W

Ain’t no use : for you women to always be in a rut Just step up to your man : and do your wicked strut A hundred dollar bill : will make a broke man slobber A woman with a strut : will make a good man holler Take a Greyhound to run it : it’s a round bumpy road Takes a married woman to strut it : satisfy my soul Talks about your women : when you’re Your grandma done the strut : in your grandpa’s shirt Some of you men : when you’re *scratching hoe* Do *young* about your strutting : in your Just as sure as *the little pea* : ain’t *leaving in the land* A woman with the strut : can always get a man

Th e Cockeyed World

[Jackson, Miss., 12 Oct. 1935 (JAX-113-2) Vo-03106] I woke up this morning : feeling mighty sad Was the worst old feeling : that I ever had It’s war in Ethiopia : and mama’s feeling blue I tell the cockeyed world : I don’t know what to do Th ey say that Ethiopia : is a long way from here Th ey trying to steal my man : and hurry him over there I love my man : tell the cockeyed world I do It’s coming the time : that he’ll sure love me too Th is old cockeyed world : will make your good man treat you mean He will treat you : just like a poor girl he never seen It’s war in Ethiopia : and my man won’t behave I tell the cockeyed world : I’ll spit in my baby’s face It’s war in Ethiopia : baby please please behave I tell the cockeyed world : I’ll follow you to your grave

Field Mouse Stomp

[Jackson, Miss., 12 Oct. 1935 (JAX-114-1) Vo-03106] Now use to think : that you are cute You look like a monkey : in a baseball suit You come in creeping : just like a louse Got a face : like Mickey Mouse No use you doing : your evil ways ??? : you think I crave You prance around : *to be up trip* Only time to do : the *lind* snake hips No use to think : that you are tough Trying to be : too hard and rough

SIPPIE WALLACE

Special Delivery Blues

[Chicago, 1 Mar. 1926 (9547-A) OK-8328] My man packed his trunk : and said I’m going away And I’ll send you a special delivery : some old day He said I’m leaving you baby : it almost breaks my heart But remember the times : that the best of friends must part I run to the window : as the train was passing by Lord it give me the blues so bad : I thought that I would die Hey Mr. mailman : did you bring me any news Because if you didn’t : it will give me those special delivery blues

Jack O’ Diamonds Blues

[Chicago, 1 Mar. 1926 (9548-A) OK-8328] Jack of diamonds : you appear to be my friend But gambling : is going to be our end You stole all my money : and cut up all my clothes And you keep me broke : and tried to put me out-of-doors We have traveled : the whole round world through Th ere is nothing in this world : I found that pleases you I love jack of diamonds : but he was a cruel man He would play dice and cards : and his game was old cooncan

Bedroom Blues

[Chicago, 20 Nov. 1926 (9930-A) OK-8439] My room sure looks lonesome : since my good man been gone I ain’t got nobody : that I can call my own I lay down last night : tried to take my rest My mind got to traveling : like the wild goose in the west I was thinking about my sweet daddy : I mean all night long Because he left me here : in this old lonesome home Lord I tried to cry : but my tears refused to fall I was all alone : no one to love at all

I got the bedroom blues : because there’s a bedroom in my home I thinks about my sweet man : all night long

Dead Drunk Blues

[Chicago, 6 May 1927 (80837-A) OK-8499] Give me Houston : Dallas is not my crave So when I’m dry : I can drink whiskey just made Whiskey whiskey : is some folk’s downfall But if I don’t drink whiskey : I ain’t no good at all Have you ever been drunk : slept in all of your clothes And when you woke up : you found that you were out of dough I’m going to get drunk : papa just one more time Because when I’m drunk : nothing don’t worry my mind

Have You Ever Been Down

[Chicago, 6 May 1927 (80838-A) OK-8499] If you ever been down : you know just how I feel Like a tramp on the railroad : ain’t got a decent meal I’m a real good woman : but my man don’t treat me right He takes all my money : and stays out all night I’m down today : but I won’t be down always Because the sun’s going to shine : in my back door some day It’s one thing papa : I’ve decided to do I’m going to fi nd another papa : then I can’t use you

Lazy Man Blues

[Chicago, 6 May 1927 (80839-B) OK-8470] Wake up man : see how bright the sun does shine Get up in that section gang : and bring me up sometime Now he ain’t got no teeth : and *beard* so low as your toe Now you know man : you got to bring me up some dough Now the meal in the barrel : is going fast How long man : do you think the *powder laws* will last Rip Van Winckle : slept for a long long time But Rip Van Winckle : wasn’t no man of mine I don’t want a man : that don’t work every day I want a man : that brings home his pay So get out of that bed : man be on your way You ramble all night : and you sleep all day So now I’m cross : and man I’m feeling mad Because you’s the laziest man : that I ever had

Th e Flood Blues

[Chicago, 6 May 1927 (80840-B) OK-8470] I’m standing in this water : wishing I had a boat Th e only way I see : is take my clothes and fl oat Th e water is rising : people fl eeing for the hills Lord the water will obey : if you just say be still Th ey sent out a law : for everybody to leave town But when I got the news : I was high-water bound Th ey dynamite the levee : thought it might give us ease But the water still rising : do you hear this plea I called on the good Lord : and my man too What else is there : for a poor girl to do

