(R. Danko and J.R. Robertson)
Bessie was more than just a friend of mine
We shared the good times with the bad
Now many a year has passed me by
I still recall the best thing I ever had
I'm just goin' down the road t' see Bessie
Oh, See her soon
Goin' down the road t' see Bessie Smith
When I get there I wonder what she'll do
Now all the crazy things I had to try
Well I tried them all and then some
But if you're lucky one day you find out
Where it is you're really comin' from
I'm just goin' down the road t' see Bessie
Oh, See her soon
Goin' down the road t' see Bessie Smith
When I get there I wonder what she'll do
Now in my day I've made some foolish moves
But back then, I didn't worry 'bout a thing
And now again I still wonder to myself
Was it her sweet love or the way that she could sing
I'm just goin' down the road t' see Bessie
Oh, See her soon
Goin' down the road t' see Bessie Smith
When I get there I wonder what she'll do
There's so much time has gone right on by
I didn't think one could be so wrong
And then one night I was drinkin' and a-thinkin'
In the bottom of the glass I could see Bessie's face so strong
I'm just goin' down the road t' see Bessie
Oh, See her soon
Goin' down the road t' see Bessie Smith
When I get there I wonder what she'll do
When she sees me will she know what I've been through?
Will old times start to feelin' like new?
When I get there will our love still feel so true?
Yet all I have, I'll be a-bringin' it to you
Oh Bessie, sing them old-time blues
Bessie was more than just a friend of mine
We shared the good times with the bad
Now many a year has passed me by
I still recall the best thing I ever had
Now, I'm goin' down the road to see Bessie
Oh, see her soon
I'm just goin' down the road to see Bessie Smith
When I get there I'm wonderin' what she'll do
All the crazy things I had to try
Well, I tried them all and then some
But if you're lucky one day you'll find out
Where it is you're really comin' from
Now, I'm goin' down the road to see Bessie
Oh, see her soon
I'm just goin' down the road to see Bessie Smith
And when I get there I'm wonderin' what she'll do
Now in my day I've made some foolish moves
But back then, I didn't worry 'bout a thing
Now and again I still wonder to myself
Was it her sweet love or the way that she could sing
And now I'm goin' down the road to see Bessie
Oh, see her soon
I'm just goin' down the road to see Bessie Smith
Bessie was more than just a friend of mine
We shared the good times and the bad
Many years have since passed me by
I still recall the best thing I ever had
Now I'm going down the road to see Bessie
Oh... To see her soon
I'm just going down the road to see Bessie Smith
When I get there I'm a wondering what she'll do
Now all the crazy things I had to try
Well I tried them all and then some
If you look you one day you will find out
Where it is that your really coming from
Now I'm going down the road to see Bessie
Oh... To see her soon
I'm just going down the road to see Bessie Smith
When I get there I'm a wondering what she'll do
Now in my day I've made some foolish moves
But back then I didn't worry about a thing
Now and again I still wonder to myself
Was it the sweet love, or the way that she could sing
I'm just going down the road to see Bessie
Oh... To see her soon
I'm just going down the road to see Bessie Smith
If I cal three times a day baby
Come and drive my blue away
When you come,be ready to play
Do your duty
If you want to have some love
Give your baby your last buck
Don't come quackin' like a duck
Do your duty
I heard you said you didn't love me,baby
Dowm at Mrs.Brown
I don't believe a word she said
She's the lyinest woman in town
Oh babe,when I need attention at home
I'll just call you on the telephone
Come yourself,don't send your friend Jones
Do your duty
If my radiator gets too hot
Cool it off in lots of spots
Give me all the service you've got
Do your duty
If you don't know what it's all about
Don't sit around my house and pout
If you do you'll cath your mama tippin' now
Do your duty
If you make your own bed hard
That's the way it lies
I'm tired of sleepin' by myself
But you're too dumb to realize
I'm not tryin' to make you feel blue
I'm not satisfied with the way you do
I've got to help you find somebody too
Do your duty
Hold that engine, catch me mama, get on board,
Hold that engine, catch me mama, get on board,
'Cause my home ain't here, it's a long way down the road!
On that choo-choo, mama gonna find a berth,
On that choo-choo, mama gonna find a berth,
Home into Dixieland, it's the grandest place on earth.
Dixie Flyer, come on and let your driver roam,
Dixie Flyer, come on and let your driver roam,
Wouldn't say enough to save nobody's doggone soul.
Blow your whistle, tell them mama's comin' too,
Blow your whistle, tell them mama's comin' too,
Take it up a little bit, 'cause I'm feelin' mighty blue.
