Morgan was born in Dallas, but grew up in Hillsboro, Texas. He received his first guitar at an early age, and initially concentrated on playing rock music. In 1985 he converted to blues and blues-rock, before relocating back to Dallas in 1986. There he met Darrell Nulisch, who both were founding members of The Crawl. The group was named for a Lonnie Brooks song.
Mike Morgan and the Crawl earned a reputation playing around Dallas and the Fort Worth area, before Nulisch left them in 1989, to be replaced by the singer and harmonica player, Lee McBee. Following a performance at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, their debut 1990 album, Raw & Ready, saw them undertake national and international tours. Further albums including Full Moon Over Dallas, and Ain't Worried No More ensued, before Morgan recorded without his backing group on Let The Dogs Run (1994) with Jim Suhler.
In 1994 Mike Morgan and the Crawl appeared on the bill at the Notodden Blues Festival. Later group releases included their Black Top swansong, I Like the Way You Work It, but at the end of the 1990s McBee left the band. Buoyed by the experience of playing behind Nulisch, Keith Dunn, and Chris Whynaught, 2000's Texas Man saw Morgan's vocalist debut. Live in Dallas (2004) followed before Morgan's latest effort, Stronger Every Day, released in March 2008, included further accompaniment from McBee and Randy McAllister.
Recent activity has seen a reduction in touring and Morgan working as a sales manager in a motorcycle dealership in Mesquite, Texas.
Website: Mike Morgan & The Crawl
Frankie's Blues
Mike Morgan & The Crawl Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I used to have a little woman, man she shure was well
You know what was her name, I declared it it was poore Verdell
I heard she was in Big Sandy but I'll be there ′fore a long
Why don't you stop your foolishness, and bring your clothes on home
Good by everybody, little man, and it′s fare you well
And every time I see you, woman, I think about poor Verdell
Believe I love you, babe, and I just can′t help my self
I can't get Verdell, I don′t want nobody else
I got two little children, they don't favor me
I got two little children, they don′t favor me
One looks like a Chinaman, the other 'un like a Japanese
The lyrics of "Frankie's Blues" by Mike Morgan & The Crawl tell a story of lost love and longing. The singer reflects on his past relationship with a woman named Verdell, whom he describes as a "little woman" who was well. However, their love has ended, and he is left reminiscing about her.
The opening lines reveal that the singer used to have a deep affection for Verdell, emphasizing her importance by stating that she was well. Despite their past, he has heard that she is now in Big Sandy, but he intends to reach her before long. He appeals to her to stop playing games and come back home, urging her to stop her foolishness and reconcile.
The next stanza expresses the singer's farewell to everyone, signifying a desire to move on from the past. However, he cannot help but think about Verdell every time he sees another woman. He admits his love for her, suggesting that he is still emotionally tied to her. He proclaims that he can't have anyone else because he still longs for Verdell.
The final lines introduce a new element to the lyrics, mentioning the singer's two children who do not resemble him. One is likened to a Chinaman and the other to a Japanese person. This detail adds a layer of complexity to the story, possibly hinting at infidelity or a mixed-race heritage within the relationship.
Overall, "Frankie's Blues" portrays a bittersweet tale of lost love and the enduring longing for a past relationship. It explores themes of regret, love, and the inability to move on from the deep connection the singer still feels for Verdell, despite their separation.
Line by Line Meaning
I used to have a little woman, man she shure was well
In the past, I had a partner who was in good health and well-being.
You know what was her name, I declared it it was poore Verdell
Just to clarify, her name was Verdell, unfortunately not a wealthy one.
I heard she was in Big Sandy but I'll be there ′fore a long
I've heard she's in Big Sandy, and I'll be heading there soon.
Why don't you stop your foolishness, and bring your clothes on home
Stop being foolish and return home with your belongings.
Good by everybody, little man, and it's fare you well
Goodbye to everyone, my dear friend, and may you fare well.
And every time I see you, woman, I think about poor Verdell
Whenever I see you, my thoughts drift towards the unfortunate Verdell.
Believe I love you, babe, and I just can′t help my self
Have faith in my love for you, darling, I simply can't control myself.
I can't get Verdell, I don′t want nobody else
I can't be with Verdell, but I have no interest in anyone else either.
I got two little children, they don't favor me
I have two young children who don't resemble me.
I got two little children, they don′t favor me
I have two young children who don't resemble me.
One looks like a Chinaman, the other 'un like a Japanese
One of them resembles a person from China, while the other resembles someone from Japan.
Writer(s): Frankie Lee Sims
Contributed by Harper L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@keileymynk1791
hey Mike, sure enjoyed listening
@skeltonknaggs1600
The best music you'll never hear on the radio!!
@mattisjohannesson732
Damn! My youth in a old beatup chevy. Miss those times !
@robinpickard2533
Love your philosophy
@maracullen6617
Love this!!!
@dougbrunelle7170
Mike was hands down my 1st opening to the Dallas Blues Music,
@compteur_blues
un puriste, chapeau bas ! 👍
@jonbottensolhaug7948
Det er som å lytte til Big ben.👍😎❤️Alt stemmer her.🙂
@petersusana617
great stuff!!!
@donthaveacowman9303
Mighty fine songs!!