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Country Blues => Country Blues Lyrics => Topic started by: Jellyroll on November 18, 2004, 08:20:57 AM

Title: Memphis Jug Band Lyrics
Post by: Jellyroll on November 18, 2004, 08:20:57 AM
OK, here's what I have, can anybody fill in the blanks? I can't get those repeated lines after each phrase.

INSANE CRAZY BLUES

https://youtu.be/zH6ZpWMR2co

Now lookee here...

I just now changed my notion
Gonna dive right into the ocean
???Ain't any use in ???
???

Everybody falls inlove
With my little turtle dove
???Ain't any use in ???
???

(Chorus):

Why would I go insane
Standin' out inthe rain
Thinkin' 'bout my baby
It don't mean a thing

Everybody knows it well
She's my little mademoiselle
???Ain't any use in ???
???

(Intstrumental/scat break)

Now lookee here...
Everybody knows it's love
Me 'n' my little turtle dove
???Ain't any use in ???
???

Everybody knows an notion
All 'bout that deep blue ocean
???Ain't any use in ???
???

(Chorus):

I'm goin' insane
Still standin' out in the rain
Ten thousand dollars don't mean a thing

Everybody knows as well
She's my little mademoiselle
???Ain't any use in ???
???

(Intstrumental/scat break)

Now lookee here...

Everybody falls inlove
With my little turtle dove
???Ain't any use in ???
???

Everybody knows as well
She's my little mademoiselle
???Ain't any use in ???
???

(Chorus):

I'm goin' insane
Still standin' out inthe rain
Twenty thousand dollars yeah! don't mean a thing

Everybody knows as well
O me and miss mademoiselle
???Ain't any use in ???
???
Title: Re: Insane Crazy Blues lyrics
Post by: GhostRider on November 18, 2004, 01:56:49 PM
WN:

Is there really a song with that title? By whom?

Alex
Title: Re: Insane Crazy Blues lyrics
Post by: Slack on November 18, 2004, 02:27:35 PM
Assume it is "Insane Crazy Blues" by the Memphis Jug Band...?   Which I found on the Juke.
Title: Re: Insane Crazy Blues lyrics- UPDATE
Post by: Jellyroll on November 18, 2004, 02:48:55 PM
Yessa, that's it. See my additions above.
Title: Re: Insane Crazy Blues lyrics- UPDATE
Post by: Montgomery on November 18, 2004, 02:55:09 PM
I'm glad someone asked.  I've never been able to figure out what he's saying in the chorus.  "It ain't  no use takin' on an insane crazy plan?"  I have no idea.
Title: Re: Insane Crazy Blues lyrics- UPDATE
Post by: Johnm on November 18, 2004, 03:53:49 PM
Hi,
Boy, that is a hard line to hear, but I think you have it, Montgomery.  I listened many times and came up with, "It ain't no use to take it on an insane crazy plan."  I like your "takin' on" better; it makes more sense.  So if the line is, "It ain't no use to takin' on an insane crazy plan.", then the sense of it would seem to be that there is no point in engaging in the extreme behavior associated with infatuation, like jumping in the ocean or standing out in the rain.  The Memphis Jug Band counsels a more restrained response to romantic feelings.  They always were a prudent bunch.
All best,
Johnm
Title: Re: Insane Crazy Blues lyrics- UPDATE
Post by: Jellyroll on November 19, 2004, 09:38:42 AM
Kudos to Montgomery. I think that's it for sure after listerning closely with that line in mind. Thank you Johnm and Montgomery. So here's what it looks like:

INSANE CRAZY BLUES

Now lookee here...

I just now changed my notion
Gonna dive right into the ocean
It ain't no use takin' on an insane crazy plan

Everybody falls in love
With my little turtle dove
It ain't no use takin' on an insane crazy plan

(Chorus):

Why would I go insane
Standin' out inthe rain
Thinkin 'bout my baby
It don't mean a thing

Everybody knows it well
She's my little mademoiselle
It ain't no use takin' on an insane crazy plan


(Intstrumental/scat break)

Now lookee here...
Everybody knows it's love
Me 'n' my little turtle dove
It ain't no use takin' on an insane crazy plan

Everybody knows an notion
All 'bout that deep blue ocean
It ain't no use takin' on an insane crazy plan

(Chorus):

I'm goin' insane
Still standin' out in the rain
Ten thousand dollars don't mean a thing

Everybody knows as well
She's my little mademoiselle
It ain't no use takin' on an insane crazy plan

(Instrumental/scat break)

Now lookee here...

Everybody falls in love
With my little turtle dove
It ain't no use takin' on an insane crazy plan

Everybody knows as well
She's my little mademoiselle
It ain't no use takin' on an insane crazy plan

(Chorus):

I'm goin' insane
Still standin' out in the rain
Twenty thousand dollars yeah! don't mean a thing

Everybody knows as well
O me and miss mademoiselle
It ain't no use takin' on an insane crazy plan
Title: Re: Insane Crazy Blues lyrics- SOLVED!
Post by: waxwing on November 19, 2004, 04:30:52 PM
I haven't listened to it, but it just occured to me that it could be "Ain't no use stakin'  on an insane crazy plan" meaning to put up money or interest, i.e, gambling, on this plan. The "s" in "use" could slur into the "s" in "stakin'". Does thus make any more or less sense?
All for now.
John C.
Title: Re: Insane Crazy Blues lyrics- SOLVED!
Post by: Johnm on November 19, 2004, 10:36:00 PM
Hi John C.,
I don't think your suggestion would work because there is a word or ellision in between the words "use" and "takin'", so they couldn't share the "s" sound from "use".  I hear "there ain't no use to takin' etc."
All best,
Johnm
Title: Black Woman's Like a Black Snake lyrics
Post by: Jellyroll on November 20, 2004, 11:41:41 AM
A friend and I have been working on these for a while, and here's what we've come up with, though we can't figure out the Jim Canaan reference, if that's correct. Any comments?

https://youtu.be/pUfOB4kjYyA

Black Woman's Like a Black Snake

Black woman's like a black snake
She will strike you and run
Black woman's like a black snake
She will strike you and run
You raise your hand to hit her
She'll kill you and call it fun
I mean and call it fun

O fish house women
They come from Jim Canaan's
O fish house women
They come from Jim Canaan's
When they get all hoodooed
They try to do the best they can
They do the best they can

 (Instrumental break)

I wouldn't marry a black woman
I'll tell you the reason why
I wouldn't marry a black woman
I'll tell you the reason why
She's so black and evil
She can't look you in your eye
Look you in your eye

O fish house women
They come from Jim Canaan's
O fish house women
They come from Jim Canaan's
When they get all hoodooed
They try to do the best they can
They do the best they can

(Instrumental break)

O fish house women
They come from Jim Canaan's
O fish house women
They come from Jim Canaan's
When they get all hoodooed
They try to do the best they can
They do the best they can
Title: Re: Black Woman's Like a Black Snake lyrics
Post by: Rivers on November 20, 2004, 12:24:32 PM
I don't know the song but the reference to Jim Canaan's is about a notorious barrelhouse in Memphis which set the standard. Robert Wilkins wrote a great song about it, I have the lyrics handy which will tell you more about Jim Canan's:

Old Jim Canan's  Robert Wilkins

(Chorus: I wished I was back at old Jim Canan's,
I'd take my baby back to old Jim Canan's, x 2)

I wished I was back at old Jim Canan's,
I'd stand on the corner and wave my hand.
And if you don't believe that I'm a drinking man,
Then baby stop by here with your beer can.

(Chorus)
(Chorus, then...)

I'm going up town, buy me coke and beer
Coming back and tell you how these women is
They drink beer and whiskey, drink the coke and gin,
When you don't play the dozens they will ease you in.

(Chorus)
(Chorus, then...)

Three men and women running pain and pain (?)
Going to and fro to old Jim Canan's
Drinking beer whiskey, sniffing cocaine
That's been why I wished I was back at old Jim Canan's
I wish I was back at old Jim Canan's.
Title: Re: Black Woman's Like a Black Snake lyrics
Post by: Slack on November 20, 2004, 03:23:08 PM
..Another Memphis Jug Band tune.  Well Now... it looks good to me!
Title: Re: Black Woman's Like a Black Snake lyrics
Post by: Jellyroll on November 20, 2004, 05:45:52 PM
Rivers,
Thanks for that history on Jim Canan; I know that song and was just as puzzled by that reference as the MJB song.
Title: Re: Black Woman's Like a Black Snake lyrics
Post by: frankie on November 20, 2004, 09:38:40 PM
Three men and women running pain and pain (?)