Here's my ticket, take it please, conductor man,
Here's my ticket, take it please, conductor man,
Did you ever fall in love with a man that was no good?
Did you ever fall in love with a man that was no good?
No matter what you did for him, he never understood
The meanest thing he could say would thrill you through and through
The meanest thing he could say would thrill you through and through
And there wasn't nothin' too dirty for that man to do
He'd treat you nice and kind till he win your heart and hand
He'd treat you nice and kind till he win your heart and hand
Then he git so cruel that man, you just could not stand
Lawd, I really don't think no man's love can last
Lawd, I don't think no man's love can last
They'll love you to death then treat you like a thing of the past
There's nineteen men livin' in my neighborhood
There's nineteen men livin' in my neighborhood
Eighteen of them are fools and the one ain't no doggone good
Lawd, Lawd, Lawd, Lawd, Lawd, Lawd, Lawd
Lawd, Lawd, Lawd, Lawd, Lawd
It's a long, long lane that has no turning
And it's a fire that always keeps on burning
Mister devil down below
Pitchfork in his hand
And that's where you are going to go
Do you understand?
Devil's gonna git you
Devil's gonna git you
Oh, the devil's gonna git you
Man, just as sure as you's born
Devil's gonna git you,
Devil's gonna git you,
Oh, the devil's gonna git you,
The way you're carryin' on
You go away, stay for weeks
On your doggone spree
Come back home, get in my bed
And turn your back on me
Oh the devil's gonna git you
I mean the devil's gonna git you
Man the devil' sgonna git you
Sure as you's born
Dirty two-timer, dirty two-timer,
Dirty two-timer, you ain't coming clean
Oh the devil's gonna git you
I mean the devil's gonna git you
Oh the devil's gonna git you
You know what I mean
I don't want no two-time stuff
From my regular man
Don't want nothing that's been used
'Cause it's second-hand
The devil's gonna git you
Oh the devil's gonna git you
Man the devil's gonna git you
Late last night, I sold away and cried
Late last night, I sold away and cried
Had the blues for Chicago, I just can't be satisfied
Blues on my brain, my tongue refused to talk
Blues on my brain, my tongue refused to talk
I was followin' my daddy but my feet refuses to walk
Mean old fireman, cruel old engineer
Lord mean old fireman, cruel old engineer
You took my man and left his mama standing here
Big red headline, tomorrow Defender news
Big red headline, tomorrow Defender news
"Woman dead down home, these old Chicago blues"
Folks, I know a gal named Cemetary Lize,
Down in Tennessee;
She has got a pair of mean old graveyard eyes,
Full of misery!
Every night and day,
You can hear her sing her blues away:
I'm going down to the cemetary,
'Cause the world is all wrong!
I'm going down to the cemetary,
'Cause the world is all wrong!
Down there with the spooks to hear 'em sing my sorrow song.
Got a date to see a ghost
By the name of Jones,
Got a date to see a ghost,
By the name of Jones,
Makes me feel happy to hear him rattle his bones!
He's one man
I always know just where to find!
He's one man,
I always know just where to find!
When you want true lovin', go and get the cemetary kind!
He ain't no fine dresser,
He don't wear nothin' but a sack;
Yeah, he ain't no fine dresser,
He don't wear nothin' but a sack;
Love, oh love, oh careless love
You fly though my head like wine
You've wrecked the life of a, many a poor girl
And you nearly spoiled this life of mine
Love, oh love, oh careless love
In your clutches of desire
You made me break a many true vow
Then you set my very soul on fire
Love, oh love, oh careless love
All my happiness has left
You filled my heart with them weary old blues
Now I'm walkin' talkin' to myself
Love, oh love, oh careless love
Trusted you, now it's too late
You've made me throw my only friend down
That's why I sing this song of hate
Love, oh love, oh careless love
Night and day I weep and moan
You brought the wrong man into my life
Cake walkers may come, cake walkers may go,
But I wanna tell you 'bout a couple I know
High steppin' pair, Debonair
When it comes for bus'ness not a soul can compare
Here they come, look at 'em, demonstratin',
Goin' some, ain't they syncopatin'?
Talk of the town, teasin' brown pickin' 'em up and layin' 'em down
Dancin' fools ain't they demonstratin'?
They're a class of their own
Now the only way to win is to cheat 'em,
You may tie 'em but you'll never beat 'em
Strut your stuff, they're the cake walkin' babies from home
Strut your stuff, strut your stuff, cake walkin' babies from home
Here they come, look at 'em, syncopatin',
Goin' some, ain't they demonstratin'?
