32-20 Blues

Robert Johnson

Recorded on November 26, 1936, San Antonio, Texas

(SA 2616-2) Vocalion 03445, ARC-7-04-60

'f I send for my baby, and she don't come
'f I send for my baby, man, and she don't come
All the doctors in Hot Springs sure can't help her none

And if she gets unruly, thinks she don't wan' do
And if she gets unruly and thinks she don't wan' do
Take my 32-20, now, and cut her half in two

She got a .38 special but I b'lieve it's most too light
She got a .38 special but I b'lieve it's most too light
I got a 32-20, got to make the camps alright

If I send for my baby, man, and she don't come
If I send for my baby, man, and she don't come
All the doctors in Hot Springs sure can't help her none

I'm gonna shoot my pistol, gonna shoot my Gatling gun
I'm gonna shoot my pistol, got-ta shoot my Gatling gun
You made me love you, now your man have come

Ah-oh, baby, where you stay last night
Ah-ah, baby, where you stayed last night
You got your hair all tangled and you ain't talkin' right

Got a .38 special, boys, it do very well
A .38 special, boys, it do very well
I got a 32-20 now, and it's a burnin'….

If I send for my baby, man, and she don't come
If I send for my baby, man, and she don't come
All the doctors in Wisconsin sure can't help her none

Hey hey, baby, where you stay last night
Hey hey, baby, where you stayed last night
You didn't come home until the sun was shinin' bright

Ah boy, I just can't take my rest
Ah boy, I just can't take my rest
With this 32-20 layin' up and down my breast

Come On In My Kitchen (take 1)

Robert Johnson

Recorded on November 23, 1936, San Antonio, Texas

(SA 2585-1) previously unissued on 78 r.p.m.

Mmm mmm mmm mmm mmm mmm mmm mmm mmm mmm mmm
Mmm mmm mmm mmm mmm mmm mmm mmm mmm
You better come on in my kitchen,
Babe, it's goin' to be rainin' outdoors

Ah, the woman I love took from my best friend
Some joker got lucky stole her back again
You better come on in my kitchen,
Baby, it's goin' to be rainin' outdoors

Oh-ah, she's gone, I know she won't come back
I've taken the last nickel out of her nation sack
You better come on in my kitchen,
Babe, it's goin' to be rainin' outdoors

spoken: Oh, can't you hear that wind howl 'n' all?
Oh-y', can't you hear that wind would howl?
You better come on in my kitchen,
Baby, it's goin' to be rainin' outdoors

When a woman gets in trouble everybody throws her down
Lookin' for her good friend none can be found
You better come on in my kitchen,
Baby, it's goin' to be rainin' outdoors

Winter time's comin', hit's gon' be slow
You can't make the winter, babe, that's dry long so
You better come on in my kitchen
'Cause it's gon' to be rainin' outdoors

Come On In My Kitchen (take 2)

Robert Johnson

Recorded on November 23, 1936, San Antonio, Texas

(SA 2585-2) Vocalion 03563, ARC 7-07-57

Mmm mmm mmm mmm mmm mmm mmm mmm mmm mmm mmm mmm
Mmm mmm mmm mmm mmm mmm mmm mmm mmm mmm
You better come on in my kitchen, it's goin' to be rainin' outdoors

When a woman gets in trouble everybody throws her down
Lookin' for yo' good friend, none can be found
You better come on in my kitchen, it's goin' to be rainin' outdoors

Nnn, the woman I love took from my best friend
Some joker got lucky stole her back again
She better come on in my kitchen, baby, it's goin' to be rainin' outdoors

spoken: Mama, can't you hear that wind howl? Oh how the wind do howl!
You better come on in my kitchen, mmm, baby, it's goin' to be rainin' outdoors

Nnn, the woman that I love I crave to see
She's up the country, won't write to me
Then, you better come on in my kitchen, goin' to be rainin' outdoors

I went to the mountain far as my eyes could see
Some other man got my woman, lonesome blues got me
But she better come on in my kitchen, 'cause it's goin' to be rainin' outdoors

My mamma dead, papa well's to be,
Ain't got nobody to love and care for me
She better come on in my kitchen, 'cause it's goin' to be rainin' outdoors

Cross Road Blues (take 1)

Robert Johnson

Recorded on November 27, 1936, San Antonio, Texas

(SA 2629-1) Vocalion 03519, ARC 7-05-81

I went to the crossroad, fell down on my knees
I went to the crossroad, fell down on my knees
Asked the Lord above "Have mercy, now save poor Bob, if you please"

Yeeoo, standin' at the crossroad, tried to flag a ride
Oooo ooee eeee, I tried to flag a ride
Didn't nobody seem to know me, babe, everybody pass me by

Standin' at the crossroad, baby, risin' sun goin' down
Standin' at the crossroad, baby, eee eee eee, risin' sun goin' down
I believe to my soul, now po' Bob is sinkin' down

You can run, you can run, tell my friend Willie Brown
You can run, you can run, tell my friend Willie Brown
At I got the crossroad blues this mornin', Lord, babe, I'm sinkin' down

And I went to the crossroad, mama, I looked east and west
I went to the crossroad, baby, I looked east and west
Lord, I didn't have no sweet woman, ooh-well, babe, in my distress

Cross Road Blues (take 2)

Robert Johnson

Recorded on November 27, 1936, San Antonio, Texas

(SA 2629-2) previously unissued on 78 r.p.m.

I went to the crossroad, fell down on my knees
I went to the crossroad, fell down on my knees
Asked the Lord above "Have mercy, save poor Bob, if you please."

