The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #77162 Message #1374828
Posted By: Charley Noble
08-Jan-05 - 06:52 PM
Thread Name: Lyr Add: Shipwreck Blues (Bessie Smith)
Subject: Lyr Add: SHIPWRECK BLUES (from Clara Smith)
Well, here's my best transcription of what Clara's singing:
Shipwreck Blues-2
(As sung by Clara Smith; composed by Spencer Williams, circa 1920?s; transcribed by Charlie Ipcar)
Oh, the gale is raging, and my ship's without a sail, Oh, the gale is raging, and my ship's without a sail, And the wind keep on a-blowing, I won't be left to tell the tale.
Oh, the ship is sinking and the lightning struck the mast, Now the ship is sinking and the lightning struck the mast, And my crew is done deserted, I've got to stick it to the last.
Oh, I don't mind drowning but the water is so cold, No, I don't mind drowning but the water is so cold, Yes, if I must leave this good work (world?) I want to leave it brave and bold.
Mama's shipwrecked, shipwrecked, and she ain't got no time to lose, Mama's shipwrecked, shipwrecked, and she ain't got no time to lose, Oh, if someone don't save me, I'll go down singing them shipwreck blues.