




I woke up this morning : blues all around my bed
I never had no good man : I mean to ease my aching head
Well : pretty near all night long
Well I swear before God : the man I'm loving is doing wrong
Well I'm going away : swear the time ain't long
If you don't believe I'm leaving daddy : count them days I'm gone
You done caused me to weep baby : and I swear you done caused me to moan
Well you know by that rider : that I ain't going to be here long
Well : what evil have I done
Well it must be something : my man have heard before he gone
Lord I'm going to get drunk : and I'm going to walk the streets all night
Because the man that I'm loving : I swear he sure don't treat me right





Lord I woke up this morning : blues all around my bed
I never had no good man : I mean to ease my worried head
Now now now now now : I cried like a newborn child
Lord even when I was a baby : I wasn't satisfied
Well I'm going I'm going : daddy to wear you off my mind
Because you keeps me worried baby : and troubled all the time
I said Lord have mercy : I mean Lord have mercy on me
I said Lord have mercy : mercy's all I need
Lord ??? : and I fell down on my knees
Well I done cried I cried : Lord have mercy on me



Well I'm going to Memphis : come to stop at Cincinnat'
I'm going to tell you women : how to treat a man
I said now you ain't good-looking : and you don't dress fine
That kind of treatment : make me ??? you most any old time
Well I'm going to Memphis : stop at *Satches* hall
Going to tell you women : how to cock it on the wall
Now you can snatch it you can break it : you can hang it on the wall
Throw it out the window : see if you catch it before it fall
Well I'm going to leave here :



??? : I saw the moon go down
And I swear my man must be somewhere : turning around and around
I say the big star are falling : it don't be long before day
The moon *want* my baby : ??? mighty far away
I'm going to wake up : between midnight and day
You going to ??? *my need* baby : and I swear I'll be gone away
Now won't you come here baby : sit down on my knee
Now I just want to tell you : black man how you have treated me




You said you's going to leave me : but I don't care


You thought the way I treated you : wasn't fair
You went and told somebody : you thought I wouldn't do
But if you think you'll get away with it : I'll sing this verse to you
Because if I let you get away with it once : you'll do it all the time
Now if you think I'm going crazy about you : you'd better change your mind
You promised me once : you wouldn't cheat anymore
But had a dozen keys : to fit my back door
You crept away : to see a movie show today
But when you came home : you didn't know the name of the play



Blow whistle : my stomach say it's eating time
My appetite is worth a million : and just got a measly dime
It's Saturday night : and I'm higher than a Georgia pine
One more drink of corn : and I'll leave my Georgia mind
When a gator holler : folks say it's a sign of rain
The weather's getting cloudy Lord : how these *birdies sing*




I got a barrelhouse flat in *Eastport* : and one I St Louis too
But my barrelhouse flat in *Eastport* : really get *my ???*
I'm going to build me a barrelhouse flat : way out on Dago Hill
Where I can get my beer and whiskey : and it's fresh from the still
I got a barrelhouse flat in Chicago : it's fifteen stories high
I get all of these high yellows : and play these *crazy dice*
Those ??? like my good whiskey : and they drink my cherry wine
If you women want a good time : stop by this barrelhouse flat of mine



My man's in the mountain : and I've got the mountain key
If you want to see my man : you got to come to me
Mmm he was my man : before you women ever knew his name
And you know by that : you got to see me just the same
If you women wants a good man : find one of your own
For this man is my man : I want you women to leave my man alone
Now I have no place : for you women you see


Oh my man's in the mountain : and I've got the mountain key



Rattlesnake treating papa : what makes you treat your mama so mean
You know that your mama loves you : that's why you treat me like you do
You treats me like a rattlesnake : crawling on the ground
The better I try to treat you : the more you throw your mama down
Ah that's all right : daddy that's all right for you
Some day you'll want poor Mary : and she'll be somewhere from you
Oh rattlesnake crawling daddy : you know you doing me wrong
I'm looking for you baby : and you crawling around some other person's home
You dog me all in the morning : and dog me late at night
And I can tell by that : you ain't treating your mama right



I once was a married woman : sorry the day I ever was
I was a young girl at home : and I did not know the world
I'd rather be an old maid : than to be worried and blue each and every day
Because these worrisome old men : will cause your head to turn white and grey
Babe you caused me to leave my happy home : and you caused me to weep and moan
That is why babe : this bad luck's taking place today
I was just sitting here thinking : baby just a minute ago
I once was a married woman : sorry the day I ever was




I got a kind-hearted woman : do anything in this world for me
But these evil-hearted women : man they will not let me be
I love my baby : my baby don't love me
But I really love that woman : can't stand to leave her be
Now ain't but the one thing : makes Mr Johnson drink
That's worry about how you treat me baby : I begin to think
Oh babe : my life don't feel the same
You breaks my heart : when you call Mr so-and-so's name
She's a kind-hearted woman : she studies evil all the time
You have to kill me : just to have it on your mind



I got a kind-hearted mama : do anything in this world for me
But these evil-hearted women : man they will not let me be
I love my baby : and my baby don't love me
I really love that woman : can't stand to leave her be
Now it ain't but one thing : make Mr Johnson drink
I get worried about how you treat me baby : I begin to think
Oh babe : my life don't feel the same
You breaks my heart : when you call Mr so-and-so's name
She's a kind-hearted [mama, woman] : [but she] studies evil all the time
You have to kill me baby : just to have it on your mind
Some day some day : I will shake your hand goodbye
I can't give any more of my loving : because I just ain't satisfied



I'm going to get up in the morning : I believe I'll dust my broom
Because then the black man you been loving : girl friend can get my room
I'm going to write a letter : telephone every town I know
If I can't find her in West Selma : she must be in East Monroe I know
I don't want no woman : wants every downtown man she meet
She's a no-good dony : they shouldn't allow her on the street
I believe : I believe I'll go back home
If you mistreat me here babe : but you can't when I go home
I'm going to call up China : see is my good girl over there
If I can't find her on Philippines Island : she must be in Ethiopia somewhere



Ooh : baby don't you want to go
Back to the land of California : to my sweet home Chicago
Now one and one is two : three and two is four
I'm heavy loaded baby : I'm booked I've got to go
Now two and two is four : four and two is six
You going to keep on monkeying around here *pin boy* : you going to get your ??? in a fix
Now six and two is eight : eight and two is ten
His wife get tricky one time : she sure going to do it again


I'm going to California : *some passing in my byway*
Somebody will tell me : that you need my help some day



I got rambling : I got rambling [all] on my mind
Hate to leave my baby : but she treats me so unkind
Running down to the station : catch [that old, the] first mail train I see
I got the blues about Miss so-and-so : and the child got the blues about me
And I'm leaving this morning : with my arms folded up and crying
I hate to leave my baby : but she treats me so unkind
I got mean things : I got mean things [all] on my mind
I got to leave my baby : but she treats me so unkind



I got rambling : I got rambling [all] on my mind
Hate to leave my baby : but she treats me so unkind
Running down to the station : catch [that old, the] first mail train I see
I got the blues about Miss so-and-so : and the child got the blues about me
And I'm leaving this morning : with my arms folded up and crying
I hate to leave my baby : but she treats me so unkind
I got mean things : I got mean things [all] on my mind
I got to leave my baby : but she treats me so unkind



When you got a good friend : have her stay right by your side
Give her all of your spare time : love and treat her right
I mistreated my baby : [but, and] I can't see no reason why
Any time I think about it : I just wring my hands and cry
Wonder could I ever apologize : or will she fisty-fight with me
She's a brownskin woman : just as sweet as a girl friend can be
Baby *do you think it mmm* : oh I may be right or wrong
Got you a close friend baby : then your enemies can't do you no harm





Mmm : mmm
You better come on in my kitchen : well it's going to be raining outdoors
The woman I love : took from my best friend
Some joker got lucky : stoled her back again
Oh oh she's gone : I know she won't come back
I taken her last nickel : out of her nation sack
When a woman gets in trouble : everybody throws her down
Looking for her good friends : none can be found
And the time coming : it's going to be so
You can't make the winter babe : just dry long so



Well I feel so lonesome : you hear me when I moan
Who's been driving my terraplane for you : since I've been gone
I said I flashed your lights mama : your horn won't even blow
Got a short in this connection : hoo well babe and it's way down below
I'm going heist your hood mama : I'm bound to check your oil
I got a woman that I'm loving : way down in Arkansas
Now you know the coils ain't even buzzing : little generator won't get the spark
Motor's in a bad condition : you got to have these batteries charged
I'm crying please : please don't do me wrong
Who's been driving my terraplane : now for you since I've been gone
Mr highwayman : please don't block the road
Because she's registering a cold one hundred : and I'm booked till I got to go
Eee : you can hear me weep and moan
Who's been driving my terraplane now for you : since I've been gone
I'm going to get deep down in this connection : keep on tangling with your wires
And when I mash down on your little starter : then your spark plug will give me fire



Yeah but she got a phonograph : but it won't say a lonesome word
What evil have I done : what evil has the poor girl heard
Yeah but I love my phonograph : but she have broke my winding chain
And you've taken my loving : and given it to your other man


Now we played it on the sofa now : we played it side the wall
My needles have got rusty baby : it will now play at all
Yeah but if I go crazy : baby I will lose my mind
I can bring your clothes back home : and try me one more time



If I send for my baby : and she don't come
All the doctors in [Hot Springs, Westmount] : sure can't help her none
And if she gets unruly : things she don't want to do
Take my thirty-two twenty : and I can cut her half in two
She got a thirty-eight special : but I believe it's most too light
I got a thirty-two twenty : got to make the camps all right
I'm going to shoot my pistol : going to shoot my gatling gun
You made me love you : now your man done come
Ooh : baby where you stay last night
You got your hair all tangled : and you ain't talking right
Her thirty-eight special boys : it do very well
I got a thirty-two twenty : now it's a burning hell
Hey hey : baby where you stay last night
You didn't come home : till the sun was shining bright
Ooh : boys I just can't take my rest
With this thirty-two twenty : laying up and down my breast



I got a girl : said she's long and tall
She sleeps in the kitchen : with her feets in the hall
She got two for a nickel : got four for a dime
It's worth paying more : but they ain't none of mine
I got a letter : from my girl in the room
Now she got something good : she got to bring it home soon
The billygoat backed : in the bumblebee's nest
Ever since that : he can't take his rest
I'm going to hump in your back : going to put your kidneys to sleep
I due to break away your liver : and tear your heart to piece
You know grandma left me : now grandpa too
Well I wonder what in the world : we children going to do
Me and my baby : bought a V-Eight Ford


Well they ride that thing : all on the running board
You know the monkey now the baboon : playing in the grass
Well the monkey said to *fatto* : *good luck gas*



I woke up this morning : and all my shrimps was dead and gone
I was thinking about you baby : will you hear me weep and moan
I got dead shrimps here : someone is fishing in my pond
I've sold you my best bait baby : and I can't do that no more
Everything I do baby : you got your mouth stuck out
Hole where I used to fish : you got me forced out
I got dead shrimps here : someone's fishing in my pond
Catching my goggle-eyed perches : and they barbecuing the bones
Now you taken my shrimp baby : you know you turned me down
I couldn't do nothing : until I got myself unwound



I went to the crossroads : fell down on my knees
Asked the Lord above have mercy : save poor Bob if you please
Mmm standing at the crossroads : I tried to flag a ride
Didn't nobody seem to know me : everybody passed me by
Mmm the sun going down boys : not going to catch me here
I haven't got no loving sweet woman : but not to feel my care
You can run you can run : tell my friend boy Willie Brown
Lord that I'm standing at the crossroad baby : I believe I'm sinking down



I woke up this morning : feeling around for my shoes
Know by that : I got these old walking blues
Lord I feel like blowing : my poor lonesome horn
Got up this morning : my little Berniece was gone
Lord I feel like blow : my lonesome horn
Well I got up this morning : all I had was gone
Well leaving this morning : if I have to oh ride the blinds
I feel mistreated : and I don't mind dying


Leaving this morning : I have to ride the blinds
Babe I been mistreated : baby and I don't mind dying
Well some people tell me : that the worried blues ain't bad
Worst old feeling : I most ever had
She's got Elgin movements : from her head down to her toes
Break in on a dollar : most anywhere she goes



If you cry about a nickel : you die about a dime
She wouldn't cry : but the money ain't mine



I got up this morning : the blues walking like a man
Worried blues : give me your right hand
Blues grabbed mama's child : and it tore me all upside down
Travel on poor Bob : just can't turn you around
The blues : is a lowdown shaking chill
You ain't never had them : I hope you never will
Well the blues : is a aching old heart disease
Like consumption : killing me by degrees
Now if it's starting a-raining : I'm going to drive my blues away
Going to the ??? : stay out there all day



I got up this morning : the blues walking like a man
Worried blues : give me your right hand
Blues grabbed mama's child : and it tore me all upside down
Travel on poor Bob : just can't turn you around
The blues : is a lowdown shaking chill
You ain't never had them : I hope you never will
Well the blues : is a aching old heart disease
Like consumption : killing me by degrees
Now if it's starting a-raining : I'm going to drive my blues away
Going to the ??? : stay out there all day





If I had possession : over Judgment Day
Lord the little woman I'm loving : wouldn't have no right to pray
I went to the mountain : look as far as my eyes could see
Saw where the man got my woman : and lonesome blues got me
And I rolled and I tumbled : and I cried the whole night long
When I woke up this morning : my biscuit-roller's gone
Had to fold my arms : and I slowly walked away
I said in my mind : your trouble going to come some day
Now run here baby : set down on my knee
I want to tell you : all about the way they treated me



I got stones in my passway : and my road seem dark as night
I have pains in my heart : they have taken my appetite
I have a bird to whistle : and I have a bird to sing
I got a woman that I'm loving : boy but she don't mean a thing
My innocence betrayed me : have overtaken poor Bob at last
And that's one thing certain : they have stones all in my pass
Now you trying to take my life : and all my loving too
You laid a passway for me : now what are you trying to do
I'm crying please : please let us be friends
And when you hear me howling in my passway rider : please open your door and let me in
I got three legs to truck on : boys please don't block my road
I been feeling ashamed about my rider : babe I'm booked and I got to go



I'm a steady rolling man : I roll both night and day
But I haven't got no sweet woman : mmm boys to be rolling this a-way
I'm the man that rolls : when icicles hanging on the tree
And now you hear me howling : baby mmm down on my bended knee
I am a hard-working man : have been for many years I know
And some cream puff's using my money : ooo well well babe but that'll never be no more
You can't give your sweet woman : everything she wants in one time


Well boys she get rambling in her brain : mmm some other man on her mind



From four until late : I was wringing my hands and crying
I believe to my soul : that your daddy's going fall down
From Memphis to Norfolk : is a thirty-six hour's ride
A man is like a prisoner : and he's never satisfied
A woman is like a dresser : with a man always rambling through its drawers
It caused so many men : wear an apron overall
From four until late : she give us a no-good bunching clown
Now she won't do nothing : but tear a good man's reputation down
When I leave this town : I'm going to bid you fare farewell
And when I return again : you'll have a great long story to tell



I've got to keep moving : blues falling down like hail
And the days keep on worrying me : there's a hellhound on my trail
If today was Christmas Eve : and tomorrow was Christmas Day
All I would need my little sweet rider : just to pass the time away
You sprinkled hot-foot powder : mmm around my door
It keeps me with a rambling mind rider : every old place I go
I can tell the wind is rising : the leaves trembling on the trees
All I need my little sweet woman : and to keep my company



Mmm she is a little queen of spades : and the men will not let her be
Every time she makes a spread : a cold chill runs all over me
Well I'm going to get me a gambling woman : the last thing that I do
A man don't need a woman : ooo fair brown he got to give all of his money to
And everybody say she got a mojo : [because she, baby you] been using that stuff
She got a way trimmering down : ooo well babe and I mean it's most too tough
Well well little girl says I'm the king : fair brown and you is the queen
Let's we put our heads together : ooo fair brown then we can make our money green





Now she is a little queen of spades : and the men will not let her be
Every time she makes a spread : ooo fair brown cold chills just runs all over me
I'm going to get me a gambling woman : if the last thing that I do
Well a man don't need a woman : ooo fair brown that he got to give all his money to
Everybody says she got a mojo : [because, now] she's been using that stuff
Says she got a way of trimming it down : ooo fair brown and I mean it's most too tough
Now little girl say I'm the king : baby and you is the queen
Let's us put our heads together : ooo fair brown then we can make our money green



I keep drinking malted milk : trying to drink my blues away
Baby you just as welcome to my loving : as the flowers is in may
Malted milk malted milk : keep rushing to my head
And I have a funny funny feeling : that I'm talking all out my head
Baby fix me one more drink : and hug your daddy one more time
Keep on spilling my malted milk mama : until I change my mind
My doorknob keeps on turning : it must be spooks around my bed
I have a warm old feeling : and the hair rising on my head



I'm a [poor] drunken-hearted man : my life seems so misery
And if I could only change my way of living : it would mean so much to me
I've been drunk and I've been driven : ever since I left my mother's home
And I can't see the reason why : that I can't leave these no-good womens alone
My poor father died and left me : and my mother done the best that she could
Every man loves that game you call love : but it don't mean no man no good
I'm a poor drunken-hearted man : and sin was the cause of it all
But the day you get weak for no-good women : that's the day that you surely fall



I'm a [poor] drunken-hearted man : my life seems so misery
And if I could only change my way of living : it would mean so much to me


I've been dogged and I've been driven : ever since I left my mother's home
And I can't see the reason why : that I can't leave these no-good womens alone
My poor father died and left me : and my mother done the best that she could
Every man loves that game you call love : but it don't mean no man no good
I'm the poor drunken-hearted man : and sin was the cause of it all
But the way you get weak for no-good women : that's the day that you surely fall



Early this morning : when you knocked upon my door
And I said hello Satan : I believe it's time to go
Me and the devil : was walking side by side
I'm going to beat my woman : until I get satisfied
She said you knows the way : that I always dog her around
It must've be that old evil spirit : so deep down in the ground
You may bury my body : down by the highway side
So my old evil spirit : can get a Greyhound bus and ride



Every time I'm walking : down the street
Some pretty mama : starts breaking down with me
Stop breaking down : yeah stop breaking down
The stuff I got about you breaking down : ooo it will make you lose your mind
I can't walk the streets : nor com- *compelate* my mind
Some no-good woman : she starts breaking down
Now you Saturday night women : you love to ape and clown
You won't do nothing : but tear a good man's reputation down
Now I gave my baby now : the ninety-nine degree
She jumped up : and throwed a pistol down on me
I can't start walking : down the street
When some pretty mama : starts breaking down on me



If your man gets personal : want to have your fun
Just come on back to Friar's Point mama : and barrelhouse all night long
I've got womens in Vicksburg : clean on into Tennessee


But my Friar's point rider now : hops all over me
I ain't going to state no color : but her front teeth crowned with gold
She got a mortgage on my body : and a lien on my soul
Lord I'm going to Rosedale : going to take my rider by my side
We can still barrelhouse baby : because it's on the riverside



Betty Mae Betty Mae : you shall be my wife some day
I wants a little sweet girl : that will do anything that I say
Betty Mae you is my heart-strings : you is my destiny
And you rode across my mind : baby each and every day
Little girl little girl : my life seems so misery
Baby I guess it must be love now : ooo Lord that's taken effect on me
Some day I will return : with a marriage license in my hand
I'm going to take you for a honeymoon : in some long long distant land



And I followed her to the station : with a suitcase in my hand
Well it's hard to tell it's hard to tell : when all your love's in vain
When the train rolled up to the station : I looked her in the eye
Well I was lonesome I felt so lonesome : and I could not help but cry
The train it left the station : with two lights on behind
Well the blue light was my blues : and the red light was my mind



I followed her to the station : with my suitcase in my hand
Well it's hard to tell it's hard to tell : when all your love's in vain
When the train rolled up to the station : and I looked her in the eye
Well I felt so lonesome I was lonesome : and I could not help but cry
When the train it left the station : with two lights on behind
Well the blue light was my blues : and the red light was my mind



Tell me milkcow : what on earth is wrong with you


Well well you have a new calf : ooo and your milk is turning blue
Your calf is hungry : and I believe he needs a suck
Well now but your milk is turning blue : ooo and I believe he's out of luck
Now I feel like milking : and my cow won't come
I feel like churning : and my milk won't turn
I'm crying please : please don't do me wrong
You can give right milk and butter now baby : who will stay at home
My milkcow been rambling : ooo wee for miles around
She been suckling some other bullcow : ooo Lord in a strange man's town



Tell me milkcow : what on earth is wrong with you
Now you have a little new calf : ooo and your milk is turning blue
Now your calf is hungry : I believe he needs a suck
But your milk is turning blue : ooo I believe he's out of luck
Now I feel like milking : and my cow won't come
I feel like churning : and my milk won't turn
I'm crying please : please don't do me wrong
If you see my milkcow baby now : please drive her home
My milkcow been rambling : ooo wee for miles around
Now she been suckling some other man's bullcow : ooo in a strange man's town




I was born in the state : of old Arkansas
Where they don't allow : no Mississippi women there at all
I'm going I'm going : back to my old home to stay
And you'll find me : hanging around the levee both night and day
Then after I walk the levee : from end to end
I'll go to Sweet Mama Alley : go and get my hooch and gin
I've tried old jelly : and old *loosha* too
But me and my gin house liquor : well we sure can do
I don't see why : white folks don't have no blues
They got all kinds of money : and brownskin women too
When you go to Vicksburg : please ask for old dripper king
For he's the bootlegging fellow : your *turkey* sure can swing






I asked for water : and she gave me gasoline
Crying Lord I wonder : will I ever get back home
I went to the depot : looked up on the board
I asked the conductor : how long has this eastbound train been gone
It done taken your faro : blowed its smoke on you
Lord I asked the conductor : could I ride the blinds
Son buy your ticket buy your ticket : because the train ain't none of mine



Crying I ain't going down : this big road by myself
If I don't carry you : going to carry somebody else
Crying sun going to shine : in my back door some day
And the wind going to change : going to blow my blues away
What makes you do me : like you do do do
Now you think you going to do me : like you done poor Cherry Red
Taken the poor boy's money now : sure Lord won't take mine



Crying by-and-by : baby by-and-by
Says Good Book tell you : reap just what you sow
Going to reap it now : or baby reap it by-and-by
Well I'm going away : won't be back till fall
If I meet my good gal : then baby won't be back at all
Well it's two trains running : running side by side
You got my woman : babe I know you're satisfied



Mmm who's that yonder : coming down the road
Well it looks like Maggie : baby but she walks too slow
Mmm sun going to shine : in my back door some day
And the wind going to change : going to blow my blues away


Mmm see see rider : see what you done done
You done made me love you : now you're trying to put me down
Well I'm going away Lord : won't be back till fall
And if I meet my good gal : well I won't be back at all



Crying canned heat mama : sure Lord killing me
Takes alcorub : to take these canned heat blues
Crying mama mama mama : you know canned heat killing me
Canned heat don't kill me : crying babe I'll never die
I woke up up this morning : with canned heat on my mind
I woked up up this morning : crying canned heat around my bed
Run here somebody : take these canned heat blues
Crying mama mama mama : crying canned heat killing me
Believe to my soul : Lord it going to kill me dead



Won't you wash my jumper : starch my overalls
I'm going to find my woman : says she's in the world somewhere
Well it's good to you mama : sure Lord killing me
I wonder : do my rider think of [poor] me
Lord if she did : she would sure Lord feel my care
I woke up this morning : said my morning prayers
I ain't got no woman : speak in my behalf



Won't you wash my jumper : starch my overalls
I'm going to find my woman : says she's in this world somewhere
I wonder : do my good girl think of me
Crying if she did : she would sure Lord feel my care
Honey it's good to you : mama sure Lord killing me
I woke up this morning : said my morning prayers


I ain't got no woman : to speak in my behalf



Crying big fat mama : meat shaking on her bones
Time the meat shake : it's a sign a woman lose her home
Mmm going away mama : won't be back till fall
Big fat mama : with the meat shaking on her bones
Mmm no need to holler : I got to murmur low
Big fat mama : Lord meat shake on her bones
Mmm time meat shake : it's sign a fatmouth lose his home
Mmm what's the matter rider : where did you stay last night
Hair all down baby : and you won't treat me right
Mmm big fat mama : meat shaking on her bones



Lonesome place : don't seem like it's home to me
Lord I woke up this morning : blues all around my bed
Had the blues so bad mama : till I couldn't raise up my head
If you want to live easy : pack your clothes with mine
Mmm soon one morning : blues come falling down
Well they fell so heavy : that it caused my heart to moan
Well I'm going back home : going to fall down on my knees
Says I'll acknowledge now pretty baby : that I treated you mean



Hitch up my buggy : saddle up my black mare
Find my woman : because she's out in the world somewhere
Aah if I call you : and you will fail to come
If I call you mama : going to sure Lord call your name
I been drinking all night gal : did the night before
Been drunk baby : and I ain't got sober yet
Mmm : I ain't going to tell you no more
Told you last night mama : what I did the night before


Says you going to have : a rounder for your own




Woke up this morning : blues all around my bed
I didn't have my daddy : to hold my aching head
I know the blues ain't nothing : but a woman wants to see her man
Because every time my man leaves me : Lord knows I feel so bad
You can never tell : what's on a brownskin man's mind
He'll be hugging and kissing you : and quit you all the time




Early one morning : I set down in my door
Lord I sitting here wondering : where in the world can a good man go
I hear my rider hollering : way up on the hill
Said I know it's my rider : she got a voice like a whippoorwill
I'm going to get you a ticket : going to take you on away from here
Lord if you never come back : Lord I will never care
I'm going to write my name : up on my baby's back door
So she can see my name : if she never see me no more



I ain't got no money : nobody won't loan me none
Said I heard my rider was dead : and I sure want to get back home
If I had good luck Lord : like I once have had
Says I won't have to worry : about the trouble I had
I went to the graveyard : looked in my baby's face
Says I love you rider : but I can't take your place
The little boy's hollering extra : people did you read the news
Says I done killed my rider : and I got them Leavenworth blues




I tried to love you : way back on my young days
You were so evil-hearted : throwed all my good love away
Mmm : what's the matter now
But now you want to quit me : and you don't know how


I'm going down to the river : take me a rocking chair
If the blues overtake me : rock away from there



That mean T P [railroad, railway] : sure has done me wrong
It let that Sunshine Special : carry my good gal from home
The blues : come down like showers of rain
I couldn't see nothing : but smoke from that train
Every time I hear : that Sunshine Special blow
It makes me : want to pack up all my clothes and go



First night that I went home : drunk as I could be
There's another mule in the stable : where my mule ought to be
Come here honey : explain yourself to me
How come another mule in the stable : where my mule ought to be
Oh crazy oh silly : can't you plainly see
That's nothing but a milkcow : where your mule ought to be
I've traveled this world over : million times or more
Saddle on a milkcow's back : I've never seen before
Second night when I got home : as drunk as I could be
There's another coat on the coat rack : where my coat ought to be
Come here honey : explain this thing to me
How come another coat on the coat rack : where my coat ought to be
Oh crazy oh silly : can't you plainly see
Nothing but a bed quilt : where your coat ought to be
I've traveled this world over : million times or more
Pockets in a bed quilt : I've never seen before
The third night when I went home : drunk as I could be
There's another head on the pillow : where my head ought to be
Come here honey come here : explain this thing to me
How come another head on the pillow : where my head ought to be
Oh crazy oh silly : can't you plainly see
That's nothing but a cabbage head : that your grandma sent to me
I've traveled this world over : million times or more
Hair on a cabbage head : I've never seen before





I washes hard : both day and night
Catch you arguing with that fellow : you going to have a miserable fight
Ashes to ashes : dust to dust
The police don't get you : now the undertaker must




I was standing at the station : wondering what train boys must I ride
Lord I'm on my way down in Louisiana : I believe I'll wait here for the Katy Fly
My woman left me this morning : left me wondering all to myself
Lord she said she didn't love me no more boys : wonder do she love anybody else
Ain't but the two old roads : boys I did not want to ride
Lordy that Southern Pacific now boys : and you know the Katy Fly
I got the railroad blues bad : I got the boxcars on my running mind
Now every time I get to studying about my sweet woman : boys I can hardly keep from crying



Now I can remember my baby : it was late one Friday night
Now you know you mistreat me woman : you know you didn't do me right
I walked and I walked baby : I walked to see you both night and day
Oh now you know I give you my money baby : womans and I lets you have your doggone way
Farewell baby : you going to need my help again
Now you said that you didn't knowed that I was coming baby : you wouldn't have even let me in
Now the troubles that I'm having : woman you was the cause of it all
Now you even had me down walking baby : I could hardly but crawl along




I'm going to buy me a pistol : hang it up side the wall
I'm going to stop that jellybean : from kicking in my stall
I got a long tall woman : she don't do nothing but run around
Every time I leave : she don't do nothing but mess around
My woman's got a new way of loving : a monkey-man can't catch on
When he knows anything : she done got his dollar and gone





I was shipwrecked on the ocean : throwed off on the southern sea
When you get to Chicago : pretty mama please remember me
I was standing beside the ocean : looking across on the other side
My woman got little bitty legs : but man what a noble thigh
I went down to the ocean : just to get a permanent wave
My woman got a new way of loving : man and it won't behave
When it storms on the ocean : you cannot see the sky
If I don't love you pretty mama : I will pray to die




I got a woman in Dallas : got one in San Antone too
I pick this one in San Antone : I don't know what this poor girl in Dallas going to do
She got nine gold teeth people : all that wavy hair
And if you ever come in San Antone : you going to find my sweet woman there
I never mistreated my baby : boy but I do wrong myself
For if I be mean to my woman : she will really quit and take someone else
Mmm baby : oh don't you think I know
Said I want to make an end of her people : and shake hands and go
I went to bed last night : I rolled from side to side
Honey I didn't have no blues really : but things wasn't going on right
I want someone to tell me : oh what Lord have mercy means
So if it means anything : well Lord have mercy on me
I'm going back to Dallas : oh don't you want to go
Honey I'm going to stop in towns : I believe that I haven't never been before



I said listen baby : honey I can't move no more
Oh these blues crawling up my windows : and traveling up under my door
Some womens weeps like a willow : some only sack of dough
But your life in misery : the minute that you ain't with the woman you love
Mmm : mmm
Lord it's something telling me : keeps on troubling me
Will you please tell the judge : don't have a trial till June
Because I got a working baby : let me see what my woman can do
People here she come in the evening : honey hundred in her hand
She had done robbed some fatmouth : who really looking for her man
Tell me sweet baby : honey what's on your mind
You keep a poor man troubled : really looking down-hearted all the time


Mmm baby : honey don't you think I know
Said I wouldn't make a man love her : if he wouldn't shake hands and go
Lord I'm going to Louisiana : going to get me a hoodoo hand
I'm going to stop my woman : and fix it so she can't have another man



Mr Ferris Mr Ferris : let your womenfolks go
I done trying to get my sweet woman : like Mr Ferris got his girl
Mmm : baby don't you think I know
Pretty woman like a man : love him people and shake hands and go
No you never take a woman : speaking about to be your friend
Oh she get all of your money : then look what a hole you're in
I went to bed last night : keep a-rolling from side to side
I didn't have no blues : understand that things wasn't going right
When you catch me sleeping : baby don't you think I'm drunk
I's a-got one on the dresser : keep the other one on your trunk
Tell me sweet baby : all what's on your mind
You keep a poor man troubled : really looking down-hearted all the time



I know this eagle's on a dollar : other side In God We Trust
Well a woman loves a man : but I know this dollar's first
Have you ever loved a woman : man that didn't love you
Then you have the worried blues : to bother you the whole night through
Well I'm going sweet baby : honey don't you want to go
Well I may stop in town : where I haven't never been before
Sometime you hear me singing : Nearer My God To Thee
Then again you hear me singing : sweet Atlanta blues to you



Oh the train pass by : oh with my sweet baby inside
And when I looked up and seen her : couldn't help but hang my head and cry
She gets her water at *Fairman* : coal at *Shabama Mines*
And I wouldn't let everybody ride : but people you know the train ain't mine
I said good morning conductor : oh please let a broke man ride
Because I want to see my sweet woman : just one more time before she get on
Said I'm tired of hearing me singing : Our Father Kingdom Come


