MJH Lyrics – Compiled by Ken Whitfield 4-2008

Email: mailto:khandu

When he performed his songs, Mississippi John Hurt often added, omitted or rephrased his lyrics. Rather than copy the lyrics of different renditions separately, I will include all lyrics for each song under the one title. As this is a work-in-progress, some of the songs transcribed at this time may be amended as I find other verses.

This is not yet a complete listing. In time I hope to transcribe all lyrics to each song recorded by MJH. Be patient, as this is not a quick work.

I, of course, have tried to transcribe these as accurately as possible. Certainly, mistakes occasionally may have been made. Corrections and suggestions are welcomed.

AIN'T NOBODY BUT YOU (Key of C)

C

Ain't nobody but you, Baby

F C

Ain't nobody but you

F C

Ain't nobody but you

G C

Ain't nobody but you

I got a letter last night

I got a letter last night

I got a letter last night

How do you reckon it read?

It said Ain't nobody but you, Baby

Ain't nobody but you

I went down to the ball

Went down to the ball last night

It ain't nobody but you, Baby

Said Ain't nobody but you

AVALON BLUES (Key of E)

E

New York this morning’ just about half past nine

A

New York this morning’ just about half past

E

nine

B7 E

(Omitted Verse...)

Avalon my hometown, always on my mind

Avalon my hometown, always on my mind

Pretty mamas in Avalon want me there all the time

When I left Avalon, they’s throwin’ kisses and waving’ at me

When I left Avalon,

When I left Avalon, they’s throwin’ kisses and waving’ at me

Says come back daddy, stay right here with me

Says come back daddy,

Says come back daddy, stay right here with me

Hate to tell you, pretty mama, but you have got to know

Hate to tell you, pretty mama,

I’m leavin’ Avalon, won’t be back no more

It’s one thing I can’t understand

It’s one thing I can’t understand

Pretty mamas in Avalon just want one man

Avalon my hometown got no great big range

Avalon my hometown

Avalon my hometown got no great big range

Pretty mamas in Avalon sure do spend your change

Pretty mamas in Avalon

AVALON, MY HOMETOWN (Key of E)

E

Avalon my hometown, always on my mind

A E

Avalon my hometown, always on my mind

B7 E

Pretty Mama in Avalon want me there all the time

Left Avalon this morning’ ‘bout half past nine

Left Avalon this morning’

Pretty Mama in Avalon want me there all the time

When I left Avalon, throwin’ kisses and waving’ at me

Left Avalon this morning’ throwin’ kisses and waving’ at me

Says come back daddy, stay right here with me

Oh come back daddy

Oh come back daddy, stay right here with me

Oh Mama

Hate to tell you pretty mama

Hate to tell you pretty mama, you’ve got to know

Hate to tell you pretty mama

I’m leavin’ Avalon, ain’t comin’ back no more

Avalon my hometown, always on my mind

Avalon my hometown,

Pretty Mama in Avalon want me there all the time

New Yorks a good town but it’s not for mine

New Yorks a good town

Pretty Mama in Avalon want me there all the time

One thing I can’t understand

One thing , man

Many pretty mama’s in Avalon, and I’m just one man

Avalon my hometown,

Avalon my hometown,

Pretty Mama in Avalon want me there all the time.

BABY, WHAT'S WRONG WITH YOU (Key of A)

D A

Oh baby

D A

Tell me baby

E

Tell me baby

E7 A

Honey what’s wrong with you

You don’t love me baby

You don’t love me baby

You don’t love me baby

Honey like you used to do

Oh Baby Oh baby

Tell me baby

Honey what’s wrong with you

Who, who baby

Who been here baby

Who been here baby

Honey since I been gone

Somebody, babe

Somebody, baby

Somebody been fishin’ in my pond

Caught all my perches

Caught all my perches

Caught all my perches

And now they’s gone

Oh Baby

Tell me baby

Tell me baby

Honey what’s wrong with you

Who who baby

Who who baby

Tell me baby, who’s been jiving’ you

Who’s never told you

Who’s never told you, baby

Who’s never told you

Didn’t I tell you true?

Asked you this morning’

Asked you this morning’, baby

Asked you this morning’

Please bake me some bread

You told me

You told me baby

Said, Johnny, I’d rather see you dead

Oh baby

Tell me baby

Tell me baby

What’s wrong with you

BEULAH LAND (Key of E)

E

I got a mother in Beulah Land

A E

I got a mother in Beulah Land outshine the sun

E

I got a mother in Beulah Land

B7 E

Way beyond the sky

Oh come on and go over to Beulah Land

Come on and go to Beulah Land

Come on and go to Beulah Land

Way beyond the sky

I got a sister in Beulah Land

I got a sister in Beulah Land outshine the sun

I got a sister in Beulah Land

Way beyond the sky

I got a father in Beulah Land

I got a father in Beulah Land outshine the sun

I got a father in Beulah Land

Way beyond the sky

C.C. RIDER (Key of D)

A D A D

Oh CC Rider you see what you have done

G D

You done made me love you

G D

Made me love you, now your man done come

A D A D

You made me love you, now your man done come

If I had’a listened to my second mind

Lord, I wouldn’t be sittin’ here

Wringing my hands and cryin’

I wouldn’t be sittin’ here

Wringing my hands and cryin’

I wouldn’t be sittin’ here

Wringing my hands and cryin’

(Repeat Chorus)

