Here’s one to help kick off your new year. Recorded by Blind Lemon Jefferson back in 1928, the song has the “Father of the Texas Blues” looking ahead a bit “thinkin’ ’bout the year of 19 and 29”. Sadly, that would be the last New Year Jefferson would have the chance to celebrate, with the bluesman dying in the weeks just prior to the start of 1930.
“The whistle was blowin’ for New Year
around 12 o’clock at night.
The whistle was blowin’ for New Year
around 12 o’clock at night.
I lied down on there with my baby
until the good Lord broke daylight.
Early one New Year mornin’,
I was walkin’ down by the mill.
I say early one New Year mornin’,
I wandered down by the mill.
Every man likes his liquor
when he gets it fresh from the still.
I hate to drink on New Year
for this whiskey they make is too strong.
I say I hate to drink on New Year,
this whiskey they makin’ is too strong.
Because til’ I take two or three drinks,
I’ll be drunk the whole day long.”
– “Happy New Year Blues”, Blind Lemon Jefferson