Big Bill Broonzy Rising Sun Shine On
(January 11, 2017)
Shine on rising sun shine on
Shine on rising sun shine on
Oh just keep on shinn’ for the woman I love is gone
When I lay down last, lord I was hardly cryin’
When I lay down last, lord there was hardly cryin’
I woke up this morning, the same thing on my mind
So early this morning everything was quiet and still
So early this morning everything was quiet and still
Oh, but a special delivery the gal I loved got killed
I walked down to the station, but the southbound train was gone
I walked down to the station, but the southbound train was gone
I got a thinkin’ about my baby and lord I went walkin’ on
So shine on rising sun shine on
So shine on rising sun shine on
Oh just keep on shinn’ for the woman I love is gone
Economy
N/A
Family
“Oh just keep on shinn’ for the woman I love is gone” – Reference to wife or partner
“I woke up this morning, the same thing on my mind” – Reference to wife or partner
Religion
N/A
Vocal Delivery
A little rough as Big Bill Broonzy sung the way he talked.
Emphasizes 1st line of you every verse.
Musicality
Moderate tempo.
Call and response.
Two lines are sung twice and the third line is a response to the first two lines.
Instrumentation
The guitar responses to the voice.
Piano was used for rhythm, while the guitar was used for melody and riffs.
Big Bill Broonzy Double Trouble (January 11, 2017)
When you get in trouble can always tell who’s your friend
When you get in trouble can always tell who’s your friend
If you arrest for any money then they ain’t got none to them
Trouble with in the morning puts me to bed late at night
Trouble with in the morning puts me to bed late at night
Now if I get out of trouble goin’ to start living me right
Trouble Trouble I’ve had it all my days
Trouble Trouble I’ve had it all my days
Oh Trouble killed my sister and I’ve got one foot in my grave
(Piano Solo)
Sometimes I wonder what am I goin’ to do
Sometimes I wonder what am I goin’ to do
Sometimes I am happy most of the time I am blues
used for rhythm and guitar was used to melody
Economy
N/A
Family
“When you get in trouble can always tell who’s your friend ” – Reference to wife or partner
“Oh Trouble killed my sister and I’ve got one foot in my grave” – Reference to his sister
Religion
N/A
Vocal Delivery
A little rough as it is sung by woman with lots of static the way he talked.
Musicality
Moderate to slow tempo.
Two lines are sung twice and the third line is a response to the first two lines.
Instrumentation
The guitar responses to the voice.
Big Bill Broonzy Mistreatin’ Mama (January 11, 2017)
What you tell me lovin’ mama baby whatever I’ve done so wrong
What you tell me lovin’ baby mama whatever I’ve done so wrong
Lord you treat me just like the man you love was alone
You want to call me some morning mama lord and I’ll be gone
You want to call me some morning mama lord and I’ll be gone
Lord and I know you’re gonna miss me from rolling in your arms
I have got something to tell you mama please keep it to yourself
Baby I have got something to tell you mama please keep it to yourself
Lord if I can’t have you babe I don’t want nobody else
(Guitar Solo)
Lord I feel so worried, mama I don’t what to do
Lord I feel so worried, baby I don’t what to do
Lord my wife has done quite me and lord and my sweetie too.
Baby that’s alright mama, baby that’s all right for you
Mama that’s alright baby, mama that’s all right for you
Lord you gonna want me some morning and lord I won’t want you
Now baby don’t mistreat cause I’m a mother’s child
Now mama don’t mistreat cause I’m a mother’s child
Lord she may in my sanctuary someday baby bye and bye
Economy
N/A
Family
“What you tell me lovin’ mama baby whatever I’ve done so wrong” – Reference to wife or partner
“Lord and I know you’re gonna miss me from rolling in your arms” – Reference to wife or partner
“Lord my wife has done quite me and lord and my sweetie too” – Reference to a bad marriage or relationship.
“Now mama don’t mistreat cause I’m a mother’s child” – Reference to not being raised with a mother
Religion
N/A
Vocal Delivery
Rough as Big Bill Broonzy sung the way he talked and the recording is scratchy.
Emphasizes “I have got something to tell”
Musicality
Fast tempo.
Instrumentation
Only a guitar, plays a three chord progression using a blues scale.
Bends a lot of the notes.
Big Bill Broonzy Shelby County Blues (January 11, 2017)
I’m going away just to worry you off my mind
Lord, I’m going away just to worry you off my mind
Cause you keeps me worried almost messed up in mind
There is one lord baby that I soon will be
There is one lord place baby that I soon will be
That’s in Shelby County down in Memphis, Tennessee
(Guitar Solo)
I’ve got a gal down in country thanks to worrying all on me
I’ve got a gal in the country thanks to worrying all on me
That’s she lives on Beale Street in Memphis, Tennessee
(Guitar Solo)
Lord she’s long she’s tall, sweet as she can be
That’s she’s long she’s tall sweet as she can be
Lord, she may be bow legged, but she’s alright with
Lord fare you well, I’ll need you some sweet day
Lord fare you well, I’ll need you some sweet day
You’re gonna long for me mama I’ll be further away
Economy
N/A
Family
“I’ve got a gal down in country thanks to worrying all on me” – Reference to wife or partner.
“You’re gonna long for me mama I’ll be further away” – Reference to wife or partner.
“I’m going away just to worry you off my mind” – Reference to a divorce or break up for Big Bill Broonzy.
“That’s she’s long she’s tall sweet as she can be”- Reference to wife or partner
“Lord, she may be bow legged, but she’s alright with” – Reference to wife or partner
Religion
N/A
Vocal Delivery
Rough as Big Bill Broonzy sung the way he talked and the recording is scratchy.
Musicality
Slow tempo.
Two lines are sung twice and the third line is a response to the first two lines.
Bends a lot of the notes.
Instrumentation
Only a guitar and it responses to the voice or it plays the same notes the voice sings.
Big Bill Broonzy Serve It To Me Right (January 11, 2017)
You cook my breakfast brought it to bed didn’t fix no place for me to lay my head
You know you wasn’t serve it you to me right
You ain’t serve it to me right
Only way I got to get it mama honey when you serve it to me right
Now my coffee’s cold bread is all burnt you don’t need no tellin’ mama you know what I want
I want you serve it to me right
Oh Serve It To Me Right
Only way I got to get it mama honey when you serve it to me right
(Guitar Solo)
Mama when you cook, you cook standin’ up, sometimes you cook mama and your cookin’ taste like junk
I want you serve it to me right
Oh serve it to me right
Only way I got to get it mama honey when you serve it to me right
When I sit down to eat you feed me peas and corn, when you cook chicken and cake you give it to a nasty red
You know you ain’t want you serve it to me right
You ain’t serve’ it to me right
Only way I got to get it mama honey when you serve it to me right
(Guitar Solo)
Mmmmm, Mmmmmm
Oh serve it to me right
Oh serve it to me right
Only way I got to get it mama honey when you serve it to me right
Lord I lost my job lost the money I had in the bank my wife she quiet me and she did not take me back
She know she ain’t want you serve it to me right
She ain’t serve’ it to me right
Only way I got to get it mama honey when you serve it to me right
Economy
“When I sit down to eat you feed me peas and corn, when you cook chicken and cake you give it to a nasty red” – Reference to having a maid in the kitchen.
“Mama when you cook, you cook standin’ up, sometimes you cook mama and your cookin’ taste like junk” – Reference to having a maid in the kitchen.
“Lord I lost my job lost the money I had in the bank my wife she quiet me and she did not take me back” – Reference to being unemployed.
Family
“You cook my breakfast brought it to bed didn’t fix no place for me to lay my head” – Reference to wife or partner
“Only way I got to get it mama honey when you serve it to me right” – Reference to wife or partner
“Oh Serve It To Me Right” – Reference to wife or partner
Religion
N/A
Vocal Delivery
Rough as Big Bill Broonzy sung the way he talked and the recording is scratchy.
Musicality
Moderate Tempo
Instrumentation
Guitar used for melody, solos, higher notes
Piano used for rhythm and lower notes
Big Bill Broonzy Stove Pipe Stomp (January 11, 2017)
(Instrumental)
Economy
Deals with making a living with music using different creative ways to make instruments such as guitars and stovepipes. This is how the poorer musicians made a living by performing music people could dance to.
Family
N/A
Religion
N/A
Vocal Delivery
N/A
Musicality
Moderate Fast
Instrumentation
2 Guitars
One rhythm guitar, with three chords
One guitar with solos and stomps
Big Bill Broonzy Good Boy (January 11, 2017)
I done got to be a good boy, I don’t want nothing bad
I done got to be a good boy, I don’t want nothing bad
I don’t want no lazy cause I don’t want nothing sad
I sold me a one eyed mule and I me an automobile
I sold me a one eyed mule and I me an automobile
Boy if you ever had a drunkin’ woman, you know just how I feel
(Guitar Solo and Piano Solo)
Changes and mosquitoes don’t bother me no more
Changes and mosquitoes don’t bother me no more
I done got to be a good boy and all bad things must go
I used to be rough and rowdy but I’m a good boy now
Yes I used to be rough and rowdy but I’m a good boy now
I don’t know how I did it but I got rid of trouble somehow
(Piano Solo)
Aw there’s two things on Earth, I really can’t understand
It’s two things on Earth, I really can’t understand
That’s a drunken woman and a two faced man
Economy
I sold me a one eyed mule and I me an automobile – Reference to work being able to move up and buy a car.
Family
“I don’t want no lazy cause I don’t want nothing sad” – Reference to a bad marriage and good break up for Broonzy
“That’s a drunken woman and a two faced man” – Reference to a bad marriage or bad relationship
Religion
N/A
Vocal Delivery
A little easier to understand even though Big Bill Broonzy sung the way he talked.
Emphasizes the last line of you every verse.
Musicality
Moderate Fast
Instrumentation
Guitar – used for melody and solos, higher notes
Piano – used for rhythm and harmony, lower notes
Big Bill Broonzy Come Home Early (Take 2) (January 11, 2017)
Wanna have fun gal I want you too, come home baby I’ll tell you just what to do
I want you early
Whoo baby I want you early
Yeah I want you early in the morning turn my damper down
It’s cold in the evening gal it’s cold at night, just before day baby it just too tight
To come home early
Whooo baby come home early
Please come early in the morning turn my damper down
(Solo)
Got what you need gal, you don’t have to buy, you’ll be satisfied
To come home early
Whooo baby come home early
Please come home early in the morning gal and turn my damper down
Don’t be scared gal it won’t bite, my diamond was made to fit on 8 inch pipe
To come home early
Whooo baby come home early
Yes come early in the morning mama and turn my damper down
(Solo)
My diamond size my soul get hot, come baby you know what I got
I want you early
Whooo baby I want you early
Yes I want you early in the morning mama to turn my damper down
I want you early
Whooo baby I want you early
Yes I want you early in the morning mama to turn my damper down
Economy
N/A.
Family
“It’s cold in the evening gal it’s cold at night, just before day baby it just too tight” – Reference to a lover, wife, or partner at night.
“Yes come early in the morning mama and turn my damper down” – Reference to a lover at night.
Religion
N/A.
Vocal Delivery
Rough with a little bit of static.
Musicality
Moderate tempo.
Instrumentation
Guitar – melody and harmony.
Piano – Rhythm and harmony.
Brass – higher notes and gets more solos time.
Big Bill Broonzy Trucking Little Woman (January 11, 2017)
See that woman, her hands up over her head?
Did you hear me, what I said?
She’s a truckin’ little woman, don’t you know.
She’s a truckin’ little woman, don’t you know.
She’s a truckin’ little woman, here from Tennessee.
Wake up, boys. Don’t you be no fool.
This little gal here, she’s just from school.
She got plenty sense. She ain’t no fool.
Got big eyes ’cause she’s stubborn as a mule
But she’s a truckin’ little woman, don’t you know.
Yeah she’s a truckin’ little woman, don’t you know.
She’s a truckin’ little woman, here from Tennessee.
This little gal that I’m singin’ about
Is strictly tailor-made and it ain’t no doubt.
She’s built up round, right on the ground.
She can look up as long as you can look down,
Cause she’s a truckin’ little woman, don’t you know.
She’s a truckin’ little woman, don’t you know.
She’s a truckin’ little woman, here from Tennessee.
(Solo)
I’s just wonderin’ what’s that Annie got?
Where does she keep it, an’ in what drawer?
Where did she get it? How much it cost?
Eyes like a big motor with a double exhaust,
Cause she’s a truckin’ little woman, don’t you know.
She’s a truckin’ little woman, don’t you know.
She’s a truckin’ little woman, here from Tennessee.
See that woman goin’ down the road,
Jumpin’ an’ jackin’ like a model-T Fo’d.
She’s a truckin’ mother for you, don’t you know.
Boys she’s a truckin’ mother for you, don’t you know.
She’s a truckin’ mother for you, here from Tennessee
Economy
N/A.
Family
“She’s a truckin’ little woman, don’t you know”.- Reference to a lover, wife, or partner.
“Boys she’s a truckin’ mother for you, don’t you know”. – Reference to a wife or lover
Religion
N/A.
Vocal Delivery
Easy to understand Big Bill Broonzy sung the way he talked.
Musicality
Fast tempo.
Instrumentation
Guitar – melody and harmony.
Piano – Rhythm and harmony.
Brass – higher notes and gets more solos time.
Big Bill Broonzy Looking For My Baby (January 11, 2017)
I’ve been looking for baby Lord, asking everybody I meet
Lord I’ve been looking for baby Lord, asking everybody I meet
Lord, I want to find that woman she is so nice and sweet
I done got about buggy that woman Lord, I ain’t gonna let her go
Lord I done got buggy about that woman boys, I ain’t gonna let her go
Lord I’m got to find that woman if I have to do it with my 44
Boys, I’m going to Memphis Greenwood ain’t but a few miles down
Lord I’m going to Memphis, Lord Greenwood ain’t but a few miles down
Lord, I’ve got to find that woman, Lord if I have to look in every town
Lord, when I leave from Greenwood, boys you know I’m Vicksburg bound
And I leave from Greenwood, Lord you know I’m Vicksburg bound
Lord, I’m going to get on a high hill Lord where I can look all around
Lord when I find that woman, Lord, I’m goin’ to show her my 44
Lord when I find that woman, boys, I’m goin’ to show her my 44
Now, when I get her back home, I bet she donors leave no more
Economy
N/A.
Family
“Lord, I want to find that woman she is so nice and sweet” – Reference to a wife or partner
“Lord I done got buggy about that woman boys, I ain’t gonna let her go” – Reference to a wife or partner
“Lord I’m got to find that woman if I have to do it with my 44” – Reference to a wife or partner
Religion
N/A.
Vocal Delivery
A little rough and some static
Musicality
Moderate Tempo
Instrumentation
Guitar
Piano
Big Bill Broonzy It’s Too Late Now (Take 2) (January 11, 2017)
My baby left me, left me cold in hand, why did she left me I don’t understand
But right now it’s too bad, baby yes it’s too late now
I got a letter, that letter was sad, said let me come home daddy, I’ll never know no more be bad
But right now gal it’s too bad, baby yes it’s too late now
When you had a good home, gal you would not stay, so bye bye baby goin’ on your no good way
Because right now it’s too bad, baby yes it’s too late now
(Guitar Solo)
No need to weep, no need to moan, it’s too late baby another woman in your home
Cause right now it’s too bad, baby yes it’s too late now
Now when you left me, all my bills were due, baby you didn’t want me now gal I do not want you
Because right now it’s too bad, baby yes it’s too late now
Economy
N/A
Family
My baby left me, left me cold in hand, why did she left me I don’t understand – Reference to a wife or partner
But right now it’s too bad, baby yes it’s too late now
Religion
N/A
Vocal Delivery
A little rough and some static
Musicality
Slow Tempo
Instrumentation
Guitar – High notes, Goes along with vocals, Melody,
Piano – Low, notes, Rhythm and harmony
Big Bill Broonzy When I Have Money (January 11, 2017)
I listened to baby my when she was tellin’ me her dream
I listened to baby my when she was tellin’ me her dream
Lord, everything now baby would’ve been peaches ‘n’ cream
I had money on the horses money on 1,2,3
I had money on the horses money on 1,2,3
Now, my water got muddy and horse ran into trees
(Play it Mr.)
(Who are you?)
When I had money, I had friends and a real good home
When I had money, I had friends and a real good home
Now I done lost my money, baby and my friends’ home is gone
Now my mother tried Lord make me do right
My mother tried Lord make me do right
Now I’d stay drunk all day and baby I wouldn’t come home at night
Now if I had listen to my mother lord what she said
Now if I had listen to my mother lord what she said
Lord I wouldn’t not have be here now baby layin’ in this old horse paper bed
Economy
“I had money on the horses money on 1,2,3” – Reference to gambling for money
“Now, my water got muddy and horse ran into trees” – Reference to gambling and losing
“When I had money, I had friends and a real good home” – Reference to being poor
Family
“I listened to baby my when she was tellin’ me her dream” – Reference to wife or partner
“Now my mother tried Lord make me do right” – Reference to being raised by his mother
“Now if I had listen to my mother lord what she said” – Reference to being raised by his mother
Religion
N/A
Vocal Delivery
A little rough and some static
Musicality
Slow Tempo
Instrumentation
Guitar – High notes, Goes along with vocals, Melody,
Piano – Low, notes, Rhythm and harmony
Big Bill Broonzy Stop Lying Woman (January 11, 2017)
Love you baby, and I love you just for myself get so god so mad I think you lovin’ someone else
You know stop lying baby
Stop lying baby
Stop lying woman lying to the man you love
Run here woman put your little hands in mine I’ve got something to tell you gal that’s will you make you change your mine
If you stop lying baby
Stop lying baby
Stop lying little woman I mean lying the man you love
Know you baby been with you so long I can look into your face and tell you what your mind is on
You gonna lie woman
You gonna lie little woman
You gonna lie little baby lie to the man you love
(Play it)
(So good)
When you try to foolin’ me baby you just foolin’ yourself, tell me the truth woman and tell that lie to someone else
And stop lying baby
Stop lying baby
Stop lying little woman I said lying the man you love
You better drive straight gal you better not crook I might find a telephone number your little red book
Cause you’ve been lying baby
You’ve lying baby
You’ve been lying little woman I mean lying the man you love
(Big Bill is how I’m talkin’ about)
Economy
N/A.
Family
“Love you baby, and I love you just for myself get so god so mad I think you lovin’ someone else” – Reference to a wife or partner
“Stop lying woman lying to the man you love” – Reference to a wife or partner
“Run here woman put your little hands in mine I’ve got something to tell you gal that’s will you make you change your mine” – Reference to a woman
“You better drive straight gal you better not crook I might find a telephone number your little red book” – Reference to a wife or partner
Religion
N/A.
Vocal Delivery
A little rough and some static
Musicality
Moderate Tempo
Instrumentation
Guitar – melody and harmony.
Piano – Rhythm and harmony.
Brass – higher notes and gets more solos time.
Big Bill Broonzy Going Back to My Plow (January 11, 2017)
I was a plowin’ man for 40 years, I swore I wouldn’t never plow no more
Yes I was plowin’ for 40 years, I swore I wouldn’t never plow no more
I’m a married man now, whoo lord there ain’t no more so and so
I’m going back to my plow now and the woman is the cause of it all
Yes back to my plow now and the woman is the cause of it all
Now, she said if you don’t raise no cotton we will no money in the fall
I’m goin’ to get my harness and my old mule too
I’m goin’ to get my harness, I declare I’m goin’ to get my old mule too
Now I have really promised and whoo lord I really got that to do
Farmin’ is alright, little girl if you just know what to do
Farmin’ is alright, I declare if you just know what to do
Cause it killed my old grandpa and whoo lord I declare it goin’ to make it kill me too
Every night, I’m callin’ John, Jake, Pat
Yes every night, I’m callin’ old John, Jake, Pat
Now I had a dream last night whoo lord that old mule was in my hat
Economy
“I was a plowin’ man for 40 years, I swore I wouldn’t never plow no more” – Reference to farming
“Now, she said if you don’t raise no cotton we will no money in the fall” – Reference to farming
“I’m goin’ to get my harness, I declare I’m goin’ to get my old mule too” – Reference to Farming
Family
“I’m a married man now, whoo lord there ain’t no more so and so”.- Reference to a lover, wife, or partner
“Yes back to my plow now and the woman is the cause of it all”. – Reference to a wife or lover
Religion
N/A.
Vocal Delivery
Easy to understand Big Bill Broonzy sung the way he talked.
Musicality
Slow tempo.
Instrumentation
Guitar – melody and harmony.
Piano – Rhythm and harmony.
Big Joe Williams Someday Baby (January 8, 2017)
Don’t care where you go, how long you stay
Lord it’s good‑time females, bring you back some day
But’s it’s someday baby, you won’t worry poor Joe’s mind anymore
Ain’t but the one thing Sonny Boy, get Joe Williams these blues
I got on my last pair of shoes
Well someday baby you ain’t gonna worry my mind anymore
Yes I keep on betting, but the dice don’t pass
You going to leave Chicago running, running most too fast
Well someday baby you ain’t worry my mind anymore
I likes everybody in your neighborhood
She’s a no‑good woman she don’t mean me no good
Well someday baby you ain’t worry my mind anymore
(Play it right here boy! Harmonica Solo)
You won’t worry poor Joe’s my mind anymore
Don’t care when you go how long you stay
Just a nice treatin’ baby gonna bring you back, back home someday
Well someday baby you ain’t worry my mind anymore
(Play it Sonny Boy!)
You can steal my chickens boys you sure can’t make them lay
You can steal my chickens but you sure can’t make them lay
You can steal my best woman but you sure can’t make her stay
Economic – “You can steal my chickens boys you sure can’t make them lay” – Reference to farm work and sharecropping.
Family – “But’s it’s someday baby, you won’t worry poor Joe’s mind anymore” – Reference to a bad relationship Joe Williams had.
“She’s a no‑good woman she don’t mean me no good” – Reference to a bad relationship Joe Williams had.
Religion – N/A
Musicality – Moderate Tempo
Vocals – Joe Williams sings the way he talks and it is not too hard to understand.
Instrumentation – Big Joe Williams Guitar Sonny Boy Williamson Harmonica
Bo Carter I Get The Blues (January 1, 2017)
Baby, I’m so blue, so blue ’bout you, sweet baby
‘Cause your lovin’ is so soft and warm
Then I get the blues, deep down in my heart, sweet babe
‘Cause I’m a many miles from your lovin’ home
Now, listen here, sweet baby, please listen to me
I know that your lovin’ is the best that I ever seen
Then I get so blue, so blue ’bout you, sweet baby
‘Cause your lovin’ is so soft and warm
Oh baby, I’m so blue, so blue ’bout you, sweet babe
‘Cause your lovin’ is so soft and warm
Then I get the blues, deep down in my heart, sweet babe
‘Cause I’m a many miles from your lovin’ home
Now, listen here, sweet baby, I really can’t understand
Thinkin’ ’bout your lovin’, mixed with some other man
Then I get so blue, so blue ’bout you, sweet baby
‘Cause your lovin’ is so soft and warm
Economic – N/A
Family – “Oh baby, I’m so blue, so blue ’bout you, sweet babe ‘Cause your lovin’ is so soft and warm” – Reference to a bad relationship Bo Carter had.
“Then I get the blues, deep down in my heart, sweet babe ‘Cause I’m a many miles from your lovin’ home” – Reference to a wife Bo Carter missed and did not live close to
Religion – N/A
Musicality – Slow Tempo
Vocals – Bo Carter sings the way he talks and it is not too hard to understand and there is some static.
