Pre-war Blues Lyric Poetry: an Anthology
M - R
That Lonesome Train Took My Baby Away
We Gonna Pitch a Boogie Woogie
Hallelujah Joe Ain't Preachin' No More
Come On Around to My House Mama
Searching the Desert for the Blues
What's the Matter with the Mill
I Don't Want that Junk Outa You
Ain't No Use Trying to Tell On Me
Man You Won't Give Me No Money
Mississippi Moaner (Isaiah Nettles)
Montgomery, Eurreal Little Brother
Mama You Don't Mean Me No Good
Gettin' Dirty Just Shakin' that Thing
Hambone Willie's Dreamy‑Eyed Woman's Blues
Everybody's Talking About Sadie Green
You May Leave But This Will Bring You Back
Black Gal What Makes Your Head So Hard???‑‑
No. 2
Mooch Richardson's Low Down Barrel House Blues Part 1
I Raised My Window and Looked at the Risin' Sun
Ain't Goin' to Be Your Low Down Dog
Chicago, 22 Nov. 1939
(044243‑1) BB‑B8444 RCA
LPV‑518
Now
I got a brownskin [girl, woman] : with her front tooth crowned with gold
She
got a lien on my body : and a mortgage on my soul
Now
friend don't never let your good girl : fix you like this woman got me
Got
me stone crazy about her : as a doggone fool can be
Now
I ain't going to tell nobody : baby about the way you do
Say
you always keep : some some fatmouth following you
Now
I told you once now baby now : ain't going to tell you no more
Next
time I have to tell you : I'm sure going to let you go
Now
when you get you one of them faulty women : she won't do the truck
Get
you a two‑by‑four : and I swear you can strut your stuff
Mmm
: baby that's all I want
Just
a little bit of loving : and then you can be gone
(044245‑ ) BB‑B8408 Rt RL‑305
Mmm
: baby don't you want to go
To
that land of
Now
did you get that letter : dropped in your back yard
Wants
to come to see you : your best man got me barred
Now
I don't drink because I'm dry : or drink because I'm blue
The
reason I drink pretty mama : now I can't get along with you
Now
look a‑here baby : don't have to take no more
You
can get my loving : if you just let him go
Now
my my mama told me : papa started to cry
Son
you're too young a man : to have the women at your side
She
cried look a‑here baby : I know you want to go
To
that land of
(044986‑ ) BB‑B8499 RBF RF‑202
Highway
Fifty : runs right by my baby's door
Now
if I don't get the girl I'm loving : ain't going down Highway Fifty‑One
no more
Now
if I should die : [just] before my time do come
I
want you to please bury my body : out on Highway Fifty‑One
Now
yon come that Greyhound : with his tongue sticking out on the side
If
you buy your ticket : swear 'fore God that man'll let you ride
My
baby didn't have one five dollars : baby and I owned me a V‑Eight Ford
If
I ever meet that Greyhound bus : on that Highway Fifty‑One road
Now
any time you get lonesome : and you wants to have some fun
Come
out to little Tommy's cabin : he lives on Highway Fifty‑One
(044987‑ ) BB‑B8605 Rt RL‑305
Oh
my baby : just about good hugging size
Lord
and if anybody wants to take her : I believe to my soul I'd die
Lord
I tried to give the little woman : everything that she tell me she needs
But
she will hold a conversation : with every lowdown dirty man she meets
That
little woman she won't wash : now now she won't even iron my clothes
She
won't do nothing I tell her : but she done bake me jellyroll
Now
I ain't going to tell you babe : about the way you do
But
I swear the way you do : it keeps on worrying me
Now
I used to have a woman : now now she's [just] as good as any in this [white
man's] town
But
I caught her two‑timing me : and I swear I turn her damper down
(044988‑ ) BB‑B8605 Rt RL‑305
I
say my little girl : just as sweet as she can be
And
every time she kisses me : cold chill run all over me
Now
baby don't you worry : just because I'm out of town
All
my love I have for you darling : swear it can't be turned around
Now
you hurt my feelings : babe but [I swear] I wouldn't let on
I
believe it's some dirty deacon : is done been here and gone
Now
I love you baby : don't care what you do
But
the way you doing : I swear it's coming back home to you
(044991‑ ) BB‑B8545 Rt RL‑305
Now
she dog me every morning : she dog me late at night
She
keep on a‑dogging me : till I going to make everything all right
Now
look a‑here mama : tell me where you stay last night
She
said ain't none of your business : you know you don't treat me right
Now
I done told you once pretty mama : ain't going to tell you no more
You
can get all my loving : if you just let him go
I
say look a‑here babe : I'm getting tired of the way you're dogging me
Because
I like pretty mama : better than any woman that I ever seen
Mmm
: my baby's dogging me
I
love that little old woman : better than any woman that I ever seen
(044992‑ ) BB‑B8545 Rt RL‑305
She's
a good‑looking woman : teeth don't even shine like pearls
But
that old good disposition that woman got : I do swear it will carry her all
through the world
Now
please don't never let your good girl : treat you like this here woman got me
She
got me stone crazy about her : as a good‑looking woman can be
Now
you know that I love you baby : and that's why we can't get along
But
some day you're going to be sorry : that you ever did your daddy wrong
Now
some day you're going to want me back : baby now now and you going to
acknowledge that you did wrong
But
it's going to be too late pretty mama : your daddy will be gone
Ooh
: Lord Lord Lordy Lord
Sure
I love you sweet mama : but I sure ain't going to be your dog
(053736‑ ) BB‑B8760 RBF RF‑14
Now
he's a whiskey‑headed man : and he stays drunk all the time
Just
as sure if he don't stop drinking : I believe he's going to lose his mind
Now
every time I see this man : he's at some whiskey joint
Trying
to catch a big bet : so he can get him one more half a pint
Now
every time I see this man : he's standing on the street
Laughing
grinning talking : with most every man he meets
Now
every time I see this man : he at some whiskey joint
Sniffing
around the back door : begging one more half a pint
(053737‑ ) BB‑B8760 Rt RL‑305
Sugar
mama sugar mama : won't you please come back to me
Bring
me that granulated sugar : sugar mama to relieve my misery
Now
my coffee's sweet in the morning : you know I'm crazy about [that, my] tea at
night
Don't
get my sugar three times a day : great Lord I don't feel right
Now
you been bragging about your whiskey : now now you've been bragging all over
town
The
bootlegger won't sell enough sugar to make whiskey : don't even sell but about
four or five pounds
Now
sugar mama sugar mama : [won't you] please come [on] back to me
Bring
me that granulated sugar : that all it take to ease my misery
Now
sugar mama sugar mama : you know you been gone all day long
You
been doing something with my sugar : ooo Lord now I know it was wrong
Now
sugar mama sugar mama : now won't you please come on back to me
You
know I don't like nothing but my sugar : and that's what it takes to ease my
misery
(053738‑ ) BB‑B8725 Rt RL‑305
I
say my little woman : got me down to skin and bone
She
done got me to the place : I hate to see my baby leave home
Now
she leave me every morning : she don't come home till night
She
know I know she doing something : oh Lord but she know it ain't right
Don't
think because I love you : I'm going to be your dog
I'll
drink muddy water : and I'll lives in a hollow log
Mmm
: gal I don't know why I should
Because
you go with every man : mmm in anybody's neighborhood
(053739‑1) BB‑B8689 Rt RL‑305
Katy
Mae's a good‑looking woman now : but she stays out all night long
Katy
Mae be doing something : oh Lord well you know is wrong
You
know I love you Katy Mae : and that's why we can't get along
Some
day you going to be sorry : that you ever done poor Tommy wrong
I
give you all my loving : Katy Mae what more can a poor man do
You's
a sweet little girl : but I swear you won't be true
Now
how can I do right : now baby you won't do right yourself
Before
you love me baby : you wants to love somebody else
Now
Katy Mae she won't wash : now she won't starch [and iron] my clothes
Katy
Mae won't do nothing : oh but walk the road
(053740‑1) BB‑B8689 Rt RL‑305
If
you're going to have a woman : love her with a thrill
And
if you don't love her : some other man will
Now
no woman no woman : *ever but halfway stuffed*
Because
when you turn her loose : be sure she got enough
Now
you know 'Berta : you ain't doing me right
And
when you come home : we'll go to fuss and fight
Mmm
mama told me : papa started to cry
The
way you got doing babe : won't take your life
(053741‑1) BB‑B8704 Rt RL‑305
Drop
down mama : let daddy see
You
got something : really worry me
Now
my mama she don't allow me : stay out the whole night long
Because
you may be a *model* : and you may be treated wrong
Now
my baby got ways soon in the morning : just like a squirrel
Get
up every morning : grabbing them *covers* on the world
Now
when you get your women : and she act funny in every way
Just
D B all right : she'll be home some day
I'm
going to write you a letter soon in the morning : mail it in the air
You
can tell by that : babe I got a somewhere
Now
if you get you a woman : now now treat her nice in every way
Because
when you get to
