Topic: Walter Vinson Lyrics

[Johnm]

Hi all,
Walter Vinson played his "Overtime Blues" out of dropped-D tuning, and it is one of the strongest recorded performances in that tuning.  I first heard it on the old Yazoo "Jackson Blues" anthology, and it can currently be found on the Document CD of Walter Vinson's complete solo recordings.  Like his neighbor and sometimes playing partner, Bo Carter, Vinson shows a fondness for going back and forth between swung and straight eighth note feels.  He certainly was a fine singer, too.  He is a musician who was almost certainly very under-recorded in the '60s and into the early '70s.  His whereabouts were known, and he did one recording for Riverside, I believe, that I have never heard and some recording for Rounder as part of the New Mississippi Sheiks.



   I've been workin' overtime, baby, oh, and the sun got hot
   Been workin' overtime, baby, oh, and the sun got hot
   Just put a block on me, baby, turn me in your back yard

   I been walkin' all night when the sun did 'fuse to shine
   Been walkin' all night when the sun did 'fuse to shine
   And if I find her tonight I'm gonna really work her overtime

   Sweet baby, cryin' won't help you, prayin' won't do no good
   Cryin' won't help you, prayin' won't do no good
   That's when your faro, she have quit you, done everything you could

   The work ain't so hard, baby, just the way you do
   Work ain't so hard, baby, it's just the way you do
   Remember the way you treat poor Walter, it's comin' home to you

   It'll be a day goin' after, need my help along
   Day goin' and after, you'll need my help along
   That's when you'll call for poor Walter but he won't be in your home

All best,
Johnm

[Oscar Wolf]

I've been searchin' all around and I couldn't find the lyrics for Walter Vincson - Rosa Lee Blues
I know some words are nonsense but It's just how it sounds to me.



Rosa Lee Blues

"I heard you was a roller now I've come to chop your wheel"
I heard you was a roller, come to chop your wheel
""   no a roller never know just, how'd a kid man feel

I've got somethin to tell you will make the, "?hair rise on your head?"
I've got somethin to tell you will make the, hair rise on your head
"now this smell of meat I got... make the sprin..? on your ?bed?"pen???

Rosa Lee, Rosa Lee now, baby please don't stall
Rosa Lee Rosa Lee, baby please don't stall
I'm playin' policy in your name and I "??poke??" them number four

spoken: Sure did, sure did...?

The numbers in your name in 7, 14, 43
Oh the numbers in your name in 7, 14, 43
I'm gon' tell all rounders to please let these numbers be

 

Thanks!

[Blues Vintage]

"now this mellow meat I got em make the spring cry on your ?pen?"

on your bed

[Johnm]

Hi coco,
In that next-to-last verse, I think it is:
   I"m playin' policy in your name and I HOPE them NUMBERS FALL
In the last verse, I think it is
   The numbers in your name IS 7, 14, 43

All best,
Johnm

[banjochris]

Agree with all the suggestions -- I put them together. Remember that Walter inserts a lot of "r"s in between his words. I would suggest "chock your wheel" in the first verse; in other words he's gonna stop her from playing policy.

I heard you was a roller now I've come to chock your wheel,
I heard you was a roller now I've come to chock your wheel,
Know a roller never know just, how'd a kid man feel

I've got somethin? to tell you will make the hair rise on your head,
I've got somethin? to tell you will make the hair rise on your head,
Now this mellow meat I got make the springs cry on your bed.

HARMONICA SOLO

Rosa Lee, Rosa Lee now, baby please don't stall
Rosa Lee Rosa Lee, baby please don't stall
I'm playin' policy in your name and I hope them numbers fall.

Sho? did, man, sho? did

The numbers in your name is 7, 14, 43
Oh the numbers in your name is 7, 14, 43
I'm gon' tell all rounders to please let these numbers be

[frankie]

Can't Anybody Tell Me Blues - Leroy Carter (Walter Vincson)
Actual pitch: E-flat
Main guitar position: E-flat
Fiddle position: n/a
Mandolin position: n/a
Second guitar position: n/a



Lyrics:
Can't anybody tell me where's the man that stole my gal?
Can't anybody tell me where's the man that stole my gal?
I'd take him for my best friend, I'd even take him for my pal

Run to my house three times a day
Never stopped coming and took my gal away
Can't anybody tell me where's the man that stole my gal?
I'd take him for my best friend, I'd even take him for my pal

