Rollin’ and Tumblin’ (Public Domain Song - original author unknown but first recorded by Hambone Willie Newbern)

Peggy Jenkins’ brings a searing rock n’ roll energy to her performance that stays true to the song’s Delta blues roots. The Project Preservation Band draws inspiration from the performance on Live Cream, while making this song their own. Greg Davis is featured on lap steel guitar.

Featured Artist:

Peggy Jenkins (Lead Vocals)

Project Preservation Band:

David Adkins (Guitar)

Greg Davis (Guitar, Lap Steel Guitar)

Marcus Hart (Bass)

John Seals (Drums)

Song History:

“Rollin’ and Tumblin’” was first recorded by singer/guitarist Hambone Willie Newbern in 1929 for Okeh Records in Atlanta, GA, however, the original composer is unknown. It was released before the appearance of “race records,” but quickly rose in stature and today is considered a great Delta Blues standard. It has been covered by scores of blues artists over the years, including  Robert Johnson and Muddy Waters. The song also became widely adopted by rock musicians, most famously interpreted by Cream on their debut album, Fresh Cream as well as on their Live Creamalbum that was released in 1970. “Rollin’ and Tumblin’” was also featured on the Yardbirds live album, Live Yardbirds: Featuring Jimmy Page (1971), which showcases a legendary performance by Page on slide guitar.

Lyrics:

Well - I rolled and I tumbled

Cried the whole night long

Well - I rolled and tumbled

Cried the whole night long

Well - I woke up this morning

Didn’t know right from wrong

Well - I told my baby before I left that town

Well- I told my baby before I left that town - yes I did now

Well - you don’t let nobody tear my barrelhouse down

( Wah! Wooheee! Yes sir! Hmmm!)

Well -if the river was whiskey

I was a diving duck

Well - if the river was whiskey

I was a diving duck

Well - I went down to the bottom

Never will I come up

I had religion that bad old thing instead (Yes sir!)

I had religion that bad old thing instead

Well - whiskey and women - would not let me pray

(Yes - sir! Whoohee!)

It would not let me pray - (Owww!)