(053742‑1) BB‑B8704 Rt RL‑305
Black
Minnie Black Minnie : you know you ain't doing me right
But
the day you quit me Black Minnie : I swear that's the day you die
Black
Minnie you know I love you : and I love you for myself
And
I'd rather be with you Black Minnie : than to be with anyone else
I
give my money Black Minnie : and everything that you told me you need
And
one time done come and caught me : baby with my B V Ds
Now
Black Minnie Black Minnie : I'm going to take you one more time
And
if you don't suit me : I'm going to try to *fade the line*
Black
Minnie Black Minnie : what in the world are you trying to do
I
believe trying to love me Black Minnie : and my partner too
Now
Black Minnie Black Minnie : you know you don't mean me no good
Because
you going with the man : that lives right above my neighborhood
Black
Minnie Black Minnie : girl you stays in the dark
And
your no‑good way : I ain't going to never give you my last dime
Black
Minnie Black Minnie : I'm going to try you one more time
And
if you don't do : I'm going to break your neck a‑trying
(053743‑ ) BB‑B8725 Rt RL‑305
Elsie
: is sweetest girl I know
If
you didn't love me Elsie : why didn't you tell me so
Now
I followed Elsie : right to the jumping‑off ground
But
I never felt sorry : till they let my baby down
Now
I followed my baby Lord : long days and long nights
I
followed my baby : till I see she wasn't going to treat me right
You
can misuse me here now now : but you can't when I go home
Elsie
I got somebody there : will really make you leave me alone
Now
I give you all my loving : Elsie what more can a poor man do
You
a sweet little girl : Elsie but I swear you won't be true
Now
you can't have me Elsie : now now and my partner too
Because
your no‑good way baby : oh baby that won't do
Now
I followed you to them dance now : and you jook jook all the time
You
jook jook so : that I wouldn't pay you no mind
You
if you don't quit jooking baby : that's going to be all right
If
your good man don't see you : I'll try to see you tomorrow night
(064885‑ ) BB‑B8897 Rt RL‑305
Now
I'm a crosscut saw : drive me across your log
Baby
I cut your wood so easy : you can't help but say hot dog
They
call me wood‑cutting Sam : call me wood‑cutting Bill
But
the woman I did the wood‑cutting for : she wants me back again
I
got a double‑bladed ax : and it sure cuts good
But
try my crosscut saw : it's evil to the wood
Now
look a‑here mama : you stay last night
Said
ain't none of your business : you don't do me right
Now
when you go to fishing : now don't forget the pole
You
you's a good girl : but you ain't been out long
(064887‑ ) BB‑B8897 Rt RL‑305
I
say my good‑looking woman : honey she lives up on that hill
She
been trying to quit poor Tommy : oh Lord but I love her still
She
walks the street [late at, every] night : she won't treat nobody right
Oh
she drinks her moonshine whiskey : but me and her will make everything all
right
I
say if you quit Mr Butler : we will make everything all right
If
I can't see you today : we may get together tomorrow night
Now
you can read my letter : oh but you can't read my mind
Sometime
you think I'm crazy about you : I'm liable to be quitting you all the time
Now
that's all right babe : what you did [last, one] Sunday night
If
I hadn't been in my whiskey too : it's liable to cause our fussing and fight
(064889‑ ) BB‑B9005 Rt RL‑313
I'm
going babe I'm going : and crying won't make me stay
Because
the more you cry now now baby : the further you drive me away
Now
I wished that I was a bullfrog : swimming in the deep blue sea
Lord
I would have all these good‑looking women now now now : fishing after me
Now
I went to my baby's house : and I sat down on her steps
She
said walk on in now now Tommy : my husband just now left
Now
it ain't none of none of my business : babe but you know I know it ain't right
Hit
your kid‑man all day long : and play sick on your husband at night
Now
Lord oh Lord : baby hear me blow the blues
Don't
got nobody now now now : give me my last pair of shoes
(064890‑ ) BB‑B8957 RBF RF‑1
I'm
a guitar king : singing the blues everywhere I go
I'm
going to sing these blues : till I get back in territor'
Now
my mama told me : son you most too old
Oh
don't forget : you got a soul
But
that ain't none of your business : keep it to yourself
Don't
you tell your kid‑man : please don't tell nobody else
Now
I went to my baby's house : knocked upon her door
She
had the nerve to tell me : that she didn't want me no more
I
say that's all right babe : [most any, any old] way you do
If
you mistreat poor Tommy : I swear it's coming back home to you
It's
a crying pity : lowdown dirty shame
Crazy
about a married woman : afraid to call her name
(064891‑ ) BB‑B9005 Rt RL‑305
It's
a crying pity : a lowdown dirty shame
Crazy
about a no‑good woman : scared to call her name
Now
where were you babe : when I knocked upon your door
You
hadn't never tell poor Tommy : that you couldn't use me no more
But
that's all right babe : got to reap [just] what you sow
But
don't forget that night : I knocked upon you door
Now
I done some last winter : don't expect to do it no more
Quit
the best woman I had : and I have drove her from my door
But
forgive me baby : won't do wrong no more
You
can get all my loving : but you got to let that black man go
Now
I love you baby : I don't see why I should
Because
you going with the man : that lives right in my neighborhood
(074100‑ ) BB‑B9015 Rt
RL-314
Mozelle
: why we can't get along
Because
you know you always doing something : baby when you know it's wrong
Mozelle
you know you been rambling : rambling all night long
Yeah
I know you been doing something : yeah Mozelle well you know is wrong
Mozelle
you know you [like, love] your whiskey : don't forget I [likes, love] mine too
But
I'll get my whiskey so strong : I'll forget about you
Mozelle
: I love you for myself
Every
time I hear somebody speaking about you : I will beat you in the *B W O L*
(074102‑ ) BB‑B9015 Rt
RL-314
Babe
I feel so worried : yeah and I feel so low
Because
I believe you been out : with Mr so‑and‑so
Now
baby I ??? : please get out of my face
Because
I got myself a brand new woman : yeah girl to take your place
Ooo
babe : you know that sure ain't right
*You're
off having a binge* : you don't come home at all at night
(074107‑ ) BB‑B9037 RCA
LPV‑518
Bluebird
bluebird : please fly down south for me
If
you don't find me on the M and O : you'll find me somewhere on that
Bluebird
when you get in
Tell
them I'm going back to
Oh
babe : you is on my mind
I
hope to see you some of these days : you know I sure ain't lying
Now
bluebird you get to
Tell
them Tommy's too bad : go away girl you know I got the blues about me
Oh
babe : please your Tommy be all right
If
I can't see you today : it'll be all right tomorrow night
(151016‑2) Co‑14575‑D
Rt RL‑318
Well
a‑this piano : and everything
Mr
Cooper had it written down : under my name
(18798) Ch‑18514 Riv RM‑8819
Did
you ever get in trouble : and they take you down to jail
You
didn't have a friend : to come and go your bail
When
you got a lot of money: you've got friends for miles around
But
any time that you're broke : your good friends they can't be found
When
I lost all my money : no one would loan me a dime
I
could hear them all saying : he ain't no friend of mine
It's
tough when you're broke friends : you can't even get a dime
If
you even go a‑begging : everyone will turn you down
I'm
going back to prison : don't know what else to do
That's
the only thing I know : to cure a prisoner's blues
(M‑176‑ ) Br‑7141 Yz
L‑1001
Babe
just as sure as a blackbird : flies in the skies above
Bet
your life ain't worth living babe : if you ain't with the one you love
My
baby tried to do me : like the tadpole do the trout
That's
getting me out in the deep water baby : then she walks on out
Mmm
good Lordy : send me an angel down
Son
I can't spare you no angel : but I'll send you a teasing brown
I
don't think : no woman in this whole round world do right
If
they be good all day : they will do wrong at night
Baby
you know it may be my last time : rider you sure don't know
It
may be my last time baby : knocking on your door
(404726‑A) OK‑8863 RBF RF‑14
Woke
up this morning : found something wrong
My
loving babe : had caught that train and gone
Now
won't you starch my jumper : iron my overalls
I'm
going to ride that train : that they call the Cannonball
Mr
depot agent : close your depot down
The
woman I'm loving : she's fixing to blow this town
Now
that mean old fireman : that cruel old engineer
Going
to take my baby : and leave me lonesome here
It
ain't no telling : what that train won't do
It'll
take your baby : and run right over you
Now
that engineer man : ought to be ashamed of himself
Take
women from their husbands : babies from their mother's breast
I
walked down the track : when the stars refused to shine
Looked
like every minute : I was going to lose my mind
Now
my knees was weak : my footsteps was all I heard
Looked
like every minute : I was stepping in another world
(148708‑3) Co‑14439‑D
Yz L‑1021
Well
look here mama : see what you done done
Took
all my money : put me on a bum
???
