Born: May 7, 1901 in Madison, St. Francis County, Arkansas
Died: June 16, 1942 in St. Louis, Missouri.
Cairo Blues
Henry Spaulding Lyrics
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Cairo, Cairo is my baby's home
Going to Cairo, baby, and it won't be long
All I know, she take my lovin' on
Know my babe, she will take my lovin' on
Know by that I swear I won't stay here long
Women in Cairo will treat you nice and sweet
Women in Cairo will treat you kind and sweet
Get you a ride and take you off their beat
Kick you and notch you, beat you and cut you, too
Kick you and notch you, beat you and cut you, too
When they get through, you's ready for the grave
Hmm, babe, Cairo, hmm, babe
Cairo, Cairo is my baby's home
I'm going home and I swear and it won't be long
In Henry Spaulding's song Cairo Blues, the singer is expressing his desire to go to Cairo, his baby's home, and how he doesn't want to stay where he currently is for long. It is obvious that Cairo has a special place in his heart, as he believes that the women of Cairo are sweet and kind. However, he's aware that they can also be dangerous, as he mentions that they can beat, cut and notch him until he's ready for the grave. Despite this danger, the singer seems willing to take his chances and go to Cairo in order to be with his love.
One possible interpretation of the lyrics is that the singer is willing to endure whatever difficulties come his way in order to be with his beloved in Cairo. The mention that Cairo is his "baby's home" could suggest that his love interest has strong ties to Cairo and that it is important for the singer to be close to her. The lyrics also suggest that the singer is willing to take risks to be with his love, even if it means facing potential danger.
Line by Line Meaning
Cairo, Cairo is my baby's home
My lover lives in Cairo, that's her home.
Going to Cairo, baby, and it won't be long
I'm going to Cairo to be with my lover soon.
All I know, she take my lovin' on
My lover takes all my love.
Know my babe, she will take my lovin' on
I'm sure my lover will take all my love.
Know by that I swear I won't stay here long
Because of that, I promise I won't stay here for long.
Won't be here long
I won't stay here for long.
Women in Cairo will treat you nice and sweet
Women in Cairo will treat you well.
Get you a ride and take you off their beat
They will take you on a ride and show you around Cairo.
Kick you and notch you, beat you and cut you, too
However, they can also be violent and hurt you.
When they get through, you's ready for the grave
After they're done with you, you'll be close to death.
Hmm, babe, Cairo, hmm, babe
Cairo, my love's home, hmm, babe!
I'm going home and I swear and it won't be long
I'm going to my lover's home and I promise it won't take long.
Writer(s): Henry, Spaulding
Contributed by Max O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Donald Love
Makes me feel I’ve died and gone to heaven. I don’t care if the streets are paved with gold as long is named after Henry Spaulding.
Steven Capwell
This is a tremendous record.
max haymes
One of the greatest early rural blues sides by Henry Spaulding. This was one half of the only record he ever made. Flipside is "Biddle Street Blues" about a short street in St. Louis by the Union Station. Influence to Henry Townsend who also recorded in 1929 whilst still barely a teenager.He carried on the string-snapping style of Spaulding. Check out "Henry's Worried Blues" and "Poor Man Blues" on "Voice Of The Blues" series on Marvel Records.
Kinky
The only person I know personally who makes a good stab at this tune is Andy Cohen. I think his version is up on YouTube. An amazing tune!
Patrick Harrison
Never come across him before. Refreshingly different. Thanks for posting.
Clark Thomas
I was actually born in Cairo. 🙂
Mabu Dia
Innovative guitar playing.. this snapping style is otherwise associated with bass playing.
On a side note, I like Lil Son Jackson's and James Son Thomas's versions.
johnny.w
Check out Big Joe Williams (7 string guitar blues guitarist) and Bukka White
Mico Veliki
@johnny.w Williams played a custom made 9 string not 7
Luis Eduardo Alcántara
After "Cairo Blues" by Lil Son Jackson, on Arhoolie Records.