Musically, the blues is a basic I-IV-V chord progression laid
over a 12-bar framework. Its roots are in various forms of
African American slave songs such as field hollers, work
songs, spirituals, and country string ballads. Rural music
that captured the suffering, anguish—and hopes—of 300
years of slavery and tenant farming, the blues was typically
played by roaming solo musicians on acoustic guitar,
piano, or harmonica at weekend parties, picnics, and juke
joints. Their audience was primarily made up of agricultural
laborers.
History
• Blues begins to emerge as a distinct sound around the 1890s in
the Mississippi Delta region
• Emerged as solo music which instantly separated it from other
musical forms
• The term „blues‟ itself derives from the 18th century term “blue
devils” referring to “down spirits”
History
• Typical blues lyrics began with three lines repeated, later
shortened to two, followed by a response line
I hate to see that evening sun go down
I hate to see that evening sun go down
'Cause, my baby, he's gone left this town
--W.C. Handy “St. Louis Blues” (1912)
• Blues in popular culture begins in 1903, when composer W.C.
Handy, an African American leader of a dance orchestra, got
stuck waiting for a train in the hamlet of Tutwiler, Mississippi. With
hours to kill and nowhere else to go, Handy fell asleep on a hard
wooden bench at the empty depot. When he awoke, a ragged
black man was sitting next to him, singing about "goin' where the
Southern cross the Dog" and sliding a knife against the strings of
a guitar. The musician repeated the line three times and answered
with his instrument.
• Handy later said it was "the weirdest music I had ever heard."
W.C. Handy
• Composer, musician, and
bandleader of the Mahara
Minstrels
• In 1912, three songs are
published with the word
“blues” in the title including
W.C. Handy‟s “Memphis
Blues”
• Became among the first
people to transcribe and
publish sheet music for a
blues songs
History
• First popular blues music consists
of female singers accompanied
by piano called “classic blues”
• Began being released as “race
records”
• First blues hit was “Crazy Blues”
by Mamie Smith in 1920
• It sold over 1 million copies
“Crazy Blues” (1920)
I can't sleep at night.
I can't eat a bite
'cause the man I love
He don't treat me right.
He makes me feel so blue.
I don't know what to do.
Sometime I sit and sigh
and then begin to cry
'cause my best friend
said his last goodbye.
There's a change in the ocean,
change in the deep blue sea, my baby,
I'll tell you folks, there ain't no change in me.
My love for that man will always be.
Chorus:
Now I got the crazy blues since my baby went
away.
I ain't got no time to lose.
I must find him today.
Now the doctor's gonna do all that he can.
But what you're gonna need is an undertaker man.
I ain't had nothin' but bad news.
Now I got the crazy blues.
Now I can read his letters.
I sure can't read his mind.
I thought he's lovin' me.
He's leavin' all the time.
Now I see my poor love was blind.
I went to the railroad, put my head on the track
????
Chorus
History
• The spread of the blues from the Mississippi Delta to
the north was largely a byproduct of the Great
Migration beginning in the 1910s
 500,000+ African-Americans move from the south to
urban centers in the north, mid-west and west
 The need for black entertainment follows
 Pull factor was employment
 Push factor was escaping racism and violence
History
• Throughout
the first half
of the
1920s,
blues
continues
to be
popular
among
female
artists such
as Bessie
Smith and
Ma Rainey
“St. Louis Blues” (1924)
I hate to see the ev'nin' sun go down
I hate to see the ev'nin' sun go down,
It makes me think I‟m on my last go „round
Feelin' tomorrow like I feel today
Feelin‟ tomorrow like I feel today,
I'll pack my trunk, make my getaway
St. Louis woman with her diamond rings
Pulls that man 'round by her apron strings,
If it weren‟t for powder and this store-bought
hair
The man I love, would not gone nowhere,
I got the St. Louis blues just as blue as I can
be
He‟s got a heart like a rock cast in the sea,
or else he wouldn't have gone so far from me
“Back Water Blues” (1927)
Song about the flooding of Nashville by the Cumberland River that struck Christmas 1926.
When it rains five days and the skies turn dark as night
When it rains five days and the skies turn dark as night
Then trouble's takin' place in the lowlands at night
I woke up this mornin', can't even get out of my door
I woke up this mornin', can't even get out of my door
There's been enough trouble to make a poor girl wonder where she want to go
Then they rowed a little boat about five miles 'cross the pond
Then they rowed a little boat about five miles 'cross the pond
I packed all my clothes, throwed them in and they rowed me along
When it thunders and lightnin' and when the wind begins to blow
When it thunders and lightnin' and the wind begins to blow
There's thousands of people ain't got no place to go
Then I went and stood upon some high old lonesome hill
Then I went and stood upon some high old lonesome hill
Then looked down on the house were I used to live
Backwater blues done call me to pack my things and go
Backwater blues done call me to pack my things and go
'Cause my house fell down and I can't live there no more
Mmm, I can't move no more
Mmm, I can't move no more
There ain't no place for a poor old girl to go
“I’m Wild About that Thing” (1929)
Honey baby, won't you cuddle near,
just sweet mama whisper in your ear
I'm wild about that thing, it makes me laugh and sing,
give it to me papa, I'm wild about that thing
Please don't hold it, baby, when I cry,
give me every bit of it or else I'll die
I'm wild about that thing, ja da ging ging ging,
all the time I'm cryin', I'm wild about that thing
Do it easy, honey, don't get rough,
from you, papa, I can't get enough
I'm wild about that thing, the joy it always brings,
everybody knows it, I'm wild about that thing
What's the matter, papa, please don't stop,
don't you know I love it and I want it all?
I'm wild about that thing, just give my bell a ring,
you touched my button, I'm wild about that thing
If you want so satisfy my soul,
come on and rock me with a steady roll
I'm wild about that thing, gee I like your ting-a-ling,
kiss me like you mean it, I'm wild about that thing
Come on turn the lights down low,
When you say you're ready, just say let's go
I'm wild about that thing, I'm wild about that thing,
come on and make me feel it, I'm wild about that thing
I'm wild about it when you hold me tight,
let me linger in your arms all night
I'm wild about that thing, my passions got the fling,
come on, hear me cryin', I'm wild about that thing
History
• The era of the classic blues ends in 1926.