Instrumentation
Bo Carter Guitar
Bo Carter Fat Mouth Blues (January 10, 2017)
Baby now I know you don’t love your daddy, baby just like you used to do
Baby you don’t care your daddy baby just like you used to do
I mean your time got some old Fat Mouth layin’ around this place after you
Say I know I’m good to you baby honey all the time
Still you give me trouble about some other man resting on your mind
And you don’t care for your daddy baby just like you used to do
I mean your time got some old Fat Mouth layin’ around this place after you
Says some of these days now baby you know it can’t be long
You gonna miss me baby for wondering in our home
Cause you don’t love your daddy baby just like you used to do
I mean your time got some old Fat Mouth layin’ around this place after you
(Guitar Solo)
Now you know I’s good baby done all I could
You got me in this trouble and you don’t mean me no good
Cause you don’t care your daddy baby just like you used to do
I mean your time got some old Fat Mouth layin’ around this place after you
Says I know you didn’t care for me last night when I’s resting on your bed
You drain you guys you was talking out of your head
I know you don’t care your daddy baby just like you used to do
I mean your time got some old Fat Mouth layin’ around this place after you
Economic – N/A
Family – “I mean your time got some old Fat Mouth layin’ around this place after” – Reference to a bad relationship Bo Carter had.
“You gonna miss me baby for wondering in our home” – Reference to a wife Bo Carter missed and did not live close to
Religion – N/A
Musicality – Slow Tempo
Vocals – Bo Carter sings the way he talks and it is not too hard to understand and there is some static.
Bo Carter I’m An Old Bumble Bee (January 10, 2017)
I’m an old bumble bee a stinger just as long arm
I’m an old bumble bee a stinger just as long arm
I’ll sing to the good lookin’ woman now everywhere I goes along
Says I fly around now, I makes a beautiful song
I fly around now, I makes a beautiful song
And everywhere I see a good lookin’ woman says sure want me a home
Now I’m an old bumble bee just dropped into your down
Ain’t none of these women turned this old bumble bee down
They’re crying come bumble bee you know you know your strut
And you still your bumble bee, oh sting her just long enough
Mmmmm, What’s gonna become of me
Mmmmm, What’s gonna become of me
Every time I need stingin’, I’m just a long stinger bumble bee
Says when I get to stingin’ um I sting just like I should
Hey when I get to stingin’ now I sting just like I should
And that cryin’ old bumble bee you know it hurts so good
Economic – N/A
Family – “And that cryin’ old bumble bee you know it hurts so good” – Reference to sex Bo Carter had with is partner.
“Every time I need stingin’, I’m just a long stinger Bumble Bee” – Reference to a wife Bo Carter had.
Religion – N/A
Musicality – Slow Tempo
Vocals – Bo Carter sings the way he talks and it is not too hard to understand and there is some static.
Bo Carter Good Old Turnip Green (January 10, 2017)
When I was a little bird I always wanted to fly
I flapped my wings like a (dove?) and flew up through the sky
When I got up in heaven I seen something I hadn’t never had seen
There was a lot of burly coons just scraping over the turnip greens
He’s a fool about his turnip greens
Oh yes indeed is he
Cornbread, and buttermilk, and the good old turnip greens
Mr. Spencer went Chicago and I went to New Orleans
I got married and walked all the way back home just get me some old turnip greens
Oh the white man wear’s robe slow and the anywhere jeans
But the here come Doctor with is overalls on just scraping over the turnip greens
He’s a fool about his turnip greens
Oh yes is he
Cornbread, and it’s greasy, and the good old turnip greens
(Solo)
White man goes to the college and the negro to the sea
The white man will learn to read and write and the negro will learn to field
Oh the white folks in the parlor just eating that pickin’ greens
But the Doc is back in the kitchen just scrapin’ over the turnip greens
He’s a fool about his turnip greens
Oh yes is he
Corn bread, and devils sauce, and the good old turnip greens
Economic – “White man goes to the college and the negro to the sea” – Reference of white men and women being able to go college, while black men and women had to farm or become sharecroppers.
“The white man will learn to read and write and the negro will learn to field” – Reference of white men and women being able to go college, while black men and women had to farm or become sharecroppers
“Just scraping over the turnip greens” – Reference to farming turnip greens
Family – N/A
Religion – N/A
Musicality – Moderate Tempo
Vocals – Hard to understand and there is some static.
Bo Carter Fifty Fifty With Me (January 10, 2017
I’m cryin’ please baby please go fifty fifty with me
I’m cryin’ please baby please go fifty fifty with me
I’m mean do better if I had treats baby and its fifty fifty man you ever see
Now listen here sweet baby I don’t have to lie
If I get 10 dollars now you really got 5
I’m beg you please baby please go fifty fifty with me
I’m mean do better if I had treats baby and its fifty fifty man you ever see
(Guitar Solo)
Now listen here sweet baby won’t you bear this in mind
A fifty fifty man is good to have around sometimes
Please baby please go fifty fifty with me
I’m mean do better if I had treaties baby and its fifty fifty man you ever see
You got your main man I don’t want you to be all mine
All I want you to do is sweet baby just see me sometime
Please baby please go fifty fifty with me
I’m mean do better if I had treaties baby and its fifty fifty man you ever see
Now when all yur men have turned you down you see
Then you can sweet baby you can bring your troubles to me
Please baby please go fifty fifty with me
I’m mean do better if I had treaties baby and its fifty fifty man you ever see
Economic – N/A
Family – “I’m mean do better if I had treaties baby and its fifty fifty man you ever see” – Reference to each doing half of the work.
“Please baby please go fifty fifty with me” – Reference to having the husband and wife each doing 50% of the work.
Religion – N/A
Musicality – Moderate Tempo
Vocals – Somewhat hard to understand.
Bo Carter When Your Left Eye Go To Jumpin’ (January 10, 2017)
Since when your left eye go to jumpin’ you know something goin’ on wrong
I mean when your left eye go to jumpin’ you know something goin’ on wrong
Say you can bet your bottom dollar some other scowl trying to steal your sweet girl from home
Say when you feel your left quivering you know things ain’t working just right
I mean your left quivering you know things ain’t working just right
Oh it’s another low down scowl came around your baby’s house at night
Says when you’re left eye go to jumpin’, oh let me tell you what you do
I mean when you’re left eye go to jumpin’, boy let me tell you what you do
Just keep your eyes wide open don’t let know woman make no fat mouth out of you
(Piano Solo)
Says when you’re left eye go to jumpin’ won’t you just listen to me
I mean when you’re left eye go to jumpin’, won’t you just listen to me
They only woman that your lovin’ is treatin’ you what’s like any woman that you ever see
Says when you’re left eye go to jumpin’ won’t you take my advice
Says when you’re left eye go to jumpin’ won’t you take my advice
Just get you another girl sweeter and you will forget the first
(Piano Out)
Economic – N/A
Family
“Since when your left eye go to jumpin’ you know something goin’ on wrong” – Reference to seeing a good lookin’ woman
“Say you can bet your bottom dollar some other scowl trying to steal your sweet girl from home” – Reference to someone stealing your lover or partner
“Just keep your eyes wide open don’t let know woman make no fat mouth out of you” – Reference to a man stealing your woman
“Just get you another girl sweeter and you will forget the first” – Reference to moving on from a woman and finding another
Religion – N/A
Musicality – Moderate Tempo
Vocals – Somewhat hard to understand.
Cannon & Woods Last Chance Blues (January 1, 2017)
I said hey mama, I’ll give you your last chance
I said hey mama, I’ll give you your last chance
You due to wear the dresses, but you want to wear my pants
I said heeeey, what’s the matter now?
I said hey, mama, what’s the matter now?
You’re just a triflin’ woman, don’t mean me no good no how
I give you my money, but that don’t do no good
I give you my money, but that don’t do no good
I think I’m startin’ to round to workin’, that’s just what I should
I said, heeeey, what’s the matter now?
I said, hey hey mama, what’s the matter now?
You’re just a triflin’ woman, don’t mean me no good no how
I said baby baby baby, I’ll give you your last chance
I said baby baby baby, I’ll give you your last chance
You due to wear the dresses, but you want to wear my pants
I said, heeeey, what’s the matter now?
I said, hey baby, what’s the matter now?
You’re just a triflin’ woman, don’t mean me no good no how
Economic – N/A
Family – “I said hey mama, I’ll give you your last chance” – Reference to lover or wife
“I said, hey hey mama, what’s the matter now”? – Reference to lover or wife
“You’re just a triflin’ woman, don’t mean me no good no how” – Reference to having a bad relationship
Religion – N/A
Musicality – Fast Tempo
Vocals – Hard to understand with static.
Cannon’s Jug Stompers My Money Never Runs Out (January 1, 2017)
There’s a certain yellow joker lives around this town
Just as lazy as lazy can be
While his laundry shakin’1, says, he hangs around
“I love my hop,” says he
Early one morning this joker ran away
To roam the world was said
Says “I’ll go back to bed, boy, I’ll kivver* my head
I don’t care if I never wake up”
(Play)
Now if my money was stacked high
I believe it to my soul ‘t would touch the sky
I polish my teeth a-with a-diamond dust
I don’t care if the bank is bust
For my money, don’t never run out
Rich food, you’re making me stout
Well every good evenin’ for quail on toast I shout
Now I’m a-livin good all the time
I don’t drink, I said, no cheap wine
When it’s always flush, good money will never run out
(Rag it.)
Now boys, if my money was stacked high
I believe it to my soul ‘t would touch the sky
I polish my teeth with diamond dust
I don’t care if the bank is bust
Well my money, babe, don’t never do run out
(Now play it.)
Economic – “Now if my money was stacked high” – Reference to making a lot of money.
“When it’s always flush, good money will never run out” – Reference to always having money.
“I don’t drink, I said, no cheap wine” – Reference to having more money and not having to worry about references.
Family – N/A
Religion – N/A
Musicality – Fast Tempo
Vocals – Hard to understand with static.
Charlie Patton High Water Everywhere, Pt. 2 (January 1, 2017)
Backwater at Blytheville, backed up all around
Backwater at Blytheville, done took the entire town
It was fifty families and children come to sink and drown
The water was rising up at my friend’s door
The water was rising up at my friend’s door
The man said to his women folk Lord we’d better go
The water was risin’ got up in my bed
Lord the water was rollin’ got up in my bed
I thought I would take a trip, Lord, out on the big ice sled
Oh, I can hear, Lord, Lord, water upon my door
I can hear, Lord, Lord, we are sinkin’ down
I couldn’t get no boats there, Marion City gone down
So high the water risin’ our men sinkin’ down
Say the water was risin’ people all around (Boy they all around)
It was fifty men and children come to sink and drown
Oh, Lordy, women gonna take him down
Oh, Lordy, women gonna take him down (Lord have mercy now)
I couldn’t see nobody home and was no one to be found
Economy
“Backwater at Blytheville, backed up all around” – Reference to the jobs being gone in Mississippi from the flood the guitar responses
“I couldn’t get no boats there, Marion City gone down” – Reference to the jobs being gone in Mississippi from the flood
Family
“It was fifty families and children come to sink and drown” – Reference to the families that have died during the flood
“I couldn’t see nobody home and was no one to be found” – Reference to homes being destroyed and families being split up or families being dead
“The man said to his women folk Lord we’d better go” – Reference to men and women trying to survive from the flood.
Religion
“Oh, I can hear, Lord, Lord, water upon my door” – Reference to people praying to God to make the hard times stop
Vocal Delivery
Gruff, rough, and lots of static and Charlie Patton sang the way he talked.
Musicality
Slow tempo.
Two lines are sung twice and the third line is a response to the first two lines.
Instrumentation
The guitar responses to the voice.
Charlie Patton Prayer of Death Part 2 (January 1, 2017)
Oh, the prayer of death.
Oh Lord, oh, oh, oh, Lordy.
I know you been calling him.
Yes, the wages of sin are death,
The gift of God, eternal life
Mmm, Lordy He said
You’re a rock in a weary land,
A shelter in the time of storm
Mmmm, okay, Amen,
Then all of them get to moaning
Lord have mercy
(Slide Guitar)
Oh, won’t you save me, Lord
Ever since my mother been dead
Ever since my mother been dead
Ever since my mother been dead
(Trouble?) (Clouds?) been rolling all over my head
I’ve been ‘buked and I’ve been scorned
I’ve been ‘buked and I’ve been scorned
I’ve been ‘buked and I’ve been scorned, good Lord,
I’ve been talked about, sure as you born
I’ve been ‘buked and I’ve been
I’ve been ‘buked and I’ve been
I’ve been ‘buked and I’ve been scorned
I’ve been talked about, sure as you born
Oh, hold to God’s unchanging hand
Hold to God’s unchanging hand
Build your hopes on things eternal
Hold to God’s unchanging hand
Won’t you hold to God’s unchanging hand
Hold to God’s unchanging hand
Build your hopes on things eternal
Hold to God’s unchanging hand
Economy
N/A
Family
N/A
Religion
“Oh, the prayer of death.” – Reference to God about death and life after death
“Oh, hold to God’s unchanging hand” – Reference to holding on to God and going to heaven
“Hold to God’s unchanging hand” – Reference to God always being there and never changing even though be change as humans
“Build your hopes on things eternal” – Reference to God being eternal and forever
Vocal Delivery
Gruff, rough, and lots of static and Charlie Patton sang the way he talked.
Musicality
Starts at a slow Tempo and moves to a Fast Tempo.
Repetition – “Hold to God’s unchanging hand”
Instrumentation
The slide guitar responses to the voice or it said words that Charlie Patton.
Garfield Akers Dough Roller Blues (January 1, 2017)
Yes, I rolled and I tumbled and I cried the whole night long
Yes, I rolled and I tumbled and I cried the whole night long
Yes, I rolled this mornin’, and I didn’t know right from wrong
Have you ever woke up then, and found your dough roller gone?
Have you ever woke up then, found your dough roller gone?
Then you wring your hand and you cried “oooo” whole day long
Yes, I told my woman just before I left the town
Yes, I told my woman just before I left the town
Don’t you let nobody tear that old barrelhouse down
Yes, I fold my arm, and I begin to walk away
Says, I fold my arm, then I begin to walk away
I said, “That’s all right, sweet mama, your trouble’s gonna come some day.”
Economy
“Have you ever woke up then, and found your dough roller gone?” – Reference to working a cook or chef
Family
“I said, “That’s all right, sweet mama, your trouble’s gonna come some day.” – Reference to a wife or partner
“Yes, I told my woman just before I left the town” – Reference to a lover he wanted to see before leaving
Religion
N/A
Vocal Delivery
A little bit rough, and some static and Garfield Akers sang the way he talked.
Musicality
Moderate Tempo.
Repetition – Two lines are sung twice and the third line is a response to the first two lines.
Instrumentation
Guitar is used for rhythms and the voice used for melody.
Geeshie Wiley Eagles On The Half (January 1, 2017)
It’s a low, it’s a low low, lowdown dirty shame,
It’s a low, it’s a low low, lowdown dirty shame,
I’ve got a brownskin man but I’m scared to call his name.
I say squat low, papa, let your mama see,
I say squat low, papa, let your mama see,
I want to see that old business, keeps on worrying me.
(Instrumental Solo)
I twisted and I tumbled, I rolled the whole night long,
I twisted and I tumbled, I rolled the whole night long,
I didn’t have no daddy to hold me in his arms.
(Instrumental Solo)
I say get back, rider, don’t care how you lay,
I say get back, rider, don’t care how you lay,
I want to tell you I can’t stay here till day.
I say eagles on a half, lord, say in God we trust,
I cry eagles on a half, babe, ah in God we trust,
I love you, daddy, but your dollar’s first.
Economy
“I say eagles on a half, lord, say in God we trust” – Reference to the dollar bill and making money.
Family
“I say squat low, papa, let your mama see” – Reference to a couple between a man and woman
“I love you, daddy, but your dollar’s first” – Reference her man making the money compared to her watching the house and kids
“I’ve got a brownskin man but I’m scared to call his name.” – Reference to her lover rejecting her
Religion
“I say eagles on a half, lord, say in God we trust” – Reference to the dollar bill, but also how God is always with us and how our money should to him
Vocal Delivery
Gruff and rough, and lots of static and Ishman Bracey sang in a gruff voice
Musicality
Slow Tempo.
Repetition – Two lines are sung twice and the third line is a response to the first two lines.
Instrumentation
Guitar is used for rhythms and the voice used for melody.
Mandolin used for melody.
Ishman Bracey Leavin’ Town Blues (Take 2) (January 1, 2017)
Now, tell you, mama, now, I’m sure gonna leave this town
Now, tell you, mama, now, I’m sure gonna leave this town
‘Cause I been in trouble ever since I sot my suitcase down
Now you don’t believe I’m leavin’, just watch the train I’m on
Now you don’t believe I’m leavin’, just watch the train I’m on
Now you don’t believe I’m looking, just count the days I’m gone
Now, I got two ponies these already trained
Now, I got two ponies and these already trained
All you have to do is just tightened up on your reins
Now I love my sugar, now I tell the world I do
Now I love my sugar, now I tell the world I do
Now, I believe sometime that fool try to love me too
Mmmm, Lord, oh Lord, oh, oh Lord, oh Lord, oh Lord
Mmmm, Lord, oh Lord, oh, oh Lord, oh Lord, oh Lord
Now the woman I’m lovin she treat me like a mangy dog
Now, ‘fore I stay here, mama, and be treated this-a-way
Mmmm, ‘fore I stay here, now, and be treated this-a-way
Now I let some freight train stole me every day
Mmmm, looky yonder, sugar, where the evenin’ sun done gone
Mmmm, looky yonder, sugar, where the evenin’ sun done gone
I’d be way over here mama, a long ways from my home
Economy
“Now, I got two ponies and these already trained” – Reference to his farming life in Mississippi
“All you have to do is just tightened up on your reins” – Reference to his farming life
“Now I let some freight train stole me every day” – Reference to a worker on the railroad and the railroad was a way for transportation.
Family
“Now, tell you, mama, now, I’m sure gonna leave this town” – Reference to a wife or partner that he is leaving
“I’d be way over here mama, a long ways from my home” – Reference to his wife or partner that is long from, but he is in love with
Religion
N/A
Vocal Delivery
Gruff and rough, and lots of static and Ishman Bracey sang in a gruff voice
Musicality
Slow Tempo.
Repetition – Two lines are sung twice and the third line is a response to the first two lines.
Instrumentation
Guitar is used for rhythms and the voice used for melody.
Mandolin used for melody.
Jack Kelly and His Memphis Jug Band I Believe I Go Back Home (December 30, 2016)
I Believe I Believe, I Believe I’ll Go Back Home
I Believe I Believe, I Believe That I’ll Go Back Home
I’m going down into my baby, that I have done her wrong
St Louis is on a fire, Chicago’s burning down
St Louis is on a fire, Chicago is burning down
I’m sick and tired of my baby foolin’ round
Baby please forgive me, I know that I have done you wrong
Oh Baby please forgive me, I know that I have done you wrong
I’m going get down on my knees, I want my little old baby back home
(Instrumental Break)
It’s the same old farmer, same old engineer
It’s the same old farmer, same old engineer
That took my baby and left me standing here
Economy
“It’s the same old farmer, same old engineer” – Reference to working as a farmer or sharecropper and as a railroad engineer
Family
“I’m going down into my baby, that I have done her wrong – Reference to a lover that he has mistreated her or has been mistreated
“That took my baby and left me standing here” – Reference to having his partner or wife stolen or taken out of his arms
“Oh Baby please forgive me, I know that I have done you wrong” – Reference to a lover that he has mistreated her or has been mistreated
Religion
N/A
Vocal Delivery
A little bit rough, and some static as Jack sang the way he talked.
Musicality
Moderate Tempo.
Repetition – Two lines are sung twice and the third line is a response to the first two lines.
Instrumentation
Guitar – Jack Kelly Kelly used the guitar for rhythms and the voice used for melody.
Guitar – Dan Sane
Violin – Will Batts
Jug – “Doctor” D.M. Higgs
James “Yank” Rachell & Sleepy John Estes Expressman Blues (January 8, 2017)
I say expressman expressman lord you have parked your way gone wrong
Lord you have parked your way gone wrong
You took a poor’s man good gal when I was a long way from
But a woman make man do things and she know darn well it’s wrong
Lord she know darn well it’s wrong
Now that way you hear poor James singin’ these lonesome song
(Play that thing boy!)
Baby you never you never hear me anymore
Lord you hear me anymore
Lord you can remember one morning when I walked up on your porch
When I sing this song Jim ain’t gonna sing no more
Lord ain’t gonna sing no more
I’m gonna put this mandolin under my arm, to the North Memphis Cafe I’ll go
Economy
“I say expressman expressman lord you have parked your way gone wrong” – Reference to railroad workers on the railroad
Family
“You took a poor’s man good gal when I was a long way from” – Reference to a the train taking a man’s woman
Religion
N/A
Vocal Delivery
A little rough, with not much static
Musicality
Moderate Tempo.
Instrumentation
Guitar – is used for rhythms and the voice used for melody.
Piano – Rhythm and low notes
Mandolin – Melody and high notes
Jazz Gillum It Looks Bad For You (January 8, 2017)
I tried to get you to stop rasin’ sand
‘fore they put you back in the can
Whoa baby it looks too bad for you
Now you hear me talkin’ I’ve done I’m goin’ to do
I tried to love you a long time ago
I loved until you drove me from your door
Whoa baby it looks too bad for you
Now you hear me talkin’ I’ve done I’m goin’ to do
(Harmonica Solo)
Now love is mighty it don’t need a hand
I know you don’t love me when you keep on rasin’ sand
Whoa baby it looks too bad for you
Now you hear me talkin’ I’ve done I’m goin’ to do
I tried to tell, but wouldn’t understand
Now I’m leavin’ you cold in hand
Whoa baby it looks too bad for you
Now you hear me talkin’ I’ve done I’m goin’ to do
(Harmonica Solo)
I tried to tell, baby just before you go
Don’t you lookin’ for me no more
Whoa baby it looks too bad for you
Now you hear me talkin’ I’ve done I’m goin’ to do
Economy
N/A
Family
“Whoa baby it looks too bad for you” – Refers to a relationship gone bad
I tried to love you a long time ago I loved until you drove me from your door” – Reference to lover being driven from the dor
“Now love is mighty it don’t need a hand” – Reference to Gillum’s lover
Religion
N/A
Vocal Delivery
No static and easier music to understand
Musicality
Fast Tempo.
Instrumentation
Guitar – is used for harmony
Cow Bells – Rhythm
Washboard – Rhythm
Harmonica – Melody and high notes
Jazz Gillum Just Like Jesse James (January 8, 2017)
My woman’s gone an I swear she left a lonely home
My woman’s gone an I swear she left a lonely home
Well, I love that woman but people, she have done me wrong
But people, she have done me wrong
She left me one old bed an two old broke down chairs
She left me one old bed an two old broke down chairs
Well, I miss that woman from feelin’ her coal back curly hair
(Yeah!)
(Blow that thing Gill, Blow it!)
Baby, when you’s out and havin’ your fun
Baby, when you’s out, out and havin’ your fun
Just remember I’m at home with my right hand on my gun
(Guitars & Bass)
‘Play it, play it!’ ‘Play it, play it! ‘
I believe I’ll do jes’ like Jesse James
I believe I’ll do jes’ like Jesse James
I’m gon kill that woman and then I will change my name
Economy
N/A
Family
“My woman’s gone an I swear she left a lonely home” – Reference to wife or partner
“She left me one old bed an two old broke down chairs” – Reference to a lonely house and a lonely man by himself
“Baby, when you’s out, out and havin’ your fun” – Reference to wife or partner
“Just remember I’m at home with my right hand on my gun” – Reference to a jealous husband
Religion
N/A
Vocal Delivery
Not a lot of static and easier music to understand
Musicality
Moderate Tempo.
