Lyr Add: Songs by Bo Carter [Armenter Chatmon]

Subject: Lyr Add: BANANA IN YOUR FRUIT BASKET (Bo Carter)
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 02 Oct 15 - 12:45 PM

BANANA IN YOUR FRUIT BASKET
As recorded by Bo Carter, 1931.

I got a brand-new skillet; I got a brand-new lid.
All I needs is a woman, just to burn my bread.
    Then I'm tellin' you, baby—I sure ain't gonna deny it—
    Let me put my banana in your fruit basket, then I'll be satisfied.

Now I got the washboa'd; my baby got the tub.
We gon' put 'em together, gonna rub, rub, rub.
    Then I'm tellin' you, baby—I sure ain't gonna deny it—
    Let me put my banana in your fruit basket, then I'll be satisfied.

Mm, gon' let my banana spoil, now.
Mm, let my banana spoil, now.
I can see the way you carryin' on; you don't want my banana nohow.

Now I got the dasher; my baby got the churn.
We gonna churn, churn, churn until the butter comes.
    Then I'm tellin' you, baby—I sure ain't gonna deny it—
    Let me put my banana in your fruit basket, then I'll be satisfied.

Now my baby's got the cloth and I got the needle.
We gonna stick, stick, stick till we both will feel it.
    Then I'm tellin' you, baby—I sure ain't gonna deny it—
    Let me put my banana in your fruit basket, then I'll be satisfied.

Mm, gon' let my banana ruin now.
Mm, gon' let my banana ruin now.
I can see the way you carryin' on; you don't want my banana nohow.

Now my baby got the meat and I got the knife.
I'm gonna do her cuttin'; this bound to solve my life(?).
    Then I'm tellin' you, baby—I sure ain't gonna deny it—
    Let me put my banana in your fruit basket, then I'll be satisfied.

[This additional verse comes from a 1934 recording:]

You got the dairy, and I want to milk,
'Cause your cows is just as soft as silk....]

Subject: Lyr Add: ALL AROUND MAN (Bo Carter)
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 24 Oct 15 - 11:55 PM

ALL AROUND MAN
As recorded by Bo Carter, 1936.

1. Now I ain't no butcher, no butcher's son.
I can do your cuttin' till the butcher-man come.

CHORUS: 'Cause I'm a all-round man.
Oh, I'm a all-round man.
I mean I'm all-round man; I can do 'most an'thing that come to hand.

2. Now I ain't no plumber, no plumber's son.
I can do your screwin' till the plumber-man come.

3. Now I ain't no miller, no miller's son.
I can do your grindin' till the miller-man come.

SPOKEN: Oh, baby, you know I'm all-round man.

4. Now I ain't no milkman, no milkman's son.
I can pull your titties till the milkman come.

5. Now I ain't no spring-man, no spring-man's son.
I can bounce your springs till the spring-man come.

6. Now I ain't no auger-man, no auger-man's son.
I can bore your hole till the auger=man comes.

Subject: Lyr Add: ANTS IN MY PANTS (Bo Carter)
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 26 Oct 15 - 08:53 AM

ANTS IN MY PANTS
As recorded by Bo Carter, 1931.

It makes no differ'nce – ever'where you go.
I got something – want you to know:
I got ants – in my pants – baby, for you.

Ev'ry time I come – and feel your arms(?),
It makes my feelin' – just get all wrong,
'Cause I got ants – in my pants – baby, for you.

It is tomorrow – it's early or late
I want you baby – give me a date
'Cause I got ants – in my pants – baby, for you.

You red-hot mama – meat shakes on the bone,
Think about your lovin' – baby, when you're gone,
'Cause I got ants – all in my pants – baby, for you.

Ev'ry time – meet you on the street,
A funny feelin' – my head to my feet,
'Cause I got ants – in my pants – baby, for you.

Put your arms around me – baby, like you should.
I'm tellin' you, baby – your lovin' is good,
'Cause I got ants – in my pants – baby, for you.

I'm gonna hug you – baby, good and tight.
Now love me, baby – like you done last night,
'Cause I got ants – in my pants – baby, for you.

Subject: Lyr Add: BABY, HOW CAN IT BE? (Bo Carter)
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 26 Oct 15 - 01:59 PM

BABY, HOW CAN IT BE?
As recorded by Bo Carter, 1931.

CHORUS: Baby, how can it be?
Baby, how can it be?
I'll never believe
That you belong to me.
Babe, I'm doubtful in mind.
Babe, I'm doubtful in mind.
I don't b'lieve you'll sign
Just to be all mine.

1. Now listen, baby: my love is like a love vine,
Growing and squeezing a little all the time.
I'll keep you happy, always in mind,
If you will come and just be mine. CHORUS

2. Now listen, baby: I'm tellin' you what I'll do:
I'll get you a Grafton auto, a radio too.
I'll keep you happy, always in mind,
If you will come and just be mine. CHORUS

Baby, how can it be?
Baby, how can it be?
I'll never believe
That you belong to me.

Subject: Lyr Add: BACKACHE BLUES (Bo Carter)
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 26 Oct 15 - 02:31 PM

BACKACHE BLUES
As recorded by Bo Carter, 1931.*

I got the backache so bad I can't even pull off my shoes. (2x)
I'm just layin' 'round here with those backache blues.

When I was on my feet, I couldn't walk down the street,
For all these pigmeats just jowlin'(?) at me.
But ooh, now, this backache's killin' me.
I'm on my way to the doctor; I'm 'fraid I am too late.