: go to your knees
Try
and bum jelly : to who you please
Going
to buy me a dog : tired and old
Keep
these men : from my jellyroll
I'm
crazy about your loving : don't see why she can
Saw
them going : with another man
Now
you talk about jelly : you ought to see mine
Sharing
her jelly : all over town
I
had a good *cake* : *now sweet as mama's shelf*
*Now
she gone to town : with somebody else*
I'm
going to build me a house : out on the sea
So
these women : come see poor me
Me
and my brother : went around the bend
Heard
my gal : putting *cider* in
(148709‑2) Co‑14455‑D
OJL‑21
Oh
mercy dear : you caused my heart
It
really is wrong : that we must part
You
learned I love you : *mores* all the rest
Your
leaving me : breaks my happiness
I'll
count the hours : lover when I'm gone
Think
of you : wish you back home
My
lonesome heart : will shake with fear
The
very hour : I call your name
Every
hour :
Not
at ease : with anyone else
I'll
*haunt the line* : for you I know
I'm
asking you dear : please don't go
Oh
honey babe : mama *ray*
*Glory
be* : I see that thing
(148711‑1) Co‑14439‑D
BC‑1
If
it keeps on raining : levee's going to break
And
the water going to come : and we'll have no place to stay
Well
all last night : I sat on the levee and moaned
Thinking
about my baby : and my happy home
If
it keeps on raining : levee's going to break
And
all these people : have no place to stay
Now
look here mama : what am I to do
I
ain't got nobody : tell my troubles to
I
worked on the levee : mama both night and day
I
ain't got nobody : to keep the water away
On
crying won't help you : praying won't do no good
When
the levee break : mom you got to move
I
worked on the levee : mama both night and day
When
the levee break : mom you got to move
I
worked on the levee : mama both night and day
Say
worked so hard : keep the water away
I
had a woman : she wouldn't do for me
I'm
going back : to my used‑to‑be
Old
mean old levee : cause me to weep and moan
Cause
me to leave my baby : and my happy home
(C‑5820‑A) Vo‑1570
His HLP‑32
All
of my chicken : is dressed mighty fine
Can't
get my chicken : take dressing from mine
Went
to the henhouse : looked on the roof
Looking
for my stuff : but it was no use
Take
a boa constrictor : and a lemon stick
Wouldn't
mind going : but my mama's sick
You
can toot your whistle : you can ring your bell
Know
you been waddling : by the way you smell
Good
stuff good stuff : is hard to find
Kill
my daddy : run my mama blind
Now
I'm going girls : don't flirt after me
Got
good stuff : and it's all I need
Listen
boys : don't mean no harm
Go
ahead on : let my stuff alone
Now
somebody ask you : who sung this song
(C‑5830‑ ) Vo‑1576
Pal PL‑101
Early
one morning : *my mind*
Was
thinking about my Mary : didn't have no place to stay
Now
tell me Mary : where did you stay last night
Come
home this morning : the sun was shining bright
I
met my Mary : way across the sea
She
wouldn't write me no letter : she didn't care for me
You
see my Mary : tell her to hurry home
Haven't
been long loving : honey since you been gone
I
love my Mary : tell the whole round world I do
I
want some real good loving : why don't your heart be true
Goodbye
Mary : goodbye and it's fare you well
That's
when I get back home : can't anyone tell
(C‑5864‑A) Vo‑1535
Pal PL‑101
Ain't
going to give you : no more cherry ball
Well
you might get mad now : show your Santa Claus
Rocks
and gravel : ??? road
Takes
a get‑along woman : satisfy my soul
See
you dead now : in some cedar grove
Than
to see some man now : bothering with your clothes
Ain't
no driver : but the driver's son
I
can do your driving : till that driver comes
(C‑5865‑A) Vo‑1570
His HLP‑32
I
went to my window : my window was *cracked*
Went
to my door : my door was locked
Old
lady diamond : setting on a rock
Raising
her hand : trying to *change* that knot
My
old lady : ought to be ashamed
She
kept the watch : and give me the change
Mama
got the washboard : papa got the tub
Brother
got mad : because they wouldn't let him rub
Drive
up to the station : to catch that train
Got
there too late : from bothering that thing
Went
to the doctor : the doctor said
Bothering
that thing : is going to kill you dead
(C‑6012‑ ) Vo‑1612
Yz L‑1002
Drove
so many piles : my hammer's all worn out
That's
when I do my driving : they began to jump and shout
Want
all you people : just to understand
That's
when I do my driving : drive just like a man
When
I was young : driving was my crave
You
drove me so hard : drove me to my grave
Get
you a hammer : you can drive all the time
You
have broke my hammer : my hammer's out of line
(C‑6013‑ ) Vo‑1631
BC‑13
I
called you this morning : about half past one
Told
me : that you just got on
I
called you this morning : about
Told
me : that you just got through
I
called you this morning : about
Told
me : that you couldn't use me
I
called you this morning : about
Told
me : that you didn't want me no more
I
called you this morning : about
You
turned over : cried like a child
I
called you this morning : about
You
told me : that it was out of fix
(C‑7246‑ ) Vo‑1643
Pal PL‑101
Some
got both queens : some got both kings
I
got both aces : I know I got the best hand
Oh
I can beat it : I can beat it tonight
I
can beat it baby : got something to beat it right
Now
it's dark and cloudy : don't need no light
You
want me to beat it : you got to move it just right
Oh
I can beat it : I can beat it tonight
I
can beat it baby : got something to beat it with
Now
listen girl : don't be afraid
I
hits every nail : right on the head
Now
the men don't like me : because I speak my mind
The
women like me : because I can beat it all the time
Now
all you women : love to fuss and fight
Come
on around : now let us beat it up tight
Now
listen folks : don't mean no harm
I
got to go : and beat my way back home
Well
I went to the doctor : to get me a piece of advice
Keep
on beating it : it's going to take your life
(C‑7247‑ ) Vo‑1643 BC‑13
Some
folks say : a preacher won't steal
I
caught three : in my cornfield
One
had a yellow : one had a brown
Looked
over by the mill : one was getting down
Now
some folks say : that a preacher won't steal
But
he will do more stealing : than I can get regular meals
I
went to my house : about
Looked
on my bed : where the preacher had been
He
will eat your chicken : he will eat your pie
He
will lead your wife out : on the sly
I
been trying so hard : trying to save my life
To
keep that preacher : from my wife
I
went out last night : came in late
I
found out : where he had made his date
I
done told you once : done told you twice
???
over that preacher : you be done lost your wife
(VO‑109‑A) Vo‑1668
Mam S‑3803
Shake
shake Mattie : shake rattle and roll
I
can't get enough now : satisfy my soul
Old
shaking Mattie : meat shake on the bone
Every
time she shakes them : poor man's dollar gone
Old
shaking Mattie : and shaking Sue
I
can't get by now : at the way they do
Old
*gate‑foot* Mattie : and *gate‑foot bright*
They
meets at the levee : every Saturday night
Well
the bell rung for *dinner* : as I been *bad*
If
you ask her about it : have to reckon with her man
Yonder
come old Mattie : with a paper in her hand
Going
to the sergeant : trying to free her man
Yonder
come old Mattie : how in the world you know
I
know old Mattie : by the dress she wore
(VO‑110‑A) Vo‑1668
Yz L‑1026
My
baby's *deaf‑toweled* : can't hardly hear
Such
fussing and fighting : this whole round year
Now
my baby's gone : left my clothes in the tub
I
ain't got no washwoman : *mean* nobody can rub
I
got up this morning : said my morning prayers
Didn't
have nobody : to speak in my behalf
I
got an old tub now : so deep and wide
Keep
me rubbing : from side to side
Well
I got an old lady now : wash mighty clean
When
she go to rub : she rub so mean
I
feel like falling down : on bended knees
Cried
Lord have mercy : if you please
(11220‑A) Vo‑1686 Yz L‑1021
Now
those police coming : with his ball and chain
And
they accusing me of murder : never harmed a man
Now
some got six months : some got one solid year
Now
me and my buddy : got a lifetime here
Now
the judge he pleaded : clerk he wrote it down
Now
I hear my last jail sentence now : must be
Now
cook my supper : let me go to bed
I've
been drinking white lightning : and it's gone to my head
Now
go and hurt me baby : do anything you want to do
Some
day you going to want it : and then I won't want you
Now
those police shifted : those pistol in my side
Now
if you run big boy now : ??? bound to die
When
they had my trial : you could not be found
Now
I done got on that dock : and I'm
(C‑9290) De‑7008 Rt RL‑329
I
dropped my baby off : among my friends
First
thing I know : she done had turned me in
But
some day : I'll be in the clay
And
I won't be long here : to be treated this a‑way
When
I was a man : I tried to prove a friend
First
thing I know : you had four or five men
There
come a time : I can't say no more
I'll
be a‑hearsing : out my door
But
when I'm gone : don't cry over me
Just
think about : your used‑to‑be
Now
I can't stay : but fare you well
If
I ain't gone to heaven : you know I gone to hell
(C‑9299‑A) De‑7822 BC‑5
I'd
rather be the devil : be that woman's man
Because
she was evil : wouldn't work hand in hand
On
she's all right now : she's all right with me
But
the devil is evil : evil as he can be
I
tried : to be nice and kind
Oh
she was evil : would not change her mind
I'll
cut your wood baby : and I'll build your fire
I'll
bring you water : through that muddy bayou
I'll
give my money : to buy your shoes and clothes
But
you was evil : throwed me out‑of‑doors
But
that's all right baby : it's coming home to you
I
tried to be : tried to be a man to you
(C‑9300‑A) De‑7087
Yz L‑1007
Lord
wonder : will I ever get back home
Crying
how long : you going to keep me away from home
I
walked and I wandered : crying the whole night long
Crying
wonder : will I ever get back home
I
went to the station : looked up on the board
Crying
is it possible : will I ever get back home
So
long I traveled : the *way side and more*
Crying
wonder : will I ever get back home
You
may never never : see me anymore
But
you will never forget the day : I knocked upon your door
(C‑9380‑ ) De‑7038
BC‑1
Say
little girl : can I spend the night