Another year you hear me moaning : Lord let Thy will be done



I remember one time people : oh it is in nineteen and twenty-four
Something happened that year : that I never want to see no more
I remember one time : oh it is in nineteen twenty-one
They say I got to watch my sweet woman : she's running from sun to sun
I thought : that my woman oh was treating me right
But oh when I went down to call for her : she didn't do nothing but fuss and fight
I never earned nothing : oh so much to hurt me so
Oh when I was talking to my babe that morning : and she told me that I didn't
Mmm : baby what's on your mind
Oh you want to be mean to me woman : give me a good word all the time



Well I'm leaving sweet baby : can't carry you
Well I'm leaving sweet baby : don't you want to go
Well I tried to love a sweet mama : but she couldn't understand
But I know she realized the trouble : since she met another man



I say you got a sweet woman : man which you just don't understand
The man needs to take you women : and move across the no man's land
Mmm : ain't going to [sing, blow] no more
Blues done called up my woman : and traveled her and brought her up to my door
I want you to take me on with you baby : let you ease me down across your bed
I want you talk baby-talk to me : and then suck my tongue cherry red



Just as sure as the train come in San Antone : then ease up in the yard
It's going to take two dollars and a quarter : I declare to send me a postal card
Mmm baby : oh honey what's on your mind
Because you really keeps me troubled : and I think about you all the time
I'm going to move to the bottom : camp out on the ground
Every morning I'll call my woman : to see have my coat found


I got a woman in San Antone : I declare that is sweet to me
Because the people don't know she's here : but she lives on Cherry Street
Mmm : Lord Lord Lordy Lord
I want Eddie Duncan : listen to be my brother-in-law
Well I'll tell you men something : know you ain't going to think it's so




Four-flushing papa : what kind of man is you
Four-flushing papa : you thrill me through and through
I've never been crazy : about men
Who ain't done no strutting : since the Lord knows when
Four-flushing papa : what have you done to me
Because when you leave me : I'm blue as blue can be
Now when I get a payday : I don't have no plans
Keep a quarter for myself : have to give to my man
Now when I get a payday : right to you I go
You take it all papa : because it's all yours



I got the blues : blue as blue can be
Because these no-good gals : trying to backbite me
Now these backbiters : don't live long I'm told
So you'd better watch out : doggone your bad-luck soul
Just let your conscience : be your safety guide
*Anything wrong* with me : *is a mitten to a side*
It's one more thing : I can't understand
Why these trifling gals : run after a good gal's man
Take my advice : and please don't lose your head
If you take my man : sure going to wake up dead



Every time : I see a railroad track
Feel like riding : feel like going back
Catch a train : that's headed for the South
Going back south : to get smacked in the mouth
Got a man : way down old Texas way


Going to meet him : ain't got time to stay
Got the boxcar blues : feel like a tramp
Going to be down : in a Texas camp
Told the engineer : to drive them down
Broke and hungry : tired of tramping around
Boxcar boxcar : don't you carry two
Ride me ride me : sooth my boxcar blues



Western Union : send this telegram
To my man : way down in Birmingham
??? : please don't play today
So disgusted : got no place to stay
Send me car fare : want to come back home
When I get back : never will I roam
Am I hungry : I ain't nothing but
Stomach's empty : think my throat is stuck



The road to hardship : leads right to the poorhouse door
I'm going there : and ain't coming back no more
Poorhouse poorhouse : open wide your poorhouse gate
I'm down and out : now I know it's too late
Spent my money : spent it on my so-called friends
And now I'm broke : that's where their friendship ends
Here's the wagon : it's come to take me away
In the poorhouse : I'll be till Judgment Day



Anybody here want to try my cabbage : just step this way
Anybody here like to buy good cabbage : just holler hey
There's no sweeter cabbage : anywhere in town
You can have it boiled : until it's nice and brown
Gave some to the parson : and he shook with glee
He took up collection : gave it all to me
Gave it to a corn doctor : to fix my feet
Every time he sees me : he wants to eat


Gave some to the jailor : who turned the key on me
When I got through feeding him : he said gal you're free



Hear the thunder rumbling : see the lightning flash
Devil is a-groaning : listen to that crash
The trees are breaking : shaking all around
The wind is howling : hear that wicked sound
Gee I'm frightened : nearly scared to death
That's why I'm hiding : I'm all out of breath
My man's cruel : left me all alone
In the darkness : I just weep and moan
The storm is raging : I know what I'll do
I'll start in praying : till the storm is through



I got on : my walking shoes
I'm going to walk : away my blues
He stays out late : every night
Comes back home : and wants to fight
Whiskey : and trifling men
In the jail : would be my end



Talk about blues : you ought to hear mine
The man I love : keeps me worried all the time
One thing I hate : I can't have my way
The man that mistreat me : should be buried today
The better I treat him : the worse he treats me
I'm going to keep a good man : wherever he can be
You can always call : your good man's hand
Just let him know : that you got another man



Can't sell no whiskey : I can't sell no gin


Ain't got no money : to buy my winter coat
Can't save a dollar : to save my doggone soul
I can't keep open : I'm going to close the shack
The chief of police : done tore my playhouse down
No use in grieving : I'm going to leave this town



Now you may go : but you'll come back some day
And you'll be sorry : that you went away
When you think of my good loving : that's the time you'll find
That none of your flip-floppers : going to satisfy your mind
You miss my love and kisses : and you wish you back home
But someone else : will be picking on your chicken bones
I've got another daddy : and he's sweet as can be
And what I like about him : he just idolize me
You might back up in your stable : when the snow begins to fall
But you'll find another mule : just kicking in your stall



Everybody in this world : got something that they crave
And when they get just what they want : then you see them rave
Poor folks crave fine clothes and money : rich folks crave the gold
But what I crave is loving : that will satisfy my soul
And when he kisses me : Lordy knows
A funny feeling : goes from my head to my toes



I'm like a red-hot stove : I'm burning down
And the *moon is* ??? : in this man's town
I'm low and ornery : don't care what I do
Feel like cutting my man : half in two
A hornets' nest : don't mean a thing to me
I been stung so much : I'm up a tree
Now dynamite : ain't got a chance you see
I'm red-hot : and dangerous as can be



If somebody finds me : when I'm dead and gone
Say I did self-murder : I died with my boots on
Took a Smith and Wesson : and blew out my brain
Didn't take no poison : I couldn't stand the strain
No I ain't no coward : and I'll tell you why
I was tired of living : but wasn't scared to die
Take me to the graveyard : put me in the ground
Please write on my tombstone : my daddy threw me down
In my farewell letter : someone's sure to find
So goodbye old cold world : I'm glad you're left behind



Six pallbearers : take his to his last go-round
Going to place him : 'neath six feet of ground
Cemetery : sure is one old lonesome place
When you're dead : they throw dirt in your face
Yes I loved him : but he trifled with my heart
Had to shoot him : because he was too smart
Went gay-cutting : with another sealskin brown
Rambled : till the butcher cut him down



Going north child : where I can be free
Where there's no hardships : like in Tennessee
Going where : they don't have Jim Crow laws
Don't have to work there : like in Arkansas
When I cross : the Mason-Dixon Line
Goodbye old *gallion* : mama's going a-flying
Going to daddy : got no time to lose
*So I won't be alone* : can hear my northbound blues



Don't know what to do with myself : at night
Don't know anyone : that will treat me right


Listen I don't mean maybe : but you know
Take it from me : and don't you call my bluff
Need the kind of loving : that will make my heart beat
The sort that will thrill me : from my head to my feet



I'm a backbiting mama : looking for a cheating man
When you start double-crossing : you play right into my hand
If you stay out all night : and come home at four
You'll get back in time : to see me unlock my door
You can tell the world : I ain't no fool
I learned backbiting : when I went to school



I've got the Dallas blues : and the Main Street heart disease
Buzzing around my head : like a swarm of little honeybees
I'm going to put myself : on a Santa Fe and go
To that Texas town : where you never see the ice and snow
I wonder : if my sweet baby will wait for me
Maybe someone else :



If you see a blind man : on the street
Just remember : that he's got to eat
You can't live : in this big world alone
You might have : the finest kind of home
No one ever knows: what the future has in store
Never drive : a beggar from your door



I don't feel welcome : I'm going to blow
Your ways and actions : really ails me so
Crying and weeping : won't do me no good
I'm a lonesome mama : need someone to chop my wood
I'm going to keep on going : till I find a mate


Then I will quit wandering : before it's too late



If you start telling her : he's got the stuff
She will walk right in : and make your home life tough
If your good man can please you : don't tell a soul
Just keep him well supplied : with down-home jellyroll
If he's got a little something : not like the rest
Just keep him busy : he will never leave your nest
He beats you *then* and loves you : pay that no mind
Because what you got must suit him : that's the surest sign



The man I love : is oh so good to me
I'm just crazy : want the world to see
Buys me clothes : like I never had
*Now all* : it used to be *the mad*
I have to pinch myself : to see if I'm awake
Meals with him : all taste like wedding cake



I'm a real kind mama : looking for a loving man
I ain't got nobody : who will come and claim my hand
Now all I want : is all your love
At morning noon and night : that's all I'm thinking of




Now it's too late to holler baby : too late to weep and moan
Too late to holler great God : when that stack of dollars done gone
Well it's mama mama mama : what that you got in that grip
That's nothing but a stack of dollars : you babe going to take a little trip
I'm sitting on a stack of dollars : just as high as I am tall
If you be my little old baby : you sure can have them all
Well it's baby baby : I tell you what I will do
I will give you stack of dollars : just to make one more night with you


You can mistreat me baby : do anything you want to do
Some day you going to want me : but your baby won't want you
Now I'm going to sing this verse baby : and I ain't going to sing no more
For that stack of dollars is worrying me : Lord and I got to go



I went to the river : couldn't get across
I jumped on your papa : because I thought he was a horse
Up she jumped : down she fell
Her mouth flew open : like a mussel shell
You sister was a teddy : your daddy was a bear
Put the muzzle on your mama : because she had bad hair
If you want to hear : that elephant laugh
Take him down to the river : and wash his yas yas yas
If you want to go to heaven : when you D I E
You got to put on your collar : and your T I E
If you want to get the rabbits : out the L O G
You got to put on the stump : like a D O G
Run here doctor : run here fast
See what's the matter : with his yas yas yas



And that Big Four the Big Four : is a mean old train to ride
She took my babe away : and left me dissatisfied
Baby is all I want mama : just one more crack at you
If I can't make you love me : then I don't care what you do
Please hold my head baby : and let my whiskey run down
Lord I catch that Big Four : and beat it on back to town
When I asked that woman : Lord to let me be her kid
She say you might get buggish : Lord you won't keep it hid
I've got the blues for my baby : my babe got the blues for me
For she went and caught that Big Four : she beat it back to Tennessee
Just a few more days : and a few more nights ain't long
You going to reach for your boiler : and your plate will be gone



It's too late too late : too late too late too late


Here we are on our way to the holdover : and we cannot hesitate
Mmm : these boards is killing me
Say I know I am a criminal : but I always want to be free
Oh no : these raids is killing me
*See that woman* about it baby : Lord it's down in Tennessee
Mmm : these raids is killing me
I got the raiding squad blues : the holdover is killing poor me
When the raid began : the people began to squall
The sergeant said ain't no need a-squalling : the captain said to bring you all
When I had money : my friends all ganged around
Now I'm in this raid : my friends have all thrown me down



Baby I'm going uptown : tell the chief police
My woman quit me : I can't see no peace
She keep me worried : bothered all the time
Well I love you woman : love your husband too
I have to love your husband : to get to be with you
Because he don't allow : no man around his house
My mama told me : my papa too
Don't let no woman : be the death of you
She don't allow me : to stay out all night long
What you going to do : when they tear your barrelhouse down
Going to pack my suitcase : hunt some other town
Well they say everybody talking : about your honky-tonky blues
Well they say everybody talking : about your honky-tonky baby
You ought to see : that curly-headed monkey-head
Head is curly : baby and bushy too



You can always tell baby : when your woman going to treat you mean
If you ask for a glass of water : she give you a glass of gasoline
Some of these women : they sure to be ashamed
Babe they go out and take money : from a man walking with a walking cane


What makes you blow up baby : every time I speak to you
You make me think : that you full of gasoline too
I've got the trickiest woman : that you ever seen
Whenever she get mad : she blows up just like gasoline
Won't you let me tell you partner : what the gasoline women will do
They will stay out all night long : then come home and blow up on you
Hey baby : you just full of gas as you can be
Because when you get drunk : you come home and blow up on me
Some of these gasoline women : I just can't understand
They'll cook *make one* for their husband : they'll chicken for their man



I runned to the river : runned so fast
And you couldn't see nothing : but that yas yas yas
If you want to hear : that elephant grunt
You take him down to the river : and then wash his trunk
Up he jumped : down he fell
His trap flew open : like a mussel shell
If you keep it dirty : and I keep it clean
You don't know : what keeping it dirty means
I will tell you one thing : and I mean it
It sure will take soap and water : for to keep it clean
The terriblest sight : that I ever seen
Was a cook cooking victuals : and his hands wasn't clean
You got a head like a mouse : mouth like a goat
Every time you see me : you looking for some soap



Well it's everything I tell you : you run and tell your daddy-law
I ain't going to tell you nothing else : because you done run and tell your daddy-law
And it's everything I give you : you give it to your daddy-law
Hey my doggy jumped a rabbit : and he run him for a solid mile
When he seen he couldn't catch him : so he cried just like a natural child
Yeah your sister was a teddy : your daddy was a great big bear
Put a rope around my neck : you can lead me anywhere
When I asked that woman : to let me be her kid


She say you might get mawkish : baby you won't keep it hid



Here come my tight-haired woman : I can tell by the way she walks
But I know she be shaking that thing : because I can tell by the way she talks
I don't want no tight-haired woman : to cook no meat for me
Because she's so tight-haired and evil : I'm scared she might poison poor me
Now your hair ain't curly : know your teeth ain't neither pearls
If the men were asking for hair : you would have a hard time in this world
Babe you know I did more for you : than the good Lord ever done
You know I bought you some hair : because he sure didn't give you none
Now if you got good hair : you want to keep it looking neat
Just go down to the ten-cents store : get you a nickel worth of
I will tell you girls one thing : you know it really is true
Baby now you got good hair : but you bought bought this from the Jew



I went home last night baby : found my good gal there
I'm going to leave you baby : traveling everywhere
I said ain't it hard to leave you : hoo Lord going to travel everywhere
I had a good home mama : Lord but I couldn't stay there
I was down in jail baby : I went down on my knees
Been so good to you honey : *good meat* for me
I said hoo I'm going to leave you : hoo Lord traveling everywhere
I had a good home baby : Lord but I wouldn't stay there
Have you ever been down baby : way down in Polack Town
She slashing and she twisting : till she turned my damper down
Won't you tell me baby : who can your good man be
I woke up this morning baby : with a hex all over me
I can do more for you : than the good Lord ever done
I can buy you foresight baby : when the Lord ain't give you none



I met my gal this morning : long long way from home
Ain't no use drinking good baby : said I ain't got your water on
I'd rather be dead baby : buried in the deep blue sea
Than to be so far from home baby : people making a fool of me


Lord my girl got something : sure Lord worries me
I woke up soon this morning : had that thing all over me
Now I got something to tell you : make your hair rise on your head
I got a-this old Elgin movement : make the springs tremble all on your bed



If you put your dirty black hands on me : I'm going to put you back in jail
Put so many crimes against you loving baby : take a millionaire to go your bail
I was walking down Main Street : looking for a zoo
??? *you trying to make* : *would make a ??? of* you
Tell me pretty mama : where have you been
Don't like whiskey : and you're drunk again
And I'm going downtown : going to spread the news
A big-feet woman : wearing *broken* shoes
Now if I get lucky : get a bottle of gin
*Pull a number of* women : *to their* mighty few men




Children's in the pulpit : mama trying to learn the Psalms
Now the lowdown dirty deacon : done stole my gal and gone
Woke up this morning : the family had the weary blues
Now *must've* peep over in the corner : poor grandmammy had them too
I did more for you woman : good Lordy ever done
Went downtown and bought you good hair : and the Lord hadn't give you none
You better stop your gal : from from tickling under my chin
You going to run over some of these mornings : papa swear you can't get in



Children's in the pulpit : mama trying to learn the Psalms
Now that lowdown dirty deacon : done stole my gal and gone
Woke up this morning : the family had the weary blues
Poked my head over in the corner : poor grandmammy had them too
I did more for you woman : than the good Lord had ever done
Went out town bought you good hair : and the Lord hadn't give you none
You don't like your daddy : you got no right to carrying a stole
Hand me back that wig I bought you : mama let your doggone head go bald


But then I promised the good Lord : partner not to dig no coal
I'm going to hang around the country : and try to sell some jellyroll
Some men is crave for yellow women : some men like the teasing brown
I'm a stranger in town mama : figuring on going the whole way down
She squawk about my supper : she kicked me outdoors
She had a nerve to ask me : would a matchbox hold my clothes



I'm going gal : don't you take me for no fool
I'm not going to quit you pretty mama : whilst the weather's cool
Around your back door : says honey I'm going to creep
As long as : you make your two and a half a week
Now I got a girl : she works in the white folk's yard
She brings me meat : I can swear she brings me lard
Now Barnum Bailey Circus : came to town
They had a *stepper* : looking good and brown
They didn't know : it was against the law
But the monkey stopped : at a ??? drugstore
Stepped around the corner : just a minute too late
Another one sitting there : *to kick back eight*
Say come on sister : with her nose all *spoiled*
The doctor's gone : going to sell no more
Now there's twenty-two men came to my house : it was last Sunday morn
They asked me was my wife at home : and I told she has long been gone
He backed his wagon up to my door : took everything I had
He carried it back to the furniture store : and I swear that I did feel sad
Saying coke's for horses : not women or men
The doctors say it'll kill you : but they didn't say when



Well a-my gal had quit me : the talks all over town
She left me a note laying on the kitchen table : saying daddy I'm Alabama bound
I went running to the station : wringing my hands and crying
Crying come back pretty mama : God sakes don't go this time
I done bought my ticket : daddy I'm compelled to ride
Say you done know when you had me : man you couldn't be satisfied
Then she showed me a ticket : just as long as my right arm
Have to be riding it so long : I expect you dead and gone
I had the railroad blues : I didn't have the railroad fare


Say my shoes hold up : I mean to walk the distance there
I woke up this morning : with traveling on my mind
Kept a-feeling my pocket : and I didn't have a lousy dime




There's nobody know : Polk County like I do
Because I traveled Polk County : mama through and through
Well woke up this morning : and I feeling bad
I thinking about good times : that I used to have
Say if I'd listened : what my mama said
I'd be at home : in my folding bed
Don't your house look lonesome : when your best buddy's gone
You turn over on your pillow : then you cry right on
Ooh : mama what's the matter now
You make me think : I'll break my heart in that house
Say look a-here baby : I'm going to tell the truth
I don't love nobody : honey else but you
I'm going away mama : and it won't be long
You sure going to miss me : just as sure as you born
I'm going to sing this old song : ain't going to sing no more
I'm going to sing this old song : everywhere I go



Said I don't care : what mama don't allow
Going to strut my stuff : old anyhow
Said I don't care : what mama don't allow
Going to eat my watermelon : anyhow
Said I don't care : what mama don't allow
Going to play our washboard : any old how
Said I don't care : what mama don't allow
Going to play that trombone : anyhow
Said we don't care : what mama don't allow
He going to do his stuff : old anyhow
Said I don't care : what mama don't allow
Going to *eeya-eeya* : anyhow






I'm going to leave here walking : I'm going down Number Sixty-One
And if I find my baby : you know we going to have some fun
I walked Sixty-One Highway : and I give down in my knees
I looking for my babe on Indian Ocean : but she come on that China sea
That Sixty-One Highway : longest highway that I ever knowed
It reach from Atlanta Georgia : clean down to the Gulf of Mexico
Now I'm going home : get my Bible and sit down and read
I'm going to ask the good Lord : to give me back my baby if you please



I can hear the hell dog ringing : and the people all a-crying
I mean all up and down : I say that old Sixty-One Line
The man that built the Sixty-One flat-top : he's just as true as a *fox*
You can ride or walk across it : and you can't even hear a knock
That flat-top flat-top : is the prettiest thing I ever seen
??? : and it takes me *Water* Street
I am in dear love with Sixty-One : I say it from my heart
That is the reason I am so *love with it* : Sixty-One has give me a new start



I've got a thirty-two twenty : shoots just like a forty-five
I can walk that old Green River levee : babe I won't have to hide
I ain't going to sell it : too good to give away
I'm going to save it for me and my baby : and snatch her some rainy day
Now red ripe tomatoes : don't forget your T-bone steak
Well when you get ready to go fishing : *put* ??? on that heart you take
Well Mr Charlie : you had better watch your men
They are going through the bushes : and they are going in



I believe I believe : I believe I'll go back home
I'm going down to tell my baby : that I have done her wrong
St Louis is on afire : Chicago is burning down
I'm so sick and tired : that my baby keeps on cooling down
Babe please forgive me : I know that I've done you wrong
I'm going to get down on my knees : I want my little old baby back home
It's the same old fireman : same old engineer


And it took my baby : and it left me standing here



Now my first love is in Texas : my [next one, second] lives in Kokomo
I'm going to catch me a freight train : and I'm going on down the road
I said don't ever drive a stranger : from your door
May be your sister or brother : say you don't never know
I have got a brother : and his name is Dan
The women all say : he sure can sing
Dan Sane Dan Sane : where have you been so long
And you know : that you have I say done me wrong



Baby take me upstairs : baby won't you lay me down in your cool iron bed
If I don't get no better : I want you to come and rub my head
You're a no good wheat : the cow is going to mow you down
And if I want to ??? : I'll run you wheat out of town
Ever since ever since : my poor mother been dead
The rocks have been my pillow : and the cold ground have been my bed
Baby : I'll make everything all right
If I don't see you tomorrow : I'll see you tomorrow night



Betty Sue Betty Sue : is the sweetest girl I know
Well you caused me to walk from Chicago : clear to the Gulf of Mexico
Now Betty Sue got ways : like a horse that it get wild
Every time she struggles : I swears it's out the world
Betty Sue the big boat's up the river : on a *bank* of sand
If it don't [change the, strike that deep] water : swear it won't land
Now look a-here Sue : what you trying to do
Giving away my luggage : and trying to love me too



I'd rather see the flowers : growing on top of my baby's grave
Than to see some other man : smiling smiling in my baby's face


Here I am here I am : setting in that chair with folded arms
Well it seems like all good times : I mean this whole world have gone
I've got a ??? to glory : papa he's done throwed me away
But you had a lowdown dirty heart : to baby to mistreat me this a-way
If you take me back baby : I'll tell you just what I'll do
I will work hard and I'll slave : babe I'll bring that money back home to you



I had a girl : give her everything I had
Well my friend took her from me : and it surely was too bad
Now I'm going to kill her : if I should happen to live
I'm going to take something from her : Lord that I really can give
I've got another woman : man she's so bony and lean
Well she's got something : Lord I ain't never seen
She's got a little bitty foot now : Lord and got them great big thighs
Well she's got something on the under : weep just like a *pool hall eye*




That's all right baby : Lord that's all right for you
Now it's all right baby : Lord about the way you do
The blues came down my alley : rolling up into my back door
I got the blues this morning : Lord Lord like I never had before
Mama you remember the time : babe I made you like it and how
But the thing you trying to do : babe somebody doing it now
Go on back old gal : you know you can't make me change
Because your hair is so short : swear to God I can smell your *brand*
Way way down babe : way down in old Polack Town
Dirty roaches and the chinches : done tore my little gin house down




Says she killed a chicken : and she cook him down low
Said cook that chicken : a sweet jellyroll
Said they cooked that possum : and they cook him down low
And the grease come running : from his jo jo jo
Said she *sound so loo : sound so soo*
*Sound* just like : she couldn't *blow*
Great life for sure : when time was tough


I was laying coal yard : strutting my stuff



Woke up this morning : look at the rising sun
I thought about my good gal : who done gone along
I ain't never loved : and I hope I never will
Why love is proposition : sure get a good man killed
I got twelve little puppies : ten big shaggy hounds
It takes all twenty-two : to run my brownskin down



There ain't no more potatoes : the frost done killed the vine
Ain't no more good times : with that girl of mine
I ain't never loved Lord : I hopes I never will
A loving proposition : sure get a good man killed
I got twelve little puppies : ten big shaggy hounds
Take the whole twenty-two : to run my brownskin down
My brownie caught a passenger : left me a mule to ride
When the train pulled out : the mule lay down and die
There's one thing certain : I sure can't understand
She could feed the ??? *pigmeat* : corn bread for her man



I'm worried now Lord : I won't be worried long
It takes a worried man Lord : to sing a worried song
Take me mama : try me one more time
I don't do better : kill myself a-trying
Just as sure as the birds : fly in the sky above
Say you know pretty mama : you ain't with the man you love
Well I cooked her breakfast : brought it to her bed
Say she taking one bite : threw the teacup at my head




I'm worried now : but I won't be worried long
It takes a worried man : to sing this worried song


I'm going away : baby and it won't be long
You mistreat me : I'm going to leave my happy home
I'm going to the river : sit down on the ground
If the blues overtake me : I'll jump overboard and drown
I woke up this morning : those blues were on my mind
I was so down-hearted : I couldn't do nothing but cry
When you see me leaving : baby don't you cry
If you mistreat me again : baby you will surely die
Lord I'm going away : honey I cannot stay
I can't be down-hearted : mistreated this a-way
Lord I went up on a mountain : peeped in a little hole
I saw two little monkeys : doing the monkey jellyroll




Eee laying in jail now : with my back turned to the wall
And she brought me coffee : and she brought me tea
She brought me everything : now but that lowdown jailhouse key
Mmm : mmm
I promised not to holler now : now mama now hey hey hey
I looked at my mama : and I hung my head and cried
If my woman kills me now : Lord I'll pray to die



You can read my letter : now you sure don't know my mind
When you think I'm loving you : I'm leaving all the time
I ain't got nobody now : I'm all here by myself
Let me be your sometime now : till your always comes
And I'll do more for you now : your always ever done
Mama got a hambone : I wonder can I get it boiled
Because these Chicago women now : about to let my hambone spoil
The dirty deacon : has taken my gal and gone
And all the children now : papa trying to sing my song
Let me be your rocker : till your straight chair comes
And I rock you easier : you straight chair ever done






Now tell me mama : just how you want your rolling done
And just as long as you like it : if it takes the whole night long
Now gal got teeth : like the lighthouse on the sea
And every time she smiles : she throws her loving light on me
Now my rider got something : and I don't know just what it is
And every time she wiggles and wobbles : papa can't keep his black stuff still
Now I can get religion : baby most any day
But the dice and these women : I swear they won't let me pray
Now if you steal my rider : I won't get mad with you
Because she's three time seven : and she knows just exactly what to do



Oh mama : I dream about you night and day
I had my hand on some this morning : and I swear I let it get away
I love you mama : and I'll tell the world I do
Because can't nobody treat me : honey like my rider do
You don't have to cook me no chicken : because your plain old neckbone will do
I'm going to buy you some blackeyed peas : mama and try to get along with you
I'm crazy about the way you do it : I'm talking about your jellyroll
Because I know you got something : will send salvation to your soul
She got hair like Gloria Swanson : and she walk just like Priscilla Deane
Because she's the prettiest woman : old Louie ever seen
I'm going to ask the good Lord : to send me an angel down
But she ain't not a good one : I'm going to cling on to my teasing brown




Oh Roberta : honey where you been so long
You done been across the country : a-with my long clothes on
Oh Roberta : sit down on my knee
Got a lot to tell you : a-that's been worrying me
Way up the river : far as I can see
Lord I thought I spied : my old-time used-to-be
Lord I thought I spied : my old-time used-to-be
And it was nothing : honey but a cypress tree
Honey I'm down on the river : sitting out on the ground
Well I'll stay right here Lord : until Roberta come down



Oh Roberta : what in the world you mean
Honey the way you treat me : beats all I ever seen
Lord I'm going to the station : going to tell the chief of police
Roberta done quit me : and I can't see no peace
She's a brownskin woman : got black wavy hair
And I can describe her : oh partner most anywhere
Tell me Roberta : what's the matter with you
This man ain't got nobody : to take his troubles to



I'm sitting down here wondering : would a matchbox hold my clothes
I don't want to be bothered : with no suitcase on my road
Now what would you do : when your baby packing up her trunk
You get half a gallon of whiskey : you get on your big drunk



See see rider : see what you done done
You made me love you : now your man done come
I was looking right at her : when the sun went down
She was standing in the kitchen : in her morning gown
Let me be your sidetrack : till your mainline comes



I'm broke baby : and I ain't got a dime
Every good man : gets in hard luck sometimes
I'm going to tell my woman : like the Dago told the Jew
You don't want me : now honey I don't want you
Oh the women in the levee : *Charlie because it's most* payday
The men on the levee : hollering don't you move your knee
Oh the women on the levee : honey hollering whoa gee
The men on the levee : hollering don't you murder me


I'm down in the bottom : ???ing for Johnny Rye
Wouldn't mind a jug : honey on the mule's behind
Yes a brownskin woman : make a preacher lay his Bible down
A jet-black woman : make a rabbit hug a hound



Ooh : I ain't got no mammy now
She told me late last night : you didn't need no mammy nohow
Ooh : black snake crawling in my room
Better tell somebody : better come and get this old black snake soon
Oh must have been a bedbug : because a chinch couldn't bite me that hard
Asked my sugar for fifty cents : said Leadbelly ain't a child in the yard
Honey that's all right : that's all right for you
Darling that's all right : most any old way you do
Mmm : oh honey what's the matter now
Darling tell me what's the matter : don't like no black snake nohow
Well : wonder where that black snake gone
That old black snake mama : done run my darling home



Oh Alberta oh Alberta : don't you hear me calling you
If Alberta hear your calling : what you want Alberta to do
I woke up this morning I woke up this morning : with the blues right there around my bed
Went to eat my breakfast : and the blues all in my bread
I lay down last night I lay down last night : I was turning from side to side
And I was not sick : but I was just dissatisfied
I called for you yesterday I called for you yesterday : honey and here you come ??? *day*
Had you mouth wide open : and you don't know what to say
Please Alberta please Alberta : tell me what in the world you mean
Honey the way you treats me : beats all I ever seen
What makes an old woman what makes an old woman : she go crazy about a right young man
Because she know she can take him : and raise him to hang



Mmm : baby why you have to go


Oh you ain't love me baby : you used to love me so
Mmm : when you left you broke my heart
You said you love me baby : and we would never part
Mmm : baby your papa ain't a fool
There's nothing wrong baby : sweet mama turning cool
Mmm : baby what are you going to do
You say you love me baby : but now you say you are through
Mmm : baby ain't you coming back
Got money baby : going to use it as I like



Yes she wrote me a letter : what you reckon it read
Come home big papa : your loving baby's dead
Yes I went to the depot : caught a train a-flying
When I walked in Lord : she was slowly dying
My mama said howdy : papa said goodbye
Poor boy couldn't do nothing : but hang his head and cry
He went to the bedside : looked down in her face
I love you pretty mama : just can't take your place



So many high *gate* buggies : were a-standing around
Waiting to take my baby : to the burying ground
Yes you taken my baby : to the burying ground
You didn't break my heart Lord : till you laid her down
Yes he went to the headboard : fell down on his knees
If you speak one word babe : you can give my heart some ease
You don't miss your water : till your well go dry
You don't miss pretty mama : till you shake your hand goodbye
Don't your house look lonesome : when your woman is gone
Don't you feel mistreated : but you won't let on



I'm going to Kansas City : I'm going to lower my line


I get in Kansas City : I be hard to find
Women in Kansas City Lord : doing the turkey trot
The women in Louisiana Lord : doing the eagle rock
The funniest thing : that I ever seen
The tomcat stitching : on a sewing machine
The funniest thing : that I ever did see
A polecat climbing : up a 'simmon tree
You keep on talking : till you make me think
You daddy was a bulldog : your mammy was a mink
You keep on talking : till you make me mad
I tell you about the troubles : that your sister had