Talk of the town, teasin' brown pickin' 'em up and layin' 'em down
Dancin' fools ain't they syncopatin'?
They're a class of their own
Now the only way to win is to cheat 'em,
You may tie 'em but you'll never beat 'em
Strut your stuff, they're the cake walkin' babies form home
Hey boweavil don't bring them blues no more
Hey boweavil don't bring them blues no more
Boweavil's here, boweavil's everywhere you go
I'm a lone boweavil, been out a great long time
I'm a lone boweavil, been out a great long time
For to sing this song, to ease boweavil's troublin' mind
I don't want no sugar put into my tea
I don't want no sugar put into my tea
The mens are so evil, I'm scared they might poison me
I went downtown
I bought myself a hat
I brought it back home
I laid it on the shelf
I looked in my bedroom
Tired sleepin' by myself
Blue, blue, I got a tale to tell you, I'm blue
Something comes over me, daddy, and I'm blue about you
Listen to my story, and ev'rything'll come out true
When your man is gone, your rent is all due,
He's not coming back, you know he's all thru
You weep and cry, feel like you could die
If you was a bird you'd take wings and fly
There is one thing that'll make you blue
When you ain't got a daddy to tell your troubles to
Step right out and sing, start right in to wing
Keep feelin' in your heart, you start right in to drink
If you've ever been blue, you know a woman feels
If you've ever been blue, you know a good woman feels
You're a worried child, honey, yes indeed
Blue, blue, I got a tale to tell you, I was blue
Something fell on me, daddy, I was blue over you
When you're sad and lonely
Thinking about you only
Feeling disgusted and blue
Ah, your heart is aching
Yes, it's almost breaking
No one to tell your troubles to
That's the time you'll hang your head,
And begin to cry
All your friends forsake you,
Trouble overtakes you
And your good man turns you down
Evil talk about you
Everybody doubt you
And your friends can't be found
Not a soul to ease your pain
You will plead in vain
You've got those bleeding hearted blues
Say baby, tell me what's on your mind
Pretty papa, tell me what's on your mind
You keep my poor heart achin'
I'm worried all the time
I give up every friend that I had
Yes, I give up every friend that I had
I give up my mother
Out in Black Mountain a child will smack your face
I'm saying out on Black Mountain a child will smack your face
The babies cry for liquor, and all the birds sing bass
Well, those people in Black Mountain are mean as they can be
And those people in Black Mountain are mean as they can be
Now they uses gun powder just to sweeten up their tea
Well, out in Black Mountain you can't keep a good man in jail
Yeah, out in Black Mountain you can't keep a good man in jail
'Cause if the jury convicts him, the judge will pay his bail
I had a man in Black Mountain, the sweetest man in town
I had a man in Black Mountain, the sweetest man in the town
But then he met a city gal, that's when he throwed me down
Lord, I'm bound for Black Mountain, me and my razor and my gun
I'm going back to Black Mountain, me and my razor and my gun
I'm gonna cut him if he stands still, I'll just shoot him if he runs
Lord, now you've heard my story, now you've heard my news
Lord, now you've heard my story, now you've heard my news
Minnie Neal down in Beale, gave her papa the air
Left him cold, got him told, said she didn't care
Poor Joe, her beau, looked just like he would die
If you were near him, you would hear him, start his mournful cry
Beale Street papa, why don't you come back home
It isn't proper to leave your mama all alone
Sometimes I was cruel, that was true
But papa you know mama never two-times you
Ooh-ooh, I'm blue
So how come you do me like you do, I'm crying
Beale Street papa, don't mess around with me
There's plenty of petting that I can get in Tennessee
I still get my sweet cookies constantly
But not the kind you serve to me
So Beale Street papa, come back home
So how come you do me like you do, I'm crying
Beale Street papa, don't mess around with me
There's plenty of petting that I can get in Tennessee
I bought a rifle, razor and a knife,
A postal card can't save my life
When it rains five days and the skies turn dark as night
When it rains five days and the skies turn dark as night
Then trouble's takin' place in the lowlands at night
I woke up this mornin', can't even get out of my door
I woke up this mornin', can't even get out of my door
There's been enough trouble to make a poor girl wonder where she want to go
Then they rowed a little boat about five miles 'cross the pond
Then they rowed a little boat about five miles 'cross the pond
I packed all my clothes, throwed them in and they rowed me along
When it thunders and lightnin' and when the wind begins to blow
When it thunders and lightnin' and the wind begins to blow
There's thousands of people ain't got no place to go
