BOBBY CHARLES LYRICS (NEW 2) - Master May 2020

BOBBY CHARLES LYRICS

Compiled by Robin Dunn & Chrissie van Varik.

Bobby Charles was born Robert Charles Guidry on 21

st

February 1938 in Abbeville, Louisiana. A native Cajun himself, he

recalled that his life “changed for ever” when he re-tuned his parents’ radio set from a local Cajun station to one playing

records by Fats Domino. Most successful as a songwriter, he is regarded as one of the founding fathers of swamp pop. His

own vocal style was laidback and drawling. His biggest successes were songs other artists covered, such as ‘See You Later

Alligator’ by Bill Haley & His Comets; ‘Walking To New Orleans’ by Fats Domino - with whom he recorded a duet of the

same song in the 1990s - and ‘(I Don’t Know Why) But I Do’ by Clarence “Frogman” Henry. It allowed him to live off the

song-writing royalties for the rest of his life! No albums were by him released in this period. Two other well-known

compositions are ‘The Jealous Kind’, recorded by Joe Cocker, and ‘Tennessee Blues’ by Kris.

Disenchanted with the music business, Bobby disappeared from the music scene in the mid-1960s but returned in

1972 with a self-titled album on the Bearsville label on which he was accompanied by Rick Danko and several other

members of the Band and Dr John. Bobby later made a rare live appearance as a guest singer on stage at The Last Waltz,

the 1976 farewell concert of the Band, although his contribution was cut from Martin Scorsese’s film of the event.

Bobby Charles returned to the studio in later years, recording a European-only album called Clean Water in 1987.

Wish You Were Here Right Now (1995) consisted of sessions from 1992-93 and a 1984 jam session at Willie Nelson’s

studio. Secrets of the Heart was released in 1998. The 2004 2CD Last Train to Memphis was a retrospective of his

compositions, with guest appearances by Neil Young, Willie Nelson and Fats Domino. In 2008 he released Homemade

Songs, and in 2009 he recorded Timeless, dedicated to his friend Fats Domino, which was released posthumously in 2010.

In September 2007, he was inducted into The Louisiana Music Hall of Fame.

Bobby Charles lived for some years in quiet seclusion at Holly Beach on the Gulf of Mexico and became a local

environmental activist. After his house was destroyed by Hurricane Rita in 2005, he returned to Abbeville. He collapsed in

his home near Abbeville and died on 14

th

January 2010.

1

ALBUMS:

•

1972 - BOBBY CHARLES 1972 (Bearsville Records);

•

1984 - CHESS MASTERS - collection of Bobby Charles’ Chess recordings (Chess);

•

1987 - CLEAN WATER (Rice 'n' Gravy Records/Zensor Records);

•

1988 - SMALL TOWN TALK - reissue of BOBBY CHARLES (See For Miles Records);

•

1995 - WISH YOU WERE HERE RIGHT NOW (Rice 'n' Gravy Records;

•

1996 - BOBBY CHARLES - reissue of 1972 album with 4 bonus unreleased tracks;

•

1998 - SECRETS OF THE HEART (Rice 'n' Gravy Records/Stony Plain Records);

•

2000 - WALKING TO NEW ORLEANS 1964-5 tracks, includes unreleased/alternate recordings

(West Side);

•

2004 - LAST TRAIN TO MEMPHIS (Rice 'n' Gravy Records/Proper Records UK);;

•

2008 - HOMEMADE SONGS (Rice 'n' Gravy Records);

•

2010 - TIMELESS (Rice 'n' Gravy Records).

POSTMUMOUS ALBUMS:

•

2010 - SEE YOU LATER ALLIGATOR (Bear Family Records);

2010 - AFTER A WHILE, CROCODILE …THE 50s ANTHOLOGY - 1955-9 recordings including

unreleased material;

•

2011 - BETTER DAYS (Bearsville Records) rare Bearsville recordings for a planned never issued

1974 album;

•

2011 - BOBBY CHARLES DELUXE 3-disc set: further expanded edition of the 1972-4 recordings

(Rhino Records);

•

2014 - BOBBY CHARLES 180-gram vinyl (gatefold sleeve) reissue of the 1972 album (Light in the Attic);

•

2018 - SEE YOU LATER ALLIGATOR - 35 track collection of Chess and Imperial recordings;

•

2020 - ALLIGATOR SPROCKETS AND BENDED KNEES - 2 CD 48 track compilation (Jasmine).

OTHER:

•

2005 - THE ARC CLASSICS - collection of songs composed by Bobby Charles (inc., with others); some

performed by him, some by others. (ARC MUSIC GROUP)

TRIBUTE:

•

2013 - SHANNON McNALLY - SMALL TOWN TALK (Songs of Bobby Charles) (Capitol) (Recorded 2007)

There are numerous re-issues and compilations that include many of the above recordings.

USEFUL WEBSITES/ARTICLES:

•

http://hideki1997.stars.ne.jp/bccover.html

•

https://secondhandsongs.com/artist/6408/works

•

https://www.facebook.com/groups/104056872908/

•

http://www.bluesart.at/NeueSeiten/1-2010-REMEMBERING%20BOBBY%20CHARLES.html

•

https://blurtonline.com/feature/hurricane-bobby-bobby-charles/

The lyrics are as performed in principal recordings (or demos) by Bobby Charles or, in the case of Bobby Charles

compositions, performed by others. The list is in strict alphabetical order. Variations with differing versions have been

included or noted. Omitted verses from an original non-Bobby Charles composition are shown in dark blue as are notes,

information and currently missing/unreleased tracks. The bracketed date (with a ‘?’ if uncertain/unknown) following the title

denotes the year of first recording or release. Italics with song lyrics generally denotes speech. The list is updated as new

information comes to light. Many rare recordings are available as downloads and/or appear on YouTube. In a very few

cases it is very difficult to detect from the recording precisely what is being sung, in which case, queries/gaps or alternative

suggestions are included in blue and/or indicated by ??.

Robin & Chrissie

Sackful O’Rock, Country, Folk, Soul & Blues

(all for the love of the music; not for profit!)

http://robindunnmusic.wordpress.com/

Please forward typos and other corrections/additions/suggestions to: [email protected]

NB: The lyrics below are, as far as possible, ‘as performed’ and are reproduced for amusement only and not for commercial

gain. Ownership and copyright remains with the original composer(s) and/or publishers. These lyrics are for your personal

use only. We will not, and you must not, gain commercially from this listing.

2

A____________________________________________

AIN’T GOT NO HOME (1955)

(Bobby Charles) Recorded March 1956 in New Orleans but remained unreleased at the time. Bobby was backed by Paul

Gayten’s session band: Lee Allen (tenor sax); Red Tyler (baritone sax); Edward Frank and/or Gayten (piano); Edward

Blanchard (guitar); Frank Fields (bass) and Charles ‘Hungry’ Williams (drums).

Ain’t got no home

Ain’t got no place to go

Since my baby been gone

Things ain’t the same no more

She used to hold my hand

And love me all the time

But since she’s gone

I’ve almost lost my mind

She used to hold my hand

And love me all the time

But since she’s gone

I’ve almost lost my mind

Ain’t been myself

Since she put me on a shelf

I been feeling so blue

Now I don’t know what to do

AIN’T MISBEHAVIN’ (1964)

(Andy Razaf/Fats Waller/Harry Brooks) A 1929 Fats Waller classic. Bobby recorded and released it in 1964 on Jewel

Records (Jewel 735) c/w ‘Preacher’s Daughter’. Produced by Bobby himself. Andriamanantena Paul Razafinkarefo (Andy

Razaf), 16

th

December 1895 - 3

rd

February 1973; Fats Waller, 21

st

May 1904 - 15

th

December 1943; Harry Brooks, 20

th

September 1895 - 22

nd

June 1970.

No one to talk with, all by myself

No one to walk with, but I'm happy on the shelf

Ain't misbehavin', I'm savin' my love for you

I know for certain, the one that I love

I'm through with flirtin', it's just you I'm thinkin' of

Ain't misbehavin', I'm savin' my love for you

Like little Jack Horner, sittin’ in the corner

Don't go nowhere, what do I care

Your kisses are all that I’m waitin' for . . . believe me

I don't stay out late, don't care to go

I'm home about eight, just me and my radio

Ain't misbehavin', I'm savin' my love for you

I’m savin’ my love for you

I’m savin’ my love for you

I’m savin’ my love for you

3

AIN’T THAT LUCKY (1974)

(Bobby Charles) First issued on disc 2 of the Rhino Handmade 3-CD box set BOBBY CHARLES DELUXE (2011).

I learned a lot about myself

Things I didn’t know

Things I never realised before

I saw the light I’d never seen

Things I never dreamed

Existed ‘til my eyes were opened

Then look what I found

When I looked around

Ain’t that lucky

Suddenly I see

Right in front of me

The one thing that I needed most

I found what I thought

For sure I had lost

Ain’t that lucky

And look what I found

When I looked around

Ain’t that lucky

A LITTLE TOO MUCH (aka I LOVE YOU JUST A LITTLE TOO MUCH) (1962)

(Clarence ‘Frogman’ Henry/Bobby Charles) Recorded by Clarence ‘Frogman’ Henry in 1962 (Argo 5408).

I've been calling every night and day

I've been so blue since you went away

You know I'm lonesome, baby, for your touch

I guess I love you just a little too much

I wrote a letter to the FBI

I hired a hundred local private I’s

You know it wasn't just a teenage crush

I guess I love you just a little too much

I called a man who got a TV show

And if he see you, then he'll let me know

I am so sorry that we had a fuss

I guess I love you just a little too much

My tears are flowing up and down the street

Ain't you ashamed of what you're doing to me

You know I'm lonesome, baby, for your touch

I guess I love you just a little too much

I've been calling every night and day

I've been so blue since you went away

You know I'm lonesome, baby, for your touch

I guess I love you just a little too much

ALLIGATOR STOMP (Instrumental) (1981) (Recording prob’ 1958)

(Bobby Charles) Released in the UK on the compilation album Bayou Beat

(various artists) Flyright Fly 581 which also includes ‘Teenagers’.

This album comprises sessions from the Jay Miller studio, Crowley Louisiana.

It is also on a 1991 CD Louisiana Rock 'n Roll, Flyright FLY CD 27.

4

ALWAYS BEEN A GAMBLER (2008)

(Bobby Charles/Paul Butterfield) Included on the album HOMEMADE SONGS. Bobby Charles (vocals); Fred Carter, Jr.

(guitar); Jerry McEwen (guitar); Willie Rainsford (piano); Charles Chappelear (bass); Karl Himmel (drums); Jody Maphis

(acoustic guitar); Leo Jackson, Jr. (acoustic guitar); Mickey Raphael (harmonica). Paul Butterfield, 17

th

December 1942 - 4

th

May 1987.

Always been a gambler

I gambled all my life

Gambled on a girlfriend

And lost myself a wife

Oh what a mess, what a mess, what mess

But an old friend of mine told me

That things happen for the best

Always been a dealer

I dealt but I couldn’t win

Dealt myself a sure-shot

And won the losin’ end

Oh what a mess, what a mess, what mess

But an old friend of mine told me

That things happen for the best

I don’t need no girlfriend

And I sure don’t need no wife

As long as I get, some sweet, sweet kisses

I got some real fine wine

But oh what a mess, what a mess, what mess

That it’s doin’ to my head

But an old friend of mine guarantees

That things happen for the best

I don’t want no girlfriend

And sure don’t need no wife

As long as I get, some sweet, sweet kisses

I got some real fine wine

But oh what a mess, what a mess, what mess

That it’s doin’ to my head

But an old friend of mine guarantees

That things happen for the best

AMBUSHIN’ BASTARD (1994)

(Bobby Charles) Appears on the albums WISH YOU WERE HERE RIGHT NOW (1995) and LAST TRAIN TO MEMPHIS

(2004). Bobby Charles (vocal); Willie Nelson (acoustic guitar); Neil Young & Jodie Payne (electric guitars); Ben Keith (steel

guitar); Reese Wynans (piano); Mickey Raphael (harmonica); David Hyde (bass); Billy English (drums).

Who fired that shot

That hit me in the heart

And shattered it completely

Why won’t it bleed

Why won’t I die

It must be love it’s so deceiving

I know it wasn’t cupid

He ain’t that stupid

He shoots to make love grow

Who dealt the blow

That made me love you no more

Who shot me out of the saddle

Everybody looks at you with hungry eyes

Was it a stranger or a good old friend of mine

Who lit the fuse

5

That blew it all away

I’d love to know this guy though

He’s a killer

He’s rascal

He’s an ambushin’ bastard

He’s a killer of this poor heart of mine

Everybody looks at you with hungry eyes

Was it a stranger or a good old friend of mine

Who lit the fuse

That blew it all away

I’d love to know this guy though

He’s a killer

He’s rascal

He’s an ambushin’ bastard

He’s a killer of this poor heart of mine

ANGEL EYES (1998)

(Bobby Charles) First recorded for the album SECRETS OF THE HEART. Bobby Charles (vocals); David Hyde (bass); Karl

Himmel (drums); Sonny Landreth (guitar); Sam Broussard & Walter, Jr. (rhythm guitar); George Bitzer (piano); Marshall Cyr

& Bobby Campo (trumpet); Bobby Campo (percussion).

Angel eyes

Angel eyes

You know they took me

By complete surprise

And I feel like I’ve been hypnotised

By your angel eyes

Angel eyes

Angel eyes

Promise love that I’ve never known

And I feel like I’m being drawn

To your angel eyes

Sometimes they look like diamonds

Especially when she smiles

I hope someday, they look my way

Those sweet little angel eyes

Angel eyes

Angel eyes

You know how easy love can come and go

If I get lucky I might get to know

Little angel eyes

Sometimes they look like diamonds

Especially when she smiles

I hope someday, they look my way

Those sweet little angel eyes

Angel eyes

Angel eyes

You know how easy love can come and go

If I get lucky I might get to know

Little angel eyes

You know how easy love can come and go

If I get lucky I might get to know

Little angel eyes

Angel eyes

Angel eyes

Angel eyes

Angel eyes

Angel eyes….

6

AT THE JAMBOREE (1958)

(Dave Bartholomew/Pearl King aka Earl King) Bobby’s debut for Imperial Records, c/w ‘She’s Gone’ (Imperial X5542). Dave

Bartholomew, 24

th

December 1918 - 23

rd

June 2019. Pearl/Earl King, 7

th

February 1934 - 17

th

April 2003.

Get up you old sleepy head

It’s time for you to get out of bed

Everyone’s packed and ready to go

Out today and see the show

At the jamboree, jamboree

Everybody’s goin’ to the jamboree

Banjo Bill’s gonna sing his song

Gonna jump and shout all day long

Old John Brown got a brand new suit

His wife Lucille got a new pair of boots

Everybody’s goin’ to be in town

See that band really blow ‘em down

At the jamboree, jamboree

Everybody’s goin’ to the jamboree

Banjo Bill’s gonna sing his song

Gonna jump and shout all day long

The mule’s in the stable got plenty of hay

Cottonfields will be empty today

Little Bo Weevil gonna do his dance

Young and old gonna make amends

At the jamboree, jamboree

Everybody’s goin’ to the jamboree

Banjo Bill’s gonna sing his song

Gonna jump and shout all day long

Get up you old sleepy head

It’s time for you to get out of bed

Everyone’s packed and ready to go

Out today and see the show

At the jamboree, jamboree

Everybody’s goin’ to the jamboree

Banjo Bill’s gonna sing his song

Gonna jump and shout all day long

7

B____________________________________________

BEFORE I GROW TOO OLD (aka GROW TOO OLD) (1960)

(Bobby Charles/Fats Domino/Dave Bartholomew) Originally composed for Fats Domino and released in April 1960 as the B-

side of ‘Tell Me That You Love Me’ (Imperial 5660).

It was re-recorded by Bobby Charles with The Band in 1972 as ‘Grow Too Old’ - on the Bearsville album No. 2104

- BOBBY CHARLES. Details in regard to each track are unknown but the album musicians comprised Bobby Charles, Jim

Colegrove, Rick Danko, Amos Garrett, Levon Helm, Garth Hudson, Ben Keith, Harry Lookofsky, Richard Manuel, Buggsy

Maugh, Geoff Muldaur, Billy Mundi, Bob Neuwirth, Joe Newman, Mac Rebennack, David Sanborn, Herman Shertzer, John

Simon, N.D. Smart II and John Till. Recorded at Bearsville Sound Studio, New York (Nr. Woodstock). Produced by Bobby

Charles, Rick Danko & John Simon. Engineer: Mark Harmon.

It was further re-recorded by Bobby Charles and included 2010’s TIMELESS. Precise recording date not known as

Bobby Charles died on 14

th

January 2010 and the album was released a month later. Musicians playing on the album

comprise Bobby Charles (vocals); Sonny Landreth (lead guitar); Mac Rebennack (piano, B3 organ, Wurlitzer); David Hyde

(bass); Chris Leblanc (rhythm acoustic guitar); Mike Burch (drums); Mickey Raphael (harmonica); Erica Falls, Lisa and

Elaine Foster (background vocals). Specified for this track: Jon Smith (tenor sax) and Gerry McGee (lead guitar). Elvis

Costello, among others, also recorded it.

Joe Strummer & The Mescaleros covered the song re-titled as ‘Silver And Gold’ on the 2003 album Streetcore.

Completed and released after Joe Strummer’s death in 2002.

An interesting adaptation (with considerable lyric changes) of the song as ‘Done Most Everything’ by C.C. Adcock

with Tommy McLain was issued as a single in 1994 and included on the 2000 album House Rocker.

Antoine "Fats" Domino Jr., 26

th

February 1928 - 24

th

October 2017. Dave Bartholomew, 24

th

December 1918 - 23

rd

June 2019.

I wanna go out dancing

Every night

And I wanna see all the

City lights

And I wanna do everything

That I been told

But I got to hurry up before I -

I grow too old

And I wanna take a trip

Around the world

And I wanna kiss all the

Pretty girls

And I wanna buy everything

That ain't been sold

But I got to hurry up before I -

I grow too old

But I'm gonna do a lot of things

I know is wrong

And I hope that I'm forgiven

Before I'm gone

Cause it will take a lot of prayin’

To save my soul

So I got to hurry up before I -

I grow too old

I wanna go out dancing

Every night

And I wanna see all the

City lights

And I wanna do everything

That I been told

But I got to hurry up before I -

I grow too old

And I wanna take a trip

Around the world

And I wanna kiss all the

The pretty girls

And I wanna buy everything

That ain't been sold

But I got to hurry up before I -

I grow too old

8

But I'm gonna do a lot of things

I know is wrong

And I hope that I'm forgiven

Before I'm gone

Cause it will take a lot of prayin’

To save my soul

So I got to hurry up before I -

I grow too old

BETTER DAYS (1974)

(Bobby Charles) First issued on disc 2 of the Rhino Handmade 3-CD box set BOBBY CHARLES DELUXE (2011).

I can feel it in my bones

And I know it won’t be long

Better days are comin’

You better get on board

Better days are comin’

You gotta thank the Lord

You can be what you will

Drink to your fill if you want to

Here’s your chance

T’ make all your dreams come true

Here’s to better days for you

Better times are comin’

Open up your eyes

You’re gonna come here runnin’

Then you realise

Be what you will

Drink to your fill if you want to

You have your chance

T’ make all your dreams come true

Here’s to better days for you

Better ways are comin’

You just wait and see

You’re gonna feel like singin’

You’re gonna feel so free

Cause you can be what you will

Drink to your fill if you want to

Here’s your chance

T’ make all your dreams come true

Here’s to better days for you

BIG BOYS CRY (1963)

(Edward Futch aka Eddie Raven) Released on the HUB-CITY label, HUB-CITY 715.

I cried last night until I couldn’t

I’ll cry tonight; I know I shouldn’t

It hurts to know that I can’t reach her

I’ve learned to lose; she was my teacher

Now I try to hide, all the tears down deep inside

But even big boys cry

I climb the walls, I chew my fingers

I’ll run around but her love lingers

A friend say she don’t talk about me

They say she’s doin’ well without me

I try to hide, all the tears down deep inside

But even big boys cry

I hope someday I might forget her

I know for my sake I had better

I want so much to say I don’t care

9

But all this hopin’ gets me nowhere

I try to hide, all the tears down deep inside

But even big boys cry

Yes, even big boys cry

I know that big boys can cry

BLACK GOLD (2008)

(Bobby Charles/Mac Rebennack - aka Dr. John) Recorded as part of the album City That Care Forgot with Dr. John and

The Lower 911. The album was put together three years after Hurricane Katrina which in 2005 flooded large areas of New

Orleans. Five of the tracks were co-composed by Dr. John and Bobby Charles. Other artists playing include Eric Clapton

and Willie Nelson. Malcolm John Rebennack Jr. (Dr. John) 20

th

November 1941 - 6

th

June 2019.

If ya really wanna know

What dis war is all about

Take it from this coon ass

There really ain’t no doubt

Gonna say what’s in my heart

That’s my First Amendment right

I got a-half a mind to talk

All day and night

About black gold

Politicians sell our souls

For a taste of that black gold

How can they be so cold

All for the love of that dirty old black gold

All for the love of that dirty old black gold

Said there ain’t global warming

It’s lies, whys and alibis

Make a killing off the money

They think they so wise

Send our children off to war

They don’t care how long for

Send our children off to die

Without a single tear in their eye

For that black gold

Politicians sell our souls

For a taste of that black gold

How can they be so cold

All for the love of that funky old black gold

Off shore they keep on drilling

Way down in the dirt

All for that black gold

That’s all they think we worth

They plant our children

In that deep black hole

Like some old ho

They done sold their souls

Our ‘phones is tapped

Our lives is bugged

Even our veterans bein’ treated like thugs

Our votes don’t count

They ain’t been counted

Makin us feel, how much we are doubted

All for the love of that fonky old black gold

To all the people livin’ in tents

Homeowners scroungin’

The ones who can’t pay rent

All for the love of that fonky old black gold

All for the love they done sold our souls

All for the love of that fonky old black gold

BOBBY CHARLES INTERVIEW, THE (???)

Full interview with Bobby Charles is on disc 3 Rhino Handmade 3-CD box set BOBBY CHARLES DELUXE (2011).

10

BUT I DO aka (I DON’T KNOW WHY I LOVE YOU) BUT I DO (1961)

(Bobby Charles/Paul Gayten) Originally recorded by Clarence “Frogman” Henry for his 1961 #4 hit. Recorded by Bobby

Charles in 1987 for the album CLEAN WATER - Bobby Charles (vocals); Joe Allan (bass); Charles Cochran (piano); Mike

Elliot (guitar); Kenny Malone (percussion). Re-released on SECRETS OF THE HEART (1998) and LAST TRAIN TO

MEMPHIS (2004). The Clarence “Frogman” Henry version was used on the soundtrack of the 1994 film Forrest Gump. Also

recorded by Beth McKee on her 2009 Bobby Charles tribute album I’m That Way.

Shannon McNally included a recording of this song on her 2013 album Small Town Talk - The Songs of Bobby

Charles. The backing band included Dr. John and the Lower 911 Band. Actually recorded December 2007. Bobby Charles

(present at the recording sessions held at Dockside Studios, Maurice, LA), Dr. John as well as Shannon selected the songs

for the album. Vince Gill provides additional guitar work on this track. .

I don't know why I love you but I do

I don't know why I cry so but I do

I only know I'm lonely

And that I want you only

I don't know why I love you but I do

I can't sleep nights because I feel so restless

I don't know what to do I feel so helpless

And since you've been away

I cry both night and day

I don't know why I love you but I do

My days have been so lonely

My nights have been so blue

I don't know how I stand it, but I do

Each night I sit alone and tell myself

That I will fall in love with someone else

Well I guess I'm wastin' time

But I've got to clear my mind

I don't know why I love you but I do

I don't know why I love you but I do

My days have been so lonely

My nights have been so blue

I don't know how I stand it, but I do

Each night I sit alone and tell myself

That I will fall in love with someone else

I know I'm wastin' time

But I've got to clear my mind

I don't know why I love you but I do

I don't know why I love you but I do

BYE BYE BABY (1959)

(Bobby Charles/Dave Bartholomew) Released as Imperial X5642, b/w ‘Those Eyes’. Dave Bartholomew, 24

th

December

1918 - 23

rd

June 2019.

You’re goin’ to, play around and wait around

Till you can’t no more

You’re goin’ to, sit around and act a clown

Till I lock my door

And then you’ll want to come back

But I’ll say no no no

Don’t want no troubles

Like I had before

Bye bye baby

So long and lots of luck to you

You’re goin’ to, play around and wait around

Till you can’t no more

You’re goin’ to, sit around and act a clown

Till I lock my door

You said that I was a fool

But you were so so wrong

11

We’ll find out who’s the fool

When you try, comin’ home

Bye bye baby

So long and lots of luck to you

You’re goin’ to, play around and wait around

Till you can’t no more

You’re goin’ to, sit around and act a clown

Till I lock my door

You said that I was a fool

But you were so so wrong

We’ll find out who’s the fool

When you try, comin’ home

Bye bye baby

So long and lots of luck to you

12

C____________________________________________

CALIFORNIA (????)

(Bobby Charles) Unreleased. Any further information welcome.

CAN’T PIN A COLOR aka CAN’T PIN A COLOR ON ANOTHER (2013)

(Bobby Charles) Unreleased by Bobby Charles. Shannon McNally included a recording of this song on her 2013 album

Small Town Talk - The Songs of Bobby Charles. The backing band included Dr. John and the Lower 911 Band. Actually

recorded December 2007. Bobby Charles (present at the recording sessions held at Dockside Studios, Maurice, LA), Dr.

John as well as Shannon selected the songs for the album.

Bein’ so busy makin’ honey

Somebody’s busy makin’ mine

I’m busy makin’ someone else’s

So everything is workin’ out just fine

One lie leads to another

Like every ball needs to go down

Tell a friend your deepest darkest secret

Watch out fast it spreads all over town

Everybody cheats, everybody’s high on somethin’

Everybody needs

More and more and more

Baby I need some more o’ your sweet lovin’

You can’t pin a color on another

Everybody gets the blues

Everybody I know is crazy

Everybody includes me too

Everybody cheats, everybody’s hidin’ somethin’

Everybody needs

More and more and more

Baby I need some more of your sweet lovin’

Everybody cheats, everybody’s hidin somethin’

Everybody needs

More and more and more

Baby I need some more o’ your sweet lovin’

You can’t pin a color on another

Everybody gets the blues

Everybody I know is crazy

Everybody includes me too

Everybody includes me too

CHANGE OF HEART (2010)

(Bobby Charles/Mac Rebennack - aka Dr. John) It appears as a track on Dr. John and the Lower 911’s 2010 album Tribal. It

was also performed by Dr. John and the Lower 911 on Garrison Keillor’s A Prairie Home Companion, 2

nd

October 2010.

Malcolm John Rebennack Jr. (Dr. John) 20

th

November 1941 - 6

th

June 2019.

My baby had a change of heart

Now what am I supposed to do

I guess the same thing

I don’t know

She must’ve found somebody new

She had a change of heart

She really hurt me too

Yea-eah

My baby had a change of mind

Now there she goes

She’s in a hurry

Seeing her somebody new

13

And I bet she figures

He must have plenty of dough

My baby had a change of heart

She really hurt me so

Change of heart

Set my soul a-reeling

And I don’t know

How to deal with the feeling

Of being all alone

Baby the next time heart he breaks

Might be your own

My baby had a change of heart

Now what am I supposed to do

I guess the same thing

I just don’t know

She must’ve found somebody new

I’m gonna do the same thing too

I’m gonna find me somebody new

She had a change of heart

She really hurt me so now

My baby had a change of mind

She really hurt me so

My baby had a change of heart

She really hurt me so

My baby had a change of mind

She really hurt me so

CLASH OF CULTURES (2010)

(Bobby Charles) Included on the album TIMELESS. Precise recording date not known as Bobby Charles died on 14

th

January 2010 and the album was released a month later. Musicians for the album included: Bobby Charles (vocal); Mac

Rebennack (aka Dr. John - and who also co-produced with Bobby Charles) (B3 organ and Wurlitzer); Sonny Landreth (lead

guitar); David Hyde (bass guitar); Chris Leblanc (rhythm acoustic guitar); Mike Burch (drums); Mickey Raphael (harmonica);

Erica Falls, Linda & Elaine Foster (background vocals). On this track was also Keenan Knight (rhythm acoustic guitar) and

David Egan (piano).

We’re livin’ in a clash of cultures

What are we gonna do

I smell nothin’ but problems

It’s up to me and you

We’ve got to change our ways of livin’

T’ try to make things right

Don’t want no clash of cultures

Blaming on me tonight

We’ve got to find a way

We’d better do it soon

Cause this clash of cultures

Can bring nothin’ but doom

We’re livin’ in a clash of cultures

What are we gonna do

I smell nothin’ but troubles

It’s up to me and you

We’ve got to change our ways of livin’

We’ve got to get it straight

Don’t want no clash of cultures

Causin’ nothin’ but hate

We’ve got to find a way

We’d better do it soon

Cause this clash of cultures

Can bring nothin’ but doom

We’ve got to find a way

We’d better do it soon

14

Cause this clash of cultures

Can bring nothin’ but doom

(Nothin’ but doom)

Livin’ in a clash of cultures

(Clash of cultures)

Clash of cultures

(Clash of cultures)

Don’t want no clash of cultures

(No clash of cultures)

We’re in this clash of cultures

(Clash of cultures)

Don’t want no clash of cultures

(No clash of cultures)

We’re in this clash of cultures

(Clash of cultures)

Don’t want no clash of cultures…..

CLEAN WATER (1987)

(Bobby Charles) Recorded for the album CLEAN WATER. Bobby Charles (vocals); Jackie Street (bass); Kenny Malone &

Terry McMillan (percussion); Charles Cochran (organ); Mike Elliott (guitar); Dickie Landry (saxophone); backup singers:

Chamisa Cook, Devisa Tabor, Brian Tabor, Rocklyn Tabor, Lisa Smiley, Tony Smiley & Mike Smiley.

