Lyr Req: Sink 'Em Low (Bessie Jones)

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Sink 'Em Low (Bessie Jones)
From: GUEST,999
Date: 16 Jan 12 - 09:17 AM

VT, I have no idea how to copy PDF files. However, if you Google the site below there is a copy of the song with a bit of history about it.

Please note that the page you open to has many songs on it as you scroll down. I found the lyrics about 3/4 ways down the page.


[PDF] OBWISANA Traditional. Ghana, Africa. й2000 Katherine Dines ...

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Sink 'Em Low (Bessie Jones)
From: GUEST,leeneia
Date: 16 Jan 12 - 09:15 AM

ask that judge, Lord,
=======
but if I don't have to make it
through Jan and Feb
I'll march on through

Thanks for the link.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Sink 'Em Low (Bessie Jones)
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 16 Jan 12 - 05:29 AM

Oh cool, Bruce. Thanks.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Sink 'Em Low (Bessie Jones)
From: GUEST,999
Date: 15 Jan 12 - 10:14 PM

VT, the link below may help.

http://www.elyrics.net/read/a/abigail-washburn-lyrics/captain-lyrics.html

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Sink 'Em Low (Bessie Jones)
From: Mick Pearce (MCP)
Date: 15 Jan 12 - 08:46 AM

I have one recording of Bessie Smith which contains a lyrics booklet, but I've just had a look through it and this song is not there, so I can't add any info re the title.

I've had a listen to the song and, as far as I can hear, your transcription is fine except for the 2nd line of v3 as shown above, where she sings:

  I said the morning come, boy

Mick

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Sink 'Em Low (Bessie Jones)
From: Brian Peters
Date: 15 Jan 12 - 08:19 AM

It may not help you much, but the tune is very like that of 'Swannanoa Tunnel' / 'Nine Pound Hammer' (Mudcat thread here
); however they seem to have no verses in common.

Subject: Lyr Req: Sink 'Em Low (Bessie Jones)
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 15 Jan 12 - 07:59 AM

I have searched all over the internet and mudcat so I hope I am not repeating another thread.

Anyone know if there are written lyrics for Bessie Jones Sink 'Em Low, or if perhaps it goes by another title?

Sink 'Em Low

I started transcribing It get's difficult on the second line of third verse. The rest I think I've sussed. Joe or other mod, if this is not in the digitrad please add. Thanks.


Sink 'Em Low

If ya want to please your captain
Sink em low boy
Raise em high
Sink em low boy
Sink em low
Sink em low boy
Raise em high

As the judge
What may be my fine
He said if I don't hang you
I'll give ya ninetynine
I'll give ya ninetynine
I'll give ya ninetynine
He said if I don't hang you
I'll give ya ninetynine

I asked my captain
I said the morning come
He said it makes no difference
I don't owe you none
I don't owe you none boy
I don't ow you none
He said it makes no difference
I don't owe you none

But if I can just make it it
To January and February
I'll March on through boys
I'll March on through

I thought I heard ole
Big Leg Lula
Calling me boy
She calling me
Said come back home boy
Said come back home boy
I heard big leg Lula
Calling me

Well I asked that captain
What time of day boy
He was so hard hearted
Just walked away