Pre-war Blues Lyric Poetry: an Anthology
D - H
Davis, Carl (Dallas Jamboree Jug Band)
That Stuff You Sell Ain't No Good
I Can Tell By the Way You Smell
I'm So Glad I'm Twenty‑One Years Old Today
Dooley, Simmie (Pink Anderson)
Dorsey, Thomas A.(Georgia Tom)
The Girl I Love, She Got Long Curly Hair
Broken‑Hearted, Ragged and Dirty Too
Who's Been Tellin' You Buddy Brown Blues
I Ain't Gonna Be Worried No More
Everybody Oughta Make a Change
I've Got Ford Movements in My Hips
Tired of Being Mistreated Part 1
Tired of Being Mistreated Part 2
I'm Gonna Leave You on the Outskirts of Town
Glaze, Ruby (Blind Willie McTell)
Mama's Quittin' and Leavin'‑Part 1
Mama's Quittin' and Leavin'‑Part 2
Hayes, Nap (T. C. Johnson Groups)
Poor Boy a Long Ways from Home
I Had a Gal for the Last Fifteen Years
Got the Blues Can't Be Satisfied
(11861‑A) Ge‑5459 Rt RL‑325
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
(11862‑A) Ge‑5459 Rt RL‑325
When
you get down to
Just
lightning and smoking : on the road somewhere
I
was born in
Good
Lord oh when you get to
Well
they call me Daddy Stove Pipe : turn your damper down
Good
Lord now when you get to
(GEX‑730‑A) Ge‑6212
OJL‑14
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
When
you love your daddy : give me your right hand
Atlanta, 19 Feb.
1927
(37931‑2) Vi‑20658
Rt RL‑326
My
mama was a sailor : she love the ocean life
She
ride top and bottom : sometime on the side
Said
I'm going to
Said
a bobtailed coat : and a *hot ???
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
(37932‑2) Vi unissued Fwy FA‑2953
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
(15566) Pm‑12828 Yz L‑1003
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
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
(67583‑1) Vi‑23311 OJL‑20
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
(67584‑1) Vi‑23311 Yz L‑1003
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
(63764‑A) De‑7462 AH‑158
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
(MEM‑774) Vo‑1513 OJL‑19
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
(DAL‑103‑ ) Vo‑03092
BC‑2
Now
if you're ever in
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
Now
if you ever come to
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
(20908‑?) Pm‑12703 Yz L‑1039
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
(20909‑?) Pm‑12703 Yz L‑1039
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
Cincinnati, 12
June 1930
(62907‑2) Vi‑V38618
RCA INT‑1085
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
(69416‑2) Vi‑V23282 RCA
INT‑1085
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
(67579‑1)
Vi‑V23308 RCA INT‑1085
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
Dallas, 10 Feb. 1932
(70676‑1) Vi‑V23333
RBF RF‑12
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
(76802‑1) BB‑B5143 RCA INT‑1085
The
L and N is a fast train : also that I N C N
If
I ever leave
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
(85479‑1) BB‑B5879 OJL‑20
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
(85480‑1) BB‑B5982 RCA INT‑1175
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
(85481‑1) BB‑B5982 RCA INT‑1175
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
(85482‑1) BB‑B5965 RCA INT‑1085
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
(85483‑1) BB‑B5965 RCA INT‑1085
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
(85484‑1) BB‑B5931 RCA INT‑1085
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
(91430‑1) BB‑B6040 RCA INT‑1085
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
(91433‑1) BB‑B6059 Yz L‑1025
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
(91434‑1) BB‑B6125 Yz L‑1025
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
(96234‑1) BB‑B6167 RCA INT‑1085
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
(96237‑1) BB‑B6201 RCA INT‑1085
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
(100338‑1) BB‑B6468 Yz L‑1025
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
(100339‑1) BB‑B6498 RCA
INT‑1085
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
(040511‑1) BB‑B8282 RCA
INT‑1085
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
(040523‑1) BB‑B8470 Yz L‑1025
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
(049320‑1) BB‑B8600 Yz L‑1025
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
(049323‑1) BB‑B8664 Yz L‑1025
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
(049325‑1) BB‑B8737 Yz L‑1025
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
(053975‑1) BB‑B8773 RCA
INT‑1085
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
(053979‑1) BB‑B8833 RCA
INT‑1085
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
(070448‑1) BB‑B9027 RCA
INT‑1085
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
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
(070451‑1) BB unissued RC INT‑1085
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
(149512‑1) Co‑14494‑D
Rt RL‑327
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
(149538‑2) Co‑14514‑D
Fly LP‑103
Elm
Street painted in brass :
I
got a good girl live on East Commerce : I wouldn't mistreat her to save
nobody's soul
Hey
