"Chinch bug" is an alternative name for "bed bug."

These lyrics copied from WeenieCampbell.com and checked by me, as far as possible—but the acoustics are poor, and the enunciation bad, too, so these lyrics should be regarded as tentative, in my opinion. But I can't improve on them.


CHINCH BUG BLUES
As recorded by Blind Lemon Jefferson, 1927.

I never did feel uneasy; I know how you left your tricks.
I never did feel uneasy; I know how you left your tricks.
You leave town today and it's ten days; you've got your business well fixed.

I wonder if the chinches bite in Beaumont, oh, like they do in Beale Street town.
I wonder if chinches bite in Beaumont, like they do in Beale Street town.
The first night I stayed in Memphis, chinch bugs turned my bed around.

I had to get 'ceitful with the bedbugs, to keep the chinches from takin' my life.
I had to get 'ceitful with the bedbugs, to keep the chinches from takin' my life.
Because the chinches got my number, wrote three letters to my wife.

My wife caught me easin', way 'cross that rich gal's room.
I said my wife caught me easin', way 'cross that rich gal's room.
The next time I go to slip out, I ain't gonna leave on the light anymore.

My wife has quit me, and my rich pigmeat gal is too.
I say my wife has quit me, and my rich pigmeat gal is too.
Oh, and I'm lyin' in this cold bed alone, hey, with these chinch bug blues.