WASHBOARD SAM

Mama Don’t Allow No. 1

[Chicago, 20 June 1935 (C-1022-B) Vo-03275] Now we don’t care : what the mama don’t allow We going to wiggle-wob : anyhow Oh we don’t care : what the mama don’t allow We going to do rough stuff : anyhow Oh we don’t care : what the mama don’t allow We going to boogly-woogly : anyhow Oh we don’t care : what the mama don’t allow We going to bee-bop : anyhow We don’t care : what the mama don’t allow Boy girls coming in here : anyhow Oh we don’t care : what the mama don’t allow We going to drink our whiskey : anyhow Oh we don’t care : what the mama don’t allow We going to play washboards : anyhow

Jesse James Blues

[Chicago, 20 June 1935 (C-1023-B) Vo-03375] I wonder if you going to mistreat me woman : good as I have been to you It seems like you don’t want me : no matter what I do Did you get that letter : that I throwed in your back yard Now I would come to see you : but your girl friend got me barred Now woman you must want me : to be like Jesse James I got to kill some man : and rob some passenger train I feel just like : snapping my pistol in your no-good face Because you told me late last night : you stayed in another place I’m going to shoot you woman : as long as my pistol will fi re Because this is Jesse James : and you should not tell him a lie

Mama Don’t Allow No. 2

[Chicago, 3 July 1935 (C-1059-) Vo-03375] Says we don’t care : what mama don’t allow We going to show : our nickers anyhow Says we don’t care : what mama don’t allow We going to play : our guitars anyhow Says we don’t care : what mama don’t allow We going to strut our stuff : anyhow Says we don’t care : what the mama don’t allow We going to shake our shimmy : anyhow Says we don’t care : what mama don’t allow We going to break them down : anyhow Says we don’t care : what the mama don’t allow We going to easy-woodle : anyhow

Out with the Wrong Woman

[Chicago, 21 Dec. 1936 (01883-) BB-B6794] I went to a party last night : I was dressed to kill When the people found who I was dancing with : I guess they laughing still I looked up at her face : I looked down at her feet She was built like an automobile : but didn’t have no rumble seat Now I got her home with me : I got into bed When she pulled off her dress : she says daddy cover up your head I bought myself a bottle of booze : I went to drink it to myself But when I turned it up to my head : here comes somebody else I went to her place last night : I knocked upon the door When that lady opened that door : I said I’ll never do this no more

Come On In

[Chicago, 21 Dec. 1936 (01884-) BB-B6870] Sit right down : have some fun My old lady out : on a all night run I’ll cook some meat : bake some bread If you get sleepy : there’s a great big bed Take this liquor : take this wine Let’s get drunk : have a whopping good time You can have some of that : have some of this Have everything : in the doggone fl at I’m drunk and disorderly : and I don’t care Why don’t you : put on your underwear

Big Woman

[Chicago, 21 Dec. 1936 (01885-) BB-B6870] Got a little bitty mama : and a big mama too My little bitty mama : don’t treat me like my big mama do Hey hey mama : don’t be mean to me Because don’t you know baby : you and I can’t agree Hey hey mama : take your big legs off of me If you had good sense : you’d be down in misery Hey hey mama : let’s go across town Now didn’t we have fun : but you big legs is holding me down Hey hey mama : give me my shoes and clothes I done found out : I can’t satisfy your soul Th ere’s a train at the station : and I’m ready to go You’ll never get a chance : to put your big legs on me no more

Back Door

[Aurora, Ill., 4 May 1937(07616-) BB-B7001] Oh tell me mama : who’s that here awhile ago Yes when I come in : who is that went out that back door Now don’t come here mama : I’m going to start to raising sand You been out boogly-wooglying : that’s something I can’t understand Th is is something : I never seen before You broke down my bed : got a pallet on my fl oor I had the windows nailed down : he couldn’t get through Had his hat in his hand : and his underwear too So tell me baby : before I let you go Yes when I come in : who’s that went out that back door He come by me running : but it likely he ain’t got a chance With one leg in his pants : and his shoes in his hand

We Gonna Move

[Aurora, Ill., 4 May 1937(07617-) BB-B7001] When I get you mama : we going to move on the outskirts of town Because I don’t want nobody : ooo always hanging around Well the reason mama : I don’t want you to stay here I don’t need no iceman : I’m going to get me a frigidaire Th at’s why : I’m going to move on the outskirts of town Because sweet baby : I don’t want no iceman hanging around Well I’m going to heat with gas mama : and not with coal I don’t need no coalman : stopping and hauling coal Th at’s why : we going to move on the outskirts of town Because I don’t want no coalman : always hanging around Well I’m going to bring my groceries mama : myself every day If that don’t beat the grocery boy : I know a way Th at’s what I’m going to do : when we move to the outskirts of town Because I don’t want no delivery boy : always hanging around Well it may be funny mama : as funny as can be If we have any babies : I want them all to look like me

