Deep Elem Blues

Deep Elem Blues

Traditional, attributed to Bob and Joe Shelton (Attlesey).


When you go down in Deep Ellum, to have a little fun,
You better have your fifteen dollars when the policeman comes.

Oh, sweet mama, daddy’s got them Deep Ellum Blues!

Once I had a sweetheart who meant the world to me,
But she hung around Deep Ellum now she ain’t what she used to be.

Oh, sweet mama, daddy’s got them Deep Ellum Blues!
Oh, sweet mama, daddy’s got them Deep Ellum Blues!

When you go down in Deep Ellum, keep your money in your shoes,
‘Cause the women in Deep Ellum’s got the Deep Ellum Blues.

Oh, sweet mama, daddy’s got them Deep Ellum Blues!

When you go down in Deep Ellum, keep your money in your pants,
‘Cause the redheads in Deep Ellum never give a man a chance.

Oh, sweet mama, daddy’s got them Deep Ellum Blues!
Oh, sweet mama, daddy’s got them Deep Ellum Blues!

Once I knew a preacher, preached the Bible through and through,
But he went down in Deep Ellum, now his preachin’ days are through.

Oh, sweet mama, daddy’s got them Deep Ellum Blues!

When you go down in Deep Ellum, keep your money in your socks
‘Cause the women in Deep Ellum will throw you on the rocks.

Oh, sweet mama, daddy’s got them Deep Ellum Blues!
Oh, sweet mama, daddy’s got them Deep Ellum Blues!


Collected from Decca 5099, as sung by the Shelton Brothers (Bob and Joe), recorded February 22, 1935.