It ain’t no more potatoes, the frost have killed the vine

The blues ain’t nothing but a good woman on your mind

The blues ain’t nothing but a good woman on your mind

The blues ain’t nothing but a good woman on your mind

I told you, baby and your mama told you too

You three times seven, you know what you wanna do

Three times seven, you know what you wanna do

You three times seven, you know what you wanna do

(Repeat Chorus)

CANDY MAN (Key of A)

A

All you ladies, gather round

A

The good sweet Candy man’s in town

E7 A

It’s the Candy Man. It’s the Candy Man

A

He’s got a stick of candy that’s nine inch long

A

It sells as fast a hog can chew his corn

E7 A

It’s the Candy Man. It’s the Candy Man

Well, he sold some candy to Sister bad

The very next day, she took all he had

Oh the Candy Man. Sweet Candy Man

Well his stick of candy don’t melt away

It just gets better so the ladies say

It’s the Candy Man Sweet Candy Man

A E

Well you and the Candy man, you getting’ mighty thick, um hmmm

A E

You Must be stuck on the Candy man’s stick

I carried my baby to the Candy stand, Oh yeah, oh yeah

She got stuck on the Candy man, um hmmm, um hmmm

CASEY JONES

G C G

Casey Jones was a noble engineer

G A D

He told his fireman to not to fear

G C G

All I want is my water and my coal

G

Look out the window, see my drive wheel roll

Early one morning’ came a shower of rain

Round the curve, I seen a passenger train

In the cabin was Casey Jones

He’s a noble engineer but he’s dead and gone

Casey’s wife, she got the news

She was sittin’ on the bedside, she was lacing up her shoes

Said Go ‘way children and hold your breath

You’re gonna draw a pension at your daddy’s death

Children children, get your hat

Mama mama, what you mean by that

Get your hat and put it on your head

Go down in town, see if your daddy’s dead

Mama mama, how can it be

My daddy got killed on the old I.C.

Hush your mouth I said and hold your breath

You’re gonna draw a pension at your daddy’s death

Casey said before he died

Fix the blinds, so the bums can’t ride

If they ride, let’em ride the rod

Trust they lives in the hands of God

Casey said before he died

One more road that he dread to ride (wanted to ride)

People wondered what road could that be

The Colorado and the Santa Fe (The Gulf Colorado and the Santa Fe)

CHICKEN (key of C)

C

Oh Chicken, chicken

G

You don't roost to high for me

C

Chicken, chicken

C G C

Come on outta that tree

F C

Chicken chicken chicken

C G C

You can't roost too high for me

C

"C" is the way to begin

F

"H" the next letter in

C

"I" am the third

C

"C" butter season the bird **

F

"K" is to fill him in

C

"E" I'm near the end

C F

"C-H-I-C-K-E-N"

C G C

That's the way you spell chicken

**(or "For to season the bird" and "For two C's in the bird")

COFFEE BLUES (Key of A)

(Spoken) Coffee time. I likes a certain brand, that’s Maxwell House. Just like it says on the can ‘Good to the last drop’. And if I can get just a spoonful of Maxwell House, do as much good as two or three cups of this other coffee.

Two guys, one told me she had moved to Memphis, the other’s said to Leland.

I said I don’t care where she moved, I’m gonna find her!

A D

I’ve got to go to Memphis

A

From there to Leland

E A

I want to see my baby, ‘bout a lovin’ spoonful

‘Bout a lovin’ spoonful

Well I just got to have my lovin’ spoonful

Well, good morning’ baby

How you do this morning’?

Well, please, ma’am, make me just a lovin’…

Just a lovin’ spoonful

Well I just got to have my lovin’ spoonful

You can bring me whiskey

You can bring me tea

Nothin’ satisfies me, man

But my lovin’

But my lovin’ spoonful

Well I just got to have my lovin’ spoonful

My baby packed her suitcase

And she went away

I couldn’t let her stay for my lovin’

Well my lovin’ spoonful’

Well I just had to have my lovin’

Oh the preacher in the pulpit

Jumpin’ up and down

He laid his Bible down for his lovin’ spoonful

(Ain’t Maxwell House alright!)

He just had to have that lovin’…

Well, good morning’ baby

How you do this morning’?

Well, please, ma’am, make me just a lovin’ spoonful

I’ve done got crazy ‘bout my lovin’

Well I just got to have my lovin’

I’ll kill the policeman

Knock down the sheriff

It’s all about my lovin’

My lovin’ spoonful

Well I just got to have my lovin’…

Well the womens in Greenwood

They raisin’ sand

It’s all about that lovin’ spoonful

If your baby get mad

And she won't do right

Go to bed at night

Give her lovin'

CORINNA CORINNA (Key of C)

C

Corinna Corinna, where’d you stay last night

F C

Corinna Corinna, where’d you stay last night

G C

Come in this morning’, the sun was shinin’ bright

I left Corinna across the sea

I left Corinna way ‘cross the sea

She won’t write me no letters, she don’t care for me

Corinna Corinna, where’d you stay last night

Corinna Corinna,

I love Corinna, tell the world I do

Don’t love nobody in this world but you

COW HOOKING BLUES ( Key of E)

E

Woke up this mornin'

Just 'bout the break of day

A E

Woke up this mornin'

B7

I hugged my pillow

E

where my baby used to lay

The girl I love

Give me the blues and gone

The girl I love

The girl I love

Give me the blues and gone

Went to the river

The river was runnin' up and down

Went to the river

Had the blues so bad

Started to jump in and drown

Had the blues so bad

Walked out to the barn

Had the blues so bad

That old cow she hooked me

With a great long horn

Lord she hurt my heart

Might've heard me cryin'

