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The Blues Dictionary
A dictionary of blues terms, words and phrases
Sometimes the Blues has a touch of language all it's own. After all, it did start in fields and plantations and smokey backroom juke joints long before any of us were ever born. It's because of this that we've compiled an ever-growing list of terms, words, and phrases that have been found in Blues songs, cultures, interviews, notes, and so on over the years. We've tried our hardest to make some sense of them as they pertain to their songs.
We weren't with Robert Johnson when he was talking about barrelhouses and lemon squeezing in the thirties, and we weren't able to personally ask most of the old timers what their slang meant. Fortunately, we have e-mail, which you can use to let us know when we messed up, left out a phrase or word, or didn't get a definition right!
If you want a REAL comprehensive Blues Dictionary that Reuters even called "one of the wittiest, bawdiest, most fascinating dictionaries ever", including commentary from the old timers themselves...
check out the "Language of the Blues: From Alcorub to ZuZu" book in our shop!
The Blues Dictionary
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* 12 BarTwelve bar is a type of chord progression that's extremely popular in Blues songs. Without referencing music terms, it is the underlying beat, which often follows this pattern: I, I, I, I, IV, IV, I, I, V, IV, I, IV. This is the I-IV-V (one-four-five) pattern that is commonly used in referring to Blues form. Blues has never strictly followed this pattern, however. Various Blues songs can range from complicated chord structures to one single chord throughout the song! |
* 27 ClubThe 27 club is a group of well known musicians that have died at the age of 27. It's pertinence to the Blues is that it's founder and, arguably, it's most famous member is none other than Robert Johnson himself, who died under mysterious circumstances at the Three Forks Store in Greenwood, Mississippi at 27 years old, after claiming to have sold his soul to the devil. Eerily, many of the musicians who have "joined the club" at 27 have directly cited Robert Johnson as a major influence. Some of the most famous members are Kurt Kobain of Nirvana, Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix, Jim Morrison of The Doors, Alan Wilson of Canned Heat, and Brian Jones of The Rolling Stones, all of which had very heavy Blues influences, including Johnson, and often covered Blues songs, including Johnson's. Every one of their lives parallelled that of Johnson's in certain ways, adding to the eerie coincidence.Eric Clapton, who also cites that Robert Johnson is probably his biggest influence, was purportedly the originator of the term "27 Club", stating that he himself was almost a member when he was fighting an addiction. |
* 3 times 73 times 7, heard relatively frequently in blues tunes, is referring to a girl's age. Three times seven equals twenty one. When lyrics say "three times seven", it's referring to the fact that the girl's age is twenty one. |
* 32-20Original 32-20 Six-Shooter 32-20 Blues Robert Johnson |
* 61 HighwayHighway 61 South 61 Highway Blues Mississippi Fred McDowell |
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* Apron OverallsUnfortunately, the true meaning of "Aapron overalls" is unknown, at least to Bluescentric! A reasonable conclusion can be drawn that it's a sexual innuendo, since the lyrics before the mentioning in Robert Johnson's "From Four Till Late" compares a woman to a dresser, with a man always getting into it's drawers. A second conclusion could be reached that a woman causes a man heartache because she acts promiscuous with other men while he's off working, and the aapron overalls are a reference to rambling, which is mentioned prominently in the song. Aapron overalls could also seemingly be some reference to sadness and heartache, based on how it appears in the wong.Observe: A woman is like a dresser, some man always ramblin' through its drawers It cause so many men, wear an apron overall. From four 'till late, she get with a no good bunch and clown Now, she won't do nothin', but tear a good man reputation down See also: Rambling Four Till Late Robert Johnson |
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* B.D. WomanB.D. was an abbreviated term for "bull-dykers", which was a slang term for a lesbian woman.B.D. Woman's Blues Freddie Jackson |
* BarrelhouseA barrellhouse is a bar, more or less. In many places down south, barrelhouses were illegal bars. A barrelhouse is named such because, quite simply, they'd keep the alcohol in barrels! Remember that next time you think your bartender delivered your drink a little too warm.See Also: Gut Buckets Preachin' The Blues Son House |
* Back Door ManA Back Door Man is a man that the woman in a relationship would have over when her man is gone. When her husband/ boyfriend/man would come home, the Back Door Man would be slipping out, you guessed it, the back door. In short, a back door man is a man that the woman is having an affair with.Back Door Man Howlin' Wolf |
* Billy LyonsBilly Lyons is the poor soul that got murdered over a hat by Lee Shelton, who you might know as Stagger Lee! For the Stag-O-Lee conflict, go to the Stag-O-Lee entry. We made a whole special page about it! |
* Biscuit RollerAccording to Blues Fell This Morning, this is a pretty simple euphamism. A biscuit was a good looking young girl and a Biscuit Roller was a good lover. The term applied to either sex.Note: More information can be found in Blues Fell This Morning: Meaning in the Blues by Paul Oliver and Richard White, where much of the above information was derived from. If I Had Possession Over Judgement Day Robert Johnson |
* Black Cat BoneBlack Cats and Black Cat owners/lovers ye be warned!The black cat bone is used in american folk magic, most commonly Hoodoo. It's effects are thought to generally bring positive effects on it's carrier, and the black cat bone can often be put into a mojo bag. There's only one bone in the entire cat that's special, and the legend is that a Hoodoo practitioner or mojo bag maker will throw a black cat into boiling water to remove everything but the bones. They they take the bones and throw them into a creek or stream or some other flowing body of water. The bone that floats up the current is the magic bone. There are a few other recorded methods to define which bone is the one magic bone, but that is the one we here at Bluescentric have heard most commonly. See Also: HooDoo |
* Black Snake MoanBlack snake is a reference to sexuality, namely to either a black man or a certain male part of a black man's anatomy, depending on the song. The term black snake has been used in several early Blue songs, by both men and women. It's been sang as referencing their own, or being worried about other "black snakes" coming around.Black Snake Moan Blind Lemon Jefferson Black Snake Blues Victoria Spivey New Black Snake Moan Lead Belly Black Snake Moan Samuel L. Jackson (From the movie of the same name) |
* Blind Pig / Blind TigerA Blind Pig (or Blind Tiger) was, more or less, a juke joint equivalent to a speakeasy. The building the Blind Pig was located in would have a false front; a business, storage, or simply boards over the windows in order to keep the illegal establishment hidden. those that knew the right people or password could gain access to the joint. Often Blind Pigs would have live music, gambling, moonshine and other alcohols.The blues, southern rock, and roots record label Blind Pig Records derives it's name from these establishments. See Also: Delta Blues by Ted Gioia |
* Blood Bucket JointA bloodbucket joint is another name for a juke joint. They aquired those nicknames because fighting would occur quite frequently. The actual term "blood bucket" tends to either refer to the buckets of blood that would be spilled fighting, or that when someone was beat bad enough, (or killed) they would be hauled out in a blood bucket. |
* BootleggerDuring the prohibition, bootleggers were the men that made and delivered illegal alcohol to the various barrellhouses and speakeasies (illegal bars). The bootlegger was named such because they often carried a flask of their product in their boot.Bootlegger's Blues Mississippi Sheiks |
* BVDBVDs are a brand name of men's underwear. It was named for the company Bradley, Voorhees & Day. The term "BVDs" has grown to mean underwear in general.Lock and Key Bessie Smith (1927) |
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* C.C. RiderThe term C.C. Rider has several possible definitions.1) C.C. Rider could be a mistranslation or rough translation of "Easy Rider", or vice versa. 2) C.C. Rider could be short for Country Circuit Rider, a priest that would be in charge of one or several county circuits. A circuit is anywhere with more than one body of churchs. The preachers that would tend to these circuits were called, you guessed it, Circuit Riders. It coudl take weeks to encompass a circuit, so the preachers did quite a lot of riding. 3) C.C. Rider has som evidence to support the term "Circuit Court" rider, where in earlier days, one judge would preside over multiple cities and/or counties, which he would visit every X amount of time. this was his circuit. See Also: Easy Rider |
* Canned HeatCanned Heat is a cocktail drink made from Sterno. For those not in the know, Sterno is a portable heating fuel, made from what is essentially ethanol and methanol and a couple of other things, none of which is good for you, to put it mildly. The Sterno is poured through a sock or rag to filter out the methanol and mixed with water or alcohol or whatever was on hand. Sterno was especially popular during the prohibition.The famous blues man Tommy Johnson, was famous for having a penchant for Canned Heat, and one of his most famous songs is called Canned Heat Blues, which, you guessed it, is about a man addicted to Canned Heat. Canned Heat Blues Tommy johnson (1928) Canned Heat Blues (different song than the above) Sloppy Henry with Peg Leg Howell (1928) Better Leave That Stuff Alone will Shade, "Sun Brimmer" |
