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R. J. Morris

I invite you to take a moment and view the following lyrics to all songs included on my Blues CD:

All sixteen songs were written by myself. I attempted to cover as many styles of the Blues as possible in composing the music. I will freely admit that my music is strongly influenced by those people whose work I admire. The lyrics are probably a reflection of my own life experiences and observations, but again I have been strongly influenced by those same people and their styles. Having said that, I have not consciously tried to emulate anyone else or their material. What you hear is myself singing the blues I created in my own style.

If you are a musician and searching for new material then I hope you will consider performing or even recording my work. All rights to the songs are reserved. Unauthorized use is a violation of applicable International laws. Please contact me should you be interested in using my material.

I welcome all comments! Thank you! R. J. Morris "Pickin' Blues"

You Got To Believe

Cross my heart and hope to die.

It wasn’t me I have an alibi. It was

another fool who looked a lot like me.

I wouldn’t do you no wrong, baby, You got to believe.

It’s you, only you I’m livin’ for.

Put your faith in me, you

know I wouldn’t do you no harm.

I never met her. Don’t know her name.

Wasn’t my car in the passin’ lane. It was

some other fool can‘t help what you see. Wouldn’t

tell you no lie, just put your faith in me.

That cheap motel? On the outside of town? With

rooms by the hour when the sun goes down? Never

heard about it. Don’t know a thing, ‘bout

that card in my pocket, or that lipstick stain.

It’s you, only you I’m livin’ for.

Put your faith in me. You

know I wouldn’t do you no harm.

Didn’t spend my money. Wasn’t messin’ around.

I lost my paycheck on a street downtown.

Don’t know a thing, got nothing to hide.

Can’t live without you, wouldn’t tell you no lie.

It’s you, only you I’m livin’ for.

Put your faith in me, you

know I wouldn’t do you no harm.

It was another fool, Baby,

Ahhh! You got to believe.

Ordained to Preach The Blues

Got my leanin’ the hard way, goin’ to the toughest school.

I was first in my class, learned about the hurtin’ rules.

I can quote you scriptures, lived ‘em and wrote some too.

I’m qualified to teach, I’m ordained to preach the blues.

I can walk in a bar room, filled up with drunks and fools. Spot a

man with bad luck, tell you where he went wrong too

‘cause I started at the bottom, went on down from there. Carried the

blues a’long with me, earned my right to be here.

Preachin’ the blues, I can tell ‘em what it’s all

a - bout. I can preach the blues

‘till the bar-tender throws me out.

I’m ordained to preach the blues, learned all I know from you.

You took a strong non -believer, said he didn’t have the right to choose.

Yeah, you took a happy man, I only needed faith in you. Then you

started at the bottom and taught me how to preach the blues

I can quote you scriptures, lived ‘em and wrote some too.

I’m qualified to teach, I’m ordained to preach the blues

Yeah, I’m preachin’ the blues, I can tell ‘em what it’s all

a - bout. I can preach the blues

‘till the bar-tender throws me out.

Smooth Talkin’ Devil

I got a forty dollar haircut, wear a tailor-made suit.

I have more pick up lines than one man could ever use.

I love and leave ‘em, make ‘em like it too. But

I’m a natural born, smooth talkin’ devil

with one bad case of the blues.

Not a woman in town, don’t know my name.

When they see me comin’, they never walk away.

Got ‘em standin’ in line, see what I’m gonna do. ‘Cause

I’m a natural born, smooth talkin’ devil,

but I’m running away from the blues.

I’m a natural born, smooth talkin’ devil,

don’t need no fancy degree. Got

things to do, places to be,

I’m in demand, women waitin’ on me. I could

have more lovin’ than a man can use. ‘Cause I’m a

natural born, smooth talkin’ devil,

but I’m livin’ in hell with the blues.

If they need some answers, I got a sure- fire plan.

When they need some lovin’, I’m a good-time man.

