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Country Blues => Country Blues Lyrics => Topic started by: Marco on February 06, 2007, 02:15:14 AM

Title: Jim Jackson Lyrics
Post by: Marco on February 06, 2007, 02:15:14 AM
Hello!

Please, could you help me with the lyrics of this song?
This is what I understand listening to the CD: "Jim Jackson - Complete Recorded Works in Chron. Order VOL. 1" - Document DOCD-5114.
(?) = I'm not too sure!  :-\
.... = I don't understand   :(
A lot of problems with the last verse!   :'(

MANY THANKS!!!

Jim Jackson?s Kansas City Blues Pt. 1

https://youtu.be/p-i7gLPCQYo
 
I woke up this morning, feeling bad
Thought about the good times I once had
I'm gonna move to Kansas City
I'm gonna move to Kansas City
I'm gonna move, baby, honey where they don't like you (?)

My mother told me, daddy told me too
If by the cramps in your feet son, ain't no friend to you
You oughta move to Kansas City
You oughta move to Kansas City
You oughta move to Kansas City, baby, honey where they don't like you (?)

I got me a bulldog, shephered and two greyhounds
Two high yellows, three blacks and one brown
We gonna move to Kansas City
We gonna move to Kansas City
We gonna move to Kansas City, baby, honey
where they don't like you (?)

It takes a rocking chair to rock, a rubber ball to roll
Nice looking season ground (?) to satisfy my soul
??? move to Kansas City
??? move to Kansas City
I?m gonna move to Kansas City, baby, honey
where they don't like you (?)

T is for Texas, T is for Tennessee
Boll weavil gotten Mississippi, and the women wants me
I'm gonna move to Kansas City
I'm gonna move to Kansas City
I'm gonna move, baby, honey where they  don't like you (?)

You can hold? when you good girl want to?.
......
......
......
Title: Re: Jim Jackson?s Kansas City Blues Pt. 1
Post by: tenderfoot84 on February 06, 2007, 02:42:33 AM
don't have the tune handy but jim jackson definately sings 'nice looking teasing brown'.

i just remembered i have this song on my mobile phone so i can listen to it in class :)

Jim Jackson?s Kansas City Blues Pt. 1
 
I woke up this morning, feeling bad
Thought about the good times I once have had
I'm gonna move to Kansas City
I'm gonna move to Kansas City
I'm gonna move, baby, honey where they don't like you / don't 'llow you

My mother told me, daddy told me too
If by the cramps in your feet son, ain't no friend to you
You oughta move to Kansas City
You oughta move to Kansas City
You oughta move to Kansas City, baby, honey where they don't like you / don't 'llow you

I got me a bulldog, two shepherds and two greyhounds
Two high yellows, three blacks and one brown
We gonna move to Kansas City
We gonna move to Kansas City
We gonna move to Kansas City, baby, honey where they don't like you / don't 'llow you

It takes a rocking chair to rock, a rubber ball to roll
Nice looking teasin' brown to satisfy my soul
then i'll move to Kansas City
then i'll move to Kansas City
I?m gonna move to Kansas City, baby, honey where they don't like you / don't 'llow you

T is for Texas, T is for Tennessee
Boll weavil got to Mississippi, and the women wants me
I'm gonna move to Kansas City
I'm gonna move to Kansas City
I'm gonna move, baby, honey where they don't like you / don't 'llow you

You can always tell when you good girl want to flirt
want to where red slippers to match that old matching skirt


i forgot to note down what ending there was to the last verse but i don't think it's any different from the ones above. anyhoo, best get back to work.
Title: Re: Jim Jackson?s Kansas City Blues Pt. 1
Post by: Marco on February 09, 2007, 12:09:28 AM
Many thanks, Tenderfoot!   :D
Title: Jim Jackson Lyrics
Post by: Johnm on June 19, 2012, 09:01:06 AM
Hi all,
Jim Jackson played "Foot Achin' Blues" out of D position in standard tuning tuning.  After a very nifty intro, he relegates the guitar to a strict time-keeping role for the rest of his rendition.  This must be one of the only piano/guitar duets from the early years of the Country Blues in which the guitar completely drowns out the piano.  I don't know who the pianist was--anyone out there know?  The lyrics to this one have a distinct "all-over-the place" quality that I find very winning.  Jim Jackson plays wonderfully strong time, but his chordal sense erodes as the rendition goes along, and towards the end he makes some decidedly odd choices.  The song can be found on the Country blues on YouTube thread at:  http://weeniecampbell.com/yabbse/index.php?topic=2101.msg71974#msg71974. (http://weeniecampbell.com/yabbse/index.php?topic=2101.msg71974#msg71974.)

https://youtu.be/3JgoNcQdA5A

I've got the foot achin' blues, mama, my corn hurts me all the time
I've got the foot achin' blues, and my corns hurts me all the time
'Cause the gal I love is always on my mind

My dog got the measles, what's the matter with my cat?
My dog got the measles, what's the matter with my cat?
He's sittin' in the corner, tryin' to charm a rat

My woman left this mornin' with her suitcase in 'er hand
My woman left this mornin' with her suitcase in 'er hand
I wouldn't hate it so bad, but she's gone with another man

Listen, good people, I'll tell you what your friends will do
Now, listen, good people, I'll tell you what you friends will do
They will sleep and eat at your house and take your good gal from you

I can't sleep, cain't rest nowhere I go
I can't sleep, babe, cain't rest nowhere I go
Always remember, you got to reap just what you sow

I love you, honey, and will love you all my life
I love you, honey, will love you all my life
Papa Jim Jackson cain't let the same bee sting him twice

All best,
Johnm
Title: Re: Jim Jackson Lyrics
Post by: dj on June 20, 2012, 05:25:20 AM
Quote
I don't know who the pianist was--anyone out there know?

the discography on Document 5115, Jim Jackson Volume 2, which is based on B&GR 3 with emendations based on Johnny Parth's gut feelings, has "probably Speckled Red" (Rufus Perryman) as the pianist.  B&GR 4 has "unknown", which I think is probably more accurate.  Looking at who was in the studio in Chicago around May 15 1929, when Foot Achin' Blues was recorded, I don't see any obvious candidates.
Title: Re: Jim Jackson Lyrics
Post by: Johnm on June 20, 2012, 10:07:54 AM
Thanks very much for that info, dj.  I think the pianist on the track would be next to impossible to identify on the basis of his sound, since he's virtually inaudible.  I'd recognize that "unknown" anywhere, though.
All best,
Johnm
Title: Re: Jim Jackson Lyrics
Post by: uncle bud on June 20, 2012, 10:40:59 AM
I'm no piano expert, but I do have a fondness for Speckled Red's playing, and what little is audible from the piano doesn't sound like Red at all to me. I also think he would have never been able to exercise that much restraint.
Title: Re: Jim Jackson Lyrics
Post by: Johnm on June 20, 2012, 10:43:22 AM
Hi all,
Jim Jackson recorded "My Monday Woman Blues" in 1927.  It is an 8-bar blues in E position, standard tuning, and must be one of the very earliest of its type to be recorded.  Jim Jackson's guitar playing is really fine on it, with tremendous heavy time.  Was this the earliest song with a woman for every day of the week?  I know Long Cleve Reed and Papa Harvey Hull recorded "Gang of Brownskin Women" and Cripple Clarence Lofton and Pink Anderson had versions much later. 
For his fifth verse, Jackson goes to a 12-bar form opening with an 8-bar lyric break.  It's almost as though "Rabbit" Brown was singing a response to the opening line of Jim Jackson's final verse when Brown sang "James Alley Blues".  Jackson had a way of closing his mouth emphatically when singing the word "I" sometimes so that it ended up sounding like "I'm".  I seem to remember Booker White doing this also.  You can hear Jim Jackson's rendition of the song at http://weeniecampbell.com/yabbse/index.php?topic=2101.msg71960#msg71960. (http://weeniecampbell.com/yabbse/index.php?topic=2101.msg71960#msg71960.)

https://youtu.be/msooPwBGTdc

My Monday girl, she works twenty-two off Main
But my Tuesday brownskin brings me pocket change

My Wednesday girl love whiskey, sometime she do drink beer
But my Thursday woman give me the devil if she catch me here

My Friday good girl, she reads me the daily news
But my Saturday highbrown buys my socks and shoes

My Sunday woman, she lays on my right arm and sleep
You can know from that, I got a woman for every day in the week

I got a gal in Georgia, one in Lou'siana
Four in Chattanooga, six in Alabama
Four, five women right here in Memphis, Tennessee
If you don't like my peaches, let my orchard be

I wish I was a jaybird in the air
I'd build my nest in some of you highbrowns' hair

I'm just from the country, you know I'm easy to rule
You can hitch me to your cart, girl, and drive me for your mule

All best,
Johnm
Title: Re: Jim Jackson Lyrics
Post by: Johnm on June 20, 2012, 03:34:56 PM
Hi all,
"Bootlegging Blues" is, for the most part, another 8-bar blues played out of E position in standard tuning by Jim Jackson.  The exception is a one-chord refrain that Jackson inserts from time to time over the course of his rendition.  It's a neat feature, since it is phrased differently than are the 8-bar verses.  The song has interesting lyrics; like some of the Old-Time anti-Prohibition songs, it disapproves of Prohibition because of the greater danger involved in drinking the illegally made hooch than in drinking legal, regulated spirits.  This is all assuming one can stop drinking whenever one cares to, of course.  The song has a great slow-rocking groove. 

https://youtu.be/Wd1rY8gKfI0

Since corn liquor came in style, that's plenty money to be made
Just get a job at one of these stills and you surely will be paid

I'll tell you, it's a mighty risk to run and a mighty chance to take
To spend your money for the corn that the bootleggers make

REFRAIN: The bootleggin' man got his bottle in his hand
And all he needs is a little more speed
So he can out-run the Revenue man

When the bootlegger goes to his still, get ready to make his stuff
He's got his concentrated lye, cocaine and his snuff (Spoken: He'll fix you up a drink, just won't quit!)

It'll make you fight a circle saw
Make you slap the ladies down
And make you pick a fight with your Pa

REFRAIN: The bootleggin' man got his bottle in his hand
And all he needs is a little more speed
So he can out-run the Revenue man

I went home the other night, I swore I wouldn't drink no more
Until saloons come back with bottled in bond and the days of long ago

But I see that will never be, so I just got drunk again
I haven't nothin', as long as corn liquor lasts 'til I got no money to spend

REFRAIN: The bootleggin' man got his bottle in his hand
And all he needs is a little more speed
So he can out-run the Revenue man

SOLO

REFRAIN: The bootleggin' man got his bottle in his hand
And all he needs is a little more speed
So he can out-run the Revenue man

All best,
Johnm

 
Title: Re: Jim Jackson Lyrics
Post by: GhostRider on June 21, 2012, 09:14:04 AM
John:

Re: My Monday Woman Blues. I have this tune (by Jim Jackson) on a British compilation and it has a number of different verses, two of which are bridge-like verses with slightly differing chords.

