Greatest Blues Songs (Cont.)

Subject: Lyr Add: MISTREATIN' MAMA^^
From: Jon W.
Date: 04 Dec 97 - 01:23 PM

I think 90 messages is about enough for one thread. So I'm taking it upon myself to break the blues thread at this point.

I don't recall much in the first half about Furry Lewis, an important blues figure from the '20s who was rediscovered in the '60s and '70s. Here's one of his typical songs:

MISTREATIN' MAMA
Furry Lewis (c. 1928)

If you heart ain't iron, it must be marblestone (2x)
For you' a mistreatin' mama, baby, as sure you' born.

I can tell from a liver just what her hold on me (2x)
You treat me just like somebody you ain't never seen.

I got a woman in Cuba, got a woman in Spain (2x)
I got a woman in Chicago, and I'm scared to call her name.

I got nineteen women, all I want's one more (2x)
If the one more suit me, I'm 'na let the nineteen go.

I could'a had religion, Lord this very day, (2x)
But the womens and whiskey, Lord won't let me pray.

I can sit here, look on Jackson Avenue, (2x)
I can see everything that my good woman do.

Sometime I believe I will, sometime I believe I won't (2x)
Sometime I believe I do, sometime I believe I don't.

Note: the second verse is quite hard to understand but I think he's referring to the folk magic/ancient religion practice of divining by examining livers of animals. That is, he states he is able to divine by liver examination what type of voodoo the woman is using to hold him. Of course, any other interpretations any of you want to give would be welcome.

Subject: RE: Greatest Blues Songs (Cont.)
From:
Date: 04 Dec 97 - 11:04 PM

Hey, I'm new here, but what about Jelly Roll Morton's "Mamie's Blues" (after Mamie Desdoumb of New Orleans)? Somehow I think Jelly would win this competition, even if he stole the winning lyrics. He could deliver words like nobody else. -Barry Thorpe [e-mail]

Subject: RE: Greatest Blues Songs (Cont.)
From: Nonie Rider
Date: 05 Dec 97 - 12:49 PM

"Liver." Hmm. I'd assumed it was just a typo for "lover."

Subject: Lyr Add: DRY LAND BLUES^^ TURN YOUR MONEY GREEN^^
From: Jon W.
Date: 05 Dec 97 - 08:04 PM

Nonie: like I said, it's difficult to hear the lyrics (almost mumbling) but I'm pretty sure it's not "lover", what ever it is. Note Furry's claim to be able to see the invisible in the fifth verse of Mistreatin' Mama, also the first verse of this song:

DRY LAND BLUES
Furry Lewis

I can look through muddy water, baby and spy dry land,
If you don't want me, honey let's take hand in hand

I'm going so far, can't hear your rooster crow,
I'm going so far, can't hear your rooster crow.

This is my last time, ever knocking at your door.
My last time, ever knocking at your door.

You won't cook me no dinner, baby you won't iron me no clothes,
Baby you won't do nothin' but walk (work?) the Haunly(?) grove.

Mens if you love your woman, better mash it in her cup
So she had not quit you boy, won't leave you in tough luck.

Man you can take my woman, but you ain't done nothin' smart,
For I got more'n one woman playing in my back yard.

Windstorm come and it blowed my house away
I'm a good ole boy but I ain't got nowhere to stay.

And it's trouble here, and it's trouble everywhere,
So much trouble floating in the air.

What you gonna do, when your trouble get like mine?
What you gonna do, your trouble get like mine?

The fifth and possibly the forth verse of that one seem to refer to a bit of voodoo magic also.

Here's another Furry Lewis song which was a favorite among the folk blues revivalists of the '60s (not that I remember back that far):

TURN YOUR MONEY GREEN
Furry Lewis

When I was in Missouri, would not let me be (2x)
wouldn't rest contented 'til I came to Tennessee

If you follow me baby I'll turn your money green, (2x)
I'll show you more money Rockefeller ever seen

If the river was whiskey baby 'n I was a duck (2x)
I'd dive to the bottom and I never would come up

Woman I hate I see her every day (2x)
But the woman I love she's so far away.