Got all the moves, know what to do.

I’m just a natural born, smooth talkin’ devil,

a devil with the blues.

I’m a natural born, smooth talkin’ devil,

Don’t need no fancy degree. Got

things to do, places to be,

I’m in demand, women waitin’ on me. I could

have more lovin’ than a man can use. ‘ Cause I’m a

natural born, smooth talkin’ devil,

but I’m livin’ in hell with the blues.

Down For The Count

I never had a dollar, that I could call my own.

I get no respect, my lovin’s over - due at home.

I have bills that I can’t pay, even if I wanted too.

I’m down for the count.

I’ve been knocked out by the blues.

Well, I was number five of my Daddy’s seven sons.

On the outside looking in, dodgin’ trouble on the run.

But I was way to slow, so the Police caught me too.

Now I’m down for the count.

I’ve been knocked out by the blues.

I finally met a woman, thought my luck had turned around.

But her man came home early, heard my story with - a - frown.

I said, I didn’t know she’s married to a man as big as you!

Now I’m down for the count.

I’ve been knocked out by the blues.

I’m Goin' To Walk Away From The Blues

You have me in your pocket, you’re the

boss, I’m your hard workin’ man.

I bring home the jelly, but you have that head-ache again.

Been thinking all night, can’t sleep in the condition I’m in.

I’m goin' to leave you, Baby. Better

listen to what I’m goin' to do. Yeah,

I’m goin' to leave you, Mama.

This is the end of me and you.

I’ll be free at last,

I’m goin' to walk away from the blues.

I went down to the station,

see how far I can go. Plan to

shake this town, Baby, forget the pain you put me though.

Don’t need a woman like you, teach me how to sing the blues.

I’m goin' to leave you, Baby. Better

listen to what I’m goin' to do. Yeah,

I’m goin' to leave you, Mama.

This is the end of me and you.

I’ll be free at last,

I’m goin' to walk away from the blues.

You didn’t leave me much money, but

it’s enough to get away from here.

Need a change of scenery, a total change of atmosphere.

Time to pack my troubles, find a good woman who cares.

I’m goin' to leave you, Baby. Better

listen to what I’m goin' to do. Yeah,

I’m goin' to leave you, Mama.

This is the end of me and you.

I’ll be free at last,

I’m goin' to walk away from the blues.

I Met A Fool Today

I met a fool today. He couldn’t do one thing right.

He was down on his luck, been up all night.

His eyes were half blind, couldn’t get no sleep.

And it crossed my mind, Baby, he looked a lot like me.

I met a fool today. He was shaking and breakin’ inside.

The whole world had turned around, by a woman on his mind.

His days were nights. His nights were like days.

Hours were years. But he couldn’t feel the pain,

Of being alone. Being down and out.

Bein’ made a fool, with his brains burned out.

Bein’ wasted on wine, easy women and the blues.

He had one thing on his mind, Baby,

And that one thing was you.

I met a fool today. And he had crossed the line.

He was looking’ for his woman, drinkin’ cheap wine.

Spent all his hard earned money, he didn‘t look half sane.

He had the blues to the bone, Baby, but he couldn‘t feel the pain.

I met a fool today, Baby. He looked just like me.

He was talkin’ ‘bout his woman, it was plain for anyone to see.

He had the blues so bad, it was a cryin’ shame.

But that fool in the mirror, couldn’t feel the pain.

Of being alone. Being down and out.

Bein’ made a fool, with his brains burned out.

Bein’ wasted on wine, easy women and the blues.

He had one thing on his mind, Baby,

And that one thing was you.

I met a fool today, Ahhh!,

I met a fool today, Baby.

He didn’t feel no pain.

You know I met a fool today.

Just Another Word

I wear a worn-out suit from the welfare store.

Drive a ten year old car I‘m still payin‘ for.

Can’t pay the rent. Lord knows it’s way over due.

And love is just another word for the blues.

