The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #72889   Message #2257836
Posted By: Roberto
09-Feb-08 - 02:04 PM
Thread Name: Origins: Midnight Special
Subject: Lyr Req: Lead Belly's Midnight Special
I'd like to get the transcription of Lead Belly's recordings of The Midnight Special. This is the one with the Golden Gate Quartet, RCA 1940. Please, check it, because I'm not sure of many words...

Midnight Special
Lead Belly with The Golden Gate Quartet

Yonder come a-Miss Rosie - How in the world do you know?
Well, I know her by the apron and the dress she wore
Umbrella on her shoulder, piece of paper in her hand
Well, I'm gonna an' ask the governor, he turn a-lose a-my man

Let the Midnight Special shine the light on me
Let the Midnight Special shine the ever-lovin' light on me

When you get up in the mornin' when that big bell ring
You go and march to the table, see the same damn thing
Knife and fork are on the table, ain't nothin' in my pan
And if you say a thing about it, have trouble with the man

Let the Midnight Special shine the light on me
Let the Midnight Special shine the ever-lovin' light on me

Well, I went to the Nation and the Territo*
Well, I thought about that girl I love, lived in Mexico

Let the Midnight Special shine the light on me
Let the Midnight Special shine the ever-lovin' light on me

If you ever go to Houston, oh you better walk right
And you better not squabble and you better not fight
Benson Crocker will 'rest you, Eddie Boone will take you down
You can bet your bottom dollar: penitentiary bound

Let the Midnight Special shine the light on me
Let the Midnight Special shine the ever-lovin' light on me

Well, jumpin' little Judy, she was a mighty fine girl
Well, Judy brought jumpin' to this whole round world
Well, she brought it in the mornin', just a while 'fore day
She brought me the news that my wife was dead
That started me to grievin' and hollerin' and cryin'
Then I had begin to worry 'bout my great long time

Let the Midnight Special shine the light on me
Let the Midnight Special shine the ever-lovin' light on me