I always heard that as:

The men and women running hand in hand

"hand in hand" gets pronounced like "hain 'n hain"
Title: Re: Black Woman's Like a Black Snake lyrics
Post by: Alexei McDonald on November 21, 2004, 11:57:22 PM
I noticed a while back that an American author, Margaret Skinner, has written a novel set in Memphis before the First World War, called Old Jim Canaan, and about the eponymous gentleman, an Irish-American vice kingpin.   I don't know if it's any good, but it might be interesting to people interested in the Memphis scene.
Title: Re: Black Woman's Like a Black Snake lyrics
Post by: Montgomery on November 22, 2004, 07:41:39 AM
Good job with these lyrics--I've never been able to figure out more than a few words to this one.  Now I need to go back and re-listen.
Title: You May Leave, But This Will Bring You Back
Post by: Flatd7 on March 29, 2006, 09:39:21 AM
Lot's of good suggestions in the Jugband thread. I was playing along to this one, last night and couldn't catch the lyrics in the first, fourth and fifth verses. The quotes are on the lines, I'm pretty sure are wrong. This is what I got so far:

https://youtu.be/13QwLcbcles

You May Leave, But This Will Bring You Back

My father was a jockey, "left me to ride behind"
You know by that, I got a job every time
You May Leave, But This Will Bring You Back

I walked around the corner to the peanut stand
My gal got stuck on the peanut man
You May go, But This Will Bring You Back

You quit me pretty mama, cause you couldn?t be my boss
But a Rollin? Stone, don?t gather no moss
You May Leave, But This Will Bring You Back

Just a nickels worth of "meat, a dimes worth of lard"
Will beat everything "in my backyard"
You May Leave, But This Will Bring You Back

I?m satisfied, satisfied
"My tall long shaker, by my side"
You May Leave, But This Will Bring You Back
Title: Re: You May Leave, But This Will Bring You Back
Post by: uncle bud on March 29, 2006, 10:12:42 AM
Lot's of good suggestions in the Jugband thread. I was playing along to this one, last night and couldn't catch the lyrics in the first, fourth and fifth verses. The quotes are on the lines, I'm pretty sure are wrong. This is what I got so far:

You May Leave, But This Will Bring You Back

My father was a jockey, "left me to ride behind"
You know by that, I got a job every time
You May Leave, But This Will Bring You Back

I hear:

My father was a jockey, learned me to ride behind
You know by that, I got a job *any* time
You May Leave, But This Will Bring You Back

Quote
Just a nickels worth of "meat, a dimes worth of lard"
Will beat everything "in my backyard"
You May Leave, But This Will Bring You Back

Trickier. I'm missing the end:

Just a nickel's worth of meal, a dime's worth of lard
Will feed every Jane? in ??? ??? yard
You May Leave, But This Will Bring You Back

Quote
I?m satisfied, satisfied
"My tall long shaker, by my side"
You May Leave, But This Will Bring You Back

Not sure. I'm hearing something like "tote along shaker". Whatever that is.  :P

I'd also say Charlie Nickerson is singing "This'll" most of the time.

I love this tune. It's great how they just keep looping the instrumental verses in the middle, like they can't get enough of it - or can't get out of it...
Title: Re: You May Leave, But This Will Bring You Back
Post by: waxwing on March 29, 2006, 10:43:01 AM
Listening to the Davies remastered JSP set, I have to agree with McLeod that it sounds like:

"Will feed every Jane in Jeff Burke's yard"

Whoever Jeff Burke was? (Bunker?)

In the last verse McLeod has:

"My toodle-um shaker by my side"

but I agree with UB, sounds more like "tote-along shaker". Take yer pick.

We've got our eye on this song, fer sure.

So check out "I Gots Good 'Taters", by the Piccaninny Jug Band, which was really the MJB with Charlie Burse leading and singing. A similar "chorus line" blues with "I gots good 'taters, honey, dig 'em by myself" at the end of each verse. And Burse says,  "Alright, lets dig some!" before they go into the instrumental verse. It's a crack up.

All for now,
John C.
Title: Re: You May Leave, But This Will Bring You Back
Post by: Bunker Hill on March 29, 2006, 11:40:50 AM
Listening to the Davies remastered JSP set, I have to agree with McLeod that it sounds like:

"Will feed every Jane in Jeff Burke's yard"

Whoever Jeff Burke was? (Bunker?)
McLeod does admit in his footnote that "Jeff Burke is a guess". I only own the complete MJB as two 1971 Roots LPs and from the copy used the final three words are unintelligible.:(
Can't find any mention by Shade of a Jeff Burke but that doesn't mean a lot...will cast my net further.
Title: Re: You May Leave, But This Will Bring You Back
Post by: uncle bud on March 29, 2006, 12:04:29 PM
It does sound a bit like "Jeff Burke." "Jeff" seems a little odd to me as a name for some reason, for that time and culture.

Michael Taft has the line as "Will feed every dame in Jack Burse yard" and also indicates Jack Burse is a guess, but obviously playing off Charlie Burse's presence on guitar. Which makes some basic sense. Did Charlie have a brother Jack?
Title: "Tear It Down" Lyrics
Post by: GerryC on June 19, 2006, 10:08:41 AM
I recently downloaded (from the Roots Music Listening Room) a recording of the Memphis Jug Band entitled Tear It Down, Bed Slats and All. I want to include it in my set (which heaven knows needs livening up  :( ) but I can't make out all the words; some of those I can make out need, er, slight adjustment to avoid causing offence. This is what I have so far; underlined words or blanks are the problem areas:

https://youtu.be/M__JYCJ6t68

Chorus:

I'm tearing it down [Bed slats and all!] (x4, tho' with variations)
Catch another mule a-kickin' in my stall,
Boy I'm gonna tear it down (I mean)
Honey gonna tear it down.

Verse 1:

Went to my window, what did I see?
My gal sittin' on another man's knee.
She cooked biscuits and she cooked 'em dry,
Here come the man for the Fourth of July
But if I catch another mule kickin' in my stall
Boy I'm gonna tear it down (I mean)
Boy I'm gonna tear it down.

Chorus

Scat verse and Chorus

Verse 2

I went to my window and my window was drawn
Whisky and my gal was ---------
Step right back and I shook my head
A big black ni---r in my folding bed
Shot through the window and I broke his ass
I never see a little ni---r run so fast
If I catch another mule (etc)

Mad laughter verse.

I'd be grateful for any help.

Cheerily,

Gerry C
Title: Re: "Tear It Down" Lyrics
Post by: waxwing on June 20, 2006, 12:13:02 AM
Hey Gerry,

I believe there are more than one version of this song by the MJB. Perhaps you are listening to a different version than the one I have from the JPS boxed set, Memphis Shakedown. Here are the two verses as best I can make them out with little time to spend.


Went to my window, see what could I see?
Gal was sittin' on another man's knee.
Cooked good biscuits and she cooked 'em brown,
Think I'm the man brought (?pork?) to town  (Bob McLeod has "the poor girl")
But if I catch another mule kickin' in my stall
Boy I'm gonna tear it down (I mean)
Boy I'm gonna tear it down.

I went to my window and my window was drawn
Went to my door and my door was lock
Step right back and I shook my head
A big black ni---r in my folding bed
Shot through the window and I broke his glass
I never see a little ni---r run so fast
I catch another mule (etc)

"Rounder" is a common substitute for the "N" word that comes from the vernacular and is found in other songs of the era. "Big fat rounder" works here.

All for now.
John C.
Title: Re: "Tear It Down" Lyrics
Post by: GerryC on June 20, 2006, 04:33:13 AM
Thanks, John. That all makes a (curious!) kind of sense; the 'rounder' variation is also very useful. The really spooky thing is that I have just bought the MJB's box-set you refer to: it arrived from Amazon yesterday! I've not listened to it all yet, only the Gus Cannon disc with the utterly marvellous Last Chance Blues on it, but I'll go check it out now for Memphis Shakedown. Thanks again.

Cheerily,

Gerry C
Title: Re: "Tear It Down" Lyrics
Post by: waxwing on June 20, 2006, 08:27:25 AM
Actually Memphis Shakedown is a second boxed set, containing the recordings of lots of other jug bands, but also including more sides by the MJB and the Piccaninny JB which was basically the MJB led by Charlie Burse. It also contains a few sides by the Noah Lewis Jug Band, as well as a few solo sides by Noah.

Love those Gus Cannon sides. We're doing Viola Lee Blues now and I really want to do Rooster Crowing Blues.

