by rev. Charlie Jackson / Ma Rainey
recording of December 1928, Chicago, Illinois
from Mother of the Blues: 1923-1928 (Epm Musique 159232) & Rarities MRR - 4010, copyright notice
Ma:
"All these many years I've been pleadin' for a man
How come I can't get me a real monkey man?
I'm not no triflin'1 woman
I've been lookin' for a man I can call my own
Been married many times but they left my home
Ah, big feelin' blues, worst I ever had
I've got the big feelin' blues I mean I've got them bad"
Charlie2:
"If you're lookin' for a brown, come get this chocolate cream
I'm a big kid-man - just out of my teens"
Ma:
"Ah, big feelin' blues, worst I ever had
I've got them big feelin' blues, I mean I've got them bad"
"Unlucky with my yellow, unlucky with my brown,
the black bitches keep on throwin' me down'
"Ah, big feelin' blues, worst I've ever had
I've got the big feelin' blues, I mean I've got them bad"
Charlie:
"If you need a good man why don't you try me?
I sure can put you out of your misery"
Ma:
"Ah, big feelin' blues, worst I've ever had
I've got the big feelin' blues, I mean I've got them bad
There's a whole lot left, what's left is good
Give me a chance, honey, I'll make you change your neighbourhood
Ah, big feelin' blues, worst I've ever had,
I've got the big feelin' blues, I mean I've got them bad"
__________
Note 1: triflin', to talk in a mocking manner or with intent to delude or mislead, to treat someone or something as unimportant;
Note 2: Charlie, "Papa" Charlie Jackson, banjo, vocals.