Low Down Woman

[Aurora, Ill., 4 May 1937(07618-) BB-B7048] Hey hey baby : why you acting so lowdown Yeah all you do is drink moonshine : and clown all over town You drink moonshine : I believe you smoke reefers too Yeah because when you get drunk woman : you don’t care what you do You said you loved me : I found out you told a lie When I started to tell you about your lowdown ways : you just hang your head

and cry You can always tell : when your woman going to act lowdown Yeah she start drinking moonshine : and running with the lowest class in town I’m going to buy me a pistol : shotgun and some shells I’m going to stop these lowdown women : because I’m going to start to raising

hell

Lowland Blues

[Aurora, Ill., 4 May 1937(07620-) BB-B7096] I wonder why : that southbound train don’t run Woman you don’t need no telling : you know just what you done I got my ticket : I’m holding it in my hand I got a real good woman : but the poor fool don’t understand I’m a hard-working man : to be mistreated where I go When I get down in the lowlands : I won’t be mistreated no more I’m going to Jackson : Greenwood is where I belong

Anywhere in Mississippi : is my native home I’m just like my mother left me : I ain’t got nothing at all I’m just like a big mule baby : I ain’t got no stall

I’m On My Way Blues

[Aurora, Ill., 4 May 1937(07621-) BB-B7096] I was standing on the corner : and I was wringing my hands And up come a copper : and say he was a plain-clothes man He carried me to the station : and put me in a cell He said you stay there partner : until about twelve Th e judge he passed the sentence : the clerk he wrote it down I know by that baby : I was prison bound Bye bye bye baby : I see you some sweet day Yeah I was not a bad fellow : but the judge he sent me away I’m going away baby : but I never will forget this day Yeah the Good Book do tell you : ooo that crime do not pay

Bucket’s Got a Hole in It

[Aurora, Ill., 16 June 1938 (020808-) BB-B7906] When you walking down Th irty-First Street : you had better look around Th e vice squad is on the beat : and you’ll be jailhouse bound I was standing on the corner : everything was going slow Can’t make no money : tricks ain’t walking no more Going to start a little racket : going to start it out right Going to sell moonshine in the day : and sell the dope at night Th en if I can’t make no money : going to catch the Santa Fe Going to drink good liquor : and let all women be

Save It for Me

[Aurora, Ill., 16 June 1938 (020809-) BB-B7866] You’s a good-looking woman : pretty as you can be Lot of mens running after you : you must save it for me You can invite men to dinner : let them drink my wine But now when it comes to loving you : that had better be mine You can throw away my money : drive me to the W P A If you want to keep breathing : don’t give my loving away Oh men do tell me : I’m a doggone fool But if you save it for me : I’ll work like a doggone mule Here I come mama : tired and dirty as I can be Just want to know mama : if you save it for me

Sophisticated Mama

[Aurora, Ill., 16 June 1938 (020814-) BB-B7780]

Sophisticated mama : don’t turn your nose up at me Don’t try to be ritzy : you ain’t what you seem to be You think you knows all answers : ain’t got nothing to learn You don’t want no man : if he ain’t got money to burn I’m going to read you mama : tell you what I think of you You will do anything : that any other woman will do You can’t drink nothing : unless it’s champagne or wine But you would drink beer and like it : if you were the woman of mine You like high-price dresses : and mmm steaks every day If you belongs to me : you would eat hot dogs any time I say I’m a barrelhouse man : ain’t got no money to give you Can’t give you nothing but loving : and you’ll have to make that do

Diggin’ My Potatoes

[Chicago, 15 May 1939 (034797-) BB-B8211] Baby’s digging my potatoes : tramping on my vines I have a special plan : resting on my mind I don’t eat no cabbage sprouts : bring me solid head Go to call a wagon : if I fi nd him in my bed Now she powdered her face : *Lord her* wavy hair Caught a taxicab : she’s out across town somewhere Said my vine’s coloured green : potatoes solid red Never found a bruised one : till I caught them in my bed

I’m Goin’ to St. Louis

[Chicago, 5 Aug. 1940 (049370-) BB-B8569] Well trouble start this morning : at my front door When you say : you didn’t want me no more I’m going to St. Louis : to wear you off my mind You keep me worried : and bothered all the time I tried to treat you : nice and kind But you got to the place : you didn’t pay me no mind You been drinking whiskey : and been drinking gin First thing you know : you will be drunk again I tried hard : all my life But you wouldn’t try : to treat me right

Yes I Got Your Woman

[Chicago, 5 Aug. 1940 (049374-) BB-B8599] You been tooting your whistle : and you been blowing your horn Oh you been raising sand : about what’s going on Yes I got your woman : and you say that you was through Yes I got your woman : so what in the world are you going to do I wasn’t bothering your woman : but you had left her alone

So if she fl agged my train : I’m sure going to take her home Oh you’ve unfastened your pistol : you’ve been making your bogus play If you bother me about that woman : I’m going to put you in your grave Oh when you had that woman : you didn’t treat her right Oh she walked these blocks for you : both day and night

Life Is Just a Book

[Chicago, 26 June 1941 (064477-1) BB-B8909] Life is just a book : every day is a brand new page Th ere is one thing I know : ooo well we have no more Th ere was so many people : standing on the corner today Th ey can’t fi nd no job : ooo well and no place to stay Now once I had money : could go most anywhere Wouldn’t wear a shirt : after it tear Now my money’s gone : done pawned all my clothes And if I don’t make some changes : I’ll be sleeping outdoors So take it easy take it easy : Lord how can I rest If you ain’t a stone pony : ooo well hard times will bust your vest Now since prices have went up : on meal and leg bone Th ere’s been a-many person : hung their head and moan But the reason : so many without a place to stay Standing around : depending on the W P A