Alex
Title: Re: Jim Jackson Lyrics
Post by: uncle bud on June 21, 2012, 09:56:31 AM
John:

Re: My Monday Woman Blues. I have this tune (by Jim Jackson) on a British compilation and it has a number of different verses, two of which are bridge-like verses with slightly differing chords.

Alex

There are two surviving takes of My Monday Woman Blues on Jim Jackson Vol. 1 on Document, take 1 and take 3. And then Jackson also recorded My Monday Blues, essentially the same song with some different opening lyrics that show up later in Blind Willie McTell's East St. Louis Blues. The version JohnM has transcribed is take 3.

Jackson did this a lot of course. I believe there are 142 takes of Kansas City Blues.
Title: Re: Jim Jackson Lyrics
Post by: Johnm on June 21, 2012, 10:20:59 AM
Seems like after Jim Jackson got past about "Kansas City Blues, Part 4", he could have spiced things up a little by calling subsequent releases things like "I Still Intend to Move", just as Tampa Red and Georgia Tom could have titled the later versions of "Tight Like That" "It's Still Tight".  It beats the hell out of "Tight Like That, Part Seven".
All best,
Johnm
Title: Re: Jim Jackson Lyrics
Post by: Johnm on June 21, 2012, 05:45:10 PM
Hi all,
Jim Jackson recorded his version of "Policy Blues" in 1928, backing himself out of E position in standard tuning.  There are no instrumental fireworks here, just an easy rocking accompaniment with a deep backbeat.  Jim Jackson had such a resonant voice; he always sounds like there's some special reverb on his voice.  I think I have the lyrics right, but I usually make a mistake somewhere, so any help is appreciated.  Here is the recorded performance:

https://youtu.be/o6B9bwUE0Zk

Have you ever taken a chance, with the policy game?
Have you ever taken a chance, with the policy game?
You play three numbers, see what you can gain

If you should lose, don't get mad at all
If you should lose, don't get mad and all
You sure can't win, 'less'n your number's called

I've got the policy blues, I ain't got no money to play
I've got the policy blues, I haven't got no money to play
I know my number will fall today

I woke up in the mornin', with one thin dime
I woke up, up this mornin', with one thin dime
The policy man gets that before the clock strikes nine

Then I set around hungry, the rest of the day
Then I set around hungry, rest of the day
Waitin' for him to come black [sic], with your play

I'll tell you what all the boys on Beale Street know
I will tell you all what the boys on Beale Street know
It's the black man in the train and four--eleven--forty-four

They almost curse, when the drawing comes back
They almost curse, when the drawing come back
That policy man sure can shake a wicked sack

Edited 6/22 to pick up corrections from dj

All best,
Johnm


 
Title: Re: Jim Jackson Lyrics
Post by: dj on June 22, 2012, 04:06:03 AM
Hi, John.  A few corrections and suggestions for Policy Blues:

(Note:  There are two surviving takes of Policy Blues, John has transcribed the unissued one)

Verse 1 line 3:  "You play THREE numbers, see what you can gain"

Verse 2 line 1:  "If you should lose, don't get mad AT all"  Jackson clearly sings AT on both repetitions of the line in the issued take, and I think he sings AT in the first line here and AND in the second.

Verse 4 line 1:  "I woke up IN THE mornin', with one thin dime"  Again, he sings "IN THE" both times in the issued take, I think he just missung the second line here.

Verse 5 line 3:  Just a note - Jackson clearly sings BLACK here, as you have it.  In the issued take, he sings BACK, which makes more sense.  I guess this is one of the reasons why this take was originally unissued.

Verse 6 line 3:   "IT'S the black man in the train and four--eleven--forty-four"  On the issued take, Jackson sings IT IS.
Title: Re: Jim Jackson Lyrics
Post by: Johnm on June 22, 2012, 07:46:29 AM
Thanks very much for the help, dj.  I've made the fixes you suggested and found a couple of other places I had wrong when I posted it.  That's great that you can compare with other takes, I think that must be especially helpful in problem areas.
All best,
Johnm
Title: Re: Jim Jackson Lyrics
Post by: Johnm on June 28, 2012, 04:45:24 PM
Hi all,
Jim Jackson recorded "I'm Gonna Start Me a Graveyard of My Own" in 1927, backing himself out of G position in standard tuning for the song.  G and E positions in standard tuning were certainly his favorite playing positions, and in G he normally employed a modified boom-chang approach.  He got a lot of mileage from a chromatic walk-down on the fourth string from the second fret down to the open fourth string, and particularly liked to use the move when vamping.
Jim Jackson excelled at this type of song, which may be characterized as a "comical threat" song.  I know some of you were fortunate enough to see John Jackson perform Jim Jackson's "I'm A Bad, Bad Man", just beaming as he sang, "chopped enough meat offa that man's head to feed all the dogs in town".  It always seemed so incongruous, because John Jackson was one of the nicest guys in the world.  In any event, Jim Jackson really delivered "I'm Gonna Start Me a Graveyard of My Own" with gusto.  Jim Jackson transitions seamlessly from the recitation to the sung lines that follow it in the performance.

https://youtu.be/jWfSBexp3Fc

REFRAIN: I'm gonna start a graveyard of my own
If that man don't leave my gal alone
Oh, my razor certainly am a trusty blade, lay that man right in the shade
I'm gonna start a graveyard of my own

Aw, she bundled up my clothes and th'owed 'em out of doors
I'm gonna start a graveyard of my own
Well, she gave me the sack, gonna never come back
And I'm gonna start a graveyard of my own

REFRAIN: Yeah, I'm gonna start a graveyard of my own
If that man don't leave my girl alone
My razor certainly am a trusty blade, lay that man right in the shade
I'm gonna start a graveyard of my own

'Cause I'm 'round him, downed him, I ain't good-lookin' but found him
I don't believe nobody'll drag me away
Yes, I'm around him, downed him, I ain't good-lookin' but found him
I don't believe nobody'll drag me 'way

Aw, she bundled up my clothes and th'owed 'em out of doors
I'm gonna start a graveyard of my own
She gave me the sack, gon' never come back
And I'm gonna start a graveyard of my own

RECITATION: 'Course, I was down to a girl's house the other night.  She told me she didn't have no one to come to see 'er.  I went down there, knocked on the door, she told me to come in.  Whilst I was sittin' down there, another man come down there, bigger than I was.  He come in and I spoke to him and he spoke awful dry, and to let me know he owned everything down there, he went on through in the back room.  Whilst he was in there, this girl said, "Don't pay that man no mind", say, "He used to be somethin' here, but he ain't nothin' here now.".  I said, "I ain't studyin' 'bout that man, 'cause I'm just--
SUNG:  'Round him, downed him, I ain't good-lookin' but found him
I don't believe nobody'll drag me away

REFRAIN: 'Cause I'm gonna start a graveyard of my own
If that man don't leave my girl alone
Oh, my razor certainly am a trusty blade, lay that man right in the shade
I'm gonna start a graveyard of my own

All best,
Johnm 
Title: Re: Jim Jackson Lyrics
Post by: Johnm on July 02, 2012, 09:35:47 AM
Hi all,
Jim Jackson backed himself out of G position in standard tuning for his version of "Wild About My Lovin'".  From Jackson's era, the song was also recorded by the mandolin-banjo player and singer Lonnie Colman, whom I believe only had one other title released.  I first heard the song performed by the Jim Kweskin Jug Band, with a fine vocal by Geoff Muldaur.  Jim Jackson's spoken interjection in the middle of the chorus to the fifth verse is oddly reminiscent of some of Uncle Dave Macon's shouted asides.  For verses three through five, Jim Jackson chose not to go to the IV chord at the beginning of the refrain, and achieved an interesting sort of musical holding pattern, just hanging out in the I chord and walking down his fourth string.

https://youtu.be/hGHR1HWvSiA

I'm go and tell the sergeant, see the Chief Police
The women 'round here won't let me see no peace
REFRAIN: I'm wild about my lovin' and I like to have my fun
You want to be a girl of mine, baby, bring it with you when you come

Hello, Central, what's the matter with your line?
I want to talk to that high brown of mine
REFRAIN: I'm wild about my lovin' and I like to have my fun
If you want to be a girl of mine, baby, bring it with you when you come

I don't want no sugar stirred up in my tea
'Cause the girl I love is sweet enough for me
REFRAIN: I'm wild about my lovin' and I like to have my fun (Spoken: Hey, now!)
You want to be a girl of mine, baby, bring it with you when you come

I ain't no iceman, and no iceman's son
But I can keep you cool until the iceman comes
REFRAIN: I'm wild about my lovin' and I like to have my fun
If you want to be a girl of mine, baby, bring it with you when you come

I ain't no fireman, and no fireman's son
But I can keep you warm until the fireman comes
REFRAIN: I'm wild about my lovin' and I like to have my fun (Spoken: Set the soup outdoors!)
If you want to be a girl of mine, baby, bring it with you when you come

I'm gonna tell all you peoples to listen to this song
I'm gonna see my good girl and it won't be long
REFRAIN: 'Cause I'm wild about my lovin' and I like to have my fun
You want to be a girl of mine, baby, bring it with you when you come, I mean, when you come

Edited 7/3 to pick up corrections from ScottN

All best,
Johnm
Title: Re: Jim Jackson Lyrics
Post by: ScottN on July 02, 2012, 08:47:57 PM
Hi Johnm - I only have one take (Take 2) of I'm Wild About My Lovin' but I assume it is the same one based on some of the phrasing.  Here is what I am hearing:

1.2 [THEM] women round here
1.3 Refrain: ['Cause] I'm wild
2.4 I don't hear the opening "If" maybe the " 'f " but I don't even hear that
4.1 I don't here the "and" in "and no iceman's son"
4.2 ['til] vs "until"
6.2 [Goin' to] vs [gonna] see...
6.2 I don't here the "good" in "good girl"
6.3 [Because] I'm wild about...

Thanks,
           Scott
Title: Re: Jim Jackson Lyrics
Post by: Johnm on July 03, 2012, 09:37:39 AM
Hi Scott,
I don't know what take of "Wild About My Lovin'" this one is, but it's the one I did the transcription from.  I'll check it against your suggestions.

