Episode 129: "Last Kind Words"

“If Geeshie Wiley did not exist, she could not be invented: her scope and creativity dwarfs most blues artists. She seems to represent the moment when black secular music was coalescing into blues.”

Don Kent's liner notes to "Mississippi Masters: Early American Blues Classics 1927-35" (Yazoo CD 2007, 1994)

What more can you really say to that? The guitar arrangement of this song is both beautiful and haunting. Geeshie (Geechie) Wiley was truly a unique talent. As I wrap up my "Ladies Who Sang the Blues" series with this song, keep in mind that the emotions that black women expressed in the early days of the blues are the recipe for almost all soul or R&B secular music that came afterwards. These ladies don't often get the props that they deserve, but their music is still wonderful. This song was recorded way back in March 1930, with a guitar accompaniment by Elvie Thomas. I was even able to find some pieced together (as best they could) lyrics to this one. Check it out:

Last Kind Words Blues
by Geechie Wiley

(Guitar Intro)

The last kind words I heared my daddy say
Lord, the last kind words I heared my daddy say

If I die, if I die in the German war
I want you to send my body, send it to my mother, lord

If I get killed, if I get killed, please don't bury my soul
I p'fer just leave me out, let the buzzards eat me whole

When you see me comin' look 'cross the rich man's field
If I don't bring you flour I'll bring you bolted meal

(instrumental)

I went to the depot, I looked up at the stars
Cried, some train don't come, there'll be some walkin' done

My mama told me, just before she died
Lord, precious daughter, don't you be so wild

The Mississippi river, you know it's deep and wide
I can stand right here, see my babe from the other side

What you do to me baby it never gets outta me
I may not see you after I cross the deep blue sea

I hope that y'all enjoy this one, and I have more Black Music Month episodes to come. Give the song a listen again and see how well these lyrics match up. Peace.

P.S. I couldn't find any kind of photo of Ms. Geeshie Wiley. It seems that this woman was a mysterious figure...not much is known about her.