The backache ain't bad, but your girl will treat you so lowdown. (2x)
They will all stay 'way from you, on the other side of town.

Lord, lord!

Mm, now, my kidneys hurtin' me. (2x)
I'm on my way to the doctor; I'm 'fraid I am too late.

When I was in my prime, I could love two-three girls any old time.
Now I'm sick and down, can't get around.
Lord, lord! This backache's killin' me.
I'm on my way to the doctor; I'm 'fraid I am too late.

[Carter recorded this again in 1934. The text is nearly the same, but the verses are in a different order.]

Subject: Lyr Add: BEANS (Bo Carter)
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 26 Oct 15 - 08:01 PM

BEANS
As recorded by Bo Carter, 1934.

I don't want no more navy beans.
Boys, I don't want no mo'.
I don't want no more navy beans.
About to make my stomach so'.
I et 'em last night and the night befo'.
When I got th'ough, couldn't shut my do'.
I don't want no more navy beans.
Boys, I don't want no mo'.

I don't want no more pinto beans.
Boys, I don't want no mo'.
I don't want no more pinto beans.
About to make my stomach so'.
I et 'em last night and the night befo'.
When I got th'ough, had to scrub my flo'.
I don't want no more pinto beans.
Boys, I don't want no mo'.

I don't want nothin' favor beans.
Boys, I don't want no mo'.
I don't want nothin' favor beans.
About to make my stomach so'.
I et 'em last night and the night befo'.
Get in a …, ain't gon' eat no mo'.
I don't want nothin' favor beans.
Boys, I don't want no mo'.

I don't want nothin' kin to beans.
Boys, I don't want no mo'.
I don't want nothin' kin to beans.
About to make my stomach so'.
I et 'em last night and the night befo'.
Run to the little house out back and shut the do'.
I don't want nothin' kin to beans.
Boys, I don't want no mo'.

Subject: Lyr Add: BLUE RUNNER BLUES (Bo Carter)
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 26 Oct 15 - 08:23 PM

BLUE RUNNER BLUES
As recorded by Bo Carter, 1931.

Mm, baby, is something going on wrong? (2x)
This old dirty blue runner been suckin' my rider's tongue.

I went home last night, looks on my bed
For that old dirty blue runner just have been layin',
Mm, been suckin' my rider's tongue.
I can see the way she's actin' that he haven't been left here long.

This old blue runner 'bout nineteen inches long. (2x)
I can see the way my baby's actin', he's sho' been bitin' her tongue.

Mm, ain't got no rider now. (2x)
Old blue runner been bitin' that tongue; I don't need no rider nohow.

If I catch that old blue runner, I'm gonna put him down on his knees. (2x)
I'm gonna make him beg me: "Just don't kill me if you please."


[* Carter recorded this again in 1935. I haven't heard that version.]

Subject: Lyr Add: BO CARTER SPECIAL (Bo Carter)
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 28 Oct 15 - 12:52 AM

BO CARTER SPECIAL
As recorded by Bo Carter, 1934.

Bo Carter is a man, broadcasts all over this land, (2x)
And he takes women from the men, Lord, just any old place he lands.

When I get to use my broadcaster, it goes all round and round, (2x)
And when the women receive the news, they're sure to put their men all down.

When you turn your radio light on, baby, you'll look right in Bo Carter's face, (2x)
But you need to not worry; I'm gonna surely broadcast you someday.

The men can always tell when Bo Carter has hit this land. (2x)
Says their womens always torture the … really mistreatin' all the men.

They give the women their money; they really buys them the clothes, (2x)
But to that broadcastin' Bo Carter, these women they are bound to go.

Subject: Lyr Add: BOOT IT (Bo Carter)
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 28 Oct 15 - 05:34 PM

BOOT IT
As recorded by Bo Carter, 1931.

Now listen here, boys; gon' tell you the fac'.
I'm gonna tell you somethin' to get your good girl back.
You got to boot it.
You got to boot it, sho'.
Lord, you really got to boot it ev'ry mornin' 'fore [you] go.

'Cause your women these days gettin' funny mind.
They don't love you 'less you take your time,
And then boot it.
You got to boot it, sho'.
Lord, you really got to boot it ev'ry mornin' 'fore you go.

Says when I gets to bootin', I boots it right,
Boot for these women both day and night.
I'm gonna boot it.
I'm gonna boot it, sho'.
Lord, I'm really gonna boot it ev'ry mornin' 'fore I go.

There's some likes high yellows; some likes brown.
A jet-black girl'll be with you when they all put you down,
And you can boot it.
You can boot it, sho'.
Lord, you really can boot it ev'ry mornin' 'fore you go.

I left home last night, that night before.
I boots it ev'ry mornin', man, just 'fore I go.
I'm gonna boot it.
I'm gonna boot it, sho'.
Lord, I'm really gonna boot it, ev'ry mornin' 'fore I go.

Subject: Lyr Add: CIGARETTE BLUES (Bo Carter)
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 28 Oct 15 - 05:53 PM

CIGARETTE BLUES was posted in another thread, here

Subject: Lyr Add: DON'T MASH MY DIGGER SO DEEP (Bo Carter)
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 28 Oct 15 - 07:02 PM

DON'T MASH MY DIGGER SO DEEP was posted in another thread, here

Subject: Lyr Add: DOUBLED UP IN A KNOT (Bo Carter)
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 28 Oct 15 - 11:51 PM

DOUBLED UP IN A KNOT
As recorded by Bo Carter, 1936.