Mmmmm, standin' at the crossroad, I tried to flag a ride
Standin' at the crossroad, I tried to flag a ride
Didn't nobody seem to know me, everybody pass me by

Mmmm, the sun goin' down, boy, dark gon' catch me here
Oooo ooee eeee, boy, dark gon' catch me here
I haven't got no lovin' sweet woman that love and feel my care

You can run, you can run, tell my friend-boy Willie Brown
You can run, tell my friend-boy Willie Brown
Lord, that I'm standin' at the crossroad, babe, I believe I'm sinkin' down

Dead Shrimp Blues

Robert Johnson

Recorded on November 27, 1936, San Antonio, Texas

(SA 2628-2) Vocalion 03475, ARC 7-04-81, Conqueror 8871

I woke up this mornin'-nnn and all my shrimps was dead and gone
I woke up this mornin', ooh, all my shrimp was dead and gone
I was thinkin' about you, baby, why you hear me weep and moan

I got dead shrimps here, someone is fishin' in my pond
I got dead shrimps he'-ooh, someone fishin' in my pond
I've served my best bait, baby, and I can't do that no harm

Keverything I do, babe, you got your mouth stuck out
Hole where I used to fish, you got me posted out
Everything I do, you got your mouth stuck out,
At the hole where I used to fish, baby, you've got me posted out

I got dead shrimps here, 'n' someone fishin' in my pond
I got dead shrimps here, someone fishin' in my pond
Catchin' my goggle-eye perches, and they barbecuin' the bone

Now you take my shrimps, baby, you know you turned me down
I couldn't do nothin', until I got myself unwound
You taken my shrimps, ohh, know you turned me down
Babe, I couldn't do nothin' until I got myself unwound

Drunken Hearted Man (take 1)

Robert Johnson

Recorded on June 20, 1937, Dallas, Texas

(DAL 397-1) previously unissued on 78 r.p.m.

I'm a drunken hearted man, my life seem so misery
I'm the drunken hearted man, my life seem so misery
And if I could change my way of livin' it would mean so much to me

I been dogged and I been driven eve' since I left my mother's home
I been dogged and I been driven eve since I left my mother's home
And I can't see the reason why that I can't leave these no-good womens alone

My father died and left me, my poor mother done the best that she could
My father died and left me, my poor mother done the best that she could
Every man likes that game you call love, but it don't mean no man no good

Now, I'm the drunken hearted man and sin was the cause of it all
spoken: Oh, play 'em, now
I'm a drunken hearted man, and sin was the cause of it all
And the day that you get weak for no-good women, that's the day that you bound to fall

Drunken Hearted Man (take 2)

Robert Johnson

Recorded on June 20, 1937, Dallas, Texas

(DAL 397-2) previously unissued on 78 r.p.m.

I'm a drunken hearted man, my life seem so misery
I'm the poor drunken hearted man, my life seem so misery
And if I could only change my way of livin', it t'would mean so much to me

I been dogged and I been driven, eve' since I left my mother's home
I been dogged and I been driven, eve' since I left my mother's home
And I can't see the reason why, that I can't leave these no-good womens alone

My poor father died and left me, and my mother done the best that she could
My poor father died and left me, and my mother done the best that she could
Every man love that game you call love, but it don't mean no man no good

I'm the poor drunken hearted man, and sin was the cause of it all
I'm a poor drunken hearted man, and sin was the cause of it all
But the day you get weak for no-good women, that's the day that you surely fall

From Four Until Late

Robert Johnson

Recorded on June 19, 1937, Dallas, Texas

(DAL 379-1) Vocalion 03623, ARC 7-09-56

From four until late I was wringin' my hands and cryin'
From four until late I was wringin' my hands and cryin'
I believe to my soul that your daddy's Gulfport bound

From Memphis to Norfolk is a thirty-six hours ride
From Memphis to Norfolk is a thirty-six hours ride
A man is like a prisoner and he's never satisfied

A woman is like a dresser, some man always ramblin' th'ough its drawers
A woman is like a dresser, some man always ramblin' th'ough its drawers
It cause so many men wear an apron ovehrall

From four until late she get with a no-good bunch and clown
From four until late she get with a no-good bunch and clown
Now, she won't do nothin', but tear a good man' reputation down

When I leave this town I'm 'on' bid you fare…farewell
And when I leave this town I'm 'gon' bid you fare…farewell
And when I return again you'll have a great long story to tell

Hell Hound On My Trail

Robert Johnson

Recorded on June 20, 1937, Dallas, Texas

(DAL 394-2) Vocalion 03623, ARC 7-09-56

I got to keep movin', I've got to keep movin'
Blues fallin' down like hail, blues fallin' down like hail

Umm mmm mmm mmm
Blues fallin' down like hail, blues fallin' down like hail

And the days keeps on worryin' me
It's a hell hound on my trail
Hell hound on my trail, hell hound on my trail

If today was Christmas Eve
If today was Christmas Eve
And tomorrow was Christmas Day

If today was Christmas Eve
And tomorrow was Christmas Day
spoken: Aow, wouldn't we have a time, baby?
All I would need my little sweet rider just
To pass the time away, huh huh, to pass the time away

You sprinkled hot foot powder, mmm
Mmm, around my door, all around my door
You sprinkled hot foot powder
All around your daddy's door, hmm hmm hmm
It keep me with ramblin' mind, rider
Every old place I go, every old place I go

I can tell the wind is risin'
The leaves tremblin' on the tree, tremblin' on the tree
I can tell, the wind is risin',
Leaves tremblin' on the tree, hmm hmm mmm mmm
All I need's my little sweet woman,
And to keep my company, hey, hey, hey hey, my company

Honeymoon Blues

Robert Johnson

Recorded on June 20, 1937, Dallas, Texas

(DAL 401-1) Vocalion 04002

Betty Mae, Betty Mae, you shall be my wife someday
Betty Mae, Betty Mae, you shall be my wife someday
I wants a little sweet girl that will do anything I say

Betty Mae, you is my heartstring, you is my destiny
Betty Mae, you's my heartstring, you is my destiny
And you rode across my mind, baby, each and every day

