S

I told them no : baby I don’t want to go You know I can’t go down the hill : but I’ve got to go to the Red Cross store Go to the Red Cross in the morning babe : go up there at night Want me to tell the Red Cross : stop off day and night Now my girl told me this morning : that she done collared a job She going to take care of me : while the times was hard And I told her yes : great God now I won’t have to go Because I can’t go down the hill : you know I go to the Red Cross store I works on the mountain : till my shirt got soaking wet I don’t want no foolishness : about my Red Cross check Well I saw two women : they was arguing on the street Th ey asked me I go down to the Red Cross store : to get them to give me some-

thing to eat And I told her yes : great God and you better go Because I can’t take you down the hill : but I’ll show you to the Red Cross store

IRENE SCRUGGS

My Back to the Wall

[Richmond, Ind., 30 Aug. 1930 (16975-A) Ge-7296] Everybody is screaming trouble : times ain’t like they used to be You can hardly hold your man : your job is uncertain guarantee Well hard luck had me running : now my back is turned to the wall But no matter what you say : a good woman never falls Well you talk about drunken women : the kind that walks the streets all night But that’s the only kind of woman : that you men are going to treat right So don’t be no idle woman : don’t be no sand-foot clown If your man is double-crossing : don’t you start to running around Now I’ll tell you the reason : I don’t like a single man much Well a single man’s all right : but he ain’t got that married man’s touch

WILL SHADE

Sometimes I Th ink I Love You

[Chicago, 9 June 1927 (38657-1) Vi-20809] Hey sometime I think I love you : then again I don’t Sometime I think I’ll quit you : mama then again I won’t Says I beat it for you baby : when I needed shoes on my feet All I know that she was doing partner : making her ‘fore-day creep Hey baby : what do you want your papa to do Want for me to beg rob and steal : bring it all home to you

Memphis Boy-Blues

[Chicago, 9 June 1927 (38659-1) Vi-20809] Going out west partner : going to marry me an Indian squaw Th at dirty big chief Indian : Lord can be my father-in-law Say I’m a poor boy partner : and I ain’t got no relation here Say I ain’t got no good woman : partner for to feel my care Hey pretty mama : honey what you got on your mind Lord I ain’t going to stay with no woman : Lord no great long time

I Packed My Suitcase, Started to the Train

[Atlanta, 19 Oct. 1927 (40312-1) Vi-21412] Hey black folks is evil : do anything that you want to do *So long as I can get* ??? : *get back out of you* I did more for you baby : mama in the rain and snow But I’m sick and tired now baby : you say you don’t want me no more I packed my suitcase : Lord I started to the train I wouldn’t hurt so bad mama : but you had another man just the same

State of Tennessee

[Atlanta, 19 Oct. 1927 (40313-2) Vi-21185] I got a voice like a radio : it broadcasts everywhere Now if you can fi nd the wild woman : boy by broadcasting in the air I got a new way of spelling : dear old state of Tennessee Double E double R : double E double N O P

Kansas City Blues

[Atlanta, 19 Oct. 1927 (40315-1) Vi-21185] Boy I got three high yellows : one black and brown High yellow quit me : black ain’t going to throw me down And you can always tell : when a woman want to play It don’t make any diff erence : in a Hey mama mama : where you stay last night Your hair’s all wrinkled : that they beating you right

Snitchin’ Gambler Blues

[Memphis, 1 Feb. 1928 (41817-2) Vi-21524] People in this town : Lord they ain’t no friend to you All they’ll do to you people : go down and tell lies on poor you If I only had me : ??? house of my own I wouldn’t allow snitching and a-gambling : people around my home I hate a-snitching : worse than the good Lord hates sin If they ever get me into trouble : soon on my way to the pen If I only had me : a shelter of my own I wouldn’t allow snitching and gambling : people around my home Now it’s eighteen hundred : and it’s ninety-one Th at’s when the snitching : was people Lordy just begun Now it’s eighteen hundred : and it’s ninety-two Th e snitches in town : Lord they just won’t do Now it’s eighteen hundred : and it’s ninety-three I got arrested : off of Beale Street I went before the judge : I said judge what is my fi ne A hundred dollar fi ne : and two eleven ninety-nine Now look a-here judge : can’t you hold up off of that fi ne He say go ahead on nigger : that ain’t no good long time Now it’s eighteen hundred : and it’s ninety-four Th e white people load me : in the workhouse door It’s eighteen hundred : and it’s ninety-fi ve Th is people in the town : don’t do nothing but tell dirty lies Oh it’s eighteen hundred : and it’s ninety-six Th at’s when the snitchers thought : all all their snitching was fi xed Nineteen hundred : and it’s twenty-seven Th e snitchers that done the snitching : is way into heaven It’s nineteen hundred : and it’s twenty-eight I left the snitchers : standing at the workhouse gate Now it’s nineteen hundred : and it’s twenty-nine I left all the snitching people : way behind