'Wild About My Lovin' JIM JACKSON (1884-1937) Blues Legend (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FOA_djL5yoE#)

All best,
Johnm
Title: Re: Jim Jackson Lyrics
Post by: dj on July 03, 2012, 09:56:34 AM
Johnm, the version you've posted is take 1.
Title: Re: Jim Jackson Lyrics
Post by: Johnm on July 03, 2012, 10:01:45 AM
Thanks for that information, dj.  I figured it was a different take, but made a couple of changes after re-listening.
All best,
Johnm
Title: Re: Jim Jackson Lyrics
Post by: Johnm on July 07, 2012, 10:52:19 PM
Hi all,
Jim Jackson backed himself out of G position in standard tuning for "What A Time".  The song is a kind of novelty song with an unusual double chorus.  The verses remind me a bit of Frank Stokes' song "You Shall", with a droning sort of melody and very droll lyrics.  This song is of a type you virtually never hear performed by present-day musicians.

https://youtu.be/VeaX17YeaG4

REFRAIN:  Sayin', what a time, what a time
What a time, what a time
What a time, talkin' with angels
What a time
Sayin', what a time
What a time
What a time, talkin' with angels
What a time

There tain't no need of me workin' hard
I got a girl in the white folks' yard
Brings me chicken and she brings me pie
I get some of everything the white folks buy
REFRAIN: Ain't that a time, what a time
Oh, what a time, what a time
What a time, talkin' with angels
What a time
Sayin', what a time
What a time
What a time, talkin' with angels
What a time

Tain't no need of me workin' hard
I had another girl in the white folks' yard
Bring me chicken and she bring me ham
If she don't bring nothin', I don't give a ---
REFRAIN:  Oh, what a time, what a time
What a time, what a time
What a time, talkin' with angels
What a time
Sayin', what a time
What a time
What a time, talkin' with angels
What a time

I crawled in the henhouse on my knees
Thought I heard a Shanghai sneeze
Wasn't but a rooster sayin' his prayers
Givin' out hymns to the hens upstairs
REFRAIN: Ain't that a time, what a time
Oh, what a time, what a time
What a time, talkin' with angels
What a time
Sayin', what a time
What a time
What a time, talkin' with angels
What a time

There stand a man, right over there
With a blue coat on and looks pretty fair
Got his collar all 'round his th'oat
I said he smells like a billy goat
REFRAIN: Ain't that a time, ain't it a time
Oh, what a time, what a time
What a time, talkin' with angels
What a time
Sayin', what a time
What a time
What a time, talkin' with angels
What a time

Me and my girl had a falling out
Goin' to tell you what the fuss was about
That's the truth and it's a natural fact
She wanted me to work on the railroad tracks
REFRAIN:  Wasn't that a time, what a time
What a time, what a time
What a time, talkin' with angels
What a time
Sayin', what a time
What a time
What a time, talkin' with angels
What a time

I went down the cellar, t' get a glass of cider
There was a bedbug, playin' with a spider
Spider and the bedbug got in a tussle
Spider kicked the stuffin' out of the bedbug's bustle
REFRAIN: Ain't that a time
Oh, what a time
Oh, what a time, talkin' with angels
What a time

All best,
Johnm

   
Title: Re: Jim Jackson Lyrics
Post by: Johnm on July 09, 2012, 09:49:26 AM
Hi all,
Jim Jackson played "My Monday Blues", an 8-bar blues, out of E position in standard tuning.  It's an interesting agglomeration of verses, starting out with "East St. Louis Blues", maybe the progenitor of all 8-bar blues, going into "Every Day of the Week", and even working in a bit of "Corinne".  Is this the take you alluded to earlier in this thread, Alex?
Jim Jackson had a wonderful time stroke, and his backbeat really smacked down crisply.  He has an interesting personal take on the very beginning of the form--he's the only player I can remember hearing who opens the form playing an E7, fingered 0-X-X-X-4-3-4, rather than an E, fingered 0-X-X-X-4-5-4.  I can't figure out what he's saying at the tail end of the opening line of the second verse, and would appreciate some help.  I'll attach a video of the performance.

'My Monday Blues' JIM JACKSON (1927) Blues Guitar Legend (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J1vI3o8EcYE#)

I walked all the way from East St. Louis here
I did not have but one poor dime

It wasn't for me and either no poor soul
it was for that high brown-skinned of mine

I started to walkin' and my feet got soakin' wet
I got to thinkin' 'bout my good gal and I ain't quit walkin' yet

My Monday brownskin works 22 on Main
But my Tuesday brownskin brings me pocket change

But my Wednesday woman loves whiskey and sometimes do drink beer
But my Thursday girl give me the devil if she catch me here

My Friday good girl reads me the daily news
But my Saturday high brown buys my socks and shoes

I've got a gal in Georgia, one in Lou'siana
Four in Chattanooga, six in Alabama
Four, five women, right down in Memphis, Tennessee
If you don't like my peaches, let my orchard be

When you see me comin', a-heist your window high
And when you see me leavin', hang your head and cry

If you see Corinne, tell her I say hurry home
I ain't had no lovin' since Corinne been gone

A good-lookin' woman'll make a rabbit move his family to town
And a bad-lookin' gal will make a mule kick his stable down

Edited 7/9 to pick up corrections from dj

All best,
Johnm
Title: Re: Jim Jackson Lyrics
Post by: dj on July 09, 2012, 10:33:14 AM
John, I believe the second verse is:

It wasn't for me and EITHER NO POOR SOUL
It was for that high brown-skinned of mine

Also, I think you've got a typo in the second line of the third verse, it should be:

I got to thinkin' 'bout my good gal and I ain't QUIT walkin' yet
Title: Re: Jim Jackson Lyrics
Post by: Johnm on July 09, 2012, 10:39:27 AM
Thanks very much for "either no poor soul", dj.  I think I have heard that sung by other musicians, too, and have never understood it before.  You're right, too, I transcribed "quit" and typed "stopped".  I work in too much haste sometimes.  Thanks for back-stopping me.
All best,
Johnm
Title: Re: Jim Jackson Lyrics
Post by: GhostRider on July 09, 2012, 11:30:56 AM
John:

Yes, this is the version I'm familar with.

Alex
Title: Re: Jim Jackson Lyrics
Post by: Johnm on July 12, 2012, 08:33:17 AM
Hi all,
Jim Jackson backed himself out of E position in standard tuning for "Mobile-Central Blues".  This is such a strong performance.  His accompaniment is almost static--he only goes to the IV chord in the second and last verses, briefly, and never really goes to a V chord, but the wonderful rocking time of his and the sheer force of repetition has a cumulative impact.  I'm beginning to feel that Jim Jackson is like Lemon Jefferson and Peg Leg Howell, in that so many of his lyrics were picked up and used by people who came after him (and may have been used for some time before Jim Jackson sang them).  The vocal gets full emphasis on this song; he arrives singing and never takes a solo.

https://youtu.be/TYkfadto5Jk

Have you ever loved somebody, that somebody didn't love you?
Have you ever loved somebody, that somebody didn't love you?
Well now, I love my good girl, I don't care what she do

I'm worried now, baby, I won't be worried long
I'm worried now, baby, I won't be worried long
'Cause the girl I love done caught the train and gone

Have you ever taken a trip on the Mobile-Central line?
Have you ever taken a trip on the Mobile-Central line?
That's the road to ride to ease your trouble in mind

Love you like a faucet, you can turn it off or on
Love you like a faucet, you can turn it off or on
And when you think you've got it, it's done turned off and gone

If a white man had the blues, he goes down to the river and set down
If a white man had the blues, he goes down to the river and set down
Then if the blues overtakes him, he jumps overboard and drowns

If a colored man had the blues, he goes down to the river and set down
If a colored man had the blues, he goes down to the river and set down
Then if the blues overtakes him, he thinks about his woman and come on back to town

All best,
Johnm
Title: Re: Jim Jackson Lyrics
Post by: GhostRider on July 12, 2012, 10:13:27 AM
If a white man had the blues, he goes down to the river and set down
If a white man had the blues, he goes down to the river and set down
Then if the blues overtakes him, he jumps overboard and drowns

If a colored man had the blues, he goes down to the river and set down
If a colored man had the blues, he goes down to the river and set down
Then if the blues overtakes him, he thinks about his woman and come on back to town

All best,
Johnm

John, I'm more familiar with these two verses being the first two verses in Stokes' Nehi Mama Blues. Do you know whether this tune or Nehi was released first.

And the rest of the verses are all classics. If this was first, it must have the most stolen verses of all time (with the exception of "Matchbox")!


Alex
Title: Re: Jim Jackson Lyrics
Post by: dj on July 12, 2012, 11:01:54 AM
Mobile-Central Blues was recorded on January 22, 1928.  Nehi Mama Blues came 8 months later, on August 27, 1928.
Title: Re: Jim Jackson Lyrics
Post by: GhostRider on July 13, 2012, 09:01:43 AM
Mobile-Central Blues was recorded on January 22, 1928.  Nehi Mama Blues came 8 months later, on August 27, 1928.

Thanks, dj.

Alex
Title: Re: Jim Jackson Lyrics
Post by: Johnm on July 13, 2012, 10:11:44 AM
Yes, thanks for posting those dates, dj.  I had the date for the Stokes but not the Jim Jackson.
All best,
Johnm
Title: Re: Jim Jackson Lyrics
Post by: Johnm on July 13, 2012, 10:43:31 AM
Hi all,
Jim Jackson recorded "Santa Fe Blues" in 1930, and was joined by a pianist for the recording.  Jackson backed himself out of E position, confining the guitar to a very well-played accompaniment role.  I could use some help with the bent bracketed space in the tagline to the last verse, and would appreciate it.  I'll attach the performance.