Let’s clean all the waters of the world

Clean all the waters of the world

Let’s all lend a hand - save all the lands

Clean all the waters of the world

Clean all the waters of the world

Clean all the waters of the world

If we hesitate - we’re gonna be too late

Let’s clean all the waters of the world

I want some cool, clear, clean water

Pure, clear, clean water

Let’s all lend a hand - save all the lands

Clean all the waters of the world

Let’s clean the waters of the world

Clean all the waters of the world

Let’s all lend a hand - save all the lands

Clean all the waters of the world

I want some cool, clear, clean water

Pure, clear, clean water

Let’s all lend a hand - save all the lands

Clean all the waters of the world

Let’s keep clean the waters of the world

Let’s clean the waters of the world

Clean all the waters of the world

Clean all the waters of the world

Clean all the waters of the world

Let’s all lend a hand - save all the lands

Clean all the waters of the world

Let’s clean the waters of the world

Clean all the waters of the world

Clean all the waters of the world

Clean all the waters of the world

Let’s all lend a hand - save all the lands

Clean all the waters of the world

15

COME ON - see: LET YOURSELF GO (possibly the same song but not certain)

COWBOYS AND INDIANS (1974)

(Bobby Charles/Ben Keith) Re-recorded in 1987 for the album CLEAN WATER. Bobby Charles (vocals); Joe Allen (bass);

Bob Wilson (piano); Mike Elliott (guitars); Terry McMillan (percussion & harp); Ben Keith (steel guitar); Mike Elliott (synth

bass); synth drums programmed by Karl Himmel & Mike Elliott. Also included on HOMEMADE SONGS (2004) and disc 2 of

BOBBY CHARLES DELUXE (2011).

Shannon McNally included a recording of this song on her 2013 album Small Town Talk - The Songs of Bobby

Charles. The backing band included Dr. John and the Lower 911 Band. Actually recorded December 2007. Bobby Charles

(present at the recording sessions held at Dockside Studios, Maurice, LA), Dr. John as well as Shannon selected the songs

for the album.

Cowboys and Indians couldn’t get along

Words were said

And blood was shed

The Indians lost their home

They had to move, move

They had to move away

They had to move, move

They had to move away

The black man he was chained and shackled

Loaded on a boat

He fought and lost, some got caught

They were bought and sold

They had to move, move

They had to move away

They had to move, move

They had to move away

They had to move, move

They had to move away

They had to move, move

They had to change their ways

Music really touches me

Some songs make me cry

This one is for all those gone

And all those still alive

Love is blue, love is golden

Love’s uncoloured too

Love is truth, love’s uncertain

But if you love and lose

You got to move, move

You got to move away

You got to move, move

You got to move away

You got to move, move

You got to move away

You got to move, move

You got to move away

You got to move, move

You got to move away

You got to move, move

And baby change your ways

You got to move, move

You got to move away

You got to move, move

You got to move away

You got to move, move

You got to move away…..

16

CROSS MY HEART (released 1990; recording date unknown)

(David James Mattis/Don Robey) First issued on Pony Canyon (J) PCCY 0082 in 1990. Also included on the 2000 album

WALKING TO NEW ORLEANS - THE PAULA AND JEWEL RECORDINGS 1964-1965. Don Robey, 1

st

November 1903 -

16

th

June 1975.

Don’t ever leave me

Please don’t ever deceive me

I love you, yes I do

Cross my heart, I do

I’d never doubt you

Never be without you

You know I worship you

Cross my heart, I do

I want to know where I stand

You make me feel like no one else can

Helpless without you

Want my arms about you

You know I love just you

Cross my heart, I do

I want to know where I stand

You make me feel like no one else can

I’d never doubt you

Never be without you

You know I worship you

Cross my heart, I do

Cross my heart, I do

Cross my heart, I do…..

17

D____________________________________________

DEM DAT KNOW (1992)

(Bobby Charles/Marty Grebb) Recorded by Maria Muldaur in 1992 (with contribution from Dr. John); Marty Grebb’s recorded

it for his 2011 album entitled High Steppin’ - lyrics are taken from this version.

She’s got nothing to say

But she’s always tryin’ to say it

She runs everybody down

Any gossip she’ll relay it

She got big bug eyes

And her mouth is always flappin’

Well she makes things up

And then she says they really happened

Oh well that just goes to show you, it’s true

What my mama done said to me

She said, dem dat know

Know that they know

Dem dat don’t know

They don’t know they don’t know

My mama said, dem dat know

Know that they know

Dem dat don’t know

They don’t know they don’t know

She’s got a serious side

You wanna seriously avoid it

Any hope of havin’ fun

She already done destroyed it

And the way she can cry

Would make a crow boy jealous

And every juicy detail

You can bet she’s gonna tell us

And that that just goes to show you, it’s true

What my mama done said to me

She said, dem dat know

Know that they know

Dem dat don’t know

They don’t know they don’t know

She said, dem dat know

Know that they know

Dem dat don’t know

They don’t know they don’t know

Now get together, get together

What’s on her little mind

Well you never have to guess

You have heard of open books

But this is ridiculous

She ain’t searching for truth

She’s just a-lookin’ for trouble

The only groove she knows

The same old Hollywood shuffle

I said, dem dat know

Know that they know

Dem dat don’t know

They don’t know they don’t know

Hm-mm, she said, dem dat know

18

Know that they know

Dem dat don’t know

They don’t know they don’t know

Ah-hah, she said, dem dat know

They know that they know

Dem dat don’t know

They don’t know they don’t know

Yeah she said, dem dat know

Know that they know

Dem dat don’t know…..

DOG HOUSE (1961)

(Bobby Charles/Dave Bartholomew) Recorded by Frankie Ford (the “New Orleans Dynamo”) in 1961 on Imperial 2387.

Dave Bartholomew, 24

th

December 1918 - 23

rd

June 2019.

You sit and watch TV all day long

My supper’s never ready when I get home

I don’t know what you’re doin’

Better start improvin’

Gonna find yourself in the dog house tonight

You talk too much

Til your throat gets sore

You never wash the dishes and my clothes no more

I don’t know what you’re doin’

Better start improvin’

Gonna find yourself in the dog house tonight

You ain’t crazy

You just lazy

I never seen a girl like you

I must have been completely out of my mind

When I told the preacher “I do”

You write to your mother every day

But she only lives but a block away

I don’t what you’re doin’

Better start improvin’

Gonna find yourself in the dog house tonight

You ain’t crazy

You just lazy

I never seen a girl like you

I must have been completely out of my mind

When I told the preacher “I do”

You write to your mother every day

But she only lives but a block away

I don’t know what you’re doin’

Better start improvin’

Gonna find yourself in the dog house tonight

19

DONE A LOT OF WRONG THINGS (1974)

(Bobby Charles) First issued on disc 2 of the Rhino Handmade 3-CD box set BOBBY CHARLES DELUXE (2011). An

earlier version is included on Paul Butterfield’s Better Days album (1973). Some sources suggest that Charles contributed

backing vocals.

I’ve done a lot of dumb things in my life

But that’s alright

Cause I’m not the only one

I’ve done a lot of wrong things I thought was right

But that’s alright

Cause I had fun

But every now and then

I find myself a sweet thing

To come and keep me company

And when I get low

I know right where to go

Someone’s there to take good care of me

But every now and then

I find myself a sweet thing

To come and keep me company

And when I get low

I know right where to go

Someone’s there to take good care of me

Every now and then

I find myself a sweet thing

To come and keep me company

And when I get low

I know right where to go

Someone’s there to take good care of me

I’ve done a lot of dumb things in my life

But that’s alright

Cause I’m not the only one

I’ve done a lot of wrong things I thought was right

But that’s alright

Cause I had fun

But every now and then

I find myself a sweet thing

To come and keep me company

And when I get low

I know right where to go

Someone’s there to take good care of me

Every now and then

I find myself a sweet thing

To come and keep me company

And when I get low

I know right where to go

Someone’s there to take good care of me

Every now and then

I find myself a sweet thing

To come and keep me company

And when I get low

I know right where to go

Someone’s there to take good care of me

I’ve done a lot of dumb this in my life

But that’s alright

20

Cause I’m not the only one

I’ve done a lot of wrong things I thought was right

But that’s alright

Cause I have flown

Every now and then

I find myself a sweet thing

To come and keep me company

And when I get low

I know right where to go

Someone’s there to take good care of me

DONE MOST EVERYTHING - see: BEFORE I GROW TOO OLD

DON’T BE SURPRISED (1972)

(Bobby Charles) Recorded during the Bearsville sessions but not issued until 2011 when it was included on BOBBY

CHARLES DELUXE. Details in regard to each track are unknown but the album musicians comprise: Bobby Charles, Jim

Colegrove, Rick Danko, Amos Garrett, Levon Helm, Garth Hudson, Ben Keith, Harry Lookofsky, Richard Manuel, Buggsy

Maugh, Geoff Muldaur, Billy Mundi, Bob Neuwirth, Joe Newman, Mac Rebennack, David Sanborn, Herman Shertzer, John

Simon, N.D. Smart II and John Till. Recorded at Bearsville Sound Studio, New York (near Woodstock). Produced by Bobby

Charles, Rick Danko & John Simon. Engineer: Mark Harmon.

You can laugh, if you want to

You can smile, if you try

All you got to do

Is want it bad enough too

And you might be surprised

Never ask, any favours

From the same one, more than twice

You might get confused

And if you get refused

You mustn’t be surprised

Funny how people change

Like the weather

I wonder if we‘re ever gonna learn

To live together

Well I ain’t gonna let that bother me

I done made up my mind

I’m gonna try to make it back across that Dixie line

All you got to do

Is want it bad enough too

And you might be surprised

All you got to do

Is want it bad enough too

And you might be surprised

21

DON’T MAKE A FOOL OF YOURSELF (1997)

(Bobby Charles) Included on the 2004 album LAST TRAIN TO MEMPHIS. Bobby Charles (vocals); Sonny Landreth

(electric slide guitar); Sam Broussard (acoustic guitar); Joe Krown (keyboards); David Peters (drums); David Hyde (bass).

This track was produced by Bobby Charles & Jim Bateman.

Don’t make a fool of yourself

Don’t make a fool of yourself

When your baby tells you she’s found someone else

Don’t make a fool of yourself

You’ve gotta learn to be strong

You’ve gotta learn to be strong

When your baby tells she’ll soon be gone

You’ve gotta learn to be strong

You’ve gotta learn to let go

You’ve gotta learn to let go

When your baby tells you she don’t love you no more

You’ve gotta learn to let go

Cryin’ won’t do you no good

Cryin’ won’t do you no good

When your baby moves and she gives you the blues

Cryin’ won’t do you no good

You’ve gotta learn to move on

You’ve gotta learn to move on

When your baby gone and you’re all alone

You’ve gotta learn to move on

Don’t make a fool of yourself

Don’t make a fool of yourself

When your baby tells you she’s found someone else

Don’t make a fool of yourself

DON’T YOU KNOW I LOVE YOU (YOU KNOW I LOVE YOU) (1956)

(Bobby Charles) Recorded January 1956 in Chicago and released as the B-side to ‘Why Did You Leave’ (Chess 1617), the

follow up to ‘See You Later Alligator’. Bobby is backed by Chess session regulars: Ernest Cotton (tenor sax), Harrold

Burrage (piano), Jody Williams (guitar), Willie Dixon (bass) and Fred Below (drums).

I told my baby, more than once before

If she didn’t change, I’d have to let her go

Don’t you know I love you

I need your lovin’ night and day

‘Cause you know I love you

Tell me what more can I say

Just treat me right, and never treat me wrong

I promise you, I never more will roam

‘Cause you know I love you

I need your lovin’ night and day

‘Cause you know I love you

Tell me what more can I say

Treat me right, and never treat me wrong

I promise you, I never more will roam

Don’t you know I love you

I need your lovin’ night and day

‘Cause you know I love you

Tell me what more can I say

I’d cross the world, just to be with you

I’ll always love you, no matter what you do

Don’t you know I love you

I need your lovin’ night and day

Don’t you know I love you

22

Tell me what more can I say

DOWN SOUTH IN NEW ORLEANS (1976)

(J. Wright/J. Anglin) From The Band’s The Last Waltz where Bobby Charles joined The Band on stage for this performance.

Pic shows Bobby Charles on stage with The Band.

Down south in New Orleans

The prettiest girls I've ever seen

Sparkling eyes, lips so sweet

We make love to the Rumba beat

My ship's at anchor, my suitcase packed

I got a one-way ticket, ain't comin' back

Life's a pleasure, love's a dream

Down south in New Orleans

My dark eyed baby, I'm on my way

Back into your arms to stay

I'm tired of work, I wanna play

I'll make sweet love to you night and day

Down south in New Orleans

The prettiest girls I've ever seen

Sparkling eyes, lips so sweet

We make love to the Rumba beat

Ship's at anchor, my suitcase packed

I got a one-way ticket, ain't comin' back

Life's a pleasure, love's a dream

Down south in New Orleans

I want to get too loose, on Toulouse Street

I wanna kiss all the Creole girls I see

Drink all day, dance all night

Do it wrong, 'til I do it right

Down south in New Orleans

The prettiest girls I've ever seen

Sparkling eyes, lips so sweet

We make love to the Rumba beat

My ship's at anchor, my suitcase packed

I got a one-way ticket, ain't comin' back

Life's a pleasure and love's a dream

Down south in New Orleans

23

E______________________________________________

ENVIRONMENTAL HARMONY (1990)

(Bobby Charles) Composed as part of the The Solution to Pollution: The Children’s Environmental Program that Bobby

Charles helped create and to which he was committed.

If we lived in environmental harmony

What a wonderful world this could be

With no litter, no pollution

And clean air to breathe

What a wonderful world this could be

And if we lived in environmental harmony

What a wonderful world this could be

All the fish swimming and the birds singing

A sweet melody

What a wonderful world this could be

If we lived in environmental harmony

What a wonderful world this could be

Nothing sad, nothing bad

And everything was free

What a wonderful world this could be

And if we lived in environmental harmony

What a wonderful world this could be

We’ve got to save our wetlands

And our forests to see

What a wonderful world this could be

EVERYBODY’S LAUGHING (1964)

(Bobby Charles/Stan Lewis) Recorded at Carol Rachou’s La Louisiana Studio in Lafayette, Louisiana, this is Bobby’s debut

for Jewel Records (Jewel 728), backed with ‘Everybody Knows’. It had previously been released on Bobby’s own - short-

lived - label Hub City Records.

Walk the floor and sing the blues

Is all that’s left for me to do

Since the day you set me free

Everybody

Everybody now is laughin’ at me

Seven days you been gone

Seven nights I’m all alone

Since you walked out on me

Everybody

Everybody now is laughin’ at me

Sit alone at home and cryin’

Can’t believe you said goodbye

You were right and I was wrong

Won’t you please come back home

Each night I cry myself to sleep

While everybody

Everybody now is laughin’ at me

Everybody

Everybody now is laughin’ at me

Everybody

Everybody now is laughin’ at me

24

EVERYDAY (1975)

(Bobby Charles) Included on the 2004 album LAST TRAIN TO MEMPHIS. Bobby Charles (vocals); Eddie Hinton (electric

guitar); Terry Irwin (Electric guitar); Ben Keith (lap & pedal steel guitar); Bob Wilson (piano); Ken Butrey (drums); Norbert

Puttman (bass). Produced by Bobby Charles.

In 1977 Fred Neil recorded this song for a prospective album for the Just Sunshine label that has never seen the

light of day. The tapes are believed to still be in the CBS vaults. The recording was made at October-December 1977 The

Bayshore Studios, Miami, FL.

Every day I have to try a little harder

To keep my feet on the ground and my head above the water

It seems that every move I make

Someone tries to take

What I love most away

And every day I have to climb another mountain

Twice as high as yesterday’s

It seems the circle’s getting smaller and smaller

Each has gone his separate way

And every day I have to swim another river

Twice as wide as the one before

But everyday my love runs deeper and deeper

I’m getting closer to my soul

But every day I have to try a little harder

To keep my feet on the ground and my head above the water

Cause it seems that every move I make

Someone tries to take

What I love most away

EVERYONE KNOWS (sometimes mistakenly listed as EVERYBODY KNOWS) (1964)

(Len Snider) Recorded at Carol Rachou’s La Louisiana Studio in Lafayette, Louisiana, this is Bobby’s debut for Jewel

Records (Jewel 728), the B-side to ‘Everybody’s Laughing’. It had previously been released on Bobby’s own - short-lived -

label Hub City Records. The square brackets below denote a word ‘What’ that Charles not appears to sing but the lyric is a

bit odd without it. Also recorded by the composer Len Snider and The Jokers on All Boy 8507V; they include the ‘What’.

Everyone knows

[What] I go through

Everyone knows

[What] I did to you

You say you’re happy

Everywhere you go

My heart is breakin’

Everyone knows

Everyone knows

Truth about me

They all just

Wanna pity me

You say you’re happy

Everywhere you go

I can’t forget you baby

Everyone knows

I go to parties, dances and shows

Trying to keep from feelin’ this way

I know that this, just can’t go on for long

Darlin’, please tell me you’ll stay

Honey if you

Won’t be mine

I’ll be hurt

But I’ll forget you in time

Though my heart

Won’t let you go

I still love you

And everyone knows

25

EYES (1987)

(Bobby Charles) Recorded for the album CLEAN WATER. Bobby Charles (vocals); Joe Allen (bass); Kenny Malone & Terry

McMillan (percussion); Mike Elliott (guitar and synth); Horgus Robbins (piano).

I see reflections - in the mirror

When I look into my eyes

I see heartache and only loneliness inside

And I see things that I realized too late

And the only thing that I can do is cry inside

For a love that just won’t die

Don’t look in my eyes

You might not like what you might see

You might start crying - and you don’t want to feel

The pain that lives deep inside of me

And the only thing that I can do is cry inside

For a love that just won’t die

Eyes are the windows

To your soul and to your heart

They tell the story - you don’t have to talk

You can see the truth ‘cause eyes don’t lie at all

And the only thing that you can do is cry inside

For a love that just won’t die

For a love that just won’t die

For a love that just won’t die

For a love that just won’t die….

26

F_____________________________________________

FOOTBALL BLUES, THE (2008)

(Bobby Charles) Recorded for the album HOMEMADE SONGS. Bobby Charles (vocal); Sonny Landreth (electric guitar);

Phil Chandler (piano); David Hyde (bass); Chris Leblanc (acoustic guitar); David Peters (drums).

If you wanna come, come on

If you don’t I’m gone

Baby I love you but

Please don’t make me choose

I’ve got the football blues

Baby I’m a football fan

And I gotta make my stand

Hate to lose

Please don’t make me choose

I’ve got the football blues

I’ve got the football blues

Them mean old the football blues

From my toes to my nose

From my head to my shoes

I got the football blues

All right

Now I like hockey and baseball and basketball too

The Olympics really test you

But I gotta tell you the truth

I got the football blues

Them mean old the football blues

From my toes to my nose

From my head to my shoes

I got the football blues

I got the football blues

I got the football blues

From my toes to my nose

From my head to my shoes

I got the football blues

Damn - them football blues!

FOREVER AND ALWAYS (2001)

(Bobby Charles) Appears on the album LAST TRAIN TO MEMPHIS (2004). Bobby Charles (vocals); Sonny Landreth

(electric slide guitar); Sam Broussard (acoustic guitar); Phil Chandler (Hammond B3 organ); Mike Burch (drums); Dave

Ranson (bass).

I tried like the dickens

To change my way of livin’

But I couldn’t do it

No matter what I tried

And I tried to forget you

But you were always there

In my heart and in my mind

You were everywhere

‘Cause baby I love you, I love you

I love you still

And I know, I know I always will

And there’s nothing I can do

To change these feelings for you

So I guess I’m gonna love you

Forever and always

There’s not a day that goes by

That you’re not on my mind

27

Truth’s so hard to live with

If only I could find

Someone else, to take your place

To help me to forget you

But I know that’s impossible

‘Cause no one else will do

‘Cause baby I love you, I love you

I love you still

And I know, I know I always will

But there’s nothing I can do

To change these feelings for you

And I guess I’m gonna love you

Forever and always

I even tried movin’

Livin’ somewhere else

But that was just a waste of time

Nothin’ seems to help

I keep wishin’ you were here

With me by my side

But I know that can never be

You’ve found another life

But baby I love you, I love you

I love you still

And I know, I know I always will

And there’s nothing I can do

To change my feelings for you

So I guess I’m gonna love you

Forever and always

Baby I love you, I love you

I love you still

And I know, I know I always will

And there’s nothing I can do

To change my feelings for you

And I guess I’m gonna love you

Forever and always

28

FOUR WINDS (1959)

(Fats Domino/Dave Bartholomew) Released as Imperial X5691 b/w ‘Nothing As Sweet As You’ - his last release for the

label. Antoine "Fats" Domino Jr., 26

th

February 1928 - 24

th

October 24, 2017. Dave Bartholomew, 24

th

December 1918 - 23

rd

June 2019.

I like the way you walk

I like the way you talk

Let me hold your hand

Try to understand

I want a girl like you

To tell my troubles to

Don't be afraid

You heard what I said

Have you heard the news

You I’d hate to lose

Come to my side

Don’t say goodbye

Let the four winds blow

Let the four winds blow

From east to west

I love you the best

Let the four winds blow

Let ‘em blow let ‘em blow

From east to west

I love you the best

I like the way you walk

I like the way you talk

Let me hold your hand

Try to understand

I want a girl like you

To tell my troubles to

Don't be afraid

You heard what I said

Let the four winds blow

Let the four winds blow

From east to west

I love you the best

Let the four winds blow

Let ‘em blow let ‘em blow

From east to west

I love you the best

29

FULL MOON ON THE BAYOU (1984)

(Bobby Charles) Released as a single in 1986 (Rice N’ Gravy 22140) and later included on the album LAST TRAIN TO

MEMPHIS (2004). Bobby Charles (vocal); Maria Muldaur (background vocal); Neil Young (acoustic guitar); Willie Nelson

(acoustic nylon string guitar); Clarence “Frogman” Henry (piano); Rufus Thibodeaux (fiddle); Mickey Raphael (harmonica);

Billy English (drums); David Hyde (bass); Ronauld “Rome” Langlinais (spoons).

There’s a full moon tonight on the bayou

And I won’t be by you

I can see that little love light shinin’

In your eyes, and in you smile

And there’s a heart full of love that is waiting

And achin’ to be by you

I’ll only walk hand in hand in the moonlight

On the banks of the bayou by you

We both fell in love

Under a big full moon

On the banks of the bayou

And there’s a full moon tonight on the bayou

Oh and I wanna be by you

I wanna be where them sweet magnolias blossom

On the banks of the bayou by you

There’s a full moon tonight on the bayou

And I wanna be by you

I can see that little love light shinin’

In your eyes, and in you smile

And there’s a heart full of love that is waiting

And achin’ to be by you

I’ll only walk hand in hand in the moonlight

On the banks of the bayou by you

‘Cause we both fell in love

Under a big full moon

On the banks of the bayou

And there’s a full moon tonight on the bayou

Oh and I wanna be by you

I wanna be where them sweet magnolias blossom

On the banks of the bayou by you

(On the banks of the bayou by you)

30

G____________________________________________

GET OUT OF HERE (1970)

(Bobby Charles) The only recording we know of is by the band Mother Earth from its 1970 album Satisfied. The album

musicians comprised: Tracy Nelson - vocals/piano; Andy McMahon - organ/piano; John Andrews - electric guitar; Bob

Cardwell - electric guitar; Ben Keith - dobro; David Zettner - bass; Karl Himmel - drums; James Day - pedal steel guitar;

John Gimbell- fiddle; Sammy Dodge - fiddle; Farrell Morris - percussion; Earthettes (backing) - Tracy Nelson/Sadie Cantrell/

Irma Routen; Earthmen (backing) - David Zettner/Bob Cardwell/Andy McHahon. Produced by Travis Rivers.

We do not know of any recording by Bobby Charles.

You been around here too long

Got yourself in a rut

It seems to you

You just can’t get unstuck

I noticed that last night

You know you got yourself too uptight

And you just can’t see

The forest for the trees

Well take a train or a plane

It’s all the same

Just get outta here

Take a bus if you must

Make sure you just get outta here

Take good look around

You find the friends that you’ve got

They’ve been bringing you down

If you wanna save yourself

You better leave this town

Remember all the fun you had

Before you got in this bag

Now it seems to you

That life is just a drag

Well pull yourself back together

And the guy you’ve got

You know you’d better forget

There’s a life that you like more on down the road

Well take a train or a plane

It’s all the same

Just get outta here

Take a bus if you must

But make sure you just get outta here

Take good look around

You find the friends that you’ve got

They’ve been bringing you down

If you wanna save yourself

You better leave this town

Now it’s all up to you

Do what you wanna do

You know that you

Got no future here

Now you got all the facts

And I think you know about where it’s at

You know I would not lie

About a thing like that

Hey, hey, take a train or a plane

It’s all the same

Just get outta here

Take a bus if you must

Make sure you just - walk it outta here

31

Take good look around

You find the friends that you’ve got

They’ve been bringing you down

If you wanna save yourself

You better leave this town

If you wanna save yourself

Better leave this town

GOIN’ FISHING (1996)

(Bobby Charles) First released on the album LAST TRAIN TO MEMPHIS (2004). Bobby Charles (vocals); Sonny Landreth

(acoustic Silvertone guitar); Sam Broussard (acoustic guitar).

Gonna close the store

Put a note on the door

I feel like goin’ fishin’

I’ll grab my pole

Head for the old fishin’ hole

Feel like goin’ fishin’

‘Cause when the blues gets you

You know they’ll be with you

All through the day

So when they got me beat

I head for the creek

And fish all my blues away

I’ll grab my hat

Tote my lunch in a bag

I feel like goin’ fishin’

I’ll see you around

When I get back to town

I feel like goin’ fishin’

Oh - ‘cause when the blues gets you

You know they’ll be with you

All through the day

So when they got me beat

I head for the creek

And fish all my blues away

I’ll grab my hat

Tote my lunch in a bag

I feel like goin’ fishin’

I’ll see you around

When I get back to town

I feel like goin’ fishin’

Feel like goin’ fishin’

Feel like goin’ fishin’

Goin’ fishin’

32

GOOD LOVIN’ (1958)

(Bobby Charles) Recorded May 1958 in New Orleans but not issued at the time. This was Bobby’s final session for Chess.

It was also recorded by John Fred in 1960 on Montel Records.

I can’t get enough of your, good lovin’

I can’t get enough of your, good huggin’

Baby won’t you tell me that

You need my lovin’ too

I can’t get enough of your tight squeezin’

I can’t get enough of your sweet teasin’

Baby won’t you tell me that

You need my teasin’ too

Hold my hand when you’re by my side

Say you love me when the moon is bright

Tell me darlin’ I’m your only one

Together we can have so much fun

I can’t get enough of your sweet kissin’

Baby you don’t know what I’ve been missin’

Baby won’t you tell me that

You need my kissin’ too

Hold my hand when you’re by my side

Say you love me when the moon is bright

Tell me darlin’ I’m your only one

Together we can have so much fun

I can’t get enough of your sweet kissin’

Baby you don’t know what I’ve been missin’

Baby won’t you tell me that

You need my kissin’ too

Oh yeah

GOODNIGHT IRENE (1964)

(Huddie Ledbetter/Lomax) Released as Jewel 729, c/w ‘I Hope’. Huddie William Ledbetter (Leadbelly) 20

th

January 1888 -

6

th

December 1949.

Well Irene, goodnight

Oh Irene, Irene goodnight baby

Goodnight Irene

Goodnight Irene

I'll see you, see you in my dreams

Last Saturday night, I got married

Oh, me and my wife, settled down

Now, me and my wife, we are parted

I’m gonna take, a little stroll downtown

I’d be singin’

Irene, goodnight

Oh Irene, Irene goodnight baby

Goodnight Irene

Goodnight Irene

I'll see you, see you in my dreams

Sometimes I live in the country

Oh, sometimes I live in the town

Sometimes I get a fool notion

To go jump in the river and drown

But I’d be singin’

Irene, goodnight

Oh Irene, Irene goodnight baby

Goodnight Irene

Goodnight Irene

I'll see you, see you in my dreams

33

Oh baby

Irene, goodnight,

Oh Irene, Irene goodnight

Goodnight Irene…..

Omitted verses:

Well I asked your mother for you

She told me you was too young

I wish to the Lord I'd never seen your face

Or heard your lying tongue

Stop your rambling, stop your gambling

Stop staying out late at night

Go home to your wife and your family

Stay home by the fireside bright

I love Irene God knows I do

Love her to the day I die

If Irene turns her back on me

I'll take morphine and die

GROOVIN’ (OUT ON LIFE) (1969) aka GROOVIN’ OUT ON LIFE (GROOVIN’ IN STYLE)

(Bobby Charles) A-side 1969 single release by The Newbeats on The Hickory label (B-side was ‘Bread And Butter’, a

reissue of their 1964 hit). We do not know of any version sung by Bobby Charles. There was also a version as ‘Groovin’ Out

On Life (Groovin’ In Style)’ by Ken Parker. It is on the 2003 Trojan Orginals Box Set of Reggae songs.

I get my kicks

From watching people

Running to and fro

I bet if you asked them

Where they're goin’

Half of them don't know

And they're the ones

Who’ll think I'm crazy

But they don't realize

That I'm just groovin’

Groovin’

Groovin’ out on life

And I’ll keep groovin’

Groovin’

Groovin’ till I die

To see a river

Floating by me

Headin’ for the sea

I get a feelin’

Deep inside me

It’s so good to be free

To have the sunshine

In the daytime

The moonlight every night

It keeps me groovin’

Groovin’

Groovin’ out on life

And I’ll keep groovin’

Groovin’

Groovin’ till I die

To watch the sunrise

In the mornin’

Just takes my breath away

And I just know

That I'll be in for

Another perfect day

I thank the lord

34

For all he gave me

It's so good to be alive

I just keep groovin’

Groovin’

Groovin’ out on life

And I’ll keep groovin’

Groovin’

Groovin’ till I die

I keep it groovin’

Groovin’

Groovin’ out on life

I still keep it groovin’

Groovin’

GROW TOO OLD - see: BEFORE I GROW TOO OLD

Bobby Charles in 1990 with Johnnie Allan, Larry Benicewicz and Wayne Shular

35

H____________________________________________

HAPPY BIRTHDAY FATS DOMINO (1998)

(Bobby Charles) Originally recorded for the 1998 album SECRETS OF THE HEART. Re-released on TIMELESS (2010).

