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.