Wife
and I : just had a fight
I've
got to move : out of the neighborhood
For
the woman I love : don't mean me no good
Babe
it ain't no use : you talking about no money tonight
Pay
for everything : tomorrow night
If
you can take it baby : it'll be all right
Pay
you off : right here tonight
When
I had her : she lived on Easy Street
Now
she's begging : every man she meets
(96262‑ ) BB‑B6260 Yz L‑1021
I'm
going to ask my buddy now : how come he shares
Going
to fool around :
Crying
something bad now : sure is going to happen to you
That's
when I done everything : that a poor boy could do
I'm
have bought me a pistol : shotgun and some shells
Start
some stuff : to show them raise some hell
Yes
you talked about me : all through the neighborhood
Told
everybody : that I was no good
Yes
you called on the old law : and he brought his ball and chain
Accused
me of murder : I never harmed a man
Yes
my mother she told me : my daddy sat down and he cried
Some
day son : you got to lay down and die
There'll
be one of these mornings : you going to jump and shout
Open
the jailhouse door : and you come walking out
I
used to have so many women : I didn't know what Lord
Used
to gang around me : like the ants on a bug
(90691‑A) De‑7182 AH‑77
Oh
Red : wish you were dead
I'm
sick and tired : rubbing my baby's head
Oh
Red : what you going to do
I'm
sick and tired : chastizing you
Oh
Red : baby's in jail
She
ain't got nobody : come and go her bail
Oh
Red : she's outdoors
She
ain't got nowhere : carry her dirty clothes
Oh
Red : she's all right
And
we ain't going to fuss : and we ain't going to fight
Oh
Red : all over now
You
didn't have no right : raise no hell nohow
(90782‑A) De‑7205 AH‑77
What
you going to do : when they put you in jail again
Do
like I would do : get out if you can
What
you going to do : when they put you outdoors again
Do
like I would do : get back if you can
What
you going to do : when you lose your money again
Do
like I would do : win it back if you can
What
you going to do : when you lose your baby again
Do
like I would do : win her back if you can
What
you going to do : when she put the dog on you
Do
like I would do : get loose if you can
What
you going to do : when she close the door in your face
Do
like I would do : open it if you can
(90913‑A) De‑7229 AH‑77
Blues
jumped the monkey : and run him for a solid mile
And
the poor fellow lie down : cried like a natural child
Blues
is something : I just can't understand
And
when they gets on me : talk like a natural man
(90914‑A) De‑7229 AH‑77
Stick
out your can : here comes the garbage man
Ain't
nobody : stick it out like you can
(90949‑A) De‑7251 AH‑77
I
want to do : like my daddy done
He
loved women : from sun to sun
My
daddy : was a loving man
And
he make them like it : everywhere he land
When
he start to loving : they cry for more
Even
laid the woman : lived next door
Had
twenty women : that I know
Each
one told me : he sure could go
The
only thing : he didn't do good
Was
make his women : lay it on wood
(90982‑A) De‑7326 AH‑77
We
drinking whiskey : champagne and wine
Want
you to know : your woman from mine
We're
going to pitch boogie‑woogie : going to have a ball tonight
And
we ain't going to fuss : and we ain't going to fight
That's
your woman : pin her to your side
She
flag my train : I'm going to give her a ride
Everybody's
talking : know what it's all about
Your
man started some stuff : we're going to put him out
I'm
taking one : to ninety‑nine
Don't
be careful : you're liable to lose your mind
Ain't
no use : your gal being afraid
He'll
pay you off : if you use your head
Pull
your dresses : above your knees
Sell
your stuff : to who you please
(91074‑A) De‑7299 AH‑77
Everybody
thought : he was through
And
he made a little song : about what you going to do
All
the sisters and brothers thought : he was dead
Then
he wrote a little song : by the name of Oh Red
He
made a little trip : down to
And
he wrote that song : weed‑smoker's dreams
Everybody
knew : his preaching was grand
Then
he wrote another blues : about move your hand
(07655‑1) BB‑B7115 Rt RL‑321
Now
got in tough luck : all my people dead and gone
And
I haven't got any money : no place to call my home
When
a man gets in tough luck : nobody wants him around
If
he haven't got any money : there is no friend to be found
When
a man got lots of money : he'll have friend at every house
But
if he haven't got any money : he'll be treated like a cat with a mouse
Now
when I got in tough luck : my pigmeat didn't treat me right
But
why should I worry about the pigmeat : sleeping with an old hog every night
So
when I get out of this tough luck : I'm going to leave your home
Because
you treats me mean : you know you done me wrong
(93037‑A) De‑7819 Rt RL‑319
Babe
I know that you love me : you won't treat me right
If
you do good in the day : you'll go and do wrong at night
Still
I ain't going to worry : and I ain't going to raise no sand
I'm
going back to Friar's Point : down in sweet old Dixieland
You
can love me in the morning : you can love me late at night
You
don't have to worry : I'm going to treat you right
Still
I ain't going to worry : and I ain't going to raise no sand
Yes
I'm going away : way down in Dixieland
Every
time you kiss me : you make my love come down
Sometimes
I believe : you the sweetest girl in town
Still
I ain't going to worry : and I ain't going to raise no sand
Yes
I'm going to leave you : going down to Dixieland
Babe
I know you love me : you won't treat me right
All
you want to do : is fuss and fight
(147611‑1) Co‑14453‑D
Yz L‑1018
Mmm
: what's the matter now
Well
you're trying to quit your daddy mama : and you don't know how
If
you don't want me : hey [please] don't dog me around
Oh
just hand me my suitcase : I'll leave your
(L‑154‑1) Pm‑12928
Riv RM‑8819
People
people : you don't know my mind
I'm
sitting here thinking : about the girls that I left behind
Blues
and trouble : have been my best friends
When
my blues leave me : my trouble just begins
Blues
come down the alley : backing up to my door
I've
got the blues today : like I never had before
Take
me back mama : you know that I have been true
???
*me* ??? : is the same thing that I've done for you
Left
my baby : standing in the back door crying
You
got a home : just as long as I've got mine
(L‑155‑1) Pm‑12928
Riv RM‑8819
My
name is Piggly Wiggly : I've got groceries on my shelf
Getting
mighty tired : making these nights all by myself
My
mama told me : my papa told me too
Don't
let these Cadillac women : make no flat tire out of you
If
I had a‑listened : to what my mama said
Wouldn't
have had such a hard time : in this world today
I
don't want no woman : wants to rove these streets night and day
A
woman like that : always wants to have her way
I'm
leaving you now mama : baby baby bye bye
Going
to miss your daddy : cuddling by your cozy side
(C‑9321‑ ) De‑7013
OJL‑20
I
got to go : got to leave my baby be
And
I love my woman : but my woman do not care for me
Baby
: baby what more can I do
I
done everything : cannot get along with you
Oh
yes : babe oh yes oh yes I know
You
don't want me woman : do like a *Mrs so‑and‑so*
My
God : babe my God my God my God
I've
got enough of you woman : I won't want to be your dog
Nero
: make me a soldier with a cross
My
babe quit me : then I know my soul is lost
Baby
: baby why don't you answer me
I
been a ??? fellow : babe I don't intend to be
Sometime
: my woman too sweet to die
And
again I believe : ought to be buried alive
Oh
: babe it hurts me to my heart
But
the Good Book says : that the best of friends must part
Because
I'm black : I was born black 'fore my birth
And
the women do tell me : I'm the sweetest black man on earth
And
: baby what's the matter now
I'll
always remember : you don't mean me no good nohow
Oh
: baby what's the matter you
You
worry me woman : babe I don't know what to do
(14847) Ge‑6813 His HLP‑4
I've
got that *mainliner* feeling ooo : I'm full of gin
I'm
on my way to the
Want
to see some shooting : like there never has been before
I
mean my man and my best friend : will never see the
(14848) Ge‑6797 His HLP‑4
I
feel awfully : sad and blue
Won't
somebody : please tell me what to do
My
daddy left me : other day
Couldn't
be surprised : I was a poison snake
Wicked
daddy : I'll no longer be your slave
Wicked
daddy : now I'm going to put you in your grave
I
loved your pigmeat : so nice and so sweet
And
your loving ways : brother was hard to beat
Now
wicked daddy : you treat your mama cruel and rough
I
ain't *your rough* : and I sure know when I've had enough
Oh
wicked daddy : get out of my life
Because
you won't *smother* me : another night
All
of these mornings : how my poor heart aches
Wicked
daddy all you do : is take and take
(12913‑1) Ba‑32690 Yz L‑1012
Well
you can't wait and listen : hear me when I cry
When
you hear me crying : know there's something wrong
Well
you can't wait and listen : *yeah there Willie Mae*
*When
it's through* baby : *something* churches tone
Well
he dug her grave : with a long‑handled silver spade
Well
he let her down : with a great long leather line
Well
I followed my baby : to the burying ground
What
make it so sad eee baby : had done let her down
Mmm
smoke like lightning : church bells shine like gold
*But
with searching* I cry mama : see my baby laying on the bed
(12936‑ ) Ba‑32784 BC‑5
And
I'll tell all you people : that ain't no place to go
Where
they treat you cruel : dog you from morning till night
Well
they beat me and they search me : forty‑five in my side
???
: mama working all day long
Take
these rings and chains : from all around my legs
Well
I believe to the Lord : these going to kill me dead
(402289‑A) OK‑8676 Mel MLP‑7324
Now
listen here folks : we don't mean no harm
Don't
get mad : we going to sing a little song
There
was a little black rooster : met a little brown hen
Made
a date at the barn : about
I
had a little woman : lived out
Made
more money : than John Henry Ford
And
the rooster crowed : and the hen looked around
The
bum‑bum‑biddly : going to carry you to town
Now
mama had a little dog : name was Ball
Give
him a lick : and he want it all
Old
Bill came in : about
Key
in the hole : but he couldn't get in
Aunt
Jane and Uncle Bud :
???
