Greatest Blues Songs

Subject: Greatest Blues Songs
From: Elwooddelta
Date: 14 Oct 97 - 10:55 PM

I'll start . . 61 Highway (Best by Fred McDowell, First Recordings in 1958)

Subject: RE: Greatest Blues Songs
From: Earl
Date: 15 Oct 97 - 01:46 AM

I assume we're talking about country blues. You have to include Robert Johnson's "Come on in My Kitchen" and I like Blind Willie McTell's "Broke Down Engine."

Subject: RE: Greatest Blues Songs
From: Shula
Date: 15 Oct 97 - 02:39 AM

Prob'ly oughta wait'll sum o' th' more knowledgeable blues lovers contribute, but cha kno' what th' buzzard said t' t'other buzzard: "Patience, hell! I'm jus' gonna KILL somethin'!"

Just off the top:

Country blues: practically any blues sung by the great Mississippi John Hurt; "Nobody Knows You When You're Down And Out."

Uptempo blues (yeah, yeah, it's an oxymoron): "S. F. Bay Blues," "Me and Bobby McGee."

Torch-song blues: "Am I Blue," "Someone To Watch Over Me."

And, hey, Earl, -- why only country blues? Can't blues reflect some of the sadder and seamier truths of city life, as well?

Shula

Subject: RE: Greatest Blues Songs
From: Peter T.
Date: 15 Oct 97 - 08:07 AM

No contest. Son House: "Dead Letter Blues". Yours, Peter

Subject: RE: Greatest Blues Songs
From: S.P. Buck Mulligan
Date: 15 Oct 97 - 08:24 AM

This thread might well kick off another - "what qualifies as blues" discussion (which would be neat, though probably already been done? - pardon a newcomer).

Bessie Smith would have to be included in a "greatest" list - I'd nominate "standin in the rain" though "Kitchen Man" is much better known. Big Bill Broonzy's version of "Alberta" is dynamite. While RJ's "Kitchen" is certainly outstanding (ever hear Delaney & Bonnie's version from the 70s "Motel Shot" album?)what about "Crossroads Blues" "Hellhound on my Trail" "Phonograph Blues" -- uh oh: it would be way too easy to just run down the list of Robert Johnson's stuff & include it all (which wouldn't be a bad idea).

Shula - "uptempo blues" is surely not an oxymoron but an entire genre. see Rev Gary Davis, BB King, Bonnie Raitt, Clapton and tons of others right up through Stevie Ray Vaughan.

Mississippi John Hurt's "Coffee Blues" has to be one of the greats too.

Subject: RE: Greatest Blues Songs
From: Earl
Date: 15 Oct 97 - 11:37 AM

Shula, I just wanted to narrow the focus a little and I think country blues is what Elwooddelta had in mind. If you want to include urban blues I'd suggest anything sung by Muddy Waters or written by Willie Dixon. How about "Bright Lights, Big City" by Jimmy Reed. And to bridge the gap between country blues and city blues: Memphis Minnie's "Me and My Chauffer"

BTW, while blues is usually thought of as sad music, I think it is the most joyful music you can produce without using a banjo. Anyone agree?

Subject: RE: Greatest Blues Songs
From: Jon W.
Date: 15 Oct 97 - 12:48 PM

Earl, I wholeheartedly agree that blues can be quite joyful. It can run the whole gamut of emotions. Check out Big Bill Broonzy's "Long Tall Mama" for one of the most joyful as well as technically difficult rag-style blues guitar pieces.

Robert Johnson - I think his two best were "Kind Hearted Mama" (especially the take with the guitar solo midway through) and "Love In Vain." The second is a fine example of minimalism in the blues - it's as important for what it leaves unsaid and unplayed, as for what is said and played.

Blind Willie McTell was a prolific and prodigious talent, largely unappreciated in his own times. One of his most obscure but I feel one of his greatest songs was "Drive Away Blues." His use of repitition in the lyrics reinforces the mood of the song, which is that he is drunk, confused, lonely, and losing his mind - "You drove me away and you drove my heart insane."

An urban blues with the same theme is Albert Collins' "My Mind is Trying to Leave Me." I'd have to put that one on the list too.

I could go on and on but I'll let someone else have a turn.

Subject: RE: Greatest Blues Songs
From: Will
Date: 15 Oct 97 - 08:03 PM

"Greatest", of course, is subjective, but let's through Leadbelly's "Bourgeois Blues" and "Fannin Street" into the pot.

Subject: RE: Greatest Blues Songs
From: Robert Lee
Date: 15 Oct 97 - 08:25 PM

Gotta second that vote for John Hurt's Coffee Blues.

Gary Davis' Samson and Delilah (You Got To Move) isn't really all that great a song, but his Newport recording of it has to stand as one of the all-time great blues performances.

Subject: RE: Greatest Blues Songs
From: Robert Lee
Date: 15 Oct 97 - 08:40 PM

On the topic of joyful blues, I think it was Mississippi John Hurt who said:

These young folks playing the blues now sound like they're trying *get* the blues. We was trying to get *rid* of them.

You can certainly hear that attitude at work in many of his songs, like "Talk about trouble, had it all my days" The lyrics say it's a rough life, but the music says it's not gonna get him down.

Mind you, he also wrote the saddest song I've ever heard in my life; "Nobody cares for me" Not even Hank Williams or George Jones ever equalled that song for sheer wallowing in sorrow.

Subject: RE: Greatest Blues Songs
From: Elwooddelta
Date: 15 Oct 97 - 09:02 PM

Every body is right in my way of thinking. The blues is what ever the person playin' or singin' thinks they are. Some like this kind, some like the other kind. Sometimes you feel like slow blues, sometimes when you feel full of eneregy you gotta boogie. I like bottleneck blues and include in my favorites Hat's Off To Roy Harper by Led Zeppelin. They grew up listening to Elmo and Robert Johnson and Fred McDowell, major influences in their style. I grew up listening to Led Zeppelin and I like the same old bluesmen because I REALLY like their style. ... The blues is an achin' ol' heart disease, I hope you never get 'em.................

Subject: RE: Greatest Blues Songs
From: dwditty
Date: 16 Oct 97 - 10:13 PM

The blues. Blind Willie McTell's Statesboro Blues is one of my favorites, but I couldn't declare any single song the best in any category. For me, it's the song that hits the right spot at the right time. One of my particular favorites is not a blues at all-Jesus on the Mainline. In fact, the artist, Joseph Spence, once said that the blues just never grafted to his head. Hard to believe if you check out his Original 1958 Field Recordings. While there are plenty of tunes that I find an incredible display of notes, it's Joseph's guitar work that simply complexifies my mind!

Subject: RE: Greatest Blues Songs
From: Will
Date: 16 Oct 97 - 10:13 PM

I'm sitting here now with John Mayall's "A sense of place" playing ("Send me down to Vicksburg" and so forth), which I think he recorded about 1988. Don't know if it qualifies as greatest blues songs, but its good straightforward music and its great to hear Mayall still going strong after twenty years of playing.

