Match Box Blues

Match Box Blues

Words and music attributed to Lemon Jefferson.


I’m goin’ to the river, gonna walk down ’bout the sea;
I’m goin’ to the river; walk down ’bout the sea.
I caught those tadpoles and minnows arguin’ over me.

Standin’ here wondering, “would a match box hold my clothes?”
I’m standin’ here wondering, “would a match box hold my clothes?”
I ain’t got so many matches, but I got so far to go.

Lord, Mama, who may your manager be?
Hey, hey, Mama, who may your manager be?
Reason I ask so many questions, can’t you make ‘rrangements for me?

I got a girl ‘cross town, she crochet all the time;
I got a girl ‘cross town; crochet all the time.
Baby, if you don’t quit crochetin’, you gonna lose your mind.

I wouldn’t mind marryin’, but I can’t stand settlin’ down;
I don’t mind marryin’, but, Lord, settlin’ down.
I’m gonna act like a preacher so I can ride from town-to-town,

I’m lravin’ town, cryin’ won’t make me stay;
I;m leavin’ town-ee, cryin’ won’t make me stay.
Baby, the more you cry, the further you drive me away.


Collected from Okeh 8455, as sung by Blind Lemon Jefferson, recorded March 14, 1927.


Been standin’ here wond’rin’,
Would a match box hold my clothes?
Been standin’ here wond’rin’,
Would a match box hold my clothes?
Ain’t got so many clothes,
But I got so far to go.

Somebody better come here, now!

Gon’ leave you mama,
Ain’t comin’ back till fall. —So long, honey!
Gon’ leave you mama,
Ain’t comin’ back till fall.
If I find a good gal,
May not come back at all.

You heared me!

Goin’ to that river,
Hop in like a frog.
Goin’ to that river,
Hop in like a frog.
‘Cause that gal I been lovin’
She treats me like a dog.

Y’ oughta be ashamed, honey!

Goin’ leave this country,
Tired of hangin’ ’round.
Goin’ leave this country,
I’m tired of hangin’ ’round.
Lawd, I ain’t got a nickel,
Ain’t no job to be found.

Po’ me!

When you see me comin’,
Baby, raise your windows high. —Way up there!
When you see me comin’,
Baby, raise your windows high.
But when you see me leavin,
Baby hang your head and cry.

Aw, tell ’em ’bout me!

You heard me Mama,
I’ll tell you one more time.
You heard me Mama,
I’ll tell you one more time.
You may have plenty lovin’
Ain’t got none like mine!


Collected from Montgomery Ward M-8493, as sung by Roy Shaffer, recorded June 26, 1939.


I’m standin’ here thinkin’ “would a match box hold my clothes?”
I’m standin’ here thinkin’ “would a match box hold my clothes?”
When I leave this town, I won’t need to suitcase I know.

Hey, pretty mama, tell me what’s your troubles now?
Hey, pretty mama, tell me what’s your troubles now?
You’re tryin’ to quit me honey, but, good gal, you don’t know how.

I’m goin’ ‘cross Red River, I’m gonna leave this town;
I’m goin’ ‘cross Red River, I’m gonna leave this town.
Because the woman I love has blown my playhouse down.

There’s a bulldog in the alley, jumpin’ against his chain;
There’s a bulldog in the alley, jumpin’ against his chain.
I’ve got a high brow woman that’s doin’ me the same.

I woke up this mornin’, between midnight and day;
I woke up this mornin’, between midnight and day.
Oh, I grabbed that pillow where my good gal used to lay.

If my train don’t run, I’ve got a doggone mule to ride;
If my train don’t run, I’ve got a doggone mule to ride.
I don’t have to catch him because he’s already tied.


Collected from Ultra-Tone lacquer (King record matrix 2559), as sung by Shelton Brothers, recorded October 1947.