WeenieCampbell.com
Country Blues => Country Blues Lyrics => Topic started by: gribbon on April 02, 2007, 08:43:52 AM
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This song is included on the first disc of the JSP collection "All the Classic Sides". I can post it here if someone tells me how.
I worked out most of the lyrics, but there are a few annoying phrases which i can't hear. It's a fun song I think. Obviously it's mistitled and should have been called "You Can't Do That" or "They're Trying to Tell Me" or something. Appreciate any help...
https://youtu.be/wH7X0KaIKtU
Lord they all, trying to tell me, boys, that you can't do that
Lord they all, trying to show me, ??? , why I can't do that
I've been looked up in jail, and you couldn't get booked ( ???)
Then you say, oh well, I'm cooked.
Then the people all, singin and dancin, tell me that you can't do that
That's wrong!
Boy, you can't do that.
Lord they all, trying to tell me, boys, that you can't do that
Lord they all, singing and dancing, tell me that you can't do that
Then they caught me with the spirit, ??? gallon of mash
Ten gallons of liqour, lord, and... one bowl of hash.
Then they all, trying to tell me, boys, that you can't do that.
No that's wrong!
Tell you that you can't do that
Lord they all, trying to tell me, boys, that you can't do that
They all, singing and dancing, tell me that you can't do that
Then they take me to the jail before they put me in the cell
Hit me so hard, ??? ??? ???
Then the people all, trying to tell me, boys, that you can't do that
No that's wrong! No.
Boys, that you can't do that
You hear them all singing and dancing, tell me that you can't
You know, they're trying to tell med, boys, that
I was tried by an upright judge
And he give me ten years to serve.
Then the people all, trying to tell me, boys, that you can't do that
No that's wrong!
Tell me that you can't do that
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Wonderful song. About two decades back I attempted to transcribe this song for a little bit of nonsense I was trying to write. Usually I leave both writing and transcription to those better suited to the task but here's what I came up with from a 1985 BBB Matchbox LP using a not so good 78! Maybe between you, I and the rest of the good folk of Weneie Land a definitive transcription will emerge. Be as critical as you like with what follows as I seem to have misfiled the LP in question and unable to relisten.
Lord, they all tryin' to tell me
Why that they can't do that.
Lord, they all tryin' to show me
Just why they can't do that.
Have you ever been locked up in jail and you couldn't get booked?
Then you say, "Oh, well, I'm cooked."
Then the people all singin' and dancin',
Tellin' you that they can't do that, that's wrong
Why is they can't do that.
Lord, they all tryin' to tell me
Why that they can't do that.
Lord they all singin' and dancin'
Tellin' me that they can't do that.
Sayin', they caught rne with a still and two-fifty gallons of mash.
Ten gallons of liquor, lord, and one bottle of hash
Then they all tryin' to tell me,
Why that they can't do that, no, that's wrong
Tellin' you 'bout they can't do that.
Lord, they all tryin' to tell me
Why that they can't do that.
Hear 'em all singin' and dancin'
Tellin' you that they can't do that
Sayin', they take me to the jail before they put me in the cell.
Kick me so hard until both of us fell
Then the people all tryin' to tell me
Why that they can't do that, no, that's wrong, though
Why that they can't do that.
Lord, you hear 'em all singin' and dancin',
Tellin' you that they can't do that.
You know, they're tryin' to tell me
Why that they can't do that.
Lord, I was tried by an upright judge.
And he give me ten years to serve.
Then the people all tryin' to tell me
Why that they can't do that, no, that's wrong
Tellin' you that they can't do that.
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Thank's a lot. Your transcription cleared up a few things. There's a lot of unimportant descrepancies between it and mine. Mostly things like "why" instead of "boys"...
Funny, I heard him singing "you can't do that", but know i hear it "they can't do that". At least in most places. Guess "you can't do that" made more sense to me.
I agree with the line "Have you ever been locked up in jail and you couldn't get booked".
"Two-fifty gallons of mash" also sound reasonable.
I too hear "Kicked me som hard" now, but I'm not totally convinced it is "both of us fell".
EDIT: Added MP3 to the first post of this thread, so you can listen to it...
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I think this needs a completely fresh pair of ears, I'm just hearing what I want to hear now. ;D
Now's the time for Weenie C's veteran transcribers to bring a bit of common sense and logic to it all. Over to you guys.
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Howdy gents:
I listened to this a number of times (great tune BTW). I agree with Bunker Hill's stuff ex. for a few "boy"s.
I think "bottle of hash" is right as well as "both of us fell"
Here's what I get. My changes from Bunker are in bold.
Lord, they all tryin' to tell me
Boy that they can't do that.
Lord, they all tryin' to show me
Just why they can't do that.
Have you ever been locked up in jail and you couldn't get booked?
Then you say, "Oh, well, I'm cooked."
Then the people all singin' and dancin',
Tellin' you that they can't do that, that's wrong
Why is they can't do that.
Lord, they all tryin' to tell me
Boy that they can't do that.
Lord they all singin' and dancin'
Tellin' me that they can't do that.
Sayin', they caught rne with a still and two-fifty gallons of mash.
Ten gallons of liquor, lord, and one bottle of hash
Then they all tryin' to tell me,
Why that they can't do that, no, that's wrong
Tellin' you 'bout they can't do that.
Instrumental break
Lord, they all tryin' to tell me
Boy that they can't do that.
Hear 'em all singin' and dancin'
Tellin' you that they can't do that
Sayin', they take me to the jail before they put me in the cell.
Kick me so hard until both of us fell
Then the people all tryin' to tell me
Why that they can't do that, no, that's wrong, though
Why but that they did do that.
Lord, you hear 'em all singin' and dancin',
Tellin' you that they can't do that.
You know, they're tryin' to tell me
Why that they can't do that.
Lord, I was tried by an upright judge.
And he give me ten years to serve.
Then the people all tryin' to tell me
Why that they can't do that, no, that's wrong
Tellin' you that they can't do that.
Alex
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This tune is a classic Broonzy / Georgia Tom tune that was also done by Milton Brown. Most of the lyrics are pretty straight forward but a couple are giving me fits. By the way, why the "Eagle Ridin"" of the Hokum Boys versions and the "Easy Ridin'" of the Musical Brownies version?
Every A and B part have different words
https://youtu.be/TjM0LluEOHY.
In the fifth verse he sings:
Now If You Like This Tune, Think It's Fine
Set Right Down and Drop A . . . . . . ?
In the second B part, they sing:
And I'll Declare
You'll Get It There
And if we . . . . . ?
Sometimes it's . . . ? Somewhere
And in the next to last verse, he gets saucy but I can't quite make out how saucy.
Now We Ain't Good Lookin' and We Don't Dress Fine
The Way We . . . ? It, It's . . . . . ? Fine
Hmmmmm? Any ideas folks?
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I'd imagine that the Brownies didn't know what "Eagle Ridin'" meant and changed it to something more familiar. I would assume that the eagle in question is a $10 gold piece and the phrase means that they're well-heeled or "sports," as they would have said back then. Here are the words to the Broonzy/Dorsey version:
Listen everybody from here and far,
If you want to know just who we are,
Eagle ridin' papas, from Tennessee.
Now if you like the way we play,
Listen while we try to say,
Eagle ridin' papas, from Tennessee.
All night long,
We sing this song,
If you get this song,
You can't go wrong, and how
We'll make you loose, we'll make you tight,
Make you shake it till broad daylight
Eagle ridin' papas, from Tennessee.
(instrumental)
Now we never do brag, never do boast,
Played this tune from coast to coast,
Eagle ridin' papas, from Tennessee.
Now if you like this tune, think it's fine
Sit right down and drop a line,
Eagle ridin' papas, from Tennessee.
And I'll declare,
You'll get it there,
And if you have,
Some time to spare, somewhere
Some time we're down your way,
We'll drop in and spend the day
Eagle ridin' papas, from Tennessee.
(instrumental/scat)
Now some want to know just what we've got,
Got good hokum and serve it hot,
Eagle ridin' papas, from Tennessee.
Now we ain't good lookin' and we don't dress fine,
Way we whip it it's (a) hangin' crime,
Eagle ridin' papas, from Tennessee.
If you see me stealin',
Don't tell on me,
Just stealin' back to,
My used to be, and how,
We never have one gal at a time,
Always have seven, eight or nine,
Eagle ridin' papas, from Tennessee.
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Thanks Chris, but we might as well finish the tune . . . .
We never had one gal at a time
Always had 7,8 or 9
Eagle Ridin' Papa, from Tennessee
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Huh? It's right there. ;)
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Huh? It's right there. ;)
Woooops . . . . .
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Change the punchline to "We're the Texas Playboys -- from the Lone Star State" and you've also got Bob Wills' theme song for many years.
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Hey,
I resemble that remark.....
That's where I got my online name, I always thought it would be a good name for a band.
Mike
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Hello,
Could I have I have your collected assistance with the lyrics to Big Bill Broonzy's version of Beedle Um Bum. Below is what I have. The recording I have isn't great, so happy to be corrected if I've gone way off base on any words. The main trouble I am having is with the 2nd chorus.
Also, I don't have any discography with the recording and would be curious to know who the 2nd man on the track is.
https://youtu.be/e1yyF5Dp3Xc
BEEDLE UM BUM
Down in Memphis Tennessee, there's a gal named Simmy
Runs a meat shop on the block, she's always got a gimme
Serves a meal with a tadpole heel, you can't resist by trying
And every time you pass her door, you'll hear Miss Simmy crying
Oh my Beedle Um Bum, come and see me if you ain't had none
Makes a dumb man speak, makes a lame man run,
You'll sure miss something if you don't get some
My Beedle Um Bum, oh my Beedle Um Bum
It's the best Beedle Um that's made in Tennessee
[Instrumental]
Every day at ten o'clock, she'll go down to the station
Soon as the post has come in town, she'll give a little invitation
Every day from noon til night, she's always busy selling
Beedle Um hot and Beedle Um cold, you could always here her yelling
Oh my Beedle Um Bum, come and see me if you ain't had none
Ain't made salt and it ain't made ??, just made up in a [medium fast?]
