Testi delle canzoni registrate da Gertrude “Ma” Rainey
ARMY CAMP HARMONY BLUES (Hooks Tilford and Gertrude Rainey)
My man is leavin’, cryin’ won’t make him stay
Lord, my man is leavin’, cryin’ won’t make him stay
If cryin’d do any good, I’d cry my poor self away
If I had wings, I’d fly all over this land
If I had wings, I’d fly all over this land
When I stop flyin’, I’m right there over my man.
BAD LUCK BLUES (Lovie Austin)
Hey, people, listen while I spread my news
Hey, people, listen while I spread my news
I want to tell you people all about my bad luck blues
Did you ever wake up, just at the break of day
Did you ever break up, just at the wake of day
With your arms around the pillow where your daddy used to lay?
Lord, look where the sun done gone
Lord, Lord, look where the sun done gone
Hey, Lord, there’s something going on wrong
What’s the use of living, you can’t get the man you love
What’s the use of living, you can’t get the man you love
You might as well to die, give your soul to the Maker above.
BARREL HOUSE BLUES (Lovie Austin)
Got the barrel house blues, feelin’ awf’ly dry
Got the barrel house blues, feelin’ awf’ly dry
I can’t drink moonshine, ’cause I’m ’fraid I’d die
Papa likes his sherry, mama likes her port
Papa likes his sherry, mama likes her port
Papa likes to shimmy, mama likes to sport
Papa likes his bourbon, mama likes her gin
Papa likes his bourbon, mama likes her gin
Papa likes his outside women, mama like her outside men.
BESSEMER BOUND BLUES (Everett Murphy)
Woke up this morning looking for my diamond jewels
I woke up this morning looking for my diamond jewels
’Cause mama’s goin’ home singin’ those Bessemer blues
Papa, sugar papa, how come you do me like you do?
Papa, sugar papa, how come you do me like you do?
I’ve done everything you asked me, tryin’ to get along with you
I wade in the water, walk through the ice and snow
I wade in the water, I walk through the ice and snow
But from now on, papa, I won’t be your dog no more
State Street’s all right and lights shine nice and bright
State Street’s all right and lights shine nice and bright
But I’d rather be in Bessemer reading by a candle light.
BIG BOY BLUES (Gertrude Rainey)
Oh, run here, daddy, tell me what’s on your mind
Oh, run here, daddy, tell me what’s on your mind
Oh, keeps me worried, grieving all the time
There’s two things I can’t understand
There’s two things I can’t understand
Why these married women crazy ’bout the back door man
Lord, toot it, big boy, toot it
Lord, that’s my back door man [SUNG]
I’m goin’ up on the mountain, goin’ by the railroad tracks
Lord, going up on the mountain, going by the railroad tracks
I lost my daddy and I can’t turn back
I got a letter this morning, it didn’t read just right
I got a letter this morning, it didn’t read just right
That means I’m leaving to walk the streets all night.
BIG FEELING BLUES (Selma Davis and Gertrude Rainey)
[SPOKEN]
All these many years I been pleadin’ for a man
How come I can’t get me a real monkey man?
I’m not no triflin’ woman
I’ve been looking for a man I can call my own
Been married many times, but they left my home
Ah, big feeling blues, worst I ever had
I’ve got the big feeling blues, I mean I’ve got ’em bad
Charlie Jackson:
If you looking for a brown, come get this chocolate queen I’m a big kid man, just out of my teens
Rainey:
Ah, big feeling blues, worst I’ve ever had I’ve got the big feeling blues, I mean I’ve got ’em bad
Unlucky with my yellow, unlucky with my brown The blacks they just keep on throwing me down
Ah, big feeling blues, worst I’ve ever had I’ve got the big feeling blues, I mean I’ve got ’em bad
Jackson:
If you need a good man, why don’t you try me? I sho can put you out of your misery
Rainey:
Ah, big feeling blues, worst I’ve ever had I’ve got the big feeling blues, I mean I’ve got ’em bad
There’s a whole lot left, what’s left is good Gimme a chance, honey, I’ll make you change your neighborhood
Ah, big feeling blues, worst I’ve ever had I’ve got the big feeling blues, I mean I’ve got ’em bad.
BLACK CAT HOOT OWL BLUES (Thomas Dorsey)
Black cat on my doorstep, black cat on my windowsill
Black cat on my doorstep, black cat on my windowsill
If one black cat don’t cross me, another black cat will
It’s bad luck if I’m jolly, bad luck if I cry
It’s bad luck if I’m jolly, bad luck if I cry
It’s bad luck if I stay here, it’s still more bad luck if I die
Last night a hootin’ owl come and sit right over my door
Last night a hootin’ owl come and sit right over my door
A feeling seemed to tell me I’d never see my man no more
I feel my left side a-jumping, my heart a-bumping, I’m minding my p’s and q’s
I feel my brain a-thumping, I’ve got no time to lose
Mama’s superstitious, trying to overcome those blues.
BLACK DUST BLUES (Selma Davis and Gertrude Rainey)
It was way last year when my trouble began
It was way last year when my trouble began
I had a fuss with a woman, she said I took her man
She sent me a letter, says she’s gonna turn me down
She sent me a letter, says she’s gonna turn me down
She’s gonna fix me up so I won’t chase her man around
I begin to feel bad, worse than I ever before
I began to feel bad, worse than I ever before
Started out one morning, found black dust all ’round my door
I began to get thin, had trouble with my feet
I began to get thin, had trouble with my feet
Throwing stuff out my mouth whenever I tried to eat
Black dust in my window, black dust on my doormat
Black dust in my window, black dust on my doormat
Black dust got me walking on all fours like a cat.
BLACK EYE BLUES (Thomas Dorsey)
Down in Hogan’s Alley lived Miss Nancy Ann
Always fussin’, squabbling with her man
Then I heard Miss Nancy say
“Why do you treat your gal that way?”
I went down the alley, other night
Nancy and her man had just had a fight
He beat Miss Nancy ’cross the head
When she rose to her feet, she said
“You low down alligator, just watch me
Sooner or later gonna catch you with your britches down
You ’buse me and you cheat me, you dog around and beat me
Still I’m gonna hang around
“Take all my money, blacken both of my eyes
Give it to another woman, come home and tell me lies
You low down alligator, just watch me
Sooner or later gonna catch you with your britches down
I mean, gonna catch you with your britches down.”
BLAME IT ON THE BLUES (Thomas Dorsey)
I’m so sad and worried, got no time to spread the news
I’m so sad and worried, got no time to spread the news
Won’t blame it on my trouble, can’t blame it on the blues
Lord, Lord, Lord, Lordy Lord
Lord, Lord, Lordy Lordy Lord
Lord, Lord, Lord, Lord, Lord, Lord
I can’t blame my daddy, he treats me nice and kind
I can’t blame my daddy, he treats me nice and kind
Shall I blame it on my nephew, blame it on that trouble of mine?
This house is like a graveyard, when I’m left here by myself
This house is like a graveyard, when I’m left here by myself
Shall I blame it on my lover, blame it on somebody else?
Can’t blame my mother, can’t blame my dad
Can’t blame my brother for the trouble I’ve had
Can’t blame my lover that held my hand
Can’t blame my husband, can’t blame my man
Can’t blame nobody, guess I’ll have to blame it on the blues.
BLUES, OH BLUES (Gertrude Rainey)
[SPOKEN]
Now it’s the blues, boys, play ’em whilst I sing ’em
[SUNG]Oh blues, oh blues, oh blues
Oh blues, oh blues, blues, oh blues
I’m so blue, so blue, I don’t know what to do
Oh blues, oh blues, oh blues
I’m going away, I’m going to stay
I’m going away, I’m going to stay
I’m going away, oh, mama’s going to stay
I’m going to find the man I love some sweet day
Lord, b’lieve it, I’ve changed my mind [SUNG]
Oh blues, oh blues, oh blues
Oh blues, oh blues, blues, oh blues
I’m so blue, so blue, oh, mama don’t know what to do
Oh blues, I’m blue, oh blues.
BLUES THE WORLD FORGOT, PART I (Composer unknown)
[ENTIRELY SPOKEN]
Rainey:
Lord, Lord, Lord, I got the blues this mornin’ and don’t care who know it. I want all you boys to lock your doors, and don’t let nobody in but the police.
Unknown man:
Look here, Ma.
Rainey:
What is it?
Man:
What’s the matter with you?
Rainey:
I got the blues.
Man:
What kinda blues?
Rainey:
The blues that the world forgot.
Man:
Woman, I believe you is drunk.
Rainey:
Drunk? Don’t gimme no hambone! Mm, mm, mm, mm. Lord have mercy! The way I feel this morning, I don’t mind going to jail!
Man:
Ma, don’t talk so loud! Don’t you see the sergeant standing out there on the corner?
Rainey:
Tell the sergeant I said come on in, and bring all the corn mash he have with him! Lord have mercy! Now, that does it!
Man:
Lookit here, Ma.
Rainey:
What is it?
Man:
They done turn all them black cats loose there in that alley.
Rainey:
Turn all the cats loose? What do I care if they turn them cats loose? Let them bring all the drunken cats! Where is the bootlegger? Tell him I’m going to drink all the whiskey he made this week! I feel like going to jail!
Man:
Uh-oh!
Rainey:
What is it?
Man:
Uh-oh!
Rainey:
What’s the matter?
Man:
Old Tack Annie’s done cut her old man’s head again.
Rainey:
Cut her old man’s head? Tell Tack Annie t’come on down here! I ain’t scared of her! Bring all the Tack Annies! The way I feel this morning, I’ll tackle any Tack Annie! I wouldn’t mind seein’ Tack Annie!
Man:
Well, it won’t be long now.
Rainey:
I know’d it, I know’d it, I know’d it; we’ll all land up in jail. I’m going to tell the judge I don’t know a thing about it!