• A new sound called “country blues” emerges following the
success Blind Lemon Jefferson‟s “Long Lonesome Blues” in
May 1926.
• Country blues were mainly sung by guitar playing men
• Some question whether classic blues singers were in fact
singing the blues. Their style, which was a lot closer to jazz
than the style of their male counterparts who sang the
country blues, is often cited as the reason for this viewpoint.
It was, nonetheless, blues.
Charley Patton
(1891-1934)
• Father of the Delta Blues
• Redefined blues sound by breaking
away from standard 12-bar structure
• Began singing at plantations and juke
joints
• Known for his abilities as an
entertainer. Particularly, his stage
flamboyance with his guitar, which is
later adopted by Jimi Hendrix, etc.
• First recorded in 1929 and quickly
became the best selling blues artist
“Pony Blues” (1929)
Baby, saddle my pony, saddle up my black mare
Baby, saddle my pony, saddle up my black mare
I'm gonna find a rider, baby, in the world somewhere
"Hello central, the matter with your line?"
"Hello central, matter, Lord, with your line?"
"Come a storm last night an' tore the wire down"
Got a brand new Shetland, man, already trained
Brand new Shetland, baby, already trained
Just get in the saddle, tighten up on your reins
And a brownskin woman like somethin' fit to eat
Brownskin woman like somethin' fit to eat
But a jet black woman, don't put your hands on me
Took my baby, to meet the mornin' train
Took baby, meet that mornin' train
An' the blues come down, baby, like showers of rain
I got somethin' to tell you when I gets a chance
Somethin' to tell you when I get a chance
I don't wanna marry, just wanna be your man
“High Water Everywhere: Pt. 1” (1929)
Well, backwater done rose all around Sumner now,
drove me down the line
Backwater done rose at Sumner,
drove poor Charley down the line
Lord, I'll tell the world the water,
done crept through this town
Lord, the whole round country,
Lord, river has overflowed
Lord, the whole round country,
man, is overflowed
You know I can't stay here,
I'll go where it's high, boy
I would goto the hilly country,
but, they got me barred
Now, look-a here now at Leland,
river was risin' high
Look-a here boys around Leland tell me,
river was raisin' high
Boy, it's risin' over there, yeah
I'm gonna move to Greenville,
fore I leave, goodbye
Look-a here the water now, Lordy,
Levee broke, rose most everywhere
The water at Greenville and Leland,
Lord, it done rose everywhere
Boy, you can't never stay here
I would go down to Rosedale,
but, they tell me there's water there
Now, the water now, mama,
done took Charley's town
Well, they tell me the water,
done took Charley's town
Boy, I'm goin' to Vicksburg
Well, I'm goin' to Vicksburg,
for that high of mine
I am goin' up that water,
where lands don't never flow
Well, I'm goin' over the hill where,
water, oh don't ever flow
Boy, hit Sharkey County and everything was down in
Stovall
But, that whole county was leavin',
over that Tallahatchie shore
Boy, went to Tallahatchie and got it over there
Lord, the water done rushed all over,
down old Jackson road
Lord, the water done raised,
over the Jackson road
Boy, it starched my clothes
I'm goin' back to the hilly country,
won't be worried no more
“High Water Everywhere: Pt. 2” (1929)
Song about the Great Mississippi Flood of 1927. 27,000 sq. miles flooded. 247 dead, 700,000
people displaced and destroyed $5 billion worth of property in today‟s currency.
Backwater at Blytheville, backed up all around
Backwater at Blytheville, done took Joiner town
It was fifty families and children come to sink and
drown
Oh, I can hear, Lord, Lord, water upon my door,
you know what I mean, look-a here
I hear the ice, Lord, Lord, was sinkin' down,
I couldn't get no boats there, Marion City gone down
The water was risin' up at my friend's door
The water was risin' up at my friend's door
The man said to his women folk, "Lord, we'd better go"
So high the water was risin' our men sinkin' down
Man, the water was risin' at places all around,
boy, they's all around
It was fifty men and children come to sink and drown
The water was risin', got up in my bed
Lord, the water was rollin', got up to my bed
I thought I would take a trip, Lord, out on the big ice
sled
Oh, Lordy, women and grown men drown
Oh, women and children sinkin' down
Lord, have mercy
I couldn't see nobody's home and wasn't no one to be
found
“High Sheriff Blues” (1934)
Get in trouble at Belzoni, there ain't no use a-screamin' and cryin'
Get in trouble in Belzoni, there ain't no use a-screamin' and cryin'
Mr. Will will take you, back to Belzoni jailhouse flyin'
Le' me tell you folksies, how he treated me
Le' me tell you folksies, how he treated me
An' he put me in a cellar, just as dark as it could be
There I laid one evenin', Mr. Purvis was standin' 'round
There I laid one evenin', Mr. Purvis was standin' 'round
Mr. Purvis told Mr. Will to, let poor Charley down
It takes booze and blues, Lord, to carry me through
Takes booze and blues, Lord, to carry me through
But it did seem like years, in a jailhouse where there is no boo'
I got up one mornin', feelin' awe, hmm
I got up one mornin', feelin' mighty bad, hmm
An' it might not a-been them Belzoni jail I had
(spoken: Blues I had, boys)
While I was in trouble, ain't no use a-screamin'
When I was in prison, it ain't no use a-screamin and cryin'
Mr. Purvis the onliest man could, ease that pain of mine
“Oh Death” (1934)
Just look, just look, just look, see what the Lord done, done
Just look, just look, just look, what the Lord done, done
Just look, well, Lordy, just look, just look what the Lord done done
Lord, I know, Lord, I know my time ain't long
It was soon one morning, oh, Lordy, when death come in the room (x3)
Lord, I know etc
Oh, hush, oh, hush, oh, hush, oh, hush, somebody's calling me (x3)
Lord, I know etc
It was soon one morning, oh, Lordy, when death come in the room (x3)
Lord, I know etc
Oh, death, oh, death, oh, death, oh, death done stole my mother and gone (x3)
Lord, I know etc
Oh, move my pillow, then turn my bed around (x3)
Lord, I know etc
Oh, hush, oh, hush, oh, hush, oh, hush somebody is calling me (x3)
Lord, I know etc
Charley Patton
(1891-1934)
• Recording career lasted only five years
• Known for heavily drinking, smoking
and womanizing
• Some time between 1930 and 1934 he
was involved in a violent confrontation
in which his throat had been cut
• When Paramount Records went of
business, the metal masters were sold
off and thus all that remains are vinyl
78s, hence the poor sound quality
• Patton is the major influence on future
stars Son House, Howlin‟ Wolf, Willie
Brown and Robert Johnson
Son House
(1902-1988)
• At the age of 15 he began preaching in
Baptist churches
• Began playing guitar at 25
• Murdered a man in Lyon, MS, only
serving two years of his sentence in 1927
• Met Charley Patton and followed him on
his recording trips, recording his first
songs in 1930
• He doesn‟t record again until Alan Lomax
tracks him down in 1941
• He then quits music altogether and is
rediscovered in 1965
“My Black Mama” (1930)
Oh, black mama, what's the matter with you?