She hurt my heart

Baby baby, please don't put me down

Baby Please Baby,

Let me change your mind

DO LORD REMEMBER ME (Key of G)

G

Do Lord do Lord, do remember me

C G

Do Lord do Lord,

G G

Do Lord do Lord,

G D G

Do Lord remember me

When I’m on my knees praying

When I’m on my knees praying

When I’m on my knees praying

Do Lord remember me

(Repeat Chorus)

Oh when I’m in trouble

Oh when I’m in trouble

(Repeat Chorus)

Remember all your died and gone

Then remember me

Remember all your died and gone

Then remember me

Remember all your died and gone

Do Lord remember me

FARTHER ALONG (Key of C)

C F C

Farther along, we’ll know all about it

C G

Farther along we will understand why

C F C

Cheer up my brother, live in the sunshine

C G C

We’ll understand it all by and by

When we see Jesus coming in Glory

When He comes from His home in the sky

And we shall meet him in that bright mansion

We’ll understand it all by and by

Faithful till death say our lovin’ Master

A few more days to labor and wait

Toils of the ???? Will then seem as nothing’

When we squeeze through the Beautiful Gate

FRANKIE AND ALBERT (Key of G)

G

Frankie was a good girl, everybody knows

C G

She paid a hundred dollar for Albert a suit of clothes

D G

He was her man and he did her wrong

Frankie went down to the corner saloon

She ordered a glass of beer

She asked the bar room keeper

Have my lovin’ Albert been here

He been here, but he’s gone again

Ain’t goin’ tell you no story, Frankie Ain’t goin’ tell ya no lie

Says Albert passed ‘bout an hour ago

With a girl the call Alice Pryor

He’s your man and he’s doin’ you wrong

Frankie went down to the corner saloon Didn’t go to be gone long

She peeked through the keyhole in the door Spied Albert in Alice’s arms

You’s my man and you doin’ me wrong

Frankie called Albert Albert says I don’t hear

If you don’t come to the woman you love Gonna haul you outta here

You’s my man and you doin’ me wrong

Frankie shot Albert Shot him three or four times

Says stand back out the smoke of my gun Let me see is Albert’s dyin’

He’s my man and he did me wrong

Frankie and the judge walked out of the stand Walked out side by side

The Judge said to Frankie You gonna be justified

For killin’ you man and he did you wrong

Dark was the night Cold was on the ground

The last words I heard Frankie say Done laid old Albert down

He’s my man and he did me wrong

FUNKY BUTT (Key of C)

C G D G7 C

I thought I heard somebody say

C G D G7 C

F C

Funky Butt Funky Butt , take it away

F C

G C

Cause I don’t like it no how

You see that gal with the red dress on

She got funky butt stinky butt sure as you’re born

Well I don’t like it no how

You see that gal with the blue dress on

She got stinky butt funky butt let it alone

Cause I don’t like it no how

I thought I heard somebody shout

Open the window let the foul smell out

Cause I don't like it no how

GOT THE BLUES AND I CAN'T BE SATISFIED (Key of G)

G

Got the blues, I can’t be satisfied

C (A bass) G

Got the blues, I can’t be satisfied

D G

Some old day gonna catch the train and ride

Whiskey straight will drive the blues away

Whiskey straight will drive the blues away

That be the case, I wants a quart today

Bought my babe a great big diamond ring

Bought my babe a great big diamond ring

Come right back home and I caught her shakin’ that thing

I say Baby why you treat me this a way

Baby why you treat me this a way

She say you don't miss a thing I give away

Took my gun and I broke the barrell down

Took my gun and I broke the barrell down

I put that joker six feet in the ground

Got the blues and I still ain’t satisfied

I got the blues and I still ain’t satisfied

Some old day gonna catch the train and ride

HERE AM I, OH LORD SEND ME (Key of G)

G

Don’t you hear my Saviour calling

D G

I said, who will go and work today

C G

The fields are ripe and the harvest waiting

D G

Who will go bear those sheaves away

Here am I, oh Lord send me

Here am I oh Lord send me

Here am I, oh Lord send me

Here am I oh Lord send me

If you can not speak like angels

Well, if you can not preach like Paul

Yes you can tell the love of Jesus

You can say that He died for us all

Hark, the voice of Jesus callin’

I said who will go and work today

Yes fields are ripe and Harvest waiting

Who will bear these sheaves away

HEY HEY, BABY, RIGHT AWAY (Key of C)

C C+9 F

Hey babe, Honey right away

C G C

Hey Honey right away

C C+9 F

Right Away, baby right away

C G C

Hey Honey right away

You told me you’d marry, honey right away

Hey Baby right away

I want to go to the courthouse, get our license ready

Hey baby right away

Hey babe, Baby right away

Hey Honey right away

Hey hey honey right away

Hey hey Baby right away

I SHALL NOT BE MOVED (Key of G)

C G

I shall not be I shall not be moved

G C

I shall not be I shall not be moved

F C

Just like a tree that’s planted by the water

G C

I shall not be moved

I’m on my way to Heaven

I shall not be moved

I’m on my way to Heaven

I shall not be moved

Just like a tree that’s planted by the water

I shall not be moved

Oh preacher I shall not be moved

Oh preacher I shall not be moved

Just like a tree that’s planted by the water

I shall not be moved

I’m sanctified and holy I shall not be moved

Sanctified and holy I shall not be moved

Just like a tree that’s planted by the water

I shall not be moved

IF YOU DON'T WANT ME (Version 2) (Key of E)

