Song Description

Just based on the notion that trues blues doesn't mix well with money and success.

Lyrics

Greenback Blues (N. Ball/T. Saputo)

Muddy's eyes water from six-feet-under
Howlin' Wolf howls like a distant thunder.
Led's rolled up in a belly-laugh
cause the blues don't cotton to a rich man's path

Jimmie's in the hothouse thinking it's funny.
some crosstown cat's gotta wad of his money.
Robert and his Johnson courted love in vain
til it slapped him with possession and eternal pain.

Chorus:
No there ain't no green in the blues.
When they're done right, its' a world of hurtin'.
Flat-broke times are the only dead certain.
No teardrops fall for love or money
'cause the blues pay their dues to a cheatin' honey.

If you need a bank, then it's time to roll.
Unless you're goin' rob it, it'll rob your soul.
A old guitar's all the wealth you need.
Now go play some blues like a good bad-seed.

If you want a laugh, catch a funny movie.
If you want some coin, save your dime, don't sue me.
Through thick and thin, this man'll choose
those broke-down, spare-a-dime midnight blues.

Chorus:
No there ain't no green in the blues.
When they're done right, its' a world of hurtin'.
Flat-broke times are the only dead certain.
Their tears won't fall for love nor money
'cause the blues pay their dues to a cheatin' honey.


c Norman Ball, 2003