Hesitation Blues

Story Behind The Song

...from wikipedia... "Hesitation Blues" is a popular song adapted from a traditional tune. One version was published by Billy Smythe, Scott Middleton, and Art Gillham. Another was published by W.C. Handy as "Hesitating Blues". Because the tune is traditional, many artists have taken credit as writer, frequently adapting the lyrics of one of the two published versions. Adaptations of the lyrics vary widely, though typically the refrain is recognizably consistent. The song is a jug band standard and is also played as blues and sometimes as Western swing. It is cataloged as Roud Folk Song Index No. 11765.

Song Description

A fun country blues tune with vaguely suggestive lyrics.

Song Length 2:10 Genre Blues - Country, Blues - Rural
Tempo Medium (111 - 130) Lead Vocal Male Vocal
Mood Disconcerted, Annoyed Subject Naughty Sex
Similar Artists Rev Gary Davis Language English
Era 1900 - 1920

Lyrics

Hesitation stockings and hesitation shoes. Angels in the heavens got the Hesitation Blues.
How long, Momma, do I have to wait? Can I get you now, or must I hesitate?

Lyrics trad/anon Music Billy Smythe / Scott Middleton / Art Gillham / W.C. Handy
Producer ??? Publisher Billy Smythe / Scott Middleton / Art Gillham / W.C. Handy
Performance Sandy (Carl) Stehling Label none

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