My Beedle Um Bum, oh my Beedle Um Bum
It's the best Beedle Um that's made in Tennessee
[Instrumental]
Oh my Beedle Um Bum, come and see me if you ain't had none
You don't have to hurry, you don't have to go,
You get a little taste make you want some more
My Beedle Um Bum, oh my Beedle Um Bum
It's the best Beedle Um that's made in Tennessee
Thanks
John
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John:
Welcome.
I get:
Last word of first line of second chorus "one", not none
Last word of first line of second chorus "time", not fast
Recorded Feb. 9, 1932.The other guy is Steele Smith on banjo.
Alex
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Oh my Beedle Um Bum, come and see me if you ain't had none
Ain't made salt and it ain't made ??, just made up in a [medium fast?]
My Beedle Um Bum, oh my Beedle Um Bum
It's the best Beedle Um that's made in Tennessee
On the second line here, I've often heard:
Ain't made tall and it ain't made wide ??, just made up in a medium size
Whether right or not, this version has definitely helped me understand Tampa Red & Georgia Tom's (considerably faster) rendition of this tune.
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Definitely "tall" "wide" and "medium size"
also, I think it's "Runs the neatest shop..." and "Soon as the folks had come in town"
Chris
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anyone got the exact lyrics for these. there basically the same song. I can't find them anywhere on the net.
here's a clip;
https://youtu.be/RIrnUJvBXkU
https://youtu.be/3BdlSIdMRe4
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It's a pretty good quality recording you ought to write them down, it'll only take a few minutes ;)
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Mr. Conductor Man
Big Bill Broonzy
https://youtu.be/EuNlKppGfpE
I woke up this mornin? Hear-d *that train whistle blow
I got up this mornin? Hear-d that train whistle blow
Lord I thought about my baby,
I sure did want to go
Lord I grabbed up my suitcase I run to the ol? depot
Babe I grabbed up my suitcase I run to the ol? depot
I could see the conductor he wavin? his hand to go
I said Mr.Conductor Man I want to talk to you
I wanna ride your train from here to Bougealoo
I?m leavin? this mornin? man I ain?t got my fare,
but I will shovel coal in your engine
Till your train gets me there
Cryin?, please Mr. Conductor Man, please take my last thin dime, 2X
I got a woman in Bougealoo waitin?
Man I can?t lose no time
Then the bell started ringin? conductor hollered all aboard
When the bell started ringin?, conductor hollered all aboard
Lord I picked up my suitcase, start walkin? down the road
I?m leavin? this mornin? I sure don?t want to go 2X
Lord and the woman I?ve been lovin?
She don?t want me no more
* sounds like here-d
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Hi all,
Bill Broonzy seemed like another good candidate for a merged lyric thread. There are a lot of songs discussed here, and all of the post titles have been left as they were originally (except for the post starting the thread) to make for ease in following the lyric discussions.
All best,
Johnm
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Hey Gang,
I was in here the other day, looking for lyrics to Big Bill Broonzy's Willie Mae, but I couldn't find any. So, I did it the hard way, and wrote them down from the track. As I have benefitted from finding lyrics posted here before, here's my payback:
https://youtu.be/z1XzAz02YMQ
I got a gal named Willie Mae, and she lives in the low, low, land.
I got a gal named Willie Mae, Lord, and she lives in the low, low, land.
Lord, the way I got that woman, I declare I stole her from another man.
All my life, baby, you know I?ve had to roam.
All my life, baby, you know I?ve had to roam.
Just on account o?me breaking that poor man?s home.
Willie Mae, Willlie Mae
Willie Mae, don?t you hear me calling you?
Lord if I don?t get my Willie Mae, I declare no other woman will do.
When I get to thinkin? ?bout Willie Mae, cold chill run up and down my spine.
When I get to thinkin? ?bout Willie Mae, cold chill run up and down my spine.
Lord, sometimes I wished I was dead, ?cause Willie Mae you know I?m afraid of dyin?.
I?m gonna leave here, I?m goin? on down the line.
I?m gonna leave here, baby n? I?m goin? on down the line.
Willie Mae you know I don?t do nothin? here, Lord knows, but grieve and cry.
Lord knows, but I grieve and cry.
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Thanks Jimmy J, I play this and always blanked on a verse or two,
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I was in here the other day, looking for lyrics to Big Bill Broonzy's Willie Mae, but I couldn't find any.
http://media.smithsonianfolkways.org/liner_notes/folkways/FW03817.pdf
cf. p.7
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I was in here the other day, looking for lyrics to Big Bill Broonzy's Willie Mae, but I couldn't find any.
http://media.smithsonianfolkways.org/liner_notes/folkways/FW03817.pdf
cf. p.7
Is that an official album, I have it as a bootleg
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Hi Harry:
It was released by Folkways as an LP, which I have.
http://www.folkways.si.edu/albumdetails.aspx?itemid=595
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What I have to contribute to this discussion is totally irrelevant but between 1951 and 1957 BBB recorded this particular song on nine different occasions, two of which were for Folkways 14 Nov 1956 (FG 3586) & 7 May 1957 (FS 3817). To complicate matters in 1956 he recorded it for Verve which was subsequently reissued on Folkways (FA 2328)....are you still with me? ::)
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Still with you, Bunker Hill, love the depth of your knowledge about this stuff!
Also on a semi-related note, Willie Mae was one of the first songs I ever learned, and because of it I was able to quickly learn a half-dozen other BBB tunes. For anyone on Weenie who is a beginning guitar player, it's a great selection, and will hook you for life.
L
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I bought it, along with the rest of the seventeen tracks on the album called, One Beer, one Blues for $6.99, from iTunes Store. I have no idea as to when, where, or for whom it was originally recorded.
iTunes Store has this album mislabelled, by the way.
I thought I was buying the track as part of a Studs Terkel radio show with BBB and Brownie McGhee. But, no radio show, and no Brownie. It's just Big Bill and in fine form. I ain't saying nothing to iTunes, neither, 'cause seventeen tracks for $6.99 seems like a hell of a deal...
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I thought I was buying the track as part of a Studs Terkel radio show with BBB and Brownie McGhee. But, no radio show, and no Brownie.
It was the 7 May 1957 session on LP3817 (Blues With BB, ST & BMcG). The booklet notes in part state:
Studs Terkel, folk and jazz authority, whose weekly "Almanac" programme was a steady feature of Chicago's fine art F. M. Station WFMT, fixed for Big Bill to have Brownie McGhee and Sonny Terry along to the studio, while they were in Chicago. An early morning session was recorded, and the full one-and-a-half hours went out the following evening.
The songs are:
Side One
Keys To The Highway
Brownie's Blues
Crow Jane
Willy May
Daisie
Louise
Guitar Shuffle
Feeling It
Side Two
Fox Chase
Beautiful City
I'm Goin' To Tell God
It Sounds Like The Voice of The Lord
(Blues) Improvisation
So maybe hunt around for a CD/Download/whatever containing the above tracks. Good luck.
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The Smithsonian-Folkways site is probably the best source for the download. As you can see, only a "Custom CD" is available, which means that the album was never commercially released as a CD, but is available as an on-demand CD-R. Years ago I called S-F and spoke to them about this regarding the sound quality. They told me that the master tapes had been digitized and the custom CDs were just like the S-F CDs that had been released commercially in terms of sound quality. Whether this is still the case, I don't know. Here's the link again:
http://www.folkways.si.edu/albumdetails.aspx?itemid=595
Another good one is:
http://www.folkways.si.edu/albumdetails.aspx?itemid=3211
There's overlap with "The Bill Broonzy Story" on Verve, which is also essential for Big Bill fans.
http://www.amazon.com/Bill-Broonzy-Story-Big/dp/B00000JWNM
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There's overlap with "The Bill Broonzy Story" on Verve, which is also essential for Big Bill fans.
http://www.amazon.com/Bill-Broonzy-Story-Big/dp/B00000JWNM
Have had "Bill Broonzy Story" (the 3 CD set) on a wish list for the longest, but I picked up "Trouble In Mind", which is a S-F release also, and I'm wondering if the set duplicates any of the tracks from that CD (other than in title, that is). From listening to some of the clips on Amazon, it sounds like they may be different takes, in which case I'm a bit more likely to buy it when finances allow.
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According to the notes by Bill Randle who was the producer, "The Bill Broonzy Story" was recorded July 12 and 13, 1957. The Folkways session with Studs Terkel is a different recording. "Trouble in Mind" is a compilation and gives info re: the date and original LP on which the individual songs were released in the notes, so you might do some cross checking. Several of the cuts are from the "Sings Country Blues" LP which I have, but it's buried at the moment. Unfortunately, the notes and album info aren't available at the S-F site, but I'll check to see if there's any info re: the dates that the tracks were recorded when I get a chance.
Hope this little bit of info is helpful.
Link to "Trouble In Mind" notes:
http://media.smithsonianfolkways.org/liner_notes/smithsonian_folkways/SFW40131.pdf
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According to the notes by Bill Randle who was the producer, "The Bill Broonzy Story" was recorded July 12 and 13, 1957. The Folkways session with Studs Terkel is a different recording.
Quite so, I have the BBS as three HMV LPs titled "The Last Sessions" which was also that of the original Verve LPs (3001-3003.)
Shame Chris Smith's Hit The Right Lick:The Recordings of Big Bill Broonzy is so long out of print - everything you wanted to know about BBB's recordings but never dare ask. :) :)
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I have the Willie Mae on a
Verve Vogue CD which I regard as including some of Bill's finest moments, particularly the voice and generally laid-back ambiance. IMHO Bill was even greater than usual when he played slower than usual and stretched out the end of the vocal lines until you can't bear it any more.
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Hi all,
Since there was already a Big Bill Broonzy Lyrics thread, I merged Jimmy J's recent thread on "Willie Mae" with that thread, while keeping the titles in the "Willie Mae" thread posts.
All best,
Johnm
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does anyone have the lyrics to 'papa's gettin' hot'.....i am wanting to do a cover of it and im sort of at a loss for some of them.
https://youtu.be/QE7gQ35yeXk
thx.
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Hi chuckroast,
Welcome to Weenie Campbell! The lyric protocol around here is to post what you have of the song that you'd like lyrics for, and other folks fill in the mystery spots as they are able to or motivated to do.