Instrumentation
Guitar – is used for harmony
Washboard – Rhythm
Harmonica – Melody and high notes
Jazz Gillum New Sail On Little Girl (January 8, 2017)
You got your wings on mama, and you feel like flyin’ high
You’ve got your wings on mama, and you feel like flyin’ high
If you sail away today, you will come back bye and bye
Every thing goes up, have to come down sometime
Every thing goes up mama, have to come down sometime
You’ll come sailing back to me, when you can’t get hold of a dime
You can flap your wings, and sail just like a dove
You can flap your wings mama, and sail just like a dove
But you can’t mistreat me, when I find the one I love
Sail on, sail on little girl sail on
Sail on, sail on little girl sail on
No need to sailin’ back to me, cause you’ll find your daddy gone
I didn’t ask you to go, and I ain’t gonna beg you to stay
I didn’t ask you to go mama, and I ain’t gonna beg you to stay
You can stay if you want to, if you don’t you can sail away
Economy
N/A
Family
“You got your wings on mama, and you feel like flyin’ high” – Reference to a lover or wife
Religion
N/A
Vocal Delivery
Not a lot of static and easier music to understand
Musicality
Moderate Tempo.
Instrumentation
Guitar – is used for harmony
Washboard – Rhythm
Cow Bells – Rhythm
Harmonica – Melody and high notes
Jazz Gillum Take A Little Walk With Me (January 8, 2017)
Come on baby take a little walk with me
Come on babe take a little walk with me
Back to the same old place where we long to be
Now just before we walk baby about this old avenue
I got something darlin’ I want you to do
Come on babe take a little walk with me
Back to the same old place where we long to be
Mmmm, Mmmm, Mmmmm, Mmm
(Yes walk with me)
Mmmm, Mmmm, Mmmmm, Mmm
Mmmm, Mmmm, Mmmmm, Mmm
Yes, now I believe we walk baby just across our park
I got something to tell you darling I want to be way out in the dark
Come on babe take a little walk with me
Back to the same old place where we long to be
Now what’s the matter darlin’ you walkin’ so slow
You make me think you don’t want to go
Come on babe take a little walk with me
Back to the same old place where we long to be
Economy
N/A
Family
“Come on babe take a little walk with me” – Reference to a wife or partner
“Now just before we walk baby about this old avenue” – Reference to a wife or partner
“I got something to tell you darling I want to be way out in the dark” – Reference to a wife or partner
Religion
N/A
Vocal Delivery
No static and it is easier understand
Musicality
Moderate Tempo.
Instrumentation
Harmonica – Used for Melody and follows the vocals
Piano – Used for Rhythm
Jazz Gillum Worried And Bothered (January 7, 2017)
Well, I’m down an discouraged an
Worried and I’m bothered, too
Well, I’m down an discouraged an
Worried and I’m bothered, too
An it’s all on the account of just the way my baby do
(harmonica & instrumental)
You put the love bug on me, woman
And you made prosperity come
You put the love bug on me, woman
And you made prosperity come
If there’s anyone can beat you
I can’t see how it can be done
(harmonica & instrumental)
Yes, I bought you shoes
I bought you clothes
I bought you ev’rything, baby
That yo’ trunkard hold
That’s why
After you do me like you done
When you’ve got yo’ money
Yes, you would not give me none
Yes, I been broke an hungry
Yes, for a-many long days
I been broke and hungry
Yes, for a-many long days
Ever since I stop workin’ on that WPA.
(harmonica & instrumental)
Economy
“Ever since I stop workin’ on that WPA” – Reference to losing his job
Family
“You put the love bug on me, woman” – Reference to a wife or partner
“An it’s all on the account of just the way my baby do” – Reference to a wife or partner
“If there’s anyone can beat you” – Reference to a bad relationship with his wife or partner
Religion
N/A
Vocal Delivery
No static and it is easier understand
Musicality
Moderate Tempo.
Instrumentation
Harmonica – Used for Melody and follows the vocals
Guitar – Used for Rhythm and for some melody
Washboard – Used for Rhythm
Jazz Gillum Reefer Head Woman (January 7, 2017)
I can’t see why my baby sleeps so sound
Well I can’t see why my baby sleeps so sound
She musta have smoked that reefer and it’s bound to carry her down
When I left her this mornin’, I left her sleepin’ sound
When I left her this mornin’, I left her sleepin’ sound
The only way she could catch me is to run like a full bloodhound
(Guitar Solo)
She said she was gonna leave me, goin’ to some no-good town
She said she was gonna leave me, goin’ to some no-good town
She was a rough cuttin’ woman, she didn’t like to break ’em down
If you got a good woman mens, please don’t take ‘are ’round
If you got a good woman mens, please don’t take ‘are ’round
She will get full of reefer, and raise sand all over this town
Economy
N/A
Family
“I can’t see why my baby sleeps so sound” – Reference to wife or partner
“When I left her this mornin’, I left her sleepin’ sound” Reference to wife or partner
“If you got a good woman mens, please don’t take ‘are ’round” – Reference to wife or partner
Religion
N/A
Vocal Delivery
No static and easy understand
Musicality
Moderate Tempo.
Instrumentation
Harmonica
Guitar
Washboard
Jazz Gillum Boar Hog Blues (January 7, 2017)
What make a rooster
Honey, crow ’bout the break of day?
To let the kidman know
That the main man is on his way
I’m a stranger here
Honey, just stopped in yo’ town
If I ask you for a favor
Mama, please don’t turn me down
(guitar & instrumental)
‘Play it! ‘
She’s a long, tall woman
With the meat shakin’ on her bone
Ev’rytime she shakes
Some skinny gal have lost her home
(harmonica & instrumental)
‘Blow that thing Gillum, blow it! ‘
Get yo’ ride from a pony
Get yo’ sweet milk from a cow
Get yo’ po’k chop from a boar hog
Get yo’ pigmeat from a sow
(guitar & instrumental)
‘Play it out! ‘
(harmonica & instrumental to end)
‘Yeah, man! ‘
Economy
“What make a rooster Honey, crow ’bout the break of day”? – Reference to working hard and getting up early
“Get yo’ ride from a pony” – Reference to farming
“Get yo’ sweet milk from a cow” – Reference to farming
“Get yo’ po’k chop from a boar hog” – Reference to farming
Family
“She’s a long, tall woman” – Reference to a wife or partner
“Some skinny gal have lost her home” – Reference wife or partner
Religion
N/A
Vocal Delivery
No static and easy to understand
Musicality
Moderate Tempo.
Instrumentation
Harmonica – used for melody and to follow the vocals
Guitar – used for both melody and rhythm
Jazz Gillum Your Tearing Your Playhouse Down (January 7, 2017)
I was sittin’ down thinkin’ tryin’ to figure out my way
If had handle it alone I wouldn’t been worried today
Yes Yes, mama you’re tearing your playhouse down
Well if you don’t stop jiving me somebody will be jailhouse bound
Somebody’s in my house tearing my playhouse down
And if I should catch him will be jailhouse bound
Yes Yes, mama you’re tearing your playhouse down
Well if you don’t stop jiving me somebody will be jailhouse bound
Now, told you about these taverns when you first came to town
Now they ain’t no good you knows yours is all run down
Yes Yes, mama you’re tearing your playhouse down
Well if you don’t stop jiving me somebody will be jailhouse bound
Now when I go to work you’d played like you’d asleep
You’re waiting for your kid man to his morning creep
Yes Yes, mama you done tore your playhouse down
Well if you don’t stop jiving me somebody will be jailhouse bound
Well I’m telling you now I’d don’t have to take that drag
Just keep on the way you doin’ I’ll soon catch your doggone tag
Yes Yes, mama you have tore your playhouse down
Well if you don’t stop jiving me somebody will be jailhouse bound
Economy
N/A
Family
“Yes Yes, mama you’re tearing your playhouse down” – Reference to a wife or partner
“Well if you don’t stop jiving me somebody will be jailhouse bound” – Reference wife or partner
Religion
N/A
Vocal Delivery
A little bit of static and easy to understand
Musicality
Moderate Tempo.
Lots of repetition
“Well if you don’t stop jiving me somebody will be jailhouse bound”
“Yes Yes, mama you done tore your playhouse down”
Instrumentation
Harmonica – used for melody and to follow the vocals
Guitar – used for both melody and rhythm
Piano – used for rhythm
Jimmie Davis Saturday Night Stroll (January 5, 2017)
Sittin’ around the house the other night decided to take little Saturday night stroll and I got the kind of lonesome so passed down by old James house peeped into the window and boiling these turnip green just boiling
She said boy if I ever get these drained greens done, I’m going to be a fat mama, kids cryin’ running over chairs running over benches just boiling these greens and I’m going take up now and cut ‘em up see if they are done
Hey listen knife crying, no they are not done, I’m going to put them back and boil them some more
About that time I passed down by the old country church and heard them singing this song
There’s preachin’ tonight
Lord There’s preachin’ tonight
Lord there’s preachin’ on the old camp ground
There’s preachin’ tonight
Lord There’s preachin’ tonight
Lord there’s preachin’ on the old camp ground
(Guitar Solo)
And I left that and I went down to the old country dance and I heard them singin’ this song
Oh my father was a miller and lived on a hill
Ground his corn with a pretty good will
The corn is in the hopper and the meat is in the sack
Tell all boys just drop one back
Old Slim just started this back step
Just Prancing
Dust Flying
Levi Parking
Just Prancing
Then old bad eye gets his six shooter and starts shooting trying to break up a dance
Bullets Singing
Bullets Poppin’
Boy did they fly
They got high behind
They went North, went South, went East, and went West
Went under the house, through the house, and over the house
Hit the rail fence, tore it down
Left gangums, calicoes, shoes, overcoats, and underwear all on this barbed wire fence
This flyin’ dance all broke up, and I got kind of lonesome
I sat down on a log to rest a while and then I heard this who dale holler
Boy did I run, I never have run before
I went home I passed home
I come back for the house circle the house couldn’t stop
Run through the cow pen turn all the cows and calves together
Pig, and sows together, run through the hen house hung the chicken coop over my head
And slid in under the bed
And Sweet Dreams
As I sleep baby sleep yodel le he yodel le he yodel le he
Economy
“And boiling these turnip green just boiling She said boy if I ever get these drained greens done” – Reference to the mother working and cooking as women would cook for the family then.
Family
“I’m going to be a fat mama, kids cryin’ running over chairs running over benches just boiling these greens and I’m going take up now and cut ‘em up see if they are done” – Reference ot mother and her kids cooking and she is raising them.
Religion
“I passed down by the old country church and heard them singing this song There’s preachin’ tonight Lord There’s preachin’ tonight Lord there’s preachin’ on the old camp ground There’s preachin’ tonight Lord There’s preachin’ tonight Lord there’s preachin’ on the old camp ground” – Reference to church and how there was preaching at the church
Vocal Delivery
Easy to understand
Musicality
Changes Tempo quickly.
Moderate to Fast to Fast to Moderate to Fast to Fast to Slow to Fast
Humor is used in this song
Based on a true story
Instrumentation
Slide Guitar – used for mainly for rhythm and some little melody
Vocals – used for the melody
Joe McCoy and Papa Charlie McCoy What Will I Do? (January 7, 2017)
What will I do stop my love again
What will I do stop my love again
I’ll do anything start it back if I can
What will I do don’t take me back again
What will I do you don’t me back again
I’ll forever unhappy doing the best I can
(Guitar Solo)
What will I do she mistreats me again
What will I do she mistreats me again
I’d rather be a murder and end up in the pen
(Harmonica Solo)
What will I do she gives my love away
What will I do she gives my love away
I’ll get me a pistol and put her in the clay
(Mandolin Solo)
What will I do she closed the door in my face
What will I do she closed the door in my face
I know about that another man has got my place (Yes let’s go now!)
Economy
N/A
Family
“What will I do stop my love again” – Reference to a wife or partner
“What will I do she mistreats me again” – Reference to a wife or partner
“What will I do she gives my love away” – Reference to a wife or partner
“What will I do she closed the door in my face” – Reference to a wife or partner
Religion
N/A
Vocal Delivery
Some static and Kansas Joe McCoy is hard to understand because of his voice how his voice sang
Musicality
Moderate Fast
Instrumentation
Guitar – Kansas Joe McCoy
Harmonica – Robert Lee McCoy
Mandolin – Charlie McCoy
Double Bass – Ransom Knowling
Washboard – Amanda Sortier
King Solomon Hill Down On My Bended Knee (Take 2) (January 5, 2017)
Ella, Ella, down on my bended knee
Ella, Ella, down on my bended knee
I worry about my baby, bring her back to me
You know I love my baby, that’s why we can’t get along
You know I love my baby, that’s why we can’t get along
Look like everything I do, something goin’ on wrong
Ohh-Ohh, down on my bended knee
I’m worrying about my baby, bring her back to me
I can see the sun is shining, leaves shaking on the trees
I can see the sun is shining, leaves shaking on the trees
I got a letter from my daddy, I been thank-up drunk to heel
Ooh, baby now, hear my lonesome plea
Ohh-ooh. down on my bended knee
I’m worried about my baby, bring her back to me
Oooh-oooh, hear my lonesome plea
I’m worried about my baby, down on my bended knee
Economy
N/A
Family
“I’m worried about my baby, down on my bended knee” – Reference to a lover or partner
“You know I love my baby, that’s why we can’t get along” – Reference to a lover or partner
“I worry about my baby, bring her back to me” – Reference to a lover or partner
“Oooh-oooh, hear my lonesome plea” – Reference to a lover rejecting him
Religion
“Ella, Ella, down on my bended knee” – Reference to the Bible
“I’m worried about my baby, down on my bended knee” – Reference to the Bible
“Oooh-oooh, hear my lonesome plea” – Reference to God hearing a prayer from a person who thinks they are by themselves
Vocal Delivery
Some static with the voice that he rough and hard to understand.
Musicality
Slow Tempo
Instrumentation
Vocals – King Solomon Hill
Slide Guitar – King Solomon Hill
Lead Belly Mr. Toms Hughes’ Town (236 b-3) (January 6, 2017)
Mmmmm, Mmmmm
Mmmmm, Mmmmmm
Follow me down,
Follow me down,
Follow me down
By Mr Tom Hughes town
Mmmmm, Mmmmmm
Mmmmm, Mmmmmm
Martha told me, she said, these people going to be the death of you
I told Martha, Martha you don’t know women in this city killing why don’t you let me go
Mmmmm, Mmmmmm
I broke Martha heart and she turned around and she started to cryin’
I couldn’t stand to see my sugar cryin’ it broke my heart, and I walked away from her
An here what she said
Mmmmm, Mmmmmm
Mmmmm, Mmmmmm
I go to Martha and I fall down on my knees and here is what I begged her
I went to Martha and I fall down on my knees, cryin’ Oh Lord Martha would you forgive me please?
Mmmmm, Mmmmmm
Mmmmm, Mmmmmm
I couldn’t stand to see my baby cryin’ and I walked away
And I fell down on my knees
Mmmmm, Mmmmmm
Mmmmm, Mmmmmm
Lord have mercy
Economy
N/A
Family
“Martha told me, she said, these people going to be the death of you” – Reference to a lover or partner
“I told Martha, Martha you don’t know women in this city killing why don’t you let me go” – Reference to partner or lover
“I go to Martha and I fall down on my knees and here is what I begged her” – Reference to his wife and partner
“I went to Martha and I fall down on my knees, cryin’ Oh Lord Martha would you forgive me – Reference to his wife or partner
Religion
N/A
Vocal Delivery
Some static with the voice that he rough and it hard to understand.
Musicality
Fast
Instrumentation
Vocals
12 String Guitar
Lead Belly Yellow Gal (January 6, 2017)
Oh, my yellow, oh, my yellow, oh, my yellow gal
My yellow, oh, my yellow, oh, my yellow gal
Oh, yellow, oh, yellow, oh, yellow gal
My yellow, oh, my yellow, oh, my yellow gal
My daddy got stuck on a yellow gal
My daddy got stuck on a yellow gal
He went home with the yellow gal
He went home with the yellow gal
Oh, my yellow, oh, my yellow, oh, my yellow gal
My yellow, oh, my yellow, oh, my yellow gal
Oh, yellow, oh, yellow, oh, yellow gal
My yellow, oh, my yellow, oh, my yellow gal
She was pretty and fine, this yellow gal
She was pretty and fine, this yellow gal
She was pretty and fine, this yellow gal
She was pretty and fine, this yellow gal
Oh, my yellow, oh, my yellow, oh, my yellow gal
My yellow, oh, my yellow, oh, my yellow gal
Oh, yellow, oh, yellow, oh, yellow gal
My yellow, oh, my yellow, oh, my yellow gal
She was pretty and fair, the yellow gal
She was pretty and fair, the yellow gal
She was pretty and fair, the yellow gal
She was pretty and fair, the yellow gal
Oh, my yellow, oh, my yellow, oh, my yellow gal
My yellow, oh, my yellow, oh, my yellow gal
Oh, yellow, oh, yellow, oh, yellow gal
My yellow, oh, my yellow, oh, my yellow gal
She got pretty hair, this yellow gal
She got pretty hair, this yellow gal
She got pretty hair, this yellow gal
She got pretty hair, this yellow gal
Oh, my yellow, oh, my yellow, oh, my yellow gal
My yellow, oh, my yellow, oh, my yellow gal
Economy
N/A
Family
“My yellow, oh, my yellow, oh, my yellow gal” –
“My daddy got stuck on a yellow gal” –
“She was pretty and fine, this yellow gal’ –
“She was pretty and fair, the yellow gal” – Reference to a wife or partner
“She got pretty hair, this yellow gal – Reference to a wife or partner
Religion
N/A
Vocal Delivery
No static and easy to understand.
Lots of Repetition
“She was pretty and fair, the yellow gal”
“Oh, my yellow, oh, my yellow, oh, my yellow gal”
“My yellow, oh, my yellow, oh, my yellow gal”
“She got pretty hair, this yellow gal”
Musicality
Moderate Fast
Instrumentation
Vocals
12 String Guitar
Lead Belly Salty Dog (45-b) (January 6, 2017)
Why don’t you let me be your salty dog
I want to be your main dog
Salty Dog
Yes honey babe let me be your salty dog
Salty Dog
Mama you salty dog
Yes God made woman said you mighty kind of funny
Kiss her around the mouth just as any honey
You Salty Dog
You Salty Dog
Why don’t you let me be your salty dog
I want to be your main dog
Salty Dog
Yes honey babe let me be your salty dog
Salty Dog
Salty Dog
Yes honey babe let me be your salty dog
Salty Dog
Mama you salty dog
Like a hunting for the niches in the bed past
Trying to find a woman ain’t got no man
You Salty Dog
You Salty Dog
Why don’t you let me be your salty dog
I want to be your main dog
Salty Dog
Yes honey babe let me be your salty dog
Salty Dog
Mama you salty dog
(Guitar Solo)
Oh yes you ever been in my life
Uncle Bud like caught me kissing his wife
Salty Dog
You Salty Dog
Why don’t you let me be your salty dog
I want to be your main dog
Salty Dog
Yes honey babe let me be your salty dog
Salty Dog
Mama you salty dog
Yeah the boy, the helm, and the compound nation
Turn up on huge on my plantation
You Salty Dog
You Salty Dog
Why don’t you let me be your salty dog
I want to be your main dog
Salty Dog
Yes honey babe let me be your salty dog
Salty Dog
Mama you salty dog
Yes big fish swimming in the spout
I want be the wind and pull the quarter out
You Salty Dog
You Salty Dog
Why don’t you let me be your salty dog
I want to be your main dog
Salty Dog
Yes honey babe let me be your salty dog
Salty Dog
Mama you salty dog
Economy
N/A
Family
“My yellow, oh, my yellow, oh, my yellow gal” – Reference to wife or partner
“My daddy got stuck on a yellow gal” – Reference to wife or partner
“She was pretty and fine, this yellow gal” – Reference to wife or partner
“She was pretty and fair, the yellow gal” – Reference to a wife or partner
“She got pretty hair, this yellow gal – Reference to a wife or partner
Religion
N/A
Vocal Delivery
No static and easy to understand.
Lots of Repetition
“She was pretty and fair, the yellow gal”
“Oh, my yellow, oh, my yellow, oh, my yellow gal”
“My yellow, oh, my yellow, oh, my yellow gal”
“She got pretty hair, this yellow gal”
Musicality
Moderate Fast
Instrumentation
Vocals
12 String Guitar
Lead Belly John Hardy (January 6, 2017)
John Hardy he was a desperate little man
He carried two guns every day
He shot a man on the West virginia line
Might have seen John Hardy getting away poor boy
Might have seen John Hardy getting away
John Hardy went up upon that freestone bridge
There he thought he would be free
Up stepped a deputy and he caught him by the arm
Saying Johnny come and go with me poor boy
Johnny come and go with me
Johnny come and go with me poor boy
Johnny come and go with me
John Hardy had a mother and a father too
He sent for them to come and go his bail
There was not no bail out for a murdering man
They shoved John Hardy back in jail poor boy
And they shoved John Hardy back in jail
And they shoved John Hardy back in jail poor boy
They shoved John Hardy back in jail
John Hardy had a purdy little wife
That Mrs oh she wore what blue
She came to the jailhouse with a loud shout
She saying Johnny I’ve been true to you poor boy
Johnny I’ve been true to you
Johnny I’ve been true to you poor boy
Johnny I’ve been true to you
John Hardy was standing in his cell
With tears a rolling down his eye
I’ve been the death of a many poor boy
And now I am ready to die lord lord
Now I am ready to die
And now I am ready to die lord lord
And now I am ready to die
Go ahead and die
Uh huh
I’ve been to the east I’ve been to the west
I’ve been this whole wide world round
I’ve been to the east river and I’ve been baptized
Now take me to my hanging ground lord now
Take me to my hanging ground
Economy
“They shoved John Hardy back in jail poor boy” – Reference to blacks being jailed and jailhouse was influence on blues music
Family
“John Hardy had a mother and a father too” – Reference to his mother and father
“John Hardy had a purdy little wife” Reference to his wife or partner
Religion
N/A
Vocal Delivery
No static and easy to understand.
Lots of Repetition in the guitar some lyrics
“They shoved John Hardy back in jail poor boy”
“And now I am ready to die lord lord”
Musicality
Fast
Instrumentation
12 String Guitar
Vocals
Lead Belly Meeting At The Building 4471 (a-1) (January 6 , 2017)
The meeting at the building will soon be over
Soon be over, soon be over
The meeting at the building will soon be over all over this world
All over this world, all over this world
The meeting at the building will soon be over all over this world
The preaching at the building will soon be over
Soon be over, soon be over
The preaching at the building will soon be over all over this world
All over this world, all over this world
The preaching at the building will soon be over all over this world
The cryin’ at the building will soon be over
Soon be over, soon be over
The cryin’ at the building will soon be over all over this world
All over this world, all over this world
The cryin’ at the building will soon be over all over this world
The lovin’ at the building will soon be over
Soon be over, soon be over
The lovin’ at the building will soon be over all over this world
All over this world, all over this world
The lovin’ at the building will soon be over all over this world
The meeting at the building will soon be over
Soon be over, soon be over
The meeting at the building will soon be over all over this world
All over this world, all over this world
The meeting at the building will soon be over all over this world
Economy
N/A
Family
N/A
Religion
“The meeting at the building will soon be over all over this world” – Reference to how the church influenced Lead Belly’s
“All over this world, all over this world” – Baptist spiritual
Vocal Delivery
No static and easy to understand.