Man:
Well, it wasn’t me!
BLUES THE WORLD FORGOT, PART II (Composer unknown)
[SPOKEN]
Rainey:
I told that judge I didn’t know a thing about it.
Unknown man:
Yeah, but you’re doin’ time right here with me, sister. Huh!
Rainey:
All right, but I’m doin’ my time for nothin’.
Man:
Yeah, I heard that before.
Rainey:
Everybody said I wasn’t a little old drunk.
Man:
No, you don’t get drunk.
Rainey:
How I feel this week, brother, I’m gonna tell you right now.
Man:
Until Thursday. You go to jail every Friday mornin’.
Rainey:
That’s all right.
Man:
Biggest whiskey head in town.
[RAINEY SINGS, MAN SPEAKS)
Rainey:
Everybody cryin’ mercy, tell me what mercy means.
Man:
Now, ain’t that one evil woman?
Rainey:
Everybody cryin’ mercy, tell me what mercy means.
Man:
Mm, mm, mm, mm!
Rainey:
If it means feelin’ good, Lord, have mercy on me.
Man:
Aw, that’s what I thought.
Rainey:
When your man start to quit you, you know there’s somethin’ goin’ on wrong.
Man:
That’s it? That’s it! Got one of them things in the bag.
Rainey:
When your man start to quit you, somethin’ goin’ on wrong.
Man:
Ought to take that graveyard dust out your pocket!
Rainey:
Lay down in your bed, can’t sleep all night long.
Rainey:
Well, I’m drunk all right now, but I know just what I’m doin’!
Man:
Yeah, yeah, woman, yeah! Stop shaking that mess in here!
Rainey:
Yeah, well, look like the time ain’t gonna be long now!
Man:
You goin’ back to jail again if you don’t stop shakin’ that thing here. Don’t allow that in here!
Rainey:
Can anybody come help poor little bitty old me? Lord, Lord.
Man:
’Round here carryin’ a groundhog in your pocket.
Rainey:
Oh, how I feel this evening!
Man:
Aw! Somebody come here! Ma! Have you … have you completely lost your head?
Rainey:
I’m drunk!
BOOZE AND BLUES (J. Guy Suddoth)
Went to bed last night and, folks, I was in my tea
I went to bed last night and I was in my tea
Woke up this morning, the police was shaking me
I went to the jail house, drunk and blue as I could be
I went to the jail house, drunk and blue as I could be
But the cruel old judge sent my man away from me
They carried me to the courthouse, Lordy, how I was cryin’
They carried me to the courthouse, Lordy, how I was cryin’
They give me sixty days in the jail and money couldn’t pay my fine
Sixty days ain’t long when you can spend them as you choose
Sixty days ain’t long when you can spend them as you choose
But they seem like years in a cell where there ain’t no booze
My life is all a misery when I cannot get my booze
My life is all a misery when I cannot get my booze
I can’t live without my liquor, got to have the booze to cure those blues.
BO-WEEVIL BLUES (Gertrude Rainey)
Hey, hey, bo-weevil, don’t sing them blues no more
Hey, 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
I’m gonna sing these blues to ease the bo-weevil’s lonesome mind
I don’t want no man to put no sugar in my tea
I don’t want no man to put no sugar in my tea
Some of ’em so evil, I’m ’fraid he might poison me
I went downtown, and bought me a hat
I brought it back home, I laid it on the shelf
Looked at my bed, I’m gettin’ tired sleepin’ by myself.
BROKEN HEARTED BLUES (Gertrude Rainey)
Lord, I wonder, what is it worryin’ me
Lord, I wonder, what is it worryin’ me
If it ain’t my regular, must be my used to be
I’m going to buy me a pair of meat hounds to lead this lonesome trail*
I’m going to buy me a pair of meat hounds to lead this lonesome trail
If I don’t find my good man, I’ll spend the rest of my life in jail
Good morning, judge, Mama Rainey’s done raised sand
Good morning, judge, Mama Rainey’s done raised sand
She killed everybody, judge, she’s even killed her man.
BROKEN SOUL BLUES (H. Strathedene Parham)
My soul is broken, my heart aches too
Days I spend longing, daddy, for you
Nights I spend weeping, weeping for you
You gonna miss the day you took your love away
Then you’ll know just how it feels
When you got the broken soul blues
You made me love you, you made your mama care
You demanded money, I didn’t scold
When you asked for loving, I give you my soul
I’m crying now, but still I feel somehow
You’ll be laughing, dearie
When I got the broken soul blues
Ah, my soul is broken
Seems the whole world’s gone back on me
I’m crying now, but still I feel somehow
I’ll be laughing, dearie
When you got the broken soul blues.
CELL BOUND BLUES (Gertrude Rainey)
Hey, hey, jailer, tell me what have I done
Hey, hey, jailer, tell me what have I done
You’ve got me all bound in chains, did I kill that woman’s son?
All bound in prison, all bound in jail
All bound in prison, all bound in jail
Cold iron bars all around me, no one to go my bail
I’ve got a mother and father, livin’ in a cottage by the sea
I’ve got a mother and father, livin’ in a cottage by the sea
Got a sister and brother, wonder do they think of poor me
I walked in my room the other night
My man walked in and begin to fight
I took my gun in my right hand,
“Hold him, folks, I don’t wanta kill my man.”
When I did that, he hit me ’cross my head
First shot I fired, my man fell dead
The paper came out and told the news
That’s why I said I got the cell bound blues
Hey, hey, jailer, I got the cell bound blues.
CHAIN GANG BLUES (Charles J. Parker and Thomas Dorsey)
The judge found me guilty, the clerk he wrote it down
The judge found me guilty, the clerk he wrote it down
Just a poor gal in trouble, I know I’m county road bound
Many days of sorrow, many nights of woe
Many days of sorrow, many nights of woe
And a ball and chain, everywhere I go
Chains on my feet, padlock on my hand
Chains on my feet, padlock on my hand
It’s all on account of stealing a woman’s man
It was early this mornin’ that I had my trial
It was early this mornin’ that I had my trial
Ninety days on the county road and the judge didn’t even smile.
COUNTIN’ THE BLUES (Gertrude Rainey)
[SPOKEN]Lord, I got the blues this mornin’
I want everybody to go down in prayer, Lord, Lord [SUNG]
Layin’ in my bed with my face turned to the wall
Lord, layin’ in the bed with my face turned to the wall
Tryin’ to count these blues, so I could sing them all
Memphis, Rampart, Beale Street, set them free
Lord, Memphis, Rampart, Beale Street, set them free
Graveyard and ’Bama Bound, Lord, Lord, come from Stingaree
Lord, sittin’ on the Southern, gonna ride, ride all night long
Lord, sittin’ on the Southern, gonna ride all night long
Down Hearted, Gulf Coast, they was all good songs
Lord, ’rested at Midnight, Jail House made me lose my mind
Lord, ’rested at Midnight, Jail House made me lose my mind
Bad Luck and Bo-Weevil made me think of old Moonshine
Lord, going to sleep, boys, mama’s just now got bad news
Lord, going to sleep now, just now I got bad news
To try to dream away my troubles, countin’ these blues.
DADDY GOODBYE BLUES (Gertrude Rainey)
Left my man this mornin’, standin’ in my door
When I got back he said, “I don’t want you no more.”
Goodbye, goodbye, daddy, goodbye
Can’t always tell when you ain’t treated right
Your man go out from you, stay out all day and night
Goodbye, goodbye, daddy, goodbye
Now daddy wrote me a letter, said, “Mama please come home.”
When I got home last night, I found my man had gone
Goodbye, goodbye, daddy, goodbye
Da, da, da, da, da, da, da, da, da, da, da
Goodbye, goodbye, daddy, goodbye
Ain’t got nobody to tell my troubles to
Laid down in my bed, cried all night ’bout you
Goodbye, goodbye, daddy, goodbye
Goodbye, daddy, daddy, please tell me goodbye
If you don’t want me, daddy, mama’ll sure lay down and die
Goodbye, goodbye, daddy, goodbye
Da, da, da, da, da, da, da, da, da, da
Goodbye, goodbye, daddy, goodbye.
DAMPER DOWN BLUES (Composer unknown)
Lord, Lord, Lord Lord Lord
Lord, Lord Lord, Lord Lord Lord Lord
The man I’m lovin’ treats me like a dog
I woke up this mornin’, trouble all ’round my bed
I woke up this mornin’, trouble all ’round my bed
I had the blues so bad, I couldn’t hold up my head
Lord, ain’t gwine cry no more
Lord, ain’t gwine cry no more
I cried here, cried everywhere I go
If I had wings, I’d fly all over this town
If I had wings, I’d fly all over this town
When I’d found my man, I’d turn his damper down
Lord, ain’t gwine cry no more
Lord, ain’t gwine cry no more
I cried here, cried everywhere I go.
DEAD DRUNK BLUES (George W. Thomas)
[SPOKEN]My man is friggin’ drunk this morning, daddy, say, be yourself! [SUNG]
Oh, give me Houston, that’s the place I crave
Oh, give me Houston, that’s the place I crave
So when I’m dry, I drink whiskey’s just made
Oh, whiskey, whiskey is some folks’ downfall
Oh, whiskey, whiskey is some folks’ downfall
But if I don’t get whiskey, I ain’t no good at all
When I was in Houston, drunk most every day
When I was in Houston, drunk most every day
[Spoken] Lord, where the police?
[Sung] I drank so much whiskey, I thought I’d pass away
Have you ever been drunk, slept in all your clothes
Have you ever been drunk, slept in all your clothes
And when you wake up, feel like you’ve had a dose?
Daddy, I’m going to get drunk just one more time
[Spoken] Where’s the whiskey bottle?