One day afternoon, I looked to find her home
Looked in the house every rag she had was gone
Can't anybody tell me where's the man that stole my gal?
I'd take him for my best friend, I'd even take him for my pal

I didn't ever believe she was getting ready to leave
If you know where she is, man, tell me please
Can't anybody tell me where's the man that stole my gal?
I'd take him for my best friend, I'd even take him for my pal

I don't want to hurt him, don't get that in your mind
I just want to find out who was lying
Can't anybody tell me where's the man that stole my gal?
I'd take him for my best friend, I'd even take him for my pal

I'll hope to see my woman some day
Maybe in a coffin or on some long highway
Can't anybody tell me where's the man that stole my gal?
I'd take him for my best friend, I'd even take him for my pal

[frankie]

Black Widow Spider - Leroy Carter (Walter Vincson)
Actual pitch: E-flat (f)
Main guitar position: E-flat
Fiddle position: n/a
Mandolin position: n/a
Second guitar position: n/a



Lyrics:
I am the old black widow spider, I'm biting in this neighborhood
I am the old black widow spider, I'm biting in this neighborhood
Whatsoever I bite, the doctor can't do him no good

Red stripes under my belly represent something bad
Red stripes under my belly represent something bad
Then when I bite you one time, you'll say that's something that you never had

I am the spider what's talked about a long time before I'm seen
I am the spider what's talked about a long time before I'm seen
Now since they learned more, everybody knows what that means

spoken:  Oh, bite it.

I am biting so regular, since they learned me more and more
I am biting so regular, since they learned me more and more
I am gonna build my web right up over your front door

I am the old widow spider, crawling down your wall
I am the old widow spider, crawling down your wall
I want to [surprise] anybody want to feel my [crawlin' paws]

My belly done got sore crawling down the wall
My belly done got sore and I am off my route
I believe to my soul that I done wore my crawlers out

[frankie]

When The Breath Bids The Body Goodbye - Walter Vincent
Actual pitch: G (s)
Main guitar position: G
Fiddle position: n/a
Mandolin position: n/a
Second guitar position: n/a



Lyrics:
Won't it be lonesome, won't it be lonesome and all your relatives will sit and cry
Won't it be lonesome, won't it be lonesome and all your relatives will sit and cry
When you close your sleepy eyes and the breath bids the body goodbye

I want to talk with you, big timer, now please don't turn me off [for dry]
I want to talk with you, big timer, now please don't turn me off [for dry]
Because we'll all meet again, when the breath bids the body goodbye

spoken:  Oh, play it.

When you're out on big times, you don't even think you got to die
When you're out on big times, you don't even think you got to die
You'll be lonesome, so lonesome when the breath bids the body goodbye

And if you just think one time, to look and see you got to die
If you just think one time, to look and see you got to die
You won't be lonesome, so lonesome when the breath bids the body goodbye

[frankie]

I Ain't Gonna Have It - Walter Vincent
Actual pitch: G
Main guitar position: G
Fiddle position: n/a
Mandolin position: n/a
Second guitar position: n/a



Lyrics:
Listen here woman, this is one thing true
I'm doggone tired of the way you do
No, I ain't gonna have it, no, I ain't gonna have it
No, I ain't gonna have it, you don't mean nobody no good

You fuss all day, run around all night
You're a no good woman and you won't do right
No, I ain't gonna have it, no, I ain't gonna have it
No, I ain't gonna have it, you don't mean nobody no good

Yiu give away my dog, you give away my cat
The people now calling you a black alley rat
No, I ain't gonna have it, no, I ain't gonna have it
No, I ain't gonna have it, you don't mean nobody no good

I'm gonna get me a stick, get out on your beat
I'm gonna knock a knot on your rumble seat
No, I ain't gonna have it, no, I ain't gonna have it
No, I ain't gonna have it, you don't mean nobody no good

spoken:  Oh, play it.

