I'm highly envious, Mary Katherine. I've never seen Eaglin in person although they sometimes broadcast a performance over the BET-Jazz cable channel.

I had early (for me) exposure to Eaglin's recordings around 1961 or 62. One of the blues I learned from him was called I Got My Questionaire (pronounced question-airy). A sort of anti-war blues that doesn't seem consistant with WWII. I seem to remember someone saying it may refer to WWI, a war that was very unpopular in the US. Of course it may also just be conveying an African American viewpoint towards millitary duty based on Jim Crow.

Does anyone have background information on this tune? It shares a line or two with the Draftee Blues but I don't think it's a variant.

Thanks,

      - Mark




I GOT MY QUESTIONAIRE
(Snooks Eaglin)

A                           D7             A
I got my question-airy and it lead me to the war,
D7                                        A
I got my question-airy and it lead me to the war,
   E7                         D6/9                            A
Somtimes I really wonder just what in the hell we're fightin' for.

Uncle Same ain't no woman but he sure can take your man, (2)
Well here I am in the army just doin' the best I can.

It's hard and it's hard just to love another man's girlfriend, (2)
Can't see her when you want to, gotta see her when you can.