All best,
Johnm
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PAPA'S GETTIN' HOT
i love you in the parlor
i'll love you in the park
i love you in the moonlight
i'll love you in the dark
if you want__________hey hey
if you want __________hey hey
now your papa's gettin' hot
mama___________gettin' cold
when you used to love me
it filled me through and through
you don't even kiss me
like you used to do
if you want__________hey hey
if you want __________hey hey
now your papa's gettin' hot
mama___________gettin' cold
___________on my shoulder
___________ in my hand
papa begins a'thinkin'
mama's got another man
if you want__________hey hey
if you want __________hey hey
now your papa's gettin' hot
mama___________gettin' cold
it's hot in the country
it's hot in town
sweat's rollin off you
from your head on down
if you want__________hey hey
if you want __________hey hey
now your papa's gettin' hot
mama___________gettin' cold
you never_________me
you never_________
[line left blank for whatever reason]
if you want__________hey hey
if you want __________hey hey
now your papa's gettin' hot
mama___________gettin' cold
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One of my favorite Big Bill collaborations. Help with the [... ... ...], and any other improvements much appreciated. It just struck me this is a 8 + 1 = 9 bar blues, except for the verse before the first break, where the soloist probably forgot to hang on to it and comes in a bar early, the rest just go with it.
Incidentally B&GR don't think Bill is playing guitar on it, but I really think it is Bill. I do. For more discussion see http://weeniecampbell.com/yabbse/index.php?topic=5652.0 (http://weeniecampbell.com/yabbse/index.php?topic=5652.0)
Don't Tear My Clothes
State Street Boys, Chicago, 10 Jan 1935
[instrumental verse intro]
Baby let's go across town
Place where we can clown
We can get drunk and clown mama, break 'em down
But pretty mama don't you tear my clothes
Baby don't you hear my screams
Mama don't you hear my plea
Now you can pull me and you can push me, all night long
But pretty mama don't you tear my clothes
[fiddle break verse x 2]
Thar's different in some women I know, things I know're is so
Now you can pull me and you can push me, all night long
But pretty mama don't you tear my clothes
Mama don't tear my clothes, things that you to know
Now you can pull me and you can push me, all night long
But pretty mama don't you tear my clothes
[fiddle break verse x 2]
Me and my buddy had a fight last night, over another man's wife
Now you can fuss and fight, almost take my life
But buddy don't you tear my clothes
[edit: thanks for the correction dj, removed the 'and']
[cheers UB for the Washboard Sam version that clarified the opening phrase in verse 3, and Gumbo whose guess was real close]
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if you want__________hey hey
if you want __________hey hey
now your papa's gettin' hot
mama___________gettin' cold
For this part of the tune, I *think* it goes:
Can't you warm up to me, hey hey
Can't you warm up to me, hey hey
now your Papa's gettin' hot
Mama's love is gettin' cold.
I'll hafta give the tune a good close listen to see if i can get any of the rest. :)
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Rivers, the second line of the first verse of Don't Tear My Clothes is "Place where we can clown" (no "and").
I can't help too much with the third verse, but I think some of what you're missing is "THERE'S A [...] IN some women I know". I have no idea what the missing two syllables are.
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sounds like
DIFF ONE IN or DIFF WARNIN
to me
not that that helps much ....
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Thanks dj, I dunno how that 'and' snuck in there.
Gumbo, keep listening, we will nail it.
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For the line "[... ... ...] some women I know, things I know're is so" in the third verse, someone might want to listen to Washboard Sam's version of Don't Tear My Clothes as he uses much the same lyrics. I can't get it yet myself.
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I don't have it. Anyone?
Could it be, extrapolating from Gumbo's hearing of it, this:
Different from some women I know... ?
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Big Bill recorded it with the State Street Boys before cousin Sam, so maybe Sam's version will shed light. Available below.
[attachment deleted by admin]
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Excellent Andrew, thanks very much.
I hear "That's different in some women I know". I think that's what he's singing in the State Street Boys version, with "That's..." pronounced "Thar's..". I will mak-a-zee-change.
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Just my take:
PAPA'S GETTIN' HOT
_ Rose ___on my shoulder
_ Note __ in my hand
papa begins a'thinkin'
mama's got another man
....
you never_ tease _me
you never_ do _
[line left blank for whatever reason]
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I Can't Be Satisfied
https://youtu.be/j0jLVL06mXE
Now listen here my baby, tell you what I want you to do
Want you treat me mama, like I do you
Well I can't be satisfied, and I can't be satisfied
And I can't mistreat her, not to please nobody's mind
Now I love my sweety, tell you the reason why
My baby got something, to satisfy my mind
refrain
Lord starvation's in my kitchen, rent sign's on my door
Good girl told me, she can't use me no more
refrain
I'm leaking at the heart, bleeding at the nose
Good girl told me, she can't use me no more
refrain
Got on my high‑cut stockings, low-cut shoes
Mama I ain't bettin' what I sure could lose
refrain
Now look a‑here boys, ain't this rich
I got to pay my wife, for everything I get
refrain
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Papa's Gettin' Hot
I have love you in the parlor,
love you in the park.
I loved you in the moonlight,
love you in the dark.
Can't you warm up to me? hey hey
Can't you warm up to me? hey hey
Your papa's getting hot,
mama's love is getting cold.
Cause when you used to love me,
it filled me through and through.
You don't even kiss me,
like you used to do.
Can't you warm up to me? hey hey
Can't you warm up to me? hey hey
Your papa's getting hot,
mama's love is getting cold.
Head rose on my shoulder,
note in my hand.
Pop begin to think,
mama's got another man.
Can't you warm up to me? hey hey
Can't you warm up to me? hey hey
Your papa's getting hot,
Mama's love is getting cold.
It's hot in the country,
hot in town.
sweat rolling off you,
from your head on down.
Can't you warm up to me? hey hey
Can't you warm up to me? hey hey
Your papa's getting hot,
your mama's love is getting cold.
Say, you never tease me,
you never do
Can't you warm up to me? hey hey
Can't you warm up to me? hey hey
Your papa's getting hot,
mama's love is getting cold.
-
Hi all,
Big Bill recorded "Frankie and Johnny" in his Folkways period. This version is currently available on "Big Bill Broonzy-Trouble In Mind", Smithsonian Folkways SFW CD 40131. Big Bill backed himself out of D position in standard tuning here, and sounds to be flat-picking, playing a relatively simple boom-chang accompaniment. God, could he sing! He sings what is probably the first melody for this song that most of us heard, the one that Aaron Copland would have used if he'd done an arrangement of it for a ballet or symphony.
https://youtu.be/XsNfUPRNyDI
Frankie and Johnny was lovers, oh, how they could love
They sworn to be true to each other, true as the skies above
It was her man, 'cause he's doin' her wrong
Frankie went down to the corner, to get her a stein of beer
She aksed the big old fat bartender, "Have my lovin' Johnny been here?
He was my man, but he's doin' me wrong."
Said, "I ain't gonna tell you no story, I ain't gonna tell you no lie
He was here 'bout an hour ago with that gal they call Nellie Blye, 'nd
He was your man, but he's doin' you wrong."
Frankie went down to the hotel, she didn't go down there for fun
Under her long red kimono she carried her .44 gun
Lookin' for the man that had done her wrong
Johnny pulled off his Stetson hat, hollered, "Now, baby, don't shoot!"
Frankie pressed her finger on the trigger and that gun went "rrrroooolietoo"
She killed her man, 'cause he done her wrong
This is the end of my story, this is the end of my song
Frankie's down in the county jail, poor thing, down there all alone
She killed her man, 'cause he done her wrong
All best,
Johnm
-
Glad you mentioned BBB's singing John. Its the wildest, free-est, craziest vocalizing out there..totally original. Anyone playing this music should be paying as much attention to BBB's singing as to anyone's guitar playing.
-
I agree that Big Bill was a fantastic singer, though I confess to thinking he overdid it in some postwar recordings, laying on the gospel gravy a bit thick sometimes. And I really love a lot of those postwar recordings.
But what voice to go with his killer thumb.
-
Thats funny , I think of gospel gravy, (very good btw, original?) as heavily vibrato laden. BBB 's voice is notably absent of vibrato if memory serves. What he does do is draw out phrases till you think they'll snap. It always feels to me as though he's searching for the "right" feeling by doing that.
-
Not mine, I first heard the phrase from Johnm, and it stuck for me.
I think of it as more melismatic, with some other vocal gymnastics thrown in. Too many notes, like the feller said in Amadeus. :P
Anyway, Big Bill is not a serious offender, IMO, and it's more about stretching things out with him, as you say, but occasionally he goes too far for my tastes.
-
I've always found BBB's vocals to be very lovely - sorry for the lame adjective but that's how I feel :D
Anyway I came here looking for the lyrics to "Worrying You Off My Mind" - Couldn't find anything so I'll write down what I can - need some help with the first and last verse in particular. Please let me know any corrections and I'll edit them in. Thank you.
https://youtu.be/ygjruoPJ7hY
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Worrying You Off My Mind - Big Bill Broonzy
I made a long day, walkin' 'long and crying,
I lost my baby, can't be satisfied,
So when I'm gone, gal take it easy, cos I'm just worryin' you off my mind
When ya get in trouble, haven't got a friend,
Just take it easy, they'll need your help again,
So when I'm gone, gal take it easy, cos I'm just worryin' you off my mind
Now it ain't hard, to live alone,
Just hard to be married, and break up your home,
So when I'm gone, gal take it easy, cos I'm just worryin' you off my mind
But that's alright, that's alright for you,
You need me some morning, when I won't need you,
So when I'm gone, gal take it easy, cos I'm just worryin' you off my mind
*guitar break*
When I was down, lost my wife and my friends,
When I got my money, they all come back again,
So when I'm gone, gal take it easy, I'm just worryin' you off my mind
(One mornin') pretty women, runnin' hand in hand,
When they raise no squabble, takin' some woman('s) man,
So when I'm gone, gal take it easy, cos I'm just worryin' you off my mind
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-
For the first verse I hear "I made a long day,"
I think he sings "gal" rather than "girl" throughout in the tagline.
Last verse, for line 1, I have no alternate hearing, so I think you're right.
Line 2 I hear "When they raise no squabble"
-
Thanks Rivers, that sounds good. I'll add it in now.
