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Country Blues => Country Blues Lyrics => Topic started by: Jellyroll on August 16, 2005, 10:27:12 AM
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I haven't been here for a while, so somebody may be able to direct me to this topic if it has been solved already. But I'm trying to work out the last line of the last verse of Gus Cannon's "In My Younger Days," and I just cant get it.
https://youtu.be/LgRQdfrxgm8
The last verse goes:
I'll tell you partner, I ain't got a friend;
I say hayeeooo
I ain't got a friend;
They'll take your women (baby?) from you,
They'll ?????
Here's as close as I can get to that last line, with a note from Bill Boslaugh:
"What I literally hear for the last line?is "They'll take your?baby from you?then ride in your face again."? But that doesn't make sense to me, so I'd offer the following choices, in no particular order:??
????They'll take your?baby from you, ahh, right in your face again
????They'll take your?baby from you, and lie?in?your face again
????They'll take your?baby from you then, right in your face again
????They'll take your?baby from you, then ride in your place again
????They'll take your?baby from you, and lie?to?your face again
???
R R Macloud, in his lyrics book has it as:? They'll take your?baby from you, then ride in your baby's bed..."
?bb
What do YOU think?
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Hi Well Now - what record is this available on? I haven't heard it, I don't think.
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I don't know which collection this is from. I got it in a resource CD compiled by a fellow band member.
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OK, sorted it out. The song is actually called Rooster Crowing Blues.
The line sounds something like "They'll take your baby from you, get right in your face again". Hard to say.
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Uncle Bud,
Thank you for setting me straight on the title; the compilation I got came without any titles at all, but I'd always called this song "In My Younger Days" because of the second verse.
"Get right in your face again" also makes sense. at least, that's what I'll use in performance until somebody can give me a better translation.
Thanks for your help.
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The song is labeled "Goin' to Germany," but Noah Lewis (singing with Cannon's Jug Stompers) never adds the last syllable. The first line, "I'm goin' to Germa, I'll be back some old day," could be interpreted as the words of a WWI soldier saying goodbye to his gal as he leaves for the war. But there is no further support for this interpretation in the lyrics! It becomes a typical relationship blues. He is saying goodbye to her, but because of the bad things she has done to him, nothing about entering the service or heading overseas. So...could that first line be about something other than the country Germany? Is there a Germa, Tennessee, or some other state, or something that sounds like that, that the record company misinterpreted when writing the name of the song on the record label? Or if you do think it means "Germany," have you ever heard or read anyone else using "Germa" for "Germany"?
https://youtu.be/pXTojFgFkps
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According to Google, there was a Germa, Arizona:
Owned by the German-American mining company, Germa was founded in 1896 as gold was discovered just south of Oatman. The post office was established January 20, 1903 and discontinued February 27, 1906. There was insufficient water to run the mill and the mine closed down in 1906. Today, only a few foundations mark the site.
But I've never thought the line referred to anything other than Germany and the war. Then again, I have have no particular reason for thinking that other than references to Germany and the war in other blues, e.g., Last Kind Words etc.
This is a favorite of mine from Cannon's Jug Stompers. I love the harp playing, and the singing.
Michael Jerome Browne does a nice version.
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Unkie Bud:
I love it when you talk mining...
Alex
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I always understood that there was a place called Germantown near Memphis.
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True! Germantown is a wealthy suburb of Memphis. Why didn't I think of that! I'll try to check into what it was like then (probably a settlement of German immigrants) and whether it was ever referred to as "Germa." Thanks, Chezz
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I always understood that there was a place called Germantown near Memphis.
I'll throw this in to muddy the waters. :)
Back in the mists of time when this was first made available on the compilation The Great Jug Bands (Origin OJL4) the titling raise much comment. A reviewer noted that it was probably intended to be reference to the German community in Memphis. A debate ensued as to why the singer would "go away to be back some day". One suggestion put forward was Jermyn in Texas.
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Tell you what, when I lived in Memphis I went to Germantown often. It's where you went to go to a mall with department stores and stuff. True it's a nicer area of Shelby County, TN, but there's no old stuff. No old houses, downtown, nuthin'. If anything it was probably just a few farms.
My two and a half year old son, James, who was born in Memphis actually sings it 'gwine to Germas'. Whether he got this from Lewis or not, I can't be sure.
Crawley
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It's probably reasonable to assume that any song recorded has been in the repertoire of the artist for some time before they find themself recording it.
This might place the orgin of the song fairly close to the end of WW1.
Songs about soldiers going away and returning someday were fairly common in mainstream popular music of the time.
As has already been pointed out, why would the singer be bidding fond farewell and "be back some old day" to simply go to a nearby neighborhood?
Plus, I'm certain I hear him singing it as "Goin' to German", rather than "Germa" and my assumption is that it was a mis-pronunciation of Germany.
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I'm sure I read something by Bengt Olsen who was familar with the old Memphis blues guys that Gus Cannon himself had said the song referred to Germantown.
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Can somebody help me out? I'm working on this tune, but there are a couple of lines I just can't get. "catch yourself the next freight train" and "gonna set downtown for a little sap.." lines have me kinda baffled. Those are the words I sing, but I'm sick of not being sure about them. If anybody else here can set me straight with these lines and any others that I've got wrong, please do
https://youtu.be/r2yhAUT5Waw
-aaron
now, i'm layin' around, little town
smokin' on a snipe cigar
i was waitin' for a hand out
just to catch an empty car
just as a freight train was rollin' by
my wait was all in vain
back home, back home you dirty bum
catch yourself the next freight train
now if you wanna be a little brown of mine
bring it with you when you come
layin' around, little town
head chock full of rum
gonna set downtown for a little sap
she's sittin' on another man's lap
well if you wanna be a little brown of mine
bring it with you when you come
bring it with you when you come
the last two verses are repeated
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now, i'm layin' around, little town
smokin' on a snipe cigar
i was waitin' for a hand out
just to catch an empty car
just as a freight train was rollin' by
my wait was all in vain
back home, back home you dirty bum
catch yourself the next freight train
What I'm hearing, but my ears ain't what they usta be, is
Just as a freight train come rollin' by
my wait was all in vain
"back off, back off, you dirty bum
an' catch the good ol' Memphis train"
i.e the railroad "dick" (or whoever) is telling him to get the regular train like everybody else.
Is "snipe cigar" a brand? All I can hear is "nice".
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Bunker, you might be right on both lines. I got the lyrics that I have from somebody's webpage, but I don't trust them. That's where the snipe cigar thing came from. I have no idea what a "snipe" cigar is. You may be right about a "nice" cigar. And "back off, back off" sounds true as well. I am not hearing Memphis though in that last line, but as my wife would testify, I "never know what I'm talking about."
Now I just need input on the last verses. The "gonna set downtown....a little sap...another man's lap.." parts.
Thanks for the help so far.
-aaron
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Listening to the last repeat of the last verse I hear something like:
I can't send your over (to) town for to get a little sap
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Listening to the last repeat of the last verse I hear something like:
I can't send your over (to) town for to get a little sap
Ah, that's a good approach I just assumed (because it said so) that they were all repeats and didn't listen beyond the initial one. Once past that obstacle it becomes clear that the three repeats aren't exactly the same. Starting with the last which I find clearer:
I can't send you over town for the little, little sap, boy, but she's sittin' in another man's lap
the previous thus:
I can't take you down town, for you is a little sap, now babe is sittin' on another man's lap
and the first, still the most difficult to decipher, could be:
I can't look down town for a little sap, now she is sittin' on another man's lap
All I can say is "phew", over to you...folk
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A snipe is the discarded butt of someone else's smoke. Don't ask me where the word comes from, but that's what it means.
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A snipe is the discarded butt of someone else's smoke. Don't ask me where the word comes from, but that's what it means.
Thanks. As it was I who posed the question, the least I can do is give the etymology. The Dictionary of American English (OUP, 4vols 1960) shows the earliest usage (as cigar-butt) being in 1899 and published on page 397 of work called "Tramping" by somebody named Flynt .