Lost my job, didn’t cause me no pain.

My money’s all gone, you know it didn’t mean a thing.

But when you up and left me, I learned the hard truth.

Love is just another word for the blues.

I’m takin’ late night walks alone and cold in the rain.

Drinkin’ cheap wine just to keep me half sane.

I need to clear my head and forget about you.

‘Cause love is just another word for the blues.

Asked my doctor what can I do? He said, I

see it in your face, man, what’s wrong with you.

You got a bad case of love and there is nothing I can do,

‘cause love is just another word for the blues.

I’m takin’ late night walks alone and cold in the rain.

Drinkin’ cheap wine just to keep me half sane.

I need to clear my head and forget about you.

Love is just another word for the blues.

I’m gonna get myself together, stop drinkin’ cheap booze.

Give up cigarettes, stop thinkin’ bout you. I don’t

need your kind of lovin’ or the things you put me through,

‘cause love is just another word for the blues.

I’m takin’ late night walks alone and cold in the rain.

Drinkin’ cheap wine just to keep me half sane.

I need to clear my head and forget about you.

‘Cause love is just another word for the blues.

Love is just another word for the blues.

Take Me To The Top

She said “You are a quiet one. Honey, I’ve been watching you.

Do you come to this bar

just to have a drink, set alone and think - or

to do the things that other men do?

I’m not here to waste my time, I

have an over-night trip planned for two.”

She said “I’ve never been the kind that finds love on the run.

Well maybe just a time or two.

I’m looking’ for a man who can take me to the top,

I can make it back alone, I just want to enjoy the view.

I think you’re just the one

and I’d like to make the trip with you.”

I said “I’m not a happy man, but I’ve been clear to the top

and may-be I could go again with you.

I have no other plans, I’m fresh out of ideas, but

I’ll give it my best try, there is nothing I can lose but the blues.

And to tell you the truth

Baby, I’ve been watching you too.”

She said “I’m looking’ for a man who can take me to the top,

I can make it back alone, I just want to enjoy the view.

I think you’re just the one and I’d like to make the trip with you.”

I can take you to the top

And I know you will enjoy the view.

You Got The Dog

You got the house. You got the car.

Got my paycheck, but you went to far.

You have all the things I couldn’t stand to lose.

You even got the dog woman and I got the blues

You took the children, and the color TV.

Told the judge, I was to blind to see, so

you took away my books and my readin’ chair too.

You even got the dog, all I got was the blues.

I’m runnin’ around, my mind broke down.

My nerves would make a strong man cry.

I’m talking to myself about things that don’t last and Baby,

you know the reason why!

You got the credit cards, the bills are all mine.

The judge said “your lucky boy, you’re not spendin’ time.”

I didn’t need no cloths, so you got them too.

You even got the dog woman and I got the blues.

I’m runnin’ around, my mind broke down.

My nerves would make a strong man cry.

I’m talking to myself about things that don’t last and Baby,

you know the reason why!

You took my good name, drug it through the street.

Took all my friends, they turned against me.

Didn’t cross my mind you could ever be so cruel.

You even got the dog woman and I got the blues.

You even got the dog, woman, all I got was the blues.

That’s Good News

You found a new lover. One with good looks, money and style.

He bought you a red fox stole, wines and dines you too.

And you wore out your new shoes, dancin’ away the blues.

And you keep sayin’ that’s good news,

Lord knows, that’s real good news.

But if that’s good news, Baby,

keep the bad news to yourself.

I’m still payin’ on credit, I’m over my limit, at the bar and the grocery store.

Been working two jobs, just to make ends meet, but the

judge said all my pay-checks are yours.

It’s gettin’ harder ev’ry day, to drive the blues away from my door.

Well, that’s good news,

Lord knows, that’s real good news.

But if that’s good news, Baby,

keep the bad news to yourself.

