One commentator noted that Burnside, along with Big Jack Johnson, Paul "Wine" Jones, Roosevelt "Booba" Barnes and James "Super Chikan" Johnson, were "present-day exponents of an edgier, electrified version of the raw, uncut Delta blues sound."
Early life and career
Burnside was born in Harmontown, Mississippi, in Lafayette County. He spent most of his life in North Mississippi, working as a sharecropper and a commercial fisherman, as well as playing guitar at weekend house parties. He was first inspired to pick up the guitar in his early twenties, after hearing the 1948 John Lee Hooker single, "Boogie Chillen" (which inspired numerous other rural bluesmen, among them Buddy Guy, to start playing). He learned music largely from Mississippi Fred McDowell, who lived nearby in an adjoining county. He also cited his cousin-in-law, Muddy Waters, as an influence.
During the 1950s, Burnside grew tired of sharecropping and moved to Chicago in the hope of finding better economic opportunities. But things did not turn out as he had hoped. Within the span of one year his father, brother, and uncle were all murdered in the city, a tragedy that Burnside would later draw upon in his work, particularly in his interpretation of Skip James's "Hard Time Killing Floor" and the talking blues "R.L.'s Story", the opening and closing tracks on Burnside's 2000 album, Wish I Was In Heaven Sitting Down.
Around 1959, he left Chicago and went back to Mississippi to work the farms and raise a family. Burnside was convicted for murder and sentenced to six months' incarceration (in Parchman Prison) for the crime. Burnside's boss at the time reputedly pulled strings to keep the murder sentence short, due to having need of Burnside's skills as a tractor driver. Burnside later said "I didn't mean to kill nobody ... I just meant to shoot the sonofabitch in the head. Him dying was between him and the Lord."
His earliest recordings were made in the late 1960s by George Mitchell and released on Arhoolie Records. Another album of acoustic material was recorded that year and little else was released before Hill Country Blues, in the early 1980s. An album's worth of singles followed, released on ethnomusicology professor Dr. David Evans' Highwater Records record label in Memphis, Tennessee.
Later life and career
In the 1990s, he began recording for the Oxford, Mississippi, label Fat Possum Records. Founded by Living Blues magazine editor Peter Redvers-Lee and Matthew Johnson, the label was dedicated to recording ageing North Mississippi bluesmen such as Burnside and Junior Kimbrough. Burnside remained with Fat Possum from that time until his death, and he usually performed with his friend and understudy, the slide guitarist Kenny Brown, with whom he began playing in 1971 and claimed as his "adopted son."
Burnside attracted the attention of Jon Spencer, the leader of the Jon Spencer Blues Explosion, touring and recording with this group and gaining a new audience in the process.
After the death of Kimbrough and the burning of Kimbrough's juke joint in Chulahoma, Mississippi, Burnside quit recording studio material for Fat Possum, though he did continue to tour. After a heart attack in 2001, Burnside's doctor advised him to stop drinking; Burnside did, but he reported that change left him unable to play.
Members of his large extended family continue to play blues in the Holly Springs area: grandson Cedric Burnside tours with Kenny Brown and most recently with Steve 'Lightnin' Malcolm as part of the 'Juke Joint Duo', while his son Duwayne Burnside has played guitar with the North Mississippi Allstars (Polaris; Hill Country Revue with R. L. Burnside). Duwayne's solo career began when "Duwayne Burnside and the Mississippi Mafia" recorded "Live At the Mint" in October 1997. Members included Cedric Burnside, Eddie Batos, Joe Hill from Alien Ant Farm, and David Kimbrough, Jr. (Junior Kimbrough's son) with Duwayne's father sitting in on a few tracks. Duwayne and the Mississippi Mafia released "Under Pressure" in March 2005, which was recorded at Delta Studios in Clarksdale, Mississippi featuring Jimbo Mathus, rhythm guitar (Squirrel Nut Zippers), Roy Cunningham on drums (Stax Sessions), and Burnside's son Garry Burnside on bass guitar. In 2004, the Burnside sons opened Burnside Blues Cafe, located 30 miles southeast of Memphis at the intersection of U.S. Highway 78 and Mississippi Highway 7 in Holly Springs, Mississippi.
In January 2006, Garry and Cedric released The Record under the moniker "Burnside Exploration".
