Testi delle canzoni registrate da Bessie Smith
AFTER YOU’VE GONE (T. Layton and H. Creamer)
Now, listen, honey, while I say
How can you tell me that you’re going away?
Don’t say that we must part
Don’t break my achin’ heart
You know I love you true for many years
Love you night and day
How can you leave me, can’t you see my tears?
So listen while I say
After you’ve gone and left me cryin’
After you’ve gone, there’s no denyin’
You’ll feel blue, you’ll feel sad
You’ll miss the dearest pal you ever had
There’ll come a time, now, don’t forget it
There’ll come a time when you’ll regret it
Some day when you grow lonely
Your heart will break like mine and you’ll want me only
After you’ve gone, after you’ve gone away
After you’ve gone, left me cryin’,
After you’ve gone, there’s no denyin’
You’ll feel blue, you’ll feel sad
You’ll miss the best pal you ever had, Lord
There’ll come a time, now, don’t forget it
There’ll come a time when you’ll regret it
Some day when you grow lonely
Your heart’ll break like mine and you’ll want me only
After you’ve gone, after you’ve gone away.
AGGRAVATIN’ PAPA (R. Turk, J. R. Robinson, and A. Britt)
I know a triflin’ man, they call him Triflin’ Sam
He lives in Birmingham way down in Alabam’
Now the other night he had a fight with a gal named Mandy Brown
She plainly stated she was aggravated as she shouted out to him
Aggravatin’ papa, don’t you try to two-time me
I said don’t two-time me
Aggravatin’ papa, treat me kind or let me be
I mean just let me be
It’s been a while, I’ll get you told
Stop messin’ ’round sweet jelly roll
If you stay out with a high brown baby
I’ll smack you down and I don’t mean maybe
Aggravatin’ papa, I’ll do anything you say, anything you say
But when you go strutting, do your strut around my way
So papa, just treat me pretty, be nice and kind
The way you treatin’ me will make me lose my mind
Aggravatin’ papa, don’t you try to two-time me
Just treat me pretty, be nice and sweet
I’ve got a darn forty-four that don’t repeat
Aggravatin’ papa, don’t you try to two-time me.
ALEXANDER’S RAGTIME BAND (Irving Berlin)
Oh, my honey, oh, my honey, you better hurry and let’s go down there
Ain’t you goin’, ain’t you goin’ to that leaderman, ragged meter man
Oh, honey, oh, honey, let me take you to Alexander’s grandstand brass band
Ain’t you coming along?
Come on and hear, come on and hear Alexander’s ragtime band
Come on and hear, come on and hear, it’s the best band in the land
They can play the bugle call like you never heard before
Sounds so natural that you’ll wanna go to war
That’s just the best band in the land, oh honey lamb
Come on along, come on along, let me take you by the hand
Up to the man, up to the man, who is the leader of the band
And if you care to hear the Swanee River played in ragtime
Come on and hear, come on and hear Alexander’s ragtime band
Come on and hear, come on and hear Alexander’s ragtime band
Come on and hear, come on and hear, it’s the best band in the land
Listen to the bugle call
Yeah, it’s the best band in the land, oh, honey lamb
Come on along, come on along, let me take you by the hand
Up to the man, up to the man, who is the leader of the band
And if you care to hear the Swanee River played in ragtime
Come on and hear, come on and hear Alexander’s ragtime band.
ANY WOMAN’S BLUES (Lovie Austin)
My man ain’t actin’ right
He stays out late at night
And still he says he loves no one but me
But if I find that gal
That tried to steal my pal
I’ll get her told, just you wait and see
I feel blue, I don’t know what to do
Every woman in my fix is bound to feel blue, too
Lord, I love my man better than I love myself
Lord, I love my man better than I love myself
And if he don’t have me, he won’t have nobody else
My man got teeth that light up on the street
My man got teeth that light up on the street
And every time he smiles he throws them lights on me
His voice sound like chimes, I mean the organ kind
His voice sound like chimes, I mean the organ kind
And every time he speak, his music ease my troublin’ mind.
AT THE CHRISTMAS BALL (Fred Longshaw)
[SPOKEN]Unknown man: Hey, Bessie, Christmas here.
Smith: Hear, hear! Hooray for Christmas![SUNG]
Christmas comes but once a year, and to me it brings good cheer
And to everyone who likes wine and beer
Happy New Year is after that, happy I’ll be, that is a fact
That is why I like to hear, folks, I say, that Christmas is here
Christmas bells will ring real soon, even in the afternoon
There’ll be no chimes shall ring
At the Christmas ball
Everyone must watch their step, or they will lose their rep
Everybody’s full of pep
At the Christmas ball
Grab your partner, one and all, keep on dancin’ round the hall
And there’s no one to fall, don’t you dare to stall
If your partner don’t act fair, don’t worry, there’s some more over there
Takin’ a chance everywhere
At the Christmas ball.
BABY DOLL (Bessie Smith)
Honey, there’s a funny feelin’ ’round my heart and it’s ’bout to drive your mama wild
It must be somethin’ they call the Cuban doll, it weren’t your mama’s angel child
I went to see the doctor the other day, he said I’s well as well could be
But I says, “Doctor, you don’t know really what’s worryin’ me.”
I wanna be somebody’s baby doll so I can get my lovin’ all the time
I wanna be somebody’s baby doll to ease my mind
He can be ugly, he can be black, so long as he can eagle rock and ball the jack
I want to be somebody’s baby doll so I can get my lovin’ all the time, I mean, to get my lovin’ all the time
Lord, I went to the gypsy to get my fortune told
She said, “You in hard luck, Bessie, doggone your bad luck soul.”
I wanna be somebody’s baby doll so I can get my lovin’ all the time, I mean, to get my lovin’ all the time.
BABY, HAVE PITY ON ME (B. Moll and Clarence Williams)
You show your sympathy to every bird and bee
But when it comes to me, dear, you laugh at every plea
Sweetheart, I need the bliss, the bliss of your sweet kiss
What can the answer be, dear, I can’t go on like this
Like a beggar, what can I do?
Hungry for kisses and starvin’ for you
Press your lips to my lips, Lord, have pity on me
Cravin’ for affection, my cravin’ is strong
Put your arms around me where they belong
Press me, caress me, oh, have pity on me
One kiss and I’ll know, I’ll go riding on a rainbow
Straight up to heaven, I will fly right to the sky
Can’t you hear me cryin’ for sweet sympathy?
No love like your love can answer my plea
Press your lips to my lips, Lord, have pity on me
One kiss and I’ll know, I’ll go riding on a rainbow
Straight up to heaven, Lord, I’ll fly right to the sky
Can’t you hear me cryin’ for sweet sympathy?
No love like your love can answer my plea
Press your lips to my lips, have pity on me.
BABY, WON’T YOU PLEASE COME HOME (Clarence Williams)
I’ve got the blues, I feel so lonely
I’d give the world if I could only
Make you understand
It surely would be grand
I’m gonna telephone my baby
Ask him won’t you please come home
’Cause when you gone
I’m worried all day long
Baby, won’t you please come home
Baby, won’t you please come home
I have tried in vain
Never more to call your name
When you left you broke my heart
That will never make us part
Every hour in the day
You will hear me say
Baby, won’t you please come home, I mean
Baby, won’t you please come home
Baby, won’t you please come home
’Cause your mama’s all alone
I have tried in vain
Never more to call your name
When you left you broke my heart
That will never make us part
Landlord’s gettin’ worse
I got to move May first
Baby, won’t you please come home, I need money
Baby, won’t you please come home.
BACKWATER BLUES (Bessie Smith)
When it rains five days and the skies turn dark as night
When it rains five days and the skies turn dark as night
Then trouble’s takin’ place in the lowlands at night
I woke up this mornin’, can’t even get out of my door
I woke up this mornin’, can’t even get out of my door
That’s enough trouble to make a poor girl wonder where she wanna go
Then they rowed a little boat about five miles ’cross the pond
Then they rowed a little boat about five miles ’cross the pond
I packed all my clothes, throwed ’em in and they rowed me along
When it thunders and lightnin’, and the wind begins to blow
When it thunders and lightnin’, and the wind begins to blow
There’s thousands of people ain’t got no place to go
Then I went and stood upon some high old lonesome hill
Then I went and stood upon some high old lonesome hill
Then looked down on the house where I used to live
Backwater blues done caused me to pack my things and go
Backwater blues done caused me to pack my things and go
’Cause my house fell down and I can’t live there no mo’
Mmmmmmmmm, I can’t move no mo’
Mmmmmmmmm, I can’t move no mo’
There ain’t no place for a poor old girl to go.
BEALE STREET PAPA (R. Turk and J. R. Robinson)
Jennie Neal down in Beale killed her papa there
Left him cold, got him told that she didn’t care
Oh Joe, her beau, looked just like he would die
If you were near him you would hear him start his mournsome cry
Beale Street papa, why don’t you come back home?
It isn’t proper to leave your mama all alone
Sometimes I was cruel, that was true
But papa, you know mama never two-timed you
Mmmm-hmmmm, I’m blue, so how come you do me like you do?
I’m cryin’, Beale Street papa, don’t mess around with me
There’s plenty pettin’ that I can get in Tennessee
I’ll still get my sweet cookin’ constantly
But not the kind you serve to me
So Beale Street papa, come back home
So how come you do me like you do?
I’m cryin’, Beale Street papa, don’t mess around with me
There’s plenty pettin’ that I can get in Tennessee
I bought a rifle, razor, and a knife
A poster card can’t save my life
So, Beale Street papa, come back home.
BLACK MOUNTAIN BLUES (H. Cole)
Back in Black Mountain, a child will smack your face
Back in Black Mountain, a child will smack your face
Babies cryin’ for liquor, and all the birds sing bass
Black Mountain people are bad as they can be
Black Mountain people are bad as they can be
They uses gunpowder just to sweeten their tea
On this Black Mountain, can’t keep a man in jail
On this Black Mountain, can’t keep a man in jail
If the jury finds them guilty, the judge’ll go they bail
Had a man in Black Mountain, sweetest man in town
Had a man in Black Mountain, the sweetest man in town
He met a city gal, and he throwed me down
I’m bound for Black Mountain, me and my razor and my gun
Lord, I’m bound for Black Mountain, me and my razor and my gun
I’m gonna shoot him if he stands still, and cut him if he run
Down in Black Mountain, they all shoots quick and straight
Down in Black Mountain, they all shoots quick and straight
The bullet’ll get you if you starts a-dodgin’ too late
Got the Devil in my soul, and I’m full of bad booze
Got the Devil in my soul, and I’m full of bad booze
I’m out here for trouble, I’ve got the Black Mountain blues.
BLEEDING HEARTED BLUES (Lovie Austin)
When you sad and lonely
Thinkin’ about you only
Feelin’ destructive and blue
Ah, your heart is achin’
Yes, it’s almost breakin’
No one to tell your troubles to
That’s the time you hang you head and begin to cry
All your friends forsake you
Trouble overtakes you
And your good man turns you down
People talk about you
Everybody doubts you
And your friends can’t be found
Not a soul to ease your pain
You will plead in vain
You’ve got those bleeding hearted blues
Yeah, baby, tell me what’s on your mind
Pretty papa, tell me what’s on your mind
You keep my poor heart achin’, I’m worried all the time
I’d give up every friend that I have
Yes, I’d give up every friend that I have
I’d give up my mother, I’d even give up dear old Dad.
BLUE, BLUE (Bessie Smith)
Blue, blue, I got a tale to tell you, I’m blue
Something comes over me, daddy, and I’m blue about you
Listen to my story and everything’ll come out true
When your man is gone, your rent is all due
He’s not comin’ back, you know he’s all through
You weep and cry, feel like you could die
If you was a bird, you’d take wings and fly
Here is one thing’ll make you blue, blue
When you ain’t got a daddy to tell your troubles to
Step right out and think, start right in to wink
Keep feeling in your heart, you’ll start right in to drink
If you’ve ever been blue, you know how a woman feels
If you’ve ever been blue, you know how a good woman feels
You are worried, child, honey, yes indeed
Blue, blue, I had a tale to tell you, I was blue
Something fell on me, daddy, and I was blue over you
You done listened to my story, and everything come out true.
BLUE SPIRIT BLUES (Spencer Williams)
Had a dream last night that I was dead
Had a dream last night that I was dead
Evil spirits all around my bed
The Devil came and grabbed my hand
The Devil came and grabbed my hand
Took me way down to that red hot land
Mean blue spirits stuck they forks in me
Mean blue spirits stuck they forks in me
Made me moan and groan in misery
Fairies and dragons spittin’ out blue flames
Fairies and dragons spittin’ out blue flames
Showin’ their teeth, for they was glad I came
Demons with their eyelids drippin’ blood
Demons with their eyelids drippin’ blood
Draggin’ sinners through that brimstone flood
“This is hell,” I cried, cried with all my might
“This is hell,” I cried, cried with all my might
Oh, my soul, I can’t bear the sight
Started runnin’ ’cause it is my cup
Started runnin’ ’cause it is my cup
Run so fast ’til someone woke me up.
BO-WEEVIL BLUES (Gertrude Rainey and Lovie Austin)
Hey, bo-weevil, don’t sing them blues no more
Hey, bo-weevil, don’t sing them blues no more
Bo-weevils here, bo-weevils everywhere you go
I’m a lone bo-weevil, been out a great long time
I’m a lone bo-weevil, been out a great long time
Gonna sing this song to ease bo-weevil’s troublin’ mind
I don’t want no sugar put into my tea
I don’t want no sugar put into my tea
Some mens are so evil, I’m scared they might poison me
I went downtown, I bought myself a hat, I brought it back home, I laid it on the shelf
I looked at my bed, I’m tired sleepin’ by myself
I’m tired sleepin’ by myself.
BYE BYE BLUES (P. Carter)
I feel blue, I’m going to do something that may look wrong
When my man comes, he’ll be surprised to find that I’m gone
I done found out we can’t agree, no matter how I try
I wrote a note will get his goat when he reads this last goodbye
I’ve got those bye bye blues, I mean those long gone blues
I’m goin’ to where you off my mind
I’ve got those low down blues, I mean those graveyard blues
They keep me worried all the time
So I’m makin’ a change I think will do me good
Because everybody told me in my neighborhood
As long as I stay I’m gonna be confused
I’m sorry, sweet papa, I’ve got those bye bye blues, I mean those bye bye blues.
CAKE WALKING BABIES (FROM HOME) (Chris Smith, H. Troy, and Clarence Williams)
Cake walkers may come, cake walkers may go
But I wanna tell you ’bout a couple I know
High steppin’ pair, they’ll be there
When it comes for bizness, not a soul can compare
Here they come, look at ’em demonstratin’
Goin’ some, and they syncopatin’
Talk of the town, easin’ ’round
Pickin’ ’em up and layin’ ’em down
Dancin’ fools, ain’t they demonstratin’
They in a class of they own
Now, the only way to win is to cheat ’em
You may tie ’em, but you’ll never beat ’em
Strut your stuff, they’re cake walkin’ babies from home
Here they come, look at ’em syncopatin’
Goin’ some, ain’t they demonstratin’
Talk of the town, easin’ ’round
They pickin’ ’em up and layin’ ’em down
Dancin’ fools, ain’t they syncopatin’
They in a class of they own
Oh, the only way to win is to cheat ’em
You may tie ’em, but you’ll never beat ’em
Strut your stuff, strut your stuff, cake walkin’ babies from home.
CARELESS LOVE BLUES (W. C. Handy)
Love, oh love, oh careless love
You fly through my head like wine
You wrecked the life of a many poor gal
And you let me spoil this life of mine
Love, oh love, oh careless love
In your clutches of desire
You made me break a many true vow
Then you set my very soul on fire
Love, oh love, oh careless love
All my happiness I’ve left
You fill my heart with them worried ole blues
Now I’m walkin’, talkin’ to myself
Love, oh love, oh careless love
Trusted you now it’s too late
You made me throw my only friend down
That’s why I sing this song of hate
Love, oh love, oh careless love
Night and day I weep and moan
You brought the wrong man into this life of mine
For my sin ’til judgment I’ll atone.
CEMETERY BLUES (S. Laney and Spencer Williams)
Folks, I know a gal named Cemetery ’Lize down in Tennessee
She has got a pair of mean old graveyard eyes full of misery
Every night and day, you can hear her sing the blues away
I’m goin’ down to the cemetery, ’cause the world is all wrong
I’m goin’ down to the cemetery, ’cause the world is all wrong
Out there with the spooks to hear ’em sing my sorrow song
Got a date to see a ghost by the name of Jones
Got a date to see a ghost by the name of Jones
Makes me feel happy to hear him rattle his bones
He’s one man I always know just where to find
He’s one man I always know just where to find
When you want true lovin’, go and get the cemetery kind
He ain’t no fine dresser, he don’t wear nothin’ but a sack
Say, he ain’t no fine dresser, he don’t wear nothin’ but a sack
Every time he kisses me, that funny feelin’ creeps up my back.
CHICAGO BOUND BLUES (Lovie Austin)
Late last night I stole away and cried
Late last night I stole away and cried
That’s a blues for Chicago, and I just can’t be satisfied
Blues on my brain, my tongue refused to talk
Blues on my brain, my tongue refused to talk
I was followin’ my daddy, but my feet refused to walk
Mean old fireman, cruel old engineer
Lord, mean old fireman, cruel old engineer
You took my man away and left his mama standin’ here
Big red headline, tomorrow Defender news
Big red headline, tomorrow Defender news
Woman dead down home with old Chicago blues, I said blues.
