Pre-war Blues Lyric Poetry: an Anthology
A - C
Anderson, . . . (Walter Taylor)
Tired of Runnin' from Door to Door
Barefoot Bill's Hard Luck Blues
If You Want a Good Woman‑Get One Long and Tall
Baxter, Jim (Andrew and Jim Baxter)
I Don't Care Who Gets What I Don't Want
Worrying You Off My Mind‑Part 1
Good Liquor Gonna Carry Me Down
Black Boy Shine (Harold Holiday)
Black Ivory King (Dave Alexander)
Blackman, Tewee (Memphis Jug Band)
I Whipped My Woman With a Single Tree
Come On Boys Let's Do that Messin' Around
Depression's Gone from Me Blues
I Hate that Train Called the M. and O.
Bonds, Son (Sleepy John Estes)
You Scolded Me and Drove Me from Your Door
Nobody But My Baby Is Getting My Love
New How Long How Long Blues‑Part 2
I Want Plenty of Grease in My Frying Pan
Your Biscuits Are Big Enough for Me
New Sittin' On Top of the World
I Packed My Suitcase, Started to the Train
Mistreated the Only Friend You Had
Save Your Money‑Let These Women Go
I'm Sitting on Top of the World
Wild Women Don't Have the Blues
(M‑201‑ ) Vo‑1442 OJL‑2
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
(M‑202‑ ) Vo‑1442
OJL‑2
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
(MEM‑776‑ ) Vo‑1481
OJL‑11
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
(MEM‑777‑A) Vo‑1481
OJL‑8
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
(81213‑A) OK‑8511 Rt RL‑315
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
(81223‑A) OK‑8511 Rt RL‑315
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
(81224‑B) OK‑8498 Rt RL‑312
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
(81225‑B) OK‑8498 RBF RF‑9
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
(400442‑B) OK‑8801 His HLP‑31
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
(400446‑A) OK‑8624 Rt RL‑312
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
(400454‑B) OK‑8624 Rt RL‑312
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
(401330‑A) OK‑8658 Sw S‑1276
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
(401331‑A) OK‑8673 Sw S‑1276
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
(401349‑A) OK‑8801 His HLP‑31
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
(402639‑B) OK‑8745 Yz L‑1032
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
(402640‑A) OK‑8705 Yz L‑1004
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
(402642‑A) OK‑8785 Rt RL‑327
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
(402643‑B) OK‑8731 Rt RL‑327
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
(402644‑B) OK‑8731 Rt RL‑327
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
(403359‑B) OK‑8764 Fly LP‑103
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
(404112‑B) OK‑8890 Rt RL‑316
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
(404117‑B) OK‑8890 Rt RL‑316
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
(FW‑1138) Vo‑02856 Yz L‑1010
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
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
probably
(
) Vo‑1116 OJL‑17
Did
you ever wake up : between
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
I
love you baby : tell the whole round world I do
I
love you baby : don't care what you do
(16266‑B) Ge‑7157 Fwy FJ‑2801
I
woke up this morning : about
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
(12718‑B) Ge‑6135 Rt RL‑340
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
(12722) Ge‑6135 His HLP‑22
Trouble
trouble : ever since I been a man
Seems
like me and trouble : is just running hand and hand
I've
had trouble in
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
(59938‑2) Vi‑23268 Yz L‑1012
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
(C‑9428‑B) De‑7026
BC‑4
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
(C‑9429‑B) De‑7026
BC‑4
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
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
(C‑9653‑A) De‑7050
CC‑25
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
(C‑9654‑A) De‑7050
CC‑25
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
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
(C‑9655‑A) De‑7156
BC‑4
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
(C‑9656‑A) De‑7156
CC‑25
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
(C‑9671‑A) De‑7083
Say SDR‑163
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 :
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
(C‑9776‑A) De‑7092
Say SDR‑163
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
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
(C‑9777‑A) De‑7092
Say SDR‑163
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
(C‑9921‑A) De‑7139
Say SDR‑163
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
(C‑9923‑A) De‑7139
Say SDR‑163
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
(C‑9924‑ ) De‑7191
BC‑4
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
(90158‑A) De‑7147 CC‑25
Now
while you playing policy buddy : play
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
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
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
(90201‑A) De‑7181 BC‑4
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
(90314‑A) De‑7116 Say SDR‑163
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
(90316‑A) De‑7163 CC‑25
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
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
(60515‑ ) De‑7172 Say SDR‑163
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
(90795‑A) De‑7212 CC‑25
Says
down in
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
(90958‑A) De‑7261 CC‑25
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
(91070‑A) De‑7306 CC‑25
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
(91070‑A) De‑7267 Rt RL‑318
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
(91134‑A) De‑7285 Cor CP‑58
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
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
(91135‑A) De‑7285 CC‑25
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
(91161‑A) De‑7347 BC‑4
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
(91162‑A) De‑7347 BC‑4
When
I was down in
Since
I been here in
Says
I'm going down to the station : ain't going to take no one's advice
Says
I'm going back to
Now
these
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
(91166‑A) De‑7361 OJL‑20
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
Now
come on baby : stop this up and down
Don't
like to catch you : start to messing around
(91167‑A) De‑7361 Say SDR‑163
Now
this big ship was a‑rocking : and my body's filled with aches and pains
Now
if I get across the
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
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
Now
I see something shining : daylight is breaking all around
Soon
as we make a few more lurches : I will be right back in
(91299‑A) De‑7449 CC‑25
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
(91300‑A) De‑7449 CC‑25
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
(91331‑A) De‑7417 BC‑4
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
(91332‑A) De‑7417 CC‑25
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
(91333‑A) De‑7390 Say SDR‑163
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
(67344‑A) De‑7510 Say SDR‑163
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
(67346) De‑7464 Say SDR‑163
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
(63748‑A) De‑7540 CC‑25
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
(63750‑A) De‑7510 Say SDR‑163
In
the morning : right between
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
(63753‑A) De‑7540 CC‑25
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*
(63754‑A) De‑7464 Say SDR‑163
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