Evergreen Money Blues

[Memphis, 1 Feb. 1928 (41818-2) Vi-21657] I been drinking all night long baby : mama I ain’t going to drink no more My good gal said if you drink any more corn liquor : how she don’t want me no

more I’ll pack your suitcase mama : I will throw it over the fence I allow you don’t need no telling baby : mama because you got plenty of sense I told you stay away from my window baby : mama don’t knock at my old back

door I allow you don’t need no telling mama : babe because you already know

She Stays Out All Night Long

[Memphis, 13 Feb. 1928 (41891-1) Vi unissued] Lord I told my old lady : no longer than week before last *I told* when I staying all night long baby : mama it’s done come *to pass* How do you think a poor man feels : one he loves stay out all night long Oh Lord he’s rolling and he’s tumbling : know he just can’t sleep alone How you think a poor man feels : one he loves stays out both night and day Just like a hobo on a freight train : haven’t a decent meal today

She Stays Out All Night Long

[Memphis, 13 Feb. 1928 (41891-2) Vi-21524] I told my old lady : no longer than the week before last *I told* when I’m staying all night long mama : Lord it’s going to the *pass* How can a poor man sleep : Lord when the one he loves stays out all night long Now Lord he’s rolling and he’s tumbling : know he just can’t sleep alone Lord how can a poor man feel : one he loves stays out all night long

A Black Woman Is Like a Black Snake

[Memphis, 11 Sept. 1928 (47010-2) Vi-V38015] A black woman is like a black snake : she will strike and run ??? : *to give his dollar fun* Now I wouldn’t marry a black woman : I’ll tell you the reason why Because a black girl’s evil :

On the Road Again

[Memphis, 11 Sept. 1928 (47011-1) Vi-V38015] I wouldn’t want a black woman : tell you the reason why Black woman’s evil : do things on the sly You look for your supper : to be good and hot Th e nigger put a neckbone : in the pot I went to my window : my window was stuck I went to my door : my door was locked

I stepped right back : I shook my head A big black nigger : in my folding bed I shot through the window : I broke the glass I never seen a nigger : run so fast Your friend come to your house : wife ask him to rest his hat Th e next thing he’ll want to know : where is your husband at She says I don’t know : he’s gone and went to the ‘gin Come on mama : let’s get on the road again

Whitewash Station Blues

[Memphis, 15 Sept. 1928 (47036-2) Vi-V38504] You can toot your whistle : blow your horn Th e Memphis Jug Band : done been here and gone Now if you want to get to heaven : I’ll tell you what to do You put on a sock : a boot and a shoe You place a little corn : in your right hand Th at’ll pass you right over : in the Promised Land And if you meet the devil : he ask you how you do I’m on my way to heaven : don’t you want to go too Know there’s a place : that do just as well Th ey call Whitewash Station : ten miles from hell Lord mama : what’s on your mind You keep me worried : and bothered all the time Ain’t got no stockings : ain’t got no shoes Know I’ve got : the Memphis Jug Band blues

Stealin’ Stealin’

[Memphis, 15 Sept. 1928 (47037-2) Vi-V38504] Stealing stealing : pretty mama don’t you tell on me I’m stealing back : to my same old used-to-be Now put your arms around me : like the circle around the sun I want you to love me mama : like my easy rider done If you don’t believe I love you : look what a fool I’ve been If you don’t believe I’m sinking : look what a hole I’m in Th e woman I’m loving : she’s just my height and size She’s a married woman : come to see me sometime

Better Leave Th at Stuff Alone

[Memphis, 24 Sept. 1928 (47092-) Vi-21725] People across the water : they’re crying for meat and bread And the womens down on Beale Street : crying for that old canned heat every

day I give my woman a dollar : to get her something to eat She spent a dime for neckbones : and ninety cents for that old canned heat

If your woman says she don’t drink corn liquor : don’t think she’s nice and sweet If she don’t drink that old corn liquor : then your partner must drink the old

canned heat Now just look what a diff erence : a little money can buy Before a woman spend fi fty cents on corn liquor : she’ll buy that bottle of canned

heat on the sly Canned heat is just like morphine : it crawls all through your bones And if you keep on using canned heat mama : you soon get to the place you just

can’t leave it alone When you catch your woman begging nickels and dimes : all up and down the

street She’s only hustling them people : to get that stuff they call that old canned heat