COLD IN HAND BLUES (Jack Gee* and Fred Longshaw)
I’ve got a hard workin’ man
The way he treats me, I can’t understand
He works hard every day
And on Thursday throws away his pay
Now I don’t want that man
Because he’s done gone cold in hand
Now I’ve tried hard to treat him kind
I’ve tried hard to treat him kind
But it seems to me his love is gone blind
The man I’ve got must have lost his mind
The man I’ve got must have lost his mind
The way he quit me, I can’t understand
I’m gonna find myself another man
I’m gonna find myself another man
Because the one I’ve got has done gone cold in hand.
DEVIL’S GONNA GET YOU (Porter Grainger)
It’s a long, long lane that has no turnin’
There’s a fire that always keeps on burnin’
Mr. Devil down below, pitchfork in his hand
And that’s where you are goin’ to go, do you understand?
Devil’s gonna get you, Devil’s gonna get you
Ah, the Devil’s gonna get you, man, just as sure as you born
Devil’s gonna get you, Devil’s gonna get you
Ah, the Devil’s gonna get you, the way you carryin’ on
You’ll go away, stay for weeks, on your doggone freak
Come back home, get in my bed and turn your back on me
Oh, the Devil’s gonna get you, I mean, the Devil’s gonna get you
Man, the Devil’s gonna get you, sure as you born
Dirty two-timer, dirty two-timer, dirty two-timer, you ain’t comin’ clean
Oh, the Devil’s gonna get you, I mean, the Devil’s gonna get you
Oh, the Devil’s gonna get you, you know what I mean
I don’t want no two-time stuff from my regular man
Don’t want nothin’ that’s been used, ’cause it’s second hand
The Devil’s gonna get you, oh, the Devil’s gonna get you
Man, the Devil’s gonna get you, sure as you born to die.
DIRTY NO-GOODERS BLUES (Bessie Smith)
Did you ever fall in love with a man that was no good?
Did you ever fall in love with a man that is no good?
No matter what you did for him, he never understood
The meanest things he could say would thrill you through and through
The meanest things he could say would thrill you through and through
And there wasn’t nothin’ too dirty for that man to do
He’d treat you nice and kind ’til he win your heart and hand
He’d treat you nice and kind ’til he win your heart and hand
Then he get so cruel, that man you just could not stand
Lawd, I really don’t think no man’s love can last
Lawd, I don’t think no man’s love can last
They’ll love you to death, then treat you like a thing of the past
There’s nineteen men livin’ in my neighborhood
There’s nineteen men livin’ in my neighborhood
Eighteen of them are fools and the one ain’t no doggone good
Lawd, Lawd, Lawd, Lawd, Lawd, Lawd, oh Lawd
Lawd, Lawd, Lawd, Lawd
That dirty no-good man treats me just like I’m a dog.
DIXIE FLYER BLUES (Bessie Smith)
[SPOKEN]
Unknown man:
Hold that train!
Hold that engine, let sweet mama get on board
Hold that engine, let sweet mama get on board
’Cause my home ain’t here, it’s a long way down the road
Come back, choo-choo, mama’s gonna find a berth
Come back, choo-choo, mama’s gonna find a berth
Goin’ to Dixieland, it’s the grandest place on earth
Dixie Flyer, come on and let your drivers roll
Dixie Flyer, come on and let your drivers roll
Wouldn’t stay up North to save nobody’s doggone soul
Blow your whistle, tell ’em mama’s comin’ through
Blow your whistle, tell ’em mama’s comin’ through
Pick it up a little bit, ’cause I’m feelin’ mighty blue
Here’s my ticket, take it, please, conductorman
Here’s my ticket, take it, please, conductorman
Goin’ to my mammy way down in Dixieland.
DON’T CRY BABY (S. Unger and S. Bernie)
Honey, please don’t cry, listen to me
There’s no reason why we shouldn’t agree
If I hurt your feelin’s, I apologize
You the only one that I idolize
Don’t cry baby, don’t cry baby, dry your eyes and let’s be sweethearts again
I didn’t mean to make you feel blue
Honest, I’ll never do it again
Won’t you forgive, won’t you forget
Do as I ask you to
I’ll never let you regret, just start anew
You know I’m sorry, oh, so sorry
Don’t cry baby, there’s no one but you.
DOWN HEARTED BLUES (Alberta Hunter and Lovie Austin)
Gee, but it’s hard to love someone
When that someone don’t love you
I’m so disgusted, heartbroken too
I’ve got those down hearted blues
Once I was crazy ’bout a man
He mistreated me all the time
The next man I get has got to promise me
To be mine, all mine
Trouble, trouble, I’ve had it all my days
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 mens in my life
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
It may be a week, it may be a month or two
But the day you quit me, honey, it’s comin’ home to you
I got the world in a jug, the stopper’s in my hand
I got the world in a jug, the stopper’s in my hand
I’m gonna hold it until you men come under my command.
DO YOUR DUTY (Wesley Wilson)
If I call three times a day, baby
Come and drive my blues away
When you come, be ready to play
Do your duty
If you want to have some luck
Give your baby your last buck
Don’t come quackin’ like a duck
Do your duty
I heard you say you didn’t love me, baby, yesterday at Mrs. Brown’s
I don’t believe a word she said, she’s the lyin’est woman in town
Oh, babe, when I need attention at home
I’ll just call you on the telephone
Come yourself, don’t send your friend Jones
Do your duty
If my radiator gets too hot
Cool it off in lots of spots
Give me all the service you’ve got
Do your duty
If you don’t know what it’s all about
Don’t sit around my house and pout
Do, you’ll catch your mama tippin’ out
Do your duty
If you make your own bed hard, that’s the way it lies
If I’m tired of sleepin’ by myself, you’re too dumb to realize
Oh, babe, I’m not tryin’ to make you feel blue
I’m not satisfied with the way that you do
I’ve got to help you find somebody to
Do your duty.
DYIN’ BY THE HOUR (G. Brooks)
It’s an old story, everytime it’s a doggone man
It’s an old story, everytime it’s a doggone man
But when that thing is on you, you just drift from hand to hand
I’d drink up all that acid if it wouldn’t burn me so
I’d drink up all that acid if it wouldn’t burn me so
And telephone the Devil, that’s the only place I’d go
Once I weighed two hundred, I’m nothin’ but skin and bones
Once I weighed two hundred, I’m nothin’ but skin and bones
I would always laugh, but it’s nothin’ but a moan and a groan
Lord, I’m dyin’ by the hour about that doggone man of mine
I’m dyin’ by the hour ’bout that doggone man of mine
He said he didn’t love me, that is why I’m dyin’ and losin’ my mind.
DYING GAMBLER’S BLUES (Jack Gee)*
Listen here, all you nice men
Listen here, all you nice men
My best friend is dyin’ today
This morning I left at half past nine
All the gamblers on the line
One kneeled down and tried to pray
My best friend passed away
Last night I hear my man cryin’
Everybody says he was dyin’
Hold me, hold me, they cried
All the women, they cried
Little children, they cried
Nobody wants to see a good gambler die
My man said before he died
Place a deck of cards at his side
Lay a pair of dice on his chest
He’s one more good gambler and he’s gone to rest
Oh me, oh me, have mercy, have mercy on me
I ain’t got nobody to pity poor old me
I fell down on my knees, I raised my hands, and I wanted to scream
Because there’s nobody wants to see a good gambler die.
EASY COME, EASY GO BLUES (W. Jackson and E. Brown)
Some folks they always cryin’, cryin’ them mean old blues
Not me, you never even see me frown
Some folks just walk around tryin’, tryin’ hard love to lose
But I said let it come, good, bad, or bum
I’m the happiest gal in the town
Easy come, easy go, nothin’ ever worries me
Shuffle on like this song, don’t know old misery
If my sweet man trifles, or if he don’t
I’ll get someone to love me anytime he won’t
Easy come, easy go, right from my head to shoes
Don’t want to be no skinny vamp or nothin’ like that
Daddy always knows just where his sweet mama’s at
I’m overflowing with those easy come, easy go blues
This world owes me a plenty lovin’, hear what I say
Believe me, I go out collectin’ ’most every day
I’m overflowing with those easy come, easy go blues.
EAVESDROPPER’S BLUES (J. C. Johnson)
I heard the folks a talkin’ here yesterday
As I listened by the door
But eavesdroppers they never hear no good, they say,
And I heard things that hurt me so
They said I had a man I give my money to
They said I had a man I give my money to
And if I was broke he would turn my eyes all blue
They talked about my pa who was blind in one eye
They talked about my pa who was blind in one eye
They said he was a sinner and was too mean to cry
I never knocked nobody, wonder why they pick on me
I never knocked nobody, wonder why they pick on me
There’s going to be a funeral if they don’t let me be
I never stop to listen to try and hear no good news
I never stop to listen to try and hear no good news
I hear things about me give me those eavesdropper’s blues.
EMPTY BED BLUES, PART I (J. C. Johnson)
I woke up this mornin’ with an awful achin’ head
I woke up this mornin’ with a awful achin’ head
My new man had left me just a room and a empty bed
Bought me a coffee grinder, got the best one I could find
Bought me a coffee grinder, got the best one I could find
So he could grind my coffee, ’cause he had a brand new grind
He’s a deep sea diver with a stroke that can’t go wrong
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
Lord, he knows how to thrill me, he thrills me night and day
He’s got a new way of lovin’ almost takes my breath away
Lord, he’s got that sweet somethin’, and I told my gal friend Lou
He’s got that sweet somethin’, and I told my gal friend Lou
From the way she’s ravin’, she must have gone and tried it too.
EMPTY BED BLUES, PART II (J. C. Johnson)
When my bed get empty, make me feel awful mean and blue
When my bed get empty, make me feel awful mean and blue
My springs are gettin’ rusty, sleepin’ single like I do
Bought him a blanket, pillow for his head at night
Bought him a blanket, pillow for his head at night
Then I bought him a mattress so he could lay just right
He came home one evening with his spirit way up high
He came home one evening with his spirit way up high
What he had to give me made me wring my hands and cry
He give me a lesson that I never had before
He give me a lesson that I never had before
When he got through teachin’ me, from my elbow down was sore
He boiled my first cabbage and he made it awful hot
He boiled my first cabbage and he made it awful hot
Then he put in the bacon, it overflowed the pot
When you get good lovin’, never go and spread the news
Yeah, it will double cross you and leave you with them empty bed blues.
FAR AWAY BLUES (G. Brooks) (Duet sung with Clara Smith)
We left our southern home and wandered north to roam
Like birds, went seekin’ a brand new field of corn
We don’t know why we are here
But we’re up here just the same
And we are just the lonesomest girls that’s ever born
Some of these days we are going far away
Some of these days we are going far away
Where we have got a lots of friends and don’t have no roof rent to pay
Oh, there’ll come a day when from us you’ll hear no news
Oh, there’ll come a day when from us you’ll hear no news
Then you will know that we have died from those lonesome far away blues.
FLORIDA BOUND BLUES (Clarence Williams)
Goodbye North, hello South
Goodbye North, hello South
It’s so cold up here that the words freeze in your mouth
I’m goin’ to Florida where I can have my fun
I’m goin’ to Florida where I can have my fun
Where I can lay out in the green grass and look up at the sun
Hey, hey, redcap, help me with this load
Redcap porter, help me with this load
Step aside, hold that steamboat, Mr. Captain, let me get on board
I got a letter from my daddy, he bought me a sweet piece of land
I got a letter from my daddy, he bought me a small piece of ground
You can’t blame me for leavin’, Lord, I mean I’m Florida bound
My papa told me, my mama told me too
My papa told me, my mama told me too
Don’t let them bell-bottomed britches make a fool outa you.
FOLLOW THE DEAL ON DOWN (T. Delaney)
[SPOKEN]Stop rollin’ them bones and listen to me![SUNG]
I had a gamblin’ man, he’s hard to understand
He just kept me worried and goin’ around
He would skin and shoot his dice, couldn’t give him no advice
He followed the deal on down
He was a gambler, I mean, he was a gambler
And he’d always lay his money down
If he win or if he lose, he would never sing the blues
He followed the deal on down
He took sick the other day, and his bills I had to pay
None of his good friends could be found
Not a penny to his name, of course he’s not to blame
Lord, he followed the deal on down
He was a gambler, yes, he was a gambler
And he would always go from town to town
The gamblin’ life he craved, it laid the poor boy in his grave
He followed the deal on down.
FOOLISH MAN BLUES (Bessie Smith)
Men sure deceitful, they getting worse every day
Lord, men sure deceitful, they getting worse every day
Actin’ like a bunch of women, they just gabbin’, gabbin’, gabbin’ away
There’s two things got me puzzled, there’s two things I can’t understand
There’s two things got me puzzled, there’s two things I can’t understand
That’s a mannish actin’ woman and skippin’, twistin’, woman actin’ man
Lord, I used to love that man, he always made my poor heart ache
Yes, I love that man, he makes my poor heart ache
He’s crooked as a corkscrew, and evil as a copperheaded snake
I knew a certain man who spent years runnin’ a poor gal down
I knew a certain man who spent a year runnin’ a poor gal down
And when she let him kiss her, the fool blabbed it all over town.
FRANKIE BLUES (E. Johnson)
Frankie was a good fellow
To everyone he knew
I had some trouble with Frankie
That made me feel so blue
He packed his grip for a trip
And said, “I’m leaving here, honey dear.”
He called to see me next day
I was mad and this is what I said
“I’m worried now, I won’t be worried long.”
I miss sweet Frankie since he’s been gone, yes I do
He went away, he knows he’s done me wrong
I’ll tell you, now I’m weepin’ like a willow tree
Since sweet Frankie’s went away from me
Where he’s gone I do not know
He will see some place near Baltimo’
Yes, I will pay ’most any fair reward
If you will find Frankie, Lord
I been to Frisco, Hackensack
Tryin’ to find Frankie and bring him back
Somebody find that sweet Frankie of mine, ease my mind
Yes, I will pay ’most any fair reward
If you will find Frankie, Lord
I phoned my angels, they didn’t hear
I phoned Saint Peter, “Send a brown down here.”
Somebody find that sweet Frankie of mine
And ease my mind.
FROSTY MORNING BLUES (E. Brown)
How come I’m blue as can be, how come I need sympathy?
I know what’s troublin’ me, listen and you’ll see, because
The good man that I love left me all alone
Woke up this morning at four, when I heard him slammin’ my door
Did you ever wake up on a frosty morning and discover your good man gone?
Did you ever wake up on a frosty morning and discover your good man gone?
If you did you’ll understand why I’m singin’ this mournful song
Well, he didn’t provide and he wasn’t handsome, so he might not appeal to you
Well, he didn’t provide and he wasn’t handsome, so he might not appeal to you
But he give me plenty lovin’ and I never had to beg him to
Now my damper is down and my fire ain’t burnin’ and a chill’s all around my bed
My damper is down and my fire ain’t burnin’ and a chill’s all around my bed
When you lose a man you love, then a gal is just as good as dead.
GIMME A PIGFOOT (Wesley Wilson)
[SPOKEN]Twenty-five cents? Hah! No, no, I wouldn’t pay twenty-five cents to go in nowhere, ’cause listen here …[SUNG]
Up in Harlem every Saturday night
When the highbrows get together it’s just too tight
They all congregates at an all night strut
And what they do is tut, tut, tut
Ole Hannah Brown from ’cross town
Gets full of corn and starts breakin’ ’em down
Just at the break of day
You can hear old Hannah say
Gimme a pigfoot and a bottle of beer
Send me, gate, I don’t care
I feel just like I wanna clown
Give the piano player a drink because he’s bringin’ me down
He’s got rhythm, yeah, when he stomps his feet
He sends me right off to sleep
Check all your razors and your guns
We gonna be rasslin’ when the wagon comes
I want a pigfoot and a bottle of beer
Send me, ’cause I don’t care
Slay me, ’cause I don’t care
Gimme a pigfoot and a bottle of beer
Send me, gate, I don’t care
I feel just like I wanna clown
Give the piano player a drink because he’s bringin’ me down
He’s got rhythm, yeah, when he stomps his feet
He sends me right off to sleep
Check all your razors and your guns
Do the shim sham shimmy ’til the risin’ sun
Gimme a reefer and a gang o’ gin
Slay me, ’cause I’m in my sin
Slay me, ’cause I’m full of gin.
GIN HOUSE BLUES (H. Troy and Fletcher Henderson)
I’ve got a sad sad story today
I’ve got a sad sad story today
I’m goin’ to the gin house when the whistle blows
My troubles come like rain, that starts then pours and pours
My man keeps me cryin’ all night
My man keeps me cryin’ all night
I’m goin’ to the gin house, set out by myself
I mean to drown my sorrows, my sweet somebody else
I’ve got those worse kind of gin house blues
I’ve got those worse kind of gin house blues
I’ll make one trip there to see can I ease my mind
And if I do I’m gonna make it my last time
It takes a good smart woman these days
It takes a good smart woman these days
To hold her man when these gals have got so many different ways
I mean to watch my man, don’t care what these other gals say
I’ve got to see the conjure man soon
I’ve got to see the conjure man soon
Because these gin house blues is campin’ ’round my door
I want him to drive them off so they won’t come back no more.
GOLDEN RULE BLUES (Bessie Smith)
I can’t understand, I can’t keep my man
Won’t someone please find him if you can
Tell him this for me
Give me back my key I let him have five years ago
Bring me back my key I let him have five years ago
You don’t know how to use it, you don’t need it no more
Looked for you at home, you never can be found
Looked for you at home, you never can be found
That’s the reason why you can’t carry my key around
Pretty papa, you must learn the rule
Pretty papa, you must learn the rule
Go to work every morning like all the other men do
Bring me your pay after your work every day
Bring me your pay after your work every day
That’s the only way you can make your pretty mama stay.
