Shotgun Blues

Album: Shotgun Blues (1941)
Play Video
  • You ought a heard my grandmother
    When she got my grandfather, told me
    You ought a heard my grandmother
    When she got my grandfather, told me
    She said, 'Get away from me, man
    I swear you've done gotten too, old'

    Now, when my baby left me
    You know she left me with mule to ride
    Now when my baby left me
    You know she left me with mule to ride
    Now, when the train left the station
    You know my mule laid down an' died

    You know, I sent my baby
    You know a brand new twenty dollar bill
    You know, I sent my babe
    You know a brand new twenty dollar bill
    Now if that don't bring her back
    I'm doggone sure my shotgun will

    Now, if I can't come in
    Let me sit down in front of your do'
    Now, I can't come in
    Let me sit down in front of your do'
    I leave so early in the mornin', you know
    Your real man won't never know

    Um-hm, baby
    I ain't gonna sing for you no more
    Um-hm, baby
    You know I ain't gonna sing for you no more
    Now, if you been startin' to leave
    I swear, I'd just love to see you go. Lyrics licensed and provided by LyricFind

Comments: 1

  • Roberto from U.s.NOT TRUE. Woody Herman "And His Band That Played The Blues" recorded Blues Upstairs for Decca Records on April 12, 1939. He borrowed the lyrics from Shotgun Blues so the tune obviously predates 1939. Most likely no one really knows exactly who wrote it, like so many other Blues tunes...
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Tom Johnston from The Doobie Brothers

Tom Johnston from The Doobie BrothersSongwriter Interviews

The Doobies guitarist and lead singer, Tom wrote the classics "Listen To The Music," "Long Train Runnin'" and "China Grove."

Melanie

MelanieSongwriter Interviews

The singer-songwriter Melanie talks about her spiritual awakening at Woodstock, "Brand New Key," and why songwriting is an art, not a craft.

Donald Fagen

Donald FagenSongwriter Interviews

Fagen talks about how the Steely Dan songwriting strategy has changed over the years, and explains why you don't hear many covers of their songs.

Bob Dylan Lyric Quiz

Bob Dylan Lyric QuizMusic Quiz

Think you know your Bob Dylan lyrics? Take this quiz to find out.

Millie Jackson

Millie JacksonSongwriter Interviews

Outrageously gifted and just plain outrageous, Millie is an R&B and Rap innovator.

Facebook, Bromance and Email - The First Songs To Use New Words

Facebook, Bromance and Email - The First Songs To Use New WordsSong Writing

Where words like "email," "thirsty," "Twitter" and "gangsta" first showed up in songs, and which songs popularized them.