Revenue Man
Charlie Patton
Oh the revenue man is riding, boy you'd better look out.
(Ah, sure, it ain't purty)
If he hollers'n you don't stop you will likely be knocked out.
(boy if he hollers, you don't stop boy)
Ah the revenue man is riding, boy you'd better look out.
(Boy these horses you don't stop boy)
Every horse you don't stop you will likely be knocked out.
I don't love Saltwater well she always wants a drink.
(Got to have a drink)
I don't love Saltwater well she always wants a drink.
(Boy, if they see you with a bottle, though)
If they see you with a bottle they will almost break your neck.
Oh, takes me home to, lord, that shining star
(Ah, sure)
I say takes me home, to that shining star
(You know, they ain't no tellin', daddy--Ah sure)
She don't need no tellin', Daddy will take you in his car.
Oh, come on mama, let us go to the edge of town,
(Ah, sure)
Come on, mama, let us go to the edge of town,
(Babe I know where there's a bird nest builded)
I know where there's a bird nest built out on the ground.
Oh, wake up every morning now with the jinx all round my head,
(Ah, sure)
I wake up every morning with the jinx all round my bed,
(You know I had 'em jinx every...)
I have been a good provider but I believe I've been misled.
notes: The problem with understanding Charlie Patton is that
clear enunciation was not part of his vocal aesthetic. In
other words, he mumbled. Another problem is that he rambled
a lot (didn't stick to the original theme of the song).
"Revenue Man" is one of a number of Patton songs that use the
same basic melody and guitar parts. Some of the others are
"High Water Everywhere" (2 parts), "Bird Nest Blues",
"Screaming and Hollering The Blues", and "Moon Going Down".
(Both by Oak Publications, I believe).
This and the other songs are on the double album
"Charlie Patton, Founder of the Delta Blues" on Yazoo Records. JW
JW
apr00
Thanks to Mudcat for the Digital Tradition!