-
Hello, I'm trying to catch the lyrics for "Pneumonia Blues". Here is what I got so far, could you help me ?
https://youtu.be/tGVprq7GTEM
Pneumonia Blues
I'm feeling sick and bad, my head is hurting too,
Go and get the doctor so he can tell me just what to do
Because I keep on aching, yes I ache both night and day
yeah, doctor doctor, please drive this old pneumonia way
I have got the pneumonia, I've got it in both my sides
My friends treat me so bad 'til I just can't keep from crying
poor me I keep aching, yes I ache both night and day
yeah, doctor doctor, please drive this old pneumonia way
I have used Vicks bags, I've used everything my friends said
Now, I b'lieve I'll drink a hot toddy, and go to bed
Because I keep on aching, yes I ache both night and day
yeah, doctor doctor, please drive this old pneumonia way
My friends told my wife, they had did all they could
They say "put him in a hospital before he ruins the neighbourhood",
I keep on aching, yes I ache both night and day
yeah, doctor doctor, please drive this old pneumonia way
The doctor said my fever was a hundred and three
The nurse said "put him in a private room that's where he ought to be
Because he keeps on aching", yes I ache both night and day
yeah, doctor doctor, please drive this old pneumonia way
-
Hi The Gloth,
Here's what I'm hearing:
1.4 Yeah, doctor, doctor, please drive THIS OLD PNEUMONIA 'WAY
2.2 My FRIENDS TREAT me so bad 'til I just can't keep from crying
2.4 Yeah, doctor, doctor, please drive THIS OLD PNEUMONIA 'WAY
3.1 I have ? , I DONE USED EVERYTHING MY FRIENDS SAID
3.2 NOW, I B'LIEVE I'LL TAKE A HOT TODDY, AND GO TO BED
3.4 Yeah, doctor, doctor, please drive THIS OLD PNEUMONIA 'WAY
4.1 My friends TOLD my wife they had did all they could
4.2 They say, "Put him in a hospital before HE RUINS the neighborhood."
4.4 Yes, doctor, doctor, please drive THIS OLD PNEUMONIA 'WAY
5.4 Yeah, doctor, doctor, please drive THIS OLD PNEUMONIA 'WAY
I'll attach Big Bill's performance so that other people can figure out the middle of that first line to verse three.
http://youtu.be/mdg8KD-CaWU (http://youtu.be/mdg8KD-CaWU)
All best,
Johnm
-
Thank you, I edited ; just one or two words still to find. I guess it's "I used...", but used what ?
-
I can't quite make it out but am wondering if it's partially a brand name. Sounds like one of the words could be Vicks.
-
"Vicks Bags"?
-
Could be, John. I recall my mom telling me about people wearing bags with garlic around their necks and other folk remedies to open up the airways and sinuses back in the 20's in NE PA. I checked and came across "Asphidity Bags" that were worn around the neck. It's not a stretch to think that some people put Vicks in them as well.
-
Could be "I have used Vicks Vap" (for Vicks Vaporub).
-
Big Bill covered this song which Frank Stokes had done, but at a much slower, almost draggy (in a good way) tempo. Someone (presumably Big Bill, since the fiddling stops when the singing starts) plays real nice fiddle on this. I cannot figure out the very last line. Here's what I've got, any suggestions??
Here it is on Youtube:
https://youtu.be/1kdj_4Q74C0
Sweet tomama, sweet tomama
Where did you stay last night, pretty mama
Sweet tomama, where did you stay last night
Said when you come home pretty baby the sun was shining bright
You left home this morning, left home this morning,
sun was shining bright pretty mama
You left home this morning, sun was shining bright
Mama that?s why that I?m asking you, where did you stay last night
Run here mama, run here mama,
tell me what you gwine to do, pretty mama
Run here mama, tell me what you gwine to do
You said you gotta give me some money, yes and some loving too
My car needs crankin?, my car needs crankin?,
ain?t got no gasoline pretty mama
My car needs crankin?, ain?t got no gasoline
Just as soon as I get my money, I will be (soon unseen????)
-
Hi Suzy,
I think it is "I will be seldom seen". I've heard that line sung elsewhere, too.
All best,
Johnm
-
John, I knew I could count on you! Thanks very much.
-
Hi all,
I'm trying to figure out Big Bill's "Too Too Train Blues". This is what I've got. Any corrections are welcome. Thanks. Pan.
https://youtu.be/tvsbFc8uzOY
Too Too Train Blues -Big Bill Broonzy
Lord, my baby leaving this morning,
Gwine catch that Too Too Train.
Said my baby leaving this morning,
Gwine catch that Too Too Train.
Lord when she got on board,
She almost addled my brain.
Oh Lord, I hear that whistle blow.
Oh baby, I hear that whistle blow.
Said she blow just like,
She ain?t gonna blow no more.
Solo
Said that Too Too Train is coming.
Lord I?m goin? get on board.
Babe, that Too Too Train is coming.
Lord I?m goin? get on board.
And what I?ve got on my mind,
No one in this world does know.
.
Down in trouble, been blue as I can be.
Down in trouble, been blue as I can be.
I get there feeling lonesome,
Thinking the way you treated me.
Edited as kindly suggested by Banjochris.
-
You pretty much have it, Pan. A few corrections/suggestions:
That YouTube video sounds like the speed is a hair off, on the slow side.
Last half of the last line of verse 1 is:
She almost addled my brain
Last half of the last line of verse 3 is:
No one in this world does know
First and second lines of verse 4 are
Down in trouble
and finally
I get there feeling lonesome.
-
Thanks Chris! Very much appreciated! I made the changes.
Cheers,
Pan
-
Hi everyone, I'm trying to understand what Big Bill sings in his "Come Home Early". Here's what I get:
https://youtu.be/QyZz0a4PgZQ
If you wanna have fun baby I ??want you too??
Come on baby I'll tell just what to do if you come
home early (x2)
please come home early in the morning babe
please ??turn my dumper down??
Got what you need girl you don't have to buy
come homer baby you will be satisfied
chorus
don't be scared girl it won't bite
??my dumper was made to feelin' (feel it) , ain't expired??
chorus
my ??dump rider stove get hot??
come home babe you know exactly what I've got
chorus
(play Bob..)
pipe on my stove is long and straight
tell me baby how long will I have to wait
I need you early...
Bye bye babe I'm gon' tell you farewell
you'll may be happy girl but you'll never ??feel it well??
'cause I'm leaving early...yes I'm gon leave early this morning 'cause you won't turn ?my dumper down?
Thank you everyone for helping me :)
-
Hi Ale_Buster_Ponti,
I'll see if I can get your missing places. I'll just do the whole song, I think.
Want to have fun, baby, I want you to
Come home, baby, I'll tell you just what to do, if you
REFRAIN: Come home early, hoo-baby, come home early
Please come home early in the mornin', baby, please turn my damper down
Got what you need, gal, you don't have to buy
Come home, baby, you will be satisfied, if you
REFRAIN: Come home early, hoo-baby, come home early
Yeah, come home early in the mornin', baby, please turn my damper down
Don't be scared, gal, it won't bite
My damper's made to fit an eight-inch pipe, if you
REFRAIN: Come home early, hoo-baby, come home early
Yeah, come home early in the mornin', baby, please turn my damper down
My damper 'rive, gal, my stove get hot
Come home, baby, you know exactly what I've got, if you
REFRAIN: Come home early, hoo-baby, come home early
Please come home early in the mornin', baby, please turn my damper down
SOLO (Spoken: Play it, Bob!)
Pipe on my stove is long and straight
Tell me, baby, how long will I have to wait
REFRAIN: I need you early, hoo-babe, I want you early
Yeah, I want you early in the mornin', baby, please turn my damper down
Bye-bye, babe, I'm gon' tell you, "Fare thee well"
You may be happy, gal, but you'll never feel it well, 'cause I'm
REFRAIN: Leavin' early, yeah, babe, I'm goin' early
Yes, I'm gon' leave early this mornin', baby, 'cause you won't turn my damper down
I hope this helps.
All best,
Johnm
-
Thank you so much Johnm. Yes, damper makes more sense!
-
Hi Ale_Buster_Ponti,
I'm glad that helped. I merged the thread into the Big Bill Broonzy Lyrics thread.
All best,
Johnm
-
Mountain Blues
Big Bill Broonzy – Vocals, Guitar
Black Bob – Piano
July 3, 1935
Chicago, Illinois
Piano in C
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Fcjd7eGxcM (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Fcjd7eGxcM)
Now some of these mornings it won’t be long
You gon’ and look for me baby Lord and I’ll be gone
Because I’m gon’ leave here in the morning I’m going way out west
Lord I’m going up in the mountain where the eagle builds his nest
Lord my home ain’t here and I ain’t gon’ stay
My woman done got so that she treats me any old way
You know I’m gon’ leave here in the morning I’m going way out west
Up in the mountain where the eagle builds his nest
Now listen here woman let me tell you a thing or two
You gon’ find you another man cause I’m through with you
Because I’m gon’ leave here in the morning I’m going way out west
Lord I’m going up in the mountain where the eagle builds his nest
Now let me tell you woman what you must do
You go find you someone else ‘cause I’m through with you
Because I’m gon’ leave here in the morning I’m going way out west
Lord I’m going up in the mountain where the eagle builds his nest
Lord if I could holler like a mountain jack
When I get up in the mountains I would call my baby back
Because I’m gon’ leave here in the morning I’m going way out west
Lord I’m going up in the mountain where the eagle builds his nest
-
Match Box Blues
Big Bill Broonzy – Vocals, Guitar
Black Bob – Piano
Bill Settles - Bass
February 12, 1936
Chicago, Illinois
Piano in F
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bqq6J1Oar6w (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bqq6J1Oar6w)
Standin’ here wonderin’ will a match box hold my clothes Lord mama don’t you know your daddy cryin’ baby
Standin’ here wonderin’ will a match box hold my clothes
When I leave this town I don’t need no suitcase I know
Hey pretty mama tell me what’s the matter now Lord mama don’t you know your daddy cryin’ baby
Hey pretty mama tell me what’s the matter now
Cause’ you tryin’ quit your daddy but good gal you don’t know how
I’m gonna cross Red River I’m sure gonna leave this town Lord mama don’t you know your daddy worry
I’m gon’ cross Red River I’m sure gonna leave this town
Because the gal that I’m lovin’ she done tore my featherbed down
There's a bull dog in the alley jumpin’ up against the chain Lord mama ain’t that a cryin’ shame baby
Bull dog in the alley jumpin’ up against the chain
And I have got a brownskin woman that’s doin’ me just the same
If my train don’t run baby I’ve got a doggone mule to ride Lord mama goodbye fare-thee-well baby
My train don’t run I’ve got a doggone mule to ride
Lord I don’t have to catch him cause he’s already tied
-
Hi Harry,
I've got a couple of suggestions for "Matchbox Blues":
3.1, 3.2, Red River should be capitalized since it is the proper name of a river
3.3 BECAUSE THE gal that I'm lovin' . . .
4.1 THERE'S A bulldog in the alley
4.3 . . . 'cause he's already TIED
All best,
Johnm
-
Thanks John
-
W.P.A. Blues
Big Bill Broonzy – Vocals, Guitar
Black Bob – Piano
Bill Settles - Bass
May 27, 1936
Chicago, Illinois
Piano in G
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Az9JkZsZLcw (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Az9JkZsZLcw)
Everybody working in this town and it's worryin’ me night and day
Everybody working in this town and it's worryin’ me night and day
That’s that mean housewrecking crew hey that work for the W.P.A.