Talk about sweetheart and I 'clare I'm a honest man (2x)
Give my woman money, broke her apron strings

All she give me was trouble, trouble all the time (2x)
I been troubled so long, trouble don't worry my mind

I been down so long 'til it seem like up to me (2x)
Woman I love, heart like a rock in the sea.

I would holler "Murder" but the frickin' town's too small (2x)
Woman quit me, throwed my trunk outdoors.

Subject: RE: Greatest Blues Songs (Cont.)
From: Gene E
Date: 05 Dec 97 - 08:44 PM

Hello

Let me introduce myself.

I'm Gene E., the bluesman formerly known as Elwooddelta. I'm so glad to be myself again!! :}

Subject: Lyr Add: ALBERTA^^
From: Gene E
Date: 09 Dec 97 - 09:30 PM

Ok, I'll prove it, time for a song,

Alberta
from Clapton / Unplugged

(Guitar intro)

Alberta, Alberta where you been so long?
Alberta, Alberta where you been so long?
Ain't had no lovin' since you've been gone.

Alberta, Alberta where'd you stay last night?
Alberta, Alberta where'd you stay last night?
Come home this mornin', clothes don't fit you right.

(Piano interlude)

Alberta, Alberta, girl you're on my mind.
Alberta, Alberta, girl you're on my mind.
Ain't had no lovin', such a great long time.

Alberta, Alberta where you been so long?
Alberta, Alberta where you been so long?
Ain't had no lovin' since you've been gone.

(End)

HTML line breaks added. -JoeClone 10-Mar-01.

Subject: Lyr Add: POOR MAN'S FRIEND (T MODEL)^^
From: Gene E
Date: 27 Dec 97 - 09:14 AM

Howdy all, Merry Christmas
Gene E here (formerly Elwooddelta)

I thought it was about time for a song:

Poor Man's Friend (T Model)
Sleepy John Estes (08/02/37)

Well, well when you're feelin' the winter, I please throw you wares in the bin.
Well, well when you're feelin' the winter, I want you to throw your wares in the bin.
Well, well probly next spring, ehhhea I want ta rig up my Tmodel again.

Well, well a T model Ford, I say is a poor man's friend.
Well, well a T model Ford, I say is a poor man's friend.
Well, well It will help you out when your moneys thin.

Well, well one thing 'bout a T model, you don't have to shift no gear.
Well, well one thing 'bout a T model, you don't have to shift no gear.
Well, well let out your brake and feed the gas, ehhhea and the stuff is here.

Well, well V8 Ford and it done took the start.
Well, well V8 Ford and it done took the start.
Well, well it range all the way from ninety down to a hundred miles.

Well, well somebody they done stole my wine out on the road.
Well, well somebody they done stole my wine out on the road.
Well, well just find somebody ehhhea got a T model Ford.

HTML line breaks added. -JoeClone 10-Mar-01.

Subject: RE: Greatest Blues Songs (Cont.)
From: Gene E
Date: 27 Dec 97 - 07:13 PM

I seem to be talking to myself again!

Where'd yawl go?

Subject: RE: Greatest Blues Songs (Cont.)
From: Earl
Date: 27 Dec 97 - 08:01 PM

Hey Gene, how's that Dobro workin out?

Subject: RE: Greatest Blues Songs (Cont.)
From: dulcimer
Date: 27 Dec 97 - 08:40 PM

Gene, I've heard the song (from B. Dylan I think) but substituting Corrina for Alberta.

Subject: RE: Greatest Blues Songs (Cont.)
From: Gene E
Date: 27 Dec 97 - 09:37 PM

Hey Earl,

The Dobro is doin' real fine. Like anything I'm getting used to it and it's sound is getting better and better as I tune and get my string combination workin'.

thanks for asking, Gene

Subject: RE: Greatest Blues Songs (Cont.)
From: Gene E
Date: 27 Dec 97 - 09:40 PM

Say Dulcimer,

I'm sorry I don't know much Bob Dillan but as these old songs have been recycled through the decades it is very likely you've heard it. I've only heard it on Eric Clapton's Unplugged CD but he is just covering it. I don't know who the originator is.

Happy Hollidays.

