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Terraplane Blues (R. Johnson)

from Terraplane by Scott Ainslie

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about

In 1934, when the hubcap gracing this CD cover was made, the Hudson-Essex Terraplane roadster would go an astonishing 88 mph, on 1930 roads: it must have shaken your teeth out. But, Robert Johnson used this sports car as a metaphor for a different kind of 'sportin'. Wonderfully sexy and with a matching athletic guitar part, too!

lyrics

Terraplane (Robert Johnson)

And I feel so lonesome, you hear me when I moan.
And I feel so lonesome, you hear me when I moan.
Who been drivin’ my Terraplane, for you since I been gone?

I said I flash your lights, your horn won’t even blow.
(Somebody’s been running my batteries down here…)
I even flash my lights, mama—this horn won’t even blow.
Got a short in this connection, hoo-well, way down below.

I’m gon’ hoist your hood, mama–I’m bound to check your oil.
I’m gon’ hoist your hood, mama–I’m bound to check your oil.
I got a woman that I’m lovin’—way down in Arkansas.

BRIDGE:
Now you know, the coils ain’t even buzzin’
Little generator won’t get that spark.
All’s in a bad condition, you gotta have
These batt’ries charged, I’m cryin’
Please–please don’t do me wrong.
Who been drivin’ my Terraplane now,
For you since I been gone.

Mr. Highway man, please don’t block the road.
Mr. Highway man, please don’t block the road.
She’s regist’rin’ a cold one hundred
and I’m booked and I got to go.

Mmmmm—Mmmmmmmmmm.
Mmmmm——You hear me weep and moan.
Who been drivin’ my Terraplane
For you since I been gone.

I’m ‘on’ get deep down in this connection
Keep on tanglin’ with yo’ wires.
I’m ‘on’ get deep down in this connection
Keep on tanglin’ with yo’ wires.
And when I mash down on your little starter
Then your spark plug will give me fire.

credits

from Terraplane, track released September 22, 1997
Scott Ainslie, voice and guitar

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Scott Ainslie Brattleboro, Vermont

A long history with older black blues and gospel players in the mid-South marks Ainslie's work deeply. He transcribed all of Robert Johnson's recorded songs for "Robert Johnson/At The Crossroads" (Hal Leonard, 1992) and has a teaching DVD on Johnson's music. A fine songwriter with a social conscience and a belief in the power of music to move and inspire, Ainslie's voice is a great force for good! ... more

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