What’s the Matter

[Memphis, 17 Sept. 1929 (55530-2) Vi-V38551] Now yonder comes baby : he’s coming down the street He going to knock you back : like Mr. Th ere was old lady *Linus* : she was sitting on a rock Had a forty-dollar razor : trying to shave that knot Yes my mother told me : father told me too Son that thing in Memphis : going to be the death of you I’m going to chew my bacca : I’m going to spit my juice I’m going to save my thing : for my particular use Yes my *cola* lady rose : about half past four Son you don’t mean me no good : *I bet they* use you no more I went down on the dike : about half past four I seen two bullfrogs : doing the *cold down low*

Feed Your Friend with a Long Handled Spoon

[Memphis, 27 Sept. 1929 (55598-1) Vi-V38578] Boy my mother always taught me : to learn to feed my friends with a long-handled

spoon She said son if you feed them with a short one : Lord they will soon lose friend-

ship with you Lord they will even laugh and grin in your face : Lord they don’t mean you no

good And if you don’t keep your eyes dead on them : Lord they will take your woman

from you Yes I’m going to taught my woman : don’t never let a ??? at home If you should ever let him get there baby : he’ll give you more trouble than the

day is long I did something last winter : Lord I ain’t going to do it no more I quit a thousand dollar woman : *but it wasn’t worth*

I Can Beat You Plenty

[Memphis, 27 Sept. 1929 (55599-) Vi-V38586] Now if you ever go down south : go down in Dixieland Don’t forget : the Memphis Jug Band You better hide : mama you better hide from me I can beat you playing that hand : mama you tried to deal to me I told my old lady : so long *as poker* last If I gets on Beale Street : then mama things will come to pass Now the preacher will come to your house : your wife will ask him to rest his hat Next thing he want to know : lady where is your husband at She say I don’t know : I think he gone to jail Oh well it’s come on mama : and let me go his bail Going to ask that black gal : won’t you give me some Said she told me to wait : until tomorrow come Will tomorrow come : before I change my mind And I looked around : her man was standing around I’m going on ??? : I’m going to raise my hand I am looking for the woman : that ain’t got no man

Taking Your Place

[Memphis, 3 Oct. 1929 (56343) Vi-23347] Now tell me baby : how come you do me this a-way Oh you go off to stay in the morning : and you stays all day I love you baby : I didn’t know that you would do me this a-way How how can I love you mama : when you goes on the street always Now you done drove me baby : until you drove me away Now someone has done something mama : about to take your place

Jim Strainer

[Memphis, 21 May 1930 (59961-2) Vi-23421] Oh Jim Strainer told Lula : on a Friday night Lula if I catch you with the Willie : Lula I’m going to steal you life Oh roll Mr. hearseman : Mr. hearseman roll slow I want to see the last of poor Lula : Mr. hearseman before you go I followed poor Lula : Lord to that burying ground I stood and watched the graveyard diggers : ease poor Lula down I never have seen : Lord such a sight before When Jim Strainer killed poor Lula : it was on that barroom fl oor Lord poor Willie left here laughing : poor Jim left here crying Willie got fi fteen years : poor Jim got ninety-nine I’m singing this tune : I ain’t going to [play, pick] it no more Jim Strainer killed poor Lula : I’m booked out and bound to go

Mary Anna Cut Off

[Chicago, 6 Nov. 1934 (C-780-2) OK-8960] I’m going Mary Anna : I’m riding that old engineer When I come by : sweet babe will Going to start walking : I’ve even got a new bottle of booze Ain’t going to stop walking : until I lose those Mary Anna blues Engineer blow his whistle : and the fi reman ring his bell She poked her head out the window : daddy fare you well She’s a long tall woman : she’s got teeth they shine like gold Only woman in Mary Anna : done got a mortgage on my soul Going to Mary Anna : if I have to ride the rods I’m going to see that black gal : boys so help me God

Take Your Fingers Off It

[Chicago, 7 Nov. 1934 (C-793-) Vo-03175] Sometimes I walk : with my I wouldn’t stay here : but I can’t take off I’m going to tell everybody : in the neighborhood I got a gal : who treats me good ??? : I’m going : I’m getting loose Old Aunt Anna : long and tall Her feets in the kitchen : her head’s in the hall

She Done Sold It Out

[Chicago, 7 Nov. 1934 (C-800-1) OK-8963] You know I had a gal : she run a java shop I asked her how about it : not a crust in that shop You know a man walked in : say have you any eggs Say I’ll sell you some meat : if you furnish your bread Now the butcher’s in the market : they begin to pout She sold all their meat : and the butchers could not sell out You know they taken me ‘fore the judge : the judge asked me what is your name Cooncan Suzie : and my mother was to blame You know the judge said little girl : you know you’re rather bold You can sell me some meat : just before you go I’m going to the races : see my pony run I believe I can fi nd something : just begun