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this song hypnotizes me... wish i could understand all of the lyrics. any help would be much appreciated. thanks,
baird
https://youtu.be/6bJIydy3-B8
CANNON'S JUG STOMPERS. "Feather Bed" . memphis tennessee . september 9 . 1928
i remember the time just before the war
colored man used to go out slept in straw
but now bless god xxxxxx's dead
colored man come to move out the feather bed
hheee weee my dear
it's a old road i'm bound to go
i went up town, gonna Ceetan House
think i heard my baby cry
wee wee, wee wee-ew honey
old road i'm bound to go
wee wee, wee-oew baby
old road i'm bound to go
i went down town, didn't mean no harm
police grabbed me right by my arm
till i begin to kick, i begin to rare
felt like strolling in the air
who-ew woo woo baby
old road i'm bound to go
i went down town, doing my bit
find the boys that stole the bed
went on around about the coat square
find the boys that done stole the coat
hee-ewww baby
old road i'm bound to go
now xxx xxx was in the stand
had them law books in his hand
now begin to pick, pull out a writ, began to read to me
that nigger been stealing in the first degree
eww-wee ewww baby
old road i'm bound to go
evil old Britain and Moses Brown
they're going across Cripple Creak going to town
who who who baby
old road i'm bound to go
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Here's what I get -- I'm absolutely sure about the first verse and the "over the road."
The "goin' uptown" line I can't make sense of. Same with the first name in the last verse; I agree it starts with "Ev" and has something like "Brit" or even "Prince" in it. Any name would do, I guess. Also, in the verse about the law books, the inclusion of the "I began to pitch" is a mistake on Cannon's part -- he's going back a couple of verses but corrects himself very quickly. If you listen the harp goes out of phase for just a second before Lewis realizes what's happened and comes back in.
Chris
I remember the time just before the war
Colored man used to fuss 'bout shucks and straw
But now bless God, old Massa's dead
Colored man plum fool 'bout feather bed.
Eee weee, my dear, say
Over the road I'm bound to go.
I went uptown goin' seekin' house?
Think I heard my baby cry
Wee wee ooh honey
Over the road I'm bound to go
Mmmm hmmm baby
Over the road I'm bound to go
I went downtown, didn't mean no harm
Police grabbed me right by my arm
Till I began to pitch, I began to rare
Felt like strollin' in the air
Oooh oooh oooh baby
Over the road I'm bound to go.
I went downtown doin' my best
Find the boy that stole the vest
Went on around 'bout Court Square
Find the boy that done stole the coat
Oooh whee baby
Over the road I'm bound to go
Now new juror was in the stand
Had them law books in his hand
I begin to pitch, pulled out a writ, began he read to me
That nigger been stealin' in the first degree
Mmmm baby
Over the road I'm bound to go
(?) and Moses Brown
them's goin' cross Cripple Creek goin' to town
Hmm hmm baby
Over the road I'm bound to go
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banjo chris,
your ear amazes me.
we've still got some work to do on this one though...
baird
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I think the first line of the second verse is:
"I went uptown gon' sneak in t' house", where the barely voiced "t" is an extremely truncated "the".
That name in the last verse sounds a lot like Eve O'erbridge (Overbridge with the v elided) or possibly Ivor Bridge. Looking closely at the verse, it's some wordplay on the theme of crossing a creek: "bridge" is obvious, and "Moses" for parting the Red Sea. Wow, that's pretty cool!
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DJ I like the suggestion on the 2nd verse and agree about the "Bridge" -- not sure we'll ever know what he said for the first name.
Chris
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Here's my version of 'Feather Bed'. I've taken on board some of the suggestions of banjo chris and dj. My 'whee's and 'oooh's are suspect!
I remember the time just before the war.
Colored man used to fuss about shucks and straw.
But now, bless God, old Massa dead.
Colored man plumb fool about feather bed.
Whee, whee, my dear, and it's
Over the road I'm bound to go.
I went uptown, gonna sneak in the house.
Think I heared my baby cryin'.
Whee, whee, whee, honey.
Over the road I'm bound to go.
Whee, whee, baby.
Over the road I'm bound to go.
I went downtown, didn't mean no harm.
Police grabbed me right by my arm.
Soon I begin to kick, I begin to rear.
Felt like strollin' in the air.
Ooooh, oooh, oooh, baby.
Over the road I'm bound to go.
I went downtown, doin' my best.
Find the boy that stole the vest.
Went on round about Court Square.
To find the boy that done stole the coat.
Whee, whee, baby.
Over the road I'm bound to go.
Now I knew Judge Lewis was in the stand.
Had them law books in his hand.
When I begin to speak, pulled out a writ.
Begin to read it to me.
"This means you've been stealin', oh, it's clear."
Whee, whee, whee, baby.
Over the road I'm bound to go.
Here's Old Pritt and Moses Brown.
Them goin' across the street to keep goin' to town.
Oooh, oooh, oooh, baby.
Over the road I'm bound to go.
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I'm having trouble in particular with the last line. Judging by the final verse, this song should have been called "Tired of Chicken Blues", but "Tired Chicken" sounds better. Well, they both sound good.
https://youtu.be/HlppXAXmZaQ
Tired Chicken Blues - Cannon's Jug Stompers
Said I'm going downtown, baby, won't be gone so long (spoken: Have mercy, have mercy)
Said I'm going downtown, baby, won't be gone so long (Have mercy, have mercy)
Said I'm tired and worryin', bound to sing this song (Have mercy)
Play it Mr. Cannon, play it now. Oh play that harp Noah, play it, boy, play it
Now when I stayed at home, baby, you don't treat me right (Have mercy, have mercy)
When I stayed at home, baby, you don't treat me right (Aww, have mercy, have mercy)
The best time I have, baby, when you's outta my sight (Have mercy)
Spoken: Play that harp, Mr. Noah, play it, play it, play it
Get right on that jug now, Joe
Awww, have mercy
Said I'm tired of chicken, baby lord I'm tired of steak (Have mercy, have mercy)
Said I'm tired of chicken, baby I'm tired of steak (Have mercy, have mercy)
I had a chill last night, Woods, now I'm too tired to shake (Have mercy, have mercy)
Play it now
edited for suggestions from orville and dingwall
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The line is...
I had a chill last night now I'm too tired to shake.
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Thanks Orville! I hear it clearly now. There's an extra syllable after "night" beginning with "w". I'll have to listen some more.
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A couple of points, Andrew.
Tired Chicken Blues - Cannon's Jug Stompers
1.3 Said I'm tired and WORRYIN', bound to sing this song (spoken: Have mercy)
3.3 I had a chill last night WOODS, now I'm-----(ref to Hosea Woods)
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A couple of points, Andrew.
Tired Chicken Blues - Cannon's Jug Stompers
1.3 Said I'm tired and WORRYIN', bound to sing this song (spoken: Have mercy)
3.3 I had a chill last night WOODS, now I'm-----(ref to Hosea Woods)
Perfect dingwall! Thanks.
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I'm trying to understand the words, and failing completely in a few places. Help??
https://youtu.be/LuU91T4xVJs
Here's what I have:
Poor Boy ? Frank Stokes
Me a poor boy and a long way from home
I got 'rested, no money to buy my fine,
Said I guess I'll have to catch the??? , in this land???
And if that don't do 'em why ????
Try the ????
I cried hello central give me, Your long distance phone
I cried please maam give me 1349
Cried to phone to my?.
Tell her to send me little money
For to buy my fine
She cried the buckets got a?
Lord won't hold no beer
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Based on the words you've posted, I don't think this is Frank Stokes - rather Gus Cannon as Banjo Joe playing slide banjo with Blind Blake backing him on guitar (and very fine accompaniment it is - perfect!). My changes (I like the whole changes in CAPITALS thing!):
Said I guess I'll have to catch the??? , in this land???
Said I guess I'll have to catch the 'FRISCO OUT, in this LAND
Catch the 'Frisco out
Lord I guess I'll have to catch THAT 'FRISCO OUT
And if that don't do 'em why ????
Try the ????
Man, if that don't do I'M GWINE [drops "the"] WOODS A WHILE
Try the WOODS A WHILE
IF [slide finishes line]
spoken: She asked me what number did I want?
Cried to phone to my?.
TRIED to phone IT to my...
The rest looks ok to me.
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Thank you Frankie. Yes of course you are right, it is Gus Cannon and I knew that. That's what I get for trying to figure out lyrics in the middle of the night!