Lots of Repetition in the guitar some lyrics
Musicality
Fast
Instrumentation
Vocals
Clapping
Lead Belly Cow Cow Yicky Yicky Yea (January 6, 2017)
When I was a cowboy
Out on the western plains
When I was a cowboy
Out on the western plains
I made a half a million
Pullin’ on the bridle reins
Come a ki-ki–yicky
Cow, ki-yicky-yicky-yeah
I went to my girl’s house
She’s sittin’ d’ere alone
Went to my girl’s house
She’s sittin’ d’ere alone
I’m a poor western cowboy
A long way from home
Come a ki-ki–yicky
Cow, ki-yicky-yicky-yeah
When I left my girl’s house
She was rockin’ in her rockin’ chair
When I left my girl’s house
She was rockin’ in her rockin’ chair
Poor western cowboy
Please don’t you leave me here
Come a ki-ki–yicky
Cow, ki-yicky-yicky-yeah
Went to my girl’s house
Sitting deep down in my saddle
Went to my girl’s house
Sitting deep down in my saddle
I’m the best western cowboy
That ever herd cattle
Come a ki-ki–yicky
Cow, ki-yicky-yicky-yeah
Oh, de hardest battle
Was there ever on the western plains
Oh, de hardest battle
Was there ever on the western plains
When me an a bunch of cowboys
Run into Jesse James
Come a ki-ki–yicky
Cow, ki-yicky-yicky-yeah
Me an a bunch of cowboys
Run into Jesse James
Me an a bunch of cowboys
Run into Jesse James
All the bullets was a-fallin’
Just like a shower rain
Come a ki-ki–yicky
Cow, ki-yicky-yicky-yeah
Come all you cowboys
Don’t you wanna go?
Come all you cowboys
Don’t you wanna go?
Gon see the ranges
On the range in *Buffalo
Come a cow ki–yicky
Cow, cow, yicky-yicky-yea
Take de hardest battle
Was there ever on Bunker Hill
Oh, de hardest battle
Was there ever on Bunker Hill
When me an’ a bunch of cowboys
Run into Buffalo Bill
Come a cow ki–yicky
Cow, cow, yicky-yicky-yea
Come all you cowboys
Don’t you wanna hear?
Come all you cowboys
Don’t you wanna hear?
O’vr nineteen hundred
Bullets around your ear
Come a cow ki–yicky
Cow, cow, yicky-yicky-yeah.
Economy
“Come a ki-ki–yicky” – Reference to farming and farm songs
“Cow, ki-yicky-yicky-yeah” – Reference to field songs
“That ever herd cattle” – Reference to farming cattle
Family
N/A
Religion
N/A
Vocal Delivery
No static and easy to understand.
Lots of Repetition
“Come a ki-ki–yicky”
“Cow, ki-yicky-yicky-yeah”
Musicality
Fast
Instrumentation
Vocals
Clapping
Lead Belly Mary Don’t You Weep (132-b1) (January 6, 2017)
Oh Mary don’t weep you don’t you mourn
Oh Mary don’t weep you don’t you mourn
Pharaoh’s army got drowned
Oh Mary don’t weep
Oh Mary don’t weep you and don’t you mourn
Oh Mary don’t weep you and don’t you mourn
Because Pharaoh’s army got drowned
Oh Mary don’t weep
If I could I surely would
Stand on the rock where Moses stood
Pharaoh’s army got drowned
Oh Mary don’t weep
Oh Mary don’t weep you and don’t you mourn
Oh Mary don’t weep you and don’t you mourn
Because Pharaoh’s army got drowned
Oh Mary don’t weep
Stayed on his man and I am glad
If it’s daughter had surely had
Pharaoh’s army got drowned
Oh Mary don’t weep
Oh Mary don’t weep you and don’t you mourn
Oh Mary don’t weep you and don’t you mourn
Because Pharaoh’s army got drowned
Mary wore three lengths of chain?
Every length was Jesus name?
Pharaoh’s army got drowned
Oh Mary don’t weep
Oh Mary don’t weep you and don’t you mourn
Oh Mary don’t weep you and don’t you mourn
Because Pharaoh’s army got drowned
Oh Mary don’t weep
Oh Mary don’t weep you and don’t you mourn
Oh Mary don’t weep you and don’t you mourn
Because Pharaoh’s army got drowned
Oh Mary don’t weep
Economy
N/A
Family
“Oh Mary don’t weep you don’t you mourn” – Reference to Mary Jesus Mother
Religion
“Oh Mary don’t weep you don’t you mourn” – Reference to Mary Jesus Mother
“Stand on the rock where Moses stood” – Reference to Moses and how he parted the Red Sea
Vocal Delivery
No static, but it is hard to understand.
Lots of Repetition
“Oh Mary don’t weep you and don’t you mourn”
“Pharaoh’s army got drowned”
Musicality
Moderately Fast
Instrumentation
Vocals
Guitar
Lead Belly Irene Goodnight (January 6, 2017)
Irene goodnight Irene goodnight
Goodnight Irene Goodnight Irene
I’ll guess you in my dreams
I asked your mother for you (What she’d tell him)
She told me that you was too young (She’s 18 years old)
I wished to Lord that I’d never seen your face
Irene goodnight Irene goodnight
Goodnight Irene Goodnight Irene
Sometimes I live in the country
Sometimes I live in town
Sometimes I take a great notion
To jump in the river and drown
Irene goodnight Irene goodnight
Goodnight Irene Goodnight Irene
I’ll guess you in my dreams
Stop ramblin’ and Stop gamblin’
Or staying out late at night (What are you gonna do)
Go home with your wife and family (where you’d ought to be)
And sit down by the fireside bright
Irene good night Irene good night
Goodnight Irene Goodnight Irene
I’ll guess you in my dreams
I love Irene, God knows I do (Too late)
Love her till the sea run dry
If Irene turns her back on me (What are you gonna do)
Gonna take an old field and die (She said go ahead and kill yourself then)
Irene good night Irene good night
Goodnight Irene Goodnight Irene
I’ll guess you in my dreams
Economy
N/A
Family
“I asked your mother for you (What she’d tell him)”
“She told me that you was too young (She’s 18 years old)”
“I wished to Lord that I’d never seen your face”
Religion
N/A
Vocal Delivery
No static and easy to understand.
Lots of Repetition
“Irene good night Irene goodnight Goodnight Irene Goodnight Irene
I’ll guess you in my dreams”
Musicality
Slow
Instrumentation
Vocals
Guitar
Lead Belly There’s A Man Going Around Taking Names (January 6, 2017)
There’s a man going ’round taking names
There’s a man going ’round taking names
He’s been taking my father’s name
An’ he left my heart in vain
There’s a man going ’round taking names
There’s a man going ’round taking names
There’s a man going ’round taking names
He’s been taking my mother’s name
An’ he left my heart in vain
There’s a man going ’round taking names
There’s a man going ’round taking names
There’s a man going ’round taking names
He’s been taking my sister’s name
An’ he left my heart in vain
There’s a man going ’round taking names
There’s a man going ’round taking names
There’s a man going ’round taking names
He’s been taking my brother’s name
An’ he left my heart in vain
There’s a man going ’round taking names
Economy
N/A
Family
“There’s a man going ’round taking names”
“He’s been taking my father’s name An’ he left my heart in vain” – Reference to his father
“He’s been taking my mother’s name” – Reference to his mother
“He’s been taking my sister’s name” – Reference to his sister
“He’s been taking my brother’s name” – Reference to his brother
Religion
N/A
Vocal Delivery
No static and easy to understand.
Lots of Repetition
Musicality
Fast
Instrumentation
Vocals
Guitar
Lead Belly Polly-Polly-Wee (The Frog) (January 6, 2017)
Polly, Polly, Polly Wee
Polly, Polly, Polly Wee
Polly, Yolla, Yolla, Yolla/Polly, Yolla, Yolla
Polly Wee, Polly Wee, Polly Wee.
Like her mighty well.
Like her mighty well.
Like her mighty well.
Like her mighty well.
Polly, Yolla, Yolla, Yolla/Polly, Yolla, Yolla
Polly Wee, Polly Wee, Polly Wee.
And I can tell.
And I can tell.
Baby, I can tell.
Baby, I can tell.
Polly, Yolla, Yolla, Yolla/Polly, Yolla, Yolla
Polly Wee, Polly Wee, Polly Wee. (Chorus)
I don’t know/Baby, I don’t know,
And that ain’t so.
And that ain’t so.
Polly, Yolla, Yolla, Yolla/Polly, Yolla, Yolla
Polly Wee, Polly Wee, Polly Wee
Economy
N/A
Family
“I don’t know/Baby, I don’t know” – Reference to wife or partner
“Polly Wee, Polly Wee, Polly Wee” – Reference to frogs in love
Religion
N/A
Vocal Delivery
No static and easy to understand.
Lots of Repetition
“Polly, Yolla, Yolla, Yolla/Polly, Yolla, Yolla Polly Wee, Polly Wee, Polly Wee”
Musicality
Fast
Instrumentation
Vocals
Guitar
Lead Belly You cain` loose-a-me Cholly (January 6, 2017)
I went a-rowing and my gal went too,
Down on the bottom and the boat broke through,
Every time she turned around she said it sore funny,
You can’t lose-a me, Cholly,
You can’t lose-a me, boy.
You can’t lose-a me, Cholly,
You can’t lose-a me, boy.
Up to Willie Winston’s I went a roading,
Down on my knees, I was doing little courting,
Every time she turned around she said it so funny
You can’t lose-a me, Cholly,
You can’t lose-a me, boy.
You can’t lose-a me, Cholly,
You can’t lose-a me, boy
Hog and sheep they went to the pasture,
Hog said to sheep, You’d better go a little faster,
Every time she turned around, she said it so funny,
You can’t lose-a me, Cholly,
You can’t lose-a me, boy.
You can’t lose-a me, Cholly,
You can’t lose-a me, boy
I got a yella gal I can’t keep.
She use the dollar up every week
Every time she turned around, she said it so funny,
You can’t lose-a me, Cholly,
You can’t lose-a me, boy.
You can’t lose-a me, Cholly,
You can’t lose-a me, boy
[Guitar Instrumental]
I got a yella gal I can’t keep.
She use up the dollar money every week
Every time she turned around, she said it so funny,
I got a pretty boy to bring me the money.
You can’t lose-a me, Cholly,
You can’t lose-a me, boy.
You can’t lose-a me, Cholly,
You can’t lose-a me, boy
Hog and sheep they went to the pasture,
Hog said to sheep, You’d better go a little faster,
Every time she turned around, she said it so funny,
You can’t lose-a me, Cholly,
You can’t lose-a me, boy.
You can’t lose-a me, Cholly,
You can’t lose-a me, boy
[Guitar Instrumental]
You can’t lose-a me, Cholly,
You can’t lose-a me, boy.
You can’t lose-a me, Cholly,
You can’t lose-a me, boy
Up to Willie Winston’s I went a roading,
Down on my knees, I was doing little courting,
Every time she turned around she said it so funny
You can’t lose-a me, Cholly,
You can’t lose-a me, boy.
You can’t lose-a me, Cholly,
You can’t lose-a me, boy
[Guitar Instrumental]
You can’t lose-a me, Cholly,
You can’t lose-a me, boy.
You can’t lose-a me, Cholly,
You can’t lose-a me, boy
You can’t lose-a me, Cholly,
You can’t lose-a me, boy.
You can’t lose-a me, Cholly,
You can’t lose-a me, boy
[Guitar Instrumental]
Economy
“Hog and sheep they went to the pasture – Reference to farming Hogs and Sheep
“Hog said to sheep, You’d better go a little faster – Reference to farming Hogs and Sheep
“I went a-rowing and my gal went too” – Reference to working on a boat
Family
“I went a-rowing and my gal went too” – Reference to wife or partner
Religion
N/A
Vocal Delivery
No static and easy to understand.
Lots of Repetition
“You can’t lose-a me, Cholly, You can’t lose-a me, boy.”
Musicality
Fast
Instrumentation
Vocals
Guitar
Lonnie Johnson Heart of Iron (January 6, 2017)
You run away with that man, what did he do to you?
You run away with that man, and what did he do to you?
Now your money’s all gone, and he’s got no more use for you.
Poor little me, I worked for you just like a slave.
Poor little me, I worked for you just like a slave.
You couldn’t find nothin’ to quit me for, and you tried ta put me my lonesome grave.
I give you money to waste, when I needed shoes on my feet.
I give you money to waste, when I needed shoes on my feet.
Tell me how in the world, could you do those rotten things you do to me?
Baby I give you my love, even give you my silver an’ gold.
I give you my love, even give you my silver an’ gold.
How could you have the heart to destroy my soul?
Baby I love, but you have a heart of iron.
Babe I love, but your heart is like a piece of iron.
I believe if your mother was dyin’, you’d be laughin’ instead of cryin’.
Economy
“Baby I give you my love, even give you my silver an’ gold” – Reference to the man making the money, while the woman stays home.
Family
“Baby I give you my love, even give you my silver an’ gold” – Reference to a wife or partner
“Babe I love, but your heart is like a piece of iron” – Reference to a wife or partner
Religion
N/A
Vocal Delivery
Some static and sort of hard to understand
Musicality
Slow Tempo
Instrumentation
Vocals – Melody
Guitar – Melody
Piano – Rhythm
Lonnie Johnson When A Man Is Treated Like A Dog (January 6, 2017)
Was your slave so many lonesome years
I was your slave baby so many lonesome years
People thought I was happy I was shedding my misery in tears
So many cold mornin’s, you drove me from your door.
So many cold mornin’s, you drove me from your door.
I told my best friend, that you don’t want me no more.
When you got a good livin’, don’t trust no woman to be your friend.
When you got a good livin’, don’t trust no woman to be your friend.
You might as well to lose your head, and jump in the lion’s den.
When I try to be good, my baby treats me like a dog.
When I try to be good, my baby treats me like a dog.
I buy silk for her bed, and she sleeps in a hollow log.
I done got it in my mind, that I just can’t understand.
I done got it in my mind, that I just can’t understand.
I woman don’t want a do-right husband, she wants a monkey man.
Economy
“I was your slave baby so many lonesome years” – Reference to slavery as Lonnie’s grandparents were slaves
Family
“So many cold mornin’s, you drove me from your door” – Reference to a wife or partner.
“When you got a good livin’, don’t trust no woman to be your friend”. – Reference to a wife or partner
“Babe I love, but your heart is like a piece of iron” – Reference to a wife or partner
“When I try to be good, my baby treats me like a dog”. – Reference to a wife or partner
“I woman don’t want a do-right husband, she wants a monkey man” – Reference to a wife or partner
Religion
N/A
Vocal Delivery
Lots of static and hard to understand
Musicality
Slow Tempo
Instrumentation
Vocals – Melody
Guitar – Melody
Piano – Rhythm
Lonnie Johnson My Last Love (January 6, 2017)
What does it matter, if every sweetheart goes wrong?
Long as we can be happy go lucky,
Every night that we stroll along – let the whole wide world go wrong.
What does it matter, if every sweetheart goes wild?
Long as I can whole you in my arms every night,
In my heart you’re still a baby child.
Why do you say those mean little things you say?
Often do those mean little things you do?
Why do you make me feel so awfully blue,
When I’ve give up my mother an’ day, an’ everyone just to be with you?
Please realize, this is my last love,
There will never be no more.
I will always love you darling, no matter where you go.
This is my last love,
There will never be no more.
I will always love you darling, no matter where you go.
Economy
Family
“What does it matter, if every sweetheart goes wrong?” – Reference to a wife or partner.
“What does it matter, if every sweetheart goes wild?”. – Reference to a wife or partner
“Babe I love, but your heart is like a piece of iron” – Reference to a wife or partner
“In my heart you’re still a baby child.”. – Reference to a child he had
“This is my last love” – Reference to wife or partner
“I will always love you darling, no matter where you go.” – Reference to a wife or partner
Religion
N/A
Vocal Delivery
Lots of static and hard to understand
Musicality
Slow Tempo
Instrumentation
Vocals – Melody
Guitar – Melody
Lonnie Johnson Kansas City Part 2 (January 6, 2017)
I’m was first on Main and I started down Beale, I was lookin’ for the woman that they call Lucille.
She’s done moved to Kansas City, she’s done moved to Kansas City.
She’s done moved baby, honey baby where they don’t like you.
The Mississippi River is so long, deep, and wide, I can’t see my baby standin’ on the other side.
She’s done moved to Kansas City, she’s done moved to Kansas City.
She’s done moved baby, honey where they don’t like you.
I left on Beale, and I started down Avant, I was lookin’ for the woman that cut up my last pair of pants.
She done moved to Kansas City, she done moved to Kansas City.
She done moved baby, honey where they don’t like you.
If you don’t like my peaches, don’t shake my tree, I ain’t after your woman, she is after me.
We goin’ to move to Kansas City, we goin’ to move to Kansas City.
We goin’ to move baby, honey where they don’t like you.
I got a gal in Texas, I got two in Tennessee, I got a woman in this town, Lord she claims over me.
We goin’ to move to Kansas City, we goin’ to move to Kansas City.
We goin’to move baby, honey where they don’t like you.
I’m goin’ to tell all you men what we mustn’t do, don’t never love no woman like she say she love you.
She will call you honey, she will call you pie, she will let things loose on the sly.
Then she will move to Kansas City, she will move to Kansas City.
Then she will move baby, honey where they don’t like you.
Economy
N/A
Family
“The Mississippi River is so long, deep, and wide, I can’t see my baby standin’ on the other side”. – Reference to a wife or partner
“I left on Beale, and I started down Vant, I was lookin’ for the woman that cut up my last pair of pants.” – Reference to a wife or partner
“I’m goin’ to tell all you men what we mustn’t do, don’t never love no woman like she say she love you”. – Reference to a partner or wife
Religion
N/A
Vocal Delivery
Some static and sort of hard to understand
Musicality
Slow Tempo
Instrumentation
Vocals – Melody
Guitar – Melody
Piano – Rhythm
Lonnie Johnson Mr. Johnson’s Blues (January 6, 2017)
I want all you people, to listen to my song.
I want all you people, to listen to my song.
Remember me, until the days I’m gone.
Economy
His music was how Lonnie Johnson made a living
Family
“I want all you people, to listen to my song”. – Reference to his family to listen to his song
“Remember me, until the days I’m gone”. – Reference to remember and honor Lonnie Johnson
Religion
N/A
Vocal Delivery
Some static and sort of hard to understand
Musicality
Moderate Tempo
Instrumentation
Vocals – Melody
Guitar – Rhythm and Melody
Lonnie Johnson A Worried Woman’s Blues (January 6, 2017)
I woke up this morning, rolled from side to side.
I woke up this morning, rolled from side to side.
I grabbed my pillow, the Lord how I screamed and cried.
Oh, heaven ‘s made you brown-skin, the angels gave you cold black hair.
Oh, heaven ‘s made you brown-skin, the angels gave you cold black hair.
Oh, a brown-skinned man can get, a good woman most anywhere.
Ohhhhhhhhh, Lord, listen to my plea.
Ohhhhh, Lord, listen to my plea.
Please hear my cry, and give me back my “usta” be.
(Guitar and Piano Solo)
I’ve got my ticket, don’t make me miss my train.
I’ve got my ticket, don’t make me miss my train.
I’m gonna ride until, I can’t hear them call your name.
Economy
N/A
Family
“Oh, a brown-skinned man can get, a good woman most anywhere”. – Reference to a husband or partner
“Please hear my cry, and give me back my “usta” be.” – Reference to a husband or partner
“I’m gonna ride until, I can’t hear them call your name.” – Reference to a husband or partner
Religion
N/A
Vocal Delivery
Static and hard to understand
Musicality
Moderate Tempo
Instrumentation
Vocals – Melody
Guitar – Rhythm and Melody
Piano – Rhythm
Louise Johnson All Night Long Blues (Take 1)
I woke up this morning blues all around my bed
I woke up this morning blues all around my bed
I never had no good man: I mean to ease my aching head
Well, pretty near all night long
Well, pretty near all night long
Well I swear before God the man I’m loving is doing wrong
Well I’m going away swear the time ain’t long
Well I’m going away swear the time ain’t long
If you don’t believe I’m leaving daddy count them days I’m gone
You done caused me to weep baby and I swear you done caused me to moan
You done caused me to weep baby and I swear you done caused me to moan
Well you know by that rider that I ain’t going to be here long
(Piano Solo)
Well what evil have I done
Well what evil have I done
Well it must be something my man have heard before he gone
Lord I’m going to get drunk and I’m going to walk the streets all night
Well I’m going to get drunk and I’m going to walk the streets all night
Because the man that I’m loving: I swear he sure don’t treat me right
Economy
N/A
Family
“I woke up this morning blues all around my bed”. – Reference to a husband or partner
“Well I swear before God: the man I’m loving is doing wrong” – Reference to a husband or partner
“If you don’t believe I’m leaving daddy count them days I’m gone” – Reference to a husband or partner
“Well it must be something my man have heard before he gone” – Reference to a husband or partner
“Well you know by that rider that I ain’t going to be here long”
Religion
N/A
Vocal Delivery
Lots of static and hard to understand
Musicality
Moderate to Fast Tempo
Instrumentation
Vocals – Melody
Piano – Rhythm
Lucille Bogan Dirty Treatin’ Blues (January 10, 2017)
I want you to treat me daddy just like I treat you
I want you to treat me daddy just like I treat you
And if I treat you dirty you can treat me
You always talking about all the things I do
You always talking about all the things I do
Now look over your hand and see that you are dirty too
How can I do right when and my man livin’ wrong
How can I do right when my man livin’ wrong
And I how can I please him and he don’t ever stay at home
Now I don’t want you man, you got another woman rulin’ you
How can I do right when and my man livin’ wrong
I’m so tired of being worried tired of being cold in hand
I’m so tired of being worried tired of being cold in hand
And I’m tired of these woman hold all on my man
Now if I kiss you daddy make the water run out your eyes
If I kiss you daddy make the water run out your eyes
And if I squeeze your lemon baby you’ll be satisfied
Economy
N/A
Family
“I want you to treat me daddy just like I treat you”. – Reference to a husband or partner
“Now look over your hand and see that you are dirty too” – Reference to a husband or partner
“How can I do right when and my man livin’ wrong” – Reference to a husband or partner
“And I how can I please him and he don’t ever stay at home”. – Reference to a husband or partner
“Now I don’t want you man, you got another woman rulin you” – Reference to a husband or partner
Religion
N/A
Vocal Delivery
Lots of static and hard to understand
Musicality
Slow Tempo
Instrumentation
Vocals – Melody
Piano – Rhythm
Lucille Bogan Trifflin’ Daddy (January 10, 2017)
If I had ran Jackson head Mobile at midnight the ladies I would rave about
You got your guy if my rant they shall not found it out
Miss Miranda could not help but cry
(Can’t Understand)
(Can’t Understand)
This is what she told him not to try
Daddy don’t you trifle on me
While you down in Tennessee
I just about a gat and it’s so automat
You know exactly where your mama’s jivin’ at
Daddy don’t you trifle on me
(Hoverin’?) like a bumble bee
You might ignore me while I’m buzzin’ around
But you will know I’m on you while when I sit down
Mama do what she can be
So Daddy don’t you trifle on me
Every day and every week
I think more and more of you
(Can’t Understand) I would say
I don’t know what I’d do
Winter, Fall, a Summer time to be in that old (home?)