Li'l girl, li'l girl, my life seem so misery
Hmm hmm-mmm, little girl, my life seem so misery
Baby, I guess it must be love, now, hoommm, Lord, that's takin' effect on me

Some day I will return with the marriage license in my hand
Some day I will return, hoo hoo, 'th a marriage license in my hand
I'm 'on' take you for a honeymoon, in some long, long distant land

I Believe I'll Dust My Broom

Robert Johnson

Recorded on November 23, 1936, San Antonio, Texas

(SA 2581-1) Vocalion 03457, ARC 7-04-81, Conqueror 8871

I'm gon' get up in the mornin', I believe I'll dust my broom
I'm gon' get up in the mornin', I believe I'll dust my broom
Girl friend, the black man you been lovin', girlfriend, can get my room

I'm gon' write a letter, telephone every town I know
I'm gon' write a letter, telephone every town I know
If I can't find her in West Helena, she must be in East Monroe, I know

I don't want no woman wants every downtown man she meet
I don't want no woman wants every downtown man she meet
She's a no good doney, they shouldn't 'low her on the street

I believe, I believe I'll go back home
I believe, I believe I'll go back home
You can mistreat me here, babe, but you can't when I go home

And I'm gettin' up in the mornin', I believe I'll dust my broom
I'm gettin' up in the mornin', I believe I'll dust my broom
Girlfriend, the black man you been lovin', girlfriend, can get my room

I'm gonna call up Chiney, see is my good girl over there
I'm gonna call up China, see is my good girl over there
'f I can't find her on Philippine's Island, she must be in Ethiopia somewhere

I'm A Steady Rollin' Man

Robert Johnson

Recorded on June 19, 1937, Dallas, Texas

(DAL 378-1) Vocalion 03723, ARC 7-12-67, Conqueror 8973

I'm a steady rollin' man, I roll both night and day
I'm a steady rollin' man, hmm hmm, I roll both night and day
But I haven't got no sweet woman, hmm mmm, boys, to be rollin' this-a way

I'm the man that rolls when icicles is hangin' on the tree
I'm the man that rolls when icicles is hangin' on the tree
And now you hear me howlin', baby, hmm hmm mmm, down on my bended knee

I'm a hard workin' man, have been for many years, I know
I'm a hard workin' man, have been for many long years, I know
And some cream puff's usin' my money, ooh well, babe, but that'll never be no more

You can't give your sweet woman everything she wants in one time
ooh hoo ooo, you can't give your sweet woman everything she wants in one time
Well, boys, she get ramblin' in her brain, hmm mmm mmm, some monkey man on her mind

I'm a steady rollin' man, I roll both night and day
I'm a steady rollin' man, and I roll both night and day
Well, I don't have no sweet woman, hmm mmm, boys, to be rollin' this-a way

If I Had Possession Over Judgment Day

Robert Johnson

Recorded on November 27, 1936, San Antonio, Texas

(SA 2633-1) previously unissued on 78 r.p.m.

If I had possession over judgment day
If I had possession over judgment day
Lord, the little woman I'm lovin' wouldn't have no right to pray

And I went to the mountain, lookin' far as my eyes could see
And I went to the mountain, lookin' far as my eyes would see
Some other man got my woman and the'-a lonesome blues got me

And I rolled and I tumbled and I cried the whole night long
And I rolled and I tumbled and I cried the whole night long
Boy, I woke up this mornin', my biscuit roller gone

Had to fold my arms and I slowly walked away
spoken: I didn't like the way she done
Had to fold my arms and I slowly walked away
I said in my mind, "Yo' trouble gon' come some day"

Now run here, baby, set down on my knee
Now run here, baby, set down on my knee
I wanna tell you all about the way they treated me

Kind Hearted Woman Blues (take 1)

Robert Johnson

Recorded on November 23, 1936, San Antonio, Texas

(SA 2580-1) Vocalion 03416, ARC 7-03-56

I got a kindhearted woman, do anything in this world for me
I got a kindhearted woman, do anything in this world for me
But these evil-hearted women, man, they will not let me be

I love my baby, my baby don't love me
I love my baby, oooh, my baby don't love me
But I really love that woman, can't stand to leave her be

A-in't but the one thing makes Mister Johnson drink
I's worried about how you treat me, baby, I begin to think
Oh babe, my life don't feel the same
You breaks my heart when you call Mister So-and-So's name

(guitar solo)

She's a kindhearted woman, she studies evil all the time
She's a kindhearted woman, she studies evil all the time
You well's to kill me, as to have it on your mind

Kind Hearted Woman Blues (take 2)

Robert Johnson

Recorded on November 23, 1936, San Antonio, Texas

(SA2580-2) Vocalion 03416, ARC 7-03-56

I got a kindhearted mama, do anything in this world for me
I got a kindhearted mama, do anything in this world for me
But these evil-hearted women, man, they will not let me be

I love my baby, my baby don't love me
I love my baby, oooh, my baby don't love me
I really love that woman, can't stand to leave her be

Now there ain't but the one thing makes Mister Johnson drink
I get's worried about how you treat me, baby, I begin to think
Oh babe, my life don't feel the same
You breaks my heart when you call Mister So-and-So's name

She's a kindhearted mama, she studies evil all the time
She's a kindhearted woman, but she studies evil all the time
You well's to kill me, baby, as to have it on your mind

Some day, some day, I would shake your hand good-bye
Some day, some day, hee, I would shake your hand good-bye
I can't give you anymore of my lovin', 'cause I just ain't satisfied

Last Fair Deal Gone Down

Robert Johnson

Recorded on November 27, 1936, San Antonio, Texas

(SA 2631-1) Vocalion 03445, ARC 7-04-60

It's the last fair deal goin' down
Last fair deal goin' down
It's the last fair deal goin' down, good Lord
On that Gulfport Island Road