1. Go down the river; there is something new.
It ain't nothing to it; it ain't hard to do.

CHORUS: You got to double in a knot.
Oh, you're doubled in a knot.
I mean you're doubled in a knot and you give your daddy all you got.

2. Now listen here, baby, this is comin' to a test.
We gon' see who doubled in a knot the best. CHORUS

3. Now listen here, baby; this ain't no fun.
Double in a knot right, you'll always get my mon'. CHORUS

4. Say you double in a knot; here's the way:
You can't make no money layin' straight these days. CHORUS

5. You can double in a knot or you can let it be.
You won't hold your man, you see. CHORUS

6. Now listen here, baby; bear this in mind:
You double in a knot right, you'll always have a dime. CHORUS

7. The womens these days is tryin' to learn something new.
See if they can take your man from you.

LAST CHORUS: They are doublin' in a knot.
Oh, they're doubled in a knot.
I mean, they're doubled in a knot and they'll give their daddy all they got.

Subject: Lyr Add: HOWLING TOM CAT BLUES (Bo Carter)
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 29 Oct 15 - 09:24 AM

HOWLING TOM CAT BLUES
As recorded by Bo Carter, 1931.

Mmm, mama, I'm beggin' at your do'. (2x)
I'm beggin' you, mama, don't treat me this way no mo'.

I been hollerin' all last night; ain't stop hollerin' today. (2x)
But if you give me what I want, I'll quit howlin' and walk away.

Mmm, baby, I'm knockin' at your back do'. (2x)
But if I get what I want you won't hear me knock no mo'.

Ever since I left you, mama, I been bunkin' by myself. (2x)
It seems like, sweet mama, I can't find me nobody else.

Mmm, mama, hear my howl if you please. (2x)
I ain't howled so long I b'lieve it's done give me the heart disease.

I'm at your door, mama, howlin' like an ol' tomcat. (2x)
Now 'most any man'll howl 'bout that thing you got.

Subject: Lyr Add: YOU KEEP ON SPENDING MY CHANGE(Bo Carter)
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 29 Oct 15 - 09:53 AM

YOU KEEP ON SPENDING MY CHANGE*
As recorded by Bo Carter, 1931.

Lord, I'm worried, baby, to the last inch of my life,
I mean, I'm worried, baby, to the last inch of my life,
'Cause the woman I'm lovin', baby, Lord, she just really won't treat me right.

I'd rather see my little girl sinkin' in some cypress grove
I'd rather see you, baby, sinkin' in some cypress grove
Than be hangin' 'round this man's town, some man just rumplin' all up your clo'es.

My baby says she don't want me; she keep on spendin' my change. (2x)
I'm gon' wake up some mornin' with the blues, and tap her out 'bout another man.

Now, some o' these days, baby, mmm, it won't be long.
Ah, some o' these days, baby, you know it won't be long.
You gonna want from me, baby, Lord, and I really will be gone.

[* Document Records calls this "I Keep On Spending My Change" but other sources say "You...".]

Subject: Lyr Add: THE LAW GONNA STEP ON YOU (Bo Carter)
From: cnd
Date: 29 Oct 15 - 08:09 PM

THE LAW GONNA STEP ON YOU
(Bo Carter)

I done told ya, told you, I told you too
Quit a-havin' liquor and gamblin' too
A-look-a here baby, you goin' to fast
The law gonna step on ya
Yes, yes, yes

Now you can twist, you can twist, you can step on his tail
You goin' need somebody to go your bail
A-look-a here baby, you goin' to fast
The law gonna step on ya
Yes, yes, yes

Now you may think that you doin' you wrong
But they'll send ya to the county farm
A-look-a here baby, you goin' to fast
The law gonna step on ya

Now if you want to leave from home
Lump around with a boll* of corn
A-look-a here baby, you trav'lin' to fast
The law gonna step on ya, yes, yes, yes

I done told ya, told you, like a friend
'Stead-a draw your business' end
A-look-a here baby, you goin' to fast
The law gonna step on ya, yes, yes, yes

Transcribed by ear. Listen here: http://www.mudcat.org

*A measure of roughly 8 pecks or 2 bushels, weighing about 125 lbs (source

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Songs by Bo Carter [Armenter Chatmon]
From: cnd
Date: 29 Oct 15 - 08:51 PM

Oops. That link up there says Mudcat, but it really goes to the Youtube video. Trust me.

Subject: Lyr Add: I LOVE THAT THING (Bo Carter)
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 31 Oct 15 - 09:27 AM

I LOVE THAT THING
As recorded by Bo Carter, 1931.

Now listen here, folks; gonna tell you the fact:
My baby got somethin' that I sure do like.

CHORUS: Oh, I love that thing.
I love that thing.
I love that thing, tell the world I do.

Now it ain't no sugar; it ain't no cake.
My baby got me some mighty good meat.

My baby got somethin'; don't know what it is.
When she let me down now I can't be still.

My baby got somethin' like a stingaree.
She can stand in Malford, put the check on me.(?)

I went home last night about half past ten.
Knocked on the door and she let me in.

Now I told you once; I told you twice:
When I get to love you, want to love you right.

Now listen here baby about this and mine.(?)
I never gets tired o' lovin' you all the time.