Subject: RE: Greatest Blues Songs
From: Elwooddelta
Date: 16 Oct 97 - 11:26 PM

Hey Will, it's all about what you like and think are the greatest songs. While am a lover of bottleneck delta blues, there's blues in country, blue grass, jazz and rock. I think the great artists that developed the style are Real Bluesmen, but so is John Mayall, Eric Clapton, SRV etc.. I like it all. Just like to study it's roots.

Subject: RE: Greatest Blues Songs
From: Earl
Date: 16 Oct 97 - 11:39 PM

Here's another vote for Blind Willie McTell's "Statesboro Blues." It's certainly one of the most verstile blues songs ever written, I've never heard it played the same way twice.

It's got me thinking of other songs that have gone from the country into the mainstream. "If I Had Possession Over Judgement Day" predates Robert Johnson but his version is the most memmorable. That became Muddy Waters' "Rollin and Tumblin" which was later recorded by white rockers. "Walkin Blues" also came to the mainstream via RJ and Muddy Waters. "Dust My Broom"; RJ and Elmore James.

Subject: RE: Greatest Blues Songs
From: Jack (who is called jack)
Date: 17 Oct 97 - 02:53 PM

I like most of the entries.

I want to add Big Road Blues, by Tommy Johnson to the fray.

Subject: RE: Greatest Blues Songs
From: DrWord
Date: 24 Oct 97 - 10:23 AM

Sonny Terry & Brownie McGee "If you ever change your mind"

Dennis

Subject: RE: Greatest Blues Songs
From: Elwooddelta
Date: 25 Oct 97 - 12:39 AM

We gonna pitch a wang dang doodle all night long. Howlin Wolf was one of the coolest of the cool. Think I'll go crank it up.

Subject: RE: Greatest Blues Songs
From: Elwooddelta
Date: 25 Oct 97 - 12:43 AM

Think about Teriplane Blues (probably not spelled right) by Robert Johnson. If you're into cars, women and blues, this song's for you. Heck if you're into cars or women or blues this is a great one. "I'm bound to check your oil"

Subject: RE: Greatest Blues Songs
From: Frank in the swamps
Date: 25 Oct 97 - 04:57 AM

No way I could pick one fave. But I'm in the mood for Blind boy Fuller's "Pistol Slappin' Blues". Also,since it's been mentioned, Has anyone ever heard The Holy Modal Rounders version of "Statesboro Blues?" It's one of the funniest takes ever.

I've always been partial to "Corrina, Corrina" played with a gentle lilt, almost country. Frank I.T.S.

Subject: RE: Greatest Blues Songs
From: dwditty
Date: 25 Oct 97 - 07:23 AM

I'll be checking out John Hammond at two free shows this Sun (7 and 9 pm - The Mohegan Sun Casino in CT if you're in the area.) To get a feel, look for a video - "Searching for Robert Johnson" in which Hammond tours the delta interviewing people who knew the Great Robert - including Willie Mae! Hammond plays with several players and even "cuts heads" on a street corner in a delta town.

My favorite Hammond tunes are Mr. Luck, Red Hot Kisses, and Riding in the Moonlight.

For Chicago blues check out the line up on a recording called Fathers and Sons. This is a double album from 1969 that was reissued on CD in 1987. There are others with the same name-don't be fooled. Anyway, this recording (live and studio) features Muddy Waters, Otis Spann, Michael Bloomfield, Paul Buttefield, Donald "Duck" Dunn, Sam Lay, and Buddy Miles. In particular I like Forty Days and Forty Nights, Standin' Round Cryin, and Honey Bee. A great piece of history.

Subject: RE: Greatest Blues Songs
From: Earl
Date: 25 Oct 97 - 03:58 PM

Frank I.T.S., I'm glad to see there's another Rounders fan here. After the original, their version of "Statesboro Blues" is my favorite. I wish they would reissue that album on CD.

For Chicago blues, another great collection is the "Willie Dixon Chess Box". It is a two CD compilation of songs written by Willie Dixon and recorded by Chess artists. It includes "Wang Dang Doodle" sung by Howlin' Wolf and "Hoochie Coochie Man" sung by Muddy Waters. It also has the original versions of many songs later recorded by rock stars (who didn't always give Mr. Dixon credit) like "Whole Lot of Love", "Little Red Rooster", "Ain't Superstisious", "Seventh Sun", etc.

Subject: RE: Greatest Blues Songs
From: Elwooddelta
Date: 26 Oct 97 - 08:44 PM

How about "Drinkin' water out of a hollow log" by Fred McDowell.

Subject: RE: Greatest Blues Songs
From: Jon W.
Date: 27 Oct 97 - 11:10 AM

I saw Willie Dixon himself on a PBS special "I am the Blues" where he did a pretty darn good version of "Wang Dang Doodle" a few years ago. And I don't know who wrote it but I've heard recordings by Muddy Waters, Willie Dixon, B.B. King and others of "Got My Mojo Working". The best is one I recorded off the radio many years ago. It was done by Muddy, in a live situation, and has to be one of the greatest boogie blues classics.

Subject: RE: Greatest Blues Songs
From: dwditty
Date: 27 Oct 97 - 01:48 PM

Jon W.

Check out my entry of 10/25 re: Muddy Waters et al
as Fathers and Sons. I believe this is the source of
Mojo that you taped.

Subject: RE: Greatest Blues Songs
From: Shula
Date: 31 Oct 97 - 04:59 PM

Can't believe I forgot to include Blind Lemon Jefferson's "Matchbox Blues." Great collection here!

Shula

Subject: RE: Greatest Blues Songs
From: dwditty
Date: 01 Nov 97 - 12:09 PM

Some more classics:

That's No Way to Get Along - Robert Wilkins
'Taint Nobody's Business - Frank Stokes
Fixing to Die - Bukka White
Come On In My Kitchen - Robert Johnson (along with the rest of the catalog)
Bullfrog Blues - William Harris (Check out David Bromberg's version)
Moon Going Down - Charlie Patton
Hard Time Killin Floor Blues - Skip James
Pigmeat - Leadbelly
Motherless Children - Blind Willie Johnson
Bad Luck Blues - Blind Lemon Jefferson
Fishing Blues - Henry Thomas
Back Water Blues - Bessie Smith
Make Me a Pallet on Your Floor - Mississippi John Hurt
Diddie Wah Ditty - Blind Blake
Hesitation Blues - Rev. Gary Davis
Good Old Wagon - Bessie Smith

And on...and on...and on.

Subject: RE: Greatest Blues Songs
From: jym
Date: 01 Nov 97 - 05:42 PM

The greatest blues of all-the list could be a hundred miles long. The ten best blues songs ever are the ones that touch your soul the deepest. Some of my favorites are :

WANG DANG DOODLE
LITTLE RED ROOSTER
STATESBORO BLUES
BLIND MAN BLUES
HONEYBEE
WALKIN' BLUES
GOT MY MOJO WORKING
BOOGIE CHILLUN
NOBODY KNOWS YOU
ST. JAMES INFIRMARY
RED CROSS BLUES

HTML line breaks added. -JoeClone 8-Mar-01.