Happy birthday Fats Domino

You and your music

Touched my heart and soul

And that poor broken heart of mine

You keep right on a-rockin’

Today is your birthday

May you never be forgotten

Happy birthday Fats Domino

Happy birthday to you

Happy Birthday may you have many more

And may all your sweetest dreams come true

Happy birthday Fats Domino

You and your music

Touched my heart and soul

And that poor broken heart of mine

You keep right on a-rockin’

Today is your birthday

May you never be forgotten

Happy birthday Fats Domino

Happy birthday to you

Happy Birthday may you have many more

And may all your sweetest dreams come true

Happy birthday Fats Domino

Happy birthday to you

Happy Birthday may you have many more

And may all your sweetest dreams come true

Happy birthday Fats Domino

Happy birthday to you

Happy Birthday may you have many more

And may all your sweetest dreams come true

Happy birthday Fats Domino

Happy birthday to you

Happy Birthday may you have many more….

HAPPY HALLOWEEN (2010)

(Bobby Charles) Included on the album TIMELESS. Precise recording date not known as Bobby Charles died on 14

th

January 2010 and the album was released a month later. Musicians playing on the album comprise: Bobby Charles

(vocals); Sonny Landreth (lead guitar); Mac Rebennack (piano, B3 organ, Wurlitzer); David Hyde (bass); Chris Leblanc

(rhythm acoustic guitar); Mike Burch (drums); Mickey Raphael (harmonica); Erica Falls, Lisa and Elaine Foster (background

vocals).

Happy Halloween to you and me

Happy Halloween to everybody

Come on down to party town

In Bourbon Street

Have a Happy Halloween

In New Orleans

Listen to the music

It fills the air

Follow it and you will find

A party there

If you’ve never been there

You really ought to go

Have yourself a good time

Let the good times roll

36

Happy Halloween to you and me

Happy Halloween to everybody

Happy Halloween to you and me

Have a happy Halloween

In good old New Orleans

Friends in their floats

Parade down the street

Follow them an’ you never know

Who you might meet

Here come the pirates

And Jean Lafitte

Life is trick or treat

In good old New Orleans

Happy Halloween to you and me

Happy Halloween to everybody

Happy Halloween to you and me

Have a happy Halloween

In good old New Orleans

Happy Halloween to you and me

Happy Halloween to everybody

Happy Halloween to you and me

Have a happy Halloween

In good old New Orleans

HERE I GO AGAIN (1976)

(Bobby Charles) First recorded by Paul Butterfield for his 1976 album Put It In Your Ear. Bobby himself recorded and

released it in 2008 on HOMEMADE SONGS. Bobby Charles (vocals); Mickey Raphael (harmonica); Fred Carter Jr. (guitar);

Willie Rainsford (piano); Spooner Oldham (organ); Bee Spears (bass); Karl Himmel (drums).

Here I go again,

Doing things that I

Swore I’d never do again

Dreamin’ dreams of you

Thinkin’ I can’t lose

I’m feelin’ some way that I win

But it’s bound to show

That I know I know

I’ll never have you back again

It makes me sad to feel

You can’t realise

Just how good it could have been

Here I go again

Thinkin’ thoughts that I

Swore I’d never think again

Wish there was some hope

But I know I know

I’ll never have you back again

Cause much as I think about you

I can’t believe, you never think of me

You bet nothin’ lasts

And you can’t change the past

But you know me, and I know you

Here I go again

Feelin’ ways that I

Swore I’d never feel again

And what hurts the most

37

Is knowing that I know

I’ll never have you back again

I wish there was some hope

But I know I know

I’ll never have you back again

HE’S GOT ALL THE WHISKEY (1972)

(Bobby Charles) On some releases mistakenly listed as ‘All The Money’. Reputedly the “he” in this song refers to Albert

Grossman, famous manager of The Band, Janis Joplin, Bob Dylan, Jesse Winchester and Gordon Lightfoot among others,

as well as Bobby’s manager at the time. First issued August 1972 on the Bearsville album No. 2104 - BOBBY CHARLES.

Take 1 first issued on disc 2 of the Rhino Handmade 3-CD box set BOBBY CHARLES DELUXE (2011).

He got all the money

He got all the money

He got all the money

And he won't give me none

He got all the whiskey

He got all the whiskey

He got all the whiskey

But won't give me none

He got all the women

He got all the women too

He got all the women

And he won't give me one - just one

And he got all the power

Oh he got all the power

He got all the power

But he won't give me none

He got all the whiskey

He got all the whiskey

He got all the whiskey

And won't give me none

He got all the women

He got all the women

He got all the women

And he won't give me one

And he’s got all the money too

Yeah he got all the money too

He got all the money

He won't give me none

He got all the power

He got all the power

He got all the power

He won't give me none

He got all the whiskey

He got all the whiskey

He got all the whiskey

And he won't give me none

He got all the women too

He got all the women too

He got all the women

And he won't give me one

Oh, and he got all the money

He got all the money

He got all the money

And he won't give me none

And he got all the power

He got all the power

38

He got all the power

But he won't give me none

HEY GOOD LOOKIN’ (1955)

(Hank Williams) Recorded late 1955 but unissued at the time; today it is available on compilation albums. Hank Hiram

Williams, 23

rd

September 1923 - 1

st

January 1953.

Hey, hey, good lookin'

Whatcha got cookin'

How's about cookin' somethin' up with me

Hey, sweet baby

Don't you think maybe

We could find us a brand new recipe

Got a hot-rod Ford and a two-dollar bill

I know a spot right over the hill

There's soda pop and the dancin's free

If you wanna have fun come along with me

Say, hey, good lookin'

Whatcha got cookin'

How's about cookin' somethin' up with me

Got a hot-rod Ford and a two-dollar bill

I know a spot right over the hill

There's soda pop and the dancin's free

If you wanna have fun come along with me

Now, hey, good lookin'

Whatcha got cookin'

How's about cookin' somethin' up with me

HOME LOVING WIFE (????)

(Bobby Charles/Ben Keith) - as yet unreleased. Ben Keith (Bennett Keith Schaeufele), 6

th

March 6, 1937 - 26

th

July 26,

2010.

HOMEMADE SONGS (1972)

(Bobby Charles) The initial recording in 1972 was on the Bearsville sessions with members of The Band - plus others - first

released on extended versions (as a bonus track) of CDs of BOBBY CHARLES. This recording, along with another longer

version, appears on the 2011 BOBBY CHARLES DELUXE double CD. The long version has some distortions - a kind of

demo.

A further re-recording appears on HOMEMADE SONGS (2008) with the following musicians: Bobby Charles

(vocals); Mickey Raphael (harmonica); Fred Carter Jr. (guitar); Willie Rainsford (piano); Spooner Oldham (organ); Bee

Spears (bass); Karl Himmel (drums). Below are the two slightly differing arrangements of the lyrics.

It was also recorded by Tracy Nelson as, ‘Staying At Home And Singing (Homemade Songs)’ for the 1972 album

Mother Earth.

Shannon McNally included a recording of this song on her 2013 album Small Town Talk - The Songs of Bobby

Charles. The backing band included Dr. John and the Lower 911 Band. Actually recorded December 2007. Bobby Charles

(present at the recording sessions held at Dockside Studios, Maurice, LA), Dr. John as well as Shannon selected the songs

for the album.

1972 Version

You asked me if I think I’ll ever

Make it back down home

I doubt it ‘cause I know

I don’t belong

I think I’m gonna stay right here

Cause here’s where I belong

Stayin’ stoned and singin’

Homemade songs

I only know one thing for certain

That I’ve been down so long I’m hurtin’

You never could accept my ways

To you I’m always wrong

Forget about the past now

Cause it’s gone

39

You wonder how I spend my time

And how I get along

Stayin’ stoned and singin’

Homemade songs

I only know one thing for certain

That I’ve been down so long I’m hurtin’

You never could accept my ways

To you I’m always wrong

Forget about the past now

Cause it’s gone

You wonder how I spend my time

And how I get along

Stayin’ stoned and singin’

Homemade songs

2008 Version

You asked me if I think I’ll ever

Make it back down home

I doubt it ‘cause I know

I don’t belong

I think I’m gonna stay right here

Cause here’s where I belong

Stayin’ stoned and singin’

Homemade songs

I only know one thing for certain

That I’ve been down so long I’m hurtin’

You never could accept my ways

To you I’m always wrong

Forget about the past now

Cause it’s gone

You wonder how I spend my time

And how I get along

Stayin’ stoned and singin’

Homemade songs

You asked me if I think I’ll ever

Make it back down home

I doubt it ‘cause I know

I don’t belong

I think I’m gonna stay right here

Cause here’s where I belong

Stayin’ stoned and singin’

Stayin’ stoned and singin’

40

HOMESICK BLUES (1984)

(Bobby Charles) Included on LAST TRAIN TO MEMPHIS (2004). Bobby Charles (vocal); Maria Muldaur (background

vocal); Jody Payne (electric guitar); Willie Nelson (acoustic nylon string guitar); Cranston Clements (acoustic guitar); Reese

Wynans (keyboards); Rufus Thibodeaux (fiddle); Mickey Raphael (harmonica); David Hyde (bass); Billy English (drums).

Just play ‘em for me

I’ll sing ‘em to you

The blues in any key

I’m so lost without you

Can’t talk about it

And I know you miss me too

Sunday morning, I get up and go to church

I pray for you and me

God only knows how much it hurts

So crazy ‘bout you

Can’t do without you

You give me the homesick blues

I’ve been stranded for so long

I’m lost like a song without a copyright

And I know I’ll never get paid, for working like slave

Just to try to make things right

Monday morning

I get up and go to work

Guess what’s on my mind

You’re right you win

I’m wrong I lose

You give me the homesick blues

I’ve been stranded for so long

I’m lost like a song without a copyright

And I know I’ll never get paid, for working like slave

Just to try to make things right

Monday morning

I get up and go to work

Guess what’s on my mind

You’re right you win

I’m wrong I lose

You give me the homesick blues

You give me the homesick blues

HOW LUCKY (CAN I GET) aka HOW LUCKY (2007)

(Bobby Charles/Mac Rebennack - aka Dr. John) Composed for the 2007 film My Sexiest Year but as yet unreleased on a

sound-track album. The film also seems not to be available on DVD or download. Malcolm John Rebennack Jr. (Dr. John)

20

th

November 1941 - 6

th

June 2019.

41

I_____________________________________________

I BELIEVE IN ANGELS (1998)

(Bobby Charles) Originally recorded for the album SECRETS OF THE HEART and re-released on LAST TRAIN TO

MEMPHIS (2004). Bobby Charles (vocals); David Hyde (bass); David Peters (drums); Sam Broussard (guitars); Scott

Goudeau (guitar); Joe Krown (organ); Eric Traub (saxes); Wardell Quezergue: strings arrangement/conductor with Ziva Patti

(violin); Burton Callahan (violin); Ann Taylor (viola); Layton Martens (cello); Lisa & Elaine Foster and 4 Nuns (background

vocals).

I believe in angels

I believe in you

I believe in us together

We can see it through

The scent of roses fill the air

Whenever you are near

And every time I see your face

It’s like an angel has appeared

I believe in angels

I believe in truth

I believe in miracles

Look how I found you

I believe in angels

I really do

And I believe in paradise

I’m there when I’m with you

I believe in angels

And in sweet love too

The sweetest love I’ve ever known

Is the love I’ve found with you

I see you in my dreams at night

I feel you in my heart

And every time I hear your name

I fall all apart

I believe in angels

I believe in truth

I believe in miracles

Look how I found you

I believe in angels

I really do

And I believe in paradise

I’m there when I’m with you

I believe in angels

I believe in you

I believe in us together

We can see it through

The scent of roses fill the air

Whenever you are near

And every time I see your face

It’s like an angel has appeared

I believe in angels

I believe in truth

I believe in miracles

Look how I found you

I believe in angels

I really do

And I believe in paradise

I’m there when I’m with you

I believe in angels

I believe in angels

I believe in angels

I believe in angels

I believe in angels

I believe in angels

I believe in angels

I believe in angels

42

I believe in angels

I believe in angels

I believe in angels

I believe in angels

I believe in angels

I believe in angels

I believe in angels

I believe in angels

I believe in angels

I believe in angels

I believe in angels

I believe in angels

I believe in angels

I believe in angels

I believe in angels

(I believe in angels)

(I believe in angels)

(I believe in angels)

(I believe in angels)

(I believe in angels)

(I believe in angels)

(I believe in angels)

(I believe in angels)……..

I CAN’T QUIT YOU (1998)

(Bobby Charles) First recorded by Bobby Charles for the album SECRETS OF THE HEART. Bobby Charles (vocals); David

Hyde (bass); Karl Himmel (drums); Sonny Landreth (guitar); Sam Broussard & Walter Jr. (rhythm guitar); George Bitzer

(piano); Marshall Cyr & Bobby Csampo (trumpet); Jon Smith (tenor sax); Charlene Howard (second vocal). Actually first

recorded by Delbert McClinton on his 1980 album, The Jealous Kind.

I quit drinking, I quit smoking

I quit lying and I quit joking

I quit some things I guess I ought to do

I quit fussing, I quit cussing

I quit everything disgusting

But I can’t quit you

I quit hurting, I quit hating

I quit fooling and I quit wasting

I quit some things I guess I ought to do

I quit teasing, I quit cheating

I quit all my midnight creeping

But I can’t quit you

I tried and tried, I cried and cried

But nothing seems to work

Instead of things getting better

I swear they’re getting worse

I quit rolling, I quit rocking

I quit everything that’s shocking

But I can’t quit you

I tried and tried, I cried and cried

But nothing seems to work

Instead of things getting better

I swear they’re getting worse

I quit rolling, I quit rocking

I quit everything that’s shocking

But I can’t quit you

I quit rolling, I quit rocking

I quit everything that’s shocking

But I can’t quit you

But I can’t quit you

But I can’t quit you

43

I’D LIKE TO KNOW

(Bobby Charles) Recorded in March 1961 in New Orleans and can be found on the Bear Family CD SEE YOU LATER

ALLIGATOR (2011). Bobby Charles (vocals); other details unknown. Probably Mac Rebennack’s band on this session.

Wah dah dooh, dooh dooh wah, wah dooh dooh (wah doo doo-wa)

Wah dah dooh, dooh dooh wah, wah dooh dooh (wah doo doo-wa)

I’d like to know, why I love you (wah doo doo-wa)

Please tell me darlin’, what can I do (wah doo doo-wa)

I’d like to know, if you love me too (wah doo-wa, doo-wa doo-wa doo-wa)

I go to sleep, with you on my mind (wah doo doo-wa)

I dream of you, being just mine (wah dooh doo-wa)

I’d like to know, why I love you so (wah doo-wa, doo-wa doo-wa doo-wa)

(Wah doo-wa, doo-wa doo-wa doo-wa, wah doo doo-wa

Wah doo-wa, doo-wa doo-wa doo-wa, wah doo doo-wa

Wah doo-wa, doo-wa doo-wa doo-wa, wah doo doo-wa)

You’re like an angel, that’s fallen from the sky (wah doo doo-wa)

If you would love me, I’d never make you cry (wah doo doo-wa)

I’d like to know, why I love you so (wah doo-wa, doo-wa doo-wa doo-wa)

Wah dah dooh, dooh dooh wah, wah dooh dooh (wah dooh dooh wah)

Wah dah dooh, dooh dooh wah, wah dooh dooh (wah dooh dooh wah)

Wah dah dooh, dooh dooh wah, wah dooh dooh (wah dooh dooh wah)…….

(I DON’T KNOW WHY I LOVE YOU) BUT I DO - see: BUT I DO

I DON’T SEE ME (1984)

(Bobby Charles) First released on 1994’s WISH YOU WERE HERE RIGHT NOW, later included on the 2004 album LAST

TRAIN TO MEMPHIS. Bobby Charles (vocals); Willie Nelson (solos) and Neil Young (acoustic guitars); Ben Keith (steel

guitar); Mickey Raphael (harmonica); Rufus Thibodeaux (fiddle); David Hyde (bass); Billy English (drums); Karl Himmel

(tambourine, cabassa). Also recorded by Beth McKee on her 2009 Bobby Charles tribute album I’m That Way.

I don’t see me in your eyes anymore

I don’t fit into your place like before

Your mind’s all made up, by the time I wake up

You’re already gone

And I don’t see me in your smile anymore

That certain something’s disappeared

Once I felt so full of love, now feel so empty of love

All I feel is full of tears

You don’t see me in your dreams anymore

I heard you talkin’ in your sleep

You mentioned someone new, now I don’t know what to do

I guess it’s cryin’ time for me

You don’t see me in your dreams anymore

I heard you talkin’ in your sleep

You mentioned someone new, now I don’t know what to do

I guess it’s cryin’ time for me

I don’t see me in your eyes anymore

I don’t fit into your place like before

Your mind’s all made up, by the time I wake up

You’re already gone

And I don’t see me in your smile anymore

That certain something’s disappeared

Once I felt so full of love, now I feel so empty of love

All I feel is full of tears

44

I DON’T WANT TO KNOW (1998)

(Bobby Charles) First recorded for the album SECRETS OF THE HEART. Bobby Charles (vocals); David Hyde (bass); Karl

Himmel (drums); Sonny Landreth (guitar); Sam Broussard & Walter Jr. (rhythm guitar); George Bitzer (piano). Re-released

on the album LAST TRAIN TO MEMPHIS (2004). Also recorded by Beth McKee on her 2009 Bobby Charles tribute album

I’m That Way.

Shannon McNally included a recording of this song on her 2013 album Small Town Talk - The Songs of Bobby

Charles. The backing band included Dr. John and the Lower 911 Band. Actually recorded December 2007. Bobby Charles

(present at the recording sessions held at Dockside Studios, Maurice, LA), Dr. John as well as Shannon selected the songs

for the album.

I don’t want to know

Who she’s seeing now

Or how she’s gettin’ by

I might start to cry

And I might never stop

And I don’t want to go

To New Orleans no more

I am too afraid

I might see her face

And that I couldn’t take

Please don’t say a word

Of what you might have heard

Don’t even say her name

I don’t want to hear

It might bring the tears

And I don’t need the pain

Please don’t make me go

To New Orleans no more

I am so afraid

I might see her face

And that I couldn’t take

So please don’t say a word

Of what you might have heard

Don’t even say her name

I don’t want to hear

It might bring the tears

And I don’t need the pain

Please don’t make me go

Back to New Orleans no more

I am so afraid

I might see her face

And that I couldn’t take

I HOPE (1964)

(Bobby Charles/Stan Lewis) Released as a single c/w ‘Goodnight Irene’ (Jewel 729). Undubbed version also issued in 2000

on the CD WALKING TO NEW ORLEANS - THE PAULA AND JEWEL RECORDINGS 1964-1965.

Somehow, somewhere

We’re gonna meet up, yet I know

But I won’t love you anymore

I hope

Somewhere, somehow

You’re gonna need me

Like I’m needing you right now

I hope

Keep on dancing, and let the music play

Tonight’s my night and I wanna dance the night away

‘Cause tomorrow, oh tomorrow

You’ll be gone, so long

Goodbye

I know that I am gonna cry

But I’ll forget you by and by

45

I hope

I hope

I hope

I hope

I hope

I hope

I JUST WANT YOU (1959)

(Bobby Charles/Dave Bartholomew) Released as Imperial X 5681, the B-side to ‘What A Party’. Clarence “Frogman” Henry

would later record it too. Dave Bartholomew, 24

th

December 1918 - 23

rd

June 2019.

I don’t want, lots of money

Riches can’t make my dreams come true

Take my house and sell it

I won’t regret it

Honey I just, want you

I don’t care for no love songs

‘Cause they only, make me blue

Why did we break up

Oh come on let’s make up

Honey I just, want you

The things we planned together

They’re all just memories now

But I can’t help hopin’

I’ll win you back somehow

All the places I go to

I see all the friends that we once knew

I smile and tell them hello

But they just laugh ‘cause they all know

Honey I just want you

Oh honey

Mhm, I just want you

I’LL TURN SQUARE FOR YOU (1956)

(Bobby Charles) Recorded in August 1956 in New Orleans but remained unissued. Musicians: Bobby Charles (vocals), Lee

Allen (tenor sax), Red Tyler (baritone sax), Edward Frank and/or Gayten (piano), Edward Blanchard (guitar), Frank Fields

(bass) and Charles ‘Hungry’ Williams (drums).

I got my alligator shoes

I love rhythm and blues

But I b’lieve I’ll turn square for you

I’ve got a baby

A fine new lady

She looks so nice and neat

The way she walks around

All the boys in town

Agree she is so sweet

When she smiles at me

Says I’m her honey bee

I tell her I love her true

I got my alligator shoes

I love rhythm and blues

But I b’lieve I’ll turn square for you

When she calls my name

My heart becomes aflame

And surely it skips a beat

She never tells a lie

And never makes me cry

She really is a treat

46

I wouldn’t trade your love

For nothing in this world

To prove my love is true

I got my alligator shoes

I love rhythm and blues

But I b’lieve I’ll turn square for you

I hope it won’t be long

That I can take you home

To meet my dear old mom

I now you’ll get along

With all the folks at home

Can’t wait for that day to come

I wouldn’t trade your love

For nothing in this world

To prove my love is true

I got my alligator shoes

I love rhythm and blues

But I b’lieve I’ll turn square for you

I got my alligator shoes

I love rhythm and blues

But I b’lieve I’ll turn square for you

I b’lieve I’ll turn square for you

I b’lieve I’ll turn square for you

I b’lieve I’ll turn square for you

I b’lieve I’ll turn square for you…..

I LOVE YOU JUST A LITTLE TOO MUCH - see: A LITTLE TOO MUCH

I’M A FOOL TO CARE (19??)

(Ted Daffan) Written by Ted Daffan (of ‘Born To Lose’ fame) and first recorded by Ted Daffan’s Texans with vocal by Chuck

Keeshan. First released on Okeh in 1940, reissued on Columbia in 1947. A big hit for Les Paul & Mary Ford in 1954 and

covered by many ever since, including Joe Barry, Jim Reeves, Fats Domino, George Jones & Gene Pitney, Ray Charles,

Rick Nelson, Ringo Starr, Mina, etc.

Theron Eugene "Ted" Daffan, 21

st

September 1912 - 6

th

October 1996.

I’m a fool to care

When you treat me this way

I know I love you, but what can I do

I’m a fool to care

I’m a fool to cry

When you tell me goodbye

You left me so blue, when you were untrue

I’m a fool to care

I know I should laugh

And call it a day

But I know I would cry

If you went away

I’m a fool to care

When you don’t care for me

Why should I pretend, I’ll lose in the end

I’m a fool to care

I know I should laugh

And call it a day

But I know I would cry

If you went away

I’m a fool to care

When you don’t care for me

Why should I pretend, I’ll lose in the end

I’m a fool to care

47

I’M THAT WAY (1972)

(Bobby Charles) First issued August 1972 on the Bearsville album No. 2104 - BOBBY CHARLES. Details in regard to each

track are unknown but the album musicians comprise: Bobby Charles, Jim Colegrove, Rick Danko, Amos Garrett, Levon

Helm, Garth Hudson, Ben Keith, Harry Lookofsky, Richard Manuel, Buggsy Maugh, Geoff Muldaur, Billy Mundi, Bob

Neuwirth, Joe Newman, Mac Rebennack, David Sanborn, Herman Shertzer, John Simon, N.D. Smart II and John Till.

Recorded at Bearsville Sound Studio, New York (near Woodstock). Produced by Bobby Charles, Rick Danko & John Simon.

Engineer: Mark Harmon. Also recorded by Beth McKee on her 2009 Bobby Charles tribute album I’m That Way. Pic below

is from 1972.

I don’t care if you take

Everything I have away

That’s all right

I don’t mind

And I don’t care if you find

A new love down the line

That’s all right

I don’t mind

I’m that way

I’m not gonna sit around

And sing the blues

I’m gonna walk right out that door

And find me something new

And I don’t care how you feel

About what you think is real

That’s all right

I don’t mind

And I don’t care what you say

You can go or you can stay

That’s still all right

I don’t mind

I’m that way

I’m not gonna sit around

And sing the blues

I’m gonna walk right out that door

And find me someone new

And I don’t care how you feel

About what you think is real

That’s all right

I don’t mind

And I don’t care what you say

You can go or you can stay

That’s still all right, mama

I don’t mind

I’m that way

Oh yeah

48

I MUST BE IN A GOOD PLACE NOW (1972)

(Bobby Charles) First issued August 1972 on the Bearsville album No. 2104 - BOBBY CHARLES. Details in regard to each

track are unknown but the album musicians comprise: Bobby Charles, Jim Colegrove, Rick Danko, Amos Garrett, Levon

Helm, Garth Hudson, Ben Keith, Harry Lookofsky, Richard Manuel, Buggsy Maugh, Geoff Muldaur, Billy Mundi, Bob

Neuwirth, Joe Newman, Mac Rebennack, David Sanborn, Herman Shertzer, John Simon, N.D. Smart II and John Till.

Recorded at Bearsville Sound Studio, New York (near Woodstock). Produced by Bobby Charles, Rick Danko & John Simon.

Engineer: Mark Harmon.

In 1977 Fred Neil recorded this song for a prospective album for the Just Sunshine label that has never seen the

light of day. The tapes are believed to still be in the CBS vaults. The recording was made at October-December 1977 The

Bayshore Studios, Miami, FL.

Shannon McNally included a recording of this song on her 2013 album Small Town Talk - The Songs of Bobby

Charles. The backing band included Dr. John and the Lower 911 Band. Actually recorded December 2007. Bobby Charles

(present at the recording sessions held at Dockside Studios, Maurice, LA), Dr. John as well as Shannon selected the songs

for the album.

Wild apple trees blooming all around

I must be in a good place now

Sunshine coming through

A rainbow coloured sky

Paints pretty pictures in my mind

Oh what a good day to go fishing

And catch the sunset in the hills

And dream of my yesterdays and tomorrows

And hope that you’ll be with me still

Saw a butterfly and named it after you

Your name has such a pleasant sound

Love is all around and all I see is you

I must be in a good place now

Oh what a good day to go fishing

And catch the sunset in the hills

And dream of my yesterdays and tomorrow

And hope that you’ll be with me still

I saw a butterfly and I named it after you

Your name has such a pleasant sound

Love is all around and all I see is you

I must be in a good place now

I must be in a good place now

I’M WALKING OUT TODAY (????)

(Bobby Charles) - as yet unreleased

I REMEMBER WHEN (1984)

(Bobby Charles) First featured on the 1994 album WISH YOU WERE HERE RIGHT NOW; later again included on 2004’s

LAST TRAIN TO MEMPHIS. Bobby Charles (vocals); Willie Nelson (guest vocals); Willie Nelson and Neil Young (acoustic

guitars); Jody Payne (electric guitar); Ben Keith (steel guitar); Steve Bruton (mandolin); Mickey Raphael (harmonica); Rufus

Thibodeaux (fiddle); Bee Spears (bass); Billy English (drums).

I remember when

You said you missed me

And you kissed me

All night long

And I remember when

You said you’d love me

Always love me

All life long

And I remember when

You promised me you’d never ever

Leave me all alone

And I remember when

Too often, way too often

For my own good

I remember when

49

You said you missed me

And you kissed me

All night long

And I remember when

You said you’d love me

Always love me

All life long

And I remember when

You promised me you’d never ever

Leave me all alone

And I remember when

Too often, way too often

For my own good

I SAW A TEARDROP (????)

(Bobby Charles) Details not known/unreleased.

I SPENT ALL MY MONEY LOVING YOU (1999)

(Bobby Charles) First included on LAST TRAIN TO MEMPHIS (2004). Musicians: Bobby Charles (vocal); Sonny Landreth

(electric slide guitar); Sam Broussard (electric guitar); George Bitzer (piano/B# Hammond organ); Brian Brignac (drums);

David Hyde (bass); Jon Smith (tenor sax); Jerry Embree (baritone sax); Marshall Cyr (trumpet). Actually first recorded by

Jerry Jeff Walker on his 1978 album Contrary To Ordinary. Also recorded by Beth McKee on her 2009 Bobby Charles tribute

album I’m That Way.

Shannon McNally included a recording of this song on her 2013 album Small Town Talk - The Songs of Bobby

Charles. The backing band included Dr. John and the Lower 911 Band. Actually recorded December 2007. Bobby Charles

(present at the recording sessions held at Dockside Studios, Maurice, LA), Dr. John as well as Shannon selected the songs

for the album.

I spent all my money lovin’ you

Like a fool, a crazy fool

I spent all my time being true

Like a fool, spent it all on you

Wined you and dined you, seven nights a week

Bought you diamonds for your fingers, and laid freedom at your feet

I gave you all the precious love, I had inside of me

And we were doing fine, when we ran out of wine

I spent my money lovin’ you

Like a fool, a crazy fool

And I spent all my time being true

Like a fool, spent it all on you

I bought you what you wanted, nothing but the best

I’d deprive myself of lots of things, I wanted for myself

I’m the one who opened up your door, and showed you the way

We were doing great, till we ran out of cake

I spent my money lovin’ you

Like a fool, a crazy fool

And I spend all my time being blue

Like a fool, spent it all on you

50

IT ALL COMES BACK (1973)

(Bobby Charles) Recorded by Paul Butterfield’s Better Days for their album It All Comes Back, released on the Bearsville

label. Musicians include: Paul Butterfield, Geoff Muldaur, Ronnie Barron, Christopher Parker, Billy Rich, Amos Garrett,

Howard Johnson (horns), Bobby Charles (vocals), Bobbye Hall (congas), Maria Muldaur (vocals).

You got yours

I got mine

You feel bad

I feel fine

I got love

You got blues

You had me, child

Now I’ve got you

It all comes back

It all comes back

Be careful what you say and what you do

It all comes back

It all comes back

Someday it all comes back to you

You laughed at me

You made me cry

You took my love

And said goodbye

I got found

You got lost

You’ve had your dance

I paid the cost

It all comes back

It all comes back

Be careful what you say or what you do

It all comes back

It all comes back

Someday it all comes back to you

You laughed at me

You made me cry

Took my love

Said goodbye

But I got found

You got lost

You’ve had your dance

Paid the cost

It all comes back

It all comes back

Be careful what you say or what you do

It all comes back

It all comes back

Someday it all comes back to you

It all comes back

It all comes back

Be careful what you say or what you do (oh yeah)

It all comes back (yes it does now)

It all comes back

Someday it all comes back to you

It all comes back

It all comes back

Be careful what you say or what you do

51

It all comes back (yes it does now)

It all comes back

Someday it all comes back to you

It all comes back

It all comes back

Be careful what you say or what you do

It all comes back (pretty bad, pretty baby)

It all comes back

Someday it all comes back to you (oh yeah!)

