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Country Blues => Country Blues Lyrics => Topic started by: MuddyBuddy on September 28, 2005, 03:33:34 AM
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Hi Yank fans
Does anybody have the lyrics to My Baby?s Gone? I can't make them all out...
thanks - having lots of fun playing on mandolin with Yank's tunes. Is there any footage of him playing out there? I have asked around all over and couldn't find any. There is supposed to be a documentary with some footage, but I couldn't find it anywhere.
cheers
Buddy in Sweden
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Hey Buddy,
If you want help figuring it out, it would be a good idea to post an mp3 of the song. Also, post what lyrics you have already with blanks, or your best guess in parerns. There's lots of folks here who would enjoy helping you out, but they don't want to do all the work for you, eh?
All for now.
John C.
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I read about the tribute CD being put together for Yank and it is still in the works right now (check date of my post; this will be stale info some day):
http://www.mandolincafe.com/news/publish/mandolins_00203.shtml (http://www.mandolincafe.com/news/publish/mandolins_00203.shtml)
My understanding from that article is that it is not just music, as they refer to an "interactive" portion as well as a music portion. They mention photos and recordings of Yank speaking and playing, but I don't know if that means just audio or video.
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Buddy:
There's a book about Yank:
http://www.upress.state.ms.us/catalog/spring2001/blues_mandolin_man.html
and he is featured in the film "Louie Bluie."
The book is available through Amazon.com, but the film is out of print at present.
Stu
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My take for the time being is below...
question mark when i can't understand what is said...
thanks - Buddy
My Baby?s Gone - Yank Rachell from cd- BLUES MANDOLIN MAN
My Baby?s Gone, My Baby?s Gone
And I will soon be gone myself
If I don?t get the woman that I?m loving
I don?t know what ?
You know this trouble, this trouble that I?m having -
People I brought it all on myself.
Yeah this trouble that I?m having
I brought it all - all on myself.
But the woman that I?m loving
She in love with some --- one else.
Babe I promise not to holler
But I believe I?m um - um um alone.
And I promise I will not holler
But I believe I?m um um um alone.
Cause my baby she done left me, and she gone ?
I?m gonna leave, leave here walking
?
I?m going to leave - going to leave her walking
Or chase, I may catch a ride (?)
Cause my baby?s gone, and she left me
And I sure ?
And ? not gonna holler
And I believe I?m um um um alone.
Because my baby she?s gone
And she won?t be back no more.
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thanks for the previous answers... I posted (I thought) but seems to have gotten lost.. try again..
Yes I read the book on Yank... it is really great. I have tried to find Louie Bluie for a year with no luck, on eBay, and all kinds of places.
Waxwing, not sure about posting mp3s. Copyright restrictions, and so forth... IS there a central repository for lyrics here somewhere? I would gladly submit some I have figured out...
cheers
Buddy
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No problem posting mp3s as you have to shrink them to under 800 kb. Check for a sticky post either here in L&L or in the Back Porch that talks about limiting the sample rate, etc. to squeeze it down. When you go to the Reply page, select Additional Options and you will see how to attach mp3s or jpegs or whatever.
No central repository per se, but you'll notice John M has a thread on the lyrics of Peg Leg Howell and another on Ishmon Bracey. Check around the site more and you'll get an idea of how things work.
If you post the mp3 you'll get a better response. Much as it should be, it's probably not a cut a lot of people have. Looks like you've done pretty well so far.
All for now.
John C.
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Thanks for the help John, here comes the incredibly reduced mp3 file of My Baby's Gone, by Yank Rachell. I heard that he also did this with Sleepy John Estes, but don' have a recording of it. This is a later recording he did with some electric instruments.
cheers
Buddy
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Hey MB,
Sounds to me like:
My Baby?s Gone - Yank Rachell? from cd- BLUES MANDOLIN MAN
My baby gone, my baby?s gone
People an' I will soon be gone myself
If I don? git de woman that I?m lovin'
I don? know-know what to....
You know dis trouble, dis trouble dat I?m havin'
People I brought it all on myself
Dis trouble that I?m havin'
I brought it all - all on myself
But de woman dat I?m lovin'?
She in love with some - one else
Babe I promise not to holler
But I b'lieve I?m um mum mum alone
An' I promise I wo' not holler
But I b'lieve I?m mumma mum mum alone
'Cause my baby she done left me
and she gone wi' mister so - so and so
I?m gon' leave, leave here walkin'
Or chance I may catch a drive
I?m gon' leave - gon' leave her walkin'
Or chance is I may catch a drive
'Cause my baby gone, an' she left me
An' I just ain't got a bond(?)
An' I promised dat I wadn't gonna holler
An' I b'lieve I?m muma mum alone
Because my baby she gone
An' she won? be back no mo'
I cleaned it up a little phonetically to reflect the sounds he is singing.
In the second verse it seems like he just trails off and doesn't say "do"
Where we have "chase" I think he might be singing "Jayses" (Jesus) like he's praying, especially the second time, but it really sounds more like chase.[Edit-the two lines above have been edited to reflect Johnm's post below]
"Bond" seems pretty good and sorta makes sense.
Everything else sounds pretty clear, even in an incredibly shrunken mp3.-G-
All for now.
John C.
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I can see why you want to do "My Baby's Gone", Muddy Buddy; that is one great, ominous-sounding tune! I think your lyrics sound right, John C., but I think the one verse is
I'm gonna leave, leave here walkin'
Or chance I may catch a drive
It seems like "Gonna leave here walking, chances I may ride" turns up in a fair number of songs. The verse that ends up in the "bond" sound has me stumped. That is a great song.
All best,
Johnm
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Thanks JohnM, I'll change that in my post above.
It is a cool song. I'll have to look for the original with Sleepy John. I assume it's from the session with Jab Jones that Steve James was recommending in his mando class.
All for now.
John C.
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Dear John C and John M!
thanks for the input! yes it is a wonderful song, simple -- but a killer mandolin riff. He plays it in Fm I believe, but I have taken it down to Em, and might even go lower... I am not sure about the bond thing, unless it could mean something about bond for bail or bonded whiskey...
There is another version done for a Swedish radio producer live and I will try to find it on my incredibly overloaded hard drive. I just saw it and had forgotten about it... Will check that version, but Yank probably made up things as he went along... I must buy the rest of Yank's records. The book about his life is wonderful.
John C.--- lucky you who could go to a Steve James mando class! I only know of two blues mando players at the moment in Sweden, me and Christer Lyssarides. Would love to meet some more, here or elsewhere... and go to some classes for tips... I do have Steve James's dvd but would like some more advanced stuff.
I am afraid that Port Townsend is out of my league as far as price, to due to the high travel costs, but it seems like a gem of a place.
cheers
Buddy
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There are a few folks who travel from Europe to attend the Port Townsend Country Blues Workshop and Festival each year at the beginning of August. Steve is pretty much a regular. Read about it on theboard by that name here or select a link to the Centrum site to get an idea of what it's like.
Steve is currently in Europe I believe. Google and find his web site. He may be giving some workshops.
All for now.
John C.
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Well it would be great to come to PT, and I may do it sometime, but in November I am going go Chiang Mai, Thailand and play blues mando with a friend for a month... will be nice... Bringing my Gibson A3 hope it survives the heat!
Steve was unfortunately nowhere near Sweden.
cheers
Bert
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Does anyone have these lyrics?
I cannot find them and I'm dying to read the lyrics, b/c i cant understand half of what hes saying
Thanks much everyone !
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I've always been unsure of the end of the first two lines of the first verse; hope someone can help, but I'm pretty sure the rest is right.
I said expressman, expressman, lord, you have parked your wagon wrong,
Lord, you have parked your wagon wrong.
You took and moved my good gal, when I was a long long way from home.
Don't a woman make a man do things, and she know darn well that's wrong,
Lord, she know darn well that's wrong
Lord that's why you hear poor James, singin' these lonesome song.
Babe if you never, you never hear me any more,
Lord, hear me any more
Lord you can 'member one morning baby, when I walked up on your porch.
Well I'll sing this song, Jim ain't gon' sing no more
Lord, ain't gon' sing no more
I'm gonna put this mandolin under my arm, to the North Memphis Cafe I'll go.
Chris
Edited to add corrections from Bunker Hill as well as two changes I made myself when I could listen to the tune louder than I could at work.
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I've always been unsure of the end of the first two lines of the first verse; hope someone can help, but I'm pretty sure the rest is right.
I said expressman, expressman, lord, you have [called your way gone wrong]
Lord, you have [called your way gone wrong]
You took and moved my good gal, when I was a long long way from home.
FWIW from memory in one of his post war reworks of this he sings something like "you have parked your wagons wrong", so was wondering if he sings something along those lines? Doesn't sound much like it, I must admit...
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I think that's right, Bunker Hill -- in the first line he pronounces it more like way-gon, but he shortens up the "a" sound in the second line. That line reading also has the advantage of making sense. :)
Chris
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My initial listening source was a Roots LP of early 7ss which used a rather "snap, crackle and pop" 78. I've since heard a slightly cleaner version where the enunciation is clearer...
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Hi all,
I have long admired Yank Rachell and Dan Smith's recording of "Squeaky Work Bench", which I first heard on the old "Memphis Jamboree" anthology on Yazoo. It is one of my very favorite country Blues guitar duets. For the song, both Rachell and Smith are playing out of G position in standard tuning. Yank's playing is very modern, for he often stops playing altogether behind his singing, and will start playing only to play fills. The relatively unknown Dan Smith proves to be an ace accompanist, abounding in nifty ideas. Based on the lyric in the opening line of the second verse, the song would more aptly have been named "Screechy Work Bench". Yank's dubbing of a bed as a place where he's expected to work shows an attitude not commonly encountered in blues lyrics. I like his coinage, "9-boys". NOTE: My hearing of "9-boys" was in error, as dj corrected the phrase to "Nunn boots". I'm not sure that I have the bent bracketed portion of the tag line to verse one correct, and would appreciate some help with it.