:
If
you see my girl : hurry home
Had
no breakfast : she been gone
(11512‑A) Vo‑1721 Yz L‑1019
Now
down in Black Bottom : that is so they say
They
drink good moonshine : and stay drunk all day
Yes
I went down in Black Bottom : I didn't go to stay down there long
Police
brought me out : by my right arm
Now
go down in Black Bottom : and you don't know the rules
Black
Bottom women : will try to make a fool out of you
I'm
crazy about Black Bottom : mmm so they say
That's
where they drink good moonshine : and stay drunk all day
If
you go down in Black Bottom : put your money in your shoes
Don't
them Black Bottom women : will give your pop the blues
Now
if you go down in Black Bottom : put your money down in your britches
For
them womens going to rob you : now you dirty mmm bitches
Now
if anybody asks you : who composed this song
Tell
them the Black Bottom Buddy : done been here and gone
(11513‑A) Vo‑1690 Yz L‑1019
I'm
going to tell all you people : my dream I had one week ago
I
dreamed my baby was leaving me : and I was begging her please don't go
But
whensoever you have a dream : always take you dream the other way
For
now I've been mistreated : and I'm leaving town this very day
I'd
rather be up on a mountain : or down in the deep blue sea
Than
to be right here baby : treated like you treat poor me
Lord
I cried last night : and I cried the night before
But
there's one thing I hope : I won't have to cry no more
Now
if you don't want me baby : why don't you tell me so
Then
I can sleep at night : and won't have to dream no more
(11514‑A) Vo‑1721 Yz L‑1019
Well
I drink so much whiskey : till they call me whiskey man
Lord
I get drunk every morning : with a whiskey bottle in my hand
Lord
my baby treats me mean : she keeps me worried all the time
And
if I didn't drink my whiskey : I believe I would lose my mind
When
I drink my whiskey : I don't mistreat my friend
I
am sober now : but I'm going to get drunk again
Lord
whiskey whiskey : it don't mean me no good
And
I would stop drinking whiskey : baby if I only could
Lord
Lord : whiskey is killing me
And
why I can't stop drinking whiskey : Lord Lord I just can't see
My
baby put me out : I'm just going from hand to hand
And
I drink so much whiskey : till they call me whiskey man
Atlanta, 18 Oct. 1927
(40308‑1) Vi‑21474
Yz L‑1005
I
wrote you a letter mama : put it in your front yard
I
would love to come to see you : but your good mens got me barred
Oh
you wrote me a letter : to come back to
To
leave the town : and don't spread the news
I
wrote you a letter mama : sent you a telegram
Not
to meet me in
Mmm
: hear my weep and moan
Now
don't you hear me pleading : hear my grieve and groan
Now
if I could get me : one more drink of booze
I
guess it would ease : these old writing paper blues
I
caught a freight train special : and my mama caught a passenger behind
Because
you can't quit me papa : there's no need in trying
(40309‑2) Vi‑21124 Yz L‑1037
I'm
going to grab me a train : ride the lonesome rail
Liquor
stole my baby: she's in the lonesome jail
He
took my mama : ??? her to the town of *
Now
she's screaming and crying : papa let your mama come back home
I
stole my good gal : from my bosom friend
That
fool got lucky : he stoled her back again
That
little woman I love : got a mouth chock full of good gold
Every
time you hug and kiss me : it make my blood run cold
When
you see two women : running hand in hand
Bet
you my last dollar : one done stole the other one's man
I'm
leaving town : please don't spread the news
That
why : I've got these old stole rider blues
(40310‑1) Vi‑21474 Yz L‑1005
Wake
up mama : don't you sleep so hard
For
these old blues : walking all over your yard
I've
got these blues : means I'm not satisfied
That's
the reason why : I stole away and cried
Blues
grabbed me at
I
didn't have no mama : drive these blues away
The
big star falling : mama it ain't long 'fore day
Maybe
: the sunshine'll drive these blues away
(40311‑?) Vi unissued RCA INT‑1175
I'm
leaving town : baby going to leave my home
I'm
going : where honey I'm better known
I
walk these blocks : I got to buy me some shoes
That's
the reason why : Mr McTell got the blues
Got
drunk last night : mama and the night before
And
if luck don't change : Mr McTell won't get drunk no more
Cigarettes
is my ruin : whiskey is my crave
Some
of these nice‑looking women : going to take me to my grave
(47185‑2) Vi‑V38001 Yz L‑1005
Got
three womens : yellow brown and black
It'll
take the Governor of Georgia : to judge one of these women I like
One
for in the morning : one for late at night
I
got one for noontime : to treat your old daddy right
These
blues at
I
didn't have none of my three women : to drive those blues away
One
is a
One
is a Statesboro darkskin : she'll really turn your damper down
Now
if I had a‑listened : to what my three women said
I'd
a‑been home sleeping : in a doggone feather bed
(47187‑3) Vi‑V38001 Yz L‑1005
Wake
up mama : turn your lamp down low
Have
you got the nerve : to drive papa McTell from your door
My
mother died and left me reckless : my daddy died and left me wild wild wild
Know
I'm not good‑looking : but I'm some sweet woman's angel child
She's
a mighty mean woman : do me this a‑way
When
I leave this time : pretty mama I'm going away to stay
I
once loved a woman : better than even I'd ever seen
Treated
me like I was a doggone king : and she was a doggone queen
Going
up the country : mama don't you want to go
May
take me a fair brown : may take one or two more
Big
Eighty left
You
ought to see that colored fireman : when he got them boiler hot
You
can reach over in the corner mama : and hand me my traveling shoes
You
know by that : I've got them Statesboro blues
We
woke up this morning : we had them Statesboro blues
I
looked over in the corner : grandma and grandpa had them too
(149299‑2) Co‑14657‑D
Yz L‑1037
Went
up on
Prettiest
girl in
Hug
me and she kissed me : called me sugar lump
Throwed
them sweet arms around me : like a grape vine around a stump
(149300‑1) Co‑14484‑D
Yz L‑1005
Mr
engineer : let a [poor] man ride the blind
Said
I wouldn't mind it fellow : but you know this train ain't mine
You's
a cruel fireman : lowdown engineer
I'm
trying to hobo my way : and you leave me standing here
Get
up fellow : ride all around the world
Poor
boy : you ain't got no girl
I
love you Emery : I love you true
I
love you Emerald : tell the world I do
(149302‑2) Co‑14484‑D
Rt RL‑324
Come
on around to my house mama : ain't nobody there but me
Call
me a hot‑shot liar and a cheater : because I'm from
Take
it easy : don't get rough
Just
want to tell you : that I knows my stuff
Come
on around to my house mama : ain't nobody there but me
That's
why you hear me [screaming and crying, moaning] : going back to
Can't
read and write : can't spell my name
I
can really drive : your man's heart insane
I
love my corn : and I love my booze
I'll
really give : your man the blues
Pull
down your windows : and lock up your blinds
I'll
tell you something : that will change your mind
Went
to the door : door was locked
Think
my baby : done changed the lock
Wake
up in the morning : about
Think
my baby : done quit poor me
(149319‑2) Co‑14657‑D
Yz L‑1037
She's
a real kind mama : looking for another man
She
ain't got nobody [in town] : [here] to hold her hand
Way
down yonder : on
Men
all grow : over sixteen feet
Would
go to bed : but it ain't no use
They
pile up on the bed : like chickens on a roost
Rooster
chewed tobacco : and the hen did the snuff
Bet
he can't shimmy : but he struts his stuff
See
that fellow : with that derby on
Looks
good to me : just as sure as you're born
Tell
you the truth : and it's a natural fact
*Could've
built a road* : without being that black
See
that fellow : that's standing right there
He
don't live here : but he lives somewhere
*Got
a batch of* hair : right around his mouth
He
like he swallowed a mule : and left his tail hanging out
Wake
up in the morning : at
Think
pretty mama : done fell on me
Soon
in the morning : at
Hot‑shot
rider : rapping at her door
Went
to the door : and the door was locked
Think
my baby : trying to eagle rock
(56599‑1)
Vi‑V38580 Yz L‑1005
I
believe that if I had my sweet woman's heart : in my hand in my hand
I
believe I could teach her : how to treat a real good man
I
drink so much whiskey : I can't hardly talk
Well
it's done addled on my brain : people I can't hardly walk