A GOOD MAN IS HARD TO FIND (E. Green)
My heart is sad and I’m all alone, my man treats me mean
I regret the day that I was born and that man I ever seen
My happiness has no space left today
My heart is broke, that’s why I say
Lord, a good man is hard to find, you always get another kind
Yes, and when you think that he’s your pal
You look and find him fooling ’round some old gal
Then you rave, you are crazed, you want to see him down in his grave
So if your man is nice, take my advice
Hug him in the morning, kiss him at night
Give him plenty lovin’, treat your good man right
’Cause a good man nowadays sho’ is hard to find
Lord, a good man is so hard to find, we always get that rough old kind
Yes, when you think that he’s your pal
You look and find him hangin’ ’round some old gal
Then you rave, child, you’re crazed, you’ll want to see him dead, layin’ in his grave
So if your man is nice, take my advice
Hug him in the morning, kiss him at night
Give plenty smack, madam, treat your man right
’Cause a good man nowadays sho’ is hard to find.
GRAVEYARD DREAM BLUES (Ida Cox)
Blues on my mind, blues all around my head
Blues on my mind, and blues all around my head
I dreamed last night that the man that I love was dead
I went to the graveyard, fell down on my knee
I went to the graveyard, fell down on my knee
And I asked the gravedigger to give me back my real good man, please
The gravedigger looked me in the eye
The gravedigger looked me in the eye
Said “I’m sorry, lady, but your man has said his last goodbye.”
I wrung my hand and I wanted to scream
I wrung my hand and I wanted to scream
But when I woke up, I found it was only a dream.
GULF COAST BLUES (Clarence Williams)
I’ve been blue all day
My man’s gone away
He has left his mama cold
For another gal, I’m told
I tried to treat him kind
I thought he would be mine
That man I hate to lose
That’s why mama’s got the blues
The man I love, he has done left this town
The man I love, he has done left this town
And if it keeps on snowing, I will be Gulf Coast bound
The mailman passed, but he didn’t leave no news
The mailman passed, but he didn’t leave no news
I’ll tell the world he left me with those Gulf Coast blues
Some of you men sure do make me tired
Some of you men sure do make me tired
You’ve got a mouthful of “gimme,” a handful of “much obliged.”
HARD DRIVING PAPA (G. Brooks)
Lord, I wish I could die, ’cause my man treats me like a slave
Lord, I wish I could die, my man treats me like a slave
That’s a why he drives me, I’m sinkin’ low, low in my grave
He’s a hard drivin’ papa, drives me all the time
Drives me so hard, I’m ’fraid that I’ll lose my mind
And when the sun starts sinkin’, I start sinkin’ into cryin’
Lord, I rise in the morning, dressed when the clock strikes four
Five o’clock, I’m washin’ and scrubbin’ somebody’s floor
He takes all my money and starts to cry for more
I’m goin’ to the river feelin’ so sad and blue
I’m goin’ to the river feelin’ so sad and blue
Because I love him, ’cause there’s no one can beat me like he do.
HARD TIME BLUES (Bessie Smith)
My man said he didn’t want me, I’m getting tired of his dirty ways
I’m going to see another brown
I’m packin’ my clothes, I’m leavin’ town
Getting outdoors, lettin’ him know
And he’ll see a hard time
Now there’s no need of cryin’, just put me off your mind
And you’ll see a hard time
When your good woman is gone, you will see a hard time
The risin’ sun ain’t gonna set in the east no more
The risin’ sun ain’t gonna set in the east no more
Lord, I’m a good woman, I can get a man any place I go
You can say what you please, you will miss me
There’s a lots of things you are bound to see
When your friends forsake you and your money’s gone
Then you’ll look around, all your clothes in pawn
Down on your knees, you’ll ask for me
There’s no one else you will want to see
Then you’ll pray a prayer that men pray everywhere, Lord
When your good woman is gone, when your good woman is gone.
HATEFUL BLUES (E. Johnson)
Woke up this mornin’ hateful and blue ’cause my daddy treated me wrong
He’s got his satchel, packed his clothes upon his back and gone, I say he’s gone
Yes, I’m low down, nothin’ ever worries me long, I said long
I cried last night and I cried all night before, cried the blues
And I said that I ain’t gonna cry no more, no more
If he can stand to leave me, I can stand to see him go, I said go
Yes, I’m hateful ’cause he treats me so unkind
If I find that man while hurt is on my mind
If I see him I’m gon’ beat him, gon’ kick and bite him, too
Gonna take my weddin’ butcher, gonna cut him two in two
The ambulance is waitin’, the undertaker, too
A suit in doctor’s office, all kinds of money for you
Ain’t gonna sell him, gon’ keep him for myself
Gonna cut on him until a piece this big is left
’Cause my love has been abused
Now I got the hateful blues.
HAUNTED HOUSE BLUES (J. C. Johnson)
[SPOKEN]Don’t bring no ghosts in the front, carry ’em ’round to the back door.[SUNG]
This house is so haunted with dead men I can’t lose
This house is so haunted with dead men I can’t lose
And a sneaky old feelin’ gives me those haunted house blues
I can’t sleep no more, I done lost my appetite
I can’t sleep no more, done lost my appetite
’Cause my mistreatin’ daddy hangs around me day and night
He moans when I’m sleepin’, he wakes me at two A.M.
He moans when I’m sleepin’, he wakes me at two A.M.
And he makes me swear I’ll have no other man but him
Now I’m so worried and I’m blue all the time
Now I’m so worried and I’m blue all the time
Go tell the undertaker to fix that old coffin of mine
Lord, help us to get right![SUNG]
I’m scared to stay here, I’m scared to leave this town
I’m scared to stay here, I’m scared to leave this town
But a feelin’ just tell me to burn this house on down, hainted* house on down.
HE’S GONE BLUES (Bessie Smith)
I feel blue, I want someone to cheer me
So confused, because my man’s not near me
I’m getting tired of bein’ alone
I want my good man to come on home
He’s gone and left me
He’s gone away to stay
I never had a man in my whole life
To treat me this-a-way
I work hard both the night and day
I even let him draw my pay
He packed his grip and left on Christmas Day
Oh well, I guess he’s gone
Any fair-minded woman liable to go insane
When the best man she had has gone astray
Since my man has gone, he’s gone away to roam
All I can say, he’s gone, gone, gone
He’s gone and left me
He’s gone away to stay
I never had a man in my whole life
To treat me this-a-way
I work hard both the night and day
I even let him draw my pay
He packed his grip and left on Christmas Day
Oh well, I guess he’s gone
Oh well, I guess he’s gone.
HE’S GOT ME GOIN’ (Joe Davis)
Don’t know what’s come over me, done lost my self-control
He’s the sugar in my tea, the jelly in my roll
Got me goin’, he’s got me goin’, but I don’t know where I’m headed for
Gee, I’ve got a lovin’ man, one of them handsome brutes
He’s built according to that plan, too bad when it suits
Got me goin’, he’s got me goin’, but I don’t know where I’m headed for
I can’t sleep a doggone wink, unless he’s by my side
Mine’s so different, I just can’t think without my easy ride
Got me goin’, he’s got me goin’, but I don’t know where I’m headed for
Lay and listen to the clock, ticks loud as a drum
Hear the crowing of a cock, still my man ain’t come
Got me goin’, got me goin’, but I don’t know where I’m headed for
Wouldn’t be no two-time gal, just one man’s enough
I don’t need no two men, ’cause my one man knows his stuff
Got me goin’, got me goin’, but I don’t know where I’m headed for
Got a heart, but just one man knows how to get to it
For he’s got the only key that’s a perfect fit
Got me goin’, he’s got me goin’, but I don’t know where I’m headed for
’Fraid to advertise my man, simply scared to death
These gals’ll hear about him and try him for they self
Got me goin’, got me goin’, but I don’t know where I’m headed for.
HOMELESS BLUES (Porter Grainger)
Mississippi River, what a fix you left me in
Lord, Mississippi River, what a fix you left me in
Mudholes of water, clear up to my chin
House without a steeple, didn’t even have a door
House without a steeple, didn’t even have a door
Plain old two-room shanty, but it was my home sweet home
Ma and Pa got drowned, and Mississippi, you to blame
My Ma and Pa got drowned, and Mississippi, you to blame
Mississippi River, I can’t stand to hear your name
Homeless, yes, I’m homeless, might as well be dead
Ah, you know I’m homeless, homeless, yes, might as well be dead
Hungry and disgusted, no place to lay my head
Wished I was an angel, but I’m a plain old black crow
Wished I was a nigger,* but I’m a plain old black crow
I’m gonna flap my wings and leave here and never come back no more.
HONEY MAN BLUES (G. Brooks)
I’ve got the blues, and it’s all about my honey man
I’ve got the blues, and it’s all about my honey man
What makes me love him I sure don’t understand
I’d rather be in the ocean floating like a log
I’d rather be in the ocean floating like a log
Than to stay with him and be mistreated like a dog
My heart’s on fire, but my love is icy cold
My heart’s on fire, but my love is icy cold
But I’m goin’ right to his face and get him told
I’ll fix him if it’s twenty years from now
I’ll fix him if it’s twenty years from now
I’ll have him belling just like a cow
I was born in Georgia, my ways are underground
I was born in Georgia, my ways are underground
If you mistreat me, I’ll hunt you like a hound.
HOT SPRINGS BLUES (Bessie Smith)
If you ever get crippled, let me tell you what to do
Lord, if you ever get crippled, let me tell you what to do
Take a trip to Hot Springs, and let ’em wait on you
When they put you in the water and do the bathhouse rag
Lord, they’ll put you in the water and do the bathhouse rag
And if you don’t get well, you’ll sure come back
With the steam and the sweat and the hot room too
With the steamin’ sweat, and hot room too
If that don’t cure you, tell me what will it do
Some come here crippled, some come here lame
Some come here crippled, some come here lame
If they don’t go away well, we are not to blame
Hot spring water sure runs good and hot
Hot spring water sure runs boilin’ hot
I want everybody know it sure comes from a rock.
HOUSE RENT BLUES (T. Wallace)
[SPOKEN]Where’s that coal man? I want a big lump of coal this morning.[SUNG]
On a cold, dark and stormy night
On a cold, dark and stormy night
They want to put me out and it wasn’t daylight
There on my door they nailed a sign
There on my door they nailed a sign
I got to move from here if the rent man don’t change his mind
See me comin’, put your woman outdoors
See me comin’, put your woman outdoors
You know I ain’t no stranger, and I been here before
Lordy, what a feelin’, rent man comes a-creepin’, in my bed a-sleepin’
He left me with those house rent blues.
HUSTLIN’ DAN (J. Crawford)
Listen, sportin’ fellas, all you brown and black gals, too
Tell you ’bout a black man, best that ever wore a shoe
Hustlin’ Dan, he was my man
Talk about your lovers, he could more than satisfy me
Master of my weakness, everything a man could be
Hustlin’ Dan, oh, he’s my man
He was one good gambler, he would gamble anywhere
Knows the game and plays it, always plays it on the square
Hustlin’ Dan, yes, he’s my man
Yes, he was a hustler, ramblers called him Hustlin’ Dan
Born down on the levee, was a rough and tumble man
Hustlin’ Dan, mmmm, he’s my man
He got sick one mornin’ just about the break of day
T.B. was upon him, had to send my man away
Hustlin’ Dan, he was my man
While he was in Denville, sent him money all the time
Prayed to the Lord above me, please don’t take that man of mine
Hustlin’ Dan, Lord, he’s my man
Since he’s gone and left me, bought myself a big forty-four
Gonna join my good man, I don’t wanna live no more
Hustlin’ Dan, Lord, he’s my man.
I AIN’T GOIN’ TO PLAY NO SECOND FIDDLE (Perry Bradford)
Let me tell you, daddy, mama ain’t gon’ set and grieve
Pack up your duds and get ready to leave
I’ve stood your foolishness long enough
So now I’m gonna call your bluff
On certain things I’m gonna call your hand
So now, daddy, here’s my plan
I ain’t gonna play no second fiddle, I’m used to playin’ lead
You must think that I am blind
You been cheatin’ me all the time
Why did you still flirt?
And you know just how it hurt
To see you with my chum
Do you think that I am dumb?
You cause me to drink
When I set down and think
And see that you never take heed
I called to your house the other night
Caught you and your good gal havin’ a fight
I ain’t gonna play no second fiddle, ’cause I’m used to playin’ lead
I caught you with your good time vamp
So now, papa, I’m gon’ put out your lamp
Now, papa, I ain’t sore
You ain’t gon’ mess up with me no more
I’m gonna flirt with another sheep
Then you gonna hang your head and weep
I ain’t gonna play no second fiddle, ’cause I’m used to playin’ lead.
I AIN’T GOT NOBODY (R. Graham and Spencer Williams)
They’ve been sayin’ all around, and I begin to think it’s true
It’s hard to love some man when he don’t care for you
Once I had a lovin’ man, as good as any in this town
But now I’m sad and lonely, he’s done throwed me down
I ain’t got nobody, nobody, nobody cares for me
That’s why I’m always sad and lonely
Won’t some good man take a chance with me?
I sings good songs all the time
Want some brown to be a pal of mine
I ain’t got nobody, nobody, ain’t nobody cares for me
I sings good songs all the time
Won’t some man be a pal of mine?
I ain’t got nobody, nobody, ain’t nobody cares for me.
I’D RATHER BE DEAD AND BURIED IN MY GRAVE (P. Fuller)
I’m like a fox without a hole, a ship without a sail
Like a dog who’s got a dozen cans danglin’ on his tail
I’d rather be dead and buried in my grave, mean old grave
Just soon to wallow in the mud as to be treated like a hog
I feel like I’m somebody’s old sheep killin’ dog
I’d rather be dead and buried in my grave, mean old grave
It’s a man has got me sniffin’, sniffin’ dope and drinkin’ gin
Yes, it’s another one that put me in this old hole I’m in
He hurt me when he left, nobody but the Lord can tell
I asked him where’s he goin’, he said, “Go to hell.”
I’d rather be dead and buried in my grave, mean old grave
Dug a hole for his picture, faced it to the ground
Sprinkled salt around to keep him from around
I’d rather be dead and buried in my grave, mean old grave
That man is my master and I’m nothin’ but a slave
That’s why I’d rather be dead and buried in my grave, mean old grave.
IF YOU DON’T, I KNOW WHO WILL (Clarence Williams, S. Smith, and T. Brymn)
Daddy, I want some furs and things
Daddy, I wants a diamond ring
Aeroplanes, motorcars, and such
If your little mama ain’t askin’ too much
From you, from you
Won’t you give me what I want, daddy, do
If you don’t, I know who will
If you don’t, I know who will
You may think that I’m just bluffin’
But I’m one gal ain’t s’posed to want for nothin’
I’ve got my wantin’ habits on
I’ve had ’em on since this morn’
Man, you’ve got to help me ‘long
If you don’t, it’s goodbye John
Squeeze me ’til I feel the thrill
Love me ’til I get my fill
’Cause if you don’t and say you won’t
I know who will, Mr. So-and-so, I know who will
If you don’t, I know who will
If you don’t, I know who will
You might think that I’m just bluffin’
But I’m one gal ain’t s’posed to want for nothin’
I’ve got my wantin’ habits on
I’ve had ’em on since this morn’
Man, you’ve got to help me ‘long
If you don’t, it’s goodbye John
Squeeze me ’til I feel the thrill
Love me ’til I get my fill
’Cause if you don’t and say you won’t
I know who will, my other papa, I know who will.
I’M DOWN IN THE DUMPS (L. Wilson and W. Wilson)
My man’s got something, he gives me such a thrill
Every time he smiles at me I can’t keep my body still
I done cried so much, look like I’ve got the mumps
I can’t keep from worryin’ ’cause I’m down in the dumps
I had a nightmare last night when I laid down
When I woke up this morning my sweet man couldn’t be found
I’m going down to the river, into it I’m gonna jump
Can’t keep from worryin’ ’cause I’m down in the dumps
Someone knocked on my do’ last night when I was sleep
I thought it was that sweet man of mine makin’ his ‘fore day creep
’Twas nothing but my landlord, a great big chump
Stay ’way from my door, Mr. Landlord, ’cause I’m down in the dumps
When I woke up, my pillow was wet with tears
Just one day from that man of mine seem like a thousand years
But I’m gonna straighten up, straighter than Andy Gump
Ain’t no use of me tellin’ that lie ’cause I’m down in the dumps
I’m twenty-five years old, that ain’t no old maid
I got plenty of feelin’ and vitality, I’m sure that I can make the grade
I’m always like a tiger, I’m ready to jump
I need a whole lots of lovin’ ’cause I’m down in the dumps.
I’M GOING BACK TO MY USED TO BE (J. Cox) (Duet sung with Clara Smith)
I feel sad, you feel blue, I can hardly sleep at night
For your man was so unkind and I know I didn’t treat him right
You goin’ back to your first love, ’cause a good man is hard to find
I say you have got some grand good man, believe me, he is sure on my mind
I’m goin’ back, yeah, you’re turnin’ back
I’m goin’ back to my used to be
You goin’ back, I’m goin’ back ’cause my man was so good to me
Went out the window when times was rough
[Spoken] Look out there, Clara, you know your man was in the pool yard struttin’ his stuff
Bessie, I’m goin’ back, Clara, you say you’re goin’ back
I’m goin’ back to my used to be, and it’s this morning
Back to my used to be, what can you use him for
Crazy about my used to be, he ain’t good lookin’
I love my used to be.
