Paul Oliver, in "Screening the Blues," says "Robert Johnson is widely considered as the composer of "I Believe I'll Dust My Broom, which was later adopted by Elmore Leonard as his theme. It was, however, already a traditional blues, having been recorded by Kokomo Arnold as "Sagefield Woman Blues," by Carl Rafferty as "Mr. Carl's Blues" and in fragments elsewhere.

Lyr. Add: I BELIEVE I'LL DUST MY BROOM
Robert Johnson version

I'm goin' get up in the mornin', I believe I'll dust my broom
I'm goin' get up in the mornin', I believe I'll dust my broom
Girlfriend, the black man you been lovin', girlfriend, can get my room.

I'm gon' write a letter, telephone every town I know
I'm gon' write a letter, telephone every town I know
If I can't find her in West Helena, she must be in East Monroe I know.

I don't want no woman, wants every downtown man she meet
I don't want no woman, wants every downtown man she meet
She's a no good doney, they shouldn't allow her on the street.

I believe, I believe I'll go back home
I believe, I believe I'll go back home
You can mistreat me here, babe, but you can't when I go home.

And I'm gettin' up in the mornin', I believe I'll dust my broom
I'm gettin' up in the mornin', I believe I'll dust my broom
Girlfriend, the black man you been lovin', girlfriend, can get my room.

I'm gonna call up Chiney, see is my good girl over there
I'm gonna call up China, see is my good girl over there
'F I can't find her on Philippine's island, she must be in Ethio[ia somewhere.

Blues Songbook