ALLEN SHAW

Coldest Stuff in Town

[New York, 14 Sept. 1934 (15952-) Vo-02821] Hattie Hattie Hattie : what have you done to me I believe to my soul : you got a doggone stingaree My name is Rex : I lives down the west Don’t want to be tangled up : in that nest Another drink Hattie : pass the bottle around Because that jive you and Willie B’s shooting : coldest stuff in town

I Couldn’t Help It

[New York, 17 Sept. 1934 (15967-1) Vo-02844] Well I got up this morning : feeling bad Th inking about the times : that I once have had Well it ain’t but the one thing : can grieve my mind All of these women : ain’t nar’ one mine Well I whips my woman : with a singletree You might’ve heard her holler : don’t you murder me Mama told me : papa told me too Never let a woman : make a fool of you Well I woke up this morning : feeling blue Th inking about : no other one but you Well mama told me : papa too Th e way you got : it’s going to be the ruin of you

Moanin’ the Blues

[New York, 18 Sept. 1934 (15978-1) Vo-02844] When I woke up this morning : mama’s feeling bad Got to thinking : about the time I once have had Now if you don’t want me : why don’t you tell me so I can get a woman : anywhere I go Lord I asked the judge : what should be my fi ne Said eleven twenty-nine : and fi fty dollar fi ne Yes I asked the judge : to be easy as you can Th at’s all I want : you to send me from the pen Ever since : my mother has been dead Been trouble : since I have jumped and caught my head Crying mmm : don’t nobody know

JAYDEE SHORT

Telephone Arguin’ Blues

[Grafton, Wis., c. 1 June 1930 (L-456-1) Pm-13043] Th ere’s so many people : arguing on the telegram Th is thought have run through my head : just like a stone in sand Hello Central : please give me fi ve oh nine I just want to talk : to that old-time gal of mine Hey arguing : arguing everywhere I can’t get no message : over the phone nowhere I go Mmm baby : when can I speak to you If you don’t talk to me soon : baby I don’t know what I’m going to do I picked up the receiver : I could not get a word I want to talk to my home : from this sad New York land I’m asking you a question : mama asking you very clear And if *all things true* : man I’m going to leave on the Mmm ain’t seen my baby : in six long months today Some woman love I used to have : gone seen my babe some day

Lonesome Swamp Rattlesnake

[Grafton, Wis., c. 1 June 1930 (L-468-1) Pm-13043] Way lonesome : out in some swamp I know Well the lonesome rattlesnake : just creeped up to my door You ought to heard my baby hollering : daddy won’t you come home Better be on your way : the rattlesnake’s about to take your home Th at’s all right baby : I won’t leave you here no more For that creeping rattlesnake : done crawled up to my door Walking along : and ain’t doing a thing I met a rattlesnake : oh baby at last I can’t travel honey : night or day Lord these rattlesnakes traveling : won’t let me get away Creeping rattlesnakes : done crawled around my bed And it loved my woman : hey man it done fell dead I love my baby : and I know for sure But these creeping rattlesnakes : done crawled up to my door Going to sing this song : and I ain’t going to sing no more For that creeping rattlesnake : done crawled up to my door Have you ever been lonely : honey and feel so blue When the rattlesnake crawl : there ain’t nobody can tell you what to do

Snake Doctor Blues

[New York, 14 Mar. 1932 (11474-) Vo-1704] I’m a snake doctor man : everybody’s trying to fi nd out my name And when I fl y by easy : mama I’m going to fl y low low distant land I am a snake doctor : gang of womens everywhere I go And when I get to fl ying sometime : I can see a gang of women standing out in

the door I’m going to fl y by easy : man you know I ain’t going to fl y very low What I got in these sacks on my back man : you don’t know honey know I ain’t got many crooks in my bag : as the dyingest snake can crawl I puts up a solid foundation mens : and you know it don’t never fall I’m a snake doctor man : got my medicine I say in my bag I mean to be a real snake doctor man : and you know I don’t mean to be no

quack Lord I know many of you mens wondering : what the snake doctor man got in

his hand He’s got roots and herbs : steals a woman man everywhere he land

Barefoot Blues

[New York, 14 Mar. 1932 (11475-) Vo-1704] Let’s get stomp barefoot mama : and get drunk and run I don’t feel like running with you mama : but I just feel like having my fun You are a long-ways traveler : long ways from your home Spending all my money for whiskey and getting drunk : mama you don’t know

how you carry on I work hard daily daily : mama trying to make a good home for you Lord you do things to your good man : mama can make you feel so blue In a few more days now mama : your good man going to be going away You going to miss that hard-working man : you going to need his help some day I work hard daily daily : bring you home my pay I can’t see how you have ??? : mama treat a good man this a-way Now I believe I’ll go mama : don’t feel welcome here You’re a no-good woman : you don’t feel in your hard-working man’s care