All for now.
John C.
Title: Re: "Tear It Down" Lyrics
Post by: uncle bud on June 20, 2006, 08:26:05 PM
For comparison, you might want to check out the King David's Jug Band version of this tune. Fun! Different lyrics, same chorus, more or less. Also the version by Bob Coleman. Both are on the Juke.
Title: Re: "Tear It Down" Lyrics
Post by: GerryC on June 21, 2006, 07:34:21 AM
Thanks uncle bud and John. Hmm. I was disappointed not to find Tear it Down on my new box-set but now all is clear: I have to buy yet another one!! I have the version by the King David Jug Band on the Yazoo compilation Ruckus Juice and Chitlins (Vol 1) and it's a belter, even though one member of the band seems to have just come from the campfire scene in Blazing Saddles... I now have enough verses not to have to 'scat' too much. I'll seek out the Coleman version too. Thanks for all your help.

Cheerily,

Gerry C
Title: Re: "Tear It Down" Lyrics
Post by: Bunker Hill on June 21, 2006, 11:38:11 AM
I'll seek out the Coleman version too.
FWIW, I only have this on a 1966 Riverside LP entitled Tub Jug Washboard Bands 1924-1932 which is extremely "low-fi". I've had a stab at transcribing, the square brackets indicate where I fail to comprehend, though I suspect it must be crystal clear on CD. Over to you folk:

I'm gonna tear 'em down, bed slats and all,
I'm gonna tear 'em down, bed slats and all,
I'm gonna tear 'em down, bed slats and all,
I'm gonna tear 'em down, bed slats and all,
Now 'f I catch another mule kickin' in my stall, mama, gonn' tear 'em down.

Now she bakes them biscuits nice and brown,
You know by that she's got ?nother high-brown,
I got a brownskin, little and low,
She's a [toodle-oo] chick anywhere she go,
Now catch another mule in my stall, mama, gonn' tear 'em down.

(Repeat first verse)

Now she drinks [???] whiskey, has her fun,
Says, run like hell when the police come,
I'm gonna tear 'em down, bed slats and all,
I'm gonna tear 'em down, bed slats and all,
I'm gonna tear 'em down, bed slats and all,
I'm gonna tear 'em down, bed slats and all,
Now 'f I catch another mule kickin' in my stall. mama, gonn' tear 'em down.

I had a girl, her name was Lee,
[I ask ???, and she would holler 'police',]
Cooked them biscuits nice and brown,
Think she's a-workin', then you turn around,
Find another mule kickin' in my stall, gonn' tear it down.

(Repeat first verse)

Saw my gal, week 'fore last,
She shake an' she turned most too fast,
I went to the river, take my rockin' chair,
The blues overtake me, rock away from here,
Catch another mule kickin' in my stall, I'm gonn' tear it down. I'm gonna tear 'em down,

I'm gonna tear 'em down,
I'm gonna tear 'em down, bed slats and all
I'm gonna tear 'em down, bed slats and all
I'm gonna tear 'em down, bed slats and all
Now 'f I catch another mule kickin' in my stall, mama, gonna 'tear tem down.
Title: Re: "Tear It Down" Lyrics
Post by: GerryC on June 23, 2006, 09:40:54 AM
Thanks, Bunker Hill. I'm working on a 'composite' version to include all the best bits; it's a great tune to end a set with, having the audience hollering "Bed slats and all!" back at you. I'll avoid the jug (and the beans  ;) ) but it looks as if I'll have to dig out the old kazoo and harp rack....

Thanks to all,

Gerry C
Title: Re: "Tear It Down" Lyrics
Post by: Gambling Jack on July 17, 2006, 11:57:04 PM
Quote
I went to my window and my window was drawn
Went to my door and my door was lock
Step right back and I shook my head
A big black ni---r in my folding bed
Shot through the window and I broke his glass
I never see a little ni---r run so fast
I catch another mule (etc)

These lyrics seem incredibly similar to Memphis Jug Bands' tune 'On the Road Again'.

Also, I think this could be a variation of Tear It Down - but just called Foldin' Bed:
http://www.youtube.com/w/whistlers-jug-band?v=EYYdyrV_dP0&search=whistler%20jug

I was wondering if we could work out the lyrics...(btw, this is the only known recording of early jug bands!)
Title: Re: "Tear It Down" Lyrics
Post by: Bunker Hill on July 18, 2006, 11:48:43 AM
Also, I think this could be a variation of Tear It Down - but just called Foldin' Bed:
http://www.youtube.com/w/whistlers-jug-band?v=EYYdyrV_dP0&search=whistler%20jug
I was wondering if we could work out the lyrics...(btw, this is the only known recording of early jug bands!)
I'm sure this has cropped up here before but it is from Movietone news filmed in Louisville, Kentucky in 1931. In the early 70s the entire footage was a favourite with London "arts film" theatres and invariably accompanied a showing of Bessie's St Louis Blues.

WJB recorded Folding Bed for Victor in 1931 so I guess that must be on a Document CD along with all their 1924 sides and Okeh recordings...or even the Juke! :)
Title: Re: You May Leave, But This Will Bring You Back
Post by: uncle bud on December 04, 2008, 12:41:10 PM
Reviving this topic in light of something that just jumped out at me while listening to John Hurt. I have never noticed before the relationship between the Memphis Jug Band's "You May Leave, But This Will Bring You Back" and Mississippi John Hurt's "I'm Satisified", recorded in the 1960s. There are both lyrical and musical similarities. The John Hurt song also features the still mysterious shaker word/phrase, which some people have transcribed previously as "total old shaker". However a subsequent verse with the line "I give my 'total-o??' to who I please" -- along with the Memphis Jug Band version -- suggests to me we're looking for another word and the lyrics also suggest someone young, not a "total old shaker". Here are the lyrics for John Hurt's song, from the Today! album. The song is also on D.C Blues, Library of Congress Recordings Vol 2, though I don't know that both verses show up there. So "total-o", "todolo" -- any insights or guesses? And is this a song Hurt transformed or one the Memphis Jug Band (as the Carolina Peanut Boys) transformed? The female perspective in Hurt's verses would suggest this is originating from somewhere else. A version by John Hiatt doesn't help with the mystery word since he sings it exactly as Hurt does - "todolo".

I'm satisfied, tickled too
Old enough to marry you
I'm satisfied, it's gonna bring you back

I'm satisfied, tickled too
Old enough to marry you
I'm satisfied, it's gonna bring you back

First in the country, then in town
I'm a Todalo shaker from my navel on down
I'm satisfied, it's gonna bring you back

I'm satisfied, tickled too
Old enough to marry you
I'm satisfied, it's gonna bring you back

I pull my dress to my knees
I give my todalo to who I please
I'm satisfied, it's gonna bring you back

I'm satisfied, tickled too
Old enough to marry you
I'm satisfied, it's gonna bring you back

I'm satisfied, tickled too
Old enough to marry you
I'm satisfied, it's gonna bring you back

edited the lyrics to reflect discussions of "todalo"
Title: Re: You May Leave, But This Will Bring You Back
Post by: uncle bud on December 04, 2008, 02:13:45 PM
An email hint led me to this result from google and our own Suzy Thompson (and Eric, and others):

http://www.ericandsuzy.com/todalo.htm

"What exactly is a 'Todalo'? First of all, it's pronounced 'TOE-dah-low.' It's closely related to 'diddy-wah-diddy', and crops up occasionally in obscure old blues songs..."

Other quick searching suggests a dance, and some song titles include:

BALTIMORE TODALO, by Eubie Blake, 1909.

THE DARKEY TODALO: A RAGGEDY RAG, by Joe Jordan, 1910.

TODDLING THE TODALO, by Billy Murray, 1911.

Ellington's East St. Louis Toodle-oo was apparently titled that in error, and should have been "Todalo".
Title: Re: You May Leave, But This Will Bring You Back
Post by: waxwing on December 04, 2008, 02:23:03 PM
Somewhere in the intervening years, I've heard a discussion (perhaps from Suzy T. who is in a band called the Todalo (sp?) Shakers with Eric T., W.B. Reid and others named after this song)[edit - just saw UB's second post so maybe it was on the pre war list?] that this is derivative of "toodle-oo", which is itself derivative of the French "? tout ? l'heure" which means "see you soon". I can't find "toodle-oo" in DARE under that or any other close spelling I can think of (Tootle oo? Too da-loo? Etc.)

Cleoma?