Said, if it ain't satisfactory, don't care what I do
Hey, mama, what's the matter with you?
Said, if it ain't satisfactory, baby, don't care what
I do
You take a brownskin woman'll make a rabbit
move to town
Say, but a jet-black woman'll make a mule kick
his stable down
Oh, a brownskin woman will make a rabbit move
to town
Oh, but a real black woman'll make a mule kick
his stable down
Say, t'ain't no heaven, say, there ain't no burnin'
hell
Say, where I'm going when I die, can't nobody
tell
Oh, there ain't no heaven, now, there ain't no
burnin' hell
Oh, where I'm going when I die, can't nobody tell
Well, my black mama's face shine like the sun
Oh, lipstick and powder sure won't help her none
My black mama's face shine like the sun
Oh, lipstick and powder, well, they sure won't
help her none
Well, you see my milk cow, tell her to hurry home
I ain't had no milk cow since that cow been gone
If you see my milk cow, tell her to hurry home
Yeah, I ain't had no milk cow since that cow been gone
Well, I'm going to the race track to see my pony run
He ain't the best in the world, but he's a runnin' son-ofa-gun
I'm going to the race track to see my pony run
He ain't the best in the world, but he's a runnin' son-ofa-gun
Oh, Lord, have mercy on my wicked soul
Wouldn't mistreat you, baby, for my weight in gold
Oh, Lord, have mercy on my wicked soul
Wouldn't mistreat you, baby, for my weight in gold
“Preachin’ Blues” (1930)
Oh, I'm gonna get me a religion, I'm gonna join the Baptist Church
Oh, I'm gonna get me a religion, I'm gonna join the Baptist Church
I'm gonna be a Baptist preacher, and I sure won't have to work
Oh, I'm a-preach these blues, and I, I want everybody to shout
I want everybody to shout
I'm gonna do like a prisoner, I'm gonna roll my time on out
Oh, I went in my room, I bowed down to pray
Oh, I went in my room, I bowed down to pray
Till the blues come along, and they blowed my spirit1 away
Oh, I'd-a had religion, Lord, this every day
Oh, I'd-a had religion, Lord, this every day
But the womens and whiskey, well, they would not set me free
Oh, I wish I had me a heaven of my own
(spoken: Great God almighty!)
Hey, a heaven of my own
Till I'd give all my women a long, long, happy home
hey, I love my baby, just like I love myself
Oh, just like I love myself
Well, if she don't have me, she won't have nobody else
“Dry Spell Blues: Pt. 2” (1930)
It has been so dry, you can make a powder
house out of the world
Well, it has been so dry, you can make a
powder house out of the world
And holler money mens, like a rattlesnake in
his coil
I throwed up my hands, Lord, and solemnly
swore
I have throwed up my hands, Lord, and
solemnly swore
Well, ain't no need of me changing towns, it's
the drought everywhere I go
It's a dry old spell everywhere I been
Oh, it's a dry old spell everywhere I been
I believe to my soul this old world is bound to
end
Well, I stood in my backyard, wrung my
hands and screamed
Well, I stood in my backyard, wrung my
hands and screamed
Well, I couldn't see nothing, couldn't see
nothing green
Oh, Lord, have mercy if you please
Oh, Lord, have mercy if you please
Let your rain come down and give our poor hearts
ease
These blues, these blues is worthwhile to be heard
Oh, these blues, worthwhile to be heard
Lord, t'ain't even likely that there ain't no God
“Death Letter” (1965)
Did you get that letter, that I mailed in your backyard?
Oh, that I mailed in your backyard
It‟s mighty sad to say the best friend you had got to part
I got a letter this mornin‟, how do you reckon it read?
I got a letter this mornin‟, how do you reckon it read?