I hear you’re goin’ to the islands to get some sun,

and your lover’s gonna pay for that too. You say I’m

gettin’ old and lazy, and that new man is younger than you? Ahhh!, Baby,

I didn’t need to hear that! Don’t you know, it’s enough to give a man the blues.

You keep saying that’s good news,

Lord knows, that’s real good news.

But if that’s good news, Baby,

keep the bad news to yourself.

Well, I guess that’s good news,

Lord knows, that’s real good news.

But if that’s good news, Baby,

Please keep the bad news to yourself.

If that’s the good news, Baby,

You can keep the bad news to yourself.

If that’s good news, Baby

Please keep the bad news to yourself.

You Can Run But You Can’t Hide

I didn’t read it in the paper,

didn’t hear it on the late night news.

And your friends in the bar didn’t have a word to say, that’s true.

But I know you’re foolin’ around, I can hear it in the words you don’t use.

You have it written on your face, Baby,

I don’t have to look twice. I can see it in you eyes, hear it in your voice.

You can’t hide it with a smile, cause it shows in the way you move.

You’re cheatin’ on our love, well you can run but you can’t hide from the blues.

I don’t know what I could say, that

would make you change the things you do. You’re on

top of the world, I’m the last thing on your mind. Those

new dreams aren’t about me and you.

You’re cheatin’ on our love, well you can run but you can’t hide from the blues.

Yeah, you can run but you can’t hide from the blues.

Your cheatin’ on our love, you can run but you can’t hide from the blues.

Something Goin’ On (Around Here)

You have a new way of walkin’, and

you dress like the French gone wild.

You have a new way of talkin’, and

I don’t like what’s behind that smile.

I’m kind of slow on learning,

couldn’t say for certain,

but one thing is more than

clear. I’m not getting any smarter

but there’s Something goin’ on around here

You‘re never at home, you

don’t answer the phone, all I

hear is, “I’ll get back to you“.

Went by your house, but the lights were turned out,

my key wouldn’t even fit the door.

My letters came back, I can’t take it any-more,

tired of talkin’ to myself and walkin’ the floor.

I’m not getting any smarter but there’s

something going on around here.

There’s something goin’ on around here, Baby,

I’m afraid to give it a name.

You’re on a one - way track to the end of the line,

I’m just a passenger on that train.

I’m kind of slow on learning, couldn’t say for certain, but

one thing is more than clear.

I’m not getting any smarter but there’s

Something going on around here

It never crossed my mind you

were spending’ time, with my

best friend, can’t you see?

I was working’ all day, playin’ cards all night,

out with my friends, thinking’ things were all - right.

It was a good life, Baby, good enough for

Me. Thought your love was mine.

I’m not getting any smarter but there’s

something goin’ on around here.

There’s something goin’ on around here, Baby,

I’m afraid to give it a name.

You’re on a one - way track to the end of the line,

I’m just a passenger on that train.

I’m kind of slow on learning, couldn’t say for certain, but

one thing is more than clear.

I’m not getting any smarter but there’s

something going on around here.

There’s something goin’ on around here.

Drinkin’ With The Blues

I wake up with a new friend, … every single morn-in’.

Count the hours as they slip on by.

I think of you every minute, then

tell myself that same old lie;

I won’t miss you one more second,

But I’m drinkin’ with the blues to-night.

You’re just a good - time, every man’s woman.

They all know what they can do with you.

But you can’t hurt me with you’re cheatin’,

Cause I have an understandin’ with the blues.

I paid your Cadillac off last Friday,

you got my pay-check, when I had one to give.

Now,you’re livin’ on scotch and Champaign, Baby,

I’m livin’ on the blues and tears.

You’re just a good - time, every man’s woman.

Saw you struttin’ ‘round late at night.

You wore those mid - thigh - black - silk stockin’s, Baby,

and your red leather dress was too tight. That’s right!

You wore those white string pearls with matchin‘ ear rings,

I bought on sale at the Wal-Mart store.