Billiken : these
When
your back is turned : they with every man in the neighborhood
These
If
you want to make a good woman : have to get on *Hospital* Avenue
(149539‑2) Co‑14514‑D
Rt RL‑335
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
(146186‑2) Co‑14318‑D
Yz L‑1010
I'm
going to build me a little mansion : on
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
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
Some
little brownskin woman : *stepping* in my way
(146191‑2) Co‑14318‑D
Yz L‑1032
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
(C‑5991‑ ) Vo‑1544
Yz L‑1028
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
(MEM‑785‑ ) Vo‑1480
Yz L‑1009
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
(MEM‑786‑ ) Vo‑1480
Yz L‑1001
Some
peoples on the
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
But
this
(145370‑3) Co‑14286‑D
Yz L‑1008
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
(145371‑2) Co‑14286‑D
OJL‑6
I
started to heaven : but I changed my mind
But
I'm going to
Yes
when I go to
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
(400355‑B) OK‑8590 Yz L‑1002
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
(400359‑B) OK‑8590 Yz L‑1002
Just
as happy : woman as I can be
Because
the woman I'm loving : is going back to
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
(400360‑A) OK‑8570 Yz L‑1008
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
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
(146067‑1) Co‑14436‑D
OJL‑18
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
(
) Vo‑1216 His HLP‑1
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
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
(15306‑A) Ge‑7008 Riv RM‑8803
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
(15310) Ge‑7008 Riv RM‑8803
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
(16221) Ge‑7130 Riv RM‑8803
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
(16222) Ge‑7190 Riv RM‑8803
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
(16224) Ch‑16682 Riv RM‑8803
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
(16225) Ch‑16682 Riv RM‑8803
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
(10048‑2) Or‑8033 Yz L‑1035
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
(17276‑B) Ch‑16171 Riv RM‑8803
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
(17277‑A) Ch‑16171 Riv RM‑8803
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
(17278‑A) Ch‑16215 Riv RM‑8803
Now
when I fix it lady : sure will be mighty good
I
fixed so many of them : all over this neighborhood
(17290) Ch‑16237 Riv RM‑8803
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
Got
one in
Now
the angels keep singing : the moon shines down at night
But
the good Lord knows : that the women don't treat me right
(L‑719‑2) Pm‑13104
Riv RM‑8803
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
(11242‑A) Vo‑1682 Yz L‑1039
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
(MEM‑17‑1) OK‑05771
Rt RL‑329
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
(MEM‑18‑1) Vo‑05111
Rt RL‑319
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
(MEM‑152‑1) OK‑05771
Rt RL‑329
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
(MEM‑153‑1) Vo‑05111
Rt RL‑319
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
(L‑1120‑3) Pm‑13109
Yz L‑1012
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
(11503‑A) Vo‑1719 His HLP‑31
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
(61241‑A) De‑7440 AH‑158
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
(C‑3811‑1) OK‑06393
BC‑6
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
(C‑3812‑1) OK‑06393
BC‑6
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
(72817‑B) OK‑8163 Sw S‑1240
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
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
(9750‑A) OK‑8355 Sw S‑1240
Says
I never like to hurry : I just take my time
(72817‑B) OK‑8163 Sw S‑1240
Now
here's all I ask of you : kind man
I
want an answer : I can understand
How
you get up every morning : at
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
(9750‑A) OK‑8355 Sw S‑1240
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
(80608‑1) BB‑B5826 CC‑3
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
(55581‑1) Vi‑V38549 RBF RF‑8
Now
I'm going to
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
(55531‑3) Vi‑V38582 Rt RL‑307
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
Now
I'm going to
You
know I'm bound to ??? :
(55596‑2) Vi‑V38549 RBF RF‑8
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
(56335‑1) Vi‑V38582 Rt RL‑307
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
(59918‑ ) Vi‑V38614 RBF RF‑202
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
(59919‑ ) Vi‑V38614 RBF RF‑8
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
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
Memphis, 21 May 1930
(59967‑ ) Vi‑V38628 Rt RL‑323
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
(59968‑ ) Vi‑V38628 Rt RL‑323
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
Lord
I ain't crazy : about nobody I ever seen
(62547‑2) Vi‑23397 Rt RL‑307