* Casey JonesCasey Jones was a railroad engineer who died in a fantastic train crash in 1900. He was somehwat of a folk hero because of his ambitiousness and the unique sound of his self-crafted train whistle. On April 29th, 1900 Casey was making quick headway along the tracks when a blind curve and a mechanical failure on the train ahead of him led to his train rear-ending a number of other cars. When he became aware of the inevitable wreck, he ordered his coal man to jump off, and he tried his best to stop the train. while the trains still crashed, his actions saved the lives of all of his passengers, as well as his fellow engine operator, Casey being the only casualty. Jones's status as a folk hero started in newspaper headlines and was made more famous by a friend of his, who wrote a ballad about his death. Later, Mississippi John Hurt sang about Casey, which cenented his place in history as a hero to the people. Finally, the folk band Grateful Dead recreated a song based on John Hurt's version, simply named "Casey Jones", which has been quite popular.The Ballad of Casey Jones Mississippi John Hurt Kassie Jones Furry Lewis Casey Jones North Mississippi Allstars |
* Chess / Chess RecordsWe thought Chess Records was important enough that we would give it it's very own page. We like to think it's what Muddy would have wanted.Go to the Chess Records page |
*Chillen / Chillun / ChillinChillen is simply the phonetic spelling of the way "children" sounds with a southern drawl. It's similar to how Blues artist Booker White became "Bukka White", (again, by writing how it sounded with drawl). Boogie Chillin John Lee Hooker |
* Coon-Can / Coon Can / CooncanCoon Can was a predecessor to rummy. The name is derived from the spanish term "Con qui�n". You don't need a can to play! Often times, in Coon Can, players would use dice as well as cards. Each player is given 10 cards, (sans the 8's, 9's, and 10's) and the objective was to 'meld' 11 cards. (We've heard it was 11 cards, but none of us have ever played it!) The player with no cards left wins! The game only needs two people to play, so because of that it was extremely popular. Most often, it was played in Juke Joints and in work Camps.Note: More information can be found in Blues Fell This Morning: Meaning in the Blues by Paul Oliver and Richard White, where much of the above information was derived from. Coon Can Shorty Peetie Wheatstraw |
* Cold in HandBeing Cold in hand means you're broke; don't have a penny! |
* Conjure Man / Conjure WomanSimply put. a Conjure man is what people think of when they think "witch doctor", though this term is rather unfiting. A conjure man, in this context, is often referring to a HooDoo practitioner that can conjure spells, most usually based on herbs, magic, etc.See Also: HooDoo |
* CoonLuke Jordan sings "Travelin' Coon", as do several other early Blues musicians. Coon is/was an extremely derogatory word for African Americans. Although there is evidence that Applachian frontiersmen called each other Coon and Old Coon, (another pronunciation that might be familiar is "Old Coot"). Coon could have easily come from this definition, however it's true origin is unclear and in context, it seems to suggest that "Coon" is strictly referring to an African American. In recorded variations of "Travelin' Coon", sometimes later referred to as "Travelin' Man", (apparently, or hopefully, to be more politically correct,) the singer himself was always African-American while making this reference. However, the term was apparently not used in a derogatory sense. The black man who was the focus of the song was portrayed as a hero figure. He had magical powers, could use his wit to get out of tight situations, and could defy the laws of gravity and physics, and more importantly, could defy the unfair laws used to oppress blacks during this time. This was not unlike other African-originated heros such as John the Conquorer, etc.Note: More information can be found in Songsters and Saints: Vocal Traditions on Race Records by Paul Oliver, where much of the above information was derived from. See Also: John The Conquorer Travelin' Coon Luke Jordan |
* CreoleCreole is most commonly referred to as a person born of direct French ancestry in the New World, around the Louisiana area. But who are we to think we know better than Webster. Straight from Webster's Dictionary:1) A person born in the West Indies or Spanish America but of European, usually Spanish, ancestry. 2) A person born in Louisiana but of usually French ancestry. 3) (sometimes lowercase) a person of mixed black and European, esp. French or Spanish, ancestry who speaks a creolized form of French or Spanish. 4) (usually lowercase) a creolized language; a pidgin that has become the native language of a speech community. Compare pidgin. (Bluescentric: pidgin is a Hawaiian language of English combined with the native dialect) 5) the creolized French language of the descendants of the original settlers of Louisiana. Compare Cajun. 6) Haitian Creole. 7) (usually lowercase) Archaic. a black person born in the New World, as distinguished from one brought there from Africa. My Creole Belle Mississippi John Hurt |
* Crosscut SawCrosscut Saw is a thinly-veiled euphamism for a man who wants to have sex with a woman. "I'm a cross-cut saw, baby drag me across your log". |
* CrossroadsCross Road Blues Robert Johnson |
* Cut and DriedA common southern expression (it's a common anywhere expression these days) meaning completely finished, done, or routine, normal. The term's origins are murky, but most likely refer to one of three things: Tobacco being cut from fields and dried before it can be used, Timber, same explaination but in forests, and cutting meat and laying it to dry so as to keep it (think jerky). |
* Cutting HeadsCutting heads was the practice of, essentially, outplaying another guitar player. Often times a guitarist would go to a street corner near another guitarist and try to play better than the other guy, and whatever crowd he had gathered would go to the new, better guitarist. |
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* Death LetterDeath Letters were a relatively common theme in delta Blues music. A death letter is, simply, a letter that states that someone close to the letter's recipient has passed away. In earlier days, phones were often scarce, and people could be scattered anywhere, generally working, roaming, etc. Therefore, when someone died, someone close to them was tasked with sending a letter to their son, boyfriend, husband, et al. wherever they may have been. Obviously, a death letter would be an impacting source of getting the Blues.Death Letter Blues Leadbelly Death Letter Son House Death Letter Johnny Farmer Walking Blues Robert Johnson |
* DeltaMississippi Delta in Green |
* Diddley BowA Diddley Bow is a one-string, makeshift guitar that was lovingly remembered by many original Delta Blues men as their first instrument. A string would be stretched between two nails, often on the side of a house or on a two-by-four or something similar. Then, much like strings are raised where they're attached to the body of a guitar, something would be pushed under the lower part of the string, often a bottle or a rock, etc, for tension. This way, the bottom part of the string would be raised, and the top would be closer to the board the string is attached to. From there, people could run a slide or something similar along different parts of the string to produce a surprisingly wide range of tones.See Also: Slide |
* DobroA Dobro is a brand name of specialized wooden guitar that is, in many respects, comparable to the National guitar brand. Interestingly, one of the founders of the National brand later went on to create Dobro. A Dobro features a metal cone inside the body of the guitar, which itself is usually metal, though it can be made from wood. They have a telltale metal circle with ain intricate pattern of holes (for resonance) in the lower center of the body.See Also: National |
* Dockery / Dockery FarmsDockery Farm outside of Notably, William Dockery, the plantation's namesake, had a reputation for treating his workers fairly and honestly, which was unusual for that day. Note: More information cam be found at Dockery Farms' Historical Website See Also: Peavine |
* Dust my BroomWhile the exact meaning isn't 100% clear, it essentially means to move on. Either from the town, from a lover, etc. is open to interpretation.I Believe I'll Dust My Broom Robert Johnson |
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* Easy RiderThe term Easy Rider has found it's way into a vast number of Blues lyrics, and has various likely definitions, no one standing out as a definite catch-all answer, though the general theme is that the term typically carries some sort of sexual connotation.1) Easy Rider refers to a person who is 'promiscuous', (typicall ya woman) or a woman who a man is having sex with, either casual or otherwise. 2) Easy Rider refers to a man who lives off of the earnings of a prostitute, as either her pimp or her man. 3) Easy Rider is the guitar slung on the back of a travelling Bluesman, which most were in the early part of the 20th century.
4) Easy Rider has carried some connotation to motorcycles over the years, partly because of the Dennis Hopper
movie, partly because "CC Rider" is likely a corruption of "Easy Rider" and CC is a measurement of gasoline intake.
This definition, though, is likely not the original meaning, as both terms predate the widespread popularity
of motorcycles.