Eh, Ida Belle, don't cry this time
Ida Belle, don't cry this time
If you cry about a nickel, you'll die 'bout a dime
She wouldn't cry, but the money won't mine

I like y' way you do
I love the way you do
I love the way you do, good Lord
On this Gulfport Island Road

My captain's so mean on me
My captain's so mean on me
My captain's so mean on me, good Lord
On this Gulfport Island Road

Take camp tain he and see
Camp ain't he and see
At scal ain't be at seen, good Lord
On that Gulfport Island Road

Ah, this last fair deal goin' down
It's the last fair deal goin' down
This' the last fair deal goin' down, good Lord
On this Gulfport Island Road

I'm workin' my way back home
I'm working my way back home
I'm workin' my way back home, good Lord
On this Gulfport Island Road

And that thing don't keep-a ringin' so soon
That thing don't keep-a ringin' so soon
And that thing don't keep-a ringin' so soon, good Lord,
On that Gulfed and Port Island Road

Little Queen Of Spades (take 1)

Robert Johnson

Recorded on June 20, 1937, Dallas, Texas

(DAL 395-1) Vocalion 04108

Now, she is a little queen of spades and the men will not let her be
Mmm mmm mmm, she is the little queen of spades and the men will not let her be
Everytime she makes a spread, hoo, fair brown, cold chill just runs all over me

I'm gon' get me a gamblin' woman, if the last thing that I do
Eee hee eee, gon' get me a gamblin' woman, if it's the last thing that I do
Well, a man don't need a woman, hoo, fair brown, that he got to give all his money to

Everybody say she got a mojo, now, she's been usin' that stuff
Mmm mmm mmm, everybody says she got a mojo, 'cause she been usin' that stuff
But she got a way trimmin' down, hoo, fair brown, and I mean it's most too tough

Now little girl, since I am the King, baby, and you is a queen
Ooo hoo eee, since I am the King baby, and you is a queen
Le's us put our heads together, hoo, fair brown, then we can make our money green

Little Queen Of Spades (take 2)

Robert Johnson

Recorded on June 20, 1937, Dallas, Texas

(DAL 395-2) Vocalion 04108

Mmm, she is a little queen of spades, and the men will not let her be
Hoo hooo ooo, she is the little queen of spades, and the men will not let her be
Everytime she makes a spread, hoo, cold chill just runs all over me

'ell, I'm gon' get me a gamblin' woman, 'f i's the last thing that I do
Ooo hoo eee, gon' get me a gamblin' woman, 'f 's the last thing that I do
A man don't need a woman, hoo, fair brown, he got to give all of his money to

'ell everybody say she got a mojo, baby, you've been usin' that stuff
Hmm hmm mmm, everybody say she got a mojo, 'cause she been usin' that stuff
She got a way trimmin' down, hoo we', babe, and I mean it's most too tough

Well, well, little girl, since I am the King, fair brown, and you is a queen
Hoo ooo ooe, since I am the King, baby, and you is a queen
Le's we put our heads together, hoo, fair brown, then we can make our money green

Love In Vain (take 1)

Robert Johnson

Recorded on June 20, 1937, Dallas, Texas

(DAL 402-1) peviously unissued on 78 r.p.m.

spoken: "I wanna go with our next one myself."

And I followed her to the station with a suitcase in my hand
And I followed her to the station with a suitcase in my hand
Well, it's hard to tell, it's hard to tell, when all your love's in vain
All my love's in vain

When the train rolled up to the station I looked her in the eye
When the train rolled up to the station and I looked her in the eye
Well, I was lonesome, I felt so lonesome, and I could not help but cry
All my love's in vain

When the train, it left the station, with two lights on behind
When the train, it left the station, with two lights on behind
Well, the blue light was my blues, and the red light was my mind
All my love's in vain

Ou hou ou ou ou hoo, Willie Mae
Oh oh oh oh oh hey hoo, Willie Mae
Ou ou ou ou ou ou hee vee oh woe
All my love's in vain

Love In Vain (take 2)

Robert Johnson

Recorded on June 20, 1937, Dallas, Texas

(DAL 402-2) Vocalion 04630 // (DAL 402-4) electronically re-made from take 2 on 2/2/39

And I followed her to the station with my suitcase in my hand
And I followed her to the station with suitcase in my hand
Well, it's hard to tell, it's hard to tell, when all your love's in vain
All my love's in vain

When the train rolled up to the station and I looked her in the eye
When the train rolled up to the station and I looked her in the eye
Well, I felt lonesome, I was so lonesome, and I could not help but cry
All my love's in vain

When the train, it left the station with two lights on behind
When the train, it left the station with two lights on behind
Well, the blue light was my blues and the red light was my mind
All my love's in vain

Eee eee eee eee ooo hoo, Willie Mae
Ey ey ey ey ey ey ey hoo, Willie Mae
Eye y ey hey hey hey hee vee oh woe
All my love's in vain

Malted Milk

Robert Johnson

Recorded on June 20, 1937, Dallas, Texas

(DAL 396-1) Vocalion 03665, ARC 7-10-65, Conqueror 8994

I keep drinkin' malted milk, tryin' to drive my blues away
I keep drinkin' malted milk, tryin' to drive my blues away
Baby, you 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
And I have a funny, funny feelin', and I'm talkin' all out my head

Baby, fix me one more drink and hug your daddy one more time
Baby, fix me one more drink and hug your daddy one more time
Keep on stirrin' in my malted milk, mama, until I change my mind

My doorknob keeps on turnin', it must be spooks around my bed
My doorknob keeps on turnin', must be spooks around my bed
I have a warm, old feelin', and the hair risin' on my head

Me And The Devil Blues (take 1)

Robert Johnson

Recorded on June 20, 1937, Dallas, Texas

(DAL 398-1) Vocalion 04108

Early this mornin' when you knocked upon my door
Early this mornin', ooh, when you knocked upon my door
And I said, "Hello, Satan, I believe it's time to go."