Death
Burnside had been in declining health since heart surgery in 1999. He died at St. Francis Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee on September 1, 2005 at the age of 78.[4] Services were held at Rust College in Holly Springs [which is also where services were held for his friend, Junior Kimbrough, who died in 1998], with burial in the Free Springs Cemetery in Harmontown. Around the time of his passing, he resided in Byhalia, Mississippi and his immediate survivors included:
His wife: Alice Mae Taylor Burnside (married 1951); died November 16, 2008
Daughters: Mildred Jean Burnside, Linda Jackson, Brenda Kay Brooks, and Pamela Denise Burnside;
Sons: Melvin Burnside, R.L. Burnside Jr., Calvin Burnside, Joseph Burnside, Daniel Burnside, Duwayne Burnside, Dexter Burnside, Garry Burnside, and Rodger Harmon
Sisters: Lucille Burnside, Verelan Burnside, and Mat Burnside
Brother: Jesse Monia
35 Grandchildren
32 Great-Grandchildren
Style
Burnside had a powerful, expressive voice and played both electric and acoustic guitars (both with a slide and without). His drone-based style was a characteristic of North Mississippi hill country blues rather than Mississippi Delta blues. Like other country blues musicians, he did not always adhere to 12- or 16-bar blues patterns, often adding extra beats according to his preference. He called this "Burnside style" and often commented that his backing musicians needed to be familiar with his style in order to be able to play along with him.
His earliest recordings, like those of John Lee Hooker, sound very similar in their vocal and instrumental style. Many of his songs do not have chord changes, but use the same chord or repeating bass line throughout, giving his music a hypnotic feel. His vocal style is characterized by a tendency to "break" into falsetto briefly (usually at the ends of long notes).
Like the bluesman T-Model Ford, Burnside utilized the stripped-down element of his music, playing up the rawness, emphasizing his image as a lifelong hard-drinking man, and singing songs of swagger and rebellion. Burnside collaborated in the late 1990s with The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion on the album A Ass Pocket of Whiskey. Consequently, he gained the attention of many within this underground music scene, cited as an influence by Hillstomp[9] and covered on record by The Immortal Lee County Killers. Burnside's "Skinny Woman" was also interpolated into the song "Busted" by fellow Fat Possum musicians The Black Keys, a band associated with the punk blues scene in their early years.
He also knew many toasts (African American narrative folk poems such as "Signifying monkey" and "Tojo Told Hitler") and frequently recited them between songs at his live concerts and on his recordings.
Selected albums
First Recordings (recorded in the late 1960s by George Mitchell; re-released by Fat Possum Records in 2003)
Too Bad Jim (produced in 1992 by Robert Palmer)
Well, Well, Well (songs and interviews from 1986-1993, released in 2001 on MC Records)
A Ass Pocket of Whiskey (1996, featuring the Jon Spencer Blues Explosion)
Mr. Wizard (1997)
Acoustic Stories (1997)
My Black Name A-Ringin' (1999)
Burnside on Burnside (a critically acclaimed 2001 live album recorded in the Crystal Ballroom on Portland, Oregon's Burnside Street)
Come On In, Wish I Was in Heaven Sitting Down, and A Bothered Mind (three albums of remixed material, often featuring guest artists, released in 1998, 2000 and 2004, respectively)
Films
Deep Blues: A Musical Pilgrimage to the Crossroads (1991). Directed by Robert Mugge
American Patchwork: Songs and Stories of America, part 3: "The Land Where the Blues Began" (1990). Written, directed, and produced by Alan Lomax; developed by the Association for Cultural Equity at Columbia University and Hunter College. North Carolina Public TV; A Dibb Direction production for Channel Four. This is a lightly re-edited version of "The Land Where the Blues Began" (1978) made by Alan Lomax, John Bishop, and Worth Long in Association with Mississippi Authority for Educational Television
You See Me Laughin': The Last of the Hill Country Bluesmen (2003; released by Fat Possum Records in 2005). Produced and directed by Mandy Stein. Oxford, Mississippi: Plain Jane Productions, Inc; Fat Possum Records.
