32-20 Blues

Robert Johnson

About 32-20 Blues

"32-20 Blues" is a blues song by Delta blues musician Robert Johnson. It was recorded during his second recording session in San Antonio, Texas, United States, on November 26, 1936. The title refers to .32-20 Winchester ammunition, which could be used in handguns as well as smaller rifles. The song is based on the Skip James song "22-20 Blues". The song was released in April the following year on Vocalion Records as a 78 rpm record. It was included on the first reissue of Johnson's songs, King of the Delta Blues Singers in 1961. In 1990, it was released on compact disc as part of The Complete Recordings box set. The song has been recorded by many artists, including Muddy Waters, the New York Dolls, Phil Manning, Bob Dylan, John Hammond Jr., Eric Clapton, Alexis Korner, Colin Hodgkinson (playing bass), Flamin' Groovies, Johnny Winter, Gov't Mule, Rory Block, the Peter Green Splinter Group, Keith Richards, Cowboy Junkies, Cassandra Wilson and Peter Laughner.  


Year:
1996
2:53
50 
#1

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If I send for my baby, and she don't come
If I send for my baby, man, and she don't come
All the doctors in Hot Springs sure can't help her none

And if she gets unruly, thinks she don't wan' do
If she gets unruly and thinks she don't wan' do
Take my 32-20, now, and cut her half in two

She got a .38 special but I believe it's most too light
She got a .38 special but I believe it's most too light
I got a 32-20, got to make the caps alright

If I send for my baby, man, and she don't come
If I send for my baby, man, and she don't come
All the doctors in Hot Springs sure can't help her none

I'm gonna shoot my pistol, gonna shoot my gatling gun
I'm gonna shoot my pistol, gotta shoot my gatling gun
You made me love you, now your man have come

Ah-oh, baby, where you stayed last night?
Ah-ah, baby, where you stayed last night?
You got your hair all tangled and you ain't talking right

Her .38 special, boys, it do very well
Her .38 special, boys, it do very well
I got a 32-20 now, and it's a-burning

If I send for my baby, man, and she don't come
If I send for my baby, man, and she don't come
All the doctors in Wisconsin sure can't help her none

Hey, hey, baby, where you stayed last night?
Hey, hey, baby, where you stayed last night?
You didn't come home until the sun was shining bright

Ah-oh boy, I just can't take my rest
Ah-oh boy, I just can't take my rest
With this 32-20 laying up and down my breast

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Robert Johnson

Robert Leroy Johnson (May 8, 1911 – August 16, 1938) was an American blues singer and musician. His landmark recordings from 1936–37 display a combination of singing, guitar skills, and songwriting talent that has influenced later generations of musicians. Johnson's shadowy, poorly documented life and death at age 27 have given rise to much legend, including the Faustian myth that he sold his soul at a crossroads to achieve success. As an itinerant performer who played mostly on street corners, in juke joints, and at Saturday night dances, Johnson had little commercial success or public recognition in his lifetime. more »

1 fan

Written by: ROBERT JOHNSON

Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


8 facts about this song

Song Composition
"32-20 Blues" is a traditional blues song that has been covered by multiple artists. This song is originally written by the legendary blues singer Robert Johnson.
Eric Clapton’s Version
Eric Clapton's version of "32-20 Blues" was featured on his album "Me and Mr. Johnson," released in 2004. This album was a tribute to Robert Johnson and included covers of 14 of his songs.
Muddy Waters Version
Even though Muddy Waters has been a master in the blues genre with a significant influence on later artists, there isn't a specific record of his version of "32-20 Blues".
Peter Green’s Version
Peter Green, founder of the band Fleetwood Mac, was known for his blues roots. He also performed a version of "32-20 Blues". He's known for his unique approach to blues music and his version of this song reflects that.
Robert Johnson’s Legacy
Robert Johnson, the original artist behind "32-20 Blues", is largely considered one of the greatest blues musicians of all time. Despite his short life, he made an enormous impact on the music world and his songs, including "32-20 Blues", have been covered by countless artists.
Rory Block’s Version
Rory Block is known for her classical renditions of traditional blues songs. Often playing alone with her guitar, Block's version of "32-20 Blues" offers a true reflection of the original spirit of the song.
Song Meaning
"32-20 Blues" is a song about a .32-20 Winchester rifle. The protagonist of the song threatens his lover with it. This was a common theme for blues songs of the 1930s, capturing the hardships and struggle of life.
Inspiring the British Blues Boom
Performances of the song by artists like Eric Clapton and Peter Green have helped to popularize the song and have influenced many British blues and rock musicians.

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