I’M WILD ABOUT THAT THING (Spencer Williams)
Honey, baby, won’t you cuddle near
Let sweet mama whisper in your ear
I’m wild about that thing
It makes me laugh and sing
Give it to me, papa, I’m wild about that thing
Do it easy, honey, don’t get rough
From you, papa, I can’t get enough
I’m wild about that thing
Sweet joy it always brings
Everybody knows it, I’m wild about that thing
Please don’t hold it, baby, when I cry
Gimme every bit of it, else I’ll die
I’m wild about that thing
Sha-da-jing-jing-jing
All the time I’m cryin’, I’m wild about that thing
What’s the matter, papa, please don’t stall
Don’t you know I love it and I wants it all
I’m wild about that thing
Just give my bell a ring
You can press my button, I’m wild about that thing
If you want to satisfy my soul
Come on and rock me with a steady roll
I’m wild about that thing
Gee, I like your ting-a-ling
Kiss me like you mean it, I’m wild about that thing
Come on, turn the lights down low
When you say you’re ready, just say let’s go
I’m wild about that thing
Come on and make me feel it, I’m wild about that thing
All about it when you hold me tight
Let me linger in your arms all night
I’m wild about that thing
My passion’s got the fling
Come on, hear me cryin’, I’m wild about that thing.
IN THE HOUSE BLUES (Bessie Smith)
Settin’ in the house with everything on my mind
Settin’ in the house with everything on my mind
Lookin’ at the clock and can’t even tell the time
Walkin’ to my window, and lookin’ out of my door
Walkin’ to my window, and lookin’ out of my door
Wishin’ that my man would come home once more
Can’t eat, can’t sleep, so weak I can’t walk my floor
Can’t eat, can’t sleep, so weak I can’t walk my floor
Feel like hollerin’ murder, let the police squad get me once more
They woke me up before day with trouble on my mind
They woke me up before day with trouble on my mind
Wringin’ my hands and screamin’, walkin’ the floor hollerin’ and cryin’
Catch ’em, don’t let them blues in here
Catch ’em, don’t let them blues in here
They shakes me in my bed, can’t set down in my chair
Oh, the blues has got me on the go
Oh, they’ve got me on the go
They runs around my house, in and out of my front door.
IT MAKES MY LOVE COME DOWN (Bessie Smith)
When I see two sweethearts spoon
Underneath the silvery moon
It makes my love come down
I wanna be around
Kiss me, honey, it makes my love come down
Cuddle close, turn out the light
Do just what you did last night
It makes my love come down, I wanna be in town
Sweet, sweet daddy, it makes my love come down
Wild about my toodle-oh
When I get my toodle-oh
It makes my love come down, want every pound
Hear me cryin’, it makes my love come down
Likes my coffee, likes my tea
Daffy about my stingaree
It makes my love come down, I wanna be around
Oh, sweet papa, it makes my love come down
If you want to hear me rave
Honey, give me what I crave
It makes my love come down, actin’ like a clown
Can’t help from braggin’, it makes my love come down
Come on and be my desert sheik
You so strong and I’m so weak
It makes my love come down, to be loveland bound
Red hot papa, it makes my love come down
If you want me for your own
Kiss me nice or leave me alone
It makes my love come down, it makes my love come down
Take me bye bye, it makes my love come down
When you take me for a ride
When I’m close up by your side
It makes my love come down, ridin’ all around
Easy ridin’ makes my love come down.
IT WON’T BE YOU (Bessie Smith and L. Miller)
You have really broke my heart
I wished I knew before we start
I thought you’d always be true
That’s why I left my home for you
But everything has turned out wrong
And you have left me all alone
’Til I made up my mind
To get someone who always will be kind
No matter how cruel he may be, it won’t be you
If he beats me and breaks my heart, it won’t be you
He may love me and treat me kind
Love me so hard I’ll lose my mind
I’m satisfied to know it won’t be you.
I USED TO BE YOUR SWEET MAMA (L. Miller and Fred Longshaw)
Yes, I’m mad and have a right to be
After what my daddy did to me
I lavished all my love on him
But I swear I’ll never love again
All you women understand
What it is to be in love with a two-time man
The next time he calls me sweet mama in his lovin’ way
This is what I’m going to say
“I used to be your sweet mama, sweet papa
But now I’m just as sour as can be
So don’t come stallin’ around my way expectin’ any love from me
You had your chance and proved unfaithful
So now I’m gonna be real mean and hateful
I used to be your sweet mama, sweet papa
But now I’m just as sour as can be.”
I ain’t gonna let no man worry me sick
Or turn this hair of mine gray
Soon as I catch him at his two-time tricks
I’m gonna tell him to be on his way
To the world I scream, “No man can treat me mean
And expect my love all the time.”
When he roams away, he’d better stay
If he comes back he’ll find[SUNG]
“You’ve had your chance and proved unfaithful
So now I’m gonna be real mean and hateful
I used to be your sweet mama, sweet papa
But now I’m just as sour as can be.”
I’VE BEEN MISTREATED AND I DON’T LIKE IT (Fred Longshaw)
Folks, there is somethin’ I can’t understand
Why a good woman gets a no-good man
I’m gonna leave here and the time ain’t long
Because my man has done me wrong
I’ve been mistreated and I don’t like it, there’s no use to say I do
I’ve been mistreated and I don’t like it, so I must tell to you
Once upon a time, I stood for all he did
Those days are gone, believe me, kid
I’ve been mistreated and I don’t like it, there’s no use to say I do
Once upon a time I stood for all he did
Those days are gone, man, believe me
I’ve been mistreated and I don’t like it, Lord, no use to say I do
I mean, no use to say I do.
I’VE GOT WHAT IT TAKES (Clarence Williams and H. Jenkins)
Old stingy Jenny saved up all her pennies
Straight to the bank she would go
The sharks would hound her, hands around her
But none could get her dough
Jenny’s fella was a slick high yella
Sent away to jail one day
He cried for bail and turned real pale
When I heard Jenny say
“I’ve got what it takes, but it breaks my heart to give it away
It’s in demand, they wants it every day
I’ve been savin’ it up for a long, long time
To give it away would be more than a crime
“Your eyes may roll, your teeth may grit
But none of my money will you get
You can look in my bankbook, but I’ll never let you feel my purse
’Cause I’m one woman b’lieve in safety first, safety first
“Say, if you want my money, here’s my plan
I’m savin’ it up for a real good man
I’ve got what it takes, but it breaks my heart to give it away
“I’ve got what it takes, but it breaks my heart to give it away
It’s in demand, folks cryin’ for it every day
I’ve been savin’ it up for a long, long time
To give it away would be more than a crime
“Your eyes may roll, your teeth may grit
But none of this small change will you get
You can look in my bankbook, but I’ll never let you put your hands on my purse
Lord, I’m one woman b’lieve in safety first, safety first
“Say, if you want my money, here’s my plan
I’m not savin’ it up for no snake-hip man
I’ve got what it takes, but it breaks my heart to give it away.”
I WANT EVERY BIT OF IT (Clarence Williams and Spencer Williams)
Listen to my plea this mornin’, mama’s gonna get you told
Pay attention to my warning, ’cause you been actin’ quite too bold
Everything you give me must suit me to a tee
I want every bit of it or none at all, ’cause I don’t like it secondhand
I want all your kisses or none at all, give me lots of candy, honey, love is grand
Mama likes lovin’ both night and day, I don’t like no two-time, that is why I say
I want every bit of it or none at all, ’cause I don’t like it secondhand
No, I don’t like it secondhand
I want every bit of it or none at all, ’cause I don’t like it secondhand
I want all your kisses or none at all, love good aplenty, honey, that’s my command
Mama likes foolin’ when lights are low, when you start to makin’ love, no one knows
I want every bit of it or none at all, ’cause I don’t like it secondhand
No, I can’t use it secondhand.
JAIL HOUSE BLUES (Bessie Smith and Clarence Williams)
Lord, this house is gonna get raided, yes sir!
Thirty days in jail with my back turned to the wall, turned to the wall
Thirty 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 bein’ in jail, but I got to stay there so long, so long
I don’t mind bein’ 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 ticklin’ me under my chin, under my chin
You better stop your man from ticklin’ me under my chin
’Cause if he keeps on ticklin’, I’m sure gonna take him on in
Good mornin’, blues, blues, how do you do, how do you do
Good mornin’, blues, blues, how do you do
Say, I just come here to have a few words with you.
JAZZBO BROWN FROM MEMPHIS TOWN (G. Brooks)
Don’t you start no crowin’, lay your money down
I’ve got mine on Jazzbo, that Memphis clarinet hound
He ain’t got no equal nowhere in this land
So let me tell you people, ’bout this Memphis man
Jazzbo Brown from Memphis town, he’s a clarinet hound
He can’t dance, he can’t sing, but lordy, how he can play that thing
He ain’t seen no music school, he can’t read a note
But he’s the playinest fool on that Memphis boat
When he wraps his big fat lips ’round that doggone horn
Captain out on sea and ship, Lord, carryin’ on
I could dance a month or so if that fool would only blow
Jazzbo Brown, that clarinet hound from Memphis town
Jazzbo Brown from Memphis town, he’s a clarinet hound
When he blows and pats his feet, makes a butcher leave his meat
He don’t play no classy stuff like them Hoffman Tales
What he plays is good enough for the Prince of Wales
He can moan and he can groan, I ain’t foolin’ you
There ain’t nothin’ on that horn that old Jazz can’t do
Set your dime, mark your card, then I’ll give you all the odds on
Jazzbo Brown, that clarinet hound from Memphis town.
J. C. HOLMES BLUES (G. Horsley)
Listen, people, if you want to hear a story told about a brave engineer
J. C. Holmes was the rider’s name, a heavyweight wheelman with a mighty fame
J. C. said with a smile so fine, “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 said Miss Alice Brown
“Born to ride with Mr. J. C. or die
I ain’t good-lookin’ and I don’t dress fine
But I’m a ramblin’ woman with a ramblin’ mind.”
Yes, the conductor hollered, “All aboard.”
And the porter said “We gotta unload
Look-a here, son, we oughta been gone
I feel like ridin’ 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 Pacific and the K and the P*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 dyin’.”
KEEP IT TO YOURSELF (Clarence Williams)
If your man is nice and sweet, servin’ you lots of young pigmeat
Oh, yeah, keep it to yourself
If you know you are standin’ fat, got him worried where you at
Oh, yeah, keep it to yourself
He don’t fall for no one, he don’t call for no one
He don’t give nobody none of his L-O-V-E, ’cause it’s yours
If your man is full of action, givin’ you a lots of satisfaction
Oh, yeah, keep it to yourself
If he’s gotta have a kiss and a squeeze, makes me weak way down in my knees
Oh, yeah, keep it to yourself
If he tries to treat you right, give you lovin’ every night
Oh, yeah, keep it to yourself
He don’t fall for no one, he don’t call for no one
He don’t give nobody none of his L-O-V-E, ’cause it’s yours
With your man you’ve got the best go, don’t broadcast it on nobody’s radio
Oh, yeah, keep it to yourself.
KEEPS ON A-RAININ’ (PAPA HE CAN’T MAKE NO TIME) (Spencer Williams and M. Kortlander)
One dark and stormy night Bill Jones was feelin’ blue
Things didn’t seem just right, so he didn’t know just what to do
I said, “Bill, please tell me, ain’t you satisfied?”
Bill looked around so pitiful and to me he replied
“Keeps on a-rainin’, look how it’s rainin’, papa he can’t make no time
Wind keep blowin’, cold wind blowin’, soon I’ll find the seventh line.”
In the wintertime when it’s ice and snow, you know your pretty mama’s got to have some dough
Keeps on a-rainin’, look how it’s raining, papa he can’t make no time
“Ain’t the snow just beautiful,” some people say, but I’d rather see it in a movie picture play
Keeps on snowin’, look how it’s snowin’, papa he can’t make no time.
KITCHEN MAN (Andy Razaf and A. Bellenda)
Madame Bucks was quite deluxe
Servants by the score, Pullmans at each door
Butlers and maids galore
But one day Dan, her kitchen man
Gave in his notice he’s through
She cried, “Oh, Dan, don’t go
It’ll grieve me if you do
“I love his cabbage, gravy, his hash
Daffy about his succotash
I can’t do without my kitchen man
Wild about his turnip tops
Likes the way he warms my chops
I can’t do without my kitchen man
“Anybody else can leave, and I would only laugh
But he means too much to me, and you ain’t heard the half
Oh, his jelly roll is so nice and hot
Never fails to touch the spot
I can’t do without my kitchen man
“His frankfurters are oh, so sweet
How I like his sausage meat
I can’t do without my kitchen man
Oh, how that boy can open clams
No one else can touch my hams
I can’t do without my kitchen man
“When I eat his donuts, all I leave is the hole
Anytime he wants to, why, he can use my sugar bowl
Oh, his baloney’s really worth a try
Never fails to satisfy
I can’t do without my kitchen man.”
LADY LUCK BLUES (W. Weber and Clarence Williams)
Bad luck has come to stay, trouble never ends
My man has gone away with a girl I thought was my friend
I’m worried down with tears*
Lordy, can’t you hear my prayer
Lady luck, lady luck, won’t you please smile down on me
Now’s the time, friend of mine, I need your sympathy
I’ve got a horseshoe on my door
I’ve knocked on wood ’til my hands are sore
Since my man done turned me loose
I’ve got those lady luck blues, I mean
I’ve got those lady luck blues
Lady luck, lady luck, won’t you please smile down on me
Now’s the time, friend of mine, I need your sympathy
I’ve got his picture turned upside down
I’ve sprinkled goofer dust all around
Since my man is gone, I’m all confused
I’ve got those lady luck blues, find my good man
I’ve got those lady luck blues.
LOCK AND KEY (H. Creamer and J. Johnson)
I can see that you and me will have a terrible fallin’ out
No one at the barbers’ ball will know what it’s all about
They’ll hear a shot and see you duck, and when the smoke is cleared away
Then the band will crawl from behind the stand, and then you’ll hear me say
When I get home I’m gonna change my lock and key
When you get home you’ll find an awful change in me
If I don’t change my mind, another thing you will find
That your baby maybe has got another baby on the Pullman line
You did your stuff, so get yourself another home
I said it long enough, so pack your little trunk and roam
I used to love you once but you took and made a fool out of me
Oh, when I get home I’m gonna change this old lock and key
Take off that suit I bought you, gimme that hat and that red vest, too
Take off my watch and gimme my ring, I want them shoes and everything
You just got to be the ladies’ squeeze, well, let ’em squeeze you in your BVDs
If you say much, I’ll shoot them off, I’ll shoot them off if I hear you cough[SUNG]
’Cause when I get home I’m gonna change my lock and key
When you get home you’ll find a place where home used to be
And if I don’t change my mind, another thing you will find
That your baby maybe has got another baby just as good and kind
You cheated on me, and that’s the thing that made me sore
I’ll change that key, or get myself another door
As far as my concern, you’re a gypsy homeless as a flea
’Cause when I get home I’m gonna change my lock and key, believe me!
LONESOME DESERT BLUES (Bessie Smith)
A fly will stick to jelly, and wood will stick to glue
But a man won’t stick to a woman, no matter what she do
The wrong way I’m bound to choose
That man of mine is triflin’, and he don’t mean me right
He’s got another sweetie, he stays out late at night
That is why I’ve got those desert blues
I’m gonna travel to the desert, out in the western land
I’m gonna end my troubles in the burnin’ sand
Temptation I can’t refuse
For that man of mine I’m bound to lose
My mind is like a rowboat out on the stormy sea
He’s with me right now, in the morning where will he be?
Lord, Lord, Lord, Lord, Lord, oh, Lord, Lord, Lord, Lord
I’m so nervous, I’m shakin’ in my shoes
I’m burnin’ up, I’ve got those lonesome desert blues.
LONG OLD ROAD (Bessie Smith)
It’s a long old road, but I’m gonna find the end
It’s a long old road, but I’m gonna find the end
And when I get there I’m gonna shake hands with a friend
On the side of the road, I sat underneath a tree
On the side of the road, I sat underneath a tree
Nobody knows the thought that came over me
Weepin’ and cryin’, tears fallin’ on the ground
Weepin’ and cryin’, tears fallin’ on the ground
When I got to the end I was so worried down
Picked up my bag, baby, and I tried it again
Picked up my bag, baby, and I tried it again
I got to make it, I’ve got to find the end
You can’t trust nobody, you might as well be alone
You can’t trust nobody, you might as well be alone
Found my long lost friend and I might as well stayed at home.
LOOKIN’ FOR MY MAN BLUES (Composer unknown)
Lookin’ for my man, he can strut his stuff
Lookin’ for my man, he can strut his stuff
And when he starts a-struttin’, I don’t know when I’ve got enough
Hello, Central, give me long distance phone
Hello, Central, give me long distance phone
I’m lookin’ for my man, ’cause he done left me all alone
He’s a short black man, listen, people, that ain’t all
He’s a short black man, listen, people, that ain’t all
He’s got what it takes to make these monkey women fall
He’s a red hot papa, melt hearts as cold as ice
He’s a red hot papa, melt hearts as cold as ice
Girls, if he ever love you once, you bound to love him twice
I’m lookin’ for that man, I’m gonna stop singin’ these blues
I’m lookin’ for that man, I’m gonna stop singin’ the blues
I’ll walk ’til I find him, if I wear out this last pair of shoes.
LOST YOUR HEAD BLUES (Bessie Smith)
I was with you, baby, when you didn’t have a dime
I was with you, baby, when you didn’t have a dime
Now that you got plenty money, you have throwed your good gal down
Once ain’t for always, two ain’t for twice
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
When you were lonesome, I tried to treat you kind
But since you’ve got money, it’s done changed your mind
I’m gonna leave, baby, ain’t gonna say goodbye
I’m gonna leave, baby, ain’t gonna say goodbye
But I’ll write you and tell you the reason why
Days are lonesome, nights are long
Days are lonesome, nights are so long
I’m a good old gal, but I’ve just been treated wrong.