[Sung] Honey, I’m going to get drunk, papa, just one more time
’Cause when I’m drunk, nothing’s gonna worry my mind.
DEEP MOANING BLUES (Gertrude Rainey)
Mmmm Mmmm Mmmm
Mmm Mmmm Mmm
Mmmm Mmm Mmmm
My doorbell this morning, don’t know whichaway to go
My bell rang this morning, didn’t know whichaway to go
I had the blues so bad, I set right down on my floor
I felt like going on the mountain, jumping over in the sea
I felt like going on the mountain, jumping over in the sea
When my daddy stay out late, he don’t care a thing ’bout me
Mmmm Mmm Mmm
Mmm Mmm Mmm
Mmm Mmm Mm Mm
Daddy, daddy, please come home to me
Daddy, daddy, please come home to me
I’m on my way, crazy as I can be.
DON’T FISH IN MY SEA (Bessie Smith and Gertrude Rainey)
My daddy come home this mornin’, drunk as he could be
My daddy come home this mornin’, drunk as he could be
I know my daddy’s done gone bad on me
He used to stay out late, now he don’t come home at all
He used to stay out late, now he don’t come home at all
[Spoken] Won’t kiss me, either*
I know there’s another mule been kickin’ in my stall
If you don’t like my ocean, don’t fish in my sea
Don’t like my ocean, don’t fish in my sea
Stay out of my valley and let my mountain be
I ain’t had no lovin’ since God knows when
I ain’t had no lovin’ since God knows when
That’s the reason I’m through with these no-good triflin’ men
Never miss the sunshine ’til the rains begin to fall
Never miss the sunshine ’til the rains begin to fall
You never miss your ham ’til another mule’s in your stall.
DOWN IN THE BASEMENT (H. Strathedene Parham)
[SPOKEN]Oh, this is one of my low down days, boys. Take me to the basement. [SUNG]
I’ve got a man, piano hound
Plays anything that’s going around
When he plays that highbrow stuff
I shout, “Brother, that’s enough!”
Take me to the basement, that’s as low as I can go
I want something low down, daddy, want it nice and slow
I would shimmy from A to Z, if you’ll play that thing for me
Take me to the basement, that’s as low as I can go
Take me to the basement, that’s as low as I can go.
I want something low down, daddy, want it nice and slow
I can shimmy from A to Z, if you’ll play that thing for me
Take me to the basement, that’s as low as I can go.
DREAM BLUES (Gertrude Rainey)
Had a dream last night and the night before
Had a dream last night and the night before
Gonna get drunk now, I won’t dream no more
Dreamed my man didn’t treat me right
Lord, I dreamed my man didn’t treat me right
Packed my clothes in a corner and walked the streets all night
I saw my man fall on his knees and cry
Lord, I saw my man fall on his knees and cry
“Take me back, mama, or else I’ll die.”
Lord, I wonder, what am I to do
Lord, Lord, I wonder, what am I to do
When everybody try to mistreat you
My heart is aching, mama feel like cryin’
Lord, my heart is aching, mama feel like cryin’
Since I had that dream last night, mama don’t mind dyin’.
EXPLAINING THE BLUES (Thomas Dorsey)
Whole world seems against me, if I could just explain
Whole world seems against me, if I could just explain
Man I love left me, ’cause I called another man’s name
Too sad to whistle, too broken hearted to sing
Too sad to whistle, too broken hearted to sing
Let me explain the trouble that a jealous man will bring
Explain why you left me, and tell me why you went away
Explain why you left me, and tell me why you went away
And I’ll explain why I need you and want you back today
I’m goin’ on that island where women never hear bad news
I’m goin’ on that island where women never hear bad news
Then I’ll never be down hearted, tryin’ to explain these blues.
FAREWELL DADDY BLUES (Gertrude Rainey)
I’m wild about my daddy, I want him all the time
Wild about my daddy, I want him all the time
But I don’t want you, daddy, if I can’t call you mine
Got the farewell blues, see, and my trunk is packed
Got the farewell blues, see, and my trunk is packed
But I don’t want no daddy because’n I ain’t comin’ back
Oh, fare you well, daddy, honey, it’s your turn now
Fare you well, daddy, honey, it’s your turn now
After all I’ve done, you mistreated me anyhow
Going through the wood field feeling sad and blue
Going through the wood field feeling sad and blue
Lord, I jumped a rabbit, said, “Mama, I’ve got ’em too.”
Pig starts to singin’, oh, how his voice could ring
Pig starts to singin’, oh, how his voice could ring
He says, “I’m no yellow jacket, but lord how I can sting.”
Since my man left me, the others can’t be found
Since my man left me, others can’t be found
But before he left me, the other men was hangin’ around
So fare you well, daddy, someday you’ll hear bad news
So farewell, daddy, someday you’ll hear bad news
When you look for your mama, she’s gone with the farewell blues.
’FORE DAY HONRY SCAT (Billie McOwens and Gertrude Rainey)
Yes, I’m mad, I feel so blue, I don’t know what to do
My man left me this mornin’, every cloud was black and blue
He got up and packed his grip
And he’ll be gone a long, long time
I went to the fortune-teller to find my man, because he’s layin’ heavy on my mind
He said: “Your man has caught that ’fore day scat
And left here tipping like a Maltese cat
Poor girl, I know your man has done you wrong
Hit high timber, now he’s long, long gone.”
He left here ridin’ that Cannonball
He was so handsome, and so long and tall
I want all you women to spread the news
Want you to tell ’em to who you choose
My man left me with them ’fore day honry blues, I said blues
He said: “Your man has caught that ’fore day scat
And left here tipping like a Maltese cat
Poor girl, I know your man have done you wrong
Hit high timber, now he’s long, long gone.”
He left here ridin’ that Cannonball
He was so handsome, and so long and tall
Want all you women to spread the news
Want y’all to tell them to who you choose
My man left me with the ’fore day honry blues.
GEORGIA CAKE WALK (Composer unknown)
[ENTIRELY SPOKEN]
Unknown man:
Say, Ma.
Rainey:
What is it?
Man:
Where’d you get that primrose from?
Rainey:
From a cake walk last night.
Man:
Down at where?
Rainey:
Cake walk last night.
Man:
What you know about a cake walk, woman?
Rainey:
At the Georgia camp meetin’ cake walk.
Man:
Georgia camp meetin’?
Rainey:
Yes.
Man:
Ha! Say, you must be from Gaston, Georgia.
Rainey:
I don’t care where I’m from, I can cake walk all right!
Man:
I guess you can cake walk.
Rainey:
Yes.
Man:
Well, let me see you.
Rainey:
All right, you believe I can cake walk?
Man:
Yeah, go ahead.
Rainey:
Here I go. Oh, do it.
Man:
Look at that fool dance! Ma, you done lost your head, haven’t you?
Rainey:
No, I’m just cake walkin’, boy.
Man:
Well, it’s one thing, I’m gonna cake walk with you.
Rainey:
Ah, do it. Turn the other way.
Man:
If you shimmy in here, you gon’ waffle outside. Here, here, woman, here, here. Stop that mess in here, you can’t do that in here! Look out, Ma, here comes Big Dixon Middleton.
Rainey:
Let him come on.
Man:
I’m goin’ home, Ma. You gon’ get this place raided. Oh, shake it, Ma, shake it, honey. Ma, you going home with me?
Rainey:
Yes.
Man:
Well, let’s go. Ah, do that thing, Ma, do that thing. Ah, shake it now.
GONE DADDY BLUES (Gertrude Rainey)
[KNOCKING]
[SPOKEN]
Unknown man:
Who’s that knockin’ on that door?
Rainey:
It’s me, baby.
Man:
Me who?
Rainey:
Don’t you know I’m your wife?
Man:
What?! Wife?!
Rainey:
Yeah!
Man:
Ain’t that awful? I don’t let no woman quit me but one time.
Rainey:
But I just quit one li’l old time, just one time!
Man:
You left here with that other man, why didn’t you stay?
Rainey:
Well, I’ll tell you why I didn’t stay, baby. I got home and I had to come on back home to you!
Man:
Well, I’m leavin’ here today, what have you got to say?
Rainey:
Well, all right, I’ll tell it, baby.
Man:
Talk fast, then.
I’m going away, I’m going to stay
I’ll find the man I love some day
I’ve got my ticket, clothes in my hand
Trying to find that South bound land
I’m gonna ride ’til I find that South bound land
I’m gonna ride ’til I find that South bound land
Gon’ keep on ridin’ ’til I shake hands with my man
I’m going away, I’m going to stay
I’ll come back for my daddy someday
But, dad, you’ll never know how much I’ve missed you ’til I’m gone
I’m going away, I’m going to stay
I’ll long for my daddy some day
But, dad, you’ll never know how much I’ve missed you ’til I’m gone.
GOODBYE DADDY BLUES (Gertrude Rainey)
Sitting in my room, all by myself
Sitting in my room, all by myself
Thinkin’ the man I love might be with someone else
Daddy, when you left me all cold in mind
Daddy, when you left me all cold in mind
If you knowed how much I love you, you’d stay home all the time
When your daddy kisses you, and looks you in your eye
When your daddy kisses you, and looks you in your eye
Then he left with your heart, and that man’s kiss means goodbye
Lord, goodbye, dad, mama’ll soon be gone
Lord, goodbye, dad, mama’ll soon be gone
She’s gotta find another daddy to show her right from wrong
Every woman’s got a dad, some dads tells them lies
Every woman’s got a dad, some dads tells them lies
You can give your man your money, but his love you cannot buy
Lord, goodbye, dad, someday you’ll bring good news
Lord, goodbye, dad, someday you’ll bring good news
But he kills me with his lovin’, tryin’ to bring goodbye daddy blues.