The landlord come this morning he knocked upon my door
Asked me was I going to pay my rent no more
He said you'll have to move if you can't pay
Then he turned and he walked slowly away
Then I know I have to try to find me some place to stay
Cause they gon’ tear my house down hey that crew from the W.P.A.
So I went to the relief station I didn't have a cent
They say stay on where you stayin’ you don't have to pay no rent
Then when I got back home they was tacking a sign on my door
Say this old house is condemned and you can't live here no more
Then a notion struck me I’d better be on my way
Cause they gon’ tear my house down hey that crew from the W.P.A.
Well I started out the next morning I put a lock on my door
So I wouldn’t move but I haven’t got no place to go
The real estate people they done got so
They don't rent to no relief clients no more
And I know then I could walk the streets night and day
Cause they gon’ tear my house down hey that crew from the W.P.A.
A notion struck me to stay on a day or two
But I soon found out that that wouldn't do
Early the next morning I was laying in my bed
I heard a mighty rumbling and bricks come tumblin’ on my head
I start ducking and dodging tryin’ to get out of the way
Cause they tearing my house down hey that crew from that W.P.A.
-
Hi Harry,
I would like to suggest that, in Matchbox Blues, Big Bill Broonzy is singing
Standin’ here wonderin’, will a match box hold my clothes...
Cheers,
Jean
-
Thanks Jean, it really sounds like he's singing "with" the first time.
But he got the lyrics from Jefferson I bet who sang "will" and "would" on different takes of the song.
I'll make that change.
-
Oh Yes
Big Bill Broonzy – Vocals, Guitar
Fred Williams – Drums
September 14, 1939
Chicago, Illinois
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KlUVZWINBUs
INTRO
My woman goes to club meetin’, Lord, and she goes to parties too
But I never seed a/the party last as long as my woman’s, parties do
Poor me, I can’t raise no cotton, Lord, and I can’t raise no corn
‘Cause these long billed/built boll weevils they won’t leave my, crops alone
Mmm hmm, oh yes little buddy, oh yeah, oh yes little buddy
You’ve been out, eatin’ up what I had to buy now I’m gonna kill you when I get you home
SOLO
Ah when, my baby come home, Lord, me and her had a fight
I just had to hit that poor girl ‘cause she stayed out, all night
I went, to a/her place, Lord, and I didn’t knock on the door
‘Cause I peeped to the crack and there was a pallet, down on the floor
Oh yes, mmm hmm little baby, oh yeah, oh yes doggone you
Gal, you’ve been out, trucking all night long you know I’m gonna whup you when I get you home
OUTRO SOLO
-
Thanks for posting that song, Harry. It's pretty cool the way that Broonzy starts his verses on a III7 chord, goes to a sort of ambiguous VI minor chord which morphs into a IV7 chord and then straightens out on the back end of the form. In a short form like this, he ends up going pretty far very fast, in the chordal sense. For his solos, he switches to the progression of "Keep Your Hands Off Her". Considering how prolifically Broonzy recorded we have relatively few of his song lyrics transcribed, so it's always nice to get a new one.
All best,
Johnm
-
The Southern Blues
Anyone knows the name of the town in 4th and 5th verse?
Big Bill Broonzy – Vocals, Guitar
Black Bob – Piano
February 26, 1935
Chicago, Illinois
Piano in Bb
Guitar in standard tuning
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=an9INHwKPUQ
INTRO
When I got up this mornin’, I hear the old southern whistle blow
When I got up this mornin’, I hear the old southern whistle blow
Says, I was thinkin’ ‘bout my baby, Lord, I sure did wanna go
I was standin’, lookin’ and listenin’, watchin’ the Southern cross the Dog
I was standin’, lookin’ and listenin’, watchin’ the Southern cross the Dog
If my baby didn’t catch that Southern, she must have caught that Yellow Dog
Down at the station, looked up on the board, waitin’ for the conductor just to say, “All aboard”
Down at the station, Lord, I looked up on the board
I don’t know my baby left from here, oh, but I was told
GUITAR SOLO
I’m goin’ to Moorhead, get me job on the Southern line
Said, I’m goin’ to Moorhead, get me job on the Southern line
So that I can make some money, just to send for that brown of mine
The Southern cross the Dog in Moorhead, mama, Lord, and she keeps on through
The Southern cross the Dog in Moorhead, mama, Lord, and she keeps on through
I say my baby’s gone to Georgia, I b'lieve I’ll go to Georgia too
-
BV -
I searched for “where did the Southern cross the Dog” and Moorhead Mississippi came up in some of the results.
-
Moorhead.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moorhead,_Mississippi
-
Thanks. Moorhead it is.
-
Hi all,
Big Bill Broonzy recorded "Long Tall Mama" at a session in New York City on March 30, 1932, accompanying himself out of C position in standard tuning. I was a little surprised the other day to discover that we've never transcribed the lyrics to this song, for it is one of the greatest performances ever in C by a Country Blues guitarist, I think. Broonzy accords about equal space throughout the course of his rendition to sung verses and solos, and his rhythmic sense is so deep, solid and secure that when taken in conjunction with his abundance of ideas and ability to execute them perfectly the result is a pure pleasure. Here is "Long Tall Mama":
https://youtu.be/hFJRtMLJ1f8
INTRO SOLO
Got a long tall mama, she stands about seven feet, nine
Got a long tall mama, she stands about seven feet, nine
And when she get to lovin', holler, "Papa, won't you take your time?"
Oh, when she start to lovin', she sure can do her stuff
Oh, when she start to lovin', Lord, she sure can do her stuff
And she squeeze me so tight, holler, "Mama, Lordy, that's enough!"
SOLO
Got a brand new move is, Lord, it's one that she calls her own
Got a brand new movement, one that she calls her own
And when she start to kissin', make a poor man leave his home
SOLO
And she do a little this, and mama, and she do a little that
Son, she do little this, mama, Lord, and she do a little that
And when she put on full steam make a freight train jump a track
SOLO
Says she's long and tall and handsome, sweet as she can be
Son, she's long and tall, mama, handsome, sweet as she can be
To satisfy that woman takes more than a bumble bee
SOLO
All best,
Johnm
-
Hi Suzy,
I think it is "I will be seldom seen". I've heard that line sung elsewhere, too.
All best,
Johnm
I think that in the background of the sung verses of Sweet to Mama, especially verses 4 ad 5, one can hear the fiddle "riffing" behind the vocals.
Alex
-
Hi all,
Big Bill Broonzy recorded "Grandma's Farm" at a session in New York City on April 9, 1930. He was backed by Frank Brasswell for the song, with both guitarists playing out of C position in standard tuning, with Broonzy playing essentially the same guitar part he would later play on "Long Tall Mama" and Brasswell supplying support with bass runs. I think this might be my favorite Broonzy track, though he had so many great ones that it's kind of silly to single out one. Here is "Grandma's Farm":
https://youtu.be/yYUa9xjLidQ
INTRO SOLO
Got up this mornin' with the same thing on my mind
Got up this mornin', mama, with the same thing on my mind
And the girl that I'm lovin' says she don't pay me no mind
Now my girl caught the train and she left me a mule to ride
Mean my girl caught the train and she left me a mule to ride
When the train turned the corner, God knows my black mule died
SOLO (Spoken by Brasswell: Aw, play that thing, boy. Play it for Grandma.)
Just as sure as your grapevine grows all around that stump
Just as sure as the grapevine, mama, grows all around that stump
Said I want you and I need you, mama, to be my sugar lump
Just as sure as the rabbit, mama, plays on your Grandma's farm
Just as sure as the rabbit, baby, plays on your Grandma's farm
Said I done got tired of that stuff you been carryin' on
SOLO (Spoken by Brasswell: Aw, do that thing!
Now, if you see me comin', now mama, heist [sic] your window high
When you see me comin', mama, heist [sic] your window high
'Cause you know when I gonna leave you, God know you're gonna grieve and cry
I've got so many wagons, they done run my good road down
I got so many wagons, they done run my good road down
And I've got so many women 'til the men don't want me around
Edited 6/19 to pick up correction from Blues Vintage
All best,
Johnm
-
One suggestion,
5.3 'Cause you know that when I gonna leave you, God know you're gonna grieve and cry
-
I agree with you, Blues Vintage, and will make the change. Thanks!
-
Hi all,
Big Bill recorded "The Banker's Blues" at a session in Richmond, Indiana on November 19, 1930, accompanying himself out of E position in standard tuning. The song has a number of interesting touches. Big Bill opens with an 11-bar solo, after which he reverts to an 8-bar form for the sung verses. The form he uses for the verse accompaniment is a variant 8-bar blues progression I don't recall having encountered before:
| I | V | IV | I |
| Vm7 |VIm7 Vm7 | I Vm7 | I |
Here is "The Banker's Blues":
https://youtu.be/9Ui6yoE5bEM
INTRO SOLO
If you got money in the bank, don't let your woman draw it out
'Cause she will spend your money, then she will throw you out
Oh Lawd, Lawd, Lawd, cry Lawd, Lawdy-Lawd
Said I used to be your regular, now I've got to be your dog
You is the cause, got me broke, how can you be so mean?