LOUISIANA LOW DOWN BLUES (Spencer Williams)
Lou’siana, Lou’siana, mama’s got the low down blues
Lou’siana, Lou’siana, mama’s goin’ on a cruise
Tonight when I start walkin’, although the road is hard
I’m gonna keep on walkin’ ’til I get in my own backyard
Mississippi River, Mississippi River, I know it’s deep and wide
Mississippi River, I know it’s deep and wide
Won’t be satisfied ’til I get on the other side
Gon’ to keep on trampin’, gon’ keep on trampin’ ’til I get on solid ground
Gonna keep on trampin’ ’til I get on solid ground
On my way to Dixie, Lord, I’m Lou’siana bound
Got a low down feelin’, a low down feelin’, I can’t lose my heavy load
Got a low down feelin’, I can’t lose my heavy load
My home ain’t up North, it’s further down the road.
LOVE ME DADDY BLUES (Fred Longshaw)
I ain’t got nobody, I want somebody
That’s why I’m sad and blue
I feel mistreated, I don’t know what to do
And if the blues don’t kill me, they will thrill me through and through
Now I’m blue and lonesome too
I ain’t got nobody to tell my troubles to
My man he left today and if he don’t come back I’ll go astray
I love him and try to treat him kind all the time
Now I know that my man’s no good
Because he knocked me down today with a six-foot rule
Now that he’s gone away I can’t help but go astray
He left me with them lovin’ oh daddy blues.
MAMA’S GOT THE BLUES (S. Martin and Clarence Williams)
Some people say that the worried blues ain’t bad
Some people say the worried blues ain’t bad
But it’s the worst old feeling that I’ve ever had
Woke up this morning with a jinx around my bed
I woke up this morning with a jinx around my bed
I didn’t have no daddy to hold my achin’ head
Brownskin’s deceitful but a yella man is worse
Brownskin’s deceitful but a yella man is worse
I’m gonna get myself a black man and play safety first
I got a man in Atlanta, two in Alabama, three in Chattanooga
Four in Cincinnati, five in Mississippi, and six in Memphis, Tennessee
If you don’t like my peaches, please let my orchard be.
ME AND MY GIN (H. Burke)
Stay ’way from me ’cause I’m in my sin
Stay ’way from me ’cause I’m in my sin
If this place gets raided, it’s me and my gin
Don’t try me, nobody, ’cause you will never win
Don’t try me, nobody, ’cause you will never win
I’ll fight the Army, Navy, just me and my gin
Any bootlegger sho’ is a pal of mine
Any bootlegger sho’ is a pal of mine
’Cause a good ol’ bottle of gin will get it all the time
When I’m feelin’ high, ain’t nothing I won’t do
When I’m feelin’ high, ’tain’t nothing I won’t do
Keep me full of liquor and I’ll sho’ be nice to you
I don’t want no clothes and I don’t need no bed
I don’t want no clothes and I don’t need no bed
I don’t want no pork chops, just give me gin instead.
MEAN OLD BEDBUG BLUES (Joe Davis)
Well, bedbug sure is evil, they don’t mean me no good
Yeah, those bedbugs sure is evil, they don’t mean me no good
Thinks he’s a woodpecker, and I’m a chunk of wood
When I lay down at night, I wonder how can a poor gal sleep
When I lay down at night, I wonder how can a poor gal sleep
When some is holding my hand, others eatin’ my feet
Bedbugs as big as a jackass will bite you and stand and grin
Bedbugs as big as a jackass will bite you and stand and grin
Will drink all the bedbug poison, turn around and bite you again
Somethin’ moaned in the corner, I tried my best to see
Somethin’ moaned in the corner, and I went over and see
It was a bedbug was a-prayin’, “Lord, give me some more to eat.”
Got myself a wishbone, bedbugs done got my goat
Got myself a wishbone, with it cut they own doggone throat.
MIDNIGHT BLUES (B. Thompson and Spencer Williams)
Daddy, daddy, please come back to me
Daddy, daddy, please come back to me
Your mama’s lonesome as she can be
You left me at midnight, clock was strikin’ twelve
Left me at midnight, clock was strikin’ twelve
To face this cruel world all by myself
Woke up at midnight sad and blue
Miss my daddy from my side
Left alone to be among my fate
That’s why I’m sighin’, cryin’
I just can’t refuse
I feel so troubled, heartbroken too
Whoa, misery I can’t hide
At twelve o’clock, I unlock my hate
I’ve got the meanest kind
Lonesome midnight blues.
MISTREATIN’ DADDY (Porter Grainger and B. Ricketts)
Daddy, mama’s got the blues, the kind of blues that’s hard to lose
’Cause you mistreated me and drove me from your door
Daddy, you ain’t heard the news, there’s another papa in your shoes
You ain’t even got a chance with me no more, so be on your p’s and q’s
Mistreatin’ daddy, mistreatin’ mama all the time
Just because she wouldn’t let you
Mistreatin’ daddy, mama’s drawed the danger line
If you cross it I’ll get you
If you see me setting on another daddy’s knee
Don’t bother me, I’m as mean as can be
I’m like the butcher right down the street
I can cut you all to pieces like I would a piece of meat
Mistreatin’ daddy, you used to knock your mama down, when you knew I fell for you
Had me so nervous I would start jumping ’round, yes, every time I saw you
But I have got you off of my mind
And found another daddy who’s just my kind
Mistreatin’ daddy, I’ve got another papa now
I’ve got a tip of people talkin’ about
I will grab my daddy and turn him wrongside out
Mistreatin’ daddy, I’ve got a good papa now.
MOAN, YOU MOURNERS (Spencer Williams)
[SPOKEN]Sisters and brothers, we met here on some serious business. It’s been some backbitin’ goin’ on and the thing I want to know is, who’s been doin’ it. It’s a shame, it’s a shame, it’s a shame. The thing I wants to know is what bit me on my—I mean who bit me on my back.[SUNG]
Hey, you sinners, hear my call
Satan’s waitin’ for you all
Better get your souls washed white
Better see the light (Amen!)
Fiery furnace down below
If you ain’t right, down you’ll go
To original hot brimstone
Let you start right in to moan[SUNG TWICE]
You better get down on your knee
And let the good Lord hear your plea
’Cause if you want to rest with ease
Moan, you mourners
Just bend your head way down and pray
To have the Devil chased away
Come, let your souls be saved today
Moan, you mourners
Singin’ hallelujah, blood of the lamb, let your voices rise
Hear me talkin’ to you, ain’t got no time to sham if you want to get to paradise
You must repent without a doubt
And let the good Lord hear you shout
Religion turns you inside out
Moan, you mourners.
MONEY BLUES (D. K. Leader and H. Eller)
Samuel Brown from way down in Tennessee
Had a wife made his life full of misery
Now his gal sure could sing and how she’d moan the blues
And Sam said, “I sure like to hear, except this here bad news
“ ‘Daddy, I needs money,’ gives it to you, honey
‘Daddy, I need money now.’
“All day long I hear that song
‘Papa, it’s your fault if I go wrong.’
“Fast as I can lend it, how you like to spend it
It disappears somehow
“I’ve got beer money, you’ve got champagne
If you don’t stop spendin’, I will have to wait
“ ‘Daddy, I need money,’ gives it to you, honey
‘Daddy, I need money now, daddy, I need money now
Daddy, I need money,’ gives it to you, honey
‘Daddy, I need money now.’
“All day long I hear that song
‘Papa, it’s your fault if I go wrong.’
“Fast as I can lend it, how you like to spend it
It disappears somehow
“I’ve got beer money, you like champagne
If you don’t stop spendin’, I will have to wait
“ ‘Daddy, I need money,’ gives it to you, honey
‘I need a small piece of money now
I can use a piece of small change now.’ ”
MOONSHINE BLUES (Gertrude Rainey)
Drunk all night, babe, drunk the night before
But when I get sober, I ain’t gon’ drink no more
Because my friend has left me standin’ in my door
My head goes ’round and around, babe, since my baby left town
I don’t know if the river’s runnin’ up or down
But there’s one thing certain, mama’s gonna leave this town
You’ll find me reelin’ and rockin’, howlin’ like a hound
I’ll catch the first train that’s goin’ South bound
Oh, stop, you’ll hear me say stop, right through my brain
Oh, stop that train, oh, stop that train, so I can go back home again
Yeah, I’m upon my knees, play that again for me
’Cause I’m about to be a-losin’ my mind
Can’t stand up, can’t sit down
The man I love has left this town
Girls, I feel like screamin’, I feel like cryin’
I been mistreated, and I don’t mind dyin’
I’m going home, going to settle down
Going to stop my runnin’ around
Tell everybody that comes my way
I’ve got them moonshine blues, I say, I’ve got them moonshine blues.
MOUNTAIN TOP BLUES (Spencer Williams)
Feelin’ sad and sorrowful, run over with the blues
Feelin’ sad and sorrowful, run over with the blues
Someone buy me poison, that’s the kind of death I’d use
Goin’ up to the mountain top, throw myself down in the sea
Climb up to a mountain, throw myself down in the sea
Let the fishes and waves make a big fuss over me
Find a big high rock to jump from, stones all thick down on the ground
Big high rock to jump from, stones all thick down on the ground
When you find me you will see lots of pieces layin’ around
Deep hole in the river, mama’s gonna step right in
Deep hole in the river, mama’s gonna step right in
I feel the hopeless cannot pause and laugh out loud at me*
Got myself a brand new hammock, placed it underneath a tree
Got myself a hammock, placed it underneath a tree
I hope the wind will blow so hard, the tree will fall on me.
MUDDY WATER (P. De Rose, H. Richman, and J. Trent)
Dixie moonlight, Swanee shore
Headed homebound just once more
To my Mississippi Delta home
Southland has got grand garden spots
Whether you believe or not
I hear those trees a-whispering, “Come on back to me.”
Muddy water ’round my feet
Muddy water in the street
Just God’s own shelter
Down on the Delta
Muddy water in my shoes
Reelin’ and rockin’ to them low down blues
They live in ease and comfort down there, I do declare
Been away a year today to wander and roam
I don’t care, it’s muddy there
But, see, it’s my home
Got my toes turned Dixie way
’Round the Delta let me lay
My heart cries out for muddy water.
MY MAN BLUES (Bessie Smith) (Duet sung with Clara Smith)
Bessie:
Clara, who was that man I saw you with the other day?
Clara:
Bessie, that was my smooth black daddy that we call Charlie Gray.
Bessie:
Don’t you know that’s my man? Yes, that’s a fact.
Clara:
I ain’t seen your name printed up and down his back.
Bessie:
You better let him be.
Clara:
What, old gal? Because you ain’t talkin’ to me.
Bessie:
That’s my man, I want him for my own.
Clara:
[Spoken] No! No! [Sung] He’s my sweet daddy. You’d better leave that man alone.
Bessie:
See that suit he got on? I bought it last week.
Clara:
I been buyin’ his clothes for five years, for that is my black sheik.
[SPOKEN]
Bessie:
Is that you, honey?
Charlie:
“Tain’t nobody but—who’s back there?
Clara:
It sounds like Charlie.
Bessie:
It ’tis my man, sweet papa Charlie Gray.
Clara:
Your man? How do you git that way?
Bessie:
Now, look here, honey. I been had that man for sumpteen years.
Clara:
Child, don’t you know I’ll turn your damper down?
Bessie:
Yes, Clara, and I’ll cut you every way but loose!
Clara:
Well, you might as well be get it fixed.
Bessie:
Well, then.
Bessie:
I guess we got to have him on cooperation plan. I guess we got to have him on cooperation plan.
Clara:
Bessie
Bessie:
Clara!
Both:
Ain’t nothin’ different ’bout all those other two-time men.
Bessie:
How ’bout it?
Clara:
Suits me.
Bessie:
Suits me too.
Clara:
Well, then.
MY SWEETIE WENT AWAY (L. Handman and R. Turk)
I’ve got a lovesick tale to tell to you, though it ain’t no ’fair of mine
It’s ’bout a gal named Sue and a boy named Lou, they were fighting all the time
Sue came home one afternoon, and found an empty dining room
Without a word, her turtle dove had flown
She began to moan
My sweetie went away, but he didn’t say where, he didn’t say when, he didn’t say why
Or bid me goodbye, I’m blue as I can be
I know he loves another one, but he didn’t say who, he didn’t say when, he didn’t say what
His mama has got that took my sweetie from me
I’m like a little lost sheep and I can’t sleep
But I keep tryin’ to forget my triflin’ papa
Has left his mama all alone, I groan
My sweetie went away, but he didn’t say where, he didn’t say when, he didn’t say why
I know I’ll die
Why don’t he hurry home?
I’m like a little lost sheep and I can’t sleep
But I keep tryin’ to forget my triflin’ papa
Has left his mama all alone, I groan
My sweetie went away, but he didn’t say where, he didn’t say when, he didn’t say why
I know I’ll die
Why don’t he hurry home?
NASHVILLE WOMAN’S BLUES (Fred Longshaw)
Folks, I know you all have heard the blues
But this is one you likely never knew
Down in Nashville, Tennessee
Every night about half past three
The women down there, they does the chivaree
Down in Nashville, Tennessee
Down in Nashville, Tennessee
Women down there, they does the chivaree
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 say just what you choose
I have got those Nashville woman’s blues
Down there, they strut they stuff
Down there, they strut they stuff
The way they strut, it really ain’t no bluff
You can say what you choose
I have got those Nashville woman’s blues.
NEED A LITTLE SUGAR IN MY BOWL (Clarence Williams, D. Small, and T. Brymn)
Tired of bein’ lonely, tired of bein’ blue
I wished I had some good man to tell my troubles to
Seem like the whole world’s wrong since my man’s been gone
I need a little sugar in my bowl
I need a little hot dog on my roll
I can stand a bit of lovin’ oh so bad
I feel so funny, I feel so sad
I need a little steam heat on my floor
Maybe I can fix things up so they’ll go
What’s a matter, hard papa, come on and save your mama’s soul
’Cause I need a little sugar in my bowl, doggone it
I need some sugar in my bowl
I need a little sugar in my bowl
I need a little hot dog between my rolls
You gettin’ different I’ve been told
Move your finger, drop somethin’ in my bowl
I need a little steam heat on my floor
Maybe I can fix things up so they’ll go
Get off your knees, I can’t see what you’re drivin’ at
It’s dark down there, looks like a snake
Come on here and drop somethin’ here in my bowl
Stop your foolin’, and drop somethin’ in my bowl.
NEW GULF COAST BLUES (Clarence Williams)
I done packed my clothes, gonna leave my woes
Goin’ to a better place with a smile upon my face
When that steamboat blows, when that Gulf train goes
You’ll hear me say goodbye, because here’s the reason why
The Gulf of Mexico flows into the Mobile Bay
The Gulf of Mexico flows into the Mobile Bay
I’m gonna let that cold stream of water flow over my head some day
Tell me, Mr. Mailman, what is on your mind?
Tell me, Mr. Mailman, what is on your mind?
When you pass my door, look like you are blind
My eyes are brown, my teeth are pearly white
My eyes are brown, my teeth are pearly white
Because my skin is dark don’t mean my heart ain’t right.
NEW ORLEANS HOP SCOP BLUES (G. W. Thomas)
Old New Orleans is a great big old southern town
Where hospitality you will surely find
The population there is very, very fair
With everything they do, white folks do it too
They have a dance, surely it’s something rare there
Glide, slide, prance, dance, hop, stop
Take it easy, honey, I can never get tired
Of dancin’ those hop scop blues
Once more you glide, slide, prance, dance
The hop scop blues will make you do a lovely shake
They’ll make you feel so grand when you join hand in hand
I’ll never get tired of dancin’ those hop scop blues
Once more, you glide, slide, prance, I said dance, oh, hop, now stop
Take it easy, honey, oh, I can never get tired
Of dancin’ those hop scop blues
Look out now, you glide, slide, I said prance, dance
Hop scop blues will make you do a lovely shake
They’ll make you feel so grand when you join hand in hand
I’ll never get tired of dancin’ those hop scop blues.
NOBODY IN TOWN CAN BAKE A SWEET JELLY ROLL LIKE MINE (Clarence Williams and Spencer Williams)
In a bakery shop today
I heard Miz Mandy Jenkins say
She has the best cake, you see
And they were fresh as fresh could be
And as the people would pass by
You would hear Miz Mandy cry
“Nobody in town can bake a sweet jelly roll like mine, like mine
No oven in town can bake a sweet jelly roll so fine, so fine
“It’s worth lots of dough
The boys tell me so
“It’s fresh every day
You hear ’em all say
“Don’t be no dunce
Just try it once
You’ll be right in line
“Somebody told me I made the best jelly roll in town, I say in town
You must admit that I’m a jelly roll bakin’ hound, bakin’ hound
“Good jelly roll, jelly roll, it’s so hard to find
We always get the other kind
Nobody in town can bake a sweet jelly roll like mine
“Somebody told me I made the best jelly roll in town, I say in town
You must admit that I’m a jelly roll bakin’ hound, bakin’ hound
“Good jelly roll, jelly roll, from the bakery shop
Will surely make a bullfrog hop
Nobody in town can bake a sweet jelly roll like mine, like mine.”
NOBODY KNOWS YOU WHEN YOU’RE DOWN AND OUT (Jimmy Cox)
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 began 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 gonna hold on to it ’til them eagles grin
Nobody knows you when you’re down and out
In my pocket, not one penny
And my friends, I haven’t any
But if I ever get on my feet again
Then I’ll meet my long lost friend
It’s mighty strange, without a doubt
Nobody knows you when you’re down and out
I mean, when you’re down and out
Mmmm, when you’re down and out
Mmmm, not one penny
And my friends, I haven’t any
Mmmm, I done fell so low
Nobody wants me ’round their door
Mmmm, without a doubt
No man can use you when you’re down and out
I mean, when you’re down and out.
