Taj Mahal
Statesboro Blues Lyrics
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Wake up momma, turn your lamp down low.
You got no nerve baby, to turn Uncle John from your door.
I woke up this morning, I had them Statesboro Blues,
I woke up this morning, had them Statesboro Blues.
Well, I looked over in the corner, and Grandpa seemed to have them too.
My poppa died and left me,
I ain't good looking baby,
But I'm somewhat sweet and kind.
I'm goin' to the country, baby do you wanna go?
But if you can't make it baby, your sister Lucille said she wanna go.
(and I sure will take her).
I love that woman, better than any woman I've ever seen;
Well, I love that woman, better than any woman I've ever seen.
Well, now, she treat me like a king, yeah, yeah, yeah,
And she look like a dog gone queen.
Wake up momma, turn your lamp down low.
Wake up momma, turn your lamp down low.
You got no nerve babe, to turn Uncle John from your door.
The lyrics to Taj Mahal's "Statesboro Blues" depict the singer waking up with the blues and feeling a sense of loss and loneliness. He mentions his deceased parents and expresses his sadness, but also notes that he is somewhat "sweet and kind." He then asks if his companion wants to go to the country with him and mentions the possibility of bringing along her sister Lucille. The singer then praises his woman, claiming that she treats him better than any other woman he has seen and looks like a queen. The chorus repeats several times throughout the song, urging the mother to turn down her lamp and not be afraid to let Uncle John inside.
The song's lyrics are a classic example of the blues genre, often featuring themes of heartbreak, loss, and longing. Taj Mahal's version of the song is unique in that it incorporates instruments like the harmonica and slide guitar to create a sound that is distinctly his own. The repetition of the chorus helps to create a sense of urgency and emphasizes the importance of the mother's decision to either let Uncle John in or push him away.
Line by Line Meaning
Wake up momma, turn your lamp down low;
I am asking my mother to turn down her light so that she doesn't get caught by Uncle John.
Wake up momma, turn your lamp down low.
I am asking my mother to turn down her light so that she doesn't get caught by Uncle John.
You got no nerve baby, to turn Uncle John from your door.
You don't have any self-confidence to turn away Uncle John from your door.
I woke up this morning, I had them Statesboro Blues,
I woke up this morning feeling blue and feeling down.
I woke up this morning, had them Statesboro Blues.
I woke up this morning feeling blue and feeling down.
Well, I looked over in the corner, and Grandpa seemed to have them too.
I looked at my grandpa and saw that he was also feeling blue.
Well my momma died and left me,
My mother passed on and I was left behind.
My poppa died and left me,
My father passed on and I was left behind.
I ain't good looking baby,
I'm not very attractive.
But I'm somewhat sweet and kind.
But I try to be a good person.
I'm goin' to the country, baby do you wanna go?
I am planning to go to the countryside and I was wondering if you'd like to come along.
But if you can't make it baby, your sister Lucille said she wanna go.
But if you can't come, your sister Lucille expressed interest in going.
(and I sure will take her).
(And I will definitely take her up on that offer).
I love that woman, better than any woman I've ever seen;
I love that woman more than any other woman I've ever met.
Well, I love that woman, better than any woman I've ever seen.
I love that woman more than any other woman I've ever met.
Well, now, she treat me like a king, yeah, yeah, yeah,
She treats me like royalty, oh yeah.
And she look like a dog gone queen.
She looks like royalty and is stunningly beautiful.
Wake up momma, turn your lamp down low.
I am asking my mother to turn down her light so that she doesn't get caught by Uncle John.
Wake up momma, turn your lamp down low.
I am asking my mother to turn down her light so that she doesn't get caught by Uncle John.
You got no nerve babe, to turn Uncle John from your door.
You don't have any self-confidence to turn away Uncle John from your door.
Contributed by Audrey O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Eric Schwartz
I had the pleasure of being in a band that opened for Taj Mahal in 1978 and I can tell you he's an American treasure. Jesse Edwin Davis III played slide on the studio version and inspired Duanne Allman in my opinion. 40 years later I reconnected with Taj and spent a 1/2 hour revisiting the gig. He's a treasure.
Philip Davison
I'm a Scottish boy. First heard this on some compilaton album around 1969. Freaked out. Got into Duane later. Love them both. And I've had the good fortune to visit Georgia a few times since. Never been so welcomed outside Scotland. Grat folks. God bless y'all.
perkinscrane
CBS’s “The Rock Machine Turns You On”. The first sampler LP. The cost was 12/6.
Jon Wan
as a duly designated representative of the great state of Georgia I say - thanks for comin down we loved havin ya. come on back down anytime and bring some of that good tastin scotch whisky with you when you do. we'll supply the music you just come on down
Eric Clark
@perkinscrane well worth 12/6!
George Mann
A fellow Scotsman here, it’s on my bucket list to head over to the States and check out some of the real blues roots,what was your , 🏴🏴🏴🏴, cheers from Aberdeen
George Mann
Itenary
Artie Fischel
I love this version, used to listen to it as a kid, but Blind Willie McTell is one of the reasons I took up the 12-string.
Mikey J.
I love blasting this song in my car and driving anywhere. Tops!
DWBonny
Quite possibly God’s favorite rendition...