Lyr Add: How You Want Your Rollin' Done

Subject: Lyr Add: 'How You Want Your Rollin' Done'
From: Stewie
Date: 23 Dec 02 - 02:13 AM

Almost nothing is known about Louie Lasky who had 2 issued sides in 1935. It is believed that he came to Chicago from Mississippi. He played guitar for Ma Rainey in the 20s and also was something of a mentor for Big Bill Broonzy for whom he worked as a sideman in the mid-1930s. His 'How Do You Want Your Rollin' Done' is a tour de force. Unusual among blues guitarists, he was a flatpicker. 'Rollin' Done' features his resonant voice, full of strength and lasciviousness, complemented by stunning guitar. It is a pity his recorded legacy is so small. A previously unissued side, 'Caroline', may be found on Vol 6 of Yazoo's 'Times Ain't Like ...' CDs - not a classic performance like 'Rollin' Done', but fine all the same.

HOW YOU WANT YOUR ROLLIN' DONE

Ah, tell me, mama, just how you want your rollin' done
Now, tell me, baby, just how you want your rollin' done
And just as long as you like it, if it takes the whole night long

My girl's got teeth like the lighthouse on the sea
I mean, baby, like the lighthouse upon the sea
And every time she smiles, she throws her lovin' light on me

My rider got something, and I don't know just what it is
My rider got something, and I don't know just what it is
And every time she wiggles and wobbles, papa can't keep his black self still

Lord, I'm wild about her jelly, she's put me in the alley
'Cos my gal's name is Sally and I know she's got good jelly
Tell me, just how you want that rollin' done
And just as long as you like it, if it takes the whole night long

Ah, I can get religion, baby, most any day
I mean, hey, most any day
But the dice and these women, I swear they won't let me pray

Ah, if you steal my rider, I won't get mad wit' you
If you steal my rider, I won't get mad wit' you
'Cos she's three times seven and she knows exactly what to do

Source: Louie Lasky 'How You Want Your Rollin' Done' recorded on 2 April 1935 in Chicago, Illinois, and issued as Vocalion 02955. Reissued on Various Artists 'Time Ain't Like They Used To Be Vol I' Yazoo CD 2028.

--Stewie.

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: 'How You Want Your Rollin' Done'
From: harpgirl
Date: 23 Dec 02 - 10:18 AM

...great song, Stewie. I have to hear it!

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: 'How You Want Your Rollin' Done'
From: 12-stringer
Date: 23 Dec 02 - 06:10 PM

There's nothing wrong with Big Bill's own version, which predates Lasky's by about 3 years and also features a hot flatpick style ("How You Want It Done," mx 11611-2, 3/29/1932, NY, issued on Vo 1745 and various dimestore labels; reissue on one of the Yazoo LPs of early Broonzy -- don't remember which -- and on the Sony CD/cassette compilation String Dazzlers). I like his version of the doubled-up stanza better:

"You can put me in the alley, my gal she name is Sally,
You wake me up in the morning mamma [he pronounces it "mommer"], I still got that old habit ..."

This, along with "Skoodle Do Do", is my favorite of the early Broonzy sides.

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: 'How You Want Your Rollin' Done'
From: Stewie
Date: 23 Dec 02 - 09:50 PM

12-Stringer

I agree that there's 'nothing wrong' with Big Bill's own version, but for me at least it lacks the arresting power and presence of Lasky's performance. It can be found on 'The Young Bill Broonzy 1928-1935' Yazoo 1011.

--Stewie.

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: 'How You Want Your Rollin' Done'
From:
Date: 22 Feb 05 - 06:13 AM

Anyone got lyrics to 'you never tell me how you want your rollin' done by sleepy John Estes"?