All for now.
John C.
Title: Re: You May Leave, But This Will Bring You Back
Post by: waxwing on December 04, 2008, 02:38:12 PM
Found this from Sule Greg Wilson, of the Carolina Chocolate Drops, on the yahoo jugband group:

Quote
"Toodle--oo" comes from the French phrase for "goodbye": "A tout d'l'heurs".
[sp]

Applied to a dance step, it means you're really chewing up space with this step;
you're saying "goodbye!" "I'm outta here!", or...."Toodle-oo" ("ah too duh
loors")

Sule Greg Wilson

All for now.
John C.
Title: Re: You May Leave, But This Will Bring You Back
Post by: uncle bud on December 04, 2008, 03:29:21 PM
So maybe the Ellington title is correct.
Title: Re: You May Leave, But This Will Bring You Back
Post by: waxwing on December 04, 2008, 03:34:51 PM
I posted a query at the yahoo pre war group, where they been having an etymological bash lately, so we'll see what develops from that.

All for now.
John C.
Title: Re: You May Leave, But This Will Bring You Back
Post by: arlotone on December 04, 2008, 03:45:59 PM
Todalo shaker ... I've read elsewhere on the web that the todalo is a kind of a dance, and a todalo shaker is a person who does that dance.

Going further, I wonder if "todalo" was like the current term "booty." That would make sense in the context of shaking it, of giving it, and even of saying goodbye, since that's what you see when someone is walking away!

Anyway, here are my lead sheets for "You May Leave" and "I'm Satisfied":

http://www.humpnightthumpers.com/songs/You%20May%20Leave.pdf
http://www.humpnightthumpers.com/songs/I'm%20Satisfied.pdf
Title: Re: You May Leave, But This Will Bring You Back
Post by: doctorpep on December 04, 2008, 06:09:01 PM
For "I'm Satisfied", what about "I give my total all to who(m) I please"?
Title: Re: You May Leave, But This Will Bring You Back
Post by: uncle bud on December 04, 2008, 09:03:28 PM
It seems the Todalo is pretty clearly a dance, and that this is what Hurt and the Memphis Jug Band are singing, though I agree with Arlo that Hurt could certainly be using it as an equivalent to today's "booty".

Blossom Seeley, a vaudeville performer, dancer, singer, actress, apparently performed a song called "Toddlin' the Todalo" in a show called The Henpecks in New York in 1911, which is the same date as the Billy Murray song.

See here: http://www.gabrielleray.150m.com/ArchiveTextS/BlossomSeeley.html

Here's a quote of the relevant section:

Quote
A native of California, where she was born on 16 July 1891, Miss Seeley was introduced to San Francisco audiences as a 'coon-shouter,' a description shared by a number of other 'ragtime' singers including May Irwin, Sophie Tucker, Stella Mayhew and Elida Morris. Soon afterwards she came to the notice of Lew Fields in New York who gave her a part in his show The Henpecks (Broadway Theatre, 4 February 1911)...

In The Henpecks 'Henella, an aspiring chorus girl, ponders whether to be a first-class actress or a happy wife. She opts for the former: "I'm going to stick right where I belong - close to the music cues," and then climbs up on a table and belts out "Toddlin' the Todalo" in a brassy voice. The exuberant singer was San Francisco-born Blossom Seeley familiar to the Western vaudeville circuits as the Queen of Syncopation, but hitherto unknown to Broadway audiences. Fields had her dance on the table to show off her shapely legs, and she used the platform to launch a dance craze. As an encore to the Todalo, she performed the Texas Tommy, a dance originated by black vaudevillians in San Francisco's Barbary Coast. Theater critics were generally nonplussed by the way she toddled and shook, but Broadway audiences loved it? Soon, New York nightlife was transformed by chic couples clutched in tight embraces, performing barbaric-sounding dances called the turkey trot, grizzly bear, and bunny hug.'
(Armond Fields and L. Marc Fields, From the Bowery to Broadway, Oxford University Press, 1993, pp.284 and 285)

There's a 1911 NY Times review referring to Seeley's rendition of Toddlin' the Todalo here (it opens in PDF format):

http://query.nytimes.com/mem/archive-free/pdf?_r=1&res=9A02E3DF1439E333A25756C0A9649C946096D6CF

In addition to the Blake, Jordan and Murray songs, James P. Johnson has a piano piece called Toddlin', which may be related.

[edited to clarify what I meant ;)]
Title: Re: You May Leave, But This Will Bring You Back
Post by: Johnm on December 04, 2008, 09:16:51 PM
Thanks for the research, Uncle Bud.  That is terrific work.
All best,
Johnm
Title: Re: You May Leave, But This Will Bring You Back
Post by: uncle bud on December 05, 2008, 07:43:40 AM
Thanks for the research, Uncle Bud.  That is terrific work.
All best,
Johnm
Thanks John. Luckily, the core of the research was already done by someone else :)  - see http://www.mudcat.org/thread.cfm?threadid=9843.

I forgot to include this link to an article entitled "On Toodle-oo, Todalo and Jenny's Toe" published in American Music, which was a response to an article entitled "Jenny's Toe: White Responses to Afro-American Shaking Dances". It's a JSTOR article, so I don't have access beyond the first page. These were referenced in the Mudcat thread mentioned above.

http://www.jstor.org/pss/3448348

Title: Re: You May Leave, But This Will Bring You Back
Post by: Mr.OMuck on December 05, 2008, 08:19:08 AM
Quote
http://query.nytimes.com/mem/archive-free/pdf?_r=1&res=9A02E3DF1439E333A25756C0A9649C946096D6CF

They don't write reviews like that anymore either! Makes me wish I coulda been there.
Title: Re: You May Leave, But This Will Bring You Back
Post by: dj on December 05, 2008, 08:45:11 AM
Quote
Makes me wish I coulda been there.

You can be there for a bit of it.  The Astaire/Rogers movie "The Story Of Vernon And Irene Castle" contains a recreation of the barber scene (or at least a very similar scene). 
Title: Memphis Jug Band's "Bottle Up and Go"
Post by: Cleoma on November 02, 2011, 02:52:11 PM
I'm trying to decipher these lyrics - here's what I have so far, any suggestions would be most welcome.  Some of this doesn't make sense to me.  I didn't even begin to try to transcribe the scatting.
Thanks,
Suzy

https://youtu.be/lufGTj4XgvE

Bottle Up & Go ? MJB

I love my baby and she loves me too
Some people  don?t like what she do
CHORUS:
Gotta bottle it up and go, ah bottle it up and go
Now high-flying mama, daddy got to bottle-o

I wanna tell everybody what it?s all about
She likes water something about a spout?
CHORUS

I don?t drink no whiskey, I?m hanging round your pal
Can?t have no fun until the peanut gal
CHORUS

Scat -  deedle dat do do, oh whoa

I?m gonna tell my ma, tell my pa
I wouldn?t say yes and I can?t say no
CHORUS

I just bought my baby a new V8
 Step on it fellas  Don?t make me late
CHORUS

I?m gonna sing this song
Ain?t gonna sing no more
Looky here baby I?m ready to go
CHORUS

I?m gonna tell my baby where to go last night
Well look here mama why don?t you take your time
CHORUS
Title: Re: Memphis Jug Band's "Bottle Up and Go"
Post by: banjochris on November 02, 2011, 08:33:28 PM
Suzy, I think I have a different take of this with somewhat different words, but I believe the chorus ends:
Now high-powered mama, your daddy's got your water on.

Chris
Title: Re: Memphis Jug Band's "Bottle Up and Go"
Post by: Cleoma on November 03, 2011, 12:27:42 PM
Thanks, that's great!  I think maybe sometimes they sing high-flying and sometimes high=powered.
Any clues on the verses?? 
The fiddle part is really lovely - very similar to what he plays on the Memphis Shakedown.
Title: Re: Memphis Jug Band's "Bottle Up and Go"
Post by: banjochris on November 03, 2011, 01:08:31 PM
I'll give it a try when I get home this evening, at least for the take I have. What album do you have that on -- I just have the JSP MJB set and it's not on there (the other take is on one of the Blues Images calendar CDs).
Chris
Title: Re: Memphis Jug Band's "Bottle Up and Go"
Post by: Cleoma on November 03, 2011, 02:41:39 PM
Hmmm. I only have one take, which I'm pretty sure I downloaded from the Juneberry site, back when they had tons of stuff available for free.  I'll attempt to attach it here. It has an annoying low hum, unfortunately.   I would LOVE to hear the other take!  If someone has it, maybe you can post it??

