505. The California Blues

505
The California Blues

A blues song that I have not found recorded elsewhere, though
the feeling it expresses is common in Negro song.

'Blue Yodel Xuml)er Four.' From the John Burch Hlaylock Collection.

1 I'm going to California where they sleep out every night;
I'm going to California where tliey sleep out every night;
I'm leaving you, mamma,

You know you don't treat me right.

2 Listen to me, mamma.
While I sing you this song;
Listen to your daddy

Sing you this lonesome song;
You got me worried now.
But I won't be worried long.

3 Let me tell you something, mamma,
That you don't know ;

Let me tell you something, mamma.

That you don't know.

Lm a do-right i)apa —

Got a home everywhere I go.

4 Got the California hlues.

And Lm sure gonna leave you here;

Got the California blues.

And I'm sure gonna leave you here.

I may ride the blinds —

I ain't got no railroad fare.