Grand Daddy Blues

[New York, 14 Mar. 1932 (11479-A) Vo-1708] Now please Mr. granddaddy : don’t crawl up and down my wall You running so quick and dangerous : that I won’t have no woman at all It was early this morning : I was lying out on my fl oor I was keeping daily watch on my wall : so that granddaddy won’t crawl in my

house no more If that granddaddy crawls : boy you sure be in my shape some old day

You won’t have no true-loving woman : for to pass your troubles away When you get bad luck in your home : there’s a few men know just how you feel It takes a real good woman : for that *thirty-fi ve year old soul to heal* I get wicked lonesome sometimes : in a dark room by myself Th e reason I feel that way mama : I ain’t got nobody to feel my care

COLETHA SIMPSON

Down South Blues

[Chicago, c. 16 Apr. 1929 (C-3299) Br-7112] I’m going to write down home : tell mama to send for me I’m broke and disgusted : with every man I see I was nice I was kind : as a poor girl could be *Men are rather buy* kindness : you with every woman you see I feel like cocking : my pistol in your face I want to make the graveyard : be your resting place Th ey tell me : the graveyard is a lonesome nasty place I want to lay my man down : smile right in his face Now never think : you got a man all by yourself He’s sleeping with you : but he’s loving somebody else

HENRY SIMS

Farrell Blues

[Grafton, Wis., c. Nov. 1929 (L-45-1) Pm-12912] I’m going to Farrell : so I can have my fun Going to get me a gal now : so I can have my fun I think I heard : that Riverside whistle blow And I ain’t going to stop walking : till I get to my rider’s door Farrell blues mama : sure don’t worry me It’s all I want : just to do what a poor man do Blues come to me : just like a dream Th e blues *so* ??? : don’t worry me Oh mama : what have I done to you Th e blues go away : I am going too

Tell Me Man Blues

[Grafton, Wis., c. Dec. 1929 (L-65-1) Pm-12940] Tell me man : which way the rising sun It rise in the east : and go down in the west I want to see you : go with the rising sun So I can always tell : when the sun is going down When I go : please don’t talk after me Because I’m going : where to my suposed-to-be Tell me man : what you got on your mind You keep me worried : and bothered all the time You may want to see me : look little and cute I’m going to get me : a khaki suit

SMITH AND HARPER

Insurance Policy Blues

[Augusta, Ga., 26 or 27 June 1936 (AUG-126-3) ARC-6-10-61] I said hey hey insurance man : quit knocking on my door Because I’m four months behind : and you ought to know I ain’t going to sell that

old insurance no more Well the last time I seed you : I give you a fi ve dollar bill And the next time I see you : you was running three or four whiskey stills Th at’s why I said please : please stop knocking on my door Because I’m going to enjoy my simple straight life : and I ain’t going to sell that

old insurance no more Well you know you didn’t even see me : when I was lying sick on my bed You haven’t done no ways : like that old policy read

BESSIE SMITH

Down Hearted Blues

[New York, 16 Feb. 1923(80863-5) Co-A3844] Gee but it’s hard to love someone : when that someone don’t love you I’m so disgusted heart-broken too : I’ve got those down-hearted blues Once I was crazy about a man : he mistreated me all the time Th e next man I get has got to promise me : to be mine all mine Trouble trouble : I’ve had it all my days It seem like trouble : going to follow me to my grave I ain’t never loved : but three men in my life My father my brother : the man that wrecked my life It may be a week : it may be a month or two But the day you quit me honey : it’s coming home to you I’ve got the world in a jug : the stopper’s in my hand I’m going to hold it : until you men come under my command

Jail-House Blues

[New York, 21 Sept. 1923(81226-2) Co-A4001] Th irty days in jail : with my back turned to the wall Look here Mr. jail-keeper : put another gal in my stall I don’t mind being in jail : but I got to stay there so long so long When every friend I had : is done shook hands and gone You better stop your man : from tickling me under my chin Because if he keeps on tickling : I’m sure going to *beg* him on in Good morning blues : blues how do you do Say I just come here : to have a few words with you

Ticket Agent Ease Your Window Down

[New York, 5 Apr. 1924 (81670-2) Co-14025-D] Ticket agent : ease your window down Because my man’s done quit me : and tried to leave this town I’d rather see : this whole world sloppy drunk Th an to see my man : starting in to pack his trunk If he don’t want me : he had no right to stall I can get more men : than a passenger train can haul He stole my money : and he pawned my clothes And which a-way my daddy went : the Gypsy only knows I hate a man : that don’t play fair and square Because you can get a crooked daddy : most anywhere

Weeping Willow Blues

[New York, 26 Sept. 1924 (140062-2) Co-14042-D] I went down to the river : sat beneath a willow tree Th e blues dropped on those willow leaves : and it rolled right down on me