'Santa Fe Blues' JIM JACKSON (1930) Blues Guitar Legend (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m1_fK9f4Uec#)

Die, die-duh, die-die, die-duh-duh, die-duh, die, die-die

Way out in Texas, on the Santa Fe
Way out in Texas, on the Santa Fe
My good woman is waitin' there for me

I walked the railroad and my feet got thin as a dime
I walked the railroad, my feet got thin as a dime
Tryin' to find that good girl of mine

My girl's got something, you can't say the same
My girl's got something and you can't say the same
She's got somethin' will make a bulldog break his chain

She's long and tall, handsome and fine
She's long and tall, handsome and fine
She used to love me, but now she don't pay me no mind

I came in Texas on that Santa Fe
I came in Texas on that Santa Fe
I was worried about that woman I thought cared for me

You can always tell when your woman don't want you 'round
You can always tell when your woman don't want you 'round
She's got her hair tied up and the [                ] upside down

All best,
Johnm
 
Title: Re: Jim Jackson Lyrics
Post by: Johnm on July 23, 2012, 11:18:01 PM
Hi all,
Jim Jackson backed himself out of G position in standard tuning for his rendition of "Long Gone".  G seems to have been his position of preference for his minstrel/medicine show material.  I'm beginning to realize that he probably recorded more of this type of material than any other early blues musician, Frank Stokes not excepted.  As with some of his other songs of this type, "Long Gone" ends up being a kind of pastiche, for after his second chorus, he goes to a different melody, phrasing model and chorus--what appears to be a different song altogether.  Jim Jackson apparently liked to double up his choruses, for he does it here as he did it on "What A Time".  He pronounces "Bowling Green" "Bowldin' Green" here.  I'd appreciate some help with the bent bracketed passage in the first verse after the new refrain is introduced.  I'll attach a video of the performance for those of you who haven't heard the song before.

https://youtu.be/-pedt_Us8L0

You all have heard the story 'bout Long John Green
Bold bank robber from Bowldin' Green
They put him in jail and he stayed three days
Late last night he made his get-away

CHORUS: He's long gone, from old Kentucky
He's long gone, wasn't he lucky?
He's long gone, what I mean
He's long gone, from Bowldin' Green
He's long gone, from old Kentucky
He's long gone, wasn't he lucky?
He's long gone, what I mean
He's long gone, from Bowldin' Green

They sent for the high sheriff to bring him back
Went 'n' put the p'lice hounds on his track
The doggone greyhound lost his scent
And nobody knows where Long John went

CHORUS: He's long gone, from old Kentucky
He's long gone, wasn't he lucky?
He's long gone, what I mean
He's long gone, from Bowldin' Green

REFRAIN: I ain't gon' tell you how I've got here, but I've got chere just the same
If you seen him runnin' them first five miles, you'd swore that he wasn't lame
Say, he stopped in the woods, catch his wind, a-heard the stick crack and a-lit out again
I ain't gonna tell you how I got here, but I got chere just the name

One day a circus came to town with freaks that 'as wild as a beast
A one-legged man by the name of Jones, we went to see the street parade
But just as we reached the circus ground, I heard somebody say,
"You better be mighty particular, 'cause the lion done got away
But then I grabbed my hat, for home I fairly flew
But when I got there, my one-legged friend said, "Jim, I'm right here, too."  He say,

REFRAIN: I ain't gonna tell you how I got here, but I got chere just the same
Said, if you seen him runnin' them first five miles, you'd swore that he wasn't lame
Say, he stopped in the woods, catch his wind, a-heard the stick crack and a-lit out again
I ain't gonna tell you how I got here, but I got chere just the same

REFRAIN: Yeah, I ain't gonna tell you how I got here, but I got chere just the same
If you seen him runnin' them first five miles, you'd swore that he wasn't lame
Say, he stopped in the woods, catch his wind, a-heard the stick crack and a-lit out again
I ain't gonna tell you how I got here, but I got chere just the same, yeah

Edited 7/24 to pick up corrections from dj and Johnm

All best,
Johnm

Title: Re: Jim Jackson Lyrics
Post by: dj on July 24, 2012, 04:06:41 AM
Hi, John.  I think the line in question is:

One day a circus came to town with FREAKS THAT WAS WILD AS A BEAST
 
Title: Re: Jim Jackson Lyrics
Post by: Johnm on July 24, 2012, 09:54:51 AM
Thanks very much for the help, dj.  I can now hear what you heard and have made the change.  Have you been able to make any sense of the ending of the tagline of the last verse of "Santa Fe Blues"?  It still has me stumped.
All best,
John
Title: Re: Jim Jackson Lyrics
Post by: Gumbo on July 24, 2012, 10:06:52 AM
stumped here too.
THAT ESTOREEN
is what i hear. howsabout you?
Title: Re: Jim Jackson Lyrics
Post by: dj on July 24, 2012, 10:43:53 AM
Quote
Have you been able to make any sense of the ending of the tagline of the last verse of "Santa Fe Blues"?

That's a tough one.  To take a guess, I'd say it might be:

She's got her HEAD tied up and HER HAIR STORIED upside-down

Where "storied" = "stored", pronounced with two syllables to fit the meter.  In other words, she's got a bandana around her head and her wig upside-down in the closet.  But that's just a guess based on the vowel sounds.   What I have as "storied" could be "storing", but I think I hear a d at the end of the word.
Title: Re: Jim Jackson Lyrics
Post by: Johnm on July 25, 2012, 02:21:22 PM
Hi all,
Jim Jackson accompanied himself out of C position in standard tuning on his rendition of "This Ain't No Place For Me".  This is one of his novelty numbers, and like most of them, it has many, many words.  Jim Jackson adopts a rueful, fussy sort of stance for this one.

https://youtu.be/3ikOIwhgs-Q

I went out to the country to take a little rest
I set down beneath the tree, pulled off my coat and vest
Some college girls were playing nearby, kickin' what they thought was an old football
But what it turned out to be was a hornet's nest, that's all

REFRAIN: I took one look, then I said, "This ain't no place for me."
The little bees was in the air, as busy as they could be
The infernal bugs that filled the air, one girl got stung but she wouldn't say where
I took one look, then I said, "This ain't no place for me."

My Father took sick one day, said, was feeling awful bad
I thought I would play a trick on my dear old Dad
I went and bought some limburger cheese and placed it in Pa's bed
And then I sent for the doctor, and this is what he said

REFRAIN: He took one look, then he said, "This ain't no place for me.
The undertaker's what you want, you've got no use for me."
The doctor grabbed his nose and said, "Gee, how long has he been dead?"
He took one look and then he said, "This ain't no place for me."

I went out to the seashore once, take a little swim
A girl was standing in front of me, her bathing suit was thin
She stooped down to pick up a shell and as she straightened back
I saw that her bathing suit was ripping up the back

REFRAIN: I took one look and then I said, "This ain't no place for me."
The water she was standing in just came up to her knee
A blind man standing beside of me said, "Gee, I wish that I could see!"
I took one look, then I said, "This ain't no place for me."

I went out to the circus just to pass the time away
I bought my ticket and walked right in like any other old jay
A bear got loose in there, right after me he went
The only place I had to hide was in the ladies' dressing tent

REFRAIN: I took one look and then I said, "This ain't no place for me."
I-I was runnin' everywhere, but what I saw, in there
I would rather face ten grizzly bears
I took one look and then I said, "This ain't no place for me."

All best,
Johnm
Title: Re: Jim Jackson Lyrics
Post by: Johnm on July 28, 2012, 12:00:15 AM
Hi all,
Jim Jackson backed himself out of G position in standard tuning for his rendition of "I Heard the Voice of a Porkchop".  He devotes a lot of the rendition to his guitar playing and it's really nice, and different from his playing on any of his other tunes I've heard thus far.  He doesn't sing nearly as many verses in his version of the song as Bogus Ben Covington did in his version.  Jim Jackson pulls his pet move of repeating his first refrain.  I remember as a kid first hearing this song on an early re-issue on Chris Strachwitz's Blues Classics label and being utterly baffled by it.

https://youtu.be/X4yfKuS21oo

Spoken, over instrumental intro: Ah, don't that sound good?  It sounds good to me.  It's just like somethin' good to drink.  It's all right with me.  I know that's playin' good.

I walked and I walked and I walked and I walked, I stopped for to rest my feet
I set down under an old oak tree, there went fast asleep
I dreamt I was sittin' in a swell cafe, hungry as a bear
My stomach sent a telegram to my th'oat, "There's a wreck on the road somewhere."

REFRAIN: I heard the voice of a porkchop say, "Come unto me and rest."
Well, you talk about your stewin' beef, I know what's the best
Well, you talk about your chicken, ham and eggs, turkey stuffed and dressed
But I heard the voice of a porkchop say, "Come unto me and rest."

REFRAIN: Yeah, I heard the voice of a porkchop say, "Come unto me and rest."
Well, you talk about your stewin' beef, I know what's the best
Well, you talk about your chicken, ham and eggs, turkey stuffed and dressed
But I heard the voice of a porkchop say, "Come unto me and rest."

(Spoken, over solo): Ah, stir it up now.  Damn, don't that sound good?  Ah, stir it up

I walked and I walked and I walked and I walked, I stopped for to rest my feet
I set down under an old oak tree, there went fast asleep
I dreamt I was sittin' in a swell cafe, as hungry as a bear
My stomach sent a telegram to my th'oat, "There's a wreck on the road somewhere."

REFRAIN: I heard the voice of a porkchop say, "Come unto me and rest."
Well, you talk about your stewin' beef, I know what's the best
Well, you talk about your chicken, ham and eggs, turkey stuffed and dressed
But I heard the voice of a porkchop say, "Come unto me and rest."

(Spoken, behind solo): Ah--ah, ain't that soundin' good?  Ah, play it, man!  Don't I do that thing?  Heh, heh.

REFRAIN: I heard the voice of a porkchop say, "Come unto me and rest."
Well, you talk about your stewin' beef, I know what's the best
Well, you talk about your chicken, ham and eggs, turkey stuffed and dressed
But I heard the voice of a porkchop say, "Come unto me and rest."

(Spoken over outro): Ah, ain't that nice? Ah, it just nice to be nice when you can be nice.

Edited 7/27 to pick up corrections from dj

All best,
Johnm





 
Title: Re: Jim Jackson Lyrics
Post by: dj on July 28, 2012, 06:10:46 AM
Hi, John,


I had that Blues Classics LP - Country Blues Classics, Volume 1.  "Baffled" is a good way to describe my reaction to the whole LP, as I didn't yet have any frame of reference nor any knowledge about the history of the blues or about any of the artists when I first got the LP in the early fall of 1968.  But a lot of the songs on that LP have remained favorites of mine for the last 40 plus years, and I Heard The Voice Of A Porkchop is one of them.

One minor suggestion:  In the second line of the refrain, I don't think Jackson is singing "I ain't know what's the best", but rather "I know what's the best", with the I drawn out to two syllables, so it ends up sounding like "I-ee".

Also, a small typo -in the last line of the refrain, you left out the quotation mark before Come unto me and rest.

     
Title: Re: Jim Jackson Lyrics
Post by: Johnm on July 28, 2012, 06:41:05 AM
Thanks for the catches, dj.  I will make the changes.  I agree, "I know what's the best" makes more sense, though the vowel sound on "I" is really moved around a lot.  Jim really hammed this one up, didn't he?  That old "Country Blues Classics" series introduced me to a lot of artists for the first time.  I find myself oddly nostalgic for that era, when one knew so little about the musicians, and each new re-issue had a couple of more mysterious gems.
All best,
Johnm
Title: Re: Jim Jackson Lyrics
Post by: Stuart on July 28, 2012, 07:06:32 AM
I find myself oddly nostalgic for that era, when one knew so little about the musicians, and each new re-issue had a couple of more mysterious gems.