It said, "Hurry, hurry, „cause the gal you love is dead“
So, I grabbed up my suitcase, and took off down the
road
Took off down the road
When I got there she was layin on a coolin' board
Well, I walked up right close, looked down in her face
I looked down in her face
Said, the good ol' gal got to lay here 'til the Judgment
Day
Well, I folded up my arms and I slowly walked away
I slowly walked away
I said, “You a good ol‟ girl, but I just can‟t take your
place
“John the Revelator” (1965)
Tell me who's that writin', John the Revelator
Tell me who's that writin', John the Revelator
Who's that writin', John the Revelator wrote the book of the seven
seals
Tell me who's that writin', John the Revelator
Tell me who's that writin', John the Revelator
Who's that writin', John the Revelator wrote the book of the seven
seals
Now God walked down in the cool of the day, and called Adam by
his name
But he refused to answer, 'cause he was naked and ashamed
So, tell me who's that writin', John the Revelator
Tell me who's that writin', John the Revelator
Who's that writin', John the Revelator wrote the book of the seven
seals
Now Christ had 12 apostles, and three he laid away
He said "Watch for me one hour, while I go yonder and pray"
And tell me who's that writin', John the Revelator
Tell me who's that writin', John the Revelator
Who's that writin', John the Revelator wrote the book of the seven
seals
Son House
(1902-1988)
• The major influence on blues
legends Robert Johnson and
Muddy Waters
• Stopped playing around 1976
due to Parkison‟s and
Alzheimer‟s disease
• Died from cancer of the larynx
Robert Johnson
(1911-1938)
• Grew up in levee camps and
plantations in the north Delta region
• In his teens he began playing the
harmonica for Willie Brown
• He then began playing the guitar
learning from Brown and Son House
• Only had two recording sessions, in
1936 and 1937 recording 29 songs
total
• Blues myth of “the crossroads”
originates with Johnson in which he
allegedly sold his soul to the Devil for
his guitar prowess
“Sweet Home Chicago” (1936)
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
But I'm cryin baby
honey don't you wanna 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 six and two is eight
eight and two is ten
Friend-boy she trick you one time
she sure gonna do it again
Now one and one is two
two and two is four
I'm heavy loaded baby
I'm booked I gotta go
But I'm cryin hey hey
baby don't you want to go
back to the land of California
to my sweet home Chicago
Cryin‟ baby
honey don't you want to go
back 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
Now two and two is four
four and two is six
You gonna keep monkeyin‟ „round here
friend-boy
you gonna get your business all in a trick
Cryin hey hey
baby don't you want to go
back to the land of California
to my sweet home Chicago
“Terraplane Blues” (1936)
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 on'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've been gone
Mr. Highway man
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 deep down in this connection
keep tanglin' with your wires
I'm on get deep down in this connection
hoo-well, keep tanglin' with these wires
And when I mash down on your little starter
then your spark plug will give me fire
“Cross Road Blues” (1936)
I went down to the crossroad
fell down on my knees
I went down to the crossroad
fell down on my knees
Asked the lord above "Have mercy now
save poor Bob if you please“
Yeeooo, standin‟ at the crossroad
tried to flag a ride
ooo ooo eee
I tried to flag a ride
Didn't nobody seem to know me babe
everybody pass me by
Standin‟ at the crossroad babe
Risin‟ sun goin‟ down
Standin at the crossroad babe
eee eee eee, risin‟ sun goin‟ down
I believe to my soul now,
Poor 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
(th)'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
“Drunken Hearted Man” (1937)
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
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 she
could
Every man likes that game you call love
but it don't mean no man no good
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 no reason why
that I can't leave these no-good
womens alone
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 nogood women
that's the day that you bound to fall
“Stop Breakin’ Down Blues” (1937)
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
Ooh, it'll make you lose your mind.
Now, I give my baby, now, the 99 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
Ooh, it'll make you lose your mind
I can't walk the streets, now to consolate
my mind
Some no good woman she starts breakin'
down
Stop breakin' down, please stop breakin'
down
The stuff I got'll bust your brains out, baby
Ooh, 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, please stop breakin'
down
The stuff I got'll bust your brains out, baby
Ooh, it'll make you lose your mind
Now, you Saturday night womens, 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
Ooh, it'll make you lose your mind
“Love In Vain” (1937)
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
Robert Johnson
(1911-1938)
• Traveled extensively playing throughout
much of the South, as well as Chicago, St.
Louis and Detroit
• His recording are considered the
emotional apex of the blues
• He was a mentally tormented artist and
music was his only outlet
• Was scheduled to be introduced to white
audiences at John Hammonds “Spirituals
and Swing Concert, however, he was
poisoned by a jealous woman in a juke
joint in 1937. He died days later due to
complications from pneumonia
• Major influence on rock legends Eric
Clapton, Rolling Stones, and Led Zeppelin
Blind Willie McTell
(1901-1959)
• Foremost piedmont blues artist. Piedmont
blues were a particular sound originating
on the southeast, noted for its up-tempo
and ragtime roots.
• Born blind in one eye and lost his vision
completely at a young age. Could read
and write music in Braille.
• Known for playing the 12-string guitar
• Toured extensively including New York
and Chicago, but was centered in Atlanta
• Recorded under a variety of pseudonyms
such as Blind Sammie, Georgia Bill, Pig n‟
Whistle Red and Hot Shot Willie and even
recorded for rival labels at the same time
“Statesboro Blues” (1928)
Wake up mama, turn your lamp down low
Wake up mama, turn your lamp down low
Have you got the nerve to drive papa McTell from
your door
My mother died and left me reckless, my daddy
died and left me wild, wild, wild
Mother died and left me reckless, daddy died and
left me wild, wild, wild
No, I'm not good lookin', I'm some sweet woman's
angel child
You're a mighty mean woman, to do me this away
You're a mighty mean woman, to do me this away
Going to leave this town, pretty mama, going
away to stay
I once loved a woman, better than I ever seen
I once loved a woman, better than I ever seen
Treat me like I was a king and she was a
doggone queen
Sister, tell your brother, brother tell your auntie,
auntie, tell your uncle, uncle tell my cousin,
cousin tell my friend
Goin' up the country, mama, don't you want to
go?
May take me a fair brown, may take me one or
two more
Big Eighty1 left Savannah, Lord, and did not stop
You ought to saw that colored fireman when he
got that boiler hot
Reach over in the corner, hand me my travelin'
shoes
You know by that, I got them Statesboro blues
Sister got 'em, daddy got 'em
Brother got 'em, mama got 'em
Woke up this morning, we had them Statesboro
blues
I looked over in the corner, grandpa and grandma
had 'em too
“Southern Can Is Mine” (1931)
Now looka here mama let me tell you this
If you wants to get crooked I'm gonna give
you my fist
You might read from Revelations back to
Genesee
But if you get crooked, your southern can
belongs to me
Ain't no need you bringin no jive to me
Cause your southern can is mine
Ah ashes to ashes mama, and sin to sin,
every time I hit you you'll think I've got a dozen
hands.