(Can’t Understand) I got
But Daddy don’t you trifle on me
While you down in Tennessee
I just about a gat and it’s so automat
You know exactly where your mama’s jivin’ at
Daddy don’t you trifle on me
(Hoverin’?) like a bumble bee
You might ignore me while I’m buzzin’ around
But you will know I’m on you while when I sit down
Economy
N/A
Family
“Daddy don’t you trifle on me”. – Reference to a husband or partner
“You know exactly where your mama’s jivin’ at” – Reference to a lover or partner
“But you will know I’m on you while when I sit down” – Reference to a husband or partner
“(Hoverin’?) like a bumble bee”. – Reference to a husband or partner
“You might ignore me while I’m buzzin’ around” – Reference to a husband or partner
Religion
N/A
Vocal Delivery
Lots of static and hard to understand
Musicality
Slow Tempo
Instrumentation
Vocals – Melody
Piano – Rhythm
Lucille Bogan Cravin’ Whisky Blues (January 10, 2017)
Whiskey is my habit doin’ men is my crave
Whiskey is my habit doin’ good men it is my crave
This old barrelhouse habit is going to drive me to my grave
Lord ain’t but the one thing that’s keeps me down in mind
Ain’t but the one thing keep a good woman down in mind
And I can’t just stay sober just can’t keep from cryin’
Now what will I do when they tear my barrelhouse down
What will I do tear my barrelhouse down
Take my man and my whiskey barrelhouse on the ground
Lord this whiskey here ain’t no money around
Whiskey here ain’t no money around
Whiskey in my house a good man just can’t be found
I’m a worried red woman almost lost my mind
Red woman almost lost my mind
The man I love stays up all the time
Economy
“Whiskey here ain’t no money around” – Reference to money and what people spent it on
Family
“Whiskey is my habit doin’ men is my crave”. – Reference to a husband or partner
“Take my man and my whiskey barrelhouse on the ground”. – Reference to a husband or partner
“Whiskey in my house a good man just can’t be found” – Reference to a husband or partner
“I’m a worried red woman almost lost my mind” – Reference to a lover or partner
Religion
N/A
Vocal Delivery
Lots of static and hard to understand
Musicality
Slow Tempo
Instrumentation
Vocals – Melody
Piano – Rhythm
Lucille Bogan Mean Twister (January 6, 2017)
I’m going to tell everybody what that Mean Old Twister done
I’m going to tell everybody what that Mean Old Twister done
It tore my house and hardly left a one
It went in my house tore down my baby’s frame
It went in my house tore down my baby’s frame
It broke my man’s back and tried to do me the same
It set the town on fire and there were no water around
It set the town on fire and there were no water around
Those hoopin’ hollerin’ woman tried to save the burning town
Fell down on my knees and I raised my hand to God above
Fell down on my knees and I raised my hand to God above
Say you tore down my house and you killed the man I love
Lord searched the ashes 25 miles around
Say I searched the ashes for 25 miles around
And my man buddy Lord could not be found
I went I stood on some high lonesome hill
Say I went and I stood on some high lonesome hill
And looked down on my house Lord where me and my daddy live
Economy
“It tore my house and hardly left a one” – Reference to a poor family being harmed by a natural disaster
Family
“It broke my man’s back and tried to do me the same”. – Reference to a husband or partner
“Say you tore down my house and you killed the man I love” – Reference to a lover or partner
“And looked down on my house Lord where me and my daddy live” – Reference to the house she grew up in with her father
Religion
“Fell down on my knees and I raised my hand to God above” – Reference to a prayer to God after a natural disaster
Vocal Delivery
Lots of static and hard to understand
Musicality
Slow Tempo
Instrumentation
Vocals – Melody
Piano – Rhythm
Lucille Bogan Pay Roll Blues (January 6, 2017)
Pay Day on The Southern Pay Day on The Yellow Dog
Pay Day on The Southern Pay Day on The Yellow Dog
And I want to meet that pay roll inside to make a washer hauled
Mens out on The Southern they make dollars by the stacks
Mens out on The Southern they make dollars by the stacks
And I’ll have money in my stocking when that pay roll train get back
I’m leaving here broke and I ain’t got no money at all
I’m going to leave here broke I ain’t got no money at all
But I will bet my life, I will make a washer haul
I will be starting rolling, rolling from sun to sun
I will be starting rolling, rolling from sun to sun
And I have will have the printed money when that so payroll is done
You hear beeping, money is what I got to have
You hear beeping money is what I got to have
I got to get me 50 dollars if I have to make a midnight grab
Economy
“Pay Day on The Southern Pay Day on The Yellow Dog” – Reference to men and women getting paid for working on the railroad
“Mens out on The Southern they make dollars by the stacks” – Reference to men getting paid
“And I’ll have money in my stocking when that pay roll train get back” – Reference to payday
“And I have will have the printed money when that so dayroll is done” – Reference to payday
“I got to get me 50 dollars if I have to make a midnight grab” – Reference to a deal in a dark alley in Mississippi
Family
N/A
Religion
N/A
Vocal Delivery
Lots of static and hard to understand
Musicality
Slow Tempo
Instrumentation
Vocals – Melody
Piano – Rhythm
Memphis Minnie Keep On Goin’ (January 5, 2017)
I beg you baby treat me right you don’t do nothing but fuss and fight
So now you keep on a goin’
Aww keep on a goin’
Now you can keep on a goin’
Honey ‘til I change my mind
You get away from my window quit hanging around my door
I got another man I don’t you want you no more
So now you keep on a goin’
Aww keep on a goin’
Now you can keep on a goin’
Honey ‘til I change my mind
(Aw keep on a going don’t stop)
(Guitar Solo)
Now you need to come a running holding up your hand
You go to your woman I got me another man
So now you keep on a goin’
Aww keep on a goin’
Now you can keep on a goin’
Honey ‘til I change my mind
I gonna tell you a little something don’t aimed make you mad
Well it’s good to have something you never had
So now you keep on a goin’
Aww keep on a goin’
Now you can keep on a goin’
Honey ‘til I change my mind
When I had you baby you know you wouldn’t treat me right
You take my money stay off of me at night
So now you keep on a goin’
Aww keep on a goin’
So you can keep on a goin’
Honey ‘til I change my mind
Economy
“You take my money stay off of me at night”. – Reference to man taking all the money and the woman not being able to have any.
Family
“I beg you baby treat me right you don’t do nothing but fuss and fight” – Reference to a husband
“You go to your woman I got me another man”. – Reference to a husband or partner
“Well it’s good to have something you never had” – Reference to a husband or partner
“You take my money stay off of me at night”. – Reference to a husband or partner
“Honey ‘til I change my mind” – Reference to a husband or partner
Religion
N/A
Vocal Delivery
Little static and somewhat hard to understand
Musicality
Fast Tempo
Repetition
So you can keep on a goin’
Instrumentation
Vocals – Melody
Guitar – Rhythm
Memphis Minnie Hot Stuff (Take 2) (January 6, 2017)
I decided I wouldn’t marry no more
Now I’m catching hell everywhere I go
Hot stuff, hot stuff
Well its hot stuff here and its everywhere I go
I been set in a beer tavern playing the blues one night
A man walked up wanted to take my life
Hotty hot stuff, hot stuff
Well its hot stuff here and its everywhere I go
I was standing at the bar drinking a stein of beer
A woman walked in with a great big cheer
Hot stuff, hot stuff
Well its hot stuff here and its everywhere I go
When the law walked in I started to run
But up he come with his great big gun
Hot stuff, hot stuff
Well its hot stuff here and its everywhere I go
I went down to the butcher to get me a piece of meat
He looked like he could knock me off my feet
Hotty hot stuff, hot stuff
Well its hot stuff here and its everywhere I go
Economy
N/A
Family
“I decided I wouldn’t marry no more Now I’m catching hell everywhere I go.” – Reference to a husband or partner
“A man walked up wanted to take my life” – Reference to a husband or partner
“I went down to the butcher to get me a piece of meat”. – Reference to a husband or partner
“Hot stuff, hot stuff” – Reference to a husband or partner
“Well its hot stuff here and its everywhere I go” – Reference to a lover or husband
Religion
N/A
Vocal Delivery
Lots of static and hard to understand
Musicality
Fast Tempo
Repetition
“Well its hot stuff here and its everywhere I go”
Instrumentation
Vocals – Melody
Guitar – Rhythm
Washboard – Rhythm
Memphis Minnie You Can’t Rule Me (January 6, 2017)
Won’t tell me man where’d stay last night
Come home this morning sun was shining bright
Trying to rule me
You can’t rule me
You can’t take my money and rule me too
(Instrumental)
I ain’t got no life and neither no gas
You think your got rumors about your yas yas yas
You can’t rule me
You can’t rule me
You can’t take my money man and rule me too
I went home last night all by myself
Why you laying there with somebody else
You trying rule me
You can’t rule me
You can’t take my money man and rule me too
(Guitar Solo)
Well I ain’t put up with the way you do
You can’t have somebody else and rule me too
You can’t rule me
You can’t rule me
You can’t take my money man and rule me too
Come and get my money says payin’ a fine
Well I don’t got tired of your 369
You can’t rule me
You can’t rule me
You can’t take my money man and rule me too
(Guitar Out)
Economy
“Come and get my money says payin’ a fine” – Reference to a man paying the bills
Family
“Won’t tell me man where’d stay last night” – Reference to a husband or partner
“You can’t have somebody else and rule me too” – Reference to a husband or partner
“Why you laying there with somebody else”. – Reference to a husband or partner
“You can’t take my money man and rule me too” – Reference to a lover or husband
Religion
N/A
Vocal Delivery
Some static and somewhat hard to understand
Musicality
Fast Tempo
Repetition
“You can’t rule me”
“You can’t take my money man and rule me too”
Instrumentation
Vocals – Melody
Guitar – Rhythm
Trumpet – Melody
Cornet – Melody
Memphis Minnie Minnie’s Lonesome Song (January 6, 2017)
Yeah I woke this morning with a fever and I feel I have been had all day long
Yeah I woke this morning with a fever and I feel I have been had all day long
Just going from door to from singing this same old lonesome this song
Daddy you said you going away and leaving me please tell me how long you will be gone
Daddy you said you going away and leaving me please tell me how long you will be gone
I just want you to tell me something, so I can stop singing this same old lonesome this song
Daddy you can’t fool me, I know there’s something goin’ on wrong
Daddy you can’t fool me, I know it’s something goin’ on wrong
You leave soon in the morning and be so late comin’ in home
Daddy you never tell that I am right, I am always doing something wrong
Daddy you never tell that I am right, I’m always doing something wrong
But when I get my money, I’m going to stop this ole lonesome song
It’s going to be goodbye daddy, it’s gonna be goodbye from now on
It’s going to be goodbye daddy, it’s gonna be goodbye from now on
If you want to see me you sure got to follow me to my home
Economy
“But when I get my money, I’m going to stop this ole lonesome song” – Reference that money will end your troubles and make your happy
Family
“Yeah I woke this morning with a fever and I feel I have been had all day long” – Reference to a husband or partner
“Daddy you said you going away and leaving me please tell me how long you will be gone” – Reference to a husband or partner
“Daddy you never tell that I am right, I’m always doing something wrong” – Reference to a husband or partner
“It’s going to be goodbye daddy, it’s gonna be goodbye from now on” – Reference to a lover or husband
Religion
N/A
Vocal Delivery
Little static and somewhat hard to understand
Musicality
Moderate Tempo
Instrumentation
Vocals – Melody
Guitar – Rhythm
Piano – Rhythm
Memphis Minnie Selling My Pork Chops (January 6, 2017)
I met a man the other day
“What you write?” he say,
“Is you the lady givin’ that gravy away?
“If it is I will be back today.”
You can come and get some, but you can’t stay long
I got two men I got to be waitin’ on
I’m selling my pork chops
But I’m giving my gravy away
Don’t mean maybe
I’m giving my gravy away
I’m selling my pork chops…
Boys, I’ve been selling good now for two-three days
Some of this stuff I sure got to give away
I’m selling my pork chops…
Up this morning, I see a man at my back door
He’d been there all night trying to get some more
I’m selling my pork chops…
I know a man he name of Caneal
If you don’t give some I bet you’ll catch him steal
I’m selling my pork chops
I’m giving my gravy away
Economy
N/A
Family
“I met a man the other day” – Reference to a husband or partner
“”Is you the lady givin’ that gravy away?” – Reference to a husband or partner
“I’m giving my gravy away”. – Reference to a husband or partner
“I’m selling my pork chops” – Reference to a husband or partner
Religion
N/A
Vocal Delivery
Little static and somewhat hard to understand
Musicality
Fast Tempo
Repetition
“I’m giving my gravy away”.
“I’m selling my pork chops”
Instrumentation
Vocals – Melody
Guitar – Rhythm
Piano – Rhythm
Memphis Minnie You Can’t Give It Away (January 6, 2017)
What is that you’re going around here trying so sell?
It’ ain’t good to eat, you know, it ain’t good to smell
Don’t nobody want it
Don’t nobody want it
Don’t nobody want it
You can’t even give it away
First time I met you had that meat in your hand
Going to give it to some woman’s man
Ah, don’t nobody want it
Don’t nobody want it
Don’t nobody want it
You can’t even give it away
(spoken: Play it, Dennis, tell all about it)
You got something you can’t sell and you can’t give away
You just as well to take it on back where you stay
Ah, don’t nobody want it
Don’t nobody want it
Don’t nobody want it
You can’t even give it away
And don’t let me catch you trying to give it to my man
If you do, I’m gonna raise a pain, I doggone can
Don’t nobody want it
Don’t nobody want it
Don’t nobody want it
You can’t even give it away
(spoken: Play it Dennis, tell all about it, boy)
Look-a here, black gal, why don’t you get off the line?
What you trying to sell, it ain’t nobody buying
Don’t nobody want it
Don’t nobody want it
Don’t nobody want it
You can’t even give it away
Economy
N/A
Family
“Going to give it to some woman’s man” – Reference to a lover or partner
“And don’t let me catch you trying to give it to my man” – Reference to a lover or partner
“Look-a here, black gal, why don’t you get off the line?”. – Reference to a lover or partner
“Don’t nobody want it” – Reference to a lover or partner
“You can’t even give it away” – Reference to a lover or partner
Religion
N/A
Vocal Delivery
Little static and somewhat hard to understand
Musicality
Fast Tempo
Repetition
Don’t nobody want it
You can’t even give it away
Instrumentation
Vocals – Melody
Guitar – Rhythm
Piano – Rhythm
Noah Lewis Chickasaw Special (January 5, 2017)
Train Goin’ North
(No Lyrics Harmonica Solo)
Look out there’s a hound on the way down here
Economy
“Train Goin’ North” – Reference to workers on the railroad as a source of jobs for bluesmen
Family
N/A
Religion
N/A
Vocal Delivery
No static and somewhat hard to understand
Musicality
Fast Tempo
Repetition in the in sounds of the harmonica
Instrumentation
Harmonica – Noah Lewis
Noah Lewis Devil In The Woodpile (January 5, 2017)
People Y’all know The Devil The Woodpile out here this morning, he’s out there hollerin’
Whe Ooo
Hee Hee
Ooo Ooo
(No Lyrics Harmonica Solo)
Economy
N/A
Family
N/A
Religion
N/A
Vocal Delivery
No static and somewhat hard to understand
Musicality
Moderate Tempo
Repetition in the harmonica and vocals
Instrumentation
Harmonica – Noah Lewis
Noah Lewis Jug Band Bad Luck’s Buddy (January 5, 2017)
And there’s trouble here and there’s trouble in the air
And there’s trouble here and there’s trouble in the air
Says I want to go home but I know there is trouble there
(Harmonica Solo)
I’m going home gonna get by brother Will (Lord Lord)
Says I going home gonna get by brother Will
Says that woman he started sure gonna get him killed
(Play It Now Harmonica Solo)
Bad is luck is by buddy and trouble is friend (Lord Lord)
Bad is luck is by buddy and trouble is friend
I’ve been in trouble ever since here I’ve been
(Step On It!)
Economy
N/A
Family
“I’m going home gonna get by brother Will (Lord Lord)” – Reference to Noah’s brother
“Bad is luck is by buddy and trouble is friend (Lord Lord)” – Reference to Noah’s friends and family
Religion
N/A
Vocal Delivery
Lots of static and it is hard to understand
Musicality
Moderate Tempo
Repetition in the harmonica
Instrumentation
Harmonica – Noah Lewis
Guitar – Sleepy John Estes
Jug – Ham Lewis
Noah Lewis Jug Band Ticket Agent Blues (January 5, 2017)
Ticket Agent ease your window ease your window high, indeed, Lord
Ticket Agent please raise your window high
So I will know when my train is passing by
(Harmonica Solo)
(Play It For Me Man)
Depot Agent, turn your depot, turn your depot round, indeed, Lord
Depot Agent please turn your depot roun’ (Why)
My woman done quit me now, going to leave your town
(Harmonica Solo)
(Awe sho’)
(Think about Mr.mandolin now)
(Sure is sad)
(618)
Economy
“Ticket Agent ease your window ease your window high, indeed, Lord’ – Reference to jobs along the railroad
“Depot Agent, turn your depot, turn your depot round, indeed, Lord” – Reference to jobs on the railroad
Family
N/A
Religion
N/A
Vocal Delivery
Lots of static and somewhat hard to understand
Musicality
Moderate Tempo
Instrumentation
Harmonica – Noah Lewis
Guitar – Sleepy John Estes
Mandolin – James “Yank” Rachel
Jug – Ham Lewis
Papa Charlie Jackson I’m Going Where The Chilly Winds Don’t Blow (January 5, 2017)
Was a man down in my town
The poor fool didn’t know
He killed his wife, they give him life
And he won’t be back no more
‘Cause he’s gone where the chilly winds don’t blow
Oh, he’s gone where the chilly winds don’t blow
And he won’t be back here any more
Now these young men, as a rule,
Always act the doggone fool
‘Cause he’s gone where the chilly winds don’t blow
Now, a friend of mine went downtown,
To take a walk and look
A lady passed close to him,
Snatched her pocketbook
Cause he’s gone where the chilly winds don’t blow
Oh, he’s gone where the chilly winds don’t blow
And he won’t be back here any more
He had no one to go his bail
So they locked him up in jail
Now he’s gone where the chilly winds don’t blow
I didn’t pay my rent last week
So they put me right outdoors
I’m going to make my exit
Where the weather suits my clothes
‘Cause I’m going where the chilly winds don’t blow
Oh, I’m going where the chilly winds don’t blow
And I won’t be back here any more
I’m falling out and down
So I’m bound to leave this town
‘Cause I’m going where the chilly winds don’t blow
Now, the judge told me to catch the train,
That soon would come along
“You turn me loose,
I’ll catch the one just gone
‘Cause I’m going where the chilly winds don’t blow.”
“Oh, I’m going where the chilly winds don’t blow
And I won’t be back here any more
Just as sure as my name is Bill,
Get off the train in Jacksonville,
Then I’ll be down where the chilly winds don’t blow.
Economy
“A lady passed close to him, Snatched her pocketbook” – Reference to a robbery Jackson saw
“Oh, I’m going where the chilly winds don’t blow” – Reference to leaving Chicago and finding work in other states.
Family
“He killed his wife, they give him life and he won’t be back no more” – Reference to a man killing his wife
Religion
N/A
Vocal Delivery
Lots of static and the song is hard to understand
Musicality
Moderate Tempo
Repetition
“Cause I’m going where the chilly winds don’t blow.”
“Oh, I’m going where the chilly winds don’t blow”
Instrumentation
Banjo – Papa Charlie Jackson
Papa Charlie Jackson Airy Man Blues (January 5, 2017)
Now, look here, Mr. Bill, says you think you’ve been sharp
You know Miss Delinah done broke your heart
She put you out, she told you to go
To never come back to her house no more
So now you’re here, tryin’ to throw me down
You know you’re the worst new man in town
You keep on talkin’ and you surely will
Says, you’ll never get the ten dollar bill
Oh, you can keep on talkin’, little darling babe
But don’t need no airy man
I want these browns at Illinois as trained
To thoroughly understand
That you can bring in my wood, you can bring in my coal
You can iron my shirts, you can bless my soul
You can get yourself together, you can be out with the weather
I don’t need no airy man
Now, there was an old lady and her husband, they took a
Stroll just the other day
She walked all out on State Street, just to
Pass the time away
Said, she walked into the hop shop, darling, babe, and
These are the words she say
She’s gonna smoke a rope of hop, a-gonna drink her tea
“Tell the Chin’man bring me hop for me”
Oh, you can keep on talkin’, little darling babe
But don’t need no airy man
I want these browns at Illinois as trained
To thoroughly understand
That you can bring in my wood, you can bring in my coal
You can iron my shirts, you can bless my soul
You can get yourself together, you can be out with the weather
I don’t need no airy man
Oh, you can keep on talkin’, little darling babe
But don’t need no airy man
I want these browns at Illinois as trained
To thoroughly understand
That you can bring in my wood, you can bring in my coal
You can iron my shirts, you can bless my soul
You can get yourself together, you can be out with the weather
I don’t need no airy man
Economy
N/A
Family
“You know Miss Delinah done broke your heart” – Reference to a wife or partner
“Oh, you can keep on talkin’, little darling babe” – Reference to a wife or partner
“But don’t need no airy man” – Women can function by themselves without a man
Religion
N/A
Vocal Delivery
Lots of static and the song is hard to understand
Musicality
Fast Tempo
Repetition
“Oh, you can keep on talkin’, little darling babe”
“But I don’t need no airy man.”
Instrumentation
Banjo – Papa Charlie Jackson
Vocals – Papa Charlie Jackson
Papa Charlie Jackson Coal Man Blues (January 5, 2017)
I get up early in the morning (What for, Papa?), sweet mama, then I go and curry my horse
I get up early in the morning, sweet mama, then I go and curry my horse (Must be awful great, your horse?)
‘Cause I don’t want nobody, not to be my boss
Then I pull up to the coal pile, (What are you doin’ then, Papa?) get me a joint of pints of coal
Then I pull up to the coal pile, get me a joint of washed nut coal
Then I get on my wagon, and I’m an old travelin’ soul
Lord, I sell my washed nut coal (How much for your coal?), thirty-five cents a bag
Lord, I sell my washed nut coal, thirty-five cents a bag (Must be good coal, it’s awful steep)
And if you want to know my name, just look out on my tag
Whilst I on my wagon (What you doin’ then, Papa?), tryin’ my best to sell my coal
Whilst I’m on my wagon, tryin’ my best to sell my coal (Oh, sell it, Papa! Sell that coal!)
My baby’s back home, serving my jellyroll
Now, a lot of you women, some of you all ought to be put in jail (What you want all these women locked up for, Papa?)
Now, a lot of you women, some of you all ought to be put in jail (You want all these women locked up, Papa?)
From standing on the corner, tryin’ your best to sell cheap shale
I got coal (Coal, man!), I’m peddlin’ coal (Please bring me that coal!)
I’m sellin’ coal (How much for that coal now?), I’m deliverin’ coal (Must be good coal!)
Handlin’ – — (Nut coal?), handlin’ ——- (Come here, buy a great round of nut coal!)
Oh, I got coal, doggone your soul
Baby, baby, baby, can’t you see your papa’s got coal?
