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Penitentiary Moan Blues

by Alger "Texas" Alexander

on Texas Alexander Vol. 2 (1928-1930) (1991), Presenting Texas Alexander (1927), Vol. 2 (1928-29): Complete Recordings in Chronological Order (1982)

i>spoken:
Mama, she told me to stay at home and I wouldn't. She told me to stay at home and I couldn't
But now, Mama, Bud Russell has got me and I cannot help myself. Lord have mercy

If I had-a listened, Mama, when you was tellin' me these things, I wouldn't have to worry with these old rusted chains

sung:
I wonder what's the matter with poor Annie Lee?
Lord, the Captain whupped here and she ain't been seen

Lord, the Captain whupped her and she ain't been seen

Oh, if it hadn't've been for the red mule's head
Lord, the Captain'd killed ol' Annie dead

Lord, the Captain killed ol' Annie dead

If you get buggy want to see Red River red
Lord, Bud Russell will take you and you won't be dead

Lord, Bud Russell will take you and you won't be dead

Got my kitchen, got my kitchen door
That's where they laid the poor boy low on

Out in the rain, out in the cold
When your Captain call you, you have to go
Boys, when the Captain call you, you have to go