It all comes back

It all comes back……..

IT KEEPS RAININ’ aka IT KEEPS RAININ’ (TEARS FROM MY EYES) (1961)

(Robert Guidry/Fats Domino/Dave Bartholomew) Recorded by Fats Domino on Imperial 5753, and in the UK on London

HLP-9374, as the B-side of "I Just Cry". It was covered by Bitty McLean in 1993 becoming a chart success in Europe and New Zealand.

It keeps rainin’ and rainin’

Tears from my eyes

Since you gone

All I do is cry

Won't somebody help me

Somebody help me

Can't you see

That my baby done left me

She left me reelin’ and rockin’

Walkin’ the floor

She left a note last night

She won't be back no more

It keeps rainin’ and rainin’

Tears from my eyes

Since you gone

All I do is cry

Won't somebody help me

Somebody help me

Can't you see

That my baby done left me

She left me reelin’ and rockin’

Walkin’ the floor

She left a note last night

She won't be back no more

I WANT TO BE A MOVIE STAR

(Bobby Charles) Recorded by Clarence “Frogman” Henry for his 1961 album You Always Hurt The One You Love.

I wanna be a, movie star

Make a lot of pictures and travel far

Take you ridin’ in my big new car

Wooo-oooo

We could be a Cajun down in Spain

We can even buy a real, choo choo train

I take you ridin’ in my jet airplane

Wooo-oooo

We could take a trip ‘round the world

I buy you a diamond bracelet and real pearls

If you promise you’ll always be my girl

Wooo-oooo

We could even visit the UN

I’m sure that you could make a lot of boyfriends

52

When we’re through we start all over again

Wooo-oooo

I wanna be a, movie star

Make a lot of pictures and travel far

Take you ridin’ in my big new car

Wooo-oooo

We can even visit the UN

I’m sure that you can make a lot of boyfriends

When we’re through we start all over again

Wooo-oooo

I WANT TO BE THE ONE (1984)

(Bobby Charles) First released on WISH YOU WERE HERE RIGHT NOW (1994) and included on LAST TRAIN TO

MEMPHIS (2004). Bobby Charles (vocals); Neil Young (acoustic guitar); Jody Payne (electric guitar); Ben Keith (steel

guitar); Mickey Raphael (harmonica); Bee Spears (bass); Billy English (drums).

I wanna be the one

Who makes you laugh and keeps you happy all the time

I wanna be the one

When you get lonesome I’m the only one on your mind

Well I wanna be the one

That you wake up in the early morning with

And greet me with a kiss

I wanna be the one

And I wanna be the one

The only one that you will ever love again

And always be your friend

I wanna be the one

I wanna be the one

The only one that you will ever love again

And always be your friend

I wanna be the one

And I wanna be the one

When you want some lovin’ I’ll be right there by your side

Lovin’ you to cry

I wanna be the one

Well I wanna be the one

I wanna be the one

Oh I wanna be the one

Baby let me be the one

Oh I need to be the one

God please please let me be the one

I wanna be the one

I wanna….

I WAS LYING (????)

(Bobby Charles) - remains unreleased. Any further info welcome.

53

I WONDER (1979)

(Bobby Charles) First released on 2004’s LAST TRAIN TO MEMPHIS. Bobby Charles (vocals); Fred Carter, Jr. & Jerry

McEwen (electric guitar); Leo Jackson, Jr. & Jody Maphis (acoustic guitar); William Rainsford (piano); Karl Himmel (drums);

Charles Chappelear (bass). Produced by Bobby Charles.

Lately I find, for some reason

You’re always on my mind, and for some reason

You’re so hard to find, when I want you

And I wonder, I wonder, I wonder

Sometimes late at night, I toss and turn

Until the early morning light, I wanna see you

But you’re nowhere in sight, and I can’t reach you

And I wonder, I wonder, I wonder

Love comes and goes way too easy

You think I would know

But all I know, it keeps me wondering

Wondering, wondering

I’m so glad to see, somebody make it

And I’m so glad to be, I can’t take it

And I need you so bad, that it’s killing me

And I wonder, I wonder, I wonder

Do do do do……..

Love comes and goes way too easy

You think I would know

But all I know, it keeps me wondering

Wondering, wondering

Wondering, wondering, wondering

Wondering, wondering, wondering

Do do do……

54

J_____________________________________________

JEALOUS KIND, THE aka JEALOUS KIND (Recording date unknown; re-recorded 1974 and 1993)

(Bobby Charles) First recorded by Clarence “Frogman” Henry in 1961 but covered numerous times, the most well-known

version is by Delbert McClinton. Bobby re-recorded it in 1974 and 1993. The 1974 version was first released on the Rhino

Handmade 3-CD set BOBBY CHARLES DELUXE (2011). Musicians on the 1993 version, first released on WISH YOU

WERE HERE RIGHT NOW (1994) include: Bobby Charles (vocal); Sonny Landreth (solo) and Bobby Broussard (electric

guitars); Joe Krown (keyboards); David Hyde (bass); David Peters (drums); Elaine & Lisa Foster and Erica Falls

(background vocals).

1974 version

Don’t be angry, if I seem rude, each time we meet

Someone that you once knew, that used to be, so close to you

It’s just that I’m so afraid, someone might steal you away, I’d lose my mind

And I can’t help myself, the way I feel sometimes, I guess I’m the jealous kind

It was all right, when I first met you, I didn’t mind

But now things have changed, I’m not the same, and now I find

I want you all to myself, don’t wanna share you with, nobody else

You must forgive me for, the way I act sometimes, guess I’m the jealous kind

If you only, knew much it hurts, to hear you say

How you can’t forget, that before we met, those were the good old days

Why must you hurt me so, I can’t take it no more, and I really tried

And I can’t help myself, the way I feel sometimes, guess I’m the jealous kind

1993 version

Don’t be angry, if I seem rude, each time we meet

Someone that you once knew, that you say used to be, so close to you

It’s just that I’m so afraid, someone might steal you away, I’d lose my mind

You must forgive me for, the things I say sometimes, guess I’m the jealous kind

It was all right, when I first met you, I didn’t mind

But now things have changed, I’m not the same, and now I find

I want you all to myself, don’t wanna share you with, nobody else

And I can’t help myself, the way I act sometimes, guess I’m the jealous kind

If you only, knew much it hurts, to hear you say

How you can’t forget, that before we met, those were the good old days

Why must you hurt me so, I can’t take it no more, and I really tried

And baby I know that you don’t like it, and I try so hard to hide it, but I’m the jealous kind

And baby I know that you don’t like it, and I try so hard to hide it, but I’m the jealous kind

Oh baby I know that you don’t like it, and I try so hard to hide it, but I’m the jealous kind

JOE (1969)

(Bobby Charles) Recorded by Dale Hawkins on the 1969 album (re-issued 2006) L.A., Memphis & Tyler, Texas.

Been in the country too long, Joe

It’s time to get out and see the world

You can’t learn nothing while you’re sleeping, Joe

And there’s so much that you ought to know

All of your friends have turned their backs on you

They won’t even give you a chance

But you don’t have to sit there and take it, Joe

Get out and prove to yourself that you are a man

Go on - life’s too short as it is, man

So live or love it, that you can, man

Make up your mind, do it, Joe

It’s easy and I know you can

Yes you can, yes you can

Some people like to play games with love on mind

But they just, they don’t understand - no they don’t

A man has got to live his own life, Joe

He can’t be happy with life that someone else planned

So take my advice and listen please

55

Nobody is put down here to stay

And no one’s any better than you are, Joe

So go on out and start to live your life that way

I’ve been the same, so hard to find

It’s only a state of mind

Let me tell you, let me tell ya, you ain’t no different, Joe

So do it while you still have time

Happiness ain’t so hard to find

It’s only a state of mind

Let no one tell you any different, Joe

Go on and do it while you still got some time

JUST MY BABY AND ME (1961)

(Bobby Charles) Recorded by Clarence “Frogman” Henry on a single (Argo 5378), the B-side of ‘But I Do’ and appears on

the 1961 album You Always Hurt The One You Love.

Just my baby and me

We’re so glad to be

In each other’s arms

Sharing each other’s charms

Just my baby and me

We’s as close as can be

Cupid gave us a shove

We’re so happy in love

When night time comes I hurry down

Down to her front door

We start to kiss and reminisce

And I’m in heaven once more

This time I’m in love

I’m really in love

I’ve got all I need

My little baby and me

When night time comes I hurry down

Down to her front door

We start to kiss and reminisce

And I’m in heaven once more

This time I’m in love

I’m really in love

I’ve got all I need

My little baby and me

My little baby and me

My little baby and me

My little baby and me

My little baby and me

56

K____________________________________________

KEEP COOKIN’ MAMA (1974)

(Bobby Charles) First issued on disc 2 of the Rhino Handmade 3-CD box set BOBBY CHARLES DELUXE (2011).

Keep cookin’ mama

Keep cookin’ all day long

Keep cookin’ mama

Keep cookin’ all day long

You know your cookin’ smells so good

I could smell my way back home

Keep cookin’ mama

Cook me something good to eat

Keep cookin’ mama

Cook me something good to eat

Won’t you cook me up some lovin’

And bring it all right here to me

Just red beans and rice

Some chicken dumplings too

But when you cook some lovin’

The seasoning is you

Keep cookin’ mama

Keep cookin’ all night long

You know your cookin’ taste so good

Makes my love for you so strong

Keep cookin’ mama

Keep cookin’ round the clock

Keep cookin’ mama

Keep cookin’ round the clock

You know the day that you stop cookin’

That’s the day my heart will stop

57

L_____________________________________________

LA-LA LA-LA (1969)

(Bobby Charles) Recorded by Dale Hawkins on the album L.A., Memphis & Tyler, Texas. We do not know of any recording

by Bobby Charles.

You can’t force someone to love you

You can’t buy the love you need

You gotta wait until it happens

And it’s gotta come, naturally

Look at all those lonely people

Who have tried it once before

They suffered pain and lots of heartaches

And I know, they know the score

You can’t buy happiness with your money

Not the kind that will last

You must have patience with your heart

Then surely love will come to pass

La-la la-la la-la-la

La-la-la-la-la-la

La-la-la-la-la-la

La-la la-la la-la-la

La-la-la-la-la-la

La-la-la-la-la-la

La-la-la

La-la-la

You can be sure of what I’m sayin’

I’ve had the same thing happen too

I’ve loved and lost; I’ve suffered pain and heartaches

Just like the others too

And then I found someone to love me

With a love like nothin’ else

She only lives to make me happy

So I keep her for myself

La-la la-la la-la-la

La-la-la-la-la-la

La-la-la-la-la-la

La-la la-la la-la-la

La-la-la-la-la-la

La-la-la-la-la-la

La-la-la

La-la-la

La-la la-la la-la-la

La-la-la-la-la-la

La-la-la-la-la-la

La-la la-la la-la-la

La-la-la-la-la-la

La-la-la-la-la-la

La-la-la

La-la-la

58

LAND GRAB (2008)

(Bobby Charles/Mac Rebennack - aka Dr. John) Recorded as part of the album City That Care Forgot with Dr. John and

The Lower 911. The album was put together three years after Hurricane Katrina which in 2005 flooded large areas of New

Orleans. Five of the tracks were co-composed by Dr. John and Bobby Charles. Other artists playing include Eric Clapton

and Willie Nelson. Malcolm John Rebennack Jr. (Dr. John) 20

th

November 1941 - 6

th

June 2019.

(Land grab)

(Land grab)

(Land grab)

The biggest land grab since Columbus

Started just snatching this land from the skins

In the twenty-first century

Some men behind closed doors

Started doing the same thing - all over again

Push us off our land to the Gulf of Mexico

Lord I want all y’all to know

Without our wetlands we are hurtin’

And I’m gonna tell ya, it’s Cheney and Halliburton

(Land grab)

(Land grab)

(Land grab)

(Land grab)

(Land grab)

(Land grab)

We are the land of bayous, swamps and rivers

Water shift-shape this land

Lord it’s been doin’ that forever

Big corporations got our wildlife an’ culture threatened

Can’t you see, they don’t want us all, all together

This country’s roots go down that muddy Mississippi

Connecting the world as it should be

Great father of waters, skins said it right

They want to see that three-mile limit gone

Lord we got to fight

Land grab

(Land grab)

It ain’t your way or my way that they just let it blow

(Land grab)

It’s just that hurricane highway, lord that we call Mister Geaux

(Land grab)

Ninth ward and the Saint Bernard

Like H-bombs fell in our front yard

(Land grab)

Terrebonne, Vermillion, Lafourche, Cameron

So much our state, Lord, is already gone

(Land grab)

Lord can’t you see what they’re doin’

Hey hey

59

LAST TRAIN TO MEMPHIS #1 (1998)

(Bobby Charles) Appears on the album LAST TRAIN TO MEMPHIS (2004). Recorded at Dockside Studio, Maurice, LA .,1

st

March 1998. Bobby Charles (vocals); Sonny Landreth (electric slide guitar); Sam Broussard (acoustic guitar); Phil Chandler

(keyboards); David Peters (drums); David Hyde (bass); Delbert McClinton (harmonica & background vocals). Also recorded

by Beth McKee on her 2009 Bobby Charles tribute album I’m That Way.

All aboard … last train to Memphis ….

Last train to Memphis

You’d better get on board

If you wanna see where the King rests in peace

But he lives in the house of the Lord

Him and his songs, will always belong

Like the church ‘neath the steeple

The King is gone, but he still lives on

In the heart of the people

Last train to Memphis

You ought to take that ride

Feel something new, that you never knew

Existed in you deep inside

Believe me when I say when you walk away

Tears’ll fill your eyes

An’ you can bet that you’ll never forget

It’ll stay with you the rest of your life

Last train to Memphis

The Memphis, Tennessee Eagle

The King is gone, but he still lives on

Deep in the heart of the people

Last train to Memphis

The Memphis, Tennessee Eagle

The King is gone but he still lives on

Deep in the heart of the people

Last train to Memphis

Last train to Memphis (come on boy)

Last train to Memphis (ahw - get on)

Last train to Memphis (whoo)

Last train to Memphis

Last train to Memphis

Last train to Memphis (get on board)…

60

LAST TRAIN TO MEMPHIS #2 (1998)

(Bobby Charles/Levon Helm & The Band) Bobby Charles sent 'Last Train to Memphis' to Levon Helm, who added some

verses and gave it a real party feel. It is as much about Beale Street and the Cotton Festival as it is about Elvis Presley. It

appears on The Band’s album Jubilation. Bobby Charles joins in on vocals and percussion. Jubilation was recorded in

Levon Helm's Woodstock barn in the spring of 1998, and released by River North Records on 15

th

September. Eric Clapton

plays slide guitar on ‘Last Train To Memphis.’

Mark Lavon "Levon" Helm, 26

th

May 1940 - 19

th

April 2012.

Whoo whoooo .. all aboard .. last train to Memphis ..

Well it's the last train to Memphis

Ride the Tennessee Eagle

A lonesome whistle in the night

Echoes off the river

Take the last train to Memphis

Get the southbound Eagle

The King is gone but he still lives on

Deep in the heart of the people

Take the last train to Memphis

We gonna have a real good time

Memphis sits on top of the river

Right on the Arkansas line

Take the last train to Memphis

Put on your dancin' shoes

They got a lot of good music in Memphis

That's why she's the home of the blues

Ride the Eagle

Get on board

Ride the Eagle all night long

Next stop Graceland's door

Ride the Eagle

Get on board

Cross the Arkansas border by midnight

Next stop Graceland's door

It's the last train to Memphis

Ride the Tennessee Eagle

Memphis in May where we sing and we

play

Party down with the people

Take the last train to Memphis

You better get on board

If you wanna see where the King come from

When he was a little boy

Take the last train to Memphis

Ride the Tennessee Eagle

The King is gone but he still lives on

Deep in the heart of the people

Ride the Eagle

Get on board

Ride the Eagle all night long

Next stop Graceland's door

Ride the Eagle

Get on board

Cross the Arkansas border by midnight

Next stop Graceland's door

Ride the Eagle

Get on board

Ride the Eagle

Get on board

61

THE DELTA EAGLE

"The Delta Eagle" was proclaimed to be "the Shortest full - sized streamliner to

ever see regular service on a U.S. railroad" at its inception of service on 11

th

May

1941. The train operated on Missouri Pacific trackage from Memphis, TN to

Tallulah, LA. After leaving Memphis and crossing the Mississippi River on the

Harahan Bridge, the train headed south - south-westerly into Arkansas with some

of the major stops being Marianna, Helena, Lakeview, McGehee, Lake Village

and finally Tallulah, Louisiana which was not far from Vicksburg, MS. Helena, the

largest city on the route, was on a branch and a back-up move was required, in

each direction, to access this city located on the Mississippi River. This was a

259 mile route and this little streamliner covered the timing in 6 hours and 45

minutes.

Last train to Memphis

Last train to Memphis

Last train to Memphis

Last train to Memphis

Ride the Eagle

Get on board

Ride the Eagle

LATER ALLIGATOR aka SEE YOU LATER ALLIGATOR (1955)

(Bobby Charles) First released on the Chess label. Subsequently made world-famous as ‘See You Later Alligator’ by Bill

Haley and his Comets. Re-recorded by Bobby Charles in 1992 and 2001 as ‘See You Later Alligator’ and retaining the

original Cajun rhythm. Among many other artists it was also recorded by Beth McKee on her 2009 Bobby Charles tribute

album I’m That Way. The lyrics of various versions differ slightly - below is the original.

1955 Version

Well I saw my baby walkin'

With another man today

Well I saw my baby walkin'

With another man today

When I asked her "What's the matter?"

This is what I heard her say

See you later alligator

After 'while, crocodile

See you later alligator

After 'while, crocodile

Can't you see you're in my way now

Don't you know you cramp my style

When I thought of what she told me

Nearly made me lose my head

When I thought of what she told me

Nearly made me lose my head

But the next time that I saw her

Reminded her what she said

See you later alligator

After 'while, crocodile

See you later alligator

After 'while, crocodile

Can't you see you're in my way now

Don't you know you cramp my style

She said, "I'm sorry, pretty daddy

You know my love is just for you"

She said, "I'm sorry, pretty daddy

You know my love is just for you

Won't you say that you'll forgive me

And say you still love me true"

I said, "Wait a minute, 'gator

I know you meant it just to play"

I said, "Wait a minute, 'gator

I know you meant it just to play

But you know you really hurt me

And this is what I have to say"

See you later alligator

After 'while, crocodile

See you later alligator

After 'while, crocodile

Can't you see you're in my way now

Don't you know you cramp my style

62

LAURA LEE (1956)

(Bobby Charles/Paul Gayten) Recorded in August 1956 in New Orleans and released as Chess 1638 b/w ‘No Use

Knockin’’. Musicians: Lee Allen (tenor sax), Red Tyler (baritone sax), Edward Frank and/or Gayten (piano), Edward

Blanchard (guitar), Frank Fields (bass) and Charles ‘Hungry’ Williams (drums).

I’ve got a girl, my pride and joy

When she loves, boy oh boy

Her kiss, her squeeze, really knocks me on my knees

She’s my sweet, little Laura Lee

She’s in all, of my dreams

She’s my one, and only queen

She’s the one I love, sent from heaven above

She’s my sweet, little Laura Lee

She’s got eyes, that shine so bright

Just like stars, moonlit night

She a peach, oo-wee, she’s something to see

She my sweet, little Laura Lee

She loves me, yes I know

And I’ll never let her go

She’s so fine, real fine, she stays on my mind

She’s my sweet, little Laura Lee

LEGEND OF JOLIE BLONDE, THE (1999)

(Bobby Charles) First released on LAST TRAIN TO MEMPHIS (2004). Bobby Charles (vocals); Geoff Muldaur (acoustic

guitar & background vocals); Martin Simpson (slide acoustic guitar); Pat Breaux (accordion); Rufus Thibodeaux (fiddle);

David Hyde (bass).

Jolie Blonde with eyes the colour of emeralds

And lips that taste like sweet Champaign wine

From the very first time that I saw you

I always dreamed you’d be mine

Jolie Blonde, you dance like an angel

You look like a vision, a sweet dream come true

And I know you belong to another

Jolie Blonde, my heart aches for you

Jolie Blonde, if I had a lock of your golden hair

I’d keep it forever, take it with me everywhere

Jolie Blonde, you smell like a flower

You sweeten the air, wherever you walk

And the sound of your voice, is music to me

You’re the belle of my heart, Jolie Blonde

Jolie Blonde, if I had a lock of your golden hair

I’d keep it forever, take it with me everywhere

Jolie Blonde, I know that I’ll never forget you

I guess I knew from the start

I know I know, you don’t even know me

Jolie Blonde, you’re the queen of my heart

63

LES CHAMPS ÉLYSÉES! (1987)

(Bobby Charles) Originally recorded for the album CLEAN WATER. Bobby Charles (vocals); Joe Allen (bass); Joey Miskulin

(accordion); Mike Elliott (guitars & bouzouki); Kenny Malone (percussion). Re-released on the albums SECRETS OF THE

HEART (1998) and LAST TRAIN TO MEMPHIS (2003).

Les femmes sont jolies sur les Champs Élysées

Et vous donnent des envies sur les Champs Élysées

L’amour est une danse, sur les Champs Élysées

Allons, danser, sur les Champs Élysées

La, la, la, la, la, la, la, la

La, la, la, la, la, la, la, la

La, la, la, la, la, la, la, la

La, la, la, la, la, la, la, la

L’amour est perdu, sur les Champs Élysées

L’amour est trouvé, sur les Champs Élysées

L’amour c’est du bon temps sur les Champs Élysées

Vive le bon temps, sur les Champs Élysées

La, la, la, la, la, la, la, la

La, la, la, la, la, la, la, la

La, la, la, la, la, la, la, la

La, la, la, la, la, la, la, la

L’amour c’est une fleur, sur les Champs Élysées

L’amour vient du cœur, sur les Champs Élysées

L’amour c’est la vie, sur les Champs Élysées

Vive l’amour, sur les Champs Élysées

La, la, la, la, la, la, la, la

La, la, la, la, la, la, la, la

La, la, la, la, la, la, la, la

La, la, la, la, la, la, la, la

LET YOURSELF GO aka LET YOURSELF GO (COME ON) (1972)

(Bobby Charles) First issued August 1972 on the Bearsville album No. 2104 - BOBBY CHARLES. Details in regard to each

track are unknown but the album musicians comprise: Bobby Charles, Jim Colegrove, Rick Danko, Amos Garrett, Levon

Helm, Garth Hudson, Ben Keith, Harry Lookofsky, Richard Manuel, Buggsy Maugh, Geoff Muldaur, Billy Mundi, Bob

Neuwirth, Joe Newman, Mac Rebennack, David Sanborn, Herman Shertzer, John Simon, N.D. Smart II and John Till.

Recorded at Bearsville Sound Studio, New York (near Woodstock). Produced by Bobby Charles, Rick Danko & John Simon.

Engineer: Mark Harmon.

Also recoded by Amy Lavere in 2011 for the Stranger Me album.

Come on

And lay down right here beside me

Come on

And lay your brown body right next to mine

Do all your tricks

That drive me right out my mind

I don’t wanna see no one

No-one but you

And I don’t wanna do nothin’

But make love to you

And no-one’s gotta know

But just me and you

Come on

And lay your sweet lovin’ on me

Come on, little girl

And make me know I’m a man

Let yourself go

Don’t be ashamed

Your mama oughtta know

That you ain’t no child

Cover me with kisses

Make me quiver inside

Let yourself go

64

Be a woman tonight

Let yourself go

Be my woman tonight

LI’L CAJUN (1987)

(Bobby Charles) First appeared on the album CLEAN WATER. Bobby Charles (vocal); Joe Allen (bass); Bessel Duhon

(accordion); Wale Benson Landry (fiddle); Mike Elliot (guitar); Horgus Robbins (piano); synth drums programmed by Ben

Keith & Mike Elliot.

If you take away his good times

Then you’re cutting off his lifeline

And if the game is a gamble

The Li’l Cajun wants to play

And he loves his rice ‘n’ gravy

And to get a little crazy

And if you’re betting on a good time

The Li’l Cajun’s gonna rise

But he’s got-to have his gumbo, his go go, his deaux deaux

And it ain’t never too late

The Li’l Cajun’s motto is

Laissez Le Bon Ton Rouleé

Laissez Le Bon Ton Rouleé

Laissez Le Bon Ton Rouleé

It’s something in his soul

He’s got to zydeco

And let the good times roll

Let the good times roll

Let the good times roll

It’s something in his soul that he just can’t control

So let the good times roll

Ohhhh - let the good times roll

Let the good times roll

It’s something in his soul that he just can’t control

So let the good times roll

Yeah, let the good times roll

Let the good times roll

It’s something in his soul; he’s got to zydeco

Let the good times roll

Yea yea yea yea yea, let the good times roll

Let the good times roll

It’s something in his soul; he’s got to zydeco

And let the good times roll

Yea-eah

Yea…

Well I’m so happy my momma and my daddy made me a Li’l Cajun

I wouldn’t trade places with nobody I know

Yeah man

Yeah baby I love you, but I love my rice ‘n’ gravy

65

LI’L’ SISTER (1987)

(Bobby Charles) Recorded for the album CLEAN WATER. Bobby Charles (vocals); Mike Elliott (guitar bass); Terry

McMillan (percussion & harp); Bib Wilson & Larry Marshall (piano); Jim Horn & Wayne Jackson (horns); Ben Keith (slide

guitar).

Li’l’ sister is big trouble

As she was born to be

She’s a teaser, a crowd pleaser

Born wild and free

She a crazy li’l’ lady

Everybody knows

She’s got what it takes

And she takes it everywhere she goes

She’s a sinner, she’s a winner

The devil in disguise

She’s a thriller, she’s a killer

She fills you with desire

She’s a foxy li’l’ mama

Everybody knows

She’s got what it takes

And she takes it everywhere she goes

Li’l’ sister is a love

Lookin’ for a place to happen

And she happens to be looking

Everyplace for some love

She’s sweet, sweet love

She’s a natural built flirt

Make you turn your head

She’s a shaker, a heartbreaker

A mess in her bed

She’s a shady li’l’ lady

Everybody knows

She’s got what it takes

And she takes it everywhere she goes

She’s got what it takes

And she takes it everywhere she goes

LITTLE TOWN TRAMP (1974)

(Bobby Charles) First issued on disc 2 of the Rhino Handmade 3-CD box set BOBBY CHARLES DELUXE (2011).

She’s a girl of many faces

Which one will she wear today

Powder and paint, makes her what she ain’t

And she changes, from day to day

Her daddy was a well-respected man

Her mother played bridge six days a week

Her house was not a home, the maid never showed

The love that she needed

She started sleepin’ late on Sunday mornings

Slowly she lost all her faith

She quit goin’ to church, and to make the matters worse

She even forgot how to pray

She started runnin’ round with the wrong crowd

And you know how people love to talk

They scandalised her name, and she got all the blame

For things that were never her fault

They pushed her till she finally reached the point

Till now she just don’t give a damn

Her feelings can’t be fixed, the name they gave was gonna stick

They call her the little town tramp

66

LIVIN’ IN YOUR WORLD (1974)

(Bobby Charles) First issued on disc 2 of the Rhino Handmade 3-CD box set BOBBY CHARLES DELUXE (2011).

You want me to spend my time

Makin’ love and drinkin’ wine

With only you

Never goin’ nowhere

Never seein’ no one

Livin’ in your dream world, just for two

And you expect me to believe

You share your love

With no one else but me

Never kissin’ no one

Never missin’ no one

Livin’ in your world of make believe

And you think we could spend our days

Singing songs and dancin’ all the way

Never holdin’ no one

Never knowin’ no one

Livin’ in your world; your world away

La la la la la la la

La la la la la la la la la

La la la la la la

La la la la la la

La la la la la la la la la

And you think we could spend our days

Singing songs and dancin’ all the way

Never holdin’ no one

And never knowin’ no one

Livin’ in your world; your world away

Never kissin’ no one

Never missin’ no one

Livin’ in your world; your world away

Livin’ in your world; your world away

LONELY STREET (1956)

(Joey Biscoe aka Joey Bisco) Recorded December 1956 in New Orleans but not issued at the time. Musicians: Lee Allen

(tenor sax), Red Tyler (baritone sax), Edward Frank and/or Gayten (piano), Edward Blanchard (guitar), Frank Fields (bass)

and Charles ‘Hungry’ Williams (drums).

No kisses for me

No dreams tonight

For no one loves me

Or holds me tight

A broken romance

Now makes me weep

It makes me walk, walk, walk

Down this lonely street

This street of tears

That’s long and dark

Place which I roam

In broken heart

For my own stilled pride

Can’t wake from sleep

Like me you walk, walk, walk

Down this lonely street

You gave up our love

67

Just for his gold

Time will come you’ll find

His lips are cold

He’ll promise you love

But laugh down deep

He’ll then cause you

T’go down this lonely street

This street of tears

That’s long and dark

Place which I roam

In broken heart

For my own stilled pride

Can’t wake from sleep

Like me you walk, walk, walk

Down this lonely street

LONESOME CHRISTMAS (1986)

(Bobby Charles) Issued as a 45 rpm single on Rice ‘n’ Gravy Records (RG22139). Later included on the 2000 compilation

album Seasoned Greetings From Louisiana.