Give you a punch through that barb-wire fence
Every time I hit you you'll say I've got no sense
Ain't no need of bringing no stuff to me
cause your southern can is mine
(every bit of it)
southern can belongs to me
Might go uptown have me arrested and
have me put in jail
Some hotshot got money come and throw
my bail
Soon as I get out, hit the ground
Your southern can worth two dollar, half a
pound
Ain't no need of bringing no stuff to me
cause your southern can is mine
Get me a brick out of my backyard
give you the devil if you get kinda hard
Ain't no need of bringing no jive here honey
cause your southern can is mine
(you hear me cryin)
southern can belongs to me
Spank it a little bit, boy.
Ah, your southern can is mine.
You might take it from the south you might
carry it up north
but understand you can't rule or either be
my boss
Take it from the east, hide it in the west
When I get it mama, your can won't see no
rest.
Ain't no need of bringing no stuff to me
cause your southern can is mine
(in the morning)
your southern can belongs to me
(i'm not dreamin)
your southern can belongs to me.
Now if I catch ya mama down in the heart of town
take me a bran-new brick and tear your can on
down.
Ain't no need you bringin no stuff to me,
because your southern can belongs to me
(I'm talkin to ya)
your southern can belongs to me.
You may be deathbed sick and mama and
graveyard bound
I'll make your can moan like a hound
Ain't no need you bringin no stuff to me
because your southern can is mine
(you hear me talkin)
southern can belongs to me.
Oh spank it like that.
The way Ruthie Mae likes it.
Cause your southern can is mine.
Sit there unsteady with your eyes all red
what I said get your grandma dead.
Ain't no need of bringing no jive to me
cause your southern can is mine
You got to stop your barkin and raising
the deuce
I'll grab you mama and turn every way
but loose
Ain't no need of bringing no jive here
honey
cause your southern can belongs to me
(every bit of it)
southern can belongs to me.
Aww, whup it boy, that's the way the
people like that thing.
Ain't no need of bringing no jive here
honey
cause your southern can is mine
(you hear me talkin)
your southern can belongs to me.
Might twiddle like a tadpole
let it jump like a frog
Every time I hit it you'll holler
God oh God
Ain't no need of bringing no jive here
honey
cause your southern can is mine
(you hear me talkin)
southern can belongs to me.
Now play it a little bit, just whup it.
Aww shucks. Play that thing boy.
Southern can belo-ongs to me.
“Broke Down Engine Blues” (1931)
Feel like a broke down engine, ain't got no drivin'
wheel
Feel like a broke down engine, Mama, ain't got no
drivin' wheel
You all been down and lonesome, you know how a
poor man feels
I been shooting craps and gambling, Mama, and I
done got broke
I been shooting craps and gambling, Honey, and I
done got broke
I done pawned my pistol, Mama, my best clothes
been sold
Lordy, Lord, Lordy, Lord, Lordy, Lord, Lordy, Lord,
Lordy, Lordy, Lord
I went down in my praying ground and fell on bended
knees
I went down in my praying ground and fell on bended
knees
I ain't crying for no religion, Lordy, give me back my
good girl please
If you give me back my baby, I won't worry you no
more
If you give me my baby, I won't worry you no more
You anit got to put her in my house, Lordy, only lead
her to my door
Lordy, Lord, Lordy, Lord, Lordy, Lord, Lordy,
Lord,
Lordy, Lordy, Lord
Don't you hear me, Baby, rappin' on your
door?
Don't you hear your daddy, rappin' on your
door?
Now you hear me tappin', tappin' across your
floor
Feel like a broke down engine, ain't got no
drivers at all
Feel like a broke down engine, Mama, ain't
got no drive at all
What makes me love my woman? She can
really do the Georgia crawl
Lordy, Lord, Lordy, Lord, Lordy, Lord, Lord,
Lordy, Lordy, Lord
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's a real hot mama, drive away daddy's
weeping spell
And I won't be back no more, Baby
“Death Room Blues” (1933)
Tombstones is my pillow, cold grounds is my bed
Tombstones is my pillow, cold grounds is my bed
The blue skies is my blanket, and the moonlight is my
spread
Early one morning, death walked into my room
Early one morning, death walked into my room
Oh well it took my dear mother, early one morning
soon
She left me moanin' and cryin', moanin' like a
turtledove
She left me moanin' and cryin', moanin' like a
turtledove
Death walked in and got my dear mother, and the
only friend I loved
Mmm, eehh, cryin', Lord have mercy, and she was
the only friend I loved
Ever since my mother died and left me all alone
Ever since my mother died and left me all alone
All my friends have forsaken me, people I haven't
even got no home
Mmm, feel like moanin' and cryin'
Mmm, feel like moanin' and cryin'
Death walked in a got my mother, and that was the
only dear friend of mine
“Love Makin’ Mama” (1933)
You may fall from the mountain, drown in the deep blue sea
You ain't did the right fallin', till you fall in love with me
You's a love makin' mama, sweet as you can be
Ah you may be a little rockin', but baby you all right with me
Now for your love baby, I'll be your slave
When Gabriel blows his trumpet, I rise from my grave
'Cause you's a love makin' mama, sweet as you can be
Ah you may be a little rockin', but baby you all right with me
Now I'm goin' to put in my order mama, for two weeks ahead
I'd rather eat your cookin' than my own home bread
You's a love makin' mama, sweet as you can be
Ah you may be a little rockin', but baby you all right with me
(Aw play it now, that's the way I like it....)
Now I give you all my money, your clothes I dye
I give you my lovin' baby till the day I die
You's a love makin' mama, sweet as you can be
Ah you may be a little rockin', but honey you all right with me
Now from your feet baby, to the top of your head
I'll give you my lovin' till the day I'm dead
Sweet lovin' mama, sweet as you can be
You may be a little rockin' but honey you all right with me
Love makin' mama, sweet as you can be
You may be a little rockin', but baby you all right with me
“The Dyin’ Crapshooter’s Blues” (1940)
Little Jesse was a gambler, night and day
He used crooked cards and dice
Sinful guy, good hearted but had no soul
Heart was hard and cold like ice
Send poker players to the graveyard
Dig my grave with the ace of spades
I want twelve polices in my funeral march
High sheriff playin' blackjack, lead the parade
Jesse was a wild reckless gambler
Won a gang of change
Although' a many gambler's heart he led in pain
Began to spend a-loose his money
Began to be blue, sad and all alone
His heart had even turned to stone
I want the judge and solic'ter who jailed me 14 times
Put a pair of dice in my shoes (then what?)
