JIMMIE RODGERS
AMERICA'S BLUE YODLER - 1930-1931
(Rounder 1060)
1991
Produced by Ralph Peer
Jimmie Rodgers - vocal/guitar
Lani McIntire, M.T. Salazar, Clifford Gibson, Maybelle Carter - guitar
Charles Kama - steel/dobro
Mike Cardova - bass
Bob Sawyer, Lillian Hardin Armstrong - piano
Louis Armstrong - trumpet
Shelly Lee Alley, Alvin Alley - fiddle
Sara Carter - vocal
Recorded:
July 7-17/1930, Hollywood (1-8)
Jan 31/1931, San Antonio (9,10,11,13,14)
June 10/1931, Louisville (12,15)
June 11/1931, Louisville (16,17)
1.
MULE SKINNER BLUES (BLUE YODEL NO. 8)
(Jimmie Rodgers - George Vaughn)
« © '30 Peer International, BMI »
Good morning Captain good morning Shine
Do you need another mule skinner out on your new mud line
[ yodel ]
I like to work I'm rolling all the time
I can carve my initials on a mule's behind
[ yodel ]
Hey little water boy bring that water round
If you don't like your job set that water bucket down
[ yodel ]
Walkin' on the good roads dollar and half a day
My good gal's waitin' on Saturday night just to draw my pay
[ guitar ]
I'm goin' to town honey what you want me to bring you back
Bring a pint of booze and a Johny B Stetson hat
[ yodel ]
I smell your bread a burnin' turn your damper down
If you ain't got a damper good gal turn your bread around
[ yodel ]
**********
2.
JIMMIE'S MEAN MAMA BLUES
(Jimmie Rodgers - Waldo LaFayette O'Neal - Bob Sawyer)
« © '30 Peer International, BMI »
For weary weeks I waited and hoping for the best
But blues will make me ramble and the rails are leading west
I'm feeling oh so lonesome pleasure I can't find
I'm leaving you mean mama just to worry you off of my mind
[ yodel ]
That old kindly whistle just fall in line and smile
Means my mama haunts me and I crave the peace of mind
I don't know where I'm going I'm feeling kind of square
I've been from several places and I'm going to be from here
[ band ]
Seems there's something missing there's feelings in my breath
I crave to cover distance so mean mama give me wreath
I hear the rails a singing sky is clear and blue
I'm going to leave you mama when the train comes rolling through
[ piano ]
No money in my pocket I'm roving around so flat
And soon I'll be strolling down that railroad track
And when I'm miles away riding all the while
I think of you mean mama I think of you and smile
[ yodel ]
**********
3.
I'M LONESOME TOO
(Jimmie Rodgers)
« © '30 Peer International, BMI »
Days are blue I'm lonesome too why did you go away
Joy it was here when you was here I miss you more each day
Oh please come back to the one that loves you
And longs for the touch of your hand
Why stay away when you know it don't pay
For I love sweetheart I understand
There's no use denying each day I've been crying
And praying for your return
Please come back to the one that loves you
For you have made for what you learned
You've made mistakes like everyone makes sweetheart I will forgive
I still love you and you know I'll do sweetheart I always will
[ steel ]
There's no use denying...
**********
4.
MYSTERY OF NO. 5
(Jimmie Rodgers)
« © '30 Peer International, BMI »
I stepped out this morning to watch my drivers roll
To hear my whistle blowing while the fireman slings a coal
When I got to the switchyard I heard the brakeman say
Oh what a mistery your engine is cold today
[ yodel ]
Out stepped a little maiden with a teardrop in her eye
She began oh Mister man do you pull old No 5
My daddy was your fireman and he often spoke of you
Of being so kind hearted so honest so brave and true
[ yodel ]
He was founded this morning on track of No 2
On his way to prepare the morning train for you
This story explain the mistery though by a little maiden was told
Why the first time in history I found my engine cold
So you railroad men take warning and play this game fair
So when the Master calls on us we'll meet my fireman up there
[ yodel ]
**********
5.
ONE ROSE (THAT'S LEFT IN MY HEART)
(Del Lyon - Lani McIntire)
« © '30 Shapiro-Bernstein Co, ASCAP »
So blue so lonesome too but still true
Roses haunt me made me think of you
You're the one rose that's left in my heart dear
I love you adore you I do
Each night through loveland we'd wander
Telling love stories anew
Then from the blue sky a black cloud come rolling
Breaking my heart in two
But we ought not to part I've said from the start
You're the one rose that's left in my heart
[ yodel - steel ]
But we ought not to part I've said from the start
You're the one rose that's left in my heart
**********
6.