[attachment deleted by admin]
Title: Re: Memphis Jug Band's "Bottle Up and Go"
Post by: banjochris on November 03, 2011, 05:16:52 PM
I'll see what I can do... thanks for posting that one!
Title: Re: Memphis Jug Band's "Bottle Up and Go"
Post by: banjochris on November 03, 2011, 09:58:42 PM
Suzy -- reasonably sure of most of the take you posted; I got ear fatigue trying to decipher the other, so I'll give it another go tomorrow (plus I posted an MP3 of the other version). Here's what I have so far. Pretty sure it's "high-powered" all the way through, by the way.

Take you posted:

https://youtu.be/oYJLZ-Ft6kg

I love my baby and she loves me too
Don't keep a [price] on what she do

Chorus:
We gotta bottle it up and go, ah bottle it up and go
Now high-powered mama, your daddy's got your water on.

I wanna tell everybody what it?s all about
She's low and squatty but she's built up stout

I don?t drink no whiskey, I?m hanging round your barrel
Can?t have no fun until I see that gal

I?m gonna tell my ma, what you told my pa
I wouldn?t say yes but I can?t say no

I just bought my baby a new V8
Step on the 'ccelerator don?t make me late

I?m gonna sing this song, ain?t gonna sing no more
Looky here baby I?m ready to go

Come in here momma, let me tell you the truth,
Don't start no rough stuff, I gotta get it loose

I?m gonna tell my baby for the last time
Well look here mama why don?t you take your time

https://youtu.be/XLGpqW5nAbU


Other take:

[Well I take my baby, let me try the show]
Found her down in Sandy ???

I love my baby and she loves me too,
Don't [keep a price tag on what she might do]

Now [????] everybody in the neighborhood,
[??? good ???] but she treat me good.

Says looky here daddy don't do that no more
[??????????]

Now looky here daddy, please don't get drunk,
When you come tonight your mamma'll pack your trunk

Now looky here mama I wish you'd tell me the truth
I got no rough stuff, I might get loose

[attachment deleted by admin]
Title: Re: Memphis Jug Band's "Bottle Up and Go"
Post by: dj on November 04, 2011, 04:02:16 AM
A few suggestions:

WHERE I take my baby, let me try TO show
SOMEWHERE down in Sandy GROVE

Now I'M TELLIN' everybody in the neighborhood
(?) but she treat me good


Says looky here daddy don't do that no more
I GOT NO (sense?) IN THE (?) THAT'S ALL

Why oh why didn't those guys take elocution lessons?   :D
Title: Re: Memphis Jug Band's "Bottle Up and Go"
Post by: Cleoma on November 04, 2011, 06:07:09 PM
Wow, it's great to hear the alternate take!  Thanks so much,
Suzy
Title: Re: Memphis Jug Band's "Bottle Up and Go"
Post by: Cleoma on November 04, 2011, 06:13:00 PM
Aha - this "alternate take" is what I have as being by the Picaninny Jug Band.  No wonder it sounds like a different band!!!
Title: Oh Ambulance Man
Post by: uncle bud on May 12, 2013, 10:43:38 AM
The Memphis Jug Band recorded "Oh Ambulance Man" on May 17, 1930, with the great Hattie Hart on vocals with Will Shade, the same session that yielded Cocaine Habit Blues. The song has a nice minor IV chord in the verses. Will Shade can be difficult to decipher at times. Any help in the problem spots appreciated.

https://youtu.be/b6BQIn2iFms

Oh Ambulance Man - Memphis Jug Band
Hattie Hart, Will Shade, vocals


Hey, daddy, hey, daddy, don't let me cry in vain
You see I'm wounded, wounded and bleeding
Can't you ease my pain?

Hattie: Mister ambulance man, would you rush me to a doctor, please
Will: [I have no while? Ah there's no while?] a-rushing. Your daddy can ease your pain with ease/these
H: Can't you see I'm cut in the stomach?
W: That's the reason I can ease your pains with ease/these

Heart is achin', day's a-breakin', listen to me, I pray
See, it's snowin', cold wind's blowin',
So please be on your way

H: Mister ambulance man, please don't you drive so rough
W: I've got to do it, your daddy have got to strut his stuff
H: Can't you see I'm wounded and bleeding?
W: That's the reason your daddy have to drive so rough

(Oh whup it till it ropes like okra)

H: Mister ambulance man, I can't stay still to save my soul
And you ought to be careful how you handle my jelly roll
W: Mama, you know the road is rutted, baby, and your daddy's trying to satisfy your soul
H: I mean my weary soul  W: I mean your soul

[edited to add tune][edited to add corrections]

[attachment deleted by admin]
Title: Re: Oh Ambulance Man
Post by: thickpete on May 12, 2013, 11:14:25 AM
Great song! I hear:

V1L1 "don't let me CRY in vain"

V2L2 "I HAS [no while??a??] rushing"
V2L4 "the reason I CAN ease"

The best I have for Hattie's mystery line is "whip it till it brokes* like okra now" but I'm pretty sure I just want to make gummy okra/juicy jelly roll associations and that's not right....lol

*or "ropes"??
Title: Re: Oh Ambulance Man
Post by: Johnm on May 12, 2013, 11:15:39 AM
Hi uncle bud,
In the last verse, I think Will shade sings, "Mama, you know the road is RUTTED . . . . "
In Hattie's "whup it" comment, I think I hear the word "grocer".
All best,
Johnm
Title: Re: Oh Ambulance Man
Post by: Gumbo on May 12, 2013, 11:19:13 AM
1.1 You see I'm OOZIN', wounded ...

2.2 I HAS no while a-rushing. Your daddy can ease your pain with THESE
2.4 That's the reason I ease your pains with THESE

Interjection: ???

5.3 RUTTED ?
Title: Re: Oh Ambulance Man
Post by: Cleoma on May 12, 2013, 11:21:36 AM
I think it's "wounded and bleeding"
And I always sing "the road is rotten" but it could be rocky - I hear that same kind of "O" vowel sound.
Great song!  And it's another example of the minor chord in the blues.
Title: Re: Oh Ambulance Man
Post by: Gumbo on May 12, 2013, 11:24:30 AM
The Carolina Chocolate Drops do a version where Dom interjects,

Ah Whip it til you get on Oprah!
Title: Re: Oh Ambulance Man
Post by: uncle bud on May 12, 2013, 11:57:42 AM
I had been sort of hearing "ropes" and "okra", which turns out to be a phrase meaning give a good beating. So Hattie says, "Whup it till it ropes like okra now."

Maybe Dom is saying okra as well? Haven't heard their version.

Thanks for all the other suggestions, will listen some more and update.

Edit: Just noticed thickpete was already suggesting this, missed that post somehow. I think you're right, pete.
Title: Re: Oh Ambulance Man
Post by: thickpete on May 12, 2013, 12:03:06 PM
I'm not enough of a blues head much less learned like so many of the smart folks here - but if "ropes like okra" really is a phrase from back then I'd bet a lot that's what she's singing. Fits the dirty context perfectly. (For those who never cook okra turns into a yummy gummy mess when beaten and warmed up just right) I love it! lol

Title: Re: Oh Ambulance Man
Post by: Gumbo on May 18, 2013, 02:22:20 PM
Maybe Dom is saying okra as well? Haven't heard their version.

Dom definitely says Oprah - it was live at the Will Shade Tribute in '08 and I think they enjoyed messing with the phonological ambiguity ;)

So Ropes like Okra is some kind of culinary innuendo?
Title: Re: Oh Ambulance Man
Post by: uncle bud on May 19, 2013, 07:35:14 AM
Thanks for all the suggestions. I've incorporated most of them. Line 2.2 is still mysterious. I added another mostly phonetic, non-sensical phrase in case it jars anything loose.
Title: Re: Oh Ambulance Man
Post by: dj on May 20, 2013, 04:05:15 AM
Could line 2.2 be "Ah there's no WORLD o' rushing. Your daddy can ease your pain with ease/these", with "world" sounding more like "wild"?

Also, given the sexual double entendre in the lyric, I think "ease your pain with ease" makes more sense than "ease your pain with these".
Title: Re: Oh Ambulance Man
Post by: LucyStag on July 14, 2013, 01:09:34 AM
I've been doing a college Old Time (etc) radio show, and this thread is about fourth time in as many weeks that my bacon was saved with old time lyrics I couldn't find elsewhere. Good people!

Good song, too.

I didn't notice its dirtiness at first, of course.
Title: Re: Oh Ambulance Man
Post by: thickpete on July 14, 2013, 08:35:21 AM
Welcome Lucy!

All lyrics searches lead to this site it seems. Any chance your show is streamed/podcasted for those curious?

And FWIW - always assume dirty first and you'll be right more often than not!  ;)
Title: Re: Oh Ambulance Man
Post by: LucyStag on July 14, 2013, 09:59:14 AM
Thanks! And yes, assumption of dirtiness is a great life rule.