Subject: RE: Greatest Blues Songs
From: Elwooddelta
Date: 01 Nov 97 - 08:20 PM

Between Midnight and Day, Son House is an old favorite of mine.

Although Hats off to Roy Harper by Led Zeppelin has to be an all time great blues sleeper.

Subject: RE: Greatest Blues Songs
From: Elwooddelta
Date: 03 Nov 97 - 09:35 PM

Boogy Chillun' by John Le Hooker

Come on now let's keep it going.

Subject: RE: Greatest Blues Songs
From: Muddy
Date: 04 Nov 97 - 02:02 AM

Blues songs...

The 1st time I really sat down to listen to 'em was when I picked up a 2nd-hand CD of Muddy Waters...and the 1st song that really hit me was, "Dont Go No Farther"...It still is one of my all-time faves. to this day...

Another song called, "Bad, bad Whiskey"... I believe by Junior Wells and Willie Dixon...Only heard it a few times..but that was enough to get me hooked...

For getting down, nothing beats, "Sweet Home, Chicago" by Robert Johnson

Subject: RE: Greatest Blues Songs
From: Whippoorwill
Date: 04 Nov 97 - 09:48 AM

My absolute favorite is "One Meat Ball." I heard it as a kid and have never been able to get it out of the back of my mind.

One artist I haven't seen mentioned is Lady Day - Billie Holiday. For pure gut-wrenching tear-your-heart-out passion, listen to her "Strange Fruit."

Subject: RE: Greatest Blues Songs
From: dick greenhaus
Date: 04 Nov 97 - 06:44 PM

Y'know---If folks posted some of the lyrics instead of reeeling of the names, we'd have more great blues songs in the database.

Subject: Lyr Add: 61 HIGHWAY^^
From: Elwooddelta
Date: 04 Nov 97 - 09:51 PM

61 Highway

Lawd that 61 highway be the only route I know,
Said that 61 highway be the only road I know.
Said she runs from New York City down to the Gulf of Mexico.

Well there's some folks said the Gray Hound busses don't run,
Well there's some folks said the Gray Hound busses don't run.
Yes go to West Memphis Lawdy use the Highway 61.

I said please, please see somebody for me,
I said please, please see somebody for me.
If you see my baby, tell her she's all right with me.

(Guitar interlude up one octave with crying vibrato)

I said that's all right baby you're gonna need my helpin' hand,
I said that's all right baby you're gonna need my helpin' hand.
That'll be someday baby pretty momma where you won't have no man.

I'm gonna buy me a pony kid, fox trot an' run,
I'm gonna buy me a pony kid, fox trot an' run.
So you see me commin' pretty momma down Highway 61.

Lawd If I happen ta dye baby before you think my time have come,
Lawd If I happen ta dye baby before you think my time have come.
An' when you bury my body out on Highway 61.

(Guitar close, up one octave hanging there.)

(((( Mr Greenhouse is correct, good Idea ))))))

HTML line breaks added. -JoeClone 8-Mar-01.

Subject: RE: Greatest Blues Songs
From: dick greenhaus
Date: 04 Nov 97 - 11:19 PM

Thank you Elwooddelta.

Any more?

Subject: Lyr Add: BROKE DOWN ENGINE^^
From: Earl
Date: 04 Nov 97 - 11:39 PM

Broke Down Engine - Blind Wille McTell

Feel like a broke down engine, ain't got no drivin' wheel
Feel like a broke down engine, ain't got no drivin' wheel
If you've been down and lonesome then you know how a poor boy feels

I been shootin craps and gamblin' honey and I done got broke
I been shootin craps and gamblin' honey and I done got broke
Pawned my pistol, my good clothes and so

I went down to my prayin ground dropped down on bended knees
I went down to my prayin ground dropped down on bended knees
I ain't prayin for no religion, just bring me back my good gal please

If you just send her back, lord I won't worry you no more
If you just send her back, lord I won't worry you no more
Don't have to put her in my house just lead her up to my front door

Feel like a broke down engine, ain't got no drivers at all
Feel like a broke down engine, ain't got no drivers at all
Reason I love that woman, she can really do the Georga Crawl

Feel like a broke down engine, ain't got no whistles or bells
Feel like a broke down engine, ain't got no whistles or bells
Takes a red hot mama to cure your daddy's weepin spells
and I won't come back no more

Subject: RE: Greatest Blues Songs
From: Braveheart
Date: 05 Nov 97 - 10:30 AM

I agree with most of the above but, at the risk of being controvertial, I often think that blues purists (myself included) are too quick to dismiss bluesmen and wimmen who ain't dead yet! To illustrate the point, I once saw (live) Prince, as he was then, play a guitar solo which made the hairs curl and the ladies swoon like only a true blues genius could. I only use the purple one as an example but does anyone else turn on a CD by a band you wouldn't expect it from and find themselves living a totally blue moment?

Subject: Lyr Add: DRIVE AWAY BLUES^^
From: Jon W.
Date: 05 Nov 97 - 11:32 AM

Blind Willie McTell recorded at least three versions of Broke Down Engine. For comparison, here is the version that appears on the Yazoo album "Blind Willie McTell, The Early Years." IMHO, the best of the three.

BROKE DOWN ENGINE
Blind Willie McTell

Feel like a broke down engine, ain't got no driving wheel
Feel like a broke down engine mama, ain't got no driving wheel
Y'e're (You ever) been down and lonesome, ya know how a poor man feels.

I been shootin' craps and gamblin', Mama and I done got broke
I been shootin' craps and gamblin', honey and I done got broke
I done pawned my pistol, mama, 'n' my best clothes are sold

Lawdy Lawd, lawdy lordy lawd
Lawdy Lawd, lawdy lordy lo'

I went down to my prayin' ground and fell on bended knee
I went down to my prayin' ground and fell on bended knees
I ain't cryin' for no religion Lordy gimme (give me) back my good gal please.

If you gimme my baby, Lord I won't worry you no more
If you gimme my baby, I won't worry you no more
You ain't got to put 'er in my house, Lordy only lead her to my door.

