Hi,

I've been trying to transcribe "Bay Rum Blues." This is a great song with some brilliant harmonica by Foster. There are multiple references to a "railer's chain." Anyone know what that is?

Anyone know who wrote this? Some of the lyrics are traditional and are found in Salty Dog. Other versions?

Corrections are welcome.


Bay Rum Blues
Gwen Foster and Clarence Ashley
On j15081 Ashley and Foster

(Harmonica)

Well I learned to get stoned
Started drinking bay rum.
First thing I know the police grab my arm and says,
"Come on boy you're jailhouse bound."

(Guitar break) (Harp break)

Well hello buddy I know you,
Turned over slipper, run down shoe
You're on your way to the railer's chain. (Harp break)

Well I drunk one bottle didn't mean no harm
Next thing I know the police grab my arm and says,
"Come on boy you're jailhouse bound." (Spoken: Second offense)

(Guitar break) (Harp break)

Now some people says they runs a good tonic
My buddy says, "It's good for your stomach."
He's on his way to the railer's chain. (Harp break)

Well election night I went uptown
Them bay rum hounds, hanging around
Pretty close to the railer's chain.

Roosevelt was wet and Hoover was dry
Give me Bay Rum and let Hoover buy.
I'm on my way to the railer's chain.

Richie