Tell me which a-way : do the Red River run
I suppose : they run oh run sun to sun
Lord it's some boats sail : run from sun to sun
Way down in Louisiana : oh where the work all done
Tell me pretty mama : which a-way you going
If you can't tell me : that going to be your ruin
I got up this morning : hung all around my brown
Because she told me : which a-way the Red River was a-running down
Would you take a poor ??? : *or a slave* like me
I love my baby : you going to let me be



Dreamed last night : and all that night before
Heard my baby : knocking on my door
Crying babe : have I ever done you wrong
You's a long time coming : daddy but you welcome here



My mama told me : my sister too


Women in Shreveport son : going to be the death of you
I told my mama : mama you don't know
Women in Shreveport kill me : why don't you let me go
Told my mama : fell on my knees
Crying oh Lordy mama : will you forgive me please
I got a woman : living on Stony Hill
She been sitting down : gambling with Buffalo Bill
Been sitting down : gambling with Buffalo Bill
*You chance it once* baby : you ain't done got killed
Anybody should ask you : who composed this song
Tell them : Huddie Ledbetter's done been here and gone



Well Shorty George : ain't no friend of mine
He keeps a-taking all the women : keep all the men behind
Lord I went to my captain : and the man he don't care
I'm going to take my woman : bring her right back here
I want to tell you captain : it's a dirty shame
Shorty George got my woman : left me all in vain
Yes I went to the station : looked up on the sign
Lord the train she ride : you marked up on time
Well I can't do nothing : hon' but wave my hands
Got me a lifetime sentence : down in Sugarland
Lordy some has got six months : some got two and three years
But it's so many good men : got lifetime here
And Shorty George : traveling through the land
He don't take your woman : take some woman's man
Got something to tell you : don't let it make you mad
I ain't got long down here : honey you heard I had



Sitting down here wondering : would a matchbox hold my clothes
I don't want to be bothered : with no big trunk on my road
Now what would you do : when your baby packing up her trunk
Get you half a gallon of whiskey : and get on you a big drunk
Lord : have mercy on me



Yellow jacket yellow jacket : you sting me once more
You can sting me once more : and then I've got to go
You stung me this morning : stung me till I was sore
You can sting me one more time : please don't sting me no more
You can buzz yellow jacket : buzz all around my face
I don't want no other yellow jacket : to just take your place
You can go downtown : can buzz all around
But if I catch you stinging : believe I'll pull your nest all on down



It's too late too late : too late too late too late
I'm on my way to Denver : and mama must I hesitate
T B's all right to have : if your friend didn't treat you so lowdown
Don't you ask them for no favor : they even stop a-coming around
Mmm : this T B is killing me
I'm a-like a prisoner : I'm always a-working the street
When I was on my feet : couldn't even walk down the street
I want my body buried : in the deep blue sea
Mmm : mmm
I got tuberculosis : consumption is killing me



Just look a-here mama : don't treat pigmeat the way you do
Your baby's pigmeat : as anybody in the neighborhood
If you don't believe it's pigmeat : come in and you won't regret
I got something about this pigmeat : sweet mama I ain't told you yet
I was born and raised in the country : mama but I'm staying in town
If you don't believe this pigmeat : mama from my head on down
You can take me to the mountain : there will be pigmeat there
You take a boat to China : *they'll catch us* anywhere
Ooh : and *catch us* anywhere
Take a boat to China : then it's *catch us* anywhere



If you got you a bullcow : *feed her morning grass*
Because when them heifers come around : eat your yas yas yas
If you got you a bullcow : *feed her in the grove*
Because when them heifers leave him : you know he's going to rove
Oh oh oh : hey hey hey hey
But you know good and well baby : *might be a heifer calf*
If you got you a bullcow : lead her with a long line
Because when them heifers leave him : you know they on his mind
Oh bullcow : where you been so long
I been all out in the country : with my big bell on




Baby I can see : just what's on your mind
You got a long black woman : with a gold teeth in her face
I'll take a long look : right smack down in your mind
And I don't see but one woman : rambling up and down the line
Don't kid your mama : you ain't fooling nobody but yourself
And when I see on your mind : you would not have no friend
I remember the day : when I was living at Lula town
My man did so many wrong things : that I had to leave the town
I'm by the riverside : my man caught the transfer boat
And the last time I seed him : he had done gone way up the road
Well I'm worried now : and I won't be worried long




Now if you want to learn this dance : don't do it in a *pout*
Put both feet together : and do the Macon cutout
You need not to worry : neither think
Just tell the waiter man : to bring on a drink
Now you grab your girl : you hold her tight
You do it in one position : all night
Ease up daddy : you been a good old scout
You made a hit with your mama : now you can't lose out
Now back in eighteen hundred : and sixty-two


Folks mess around : but they didn't know what to do
Old Uncle Mose : he was the jellyroll king
He get to flat-foot shuffling : call it everything
Old *Rufus* Pete : he was very slow
All the women loved him : and give him their dough
Now take it easy mama : and be a good scout
If you want to do this dance : Macon cutout



Now I went downtown : along Broadway
Looked up at a sign : that said no free meals today
Walked right in : I took a seat
Waiter looked at me and said : hey brother pay up before you eat
I was raggedy : thirsty too
*Last* all my money : was won from two-by-two
In my pocket : I didn't have a cent
Sashay down the street : to where I went
In your pockets : you ain't ain't got a dime
Look all over town : not a friend you can find
As soon as your money : grows treetop tall
Bill Jack and Harry : will give you a call
Now listen now brother : this ain't no doubt
Nobody wants you : when you're down and out
Now I was singing : them lonesome kind of blues
I thought I'd play some numbers : like most colored people do
I put my money down : on old twenty-two
I didn't play no believing : I thought that would do
As soon as I saw : that I had won
The man *brought over* eleven : instead of twenty-one
A friend walked up to me : the very next day
He said he lost on that number : the very same way




I got spreading mustard : from north to south
Seeds taste good : right in your mouth






I went to the Gypsy : get my fortune told
Lord the Gypsy told me : boy you got a jellyroll
Ain't nobody in town : cook a jellyroll like mine
I was first on Main Street : Lord and I started down Beale
Looking for my girl : Lord that we all call Lucille
I know you don't want me : why don't you tell me so
Then you won't be bothered : with me around your house no more
Lord my good girl quit me : my kid done put me down
I wouldn't hurt so bad : but the doggone news across town
We got a new way of spelling : Memphis Tennessee
Double M double E : Lord A Y Lord Z
Ooh : my gal done quit me now
I'm going to the river : I'm going to jump overboard and drown



I wish I had : my poor heart in my hand
I'd show you women : how to treat a man
I'm going I'm going : your crying won't make me stay
For the more you cry : further you drive me away
You know you didn't want me : you oughtn't've made no stall
There's plenty more women :
If the river was whiskey : I'd stay drunk all the time
So a woman like you : could not worry my mind
Some of these mornings : baby listen to what I say
I'm going away to leave you : it will be too late to pray



Ooh : what am I going to do now
Because the girl I love : she don't treat me right
Baby : what do you want [me, your papa] to do
Beg borrow and steal : bring it all home to you
Say the sun's going to shine : in my back door some day
Lord the wind's going to blow : blow my blues away
Hey : wonder where the I C train
Babe I'll go to my woman : you go to your man
Ooh : I'd rather be dead and in my grave
Than be here in the world : baby and be your slave



Don't you wish : your good girl was long and tall like mine
Lord she ain't good-looking : but I think she takes her time
Said my good girl said : she didn't want me no more
But she don't mind *dancing* : Lord everywhere I go
Lord the train I ride : is sixteen coaches long
And she don't *allow* nothing : but chocolate to the bone
I'm worried now : been worried all day long
Babe I'm going to be worried : until the day I'm gone
Lord there's some say yellow : but give me my black and brown
When your high brown quit you : your black will run you down
I want to see want to see : the girl I'm *for painted about*
I be so glad : I sure can't help but shout



I'm going away baby : take me seven long months to ride
January February : March April May June July
I was three years old : when my poor mother died
If you mistreat me : mistreat a motherless child
I dreamt last night : the whole round world was mine
Wasn't nothing at all : but my good girl jumping down
She put carbolic in my coffee : turpentine in my tea
Strychnine in my biscuits : Lord but she didn't hurt me
Baby when I marry : going to marry an Indian squaw
Big chief Lord : be my daddy-in-law



I got the blues so bad : it hurts my feet to walk
I wouldn't hurt so bad : but it hurt my tongue to talk
Mama I feel like jumping : through the keyhole in your door
I can jump so easy : your man will never know
Some people say : worried blues ain't tough
If they don't kill you : hell you mighty rough
Hitch up my buggy : please saddle up my black mare


I'm going to find my woman : on the road somewhere
She caught the rumbling : I caught the falling down
If I ever see her : I never turn around



Man those bedbugs sure is evil : he sure don't mean me no good
He thinks I'm a woodpecker : and he taken me for a chunk of wood
When I lay down at night : and I wonder how can a poor man sleep
When one holding your hand : while the other one eating your feet
Bedbugs big as a jackass : he will bite you and stand and grin
*Think you pull the bedbug apart* : come back and bite you again
Someone moaning in the corner : Lord I tried so hard to see
It was a mother bedbug : Lord praying for some more to eat
I have to sit up all night long : my feet can't touch the floor
Because the mean old bedbug : told me I can't live there no more



Sarah Lee : why don't you come home
I ain't had no loving : gal since you been gone
My mama told me : when I was a child
Good time now : trouble after a while
If I had a-listened : to what my mother said
I wouldn't be in here : treated this a-way
I'd rather see my coffin : roll in front of my door
Than to hear my good gal : say I don't want you no more
I dreamt last night : the world was caving in
Wasn't nothing at all : my girl coming home again
I feel like jumping : from the treetop to the ground
The girl I love : she sure done put me down
I wished I had a-died : babe when I was young
I would not have : this *here red suit on*



I believe I'll buy me : a graveyard of my own
I'm going to kill everybody : that have done me wrong
If you want to go to Nashville : man and ain't got no fare
Cut your good girl's throat : and the judge will send you there
I'm going to get my pistol : forty rounds of ball


I'm going to shoot my woman : just to see her fall
I'd rather hear the screws : on my coffin sound
Than to hear my good girl : says I'm jumping down
Get my pencil and paper : I'm going to sit right down
I'm going to write me a letter : back to Youngstown
This ain't my home : I ain't got no right to stay
This ain't my home : must be my stopping place
When I left my home : you would not let me be
Wouldn't rest contented : till I come to Tennessee



When I was in Missouri : would not let me be
Wouldn't rest content : till I came to Tennessee
If you follow me baby : I'll turn your money green
I show you more money : Rockerfeller ever seen
If the river was whiskey : baby and I was a duck
I'd dive to the bottom : Lord and I'd never come up
Lord the woman I hate : I see her every day
But the woman I love : she's so far away
Talk about *sweetheart* : I declare I'm a honest man
Give my woman so many dollars : it broke her apron string
All she give me was trouble : I'm troubled all the time
I been troubled so long : trouble don't worry my mind
I been down so long : it seem like up to me
Woman I love : she done quit poor me
What's the need of me hollering : what's the need of me crying
Woman I love : she don't pay me no mind



If your heart ain't iron : it must be marble stone
For you're a mistreating mama : baby as sure as you born
I can tell from a little : just what a whole lot means
You treat me just like : somebody you ain't never seen
I got a woman in Cuba : got a woman in Spain
I got a woman in Chicago : I'm scared to call her name
I got nineteen women : and all I wants one more
If the one more suit me : I'm going to let the nineteen go
I could have religion : Lord this very day
But the womens and whiskey : Lord won't let me pray


I can sit right here : and look on Jackson Avenue
I can see everything : that my good woman do
Sometime I believe I will : sometime I believe I won't
Sometime I believe I do : sometime I believe I don't



I can look through muddy water baby : and spy dry land
If you don't want me honey : let's take and in hand
I'm going so far : I can't hear your rooster crow
This is my last time : ever knocking at your door
You won't cook me no dinner : baby you won't iron me no clothes
You won't do nothing : but walk the *Horn Lake* Road
Man if you love your woman : better mess it in her cup
So if she have not quit you boy : won't leave you in tough luck
Now you can take my woman : but you ain't done nothing smart
For I got more than one woman : playing in my back yard
Windstorm come : and it blowed my house away
I'm a good old boy : but I ain't got nowhere to stay
And it's trouble here : and it's trouble everywhere
So much trouble : floating in the air
What you going to do : when your trouble get like mine



Good morning judge : what may be my fine
Fifty dollars : and eleven twenty-nine
They arrest me for murder : I ain't never harmed a man
Women hollered murder : and I ain't raised my hand
I ain't got nobody : get me out on bond
I would not mind : but I ain't done nothing wrong
Please Judge Harsh : make it light as you possibly can
I ain't done no work : judge in I don't know when
My woman come a-running : with a hundred dollars in her hand
Crying judge : please spare my man
One hundred dollars won't do : better run and get you three
I can keep you man : from penitentiary
Because I'm arrested baby : please don't grieve and moan
Penitentiary : seems just like my home
People all hollering : about what in the world they will do


Lots of people had justice : and been in penitentiary too



My woman must be a black Gypsy : she knows every place I go
She met me this morning : with a brand new forty-four
When you used to be my Gypsy : done just so and so
Now I got another baby : I can't use you no more
Eagle rock me mama : *Sally long me too*
Ain't nobody in town : can eagle rock like you
My woman got a mouth : like a lighthouse in the sea
Every time she smiles : she shine her light on me
Had the blues all of twenty-eight : started again in twenty-nine
They tell me the New York Central : is a nickel-plated line
Lord I asked for cabbage : she brought me turnip greens
I asked her for water : and she brought me gasoline



I woke up this morning : and I looked up against the wall
Roaches and the bedbugs : playing a game of ball
Score was twenty to nothing : the roaches was ahead
Roaches got to fighting : and kicked me out of bed
Bedbugs so bad : pull the pillow from under my head
They got a Winchester rifle : and try to kill me dead
When I woke up this morning : I looked down on the floor
Bedbug had been in my pocket : and pulled out all my dough
Mama get your hatchet : kill the fly on your baby's head
Mama get your hatchet : and run here to my bed
Please bedbugs : please I done begged you twice
You done taken all my money : and now you want to take my life




The judge he repeat it : the clerk he wrote it down
If you *mistreat your* ??? : you must be *Nashville* bound
Some got six months : some got one solid year
But me and my buddy : both got lifetimes here
Fix my supper : let me go to bed
I been drinking white lightning : it gone to my head





I'm going to Germa : I'll be back some old day
Please tell me mama : what more can I do
Done all I knowed : I can't get along with you
Go away from my window : stop knocking on my door
I got another woman : can't use you no more
When you's in trouble : I worked and paid your fine
Now I'm in trouble : you don't pay me no mind



Hey pretty mama : can I get a job with you
I ain't got no money : I can't get no work to do
The woman I love : she weighs a thousand and four
I don't care : if she weighed a thousand more
I wrote her a letter : I mailed it in the air
You may know by that : I got a friend somewhere
I ain't never loved : but four womens in my life
That was my mama my sister : sweetheart and my wife



Ticket agent : please raise your window high
So I will know my train : when it's passing by
Depot agent : please turn your depot around
My woman done quit me now : going to leave your town



I was born in the desert : I was raised in the lion's den
Said my regular occupation : taking women from their men
When you come to Memphis : please stop by Minglewood
Says there's womens in the camp : don't mean no man no good





And it's trouble here : it's trouble in the air
Says I want to go home : but I know it's trouble there
I'm going home : going to tell my brother will
Said that old woman he's got : is sure going to get him killed
Bad luck is my buddy : and trouble is my friend
I been in trouble : ever since here I been




You can have my money : all I own
For God's sake : leave my gal alone
I got a range in my kitchen : bakes nice and brown
All I need : someone to turn my damper down
Take a rocking chair to rock : take a rubber ball to roll
Take a gal I love : satisfy my soul
I know the mens don't like me : because I speak my mind
All the women crazy about me : because I takes my time
I left my wife and baby : sitting on the doorstep crying
I got a house full of children : and there ain't nar' one mine
I says I got love : if I could have it in your home
I can keep it turned off : or I can turn it on
Says hello Central : give me two three nine
*What takes : to get a day's help for mine*
Oh some folks say : that them blues ain't bad
That must not have been : ??? blues I had
I says I can't help mama : what you do
You can tell the world : I got those jealous-hearted blues
I said stop still mama : and let me give you my advice
If I catch you with a man : going to be too tight



Two kind of people in this world mama : babe that I sure can't stand
That's a two-faced woman : baby and a monkey-man
Just as sure as a sparrow mama : babe flying in the air
I got a loving sweet mama : in this world somewhere
Said the blues in my body : I said making towards my head
I believe to my soul : mama them blues going to kill me dead
I ain't going to grieve mama : I sure ain't going to cry no more
Going to take my best friend's gal : said the one that lives next door


She's a married woman : but she says she likes me
Hate to bite my friend : somebody been biting me
Said I used to have money : but said now I'm cold in hand
Said I used to have a good gal : but now she's got another man
Talk about hard luck babe : sure done fell on me
Says my brother stole a *ham sand* : the police has locked up me



Oh the mojo blues mama : crawling across the floor
Some hard-luck rascal : done told me I ain't here no more
I'm leaving here mama : babe crying won't make me stay
Honey the more you cry : further I'm going away
Aw she went to a hoodoo : she went there all alone
Because every time I leave her : I have to hurry back home
Said I love you sweet mama : but I sure ain't no fool about you
I can get another kid gal : just like I got you
When I leave here : you can pin crepe over my door
Said I won't be dead : just ain't coming here no more
Some people tell me : honey them blues ain't bad
That must not been : them lowdown things I had



When I came home this morning : my wife she met me at the door
Go away sweet daddy : said I can't use you no more
Hey hey mama : baby what the matter now
Say you trying to quit me : honey and you don't know how
Well it ain't no love : sure ain't no getting along
Said my brown treat me so mean : that I don't know right from wrong
Come back baby : papa ain't mad with you
Says I do just like : mama babe that I used to do
Take me back baby : try me just one more time
If I don't do to suit you honey : I'll break my backbone trying
I know the mens don't like me : because that I speak my mind
But the women crazy about me : because that I take my time



I'm leaving here mama : crying won't make me stay


Oh the more you cry babe : the farther I'm going away
Soon as I get sober : I'll make me drunk again
Said I'm going to leave the chicken : said I'm going back to the hen
Did you ever wake up : 'twixt night and day
Had your arm around your pillow : where your good gal used to lay
I believe to my soul : my brown's got a stingaree
When I woke up this morning : say she was stinging poor me
Don't want no dollar mama : I sure can't use no half
Say I got a brown : says I can hear her laugh



I asked my captain : for the time of day
Say : he throwed his watch away
If I listened at my mother : in farther day
I never : would have been here today
If I ever get back home : oh baby to stay
I never : be treated this a-way
How long how long : how long how long
How long : before I can go home
I rise with the blues : and I work with the blues
Nothing I can get : but bad news



I'm a little bit worried : getting kind of old
Like to take my straw : go play in the doodle hole
Do the doodle doodle do : oh doing the doodle doodle do
I like to take my straw : go play in that doodle hole
First time you try to doodle : take my advice
Put a little spit on your straw : you can do so nice
I knowed a little girl : who was very very nice
She got to doodle once : and she want it twice
Sometime a little doodle : pretty hard to get
Keep on twisting : you will find it
All you girls get together : with your straw in your hand
Try to get to doodle : now just see if you can
Keep twisting and twisting : around the hole
Everybody like to doodle : both young and old
I knowed a man once : who got a-on the doodle track
He doodled so much : he got a hump in his back


It sound mighty funny : but it sure is nice
Get this doodle : it's sure worth the price




Listen here pretty mama : what's on your worried mind
How come you treat me : so unkind
If you don't want me mama : why don't you tell me so
I can beat an ??? : getting down the road
Mama mama : why don't you treat me right
Now your papa's loving you : both day and night
I'm not so good-looking : I don't dress [so] fine
I'm just a plain daddy : and I takes my time
I was raised in the mountains : way down in Tennessee
If you don't like my peaches : don't you shake my tree
The train's in the station : the crew has climbed aboard
I'm going to grab that train : travel far down the road




Daddy I'll drop you in my garage : and that's no doubt
I'm going to wipe your windshield : cut your taillight out
Your carburettor's rusty : this I really mean
Your gas tank's empty : won't hold gasoline
Your windshield is broken : it ain't worth a cent
Your steering wheel is wobbly : your piston rod is bent
Your fender's all broken : your wheels ain't tight
And I know doggone well : your spark plugs ain't hitting right




Yes you is one black rat : some day I'll find your trail
Then I'll hide my shoes : somewhere here in your shirt-tail
Yes I've taken you downtown : paid your doctor bill
Now I'm in a little trouble : and you trying to get me killed
Says he sneaked in my kitchen : eat up all the bread
Soon as I left home : start to cutting up in my bed
He *must dance* in the basement : was seen in my bedroom
Trapped in ??? : I'm going to catch him some day soon






Little boy blues : please come blow your horn
My baby she gone and left me : she left me all alone
Now the sheep is in the meadow : and the cows is in the corn
I've got a girl in Chicago : she loves to hear me blow my lonesome horn
I'm going to take my whip and whip her : I'm going to whip her down to the ground
I'm going to take dirk and stab her : then I'm you know I'm going to turn it around and around
Now I've rambled and I've rambled : until I broke my poor self down
I believe to my soul : that the little girl is out of town



Come one baby : please take a walk with me
Back to the same old place : where we long to be
Come on baby : take a little walk with me
Back to the same old place : Memphis Tennessee
Early one morning : just about half past three
You done something : that's really worrying me
Let's take a walk : out on the old avenue
I have got something : for you to do
Come on baby : now we going to walk so slow
Until every time you see me: you want to walk some more




Some of these old days mama : some of these old sad lonely nights
You will look for your good daddy : and he'll be getting his *half-day right*
Because I leave town mama : don't count the days I'm gone
Just count them days baby : that you tried to do your daddy wrong
I been doing the same thing baby : ever since nineteen and twelve
I been breaking down with you dizzy mares : seem like you want me to dig a country well
I would be your monkey-man mama : just can't climb no coconut tree
I breaks down with you dizzy mares : but I don't get on my happy black knees
Some day you going to need me mama : swear when I won't need you
Because when I try to love you right baby : seems like my loving won't do





Got a gang of brownskin womens : bunch of high yellows too
I got so many brownskins : I don't know what to do
I love all of my loving women : I tell this world I do
I hope some day : that they learn to love their daddy too
Got a Monday Monday girl : she works on Broadway Main
I've got a Tuesday girl : that *mama is* spending change
Wednesday girl : drinks a bottle of beer
I've got a Thursday one : that she better not catch me here
Friday Friday girl : she love those teddy bears
I've got a Saturday girl : takes me each and everywhere
It's run here boys and girls : let *me papa* send a word to you
She wears a bearcat skin : she got a suit of navy blues



Got to sit around : for a while
Shook his *juicy rib* : down his aisle
There's a lady : but her name is Lou
Shook that thing : till she caught the flu
Getting sick and tired : of the way you do
Time mama : I'm going to poison you
Sprinkle gopher-dust : around your bed
Wake up some morning : find your own self dead
Shake it and break it Lord : you can hang it on the wall
Out the window : catch it before it fall
Stop awhile : shimmy if it's all night long
??? things : is got your habits on



If I change my mind Jane : I'll change my mind once again
I have mistaken my life : people and I can't get back again
Sometimes I wonder : what make you treat me so mean
Good as I have been to you darling : now I can't get the things I need



Streamline train : back train to front
That that train : took my baby on
Yes I'm leaving you in the morning : leaving on that streamline train


One thing I could tell you : get your mind off that thing
Trains rolled for New York : half past four
Four o'clock that morning : I was thinking on my baby *door*
She says come in loving daddy : where have you done been so long
I ain't had my great loving : since my streamline been gone
Train rolled to Birmingham : half past six
Half five that morning : I trying to get it fixed
I'm going out to West ??? : I'm going to marry me an Indian squaw
Stay with them Indian chiefs : be my father-in-law
Baby I'm leaving you in the morning : leaving on that streamline train
One thing I can tell you : get your mind off that man




I say jake leg jake leg jake leg : tell me what in the world you going to do
I say you done drunk so much jake oh Lord : till it done give him the *lemon leg*
I say I know the jake leg oh Lord : just as far as I can hear the poor boy walk
I say the people drink their jake on the rush : now oh Lord they even throw their bottle away
But the jake leg ??? oh Lord : that keep them coming every day
Mmm mama mama mama mama mama Lord children keep on crying : wonder what in the world
poor daddy going to do
I say he done drunk so much jake oh Lord : till it done give him the *lemon leg*
Mama mama mama mama crying out and say oh Lord : there's nothing in the world poor daddy
can do
Because he done drunk so much jake oh Lord : till they got the *lemon leg* too



When my baby left me : she didn't even say goodbye
When I turned my back : she packed her clothes on the sly
You can read my letter : but you sure can't read my mind
You see me laughing honey : just to keep from crying
Some of the meanest people : the poor boy most ever seen
You ask for water : they give you gasoline
I used to try to love you baby : a-loving you *in crime*
Some day you going to want to love the poor boy : and I'll be done changed my mind



Crying I ain't going down : that dark road by myself


Crying if I don't carry you : carry somebody else
Crying who that yonder : coming up the road
Crying that look like my faro : but she walk too slow
Crying won't let you do me : like you did poor shine
Crying you taken the poor boy's money : going to have to kill me before you take mine
Crying smokes like lightning : shine like faro gold
Crying I wouldn't get in trouble : to save nobody's soul
Crying I spied a spider : climbing up the wall
Crying I asked the spider : did he want his ashes hauled
Crying I ain't going to marry : ain't going to settle down
Crying I'm a-stay right here : till my mustache dragged the ground
Crying where was you : when the Frisco left the yard
Crying I was standing right there : police had me barred




You can play with my pussy : but please don't dog it around
If you going to mistreat it : no pussy will be found
Soon as I get sober : going to get drunk again
If I can't get no liquor : drink that good garden gin
If you got a good pussy : folks don't give it away
The rats may overtake you : need your pussy cat some day



You can talk about me going : push me to the wall
Check up on my loving : but you sure can't get it all



Mr oh Mr : can't you fix this thing for me
I'd give anything to fix it : I don't care what it be
Mr won't you fix it : what makes you wait so long
If you don't want to fix it : tell me and I'll be moving on
You got tools Mr : everybody say your work is fine
So don't have no part missing : I want you to work all night





When you get in trouble : you can always tell who's your friend
If you ask him for any money : say I ain't got none to lend
Trouble wake me in the morning : put me to bed late at night
Now if I get out of trouble : going to start living right
Trouble trouble : I've been having it all my days
Old trouble killed my sister : got me one foot in my grave
Sometime I wonder : what am I going to do
Sometime I'm happy : most every time I am blue



Didn't get this man : for nobody else
I got this man : all for myself
Call my man : on the telephone
He was so sad : I wasn't at home
He got plenty of money : ain't no *junk*
He got one-way pocket : because he's going to come out
You ain't good-looking : you ain't fair
Look like you could find you : a man somewhere
Had my man : long enough
He ought to be tired : of that old stuff
I let you stay here : in my house
You took my man : you dirty louse
If I catch you : in my bed
Mama I'm going to : kill you dead




Now I got a brownskin [girl, woman] : with her front tooth crowned with gold
She got a lien on my body : and a mortgage on my soul
Now friend don't never let your good girl : fix you like this woman got me
Got me stone crazy about her : as a doggone fool can be
Now I ain't going to tell nobody : baby about the way you do
Say you always keep : some some fatmouth following you
Now I told you once now baby now : ain't going to tell you no more
Next time I have to tell you : I'm sure going to let you go
Now when you get you one of them faulty women : she won't do the truck
Get you a two-by-four : and I swear you can strut your stuff
Mmm : baby that's all I want
Just a little bit of loving : and then you can be gone



Mmm : baby don't you want to go
To that land of California : sweet old Chicago
Now did you get that letter : dropped in your back yard
Wants to come to see you : your best man got me barred
Now I don't drink because I'm dry : or drink because I'm blue
The reason I drink pretty mama : now I can't get along with you
Now look a-here baby : don't have to take no more
You can get my loving : if you just let him go
Now my my mama told me : papa started to cry
Son you're too young a man : to have the women at your side
She cried look a-here baby : I know you want to go
To that land of California : sweet old Chicago



Highway Fifty : runs right by my baby's door
Now if I don't get the girl I'm loving : ain't going down Highway Fifty-One no more
Now if I should die : [just] before my time do come
I want you to please bury my body : out on Highway Fifty-One
Now yon come that Greyhound : with his tongue sticking out on the side
If you buy your ticket : swear 'fore God that man'll let you ride
My baby didn't have one five dollars : baby and I owned me a V-Eight Ford
If I ever meet that Greyhound bus : on that Highway Fifty-One road
Now any time you get lonesome : and you wants to have some fun
Come out to little Tommy's cabin : he lives on Highway Fifty-One



Oh my baby : just about good hugging size
Lord and if anybody wants to take her : I believe to my soul I'd die
Lord I tried to give the little woman : everything that she tell me she needs
But she will hold a conversation : with every lowdown dirty man she meets
That little woman she won't wash : now now she won't even iron my clothes
She won't do nothing I tell her : but she done bake me jellyroll
Now I ain't going to tell you babe : about the way you do
But I swear the way you do : it keeps on worrying me
Now I used to have a woman : now now she's [just] as good as any in this [white man's] town
But I caught her two-timing me : and I swear I turn her damper down





I say my little girl : just as sweet as she can be
And every time she kisses me : cold chill run all over me
Now baby don't you worry : just because I'm out of town
All my love I have for you darling : swear it can't be turned around
Now you hurt my feelings : babe but [I swear] I wouldn't let on
I believe it's some dirty deacon : is done been here and gone
Now I love you baby : don't care what you do
But the way you doing : I swear it's coming back home to you



Now she dog me every morning : she dog me late at night
She keep on a-dogging me : till I going to make everything all right
Now look a-here mama : tell me where you stay last night
She said ain't none of your business : you know you don't treat me right
Now I done told you once pretty mama : ain't going to tell you no more
You can get all my loving : if you just let him go
I say look a-here babe : I'm getting tired of the way you're dogging me
Because I like pretty mama : better than any woman that I ever seen
Mmm : my baby's dogging me
I love that little old woman : better than any woman that I ever seen



She's a good-looking woman : teeth don't even shine like pearls
But that old good disposition that woman got : I do swear it will carry her all through the world
Now please don't never let your good girl : treat you like this here woman got me
She got me stone crazy about her : as a good-looking woman can be
Now you know that I love you baby : and that's why we can't get along
But some day you're going to be sorry : that you ever did your daddy wrong
Now some day you're going to want me back : baby now now and you going to acknowledge
that you did wrong
But it's going to be too late pretty mama : your daddy will be gone
Ooh : Lord Lord Lordy Lord
Sure I love you sweet mama : but I sure ain't going to be your dog





Now he's a whiskey-headed man : and he stays drunk all the time
Just as sure if he don't stop drinking : I believe he's going to lose his mind
Now every time I see this man : he's at some whiskey joint
Trying to catch a big bet : so he can get him one more half a pint
Now every time I see this man : he's standing on the street
Laughing grinning talking : with most every man he meets
Now every time I see this man : he at some whiskey joint
Sniffing around the back door : begging one more half a pint



Sugar mama sugar mama : won't you please come back to me
Bring me that granulated sugar : sugar mama to relieve my misery
Now my coffee's sweet in the morning : you know I'm crazy about [that, my] tea at night
Don't get my sugar three times a day : great Lord I don't feel right
Now you been bragging about your whiskey : now now you've been bragging all over town
The bootlegger won't sell enough sugar to make whiskey : don't even sell but about four or five
pounds
Now sugar mama sugar mama : [won't you] please come [on] back to me
Bring me that granulated sugar : that all it take to ease my misery
Now sugar mama sugar mama : you know you been gone all day long
You been doing something with my sugar : ooo Lord now I know it was wrong
Now sugar mama sugar mama : now won't you please come on back to me
You know I don't like nothing but my sugar : and that's what it takes to ease my misery



I say my little woman : got me down to skin and bone
She done got me to the place : I hate to see my baby leave home
Now she leave me every morning : she don't come home till night
She know I know she doing something : oh Lord but she know it ain't right
Don't think because I love you : I'm going to be your dog
I'll drink muddy water : and I'll lives in a hollow log
Mmm : gal I don't know why I should
Because you go with every man : mmm in anybody's neighborhood



