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traditional - Deep Ellum Blues

from Love Songs & Lullabies by Deb Cavanaugh

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about

Deep Ellum was originally settled by former slaves as a freedman’s town after the Civil War. Though the area was originally called Deep Elm in reference to Elm Street, it was pronounced “Ellum” by residents, and the name eventually stuck. In the 1920s it became a hotbed of music, especially jazz and blues and hosted artists like Huddie “Leadbelly” Ledbetter, Bessie Smith, Texas Bill Day, Blind Lemon Jefferson, Robert Johnson and so many more. Then the music died out until the 1980s, when it was revived by the punk scene. The song has been covered by many artists. I once saw The Dead play an acoustic set in Connecticut in the late 70s. One of the songs they played was this one. I’ve always loved it and even recorded a folk version of it on a previous CD. In 2008, I traveled to Austin, Texas for a wedding hoping to make a side trip to Dallas to see Deep Ellum for myself but unfortunately got talked out of it. When I was rehearsing with band members in 2019, I had introduced a reggae song. The other guys thought we should have more than one reggae number, so I decided to revamp this one. Wayne Chaet helped out immensely with the arrangement, teaching me more about reggae form.

lyrics

If you go down to Deep Ellum, put your money in your shoes
The people in Deep Ellum got them Deep Ellum Blues

Oh, sweet baby, your momma’s got them Deep Ellum Blues
Oh, sweet baby, your momma’s got them Deep Ellum Blues

If you go down to Deep Ellum, put your money in your pocket
The people in Deep Ellum they’ll even take your watch and hock it

Oh, sweet baby, your momma’s got them Deep Ellum Blues
Oh, sweet baby, your momma’s got them Deep Ellum Blues

If you go down to Deep Ellum, you want to have a little fun
Have your ten dollars ready when the policeman comes

Oh, sweet baby, your momma’s got them Deep Ellum Blues
Oh, sweet baby, your momma’s got them Deep Ellum Blues


If you go down to Deep Ellum, keep your money in your pants
The people in Deep Ellum they won’t give you a chance

Oh, sweet baby, your momma’s got them Deep Ellum Blues
Oh, sweet baby, your momma’s got them Deep Ellum Blues

Once I had a boyfriend, he meant the world to me
Then he went down to Deep Ellum, now he ain’t what he used to be

Oh, sweet baby, your momma’s got them Deep Ellum Blues
Oh, sweet baby, your momma’s got them Deep Ellum Blues

Once I knew a preacher, he knew the bible through and through
Then he went down to Deep Ellum, now his preaching days are through

Oh, sweet baby, your momma’s got them Deep Ellum Blues
Oh, sweet baby, your momma’s got them Deep Ellum Blues

If you go down to Deep Ellum, keep your money in your socks
The people in Deep Ellum, well, they sure know how to rock!

Oh, sweet baby, your momma’s got them Deep Ellum Blues
Oh, sweet baby, your momma’s got them Deep Ellum Blues

credits

from Love Songs & Lullabies, track released April 23, 2021
Deb Cavanaugh on mountain dulcimer, Tabitha Cavanaugh on backup vocals, Brenda Fisher on electric bass guitar and backup vocals, Brian Melick on percussion, Gaetano Vaccaro on electric guitars

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Deb Cavanaugh Petersburg, New York

In the 1970s and 80s, Deb traveled around the U.S. by thumb, had children and moved into a VW bus. She's played many styles of music, from classical to jazz, blues, folk and rock and roll. All of these styles have influenced her songs and performances. Deb performs her own music, and a full range of other material, playing a variety of instruments, including mountain dulcimer and guitar. ... more

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