Leave early in the morning, come in late at night
Full of your moonshine whiskey and you don't smell right
No, I ain't gonna have it, no, I ain't gonna have it
No, I ain't gonna have it, you don't mean nobody no good

Anybody sees you, think you alright
You drunk all day and run around all night
No, I ain't gonna have it, no, I ain't gonna have it
No, I ain't gonna have it, you don't mean nobody no good

I'm tellin' you this morning, gonna shake your hand
Gonna get me another woman, now you can get you another man
Oh, you can have him, yes, you can have him
Yes you can have him, boy, because it ain't no good

[ ] told him your lies so fast
'til the last boys catch when you're yas yas yas
No, I ain't gonna have it, no, I ain't gonna have it
No, I ain't gonna have it, you don't mean nobody no good

[frankie]

Losin' Blues - Walter Vincent
Actual pitch: E
Main guitar position: E-flat
Fiddle position: n/a
Mandolin position: n/a
Second guitar position: n/a



Lyrics:
I tried to play poker and five up, too
I tried to play poker and five up, too
I keeps on losin', what am I to do?

Seem like anything I start, I come out anywhere behind
Seem like anything I start, I come out anywhere behind
I even try to love women, they don't pay me no mind

Nothing you do won't come to success
Nothing you do won't come to success
You lose on every hand, boys, that's a mess

I'm leaving in the morning, ain't goin' tell nobody goodbye
I'm leaving in the morning, ain't goin' tell nobody goodbye
Because hard luck has got me and I'm 'bout to die

spoken:  Oh, step on it.

Listen, black woman, all this bad luck come from you
Listen, black woman, all this bad luck come from you
You get out of my sight, that's what you do

Your hair is so knotty, doggone your rough skin, so
Your hair is so knotty, doggone your rough skin, so
This hard luck wouldn't have got me if you hadn't-a-been so old

I'm going to Louisiana, they tell me that's the place to go
I'm going to Louisiana, they tell me that's the place to go
When hard luck gets you, get you a mojo

[frankie]

The Wrong Man - Walter Vincent
Actual pitch: G (s)
Main guitar position: G
Fiddle position: n/a
Mandolin position: n/a
Second guitar position: n/a



Lyrics:
It have been times that you were doing well
Now you come down here and you gonna catch plenty hell
Oh, I am the wrong man, don't mean nobody no good
Going back tonight and do dirty work like I should

Going to town tonight, all across the city
The way I'm goin' dog them girls, you know it's a doggone pity
I am the wrong man, don't mean nobody no good
Going back tonight and do dirty work like I should

The devil is a man, in your face he'll grin
All he wants you to do is just a little of sin
Oh, he's the wrong man, don't mean nobody no good
Going back tonight and do dirty work like he should

spoken:  Oh, play it.

Stay in all day, I don't get out until night
Dark is the time I get my business right
Oh, I am the wrong man, don't mean nobody no good
Going back tonight and do dirty work like I should

Some say at twelve, some say at two
When you come to this way, I know just what to do
Oh, I am the wrong man, don't mean nobody no good
Going back tonight and do dirty work like I should

[frankie]

How Did It Happen? - Walter Jacobs
Actual pitch: C (s)
Main guitar position: C
Fiddle position: n/a
Mandolin position: n/a
Second guitar position: n/a



Lyrics:
How did it happen?  How did it happen?
She approached me with love, the tender feeling won't stop
How did it happen?  How did it happen?
She approached me with love and now she found my weak spot
When we first met we knowed not each other's first name
I asked a little information and she did the same
Finally we come to know each other, plain
Say, little girl, look like you would be my dame
Oh, how did it happen?  How did it happen?
She approached me with love and now she found my weak spot

How did it happen?  How did it happen?
She approached me with love and that tender feeling won't stop
How did it happen?  How did it happen?
She approached me with love and now she found my weak spot
If you should be lovin' then I'll be kind
There will be nothing to ravel our minds
Let's live together without anything so wrong
All our little faults, let's we leave them at home
Oh, how did it happen?  How did it happen?
She approached me with love and now she found my weak spot

[frankie]

Rats Been On My Cheese - Walter Jacobs
Actual pitch: D-flat (f)
Main guitar position: C
Fiddle position: n/a
Mandolin position: n/a
Second guitar position: n/a



Lyrics:
I always thought there was something happening, now somehow I see
I went home late last night, the rats was on my cheese
Hey old gal, stop your kicking that cat around
I'm going to set my trap for you, the rats been on my cheese

One of these nights, I'm going to catch him, right on my cake or cheese
I'm going to spring my trap suspicion, goin' make the poor boy sneeze
Hey old gal, stop your kicking that cat around
I'm going to set my trap for you, the rats been on my cheese

I went home late last night, the rat was on his knees
He said, "I ain't trying to hurt you, just want a piece of cheese."
Hey old gal, stop your kicking that cat around
I'm going to set my trap for you, the rats been on my cheese