Let a deck of cards be my tombstone
I got the dyin' crapshooter's blues
What broke Jesse's heart while he was blue and all alone
Sweet Lorena packed up and gone
Police walked up and shot my friend Jesse down
Boys I got to die today
He had a gang of crapshooters and gamblers at his bedside
Here are the words he had to say
Guess I ought to know
Exactly how I wants to go
(How you wanna go, Jesse?)
Eight crapshooters to be my pallbearers
Let 'em be veiled down in black
I want nine men going to the graveyard, Bubba
And eight men comin' back
I want a gang of gamblers gathered 'round my coffin-side
Crooked card printed on my hearse
Don't say the crapshooters'll never grieve over me
My life been a doggone curse
Sixteen real good crapshooters
Sixteen bootleggers to sing a song
Sixteen racket men gamblin'
Couple tend bar while I'm rollin' along
He wanted 22 womens outta the Hampton Hotel
26 off-a South Bell
29 women outta North Atlanta
Know little Jesse didn't pass out so swell
His head was achin', heart was thumpin'
Little Jesse went to hell bouncin' and jumpin'
Folks, don't be standin' around ole Jesse cryin'
He wants everybody to do the Charleston3 whilst he dyin'
One foot up, a toenail dragging
Throw my buddy Jesse in the hoodoo wagon
Come here mama with that can of booze
The dyin crapshooter's, leavin' the world
The dyin' crapshooter's, goin' down slow
With the dyin' crapshooter's blues
Blind Willie McTell
(1901-1959)
• Largely preferred performing live rather
than in the studio
• Studio recordings were often several
years apart
• Recorded by Alan Lomax for the Library of
Congress in 1940
• Last recordings are for a local Atlanta
record store owner in 1956
• In 1957 he quit music to become a
preacher and only would sing spirituals
• Died of a stroke in 1959
Blind Lemon Jefferson
(1893-1929)
• First commercially successful male
blues performer creating the
“country blues” style
• Father of the Texas blues
• Was a street performer across
Texas, largely Dallas for years
• First blues artist to largely write his
own material, which led to other
blues artist to follow suit
• Unique sound influenced by his
exposure to Mexican flamenco
guitarists
“Long Lonesome Blues” (1926)
I walked from Dallas, I walked to Wichita Falls
I say, I walked from Dallas, I walked to Wichita Falls
Hadn't a‟ lost my sugar, [and] I wasn't gonna walk at all.
Some women see you coming, man, they go get their rocker chair
Women see you coming, go get their rocker chair
"I wanna fool this man and make out he‟s welcome here."
So cold in China, the birds can't hardly sing
So cold in China, birds can't hardly sing
You didn‟t make me mad till you broke my diamond ring.
Hey mama mama papa papa deed double do love you doggone it
Somebody‟s talking to you mama papa deed double do lo--ve you
What you cryin' 'bout, baby, papa don't care what you do.
I know my baby, she gonna jump and shout
I say, I know my baby, she gonna jump and shout
When she gets a letter Lemon have wrote [some] few days out.
Woman if you don't love me, just be frank and tell me so
I say if you don't love me, be frank and tell me so
So I can leave your town and hang crepe on your door.
Said baby what's the matter, Papa Lemon can't get [no mail]
Said baby what's the matter, Papa Lemon can't get [no mail]
Mama said last night, fool, a black cat‟s crossed your trail.
I said fair brown, tell me where'd you stay last night
Said fair brown, where'd you stay last night
Your hair's all down, you know you ain't talkin' right.
“That Black Snake Moan” (1927)
I - I ain't got no mama now
I - I ain't got no mama now
She told me late last night, "You don't need no mama no how"
Mmm, mmm, black snake crawlin' in my room
Mmm, mmm, black snake crawlin' in my room
Some pretty mama better come and get this black snake soon
Ohh-oh, that must have been a bed bug, baby a chinch can't bite
that hard
Ohh-oh, that must have been a bed bug, honey a chinch can't bite
that hard
Ask my sugar for fifty cents, she said "Lemon, ain't a child in the
yard"
Mama, that's all right, mama that's all right for you
Mama, that's all right, mama that's all right for you
Mama, that's all right, most seen all you do
Mmm, mmm, what's the matter now?
Mmm, mmm, honey what's the matter now?
Sugar, what's the matter, don't like no black snake no how
Mmm, mmm, wonder where my black snake gone?
Mmm, mmm, wonder where this black snake gone?