How
my poor heart weeped and worried : baby when you drove me away
It
was crying for poor boy McTell : some old rainy day
Climbing
on the
Seem
like to me : I can hear my
Don't
[fret, grieve] and worry : and don't [grieve, fret] after me
Don't
you scream and cry : because I'm going back to
Can't
read and write : can't even spell my name
You
drove me away : and drove my heart insane
(56635‑1)
Vi‑V38580 Yz L‑1005
My
love don't change : there's going to be some stealing done
And
if I backbite you : I don't mean no harm
What
do you want with a woman : when she won't do nothing she say
What
do you want with a rooster : when he won't crow 'fore day
If
my love don't change : there's going to be some riding done
And
if I take you woman : I just be made my run
Going
in one of these alleys : get me [some lonesome, a quart of this] booze
My
woman done left me : I got these love‑changing blues
(150257‑2) Co‑14551‑D
Yz L‑1005
Good
Lord good Lord : send me an angel down
Can't
spare you no angel : but I'll swear I'll send you a teasing brown
That
new way of loving : mama it must be best
These
here
There
was a crowd out on the corner : wondered who could it be
It
weren't a thing : but the women trying to get to me
I
even went down to the depot : with my suitcase in my hand
Crowd
of womens all crying : Mr Samuel won't you be my man
My
mama she told me : when I was a boy playing mumblepeg
Don't
drink no black cow's milk : don't you eat no black hen's eggs
Black
man give you a dollar : mama he won't think it nothing strange
A
yellow man'll give you a dollar : but he'll want back ninety‑five cents
change
You
may call me a cheater : pretty boy I'll real treat you
But
if you'll allow me a chance : I'll gnaw your backbone half in two
I
took a trip out on the ocean : walked the sand of the deep blue sea
I
found a crab with a shrimp : trying to do the shimmy‑shee
I
want to tell you something mama : seem mighty doggone strange
You
done mess around gal : and made me break my yo‑yo string
Honey
I ain't going to be : your old work ox no more
You
done mess around baby : and let your doggone ox get poor
My
mama she got a mojo : believe she trying to keep it hid
Papa
Samuel got something : to find that mojo with
I
even heard a rumbling : deep down in the ground
It
weren't a thing : but the women trying to run me down
(150258‑2) Co‑14551‑D
Yz L‑1037
Down
in
Sluefoot
Mose and cross‑eyed Joe : didn't go in at all
Big
crap game in the hall : started in to fight
Joe
got drunk that wasn't all : went and turn out the lights
And
that *matcher* Charlie : shot his automatic twins
Charlie
grabbed his girl : and he *crow forked* in
Playing
baseball and football : and don't get enough
Playing
baseball and football : and strutting the stuff
Mighty
big chief : shot his automatic twin
The
high sheriff took the couple : and double‑cross ten
Put
you lights on calico : and fight it for game
Put
me at the head of the list : and don't forget to call my name
(151904‑1) Co‑14632‑D
Yz L‑1005
Now
look here mama : let me tell you this
Now
if you wants to get crooked : I'm going to give you my fist
You
might read from Revelation : back to
You
get crooked : your southern can belong to me
If
you go uptown : have me arrested and have me put in jail
Some
hot‑shot got money : come in and go my bail
Soon
as I get out : kiss the ground
Your
southern can : worth two dollar half a pound
You
might take it from the South : you might carry it up north
But
understand you can't rule : and either be my boss
Take
it from the east : hide it in the west
When
I get it mama : your can will see no rest
Well
ashes to ashes mama : and sand to sand
Every
time I hit you : you think I got a dozen hands
Hit
you first : through that barbed wire fence
Every
time I hit you : you say I got no sense
Get
me a brick : out of my back yard
Give
you the devil : if you act kind of hard
Now
if I catch you mama : down in the heart of town
Take
me a brand new brick : and tear your can on down
You
may be deathbed sick : and mama and graveyard bound
Make
your can : moan like a hound
Sit
here and study : with your eyes all red
What
I said : kicked your grandma dead
Oh
you got to stop your balking : and raising the deuce
I'll
grab you mama : and turn you every way but loose
You
might twiggle like a tadpole : let it jump like a frog
But
every time I hit it : you going to holler God dog
Atlanta, 23 Oct. 1931
(151905‑1) Co‑14632‑D
Yz L‑1005
Feel
like a broke down engine : ain't got no driving‑wheel
You
ever been down and lonesome : you know how a poor man feels
I've
been shooting craps and gambling : mama and I done got broke
I
done pawned my pistol : mama and my best clothes in soak
I
went down to my praying ground : and fell on bended knees
I
ain't crying for no religion : Lordy give me back my good gal please
If
you give me my baby : Lord I won't worry you no more
You
ain't got to put it in my house : Lordy only leave it to my door
Don't
you hear me baby : rapping on your door
Can
I get off *snake living* and tapping : playing tip light across your floor
Feel
like a broke down engine : ain't got no drivers at all
What
makes me love my woman : she can really do the Georgia crawl
Feel
like a broke down engine : ain't got no weather‑the‑bell
If
you's a real hot mama : drive away daddy's weeping spell
Atlanta, 23 Oct. 1931
(405002‑1) OK‑8936 Yz L‑1005
When
I first met you mama : you were so nice and kind
You
done got reckless : and change your mind
When
I was down south baby : I was with my broad
I'm
here in Atlanta : treated like a dog
Now
if you don't want me baby : don't you dog me around
My
home ain't here : and I can leave your town
Now
if you don't want me : baby give me your right hand
I'll
go back to my woman : you go back to your man
I
even give you my money : *I admire*
I
done all for you : that you require
Even
hold your head : when you're feeling sad
Sing
and dance for you : when you're sad
You
done come in this morning : you won't tell me where you been
You
got strange living : going back again
I'm
walking around baby : with my head hung low
Look
here mama : I ain't going to do right no more
I'm
going to take me a trip : up on the mountain top
Come
back and show you : how to eagle rock
Atlanta, 23 Oct. 1931
(405003‑1) OK‑8936 Yz L‑1037
I
wants to wait around here baby : until your fried *rice* get done
Because
I think I got a nickel : I wants to buy me one
I
wonder could I find a woman : to do like my last rider done
She
kept it all for her daddy : she didn't give nobody none
Said
my baby got a bed : it shines like a morning star
And
when I crawls in the middle : it rides me like a Cadillac car
My
good gal got a mojo : she's trying to keep it hid
But
Georgia Bill got something : to find that mojo with
I
said she got that mojo : and she won't let me see
And
every time I start to love her : she's tried to put them jinx on me
Well
she shakes it like the Central : she wobbles like the L and N
Well
she's a hot‑shot mama : and I'm scared to tell her where I been
Said
my baby got something : she won't tell her daddy what it is
But
when I crawls in my bed : I just can't keep my black stuff still
Well
I done got reckless : and I broke my mama's rule
I
been wandering around Georgia : with these doggone scary day blues
Atlanta, 31 Oct. 1931
(405085‑1) OK‑8924 Yz L‑1005
Down
on Atlanta : on Harris Street
That's
where the boys and gals : do meet
Out
in the alley : in the street
Every
little kid : that you meet
Buzz
all around : like a bee
Shake
it : like a ship on the sea
Came
all the way : from Paris France
Come
into Atlanta : to get a chance
Grab
your mama : and hold her tight
Let's
mess around : the rest of the night
Grip
your head : way up high
Grab
your daddy : and make him cry
People
come : from miles around
Get
in Dark Town : to break them down
Down
in dark town : night and day
Trying
to dance : them blues away
Go
all the way back : to Newport News
Singing
: these doggone Atlanta blues
Atlanta, 22 Feb.
1932
(71603‑ ) Vi‑23328
Rt RL‑324
I
want you to start in the morning baby : and roll me with the setting of the sun
I
want you to keep it all for your daddy : and don't give nobody none
And
if you get some of my loving : you won't want your rider no more
You
don't have to worry about your loving : I'm a deep‑sea diver and I don't
go wrong
That's
why I'm singing : these barrelhouse woman blues
Atlanta, 22 Feb.