Babe, I can't love you, babe, I can't love you, I'm gon' tell you what's it all about
I can't love you, baby, I'm gonna tell you what's this all about
Babe, says, I don't begin to see you worry, honey, 'til I get in the neighborhood of your house
That old screechy work bench, baby, and your mattress is tore every way
You have old screechy work bench, and your mattress tore every which-a-way
Baby, and you come tell me to come and lay down, and I have not got no place to lay
SOLO: Spoken during solo: Play it, Mr. Dan, for me. No, babe, I can't use you no more. I'm gonna tell you what's this all about, honey.
Says, I get my Nunn boots nasty, from walkin' 'round on your dirty rug
I get my Nunn boots nasty, from walkin' 'round on your dirty rug
Says, I'd rather go by myself, baby, and look to the Good Lord up above
Edited 6/29 to pick up correction from dj
All best,
Johnm
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Hi, John. I think the phrase you have transcribed as "9-boys" is actually [nine] BOOTS. I'm not sure about that first word. I want it to be "nice" but unless Yank has a very peculiar accent it's not, it sounds more like "non".
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That's a tough one, dj. To me, it sounds exactly like "9-boys" the first time he says it, and just barely "9-boyts" the second time. I hear no "t" at all the first time he says the word beginning with "b". A tiny "t" the second time.
All best,
Johnm
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I hear "nine boots" as well, plus I'm hearing line 1.3 the same as you did, John, although it doesn't make a whole heap of sense to me.
Chris
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You live and learn I've always heard it as thigh boots. I'll have to revisit that song.
In the 60s there was a craze for "kinky boots" but we'll leave that for another day! :o
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The line is "I get my NUNN BOOTS nasty..."
The Nunn Bush Shoe Company of Glendale Wisconsin was founded in 1912.
Another brand name in a blues song.
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Excellent DJ and it makes perfect sense.
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Well, that is great work, dj! I will sort of miss "9-boys", but I guess that is "metaphor as mistake" territory. I will make the change. Yank did have some unusual pronunciation and vowel sounds--it sounds like he placed his voice right up behind his adenoids.
All best,
Johnm
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Yank's dubbing of a bed as a place where he's expected to work shows an attitude not commonly encountered in blues lyrics.
Maybe not commonly, but Bob Robinson's "Down In The Alley" has a verse that seems to come from the same place:
I don't want no woman who don't know what it's all about
By the time she'd learned some movements I'd be all worn out
It's probably no coincidence that in the first verse Yank sings: "I'm gon' tell you what's it all about".
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Hello
This is a great song.
I am unsure of the opening lines to verses 6 and 7. The one that seems to refer to a shoe and the verse following.
Tappin that thing
Well tappin that thing is easy to do, I got that thing for my particular use
Tappin that thing, great god almighty Tappin that thing. great god almighty
Every morning and evening you can hear me tappin that thing
Tap it in the morning, tap it at night, when I tap that thing I done tap it just right
Tappin that thing, great god almighty Tappin that thing. great god almighty
Every morning and evening you can hear me tappin that thing
Went to the front door get a shine, then go to the back door and get it from behind
Tappin that thing, great god almighty Tappin that thing. great god almighty
Every morning and evening you can hear me tappin that thing
Well tappin that thing is easy to do, tap that thing just right for you
Tappin that thing, great god almighty Tappin that thing, great god almighty
Every morning and evening you can hear me tappin that thing
I done told you once, told you twice, don?t be messin round with my wife
Don?t tap that thing, great god almighty Don?t tap that thing, great god almighty
Every morning and evening you can hear me tappin that thing
You can wear my shoe you can wire your stuff play that
Tappin that thing, great god almighty Tappin that thing. great god almighty
Every morning and evening you can hear me tappin that thing
Don?t need no wife, don?t need no hope, someone bring me another jug
Tappin that thing, great god almighty Tappin that thing. great god almighty
Every morning and evening you can hear me tappin that thing
Tap it in the morning, tap it at night, when I tap that thing I done tap it just right
Tappin that thing, great god almighty I been tappin that thing. great god almighty
Every morning and evening you can hear me tappin that thing
Look here people, see that I?m done, got my money got me a whole lot of fun
I been tappin that thing, great god almighty Tappin that thing. great god almighty
Every morning and evening you can hear me tappin that thing
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Yank Rachell?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eQONgN-as4s
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I agree, great song. It's on our album, even!
Fourth verse is same as the first.
Last line of chorus is "Every morning at eight you can hear me tapping that thing."
You can wear my shoe you can wear your sock, you can hear Yank Rachell how he plays that box.
I don't need no wife, don't need no hook, somebody bring me another jug.
Last verse:
Look here babe what you done done, got my money got me on a bum
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Verse 6 is a minute marker 1:32
Verse 7 is at minute marker 1:57
Edit: Good job on this one.
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"every morning at eight...", I concur.
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Hi all,
With three songs transcribed already and another on the way, Yank Rachell seemed a good candidate for a merged lyric thread. With the exception of the post beginning the thread, all other earlier posts have kept their titles for ease of following the transcription paths.
Yank Rachell recorded a very unusual, eerie-sounding version of "Matchbox Blues" for his Blue Goose album for the early 1970s. For the song, Yank accompanied himself out of E position in standard tuning. His signature lick for the song entails a hammer to the sus4 of the I chord, located at the second fret of the third string, and that unexpected sound goes a long way towards setting the mood of the song. In addition to that scary signature lick, Yank goes to a minor IV chord, and half-times his bass, hitting only on beats one and three, giving a definite sort of "death bell" sound to his bass. For his final solo, Yank switched to hammer to the major third, located at the first fret of the third string and a major IV chord, both being much more conventional sounds. This would be a great piece to pick up, either as a solo or ensemble number--it's not exactly been overdone.
Hate to see that evening sun go down
And I hate to see that evening sun go down
Well, that make me think, baby, I'm on my last go-round
Sittin' here wonderin' would a matchbox hold my clothes
Says, I (guitar finishes line)
Says, I ain't got so many, baby, but I got so far to go
Look-a-here, baby, take me back again
Hey, look-a-here, woman, take me back again
Said, if you take me back again, baby, I sure will be your good man
SOLO
Sittin' here wonderin' would a matchbox hold my clothes
Said, I (guitar finishes line)
Says, I ain't got so many, baby, but I got so far to go
Sent for whiskey, brought me gasoline
Said, I sent for whiskey, brought me (guitar)
I got the meanest old woman a man 'most ever seen
SOLO
All best,
Johnm
[attachment deleted by admin]
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Hi all,
I was reviewing the lyrics to "My Baby's Gone", at the front end of this thread and found some edits to its lyrics. They are as follows:
2.2 I don't LOVE NOBODY ELSE
3.1 You know, THE trouble, THE trouble that I'm havin'
4.1 THE trouble that I'm havin'
5.1 'CAUSE the woman that I'm lovin'
6.1 BABY, I promise not to holler
7.1 And I promised, I WASN"T GONNA holler
All best,
Johnm
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Hi all,
Yank Rachell's song, "Sweet Mama", is one on which he was joined by Jab Jones on piano and Sleepy John Estes on guitar. It was re-issued on Yazoo's "The Stuff Dreams Are Made Of" a few years back. The three musicians played so well together, one of the best mixes of ensemble looseness and tightness in all the blues. Hearing this rendition made me think how the fact that Yank so often worked with such a unique and striking singer as Sleepy John tended to draw attention away from what a strong singer Yank was himself. The performance opens with a mandolin solo on the full form. Yank pronounced "country" "countruh".
SOLO
I say, you used to be sweet mama, but I ain't gonna call you sweet no more
Say, you used to be sweet mama, and I can't call you sweet no more
And ev'y time I come to your house, it's a man standing in your door
I says, I'm goin' up the country, where the Southern done cross the Dog
I said, I'm goin' up the country, where the Southern done cross the Dog
If you don't see me tomorrow, you won't have no man at all
Baby, if I had wings like a bullfrog on the pond
Lord, if I just had wings, mama, like a bullfrog on the pond
I would rise right chere and light in sweet mama's arm
Lord, said the blues jumped a rabbit, run him for a solid mile
Said, the blues jumped a rabbit, run him for a solid mile
Lord, that fool couldn't catch him, and he sot right down and cried
I said, look-a here now, baby, there's somethin' really worryin' me
I said, look-a here, sweet mama, there's somethin' really worryin' me
It ain't my past, neither future, my old-time used-to-be
Edited 10/7 to pick up corrections from banjochris and Johnm
All best,
Johnm
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Great song, John -- was just listening to it in the car yesterday. I'll go back and listen too, but I always heard that bullfrog verse as "bullfrog on a/the pond" instead of farm. Can't remember the a or the. He sings it in "Little Sarah Blues," too, which really should be "Little Faro Blues" (or maybe in "T-Bone Steak," will definitely have to go back and listen).
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Thanks for the tip, Chris. I will re-listen. If you heard "pond" rather than "farm", I expect you're right.
All best,
John
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"Bullfrog on the pond" it is, Chris. Thanks for the fix.
All best,
Johnm
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Going back and listening it is "T-Bone Steak" where Yank sings the bullfrog line, so I thought I'd add that one. Also, just as an aside, that intro on "Sweet Mama" is one of the craziest and best ever.
T-Bone Steak Blues
SOLO
Say you talkin' 'bout your red ripe tomato, I'm crazy 'bout my T-bone steak,
Say you talkin' 'bout your red ripe tomato, I'm crazy 'bout my T-bone steak,
Said I'm gon' find me a faro, to share my Cadillac 8.
I got the railroad blues, the boxcars on my mind,
I got the railroad blues, the boxcars on my mind,
And that girl I lovin', she sure done left this town.