That's one of the reasons I live in the past.  ;)
Title: Re: Jim Jackson Lyrics
Post by: Johnm on August 20, 2012, 12:31:34 PM
Hi all,
Jim Jackson backed himself out of G position in standard tuning for his rendition of "This Morning She Was Gone".  I remember this song being covered by the Youngbloods on their first album, back in the mid-60s.  Jackson does some impressive faux sobbing and groaning in his version.  I can't think of many present-day musicians who could pull this off, but Jerron Paxton certainly could.

https://youtu.be/gh4DpM1__bk

SPOKEN: People, my good girl has quit me and gone, and that's the reason why I'm gonna sing you this song.

REFRAIN: When I woke up this mornin', she's gone
She made me mad
I felt so sad
But I would not tell you the reason why
Oh, how she loved to dance that old Grizzly Bear
I guess she's gone to Frisco, to dance it there
'Cause when I woke up this mornin', she's gone oh! (groans)

REFRAIN: When I woke up this mornin', she's gone
She made me mad
I felt so sad
I would not tell you even the reason why
Oh, how she loved to dance that old Grizzly Bear
I guess she's gone to Frisco, to dance it there
'Cause when I woke up this mornin', she's gone

She's gone, gone, gone
She's gone, gone, gone

Always a sign, everybody know it's true
The more you do for people, the less they think of you
Now, she left town and she th'owed me down
And she's gone, gone, gone  oh! (sobs)

REFRAIN: When I woke up this mornin', she's gone
She made me mad
I felt so sad
She would not even tell me the reason why
Oh, how she loved to dance that old Grizzly Bear
I guess she's gone to Frisco, to dance it there
'Cause when I woke up this mornin', she's gone
'Cause when I woke up this mornin', she's gone

Edited, 8/21 to pick up correction from uncle bud

All best,
Johnm


Title: Re: Jim Jackson Lyrics
Post by: uncle bud on August 20, 2012, 02:45:40 PM
It was not a version with sobbing, but Paul Geremia did an up-tempo, raggy version on 12-string with Jim Bennett on mandolin on his Love, Murder and Mosquitos record that I enjoy. A number of Jim Jackson songs seem like good candidates for re-arranging to me.
Title: Re: Jim Jackson Lyrics
Post by: dj on August 20, 2012, 04:40:28 PM
The Grizzly Bear was a dance craze that originated in San Francisco in the first decade of the 20th century.  This means the song was probably written somewhere around 20 years before Jim Jackson recorded it in 1928.  It must have sounded very smart and current when it was written - it would have fit right in with Archeophone's Phonographic Yearbook for 1908 alongside Glow Worm and Take Me Out To The Ball Game - and a bit old and musty when it was recorded.     
Title: Re: Jim Jackson Lyrics
Post by: Johnm on August 20, 2012, 08:23:34 PM
I agree with you that re-arranging would be the way to go with most of Jim Jackson's less bluesy material, uncle bud.  Trying to cop his affect on that material would be too weird, and however accurately done, would cloy pretty quickly (instantaneously?).
All best,
Johnm
Title: Re: Jim Jackson Lyrics
Post by: uncle bud on August 21, 2012, 08:04:44 AM
A couple minor points:

In the refrain, he sings "that OLD Grizzly Bear" each time, I believe.

The take transcribed above is the unissued take. Unissued probably because of the somewhat odd way he sings line 4 of the refrain, "But I would not tell you the reason why". In the other take available on Document Vol 1, which is virtually the same, he sings the more logical line "But SHE would not even tell ME the reason why" throughout the song.
Title: Re: Jim Jackson Lyrics
Post by: Johnm on August 21, 2012, 10:06:00 AM
Thanks for the catch, uncle bud.  I transcribed "old" but didn't enter it--doh.  I agree as to why the take wasn't issued in the first place.  The first time he sings the line, especially, he barely sobs out the enunciation of it.
All best,
Johnm
Title: Re: Jim Jackson Lyrics
Post by: Johnm on August 22, 2012, 02:18:16 PM
Hi all,
Jim Jackson accompanied himself, as was his wont for his more minstrel/medicine show-influenced material, out of G position in standard tuning for "Bye, Bye, Policeman".  This is one of his strongest performances in this style.  I'm missing some words from the first sung portion of the song, and would appreciate help with any of the bent bracketed words or passages.

https://youtu.be/8qTECY5BOOc

SPOKEN: I'm going down to my girl's house to a big dance.  After the dance, we gonna have a big crap game.  Now listen, I'll tell you all about it.

Now, first thing, honey is the bomboushay
Oh, turn a-right around and go the other way
Ah, do the World's Fair, the Turkey Trot
Oh, don't that girl think she's very hot?
She puts her hand on her head and let her mind rove on
Bends way back and look at the star
She dances nicely and politely
This am the pas a ma la

SPOKEN: Now people, we's down at the crap game.

Me and some old boys started a big crap game
Right out in front of my door
Along come a policeman to stop that game, there,
"Boys, I'm gonna get you, sure."
So we started a game the very next day
Right in the same place
Along come a policeman and run us away
Lord, I was pickin' 'em up, layin' 'em down,
Curvin' in and curvin' 'round,
Bye-bye, Mr. Officer
Yes, I was pickin' 'em up, layin' 'em down,
Curvin' in and curvin' around
Bye-bye, policeman

He said, "Stop there, boy!  I'm the law, I command you!"
I said, "I ain't thinkin' 'bout that law you're tryin' to hand me."
Lord, I was pickin' 'em up, layin' 'em down
Curvin' in and curvin' 'round
Policeman, bye-bye
Yes, I was pickin' 'em up, layin' 'em down
Curvin' in and curvin' 'round
Bye-bye, Mr. Officer
Yes, I was pickin' 'em up, layin' 'em down
Curvin' in and curvin' 'round
Bye-bye, policeman

He said, "Stop there, boy!  I'm the law, I'll shoot you, Bill!"
I turned around and looked at him, said, "Reckon you will?"
Lord, I was pickin' 'em up, layin' 'em down
Curvin' in and curvin' 'round
Bye-bye, Mr. Officer
Yes, I was pickin' 'em up, layin' 'em down
Curvin' in and curvin' 'round
Policeman, bye-bye

Edited 8/22 to pick up corrections from banjochris

All best,
Johnm
,
Title: Re: Jim Jackson Lyrics
Post by: banjochris on August 22, 2012, 03:06:31 PM
Suggestions:

1.1 bomboushay (dance, also referred to by Jelly Roll Morton in "Anamule Dance")
1.3 AH, DO the World's Fair (I think this is probably referring to a dance, perhaps belly dancing?)
1.6 look at THE STAR (based on the original lyrics of the song referred to in 1.8)
1.8 THIS AM THE PAS A MA LA (dance step, song "Pas Ma La" written by Ernest Hogan)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ernest_Hogan (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ernest_Hogan) has some interesting info.
Chris
Title: Re: Jim Jackson Lyrics
Post by: Johnm on August 22, 2012, 03:23:47 PM
Thanks very much for the help, Chris.  Hearing those fixes and re-listening to the song made me sure both that they're all right, and that I never would have gotten them on my own.  Always good to hear from you.
all best,
Johnm
Title: Re: Jim Jackson Lyrics
Post by: banjochris on August 22, 2012, 05:15:34 PM
That song's one of my very favorites of his, right up with "Old Dog Blue."
Title: Re: Jim Jackson Lyrics
Post by: Johnm on August 23, 2012, 10:44:20 AM
Hi all,
Jim Jackson backed himself out of G position in standard tuning for "Going Around the Mountain", a song more commonly called "Charming Betsy", which is how Henry Thomas and Land Norris titled it.  This is one of those songs that was sung by everybody.  As jovially as Jim Jackson delivered his lyrics, they have a some bite to them--social commentary, if you will.

https://youtu.be/T0mTmomyap8

REFRAIN: Goin' 'round the mountain, charming Betsy
Sayin' I'm goin' 'round the mountain, Perlee
Now, if I never see you again
Do, Lord, remember me

Well, it's somethin' 'bout these Memphis women
I can't understand
For these old ladies wear these short dresses around
Tryin' to fool a working man

REFRAIN: Sayin', I'm goin' 'round the mountain, charming Betsy
Sayin', I'm goin' 'round the mountain, Perlee
Now, if I never see you again
Do, Lord remember me

Well, yella girl got this long straight hair
A brownskin girl got the same
But a black gal buys her'n at the ten cent store
But it's good hair, just the same

REFRAIN: Sayin', I'm goin' 'round the mountain, charming Betsy
Sayin', I'm goin' 'round the mountain, Perlee
Now, if I never see you again
Do, Lord remember me

Well, a yella gal smells like sweet toilet soap
Brownskin does the same
But a black girl smell like a billy goat
But she's smellin' just the same

REFRAIN: Sayin', I'm goin' 'round the mountain, charming Betsy
Sayin', I'm goin' 'round the mountain, Perlee
Now, if I never see you again
Do, Lord remember me

Well, a white man give his wife a ten dollar bill
He thinks that's nothing strange
But a colored man give his wife a one dollar bill
And beat her to death 'bout the ninety cents change

REFRAIN: Sayin', I'm goin' 'round the mountain, charming Betsy
Sayin', I'm goin' 'round the mountain, Perlee
Now, if I never see you again
Do, Lord remember me

Well, a white man lives in a fine brick house
He thinks that's nothing strange
But a poor colored man lives in the county jail
But it's a brick house, just the same

REFRAIN: Sayin', I'm goin' 'round the mountain, charming Betsy
Sayin', I'm goin' 'round the mountain, Perlee
Now, if I never see you again
Do, Lord remember me

All best,
Johnm

Title: Re: Jim Jackson Lyrics
Post by: Johnm on August 30, 2012, 02:54:48 PM
Hi all,
Jim Jackson accompanied himself out of G position in standard tuning for his version of "St. Louis Blues", playing a very straight boom-chang accompaniment.  His version does not go to the minor for the third verse as Trad Jazz versions of the song always do.  It makes one wonder whether the song had some currency before W. C. Handy wrote it, or if Jackson's treatment just amounts to a simplification of the song on his part.  There's probably no way of knowing for sure at this point.

https://youtu.be/DhoOH_UHzEE

Well, I hate to see that evening sun go down
Well, I hate to see that evening sun go down
'Cause it make me think, "Am I on my last go-round?"

