I Ain't Superstitious

Lyrics: Willie Dixon
Music: Willie Dixon

The Dead played this only a few times in 1984 and 1985, almost invariably together with Down In The Bottom. The lyrics below come from 28 June 1985.

Well I ain't superstitious, but a black cat crossed my trail
Ain't superstitious, but a black cat crossed my trail
Don't dust me with no broom babe, just might land in jail

Well the dogs be howling all round my neighbourhood
Dogs be howling all round my the neighbourhood
Sure is a bad sign babe, don't mean no earthly good

[Down In The Bottom sung here]

Well I ain't superstitious, but a black cat crossed my trail
Ain't superstitious, but a black cat crossed my trail
Don't dust me with no broom babe, just might land in jail

From other lyric collections, I believe Weir also sang the following verse on other occasions:

When my right hand itches, I gets money for sure
When my right hand itches, I gets money for sure
But when my left eye jumps babe, somebody got to go

Roots
The Howlin' Wolf version (with Willie Dixon playing bass) is perhaps the best known. But Willie Dixon hinself recorded a version on a 1970 LP "I Am The Blues." Thanks to Anita Cantor for the following transcription:

Well, I ain't superstitious
But a black cat crossed my trail
Well, I ain't superstitious
But a black cat crossed my trail
And don't you hit me wit' a broom
It's a sign you may get in jail

Now, when my right eye jump
I will be real glad
Now, when your right eye jump
You can bet you gonna be real glad
But when your left eye jump
It's a sign you're gonna be real mad

Well, I ain't superstitious
But a black cat cross' my trail
Well, I ain't superstitious
But a black cat cross' my trail
And don't you sweep me wit' a broom
It's a sign you may-a get in jail, mm-hm

(Okay, let me hear some rhythm)

Now, when you buy the dessert
Well, you know
Somebody's comin' hungry
Well, if you buy the desert
You know somebody's comin' hungry
But when your right hand itch
You're gonna bet, you're gonna
Gettin' some money

Well, I ain't superstitious
But a black cat crossed my trail
Well, I ain't superstitious
But a black cat crossed my trail
And don't you hit me wit' a broom
'Cause you know I will get in jail

Well, I ain't superstitious
You know, I ain't superstitious
Oh well, I ain't superstitious

Well, I ain't superstitious
Well, I ain't superstitious
But a black cat cross my trail

Further Information
For more information on recordings see Matt Schofield's Grateful Dead Family Discography
For details of every time played, see Grateful Sets