17. CHRISTMAS MORNING BLUES by Kansas City Kitty
Vocal with piano.
Chicago, November 1, 1934.

I woke up Christmas morning, went out to get my morning's mail
I woke up Christmas morning, went out to get my morning's mail
A letter sent from Georgia, the postmark said Atlanta Jail

In a mean old jailhouse 'cause he broke them Georgia laws
In a mean old jailhouse 'cause he broke them Georgia laws
New Year he won't be here, 'cause death will be his Santa Claus

My man's so deep in trouble the white folks couldn't get him free
My man's so deep in trouble the white folks couldn't get him free
He stole a hog (horse?) the charge was murder in the first degree

Christmas bells are ringing, sounded like my funeral song
Christmas bells are ringing, sounds jus' like my funeral song
My poor man done left here, I know I ain't gonna be here long

Ain't never had a Christmas with trouble like this before
Ain't never had a Christmas with trouble like this before
Sleigh bells are my death bells, hard luck's knocking at my door

Next Christmas I won't be here to hear no bunch of bad, bad news
Next Christmas I won't be here to get no bunch of bad, bad news
Just mark on my tombstone, "Died with the Christmas Morning Blues"

"Kansas City Kitty's" true identity isn't clear nor is that of the pianist, who could be the singer herself. Christmas is always prime time for the blues--as is any mournful occasion that's cheerful for everyone else.

Back to List of Recordings | Previous Recording | Next Recording