If I'm feeling tomorrow a-like I feel today
If I feel tomorrow like I feel today
I'm gonna pack my suitcase and make my long get-away

'Cause the St. Louis woman, she wears her diamond ring
She leads her man around by her apron string
If it wasn't for powder and this store-bought hair
Oh, the girl I love wouldn't go nowhere, hair, hair

I got the St. Louis blues and just as blue as I can be
My girl got a heart like a rock cast in the sea
That's the reason why she goes so far from me

I love my girl like a schoolboy loves his pie
A-like a Kentucky white man loves his rock-and-rye
I love my girl 'til the day I die

A red-headed woman make a freight train jump the track
A red-headed woman will make a freight train jump the track
And a black-headed gal will make a preacher ball the jack

I got the St. Louis blues and just as blue as I can be
My girl got a heart like a rock cast in the sea
That's the reason why she goes so far from me

All best,
Johnm



Title: Re: Jim Jackson Lyrics
Post by: Johnm on August 31, 2012, 09:25:12 AM
Hi all,
Jim Jackson was joined for a pianist for his version of "I Ain't Gonna Turn Her Down".  Jackson backed himself out of G position, as was most often the case when he wasn't playing a blues.  Listening to the lyrics, I found myself wondering, since so many of Jim Jackson's make reference to gradations of skin  color, at what point did such references fall out of fashion in blues lyrics?  I do know that they're pretty much out of the picture in post-War blues, as far as I can remember, and I wonder if they stopped appearing in blues that weren't stylistic throwbacks even earlier than that.  I wonder, in addition, what changes came about in Black popular culture that made such references a thing of the past in the music.
I'm unable to hear the bent bracketed passage and would appreciate help with it.

https://youtu.be/8wtrLbnyWVQ

Die, die-die, die, die, die-die, die, die, die-die, die, die, die

You say you're goin' away, why didn't you say
Just when you be back again
While you gone, I hope you will stay
'Cause I got me another girlfriend

I'm really wild about her, I'm simply crazy about her
And I ain't gonna turn her down
She ain't no black gal, she ain't no high yella
She's just a sweet little teasin' brown
I met her one night, she let me take her home
She did something, mama, that you never done
She made me crazy 'bout her, just plumb fool about her
And I ain't goin' to turn her down (Spoken: All right)

Say, I'm just as wild about her, I's simply crazy about her
And I ain't gonna turn her down
She ain't no black gal and she ain't no high yella
She's just a little sweet teasin' brown
I met her one night, she let me take her home
Then she did something, mama, that you never done
I'm crazy about her, just a plumb fool about her
And I ain't goin' to turn her down

She looked so sweet, and she's just so neat
I spoke to her, I asked her name
She smiled and said, "Ida", and then she said,
"I heard of your thing."

And I'm simply wild about her, simply crazy about her
I ain't goin' to turn her down
She ain't no black gal and she ain't no high yella
She's a sweet little teasin' brown
I met her one night, she let me take her home
Then she done something, mama, that you never done
She made me crazy about her, just a plumb fool about her
I ain't goin' to turn her down

Edited 8/31 to pick up corrections from banjochris

All best,
Johnm




Title: Re: Jim Jackson Lyrics
Post by: banjochris on August 31, 2012, 11:20:24 AM
John, it almost sounds like he forgets the lyrics there, but it sounds to me like "I heard of your thing."

I'd also suggest:
1.1 why didn't you SAY
1.3 I hope you will STAY

Chris
Title: Re: Jim Jackson Lyrics
Post by: Johnm on August 31, 2012, 11:35:46 AM
Thanks for the help, Chris.  The ones in the first verse are certainly right, and I think after re-listening, that "I heard of your thing." is right, too.  That Ida was one smooth talker.  I'll make the changes.
All best,
Johnm
Title: Re: Jim Jackson Lyrics
Post by: Johnm on September 02, 2012, 05:33:53 PM
Hi all,
Of course, Jim Jackson had a huge hit with "Kansas City Blues".  He accompanied himself out of E position in standard tuning for the song, and his playing is marvelously strong.  His time is so heavy and he has the perfect amount of depth and follow-through on his backbeats.  It is not flashy playing, but it is done to perfection, and if it were easy to do, you'd hear everybody doing it just that way.  In fact, I've never heard the song covered with Jim Jackson's rhythmic feel captured.
I don't know if "Kansas City Blues" was the first chorus blues, but I think it was one of the earliest, and it was enormously influential.  To give Jim Jackson his due, he really hit a home run with this one.

SOLO

I was first on Main Street, started down Beale
I lookin' for that woman they call Lucille
REFRAIN: She done moved to Kansas City, she done moved to Kansas City
She done moved, baby, honey, where they don't 'low you

The Mississippi River so long, deep and wide
I can see my good girl standin' on the other side
REFRAIN: She done moved to Kansas City, she done moved to Kansas City
She done moved, baby, honey, where they don't 'low you

I left off of Beale Street, started down Vance
I was lookin' for the woman they call Lizzie Mance
REFRAIN: She done moved to Kansas City, she done moved to Kansas City
She done moved, baby, honey, where they don't 'low you

If you don't like my peaches, don't shake my tree
I ain't after your woman, man, she's after me
REFRAIN: We gon' move to Kansas City, we gon' move to Kansas City
We gon' move, baby, honey, where they don't 'low you

I got one girl in Texas and two in Tennessee
But the womens here in this town, Lord, takes on over me
REFRAIN: We gon' move to Kansas City, I'm gon' move to Kansas City
We gon' move, baby, honey, where they don't 'low you

I'm gonna tell all you men what we musn't do
Don't ever love one woman like she says she loves you
She'll call you honey, she'll call you pie
And she'll let things get a-loose, Lord, on the sly
REFRAIN: Then she'll move to Kansas City, then she'll move to Kansas City
Then she'll move, baby, honey, where they don't 'low you

All best,
Johnm

Title: Re: Jim Jackson Lyrics
Post by: Gumbo on September 03, 2012, 09:22:31 AM
Jackson did this a lot of course. I believe there are 142 takes of Kansas City Blues.

Wow! how many have been issued?

this one seems like it's Pt 2 going by this vid

https://youtu.be/zp1AodNnd-I

I'm still waiting for Document to reprint the jackson volume 1
Title: Re: Jim Jackson Lyrics
Post by: Johnm on September 12, 2012, 09:44:42 AM
Hi all,
Jim Jackson accompanied himself out of G position in standard tuning for his version of "He's In the Jailhouse Now".  He employs a "frailing" style of playing time that was unusual for him; rather than resorting to the "boom-chang" approach that was normal for him on his novelty material, he just whangs on full chords, four-to-the-bar, much as Willie Thomas did in his accompanying of the fiddler Butch Cage.
Because of the relatively sedate tempo Jim Jackson chose, he was only able to work in two of the song's verses, as opposed to the three that are more characteristically sung.  His reference to the card game euchre is the only one I can think of sung by a blues player.

https://youtu.be/MtowR42HDHA

I had a friend named Campbell, he used to steal and gamble
He made his living cheating all the while
He played a game called euchre, pinochle and poker
He thought he was the smartest dude in town
But I just found up Monday, he got locked up Sunday
They've got him in that jailhouse down in town
They got Campbell in the jail, no one to go his bail
The judge won't even accept him a fine

REFRAIN: He's in the jailhouse now, he's in the jailhouse now
I told Campbell once or twice,
"Stop playing cards and shooting dice." (spoken: Yeah, they got 'im!)
He's in the jailhouse now

I remember 'way last Friday, I met a girl named Lani
I thought she was the purtiest girl in town
She called me "Sonny", and I begin to spend my money
We went into a swell cafe and sit down
I thought that I was in it, I was spendin' every minute
Buyin' wine and whiskey by the quart
But when I went to pay that man, I found that lady's hand
In my pocket where my money was

REFRAIN: She's in the graveyard now, she's in the graveyard now
I told the judge right to his face,
"That lady's hand was out of its place."  (spoken: Yeah, they got her!)
She's in the graveyard now

All best,
Johnm
Title: Re: Jim Jackson Lyrics
Post by: banjochris on September 12, 2012, 02:33:03 PM
Because of the relatively sedate tempo Jim Jackson chose, he was only able to work in three of the song's verses, as opposed to the three that are more characteristically sung.  His reference to the card game euchre is the only one I can think of sung by a blues player.

I think Pink Anderson sings about euchre as well, as "euchre, blackjack, dice and poker" if memory serves.
Title: Re: Jim Jackson Lyrics
Post by: Johnm on September 14, 2012, 08:47:40 AM
Hi all,
Jim Jackson accompanied himself out of G in standard tuning for his version of "Hesitation Blues", which was the major version of that song, using the same melody that was used by Charlie Poole for "If the River Was Whiskey" and Buddy Boy Hawkins for "Voice Throwing Blues".  Jackson sang a lot of verses I've not heard used in other versions of the song, and sang several verses that turn up in versions of "Wild About My Lovin'".  I would appreciate some help corroborating/correcting one word in the lyrics.

https://youtu.be/VHlkHJ7rtWc

"Hello Central, what's the matter with your line?
I want to talk to that high brown of mine."
REFRAIN: Tell me how long will I have to wait
Can I get you now, or must I hesitate?

I'm going to the river with a rope and a rock
And the way you grieve me, I'm gonna jump over the dock
REFRAIN: Tell me how long will I have to wait
Uh, can I get you now, or must I hesitate?

I got somethin' to tell you, and I know it ain't good news
'Cause a hesitatin' woman give me the hesitation blues
REFRAIN: Tell me how long will I have to wait
Can I get you now, or must I hesitate?

I'm go and tell the Sergeant and see the Chief Police
'Cause the women 'round here won't let me see no peace
REFRAIN: Tell me how long will I have to wait
Uh, can I get you now, or must I hesitate?

I've got a girl in Memphis is all right
But the girl in Cincinnati is just too tight
REFRAIN: Baby, how long will I have to wait
Can I get you now, or must I hesitate?

I got a girl in Cairo, loves me, I know
But the girl in Louisville is got the best gold
REFRAIN: Tell me how long will I have to wait
Uh, can I get you now, or must I hesitate?