Katy Mae's a good-looking woman now : but she stays out all night long


Katy Mae be doing something : oh Lord well you know is wrong
You know I love you Katy Mae : and that's why we can't get along
Some day you going to be sorry : that you ever done poor Tommy wrong
I give you all my loving : Katy Mae what more can a poor man do
You's a sweet little girl : but I swear you won't be true
Now how can I do right : now baby you won't do right yourself
Before you love me baby : you wants to love somebody else
Now Katy Mae she won't wash : now she won't starch [and iron] my clothes
Katy Mae won't do nothing : oh but walk the road



If you're going to have a woman : love her with a thrill
And if you don't love her : some other man will
Now no woman no woman : *ever but halfway stuffed*
Because when you turn her loose : be sure she got enough
Now you know 'Berta : you ain't doing me right
And when you come home : we'll go to fuss and fight
Mmm mama told me : papa started to cry
The way you got doing babe : won't take your life



Drop down mama : let daddy see
You got something : really worry me
Now my mama she don't allow me : stay out the whole night long
Because you may be a *model* : and you may be treated wrong
Now my baby got ways soon in the morning : just like a squirrel
Get up every morning : grabbing them *covers* on the world
Now when you get your women : and she act funny in every way
Just D B all right : she'll be home some day
I'm going to write you a letter soon in the morning : mail it in the air
You can tell by that : babe I got a somewhere
Now if you get you a woman : now now treat her nice in every way
Because when you get to Chicago : these women walking around here any day



Black Minnie Black Minnie : you know you ain't doing me right
But the day you quit me Black Minnie : I swear that's the day you die


Black Minnie you know I love you : and I love you for myself
And I'd rather be with you Black Minnie : than to be with anyone else
I give my money Black Minnie : and everything that you told me you need
And one time done come and caught me : baby with my B V Ds
Now Black Minnie Black Minnie : I'm going to take you one more time
And if you don't suit me : I'm going to try to *fade the line*
Black Minnie Black Minnie : what in the world are you trying to do
I believe trying to love me Black Minnie : and my partner too
Now Black Minnie Black Minnie : you know you don't mean me no good
Because you going with the man : that lives right above my neighborhood
Black Minnie Black Minnie : girl you stays in the dark
And your no-good way : I ain't going to never give you my last dime
Black Minnie Black Minnie : I'm going to try you one more time
And if you don't do : I'm going to break your neck a-trying



Elsie : is sweetest girl I know
If you didn't love me Elsie : why didn't you tell me so
Now I followed Elsie : right to the jumping-off ground
But I never felt sorry : till they let my baby down
Now I followed my baby Lord : long days and long nights
I followed my baby : till I see she wasn't going to treat me right
You can misuse me here now now : but you can't when I go home
Elsie I got somebody there : will really make you leave me alone
Now I give you all my loving : Elsie what more can a poor man do
You a sweet little girl : Elsie but I swear you won't be true
Now you can't have me Elsie : now now and my partner too
Because your no-good way baby : oh baby that won't do
Now I followed you to them dance now : and you jook jook all the time
You jook jook so : that I wouldn't pay you no mind
You if you don't quit jooking baby : that's going to be all right
If your good man don't see you : I'll try to see you tomorrow night



Now I'm a crosscut saw : drive me across your log
Baby I cut your wood so easy : you can't help but say hot dog
They call me wood-cutting Sam : call me wood-cutting Bill
But the woman I did the wood-cutting for : she wants me back again
I got a double-bladed ax : and it sure cuts good


But try my crosscut saw : it's evil to the wood
Now look a-here mama : you stay last night
Said ain't none of your business : you don't do me right
Now when you go to fishing : now don't forget the pole
You you's a good girl : but you ain't been out long



I say my good-looking woman : honey she lives up on that hill
She been trying to quit poor Tommy : oh Lord but I love her still
She walks the street [late at, every] night : she won't treat nobody right
Oh she drinks her moonshine whiskey : but me and her will make everything all right
I say if you quit Mr Butler : we will make everything all right
If I can't see you today : we may get together tomorrow night
Now you can read my letter : oh but you can't read my mind
Sometime you think I'm crazy about you : I'm liable to be quitting you all the time
Now that's all right babe : what you did [last, one] Sunday night
If I hadn't been in my whiskey too : it's liable to cause our fussing and fight



I'm going babe I'm going : and crying won't make me stay
Because the more you cry now now baby : the further you drive me away
Now I wished that I was a bullfrog : swimming in the deep blue sea
Lord I would have all these good-looking women now now now : fishing after me
Now I went to my baby's house : and I sat down on her steps
She said walk on in now now Tommy : my husband just now left
Now it ain't none of none of my business : babe but you know I know it ain't right
Hit your kid-man all day long : and play sick on your husband at night
Now Lord oh Lord : baby hear me blow the blues
Don't got nobody now now now : give me my last pair of shoes



I'm a guitar king : singing the blues everywhere I go
I'm going to sing these blues : till I get back in territor'
Now my mama told me : son you most too old
Oh don't forget : you got a soul
But that ain't none of your business : keep it to yourself
Don't you tell your kid-man : please don't tell nobody else


Now I went to my baby's house : knocked upon her door
She had the nerve to tell me : that she didn't want me no more
I say that's all right babe : [most any, any old] way you do
If you mistreat poor Tommy : I swear it's coming back home to you
It's a crying pity : lowdown dirty shame
Crazy about a married woman : afraid to call her name



It's a crying pity : a lowdown dirty shame
Crazy about a no-good woman : scared to call her name
Now where were you babe : when I knocked upon your door
You hadn't never tell poor Tommy : that you couldn't use me no more
But that's all right babe : got to reap [just] what you sow
But don't forget that night : I knocked upon you door
Now I done some last winter : don't expect to do it no more
Quit the best woman I had : and I have drove her from my door
But forgive me baby : won't do wrong no more
You can get all my loving : but you got to let that black man go
Now I love you baby : I don't see why I should
Because you going with the man : that lives right in my neighborhood



Mozelle : why we can't get along
Because you know you always doing something : baby when you know it's wrong
Mozelle you know you been rambling : rambling all night long
Yeah I know you been doing something : yeah Mozelle well you know is wrong
Mozelle you know you [like, love] your whiskey : don't forget I [likes, love] mine too
But I'll get my whiskey so strong : I'll forget about you
Mozelle : I love you for myself
Every time I hear somebody speaking about you : I will beat you in the *B W O L*



Babe I feel so worried : yeah and I feel so low
Because I believe you been out : with Mr so-and-so
Now baby I ??? : please get out of my face
Because I got myself a brand new woman : yeah girl to take your place
Ooo babe : you know that sure ain't right


*You're off having a binge* : you don't come home at all at night



Bluebird bluebird : please fly down south for me
If you don't find me on the M and O : you'll find me somewhere on that Santa Fe
Bluebird when you get in Jackson : don't tell nobody I'm home
Tell them I'm going back to Kansas City : that's where poor Tommy belong
Oh babe : you is on my mind
I hope to see you some of these days : you know I sure ain't lying
Now bluebird you get to Jackson : out on China Street
Tell them Tommy's too bad : go away girl you know I got the blues about me
Oh babe : please your Tommy be all right
If I can't see you today : it'll be all right tomorrow night




Well a-this piano : and everything
Mr Cooper had it written down : under my name




Did you ever get in trouble : and they take you down to jail
You didn't have a friend : to come and go your bail
When you got a lot of money: you've got friends for miles around
But any time that you're broke : your good friends they can't be found
When I lost all my money : no one would loan me a dime
I could hear them all saying : he ain't no friend of mine
It's tough when you're broke friends : you can't even get a dime
If you even go a-begging : everyone will turn you down
I'm going back to prison : don't know what else to do
That's the only thing I know : to cure a prisoner's blues




Babe just as sure as a blackbird : flies in the skies above
Bet your life ain't worth living babe : if you ain't with the one you love
My baby tried to do me : like the tadpole do the trout
That's getting me out in the deep water baby : then she walks on out


Mmm good Lordy : send me an angel down
Son I can't spare you no angel : but I'll send you a teasing brown
I don't think : no woman in this whole round world do right
If they be good all day : they will do wrong at night
Baby you know it may be my last time : rider you sure don't know
It may be my last time baby : knocking on your door



Woke up this morning : found something wrong
My loving babe : had caught that train and gone
Now won't you starch my jumper : iron my overalls
I'm going to ride that train : that they call the Cannonball
Mr depot agent : close your depot down
The woman I'm loving : she's fixing to blow this town
Now that mean old fireman : that cruel old engineer
Going to take my baby : and leave me lonesome here
It ain't no telling : what that train won't do
It'll take your baby : and run right over you
Now that engineer man : ought to be ashamed of himself
Take women from their husbands : babies from their mother's breast
I walked down the track : when the stars refused to shine
Looked like every minute : I was going to lose my mind
Now my knees was weak : my footsteps was all I heard
Looked like every minute : I was stepping in another world




Well look here mama : see what you done done
Took all my money : put me on a bum
??? : go to your knees
Try and bum jelly : to who you please
Going to buy me a dog : tired and old
Keep these men : from my jellyroll
I'm crazy about your loving : don't see why she can
Saw them going : with another man
Now you talk about jelly : you ought to see mine
Sharing her jelly : all over town
I had a good *cake* : *now sweet as mama's shelf*
*Now she gone to town : with somebody else*
I'm going to build me a house : out on the sea


So these women : come see poor me
Me and my brother : went around the bend
Heard my gal : putting *cider* in



Oh mercy dear : you caused my heart
It really is wrong : that we must part
You learned I love you : *mores* all the rest
Your leaving me : breaks my happiness
I'll count the hours : lover when I'm gone
Think of you : wish you back home
My lonesome heart : will shake with fear
The very hour : I call your name
Every hour :
Not at ease : with anyone else
I'll *haunt the line* : for you I know
I'm asking you dear : please don't go
Oh honey babe : mama *ray*
*Glory be* : I see that thing



If it keeps on raining : levee's going to break
And the water going to come : and we'll have no place to stay
Well all last night : I sat on the levee and moaned
Thinking about my baby : and my happy home
If it keeps on raining : levee's going to break
And all these people : have no place to stay
Now look here mama : what am I to do
I ain't got nobody : tell my troubles to
I worked on the levee : mama both night and day
I ain't got nobody : to keep the water away
On crying won't help you : praying won't do no good
When the levee break : mom you got to move
I worked on the levee : mama both night and day
When the levee break : mom you got to move
I worked on the levee : mama both night and day
Say worked so hard : keep the water away
I had a woman : she wouldn't do for me


I'm going back : to my used-to-be
Old mean old levee : cause me to weep and moan
Cause me to leave my baby : and my happy home



All of my chicken : is dressed mighty fine
Can't get my chicken : take dressing from mine
Went to the henhouse : looked on the roof
Looking for my stuff : but it was no use
Take a boa constrictor : and a lemon stick
Wouldn't mind going : but my mama's sick
You can toot your whistle : you can ring your bell
Know you been waddling : by the way you smell
Good stuff good stuff : is hard to find
Kill my daddy : run my mama blind
Now I'm going girls : don't flirt after me
Got good stuff : and it's all I need
Listen boys : don't mean no harm
Go ahead on : let my stuff alone
Now somebody ask you : who sung this song
Kansas Joe : been here and gone



Early one morning : *my mind*
Was thinking about my Mary : didn't have no place to stay
Now tell me Mary : where did you stay last night
Come home this morning : the sun was shining bright
I met my Mary : way across the sea
She wouldn't write me no letter : she didn't care for me
You see my Mary : tell her to hurry home
Haven't been long loving : honey since you been gone
I love my Mary : tell the whole round world I do
I want some real good loving : why don't your heart be true
Goodbye Mary : goodbye and it's fare you well
That's when I get back home : can't anyone tell





Ain't going to give you : no more cherry ball
Well you might get mad now : show your Santa Claus
Rocks and gravel : ??? road
Takes a get-along woman : satisfy my soul
See you dead now : in some cedar grove
Than to see some man now : bothering with your clothes
Ain't no driver : but the driver's son
I can do your driving : till that driver comes



I went to my window : my window was *cracked*
Went to my door : my door was locked
Old lady diamond : setting on a rock
Raising her hand : trying to *change* that knot
My old lady : ought to be ashamed
She kept the watch : and give me the change
Mama got the washboard : papa got the tub
Brother got mad : because they wouldn't let him rub
Drive up to the station : to catch that train
Got there too late : from bothering that thing
Went to the doctor : the doctor said
Bothering that thing : is going to kill you dead



Drove so many piles : my hammer's all worn out
That's when I do my driving : they began to jump and shout
Want all you people : just to understand
That's when I do my driving : drive just like a man
When I was young : driving was my crave
You drove me so hard : drove me to my grave
Get you a hammer : you can drive all the time
You have broke my hammer : my hammer's out of line



I called you this morning : about half past one
Told me : that you just got on
I called you this morning : about half past two


Told me : that you just got through
I called you this morning : about half past three
Told me : that you couldn't use me
I called you this morning : about half past four
Told me : that you didn't want me no more
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 : that it was out of fix



Some got both queens : some got both kings
I got both aces : I know I got the best hand
Oh I can beat it : I can beat it tonight
I can beat it baby : got something to beat it right
Now it's dark and cloudy : don't need no light
You want me to beat it : you got to move it just right
Oh I can beat it : I can beat it tonight
I can beat it baby : got something to beat it with
Now listen girl : don't be afraid
I hits every nail : right on the head
Now the men don't like me : because I speak my mind
The women like me : because I can beat it all the time
Now all you women : love to fuss and fight
Come on around : now let us beat it up tight
Now listen folks : don't mean no harm
I got to go : and beat my way back home
Well I went to the doctor : to get me a piece of advice
Keep on beating it : it's going to take your life



Some folks say : a preacher won't steal
I caught three : in my cornfield
One had a yellow : one had a brown
Looked over by the mill : one was getting down
Now some folks say : that a preacher won't steal
But he will do more stealing : than I can get regular meals
I went to my house : about half past ten
Looked on my bed : where the preacher had been


He will eat your chicken : he will eat your pie
He will lead your wife out : on the sly
I been trying so hard : trying to save my life
To keep that preacher : from my wife
I went out last night : came in late
I found out : where he had made his date
I done told you once : done told you twice
??? over that preacher : you be done lost your wife



Shake shake Mattie : shake rattle and roll
I can't get enough now : satisfy my soul
Old shaking Mattie : meat shake on the bone
Every time she shakes them : poor man's dollar gone
Old shaking Mattie : and shaking Sue
I can't get by now : at the way they do
Old *gate-foot* Mattie : and *gate-foot bright*
They meets at the levee : every Saturday night
Well the bell rung for *dinner* : as I been *bad*
If you ask her about it : have to reckon with her man
Yonder come old Mattie : with a paper in her hand
Going to the sergeant : trying to free her man
Yonder come old Mattie : how in the world you know
I know old Mattie : by the dress she wore



My baby's *deaf-toweled* : can't hardly hear
Such fussing and fighting : this whole round year
Now my baby's gone : left my clothes in the tub
I ain't got no washwoman : *mean* nobody can rub
I got up this morning : said my morning prayers
Didn't have nobody : to speak in my behalf
I got an old tub now : so deep and wide
Keep me rubbing : from side to side
Well I got an old lady now : wash mighty clean
When she go to rub : she rub so mean
I feel like falling down : on bended knees
Cried Lord have mercy : if you please



Now those police coming : with his ball and chain
And they accusing me of murder : never harmed a man
Now some got six months : some got one solid year
Now me and my buddy : got a lifetime here
Now the judge he pleaded : clerk he wrote it down
Now I hear my last jail sentence now : must be Joliet bound
Now cook my supper : let me go to bed
I've been drinking white lightning : and it's gone to my head
Now go and hurt me baby : do anything you want to do
Some day you going to want it : and then I won't want you
Now those police shifted : those pistol in my side
Now if you run big boy now : ??? bound to die
When they had my trial : you could not be found
Now I done got on that dock : and I'm Joliet bound



I dropped my baby off : among my friends
First thing I know : she done had turned me in
But some day : I'll be in the clay
And I won't be long here : to be treated this a-way
When I was a man : I tried to prove a friend
First thing I know : you had four or five men
There come a time : I can't say no more
I'll be a-hearsing : out my door
But when I'm gone : don't cry over me
Just think about : your used-to-be
Now I can't stay : but fare you well
If I ain't gone to heaven : you know I gone to hell



I'd rather be the devil : be that woman's man
Because she was evil : wouldn't work hand in hand
On she's all right now : she's all right with me
But the devil is evil : evil as he can be
I tried : to be nice and kind
Oh she was evil : would not change her mind


I'll cut your wood baby : and I'll build your fire
I'll bring you water : through that muddy bayou
I'll give my money : to buy your shoes and clothes
But you was evil : throwed me out-of-doors
But that's all right baby : it's coming home to you
I tried to be : tried to be a man to you



Lord wonder : will I ever get back home
Crying how long : you going to keep me away from home
I walked and I wandered : crying the whole night long
Crying wonder : will I ever get back home
I went to the station : looked up on the board
Crying is it possible : will I ever get back home
So long I traveled : the *way side and more*
Crying wonder : will I ever get back home
You may never never : see me anymore
But you will never forget the day : I knocked upon your door



Say little girl : can I spend the night
Wife and I : just had a fight
I've got to move : out of the neighborhood
For the woman I love : don't mean me no good
Babe it ain't no use : you talking about no money tonight
Pay for everything : tomorrow night
If you can take it baby : it'll be all right
Pay you off : right here tonight
When I had her : she lived on Easy Street
Now she's begging : every man she meets



I'm going to ask my buddy now : how come he shares
Going to fool around :
Crying something bad now : sure is going to happen to you
That's when I done everything : that a poor boy could do
I'm have bought me a pistol : shotgun and some shells


Start some stuff : to show them raise some hell
Yes you talked about me : all through the neighborhood
Told everybody : that I was no good
Yes you called on the old law : and he brought his ball and chain
Accused me of murder : I never harmed a man
Yes my mother she told me : my daddy sat down and he cried
Some day son : you got to lay down and die
There'll be one of these mornings : you going to jump and shout
Open the jailhouse door : and you come walking out
I used to have so many women : I didn't know what Lord
Used to gang around me : like the ants on a bug



Oh Red : wish you were dead
I'm sick and tired : rubbing my baby's head
Oh Red : what you going to do
I'm sick and tired : chastizing you
Oh Red : baby's in jail
She ain't got nobody : come and go her bail
Oh Red : she's outdoors
She ain't got nowhere : carry her dirty clothes
Oh Red : she's all right
And we ain't going to fuss : and we ain't going to fight
Oh Red : all over now
You didn't have no right : raise no hell nohow



What you going to do : when they put you in jail again
Do like I would do : get out if you can
What you going to do : when they put you outdoors again
Do like I would do : get back if you can
What you going to do : when you lose your money again
Do like I would do : win it back if you can
What you going to do : when you lose your baby again
Do like I would do : win her back if you can
What you going to do : when she put the dog on you
Do like I would do : get loose if you can
What you going to do : when she close the door in your face
Do like I would do : open it if you can





Blues jumped the monkey : and run him for a solid mile
And the poor fellow lie down : cried like a natural child
Blues is something : I just can't understand
And when they gets on me : talk like a natural man



Stick out your can : here comes the garbage man
Ain't nobody : stick it out like you can



I want to do : like my daddy done
He loved women : from sun to sun
My daddy : was a loving man
And he make them like it : everywhere he land
When he start to loving : they cry for more
Even laid the woman : lived next door
Had twenty women : that I know
Each one told me : he sure could go
The only thing : he didn't do good
Was make his women : lay it on wood



We drinking whiskey : champagne and wine
Want you to know : your woman from mine
We're going to pitch boogie-woogie : going to have a ball tonight
And we ain't going to fuss : and we ain't going to fight
That's your woman : pin her to your side
She flag my train : I'm going to give her a ride
Everybody's talking : know what it's all about
Your man started some stuff : we're going to put him out
I'm taking one : to ninety-nine
Don't be careful : you're liable to lose your mind
Ain't no use : your gal being afraid


He'll pay you off : if you use your head
Pull your dresses : above your knees
Sell your stuff : to who you please



Everybody thought : he was through
And he made a little song : about what you going to do
All the sisters and brothers thought : he was dead
Then he wrote a little song : by the name of Oh Red
He made a little trip : down to New Orleans
And he wrote that song : weed-smoker's dreams
Everybody knew : his preaching was grand
Then he wrote another blues : about move your hand




Now got in tough luck : all my people dead and gone
And I haven't got any money : no place to call my home
When a man gets in tough luck : nobody wants him around
If he haven't got any money : there is no friend to be found
When a man got lots of money : he'll have friend at every house
But if he haven't got any money : he'll be treated like a cat with a mouse
Now when I got in tough luck : my pigmeat didn't treat me right
But why should I worry about the pigmeat : sleeping with an old hog every night
So when I get out of this tough luck : I'm going to leave your home
Because you treats me mean : you know you done me wrong



Babe I know that you love me : you won't treat me right
If you do good in the day : you'll go and do wrong at night
Still I ain't going to worry : and I ain't going to raise no sand
I'm going back to Friar's Point : down in sweet old Dixieland
You can love me in the morning : you can love me late at night
You don't have to worry : I'm going to treat you right
Still I ain't going to worry : and I ain't going to raise no sand
Yes I'm going away : way down in Dixieland
Every time you kiss me : you make my love come down
Sometimes I believe : you the sweetest girl in town


Still I ain't going to worry : and I ain't going to raise no sand
Yes I'm going to leave you : going down to Dixieland
Babe I know you love me : you won't treat me right
All you want to do : is fuss and fight




Mmm : what's the matter now
Well you're trying to quit your daddy mama : and you don't know how
If you don't want me : hey [please] don't dog me around
Oh just hand me my suitcase : I'll leave your Dallas town




People people : you don't know my mind
I'm sitting here thinking : about the girls that I left behind
Blues and trouble : have been my best friends
When my blues leave me : my trouble just begins
Blues come down the alley : backing up to my door
I've got the blues today : like I never had before
Take me back mama : you know that I have been true
??? *me* ??? : is the same thing that I've done for you
Left my baby : standing in the back door crying
You got a home : just as long as I've got mine



My name is Piggly Wiggly : I've got groceries on my shelf
Getting mighty tired : making these nights all by myself
My mama told me : my papa told me too
Don't let these Cadillac women : make no flat tire out of you
If I had a-listened : to what my mama said
Wouldn't have had such a hard time : in this world today
I don't want no woman : wants to rove these streets night and day
A woman like that : always wants to have her way
I'm leaving you now mama : baby baby bye bye
Going to miss your daddy : cuddling by your cozy side






I got to go : got to leave my baby be
And I love my woman : but my woman do not care for me
Baby : baby what more can I do
I done everything : cannot get along with you
Oh yes : babe oh yes oh yes I know
You don't want me woman : do like a *Mrs so-and-so*
My God : babe my God my God my God
I've got enough of you woman : I won't want to be your dog
Nero : make me a soldier with a cross
My babe quit me : then I know my soul is lost
Baby : baby why don't you answer me
I been a ??? fellow : babe I don't intend to be
Sometime : my woman too sweet to die
And again I believe : ought to be buried alive
Oh : babe it hurts me to my heart
But the Good Book says : that the best of friends must part
Because I'm black : I was born black 'fore my birth
And the women do tell me : I'm the sweetest black man on earth
And : baby what's the matter now
I'll always remember : you don't mean me no good nohow
Oh : baby what's the matter you
You worry me woman : babe I don't know what to do




I've got that *mainliner* feeling ooo : I'm full of gin
I'm on my way to the West End : and that's where the trouble will begin
Want to see some shooting : like there never has been before
I mean my man and my best friend : will never see the West End anymore



I feel awfully : sad and blue
Won't somebody : please tell me what to do
My daddy left me : other day
Couldn't be surprised : I was a poison snake
Wicked daddy : I'll no longer be your slave
Wicked daddy : now I'm going to put you in your grave
I loved your pigmeat : so nice and so sweet
And your loving ways : brother was hard to beat


Now wicked daddy : you treat your mama cruel and rough
I ain't *your rough* : and I sure know when I've had enough
Oh wicked daddy : get out of my life
Because you won't *smother* me : another night
All of these mornings : how my poor heart aches
Wicked daddy all you do : is take and take




Well you can't wait and listen : hear me when I cry
When you hear me crying : know there's something wrong
Well you can't wait and listen : *yeah there Willie Mae*
*When it's through* baby : *something* churches tone
Well he dug her grave : with a long-handled silver spade
Well he let her down : with a great long leather line
Well I followed my baby : to the burying ground
What make it so sad eee baby : had done let her down
Mmm smoke like lightning : church bells shine like gold
*But with searching* I cry mama : see my baby laying on the bed



And I'll tell all you people : that ain't no place to go
Where they treat you cruel : dog you from morning till night
Well they beat me and they search me : forty-five in my side
??? : mama working all day long
Take these rings and chains : from all around my legs
Well I believe to the Lord : these going to kill me dead




Now listen here folks : we don't mean no harm
Don't get mad : we going to sing a little song
There was a little black rooster : met a little brown hen
Made a date at the barn : about half past ten
I had a little woman : lived out Peach Tree Road
Made more money : than John Henry Ford
And the rooster crowed : and the hen looked around
The bum-bum-biddly : going to carry you to town
Now mama had a little dog : name was Ball


Give him a lick : and he want it all
Old Bill came in : about half past ten
Key in the hole : but he couldn't get in
Aunt Jane and Uncle Bud :
??? :
If you see my girl : hurry home
Had no breakfast : she been gone




Now down in Black Bottom : that is so they say
They drink good moonshine : and stay drunk all day
Yes I went down in Black Bottom : I didn't go to stay down there long
Police brought me out : by my right arm
Now go down in Black Bottom : and you don't know the rules
Black Bottom women : will try to make a fool out of you
I'm crazy about Black Bottom : mmm so they say
That's where they drink good moonshine : and stay drunk all day
If you go down in Black Bottom : put your money in your shoes
Don't them Black Bottom women : will give your pop the blues
Now if you go down in Black Bottom : put your money down in your britches
For them womens going to rob you : now you dirty mmm bitches
Now if anybody asks you : who composed this song
Tell them the Black Bottom Buddy : done been here and gone



I'm going to tell all you people : my dream I had one week ago
I dreamed my baby was leaving me : and I was begging her please don't go
But whensoever you have a dream : always take you dream the other way
For now I've been mistreated : and I'm leaving town this very day
I'd rather be up on a mountain : or down in the deep blue sea
Than to be right here baby : treated like you treat poor me
Lord I cried last night : and I cried the night before
But there's one thing I hope : I won't have to cry no more
Now if you don't want me baby : why don't you tell me so
Then I can sleep at night : and won't have to dream no more





Well I drink so much whiskey : till they call me whiskey man
Lord I get drunk every morning : with a whiskey bottle in my hand
Lord my baby treats me mean : she keeps me worried all the time
And if I didn't drink my whiskey : I believe I would lose my mind
When I drink my whiskey : I don't mistreat my friend
I am sober now : but I'm going to get drunk again
Lord whiskey whiskey : it don't mean me no good
And I would stop drinking whiskey : baby if I only could
Lord Lord : whiskey is killing me
And why I can't stop drinking whiskey : Lord Lord I just can't see
My baby put me out : I'm just going from hand to hand
And I drink so much whiskey : till they call me whiskey man




I wrote you a letter mama : put it in your front yard
I would love to come to see you : but your good mens got me barred
Oh you wrote me a letter : to come back to Newport News
To leave the town : and don't spread the news
I wrote you a letter mama : sent you a telegram
Not to meet me in Memphis : but meet me in Birmingham
Mmm : hear my weep and moan
Now don't you hear me pleading : hear my grieve and groan
Now if I could get me : one more drink of booze
I guess it would ease : these old writing paper blues
I caught a freight train special : and my mama caught a passenger behind
Because you can't quit me papa : there's no need in trying



I'm going to grab me a train : ride the lonesome rail
Liquor stole my baby: she's in the lonesome jail
He took my mama : ??? her to the town of *Rome*
Now she's screaming and crying : papa let your mama come back home
I stole my good gal : from my bosom friend
That fool got lucky : he stoled her back again
That little woman I love : got a mouth chock full of good gold
Every time you hug and kiss me : it make my blood run cold
When you see two women : running hand in hand
Bet you my last dollar : one done stole the other one's man
I'm leaving town : please don't spread the news


That why : I've got these old stole rider blues



Wake up mama : don't you sleep so hard
For these old blues : walking all over your yard
I've got these blues : means I'm not satisfied
That's the reason why : I stole away and cried
Blues grabbed me at midnight : didn't turn me loose till day
I didn't have no mama : drive these blues away
The big star falling : mama it ain't long 'fore day
Maybe : the sunshine'll drive these blues away



I'm leaving town : baby going to leave my home
I'm going : where honey I'm better known
I walk these blocks : I got to buy me some shoes
That's the reason why : Mr McTell got the blues
Got drunk last night : mama and the night before
And if luck don't change : Mr McTell won't get drunk no more
Cigarettes is my ruin : whiskey is my crave
Some of these nice-looking women : going to take me to my grave



Got three womens : yellow brown and black
It'll take the Governor of Georgia : to judge one of these women I like
One for in the morning : one for late at night
I got one for noontime : to treat your old daddy right
These blues at midnight : they don't leave me till day
I didn't have none of my three women : to drive those blues away
One is a Memphis yellow : the other is a Savannah brown
One is a Statesboro darkskin : she'll really turn your damper down
Now if I had a-listened : to what my three women said
I'd a-been home sleeping : in a doggone feather bed





Wake up mama : turn your lamp down low
Have you got the nerve : to drive papa McTell from your door
My mother died and left me reckless : my daddy died and left me wild wild wild
Know I'm not good-looking : but I'm some sweet woman's angel child
She's a mighty mean woman : do me this a-way
When I leave this time : pretty mama I'm going away to stay
I once loved a woman : better than even I'd ever seen
Treated me like I was a doggone king : and she was a doggone queen
Going up the country : mama don't you want to go
May take me a fair brown : may take one or two more
Big Eighty left Savannah : Lord it did not stop
You ought to see that colored fireman : when he got them boiler hot
You can reach over in the corner mama : and hand me my traveling shoes
You know by that : I've got them Statesboro blues
We woke up this morning : we had them Statesboro blues
I looked over in the corner : grandma and grandpa had them too



Went up on Kinnesaw Mountain : gave my horn a blow
Prettiest girl in Atlanta : come stepping up to my door
Hug me and she kissed me : called me sugar lump
Throwed them sweet arms around me : like a grape vine around a stump



Mr engineer : let a [poor] man ride the blind
Said I wouldn't mind it fellow : but you know this train ain't mine
You's a cruel fireman : lowdown engineer
I'm trying to hobo my way : and you leave me standing here
Get up fellow : ride all around the world
Poor boy : you ain't got no girl
I love you Emery : I love you true
I love you Emerald : tell the world I do



Come on around to my house mama : ain't nobody there but me
Call me a hot-shot liar and a cheater : because I'm from Tennessee


Take it easy : don't get rough
Just want to tell you : that I knows my stuff
Come on around to my house mama : ain't nobody there but me
That's why you hear me [screaming and crying, moaning] : going back to Tennessee
Can't read and write : can't spell my name
I can really drive : your man's heart insane
I love my corn : and I love my booze
I'll really give : your man the blues
Pull down your windows : and lock up your blinds
I'll tell you something : that will change your mind
Went to the door : door was locked
Think my baby : done changed the lock
Wake up in the morning : about half past three
Think my baby : done quit poor me



She's a real kind mama : looking for another man
She ain't got nobody [in town] : [here] to hold her hand
Way down yonder : on Cripple Creek
Men all grow : over sixteen feet
Would go to bed : but it ain't no use
They pile up on the bed : like chickens on a roost
Rooster chewed tobacco : and the hen did the snuff
Bet he can't shimmy : but he struts his stuff
See that fellow : with that derby on
Looks good to me : just as sure as you're born
Tell you the truth : and it's a natural fact
*Could've built a road* : without being that black
See that fellow : that's standing right there
He don't live here : but he lives somewhere
*Got a batch of* hair : right around his mouth
He like he swallowed a mule : and left his tail hanging out
Wake up in the morning : at half past three
Think pretty mama : done fell on me
Soon in the morning : at half past four
Hot-shot rider : rapping at her door
Went to the door : and the door was locked
Think my baby : trying to eagle rock





