Here is how I hear it. The only bit I'm not certain about is the second last stanza: could be 'he is strictly tailor-made' or something else entirely.


I'VE GOT THE CHAIN STORE BLUES

Blues every mornin', blues every night
Got the blues every mornin', got the blues every night
Mr Chain Store Man, your scales don't weigh just right

Mr Chain Store Man, tell me what's on your mind
Mr Chain Store Man, tell me what's on your mind
You've been takin' my cash from me, been fooling me all the time

Went to the chain store, I had no cash in hand
Went to the chain store, I had no cash in hand
[Spoken: 'Play it, brother, while I get that old chain store man told']
I couldn't get credit there, so I went to a home store man

His is strictly tailor-made, and no hand-me-downs
His is strictly tailor-made, and no hand-me-downs
You'll buy from the home store man and run the chain store from your town

If you want your money to stay in your own homeland
[Spoken: 'Whip it, brother, whip it!']
If you want your money to stay in your own homeland
Don't trade with the chain store man, but trade with the home store man

Source: transcription of Allen Brothers 'I've Got the Chain Store Blues' recorded in Memphis, TN, 5 May 1930 and issued as Victor V-40276. Reissued on Allen Brothers 'Complete Recorded Works Vol I' Document DOCD-8033.

--Stewie.