Black snake mama done run my darlin' home
“Easy Rider Blues” (1927)
Now tell me where my easy rider‟s gone
Won‟t you tell me where my easy rider‟s gone
My easy ridin‟ women always in the wrong
Well easy rider died on the road
And the easy rider died on the road
I‟m a poor boy here „n‟ ain‟t got nowhere to go
There is gonna be the time that a woman don‟t need no man
Well there‟s gonna be a time when a woman don‟t need no man
Said baby shut your mouth and don‟t be raisin‟ sand
Train I ride don‟t burn no coal at all
Train I ride don‟t burn no coal at all
The coal I's burnin' everybody says [is] the cannonball
I went to the depot
I mean I went to the depot sat my suitcase down
Them blues overtake me and tears come rollin‟ down
The woman I love she must be out of town
Woman I love, man she‟s out of town
She left me this morning with her face in a terrible frown
I got a gal cross town, she crochets all the time
I got a gal cross town, crochets all the time
Sugar, if you don‟t quit crocheting, you goin‟ to lose your mind
Said fair brown, what‟s the matter now
Said fair brown, what‟s the matter now
You tryin‟ your best to quit me, woman, and you don‟t know how
“Matchbox Blues” (1927)
I'm settin' here wonderin' would a matchbox hold my clothes
I'm settin' here wonderin' would a matchbox hold my clothes
I ain't got so many matches but I got so far to go
Girl 'cross town wanna be my teddy bear
Girl 'cross town wanna be my teddy bear
Put a string on me and I'll follow you everywhere
Got a peg leg woman man she can't hardly get outdoors
I say a peg leg woman just can't hardly get outdoors
I [left] ... [eight o'clock] last night ... I'm sellin' jellyroll
I don't see why these women treats me so mean
I don't see why these gals treat me so mean
Sometime I think I'm some man these women ain't never seen
Lord I got up this morning with my sho' 'nuff on my mind
Got up this mornin' same thing on my mind
The woman I love she keep a good man workin' all the time
Now tell me mama who may your manager be
Now tell me who may your manager be
Reason I ask so many questions can't you make 'rangements for
me
“See That My Grave Is Kept Clean” (1928)
Well, there's one kind of favor I'll ask of you
Well, there's one kind of favor I'll ask of you
There's just one kind of favor I'll ask of you
Please see that my grave is kept clean
???
And there's two white horses following me
And there's two white horses following me
I got two white horses following me
Waiting on my burying ground
Well, my heart stopped beating and my hands turned cold
And, my heart stopped beating and my hands turned cold
Well, my heart stopped beating and my hands turned cold
Now I believe what the Bible told
Did you ever hear that coffin' sound
Have you ever heard that coffin' sound
Did you ever hear that coffin' sound
Means another poor boy is under ground
Dig my grave with a silver spade
Dig my grave with a silver spade
Dig my grave, with a silver spade
Mark the place where I would lay
Did you ever hear them church bells tone
Have you ever hear'd them church bells tone
Did you ever hear them church bells tone
Means another poor boy is dead and gone
“Hangman’s Blues” (1928)
Hangman's rope sho' is tough and strong
Hangman's rope sho' is tough and strong
They gonna hang me because I did something wrong
I wanna tell you the gallis Lord's a fearful sight
I wanna tell you the gallis Lord's a fearful sight
Hang me in the mornin', and cut me down at night
Mean ole hangman is waitin' to tighten up that noose
Mean ole hangman is waitin' to tighten up that noose
Lord, I'm so scared I'm trembling in my shoes
Jury heard my case and they said my hands was red
Jury heard my case and they said my hands was red
And judge he sentenced me be hanging till I'm dead
Crowd 'round the courthouse and the time is going fast
Crowd 'round the courthouse and the time is going fast
Soon a good-for-nothin' killer is gonna breath his last
Lord, I'm almost dyin', gasping for my breath
Lord, I'm almost dyin', gasping for my breath
And a triflin' woman waiting to celebrate my death
Blind Lemon Jefferson
(1893-1929)
• Recorded nearly 100 songs in just
four years
• Died in Chicago from unknown
causes
– Theories include being frozen to
death, poison, or the most likely
being a heart attack
• Ironically was buried in an
unmarked grave
• Major influence on T-Bone Walker,
Leadbelly, Lightning Hopkins and
Stevie Ray Vaughn
Muddy Waters
(1913-1983)
• Born in the Mississippi delta region
as McKinley Morganfield idolizing
Son House
• Worked as a part-time bootlegger
• Recorded by Alan Lomax on a field
trip in 1941
• Moved to Chicago in 1943 and by
1950 was among the innovators of
“Chicago blues” creating the
template for a blues band: electric
guitar, harmonica, bass, and
drums
“I Can’t Be Satisfied” (1948)
Well I'm goin' away to leave
Won't be back no more
Goin' back down south, child
Don't you want to go?
Woman I'm troubled, I be all worried in mind
Well baby I just can't be satisfied
And I just can't keep from cryin'
Well I feel like snappin'
Pistol in your face
I'm gonna let some graveyard
Lord be your resting place
Woman I'm troubled, I be all worried in mind
Well baby I can never be satisfied
And I just can't keep from cryin'
Well now all in my sleep
Hear my doorbell ring
Looking for my baby
I couldn't see not a doggone thing
Woman I was troubled, I was all worried in mind
Well honey I could never be satisfied
And I just couldn't keep from cryin'
Well I know my little old baby
She gonna jump and shout
That old train be late man, Lord
And I come walking out
I be troubled, I be all worried in mind
Well honey ain't no way in the world could we be
satisfied
And I just can't keep from crying
“Rollin’ Stone” (1950)
Well, I wish I was a catfish,
Swimmin‟ in a oh, deep, blue sea
I would have all you good lookin‟ women,
Fishin‟, fishin‟ after me
Sure 'nough, a-after me
Sure 'nough, a-after me
Oh 'nough, oh 'nough, sure 'nough
I went to my baby's house,
and I sit down oh, on her steps.