Subject: Lyr Add: I'VE GOT A CASE OF MASHIN' IT (Bo Carter)
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 01 Nov 15 - 10:08 PM

I'VE GOT A CASE OF MASHIN' IT
As recorded by Bo Carter, 1931.

Now come along, boys; I'm gonna say it to you:
I really know something that you ought to could do,

CHORUS: 'Cause I got a case o' mashin it.
Oh, I got a case o' mashin' it.
I mean I got a case o' mashin' it that these green men can't catch on.

I'll mash it ev'ry mornin'; I'll mash it ev'ry night.
My baby says my mashin is truly all right.

I don't mash too heavy, or either too light.
The women says my mashin' is truly all right.

Now when I get to mashin', I mash in diff'rent ways.
I mash for these women both night and day.

Now when I get to mashin', I mash just like I should.
The women says my mashin' says it feels so good.

Subject: Lyr Add: LAST GO ROUND (Bo Carter)
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 01 Nov 15 - 10:43 PM

LAST GO ROUND
As recorded by Bo Carter, 1931.

It's when I first come here, baby, you's strollin' from hand to hand.
When I first come here, baby, you's strollin' from hand to hand.
Says I been your little dog now, ever since I've been your man.

Now it's hard time, baby, 'most any old place you go.
I mean it's hard time, baby, any old place you go.
And if you doin' ver' well baby now, you better have let that do.

Now listen, baby, I'm on my last go-round.
Mmm, baby, I'm on my last go-round.
If you tell me [you] don't want me, baby, now, [I'm] surely gonna blow this town.

Subject: Lyr Add: THE LAW GONNA STEP ON YOU (Bo Carter)
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 02 Nov 15 - 08:37 PM

THE LAW GONNA STEP ON YOU
As recorded by Bo Carter, [date unknown to me].

I done told you, told you, I told you, too,
To quit havin' liquor and gamblin' too.

CHORUS: Looka here, baby; you going too fas'.
The law's gonna step on ya—yas, yas, yas.

Now you can twist; you can twist; you can step on his tail.
You gonna need somebody to go your bail.

Now you may think that they're doin' you wrong,
But they'll send you to the county farm.

Now if you want to leave from home,
Look around with a bottle of corn.(?)

I done told you and told you like a frien',
You better draw your business in.

Subject: Lyr Add: LET ME ROLL YOUR LEMON (Bo Carter)
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 02 Nov 15 - 09:25 PM

LET ME ROLL YOUR LEMON
As recorded by Bo Carter, 1935.

Now listen here, sweet baby: I never have been down,
But I can roll you lemon better'n any man in this town.

CHORUS: Baby, please let me roll your lemon
And squeeze it there all night long.
Oh, let me squeeze and roll your lemon,
Babe, until your good juice come.

There's some say your juice is sour; baby, can't you see?
But your juice, baby, is plenty sweet enough for me.

Now just squeeze your lemon, baby, one time.
I b'lieve it'll give me ease, baby, all up there in my min'.

As I come down last night, half past ten,
I want to roll your lemon, baby, soon as I got in.

As I woke up this mornin', half past fo',
I want to roll your lemon, baby, just before I go.

Subject: Lyr Add: MASHING THAT THING (Bo Carter)
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 02 Nov 15 - 09:51 PM

MASHING THAT THING
As recorded by Bo Carter, 1935.

Oh, down the country, something new:
Ain't nothing tell you your heart don't do(?)

CHORUS: 'Bout mashin' that thing,
Oh, mashin' that thing.
Says I never get tired of, baby, Lord, mashin' that thing.

Oh, the old ones doin' it, young ones too.
The old one learned the young one just how to do
'Bout....

I went home last night 'bout half past ten.
I want to mash that thing soon as I got in.
Oh, mashin'....

I woke up this mornin' bout half past fo'.
I had to mash that thing just before I go.
Oh, mashin'....

Now you may go up or down the road.
This I got to bring it home,
Just to mash that thing....

Now you may go, says, to Halifax
This I got will bring you back,
Just to mash that thing....

My baby tried to quit me, says, sometime.
Every time I mash I'll change her mind.
Oh, mashin'....

Subject: Lyr Add: MEAN FEELING BLUES (Bo Carter)
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 02 Nov 15 - 10:36 PM

MEAN FEELING BLUES
As recorded by Bo Carter, 1930.

Lord, I woke up this mornin', baby, just blue as I could be.
Lord, I got up this mornin', baby, just blue as I could be.
It just seems like the world, baby, Lord, honey, is turned its back on me.

Lord, I haven't got a dollar, not a single dime.
Lord, baby, not a dollar, honey, and not a single dime.
It just seems like hard luck, baby, 's gonna just last me all the time.

Says my clothes gettin' ragged, Lord, my shoes 'bout gone.
Lord, my clothes is gettin' ragged and my shoes 'bout gone.
Lord, I'm out in the weather, baby, Lord, honey, I surely got no home.

Says when I had plenty money, I's the pop'larest one in this town.
Lord, I had plenty money, baby; I's the pop'larest one in this town.
Now I ain't got no money, Lord, my friends tryin' to drove me down.

Loved all my sweeties; don't none pay me no mind.
Loved all my sweeties; don't none pay me no mind.
It just seems like hard luck, baby, gonna just last me all the time.