Best,
Suzy
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I got excited for a second there, thinking that there was a Frank Stokes songs I didn't know about haha.
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Yo:
I have recently become interested in this tune via it's numerous covers by the Grateful Dead. The song was written by Noah Lewis (Cannon's Jug Stompers) as outlined in the history I found online below
"Noah Lewis wrote Minglewood Blues in the mid 1920's. The subject is a wild gambling town 80 miles north of Memphis, Tennessee called Menglewood. He rewrote and recorded the song in 1928 and called it "New "Minglewood Blues. In 1929 Charlie Patton released "It Won't Be Long". One verse of the song is:
You ever go down to Memphis, stop by Minglewood
You ever go down to Memphis, stop by Minglewood
You Memphis women don't mean no man no good
In 1930 Noah Lewis completely rewrote and rerecorded the song as "New, New Minglewood Blues" using Patton's verse."
I tried to find the song's lyrics online but was swamped out by the Grateful Dead's version. I don't own the CJS versions.
Does anyone have the lyrics? Or at least let me know how close they are to the GD version.
The GD play the tune in E. The first verse just uses the I and V chords. Subsequent verses use the progression IV-flatIII-I repeated twice then V-I. Do CJS use this progression or is it a GD invention.
Sorry to bug you all, but this seems like it would be a fun tune to work up as a solo guitar or mando piece.
Thanks in advance for any help you'd care to give me.
My #1 occupation is stealin' wimmins from their other mens,
Alex
https://youtu.be/fUVcm79nX_E
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From memory:
CJS version
Don't you ever let one, woman rule your mind (2X)
She will keep you worried, troubled all the time
Don't you wish your fairo was little and cute like mine (2X)
She's a married woman but she comes to see me sometime
Well I got a letter, you oughta heard it read (2X)
Said you comin' back, baby, now be on your way
NLJB version
When you go to Memphis, stop by Minglewood (2X)
'Cause those women in the camp don't mean no man no good
I was born in the desert, raised in a lion's den (2X)
And my reg'lar occupation takin' women from their other men
I actually worked out a solo guitar arrangement of this in G (with a Stokes like slide of the G chord and C chord up to get the B note at the 7th fret that you'd like -G-) and I heard it as a pretty straight 12 bar going to the IV in the 4th and 5th bars and the V in the 8th and 9th, no 7ths and no turnaround. If I have time I'll post a rude recording later. I actually sing all the verses 'cause there's a cool connection between the married fairo and his reg'lar occupation.
Wax
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Another great CJS song covered by the GD also in G, I think, which I also worked out a solo guitar arrangement for is Big Railroad Blues. And Viola Lee is in G also.
Wax
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Here you go Alex, the first take I managed to get all the way through.
Hard to call this my arrangement, since I pretty much just copied the bass from Avery Thompson's guitar and the treble from Noah Lewis' harp. He plays the melody and response lick every time through.
I don't know, this arrangement doesn't thrill me enough to want to work it up as a solo performance, even if I added the jug, but it might make a good basis for a jam, I guess, since harp players who want to learn the melody are few and far between. Maybe if Chezz or Slack were around.... I'll practice it more if I actually make it to PT this summer.
Wax
[attachment deleted by admin]
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BTW, checking B&GR, I see the CLS version was recorded as Minglewood Blues on Jan. 30, 1928 and the NLJB version was recorded as New Minglewood blues on Nov. 26, 1930. I always assumed that New New was the GD version. Also, I think Kweskin did it earlier than the GD as just New Minglewood.
I would think twice before actually believing anything you read on a GD fan site. -G-
Wax
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I've done a search here and it has not turned up - was wondering if anyone has transcribed Gus Cannon's "Can You Blame the Colored Man" ?
https://youtu.be/dR_obe4F-Sg
thanks -
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Hi Allen -- usually with lyric transcriptions we encourage folks to try it themselves, get as much of it as you can, and then other people will chime in.
Chris
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A very interesting song I hadn't heard before, and it was a pleasure to have a crack at getting it down.
Can You Blame The Colored Man (1927)
Now, Booker T, he left Tuskegee, to the White House he went one day.
He was goin? to call on the President in a quiet and a sociable way
He was in his car, he was feelin? fine.
Now, when Booker knocked on the President?s door, old Booker begin to grin.
Now, he almost changed his color, when old Roosevelt says ?A-come in,
We?ll have some dinner in a little while.?
Now, could you blame the colored man for makin? them goo-goo eyes?
And when he sat down at the President?s table he began to smile
Eatin? lamb, ham chicken roast, chicken, turkey, quail on toast
Now, could you blame the colored man for makin? them goo-goo eyes?
Now, Booker was so delighted at the social that was given to him,
Well, he hired him a horse and carriage and he taken the whole town in.
He?s drunk on wine, was feelin? fine.
Now, could you blame the colored man for makin? them goo-goo eyes?
And when he sat down at the President?s table he began to smile
Eatin? lamb, ham chicken roast, chicken, turkey, quail on toast
Now, could you blame the colored man for makin? them goo-goo eyes?
Although we didn't always agree, I found Paul Oliver's transcription very useful for checking it over: http://books.google.com/books?id=mMGeTsC4JPAC&pg=PA125&lpg=PA125&dq=%22when+booker+knocked+on+the+president's+door%22&source=bl&ots=BNH0ZUB1TL&sig=eb_oE9XEnJjbvX0vg0q_AYtEj7o&hl=en&ei=bJBlSuPGHteNjAeHhcyfAQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=1
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thanks - I had, actually, spent a lot of time deciphering but there were certain things I just could not come up with - now, of course, I've got oit , thanks everyone. Yes, it is quite an interesting song, because, apparently, TR caught a lot of flack for inviting Washington into the White House. Though some people think the song itself is somewhat Uncle-Tomish, I disagree completely. It has a certain very shrewd naivete that I find fascinating.
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thanks - I had, actually, spent a lot of time deciphering but there were certain things I just could not come up with - now, of course, I've got oit , thanks everyone. Yes, it is quite an interesting song, because, apparently, TR caught a lot of flack for inviting Washington into the White House. Though some people think the song itself is somewhat Uncle-Tomish, I disagree completely. It has a certain very shrewd naivete that I find fascinating.
That sparks a memory ; I suddenly recall having read somewhere that the song was a parodic version of a well-know pop song and that the new lyrics were by a Southern white intending to mock Booker T Washington, but some blacks adopted it because they themselves disagreed with his policy of accomodationism. Does anyone else recall this one? And is it true?
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Just searched around on Google a bit and found an excerpt from a Paul Oliver book which mentions a song "Just Because She Made Dem Goo-Goo Eyes" but he says it "may have contributed to, or come from the same root" as Cannon's song.
I agree with allenlowe -- I always thought "Can You Blame the Colored Man" is a very sneaky song, written from a black perspective -- there's a great deal of pride in Washington's appearance at the White House (which happened in 1901, btw) but the pride is expressed in a way 1) that would be acceptable to sing to whites because it seems to reinforce black stereotypes and 2) is also a "simple" country way of looking at a trip to the big city and a big fancy house. Other than the "goo-goo eyes," Washington doesn't do anything foolish at all.
Chris
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The verse and chorus structure and melody of "Can You Blame The Colored Man" certainly show an origin in "Just Because She Made Dem Goo Goo Eyes".
According to Lynn Abbott and Doug Seroff in Ragged But Right, "Just Because She Made Dem Goo Goo Eyes" was a very popular song played by P. G. Lowrey's Concert Band and Vaudeville Company during their 1900 season with the Foreapugh-Sells Circus. And, between 1905 and 1908, Howard Odum collected "numerous ... parodies" of "Goo Goo Eyes" from his African American informants.
So the term "parody" may just mean something more like "take-off" or "song patterned after and inspired by", without any mean-spirited or pejorative connotation.
Does anyone have access to Odum's work to see if "Can You Blame The Colored Man", or something like it, was collected?
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A quick scan of The Negro and His Songs doesn't turn up anything.
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It recently came to my attention that there was a shameful lack of Gus and Stompers' lyrics in my personal lyric book, not to mention Weeniepedia. So I'm starting the thread. We've dealt somewhat incompletely with a couple songs on the forum, but nothing definitive.
