Lyr/Chords Req: Fishin Blues (Taj Mahal)

Subject: Taj Mahal Fishin Blues - Chords?
From: GUEST,Jim
Date: 13 Jun 00 - 03:28 PM

I've seen lots of posts by folks looking for Henry Thomas' (?) 19th century song, 'Fishin Blues', as done by Taj Mahal. Does anyone have their version of the transcription? I'd really be interested in learning this song - thanks so much.

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Subject: RE: Lyr/Chords Req: Taj Mahal Fishin Blues - Chor
From: Brian Hoskin
Date: 14 Jun 00 - 07:25 AM

Is this the same 'Fishin' Blues' as recorded by Memphis Minnie? How does it start?

Subject: Lyr Add: FISHING BLUES (Henry Thomas)
From: Brian Hoskin
Date: 14 Jun 00 - 07:47 AM

OK I've found Henry Thomas' version (recorded 13 June 1928)

FISHING BLUES

Went up on the hill about twelve o'clock.
Reached right back and got me a pole.
Went to the hardware and got me a hook.
Attached that line right on that hook.
Says you've been a-fishin' all the time.
I'm a-goin' fishin' too.

I bet your life, your lovin'wife.
Can catch more fish than you.
Any fish bite if you've got good bait.
Here's a little somethin' I would like to relate.
Any fish bite, you've got good bait.
I'm a-goin' a-fishin', yes, I'm a-goin' a-fishin',
I'm a-goin' a-fishin' too.

Looked down the river about one o'clock.
Spied this catfish swimmin' around.
I've got so hungry, didn't know what to do.
I'm gonna get me a catfish too.

Yes, you've been fishin' all the time.
I'm a-goin' a-fishin' too.
I bet your life your lovin' wife.
Catch more fish than you.
Any fish bite, got good bait.
Here's a little somethin' I would like to relate.
Any fish bite, you've got good bait.
I'm a-goin' a-fishin', yes, I'm goin' a-fishin',
I'm a-goin' a-fishin' too.

Put on your skillet, don't never mind your lead.
Mama gonna cook 'em with the short'nin' bread.
Says you been fishin' all the time.
I'm a-goin a-fishin' too.
I bet your life, your lovin' wife.
Can catch more fish than you.
Any fish bite, if you've got good bait.
Here's a little somethin' I would like to relate.
Any fish bite, you've got good bait.
I'm a-goin' a-fishin', yes, I'm goin' a-fishin',
I'm a-goin' a-fishin' too.

Subject: Lyr Add: FISHING BLUES (from Taj Mahal)
From: Pontiac Joe
Date: 14 Jun 00 - 07:30 PM

Here's another version that Taj Mahal did. I play it in C, C F G

Bet you goin' fishin' all of the time.
Baby goin' fishin' too.
Bet your life that your sweet wife
Gonna catch more fish than you.

Many fish bite if you got good bait.
Here's a little tip that I'd like to relate:
Many fish bite if you got good bait.
I'm a-goin' fishin'.
Yes, I'm goin' fishin',
And my baby's goin' fishin' too.

I went on down to my favorite fishin' hole.
Baby, grab me a pole and line.
Throw my pole on in, caught a nine-pound catfish.
Now I brought him home for suppertime,
Provin' ... many fish bite....

Baby brother 'bout to run me out of my mind,
Sayin', "Can't I go fishin' with you?"
I took him on down to the fishin' hole.
Now what do you think that he did do?
Pulled a great big fish out the bottom of the pond.
Now he laughed and jumped 'cause he was real gone.
Many fish bite...

Put him in the pot, baby. Put him in the pan, honey.
Cook him till he's nice and brown.
Make a batch of buttermilk hoecakes, mama,
Then chew those things and chomp 'em on down,
Singing, many fish bite...

Repeat verse 1

HTML line breaks added. --JoeClone, 12-Sep-02.