IN THE JAILHOUSE NOW
(Jimmie Rodgers)
« © '28 Peer International, BMI »
I had a friend named Campbell he used to rob steal and gamble
He tried everything that was lowdown
He was out tomcattin' last night when he started a big fight
Then a big policeman came and knocked him down
He's in the jailhouse now he's in the jailhouse now
I told him over again to quit drinkin' whiskey lay off of that gin
He's in the jailhouse now
[ yodel ]
Campbell broke jail one day decided he'd go away
But the police met him at the train
The cop says I'll come for you Campbell says I this won't do
Because Campbell never was my name
He's in the jailhouse now he's in the jailhouse now
Yes he broke out all over town to pull walked about
He's in the jailhouse now
[ yodel ]
I met his old gal Saddie she says have you seen my baby
I told her he was downtown in the can
She went down to the jail just to go his bail
She says I've come down here to get my man
She's in the jailhouse now she's in the jailhouse now
So you can understand why old kid Saddie's in the can
She's in the jailhouse now
[ yodel ]
**********
7.
FOR THE SAKE OF DAYS GONE BY
(Jimmie Rodgers)
« © '30 Peer International, BMI »
You say that you are leaving that soon we two must part
I know that you can't mean it for that would break my heart
And after all you know I really love you so
For the sake of days gone by dear let us start anew
Let's be friends until the end like the sweethearts do
Though we may have quarrel please don't say goodbye
Shake hands then kiss and make up for the sake of days gone by
[ yodel ]
Why we should spoil our romance that lasted all these years
Parting brings only sadness unhappines and tears
I need you more each day so please don't go away
For the sake of days gone by dear let us start anew
Let's be friends until the end...
[ yodel ]
**********
8.
STANDIN' ON THE CORNER (BLUE YODEL NO 9)
(Jimmie Rodgers)
« © '30 Peer International, BMI »
[ with Louis Armstrong ]
Standin' on the corner I didn't mean no harm
Along come a police he took me by the arm
It was down in Memphis on the corner of Beale and Main
He says big boy you'll have to tell me your name
[ yodel ]
I said you'll find my name on the tail of my shirt
I'm a Tennessee hustler I don't have to work
So listen all you rounders you better leave my women alone
Cause I'll take my Special and run you rounders home
[ yodel - trumpet ]
**********
9.
T.B. BLUES
(Jimmie Rodgers)
« © '31 Peer International, BMI »
My good gal's trying to make a fool out of me
Lord my gal's trying to make a fool out of me
Trying to make me believe I ain't got that old TB
I've got the TB blues
When it rained down sorrow it rained all over me
When it rained down sorrow it rained all over me
Cause my body rattles like a train on that old SP
I've got the TB blues
I've got that old TB I can't eat a bite
Got that old TB I can't eat a bite
Got me worried soul I can't even sleep at night
I've got the TB blues
[ dobro ]
I've been fightin' like a lion looks like I'm going to lose
I've been fightin' like a lion looks like I'm going to lose
Cause there ain't nobody ever with the TB blues
I've got the TB blues
Gee but that graveyard is a lonesome place
Lord but that graveyard is a lonesome place
They put you on your back throw that mud down in your face
I've got the TB blues
**********
10.
TRAVELIN' BLUES
(Jimmie Rodgers - Shelly Lee Alley)
« © '31 Peer International, BMI »
I had a dream last night I thought my good gal had gone
I woke up this morning she had really done me wrong
I know it's not fair but my good gal has done caught air
My gal's been trifling around just about a week I know
Several of my good friends just told me so and so
She's found a new man and now I can understand
I'm going away leaving today I'm gonna bring my baby back
If that eight wheel driver don't jump the railroad track
I'll take her from that man I'm gonna bring her home if I can
[ yodel - fiddle ]
It's true my baby's gone I know it won't be long
We'll both be on that train my baby's coming home again
She's been trifling around but now she has thrown him down
I'm going away leaving today...
[ yodel ]
**********
11.
TRAVELIN' BLUES
(Jimmie Rodgers - Shelly Lee Alley)
« © '31 Peer International, BMI »
I had a dream last night I thought my good gal had gone
I woke up this morning she had really done me wrong
I know it's not fair but my good gal has done caught air
My gal's been trifling around just about a week I know
Several of my good friends just told me so and so
She's found a new man and now I can understand
I'm going away leaving today I'm gonna bring my baby back
If that eight wheel driver don't jump the railroad track
I'll take her from that man I'm gonna bring her home if I can
[ yodel - fiddle ]
It's true my baby's gone I know it won't be long
We'll both be on that train my baby's coming home again
She's been trifling around but now she's throwed him down
I'm going away leaving today...
[ yodel ]
Home if I can
**********
12.
WHY THERE'S A TEAR IN MY EYE
(Jimmie Rodgers)
« © '31 Peer International, BMI »
[ with Sara Carter ]
I once loved a beautiful maiden as fair as the blue skies above
And each night we wandered together the moon seemed to smile on our love
We vowed to be true to each other and nothing could cause us to part
But we never once dreamed that the future held only a broken heart
Then there came the night that we parted we quarreled as all sweethearts do
And I learned what it was to be jealous when they told me her love was untrue
She told me she had always been faithful she swore that her love could not die
And then when I did not believe her she kissed me and told me goodbye
[ yodel - guitar ]
I found I had falsely accused her and went back to make her my bride
And there in the door stood her mother she told me my sweetheart has died
I went in and knelt down beside her and there in the hush of that room
I prayed that my Maker would take me and stand my soul down to his doom
And so now I have told you the reason there's always a tear in my eye
Through long weary years I repented but I'm longing to lay down and die
And I wonder if I'll be forgiven when I pay to Master someday
And I wonder if I'll see my sweetheart on that beautiful shore far away
[ yodel ]
**********
13.
