Lyr Req: Texas Flood (Larry Davis)

Subject: Lyr Add: TEXAS FLOOD (Larry Davis)
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 24 Nov 18 - 12:52 PM

You can hear this, and see an image of the record label, at the Internet Archive.


TEXAS FLOOD
Scott-Robey*
As recorded by Larry Davis and His Band, Duke 192, 1958.

Well, it’s floodin’ down in Texas; all the telephone lines are down. (2x)
Well, I’m tryin’ to call my baby but I can’t get a single sound.

Dark clouds are rollin’; man, I’m standin’ out in the rain. (2x)
Well, flood waters keeps on rollin’; man, it’s about to drive me insane.

Well, I’m leavin’ you, baby; Lord, I’m goin’ back home to stay. (2x)
Well, where there’s no floods and tornadoes, babe, and the sun shines ev’ry day.


* Credit as given on the record label. That would be Don Robey, owner of Duke Records. Wikipedia says: “He was notorious for his controversial business practices [and] gave himself songwriting credits for many of the songs recorded on his labels.” BMI, on the other hand, credits Larry Charles Davis and Joseph Wade Scott.

TEXAS FLOOD was covered by Stevie Ray Vaughan, Willie Nelson (with Kenny Wayne Shepherd), Buddy Guy, Fenton Robinson, and many others.

Subject: RE: Texas Flood
From: GUEST,Hootenanny
Date: 25 Oct 15 - 11:23 AM

Good number by Larry Davis, it was also performed regularly by Whispering Smith during his British appearances with Lightning Slim I believe also recorded it, maybe while he as here.

Subject: RE: Texas Flood
From: GUEST
Date: 25 Oct 15 - 11:16 AM

I was living in San Antonio when I first heard the SRV version of this (it was probably the first time I heard SRV, as well). I was in my truck and pulled off on the shoulder to give it a good listen, it hit me that hard. I thought that flooding was an apt metaphor in that song because a hard Spring rain where I lived in Texas, with it's shallow caliche crusts, could leave you underwater in a very short time.
I love SRV's version but I think the original version, with Davis' great vocal and the wonderful guitar work of Fenton Robinson, was just as good.

Subject: RE: Texas Flood
From: Joe Offer
Date: 25 Oct 15 - 11:02 AM

Somebody want to transcribe the song and post the lyrics?

Subject: RE: Texas Flood
From: Janie
Date: 25 Oct 15 - 10:45 AM

Here is the original. Texas Flood by Larry Davis

Love Stevie Ray Vaughan's cover.

Subject: RE: Texas Flood
From: Janie
Date: 25 Oct 15 - 10:42 AM

According to Wikipedia, It was written by Larry Davis in 1958. Not, apparently, about any particular flood. More here.

Subject: Texas Flood
From: Jack Campin
Date: 25 Oct 15 - 08:27 AM

Googling for current meteorological events brought up Stevie Ray Vaughan's "Texas Flood":

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wVjdMLAMbM0

which is pretty darn good.

Did he write it or is it borrowed from something older?

Which flood was it about?