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* FlaggingFlagging is Hitchiking. Some things in life are that easy.Crossroad Blues Robert Johnson |
* Field RecordingA field recording is a recording outside of a studio setting, "out in the field". During the initial blues boom towards the beginning of the 20th century, companies would have recording equipment in cars and trucks that they would take to various towns, looking for talent. When they found it, they would record the musician wherever they might have been. The legendary folklorist Alan Lomax had a car outfitted with field recording equipment. He drove across the country, making thousands of these "field recordings", including some by a then-unknown Muddy Waters, Leadbelly, and various versions of the folk song House of the Rising Sun. These recordings are, in fact, preserved at the Library of Congress. |
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* Goofer DustAccording to Lucky Mojo, which is a leading authority on VooDoo, Hoodoo, and also information on references to Southern folk magic in the Blues, Goofer Dust is a dust used in HooDoo to "trouble, harm or kill an enemy". It's made from a variety of powders, but always includes Graveyard dirt, which is as the name suggests, though certain graveyard dirts only work based on various factors about the deceased whose dirt is being taken, etc. Also, the term "goofer" can be used as a euphamism for putting a spell on someone. "She goofered her unfaithful lover". Don't get goofered.See Also: Hot Foot Powder, HooDoo Black Dust Blues Ma Rainey Bedtime Blues Frank Stokes I Don't Know Cripple Clarence Lofton |
* GumboGumbo is a delicious Cajun soup dish served over rice. It's made from a Roux, which is a half & half combination of flour and oil, heated and stirred to thicken for a period of time. Most anything can be added into Gumbo, though the Cajun "holy trinity" is a must: Celery, Bell Peppers and Onions. Additionally, a meat, meats, or types of meat are added. There are different varieties of Gumbo, such as Seafood Gumbo, Shrimp Gumbo, Chicken Gumbo, even Gator Gumbo, which is actually quite good! Most also add Chopped Andouille Sausage.Well since you asked... Yes, we DO have a Bluescentric special Gumbo recipe! Gris-Gris Gumbo Ya Ya Dr. John Tin Roof Blues Louis Armstrong |
* GutbucketGutbucket interchangeably referred to several things:1) A gritty style of mostly Blues music that was played in juke joints, barrelhouses, and honky tonks. 2) A bucket used to catch runoff from the barrels that alcohol was kept in in the barrelhouses and juke joints.
3) A diddley-bow style instrument that was used most often in Memphis-style jug bands as a makeshift bass. It was
assembled using a washtub a the resonator body. The name 'Gutbucket' is most likely derived from the fact that often
washtubs such as the ones that made up the Gutbucket Bass are the same ones used in definition number 2; as
catchalls for alcohol runoff.
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* HaintsHaints are evil spirits, or simply spirits. The word is a variation of "Haunts". |
* Harp / Blues Harp / Mouth Harp / Mississippi Sax / Georgia SaxQuite simply, a harp is the loving term used for a harmonica. It can be called by several names: mouth harp, Blues harp, Blues harmonica, etc. When someone refers to a harp in a conversation about the Blues, rest assured it is the tried and true Harmonica, not to be mistaken with the rectangular stringed instrument that angels strum.See Also: Harp in our instruments section |
* HoboA Hobo was a bum, vagrant, homeless person, and/or most often, simply someone who illegally hitched a ride on a train. Ambiguously, the term "hoboing" meant hiding on a train to get a free ride somewhere. During the days of the depression and around the turn of the century hoboing was widespread, and more than several notable Delta Blues men hoboed on trains to get somewhere.See Also: Riding the Rods, Riding the Blinds |
* Hoochie Coochie / KoochieLike many other Blues terms, hoochie coochie has a sexual connotation. Coochie, or cootch, is a slang term for a woman's vagina, and to be a woman's hoochie coochie man means being her lover. Simply put, hoochie coochie is sex. An additional note of intrest was that the word hooch was and is still a popular term for an illegal substance, most often moonshine, though in nearly any Blues context, hoochie coochie is referring to the first and primary definition.Hoochie Coochie Man Muddy Waters |
* HoodooHoodoo is, in short, American folk magic. Interestingly, it is derived from a melting pot different religions, practices, and traditions, including African, Christianity, and even Eurpoean influences. It was traditionally practiced in the American South, though as years went by, it's tradition has spread. Hoodoo tends to incorporate the usage of herbs, roots, and other items of note to conjure spirits and spells. They can be nearly anything: protection, luck, wealth, healing, etc. (though not necessarily reserved for just "good"). While Hoodoo tends to be closely associated with Voodoo, they are two distinct practices. Voodoo can best be classified as a religion, while Hoodoo is more of an art, and doesn't have a spiritual hierarchy or theology, even though many of it's traditions can be deeply rooted in Christianity. Because Hoodoo is largely an Africal-based and Southern tradition, indirect references to Hoodoo practices can be found in a large number of Blues songs.Note: More information can be found in an About.com interview with Mama Zogb�, regarding Hoodoo practices, and at Lucky Mojo. See Also: John The Conquor Root, Mojo Hand, Nation Sack, Voodoo Hoodoo Lady Blues Arthur "Big Boy" Crudup Louisiana Hoo Doo Blues Ma Rainey |
* Honey DripperA honey dripper is a man that has a certain charasmatic, romantic capability with women. He is especially sweet and has an exquisite ability to swoon the opposite sex. The analogy is, of course, that he is as sweet as honey.Honey Dripper Joe Liggins Plareen Man Tab Benoit |
* Hot Foot PowderOld ad for Hot Foot Powder Observe: You sprinkled hot foot powder All around your daddy's door It keep me with ramblin' mind, rider Every old place I go, every old place I go. Hellhound on my Trail Robert Johnson |
* House Rent BoogieA house rent boogie went by several names, but the concept was always the same. It was a form of community support. Often in sharecropper and plantation communities, money was relatively scarce, and rent was an ongoing problem. When a member of the community was in need, a House Rent party would be thrown. A musician would provide live music and a socializing, drinking, dancing event ensued. Everybody at the party that could spare a little donated it towards the person's house rent cause. The next time someone else needed some extra help, they would do it again!John L's House Rent Boogie John Lee Hooker |
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* JakeJake was a type of alcohol, taken from a ginger extract. It was legally available during the prohibition, which was convenient, since it usually contained about 70% alcohol. Unfortunately, a chemical added into the drink was a neurotoxin, and caused semi-paralysis in the legs, resulting in what was commonly called the "Jake Leg", or "Jake Walk". The Jake Leg was a telltale high-stepping walk by victims of tainted Jake. The Jake Walk also affected drinkers of tainted Whiskey as well.See Also: Moonshine Jake Leg Blues Mississippi Shieks (1930) Jake Leg Blues Willie Loften The Jake Walk Blues The Allem Brothers (1930) |
* Jelly RollA jelly roll has been used interchangably as a metaphor for both sexes' genetalia. Though regionally, it has been used as derogatory slang for a kind of wimpy or gay man. There are many songs that mention jelly rolls.Nobody In Town Can Bake A Sweet Jelly Roll Like Mine Bessie Smith Jelly Roll Blues Loius Armstrong Workin' Man's Jelly Roll Blues Bukka White [Mr.] Jelly Roll Baker Otis Spann He's a Jelly Roll Baker Lonnie Johnson Georgia Woman R.L. Burnside |
* Jim CrowJim Crow has two meanings, both are intertwined with the other.1) A common reference to practices and laws to keep the status quo of racial segregation in place after the freeing of slaves, particularly in the South. This is often referred to as "Jim Crow Laws". 2) A racial slur referring to the percieved inferiority of blacks.