Say you taken all my money, give it to your no-good men
Said I have had money, but now I'm cold in hand
Says and the woman that I'm lovin', livin' with another man
Oh Lawd, Lawd, Lawd, oh Lord, Lawdy-Lawd
Said I used to be your regular, now I've got to be your dog
Said I know my baby, she's sure gon' jump and shout
When I go down to the bank and, draw my money out
All best,
Johnm
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Hi all,
Big Bill recorded "Too Too Train Blues" at a session in Richmond, Indiana on February 9, 1932, accompanying himself out of C position in standard tuning. His time on the track is beautifully relaxed, as is his vocal, and the slowish medium tempo at which he performed the song can be really tricky to hold where you start it. His thumb work in the picking hand is quite subtle and he executes it to perfection. It's hard to guess at the sense of the title--should it have been "22 Train Blues", or "Two-Two Train Blues"? We'll never know. I"m not satisfied with the front end of the tagline of the last verse as I have it, and would very much appreciate some help with it. Here is "Too Too Train Blues":
https://youtu.be/pTJrfz99M-w
INTRO SOLO
Lawd, my baby leavin' this mornin', gwine catch that Too Too Train
Say my babe leavin' this mornin', gwonna catch that Too Too Train
Lawd, when she got on board, she almost addle my brains
Oh Lawd, I hear the whistle blow
Oh babe, I hear the whistle blowin'
Says she blows just like, she ain't gon' blow no more
SOLO
Says the Too Too Train is comin', Lawd, I'm gon' get on board
Babe, that Too Too Train is comin', Lord, I'm gon' get on board
And what I got on my mind, no one this world that knows
Down in trouble, been blue as I can be
Down in trouble, as blue as I can be
I'll get up, feelin' lonesome, thinkin' the way you treated me
CODA
Edited 6/22 to pick up corrections from Thomas8, Blues Vintage and banjochris
All best,
Johnm
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Two minor quibbles:
The last line in the first verse sounds to me like
"Lawd, when she got on board, she almost out of my brain."
Last line of the final verse:
"I'll get out, feelin' lonesome, think the way you treated me."
I'm more certain of this one because of the way that "the" comes so quickly after "think."
Neither one makes a whole lot of sense.
Lindy
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I think the last verse is:
Down and troubled, been blue as I can be
Down and troubled, as blue as I can be
I'll get up feeling lonesome, thinking the way you treated me
-
The correct date is march 29, 1932 (New York City). Broonzy recorded an earlier verion on February 9, 1932 ((Richmond, Indiana).
2.2 I hear blowin'
3.3 no one in this world that knows
for 4.1 and 4.2. I think " darlin' " is right.
I agree with "I'll get up"
That Addled vs Outta is tough in the first verse.
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Hi all,
Thanks very much for the help. I will change "out" to "up" in the tagline to the last verse as Thomas and Blues Vintage suggested, and change "blow" to "blowin'" in 2.1 as Blues Vintage suggested. I don't hear "in" following "no one" in the tagline to the next-to-last verse at all. I'm quite certain that "addle" (not "addled", though the past tense would be correct) is what Broonzy sang in the tagline to the first verse. It's an old-fashioned expression, and very much one that I'd expect to turn up in a blues lyric of the period.
All best,
Johnm
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Just to add my two cents on "Too Too" – agree 100% with "addle"
I do think there is a barely articulated "in" in 3.3, which comes out sounding like an extended "n" on the end of "one," but you could make the case either way.
4.1 and 4.2 I hear "Down in trouble" both times, and it's clearer the second time.
Chris
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Thanks for the "Down in trouble" catch in the final verse, Chris. I will make that change.
-
Hi all,
Big Bill recorded "Shelby County Blues" at a session in New York City on March 29, 1932, accompanying himself out of G position in standard tuning. The song has one of the prettiest blues melodies, which it shares with Blind Blake's "Georgia Bound" and Robert Johnson's "From Four Until Late". Big Bill sings it right at the top of his range and sure sounds good there. He takes a different approach for his final solo than I can recall hearing anyone else use when playing in G in standard tuning. Here is "Shelby County Blues"--it's a little whupped:
https://youtu.be/FwQ3cXN3VUY
INTRO
Lord, I'm going away, just to wear you off my mind
Lord, I'm going away, just to wear you off my mind
'Cause you keeps me worried, all messed up in mind
That's one little place, baby, that I soon will be
That is one little place, baby, that I soon will be
That's in Shelby County, down in Memphis, Tennessee
SOLO
I got a gal down the country, thinks the world and all of me
I got a gal in country, thinks the world and all of me
Says she lives on Beale Street in Memphis, Tennessee
SOLO
Says she's long, she's tall, sweet as she can be
Says she's long and she's tall, sweet as she can be
Lord, she may be bow-legged, but she's all right with me
Now fare you well, I'll meet you some sweet day
Now fare you well, I'll meet you some sweet day
You're gonna want for me, mama, but I'll be far away
Edited 6/23 to pick up correction from Blues Vintage
All best,
Johnm
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Verse 2 suggestion,
And that's while I play, baby, that I soon will be
That is while I play, baby, that I soon will be
That's in Shelby County, down in Memphis, Tennessee
And it's one lil' old place, baby, that I soon will be
And it's one old place, baby, that I soon will be
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Thanks for the help, Blues Vintage. "Place" is right on, and makes much more sense than what I had. I've made a change.
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Hi all,
Big Bil recorded "Mr. Conductor Man" at a session in Richmond, Indiana on February 9, 1932, accompanying himself out of A position in standard tuning. It's not hard to see the roots of Buddy Moss's playing style, as exemplified in Buddy's 1934 solo session in New York. What are the characteristics common to this track and Buddy's playing in '34: a strong swung eighth note feel and a heavy reliance on brushed triplets in the treble (though Buddy didn't keep such regular time with his thumb, using it instead for rhythmic counter-punching). I'm particularly partial to Big Bill's playing when he was operating in this territory-- he swings so hard and he sounds particularly in his element playing in A position. I'm sensing a trend here--Big Bill opens his performance with another 11-bar solo. I'm assuming "Bogalu" is a shortened version of "Bogalusa, Louisiana. Here is "Mr. Conductor Man":
https://youtu.be/Ev2Xc5us5B4
INTRO SOLO
I got up this mornin', heared the train whistle blow
I got up this mornin', heared the train whistle blow
Lord, I thought about my baby, I sure did want to go
Lord, I grabbed up my suitcase, I run to the old depot
Babe, I grabbed up my suitcase, I run to the old depot
I could see the conductor, he wavin' his hands to go
I say, "Mr. Conductor Man, I wanna talk to you, I wanna ride your train, from here to Bogalu',
I'm leavin' this mornin', man, I ain't got my fare. But I will
Shovel coal in your engine, 'til your train get me there."
Cryin', "Please Mr. Conductor Man, oh take my last thin dime."
Cryin', "Please Mr. Conductor Man, please take my last thin dime.
Lord, I got a woman in Bogalu' waitin', man, I can't lose no time."
Then the bell started ringin', conductor hollered, "All aboard!"
When the bell started ringin', conductor hollered, "All aboard!"
Lord, I picked up my suitcase, started walkin' down the road
I'm leavin' this mornin', I sure don't want to go
I'm leavin' this morning, I sure don't want to go
Lord, and the woman I been lovin', she don't want me no more
CODA
Edited 6/24 to pick up correction from banjochris
All best,
Johnm
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One tiny correction in "Mr. Conductor Man" – in 2.3 I'm pretty sure it's
he wavin' his hands to go.
Chris
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Here's the other version of "Too Too Train Blues," recorded a month before the other one, in February 1932, for Gennett, released on Champion and Supertone. I think it's interesting that the spelling of "Too Too" is the same on both labels, which leads me to think that the title was intentional on Broonzy's part. I wonder if the meaning is onomatopoetic, as in "toot toot train."
https://youtu.be/gCJYOz6DFns
INTRO SOLO
My babe leavin’ this mornin’, gon’ catch that Too Too Train,
My babe leavin’ this mornin’, gwine catch that Too Too Train,
Lord, when she got on board, she almost addle my brain.
Whoa-ho, I hear the whistle blow,
Whoa-ho, I hear the whistle blow,
Lord, she blowed just like baby, she ain’t gon’ blow no more
Lord lord lord lord, baby, ain’t this a messed up thing?
Lord lord lord lord, baby, ain’t this a messed up thing?
Lord my baby goin’ to leave me, gwine catch that Too Too Train.
The Too Too Train is comin’, baby and I’m gon’ get on board,
The Too Too Train is comin’, and I’m gwine get on board,
Lord, what I got on my mind, no one in this world that knows.
Don’t a train blow lonesome, oh comin’ 'round the bend?
Don’t a train blow lonesome, oh comin’ 'round the bend?
When I leave this time, baby, never see my face again.
CODA
-
Thanks for "wavin'", Chris--I have made the change. I had a similar thought about "Too-Too-Train", thinking it is so much like "choo-choo train". Maybe at that time, the usages were interchangeable.
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Hi all,
Big Bill recorded "Worried In Mind Blues" at the same Richmond, Indiana session on February 9, 1932 that he recorded the version of "Too Too Train Blues" that banjochris posted. The song is an 8-bar chorus blues in E position, standard tuning, and Big Bill opens it with an introductory 8-bar solo that is like the last two four-bar phrases of a 12-bar blues. His later solo is yet another 11-bar solo in which he shortens the first four-bar phrase to 3 bars. The recording here is in pretty rugged condition, and I'd very much appreciate help with the bent bracketed portions or anywhere else that you think I have the lyrics wrong. Here is "Worried In Mind Blues":
https://youtu.be/GO677sOneM8
INTRO SOLO
There are many long days, walked alone and cried, [skip in record] friends, baby, can't be satisfied
REFRAIN: So when I'm gone, gal, take it easy, 'cause I'm just worryin' you off of my mind
When you get in trouble, haven't got a friend, just take it easy, they'll need your help again
REFRAIN: So when I'm gone, gal, take it easy, 'cause I'm just worryin' you off of my mind
It ain't hard to be a-livin' alone, and married, too? It's hard to be worried and bothered, too
REFRAIN: So when I'm gone, gal, take it easy, 'cause I'm just worryin' you off of my mind
SOLO
But that's all right, all right for you, you'll need me some mornin', I won't want you
REFRAIN: So when I'm gone, gal, take it easy, 'cause I'm just worryin' you off of my mind
When I was down, lost my wife and my friends, when I got my money, they've come back again
REFRAIN: So when I'm gone, gal, take it easy, 'cause I'm just worryin' you off of my mind
Money and pretty women, run hand in hand, when they're in a squabble, after some woman's man
REFRAIN: So when I'm gone, gal, take it easy, 'cause I'm just worryin' you off of my mind
Edited 6/25 to pick up corrections from Blues Vintage
Edited 6/27 to pick up corrections from banjochris
All best,
Johnm
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Hi John,
For the first line "There are many long days, [ ] and crying, [lost all my friends, baby?], can't be satisfied" I'm hearing something like "walk along" or "walk alone" and crying if that's any help.
