This was mentioned by Doctor John on 24 Apr 00. You can hear both parts at the Internet Archive, here and here. In my transcription, I have left out many short patter phrases, like “Oh, doctor!” that are scattered through the recordings.


TOOTHACHE BLUES – Part I
(Jefferson)
As recorded by Lonnie Johnson and Victoria Spivey on Vocalion 03243, 1928.

[Spivey:] I’m havin’ so much trouble with those toothache blues.
[Johnson:] I’m a real good doctor, to ease your toothache blues.
[Spivey:] It’s got me floor-walkin’ an’ wearin’ out both o’ my shoes.

[Johnson:] You need a quick-fillin’ dentist; now, don’t be mean an’ cross. (2x)
[Spivey:] Last night I was hot with fever; I just rolled an’ tossed.

[Johnson:] Don’t get nervous, honey, when I lay you in my chair. (2x)
[Spivey:] If you use what’s in your hand, you’ll make me pull my hair.

[Spivey:] I feel a funny li’l somethin’ easin’ into my cavity. (2x)
[Johnson:] That’s nothin’ but cocaine an’ liquor to ease your pain, you see.

TOOTHACHE BLUES – Part II

[Johnson:] When I starts to drillin’, mama, don’t scream an’ shout. (2x)
[Spivey:] Yes, but the things that you are usin’ are ’bout to knock me out.

[Spivey:] You’re a rough ol’ dentist; you make me moan an’ weep. (2x)
[Johnson:] Mama, is I’m grinding into your roots too deep?

[Spivey:] Yes, your scalpel’s broken until I lost my head. (2x)
[Johnson:] Now, you don’t remember the many things you said.

[Johnson:] When I laid you back, your senses left you fast. (2x)
[Spivey:] Yes, before I knew it, you flooded me with gas.

[Spivey:] I’m weak an’ dizzy. [Johnson:] I told you that you were.
[Spivey:] You left me weak an’ dizzy. [Johnson:] I told you that you were.
[Johnson:] Now, have all the pains left you? [Spivey:] Yes, doctor; you did me good.

[Johnson:] Advise your friends, if they have the toothache blues.
[Johnson:] Advise all your friends, if they have the toothache, no time to lose.
[Spivey:] I’ll bring ’em to you, doctor, ’cause you just cured my toothache blues.