Say if I had wings, like a bullfrog on a pond,
Say if I had wings, like a bullfrog on a pond,
I would rise right chere, light in sweet mama's arms.
You know once ain't forever, you know babe two lord ain't but twice,
You know once ain't forever, you know babe two lord ain't but twice,
But you women all get a good man, you don't know how to treat him right.
SOLO (partial, missing V chord phrase)
Say you mistreat me mama, and that's the way you do,
Say you mistreat me now mama, you know and that's the way you do,
But you gon' want me some of these mornin's, and poor James won't have you.
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I don't have the complete early Yank Rachell recordings, Chris, and I was wondering how many titles he recorded with Sleepy John and Jab Jones?
All best,
Johnm
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Yank sings on "Little Sarah Blues," "T-Bone Steak Blues," "Expressman Blues" and "Sweet Mama". All have the same lineup of Jab Jones, Sleepy John and Yank except for "T-Bone Steak," which is the same instrumentally as "Black Mattie" -- mando, guitar and harp. So in order for those early ones you have:
Girl I Love, She Got Long Curly Hair
Broken Hearted, Ragged and Dirty Too
Diving Duck Blues
Little Sarah Blues
Black Mattie
T-Bone Steak Blues
Milk Cow Blues
Street Car Blues
Expressman Blues
Whatcha Doin'?
Poor John Blues
Stack of Dollars Blues
My Black Gal Blues
Sweet Mama
(from memory, but I was just listening to them in the car yesterday, so I believe that's right).
Chris
PS -- these are all on the JSP Sleepy John/Yank box set.
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Hi all,
Yank Rachell recorded "Gravel Road Woman" with Dan Smith on second guitar at a session in New York City on February 6, 1934. The duo is the same one that recorded "Squeaky Work Bench", and like that tune, "Gravel Road Woman" has both players working out of G position in standard tuning (and sounding at E, in the case of "Gravel Road Woman"). The song has a relatively slow pulse which allows time for the lyrics to sort of double up in their phrasing. This song was more often called "Skinny Woman" by people who recorded it subsequently, like Furry Lewis. Yank's voice sounds very low on this one, and his tone is odd--perhaps the playback pitch was compromised, or maybe he just had a cold.
SOLO
I don't want no skinny mama, I wants a woman, she got a-plenty meat, Lord
No skinny mama, a woman got plenty meat
She can rock all night long, babe, you won't stop to eat
She won't cook me, cook no breakfast, and she won't wash me no clothes, Lord
She won't cook me no breakfast, oooo, won't wash me no clothes (Spoken: What kind of woman is that?)
Well, she won't do nothin' but walk up and down that gravel road
Baby, it's dark, babe, babe, dark at midnight, and the moon shines down like day, Lord
Mmmmm, dark at midnight, babe, and the moon shines down like day
I'm gon' find some woman to come and blow off my blues away
I got up, babe, babe, in a slumber, I put on my shoes and clothes, Lord
Whooo, I got up in a slumber, I put on my shoes and clothes (Spoken: What you do that for, boy? Play it, Dan!)
I'm gon' try to find my woman, I know she's strollin', babe, on the road (Spoken: Play it now!)
SOLO
All best,
Johnm
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Hi all,
Yank Rachell backed himself out of G position in standard tuning, on the guitar, for "Hobo Blues", and was joined for it by Sonny Boy Williamson on harmonica, Washboard Sam on washboard, and William Mitchell on bass can, I believe. The ensemble was loose in a good way, and Yank was unusually garrulous. It must be said, too, that his playing on this song is just ripping! You may hear G blues played as well as this, but I don't think you'll hear it played better. The song can be found on the JSP "Ain't Times Hard" set. Here is the track:
Hobo Blues (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hte00u51auA#ws)
INTRO (spoken, Yank: I'm gonna leave my baby this mornin'.)
Lord, I decided that I would be hobo, Lord, I'll hobo a long, long way from home
Lord, I decided that I would be hobo, you know I hobo an awful long way from home
You know, every time I get to thinkin' about my baby, man, I couldn't do nothin' but hang my head and moan
Baby, and every time I decide to hobo, I take the jungle to be my home
Every time I would decide to hobo, Lord, take the jungle, Lord, to be my home
Now, you know, I'm gon do just like the prodigal son, I'm goin' back home and acknowledge I've done wrong
(Spoken: I ain't gonna leave you no more, baby.)
That mornin', 'bout half past four, Lord, that old freight train begin to reel and rock
Lord, that mornin' 'bout half past four, man, that old freight train begin to reel and rock (Spoken, Yank: Lord have mercy)
You know, I went to the door and I looked out, Sonny, I didn't know what this was all about
SOLO
(Spoken: Now Boy, just tetch it, take it on down there for me! Washboard Sam, I ain't studyin' you. Mitch, you just whup that can to death)
Lord, the lightnin' it was flashin', boy, and the dark cloud was risin' in the East (Spoken, Sonny Boy: Old Yank Rachell stay here a little while, you know. Spoken: Yank: Yes, my Lord, listen, Sonny)
Lord, the lightnin' it was flashin', a dark cloud was risin' in the East (Spoken, Yank: You know I don't feel good.)
Lord, then I hung my head and I cry, mmm, Lord, I wonder what's gon' become of me
Lord, I'm back home with my baby, Lord, I'm just as happy as I can be
Well, I'm back home with my baby, I'm just as happy as I can be
But the next time I decide to hobo, I'm gonna have my woman right beside of me
Edited 4/29 to pick up correction from banjochris
All best,
Johnm
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Direct from the original 78, here's another hobo tune recorded by Yank at the same session in 1944 called Katy Lee Blues. The song is in the key of G and he is backed once again by Sonny Boy Williamson, Washboard Sam and the tub bass player.
Katy Lee Blues
Well the people's all in a-wonder The people all wanna know where is my home,
Well the people's all a-wonder
The people all wanna know where is my home
You know my home is down on the border
Down where the water is cold
You know I'm tired of goin' from house to house
Lord, women slammin' doors all in my face.
I'm tired of goin' from house to house
Women slammin' doors all in my face
Every night when I go home
Some man layin' down in my place
Mama I went down to the landing
Baby I wondered, Lord, what train must I run
Lord I went down to the landing
Baby and I wondered what train must I run
Lord but since I ain't in no big hurry
I believe I'll wait here boys for the Katy flyin'
(Ah...take 'em on down now)
You know my woman my woman
Lord my woman she don't believe in me
Lord my little woman
Lord my woman she don't believe in me
You know she was lookin' for me on the N&O
But I'm goin' home on the Katy Lee
I said I'm goin' over here to the drugstore
Lord I believe I'll call my baby up (Yes, Yes, Yes)
Lord I'm goin' over here to the drugstore
Lord I believe I'll call my baby up
You know I done fooled around here in Chicago
I got my dandies all messed up
http://picosong.com/XL7t (http://picosong.com/XL7t)
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Hi all,
I was reviewing the lyrics to "My Baby's Gone", at the front end of this thread and found some edits to its lyrics. They are as follows:
2.2 I don't LOVE NOBODY ELSE
3.1 You know, THE trouble, THE trouble that I'm havin'
4.1 THE trouble that I'm havin'
5.1 'CAUSE the woman that I'm lovin'
6.1 BABY, I promise not to holler
7.1 And I promised, I WASN"T GONNA holler
One other note to "My Baby's Gone," -- all the verses that now have the "um mum alone" or whatever, that phrase should be "murmur low." Sometimes he repeats murmur a time or two. That "promised not to holler/believe I will murmur low" line pops up in a number of songs.
Chris
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Thanks for the catch, Chris. I re-listened to the song and made the corrections in Weeniepedia.
All best,
Johnm
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Hi all,
"Little Sarah" was recorded on September 26, 1929 in Memphis, and on it Yank played mandolin, backed by Sleep John Estes on guitar and Jab Jones on piano. Sleepy John sounds to be backing out of C position in standard tuning, his favorite playing position at that time. As banjochris noted earlier in this thread, the title of the song is a misapprehension of what Yank Rachell sang, which was "faro", not "Sarah".
SOLO
And I got up this morning, I lied all in my room
And I got up this morning, I lied all in my room
And I looked behind me and I found my faro gone
If a man don't never study, ah, you would never have no blues
If a man wouldn't study, you would never have no blues
But you get to thinkin' 'way back, the way your baby used to do
I got a little faro, she weigh about ninety pounds
I've got a little faro, she weigh about ninety pounds
Now, but her mama and papa, they sure don't 'low me 'round
I'm gon' sing this song, baby, I ain't gonna sing no more
I'm gonna sing this song, baby, I ain't gon' sing no more
I'm gon' hang this mandolin under my shoulder, right down Front Street I'll go
I can hear that old train comin', ah, it must-a be comin' after me
I can hear that old train a-comin, must-a be comin' after me
And I'm gon' sit right back home, to my same old used-to-be
All best,
Johnm
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It is just hard to beat Yank and Sonny Boy... only Big Joe and Sonny Boy might come close!
Yank has to be the most woefully overlooked singer and guitar player, ever.
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I know what you mean about Yank being overlooked, Frank! I hadn't heard (or remembered hearing) either "Hobo Blues" or "Katie Lee Blues" before, and that group with Yank, Sonny Boy, Washboard Sam and William Mitchell just rocks out--what energy! And Yank's singing and playing is spectacular--he's kind of operating in Mance Lipscomb territory in terms of changing up what he plays from the beginning of each song right up to its end, and everything he's playing is really prime stuff and inventive--definitely not the same old stuff. Whew!
EDITED TO ADD: It also strikes me that Yank, as a guitarist, is penalized in people's minds by being such a strong mandolin player that people forget how well he played guitar, and penalized as a vocalist by operating in an accompaniment capacity for Sleepy John so much. Sleepy John definitely had the ability to make you forget about other singers. So Yank was sort of doubly snakebit in terms of getting the recognition that should have been his due.