Me and the Devil was walkin' side by side
Me and the Devil, ooh, was walkin' side by side
And I'm goin' to beat my woman until I get satisfied

She say you don't see why that you will dog me 'round
spoken: Now, babe, you know you ain't doin' me right, don'cha
She say you don't see why, ooh, that you will dog me 'round
It must-a be that old evil spirit so deep down in the ground

You may bury my body, down by the highway side
spoken: Baby, I don't care where you bury my body when I'm dead and gone
You may bury my body, ooh, down by the highway side
So my old evil spirit can catch a Greyhound bus and ride

Me And The Devil Blues (take 2)

Robert Johnson

Recorded on June 20, 1937, Dallas, Texas

(DAL 398-2) Vocalion 04108

Early this mornin', when you knocked upon my door
Early this mornin', ooh, when you knocked upon my door
And I said, "Hello, Satan, I believe it's time to go"

Me and the Devil was walkin' side by side
Me and the Devil, ooh, was walkin' side by side
I'm goin' to beat my woman until I get satisfied

She say you don't see why that I will dog her 'round
spoken: Now, baby, you know you ain't doin' me right, now
She say you don't see why, ooh, that I will dog her 'round
It must-a be that old evil spirit so deep down in the ground

You may bury my body down by the highway side
spoken: Baby, I don't care where you bury my body when I'm dead and gone
You may bury my body, ooh, down by the highway side
So my old evil spirit can get a Greyhound bus and ride

Milkcow's Calf Blues (take 1)

Robert Johnson

Recorded on June 20, 1937, Dallas, Texas

(DAL 403-2) Vocalion 03665, ARC 7-10-65, Conqueror 8944

Tell me, milk cow, what on Earth is wrong with you?
Ooo ooo eee, milk cow, what on Earth is wrong with you?
Now, you have a little calf, hoo hoo, and your milk is turnin' blue

Now, your calf is hungry, I believe he needs a suck
Now, your calf is hungry, hoo hoo, I believe he needs a suck
Your calf is hungry, and I believe he needs a suck
But your milk is turnin' blue, hoo hoo, I believe he's outta luck

Now, I feel like milkin' and my cow won't come
I feel like chu'n'in it and my milk won't turn
I'm cryin', plea-ease, plea-ese, don't do me wrong
If you see my milk cow, baby, now-how, plea-ease, drive her at home

My milk cow been ramblin', hoo hee, for miles around
My milk cow been ramblin', hoo hoo, for miles around
Well, now, can you suck some other man's bull cow, hoo hoo, in this strange man's town?

Milkcow's Calf Blues (take 2)

Robert Johnson

Recorded on June 20, 1937, Dallas, Texas

(DAL 403-2) Vocalion 03665, ARC 7-10-65, Conqueror 8944 (electronically re-made from take 1)

Tell me, milk cow, what on Earth is wrong with you?
Te-hell, milk cow, what on Earth is wrong with you?
Well, well, you have a new calf, hoo hoo, and your milk is turnin' blue

Your calf is hungry end I believe he needs a suck
spoken: No, you know that calf done got hungry
Your calf is hungry and I believe he needs a suck
Well, now, but your milk is turnin' blue, hoo hoo, I believe he's outta luck

Now, I feel like milkin' and my cow won't come
I feel like chu'n'in' it and my milk won't turn
I'm cryin', plea-hease, don't do me wrong
You can give-a right milk and butter, now, baby, you-hoo, will stay at home

My milk cow been ramblin', hoo hoo, for miles around
My milk cow been ramblin', hoo hoo, for miles around
She been troublin' some other bull cow, hoo hoo, Lord, in this man's town

Phonograph Blues (take 1)

Robert Johnson

Recorded on November 23, 1936, San Antonio, Texas

(SA 2587-1) previously unissued on 78 r.p.m.

Beatrice, she got a phonograph and it won't say a lonesome word
Beatrice, she got a phonograph but it won't say a lonesome word
What evil have I done, what evil has the poor girl heard

Beatrice, I love my phonograph but you have broke my windin' chain
Beatrice, I love my phonogra'-ooo, honey, you have broke my windin' chain
And you've taken my lovin', and give it to your other man

Now, we played it on the sofa, now, we played it 'side the wall
My needles have got rusty, baby, they will not play at all
We played it on the sofa, and we played it 'side the wall
But my needles have got rusty and it will not play at all

Beatrice, I go crazy, baby, I will lose my mind
And I go cra'-eeh, honey, I will lose my mind
Why'n't you bring your clothes back home and try me one more time

She got a phonograph and it won't say a lonesome word
She got a phonograph, ooo-won't say a lonesome word
What evil have I done, or what evil have the poor girl heard

Phonograph Blues (take 2)

Robert Johnson

Recorded on November 23, 1936, San Antonio, Texas

(SA 2587-2) previously unissued on 78 r.p.m.

