I took this from James Cotton's Livin' The Blues CD and I think most of it is right, but there's one line — the last of the third verse — that defies me, no matter how many times I listen to it. I'm marking it with italics here, and if anybody knows exactly what he's singing, I'd appreciate it if you'd post the right words.

david

Take A Message
(James Cotton Version)
By Dave Steen

Every time I'm relaxin' — the telephone rings
Man, it's really gettin' to me — I really hate that thing
Take a message, baby — just tell 'em I'm not home
You just got to lie to some people — or they just don't leave you alone

It might be the neighbor — the insurance man
It could be the boss man, girl — I just don't give a damn
Take a message, baby — just tell 'em I'm gone for the day
I don't feel much like talkin' — nobody listens anyway (makes me so mad)

INSTRUMENTAL BREAK:

Every time me and my baby — is gettin' in the (1. groove) (2. mood)
The telephone rings — and it blows my attitude
Take a message, baby — just tell 'em I'm not in
You just gotta lie to some people — so they don't call me back again

If that telephone keeps on ringin' — if I get one more call
Gonna take my 10-pound hammer — knock it right off the wall
Take a message, baby — just tell 'em I'm not home
You just gotta lie to some people — or they just don't leave you alone

INSTRUMENTAL BREAK:

REPEAT VERSES 3 & 4

INSTRUMENTAL ^^