req:lightnin' hopkins song - new way of spelling

Subject: lyrics reqd:lightnin' hopkins song
From: GUEST,Geo
Date: 18 Nov 04 - 08:37 PM

I would like the lyrics to a song I believe was popularised by Lightning Hopkins. It's either "I've Got A New Way Of Spelling Tennesee" or "I've Got A New Way Of Spelling Memphis, Tennesee". Anyone know it?
Geo.

Subject: RE: req:lightnin' hopkins song - new way of spelling
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 21 Feb 05 - 10:26 PM

A verse that begins "I got a new way of spelling Memphis, Tennessee" appears in Leadbelly's GOOD MORNING BLUES. There is a similar verse in The Memphis Jug Band's STATE OF TENNESSEE BLUES (1927).

Michael Taft's Pre-War Blues Lyrics Concordance lists these additional songs with similar conceits:
Blind Darby: LAWDY LAWDY WORRIED BLUES (1929)
Furry Lewis: JELLYROLL (1927)
Edward Thompson: SEVEN SISTER BLUES (1929)
Smoky Harrison: IGGLY OGGLY BLUES (1929)

Follow the links for complete lyrics.

Subject: RE: req:lightnin' hopkins song - new way of spelling
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 22 Feb 05 - 12:02 PM

I seem to remember Stefan Grossman uses that verse in one of his songs, but on the third line he does spell it out the new way, and I thought to myself, this man is talking nonsense......yes anybody with any idea what these men were trying to express, do get back to explain. Perhaps in my maturity I can cope with language , symbolism, or sheer bloody nonsense - and come up with a more considered approach.

Subject: RE: req:lightnin' hopkins song - new way of spelling
From: GUEST,James
Date: 01 Jun 24 - 08:53 AM

Furry Lewis - Pearlee Blues

https://open.spotify.com/track/0bd5QgWB12rt8zqMCQKKJi?go=1&sp_cid=a95658bad7ca63533083b484200367f3&intent=addToLibrary&utm_source=embed_player_v&utm_medium=desktop&nd=1&dlsi=8b8b38ae4a994e7f