Pre-war Blues Lyric Poetry: an Anthology
J - L
I Got What It Takes But It Breaks My Heart to Give It Away
Your Baby Ain't Sweet Like Mine
Baby Please Loan Me Your Heart
Little Cow and Calf Is Gonna Die Blues
If You Haven't Got Any Hay Get on Down the Road
Blind Lemon's Penitentiary Blues
Never Let Your Left Hand Know What Your Right Hand Do
You'll Never Miss Your Jelly Till Your Jelly Rollers Gone
Sweet Woman You Can't Go Wrong
I'm So Tired of Living All Alone
When You Fall For Someone That's Not Your Own
Baby Please Don't Leave Me No More
If I Let You Get Away With It Once You'll Do It All of the
Time
When a 'Gator Holler, Folk Say It's a Sign of Rain
If I Had Possession Over Judgment Day
Rolled From Side to Side Blues
Anybody Here Want to Try My Cabbage
You May Go, But You'll Come Back Some Day
Never Drive a Beggar from Your Door
Don't Put Your Dirty Hands on Me
How You Want Your Rollin' Done
Baby, Don't You Love Me No More
Nobody Knows You When You're Down and Out
My Wife Drove Me From the Door
(1850‑1) Pm‑12219 RBF RF‑9
I
love my baby : and my baby do love me
Get
away from my window : honey babe get away from my door
Honey
babe honey babe : why don't you tell me what you're going to do
I
ain't crazy about no yellow : I ain't no fool about no brown
Because
you can't tell the difference : mama when the sun goes down
I
got a wife got a girl : and I'm fooling on the outside too
(1851‑2) Pm‑12219 Yz L‑1029
Now
*look here Mr* ??? : *says you take a good drop*
???
: he done broke your heart
Put
you out : told you to go
You
never come back : to her house no more
Now
just trying : to throw it down
You
know : you the foolishest man in town
Keep
on talking : *to the will*
Says
you'll never : get to ??? *Bill*
Well
you can bring a lot of wood: you can bring in my clothes
You
can iron my shirts : you can bless my soul
(1893‑?) Pm‑12236 Yz L‑1029
Says
it ain't but the one thing : that grieve my mind
All
these women : and none is mine
Says
a little fish big fish : swimming in the water
Come
on back here man : and give me my quarter
It's
like hunting for a needle : in a bed of sand
Trying
to find a woman : haven't got no man
Three
barrels of your whiskey : four barrels of gin
Says
I have a papa home : and you can't come in
Says
God made a woman : and he made her mighty funny
Kiss
her on the mouth : just sweet as any honey
Now
who in the *ham* : *and the confoundation*
Been
sowing them potatoes : on my plantation
Now
the scariest I ever been : in my life
Uncle
??? caught me : kissing his wife
Now
if this was a coffeepot : and that was a spout
I'll
be the *worst* boy : to pour the coffee out
(10019‑3) Pm‑12259 Bio BLP‑12042
Now
the cat's got the measles : dog's got the whooping cough
Doggone
a man : let a woman be his boss
Now
I ain't no devil : crawl in a lion's den
But
my chief occupation : taking women from their monkey‑men
Says
I ain't good‑looking : my teeth don't shine like pearls
But
I've got something babe : to carry me through this big darn world
Now
I think I heard a rumbling : deep down in the ground
Well
it must have been the devil : chaining my good gal down
Now
the men don't like me : just because I speak my mind
But
the women cry papa : just because I take my time
(10020‑3) Pm‑12259 Bio BLP‑12042
I
saved it up : since the Lord knows when
I
ain't saved a thing : because of any of you men
I've
had it so long : I hate to lose it
Because
ever gets broke : I'll be able to use it
Now
when you're laying in jail : with your head in your arms
And
then you realize : your sweet mama's gone
(10042‑?) Pm‑12264 Yz L‑1029
Now
here's one thing : can't understand
Why
a bow‑legged woman : likes a knock‑kneed man
*Times*
way downtown : spread the news
State
Street women : wearing broken shoes
Now
I'm going away : to wear you off my mind
You
keep me broken‑hearted : mama all the time
Now
here's one thing : I can't understand
A
good‑looking woman : likes a workingman
Now
I don't see how : you *honky* women can *pace*
Shimmy
all day : without a bite to eat
Now
if it wasn't for the powder : store‑bought hair
State
Street women : couldn't go nowhere
Now
I went to the show : the other night
The
people on
I
ain't crazy about my brown : or about my brown
You
can't tell the difference : when the sun go down
When
you see two women : running hand by hand
You
bet your bottom dollar : she's got the other one's man
Now
run here mama : stay back in my home
If
your man catch you : I don't mean no harm
(10043‑?) Pm‑12264 Yz L‑1029
You
can always tell : when your good gal don't want to be seen
Because
your meals ain't ready : the house is never clean
Just
like hunting for a needle : buried in a bed of sand
That
is to find a woman : haven't got no man
Three
barrels of whiskey : mama four barrels of gin
She
said the *headknots* at home : daddy and you can't in
It
was early one morning : just at the close of four
When
Dolly Smith : knocked on Evelyn's door
She
jumped up sweet babe : tipped on across the floor
Hollering
long tall daddy : don't you knock no more
It
was in the loving kitchen : where they made the plot
For
to poison her father and her mother : in the coffeepot
Then
they carried the remains : throwed it out in the *shore*
Killed
fifteen chickens :
Policeman
said to Freddie : what do you know about this
Says
I guess : you'll have to go arrest poor Dolly Smith
Then
they carried poor dolly : put her behind the bar
Give
him thirty‑nine days : mama and that ain't all
Poor
evelyn's in jail : with her back turned to the wall
Hollering
cool kind daddy : you know you the cause it all
I'm
going to sing this time : ain't going to sing no more
Because
my throat's got dry : swear my tonsil's sore
(2120‑?) Pm‑12281 Yz L‑1029
Now
down in
There
ain't nothing to it : it is easy to do
Now
it ain't no
All
you got to do : is to shake that thing
Now
the old folks like it : the young folks too
The
old folks showing : the young folks how to do
Now
get back to me : and
Let
your mammy ??? you : just *all to do*
I
was walking downtown : and stumbled and fell
My
mouth jumped open : like a country well
Now
grandpa Johnson : grabbed sister Kate
He
shook her : just like you shake the *jelly from the wheat*
Now
old Uncle Jack : the jellyroll king
He
just got back : from shaking that thing
Now
old Uncle Moe : he's sick in bed
The
doctor says : he's almost dead
Now
the folks in
The
*hobo* ??? :
(2121‑?) Pm‑12281 Yz L‑1029
I
got plenty of whiskey : put them up on the shelf
But
I'm getting sick and tired : of doing ??? by my faking self
Now
tell me pretty mama : tell me please don't lie
Can
your sweet papa stop by here : or must I pass on by
I
got the faking blues : going to sing them anywhere I please
That's
the reason why : give my poor heart some ease
Lord
I'm going away mama : believe me it ain't stall
Because
I can get more women : than a passenger can haul
Lord
I'm going to the nation : buy me an Indian squaw
I'm
going to raise me a family : got me an Indian ma
I
got the faking blues : sing them anywhere I go
Tell
you the reason I sing them : my sweet mama don't love me no more
Lord
I went to the river : looking for a place to set down
I
thought about my faking jellyroll : come on back to town
(2144‑2) Pm‑12289 Yz L‑1029
Stood
on the corner : feet got soaking wet
I
was hollering and crying to every brown : to hell I'm at
I'm
Then
if you want me to love you babe : you got to leave this town
When
the rooster crowed : the hen looked around
Said
if you want me to love you babe : you got to run me down
Look
here pretty mama : who can your regular be
Says
the reason I'm *blacking out stalling* babe : you been so good to me
There's
a preacher in the pulpit : Bible in his hand
And
the sisters was back in the amen corner : hollering that's my man
Now
the boat's up the river : can't be floated down
But
she's *way on south* now darling babe :
Just
like a beefsteak beefsteak : ain't got no bone
Then
if a man like a good brownskin woman now babe : he ain't got no home
Elder
Green's in town : and he's going around
And
he's telling all the sisters and the brothers he meets : he's
Now
don't you leave me here : don't you leave me here
Just
before you and your partner get ready to go : leave a dime for beer
(2145‑1) Pm‑12289 Yz L‑1029
Now
I got a gal : works in the yard
She
brings me meat : she brings me lard
Only
thing : that keep me barred
People
she works for : don't allow me in the yard
Going
to tell you one thing : it's a natural fact
Want
you to come on home : and drop that sack
Now
I got a gal : she lives on the hill
Took
our corn : to the sugar mill
Still
I know : I wouldn't take no salt
I'll
grind your corn : into sweet jellyroll
I