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Couple small suggestions on Yank lyrics (and I agree, John and Frankie, he doesn't get his due).
In the spoken bit in "Hobo Blues," I think he says "Mitch, whip that can TO DEATH" and going way back to "Squeaky Work Bench," I think 1.3 should begin "Babe, says I don't begin to FEEL WORRIED..." which I think makes a little more sense too.
Chris
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Thanks for the catch on "Hobo Blues", Chris. I have made that correction. I think the lyrics in "Squeaky Work Bench" were right as they stood. I hear "see you worry" clearly after multiple re-listenings, no "f" or "l" for "feel", a clear "you", and no"d" at the end of "worry". I'll leave that one as is.
All best,
Johnm
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Hi all,
Yank Rachell recorded "She Loves Who She Please" at a session in Chicago on December 11, 1941, with a very strong back-up band, featuring John Lee Williamson on harmonica, Washboard Sam on washboard and Alfred Elkins on bass cano. Yank accompanied himself out of his favorite playing position, G position in standard tuning. The band's energy and playing on this are terrific, as is Yank's vocal. Here is the song:
https://youtu.be/uTDBJueJ3hE
INTRO
When my baby left me, said she was gonna love just who she please
When my baby left me, said she was gonna love just who she please
"But if you ever come back to me, you have to fall down on your knees."
You know, I done more for you, babe, than I have anybody else
You know, I've done more for you than I have anybody else
You know, I bought clothes and I give you, you know I need them for myself
My babe ain't nothin', she ain't nothin' but skin and bones
My babe ain't nothin', she ain't nothin' but skin and bones
If I ever get lucky again, goin' to Hot Springs, my baby gone (Spoken: Ah, play the blues for me now, I got 'em!)
SOLO
Baby babe, I love you, baby, you're about six feet high
Baby babe, I love you, and you know you're 'bout six feet high
I'm gon' leave you standing, with tears standing in your eye
Says, your Mama, your Mama sure don't 'low me there
And your Mama, your Mama, she sure don't 'low me there
That's why I'm gon' leave you, baby, standing in your back door cryin'
All best,
Johnm
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Hi all,
Yank Rachell recorded "Loudella Blues" at the same session as he recorded "She Loves Who She Please", with the same personnel, and once again accompanying himself out of G position in standard tuning. I find myself wondering whether the title character's name was actually Lou Della; no way of knowing now. Yank was really on fire in this session, and he shows over and over again that he was one of the greatest of Country Blues guitarists in G position, standard tuning, for he mines it for all it's worth. I'm having a tough time hearing the bent bracketed word in the tagline to the last verse, and would very much appreciate help with it. Here is "Loudella Blues":
https://youtu.be/XH-Eckzp6jM
GUITAR INTRO
Loudella, Loudella, Loudella, don't you hear me calling you?
Loudella, Loudella, Loudella, don't you hear me calling you?
Then I wonder why, Loudella, you want to do me like you do
Loudella's drinkin' muddy water, now, Loudella's sleepin' in a hollow log (Spoken: What you mean by it? She ain't got no house where to live?)
Loudella's drinkin' muddy water, Loudella's sleepin' in a hollow log
Loudella has to do the best she can, 'cause Loudella, man, is gone to the wall
Loudella, I love you, I wonder why that you would run around
Loudella, I love you, and I wonder why that you run around
And the way you do me, Loudella, you just drive me 'way from your town (Spoken: Ah, play Loudella for me, I wanna see her)
SOLO
Hate to leave you, Loudella, Loudella, but I got to go
Hate to leave you, Loudella, Loudella, but I got to go
But when I leave you this time, Loudella, I won't never be back no more
He don't love you like I do, Loudella, everybody think you're grand
He don't love you like I do, Loudella, and everybody think you're grand
But just as soon as you get your ruin, Loudella, then someday you will understand
Edited 11/8 to pick up correction from banjochris
All best,
Johnm
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John, I think it might be "ruin."
Chris
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Thanks for the help, Chris, I'm going to go with that. It makes sense in the context. This has one of those complex vowel sounds that give me trouble--hard to hear!
All best,
Johnm
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Thanks for the help, Chris, I'm going to go with that. It makes sense in the context. This has one of those complex vowel sounds that give me trouble--hard to hear!
I agree, I wasn't certain about it either, but it sounds close and makes sense...
Chris
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Hi all,
Yank Rachel recorded "Lake Michigan Blues" at a session in Aurora, Illinois on March 13, 1938 at which he was joined by Sonny Boy Williamson on harmonica and Elijah Jones on guitar. Yank played mandolin on the song, something he didn't do all that often on his early songs recorded under his own name. The unusual ensemble gets an unusual ensemble sound by playing the opening solo in unison (Elijah Jones was playing in Spanish tuning), and playing the signature lick that follows each vocal line in unison, too. It's a very spooky timbre. Here is the song, and I apologize if it is not viewable for non-U.S. weenies:
https://youtu.be/-e4qG9MmTc8
INTRO SOLO
Says, I went to Lake Michigan, stood on the banks and cried
Well, I went to Lake Michigan, stood on the banks and cried
Says, I wanta see my babe over yonder, but it was so long and deep and wide
Then I hung my head, baby, and I slowly walked away
Then I hung my head, baby, and I slowly walked away
I say, "That's all right, Lake Michigan, I hope you'll go dry someday."
Say, the moon got gloomy, Lord, the clouds begin to rise
Said, the moon got gloomy and the clouds begin to rise
I want to cross Lake Michigan, see my gal on the other side
And I fell down on my knees, babe, prayed, "What shall I do?"
Fell down on my knees and I prayed, "What shall I do?"
Says, I hope someday my baby want to cross Lake Michigan, too
All best,
Johnm
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Hi all,
Yank Rachell recorded "Up North Blues" at a session in Chicago on April 3, 1941 at which he was backed by Sonny Boy Williamson on harmonica, Washboard Sam on washboard, and William Mitchell on bass cano. Yank was once again accompanying himself out of G position in standard tuning. Sonny Boy takes an unusually exciting solo on this song. Here is "Up North Blues":
https://youtu.be/qCcLo2EjDr4
INTRO
Now, I'm goin' down South, I'm gon' stay until winter gone
Now, I'm goin' down South, I'm gon' stay until winter gone
Then, when winter gone, then maybe I will go back home
And I can't stay in the North, you know I ain't got sufficient clothes
You know, I can't live in the North, and I ain't got sufficient clothes (Spoken: Oh yes, but they sell clothes up there, you know that)
You know, when the wind get to blown', Sonny Boy, you know, I'm even scared to go outdoors
You know, I was settin' and wonderin', I look out, boys, with tears all in my eyes
You know, I was settin' and wonderin', I look out, with tears all in my eyes (Spoken: Oh, I know some of your peoples must have died, or somethin' or other, you know?)
You know, I want to get outdoors so bad, but Sonny Boy, you know I'm scared that I would die
SOLO (Spoken: Play it now. . . yes, my Lord)
You know, it's so cold up North, the birds, they can not hardly fly
It's so cold up North, the birds, they can not hardly fly
But every time I step outdoors, the wind whisks with the water out of my eyes
All best,
Johnm
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Hi all,
"J. L. Dairy Blues" was recorded at a session in Aurora, Illinois on March 13, 1938 and featured Sonny Boy Williamson on harmonica, Elijah Jones on guitar and Yank once again playing guitar out of G position in standard tuning (though the session notes in the JSP set have him playing mandolin on the track). Yank takes an especially wild solo, with ferocious tremolo on the guitar, something you don't hear all that often, except from Charlie McCoy, and he and Elijah Jones, who is also playing out of G position in standard tuning, do an admirable job of keeping out of each other's way, mostly by dividing up the registers, with Jones taking the bass and Yank the treble. Here is the song, with apologies if it is not viewable by non-U. S. weenies:
https://youtu.be/Q-JJ4OvHbt8
INTRO
I've got to go, mama, I got to go, I want to go now, baby, right away
You know, I got to go, I got to go right straight back home
You know, I've got some milkin' I got to do, mama, 'way out at the dairy farm
We've got four good milk cows, you know, I have to milk 'em 'bout twice a day
We got four good milk cows, you know, I have to milk 'em twice a day
You know, if I don't hurry back home, somebody will be, and tote all my milk away
SOLO (Spoken: Ah, put 'em on me, boy!)
You know, if I don't go and get that milk and butter, somebody sure gonna carry it away
You know, if I don't go and get my milk and butter, somebody sure gon' go and carry it away
That's how come I'm singin' about the J & L Dairy, I want to leave this town today
SOLO (Spoken: Hum it out, boys)
All best,
Johnm
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Hi all,
Yank Rachell recorded "Blue And Worried Woman" at a session in New York City on February 5, 1934. The session information in the JSP "Sleepy John Estes" set that includes the track shows it as a duet with Dan Smith--not so, it is a solo number by Yank, and is moreover the only song I've ever heard him play on record in Spanish tuning. Here are the lyrics, and I don't believe it is available on youtube.
INTRO SOLO
Well, uh, well I know my baby wanta see me now
Hooo-ooo now, well, well I know you wants to see me now
Now, because my baby, she didn't want me, to call her way back up here nohow
Now, hush your cryin', baby, Lordy, why you feelin' sad?
Hoo-oo, babe, why don't you wipe your tears away?
Lord, then you know your Joe, baby, he got to go and leave you someday
Well, well, I know my baby, she sure gon' jump and shout
Hoo-oo-oo, she sure gon' jump and shout
Lord, when she get that letter, and she know what's it all about
Hoo, Central, now Central, won't you please ring me Dr. Brown?
Hoo-hoo, Central, won't you please ring me Dr. Brown?