The origins of the word Jim Crow are murky, though most say it was a mid-1800s white minstrel who painted
his face in burnt cork to look like a black man and danced a jig to a tune called "Jump Jim Crow". The whole
chirade was a jab at the belief that African Americans were somehow simpler and second-class. A common appearance See Also: Northbound Jim Crow Blues Lead Belly Black, Brown and White Big Bill Broonzy |
* JodyJody was a slang term for "Job Deferment", originating during World War 2 in the 1940s. Job Deferment was a way to avoid being drafted into military service. If someone was good at a necessary skill that was deemed important for the national intrest, they would get a pass from the Draft. Several Blues artists were able to avoid the war for having proficient skills that were needed. Pinetop Perkins was able to avoid service in this manner.Additionally, a Jody Man was similar to a Back Door Man, in that while a woman's boyfriend/wife/man was away at war, the Jody Man would be at home wiht is woman. Note: Thanks to rshurman from the Blindman's Blues Forum for the definition and word See Also: Back Door Man Jody Man Slim Harpo |
* Joe LouisJoe Louis was an extremely popular black heavyweight boxing champion. He was born to Alabama sharecroppers and moved to Detroit, Michigan, where he began his boxing career. He was extremely influential through his conquests in breaking down race barriers and is widely regarded as the first national black hero. Because of this, he became a very influential champion of the millions of oppressed blacks across America. "Joe Louis" has been inserted into countless early Blues, Jazz, and minstrel songs, often portrayed (rightfully) as one of the most powerful, best fighters in the world. |
* Johnny Cockeroo / John The Conquerer / High Johnny The Conquer Root / John The Conquer RootJohn the Conquer Root is literally a plant root used in Hoodoo. It was named for an African folk hero aptly called John the Conqurer. The story has John being kidnapped from Africa and enslaved on a plantation. Whether John was real or imagined, he stood as a symbol for the unbreakable spirit of slaves, and as a quiet rebellion against their masters. John's folk hero status was somewhat like that of Bria'r Rabbit's; he used various situations to his advantage to outsmart and outwit his master while maintaining a facade of ignorance. After the abolition of slavery, he was again intertwined in stories about outsmarting various situations of racism and white persecution.In Hoodoo, John the conquor root comes from a relative of the morning glory family, and is used in various spells and potions and oils, including love/attraction spells, in mojo bags, and to achieve various desires. It is a very prominent and widely used part of Hoodoo. See Also: Hoodoo My John the Conquorer Root Muddy Waters I'm a Man Bo Diddley Mannish Boy Muddy Waters Black John the Conqueror Dr. John |
* Juke JointPo Monkey's Juke Joint in Merigold, Mississippi. The vast majority of the Delta Blues musicians made their living playing in Juke Joints as often as they could, and many times would play dancing songs and tunes all night. Muddy Waters actually ran a Juke Joint while still working as a sharecropper before moving to Chicago. |
* Jumper on the linesA Jumper was most often a hobo that would hitch an illegal ride on a train. In Blues, The term was commonly associated with skipping town or jumpingSee Also: Hobo, Riding the Rods, Riding the Blinds Jumper on the Line R.L. Burnside |
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* The Katy / Katy"The Katy" is a loving term adpoted for the Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad, or MKT for short. The Railroad, as described by it's name, ran through Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas and operated for over 100 years, from 1870 through into the 1980s. It's stock symbol was K-T, which was quickly adopted into the "Katy" monkier. It was forever immortalized in the Blues classic "She Caught The Katy And Left Me A Mule To Ride", made famous by Taj Mahal, and co-written by Taj and James "Yank" Rachel. Here at Bluescentric this is one of our favorite songs, since our office is just down the road from Katy's tracks.She Caught The Katy and Left Me a Mule To Ride Taj Mahal |
* Killing FloorA killing floor was a particular part of a slaughterhouse where, as the name suggests, the animals are killed. Usually they bagan the processing on the Killing Floor as well. This term in the Blues is a euphamism for hard times being likely to kill a man. As in Skip James' song Hard Times Killing Floor Blues, he refers to being on the killing floor as being in a low place in life.Observe: People, if I ever can get up Off a-this old hard killing floor Lord, I'll never get down This low no more Hard Time Killing Floor Blues Skip James Killing Floor Howlin' Wolf |
* King BiscuitKing Biscuit Time was and still is a popular Blues radio show based out of Helena, Arkansas. It was famously hosted by Blues man and harmonica champion Sonny Boy Williamson (II). Also on the show was legendary Blues pianist Pinetop Perkins and Robert Lockwood Jr. The show was sponsored by, (can you guess it?) the King Biscuit Flour company. It first aired in 1941 and to this day continues to play Blues on their aptly named show.You can check out more information on the King Biscuit Time website. |
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* LeveeA levee was/is an earthen mound-shaped wall built to keep a river at bay when it overflows to prevent losing crops and towns to flooding. Levees were and still are commonplace among Mississippi River towns, where most Blues songs that reference levees originated. Several songs were recorded about the Great Flood of 1927, including songs by Barbecue Bob, Memphis Minnie, and others. The Great Mississippi flood of 1927 was one of the two greatest floods in recorded American history. the other was the more recent Flood of 1993. Both were victim's of the powerful Mississippi and Missouri rivers overflowing and breaking levees.The Mississippi Delta heavily relied (and still relies) on levees to contain the mighty Mississippi River. The region is known for it's extremely flat land and fertile ground, a product of thousands of years of the Mississippi River overflowing it's banks, flattening the land, and depositing rich minerals into the soil. When the area was first civilized and cultivated, levees became necessary to prevent the frequent flooding and preserve towns, lives, and crops. When The Levee Breaks Memphis Minnie |
* Levee CampA Levee camp was a rudementary work-camp establishment of most often black workers set near a levee. These camps were set up to build or reenforce levees, and often when flooding was imminent or could occur. Reportedly, it wasn't unusual for black workers to be forced at gunpoint to work on the levees. The work was brutal and dangerous, since often times when reenforcing the levees, they were already in danger of breaking, etc. The levee camps were tough places and living conditions were abysmal, making leevee camps a genuinely woeful place to work, to put it lightly.I Wonder When I'll Get to be Called a Man Big Bill Broonzy Levee Camp Blues Mississippi Fred Mcdowell Levee Camp Moan Son House |
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* M.F.Good christian boys and girls read no further! M.F. stands for Motherfucker. |
* MamlishYour guess is as good as ours! Mamlish is, unfortunately, a word lost in time. It's been used in a number of Blues recordings of the time, but it's meaning has never been identified. If you stumble upon this and happen to know what Mamlish means, John Tefteller, a Blues historian, just might have a reward for you!Observe: These are my mamlish blues, gonna tell you just what they mean Used to be my sugar but you ain't sweet no mamlish more Because you mistreated me and you throwed me from your door Mama my pack's ready, keep it for my mamlish self Mama I done got tired of sleeping by myself Well my Mama didn't like me, my papa give me mamlish ways Nappy Head Blues Bobby Grant (1927) Mamlish Blues Ed Bell (1927) |
* Mississippi SaxSee Harp |
* MojoMojo has signifigant different meanings depending on it's context in the Blues. In Hoodoo, mojo can refer to the Mojo Hand or Mojo Bag, which is a magical charm. Mojo can also refer to magic or the ability to have certain powers. Many Blues songs reference Hoodoo, however none have been so popular as Muddy Water's "Got My Mojo Working". Although many lyrics sang by Muddy Waters did reference Hoodoo, (often written by Willie Dixon), when Muddy Waters popularly sang about Mojo, the context was directed more towards sexual prowess than to Magic.See Also: Hoodoo, Mojo Hand Got My Mojo Working Muddy Waters |
* Mojo HandCommon Advertisement for Note: An extensive overview of Mojo Bags can be found at Lucky Mojo, where a portion of the above information was derived from. See Also: Hoodoo, Johnny The Conquor Root Mojo Hand Lightnin' Hopkins Scary Day Blues Blind Willie McTell Mojo Hand Blues Ida Cox Brand New Mojo Hand Lonnie Brooks |
* MoonshineMoonshine is / was an illegally distilled alcohol usually made from a corn mash. Moonshine was especially popular during the prohibition, however, the unlicensed nature of home distilling led to many contaminates and toxins in the moonshine, which was prone to causing permanent damage to it's drinkers, most often manifested in the "Jake Walk". Moonshine is still distilled to this day, though largely sans the neurotoxins. Take heed, a person sitting in a bar drinking a clear substance from a canning jar isn't drinking water!Note: More information can be found at North Carolina Moonshine See Also: Bootlegger, Jake |
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* Nation SackThere are several variations of definitions of Nation Sack:1) According to Lucky Mojo, a Nation Sack is a regionally specific version of a Mojo Bag used only by women. Though often times, Nation Sack has been used to refer simply to a Mojo Bag. It's used in the Hoodoo tradition. 2) There is some speculation that "nation" refers to donation. Particular priests, sometimes known as Country Circuit Riders, had several denominations across one or more state countys would ride their horses to each in a circuit. They would carry a (do)nation sack to keep the tithes of the various churches in. See Also: Mojo Hand, C.C. Rider, Voodoo Come On In My Kitchen Robert Johnson |
* NationalA National was a brand name of guitar, beginning in the late 1920s. It was a steel guitar, specifically. Though the body of the guitar is a lusterous, shiny metal, it's called a steel guitar because musicians would play it on their laps and use a piece of steel to play it. The guitar came out of the need for more amplification as music got louder and the guitar sound was drowned out. The result was the steel guitar, whose body was made of metal and fitted with what was called a tri-cone, (essentially, three speaker-looking cones) which allowed the steel guitar to sound much louder than a regular guitar. National stopped making their metal-bodied guitars in 1941.A number of well-known Blues artists used the National, including Son House, Peetie Wheatstraw, Tampa Red, Memphis Minnie, Robert Johnson, and many others. |
