Topic: Railroad blues, Carl Martin, The New Mississippi Sheiks

[maturest]

Can somebody help me out there? I´ve searched for years for the lyrics of "Railroad blues", sung by The New Mississippi Sheiks, and Carl Martin. I´ve been able to hear a few words, but here and there it´s impossible to recognize everything. Maybe the fact that english is not my native language, can have something to do with it? So if there´s anyone knowing, please post it. Thanks!

[Johnm]

Hi maturest,
I couldn't find Carl Martin doing "Railroad Blues" with the New Mississippi Sheiks but found this version with the Chicago String Band.  Carl Martin plays fiddle and sings here, with John Lee Granderson and Johnny Young both playing guitars.  Just in case it is the same song, the lyrics are posted below.  Here is the performance:



FIDDLE INTRO

I've got the railroad blues, boxcars on my mind
I've got the railroad blues, boxcars on my mind
I ain't seen my baby, in a great long time

I'm gonna write my mama, tell her to send for me
I'm gonna write my mother, and tell her to send for me
Got my mind's in trouble and my heart's in misery

FIDDLE SOLO X 2

Well now, tell me, baby, honey, who can your good man be?
Yes, tell me, baby, who can your good man be?
Well, the reason, ma'am, that I ask you: you look so good to me

FIDDLE SOLO

All best,
Johnm
 



 

[Stuart]

Stefan Wirz uploaded four tracks from their 1972 Rounder LP to YouTube, but "Railroad Blues" isn't among them. Here's what's there as an FYI:









I have the LP around somewhere. If I can find it, I'll see what I can come up with.

[RobBob]

On the string band track with Carl Martin singing, I'd bet that Chicago style guitar line is from Johnny Young. But whom ever it is sure brings this up to the 1960's style of guitar, which was when this was recorded if memory serves me.

[banjochris]

Here's the New Mississippi Sheiks version:

I’ve got the railroad blues, boxcars on my mind
I’ve got the railroad blues, boxcars on my mind
I ain’t had no lovin’ in a great long time.

Well, the sun gon’ shine, my back door someday,
Yes, the sun gon’ shine, my back door someday,
Well it may be here, and it may be far away.

Well, tell me baby, who can your good man be?
Yes, tell me baby, who can your good man be?
If you ain’t got nobody, honey won’t you please take me?

Spoken: Play it, boy!

I’m gonna leave here walking, taking chances I may ride,
I’m gonna leave here walking, honey take your chances I may ride,
Because I been mistreated, and I can’t be satisfied.

[maturest]

This is beautiful, and I really thank you for these lyrics! It´ll come in handy.