Lyr Req: Since That Black Cat Crossed My Path

Subject: Lyr Req: When That Black Cat Crossed my Path
From: topical tom
Date: 11 Nov 08 - 12:12 PM

As a young lad I recall hearing this song on a victrola.I think this was the title, though it could have been "When The...". Any info?

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: When That Black Cat Crossed my Path
From: topical tom
Date: 11 Nov 08 - 12:14 PM

Sorry! Accidentally double-posted. Could someone cancel one of the posts?

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: When That Black Cat Crossed my Path
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 12 Nov 08 - 04:46 PM

I guess you're thinking of SINCE THAT BLACK CAT CROSSED MY PATH, written by Elsie McWilliams, and recorded by Ernest Tubb around 1937. I transcribed these excerpts from 2 different sound samples found at Allmusic.com:

...First thing that I saw this mornin' was a black cloud hangin' round,
Then I got your letter, baby, sayin' you done turned me down....

...yesterday the sky was blue.
Yesterday I spent in dreamin' happy hours away with you,
But I got chills, I don't mean maybe, just like a shower bath,
For since I left you last night, baby, a black cat crossed my path....

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: When That Black Cat Crossed my Path
From: topical tom
Date: 13 Nov 08 - 05:09 PM

Yes, indeed, that is the song! Thanks, Jim! If you or anyone else can find or remember other lyrics please post them.

Subject: Lyr Add: SINCE THAT BLACK CAT CROSSED MY PATH
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 22 Jan 12 - 07:56 PM

SINCE THAT BLACK CAT CROSSED MY PATH
As sung by Ernest Tubb on "Sounds like Jimmie Rodgers – Disc D" (2006)

Yodel-ay-ee-ay, de-lay-dee-ay, dee-o-del-lay-dee.

1. Yesterday sun was beamin'
Yesterday the sky was blue
Yesterday I spent in dreamin'
Happy hours away with you
But I got chills—I don't mean maybe—
Just like a shower bath,
'Cause since I left you last night, baby,
A black cat crossed my path.

CHORUS: Now I don't believe in superstition.
Such a rot burns me up with the wrath,
But they sho' been a change in my condition
Since that black cat crossed my path.

Yodel-ay-ee-ay, dee-o-de-lay-dee, o-lay-dee.

2. First thing that I saw this mornin'
Was a black cloud hangin' round.
Then I got your letter, baby,
Sayin' you done turned me down.
Now I lost my job and all my money.
It blown away like the chaff.
Old hard luck she's done got me, honey,
Since that black cat crossed my path. CHORUS

Yodel-ay-ee-ay, dee-o-de-lay-dee, o-lay-dee.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Since That Black Cat Crossed My Path
From: topical tom
Date: 23 Jan 12 - 03:34 PM

Many thanks, Jim! That sure brings back memories. I remember hearing it on a neighbor's old spring-wound phonograph. It was an old vinyl 78 record. Of my parents, my mother was the singer and she memorized and sang the song many times.