* New DealThe "New Deal" was a response to the great depression. It referred to a number of socio-economic plans that President Roosevelt unveiled, with the goal of providing jobs, stimulating the economy, and reforming government policies. The policies included the Social Security Administration, the FDIC, the FHA (Federal Housing Authority), the SEC, and the Tennessee Valley Authority. While Roosevelt laid specific money and programs aside for struggling Blacks, many of whom were the hardest hit by the depression, his new deal passed over equal rights and segregation with indefference.New Deal Blues Tampa Red |
* NorthboundNorthbound was a reference to the Great Migration, where hundreds of thousands of blacks moved North to escape Jim Crow Laws, segregation, hate, and abysmal employment. Demand for industrial labor in northern cities like St. Louis, Chicago, and Detroit was skyrocketing, paid fairly, and segregation was minimal. These prospects led many African Americans, as well as poor whites who were often included in the discrimination of the time, to leave the South in search of a better life.See Also: Jim Crow Southern Blues Roosevelt Sykes Detroit Bound Blues Blind Blake Chicago Bound Blues Bessie Smith |
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* Parchman Farm / Pea Farm / P FarmParchman Farm was a 20,000 acre prison farm located near the town of Parchman, Mississippi. It's since been turned into the Mississippi State Penitentiary. In the Jim Crow days of Mississippi, many laws were enacted to unfairly jail poor and/or blacks, many of which were sent to Parchman Farms. There the men were made to work in conditions similar to plantations. the work was hard and the guards were racist and brutal.Numerous Blues songs were recorded about Parchman, and several famous blues men spent time in Parchman, including Son House and R.L. Burnside. It was immortalized in Bukka White's song "Parchman Farm Blues". "Midnight Special" was also a popular Parchman-inspired Blues song from the era about loading families on a train to go see the inmates. The most popular version of this song was sung by Leadbelly in 1934. See Also: Jim Crow Parchman Farm Blues Bukka White New York Times propaganda article regarding Parchman |
* PeavineThe Peavine was, specifically, a branch of rail off of the Y. & M. V. line, which was commonly referred to as the "Yellow Dog". The Peavine branch ended at the Dockery Plantation. The term Peavine, however, was also used more ambiguously, and often referred to any branch of rail line whose path was winding. The Peavine branch ran about ten miles before it connected back to the Yellow Dog.Pea Vine Blues Charlie Patton |
* Plareen"Plareen Man" is the eleventh track on Tab Benoit's album "The Sea Saint Sessions", which you can find on Amazon. Plareen is a phonetic mispronunciation of Praline, a sugary candied treat with pecans or almonds usually associated with New Orleans. Pralines, pronounced (pray-lean), are often found in coffee shops like the famous Cafe Du Monde and on street corners, sold by Praline Men and Women. So when Benoit sings, "he's a honey dripping sugar daddy, they call him the Plareen Man", he's alluding that the man's ability to be 'sweet' with all the ladies. |
* PolicyThe policy is an illegal lottery game. The game was quite similar to powerball, where players pick three numbers and hope they matched the numbers of the day. The name comes from bettors making a parlay-style bet on the next day's numbers, called an insurance policy. The game began being known as the policy game, and was good cover code for transacting game tickets.Policy Blues Jim Jackson (1928) Playing Policy Blues Blind Blake |
* Put Roots OnTo "Put Roots On" someone is to cast a HooDoo spell on them. The definition from that point is fairly vague. Much of the time, putting root son someone is casting a spell on a love interest so that they stay with whomever cast the spell, or do what the spellcaster says. The ways to go about puting roots on someone varies, but, it appears, it always consists of slipping a concoction (usually of boiled or ground roots, hence the name) into their drink or food, etc. We've heard that sometimes the ground root can be laid on the ground where the recipient will be walkin gbarefoot so it travels through their feet up into their heart. Don't ask where we heard that. |
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* Race RecordRace Records were the name given by record companies to any record made by a black musician, regardless of what type of music it was, for a long period in history. As a result of this ambiguity in music types, that's why so many songs have "Blues" tacked to the end of the name of the song, to identify it's genre. |
* Rambling / Ramblin'To ramble is to roam, moving from place to place, town to town, uninhibited. Many original Delta Bluesmen rambled in their days, junking form town to town, playing in various Barrelhouses, Juke Joints, etc. Ramblin' Music is also defined as a type of music that came from the Applachia, more folk-style music than Blues.See Also: Barrelhouses, Juke Joint |
* Rent PartySee House Rent Boogie |
* Riding the BlindsThere are several possible definitions for "Riding the Blinds", but the two most commonly cited explainations are as follows:1) "Riding the blinds" referred to the practice of riding in an enclosed-style car, such as a boxcar or an animal-transport car, which had slits in the side. The slits in the animal transport would let light through in strips, ironically, much like how we would describe the light coming through window blinds today. Hobos would "ride the blinds" to remain protected from soot, gravel and dust, and to escape detection by both the train operators and by people at stations and on the ground as the train passed. 2) The Blind is the foremost car behind the engine of a train. This particular spot on the train, the engine's operators never inspect, nor is it visible from their vantage point, thus it is "blind". 3) There is an accordion-style rubber (thought it used to be leather or a thick fabric, etc.) tunnel between two passenger cars on a train. The Blind is a spot outside the rubber 'tunnel'. Outside of that, there is a ladder and a small spot to stand or sit. Hobos would grab the ladder and hold on. The spot outside the small, rubber 'tunnel was completely "blind" from anyone inside the train. |
* Riding the RodsIn the earlier part of the century, many of the Delta Blues musicians would hobo on the trains to get from place to place. Occasionally, they would 'ride the rods'. Riding the rods was an extremely dangerous way of hitching a ride on the train. There are iron rods that ran lengthwise the bottom of old boxcars and acted as supports. A slim hobo could slip up into the rods, lay flat on his back and hold on for dear life. God forbid they fell asleep, fatigued, etc. there was nothing stopping them from falling right into the railroad tracks with a one-way ticket to meet their maker. There is an excellent excerpt from the now out of print Blues Access magazine of a discussion between Honeyboy Edwards, Robert Lockwood Junior, Homesick James, and Henry Townsend in which they discuss riding the blinds back in their hoboing days. Find it here!How Long, How Long Blues Blind Lemon Jeffersion Riverside Blues Sam Collins Goin' To Chattanooga Ralph Willis |
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* Salty DogA Salty Dog has been usd in two contexts in Blues lyrics:1) A man who has benefits with a woman. 2) A person of promiscuity. Salty Dog Blues Morris Brothers Salty Dog Mississippi John Hurt |
* Sea SaintSea-Saint Studios is a recording studio set up in New Orleans in the 1960s by Marshall Sehorn and Allen Toussaint, and was a driving force behind the unique New Orleans R&B sound. It still exists at 3809 Clematis St. in the Gentilly district. It's now called "Big Easy Recording Studio", but is still referred to by musicians in the region by it's "Sea Saint" nickname. Famous musicians such as Albert King and Paul McCartney recorded music there. Mosty notably, Patty LaBelle recorded the smash hit "Lady Marmalade" at Sea-Saint. Dr. John has regularly recorded at Sea-Saint, as well as a host of other musicians. |
* See See RiderSee C.C. Rider |
* Sharecropping / SharecroppersSharecropping was a system in which a person worked a plot of land that a landowner owned in return for a share of the profits when it was time to harvest. The landowner provided all of the necessities of life, as well as seed for the crops, etc. Unfortunately for the sharecroppers, their efforts were often futile. If crops didn't grow, were flooded, etc., they were still in debt to the landowner for the supplies provided through the year. Even if they enjoyed a good crop, these supplies, rent and necessities could often be outrageously priced, and sharecroppers would often be left with little or nothing. A great many of the original Delta blues men, including Son House, Muddy Waters, Howlin' Wolf, etc. were sharecroppers or were from sharecropping families. This was primarily because sharecropping was one of the few places blacks, from the turn of the century to roughly the start of WWII, could be gainfully employed. |
* The SipAn abbreviated term for Mississippi |
* Sissy ManPut simply, a sissy man slang for a homosexual man.Sissy Man Blues Kokomo Arnold |
* Skin BallA Skin Ball was a time of party and celebration. It was when sharecroppers had been given their year's returns for their share of the crops, and would meet to drink and dance and play games of skin, (for which the skin ball is aptly named) and poker and dice, etc. at the juke joints and barrelhouses with their newfound earnings.See Also: Juke Joint, Barrelhouse, Skin Game |
* Skin GameA skin game was one that was rigged, or at the very least, slanted against the player. These skin games, according to Blues Fell This Morning: Meaning in the Blues by Paul Oliver, commonly occured towards the end of harvest, when sharecroppers would be given their share of the crop return in a lump sum. Many swindlers from Chicago, Saint Louis, Memphis, etc. would come down and set up skin games where often times the sharecroppers would wager their recently-awarded pay (essentially, all of the money they had for the year) in the hopes of getting a better return, but instead losing it to the Skin Game.Note: More information can be found in Blues Fell This Morning: Meaning in the Blues by Paul Oliver and Richard White, where much of the above information was derived from. Skin Game Blues Peg Leg Howell |
* SlideA slide is a piece of equipment used to play slide guitar. Many things can be a slide. The earliest documentation of Blues, as observed by W.C. Handy, described a man playing guitar with a pocketknife. Presumably, he was playing slide much like Blues players have been recording since recordings existed. It consists of sliding something (a piece of pipe, a filed down bottleneck, a piece of Steel, etc.) across the strings to give them an eerie sound. Interestingly, the slide technique came from Hawaii.See Also: Slide Guitar in our instruments section |
