"The Alcoholic Blues" (1910); Chuckles (Gardner) & James (Parten), Brad Kay, piano. Billy Murray
Channel: Scott Jacobs
Date: 04/01/2018

This is a song from the Prohibition Era.  Music by Albert Vontilzer, Words by Edward Laska.  LYRICS:  "I love my country, 'deed I do,
But oh, that war has made me blue. I like fightin', that's my name,
But fightin' is the least about the fightin' game.

When Mister Hoover said to cut my dinner down
I never even hesitate, I never frown;
I cut my sugar, I cut my coal
But now they dug deep in my soul

I've got the blues, I've got the blues
I've got the alcoholic blues
No more beer, my heart to cheer
Goodbye whiskey, you used to make me frisky
So long highball, so long gin
Oh, tell me when you comin' back again

Blues, I've got the blues
Since they amputated my booze
Lordy, Lordy, war is well
You know I don't have to tell
I've got the alcoholic blues
Some blues, I've got the blues

Prohibition that's the name
Prohibition drives me insane
I'm so thirsty, soon I'll die
I'm simply goin' to evaporate, I'm just that dry

I wouldn't mind to live forever in a trench
Just if my daily thirst they only let me quench
And not with Bevo or Ginger Ale
I want the real stuff by the pail

I've got the blues, I've got the blues
I've got the alcoholic blues
No more beer, my heart to cheer
Goodbye whiskey, you used to make me frisky
So long highball, so long gin
Oh, tell me when you're comin' back again

Blues, I've got the blues
Since they amputated my booze
Lordy, Lordy, war is well
You know, I don't have to tell
I've got the alcoholic blues
Some blues, I've got the blues"
lyrics courtesy of Alt Hazarr

"Billy" Murray (1877 -1954) was one of the most popular singers in the United States in the early decades of the 20th century. While he received star- billing in vaudeville, he was best known for his prolific work in the recording studio, making records for almost every record label of the era.