GOODBYE MAMA FOREVER BLUES (Gertrude Rainey)
Here comes that train to take my man away
Here comes that train to take my man away
I’m gonna stay right here, he might come back some day
Mr. Conductor, why do you treat me so bad?
Mr. Conductor, why do you treat me so bad?
You’ve got the man I love, the only man I’ve ever had
My heart’s on fire, I’m going round and round
My heart’s on fire, I’m going round and round
It’s the man I love, he leaves ’em burning down.
GRIEVIN’ HEARTED BLUES (Composer unknown)
You throwed me away, you treated me mean
I love you better than any man I’ve seen
My heart is grievin’, I’ve been refused
I’ve got those grievin’ hearted blues
You’ll find you love me, daddy, some sweet day
You’ll find you love me, daddy, some sweet day
It’s true I love you, but I can’t take mistreatment thisaway
Lord, I wants my ticket, show me my train
I wants my ticket, show me my train
I’m gonna ride till I can’t hear them call your name
I’m gon’ start cryin’, my love’s been refused
Gon’ start cryin’, my love’s been refused
Gon’ keep on cryin’ till I lose these grievin’ hearted blues.
HEAR ME TALKIN’ TO YOU (Gertrude Rainey)
Ramblin’ man makes no change in me
I’m gonna ramble back to my used to be
Ah, you hear me talkin’ to you, I don’t bite my tongue
You want to be my man, you got to fetch it with you when you come
Eve and Adam, in the garden takin’ a chance
Adam didn’t take time to get his pants
Ah, you hear me talkin’ to you, don’t bite my tongue
You want to be my man, you got to fetch it with you when you come
Our old cat swallowed a ball of yarn
When the kittens was born, they had sweaters on
Ah, you hear me talkin’ to you, I don’t bite my tongue
You want to be my man, you got to fetch it with you when you come
Hello, Central, give me 609
What it takes to get it in these hips of mine
Ah, you hear me talkin’ to you, I don’t bite my tongue
You want to be my man, you got to fetch it with you when you come
Grandpa got grandma told
He says her jelly roll was ’most too old
Ah, you hear me talkin’ to you, I don’t bite my tongue
You want to be my man, you got to fetch it with you when you come.
HONEY, WHERE YOU BEEN SO LONG? (Fred Fisher)
My honey left me, he’s gone away
I’ve had the worried blues all day
My heart is aching about that man
What makes me love him, I can’t understand
He’ll soon be returning and glad tidings he will bring
Then I’ll throw my arms around him, then begin to sing
Honey, where you been so long?
Honey, where you been so long?
Ever since the day, the day you went away
I been crying, felt like dying, I’m not ashamed to say
Never thought you’d treat me wrong
Look how you have dragged me down
I have been almost insane
But I’m so glad to see you home again
Honey, where you been so long?
Never thought you would treat me wrong
Look how you have dragged me down
I have been almost insane
But then I’m so glad to see you home again
Honey, where you been so long?
HUSTLIN’ BLUES (Malissa Nix and Thomas Dorsey)
It’s rainin’ out here and tricks ain’t walkin’ tonight
It’s rainin’ out here and tricks ain’t walkin’ tonight
I’m goin’ home, I know I’ve got to fight
If you hit me tonight, let me tell you what I’m going to do
If you hit me tonight, let me tell you what I’m going to do
I’m gonna take you to court and tell the judge on you
I ain’t made no money, and he dared me to go home
I ain’t made no money, and he dared me to go home
Judge, I told him he better leave me alone
He followed me up and he grabbed me for a fight
He followed me up and he grabbed me for a fight
He said, “Oh, do you know you ain’t made no money tonight?”
Oh, judge, tell him I’m through
Oh, judge, tell him I’m through
I’m tired of this life, that’s why I brought him to you.
JEALOUS HEARTED BLUES (Lovie Austin)
You can have my money and everything I own
But for God’s sakes, leave my man alone
’Cause I’m jealous, jealous, jealous hearted me
Lord, I’m just jealous, jealous as I can be
It takes a rocking chair to rock, a rubber ball to roll
Takes the man I love to satisfy my soul
Yes, I’m jealous, jealous, jealous hearted me
Lord, I’m just jealous, jealous as I can be
Got a range in my kitchen, cooks nice and brown
All I need is my man to turn my damper down
Yes, I’m jealous, jealous, jealous hearted me
Lord, I’m just jealous, jealous as I can be
Gonna buy me a bulldog to watch him while I sleep
To keep my man from making his midnight creep
Yes, I’m jealous, jealous, jealous hearted me
Lord, I’m just jealous, jealous as I can be.
JEALOUSY BLUES (Glasco and Glasco)
All the days have passed and gone, still my blues they lingers on
Used to be da-daddy, used to be da-daddy, your used to be baby’s blue for you
Jealousy, jealousy, that’s who stole my daddy, my loving sweet daddy from me
Jealousy, oh me, oh my, poor me, I’ve got the cruel jealousy blues
If all the world is evil, all the world is evil, oh jealousy is the worst of all
It’ll make you mad and lonely, your sweet love will feel so pale
It’ll steal your loving daddy, have many folks in jail
Jealousy, oh me, oh my, poor me, I’ve got the cruel jealousy blues.
JELLY BEAN BLUES (Lena Arrant)
Did you ever wake up with your good man on your mind?
Did you ever wake up with your good man on your mind?
My daddy left me this morning, that’s why I moan and cry
He’ll make you laugh, he’ll make you cry, to drive those blues away
You’ll sit right down, you’ll weep and moan and then you’ll finally say
Lord, I’ve been wonderin’ where my jelly bean done gone
I can sit right here and look a thousand miles away
I just can’t remember what my baby had to say
He said see, see rider, today I’m going away
And I won’t be back until you change your ways
So fare thee well, heartache
Today that means goodbye
If you did not want me you had no right to lie.
LAST MINUTE BLUES (Thomas Dorsey)
Minutes seem like hours, hours seem like days
Minutes seem like hours, hours seem like days
It seem like my daddy won’t stop his evil ways
Seem like every minute going to be my last
Seem like every minute going to be my last
If I can’t tell my future, I won’t tell my past
The brook runs into the river, river runs into the sea
The brook run into the river, river run into the sea
If I don’t run into my daddy, somebody’ll have to bury me
If anybody ask you who wrote this lonesome song
If anybody ask you who wrote this lonesome song
Tell ’em you don’t know the writer, but Ma Rainey put it on.
LAWD, SEND ME A MAN BLUES (Gertrude Rainey)
Who gonna pay my board bill now?
Had a good man, and he turned me down
Landlord comin’, knock on my door
I told him my good man don’t stay here no more
Girls, take my advice
Ask the good Lord to help you twice
Oh, Lord, send me a man
I’m the loneliest woman in the land
I work hard both night and day
Tryin’ to find a good man to come my way
Send me a Zulu, a voodoo, any old man
I’m not particular, boys, I’ll take what I can
I’ve been worried, almost insane
Oh, Lordy, send me a man
Oh, Lordy, send me a man
Oh, Lord, send me a man
I’m the loneliest woman in the land
I work hard every night and day
Tryin’ to find a good man to come my way
Send me a Zulu, a voodoo, any old man
I’m not particular, boys, I’ll take what I can
I’ve been worried, almost insane
Oh, Lordy, send me a man
Oh, Lordy, send me a man.
LEAVIN’ THIS MORNING (Selma Davis and Gertrude Rainey)
See me reelin’ and rockin’, drunk as I can be
Man I love tryin’ to make a fool of me
I’m leavin’ this mornin’, I’m leavin’ this mornin’
I’m leavin’, tryin’ to find a man of my own
When I get through drinkin’, gon’ buy a Gatlin gun
Find my man, he better hitch up and run
’Cause I’m leavin’ this mornin’, I’m leavin’ this mornin’
I’m going to Kansas City to bring Jim Jackson home
I give him all my money, treat him nice as I can
Got another woman, wait ’til I find my man
Lord, I’m leavin’ this mornin’, I’m leavin’ this mornin’
I’m leavin’, tryin’ to find a man of my own
I went up Eighteenth Street, found out where the other woman stays
Cure my man of his triflin’ ways
’Cause I’m leavin’ this mornin’, honey, I’m leavin’ this mornin’
I’m goin’ to Kansas City to bring Jim Jackson home
I walked down the street, didn’t have on no hat
Asking everybody I see where my daddy’s at
I’m leavin’ this mornin’, honey, I’m leavin’ this mornin’
I’m leavin’, tryin’ to find a man of my own.
LEVEE CAMP MOAN (Composer unknown)
My man has left me and he’s gone away
Back to the levee, where he used to stay
I miss his huggin’ and his kissin’ too
I feel so lonesome and awf’ly blue
That’s the reason, hear my lonesome cry, can’t help but cry
Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmm, mmmmmmmmmmmmmmm
Each night and morning I might go roaming
Back to the levee where my man’s home*
That’s the reason I’m hummin’ the levee camp moan
Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmm, mmmmmmmmmmmmmmm
I miss his huggin’, I miss his kissin’
And that ain’t all that I’ve been missin’
That’s the reason you hear me moan the levee camp moan
Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmm, mmmmmmmmmmmmmmm
He called me honey, took all my money
Lord, he’s a mean ol’ dog*
That’s the reason you hear me moanin’ the levee camp moan.
LITTLE LOW MAMA BLUES (Gertrude Rainey)
Mmmm, Lordy Lordy Lord
Mmmm, Lordy Lordy Lord
The man I’m loving treats me like a dog
I know I’ve been your dog since I’ve been your gal
I been your dog since I’ve been your gal
I loves you, pretty papa, follow you everywhere
If you don’t want me, papa, why don’t you tell me so?
If you don’t want me, papa, why don’t you tell me so?
