Lyr Req: Dust My Broom (Elmore James)

Subject: RE: Lyrics to Elmore James'
From: Brian Hoskin
Date: 19 Aug 98 - 06:31 AM

The word is 'donay' which was a black and Southern white variation of a 19th century British (mainly Cockney) vulgar slang term for a woman. The word derives from the Italian, Spanish or Portuguese terms for 'lady'.

The term was probably more commonly used at this time in songs than in colloquial speech. Another example of its use is in the song 'Doney Gal', collected by John Lomax in 1910.

Son House defined the word 'donie' as 'a no-good woman.'

Brian

Subject: RE: Lyrics to Elmore James'
From: Mick Lowe
Date: 18 Aug 98 - 05:44 PM

p.s.
I must admit with Kynoceph?. I thimk Elmore's version of this song is one of the best.
Just got it on now.
Mick

Subject: RE: Lyrics to Elmore James'
From: Mick Lowe
Date: 18 Aug 98 - 05:40 PM

Jon,
I think you may be right with homey. At least that what it sounds like Robert Johnson is singing. And as he wrote it albeit "I believe I'll dust my broom", I suppose we should take hiw word on the matter.
Cheers
Mick

Subject: RE: Lyrics to Elmore James'
From: Jon W.
Date: 18 Aug 98 - 03:08 PM

I've seen various interpretations, including "domey" (which would be short for domestic helper) and "homey" which I think is unlikely. My favorite is "Pony" because it seems to fit in with "they shouldn't 'low her on the streets" better.

Subject: Lyrics to Elmore James' DUST MY BROOM"
From:
Date: 18 Aug 98 - 03:01 PM

I have most of the lyrics to Elmore James' "Dust My Broom" figured out, but there's one verse I can't understand. It seems to go a little like:

"Don't want no woman goes with every downtown man she meets, She's nothin' but a no good ????, they shouldn't 'low her on the streets."

Whatever word it is seems to sound like it starts with the letter D, but I can't be sure. I have listened to more than one version of Dust My Broom but I still can't figure out what ole Elmore is saying.

Anyone who can help, please reply, and if you would E-mail me as well ([e-mail]) I certainly would appreciate it.