asked for one : she brought me two
Down
to the crap game : me and you
Got
two dollars : my point was nine
Police
come a‑running : and the *chips* went flying
Said
I went to the Gypsy : to get me a hand
See
my gal walking : with another man
I
said you may go : you'll come back
If
you ever come back : you got to drop that sack
(2207‑2) Pm‑12305 Bio BLP‑12042
I
ain't good‑looking : and I don't dress cute
But
I just want to *break* : some good man's *opportune*
I
ain't no race horse : I ain't built for speed
But
I got everything : that a race horse papa needs
You
may fall from the mountain : down in the deep blue sea
You
ain't done no falling : till you fall in love with me
I
ain't no coalman : ain't no coalman's son
But
I can keep you warm : until your coalman comes
Won't
you tell me pretty mama : I won't have to wait
Will
I be your regular : or did I come too late
I
may look green : but I ain't no clown
I'm
just a red‑hot papa : just blowed in your town
(2208‑2) Pm‑12296 Bio BLP‑12042
Take
me back baby : you know I don't know my mind
For
when I'm mistreating you : I'm loving you all the time
I
walked the streets all day : hung my head and cried
I
laid awake all night : trying to make myself satisfied
There's
one thing honey : I want you to understand
That's
your time ain't long : if I catch you with another man
You
ain't good‑looking : and you don't dress fine
But
there ain't no reason : let some other man read my sign
Going
down to the river : honey don't you wear no black
Because
when you think I'm gone : I'll come creeping back
If
you don't want me : why don't you tell me why
Because
you flirting with the undertaker : I mean it ain't no lie
(2224‑2) Pm‑12305 Bio BLP‑12042
Got
a knock‑kneed mama : down in
She's
short and squatty : she's all right with me
Now
knock‑kneed mama : what you going to cook tonight
Whatever
you cook : just cook it right
You
got a face like a washboard : and a mouth like a tub
Teach
my mama : that washboard rub
Now
some people say : chitlings are good to eat
I'll
never eat chitlings : long as hog got feet
Takes
a long‑tailed monkey : a short‑tailed dog
To
do that dance : they call the falling off the log
Now
the monkey told the elephant : if he's not drunk
I
know you're sober : you got the tail in front
Now
the monkey told the elephant : you may be drinking wine
You
can't switch your tail : like I switch mine
(2288‑2) Pm‑12320 Bio BLP‑12042
I
was walking down Morgan : stopped on
I
asked the desk sergeant ??? police force : my gal ain't off of the street
I
couldn't talk to the desk sergeant : tell him *when and* where it took place
Because
I knew my mama : got arrested on
Lord
I'm talking about the wagon : talking about the ??? car too
Because
There's
Maxwell Street Market : got Water Street Market too
If
you ain't got no money : the women got nothing for you to do
I
got the
Because
the
I
live six twenty‑four Maxwell : mama and I'm talking about you
Because
I swear I don't walk : said Buly Buly Buly how do you
(2298‑1) Pm‑12320 Bio BLP‑12042
I
told you once : this makes twice
That's
the last time : don't you boil them rice
You
can brown your gravy : fry your steak
Sweet
mama : don't make no mistake
Just
sure as the winter : follows the fall
There
ain't no one woman : got it all
You
can meet a woman : that you can't understand
Must
be looking for you : or a monkey‑man
Now
cool kind mama : says you needn't've stalled
Throw
it out the window : I'll catch it before it falls
I
got the blues so bad : I couldn't sleep last night
My
cool kind mama : want to fuss and fight
Now
I'm so glad : that dog can talk
I
can't teach him : to take a morning's walk
Now
if you don't believe : that I can run mighty fast
Ask
that man : that run me last
(11031‑?) Pm‑12335 Yz L‑1029
I'm
If
you miss me on the local : look for me on the gine
My
suitcase is packed : my trunk's already home
Said
you can know by that : your sweet papa's going to be gone
Just
look around the corner : see that passenger train
Be
a long long time : before you see my face again
Takes
a good old fireman : a cool kind engineer
Now
to pull that train : take me away from here
I'm
Because
my sweet mama quit me : left me with the
(11069‑1) Pm‑12358 Bio BLP‑12042
Everybody
in town : got a butter and egg man but me
Tell
me please : Lord because I can't see
Come
here mama : sit down on your papa's knee
I'm
just a butter and egg man : you can easy get along with me
Why
don't you take me pretty mama : make something out of poor me
I'm
just a butter and egg man : just as soft as I can be
Well
it's butter and eggs butter and eggs : butter and eggs is all you crave
When
you die : put butter and eggs on your grave
Why
don't you take me pretty mama : let you treat me as you do
Because
my weakness is pretty women : keep me with the butter and egg blues
(2547‑1) Pm‑12375 Yz L‑1029
My
baby done quit me : and talk's all over town
I'm
too good a man : to let that talk go around
I'm
leaving today : going to leave this southern town
Because
my baby caught a plane : that was up the way bound
I
feel like jumping : from a treetop to the ground
To
get a flying start : and run my baby down
I'm
reeling and rocking : Lord howling like a hound
If
brownskin's the best : I'll *play a teasing brown*
Oh
feel like a dirty : feel like a dat dat dat
Doesn't
somebody know : where my baby at
I'm
going to grab me a train : beat it on up the line
I'm
going to ride : until I find that good‑goody woman of mine
(2613‑4) Pm‑12383 Yz L‑1029
Everybody's
talking : about the *gren??? day*
I
got one : with the sweetest ways
Your
baby : can roll her jelly fine
Nobody's
baby : can roll it like mine
Your
baby : ain't sweet like mine
She
bake her jellyroll : all the time
And
when I'm feeling : lonesome and blue
My
baby : know just what to do
Never
has a baby : put me outdoor
She
even buys me : all my clothes
I
don't want to brag : just want to put you in line
Your
baby : ain't sweet like mine
(2769‑3) Pm‑12422 Yz L‑1029
Tell
me tell me : please has anybody seen my brown
She
used to love me : till old fatmouth blew in town
She's
a long tall woman : with coal‑black curly hair
With
one gold tooth : then you'll know her anywhere
She
used to be mine : but the fatmouth has got her now
That's
a dirty mistreater : didn't mean me no good nohow
I'm
going to love you mama : till my whiskers pass the ground
When
you die : I'm going to keep on hanging around
I
bought all her clothes : I bought her a diamond ring
Then
along come a fatmouth : keep me shaking that thing
(4243‑1) Pm‑12461 Yz L‑1029
It
was early one morning : just about the break of day
Says
I thought I heard : my sweet baby say
You
can read a newspaper : you can't read a person's mind
But
when you think she's loving you : dropping you all the time
Now
baby you can tell me : just what are you to do
Now
I believe I'll go back : to my old‑time used‑to‑be
She's
long and she's tall : she's shaped just like a willow tree
And
the reason I love her : says she belongs to me
(4244‑2) Pm‑12461 Bio BLP‑12042
I
get up early in the morning : sweet mama and I comb and curry my horse
Because
I don't want nobody : not to *see my pause*
Then
I goed up to the coal pile : get me a friend to buy some coal
Then
I get on my wagon : *then I'm a coal‑traveling snow*
*I
ought to tell how much* for coal : thirty‑five cents a bag
And
if you want to know my name : just look around on my sack
I
got on my wagon : trying my best to sell my coal
My
baby's back home : serving my jellyroll
Now
a lot of your women : ought to be put in jail
Some
standing on the corner : trying to get themselves in jail
(4670‑1) Pm‑12501 Bio BLP‑12042
Now
I got a lady : by the name of Sue
She'd
like to know : just what to do
Now
when you what it : I agree
Don't
forget : to ask for me
Now
she's a woman : hard to beat
All
you got to do is dance : and stay on your feet
Now
you ain't good‑looking : you don't dress cute
You
got to keep a papa : for your personal use
Now
January February : and March too
The
women come along : and showed her just what to do
Now
a woman needn't think : she got a man by herself
A
man needn't think : he got a woman by himself
Now
tain't but one thing : that grieve my mind
All
these brownskins : none of them mine
(4671‑2) Pm‑12501 Bio BLP‑12042
I
know a man : he's on our street
He
don't do nothing : but eat and sleep
Now
he's a man : that I would love to meet
He's
always dressed up : and out in the street
Now
he don't drink whiskey : nothing sweet
When
it comes to pretty women : he sure loves to meet
*I'm
hot as the devil* : *I walk about the street*
All
that ??? : to the sweet man's *feet*
Now
he's a man : has a *copper* good to eat
He