E

If you don’t want me, got to have me any how

B7 E

If you don’t want me Babe , have me any how

Well tell me babe what you got on your mind

Well tell me what you got on your mind

You can’t quit me and ain’t no use in tryin’

Honey, You can’t quit me, ain’t no use in tryin’

If you don’t want me, got to have me any how

I'M SATISFIED (key of C)

(chorus:)

C F

I'm satisfied, tickled too

C

Old enough to marry you

G

I'm satisfied

C

It's goin' bring you back

F

I'm satisfied, tickled too

C

Old enough to marry you

G

I'm satisfied

C

It's goin' bring you back

First in the country then in town

I'm a tow-da-low (total hole?)shaker

From my navel on down

I'm satisfied

It's goin' bring you back

I'm satisfied, tickled too

Old enough to marry you

I'm satisfied

It's goin' bring you back

I pull my dress to my knees

I give my tow-da-low (total hole?) to who I please

I'm satisfied

It's goin' bring you back

I'm satisfied, tickled too

Old enough to marry you

I'm satisfied

It's goin' bring you back

JOE TURNER (Key of G)

G

Oh they tell me Joe Turner’s in this town

C G

They tell me

D7 G

Oh they tell me Joe Turner’s in this town

He’s here to steal my high teasin’ brown

He’s here to steal my high teasin’ brown

He’s the man I hate, don’t want him hangin’ around

He’s the man I hate, don’t want him hangin’ around

For He’s here to steal my high teasin’ brown

Oh they tell me Joe Turner’s in this town

I drove Joe Turner, drove him from my door

I drove Joe Turner

I drove Joe Turner, drove him from my door

And I hope to God that he won’t come back no more

And I hope to God that he won’t come back no more

He’s here to steal my high teasin’ brown

He’s here to steal my high teasin’ brown

KEEP ON KNOCKIN'

Keep on Knocking’ and you can’t come in

Keep on Knockin’and you can’t come in

Doorbell ringing and you can’t come in

Doorbell ringing and you can’t come in

Oh Lord babe, won’t you let me in

Oh Lord babe, won’t you let me in

Told you, man and you can’t come in

Told you, man and you can’t come in

(She did let me in)

Oh baby satisfy my soul

Just ‘fore day when the rooster crowed

Oh my Babe, satisfy my soul

LET THE MERMAIDS FLIRT WITH ME (Key of C)

C G C

Blues all on the ocean

F C

Blues all in the air

F C

Can’t stay here no longer

G G7

Have no steamship fare

(CHORUS:)

C G C

When my earthly trials are over

F C

Cast my body out in the sea

F C

Save all the undertaker bills

G C

Let the mermaids flirt with me

Wife controls our unhappy home**

My sweetheart I cannot find

The only thing that I can call my own is a

Troubled and a worried mind

(Repeat Chorus)

I do not work for pleasure

Earthly peace, I’ll see no more***

The onliest reason I work at all is

Drive the wolf from my door

(Repeat Chorus)

Blues all in my body,

My darlin’ has forsaken me

If I ever want to see her face again

I have to swim across the see

**(In some versions, it sounds as though Hurt sang

"My wife controls our happy home")

***( Alternate; "As to peace, I'll see no more")

LONESOME BLUES (key of E)

E

So lonesome here, I can't hardly rest

A E

It's so lonesome here

B7 E

So lonesome here, I can't hardly rest

Laid down last night, tried to take my rest

Laid down last night

My mind got to ramblin' like the wild geese from the west

Yes, the girl I love

The girl I love gimme the blues and gone

The girl I love gimme the blues and gone

Yes she left me here, yes, to grieve and moan

Yes she left me here

She left me here, yes, to grieve and moan

Oh baby, I can't go no more

Honey you might do me like you did before

Oh baby, try me one more time

If I don't go crazy, I'm sho' goin' lose my mind

Oh and I looked up on the board

Went to the depot

I said, people where is my baby gone down this road

Yes man, she left on the choo choo train

Yes yes man

I love her so hard brother, my heart's in pain

What you want with a hen that won't cackle when she lay

What you want with a hen

What you want with a woman who want do nothin' she say.

Oh baby

LOUIS COLLINS (Key of C)

C G C

Miss Collins weep, Miss Collins moan

C F

To see her son Louis leavin’ home

C G C

The angels laid him away

The angels laid him away

Laid him six feet under the clay

The angels laid him away

Kind friends, Oh, ain’t it hard

To see poor Louis in a new graveyard

The angels laid him away

Bob shot once and Louis shot, too

Shot poor Collins, shot him through and through

The angels laid him away

When they heard that Louis was dead

All the people, they dressed in red

The angels laid him away

MAKE ME A PALLET ON THE FLOOR (Key of C)

C F C

Make me down a pallet on your floor

F C

Meke me down

E E7 F

Make me a pallet down soft and low

C G C

Make me down a pallet on your floor

Oh Make me down

Make me down

Make me a pallet down soft and low

Make me down a pallet on your floor

Eatin' breakfast here, my dinner in Tennessee

Eatin' breakfast here, my dinner in Tennessee

Eatin' breakfast here, my dinner in Tennessee

I told you I was comin', honey won't you wait for me

Up the country where it cold sleet and snow

Up the country forty miles or more

I’m goin’ up the country where it cold sleet and snow

No telling’ how much further I may go

Way I’m sleepin’ my back and shoulders tired

Way I’m sleepin’ my back and shoulders tired

Way I’m sleepin’ my back and shoulders tired

Gonna turn over and try it on the side

Don’t you let my good girl catch you here

Please don’t let my good girl catch you here

Oh she might shoot you, liable to cut and stab you too

No telling’ what she might do

Make it baby, close behind the door

Make it baby close be hehind the door

Make it sweet baby close behind the door

Make it where your good man will never go

MOANIN' THE BLUES (key of E)

