“Jim Strainer Blues”

Description

Jim Strainer tells Lula that if he catches her with Willie he'll kill her. Singer follows Lula to the burying ground. Jim Strainer has killed her, on the ballroom [barroom?] floor. Willie is sentenced to 15 years; Jim Strainer gets 99, and cries

Long description

Jim Strainer tells Lula that if he catches her with Willie he'll kill her. Singer tells the hearse driver to roll slowly, so he can see Lula one more time. He follows her to the burying ground and watches as they ease her down. Jim Strainer has killed her, on the ballroom [barroom?] floor. Willie is sentenced to 15 years; Jim Strainer gets 99, and cries

Recordings

• Memphis Jug Band, "Jim Strainer Blues" (Victor 23421, 1933; rec. 1930; on StuffDreams1)