I’m Not the Lad

[Chicago, 26 June 1941 (064478-1) BB-B8878] You are the same girl : I met in nineteen hundred and four You have a nice line of jive : with a plow and a hoe We can be buddies : you are a good scout But the road you are traveling : is done played out Your game is so strong mama : yes your dice is too bad So fi nd you another chump : ooo well mama because I’m not the lad When you get your money : don’t be so tight You don’t buy nothing but whiskey : from morning till night Just buy yourself : one good feed And you won’t have to : weight everything you need You can’t slice my meat : you can’t make my bread You can’t say : you want to fi x your bed Now don’t think because you’re smart : because you lot of mouth For the line you are carrying : is done played out Now a nickel is a nickel : and a dime is a dime You spend your money : and I’ll spend mine If you think you can boss me : and eat up my grub You are a lying sweet woman : so get up and out of that mud

My Feet Jumped Salty

[Chicago, 26 June 1941 (064479-1) BB-B8844] Th en the cow jumped salty : Lord because it was against her rule Now if you think that she likes it : ooo well you just a blackeyed fool Th e little game rooster : told the little guinea hen If I ever catch you squatting : around my nest again I will have to jump salty : Lord because it’s really against my rule Now if you think that he likes it : ooo well you just a blackeyed fool Now two old womens : are running hand in hand One found out : the other one had a man Th en that woman jumped salty : Lord because it was against her rule Now if you think that she likes it : ooo well you just a blackeyed fool I was chatting with a girl : in the wrong place A man cocked a pistol : right in my face Th en my feet jumped salty : Lord because it was against his rule Now if you think that I liked it : ooo well you just a blackeyed fool

Flying Crow Blues

[Chicago, 26 June 1941 (064480-1) BB-B8844] Flying Crow leave Port Arthur : come to Shreveport to change her crew She will take water at Texarkana : yes boys and keep on through Th at Flying Crow whistle : sounds so lonesome and sad Lord it broke my heart : and took the last woman I had Two days I cried : three days I walked the streets I couldn’t fi nd nobody : to give my poor heart relief Now she’s gone she’s gone : with a red and green light behind Th e red is for trouble : and the green is for my rambling mind

Levee Camp Blues

[Chicago, 26 June 1941 (064481-1) BB-B8909] Says I worked in a leveecamp : just about a month ago Says I wind so many wagons : it made my poor hands sore We slept just like dogs : eat beans both night and day But I never did know : just when we were due our pay Th ey had two shifts on day : and the same two shifts at night But if a man weren’t working : he can’t treat his baby right Electric lights going out : telephones is bogging down I’m going to keep on winding : because I’m the best old winder in town

I’m Feeling Low Down

[Chicago, 26 June 1941 (064482-1) BB-B8878] I’ve got the blues : I feel so lowdown It’s all about my baby : down in my old home town

She got really white teeth : and long black wavy hair Yes I love my baby : because that stuff is really there I’m going back home : and take the right-hand road And I ain’t going to stop : until I get in my baby’s door Th ese home-town blues : have got me down in mind Because I love my baby : *and there’s such a good time*

Brown and Yellow Woman Blues

[Chicago, 26 June 1941 (064483-1) BB-B8937] I’m going to get me a brownskin woman : Lord and let all the yellow ones go You know a brownskin woman : ooo well is not a don’t you know Don’t let no yellow woman : know Lord how much you really care She’ll keep your mind upset : ooo well and won’t be on the square Now I am a free man : Lord and sleeping all alone But I’m going to get me a brownskin : ooo Lord because the yellow one is gone Th at no-good woman followed me here : Lord but the police took her away I was so glad of that : ooo well I didn’t like her lowdown ways

She Belongs to the Devil

[Chicago, 26 June 1941 (064484-1) BB-B8937] She belongs to the devil : Lord I cried many a day Yes that child is so wicked : ooo well who could change her ways She could wink a mean eye : Lord she learned me to sing the blues And she had a little secret : ooo Lord make a washboard have it too Now when we both was young : on our way to school We stopped under a shade-tree : laying in the cool Babe oh babe oh babe : honey you should have a heart Just remember this day : ooo Lord Lord and we will never part Now I did not know the year : Lord neither the month she was born Yes she belongs to the devil : ooo well she have wrecked a-many home

Let Me Play Your Vendor

[Chicago, 4 Nov. 1941 (070375-1) BB-B8967] First time I heard your music : I was just sixteen I couldn’t understand all the records : because I was young and green Now let me play your *sea bird* : yes mama one more time Just let me play your vendor : your music sure sounds good to me I work hard for my money : I spends it all away You open your vendor at night : and keep it locked all day I don’t know what folks tell me : if it’s true or not Th ey say your day or night records : are kind that were hot Play with these thirty year old nickels : will fi t your machine just right I can’t play it right now : I’ll play it later on tonight