My Mother says I'm wicked, Daddy says I'm wild
I know I ain't good-lookin' but some woman's angel child
REFRAIN: Tell me how long will I have to wait
Can I get you now, or must I hesitate

I've sang you these verses and it didn't take long
If you want to hear any more, you'll have to buy this song
REFRAIN: Tell me how long will I have to wait
Can I get you now, or must I hesitate

All best,
Johnm





Title: Re: Jim Jackson Lyrics
Post by: banjochris on September 14, 2012, 10:31:00 AM
I think "gold" is right, John.
Title: Re: Jim Jackson Lyrics
Post by: Johnm on September 14, 2012, 11:08:13 AM
Thanks for the help, Chris.  It was a little tough to hear at the back end.  I'll make it final.
All best,
Johnm
Title: Re: Jim Jackson Lyrics
Post by: Johnm on October 05, 2012, 07:18:33 PM
Hi all,
Jim Jackson accompanied himself out of E position in standard tuning for his performance of "Gonna Move to Louisiana, Part 1", and the song is beautifully done, both vocally and instrumentally.  It is essentially "Kansas City Blues" with a different set of lyrics, but Jim plays really nice solos between the verses, and varies them a fair amount.  I like the sound of his "V chord avoidance" on these numbers, and his deeply resonant voice has sure grown on me.

https://youtu.be/Cl1Sw10vhC8

SOLO

I'm gonna move to Lou'siana, sugar, New Orleans gon' be my home

I went up North and it sure was cold
My baby got mad with me and I got her told
REFRAIN: I'm gon' move to Lou'siana, I'm gon' move to Lou'siana
I'm gon' move to Lou'siana, sugar, New Orleans gon' be my home

SOLO

If my woman mistreat me, I ain't gon' dog her 'round
I'll get me another woman in the next town
REFRAIN: I'm gon' move to Lou'siana, I'm gon' move to Lou'siana
I'm gon' move to Lou'siana, sugar, New Orleans gon' be my home

SOLO

Whenever you see two women walkin' down the street, hand in hand
You can bet one is talkin' 'bout the other's man
REFRAIN: How, "You oughta move to Lou'siana.  You oughta move to Lou'siana."
I'm gon' move to Lou'siana, sugar, New Orleans gon' be my home

SOLO

I met in girl in St. Louis, she lived in Birmingham town
And she told me that she loved me and she wouldn't th'ow me down
REFRAIN: We gon' move to Lou'siana, we gon' move to Lou'siana
We gon' move to Lou'siana, sugar, New Orleans gon' be our home

SOLO

I'm gonna tell all you men right tonight
If you've got a good woman, treat her right
I ain't drinkin' whiskey or either drinkin' wine
But a good woman is hard to find
REFRAIN: I'm gon' move to Lou'siana, I'm gon' move to Lou'siana
I'm gon' move to Lou'siana, sugar, New Orleans gon' be my home

OUTRO

All best,
Johnm
Title: Re: Jim Jackson Lyrics
Post by: Johnm on January 16, 2013, 08:55:55 PM
Hi all,
Jim Jackson accompanied himself out of G position in standard tuning, his favorite playing position for his novelty material, for "I'm A Bad, Bad Man".  This song has a ton of lyrics even by Jim Jackson's standards, and their mode of humor brings home how much times have changed with regard to what's considered acceptable.  John Jackson used to love to sing this song, and I remember him just beaming as he sang it, though of course he didn't sing most of Jim Jackson's verses.  I kind of shied away from this one when I was transcribing Jim Jackson lyrics earlier, but decided to give it a try.  I'd appreciate help with any of the problem areas, and I'm putting up a video of his performance, so if you don't otherwise have access to the song you'll have it here.

https://youtu.be/INWxOx8Sv4E


Oh, I went down, turkey feast
People behaving just as like wild beasts
Had everything, money could 'ford
People had enough for to feel most full

A one-eyed girl, her name was Lizzie
I looked in her face and she made me dizzy
She turned around, tried to flush
With hair on her head like a scrubbing brush
She looked like one grizzly bear

Oysters stewed, oysters fried
Oysters down there had never died
Strawberry shortcake, cake wasn't short
The chickens had never been bought

Big black Dooley, from the West
He had bullet holes through his chest
He got down, walked right in
All he wanted, a drink of gin

Little Mac Dooley went to draw his knife
Draw his knife for just to swear [sic] my life
Swear [sic] my life, I'll be gone
When I get there, I'm gwine sing this song

REFRAIN: I'm a bad, bad man
From bad, bad land
Nobody knows how bad I am
I don't care, police, judge and a jury
I'm a man from the bad, bad land

Well, it's put on your slick shoes, chillens
Sprinkle an' paint, you want to paint
Now, don't disgrace our colored race
Now listen to what I say
Go and put on your slick shoes, chillens
It's time to make your mark
Now don't come yella, but come the right color
For God's sake, don't come dark

REFRAIN: For I'm a bad, bad man
From bad, bad land
Nobody knows how bad I am
I don't care, police, judge or a jury
I'm a man from a bad, bad land

Give a colored man a white handle razor
And a crap game he will find
He makes these other boys scatter quick
They go at any time
Don't fuss, sir, with his money
For when he lays it down
He'll chop enough meat off of your head
For to feed all the dogs in town

REFRAIN: For he's a bad, bad man
From bad, bad land
Nobody knows how bad I am
I don't care, police, judge and a jury
I'm a man from a bad, bad land

Edited 1/18 to pick up corrections from dj and Johnm
Edited 1/21 to pick up corrections from uncle bud and Ghost Rider

All best,
Johnm

Title: Re: Jim Jackson Lyrics
Post by: banjochris on January 17, 2013, 06:50:04 PM
Boy this is a toughie, John, I'm gonna have to listen to it for a while. Most of the problem I think is that Jackson doesn't really know the words. A little Googling brought up that the original is a British music hall song called "I'm a Bad Bad Coon" but I wasn't able to find that either, at least not easily.
Title: Re: Jim Jackson Lyrics
Post by: Johnm on January 17, 2013, 06:55:59 PM
Yup, I think it is really tough, Chris.  I was proud of myself for getting "oysters", because until the moment it occurred to me, I had not a clue.  Your theory that Jim Jackson was not clear on the words himself makes sense in light of various lines that are clearly enunciated but make no sense, viz., "chickens had never been bought".  Huh?
All best,
Johnm
Title: Re: Jim Jackson Lyrics
Post by: dj on January 18, 2013, 04:41:03 AM
Quote
various lines that are clearly enunciated but make no sense, viz., "chickens had never been bought".  Huh?

The chickens that hadn't been bought were stolen. 
Title: Re: Jim Jackson Lyrics
Post by: dj on January 18, 2013, 04:59:54 AM
A few suggestions:

1.1:  I went down TO DE feast   "to the", Jackson pronounces it "ter dee"

1.4:  People had enough for TO FEEL MOST FULL 

5.2:  "Draw his knife for to spare my life" sounds right, but doesn't make a lot of sense.  I think Jackson must have flubbed the line here.

6.2:  Sprinkle THE [paint you] ON THE FACE   Could what sounds like "paint you" be "Patchou' ", a contraction and mispronouncing of patchouli, meaning perfume?

7.5:  Don't FUSS, SIR, with his money



 
Title: Re: Jim Jackson Lyrics
Post by: Johnm on January 18, 2013, 12:37:49 PM
Hi dj,
Thanks so much  for your help, first with the sense of "chickens had never been bought".  Obviously, Jim Jackson or the song-writer, if it was someone other than him, was way ahead of me--I completely missed the implication of that particular verb.  I listened a lot to the song again, and came up with the following:
   in 1.1 I'm pretty sure it is "turkey".  The way it comes off of his tongue is continuous as is "turkey" (Plus, I hear the "k" sound).  There's a short stop when you say "ter dee" that isn't there in Jim Jackson's rendition.
  1.2 After re-listening, I think Jim Jackson says, "People behavin' JUST AS LIKE wild beasts
  1.4 I think you're right with "TO FEEL MOST FULL"
  5.2 I think the line is "Draw his knife for JUST to spare my life".  I think the sense of this is that Big Black Dooley was fixing to kill the singer, but Little Mac Dooley backed Big Black down with a knife.
  6.2 I'm pretty sure he says, "Sprinkle AN' paint you want to paint", with "an'" a shortened version of "any", saying "Make yourself up according to your own tastes."
  7.5 I think "Don't fuss, sir, with his money" is right on.
As far as I'm concerned, I think the song is there.  Thanks for your energy and careful listening to these songs.
All best,
Johnm
Title: Re: Jim Jackson Lyrics
Post by: GhostRider on January 21, 2013, 02:21:14 PM
Hi all,
Jim Jackson accompanied himself out of E position in standard tuning for his performance of "Gonna Move to Louisiana, Part 1", and the song is beautifully done, both vocally and instrumentally.  It is essentially "Kansas City Blues" with a different set of lyrics, but Jim plays really nice solos between the verses, and varies them a fair amount.  I like the sound of his "V chord avoidance" on these numbers, and his deeply resonant voice has sure grown on me.


John, I agree I think this is my favorite Jim Jackson tune. (Guess I have PCJ on the brain lately, or Alzheimer's)

Alex
Title: Re: Jim Jackson Lyrics
Post by: uncle bud on January 21, 2013, 03:05:31 PM
Alex, I assume you meant to type JJ not PCJ?

Johnm, re. I'm a Bad, Bad Man, a minor point. In 9.7 I believe Jackson sings "He'll CHOP enough meat off of your head".
Title: Re: Jim Jackson Lyrics
Post by: GhostRider on January 21, 2013, 03:18:28 PM
John:

In Verse 5, in the two spots you have "spare", I think he sings "swear".

And Unkie Bud is right about chop, I think.

Alex
Title: Re: Jim Jackson Lyrics
Post by: Johnm on January 21, 2013, 03:28:11 PM
Thanks Andrew and Alex, for the help.  "Chop" it is--once again editing myself as I enter the lyrics there--arggh!  I agree with you, Alex, Jim Jackson says "swear" in those two places, though "spare" makes sense and "swear" does not.  I've made the changes and given the two "swear" places each a [sic].
All best,
Johnm
Title: Re: Jim Jackson Lyrics
Post by: Johnm on February 12, 2015, 08:29:05 AM
Hi all,
Jim Jackson was joined by Georgia Tom on piano for "Mean Woman Blues", an 8-bar blues which Jackson accompanied out of E position in standard tuning.  Jackson and Dorsey have a really nice, deep rocking sort of groove on the tune which allows Jackson to sort of speak/sing his lyrics with a distinctive rhythmic emphasis.  Was there an early Country Blues guitarist who recorded more 8-bar blues than Jim Jackson?  None springs to mind for me.  Here is the song:

https://youtu.be/K7GeDZVkZJY

When a woman loves you, she loves you with all her might
Boys, when she hates you, she don't want you in her sight

Mean woman blues is the worst blues in the world
I know she hates me, but I sure love that girl

I've got eleven dollars and fifty . . . cents
For anyone to tell me where Suzie went

I looked all over the state, but she is not in Tennessee
She's a mean woman, but I want her back with me

I went to St. Louis and I couldn't stay there
I got to thinkin' about Suzie and I can't stay nowhere

Have you ever loved a woman that you said you did not want no more?
But when she starts to leave you, you want her back 'fore she get out of the door

