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This song was recorded in 1928 in Atlanta, GA. Sloppy Henry (guitar and vocals) was accompanied by Peg Leg Howell, guitar. It's on the CD "Booze and the Blues" (Columbia Roots 'n Blues Series). "Canned Heat" was an alcohol-rich cooking fluid (brand name Sterno) that was used as a substitute for bootleg liquor by those who couldn't afford it (during the Depression). Unfortunately it had some nasty side effects (being mostly methanol, it could make you blind).
I live down in the alley, full of canned heat as I can be, honey as I can be Oh my baby I live down in the alley, full of canned heat as I can be Look like everybody in the alley, sho' done got mad with me Liza bought so much canned heat, won't sell her no more, won't sell her no more Hear me talkin' Liza bought so much canned heat, won't sell her no more She's got the cans and the labels layin' all around her door Canned heat whiskey make you sleep all in your clothes, lay down in your clothes Everybody say canned heat whiskey make you sleep all in your clothes When you wake up next mornin', feel like you stayed outdoor I said whiskey, whiskey, many folks' downfall, many folks' downfall Ooh whiskey, many folks' downfall When I can't get my whiskey, I ain't no good at all Walked in my room, the other night Man come in, he want to fight Took my gun, (in) my right hand Hold me folks I don't wanna kill no man When I said that, struck me 'cross my head Watch out! I fired and the man fell dead I said, canned heat whiskey drove me to the county jail Got me layin' up on my bunk and I got nobody to go my bail
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