And those big diamonds shining on your fingers,

are the ones I’m still payin’ for.

I wake up with a new friend, every single morn-in’.

Count the hours as they slip on by.

I cry the blues most ev’ry ev-nin’,

then tell myself just one more lie;

I won’t miss you one more second,

But I’m drinkin’ with the blues tonight.

Drinkin’ with the blues tonight.

Won’t miss you one more second,

cause I’m drinking with the blues tonight.

The Blues Keep Hangin’ ‘Round

I got the blues comin’ ‘round, knockin’ at my door.

Messin’ with my mind, they got me walkin’ cross the floor.

Thinkin’ bout you woman, I should be glad that I am free.

But the blues keep hangin’ ‘round, and

they keep on torturing me.

I got time to roll the dice, time to think twice.

I can hang out with the guys. I can party all night. I’m

getting drinks for free, big women fall in love with me.

But the blues keep hangin’ ‘round,

they just won‘t let me be.

I bought a new car last Friday, this week I got a raise.

I’m rollin’ in the money, hit the jackpot on Monday.

Ev’ry thing I touch, Ahhh! turns to pure gold.

But the blues keep hangin’ ‘round,

Your memor‘y has a hold on me.

I don’t need your kind of lovin’, I’m so happy that you’re gone.

Baby, things are looking’ up it seems. I’m

feelin’ ten years younger and the best is good enough for me.

But the blues keep hangin’ ‘round, got me

thinking ‘bout what used to be.

I got the blues comin’ ‘round, knockin’ at my door.

Messin’ with my mind, they got me walkin’ cross the floor.

Thinkin’ bout you woman, I should be glad that I am free,

But the blues keep hangin’ ‘round,

they just won’t let me be.

They blues keep on hangin‘ ‘round, Baby.

Serving Life With The Blues

I had no defense, I couldn’t say a thing.

She was the prosecuting attorney, slandered my good name.

She was the judge and the jury, had the evidence too.

Now the verdict is in,

I’m serving life with the blues.

I’m in a solitary cell, facing life without parole

Doing hard time in a dark - empty hole.

Another broken man with nothing else to lose.

She wanted more than I could give,

I’m serving life with the blues.

She locked my heart up in chains, threw away the key.

Didn’t want to hear my story, wouldn’t listen to my plea.

She said one simple crime of passion will be the end of you.

You have forever and a day.

You’re serving life with the blues.

I’m in a solitary cell, facing life without parole.

Doing hard time in a dark - empty hole.

Another broken man with nothing else to lose.

She wanted more than I could give,

I’m serving life with the blues.

Born To Sing The Blues

There are men in this world who have riches and fame.

Some are born to have a good name.

They always win, never seem to lose. But

I’m here for one reason,

I was born to sing the blues.

The blues are gonna rock me.

The blues gonna break me.

The blues are gonna take me away from here.

Some men can rule the world.

Drive fancy cars, buy diamonds and pearls.

Beautiful women, hangin’ off their back.

Never been wrong,

they are always right.

But the blues are gonna rock me.

The blues gonna break me.

The blues are gonna take me away from here.

There are men with good luck, mine’s always bad.

They were born to be happy, I was born to be sad.

Ev’ry day it seems, to bring them good news.

But I’m here for one reason,

I was born to sing the blues.

Well, the blues gonna rock me.

The blues gonna break me.

The blues are gonna take me away from here.

When they lay me to rest, on that final day.

They will shake their heads, and someone will say, “he

could never win, always seemed to lose. The boy was

here for one reason, he was

born to sing the blues.”

But the blues are gonna rock me.

The blues gonna break me.

The blues are gonna take me away from here..

The blues are gonna rock me.

The blues gonna break me.

The blues are gonna take me away from here.

[Home][Listen/Purchase][View Lyrics][Background][News & Reviews][Contact][Links]

rjmorris.blues@yahoo.com