Because I dreamed last night, Lord, that my pigmeat mama, she was dyin'
Well, well, well, well, now, poor Yank, he ain't gon' be worried long
Hoo-hoo-oo, poor Yank, he ain't gon' be worried long
Said, I'm gon' catch somethin' smokin', baby, and back up Tennessee I'm goin'
OUTRO
All best,
Johnm
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I suspect "pigment" is autocorrect having some fun with you, John!
I wonder how many songs have used lines from Blind Lemon's "Gone Dead on You" -- that Dr. Brown line is one that has really made the rounds.
Chris
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You're right about that auto-correct, Chris. It has been annoyingly aggressive ever since I upgraded the operating system on my computer. I actually type what I intend to from time to time! Thanks for the catch.
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Hi all,
Yank Rachell opened his session with Dan Smith in New York City on February 6, 1934 with "Sugar Farm Blues", which had both guitarists working out of G position in standard tuning. This was a great session, and it yielded five of the finest Country Blues guitar duets ever recorded. Here is the duo's recording of "Sugar Farm Blues":
https://youtu.be/cJy87Ylq3WI
INTRO SOLO
I said, baby, tell me, baby, where did you get your sugar from?
I said, tell me, tell me, baby, where did you get your sugar from?
Babe, said, I believe you got it 'way down from your daddy's sugar farm
Ain't but the one thing, will give a man the blues
Ain't but the one thing, ooo (falsetto), will give a man the blues
When you haven't got no half-soles, baby, on your last pair of shoes
SOLO (Spoken: Play that thing, buddy Mr. Dan)
My baby quit me, and I did not have a chance
My baby quit me, ooo (falsetto), I did not have a chance
And I did not have no patch, baby, honey, on my last pair of pants
OUTRO
All best,
Johnm
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Hi all,
Yank Rachell and Dan Smith recorded "Stack O' Dollars Blues" on February 6, 1934, too, and it was the only one of the five titles they recorded that day that did not have both players working out of G position in standard tuning. For "Stack O' Dollars Blues" they both played out of C position in standard tuning, and it's a shame they didn't do more tunes in C, for they both sound great, particularly on their solo, where Dan Smith really steps out.
"Stack O' Dollars" is an interesting song, in that it has been recorded many times, but the different versions (apart from some shared verses) tend to be very different from each other musically. Here is "Stack O' Dollars Blues":
https://youtu.be/0AddAFcDsHQ
INTRO SOLO
Well, well, well, you hear that rumblin', baby, 'way down in the ground?
Ooo-ooo now, baby, 'way down in the ground
And I b'lieve to my soul, must've been my baby jumpin' down
I got a stack o' dollars, baby, just as long as I am tall
Ooo-ooo now, babe, just as long as I am tall
Babe, now, if you just be my woman, babe, you can have them all
Now babe, I sent for whiskey, and she brought me gasoline
Ooo-ooo girl, says, she brought me gasoline
You know, I think I got the meanest woman, mmm-mmm, a poor man 'most ever seen
SOLO (Spoken: Play it now, boy. Too bad now!)
All best,
Johnm
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Hi all,
Yank Rachell recorded "Army Man Blues" at a session in Chicago on April 3, 1941, leading a combo that included Sonny Boy Williamson on harmonica, William Mitchell on bass cano (clearly audible in the mix) and Washboard Sam. Yank was working out of G position in standard tuning, as usual. Here is the song:
https://youtu.be/XvIHlkbmVrY
INTRO
And I'd rather be a Army man, baby, and I was in Spain, bein' here with these no-good women, they're doin' everything they can
I said, "Yes, mama, mama, and I rather had be an Army man,
Than to be here with these no-good women, man, these women doin' everything they can."
You know, my mama told me, when I was a boy, "If you join the Army, you won't have no more joy."
And I told her, "Yes, mama, mama and I would rather be a Army man,
Lord, to be 'round here with these no-good women, you know, these women doin' everything they can."
My baby, she told me, "I hate to see you go. If you join the Army, I want you to will me your dough."
I told her, "No, woman, woman, I would will you my watch and chain,
If you just make me a promise, Lord, that you won't give it to no other man."
My Dad, he joined the Army, when I was a boy, I said "When I's get a man, I wanna do the same thing."
I said, "Yes, Daddy, Daddy I wanta be a Army man,
Than to be here with these no-good women, and these women doin' everything they can."
SOLO (Spoken: Play it, boy, I got 'em now.)
All best,
Johnm
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Hi all,
Yank Rachell recorded "Insurance Man Blues" at the same April 3, 1941 session at which he recorded "Army Man Blues", with the same personnel, and once again accompanying himself out of G position in standard tuning. There is not a lot of variety in the sounds and ensemble textures of the songs recorded at this session, but who cares? They are all played with such spirit and energy, and it's a treat to hear the group mining this sound so deeply. This song grooves so intensely, and Yank just sings his guts out on a great set of lyrics. Here is the group's performance:
https://youtu.be/MIszKzPVzHQ
INTRO
I just wanted to introduce you to the Industrial Insurance man
I just wanted to introduce you to the Industrial Insurance man
Say, you know they buried old Tricky Slim, he was electrocuted in the electric chair
They paid his sister twenty-four hours after the poor boy was dead
They paid his sister twenty-four hours after the poor boy was dead
Said, they would pay for anything you die with, you may die in the 'lectric chair
You may have some kind of accident, don't be worried be how you die
You may have some kind of accident, don't be worried 'bout how you die
Said, because if you be electrocuted, they will bury you anyhow
Tricky Slim's sister set down and wrote a letter, back down to the Industrial folks
Tricky Slim's sister set down and wrote a letter, back down to the Industrial folks
Say, "You done paid me what you brung me, and I don't want you to pay no more."
I'm a old member, and it look like I'm gon' live all the time
I'm a old member of that company, it look like I'm gon' live all the time (Spoken: I don't wanta die!)
Says, but if I should happen to die, Ma, they will that money to my wife
SOLO (Spoken: Play it once.)
All best,
Johnm
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Hi all,
Yank Rachell recorded "Rainy Day Blues" at a session in Chicago on December 11, 1941 at which he was backed by Sonny Boy Williamson on harmonica, Alfred Elkins on bass cano and Washboard Sam on washboard. Yank was accompanying himself out of G position in standard tuning, as usual. The solo is shared by Yank and Sonny Boy, and it is really hair-raising on both of their parts. Here is the song:
https://youtu.be/TDCOCgui8vg
INTRO
Mama, where was the sun? Where was the sun on a rainy day?
Mama, then I wonder, where was the sun? I wonder where was the sun on a rainy day?
Lord, then I wonder, where was my baby? Lord, my baby, she was so far away
Mama, and I gets up every morning, mama, I gets up every morning with the rising sun
Mama, and I gets up every morning, mama, and I gets up in the morning with the sun
Lord, said, because the woman I'm lovin', Lord, that woman sure have done me wrong
I been beggin' you, I been beggin' you, babe, I been beggin' you to please quit your ways
Lord, I been beggin' you, I been beggin' you, babe, I been beggin' you to please quit your ways
Lord knows, 'til the way you're getting' old now, I want you to please change your younger days
SOLO (Spoken: Now, take 'em on now, down to the bottom!)
Lord, you come on, do what I ask you, sweet thing, I declare you won't do wrong
Lord, you just come on, do what I ask you, Lord, sweet thing, you won't do wrong
Lord, but if you don't wanna do like I ask you, babe, I declare you won't last long
All best,
Johnm
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Hi all,
Yank Rachell recorded the (mis-spelled?) "Rachel Blues" at a session in Aurora, Illinois on March 13, 1938, for which he was joined by Sonny Boy Williamson on harmonica and Elijah Jones on second guitar. Yank works as he did most often, out of G position in standard tuning, and Elijah Jones may have been working out of G position in standard tuning as well, or in Spanish tuning. The song is a formal one-off, a one-chord number with a perseverating signature lick which is played in unison after each vocal phrase. Here is the song, with apologies to non-U.S. Weenies if it is not viewable to them.
https://youtu.be/7SgTGKPq48c
Let's go down, Sonny Boy, I ain't gon' be here long
Let's go back, Sonny Boy, and we ain't gon' be here long
Now I got the blues for my baby, I want to go back home
Now, when I left my baby, she was standin' in her back door cryin'
When I left my baby, she was standin' in her back door cryin'
"I hate to see you leave me, I have to stay here by myself."
Babe, you's a rollin' stone, you done rolled me 'way from home
Babe, you's a rollin' stone, you done rolled me 'way from home
Babe, you done rolled me 'way, I'm gon' roll back home someday (Spoken during signature lick: Ah, today, yes, mama, Lord)
HUMMED SHORT FINAL VERSE
All best,
Johnm
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Hi all,
Yank Rachell's "It's All Over", a cover of "Sittin' on Top of the World" was recorded at a session in Aurora, Illinois on June 17, 1938. He was joined on the song by Sonny Boy Williamson, and according to the JSP set, "probably Big Joe Williams" on guitar. I would guess probably not Big Joe Williams, since it is not a 9-string guitar being played and the player is playing in standard tuning, key of G rather than Spanish tuning. Yank plays mandolin on the number. Despite the song being a chorus blues, Yank sings the refrain a little bit differently after each verse. Here is "It's All Over":
https://youtu.be/S8_wqA4N3dM
When I was down, couldn't help myself
You took and left me, got someone else
REFRAIN: But now he's gone, now and it's over, I don't want you no more
When I was sick, down in my bed
You told you wouldn't come there, even rub my head
REFRAIN: I called it off, now it's all over, I don't love you no more
You told me one day, the sun was shining bright
You had another man, you wasn't gonna treat me right
REFRAIN: We called it off, now it's all over, I don't want you no more
When I had you, baby, I treated you nice and kind
You treat me so dirty, I done changed my mind
REFRAIN: But now it's all over, we done called it off, I don't love you no more
SOLO (Spoken: Play it now, boy, 'cause I don't love you no more)
I brought your breakfast, right to your bed
You taken your teacup and thrower it at my head
REFRAIN: But now we called it off, it's all over, I don't love you no more
I'm leavin' town, won't be back no more
You see me again, your head be white as snow
REFRAIN: Now it's all over, I done called it off, I don't love you no more
You know you told me, told me to my face
You had a man that's waitin', to take my place
REFRAIN: Now we called it off, now it's all over, I don't want you no ---
All best,
Johnm
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John -
According to B&GR, there was another Joe Williams who was known sometimes as "Jackson" Joe Williams. He recorded 4 sides under that name at the same session as "It's All Over"; those 4 sides have Yank and Sonny Boy. They speculate he may have been the same Joe Williams who recorded with Jed Davenport in 1929. Sounds like JSP just saw the "Joe Williams" and assumed it was Big Joe.
