Jitterbug Swing

(Bukka White lyrics version)

Words & Music:

Bukka White

(from "Parchman Farm Blues (1940))

 

Like so many original Delta Blues tunes, just let this one flow!  Don't try to hard to make time and words "fit", because they are not designed to fit a structure, but to convey the story & emotion.

 

[open D tuning - D A D F# A D; played with a slide]

 

D

Hey-eee, come on, you women!

Let's a-do the Jitterbug Swing!

D

Hey-eee, come on, you women!

Let's a-do the Jitterbug Swing!

A

When ya do the Jitterbug Swing,

[n.c.]                               D

Then you know you will be doin' that thang!

 

INSTRUMENTAL:  [guitar & washboard]

 

Hey-eee, I can't stand this long!

I'm tellin' you women, I can't stand this long!

Hey-eee, ev'rytime I asks you,

You won't even let me follow you home.

You must have some other layin' in your arms.

 

INSTRUMENTAL:  [guitar & washboard]

 

Hey-eee, you women workin' on my nerves!

Hey-eee, you women workin' on my nerves!

Hey-eee, you gon' drive me in my blood!

 

INSTRUMENTAL:  [guitar & washboard]

 

Hey-eee!  Please, ma'm, don't say, "Uh-uh."

 




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