Oh Sweet Baby, Yes try me one more time

E

Naw naw baby, I don't want to go

A E

Naw naw baby

B7 E

Honey you might do me like you did before

That girl in Avalon, yes, she's moanin', cryin'

Left my girl in Avalon

Left my girl in Avalon, yes, she's moanin', cryin'

Yeah I don't want to go

Naw Naw Baby

Honey you might do me like you did before

Oh yeah

Um hum um huh

Easy baby I come home to stay

Be rough with me, sho' might drive me 'way

Be rough with me baby

Un hummm sho might drive me 'way

Some time I do, baby then again I don't

Some time I do

That's all right baby just gimme just what I want

Yea, she's grievin' and cryin'

Little girl in Avalon

Yes, she's sho' grievin' and cryin'

Aw, she's cryin' and moanin'

MONDAY MORNING BLUES (Key of A)

D A

I woke up this morning

D A

I woke up this morning

E

I woke up this morning

E7 A

With the Monday Morning Blues

I couldn’t hardly find I couldn’t hardly find I couldn’t hardly find

My Monday morning shoes

Monday Morning Blues Monday Morning Blues

Monday Morning Blues Searched all through my bones

Got the blues so bad Got the blues so bad

Got the blues so bad Hurt my tongue to talk

Blues in my feet Blues in my feet

Blues in my feet Hurt my feet to walk

Help me baby Won't you help me baby

Help me baby to Moan these blues a way

I though I’d write I though I’d write

I though I’d write But I believe I’ll telephone

Oh she hurt my heart Oh she hurt my heart

Oh she hurt my heart You might’ve heard me cryin’

Monday Morning Blues Monday Morning Blues

Monday Morning Blues Made me leave my home

Monday Morning Blues Monday Morning Blues

Made me leave my home

I been laying in jail I been laying in jail

I been laying in jail Six long weeks today

In the morrow morning In the morrow morning

In the morrow morning Goin’ be my trial day

Asked the judge Asked the judge

Asked the judge What might be my fine

Get a pick and shovel Get a pick and shovel

Get a pick and shovel Let’s go down in the mine

That’s the only time That’s the only time

That’s the only time I ever felt like cryin’

Lord, my heart struck sorrow

Lord, my heart struck sorrow

Lord, my heart struck sorrow

And the tears come rollin’ down

Mister, change a dollar Mister, change a dollar

Won’t you change a dollar And gimme a lucky dime

Monday Morning Blues I woke up this morning

I woke up this morning With the Monday Morning Blues

MY CREOLE BELLE (Key of C)

C F

My Creole belle

C

I love her well

G

My darlin’ baby

C

My Creole belle

F

My Creole belle

C

I love her well

G

My darlin’ baby

C

My Creole belle

My Creole belle

I love her well

I love her more

Than anyone can tell

When the stars shine

I’ll call her mine

My darlin’ baby

My Creole belle

NEARER MY GOD TO THEE (Key of D)

D G

Nearer my God to Thee

D A

Nearer to Thee

D G

Nearer my God to Thee

A D

Nearer to Thee

Tho like a wanderer , the day’s sun goeth down

Darkness be over me, my rest a stone

Oh yet, in my dreams I’ll be

Nearer my God to Thee

Oh nearer

Yes Nearer to Thee

Oh Angels do beckon me

Nearer my God to Thee

Yes nearer

Yes Nearer to Thee

NOBODY'S BUSINESS BUT MY OWN (Key of C)

C F

Nobody’s dirty business how my baby treat me

G C

Nobody’s business but mine

C F

Nobody’s dirty business how my baby treat me

G C

Nobody’s business but my own

Some of these mornings might wake up crazy

Grab my gun and shoot my baby (Liable to grab my gun and kill my baby)

Nobody’s business but mine

Nobody’s dirty business how my baby treat me

Nobody’s business but my own

Goin’ back to Pensacola, buy my baby a money molder

Nobody’s business but mine

Nobody’s dirty business how my baby treat me

Nobody’s business but my own

Sometimes my baby gets boozy (Sometimes my baby bruise it)

Then again she tries to rule me

Nobody’s business but mine

Nobody’s dirty business how my baby treat me

Nobody’s business but my own

Say baby did you get that letter

If you take me back I’ll treat you better

Nobody’s business but mine

Nobody’s dirty business how my baby treat me

Nobody’s business but my own

Some of these mornings might wake up boozy

Grab my gun and shoot my Suzy

Nobody’s business but mine

Nobody’s dirty business how my baby treat me

Nobody’s business but my own

OH MARY DON'T YOU WEEP (Key of C)

C G

Oh Mary don’t you weep, don’t you moan

G C

Oh Mary don’t you weep, don’t you moan

F C

Pharoah’s army got drowned

G C

Oh Mary don’t you weep

If I could I surely would

Stand on the rock where Moses stood

Pharoah’s army got drowned

Oh Mary don’t you weep

Sinner’s, don’t come by the goin’ home

No need to come when the train done gone

Pharoah’s army got drowned

Mary weeped Martha moan

All around God’s Holy Throne

Pharoah’s army got drowned

PAY DAY (Key of E)

(E throughout)