Chris
PS Merry Christmas!
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Thanks for the clarification, Chris. I was mystified as to how anyone could have thought the guitarist on that track was Big Joe Williams, based on the sound, so your information makes everything fall into place. And Merry Christmas to you, too!
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Hi all,
Yank Rachell recorded "My Mind Got Bad" at the same June 17, 1938 session at which he recorded "It's All Over" and had the same musicians backing him, Sonny Boy Williamson on harmonica and the mysterious Joe Williams on guitar. Yank played mandolin on this song. This song was later (or earlier) recorded by Sonny Boy Williamson as "Springtime Blues". Here is the song, with apologies to Weenies who may not be able to view it:
https://youtu.be/nqJ6Nkza3mg
My mind got bad, I didn't know what to do
I was thinkin' about the way my baby used to do
REFRAIN: My love is cold, my love is cold, yes, my love is cold
My woman quit me, I did not have a chance
I did not have no patch on my last pair of pants
REFRAIN: My love is cold, my love is cold, yes, my love is cold
I will see you in the Spring, the bluebird begin to sing
When you won't have no man to sing this song
REFRAIN: My love is cold, my love is cold, yes, my love is cold
You gon' keep on foolin' around, you gon' be six feet in the ground
Then fare you well, baby, and fare you well
Fare you well, fare you well, baby, fare you well
I'll tell you, baby, I'm gonna tell you 'fore I go
I ain't gonna never take none of your low-down doggin' no more
REFRAIN: My love is cold, my love is cold, yes, my love is cold
SOLO (Spoken: Yes, my love's cold. Play it for me, boys!)
My mind got bad, I didn't know what to do
I was thinkin' 'bout the way my baby used to do
REFRAIN: My love is cold, my love is cold, yes, my love is cold
I'll see you in the Fall, baby, you won't have no man at all
Then you'll have me walkin', walkin' 'round wearin' my overalls
REFRAIN: My love is cold, my love is cold, yes, my love is cold
Sayin' my love is cold, yes, my love is ---
All best,
Johnm
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Hi all,
Yank recorded "I'm Wild And Crazy As Can Be" at a session in Aurora, Illinois on March 13, 1938, with Sonny Boy Williamson and Elijah Jones. The song is certainly related to Big Joe Williams' "I'm Getting' Wild About Her". Yank's soloing on this song is just ripping; he can have had few equals at playing in G. The song features a really unusual vocal harmony on its chorus. The beginning of the track seems to have caught Yank by surprise. Yank pronounces "pail" like "pill". Here is the song:
https://youtu.be/Tj5zr-q3w04
. . ., you done done, got my money now your man done come
REFRAIN: You know I'm wild about it, you know I'm wild about it
You know I'm wild about it, I'm crazy as I can be
Me and my brother had a fallin,' out, you don't know what's it all about
REFRAIN: Because I'm wild about it, because I'm wild about it
I'm so wild about it, I'm crazy as I can be
Aunt Dinah went off, stay out all night long, she didn't come home 'til the break of dawn
REFRAIN: You know I'm wild about it, you know I'm wild about it
I'm so wild about it that I'm crazy as I can be
SOLO (Spoken: Get on it, then!)
If you hear this piece, don't fuss and fight, you and your partner take a dance all night
REFRAIN: 'Cause I'm wild about it, I'm wild about it
You know I'm wild about it, I'm crazy as I can be
Get up in the mornin', do like Jack and Jill, think my baby's gonna take that pail
REFRAIN: 'Cause I'm wild about it, you know I'm wild about it
You know I'm wild about it, 'cause I'm crazy as I can be
SOLO
Look-a-here, baby, what you done done, got my money, put me on a bum
REFRAIN: You know I'm wild about it, you know I'm wild about it
You know I'm wild about it, I'm crazy as I can be
Me and my buddy had a fallin' out, you don't know what's it's all about
REFRAIN: 'Cause I'm wild about it, you know I'm wild about it
I'm so wild about it, that I'm crazy as I can be
SOLO (Spoken: Play it, boy!)
Aunt Dinah went off, stayed out all night long, never come home 'til the dawn of day
REFRAIN: You know I'm wild about it, you know I'm wild about it
You know I'm wild about it, I'm just crazy as I can be
SOLO
All best,
Johnm
-
Hi all,
Yank Rachell was joined by Dan Smith on second guitar for "Night Latch Blues", recorded in New York City on February 6, 1934. Both guitarists were working out of G position in standard tuning, Yank's favorite playing position. I'm not at all sure I have Dan Smith's spoken comment correct in the solo, so I'd very much appreciate correction or corroboration. Here is the track:
https://youtu.be/CxNujdhkdZ8
INTRO
Well, well now, baby, you better turn your night latch on
Hee-hee, says, you better turn your night latch on
Says, your man may come there, knockin', babe, and we sure gon' have some fun
Well, well, well, well, babe, I know you heard your rooster crow
Hoo-ooo, babe, I know you heard your rooster crow
Whyn't you throw your man out your window, because your husband is knockin' on your door
Now, now, babe, go 'way from my window, and stop scratchin' on my screen
Hee-eee, babe, stop that scratchin' on my screen
Because your, uh, daddy needs treatment, baby, and I know just what you mean
SOLO (Spoken, Yank: Play it, Mr. Dan Smith for Yank Rachell, he got 'em. I could die doin' this. Spoken, Dan: Crazy man have his fun, can't he? I stay happy. Spoken, Yank: That's true, boy, that's no jive.)
Well, well now, baby, I know you heard me moan before
Hee-ooo-ooo, babe, I know you heard me moan before
Uh, when your man home this time, baby, and you won't ever hear me moan no more
Edited 3/5 to pick up corrections from banjochris
All best,
Johnm
-
Like trying to find your house in the fog!
I wonder if Smith says:
"Crazy man, happy for once, can i stay happy"
-
I think Yank says "he got 'em" instead of "he go now" and I think Dan says "Crazy man have his fun, can't he. I stay happy." And the "he" and "I" are kind of rolled together.
Chris
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Thanks for the suggestions, Gumbo and banjochris. After re-listening, I think you absolutely nailed it, Chris. Thanks! I will make the change. I like your comparison, Gumbo--I was definitely lost in the fog!
All best,
Johnm
-
Hi all,
Yank Rachell recorded "When You Feel Down And Out" at a session in Aurora, Illinois on June 17, 1938, on which he was joined by Sonny Boy Williamson on harmonica and the mysterious Joe Williams (not Big Joe Williams) on guitar. Yank played mandolin on the track and Joe Williams was working out of G position in standard tuning. The rendition is a little unusual in that it concludes with a solo. Here is the track, with apologies to non-U.S. weenies who may not be able to view the video:
https://youtu.be/4G_ilNJFZm8
INTRO
Gather around me, people, I want to sing you all some lonesome blues
I said, gather 'round me, people, I want to sing you all some lonesome blues
You know, when you feel mistreated, how your woman done mistreated you, sometimes just like women will do
I know sometimes you feel kind of lonesome, baby, when you be feelin' kind of down and out
I know sometimes you be feelin' kind of lonesome, then you'll be feelin' kind of down and out
But you know, I don't ever feel the worried blues, 'til I get in the neighborhood of my baby's house
I said, I'm gon' call up Central, tell her to, "Give me Butterfly's number, if you please."
I'm gonna call up Central, tell her, "Give me Butterfly's number, if you please."
You know, said, "I'm gonna call up my baby, Lord, and my baby, she won't talk to me."
When you ever kind of feel kind of worried, mama, won't you please come and listen to these blues?
When you kind of feel kind of lonesome, mama, won't you please come and listen to these blues?
I know it's keep you from sleepin' at night, baby, baby sometime, just like I do
SOLO (Spoken: Play it once for me, boys, long as I got 'em.)
All best,
Johnm
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Hi all,
Yank Rachell recorded "Texas Tommy" at the same session as he recorded "When You Feel Down And Out", in Aurora, Illinois on June 17, 1938, and was once again joined by Sonny Boy Williamson and Joe Williams, while handling the mandolin and lead vocal himself. In fact, Yank sings "Texas toney" in both of the verses in which he uses the phrase, and it seems likely that he is singing a version of "doney", as "toney", as did Long Cleve Reed and Papa Harvey Hull on their song "Two Little Tommies [sic]". This must be one of the most joyful and rhythmically infectious performances in all of the Country Blues, and Yank sounds positively gleeful in his vocal, just having so much fun singing the complicated stammering phrasing scheme. Kudos to Joe Williams for his very strong boom-chang back-up, too. Here is the trio's performance of "Texas Tommy":
https://youtu.be/djHipTOG1Ug
INTRO SOLO
Texas toney, I can ball the, jack, indeed, my Lord,
Texas toney, I can ball the jack
I'd do anything, oh Lord, sure thing, to get my woman back
Mama, mama, sure, I am your, child, indeed, oh Lord,
Mama, mama, I know I am your child
My good work kill me, mama, sure thing, poor mama, let me die
If I could holler, like that Streamline, sure indeed, my Lord,
If I could holler, like that Streamline blow
I'd holler so loud, oh Lord, sure thing, fall on the killin' floor
Shoutin', brother, cried the whole night, Lord, indeed, my Lord,
Shoutin', brother, I cried the whole night long
I tried so hard, oh Lord, sure thing, to teach him from right from wrong
Bring my shotgun, pistol and some, shell, indeed, my Lord,
Bring my pistol, shotgun and some shell
Me and my woman, oh Lord, sure thing, we gon' try something now
SOLO (Spoken: Ah, let me go now, boys!)