* Smokestack Lightning / Smoke Stack LightningIn the days of steam trains, the train engine would have a smokestack at it's front. As the steam would power the locomotive, the excess was pushed out of the smokestack, along with residual sparks. In the night, it could look like lightning. As Howlin' Wolf himself put it:"We used to sit out in the country and see the trains go by, watch the sparks come out of the smokestack. That was smokestack lightning" Smokestack Lightning Howlin' Wolf |
* Son of a gunSon of a gun can interchangably be used as a positive or a negative. Men often referred to themselves in song as a "son of a gun", almost always in a bragging manner. On the other hand many songs, when referring to someone else, use the term disparagingly.Hoochie Coochie Man Muddy Waters |
* Southern Cross the DogWhat's left of where the Southern Consider this excerpt from W.C. Handy's Autobiography, Father Of The Blues: An Autobiography "A lean, loose-jointed Negro had commenced plunking a guitar beside me while I slept. His clothes were rags; his feet peeped out of his shoes. His face had on it some of the sadness of the ages. As he played, he pressed a knife on the strings of the guitar in a manner popularized by Hawaiian gutarists who used steel bars. The effect was unforgettable. His song, too, struck me instantly. "Goin' where the Southern cross' the Dog" The singer repeated the line three times. Accompanying himself on the guitar with the weirdest music I had ever heard. The tune stayed in my mind. When the singer paused, I leaned over and asked him what the words meant. He rolled his eyes, showing a trace of mild amusement. Perhaps I should have known, but he didn't mind explaining. At Moorehead the eastbound and the westbound met and crossed the north and southbound trains four times a day. This fellow was going where the southern cross' the Dog, and he didn't care who knew it. " See the full page here. See Also: Slide Guitar in our instruments section Yellow Dog Blues Sam Collins Southern Blues Big Bill Broonzy |
* Squeeze My LemonA lemon was a euphamism for a certain part of the male anatomy. Squeezing the lemon was a metaphor for sex. Legendary Blues enthusiasts/rockers Led Zepplin made a tribute to this song called The Lemon Song, on their second album, including the famous Robert Johnson lyric, "Squeeze my lemon 'til the juice run down my leg";Traveling Riverside Blues Robert Johnson She Squeezed My Lemon Arthur McKay Let Me Squeeze Your Lemon Bo Carter |
* Stagger LeeWe thought Stagger Lee was important enough that we would give bad old Stag his own page. After all, if we didn't he might have come back from the grave and shot us.Go to the Stagger Lee pageFor further reading, there is also an excellent article at the American Blues Scene on Stagger Lee |
* Stavin' Chain / Stave n' ChainAs in many Blues terms, Stavin' Chain has multiple possible definitions. Additionally Windin' Boy presumably has the same meanings as Stavin' Chain1) A euphamism for a man's penis. It was often used in the context of a man winding his pelvis for a woman. 2) There is a suggestion based on the lyrics of a song named "Stavin' Chain", by Lil' Johnson that "Stavin' Chain" was a man, (or possibly a mythilogical figure) who was exceptionally good at sex, and was well known for his long "stave", (see definition number 1). 3) Possibly, a stavin' chain was a chain attached to a slave or prisoner, either on a chain gang or otherwise. "Stavin'" is possibly a corruption of the word "Staying". Note: More information can be found on Steve Mann's Website, where a portion of this information was derived from. Whin[d]in' Boy Jelly Roll Mortin Stavin' Chain Lil Johnson |
* Stones In My PassagewayWell we don't have all the answers... But give us a little time. |
* Stovall's PlantationStovall's Plantation was (and is) a large Cotton plantation consisting of around 3500 acres outside of Clarksdale, Mississippi. It's still being farmed to this day by the Stovall family. The plantation was most well known because of it's most famous son: Muddy Waters. It was here that Muddy was born and grew up, ran a juke joint, and in 1941, that Alan Lomax recorded Muddy play for the first time, while he was in search of the (unbeknownst to him) deceased Robert Johnson. Muddy named an album after Stovall's Plantation, aptly called Down On Stovall's Plantation, which is available through our Amazon Store.Interestingly, according to Delta Blues by Ted Gioia, likely the very first (unknowing) documentation of the Blues was most recorded right in John Stovall's house. An archeologist, Charles Peabody was digging native american graves in 1902 when he was mesmerized by the local workers he'd hired, directly citing their use of three chords, (the I-IV-V 12-bar blues standard) and most interestingly was Mr. Gioia's quote from Peabody's attempt to document the music he heard. (pg 22) "I should not omit mention of a very old negro employed on the plantation of Mr. John Stovall of Stovall, Mississippi. He was asked to sing to us one very dark night as we sat on the galley...I have not heard that kind of music again nor of it." We highly recommend the book. See Also: Delta Blues by Ted Gioia, 12 Bar, Juke Joint, Southern Cross The Dog, 12 Bar |
* Sun / Sun RecordsWe thought Sun Records was important enough that we would give it it's very own page. We like to think it's what Elvis would have wanted.Go to the Sun Records page |
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* TerraplaneIn reality a Terraplane was a car made by the Hudson Motor Company. Like many great Blues songs, though, the Terraplane had a double meaning for a woman.Robert Johnson's "Terraplane Blues" describes how Johnson believes his woman let another man "drive" his Terraplane while he was gone. Of course, the Terraplane is a double entendre for his woman. Terraplane Blues Robert Johnson |
* Tin LizzieA nickname for a Ford Model-T.Richland Woman Blues Mississippi John Hurt |
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* Up The CountrySee: Northbound. To "go up" is a term for going North. therefore, to go Up the country is literally to go north in America.See Also: 61 Highway, Up The Line Goin' Up The Country Barbecue Bob |
* Up The LineUp the line is a railroad-originated term. The line, in this instance, is a railroad line or track. In the south, "up" is commonly used interchangably with "North". Alternatively, "down" would be South. East and west stay the same. So moving up the line means a person is going North on a train. Down the line most often refers to heading south. |
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* Van VanVan-Van is an oil used in Hoodoo for a number of things, particularly as an enhancement to existing spells/charms, etc. and is used to keep away evil spirits. The word Van Van is derived from the French word Verveine, a flower.Note: An extensive overview of Van-Van can be found at Lucky Mojo, where the above information was derived from. |
* VocalionWe thought Vocalion Records was important enough that we would give it it's very own page.Go to the Vocalion Records page |
* VoodooIn short, Voodoo is a religion. It is a combination of largely Caribbean and west African influences, as well as Catholicism. When slaves were kidnapped and transported to Haiti and America, they were forced into Catholocism. Since Voodo is a belief in a number of dieties, it was easy to adopt the many Catholic saints into the religion, and thus they were able to largely continue practicing undisturbed. While the two are often very closely associated, Hoodoo is an American folk magic practice, while Voodoo is a religion based on spirituality. Though the practice of Voodoo religion is relatively open, and not as organized into hierarchies as other religions such as Christianity.Additionally, New Orleans is well known for it's long association with Voodoo. Being a progressive town, New Orleans was comparitively lax about letting slaves and people of color continue practicing their religions, namely Voodoo, openly. Priestesses (women have long held more prestige than men) were allowed to practice in the city, and many prominent figures (of any color) came to them for help. Because of Voodoo's strong ties to African American heritage, it's long been referenced and addressed in the Blues. See Also: HooDoo |
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* WaxFor years, the phrase "wax a record" was commonplace among those recording a sound, songs, etc. To "Wax" a record meant to record it. It comes from the method originally used to make a record. As a person would record, a pin would move and trace lines around a disc coated with a beeswax compound. After they were done recording, it was bathed off in an acidic solution and, viola! They had a disc. |
* Wear My Apron LowEssentially, wearing an apron low is a desirable trait, in that a woman has the right curves to be able to wear an apron around her hips. When she can't wear her apron low, it generally appears to mean that she is pregnant, or has gotten fat, as the apron will no longer fit. The best example is the traditional folk song Careless Love, in the context of a woman.Observe: Love, oh love, my careless love, (3x) Oh look what careless love has done. Once I wore my apron low, (3x) I could not keep you from my door. Now my apron strings won't pin, (3x) You pass my door and won't come in. Careless Love W.C. Handy |
* White LightningSee Moonshine |
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Ya-YaYa-Ya has at least two regionally-specific meanings. The most popular meaning in delta blues is "yas yas" (sounds like "ass ass"... for a reason). Yas Yas was used often by blues artist as a substitute for the word "ass" when ass was still unacceptable slang. The Rolling Stones named their 1970 live album "Get Yer Ya-Ya's Out!" as a nod to their heavy blues influences, ("Ya-Ya's" being a corruption of the original "Yas-yas"). The album featured B.B. King, Ike and Tina Turner, and Chuck Berry, as well as several Rolling Stones covers of blues staples. The second meaning, most prevalent in and around New Orleans, Louisiana, "ya-ya" simply means "grandma". The often-heard New Orleans phrase "Gumbo Ya-Ya" is the equivalent to "Gumbo like grandma used to make"! New Dirty Dozen Memphis Minnie Get Yer Yas Yas Out Blind Boy Fuller The Duck Yas Yas Yas Tampa Red Gris Gris Gumbo Ya-Ya Dr. John |


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My original title for this post was going to be "Mistakes Were Made." It's true. Mistakes were made, but after some processing, I think I did the best I could with what I was given. Truthfully, this was not my best race, but it is such a good race overall. It's gorgeous, well-organized and surrounded by a team of people with gigantic hearts who made me want to keep on in spite of everything.