In popular culture
The 2007 Samuel L. Jackson / Christina Ricci film, Black Snake Moan is infused with countless Burnside nods, including: the Reverend R. L. character and when Jackson plays the blues toward the end of the film, he thanks "Ced" and "Kenny" - Cedric Burnside (Burnside's grandson) and Kenny Brown (Burnside's "adopted son"), who were primary sidemen through the 1990s and early 2000s. Cedric and Kenny are also part of Jackson's band in the juke joint scene.
"It's Bad You Know," and "Shuck Dub" were featured in the HBO series The Sopranos.
"Got Messed Up" was featured in the FX series Rescue Me during an opening montage on Season 5 Episode 18, "Carrot".
A Burnside poster can be seen on a wall in brothers Drake and Josh's room in the Nickelodeon sitcom, Drake & Josh.
Early In The Morning
R.L. Burnside Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Yeah Yeah Yeah
Yeah Ouu Yeah Yeah
Girl i know that you want me i know how you feel
I know that you need it girl i know the Deal
You know I’m busy working i just need a Deal
You know i want a Rarri wanna be rich
Girl imma call you in the morning
Imma call you in the morning (Yeah)
Can i call you in the Morning
I know that you want me i know how you feel
I know that you need it girl i know the deal
But imma call you in the morning (Yeah)
Can i call you in the morning
Girl I’m busy working i just need a deal
You know i want a rarri I wanna be rich
Imma call you in the morning (Yeah)
Can i call you in the morning
Imma call you in the morning
Girl ain’t no capping
You on my mind
But i just need this cheddar
Girl its do or die
Lets just be honest, I’m selfish
But it’s for the best
If i don’t got it your mama
Will never be impressed
Don’t ever think I’m switching
I cannot be distant
Got no time for these h**es
Money the only thing I’m chasing now
I’m just tryna have the time of my life
Take you to Dubai
We’ll be rich at 25 girl I know
Girl I know that you want me i know how you feel
I know that you need it girl i know the deal
You know I’m busy working i just need a deal
You know i want a rarri I wanna be rich
Girl I’mma call you in the morning (Yeah)
Can i call you in the morning
Imma call you in the morning
(Yeah)
Can i call you in the morning
(Say)
Girl I’m busy working
I just need a deal
You know i want a Rarri
I wanna be rich
Imma call you in the morning (Yeah)
Can i call you in the morning
Imma call you in the morning
You got trust issues I know
I’m young and Naive girl I know
F**k it I’m curving them h**s
You got no reason to worry
They don’t call me scarface for no reason
Thought i told you I’m tony
My b**ls and my Words
I don’t break em for no reason
(You dig)
Girl i know you like to shop
And going on vacation
So when i don’t pick up you know
It’s money conversion
Uh girl i wanna be with you in a coupe
So when i said i love you baby it is true
Girl I know that you want me
I know how you feel
I know that you need it girl i know the deal
You know I’m busy working I just need a deal
You know i want a rarri i wanna be rich
Girl I’mma call you in the morning (Yeah)
Can i call you in the morning
Imma call you in the morning
(Yeah)
Can i call you in the morning
(Say)
I know that you want me
I know how you feel
I know that you need it
Girl i know the deal
But imma call you in the morning
(Yeah)
Can i call you in the morning
(Say)
Girl I’m busy working i just need a deal
You know i want a Rarri I wanna be rich
Imma call you in the morning (Yeah)
Can i call you in the morning
Imma call you in the morning
The lyrics to R.L. Burnside's song "Early In The Morning" depict a man who is aware of the desires and needs of a girl who wants him. The singer acknowledges the girl's attraction towards him and the fact that she wants a relationship with him. However, he also emphasizes his busy schedule and the need to focus on his career and financial aspirations. The singer wants to become successful and wealthy, expressing a desire to drive a Rarri (Ferrari) and achieve a luxurious lifestyle. Although he recognizes the girl's importance in his life, he plans to call her in the morning, suggesting that he will prioritize work before giving attention to their relationship.
Despite his selfishness and ambition, the singer reassures the girl that he is not changing or distancing himself from her. He states that his focus on money is for the benefit of both of them, as it will impress her mother and elevate their status. The singer is determined to prioritize money over relationships and views it as the only thing worth pursuing. He imagines a life with the girl, taking her to Dubai and becoming rich by the age of 25.