Gonna Hit the Highway

[Chicago, 4 Nov. 1941 (070377-1) BB-B8997] I’m going to hit this old highway : catch the fastest thing I see Because I want to see my baby : ooo Lord I believe my baby want to see me I want to fi nd my baby : I pray to the good Lord I don’t fail If I never fi nd her : ooo Lord I’ll be forever on her trail I’m going to call up China : and telephone every town I know And if I don’t fi nd her in Shanghai : ooo Lord I’m going to look all over the Gulf

of Mexico She’s the onliest woman I ever loved : I can’t get her off my mind Now I may not fi nd her in the next twenty years : ooo Lord but I’ll be forever

trying

I’ve Been Treated Wrong

[Chicago, 4 Nov. 1941 (070378-1) BB-B9007] I don’t know my real name : I don’t know when I was born Th e trouble I been having : seem like I was raised in a orphan’s home My mother died and left me : when I was only two years old And the trouble I been having : the good Lord only knows I been treated like an orphan : and been worked like a slave And if I ever get my revenge : evilness will carry me to my grave Now I been having trouble : ever since I been grown I’m too old for the orphan : and too young for the old folks’ home

Evil Blues

[Chicago, 4 Nov. 1941 (070379-1) BB-B8997] Yes yes : worst feeling I ever had Th ese old evil blues : have treated me awful bad I had the blues all night : I’ll be glad when morning comes I’m going to have a talk with some Gypsy : see what evil have I done Th ese old evil blues : have been following me all this week I can’t rest at midnight : and day I just can’t sleep Down in old Death Valley : tombstones and old dry bones Th ese old evil blues keep following me : Death Valley going to be my home

Get Down Brother

[Chicago, 4 Nov. 1941 (070380-1) BB-B9018] Now listen here brother : you may can understand I might would pimp a woman : but I will never pimp a man So please get down big boy : man you big enough to walk And when I tell you about a job : ooo Lord you say you don’t want to talk You said you would never work : as long as you was free So brother because I’m working : why you pick on me

You come by my house : with a great long lie You say hello friends : I’m just passing by You came to stay a day : and you stayed a week And when my wife asked you to do her a favor : you pretend you were asleep

Lover’s Lane Blues

[Chicago, 4 Nov. 1941 (070381-1) BB-B9007] My name is Washboard Sam : but many call me loving Joe Listen to what I says : if you really wants to know Oh baby : meet me down in Lover’s Lane I want you to sit and listen : ooo gal to my wonderful plan Now baby I’m not a bad man : you know we ain’t no kin If you don’t want to be my woman : we will still be friends Now when we are talking : I want you to hold my hand Look me in the eye : I think I can make you understand Now ask the ladies in your neighborhood : about my plan And they will all tell you : that loving Sam is the man

You Stole My Love

[Chicago, 4 Nov. 1941 (070382-1) BB-B9018] Gal you stole my love : and you know that it was a crime So go on and take the punishment : it’s no worry of mine I worried a long time ago : and you was as happy as you could be So now it’s your worry : I’m glad you have set me free Now you know you had me your way : and I just couldn’t turn around But now things have turned : but I ain’t going to let you down So now we are even : and let’s start over this very day Everything I start : I want you to meet me halfway

I Laid My Cards on the Table

[Chicago, 31 July 1942 (074686-1) BB-34-0710] I laid my cards on the table : still you wouldn’t give me a break But some day baby : you poor heart is sure going to ache Baby you made my poor heart bleed : and then you said I ain’t fi t And you have found someone else : and you want to call it quits Baby some day baby : I know things are going to turn And that one-sided love : is going to make your poor heart burn And I will look out of my window : and see you on the street And that load your poor heart will be carrying : will knock you off of your feet Because you stayed away all summer : and didn’t come home till fall Now you are too late baby : because someone else in your stall

I Get the Blues at Bedtime

[Chicago, 31 July 1942 (074687-1) BB-34-0710] I get the blues at bedtime : them things don’t leave until day And if I just had you in my arms : them blues would blow away Now if you love me baby : try to keep me satisfi ed And you will lower down your chariot : and let your poor daddy ride Now if I could go back to China : and start my life brand new I would tell the whole world : just what I would do I wouldn’t start to drinking and gambling : I wouldn’t run around I think I would get married : baby and I would settle down

WASHBOARD WALTER

Narrow Face Blues

[Grafton, Wis., c. Feb. 1930 (L-142-4) Pm-12954] You can talk about burnt liver : but narrow-face is the meat I crave You can take a narrow-face : and lead a preacher to his grave You sister will do anything : when he begins to preach and smile You *bake grub* for your husband : to fi nd those narrow-faced boys Lordy Lordy : here’s what I want you to do Please deliver me : from these narrow-faced blues Hey hey hey : listen to the brother moan While the preacher and the sister : *love* those narrow-face *bones* You’d be surprised to know : what the word of narrow-face means But you see it ain’t nothing : but a great big fat hen Hey hey : what you want me to do *Johnny* it with you : and eat those narrow-face too

Insurance Man Blues

[Grafton, Wis., c. Apr. 1930 (L-283-2) Pm-12954] Insurance man came this morning : and knocked on my door I didn’t have no money : and I told him not to come no more I’ve taken awful sick : and I had to go to bed I didn’t have no money : to get a nurse to hold my head You will need your insurance : no matter where you go Don’t never : drive an insurance man from your door I will have my money : next time he comes around And then I can call up : old Dr Brown Money is so tight : I can’t pay my insurance bill Please Mr. insurance man : trust me if you will