I went up on the mountain : high as any gal could stand And looked down on that engine : that took away my loving man I heard the whistle blowing : the fi reman ring the bell Th ey taking away that willow tree : that give me this weeping spell When you broken-hearted : and your man is out of town Go to the river : take a chair and sit down And if he don’t come back to you : I tell you what to do Just jump right overboard : because he ain’t no more to you Folks I love my man : I kiss him morning noon and night I wash his clothes and keep him clean : and try to treat him right Now he’s gone and left me : after all I tried to do Th e way he treats me girls : he’ll do the same thing to you

Th e St. Louis Blues

[New York, 14 Jan. 1925 (140241-1) Co-14064-D] I hate to see : the evening sun go down It makes me think : on on my last go-round Feeling tomorrow : like I feel today I’ll pack my grip : and make my get-away St. Louis woman : wears diamond ring Pulls a man around : by her apron strings Wasn’t for powder : and this store-bought hair Th e man I love : wouldn’t go nowhere

Reckless Blues

[New York, 14 Jan. 1925 (140242-1) Co-14056-D] When I was young : nothing but a child All you men : tried to drive me wild Now : I’m growing old And I got what it takes : to get all of you men told My mama says I’m reckless : my daddy says I’m wild I ain’t good-looking : but I’m somebody’s angel child Come in pretty papa : mama wants some loving I vow Come in pretty papa : mama wants some loving right now

Sobbin’ Hearted Blues

[New York, 14 Jan. 1925 (140249-2) Co-14056-D] You treated me wrong : I treated you right I worked for you : both day and night You brag to women : that I was your fool So now : I got them sobbing-hearted blues Th e sun’s going to shine : in my back door some day It’s true I love you : but I won’t take mistreatment anymore All I want is your picture : it must be in a frame

When you go : I can see you just the same I’m going to start walking : because I got a wooden pair of shoes Going to keep on walking : until I lose these sobbing-hearted blues

Cold In Hand Blues

[New York, 14 Jan. 1925 (140250-2) Co-14064-D] Now I’ve tried hard : to treat him kind But it seems to me : his love is gone blind Th e man I’ve got : must have lost his mind Th e way he quits me : I can’t understand I’m going to fi nd myself : another man Because the one I’ve got : have done gone cold in hand

You’ve Been a Good Old Wagon

[New York, 14 Jan. 1925 (140251-1) Co-14079-D] Look a-here daddy : I want to tell you please get out of my sight I’m playing quits now : right from this very night You’ve have your day : don’t stand around and frown You’ve been a good old wagon : daddy but you done broke down Now you better go to the blacksmith’s shop : and get yourself overhauled Th ere ain’t nothing about you : to make a good woman fall Nobody wants a baby : when a real man can be found You’ve been a good old wagon : daddy but you done broke down When the sun is shining : it’s time to make hay *I ??? operate* : you can’t make that wagon pay When you were in your prime : you loved to run around You’ve been a good old wagon : honey but you done broke down Th ere’s no need to cry : and make a big joke Th is man has taught me more about loving : than you will ever know He is the king of loving : this man deserve a crown He’s a good old wagon : daddy and he ain’t broke down

Th e Yellow Dog Blues

[New York, 6 May 1925 (140586-2) Co-14075-D] Ever since Miss Suzie Johnson : lost her Jockey Lee Th ere’s been much excitement : and more to be You can hear her moaning : moaning night and morn She’s wondering : where her easy rider’s gone

Nashville Women’s Blues

[New York, 26 May 1925 (140625-2) Co-14090-D] Folks up north : you all have heard the blues But this is the one : you like to hear the news If you go down there : you have no time to lose

Just go uptown : and buy a new pair of shoes Folks down there : they drinks a lots of booze You can ??? : just what you choose Down there : they strut their stuff Th ey way they strut : is really no bluff

J. C. Holmes Blues

[New York, 27 May 1925 (140629-2) Co-14095-D] Listen people : if you want to hear A story told : about a brave engineer J. C. Holmes : was the rider’s name *A heavy weight woman : with a hearty fate* J. C. said : with a smile so fi ne Woman gets tired : of one man all the time Get two or three : if you have to hide If the train go and leave : you got a mule to ride In the second cabin : set Miss Alice Bry Want to ride : with Mr. J. C. or die I ain’t good-looking : and I don’t dress fi ne But I’m a rambling woman : with a rambling mind Just then : the conductor hollered all aboard And the porter said : we’ve got a load Look a-here son : we ought to been gone I feel like riding : if it’s all night long J. C. said : just before he died Two more roads : he wanted to ride Everybody wondered : what road it could be He said the Southern Pacifi c : and the Santa Fe J. C. said : I don’t feel right I saw my gal : with a man last night Soon as I get : enough steam just right I been mistreated : and I don’t mind dying

