who pumped the wind in my doughnut - washboard sam

[naturbouy]

I met a guy in Ballarat, Australia who plays piano. I hope this helps.

[kingoftheroad213]

Yes, it was Black Bob on piano (and of course Big Bill Broonzy on guitar.)

[murphzula]

Black Bob is playing piano

[woodbell67]

I got donuts all in my house,

You're eatin' my donuts they'll melt in your mouth.

WPTWIMD

Sure don't resemble me.

[woodbell67]

@woodbell67 I picture entering his house to see a wide variety of donuts displayed in loose geometric patterns on the coffee table, and in alternating colours stacked in the bookcases. On opening the medicine cabinet several assorted day-olds might tumble out.

This song is a wonder.

[Adriva01]

Memphis Slim play the piano.

[mojochessclassics]

who let the proffesor out?

[mmpresti]

In Smith's version, this idea of a crime happens underneath the "union" tree. In this one it's underneath the "yam" tree. Now yams are either yellow or white, like an egg and its yoke. So the egg symbol has gone from the bottom of the tree to the top. And the wind is in "my" doughnut, not "mamas". There are also more 'personalized' references to automobiles in Smith's version. And Sam's name and song goes more with the connotations around, 'taking in others' washing'.

[mmpresti]

the singer, of course, is not to blame for implanting the idea. In this version, the criticism concerns the public identity of someone who is accused, if we carry the meaning of "mama" from the old song into this one. The singer is presented with a photographic likeness, or a descriptive image of themselves (through some kind of agency, one first thinks of police) and then denies the identity. The last difference between the two songs which sheds light on the (w)hole, is the kind of tree.

[mmpresti]

Maybe comparing this song to Spark Plug Smith's "Mama's Doughnut" would give us a window into different points of departure for blues criticism. This song, if it is true that it is about a kid that is not his posits kid=father, because neither resemble the singer. In Smith's song, however, the line is, "Who cracked the egg in mama's doughnut" and then "don't put the blame on me", as if a previous listener who wanted to interpret a complex sexual idea suffered physical detriment, while

[ahstrewth]

ccccc

[drewbanjowebster]

This is just a fantastic song! I can't get it out of my head...

[ahisee89]

I've never fully understood the double entendre, but I've always interpreted it as someone getting his woman pregnant. "Who pumped the wind in my doughnut... sure don't resemble me..." I could be wrong, though. I don't claim to understand "down on that yam-yam tree" but I think much of it, such as "I like my doughnuts nice and sweet...", is pretty obvious. Great song, in any case.

[bluesgurugod]

@ahisee89 I've always interpreted this song the same way. Almost all these songs are about sex. "sure don't resemble me": but the kid is not my son. I always thought the song was "who pumped the jam in my doughnut" - which makes more sense than "wind". Either way it's a great song and I'm happy to finally find it on youtube. I believe Washboard Sam was Big bill Broonzy's half brother and they played together for a while (although I don't hear guitar in this track)..

[eruptionista]

Double entendre?

[das728]

thanks again Mozeilla for this great vintage blues number. its quite a gem!

[KawhackitaRag]

I should add that this tune is based upon a standard chord progression used in nearly as many tunes as the standard blues progression was. This sequence is found in such enduring classics as "Come On 'Round to My House Mama" (Tain't Nobody Here But Me); and "Hittin' the Bottle Stomp", among many others.

[KawhackitaRag]

"Black Bob" was Bob Hudson, who was a friend of pianist/percussionist W.E. "Buddy" Burton, and they made at least one record together as the "Black Diamond Twins". Bob Hudson also made one solo piano recording for American Record Corp. called "Thirty-Eight and Plus" in March, 1932 (matrix # 11626-3), but this was unissued and I have no idea if any copies exist. He was a great piano player!

[fatchancejugband]

From B&GR: Vocal acc. by own washboard; Big Bill Broonzy, guitar; Black Bob, piano

Since this was on the Vocalion / ARC family of labels, the artist credit should be "Ham Gravy", not "Washboard Sam" which is the name used on the Bluebird /Victor family of labels.  His real name was Robert Brown.

[BernatPianoBlues]

yeah, right, it might be BLACK BOB

PLEASE I NEED THE LYRICS, ANY NATIVE SPEAKER COULD HELP ME? I CAN'T GUESS ALL!

[kcfanclub]

Where can I get the lyrics?

[Roohtube2012]

I just love this rag! its the right stuff and will bring a wider ear this precious blues era.

[killerkarl123]

sounds like it could be cripple clarence lofton, im probably wrong though

[RobeGre]

I don't know for sure, but the piano player may well be Black Bob who appeared on several of Washboard Sam's recordings. Either way, this is a great record. Many thanks for posting it.

[EdwardBlues]

Well, the double meaning of this song, hilarious

[gorblimey61]

Can you explain the double entendre?

[gavassaluthie]

Hi man, nice song... I like so moch

Gavassa