Catfish Blues (Public Domain Song - original author unknown but first popularized by Mississippi Delta bluesman, Robert Petway)

Peggy Jenkins and the Project Preservation Band give this song a particularly swampy feel, featuring superb guitar work by David Adkins and authentic blues harmonica by Woolvin James. Peggy Jenkins’ powerful, bellowing vocals drive the song home with a dynamic force that enlivens the lyrics’ storytelling.

Featured Artist:

Peggy Jenkins (Lead Vocals)

Project Preservation Band:

David Adkins (Guitar, Keys)

Woolvin James (Harmonica)

Kevin Scott (Bass)

John Seals (Drums)

Song History:

The origin of “Catfish Blues” is unknown, but it was first popularized by Robert Petway, a Mississippi Delta Bluesman in 1941. The lyric about wishing to be a catfish can also be traced to a 1928 recording (American Blues Music Scene). The song has been performed and recorded numerous times over the past eighty years, most famously by Muddy Waters who changed the title to “Rollin’ Stone.” This title supposedly inspired a young English band to name themselves the Rolling Stones as well as the naming of the influential music magazine, Rolling Stone. Jimi Hendrix also put his own spin on “Catfish Blues” riffs, creating “Voodoo Chile” which was featured in his legendary 1969 Woodstock Festival performance and later recorded as “Voodoo Child.” Warren Haynes with Gov’t Mule also performed the song with a hard-rock edge and squealing slide guitar.

Lyrics:

Well I wish, wish I was a catfish

Swimming in the deep blue sea

I have all - all you handsome fellas

Fishing after me, fishing after me

Fishing after me, yeah

When I went down to my boyfriend’s house

And I sat down, Lord on his front steps

He said, “Come on in, my sweet, sweet pea.

My wife just now - you know she just now left.

Oh no, no, she just now left. Yes, she did now.”

(Harmonica Solo)

Well I did not know - two trains running, yeah

But there is not one that’s going my way

You know there’s one train running at midnight, yeah

The one leaves just for a day

Said the other one leaves just for a day

Just for a day yeah, for a day

Well I wish, wish I was was a catfish

Swimming in the deep blues sea

I have all of you handsome fellas

Fishing after me, said fishing after me

Fishing after me, yeah

Yeah, said fishing after me

They’s fishing after me, boy