Long Chain Charlie Blues
as sung by Bill Cox, with harmonica and guitar, on ARC mx 15856-1, recorded at NYC, 4 September 1934 and released on several of the ARC labels (Banner, Melotone, Perfect, Oriole, Romeo, and Conqueror). A reissue is available on the JSP box set, "Mountain Blues," along with several other Cox sides. The song is probably a Cox composition.


harmonica intro

Oh, the jury found me guilty
Long Chain Charlie's on his way
He'll take me to my lonely prison cell.
They are taking me to prison
For a long long time to stay
Where I'll never see them sunny days no mo'.

chorus:
I've got the blues
I've got them lonely prison blues.
They will lock me in my cell
For a crime that I won't tell
Where I'll never see them sunny days no mo'.

harmonica break

They will take me to the pen
Where my troubles will begin
And I'll never get no custard cake or pie.
They will teach me how to sew
Some of the prettiest clothes you know
Lord, I'll never see them sunny days no mo'.

Now if ever you go free
Take your time and think of me
Just call around and see me now and then.
They sent me up for life
And I'll lose my pretty wife,
And I'll never see them sunny days no mo'.

chorus

harmonica break