1932
(71606‑1) Vi‑23353
RCA LPV‑518
You
may search the ocean : you might go across the deep blue sea
But
mama you'll never find : another hot‑shot like me
I
followed my baby : from the station to the train
And
the blues came down : like doggone showers of rain
I
left her at the station : wringing her hands and crying
I
told her she had a home : just as long as I got mine
I've
got two women : and you can't tell them apart
I
got one in my bosom : the other one in my heart
The
one in my bosom : she's in Tennessee
And
the one in my heart : don't even give a darn for me
I
used to say a married woman : was the sweetest woman ever was born
But
I've changed that thing : you better let married women alone
Take
my advice : let these married women be
Because
their husbands'll grab you : and beat you ragged as a cedar tree
When
a woman say she love you : about as good as she do herself
I
don't pay her no attention : tell that same lie to somebody else
I
really don't believe : no woman in the whole round world do right
Act
like an angel in the daytime : ??? at night
I'm
going pretty mama : please don't break this rule
That's
why : I'm searching these deserts for the blues
I'm
going pretty mama : searching these deserts now
That's
why : I'm walking my baby home anyhow
New York, 14 Sept. 1933
(14008‑2) Vo‑02595 Yz L‑1005
Take
a little trip : up on a mountain top
Show
the Florida women : how to eagle rock
Tell
you like the *bana* : told the *king of sal*
Get
another man : I got another gal
Now
if you don't believe : I can warm you right
Take
me to your house : and let me stay all night
When
you see me mama : standing in the door
Papa
wound up : saying mama won't go
Don't
be no *resting* : don't be no late
Don't
let these women : leave your heart insane
Now
look here boy : don't get rough
These
here women : they really knows their stuff
I
want you to set on a Cadillac : sit on a Ford
You
do that strutting : on the running board
Don't
be no rat : and don't be no fool
Don't
let these here women : break your rule
Now
look here boy : if you going to be my friend
Let's
go drink : moonshine again
Now
take it easy : late at night
One
of these here women : ain't going to treat you right
New York, 14 Sept. 1933
(14010‑1) Vo‑02622 Yz L‑1037
Look
a‑here mama : just a word or two
Said
I get you : to let's go loo loo
Look
here mama : just don't stop
I
ain't going to be : your other man's stumbling block
Wait
just a minute : let's get this right
We're
going go a‑looing : till broad daylight
Going
to Savannah : make some jack
Hold
that cat : till I get back
What
is that mama : you got in that sack
It's
got hair on it : and I believe it's a cat
Well
it looks pretty much : like Santy Claus
Best
little something : I ever saw
Look
here mama : just like a log
She
gets kissing : like a shaggy dog
New York, 18 Sept. 1933
(14035‑1) Vo‑02568 Yz L‑1005
Mmm
: Lordy Lordy Lord
Say
the woman I love : treats me just like a dog
I
love you baby : but your ways I just can't stand
Say
you walked away and left me : good gal with another man
Going
back to Savannah mama : and sign my initial down
Atlanta
mens all hate me : and the women don't want me around
Going
back to Savannah baby : and write my initial on the wall
Because
these North Georgia women : don't mean me no good at all
Mmm
: babe ain't it hard ain't it hard ain't it hard
Says
I'd like to love you baby : but your good men got me barred
New York, 18 Sept. 1933
(14036‑2) Vo‑02577 RBF RF‑15
Feel
like a broke down engine : mama ain't got no driving‑wheel
You
ever been down and lonesome : you know just how Willie McTell feels
I
been shooting craps and gambling : good gal and I done got broke
I
done pawned my thirty‑two special : good gal and my clothes in soak
I
even went to my praying ground : dropped down on bended knees
I
ain't crying for no religion : Lordy give me back my good gal please
If
you give me my baby : Lord I won't worry you no more
You
ain't got to put her in my house : but Lordy only lead her to my door
Don't
you hear [me, your daddy] baby : knocking on your door
Can
I get off *sneak living and tapping* : playing tip light across your floor
New York, 18 Sept. 1933
(14038‑2) Vo‑02668 Yz L‑1037
My
baby's gone : and I'm almost in my grave
But
for your love : good gal I will be you slave
My
baby left me : says she didn't mean me no good
And
that's the reason why : I'm moving on back to the woods
My
baby left me : she didn't even say goodbye
Says
I'm drinking real good whiskey : that's the reason I did not *inquire why*
My
baby's gone : says I ain't even worried at all
Before
she even left me : says she riding that Cannonball
Mmm
: Lordy Lordy Lordy Lord
Says
my good gal she's gone : she didn't mean me no good at all
New York, 19 Sept. 1933
(14049‑1) Vo‑02577 RBF RF‑15
Mmm
: chained down in this dark cell by myself
And
my gal she skipped : guess she got somebody else
Well
they've got me accused for murder : and I haven't even harmed a man
Oh
they got me charged with burgling : and I haven't even raised my hand
Mmm
: the judge won't give me no fine
Ain't
but one thing could release me : and that's old father time
Goodbye
: oh here comes the jailor with the key
I'll
have to cry farewell to freedom : I want none of your women to pity me
I'll
have to give you my number : five nine ninety‑four
Because
I'll be there forever : I'll have no other place to go
They
got me accused for forging : and I can't even write my name
And
my eyes *filled on this* : my baby left my poor heart in pain
Mmm
: Lordy Lordy Lord
Inside
my breast felt lonely : my baby left my heart in pain
New York, 21 Sept. 1933
(14066‑1) Vo‑02568 Yz L‑1037
I'm
going to grab me a train : I'm going back to Baltimore
I'm
going to find my baby : because she rode that B and O
I'm
going to act like a rambler : and I can't stay home no more
Because
the gal I love : she rode that B and O
She
says daddy I'm leaving : and I can't come back no more
And
if she don't come back : I'm going down in Ohio
I
never would have thought : that my baby would treat me so
Oh
she broke my heart : when she grabbed that B and O
Now
she wants to come back : and I can't use that child no more
Because
I got another hot mama : and she lives in Baltimore
New York, 21 Sept. 1933
(14067‑1) Vo‑02568 Rt RL‑324
Look
a‑here pretty mama : I'll tell you what I'll do
I'll
make these lonesome dollars : and bring them all home to you
Now
I'm weary : weary‑hearted and blue
And
that's why I'm crying : these weary‑hearted blues
I'll
give you my money : and baby I *admire*
I
does all for you mama : you require
I
even hold your head : when you are feeling bad
I
sing and dance for you : mama when you sad
I
want to tell all you men : nice and kind
You
lose your best woman : don't you fool with mine
Now
a white man go to the river : take him a seat and sit down
The
blues overtake him : he jump overboard and drown
Now
a colored man go to the river : take him a seat and sit down
If
he takes the blues : he come on back to town
I
wants all you men : to let my good gal alone
I'll
give her a dollar in the street : and I'll give her two at home
New York, 21 Sept. 1933
(14069‑2) Vo‑02622 Yz L‑1037
Now
look a‑here mama : let me explain you this
You
wants to get crooked : I'll even give you my fist
Read
from Revelation : back to Genesee
You
get crooked : your southern can belongs to me
You
might go uptown : and have me arrested and have me put in jail
Some
hot‑shot got money : come in and go my bail
Soon
as I get out : kiss the ground
Your
southern can : worth two dollars and a half a pound
You
might take it from the South : you might carry it up north
Understand
you can't rule : and either be my boss
Take
it from the east : hide it in the west
When
I get it mama : your can won't see no rest
Ashes
to ashes : and sand to sand
Every
time I strikes you : you know I got a dozen hands
Give
you a punch : through that barbed wire fence
Every
time I hit you : you know I ain't got no sense
Look
here women : don't get hard
I'll
get me a brick : and use it out of my back yard
If
I catch you mama : down in the heart of town
Take
a brand new brick : and tear your can on down
You
may be deathbed sickness : graveyard bound
I'll
make your can moan : like a graveyard hound
You
got to stop balking : and raising the deuce
I'll
grab you woman : and turn you every way but loose
New York, 21 Sept. 1933
(14070‑1) Vo‑02595 Rt RL‑324
Says
I'm almost crazy : and I'm all here by myself
All
these women about to run me crazy : Lord she's got someone else
Lord
she's about to run me crazy : these reckless women are worrying me
She
don't have to treat me so bad : because she lives in Tennessee
Lord
you'll either run me crazy woman : or either make me lose my mind
Because
you keep me worried : and troubled all the time
Lord
these womens will run you crazy : they'll drive your heart insane
They'll
spend all your money : turn around and run you insane
Well
she spent all my money : and then she drove me outdoors
And
I was almost crazy : because I had nowhere to go
Lord
if you got a reckless woman : man don't never let her break your rule
And
when you know anything : you'd be almost crazy with the blues
Chicago, 23 Apr. 1935
(C‑9946‑A) De‑7078
Rt RL‑324
I
live down in Bell Street Alley : just as drunk as I can be
Seem
like them Bell Street Crow Janes : have done got rough with me
I
drink so much Bell Street whiskey : they won't sell [McTell, poor boy] no more
I've
got the *cavenglass* boys : playing all around my door
This
Bell Street whiskey : make you sleep all in your clothes
And
when you wake up next morning : feel like you done laid outdoors
You
can get booze down on Bell Street : for two bits and half a *throw*
They'll
make you *send* out your mother and father : to just break down the jailhouse
door
Walked
in my room : the other night
Man
come in : he want to fight
Took
my gun : my right hand
???
