Lyr Req: songs by Robert Johnson

Subject: Robert Johnson Lyrics
From: howdjado
Date: 10 Jan 99 - 02:16 PM

I've been looking for Robert Johnson lyrics online occasionally, but never seem to find them. Even the database doesn't seem to contain them. I've also not found a really good Robert Johnson website. Can anyone out there help me?

By contrast, bobdylan.com lists every lyric to every song Dylan wrote.

Thanks so much.

Subject: RE: Robert Johnson Lyrics
From: Jon W.
Date: 11 Jan 99 - 10:12 AM

We've posted several Robert Johnson lyrics here in the past. I'd be glad to do so again if you tell me what song. I've got most of the more familiar songs on tape and the rest on records. RJ is not nearly as unitellegible as Charlie Patton (to name one).

Other than that, there are books out. For instance "The Complete Robert Johnson" by Woody Mann is one I have. Unfortunately it only has the first verse or two for each song (being more oriented to guitar tablature). Someone else will come along shortly and point out another, better, book, if the Mudcat's past record is any indication.

Subject: Try this Site
From: Steve Latimer
Date: 11 Jan 99 - 03:48 PM

I've had some luck with Robert Johnson lyrics at the following site

xroads.virginia.edu/~MUSIC/rjhome.html

It is not complete, but has lyrics to many of his songs.

Another one that you might try is the following, I find it an excellent site for blues lyrics,

www.geocities.com/BourbonStreet/Delta/2541/blrjohns.htm

Good luck,

Steve

Subject: RE: Robert Johnson Lyrics
From: Liam's Brother
Date: 11 Jan 99 - 04:16 PM

The 2 CD Columbia boxed set included a booklet that has all the words to all the songs.

Subject: RE: Robert Johnson Lyrics
From: Brian Hoskin
Date: 12 Jan 99 - 03:09 AM

Not all the lyrics given with the boxed set are 100 percent accurate.

Subject: RE: Robert Johnson Lyrics
From: Jon W.
Date: 12 Jan 99 - 11:51 AM

Amen to that, Brian. Most of the guys who write down and publish the lyrics aren't any better than you or I at hearing them accurately. I remember reading one rendition of "Traveling Riverside Blues" which had "I'm going to stay around Goldboro 'til my front teeth are crowned with gold." The real line is "Ain't gon' ta state no color but her front teeth is crowned with gold."

Subject: RE: Robert Johnson Lyrics
From: Dave T
Date: 15 Jan 99 - 07:35 AM

One of the best books I've seen is:
Robert Johnson: At the Crossroads - The Authoritatve Guitar Transcriptions", Hal Leonard Publishing, transcribed by Scott Ainslie and Dave Whitehill.
It has TAB and lyrics. Even so, some times they have trouble with the words. When they do, they give a few different possibilities. The notes and explanations are good too.
Dave T