NOBODY’S BLUES BUT MINE (Clarence Williams)
Daddy, daddy, where did you stay last night?
Daddy, daddy, where did you stay last night?
Don’t you realize you ain’t treatin’ me right?
Now that I’m grievin’ and I may be sad
’Tain’t nobody’s blues but mine
When I was with you I never was glad
’Tain’t nobody’s blues but mine
When bad luck overtakes me and old time friends refuse
I wake up in the morning with them heart sickening blues
If I play the game and I lose this time
’Tain’t nobody’s blues but mine.
OH DADDY BLUES (E. Herbert and W. Russell)
Just like a flower I’m fading away
The doctor calls to see me most every day
But he don’t do me no good
Why? Because I’m lonesome for you
And if you care for me, then you will listen to my plea
Oh, daddy, look what you doing, look what you doing
Oh, daddy, you with your fooling, think what you’re losing
All the little love I gave you
Is going to make you feel so awfully blue
When you miss me, and long to kiss me
You’ll curse the day that you ever quit me
Oh, daddy, think when you all alone
You’ll get to want me, just wait and see
But there will be someone else making love to me
Then, daddy, daddy, you won’t have no mama at all
Oh, daddy, look what you doing, look what you doing
Oh, daddy, you and your fooling, think what you’re losing
All the little love I gave you
Is going to make me feel so awfully blue
When you miss me, and long to kiss me
You’ll curse the day that you ever quit me
Oh, daddy, think when you all alone
You know that you are getting old
You’ll miss the way I baked your jelly roll
Then, daddy, daddy, you won’t have no mama at all.
ON REVIVAL DAY (Andy Razaf and K. Macomber)
Have you ever seen a church begin to rock
Heard a sundown deacon preachin’ to his block
Have you ever seen old Satan on a run?
Then follow me, see just how it’s done
And have you ever heard a sermon stir your soul
Make you crave the river Jordan as you go
Have you ever felt as though you’d like to shout?
Then come on and let them feelin’s out
Oh, Lord, just hear those sisters groanin’
And hear those brothers moanin’
Repentin’ and atonin’ on Revival Day
They’re talkin’ to the spirit
Just like you see and hear it
They’re sinful and they fear it on Revival Day
When that congregation starts to sing
Nothin’ in this world don’t mean a thing
Oh, glory hallelujah
Makes you feel so peculiar
The Devil cannot rule you on Revival Day
Glory, glory, hymns are purifyin’
Wash my sins away, Lordy, Lordy, feel just like a lion
Lordy, Lordy, I’s reborn today
Oh, just hear those sisters groanin’
And hear them brothers moanin’
Repentin’ and atonin’ on Revival Day
Oh, they’re talkin’ to the spirit
Just like you see and hear it
They sinful and they fear it on Revival Day
When that congregation starts to sing
Nothin’ in this world don’t mean a thing
Oh, glory hallelujah
Makes you feel so peculiar
The Devil cannot rule you on Revival Day.
ONE AND TWO BLUES (G. Brooks)
Our love starts way down home below the Dixon line
You pick cotton down on the farm and everything were fine
But things have changed while you stayed still, you are in the rear
So you have to catch up soon or they’ll be some changes made
I’ve got them one and two blues what I can’t lose
They haunts me night and day
And if you can’t bring more, daddy, there’s the door
That small change won’t pay
If you want me to love you heap a much
Let mama feel that money touch
From now on, small change I refuse
Mama’s got them one and two blues
Quit messin’ around, you hear what I say
Start in to bringin’ eight hours a day
If you must be a rat, here’s the fact
Be a long-tailed one, have plenty of jack
Small change I refuse, mama’s got them one and two blues
I scream, mama’s got them one and two blues.
OUT SIDE OF THAT (Clarence Williams and J. H. Trent)
I’ve got the meanest man in the land
But his love is that thick and grand
His kiss just lingers on my lips
And thrills me to my fingertips
People say I’m a fool
He’s heartless and oh so cruel
But outside of that he’s all right with me
Outside of that, he’s as sweet as he can be
I love him as true as stars above
He beats me up but how he can love
I never loved like that since the day I was born
I said for fun I don’t want you no more
And when I said that I made sweet papa sore
He blacked my eye, I couldn’t see
Then he pawned the things he gave to me
But outside of that, he’s all right with me
I said for fun I don’t want you no more
And when I said that I made sweet papa sore
When he pawned my things, I said you dirty old thief
Child, then he turned around and knocked out both of my teeth[SUNG]
Outside of that, he’s all right with me.
PICKPOCKET BLUES (Bessie Smith)
My best man, my best friend told me to stop peddlin’ gin
They even told me to keep my hands out people’s pocket where their money was in
But I wouldn’t listen or have any shame
Long as someone else would take the blame
Now, I can see it all come home to me
I’m settin’ in the jail house now, I mean, I’m in the jail house now
I done stop runnin’ around with this one and these good lookin’ browns
Any time you’d see me, I was good time bound
With this one, that one, most all in town
I’m in the jail house now, I’m settin’ in the jail house now
I’m settin’ in the jail house now, I mean, I’m in the jail house now
I done stop runnin’ around with all of my good lookin’ browns.
PINCHBACK BLUES (Bessie Smith and Irving Johns)
[SPOKEN]Girls, I wanna tell you about these sweet men. These men goin’ ’round here tryin’ to play cute. I’m hard on ya, boys, yes sir.[SUNG]
I fell in love with a sweet man once, he said he loved me too
He said if I’d run away with him what nice things he would do
I’d travel around from town to town, how happy I would feel
But don’t you know, he would not work, girls, take this tip from me
Get a workin’ man when you marry, and let all these sweet men be
Child, it takes money to run a business, and with me I know you girls will agree
There’s one thing about this married life that these young girls have got to know
If a sweet man enter your front gate, turn out your lights and lock your door
Yes, get a working man when you marry, let all these pinchbacks be
Child, it takes money to run a business, and with me I know you girls will agree
And if this panic stay on much longer, I’ll hear all these young girls say
That it’s a long way to Oklahoma, but these little pinchbacks, take ’em away.
PLEASE HELP ME GET HIM OFF MY MIND (Bessie Smith)
I’ve cried and worried, all night I’ve laid and groaned
I’ve cried and worried, all night I’ve laid and groaned
I used to weigh two hundred, now I’m down to skin and bones
It’s all about a man who always kicked and dogged me ’round
It’s all about a man who always kicked and dogged me ’round
And when I try to kill him that’s when my love for him comes down
I’ve come to see you, gypsy, beggin’ on my bended knees
I’ve come to see you, gypsy, beggin’ on my bended knees
That man put something on me, oh, take it off of me, please
It starts at my forehead and goes clean down to my toes
It starts at my forehead and goes clean down to my toes
Oh, how I’m sufferin’, gypsy, nobody but the good Lord knows
Gypsy, don’t hurt him, fix him for me one more time
Oh, don’t hurt him, gypsy, fix him for me one more time
Just make him love me, but please, ma’am, take him off my mind.
POOR MAN’S BLUES (Bessie Smith)
Mister rich man, rich man, open up your heart and mind
Mister rich man, rich man, open up your heart and mind
Give the poor man a chance, help stop these hard, hard times
While you’re livin’ in your mansion, you don’t know what hard times means
While you’re livin’ in your mansion, you don’t know what hard times means
Poor working man’s wife is starvin’, your wife’s livin’ like a queen
Please, listen to my pleading, ’cause I can’t stand these hard times long
Oh, listen to my pleading, can’t stand these hard times long
They’ll make an honest man do things that you know is wrong
Poor man fought all the battles, poor man would fight again today
Poor man fought all the battles, poor man would fight 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
Now the war is over, poor man must live the same as you
If it wasn’t for the poor man, mister rich man, what would you do?
PREACHIN’ THE BLUES (Bessie Smith)
Down in Atlanta GA under the viaduct every day
Drinkin’ corn and hollerin’ hooray, pianos playin’ ’til the break of day
But as I turned my head I loudly said
Preach them blues, sing them blues, they certainly sound good to me
I been in love for the last six months and ain’t done worryin’ yet
Moan them blues, holler them blues, let me convert your soul
’Cause just a little spirit of the blues tonight
Let me tell you, girls, if your man ain’t treatin’ 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 jelly roll
Goin’ on down the line a little further now, there’s a many poor woman down
Read on down to chapter nine, women must learn how to take their time
Read on down to chapter ten, takin’ other women men you are doin’ a sin
Sing ’em, sing ’em, sing them blues, let me convert your soul
Lord, one old sister by the name of Sister Green
Jumped up and done a shimmy you ain’t never seen
Sing ’em, sing ’em, sing them blues, let me convert your soul.
PUT IT RIGHT HERE (OR KEEP IT OUT THERE) (Porter Grainger)
I’ve had a man for fifteen year, give him his room and board
Once he was like a Cadillac, now he’s like a old worn-out Ford
He never brought me a lousy dime, and put it in my hand
So there’ll be some changes from now on, accordin’ to my plan
He’s got to get it, bring it, put it right here
Or else he’s gonna keep it out there
If he must steal it, beg it, or borrow it somewhere
Long as he gets it, child, I don’t care
I’m tired of buying porkchops to grease his fat lips
And he’d have to find another place for to park his old hips
He must get it and bring it and put it right here
Or else he’s gonna keep it out there
The bee gets the honey and brings it to the comb
Else he’s kicked out of his home sweet home
To show you that they brings it, watch the dog and the cat
Everything, even, brings it from the mule to the gnat
The rooster gets the worm and brings it to the hen
That ought to be a tip to all you no-good men
The groundhog even brings it and puts it in his hole
So my man has got to bring it, doggone his soul
He’s got to get it, bring it, and put it right here
Or else he’s gonna keep it out there
If he must steal it, beg it, borrow it somewhere
Long as he gets it, child, I don’t care
I’m gonna tell him like the Chinaman, when you don’t bringem check
You don’t getem laundry if you breakem damn neck*
You’ve got to get it, bring it and put it right here
Or else you gonna keep it out there.
RAINY WEATHER BLUES (G. Brooks)
The rain sure am fallin’, pourin’ down from the sky
The rain sure am fallin’, pourin’ down from the sky
Feelin’ wet all over, I could lay right down and die
Ain’t got no jug or stopper, so I don’t need no water now
Ain’t got no jug or stopper, so I don’t need no water now
Seem like the sun oughta shine and dry things right now
Yes, I’ll find myself a raincoat and a man to tote it ’round
Yes, I’ll find myself a raincoat and a man to tote it around
’Cause I got to keep on walking in the rain in this man’s town
Got myself a red hot iron, gonna keep it in my bed
Got myself a red hot iron, gonna keep it in my bed
Fill myself with good old moonshine, and lay there, let the rain fall ’til I’m dead.
RECKLESS BLUES (Fred Longshaw)
When I was nothing but a child
When I was nothing but a child
All you men tried to drive me wild
Now I am growing old
Now I am 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
My mama says I’m reckless, my daddy says I’m wild
I ain’t good looking, but I’m somebody’s angel child
Daddy, mama want some loving
Daddy, mama want some huggin’
Darn it, pretty papa, mama want some loving, I vow
Darn it, pretty papa, mama want some loving right now.
RED MOUNTAIN BLUES (H. Troy)
Goin’ around Red Mountain in the morning
Goin’ around Red Mountain sure as you born
And if you never never no more see me again
Remember me when I’m gone
Now set down and write a letter for me
And send it straight to the man I love
Just tell him when you find him I’ll be gone
A-roamin’ the roads above
Down in the valley, my head was hangin’ low
My poor heart was achin’, gee, it hurt me so
Fortune-teller told me what I had to do
Get myself some snakeroot, start right in to chew
Got myself some snakeroot, John the Conqueror, too
Chewed them both together, I know what they will do
Took some in my pocket, put some in my boot
That don’t make him love me, I’ll start right in to shoot
Goin’ around Red Mountain in a hurry
I’m going where I can’t change my mind
And if I can’t get rid of all my worries
Then I’ll be gone for a long, long time.
ROCKING CHAIR BLUES (Bessie Smith and Irving Johns)
Did you ever wake up with Charlie all on your mind?
Did you ever wake up with Charlie all on your mind?
He plays the blues to his congregation, yeah, hear his trombone whine
He’ll make you laugh, he’ll make you cry
He’ll sit right down and moan
He’ll weep and moan, then I’ll hear you say
Lord, I wonder where my lovin’ man has gone
See, see, rider, you see, I’m goin’ away
I won’t be back until you change your way
I won’t be back until you change your way
I’m goin’ to the river, carry a brand-new rocking chair
I’m goin’ to the river, carry a brand-new rocking chair
I’m gonna ask Mr. Tadpole did the blues ever stop by here
Blues jumped a rabbit, runnin’ for a solid mile
Blues jumped a rabbit, runnin’ for a solid mile
The rabbit turned over and cried like a natural child.
SAFETY MAMA (Bessie Smith)
Let me tell you how and what one no-good man done to me
He called me pretty, young, and wild, after that he let me be
He’d taken advantage of my youth, and that you understand
So wait awhile, I’ll show you, child, just how to treat a no-good man
Make him stay at home, wash and iron
Tell all the neighbors he done lost his mind
Give your house rent shake on Saturday night
Monday morning you’ll hold collectors good and tight
You see a man you really like
Let him bite that monkey brother in his back
When his cruel heart turn, his love breaks down
Hold him where you got him, make him stay in town
’Cause I’m a safety woman lookin’ for a safety man
I made him stay at home, help me wash and iron
The neighbors knows he done lost his mind
I give a house rent shake one Saturday night
Monday morning I held collectors good and tight
I’ve seen a man I really like
I let him bite the monkey brother smack in his back
When his cruel heart turn, his love breaks down
I hold it where I had it and he stayed in town
I’m a safety woman, and I had to have a safety man
Say, I ain’t good looking, I’m built for speed
I got everything a pigmeat need
’Cause I’m a safety woman lookin’ for a safety man.
SALT WATER BLUES (G. Brooks)
I’ve got a man, he lives down by the sea
I’ve got a man, he lives down by the sea
But that doggone salty water sure ain’t got ’em for me
He sent me a letter, nothin’ in it but a note
He sent me a letter, nothin’ in it but a note
I sat right down and wrote him, man, I ain’t no billy goat
I may be crazy, but mama ain’t nobody’s fool
I may be crazy, but mama ain’t nobody’s fool
Before I stand your doggin’, I’ll eat grass like a Georgia mule
Settin’ on a church stone, worried in both heart and soul
Settin’ on a church stone, worried in both heart and soul
Feelin’ lower than a possum hidin’ in a groundhog’s hole
I’m crazy ’bout my sugar, my sugar and my ol’ long sheik
I’m crazy ’bout my sugar, my sugar and my ol’ long sheik
But that doggone salty water taste too doggone bad for me.
SAM JONES BLUES (A. Bernard, R. Turk, and J. R. Robinson)
[SPOKEN]Who is that knockin’ on that door? Jones? You better get away from there, Joe. I don’t know nobody named Jones. You in the right church, brother, but the wrong pew.[SUNG]
Sam Jones left his lovely wife just to step around
Came back home ’bout a year, lookin’ for his high brown
Went to his accustomed door and he knocked his knuckles sore
His wife she came, but to his shame, she knew his face no more
Sam said, “I’m your husband, dear.”
But she said, “Dear, that’s strange to hear
You ain’t talkin’ to Mrs. Jones, you speakin’ to Miss Wilson now
“I used to be your lofty mate
But the judge done changed my fate
“Was a time you could have walked right in and called this place your home sweet home
But now it’s all mine for all time, I’m free and livin’ all alone
“Don’t need your clothes, don’t need your rent, don’t need your ones and twos
Though I ain’t rich, I know my stitch, I earns my struttin’ shoes
“Say, hand me the key that unlocks my front door
Because that bell don’t read ‘Sam Jones’ no more, no
You ain’t talkin’ to Mrs. Jones, you speakin’ to Miss Wilson now.”
SEE IF I’LL CARE (Clarence Williams and A. Hill)
You say that you leavin’ and that you’re going away
But before you leave, dear, please let me have my say
I know that you feel good now with nothin’ on your mind
But just mark my words, dear, there’ll come a time
I know you’re gonna pay
You’ll want me back some day
To drive the blues away
Then see if I care
And when you feelin’ blue
No one to talk to you
And you don’t know what to do
Then see if I care
Though you think nothing of me and say that you don’t love me
The time is comin’ when you won’t feel like you do now
You’re gonna call my name
You know that you to blame
And you won’t be the same
Then see if I’ll care
Oh, you’re gonna pay
Lord, you’ll want me back some day
To drive your blues away
Then see if I care
And when you feelin’ blue
No one to talk to you
And you don’t know what to do
Then see if I care
Though you think nothin’ of me and you don’t love me
The time is comin’ when you won’t feel like you do now
You’re gonna call my name
You know that you to blame
Lord, you won’t be the same
Then see if I care.