Insurance man turned around : and he looked me in the eye And said *your death* won’t credit you : when you get ready to die Oh well it’s Lordy Lordy : what am I to do Ain’t got no money : now my insurance is due

ELIZABETH WASHINGTON

Garden of Joy-Blues

[Chicago, 6 June 1927 (38637-2) Vi-21126] Well take me down : and have a time All I want : is [a bottle of, some more]

LOUIS WASHINGTON

Tallahassee Woman

[New York, 18 Jan. 1934 (14637-1) Ba-33105] When you get in Tallahassee : put your money down in your shoe Tallahassee women : they sure put a *method* on you Lord I’m going to Tallahassee : I got these Tallahassee blues Yes these Tallahassee women : sure put a *method* on you Yes I was walking down the street the other day : my Hattie on my mind A woman walked with me baby : to buy me one drink of shine I told her I’m going back to Tallahassee : I ain’t got no money to spend But I’ll buy you one drink baby : when I see you again Tell me ain’t no need to worry : ain’t no need to feel bad Th e folks down in Tallahassee : make me spend all the money I ever had Lord these Tallahassee women : they put a *method* on you But I can tell you one thing : I got these Tallahassee blues And I don’t feel good : I don’t feel bad I never had a gal : like the one I have had Now that was down in Tallahassee : where I had these Tallahassee blues I got these blues so bad : don’t know what in the world to do When you go down in Smoky Hollow : put your money down in your shoe Th em Smoky Hollow women : sure put a *method* on you Now I’m feeling so bad : I’m feeling so sad I ain’t had a drink so long : till I feeling so bad Now I’m going I’m going to Tallahassee : got these Tallahassee blues When you get in Tallahassee : your woman put a *method* on you

Black Snake Blues

[New York, 24 Jan. 1934 (14676-1) Ba-33058] I’m crying oh : where in the world my black snake gone I mean now some pretty mama : done [run, drove] my black snake home Mama it must have been a bedbug : baby a chinch can’t bite that hard And I asked my baby for fi fty cents : she said honey ain’t a child in the yard I’m crying mmm : black snake crawling all in my room I mean some pretty mama : better come and get this black snake soon Now mama that’s all right : mama that’s all right for you I mean now that’s all right pretty mama : most any old any old way you do Now you don’t know : you don’t worry my mind You keep your black snake worried : and want him most all the time I’m crying oh now : black snake crawling all on my room

ETHEL WATERS

One Man Nan

[New York, c. Aug. 1921 (P-146-1) BS-2021] Th e very thought of Sam sinking : that’s my *cup* It’s going to be my place : to pick him up

Th ere’ll Be Some Changes Made

[New York, c. Aug. 1921 (P-147-1) BS-2021] My walk will be diff erent : my talk and my name Nothing about me : is going to be the same I’m going to change my long ??? : for a little short spat I’m going to change my number : where I’m living at Why there’s a change in the weather : there’s a change in the sea But from now on : there’ll be a change in me I’m going to change my way of living : and that ain’t no bluff Why I’m thinking about changing : the way I got to strut my stuff

Georgia Blues

[New York, c. May 1922 (B) BS-14120] A certain party : that I know Off ered me a ticket : to Chicago

*Arty* wanted to marry me : way last spring Even bought me : a great big diamond ring

Th at Da Da Strain

[New York, c. May 1922 (A) BS-14120] Have you heard it have you heard it : the da da swing It will shake you : it will make you really go insane Everybody : *is still obsessed* Make you watch : your every step Every ??? every ??? : starts to lay them down Everybody when they heard it : starts to ???ing around And I get crazy : as a loon When everybody : hums this tune

At the New Jump Steady Ball

[New York, c. May 1922 ( ) BS-14128] Now the Jump-Steady Club : they gave a ball And it was held : down at the new hope hall All the bootleggers : in the town Why they brought : that *stuff steady* along People came : from far and near To taste the diff erent mixtures : that they handled there When the jazz band struck up : you’d be surprised Everybody in the hall : was goo-goo eyed Th ey started serving : ??? wine And everything : that was alcohol-lined Chicago pop : and *lilac* All kinds of pep tonic : went along with the jazz Jamaica gin : to mix with turpentine With black molasses : made it super fi ne Extract of lemon : and ginger ale Sweet patuni with shoe polish : and you’re bound for jail Night’s awful hot : I was feeling fi ne To tell the truth : I was out of my mind But just before : I lost my head I saw them : carry six men out dead Th ey walked out the window : in the air Th ey called for music : but no jazz band was there Th en everybody there : was You could get paralyzed : for fi fteen cents Extract of lemon : with ginger ale *Eat cake* with some raisins : and you’re bound for jail

Oh, Joe, Play that Trombone

[New York, c. May 1922 ( ) BS-14128] It makes me crazy : when you blow it up high And when you bring it down : and swing it side to side Because when you start to jazz : I get a feeling from the start Th at gives me such a *kicking and a twicking* : around my heart