Lawdy Lawd, lawdy lordy lawd
Lawdy Lawd, lawdy lordy lo'

Don't you hear me baby, *** rappin' on your door (***=three knocks on guitar)
Don't you hear your daddy, *** rappin' on your door
Can I get out snake lemon and tappy (?) plant and sip (slip or slither?) light (right?) 'cross your floor?
(any help on this line would be appreciated)

Feel like a broke down engine, ain't got no drivers at all
Feel like a broke down engine Mama, ain't got no drives at all
What makes me love my woman, she can really do the Georgia crawl

Lawdy Lawd, lawdy lordy lawd
Lawdy Lawd, lawdy lordy lo'

Feel like a broke down engine, ain't got no whistle or bell
Feel like a broke down engine, ain't got no whistle or bell
If you'se a real hot mama, drive away Daddy's weepin' spell
(spoken) And I won't be back no more, baby


Here's another one, from the same album, that I mentioned earlier in this thread:

DRIVE AWAY BLUES
Blind Willie McTell

I believe that if I had my sweet woman's heart in my hand
-In my hand
I believe that if I had my sweet woman's heart in my hand
-In my hand
I believe I could teach her how to treat a real good man

I drink so much whiskey mama, I can't hardly talk
-Hardly talk, sweet mama, hardly talk
I drink so much whiskey, I can't hardly talk
-Hardly talk
Well it's done addled on my brains, people I can't hardly walk

How my poor heart weak and wearied, baby when you drove me away
-Drove me 'way, sweet mama, you drove me away.
How my poor heart weak and wearied, baby when you drove me away
You will cry for Poor Boy McTell, some old rainy day

Goin' up on a lookout mountain, look down to Niagara Fall,
-Niagara Fall, sweet Mama, Niagara Fall
Goin' up on a lookout mountain, look down to Niagara Fall,
-Niagara Fall
Seem like to me I can hear my Atlanta mama call
-Hear her call

Don't fret 'n' worry 'n' don't grieve after me
-Sweet mama, after me
Don't grieve 'n' worry'n don't fret after me
-After me
Don't you scream and cry 'cause I'm goin' back to Tennessee

(Aw, boy play the Drove Away Blues for me)
--Guitar interlude--
(That's all I know)

Can't read and write, can't even spell my name
-Spell my name, I know, spell my name
Can't read and write, can't even spell my name
You drove me away and you drove my heart insane
(but I won't be back no more, Mama)

Note: the lines beginning with '-' are half spoken and belong in the "response" portion of "call and response"

Subject: Lyr Add: BETWEEN MIDNIGHT AND DAY^^
From: Elwooddelta
Date: 05 Nov 97 - 09:41 PM

Here's a little Son for ya

BETWEEN MIDNIGHT AND DAY
Son House

(Slide guitar intro with harp)
(Walking beat)

You know the minutes, they seem like hours.
Sometime the hours, they seem like days.

I say the minutes, they seem like hours.
Sometime the hours, they seem like days.

You know it look like my baby, aughta' stop her low down ways.

I wish sometimes, I had a whole heaven of my own.
Oh sometime I wish, I me a heaven of my own.

I say I'd give all my women, I say a long, long hapy home.

You know it's a shame to love someone don't love you.
Oh ain't it a shame, oh ta love someone don't love you.

Don't look like it'll never be satisfaction, I don't care what in the world you do.

I'm goin' away, I ain't never comin' back no more.
I say Im' goin' away, little girl I'm never comin' back no more.

I say when I leave this time, I say I'm gona hang crate upon your door.


I woke up this mornin', just beetween nidnight and day.
Oh got up this mornin', just between midnight and day.

You know I was still huggin' the pilla, oh where she used to lay.


You know I cried last night, I say an' I cried the night before.
Oh I cried last night, yeah I spent all that night before.

I think I'll change my of livin', oh so I won't have ta cry no more.


You know it's a shame, you know it's a low down dirty shame.
Lawd it's a shame, a dat a low down dirty shame.

I'm so sorry today baby, oh that I ever knowd your little ol' name.

HTML line breaks added. -JoeClone 8-Mar-01.

Subject: RE: Greatest Blues Songs
From: Niki
Date: 05 Nov 97 - 09:53 PM

That was a nice poem. I hope that you'll send me more of them. It's nice talking to ya.

Niki

Subject: Lyr Add: RED HOUSE (Jimi Hendrix)^^
From: Elwooddelta
Date: 06 Nov 97 - 09:00 PM

Ok Niki, Here goes:

Red House

There's a red house over yonder
That's where my baby stays, yeah
There's a red house over yonder baby
That's where my baby stays
Oh I aint been home to see my baby in about,a ninety nine and one half days
Bout time to see her

Wait a minute, somethin's wrong
This key won't unlock this door
Wait a minute somethin's wrong baby
The key won't unlock the door, yeah
I got a bad, bad feelin' a
That my baby don't live here no more
She didn't tell me nothin' about movin'

That's allright I still got my guitar, look out baby

(Interlude harp then guitar)

I might as well go on back down
Go back 'cross yonder over the hill
I might as well go back, over yonder
Way back over yonder 'cross the hill
That's where I came from
'Cause, If my baby don't love me no mo'
I know her sister will

HTML line breaks added. -JoeClone 8-Mar-01.

Subject: RE: Greatest Blues Songs
From: Angus McSweeney
Date: 06 Nov 97 - 10:26 PM

This is a fascinating thread! I would add Josh White's "Strange Fruit". But be warned, it is not a feel-good song.

Here's an observation. I've been off the net for a few days, so I started reading this thread from the beginning. I noticed a fairly consistent ommission and found myself going back to the top of the thread and checking it again. It's a little hard to be sure, but it appears that this is almost exclusively a "male" thread. Now I know their are women who love and play the blues, but is their something uniquely "male" about this genre? A few theories jump to mind, but I'd be interested in hearing opinions. In the meantime, I've got the blues - Angus.

Subject: RE: Greatest Blues Songs
From: Bill D
Date: 07 Nov 97 - 06:30 PM

I thought when anyone named 'Angus McSweeny' had the 'blues', it meant he had painted himself with woad...(as the groans die away, I want to say that this thread IS great reading!!)

Subject: RE: Greatest Blues Songs
From: Elwooddelta
Date: 07 Nov 97 - 09:06 PM

Angus makes an interesting observation and while I don't think all the responces are male I don't think blues is any different than other forms of popular music. Males dominate music across the board, why I don't know.

See the blues is an achin' ol' heart disease If you never had 'em, hope you never will

You might be man, you might be gal But when that lawd gets ready you got ta move

Poetic licence runs amuck!!!!

Subject: RE: Greatest Blues Songs
From: Elwooddelta
Date: 07 Nov 97 - 09:14 PM

Now Bill D,

I'm real sorry if I didn't understand you right but did you say wode?

I heard the Beatles sing "Why don't we do it in the wode?" but I didn't know you could paint yourself with it.

Reminds me of another Robert Johnson liric;

This stuff I got will blow your mind out baby Wheeeew it'll make you loose your MIND

:}{:

Subject: Lyr Add: I'M COMING, LORD, PLEASE DON'T DRIVE...^^
From: Elwooddelta
Date: 07 Nov 97 - 09:18 PM

And now for a bluEs song:

I'm Comin' Lord, Please Don't Drive Me Away
Robert Johnson


I'm comin' on, please don't drive me,
Don't drive me away, don't drive me away.

I'm comin' Lord, please don't drive,
Don't drive me away, don't drive me away.

For if you to drive me away
You may need Lord, my help someday.

I'm comin' on, please don't drive,
Don't drive me away.