Texas toney, I can ball the, jack, indeed, oh Lord,
Texas toney, I can ball the jack
I'd do anything, oh Lord, sure thing, to get that woman back
Mama, mama, know I am your, child, indeed, my Lord,
Mama, mama, I know I am your child
My good work kill me, mama, oh Lord, just let this poor boy die
Hear that rumblin', way down in the, ground, indeed, my Lord,
Hear that rumblin', way down in the ground
Musta been my woman, oh Lord, sure thing, she sure is jumpin' down
All best,
Johnm
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The "Mysterious Joe Williams" sounds an awful lot like Sleepy John to me. Some of the same riffs, though with a bit cleaner, more focused sound.
-
You're right about Texas Toney JohnM ..it's a real barnburner..just great, and the lyrics are uncommonly interesting as well. I suppose this might be expected from the author of Divin' Duck Blues. This one's areal find!
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Two later recordings worth listening to--and titled "Texas Tony"--are on Yank's Blue Goose album and the album recorded by Yank Rachell And His Tennessee Jug-Busters in 1964 (Yank Rachell - Mandolin, Vocals; Sleepy John Estes - Guitar; Big Joe Williams - 9-string Guitar; Hammie Nixon - Harmonica, Jug; Mike Bloomfield - Guitar)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMpVNRXeNsM
(Texas Tony starts at about 13:26)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BdjAnRirsWM
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Hi all,
Yank Rachell recorded "Worried Blues" at a session in Chicago on April 3, 1941 for which he was joined by Sonny Boy Williamson on harmonica, William Mitchell on bass cano and Washboard Sam on washboard. Yank played guitar, working out of his favorite G position in standard tuning. After the first verse, each subsequent verse begins with a lyric break. Here is the song:
https://youtu.be/zaGRW82wwJY
The worried blues, mama, they sure do make me feel sad
Worried blues, mama, sure do make me feel sad
If these worried blues don't kill me, babe, that would be the worst that I ever had
Now, when my baby left me this mornin', it was 'bout half past four, she say, "I don't love you.", but still I hate to see you go
It must have been the worried blues, they sure do make me feel sad (Spoken: Lord, have mercy!)
If the worried blues, they don't kill me, then, Sonny, that would be the worst I ever had
It's tune in on your radio, call out all ships, and see, I'm lookin' for Ella Mae, watchin' and ever she may be
The worried blues, they sure do make me feel sad
If these worried blues, they don't kill me, then that will be the worst I ever had
I can't eat a bite, I can't sleep at night, if I don't find Ella Mae, you know I'm gon' lose my sight
The worried blues, sure do make me feel sad
If the worried blues, they don't kill me, that will be the worst that I ever had
I said, these blues in the mornin', first thing when I lay down, if I don't find Ella Mae, I b'lieve I'm gon' lose my mind
These worried blues, mama, sure do make me feel sad (Spoken: Lord, have mercy!)
You know, if you ain't gonna find Ella Mae, that would be the worst blues, mama, I ever had
All best,
Johnm
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Hi all,
"Biscuit Baking Woman" was also recorded at the April 3, 1941 session in Chicago with Yank being joined by Sonny Boy Williamson, William Mitchell and Washboard Sam. Yank once again played guitar in G position, standard tuning. Even in 1941, this must have been a pretty tired musical and lyrical formula. Here is the song:
https://youtu.be/t8IXDTayr3E
INTRO
She bakes her biscuits, she bake 'em just right, she bakes her biscuits, well, she bake all night
REFRAIN: She's a biscuit bakin' woman, she's a biscuit bakin' woman
I want to tell the world 'bout that biscuit bakin' woman of mine
She bakes her biscuits, she bake 'em nice and keen, she bake 'em good enough for the queen
REFRAIN: She's a biscuit bakin' woman, she's a biscuit bakin' woman
I want to tell the world 'bout that biscuit bakin' woman of mine
She ain't so tall, but she kinda low, she bakes her biscuit 'cause she got good dough
REFRAIN: She's a biscuit bakin' woman, she's a biscuit bakin' woman
I want to tell the world 'bout that biscuit bakin' woman of mine
SOLO (Spoken: Take it down now.)
She bake her biscuit, she don't have to pay no fine, she the best biscuit woman in this town
REFRAIN: She's a biscuit bakin' woman, she's a biscuit bakin' woman
I want to tell the world 'bout that biscuit bakin' woman of mine
She bakes her biscuit, bake 'em at night, wake up in the mornin', she got 'em just right
REFRAIN: She's a biscuit bakin' woman, she's a biscuit bakin' woman
She's my, tell the world 'bout that biscuit bakin' woman of mine
SOLO (Spoken: Play it now)
Sing this song before I go, I want to eat some more of them biscuits that she roll her dough
REFRAIN: She's a biscuit bakin' woman, she's a biscuit bakin' woman
I want to tell the world 'bout that biscuit bakin' woman of mine
Bake this time, ain't gon' bake no more, if you eat 'em, well, you want some more
REFRAIN: She's a biscuit bakin' woman, she's a biscuit bakin' woman
I want to tell the world 'bout that biscuit bakin' woman of mine
All best,
Johnm
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Hi all,
"Peach Tree Blues" was recorded at a session in Chicago on December 11, 1941, with the same personnel as the April 3, 1941 session, with the exception of Alfred Elkins replacing William Mitchell on bass cano. Yank once again works out of G position in standard tuning, much his favorite playing position. This song is one of which R. L. Burnside did a great cover. This version has an unusually complex and long signature lick that answers each vocal phrase (as does Burnside's version), and it is one of the few one-chord numbers that Yank recorded. He sounds almost definitely to be flat-picking his guitar part here. Here is the piece:
https://youtu.be/x1fg8rIjV-Q
INTRO
Don't them peaches look mellow, hanging way up in your tree
Don't them peaches look mellow, hanging way up in your tree
I like your peaches so well, they have taken effect on me
I"m gon' get myself a ladder, babe, I'm gon' climb up on your top limb
I'm gon' get myself a ladder, I'm gon' climb up on your top limb
I get as much of your yallow peaches, you know it's gon' be too bad, Jim (Spoken: Yes, yes, yes!)
Any time I start to climb your tree, babe, I wonder what make you smile
Every time I start to climb your tree, babe, I wonder, what make you smile
You want me to climb up your tree, baby, since you was a child
All best,
Johnm
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Hi all,
Yank Rachell recorded "Tappin' That Thing" at the same session as he recorded "Peach Tree Blues", and was joined once again by Sonny Boy Williamson and Washboard Sam, though there is no aural evidence (really) of there being someone playing bass cano on the track (Alfred Elkins is supposed to be playing it). Yank's guitar back-up behind the second solo is just ripping. The piece is really lively and showcases Sonny Boy's and Washboard Sam's talents. Here is "Tappin' That Thing":
https://youtu.be/eQONgN-as4s
INTRO SOLO
Well, tapping' that thing is easy to do, I got that thing for my particular use
REFRAIN: I been tappin' that thing, Great God Almighty, been tappin' that thing, Great God Almighty
Every mornin' at eight, you can hear me tappin' that thing
Tap it in the mornin', well, I tap it at night, tap that thing, I done tap it just right
REFRAIN: I been tappin' that thing, Great God Almighty, been tappin' that thing, Great God Almighty
Every mornin' at eight, you can hear me tappin' that thing
Went to the front door to get a shine, said, "Go to the back door and get it from behind."
REFRAIN: Been tappin' that thing, Great God Almighty, been tappin' that thing, Great God Almighty
Every mornin' at eight, you can hear me tappin' that thing
SOLO (Spoken: Ah, tap it down, boy!)
Tappin' that thing is easy to do, I got that thing for my particular use
REFRAIN: I been tappin' that thing, Good God Almighty, been tappin' that thing, Great God Almighty
Every mornin' at eight, you can hear me tappin' that thing
I done told you once, I done told you twice, "Don't be messing' round here with my wife."
REFRAIN: You been tappin' that thing, Great God Almighty, oh, tappin' that thing, Great God Almighty
Every mornin' at eight, you can hear me tappin' that thing
Wear my shoes, you can wear your socks, you can hear Yank Rachell, how he play that box
REFRAIN: He been tappin' that thing, Great God Almighty, oh, tappin' that thing, Great God Almighty
Every mornin' at eight, you can hear me tappin' that thing
SOLO (Spoken: Tap it again, boy, I got 'em!)
I don't need no wife, don't need no hug, somebody bring me another jug
REFRAIN: I can tap that thing, Great God Almighty, oh, tap that thing, Great God Almighty
Every mornin' at eight, you can hear me tappin' that thing
Now, I tap it in the mornin', when I tap it at night, tap that thing, I done tapped it right
REFRAIN: 'Cause I tapped that thing, I been tappin' that thing
Every mornin' at eight, you can hear me tappin' that thing
Look-a-here, babe, what you done done, got my money got me on the bum
REFRAIN: I been tappin' that thing, Great God Almighty, been tappin' that thing, Great God Almighty
Every mornin' at eight, you can hear me tappin' that thing
SOLO (Spoken: Aw, tap it now, boy!)