I’m little and low, can get a man anywhere I go
I’m gonna build me a scaffold, papa, to hang myself
I’m gonna build me a scaffold, papa, to hang myself
Can’t get the man I love, don’t want nobody else
Aiii, Lord Lord Lord
Aiii, Lordy Lordy
Aiii, Lord, ain’t gonna sing no more.
LOG CAMP BLUES (Thomas Dorsey and Gertrude Rainey)
Down in Mississippi, where the air is low and damp
Down in Mississippi, where the air is low and damp
Low down on the Delta is a great big logging camp
I can see my daddy, jumpin’ ’round from log to log
I can see my daddy, jumpin’ ’round from log to log
And down in Onacaga* everybody’s on the hog
Throw away your pinchback, burn up your Prince of Wales
Throw away your pinchback, burn up your Prince of Wales
Get your overalls and jumpers, start to rolling cotton bales
Meal is in my meat-box, chickens runs around my yard
Meal is in my meat-box, chickens runs around my yard
Yearlings in my cowpen, I never knowed that times was hard
If I can’t get no ticket, put on my walking shoes
If I can’t get no ticket, put on my walking shoes
I’m going to Mississippi, singing those logging camp blues.
LOST WANDERING BLUES (Gertrude Rainey)
I’m leavin’ this mornin’ with my clothes in my hand
Lord, I’m leavin’ this mornin’ with my clothes in my hand
I won’t stop movin’ ’til I find my man
I’m standin’ here wonderin’ will a matchbox hold my clothes
Lord, I’m standin’ here wonderin’ will a matchbox hold my clothes
I got a trunk too big to be botherin’ with on the road
I went up on the mountain, turned my face to the sky
Lord, I went up on the mountain, turned my face to the sky
I heard a whisper, said, “Mama, please don’t die.”
I turned around to give him my right han’
Lord, I turned around to give him my right han’
When I looked in his face, I was talkin’ to my man
Lord, look-a yonder, people, my love has been refused
I said, look-a yonder, people, my love has been refused
That’s the reason why mama’s got the lost wandering blues.
LOUISIANA HOODOO BLUES (Gertrude Rainey)
Going to Louisiana bottom to get me a hoodoo hand
Going to Louisiana bottom to get me a hoodoo hand
Gotta stop these women from taking my man
Down in Algiers where the hoodoos live in their den
Down in Algiers where the hoodoos live in their den
Their chief occupation is separating women from men
The hoodoo told me to get me a black cat bone
The hoodoo told me to get me a black cat bone
And shake it over their heads, they’ll leave your man alone
Twenty years in the bottom, that ain’t long to stay
Twenty years in the bottom, that ain’t long to stay
If I can keep these tush-hog women from taking my man away
So I’m bound for New Orleans, down in goofer dust land
So I’m bound for New Orleans, down in goofer dust land
Down where the hoodoo folks can fix it for you with your man.
LUCKY ROCK BLUES (Katie Winters and Lovie Austin)
Feelin’ kind of melancholy, made up my mind to go away
And though some folks says it’s folly, sometimes it helps and sails away
You’ll forget the man you love, although he may be mean
Goodbye, folks, I’m on my way, way down to New Orleans
Goin’ to New Orleans to find that lucky rock
Goin’ to New Orleans to find that lucky rock
Tryin’ to rid myself of this bad luck I’ve got
On my way to find that lucky rock
Oh, I’m on my way to find that lucky rock
Just to ease my mind of all this trouble I’ve got.
MA AND PA POORHOUSE BLUES (Selma Davis and Gertrude Rainey)
[SPOKEN]
Rainey:
Hello there, Charlie.
Jackson:
Hello, Ma.
Rainey:
Charlie, where’s that big banjo you had?
Jackson:
Oh, that big banjo’s in pawn.
Rainey:
In pawn?
Jackson:
Yes, ma’am.
Rainey:
Too bad, Jim.
Jackson:
Hello, Ma.
Rainey:
All right, Charlie.
Jackson:
What become of that great big bus you had?
Rainey:
Child, somebody stole that bus.
Jackson:
Stole it?
Rainey:
Yes.
Jackson:
Mmmmmmmmmm.
Rainey:
Charlie, do you know I’m broke?
Jackson:
Ma, don’t you know I’m broke, too?
Rainey:
I tell you what let’s do.
Jackson:
What we gonna do?
Rainey:
Let’s both go to the poorhouse together.
Jackson:
All right, let’s go.
Rainey:
Too bad, too bad, too bad, too bad, too badToo bad, too bad, too bad, too bad, too badI’ve lost all my money, lost everything I had
Jackson:
Ma, being brake’s all right when you know you got some more money comin’ in
Ah, being broke’s all right when you know you got some more money comin’ in
But when you lose your money, that’s when friendship ends
Rainey:
Oh, here I’m on my knees
Jackson:
[Spoken] Don’t worry, Ma, I’ll soon be down on my knees with you
Rainey:
Pa, here I am, on my knees I want the whole world to know mama’s broke and can’t be pleased
Jackson:
When you had lots of money, you had plenty friends
Rainey:
Lord, lost all my money, that was my end, oh, ain’t got no money now
Jackson:
[Spoken] Oh, moan it, Ma!
Both:
We better go to the poorhouse, and try to live anyhow We better go to the poorhouse, and try to live anyhow.
MA RAINEY’S BLACK BOTTOM (Gertrude Rainey)
[SPOKEN]
Unknown man:
Now, you’ve heard the rest. Ah, boys, I’m gonna show you the best. Ma Rainey’s gonna show you her black bottom!
Rainey:
Way down South in Alabamy I got a friend they call dancin’ Sammy Who’s crazy about all the latest dancin’ Black bottom stomps and the new baby prancin’
The other night at a swell affair Soon as the boys found out that I was there They said, “Come on, Ma, let’s go to the cabaret.” When I got there, you ought to hear me say
Want to see the dance you call the black bottom I wanna learn that dance Want to see the dance you call your big black bottom They put you in a trance.
All the boys in the neighborhood They say your black bottom is really good Come on and show me your black bottom I want to learn that dance.
I want to see the dance you call the black bottom I want to learn that dance Come on and show that dance you call your big black bottom It puts us in a trance.
Early last morning ’bout the break of day Grandpa told my grandmama, I heard him say “Get up and show your good old man your black bottom I want to learn that dance.”
Now I’m gon’ show you all my black bottom They stay to see that dance Wait until you see me do my big black bottom It’ll put you in a trance
[SPOKEN]Man:
Ah, do it, Ma, do it, honey. Look out, now, Ma, you’s gettin’ kinda rough there! You bet’ be yourself, now, careful now, not too strong, not too strong, Ma!
Rainey:
I done showed y’all my black bottom You ought to learn that dance.
MA RAINEY’S MYSTERY RECORD (Guy Early and Thomas Dorsey)
Lord, I’m down with the blues, blue as I can be
Lord, I’m down with the blues, blue as I can be
Nobody knows my trouble but the good Lord and me
Ooh, there’s something going all wrong
Ooh, ooh, there’s something going all wrong
The way I’m thinking, I know I can’t last long
I’ve had the blues a solid week, every night and day
Had the blues a solid week, every night and day
Man I love broke my heart, and I’m ’bout to pass away
I’m down with the blues, just as blue as I can be
I’m down with the blues, blue as I can be
I think I hear an angel singing “Nearer My God to Thee.”
MEMPHIS BOUND BLUES (Thomas Dorsey)
You got your grip to leave me, you’re going to leave your home today
You got your grip to leave me, you’re going to leave your home today
But drop it for a minute, and listen to what I’ve got to say
You can fly up high, you can spread your feathers all around
You can fly up high, you can spread your feathers all around
But when you get in trouble, you got to fall back to the ground
Some folks born with riches, some folks born with pain
Some folks born with riches, some folks born with pain
But I’m here to tell you, when you leave they all leave the same
I talk because I’m stubborn, I sing because I’m free
I talk because I’m stubborn, I sing because I’m free
My daddy’s gone and left me, bound for Memphis, Tennessee.
MISERY BLUES (Gertrude Rainey)
I love my brownskin, indeed I do
Folks I know used to me being a fool
I’m going to tell you what I went and done
I give him all my money just to have some fun
He told me that he loved me, loved me so
If I would marry him, I needn’t to work no mo’
Now I’m grievin’, almost dyin’
Just because I didn’t know that he was lyin’
I’ve got the blues, I’ve got the blues
I’ve got those misery blues
Love my brownskin, he’s done left town
Goodbye, dearie, you used to be so cheery
Hold on, honey, took all my money
I worry, worry so
I’ve got the blues, down in my shoes
I’ve got those misery blues
I’ve got to go to work now, get another start
Work is the thing that’s breaking my heart
I’ve got those mean old misery blues
I’ve got the blues, I’ve got the blues
I’ve got those misery blues
I’ve got to go to work now, get another start
Work is the thing that’s breaking my heart
I’ve got those mean old misery blues.
MOONSHINE BLUES (Gertrude Rainey)*
[SPOKEN]Hold it, Luke, it might be a bootlegger! [SUNG]
I been drinkin’ all night, babe, and the night before
But when I get sober, I ain’t gonna drink no more
’Cause my friend left me, standin’ in my door
My head goes ’round and around, babe, since my daddy left town
I don’t know if the river runnin’ up or down
But there’s one thing certain, it’s mama’s going to leave town
You’ll find me wrigglin’ and a-rockin’, howlin’ like a hound
Catch the first train that’s runnin’ South bound
Oh, stop, you’ll hear me say, stop right to my brain
Oh, stop that train, so I can ride back home again
Here I’m upon my knees, play that again for me
’Cause I’m about to be losin’ my mind
Boys, I can’t stand up, can’t sit down
The man I love is done left town
I feel like screamin’, I feel like cryin’
Lord, I’ve been mistreated, folks, and don’t mind dyin’
I’m going home, I’m going to settle down
I’m going to stop my running around
Tell everybody that come my way
Lord, I got the moonshine blues, I say
I got the moonshine blues.