Beatrice got a phonograph and it won't say a lonesome word
Beatrice got a phonograph and it won't say a lonesome word
What evil have I done, what evil have the poor girl heard

Beatrice, I love my phonograph, but you broke my windin' chain
Beatrice, I love my phonograph, but you have broke my windin' chain
And you taken my lovin', and you give it to your other man

And we played it on the sofa, and we played it 'side the wall
And we played it on the sofa, and we played it 'side the wall
But boys, my needles have got rusty and it will not play a-t' all

Mmm, Beezatrice, I love my phonograph-mmm, babe, and I'm bound to lose my mind
Beatrice, I love my phonograph and I'm 'bout to lose my mind
Why'n't you bring your clothes back home, baby, and try me one more time

Now my phonograph, mmm, babe, it won't say a lonesome word
My little phonograph, and it won't say a lonesome word
What evil I have done, what evil have the poor girl heard

Now, Beatrice, won't you bring your clothes back home
Now, Beatrice, won't you bring your clothes back home
I wanna wind your little phonograph, just to hear your little motor moan

Preachin' Blues (Up Jumped The Devil)

Robert Johnson

Recorded on November 27, 1936, San Antonio, Texas

(SA 2632-1) Vocalion 04630

Mmmmm mmmmm
I's up this mornin', ah, blues walkin' like a man
I's up this mornin', ah, blues walkin' like a man
Worried blues, give me your right hand

And the blues fell mama's child, tore me all upside down
Blues fell mama's child, and it tore me all upside down
Travel on, poor Bob, just can't turn you 'round

The blu-u-u-ues, is a low-down shakin' chill
spoken: Yes, preach 'em now
Mmmmm mmmmm, is a low-down shakin' chill
You ain't never had 'em, I hope you never will

Well, the blues , is a achin' old heart disease
spoken: Do it now. You gon' do it? Tell me all about it
Let the blues is a low-down achin' heart disease
Like consumption killing me by degrees

I can study rain, oh, oh, drive, oh, oh, drive my blues
I been studyin' the rain and I'm 'on drive my blues away
Goin' to the 'stil'ry, stay out there all day

Ramblin' On My Mind (take 1)

Robert Johnson

Recorded on November 23, 1936, San Antonio, Texas

(SA 2583-1) Vocalion 03519, ARC 7-05-81

I got ramblin', I got ramblin' on my mind
I got ramblin', I got ramblin' all on my mind
Hate to leave my baby, but you treats me so unkind

I got mean things, I got mean things all on my mind
Little girl, little girl, I got mean things all on my mind
Hate to leave you here, babe, but you treats me so unkind

Runnin' down to the station, catch the first mail train I see
spoken: I think I hear her comin' now
Runnin' down to the station, catch that old first mail train I see
I got the blues 'bout Miss So-and-So and the child got the blues about me

And I'm leavin' this mornin', with my arm' fold' up and cryin'
And I'm leavin' this mornin', with my arm' fold' upped and cryin'
Hate to leave my baby, but she treats me so unkind

I got mean things, I've got mean things on my mind
I got mean things, I got mean things all on my mind
I got to leave my baby, well, she treats me so unkind

Ramblin' On My Mind (take 2)

Robert Johnson

Recorded on November 23, 1936, San Antonio, Texas

(SA 2583-2) Vocalion 03519, ARC 7-05-81

I got ramblin', I've got ramblin' on my mind
I got ramblin', I got ramblin' all on my mind
Hate to leave my baby, but you treats me so unkind

And now babe I will never forgive you anymore
Little girl, little girl, I will never forgive you anymore
You know you did not want me, baby, why did you tell me so?

And I'm runnin' down to the station, catch that first mail train I see
spoken: I hear her comin' now
I'm runnin' down to the station, catch that old first mail train I see
I've got the blues 'bout Miss So-and-So, and the child got the blues about me

An' they's de'ilment, she got devilment all on her mind
She got devilment, little girl, you got devilment all on your mind
Now I got to leave this mornin' with my arm' a-fold' up and cryin'

I believe, I believe my time ain't long
I believe, I believe that my time ain't long
But I'm leavin' this mornin', I believe I will go back home

Stones In My Passway

Robert Johnson

Recorded on June 19, 1937, Dallas, Texas

(DAL 377-2) Vocalion 03723, ARC 7-12-67, Conqueror 8973

I got stones in my passway and my road seem dark as night
I got stones in my passway and my road seem dark as night
I have pains in my heart, they have taken my appetite

I have a bird to whistle, and I have a bird to sing
Have a bird to whistle, and I have a bird to sing
I got a woman that I'm lovin', boy, but she don't mean a thing

My enemies have betrayed me, have overtaken poor Bob at last
My enemies have betrayed me, have overtaken poor Bob at last
An' 'here's one thing certainly, they have stones all in my pass

Now you tryin' to take my life, and all my lovin' too
You laid a passway for me, now what are you trying to do?
I'm cryin' please, plea-ease let us be friends
And when you hear me howlin' in my passway, rider, plea-ease open your door and let me in

I got three legs to truck home, boys, please don't block my road
I got three legs to truck home, boys, please don't block my road
I've been feelin' ashamed 'bout my rider, babe, I'm booked and I got to go

Stop Breakin' Down Blues (take 1)

Robert Johnson

Recorded on June 20, 1937, Dallas, Texas

(DAL 399-1) Vocalion 04002

Everytime I'm walkin' down the streets
Some pretty mama start breakin' down with me
Stop breakin' down, yes, stop breakin' down
The stuff I got'll bust your brains out, baby, hoo hoo, it'll make you lose your mind

I can't walk the streets now con… consolate my mind
Some no-good woman she starts breakin' down
Stop breakin' down, please stop breakin' down
The stuff I got it gon' bust your brains out, baby, hoo hoo, it'll make you lose your mind

Now, you Saturday night women's, you love to ape and clown
You won't do nothin' but tear a good man reputation down
Stop breakin' down, please stop breakin' down
The stuff I got'll bust your brains out, baby, hoo hoo, it'll make you lose your mind

Now, I give my baby, now the ninety-nine degree
She jumped up and throwed a pistol down on me
Stop breakin' down, please stop breakin' down
Stuff I got'll bust your brains out, baby, hoo hoo, it'll make you lose your mind

I can't start walkin' down the streets
But some pretty mama don't start breakin' down with me
Stop breakin' down, yes, stop breakin' down
The stuff I got'll bust your brains out, baby, hoo hoo, it'll make you lose your mind

Stop Breakin' Down Blues (take 2)