: I don't want to kill no man
When
I said that : he rapped me across my head
The
first shot I fired : then the man fell dead
Bell
street whiskey : drove me to the county jail
Got
me laying back here on my bunk : nobody in the world to go my bail
Chicago, 25 Apr. 1935
(C‑9954‑A) De‑7078
Yz L‑1037
Good
Lord good Lord : send me an angel down
Can't
spare you no angel : will spare you a teasing brown
That
new way of loving : swear to God it must be best
Because
these Georgia women : won't let Willie McTell rest
There
was a crowd down on the corner : and I wondered who could it be
Weren't
a thing : but the women boy trying to get to me
I
went down to the shed : put my suitcase in my hand
Crowd
of women run crying : that McTell be my man
Ticket
agent ticket agent : which a‑way has my woman gone
Say
describe your woman : and I'll tell you what road she's on
She's
a long tall mama : five and a half from the ground
She's
a tailor‑made mama : and she ain't no hand‑me‑down
Mama
if you ride the Southern : I'll ride the Santa Fe
When
you get in Memphis : pretty mama look around for me
You
can't never tell : what a double‑crossing woman will do
They'll
tip out with your buddy : and come home play sick on you
I
got two women : you can't tell them apart
I
got one in my bosom : the other one's in my heart
Now
the one in my bosom : she's in Tennessee
And
the one in my heart : don't even give a darn for me
I
used to say a married woman : was the sweetest woman ever was born
I
changed that thing : you better let married women alone
Take
my advice : let all married womens be
Because
their husbands will grab you : and beat you ragged with a cedar tree
Now
love ain't nothing : single women loving married men
It
will do for a while : but it will jam you after a end
When
a woman says she loves you : about as good as she do herself
Don't
pay her no attention : tell the same lie to somebody else
She'll
tell you that she love you : and love you all her life
She'll
have a man on the corner : and tell that same lie twice
My
baby she got a mojo : I believe she trying to keep it hid
Mctell
got something : to find that mojo with
I
want to tell you pretty mama : exactly who I am
When
I walk out the front door : I hear that back door slam
Chicago, 25 Apr. 1935
(C‑9956‑A) De‑7810
Yz L‑1037
I
did everything baby : that I could do
Fell
on my knees : mama get along with you
I
give you my money baby : my last dime
Soon
as you got up mama : you changed your mind
I
gave you my money mama : buy you shoes and clothes
Soon
as you got bid change : you put me outdoors
I
took you mama : your shoes were thin
No
man wanted you : no one took you in
When
I took you mama : *feet'll* on the ground
Ain't
no man baby : wanted you around
Took
your breakfast : brought it to your bed
Took
my comb baby : combed your head
Make
no difference mama : take your lock and key
Too
many women : want a man like me
Going
away mama : it won't be long
I
know you'll miss me : the days I'm gone
I
took you mama : treated you nice and kind
Soon
as you got on your feet : you wouldn't pay me no mind
Chicago, 25 Apr. 1935
(C‑9957‑A) De‑7117
Rt RL‑324
I
done told you mama : right from the start
I
ain't going to let no one woman : break my heart
Your
time to worry : my time to be alone
Your
reckless disposition : done drove your good man away from home
I
told you in my days : things I do
Go
out and work hard : and bring my money home to you
You
drink your whiskey : run around
Get
out in the street : and act like a sand‑foot clown
Went
out with you baby : trying to treat you right
I
drinking whiskey woman : and drunk all night
Need
not come here pleading : holding up your hands
I
got myself a woman : you better get yourself a man
Leave
me alone baby : best you can do
I
would have been a murderer : if I'd a‑fooled around with you
Now
go ahead baby : leave me alone
Mess
around with you : the chain‑gang will be my home
Knoxville,
Tenn., c. Apr. 1930
(K‑8089‑
) Vo‑1529 Yz L‑1015
*Feel
like voting* : fall in line
While
I sing : this song of mine
This
song's all right : if you thinks it's wrong
It's
all right : it's a ??? song
This
song's all right : it just won't jump
It's
all right : it just won't
This
song brings joy : to our *cry*
We're
baptized : with fire
This
song's *composed* : the blues too tight
Got
the blues tune : but the words all right
This
song's all right : it just won't quit
It's
all right : we're singing it
You
can talks about me : treat me mean
You
got the *train* :
Chicago, 8 Jan. 1935
(C‑877‑1) OK‑8961 Yz
L‑1016
I'm
leaving you baby : just because you won't be true
Oh
you don't love me : after all I done for you
You
know I worked hard all winter : when the snow was on the ground
You
mistreated me then baby : Eli wouldn't throw you down
You
made a mistake baby : after you made your vow
But
your mistake‑making : is all over now
You
going to miss [your daddy, me] : some old lonesome day
And
you going to be sorry : you did me this way
Now
I'm leaving you [baby] : with my clothes in my hand
Farewell
to you baby : get yourself a monkey‑man
Chicago, 8 Jan. 1935
(C‑881‑2) OK‑8961 Yz
L‑1016
I
worked hard baby : I worked hard every day
I
even turned over in your hand : every cent of my pay
I
been done so dirty : treated so lowdown mean
You've
even accused me of women : that I ain't never seen
People
what's the use of loving : when I can't see why I should
Especially
when you got a woman : and she don't mean you no good
I
woke up this morning : got on a stroll
Met
my baby : got her told
Look
a‑here baby : you thinking wrong
Let
your papa help you : to sing this song
I
grabbed my coat and hat : down the road I'll start
Before
I'd worry : I'd rather part
I
wouldn't work : for no human being
Neither
no woman : that I ever seen
Eighteen
hundred : ninety years
All
of my women : sit in rocking chairs
But
ever since : nineteen and twenty‑three
All
of my women : been working for me
I
got a mind : never work no more
I've
been badly mistreated : I've been drove from door to door
Chicago, 8 Jan. 1935
(C‑882‑ ) Vo‑03047
OJL‑18
They
arrested my baby : accused her of selling moon
Judge
they found whiskey : but it wasn't even in her room
Now
good morning judge : judge how do you do
I
just came here : to have a few words with you
Please
kind judge : listen to my plea
And
let my baby : go back home with me
Chicago, 4 Sept. 1935
(90293‑A) De‑7114 Yz L‑1016
Now
listen all you prize fighters : who don't want to meet defeat
Take
a tip from me : stay off Joe Louis' beat
Now
he won all his fights : twenty‑three or four
And
left twenty of his opponents : lying on the floor
They
all tried to win : but the test was too hard
When
he laid the hambone : *couple jumped out for it*
Listen
all you prize fighters : don't play him too cheap
If
he lands with either hand : he'll sure put you to the seat
Now
he packs dynamite in his left : he carries a punching right
He's
the one will make you balky : or as high as a kite
He
charges on his opponents : from the beginning of the gong
He
batters them into submission : then they all sing a song
I
bet on the Brown Bomber : for he knows his stuff
And
lays it on his opponents : until he get enough
Now
he's a natural born fighter : who likes to fight them all
The
bigger they come : he says the harder they fall
That
terrific left : boys is all he needs
But
that six‑inch right : come with lightning speed
Listen
all you prize fighters : don't play him too cheap
Take
a tip from me : stay off Joe Louis' beat
Chicago, 4 Sept. 1935
(90294‑A) De‑7114 BC‑14
Now
everybody's crying : let's have a new deal
Relief
station's closing down : I know just how you feel
Everybody's
crying : let's have a new deal
Because
I've got to make a living : if I have to rob and steal
Now
I'm getting mighty tired : of sitting around
I
ain't making a dime : just wearing my shoe soles down
I
ain't making a dime : just wearing my shoe soles down
Now
I woke up this morning : doggone my soul
My
flour barrel was empty : swear I didn't have no coal
We're
going to dance : till *another* sun
Now
you go to your wicket : put in your complaint
Eight
time out of ten : you know they'll say I can't
They
don't want to give you no dough : won't hardly pay your rent
Now
it ain't costing them : one doggone cent
Now
I ain't made a dime : since they closed down the mill
I'm
sitting right here : waiting on that brand new deal
New York, c. late July 1923
(5237‑1) Ba‑1262 VJM VLP‑40
Does
anybody : does anybody feel like me
Now
if they do : I know the feeling is sad as can be
Now
I'm going home : to take a snooze
Try
to wear away : a thing they call the feeling blues
I'm
tired of fooling around : with one who don't love me
If
I ever find a way to leave him : if we cannot agree
New York, c. late July 1923
(5238‑1) Ba‑1262 VJM VLP‑40
Because
what you was you used to be : but you ain't no more
I'm
giving you your dispossess : welcome's off the door
Be
on your way : you got yourself in wrong
You'll
get flat feet : from standing too long
Let
this be a lesson : now that I have left you flat
There's
someone sitting pretty : in the place where you once sat
You
ought to see him do his stuff : my latest loving man
Because
where you left off : is just the place where he began
You
said you craved a gal with speed : that's why I wouldn't do
But
now the gal you left behind : is way ahead of you
But
what you was you used to be : but you ain't no more
Just
make your exit *smiling please* : there's no use getting sore
You
ran away : and left me on the shelf
Keep
right on running : go chase yourself
New York, c. 1 Aug. 1923
(71711‑B) OK‑8090 Sw S‑1240
I
ain't going to marry : I ain't going to settle down
I'm
going to stay down here : and swing these men around
Just
when you think : that your loving man is true
Then
he's your man my man : somebody else's too
Oh
big fat woman : with the meat shaking on her bones
Every
time she shimmies : a skinny woman leaves her home
Long Island City, Nov. 1928
(278‑A) QRS‑R7042 BYG‑529073
I
want all you women : to listen to my tale of woe
I've
got consumption of the heart : I feel myself sinking low
Oh
my heart is aching : and the blues are all around my *loo*
Blues
is like the devil : they'll have me hell bound too
Blues
you made me roll and tumble : you made me weep and sigh
Made
me use cocaine and whiskey: but you wouldn't let me die
Blues
blues blues : why did you bring trouble to me
Oh
death please sting me : and take me out of my misery
Long Island City, Dec. 1928
(306) QRS‑R7042 BYG‑529073
I've
got the blues : since I made up my mind
I
want to stop loving you : because you mistreat me all the time
Oh
this game called love : I played it on the square
But
you think : a good woman can be found anywhere
You
never meant me no good : you've always had your way
But
things can't go on forever : they are bound to change some day
So
now I'm leaving you : some day you'll understand
*That's
why* I can't go on : loving a mistreating man
Chicago, c. Jan. 1928
(20283‑2) Pm‑12605 OJL‑8
Molly
man's coming : I hear his voice
He's
got hot tamales : and it's just my choice
Come
on boys : and don't wait too long
All
my 'males : soon will be gone
I
can judge : by the way you act
Somebody
around here : had on a cotton‑picking track
Feeling
tired : shoulder's getting sore
If
you see 'male : you're going to take some more
Two
for a nickel : four for a dime
Thirty
cents a dozen : and you'll sure eat fine
Good
times have come in : don't you see the signs
Cotton
bolls are open : you can make a‑many dimes
I
can judge : by the way you walk
You
going to carry : half a dozen off
If
my holler boys : trouble your mind
You
had to come running : with a dime
Good
times have come in : don't you see the signs
White
folks standing around here : spending a‑many dimes
'Males
so hot : it burns my hand
Says
I can't hardly get them : out of my can
Chicago, c. Jan. 1928
(20302‑3) Pm‑12605 Rt RL‑325
Shrimp
is the thing : you love best
*Ring
them nice : and they'll*