I done all I can do

And I can’t get along with you

I’m gonna take you to your mama pay day

Pay day, pay day

I’m gonna take you to your mama pay day

Just ‘bout a week ago

I stole me a ham of meat

I’m gonna keep my skillet greasy if I can

If I can, if I can

I’m gonna keep my skillet greasy if I can

Well, the rabbit in the log

I ain’t got no rabbit dog

Lord I hate to see that rabbit get away

Get away, get away

Lord I hate to see that rabbit get away

Baby, I did all I can do

And I can’t get along with you

I’m gonna take you to your mama pay day

Pay day, pay day

I’m gonna take you to your mama pay day

Well the hound dog’s on my track

And the knapsack on my back

I’m gonna make it to my shanty ‘fore day

‘Fore day, ‘fore day

I’m gonna make it to my shanty ‘fore day

PERA LEE (Key of E)

E

Pera Lee, the girl I surely love

A E

Pera Lee, the girl I surely love

B7 E

Pera Lee, the girl I surely love

Pera Lee, gone to the worldly fair

Oh Pera Lee, gone to the worldly fair

She’s gone, she’s gone, ain’t comin’ back no more

Oh She’s gone, she’s gone, ain’t comin’ back no more

RICHLAND WOMEN BLUES ( Key of C)

C F C

Give me red lipstick and a bright poppy rouge

G C

A shingle bob haircut and a shot of good booze

F C

Hurry down sweet daddy, come blowin’ your horn

G C

If you come too late, your mama will be gone

Now I’m rarin’ to go, got red shoes on my feet

My mind’s settin’ right for tin tizzy’s seat

Hurry down sweet daddy, come blowin’ your horn

If you come too late, your mama will be gone

Stop at the fashion shop, get the one looks best

Your own sweet mama wants the brand new dress

Hurry down sweet daddy, come blowin’ your horn

If you come too late, your mama will be gone

Dress skirt cut high, the neck cut low

Don’t you think I’m a sport, keep on watchin’ me go

Hurry down sweet daddy, come blowin’ your horn

If you come too late, your mama will be gone

Red rooster say cock-a-doodle-do-do,

Rich women say any dude will do

Hurry down sweet daddy, come blowin’ your horn

If you come too late, your mama will be gone

Every Sunday morning’ the church watch me go

My wings are sprouted out, the preacher told me so

Hurry down sweet daddy, come blowin’ your horn

If you come too late, your mama will be gone

With rosey-red garters, pink hose on her feet

Turkey-red bloomers with a rumble seat

Hurry down sweet daddy, come blowin’ your horn

If you come too late, your mama will be gone

RUBBER DOLLY (Key of C)

(Traditional)

C F C

My Mama told me if I’d be goody

G C

That She would buy me a rubber dolly

F C

My Mama told me if I’d be goody

G C

That She would buy me a rubber dolly

SALTY DOG BLUES (Key of E)

E A

D G

Hey hey hey you Salty dog

You salty dog

Hey hey you salty dog

E

Well you couldn’t be nothing’ but a salty dog

A

You couldn’t be nothing’ but a salty dog

D7 G

Hey hey hey you Salty dog

You salty dog

Hey hey you salty dog

Said the little fish big fish swimming’ in the water

Come back here man gimme my quarter Hey hey hey you Salty dog

Oh you blue eyed, you blue gum , you speckled foot ape

Your doggone foot ain’t got no shape Hey hey you salty dog

Said God made a woman, he made’em mighty funny

The lips of her mouth tastes as sweet as any honey

Hey hey you salty dog

Said, as scared as I ever was in my life

Uncle Bud like to caught me kissin’ his wife (Um um!)

Hey hey you salty dog

Oh Baby let me be your salty dog Don’t wanna be your man at all

Baby I want to be your salty dog

Oh Baby let me be your salty dog Don’t wanna be your man at all

Baby I want to be your salty dog

Well, the little fish, big fish swim in the water Come back man gimme my quarter

Baby, let me be your salty dog

Salty Dog Salty Dog Salty Dog Baby I wanna be your salty dog

I said one two three four five six Please don’t leave me in this fix

Baby I wanna be your salty dog

Them two girls playin’ in the sand One of them wishin’ that the other was a man

Yeah I wanna be your salty dog

SHAKE THAT THING (Key of G)

(G throughout)

I bought my babe a big diamond ring

Came right back home, caught her shakin’ that thing

Baby shake that thing

Won’t you shake that thing

I’m getting’ sink and tired of telling’ you to shake that thing

One two three four five six

Baby don’t you leave me in this fix

Won’t you shake that thing

Baby shake that thing

I’m getting’ sink and tired of telling’ you to shake that thing

Well I got something’ called a wobbly whip

I got that elegant movement in my hip

Baby shake that thing

Won’t you shake that thing

I’m getting’ sick and tired of telling’ you to shake that thing

SHORTENIN' BREAD

Put on the skillet, Put on the lid

Mama goin' cook some shortenin' bread

The whole family love shortenin' bread

The whole family love shortenin' bread

Two little boys layin' in bed

One turned over and the other one said

My Mama goin' cook some

Mama goin' cook some shortenin' bread

Shoo that chicken off o' that lid

'Fore he shit in that shortenin' bread

The whole family love shortenin' bread

The whole family love shortenin' bread

SINCE I LAID MY BURDEN DOWN (Key of C)