always looks good : from his head to his feet
Now
when he walks into a place : and takes his seat
His
ways and actions : is hard to beat
(20604‑2) Pm‑12660 Bio BLP‑12042
I
ain't talking to one : I ain't talking to two
I'm
talking to the captain : and the whole doggone crew
Yes
she smokes the cigarettes : throws ashes in the tray
She's
a good woman : she likes to have her way
I'm
going away : won't be long
You
look for me : I'll be gone
(21045‑2) Pm‑12721 Bio BLP‑12042
Ain't
nothing in the jungle : that's any better than me
I'm
the baddest man : ever came from
I
slept with a panther : until just about the break of day
I
grabbed the wildcat in the collar : and asked the tiger what he had to say
I
wear a scorpion for my watch fob : a rattlesnake for my chain
I
scares a gorilla : and make him change his big ugly name
I
make a *sea tick* catch a freight train : I make a flea grab the mail
I
make a jumbo elephant : grab an airplane and sail
I
was traveling in a rowboat : drifting out in the sea
I
made a sea lion cub come back : and shake glad hands with me
Way
down in the forest : there's where I long to be
Because
ain't nothing in the jungle : that's any better than me
(21081‑2) Pm‑12736 Yz L‑1029
Now
you know baby : you know it's true
I
don't love : no one but you
I'm
going to tell you : just before we start
All
I want you to do : is to lone me your heart
I'm
going to ask you : now baby before you start
All
you got to do : is to lone me your heart
(41904‑2) Vi‑21268 Rt RL‑323
This
corn liquor ??? : there's plenty more to be made
Just
get a job at one of these stills : and you surely will be paid
I
tell you it's a mighty risk to run : and a mighty chance to take
To
spend your money : for the corn that the bootlegger makes
When
the bootlegger goes to his still : get ready to make his stuff
He
got his concentrated lye : cocaine and his snuff
I
went home the other night : I swore I wouldn't drink no more
Until
saloons come back with bottle and *bondy* : in the days of long ago
But
I see that will never be : so I just got drunk again
I
haven't nothing so long as corn liquor lasts : and I got no money to spend
(45416‑1) Vi‑V38505 His
HLP‑32
I'm
going to tell the sergeant : *he the* chief of police
The
women around here : won't let me see no peace
Because
I'm wild about my loving : and I like to have my fun
You
want to be a girl of mine baby : bring me whiskey when you come
Hello
Central : what's the matter with your line
I
want to talk : to that high brown of mine
I
don't want no sugar : stirred up in my tea
Because
the girl I want : is sweet enough for me
I
ain't no iceman : no iceman's son
But
I can keep you cool : till the iceman comes
I
ain't no fireman : and no fireman's son
But
I can keep you warm : until the fireman comes
I'm
going to tell you people : to listen to this song
I'm
going to see my gal : and it won't be long
(45417‑1) Vi‑V38003 His
HLP‑32
Oh
how she loved to dance : that old grizzly bear
I
guess she's gone to Frisco : to dance it there
Always
a sign : everybody know you through
The
more you do for people : the less they think of you
(45417‑2) Vi‑V38003 His
HLP‑5
Oh
how she loved to dance : that old grizzly bear
I
guess she's gone to Frisco : to dance it there
It's
always a sign : everybody knows it's true
The
more you do for people : the less they they think of you
(MEM‑804‑ ) Vo‑1477
Her H‑205
Hello
Central : what's the matter with your line
I
want to talk : to that high brown of mine
I'm
going to the river : with a rope and a rock
And
the way you treat me : I'm going to jump over the dock
Tell
me how long : will I have to wait
Can
I get you now : or must I hesitate
I'm
got something to tell you : and I know it ain't good news
Because
a hesitating woman : give me the hesitation blues
I'm
going to tell the sergeant : and the see the chief police
Because
the women around here : won't let me see no peace
I've
got a girl in
But
the girl in
I'm
got a girl in
But
the gal in
My
mother says I'm wicked : daddy says I'm wild
I
know I ain't good‑looking : but some woman's angel child
I'll
sing you these verses : and it didn't take long
If
you want to hear any more : you'll have to buy this song
(MEM‑805‑ ) Vo‑1477
Yz L‑1003
Well
I hates to see : that evening sun go down
Because
it makes me think : about my last go‑round
It
I'm feeling tomorrow : a‑like I feel today
I'm
going to pack my suitcase : and make my long get‑away
Because
the
She
leads a man around : by her apron string
If
it wasn't for powder : and this store‑bought hair
Oh
the girl I love : wouldn't go nowhere
A
redheaded woman : make a freight train jump the track
And
a black‑headed girl : will make a preacher ball the jack
(01893‑1) BB‑B7116 Yz L‑1015
I'm
a poor coal loader : I'm in the mine
Slave
for my woman : till I'm almost blind
I
work so hard : from dawn to dusk
Can't
find a woman : that I can trust
I
work so : from six to six
Kid‑man
wait : to get his business fixed
I
work every day : in the mine
Come
home at night : you got my best friend crying
The
food you cook : a hound dog sick
Woman
I swear : you's a no‑good chick
(90760‑ ) De unissued Yz L‑1028
Ah
wake up mama : wake up and don't sleep so sound
Give
me what you promised me : before you lay down
I
said get my tuni : only thing I love
Make
you weep like a willow : sling snot like a turtledove
Now
I've got a gal : and the kid live out on the hill
She
got good doing : serve to the one she may will
She
got good tuni : I'm a fool about my yam yam yam
Get
my yam yam yam : I'm going back to Alabam'
Now
come in here baby : and sit down in my lap
Sit
one side : I forgot to tell you I had the
Clap
your hands Charlie : Charlie where's you been so long
I
been down in
I
got a job in the freight house : trying to learn how to truck
A
box fell on me this morning : like to bust one of my
Nuthouse
for crazy folks : folks got sense don't go there
And
all the friends I had : done shook hands and left there
I
got a gal : and the kid playing deaf and dumb
But
the movements in her hip : will make a dead man
Come
on out my window : don't knock on my door
And
I told you two or three times : don't want you no more
Now
run in here baby : because I done got kind of sick
It
ain't nothing ailing my stomach : it's something wrong with my
Dixieland
was a camp in
All
the friends I had : done shook hands and gone
Now
here's a verse : I don't want a soul to miss
I
been taking charity grub : I've got to go outside
Shut
your mouth boy : four boys can't talk at once
And
I done told you two or three times : I don't want no junk
(90761‑A) De‑7213 AH‑158
I
heard the people say : Casey Jones can't run
I'm
going to tell you : what the poor boy done
Left
Got
to
Now
Casey Jones said : before he died
He
fixed the road : so a bum could ride
And
if he ride : he have to ride the rod
Rest
his heart : in the hand of God
Now
little girl says : mama is that a fact
Papa
got killed : on the I C track
Yes
yes honey : but hold your breath
Get
that money : from your daddy's death
When
the news reached town : Casey Jones was dead
Women
went home : and *had it* out in red
Slipping
and sliding : all across the streets
With
their loose mother hubbard : and their stocking feet
Now
Casey Jones : went from place to place
Another
train hit his train : right in the face
People
got off : but Casey Jones stayed on
Natural
policeman : but he dead and gone
Here
come the biggest boy : coming right from school
Hollering
and crying : like a doggone fool
Look
here mama : is our papa dead
Womens
going home : and *had it* out in red
*Low
cut* shoes : and their evening gowns
Following
papa : to the burying ground
Now
tell the truth mama : he say is that a fact
Papa
got killed : on the I C track
Quit
crying boy : don't do that
You
got another daddy : on the same damn track
(90762‑A) De‑7213 AH‑158
Lord
today has been : a long lonesome day
You
hear me talking to you : did you hear what I say
Lord
today has been : a long old lonesome day
And
now my rider : eee Lord will be the same old way
I've
been to the nation : around the territor'
You
hear me talking to you : you got to reap what you sow
I've
been all through the nation : and around the territor'
But
I found no heaven on earth : Lord nowhere I go
I'm
going to the big house : and I don't even care
Don't
you hear me talking to you : I'm scolding to my dear
I'm
going in the morning : and I don't even care
I
might get four or five years : Lord I might get the chair
Oh
stop and listen : see tomorrow bring
You
hear me talking to you : start to playing
You
better stop now and listen : and see what tomorrow brings
It
might bring you sunshine : Lord and it may bring rain
Some