Subject: RE: Greatest Blues Songs (Cont.)
From: Barry
Date: 27 Dec 97 - 11:27 PM

Corrina, Alberta or Roberta was picked up by Alan Lomax in the 30's & has been covered by many, sounds trad. Barry

Subject: RE: Greatest Blues Songs (Cont.)
From:
Date: 28 Dec 97 - 04:31 AM

What Barry says is true, except I have never heard her called Roberta. There is a Leadbelly song called by that name, but that is different (or at least I think it is different enought so as not to be considered a variation.)

My favorite version of Corrina is the Mississippi John Hurt one.

There is another song for Alberta which starts "Alberta let your hair hang down."

Murray

Subject: Lyr Add: You've Got to Love Her with a Feeling^^
From: dwditty
Date: 28 Dec 97 - 07:33 AM

Don't recall seeing any Big Bill Broonzy in this or the last thread. He did a great version of Alberta - I'll dig out the lyrics and post later.

One of my other all time favorites is Tampa Red's "You've Got to Love Her With a Feeling"

Man, if you gonna love your woman
Lovr her with a thrill
If you don't
You know some other man will
You got to love her with a feeling
You got to love her with a feeling
Love that woman with a feeling
Or don't you love at all

Man, you know these woman
Don't want that old half-way stuff
So when you turn 'em loose
Be sure they got enough
And just love 'em with a feeling
Love 'em with a feeling
You got to love 'em with a feeling
Or you don't love at all

The gal I love
She's nice and fat
She's got her way of loving
And it's good like that
Because she love me with a feeling
That woman love me with a feeling
She love me with a feeling
Or she won't love at all

You know the woman don't like my woman
Because she speaks her mind
But the men are crazy about her
Because she takes her time
And she really love 'em with a feeling
Man, she love 'em with a feeling
That woman, she loves with a feeling
Or she won't have any love at all

Well she shakes all over
When she walk
She made a blind man see
And she made a dumb man talk
Because she loved 'em with a feeling
She loved 'em with a feeling
She loved with a feeling
Or she won't love at all

You know the cop took her in
She didn't need no bail
She shook it for the judge
And he put the cop in jail
You know she loved him with a feeling
You know she loved him with a feeling
She loved him with a feeling
Or she won't love at all

Gene, you might want to tray out that Dobro on some Tampa Red (The Guitar Wizard) tunes. Look for his version of Let Me PLay With Your Poodle.
Regards

DW

Subject: RE: Greatest Blues Songs (Cont.)
From: Gene E
Date: 28 Dec 97 - 11:27 AM

DW

You know I don't know why I haven't gotten around to Tampa Red yet. Good Idea.

Gene E

Subject: Lyr Add: CAN'T GET THAT STUFF NO MORE^^
From: Earl
Date: 28 Dec 97 - 03:11 PM

Speaking of Tampa Red, here's one of my favorites:

CAN'T GET THAT STUFF NO MORE - Tampa Red

Bootleg Sal used to love across town
The law went there and closed her down
Now you can't get the stuff no more
You can't get that stuff no more
No matter how you try you can't buy
You can't get that stuff no more

You know that place up on Dago Hill
The law took the gal and the liquor still
Now you can't…

Little Suzanne used to sell hair grease
She got in trouble with the chief of police
Now you can't…

There goes Joe with a great big knife
Somebody been messin round with his wife
Now you can't…

On State Street they used to give it away
Now you can't get it if you offer to pay
Now you can't…

All the girls used to walk the street
The law done run them off his beat
Now you can't…

Subject: RE: Greatest Blues Songs (Cont.)
From: Gene E
Date: 28 Dec 97 - 07:31 PM

Earl,

That's really among the best of the best blues songs, I gotta learn that one.

Subject: RE: Greatest Blues Songs (Cont.)
From: Barry
Date: 28 Dec 97 - 09:26 PM

Murry, in the southern prison work camps, Rosie was most popular, Alberta or Berta giving her a good run for the money in second, beating out flat, all your Judies & Matties. Barry

Subject: RE: Greatest Blues Songs (Cont.)
From:
Date: 29 Dec 97 - 08:21 PM

Let me add Mildred Baily's version of Gulf Coast Blues and W.C. Handy's Atlanta Blues. I have an obscure brand CD with Sara Martin doing a really good job of the latter.

Of course, both of these are with a blues band rather than a guitar as accompanyment.