IMTUF is in Idaho, just outside of McCall. Their acronym is not lost on them as it's typically pronounced "I Am Tough." They change the direction of the race every year and this year would go clockwise. With over 100 miles of trails and somewhere between 20,000 and 23,000 feet of climbing, it definitely tests out that tough part.
When I got to my pacer, Kelly Bolinger's house the Wednesday night before the race, it turned out Kelly was fighting a cold. The hope was that it was just allergies, but it was worrisome. Our travel day the next day was pretty smooth and our flight was a little over an hour. We flew into Boise and went to REI first for a couple of supplies and then we hit Whole Foods for groceries. I'd rented us a room with a kitchenette so we wouldn't have to scour this tiny Idaho town called McCall for Linda-friendly food before the race. It turned out the room was under renovation, so we ended up with a regular room without a stove top. I flew home with a box of gluten free pasta and a jar of pasta sauce. Oh well. We managed to find cute café that had all kinds of GF and vegan options and we were both very satisfied.
Friday we drove out to the IMTUF 100 briefing/race start area. It ended up being only 45 minutes away, not 1:15 like the maps said. Very nice. We checked out one of the cabins there at Burgdorf Hot Springs to make sure we were happy with our decision to not camp there and pay more money for a hotel. The cabin was cute, but without heat, electricity or plumbing and you needed to bring your own bedding. When we found out it had gotten to -3C that night, we were pretty proud of ourselves.
Total Organization Josie and the Rhino Drop Bags |
Jeremy and Brandi Humphrey are the race directors. They are young, good looking, healthy, clean cut Americans who love to run, love the mountains and love beer. I loved them. Kelly later stated she felt like Jeremy and Brandi were people Gary and I should be hanging out with. Jeremy won Bear last year and CCC the year before. He's very tan. They began the briefing by getting a little emotional. You could tell they'd been working hard and nonstop and were exhausted and proud to see this thing come to life. It's the 3rd year for IMTUF and this is the first year they've had more than about 30 people sign up. Being a Hardrock qualifier has certainly helped that.
Most of the briefing seemed typical. Everything would be marked; it would be hard; don't worry about the sheep, but their sheep dogs might be a problem, so don't make wolf noises at them; we might see elk or wolves; you're not allowed to ride the goats who packed stuff into one of the aid stations; don't worry about the hunters Lee and Larry because they're nice and they might offer you beer. That kind of stuff. The one thing that I should have really, really listened to was it was important to keep our feet dry and that the moon dust would get into our shoes and cling to the wet and be like diamond shards. And then Jeremy told us that they'd worked so hard on this race and all he wanted was for us to work hard in return. He wanted to celebrate our finishes with us, to high five us and share beers with us. That hit me in the chest. Knowing what kind of work these races are, and watching the joy and satisfaction Gary gets at the finish lines of his races when he hugs every single runner, I felt Jeremy was a kindred spirit and he deserved that same feeling.
Kelly and I enjoyed a decent night of sleep in our warm hotel room. We drove out to the start where it was still below freezing. I quickly put on the arm sleeves they'd given us the day before along with gloves and a jacket. We huddled into the tiny lodge and waited for a bit before walking out with the crowd to the start. Then we were off.
I ran the first few miles with BJ and Joel. I met BJ in April in Kauai at a mutual friend's wedding. He's San Diego based and a big guy with a big heart and lots of great personality. He eventually pulled ahead. Joel, who I've known from Seattle for years, stuck with me.
Me, Kelly, Mike and BJ pre-race Photo by Erica Deese |
The run itself was pretty uneventful for the first parts and awfully dang pretty. It's probably the prettiest race I've ever done. I said that about Bear last year, but this edged that out. The area suffered a forest fire 10 years ago. You could see dead trees and fully charred logs that were oddly shiny and striking. Intermixed with all of this was new, green growth and old trees that had survived and fall colors everywhere. I much later (around mile 95) said, "It's an amazing mix of death and life, decay and growth." Apparently fatigue brings out poetry.
Joel and I chatted lightly and we'd occasionally run with a third party and trade stories around. I was having a really good run. After a big climb to mile 26 or so, the trail became a gradual decline and was fairly rocky. This is my kind of terrain and I easily picked my way down to a water drop. As I was filling my pack, Joel caught up to me and mentioned I was moving well on the descent. We took off together again, but I couldn't go any slower without running an unnatural gait and I soon found myself alone. I made it into mile 33 alone and it wasn't until I was leaving that Joel cruised in. I thought he'd catch up again, but he never did.
Such a pretty course! Photo by Joel Ballezza |
At this time, I was with BJ again. This section was fairly flat and a bit rolly and it was easy to chip away at it. Eventually, I pulled ahead and cruised my way to mile 43's aid station. Jeremy, the RD was here and I told him how much I was loving this gorgeous course. He leaned into me, "Are you a Robbins?" Yes, yes I am. "Is Gary around at all?" He looked around him as though Gary would suddenly appear. No, he's directing his own event this weekend. "Ah, man, I wanted to meet him. I follow his funny blog and his Canadian exploding feet!" Of course, I laughed. Jeremy is obviously a fan of our sport and knowing he's a stout runner, I felt confident in offering Brandi and him entries to Squamish 50 (although I said I might get in trouble, it seems I've been given the thumbs up). I took off up the service road climb.
I knew at the end of this long road, I'd see Kelly for the first time. I was definitely looking forward to it. I felt great and kept trying to slow myself down. I walked the downhill here to save some energy for the burly second half. I caught up to another runner named Ryan who was contemplating dropping. After a very successful Western States, he just didn't have it in him any more. He bragged about his wife, who although she is a back of the packer, has a huge heart and pulled off 70 miles at a 48 hour run. He looked about to burst with pride.
Minor climb Photo by Joel Ballezza |
Finally, I came into the aid station and saw Kelly. We moved me in and out fairly rapidly. The one thing I made sure Kelly understood was that I'd need to change my socks when I saw her next (I had socks in that Josie and the Rhino Drop Bag). The dozen or so stream crossings had left my feet wet and that moon dust Jeremy warned us about was definitely aggravating my feet and toes. The first stream I encountered, I tried to cross without getting wet, but I hit a rock that moved and in I went. After that, I stomped through a couple on purpose because in my experience, I can usually do that and not feel any effects. I hardly ever blister. Since I've switched to DryMax socks, I average one blister per 100 miler. I didn't have a single one at Miwok 100k or at Squamish50m/50k. But this terrible, terrible dust was killing me and no sock could stop it. I would have needed full shoe gaiter coverage to prevent it from doing the damage it did. I did attempt to avoid getting wet after those first few streams, but either my legs were too short to leap or the rock I chose would shift and I just wasn't having much luck. When I left, there was a big creek crossing and Jeremy yelled to me to keep my feet dry. Like an idiot, I responded, "I think I want to try rinsing them off." He shrugged and I knew he knew better. I tried again to stay dry, but sure enough, I hit a rolling rock and went in. Fuuuuu....
The climb out of here was substantial. I tried not to push it too hard and would slow when I felt my heart pound and even stopped a few times to catch my breath. I could hear all kinds of people close by just chatting away like they were on a stroll. I wondered what that would be like. The trail briefly leveled out to reveal this lake surrounded by colorful trees and alpine rock. Seriously? I wondered, how is this even real? So pretty. I mistakenly and thankfully only momentarily thought this was the top, but then I saw two figures way up and ahead, so I knew I had more climbing to go. And so I went up. Two guys behind me were catching me and just in time for me to get confused about the primitive trail. They got me back on the course I'd missed by like 3 feet and I let them pass. I heard one say he was from the Seattle area and the other was from Wyoming. I made a mental note to chat with them once I could speak again--which came right when we crested the top and started back down.
Turns out the Seattle guy, Eric (actually from a town called Arlington) started ultra running because he heard of Cascade Crest and emailed now race director, then volunteer coordinator and one of my besties, Rich White to see if he could come spectate. Rich put him to work instead. Two days of volunteering and Eric told Rich he wouldn't be back to volunteer. He'd be back to run it. Two years later and 70 lbs lighter, he finished. It also turned out he volunteered there this year and loved seeing Gary come flying through. Eric had said casually, "I heard Gary Robbins's wife is running this" to which I responded, "That'd be me."
The Wyoming guy, James was moving really well but complaining of a knee issue and saying he wanted to drop. By the time we got to the next aid, he was feeling well enough to continue. We separated for a little while right when it got dark and creepy. I was grateful to hit mile 60 to pick up Kelly and company.
