About the song
“Corrine, Corrina” is a classic 12-bar blues song renowned for its emotional depth and cross-genre appeal. Originally recorded by Bo Carter in December 1928, the song’s early recordings were not copyrighted until 1932, when Carter, under his real name Armenter Chatmon, alongside Mitchell Parish and J. Mayo Williams, officially secured its rights. The song, written in the AAB form, has become a staple in American music, echoing through various styles including blues, jazz, rock and roll, Cajun, and Western swing.
The song is introduced with a plaintive question that sets the tone for its heart-wrenching narrative: “Corrine, Corrina, where you been so long? / Corrine, Corrina, where you been so long? / I ain’t had no lovin’, since you’ve been gone.” This evocative opening captures the essence of longing and separation that permeates the lyrics.
“Corrine, Corrina” has roots that might trace back to traditional songs, though its closest musical relatives are earlier pieces like “Has Anybody Seen My Corrine?” published in 1918 by Roger Graham, and Blind Lemon Jefferson’s 1926 recording of “Corrina Blues.” Despite these precursors, Carter’s version cemented the song’s place in American musical history.
The Mississippi Sheiks, recording under the title “Sweet Alberta” in 1930, demonstrated the song’s adaptability, with minor lyrical changes reflecting regional tastes. The tune’s versatility has been showcased through numerous recordings by blues legends such as Blind Lemon Jefferson, Charlie McCoy, Tampa Red, and Big Joe Turner, to name a few. Each rendition brings its unique flavor, demonstrating the song’s ability to transcend genres and eras.
In the realm of jazz, notable figures like Cab Calloway and Art Tatum have recorded their interpretations, while in country music, artists like Clayton McMichen and Leo Soileau have added their distinct touches. The song also gained prominence in Western swing with recordings by Milton Brown and Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys. Bob Wills’ version, recorded in 1940, became particularly influential, embedding “Corrine, Corrina” into the Western swing tradition and shaping its future interpretations.
The folk revival of the 1960s saw artists like Bob Dylan and Taj Mahal further exploring the song’s potential, with Dylan’s version blending blues and folk elements. The song has been covered extensively in rock, with notable versions by Ray Peterson, who brought the song to the top of the charts in 1960, and subsequent renditions by artists like Jerry Lee Lewis and Steppenwolf.
“Corrine, Corrina” remains a testament to the enduring power of music to express deep emotion and connect across genres. Its rich history and continual reinvention highlight its significance in American musical heritage.
Video
Lyrics
I love Corrina, tell the world I do.
I love Corrina, tell the world I do.
And I pray every night, she’ll learn to love me, too.Corrina, Corrina.Corrina, Corrina.
Corrina, Corrina, I love you so.Oh, little darling, where you’ve been so long?
Oh, little darling, where you’ve been so long?
I ain’t had no loving, since you’ve been gone.Corrina, Corrina, I love you so.
I left Corrina, way across the sea, oooh, me.
I left Corrina, way across the sea.
And if you see Corrina, please send her home to me.Corrina, Corrina.Corrina, Corrina.
Corrina, Corrina, I love you so.Corrina, Corrina.Corrina, Corrina.
Corrina, Corrina, I.love.you.so.
Oh, darlin’ don’t you know?…I love you so…