Up first:
Bring It With You When You Come ? Cannon's Jug Stompers
Now I was laying around a little town, smoking a nice/snipe?? cigar
I was waiting for a hand out, just to catch on an empty car
Just as the freight train come rollin' by, my wait was all in vain
"Back off, back off, you dirty bum and catch the next freight train."
Now if you want to be a little brown of mine, bring it with you when you come
Laying around the little town, your head chock full of rum
I came downtown for a little sap, now, she's sittin' on another man's lap
Now you want to be a girl of mine, bring it with you when you come.
(Play it)
Now if you want to be a little brown of mine, bring it with you when you come
You?re a laying around the little town, your head chock full of rum
I said I came downtown for a little sap, now, she's sittin' on another man's lap
Now you want to be a little girl of mine, bring it with you when you come.
(Play it)
If you want to be a little brown of mine, bring it with you when you come
'stead of layin? around the little town, your head chock full of rum
I can?t send you over town for to get a little sap, boy, now she's sittin' on another man's lap
Now you want to be a little brown of mine, bring it with you when you come.
(Play it out now)
As usual, corrections most welcome. "snipe cigar" has been suggested previously for the first line, meaning a cigar butt. I don't hear it myself but could be.
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Next is Going to Germany:
Going To Germany ? Cannon's Jug Stompers
I'm goin' to German, I?ll be back some old day
I'm goin' to German, I?ll be back some old day
I'm goin' to German, I?ll be back some old day
Please tell me mama, what more can I do?
Tell me mama, what more can I do?
Done all I knowed, I can't get along with you
(Aw play it, Mr. Lewis, play it, play it, play it)
(Play it, Mr. Lewis, play it)
Get away from my window, stop knockin' on my ?
Stop knockin' on my door
Go away from my window, stop knockin' on my door
I got another woman, can't use you no more
When you's in trouble, I worked and paid your ?
I worked and paid your fine
When you's in trouble, I worked and paid your fine
Now I'm just troubled, you don't pay me no mind
(Aww, play it, Mr. Lewis, play it for me now
Play it, Mr. Lewis, play it
Aww, play it from down in Dixie now
Play it right on from down in Dixie)
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Jonestown Blues ? Cannon's Jug Stompers
https://youtu.be/aULwpRVfv4M
Man, I left Lula, went to Jonestown
Man, I left Lula, went to Jonestown
Said a Jonestown brown, boys, sure did make me frown
(Play it now, boys.)
Said I left Jonestown, too small a burg for me
I said Jonestown too small a burg for me
Well, I left Jonestown, went back to Tennessee
Well, Jonestown, boys, too small a burg for me
Said Jonestown, boy, too small a burg for me
I left Jonestown, made for Tennessee
When I got to Memphis, I lied my banjo down
Said when I got to Memphis, I lied my banjo down
I got full of my good whiskey, good girl made me clown
(Now play it, boys.)
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I've mentioned in the past that I have a scan / pdf file of the Herwin vinyl LP liner notes. If you would like a copy, send me a PM with your e-mail address and I'll send you the pdf file as an attachment.
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I've got it from you before Stuart, but a good reminder to check it. :P I recall not agreeing with some of the transcriptions. The notes are similar (the same?) to the notes for the Yazoo CD Cannon's Jug Stomper's The Complete Works 1927-1930 1082/3.
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If anyone else would like a copy, send me a PM.
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Prison Wall Blues. In F.
https://youtu.be/-Hi7qTb3Vrc
Prison Wall Blues ? Cannon?s Jug Stompers
Now my head is hanging down with these prison wall blues
The white mule made me act a pop-eyed clown
Now I've got no time to lose
When they bring you through that gate
You wish you hadn't 'a done it, but it's just too late
But you might as well laugh, good partner, when you fall
Now hollerin? won't get you from behind these walls.
These prison wall blues keep rollin' 'cross my mind
I can't get a pardon, looks like the governor won?t cut my time
I once was lost, but now I'm found
I'd leave this place running, but I'm scared of them flop-eared hounds
These prison wall blues keep rollin' 'cross my mind.
This is the first fence I ever saw in my life that I can't climb
This fence will make a high yellow girl turn dark
It?ll make a weak-eyed man go blind
When I leave these walls, I'll be running dodging trees
See the bottom of my feet so many times, you'll think I'm on my knees
These prison wall blues keep a-rollin' 'cross my mind.
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I merged the existing thread on Tired Chicken into this one. And here is Viola Lee Blues.
https://youtu.be/FdlJo-L9hsE
Viola Lee Blues ? Cannon's Jug Stompers
The judge he pleaded, clerk he wrote it
Clerk he wrote it down indeed-y
The judge he pleaded, the clerk he wrote it down
If you miss jail sentence, you must be Nashville bound
Some got six months, some got one solid
Some got one solid year, indeed-y
Some got six months, some got one solid year
But me and my buddy both got lifetime here
Fix my supper mama, let me go to
Let me go to bed, indeed Lord
Fix my supper, let me go to bed
I've been drinkin' white lightnin'
It's gone to my head
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Here's Last Chance Blues. Help needed in a couple spots.
https://youtu.be/5Y6jAFgZsFk
Last Chance Blues ? Cannon's Jug Stompers
I said hey baby, I'll give you your last chance
I said hey hey baby, I'll give you your last chance
Oh you due to wear the dresses, but you want to wear my pants
I said hey, what's the matter now?
I said hey hey, baby, what's the matter now?
You're just a triflin' woman, don't mean me no good no how
(Percolate, Joe
Aw, percolate, Joe, percolate Mr. Cannon, percolate.)
Then I give you my money, baby, but that don't do no good
I give you my money, baby, but that don't do no good
I think I'm startin' to round to workin', that's just what I should
(Sing it, Mr. Woods, sing it now, sing it.)
I said, hey, what's the matter now?
I said, hey hey baby, what's the matter now?
You're just a triflin' woman, don?t mean me no good no how
I said, hey, what am I gonna do?
I said, hey hey mama, what am I gonna do?
I done everything baby, can't get along with you
edited to pick up corrections from banjochris and dj
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Here is Pretty Mama Blues. Very interesting phrasing on this one. I haven't figured out how to count it yet - in 2? as a 8 1/2 bar blues? An obscure gem.
https://youtu.be/grobnqK3RKQ
Pretty Mama Blues ? Cannon's Jug Stompers
Hey, pretty mama, can I get a job with you?
Can I get a job with you?
I ain't got no money, I can't get no work to do.
The woman I love, she weighs a thousand and four
She weighs a thousand and four
Aw, I don't care if she weighed a thousand and more.
I wrote her a letter, I mail it in the air
I mail it in the air
You may know by that I've got a friend somewhere
I ain't never loved but four womens in my life
Four womens in my life
That's my mama, my sister, sweetheart, and my wife.
(Play it, boys.)
(Oh, Mr. Lewis.)
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I said hey baby, I'll give you your right hand
I said hey hey baby, I'll give you your right hand
All you do [to wear ?? ] dresses, but you want to wear my pants
Just from memory, I'm pretty sure that the first two lines end with "last chance," not "right hand".
Chris
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Chris beat me to part of this, but here's what I get:
I said hey baby, I'll give you your LAST CHANCE
I said hey hey baby, I'll give you your LAST CHANCE
All you do to wear THOSE dresses, but you want to wear my pants
Says I give you my money, baby, but that don't do no good
I give you my money, baby, but that don't do no good
I think I'm STARTIN' TO 'ROUND TO WORKIN', that's just what I should
That last line seems to be a mis-singing of "startin' around to workin'".
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Thanks fellas. A big Doh! in that first verse.
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Couple more suggestions on "Last Chance". The last line of the third verse I still can't quite get. My suggestion for line 1.3 is phonetically almost exactly the same as what you had, but I think this makes more sense. Suggestions in caps:
1.3 OH YOU DUE TO WEAR THE dresses...
2.1, 2.2
What's THE matter
3.1
THEN I give you my money...
Spoken...
Sing it, Mr. WOODS...
4.1, 4.2
What's THE matter
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Incidentally, there's an alternate take of "Viola Lee" -- the lyrics for the first two verses are identical, minus one "the". However, Lewis sings a different third verse, which is (commas indicate pauses in the singing):
I wrote a letter, mailed it in the
Mailed it in the, air indeed lord
I wrote a letter, I mailed it in the air
You may know by that I, have a friend somewhere.