I believe that if I had my sweet woman's heart : in my hand in my hand
I believe I could teach her : how to treat a real good man
I drink so much whiskey : I can't hardly talk
Well it's done addled on my brain : people I can't hardly walk
How my poor heart weeped and worried : baby when you drove me away
It was crying for poor boy McTell : some old rainy day
Climbing on the Lookout Mountain : look dived in Niagara Falls
Seem like to me : I can hear my Atlanta mama call
Don't [fret, grieve] and worry : and don't [grieve, fret] after me
Don't you scream and cry : because I'm going back to Tennessee
Can't read and write : can't even spell my name
You drove me away : and drove my heart insane



My love don't change : there's going to be some stealing done
And if I backbite you : I don't mean no harm
What do you want with a woman : when she won't do nothing she say
What do you want with a rooster : when he won't crow 'fore day
If my love don't change : there's going to be some riding done
And if I take you woman : I just be made my run
Going in one of these alleys : get me [some lonesome, a quart of this] booze
My woman done left me : I got these love-changing blues



Good Lord good Lord : send me an angel down
Can't spare you no angel : but I'll swear I'll send you a teasing brown
That new way of loving : mama it must be best
These here Georgia women : just won't let Mr Samuel rest
There was a crowd out on the corner : wondered who could it be
It weren't a thing : but the women trying to get to me
I even went down to the depot : with my suitcase in my hand
Crowd of womens all crying : Mr Samuel won't you be my man
My mama she told me : when I was a boy playing mumblepeg
Don't drink no black cow's milk : don't you eat no black hen's eggs
Black man give you a dollar : mama he won't think it nothing strange
A yellow man'll give you a dollar : but he'll want back ninety-five cents change
You may call me a cheater : pretty boy I'll real treat you
But if you'll allow me a chance : I'll gnaw your backbone half in two


I took a trip out on the ocean : walked the sand of the deep blue sea
I found a crab with a shrimp : trying to do the shimmy-shee
I want to tell you something mama : seem mighty doggone strange
You done mess around gal : and made me break my yo-yo string
Honey I ain't going to be : your old work ox no more
You done mess around baby : and let your doggone ox get poor
My mama she got a mojo : believe she trying to keep it hid
Papa Samuel got something : to find that mojo with
I even heard a rumbling : deep down in the ground
It weren't a thing : but the women trying to run me down



Down in Atlanta at the razor ball : even at the razor ball
Sluefoot Mose and cross-eyed Joe : didn't go in at all
Big crap game in the hall : started in to fight
Joe got drunk that wasn't all : went and turn out the lights
And that *matcher* Charlie : shot his automatic twins
Charlie grabbed his girl : and he *crow forked* in
Playing baseball and football : and don't get enough
Playing baseball and football : and strutting the stuff
Mighty big chief : shot his automatic twin
The high sheriff took the couple : and double-cross ten
Put you lights on calico : and fight it for game
Put me at the head of the list : and don't forget to call my name



Now look here mama : let me tell you this
Now if you wants to get crooked : I'm going to give you my fist
You might read from Revelation : back to Genesee
You get crooked : your southern can belong to me
If you go uptown : have me arrested and have me put in jail
Some hot-shot got money : come in and go my bail
Soon as I get out : kiss the ground
Your southern can : worth two dollar half a pound
You might take it from the South : you might carry it up north
But understand you can't rule : and either be my boss
Take it from the east : hide it in the west
When I get it mama : your can will see no rest
Well ashes to ashes mama : and sand to sand


Every time I hit you : you think I got a dozen hands
Hit you first : through that barbed wire fence
Every time I hit you : you say I got no sense
Get me a brick : out of my back yard
Give you the devil : if you act kind of hard
Now if I catch you mama : down in the heart of town
Take me a brand new brick : and tear your can on down
You may be deathbed sick : and mama and graveyard bound
Make your can : moan like a hound
Sit here and study : with your eyes all red
What I said : kicked your grandma dead
Oh you got to stop your balking : and raising the deuce
I'll grab you mama : and turn you every way but loose
You might twiggle like a tadpole : let it jump like a frog
But every time I hit it : you going to holler God dog



Feel like a broke down engine : ain't got no driving-wheel
You ever been down and lonesome : you know how a poor man feels
I've been shooting craps and gambling : mama and I done got broke
I done pawned my pistol : mama and my best clothes in soak
I went down to my praying ground : and fell on bended knees
I ain't crying for no religion : Lordy give me back my good gal please
If you give me my baby : Lord I won't worry you no more
You ain't got to put it in my house : Lordy only leave it to my door
Don't you hear me baby : rapping on your door
Can I get off *snake living* and tapping : playing tip light across your floor
Feel like a broke down engine : ain't got no drivers at all
What makes me love my woman : she can really do the Georgia crawl
Feel like a broke down engine : ain't got no weather-the-bell
If you's a real hot mama : drive away daddy's weeping spell



When I first met you mama : you were so nice and kind
You done got reckless : and change your mind
When I was down south baby : I was with my broad
I'm here in Atlanta : treated like a dog
Now if you don't want me baby : don't you dog me around
My home ain't here : and I can leave your town


Now if you don't want me : baby give me your right hand
I'll go back to my woman : you go back to your man
I even give you my money : *I admire*
I done all for you : that you require
Even hold your head : when you're feeling sad
Sing and dance for you : when you're sad
You done come in this morning : you won't tell me where you been
You got strange living : going back again
I'm walking around baby : with my head hung low
Look here mama : I ain't going to do right no more
I'm going to take me a trip : up on the mountain top
Come back and show you : how to eagle rock



I wants to wait around here baby : until your fried *rice* get done
Because I think I got a nickel : I wants to buy me one
I wonder could I find a woman : to do like my last rider done
She kept it all for her daddy : she didn't give nobody none
Said my baby got a bed : it shines like a morning star
And when I crawls in the middle : it rides me like a Cadillac car
My good gal got a mojo : she's trying to keep it hid
But Georgia Bill got something : to find that mojo with
I said she got that mojo : and she won't let me see
And every time I start to love her : she's tried to put them jinx on me
Well she shakes it like the Central : she wobbles like the L and N
Well she's a hot-shot mama : and I'm scared to tell her where I been
Said my baby got something : she won't tell her daddy what it is
But when I crawls in my bed : I just can't keep my black stuff still
Well I done got reckless : and I broke my mama's rule
I been wandering around Georgia : with these doggone scary day blues



Down on Atlanta : on Harris Street
That's where the boys and gals : do meet
Out in the alley : in the street
Every little kid : that you meet
Buzz all around : like a bee
Shake it : like a ship on the sea
Came all the way : from Paris France


Come into Atlanta : to get a chance
Grab your mama : and hold her tight
Let's mess around : the rest of the night
Grip your head : way up high
Grab your daddy : and make him cry
People come : from miles around
Get in Dark Town : to break them down
Down in dark town : night and day
Trying to dance : them blues away
Go all the way back : to Newport News
Singing : these doggone Atlanta blues



I want you to start in the morning baby : and roll me with the setting of the sun
I want you to keep it all for your daddy : and don't give nobody none
And if you get some of my loving : you won't want your rider no more
You don't have to worry about your loving : I'm a deep-sea diver and I don't go wrong
That's why I'm singing : these barrelhouse woman blues



You may search the ocean : you might go across the deep blue sea
But mama you'll never find : another hot-shot like me
I followed my baby : from the station to the train
And the blues came down : like doggone showers of rain
I left her at the station : wringing her hands and crying
I told her she had a home : just as long as I got mine
I've got two women : and you can't tell them apart
I got one in my bosom : the other one in my heart
The one in my bosom : she's in Tennessee
And the one in my heart : don't even give a darn for me
I used to say a married woman : was the sweetest woman ever was born
But I've changed that thing : you better let married women alone
Take my advice : let these married women be
Because their husbands'll grab you : and beat you ragged as a cedar tree


When a woman say she love you : about as good as she do herself
I don't pay her no attention : tell that same lie to somebody else
I really don't believe : no woman in the whole round world do right
Act like an angel in the daytime : ??? at night
I'm going pretty mama : please don't break this rule
That's why : I'm searching these deserts for the blues
I'm going pretty mama : searching these deserts now
That's why : I'm walking my baby home anyhow



Take a little trip : up on a mountain top
Show the Florida women : how to eagle rock
Tell you like the *bana* : told the *king of sal*
Get another man : I got another gal
Now if you don't believe : I can warm you right
Take me to your house : and let me stay all night
When you see me mama : standing in the door
Papa wound up : saying mama won't go
Don't be no *resting* : don't be no late
Don't let these women : leave your heart insane
Now look here boy : don't get rough
These here women : they really knows their stuff
I want you to set on a Cadillac : sit on a Ford
You do that strutting : on the running board
Don't be no rat : and don't be no fool
Don't let these here women : break your rule
Now look here boy : if you going to be my friend
Let's go drink : moonshine again
Now take it easy : late at night
One of these here women : ain't going to treat you right



Look a-here mama : just a word or two
Said I get you : to let's go loo loo
Look here mama : just don't stop
I ain't going to be : your other man's stumbling block
Wait just a minute : let's get this right
We're going go a-looing : till broad daylight
Going to Savannah : make some jack


Hold that cat : till I get back
What is that mama : you got in that sack
It's got hair on it : and I believe it's a cat
Well it looks pretty much : like Santy Claus
Best little something : I ever saw
Look here mama : just like a log
She gets kissing : like a shaggy dog



Mmm : Lordy Lordy Lord
Say the woman I love : treats me just like a dog
I love you baby : but your ways I just can't stand
Say you walked away and left me : good gal with another man
Going back to Savannah mama : and sign my initial down
Atlanta mens all hate me : and the women don't want me around
Going back to Savannah baby : and write my initial on the wall
Because these North Georgia women : don't mean me no good at all
Mmm : babe ain't it hard ain't it hard ain't it hard
Says I'd like to love you baby : but your good men got me barred



Feel like a broke down engine : mama ain't got no driving-wheel
You ever been down and lonesome : you know just how Willie McTell feels
I been shooting craps and gambling : good gal and I done got broke
I done pawned my thirty-two special : good gal and my clothes in soak
I even went to my praying ground : dropped down on bended knees
I ain't crying for no religion : Lordy give me back my good gal please
If you give me my baby : Lord I won't worry you no more
You ain't got to put her in my house : but Lordy only lead her to my door
Don't you hear [me, your daddy] baby : knocking on your door
Can I get off *sneak living and tapping* : playing tip light across your floor



My baby's gone : and I'm almost in my grave
But for your love : good gal I will be you slave
My baby left me : says she didn't mean me no good
And that's the reason why : I'm moving on back to the woods


My baby left me : she didn't even say goodbye
Says I'm drinking real good whiskey : that's the reason I did not *inquire why*
My baby's gone : says I ain't even worried at all
Before she even left me : says she riding that Cannonball
Mmm : Lordy Lordy Lordy Lord
Says my good gal she's gone : she didn't mean me no good at all



Mmm : chained down in this dark cell by myself
And my gal she skipped : guess she got somebody else
Well they've got me accused for murder : and I haven't even harmed a man
Oh they got me charged with burgling : and I haven't even raised my hand
Mmm : the judge won't give me no fine
Ain't but one thing could release me : and that's old father time
Goodbye : oh here comes the jailor with the key
I'll have to cry farewell to freedom : I want none of your women to pity me
I'll have to give you my number : five nine ninety-four
Because I'll be there forever : I'll have no other place to go
They got me accused for forging : and I can't even write my name
And my eyes *filled on this* : my baby left my poor heart in pain
Mmm : Lordy Lordy Lord
Inside my breast felt lonely : my baby left my heart in pain



I'm going to grab me a train : I'm going back to Baltimore
I'm going to find my baby : because she rode that B and O
I'm going to act like a rambler : and I can't stay home no more
Because the gal I love : she rode that B and O
She says daddy I'm leaving : and I can't come back no more
And if she don't come back : I'm going down in Ohio
I never would have thought : that my baby would treat me so
Oh she broke my heart : when she grabbed that B and O
Now she wants to come back : and I can't use that child no more
Because I got another hot mama : and she lives in Baltimore



Look a-here pretty mama : I'll tell you what I'll do


I'll make these lonesome dollars : and bring them all home to you
Now I'm weary : weary-hearted and blue
And that's why I'm crying : these weary-hearted blues
I'll give you my money : and baby I *admire*
I does all for you mama : you require
I even hold your head : when you are feeling bad
I sing and dance for you : mama when you sad
I want to tell all you men : nice and kind
You lose your best woman : don't you fool with mine
Now a white man go to the river : take him a seat and sit down
The blues overtake him : he jump overboard and drown
Now a colored man go to the river : take him a seat and sit down
If he takes the blues : he come on back to town
I wants all you men : to let my good gal alone
I'll give her a dollar in the street : and I'll give her two at home



Now look a-here mama : let me explain you this
You wants to get crooked : I'll even give you my fist
Read from Revelation : back to Genesee
You get crooked : your southern can belongs to me
You might go uptown : and have me arrested and have me put in jail
Some hot-shot got money : come in and go my bail
Soon as I get out : kiss the ground
Your southern can : worth two dollars and a half a pound
You might take it from the South : you might carry it up north
Understand you can't rule : and either be my boss
Take it from the east : hide it in the west
When I get it mama : your can won't see no rest
Ashes to ashes : and sand to sand
Every time I strikes you : you know I got a dozen hands
Give you a punch : through that barbed wire fence
Every time I hit you : you know I ain't got no sense
Look here women : don't get hard
I'll get me a brick : and use it out of my back yard
If I catch you mama : down in the heart of town
Take a brand new brick : and tear your can on down
You may be deathbed sickness : graveyard bound
I'll make your can moan : like a graveyard hound
You got to stop balking : and raising the deuce
I'll grab you woman : and turn you every way but loose





Says I'm almost crazy : and I'm all here by myself
All these women about to run me crazy : Lord she's got someone else
Lord she's about to run me crazy : these reckless women are worrying me
She don't have to treat me so bad : because she lives in Tennessee
Lord you'll either run me crazy woman : or either make me lose my mind
Because you keep me worried : and troubled all the time
Lord these womens will run you crazy : they'll drive your heart insane
They'll spend all your money : turn around and run you insane
Well she spent all my money : and then she drove me outdoors
And I was almost crazy : because I had nowhere to go
Lord if you got a reckless woman : man don't never let her break your rule
And when you know anything : you'd be almost crazy with the blues



I live down in Bell Street Alley : just as drunk as I can be
Seem like them Bell Street Crow Janes : have done got rough with me
I drink so much Bell Street whiskey : they won't sell [McTell, poor boy] no more
I've got the *cavenglass* boys : playing all around my door
This Bell Street whiskey : make you sleep all in your clothes
And when you wake up next morning : feel like you done laid outdoors
You can get booze down on Bell Street : for two bits and half a *throw*
They'll make you *send* out your mother and father : to just break down the jailhouse door
Walked in my room : the other night
Man come in : he want to fight
Took my gun : my right hand
??? : I don't want to kill no man
When I said that : he rapped me across my head
The first shot I fired : then the man fell dead
Bell street whiskey : drove me to the county jail
Got me laying back here on my bunk : nobody in the world to go my bail



Good Lord good Lord : send me an angel down
Can't spare you no angel : will spare you a teasing brown
That new way of loving : swear to God it must be best


Because these Georgia women : won't let Willie McTell rest
There was a crowd down on the corner : and I wondered who could it be
Weren't a thing : but the women boy trying to get to me
I went down to the shed : put my suitcase in my hand
Crowd of women run crying : that McTell be my man
Ticket agent ticket agent : which a-way has my woman gone
Say describe your woman : and I'll tell you what road she's on
She's a long tall mama : five and a half from the ground
She's a tailor-made mama : and she ain't no hand-me-down
Mama if you ride the Southern : I'll ride the Santa Fe
When you get in Memphis : pretty mama look around for me
You can't never tell : what a double-crossing woman will do
They'll tip out with your buddy : and come home play sick on you
I got two women : you can't tell them apart
I got one in my bosom : the other one's in my heart
Now the one in my bosom : she's in Tennessee
And the one in my heart : don't even give a darn for me
I used to say a married woman : was the sweetest woman ever was born
I changed that thing : you better let married women alone
Take my advice : let all married womens be
Because their husbands will grab you : and beat you ragged with a cedar tree
Now love ain't nothing : single women loving married men
It will do for a while : but it will jam you after a end
When a woman says she loves you : about as good as she do herself
Don't pay her no attention : tell the same lie to somebody else
She'll tell you that she love you : and love you all her life
She'll have a man on the corner : and tell that same lie twice
My baby she got a mojo : I believe she trying to keep it hid
Mctell got something : to find that mojo with
I want to tell you pretty mama : exactly who I am
When I walk out the front door : I hear that back door slam



I did everything baby : that I could do
Fell on my knees : mama get along with you
I give you my money baby : my last dime
Soon as you got up mama : you changed your mind
I gave you my money mama : buy you shoes and clothes
Soon as you got bid change : you put me outdoors
I took you mama : your shoes were thin
No man wanted you : no one took you in


When I took you mama : *feet'll* on the ground
Ain't no man baby : wanted you around
Took your breakfast : brought it to your bed
Took my comb baby : combed your head
Make no difference mama : take your lock and key
Too many women : want a man like me
Going away mama : it won't be long
I know you'll miss me : the days I'm gone
I took you mama : treated you nice and kind
Soon as you got on your feet : you wouldn't pay me no mind



I done told you mama : right from the start
I ain't going to let no one woman : break my heart
Your time to worry : my time to be alone
Your reckless disposition : done drove your good man away from home
I told you in my days : things I do
Go out and work hard : and bring my money home to you
You drink your whiskey : run around
Get out in the street : and act like a sand-foot clown
Went out with you baby : trying to treat you right
I drinking whiskey woman : and drunk all night
Need not come here pleading : holding up your hands
I got myself a woman : you better get yourself a man
Leave me alone baby : best you can do
I would have been a murderer : if I'd a-fooled around with you
Now go ahead baby : leave me alone
Mess around with you : the chain-gang will be my home




*Feel like voting* : fall in line
While I sing : this song of mine
This song's all right : if you thinks it's wrong
It's all right : it's a ??? song
This song's all right : it just won't jump
It's all right : it just won't
This song brings joy : to our *cry*
We're baptized : with fire
This song's *composed* : the blues too tight


Got the blues tune : but the words all right
This song's all right : it just won't quit
It's all right : we're singing it
You can talks about me : treat me mean
You got the *train* :




I'm leaving you baby : just because you won't be true
Oh you don't love me : after all I done for you
You know I worked hard all winter : when the snow was on the ground
You mistreated me then baby : Eli wouldn't throw you down
You made a mistake baby : after you made your vow
But your mistake-making : is all over now
You going to miss [your daddy, me] : some old lonesome day
And you going to be sorry : you did me this way
Now I'm leaving you [baby] : with my clothes in my hand
Farewell to you baby : get yourself a monkey-man



I worked hard baby : I worked hard every day
I even turned over in your hand : every cent of my pay
I been done so dirty : treated so lowdown mean
You've even accused me of women : that I ain't never seen
People what's the use of loving : when I can't see why I should
Especially when you got a woman : and she don't mean you no good
I woke up this morning : got on a stroll
Met my baby : got her told
Look a-here baby : you thinking wrong
Let your papa help you : to sing this song
I grabbed my coat and hat : down the road I'll start
Before I'd worry : I'd rather part
I wouldn't work : for no human being
Neither no woman : that I ever seen
Eighteen hundred : ninety years
All of my women : sit in rocking chairs
But ever since : nineteen and twenty-three
All of my women : been working for me
I got a mind : never work no more
I've been badly mistreated : I've been drove from door to door





They arrested my baby : accused her of selling moon
Judge they found whiskey : but it wasn't even in her room
Now good morning judge : judge how do you do
I just came here : to have a few words with you
Please kind judge : listen to my plea
And let my baby : go back home with me



Now listen all you prize fighters : who don't want to meet defeat
Take a tip from me : stay off Joe Louis' beat
Now he won all his fights : twenty-three or four
And left twenty of his opponents : lying on the floor
They all tried to win : but the test was too hard
When he laid the hambone : *couple jumped out for it*
Listen all you prize fighters : don't play him too cheap
If he lands with either hand : he'll sure put you to the seat
Now he packs dynamite in his left : he carries a punching right
He's the one will make you balky : or as high as a kite
He charges on his opponents : from the beginning of the gong
He batters them into submission : then they all sing a song
I bet on the Brown Bomber : for he knows his stuff
And lays it on his opponents : until he get enough
Now he's a natural born fighter : who likes to fight them all
The bigger they come : he says the harder they fall
That terrific left : boys is all he needs
But that six-inch right : come with lightning speed
Listen all you prize fighters : don't play him too cheap
Take a tip from me : stay off Joe Louis' beat



Now everybody's crying : let's have a new deal
Relief station's closing down : I know just how you feel
Everybody's crying : let's have a new deal
Because I've got to make a living : if I have to rob and steal
Now I'm getting mighty tired : of sitting around


I ain't making a dime : just wearing my shoe soles down
I ain't making a dime : just wearing my shoe soles down
Now I woke up this morning : doggone my soul
My flour barrel was empty : swear I didn't have no coal
We're going to dance : till *another* sun
Now you go to your wicket : put in your complaint
Eight time out of ten : you know they'll say I can't
They don't want to give you no dough : won't hardly pay your rent
Now it ain't costing them : one doggone cent
Now I ain't made a dime : since they closed down the mill
I'm sitting right here : waiting on that brand new deal




Does anybody : does anybody feel like me
Now if they do : I know the feeling is sad as can be
Now I'm going home : to take a snooze
Try to wear away : a thing they call the feeling blues
I'm tired of fooling around : with one who don't love me
If I ever find a way to leave him : if we cannot agree



Because what you was you used to be : but you ain't no more
I'm giving you your dispossess : welcome's off the door
Be on your way : you got yourself in wrong
You'll get flat feet : from standing too long
Let this be a lesson : now that I have left you flat
There's someone sitting pretty : in the place where you once sat
You ought to see him do his stuff : my latest loving man
Because where you left off : is just the place where he began
You said you craved a gal with speed : that's why I wouldn't do
But now the gal you left behind : is way ahead of you
But what you was you used to be : but you ain't no more
Just make your exit *smiling please* : there's no use getting sore
You ran away : and left me on the shelf
Keep right on running : go chase yourself






I ain't going to marry : I ain't going to settle down
I'm going to stay down here : and swing these men around
Just when you think : that your loving man is true
Then he's your man my man : somebody else's too
Oh big fat woman : with the meat shaking on her bones
Every time she shimmies : a skinny woman leaves her home



I want all you women : to listen to my tale of woe
I've got consumption of the heart : I feel myself sinking low
Oh my heart is aching : and the blues are all around my *loo*
Blues is like the devil : they'll have me hell bound too
Blues you made me roll and tumble : you made me weep and sigh
Made me use cocaine and whiskey: but you wouldn't let me die
Blues blues blues : why did you bring trouble to me
Oh death please sting me : and take me out of my misery



I've got the blues : since I made up my mind
I want to stop loving you : because you mistreat me all the time
Oh this game called love : I played it on the square
But you think : a good woman can be found anywhere
You never meant me no good : you've always had your way
But things can't go on forever : they are bound to change some day
So now I'm leaving you : some day you'll understand
*That's why* I can't go on : loving a mistreating man




Molly man's coming : I hear his voice
He's got hot tamales : and it's just my choice
Come on boys : and don't wait too long
All my 'males : soon will be gone
I can judge : by the way you act
Somebody around here : had on a cotton-picking track
Feeling tired : shoulder's getting sore
If you see 'male : you're going to take some more
Two for a nickel : four for a dime


Thirty cents a dozen : and you'll sure eat fine
Good times have come in : don't you see the signs
Cotton bolls are open : you can make a-many dimes
I can judge : by the way you walk
You going to carry : half a dozen off
If my holler boys : trouble your mind
You had to come running : with a dime
Good times have come in : don't you see the signs
White folks standing around here : spending a-many dimes
'Males so hot : it burns my hand
Says I can't hardly get them : out of my can



Shrimp is the thing : you love best
*Ring them nice : and they'll*
Here is my shrimp : fifty cents a quart
Ask me for a gallon : two dollars is all
Have my shrimp : both done and raw
Have my shrimp hot : they are ready to go
Have my shrimp : I'm selling them fast
When I see you coming : you make me laugh
If you going to bed : you can call
I'll poke them through the window : that is all
If your heart feel troubled : you can call
I'll make *change selling* : that is all
Selling your shrimp : don't sell them so high
Want to buy it cold : so I can make up a pie
Selling my shrimp : don't mean no harm
My shrimp sick : it don't make no alarm
Selling my shrimp : won't be here long
I'm going to holler : but I'm going home




When I lived in Texas : doing very well
You can ??? telling : I'm catching hell
I'm going I'm going : crying won't make me stay
The more you cry : the further it drive me away
I've got something to tell you : know it's going to break your heart
We been together a good while : but now we got to part


When I had you : that wouldn't do
Now I've got another man : and I can't use you
You ought to have told me that : two or three weeks ago
Lord when you heard : you might've thought you wasn't going to get broke
I don't mind going : to say goodbye
??? : I'm *stopping* to die



That old Frisco train : left a mile a minute
Well it's that old coach : I'm going to sit right in it
You can toot your whistle : you can ring your bell
Well I know you been worried : by the way you smell
Oh there's a boa constrictor : and a lemon stick
I don't mind being with you : but my mama's sick
I would tell you what's the matter : but I done got scared
Got to wait now : until we go to bed
If you was sick : I wouldn't worry you
I wouldn't want you to do something : that you couldn't do
Well if you want it you can get it : and I ain't mad
If you tell me this is something : that you ain't never had
Look a-here you get mad : every time I call your name
I ain't never told you : that you couldn't get that thing
I woke up this morning : about half past five
My baby turned over : cried just like a child
I got something to tell you : I don't want to make you mad
I got something for you : make you feel glad
Look a-here look a-here : what you want me to do
Give you my jelly : then I die for you
I got something to tell you : going to break your heart
We been together so far : we got to get



You can quit me : do anything you want to do
Some day you'll want me : and I won't want you
You's a man : running from hand to hand
You can get you a woman : I got another man
You will mistreat me : and you won't do right
You can take it on back : where you had it last night
Well you can't be mine : and somebody else's too


I ain't going to stand : that way you do
Know you is a married man : and you got a wife
You keep a-running around here : you'll lose your life
That that you had for me : the other night
You can turn it around : and bring it home tonight
When I was at home : I was with my man
Now you got me here : from hand to hand
Ain't no need you walking around : with your mouth poked out
That is something : just wasn't *cut it* out
You know when I met you : from house to house
I know some of your women : had put you out
It wouldn't been so bad : but you didn't have a dime
And I wouldn't mind helping you : you no man of mine
Well look a-here : what you expect for me to do
Want me to be your mammy : and your doctor too



Bumblebee bumblebee : where is you been so long
You stung me this morning : I been reckless all day long
I met my bumblebee this morning : as it flying in the door
And the way he stung me : he made me cry for more
Mmm : don't stay so long from me
You's my bumblebee : you got something that I really need
I'm going to build me a bungalow : just for me and my bumblebee
Then I won't worry : I will have all the honey I need
He makes my honey : evil John makes my corn
It's all I want now : my bumblebee just to stay at home



When I was home : I was resting at ease
Now you got me here : you trying to mistreat me
I got something to tell you : know it's going to break your heart
We been together a good while : but now we got to part
I done told you once : I done told you twice
If you don't mind : you will lose your life
You ought to told me that : two or three weeks ago
Know when you had your money : thought that you wouldn't get broke





Bumblebee bumblebee : won't you please come back to me
Because your best old stinger : than any bumblebee that I ever see
He come in this morning : I been working for him all day long
Lord he come in to the place : hate to see my bumblebee leave home
You're my bumblebee : and you know your stuff
Oh sting me bumblebee : until I get enough
Mmm : stinger go in my right arm
He stung me this morning : I been look for him all day long
Sometimes he makes me happy : then sometimes he makes me cry
He had me to the place : where I wish to God that I could die



I come home one Saturday night : pull off my clothes and lie down
And that morning just about the break of day : the meningitis began to creep around
My head and neck was paining me : seem like my back going to break in two
I hurried to the neighbors that morning : I didn't know what in the world to do
My companion take me to the doctor : doctor please tell me my wife's complaint
Doctor looked down on me and shook his head : said I wouldn't mind telling you son but I can't
He taken me down to the city hospital : the clock was striking ten
I imagine my companion say : I don't believe I'll see your smiling face again
Then the nurses all began to stand around me : the doctors had done me out
Every time I would have a potion : I would have a foaming at the mouth
Mmm : the meningitis killing me
I'm spinning I'm spinning baby : my head is nearly down in to my knees



You's a worthless ??? man : I'll take it all away from you
Yes but you don't treat me : honey papa like you should
Yes I'm going somewhere : try to find me another man
But I got nothing to worry about now : because I got the man I love
Well I'm a good-hearted woman : just trying to get along with you



The reason I like the game : the game they call Georgia skin
Because when you fall : you can really pick out again
When you lose your money : please don't lose your mind
Because each and every gambler : gets in hard luck sometimes
I had a man : he gambled all the time
He played the dice so in vain : until he liked to lose his mind
Mmm : give me Georgia skin
Because the womens can play : well so as the men



Mmm : the meningitis killing me
I'm feeling upended baby : my head is nearly down to my knees
I coming home one Saturday night : pull my clothes off and I lie down
And next morning just about day : the meningitis begin to creep around
My head and neck was paining me : seem like my back going to break in two
Lord I had such a mood that morning : I didn't know what in the world to do
My companion take me to the doctor : doctor please tell me my worst complaint
The doctor looked down at me and shook his head : said I wouldn't mind telling you son but I
can't
You take around to the city hospital : just as quick quick as you possibly can
Think about the condition you in now : you never will get her back home alive again
You roam around to the city hospital : the clock was striking ten
I heard my ??? companion say : I will see your smiling face again



I got so many chickens : can't tell my roosters from my hens
I got to go back now : and look them all over again
I found my rooster this morning : by looking at his comb
You can look out now pullets : this won't be long
My hens are cackling : I can't find no eggs
You ain't got no excuse now pullets : ain't nothing in your way
I might take these old hens : I going down to the doctor's shop
I don't see what's the matter with them : they won't never *cluck*
I done told you one time papa : I don't want my chicken mixed
Shoo chicken shoo : I don't want no banties on my yard
I don't want them banties : mixed up with my Plymouth Rocks





I don't want them banties : mixed up with my *dominics*
Come all you folks : and start to walk
I'm fixing to start : my dozen talk
What you thinking about : ain't on my mind
That stuff you got : isn't ??? kind
Some of you womens : ought to be in the can
Out on the corner : stopping every man
Now the soap is a nickel : and the towel is three
I'm pigmeat *peppy* : now who wants me
Now the funniest thing : I ever seen
Tomcat jumping : on a sewing machine
Sewing machine : run so fast
Sewed ninety-nine stitches : in his yas yas yas
I'm going to tell you : all about old man Bill
He can't see : but he sure can smell
Fish man pass here : the other day
I done hear him : pretty mama I'm going your way
Your auntie and your uncle : and your ma and pa
They all got drunk : and showed their Santa Claus



I got a bumblebee : don't sting nobody but me
And I tell the world : he got all the stinger I need
And he makes better honey : any bumblebee I ever seen
And when he makes it : Lord how he makes me scream
He get to flying and buzzing : stinging everybody he meets
Lord I wonder why : my bumblebee want to mistreat me
Mmm : where my bumblebee gone
I been looking for him : my bumblebee's so long so long
My bumblebee got ways : just like a natural man
He stinging somebody : everywhere he lands



You up and quit me : do anything you want to do
Some day you'll want me : and I won't want you