Show streams on Wednesdays at 3 pm, but I shamefully violate genre and play punk rock, too. Dunno if y'all would run me out of town.
Title: Re: Oh Ambulance Man
Post by: Gumbo on July 14, 2013, 10:52:56 AM
Hi Lucy
That's a curious notion. Do any weenie's run?
 ;)
Tis good to see you here.
Title: Re: Oh Ambulance Man
Post by: thickpete on July 14, 2013, 01:15:33 PM
I shamefully violate genre and play punk rock, too. Dunno if y'all would run me out of town.

Personally I don't know what genres mean except as marketing devices and like all my music as street-oriented, DIY, and punk as possible. I'd rather listen to crusties picking these old songs on the street and making new lyrics than some reverential virtuosic recreation in a rich man's concert hall. Probably that's a minority view here but the range of tastes and opinions seems broad and folks are very helpful and friendly. Hang out awhile!
Title: Re: Oh Ambulance Man
Post by: LucyStag on July 14, 2013, 06:03:52 PM
I shamefully violate genre and play punk rock, too. Dunno if y'all would run me out of town.

Personally I don't know what genres mean except as marketing devices and like all my music as street-oriented, DIY, and punk as possible. I'd rather listen to crusties picking these old songs on the street and making new lyrics than some reverential virtuosic recreation in a rich man's concert hall. Probably that's a minority view here but the range of tastes and opinions seems broad and folks are very helpful and friendly. Hang out awhile!

Yeah. I dig ya in style. My musical progression went from Alision Krause as a seven year old, to rock, to folk, to punk, and then my love of punk brought me to Old Crow Medicine Show, and then there was my road to string bands and country blues and old time. I'll offer up a link when I introduce myself properly, which I should.

Hi!
Title: Re: "Tear It Down" Lyrics
Post by: Fkeller on December 06, 2013, 02:51:14 PM
Resurrecting this thread to see if I can decipher a couple questionable lines in Stovepipe #1 and David Crockett's version of this.  Thanks!

RARE BLUES Stove Pipe #1 - (( BED SLATS - Tear it Down) April 25 1927 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h4k2Q3CWgTE#)

Here's what I have so far:

And I went upstairs about 4:00
I rapped on the door and my door was locked
Peeped through the crack and my b--??  was gone
I caught another mule kicking in my stall
I catch another mule kicking in my stall
Baby want to tear it down

Ah I'm gonna tear it down (bed, slats and all)
Gonna tear it down (bed, slats and all)
Gonna tear it down (bed, slats and all)
Gonna tear it down (bed, slats and all)
Catch another mule kickin' in my stall
Baby want to tear it down

I had a gal and she name was eve
Everytime I slapped her she would holler police
She cooked them biscuits, cooked em brown
A ???  she's a working when she's a turning a round
I'm gonna tear it down (bed, slats and all)
Gonna tear it down (bed, slats and all)
When you catch another mule kicking' in your stall
Baby want to tear it down


Told my gal the week before last
I had the ???
I went to the river take my rocking chair
The blues overtake me rock away from here
Catch another mule kicking in my stall
Baby want to tear it down

Ah tear it down (bed, slats and all)
I'm gonna tear it down (bed, slats and all)
I'm gonna tear it down (bed, slats and all)
I'm gonna tear it down (bed, slats and all)
When you catch another mule kickin' in your stall
Baby want to tear it down

doodle ooh etc etc

I went upstairs about 4:00
I rapped on the door and the door was locked
I peeped through the crack and my good gal's gone
I caught another mule kicking in my stall
When you catch another mule kicking in your stall
Baby want to tear it down

I'm gonna tear it down (bed, slats and all)
Gonna tear it down (bed, slats and all)
Gonna tear it down (bed, slats and all)
I want to tear it down (bed, slats and all)
When you catch another mule kickin' in my stall
Baby want to tear it down

Tear it down (bed, slats and all)
Gonna tear it down (bed, slats and all)
I want to tear it down (bed, slats and all)
I want to tear it down (bed, slats and all)
When you catch another mule kickin' in my stall
Baby want to tear it down

Told my gal the week before last
The ???
I went to the river take my rocking chair
The blues overtake me rock away from here
Catch another mule kicking in my stall
I just want to tear it down
Title: Re: Memphis Jug Band Lyrics
Post by: Johnm on December 17, 2013, 03:47:33 PM
Hi all,
It turned out that there were five different lyric threads devoted to Memphis Jug Band songs, making them a good candidate for a merged lyric thread.  Here it is.
All best,
Johnm
Title: THE MEMPHIS JUG BAND - You Got Me Rollin
Post by: slezakjosef on February 24, 2015, 07:14:21 PM
Hello,
please do you guys have lyrics of this song?
I've done research on this forum and internet but can't find anything.
It's hard to understand the song from the recording.

https://youtu.be/H1zUW9UvGZU

Josef
Title: Re: THE MEMPHIS JUG BAND - You Got Me Rollin
Post by: joebanjo on February 24, 2015, 11:45:16 PM
Here is my transcription, I welcome corrections anyone can provide:

"You Got Me Rollin"
Memphis Jug Band

You got me rollin mama, I don?t know how come
You want me to roll from sun to sun.
You got me rollin mama, I don?t know how come
You must want me to roll from sun to sun.

I rolled in the summer, I rolled all fall
Winter is here you don?t want no rollin at all.
I rolled in the summer, and I rolled all fall
Now winter is here you don?t want no rollin at all.

If I had strings and a carpet sack?
I know by that I would get my baby back
If I had strings and a carpet sack?
I would know by that I could get my baby back.

Squeeze me til I get as little as a gnat,
Mama, then I?ll bite like a cat.
Squeeze me til I get as little as a gnat,
Squeeze me baby, til I bite like a cat.
Title: Re: THE MEMPHIS JUG BAND - You Got Me Rollin
Post by: slezakjosef on February 26, 2015, 07:29:57 PM
That's great!
Thank you very much Joe!
Title: Re: THE MEMPHIS JUG BAND - You Got Me Rollin
Post by: creaminjaysquawkins on February 27, 2015, 04:42:54 AM
Stanza 3, verses 1 & 3:  from memory "springs and a corset back", surely?  Not that I have any great faith in my memory these days. 
Title: Re: Memphis Jug Band Lyrics - Memphis Jug Blues
Post by: Suzy T on August 11, 2016, 12:07:30 PM
This is the hardest song to make out the lyrics! The instrumental intro is just wonderful. The singing too, with the different voices running on a parallel track. When I look on the web, what I read doesn't bear that much resemblance to what I hear.  I'd be curious to know what other people hear. Here is a link to a Youtube:

https://youtu.be/jlZRrAuu9kk
 
The following is as far as I've gotten with this (not very):

Memphis Jug Blues

Eh Drop drop down mama like the showers of rain
Eh Drop drop down mama like the showers of rain
Boy every once in a while I think I hear my baby call my name
(yes boy what?d she say?)

And she got a man got a ?kid?????
????(Hey now)
He went and got so ?. Mama cannot keep it hid
(What kind of gal was that?)

??????(I said oh now sugar baby)
??like mine?  (hey now)
But every time she?.. behind (lordy lordy now)

I ain?t gonna do it no more
Woman ?my ..

Ah I ain?t gonna do it no more (sugar baby lord)
Ohhh, ain?t gonna do it no more (hey now)
Say if you did not want me mama why don?t you tell me so  (lord lord lord)

Hey I stuck with you mama when you did not have no man at all (I said oh now sugar baby)
I stuck with you baby when you did not have no man at all (what?d you do boy?) (hey now)
Now baby you must want me, for to be your lowdown dog (what?d you tell her)

Oh, baby what?s the matter now (oh sugar baby)
Oh, mama what?s the matter now (hey now)
I said you trying to quit me, mama and you don?t know how (lordy lord lord)

I said you ever dream lucky boy Wake up cold in hand (I said oh now sugar mama)
You ever dream lucky, wake up cold in hand (hey now)
When you dream ?..about woman got another man (lordy lord lord)
Title: Re: Memphis Jug Band Lyrics
Post by: banjochris on August 11, 2016, 04:29:06 PM
Suzy, here's what I'm hearing:

Eh Drop down drop down mama just like the showers of rain
Eh Drop down drop down mama like the showers of rain
Boy every once in a while I think I hear my baby call my name
(yes boy what?d she say?)

And she got a man on a man done got a kidman on a sheikin' kid
Hey man on a man done got a kidman on a sheikin' kid (other voice says fakin')
(hey now)
Kid man done got so buggy lord partner just won't keep it hid (other voice says can't)

(What kind of gal was that?)