Robert Johnson

Recorded on June 20, 1937, Dallas, Texas

(DAL 399-2) Vocalion 04002

Now, I can't walk the streets, now, to consolate my mind
Some pretty mama, she start breakin' down
Stop breakin' down, please, stop breakin' down
Now, the stuff I got'll bust your brains out, baby, hoo hoo, it'll make you lose your mind

I can't walk the streets, now, to consolate my mind
Some no-good woman, now, she start breakin' down
Stop breakin' down, please, stop breakin' down
The stuff I got'll bust your brains out, baby, hoo hoo, it'll make you lose your mind

You know the Saturday night women, now, they love to ape and clown
They won't do nothin' but tear yo' reputation down
Stop breakin' down, please, stop breakin' down
The stuff I got'll bust your brains out, baby, hoo hoo, it'll make you lose your mind

Now I gave my baby that ninety-nine degree
She jumped up and throwed a pistol down on me
Stop breakin' down, please, stop breakin' down
That stuff I got'll bust your brains out, baby, hoo hoo, it'll make you lose your mind

Now, that fiddle player, now, use rosum on his bow
That don't make your fiddle cry, baby, you know it, don't go
Stop breakin' down, please, stop breakin' down
The stuff I got'll bust your brains out, baby, hoo hoo, it'll make you lose your mind

Sweet Home Chicago

Robert Johnson

Recorded on November 23, 1936, San Antonio, Texas

(SA 2582-1) Vocalion 03601

Oh, baby, don't you want to go
Oh, baby, don't you want to go
Back to the land of California, to my sweet home Chicago

Oh, baby don't you want to go
Oh, baby don't you want to go
Back to the land of California, to my sweet home Chicago

Now one and one is two, two and two is four
I'm heavy loaded baby, I'm booked, I gotta go
Cryin', baby, honey don't you want to go?
Back to the land of California, to my sweet home Chicago

Now two and two is four, four and two is six
You gon' keep on monkeyin' 'round here friend-boy, you gon' get your business all in a trick
But I'm cryin', baby, honey don't you wanna go
Back to the land of California, to my sweet home Chicago

Now six and two is eight, eight and two is ten
Friend-boy, she trick you one time, she sure gon' do it again
But I'm cryin', hey, hey, baby, don't you want to go
To the land of California, to my sweet home Chicago

I'm goin' to California, from there to Des Moines, Iowa
Somebody will tell me that you need my help someday, cryin'
Hey hey, baby don't you want to go
Back to the land of California, to my sweet home Chicago

Terraplane Blues

Robert Johnson

Recorded on November 23, 1936, San Antonio, Texas

(SA 2586-1) Vocalion 03416, ARC 7-03-56

And I feel so lonesome, you hear me when I moan
When I feel so lonesome, you hear me when I moan
Who been drivin' my Terraplane for you since I been gone.

I'd said I flash your lights, mama, your horn won't even blow
spoken: Somebody's been runnin' my batteries down on this machine
I even flash my lights, mama, this horn won't even blow
Got a short in this connection, hoo-well, babe, it's way down below

I'm 'on' h'ist your hood, mama, I'm bound to check your oil
I'm gon' h'ist your hood, mama-mmm, I'm bound to check your oil
I got a woman that I'm lovin' way down in Arkansas

Now, you know the coils ain't even buzzin', little generator won't get the spark
Motor's in a bad condition, you gotta have these batteries charged
But I'm cryin', please, plea-hease don't do me wrong.
Who been drivin' my Terraplane now for you-hoo since I been gone

Mr. Highwayman, plea-hease don't block the road
Puh hee hee, plea-hease don't block the road
'Cause she's re'ist'rin' a cold one hundred and I'm booked and I got to go

Mmm mmm mmm mmm mmm
You ooo ooo ooo, you hear me weep and moan
Who been drivin' my Terraplane now for you-hoo since I been gone

I'm 'on' get down in this connection, keep on tanglin' with your wires
I'm 'on' get down in this connection, hoo-well, keep on tanglin' with these wires
And when I mash down on your little starter, then your spark plug will give me fire

They're Red Hot

Robert Johnson

Recorded on November 27, 1936, San Antonio, Texas

(SA 2627-1) Vocalion 03563, ARC 7-07-57

Hot tamales and they red hot, yes, she got 'em for sale
Hot tamales and they red hot, yes, she got 'em for sale
I got a girl, say she long and tall
She sleeps in the kitchen with her feets in the hall
Hot tamales and they red hot, yes, she got 'em for sale, I mean
Yes, she got 'em for sale, yeah

Hot tamales and they red hot, yes, she got 'em for sale
Hot tamales and they red hot, yes, she got 'em for sale
She got two for a nickel, got four for a dime
Would sell you more, but they ain't none of mine
Hot tamales and they red hot, yes she got 'em for sale, I mean
Yes, she got 'em for sale, yes, yeah

Hot tamales and they red hot, yes, she got 'em for sale
Hot tamales and they red hot, yes, she got 'em for sale
I got a letter from a girl in the room
Now, she got something good she got to bring home soon, now
It's hot tamales and they red hot, yes she got 'em for sale, I mean
Yes, she got 'em for sale, yeah

Hot tamales and they red hot, yes, she got 'em for sale
Hot tamales and they red hot, yes, she got 'em for sale
spoken: They're too hot boy!
The billy goat back' in a bumble bee nest
Ever since that he can't take his rest, yeah
Hot tamales and they red hot, yes you got 'em for sale, I mean
Yes, she got 'em for sale

Hot tamales and they red hot, yes she got 'em for sale
spoken: Man, don't mess around 'em hot tamales, now, 'cause they too black bad, if you …mess around 'em hot tamales
I'm 'onna upset your backbone, put your kidneys to sleep
I'll do the breath 'way your livin' and dare your heart to beat 'bout my
Hot tamales 'cause they red hot, yes, they got 'em for sale, I mean
Yes, she got 'em for sale, yeah

