The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #59040   Message #697125
Posted By: Barry Finn
23-Apr-02 - 11:14 PM
Thread Name: Origins: Diamond Joe -- source of tune?
Subject: Lyr Add: DIAMOND JOE
John Lomax recorded a version of this from Charlie Butler in 1937, at Parchman (SP?) State Farm, Miss. I used to sing this a long time ago, so I can't say for certain how accurate I'll be but I don't think I'll be to far off base. I can't believe I can still read my notes (probably at least 20 yrs here too) on this but can hardly make out any the words.

Went up on a mountain give my horn a blow
Thought I heard Miss Maybelle say
You gonna come or go

CH Diamond Joe come to get me(3x)
Diamond Joe

Ain't gonna work this country
Don't need no part of this farm
I'm gonna sit till my Maybelle come
And she keep on calling me home

CH Diamond Joe come to get me(3x)
Diamond Joe

Ain't gonna tell no stories
Neither word nor lies
When I hear my maybelle singing
...............??????

CH Diamond Joe come to get me(3x)
Diamond Joe

Diamond Joe where'd you find him (3X)
Diamond Joe

CH Diamond Joe come to get me(3x)
Diamond Joe

Hope it helps. Still have the tune but I don't know how to post it. I cound sing it into a phone message machine if needed. Good Luck, Barry