got six months : some got a solid year
You
hear me talking to you : buddy what made you stop by here
Some
of them got six months partner : and some got a solid year
But
I believe my partner : Lord got a lifetime here
(L‑746‑1) Pm‑13088
Bio BLP‑12029
I'd
rather be the devil : to be that woman's man
Oh
nothing but the devil : changed my baby's mind
I
laid down last night : tried to take my rest
My
mind got to rambling : like the wild geese from the west
The
woman I love Lord : stoled her from my best friend
But
he got lucky : stoled her back again
(L‑747‑2) Pm‑13088
Bio BLP‑12029
I
would rather be buried : in some cypress grove
To
have some woman : Lord I can't control
And
I'm going away now : I'm going away to stay
That'll
be all right pretty mama : you going to need my help some day
Well
the sun going down : and you know what you promised me
And
what's the matter : baby I can't see
I
would rather be dead : and six feet in my grave
To
be way up here honey : treated this a‑way
Well
the old people told me : baby but I never did know
The
Good Book declares : we got to reap just what we sow
When
your knee bones aching : and your body cold
Well
you just getting ready : honey for the cypress grove
(L‑748‑2) Pm‑13065
Bio BLP‑12029
I
love my cherry ball : better than I love myself
She
gets so she don't love me : she won't love nobody else
Cherry
ball quit me : she quit me in a calm good way
Lordy
what to take to get her : I carries it every day
Sure
as that spider : hanging on the wall
I
warned little old cherry ball : she was *falling out cold*
I'll
catch the Southern : and she'll take the
I'm
going to ride and ramble : till cherry come back to me
(L‑752‑2) Pm‑13065
Bio BLP‑12029
Hard
times here : everywhere you go
Times
is harder : than ever been before
Well
the people are drifting : from door to door
Can't
find no heaven : I don't care where they go
Let
me tell you people : just before I go
These
hard times will kill you : just dry long so
When
you hear me singing : my so lonesome song
These
hard times : can last us so very long
If
I ever get off : this killing floor
I'll
never : get down this low no more
If
you say you had money : you better be sure
Because
these hard times will drive you : from door to door
Sing
this song : and I ain't going to sing no more
Hard
times will drive you : from door to door
(L‑760‑2) Pm‑13098
Yz L‑1001
I
ain't got no : special rider here
Ain't
got nobody : nobody feel my care
I
woke up this morning : looked at the special rising sun
I
prayed to the Lord : my special rider would come
I'm
going tell you something : to ease your trouble in mind
*Them
whiskey women* : *give* trouble all the time
Now
*honey* : what more can I do
Hear
you done call : the easy rider special blues
Grafton, Wis., c. Feb. 1931
(L‑763‑1) Pm‑13085
Bio BLP‑12029
Hey
hey hey hey : hey hey hey hey hey
And
every cow's calf man : honey he was born to die
I
going to take my heifer :
If
you see my rider : tell her carry on carry on
I
wring my hands : baby and I want to scream
And
I woke up : I found out it was all a dream
Hey
hey hey : I ain't going to be here long
That's
the reason why you hear me : sing my old lonesome song
Hey
hey hey hey : hey hey hey hey hey
And
every cow's calf : honey got to lay down and die
I
walked the levee : I just walked end to end
I
just want to find : my cow again
I'm
stealing I'm stealing : back to my used‑to‑be
Hey
pretty mama : please don't tell on me
(L‑765‑1) Pm‑13066
Bio BLP‑12029
If
I send for my baby : and she don't come
All
the doctors in West *Conton* : they won't help her none
And
if she gets unruly : and she don't want to do
Take
my thirty‑two twenty : I cut her half in two
You
talk about your forty‑four forty : buddy it'll do very well
But
my twenty‑two twenty : Lord is a burning hell
Now
that thirty‑eight special : buddy it's most too light
But
my twenty‑two twenty : make the *camp* go right
Hey
hey hey : and I can't take my rest
And
my forty‑four : laying up and down my breast
(L‑766‑1) Pm‑13066
Bio BLP‑12029
If
you haven't any hay : get on down the road
Get
your habit in your hand mama : Lord Lord get on down the road
I'm
going I'm going : coming here no more
If
I go to
If
you haven't any hay : get on down the road
I'm
going I'm going : coming back no more
Hitch
up my buggy : saddle up my black mare
You'll
find me riding : mama Lord Lord in this world somewhere
(C‑3585‑ ) Vo‑1539
Yz L‑1039
Folks
I'm going to tell you : about a brand new song
I'm
going to beat some dirt : and it won't take long
Well
they cool it on
You
ought to hear the frogs on
Now
the folks down east : are crying Lord Lord Lord
Gang
in the west : say the cops is so hard
Well
I went down to
Saw
the sweetbacks and the strutters : all raising sand
I
went to a good‑time flat : last Saturday night
The
cops knocked on the door : everybody made their flight
I
met myself a good gal : she said she was fifty‑one
She
started to loving and squeezing : I thought she say son you just begun
Now
a yellow gal is like a frigid zone : brownskin's about the same
You
want some good loving : get yourself an old Crow Jane
Now
I ain't no janitor : no fireman's son
But
I can keep your boiler hot : till the superintendent come
(
) Vo‑1420 Yz L‑1039
Come
on and let me know : who you are
Do
that dance : called the *don't be long*
Do
the
Turn
right around : go the other way
Put
your hands on your hips : and let your mind move on
Holler
like you did : the first day you was born
Do
the black snake wriggle : and the frog hop
Take
it to the attic : if it gets too hot
Now
old sister Sue : *got* heavy a load
She
likes to do it : because she got kind of cold
*Hatsie
Gray* : and old friend Lou
Some
day : this thing's going to happen to you
(C‑6079‑A) Vo‑1540
Mel MLP‑7324
I've
got a gal : she's low and squatty
I
mean boys : she'll suit anybody
Last
night : she loved me for a while
You
could hear me holler : mmm for a while
Sometimes
she makes me sneeze : sometimes she makes me cough
Lord
you ought to see her : when she starting me off
Last
night : while I was sound asleep
I
felt a funny feeling : from my head to my feet
She
was born in
Came
all the way from
(65608‑A) De‑7619 AH‑158
Ain't
you getting tired : of [trying to cheat, cheating] on your papa hon'
Corrine
: you the meanest gal I ever seen
Corrine
: she just about five feet tall
She
sleeps in the kitchen : one foot in the hall
I've
got a corrine in
Got
a corrine in
(2471‑1) Pm‑12354 Bio BLP‑12000
I
walked from
After
I lost my sugar : I wasn't going to walk at all
Women
see you coming : they go get their rocking chair
I
want to fools this man : and make out he's welcome here
So
cold in
You
didn't make me mad : till you broke my diamond ring
I'm
going to grab my sugar : papa don't care what you do
I
know my baby : she's going to jump and shout
When
she gets a letter from Lemon : I wrote her two days out
Tell
me what's the matter : [papa Lemon, I] can't get no mail
Mama
said last night : don't let a black cat cross your trail
I
got up this morning : the blues all around my bed
Went
in to eat my breakfast : and the blues all in my bread
(2472‑2) Pm‑12354 Bio BLP‑12000
Well
the blues come to
You
take a high brown woman : man she's hard to fool
You
can't never tell : what a woman's got on her mind
You
might think she's crazy about you : but she leaving you all the time
Ain't
so good‑looking : your teeth don't shine like pearls
But
that nice disposition : carry a woman all through the world
I'm
going to the river : going to carry my rocking chair
Going
to ask that gal for a ??? : *how* the worried blues left here
I
think I heard : my good gal call my name
She
couldn't call so loud : but she calls so nice and plain
I
was raised in
High‑stepper
you can't make : no fatmouth out of me
Can't
a woman act funny : quit you for another man
Can't
go look down the street : but she's always raising sand
(2474‑1) Pm‑12347 Bio BLP‑12000
My
right foot itches : something going on wrong
My
right foot itching me : and I just can't stay here long
I
thought I'd write : but it's the best to telephone
For
that fast mail train : can carry your sugar so far from home
Girl
I can't live right : ain't going to try no more
This
woman's left town : and she ain't coming back no more
I
went to the depot : and I set my suitcase down
I
thought about my baby : and tears come rolling down
I
said ticket agent : how long your train been gone
Say
yon go the train : that this fair brown left here on
I
couldn't buy [me] no ticket : but I walked on to the door
Well
my baby left town : she ain't coming here no more
I
got up this morning : my sure‑enough on my mind
I
had to raise a conversation with the landlady : to keep from crying