I wish you a very merry Christmas

And a very happy new year

And I hope that all your dreams are filled with sweetness

And just one of mine with no tears

I’ll have a lonesome Christmas without you

I’ll be so blue just thinking about you

And I know you’ll be all right

Without me by your side

I’ll have a lonesome Christmas, without you

And I hope that all of your days, are like snowflakes

Every one a little bit different, with no heartaches

And I know you’re doing fine

You know you’re always on my mind

I’ll have a lonesome Christmas, without you

I’ll have a lonesome Christmas, without you

I’ll be so blue just thinking about you

And I know you’ll be all right

Without me by your side

I’ll have a lonesome Christmas, without you

And I hope that all of your days, are like snowflakes

Every one a little bit different, with no heartaches

And I know you’re doing fine

You know you’re always on my mind

I’ll have a lonesome Christmas, without you

I’ll have a lonesome Christmas, without you

I’ll be so blue just thinking about you

And I know you’ll be all right

Without me by your side

I’ll have a lonesome Christmas, without you

I’ll have a lonesome Christmas, without you

Merry Christmas

68

LONG FACE (1972)

(Bobby Charles) First issued August 1972 on the Bearsville album No. 2104 - BOBBY CHARLES. Details in regard to each

track are unknown but the album musicians comprise: Bobby Charles, Jim Colegrove, Rick Danko, Amos Garrett, Levon

Helm, Garth Hudson, Ben Keith, Harry Lookofsky, Richard Manuel, Buggsy Maugh, Geoff Muldaur, Billy Mundi, Bob

Neuwirth, Joe Newman, Mac Rebennack, David Sanborn, Herman Shertzer, John Simon, N.D. Smart II and John Till.

Recorded at Bearsville Sound Studio, New York (near Woodstock). Produced by Bobby Charles, Rick Danko & John Simon.

Engineer: Mark Harmon.

Shannon McNally included a recording of this song on her 2013 album Small Town Talk - The Songs of Bobby

Charles. The backing band included Dr. John and the Lower 911 Band. Actually recorded December 2007. Bobby Charles

(present at the recording sessions held at Dockside Studios, Maurice, LA), Dr. John as well as Shannon selected the songs

for the album.

You got a long face

Your head’s in the wrong place

But I can help you

Find it if you want

You mustn’t jive me

You mustn’t deprive me

You gotta gimme all of the love I want

I don’t want the kind

Who thinks she’s fine

And all she needs is lust

I want one that can clean up, love and cook

You mustn’t tease me

You gotta please me

‘Cause things ain’t gonna work out if you don’t

Don’t try to fool me

And don’t try to rule me

You gotta give me all of the love I want

I don’t wanna hear about the places

You could be right now

I could also be someplace else

And I don’t wanna hear about the good times

That you used to have

‘Cause just like you, I had a few myself

You got a long face

Your head’s in the wrong place

And I can help you, find it if you want

You mustn’t jive me

You mustn’t deprive me

You gotta give me all of the love I want

You gotta give me all of the love I want

You gotta give me all of the love I want

LOST WITHOUT YOU (1962)

(Bobby Charles) Recorded by Clarence “Frogman” Henry - the B-side of his ‘Dream Myself A Sweetheart’ on ARC 5414.

Also on various CDs.

We used to walk hand in hand in the moonlight

We used to take two hours just to kiss goodnight

We used to have sweet dreams about a little home

But now it’s a different song

‘Cause we don’t take a walk in the moonlight no more

No we don’t talk about the things we talked before

And we don’t do the things that we used to do

I’m so lost without you

We used to take my old jalopy and go to town

We used to buy a dollar gas and ride all around

We used to sneak a few kisses in the picture show

But that was long ago

69

‘Cause we don’t take the car and go to town no more

No we don’t ever make it to the picture show

And we don’t do the things that we used to do

I’m so lost without you

We used to walk hand in hand in the moonlight

We used to take two hours just to kiss goodnight

We used to have sweet dreams about a little home

But now it’s a different song

‘Cause we don’t take a walk in the moonlight no more

And we don’t talk about the things we talked before

And we don’t do the things that we used to do

I’m so lost without you

‘Cause we don’t take a walk in the moonlight no more

And we don’t talk about the things we talked before

And we don’t do the things that we used to do…….

LOVE IN THE WORST DEGREE (1987)

(Bobby Charles) First appeared on the album CLEAN WATER. Bobby Charles (vocals); Jackie Street (bass); Mike Elliot

(guitars); Horgus Robbins (piano); Ben Keith (harmony); Ben Keith (slide guitar); sync drums programmed by Ben Keith &

Mike Elliot. Re-released on the albums SECRETS OF THE HEART (1998) and LAST TRAIN TO MEMPHIS (2004).

Shannon McNally included a recording of this song on her 2013 album Small Town Talk - The Songs of Bobby

Charles. The backing band included Dr. John and the Lower 911 Band. Actually recorded December 2007. Bobby Charles

(present at the recording sessions held at Dockside Studios, Maurice, LA), Dr. John as well as Shannon selected the songs

for the album.

I’ve been up, I’ve been down

I’ve been lost, I’ve been found

I’ve been in and out of love all my life

Just when I thought I was finally free

I fell in the worst degree

Fell in love in the worst degree

Fell in love in the worst degree

Not the third or the second

Not even the first

Fell in love in the worst degree

Just when I thought I was doing just fine

And everything was coming my way

Well it was coming my way alright

But I didn’t know

That I would carry it to my grave

I fell in love in the worst degree

Fell in love in the worst degree

Not the third or the second

Not even the first

I fell in love in the worst degree

Well I was havin’ a ball, I was doing alright

I had a different one every night

Then like a bolt of lightning

Like a magic spell

It touched me for the rest of my life

I fell in love in the worst degree

Fell in love in the worst degree

Not the third or the second

Not even the first

I fell in love in the worst degree

Now love can be heaven - love can be hell

Love can be the life

Just when I thought

I was heavenly bound

I fell in hell for the rest of my life

70

I fell in love in the worst degree

Fell in love in the worst degree

Not the third or the second

Not even the first

I fell in love in the worst degree

Fell in love in the worst degree

Fell in love in the worst degree

Not the third or the second

Not even the first

I fell in love in the worst degree

LOVESICK BLUES (1961)

(Hank Williams) Recorded March 1961 at Cosimo Recording Studios, New Orleans but unreleased at the time. It can now

be found on the 2010 Bear Family CD BOBBY CHARLES - SEE YOU LATER ALIGATOR. Hiram King "Hank" Williams 17

th

September 1923 - 1

st

January 1953.

I got a feelin' called the blues

Oh Lord, since my baby said goodbye

Lord I don't know what I'll do

All I do is sit and sigh

That last long day she said goodbye

Well Lord I thought I would die

She'll do me, she'll do you, she's got that kinda lovin'

Lord I love to hear her when she calls me sweet daddy

Such a beautiful dream

I hate to think it's all over

I've lost my heart it seems

I've grown so used of you somehow

Well I'm nobody's sugar daddy now

And I'm lonesome

I got the lovesick blues

Well I'm in love, I'm in love with a beautiful gal

That's what's the matter with me

Yes, I'm in love, I'm in love with a beautiful gal

But she don't care about me

Well I've tried and I've tried to keep her satisfied

But she just wouldn't stay

So now that she is leavin' me, this is all I can say

I've got a feelin' called the blues

Oh Lord, since my baby said goodbye

Lord I don't know what I'll do

All I do is sit and sigh

That last long day she said goodbye

Well Lord I thought I would die

She'll do me, she'll do you, she's got that kinda lovin'

Lord I love to hear her when she calls me sweet daddy

Such a beautiful dream

I hate to think it all over

I've lost my heart, it seems

I've grown so used of you somehow

Well I'm nobody's sugar daddy now

And I'm lonesome

I got the lovesick blues

71

M____________________________________________

MARDI GRAS SONG, THE (1993)

(Bobby Charles) First released on 1994’s WISH YOU WERE HERE RIGHT NOW. Also appears on the album HOMEMADE

SONGS (2008). Bobby Charles (vocal); Sonny Landreth and Bobby Broussard (electric guitar); Joe Krown (keyboards);

David Hyde (bass); Bobby Campo (percussion); David Peters (drums).Jon Smith (tenor sax); Marshall Cyr and Bobby

Campo (trumpets); Elaine & Lisa Foster, Erica Falls (background vocals).

(Hey hey hey, throw me something mister

Ah man…)

It can rain on your parade, or it can dampen your spirit

Everybody shoutin’, show me your grits an’ throw me somethin’ mister

Down in New Orleans (New Orleans)

Down in New Orleans (New Orleans)

We’re gonna have a ball

At the Mardi Gras

Down in New Orleans (down in New Orleans)

Well you can dance up and down on Bourbon Street

You can be anything that you wanna be

Down in New Orleans (New Orleans)

Down in New Orleans (New Orleans)

We can have a ball, at the Mardi Gras

Down in New Orleans (down in New Orleans)

You can party hardy till the crack of dawn

You can boogie on down till your blues are gone

Down in New Orleans (New Orleans)

Down in New Orleans (New Orleans)

We can have a ball, at the Mardi Gras

Down in New Orleans (down in New Orleans)

Ahhh show ‘em ????

Well it’s party time down in party town

Take ‘em off baby let it all hang down

Down in New Orleans (down in New Orleans)

Down in New Orleans (New Orleans)

We can have a ball, at the Mardi Gras

Down in New Orleans (down in New Orleans)

Down in New Orleans (down in New Orleans)

Down in New Orleans (New Orleans)

We can have a ball, at the Mardi Gras

Down in New Orleans (down in New Orleans)

Oh - New Orleans (New Orleans)

Down in New Orleans (down in New Orleans)

We can have a ball, at the Mardi Gras

Down in New Orleans (down in New Orleans)

Ohhhh - show ‘em ?????

(Ooo - oooo New Orleans)

Down in New Orleans (down in New Orleans)

Down in New Orleans (New Orleans)

We can have a ball, at the Mardi Gras

Down in New Orleans (down in New Orleans)

Down in New Orleans (New Orleans)

Down in New Orleans (down in New Orleans)

We can have a ball, at the Mardi Gras

Down in New Orleans (down in New Orleans)

Down in New Orleans (down in New Orleans)

72

Down in New Orleans (down in New Orleans)

We can have a ball, at the Mardi Gras

Down in New Orleans (down in New Orleans)

Ohhhh - show ‘em

(Hey throw me something mister

And show me something mister

Ooh don’t say that now

Ah-ah

I like it)

(Hey throw me something mister

And show me something mister

Ooo- mmmm

Down in New Orleans)

MESS AROUND (1980)

(Bobby Charles) Recorded for a cassette tape BOBBY CHARLES COLLECTION but remains unreleased.

MR MOON (1956)

(Bobby Charles) Recorded December 1956 but not released at the time. Included on AFTER A WHILE CROCODILE - THE

50s ANTHOLOGY (2010) and SEE YOU LATER ALLIGATOR (Bear Family 2010).

Most every night you shine so bright

You know that lovers seek your light

I thank you, Mr Moon

You take two hearts and tie them tight

When loves goes wrong you make it right

I thank you, Mr Moon

For you’re the one, who keeps the world caressin’

Every beam is like a heaven’s blessing

Tonight’s my night, my one big chance

So help me out, and in advance

I thank you, Mr Moon

For you’re the one, that keeps the world caressin’

Every beam is like a heaven’s blessing

Tonight’s my night, my one big chance

So help me out, and in advance

I thank you, Mr Moon

73

N____________________________________________

NEW MEXICO (1972)

Bobby Charles/Richard Clare “Rick” Danko) Originally recorded August 1972 as part of the first Bearsville sessions and

finally officially released in 1996 on the Bearsville Box Set and again in 2011 on the Rhino Handmade BOBBY CHARLES

DELUXE album along with a previously unreleased demo version. Details in regard to each track are unknown but the

album musicians comprise: Bobby Charles, Jim Colegrove, Rick Danko, Amos Garrett, Levon Helm, Garth Hudson, Ben

Keith, Harry Lookofsky, Richard Manuel, Buggsy Maugh, Geoff Muldaur, Billy Mundi, Bob Neuwirth, Joe Newman, Mac

Rebennack, David Sanborn, Herman Shertzer, John Simon, N.D. Smart II and John Till. Recorded at Bearsville Sound

Studio, New York (near Woodstock). Produced by Bobby Charles, Rick Danko & John Simon. Engineer: Mark Harmon.

Also recorded by former Band member Rick Danko for his 1977 self-titled solo debut album. Eric Clapton (guitar

solo); Rob Fraboni (tamborine); Garth Hudson (accordion). The lyrics vary slightly and Rick Danko adds the final verse

below.

Richard Clare “Rick” Danko, 29

th

December 1942 - 10

th

December 1999.

I don't think I could tell you when

I'll be coming back this way again

And I got no way of knowin’

How far I'll be goin’

Or how long I might be stayin’

I’ve been puttin’ it off too long

Time to move along

There's so much that I'd like to see

You might catch me down in New Mexico

I got some folks there that I used to know

But I'd be wastin’ time

‘Cause I know what I'd find

More of the same that made me leave there

Think I’ll pass it up this time

It’s been on my mind

To take a boat across the sea

If I go back to New Mexico

And all of those people that I used to know

I'd be wastin’ time

Know just what I'd find

More of the same that made me leave there

Been puttin’ it off too long

Well it’s time to be movin’ on

And there's still so much that I'd like to see

NICKLES, DIMES AND DOLLARS (aka NICKLES DIMES DOLLARS) (1974)

(Bobby Charles) First issued on disc 2 of the Rhino Handmade 3-CD box set BOBBY CHARLES DELUXE (2011).

If I had a nickel for every time I thought of you

I’d have my pockets full of change

A worn-out brain

And that’s the gospel truth

And if I had a dime

For every time you crossed my mind

I wouldn’t have to hock, anything I got

I could buy myself a bottle of wine

But that wouldn’t help, me to forget

I’m afraid the only cure this time

And if I had a dollar

For every time I holler your name

I’d bet you two bits, I’d be so rich

They’d put my picture in the Hall of Fame

And if I had a dollar

For every time I holler your name

I’d bet you two bits, I’d be so rich

They’d put my picture in the Hall of Fame

74

NOBODY’S FAULT BUT MINE (1973)

(Nina Simone - arr. by Better Days) Recorded by Paul Butterfield’s Better Days for their 1973 debut album Better Days.

Paul Butterfield (vocal and harp); Geoff Muldaur (vocal, guitar, vibes); Amos Garrett (guitar); Ronnie Barron (electric piano);

Christopher Parker (drums); Bobby Charles, Dennis Whitted, Maria Muldaur, Ronnie Barron (chorus).

Eunice Kathleen Waymon (Nina Simone), 21

st

February 1933 - 21

st

April 2003.

Nobody's fault but mine

Nobody's fault but mine

And if I die, my soul be lost

Ain’t nobody's fault but mine

Nobody's fault but mine

Nobody's fault but mine

And if I die, my soul be lost

Ain’t nobody's fault but mine

Nobody's fault but mine

Nobody's fault but mine

If I die, my soul be lost

Nobody's fault but mine

Nobody's fault but mine

Nobody's fault but mine

If I die and my soul be lost

Nobody's fault but mine

No it ain’t - no

NOBOBY’S FAULT BUT MY OWN (2010)

(Bobby Charles) Included on the album TIMELESS. Precise recording date not known as Bobby Charles died on 14

th

January 2010 and the album was released a month later. Musicians playing on the album comprise: Bobby Charles

(vocals); Sonny Landreth (lead guitar); Mac Rebennack (piano, B3 organ, Wurlitzer); David Hyde (bass); Chris Leblanc

(rhythm acoustic guitar); Mike Burch (drums); Mickey Raphael (harmonica); Erica Falls, Lisa and Elaine Foster (background

vocals).

Nobody’s fault but my own

Nobody’s fault but my own

When I stop and think about it

It was nobody’s fault but my own

Baby done packed up and gone

You know she done left me alone

And I don’t think she’ll be coming back home

It was nobody’s fault but my own

Nobody’s fault but my own

Nobody’s fault but my own

I knew I had the best and I let it slip away

And it was nobody’s fault but my own

Nobody’s fault but my own

Nobody’s fault but my own

Nobody’s fault but my own

Nobody’s fault but my own

Nobody’s fault but my own

Nobody’s fault but my own…..

75

NO MORE (I AIN’T GONNA LOVE YOU NO MORE) aka NO MORE (I AIN’T GONNA DO IT) (1957)

(Bobby Charles/Willie Dixon) Recorded May 1957 in Chicago and released as Chess 1658 c/w ‘You Can Suit Yourself’.

William James “Willie” Dixon 1

st

July 1915 - 29

th

January 1992.

Well Lordy, Lordy, Lordy, I can see what’s going on

I told you that I love you now you’re leavin’ me alone

No no

No no

I tried my best to please you but I ain’t gonna do it no more

My friends all tell me ‘bout the things you do

They say I’m goin’ crazy and it’s on account o’you

No, no

No, no

I really tried to please you but I ain’t gonna do it no more

I ain’t gonna love you no more

I ain’t gonna love you no more

I said I ain’t gonna love you no more

I ain’t gonna love you no more

I really tried to please you but I ain’t gonna do it no more

I gave you all my money and my lovin’ too

I did everythin’ to try to get along with you

No, no

No, no

I really tried to please you but I ain’t gonna do it no more

I ain’t gonna love you no more

I ain’t gonna love you no more

I said I ain’t gonna love you no more

Ain’t gonna love you no more

I really tried to please you but I ain’t gonna do it no more - no no

NOTHING AS SWEET AS YOU (1959)

(Montgomery/Mitchell/Dave Bartholomew) Released as Imperial X5691, the B-side of ‘Four Winds’, Bobby’s final release for

Imperial. Dave Bartholomew, 24

th

December 1918 - 23

rd

June 2019.

(Nothing's sweet as you as honey comes from bees)

You're sweet as honey

That comes from the bees

You’re soft as raindrops

Fallin’ on the leaves

Nothing's sweet as you as honey comes from bees

(Nothing's sweet as you as honey comes from bees)

Your lips like wine

That I love to kiss

You're so fine

Why break up like this

Nothing's sweet as you as honey comes from bees

(Nothing's sweet as you as honey comes from bees)

(Nothing’s sweet as you

You thrill me through and through

I’ll always love you

And hope that you love me too)

(But nothing's sweet as you as honey comes from bees)

Nothing's sweet as you as honey comes from bees

There’s nothing’s sweet as you

You thrill me through and through

I’ll always love you

And I hope you love me too

Nothing's sweet as you as honey comes from bees

76

(Nothing's sweet as you as honey comes from bees)

Nothing's sweet as you as honey comes from bees

(Nothing's sweet as you as honey comes from bees)

Nothing's sweet as you as honey comes from bees

(Nothing's sweet as you as honey comes from bees)…….

NOT READY YET (1992)

(Bobby Charles) First appeared on WISH YOU WERE HERE RIGHT NOW (1994) and included on LAST TRAIN TO

MEMPHIS (2004). Bobby Charles (vocals); Sonny Landreth (electric guitar); George Bitzer (keyboards); David Hyde (bass);

Mike Burch (drums); Jon Smith (tenor sax); Marshall Cyr (trumpet); Bill Samuel (baritone sax).

I’m a god-fearing man but I can’t stop sinnin’

I can’t stop speakin’ to fine young women

And I’ll take all the lovin’ that I can get

I guess I’m not ready to settle down yet

And I’d sure like to go for a spin with Vanna

Bring her on down to Louisiana

Feed her some good home Cajun cookin’

She’s so fine and she’s so good lookin’

I’m not ready yet

Not ready yet

I’m not ready yet

I’m not ready to settle down yet

I tried it before and it didn’t work

Still payin’ the cost, still feelin’ the hurt

Maybe someday I might try it again

But till that day I’m gonna party till then

‘Cause I’m not ready yet

Not ready yet

I’m not ready yet

I’m not ready to settle down yet

I got places to go, I got people to see

I got everything out there just waiting on me

And I already wasted, way too much time

I got things to do, I got twins on my mind

I’m not ready yet

Not ready yet

I’m not ready yet

I’m not ready to settle down yet

77

NO USE KNOCKING (1956)

(Bobby Charles/Paul Gayten) Paul Gayten, 29

th

January 1920 - 26

th

March 1991. Recorded August 1956 in New Orleans,

the B-side to ‘Laura Lee’ (Chess 1638). Musicians: Lee Allen (tenor sax), Red Tyler (baritone sax), Edward Frank and/or

Gayten (piano), Edward Blanchard (guitar), Frank Fields (bass) and Charles ‘Hungry’ Williams (drums).

No use sayin’ that I treat you bad

‘Cause I’m the best man that you ever had

No use knockin’, no use knockin’ on my door

‘Cause it’s all over now, I don’t love you no more

No use buggin’ me, all the time

I treated you right but you were so unkind

No use knockin’, no use knockin’ on my door

‘Cause it’s all over now, I don’t love you no more

Told my mama, papa too

That I didn’t wanna fool with you

No use knockin’, no use knockin’ on my door

‘Cause it’s all over now, I don’t love you no more

Told my mama, papa too

That I didn’t wanna fool with you

No use knockin’, no use knockin’ on my door

‘Cause it’s all over now, I don’t love you no more

Used to love you, but you were untrue

Now I’ve found me, somebody new

No use knockin’, no use knockin’ on my door

‘Cause it’s all over now, I don’t love you no more

78

O____________________________________________

OH LONESOME ME (1964)

(Don Gibson) Bobby Charles’ last release on Jewel c/w ‘One More Glass Of Wine’ (Jewel 740). Alternate stereo mix issued

2000. Don Gibson, 3

rd

April 1928 - 17

th

November 2003.

Everybody's going out and havin’ fun

(Havin’ fun)

Just a fool for staying home and havin’ none

(Havin’ none)

Can't get over how she set me free

(Oh lonesome me)

Bad mistake I'm making by just a-hangin’ round

(Hangin’ round)

Know that I should have some fun and paint the town

(Paint the town)

Lovesick fool that’s blind and just can't see

(Oh lonesome me)

I bet she's not like me

(Like me)

She's out and fancy free

(Fancy free)

Flirtin' with the boys with all her charms

(Flirtin’ with all her charms)

But I still love her so

(Love her so)

And brother don't you know

(Don’t you know)

I'd welcome her right back here in my arms

There must be some way I can lose these lonesome blues

(Lonesome blues)

Oh, forget about the past and find somebody new

I've thought of everything from A to Z

(Oh lonesome me)

I'll bet she's not like me

(Like me)

She's out and fancy free

(Fancy free)

Flirtin' with the boys with all her charms

(Flirtin’ with all her charms)

But I still love her so

(Love her so)

And baby don't you know

(Don’t you know)

I'd welcome her right back here in my arms

(There must be some way he can lose these lonesome blues)

Lonesome blues

(Forget about his past and find somebody new)

Oh, I thought of everything from A to Z

(Ohhhhhh-whoo-whoo-whoo..)

Oh lonesome me

79

OH YEAH (1958)

(Dave Bartholomew/Pearl King aka aka Earl King) Earl King, 7

th

February 1934 - 17

th

April 2003. Released as the B-side to

‘Since I Lost You’ (Imperial X5579). Dave Bartholomew, 24

th

December 1918 - 23

rd

June 2019.

When I’m in trouble

I just walk and walk

Don’t wanna see nobody

To talk and talk

Well-a oh yeah (oh yeah)

Oh yeah (oh yeah)

Oh yeah (oh yeah)

Well-a oh yeah (oh yeah)

It’s drivin’ me crazy

That thing called love

Keep walkin’ in circles

It’s all I’m thinking of

Well-a oh yeah (oh yeah)

Oh yeah (oh yeah)

Oh yeah (oh yeah)

Well-a oh yeah (oh yeah)

The sun is shinin’

Rainin’ in my heart

I’m so in trouble

I just walk the walk

Well-a oh yeah (oh yeah)

Oh yeah (oh yeah)

Oh yeah (oh yeah)

Well-a oh yeah (oh yeah)

Well Humpty Dumpty

Fell off the wall

I ain’t no better

‘Cause I’m fixin’ a fall

Well-a oh yeah (oh yeah)

Oh yeah (oh yeah)

Oh yeah (oh yeah)

Well-a oh yeah (oh yeah)

When I’m in trouble

I just walk and walk

Don’t wanna see nobody

To talk and talk

Well-a oh yeah (oh yeah)

Oh yeah (oh yeah)

Oh yeah (oh yeah)

Well-a oh yeah (oh yeah)

Well-a oh yeah (oh yeah)

Oh yeah (oh yeah)

Oh yeah (oh yeah)

Well-a oh yeah (oh yeah) - yeah!

80

OLD MEXICO (2010)

(Bobby Charles) Included on the album TIMELESS. Precise recording date unknown as Bobby Charles died on 14

th

January 2010 and the album was released a month later. Album musicians comprise: Bobby Charles (vocals); Sonny

Landreth (lead guitar); Mac Rebennack (piano, B3 organ, Wurlitzer); David Hyde (bass); Chris Leblanc (rhythm acoustic

guitar); Mike Burch (drums); Mickey Raphael (harmonica); Erica Falls, Lisa and Elaine Foster (background vocals).

Specified for this track: Gerry McGee (lead guitar) and Bobby Campo (trumpet).

There comes a time, in everyone’s life

When one must get away

Take it easy and be yourself

And I know where I want to stay

Where señoritas dance all night

And mystery unfolds

Mountains so high they touch the sky

And love is all they know

In Mexico, old Mexico

Where ancient guards built pyramids

For all of us to see

Their untold stories of history

Put together piece by piece

Where señoritas dance all night

And mystery unfolds

Mountains so high they touch the sky

And love is all they know

In Mexico, old Mexico

Where señoritas dance all night

And mystery unfolds

Mountains so high they touch the sky

And love is all they know

In Mexico, old Mexico

(Fiesta!)

ON BENDED KNEE (1955)

(Bobby Charles/Paul Gayten) Recorded at Cosima Matassa’s J&M Studio in New Orleans, October 1955, together with

‘See You Later Alligator’. The song is issued as the B-side to the latter and is his first Chess release (Chess 1609). Bobby is

backed by The Clippers, the band that he had been singing with since his mid-teens (keep in mind that at the time of the

recording Bobby was still only 17 years old!) which included Raoul Prado, Carlo Marino and Harry Simeneaux (all sax),

Larry Guidry (guitar - Bobby’s brother), Kenneth Theriot (drums) and Ed Leblanc (piano). Paul Gayten, 29

th

January 1920 -

26

th

March 1991. Also recorded by Clarence ‘Frogman’ Henry.

Please forgive me if I cry

But my baby said goodbye

All I do is hope and pray

That she’ll come back home some day

She left me feeling so blue

I didn’t know just what to do

If she’d only come back home

I wouldn’t feel so all alone

The tears I shed are tears in vain

Send my baby back again

I didn’t know I’d miss her so

Tell me why d’she have to go

God I pray to you above

Send me back the girl I love

Do this for me, won’t you please

I beg of you on bended knee

ONCE IN A LIFETIME LOVE (1980)

(Bobby Charles) Recorded for a cassette tape BOBBY CHARLES COLLECTION but remains unreleased.

81

ONE EYED JACK (1957)

(Bobby Charles) Recorded in New Orleans, June 1957. It was his final single for Chess, b/w ‘Yea Yea Baby’ (Chess 1670).

Another session would follow in May 1958 but yielded nothing that was deemed worthy of release at the time.

Well I was playin’ a little poker

Tryin’ to make myself some bread

I tried to get myself a King

But got a one-eyed jack instead

It was a one-eyed Jack

It was a one-eyed Jack

It was a one-eyed Jack that made me lose my happy

home

Well then we played a little stud

And I felt sure I had it sacked

When I saw the call I got

I knew for sure the deck was stacked

It was a one-eyed Jack

It was a one-eyed Jack

It was a one-eyed Jack that made me lose my happy

home

Well then we switched again to lowball

I was hittin’ on a six

When I saw the call I got

I knew for sure the deck was fixed

It was a one-eyed Jack

It was a one-eyed Jack

It was a one-eyed Jack that made me lose my happy home

Well once I thought I had a winner

Then the dealer looked at me

He said you think this card’s an Ace

But I know just what it will be

It was a one-eyed Jack

It was a one-eyed Jack

It was a one-eyed Jack that made me lose my happy home

Well when the game was gettin’ hot

I saw him smiling with delight

When the saw the call he turned me

Man, you know there was a fight

It was a one-eyed Jack

It was a one-eyed Jack

It was a one-eyed Jack that made me lose my happy home

82

ONE MORE GLASS OF WINE (1964)

(Bobby Charles/Stan Lewis) Released as Jewel 740 c/w ‘Oh Lonesome Me’. An alternate stereo mix was issued in 2000 on

the CD WALKING TO NEW ORLEANS - THE PAULA AND JEWEL RECORDINGS 1964-1965.

One more glass of wine (one more glass of wine)

To drown my memories

One more glass of wine (one more glass of wine)

To set my mind at ease

We had quarrelled, last night, for the first time (for the first time)

Over nothing, at all, it seemed to me (seemed to me)

How I cried, when she said, she’d set me free (set me free)

And tonight she introduced me, to Mr Misery

So waiter

One more glass of wine (one more glass of wine)

To drown my memories

One more glass of wine (one more glass of wine)

To set my mind at ease

We had planned, that real soon, we’d get married (we’d get

married)

And raise us, a little family (family)

But tonight, all my dreams, have been shattered (have been

shattered)

And all that’s left for me, are these doggone memories

So waiter

One more glass of wine (one more glass of wine)

To drown my memories

One more glass of wine (one more glass of wine)

To set my mind at ease

ONLY A FOOL aka ONLY A FOOL THINKS HE KNOWS (1977)

(Bobby Charles) Bearsville recording - remains unreleased.

OVER YONDER (1956)

(Bobby Charles) Recorded December 1956 at Cosimo Recording Studio, New Orleans.

Way over yonder

That’s where my baby stays

Way over yonder

I’m gonna marry her some day

Let me tell you friend

About a little girl I know

I tell you where she comes from

And why I love her so

She comes from the country

She’s from a little country town

That’s why I love her

Every ounce and every pound

Way over yonder

That’s where my baby stays

Way over yonder

I’m gonna marry her some day

Told me that she loved me

More than once before

And she also told me

Every day she loves me more

If I get the chance

I’m gonna take her home with me

There we’ll stay together

And live so heavenly

Way over yonder

83

That’s where my baby stays

Way over yonder

I’m gonna marry her some day

I’m gonna marry her some day

I’m gonna marry her some day

I’m gonna marry her some day…….