C

Glory glory hallellujah

F C

Since I laid my burden down

C

Glory glory hallellujah

C G C

Since I laid my burden down

Burden down Lord

Since I laid my burden down

Burden down Lord, burden down Lord

Since I laid my burden down

No more sickness, no more sorrow

Since I laid my burden down

No more sickness, no more sorrow

Since I laid my burden down

I’m going home to live with Jesus

Since I laid my burden down

I’m going home to live with Jesus

Since I laid my burden down

I’m goin’ shake glad hands with the angels

Since I laid my burden down

I’m goin’ shake glad hands with the angels

Since I laid my burden down

***********************************

Glory Glory Hallelujah

When I lay my burden down

Glory Glory Hallelujah

When I lay my burden down

Burden down, Lord

When I lay my burden down

Burden down, Lord

When I lay my burden down

I’m going home to live with Jesus

When I lay my burden down

I’m going home to live with Jesus

When I lay my burden down

No more sickness, no more dying

When I lay my burden down

No more sickness, no more dying

When I lay my burden down

I’m goin’ shake glad hands with the angels

When I lay my burden down

I’m goin’ shake glad hands with the angels

When I lay my burden down

I’m going home to live with Jesus

When I lay my burden down

I’m going home to live with Jesus

When I lay my burden down

I’ll be done bearing hard crosses

When I lay my burden down

I’ll be done bearing hard crosses

When I lay my burden down

SLIDIN' DELTA (Key of E)

E B A

This slidin’ delta run right by my door

E B7 E

I’m leavin’ here baby, honey don’t you wanna go

E B7 A

Leavin’ here baby, honey don’t you wanna go

E B7 E

I’m goin’ up the country and I ain’t comin’ back no more

My suitcase is packed, my trunks already gone

Aw, I‘m leavin‘ here, baby, what in the world you waitin’ on

Leavin’ here sweet baby, honey what you waitin’ on

It’s the slidin’ delta run right by my door

I’m leavin’ here baby, honey don’t you wanna go

The big Kate Allen got ways just like a man

Lord it steal your baby every time she lands

Will steal your baby every time she lands

I’m goin’ I’m goin

Up the country baby, honey don’t you want to go

To the river this morning, I sat down on the ground

Lord I had a good notion hmmm jumpin’ in and drown

This slidin’ delta run right by my door

I’m leavin’ here baby, honey don’t you wanna go

SPIKE DRIVER BLUES (Key of G)

(G throughout)

Take this hammer and carry it to my Captain

Tell him I’m gone, Tell him I’m gone

Tell him I’m gone

John Henry was a steel drivin’ man but he went down

He went down

Take this hammer and carry it to my Captain

Tell him I’m gone, Tell him I’m gone

Tell him I’m gone

I walked all the way from East Colorado

Honey that’s my home, Honey that’s my home

That’s why I’m gone

Take this hammer and carry it to my Captain

Tell him I’m gone, Tell him I’m gone

Tell him I’m gone

This is the hammer that killed John Henry

But it won’t kill me, But it won’t kill me

But it won’t kill me

John Henry, he left his hammer

Layin’ ‘side the road, layin’ ‘side the road

Layin’ ‘side the road

John Henry, he left his hammer

All painted in red. All painted in red

All painted in red

STAGGER LEE (Key of D)

[Narrative from "Legend" (Rounder Records)]

( Spoken:) Stagger Lee was a desperator; and you know, Stagger Lee, him and his partners arrived, robbed the coal mine one time. Get me right.

Alright, they goes down in the coal mine. The boys had got paid off and havin’ a little game. Money all over the flo.

Stagger Lee and his partner got himself placed. He says Hey, boys.

They said, Yeah?

Said What if ole Stagger Lee and them was to walk in here?

One guy, Billy DeLyon had stoled his Stetson hat and he thought everything was alright. Didn’t make any difference if it was Billy DeLyon. He picked up a 44. He says, Ahhh. Says, His gun won’t, Stagger

Lee’s gun won’t shoot a bit harder than this!

‘Bout that time, Stagger Lee’s partner knocked his hat off with a bullet. He got his nerve and he dropped his gun. This guy, he had a wife and two children. He commenced beggin’. “Please don’t take my life. I got two little babes and a darlin’ lovin’ wife” Oh yeah?

Another guy went to take it up, you see? See what I mean? He reached for his gun, bullet centered him right between the eyes.

Alright, that settled him!

When they got the money and was going on, Stag’s partner was cryin’. He says, Oh, you got weak.

He says, Naw, I’m not weak.

Yes, you are, says, You cryin’ cause you killed that man!

He says, Naw. He say, I’m not cryin’ cause I killed that man.

He says, Yes you are! Say , well what’re you cryin’ ‘bout?

He said, I missed my shot!

He hit him between the eyes, he intended to hit him right in that right eye!

(Sung:)

D

Police and officer, how can it be

G D

You arrest everybody but cruel Stagger Lee

A D

That bad man, Oh cruel Stagger Lee

Stagger Lee, please don’t take my life

Says I got two little babes

And a darlin’ lovin’ wife

That bad man, Oh cruel Stagger Lee

What I care ‘bout your two little babes

Darlin’ lovin’ wife?

Says, you done stole my Stetson hat

I’m bound to take your life

He’s a bad man, Oh cruel Stagger Lee

Boom Boom Boom Boom with a forty-four

Bullets fired, poor Billy DeLyon

He’s lyin’ down in the flo’

That bad man, Oh cruel Stagger Lee

Gentlemen of the jury, what you think of that?

Says Stagger Lee killed Billy DeLyon

‘Bout a five dollar Stetson hat

He’s a bad man, Oh cruel Stagger Lee

Standin’ on the gallows Stagger Lee did cuss

The judge says, “Let’s kill him

Before he kills some of us!”