SEND ME TO THE ’LECTRIC CHAIR (G. Brooks)
Judge, your honor, hear my plea before you open up your court
But I don’t want no sympathy, ’cause I done cut my good man’s throat
I caught him with a triflin’ Jane I warned him ’bout before
I had my knife and went insane, and the rest you ought to know
Judge, judge, please, mister judge, send me to the ’lectric chair
Judge, judge, good mister 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
Oh, judge, judge, Lordy, Lordy, judge, send me to the ’lectric chair
Judge, judge, hear me, judge, send me to the ’lectric chair
Judge, judge, send me there, judge, I love him so dear
I cut him with my barlow, I kicked him in the side
I stood there laughing over him while he wallowed ’round and died
Oh, judge, judge, Lordy, judge, send me to the ’lectric chair
Judge, judge, sweet mister judge, send me to the ’lectric chair
Judge, judge, good, kind judge, burn me ’cause I don’t care
I don’t want no bondsman to go my bail
I don’t want to spend no ninety-nine years in jail
So, judge, judge, good, kind judge, send me to the ’lectric chair.
SHIPWRECK BLUES (Bessie Smith)
Captain, tell your men to get on board
Heist your sail, just pull into another shore
I’m dreary in mind, and I’m so worried in heart
Oh, the best of friends sure have got to part
Blow your whistle, captain, so your men’ll know what to do
Blow your whistle, captain, so your men’ll know what to do
When a woman gets dreary, t’ain’t no tellin’ what she won’t do
It’s cloudy outdoors, as can be, oh it’s cloudy as can be
That’s the time I need my good man with me
It’s rainin’ and it’s stormin’ on the sea
It’s rainin’, it’s stormin’ on the sea
I feel like somebody has shipwrecked poor me.
SINFUL BLUES (Perry Bradford)
I got my opinion and my man won’t act right
So I’m gonna get hard on him right from this very night
Gonna get me a gun long as my right arm
Shoot that man because he done me wrong
Lord, now I’ve got them sinful blues
Look here, folks, don’t think I’m rough
’Cause I’m a good woman and I knows my stuff
That’s why I’m sinful as can be
My man may look slow, but I can’t kick
’Cause he knows a lots of little dirty tricks
That’s why I’m sinful as can be
Goin’ down to the river, take a rope and a rock
Tie it around my neck, jump over the dock
That’s why I’m sinful as can be
I want all you girls to let my man be
Everything he got belongs to me
That’s why I’m sinful as can be
Get your pistol, I got mine
Been mistreated, don’t mind dyin’
That’s why I’m sinful as can be
I told all you girls to leave my man alone
There’s nothin’ in the streets he can’t get at home
That’s why I’m sinful as can be.
SING SING PRISON BLUES (Porter Grainger and F. Johnson)
Gonna journey up the Hudson, goin’ on a lonesome trail
Gonna journey up the Hudson, goin’ on a lonesome trail
They can put me in the death house, or keep me in the Sing Sing Jail
I wrote and asked the warden why they call the jail the Sing Sing
I wrote and asked the warden why they call the jail the Sing Sing
He said stand here by this rock pile and listen to them hammers ring
Big doin’ in the courthouse, paper seilin’ for fifty cents
Big doin’s in the courthouse, papers sellin’ for fifty cents
All the judge tryin’ to tell me, my lawyer pleadin’ self-defense
The judge said, “Listen, Bessie, tell me why you killed your man.”
The judge said, “Listen, Bessie, tell me why you killed your man.”
I said, “Judge, you ain’t no woman, and you can’t understand.”
You can send me up the river or send me to that mean old jail
You can send me up the river or send me to that mean old jail
I killed my man and I don’t need no bail.
SLOW AND EASY MAN (S. Red)
Don’t care where he is, don’t care what he does
All my love is his, he’s my only one
Find my slow and easy man
Folks call him a rat, I don’t care about that
He’s the one that knows where he’s stayin’ at
Find my slow and easy man
Met them here and there, met them everywhere
He’s the only man that can make me care
Find my slow and easy man
Don’t care if he’s up, don’t care if he’s down
Kisses is my cup, sweetest man in town
Find my slow and easy man
Though he curse and fight, wouldn’t treat me right
Love him just the same, so sweet and nice
Find my slow and easy man
Hear my lonesome wail, if he’s back in jail
I would sell my soul just to raise his bail
Find my slow and easy man.
SOBBIN’ HEARTED BLUES (P. Bradford)
You treated me wrong, I treated you right
I worked for you both day and night
You bragged to women that I was your fool
So now I’ve got them sobbin’ hearted blues
The sun’s gon’ shine in my back door some day
The sun’s gon’ shine in my back door some day
It’s true I love you, but I won’t take mean treatments anymore
All I want is your picture, it must be in a frame
All I want is your picture, and it must be in a frame
When you’re gone, I can see you just the same
I’m gon’ start walkin’ ’cause I got a wooden pair of shoes
I’m gon’ start walkin’, I got a wooden pair of shoes
Gon’ keep on walkin’ ’til I lose these sobbin’ hearted blues.
SOFT PEDAL BLUES (Bessie Smith)
There’s a lady in our neighborhood who runs a buffet flat
And when she gives a party, she knows just where she’s at
She give a dance last Friday night that was to last ’til one
But when the time was almost up, the fun had just begun
But she walked into the room and yelled to the crowd
“Have all the fun, ladies and gentlemen, but don’t make it too loud.
“Oh, please, Mr. Leaderman, play it all night long
I like the words and music to this little song
How it moans away, it’s nearly break of day
“Early in the morn, so put that soft pedal on
I’m drunk and full of fun—YAHOO!
Go and spread the news, I’ve got them soft pedalin’ blues
“Early in the morn, so put that soft pedal on
I’m drunk and full of fun—YAHOO!
Go and spread the news, ’cause I’ve got them soft pedalin’ blues
Early in the mornin’—YAHOO!—I’ve got them soft pedalin’ blues.”
SORROWFUL BLUES (Bessie Smith and Irving Johns)
If you catch me stealin’, I don’t mean no harm
If you catch me stealin’, I don’t mean no harm
It’s a mark in my family and it must be carried on
I got nineteen men and I want one mo’
I got nineteen men and I want one mo’
If I get that one more, I’ll let that nineteen go
I’m gonna tell you, daddy, like the Chinaman told the Jew
I’m gonna tell you, daddy, like the Chinaman told the Jew
If you don’t likey me, me sho’ don’t likey you
It’s hard to love another woman’s man
It’s hard to love another woman’s man
You can’t get him when you want him, you got to catch him when you can
Have you ever seen peaches grow on sweet potato vine?
Have you ever seen peaches grow on sweet potato vine?
Just step in my backyard and take a peep at mine.
SPIDER MAN BLUES (Bessie Smith and H. Gray)
Early in the mornin’ when it’s dark and dreary outdoors
Early in the mornin’ when it’s dark and dreary outdoors
Spider man makes a web and hides while you sleeps and snores
Never try to sleep, mean eyes watch me day and night
Never try to sleep, mean eyes watchin’ day and night
Catch every fly as fast as she can light
That black man of mine sure has his spider ways
That black man of mine sure has his spider ways
Been crawlin’ after me all of my natural days
I’m like a poor fly, spider man, please let me go
I’m like a poor fly, spider man, please let me go
You’ve got me locked up in your house and I can’t break down your door
Somebody please kill me and throw me in the sea
Somebody please kill me and throw me in the sea
This spider man of mine is going to be the death of poor me.
SQUEEZE ME (Clarence Williams and Thomas “Fats” Waller)
Daddy, you’ve been doggone sweet on me
Daddy, you the only one I see
You know I need but you, ’cause you my man
You can love me like no one can
Somethin’ ’bout you I can’t resist
And when you kiss me, daddy, I stay kissed
Now, daddy, squeeze me, squeeze me again
Oh, daddy, don’t stop ’til I tell you when
Now, daddy, squeeze me, kiss me some more
Oh, Lord, like you did before
Your papa Cupid is standing close by
Now, daddy, don’t let sweet baby cry
Pick me up on your knee
I just get so, you know, when you squeeze me
Squeeze me, squeeze me again
Now, daddy, don’t stop ’til I tell you when
Now, daddy, squeeze me, kiss me some more
Oh, Lord, like you did before
Your papa Cupid is standing close by
Daddy, don’t let sweet mama cry
Pick me up on your knee
I just get so, you know, daddy, when you squeeze me.
STANDIN’ IN THE RAIN BLUES (Bessie Smith)
Standin’ in the rain and ain’t a drop fell on me
Standin’ in the rain and ain’t a drop fell on me
My clothes is all wet, but my flesh is as dry as can be
It can rain all day, I ain’t got no place to go
It can rain all day, I ain’t got no place to go
Because it’s cold outside in that ice and snow
If it rain five days, that won’t give me no blues
If it rain five days, that won’t give me no blues
I’ve got my raincoat and hat, umbrella, boots and shoes
Rain, rain, rain, don’t rain on me all day
Rain, rain, rain, don’t rain on me all day
’Cause if I get too wet, I’ve got to go into the house and stay.
ST. LOUIS BLUES (W. C. Handy)
I hate to see the evening sun go down
I hate to see the evening sun go down
It makes me think I’m on my last go ’round
Feelin’ tomorrow like I feel today
Feelin’ tomorrow like I feel today
I’ll pack my grip and make my getaway
St. Louis woman wears her diamond ring
Pulls a man around by her apron string
Wasn’t for powder and this store-bought hair
The man I love wouldn’t go nowhere, nowhere
I got them St. Louis blues, just as blue as I can be
He’s got a heart like a rock cast in the sea
Or else he would not go so far from me.
ST. LOUIS GAL (J. R. Robinson)
Worried in the nighttime, worried in the day
’Cause another sweetie took my man away
Down in St. Louis, there I lost my pride and joy
St. Louis woman stole the heart of my big boy
I’m cryin’, St. Louis gal, just look what you done done, I said what you done done
St. Louis gal, you gonna have some fun, I mean a lots of fun
I’m always cryin’ the blues, both night and day
Now that he’s gone
But you will shake in your shoes, hear what I say
’Cause some fine morn without any warning
St. Louis gal, I’m gonna handle you, I said manhandle you
You’ll find yourself in a jam, as sure as anything what am
Down in Missouri there’ll come a time
Your life won’t be worth a dime
You stole my pal, St. Louis gal
I’m going a huntin’, root-dooti-doot
You know just what I’m gonna shoot
You stole my pal, St. Louis gal.
SWEET MISTREATER (H. Creamer and J. Johnson)
He was a Jack from Jacksonville, she was a Lou from Louisville
Oh, this high brown daddy fell like old pussy in the well
She used to vamp him now and then, then run around with other men
So on the telephone every night, he’d call and moan
“Oh, you mistreater, oh, you lowdown cheater, no one can be so sweet when you’re lovin’ you
But when you strut your Lizzy and you knock them dizzy
When you mess around and cheat the way you do
When you out, there’s no doubt, you as smart as can be
But how come you so dumb when you easin’ home to me?
Oh, you lowdown cheater, oh, you red hot mistreater
Oh, sweet mistreater, don’t mistreat me so
“Oh, you mistreater, oh, you dirty mistreater, no one can be so sweeter when you are lovin’ you
Oh, you look so willin’, but this wait is killin’
Tell me, how come you save it the way you do?
Yeah, you wring and you twist and you can’t leave soon enough
Unless someone insists they will let you do your stuff
Oh, tell Saint Peter, you a no-good cheater
Oh, sweet mistreater, don’t mistreat me so.”
’TAIN’T NOBODY’S BIZNESS IF I DO (Porter Grainger and E. Robbins)
There ain’t nothin’ I can do or nothin’ I can say
That folks don’t criticize me
But I’m going to do just as I want to anyway
And don’t care if they all despise me
If I should take a notion to jump into the ocean
’Tain’t nobody’s bizness if I do, do, do, do
If I go to church on Sunday, then just shimmy down on Monday
’Tain’t nobody’s bizness if I do, if I do
If my friend ain’t got no money and I say take all mine, honey
’Tain’t nobody’s bizness if I do, do, do, do
If I give him my last nickel and it leaves me in a pickle
’Tain’t nobody’s bizness if I do, if I do
Well, I’d rather my man would hit me than to jump right up and quit me
’Tain’t nobody’s bizness if I do, do, do, do
I swear I won’t call no copper if I’m beat up by my papa
’Tain’t nobody’s bizness if I do, if I do.
TAKE IT RIGHT BACK (’CAUSE I DON’T WANT IT HERE) (H. Gray)
You came home about half past three
Wakin’ me up, papa, you was botherin’ me
Take it right back to the place where you got it
I don’t want a bit of it left here
You just leapin’ and rollin’ drunk
Smellin’ just like you been with any old skunk
Take it right back to the place where you got it
Mama don’t want a bit of it left here
Please, let me understand
I don’t want nothin’ that is secondhand
Take it right back to the place where you got it
You can’t leave a bit of it in here
When I tell you that I’m good and through
There ain’t nothin’ that your mama wouldn’t do
Take it right back to the place where you got it
You can’t leave a bit of it in here
Been your cook but I’m gettin’ you told
You got the last of my jelly roll
Take it right back to the place where you got it, child
You shan’t leave a bit of it in here
You just like one of these old tomcats
Always chasin’ these no-good rats
Take it right back to the place where you got it
You can’t leave a bit of it in here
Don’t come shootin’ your no-good sass
You ain’t got nothin’ that I must have
Take it right back to the place where you got it
You can’t leave a bit of it in here
I ain’t worried, I’m doin’ very fine
You keep yours and I’ll hold on to mine
Take it right back to the place where you got it
You can’t leave a bit of it in here
If you think that I miss you, sir
That’s simply your D.B.A.
Take it right back to the place where you got it
I’m gonna pick up the broom and sweep it outta here.
TAKE ME FOR A BUGGY RIDE (S. Wilson)
You my man, you so nice and brown
Sweetest man in this town
I heard you say you was goin’ away
And leavin’ here to stay
I feel like I could cry
And here’s the reason why
Daddy, you really knows your stuff when you take me for a buggy ride
I like you when you got your habits on, you can shift your gear with so much pride
I gets a funny feelin’ when you gaze into my eyes
You give me such a thrill you make my thermometer rise
I’m happy when you by my side
When you take me for a buggy ride
Daddy, you as sweet as you can be when you take me for a buggy ride
When you set me down upon your knee and ask me to be your bride
When you hug and kiss me, it makes me feel fine
I gets this funny feelin’ up and down my spine
You don’t need no teachin’, you don’t need no guide
When you take me for a buggy ride
Your lovin’ ain’t so forte in the park
But you a lovin’ poor creature in the dark
You ain’t so hot, what can it be
That makes me say, “Daddy, take all of me.”
You always ready every time that I call
What I like about you, you never stall
You ain’t no preacher, you a good old soul
You done sent salvation to my sorry soul
I can’t kick, but I’m satisfied
When you take me for a buggy ride.
THEM “HAS BEEN” BLUES (W. E. Skidmore and M. Walker)
Maybe you’d like to know, know why I’m blue, know why I’m blue, know why I’m blue
Maybe some day, it might happen to you, yes, it might happen to you
When I tell my story, listen, please do
It’s sad but true, please hear it through
Now, if you’ve got a papa, then you will know just why the blues affect me so
Did you ever wake up with the sun’s early rise
And feel around the place where your sweet sweet papa lies
And when you find that he’s gone, and his pillow ain’t even warm
Prepare yourself for the news, child, you’ve got them has been blues
You reach out for your stockings, you reach out for your skirt
You don’t know what you’re doing, your feelings sho’ is hurt
You try to find your wrapper, can’t even find your hat
You stumble over the rocker, then you start to curse the cat
Rush to the front door and pull it open wide
Then you find the message stickin’ right outside
It reads, “Goodbye, sweet mama, now don’t you feel so blue
I’ve got another woman that’s a better gal than you.”
Did you ever wake up with the sun’s early rise
And you feel around the place where your man used to lay
And then you rush to hang your head, and climb right back in bed
Be satisfied with the news, Lord, you got them has been blues.
THEM’S GRAVEYARD WORDS (G. Brooks)
I’ve got a man I had for a year, but he just won’t treat me right
He knocked me silly with a rocking chair ’cause I stayed out one night
But he done got my goat, ’cause he told me to my face
That he done bought some gal a new fur coat, and she’s done taken my place
Won’t somebody open up his eyes, ’cause that is graveyard words
And I’ll show him before he dies that them is graveyard words
I can see the undertaker puttin’ flowers on doors
And a traveler goin’ where he never come back no mo’
Tell him that I’ll fix him sure as two and two is four, ’cause them is graveyard words
Go and tell him that he is slowly dyin’, ’cause them is graveyard words
Please don’t let me lose my rightful mind, ’cause them is graveyard words
I done polished up my pistol, my razor’s sharpened too
He’ll think the world done fell on him when my dirty work is through
Tell him that I’ll do just what I said I’ll do, ’cause them is graveyard words.
THERE’LL BE A HOT TIME IN THE OLD TOWN TONIGHT (T. Metz)
Come along, get ready, wear your brand brand new gown
For there’s going to be a meeting in this good good old town
When you know everybody and they all know you
And you get a rabbit foot to keep away them hoodoo
When you hear that the preachin’ has began
Bend down low for to drive away your sin
When you get religion you’ll want to shout and sing
There’ll be a hot time in old town tonight, my baby
When you hear them bells go ding-a-ling
All join around and sweetly you must sing
When the birds ensue and the chorus will all join in
There’ll be a hot time in old town tonight
There’ll be girls for everybody in this good good old town
There’s Miss Gonzola Davis and Miss Gondula Brown
There’s Miss Henrietta Beezer and she’s all dressed in red
I just hugged and kissed her, and to me then she said
“Please, oh, please, oh, do not let me fall
You are mine and I love you best of all
You’ll be my man, or I’ll have no man at all.”
There’ll be a hot time in old town tonight, my baby
When you hear them bells go ding-a-ling
All join around and sweetly you must sing
When the birds ensue and the chorus will all join in
There’ll be a hot time in old town tonight.