Doggone your soul
Economy
“I get up early in the morning (What for, Papa?), sweet mama, then I go and curry my horse – Reference to farming
“Then I pull up to the coal pile, get me a joint of washed nut coal” – Reference to working as a coal miner
“Lord, I sell my washed nut coal, thirty-five cents a bag” – Reference to how much coal cost
“Whilst I’m on my wagon, tryin’ my best to sell my coal ” – Reference to selling coal
Family
“My baby’s back home, serving my jellyroll” – Reference to sex with with partner or wife
Religion
N/A
Vocal Delivery
Lots of static and the song is hard to understand
Musicality
Moderate Tempo
Instrumentation
Banjo – Papa Charlie Jackson
Vocals – Papa Charlie Jackson
Papa Charlie Jackson Maxwell Street Blues (January 5, 2017)
I was walking down Morgan stopped on Maxwell Street
I was walking down Morgan stopped on Maxwell Street
I asked the desk sergeant police force my gal ain’t off of the street
I couldn’t talk to the desk sergeant tell him where and when it took place
Hey hey tell him where and when it takes place
Because I knew my mama got arrested on Maxwell Street
Lord I’m talking about the wagon talking about the first car too
Lord I’m talking about the wagon talking about the first car too
Because Maxwell Street’s so crowded on a Sunday you can hardly pass through
(Banjo Solo Hey Hey, Hey Hey Hey)
There’s Maxwell Street Market got Water Street Market too
There’s Maxwell Street Market got Water Street Market too
If you ain’t got no money the women got nothing for you to do
I got the Maxwell Street blues mama and it just won’t pay
Hey Hey and it just won’t pay
Because the Maxwell Street women going to carry me to my grave
I live six twenty‑four mama and I’m talking to you
I live six twenty‑four Maxwell mama and I’m talking to you
Because I swear I don’t walk said Buly Buly Buly how do you
Economy
“There’s Maxwell Street Market got Water Street Market too” – Reference to the local market
“If you ain’t got no money the women got nothing for you to do” – Reference to getting no benefits without money
Family
“Because I knew my mama got arrested on Maxwell Street” – Reference to Jackson’s mother arrested.
“I asked the desk sergeant police force my gal ain’t off of the street” – Reference to a wife or partner
Religion
N/A
Vocal Delivery
Lots of static and the song is hard to understand
Musicality
Moderate Tempo
Instrumentation
Banjo – Papa Charlie Jackson
Vocals – Papa Charlie Jackson
Papa Charlie Jackson What’s That Thing She’s Shakin’ (January 5, 2017)
What’s that thing she’s shakin’ It is driving me wild
What’s that thing she’s breakin’ In with a brand new style?
She don’t shake her head, she don’t shake her shoulders
She don’t shake her knees, she don’t shake her feet
Now, what’s that thing, that she’s shakin’?
Certainly your shakin’ is neat, I mean,
Certainly your shakin’ is neat
What’s that thing, that she’s shakin’?
I would like to know
What’s that thing that she’s shakin?
Tell me just before you go
Now, mama, don’t you be so fast
But keep on a-shakin’ ’til someone pass
Now, what’s that thing, that she’s shakin’?
I would like to know, I mean,
Really would like to know
(Yes, yes, yes. Whatever that thing is she’s shakin’, she sure is doin’ a dog with it. But I’ll find out just before she go, what’s that thing that she’s shakin’ so.)
What’s that thing, that she’s shakin’?
I would like to know
What’s that thing, that she’s breakin?
Tell me just before you go
She dance over here, she dance over there
She gets out, boys, she dance everywhere
Now, what’s that thing, that she’s shakin’?
I would like to know, I mean,
Really would like to know
(Now, what’s that thing that she’s shakin’?
I would like to know, yeah!)
What’s that thing, that she’s shakin’?
She’s going to tell me just before she go
Now, mama, don’t you get rough
But keep on a-shakin’ and strut your stuff
Now, what’s that thing, that she’s shakin’?
I would like to know, I mean,
We all would like to know
Economy
N/A
Family
“Now, what’s that thing, that she’s shakin’?”- Reference to a wife or partner dancing
“She dance over here, she dance over there” – Reference to wife or partner
“She gets out, boys, she dance everywhere” – Reference to wife or partner
Religion
N/A
Vocal Delivery
Lots of static and the song is hard to understand
Musicality
Moderate Tempo
Repetition
“”Now, what’s that thing, that she’s shakin’?
Instrumentation
Banjo – Papa Charlie Jackson
Vocals – Papa Charlie Jackson
Peetie Wheatstraw C And A Blues (January 5, 2017)
Well, let me tell you now, people
What the C&A will do for you
I said, let me tell you, peoples
What the C&A will do for you
Well, now she will take yo’ little woman
Then will holler back at you
Hoo-hoo, cain’t you hear C&A whistle blow
Ooo, cain’t you hear C&A whistle blow
Mama now de blowin’ so lonesome for you, babe honey, because I want to go
Hoo-ooo, few more days
Few more nights alone
Hoo-hoo, few more nights alone
Baby, now I’m not gon’ pack my suitcase
Honey, now Hannah will be gone
(‘Play it for me, Charlie’)
Well now, when a woman take the blues
She will hang her head and cry
Now, when a woman takes the blues
I said, she will hang her head and cry
Well now, when a man takes the blues
Flees out, he will catch him a train and ride
Hoo, gon’ write me a letter
Mama, gon’ mail it in the air
Now, I’m goin’ write, Lord, I meant it
Now, I’m goin’ write me a letter
Hee-hee, gon’ mail it in the air
Well-well-well, gon’ send it out the country mama, now, now see is my little girl there.
Economy
N/A
Family
“Well, now she will take yo’ little woman” – Reference to a lover or partner
“I said, she will hang her head and cry” – Reference to lover or partner
“Well-well-well, gon’ send it out the country mama, now, now see is my little girl there” – Reference to a wife or partner
Religion
N/A
Vocal Delivery
Lots of static and the song is hard to understand
Musicality
Moderate Tempo
Instrumentation
Guitar – Peetie Wheatstraw
Vocals – Peetie Wheatstraw
Piano – Charlie Taylor?
Peetie Wheatstraw The First Shall Be Last And The Last Shall Be First (January 5, 2017)
Well now, the first shall be the last and the last shall be first
Aw, I said the first shall be the last and the last shall be first
Well now you know I was just sittin’ here thinkin,’ whoo well now which woman treats me the worst
Well now you know the last woman I had she was so doggone mean
I said the last woman I had she was so doggone mean
Well now you know I asked her for water whoo well well and she give me gasoline
Well now the first woman I had she made me get on my knee
I said the first woman I had made me get down on my knee
And had the nerve to ask to me whoo well well if liked limburger cheese
Well the woman I had did you nothing, but fuss and fight
I said now the next woman I had she did nothing but fuss and fight
Well you now know that will make a barrelhouse man whoo well well stay out each and every night
That is why I say the first shall be the last and the last shall be first
Whoo well well mama the last shall be first
If I just couldn’t know which woman whoo well well which woman treats me the worst
Economy
N/A
Family
“Well now you know the last woman I had she was so doggone mean” – Reference to a lover or partner
“Well now the first woman I had she made me get on my knee” – Reference to a lover or partner
“Well you now know that will make a barrelhouse man whoo well well stay out each and every night” – Reference to a lover not wanting to stay
Religion
N/A
Vocal Delivery
Lots of static and the song is hard to understand
Musicality
Moderate Tempo
Repetition
“The First Shall Be The Last and The Last Shall Be First”
Instrumentation
Guitar – Peetie Wheatstraw
Vocals – Peetie Wheatstraw
Piano – Charlie Taylor?
Reverend Robert Wilkins Alabama Blues (January 5, 2017)
I’ll tell you, girl, I’m gonna tell you now
If you don’t want me, please don’t dog me around
If you don’t want me, don’t dog me around
My home ain’t here, it’s in most any old town
My home ain’t here, it’s in most any old town
My home ain’t here, it’s most any old town
I’m goin’ up on a mountain and look down on the sea
Saw a bullyin’1 alligator, she was doin’ that shivaree
Saw a bullyin’ alligator doin’ the shivaree
Tell me, friend, ever since that bullyin’ stack been made
Kansas City, Missouri, has been her regular trade
Kansas City, Missouri, been her regular trade
The Kate’s in the bend, the Stack is turnin’ around and ’round
The stern wheel knockin’, friend, I’m Alabama bound
The stern wheel knockin’, I’m Alabama bound
My mama told me, an’ old papa told me, too
Said, “Brownskin women, son, gonna be the death of you”
Said, “Brownskin women, gonna be the death of you”
I told mama last night, friends, and papa the night before
“If brownskin women kill me, mama, let me go”
“If brownskin women kill me, mama, let me go”
When I leaves that time mama I won’t be back no more
When I leaves that time mama I won’t be back no more
When I leaves that time mama I won’t be back no more
I ain’t coming back here to worry your papa so
I won’t coming back here to worry your papa so
I won’t coming back here to worry your papa so
I walked off and left my mother standing in the snow
She’s crying to me son please son don’t you go
She’s crying to me son please son don’t you go
Economy
N/A
Family
“I’ll tell you, girl, I’m gonna tell you now” – Reference to a lover or partner
“Said, Brownskin women, gonna be the death of you” – Reference to a lover or partner
“If brownskin women kill me, mama, let me go” – Reference to a lover or partner
“She’s crying to me son please son don’t you go”- Reference to a mother not wanting her son to leave home
Religion
N/A
Vocal Delivery
Some static and the song is sort of hard to understand
Musicality
Moderate Tempo
Instrumentation
Guitar – Robert Wilkins
Vocals – Robert Wilkins
Elder Richard Bryant – The Lion’s Mouth (Take 1) (January 6, 2017)
Brothers and sisters my text will be found this morning in the 6th Chapter of Daniel in the 22nd verse and it reads like this. My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions’ mouths, that they have not hurt me: for as much as before him innocency was found in me; and also before thee, O king, have I done no hurt.
These words were spoken by Daniel one of the Hebrew boys out of the Hebrew family.
And said my god hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions’ mouth.
Now Daniel was in the city of Babylon and Belshazzar was the son of Nebuchadnezzar
Amen!
And Nebuchadnezzar had round up a golden image out of gold, silver, marble, wood, stone, and brass.
Amen!
And said everybody in Babylon at a certain hour of the day should bow down and worship this image that we have set up.
Amen!
And Daniel came to bow down and Nebuchadnezzar being the king of Babylon and Belshazzar being the king of Babylon
Amen! Amen! Hallelujah!!
He said let us bow down your hands and feet and cast him in The Lions Den
And they cast him in The Lions Den
He Shut the Lion’s Mouth
He Shut the Lion’s Mouth
He Shut the Lion’s Mouth
Oh Oh Oh Oh Oh He Shut the Lion’s Mouth
He got that Lion’s Jaw
He got that Lion’s Jaw
He got that Lion’s Jaw
Oh Oh Oh Oh Oh He got that Lion’s Jaw
Economy
N/A
Family
N/A
Religion
“Brothers and sisters my text will be found this morning in the 6th Chapter of Daniel in the 22nd” – Reference to the Daniel from the Bible
“ My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions’ mouths” – Reference to spoken words from Daniel
“And said everybody in Babylon at a certain hour of the day should bow down and worship this image that we have set up.” – Reference to Daniel from the Bible
“These words were spoken by Daniel one of the Hebrew boys out of the Hebrew family.” – Reference to Daniel
Vocal Delivery
Some static and the song is sort of hard to understand
Musicality
Moderate Tempo
Instrumentation
Vocals
Elder Richard Bryant – Saul A Wicked Man (January 6, 2017)
Now brothers and sisters we want to bring you’re to mind this morning, a text out of Romans 7th Chapter beginning at the 24th verse and it reads like this.
O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? 25 I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.
Now these few words were spoken by Saul A Wicked Man, a man that didn’t believe in Jesus and nobody that called on the name of Jesus. Out of our words he didn’t believe in Jesus
Amen!!
Hallelujah!!
(Can’t Understand until 1:06)
(1:06)
He called Amen
He begin to call for a man on the right side to ride down to him
He begin to call for a man on the left side and he began to ride on down to the master
And the master come to him from 101 miles
And just as he got far out of the way
A light shinned from heaven
Amen!
And Saul fell to the ground as a dead man
And he lay there 3 days and 3 nights and couldn’t on stay his way
Amen!
And when he opened his mouth he said Oh Lord what will though have me do?
Amen!
And Jesus said swarm to the master where you see him
Economy
N/A
Family
N/A
Religion
“Romans 7th Chapter beginning at the 24th verse and it reads like this.” – Reference to Saul
“Now these few words were spoken by Saul A Wicked Man, a man that didn’t believe in Jesus” – Reference to Saul and Romans
“A light shinned from heaven” – Reference to Jesus saving Saul
Vocal Delivery
Some static and the song is sort of hard to understand
Musicality
Moderate Tempo
Instrumentation
Guitar
Vocals
Robert Johnson Me and The Devil (January 5, 2017)
Early this morning
When you knocked upon my door
Early this morning, ooh
When you knocked upon my door
And I said “Hello” Satan
I believe it’s time to go”
Me and the Devil
Was walkin’ side-by-side
Me and the Devil, ooh
Was walking side-by-side
I’m going to beat my woman
Until I get satisfied
She said “you don’t see why
That I will dog her ’round”
Now baby you know you ain’t doin’ me right, now
She say “you don’t see why, hoo
That I would dog her ’round”
It must-a been that old evil spirit
So deep down in the ground
You may bury my body
Down by the highway side
Baby, I don’t care where you bury my body when I’m dead and gone
You may bury my body, hoo
Down by the highway side
So my old evil spirit
Can get a Greyhound bus and ride
Economy
N/A
Family
“I’m going to beat my woman Until I get satisfied” – Reference to a lover or partner
“Now baby you know you ain’t doin’ me right, now” – Reference to a lover or partner
Religion
“And I said “Hello” Satan I believe it’s time to go” – Reference to Satan The Devil
“Me and the Devil Was walkin’ side-by-side” – Reference to “Selling His Soul to The Devil”
“It must-a been that old evil spirit So deep down in the ground” – Reference to going to Hell
Vocal Delivery
No static and the song is sort of hard to understand
Musicality
Moderate Tempo
Instrumentation
Guitar – Robert Johnson
Vocals – Robert Johnson
Robert Petway – My Baby Left Me (January 5, 2017)
My baby left me this morning, she did not even shake my hand
My baby left me this morning, she did not even shake my hand
It’s because you know partner, she got her another man
Lord i’m going down south, where the weather sure do suit my clothes
Lord i’m going down south, where the weather sure do suit my clothes
Well my baby said look daddy, I do swear to god you sure don’t know
Oh lord baby, please don’t you fool me no more
Oh lord baby, please don’t you fool me no more
You told me last night black gal, meet you at the honey next door
That’s all right baby, I’ll see you just the same
That’s all right baby, I’ll see you just the same
I’m getting tired now baby, that you trying to call my name
I been down south so long, know it sure don’t worry my mind
I been down south so long, know it sure don’t worry my mind
I’m going to leave in the morning now partner, with that little sweety sure god on my mind
Economy
N/A
Family
“My baby left me this morning, she did not even shake my hand” – Reference to a lover or partner” – Reference to a lover or partner
“It’s because you know partner, she got her another man” – Reference to a lover not wanting to stay
“You told me last night black gal, meet you at the honey next door” – Reference to a lover
Religion
N/A
Vocal Delivery
Some static and the song is sort of hard to understand
Musicality
Moderate Tempo
Instrumentation
Guitar – Robert Petway
Vocals – Robert Petway
Shreveport Home Wreckers Fence Breakin’ Blues (January 5, 2017)
Lord I’m going to start a ramblin’ aint gonna stop find me some ramblin’ family
Lord I’m going to start a ramblin’ aint gonna stop find me some ramblin’ family
Lord I’m going to pray to my baby just like I ain’t got no sense
Tell me baby what’s the matter now
Mmm baby what’s the matter now
Are you trying to leave me babe and you don’t know how
Mmmm Baby come back home to you
Mmmm Baby come back home to you
Oh I’m coming back baby now a child done wrong
No matter what I do baby I can’t get ‘long with you
No matter what I do baby I can’t get ‘long with you
Now you mistreat me baby that’s all I can do
Economy
N/A
Family
“Lord I’m going to pray to my baby just like I ain’t got no sense” – Reference to a lover or partner”
“Tell me baby what’s the matter now” – Reference to a lover
“Are you trying to leave me babe and you don’t know how” – Reference to a lover not wanting to stay
Religion
N/A
Vocal Delivery
Not much static and the song is sort of hard to understand
Musicality
Fast to Moderate Tempo
Instrumentation
Guitar – Ed “Dizzy Head” Schaffer
Vocals – Ed “Dizzy Head” Schaffer
Kazoo – Ed “Dizzy Head” Schaffer
Slide Guitar – Oscar “Buddy” Woods
Skip James Devil Got My Woman (January 1, 2017)
I’d rather be the devil, to be that woman man
I’d rather be the devil, to be that woman man
Aw, nothin’ but the devil, changed my baby’s mind
Was nothin’ but the devil, changed my baby’s mind
I laid down last night, laid down last night
I laid down last night, tried to take my rest
My mind got to ramblin’, like a wild geese
From the west, from the west
The woman I love, woman that I loved
Woman I loved, took her from my best friend
But he got lucky, stoled her back again
And he got lucky, stoled her back again
Economy
N/A
Family
“I’d rather be the devil, to be that woman man” – Reference to a lover or partner
“Aw, nothin’ but the devil, changed my baby’s mind” – Reference to a lover or partner
“Woman I loved, took her from my best friend” – Reference to a lover or partner
Religion
“I’d rather be the devil, to be that woman man” – Reference to Satan
“Aw, nothin’ but the devil, changed my baby’s mind” – Reference to Satan
Vocal Delivery
Some static and the song is sort of hard to understand
Musicality
Slow Tempo
Instrumentation
Guitar – Skip James
Vocals – Skip James
Sleepy John Estes Hobo Jungle Blues (January 5, 2017)
Now when I left Chicago I left on that G and M
Now when I left Chicago I left on that G and M
Then if I reach my home I’ll be changed all on that M and N
Now I came in all in that Main West and I putted down at Chicago Heights
Now I came in all in that Main West I putted down at Chicago Heights
Now you know it didn’t hobo john none and that’s where I stayed all night
Now if you Hobo through Brownsville you better not be peeping out
Now if you Hobo through Brownsville you better not be peeping out
Now Mr. Whitten will get you and Mr. Guy will wear you out
Now out East of Brownsville it about four miles from town
Now out East of Brownsville it about four miles from town
Now if you ain’t got your fare that’s where they will let you down
Economy
N/A
Family
“My baby left me this morning, she did not even shake my hand” – Reference to a lover or partner” – Reference to a lover or partner
“It’s because you know partner, she got her another man” – Reference to a lover not wanting to stay
“You told me last night black gal, meet you at the honey next door” – Reference to a lover
Religion
N/A
Vocal Delivery
Some static and the song is sort of hard to understand
Musicality
Moderate Tempo
Instrumentation
Guitar – Sleepy John Estes
Vocals – Sleepy John Estes
Sleepy John Estes Poor Man’s Friend (T-Model) (January 5, 2017)
Well, well, when you see it in the winter, please throw your winde’ ove’ in the bin
Well, well, when you see it in the winter, I want you t’ throw your winde’ ove’ in the bin
Well, well, prob’ly next spring, eee-eee, I wanta rig up my T-Model again
Well, well, the T-Model Ford, I say is a poor man’s friend
Well, well, the T-Model Ford, I say is a poor man’s friend
Well, well, it will help you out, eee even when your money’s thin
Well, well, one thing ’bout a T-Model, you don’t have to shift no gear
Well, well, one thing ’bout a T-Model, you don’t have to shift no gear
Well, well, just let down on your brake and feed the gas, eee-eee and the stuff is here
SPOKEN: Sing it a long time for me, Buddy!
Well, well, a V-8 Ford, and it done took to style
Well, well, a V-8 Ford, and it done took to style
Well, well, it reach all the way from ninety, eee-eee down to a hundred miles
Well, well, somebody, they done stole my winde’ out on the road
Well, well, somebody, done stole my winde’ out on the road,
Well, well, let’s find somebody, eeeee, got a T-Model Ford.
Economy
“Well, well, prob’ly next spring, eee-eee, I wanta rig up my T-Model again” – Reference to cars driven in Memphis
“Well, well, the T-Model Ford, I say is a poor man’s friend” – Reference to cars
“Well, well, a V-8 Ford, and it done took to style” – Reference to cars
Family
N/A
Religion
N/A
Vocal Delivery
No static and the song is sort of hard to understand
Musicality
Moderate Tempo
Instrumentation
Guitar – Sleepy John Estes
Vocals – Sleepy John Estes
Harmonica – Hammie Nixon
Sleep John Estes The Girl I Love, She Got Long Curly Hair (January 5, 2017)
Now, I’m goin’ back to Brownsville
Take that right hand road
Now, I’m goin’ to Brownsville
Take that right hand road
Lord, I ain’t gon’ stop walkin’
‘Till I get in sweet mama’s do’
Now, the girl I’m lovin’
Got this great, long, curly hair
Now, the girl I’m lovin’
Got this great, long, curly hair
Now her mama an her papa
They sho’ don’t ‘llow me there
Now if you catch my duffel
Hangin’ upside yo’ wall
If you catch my duffel
Hangin’ upside yo’ wall
Now, you know by that,
I really need my ashes hauled
Now, what cha’ gon do, babe
Yo’ doughroller gone?
Now what you gon do, when
Yo’ doughroller gone?
Go in yo’ kitchen
Cook until she comes home.
Economy
N/A
Family
“Now, the girl I’m lovin’ Got this great, long, curly hair” – Reference to a lover or partner” – Reference to a lover or partner
“Now her mama an her papa They sho’ don’t ‘llow me there” – Reference to a lover not wanting to stay
“Go in yo’ kitchen Cook until she comes home.” – Reference to women cooking and men making the money
Religion
N/A
Vocal Delivery
Some static and the song is sort of hard to understand
Musicality
Fast Tempo
Instrumentation
Guitar – Sleepy John Estes
Vocals – Sleepy John Estes
Mandolin – James “Yank” Rachel
Son House Special Rider Take 1 (January 2017)
Mmmm Fix my clothes on honey because you have done me wrong
Mmmm I ain’t gonna be your lowdown dog no more
When I leave this town I’m gonna hang crape on your door
You can just fix my clothes and honey let me go back home
Mmmm Fix my clothes baby because you have done me wrong
Mmmm Fix my clothes baby because you have done me wrong
Economy
“Mmmm Fix my clothes baby because you have done me wrong” – how women were suppose to do the housework while the men worked
Family
“Mmmm Fix my clothes on honey because you have done me wrong” – Reference to a lover or partner and how women were suppose to do the housework while the men worked
“Mmmm I ain’t gonna be your lowdown dog no more” – Reference to a lover not wanting to stay
Religion
N/A
Vocal Delivery
Not much static and the song is sort of hard to understand
Musicality
Fast Tempo
Instrumentation
Slide Guitar – Son House
Vocals – Son House
Son House My Black Mama Part 1 (January 1, 2017)
Hey, black mama, what’s the matter with you? Said it aint satisfaction, don’t care what I do,
Hey, mama, what’s the matter with you? Said it aint satisfaction, baby, don’t care what I do.
You take a brown-skinned woman will make a rabbit move to town, But a jet-black woman will make a mule kick his stable down,
Oh, a brown skinned woman will make a rabbit move to town, Oh, but a jet-black woman will make a mule kick his stable down.
Aint no heaven, aint no burnin’ hell Where I’m goin’ when I die, can’t nobody tell,
Oh, it aint no heaven now, aint no burnin’ hell.
Well, my black mama’s face shines like the sun, Oh, lipstick and powder sure won’t help her none,
My black mama’s face shines like the sun, Oh, lipstick and powder, well, that sure won’t help her none
Well, you see my milk cow, tell her hurry home I aint had no milk since that cow been gone,
If you see my milk cow, tell her hurry home, Yeah, I aint had no milk since that cow been gone.
Well, I’m going to the racetrack to see my pony run He aint the best in the world but he’s a runnin’ son of a gun,
I’m going to the racetrack to see my pony run, He aint the best in the world but he’s a runnin’ son of a gun.
