Screamin And Hollerin The Blues
by 
Charley Patton 
recording of 1929-1934 
from 
Charley Patton: Founder Of The Delta Blues (Yazoo L-1020) 
Jackson 
on a high hill, mama, 
Natchez 
just below 
Jackson on a high hill, mama, Natchez just below 
(spoken ... 
I ever get back home, I won't be back no more 
Oh, my mama's gettin' old, her head is turnin' gray 
My mama's getting old, her head is turnin' gray 
Don't you know it'll break her heart, know, my livin' this-a way? 
Ever woke up in the mornin', 
jinx 
all around your bed? 
Ever woke up in the mornin', jinx all around your bed? 
(spoken: Children, I know how it is, baby) 
Turned my face to the wall and I didn't have a word to say 
No use a-hollerin', no use a-screamin' and cryin' 
No use a-hollerin', no use a-screamin' and cryin' 
For you know you got a home, mama, long as I got mine 
Hey, Lord have mercy on my wicked soul 
Oh, Lord have mercy on my wicked soul 
(spoken: You know I wouldn't mistreat you!) 
I wouldn't mistreat you, baby, for my weight in gold 
Oh, goin' away, baby, don't you wanna go? 
I'm goin' away, mama, don't you wanna go? 
(spoken: I know you wanna go, baby!) 
Take God to tell when I'll be back here anymore 
__________ 
Note 1: this unintelligible vocal part is probably a disclaimer, since it is 
Vicksburg 
that blues singers conventionally (and correctly) situate on the high hill.