Excuse
me woman : I won't say that no more
I'm
fixing to leave town : and hang crepe on your door
(2475‑1) Pm‑12347 Bio BLP‑12000
Well
my mind leads me : to take a trip down south
Take
a trip down south : *it's tough to spend my round*
A
train left the depot : with a red and blue light behind
Well
the blue light's the blues : the red light's the worried mind
I
hate to tell you : it ain't nobody there
If
a man stay here : he stay most anywhere
I
got up this morning : rambling for my shoes
The
little woman : sung me a song of her worried blues
Uncle
Sam wasn't no woman : but didn't he grab your man
Tell
me them good‑looking womens : is on the border raising sand
Well
women on the border : drinking out of the water trough
I
wish uncle Sam would hurry up : and pay these soldiers off
I
can't drink coffee : and the woman won't make no tea
I
believe to my soul : sweet mama going to hoodoo me
I
asked the girl did she love me : she said Lemon I don't know how
Caught
me *commentating* : yes I love you *sky high*
She
has feet like a monkey : head like a teddy bear
And
a mouthful of lip : I guarantee it's everywhere
I
got a girl in
I
got a brown yonder in
(2543‑1) Pm‑12367 Mil MLP‑2004
[Tell
me, I want to know] what time : do the trains come through your town
I
want to laugh and talk : with a long‑haired teasing brown
One
goes south at eight : and it's one goes north at nine
I
got to have a good talk : with that long‑haired brown of mine
Go
and get my black horse : and saddle up my grey mare
I'm
going home to my good gal : she's in the world somewhere
I
can't count the times : that I'm so unsatisfied
Sugar
the blues ain't on me : but things ain't going on right
(2544‑2) Pm‑12367 Mil MLP‑2004
See
see rider : you see what you done done
Made
me love you : and now your friend is come
A
great tall engine : and a little small engineer
Carried
the woman away Lord : and left me standing here
If
I had a‑listened : to my second mind
I
don't believe I'd a‑been here : wringing my hands and crying
Ain't
no more good 'taters : the frost have killed the vine
The
blues ain't nothing : but a good woman on your mind
I
done told you woman : I been telling your partner too
You're
three times seven : and you know what you want to do
If
you see Corinna : tell her to hurry home
I
ain't had no true love : since Corinna been gone
(2558‑2) Pm‑12373 Mil MLP‑2007
So
many wagons : they have cut that good road down
And
the girl I love : her mama don't want me around
Baby
I can't drink whiskey : but I'm a fool about my homemade wine
Ain't
no sense in leaving
These
here women want these men : to act like some boxer dog
Grab
a pick and shovel : and roll from sun to sun
I
got a girl for Monday Tuesday : Wednesday Thursday Friday too
I'm
going to sweeten up on Saturday : what are the women through the week going to
do
Don't
look for me on Sunday : I want to take pigmeat to Sunday school
She's
a fine looking fair brown : but she ain't never learned Lemon's rule
(3016‑4) Pm‑12394 Bio BLP‑12000
Listen
here mama : I'll be good
Drink
your wine : cut your wood
When
I had you : you wouldn't do
Now
I got another : and I don't want you
Every
evening :
*Hobbling
along* : *with my gait*
Working
in the spring : *sleeping in the sand*
Got
to get that fifty dollars : that I wish I had
You
may think : because you're black
I'm
going to beg you : to take me back
I
went a‑walking : down the line
To
see if this woman : changed her mind
She
turned around : two or three times
Take
you back : in the wintertime
(3018‑?) Pm‑12394 Rt RL‑306
I
ain't going to marry : ain't going to [be no settling, settle] down
I'm
going to stay like I am : going to ride from town to town
There's
a house over yonder : painted all over green
Going
to find these young women : that a man most ever seen
I'm
going to run to town : talk with that chief of police
Tell
him my good gal has quit me : and I can't live in no peace
My
home's in
I'm
just stopping around : to have a drink of a little drink of beer
I
went home last night : fell down on my bed
I
got to dreaming so : I was talking all out of my head
(3066‑1) Pm‑12407 Mil MLP‑2013
Somebody
: just keep on calling me
She
got hair : like a mermaid on the sea
Make
me down a pallet : on your floor
Make
it ??? and easy : make it down by your door
I
can't stay away : I done cried the whole night long
The
good woman I love : she done packed her trunk and gone
Don't
mistreat me : because I'm young and wild
Sister
you ought to remember : that you once was a child
I
don't feel welcome : and I don't care where I go
The
woman I love : she drove me from her door
Said
fair brown : where did you stay last night
Your
hair's all down : and you know you ain't talking right
I'm
a stranger here : just come in on the train
Won't
some good man : tell me some woman's name
(3067‑2) Pm‑12407 Mil MLP‑2013
Oh
: ain't got no mama now
She
told me late last night : you don't need no mama nohow
Mmm
: black snake crawling in my room
Some
pretty mama : better come and get this black snake soon
Oh
that must've been a bedbug : baby a chinch can't bite that hard
Asked
my sugar for fifty cents : she said Lemon ain't a dime in the yard
Mama
that's all right : mama that's all right for you
Mama
that's all right : most any old way you do
Mmm
: what's the matter now
Sugar
what's the matter : don't like no black snake nohow
Mmm
: wonder where my black snake gone
Black
snake mama : done run my darling home
(3070‑1) Pm‑12425 Rt RL‑301
What
you going to do : when they send your man to war
I'm
going to drink muddy water : go sleep in a hollow log
Ain't
got nobody : I'm all here by myself
Well
these women don't care : but the men don't need me here
Well
I'm going to the river : going to walk it up and down
If
I don't find *fourteen* : I'm going to jump overboard and drown
If
I could shine my light : like a headlight on some train
I
would shine my light : in Corinna's brain
Well
they tell me that southbound train : had a wreck last night
You
little section foreman : ain't treating your railroad right
Well
the girl I love : is the one I crave to see
Well
she's living in
Now
tell me woman : what have I said and done
You
treat me : like my trouble have just begun
(3076‑?) Pm‑12443 Mil MLP‑2007
I
am broke and hungry : ragged and dirty too
Mama
if I clean up : can I go home with you
I
am motherless fatherless : sister and brotherless too
Reason
I'm trying so hard : to make the trip with you
You
miss me woman : count the days I'm gone
I'm
going away : to build me a railroad of my own
I
feel like jumping : through the keyhole in your door
If
you jump this time baby : you won't jump no more
I
believe : my good gal have found my black cat bone
I
can leave here Sunday morning : Monday morning I'm sitting around home
I
want to show you women : what careless love have done
Caused
a man like me : steal way away from home
Girl
if you don't want me : why don't you let me know
So
I can leave at once : and hunt me somewhere else to go
(3077‑2) Pm‑12454 Mil MLP‑2007
I've
got your picture : and I'm going to put it in a frame
And
then if you leave town : we can find you just the same
Now
if you don't love me : please don't dog me around
If
you dog me around : I know you put me down
I
know my baby : thinks the world and all of me
Every
time she smiles : she shines her light on me
Oh
I said fair brown : something's going on wrong
This
here woman I love : she's done been here and gone
Oh
listen fair brown : don't you want to go
Going
to take you across the water : where that brownskin man can't go
Lord
I'm worried here : worried everywhere
Now
I just started home : and I'll not be worried there
Lord
I'm tired of being married : tired of this settling down
I
only want to stay like I am : and slip from town to town
(3088‑2) Pm‑12425 Bio BLP‑12015
I
drived to the station : woman I bid you all adieu
Tell
me : you always got a fatmouth following you
Now
my baby quit me : and she done throwed me down
I
wouldn't hate it so bad : but that talk is all over town
She's
a long tall woman : she got relatives in
She
ain't so good‑looking : but boys them dimples is *going to draw*
I
cried all night : and all that night before
Know
it's the best to get single : then you won't have to cry no more
I
got ten little puppies : I got twelve little shaggy hounds
Well
it just takes them twenty‑two dogs : to run my good gal down
I
got a girl in *
I
may live in Magnolia
Some
joker learned my baby : how to shift gears on a Cadillac Eight
If
you ever shift that habit : now I can't keep my business straight
(3089‑1) Pm‑12454 Mil MLP‑2004
Blues
jumped a rabbit : run him one solid mile
This
