Joe Louis and John Henry Blues Songtext
von Sonny Boy Williamson

Joe Louis And John Henry Blues 2: 54 Trk 12
Sonny Boy Williamson I (John Lee Williamson)
(John Lee Williamson)
with Big Bill Broonzy - guitar, Walter Davis - piano
Record: July 21st 1939, Chicago, Illinois
Album: Sonny Boy Williamson ′The Blues'
Chicago 1937-1945 by Fremeaux& Associates #FA 253

Well, while I was sit′n at Madison Square Gardens
Now, just to watch the big fight come through
Hoo-hoo, well
Well, just to watch the big fight come through
Well-well, the 'right-left' that Joe Louis was usin′
Hoo-well, man
Give John Henry, Louis′s head the blues, now


Well-well, then Joe's manager pat him on the shoulders
Says, ′Joe, don't you use that right so fast′
Hoo-well, said, 'Let me talk with you, now′
Said, 'Please don't use that right so fast′
Well-well, I say ′You stop 'n let John Henrys catch his breaf′
Hoo-hoo, well 'just as long as he can last′

Well, that night I didn't have but fifty cents
I was in Jackson wuppin′ with the wimen an men
Hoo-well
Down in Jackson wuppin' with the wimen an men
Well-well, then I betted my fifty cents on Joe
Hoo-hoo-well, now it time I won my fifty cent back, again

('Yas, yas, play it for me, you know′)

Well-well, then John Henry′s manager told him
He says, 'John Henry why don′t you use yo' right, now?′
Hoo-well, says, 'Son let me talk wit′ch you'
'John Henry why don′t you use yo′ right?'
Well-well, he said, ′Joe Louis 'ill block you wit′ a-left'
Hoo-well man, ′An I swear man he just makes you tired'.