84

P____________________________________________

PARTY TOWN (1987)

(Bobby Charles) Recorded for the album CLEAN WATER. Bobby Charles (vocals); Jim Horne & Wayne Jackson (horns);

Jackie Street (bass); Terry McMillan & Larry Marshall (piano); Terry McMillan, Jackie Street and Ben Keith (percussion);

Terry McMillan, Wayne Jackson, Larry Marshall & Ben Keith (backing vocals). Re-released on the album SECRETS OF

THE HEART (1998).

There’s dancing in the streets

There’s magic in the air

Everybody’s having fun

Just when you think the party’s over

Another one has just begun

In New Orleans - old New Orleans

Is where I want to be

You can let your hair hang down

New Orleans is party town

Come on and have a ball

Come to the Mardi Gras

Come on and let the good times roll

You can find some Creole belle

To shake your very soul

In New Orleans - old New Orleans

Is where I want to be

You can let your hair hang down

New Orleans is party town

You can get too loose - on Toulouse Street

You can kiss all the Cajun queens you see

Drink all day - dance all night

Do it wrong - till you do it right

In New Orleans - old New Orleans

Is where I want to be

You can let your hair hang down

New Orleans is party town

Shana-lana-tee-na-ne’

Shana-lana-tee-na-ne’

Shana-lana-tee-na-ne’

Shana-lana-tee-na-ne’

Shana-lana-tee-na-ne’

Shana-lana-tee-na-ne’

Shana-lana-tee-na-ne’

Shana-lana-tee-na-ne’

Shana-lana-tee-na-ne’

Shana-lana-tee-na-ne’

Shana-lana-tee-na-ne’

Shana-lana-tee-na-ne’…

PEANUT (1992)

(Bobby Charles) Appears on WISH YOU WERE HERE RIGHT NOW (1994). Bobby Charles (vocal); George Bitzer

(keyboards); David Hyde (bass); Mike Burch (drums).

Peanut

Nothin’ but a little ol’ mutt

Wonder why I love him so much

Cause he’s my little puppy, Peanut

Peanut

To you he may not be worth much

But I wouldn’t take a million bucks

For my little puppy, Peanut

He chases me, he plays with me

85

He licks my nose and chin

Oh - he comes runnin’, when I call

He is my best friend

Peanut

Small but thinks he’s big and tough

And I love all my other pets, but

I really love my puppy, Peanut

Peanut

Small but thinks he’s big and tough

And I love all my other pets, but

I really love my puppy, Peanut

I love my little puppy, Peanut

Love my little puppy, Peanut

Peanut…..!

Peanut…..!

Here Peanut, c’mon boy, tsk tsk tsk tsk

PICK OF THE LITTER (2008)

(Bobby Charles) First appears on the album HOMEMADE SONGS (2008). Bobby Charles (vocal); Sonny Landreth (electric

guitar); Phil Chandler (piano); David Hyde (bass); Chris Leblanc (acoustic guitar); David Peters (drums).

If you were a puppy

You’d be my pick of the litter

You’re the one

I wanna carry home

And if you were a kitten

So cuddly and cute

You’d be my pick of the litter

And that’s the truth

I love your style

And I love your smile

There’s not a thing about you

That doesn’t catch my eye

If you were a puppy

You’d be my pick of the litter

You’re the one

I wanna carry home

If you were a puppy

You’d be my pick of the litter

You’re the one

I wanna carry home

And if you were a kitten

So cuddly and cute

You’d be my pick of the litter

And that’s the truth

‘Cause I love your style

And I love your smile

There’s not a thing about you

That doesn’t catch my eye

If you were a puppy

You’d be my pick of the litter

You’re the one

I wanna carry home

86

PLEASE, PLEASE (1974)

(Bobby Charles) First issued on disc 2 of the Rhino Handmade 3-CD box set BOBBY CHARLES DELUXE (2011).

Before the day is done

I wanna prove to you

We were meant to be

There’s nothin’ we can do

But we’ve got to learn to live

With the truth

So please

Please

‘Fore the night is past

And the sun begins to rise

I wanna sip your wine

And hold you by my side

But you’ve got to learn to live

With the truth

So please

Please

And before you say a word

Think of what I said

We could have it all

Build our little nest

But we’ve got to learn to live

With the truth

So please

Please

POTNAH (1974)

(Bobby Charles/Mac Rebennack - aka Dr. John) Recorded by Dr John and the Lower 911 for the 1974 album Tribal.

‘Potnah’ is an urban way of saying ‘partner’. Malcolm John Rebennack Jr. (Dr. John) 20

th

November 1941 - 6

th

June 2019.

Ain’t nothing on this old highway but roadkill

Dead coons and armadillos

Somebody said never buy a Tac Tool

From a one-armed fellow

Never sign nothin’ under neon

If it’s raining under your umbrella

You might turn into a funky

Left over from Cinderella

Your running potnah

Be the one that brung ya

Your hanging potnah

‘ll be the one that hung ya

(Your potnah)

Says you won’t buy a goldmine

Yeah you just might get in a sham

You’re right on time

I say your life or your autograph

Get a job for the rich and wealthy

Big fun on your dumb ass

All the mess you be cleaning up

Raise you up to the janitor’s staff

Your running potnah

Might be the one that brung ya

But your hanging potnah

Be the one that hung ya

(Your potnah)

That’s the potnah

87

Be the one that swung you

Feel like a nickle’s worth of god-help-us

Like a dog with fleas

So hard to love a woman

That you just can’t please

The paper we signed got me locked out

They threw away the keys

With friends like that

Who needs enemies

(Your potnah)

Your running potnah

Be the one that brung ya

Your hanging potnah

‘ll be the one that hung ya

(Your potnah)

Your running potnah

Be the one that brung ya

Your dancing potnah

‘ll be the one that strung ya

Your singing potnah

Be the one that stung ya

But your hanging potnah

Be the one that hung ya

Your hanging potnah

Be the one that hung ya

Your hanging potnah…..

PREACHER’S DAUGHTER (1964)

(Bobby Charles/Stan Lewis) Released on the Jewel label as Jewel 735 c/w ‘Ain’t Misbehavin’’; alternate take issued in 2000

on the album WALKING TO NEW ORLEANS - THE PAULA AND JEWEL RECORDINGS 1964-1965.

Well my cousin went and married him a preacher’s daughter

He go to church every Sunday now just like the other

Oh yeah, uh-huh

Lord he love that woman and you know he’ll treat her right

He met her one day when he was going to college

She wasn’t good lookin’ but she had good knowledge

Oh yeah, uh-huh

Lord he loved that woman and you know he’d treat her right

She walked with a wiggle got a dimple in her jaw

The clothes she wears made out the best of cloth

Oh yeah, uh-huh

Lord he loved that woman and you know he’d treat her right

The last time I seen her and her ain’t seen her since

She was pickin’ blackberries through the barbwire fence

Oh yeah, uh-huh

Lord he loved that woman and you know he’d treat her right

88

PROMISES, PROMISES (THE TRUTH WILL SET YOU FREE) aka THE TRUTH WILL SET YOU

FREE (PROMISES, PROMISES) (1992)

(Bobby Charles/Willie Nelson) Re-recorded as ‘The Truth Will Set You Free (Promises, Promises)’ appears on the album

HOMEMADE SONGS (2008) - version #1 below. It was also recorded as part of the 2008 album CITY THAT CARE

FORGOT with Dr John and The Lower 911. The lyrics are slightly re-arranged and added to as version #2 below. The album

was put together three years after Hurricane Katrina which in 2005 flooded large areas of New Orleans. Five of the tracks

were co-composed by Dr John and Bobby Charles. Other artists playing include Eric Clapton and Willie Nelson.

#1

Promises, promises - empty words

The road to the White House is paved with lies

Paved with lies, paved with lies

The road to the White House is paved with lies

The truth will set you free

Our children are hungry and livin’ in the streets

Livin’ in the streets, livin’ in the streets

Our children are hungry and livin’ in the streets

The truth will set you free

We fought in your wars and we paid with our lives

We paid with our lives, God we paid with our lives

We fought in your wars and we paid with our lives

The truth will set you free

And yonder comes a man wearin’ rags on his feet

Rags on his feet, rags on his feet

And yonder came a man wearin’ rags on his feet

But truth will set you free

What’s the preacher gonna do, if the devil could say

If the devil could say, if the devil could say

What’s the preacher gonna do, if the devil could say

The truth will set you free

I said the road to the White House is paved with lies

Paved with lies, paved with lies

The road to the White House is paved with lies

The truth will set you free

And you can soar like an eagle

Yeah, you can soar like an eagle

You can soar like an eagle

The truth will set you free

Yeah, you can soar like an eagle

Soar like an eagle

You can soar like an eagle

The truth will set you free

#2 (with Willie Nelson included on vocal)

Promises, promises - empty words - empty words

The road to the White House, paved with lies

Paved with lies, paved with lies

The road to the White House, paved with lies

And the truth will set you free

Children are hungry, livin’ in the streets

Children are hurtin’ and they wind up in the streets

Children are cryin’ and they’re dyin’ in the streets

And the truth will set you free

Yonder comes a man with rags on his feet

Rags on his feet, rags on his feet

And yonder comes a man with rags on his feet

And the truth will set you free

Soar like an eagle, fly like a dove

89

Soar like an eagle, fly like a dove

Soar like an eagle, fly like a dove

The truth will set you free

Politicians knew, we needed our wetlands

We needed our wetlands, we needed our wetlands

Politicians knew that we needed our wetlands

The truth will set you free

Well I, fought in your wars - paid with our lives

Fought in your wars and we paid with our lives

Fought in your wars and we paid with our lives

The truth will set you free

What’s the preacher gonna do, if the devil could say

What’s the preacher gonna do when the devil could say

What’s the preacher gonna do if the devil could say

The truth will set you free

And the road to the White House, paved with lies

Paved with lies, paved with lies

The road to the White House, paved with lies

The truth will set you free

Promises, promises - empty words

PUT YOUR ARMS AROUND ME HONEY (1956)

(Junie McCree/ Albert Von Tilzer) Released as Chess 1647 b/w ‘Why Can’t You’. Recording sessions took place in New

Orleans, December 1956. Backing musicians were Lee Allen (tenor sax), Red Tyler (baritone sax), Edward Frank and/or

Paul Gayten (piano), Edward Blanchard (guitar), Frank Fields (bass) and Charles ‘Hungry’ Williams (drums). Junie Mc Cree,

15

th

February 1865 - 13

th

January 1918; Albert Von Tilzer, 29

th

March 1878 - 1

st

October 1956.

Put your arms around me, baby, hold me tight

Huddle up and cuddle up with all your might

Oh babe, won't you roll them eyes

Eyes that, I just idolize

When they look at me my heart begins to float

Then it starts a-rocking like a motorboat

Oh, oh

I never knew

Any girl, like you

Put your arms around me, baby, hold me tight

Huddle up and cuddle up with all your might

Oh, babe, won't you roll them eyes

Eyes that, I just idolize

When they look at me my heart begins to float

Then it starts a-rocking like a motorboat

Oh, oh

I never knew

Any girl, like you

Original complete lyrics from the 1910 Broadway Show, MADAME SHERRY.

Night time am a-fallin', everything is still

And the moon am a shinin' from above

Cupid am a callin' every Jack and Jill

It's just about the time for making love

Someone is a-waiting all along for me

No more hesitating, I must go and see

"How dee do, Dear, it's with you dear

That I love to be"

Put your arms around me, Honey, hold me tight

Huddle up and cuddle up with all your might

Oh! Oh!

Won't you roll those eyes?

Eyes that I just idolize

90

When they look at me, my heart begins to float

Then it starts a rockin' like a motor boat

Oh! Oh!

I never knew any girl like you

Music am a-playin' such a "Loving Glide"

That my feet keep a moving to and fro

And with you a-swayin', I'll be satisfied

To dance until we hear the roosters crow

I love seven 'leven, I love chicken too

Nearest thing to heaven is to be with you

For I'm spoony, moony, loony, but my love is true

Put Your Arms Around Me Honey, hold me tight

Huddle up and cuddle up with all your might

Oh! Oh!

Won´t you roll those eyes

Eyes that I just idolize

When they look at me, my heart begins to float

Then it starts a rockin´ like a motorboat

Oh! Oh!

I never knew any girl like you

91

Q____________________________________________

QUEEN BEE (2008)

(Bobby Charles) Recorded for the album HOMEMADE SONGS. Bobby Charles (vocal); Sonny Landreth (electric guitar);

Phil Chandler (B3 organ); David Hyde (bass); Chris Leblanc (acoustic guitar); David Peters (drums).

You’re a queen bee

I wanna buzz around your hive

You’re a queen bee

I wanna buzz around your hive

I wanna take care of ya, mama

Till the very day that I die

You’re a queen bee

I know you got a-lotsa men

You’re a queen bee

And I know you got a-lotsa men

And they all wanna love you

Until the very end

I hear them all a-buzzin’

They all want the same thing

But when it’s you and me baby

You make me feel just like a king

You’re a queen bee

I wanna buzz around your hive

You’re a queen bee

I wanna buzz around your hive

I wanna be your lovin’ slick

Till the very day that I die

I hear them all a-buzzin’

They all want the same thing

But when it’s you and me baby

You make me feel just like a king

You’re a queen bee

I wanna buzz around your hive

Yeah you’re a queen bee

I wanna buzz around your hive

I wanna be your lovin’ slick

Till the very day that I die

92

R____________________________________________

ROLLIN’ AROUND HEAVEN (2010)

(Bobby Charles) Included on the album TIMELESS. Precise recording date not known as Bobby Charles died on 14

th

January 2010 and the album was released a month later. Musicians playing on the album comprise: Bobby Charles

(vocals); Sonny Landreth (lead guitar); Mac Rebennack (piano, B3 organ, Wurlitzer); David Hyde (bass); Chris Leblanc

(rhythm acoustic guitar); Mike Burch (drums); Mickey Raphael (harmonica); Erica Falls, Lisa and Elaine Foster (background

vocals).

(Rollin’, rollin’

Rollin’, rollin’

Rollin’ ‘round heaven all day)

Rollin’ around heaven all day (keep on rollin’)

Rollin’ around heaven all day (keep on rollin’)

Spreadin’ my wings, singin’ joyous hymns

Rollin’ around heaven all day (rollin’ ‘round heaven all day)

Prayin’ for the sick and the poor (keep on rollin’)

Prayin’ for the sick and the poor (keep on rollin’)

Will get me to heaven, I know that’s for sure

I’ll be rollin’ around heaven all day (rollin’ ‘round heaven all day)

Servin’ my saviour all day (keep on rollin’)

Servin’ my saviour all day (keep on rollin’)

I can’t wait, till I’m sittin’ by his side

I’ll be around heaven all day (rollin’ ‘round heaven all day)

(Rollin’, rollin’

Rollin’, rollin’

Rollin’ ‘round heaven all day)

(Rollin’, rollin’

Rollin’, rollin’

Rollin’ ‘round heaven all day)

Feedin’ all those that in need (keep on rollin’)

Feedin’ all those that are in need (keep on rollin’)

Finding a home, for those sleepin’ in the street

I’ll be rollin’ around heaven all day (rollin’ ‘round heaven all day)

Rollin’ round heaven all day (keep on rollin’)

Rollin’ round heaven all day (keep on rollin’)

That’s the only place, where I wanna be

Rollin’ around heaven all day (rollin’ ‘round heaven all day)

Feedin’ all those that in need (keep on rollin’)

Feedin’ all those that are in need (keep on rollin’)

Finding a home, for those sleepin’ in the street

I’ll be rollin’ around heaven all day (rollin’ ‘round heaven all day)

Rollin’ around heaven all day (keep on rollin’)

Rollin’ around heaven all day (keep on rollin’)

That’s the only place, where I wanna be

Rollin’ around heaven all day (rollin’ ‘round heaven all day)

I’ll be rollin’ around heaven all day (rollin’ ‘round heaven all day)

I’ll be rollin’ around heaven all day (rollin’ ‘round heaven all day)

I’ll be rollin’ around heaven all day (rollin’ ‘round heaven all day)

Rollin’ around heaven all day (rollin’ ‘round heaven all day)

93

ROSE (1977)

(Bobby Charles) Recorded in 1977 but remained unreleased. In 2008 included on HOMEMADE SONGS. Musicians: Bobby

Charles (vocal); Rod Smarr (guitar); Johnny Christopher (acoustic guitar); Tommy Cogbill (bass); Jerry Carrigan (drums);

Mickey Raphael (harmonica); Spooner Oldham (organ).

Rose, I wanna show you how sweet love can be

Take you away with me

Some place far away

Far, far away

And Rose, I wanna show you what true love can be

Make all your sweet dreams come true

At some place far away

Far, far away

Just Rose, you know we can’t make it if we stay

Too many old ties, are tryin’ to tear us apart

And Rose, I wanna show you what real love can bring

Teach you to fly with no wings

At some place far away

Far, far away

And Rose, I wanna show you what real love can bring

Teach you to fly with no wings

At some place far away

Far, far away

Far, far away

Far, far away

Far, far away

Far, far away

ROSIE (1972)

(Bobby Charles) Recorded during the Bearsville sessions but not issued until 1996 when it was included on a Bearsville

Box Set; re-released in 2011 on BOBBY CHARLES DELUXE. Details in regard to each track are unknown but the album

musicians comprise: Bobby Charles, Jim Colegrove, Rick Danko, Amos Garrett, Levon Helm, Garth Hudson, Ben Keith,

Harry Lookofsky, Richard Manuel, Buggsy Maugh, Geoff Muldaur, Billy Mundi, Bob Neuwirth, Joe Newman, Mac

Rebennack, David Sanborn, Herman Shertzer, John Simon, N.D. Smart II and John Till. Recorded at Bearsville Sound

Studio, New York (near Woodstock). Produced by Bobby Charles, Rick Danko & John Simon. Engineer: Mark Harmon.

Rosie, lookin’ at the moon

The smell of incense fills the room

Moonlight shinin’ on your, your golden hair

I can see you but you’re not really there

Rosie, you’re livin’ in a dream

Of fantasies and colours and tinker toy machines

You gotta learn, to face reality

Quit livin’ in your world of make believe

Rosie, come down off your cloud

Come down off your cloud and see

Things can still be rosy, for you and me

Rosie, come down off your cloud

Come down off your cloud and see

Things can still be rosy, for you and me

94

S____________________________________________

SADDLE UP THE PALOMINO (1977)

(Bobby Charles/Neil Young/Tim Drummond) Recorded by Neil Young for the album American Stars And Bars.

Oh oh, Carmelina

The daughter of the wealthy banker

Since she came to town, all my friends are gone

And I'm stuck out here with melody

Saddle up the palomino, the sun is going down

The way I feel, this must be real

Ooo-ooo-ooo

If you can't cut it

Don't pick up the knife

There's no reward in your conscience stored

When you're sleepin' with another man's wife

Saddle up the palomino, the sun is going down

The way I feel, this must be real

Ooo-ooo-ooo

Ooo-ooo-ooo

I wanna lick the platter

The gravy doesn't matter

It's a cold bowl of chili when love lets you down

But it's the neighbour's wife I'm after

Saddle up the palomino, the sun is going down

The way I feel, this must be real

Ooo-ooo-ooo

SATISFIED (1970)

(Bobby Charles/Mac Rebennack - aka Dr. John) Recorded by Tracy Nelson with her band Mother Earth for the album

Satisfied. Malcolm John Rebennack Jr. (Dr. John) 20

th

November 1941 - 6

th

June 2019.

Well you ask me if I’m happy

If I have, oh, peace within

And I worry about tomorrow

When I reach my journey’s end

Yes I’m satisfied with my companion

When at night you know I let him in

And I go with him when he wants me

That how I know-ow-ow, he is my friend

Yes I’m satisfied, I’m so satisfied

I tell you no trouble, yeah

Will ever get me down, whoa down down down

With my eyes wide open yeah

I tell you now people he is the best

That how I know-ow-ow, he is my friend

Yes I’m satisfied, I’m so satisfied

I tell you no trouble, yeah

Will ever get me down-own

With my eyes wide open yeah

I tell you now people he is the best

That how I know-ow-ow, he is my friend

Yes I’m satisfied, I’m so satisfied

I’m satisfied, so-oo satisfied

I’m so satisfied, you know I’m satisfied

I’m satisfied

I’m so satisfied

I’m so satisfied

That how I know-ow-ow, he is my friend

95

SAVE ME JESUS (1972)

(Bobby Charles) First issued August 1972 on the Bearsville album No. 2104 - BOBBY CHARLES. Details in regard to each

track are unknown but the album musicians comprise: Bobby Charles, Jim Colegrove, Rick Danko, Amos Garrett, Levon

Helm, Garth Hudson, Ben Keith, Harry Lookofsky, Richard Manuel, Buggsy Maugh, Geoff Muldaur, Bily Mundi, Bob

Neuwirth, Joe Newman, Mac Rebennack, David Sandborn, Herman Shertzer, John Simon, N.D. Smart II and John Till.

Recorded at Bearsville Sound Studio, New York (near Woodstock). Produced by Bobby Charles, Rick Danko & John Simon.

Engineer: Mark Harmon.

Shannon McNally included a recording of this song on her 2013 album Small Town Talk - The Songs of Bobby

Charles. The backing band included Dr. John and the Lower 911 Band. Actually recorded December 2007. Bobby Charles

(present at the recording sessions held at Dockside Studios, Maurice, LA), Dr. John as well as Shannon selected the songs

for the album.

Yeah let Amos ??

They got sisters and brothers

Fightin’ against one another

They got dreams and schemes and build war machines

T’try to outdo each other

We got children that are starvin’

But that don’t bother them

They’re much too busy getting’ rich

To worry about our little children

Save me Jesus

Save me Jesus

Save me Jesus

Jesus save me

From this godforsaken place

They got satellites and spaceships

Flyin’ across the universe

They’ve killed before and they’ll kill again

Just so they can say they’re first

They build monuments and churches

And things I ain’t seen yet

And they’ve signed them all with that autograph

In case you might forget

Save me Jesus

Save me Jesus

Save me Jesus

Jesus save me

From this godforsaken place

And lord when it’s all over

They think you should be proud

And there’ll be a few, who’ll offer you

Anything for your job

So when you take me Jesus

Please put me among friends

Don’t put me back with these power-crazy

Money lovers again

Save me Jesus

Save me Jesus

Save me Jesus

Jesus save me

From this godforsaken place

(The chorus is then repeated eight times)

96

SAVE OUR WETLANDS (2008)

(Bobby Charles/Mac Rebennack - aka Dr. John) Recorded as part of the album City That Care Forgot with Dr John and The

Lower 911. The album was put together three years after Hurricane Katrina which in 2005 flooded large areas of New

Orleans. Five of the tracks were co-composed by Dr John and Bobby Charles. Other artists playing include Eric Clapton

and Willie Nelson. Malcolm John Rebennack Jr. (Dr. John) 20

th

November 1941 - 6

th

June 2019.

Hey las bas, como say vas, vive le bon fa

We don’t stop what we start

Hey las bas bene mo sha

We got music to heal the heart

We did all we done did

Gave up all we feely gave

Our leaders don’t think we nuttin’

But modern day slaves

Lord we need our wetlands

(Need our wetlands)

To save us from the storms

(Save us from the storms)

Without our wetlands

We’ll be a long long time gone

(Long time gone, long long time gone)

Ain’t my story just a worldwide mystery

God this ain’t his story

Just corruption’s history

All right, do that little thing

Pray to God for our sakes

We’re human - made our mistakes

(Made our mistakes)

Without real dykes and levees

We gonna fais do do to the pearly gates

Hey las bas, como say vas, vive le bon fa

We don’t don’t stop what we start

Hey las bas bene mo sha

We got music to heal the heart

(Heal the heart)

All right, do that thing again

Save our wetlands - save our wetlands

Save our wetlands - save us from the storms

Save our wetlands - without our wetlands

Save our wetlands - we’ll be a long, long time gone

Save our wetlands - ohhh long, long gone

Save our wetlands - save our wetlands

Save our wetlands - save our wetlands

Save our wetlands - save us from the storms

Save our wetlands - without our wetlands

Save our wetlands - we’ll be a long, long time gone

Save our wetlands

97

SECRETS (1987)

(Bobby Charles) First appeared on the album CLEAN WATER. Bobby Charles (vocal); Ben Keith (bass); Mike Elliot (guitar);

Tracy Nelson (harmony). Also released on SECRETS OF THE HEART (1998) and LAST TRAIN TO MEMPHIS (2004).

How many secrets have you kept in your head

How many secrets have slept in your bed

I know secrets

You’re supposed to keep

I wonder how many secrets are you keeping from me

How many lies

Have been spoken

How many times can one heart be broken

And how many times did you fake it

How much longer can I take it

I don’t know

But don’t you feel so unclothed

When your secret’s exposed

What nobody knew, now everyone knows

So it’s no use to lie

And it’s no use to hide

Anymore

Because your secret been found

Now it’s all over town

Everybody knows

How many secrets

How many secrets in your head

How many secrets

How many secrets in your bed

Too many secrets

Too many secrets in your head

Too many secrets

Too many secrets in your bed

Too many secrets in your bed

Too many secrets in your bed…

SEE YOU LATER ALLIGATOR - see: LATER ALLIGATOR

SEIZE THE MOMENT (2008)

(Bobby Charles) First released on HOMEMADE SONGS (2008).

Seize the moment

You better get it while you can

Seize the moment

It might be your last chance

Life’s too short

To let sweet love pass you by

So seize the moment

You gotta give it one more try

I know the pain

Of when you love and lose

Don’t get crazy

Don’t you be nobody’s fool

You never know

What tomorrow might bring

It might bring sweet love

Back to you again

Seize the moment

Don’t let it slip away

Seize the moment

Might be your lucky day

98

I know the pain

Of when you love and lose

Don’t get crazy

Don’t you be nobody’s fool

You never know

What tomorrow might bring

It might bring sweet love

Back to you again

So seize the moment

Don’t let it slip away

Seize the moment

This might be your lucky day

Seize the moment

Don’t let it slip away

Seize the moment

Might be your lucky day

SILVER AND GOLD - see: BEFORE I GROW TOO OLD

SINCE I LOST YOU (1958)

(Bobby Charles) Released as Imperial X5557 b/w ‘Oh Yeah’.

I see your picture

On the wall

I sit and cry hopin’

That you’d call

I miss your kissing

Your lovin’ too

Things ain’t the same now since

I’ve lost you

The things we planned

And the dreams we shared

They can’t come true now for

You don’t care

The places we’ve been too

And the folks we met

They’re all just memories now that

I can’t forget

I see your picture

On the wall

I sit and cry hopin’

That you’d call

I miss your kissin’

Your lovin’ too

Things ain’t the same now since

I’ve lost you

99

SINCE SHE’S GONE (1958)

(Bobby Charles/Dave Bartholomew) Bobby’s Imperial debut, c/w ‘At The Jamboree’ (Imperial X5542). Dave Bartholomew,

24

th

December 1918 - 23

rd

June 2019.

My mother always told me

When I was just a boy

Livin’ don’t come easy

But dying’s not so hard

She said to always do right

And to never do what’s wrong

She forgot to tell me

What to do when she was gone

(Do do do)

Now she’s gone (now she’s gone)

I just cry (I just cry)

All night long (all night long)

(Do do do do)

Since she’s gone (since she’s gone)

I’m so blue (I’m so blue)

And all alone (and all alone)

Her leavin’ brought me sorrow

That hurt me deep inside

I know it won’t be easy

But I’ll just have to try

To do the things she told me

Have love and lots of faith

I know there’s not another

Who can ever take her place

(Do do do)

Now she’s gone (now she’s gone)

I just cry (I just cry)

All night long (all night long)

(Do do do do)

Since she’s gone (since she’s gone)

I’m so blue (I’m so blue)

And all alone (and all alone)

SING (1980)

(Bobby Charles) First appeared on a cassette tape BOBBY CHARLES COLLECTION (1980) and later included on LAST

TRAIN TO MEMPHIS (2004). Bobby Charles (vocals); Fred Carter Jr.(electric guitar); Grady Martin (electric guitar); Dan

Penn (acoustic guitar); David Briggs (piano); Spooner Oldham (organ); Eric Traub (tenor sax); Leland Waddell (drums);

Chris Etheridge (bass); Nick Daniels with children (background vocals).

Sing, let’s everybody sing

When maybe things don’t look to bright

And you don’t feel too good inside

Just sing

Sing, let’s everybody sing

Though we may be all different colours

Somehow we all need each other

So sing

Sing, and love will find its way

If we all sing to one another

We might learn to love each other

More

Sing, all you gotta do is sing

When maybe things don’t look to bright

And you don’t feel too good inside

Just sing

100

Sing, and love will find its way

If we all sing to one another

We might learn to love each other

More

(Sing)

(Sing)

(Sing)

(Sing)

(Sing)

(Sing)

(Sing)

(Sing)

(Sing)

(Sing)

(Sing)

(Sing)

SKY ISN’T BLUE ANYMORE, THE (1999)

(Bobby Charles) First released on 2004’s LAST TRAIN TO MEMPHIS. Bobby Charles (vocals); George Bitzer (electric

piano); Dan Cassin (cello); Jennifer Cassin (viola); Maria Traykova and Adrianna Hulscher (violins); Wardell Quezergue

(string arranger and conductor).

What did we do

The sky isn’t blue anymore

It seems things have changed

Nothing’s the same as before

Why do we try to belittle

The things that mean the most

What did we do

The sky isn’t blue anymore

Love was in bloom

We were in tune, heart and soul

How did we let, a love once so warm

Turn so cold

What did we do to each other

Where did all the sweetness go

What did we do

The sky isn’t blue anymore

They say things that come

Sooner or later will go

Things you once knew

Now seem like you no longer know

Why did we mess with the magic

Now it’s all gone up in smoke

What did we do

The sky isn’t blue anymore

And there’ll always be times

Times that we’ll treasure the most

Times that we shared

Times we can never let go

Why must the end be so bitter

So bitter and so cold

What did we do

The sky isn’t blue anymore

101

SMALL TOWN TALK (1972)

(Bobby Charles/Richard Clare “Rick” Danko) First issued August 1972 on the Bearsville album No. 2104 - BOBBY

CHARLES. Details in regard to each track are unknown but the album musicians comprise: Bobby Charles, Jim Colegrove,

Rick Danko, Amos Garrett, Levon Helm, Garth Hudson, Ben Keith, Harry Lookofsky, Richard Manuel, Buggsy Maugh, Geoff

Muldaur, Bily Mundi, Bob Neuwirth, Joe Newman, Mac Rebennack, David Sanborn, Herman Shertzer, John Simon, N.D.

