This 1934 recording by Big Bill Broonzy, is closer to what the Grateful Dead and other recent musicians do.

C C RIDER
(version by Big Bill Broonzy)

C C Rider, see what you done done.
C C Rider, see what you done done.
C C Rider, see what you done done.
You done made me love you and now your man done come.

Tell me Rider ain't I been good to you?
Tell me Rider ain't I been good to you?
Tell me Rider ain't I been good to you?
I give you all of my lovin' so now what more can I do?

My home's on the water, don't like no land at all.
My home's on the water, don't like no land at all.
My home's on the water and I don't like no land at all.
My Rider done got so that she treats me like a dog.*

I see now Rider you don't mean me no good.
I see now Rider you don't mean me no good.
I see now Rider you don't mean me no good.
But you got another man and it's known out in the neighborhood.

Additional verses from later recordings:
I'm goin' away, baby, sure don't want to go,
I'm goin' away, baby, but I sure don't want to go,
I'm goin' away, baby, but I sure don't want to go,
When I leave you this time, you'll never see me no more.

I love you baby, but I hate your little dirty ways,
I love you baby, but I hate your dirty ways,
I love you baby, but I hate your dirty ways,
When I leave you this time, gal, I'm goin' away to stay.


*1957 recording: I'd rather be dead than to stay here and be your dog.
Another Broonzy recording: So goodbye baby, I'm tired of being your dog.