“Wonderful nonsense like ‘My Gal’ featured free-for-all vocals accompanied by kazoo and washboard, while ‘Borneo’ included some nifty steel guitar work. There are also oddly beautiful songs like ‘Newport News,’ a laid-back bit of blues with mandolin and harmonica, and the danceable ‘My Gal’…. The band's wide arsenal of unusual instruments, humorous material, and professional approach represented a quantum leap for folk music in 1963.”—All Music Guide
Jim Kweskin’s euphoric brand of folk, jazz, and blues was honed on early 78s by the likes of Jelly Roll Morton, Bessie Smith, and Fats Waller. These examples of his band in its prime include “Somebody Stole My Gal,” “Jug Band Music,” “Richland Woman,” “Blues My Naughty Sweetie Gives to Me,” “Eight More Miles to Louisville,” “Melancholy Baby,” and “Never Swat a Fly.”
Richland Woman
Jim Kweskin & The Jug Band Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Gimme red lipstick and a bright purple rouge
A shingle bob haircut
And a shot of good boo'
Hurry down, sweet daddy, come blowin' your horn
If you come too late, sweet mama will be gone
Come along young man, everything settin' right
Hurry down, sweet daddy, come blowin' you horn
If you come too late, sweet mama will be gone
Now, I'm raring to go, got red shoes on my feet
My mind is sittin' right for a Tin Lizzie
Seat
Hurry down, sweet daddy, come blowin' you horn
If you come too late, sweet mama will be gone
The red rooster said, "Cockle-doodle-do-do"
The Richard's' woman said, "Any dude will do"
Hurry down, sweet daddy, come blowin' you horn
If you come too late, sweet mama will be gone
With rosy red garters, pink hose on my feet
Turkey red bloomer, with a rumble seat
Hurry down, sweet daddy, come blowin' you horn
If you come too late, sweet mama will be gone
Every Sunday mornin', church people watch me go
My wings sprouted out, and the preacher told me so
Hurry down, sweet daddy, come blowin' you horn
If you come too late, sweet mama will be gone
Dress skirt cut high, then they cut low
Don't think I'm a sport, keep on watchin' me go
Hurry down, sweet daddy, come blowin' you horn
If you come too late, sweet mama will be gone
The song "Richland Woman" by Jim Kweskin and the Jug Band is a lively and upbeat tune that tells the story of a woman who is ready to let loose and have some fun while her husband is away. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the woman's appearance and attitude, as she dons red lipstick, a shingle bob haircut, and a shot of liquor. She urges her "sweet daddy" to hurry down and blow his horn before it's too late, emphasizing her eagerness to break free and engage in some wild behavior. The chorus repeats this sentiment, warning the potential "sweet daddy" that if he doesn't come in time, the "sweet mama" will be gone.
The lyrics also reference various articles of clothing that the woman is wearing, such as red shoes, rosy red garters, and turkey red bloomers. These items suggest a certain level of playfulness and rebellion, as they are bright, attention-grabbing, and unconventional. The woman is described as a "Richland Woman," which could refer to the town of Richland, Washington, or simply convey a sense of wealth and status.
Line by Line Meaning
Gimme red lipstick and a bright purple rouge
I want some bright makeup that will make me stand out
A shingle bob haircut
I want a trendy, short haircut
And a shot of good boo'
And a good drink to make me feel confident
Hurry down, sweet daddy, come blowin' your horn
Come to me quickly, my lover, and get ready for fun
If you come too late, sweet mama will be gone
If you don't come soon, I might find someone else
Come along young man, everything settin' right
Come to me, young man, everything is perfect for a good time
My husbands goin' away till next Saturday night
My husband is away until next weekend, so we can have fun without him
Now, I'm raring to go, got red shoes on my feet
I'm ready to have fun, and I'm wearing flashy red shoes
My mind is sittin' right for a Tin Lizzie Seat
I'm in the right mindset for a wild ride in a Tin Lizzie car
The red rooster said, "Cockle-doodle-do-do"
The rooster is crowing, signaling a new day for fun and excitement
The Richard's' woman said, "Any dude will do"
I'm open to anyone who can give me a good time
With rosy red garters, pink hose on my feet
I'm wearing flashy accessories to attract attention
Turkey red bloomer, with a rumble seat
I'm wearing bold red shorts, ready for a wild ride in a Tin Lizzie car
Every Sunday mornin', church people watch me go
I attend church every Sunday, but people judge me for my wild behavior
My wings sprouted out, and the preacher told me so
I'm a wild woman, but the preacher warned me to behave
Dress skirt cut high, then they cut low
My dress is designed to show off my legs
Don't think I'm a sport, keep on watchin' me go
Don't judge me for my behavior, I won't change for anyone
Hurry down, sweet daddy, come blowin' you horn
Come to me quickly, my lover, and get ready for fun
If you come too late, sweet mama will be gone
If you don't come soon, I might find someone else
Contributed by Vivian Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.