All the Best,
Ned
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If it helps,
A many long day, walked alone and cried, ? my friend, baby, can't be satisfied
Ain't it hard to be a livin' alone
-
Thanks Ned and Blues Vintage for the help. Like you Ned, i was hearing "along" or "alone" in the first verse, but I was hearing "walk" in the present tense and "cryin'" rather than "cried". Going back with Blues Vintage's "walked" and "cried", I felt they fit the sound, as much as it can be heard, and made the line make more sense. Similarly "a-livin'" as opposed to "a-live", which I had, makes more sense and is less awkward. I think this one is about as good as we're likely to get it. Thanks!
-
Bill basically sings the same lyrics on this version with slight variations, probably from the early 50s.
Big Bill Broonzy - Worrying You off My Mind
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hvqBnXodgR0
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Hi all,
Big Bill recorded "Big Bill Blues" for the first time at his Richmond, Indiana session on February 9, 1932, accompanying himself out of C position in standard tuning. In listening to the early solo cuts of Big Bill it becomes apparent that he was a set piece player at that stage of his career, and may have remained so later. Set pieces are recording-friendly, because the player knows in advance what he/she is going for, and has practiced or performed the piece that way prior to the session. Does the word "undoubtedly" appear in any other blues lyric? Here is "Big Bill Blues":
https://youtu.be/GPIsMRZIFXY
INTRO SOLO
Lord, my hair is a-risin', my flesh begins to crawl
Now, my hair's a-risin', my flesh begins to crawl
I had a dream last night, babe, 'nother mule in my doggone stall
And it's some people said these, Big Bill Blues ain't bad
Now, some people said these Big Bill Blues ain't bad
Lord, it must not have been them, Big Bill Blues they had
SOLO
Lord, I wonder what's the matter, Papa Bill can't get no mail?
Lord, wonder what's the matter now, Papa Bill can't get no mail?
Lord, the post office must be on fire, and the mailman must undoubtedly be in jail
I can't be your wagon, cinch I ain't gonna be your mule
Mmm, can't be your wagon, mama, cinch I ain't gonna be your mule
I ain't gon' fix up your black plantation, I ain't gon' be your doggone fool
CODA
Edited 6/28 to pick up correction from islandgal
All best,
Johnm
-
A couple suggestions on "Worried in Mind":
The bit where the skip is sounds like "lost my"
3.1 begins IT AIN'T not AIN'T IT. I suspect Bill misspeaks a bit here, because in other versions of this he sings "It ain't hard to live alone, it's hard to be married and break up your home."
6.1 I would suggest, based on both listening and what Bill sings on the other version of this, that it's
when THEY'RE IN A squabble, AFTER some woman's man – in the later recording it sounds more like THEY RAISIN' A squabble, but I don't hear the "s" sound here.
Chris
-
Thanks for the catches, Chris. I have made the changes except the one where there is the skip. It does sound like it could be "lost" coming back into the track after the skip, but there are nonetheless at least two missing syllables prior to that, and the first one sounds like it begins with a hard "c" sound. I'll leave that blank, I think.
-
Does the word "undoubtedly" appear in any other blues lyric?
Yes
Rev. Edward W. Clayborn - Let That Lie Alone
https://weeniecampbell.com/yabbse/index.php?topic=11014.msg97024#msg97024
The song is on spotify with to my surprise the complete song lyric (I think copied from Weeniepedia) attached to it.
You should ask for some commission.
-
Good find, Blues Vintage! I didn't remember that at all.
-
Thanks for the catches, Chris. I have made the changes except the one where there is the skip. It does sound like it could be "lost" coming back into the track after the skip, but there are nonetheless at least two missing syllables prior to that, and the first one sounds like it begins with a hard "c" sound. I'll leave that blank, I think.
Sounds good; there's no way to be sure unless another copy shows up!
Chris
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Just one more small thing. In the last verse, he sings "I can't be your wagon,..." There is no Lord at the beginning of that line.
Jean
-
Thanks for the catch, Jean, I have made the change.
-
Hi all,
Big Bill Broonzy recorded "Mistreatin' Mama Blues" twice, in relatively rapid succession, first on February 9, 1932 for Champion, as "Mistreatin' Mamma Blues" played by Big Bill Johnson, and again on March 29, 1932 for Banner, as "Mistreatin' Mama Blues", played by Big Bill. In both instances, the song was flat-picked in C position, standard tuning. Broonzy's flat-picking on this song and "How You Want It Done" is reminiscent of early Bluegrass lead guitar playing. Here is "Mistreatin' Mama Blues":
https://youtu.be/JNR0HcshyWo
INTRO SOLO
Whyn't you tell me, lovin' mama, baby, what have I done so wrong?
Whyn't you tell me, lovin' mama, baby, what have I done so wrong?
Lord, you treat me just like some man you never known
Says, you gwonna call me some morning, mama, Lord, and I'll be gone
You gwonna call me some old morning, mama, Lord, and I'll be gone
Lord, and I know you're gwonna miss me, from rolling in your arms
I have got somethin' to tell you, mama, please keep it to yourself
Babe, I got somethin' to tell you, mama, please keep it to yourself
Lord, if I can't have you, babe, I don't want nobodies else
SOLO
Lord, I feel so worried, mama, I don't know what to do
Lord, I feel so worried, babe, I don't know what to do
Lord, my wife's done quit me, my Lord, and my sweetie, too
Babe, but that's all right, mama, baby, that's all right for you
Mama, that's all right, baby, mama, that's all right for you
You gwonna want me some mornin', Lord, and I won't want you
Now, baby, don't mistreat me, 'cause I'm a motherless child
Now, mama, don't mistreat me, 'cause I'm a motherless child
'Cause you may be in my same shape, baby, someday, by and by
CODA
Edited 7/6 to pick up correction from Blues Vintage
Edited 7/9 to pick up correction from islandgal
All best,
Johnm
-
Probably just a typo;
Lord, you treat me just like so some man you never known
-
Yup, you're right, Blues Vintage--thanks for the catch.
EDITED TO ADD: It turns out that I had already transcribed these lyrics and entered them in Weeniepedia. It was in the Miller's Breakdown thread a couple of years ago and I had forgotten about it-doh!
-
Hi all,
As with "Mistreatin' Mama Blues", Big Bill Broonzy recorded "How You Want It Done?" twice, in relatively rapid succession, the first time for Paramount, around May of 1931, and then again for Banner, on March 29, 1932. He flat-picked the song out of G position in standard tuning, and I suspect he learned the accompaniment from Louie Lasky. Here is "How You Want It Done?", in the Banner version, I think:
https://youtu.be/ISYgXtvPDzg
INTRO SOLO
Why don't you tell me, lovin' mama, how you want your rollin' done?
Why don't you tell me, lovin' mama, how you want your rollin' done?
Lord, I'll give you satisfaction now, if it's all night long
Lord, I got up this mornin' just about the break of day
Lord, I got up this mornin', mama, just about the break of day
Lord, I'm thinkin' 'bout my baby, Lord, the one that went away
SOLO
Lord, I've got me a little old brownskin just as sweet as she can be
Lord, I've got me a little old brownskin mama as sweet as she can be
Lord, she low and she is squatty but she's all right with me
SOLO
Now, you can put me in the alley, my gal's name is Sally, you wake me up in the mornin', mama, I still got that old habit, why don't you
Tell me, how you want it done?
Lord, I'll give you satisfaction now if it's all night long
SOLO
Lord, it's some of these old mornings, Lord, I knowed it won't be long
Lord, it's some of these old mornings, mama, know and it won't be long
Lord, I know you're gwonna call me, baby, Lord, and I'll be gone
CODA
Edited 7/9 to pick up correction from islandgal
All best,
Johnm
-
The only thing I would suggest is in the first verse, last line, add the word now:
Lord, I'll give you satisfaction now if it's all night long.
Jean
-
In Mistreatin Mama Blues, I would suggest there is an extra and in this line:
You gwonna want me some mornin' and, Lord, and I won't want you
Instead should be:
You gwonna want me some mornin', Lord, and I won't want you
-
Thanks for the catches, Jean, I have made both changes.
-
Hi all,
Big Bill Broonzy recorded "Worrying You Off My Mind, No. 1" on March 29, 1932 in New York City, accompanying himself out of E position in standard tuning. The song is essentially the same number as "Worried In Mind Blues", which he had recorded a month earlier in Richmond, Indiana. Here is "Worrying You Off My Mind, No. 1":
https://youtu.be/4Lct4H7fVWg
INTRO SOLO
A many long day, walk along and cryin', I lost my baby, can't be satisfied
REFRAIN: So when I'm gone, gal, take it easy, 'cause I'm just worryin' you off of my mind
When you'll get in trouble, haven't got a friend, just take it easy, they'll need your help again
REFRAIN: So when I'm gone, gal, take it easy, 'cause I'm just worryin' you off of my mind
Now, it ain't hard, to live alone, just hard to be married, and break up your home
REFRAIN: So when I'm gone, gal, take it easy, 'cause I'm just worryin' you off of my mind
But that's all right, that's all right for you, you need me some mornin', when I won't need you
REFRAIN: So when I'm gone, gal, take it easy, 'cause I'm just worryin' you off of my mind
SOLO
When I was down, lost my wife and my friends, when I got my money, they all come back again
REFRAIN: So when I'm gone, gal, take it easy, 'cause I'm just worryin' you off of my mind
But money and pretty women, run hand in hand, when they're in a squabble, takin' some woman's man
REFRAIN: So when I'm gone, gal, take it easy, 'cause I'm just worryin' you off of my mind
CODA
Edited 7/11 to pick up correction from Blues Vintage
All best,
Johnm
-
One minor squabble;
2.1 When you you'll get in trouble
-
Thanks for the catch, Blues Vintage.