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Songs by Bo Carter [Armenter Chatmon]
From: Joe Offer
Date: 03 Nov 15 - 03:18 AM

Gee, Jim, keep 'em comin'. These are great.
-Joe-

Subject: Lyr Add: MY PENCIL WON'T WRITE NO MORE (Bo Carter)
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 03 Nov 15 - 07:20 PM

MY PENCIL WON'T WRITE NO MORE was posted in another thread, here.

Subject: Lyr Add: NOBODY KNOWS MY BABY (Bo Carter)
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 03 Nov 15 - 08:55 PM

NOBODY KNOWS MY BABY
As recorded by Bo Carter, 1934.

Don't nobody know my sweet baby like I do.
Says don't nobody know my sweet baby like I do,
Says the reason that I know her, searched her through and through.

Says nobody know my baby's sweet lovin' like I do.
Says don't nobody know my baby's sweet lovin' like I do.
Says the reason I know it, I searched it through and through.

Says nobody know my baby's sugar like I do.
Says don't nobody know my baby's sweet sugar like I do.
Says the reason that I know it, I searched it through and through.

Nobody know my baby's fruit basket like I do.
Says nobody know my baby's fruit basket like I do.
Says the reason that I know it, I searched that basket through and through.

Don't nobody know my baby's pincushion like I do.
Says don't nobody know my baby's pincushion like I do.
Says the reason that I know it, I searched that cushion through and through.

Nobody know my baby's locomotion(?) like I do.
Says nobody know my baby's locomotion(?) like I do.
Says the reason that I know it, I searched that motion through and through.

Subject: Lyr Add: OLD DEVIL (Bo Carter)
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 04 Nov 15 - 12:42 AM

OLD DEVIL
As recorded by Bo Carter, 1938.

Go back, old devil, and look up on your shelf.
Go back, old devil, and look up on your shelf.
Go back, old devil—it ain't no joke, no lie this time—
Look up on your shelf and get you soap and water and bathe your dirty self.

I beat my baby, man, with a rope and a line.
I beat my baby, hoo! man, with a rope and a line.
I beat my baby—it ain't no joke, no lie this time—
With a rope and a line until she went stone blind.

Some low-down scoun'l been fishin' all in my pond.
Some low-down scoun'l, hoo! been fishin' all in my pond.
Some low-down scoun'l—it ain't no joke, no lie this time—
Been fishin' in my pond, catchin' all my game fish and dryin' up the pond.

What you want with a woman, man, and she can't rob and steal?
What you want with a woman, hoo! man, and she can't rob and steal?
What you want with a woman—it ain't no joke, no lie this time—
She can't rob and steal? You don't need no man, baby; don't know you in the dark when he steal.

Subject: Lyr Add: PIG MEAT IS WHAT I CRAVE (Bo Carter)
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 04 Nov 15 - 07:43 PM

PIG MEAT IS WHAT I CRAVE
As recorded by Bo Carter, 1931.

You can paint your cheeks, gal; straighten your hair like a pen.(?)
I can't use you; made on a whole-hog frame.(?)
Says you can gi' me pig meat.
You can gi' me pig meat.
I mean you can gi' me pig meat.
Pig meat is what I crave.

When I die, you needn't to bury me at all.
Hang me up against that pig meat's wall,
And you can gi' me pig meat.
You can gi' me pig meat.
I mean you can gi' me pig meat.
Pig meat is what I crave.

Now when I die, it will be seen:
There'll lay another pig meat machine.
'Cause I love pig meat.
I loves pig meat.
I mean I loves pig meat.
Pig meat is what I crave.

Spoken: I mean, I loves that pig meat.--Don't bring me no old hog.

You can toot your whistle; you can blow your horn,
But when you come to pig meat, I got you some right on.
'Cause I loves pig meat.
Oh, I loves pig meat.
I mean I loves pig meat.
Pig meat is what I crave.

You can straighten your hair, wear your dresses up,
But you's a ol' hog; I know you by your walk.
You can gi' me pig meat.
Mmm, gi' me pig meat.
I mean gi' me pig meat.
Pig meat is what I crave.

Subject: Lyr Add: PIN IN YOUR CUSHION (Bo Carter)
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 04 Nov 15 - 08:06 PM

PIN IN YOUR CUSHION
As recorded by Bo Carter, 1934.

Now let me stick my pin, oh, in your cushion, baby,
'Cause your cushion's so soft and warm.
Now let me stick my pin, oh, in your cushion, baby.
My pin wants your cushion for its own.
Now I'm telling you, baby, it is truly all right.
I want to stick my pin in your cushion ev'ry night.
Now let me stick my pin, oh, in your cushion, baby.
'Cause your cushion's so soft and warm.

Now let me stick my pin in your cushion, baby.
Your cushion's so soft and warm.
Now let me stick my pin, oh, in your cushion, baby.
My pin is so nice and long.
Now won't you listen here, baby; yes, listen to me.
My pin says your cushion is the best it ever seen.
Now let me stick my pin, oh, in your cushion, baby,
'Cause your cushion's so soft and warm.

Now let me stick my pin, oh, in your cushion.
Your cushion's so soft and warm.
Now let me stick my pin, oh, in your cushion, baby.
My pin wants your cushion for its home.
Now listen here, baby; I'm gonna tell you the fact:
That's if I stick your cushion, I'll surely hurry back.
Now let me stick my pin, oh, in your cushion, baby,
'Cause your cushion's so soft and warm,
Warm, warm, warm, warm.

