—originally Black Bottom Blues by The Georgia Crackers, 1927
When you go down in Deep Elem just to have a little fun
Have your ten dollars ready when that policeman comes
Chorus:
Oh sweet mama Daddy's got them Deep Elem blues
Oh sweet mama Daddy's got them Deep Elem blues
If you go down in Deep Elem put you money in your shoes
Women in Deep Elem got them Deep Elem blues.
When you go down in Deep Elem put you money in your pants
Cause them redheads in Deep Elem never give a man a chance
When you go down to Deep Elem put your money in your socks
Them Deep Elem women they will throw you on the rocks
I used to know a preacher preached the Bible through and through
He went down to Deep Elem now his preachin' days are through.
Now once I had a sweetheart she meant the world to me
She went down to Deep Elem she ain't what she used to be.
Verse:
| I | I | I | I7 |
Chorus:
| IV | IV | I | I |
| V | V | I | I |
alternate verses:
Her papa's a policeman, and her mama walks the street;
Her papa met her mama when they both were on the beat.
Well, I went down to Deep Elum just to get a little booze,
And now I'm on the chain gang, wearing them brogan shoes.
If you've got a good little woman, better keep her by your side,
That old __ take your baby and ride.