Breedloves's Folk Songs

CARELESS LOVE

CARELESS LOVE
“Careless Love” is a traditional song of obscure origins. Blues versions are popular; the
lyrics change from version to version, but usually speak of the heartbreak brought on by
“careless love.” Frequently, the narrator threatens to kill his or her wayward lover.”
Careless Love” was one of the best known pieces in the repertory of the Buddy Bolden
band in New Orleans, Louisiana at the very start of the 20th century, and has remained a
jazz standard and blues standard. Hundreds of recordings have been made in folk, blues,
jazz, country, and pop styles; some of the more notable versions include those by Bessie
Smith, Marilyn Lee, Ottilie Patterson, Pete Seeger, and George Lewis.
Love oh love oh careless love
Love, love oh careless love
You have caused me to weep
You have caused me to moan
You have caused me to lose my happy home
Don’t never drive a stranger from your door
Don’t never drive a stranger from your door
It may be your best friend knockin’ on your door
Then it may be your brother, you will never now
Careless love, look how you carry me down
Careless love, look how you carry me down
You caused me to lose my mother
And she’s layin’ in six feet of ground
Carless love I can’t let you carry me down
Careless love, you drove me through the rain and snow
Careless love,you drove me through the rain and snow
You have robbed me out of my silver
And out of all my gold
I’ll be damned if you rob me out of my soul
You’ve worried my mother until she died
You’ve caused my father to lose his mind
Now damn you, I’m goin’ to shoot you
And shoot you four five times
And stand over you until you finish dyin’

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