Chris
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Hi all,
I merged two early threads on Gus Cannon lyrics to the front end of this thread.
all best,
Johnm
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I've merged a previous thread on Minglewood Blues that Ghostrider and Waxwing had awhile back into this master thread. I'm also revising the transcription of Minglewood Blues below (the Cannon's Jug Stompers' version).
https://youtu.be/DoNnqniMImk
Minglewood Blues - Cannon's Jug Stompers
in G
Don't you never let one woman worry your mind
Don't you never let one woman worry your mind
Well she will keep you worried, troubled all the time
Don't you think your faro was little and cute like mine
Don't you wish your faro was little and cute like mine
She's a married, she's a married woman but she comes to see me sometime
Don't you never let no woman worry your mind
Don't you never let no woman worry your mind
She'll keep you troubled, worried all the time
Well I got a letter, mama, you oughta heard it read
Well I got a letter, darlin', you oughta heard it read
Said you're comin' back, baby, now be on your way
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Here's "Mule Get Up in the Alley," recorded Oct 1, 1929, with Hosea Woods on lead vocal, kazoo and guitar, Gus Cannon on backing vocal (in parentheses below) and banjo, and Noah Lewis on harp. This is pitched around D, though I haven't figured it out musically. Great tune. Well, they're all great. But this has a kazoo solo, banjo solo, and harp solo. If only I could do more on a harp than run out of breath.
https://youtu.be/p3bK662z-ts
Mule Get Up In the Alley - Cannon's Jug Stompers
Last night I started out to see if I could find my Sue
(Could find my Sue)
I know that you have always been good and true
(I says a-good and true)
I says get up in the collar just as fast as you can
I'm gonna give you plenty o' oats and hay
I said go on mule, get up in the alley
I said whoa, whoa, whoa
Go on mule, get up in the alley
Said whoa, whoa, whoa
Let me find my Sue tonight, I'm gonna feed you some more
(I'm gonna feed you some more)
I says get up in the collar just as fast as you can
I'm gonna give you plenty oats and hay
I said go on mule, get up in the alley
I said whoa, whoa, whoa
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"My Money Never Runs Out" was recorded by Cannon's Jug Stompers in November 1930, with Gus, Hosea Woods and Noah Lewis. Cannon also recorded the song in 1927 as Banjo Joe, backed by Blind Blake. (Banjo Joe transcriptions will come later.)
A little like Henry Thomas was wont to do, Cannon takes two turn-of-the-century popular songs and blends them -- "I Don't Care If I Never Wake Up." written by Paul J. Knox published in 1899 and "Ragtime Millionaire" written by Irving Jones and published in 1900. Paul Oliver has transcribed most of the song in Songsters and Saints (pp. 57-8), but my transcription differs in several spots. Chris Smith has also proposed "Well, his laundry shaker says he hangs around" for the third line, but I really don't think that is what Gus is singing. Still, this is a tricky one, so if anyone has suggestions, I'm all ears.
https://youtu.be/Z4krNWiijLY
My Money Never Runs Out - Cannon's Jug Stompers
in C
There's a certain yellow joker lives around this town
Just as lazy as lazy can be
While his laundry shakin'1, says, he hangs around
"I love my hop," says he
Early one morning this joker ran away
To roam the world was said
Says "I'll go back to bed, boy, I'll kivver* my head
I don't care if I never wake up"
(Play)
Now if my money was stacked high
I believe it to my soul 't would touch the sky
I polish my teeth a-with a-diamond dust
I don't care if the bank is bust
For my money, don't never run out
Rich food, you're making me stout
Well every good evenin' for quail on toast I shout
Now I'm a-livin good all the time
I don't drink, I said, no cheap wine
When it's always flush, good money will never run out
(Rag it.)
Now boys, if my money was stacked high
I believe it to my soul 't would touch the sky
I polish my teeth with diamond dust
I don't care if the bank is bust
Well my money, babe, don't never do run out
(Now play it.)
*kivver, variant of cover
1 Or: Well, his laundry shaker says he hangs around; Where his laundry's shakin', says, he hangs around
updated with corrections from banjochris and dj
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My Money Never Runs Out - Cannon's Jug Stompers
in C
There's a certain yellow joker lives around this town
Just as lazy as lazy can be
Well as long as they shake it, says, he hangs around
"I love my hop," says he
Early one morning this joker ran away
To roam the world was said
Says "I'll go back to bed, boy, I'll keep up my head
I don't care if I never wake up"
I do think he sings about laundry in the third line -- Uncle Dave Macon's recording of "I Don't Care if I Never Wake Up" says "Says a Chinese laundry says he hangs around" for that line. I think it's the stereotypical association of the Chinese with both laundry and opium that's being referenced. It sounds to me like Gus sings "While his laundry shakes, I says, he hangs around" in both the recordings of the tune. That said, the only other suggestion I would make is "I'll go back to bed, boy I'll cover up my head" with cover pronounced kivver.
Chris
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Well as long as they shake it, says, he hangs around
"I love my hop," says he
My suggestion is:
WHY, THE LAUNDRY SHAKER SAYS, ah, he hangs around
"I love my hop", says he
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Thanks for the corrections, Chris and dj. I did some more digging thanks to these, and the Chinese laundry/opium theme does indeed occur in Knox's original composition. While I was unable to find complete sheet music for it online, the first verse is transcribed in Abbott & Seroff's Ragged But Right:
There a certain yellow coon lives in this town,
He's as lazy as lazy can be
At a Chinese laundry he hangs around,
"I likes my hop," says he.
But the other day this man got drunk,
And a pipe full of dope he bought,
He went to sleep, dreamt he was rich,
And then to himself he thought,
Well! I don't care if I never wake up...
Abbott and Seroff also point out that Cannon uses Irving Jones' "My Money Never Gives Out" as a source. The sheet music for this is available online here (http://webapp1.dlib.indiana.edu/metsnav/inharmony/navigate.do?oid=http://fedora.dlib.indiana.edu/fedora/get/iudl:321729/METADATA&pn=1&size=screen), and here are a couple verses and the chorus:
I am a coon who is a financier,
I'm known as the ragtime millionaire
I wake up with a million dollars ev'ry morn
And throw 'way ev'ry dollar that is soiled or torn
If all of my money was stacked up high
I know that my coin would reach the sky,
For Vanderbilt or Gould I care nothing about
I've got so much money it never gives out.
Chorus:
My money never gives out
Rich food is making me stout
Cause every meal for quail on toast I shout
I live good all the time
I don't drink no cheap wine
I'm always flush and my money never gives out
When you've got money it's a pleasant treat,
My only occupation is to sleep and eat,
I have everything to eat a king could wish,
On Fridays I even eat fried gold fish,
I make all the warm coons look ice cold,
Ev'ry tooth in my mouth is solid gold,
I clean my teeth with pure diamond dust,
It wouldn't jar me if all the banks would bust
Jones' Ragtime Millionaire came soon afterward. Can't find that online at the moment, though am pretty sure I have before. But the diamond dust and banks going bust that most of us would be familiar with from versions of that song occur in this song before. And even the phrase ragtime millionaire.
I will need to listen some more to both the Jug Stompers and Banjo Joe versions, because I now hear different things each time, including:
Well, his laundry shaker says he hangs around
While his laundry shakin', says, he hangs around
Where his laundry's shakin', says, he hangs around
(Listening to Uncle Dave Macon, I hear him sing "There's a Chinese laundry, says he hangs around".)
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Cannon's Jug Stompers recorded "Springdale Blues" on January 30, 1928, in Memphis, with Gus Cannon on banjo, jug and vocals, Ashley Thompson on guitar, and Noah Lewis on harp. They move along at a fair clip, especially after they start accelerating. Another one in C.
Help needed in a couple spots for sure. In the third line of the third verse, Gus really mashes the start of the line together, so it's hard to say what he's singing.
https://youtu.be/PG-g7o-alQU
Springdale Blues - Cannon's Jug Stompers
Say, I'm goin' away, mama, worry you off my mind
Lord, I'm goin' away, mama, worry you off my mind
You keep me worried and bothered, baby, lordy all the time
Say, I'm goin' away, catch the Hollywood line
Say, I'm out here, now, catch the Hollywood line
...