Smart II and John Till. Recorded at Bearsville Sound Studio, New York (near Woodstock). Produced by Bobby Charles, Rick

Danko & John Simon. Engineer: Mark Harmon.

Also recorded by former Band member Rick Danko for his 1977 self-titled solo debut album and by Beth McKee on

her 2009 Bobby Charles tribute album I’m That Way. Richard Clare “Rick” Danko, 29

th

December 1942 - 10

th

December

1999.

Shannon McNally included a recording of this song on her 2013 album Small Town Talk - The Songs of Bobby

Charles. The backing band included Dr. John and the Lower 911 Band. Actually recorded December 2007. Bobby Charles

(present at the recording sessions held at Dockside Studios, Maurice, LA), Dr. John as well as Shannon selected the songs

for the album.

Hmm-mm

It's all small town talk

You know how people are

They can't stand to see

Someone else doing what they like to

It's all small town talk

You mustn’t pay no mind

Don’t believe a word

They’ll try to do it every time

You can't believe everything you hear

And only half of what you see

And if you're gonna believe in anyone

You gotta believe in me

It’s all small town talk

And it’s a well-known fact

You don’t ever know

How one might react to what you’re thinkin’

And then small town talk

They tell a lot of lies

Make some people crazy

They never realise that they're sinkin’

We're only two people, tryin’ to live together

Tryin’ to make something work

Who are we to judge one another

That could cause a lot of hurt

It’s all small town talk

You know how people are

They can’t stand to see

Someone else doin’ what they want to

It's all small town talk

You mustn’t pay no mind

Don’t believe a word

They’ll try to do it every time

Hmm-mm, hmm-mm

La da da, la da da la da da

Hmm-mm, hmm-mm

La da da, la da da la da da

SMILE (SO GLAD) - see: YOU CAME ALONG

102

SOLUTION TO POLLUTION, THE (1990)

(Bobby Charles) Composed as part of The Solution to Pollution: The Children’s Environmental Program that Bobby Charles

helped create and to which he was committed.

The solution to pollution is as simple as can be

Look in the mirror and you will see

The answer is the problem, strange as it seems

The solution to pollution is you and me

The solution to pollution is the people

All the people - everywhere

The solution to pollution is the people

All the people - because we care

Each and everyone of us must do our share

To clean all the waters, the planet and the air

The solution to pollution is the people

All the people - you and me

The solution to pollution is the people

All the people - everywhere

The solution to pollution is the people

All the people - because we care

And each and everyone of us must do our share

To clean all the waters, the planet and the air

The solution to pollution is the people

All the people - you and me

The solution to pollution is the people

All the people - you and me

SOMETIMES (1963)

(Bobby Charles) Released on HUB-CITY 716. A-side to ‘24 Hours’.

STEADY DATE (1961)

(Bobby Charles) Recorded by Clarence “Frogman” Henry on the 1961 Argo LP-4009, You Always Hurt The One You Love.

Put on your new shoes, your shoes and stockings

Tonight’s the night that we gonna go rockin’

Ah hah hah

Ah hah hah

Go tell your mom and dad not to worry

We might be late but I’ll try to hurry

Ah hah hah

Ah hah hah

You got the looks, and you’re just a bundle of joy

I can’t wait to get you in my arms

So call me tonight, I’ll be waitin’

From now on we’ll be steady datin’

Ah hah hah

Ah hah hah

You got the looks, and you’re just a bundle of joy

I can’t wait to get you in my arms

So call me tonight, I’ll be waitin’

From now on we’ll be steady datin’

Ah hah hah

Ah hah hah

103

STREET PEOPLE (1972)

(Bobby Charles) First issued August 1972 on the Bearsville album No. 2104 - BOBBY CHARLES. Details in regard to each

track are unknown but the album musicians comprise: Bobby Charles, Jim Colegrove, Rick Danko, Amos Garrett, Levon

Helm, Garth Hudson, Ben Keith, Harry Lookofsky, Richard Manuel, Buggsy Maugh, Geoff Muldaur, Billy Mundi, Bob

Neuwirth, Joe Newman, Mac Rebennack, David Sanborn, Herman Shertzer, John Simon, N.D. Smart II and John Till.

Recorded at Bearsville Sound Studio, New York (near Woodstock). Produced by Bobby Charles, Rick Danko & John Simon.

Engineer: Mark Harmon.

Shannon McNally included a recording of this song on her 2013 album Small Town Talk - The Songs of Bobby

Charles. The backing band included Dr. John and the Lower 911 Band. Actually recorded December 2007. Bobby Charles

(present at the recording sessions held at Dockside Studios, Maurice, LA), Dr. John as well as Shannon selected the songs

for the album.

Hanging out with the street people

They got it down

Hanging out with the street people

Just drifting from town to town

I got a job in a nursery

But they just didn't like what I’d grow

They called the man and he ran me off

And said now don't come back no more

Hanging out with the street people

They got it down

Hanging out with the street people

Just drifting from town to town

Who’s gonna work - make the economy grow

If we all hang out in the street

Well I don't know and I don't care

Just as long as it ain’t me

Hanging out with the street people

They got it down

Hanging out with the street people

Drifting from town to town

Wouldn’t trade places with no-one I know

I'm happy where I'm at

Some people would rather work

We need people like that

Wouldn’t trade places with no-one I know

I'm happy where I'm at

Some people would rather work

We need people like that

I'm glad I'm a street people

Have it no other way

And I'm gonna stay a street people

‘Til my dying day

Just hanging out, got nothing else to do; hey y’got any spare change buddy……

Need those…son you know I got me a little ?? brand new for you ???? you know, that’s all

That old lady gonna have a baby, guess somebody’s goin’ somewhere now

I’m gonna keep hangin’ out until I find some peace

?????????

Just keep hangin’ out

104

STRING OF HEARTS (1999)

(Bobby Charles) Included on LAST TRAIN TO MEMPHIS (2004). Musicians: Bobby Charles (vocals); Sonny Landreth

(electric slide guitar); Sam Broussard (electric guitar); George Bitzer (piano/ B3 Hammond organ); David Hyde (bass); Brian

Brignac (drums); Dan Cassin (cello); Jennifer Cassin (viola); Maria Traykova and Adrianna Hulscher (violins); Wardell

Quezergue (string arrangement and conductor).

Shannon McNally included a recording of this song on her 2013 album Small Town Talk - The Songs of Bobby

Charles. The backing band included Dr. John and the Lower 911 Band. Actually recorded December 2007. Bobby Charles

(present at the recording sessions held at Dockside Studios, Maurice, LA), Dr. John as well as Shannon selected the songs

for the album. Vince Gill is guest vocal on this track.

Like petals from a rose

You fell into my world

And tied me up in curls

Like a string of hearts

The moonbeams falling from the skies

And settle softly in your dreamy eyes

Like a string of hearts

I think I finally found my island (island)

I think I finally found my dream (dream)

I think finally found what I been searching for

Like petals from a rose

You fell into my world

And tied me up in curls

Like a string of hearts

A moonbeam falling from the skies

And settle softly in your dreamy eyes

Like a string of hearts

I think I finally found my answer

I think I finally found myself

I think finally found somebody

I think I finally found my island (island)

I think I finally found my myself (self)

I think finally found somebody (somebody)

Like petals from a rose

You fell into my world

And tied me up in curls

SWEEP ‘EM (2008)

(Bobby Charles) First appeared on HOMEMADE SONGS.

Sweep ‘em, let’s sweep ‘em

Let’s go tame their show while we can beat ‘em

Let’s get somebody on, and let’s bring them home

We can sweep ‘em, we can sweep ‘em

Let’s score some runs and have some Major League fun

We can sweep ‘em, we can sweep ‘em

Sweep ‘em, let’s sweep ‘em

If we win this game we can sweep ‘em

Two down, one to go, if we win one more

We can sweep ‘em, we can sweep ‘em

Come on let’s play ball, we can win them all

We can sweep ‘em, we can sweep ‘em

We can beat ‘em, we can sweep ‘em

We can sweep ‘em, we can beat ‘em

We can sweep ‘em, sweep ‘em

We can beat ‘em, we can sweep ‘em

We can sweep ‘em, we can sweep ‘em

Sweep ‘em

105

T____________________________________________

TAKE BACK MY COUNTRY (2010)

(Bobby Charles) Included on the album TIMELESS. Precise recording date not known as Bobby Charles died on 14

th

January 2010 and the album was released a month later. Musicians playing on the album comprise: Bobby Charles

(vocals); Sonny Landreth (lead guitar + background vocal on this track); Mac Rebennack (piano, B3 organ, Wurlitzer); David

Hyde (bass); Chris Leblanc (rhythm acoustic guitar); Mike Burch (drums); Mickey Raphael (harmonica); Erica Falls, Lisa

and Elaine Foster (background vocals).

Power takes money and power

Will be the downfall of us all

We’ve got to take our country back

We’ve got to take charge

A heartbeat away from the presidency

Is very scary to me

All I know, is that I know

I b’lieve I’m gonna go out and vote

Take back my country

And never let her go

Take back my country

Because I love her so

Take back my country

And never ever let her go

Take back my country

God knows I love her so

I’m sick and tired of all the games

That some people play

We’ve got to take our country back

And we better start today

A heartbeat away from the presidency

Is very scary to me

All I know, is that I know

I’m gonna go out and vote

Take back my country

And never let her go

Take back my country

Because I love her so

Take back my country

And never ever let her go

Take back my country

God knows I love her so

I’m sick and tired of all the games

That some people play

We’ve got to get our country back

And we better start today

A heartbeat away from the presidency

Is very scary to me

All I know, is that I know

I’m gonna go out and vote

Take back my country

And never let her go

Take back my country

Because I love her so

Take back my country

And never ever let her go

Take back my country

God knows I love her so

Take back my country

106

And never ever let her go

Take back my country

God knows I love her so

TAKE IT EASY, GREASY (1956)

(Bobby Charles) Recorded in New Orleans, March 1956, and released as Chess 1628 b/w ‘Time Will Tell’ - it was the follow

up single to ‘Why Did You Leave’. Musicians: Lee Allen (tenor sax), Red Tyler (baritone sax), Edward Frank and/or Paul

Gayten (piano), Edward Blanchard (guitar), Frank Fields (bass) and Charles ‘Hungry’ Williams (drums).

Well, I went to see my baby last night

She started kissing me and squeezing me and holding me tight

I said, take it easy greasy

Take it easy greasy

Take it easy greasy

'Cause you got a long way to slide

She said, hold me daddy and don't let me go

Because I wanna rock 'n' roll with you some more

I said, take it easy greasy

Take it easy greasy

Take it easy greasy

'Cause you got a long way to slide

Well, she pulled the shades and turned the lights down low

And said, come on daddy, let's rock 'n' roll some more

I said, take it easy greasy

Take it easy greasy

Take it easy greasy

'Cause you got a long way to slide

She said, hold me daddy and don't let me go

Because I wanna rock 'n' roll with you some more

I said, take it easy greasy

Take it easy greasy

Take it easy greasy

'Cause you got a long way to slide

Well, she pulled the shades and turned the lights down low

And said, come on daddy, let's rock 'n' roll some more

I said, take it easy greasy

Take it easy greasy

Take it easy greasy

'Cause you got a long way to slide

And when I tried to leave, she said hold up Jack

I tried to run out the door, but then she pulled me right back

I said, take it easy greasy

Take it easy greasy

Take it easy greasy

'Cause you got a long way to slide - yeah!

Now take take, take it easy

Take take, take it easy

Take take, take it easy

Take take, take it easy

Take it easy greasy, 'cause you got a long way to slide

107

TAKE YOU PLEASURE WHERE YOU FIND IT (1973)

(Bobby Charles/Paul Butterfield) Recorded by Paul Butterfield’s Better Days for their album It All Comes Back, released on

the Bearsville label. Musicians include: Paul Butterfield and Bobby Charles - on vocals, Geoff Muldaur, Ronnie Barron,

Christopher Parker, Billy Rich, Amos Garrett, Howard Johnson (horns), Bobbye Hall (congas), Maria Muldaur (vocals). Paul

Butterfield, 17

th

December 1942 - 4

th

May 1987.

Footloose and fancy free

That’s the only way to be

And take your pleasure where you find it

Anytime or anyplace

You mustn’t be afraid

Take your pleasure where you find it

In a glass of wine

Any glass is fine

Take your pleasure where you find it

In the back of town

Anywhere it can be found

Take your pleasure where you find it

In the afternoon

In a silver spoon

Take your pleasure where you find it

Fill up your cup

Make sure you get enough

Take your pleasure where you find it

Take it, take it, take it, take it, take it, take it, take it

Take it, take it, take it, take it, take it, take it, take it

Take it, take it, take it - take it all while you can

Footloose and fancy free

That’s the only way to be

Take your pleasure where you find it

Anytime or anyplace

You mustn’t be afraid

Take your pleasure where you find it

In a glass of wine

Any glass is fine

Take your pleasure where you find it

In the back of town

Anywhere it can be found

Take your pleasure where you find it

In a silver spoon

In the afternoon

Take your pleasure where you find it

Fill up your cup

Make sure you get enough

Take your pleasure where you find it

Take it, take it, take it, take it, take it, take it, take it

Take it, take it, take it, take it, take it, take it, take it

Take it, take it, take it - take it all while you can

Ah take it home with you, baby

Oh yeah, sleep with me woman

???????

Ah take it down

Ah - take it

108

TEENAGERS (1961)

(Bobby Charles) Recorded March 1961 at Cosimo Recording Studio, New Orleans. Included on the 2010 Bear Family

release SEE YOU LATER ALLIGATOR.

Teenagers ain’t talking like they used to talk

Teenagers ain’t walking like they used to walk

Teenagers ain’t dancin’ like they used to do

Doin’ the Walk and the Stroll and the Cha Cha too

Teenagers love music with a good solid beat

They can clap their hands and they can stamp their feet

They love rock ‘n’ roll when they’re sweet sixteen

And rock around the clock until they reach eighteen

I met a little girl just the other day

Fine as fine and ready to play

I must confess she took my by surprise

Sweet sixteen with a twinkle in her eye

Prrrr!

I took her walkin’ in the pale moonlight

She started whoo-ing when I held her tight

When she put her little hand in mine

The moon above began to shine, shine, shine

I’m crazy ‘bout my baby and I treat her right

I gotta have her with me both day and night

She’s the kinda baby I been searchin’ for

Every time we kiss she hollers more, more, more

I met a little girl just the other day

Fine as fine and ready to play

I must confess she took my by surprise

Sweet sixteen with a twinkle in her eye

Ahh-yeah!!

TELL ME BABY (1961)

(Bobby Charles) Recorded March 1961 at Cosimo Recording Studio, New Orleans. Included on the 2010 Bear Family

release SEE YOU LATER ALLIGATOR.

Why d’you leave me

Why d’you have to go

When I told you

That I love you so

Tell me baby

Tell me why d’you have to go

Tell me baby

Tell me why I love you so

My days are lonely

And my nights so blue

Since you left me

For somebody new

Tell me baby

Tell me why d’you have to go

Tell me baby

Tell me why I love you so

When I called you

Tears were in my eyes

Why d’you leave me

Why d’you say goodbye

Tell me baby

Tell me why d’you have to go

Tell me baby

Tell me why I love you so

109

My days are lonely

And my nights so blue

Since you left me

For somebody new

Tell me baby

Tell me why d’you have to go

Tell me baby

Tell me why I love you so

TENNESSEE BLUES (1972)

(Bobby Charles) Recorded at various times by Bobby Charles most notably with The Band members Rick Danko, Levon

Helm, Ricjsard Manuel and Garth Hudson. First issued August 1972 on the Bearsville album No. 2104 - BOBBY

CHARLES. Covered by many artists including Kris Kristofferson & Rita Coolidge, Doug Sahm, Steve Earle, The Sir Douglas

Band, Tommy McLain, Don Rich and Shannon McNally. Also recorded by Beth McKee on her 2009 Bobby Charles tribute

album I’m That Way.

If I had my way

I'd leave here today

I’d move in a hurry

I’d find me a place

Where I could stay

And not have to worry

A place I feel loose

Some place I could lose

These Tennessee blues

I’d find me a spot

On some mountain top

With no-one around me

With valleys and streams

Birds in the trees

And lakes that surround me

A place I feel loose

Some place I could lose

These Tennessee blues

A place to forget

All my regrets

And keep just the good times

Some place I could sleep

And nothing but peace

And feel free at all times

A place I feel loose

Some place I could lose

These Tennessee blues

Some place I could lose

These Tennessee blues

These Tennessee blues

110

THOSE EYES (1959)

(Bobby Charles/Dave Bartholomew) Released as Imperial X5642, B-side to ‘Bye Bye Baby’. Dave Bartholomew, 24

th

December 1918 - 23

rd

June 2019.

She didn’t know me

When I looked into her eyes

She didn’t know it

But they had me hypnotised

Those eyes

Those pretty blue eyes

I stood there watchin’

And she turned around and smiled

My heart kept jumpin’

And I know the reason why

Those eyes

Those pretty blue eyes

So then I told her

I’d sure go for those eyes

She said, I’m sorry

But they’re for some other guy

Those eyes

Those pretty blue eyes

And now she’s leavin’

So I wave my last goodbye

I won’t forget her

And she knows the reason why

Those eyes

Those pretty blue eyes

TIES THAT BIND (1977)

(Bobby Charles/Mac Rebennack - aka Dr.John) Appears on the live album Levon Helm and the RCO All Stars - Live at The

Palladium New Year’s Eve 1977. Malcolm John Rebennack Jr. (Dr. John) 20

th

November 1941 - 6

th

June 2019.

Last night I slept with an open eye as you whispered on the ‘phone

The tears you cried just disappeared and you wished you was all alone

Well you thought I was sleepin’ but I know you were sneezin’

And you know you can’t keep that dope a secret from me

And let’s not break the tie that binds

No we don’t wanna lose our peace of mind

You know that I really love you darlin’

But you’re just too much to deal with at this time

You didn’t have the nerve to tell me that a-you just didn’t love me

I’d assumed you’d rather pass and play, so darlin’ evidently

You thought I was sleepin’ - but I know you were sneezin’

And you know you can’t keep that dope a secret from me

And let’s not break the tie that binds

And let’s not lose our peace of mind

You know that I really love you darlin’

But you’re just too much to deal with at this time

Your whisper has been such a long, long time and I couldn’t believe my ears

I nearly cried when you said to me how much you needed me here

You thought I was sleepin’ but I know you were sneezin’

And you know you can’t keep that dope a secret from me

And let’s not break the tie that binds

No we don’t wanna lose our peace of mind

You know that I really love you darlin’

But you’re just too much to deal with at this time

111

TIME FOR A CHANGE (2008)

(Bobby Charles/Mac Rebennack - aka Dr.John) Recorded as part of the album City That Care Forgot with Dr John and The

Lower 911. The album was put together three years after Hurricane Katrina which in 2005 flooded large areas of New

Orleans. Five of the tracks were co-composed by Dr John and Bobby Charles. Other artists playing include Eric Clapton

and Willie Nelson. Malcolm John Rebennack Jr. (Dr. John) 20

th

November 1941 - 6

th

June 2019.

If you find somebody who loves the world and people

Vote ‘em into office; look just a little deeper

Don’t suck up the oil; strip-mine this whole earth

Save our planet; whose master do you serve

Time for a change - and you know it is

Time for a change - and that’s square biz

Unify, solidify, before we die

Stop the money made at the cost of life

If you see what I’m sayin’

Time for a change

We like the road-kill to feed the next victim

Air and water both are part of God’s system

Blind following blind orders to nowhere

Pass on what you know

Find a new path we can share

Time for a change and you know it is

Time for a change and that’s square biz

Unify, solidify, before we die

Stop the money made at the cost of life

If you see what I’m sayin’

Time for a change

Time for a change

Dissatisfaction caused a reaction

That’s got me pissed off tonight

Aggravated with the system

The way it’s runnin’

It’s running for its life

TIME WILL TELL (1956)

(Paul Gayten) Recorded March 1956 in New Orleans and originally released as the B-side to ‘Take It Easy Greasy’ (Chess

1628). Yet it was this song that peaked at #11 on the R&B charts in August 1956. Paul Gayten, 29

th

January 1920 - 26

th

March 1991.

You said that you loved me

That’s why I fell

I’m not sure about you baby

Only time will tell

The lies that you told me

They just don’t gel

I’m not sure about you baby

Only time will tell

Ooh hoo hoo ooh hoo hoo hoo

Ooh hoo hoo hoo

Ooh hoo hoo hoo hoo

Ooh hoo hoo hoo hoo hoo

You know that I love you

And you ring a bell

I’m not sure about you baby

Only time will tell

You said not to worry

But I can’t help myself

I’m not sure about you baby

Only time will tell

112

Only time will tell

Only time will tell

TOO BLUE (2008)

(Bobby Charles) First released on HOMEMADE SONGS (2008). Bobby Charles (vocal); Sonny Landreth (electric guitar);

Mac Rebennack (piano); David Ranson (bass); Brady Roberts (acoustic guitar); Mike Burch (drums); Mickey Raphael

(harmonica).

I wish that I had

Someone to hold

Someone to tell me

What I need to know

My days are so lonely

My nights are so blue

I’m so doggone lonesome

I’m too blue to be true

So if I run into someone

As lonely as me

If I stumble and fall

Please don’t blame it on me

I’ll never get over

My last love affair

I’m so broken hearted

I can’t be repaired

So if I run into someone

As lonely as me

If I stumble and fall

Please don’t blame it on me

My days are so lonely

My nights are so blue

I’m so doggone lonesome

I’m too blue to be true

TOWN IS TALKING, THE (1958)

(Fats Domino/Dave Bartholomew) Released as the B-side to ‘What Can I Do’ (Imperial X5579). Antoine "Fats" Domino Jr.,

26

th

February 1928 - 24

th

October 24, 2017. Dave Bartholomew, 24

th

December 1918 - 23

rd

June 2019.

The whole town is talkin’ (the whole town’s talkin’)

Because you got me walkin’ (because you got me walkin’)

The whole town is talkin’ (the whole town’s talkin’)

Because you got me walkin’ (because you got me walkin’)

I’m mad with the world

Because I’m ‘bout to lose, my best girl (my best girl)

I can hear my dog barkin’ (I hear my dog barkin’)

The whole town is talkin’ (the whole town’s talkin’)

I can hear my dog barkin’ (I hear my dog barkin’)

But the whole town is talkin’ (the whole town’s talkin’)

Yes I’m mad with the world

Because I’m ‘bout to lose, my best girl (my best girl)

(Do do do do do do do)

(Do do do do do do do)

(Do do do do do do do)

(Do do do do do do do)

Hi ho silver (hi ho silver)

Take me to the river (take me to the river)

Hi ho silver (hi ho silver)

Take me to the river (take me to the river)

Yes I’m mad with the world

113

Because I’m ‘bout to lose, my best girl (my best girl)

TRUTH WILL SET YOU FREE (PROMISES, PROMISES), THE - see: PROMISES, PROMISES

(THE TRUTH WILL SET YOU FREE)

24 HOURS (1963)

(Eddie Boyd) Originally recorded by Eddie Boyd in 1953 on Chess 1533. For his second release on his own - short-lived -

label Hub City Records, Bobby recorded a song entitled ‘24 Hours’ c/w ‘Sometimes’ (Hub-City 716). As we don’t have it we

assume it must be the blues classic written and recorded by Eddie Boyd. Lyrics below are as sung by Eddie Boyd. Edward

Riley Boyd, 25

th

November 1914 - 13

th

July 1994.

Well I’m sitting here waiting

For her to call me on the ‘phone

I’m sitting here waiting

For her to call me on the ‘phone

She’s been gone 24 hours

And that’s 23 hours too long

First three hours I was rolling and tumbling

Couldn’t hardly stay in bed

Next morning I tried to eat my breakfast

And the blues was all in my bread

Sitting here waiting

For her to call me on the ‘phone

She’s been gone 24 hours

And that’s 23 hours too long

The next three hours I spent rambling

Going from place to place

No matter what I looked at

I could still see my baby’s face

I’m sitting here waiting

For her to call me on the ‘phone

She’s been gone 24 hours

And that’s 23 hours too long

The next three hours I spent praying

Praying for her to return

If she don’t come back to me

You know my heart will forever yearn

I’m sitting here waiting

For her to call me on the ‘phone

She’s been gone 24 hours

And that’s 23 hours too long

U____________________________________________

None.

V____________________________________________

VICTIM OF CIRCUMSTANCE (1985)

(Bobby Charles) Details unknown. Unreleased.

114

W____________________________________________

WALKIN’ TO NEW ORLEANS (first recording by BC unknown)

(Bobby Charles/Fats Domino/Dave Bartholomew) First recorded by Fats Domino in1960 for whom Charles composed it. It

was released on Imperial 5675 and was a top ten hit. Bobby Charles’ first version (appearing on WALKING TO NEW

ORLEANS - THE PAULA AND JEWEL RECORDINGS 1964-1965) is likely to have been a publisher’s demo only; he

recorded it again in 1984 for WISH YOU HERE RIGHT NOW - with Fats Domino; this version was then rereleased in 1995

on LAST TRAIN TO MEMPHIS. The lyrics vary a little; those below are the original with the variation alongside some lines.

The story goes that when Fats Domino stopped on tour in Lafayette, Louisiana, he invited Bobby Charles backstage, but as

Fats didn’t have a copy of his new record to give to Charles, he invited Charles to come visit him in his home in New

Orleans. Charles replied, “I don’t have a car. If I’d go, I’d have to walk.”

Also recorded, among many others, by Beth McKee on her 2009 Bobby Charles tribute album I’m That Way.

Antoine "Fats" Domino Jr., 26

th

February 1928 - 24

th

October 24, 2017. Dave Bartholomew, 24

th

December 1918 -

23

rd

June 2019.

I'm walkin' to New Orleans

I'm walkin' to New Orleans

Going to need two pair of shoes

When I get through walkin' these blues

When I get back to New Orleans

My suitcase in my hand

Now, ain't that a shame (or) I hope you understand

I'm leavin' here today

I'm goin' back home to stay

I'm walkin' to New Orleans

You used to be my honey

Till you spent all my money

No use for you to cry

I'll see you bye and bye

'Cause I'm walkin' to New Orleans

I've got no time for talkin'

I've got to keep on walkin'

New Orleans is my home (or) I’m gonna see the Mardi Gras

That's the reason why I'm goin (or) Even if I have to crawl

Yes, I'm walkin' to New Orleans

You used to be my honey

Till you spent all my money

No use for you to cry

I'll see you bye and bye

'Cause I'm walkin' to New Orleans

I've got no time for talkin'

I've got to keep on walkin'

New Orleans is my home

That's the reason why I'm goin

Yes, I'm walkin' to New Orleans

I'm walkin' to New Orleans

I'm walkin' to New Orleans

I'm walkin' to New Orleans

I'm walkin' to New Orleans

115

WALK, THE (1964)

(Jimmy McCracklin) Alternate stereo mix issued 2000 on WALKING TO NEW ORLEANS - THE PAULA AND JEWEL

RECORDINGS 1964-1965 but originally issued in mono in 1965 as Paula 226 c/w ‘Worrying Over You’. Jimmy McCracklin

had a hit with it in 1958.

Well I know you heard of the Swim, that’s true

I know you like to do the Monkey too

Well I dance them all and I’m tellin’ you

That the Walk is the dance that you can do

You just walk

Yeah you walk

Oh, you walk

Yeah you walk

Yeah you walk

Yeah you walk

Well you got a greasy bird doin’ the Watusi

Everybody say that’s a sight to see

But they don’t know ‘cause they ain’t seen

Me do the Walk on your TV screen

You just walk

Yeah you walk

Oh, you walk

Now you walk

Yeah you walk

Yeah you walk

Hey - walk it now

Well you got a greasy bird doin’ the Watusi

Everybody say that’s a sight to see

But they don’t know ‘cause they ain’t seen

Me do the Walk on your TV screen

You just walk

Yeah you walk

Oh, you walk

Yeah you walk

Ah you walk

Everybody walk now - yeah

WATCH IT, SPROCKET (1956)

(Bobby Charles) Recorded January 1956 in Chicago and likely meant as a follow up to ‘See You Later Alligator’ but

remained unreleased until 1977. Bobby is backed by Chess session regulars: Ernest Cotton (tenor sax), Harrold Burrage

(piano), Jody Williams (guitar), Willie Dixon (bass) and Fred Below (drums).

Caught a glimpse of a chick as she was passing me by

She turned around and I gave her the eye

She said, watch it sprocket

You’d better, watch it sprocket

You’d better, watch your step before you lose your head

Well I was eating some bananas at a French fruit stand

Up come a chick and I grabbed her hand

She said, watch it sprocket

You’d better, watch it sprocket

You’d better, watch your step before you lose your head

Well then another one came and she was all dressed in blue

She turned around and said the same thing too

You better, watch it sprocket

You better, watch it sprocket

You’d better, watch your step before you lose your head

Well I was hanging on the corner like a cat from the well

Up come a stud and he called me a square

He said, watch it sprocket

You’d better, watch it sprocket

116

You’d better, watch your step before you lose your head

Now don’t you go of thinkin’ that you’re some big wheel

‘Cause you’re just a little sprocket, that’s the way I feel

You’d better, watch it sprocket

You’d better, watch it sprocket

You’d better, watch your step before you lose your head

Watch it sprocket

WHAT A PARTY (1959)

(Dave Bartholomew/King) Released as Imperial X5681, b/w ‘I Just Want You’. Dave Bartholomew, 24

th

December 1918 -

23

rd

June 2019.