(guitar interlude)

I'm a motherless child,
Please don't drive, don't drive me away, don't drive me away.

I'm a motherless child,
Please don't drive me, don't drive me away, don't drive me away.

For if you drive me away,
You may need Lord, my help someday.

I'm commin on, please don't drive, don't drive me away.

(end)

HTML line breaks added. -JoeClone 8-Mar-01.

Subject: RE: Greatest Blues Songs
From: Elwooddelta
Date: 08 Nov 97 - 11:37 AM

Today the greatest blues songs thread hit number ONE, with 51 postings, this makes it 52!

I know, I know the last 4 are mine but this thread would still be number one with out my las few rantings! :}

Blues rules at the Mudcat!

Subject: RE: Greatest Blues Songs
From: Bill D
Date: 08 Nov 97 - 02:28 PM

nope...woad..as in from the database

sorry...esoteric joke...Celtic peoples used to paint themselves blue and attack their enemies to instill fear...

Subject: RE: Greatest Blues Songs
From: Elwooddelta
Date: 08 Nov 97 - 03:36 PM

Goog work; wode

Wode Nelly Yellow brick WODE I wode the buss I spend my wode on my last guitar

I don't know the celtics had wodes

Just kiddin' round Bill D.

I'm glad you wode back to 'splain wha' wode means.

ElWODEdelta :}

Subject: RE: Greatest Blues Songs
From: Elwooddelta
Date: 08 Nov 97 - 03:37 PM

I can't help myself,

One more for the wode:

I'm gonna paint myself blue wo I can scare the WODE out of you!

Subject: Lyr Add: MY MIND IS TRYING TO LEAVE ME^^
From: Jon W.
Date: 10 Nov 97 - 03:59 PM

Here's the lyrics to that Albert Collins song I mentioned a few days ago:

MY MIND IS TRYING TO LEAVE ME
Albert Collins

I went to breakfast this morning down at the corner bar
I thought I heard my baby call my name and it came from so far
I started running and answering like a crazy fool would do
You see, my woman gone away and left me,
And now my mind is trying to leave me too.

Now my friend stepped out the bar and stopped me and offered me a drink
I went in and had a double and I began to think
About my baby, like a crazy fool would do
You see my woman's gone away and left me,
And now my mind is trying to leave me too.

I went into the barbershop and ordered ham and eggs
And each barber gave me fifty cents - they thought I was trying to beg
And I started crying like a baby, like a baby, like any fool would do
You see my woman's gone away and left me,
And now my mind is trying to leave me too.

Subject: Lyr Add: HATS OFF TO (ROY) HARPER^^
From: Elwooddelta
Date: 10 Nov 97 - 09:20 PM

This song is a tribute to the old blues masters, done by Led Zeppelin (really)

Instrumentally it is a nearly exact reporduction of a song sung by Napoleon Strickland, Son House, Fred McDowell and others to be sure.

The title of the original was Shake 'Em On Down
Zep does it as: Hats Off To Roy Harper

Open C

Guitar Intro.

Well I done quit hollerin' babe, I believe I'll shake 'em on down.

Guitar

Get my babe, won't be late
You know by that I mean seconds late,
Ah must I holler, must I Shake 'em on down.
Well I've been mistreated babe I believe I'll shake 'em on down.

Guitar

Well I ain't no monkey, Can't climb no tree,
No brown skin woman gonna make no monkey out of me.
I ain't no monkey, sho can't climb no tree.
I've been mistreated, babe, I believe I'll shake 'em on down.

Guitar

Gave my baby twenty dollar bill,
If that don't get her, sure my shotgun will.
Yeah gave my baby twenty dollar bill,
If that don't get that woman, I'm sure my Shotgun will.

HTML line breaks added. -JoeClone 8-Mar-01.

Subject: RE: Greatest Blues Songs
From: Elwooddelta
Date: 11 Nov 97 - 10:43 PM

Guess I scared everybody off with a Led Zeppelin song!

I won't do it again I promise.

Subject: RE: Greatest Blues Songs
From: Jon W.
Date: 12 Nov 97 - 10:53 AM

Actually, Elwood, I always thought Led Zepplin's "Since I've Been Loving You" was a pretty great blues song in my younger days. And since you've mentioned British blues, how about "Lazy" by Deep Purple (Machine Head album). I don't know if they got it from the tradition or just made it up.

LAZY

You're lazy, just stay in bed (2x) Don't want no money, you don't want no bread.

If you're drowning, don't clutch no straw (2x) Don't wanna live, don't wanna try no more.

Subject: RE: Greatest Blues Songs
From: Eagle
Date: 12 Nov 97 - 11:52 AM

Hi anyone here??

Subject: RE: Greatest Blues Songs
From: Elwooddelta
Date: 12 Nov 97 - 09:13 PM

Eagle

There is someone here, is there anyone out there.

John,

I'm not familiar with Deep Purple much and don't know the song Lazy. Have you heard Aerosmith's "Pink", my kids thought It sonded like the STUFF I listen to and introduced me to it. It's very bluesy. Thier guitarist, Joe Perry is playing a lot of new / old stuff on a Natonal Resolectric. Definately a blues guitar!

Subject: Lyr Add: TROUBLE IN MIND^^^
From: Elwooddelta
Date: 13 Nov 97 - 08:47 PM

Trouble In Mind
Blind Connie Williams

Trouble in mind.
I'm blue, but I won't be blue always,
Cause the sun's gonna shine in my back door someday.

(guitar interlude)

Well I'm worried,
Worried now, children and I won't be worried long,
Cause the sun's gonna shine in my back door someday.

(guitar interlude)

Trouble in mind.
I'm blue, but I won't be blue always,
Cause the sun's gonna shine in my back door someday.

(guitar interlude)

Well tell me pretty mama,
Where you stayed last night?
Why's it none of your business since I treat you right?

(end)

HTML line breaks added. -JoeClone 8-Mar-01.

Subject: RE: Greatest Blues Songs
From: Elwooddelta
Date: 15 Nov 97 - 10:57 PM

I seem to be talking to myself these days.

Does anybody know if the above songs are getting into the database?

Subject: RE: Greatest Blues Songs
From: Red Styles
Date: 16 Nov 97 - 12:31 AM

Robert Johnson's "Terraplane Blues" is my most favorite and probley his greatest song. The man was certainly way ahead of his time in this song. That boogie shuffle in between verses is straight up heavy metal. It rocks the house.

Subject: RE: Greatest Blues Songs
From: Elwooddelta
Date: 16 Nov 97 - 10:34 AM

Red

Terraplane really is a great song, it kinda gives the listener a spark.

Keep on tanglin' with these wires. :}

Subject: RE: Greatest Blues Songs
From: dick greenhaus
Date: 16 Nov 97 - 11:30 AM

Elwooddelta- Yep, they'll be finding their way into the database.

Subject: Lyr Add: POLICE DOG BLUES^^ etc.
From: Jon W.
Date: 17 Nov 97 - 12:04 PM

Elwood, keep talking to yourself, we like to listen in.