There's always that tiny moment when fatigue tells you not to bother doing something you know you need to do to take care of yourself. I had a momentary argument about changing my socks, but I won out. We pulled them off and they did not look good. Trench foot had already settled in and all the toes on my right foot and a couple on my left were completely raw. Mother effer. This place was super helpful and I had Brandi and Jim Skaggs of Utah (another RD) and I think a guy named Cody and Joel (dropped because of similar foot issues and gotten a ride to this aid station) and Kelly all bringing me whatever I needed. Cody fixed up my feet after we cleaned them by putting moleskin on the toes and Brandi helped me slather cream between the toes. I knew it would be a temporary fix, but what else could I do?
Kelly and I finally left and we caught right up to Eric and James and instantly Kelly began entertaining the fellas. They fell in love with her and laughed at everything she said. She had aid station workers ask her to stay with them because she was so much fun. She's beyond the best.
In my pack was the avocado mashed with salt in a ziploc Kelly'd made up for me. I took it out and took one slurp and it was like heaven! Kelly had accidentally gotten pickle juice into the bag and the mixture was one of the best things I've ever consumed. I have no idea if I would like this in real life, but apparently it's gourmet after 60 miles.
This 6 mile stretch to mile 66 took over 3 hours and zapped my energy and began killing my mood. Once we got there, we were told it would be 8 miles to light aid and then another 3 miles to better aid. I patted my pockets and became concerned I wouldn't have enough to eat. Someone gave me a honey gel and Kelly wrangled up a granola bar.
I ended up being fine, but the next 8 miles were long, very long and then it wasn't clear if it was actually 8 miles. Had it been so, the aid station would've been at mile 74, but their sign said 71. And to make matters worse, it wasn't 3 miles to the next aid, but 6. Sheezus, what?! This crushed me. I was so tired and my feet hurt so badly, that I'd lost all capability to hold it together. I cried and got snappy. Thankfully, Kelly stopped me and I turned to leave the aid station so I could be grumpy by myself. I felt badly that I'd been snippy to the nice aid station people. I tried to say thank you to one, but she was so busy, I don't know if she noticed. This group in particular were so sweet and trying so hard. They'd packed all the supplies in on the backs of goats. My biggest regret is that I didn't take the time to meet the goats. I can almost guarantee that would've made me happier. I love goats.
We forged on and climbed some more. Poor Kelly was suffering as her cold was developing in her chest and was burning. The amount of dust in the air did not help. It was like running through fog, it was so thick. I dimmed my headlamp because it helped having less light on all the particles, but it was still hard to see and frustrating. I stopped once or twice to shake stuff out of my shoes and do a cursory wipe of my feet. Every now and then I'd kick the ground and a tiny tsunami of dust would cascade onto the back of my leg and into my shoe. So terrible and Kelly was just hacking away. We decided she'd get me through the night and then I'd figure out how to finish on my own. I told her I would make her proud.
BJ and his goat. No goats were harmed or made out with. Photo provided by BJ Haeck |
The sun came up and I found a bit of energy. A bit. I had another sock change at what was supposed to be mile 76, but they said it was actually mile 80. That would seem nice if I knew I'd only have 20 miles left, but Kelly read somewhere it was 103 miles. This was messing with my head way too much. It was a rotten seed that festered for the rest of the race in my brain. I took the time to really clean my feet and even wet wiped the inside of my shoes to hopefully clean them out. This aid station was delightful, their dog Dylan was awesome and billows of dust puffed out of his fur every time I patted him. We ended up with BJ again for a little while. We were told not to run the downhill because it had too many rocks, but I needed to kill some time and we managed to trot a fair amount of it. In a moment of a better mood, I told Kelly I really hoped Brandi and Jeremy would come run Squamish 50 because I wanted it to destroy them (not really, they're lovely people).
Then we hit a flat, un-runnable section known as "Terrible Terrance." Story goes it's named after an uncle Jeremy doesn't like. I don't like him either.
A service road brought us into mile 84. Or was it 88? Who knows?! I was a mess. Tired, cranky, needing something to bring up my spirits but unsure what that could be. Turns out it's rehydrated potato flakes. Mmmm, mashed potatoes. I ate a plate of them, saving them from the adorable dogs whose eyes told me they'd finish whatever I couldn't. (This race had race dogs at more stations than not. I pet and kissed every single one of them. It made me miss Roxy so much.) Veggie bullion cubes were brought out just for me and Jim Skaggs was there again to give me lots of encouragement. Wyoming James was here and had finally decided to follow through on that drop he wanted. I was bummed for him, but it seemed Eric was still out there and having a good day.
It was decided BJ would "run" the last stretch with me. He wasn't keeping food down and it seemed silly that either one of us would pull ahead when we kept catching up to each other again. His wife, Erica was a dream and took such good care of him. He loves her so much and it's obvious why.
BJ and I left yelling encouragements at each other and making ourselves laugh. He was convinced we only had 12 or 13 miles. I no longer believed anything. We had a good flat section and then a bitch of a climb to get to the final aid station. There was a lot of stopping and breathing. BJ kept saying, "1 mile and then Cloochman."
"Get Clooched!" read the sign as we got close to the aid station. Someone ran down towards us and as we got closer they asked who needed a hug. I burst into some serious ugly crying and said, "I do!" Mariah wrapped her arm around me and I sobbed into her neck. God, I loved her. I asked how much further and said to please not be double digits. She said 10 miles which started the hiccup part of my crying. "They...keep...making...it...longer!" She told me she was telling me the truth and that she knew I could do it. They sat me down and rubbed ice all over me. Ryan, who I walked with earlier was there, having happily dropped. He gave me a neck massage and I jokingly asked if he wanted to come with me and keep doing that. He tried to say yes, but his wife wisely stepped in. But another young guy drinking a Stella said, "I'll go." Are you sure? I'm so slow? "No, I'll go." He was very eager. He'd been there to pace Ryan, but since that didn't work out, he was just willing to go with anyone. BJ and I got up and started moving up our 2 more miles of climbing while this guy put on socks and shoes and then caught up to us.
Brady stayed with us until the finish. It felt never-ending and my feet felt like they were exploding with every step. And then one did. Jeremy should be following my pseudo-Canadian exploding feet. A blister blew when I hit a rock and it took everything I had not to crumble to the ground. BJ soon started distracting me by asking me about my pets. Why I don't just talk about Roxy and Shazzar for 100 miles, I don't know. They are pretty much the only topic that puts me and keeps me in a good mood.
I wanted to run in with BJ, but he requested that I pull ahead so he could have some time to reflect. Brady and I shuffled off together talking about pets and giant tents and finally, finally I finished. 34:18 of dust and beauty and pain and fatigue. Kelly hugged me and it seemed like forever before I got to sit. I'd threatened to curl up and cry in a corner, but I think I was so happy to be finished that I couldn't stop smiling. I caught up with a few friends, high-fived Eric who finished about 40 minutes ahead of me. Hugged BJ who finished 30 seconds behind me. Chatted with a guy named Walter and his crew Jill. Our friend Mike had come in 5th for men. Our friend Wendy won and set the course record. Kelly had to pretty much drag me away.
I hated so much of this--being in pain and being helpless to do anything about it. My recovery has been very slow. Working all week is not helping. I almost cried twice at work on Tuesday, but thankfully my coworkers are wonderful and they've been very understanding and helpful. Yesterday my feet looked like feet again and today all the skin is starting to peel off. My feet look dirty, but it's all dried up blood. I have scrapes that go completely around my ankles from the dust that settled into the tops of my shoes. So gross. My legs feel incredible save for one spot on my shin that barks if I'm on my feet for too long. I'm not running again for a long time. I'm still not sure about doing another 100. I've said that before, but usually that feeling passes within 24 hours and now it's been almost a week. I emphatically told my running partner, Linda Wong not to do one because I never want her to hurt that much. We'll see what I do. I have a long time to think about it. Gary insists that I'm good at these things, mostly because I can power through whatever and still finish. I'm not sure if that makes me "good" or stupid or if that means I should do another one. Anyway, they give out belts to first year runners and buckles to second year. Not sure I'll ever get that buckle, but I've been wearing my belt.
Thank you, Jeremy and Brandi, for putting on a gorgeous, incredible event. It's apparent every step of the way how much work you've put into it. Thanks to West Vancouver Salomon for keeping me geared up right. Everything worked perfectly. Thank you to all the volunteers out there and to all the runners I came by who were so positive, even when they were suffering. Brady, thanks for inching along those last miles with me. Jim Skaggs and Erica Deese, thank you for the spontaneous crewing. BJ, I will learn to be as positive as you someday. Thanks for being with me and showing me the way. Kelly, I can't believe you went as long as you did with feeling the way you did. Thank you for making me feel loved and cared for. I can never repay you, but I sure will try. And of course, to Gary for loving me and believing in me.
Race Nails: IMTUF in silver sparkles |
Blister on my heels and forefoot and sides of both feet |
Still puffy. What looks like dirt is dried blood. |
My f'n awesome belt that I even wore to sleep post-race. |

subset: commoncrawl


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