MEAN MISTREATER BLUES
(Hudson Whittaker (Tampa Red))

You're a mean mistreating mama, and you don't mean me no good. (2x)
But I don't blame you, baby. I'd be the same way if I could.

You say you're going to leave me. Well, you say you're going away. (2x)
But that's all right, baby. Maybe you'll come back home someday.

Now, you're the mean mistreater and you mistreat me all the time. (2x)
But that's all right, baby. I won't pay that no mind.

Can't you remember, baby, when I knocked upon your door?
You had the nerve to tell me that you didn't want me no more.
Can you remember, baby, when I knocked upon your door?
And you had the nerve to tell me that you didn't want me no more.

Boys, ain't it lonesome sleeping all by yourself
When the woman that you're loving is loving someone else?
Boys, ain't it lonesome sleeping by yourself
When the woman that you're loving, boys, is loving someone else?

[As recorded by Tampa Red, 1934. Also recorded by Jimmie Gordon, Memphis Minnie, Magic Slim, Muddy Waters. JTD]