The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #172737   Message #4190592
Posted By: GUEST,Charles111
01-Oct-23 - 05:18 AM
Thread Name: Lyr Add: Frankie and Albert lyrics full
Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Frankie and Albert lyrics full
Here is a more formatted and pretty version with some citations added:

Frankie was a woman Everybody know Paid a hundred dollars But her man’s suit of clothes Was her man But he done her wrong

Frankie went a walkin’ Did not go for fun Carried on her apron (carried under, had on, she had on, had under, who knows? Alberts forty-one (I choose carried because it sounds closest to this version) Kill my man ‘Cause he’s done me wrong

Frankie went down to the Huddie saloon Called for a bottle of beer Asked the lovin’ bartender “Lovin’ man been here?” He’s my man But he’s done me wrong

Frankie went by her house didn’t give no alarm ( “Alarm” pronounced just “Lawm” so people hear “Long”) Looked through the window glass Albert’s in his woman’s arms He’s my man But he’s done me wrong

I ain’t gonna tell you no story I ain’t gonna tell you no lie Albert left here an hour ago Woman named Alice Fry He’s your man but he’s done you wrong

Frankie she shot Albert Fell all in a knot Cryin’ “Oh, dear, Ms. Johnson, (See recording 148-A to hear “Ms. Johnson) See where your son is shot” (See “Frankie and Albert - Completion” to hear clearly) I’m your son and the only one

(Leadbelly may have omitted “see” in the 4th line above in this recording)

Frankie she shot Albert Fell upon his knees Cryin’ “Oh, Policeman Don’t let that woman kill me” I’m her man And I done her wrong

Rubber-tired the hearse Rubber-tired the hack (“Hack” old slang for taxi) Hearse carry Albert to the graveyard Had to bring his mother back Was her son And the only one

Turn-a me over mother Turn-a me over slow Turn me over for your last time Never turn me over no more I’m your son And the only one

Taking Albert to the graveyard Went to let him down Frankie was a-singin’ With a doleful sound (definitely “Doleful” see “Frankie and Albert - Completion”) Shoot your man Cause he’s done me wrong

Frankie went to Ms. Johnson Fell down on her knees cryin’ oh Ms. Johnson will you forgive me please kilt your son Cause he’s done-a me wrong

Ms. Johnson said Frankie I’ll forgive you not killed poor Albert only son I’ve got. (“Son” in this version, “Support” in others, he’s my son. see “Frankie and Albert - Completion”) and the only one

Frankie went to the graveyard Fell down on her knees “Speak one word, Albert Give my heart some ease Killed you man, Cause you done me wrong”

Farewell, farewell Farewell, farewell

Poor boy, poor boy Poor boy, poor boy

My son, my son My son, my son

Goodbye, goodbye Goodbye, goodbye