As for Big Bill Broonzy. I like "Big Bill Blues". I have it done with piano accompanyment. I would be interested if he has a version with guitar, because I like his guitar playing.

Murray

Subject: RE: Greatest Blues Songs (Cont.)
From: Gene E
Date: 29 Dec 97 - 08:31 PM

I got new music for Christmas. Over 130 new songs total on CDs from Bukka White, Sleepy John Estes, Son House and the Great Delta Blues Singers. Now I get to pick a whole new batch of GREATEST BLUES SONGS!

Subject: Lyr Add: AIRPLANE BLUES^^
From: Gene E
Date: 31 Dec 97 - 12:14 AM

Time for a song! I love this one.

Airplane Blues
Sleepy John Estes (08/03/37)

I'mo get in my airplane. I'mo get in my airplane
I'mo ride all over, I'mo ride all over your town.
Then if I spy the woman I'm lovin', po John, po John gonna let this airplane down.

Here's my hand, here's my hand,
You can lead me where you want, You can lead me where you want me to go.
Then after you lead me wrong this time , you won't lead me, and you won't lead me no mo.

I know my baby, I know my baby,
And she's bound ta jump, and she's bound ta jump an' shout.
Now when she get holt o this letter, I'll done rolled them few, I'll done roled them few days out.

You sweet time someone, you sweet time someone,
You aught'a know what you want, you aught'a know what you want ta do.
Now the day that you quit me, an' I won't be mad, I won't be mad with you.

Jes the day before Christmas, Jes the day before Christmas,
Let me bring your present, let me bring your present tonight.
Now I will be your Santa Clause, even if my whiskers, even if my whiskers is white.

HTML line breaks added. -JoeClone 10-Mar-01.

Subject: Lyr Add: LONG TALL MAMA^^^
From: Jon W.
Date: 31 Dec 97 - 12:16 PM

Here's my all time favorite Big Bill Broonzy song:

LONG TALL MAMA
Big Bill Broonzy

I got a long tall mama, she stands about seven feet nine, (2x)
And when she get to lovin' holler "Papa won't you take your time."

Oh, when she start to lovin, she sure can do her stuff (2x)
And she squeeze me so tight, holler Mama Lordy, that's enough.

Got a brand new move, it's known as one that she calls her own,
Got a brand new movement, one that she calls her own,
And when she start to kissin' make a poor man leave his home.

And she do a little this, and mama, and she do a little that,
Son, she do a little this, mama Lord and she do a little that,
And when she put on full steam, make a freight train jump a track.

Said she's long and tall, and handsome, sweet as she can be. (2x)
To satisfy that woman takes more than a bumble bee.

This is a fast ragtime blues. I think I'll try to input the guitar part in ABC and post it, also the vocal, since I have them in a book (Six Early Blues Guitarists by Woody Mann). It may take me a few days, though, since I'm still working on my hardwood floor. Anyone know any good hardwood floor songs? How about "Take this Hammer" or "Down on this killing floor" ?

Subject: RE: Greatest Blues Songs (Cont.)
From: GUEST,furry
Date: 30 Sep 00 - 01:52 AM

didn't read first list anyone include Richard "rabbit" Brown's JAMES ALLEY BLUES amazing piece of work!!!

Subject: RE: Greatest Blues Songs (Cont.)
From: GUEST,hg
Date: 18 Sep 07 - 12:09 AM

Gulf Coast Blues
    (Clarence Williams)


Transcribed from vocals by Bessie Smith, recorded February 16, 1923.
From Bessie Smith: 1923; The Chronological Classics 761.

I've been blue all day,
My man's gone away,
He done left his mama cold,
For another gal, I'm told.

I tried to treat him kind,
I thought he would be mine,
That man I hate to lose,
That's why mama's got the blues.

The man I love, he has done left this town,
The man I love, he has done left this town,
And if it keeps on snowing, I will be Gulf Coast bound.

The mailman passed, but he didn't leave no news.
The mailman passed, but he didn't leave no news.
I'll tell the world he left me with those Gulf Coast blues.

Some of you men sure do make me tired,
Some of you men sure do make me tired,
You've got a mouth full of gimme, a hand full of much obliged.