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
(62548‑2) Vi‑23397 Rt RL‑307
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
Chicago, 9 July 1935
(90094‑A) Ch‑50001 Sw S‑1219
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
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
But
my gal so mean : I'm scared to call her name
(90095‑A) Ch‑50001 Sw S‑1219
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
(90096‑A) Ch‑50068 Br‑87.504
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
Chicago, 9 July 1935
(90097‑A) Ch‑50068 Sw S‑1219
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
Chicago, 17 July 1935
(90175‑A) Ch‑50048 OJL‑21
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
Chicago, 17 July 1935
(90176‑A) Ch‑50048 OJL‑21
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
New York, 2 Aug. 1935
(62461‑A) De‑7414 Sw S‑1219
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
New York, 2 Aug. 1935
(62462‑A) De‑7342 Sw S‑1219
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
New York, 2 Aug. 1935
(62463‑A) De‑7342 Cor CP‑58
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
New York, 2 Aug. 1935
(62464‑A) De‑7414 Sw S‑1219
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
New York, 2 Aug. 1935
(62465‑A) De‑7442 RBF RF‑8
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
New York, 2 Aug. 1935
(62466‑A) De‑7365 RBF RF‑8
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
New York, 3 Aug. 1935
(62479‑A) De‑7365 RBF RF‑8
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
New York, 3 Aug. 1935
(62480‑A) De‑7442 RBF RF‑11
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
New York, 3 Aug. 1935
(62481‑A) De‑7354 Sw S‑1219
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
New York, 3 Aug. 1935
(62482‑A) De‑7354 Sw S‑1219
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
New York, 22 Apr. 1938
(63647‑A) De‑7571 RBF RF‑8
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
New York, 22 Apr. 1938
(63648‑A) De‑7491 RBF RF‑11
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
New York, 22 Apr. 1938
(63649‑A) De‑7516 Sw S‑1220
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
New York, 22 Apr. 1938
(63650‑A) De‑7571 Sw S‑1220
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
New York, 22 Apr. 1938
(63651‑B) De‑7516 Sw S‑1220
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
New York, 22 Apr. 1938
(63652‑A) De‑7473 RBF RF‑8
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
New York, 22 Apr. 1938
(63653‑A) De‑7473 RBF RF‑8
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
New York, 22 Apr. 1938
(63654‑A) De‑7491 RBF RF‑1
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
Chicago, 4 June 1940
(93004‑A) De‑7789 Sw S‑1220
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
Chicago, 4 June 1940
(93005‑A) De‑7789 Sw S‑1220
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
Chicago, 4 June 1940
(93006‑A) De‑7814 Sw S‑1220
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
Chicago, 4 June 1940
(93007‑A) De‑7814 RBF RF‑8
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
Chicago, 4 June 1940
(93008‑A) De‑7766 Sw S‑1220
*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*
Chicago, 4 June 1940
(93009‑A) De‑7766 Sw S‑1220
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
Chicago, 24 Sept. 1941
(064916‑1) BB‑B8915 BC‑7
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
Chicago, 24 Sept. 1941
(064924‑1) BB‑B8871 RCA
LPV‑518
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
Chicago, 24 Sept. 1941
(064925‑1) BB‑B8871 RCA
LPV‑518
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
Chicago, 24 Sept. 1941
(064926‑1) BB‑B8950 RBF RF‑8
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
New York, 20 May 1931
(10651‑2) Or‑8080 His HLP‑8002
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
New York, 21 May 1931
(10659‑1) Ba‑32211 His HLP‑8002
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
New York, 21 May 1931
(10664‑1) Or‑8083 Yz L‑1015
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
New York, 21 May 1931
(10665‑2) Or‑8083 Yz L‑1015
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
Richmond, Ind., 20 Sept. 1929
(15650) Pm‑12855 Mil MLP‑2018
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
Atlanta, 21 Apr. 1928
(146174‑1) Co‑14342‑D
OJL‑6
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
Atlanta, 21 Apr. 1928
(146175‑2) Co‑14342‑D
OJL‑6
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
Chicago, c. 28 Jan. 1931
(C‑7238‑A) Me‑M12117
Yz L-1031
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
Chicago, c. 28 Jan. 1931
(C‑7239‑?) Me‑M12117 Yz L‑1031
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
Richmond, Ind., 14 Dec. 1927
(GEX‑1011‑A) Ge‑6352
OJL‑10
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
Richmond, Ind., 15 Dec. 1927
(GEX‑1019‑A) Ge‑6352
Rt RL‑334
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
New York, 23 July 1935
(17862‑2) ARC‑6‑01‑56
BC‑11
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
New York, 25 July 1935
(17863‑2) ARC‑35‑10‑32
BC‑6
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