Subject: Lyr Add: QUEEN BEE (Bo Carter)
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 12 Nov 15 - 07:51 AM

QUEEN BEE
As recorded by Bo Carter, 1934.

Queen bee, queen bee, won't you please come back to me? (2x)
You can suck my flowers off better'n any queen bee I ever seen.

She suck my johnny quill* this mornin'; been lookin' for her all day long. (2x)
And she get me to the place now, hate to see my queen bee leave from home.

She'll stand right here; she'll hum, hum, hum.
Come here, queen bee; I want you to be my own.
You know you my queen bee, and you know how to treat me.
You can suck my flower better'n any queen bee I ever seen.

I'm gonna build me a little cabin just for me and my sweet queen bee, (2x)
And we'll walk round in honey, even after Albany(?).


* johnny quill = jonquil?

Subject: Lyr Add: RAM ROD DADDY (Bo Carter)
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 13 Nov 15 - 02:13 AM

RAM ROD DADDY
As recorded by Bo Carter, 1931.

I'm a ram-roddin' daddy; I stays up on Main Street. (2x)
I keeps my gun loaded for ev'ry good-lookin' woman I meet.

I'm a ram-roddin' daddy; Lord, my rod is long and slim.
I'm a ram-roddin' daddy; my rod is long and slim.
And ever' time I load a gun for a woman, you know it's too tight, Jim.

I'm a ram-roddin' daddy; I rams as I walk along. (2x)
Ev'ry time I use my ramrod, I surely win me a home.

I want all you women, you better bear this in mind:
Says all you women, you better bear this in mind:
A good ram-roddin' daddy these days is hard to find.

When I get to use my ramrod, I sure, Lord, takes my time. (2x)
It ain't no other ram-roddin' daddy can put his load below where I put mine.

Subject: Lyr Add: SAME THING THE CATS FIGHT ABOUT (Carter)
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 13 Nov 15 - 02:39 AM

SAME THING THE CATS FIGHT ABOUT
As recorded by Bo Carter and Walter Jacobs, 1930.

SPOKEN: Boy, you know I laid down last night tryin' to rest my mind and I couldn't rest for all them old cats fightin' all the time. I just had to get up and compose me a song about those cats.

I laid down last night tryin' to rest my mind.
I couldn't rest for cats fightin' all the time
About the same thing the cats all fights about.

Me and my gal had a fight.
We fussed and we quarreled all last night
About the same thing the cats all fights about.

Because I love women and she loves men,
That's the way this fuss began
About the same thing the cats all fights about.

SPOKEN: Even now old men are fightin' 'bout that.

Uncle Jack was old; his hair was white,
But he's still tryin' to fight
About the same thing the cats all fights about.

SPOKEN: Even down to the horses are fightin' 'bout that.

There is horses in the stall
Tryin' to kick the other one through the wall
About the same thing the cats all fights about.

Most all men getting' jealous at night.
You can find them fussin' and squabblin' all the time
About the same thing the cats all fights about.

SPOKEN: Most all women now is doin' the mess-around, man.

Most all women doin' the mess-around.
You can find them doin' it all over town
About the same thing the cats all fights about.

Subject: Lyr Add: SANTA CLAUS (Bo Carter)
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 14 Nov 15 - 12:17 AM

SANTA CLAUS
As recorded by Bo Carter, 1938.

Now won't you listen here, baby; please listen to me:
Won't you let ol' Santy Claus come down the chimney tonight to me, you see?

CHORUS: Baby, please let ol' Santy Claus come down the chimney to me tonight,
'Cause I b'lieve what you Santy Claus bring me—hoo!—will just suit my own appetite.

Now I been around a many Santy Claus both day and night.
Haven't found no Santy Claus really suits my appetite.

Says when I get to usin' your Santy Claus, want to use him diff'rent ways.
I want to use your Santy Claus, baby, both night and day.

Now, if you let your Santy Claus come to me one time,
I'll tell your Santy Claus two dollars and one dime.

Now, I have hung up my socks, put on my nightgown.
Put out your fire and let ol' Santy come on down.

Subject: Lyr Add: SHAKE 'EM ON DOWN (Bo Carter)
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 14 Nov 15 - 01:02 AM

SHAKE 'EM ON DOWN
As recorded by Bo Carter, 1938.

You layin' round here, sweet baby, your face full o' frown.
Must I keep dealin'? Must I shove 'em on down?

CHORUS: Baby, must I keep dealin' or must I shove 'em on down?
Babe, I done quit dealin'--hoo!--I got to shove 'em on down.

Now here one thing, sweet baby, I really want you to know:
You can push; you can pull; don't you tear my clothes.

Now there's two big cars, rollin' side to side.
You got my good girl; guess you satisfied.

Now there's a big T for Texas, T for Tennessee,
T for the girl who didn't care for me.

Says I went up to the station, looks up on the boa'd,
Stood time here, that one round the road(?).

Subject: Lyr Add: SHE'S YOUR COOK BUT SHE BURNS MY BREAD...
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 17 Nov 15 - 08:14 AM

SHE'S YOUR COOK BUT SHE BURNS MY BREAD SOMETIMES
As recorded by Bo Carter, 1930.

I said: she's your cook, man; she burn my bread sometime.
She gi' me other mixin's to make things go on just fine.
Now I ain't said it, man, just to be so bold,
But I really like the way she twist her sweet jelly roll.
Because she's your cook; she burn my bread sometime.