In the last verse, the singer addresses the girl's trust issues and promises to stay faithful. He mentions that others may be trying to get his attention, but he assures her that he is loyal to her, comparing himself to the character Tony Montana from the movie Scarface. He also mentions that he understands her materialistic desires, indicating that his prioritization of money is partly motivated by fulfilling her shopping and vacation needs. He concludes by expressing his love for her and reiterating his plan to call her in the morning.
Line by Line Meaning
Yeah Yeah Yeah Yeah
Expressing agreement and enthusiasm
Yeah Yeah Yeah
Continuing the agreement and enthusiasm
Yeah Ouu Yeah Yeah
Maintaining the agreement and enthusiasm with added excitement
Girl i know that you want me i know how you feel
I am aware of your desire for me and I understand your emotions
I know that you need it girl i know the Deal
I understand that you have a strong need for it, and I know the situation well
You know I’m busy working i just need a Deal
You are aware that I am occupied with work, I just need a favorable opportunity
You know i want a Rarri wanna be rich
You are aware of my desire for a luxury car and my ambition to become wealthy
Girl imma call you in the morning
I will contact you early in the day
Can i call you in the morning
May I communicate with you during the morning
Imma call you in the morning (Yeah)
I will definitely call you in the morning
Can i call you in the Morning
May I contact you during the morning
I know that you want me i know how you feel
I am aware of your desire for me and I understand your emotions
I know that you need it girl i know the deal
I understand that you have a strong need for it, and I know the situation well
But imma call you in the morning (Yeah)
However, I will still call you in the morning
Can i call you in the morning
May I communicate with you during the morning
Girl I’m busy working i just need a deal
I am occupied with work and I just require a favorable opportunity
You know i want a rarri I wanna be rich
You are aware of my desire for a luxury car and my ambition to become wealthy
Imma call you in the morning (Yeah)
I will definitely call you in the morning
Can i call you in the morning
May I communicate with you during the morning
Imma call you in the morning
I will definitely call you in the morning
Girl ain’t no capping
There is no deception, I am being genuine
You on my mind
You are constantly in my thoughts
But i just need this cheddar
But I just need this money
Girl its do or die
It is a critical situation for me, where success or failure is the only option
Lets just be honest, I’m selfish
Let us be truthful, I focus on my own interests
But it’s for the best
But it is in everyone's best interest
If i don’t got it your mama
If I don't have it, your mother
Will never be impressed
Will never be pleased or impressed
Don’t ever think I’m switching
Never believe that I am changing my loyalty
I cannot be distant
I cannot be detached or separated
Got no time for these h**es
I have no time for these promiscuous women
Money the only thing I’m chasing now
Currently, the only thing I am pursuing is money
I’m just tryna have the time of my life
I am just trying to enjoy myself to the fullest
Take you to Dubai
Take you on a trip to Dubai
We’ll be rich at 25 girl I know
We will be wealthy by the age of 25, I am confident
You got trust issues I know
I am aware that you struggle with trust
I’m young and Naive girl I know
I am young and inexperienced, girl I understand
F**k it I’m curving them h**s
I am ignoring and rejecting those promiscuous women
You got no reason to worry
You have no cause for concern
They don’t call me scarface for no reason
My reputation as 'scarface' has a valid basis
Thought i told you I’m tony
Thought I already informed you that I am 'tony'
My b**ls and my Words
My courage and my words
I don’t break em for no reason
I do not abandon them or give up easily
(You dig)
(Do you understand)
Girl i know you like to shop
I know that you enjoy shopping
And going on vacation
And going on trips for leisure
So when i don’t pick up you know
So when I don't answer your call, you understand
It’s money conversion
It is a financial transaction or investment
Uh girl i wanna be with you in a coupe
Uh girl, I want to be with you in a luxury car
So when i said i love you baby it is true
So when I said I love you, baby, it is genuine
I know that you want me
I am aware that you desire me
I know how you feel
I understand your emotions
I know that you need it
I understand that you strongly require it
Girl i know the deal
Girl, I understand the situation well
But imma call you in the morning (Yeah)
But I will still call you in the morning
Can i call you in the morning
May I communicate with you during the morning
Imma call you in the morning
I will definitely call you in the morning
Lyrics © DistroKid, TUNECORE INC
Written by: Bright Azubuike
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Guitar Nick, Blue Al & Groovy Rus
Really good blues!😎💙
Joshua Ross
❤
HECTOR Veron
✨💙🍻
HECTOR Veron
✨💙🍻