You ever saw a man : running from hand to hand
You can get your woman : I got another man
You will mistreat me : and you won't do right
You can take it all back : where you had it last night
Well you can't be mine : and somebody else's too
I ain't going to stand : that way you do
Know you's a married man : and you got a wife
You keep a-running around here : you'll lose your life
That that you had for me : the other night
You can turn it around : and bring it home tonight
When I was at home : I was with my man
Now you got me here : from hand to hand
Ain't no need you walking around : with your mouth poked out
Daddy has something : just to cut it out
You know when I met you : from house to house
I know some of your women : had cut you out
It wouldn't a-been so bad : but you didn't have a dime
But I wouldn't mind helping : you no man of mine
Well look a-here : what you expect for me to do
Want me to be your mammy : and your doctor too



I got something to tell you : hope I don't make you mad
I got something for you : that you never had
I got something to tell you : I hope I don't break your heart
We been together a good while : but now we got to part
I went to your house : I fell down on the floor
You done something to me : wouldn't do it no more
I want you to hug me baby : hug and squeeze me good and tight
I been trying to hard : now can't you save my life
I got something to tell you : just before you go
Yes you going to leave your mama : standing in this door



Grandma got something : make grandpa break his pipe
And grandpa got something : keep grandma awake all night
Grandma grandma : please don't sleep so long
Grandpa ain't smoked his pipe : grandma since you been gone
Here comes grandpa : staring up and down the road


With that pipe in his hand : he'll find you everywhere you go
Grandma grandma : why don't you stay at home
That's why you and grandpa : grandma can't get along
Grandma grandma : what makes you love grandpa so
He's got the same pipe now : he had forty years ago
Grandpa swears : he won't get drunk no more
Because he broke his pipe : he had forty years ago



My house on fire : where's that fire wagon now
Ain't but the one thing : I don't want my garage to burn down
I got a Hudson Super Six : I got me *a little old* Cadillac Eight
I woke up this morning : my Cadillac standing at my back gate
Hop on boys : I got the best chauffeur in town
He said Hudson Super Six : my Cadillac didn't burn down
Oh Lord Lord : wonder where is my chauffeur now
Got my Cadillac Eight : done Cadillaced out of town
I tell the whole round world : I ain't going to walk no more
I got a Cadillac Eight : take me anywhere I want to go



Well I had a little corn : I put it in a sack
Started to the mill : and come right back
Well the people keep a-talking : all over town
Telling me : that the mill had broken down
Now listen here folks : I don't want no stuff
You can't bring me my meal : bring me the husk
Well my papa said try : my brothers too
They both been to the mill : they can't get nothing *for two*
Now listen here folks : I want you all to bear this in mind
If you're going to the mill : you get to there crying



I tell all you people : you can rest at ease
You won't have to worry about cooking : go to North Memphis Cafe and eat
I tell all of you people : you can rest at ease
Because the North Memphis Cafe : got everything that you really need


I don't buy no wood : even buy no coal
I go to North Memphis Cafe : and eat and don't be outdoors
I will tell you all something : I won't change like the wind
If you go to North Memphis Cafe to eat : you'll go back again
Now listen to me good people : I don't aim to make you mad
You go to North Memphis Cafe : get something you never had



I give you my money : and I ain't ashamed
Now you got me here : and I'm scared to call your name
I stood on the corner : looking for you all night long
You know baby : you been doing me wrong
And I ain't going to put up : at the way you do
You can't be mine : and somebody else's too
I ??? : till I done got tired
*Oh joyful* : much obliged
Now look here baby : what you take me to be
Walking around with this low-life : in front of me
And you got ways : I sure don't like
You give me money : just to take it back
Now look here baby : I don't want to make you mad
I give you everything : in the world I had
You come here baby : set down on my knee
I do anything : to give your poor heart ease



I been going crazy : I just can't help myself
Because the man I'm loving : he loving someone else
I was locked outdoors : huddled myself all night long and cried
I'm going crazy : crazy as I can be
I got up this morning : I made a fire in my stove
And made up my bread : and stuck my pan outdoors
I'm crazy I'm crazy : just can't help myself
I'm just as crazy crazy : as a poor girl can be



If you see my cow : tell her hurry home


I ain't had no sweet milk : since she been gone
If you see my cow : drive her to the barn
I ain't had nothing to drink : since she been gone
My cow little aches : she can't get no water
She got a little calf : say you might've heard her holler
I'm taking my cow : can of beer
Never stopped a-jumping : till she finds good
I got up this morning : I went outdoors
I'd know my cow : by the way she lows
I give her corn : I give her wheat
I'd give anything : that the poor cow needs



I walked around this world :
You ought to heard them holler : say I've the whole round world
I want you to let them know :
You ain't my partner : because the times have done got hard
I want you : like a monkey up a tree
Using them coconuts : ??? some of them on me
??? :
Don't you worry : because you got the *goodest thing*
I got a man I love : better than myself
*No one can take him* : I wouldn't want nobody else



Lord I wonder : where is my good man at
He left here this morning : didn't carry nothing but his hat
He left his suit : hanging all on the rack
He left here this morning : didn't carry nothing but his hat
If only : could get my good man back
He left here this morning : didn't carry nothing but his hat



Just as sure as this paper : sticks aside the wall
I'm going somewhere : and have my ashes hauled
Because I remember last winter : when the weather was cold
You's out on the corner : trying to sell jellyroll


I was sitting in my kitchen : just as quiet as a lamb
I wasn't too quiet : to hear my back door slam
I want you tell me : how come you do like you do do do
You know I love you : ain't done a thing to you
When I want it I wants it : and I wants it bad
You don't give it to me : want to make me mad



This house is full of stinging snakes : crawling all in my bed
I can't rest at night : from them crawling all under my head
I got up this morning : one stung me on my leg
I can't sleep at night : because he keeps me awake
Mmm : wonder where is my stinging snake gone
I can't see no peace : since my stinging snake left the home
I've got a stinging snake : I love sometime better than I do myself
If the Lord was to take him : I wouldn't be stung by nobody else
Mmm : where is my stinging snake now
I believe to my soul : that my stinging snake trying to put me down



If you listen to me good people : I'll tell you what it's all about
We have that good Dr Cheer: and it just come now
Eight o'clock in the morning : don't say one mumbling word
I can tell you all about it : and I ain't going to tell you nothing I heard
Hey I believe I'll get drunk : tear this old barrelhouse down
Because I ain't got no money : but I can hobo out of town
Give me one more drink : drink of that *bottling burn*
And I will tell everything : just as soon as I get back home
Give me a draught of beer : if not a drink of gin
I feel myself getting sober : I want to get back drunk again



Look here baby : you ain't got to go
I've got my *first time* : to drive you from my door
You ain't got to move : out this neighborhood
Because I tell the world : I mean you only good
I have a brand new bed : a brand new stool


Come back baby : you ain't got to move
Well you don't have to worry : about something to eat
I made a-plenty money : all last week



I might tell everybody : what that Chickasaw have done done for me
She done stole my man away : and blowed back dark smoke on me
Ain't no woman : like to ride that Chickasaw
Because everywhere she stops : she's stealing some woman's good man off
I told the depot agent this morning : I don't think you treat me right
He done sold my man a ticket : and know that Chickasaw is leaving town tonight
I walking down the railroad track : that Chickasaw even wouldn't let me ride the blinds
And she start picking up man : all up and down the line
Mmm : Chickasaw don't pay no woman no mind
And she start picking up men : all up and down this line



I've got a man : works on the railroad track
The reason he keeps his job : he can squat it in the sack
He's not so good-looking : he don't dress so fine
But when he does his squatting : he really takes his time
Now I want you to go ahead on girls : and leave him alone
That's the very reason : scared to trust him at home
That's the man : he's scared to call his name
Because when he go to squatting : it's a crying shame
He not so short : he not so tall
But when he's doing the squatting : you might a-hear me squall



I ain't no doctor : but I'm the doctor wife
You better come to me : if you want to save your life
He's a dirty mother for you : he don't mean no good
He got drunk this morning : tore up the neighborhood
I want you to come here baby : come here quick
You done give me something : about to make me sick
I went down to the station : talk to the judge
He said don't bring me : none of that doggone crap you heard


I went down to the office : fell out on the floor
He done something to me now : he won't do no more
Now won't you look here baby : what you done done
You done *spread* my *liver* : now you done *broke the rungs*



What is that : you going around here trying to sell
It ain't good to eat : you know it ain't good to smell
The first time I met you : you had the meat in your hand
Going to give it : to some woman's man
You got something you can't sell : and you can't give away
You just as well to take it : on back where you stay
And don't let me catch you : trying to give it to my man
If you do : *I'm ??? to pin a* doggone can
Look a-here black girl : why don't you get off the line
What you trying to sell : ain't nobody buying



When you go to Helena : stop on Cherry Street
And just ask anybody : to show you Reaching Pete
He's the tallest man : walks on Cherry Street
And the baddest copper : ever walked that beat
He met me one sunny morning : just about the break of day
I was drinking my moonshine : he made me throw my knife away
Well he taken my partner : down to the jail
After he locked her up : he turned and went her bail
Reaching Pete's all right : but his buddy *overzeal*
Every time he meet you : he's ready for plenty hell



Hey all you peoples going out tonight : just going to see Joe Louis fight
And if you ain't got no money : have to go tomorrow night
Crying he even carried a mean left : and he carried a mean right
And if he hits you with either one : same as a charge from a dynamite
I'm going to tell all of you prize fighters : don't play Joe for no fool
If he hits you with that left duke : same as a kick from a Texas mule
Joe Louis is a two-fist fighter : and he stands six feet tall


And the bigger they come : he say the harder they fall
Boys if I only had ten hundred dollars : I'd a-laid it up on my shelf
I'd bet anybody pass my house : that one round Joe would knock him out
I wouldn't even pay my house rent : I wouldn't buy me nothing to eat
Joe Louis would take a chance with them : I would put you on your feet



I got a big black cat : sitting in my back door
He catches every rat : run across my floor
If it wasn't for that cat : I wouldn't know what I would do
Rats cutting up : all of my clothes and shoes
I been had this old cat now : for three or four years
Still nobody want him : till I brought him here
Before I got that cat : rats had holes all in my walls
Since I brought her home : you can't find no holes at all
You have seen a lots of cats : and you going to see a lots of more
I got one-eyed cats : everywhere I go



Man you won't give me no money : you won't buy me no clothes to wear
Want to take me off in France : and know I ain't got no business over there
Tell me men : what do you expect for us poor women to do
Work and give you all our money : and be used like a doggone tool
I'm so glad : that I ain't nobody's fool
If I keep every dime of my money : sure got to come under my rule
Know when you was a schoolboy : when you was going to school
You know if you take my money : you be done broke your teacher's rule
I don't mind trying to help you : please don't play me for no fool
Don't forget these last words : you sure got to come under my rule



I got to leave this town : I'm got to go before the sun go down
Because I done got tired : of these coppers running me around
I stayed in jail last night : and all last night before
I would have been there now : if my daddy hadn't've sprung the door
I been in so much of trouble : that's why I'm got to go
But when I get out this time : I won't sell moonshine no more


I done packed my trunk : and done shipped it on down the road
Now I won't be bothered : with these big fat bulls no more
Just keep me a-moving : going from door to door
I done made up in my mind : not to sell moonshine no more



Well it's hard to be mistreated : when you ain't done nothing wrong
And you caught your lover-man : when you can't keep him at home
Now I'm going to get myself a single man : and leave these married mens alone
They ain't nothing but a wad of trouble : when they laying up in your arms
I need someone to love me : but someone to call my own
I'm tired of loving these married men : can say I know their wives got them and gone
Well I'm getting so tired : staying home all by myself
And every man I fall in love with : he loving someone else
But I tried to be nice : tried to be nice and kind
But every man I love : don't seem like he want to pay me no mind



I don't believe : my baby wants me no more
Well if he did : he would take me everywhere he goes
Asked my daddy last night : please take me to the show
Said I wouldn't mind carrying you : but your daddy ain't got no dough
Well you say you going away to leave me : going back down the road
Well I just want to find out : now which a-way must I go
If you catch that midnight train : I might ride that midnight train too
Well I could still be riding : I don't have to be with you
Mmm : look what you done made me do
Done left my good man : all on account of you



Out across the hill : I built a lonesome shack
So when my good man quit me : I won't have to beg him back
In the southeast corner : that's where I'll put my cool iron bed
So when he puts me out : have some place to lay my head
Found my groceries and my stove : where they are selling cheap
So when he stops feeding me : have some place to cook and eat
Time I get me a sweetheart : and a ??? machine


So when we part : be hard to find a ??? *bean*



I's born in Louisiana : I raised in Algiers
And everywhere I been : the peoples all say
Ain't nothing in rambling : either running around
Well I believe I'll marry : ooo Lord and settle down
I first left home : I stopped in Tennessee
The peoples all begging : come and stay with me
Because ain't nothing in rambling : either running around
Well I believe I'll get me a good man : ooo Lord and settle down
I walked through the alley : with my hand in my coat
The police start to shoot me : thought it something I stole
The peoples on the highway : is walking and crying
Some is starving : some is dying
You may go to Hollywood : and try to get on the screen
But I'm going to stay right here : and eat these old charity beans



I'm alone : traveling by myself
If I don't find the one I love : I don't want nobody else
I was down : down one old lonesome road
I didn't have me no baby : couldn't find no place to go
Mmm : people wonder where could my baby be
It don't make me no difference : just seem so lonesome here to me
I can't feel happy : nowhere in the world I be
If I don't find my baby : you going to have some trouble out of me
Boy friend boy friend : where in the world can you be
Ever since you been gone : you sure is worrying me



You keep me thinking : and wondering all the time
Oh people it's so hard : to please that man of mine
I combs his hair : I washes his feet
And when I think that works : he's out strolling the street
Last night he started an argument : he dared poor me to grunt
Then taken my last dollar : to make his girl friend drunk


I ain't going to give you my money : and don't know what it's all about
Soon as I get cold in hand : you be ready to kick me out



Late hours at night : trying to play my hand
Through my window : out stepped a man
My mama cried : papa did too
Oh daughter : look what a shame on you
I flagged a train : didn't have a dime
Tried to run away : from that home of mine
I hit the highway : caught me a truck
Nineteen and seventeen : when the world was tough
All of my playmates : is not surprised
I had to travel : before I got wise



Won't you be my chauffeur : I want someone to drive me I want someone to drive me downtown
Baby drives so easy : I can't turn him around
But I don't want him : to be riding these girls to be riding these girls around
You know I'm going to steal me a pistol : shoot my chauffeur down
Well I must buy him : a brand new V-Eight a brand new V-Eight Ford
And he won't need no passengers : I will be his load
Going to let my chauffeur : drive me around the drive me around the world
Then he can be my little boy : yes I'll feed him good




I done crossed my fingers : and counted up to twenty-three
I seen a star falling : that means bad luck done fell on me
A black cat bone's a-boiling : I put it on at half past twelve
I'll tie it in a sack : and walk off talking to myself
A shooting star means evil : ain't never seen that thing to fail
I'll either spend a month in jail : or I'm sure to lose my job
Now I ain't superstitious : don't believe in not a sign I know
But when my right hand itches : I know I'll get some money sure
I let a black cat cross me : I walked right through a funeral line
But when the stars are shooting : I know bad luck is in that sign






You knowed I was drunk : when I lay down across your bed
All the whiskey I drank : it's gone right to my head
Oh give me Houston : that's the place I crave
So when I'm dry : I can get whiskey ??? *made*
Whiskey whiskey : is some folk's downfall
But if I don't get whiskey : I ain't no good at all
When I was in Houston : drunk most every day
I drank so much whiskey : I thought I'd pass away
Have you ever been drunk : and slept in all your clothes
And when you wake up : feel like you want a dose
I'm going to get drunk : daddy just one more time
Because when I'm drunk : nothing don't worry my mind




Sunshine Special : shine down on me
I ain't going home till morning :
I've had the blues all my life : I think that's long enough
I'm going out all night : ??? going to strut my stuff
*Take your good girl* : *take your hands away*
It's the way you *crow* mama : just awhile before day
I say Sunshine Special : throw your light down on me
I'm going home to my regular : drunk as I can be
What my mama told me :
??? : my ruination




Hey : something going on wrong
Lord when I come in : find my *good gal* gone
Lord I wish she come here : right down on her head
And might be a few questions : she swore sure *kill her dead*
And you treat me good : Lord will bless your soul
If you treat me bad : mama to hell you surely go
But I'm on my way back : to that lonesome hill
Because that's where I can look down : where the *stack* man used to live
I said mama : what become of me
Every time I leave home : some of my follies follow me


Some of my former deeds mama : cause me to leave my old home
Lord I tried and tried : and I just can't let her go



So cold in China : birds can't hardly sing
You didn't make me mad : till you broke my diamond ring
Take me mama : won't be bad no more
You can get my loving : if you let that old black snake go
Black snake crawling : crawling in my room
Some high brown woman : better come and get this here black snake soon
Hey mama : what have I said and done
Folks tell me your loving : baby sure going to be my ruin
Crying eee : your daddy do love you
You's a high-stepping mama : and I don't care what you do
I was a little boy : on my way to school
Met a high brown woman : and she broke my mammy's rule
Mama said I'm reckless : daddy said I'm young and wild
Quit being so reckless : be my baby child




The woman I love : she only sixteen years of age
And she's a full-grown woman : but she just got childish ways
She got a head full of diamonds : and a mouth chock full of gold
And every time she smiles : Lord it makes my blood run cold
And she's low and she's squatty : and made right to the ground
And she's tailor-made : Lord and ain't no hand-me-down
And the woman I love : Lord she do not pay me no mind
And the one I hate : I see her all the time
And the woman I love : she's gone far away
And the one I hate : at the house every day



Folks you don't know : how worried must I be
Nobody knows : but the good Lord and me
Lord Lord : now won't you hear my plea
Now I want you to stop my gal : from mistreating me
Lord Lord : now I ain't got a friend


Now one gal is in jail : and the other one is in the pen



I've been worrying all day mama : and could hardly sleep last night
I had the blues for Vicksburg Mississippi : and couldn't be satisfied
*Now if ever they find me the ship at* : where I long to be
I've got a good gal pretty mama : waiting there for me
Now there's nothing I can do mama : oh no more I can say
All I know I do in Vicksburg : Lord is *paraday*



I love you mama : but you don't mean me no good
I done everything for you : sweet mama that I could
I brought you clothes : and diamond rings
Give you all my money : and everything
If you don't want me mama : now let your daddy be
*For me* I may find someone : that cares for me
I ain't no doctor : I can't ease your pain
Ain't no brakeman : I can't take your train
You know sweet : I'm a good-looking brown
What it takes to please : I'm going to carry that around



The first time I met the blues mama : they came walking through the wood
They stopped at my house first mama : and done me all the harm they could
Now my blues got at me : Lord and run me from tree to tree
You should have heard me begging : Mr blues don't murder me
Good morning blues : what are you doing here so soon
You bes with me every morning : Lordy every night and noon
The blues came down the alley : mama and stopped right at my door
They give me more hard luck and trouble : than I ever had before



Had a cool loving mama : and they call her Jesse P
And she's the sweetest woman : has ever walked down Mulberry Street


Now she's a kind loving baby : and give the men a thrill
Now the reason I love her : she live in Vicksburg on the hill
And I love her I love her : and I always will
The reason I really love her : I think of Vicksburg on the hill



I were laying upstairs mama : trying to take my rest
And a notion struck me : Lord I believe I'll go out west
Now I'm going out west mama : Lord and I can't take you
Because it's nothing out there mama : that a woman like you can do
Just as soon : as a train mama makes up in the yard
And I'm out westbound : that's if the bulls don't have me barred



Now I'm leaving town baby : because you know you treats me wrong
You go out at night and get full of bad whiskey : and stay out the whole night long
And I tried everything mama in this world : to get along with you
Now and you know I love you : that's why you treat me like the way you do
And I'm going I'm going : mama and your crying won't make me stay
And the more you cry mama : the farther that you drive me away
Now when I leave this time mama : you can pin crepe on my door
And I won't be dead : baby but I ain't coming here no more



I got a letter from Texas : how do you reckon it read
It said hurry home brother : for the one you love is dead
And I went to the station : but the train had gone
I got to thinking about my baby : and I started walking on
And I walked up on a stranger : I told him I was in so much misery
He said you'll never start to Texas : you better take the T and T
And he dropped me off in Texas : in a little place they call San Antone
And you can't really imagine : how you hear those wild ox moan



Now boys I once had a good woman : but I really did not treat her right


And I would do everything evil : and everything I could for spite
I would go out at night : and get full of bucket gin
And she would be absolutely hospital bound : if she ever even asked me where I had been
Now I'm sorry that I mistreated her : just as sorry as a man can be
Now it seem like the more that I do for her : it is the less she care for me
Now boys if you got a good woman : treat her kind in every way
Because a real good woman : can't be found every day



Boys have you ever had a woman : and she didn't mean you no good
And you trust her with your hide : and she treat it just like a piece of wood
And you will turn your back on everybody : baby you will really worry you best friend
On account of a no-good woman : and then she loving other men
Then you will sit right down and worry : about a friend that you could gain
After you have forsaken everybody : it will be on account of another dame
Now boys don't never let : no woman treat you nice and kind
Because she's only been *you* : I can tell *you about the* mine




I met a woman in West Texas : she had been left by herself all alone
I spied her looking ??? *cross* me : where I wasn't even known
She fell for me a raggedy stranger : standing in the drizzling rain
She said daddy I'll follow you : though you don't know my name
We snuggled closely together : muddy water around our feet
No place to call home : wet hungry and no place to eat
She said I care for you daddy : but I love no man better than I do myself
But I have a mind to care : a heart to love like anyone else
The wolves howled at midnight : wild ox moaned till day
The man in the moon looked down on us : but had nothing to say



I get up early every morning : to toil the whole day through
Baby it wouldn't be so hard : if I was getting up from beside of you
I'm so lonesome without you baby : I can't be satisfied
Aren't you a little lonesome for me too : so we can both be pacified
Your hugs are so shocking : your eyes tell me yes
And you don't *store* it to me : that's what makes my happiness


I'm not lying baby : you were always really mine
And if I don't see you soon : I'll sure be found crying
Right back to Dallas : I got to be on my way
I'm going to let that Texas Special : drop me in southern U S A
Right or wrong : I must be with my little southern Chocktaw
I don't know that she loves me : but still she calls me her southpaw




I'm black and I'm evil : and I did not make myself
If my man don't have me : he won't have nobody else
I've got to buy me a bulldog : he'll watch me while I sleep
Because I'm so black and evil : that I might make a midnight creep
I believe to my soul : the Lord has got a curse on me
Because every man I get : a no-good woman steals him from me
*Even as* I lay down at night : behind you lies an empty space
And you wish on every *no-good* star : *bring here your baby to me*



Oh the judge he sentenced me : and the clerk he wrote it down
My man *sat and stared before you babe* : that you are county farm bound
Oh six months in *jail* : and a month on the county farm
If my man hadn't a-been in the *jug* : he would help with my bond
I worked hard on the county farm : tried to forget my man
And some day he's going to be sorry : he treated me this a-way
I've got to build me a scaffold : just to hang myself
Because the man I'm loving : I don't care where he *follow me*



My man my man : treats me so lowdown
Anything I do : he like to leave his mind
I love my man : but he loves somebody else
I think I'm a big fool : he'll keep on wearing my
*Ever get ready for* lay down : and think about your man at night
And you will get to twisting and turning : and you couldn't lay just right
My babe turned to me : with tears running down his face
Says I'm sorry for you woman : another woman has taken your place



I was standing on the corner : just between Broadway and Main
A cop walked up : and he *laughed ??? me my name*
??? : my name was *little known* myself
I'm a good-time woman : and I sure don't have to
He says I'll take you to the station : and see what you will do
*I'll make him despise you* : and he *lay*
Oh he took me to the judge : with my head hanging low
And the judge said hold you head up : for you are bound to go



I had a dream last night : babe I can't understand
I had a dream I saw some woman : *thieving* with my man
I tried to be good : but he would not let me be
Now he is leaving : just to spite me
Now you got all my money : still you ain't satisfied
And now you got another woman : going to catch the train and ride
You may go babe : you may have your way
But when you think of your loving : I know that you cannot behave



Baby when I was all down and out : you just could not be found
Now I have someone to care for me : don't want you hanging around
I have got a regular man here : Lord the good kid-man's downtown
I can't quit my regular : and I won't throw my kid-man down
Lord I quit my kid-man : because I caught him in a lie
And all I can hear now : is his moaning his mournful cry
Yes he told a little gal : looking in the deep blue sea
I am ??? : so don't bring your blues to me



And I'm black and I'm evil : and I did not make *myself*
If my babe don't have me : he won't have nobody there
Going to buy me a bulldog : to watch me while I sleep
Because I'm so black and evil : that I might make a midnight creep


I believe to my soul : the Lord have got a curse on me
Because every *meat* that I gain : a no-good woman steals him from me
Did you ever lay down at night : behind you lies an empty space
You will turn over and hug a pillow : where your daddy used to die




Old death wagon : don't you dare stop at my door
You took my first three daddies : you can't have number four
Smallpox got my first man : booze killed number two
I wore out the last one : but with this one I ain't through
Slow down *bone archer* : call your *cold cart* back
My daddy's engine running : on my *double track*
Black hearse ain't no use : you sure can't have my man
I'm just using him up : on the old



Spreading lies and gossip : surely is one shameful sin
I hope when winter comes : they steal coal from her bin
Scandal : is just a nice fancy name for dirt
I'll *spy* some woman : lying *mouse* just in her skirt
The buzzard : surely one lowdown rotten bird
But when folks smell scandal : how they fly to spread the word
Next time : I hear that mean ornery lowdown talk
I'll put coals in someone's shoes : to make warts when they walk




Love my bug juice : just as crazy about it as I can be
*My late bug juice vane* : Lord I'm afraid he's going to pour it on me
Took one drink last night : and it made me go stone blind
Thought I'd run away : but I had to take my time
Sometime : a drink make me act just like a doggone fool
Two three drinks : make me kick like a doggone mule
Good man when I'm sober : tiger when I'm drunk
??? : mama I'm going to hide in your trunk





'Tain't none of my business : but it sure ain't right
Take another man's woman : play honeydrip all night
I'm a stranger : I just come in your town
I want some honeydrip : please don't turn me down
If I mistreat you mama : I sure don't mean no harm
I'm a honeydripping papa : I don't know right from wrong
I got me a mama : she's so big and fat
She hurt her honeydrip prince : because I know it's tight like that
Don't play honeydrip : way down in no cell
She's a sweet loving mama : I know she's going to raise a little hell
Went up on a mountain : looked down in the deep blue sea
Big fat woman : tried to flirt with me
If I could holler : like that mountain jack
I'd go up on the mountain : call my baby back




Because you see me staggering : baby don't you think I'm drunk
For I'm going away to leave you : I'm coming back no more
Can't you tell me pretty papa : where did you stay last night
He said it's none of your business : mama so I treat you right
Because you see me staggering : daddy don't you think I'm drunk
I got my eye on my shotgun : the other one is on your trunk
Well I love you Mr Charlie : honey God knows I do
But the day you try to quit me : brother that's the day you die



Go on old man : don't sing those blues to me
I'm about as blue : as any girl can be
You even told me : right to my face
That you had another woman : to shimmy in my place
I'm getting tired : of your dirty ways
I'm going back : to my baby again
So *crying to me* : don't mean you can't bluff
Papa I'm slipping out tonight : I'm going ha ha ha
*All you men* : you may go your way
I'm sick and tired : of your dirty ways





Now tell me little daddy : what you got on your worried mind
Tell your little mama your troubles : swear I'll tell you mine
I'll just ??? your carriage : and I'll check your line
I just come to tell you : another man is got your child
It's hard to love a man : when you know you really love
Lord I can't quit him : and I sure can't let him alone
Lord early one morning : girls on my way to school
Lord that brownskin man : caused me not to obey my poor mother's rule



If I feel tomorrow : like I feel today
Before I stand to be mistreated : girls I'll take morphine and die
Lord my daddy got something : that's a brand new thing to me
I just want to tell you : it's sure been good to me
I'm poor old stranger girls : and I just rolled in your town
Lord I just come here : to ease my troubled mind
Lord I'm so heart-broken girls : I cannot cry at all
Well if I finds my man girls : I'm going to nail him to the wall
I'm poor old stranger girls : and I just rolled in your town
Lord I find my man : I'm going to nail him to the wall



Read my search warrant lady : I'm just looking for my man
I got my razor in my bosom : and my pistol in my hand
I'm just like a mad dog : I snaps at everything I meet
But if I find my man : he sure is going to be my meat
I'm going to cut him with my razor : I'm going to use my pistol too
Now they can call the undertaker : to put your last clean shirt on you
I'm going to kill my man : then I'm going to kill myself
I'd rather we both to be dead : than to see him with someone else




There's one thing I like : about that gal of mine
She treats me right : and loves me all the time
Sometimes I'm broke : and blue as I can be


But still my baby : she looks after me
She walked in the rain : till her feet got soaking wet
And these are the words : she said to every man she met
Mr change a dollar : and give me one lousy dime
So I can feed : this hungry man of mine
She took me over : to a cabaret
I ate and drank : and then I went away
This gal of mine : she's one way all the time
She takes the blues away : and satisfies my mind



Some people say : that the midnight blues ain't bad
Well it must not have been : those midnight blues I had
Tell me fair brownie : where did you stay last night
Your hair's all down : and your clothes ain't fitting you right
Oh run here mama : run and tell me now
Says do you love your papa : anyhow
When you see two women : going together so long
You can bet your life : that there's something going on wrong
I'm going to buy me a pistol : as long as my right arm
Going to carry it in my pocket : and make you stay at home




I pawned my watch : and my clothes and diamond ring
Now you will have to stop : shaking shaking that old thing




She goes out Lord : and stays all day
Got another woman : to take her place
I got a gal : says she's long and tall
Way she keep loving : says Lord Lord Lord
I got a gal : says she's named Sally Right
Says way she keep a-loving : says *it's* just too tight
She stays out : all night long
She's going to come home : and find me gone
She stays out : both day and night
Said I know my babe : she ain't treating me right





Walking down the hard road : done wore the soles off of my shoes
My soles are ragged : I got those hard road blues
Have you ever laid down at night : thinking about your brown
And get the hard road blues : and ramble from town to town
Reason why I start : why I lowdown
My gal done quit me : I got to leave this town
I'm going to put some wheels : on my *broken* shoes
Going to roll back to my baby : to get rid of these hard road blues
I lay down last night : a thousand things on my mind
Going to walk these hard roads : just to cure my lowdown mind
Come here baby : give me your right hand
Walking these hard roads : going to drive me insane



I've got a woman : she's sweet as she could be
She long tall woman : she's all right with me
Lord I love my woman : she treats me nice and kind
All admit she got something : to ease my worried mind
I'm going to ask my woman : will she be my wife
I would believe she could boil water : make it suit my appetite
Say the way she fries my steak : peoples I'm satisfied
And the way she serves her gravy : man you'd be surprised
Say she serves me in the morning : she serves me late at night
Said and everything she serves me : she serves it to me right




Now sister fooled brother man : and brother *moved down*
The broad catch you signifying : you breaking her down
Now mama : just poisoned you
Sick and tired : of the way you do
Spread the *goo-goo* dust : around your bed
In the morning : find your own self dead
I know a sister : called Miss Lou
Shook so : she had the German flu
Another sister : somebody call Miss Boone


Shook so : you couldn't stay in her room
Say mama cooked some cabbage : didn't have no meat
Had to throw them : on Thirty-Fifth Street
Old folk : go run and get your glass
Catching the juice : from the too black bad
Say mama killed a chicken : and she thought it was a duck
Put him on the table : with his heel cocked up
I had a mama : that spoke like this
Shake your shoulder : shake your wig



I got a letter from my rider : what do you reckon it read
Say hurry home papa : rider's almost dead
And I walked slowly : looked down in the rider's bed
These are the words : that rider's said
You haven't kissed me papa : like you done before
I got a ??? : I just about have to go
And I walked back : looking down in rider's face
These are the words : rider heard me say
And now goodbye mama : I'll meet you some old day
The way I been treated : I sure will pass away




Nobody knows : streetwalking women like I do
She'll keep you up all night long : then will spend your money too
She'll come home every morning : with a rag tied on her head
And if you speak about loving man : she'll swear that she's almost dead
She won't cook you no breakfast : clothes ain't never clean
But she can spend more money : than any woman that you ever seen
Sometimes she will say : baby I love you so
Then again she will tell you : to pack your clothes and go