The rats are getting so bad here, now, since my house cat's gone
They've eaten all of my cheese and got the bag all under his arm
Hey old gal, stop your kicking that cat around
I'm going to set my trap for you, the rats been on my cheese

[frankie]

Every Dog Must Have His Day - Walter Vincson
Actual pitch: F
Main guitar position: Dropped-D
Fiddle position: n/a
Mandolin position: n/a
Second guitar position: n/a



Lyrics:
Take women these days, they sharp as any pin
They'll give you over half the rope, then beat you to the end
Oh yes, every dog must have his day
And if old sayings are true, a good dog will have them today

My mind is all ramshacked, my heart is full of pain
If money lasts, my luck is bound to change
Oh yes, every dog must have his day
And if old sayings are true, a good dog will have them today

Here's a little something will make you all but cry
When all your money gone, you can't buy nary a hair pie
Oh yes, every dog must have his day
And if old sayings are true, a good dog will have them today

It used to give me misery, boy and that was a dose
But now it all settle around the old mail post
Oh yes, every dog must have his day
And if old sayings are true, a good dog will have them today

When I was a young man, I used to play my fiddle
The bow's done got old, now it bends in the middle
Oh yes, every dog must have his day
And if old sayings are true, a good dog will have them today

[frankie]

You Know What You Promised Me - Walter Vincson
Actual pitch: F
Main guitar position: Dropped-D
Fiddle position: n/a
Mandolin position: n/a
Second guitar position: n/a



Lyrics:
I can't sleep for dreaming, you been doggin' me 'round
Can't sleep for dreaming, you been doggin' me 'round
But you know what you promised me, baby when the sun goes down

Just as sure as the sun shine and the world turns 'round and 'round
Just as sure as the sun shine and the world turns 'round and 'round
But you know what you promised me, baby when the sun goes down

Now it ain't no need to keep late hours downtown
It ain't no need to keep late hours downtown
Because you know what you promised me, baby when the sun goes down

Won't nobody do when you ain't around
Won't nobody do when you ain't around
Because you know what you promised me, baby when the sun goes down

Now if you don't stop drinkin' and stop your runnin' around
If you don't stop drinkin' and stop your runnin' around
You can keep what you promised me, baby when the sun goes down

Edited 7/31/20 by Johnm

[frankie]

Gulf Coast Bay - Walter Vincson
Actual pitch: F
Main guitar position: F
Fiddle position: n/a
Mandolin position: n/a
Second guitar position: n/a



Lyrics:
My little girl she left me, gone out on the Gulf Coast Bay, hey, hey mama
My little girl she have left me, gone out on the Gulf Coast Bay
Oh, but that's alright mama, I like you just straight the old way

Can you remember when we were children and used to play?  Hey, hey mama
Can you remember when we were children and used to play?
Oh, but that's alright mama, I like you just straight the old way

I'm sorry I met you, hate I known your name today, hey, hey mama
Sorry I met you, hate I known your name today
Oh, but that's alright mama, I like you just straight the old way

Think I'll make my home way out on the Gulf Coast Bay, hey, hey mama
Think I'll make my home way out on the Gulf Coast Bay
Oh, but that's alright mama, I like you just straight the old way

Have you ever been playing, boy and wanted to stay, hey, hey mama
Have you ever been playing, boy and wanted to stay
Oh, but that's alright mama, I like you just straight the old way

[frankie]

Rosa Lee Blues - Walter Vincson
Actual pitch: G (f)
Main guitar position: G
Fiddle position: n/a
Mandolin position: n/a
Second guitar position: n/a

Lyrics:
I heard you was a roller and I come to chock your wheels
I heard you was a roller, come to chock your wheels
No, a roller never knowed just how a kid man feels

I got something to tell you make the hair rise on your head
I got something to tell you make the hair rise on your head
Now this mellow meat I got'll make the springs cry on your bed

Rosa Lee, Rosa Lee, now, baby please don't stall
Rosa Lee, Rosa Lee, baby please don't stall
I'm playing policy in your name and I hope them numbers fall

spoken:  Sure did, man, sure did

The numbers in your name is seven, fourteen, forty-three
Oh, the numbers in your name is seven, fourteen, forty-three
I'm goin' tell all rounders to please let these numbers be

[frankie]