I'm surprised there hasn't been more said about Blind Blake - maybe the flat out best guitarist of the whole blues tradition, definitely the best if you like ragtime. His guitar playing was obviously the highlight of his music, but since it's beyond the scope of the DT to include that, I'll just be satisfied to submit a whole cartload of his lyrics. The songs with an asterisk have especially great and unique guitar parts, in my judgement.

POLICE DOG BLUES^^
Blind Blake

All my life I've been a travelin' man (2x)
Staying alone and doing the best I can.

I shipped my trunk down to Tennessee (2x)
Hard to tell about a man like me.

I met a gal, I couldn't get her off my mind (2x)
She passed me up, said she didn't like my kind.

I scared to bark around her house at night (2x)
Got a police dog, craving for a fight.

His name is Rambler, when he gets a chance (2x)
He leaves his mark on everybody's pants.

I guess I'll travel, I guess I'll let her be (2x)
Before she sics her Police Dog on me.


POLICY BLUES^^
Blind Blake

Numbers numbers, 'bout to drive me mad (2x)
Thinking about the money that I should have had.

I dreamed last night the woman I loved was dead (2x)
If I'da played the dead row, I'da come out ahead.

I acted a fool and played on three six nine (2x)
Lost my money, and that gal of mine.

I played on Clearing House, couldn't make the grade (2x)
Lord, think of the money that I should have made.

I begged my baby, to let me in her door (2x)
Wanted to put my twenty five sixty seventy five in her seven seventeen twenty four.

I want fifteen fifty, and three two one (2x)
I'm gonna keep playing Policy, 'til some good luck come.


C.C. PILLS BLUES^^
Blind Blake

Early this morning, Blues knocking on my door (2x)
I just come here to worry you some more.

Opened my door, Blues come walking in (2x)
Just come back to worry you again.

Blues and Trouble, are my two best friends (2x)
When Blues walks out, then Trouble steps in.

Hey Hey mama, what you want me to do (2x)
Take C.C. (suicide) pills, pass away for you


BLACK BACK BITING BEE^^
Female vocalist, accomp. by Blind Blake on guitar

Early this morning, heard somebody calling me (2x)
It was my baby, that Black Back Biting Bee.

Gonna take my razor, cut my honeysuckle vine (2x)
Some black bee done stole that honey of mine.

Rather have my hand and ankle (in shackles ?), my body on some railroad track
Than to have that black bee bite me in my back.

It's raining in my kitchen, lightning on my wall. (2x)
I know by that, some mule is kicking in my stall.


HARD PUSHING PAPA^^
Blind Blake

I come to town, I come to stay.
Better watch out women when I come your way.
Chorus:
'Cause I'm a hard pushing papa, I don't know when to stop.
'Cause I'm a hard pushing papa, push you until you drop.

Listen all you fellows, I'll stay to say,
Scrape up your lovin' and haul your freight
(chorus)

Three years Pullman porter, never lost a bet
Three years in jail and I ain't done yet
(chorus)

If you want to fight, you soon will see,
A cat and dog ain't got a thing on me.
(chorus)

I'm rough and tumble, never been to school.
Nobody can beat me 'cause I break all the rules
(chorus)

Take my liquor standing up and my women sitting down,
Man cross my path, I'm gonna run him out of town,
(chorus)

Never used a razor, pistol I do despise,
But take one look at a man, he lay down and die.
(chorus)

Don't get scared sweet mama, what I tell you is true
You'll like my style, sweet jelly roll to you
(chorus)


GEORGIA BLUES^^
Blind Blake

Packin' up my duffle, gonna leave this town (2x)
And I'm gonna hustle, to catch that train southbound.

I got the Georgia blues, for the plow and hoe (2x)
Walked out my shoes, over this ice and snow.

Tune up the fiddle, dust the cat and bow (2x)
Put on the griddle, and open the cabin door.

I thought I was going to the north land to stay, (2x)
South is on my mind, my blues won't go away.

Potatoes in the ashes, possum on the stove (2x)
You can have the hash but please leave me the clothes.

Chicken on the roost babe, watermelons on the vine. (2x)
I'll be glad to get back to that Georgia gal of mine.

PS I'll try and get Diddy Wah Diddy another day.

Subject: RE: Greatest Blues Songs
From: Earl
Date: 17 Nov 97 - 12:25 PM

I agree Jon, Blind Blake was the best ragtime guitarist. He should be on the short list of great guitar players of any style. His lyrics are a lot of fun too.

Subject: RE: Greatest Blues Songs
From: Elwooddelta
Date: 17 Nov 97 - 08:59 PM

Jon & Earl

You've reminded me just how much good music is really out there! I get the blues just tryin' ta find a way to buy it.

Subject: Lyr Add: CRYING WON'T HELP YOU^^
From: Elwooddelta
Date: 17 Nov 97 - 09:02 PM

Cryin' Won't Help You
Robert Nighthawk

(2 guitars and harp)

No matter what you say darlin, no matter what your do,
Just remember darlin it's commin' back home to you.
And cryin' won't help you, no cryin' won' t help you.
Cryin' won't help you darlin' cause you have been so mean to me.

No matter what you say darlin', no matter where you go.
Just remember darlin you gotta reap just what you sew.
And cryin' won't help you, no cryin' won' t help you.
Cryin' won't help you darlin' cause you have been so mean to me.

(guitar interlude)

Just before you leave darlin, I just want you to understand,
I'm goin' away to leave you let you do the best you can.
And cryin' won't help you, no cryin' won' t help you.
Cryin' won't help you darlin' cause you have been so mean to me.

Just before I leave darlin I just wan'a shake your hand.
I'm goin back to my woman, let you go back to your man.
And cryin' won't help you, no cryin' won' t help you.
Cryin' won't help you darlin' cause you have been so mean to me.

(end)

HTML line breaks added. -JoeClone 8-Mar-01.

Subject: Lyr Add: MALTED MILK^^
From: Elwooddelta
Date: 19 Nov 97 - 12:04 AM

Malted Milk
by Robert Johnson


I keep drinkin' malted milk, tryin' ta drive my blues away.
I keep drinkin' malted milk, tryin' ta drive my blues away.
Baby you're just as welcome to my lovin as the flowers is in may.

Malted milk, malted milk keep rushin to my head.
Malted milk, malted milk keep rushin to my head.
An' I have a funny, funny feelin' that I'm talkin' all out o' my head.

Baby fix me one more drink an' hug you're daddy one more time.
Baby fix me one more drink an' hug you're daddy one more time.
Keep on stirin' my malted milk momma untill I change my mind.

(Guitar interlude)

My do' knob keeps on turnin', there must be spooks around my bed.
My do' knob keeps on turnin', there must be spooks around my bed.
An' I have a funny, funny feelin', and the hair's rising on my head.

