Jackson on a high hill, mama, Natchez just below
Jackson on a high hill, mama, Natchez just below
(spoken ...1)
I ever get back home, I won't be back no more
Oh, my mama's gettin' old, her head is turnin' gray
My mama's getting old, her head is turnin' gray
Don't you know it'll break her heart, know, my livin' this-a way?
Ever woke up in the mornin', jinx all around your bed?
Ever woke up in the mornin', jinx all around your bed?
(spoken: Children, I know how it is, baby)
Turned my face to the wall and I didn't have a word to say
No use a-hollerin', no use a-screamin' and cryin'
No use a-hollerin', no use a-screamin' and cryin'
For you know you got a home, mama, long as I got mine
Hey, Lord have mercy on my wicked soul
Oh, Lord have mercy on my wicked soul
(spoken: You know I wouldn't mistreat you!)
I wouldn't mistreat you, baby, for my weight in gold
Oh, goin' away, baby, don't you wanna go?
I'm goin' away, mama, don't you wanna go?
(spoken: I know you wanna go, baby!)
Take God to tell when I'll be back here anymore
__________
Note 1: this unintelligible vocal part is probably a disclaimer, since it is Vicksburg that blues singers conventionally (and correctly) situate on the high hill.