I said: she's your cook, man; she burn my bread sometime.
She gi' me other mixin's to make things go on just fine.
Now look 'e here, cook; I think we goin' too fas'.
Your man gonna step right on your yas, yas, yas,
Because you's his cook, you burn my bread sometime.

I mean she burns it when you gone, fella.

I don't mean night, either.

I said: she's your cook, man; she burn my bread sometime.
She gi' me other mixin's to make things go on just fine.
I was hitting your … when you left home,
And soon as you're gone … turned her good work on,
Because she's your cook; she burn my bread sometime.

I said: she's your cook, man; she burn my bread sometime.
She gi' me other mixin's to make things go on just fine.
Now look 'e here, man; you really ought to know:
I'm usin' your money and your sweet jelly roll too,
Because she's your cook; she burn my bread sometime.

Subject: Lyr Add: SO LONG BABY SO LONG (Bo Carter)
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 17 Nov 15 - 12:25 PM

SO LONG BABY SO LONG
As recorded by Bo Carter, 1931.

1. I got a sweet little girl; she really don't mean me no good.

CHORUS: For so long, oh, so long, baby, so long.

2. She got so dirty, so low down, she had to leave the neighborhood.

3. I know she don't love me; I can tell the old low-down was she do.

4. You caused me to be here and this is the old low-down way she do.

5. Don't you never get tired of, baby, treatin' me like a dog?

6. I've been your little puppy ever since I entered your do'.

7. I'm going to the nation and next in the territo'.

8. So won't you love me old sweet baby, you won't see poor boy no mo'.

9. Now won't you tell me, sweet baby: what's really gon' become of poor me?

10. You treat me so dirty; you just as mean as you can be.

Subject: Lyr Add: SOME DAY (Bo Carter)
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 17 Nov 15 - 12:51 PM

SOME DAY
As recorded by Bo Carter, 1938.

CHORUS: Baby, I said you gonna need my little help some old lonesome day.
Baby, I know you gonna need my little help some old lonesome day,
But it'll be too late, sweet baby; your daddy will be gone away.

1. Baby, I said you do me dirty; you treat me mean and low-down all the time.
I say you do me dirty, hoo! You do me dirty low-down all the time,
But I won't be back here no more, baby, 'less the good Lord happen to change my mind. CHORUS

2 But I mean that's all right now, baby; honey, now that's all right for you.
I said that's all right hoo! Baby, that's all right for you.
You got me here in all this low-down trouble, in this low-down way that you do. CHORUS

Subject: Lyr Add: SORRY FEELING BLUES (Bo Carter)
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 17 Nov 15 - 01:10 PM

SORRY FEELING BLUES
As recorded by Bo Carter, 1931.

Hey, early last night the blues came fallin' down. (2x)
I heard her rattlin' like thunder, but my baby jumpin' down.

I went home last night; I had to be very long. (2x)
Lord, I felt for my baby; hmm, she was gone.

Baby, I may never see your face again. (2x)
But you always must say I really have been your frien'.

Lord, Lord, how can I stay here?

Mm, some o' these days, baby, I know it won't be long, (2x)
You gonna want for me, baby, but you will be gone.

Ev'ry time I go home, now, I miss you more and more. (2x)
I believe you misses me, but you hate to tell me so.

Subject: Lyr Add: TELLIN' YOU 'BOUT IT (Bo Carter)
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 17 Nov 15 - 01:39 PM

TELLIN' YOU 'BOUT IT
As recorded by Bo Carter, 1934

When a man get the blues, a man get the blues, he sure will run around.
A man get the blues, he sure will run around.
When a woman get the blues, she try to put her sweetie down.

Le' me tell you one thing, tell you one thing, man, don't you never do.
Le' me tell you one thing, man, don't you never do.
Don't you never let your woman know her bad ways are worryin' you.

Listen here, sweet babe, here, sweet babe, one thing I want you to know.
Here, sweet babe, thing I want you to know.
If I don't want you to ... I'm really gonna let you go.

One more thing, one more thing, I really want you to understand.
One more thing I really want you to understand.
If I don't love ... you couldn't get you 'nother man.

Yes, sweet babe, yes, sweet babe, one thing I want you to know.
Yes, sweet babe, one thing I want you to know.
If I ... I'm really gonna let you go.

You can call me dirty, call me dirty, or any old thing you please.
You can call me dirty or any old thing you please.
But someday, baby, you....

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Songs by Bo Carter [Armenter Chatmon]
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 18 Nov 15 - 07:22 PM

TIMES IS TIGHT LIKE THAT has been posted in another thread.

Subject: Lyr Add: TWIST IT BABY (Bo Carter)
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 18 Nov 15 - 10:00 PM

TWIST IT, BABY
As recorded by Bo Carter, 1931.
[The spoken lines seem to be delivered by another voice, but I can't identify it.]

Now, won't you stir it, babe?
Oh, stir it, babe.
Oh, stir it, babe.
Oh, stir it, babe.
Now, you know it needs stirring.
Oh, you know it needs stirring.
Oh, you know it needs stirring.
Oh, you know it needs stirring.

SPOKEN: Stir it, baby.—Round and round, mama.—Make it nice.—Stir it a little more.

Now, won't you work it, babe?
Oh, work it, babe.
Oh, work it, babe.
Oh, work it, babe.
Now, you know it needs working.
Oh, you know it needs working.
Oh, you know it needs working.
Oh, you know it needs working.