Oh, Lord have mercy on my wicked soul, Wouldn’t mistreat you baby for my weight in gold,
Oh, Lord have mercy on my wicked soul, Mmm, mmm, mmm, mmm.
Economy
“Well, you see my milk cow, tell her hurry home I aint had no milk since that cow been gone,” – Reference to farm life in Mississippi
Family
“Hey, black mama, what’s the matter with you? Said it aint satisfaction, don’t care what I do,” – Reference to a lover or partner
“You take a brown-skinned woman will make a rabbit move to town, But a jet-black woman will make a mule kick his stable down,” – Reference to a lover or partner
“My black mama’s face shines like the sun, Oh, lipstick and powder, well, that sure won’t help her none” – Reference to a lover or partner
Religion
“Aint no heaven, aint no burnin’ hell Where I’m goin’ when I die, can’t nobody tell, – Reference to Son House as a preacher
“Oh, Lord have mercy on my wicked soul, Wouldn’t mistreat you baby for my weight in gold,” – Reference to Son juggling God and Blues
Vocal Delivery
Lots of static and the song is hard to understand
Musicality
Moderate to Fast Tempo
Instrumentation
Slide Guitar – Son House
Vocals – Son House
Sonny Boy Williamson Sonny Boy’s Cold Chills (January 5, 2017)
Cold chills, now
My baby made cold chills run all over me
Cold Chills
Oh, my baby made cold chills run all over me
I get to thinkin’ about her comin’ back home, to me
That I get just as gla-aad as I can be
Now, an she went out the other night
And got drunk
Man, an there’s one thing, that I can’t stand
A cheat Sonny, came home kickin’ on my do’
She said, ‘Sonny Boy, I found me a brand new man’
She made cold chills
She made cold chills run all over me
I get to thinkin’ about her comin’ back home, to me
An I get just as gla-aad as I can be
‘Well, alright, John’
(harmonica & instrumental)
I gave her all my love but still she just
A-wouldn’t be satisfied
And so now, the love that I had for you, woman
Have all, all gone away an died
‘Cause you made cold chills, um-yeah
A-you made cold chills run all over me
I get to thinkin’ about her comin’ back home, to me
An I get just as gla-aad as I can be
Now, my babe been gone ’bout four or five months
But she said, I’ll be back Monday evenin’ soon
If I don’t come in Monday evenin’
You can look for me or Sunday, in the afternoon’
‘Cause you made cold chills
My baby made cold chills run all over me
I get to thinkin’ about her comin’ back home, to me
An I get just as gla-aad as I can be.
Economy
N/A
Family
“My baby made cold chills run all over me” – Reference to a lover or partner
“And so now, the love that I had for you, woman” – Reference to a lover or partner
“My baby made cold chills run all over me” – Reference to a lover or partner
Religion
Vocal Delivery
Not much of static and the song is sort of hard to understand
Musicality
Moderate Tempo
Repetition
“My baby made cold chills run all over me”
“I get to thinkin’ about her comin’ back home, to me”
“An I get just as gla-aad as I can be”
Instrumentation
Vocals – Sonny Boy Williamson
Harmonica – Sonny Boy Williamson
Piano – Big Maceo?
Sonny Boy Williamson Good Morning Little Schoolgirl (January 5, 2017)
(Harmonica Intro)
Hello, little school girl
Good mo’nin, little school girl
Can I go home with you?
Can I go home, later wit’ you?
Now, you can tell yo’ mother an’ yo’ father, um
That Sonny Boy’s a little school boy, too
I woke up-a this mo’nin’
I woke up-a this mo’nin’
Lord, n’ I couldn’t make me no
Lord, I couldn’t make me, no town
Well, but I didn’t have no blues, woman
But I was all messed up ‘n down
Now, you be my baby, mm
Come on an’ be my baby, mm
I’ll buy you a diamond
I’ll buy you a diamond ring
Well, if you don’t be my little woman
Then I won’t buy you a doggone thing
I’m ‘on buy me a airplane
I’m ‘on buy me a airplane
I’m ‘on fly all over this land
I’m ‘on fly all over this land’s town
Don’t find the woman that I’m lovin’
Then I ain’t goin’ to let my airplane down
(Harmonica & Guitar)
I do no hollerin’
I do no hollerin’
Baby, what in this world, I’m gon’ do
Baby, what in this world, I’m gon’ do
Well, said I don’t wan’ never hurt yo’ feelin’
Or either get mad what you
Economy
“I’ll buy you a diamond ring” – Reference to what Sonny Boy could afford or not
Family
“Good mo’nin, little school girl” – Reference to a lover or partner
“Well, if you don’t be my little woman” – Reference to a lover or partner
“Come on an’ be my baby” – Reference to a lover or partner
“Don’t find the woman that I’m lovin” – Reference to a lover or partner
Religion
N/A
Vocal Delivery
Not much static and the song is somewhat hard to understand
Musicality
Moderate to Fast Tempo
Instrumentation
Vocals – Sonny Boy Williamson
Harmonica – Sonny Boy Williamson
Guitar – Big Joe Williams
Sonny Boy Williamson You’re An Old Lady (January 5, 2017)
(Instrumental Intro)
Well, I got somethin’ to tell ya
Baby, you can’t do
You can’t love me
And some other man, too
‘Cause you’s a old lady
Know you’s a old lady
Now, you’s a old lady
Babe, an you don’t know how you do
Well, I give you my money
You left me cold in hand
You’re takin’ my money
An give it to your other man
But you’s a old lady
Know you’s a old lady
Know you’s a old lady
You don’t know exactly how you do
‘Well, sing it Maceo’
(harmonica & instrumental)
Now, you promised me a car
You know, an a diamond ring
You bought my clothes
You couldn’t understand
‘Cause you was a old lady
Know you was a old lady
You was a old lady
You didn’t know exactly how do you do
You said, when you look at my face
You love me mo’ an mo’
I could love you, too
But I just won’t tell you, so
‘Cause you’s a old lady
‘Cause you’s a old lady
Know you’s a old lady
And you don’t know exactly how you do
(Harmonica & Instrumental)
Well, you put out my dress, I bought you
You put off my stockin’s, too
You’s so funny, I can no wonder
You don’t know exactly how to do
‘Cause you’s a old lady
Know you’s a old lady
Know you’s a old lady
You don’t know exactly how you do
(Harmonica & Instrumental)
Now, an I got some’in to tell ya
Know soon, you ‘llow me a-change
I don’t want you, find yourself another man
‘Cause you’s a old lady
‘Cause you’s a old lady
Know you’s a old lady
You don’t know exactly how to do.
Economy
N/A
Family
“Baby, You Can’t Do” – Reference to lover or partner
“You Can’t Love Me” – Reference to a lover or partner
“I Don’t Want You, Find Yourself Another Man” – Reference to a lover or partner
“You Don’t Know Exactly How To Do” – Reference to lover or partner
“’Cause You’s A Old Lady” – Reference to a lover or partner
Religion
N/A
Vocal Delivery
Not a lot of static and the song is easy to understand
Musicality
Fast Tempo
Repetition
“’Cause You’s A Old Lady”
“Know You’s a Old Lady”
“You Don’t Know Exactly How To Do”
Instrumentation
Vocals – Sonny Boy Williamson
Harmonica – Sonny Boy Williamson
Piano – Big Maceo Merriweather
Guitar – Tampa Red
Drums – Charles “Chick” R. Sanders
Sonny Boy Williamson Rub A Dub (January 5, 2017)
You know my mama bought a washbo’d
An a brand new tub
My daddy had one old dirty shirt
An they began to rub
They come just to rubbin’
A-come just to rubbin’
A-come just to rubbin’
They just a-kept on a-rubbin’ on the same old thing
Come just to rubbin’
Come just to rubbin’
A-come just to rubbin’
They just a-kept on rubbin’ on the same old thing
Well now look-a-here, Big Bill
Don’t you be tryin-a play me cheap
If you ain’t gonna rub
Son, you got-ta move next week!
You better start to rubbin’
Better come to the rubbin’
A-come just to rubbin’
You just a-keep on rubbin’ on the same old thing
(harmonica & Instrumental)
You know I met a little girl
She was all trimmed out in blue
She saw me rubbin’
She started to rubbin’, too
An when she come, just to rubbin’
Come just to rubbin’
A-come just to rubbin’
We just a-kept on a-rubbin’ on the same old thing
Come just to rubbin’
A-come just to rubbin’, now
Come just to rubbin’
We just a-kept on a-rubbin’ on the same old thing.
(harmonica & instrumental to end)
Economy
“You know my mama bought a washbo’d – Reference to mom doing laundry
“An a brand new tub” – Reference to mom doing laundry
“My daddy had one old dirty shirt” – Reference to dad having his wife clean
“An they began to rub” – Reference to a lover or partner
Family
“You know my mama bought a washbo’d – Reference to mom doing laundry
“An a brand new tub” – Reference to mom doing laundry
“My daddy had one old dirty shirt” – Reference to dad having his wife clean
“An they began to rub” – Reference to a lover or partner
“You know I met a little girl” – Reference to a lover or partner
“She was all trimmed out in blue” – Reference to a lover or partner
Religion
N/A
Vocal Delivery
Not much static and the song is easy to understand
Musicality
Moderate to Fast Tempo
Repetition
“Come just to rubbin’”
“Come just to rubbin’”
“A-come just to rubbin”
Instrumentation
Sonny Boy Williamson – Vocals
Sonny Boy Williamson – Harmonica
Blind John Davis – Piano
Big Bill Broonzy – Guitar
Ransom Knowling – Bass
Judge Riley – Drums
Sonny Boy Williamson Southern Dream (January 5, 2016)
Well now, I’ve gotta girl
A-sweet sixteen
Her mother wouldn’t listen
To her dreams
I know she was a-dreamin’
She dreamed them old southern dreams
She was the dreamest girl
The dreamest girl I most ever seen
Now, she dreamed I was kissin’ her
A-down by the mill
She’d dream that she’d taken me from
The girl on the hill
I know she was a dreamer, now
She dreamed them old southern dreams
She was the dreamest girl
The dreamest girl I most ever seen, yeah
(harmonica & instrumental)
Now she dreamin’ I was kissin’ her
Hold her close to my breast
She told that much a-dream, but
She wouldn’t tell the rest
I know she was a dreamer, now
She dreamed them old southern dreams
She was the dreamest girl
The dreamest girl I most ever seen
Well, she know’d about lovin’
From huggin’ on down
She was the dreamest girl
From miles around
I know she was a dreamer
She dreamed them old southern dreams, yeah
She was a dreamest girl
The dreamest girl I most ever seen
Well, she tried to tell her mother
A-what she did
She talked so much
She couldn’t hardly l keep it hid
An I know she was a dearmer
She dreamed them old southern dreams
She was the dreamest girl
The dreamest girl I most ever seen.
(harmonica & instrumental to end)
Economy
N/A
Family
“Well now, I’ve gotta girl A-sweet sixteen” – Reference to a partner or wife
“Her mother wouldn’t listen” – Reference to girls mother
“To her dreams” – Reference to a wife or partner
“I know she was a-dreamin’” – Reference to a lover or partner
“Now, she dreamed I was kissin’ her A-down by the mill” – Reference to a lover or partner
“Well, she know’d about lovin’ From huggin’ on down” – Reference to a lover or partner
Religion
N/A
Vocal Delivery
Not much static and the song is easy to understand
Musicality
Moderate to Fast Tempo
Repetiton
“I know she was a dreamer”
“She dreamed them old southern dreams, yeah”
“She was a dreamest girl”
“The dreamest girl I most ever seen”
Instrumentation
Vocals – Sonny Boy Williamson
Harmonica – Sonny Boy Williamson
Piano – Big Maceo?
Drums – ?
Sonny Boy Williamson Willow Tree Gal (January 5, 2017)
Lord, I believe she been lookin’ for me in
Mama late hour at midnight
Lord, I believe she been lookin’ for me, yeah
Mama, late hours at midnight, now
Now but I never come home
Until the sun was shinin’ bright, now
Lord, yo’ raggin’ and yo’ twistin’, yeah
A-baby, naturally don’t take no ‘ffect on me, no
Lord, yo’ raggin’ an yo’ twistin’
A-naturally don’t take no ‘ffect on me, now
Now because I used to have a woman
An this woman could do just shake just like a willow tree
‘Well, alright Lillian, alright Lillian
(Piano, A Little Harp & Instrumental)
Now when I get a call from way across the country, yeah
Baby, when ain’t nobody else around, now
I get a call from way across country, yeah
A-baby, when ain’t nobody else around, now
Now Jeremy, don’t you feel bad, hm!
A-when your real woman have throwed you down, now?
If I could just receive a letter, oh
A-people from Des Moines, Iowa-ay, now
Lord, if I could just receive a letter
People from Des Moines, Iowa-ay, now
Now that would kind-a help me with my trouble, yeah
Oh Lord, an that would drive my blues away, now.
Economy
N/A
Family
“Lord, I believe she been lookin’ for me, yeah” – Reference to a lover or partner
“A-baby, when ain’t nobody else around, now” – Reference to a lover or partner
“Baby, when ain’t nobody else around, now” – Reference to a lover or partner
Religion
N/A
Vocal Delivery
No static and the song is easy to understand
Musicality
Slow Tempo
Instrumentation
Vocals – Sonny Boy Williamson
Harmonica – Sonny Boy Williamson
Piano – Big Maceo?
Tommy McClennan Baby Don’t You Want To Go (January 5, 2017)
Baby, don’t you want to go?
Take your time now and make this one right
Baby don’t you want to go? Go where?
To that land of California, sweet old Chicago
Yeah
Now did you get that letter
Dropped in your backyard?
I wants to come to see you
Your best man got me barred
Cry, oh ooh
Baby, don’t you want to go?
To that land Californ’, sweet old Chicago
Now I don’t drink because I’m dry
I drink because I’m blue
The reason I drink, pretty mama
Now I can’t get ‘long with you
Baby, don’t you want to go?
Yeah
To that land a Californ’, sweet old Chicago
Now, look-a-here, baby
Don’t have to tell you know more
You can get my lovin’
If you just let him go
Cry, oh
Playin’ me a long shout
Baby, don’t you want to go?
To that land a Californ’, sweet old Chicago
Planned on May
Yes, yes
Yeah
Yes, yes
Yeah, June or May
Baby, don’t you wanna go?
Yeah, hey
Baby, don’t you wanna go? Go where?
To that land of Californ’, sweet old Chicago
Yeah
Now, my my mama told me
‘Papa, startin’ to cry
Son, you’re too young-a man
To have them women your side’
She cried, ‘Look-a-here, babe
I know you wants to go
To that land of Californ’, sweet old Chicago’
Oh, be-be-be-ba
Kee-da-da-da
Economy
N/A
Family
“The reason I drink, pretty mama” – Reference to a lover or partner
“Son, you’re too young-a man” – Reference to a lover or partner
“To have them women your side” – Reference to a lover or partner
“Baby, don’t you wanna go?” – Reference to a lover or partner
Religion
N/A
Vocal Delivery
No static and the song is somewhat hard to understand
Musicality
Moderate
Repetition
“She cried, ‘Look-a-here, babe”
“I know you wants to go”
“To that land of Californ’, sweet old Chicago’”
Instrumentation
Guitar – Tommy McClennan
Vocals – Tommy McClennan
Economy Lyrics
“When I sit down to eat you feed me peas and corn, when you cook chicken and cake you give it to a nasty red” – Reference to having a maid in the kitchen.
“Mama when you cook, you cook standin’ up, sometimes you cook mama and your cookin’ taste like junk” – Reference to having a maid in the kitchen.
“Lord I lost my job lost the money I had in the bank my wife she quiet me and she did not take me back” – Reference to being unemployed.
Deals with making a living with music using different creative ways to make instruments such as guitars and stovepipes. This is how the poorer musicians made a living by performing music people could dance to.
“I sold me a one eyed mule and I me an automobile” – Reference to work being able to move up and buy a car.
“I had money on the horses money on 1,2,3” – Reference to gambling for money
“Now, my water got muddy and horse ran into trees” – Reference to gambling and losing
“When I had money, I had friends and a real good home” – Reference to being poor
“Now if my money was stacked high” – Reference to making a lot of money.
“When it’s always flush, good money will never run out” – Reference to always having money.
“I don’t drink, I said, no cheap wine” – Reference to having more money and not having to worry about references.
“Backwater at Blytheville, backed up all around” – Reference to the jobs being gone in Mississippi from the flood
“I couldn’t get no boats there, Marion City gone down” – Reference to the jobs being gone in Mississippi from the flood
“Have you ever woke up then, and found your dough roller gone?” – Reference to working a cook or chef
“I say eagles on a half, lord, say in God we trust” – Reference to the dollar bill and making money.
“Now, I got two ponies and these already trained” – Reference to his farming life in Mississippi
“All you have to do is just tightened up on your reins” – Reference to his farming life
“Now I let some freight train stole me every day” – Reference to a worker on the railroad and the railroad was a way for transportation.
“Now I let some freight train stole me every day” – Reference to a worker on the railroad and the railroad was a way for transportation.
“I say expressman expressman lord you have parked your way gone wrong” – Reference to railroad workers on the railroad
“Ever since I stop workin’ on that WPA” – Reference to losing his job
“What make a rooster Honey, crow ’bout the break of day”? – Reference to working hard and getting up early
“Get yo’ ride from a pony” – Reference to farming
“Get yo’ sweet milk from a cow” – Reference to farming
“Get yo’ po’k chop from a boar hog” – Reference to farming
“And boiling these turnip green just boiling She said boy if I ever get these drained greens done” – Reference to the mother working and cooking as women would cook for the family then.
“They shoved John Hardy back in jail poor boy” – Reference to blacks being jailed and jailhouse was influence on blues music
“Come a ki-ki–yicky” – Reference to farming and farm songs
“Cow, ki-yicky-yicky-yeah” – Reference to field songs
“That ever herd cattle” – Reference to farming cattle
“Hog and sheep they went to the pasture – Reference to farming Hogs and Sheep
“Hog said to sheep, You’d better go a little faster – Reference to farming Hogs and Sheep
“I went a-rowing and my gal went too” – Reference to working on a boat
“Baby I give you my love, even give you my silver an’ gold” – Reference to the man making the money, while the woman stays home.
“I was your slave baby so many lonesome years” – Reference to slavery as Lonnie’s grandparents were slaves
His music was how Lonnie Johnson made a living
“Whiskey here ain’t no money around” – Reference to money and what people spent it on
“It tore my house and hardly left a one” – Reference to a poor family being harmed by a natural disaster
“Pay Day on The Southern Pay Day on The Yellow Dog” – Reference to men and women getting paid for working on the railroad
“Mens out on The Southern they make dollars by the stacks” – Reference to men getting paid
“And I’ll have money in my stocking when that pay roll train get back” – Reference to payday
“And I have will have the printed money when that so dayroll is done” – Reference to payday
“I got to get me 50 dollars if I have to make a midnight grab” – Reference to a deal in a dark alley in Mississippi
“You take my money stay off of me at night”. – Reference to man taking all the money and the woman not being able to have any.
“Come and get my money says payin’ a fine” – Reference to a man paying the bills
“But when I get my money, I’m going to stop this ole lonesome song” – Reference that money will end your troubles and make your happy
“Train Goin’ North” – Reference to workers on the railroad as a source of jobs for bluesmen
“Ticket Agent ease your window ease your window high, indeed, Lord’ – Reference to jobs along the railroad
“Depot Agent, turn your depot, turn your depot round, indeed, Lord” – Reference to jobs on the railroad
“A lady passed close to him, Snatched her pocketbook” – Reference to a robbery Jackson saw
“Oh, I’m going where the chilly winds don’t blow” – Reference to leaving Chicago and finding work in other states.
“I get up early in the morning (What for, Papa?), sweet mama, then I go and curry my horse – Reference to farming
“Then I pull up to the coal pile, get me a joint of washed nut coal” – Reference to working as a coal miner
“Lord, I sell my washed nut coal, thirty-five cents a bag” – Reference to how much coal cost
“Whilst I’m on my wagon, tryin’ my best to sell my coal ” – Reference to selling coal
“There’s Maxwell Street Market got Water Street Market too” – Reference to the local market
“If you ain’t got no money the women got nothing for you to do” – Reference to getting no benefits without money
“Well, well, prob’ly next spring, eee-eee, I wanta rig up my T-Model again” – Reference to cars driven in Memphis
“Well, well, the T-Model Ford, I say is a poor man’s friend” – Reference to cars
“Well, well, a V-8 Ford, and it done took to style” – Reference to cars
“Now, the girl I’m lovin’ Got this great, long, curly hair” – Reference to a lover or partner” – Reference to a lover or partner
“Now her mama an her papa They sho’ don’t ‘llow me there” – Reference to a lover not wanting to stay
“Go in yo’ kitchen Cook until she comes home.” – Reference to women cooking and men making the money
“Mmmm Fix my clothes baby because you have done me wrong” – how women were suppose to do the housework while the men worked
“Well, you see my milk cow, tell her hurry home I aint had no milk since that cow been gone,” – Reference to farm life in Mississippi
“I’ll buy you a diamond ring” – Reference to what Sonny Boy could afford or not
“You know my mama bought a washbo’d – Reference to mom doing laundry
“An a brand new tub” – Reference to mom doing laundry
“My daddy had one old dirty shirt” – Reference to dad having his wife clean
“An they began to rub” – Reference to a lover or partner
Family Lyrics –
“Oh just keep on shinn’ for the woman I love is gone” – Reference to wife or partner
“I woke up this morning, the same thing on my mind” – Reference to wife or partner
“When you get in trouble can always tell who’s your friend ” – Reference to wife or partner
“Oh Trouble killed my sister and I’ve got one foot in my grave” – Reference to his sister
“What you tell me lovin’ mama baby whatever I’ve done so wrong” – Reference to wife or partner
“Lord and I know you’re gonna miss me from rolling in your arms” – Reference to wife or partner
“Lord my wife has done quite me and lord and my sweetie too” – Reference to a bad marriage or relationship.
“Now mama don’t mistreat cause I’m a mother’s child” – Reference to not being raised with a mother
“I’ve got a gal down in country thanks to worrying all on me” – Reference to wife or partner.
“You’re gonna long for me mama I’ll be further away” – Reference to wife or partner.
“I’m going away just to worry you off my mind” – Reference to a divorce or break up for Big Bill Broonzy.
“That’s she’s long she’s tall sweet as she can be”- Reference to wife or partner
“Lord, she may be bow legged, but she’s alright with” – Reference to wife or partner
“You cook my breakfast brought it to bed didn’t fix no place for me to lay my head” – Reference to wife or partner
“Only way I got to get it mama honey when you serve it to me right” – Reference to wife or partner
“Oh Serve It To Me Right” – Reference to wife or partner
I don’t want no lazy cause I don’t want nothing sad” – Reference to a bad marriage and good break up for Broonzy
“That’s a drunken woman and a two faced man” – Reference to a bad marriage or bad relationship
“It’s cold in the evening gal it’s cold at night, just before day baby it just too tight” – Reference to a lover, wife, or partner at night.
“Yes come early in the morning mama and turn my damper down” – Reference to a lover at night.
“She’s a truckin’ little woman, don’t you know”.- Reference to a lover, wife, or partner.