-
Hi all,
Big Bill Broonzy recorded "Worrying You Off My Mind No.2" immediately after recording "Worrying You Off My Mind No. 1", and it shares the same accompaniment, melody and phrasing with that number, differing only in its lyrics. I'm not at all sure of the bent bracketed places in the lyrics and would appreciate correction/corroboration. Here is "Worrying You Off My Mind No. 2":
https://youtu.be/UX7XnuGmrO8
INTRO SOLO
[Says I caught some in] bad luck and trouble, too, I lost my baby, my sweetie, too
REFRAIN: So when I'm gone, gal, take it easy, 'cause I'm just worryin' you off of my mind
When a man is down, haven't got a friend, he get in a game, baby, he ain't got no chance to win
REFRAIN: So when I'm gone, gal, take it easy, 'cause I'm just worryin' you off of my mind
You have been tryin' to quit me, didn't have no need, so I'm leavin' this morning, you can jump and dance
REFRAIN: So when I'm gone, gal, take it easy, 'cause I'm just worryin' you off of my mind
Now fare you well, my little girl, I'm leavin' this morning, now don't be worried
REFRAIN: So when I'm gone, gal, take it easy, 'cause I'm just worryin' you off of my mind
I'm leavin' this morning, don't want to go, you'll look my picture, you never see me no more
REFRAIN: So when I'm gone, gal, take it easy, 'cause I'm just worryin' you off of my mind
I cooked your breakfast, brought it to your bed, and took my comb, baby, and combed your head
REFRAIN: So when I'm gone, gal, take it easy, 'cause I'm just worryin' you off of my mind
Now don't cry, baby, don't weep and moan, just catch you another man, 'cause this one's gone
REFRAIN: So when I'm gone, gal, take it easy, 'cause I'm just worryin' you off of my mind
CODA
Edited 7/12 to pick up corrections from banjochris
All best,
Johnm
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I can't make out that first bit of 1.1, John, although what you have sounds awfully close to me.
2.1 ...he GET IN A GAME, baby...
I think in 7.1 the missing word is likely "catch"
Chris
-
Thanks for the help, Chris. I have made those changes.
-
My input,
5.1 you'll look have my picture
7.1 just catch find you another man
I think 'find' is more likely for 7.1.
-
Hi Blues Vintage,
Thanks for the suggestions. I'm going to stick with "look" and "catch". In both instances, I think the concluding consonant sounds of those words match up with the sound of what Broonzy sang.
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Hi all,
Big Bill Broonzy recorded "Down In The Basement Blues" at a session in Chicago in October of 1928 for which he was joined by the seconding guitarist John Thomas, with both players working out of G position in standard tuning. The duo gets a nice-sounding chordal clash in the eighth bar, where Broonzy plays a G chord against Thomas's backing E chord. Thomas continues a circle-of-fifths resolution by going to an A7 chord in the ninth bar and moving to a D in the tenth bar before resolving to G in the eleventh bar. Here is "Down In The Basement Blues":
https://youtu.be/llfyNDbm3R0
INTRO SOLO
Down to the depot, mama, Lord, I looked up on the board
Lord, down to the depot, mama, Lord, I looked up on the board
Lord, I said, "Ticket Agent, how long that southbound train been gone?"
Got my ticket, Lord, Lord, "Conductor, can I ride?"
Lord, got my ticket, Lord, Lord, "Conductor, can I ride?
Lord, I wanta make it to that basement, I'll be satisfied."
Sweetie in the basement, mama, Lord, as sweet as she can be
Lord, a sweetie in the basement, mama, Lord, as sweet as she can be
Lord, she low and she is squatty, she's all right with me
Down to the railroad, mama, Lord, and I looked up at the sun
Lord, down to the railroad, mama, Lord, I looked up at the sun
Lord, if the train don't come, it's gwonna be some walkin' done
Don't want no woman, Lord, Lord, sticks way out behind
Lord, don't want no woman, mama, sticks way out behind
'Cause she will hide in that bushes, she is hard to find
CODA
Edited 7/15 to pick up correction from Blues Vintage
All best,
Johnm
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Hard to hear in some spots,
3.3 Lord, she low and she sure is squatty, she's all right with me
Could be "is sweet as she can be" for the 3rd verse
4.3 it's gwonna be some walkin' done. I heard that line a few times by bluesmen as "there's gwonna be some walkin' done".
I can't make it out what Broonzy's singing.
I thought it was sneaks for the last verse instead of "sticks" on first hearing. It does sound like "sticks".
Could be "bushes".
-
Thanks for the suggestions, Blues Vintage. I'm going to stay with "as sweet as she can be" in 3.1 and 3.2--it's an idiom that has a common usage in the U.S. I'll also stick with "She is squatty". because the vowel sound is exactly the same as it is in the "she" earlier in the line. The sound is complicated by Broonzy sticking in an intervallic "r" at the end of the second "she". In 4.1 Broonzy does sing "it's gwonna be some walkin' done", so I'll keep that as is. "Sticks way out behind" is used in other blues lyrics. I will change "bush and" to "bushes" which is what I had originally but changed for grammatical purposes--mistake!
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Hi all,
Big Bill Broonzy recorded "Skoodle Do Do" at a session in New York on April 9, 1930. Despite the session information listed in DG&R showing the song as a duet with Frank Brasswell, Broonzy in fact played the tune by himself, as a solo number in C position, standard tuning. The tune has a raggy circle-of-fifths progression. Throughout his rendition, he sings the title phrase as "skoogle-oo-do" rather than "skoodle do do". Here is "Skoodle Do Do":
https://youtu.be/huO4QRVRi3E
INTRO SOLO
I mean, I want to skoogle-oo-do, babe, I want to skoogle-oo-do
You hear me talkin' 'bout skoogle-oo-do, babe, I want skoogle-oo-do
's up this mornin', 'bout half past four, somebody's knockin' on my back door
It must have been my little old sweet mama, she must've want to skoogle-oo-do with her daddy,
She must've want to skoogle-oo-do
You hear me talkin' 'bout skoogle-oo-do, baby want to skoogle-oo-do
You hear me talkin' 'bout my skoogle-oo-do, babe, you want to skoogle-oo-do
Some of these mornin's, mama, it won't be long, you gwonna call me, baby, and I'll be gone
I know you're gonna miss your lovin' papa, baby, from skoogle-oo-doin' somebody else,
Mama, from skoogle-oo-doin'
SOLO
I mean, she been skoogle-oo-doin', babe, she been skoogle-oo-doin'
You hear me talkin' 'bout skoogle-oo-do, mam', you been skoogle-oo-doin'
I was up this mornin' 'bout half past four, somebody's knockin' on my back door
I mean, must've been my baby, wants skoogle-oo-do with her daddy
She must've want skoogle-oo-do
You hear me talkin' 'bout skoogle-oo-do, mam', you want to skoogle-oo-do
I mean, she want to skoogle-oo-do, baby loves to skoogle-oo-do
Your right foot in, mama, your left one out, you try and, baby, move your body about
I mean, that's the lovin' sweet way, mama, that you skoogle-oo-do with your daddy
That's the way to skoogle-oo-do
I mean, she been skoogle-oo-doin', mam', you been skoogle-oo-doin'
You hear me bein' 'bout skoogle-oo-do, babe, you been skoogle-oo-do
I mean, she been skoogle-oo-doin', mam', she been skoogle-oo-doin'
Get me a picket off of my back fence, whup you on your head until you learn some sense
I mean, I'm gonna stop you, mama, kill you, baby, from skoogle-oo-doin' somebody else
Mama, from skoogle-oo-doin'
Edited 7/18 to pick up correction from banjochris
All best,
Johnm
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This one always sounded like he was unsure of how long the ii and the v should last in relation to the vocals. Might've been intentional though.
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I know what you mean, Thomas, though he's consistent with it, except in the last verse, where he sings two first lines.
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One trifling thing, John – I think 3.2 is also "up" like the first verse instead of "out" –
Chris
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Thanks for the catch, Chris, I have made the change.
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Hi all,
Big Bill Broonzy recorded "Police Station Blues" at a session in New York City on September 16, 1930. He did the session as Sammy Sampson, and is surmised by DG&R to be joined by Arthur Pettis on the cut, with both guitarists working out of C position in standard tuning. It is a wonderfully worked out duet, and Pettis, if he was the second guitarist, did a particularly sparkling job in the bass, leaving Broonzy free to play fluid treble runs. I'd very much appreciate help with the tagline to the next-to-last verse--I can't make any sense out of the sounds I hear Broonzy sing there. Here is "Police Station Blues":
https://youtu.be/TyObYW7KNkI
INTRO SOLO
I was standing on the corner, I did not mean no harm
I was standing on the corner, I was just only looking 'round
Lord, and a police come up and 'rest me, Lord and he carried me down
Lord, he take me to the station, and he left me there alone
Lord, took me to the station, and he left me there alone
I got to thinkin' about my poor women, Lord, and my wife at home
SOLO
Lord, down in Maxwell Street Station, wandered 'round there all night long
Lord, down in Maxwell Street Station, wandered 'round there all night long
"You go to to sleep on a plank now, boy, 't your head on your own right arm
Gonna write a letter to my mother, "Mama, please send for me."
Gonna write a letter to my mother, "Mama, please send for me.
'Cause I'm down here in this old station, you don't know how they're treatin' me."
CODA
Edited 7/19 to pick up correction from Blues Vintage
All best,
Johnm
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I think this is the tagline;
You've got to sleep on a plank now, boy, put your head on your own right arm
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Thanks so much for the help, Blues Vintage, I was sure not hearing that! He kind of leaves out the "p" on "put", doesn't he? I'll make the change. Thanks!
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Hi all,
Big Bill recorded "Big Bill Blues" for the first time at his Richmond, Indiana session on February 9, 1932, accompanying himself out of C position in standard tuning.
Big Bill Blues was first recorded in February, 1928, and was the second song BBB recorded.
Wax