Poor Black Mattie

R.L. Burnside

Tuning: Spanish - Eb Ab Eb Ab C Eb
Date transcribed:
September 14, 2025
Reference audio: YouTube
Video lesson: YouTube

i. Sheet music / tablature

Transcribed by Blahnok

ii. Slow-downer / pitch shifter

iii. Notes

This R.L. Burnside song is in Spanish tuning, and may be the most recognizable song by the artist.

Lyrics

<p>
  Poor Black Mattie ain't got a change in clothes<br>
  Girl got drunk, close that door<br>
  Poor Black Mattie ain't got change o' clothes<br>
  Girl got drunk, throwed her clothes outdoor
</p>

<p>
  Goin' to Memphis, see the World's Fair<br>
  Reason I'm goin', baby, there<br>
  Goin' to Memphis, see the World's Fair<br>
  Reason I'm goin', know my baby there
</p>

<p>
  Need no heater fireplace by my bed<br>
  Women I got cherry red<br>
  Need no heater fireplace by my bed<br>
  Woman I got, keep me cherry red<br>
  Woman I got, keep me cherry red
</p>