MORNING HOUR BLUES (Gertrude Rainey and Bessie Smith)
I woke up this morning, something was worrying me
I woke up this morning, something was worrying me
Must have been the man I love, that man I’ll never see
I went to the graveyard, cried, “Gravedigger, please …”
I went to the graveyard, cried, “Gravedigger, please …
Show me the grave, the grave of my used to be.”
Lord, look where the sun’s done gone
Lord, see now, I just said it, look where the sun’s done gone
You made me love you, now you love some other one
The man I got here, he’s so cruel to me
The man I got here, he’s so cruel to me
There’ll never be a man to love me like Stingaree.
MOUNTAIN JACK BLUES (Sid Harris)
Early this morning, everything was still
Early this morning, everything was still
I spied my good man goin’ over the hill
He said, “I’m goin’, sweet mama, cryin’ won’t make me stay.”
He said, “I’m goin’, sweet mama, cryin’ won’t make me stay
The more you cry, the further you drive me away.”
If I could holler just like a mountain jack
If I could holler just like a mountain jack
I’d go up on the mountain, call my good man back
Sometimes I want to crown him, but I know it’s wrong
Sometimes I want to crown him, but I know it’s wrong
I’d rather air out and leave you to weep and moan
You think I want every man I see
You think I want every man I see
That’s why you nag and squabble with me
Now I’ve run my man away, I don’t know what to do
Now run my man away, don’t know what to do
My heart is achin’, babe, I’m so sad and blue.
NIGHT TIME BLUES (Gertrude Rainey and Thomas Dorsey)
[SPOKEN]It’s three o’clock in the morning, and my man hasn’t come home yet! [SUNG]
Nighttime’s falling, the day is almost gone
Nighttime is falling, the day is almost gone
My man leaves at midnight, folks, and don’t come back ’til early morn
The night is dark and dreary, I can’t see what to do
The night is dark and dreary, I can’t see what to do
I wonder why he leave me, to roll and cry the whole night through
[SPOKEN]
Lord have mercy!
It’s three o’clock in the morning, by the clock hanging on the wall
It’s three o’clock in the morning, by the clock hangin’ on my wall
He used to come at midnight, but now he don’t come home at all
When day starts to breaking, it seems to bring good news
When day starts to breaking, it seems to bring good news
It finds me broken hearted, trying to overcome these blues.
OH MY BABE BLUES (Gertrude Rainey)
Some of these days I’m going to leave my home, oh my babe
Now I know I’m going and it won’t be long
If I go, let me go, if I stay, let me stay
Maybe I’ll ask let me come back home
Tell my dad I won’t be home tonight, oh my babe
My heart aches and I’m not treated right
My heart’s down, it’s a shame, and I just can’t call his name
Still I’ll ask to let me come back home
Lordy Lord, have mercy on poor me, oh my babe
Tell somebody to let my heart go free
When I go, leave me alone and still I’ll stay from now on
Tell my dad I want to come back home
I’m feelin’ now I’m sorry we have to part, oh my babe
’Cause you tried to break my aching heart
But someday you will say, “Come back home, babe, and stay.”
Then I’ll know my dad wants me back home.
OH PAPA BLUES (E. Herbert and W. Russell)
Just like a rainbow I am faded away
My daddy leaves me ’most every day
But he don’t mean me no good, why?
Because I only wish he would
I’ve almost gone insane
I’m forever tryin’ to call his name
Oh, papa, look what you doin’, look what you doin’
Oh, papa, you caught me ruinin’, you caught me ruinin’
All my money, I give you
You treat me mean and made me awfully blue
When you miss me, you’re going to kiss me
You’ll regret the day that you ever quit me
Oh, papa, think when you away from home
I give you money, don’t want me nohow
But you will love me someday, not now
Papa, papa, now you won’t have no mama at all
Oh, papa, look what you doin’, look what you doin’
Oh, papa, you caused me ruinin’, you caused me ruinin’
All my money, I give you
You treat me mean and make me feel so blue
You’re going to miss me, you’ll long to kiss me
You’ll ‘gret the day that you ever quit me
Oh, papa, think when you away from home
You just don’t want me now, wait and see
You’ll find some other man makin’ love to me, now
Papa, papa, you ain’t got no mama now.
PROVE IT ON ME BLUES (Gertrude Rainey)
Went out last night, had a great big fight
Everything seemed to go on wrong
I looked up, to my surprise
The gal I was with was gone
Where she went, I don’t know
I mean to follow everywhere she goes
Folks say I’m crooked, I didn’t know where she took it
I want the whole world to know
They said I do it, ain’t nobody caught me
Sure got to prove it on me
Went out last night with a crowd of my friends
They must’ve been women, ’cause I don’t like no men
It’s true I wear a collar and a tie
Make the wind blow all the while
’Cause they say I do it, ain’t nobody caught me
They sure got to prove it on me
Say I do it, ain’t nobody caught me
Sure got to prove it on me
I went out last night with a crowd of my friends
They must’ve been women, ’cause I don’t like no men
Wear my clothes just like a fan
Talk to the gals just like any old man
’Cause they say I do it, ain’t nobody caught me
Sure got to prove it on me.
ROUGH AND TUMBLE BLUES (Gertrude Rainey)
I’m going to the Western Union, type the news all down the line
I’m going to the Western Union, type the news all down the line
’Cause mama’s on the warpath this mornin’ and don’t mind dyin’
My man’s so good lookin’ and his clothes fit him so cute
My man’s so good lookin’ and his clothes fit him so cute
I cut up his box-hack and bought him a struttin’ suit
Then every little devil got on my man’s road
Then every little devil got on my man’s road
Mama Tree Top Tall and Miss Shorty Toad
Tree Top Tall give a stomp as I stepped in the door
Tree Top Tall give a stomp as I stepped in the door
Miss Shorty Toad and my man was shimmying down to the floor
I got rough and killed three women ’fore the police got the news
I got rough and killed three women ’fore police got the news
’Cause mama’s on the warpath with those rough and tumble blues.
RUNAWAY BLUES (Gertrude Rainey)
I’m running away tomorrow, they don’t mean me no good
I’m running away tomorrow, they don’t mean me no good
I’m gon’ run away, have to leave this neighborhood
Ah, the sun’s gonna shine someday in my backyard
Ah, the sun’s gonna shine someday in my backyard
I got my man, but I had to work so hard
Lord, what’s the matter, mama can’t be treated just right
Lord, what’s the matter, mama can’t be treated just right
Got my clothes in my hand, walk the streets all night.
SCREECH OWL BLUES (J. Sammy Randall and Gertrude Rainey)
When a hog makes a bed, you know the storm is due
When a hog makes a bed, you know the storm is due
When a screech owl hollers, mean bad luck for you
Screech owl hollered this mornin’, twice in front of my back door
Screech owl hollered this mornin’, twice in front of my back door
I know when he hollered, bad luck comin’ back once more
I got a taxi, begged the driver to show me some speed
I got a taxi, begged the driver to show me some speed
Screech owl brought me bad luck, money’s what my baby needs
I called all over town, tryin’ to find that good brown of mine
I called all over town, tryin’ to find that good brown of mine
He called me from the station, said, “Fifty dollars was my fine.”
When I got to the station, bad luck was waitin’ there too
When I got to the station, bad luck was waitin’ there too
When they need more money, “We’ve got a warrant for you.”
SEE SEE RIDER BLUES (Gertrude Rainey)
I’m so unhappy, I feel so blue
I always feel so sad
I made a mistake, right from the start
Lord, it seems so hard to part
Oh, but this letter that I will write
I hope he will remember, when he receives it
See, see, rider, see what you done done, Lord, Lord, Lord
Made me love you, now your gal done come
You made me love you, now your gal done come
I’m going away, baby, won’t be back ’til fall, Lord, Lord, Lord
Goin’ away, baby, won’t be back ’til fall
If I find me a good man, I won’t be back at all
I’m gonna buy me a pistol, just as long as I am tall, Lord, Lord, Lord
Gonna kill my man and catch the Cannonball
If he don’t have me, he won’t have no gal at all.
SEEKING BLUES (L. McCallister)
My daddy left me crying, I hate to see him go
My daddy left me crying, I hate to see him go
I can’t live without him, ’cause I love him so
I walked on the railroad, stood up on the tracks
I walked on the railroad, stood up on the tracks
I wondered if my daddy would take me back
Oh, daddy, please come back to me
You know I’m lonesome as can be
You left me and why you broke up my fun
You left me to fight for myself alone
That’s why I’ve got those mean ole seeking blues
Oh, my daddy, please come back to me
You know I’m lonesome as can be
You left me but why you broke up my fun
You left me to fight for myself alone
That’s why I’ve got those mean ole seeking blues.
SHAVE ’EM DRY (Gertrude Rainey and William Jackson)
There’s one thing I don’t understand
Why a good lookin’ woman likes a workin’ man
Hey, hey, hey, daddy, let me shave ’em dry
Goin’ away to where you off my mind
You keep me hungry and broke, daddy, all the time
Hey, hey, hey, daddy, let me shave ’em dry
Don’t see how you hungry women can sleep
They shimmies all day without a bite to eat
Hey, hey, hey, daddy, let me shave ’em dry
Going downtown to spread the news
State Street women wearin’ brogan shoes
Hey, hey, hey, daddy, let me shave ’em dry
If it wasn’t for their powder and their store-bought hair
State Street gals couldn’t go nowhere
Hey, hey, hey, daddy, let me shave ’em dry
There’s one thing I can’t understand
Some women drivin’ State Street like a man
Hey, hey, hey, daddy, let me shave ’em dry
Went to the show the other night
Everybody on State Street was tryin’ to fight
Hey, hey, hey, daddy, let me shave ’em dry
Ain’t crazy ’bout my yellow, I ain’t wild about my brown
You can’t tell the difference when the sun goes down
Hey, hey, hey, daddy, let me shave ’em dry
When you see two women running hand to hand
Bet your life one’s got the other’s man
Hey, hey, hey, daddy, let me shave ’em dry
Come here, daddy, lay in my arms
When your wife comes, tell her I don’t mean no harm
Hey, hey, hey, daddy, let me shave ’em dry.
