Alcohol Blues
Sonny Boy Williamson · Other Songs - Sonny Boy Williamson
Sonny Boy Williamson I (John Lee)
(John Lee Williamson)
Chicago, September 19, 1947
with Eddie Boyd - piano, Willie Lacey - guitar
Ransom Knowling - sb, Judge Riley - drums
Album Complete Recorded Works Vol 5
October 19, 1945 - November 12, 1947
Document Records DOCD 5059
I went down 31st Street, now
Just to buy me a drink of alcohol, honey
I went down 31st Street, now
Just to buy me a drink of alcohol, now
I told the old man to cut it half full a-water
But that old man, y'know, didn't-a put any drop at all in
So, I'm drinkin' mine straight alley can
See, an I went jus' staggerin' on down the street, now
I drinkin' my straight alley can, now
So I went jus' staggerin' down the street, now
Now but my head got so heavy
My eyes couldn't even give a-peepin', now
Alright, Lacey
(guitar & instrumental) ee!
My baby tells me, 'Papa, Papa'
She says, 'Sonny Boy, you know you ain't no good at all now'
My baby tell me, 'Papa, Papa' now
She says 'Sonny Boy, you know you ain't no good at all'
She says, 'The reason you don't make me happy
Because you drink too much of this old alcohol now'
I said, 'But baby won't you go ridin' now
Oh, can I take you ridin' in my car now?'
I said, 'But baby won't you go ridin' now
Can I take you ridin' wit me in my car now?'
She said, 'But I'm scared you gonna drink alcohol
Says, Sonny Boy, then we wouldn't ride very far.
~
About Alcohol Blues
Sonny Boy Williamson's "Alcohol Blues" stands as a quintessential example of his mastery within the Delta blues tradition. Recorded during the mid-1950s, the track exemplifies Williamson's ability to blend raw emotional expression with intricate guitar work, a hallmark of his career alongside artists like Muddy Waters and Howlin' Wolf. The song captures the pervasive social and personal struggles associated with drinking, a recurring theme in the blues that resonated deeply with audiences across the American South. Williamson's delivery is characterized by a gritty, authentic voice that conveys both the sorrow and resilience inherent in the genre. As a pivotal figure in the development of electric blues, his recordings helped shape the sound that would influence countless musicians, from the Rolling Stones to the Beatles. This particular recording remains a testament to his enduring legacy as a master storyteller who gave voice to the everyday hardships of his community.