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29 Nov 04 - 06:38 PM (#1342547) Subject: origins: They've got a new way... From: GUEST,Lew There is a song I sing entitled, "They've Got a New Way of Spelling (Memphis) Tennessee" that was ALLEGEDLY written by Lightnin'(g) Hopkins. I need to know:- a)Did he? If not, who? b)Are there just the 3 verses? c)What the hell does the title mean? Attention: I am NOT referring to Chuck Berry's,"Memphis, Tennessee". Thanking you all in anticipation, Lew |
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29 Nov 04 - 08:11 PM (#1342640) Subject: RE: origins: They've got a new way... From: Cool Beans Leadbelly (Huddie Ledbetter) sang a verse in "Good Morning Blues" that goes: Got a new way of spelling Memphis, Tennessee Got a new way of spelling Memphis, Tennessee Doulbe E, Double T, WXYZ. What's it mean? Beats me. I'm thinking he's saying it's so hard to spell that he starts out and just gives up. There are a few songs and verses about spelling in the folk canon. Like C-H-I-C-K-E-N. And my father used to say there was a song that went "Chicken in the car and the car can't go. That's how you spell Chicago." I never have found that song. |
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11 Jun 16 - 06:17 PM (#3794935) Subject: Lyr Req: Lightnin' Hopkins song From: GUEST,Max I've heard a cover of a Lightnin' Hopkins song called, "They've Got A New Way Of Spelling Memphis, Tennessee" but can't seem to find his version. Any suggestions? |
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11 Jun 16 - 06:32 PM (#3794939) Subject: Lyr Add: LAWDY LAWDY WORRIED BLUES (Teddy Darby) From: Joe Offer Don't know if this will help, but the Michael Taft Concordance has two songs that mention "New Way of Spelling Memphis." Lawdy Lawdy Worried Blues recorded 7 Sept 1929 by Blind Teddy Darby What's on your worried mind You keep your poor man worried : and bothered all the time Lord Lordy : Lord Lord Lord Lord I'm a poor boy : been treated just like a dog Got a new way baby : spelling Memphis Tennessee Double M double E : double T double X Y Z Baby baby : what makes you treat me so I've done all : that a poor boy could do I helped you baby : when your kinfolks turned you down Now you loving someone else baby : and you done left this town Look a-here baby : what more you want me to do I sacrificed my mother : just to get along long with you Ever lay down laughing : and wake up hollering and crying And you think about the woman : you treated so nice and kind Take me back baby : try poor me one more time I'll bet you hundred dollar : that I will change your mind When you got money : your friends will hear your plea When you ain't got no money : then you have to come home to me Take my woman : I won't get mad with you For she's three times seven : and she knows what she wants to do Woke up this morning : and I was half most dead I was bone-down weary : a low and ache aching head Baby baby : won't you forgive me please You're the only woman : can give my poor poor heart ease https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sLNDO_zNL1M |
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11 Jun 16 - 06:35 PM (#3794940) Subject: Lyr Add: JELLYROLL (Furry Lewis) From: Joe Offer Here's the other: Jellyroll recorded by Furry Lewis 20 April 1927 I went to the Gypsy : get my fortune told Lord the Gypsy told me : boy you got a jellyroll Ain't nobody in town : cook a jellyroll like mine I was first on Main Street : Lord and I started down Beale Looking for my girl : Lord that we all call Lucille I know you don't want me : why don't you tell me so Then you won't be bothered : with me around your house no more Lord my good girl quit me : my kid done put me down I wouldn't hurt so bad : but the doggone news across town We got a new way of spelling : Memphis Tennessee Double M double E : Lord A Y Lord Z Ooh : my gal done quit me now I'm going to the river : I'm going to jump overboard and drown https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L8MTXpaUJdk - listen at 4:40 |
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11 Jun 16 - 10:05 PM (#3794966) Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Lightnin' Hopkins song-Spelling Memphis From: leeneia It's hard to know what to make of this mix of woe and trivia. The song did inspire me to really look at 'Tennessee' and learn how to spell it. Double N, double S, double E. And as P.G. Wodehouse would say, spread them around a bit. I have a friend named Hennessey - or is it Henessey or Hennesey? Anyhow, she inspired me to list all my friends in my address book by their first names. |