I Ain’t Goin’ to Play Second Fiddle

[New York, 27 May 1925 (140630-1) Co-14090-D] Let me tell you daddy : mama ain’t going to sit and grieve Pack up your duff : and get ready to leave I stood your foolishness : long enough So now : I’m going to call your bluff On certain things : I’m going to call your hand So now daddy : here’s my plan I ain’t going to play no second fi ddle : I’m used to playing lead You must think that I am blind : you been cheating me all the time I’ve gone to your house : the other night

Caught you and your good gal : having a fi ght I caught you : with your good-time vamp So now papa : I’m going to put out your lamp Now papa : I ain’t sore You ain’t going to mess up : with me no more I’m going to play : with another key Th en you’re going : to hang your head and weep

Jazzbo Brown from Memphis Town

[New York, 18 Mar. 1926 (141819-2) Co-14133-D] Don’t you start no crowing : lay your money down I’ve got mine on Jazzbo : that Memphis clarinet clown He ain’t got no equal : nowhere in this land So let me tell you people : about this Memphis man He ain’t seen no music school : he can’t read a note But he’s the playingest fool : on that Memphis boat When he wraps his big fat lips : around that doggone horn ??? : Lord carrying on He can moan and he can groan : I ain’t fooling you Th ere ain’t nothing on that horn : that old Jazz can’t do

Th e Gin House Blues

[New York, 18 Mar. 1926 (141820-3) Co-14158-D] I’m going to the gin house : when the whistle blows My trouble come like rain : ??? *and cold* I’m going to the gin house : stay there by myself I mean to drown my sorrows : about sweet somebody else I’ll make one trip there : to see can I ease my mind And if I do : I’m going to make it my last time To hold her man : when these gals have got so many diff erent ways I mean to watch my man : don’t care what these other gals say Because these gin house blues : is camping around my door I want him to drive them off : so they won’t come back no more

Baby Doll

[New York, 4 May 1926 (142147-2) Co-14147-D] I went to see the doctor the other day : he said I was well as well could be But I says doctor you don’t know : really what is worrying me I want to be somebody’s babydoll : so I can get my loving all the the time I want to be somebody’s babydoll : to ease my mind He can be ugly : he can be black So long as he can eagle rock : and ball the jack Lord I went to the Gypsy : to get my fortune told She say you in hard luck Bessie : doggone your bad-luck soul

Lost Your Head Blues

[New York, 4 May 1926 (142149-2) Co-14158-D] I was with you baby : when you didn’t have a dime Now since you got plenty of money : you have throwed your good gal down Once ain’t for always : two ain’t for twice When you get a good gal : you better treat her nice When you were lonesome : I tried to treat you kind But since you got money : it’s done changed your mind I’m going to leave baby : ain’t going to say goodbye But I’ll write you : and tell you the reason why Days are lonesome : nights are [so] long I’m a good old gal : but I’ve just been treated wrong

One and Two Blues

[New York, 26 Oct. 1926 (142876-2) Co-14172-D] If you want me to love you : *keep much* Let mama : feel that money touch Quit messing around : you hear what I say Started to bringing : eight hours a day If you must be a rat : here’s the fact Be a long-tailed one : have plenty of jack

Young Woman’s Blues

[New York, 26 Oct. 1926 (142878-3) Co-14179-D] Woke up this morning : when the chickens was crowing for day *Turned* on the right side of my pillow : my man had gone away By his pillow : he left a note Reading I’m sorry Jane : you got my goat No time to marry : no time to settle down I’m a young woman : and ain’t done running around Some people call me a hobo : some call me a bum Nobody knows my name : nobody knows what I’ve done I’m as good : as any woman in your town I ain’t no high yellow : I’m a *deep killer* brown I ain’t going to marry : ain’t going to settle down I’m going to drink good moonshine : and run these browns down See that long lonesome road : don’t you know it’s got to end And I’m a good woman : and I can get plenty of men

Preachin’ the Blues

[New York, 17 Feb. 1927 (143490-2) Co-14195-D] Because just a little spirit : of the blues tonight Let me tell you girls : if your man ain’t treating you right Let me tell you : I don’t mean no wrong

I will learn you something : if you listen to this song I ain’t here : to try to save your soul Just want to teach you : how to save your good jellyroll Going on down the line : a little further now Th ere’s : many a poor woman down Read on down : to Chapter Nine Woman must learn : how to take their time Read on down : to Chapter Ten Taking other women’s men : you are doing a sin Lord one old sister : by the name of sister Green Jumped up and done a shimmy : you ain’t never seen

