A classic
blues song first recorded by
Robert Johnson in a
San Antonio hotel room on
November 23, 1936,
Terraplane Blues was the only of Johnson's recordings to achieve even modest commercial success, scoring as a minor hit in the
race records market in the late 30s.
It's amazing how many double entendres Johnson manages to fit into this single song. It is certainly not about a car.
And I feel so lonesome, you hear me when I moan,
When I feel so lonesome, you hear me when I moan,
Who been drivin' my Terraplane, for you since I been gone?
I'd said I flash your lights, mama, you horn won't even blow,
spoken: Somebody's been runnin' my batteries down on this machine.
I even flash my lights, mama, this horn won't even blow,
Got a short in this connection, hoo well, babe, it's way down below.
I'm goin' hoist your hood, mama, I'm bound to check your oil,
I'm goin' hoist your hood, mama, mmm, I'm bound to check your oil,
I got a woman that I'm lovin', way down in Arkansas.
Now, you know the coils ain't even buzzin', little generator won't get that spark.
Motor's in a bad condition, you gotta have these batteries charged.
But I'm cryin', pleease, plee-hease don't do me wrong.
Who been drivin' my Terraplane now, for you since I been gone?
Mister highwayman, plee-hease don't block the road,
Pluh hee hee, please don't block the road,
'Cause she's reachin' a cold one hundred and I'm booked and I got to go.
Mmm mmm mmm mmm mmm
Yoo ooo ooo ooo, you hear me weep and moan.
Who been drivin' my Terraplane now, for you since I been gone?
I'm gonna get deep down in this connection, keep on tanglin' with your wires,
I'm gonna get deep down in this connection, hoo well, keep on tanglin' with these wires,
And when I mash down on your little starter, then your spark plug will give me fire.