SPOKEN: Work it, babe.—Up and down, mama.—Now, that's nice.—Work it, baby.

Now, won't you wind it, babe?
Oh, wind it, babe.
Oh, wind it, babe.
Oh, wind it, babe.
Now, you know it needs winding.
Oh, you know it needs winding.
Oh, you know it needs winding.
Oh, you know it needs winding.

SPOKEN: Looks fine when you wind it, baby.—Wind it, mama; that makes it nice.

Now, won't you twist it, babe?
Oh, twist it, babe.
Oh, twist it, babe.
Oh, twist it, babe.
Now, you know it needs twisting.
Oh, you know it needs twisting.
Oh, you know it needs twisting.
Oh, you know it needs twisting.

SPOKEN: Twist it, baby.—Don't twist it too much, now; it might hurt.—Twist it a little more, mama.—How is that, baby?

Now, won't you boot it, babe?
Oh, boot it, babe.
Oh, boot it, babe.
Oh, boot it, babe.
Now, you know it needs booting.
Oh, you know it needs booting.
Oh, you know it needs booting.
Oh, you know it needs booting.

SPOKEN: Boot it, mama.—Baby, don't boot it so hard.—Oh, my goodness! Boot it, baby.

Now, won't you love me, babe?
Oh, love me, babe.
Oh, love me, babe.
Oh, love me, babe.
Say, you know it needs loving.
Oh, you know it needs loving.
Oh, you know it needs loving.
Oh, you know it needs loving.

SPOKEN: Love me, baby.—If you can't love me, you got to leave it, mama.—I love that.

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Songs by Bo Carter [Armenter Chatmon]
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 18 Nov 15 - 10:08 PM

PLEASE WARM MY WEINER was posted in another thread.

Subject: Lyr Add: WHAT KIND OF SCENT IS THIS? (Bo Carter)
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 18 Nov 15 - 10:38 PM

WHAT KIND OF SCENT IS THIS?
As recorded by Bo Carter, 1931.

1. I was at home last night; I was all alone.
'Long 'bout a twelve o'clock, my baby come crawlin' in home.

CHORUS: Now baby, what kind o' scent is that?
Baby, what kind o' scent is that?
I mean, what kind o' scent is that, that you bringin' here in my home?

2. Now I could not sleep the balance of the night.
This scent she brought in, it didn't smell just right.

3. Now she'd try to make like it's something we been fryin'.
She needn't come with that junk; says, she know she lyin'.

4. Now when she come in, she was squeezin' her han'.
I b'lieve she been off doin' a job for another man.

5. Now you come draggin' in; it's 'bout half-past twelve.
If I'd do right, baby, I'd take a stick and I would give you hell.

Subject: Lyr Add: WHEN YOU LEFT (Bo Carter)
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 03 Dec 15 - 02:12 PM

This song goes to show how song titles were often made up by record producers, not by artists. Sometimes the producers didn't even understand what they were hearing. He's actually describing a superstitious belief about the significance of the nervous twitch of an eyelid.


WHEN YOU LEFT
As recorded by Bo Carter (as Bo Chatmon, 1935)

Says, when your left eye go to jumpin', you know something goin' on wrong.
I mean, when your left eye go to jumpin', you know something goin' on wrong.
Say, you can bet your bottom dollar some other scout's-honor steal your sweet girl from home.

Says, when you feel your left eye quiverin', you know things ain't workin' just right.
I mean, your left eye's quiverin', you know things ain't workin' just right.
Boys, another lowdown scoundrel hangin' round your baby's house at night.

When your left eye go to jumpin', oh, let me tell you what you do: (2x)*
Just keep your eyes wide open; don't let no woman make no fat-mouth(?) out o' you.

When your left eye go to jumpin', won't you just listen to me? (2x)*
The only woman that you're lovin' is treatin' you worse 'n any woman you ever seen.

When your left eye go to jumpin', won't you take my advice? (2x)*
Yes, get you 'nother good sweetie and you'll preserve(?) the first.


* In verses 3-5, he follows the pattern of starting line 1 with "Says" and line 2 with "I mean."

Subject: Lyr Add: YOU DON'T LOVE ME NO MORE (Bo Carter)
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 03 Dec 15 - 02:45 PM

YOU DON'T LOVE ME NO MORE
As recorded by Bo Carter, 1930.

I say you don't love me no more, baby, and I don't even care. (2x)
You done got to the place now, baby, don't want to see me hangin' 'round here.

But ev'y time, sweet baby, look down on my baby child,
It's ev'y time, sweet baby, I look down on my baby child,
That it hurts me so bad, baby, Lord, I really can't help but cry.

But it's one thing now, baby, I really can't understand:
Says that one thing, baby, I really can't understand:
That I have a wife and child in this world and be ruled by some other man.

Won't you tell me, baby: what have I done so wrong?
Lord, tell me, baby: what have I done so wrong?
You don't want me now, baby, just hangin' 'round your home.

But there's one thing, sweet baby: trouble don't come by itself.
No, that one thing, baby: trouble don't come by itself,
'Cause the way you treat me, baby, I feel like killin', then killin' myself.

Subject: Lyr Add: YOUR BISCUITS ARE BIG ENOUGH FOR ME
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 03 Dec 15 - 03:37 PM

YOUR BISCUITS ARE BIG ENOUGH FOR ME was posted in another thread, here.