Hey baby : see what you have done
You went made me love you : now your man did come
I'm going away baby : to wear you off my mind
For you keeps me worried : a-bothered all the time


I woke up here this morning : feeling bad
I was dreaming about sweet mama : the time once I've had
Hey late last night : when everything was still
And I found my Georgie : a-way behind some hill
Now gal got something : I don't know what it is
But on every time she touches me : my mind can't be still
*Down down alley* : and heist your window high
??? : when he go easing by
I'm going down south : to have my fortune told
For I believe : some dirty rascal stole my jellyroll




Her mama phoned the doctor : says come here quick
Says I believe I got to have my daughter : check-a-check checked
Well the doctor came : says I never seen such
Your daughter got the fever : she toodle-oo too much
Toodle-oo in the summer : in the fall
Got so cold : she couldn't toodle-oo at all
Her mama's in the kitchen : cooking in a stew
Me around the house : just a toodle-oodle-oo
Well she went to leave me : *rat* stuck to her shoe
Fell down : and broke her little toodle-oodle-oo



There was one old brother : by the name of Mose
He got so happy : bull of *barley the claw*
There was one old sister : by the name of *Yoon*
Shame to tell you brother : what that sister was doing
There was one old sister : lived down on Vance
Said I'd have been her shimmy partner : Lord if I had a chance
There was one old sister : named sister Green
Jumped up and done the shimmy Lord : you ain't never seen
She pulled off her slipper : and then one sock
Got way back : and done the double eagle rock



I left old Memphis Tennessee : on my way back to [dear old] *Maltree*


I ??? my baby : if this
Says I phoned my *room* : I didn't have but one word to say
Cast my eyes to the Lord : say you please have mercy on poor me
Well I left old *Maltree* : [on my way back, going back] to Memphis Tennessee
No sooner I got at the bus station Lord : police he arrested me
Lord the police arrest me : carried me before the judge
Well the lawyers talk so fast : didn't have time to say not nary word
Well the lawyer pleaded: and the judge he done wrote it down
Says I'll give you ten days buddy : out in little old Shelby town
And they stood me up : *tied me around the peg*
Guard said to the trustee : said put the shackles *still* around his leg
Mmm : Lordy Lordy Lord
Lord the guards done treat me : like I was a lowdown dog



I've got a dreamy-eyed woman : lives down on Cherry Street
And she laughs and talks : with every brownskin old man she meets
Says I told her last night : and all night before
Say if you don't quit so much running : you can't be mine no more
Put both hands on her hips : and these is the words she said
Said big boy I couldn't miss you : if the good Lord told me you was dead
I'm going to leave here walking : chances I may ride
For I got the blues baby : and I can't be satisfied
Honey mmm : baby what more can I do
Want me to cut my throat : baby trying to get along with you



And I rolled and I tumbled : and I cried the whole night long
And I rosed this morning mama : and I didn't know right from wrong
Did you ever wake up : and find your dough-roller gone
And you wrings your hands : and you cry the whole day long
And I told my woman Lord : [just] before I left her town
Don't she let nobody : tear her barrelhouse down
And I fold my arms Lord : and I [slowly] walked away
Says that's all right sweet mama : your trouble going to come some day






Down in Memphis : Tennessee
There's a gal : sweet as she can be
She's not too thin : not too fat
But everything about her : is tight like that
She wears her dresses : above her knees
Lets folks say : what they please
She lets you ride her : in your car
But won't let you : ride her too far
She don't dress shabby : and wears a tam
Legs look as nice : as Georgia ham
She uses powder : uses paint
It makes her look : like what she ain't
She spends it : so they say
Because : she won't give nothing away
When she dances : she don't move her head
But moves everything else : instead
Man you can believe it : or not
Some day : I'll see what Sadie's got



Mr caveman : doggone your caving soul
You better quit your bad habits : digging in every dark hole
You cave so much : till you can't keep it hid
You going to get in the wrong cave : like Floyd Collins did
You won't go to the barber : you won't even shave
You know a clean-face man : don't go in no cave
I'm going in the cave : at the sounding of the drums
And I'll dig and dig : till my good gal comes



I take my gal out : to a dance one night
She would've did the shimmy : but her dress was too tight
I would play my fiddle : but I ain't got no bow
It have worn off : I can't use it no more
I went uptown : to see old lady Moore
The bed fell down : I bumped my head on the floor
I had a little dog :
I leant him to my gal : to keep her company


Around that chicken coop : the *fool*
My baby tried to pull off : my derby
She bit my rooster : bit him to the bone
I told her : to let my thing alone



I'm leaving here mama : don't you want to go
Because I'm sick and tired : of all this ice and snow
When I get back to Memphis : you can bet I'll stay
And I ain't going to leave : until that Judgment Day
I love old Memphis : the place where I was born
Wear my buck??? shoes : and drink my pint of corn
I wrote my gal a letter : way down in Tennessee
Because I was up here hungry : hurry up and ??? to me
I'm going to walk and walk : until I walk out of my shoes
Because I've got what they call : *the new living here* blues



I got a letter from my darling : said hurry home
I got a letter from my darling : said how long you been gone
She's little and neat : all nice so sweet
Great big legs : and ??? feet
She got great big eyes : rosy cheeks
Now buddy : you know she must be a peach
I'm coming home mama : if I have to
I'm coming home mama : if I have to ride the rods
You know you're as sweet : as a candy doll
You know : you didn't have another man in my stall
I got a letter from my darling : said hurry home
I got a letter from my darling : didn't have a single dime
I'm going in the morning : ain't going to lose no time
*Easy kind of* walk : *reel and* rock behind



My father was a jockey : learned me to ride behind
You know by that : I got a job any time


I walked around the corner : to the peanut stand
My gal got stuck : on the peanut man
You quit me pretty mama : because you couldn't be my boss
But a rolling stone : don't gather no moss
Just a nickel's worth of meal : a dime's worth of lard
Will feed every dame : in *Jack Burse* yard



Last night : my gal went to bed
She put a pistol : under my head
I got a gal : *pass the* ??? out of my place
The mules backed up : in my face
A horse and a flea : and two little mice
Was down in the cellar : shooting dice
Says the horse he slipped : fell on the flea
The flea said police : the horse on me
Said the little red rooster : to the little red hen
You haven't laid an egg : since I don't know when



My gal's got something : that I surely like
Every time she hugs me : it nearly breaks my back
Preacher in the pulpit : bobbing up and down
Sisters in the amen corner : singing let's go round and round
I got a gal : got movements like a cannonball
You women better be careful : you won't have no man at all
This winter you women better shimmy : and shimmy right fast
If they miss *airy* movement : it sure is their last



You got me rolling mama : I don't know how come
You want me to roll : from sun to sun
I rolled in the summer : I rolled in the fall
Winter's here : you don't want no rolling at all
If I had swings : and a carpet bag
I know by that : I'd get my baby back
Squeeze me : till I get as little as a gnat


Mama : then I'll bite like a cat




And I came up this morning : baby don't you want to go
She said ain't nothing I could say : *and Mary fact started home* and gone
I got a rambling woman : she got a rambling mind
I buy her a ticket : let her ease on down the line
I think I heard that old Seminole : yeah baby when she blows
I got a note about my baby : she was way down the road
Lord I asked Mr conductor : won't you please help her with her load
Because the way that she treated me : every day nobody knows
Lord she treat me like a hog : treated me like a dog
She treated me like a bear one morning : and then ah just like a log
Don't nobody know : how she mistreated me
Lord I got a-traveling on the mind : *anyone thing I'll be dying*




I have made up my mind : to explain to you in every way
Today I am leaving : and I'm going away to stay
And another thing baby : you don't worry me no more
Because I can get a woman like you : anywhere I go
I have made up my mind : baby to tell you the truth
I'm explaining all I know how : and nothing more can I do
I don't love you no more : and I don't see where I can
I've got a woman in ??? : so you can find you another man



Just sitting down thinking : drinking my trouble through
What in the world : makes me feel so blue
I don't want to leave you : want to give you another break
And just to see : what kind of woman you make
Says you was off of whiskey : but you won't leave it alone
And the next drink I see you with : babe you done lost your home
Listen here little girl : love for you is true
But if you don't stop drinking : I don't know what I'll do with you
Why do you worry : when your daddy cares for you
And if I don't love you : I wouldn't care what you do



I have had my fun : if I don't get well no more
My health is failing me : and I'm going down slow
Please write my mother : tell her the shape I'm in
Tell her to pray for me : forgive me for my sin
Tell her don't send no doctor : doctor can't do no good
It's all my fault : didn't do things I should
On the next train south : look for my clothes home
If you don't see my body : all you can do is moan
Mother please don't worry : this is all in my prayer
Just say your son is gone : I'm out in this world somewhere




I'm worried today : Lord and I'm worried in mind
Be worried : honey be worried all the time
What will you do : when your good friend throws you down
Going to catch me a plane : babe going to leave your town
Many days : I sit down weep and cry
That's why : I'm dying to be by your side
Some of these mornings : babe and it won't be long
Going to call my name : darling and I'll be gone
I woke up this morning : baby and feeling bad





Well I went down to a coon crap game : *although it* went against my will
The ??? won all the money I had : except a greenback dollar bill
When I went down to see my girl : well the hour was about nine
I ??? : but I got there just in time
Well I went down to ??? Street : where the ??? *fine*
Well I heard the ??? : ??? be no friend of mine




I'm going back to Texas : hear that wild ox moan
Lord that is why : you hear me yell this moan
Some day you going to be sorry : honey you done me wrong
*Honey babe that's all right* : honey and I'll be gone
Oh baby baby : you don't know my mind
When you think I'm loving you : *I'm in the bed* all the time
Oh I woke up this morning : honey about the break of day
I hugging the pillow : where my fair brown did lay



Woke up this morning : get my shoes
I love a woman : that I can't give it to
Woke up this morning : to get my coat
My brown knocking : on a-my back door
Woke up this morning : to get my tie
*I can't get you women* : *because you* let me die
Woke up this morning : about the break of day
Hugging the pillow : where that fair brown lay
Mama told me : daddy told me too
You got to *live in your place* : ??? you




I know just how baby : Lord a broke man feels
Says there is no one baby: that will do him a real good deal
I been broke all day baby : did not have a lousy dime
But I'll be all right baby : I swear some other time
Lord I don't feel welcome : mama in St Louis no more
Because I have no friends : baby and no place to go


I'm going to leave this town baby : and I swear I ain't coming back no more
I've been treated so bad : I can't be happy no more
I've lost all my money : baby and everything I had too
That's why you hear me crying : mama these broke man blues
Mmm : I ain't got to sing it no more
Because I been broke baby : and I got these broke man blues




It's a little boll weevil : she's moving in the air
You can plant your cotton : and you won't get half a cent
Boll weevil boll weevil : where's your little home
A-Louisiana and Texas : is where I's bred and born
Well I saw the boll weevil : Lord a-circle Lordy in the air
The next time I seen him : Lord he had his family there
Boll weevil left Texas : Lord he bid me fare you well
I'm going down to Mississippi : going to give Louisiana hell
Boll weevil and his wife : went and sit down on the hill
Boll weevil told his wife : let's take this forty in
Boll weevil told his wife : I believe I may go north
Let's leave Louisiana : and go to Arkansas
Boll weevil told the farmer : that I ain't going to treat you fair
Took all the blossoms : and leave you an empty square
Boll weevil boll weevil : where your little home
Most anywhere : they raise cotton and corn
Boll weevil boll weevil : call that treating me fair
Next time I seen you : you have your family there



Jackson on a high hill mama : Natchez just below
I ever get back home : I won't be back no more
Oh my mama's getting old : her head is turning grey
Don't you know it'll break her heart : know I'm living this a-way
I woke up this morning : jinx all around my bed
Turned my face to the wall : and I didn't have a word to say
No use a-hollering : no use screaming and crying
For you know you got a home : mama long as I got mine
Hey Lord have mercy : on my wicked soul
I wouldn't mistreat you : baby for my weight in gold
Oh I'm going away baby : don't you want to go


Take God to tell : when I'll be back here anymore



I'm going away : to the one I know
I'm worried now : but I won't be worried long
My rider got something : she trying to keep it hid
Lord I got something : to find that something with
I feel like chopping : chips flying everywhere
I've been to the nation : Lord but I couldn't stay there
Some people say : them overseas blues ain't bad
It must not have been : them overseas blues I had
Every day : seem like murder here
I'm going to leave tomorrow : I know you don't didn't want me here
Can't go down : this dark road by myself
I don't carry my rider : going to carry me someone's else



You can catch my pony : saddle up my black mare
I'm going to find a rider : baby in the world somewhere
Hello Central : what's the matter with your line
Come a storm last night : tore the wires down
Got a brand new Shetland : man already trained
Just get in the saddle : tighten up on your reins
And a brownskin woman : like something fit to eat
But a jet-black woman : don't put your hand on me
Took my baby : to meet the morning train
And the blues come down baby : like showers of rain
I got something to tell you : when I gets a chance
I don't want to marry : just want to be your man



I'm going to buy me a banty : put him in my back door
Lord he sees a stranger coming : he'll flap his wings and crow
What you want with a rooster : he won't crow 'fore day
What you want with a man : when he won't do nothing he say
What you want with a hen : won't cackle when she lay
What you want with a woman : when she won't do nothing I say


Oh take my picture : hang it up in Jackson's wall
Anybody ask you what about it : tell them that's all that's all
My hook's in the water : and my cork's on top
How can I lose Lord : with the help I got
I know my dog : anywhere I hear him bark
I can tell my rider : if I feel her in the dark



I believe sweet mama : going to do like she say
Going to cook my supper : Lord put me in her bed
You ever go to Memphis : stop by Minglewood
You Memphis women : don't mean no man no good
She's got a man on her man : got a kid on her kid
Done got so bold : Lord won't keep it hid
Ah all right : ain't going to be here long
I believe sweet mama : sure was kind to me
She's up at night : like a police on his beat
I'll tell you something : keep it to yourself
Please don't tell your husband : Lord and no one else
[She's, got] a long tall woman : tall like a cherry tree
She gets up before day : and she puts that thing on me



I think I heard : the Pea Vine when she blowed
Blowed just like : my rider getting on board
You're living single : Lord you know I ain't going to stay
I'm going up the country : mama in a few more days
Yes you know it you know it : you know you done done me wrong
Yes I cried last night : and I ain't going to cry no more
But the Good Book tell us : you got to reap just what you sow
Stop your way of living : and you won't have to cry no more
I think I heard : the Pea Vine when she blowed
She blowed just like : she wasn't going to blow no more





I lay down last night : hoping I would have my peace
But when I woke up : Tom Rushen was shaking me
When you get in trouble : there's no use of screaming and crying
Tom Rushen will take you : back to Cleveland a-flying
It was late one night : Holloway was gone to bed
Mr Day brought the whiskey : taken from under Holloway's head
It take boozy booze : Lord to carry me through
Thirty days seem like years in the jailhouse : where there is no booze
I got up this morning : Tom Day was standing around
If he lose his office now : he's running from town to town
[Let me, I'm going to] tell you folksies : just how he treated me
Ah he brought me here : and I was drunk as I could be



Aah : she's long and tall
*The way she do the boogie* : makes a panther squall
I'm going to show you common women : how I feel
Going to get me another woman : before I leave
Say mama got the washboard : my sister got the tub
My brother got the whiskey : mama got the jug
Well these evil women : sure make me tight
Got a handful of give-me : mouthful of much-obliged
Well I got a woman : she's long and tall
But when she wiggles : she makes a panther squall
Say mama and papa : going to work
Left my sister standing : at the watering trough
My mama told me :
Never love a woman : like she can't love you
I got up this morning : my hat in my hand
Didn't have no other brown : didn't have no man



Good Lord send the sunshine : devil he send the rain
I will be here tomorrow : on the morning train
You don't know : sure don't know my mind
I don't show you my ticket : and you don't know where I'm going
Followed sweet mama : to the burying ground
I didn't know that I loved her : till they laid her down


I been to the ocean : peeped down the deep blue sea
I didn't see nobody : looked like my sweet mama to me
One of these mornings : you know it won't be long
You going to be mistreated : and I'll have to leave you home
I'm going away : mama don't you want to go



I went up Green River : rolling like a log
Think I heard : that Marion whistle blow
And it blew just like : my baby getting on board
I'm going : where the Southern cross the Dog
Some people say : the Green River blues ain't bad
Then it must not have been : them Green River blues I had
It was late one evening : everything was still
I could see my baby : upon a lonesome hill
How long : evening train been gone
Yes I'm worried now : but I won't be worried long
I'm going away : to make it lonesome here



Going to buy me a hammock : carry it underneath through the trees
So when the wind blow : the leaves may fall on me
Go on baby : you can have your way
Sister : every dog sure must have his day
They got me in shackles : I'm wearing my ball and chain
And they got me ready : for that Parchman train
I went to the depot : I looked up at the board
And the train had left : went steaming on up the road
I was way up Red River : calling all night long
I think I heard : the Bob Lee boat when she moaned



When your way gets dark : baby turn your lights up high


When you see my man : Lordy he come easing by
I take my baby : seven forty-five
Trouble baby : trying to blow me down
It wouldn't hurt so bad : but the news all over this town
I love my baby : and I tell the world I do
What made me love her : you'll come and love her too
Yeah some day baby : well and it won't be long
She calling me baby : and I'll be gone
I'm going away baby : don't you want to go



My babe's got a heart : like a piece of railroad steel
If I leave you this morning : don't say dad how do you feel
I will leave her at the crossing : when the train pass by
She blowed for the crossing : then she started to fly
I got up this morning : something after five
And the morning sun Lord : was beginning to rise
Cut your wood : baby I will make your fire
I will tote you water : from the boggy bayou
If your woman mistreat you : *better off in your lap*
I didn't find me nobody : did not have a man



The backwater done rose all around Sumner : drove [me, poor Charley] down the line
Well I tell the world : the water done struck through this town
Lord the whole round country : Lord creek water is overflowed
I would go to the hill country : but they got me barred
Now the water now mama : done struck Charlotte town
Well I'm going to Vicksburg : before I have mine
Lord the water done [rushed, raised] : all over that old Jackson Road
I'm going back to the hilly country : won't be worried no more





The water was rising : up in my friend's door
The man said to his womenfolk : Lord we'd better go
The water was [rising, rolling] : got up in my bed
I thought I would take a trip Lord : out on the big *ice slab*



I say I'm just like a rattlesnake baby : I say in the middle of his coil
I ain't going to have no hard time : mama rolling through this world
When I leave here mama : I'm going further down the road
So if I meet him up there : I'm going back to the Gulf of Mexico
I'm going to shake glad hands mama : I say Lord with your loving boy
Fixing to eat my supper : in Shelby Illinois
Vicksburg on a high hill : and Louisiana Lord it's just below
If I get back there : I ain't going to never be bad no more
And my baby's got a heart : like a piece of railroad steel
If I leave here this morning : never say daddy how do you feel



It's a mean black moan : and it's lying front of my door
When I leave Chicago : Lord I ain't coming back no more
Ninety men were laid off : at the railroad shop
And the strike in Chicago : Lordy Lord it just won't stop
I'm tired of mean black moans : friends lying front of my door
But when I leave Chicago Lord : I ain't coming back here no more
There are a hundred men Lordy : [standing] all around my bed
I wish somebody : might be able to kill the black moan dead
Every morning : Lord rent man is at my door
And my man hasn't worked Lord : in two or three weeks or more
It's all I can do Lord : ah fight for my life
But when the strike is over : Lord I will be all right



When I was living at Lula : I was living there at ease
Lord the drought come in cold autumn : parched up all the trees
Oh today over in Lula : we'll bid that town goodbye


Well when it come to another day : Lord the Lula well was gone dry
Lord the citizens around Lula : all doing very well
Lord they all got together : and they done bored a well
I ain't got no money : and I sure ain't got no home
The old weather done come in : and parched all the cotton and corn
Oh look down the country : Lord it'll make you cry
Most everybody : Lord had a watering bayou
Lord the Lula women Lord : ??? up and down
Lord you ought to been there : Lord see the womens all leaving town



Oh the moon is going down : baby sun's about to shine
Rosetta Henry told me Lord : I don't want you hanging around
Oh well where were you now baby : Clarksdale mill burned down
I was way down Sunflower : with my face all full of frowns
There's a house over yonder : painted all over green
Some of the finest young women : Lord a man most ever seen
Lord I think I heard : that Helena whistle Helena whistle Helena whistle blow
Lord I ain't going to stop walking : till I get in my rider's door
Oh the smokestack is black : and the bell it shine like gold
Lord I ain't going to walk here : baby around no more
I was out at night : when I heard the loco blow
I got to see my rider : where she's getting her dough



Come on mama : out to the edge of town
I know where there's a bird nest : built down on the ground
If I was a bird mama : I would build a nest in the heart of town
So when the town get lonesome : I'd be bird nest bound
Hard luck is at your front door : blues are in your room
Trouble is at your back door : what is going to become of you
Sometimes I say I need you : then again I don't
Sometimes I think I'll quit you : then again I won't
Oh I remember one morning : standing in my baby's door
Look a-here papa Charley : I don't want you no more
Take me home sweet home : baby to that shining star
You don't need no telling : mama take me in your car





If you got a good bullcow : you ought to keep your bull bull at home
Say may come along a young heifer : and just tow your bull from home
Oh my bull's in the pasture babe : Lord where there's no grass
I swear every minute : it seems like it's going to be my last
And my bull got a horn : long as my arm
I've an old five pound ax : and I'll cut two different ways
And I cut my little woman : both night and day
I've an old five pound ax : and I just dropped in your town
I got women now behind me : just try that old ax on down
And I remember one morning : between midnight and day
I were way upstairs : throwing myself away



When the trial was in Belzoni : it ain't no use to screaming and cry
Mr Webb will take you : back to Belzoni jail a-flying
Let me tell you folks : just how he treated me
And he put me in the cellar : it was dark as it could be
It's late one evening : Mr Purvis was standing around
Mr Purvis told Mr Webb : to let poor Charley down
It takes boozy booze : Lord to carry me through
Thirty days seem like years in a jailhouse : where there is no booze
I got up one morning : feeling mighty bad
And it must not have been : them Belzoni jail I had
When I was in prison : it ain't no use to scream and cry
Mr Purvis on his mansion : he don't pay no mind



I got me a stone pony : and I don't ride Shetland no more
You can find my stone pony : hooked to my rider's door
Vicksburg's my pony : Greenville is my grey mare
You can find my stone pony : down in Lula town somewhere
And I got me a stone pony : don't ride Shetland no more
And I can't feel welcome : rider nowhere I go
Vicksburg's on a high hill : and Natchez just below
And I can't feel welcome : rider nowhere I go
Well I didn't come here : steal nobody's brown


I just stopped by here : well to keep you from stealing mine
Hello Central : what's the matter with your line
Come a storm at night : and tore the wire down



I ain't going to tell nobody : thirty-four have done for me
Took my roll Lord : I was broke as I could be
They run me from Will Dockery's :
Ah one of them told papa Charley : I don't want you hanging around my job no more
Well look down the country : it almost make you cry
Women and children : flagging freight trains for rides
Carmen got a little Six Buick : big Six Chevrolet car
And it don't do nothing : but follow behind Holloway's farmer's plow
And it may bring sorrow : Lord and it may bring tears
Oh Lord oh Lord : let me see your brand new year



I love my stuff babe : I want to give it *a hop*
And my rider's got the ??? shivers : swear it just won't stop
Oh I know she want it hard babe : sure don't want it chawed
It would break my heart : if *the ??? need* no more
And I keeps on telling my rider : well she was *shivering* down
Lord that jelly-baking strut : will make a monkey-man leave his town
Oh the light burning dim : ??? *terrible near*
It must a-be the devil : inside this barrel of gin
Oh I'm going to leave Mississippi now babe : before it be too late
It may be like Twenty-Seven Highway : swear it just won't wait
Oh I once had a notion : Lord I believe I will
I'm going to go to the river : and stop at Dago Hill



Aw the revenue man is riding : boy you'd better look out
If he halts you don't stop : you will likely be knocked out
Well I don't love salt water : well she always wants a drink
If they see you with a bottle : they will almost break your neck
Aw take me home : to Lord that shining star
She don't need no telling : daddy will take you in his car


Aw come one mama : let us go to the edge of town
I know where there's a bird nest : built down on the ground
Aw I wake up every morning : now with the jinx all around my bed
I have been a good provider : but I believe I've been misled



You may go : you may stay
But she'll come back : some sweet day
Don't the moon look pretty : shining down through the tree
I can see Bertha Lee : Lord but she can't see me




I walked all night : got a few more miles to go
Before the sun rises : I'll be at my rider's door
*Blackland farms* :
If I don't find my rider : I'm going to walk on across the way
Hey : hey
For my own easy rider : for he ain't no secondhand man
The man I love : I know he's out of town
And when I find him : he better not be messing around
If the man across town : may get my rider's place
*But he will stay where he set : and search hard in his face*
No easy rider : hey hey hey
When you ain't here to love me : I'll simply hey hey




A two-timing woman : don't want no one man
*You allow her Lord* : take some poor girl's man
When the blues is trailing you : you don't know what to do
Go back to the one you love now : the blues will soon leave you
You trying act right : girl will not let you
Heart full of sorrow now : blues are all riding you
A two-timing woman : keep you on that killing floor
How can I love : when she's always in the road
Once little lad I want to talk to you : don't be feeling sad
Better get you a new girl : or one you once have had


Well well well well : I ain't going to stay here long



The little woman in the cellar : the boss upstairs
I'm going from hand to hand : and a woman going from man to man
Don't let a woman know you love her : if you do you have done wrong
You come in from your work now : she got her clothes and gone
Then you catch you a freight train : going out on the Santa Fe
I can't stay here now : this ain't the place for me
Your mama tell you to travel : *it ain't* everywhere
*When you're there* you going to stay now : you can't stay nowhere
I can tell the day mama : I seen my baby's face
She started me to loving her : then treat me this a-way
You had all you want now : now please let me alone
*It won't be love you* : back up this road I'm going



When you's a good fellow : they'll always leave you alone
When you's a bad fellow : the jail will be your home
Canned heat ain't no good boy : keep you with *sin* ??? on your mind
Jailhouse doors open : then you got a rambling mind
You sit and you wondering : you looking through your mind
You don't want no more canned heat : when the judge give you your time
Wake up every morning : when everything look blue
Go see the one you love : the blues will soon leave you
Walking all night long : walking from place to place
I was wandering and walking : to see my baby's face




Well I lay down down last night : well I tried to take my rest
Notion struck me last night baby : I believe I take a stroll out west
Well if I were a catfish mama : I said swimming deep down in the deep blue sea
All these gals now sweet mama : I said now setting out hooks for me
Well I went down yeah down to the churchhouse : yes well they called on me to pray
Got on my knees now mama : I didn't know not not a word to say
Somebody write write me a letter baby : I'm going to write it just you see


See if my baby my baby : do she thinking of little old thing of me



Bertha Lee : you sure have been good to me
You been good Bertha Lee : as you's intend to be
Bertha Lee : honey please don't you stray from home
If you do Bertha Lee : something sure is going on wrong
Bertha Lee : won't you come back home to me
If you don't Bertha Lee : oh babe I sure can't sleep
Look a-here now Bertha Lee : I don't want you to run around
If you do Bertha Lee : please lay my money down



My baby left me this morning : she did not even shake my hand
It's because you know partner : she got her another man
Lord I'm going down south : where the weather sure do suit my clothes
Well my baby said look daddy : I do swear to God you sure don't know
Oh Lord baby : please don't you fool me no more
You told me last night black gal : meet you at the *honey* next door
That's all right baby : I'll see you just the same
I'm getting tired now baby : that you trying to call my name
I been down south so long : know it sure don't worry my mind
I'm going to leave in the morning now partner : with that little sweety sure God on my mind



She's a cotton-picking woman : Lord she does it all the time
If you don't stop picking cotton now baby : I believe you sure going to lose you mind
She picked so much cotton : she even don't know where to go
She'll even moan now sweet mama : honey she's going from door to door
She's a cotton-picking woman : I swear she pick cotton all the time
If you don't stop picking now baby : I believe you going to lose your mind
I'm so far from my home : well I can't tell right from wrong
Now my baby last night mama : oh well she said now black man I'm going
How long : on my bended knees
Pick so much cotton now partner : will you forgive me if you please






Now tell me little black gal : what are you going to do
Taking my money black gal : give it all to you
Now I'm so crazy about my black gal : I'm just as wild as I can be
Now I'm so crazy about my black gal : she ought to be a fool about me
Now me and my black gal : had a fight last night
Will you let me tell you : what it was all about
Now tell me little black gal : where did you stay last night
Just the reason I ask you black gal : know your clothes ain't right
Now the little ??? black gal I been loving : she got teeth solid gold
That's the only black gal : that's got a mortgage on my soul
Now me and my black gal : walking down Main Street
She was *breaking* and bumming : every man she meet



Now you got fruit on your tree : lemons on your shelf
You know loving mama : that you can't squeeze them all by yourself
I said please let me squeeze your lemon : while I'm in your lonesome town
Now let me squeeze your lemon baby : until my love come down
I says it make no difference baby : what your daddy don't allow
Let me squeeze your lemon mama : I mean anyhow
I say I come to your house : knocked on your door
You told me loving mama : that you couldn't use me no more
I says one two three four five : six seven eight nine ten
I would come and see you baby : but you really got too many men
I said now me and my baby : had a fuss last night
Will you let me tell you baby : what it was all about



Now I'm going to leave here walking : going down Highway Sixty-One
If I find my sweet mama : baby I believe we're going to have some fun
Oh well oh well : we're going to make everything all right
Now if I don't come in the morning : you know I will do just tomorrow night
Now the Sixty-One Highway : she only runs right by my door
Runs from Atlanta into Georgia : down into the Gulf of Mexico
Now I received a letter : some long-distance telegram
Now if I don't be home Sunday : ??? will be home






You can toot your whistle : blow your horn
The Memphis Jug Band : done been here and gone
Now if you want to get to heaven : I tell you what to do
You put on a sock : and boot and a shoe
You place a bottle of corn : in your right hand
That'll pass you right over : in the Promised Land
And if you meet the devil : he ask you how you do
I'm on my way to heaven : don't you want to go too
Know the other place : will do just as well
They call Whitewash Station : ten miles from hell
??? mama : what's on your mind
You keep me worried : bothered all the time
Ain't got no stockings : ain't got no shoes
Know I've got : the Memphis Jug Band blues



Stealing stealing : pretty mama don't you tell on me
I'm stealing back : to my same old used-to-be
Now put your arms around me : like the circle around the sun
I want you to love me mama : like my easy rider done
If you don't believe I love you : look what a fool I've been
If you don't believe I'm sinking : look what a whole I'm in
The woman I'm loving : she's just my height and size
She's a married woman : come to see me sometime



Now some folks say : a preacher won't steal
I caught two : in my watermelon field
They was eating them watermelons : throwing away the rinds
They was *preaching* ??? : and stealing
You know I had a little dog : it didn't have no sense
He's always barking : at the pickets on the fence
Said a picket flew off : and hit him in the jaw
You ought to heard that dog : holler haw haw haw
Now when I die : you bury me deep
Place a jug of molasses : at my feet


Just put some ??? : in my hand
I'll *drop* my way : to the Promised Land




Have you ever woke up : with whiskey-drinking on your mind
You send away to that bootlegger : and you did not have a dime
It makes me mad makes me rage : almost sends me to my grave
I wonder : where is that bootlegger today
You's a mean old bootlegger : know you doing me wrong
I send for brandy : and you send me corn
I am going to the distillery : carry me a brand new rocking chair
I'm going to sit at the distillery : till the bootlegger pass by here
They arrested that bootlegger : gave him a solid year
And the guard told the prisoner : it ain't no whiskey-drinking here



I'm a stranger here : just blowed in your town
Just because I'm a stranger : I won't be dogged around
It's raining here : storming over on the sea
I ain't got nobody : here to take care of me
I wonder : do my man know I'm here
If he do : he sure don't feel my care
I been your dog : ever since I entered your door
I'm going to leave this town : I won't be dogged around no more
I been your dog : been your dog all my days
The reason I'm leaving you : I don't like your doggone ways