Back Water Blues

[New York, 17 Feb. 1927 (143491-1) Co-14195-D] When it rained fi ve days : and the skies turned dark as night Th en trouble taken place : in the lowlands at night I woke up this morning : can’t even get out of my door Th ere’s enough trouble : to make a poor girl wonder where she want to go Th en they rowed a little boat : about fi ve miles across the pond I packed all my clothes throwed them in : and they rolled me along When it thunders and lightning : and the wind begin to blow Th ere’s thousands of people : ain’t got no place to go Th en I went and stood : up on some high old lonesome hill And looked down on the house : where I used to live Backwater blues : done caused me to pack up my things and go Because my house fell down : and I can’t live there no more Mmm : I can’t move no more Th ere ain’t no place : for a poor old girl to go

After You’ve Gone

[New York, 2 Mar. 1927 (143567-2) Co-14197-D] Now listen honey : while I say How can you tell me : that you’re going away You feel blue : you feel sad You’ll miss the best pal : you ever had

Trombone Cholly

[New York, 3 Mar. 1927 (143575-3) Co-14232-D] If Gabriel knowed : how you could blow He’d let you lead : his band I know You ain’t seen : such shaking hips Like when that horn : is to your lips And he would break : a leg I know A-doing the Charleston : while you blow

Send Me to the ‘Lectric Chair

[New York, 3 Mar. 1927 (143576-2) Co-14209-D] Judge judge please Mr. judge : send me to the electric chair Judge judge good Mr. judge : let me go away from here I want to take a journey : to the devil down below I done killed my man : I want to reap just what I sow Judge judge hear me judge : send me to the electric chair Judge judge send me there judge : I love him so dear I cut him with my ??? : I kicked him in the side I stood there laughing over him : while he wobbled around and died Judge judge sweet me judge : send me to the electric chair Judge judge good kind judge : burn me because I don’t care I don’t want no bonded man : to go my bail I don’t want : to spend no ninety-ninety years in jail

Mean Old Bed Bug Blues

[New York, 27 Sept. 1927 (144796-3) Co-14250-D] Yes bedbugs sure is evil : they don’t mean me no good Th inks he’s a woodpecker : and I’m a chunk of wood When I lay down at night : I wonder how can a poor girl sleep When some is holding my hands : others eating my feet Bedbugs big as a jackass : will bite you and stand and grin Will drink all the *bedbug* ??? : and turn around and bite you again Got myself a wishbone : bedbugs done got my goat Got myself a wishbone : wish they cut their own doggone throats

Empty Bed Blues-Part

[New York, 20 Mar. 1928 (14578?-?) Co-14312-D] I woke up this morning : with an awful aching head My new man had left me : just a room and an empty bed Bought me a coff ee grinder : got the best one I could fi nd So he could grind my coff ee : because he had a brand new grind He’s a deep-sea diver : with a stroke that can’t go wrong He can touch the bottom : and his wind holds out so long He knows how to thrill me : and he thrills me night and day He’s got a new way of loving : almost takes my breath away Lord he’s got the sweetest something : and I told my gal friend Lou By the way she’s raving : she must have gone and tried it too

Poor Man’s Blues

[New York, 24 Aug. 1928 (146895-1) Co-14399-D] Mr. rich man rich man : open up you heart and mind Give a poor man a chance : help stop these hard hard times

While you living in your mansion : you don’t know what hard times means A workingman’s wife is starving : your wife is living like a queen Please listen to my pleading : because I can’t stand these hard times long Th ey’ll make an honest man : do things that you know is wrong Poor man fought all the battles : poor man would fi ght again today He would do anything you ask him : in the name of the U S A Now the war is over : poor man must live the same as you If it wasn’t for the poor man : Mr. rich man what would you do

Me and My Gin

[New York, 25 Aug. 1928 (146897-3) Co-14384-D] Stay away from me : because I’m in my sin If this place gets raided : it’s me and my gin Don’t try me nobody : because you never will win I’ll fi ght the army and navy : just me and my gin Any bootlegger : sure is a pal of mine Because a good old bottle of gin : will get it all the time When I’m feeling high : ain’t nothing I won’t do Keep me full of liquor : and I’ll sure be nice to you I don’t want no clothes : and I don’t need no bed I don’t want no pork chop : just give me gin instead

Nobody Knows You When You’re Down and Out

[New York, 15 May 1929 (148534-3) Co-14451-D] Once I lived the life : of a millionaire Spending my money : I didn’t care I carried my friends : out for a good time Buying bootleg liquor : champagne and wine When I begin : to fall so low I didn’t have a friend : and no place to go So if I ever get my hands : on a dollar again I’m going to hold on to it : till them eagles grin It’s mighty strange : without a doubt Nobody knows you : when you down and out Mmm : I done fell so low Nobody wants me : around their door

St. Louis Blues-Part ?