Memphis Man

[New York, c. Mar. 1923(564-1) BS-14146] Memphis man : comes knocking at the door Knocks like : nobody ever knocked before If you know your business : let him in Because he’s so diff erent : when loving begins Memphis man : the lovingest man I know Loves you : like you never been loved before Love you while he’s talking : love you while he sings Swing his arms and hands : and a few other things Love you when he’s working : love you when he slaves He could write a book : on his loving ways

Midnight Blues

[New York, c. Mar. 1923(565-2) BS-14146] Daddy daddy : please come back to me Your mama’s lonesome : as she can be You left [me] at midnight : clock was striking twelve To face this cruel world : well all by myself

You Can’t Do What My Last Man Did

[New York, c. June 1923(A) BS-14151] You can’t do : what my last man did Dog me around : and treat me like he did My last man : tried to drag me down But he was one good man : to have around But when the clock on the wall : strikes half past three I want all the things : you do for me Early this morning : you wanted to fi ght Because you heard : I cabareted last night Tried to take my money : and pawn my *fl at* Now you’ve worn the welcome : clean off my mat Now that last cruel papa : he blacked my eye Th en left me alone : to sigh and cry

Ethel Sings ‘Em

[New York, c. June 1923(B) BS-14154] It’s getting so I can’t sleep for dreaming : and I can’t laugh for crying Because the man I love : is forever on my mind He puts candy in my hand : and he calls me his candy doll Th en he looks at me and cries mama : I mean your sweet old girl It’s so hard to love : another woman’s man Because you can’t get him when you want him : you’ve got to take him when you

can Oh love is like a faucet : that turns off and on Because every time you think you’ve got it : papa it’s turned off and gone Life is nothing but a jam : a constant jamboree It jams everybody : now it’s about to jam poor me

Craving Blues

[Chicago, c. Apr. 1924 (1742-2) Pm-12313] Some people crave for loving : some people crave for gold But craving is just a habit : so I’ve been told I love my man : I’ll tell the world I do As good as I’ve been : he ought to love me too But he keeps me worried : day and night When I want to love him : he wants to fuss and fi ght

CURLEY WEAVER

Sweet Patunia

[Atlanta, 26 Oct. 1928 (147304-2) Co-14386-D] I’ve got a gal : lives down by the jail Sign on the door : sweet patuni for sale Lord I’m wild about my tuni : only thing I crave Oh sweet patuni : going to carry me to my grave I got up this morning : about half past four Big Bill *Johnny* : had his *’spenders* on the fl oor I got a gal : she’s long and tall Every time she do the shimmy : I holler hot dog If I could holler : like a mountain jack Go up on a mountain : bring my tuni back

Way back yonder : in one-oh-one Baby had good tunis : but she couldn’t get none

No No Blues

[Atlanta, 26 Oct. 1928 (147305-2) Co-14386-D] Got up this morning : my good gal was gone Stood by my bedside : long many long many morn Went down the street : I couldn’t be satisfi ed Had the no no blues : just too mean just too mean to cry Take a mighty good woman : treat her good man wrong Ain’t none of my business : but it sure ain’t right Take another man’s woman : walk the streets all walk the streets all night If I mistreat you : I sure don’t mean no harm I’m a motherless child : don’t know right from don’t know right from wrong I’m a stranger here : just come in your town If I ask for a favor : don’t turn me don’t turn me down I’m long and tall : like a cannonball Take a long tall fellow : make a good gal make a good gal squall I ain’t no gambler : I don’t play no pool I’m just a roller : jelly-baking jelly-baking fool I’m a stranger here : I just come on this train I long to hear : some gal call some gal call my name My mama told me : papa told me too Don’t let no woman : make a fool out of make a fool out of you

Sometime Mama

[Chicago, 23 Apr. 1935 (C-9939-B) Ch-50065] Sometime mama : you’re good as good can be You changed your mind baby : trying to make a dog of me When I met you baby : you didn’t have no sometime ways Now you done changed baby : trying to carry me to my grave Walked by you baby : everything seemed to be all right You ain’t got a place now baby : won’t even love me at night Now listen baby : what I’m going to say You going to get you another man : if you don’t stop your sometime ways

Oh Lawdy Mama

[Chicago, 23 Apr. 1935 (C-9940-A) Ch-50077] Meet me down at the river : bring me my suit of clothes I ain’t got so many : but I got buggish far to go Woman I love : woman I crave to see She in Cincinnati : won’t even write to me Woman I love : got mouth chock full of good gold Every time she hug and kiss me : make my buggish blood run cold Woman I love : caught that Southern train

Heart she left me here : heart full of aching pain Now tell me sweet woman : time the train come through your town I just want to have : a talk with that teasing brown One goes south at eight : one goes north at nine I just want to have a talk : with that brown of mine Woman I love : right down on the ground She’s a tailor-made mama : not no hand-me-down Going away to leave you : crying won’t make me stay I may be back in June baby : may be back in fi rst of May

Two Faced Woman

[Chicago, 23 Apr. 1935 (C-9941-A) Ch-50065] Two-faced woman : trying to see her two days at one time Be mighty doggone careful : of nar’ one of them days be mine Every time I see you woman : got your glasses nice and clean If I tell you you can’t go out : you say I’m acting mean You two-faced woman : wear glasses all the time Long you wear them glasses : you can’t be no woman of mine You know you didn’t want me : when you stuck your four eyes in my door I done spent all my money : now tell me you don’t want me no more

