Topic: Bumble Bee Slim Lyrics

[Johnm]

Hi Harry,
I think that 2.2 is "You've got to see that I'm SAFE INDOORS", 5.1 is "If I get 'rested, without a DOUBT", 6.1 is, "You've got to walk, STRAIGHT IN THE PATH", 6.2 is "You've got to give me, my SHOWER BATH".

I hope these help.
All best,
John

[Blues Vintage]

Thanks John.

[Blues Vintage]

Fattenin’ Frogs For Snakes


Bumble Bee Slim - Vocals
Jimmie Gordon - Piano
Charlie McCoy - Guitar

July 11, 1935
Chicago, Illinois

Piano in F
Guitar in D Position





INTRO

You get your breakfast in the morning, your dinner on time, I let you spend my dollar, just like you spend my dime
Now I’m gettin’ tired, baby, fattenin’ frogs for snakes
All these many years, baby, I’m just now seeing my mistakes

When I first met you, mama, you didn’t have no clothes, you was broke and hungry, and out of doors
Now I’m gettin’ tired, baby, fattenin’ frogs for snakes
All these many years, baby, I’m just now seeing my mistakes

Men didn’t want you, when you was down and out, I got you up on your feet, now they got you steppin’ out
But I’m gettin’ tired, baby, fattenin’ frogs for snakes
All these many years, baby, I’m just now seeing my mistake

All these many years, baby, you’ve been bringing me that jive, goin’ to the store at noon, and coming back at five
But I’m gettin’ tired, baby, fattenin’ frogs for snakes
All these many years, baby, I’m just now seeing my mistake

I work hard all the time, and bring you my pay, you get behind my back, and give it all away
Now I’m gettin’ tired, baby, fattenin’ frogs for snakes
All these many years, baby, I’m just now seeing my mistake

[Johnm]

Thanks for transcribing those lyrics, Blues Vintage. That sounds like Big Bill Broonzy on guitar to me, playing out of C position, capoed up.

[Blues Vintage]

I was quite sure it's Broonzy on guitar before your post. Now I'm convinced and made the edit. Thanks.
That's a tough ID on piano though.

[Thomas8]

Hi Blues Vintage,

Great song choice!
I'm certain it's the old accompanying team of Jimmie Gordon on piano and Charlie McCoy on guitar playing out of D position. They have such a distinct sound between them.

Thomas

[Blues Vintage]

Hi Thomas,

The intro to this song does sound very similar;

Jimmie Gordon - Mean Mistreatin' Blues




B & GR have Broonzy on guitar for a June 26 session and July 18 Session. The have McCoy for a April 12 session.
I really thought it was Broonzy at first. They sound alike to me (McCoy and Broonzy). 
I gotta listen some more to make a final personnel edit. Not to be disrespectful to you or John. But I'm leaning towards McCoy right now.

I listened to some Roosevelt Sykes the other day with an unknown musician playing tremelo guitar which I think was Broonzy.
I'll post that in a separate thread.

[Johnm]

Hi all,
I do think after re-listening that the guitar on "Fattening Frogs For Snakes" is played out of D position as Thomas stated. Whether the accompanists are Charlie McCoy and Jimmie Gordon I couldn't say because I'm not familiar enough with them working in an accompaniment capacity to pick them out of a musical line-up with any degree of confidence. It sounds like Thomas has listened to them much more than I have and has their sound in his head, so he's probably right.
All best,
Johnm

[Blues Vintage]

I made the changes Thomas stated.

[Blues Vintage]

Bricks In My Pillow


Bumble Bee Slim – Vocals
Myrtle Jenkins – Piano

Chicago, Illinois
April 4, 1935

Piano in C or B





INTRO SOLO

I've got bricks in my pillow, and my head can't rest no more
I've got bricks in my pillow, mama, and my head can't rest no more
Spiders crawling on my wall, black snakes lying ‘round on my floor

I've got mud in my water, I've got drugs all in my tea
I've got mud in my water, mama, I've got drugs all in my tea
I've got bugs in my bed, and they keeps on biting me

I've got grounds in my coffee, big boll weevils in my meal
I've got grounds in my coffee, mama, big boll weevils in my meal
I've got tacks in my shoes, keeps on sticking in my heel

I’ve got holes in my pockets, great big patches on my pants
I’ve got holes in my pockets, mama, great big patches on my pants
I’m behind with my house rent, still they wants it in advance

Well, I feel like walking, and I feel like lying down
Yes, I feel like walking, mama, and I feel like lying down
Well, I feel like drinking, but it ain't no whiskey around

Can’t you hear that bell ringing, can’t you hear that whistle blow?
Hear that bell ringing, mama, can’t you hear that whistle blow?
Well, I feel like leaving, but I don't know where to go