She said, "Now, come on in now, Muddy
You know, my husband just now left
Sure 'nough, he just now left
Sure 'nough, he just now left"
Sure 'nough, oh well, oh well
Well, my mother told my father,
just before hmmm, I was born,
"I got a boy child's comin‟,
He's gonna be, he's gonna be a rollin‟
stone,
Sure 'nough, he's a rollin‟ stone
Sure 'nough, he's a rollin‟ stone"
Oh well he's a, oh well he's a, oh well he's
a
Well, I feel, yes I feel,
feel that I could lay down oh, time ain't
long
I'm gonna catch the first thing smokin‟,
back, back down the road I'm goin
Back down the road I'm goin‟
Back down the road I'm goin‟
Sure 'nough back, sure 'nough back
“(I’m Your) Hoochie Coochie Man” (1954)
The gypsy woman told my mother
Before I was born
I got a boy child's comin'
He's gonna be a son of a gun
He gonna make pretty women's
Jump and shout
Then the world wanna know
What this all about
But you know I'm him
Everybody knows I'm him
Well you know I'm the hoochie coochie man
Everybody knows I'm him
I got a black cat bone
I got a mojo too
I got the Johnny Concheroo
I'm gonna mess with you
I'm gonna make you girls
Lead me by my hand
Then the world will know
The hoochie coochie man
But you know I'm him
Everybody knows I'm him
Oh you know I'm the hoochie coochie man
Everybody knows I'm him
On the seventh hours
On the seventh day
On the seventh month
The seven doctors say
He was born for good luck
And that you'll see
I got seven hundred dollars
Don't you mess with me
But you know I'm him
Everybody knows I'm him
Well you know I'm the hoochie coochie man
Everybody knows I'm him
“Mannish Boy” (1955)
Now when I was a young boy, at the age
of five
My mother said I was, gonna be the
greatest man alive
But now I'm a man, way past 21
Want you to believe me baby,
I had lot's of fun
I'm a man
I spell mmm, aaa child, nnn
That represents man
No B, O child, Y
That spell mannish boy
I'm a man
I'm a full grown man
I'm a man
I'm a natural born lovers man
I'm a man
I'm a rollin' stone
I'm a man
I'm a hoochie coochie man
Sittin' on the outside, just me and my mate
You know I'm made to move you honey,
come up two hours late
Wasn't that a man
I spell mmm, aaa child, nnn
That represents man
No B, O child, Y
That spell mannish boy
I'm a man
I'm a full grown man
Man
I'm a natural born lovers man
Man
I'm a rolllin' stone
Man-child
I'm a hoochie coochie man
“Got My Mojo Working” (1960)
Got my mojo working, but it just won't work on you
Got my mojo working, but it just won't work on you
I wanna love you so bad till I don't know what to do
I'm going down to Louisiana to get me a mojo hand
I'm going down to Louisiana to get me a mojo hand
I'm gonna have all you women right here at my command
Got my mojo working
Got my mojo working
Got my mojo working
Got my mojo working
Got my mojo working, but it just won't work on you
Play on!
Got my mojo working
Got my mojo working
Got my mojo working
Got my mojo working
Got my mojo working, but it - uh uh - just won't work on you
“You Shook Me” (1962)
You know you shook me,
you shook me all night long
You know you shook me, pretty mama,
you shook me all night long
Oh, you kept on shakin' me darlin',
oh you messed up my happy home
You know you move me baby,
just like a hurricane
You know you move me baby,
just like a hurricane
Oh, you know you move me darling,
just like an earthquake moves the land
Oh, sometimes I wonder what's gonna happen
To my poor wife and child
She made me love her
Now I can't be satisfied
You know you shook me, you shook me all night long
You know you shook me, pretty mama,
you shook me all night long
Oh, you kept on shakin' me darlin',
oh, you messed up my happy home
Muddy Waters
(1913-1983)
• Toured England in 1958
becoming the first electric
blues artist to do so,
influencing a large number
of Brits and becoming an
instigator for the British
invasion
• Major influence on the
Rolling Stones, AC/DC,
Led Zeppelin, Eric Clapton
B.B. King
(1925-present)
• Reigning “King of the Blues”
• Born in the Mississippi delta but
moved to Memphis, TN in 1948
becoming a local deejay
• Unique sound that blended a
more polished country blues
with gospel and jazz
• Famously named his Gibson
electric guitar “Lucille”
“Three O’Clock Blues” (1951)
Now here it is, three o'clock in the morning, oh
can't even close my eyes. yeah
It's three o'clock in the morning baby, oh, I can't
even close my eyes
Well, I can't find my baby, keep on lookin' be
satisfied
I've looked around me, people, hey, and my baby
she knows she can't be found
Looked all around me, people, oh, my baby, she
can't be found
Well, if I don't find my baby, I'm going down to the
Golden Ground
That's where the men hang out down there, they
shoot pool, you know
Goodbye, everybody, oh, I believe this is the end,
oh, goodbye everybody, oh I believe this is the end
You can tell my baby, to forgive me for my sins
“Every Day I Have the Blues” (1955)
Everyday, everyday I have the blues
Ooh everyday, everyday I have the blues
When you see me worryin' baby, yeah, it's you I
hate to lose
Whoa, nobody loves me, nobody seems to care
Whoa, nobody loves me, nobody seems to care
Well worries and trouble darling, babe you know
I've had my share
Everyday, everyday, everyday, everyday,
everyday, everyday I have the blues
When you see me worryin' baby, yeah, it's you I
hate to lose
Whoa nobody loves me, nobody seems to care
Whoa nobody loves me, nobody seems to care
Well worries and trouble darling, babe you know
I've had my share
“Sweet Little Angel” (1956)
I got a sweet little angel, I love the way she spread
her wings
Yes, I got a sweet little angel, I love the way she
spread her wings
Yes, when she spread her wings around me, I get
joy in everything
Ah yes, asked my baby to quit me, well, I do
believe I will die
Yes, I asked my baby to quit me, well, I do believe
I will die
'Cause, if you don't love me little angel, please, tell
me the reason why
You know I asked my baby for a nickel, and she
gave me a twenty dollar bill
Oh, yes, I asked my baby for a nickel, and she
gave me a twenty dollar bill
Whoa, you know I asked her for a little drink of
liquor, and she gave me a whiskey still
“The Thrill is Gone” (1969)
The thrill is gone, the thrill is gone away
The thrill is gone baby, the thrill is gone away
You know you done me wrong baby, but you will
be sorry someday
The thrill is gone, it's gone away from me
The thrill is gone away from me
Although, I'll still live on, but so lonely I'll be
The thrill is gone, it's gone away for good
The thrill is gone baby, it's gone away for good
Someday I know I'll be over it all baby, just like I
know a good man should
You know I'm free, free now baby, I'm free from
your spell
Oh I'm free, free, free now, I'm free from your spell
And now that It's all over, all I can do is wish you
well
B.B. King
(1925-present)
• Regularly performs
250+ nights a year
• One of the most
influential guitarists
ever
• Major influence on Jimi
Hendrix, Buddy Guy,
Jimmy Page, Eric
Clapton, and Jeff Beck