Hey don't you wish your easy roller was little and cute like mine?
(other voice: Lord Lord, Lord, Lord, little and cute like mine)
(I say oh now, sugar baby)
Wish your easy roller, little and cute like mine?
(hey now)
But every time she walk, lord she reel and rocks behind.

Hey, I'm gonna do something for you baby, I ain't gonna do it no more
(I say oh now, sugar baby)
I do something for you baby, I ain't gonna do it no more
I'm gonna start another woman, let my good gal go
(lord lord lord)

Ah, I ain't gonna go tell you no more
(sugar baby lord)
Oh, I ain't gonna tell you no more,
(hey now)
Babe if you did not want me, mama why didn't you tell me so
(lordy lord lord)

And if I stuck with you mama, you did not have no man at all
(??? [can't make out second voice at beginning] if I say oh now sugar baby)
I stuck with you baby, you did not have no man at all
(what'd she do boy)
Now baby you must want me, for to be your lowdown dog.
(What'd you tell her)

Oh, baby what?s the matter now
(oh sugar baby lord)
Oh, mama what?s the matter now
(hey now)
Oh babe you trying to quit me, mama and you don?t know how
(lordy lord lord)

I said you ever dream lucky boy, wake up cold in hand
(I said oh now sugar mama)
You ever dream lucky, wake up cold in hand
(hey now)
When you ain't got a dollar, lord your woman got another man.
(lordy lord lord)

Chris
Title: Re: Memphis Jug Band Lyrics
Post by: Rivers on August 11, 2016, 05:26:17 PM
And there's another occurrence of that interesting old lyric archetype that loosely goes "did you ever dream lucky and wake up cold in hand" which we have discussed on and off over a long period of time. Searching the site using google yields:

Barbecue Bob - Barbecue Blues
Tommy Johnson - Lonesome Home
Kid Bailey - Rowdy Blues
William Harris - Bullfrog Blues
Bo Weavil Jackson - Some Scream High Yellow
and now...
Memphis Jug Band - Memphis Jug Blues

"Cold in hand" also appears in several songs without the "dream lucky"

You've got to wonder who coined it. I need to work it into my everyday musical conversation, practising various deliveries. I'm thinking Clint Eastwood, Dirty Harry style might work.
Title: Re: Memphis Jug Band Lyrics
Post by: Suzy T on August 15, 2016, 08:48:20 AM
Thank you Chris, This all makes a lot of sense (at least, as much sense as any MJB song ever does!)
Title: Re: Memphis Jug Band Lyrics
Post by: Chezztone on August 15, 2016, 01:16:12 PM
I always thought it was:

She got a man on her man, got a kid man on her stinkin kid

In other words, she has a husband and a boyfriend and an outside man on each one of them!
Title: Memphis Jug Band Lyrics
Post by: banjochris on August 15, 2016, 06:49:31 PM
It sure sounds like sheikin' to me. The use of "fakin'" by the second singer leads me to think it's being used as a euphemism for the f-word.

That said, I agree with you about what the verse is about!
Title: Re: Memphis Jug Band Lyrics
Post by: frankie on August 15, 2016, 07:58:29 PM
I agree with Chris on "sheikin'" - that's definitely what it sounds like to me and neither suggestion seems to change the overall sense of the line.

I do hear one line a little different...  minor..

Kid man done got so buggy lord partner just won't keep it hid (other voice says can't)

Kid man done got so BUGGISH lord partner just won't keep it hid
Title: Re: Memphis Jug Band Lyrics
Post by: banjochris on August 15, 2016, 08:01:43 PM
Could very well be buggish. I believe Sleepy John sings buggish. That last line was hard for me to get exactly because of the second voice.
Title: Re: Memphis Jug Band's "Bottle Up and Go"
Post by: arlotone on November 10, 2016, 04:41:48 PM
I was just learning this song and found banjochris's transcription above very helpful!

What was referred to as the "alternate take" above was actually recorded in a different session, in 1932, released as the Picaninny Jug Band, and apparently reissued from an inferior quality record. The higher-fidelity version is from 1934 and has some different personnel, but Charlie Burse sings lead on both.

One small contribution I can offer is that the third verse from the 1932 version is "I'm telling everybody in my neighborhood / I can't quit this girl 'cause she treats me good," or something close to that. Burse sings something similar in the 1934 version of "Take Your Fingers Off It," along with verses about "wouldn't say yes but I can't say no" and "getting loose."
Title: Alma Rose at where?
Post by: arlotone on November 25, 2016, 02:41:34 PM
Every transcription I've ever seen of the Memphis Jug Band's "Cocaine Habit Blues" says, "ask Alma Rose at Minglewood," but in listening recently it doesn't really sound like "Mingelwood" to me. I don't really hear the leading M, and the G sounds more like a J ... like Angelwood or perhaps Englewood.

Am I crazy? Is anything else known about Alma Rose or the rest of the story to associate this with Minglewood? Google didn't turn up anything notable about an Angelwood or Englewood in Memphis, but I have some friends there I could ask.

https://youtu.be/WWt8KK_Cvfo
Title: Re: Alma Rose at where?
Post by: Johnm on November 25, 2016, 02:52:17 PM
Hi arlotone,
I think you have it right.  Just listening now, it sounded pretty clearly "ask Alma Rose down (in) Englewood", with "Englewood" pronounced with a soft g.  Hattie Hart definitely does not sing the word "at" either.
All best,
Johnm
Title: Re: Alma Rose at where?
Post by: arlotone on February 06, 2017, 08:26:43 PM
I asked a friend in Memphis about this and he said there is an Englewood Street, not too far from downtown (also an Inglewood Place, out in the suburbs).

I also asked Preston Lauterbach, who wrote about cocaine chants and Mr. Lehman's drugstore in his book Beale Street Dynasty. He said Englewood Street was a white residential neighborhood at that time and not likely to be a Memphis Jug Band haunt. He suggested an alternative interpretation of the line: "ask Alma Rose that's in the woods," meaning she's gone crazy.
Title: Re: Alma Rose at where?
Post by: waxwing on February 06, 2017, 08:58:46 PM
To me that has always sounded like "Ask Alma Rose an' 'Lijah Wood" as in Elijah, pronounced to rhyme with Elysian Fields. Maybe the 'lysian Wood is next to the field, but that would put it in New Orleans. But phonetically, more like "leejah" than "enjell" I think the an' or at are pretty interchangeable, either ending with an indistinct glottal stop.

Points for naming the extremely famous play that the Elysian Fields of NO is referenced in?

Wax
Title: Re: "Tear It Down" Lyrics
Post by: laservampire on September 21, 2017, 11:15:53 PM
Hi all, been listening to the Whistler's Jug Band version of "Foldin' Bed" which seems appropriate for this thread and I've got a bunch of the lyrics but some are just a mess, even with the amazing new restoration by the American Epic team:

https://youtu.be/C36D4Yst1oE (https://youtu.be/C36D4Yst1oE)


Foldin' Bed
Whistler's Jug Band

I went hunting in the woods
had my gun like a hunter should
??? a ??? but it wasn't ??? ???
left my baby way behind

Long tall ???, foldin' bed
believe I better tear it down (oh baby)

Tore it down (??? my baby ??? ???)
Said tore it down (slats and all)
Tore it down (long and tall)
??? baby ??? ??? ???
Come on out of that foldin bed
I believe it's time to tear it down


I've got a gal, ain't no fool (what's the matter with her)
Big as an elephant and stubborn as a mule
Think that gal would act that-a way
??? ??? plain old ??? ??? ??? ??? ??? (what you gonna do with her?)

Went right back to my foldin' bed
I believe I better tear it down (oh baby)

tore it down (slats and all)
Said tore it down (??? make my baby ???)
Tore it down (long and tall)
??? baby ??? ??? ???
Come on out of that foldin bed
I believe it's time to tear it down

*jug break*

Me and my girl went out for a walk
Stopped on the corner to have a talk
Stepped over to ??? up my shoes
The wind blew up 5th avenue (what'd you do with her?)

??? ??? back in my foldin' bed
I believe I better tear it down (oh baby)

Tore it down (??? my baby ??? ???)
Tore it down (long and tall)
Tore it down (slats and all)
??? baby ??? ??? ???
Come on out to my foldin bed
I believe it's time to tear it down


I went walkin' right down the street
Two good lookin' girls I had a chance to meet
One had a buck and the other one had a dime
C'mon boys let's have a good time (whatcha do with her?)