JIMMIE THE KID
(Jimmie Rodgers)
« © '31 Peer International, BMI »
I'll tell you a story of Jimmie the Kid he's a brakeman you all know
He was born in Mississippi away down south and he flagged on the T N & O
He yodeled to fame on the Boston Main the Wabash and the Teepee
From the old Grand Trunk to the cotton belt he yodeled on the Santa Fe
[ yodel ]
On the Lehigh Valley he yodeled awhile then he went to the Nickel Plate
From the old Lake Shore and the Erie Line he yodeled to a Cadillac Eight
[ yodel ]
He yodeled his way to the C & A the Lackawanna and I C
He rode a rattler called the Cannonball then he yodeled on the M K & T
[ yodel - steel ]
Now the story goes that Jimmie the Kid has a yodeling mama so sweet
They go Cadillacing every night and they yodel up and down the street
[ yodel ]
He's rode freight trains from East to West he's fixed himself up nice
He's got a beautiful home all of his own it's the yodeler's paradise
[ yodel ]
They've treated him good they've treated him bad he never done any wrong
He yodels a yodel that everebody knows is the yodeling brakeman's song
[ yodel ]
**********
14.
JIMMIE THE KID
(Jimmie Rodgers)
« © '31 Peer International, BMI »
I'll tell you a story of Jimmie the Kid he's a brakeman you all know
He was born in Mississippi away down south and he flagged on the T N & O
He yodeled to fame on the Boston Main the Wabash and the Teepee
From the old Grand Trunk to the cotton belt and he yodeled on the Santa Fe
[ yodel ]
On the Lehigh Valley he yodeled awhile then he went to the Nickel Plate
From the old Lake Shore and the Erie Line now he yodeles to a Cadillac Eight
[ yodel ]
He yodeled his way to the C & A the Lackawanna and I C
He rode a rattler called the Cannonball then he yodeled on the M K & T
[ yodel - steel ]
Now the story goes that Jimmie the Kid he has a yodeling mama so sweet
They go Cadillacing every night and they yodel up and down the street
[ yodel ]
He's rode freight trains from East and West he's fixed himself up nice
He's got a beautiful home all of his own it's the yodeler's paradise
They've treated him good they've treated him bad he never done any wrong
He yodels a yodel everebody knows is the yodeling brakeman's song
[ yodel ]
**********
15.
WONDERFUL CITY
(Jimmie Rodgers)
« © '31 Peer International, BMI »
[ with Sara Carter ]
I'm waiting watching and longing that beautiful sight to behold
When I shall awake some bright morning in that city with streets of pure gold
My Saviour has gone to prepare it for all who accepts his grace
And that's why I know I'll be welcome to a home in that wonderful place
When I reach my home in that city shall I find you waiting up there
With the saints to have gone on before us to that beautiful home so fare
My whole heart is set upon heaven where my Saviour's face I shall see
And live in the light of his glory throughout all eternity
[ yodel - guitar ]
He bid us to work in his barnyard to toil for him early and late
What a glorious reward for our labor to enter that beautiful gate
When I reach my home...
[ yodel ]
**********
16.
LET ME BE YOUR SIDE TRACK
(Jimmie Rodgers)
« © '31 Peer International, BMI »
I saw two little monkeys playing up in a tree
I saw two little monkeys playing up and down in a tree
One said to the other come on let's whoopee
Listen here pretty mama I know when you're hanging round
I know pretty mama when you are hanging round
I don't see no fire but I'm burning down
[ yodel ]
There's something about you women always make me sore
There's something about you women it always make me sore
Cause I can't look for you you always wantin' more
Let me be your sidetrack till your mainline comes
Let me be your sidetrack till your mainline comes
Cause I can do more switching than your mainline's ever done
[ yodel ]
When you see a spider climbing up a wall
When you see a spider climbing up a lonesome wall
You can tell the world he's gonna get his ashes hall
[ yodel ]
**********
17.
LET ME BE YOUR SIDE TRACK
(Jimmie Rodgers)
« © '31 Peer International, BMI »
I saw two little monkeys playing up and down in a tree
I saw two little monkeys playing up and down in a tree
One says to the other come on let's whoopee
Listen mama I know when you're hanging round
Yes I know pretty mama where you are hanging round
Cause I don't see no fire but I'm burning down
[ yodel ]
There's something bout you women always making me sore
There's something bout you women keep on making me sore
No matter how much you get you're coming back for me
[ guitar ]
Let me be your sidetrack till your mainline comes
Let me be your sidetrack till your mainline comes
Cause I can do more switching than your mainline's ever done
[ yodel ]
When you see a spider climbing up a lonesome wall
When you see that spider climbing up a wall
You can tell the world he's gonna get his ashes hall
[ yodel ]
**********