Hey hey hey hey : bullfrog blues is really on my mind
They're all in my bedroom : drinking all my wine
Hey pretty papa hey pretty papa : I can't stand these bullfrog blues no more
They're all in my cabinet : hopping all over my clothes
I woke up this morning : to make a fire in the stove
Bullfrogs in the bread pan: *bacon and eggs ??? they go*
Hey Mr bullfrog hey I'm going to tell you all : I can't stand your jellyroll in here
You can go out in the back yard : I'll make a pallet there
I will make you a pallet : so you can jellyroll


And you can cook a breakfast : right on my brand new stove



This is that new workhouse : way out in Merlin Tennessee
That's where they take the prisoners : and never set them free
They carried my daddy to the workhouse : they put him down on the *lock*
Just because he's ??? prisoner : they had him on *secret dock*
He was charged with murder : but stealing was his crime
He stole my jelly : and had to serve his time
I went to a lawyer : I called him over the phone
Said listen me lawyer : when will my man be home
That workhouse workhouse : is way out on a lonesome road
I hate to see my daddy : carrying that heavy load




I woke up this morning : couldn't even get out of my bed
I was just thinking about that black woman : and it almost killed me dead
She may be home with her mama : she's the one I only want
And when I find my black woman : Lord all *my bad days* are gone
Mmm : how my poor heart is aching for me
My black woman has quit me : I'm going back to Culver City
Black gal : what makes your head so hard
You got a head : just like some two-by-four in some lumber yard
And if I see you with another woman : I would rather kill myself




And I got up this morning : a light all in my room
And I looked behind me : and I found my faro gone
If a man don't never study : oh you would never have no books
But you get to thinking way back : the way your baby used to do
I got a little faro : she weigh about ninety pounds
Now but her mama and papa : they sure don't allow me around
I'm going to sing this song baby : I ain't going to sing no more
I'm going to hang this mandolin under my shoulder : right down front street I'll go
I can hear that old train coming : oh it must be coming after me


And I'm going to slip right back home : to my same old used-to-be



Say you talking about your red ripe tomato : I'm crazy about my T-bone steak
Said I'm going to buy me a faro : to care my Cadillac Eight
I got the railroad blues : the boxcars on my mind
And the girl I'm loving : she sure done left this town
Say if I had wings : like a bullfrog on a pond
I would rise back here : right in sweet mama's arms
You know once ain't forever : you know baby two Lord ain't but twice
But you women all get a good man : you don't know how to treat him right
Say you mistreat me [now] mama : and that's the way you do
But you going to want me some of these mornings : and poor dad won't have you



I said expressman expressman Lord : you have parked your wagon wrong
You took and moved my good gal : when I was a long long way from home
But a woman make a man do things : and she knows darn well that's wrong
Lord that's why you hear Crow Jane : singing these lonesome songs
Said if you never if you never : hear me anymore
Lord you can remember one morning baby : when I walked up on your porch
Lord I'll sing this song : and ain't going to sing no more
I'm going to put this mandolin under my arm : to the ??? *cafe* I'll go



I say you used to be sweet mama : but I ain't going to call you sweet no more
And every time I come to your house : there's a man standing in your door
I said I'm going up the country : where the ??? cross the dog
If you don't see me tomorrow : you won't have no man at all
Baby if I had wings : like a bullfrog on a pond
I would ride right here : and land in sweet mama's arms
Lord said blues jumped a rabbit : run him for a solid mile
Lord that fool couldn't catch him : and he fall right down and cried
I said look a-here now baby : got something really worrying me
It had ??? : of my old-time used-to-be





I can't love you baby : I'm going to tell what's this all about
It's that I don't begin to see you worry : hon' until I gets in the neighborhood of your house
You have old squeaky workbench : and your mattress is torn every which a-way
Baby and you come tell me to come and lay down : and I have not got no place to lay
I get my ??? boots nasty : from walking around on your dirty rug
Said I'd rather go by myself : and look to the good Lord above



I don't want no skinny mama : I wants a woman she got on plenty of meat
She can walk all night long : babe you won't stop and eat
She won't cook me cook no breakfast : and she won't wash me no clothes
Well she won't do nothing : but walk up and down the gravel road
Baby it's dark babe dark at midnight : and the moon shine down like day
I'm going to find some woman : to come and blow all my blues away
I got up babe babe in a *slumber* : I put on my shoes and clothes
I'm going to try to find my woman : I know she's strolling babe on the road




Hey people : listen while I sing my news
I want to tell you people : all about my bad-luck blues
Did you ever wake up : just at the break of day
With your arms around the pillow : where your daddy used to lay
Lord Lord : look where the sun done gone
Hey Lord : there's something going on wrong
What's the use of living : can't get the man you love
You might as well die : give your soul to the man far above



Hey boll weevil : don't sing the blues no more
Boll weevil's here : boll weevil's everywhere you go
I'm a lone boll weevil : been out a great long time
I'm going to tell you people : the evil boll weevil loves *some vine*
I don't want no man : to put no sugar in my tea
That bug is so evil : I'm afraid it might poison me



Got the barrelhousing blues : feeling awfully dry
I can't drink moonshine : because I'm afraid I'll die
Papa likes his sherry : mama likes her corn
Papa likes to shimmy : mama likes to *cole*
Papa likes his bourbon : mama likes her gin
Papa likes his outside women : mama likes the outside men



I have ???ed : for many a week
Because my man and I : don't agree
There's no reason : why he should treat me this way
Because the way I worry : I will soon be old and grey
Don't want to do : nothing that's rough
I can't stand : to treat *men* tough
I just stay and suffer : sigh and cry all night long
Because the way I'm worried : Lordy it sure is wrong
With this one man : on my mind
Can't sleep a wink at night : for crying
All my worries : get renewed
And I suffer : with those all night blues



I've been reeling and a-rocking : hounded like a hound
Catch the first train : that's running southbound
Boys I can't stand up : I can't sit down
The man I love : has done left town
I feel like screaming : I feel like crying
Lord I been mistreated : folks and I don't mind dying
I'm going home : I'm going to settle down
I'm going to stop : my running around



Minutes seem like hours : hours seem like days
It seem like my daddy : won't stop his evil ways


Seem like every minute : is going to be my last
If I can't tell my future : I will tell my past
The brook runs into the river : river runs into the sea
If I don't run into daddy : somebody'll have to bury me
If anybody asks you : who wrote this lonesome song
Tell them you don't know the writer : but Ma Rainey put it on



House catches fire : ain't no water around
Throw your trunk out the window : let it burn on down
I went to the Gypsy : to have my fortune told
He said doggone you girlie : doggone your bad-luck soul
I turned around : went to the Gypsy next door
She say you can get a man : anywhere you go
Let me be your rag doll : until your China comes
If he beats me ragging : he's got to rag it some



Woke up this morning : with my head bowed down
I had that mean old feeling : I was in the wrong man's town
Mailman's been here : but didn't leave no news
That's the reason why : mama's got the walking blues
Walked and walked : till I almost lost my mind
I'm afraid to stop walking : because I might lose some time
Short time to make it : and a long ways to go
Trying to find the town : they call San Antonio
Thought I'd rest babe : I couldn't hear no news
I'll soon be there : because I've got the walking blues



I'm leaving this morning : with my clothes in my hand
I won't stop to wandering : till I find my man
I'm sitting here wondering : will a matchbox hold my clothes
I've got a *sun to beat* : I'll be farther beyond the road
I went up on the mountain : turned my face to the sky
I heard the wind say : it said mama please don't die
I turned around : looked into my right hand


Well I looked there to see : if I was closer to my man
Lord look a-yonder people : my love had been refused
That's the reason why : mama's got the lost wandering blues



Had a dream last night : and the night before
Going to get drunk now : I won't dream no more
Lord I dreamed : my man didn't treat me right
Packed my clothes in a ??? : and walked the streets all night
Lord I saw my man : fall on his knees and cry
Take me back mama : or else I'll die
Lord I wonder : what am I to do
When everybody : try to mistreat you
My heart is aching : mama feel like crying
Since I had that dream last night : mama don't mind dying



My honey left me : he's gone away
I've had the worried blues : all day
My heart is aching : all for that man
What makes me love him : I can't understand
He'll soon be returning : and bad tidings he will bring
Bad luck's *over* my house : ??? then begin to



Every evening : about half past four
Big piano playing : near my door



Oh Lord : these dogs of mine
They sure do worry me : all the time
The reason why : I don't know
Sometimes I'm certain : it's the polio
Lord : I beg to be excused
I can't wear me : no *dark-toes* shoes





Going to New Orleans : to find that lucky rock
*Find the* ??? : for this bad luck I've got
I'm on my way : to find that lucky rock
Just to ease my mind : of all this trouble I've got



You can have my money : everything I own
But for God's sake : leave my man alone
It takes a rocking chair to rock : a rubber ball to roll
Takes a man I love : to satisfy my soul
Yes I'm jealous jealous : jealous-hearted me
Lord I'm just jealous : jealous as I can be
Got a range in my kitchen : cooks nice and brown
All I need is my man : to turn my damper down
Going to buy me a bulldog : to watch me while I sleep
To keep my man : from making his midnight creep



Hey jailor : tell me what have I done
You got me all bound in chains : because I killed that woman's son
I'm down in prison : all bound in chains
Cold and dark all around me : no one to go my bail
I've got a mother and father : they were never satisfied with me
Got a sister and brother : wonder do they think of poor me
I walked in my room : the other night
Some man walked in : and began to fight
I take my gun : in my right hand
Holy smokes : I don't know but I killed my man
When I did that : it crossed my head
First shot I fired : my man fell dead
The paper came out : and told the news
That's what I said : I got those cell bound blues





My man is leaving : crying won't make him stay
If crying do any good : I'd cry my poor self away
If I had wings : I'd fly all over the land
*When I look down* : I'd find my old-time man



Whole world would be forgived me : if I could just explain
The man I love has left me : because I called another man's name
Too sad to whisper : too broken-hearted to sing
*That mean crazy lover : the day I lost that real thing*
Explain why you left me : and tell me why you went away
I'll explain why I need you : and want you back today
I'm so alone without him : *ran away with some of the other bad news*
But I'll never be down-hearted : if I can explain these blues



I'm going to the Western Union : type the news all down the line
Because my man's on the Wabash : darling and I don't mind dying
My man is so good-looking : and his clothes fit him so cute
I cut off his mustache : and bought him a *Sunday* suit
A ??? little devil : got on my man's clothes
I wouldn't be so sore : hadn't've stole his *drawers*
??? : I stepped in the door
He started *mauling* my man : ???ing down to the floor
*I got up* and killed three women : 'fore police got the news
Because my man's on the Wabash : with the rough and tumbling blues



Nighttime's falling : the day is almost dawned
My man leaves at midnight : don't come back till early morn
The night is dark and dreary : I can't see what to do
I wonder why he leaves me : to roar and cry the whole night through
Three o'clock in the morning : by the clock hanging on the wall
He used to come home at midnight : now he don't come home at all
When day starts to breaking : it seems to bring good news
But I'm just broken-hearted : trying to overcome these nighttime blues





I have a man I can't control : I don't know what to do
My man left me two this morning : now he's trying to come back at noon
He got up and *packed his suit* : *said he was going along about nine*
I went to the fortuneteller to find my man : because he lays heavy on my mind
She said your man was on : that 'fore-day scat
And that's a different kind : of Maltese cat
Poor girl I know : your man has done you wrong
It's hard to tell : a man is long long gone
He left here riding : left on the Cannonball
He wasn't so handsome : and so long and tall
I want all you women : to spread the news
Want you to tell it : to who you choose



You've got to drift to leave me : you're going to leave your home some day
You have got me ??? : and Memphis *is all I've got to say*
You can fly up high : you can ??? all alone
But when you get to love her : you got to come back to
Some *fool's* born with rickets : some *fool's* born with pain
But I'm here to tell you : when you leave me *all is the same*
I talk because I'm stubborn : I sing because I'm *sick*
My man is gone and left me : gone to Memphis Tennessee



Ain't robbed no train : ain't done no hanging crime
It's that I'm a slave to the blues : even ??? that man of mine
Blues do tell me : do I have to die a slave
Do you hear me screaming : you're going to take me to my grave
If I could break these chains : and let my worried heart go free
Well it's too late now : the blues have made a slave of me
You see me raving : you hear me crying
Oh Lord : this wounded heart of mine
Folks I'm a-grieving : from my head to my shoes
I'm a good-hearted woman : but still I'm chained to the blues



Woke up this morning : looking for my darn old shoes
Because mama's going home : singing the Bessemer blues
Apple sugar papa : how come you do me like you do
I've done everything you asked me : trying to get along with you
I went in the water : walked through ice and snow
But from now on papa : I won't be your dog no more
*Electric all right : and* light shine nice and bright
But I'd rather be in Memphis : reading by a candle light



Tell my dad : I'm going to leave my home
Now I'm going I'm going : and it won't be long
Tell my dad : I won't be home tonight
My heart aches : said I'm not treated right
Lordy Lord : have mercy on poor me
Give me somebody : to let my heart go free
I'm leaving now : I'm sorry we have to part
Because you like : to break my aching heart



I've got a man : he had a hound
Chase everything : that's going around
When he plays : that high brown stuff
I cry brother : that's enough
So take me to the basement : that's as low as I can go
I want something lowdown : daddy want it nice and slow
I will shimmy : from A to Z
If you'll play : that thing for me



I want all you women : to listen to me
Don't trust your man : no further than your eyes can see
I trusted my man : with my best friend
But that was a bad bargain : in the end


He'll say that he loves you : and swear that it's true
The very next minute : he'll turn his back on you
Just feed your daddy : with a long-handled spoon
Keep showing you love him : morning night and noon
Sometimes your heart will ache : and almost bust
That's why : there's no daddy good enough to trust
He'll stay with you in the winter : whilst your money is long
Come out in the summer : you'll find your pig will be gone



I'm going away : I'm going to stay
I'll find a man : I love some day
I got my ticket : clothes in my hand
Trying to find : that southbound man
I'm going to ride : till I find that southbound man
Going to keep a-riding : till I shake hands with my man
I'm going away : I'm going to stay
I'll come back : for my daddy some day
I'm going away : I'm going to stay
I long for my daddy : somewhere



I love my brownskin : indeed I do
But there was no use : *tell me thing or two*
I'm going to tell you : what I went and done
I give him all my money : just to have some fun
He told me that he loved me : loved me so
If I would marry him : I needn't to work no more
Now I'm grieving : almost dying
Just because I didn't know : that he was lying
I've got to go to work now : get another start
Work is the thing : that's breaking my heart



I rambled till I'm tired : I'm not satisfied
Don't find my man : going to ramble till I die
Got the slow-driving blues : blue as I can be


Don't play that band Mr : just play the blues for me



Take all my money : blacken both my eyes
Give it to another man : come home and tell me lies




Now what are you going to do : when your supper get like mine
Take a mouthful of sugar : and drink a bottle of turpentine
You know the womens in the alley : they are playing cooncan
They do a whole lot of funny things : us men really cannot understand
And I went to my window : you know that window was blocked
Yes and I went to my door : and that sure were locked
My good gal come in this morning : about half past four
I say where have you been mama : been out selling sweet jellyroll



I woke up this morning : the crying blues on my mind
I done got to the place baby : that I hardly know my right mind
I'm tired of you driving me : I mean baby all the time
And if you want me to love you : you sure got to take you time
And if you don't want me baby : you don't have to pay me no mind
Because I done got tired of you driving me : ???ing me all the time



Cocaine habit : is mighty bad
It's the worst old habit : that I ever had
I went to Mr Lehman : in a lope
Saw a sign on the window : says no more dope
If you don't believe : cocaine is good
Ask Alma Rose : down in Minglewood
I love my whiskey : and I love my gin
But the way I love my coke : is a doggone sin
Since cocaine : went out of style
You can catch them shooting needles : all the while


It takes a little coke : to give me ease
Strut your stuff : long as you please




I was leaning in my window : looking in my baby's door
She packed her trunk this morning : didn't know she was fixing to go
Well the T P's running : smoke settling on the ground
After the train was gone : couldn't find my easy rider around
I ain't got me no more no more : no more baby now
I didn't know my old pretty mama : to run me crazy now
Engineer man engineer man : please turn your train around
I want to speak one word to my baby : tell her she can heist her window down
I was standing in my door : reason I hear the T P when she blows
Taking my baby away : she ain't coming here no more




Dear mother dead and gone to glory : my old dad done strayed away
Only way to meet my mother : I'm going to have to change my lowdown ways
Nobody knows my troubles : but myself and the good Lord
I used to have a sweet woman to love me : now she treats me like a lowdown dog
Tombstone's my pillow : graveyard going to be my bed
Blue sky's going to be my blanket : and the pale moon going to be my spread
Black cat crawls late hours at midnight : nightmares ride till the break of day
What the use of loving some woman : some man done stole your love away
Stop your crying : do away with all your tears
If you can't stay with me mother : it must have been your time to leave from here



Says a married woman : sweetest thing ever been born
She would be most sweet and true to me : if I could go to her home
Blues and trouble : two things I've had all my life
I never had so much trouble : till I fell in love with another man's wife
What's the use of getting sober : know you're going to be drunk again
What's the use of leaving your mama : know you're going to beg back home again
She's so evil : baby you know you can't clown
Because you can't never tell : when your husband is around
Tell me what's the matter mama : can't see no mail


Post office on fire : mailman in jail
I'm going to call you one morning : please don't forget that day
If you can't do like I tell you : mama go on your no-good way




I'm going to leave you : but I'll be back some old day
I'm going to make you remember : how you drove me away
Girl I lay down dreaming : woman I woke up crying
Since my bird dog fly away : poor girl is on my mind
Have you ever been accused mama : ain't done nothing wrong
That's the cause today : many people leave their homes
Sometime I think : my babe too sweet to die
Then again I think Lord : she ought to be buried alive
Excuse me mama : for knocking at your room
If I can't be your sweeper : let me be your broom
I followed Corrina : long as I could see
And that man had my woman : Lord and the blues had me



I'm going out in West Texas : where you hear the wild ox moan
Till it moans so bad : till it make me leave my home
Lord pretty mama : what's the matter now
You know if you didn't want me : why didn't you leave me back in town
I'm going way out in West Texas : just to lie in the
Then I'm coming back down to Dallas : to run these women wild
You can read your schoolbook : and book on down
You can read my letter : but you sure can't read my mind
You can't never tell : when your woman going to put you down
She got a smile on her face : and a heart packed full of frowns
Take me pretty mama : try me one more time
If I don't treat you better : I'll break my neck a-trying
Said I laid down last night : my mind was rambling around
Thinking about my lover : she had done put me down



I'm going to leave you : leaving some old day


Don't you worry mama : because I was carried away
Don't never take no woman : for to be your friend
It will be death and destruction : *may* ought to be your end
I was just sitting here a-wondering mama : about my used-to-be
I can see my lover : Lord but she can't see me
How can I love you : and you gone both night and day
Girl that's the very reason : I'm bound to jail today




When you lose your money : please God don't lose your mind
And when you lose your woman : please don't fool with mine
I'm going to buy me a bulldog : watch my old lady whilst I sleep
Because women these days is so doggone crooked : till they make a 'fore-day creep
Tell you married men : how to keep your wives at home
Just do a job roll for the man : and try to carry your labour home
Tell you married women : how to keep your husbands at home
You want to take care of the man's labour : and let these single boys alone
You can't watch your wife : and your outside woman too
While you're off with your woman : your wife could be at home beating you doing buddy what
you trying to do



Some girls wear short dresses : some of these married women wear them too
That's the reason : we single men Lord don't know what we wants to do
Wish the proper judge : would make these women let their dresses down
So there'd quit being so doggone much : of murdering in town
When they pass the law : pulling the short dress down
So we single men : can tell a married woman from a child
Let me tell you boys : what these knee-high dresses will do
Get you broke naked and hungry : boys then come down on you
All of you [young] women : sure Lord ought to be ashamed
Taking these old men's money : when they walking on walking canes
A old man ain't nothing : but a young woman's slave
They work hard all the time : trying to stay in these young men's ways




When you lose your money : please don't lose your mind


When you lose your woman : please don't fool with mine
Tell you married men : how to keep your wives at home
Get you a job and roll for the man : and try to carry your labour home
Tell you married women : how to keep your husband at home
Take care of your husband's labour : and let these single boys alone
What make a single woman : crazy about a married man
Because he works all the time : he puts money in her hand
What make a married woman : so crazy about a single man
Because the husband might lay down and die : and leave the fellow to her hand
Let me tell you men : what those married women will do
She will get your money : she will cat-curl up to you
Tell you this men : ain't going to tell you nothing else
Man's a fool : if he thinks he's got a whole woman by himself



Mmm : come my Third Street woman now
But the way she treats me : that's the coldest stuff in town
I had so much chicken : till I heard her clucking in my sleep
Now it's don't like my 'taters : mama please don't dig so deep
She's a big fat mama : with the meat shaking on her bones
And every time she shake it : Lord a hustling woman lose her home
She got something : that the men call a stingaree
Four o'clock every morning : she turn it loose on me
Mmm : where my Third Street woman gone
Believe to my soul : she will hustle everywhere but home
If you can't do my rolling mama : you can't spend my change




Going to buy me a rooster : put him in my back door
See a stranger coming : he'll flap his wings and crow
What you want with a rooster : he won't crow 'fore day
What you want with a woman : won't do nothing she say
What you want with a hen : won't cackle when she lay
What you want with a man : won't do nothing he say
Going to take my picture : hang it up against the wall
And if I ask you what about it : daddy that's all that's all
I'll take my picture : put it in a frame
So if I die : you can see me just the same


I know my dog : anywhere I hear him bark
I can tell my baby : if I see her in the dark



Well I dreamt a dream : I never dreamt before
Dreamt my baby told me : that I couldn't be *talking* no more
I lay down happy : woke up this morning crying
I didn't have no blues : but I was just dissatisfied
I know my baby : sure don't know if I'm here
Well if she did : she would surely feel my care
Well I wonder : will my suitcase hold my clothes
I ain't got so many : but I got so far to go
Well my mama's dead : and my papa went to sea
Oh the life I'm living : oh and it's killing me
Well you used to know me : but you just don't know me now
My mama told me : and papa told me too
Well the life you're living : honey'll be the death of you




Will you iron my jumper : yes and starch my overalls
Lord if I miss the Two-Nineteen : I'm surely can't catch the Cannonball
Well a brownskin woman : sure can get anything I got
But a jet-black woman I got a letter from : throw it in my back yard
Well it's T for Texas Lord : I got a T for Tennessee
Know I got a T for the best girl I love : Lord she stay right in Memphis Tennessee
Well I'm going away brownskin : I ain't going to come back here before next fall
If I don't get me no good brown : I ain't coming back in this town at all
Well the sun is going down : got mighty lonesome here
But I ain't got me nobody : I'm sleeping every night just by myself



I got something : some people call it worse than blues
It must be : the lowdown dirty barrelhouse blues I got
I'd rather see you dead : straight down in your grave
To see you give another man : Lord my *roof* and *plate*


Know my faro got something : mens all call it stingaree
Reason I know it isn't : tell no lie she have rolled that same thing down on me
Well I went to the nation : Lord I thought I'd fall Lord and die
*Sitting by the* ??? Lord :



Well I went up on the mountain : give my horn a blow
Thought I hear my true lover : say yonder come my beau
Oh ten thousand people : was around her burying ground
For to hear that elder say : for the laying her body down
I follow her all the way : down to the burying ground
I come back to my home : I's about to overboard and drown
Bad luck in my family : all done fell on me
It made me think about : going way across the sea
I asked my captain : for to give me his best pair of shoes
For I'm barefoot I ain't got nothing to wear Lord : I don't know what to do
He told me he had a hole in his side : I don't expect he would do
Lord these ain't like the shoes I got on the gutter : hole right in the bottom




Aunt Jane gave a dance : and she had a crowd
And she sold more whiskey : than the law allowed
Aunt Jane stayed out : all night long
Didn't go home : till the break of dawn
Took Aunt Jane : to the county jail
She didn't need nothing : to go her bail
She sold some corn : and she sold some gin
She sold it to the women : and she sold it to the men
Uncle Jim went to jail : with a heavy load
They gave him thirty days : on the county road
Aunt Jane got a sister : and her name is Lil
She used to sell stuff : and she sells it still



It'll make a dumb man speak : make a lame man run
Sure miss something : if you don't get some
It ain't made small : and it ain't made wide


It's just made up : in a medium size
Now you don't have to hurry : you don't have to go
You get a little taste : you'll want some more




Said it's mmm baby : mmm baby mmm
Say you know you do not love me : like I say I love you
Say you know these here women : sure do treat me mean
You know I ask one for a drink of water : she give me gasoline
Says mmm baby : you won't do nothing you say
You know you told me you love me : but what about that man I seed you with the other day
These here women what called theirselves a Cadillac : ought to be a T Model Ford
You know they got the shape all right : but they can't carry no heavy load
Says you know I'm going to sing this here verse now : ain't going to sing no more
Because you know I'm got to go home and ??? my old lady : because she won't come back no
more



Yes you know dices oh dices : please don't three on me
You know says I'm just as broke and hungry : as any gambler ought to be
Says my woman give me money : just to play *good* jack
I didn't win no money : but great God you know I played my hand
Says I went down in Louisiana : says you know down on that farm
If I win any money : sure going to bring it home
Says you know I gambled yesterday : and I gambled again today
But you know if I don't win tomorrow : I'm going to throw my cards away
Says you know I'm going to gamble : because you know I gamble all the time
But you know says I've got to win some money : so I can give it to that gal of mine



Says me and my good girl : we had a falling out
And I bet you men can tell me : what it's all about
We fell out early in the morning : baby about the break of day
And I turned over and hugged the pillow : where my baby used to lay
I says go get your hat baby : let's go in the woods
If you can't go now : please ma'am tell me when you could
She say I go early in the morning : baby about the break of day
Then I turn over and hug the pillow : where my baby used to lay


You know I got me a woman now : they call her Aunt Kate
I told her to come to my house tonight : about half past eight
She said she'd be there early in the morning : baby about the break of day
Then I turned over and hugged the pillow : where my baby used to lay
You know a girl get twelve years old : she thinks she's grown
You never can catch : that kind of girl at home
Unless you go there early in the morning : baby about the break of day
Then I turned over and hugged the pillow : where my baby used to lay
I'm going to sing this verse now : ain't going to sing no more
I want to see my good girl : and I think I'll better go
Before it get early in the morning : baby about the break of day
Then I turn over and hug the pillow : where my baby used to lay



She got them great big legs : she got the walking size
And every time she leave me : you know it makes me cry
Every time she calls me : you know she makes me mad
But I ain't never told her : about the man she had
You know she make me [awful] mad : when she calls my name
But you know I never told her : she could not shake that thing



Says every morning every morning : I wakes with the rising sun
Says won't you run here pretty mama : see what your man have done
I said take me back baby : I won't be bad no more
Says I give you my money : if you let that other man go
I said don't take my money : then try to dog me around
Because if you do : I'm going to tear you playhouse down
Says I ain't going to give you no more money : ain't going to let you do me wrong
For you would take my money : then you will slip on home



I'm going over to Third Alley : Lord but I'm going to carry my forty-five
Because you know ain't many men : goes there and comes back alive
They will shoot you and cut you : Lord they will knock you down
And you can ask anybody : ain't that the baddest place in town
Mens carry thirty-eights : womens carry their razors too


And you know you better not start nothing : know they'll make away with you
Says I ain't going to Third Alley no more : unless I change my mind
Because you know I done got shot once over there : Lord it's about three or four times



I been blue all night : what is I going to do
You know the reason I'm that a-way : Lord I'm broke and hungry too
You know my woman left me : Lord when I wasn't feeling well
You know said living with that woman : Lord it is just like living in hell
I ain't got no money : not a penny can I show
And you know folks that's the reason : Lord that I'm worried so
You know I let that woman tote my money : Lord in a jomo sack
And you know it's going to be some hell raised : Lord if she don't bring some of my money back




Lord early one morning : just about the break of day
A passenger train : carried my man away
I raised my window : looked at the rising sun
Nobody else can love me : just like my good man done
I'm standing on the railroad : looking north and south
I couldn't see my good man : who done put me out
Far down the railroad : far as I could see
Look like I can see my good man : coming back to me
Now papa : what you want me to do
I did everything in this world : trying to get along with you
When I had you pretty papa : you was blind and could not see
When I quit you pretty papa : don't bring your blues to me
Have you ever been accused : when you ain't done nothing wrong
It's a hard-driving papa : just as sure as you born



I'm going to buy me a mansion : out on Bunker Hill
Where I can get my whiskey : get it right from the still
Out on Bunker Hill : where the peoples have their fun
Where they lay out on the green grass : and look up at the sun
I been your dog : every since I been your gal


You know I love you pretty papa : love you each and everywhere
Now pretty papa : what you want me to do
I did everything in this world : trying to get along with you
Going to write a letter : going to mail it in the air
When the north wind blows : blows news everywhere




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



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




Let me tell you : what the what the Red Cross people will do
??? *on King Street* : down on Third Avenue
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




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




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



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





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



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 Tennessee
Double E double R : double E double N O P



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



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



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



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



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 :



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



You can toot your whistle : blow your horn
The Memphis Jug Band : done been here and gone


Now if you want to get to heaven : I'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



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



People across the water : they're crying for meat and bread
And the womens down on Beale Street : crying for that old canned heat every day
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





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 Memphis : going to be the death of you
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 half past four
Son you don't mean me no good : *I bet they* use you no more
I went down on the dike : about half past four
I seen two bullfrogs : doing the *cold down low*



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*



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 Beale Street : then mama things will come to pass
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



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



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



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





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



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




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



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



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




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 New York land
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



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



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





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



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




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






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



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




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



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




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




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



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



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



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





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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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





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



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



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



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





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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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




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





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



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*




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



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



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



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



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





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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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*





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



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



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



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



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



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



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



It seems to me : as if I'm all broke down
Since I lost all my change : I lost my sealskin brown



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





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



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



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



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



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



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





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
;


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



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



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



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



I've got those broken busted blues : I feel bad
I've got those can't be trusted blues : gee I'm sad



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





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



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




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




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



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




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



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





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

;

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



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



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



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



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



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





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



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



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



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



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



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



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




Since you gone : and got so rough
I won't stand : for that caveman stuff



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






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




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



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






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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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





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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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




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



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




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




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



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






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




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




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



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



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



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



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



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



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





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



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



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



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



Say I feel myself : falling again
In the same hole : that I once was in



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



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



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




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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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





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




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



And I'm going away : just to wear you off my mind
You keep me troubled : honey all the time



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



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



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*



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



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



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




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



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



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



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



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



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





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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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





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



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



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




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*



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




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





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



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




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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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





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



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



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



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



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



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





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



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




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



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



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




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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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






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



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




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





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



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



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



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




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




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




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



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






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



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*



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



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





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



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



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



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



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*



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





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



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




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





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



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



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



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




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



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




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



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



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



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



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





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



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



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



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



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



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



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





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



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*




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






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




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



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



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



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




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



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




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





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



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



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



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



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




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




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



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




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



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




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




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




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




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






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*




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




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 :




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




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




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




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




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



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



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



Because I'm a stranger here : everybody turned their back on me
I believe I'll go right back : to grand old Tennessee




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



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



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



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





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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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





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



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



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*



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




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





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




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




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





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




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






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



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





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



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




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





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



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



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



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



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



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




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



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



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





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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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*



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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





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




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



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




Well take me down : and have a time
All I want : is [a bottle of, some more]




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



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




The very thought of Sam sinking : that's my *cup*
It's going to be my place : to pick him up



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



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



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



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



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





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



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



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



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



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




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



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



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



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



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



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




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




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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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




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



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



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




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



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



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



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



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



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



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



*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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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





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



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



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



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



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



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





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



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



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





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



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



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





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



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



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





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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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





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



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



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






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




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



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



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




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



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






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



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




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



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



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



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



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



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



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





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



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



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





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



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



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




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



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



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





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



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






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



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






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



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




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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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




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



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




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




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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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*



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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





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




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



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



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



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




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



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



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



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





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



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



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



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



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



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



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





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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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




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



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



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




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



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



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



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




Scoop it : pretty mama for me



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



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






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



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



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*



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



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




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



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



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



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






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



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