34 Blues

by Charley Patton recording of 1929-1934 from Charley Patton: Founder Of The Delta Blues (Yazoo L-1020) I ain't gonna tell nobody, '34 have done for me I ain't gonna tell nobody what, '34 have done for me Took my roller , I was broke as I could be They run me from Will Dockery's Willie Brown , I want your job They run me from Will Dockery's, Willie Brown, I want your job (spoken: Buddy, what's the matter?) I went out and told papa Charley, "I don't want you hangin' round on my job no more" Fella, down in the country, it almost make you cry Fella, down in the country, it almost make you cry (spoken: My God, children!) Women and children flaggin' freight trains for rides Carmen got a little six Buick, big six Chevrolet car Carmen got a little six Buick, little six Chevrolet car (spoken: My God, what solid power!) And it don't do nothin' but, follow behind Holloway's farmer's plow And it may bring sorrow, Lord, it may bring tears It may bring sorrow, Lord, and it may bring tears Oh, Lord, oh, Lord, let me see your brand new year __________ Note 1: roller, according to Chris Schell "I believe Mississippi slang for a car being used to transport a woman is "do<ney>roller or biscuit roller. Roller meaning car would seem to me to make more sense in terms of this song which involves a woman leaving and in terms of the title which may refer to the year of the car." Thanks To Chris Schell; Note 2: the farm of Will Dockery, in Patton's native town Dockery , a Delta plantation town; This is another familiar Delta piece. Robert Johnson used the same melody in " If I had Possession Over Judgment Day " and " Traveling Riverside Blues ". It has also been recorded under the title "Roll And Tumble Blues". Muddy Waters and Howlin' Wolf have issued versions of this as well.

 

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