SISSY BLUES (Thomas Dorsey)
I shimmied last night, the night before
I’m going home tonight, I won’t shimmy no more
Ah, hello, Central, it’s ’bout to run me wild
Can I get that number, or will I have to wait a while?
I dreamed last night I was far from harm
Woke up and found my man in a sissy’s arms
Ah, hello, Central, it’s ’bout to run me wild
Can I get that number, or will I have to wait a while?
Some are young, some are old
My man says sissies got good jelly roll
Ah, hello, Central, it’s ’bout to run me wild
Can I get that number, or will I have to wait a while?
My man’s got a sissy, his name is Miss Kate
He shook that thing like jelly on a plate
Ah, hello, Central, it’s ’bout to run me wild
Can I get that number, or will I have to wait a while?
Now all the people ask me why I’m all alone
A sissy shook that thing and took my man from home
Ah, hello, Central, it’s ’bout to run me wild
Can I get that number, or will I have to wait a while?
SLAVE TO THE BLUES (Thomas Dorsey)
Ain’t robbed no bank, ain’t done no hangin’ crime
Ain’t robbed no bank, ain’t done no hangin’ crime
Just been a slave to the blues, dreamin’ ’bout that man of mine
Blues, please tell me do I have to die a slave?
Blues, please tell me do I have to die a slave?
Do you hear me pleadin’, you going to take me to my grave
I could break these chains and let my worried heart go free
If I could break these chains and let my worried heart go free
But it’s too late now, the blues have made a slave of me
You’ll see me raving, you’ll hear me cryin’
Oh, Lord, this lonely heart of mine
Whole time I’m grieving, from my hat to my shoes
I’m a good hearted woman, just am a slave to the blues.
SLEEP TALKING BLUES (J. Sammy Randall and Gertrude Rainey)
You got a bad habit, daddy, talkin’ in your sleep
You got a bad habit, daddy, talkin’ in your sleep
You talk so much some of these nights, it should be worth one dollar a peep
Do all your talkin’, daddy, before you go to bed
Do all your talkin’, daddy, before you go to bed
If you speak out of turn, your friends will hear of you being dead
When you talk in your sleep, be sure your mama’s not awake
When you talk in your sleep, be sure your mama’s not awake
You call another woman’s name, you’ll think you wake up in a earthquake
Do all your talkin’, be careful as you can
Do all your talkin’, be careful as you can
The insurance will bring in take for my man
I warned you, daddy, nice as a mama could do
I warned you, daddy, nice as mama could do
You hear me talkin’ to you, undertaker will be visitin’ you.
SLOW DRIVING MOAN (Gertrude Rainey)
I’ve rambled ’til I’m tired, I’m not satisfied
I’ve rambled ’til I’m tired, I’m not satisfied
Don’t find my sweet man gon’ ramble ’til I die
Ah, Lord, Lord, Lordy Lord
Ah, Lord, Lordy, Lordy Lord
Ah, Lord, Lord, Lordy Lord
Got the slow driving blues, blue as I can be
Got the slow driving blues, blue as I can be
Don’t play that band, mister, just play the blues for me
Oh, you’ve been feeling the same, I know our love is just the same
And now you know mama’ll be home some day, I’ll hear you call my name
I’m a common old rollin’ stone, just got the blues for home sweet home
[Spoken] Yes, sir!
SOON THIS MORNING (Gertrude Rainey and Bessie Smith)
Longing for Chicago, ain’t got no railroad fare
Longing for Chicago, ain’t got no railroad fare
’Cause I got a easy rider, up the road somewhere
He ain’t good looking, ain’t got no Poro hair
He ain’t good looking, ain’t got no Poro hair
He’s got a disposition to take him any ole where
Soon this morning, just about the break of day
Soon this morning, just about the break of day
I caught my good man making his getaway
Lord, I feel my trouble rising with the sun
Lord, I feel my trouble rising with the sun
’Cause I know my daddy is loving some other one.
SOUTH BOUND BLUES (Tom Delaney)
Yes I’m mad, my heart’s sad
The man I love treat me so bad
He brought me out of my home town
Took me to New York and throwed me down
Without a cent to pay my rent
I’m left alone without a home
I told him I would leave him and my time ain’t long
My folks done sent me money, and I’m Dixie bound
Oh, you done me wrong, you throwed me down
You caused me to weep and to moan
I told him I’d see him, honey, some of these days
And I’m going to tell him ’bout his low down dirty ways
Done bought my ticket, Lord, and my trunk is packed
Goin’ back to Georgia, folks, I sure ain’t comin’ back
My train’s at the station, I done sent my folks the news
You can tell the world I’ve got those South bound blues
Done bought my ticket, Lord, and my trunk is packed
Goin’ back to Georgia, folks, mama sure ain’t comin’ back
My train’s at the station, I done sent my folks the news
You can tell the world I’ve got those South bound blues.
SOUTHERN BLUES (Gertrude Rainey)
House catch on fire, and ain’t no water ’round
If your house catch on fire, ain’t no water ’round
Throw your trunk out the window, buildin’ burn on down
I went to the gypsy, to have my fortune told
I went to the gypsy, to have my fortune told
He said, “Doggone you, girlie, doggone your bad luck soul.”
I turned around, went to that gypsy next door
I turned around, went to that gypsy next door
He said, “You can get a man, anywhere you go.”
Let me be your rag doll, until your Chinee come
Let me be your rag doll, ’til your Chinee come
If she beats me raggin’, she’s got to rag it some.
STACK O’LEE BLUES (Jasper Taylor)
Stack O’Lee was a bad man, everybody knows
And when they see Stack O’Lee comin’, they give him the road
He was my man, but he done me wrong
Stack O’Lee, Stack O’Lee was so desperate and bad
He’d take everything his women would bring, and everything they had
He was my man, but he done me wrong
Stack O’Lee’s on the warpath, and you’d better run
’Cause Stack O’Lee, oh he’s a bad man and he’ll kill you just for fun
He was my man, but he done you wrong
Stack O’Lee’s in jail now, with his face turned to the wall
Dirty women and old corn whiskey was the cause of it all
He was my man, but he done you wrong
Eight-hundred-dollar coffin and a eighty-dollar hat
Carried him to the cemetery, but they did not bring him back
He was my man, but he done me wrong.
STORMY SEA BLUES (Thomas Dorsey)
Rainin’ on the ocean, it’s stormin’ on the sea
Rainin’ on the ocean, it’s stormin’ on the sea
The blues in that shower, stormin’ down on me
I hear thunder, I’m caught out in the storm
I hear thunder, I’m caught out in the storm
Man I love done packed his grip and gone
I hear the wind blowin’, I’m left here all alone
I hear the wind blowin’, I’m left here all alone
That storm won’t be over ’til my daddy come back home
I see the lightnin’ flashin’, I see the waves a-dashing, I’m tryin’ to spread the news
I feel this boat a-crashin’, I’m trying to spread the news
My man has done quit me, and left me with the stormy sea blues.
SWEET ROUGH MAN (J. Sammy Randall and Gertrude Rainey)
I woke up this mornin’, my head was sore as a boil
I woke up this mornin’, my head was sore as a boil
My man beat me last night with five feet of copper coil
He keeps my lips split, my eyes as black as jet
He keeps my lips split, my eyes as black as jet
But the way he love me makes me soon forget
Every night for five years, I’ve got a beatin’ from my man
Every night for five years, I’ve got a beatin’ from my man
People says I’m crazy, I’ll explain and you’ll understand
My man, my man, Lord, everybody knows he’s mean
My man, my man, Lord, everybody knows he’s mean
But when he starts to lovin’, I wring and twist and scream
Lord, it ain’t no maybe ’bout my man bein’ rough
Lord, it ain’t no maybe ’bout my man bein’ rough
But when it comes to lovin’, he sure can strut his stuff.
THOSE ALL NIGHT LONG BLUES (J. Guy Suddoth)
I haven’t slept for maybe a week
’Cause my man and I don’t speak
There’s no reason why he should treat me this way
’Cause the way I worry, I will soon be old and gray
Don’t want to do nothing that’s wrong
But can’t stand this treatment long
I just lay and suffer, cry and cry all night long
’Cause the way I’m worried, Lordy, it sure is wrong
All night long, all night long, there’s just one man on my mind
Can’t sleep a wink at night for cryin’
All night long, Lord, my worries just renews
And I suffer with those all night blues
All night long, all night long, there’s just one man on my mind
Can’t sleep a wink at night for cryin’
All night long, Lord, my worries just renews
And I suffer with those all night blues.
THOSE DOGS OF MINE (Gertrude Rainey)
Looka here, people, listen to me
Believe me, I’m telling the truth
If your corns hurt you, just like mine
You’d say these same words too
Out for a walk, I stopped to talk
Oh, how my corns did burn
I had to keep on the shady side of the street
To keep out the light of the sun
Oh, Lord, these dogs of mine
They sure do worry me all the time
The reason why, I don’t know
Sometimes I soak ’em in Sapolio
Lord, I beg to be excused
I can’t wear me no sharp-toed shoes
Oh, Lordy, how the sun do shine
Down on these hounds of mine
Oh, Lordy, these dogs of mine
They sure do worry me all the time
The reason why, I don’t know
Sometimes I soak ’em in Sapolio
Lord, I beg to be excused
I can’t wear me no sharp-toed shoes
Oh, Lordy, how the sun do shine
Down on these hounds of mine.
