The Things That I Used to Do

Guitar Slim

About The Things That I Used to Do

"The Things That I Used to Do" is a 12-bar blues song written by Guitar Slim. He recorded it in New Orleans, where the young Ray Charles arranged and produced the session. Specialty Records released the song as a single in 1953 and became a bestseller the following year. Specialty founder Art Rupe believed that the appeal would be limited to the Southern U. S. rural audience. However, urban rhythm and blues radio stations in the North began airing the song and built it into a national hit. As a result, Guitar Slim became in great demand as a performer and played at venues such as the Apollo Theater in New York City. The single was one of the biggest hits in Specialty's history and stayed on the Billboard's Rhythm and Blues Records charts for 42 weeks. The song remained at number one for six weeks and was the best-selling R&B record of the year, selling more than a million copies. "The Things That I Used to Do" became a often recorded blues standard; a rendition by James Brown reached the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart in 1964. 


Year:
1996
2:54
26 
#1

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The things that I used to do
Lord, I won't do no more
The things that I used to do
Lord, I won't do no more
I used to sit and hold your hand, baby
Crying, begging you not to go

I would search all night for you, baby
Lord, and my search would always end in vain
I would search all night for you, baby
Lord, and my search would always end in vain
But I knew all along, darling
That you was hid out with your other man

I'm going to send you back to your mother, baby
Lord, and I'm going back to my family, too
I'm going to send you back to your mother, baby
Lord, and I'm going back to my family, too
'Cause nothing I do that please you, baby
Lord, I just can't get along with you

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Guitar Slim

Eddie Jones (December 10, 1926 – February 7, 1959), better known as Guitar Slim, was a New Orleans blues guitarist, from the 1940s and 1950s, best known for the million-selling song, produced by Johnny Vincent at Specialty Records, "The Things That I Used to Do". It is a song that is listed in The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's 500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll. Slim had a major impact on rock and roll and experimented with distorted overtones on the electric guitar a full decade before Jimi Hendrix. more »

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Written by: Eddie Jones

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


12 facts about this song

Original Composition
"The Things That I Used To Do" is a 12-bar blues song that was originally written and performed by Guitar Slim.
Commercial Success
When released in 1953, the song spent weeks at the number one spot on the Billboard R&B chart.
Unique Sound
The song is known for its unique, distorted guitar sound, which was unusual for blues recordings at that time.
Producer
The record was produced by a then young Ray Charles, who would later become a legendary musician and singer in his right.
Noteworthy Technique
For the recording, the amplifier was reportedly soaked in a bathtub to create the unique distorted sound.
Cover Versions
Many artists have covered the song, including Stevie Ray Vaughan, Buddy Guy, and James Brown, attesting to its enduring popularity.
Impact on Music
"The Things That I Used To Do" has greatly influenced the sound of electric guitar in rock and roll.
Hall of Fame
The song was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1999, acknowledging its significance.
Personal Story
It’s said that the song was inspired by the tumultuous relationship between Guitar Slim and his wife.
Legacy
Despite Guitar Slim's short-lived career and life (he died at 32), "The Things That I Used To Do" remains a staple in blues and rock music, underscoring the artist's lasting impact on music.
Album Inclusion
The song can be found on the 1959 album "Sufferin’ Mind", which is a compilation of Guitar Slim's hits.
Recording Company
"The Things That I Used To Do" was released under the Specialty Records label.

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