He’s a bad man, Oh cruel Stagger Lee

Standin’ on the gallows , head way up high

At twelve o’clock they killed him

They’s all glad to see him die

He’s a bad man, Oh cruel Stagger Lee

TALKIN' CASEY (open E tuning)

(from the Oberlin College Concert)

E throughout...

Casey, Casey Don't leave me here

Casey Jones Please don't leave me here

Little chidren commenced callin' cryin', Daddy, don't leave me here

Daddy, don't leave me here

He couldn't stand that. he told the fireman, said

Get the bell, let's go.

I heard the bell, somethin' like this...

Shortly after that, he's gone. I heard the drive wheel jump the joints.

'Bout time he got switched 'n' runnin' he run up on some sheep.

Blowed for 'em to get off the tracks but they wouldn't get off. He had to stop his train.

Blowin' somethin' like this...

I heard him when he's cuttin' down 'fore he stopped.

Made him sort of mad when he had to stop his train, then he got behind time a little bit. Commenced cussin', here's what he said.

After that I heard him. he was runnin' so fast looked like them drive wheels 'bout to catch up with them litte truck wheels.

People all got scared, though it was gonna make a wreck, which it did.

One lady commenced singin' Lord have mercy, save me Lord.

Well Lord, have mercy.

Lord, have mercy

Lord, have mercy

Save me Lord

Lord don't leave me

Lord don't leave me

Oh Lord don't leave me

Save me Lord

TROUBLE, I'VE HAD IT ALL MY DAYS (Key of D)

D

Well you talk about trouble, I’ve had it all my days

G D

Trouble, had it all my days

A D

Seem like trouble gonna carry me to my grave

My mama told me before I left the door

Lord mama told me

You’ll have trouble, son everywhere you go.

Lord I wish my baby would stop her evil ways

Lord I wish my baby

Wish my baby would stop her evil ways

Well tell me baby, honey what’s the matter now

Baby, tell me what’s the matter now

Is you goin’ quit your daddy anyhow

I’s walkin’ down the street, just couldn’t keep from cryin’

Couldn’t keep from cryin’

The girl I love, she sure was on my mind

Lord, the police ‘rrest me, put me in jail

Police ‘rrest me, put me in jail

I didn’t have nobody to come and go my bail

What you gonna do when your baby put you down?

What I’m gonna do when my baby put me down

I’m gonna get drunk, I’m gonna walk all over town

(Repeat Chorus)

Baby, please don’t put me down

Baby, please don’t put me down

You are the sweetest girl in town

(Repeat Chorus)

That’s my baby, Man, wish you’d let her ‘lone

Oh, Man, wish you’d let her ‘lone

Had’na been for you, my baby woulda stayed at home

WAITING FOR YOU (Key of G)

G

Will you be faithful to me

C G

Is your heart good and true

C G

Wise in sorrow and pain**

D D7

Darlin’ I’m waitin’ for you

G

Because of your cruel ways

C G

I may never live to know

C G

In justice to my true love

D G

I’ll forgive you before I go

My heart beat will quicken

My care will all fly way

If you will kindly let me know

That you welcome me today

Because of your cruel ways

I may never live to know

In justice to my true love

I’ll forgive you before I go

When at pleasure my darlin’

Let your thoughts drift to me

Whilst I am parted from you

Happiness I never will see

Because of your cruel ways

I may never live to know

In justice to my true love

I’ll forgive you before I go

The days are dreary

The nights are so long

Ways they heart ache

I’m singing this sad song

Because of your cruel ways

I may never live to know

In justice to my true love

I’ll forgive you before I go

If we can not meet again

Till our troubles all through

Beyond the river of Jordan

I’ll still be waiting for you

Because of your cruel ways

I may never live to know

In justice to my true love

I’ll forgive you before I go

When you see my grassy mound

Then our troubles all through

My days have been shortened

Whilst I’ve been waiting for you

Because of your cruel ways

I may never live to know

In justice to my true love

I’ll forgive you before I go

If I had a pass to Glory

And it did not read for two

I would trade it all, dear darling

And stay on Earth with you

Because of your cruel ways

I may never live to know

In justice to my true love

I’ll forgive you before I go

**(This line has been misquoted on some web sites as

"While you sow sorrow and pain" and as "Why is there sorrow and pain". However, on "DC Blues", Hurt sings it clearly as quoted above.)

WEEPING AND WAILING (Key of A)

A

From the Throne came a bright shiny angel

A E

And she put on the land and the sea

A

And swore with ???? to Heaven

A E A

That time was no longer to be

And oh, what a weeping and wailing

When the lost were told of their fate

They cried to the rocks and the mountains

They prayed but their prayer was too late

The drunkard was there with his whiskey

And the man that sold him the drink

The rich man was there with his money

Together in hell they did sink

And oh, what a weeping and wailing

When the lost were told of their fate

They cried to the rocks and the mountains

They prayed but their prayer was too late

WHERE SHALL I BE? (Key of A)

A D

Where shall I be when the first trumpet sound

A E

Where shall I be when it sounds so loud

A D

It will sound so loud, it will wake up the dead

A E A

Where I be when it sounds

God told Noah ‘bout the Rainbow sign

Where shall I be

No more water but the fire next time

Where shall I be

Where shall I be when the first trumpet sound

Where shall I be when it sounds so loud

It will sound so loud, it will wake up the dead

Where I be when it sounds

Better mind, my brother, how you walk on the cross

Where shall I be

If your right foot slip, your soul be lost

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