(End)

Subject: RE: Greatest Blues Songs
From: Sir
Date: 20 Nov 97 - 10:19 PM

How 'bout a best line in a blues song: "That musta been a bedbug, fleas don't bite that hard!" -Doc Watson

Subject: RE: Greatest Blues Songs
From: Elwooddelta
Date: 21 Nov 97 - 08:27 PM

I'm sittin' here wonderin' if a match box would hold my clothes.

I don't want'a be bothered with no lugage on my road.

By who knows, I'll find out. :}

Subject: RE: Greatest Blues Songs
From: Elwooddelta
Date: 23 Nov 97 - 01:58 PM

I got a woman in Germany I got two in France I got a woman in Memphis I jus' can't understand

Subject: Lyr Add: BEFORE YOU ACCUSE ME^^
From: Elwooddelta
Date: 25 Nov 97 - 10:38 PM

Before You Accuse Me
From Clapton / Unplugged

Before you accuse me, take a look at your self.
Before you accuse me, take a look at your self.
You say I'm spending my money on other women, you're takin money from someone else.

Called you're momma 'bout three or four nights ago.
Called you're momma 'bout three or four nights ago.
Well your momma said son, don't call my daughter no mo'.

Before you accuse me, take a look at your self.
Before you accuse me, take a look at your self.
You say I'm spending my money on other women, you're takin money from someone else.

(Guitar interlude)

Come on back home baby, try my love one more time.
Come on back home baby, try my love one more time.
You know if things don't go to suit you, I think I'll loose my mind.

Before you accuse me, take a look at your self.
Before you accuse me, take a look at your self.
You say I'm spending my money on other women, you're takin money from someone else.

(Guitar ending)

HTML line breaks added. -JoeClone 8-Mar-01.

Subject: RE: Greatest Blues Songs
From: Earl
Date: 26 Nov 97 - 12:36 AM

That's a Bo Diddley song.

Subject: RE: Greatest Blues Songs
From: Nonie Rider
Date: 26 Nov 97 - 01:52 PM

'Fraid I can't help repeating some silliness that was forwarded to me a bit ago:

HOW TO SING THE BLUES

(attributed to Memphis Earlene Gray with help from Uncle Plunky)

1. Most blues begin "woke up this morning."

2. "I got a good woman" is a bad way to begin the blues, unless you stick something nasty in the next line.

I got a good woman--
with the meanest dog in town.

3. Blues are simple. After you have the first line right, repeat it. Then find something that rhymes. Sort of.

Got a good woman
with the meanest dog in town.
He got teeth like Margaret Thatcher
and he weighs about 500 pounds.

4. The blues are not about limitless choice.

5. Blues cars are Chevies and Cadillacs. Other acceptable blues transportation is Greyhound bus or a southbound train. Walkin' plays a major part in the blues lifestyle. So does fixin' to die.

6. Teenagers can't sing the blues. Adults sing the blues. Blues adulthood means old enough to get the electric chair if you shoot a man in Memphis.

7. You can have the blues in New York City, but not in Brooklyn or Queens. Hard times in Vermont or North Dakota are just a depression. Chicago, St. Louis and Kansas City are still the best places to have the blues.

8. The following colors do not belong in the blues:

a. violet
b. beige
c. mauve

9. You can't have the blues in an office or a shopping mall, the lighting is wrong.

10. Good places for the Blues:

a. the highway
b. the jailhouse
c. the empty bed

Bad places:

a. Ashrams
b. Gallery openings
c. weekend in the Hamptons

11. No one will believe it's the blues if you wear a suit, unless you happen to be an old black man.

12. Do you have the right to sing the blues?

Yes, if:
a. your first name is a southern state -- like Georgia
b. you're blind
c. you shot a man in Memphis.
d. you can't be satisfied.

No, if:
a. you were once blind but now can see.
b. you're deaf
c. you have a trust fund.

13. Neither Julio Iglesias nor Barbra Streisand can sing the blues.

14. If you ask for water and baby gives you gasoline, it's the blues.

Other blues beverages are:
a. wine
b. Irish whiskey
c. muddy water

Blues beverages are NOT:
a. Any mixed drink
b. Any wine kosher for Passover
c. Yoo Hoo (all flavors)

15. If it occurs in a cheap motel or a shotgun shack, it's a blues death. Stabbed in the back by a jealous lover is a blues way to die. So is the electric chair, substance abuse, or being denied treatment in an emergency room. It is not a blues death, if you die during a liposuction treatment.

16. Some Blues names for Women

a. Sadie
b. Big Mama
c. Bessie

17A. Some Blues Names for Men

a. Joe
b. Willie
c. Little Willie
d. Lightning

Persons with names like Sierra or Sequoia will not be permitted to sing the blues no matter how many men they shoot in Memphis.

17B. Other Blues Names (Starter Kit)

a. Name of Physical infirmity (Blind, Cripple, Asthmatic)
b. First name (see above) or name of fruit (Lemon, Lime, Kiwi)
c. Last Name of President (Jefferson, Johnson, Fillmore, etc.)

Subject: Lyr Add: ULTIMATE BLUES (Clayton/Kraemer/Duncan^^^
From: Songster Bob
Date: 26 Nov 97 - 02:16 PM

Two blues lyrics, one short and 'tother longer:

Worst opening line for a blues:

I got a good woman, but my man don't want her 'round!

and the ULTIMATE blues song, the last gasp of the blues:

Ultimate Blues


Didn't get up this morning, didn't even get out of my bed.
But when I didn't miss my baby is when I knew that I was dead.

Didn't make no coffee, didn't look down in my cup.
Didn't say "Good mornin'!" to the blues, ‘cause I never did wake up!

Refrain:

I got them never no mo', done dead for sho' Blues!


Didn't drink no wine fo' breakfast, no whiskey jus' before bed,
Didn't end the day by bein' dead drunk, 'Cause I started it bein' dead.

Didn't place no bet on the ponies, an' I don't know which is worse -
To find your horse come in dead last or to find out you're dead first.

Refrain

Now, I cried when my baby left me, but it didn't do no good.
But I missed her till my dyin' day, just like I said I would!

Didn't take no train to Memphis, the place I left to roam,
But I'll ride there in my coffin -- jes' finished dyin' to go home.

Refrain


They'll bury me tomorrow, let me rest these weary bones
But I'd rather not wake up at all, than keep waking up alone.

Now, when I face my maker at judgement, I know just what I'll do.
Tell him I lived until I died, it was all that I could do.

Refrain

Didn't get up this morning, didn't even get out of my bed.
But when I didn't miss my baby is when I knew that I was dead!

Refrain

Copyright 1997, Bob Clayton, Pete Kraemer, & Donald Duncan. All rights reserved.

Pretty final, I'd say!

Subject: RE: Greatest Blues Songs
From: Jon W.
Date: 26 Nov 97 - 03:17 PM

Oh, I don't know. The bluesmen were a semi-religious bunch. Surely there must be some blues out there about the resurrection.

