The Match Box Blues

The Match Box Blues

Words and music attributed to Lemon Jefferson, arrangement by Roy Shaffer.


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.