I love this woman, but she worries me all the time
But she is one woman I can't keep off of my mind

SPOKEN:  All right, Mr. Georgia Tom, let's hear that piano
PIANO SOLO

I'll tell you one thing, people, I want you to know
If Suzie ever comes back, I'll never let her leave me no more

Edited 9/19/21 to pick correction from Tonybluesboy

All best,
Johnm
 
Title: Re: Jim Jackson Lyrics
Post by: Johnm on February 12, 2015, 10:53:28 AM
Hi all,
Jim Jackson is joined by a very subdued pianist on "Love Sick Blues", yet another 8-bar blues that Jim Jackson accompanied out of E position in standard tuning.  Does anyone know who the pianist is on this track?  I'd like to give him credit.  Jim Jackson devotes an unusual amount of solo space to the guitar on this track.  His tracks on which he was joined by a piano are notable for how audible his guitar is; without engaging in a lot of string snapping or very heavy playing a la Scrapper Blackwell or Henry Townsend, he nonetheless always managed to be easy to hear.  Lyrically, he seems to have been a guy who was always coming up with new lines, viz., "my food swells in my throat".  Here is the track--it cuts out at the very end.

https://youtu.be/8XjWWajagyM

Have you ever loved a woman, and she would not treat you right?
She would keep you lovesick each day and night

But I love a woman that really won't treat me right
I can't sleep at night, she takes my appetite

Love that woman, and the Good Lord know I do
I wish some of you boys would tell me what to do

SOLO

She keeps me worried, my food swells in my throat
Now if I ever stop lovin', I ain't going to love no more

SOLO

This woman I love, she is so neat
I would quit my baby, but Lord knows, she's too sweet

SOLO

All best,
Johnm
Title: Re: Jim Jackson Lyrics
Post by: Johnm on February 12, 2015, 12:50:37 PM
Hi all,
For "Santa Fe Blues", Jim Jackson is joined again by a pianist (anyone know who?), as the duo works through a 12-bar progression with Jackson backing himself out of E position in standard tuning.  Jim Jackson once again delivers some memorable lines I've not heard sung elsewhere.  I'd very much appreciate help with the bent bracketed space in the tagline to the last verse.  Here is the performance:

Santa Fe Blues JIM JACKSON (1930) Blues Guitar Legend (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m1_fK9f4Uec#)

Die-die-di-die-die
Die-di-di-die-di-die-die-die

'Way out in Texas, on the Santa Fe
'Way out in Texas, on the Santa Fe
My good woman is waiting there for me

I walked the railroad, and my feet got thin as a dime
I walked the railroad, and my feet got thin as a dime
Trying to find that good girl of mine

My girl's got something, and you can't say the same
My girl's got something, and you can't say the same
She's got something will make a bulldog break his chain

She's long and tall, handsome and fine
She's long and tall, handsome and fine
She used to love me, but now she don't pay me no mind

I came in Texas on that Santa Fe
I came in Texas on that Santa Fe
I was worried about that woman I thought cared for me

You can always tell when your woman don't want you 'round
You can always tell when your woman don't want you 'round
She's got her hair tied up and the hat's turned upside down

Edited 2/13 to pick up correction from Gumbo
Edited 9/20/21 to pick up correction from Tonybluesboy and Harry

All best,
Johnm
Title: Re: Jim Jackson Lyrics
Post by: Gumbo on February 13, 2015, 09:32:07 AM
hmmm tricky.
this is what i have so far ...

She got her HAIR tied up and the ?? TURNED upside down (pronounced toyned)
Title: Re: Jim Jackson Lyrics
Post by: Johnm on February 13, 2015, 05:32:21 PM
Thanks for the help, Gumbo.  I think hair is right, and I'll make that change.  The phonetics for the end of the line sound like
   And the estowayne upside down.
That's really weird, turning an estowayne upside down, don't you think?
All best,
John
Title: Re: Jim Jackson Lyrics
Post by: Johnm on February 13, 2015, 05:39:58 PM
Hi all,
Jim Jackson was joined by a very sedate pianist for "Ain't You Sorry Mama, Part 1".  Jim backed himself out of E position in standard tuning, as was most often his practice on blues material.  The song is essentially "Kansas City Blues" without any mention of Kansas City.  Here it is:

https://youtu.be/aquL-dHefCg

I'd rather see my coffin come rollin' in my door
Than to hear my baby tell me she don't want me no more
REFRAIN: Now, ain't you sorry, mama?  Ain't you sorry, mama?
Ain't you sorry, mama, a-you mistreated poor me?

Baby, you know I'd rather be dead
Than to know somebody's been sleepin in my bed
REFRAIN: Now, ain't you sorry, mama?  Ain't you sorry, mama?
Ain't you sorry, mama, a-you mistreated poor me?

I'm just like a groundhog goin' back to his hole
The woman I love can satisfy my soul
REFRAIN: Now, ain't you sorry, mama?  Ain't you sorry, mama?
Ain't you sorry, mama, a-you mistreated poor me?

I'd rather be in the graveyard by myself
Than hear you tell me you want somebody else
REFRAIN: Now, ain't you sorry, mama?  Ain't you sorry, mama?
Ain't you sorry, mama, a-you mistreated poor me?

Another thing, baby, I want you to understand
Everyone looks like me, ain't no monkeyman
REFRAIN: Ain't you sorry, mama?  Ain't you sorry, mama?
Ain't you sorry, mama, a-you mistreated poor me?

Been five long years, five long years today
Since I found my baby had me away
REFRAIN: Ain't you sorry, mama?  Ain't you sorry, mama?
Ain't you sorry, mama, a-you mistreated poor me?
REFRAIN: Ain't you sorry, mama?  Ain't you sorry, mama?
Ain't you sorry, mama, a-you mistreated poor me?

All best,
Johnm
Title: Re: Jim Jackson Lyrics
Post by: uncle bud on February 14, 2015, 09:55:08 AM
Can't help with the lyric in Sante Fe yet, but regarding Jackson's piano accompanist - The Document CD has the pianist as possibly Speckled Red on Ain't You Sorry Mama and Love Sick Blues in May 1929 and unknown for Sante Fe in July 1929, both sessions in Chicago. Possibly Red again? B&GR has all piano accompaniment on these tracks as "unknown".
Title: Re: Jim Jackson Lyrics
Post by: Johnm on February 16, 2015, 02:13:56 PM
Thanks for that information, uncle bud.  You always hope that in such instances, Jim Jackson will acknowledge the pianist by name at some point in the course of the performance, as he did Georgia Tom on that one track, but the playing of the pianist on the last couple of tracks is particularly faceless.
All best,
Johnm
Title: Re: Jim Jackson Lyrics
Post by: Johnm on April 18, 2016, 05:53:02 PM
Hi all,
For "I'm Gonna Move To Lou'siana, Part 1", Jim Jackson returned to the accompaniment and structure that garnered him such a big hit with "Kansas City Blues".  After a pretty spiffy intro, he goes to that familiar strain.  Here is his performance:

https://youtu.be/Cl1Sw10vhC8

INTRO

I'm gon' move to Lou'siana, sugar, New Orleans gon' be my home

I went up North, and it sure was cold
My baby got mad with me, and now I got her told
REFRAIN: I'm gon' move to Lou'siana, I'm gon' move to Lou'siana
I'm gon' move to Lou'siana, sugar, New Orleans gon' be my home

SOLO

If my woman mistreat me, I ain't gon' dog her 'round
I'll get me another woman in the next town
REFRAIN: I'm gon' move to Lou'siana, I'm gon' move to Lou'siana
I'm gon' move to Lou'siana, sugar, New Orleans gon' be my home

SOLO

Whenever you see two women walkin' down the street, hand in hand
You can bet one is talkin' 'bout the other's man
REFRAIN: Honey, you oughta move to Lou'siana, you oughta move to Lou'siana
I'm gon' move to Lou'siana, sugar, New Orleans gon' be my home

SOLO

I met a girl in St. Louis, she lived in Birmingham town
And she told me that she loved me and she wouldn't throw me down
REFRAIN: We gon' move to Lou'siana, we gon' move to Lou'siana
We gon' move to Lou'siana, sugar, New Orleans gon' be my home

SOLO INTERLUDE

I'm gonna tell all you men, right tonight
If you got a good woman, treat her right
I ain't drinkin' whiskey, or either drinkin' wine
But a good woman is hard to fine
REFRAIN: I'm gon' move to Lou'siana, I'm gon' move to Lou'siana
I'm gon' move to Lou'siana, sugar, New Orleans gon' be my home

CODA

All best,
Johnm
Title: Re: Jim Jackson Lyrics
Post by: Tonybluesboy on September 18, 2021, 01:36:06 PM
Jim Jackson - Santa Fe Blues
I hear the final bit as - She's got her hair tied up and HER HAT TURNED upside down.
(Peetie Wheatstraw "Went downtown this mornin' - My hat on upside down" in Crazy With The Blues)
All the best
Tony
Title: Re: Jim Jackson Lyrics
Post by: Johnm on September 18, 2021, 01:54:38 PM
I don't know, Tonybluesboy--what you suggest doesn't match either the phonetics or the number of syllables that Jim Jackson sang there. I think the solution remains to be found.
All best,
Johnm
Title: Re: Jim Jackson Lyrics
Post by: Tonybluesboy on September 19, 2021, 07:24:43 AM
Jim Jackson - Mean Woman Blues
I hear the third verse as
I've got eleven dollars and fifty . . . CENT
For anyone to tell me WHERE SUZIE WENT
(Probably Cent rather than Cents because he is accurate with his rhymed endings, albeit with the use of worl' & mo', etc)
All the best
Tony
Title: Re: Jim Jackson Lyrics
Post by: Johnm on September 19, 2021, 07:55:08 AM
Hi Tonybluesboy,
Good catch on "where Suzie went", and I will make the change. I listened several times and your can hear the "s" on "cents" so I'll leave that.
All best,
Johnm
Title: Re: Jim Jackson Lyrics
Post by: Blues Vintage on September 20, 2021, 01:00:50 PM
Jim Jackson - Santa Fe Blues
I hear the final bit as - She's got her hair tied up and HER HAT TURNED upside down.
(Peetie Wheatstraw "Went downtown this mornin' - My hat on upside down" in Crazy With The Blues)
All the best
Tony



I got to agree with Tony with one small difference;

She's got her hair tied up and the hat turned upside down.

Title: Re: Jim Jackson Lyrics
Post by: Johnm on September 20, 2021, 01:21:20 PM
I'm finally hearing it, Harry and Tonybluesboy. I think you had it, Harry, except I think it is "hat's turned upside down" rather than "hat". I will make the change.
All best,
Johnm
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