Hot tamales and they red hot, yes, she got 'em for sale
Hot tamales and they red hot, yes, she got 'em for sale
You know grandma left, and now grandpa, too
Well, I wonder what in the world we chillun gon' do, now
Hot tamales and they red hot, yes she got 'em for sale, I mean
Yes, she got 'em for sale

Hot tamales and they red hot, yes, she got 'em for sale
Hot tamales and they red hot, yes, she got 'em for sale
Me and my babe bought a V-8 Ford
Well, we wind that thing all on the runnin' board, yes
Hot tamales and they red hot, yes she got 'em for sale, I mean
Yes, she got 'em for sale, yeah

Hot tamales and they red hot, yes she got 'em for sale
spoken: They too hot boy!
Hot tamales and they red hot, yes, now, she got 'em for sale
You know the monkey, now the baboon playin' in the grass
Well, the monkey stuck his finger in that old "Good Gulf Gas", now
Hot tamales and they red hot, yes she got 'em for sale, I mean
Yes, she got 'em for sale, yeah

Hot tamales and they red hot, yes, she got 'em for sale
Hot tamales and they red hot, yes, she got 'em for sale
I got a girl, say she long and tall
Now, she sleeps in the kitchen with her feets in the hall, yes
Hot tamales and they red hot, yes, now, she got 'em for sale, I mean
Yes, she got' em for sale, yeah

Traveling Riverside Blues

Robert Johnson

Recorded on June 20, 1937, Dallas, Texas

(DAL 400-2) previously unissued on 78 r.p.m.

If your man get personal, want you to have your fun
If your man get personal, want you to have your fun
Best come on back to Friars Point, mama, and barrelhouse all night long

I got womens in Vicksburg, clean on into Tennessee
I got womens in Vicksburg, clean on into Tennessee
But my Friars Point rider, now, hops all over me

I ain't gon' to state no color, but her front teeth crowned with gold
I ain't gon' to state no color, but her front teeth is crowned with gold
She got a mortgage on my body, now, and a lien on my soul

Lord, I'm goin' to Rosedale, gon' take my rider by my side
Lord, I'm goin' to Rosedale, gon' take my rider by my side
We can still barrelhouse baby, 'cause it's on the riverside

Now, you can squeeze my lemon 'til the juice run down my...
spoken: 'Til the juice rune down my leg, baby, you know what I'm talkin' 'bout
You can squeeze my lemon 'til the juice run down my leg
spoken: That's what I'm talkin' 'bout, now
But I'm goin' back to Friars Point, if I be rockin' to my head

Walkin' Blues

Robert Johnson

Recorded on November 27, 1936, San Antonio, Texas

(SA 2630-1) Vocalion 03601

I woke up this mornin', feelin' 'round for my shoes
Know 'bout 'at I got these old walkin' blues, woke
Up this mornin', feelin' 'round for my shoes
But you know 'bout 'at I got these old walkin' blues

Lord, I feel like blowin' my who-old lonesome ho'n
Got up this mornin', my little Bernice was gone, Lord
I feel like blowooon' my lonesome ho'n
Well, I got up this mornin', who-all I had was gone

Well-ah leave this morn' if I have to, woh, ride the blind, ah
I've feel mistreated and I don't mind dyin'
Leavin' this morn', ah, I have to ride a blind
Babe, I been mistreated, baby, and I don't mind dyin'

Well, some people tell me that the worried blues ain't bad
Worst old feelin' I most ever had, some
People tell me that these old worried, old blues ain't bad
It's the worst old feelin' I most ever had

She got an Elgin movement from her head down to her toes
Break in on a dollar most anywhere she goes, ooo ooooooooo
To her head down to her toes

spoken: Oh, honey
Lord, she break in on a dollar most anywhere she goes

When You Got A Good Friend (take 1)

Robert Johnson

Recorded on November 23, 1936, San Antonio, Texas

(SA 2584-1) previously unissued on 78 r.p.m.

When you got a good friend that will stay right by your side
When you got a good friend that will stay right by your side
Give her all of your spare time, love and treat her right

I mistreated my baby and I can't see no reason why
I mistreated my baby but I can't see no reason why
Everytime I think about it, I just wring my hands and cry

Wonder could I bear apologize or would she sympathize with me
Mmmmm mmm mmm, would she sympathize with me
She's a brownskin woman, just as sweet as a girl friend can be

Mmm mmm, babe, I may be right ay wrong
Baby, it's yo'y opinion, oh, I may be right ay wrong
Watch your close friend, baby, then your ene'ies can't do no harm

When you got a good friend that will stay right by your side
When you got a good friend that will stay right by your side
Give her all of your spare time-aah, love and treat her right

When You Got A Good Friend (take 2)

Robert Johnson

Recorded on November 23, 1936, San Antonio, Texas

(SA 2584-1) previously unissued on 78 r.p.m.

Mmm, when you got a good friend that will stay right by your side
When you got a good friend that will stay right by your side
Give her all of your spare time, try to love and treat her right

I mistreated my baby, I can't see no reason why
I mistreated my baby, I can't see no reason why
Everytime I thinks about it, I just wring my hands and cry

Wonder could I bear apologize or would she sympathize with me
Mmmmmmmmmm, or would she sympathize with me
She's a brownskin woman, just as sweet as a girl friend can be

I love my baby but *I can't make that agee*
I love that woman but *what can we can't agree*
I really love that woman, nnn, wonder why we can't agree

It's your opinion, friend-girl, I may be right or wrong
It's yo'y opinion friend-girl, I may be right or wrong
But when you watch your close friend, baby, then your enemies can't do you no harm

When you got a good friend that will stay right by your side
When you got a good friend that will stay right by your side
Give her all of your spare time, try to love and treat her right