Stepfather Blues Lyrics

Big Joe Williams Stepfather Blues

When I was a little boy baby : about sixteen inches
high
I had a mean stepfather : Lord he didn't want me to eat
a bite

I've got a mean stepfather : and I know you have one
too
And my mother dead and gone : nothing in this world
that he will do

Well my mother she gone : and I hope she gone to stay
I have a mean stepfather : he done drove me away

When I was a little boy Lord : my stepfather didn't
allow me around
He's a no‑good weed mama : and the cows going to mow
him down

Well [poor Joe, I'm] leaving this morning : my face is
full of frowns
I got a mean stepfather : and my dear mother she don't
allow me around

That's all right : may be home some day
My mean stepfather : he won't give me no place to lay

I am a little boy : [I'm crying all, I cried the whole]
night long
My stepfather : he swears he done done me wrong

And before I'll be a dog mama : I'll leave my happy
home
He's a no‑good weed : and swear he done me wrong