Can't Get A Word In Edgeways - Walter Vincson
Actual pitch: G (f)
Main guitar position: G
Fiddle position: n/a
Mandolin position: n/a
Second guitar position: n/a



Lyrics:
She won't talk for crying, you know that's driving me blind
Her love is so strong it's taken both of my [wrong]
You know your loving ways, causes me around here today
Her mouth is so full of kisses, I can't get a word in edgeways

She got a look in her eyes that makes me feel surprised
She ain't been the best, but [it] reminds me of Mae West
You know your loving ways, causes me around here today
Her mouth is so full of kisses, I can't get a word in edgeways

She got a feelings in her hands that appeal to most any man
Smile on her face will make a mule break his trace
You know your loving ways, causes me around here today
Her mouth is so full of kisses, I can't get a word in edgeways

Her hair is very well curly, eyes is all but blue
The good part about it, she wears a number four shoe
You know your loving ways, causes me around here today
Her mouth is so full of kisses, I can't get a word in edgeways

At times she lies, her face up to the side of mine
Pats me on the shoulder and says "Daddy, please take your time."
You know your loving ways, causes me around here today
Her mouth is so full of kisses, I can't get a word in edgeways

[frankie]

She's Leaving Me - Walter Vincson
Actual pitch: G (f)
Main guitar position: G
Fiddle position: n/a
Mandolin position: n/a
Second guitar position: n/a



Lyrics:
My baby got up, Lord, this morning with her face all full of frown
She says "I'm leaving you this evening, baby, when the sun goes down."

I tried to talk to my baby, Lord, when all of her friends was around
But still she says she's going to leave me this evening when the sun goes down

spoken:  Sure is going to leave, man

Wasn't goin' tell nobody, Lord, but the talk is all over town
Because she's leaving me this evening, baby, when the sun goes down

Isn't it sad to say but the fun is all over now
Because she's leaving me this evening, baby, when the sun goes down

I begged and I cried, Lord, I set with my head hung down
Because I know she's goin' to leave me this evening when the sun goes down

Don't nobody hear, no, Lord, the way I feelin' now
Because she says she's going to leave me this evening when the sun goes down

[Johnm]

Hi all,
I have another personnel question re Walter Vinson's recordings, in this case, "Every Dog Must Have His Day", which he recorded as Leroy Carter. I was wondering if there is information as to the identity of the harmonica player on the track--he sounds like Robert Lee McCoy to me.  Thanks for any information on this.  You can listen to the track towards the end of the first page of this thread.  I was quite surprised to hear Walter Vinson playing with a harmonica player, but he and the harp player both sound great and it's a strong track.  Give it a listen, if you wish.
All best,
Johnm

[Thomas8]

Yes, it's Robert Lee McCoy

[Johnm]

Thanks, Thomas, I'll put that in Weeniepedia.  I appreciate it!
All best,
Johnm

[Johnm]

Hi all,
I just re-listened and noticed there is also bass on "Every Dog Must Have His Day" and "You Know What You Promised Me", along with Walter Vinson and Robert Lee McCoy.  Does anyone know the identity of the bass player?  Thanks for any information.
All best,
Johnm

[jpeters609]

Blues & Gospel Records identifies the bass player as Alfred Elkins (on imitation bass: imb).
Jeff

[waxwing]

As noted in the Alfred Elkins discography I posted here:

https://weeniecampbell.com/yabbse/index.php?topic=11300.msg99745#msg99745

In that year, 1941, Elkins played behind Jazz Gillum (w/ Broonzy and Washboard Sam), Robert Petway, Willie "61" Blackwell, Big Joe (McCoy) and his Rhythm (Charley and Robert Lee McCoy), Gillum again, Robert Lockwood, Walter Vincson, Washboard Sam, Doctor Clayton, St Louis Jimmy, Roosevelt Sykes, Peter Chatman, Gillum again, Sonny Boy Williamson, Yank Rachel, Joe Williams, Memphis Minnie w/ Little Son Joe (and then vice versa), and then finished the year behind Big Maceo w/ Tampa Red. All for Bluebird except the Memphis Minnie/ Little Son Joe for OK. Whew!

Wax

[Johnm]

Thanks for the information, Jeff, and also thanks, Wax, for your research a few years back on bass and imitation bass players.  I will make the attributions to Alfred Elkins on the Walter Vinson tunes in Weeniepedia.
All best,
Johnm