Went right back to my foldin' bed
I believe I better tear it down (oh baby)

tore it down (slats and all)
Tore it down (long and tall)
Tore it down (??? ???)
??? baby ??? ??? ???
Come on out to that foldin bed
I believe it's time to tear it down

*jug break*

I went home about 4 o'clock
Knocked on the door and found it locked
'round to the window and I took a peep
There's a ??? there fast asleep

Sat ??? up in my foldin bed
I believe I better tear it down (oh baby)


Tore it down (??? my baby ??? ???)
Tore it down (long and tall)
Tore it down (slats and all)
??? baby ??? ??? ???
Come on out of that foldin bed
I believe it's time to tear it down
Title: Re: "Tear It Down" Lyrics
Post by: Johnm on September 22, 2017, 11:21:24 AM
Hi laservampire,
I will try to get as much as I can.

Verse 1.3 SHOT THE BEAR BUT it wasn't MY KIND

Long tall SHEIK, folding bed
B'lieve I better tear it down

REFRAIN: 1.1 Tore it down (MADE my BABY SQUALL)
1.4 YES, baby, 'LONG SIDE THE WALL

Verse 2.4 CALL HER PLAIN OLD TEXAS MARY JANE (?, not at all sure of this)

Verse 3.3 Stepped over to BUTTON UP HER shoes

Chorus 3.3 SHUT her back in my folding bed

Verse 4.4  There's a SHEIK there fast asleep

A lot of the lines, like "made my baby squall", repeat in the refrains.  I'm not happy with what I have for the last line of the elephant verse, but I think most of the other suggestions are right.
All best,
Johnm



Title: Re: Memphis Jug Band Lyrics
Post by: arlotone on October 01, 2017, 04:55:25 PM
What do you all think about "Little Green Slippers"? Here's how I've been singing it...

https://youtu.be/zd9PtrAUyvk

Little green slippers, honey, little brown hair
I'm following my baby everwhere
Little green slippers, honey, little brown hair
I spend more money than a millionaire
You had your dog, baby, I had my horse
Drinking beer and champagne, 'til I lose my horse
Little green slippers, honey, little brown hair
I'm following my baby everwhere

Little green slippers, honey, little brown hair
I'd give you everything that your heart can bear
Little green slippers, honey, little brown hair
Still following my baby everwhere
Everybody knows, what it's all about
I spend my money, I let it all run out
Little green slippers, honey, little brown hair
I'm following my baby everywhere

...but I think the parts in bold are wrong. Instead of "horse" it could be "I had my one" and "I lose my home." I'm also not totally sure about "honey little brown hair," but it does fit the rhyme.

BTW, there's a 1932 recording of this that I'd dearly love to hear, issued on Champion but apparently never reissued. I asked Joe Bussard, but he doesn't have it. The commonly reissued version is from 1934.
Title: Memphis Jug Band - I'll See You In The Spring, When The Birds Begin To Sing
Post by: slezakjosef on February 01, 2018, 04:14:05 PM
Hi guys,
please do you know where to find the lyrics?

https://youtu.be/h2Sp78E8WPQ

I tried to search here at the forum but I couldn't find it.

Thank you
Josef
Title: Re: Memphis Jug Band - I'll See You In The Spring, When The Birds Begin To Sing
Post by: Suzy T on February 08, 2018, 05:14:03 PM
I've changed this to incorporate Anthony's suggestion:

You gonna keep on fooling around, you be six foot in the grave
It?s fare you, honey fare you well
You gonna keep on fooling around, you be six foot in the grave
It?s the last time, honey it?s the last time

I?ll see you in the spring, when the birds begin to sing
It?s fare you, honey fare you well
I?ll see you in the spring, when the birds begin to sing
It?s fare you, honey fare you well

Instrumental section
V - - - / I - - - / V - - - / I - - -/
IV ? I - / IV -  I - / II V I - /

You gonna keep on fooling around, you be six foot in the grave
It?s fare you, honey fare you well
You gonna keep on fooling around, you be six foot in the grave
It?s fare thee, honey fare you well


I?ll see you in the fall, When you have no friend at all
It?s fare you, honey fare you well
I?ll see you in the fall, When you have no friend at all
It?s the last time, honey it?s the last time


And I?m going away, just to worry you off my mind
You keep me troubled honey all the time
And I?ll see you in the spring, when the birds begin to sing
It?s fare thee, honey fare you well

Title: Re: Memphis Jug Band - I'll See You In The Spring, When The Birds Begin To Sing
Post by: iantonionni on February 09, 2018, 02:44:00 AM

I hear 'when you have no friend at all'
Cheers
Anthony
Title: Re: Memphis Jug Band - I'll See You In The Spring, When The Birds Begin To Sing
Post by: Suzy T on February 10, 2018, 02:08:50 PM
That makes a lot more sense!  Not that sense is exactly what I'm looking for in these MJB lyrics....
Title: Re: Memphis Jug Band - I'll See You In The Spring, When The Birds Begin To Sing
Post by: slezakjosef on February 16, 2018, 01:06:45 PM
Thank you very much!!! I really appreciate that!
Have a good day guys!

Josef
Title: Re: Memphis Jug Band Lyrics
Post by: Johnm on February 18, 2018, 01:34:44 PM
Hi all,
I merged the recent thread on "I'll See You In The Spring, When The Birds Begin To Sing" with the pre-existing Memphis Jug Band Lyrics thread.
All best,
Johnm
Title: Re: Memphis Jug Band Lyrics
Post by: Lordy Lord on July 01, 2018, 08:50:48 AM
Here's what I hear, in case that makes sense :

Man drop down drop down mama just like the drops of rain
Rain drop down drop down mama like the drops of rain
Boy, every once in a while I think I hear my baby call my name
(Yeah boy what she said?)

Aw she got a man on a man, just gotta keep men, although she can?t keep
I ain?t man on a man, just gotta keep men although she can?t keep (hey now)
She?d meant and got so funny?. Mama just cannot keep it hid
(What kind of gal was that?)

And don?t you wish your easy roller was little and cute like mine?
(I said oh now sugar baby)
Ain?t wish your easy roller little and cute like mine?
(hey now)
But every time she rolls oh lordy, she?d let her life behind (lordy lordy lord)

And if I did somebody baby, I ain?t gonna do it no more
(I said oh now sugar baby)
I ain?t some for your baby, I ain?t gonna do it no more
I?ve could have done lot of woman, let my good time roll (lordy lordy lord)

I, I ain't gonna do it no more (sugar baby lord)
I ain't gonna tell no more (hey now)
Baby if you did not want me, (mama) why don?t you tell me so ?(lordy lordy lord)

And if I?d stuck with you mama you did not have no man at all (I said oh now sugar baby)
I ain?t stuck with you baby did not have no man at all (what?d you do boy?)
(hey now)
Now baby you must want me, for to be your lowdown dog (what?d you tell her ?)

Eh aaw, baby what?s the matter now (oh sugar baby lord)
Aaw, mama what?s the matter now (hey now)
I?d say you trying to quit me, mama and you don?t know how (lordy lord lord)

I said you ever dream lucky ?fore wake up cold in hand (I said oh now sugar mama)
You ever dream lucky, wake up cold in hand (hey now)
When you aint? got a dollar, lord your woman got another man (lordy lord lord)
Title: Re: Memphis Jug Band Lyrics
Post by: Johnm on July 04, 2018, 06:42:31 AM
Hi Lordy Lord,
Welcome to Weenie Campbell.  Could you edit your post to indicate the title of the song for which you provided the lyric transcription?  Thanks.
All best,
Johnm
Title: Re: Memphis Jug Band Lyrics
Post by: Chezztone on October 11, 2018, 01:47:33 PM
The song Lordy Lord is talking about is "Memphis Jug-Blues" (take one). Here are some of my corrections/suggestions:
Verse 1: "showers of rain" instead of "drops"
Verse 2: "She got a man on her man, done got a kid man on her sheikin kid"
Verse 3: "But every time she walks she reels and rocks behind"
Verse 4 is difficult! He does something for her that he ain't gon' do no more. I think something about a "thousand-dollar woman" in the last line?
Title: Re: Memphis Jug Band Lyrics
Post by: Anne Onymous on August 01, 2022, 06:40:47 AM
"Ask Alma Rose at Mengelwood" (a logging company town, which gave its (misspelled) title to "Minglewood Blues" by Gus Cannon.
Title: Re: Memphis Jug Band Lyrics
Post by: pianomanca10 on October 01, 2023, 07:05:14 PM
makes me think of the Grateful Dead's missisissipi half step too do loo
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