They tell me eighteen [is this car line]
Well, they tell me eighteen is my [car line]
I'm [goin' to jump off] at Springdale, get it off my mind
(Play it, boy)
Said my mama told me, papa told me too
My mama told me, papa told me too
"Oh the way you [drive], son, boy it'll never do"
(Play it, now)
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"Big Railroad Blues" was recorded January 30, 1928, in Memphis, with Gus Cannon on banjo, jug and vocals, Ashley Thompson on guitar and vocals, and Noah Lewis on harp. They played it out of G. I haven't heard the Grateful Dead version as far as I recall, but it's no wonder they made up the lyrics, because Ashley Thompson is damn hard to decipher at times. words in square brackets are dubious, and others might be too.
https://youtu.be/4iD8jgMUVwE
Big Railroad Blues - Cannon's Jug Stompers
Wish I had've listened, oh Lord, what mama said
Wish I had've listened, Lord, what mama said
Lord I wouldn't a-been a struggling child today
Lordy mama told, lordy papa told me too
Lordy mama told me, papa told me too
"Oh, the life you livin' is surely killin' you"
...to the railroad and I looked up at the sign
Walked to the railroad, looked up at the sign
Mama it's train time now, the tracks all out of line
Mister depot agent don't tell to me no lie
Mister depot agent don't tell me no lie
Did my girl stop here, did she go ridin' by?
I feel like hollerin', mama, screamin' out and cryin'
Lord I feel like hollerin', screamin' out and cryin'
The one I love, you rollin' cross my...
edited to pick up corrections from banjochris and dj
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"Heart Breakin' Blues" was recorded September 9, 1928, in Memphis, with Gus Cannon on banjo, jug and vocal, Elijah Avery on guitar, and Noah Lewis on harp. Played out of C. Noah Lewis plays up a storm on this.
https://youtu.be/9HU5KpguFEc
Heart Breakin' Blues - Cannon's Jug Stompers
Said I'm goin' downtown, baby, won't be gone so long
Honey I'm goin' downtown, baby, won't be gone so long
Say I'm tired and worried, bound to sing this song
(Play it now, boy)
And when I stayed at home, baby, you don't treat me right
When I stayed at home, baby, you don't treat me right
The best time I had, girl, when you's outta my sight
Girl, give back the wig I bought you, let your head go bald
Gimme that wig I bought you, let your head go bald
Lord when I first met you, girl, you didn't have no hair at all
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In Big Railroad Blues, what you have transcribed as
"Oh the [Huh? doin' is surely kin to you]"
Should be, I think,
Oh the BAD YOU doin' is surely KILLIN' you.
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Lord I wouldn't a-been [a-strolling down this way]
"Oh the [???? doin' is surely kin to you]"
After all I've done, you [rollin' cross my...]
I hear these a little differently (from dj too) -- in order:
Lord I wouldn't a-been a struggling child today
Oh the life you livin' is surely killin' you
The one I love, you rollin' cross my ...
Chris
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Thanks again, dj and Chris. I'm hearing what Chris is hearing on Big Railroad. I'll make the changes.
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The Jug Stompers recorded "Riley's Wagon" on September 20, 1928, in Memphis, with Gus Cannon on banjo, jug and vocal, Elijah Avery on guitar, and Noah Lewis on harp. Again, played out of C.
I have no idea whether I'm ridiculously off-base on the pumpkin stealing in the last verse, but that's what I'm hearing.
https://youtu.be/fWsaiWYOALE
Riley's Wagon - Cannon's Jug Stompers
Oh they tell me Riley been here and gone
Oh Riley's wagon done been here and gone
Well he left me here for to sing this song
Well tell, little woman, tell me truth
Well you tell me, little woman, tell me truth
Who in the world, Lord, goin' home with you
Said a man stole a pun'kin, carried it up in town
Man stole a pun'kin, carried it up in town
Police blowed his whistle, man throwed his pun'kin down
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This thread started with questions about the lyrics to "The Rooster's Crowing Blues" but doesn't actually contain the complete lyrics. "The Rooster's Crowing Blues" was recorded October 3, 1929, in Memphis. It featured Gus Cannon on banjo, jug and impossible-to-decipher spoken interjections, Hosea Woods on guitar and vocals, and Noah Lewis on harp. Played out of G.
If anyone can decipher the spoken bit in the last verse...
The Rooster's Crowing Blues - Cannon's Jug Stompers
[Can tell you] what makes a rooster crow at the break of day
It's hey-eee -- at the break of day
That's to let the rounder know the working man is on his way
It's hey-eee, he is on his way
It's hey-eee, he is on his way
That's to let the rounder know the working man is on his way
I used to be a lover, baby, in my younger days
It's hey-eee, in my younger days
Now I'm old and feeble but I still got my lovin' ways
(Sing it Mr. Woods, sing it)
Hey-eee -- in my younger days
It's hey-eee -- in my younger days
Now I'm old and feeble but I still got my lovin' ways
I'll tell you partner, why I ain't got a friend
[ (Woods singin' 'bout [Beebee/Phoebe] now) ]
Hey-eee -- why I ain't got a friend
They'll take your baby from you, get right in your face and grin
edited to add corrections from dj and banjochris
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You've mis-transcribed the personnel on Rooster's Crowing Blues, uncle bud. B&GR4 has Hosea Woods on vocal and guitar, which must be correct, as Gus Cannon's asides are addressed to "Woods".
The spoken interjection in the last verse sounds like "Woods singin' 'bout [Beebee/Phoebe] now" I'm fairly certain about "Woods" and "'bout". What I hear as "Singin'" could be "sing it", and the last three syllables could be something else entirely. I hope that helps. :P
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Thanks dj, it's a helluva lot better than what I had. Beebee/Phoebe probably needs to be heard better, but I think you are on the right track.
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They'll take your baby from you, then [ride in your baby's bed]
UB - I think dj's on the right line with that aside, too -- the last line is:
They'll take your baby from you, get right in your face and grin.
Chris
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Thanks Chris. I notice I had something close to that at the start of the thread but heard something completely different yesterday. Will make the change, which now sounds right to me.
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"Walk Right In" was recorded October 1, 1929, in Memphis, with Gus Cannon on banjo, jug and backing vocals, Hosea Woods on guitar, kazoo and lead vocal, and Noah Lewis on harp. Played out of C.
The lyrics in various 1960s cover version include the line "Do you want to lose your mind?" I've transcribed it that way, though am not sure about the start of that line, especially in the first occurrence.
https://youtu.be/_BEhtwEHSnM
Walk Right In - Cannon's Jug Stompers
Walk right in, sit right down
And baby let your mind roll on
Hey, walk right in, stay a little while
But daddy, you can't stay too long
Now, it's everybody's talkin' 'bout that new way you walkin'
[See if] you want to lose your mind?
Hey, walk right in, sit right down
And daddy let your mind roll on
Hey, walk right in, sit right down
And daddy let your mind roll on
Hey walk right in, stay a little while
But daddy you can't stay too long
'Cause everybody's talkin' 'bout that new way you're walkin'
[Do] you want to lose your mind?
Hey, walk right in (Sing it, brother, sing it), sit right down
And daddy let your mind roll on
(Play it, man)
(Blow it, Cannon)
Walk right in, sit right down
Daddy, let your mind roll on
Hey, walk right in, stay a little while
But daddy, you can't stay too long
Now, it's everybody's talkin' 'bout that new way you're walkin'
[Do] you want to lose your mind?
Hey, walk right in, sit right down
And daddy let your mind roll on
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"Wolf River Blues" was recorded November 24, 1930, in Memphis, with Gus Cannon on banjo and vocal, Hosea Woods on guitar, and Noah Lewis on harp. B&GR4 has Woods on lead vocal, but this sounds like Gus, and fits into his family of tunes out of C like Jonestown Blues. B&GR4 also lists an unknown jug player, which could be, though it sounds somewhat like Hosea Woods could be playing kazoo in the bass register and imitating a jug. Not sure what Gus sings to end the first verse.
https://youtu.be/LZDaUakIbeU
Wolf River Blues ? Cannon?s Jug Stompers
Said I left Memphis, went out on the Macon Road
Boys, I left Memphis, went out on Macon Road
To Wolf River, sit out on the [pier]
(Would y'all play that.)
