Schwa Lyrics

Brokedown Engine

Lyricist: Blind Willie McTell
Vocalist: Cliff Starbuck

Like a broke down engine, ain't got no drivin' wheel
Like a broke down engine, mama, ain't got no drivin' wheel
Ya'll been down and lonesome, you know how a poor man feel

I been shootin' craps and gamblin', mama, and I done got broke
I been shootin' craps and gamblin', mama, and I done got broke
I done pawned my pistol, baby, my best clothes is gone

Lordy lord, lordy lordy lord, lordy lord, lordy lordy lord.

I went down to my prayin' ground and fell on bendin' knees
I went down to my prayin' ground and fell on my bendin' knees
I ain't cryin' for no religion, lordy, gimme back my good gal please.

If you gimme back my baby, I won't worry you no more
If you gimme back my baby, I won't worry you no more
You ain't got to put her in my house, lordy, only lead her to my door

Lordy lord, lordy lordy lord, lordy lord, lordy lordy lord.

Can't you hear me baby, rapping on your door
Can't you hear your daddy, rapping on your door
Can I pull out snake lemon and tap it flat'n tip flat across your floor

Like a broke down engine, ain't got no whistles or bells
Like a broke down engine, ain't got no whistles or bells
If you'se a real hot mama, drive away daddy's weepin' spells

Lordy lord, lordy lordy lord, lordy lord, lordy lordy lord.

Like a broke down engine, ain't got no drivers at all
Like a broke down engine, ain't got no drivers at all
What makes me love my baby, she can really do the Georgia crawl

Everybody was screamin' and hustlin', I wasn't drinkin' no booze
Everybody was screamin' and hustlin', I wasn't drinkin' no booze
Cause you was wandrin' round north with the broke down engine blues

Lordy lord, lordy lordy lord, lordy lord, lordy lordy lord.