Fried Pie Blues

[Chicago, 23 Apr. 1935 (C-9943-A) Ch-50077] I ain’t going down baby : that long road by myself If I can’t carry you baby : carry somebody else Can I wait around here baby : till your fried pie get done If I have any money : I will buy me some My baby baked me fresh biscuits : baked them nice and brown What please me so well : she bake them with her damper down My baby she got a mojo : trying to keep it hid Papa Weaver got something : fi nd that mojo with

SYLVESTER WEAVER

Can’t Be Trusted Blues

[New York, 31 Aug. 1927 (81401-B) OK-8504] I don’t love nobody : that’s my policy I’ll tell the world : that nobody can get along with me I can’t be trusted : can’t be satisfi ed

Th e men all know it : and pin their women to their side I will sure backbite you : gnaw you to the bone I don’t mean maybe : I can’t let women alone Pull down your windows : and lock up all your doors Got ways like the devil : papa’s *sneaking* on all fours

WILL WELDON

Stingy Woman-Blues

[Memphis, 24 Feb. 1927 (37942-1) Vi-20552] And it’s stingy woman : come and sit down on my knee ??? *Lordy* : unless you going to care for me And it’s hey faro : tell me what’s the matter now And you trying to quit me : Lordy woman and you don’t know how

Memphis Jug-Blues

[Memphis, 24 Feb. 1927 (37943-2) Vi-20576] Hey drop down drop down : mama like drops of rain Lord every once in a while : I think I hear my baby call my name Hey : I ain’t going to change no more Said get away from my window mama : don’t knock at my back door Says I ain’t been your good man : since you been my Now you want me to ??? : and I ain’t I stuck with you mama : when you did not have no man at all Now baby must want me : for to be her lowdown dog Lord I can stand right here partner : and look on *Culligan* Avenue Lord I can see everything : that my easy roller do

Sunshine Blues

[Chicago, 9 June 1927 (38658-1) Vi-20781] I’ve got the worried blues : got nowhere to go You can starch my jumper : iron my overalls I’m going down to the station : catch that West Cannonball And it’s hurry sundown : let tomorrow come And it may bring sunshine : and it may bring rain

Turpentine Blues

[Atlanta, 20 Oct. 1927 (40322-2) Vi-21134] Going home in the morning : woman and I sure can’t carry you Ain’t nothing else I learned : Lord a monkey-woman can do I don’t want no jet-black woman : Lord to cook no pie for me Because black is evil : I guess she might poison me Some men love high yellows : boy you give me my black or brown Before your gal be with you : a yellow put you down Said I wonder : would a poor matchbox hold my clothes I ain’t got so many : Lord I got so far to go Going to wash my face : in the dear old Mexico Going to eat my breakfast : thousand miles or more Now what you going to do boy : when your trouble get like mine Take you a mouthful of sugar : boy and drink a bottle of turpentine

Hitch Me to Your Buggy and Drive Me Like a Mule

[Atlanta, 20 Oct. 1927 (40323-2) Vi-21134] You can hitch me to your buggy : babe drive me just like I was a mule But I want you to understand woman : ain’t nobody’s fool Boy I may be right Lord : boy I may be wrong But my faro done come here baby : caught the train and gone Going to buy me a bulldog : watch my baby while she sleeps Going to keep my baby : from making her midnight creep ??? said she loves me : boy I don’t believe she told me the truth Every time I put my hand on her : boy she really get on me

Peaches in the Springtime

[Memphis, 13 Feb. 1928 (41890-2) Vi-21657] Now you give me peaches in the springtime : apples in the fall Can’t get the gal I love : don’t want none at all Th e woman I’m loving : she ain’t no gal of mine She’s a married woman : boy but comes to see me sometime Now it’s apples on the table : peaches on the shelf Getting sick and tired : of sleeping by myself I’m going to build me a castle : fi fteen story high So I can see my good gal : when she try and pass me by

W. P. A. Blues

[Chicago, 12 Feb. 1936 (C-1256-1) Vo-03186] Everybody’s working in this town : and it’s worrying me night and day If that mean working too : have to work for the W. P. A. Well well the landlord come this morning : and he knocked on my door He asked me : if I was going to pay my rent no more

He said you have to move : if you can’t pay And then he turned : and he walked slowly away So I have to try : fi nd me some other place to stay Th at housewrecking crew’s coming : from the W. P. A. Well well went to the relief station : and I didn’t have a cent If that’s the only way you stand : you don’t have to pay no rent So when I got back home : they was tacking a notice on the door Th is house is condemned : and you can’t live there no more So a notion struck me : I better be on my way Th ey’re going to tear my house down : ooo that crew from the W. P. A. Well well I went out next morning : I put a lock on my door I thought I would move : but I have no place to go Th e real estate people : they all done got so Th ey don’t rent : to no relief clients no more So I know : have to walk the streets night and day Because that wrecking crew’s coming : ooo from that W. P. A. Well well a notion struck me : I’ll try to stay a day or two But I soon found out : that that wouldn’t do Early next morning : while I was laying in my bed I heard a mighty rumbling : and the bricks come tumbling down on my head So I had to start ducking and dodging : and be on my way Th ey was tearing my house down on me : ooo that crew from that W. P. A.