Cried Wolf River, Wolf River, sure is deep and wide
Cried Wolf River, Wolf River, sure is deep and wide
I'm gonna cross that river, go down the other side
(Play ?em now, boys.)
So long, so long, Wolf River, so long
So long, so long, Wolf River, so long
All I need?s somebody help me to sing this song
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"Madison Street Rag" was recorded January 30, 1928, in Memphis, with Gus Cannon on banjo, spoken vocal and whistling, Ashley Thompson on guitar and Noah Lewis on harp. It's a masterful performance, one that was recorded a few months earlier in November 1927 as an equally stunning Banjo Joe duet with Blind Blake. Played out of F.
https://youtu.be/cNKADLcBgPw
Madison Street Rag - Cannon's Jug Stompers
First time I was in Memphis, with Tenne- with a -ssee
I was walkin' on up Main Street
I meets an old friend of mine.
He say, "Hello there, Joe."
I say, "Hello."
He said, "What that you got in that suitcase?"
I say, "It's a banjo."
He say, "Can you play the Madison Street Rag?"
I said, "No man, I don't know about the Madison Street Rag."
He says, "S'posin' I whistle it?"
I say, "All right, whistle it. I can play it."
So hear he goes.
Oh, ah, mmm-mm
(whistling solo)
I said, "Yeah man, I can play that."
He said, "Come on, go down here on Madison, corner Fourth and Madison with me."
So I goes on down on there.
We gets right on the corner.
There we was down here on the corner.
Right down here on the corner, now we're startin' a ball.
Oh man, we havin' a good time. Mmm-mm.
In a few minute, here come the man with the headache stick.
And you know one thing, that boy run himself off and left me.
There he go.
Catch 'im.
Mmm-mm, play it a long time.
Mmm-mm, aww shuck.
Now ain't that good?
Mmm-mm.
Aw shuck.
Mmm-mm, play it now, boy.
I'm gonna quit.
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Hi all,
Congratulations and thanks to uncle bud and others who have contributed to all of the recent Gus Cannon lyric transcriptions. This doesn't pertain exactly to lyrics, but there is a post at http://weeniecampbell.com/yabbse/index.php?amp;Itemid=60&topic=707.msg51651#msg51651 that discusses Hosea Woods' back-up approach, which is very distinctive-sounding, for "Walk Right In".
All best,
Johnm
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Warning: this topic has not been posted in for at least 120 days.
well we need to do something about that! >:D
There's a great thread about Gus Cannon over at the banjo hangout archive:
http://www.banjohangout.org/archive/178882 (http://www.banjohangout.org/archive/178882)
here's an index of lyrics in this thread:
Feather Bed (page 2)
Tired Chicken Blues (page 2)
Poor Boy (page 3)
Going To German' (page 3)
Can You Blame The Coloured man (page 3)
Bring It With You When you Come (page 4)
Jonestown Blues (page 4)
Prison Wall Blues (page 4)
Viola Lee Blues (page 4)
Minglewood Blues (page 4)
Last Chance Blues (page 4)
Pretty Mama Blues (page 4)
Mule get Up In The Alley (page 5)
My Money Never Runs Out (page 5)
Springdale Blues (page 5)
Big Railroad blues (page 5)
Heart Breakin blues (page 5)
Riley's Wagon (page 6)
Walk Right In (page 6)
Rooster Crowing Blues (page 6)
Wolf River Blues (page 6)
there are some instrumentals too
Pig Ankle Strut (inst)
Ripley Blues (inst)
Jazz Gypsy Blues (inst)
Cairo Rag (inst)
Hollywood Rag (inst)
Noah's Blues (inst)
Bugle Call Rag (inst)
anyone know if Fourth and Beale is a song or a tune? it was the flip of The Last Chance by Cannon and Wood.
EDITED page numbers after thread merge.
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Yes, I've been following Tony Thomas's Gus writings with interest.
I merged the stray Banjo Joe (Gus Cannon) songs Gumbo pointed with this thread so everything is in one place.
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Hi!
I know there is a little confusion about that term referring to the female partner - "faro", "fairo" etc - but I am suggesting "farrow". That word used to designate "a young pig". As a term of endearment it would be regarded as unpolite if not rude in our days, but then (well before Germaine Greer) a woman could be called pigmeat - and it was meant as an compliment! [Of course I mean 'afro american' women in rural areas in the deep south]
I have heard "heifer" i blues texts, and at least Johnny Cash uses the word "mare" for his beloved in his song Darling Companion. And some guys calls his girl "kitten"?
This came up when I tried to copy the text for Minglewood Blues with Cannon's Jug Stompers.
(I have actually met the man - In Memphis early summer of 1969. He was well over 90, but he worked cutting grass along the highways to supplement his pension. He had a much younger woman, don't remember if they were formally married or not.)
Sadly enough, it was in the 70's as I was active in the blues, so I haven't read the books and magazines etc that have ben published since. But I plan to return to what turned out to be the real great love of my life.
Quote:"farrow - Now the term for a litter of pigs, it originally meant "young pig," from Indo-European porkos.
See also related terms for litter."
Farlex Trivia Dictionary. ? 2011 Farlex, Inc. All rights reserved.
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but then (well before Germaine Greer) a woman could be called pigmeat - and it was meant as an compliment!
And women could also refer to men as 'pigmeat', see Memphis Minnie's Pigmeat On The Line. Which reinforces your argument that it was a compliment, not a slur.
And welcome to WC, Sterno.
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Just joined. Brilliant stuff on here!
I have been on a Cannon's binge lately. Apologies if it is uncool to post on such an old thread in this manner. On Viola Lee Blues,
The judge he pleaded, clerk he wrote it
Clerk he wrote it down indeed-y
The judge he pleaded, the clerk he wrote it down
If you miss jail sentence, you must be Nashville bound
I think "sentence" is "send up".
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Just joined. Brilliant stuff on here!
I have been on a Cannon's binge lately. Apologies if it is uncool to post on such an old thread in this manner. On Viola Lee Blues,
The judge he pleaded, clerk he wrote it
Clerk he wrote it down indeed-y
The judge he pleaded, the clerk he wrote it down
If you miss jail sentence, you must be Nashville bound
I think "sentence" is "send up".
It seems to me to be "The judge decreed it". It makes better sense.
Actually I differ from you a lot on this:
The judge decreed it; fact, he wrote it.
Fact, he wrote it down indeed, Lawd.
The judge decreed it; fact, he wrote it down.
If you miss jail, sinners, you must be Nashville bound.
I'd accept "sentence" for "sinners".
Whether I'm right, only Gus and Noah would know!!
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Not hearing that at all, myself. "Clerk" is pretty clear on the recording. I think it was pretty much correct to what I'm hearing when it was written out earlier in the thread.
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Yup, it's "clerk".
All best,
Johnm
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Another new member here.
I'm hearing:
The Judge he plead it, clerk he wrote it
Clerk he wrote it, down indeedy
The Judge he plead it, the clerk he wrote it down
If you miss jail sinner, you must be Nashville bound.
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In both "pleaded" and "sen'en' " ("sentence", but represented as pronounced, skipping the "t" as was common in the vernacular, and avoiding the sibilance at the end, something singers often do) it seems that he is pronouncing an "eh" sound not the short "i" sound. You can compare between "pleaded" and "wrote it" pretty easily. Subtle but clearly different to my ears. Also the nasal "n" at the end of "sen'en' " is definitely not an "r" to my ears. And again, the vowels are "eh" not "i'.
Try listening to Yazoo's The Best of Cannon's Jug Stompers. Perls seems to have had access to a particularly clean copy and Nevins (I think) did a great job of bringing out the vocal. (and the jug)
I'd go with:
The judge he pleaded, clerk he wrote it
Clerk he wrote it, down indeedy
The judge he pleaded, the clerk he wrote it down
If you miss jail sen'en'*, you must be Nashville bound
*sentence
If not explained elsewhere, the import of the line is that jail, where one might await trial or serve a misdemeanor, is local. Family can visit and bring food, and one works pickin' cotton for the county. Nashville is the state penitentiary, where felonies are served. Too far for family to travel, a somewhat rougher crowd, and one picks cotton, clears road or breaks rock for the state. This brings up the common line about being sentenced to (or "my fine") "11-29", which is 11 months and 29 days, a day less than a year. In some states a year or more, you go to the state pen, 11-29 you stay at the county jail. All has to do with who you pick cotton for.
