Dust My Broom

Elmore James

About Dust My Broom

"Dust My Broom" is a blues song originally recorded as "I Believe I'll Dust My Broom" by American blues artist Robert Johnson in 1936. It is a solo performance in the Delta blues-style with Johnson's vocal accompanied by his acoustic guitar. As with many of his songs, it is based on earlier blues songs, the earliest of which has been identified as "I Believe I'll Make a Change", recorded by the Sparks brothers as "Pinetop and Lindberg" in 1932. Johnson's guitar work features an early use of a boogie rhythm pattern, which is seen as a major innovation, as well as a repeating triplets figure. "I Believe I'll Dust My Broom" was issued before blues records were tracked by recording industry trade publications and, as with most of Johnson's recordings, has not been otherwise identified as a big seller at the time. However, Elmore James' 1951 recording as "Dust My Broom" "made it the classic as we know it", according to blues historian Gerard Herzhaft. James' slide guitar adaptation of Johnson's triplet figure has been identified as one of the most famous blues guitar riffs and has inspired many rock performers. The song has become a blues standard, with numerous renditions by a variety of musicians. It also has been selected for the Blues Foundation Blues Hall of Fame, the Grammy Hall of Fame, and the Library of Congress' National Recording Registry. 


Year:
2013
91 
#1

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I'm a get up soon in the mornin'
I believe I'll dust my broom
I'm a get up soon in the mornin'
I believe I'll dust my broom
I'll quit the best gal, I'm lovin'
Now my friends can get in my room

I'm gonna write a letter, gonna call every town I know
I'm gonna write a letter, telephone every town I know
If I don't find her in Mississippi
She be in East Monroe I know

And I don't want no woman
Want every downtown man she meets
No I don't want no woman
Want every downtown man she meets
Man, she's a no good doney
They shouldn't allow her on the street, yeah

I believe, I believe my time ain't long
I believe, I believe my time ain't long
I ain't gonna leave my baby
And break up my happy home

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Elmore James

Elmore James (January 27, 1918 – May 24, 1963) was an American blues guitarist, singer, songwriter, band leader. He was known as "the King of the Slide Guitar" and had a unique guitar style, noted for his use of loud amplification and his stirring voice. more »

2 fans

Written by: James Elmore, Robert Johnson

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Origin
"Dust My Broom" is a Blues song originally written and recorded by Robert Johnson, a prominent Delta Blues singer and guitarist, in 1936. Elmore James is widely known for his adaptation of the song, but he is not the original artist.
James' Version
Elmore James recorded his popular version of "Dust My Broom" in 1951 which is often the one people associate with this classic blues hit.
Distinctive Style
James' version of "Dust My Broom" is known for its distinctive guitar riff. The 'sliding triplet' is a characteristic signature not only of this song but also of Elmore James' style in general.
Influence
This song is said to have marked a notable milestone in the evolution of the blues genre. Its guitar solos and riffs would go on to heavily influence later blues rock artists such as Eric Clapton.
Lyrics
The lyrics of "Dust My Broom" reflect common themes found in blues music such as heartbreak, defiance, and the feelings of wanderlust or longing for change.
Multiple Covers
Since its first release, "Dust My Broom" has been covered by countless artists across different genres, extending its impact on popular music. Some notable artists include ZZ Top, Stevie Ray Vaughan, and Fleetwood Mac.
Recognition
Elmore James' version of "Dust My Broom" was inducted into the Blues Foundation Hall of Fame in 1983.
Popularity
Despite being a blues song, "Dust My Broom" reached No. 9 on Billboard's Rhythm & Blues Records chart, demonstrating its crossover appeal.
Artistic License
Elmore James' cover isn't a perfect copy of Johnson's original. He made some changes to the lyrics and formatted his version as a twelve-bar blues. This is a good example of how cover songs can be altered to suit the style of the musician performing them.
Legacy
Rolling Stone magazine listed "Dust My Broom" by Elmore James as number 29 in its Top 100 Guitar Songs of All Time in 2008, confirming the long-lasting legacy of this iconic blues track.

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