rabbit sat down : cried like a natural child
Well
it seem like you hungry : honey come and lunch with me
I
want to stop these married‑looking women : from worrying me
I
have Uneeda biscuits here : and a half a pint of gin
The
gin is mighty fine : them biscuits are a little too thin
[Baby
tell me something, I want to know] : about those meatless and wheatless days
This
not being my home : I don't think I could stay
I
cried for flour and meat : I declare it was gone
Keep
a‑feeding me corn bread : I just can't stick around long
Got
an airplane baby : now I'm going to get a submarine
Going
to get that Kaiser : and we'll be seldom seen
Mmm
hitch me to your buggy mama : drive me like a mule
Reason
I'm going home with you sugar : I ain't much hard to be fooled
(3090‑2) Pm‑12443 Mil MLP‑2007
I
want to go home : and I ain't got sufficient clothes
I
bet my money : and I lost it Lord it's dough
I'll
never bet : on this old trey game no more
Oh
my ??? *gambler's* gone : why don't you quit crying
That
joker stole off : with that long‑haired brown of mine
Sister
you catch the Katy : I'll catch that
When
you get to
The
woman I love : why she's five feet from the ground
She's
a tailor‑made woman : she ain't no hand‑me‑down
I
ain't seen my sugar : in two long weeks today
Girl
it's been so long : seems like my heart going to break
I'm
going to run across town : catch that southbound
Be
on my way : to what you call loving
(80523‑B) OK‑8455 Fwy FJ‑2802
Hey
: ain't got no mama now
She
told me late last night : you don't need no mama nohow
Mmm
: black snake crawling in my room
And
some pretty mama : had better come and get this black snake soon
Oh
that must have been a bedbug : you know a chinch can't bite that hard
Asked
my baby for fifty cents : she said Lemon ain't a dime in the yard
Mama
that's all right : mama that's all right for you
Said
baby that's all right : most any old way you do
Mmm
: what's the matter now
Tell
me what's the matter baby : I don't like no black snake nohow
Well
: wonder where's that black snake gone
Lord
that black snake mama : done run my darling home
(80524‑B) OK‑8455 RBF RF‑1
I'm
going to the river : going to walk down by the sea
I
got those tadpoles and minnows : arguing over me
Sitting
here wondering : would a matchbox hold my clothes
I
ain't got so many matches : but I got so far to go
Lord
mama : who may your manager be
He
asked so many questions : can you make arrangements for me
I
got a brown across town : she crochet all the time
Baby
if you don't quit crocheting : you going lose your mind
I
wouldn't mind marrying : but I can't stand settling down
I'm
going to act like a preacher : so I can ride from town to town
I'm
leaving town : crying won't make me stay
Baby
the more you cry : the further you drive me away
(4423‑2) Pm‑12474 Mil MLP‑2004
Now
tell me : where my easy rider's gone
Now
easy riding woman : always in the wrong
Well
easy rider : died on the road
I'm
a poor blind man : ain't got nowhere to go
It's
going to be the time : that a woman don't need no man
Then
baby shut your mouth : and don't be raising sand
The
train I ride : don't burn no coal at all
The
coal I'm burning : everybody says it's cannonballs
I
mean I went to the depot : and set my suitcase down
The
blues overtake me : and tears come rolling down
The
woman I love : she must be out of town
She
left me this morning : with a face that's full of frowns
I
got a gal across town : she crochets all the time
Baby
if you don't quit crocheting : you going to lose your mind
Said
fair brown : what's the matter now
You
turn your back to quit me : woman and you don't know how
(4424‑2) Pm‑12474 Mil MLP‑2004
I'm
sitting here wondering : will a matchbox hold my clothes
I
ain't got so many matches : but I got so far to go
Brown
across town : going to be my teddy bear
Put
that thing on me : and I'll follow you everywhere
I
say a peg leg woman : just can't hardly get her dough
I
left one in Lakeport last night : and I'm selling jellyroll
I
don't see why : these women treat me so mean
Sometimes
I think : a good man these women ain't never seen
Well
I got up this morning : with my [sure‑enough, same thing] on my mind
The
woman I love : she keeps a good man worried all the time
Now
tell me mama : who may your manager be
I
asked so many questions : can't you make arrangements for me
(4446‑4) Pm‑12474 Bio BLP‑12000
I'm
sitting here wondering : will a matchbox hold my clothes
I
ain't got so many matches : but I got so far to go
I
said fair brown : who may your manager be
He
asked so many questions : can't you make arrangements for me
I
got a girl across town : she crochets all the time
Sugar
the blues ain't on me : but things ain't going on right
Mama
if you don't quit crocheting : you going to lose your mind
I
can't count the times : I stoled away and cried
If
you want your [lover, baby] : you better pin him to your side
If
she flag my train : papa Lemon's going to let her ride
Ain't
seen my good gal : in three long weeks today
Lord
it's been so long : seems like my heart going to break
Excuse
me mama : for knocking on your door
If
my mind don't change : I'll never knock here no more
(4491‑5) Pm‑12487 Mil MLP‑2007
Backwater
rising : southern people can't make no time
And
I can't get no hearing : from that
Water
all in
If
I don't leave
People
since it's raining : it has been for nights and days
Thousand
people stands on the hill : looking down where they used to stay
Children
stand there screaming : mama we ain't got no home
Papa
says to children : black water left us all alone
Backwater
rising : come in my windows and doors
I
leave with a prayer in my heart : backwater won't rise no more
(4515‑2) Pm‑12510 Rt RL‑301
I
hate to hear : my good gal call my name
She
don't call so loud : but she call so nice and plain
Lord
the train I ride : eighteen coaches long
And
the girl I love : she's just now leaving home
Well
a high brown girl : loves to ride away somewhere
If
a man is worthy : she would make you a millionaire
Don't
never drive : a stranger away from your door
It
could be your best friend : mama you don't know
Don't
tell no stories : please don't tell no lies
Did
my gal stop here : Lord did the mama keep on by
Oh
if you don't love me : pretty mama don't run no stall
There's
a whole lots of women : *just ran through your brown's hall*
(4567‑2) Pm‑12487 Mil MLP‑2007
I'm
going to make friends : with the fish in the deep blue sea
And
stop the
Come
here pretty mama : going to take you far across the pond
I'm
going to make my stop in
These
women in
But
these women from
I
said fair brown : let me be your teddy bear
Tie
a string on my neck : and I'll follow everywhere
(4577‑2) Pm‑12510 Bio BLP‑12015
Black
snake is deceitful : crawling in all in my bed
I
had a dream last night : black snake is killed my baby dead
Hey
hey mama : black [snake's lying, snake is] all in my hall
And
if you quit me mama : you can't see that black snake at all
Listen
here mama : black snake is wearing my clothes
And
I told you about it : and you put my trunk outdoors
Take
me back mama : I [won't, can't] be bad no more
And
you can get my loving : if you let that black snake go
Black
snake crawl out : he said he don't mean no harm
But
I'm getting tired of that black snake : lying in my baby's arms
Chicago, c. Sept. 1927
(20039‑2) Pm‑12541 Rt RL‑335
I'm
going away : now don't you want to go
I'm
going to stop at a place : I haven't never been before
I
ain't got no watch : I ain't got no *China spoon*
Reason
I'm hanging around here : man I'm sticking here dry long so
If
you got a sweet woman : you better love her while you can
For
your heart strike sorrow : when I come back to town again
I
lie down last night : rolled from side to side
Say
that the blues ain't on me : but things ain't going on right
I
drink so much whiskey : I travel in my sleep
For
that brown across town : I declare she is worrying me
I
believe I'll sing this song : ain't going to sing no more
Going
to leave town : and hang crepe on your door
Chicago, c. Sept. 1927
(20040‑2) Pm‑12541 Bio BLP‑12015
Well
the train's ??? : track's all out of line
And
I commence to how I want to : catch that Number Nine
I'm
worried and bothered : don't know what to do
Reason
I'm worried and bothered : it's all on account of you
When
I left home : I left my baby crying
She
keeps me worried : and bothered in the mind
Now
don't your house look lonesome : when your baby pack up and leave
You
may drink your moonshine : but baby your heart ain't free
If
you take my rider : I can't get mad with you
Just
like you taken mine : I'll take someone else's too
I
got a girl in Texas : I got a brown in Tennessee
Lord