TITANIC MAN BLUES (Gertrude Rainey and J. Mayo Williams)
Everybody fall in line, going to tell you ’bout that man of mine
It’s the last time, Titanic, fare thee well
Now you’ve always had a good time, drinking your high-priced wine
But it’s the last time, Titanic, fare thee well
Feel you’re like a ship at sea, but you certainly made a fool of me
It’s the last time, Titanic, fare thee well
It’s a hard and bitter pill, but I’ve got somebody else that will
It’s the last time, Titanic, fare thee well
Now I won’t worry when you’re gone, another brown’s got your water on
It’s the last time, Titanic, fare thee well
Now I’m leavin’ you, there’s no doubt, yes, your mama’s gonna put you out
It’s the last time, Titanic, fare thee well.
TOAD FROG BLUES (J. Guy Suddoth)
Lord, hear me prayin’, my man treats me like a hound
Lord, hear me prayin’, my man treats me like a hound
I got the toad low blues and I can’t get no lower down
When you hear a frog croaking, you’ll know they’re cryin’ for more rain
When you hear a frog croaking, you’ll know they’re cryin’ for more rain
But when you hear me cryin’, I’m cryin’ because I can’t ride a train
You gonna look for me some morning, but baby, I will be long gone
You gonna look for me some morning, but baby, I will be long gone
Then your low down ways will bring those mean blues on
If I don’t lose these blues, I’ll be in some undertaker’s morgue
If I don’t lose these blues, I’ll be in some undertaker’s morgue
I’m tired of eating one meal, hopping, too, just like a frog
I can’t get no higher, sure can’t get no lower down
I can’t get no higher, sure can’t get no lower down
I got the toad frog blues and I’m sure Lordy Dixie bound.
TOUGH LUCK BLUES (J. Sammy Randall and Gertrude Rainey)
When a black cat crosses you, bad luck I heard it said
When a black cat crosses you, bad luck I heard it said
One must’ve started ’cross me, got halfway and then fell dead
Things sure breakin’ hard, worse than ever before
Things sure breakin’ hard, worse than ever before
My sugar told me, speak to him no more
Yeah, my right hand’s raised to the good Lord above
Yeah, my right hand’s raised to the good Lord above
If they was throwin’ away money, I’d have on boxing gloves
If it was rainin’ down soup, thick as number one sand
If it was rainin’ down soup, thick as number one sand
I’d have a fork in my pocket and a sifter in my hand
My friend committed suicide, while I was away at sea
My friend committed suicide, while I was away at sea
They want to lock me up for murder in the first degree.
TRAVELING BLUES (Composer unknown)
Train’s at the station, I heard the whistle blow
The train’s at the station, I heard the whistle blow
I done bought my ticket and I don’t know where I’ll go
I went to the depot, looked up and down the board
I went to the depot, looked up and down the board
I asked the ticket agent, “Is my town on this road?”
The ticket agent said, “Woman, don’t sit and cry.”
The ticket agent said, “Woman, don’t you sit and cry
The train blows at this station, but she keeps on passing by.”
I hear my daddy calling some other woman’s name
I hear my daddy calling some other woman’s name
I know he don’t need me, but I’m gonna answer just the same
I’m dangerous and blue, can’t stay here no more
I’m dangerous and blue, can’t stay here no more
Here come my train, folks, and I’ve got to go.
TRUST NO MAN (Lillian Hardaway Henderson)
I want all you women to listen to me
Don’t trust your man no further’n your eyes can see
I trusted mine with my best friend
But that was the bad part in the end
Trust no man, trust no man, no further than your eyes can see
I said, trust no man, no further than your eyes can see
He’ll tell you that he loves you and swear it is true
The very next minute he’ll turn his back on you
Ah, trust no man, no further than your eyes can see
Just feed your daddy with a long-handled spoon
Be sure to love him, morning, night, and noon
Sometimes your heart will ache and almost bust
That’s why there’s no daddy good enough to trust
Trust no man
[SPOKEN]Say! Take Ma Rainey’s advice! Don’t trust no man.
I mean, not even your own man!
All right now! You’re goin’ with me, but just don’t trust nobody!
You see where it got me, don’t you?
He sure will leave you. [SUNG]
Ah, trust no man, trust no man, no further than your eyes can see
Ah, trust no man, no further than your eyes can see
He’ll stay with you in the winter, like the money you loan
Look out in the summer, you’ll find your cheater gone
I said, trust no man, no further than your eyes can see.
VICTIM TO THE BLUES (Thomas Dorsey)
My man left this morning just about half past four
My man left this morning just about half past four
He left a note on his pillow, said he couldn’t use me no more
Then I grasped my pillow, turned over in my bed
I grasped my pillow, turned over in my bed
I cried about my daddy ’til my cheeks turned cherry red
It’s awful hard to take it, it’s such a bitter pill
It’s awful hard to take it, it’s such a bitter pill
If the blues don’t kill me, that man and mean treatment will
Too sad to worry, too mean to fight
Too slow to hurry, too good to lie
That man he left me, never said goodbye
Too well to stay and too sick to die
Folks they think I’m crazy, I’m just a victim to the blues.
WALKING BLUES (Gertrude Rainey and Lovie Austin)
Woke up this morning, up this morning, with my head bowed down, hey, hey, hey
Woke up this morning, with my head bowed down
I had that mean old feelin’, I was in the wrong man’s town
Mailman’s been here, mailman’s been here, but didn’t leave no news, hey, hey, hey
Mailman’s been here, but didn’t leave no news
That’s the reason why mama’s got the walkin’ blues
Walked and walked ’til I, walked and walked ’til I almost lost my mind, hey, hey, hey
Walked and walked ’til I almost lost my mind
I’m afraid to stop walking, ’cause I might lose some time
Got a short time to make it, short time to make it, and a long ways to go, Lord, Lord, Lord
Short time to make it, and a long ways to go
Tryin’ to find the town they call San Antonio
Thought I’d rest me, thought I’d rest me, I couldn’t hear no news, Lord, Lord, Lord
Thought I’d rest me, I couldn’t hear no news
I’ll soon be there, ’cause I got the walkin’ blues.
WEEPING WOMAN BLUES (Bessie Smith and Gertrude Rainey)
Lord, you see me weepin’, and you hear me cryin’
Lord, you see me weepin’, and you hear me cryin’
I ain’t weepin’ ’bout no money, just that man of mine
Lord, this mean old engineer, cruel as he could be
This mean old engineer, cruel as he could be
Took my man away and blowed the smoke back at me
I’m going down South, won’t be back ’til fall
I’m going down South, won’t be back ’til fall
If I don’t find my easy rider, ain’t comin’ back at all
I’d rather be in the river, drifting like a log
I’d rather be in the river, drifting like a log
Than to be in this town, treated like a dog.
WRINGING AND TWISTING BLUES (Paul Carter)
I had my fortune told, and the gypsy took my hand
And she made me understand, that I had lost my man
She said I had the wringin’ and the twistin’ blues
I twisted my nervous hands and then I shook my head
Went home and jumped in bed, and when I heard what she said
And now I’ve got the wringin’ and the twistin’ blues
He told me that he loved me, I found it wasn’t true
’Cause he’s done gone and left me, I’ve nothing else to do
But if I know that woman that caused my heart to moan
I’d cook a special dinner, invite her to my home
I had some green cucumbers, some half-done tripe and greens
Some buttermilk and codfish, some sour kidney beans
If she eats what’s on my table, she will be graveyard bound
I’ll be right there to tell her, when they put her in the ground
“You’re the cause of me having those wringin’ and a-twistin’ blues.”
Get a paper in the morn, and you will read the news
Where a poor gal’s dead and gone, with the wringin’ and twistin’ blues
Now I’ve got the wringin’ and the twistin’ blues.
YA DA DO (Lovie Austin)
Every evenin’ ’bout half past four
Sweet piano playin’ near my door
And turn to raggin’, you never heard such blues before
There’s a pretty little thing they play
It’s very short, but folks all say
“Oh, it’s a-pickin’,” when they start to want to cry for more
I don’t know the name, but it’s a pretty little thing, goes
Ya da da do, ya da da do
Fill you with harmonizing, minor refrain
It’s a no-name blues, but’ll take away your pains
Ya da da do, ya da da do
Everybody loves it, ya da do do do
Ya da da do, ya da da do
Fill you with harmonizing, minor refrain
It’s a no-name blues, but’ll take away your pains
Ya da da do, ya da da do
Everybody loves it, ya da do do do.
YONDER COME THE BLUES (Gertrude Rainey)
I worry all day, I worry all night
Every time my man comes home he wants to fuss and fight
When I pick up the paper to read the news
Just when I’m satisfied, yonder come the blues
I went down to the river each and every day
Tryin’ to keep from cryin’ and do myself away
I walked and walked ’til I wore out my shoes
I can’t walk no further, yonder come the blues
Some folks never worry, things all come out right
Poor me, lie down and suffer, weep and cry all night
When I get a letter, it never bring good news
Every time I see the mailman, yonder come the blues
Go back blues, don’t come this way
Lordy, give me something else besides the blues all day
Every man I’ve loved, I’ve been misused
And when I want some lovin’, yonder come the blues
People have different blues and think they’re mighty bad
But blues about a man the worst I’ve ever had
I been disgusted and all confused
Every time I look around, yonder come the blues.
*This section is virtually inaudible.
*The speaking voice sounds to be that of Bessie Smith, who may very well have been present at this recording session on an informal basis. Recording made in Chicago, December 1926.
*Virtually inaudible.
*This word is virtually inaudible, but likely is the name of a small Delta town.
*This is a transcription of the 1923 recording of “Moonshine Blues.” The 1927 version has slightly different lyrics.