(What a party)

(What a party)

Where was Jody when the lights went out

(shoo-wa shoo-wa, shoo-wa shoo-wa)

Standin’ in the corner just tryin’ to shout

(shoo-wa shoo-wa, shoo)

(What a party)

Oh yeah

(Lordy, Lordy)

The big fat piano man, he sure could play (ahhhh)

(What a party)

Oh yeah

(Lordy, Lordy)

The party lasted till the break of day (ahhhhh)

It was so dark in that cozy little place

(shoo-wa shoo-wa, shoo-wa shoo-wa)

You couldn’t see a hand before your face

(shoo-wa shoo-wa, shoo)

(What a party)

Oh yeah

(Lordy, Lordy)

The big fat piano man, he sure could play (ahhhh)

(What a party)

Oh yeah

(Lordy, Lordy)

The party lasted till the break of day (ahhhhh)

The neighbour called the cops about half past four

(shoo-wa shoo-wa, shoo-wa shoo-wa)

They came in rough and broke down the door

(shoo-wa shoo-wa, shoo)

(What a party)

Oh yeah (Lordy, Lordy)

The big fat piano man, he sure could play (ahhhh)

(What a party)

Oh yeah

(Lordy, Lordy)

The party lasted till the break of day (ahhhhh)

Oh - what a blast we had last night……

(What a party

What a party

What a party

What a party

What a party…….)

117

WHAT ARE WE DOING aka WHAT ARE WE DOING WITH OUR LIVES (1974)

(Bobby Charles) First recorded as part of the Bearsville sessions but not released until 2011 on BOBBY CHARLES

DELUXE (disc 2). Re-recorded 1998 (as per lyrics below) and included on the album LAST TRAIN TO MEMPHIS.

I'm sittin' here drinkin' again

Passin' the time with my friends

When I know that I should be by your side

What am I doin' with my life

I wonder where you are tonight

And I wonder if you are all right

Nothin’ but fools - that’s me and you

What are we doin’ with our lives

When you know I want you

And you want me too

What in the world, are we tryin' to prove

Cause we’re only foolin’ ourselves

Pretending we found someone else

When both you and I, know we’re livin’ a lie

What are we doin' with our lives

When you know I want you

And you want me too

What in the world, are we tryin' to prove

Cause we’re only foolin’ ourselves

Pretending we found someone else

When both you and I, know we’re livin’ a lie

What are we doin' with our lives

What are we doin'

WHAT A TOWN (1977)

(Bobby Charles/Richard Clare “Rick” Danko) Recorded by former Band member Rick Danko for his 1977 self-titled solo

debut album. Guitar solo: Ronnie Wood. Richard Clare “Rick” Danko, 29

th

December 1942 - 10

th

December 1999.

What a town

What a town

What a town

I fall in love every time I turn around

I look to my left

Look to my right

What do I see

All the young girls dreaming

Old ones a-scheming

Call girls calling after me

What a town

What a town

What a town

I fall in love every time I turn around

The music was playin’

And the people were swayin’

Keepin’ the beat

In the alley

Where they all rally

On them old cobblestone streets

What a town

What a town

What a town

I fall in love every time I turn around

What a town

What a town

What a town

I fall in love every time I turn around

118

Now I'm going home

I'm all alone

I'm puttin’ my day to an end

So many places

And so many faces

All of those people my friends

What a town

What a town

What a town

I fall in love every time I turn around

WHAT CAN I DO (1958)

(Bobby Charles/Dave Bartholomew) Released as Imperial X5579, b/w ‘The Town Is Talking’. Dave Bartholomew, 24

th

December 1918 - 23

rd

June 2019.

I tried to treat you nice (bop bop bop bop)

But you just won’t do right (bop bop bop bop bop)

What can I do (what can I do)

Oh baby what can I do (what can I do)

I call you on the phone (bop bop bop bop)

But you are not at home (bop bop bop bop bop)

What can I do (what can I do)

Oh baby what can I do (what can I do)

What can I do, to change your ways (ahhhh….)

And make you understand (ah-haaah…..)

That all, that I want from you

Is to be your loverman

Everybody said (bop bop bop bop)

That I’d be better off dead (bop bop bop bop bop)

What can I do (what can I do)

Oh baby what can I do (what can I do)

(Bop bop bop bop…….)

What can I do, to change your ways (ahhhhh….)

And make you understand (ah-haaaah…….)

That all, that I want from you

Is to be your loverman

Everybody said (bop bop bop bop)

That I’d be better off dead (bop bop bop bop bop)

What can I do (what can I do)

Oh baby what can I do (what can I do)

(Bop bop bop bop)

WHATEVER HAPPENED (1974)

Bobby Charles) First issued on disc 2 of the Rhino Handmade 3-CD box set BOBBY CHARLES DELUXE (2011).

Whatever happened to our rose-coloured days

How did we ever let them fade into grey

Why does the sweetness disappear

And all that’s left is tears

Whatever happened to the love and the lust

I guess we lost them when we lost each other’s trust

What makes a love like ours, so pure

Turn so immature

And whatever happened to the happiness

We let it slip away like all the rest

And then the sadness moved right in

It seems we’ve reached the end

We’ve reached our journey’s end

119

WHEN LOVE TURNS TO HATE (2010)

(Bobby Charles) Included on the album TIMELESS. Precise recording date not known as Bobby Charles died on 14

th

January 2010 and the album was released a month later. Musicians playing on the album comprise: Bobby Charles

(vocals); Sonny Landreth (lead guitar); Mac Rebennack (piano, B3 organ, Wurlitzer); David Hyde (bass); Chris Leblanc

(rhythm acoustic guitar); Mike Burch (drums); Mickey Raphael (harmonica); Erica Falls, Lisa and Elaine Foster (background

vocals).

There is a very thin line

Between love and hate

And if you ever cross it

Love might go away

It’s a sin we can’t be friends

And we can’t even talk to each other again

Oh what a waste

When love, sweet love, turns to hate

And after all is said and done

You know you are, and always will be the only one

But oh what a waste

When love, sweet love, turns to hate

There is that very thin line

Between love and hate

And if you ever cross it

Love might go away

It’s a sin we can’t be friends

And we can’t even talk to each other again

Oh what a waste

When love, sweet love, turns to hate

And after all is said and done

You know you are, and always will be the only one

But oh what a waste

When love, sweet love, turns to hate

When love, sweet love, turns to hate

When love, sweet love, turns to hate

WHERE DID ALL THE LOVE GO (2010)

(Bobby Charles) Included on the album TIMELESS. Precise recording date not known as Bobby Charles died on 14

th

January 2010 and the album was released a month later. Musicians playing on the album comprise: Bobby Charles

(vocals); Sonny Landreth (lead guitar); Mac Rebennack (piano, B3 organ, Wurlitzer); David Hyde (bass); Chris Leblanc

(rhythm acoustic guitar); Mike Burch (drums); Mickey Raphael (harmonica); Erica Falls, Lisa and Elaine Foster (background

vocals), Gerry McGee (lead guitar on this track).

(Where oh where

Where did all the love go)

I see you in my dreams every night

I feel good but I still don’t feel quite right

Something’s missin’, something’s gone, I don’t know

What to say, what to do, which way to go

And I see stars in the sky every night

For some reason they don’t seem to shine as bright

As they did when they twinkled in your eyes

Something’s wrong, something died down deep inside

Where did all the love go (Where did all the love go)

Where did all the love go (Where did all the love go)

I looked around, it’s nowhere to be found

Why did all the love go (Why did all the love go)

Why did all the love go (Why did all the love go)

I asked myself a million times or more

I see you in my dreams every night

I feel good but I still don’t feel quite right

Something’s missin’, something’s gone, I don’t know

120

What to say, what to do, which way to go

And I see stars in the sky every night

For some reason they don’t seem to shine as bright

As they did when they twinkled in your eyes

Something’s wrong, something died down deep inside

Where did all the love go (Where did all the love go)

Where did all the love go (Where did all the love go)

I looked around, it’s nowhere to be found

Why did all the love go (Why did all the love go)

Why did all the love go (Why did all the love go)

I asked myself a million times or more

(Where oh where

Where oh where - I wanna know

Where oh where - where

Where oh where - yea-eah-oh - I wanna know)

Where did all the love go (Where did all the love go)

Where did all the love go (Where did all the love go)

I looked around, it’s nowhere to be found

Why did all the love go (Why did all the love go)

Why did all the love go (Why did all the love go)

I asked myself a million times or more

Where did all the love go………

WHISTLE AWAY MY BLUES (1961)

(Bobby Charles/Clarence “Frogman” Henry) As yet unreleased. There also appears to be a July 1961 unreleased version by

Clarence “Frogman” Henry. Musicians: Bill Justis (guitar, producer), Boots Randolph (sax), Floyd Cramer (piano), further

details unknown.

WHO’S SORRY NOW? (released 1990; recording date unknown)

(Tony Snyder/Bert Kalmer/Harry Ruby) ‘Who's Sorry Now?’ (first publish in 1923) featured in the Marx Brothers film A Night

in Casablanca (1946). The song has been recorded by a number of artists. The Tiny Hill Orchestra recorded it in 1945

(Mercury Records catalogue number 2041). Another one of those was an 20

th

August 1951 recording by Jerry Gray and his

orchestra (Decca Records catalogue number 27868.) The song was recorded in 1958 by Connie Francis, and since then

the song has become closely identified with her due to the immense popularity of her version which was her breakout hit.

Theodore Frank Snyder, 15

th

August 1881 - 16

th

July 1965; Bert Kalmar, 10

th

February 1884 - 18

th

September 1947; Harry

Ruby, 27

th

January 1895 - 23

rd

February 1974.

Who's sorry now

Who's sorry now

Whose heart is achin'

For breakin' each vow

Who's sad and blue

Who's cryin' too

Just like I cried over you

Right to the end

Just like a friend

I tried to warn you somehow

You had your way baby

Now you must pay baby

I'm happy you're sorry now

Who's sorry now

Who's sorry now

Whose heart is achin'

For breakin' each vow

Who's sad and blue, blue, blue

Who's cryin' too-oo

Just like I cried over you, over you

Right to the end

Just like a friend

I tried to warn you somehow

121

You had your way baby

Now you must pay baby

I'm happy, you're sorry now

I'm happy, you're sorry now

I’m so glad you’re so sorry now

I’m so glad you’re so ……..

WHY ARE PEOPLE LIKE THAT (1974)

(Bobby Charles) Originally recorded as part of the Bearsville sessions and finally included on 2011’s BOBBY CHARLES

DELUXE (disc 2). Re-recorded 1998 with slightly changed/expanded lyrics/arrangement for the album SECRETS OF THE

HEART - Bobby Charles (vocals); David Hyde (bass); David Peters (drums); Derek Trucks (guitar); Sam Broussard (rhythm

guitar); Elaine & Lisa Foster (background vocals). It was used on the soundtrack of the 1998 film Home Fries. Both versions

shown below.

# 1 (1974)

They’ll take your love and your money

They’ll take your sugar and your honey

They’ll take you skinny or fat

Why are people like that?

They’ll take your house and your home

They’ll take the flesh and your bones

They’ll take the shirt off your back

Why are people like that?

They’ll take your farm and your crop

They’ll take everything you got

They’ll laugh behind your back

Why are people like that?

Why are people like that?

Why are people like that?

Why are people like that?

Why are people like that?

Why are people like that?

Why are people like that?

Why are people like that?

Why are people like that?

Why are people like that?

They’ll take your love and your money

They’ll take your sugar and your honey

They’ll take you skinny or fat

Why are people like that?

They’ll take your house and your home

They’ll take the flesh and your bones

They’ll take the shirt off your back

Why are people like that?

They’ll take your farm and your crop

They’ll take everything you got

They’ll laugh behind your back

Why are people like that?

Why are people like that?

Why are people like that?

Why are people like that?

Why are people like that?

Why are people like that?....

# 2 (1998)

They’ll take your love and then your money

They’ll take your sugar and all your honey

They’ll take you skinny or flat

Why are people like that?

They’ll take your child and your home

They’ll take the flesh from your bones

They’ll take the shirt off your back

Why are people like that?

122

They’ll take your dog and your car

They’ll try to push you too far

They’ll break your heart and leave you flat

Why are people like that

They’ll make you sleep in the street

They’ll give you nothing to eat

They’ll lie to you and that’s a fact

Why are people like that?

They’ll take your farm and your crop

They’ll take everything you got

They’ll laugh behind your back

Why are people like that?

(What are people like that?)

Why are people like that?

(Why are people like that?)

Why are people like that?

(Why are people like that?)

I don’t know why they act like that

(Don’t know why they act like that)

Why are people like that?

(Why are people like that?)

WHY CAN’T YOU (1956)

(Bobby Charles) Recorded December 1956 in New Orleans and released as the B-side to ‘Put Your Arms Around

Me’ (Chess 1647). Backing musicians were Lee Allen (tenor sax), Red Tyler (baritone sax), Edward Frank and/or Paul

Gayten (piano), Edward Blanchard (guitar), Frank Fields (bass) and Charles ‘Hungry’ Williams (drums).

Why can’t you

Say that you still love me

Why can’t you

Be like you used to be

You used to be just mine

To have and to hold

But now you’ve changed

Your love has grown cold

You know I love you

I tell the world I do

Yes I love you

Say that you love me too

Why can’t you

Be like you used to be

Why can’t you

Say that you still love me

You know I love you

I tell the world I do

Yes I love you

Say that you love me too

Why can’t you

Be like you used to be

Why can’t you

Say that you still love me

WHY DID YOU LEAVE (1956)

(Bobby Charles) Released as Chess 1617 in 1956, b/w ‘Don’t You Know I Love You’.

I know you’ve been away

For such a long, long time

But still my heart cries for you

You’re always on my mind

Why did you leave

Why did you leave

Oh why did you go

123

I always try to do right

No matter where I go

But since that girl’s been gone

I can’t think straight no more

Why did she leave

Why did she leave

Oh why did she go

I always try to do right

No matter where I go

But since that girl’s been gone

I can’t think straight no more

Why did she leave

Why did she leave

Oh why did she go

No matter where I travel

Got to be all by myself

I start crying for my baby

And wondering why she left

Why did she leave

Why did she leave

Oh why did she go

WILD HONEY (1978)

(Bobby Charles/Mac Rebennack - aka Dr. John) Recorded by Dr. John for the 1978 album City Lights. Also played live on

Dr John Trippin’ Live. Lyrics vary a bit in live performances. Malcolm John Rebennack Jr. (Dr. John) 20

th

November 1941 -

6

th

June 2019. NB: Many lyrics sites incorrectly quote the Van Morrison lyrics! Wild honey and honey oil are of curse slang

terms for cannabis.

My wild honey

Makes me feel like twice the man I used to be

(Wild honey, wild honey)

My wild honey

Makes me feel like twice the man I used to be

(Wild honey, wild honey)

Don’t take but a crack, to crumble a kingdom

Don’t take but a queen, to make the kingdom come

I’m the jack of all trades, the master of fun

‘Cause I’m the one, that gets all the fun done

Wild honey (Wild honey, wild honey)

Grass savin’ all the world

Scandalicious, a little lover (A little lover, a little lover)

My little lover girl (Wild honey)

Cut in the raw, you really ought to see

‘Cause she’s the way

Raw art should be seen

Wild honey

A hundred per cent you would be

Don’t take but a crack, to crumble a kingdom

Don’t take but a queen, to make the kingdom come

I’m the jack of all trades, the master of fun

‘Cause I’m the one, that gets all the fun done

Wild about you honey

Too fresh, nectar of love

Just a little on the real side

A little on the feel side

A little on the street side

But you’re lotsa, lotsa, lotsa, lotsa, lotsa

On the sweet side (He’s a lover and he’s been on the sweet side)

124

Wild honey (Wild honey)

Sweet and comely (Wild honey, wild honey)

Grass savin’ all the world

(Wild honey, a little lover)

My wild honey

Makes me feel like twice the man I was before

(A little lover, a little lover)

My wild honey

Makes me feel like twice the man I was before

Wild honey (Wild honey, wild honey)

Sweet and comely (Wild honey)

I’m the victim of the love (Wild honey, wild honey)

Little of blossom (Wild honey, wild honey)

So glad I got some (Wild honey, wild honey)

You’re just a little on the real side

A little on the feel side

A little on the street side

And lotsa lotsa lotsa lotsa lotsa lotsa lotsa lotsa

On the sweet side………

WIN OR LOSE (1973)

(Bobby Charles/Paul Butterfield) Recorded by Paul Butterfield’s Better Days for their album It All Comes Back, released on

the Bearsville label. Musicians include: Paul Butterfield (vocals, harmonica, electric piano), Geoff Muldaur (vocals, slide

guitar); Ronnie Barron (vocals, piano, organ, clavinet), Christopher Parker(drums); Billy Rich (bass) , Amos Garrett (electric

guitar): Howard Johnson (horns), Bobby Charles (vocals), Bobbye Hall (congas), Maria Muldaur (vocals). Paul Butterfield,

17

th

December 1942 - 4

th

May 1987.

You can win, you can lose

You can pick child, you can choose

You can laugh or you can cry

You gonna live or you gonna die

And there ain’t nobody

Gimme the blues like you, baby

And there ain’t nobody

Oh in this whole wide world

Gimme the blues like you - no

You can rise or you can fall

You can leave or you can call

And I bet your life I, know it’s true

You’re gonna do just what you, wanna do

And there ain’t nobody

Gimme the blues like you

And there ain’t nobody

Oh in this whole wide world

Gimme the blues like you

Mmm take it down - down to the wire

And there ain’t nobody

Oh there ain’t nobody, in the world

Gimme the blues like you

You can win, you can lose

You can pick child, you can choose

You can laugh or you can cry

You gonna live and you gonna die

And there ain’t nobody

Gimme the blues like you

And there ain’t nobody

Oh in this whole wide world

Gimme the blues like you

125

Don’tcha know what you’re doing to me

You’re taking me down to the wire

Take me down - yeah

Take me down - whooo-ooh

Take me down

WISH YOU WERE HERE RIGHT NOW (1993)

(Bobby Charles) Recorded for the album WISH YOU WERE HERE RIGHT NOW. Also included on LAST TRAIN TO

MEMPHIS (2004). Bobby Charles (vocals); Tommy Moran (electric guitar); George Bitzer (keyboards); David Peters

(drums).

If you were here right now

I’d feel like a king

I’d give anything

If you were here right now

And if I had one wish

I’d wish that I knew how

To win your love again

Then you’d be here right now

Hmm-mm-mmm

Hmm-mm-mmm

Hmm-mm-mmm

Wish you were here right now

Hmm-mm-mmm

126

WORRYING OVER YOU (1965)

(Bobby Charles) Released as Paula 226 c/w ‘The Walk’.

Worried in the morning

Worried in the night time too

Since you’re gone I’m just a vagabond

Worryin’ over you

Remember when we fell in love

Everything was fine

Then you left, went far away

Now here’s how I spend my time

Worried in the morning

Worried in the night time too

Since you’re gone I’m just a vagabond

Worryin’ over you

Wouldn’t write and you won’t call

I just don’t understand

Why you left when everything

Was goin’ just the way we planned

Now I’m worried in the morning

Worried in the night time too

Since you’re gone I’m just a vagabond

Worryin’ over you

Remember when we fell in love

Everything was fine

Then you left and went far away

Now here’s how I spend my time

Worried in the morning

Worried in the night time too

Since you’re gone I’m just a vagabond

Worryin’ over you

Worryin’ over you

Worryin’ over you

Worryin’ over you…….

X____________________________________________

None

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Y____________________________________________

YEA YEA BABY (1957)

(Bobby Charles/Paul Gayten) Recorded in New Orleans, June 1957. It was the B-side to ‘One Eyed Jack’ (Chess 1670), his

final single for Chess. Another session would follow in May 1958 but yielded nothing that was deemed worthy of release at

the time.

Paul Gayten, 29

th

January 1920 - 26

th

March 1991.

All of my life I’ve been lookin’ for someone like you

(Someone like you, someone like you)

All of my life I been lookin’ for someone like you

(Someone like you, someone like you)

Now I got you here with me

I want you to know my life’s complete

Yea yea yea yea baby, I love you

Yea yea yea yea

You got me walkin’ in circles, talkin’ all out of my head

(Out of my head, out of my head)

You got me walkin’ in circles, talkin’ all out of my head

(Out of my head, out of my head)

You opened my eyes and now I see

That you’re the only one for me

Yea yea yea yea baby, I love you

Yea yea yea yea

I wanna love love love love love you till I die

(Till I die, till I die)

I wanna love love love love love you till I die

(Till I die, till I die)

Yea yea baby, I love you

I’ll do anything that you want a-me to

Yea yea yea yea baby, I love you

Yea yea yea yea

I wanna love love love love love you till I die

(Till I die, till I die)

I wanna love love love love love you till I die

(Till I die, till I die)

Yea yea baby, I love you

I’ll do anything that you want a-me to

Yea yea yea yea baby, I love you

Yea yea yea yea

YOU (1998)

(Bobby Charles) First recorded for the album SECRETS OF THE HEART. Bobby Charles (vocals); Jackie Street (bass);

Mike Elliot (guitar, sync-drums); Charles Cochran (piano); Ben Keith (sax, sync-drums).

I’ve been waiting for you forever

I thought you’d never come along

Then sure as rain along you came

And made my life a song

A tender loving song

Yes you are an inspiration

And you are a living dream

And you are the one, the only one

Who can make my heart go zing

And listen to it sing

And like a sweet melody

You’re so easy to remember

I see you when I close my eyes

You’re everywhere I turn

And you’re everything I yearn

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And like a sweet melody

You’re so easy to remember

I see you when I close my eyes

You’re everywhere I turn

And you’re everything I yearn

YOU CAME ALONG (1974) aka SMILE (SO GLAD)

(Bobby Charles) First issued on disc 2 of the Rhino Handmade 3-CD box set BOBBY CHARLES DELUXE (2011).

Shannon McNally included a recording of this songas ‘Smile (So Glad)’ on her 2013 album Small Town Talk - The

Songs of Bobby Charles. The backing band included Dr. John and the Lower 911 Band. Actually recorded December 2007.

Bobby Charles (present at the recording sessions held at Dockside Studios, Maurice, LA), Dr. John as well as Shannon

selected the songs for the album.

God bless the gift of laughter

And thank God, for a world of songs

And God bless, the day I found you

I’m so glad you came along

And I swear, I never felt like this before

You walked right through my door

And gave your love to me

I feel good, so good inside

I forgot, how to cry

Now all I ever do is smile

You came along

And I swear, I never felt like this before

You walked right through my door

And you gave your love to me

I feel good, so good inside

I forgot, how to cry

Now all I ever do is smile

You came along

YOU CAN SUIT YOURSELF (1957)

(Paul Gayten/Fred Mendelson) Recorded in August 1956 in New Orleans and c/w ‘No More (Ain’t Gonna Do It)’. Released

in 1957 as Chess 1658. Bobby Charles actually maintained that he composed this song despite the credits giving different

names. It was included on the soundtrack for the 2004 film Miracle. Musicians: Lee Allen (tenor sax), Red Tyler (baritone

sax), Edward Frank and/or Gayten (piano), Edward Blanchard (guitar), Frank Fields (bass) and Charles ‘Hungry’ Williams

(drums). Paul Gayten, 29

th

January 1920 - 26

th

March 1991.

You can leave, you can go

But you know I love you so

But you can suit, suit, oo-whoo-oo-oo, baby you can suit yourself

Well, you can stay, be on your way

‘Cause every dog must have its day

But you can suit, suit, oo-whoo-oo-oo, baby you can suit yourself

I gave you love, that was true

Now you say, that we’re through

But you can suit, suit, oo-whoo-oo-oo, baby you can suit yourself

I gave you love, that was true

Now you say, that we’re through

But you can suit, suit, oo-whoo-oo-oo, baby you can suit yourself

I hope that you realise

That you’re the girl, I idolise

But you can suit, suit, oo-whoo-oo-oo, baby you can suit yourself

Baby you can suit yourself

Baby you can suit yourself

Baby you can suit yourself

Baby you can suit yourself

Baby you can suit yourself….

129

YOU’LL ALWAYS LIVE INSIDE OF ME (2010) aka in error: YOU’LL ALWAYS LIVE INSIDE ME

(Bobby Charles/David Allan Coe) Included on the album TIMELESS. Precise recording date not known as Bobby Charles

died on 14

th

January 2010 and the album was released a month later. Musicians playing on the album comprise: Bobby

Charles (vocals); Sonny Landreth (lead guitar); Mac Rebennack (piano, B3 organ, Wurlitzer); David Hyde (bass); Chris

Leblanc (rhythm acoustic guitar); Mike Burch (drums); Mickey Raphael (harmonica); Erica Falls, Lisa and Elaine Foster

(background vocals). Specified for this track is Gerry McGee (lead guitar) and Beth McKee (background vocals). Actually

first recorded by David Allan Coe on his 1972 album, Tatt o o.

You may sail across the waters

Be any place that you might be

You may die and go to heaven

But you’ll always live inside of me

You’ll always live inside of me

You’ll always live inside of me

Though you may be with someone else tonight

You’ll always live inside of me

You may sail across the waters

Be any place that you might be

You may die and go to heaven

But you’ll always live inside of me

You’ll always live inside of me

You’ll always live inside of me

Though you may be with someone else tonight

You’ll always live inside of me

YOU MADE ME LOVE YOU (I DIDN’T WANT TO DO IT) (1963)

(James V. Monaco/Joseph McCarthy) One of the earliest recordings was by Al Jolson in 1913 and it has garnered countless

covers since. Bobby Charles recorded it as the B-side to ‘Big Boys Cry’ as his first release (of two) on his own label Hub

City Records, in 1963 (Hub City 715). Does not seem to be on any album.

James Vincent Monaco, 13

th

January 1885 - 16

th

October 1945; Joseph McCarthy, 27

th

September 1885 - 18

th

December 1943.

You made me love you

I didn't want to do it

I didn't want to do it

You made me want you

And all the time you knew it

you know that you knew it

You made me happy sometimes

You made me sad

And then again baby

You made me feel so bad

You made me cry for you

I didn't wanna tell you

I didn't want to tell you

I need someone, that’s true

Yes I do, indeed I do, you know I do

Give me, give me, give me, give me, what I cry for

Give me, give me, give me, give me

You got the kind of kisses, that I’d die for

You know you made me, love you

You made me love you

I didn't want to do it

I didn't want to do it

You made me want you

And all the time you knew it

you know that you knew it

You made me happy sometimes

You made me sad

And then again baby

You made me feel so bad

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You made me cry for you

I didn’t want to tell you

I didn’t wanna tell you

I need someone, that’s true

Yes I do, indeed I do, you know I do

Give me, give me, give me, give me, what I cry for

Give me, give me, give me, give me

You got the kind of kisses, that I’d die for

You know you made me, love you

YOU MAKE IT COME EASY (1977)

(Bobby Charles/Mac Rebennack - aka Dr. John) A Bearsville recording as yet unreleased. Malcolm John Rebennack Jr. (Dr.

John) 20

th

November 1941 - 6

th

June 2019.

YOU MIGHT BE SURPRISED (2008)

(Bobby Charles/Mac Rebennack - aka Dr. John) Recorded as part of the album City That Care Forgot with Dr John and The

Lower 911. The album was put together three years after Hurricane Katrina which in 2005 flooded large areas of New

Orleans. Five of the tracks were co-composed by Dr John and Bobby Charles. Other artists playing include Eric Clapton

and Willie Nelson. Malcolm John Rebennack Jr. (Dr. John) 20

th

November 1941 - 6

th

June 2019.

Life - is a near death experience

Hell - is right here on this great big Earth

It could be a little taste of heaven

If we only knew our worth

All we got to do

Is want it bad enough

To push ourselves through

We always underestimate ourselves

We do every day

We can always do better

In each and every way

If we don't believe in ourselves

Nobody's gonna do it

If we don't push ourselves

We'll never make it through it

All you gotta do is want it bad enough

All you gotta do is want it bad enough

All you gotta do is want it bad enough

And you might be surprised

Life - is a near death experience

Hell - is right here on this great big Earth

And it could be a little taste of heaven

If we only knew our worth

And all we got to do

Is want it bad enough too

You might be surprised

YOUR PICTURE (1958)

(Bobby Charles) Recorded March/April 1958 at Cosimo Recording Studio, New Orleans. Included on the 2010 Bear Family

release SEE YOU LATER ALLIGATOR. Also recorded by Johnnie Allan & The Krazy Kats.

I look up and see your picture

I cry and it just smiles at me

It brings back a lot of memories

Of a love that used to be

Sometimes I wonder when I hold it

If you can hear me call your name

Then I start crying like a baby

I guess I’ll never be the same

I tell my friends that I don’t love you

And how I’m glad that I’m free

But deep inside my heart I know that

131

I’m still the fool I used to be

Your picture still stands on the table

And forever it will be

The only thing I’ll ever treasure

In love through all eternity

YOU WERE THERE (1972)

(Bobby Charles) Recorded during the Bearsville sessions but not issued until 2011 when it was included on BOBBY

CHARLES DELUXE. Details in regard to each track are unknown but the album musicians comprise: Bobby Charles, Jim

Colegrove, Rick Danko, Amos Garrett, Levon Helm, Garth Hudson, Ben Keith, Harry Lookofsky, Richard Manuel, Buggsy

Maugh, Geoff Muldaur, Billy Mundi, Bob Neuwirth, Joe Newman, Mac Rebennack, David Sanborn, Herman Shertzer, John

Simon, N.D. Smart II and John Till. Recorded at Bearsville Sound Studio, New York (near Woodstock). Produced by Bobby

Charles, Rick Danko & John Simon. Engineer: Mark Harmon.

You were there when I had no one else to turn to

You took me in when I had no place to go

You picked me up when I was down

You helped me find my way around

And that’s why I can’t let you go

You brought me sunshine when all I had was rain

And me who thought that I knew all the answers

You showed me things I never dreamed before

When I was lost you found the way

You’re the smile I wear today

And that’s why I can’t let you go

You brought me sunshine when all I had was rain

You were there when I had no one else to turn to

You took me in when I had no place to go

You picked me up when I was down

You helped me find my way around

And that’s why I can’t let you go

You brought me sunshine when all I had was rain

And me who thought that I knew all the answers

You showed me things I never dreamed before

When I was lost you found the way

You’re the smile I wear today

And that’s why I can’t let you go

You brought me sunshine when all I had was rain

You were there when I had no one else to turn to

You picked me up when I had no place to go

When I was lost you found the way

You’re the smile I wear today

And that’s why I can’t let you go

Z____________________________________________

None.

The Bobby Charles lyric list was first issued January 2014; Last updated May 2020.

Robin & Chrissie

Sackful O’Rock, Country, Folk, Soul & Blues

http://robindunnmusic.wordpress.com/

Please forward typos and other corrections/additions/suggestions to: [email protected]

“I think all of Bobby’s songs have something to offer at all times, for all people.” Dr. John.

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