Topic: Hayes McMullan Lyrics

[Johnm]

Hi sofingraw,
I think that second verse is:

   I got a new way, spellin', that is, Memphis, Tennessee
   That's t-y-r, now mama, and it's m-i double z
   I says, t-y-r, now mama, and it's m-i- double z

For whatever reason, there is a blues tradition of novelty spellings of Memphis, Tennessee. I hope that helps.
All best,
Johnm 

[sofingraw]

John,

That helps to the maximum degree possible! Thank you!

With John’s expert (and almost immediate!) assistance:

Goin’ Away Mama

Well I’m goin away, baby,
honey, don’t you want to go?
I said I’m goin away mama, don’t you want to go?
Said I’m goin away mama, don’t you want to go?

I got a new way, spellin, that is, Memphis, Tennessee.
That’s T Y R mama, and it’s M I double Z
I says T Y R mama, and it’s M I double Z

Believe I’ll go up, stairs,
I’m gon’ bring back down my clothes
Said I’m leavin’ here mama, I sure don’t want to go
Said I’m leavin’ today, mama, and I sure don’t want to go.


Ben

[Johnm]

Hi all,
Hayes McMullan accompanied himself out of low-tuned Spanish tuning for "Dirt Road By Myself". The recording starts with him already mid-stream. On the one hand, I suppose you could look at the rendition as being compromised by this and other unintentional aspects, but that having been said, he sings and plays so beautifully and dynamically that I'm glad the take was not lost and that we can listen to it now. He really swallows his lyrics at a couple of points and I'd appreciate help with those places. Here is "Dirt Road By Myself":



Mm, dirt road by myself
I'm going, carry me someone else

I said, mama, what you going to do?
I said, mama, what you going to do?
I said, looky-here, baby, tryin' to make a fool of me

INTERLUDE

I said, Lord, Lord, don't, got no mama now
I said, mama, got no mama now (laughs)
I say, Lord, Lord, got no mama now (Spoken: I done forgot half I ever knowed. I ain't jokin'.)

Said, hurry, sundown, let tomorrow come
I said, hurry, sundown, let tomorrow come
I said, mama, mama, I sure (vocal inaudible)

I says, a mean blacksnake keeps on suckin' my rider's tongue
I says a mean blacksnake keeps on suckin' my rider's tongue
Well, you keep on lovin' her, sure gonna let her down

SPOKEN: Now see, I can't slide down on these strings, you know? My fingers don't stand it now, where it's s'posed to.

SOLO

SPOKEN: That's the way it's supposed to be there.

I said, hey, baby, what are you going to do?
I said, hey, hey, what are you going to do?
Baby, . . .

I said, Lord, ---

Edited 4/14 to pick up correction from Blues Vintage

All best,
Johnm



 

[Blues Vintage]

Best I can do,

well you keep on lovin' her sure gonna let her down

[Johnm]

Wow, that is great hearing, Blues Vintage, I think that is spot on, and I will make the change. Thanks!