but that brown in Chicago : have put that jinx bug on me
Chicago, c. Oct. 1927
(20064‑1) Pm‑12551 Bio BLP‑12015
I
never feel uneasy : I know how you love your tricks
You
leave town the spate of ten days : you got your business well fixed
I
wonder if the chinches bite in Beaumont : bite like they do in Beale Street
town
The
first night I stayed in Memphis : chinch bugs turned my bed around
I
had to get sinful with the bedbugs : to keep the chinches from taking my life
Because
the chinches got my number : wrote a letter to my wife
My
wife caught me easing : way across that Richland Road
The
next time I go to slip out : I ain't going to leave on the light anymore
My
wife has quit me : and my best pigmeat gal has too
All
of ??? *Lord* : here with the chinch bug blues
Chicago, c. Oct. 1927
(20065‑2) Pm‑12551 Bio BLP‑12015
There's
a brown across town : and she's taller as a sycamore tree
That's
the gal'd walk through the rain and snow : for to ease that thing on me
Brownskin
girl is deceitful : till she gets you all worn down
She
get all your pocket change : she going drive you from her town
Went
home last night : found a note in my brownskin's door
Daddy
*stay long* has got your room : man you can't live here no more
I
[begun to walk, commenced walking] : walked till my feet got soaking wet
Trying
to find good home mama : man I ain't found none yet
Well
the sun's going to shine : in my back door some day
Ah
it's one more drink : going to drive these blues away
Lord
it's heavy‑hipped mama : and the meat shakes on the bone
Every
time it shakes : it's a sign my baby's home
Chicago, c. Oct. 1927
(20066‑?) Pm‑12593 Mil MLP‑2007
Burn
the railroad down : so that Sunshine Special can't run
I
got a gang of women : man they ride from sun to sun
Same
old fireman : going to keep this same old engineer
So
that Sunshine Special : is going to run me on away from here
Going
to leave on the Sunshine Special : going in on the Santa Fe
Going
to *set up and stop* that Katy : because it's taking my brown from me
Going
to ride that kansas Texas : right on to San Antone
Somebody's
been trying to fire your engines : man ever since you been gone
Cotton
Belt is a slow train : also that I and C N
If
I leave Texas anymore : going to leave on that L and N
Chicago, c. Oct. 1927
(20076‑2) Pm‑12593 Mil MLP‑2007
I
had a dream last night : all about my gal
You
can tell by that : sweet papa ain't been so well
I'm
going away mama : just to wear you off my mind
So
if I live in Chicago : murder's going to be my crime
This
house is lonesome : my baby left me all alone
If
your heart ain't rock : sugar it must be marble stone
I
got the blues so bad : it hurts my feet to walk
It
has settled on my brain : and it hurts my tongue to talk
Chicago, c. Feb. 1928
(20363‑2) Pm‑12666 Mil MLP‑2013
Take
Fort Worth for your dressing : and Dallas all for your sal
So
you want to go to the state penitentiary : go to Grossbeck for your trial
I
hung around Grossbeck : I work in hard showers of rain
I
never felt the least bit uneasy : till I caught that penitentiary bound train
I
used to be a drunkard : rowdy everywhere I go
If
ever I get out of this trouble I'm in : man I won't be rowdy no more
Boys
don't be bad : please don't crowd your mind
If
you get in trouble in Grossbeck : they going to send you to penitentiary flying
I
want you to stop and study : don't take nobody's life
They
got walls at the state penitentiary : you can't jump man as hard as you try
Chicago, c. Feb. 1928
(20364‑2) Pm‑12608 Bio BLP‑12015
I
walked to the jail with my partner : asked him how come he's here
I
had a *ruckus* with my family : they going to send me to the electric chair
I
wonder why they electrocute a man : *if he ??? line*
Because
the current's much stronger : *when they send it straight out on the line*
*I
said to the electrocutor* : *awful lousy crime*
And
my baby asked the judge : was he going to electrocute that man of mine
Going
to get me a taxi : to take me away from here
I
don't know but one thing in this world : could keep me *married* to the
electric chair
I
feel like jumping in the ocean : I feel like jumping in the deep blue sea
There
wasn't no blood left in my heart : and they brought my electrocuted daddy to me
Chicago, c. Feb. 1928
(20375‑3) Pm‑12622 Mil MLP‑2004
I'm
going to tell you why : I got Lemon's lowdown worried blues
I
left my meal ticket down at ??? : my pot of chitlings boiling a little past noon
Lord
I'm worried here : worried everywhere I go
I
worried my rider so late last night : she had a mule wagon backed up to my door
I
woke up this morning : took a walk till the break of day
I
asked for a woman to marry me : and I just made my get‑away
I
woke up this morning : woke up about half past ten
Ease
my head in the window : she's singing Lemon's worried blues again
Worried
so bad : can't tell my stockings from my shoes
I
lay down last night : with Lemon's lowdown worried blues
Lord
what makes that [banty] rooster : he keeps crowing for the dawn of day
His
man better watch his footsteps for the hen : now doggone his ways
Chicago, c. Feb. 1928
(20380‑2) Pm‑12631 Mil MLP‑2007
I
feel like jumping : through the keyhole in your door
If
you jump this time baby : you won't jump no more
I
feel like falling : from treetops to the ground
My
rider's got a mean jumper : and he don't allow me around
I
go there early in the morning : and I goes there late at night
Don't
care how late I goes there : he hasn't ever turned down his light
I
believe he's looking for me : he's up all hours at night
She
used to be my rider : and he ain't treating her right
I
met this jumper one morning : he was out on the out edge of town
I
had to talk and plead : for to keep him from blowing me down
Chicago, c. Feb. 1928
(20381‑3) Pm‑12631 Mil MLP‑2007
I
got up this morning : sure was feeling fine
I
heard a rap at the door : must be that bad cat woman of mine
She
was fussing she was fighting : and acting like a doggone fool
And
hemming and a‑hawing : and acting just like a balky mule
Bad
cat ain't no wildcat : and he's going to stay home at night
But
when it comes to squabbling : he sure can scratch and bite
I
got up this morning : I was easing across this floor
Now
my bad cat's leaving me : ain't going to catch my mice no more
I
was standing on the corner : when they brought me the bad cat news
Now
here come my bad cat mama : to run me away with them bad cat blues
Chicago, c. Feb. 1928
(20387‑2) Pm‑12639 Mil MLP‑2007
Hey
hey mama : that rider's done and gone
I
just can't see : what in the world is you waiting on
I've
got another mama : she ain't long and up tall
But
to tell you the truth man : she is as soft as a butterball
She
got Elgin movements : from her head down to her toe
And
she can break in on a dollar : man most anywhere she goes
She
was my best mama : but she wouldn't treat me right
She
wouldn't do nothing : but barrelhouse all night long
I'm
going to get me a mama : I mean with lots of bucks
I'm
going to be gone mama : so I can change my luck
Chicago, c. Feb. 1928
(20388‑2) Pm‑12622 Mil MLP‑2004
Getting
tired of sleeping : in this lowdown lonesome cell
Lord
I wouldn't've been here : if it hadn't've been for Nell
Lay
awake at night : and just can't eat a bite
Used
to be my rider : but she just won't treat me right
Got
a red‑eyed captain : and a squabbling boss
Got
a mad dog sergeant : honey and he won't knock off
I
asked the government : to knock some days off my time
Well
the way I'm treated : I'm about to lose my mind
I
wrote to the governor : please turn me a‑loose
Since
I didn't get no answer : I know it ain't no use
I
hate to turn over : and find my rider gone
Walked
across my floor : Lordy how I moan
Lord
I wouldn't've been here : if it hadn't've been for Nell
I'm
getting tired of sleeping : in this lowdown lonesome cell
Chicago, c. Feb. 1928
(20407‑2) Pm‑12666 Mil MLP‑2013
I
wonder why : my partner sitting around looking sad
I
mean the woman if she quit me : it's going to be too black bad
She's
a fair made woman : and she's cunning as a squirrel
When
she starts to loving : man it's out the world
Oh
she's a dark brownskin : we always call her chocolate drop
If
the fool starts a‑loving : man it just won't stop
When
I first met the woman : I says I hadn't made no hit
She
got this old‑fashioned loving : man it just won't quit
I
met her at a *sociable* : she acts just like a crook
Lord
when she starts to loving : man it ain't in the book
Chicago, c. Mar. 1928
(20408‑2) Pm‑12650 Mil MLP‑2004
Lord
heavy‑hipped mama : she done moved to the piney wood
She's
a high‑stepping mama : and she don't mean no man no good
She
got ways like the devil : and hair like a Indian squaw