“Boys she’s a truckin’ mother for you, don’t you know”. – Reference to a wife or lover
“Lord, I want to find that woman she is so nice and sweet” – Reference to a wife or partner
“Lord I done got buggy about that woman boys, I ain’t gonna let her go” – Reference to a wife or partner
My baby left me, left me cold in hand, why did she left me I don’t understand – Reference to a wife or partner
But right now it’s too bad, baby yes it’s too late now
“I listened to baby my when she was tellin’ me her dream” – Reference to wife or partner
“Now my mother tried Lord make me do right” – Reference to being raised by his mother
“Now if I had listen to my mother lord what she said” – Reference to being raised by his mother
“Love you baby, and I love you just for myself get so god so mad I think you lovin’ someone else” – Reference to a wife or partner
“Stop lying woman lying to the man you love” – Reference to a wife or partner
“Run here woman put your little hands in mine I’ve got something to tell you gal that’s will you make you change your mine” – Reference to a woman
“You better drive straight gal you better not crook I might find a telephone number your little red book” – Reference to a wife or partner
“Love you baby, and I love you just for myself get so god so mad I think you lovin’ someone else” – Reference to a wife or partner
“Stop lying woman lying to the man you love” – Reference to a wife or partner
“Run here woman put your little hands in mine I’ve got something to tell you gal that’s will you make you change your mine” – Reference to a woman
“You better drive straight gal you better not crook I might find a telephone number your little red book” – Reference to a wife or partner
“I’m a married man now, whoo lord there ain’t no more so and so”.- Reference to a lover, wife, or partner
“Yes back to my plow now and the woman is the cause of it all”. – Reference to a wife or lover
But’s it’s someday baby, you won’t worry poor Joe’s mind anymore” – Reference to a bad relationship Joe Williams had.
“She’s a no‑good woman she don’t mean me no good” – Reference to a bad relationship Joe Williams had.
“Oh baby, I’m so blue, so blue ’bout you, sweet babe ‘Cause your lovin’ is so soft and warm” – Reference to a bad relationship Bo Carter had.
“Then I get the blues, deep down in my heart, sweet babe ‘Cause I’m a many miles from your lovin’ home” – Reference to a wife Bo Carter missed and did not live close to
“I mean your time got some old Fat Mouth layin’ around this place after” – Reference to a bad relationship Bo Carter had.
“You gonna miss me baby for wondering in our home” – Reference to a wife Bo Carter missed and did not live close to
“And that cryin’ old bumble bee you know it hurts so good” – Reference to sex Bo Carter had with is partner.
“Every time I need stingin’, I’m just a long stinger Bumble Bee” – Reference to a wife Bo Carter had.
“And that cryin’ old bumble bee you know it hurts so good” – Reference to sex Bo Carter had with is partner.
“Every time I need stingin’, I’m just a long stinger Bumble Bee” – Reference to a wife Bo Carter had.
“I’m mean do better if I had treaties baby and its fifty fifty man you ever see” – Reference to each doing half of the work.
“Please baby please go fifty fifty with me” – Reference to having the husband and wife each doing 50% of the work.
“Since when your left eye go to jumpin’ you know something goin’ on wrong” – Reference to seeing a good lookin’ woman
“Say you can bet your bottom dollar some other scowl trying to steal your sweet girl from home” – Reference to someone stealing your lover or partner
“Just keep your eyes wide open don’t let know woman make no fat mouth out of you” – Reference to a man stealing your woman
“Just get you another girl sweeter and you will forget the first” – Reference to moving on from a woman and finding another
“I said hey mama, I’ll give you your last chance” – Reference to lover or wife
“I said, hey hey mama, what’s the matter now”? – Reference to lover or wife
“You’re just a triflin’ woman, don’t mean me no good no how” – Reference to having a bad relationship
“It was fifty families and children come to sink and drown” – Reference to the families that have died during the flood
“I couldn’t see nobody home and was no one to be found” – Reference to homes being destroyed and families being split up or families being dead
“The man said to his women folk Lord we’d better go” – Reference to men and women trying to survive from the flood.
“I said, “That’s all right, sweet mama, your trouble’s gonna come some day.” – Reference to a wife or partner
“Yes, I told my woman just before I left the town” – Reference to a lover he wanted to see before leaving
“I say squat low, papa, let your mama see” – Reference to a couple between a man and woman
“I love you, daddy, but your dollar’s first” – Reference her man making the money compared to her watching the house and kids
“I’ve got a brownskin man but I’m scared to call his name.” – Reference to her lover rejecting her
“Now, tell you, mama, now, I’m sure gonna leave this town” – Reference to a wife or partner that he is leaving
“I’d be way over here mama, a long ways from my home” – Reference to his wife or partner that is long from, but he is in love with
“You took a poor’s man good gal when I was a long way from” – Reference to a the train taking a man’s woman
“I’m going down into my baby, that I have done her wrong – Reference to a lover that he has mistreated her or has been mistreated
“That took my baby and left me standing here” – Reference to having his partner or wife stolen or taken out of his arms
“Oh Baby please forgive me, I know that I have done you wrong” – Reference to a lover that he has mistreated her or has been mistreated
“Whoa baby it looks too bad for you” – Refers to a relationship gone bad
I tried to love you a long time ago I loved until you drove me from your door” – Reference to lover being driven from the dor
“Now love is mighty it don’t need a hand” – Reference to Gillum’s lover
“My woman’s gone an I swear she left a lonely home” – Reference to wife or partner
“She left me one old bed an two old broke down chairs” – Reference to a lonely house and a lonely man by himself
“Baby, when you’s out, out and havin’ your fun” – Reference to wife or partner
“Just remember I’m at home with my right hand on my gun” – Reference to a jealous husband
“You got your wings on mama, and you feel like flyin’ high” – Reference to a lover or wife
“Come on babe take a little walk with me” – Reference to a wife or partner
“Now just before we walk baby about this old avenue” – Reference to a wife or partner
“I got something to tell you darling I want to be way out in the dark” – Reference to a wife or partner
“You put the love bug on me, woman” – Reference to a wife or partner
“An it’s all on the account of just the way my baby do” – Reference to a wife or partner
“If there’s anyone can beat you” – Reference to a bad relationship with his wife or partner
“I can’t see why my baby sleeps so sound” – Reference to wife or partner
“When I left her this mornin’, I left her sleepin’ sound” Reference to wife or partner
“If you got a good woman mens, please don’t take ‘are ’round” – Reference to wife or partner
“I can’t see why my baby sleeps so sound” – Reference to wife or partner
“When I left her this mornin’, I left her sleepin’ sound” Reference to wife or partner
“If you got a good woman mens, please don’t take ‘are ’round” – Reference to wife or partner
“She’s a long, tall woman” – Reference to a wife or partner
“Some skinny gal have lost her home” – Reference wife or partner
“Yes Yes, mama you’re tearing your playhouse down” – Reference to a wife or partner
“Well if you don’t stop jiving me somebody will be jailhouse bound” – Reference wife or partner
“I’m going to be a fat mama, kids cryin’ running over chairs running over benches just boiling these greens and I’m going take up now and cut ‘em up see if they are done” – Reference ot mother and her kids cooking and she is raising them.
“What will I do stop my love again” – Reference to a wife or partner
“What will I do she mistreats me again” – Reference to a wife or partner
“What will I do she gives my love away” – Reference to a wife or partner
“What will I do she closed the door in my face” – Reference to a wife or partner
“I’m worried about my baby, down on my bended knee” – Reference to a lover or partner
“You know I love my baby, that’s why we can’t get along” – Reference to a lover or partner
“I worry about my baby, bring her back to me” – Reference to a lover or partner
“Oooh-oooh, hear my lonesome plea” – Reference to a lover rejecting him
“Martha told me, she said, these people going to be the death of you” – Reference to a lover or partner
“I told Martha, Martha you don’t know women in this city killing why don’t you let me go” – Reference to partner or lover
“I go to Martha and I fall down on my knees and here is what I begged her” – Reference to his wife and partner
“I went to Martha and I fall down on my knees, cryin’ Oh Lord Martha would you forgive me – Reference to his wife or partner
“She was pretty and fair, the yellow gal” – Reference to a wife or partner
“She got pretty hair, this yellow gal – Reference to a wife or partner
“My yellow, oh, my yellow, oh, my yellow gal” – Reference to wife or partner
“My daddy got stuck on a yellow gal” – Reference to wife or partner
“She was pretty and fine, this yellow gal” – Reference to wife or partner
“She was pretty and fair, the yellow gal” – Reference to a wife or partner
“She got pretty hair, this yellow gal – Reference to a wife or partner
“John Hardy had a mother and a father too” – Reference to his mother and father
“John Hardy had a purdy little wife” Reference to his wife or partner
“Oh Mary don’t weep you don’t you mourn” – Reference to Mary Jesus Mother
“I asked your mother for you (What she’d tell him)”
“She told me that you was too young (She’s 18 years old)”
“I wished to Lord that I’d never seen your face”
“There’s a man going ’round taking names”
“He’s been taking my father’s name An’ he left my heart in vain” – Reference to his father
“He’s been taking my mother’s name” – Reference to his mother
“He’s been taking my sister’s name” – Reference to his sister
“He’s been taking my brother’s name” – Reference to his brother
“I don’t know/Baby, I don’t know” – Reference to wife or partner
“Polly Wee, Polly Wee, Polly Wee” – Reference to frogs in love
“I went a-rowing and my gal went too” – Reference to wife or partner
“Baby I give you my love, even give you my silver an’ gold” – Reference to a wife or partner
“Babe I love, but your heart is like a piece of iron” – Reference to a wife or partner
“So many cold mornin’s, you drove me from your door” – Reference to a wife or partner.
“When you got a good livin’, don’t trust no woman to be your friend”. – Reference to a wife or partner
“Babe I love, but your heart is like a piece of iron” – Reference to a wife or partner
“When I try to be good, my baby treats me like a dog”. – Reference to a wife or partner
“I woman don’t want a do-right husband, she wants a monkey man” – Reference to a wife or partner
“What does it matter, if every sweetheart goes wrong?” – Reference to a wife or partner.
“What does it matter, if every sweetheart goes wild?”. – Reference to a wife or partner
“Babe I love, but your heart is like a piece of iron” – Reference to a wife or partner
“In my heart you’re still a baby child.”. – Reference to a child he had
“This is my last love” – Reference to wife or partner
“I will always love you darling, no matter where you go.” – Reference to a wife or partner
“The Mississippi River is so long, deep, and wide, I can’t see my baby standin’ on the other side”. – Reference to a wife or partner
“I left on Beale, and I started down Vant, I was lookin’ for the woman that cut up my last pair of pants.” – Reference to a wife or partner
“I’m goin’ to tell all you men what we mustn’t do, don’t never love no woman like she say she love you”. – Reference to a partner or wife
“I want all you people, to listen to my song”. – Reference to his family to listen to his song
“Remember me, until the days I’m gone”. – Reference to remember and honor Lonnie Johnson
“Oh, a brown-skinned man can get, a good woman most anywhere”. – Reference to a husband or partner
“Please hear my cry, and give me back my “usta” be.” – Reference to a husband or partner
“I’m gonna ride until, I can’t hear them call your name.” – Reference to a husband or partner
“I woke up this morning blues all around my bed”. – Reference to a husband or partner
“Well I swear before God: the man I’m loving is doing wrong” – Reference to a husband or partner
“If you don’t believe I’m leaving daddy count them days I’m gone” – Reference to a husband or partner
“Well it must be something my man have heard before he gone” – Reference to a husband or partner
“Well you know by that rider that I ain’t going to be here long”
“I want you to treat me daddy just like I treat you”. – Reference to a husband or partner
“Now look over your hand and see that you are dirty too” – Reference to a husband or partner
“How can I do right when and my man livin’ wrong” – Reference to a husband or partner
“And I how can I please him and he don’t ever stay at home”. – Reference to a husband or partner
“Now I don’t want you man, you got another woman rulin you” – Reference to a husband or partner
“Daddy don’t you trifle on me”. – Reference to a husband or partner
“You know exactly where your mama’s jivin’ at” – Reference to a lover or partner
“But you will know I’m on you while when I sit down” – Reference to a husband or partner
“(Hoverin’?) like a bumble bee”. – Reference to a husband or partner
“You might ignore me while I’m buzzin’ around” – Reference to a husband or partner
“I beg you baby treat me right you don’t do nothing but fuss and fight” – Reference to a husband
“You go to your woman I got me another man”. – Reference to a husband or partner
“Well it’s good to have something you never had” – Reference to a husband or partner
“You take my money stay off of me at night”. – Reference to a husband or partner
“Honey ‘til I change my mind” – Reference to a husband or partner
“I decided I wouldn’t marry no more Now I’m catching hell everywhere I go.” – Reference to a husband or partner
“A man walked up wanted to take my life” – Reference to a husband or partner
“I went down to the butcher to get me a piece of meat”. – Reference to a husband or partner
“Hot stuff, hot stuff” – Reference to a husband or partner
“Well its hot stuff here and its everywhere I go” – Reference to a lover or husband
“I decided I wouldn’t marry no more Now I’m catching hell everywhere I go.” – Reference to a husband or partner
“A man walked up wanted to take my life” – Reference to a husband or partner
“I went down to the butcher to get me a piece of meat”. – Reference to a husband or partner
“Hot stuff, hot stuff” – Reference to a husband or partner
“Well its hot stuff here and its everywhere I go” – Reference to a lover or husband
“Won’t tell me man where’d stay last night” – Reference to a husband or partner
“You can’t have somebody else and rule me too” – Reference to a husband or partner
“Why you laying there with somebody else”. – Reference to a husband or partner
“You can’t take my money man and rule me too” – Reference to a lover or husband
“Yeah I woke this morning with a fever and I feel I have been had all day long” – Reference to a husband or partner
“Daddy you said you going away and leaving me please tell me how long you will be gone” – Reference to a husband or partner
“Daddy you never tell that I am right, I’m always doing something wrong” – Reference to a husband or partner
“It’s going to be goodbye daddy, it’s gonna be goodbye from now on” – Reference to a lover or husband
“I met a man the other day” – Reference to a husband or partner
“”Is you the lady givin’ that gravy away?” – Reference to a husband or partner
“I’m giving my gravy away”. – Reference to a husband or partner
“I’m selling my pork chops” – Reference to a husband or partner
“Going to give it to some woman’s man” – Reference to a lover or partner
“And don’t let me catch you trying to give it to my man” – Reference to a lover or partner
“Look-a here, black gal, why don’t you get off the line?”. – Reference to a lover or partner
“Don’t nobody want it” – Reference to a lover or partner
“You can’t even give it away” – Reference to a lover or partner
“He killed his wife, they give him life and he won’t be back no more” – Reference to a man killing his wife
“You know Miss Delinah done broke your heart” – Reference to a wife or partner
“Oh, you can keep on talkin’, little darling babe” – Reference to a wife or partner
“But don’t need no airy man” – Women can function by themselves without a man
“My baby’s back home, serving my jellyroll” – Reference to sex with with partner or wife
“Because I knew my mama got arrested on Maxwell Street” – Reference to Jackson’s mother arrested.
“I asked the desk sergeant police force my gal ain’t off of the street” – Reference to a wife or partner
“Now, what’s that thing, that she’s shakin’?”- Reference to a wife or partner dancing
“She dance over here, she dance over there” – Reference to wife or partner
“She gets out, boys, she dance everywhere” – Reference to wife or partner
“Well, now she will take yo’ little woman” – Reference to a lover or partner
“I said, she will hang her head and cry” – Reference to lover or partner
“Well-well-well, gon’ send it out the country mama, now, now see is my little girl there” – Reference to a wife or partner
“Well, now she will take yo’ little woman” – Reference to a lover or partner
“I said, she will hang her head and cry” – Reference to lover or partner
“Well-well-well, gon’ send it out the country mama, now, now see is my little girl there” – Reference to a wife or partner
“Well now you know the last woman I had she was so doggone mean” – Reference to a lover or partner
“Well now the first woman I had she made me get on my knee” – Reference to a lover or partner
“Well you now know that will make a barrelhouse man whoo well well stay out each and every night” – Reference to a lover not wanting to stay
“I’ll tell you, girl, I’m gonna tell you now” – Reference to a lover or partner
“Said, Brownskin women, gonna be the death of you” – Reference to a lover or partner
“If brownskin women kill me, mama, let me go” – Reference to a lover or partner
“She’s crying to me son please son don’t you go”- Reference to a mother not wanting her son to leave home
“I’m going to beat my woman Until I get satisfied” – Reference to a lover or partner
“Now baby you know you ain’t doin’ me right, now” – Reference to a lover or partner
“My baby left me this morning, she did not even shake my hand” – Reference to a lover or partner” – Reference to a lover or partner
“It’s because you know partner, she got her another man” – Reference to a lover not wanting to stay
“You told me last night black gal, meet you at the honey next door” – Reference to a lover
“Lord I’m going to pray to my baby just like I ain’t got no sense” – Reference to a lover or partner”
“Tell me baby what’s the matter now” – Reference to a lover
“Are you trying to leave me babe and you don’t know how” – Reference to a lover not wanting to stay
“I’d rather be the devil, to be that woman man” – Reference to a lover or partner
“Aw, nothin’ but the devil, changed my baby’s mind” – Reference to a lover or partner
“Woman I loved, took her from my best friend” – Reference to a lover or partner
“My baby left me this morning, she did not even shake my hand” – Reference to a lover or partner” – Reference to a lover or partner
“It’s because you know partner, she got her another man” – Reference to a lover not wanting to stay
“You told me last night black gal, meet you at the honey next door” – Reference to a lover
“Now, the girl I’m lovin’ Got this great, long, curly hair” – Reference to a lover or partner” – Reference to a lover or partner
“Now her mama an her papa They sho’ don’t ‘llow me there” – Reference to a lover not wanting to stay
“Go in yo’ kitchen Cook until she comes home.” – Reference to women cooking and men making the money
“Mmmm Fix my clothes on honey because you have done me wrong” – Reference to a lover or partner and how women were suppose to do the housework while the men worked
“Mmmm I ain’t gonna be your lowdown dog no more” – Reference to a lover not wanting to stay
“Hey, black mama, what’s the matter with you? Said it aint satisfaction, don’t care what I do,” – Reference to a lover or partner
“You take a brown-skinned woman will make a rabbit move to town, But a jet-black woman will make a mule kick his stable down,” – Reference to a lover or partner
“My black mama’s face shines like the sun, Oh, lipstick and powder, well, that sure won’t help her none” – Reference to a lover or partner
“My baby made cold chills run all over me” – Reference to a lover or partner
“And so now, the love that I had for you, woman” – Reference to a lover or partner
“My baby made cold chills run all over me” – Reference to a lover or partner
“Good mo’nin, little school girl” – Reference to a lover or partner
“Well, if you don’t be my little woman” – Reference to a lover or partner
“Come on an’ be my baby” – Reference to a lover or partner
“Don’t find the woman that I’m lovin” – Reference to a lover or partner
“Baby, You Can’t Do” – Reference to lover or partner
“You Can’t Love Me” – Reference to a lover or partner
“I Don’t Want You, Find Yourself Another Man” – Reference to a lover or partner
“You Don’t Know Exactly How To Do” – Reference to lover or partner
“’Cause You’s A Old Lady” – Reference to a lover or partner
“You know my mama bought a washbo’d – Reference to mom doing laundry
“An a brand new tub” – Reference to mom doing laundry
“My daddy had one old dirty shirt” – Reference to dad having his wife clean
“An they began to rub” – Reference to a lover or partner
“You know I met a little girl” – Reference to a lover or partner
“She was all trimmed out in blue” – Reference to a lover or partner
“Well now, I’ve gotta girl A-sweet sixteen” – Reference to a partner or wife
“Her mother wouldn’t listen” – Reference to girls mother
“To her dreams” – Reference to a wife or partner
“I know she was a-dreamin’” – Reference to a lover or partner
“Now, she dreamed I was kissin’ her A-down by the mill” – Reference to a lover or partner
“Well, she know’d about lovin’ From huggin’ on down” – Reference to a lover or partner
“Well now, I’ve gotta girl A-sweet sixteen” – Reference to a partner or wife
“Her mother wouldn’t listen” – Reference to girls mother
“To her dreams” – Reference to a wife or partner
“I know she was a-dreamin’” – Reference to a lover or partner
“Now, she dreamed I was kissin’ her A-down by the mill” – Reference to a lover or partner
“Well, she know’d about lovin’ From huggin’ on down” – Reference to a lover or partner
“Well now, I’ve gotta girl A-sweet sixteen” – Reference to a partner or wife
“Her mother wouldn’t listen” – Reference to girls mother
“To her dreams” – Reference to a wife or partner
“I know she was a-dreamin’” – Reference to a lover or partner
“Now, she dreamed I was kissin’ her A-down by the mill” – Reference to a lover or partner
“Well, she know’d about lovin’ From huggin’ on down” – Reference to a lover or partner
“Lord, I believe she been lookin’ for me, yeah” – Reference to a lover or partner
“A-baby, when ain’t nobody else around, now” – Reference to a lover or partner
“Baby, when ain’t nobody else around, now” – Reference to a lover or partner
“The reason I drink, pretty mama” – Reference to a lover or partner
“Son, you’re too young-a man” – Reference to a lover or partner
“To have them women your side” – Reference to a lover or partner
“Baby, don’t you wanna go?” – Reference to a lover or partner
Religion Lyrics –
“Oh, I can hear, Lord, Lord, water upon my door” – Reference to people praying to God to make the hard times stop
“Oh, the prayer of death.” – Reference to God about death and life after death
“Oh, hold to God’s unchanging hand” – Reference to holding on to God and going to heaven
“Hold to God’s unchanging hand” – Reference to God always being there and never changing even though be change as humans
“Build your hopes on things eternal” – Reference to God being eternal and forever
“I say eagles on a half, lord, say in God we trust” – Reference to the dollar bill, but also how God is always with us and how our money should to him
“I passed down by the old country church and heard them singing this song There’s preachin’ tonight Lord There’s preachin’ tonight Lord there’s preachin’ on the old camp ground There’s preachin’ tonight Lord There’s preachin’ tonight Lord there’s preachin’ on the old camp ground” – Reference to church and how there was preaching at the church
“Ella, Ella, down on my bended knee” – Reference to the Bible
“I’m worried about my baby, down on my bended knee” – Reference to the Bible
“Oooh-oooh, hear my lonesome plea” – Reference to God hearing a prayer from a person who thinks they are by themselves
“The meeting at the building will soon be over all over this world” – Reference to how the church influenced Lead Belly’s
“All over this world, all over this world” – Baptist spiritual
“Oh Mary don’t weep you don’t you mourn” – Reference to Mary Jesus Mother
“Stand on the rock where Moses stood” – Reference to Moses and how he parted the Red Sea
“Fell down on my knees and I raised my hand to God above” – Reference to a prayer to God after a natural disaster
“Brothers and sisters my text will be found this morning in the 6th Chapter of Daniel in the 22nd” – Reference to the Daniel from the Bible
“ My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions’ mouths” – Reference to spoken words from Daniel
“And said everybody in Babylon at a certain hour of the day should bow down and worship this image that we have set up.” – Reference to Daniel from the Bible
“These words were spoken by Daniel one of the Hebrew boys out of the Hebrew family.” – Reference to Daniel
“Romans 7th Chapter beginning at the 24th verse and it reads like this.” – Reference to Saul
“Now these few words were spoken by Saul A Wicked Man, a man that didn’t believe in Jesus” – Reference to Saul and Romans
“A light shinned from heaven” – Reference to Jesus saving Saul
“I’d rather be the devil, to be that woman man” – Reference to Satan
“Aw, nothin’ but the devil, changed my baby’s mind” – Reference to Satan
“Aint no heaven, aint no burnin’ hell Where I’m goin’ when I die, can’t nobody tell, – Reference to Son House as a preacher
“Oh, Lord have mercy on my wicked soul, Wouldn’t mistreat you baby for my weight in gold,” – Reference to Son juggling God and Blues
“Oh, I can hear, Lord, Lord, water upon my door” – Reference to people praying to God to make the hard times stop
“Oh, the prayer of death.” – Reference to God about death and life after death
The Blues With Nate 