Wax
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I agree with "sentence", just like you can hear more clearly on Joliet Bound.
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Here's the Banjo Joe/Blind Blake version of Madison Street Rag that unclebud mentioned earlier.
The first time I was in Memphis,
I was down on Madison Street
I met a old friend of mine.
He said, "What's that, boy, you got there in that suitcase?"
I told him, "It's an old banjo."
He say, "Can you play it?"
I said "Sure I can play it!"
He said, "Can you play the Madison Street Rag?"
I said, "I'll play it if you'll whistle it."
He says, "Well I'll whistle it"
I say, "Well, whistle it then."
Here he goes.
(whistling solo)
He said, "Boy you sure can play that thing."
He said, "Come on, let's go down here on corner of Fourth and Madison. Have a ball"
Said "I don't care if I do."
Here we was down on Madison, and Fourth.
Aw Shucks
Pretty soon here come the policeman. This the way this boy left me.
I said, "Play it boy, play it."
Aw shucks.
Shout children, shout!
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In relation to the "Last Chance Blues" lyrics featured on pages 4 and 5, I have always heard the last line of the third verse as: "I think I'll start you out to workin', that's just what I should". I believe this fits well with the prevailing sentiments of the put-upon husband throughout the tune - it is one of my favorite blues (both recordings).
Gerry
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Preparing to teach Viola Lee Blues, I went back to listen and write out the lyrics. Somehow, the recording didn't sound quite like I remembered it. Then, to my great surprise, there was another verse I had never heard before! I was listening to an alternate take. Perhaps you can help me with the words to the last verse? The alternate take omits the "I wrote a letter" verse and has this one instead. Recording is attached. What a fantastic band!
NOTE: Edited to incorporate John Miller's suggestions
And, I hope everyone is staying healthy during this shelter-in-place time. So strange. Music is a wonderful way to go someplace else without leaving the house.
Viola Lee Blues – Gus Cannon
The judge he pleaded, clerk he wrote it
Clerk he wrote it, down indeedy
The judge he pleaded, the clerk he wrote it
Down
If you miss jail sentence, you must be Nashville bound
Some got 6 months, some got one solid
Some got one solid, year indeedy
Some got 6 months, some got one solid year
But me and my buddy, both got lifetime here
I wrote a letter, mailed in in the
Mailed in the, air indeed lord
I wrote a letter, I mailed it the air
You may know by that I’ve, got a friend somewhere
Fix my supper mama, let me go to
Let me go to, bed indeed lord
Fix my supper, let me go to bed
I been drinkin' white lightnin', it's gone to my head
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Hi Suzy,
I think he is singing:
FIX MY SUPPER, MAMA, let me go to
Let me go to bed indeed, Lord,
FIX MY SUPPER, let me go to bed
I been drinkin' white lightnin', it's gone to my head
Yup, staying careful and well. Hope we'll all keep that up.
All best,
Johnm
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Hi Suzy:
I hear "Nashboro" as well, although he sings Nashville on the other take. Everything else seems correct to me.
Do you have the Herwin LP liner notes? If not, let me know and I'll send you a scan.
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I do not have the Herwin liner notes and I'd love to. Can you email them to me? suzy@ericandsuzy.com
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Yes now that you point it out, it's completely obvious that those are the words. John Miller you have got the good ears!!
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And, I did a little looking and found that Nashville was the site of Tennessee state penitentiary from 1831 to 1992.
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"Joilet Bound" by Kansas Joe McCoy & Memphis Minnie has the same lyrics.
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It appears that "Nashboro" ("Nashborough") was not a mispronunciation, but a reference to Nashville. I did a superficial search and according to the Wikipedia entry, "Fort Nashborough was the stockade established in early 1779 in the French Lick area of the Cumberland River valley, as a forerunner to the settlement that would become the city of Nashville, Tennessee." There was also a "Nashboro Records."
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fort_Nashborough
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nashboro_Records
My guess is that although it wasn't the official name, some people continued to use it interchangeably with Nashville.
Edited to reflect Wax's correction of 4/18/20. Thanks, Wax! I stand corrected.
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Stuart, I'm pretty sure Viola Lee Blues is considered to have been written by Noah Lewis, and it is most definitely his strong younger vocal. Not to mention the jug continues under. So no evidence whether Gus, himself, uses Nashville or Nashborough.
Wax
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Thanks for the correction, Wax. I'll modify my post to reflect it.
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Hi, I'm working on a translation of that song into French.
Could it be that the last verse of the Rooster's crowing blues rather says:
"They'll take your baby from you, get right in your bed and grin."
Eric
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Dear all,
Still working on my translation project. One of your contributors posted the whole "Last chance blues" lyrics and there is one line I do not understand:
Then I give you my money, baby, but that don't do no good
I give you my money, baby, but that don't do no good
I think I'm startin' to round to workin', that's just what I should
Can someone tell me what would be the meaning of "to round" in that context?
All the best,
Eric
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Chris beat me to part of this, but here's what I get:
I said hey baby, I'll give you your LAST CHANCE
I said hey hey baby, I'll give you your LAST CHANCE
All you do to wear THOSE dresses, but you want to wear my pants
Says I give you my money, baby, but that don't do no good
I give you my money, baby, but that don't do no good
I think I'm STARTIN' TO 'ROUND TO WORKIN', that's just what I should
That last line seems to be a mis-singing of "startin' around to workin'".
Bringing up an old part of the thread. Was just listening to this again and I think that last line might be:
I think I'm JUST WISE to workin', that's just what I should.
In other words just learning or getting accustomed to working.
Chris
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I just posted about this in the Cannon's lyrics thread. I'm hearing that last line differently – see what you think.
Chris
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Hi, I'm working on a translation of that song into French.
Could it be that the last verse of the Rooster's crowing blues rather says:
"They'll take your baby from you, get right in your bed and grin."
Eric
Pretty sure it's "face" not "bed" – both the sound and from the idea of "grinning in someone's face" when you mean them harm.
Chris
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Hi Chris,
Sorry, I sometimes post in the wrong place. From The Rooster crowing blues, verse # 5, you are positive about:
"They'll take your baby from you, get right in your face and grin"
Is there a special meaning to "get right in your face" (not litteral)? Or is it just "jumping in someone's face"?
From The Last Chance Blues verse #3, I think, like you do, that it can't be:
"I think I'm startin' to round to workin', that's just what I should"
Your proposal: "I think I'm startin' around to workin', that's just what I should"
What about the Herwin Records complete works transcription which seems in resonance with the general tone of the song:
"I think I'll start you out to workin', that's just what I should"?
(admitting that there are many mistakes in their efforts)
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"Get right in your face and grin" means in this case to be openly pretending to be your friend. So after betraying you, the person is still pretending to be your friend, adding insult to injury.
My proposal for the last line of Last Chance is "I think I'm just wise to workin', that's just what I should." I explained in a post on the Cannon's Jug Stompers lyric thread.
Chris
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Thanks for making it clear!
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Sorry I'm getting obssessed with that Last chance blues (what a masterpiece)...
Have you listened carefully to both versions of the song? There is a Beale Street Boys version and a Cannon's Jug Stompers version, both from 1929. One is sung alone and the other partly in unison.
Listening to both version - and taking into account that it's not my native language - I'm sticking to:
"I think I'll start you out to working"
I do hear the sound "ou" and the meaning seems in line with the general idea. Don't know if that's a cultural possibility, but at the same time in France, I could easily imagine a "chanson réaliste" threatening to put a woman at work, which would have meant to put her on the street and force her to have paid relations with other men.
Whattaya thinkaboutit?
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I think you're right – "start you out to working" I hear very clearly on the Cannon and Woods version, and now I hear it on the band version too. It also has the merit of making sense!
Chris
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I just listened to both versions, and I also hear "start you out to working" which totally makes sense. I hadn't realized there were 2 versions - recorded within a month of each other.
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Thank you both. I think that case is dismissed (until next time >:D)