He recorded it in Dallas, Texas, during his second to last session for producer Don Law on June 19, 1937.

"[1] The title may refer to bladder stones, the "passway" being the urinary tract; a painful condition.

[3] However, AllMusic critic Thomas Ward describes the song as "[lacking] the emotional subtlety and precision of language [that] characterises his masterpieces" and therefore not among Johnson's best work.

However, he notes "the guitar playing is incandescent and inspired", which makes it an important piece.

[4] In 1937, Vocalion issued the song on a 78 rpm record, backed with "I'm a Steady Rollin' Man" .