I studied evil, I can't deny
Was a hoodoo charm called a love me or die
Some fingernail, a piece of her dress
Apocathery, devil's behes'
I will relate, the piteous consequence of my mistake
Falling slave to passing desire
Making the dreaded love me or die

Under a jungle primeval green
She had the looks of a beauty queen
No bangles or chain, wearing broken shoe
Seventy-five cent bottle perfume
I said good morning, I tipped my hat
All the while I was cunning like a rat
Smiling gaily, looked her in the eye
I felt in pocket, the love me or die

My past history, one to behold
I studied magic from days of old
Membership, secret societies
Power and wealth in my family
But matilda, darling
Why you don't take my wedding ring
Like a demon under the floor
I buried the hoodoo down the back door

Lawd, word broke through the town
That a fever strike matilda down
Nine thirty, the doctor arrive
Priest come running, quarter to five
Standing in the weeds early next day
I saw the meat wagon rolling away
I seen matilda laying in the back
Her old mother wearing a suit of black

Sound the trumpet, and bang the drum
I wait for me judgement to come
I know her spirit is down beneath
I hear the weeping and gnashing of the teeth
Flames of hell licks at my feet
In the shadow of the jungle I feel the heat
Matilda's waiting in hell for me too
All cause she died from a bad hoodoo

I studied evil, I can't deny
Was a hoodoo charm called a love me or die
Some fingernail, a piece of her dress
Apocathery, devil's behes'