She
been trying two years : to get me to be her son‑in‑law
Big
mama : own everything in her neighborhood
But
when she made the money : is when she lived in the piney wood
Blues
in my kitchen : blues in my dining room
And
some nice young fair brown : had better come here soon
Well
the cook's in the kitchen : picking and fussing over turnip greens
White
folks in the parlor playing cards : and they're serving their cake and tea
My
baby loves my baby : like a cow loves to chew her cud
But
that fool just off and left me : she done moved to the piney wood
Chicago, c. June 1928
(20636‑1) Pm‑12650 Mil MLP‑2004
I
love my baby : better than a farmer likes his Jersey cow
Been
trying to quit my baby for two years : and man I don't know how
When
I was young : on my big‑foot way to school
I
met a nice‑looking brownskin : made me lose my mammy's rule
My
rider's got a mojo : and she won't let me see
Every
time I start to loving : she ease that thing on me
She's
got to fool her daddy : she's got to keep that mojo hid
But
papa's got something : for to find that mojo with
She
got four speeds forward : and she don't never stall
The
way she bumps over the hill : it would make a panther squall
Chicago, c. July 1928
(20749‑2) Pm‑12728 Rt RL‑306
Competition
worrying me : you been having a competition with me
*Big
foot* stops at every man's door : and he's always in his midnight creep
I
have a loving brown : I did never miss it *till her gone*
I
found a ??? competition : he better not get in town
I
passed my partner's house : I stopped in to comb my head
Who
should I find : but my gal making up my partner's bed
I'm
going to wreck my mind : competition going between me and my friend
It
hurt me so : I thought we'd be pals till the end
It
makes a man feel bad : when competition
Now
there's so much competition : I believe I'll leave your town
Chicago, c. July 1928
(20772‑2) Pm‑12728 Rt RL‑306
I
got a letter : I got a letter here in my hand
My
brown wrote to tell me sad news : she got a brand new man
I'm
a long long way from home : I ain't got no *lover* in town
I'm
going to get that *B and M* to Baltimore boy : I heard my baby *is there*
I
was drinking all night [long] : got up this morning sloppy drunk
I
would pack my things : but somebody done stole my trunk
I
went uptown last night : I tried drinking hard to ease my pain
But
you ain't got no money : so don't come back here again
It's
sad news : when your baby's ???ing on you
Even
though you been kind : there's nothing that you can do
Chicago, c. July 1928
(20788‑1) Pm‑12685 Bio BLP‑12015
Standing
at the station : watch my baby leave town
I
feel disgusted : no peace can be found
Now
you can hear the whistles blowing : but I just can't see no train
Way
down in my heart : got a lot of aches and pains
Sometime
I feel disgusted : and I feel so blue
I
hardly know what in this world baby : a good man can do
If
I could holler : just like a mountain jack
I'd
go up on the mountain : and call my baby back
Some
day you're going to be sorry : you ever done me wrong
It'll
be too late darling : your man will be gone
My
mind goes to wondering : I feel so bad
Thinking
about the trouble : a good man always have
Chicago, c. Aug. 1928
(20815‑2) Pm‑12679 Mil MLP‑2004
I
used to take my feet : in a midnight tramp
Now
they got me : doing a different kind of dance
I
couldn't keep away from [wild, bad] women : bad [liquor, whiskey] cards and
dice
Now
I'm doing the lock‑step baby : things ain't going so nice
It
don't matter to me : whether it sunshine snow or rains
Because
I can't go gay cutting : and carry a ball and chain
Mean
old jailor : taking away my dancing shoes
I
can't strut my stuff : when I got those lock‑step blues
Big
rats in my cell : keeps me woke all night
My
woman done turned me down : and I don't think that's right
Every
morning : I walk down that big long hall
I'm
screaming for my mama : can't make no time at all
Chicago, c. Aug. 1928
(20816‑2) Pm‑12679 Mil MLP‑2004
Hangman's
rope : it's so tough and strong
They
got to hang me : because I done something wrong
I
want to tell you : the gallows Lord is a fearful sight
Hang
me in the morning : and cut me down at night
Well
the mean old hangman : he went and tightened up that noose
Lord
I'm so scared : I am trembling in my shoes
[Jury,
jurymen] heard my case : and it said my hand was red
And
the judge is telling me : be hanging till I'm dead
The
crowd around the courthouse : and the time is growing fast
Soon
a good‑for‑nothing killer : is going to breathe his last
Lord
I'm almost dying : gasping for my breath
And
that trifling woman staying : until I breaks my neck
Chicago, c. Aug. 1928
(20818‑2) Pm‑12692 Bio BLP‑12000
Now
it's the day before Christmas : mama won't you hear me moan
If
you take me back baby : I'll give you anything you need
I
had a good chance : baby give me just one more
I
will change the way I'm loving : like you never have been before
I
know I did do wrong : I'm just as sorry as I can be
It's
the day before Christmas : mama come back to me
Mama
don't turn me down : on this Christmas Eve
I
cried about you so hard : done wetted my whole coat sleeve
It's
the day before Christmas : let me bring [me] your present tonight
I'm
going to be your Santa Claus : even if my whiskers ain't white
Chicago, c. Aug. 1928
(20819‑2) Pm‑12692 Bio BLP‑12000
I'm
thinking about the year : of nineteen and twenty‑nine
New
year caught me with *marked money* : man I was doing just fine
I
was lying down with my baby : we had one small quart of gin
That
old doorbell kept ringing : I wouldn't leave nobody come in
The
whistle was blowing for New Year : around twelve o'clock at night
I
lied down on there with my baby : until the good Lord brought daylight
Early
one New Year morning : I was walking down by the hill
Every
man likes his liquor : when he gets it fresh from the still
I
hate to drink all new year : for this whiskey they making is too strong
Because
when I take two or three drinks : I'll be drunk the whole year long
Chicago, c. Aug. 1928
(20820‑1) Pm‑12712 Bio BLP‑12015
Rats
is mean in my kitchen : and I lost my Maltese cat
I'm
going to make things right with my good gal : man and it's tight like that
I'm
going to start walking : walk the shoes clean off of my feet
Just
thinking about my mama : and man that woman sure is sweet
I
ain't got no suitcase : I don't have a one bottle of gin
I've
got to stay drunk to keep warm : because my clothes is so thin
Long
lonesome train : come passing me a‑flying
I
was thinking about my mama : and I didn't pay that train no mind
When
you get a‑home : buy a Maltese cat
And
a good strong brownskin : man it's tight like that
Chicago, c. Aug. 1928
(20821‑1) Pm‑12712 Bio BLP‑12015
Who
is that coming : hey with a motor so strong
That's
Lemon in his D B : people think he's got his girl out on
Going
to get out of my four‑cylinder Dodge : I want to get me a Super Six
I'm
always around the ladies : and I like to have my business fixed
I'm
crazy about a Packard : but my baby only rates a Ford
A
Packard is too expensive : Ford will take you where you want to go
Come
here brownskin : listen to my motor roar
Because
my Super Six sufficient : to take you where you want to go
I
never did like no horses : I never could stand no *steel*
Ever
since I was old enough to catch a brown : give me the automobile
Chicago, c. Jan. 1929
(21095‑3) Pm‑12739 Rt RL‑301
My
woman got eyes like an eagle : and she watching me all the time
The
way she follow me around : Lordy it's going to be a crime
Watching
me all through the day : watching me all through the night
Keeps
her eagle eyes on me : till the good Lord brings daylight
Mmm
: papa Lemon's feeling so blue
Eagle‑eyed
mama's worrying me : what am I going to do
Dog
in my back yard : oh Lordy how he can howl
I'm
trying to quit that eagle‑eyed woman : man and I don't know how
My
eagle‑eyed woman : is got ways I can't explain
If
I ever leave her : I must be going insane
Chicago, c. Jan. 1929
(21096‑1) Pm‑12739 Rt RL‑301
I
feel like tramping : from the *great big corral*
Because
the woman I love : says she don't want me nohow
She
swore that she loved me : but I know that she doing me wrong
I'm
going to start something man : and I tell you it won't be long
The
way I feel now : I could get a keg of dynamite
Put
it all in her window : and blow her up late at night
I
just swallowed some fire : take a drink of gasoline
Throw
it up all over that woman : and let her go off and scream
I'm
going to get in a cannon : and let them blow me out to sea
Going
down with the whales : and the mermaids make love to me
Chicago, c. Mar. 1929
(21197‑1) Pm‑12771 Riv RLP‑12