THINKING BLUES (Bessie Smith)
Did you ever set thinkin’ with a thousand things on your mind?
Did you ever set thinkin’ with a thousand things on your mind?
Thinking about someone who has treated you so nice and kind
Then you get an old letter and you begin to read
You’ll get an old letter and you’ll begin to read
Got the blues so bad ’til that man of mine I want to see
Don’t you hear me, baby, knockin’ on your door?
Don’t you hear me, baby, knockin’ on your door?
Have you got the nerve to drive me from your door?
Have you got the nerve to say that you don’t want me no more?
Have you got the nerve to say that you don’t want me no more?
The good book says you’ve got to reap what you sow
Take me back, baby, try me one more time
Take me back, baby, try me one more time
That’s the only way I can get these thinkin’ blues off my mind.
TICKET AGENT, EASE YOUR WINDOW DOWN (Spencer Williams)
Tell me what’s wrong with me
My man we can’t agree
Now he’s tried to steal away
That is why you hear me say
Now, I’ve got the blues, yes, I’ve got the blues
Gonna sing ’em night and day
Ticket agent, ease your window down
Ticket agent, ease your window down
’Cause my man’s done quit me and tried to leave this town
I’d rather see this whole world sloppy drunk
I’d rather see this whole world sloppy drunk
Than to see my man startin’ in to pack his trunk
If he don’t want me, he had no right to stall
If he didn’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
He stole my money, he pawned my clothes
And which way my daddy went, a gypsy only knows
I hate a man that don’t play fair and square
I hate a man that don’t play fair and square
’Cause you can get a crooked daddy ’most anywhere.
TROMBONE CHOLLY (G. Brooks)
I know a fool that blows a horn, he came from way down South
I ain’t heard such blowin’ since I was born
When that trombone’s in his mouth, he wails and moans, he grunts and groans
He moans just like a cow
Nobody else can do his stuff’ cause he won’t teach ’em how
Oh, Cholly, blow that thing, that slide trombone
Make it talk, make it sing, Lordy, where did you get that tone?
If Gabriel knowed how you could blow, he’d let you lead his band, I know
Oh, Cholly, blow that thing, play that slide trombone
Oh, Cholly, do you know you blows a horn
Yes, I swing to and fro when you carryin’ on
You ain’t seen such shakin’ hips like when that horn is to your lips
Oh, Cholly, blow that thing, that slide trombone
Oh, Cholly, make it sing, that slide trombone
You’ll even make a king get down off his throne
And he would break a leg, I know, by doin’ the Charleston while you blow
Oh, Cholly Green, play that thing, I mean that slide trombone.
WASHWOMAN’S BLUES (Spencer Williams)
All day long I’m slavin’, all day long I’m bustin’ suds
All day long I’m slavin’, all day long I’m bustin’ suds
Gee, my hands are tired, washin’ out these dirty duds
Lord, I do more work than forty-’leven Gold Dust Twins
Lord, I do more work than forty-’leven Gold Dust Twins
Got myself a achin’ from my head down to my shins
Sorry I do washin’ just to make my livelihood
Sorry I do washin’ just to make my livelihood
Oh, the washwoman’s life, it ain’t a bit of good
Rather be a scullion cookin’ in some white folks’ yard
Rather be a scullion cookin’ in some white folks’ yard
I could eat aplenty, wouldn’t have to work so hard
Me and my ole washboard sho’ do have some cares and woes
Me and my ole washboard sho’ do have some cares and woes
In the muddy water, wringin’ out these dirty clothes.
WASTED LIFE BLUES (Bessie Smith)
I’ve lived a life but nothin’ I’ve gained
Each day I’m full of sorrow and pain
No one seems to care enough for poor me
To give me a word of sympathy
Oh, me! Oh, my! Wonder what will the end be?
Oh, me! Oh, my! Wonder what will become of poor me?
No father to guide me, no mother to care
Must bear my troubles all alone
Not even a brother to help me share
This burden I must bear alone
Oh, me! Oh, my! Wonder what will my end be?
Oh, me! Oh, my! Wonder what will become of poor me?
I’m settin’ and thinkin’ of the days gone by
They fills my heart with pain
I’m too weak to stand and too strong to cry
But I’m forgettin’ it all in vain
Oh, me! Oh, my! Wonder what will my end be?
Oh, me! Oh, my! Wonder what will become of poor me?
I’ve traveled and wandered almost everywhere
To get a little joy from life
Still I’ve gained nothin’ but wars and despair
Still strugglin’ in this world of strife
Oh, me! Oh, my! Wonder what will my end be?
Oh, me! Oh, my! Wonder what will become of poor me?
WEEPING WILLOW BLUES (P. Carter)
I went down to the river, sat beneath the willow tree
The dew dropped on those willow leaves, and it rolled right down on me
And that’s the reason I’ve got those weepin’ willow blues
I went up on the mountain, high as any gal could stand
And looked out on the engine that took away my lovin’ man
And that’s the reason I’ve got those weepin’ willow blues
I heard the whistle blowin’, the fireman rang the bell
They’re takin’ away that willow tree that give me this weepin’ spell
And that’s the reason I’ve got those weepin’ willow blues
When you’re broken hearted and your man is out of town
Go to the river, take the chair and then set down
And if he don’t come back to you I’ll tell you what to do
Just jump right overboard, ’cause he ain’t no more to you
Folks, I love my man, I kiss him mornin’, 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’ve tried to do
The way he treats me, girls, he’ll do the same thing to you
That’s the reason I’ve got those weepin’ willow blues.
WHAT’S THE MATTER NOW? (Clarence Williams and Spencer Williams)
Papa, papa, Tree Top Tall, hear your lovin’ mama call
You ain’t doin’ so good, you ain’t treatin’ me like you should
Papa, papa, hear my plea, stop mistreatin’ me
You stay, stay away, that’s why you hear me say
What’s the matter now, what’s the matter now?
Haven’t seen you, honey, since way last spring
Tell me, pretty papa, have you broke that thing?
What’s the matter now, say we can’t get along somehow
I ain’t had no sugar in a long time
Tell me, what’s the matter now, daddy, tell me what’s the matter now?
What’s the matter now, what’s the matter now?
You never give me lovin’ like a daddy should
Tell me, do you really think I’m made of wood?
What’s the matter now, cruel daddy, we can’t get along somehow
Mama wants some honey from that honeycomb
Tell me, what’s the matter now, daddy, tell me what’s the matter now?
WHOA, TILLIE, TAKE YOUR TIME (T. Layton and H. Creamer)
Tillie Brown was a dancin’ fool
Spent her time in a dancin’ school
When the band would play
Tillie would start ready to sway
First one out on the ballroom floor
She never got enough, she just craved for more
When she start to sway, all the girls and boys would say
“Whoa, Tillie, take your time, whoa, Tillie, take your time
There ain’t no use to hurryin’ ’cause you want to prance
You got all night to do that dance
Whoa, Tillie, lay ’em down, whoa, Tillie Brown
You don’t know what to shake, when you shake, what you break
Whoa, Tillie, take your time
“Whoa, Tillie, take your time, whoa, Tillie, take your time
There ain’t no use to hurryin’ ’cause you want to prance
Look out there, Tillie, you got all night to do that dance
Whoa, Tillie, lay ’em down, whoa, Tillie, Tillie Brown
You don’t know what to shake, when you shake, what you break
Whoa, Tillie, take your time.”
WOMAN’S TROUBLE BLUES (Jack Gee*)
When a woman gets in trouble, everybody throws her down
When a woman gets in trouble, everybody throws her down
She’ll look for her friends, and none can be found
I got to go to jail innocent, I got to do my time
I got to go to jail innocent, I got to do my time
Because the judge is so cruel, he won’t take no fine
When I get out I’m gonna leave this town
When I get out I’m gonna leave this town
Everybody’ll miss me when they don’t see me around
There ain’t but one thing worries my troublin’ mind
There ain’t but one thing worries my troublin’ mind
The man I love left me behind
My man left me, that’s why I’m all confused
My man left me, that’s why I’m all confused
He left me with them troublin’ blues.
WORK HOUSE BLUES (T. Wallace)
Everybody’s cryin’ the work house blues all day, oh Lord, oh Lord
The work is so hard, thirty days is so long, oh Lord, oh Lord
I can’t plow, I can’t cook, if I’d ran away, wouldn’t that be good
’Cause I’m goin’ to the Nation, goin’ to the territor’
Say I’m bound for the Nation, bound for the territor’
I got to leave here, I got to get the next train home
Work house sets way out on a long old lonesome road
Work house sets way out on a long old lonesome road
I’m a hard luck gal, catch the devil everywhere I go
Say, I wished I had me a heaven of my own
Say, I wished I had a heaven of my own
I’d give all those poor girls a long old happy home
Say, he used to be mine, but look who’s got him now
Say, he used to be mine, but look who’s got him now
Say, she sure can keep him, he don’t mean her no good nohow.
WORN OUT PAPA (Spencer Williams)
Papa, papa, you in a good man’s way
Papa, papa, you in a good man’s way
I can find one better than you any time of day
You ain’t no good so you better haul your freight
You ain’t no good, you better haul your freight
Mama wants a live wire, papa, you can take the gate
I’m a red hot woman, just full of flamin’ youth
I’m a red hot woman, just full of flamin’ youth
You can’t call me, daddy, you no good, that’s the truth
All my time I wasted havin’ you to bother me
All my time I wasted havin’ you to bother me
You give me the willies, now I’m glad I’m free
I’m one woman don’t want no no-good man
Yes, I’m one woman don’t want no no-good man
You just like a worn out, badly bent electric fan
Your youth done failed, all your pep’s done gone
Your youth done failed, all your pep’s done gone
Pick up that suitcase, man, and travel on.
YELLOW DOG BLUES (W. C. Handy)
Ever since Miz Suzy Johnson lost her jockey Lee
There’s been much excitement and more to be
You can hear moanin’, moanin’ night and morn
She’s wonderin’ where her easy rider’s gone
Cablegram goes off in inquiry
Telegram goes off in sympathy
Letters came from down in ’Bam
Everywhere that Uncle Sam
Is the ruler of delivery*
All day the phone rings, it’s not for me
At last good tidings fill my heart with glee
This message came from Tennessee
“Dear Sue, your easy rider struck this burg today
On a southbound rattler beside the Pullman car
I seen him there, and he was on the hog.”
All you easy riders got to stay away
They had to vamp it but the hike ain’t far
He’s gone to where the Southern cross the Yellow Dog.
YES, INDEED HE DO (Porter Grainger)
I don’t know what makes it rain, can’t tell what makes it snow
Well, I don’t claim to know it all, but there’s some things I do know
There’s one thing in particular that I never have to guess
I ask myself this question, and I have to tell me yes
Oh, do my sweet, sweet daddy love me? Yes, indeed he do
Is he true as stars above me? What kind of fool is you?
He don’t stay from home all night more than six times a week
No, I know that I’m his Sheba, and I know that he’s my sheik
And when I ask him where he’s been, he grabs a rocking chair
Then he knocks me down and says, “It’s just a little love lick, dear.”
But if some woman looks at him, I’ll tear her half in two
Oh, do my sweet, sweet daddy love me? Yes, indeed he do
Of course my sweet daddy loves me, yes, indeed he do
If he beats me or mistreats me, what is that to you?
I don’t have to do no work except to wash his clothes
And darn his socks and press his pants and scrub the kitchen floor
I wouldn’t take a million for my sweet, sweet daddy Jim
And I wouldn’t give a quarter for another man like him
Gee, ain’t it great to have a man that’s crazy over you?
Oh, do my sweet, sweet daddy love me? Yes, indeed he do.
YODELING BLUES (Clarence Williams)
The blues, the blues, the yodeling blues
They seem to haunt me all the time
Because I ain’t got no one that will console my mind
It seems to me no happiness will I ever find, no happiness will I find
Lord, Lord, Lord, Lord, Lord, Lord, Lord, Lord
My man went out without a cause
I wonder who put them jinx on me, I said them jinx on me
I wonder who put them jinx on me, low down jinx on me
My man gone back to his used to be
I’m gonna yodel, yodel my blues away, I said my blues away
I’m gonna yodel, yodel my blues away (YEE HOO!)
I’m gonna yodel ’til things come back my way
I’ve got the blues, oh spread the news
I’ve got those doggone yodelin’ blues.
YOU DON’T UNDERSTAND (Clarence Williams, Spencer Williams, and J. Johnson)
Here I am, girls of mine, pleading but it’s all in vain
Gee, I am out of line, can’t we make it up again
You know, baby, there’s no maybe, I love only you
You the only one and no one else will do
It makes me forgive when you turn me away
But I know, dear, that you don’t understand
Won’t you believe anything I say
But I know, dear, that you don’t understand
Open up your heart, let me in your heart, I’m pleadin’
No one else will do ’cause it’s only you I’m needin’
My faith you hold, my love in your hands
But I know, dear, that you don’t understand
I’m so blue, in despair, ’cause you have turned me down
I don’t know if you care I don’t come around
You know, honey, it’s so funny when you treat me bad
Won’t you hear me pleadin’, ’cause I’m goin’ mad
It makes me cry when you laugh in my face
But I know, dear, that you don’t understand
Now I see why I can’t hold first place
’Cause I know, dear, that you don’t understand
For your love I’ve strived, sure as I’m alive, I’ll bet you
Then you’ll forgive, soon you’ll forgive, I’ll get you
Then you’ll see all the things that I’ve planned
But I know, dear, that you don’t understand.
YOUNG WOMAN’S BLUES (Bessie Smith)
Woke up this mornin’ when chickens were crowin’ for day
Felt on the right side of my pillow, my man had gone away
By his pillow he left a note
Readin’ “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 runnin’ ’round
I’m a young woman and ain’t done runnin’ ’round
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 yella, I’m a deep killer brown
I ain’t gonna marry, ain’t gon’ settle down
I’m gon’ drink good moonshine and run these browns down
See that long lonesome road, Lord, you know it’s gotta end
And I’m a good woman and I can get plenty men.
YOU OUGHT TO BE ASHAMED (Porter Grainger)
You’ll be sorry, daddy, you just wait and see, daddy, wait and see
Wouldn’t treat a dog the way you treatin’ me, like you treatin’ me
I’m a total nervous wreck with a millstone ’round my neck, I’m as through as any gal can be
Don’t be surprised if you see me hangin’ from a tree, hangin’ from a tree
You ought to be ashamed, shame, ashamed, shame of what you done to me
But daddy, I’m to blame, I’m to blame for lettin’ you have my company
I’m a poor weak vessel and I just can’t help myself
And daddy, when you quit me I can’t crawl up on no shelf
But you ought to be ashamed, shame, ashamed, shame of how you treatin’ me
You ought to be ashamed, shame, ashamed, shame of what you done to me
But daddy, I’m the same, just the same, you will find that I will always be
You can dodge me and neglect me, treat me like a hound
I’ll be here waitin’ for you when you tired a-runnin’ ’round
But you ought to be ashamed, shame, ashamed, shame of how you treatin’ me.
YOU’VE BEEN A GOOD OLE WAGON (J. Henry)
Look-a here, daddy, I want to tell you, please get out of my sight
I’m playin’ quits now, right from this very night
You’ve had your day, don’t set around and frown
You’ve been a good ole wagon, daddy, but you done broke down
Now, you better go to the blacksmith shop, and get yourself overhauled
There’s 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
Automobiles are the rage, 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
There’s no need to cry, and make a big show
This man has taught me more about lovin’ than you will ever know
He is the king of lovin’, this man deserve a crown
He’s a good ole wagon, daddy, and he ain’t broke down.
YOU’VE GOT TO GIVE ME SOME (Spencer Williams)
Lovin’ is the thing I crave, for your love I’d be your slave
You gotta gimme some, yes, gimme some
Can’t you hear me pleading, you gotta gimme some
Said Miss Jones to old Butcher Pete, “I want a piece of your good old meat
You gotta gimme some, oh, gimme some
I crave your round steak, you gotta gimme some.”
Sweet as candy in a candy shop, it’s just your sweet, sweet lollipop
You gotta gimme some, please gimme some
I love all-day suckers, you gotta gimme some
To the milkman I heard Mary scream, said she wanted a lots of cream
You gotta gimme some, oh, gimme some
Fetch it when you come, sir, you gotta gimme some
Hear my cryin’ on my bended knee, if you wanna put my soul at ease
You gotta gimme some, please gimme some
Can’t stand it any longer, you gotta gimme some
Zebra called up camel’s sugar lump, said, “I’m goin’ crazy about your hump
You gotta gimme some, please gimme some
I can’t wait a day, you gotta gimme some.”
Jaybird said to the peckerwood, “I’ll let you peck like a pecker should
But gimme some, yes, gimme some
I’m crazy ’bout them worms, you gotta gimme some.”
*Edward Brooks, in The Bessie Smith Companion, suggests that Smith, rather than Gee, co-authored this song with Longshaw.
*Edward Brooks, in The Bessie Smith Companion, suggests that Smith, rather than Gee, probably wrote this song.
*Haunted (haint = ghost).
*This is the lyric Smith sings here.
*This line is very difficult to discern. While a number of railroad lines were designated by letters (e.g., M. & O. for Mobile & Ohio, or I.C. for Illinois Central) “the K and the P” may or may not be accurate here.
*The last word of this line is virtually inaudible.
*This line is very difficult to discern; it may or may not be accurate.
*This racist caricature of Chinese speech can be found in other songs as well. The last phrase here is virtually inaudible.
*Edward Brooks, in The Bessie Smith Companion, suggests that Smith, rather than Gee, probably composed this song.
*Handy’s words are: “Everywhere that Uncle Sam/Has the Rural Free Delivery.”