All best,
Johnm
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Hi all,
Yank Rachell recorded "Bye-Bye Blues" at a session in Chicago on December 11, 1941, once again joined by Sonny Boy Williamson, Washboard Sam and Alfred Elkins on bass cano. This session, incidentally, yielded the following titles: "Yellow Yam Blues", "Tappin' That Thing", "Rainy Day Blues", "Peach Tree Blues", "She Loves Who She Please", "Bye-Bye Blues", "Loudella Blues" and "Katy Lee Blues". Not a bad day's work in the studio! Yank sounds really truculent on "Bye-Bye Blues"--thoroughly aggrieved and ready to do something about it. Here is the song:
https://youtu.be/i0QsdZxg7aw
INTRO (Spoken: Come in here about half past four, you gonna tell me somethin', before I go! Bang that door! I'm gon' ruin you!
Hear you come in this mornin', baby, 'bout half past four. I believe you got a note for your man done meet you 'bout half past four, why
REFRAIN: Bye-bye, bye-bye, yes, mama, bye-bye
I got that note, woman, that you put on your gate, you want your man to meet you, Lord, 'bout half past eight, but
REFRAIN: Bye-bye, it's bye-bye, yes, and, baby, bye-bye
Woman, you think you're sharp, think you're sharp as a pin, I'm gon' knock you down, baby, I'm gon' drag you all over my land, bye
REFRAIN: Bye-bye, bye-bye, yes, mama, bye-bye
And it's bye-bye, baby, bye-bye, I hate to leave you, babe, with tears standin' in your eye, but it's
REFRAIN: Bye-bye, bye-bye, yes, mama, bye-bye
SOLO (Spoken: Yeah, it's bye-bye. Play it for me once, boy!)
I'm gon' tell you somethin', I don't want your man to know, please don't tell your mama, and don't tell your papa 'fore I go, but it's
REFRAIN: Bye-bye, bye-bye, yes, mama, bye-bye
It's bye-bye, bye, with tears standin' in your eye, I hate to leave you, babe, but I will say bye-bye-bye
REFRAIN: It's bye-bye, it's bye-bye, yes, mama, bye-bye
SOLO (Spoken: Yeah, it's bye-bye. Play it now!)
All best,
Johnm
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Hi all,
Yank Rachell recorded "Yellow Yam Blues" at the December 11, 1941 session with the same personnel as the other songs from that session already discussed here: Sonny Boy Williamson, Alfred Elkins and Washboard Sam. Yank once again plays out of G position in standard tuning, and the tremolo with which he concludes the song points toward his use of a flat pick to play the song. Here is the track:
https://youtu.be/QtEhc8OsKbE
INTRO
I know you read about me, you know I'm a stranger in your land
I know you read about me, Lord, you know I am a stranger in your land
You know, I'm that tater-diggin' man, I just want to tangle up in your potato vine
I know your tater need diggin', Lord, the milk has run out of your potato vines
I know your tater need diggin', Lord, them milk has run out of your potato vines
That's why I wanna dig your potatoes, you know I'm wild about your yellow yam
SOLO (Spoken: Yeah, take them yam on down, boy!)
You know, them yellow yams, them yellow yams, Lord, them yellow yams restin' on my mind
You know, them yellow yams, them yellow yams, them yellow yams is restin' on my mind
If I catch some man grabbin' my potatoes, Lord, I believe I'll lose my mind
I said now, come down in my basement, I want you to walk around on my second floor
Lord, come down in my basement, I want you to walk around on my second floor
If you want some good diggin' done, have to come down there and knock on my door
Edited 4/12/18 to pick up correction from banjochris
All best,
Johnm
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Hi all,
Yank recorded "It Seems Like A Dream" at a session in Chicago with Sonny Boy Williamson, William Mitchell, and Washboard Sam, on April 3, 1941. Musically, it is the same song as "Tappin' That Thing", with a different set of lyrics (and a vocal harmony by Sonny Boy on the choruses). Here is the song:
https://youtu.be/Hwf-gAcWLjI
INTRO SOLO
My babe went off, stayed out all night long, she never got back 'til the break of dawn
REFRAIN: But it seem like a dream, but it seem like a dream
Well, it seem like a dream, it seem like a dream to me
I"m gon' buy me a dog, from why, you know? Kill somebody 'bout my jellyroll
REFRAIN: Well, it seem like a dream, well, it seem like a dream
Well, it seem like a dream, it seem like a dream to me
Me and my baby had a fallin' out, you didn't know what it's all about
REFRAIN: 'Cause it seem like a dream, well, it seem like a dream
Well, it seem like a dream, it seem like a dream to me
SOLO (Spoken: Play it out, boys, seem like a dream)
Now, look here, babe, what you done done, got my money, got me on a bum
REFRAIN: You know, it seem like a dream, well, it seem like a dream
Well, it seem like a dream, it seem like a dream to me
Wear my shoes, you wear your socks, hear Yank Rachell, how he play that box
REFRAIN: 'Cause it seem like a dream, well, it seem like a dream
Well, it seem like a dream, it seem like a dream to me
Play this song, ain't gon' play no more, put it on my shoulder, down the street I go
REFRAIN: 'Cause it seem like a dream, well, it seem like a dream
Well, it seem like a dream, well, it seem like a dream to me
SOLO (Spoken: Play 'em now, boy, I got 'em!)
Tell you this time, ain't gon' tell you twice, don't catch you foolin' around, now, with my wife
REFRAIN: 'Cause it seem like a dream, 'cause it seem like a dream
Well, it seem like a dream, it seem like a dream to me
SOLO (Spoken: Play again!)
Dream that dream all the time, don't play with thieves, I'm gon' lose my mind
REFRAIN: Well, it seem like a dream, don't it seem like a dream
Well, it seem like a dream, it seem like a dream to me
All best,
Johnm
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I know your tater need diggin', Lord, the niggers run out of your potato vines
I know your tater need diggin', Lord, them niggers run out of your potato vines
That's why I wanna dig your potatoes, you know I'm wild about your yellow yam
John, this video doesn't have the greatest sound quality; there are much clearer copies out there. What Yank sings here for the second half of the first two lines is
"Lord, the milk has run out of your potato vines."
Chris
-
Thanks for the catch, Chris. I'm sure you're right. I will re-listen and make the change. Thanks!
All best,
Johnm
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Yank Rachell - Every Night And Day, I Hear My Baby Call My Name
Yank Rachell - Vocals, Mandolin
John Lee Granderson - Guitar
Michael Bloomfield - Piano
Chicago, Illinois
May 16, 1964
Piano in G
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-7ftjLjkJwA
INTRO
Every now and then, I hear my baby call my name
Well, every now and then, I hear my baby call my name
You know, she can’t call so loud, she can call so doggone plain
I got trouble in my kitchen, a rent sign hangin’ on my front door
Starvation in my kitchen, and a rent sign hangin’ on my front door
You know, my baby she done quit me, and she have throwed my cap outdoor (Spoken: Play it man, play it man)
MANDOLIN SOLO
You know, I can’t sleep at night, mama, I hear the freight train that run
Lord, I can’t sleep at night, and I hear the freight train that run
‘Cause you know my baby she done quit me people, and that woman sure did do Yank Rachell wrong
You know, but I ain’t gon’ worry, yes, I’m just gonna change my plan
Lord, ain’t gonna worry, Lord, I’m just gonna change my plan
You know, when the next woman I get people, God knows she gon’ understand (Spoken: Well alright, alright)
MANDOLIN SOLO
Sometime I believe, baby, I b’lieve your heart must’ve be made of iron
Sometime I believe, baby, I b’lieve your heart must’ve be made of iron
I b’lieve if your mama was dyin’, then you would be laughin’ instead of cryin’ (Spoken: Goin’ out now)
OUTRO MANDOLIN SOLO
-
That's a great song and performance, Blues Vintage, thanks for posting it. I'm hearing a few things differently.
1.3 You know, she can't call so loud, she CAN call so doggone plain
2.1 I got trouble in my kitchen, the RENT SIGN'S hangin' on my front door
2.2 Starvation in my kitchen, WITH A RENT SIGN hangin' on my front door
2.3 You know, my baby, she done quit me, and she have throwed my CAP outdoors
3.1 . . . the freight TRAINS that run
3.2 . . . the freight TRAINS that run
5.3 I b'lieve if your mama was dyin', then you would be laughin' INSTEAD OF cryin'
-
Thanks John, I hear the "rent sign" line a little different and I just hear "train". I made the other changes.
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Going To Pack Up My Things And Go
Yank Rachell - Vocals, Mandolin
John Lee Granderson - Guitar
Michael Bloomfield - Piano
Chicago, Illinois
May 16, 1964
Piano in G
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eNSVqAi7KEI
INTRO
I just got the blues, baby, I’m gonna pack up my clothes and go
I got the blues, I’m gonna pack my things and go
You know, I’m goin’ further down the road, I got a woman down there, man, don’t you know
My baby, my little baby, I found out that woman don’t mean me no good
Yeah, that little woman, that little woman, man, that little woman, I found out the woman don’t mean me no good
You know, she treat me so mean, you know Yank got to move out the neighborhood (Spoken: Play the blues easy man, you know what I’m talkin’ ‘bout)
MANDOLIN SOLO (Spoken: Well alright, alright baby)
You know, I just found out my best friend, people, that it a greenback dollar bill
Lord, I just found out my best friend, and I swear that's a greenback dollar bill
You know, I thought I had a friend woman in Chicago, man, you know but that fool like to got Yank Rachell killed
You know, I ain’t gonna buy you no more big leg stockings, baby, with the seam behind
I ain’t gonna buy you no more big leg stockings, I swear babe, with the seam behind
You know, I’m just as crazy ‘bout you, baby, and I swear babe, you gon’ drive me out of my mind
OUTRO MANDOLIN SOLO
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HI Blues Vintage,
I'm hearing a few places differently:
3.1 You know, I just found out my best friend, people, that it A greenback dollar bill
3.2 Lord, I just found out my best friend, and I swear THAT'S A greenback dollar bill
3.3 You know, I thought I had a friend woman in Chicago, man, you know, but that fool LIKE TO got Yank Rachell killed
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Thanks, John. Verse 3 is fixed with your help.