Subject: RE: Greatest Blues Songs
From: Elwooddelta
Date: 26 Nov 97 - 09:01 PM

Jon

There sure were songs about resurection, sort of.

Robert Johnson's "Prechin' Blues"

I woke up this mornin' an' my blues was walkin' like a man. . . .

I guess this is more like a dark spirit that came to life but in this the "BLUES" walking . . is a substitute for devil or a demonic figure.

About the above posts by Songster Bob and Nonie Rider, I'm in awe! Good Job!!!!

Subject: RE: Greatest Blues Songs
From: Earl
Date: 28 Nov 97 - 01:11 AM

"How to sing the blues" has been posted before and in general it's true and very funny. However, I have to take exception with the "affliction/fruit/president" algorithm for naming blues singers. It's obviously a reference to Blind Lemmon Jefferson but doesn't even come close to applying to anyone else. There were quite a few bluesmen with "Blind" in their names but I can't think of any other "afflction" in a blues name. The only other fruit name connected with the blues is Cheech and Chong's fictional "Blind Melon Chittlens." As far as presidents go there are plenty of Johnsons and Jacksons but thoses are pretty generic names. Maybe you could include Roosevelt Sykes but that was a first name.

More often, blues singers were named after places: Tampa Red, Memphis Minnie, Kansas City Joe, Mississippi John Hurt; or size: Little Milton, Little Walter, Big Walter, Big Mama Thornton, Guitar Slim; or both: Memphis Slim.

Subject: RE: Greatest Blues Songs
From: Elwooddelte
Date: 28 Nov 97 - 01:35 PM

Here, Here Earl

I agree with you but I was just about to adopt a new nickname: Nine Finger Kiwi Clinton. Whatda ya think?

Subject: RE: Greatest Blues Songs
From: Earl
Date: 30 Nov 97 - 12:07 PM

Elwood, Ah feels yur pain.

Subject: RE: Greatest Blues Songs
From: Jon W.
Date: 01 Dec 97 - 12:08 PM

I can think of one other affliction- an amputee, Peg Leg Howell (?) although I've never heard any of his songs. Plus there's a guy out of Chicago - Left Hand Frank. I don't know if that qualifies as an affliction, though. By the sound of it, he plays his guitar upside down like Hendrix did.

With all the new classes of disorders and victimization, I'm sure we'll soon be hearing blues from such folks as Attention-deficit Papaya Bush and Differently-abled Mango Nixon (not to mention Dyslexic Coconut Carter).

Subject: RE: Greatest Blues Songs
From: Earl
Date: 01 Dec 97 - 05:02 PM

Munchausen By Proxy Passion Fruit Ford

Subject: RE: Greatest Blues Songs
From: Nonie Rider
Date: 01 Dec 97 - 06:30 PM

No, wait, a fruit, right?

Bipolar Affective Disorder Dennis Rodman Bush.

Say what? Inaccurate and hardly fair? So you're saying the Blues are otherwise politically correct?

--Nonie

Subject: Lyr Add: TROUBLE IN MIND^^^
From: Elwooddelta
Date: 01 Dec 97 - 10:54 PM

Hey gang,

Hows about a song?

Trouble In Mind
By: >>>>>Blind Connie Williams<<<<<< no kidding>:}

Trouble in mind.
I'm blue, but I won't be blue always,
Cause the sun's gonna shine in my back door someday.

(guitar interlude)

Well I'm worried,
Worried now, children and I won't be worried long,
Cause the sun's gonna shine in my back door someday.

(guitar interlude)

Trouble in mind.
I'm blue, but I won't be blue always,
Cause the sun's gonna shine in my back door someday.

(guitar interlude)

Well tell me pretty mama,
Where you stayed last night?
Why's it none of your business since I treat you right?

(end)

HTML line breaks added. -JoeClone 8-Mar-01.

Subject: RE: Greatest Blues Songs
From: Elwooddelta
Date: 02 Dec 97 - 10:42 PM

Hey,

Where'd everybody go? All of a suden, I'm talkin to myself again.

Singin' in a winter wonder land!@#$%^&* wait that's not the blues.

Subject: Lyr Add: WALKING MY TROUBLES AWAY^^
From: Jon W.
Date: 03 Dec 97 - 11:54 AM

Blind Boy Fuller has had little mention. He was an excellent guitarist, an early protege of Rev. Gary Davis and a strong influence on Brownie McGhee, I believe Brownie was even known as "Blind Boy #2" early on. Here's one of his songs:

WALKING MY TROUBLES AWAY
Blind Boy Fuller (1936)

Paper boy hollerin' Extra, have you read the news?
Shot the brown I love, I've got them walking blues,

Chorus:
I keep on walking, tryin' to walk my troubles away
I'm so glad trouble don't last always.

You used to be my sweet milk, you soured on me
We won't be together like we used to be.
(chorus)

I got the bad luck blues, my bad luck time done come,
You say bad luck followin' everybody, seem like I'm the only one.
(chorus)

(Spoken: play that thing now, boy)

I got coffee grinds in my coffee, boll weevil in my meal,
Tacks in my shoes keep sticking in my heel,
And I keep on walking, tryin' to walk my trouble away
I'm so glad trouble don't last always.

Subject: RE: Greatest Blues Songs
From: Haya
Date: 05 Dec 97 - 10:18 PM

Some others I really love: "Stealin" by the Memphis Jugband (also Lindburgh Hop) "Pallet on your floor"- Mama Yancy "Why Don't You Do Roght?" Lil Green " How Long?" Memphis Slim "Lucille" Blind Lemon Jefferson "Corinna" Mance Lipscomb

Just scratched the surface... also my favorites can change depending upon the mood I'm in.

Subject: RE: Greatest Blues Songs
From: Gene E
Date: 06 Dec 97 - 11:37 AM

Howdy all;

Max Fixed me up!

Let me introduce myself, I'm Gene E the bluesman formerly known as Elwooddelta. It's great to be myself.

Thanks Max

Subject: RE: Greatest Blues Songs
From: Branwen23
Date: 14 Jul 00 - 03:07 PM

so, we're what, contributing our ideas for the greatest blues tunes...? This thread is kind of wandering....

Subject: RE: Greatest Blues Songs
From: dwditty
Date: 14 Jul 00 - 03:22 PM

Man, what happened to these guys? Elwooddelta, Earl, Gene , Frank ITS.... I miss these guys. Maybe they'll be "rediscovered" some day.

dw

Subject: RE: Greatest Blues Songs
From: Pontiac Joe
Date: 14 Jul 00 - 03:57 PM

"Dust my broom " National anthem of the blues

Subject: RE: Greatest Blues Songs
From: dwditty
Date: 15 Jul 00 - 12:10 AM

refresh. Some really great (and long gone) m'catters posted to this thread. Tried to do email search without any luck. It would be great to get some, if not all, of them back. Gene had some great posts.

dw

Subject: RE: Greatest Blues Songs
From: GUEST,Lucille
Date: 30 Sep 00 - 01:15 AM

This site is incredible!