Then I went and stood upon some high old lonesome hill
Then I went and stood upon some high old lonesome hill
Then looked down on the house were I used to live
Backwater blues done call me to pack my things and go
Backwater blues done call me to pack my things and go
'Cause my house fell down and I can't live there no more
Mmm, I can't move no more
Mmm, I can't move no more
I've got the blues, I feel so lonely
I'll give the world if I could only
Make you understand
It surely would be grand
I'm gonna telephone my baby
Ask him won't you please come home
'Cause when you're gone, I'm worried all day long
Baby won't you please come home
Baby won't you please come home
I have tried in vain
Ever more to call your name
When you left you broke my heart
That will never make us part
Every hour in the day
You will hear me say
Baby won't you please come home, I mean
Baby won't you please come home
Baby won't you please come home
'Cause your mama's all alone
I have tried in vain
Never more to call your name
When you left you broke my heart
That will never make us part
Landlord gettin' worse, I've got to move May the first
Baby won't you please come home, I need money
Honey, there's a funny feeling 'round my heart,
And it's bound to drive your mama wild
It must be something they call the Cuban Doll,
It weren't your mama's angel child
I went to see the doctor the other day, he said I's well as well could be
But I said, "Doctor, you don't know really what's worrying me"
I want to be somebody's baby doll so I can get my loving all the time
I want to be somebody's baby doll to ease my mind
He can be ugly, he can be black, so long as he can eagle rock and ball the jack
I want to be somebody's baby doll so I can get my lovin' all the time,
I mean to get my lovin' all the time
Lord, I went to the gypsy to get my fortune told,
She said you in hard luck, Bessie, doggone your bad luck soul
I want to be somebody's baby doll so I can get my lovin' all the time,
"Hey Bessie it's Christmas here"
Here! Here! Hurray for Christmas
Christmas comes but once a year, and to me it brings good cheer,
And to everyone who likes wine and beer
Happy New Year is after that, happy I'll be, that is a fact
That is why I like to hear, folks I say that Christmas is here
Christmas bells will ring real soon, even in the afternoon
There'll be no chimes shall ring at the Christmas Ball
Everyone must watch their step, or they will loose their rep
Everybody full of fare at the Christmas Ball
Grab your partner one an' all, keep on dancing 'round the hall
Then there's no one to fall, don't you dare to strut
If your partner don't act fair, don't worry there's some more over there
My man ain't acting right, he stays out late at night
And still he says he loves no one but me
But if I find that gal, that tries to steal my pal
I'll get her told, just you wait and see
I feel blue, I don't know what to do
Every woman in my fix is bound to feel blue too, 'cause
I love my man better than I love myself
Lord, I love my man better than I love myself
And if he don't have me, he won't have nobody else
My man's got teeth like a lighthouse on the sea
My man's got teeth like a lighthouse on the sea
And ev'rytime he smiles he throws them lights on me
His voice sounds like chimes, I mean the organ kind
His voice sounds like chimes, I mean the organ kind
Oh my honey
Oh my honey
You better hurry and let's go down there
Ain't you goin'?
Ain't you goin'?
To that leaderman, ragged meter man
Oh honey
Oh honey
Let me take you to Alexander's
Grand stand brass band
Ain't you coming along?
Come on and hear
Come on and hear
Alexander's ragtime band
Come on and hear
Come on and hear
It's the best band in the land
They can play the bugle call like you've never heard before
Sounds so natural that you'll wanna go to war
That's just the best band in the land
Oh honey lamb
Come on along
Come on along
Let me take you by the hand
Up to the man
Up to the man
Who is the leader of the band
And if you care to hear the Swanee River played in ragtime
Come on and hear
Come on and hear
Alexander's ragtime band
Come on and hear
Come on and hear
Alexander's ragtime band
Come on and hear
Come on and hear
It's the best band in the land
Listen to the bugle call
Just the best band in the land
Oh honey lamb
Come on along
Come on along
Let me take you by the hand
Up to the man
Up to the man
Who is the leader of the band
And if you care to hear the Swanee River played in ragtime
Come on and hear
Come on and hear
I know a triflin' man, they call him Triflin' Sam
He lives in Birmingham, way down in Alabam'
Then the other night he had a fight,
With a gal named Mandy Brown
She plainly stated he was aggravating,
As she shouted out to him
Aggravatin' papa, don't you try to two-time me,
I said don't two-time me
Aggravatin' papa, treat me kind or let me be,
I mean just let me be
Listen while I get you told
Stop messin' round sweet jelly roll
If you stay out with a high-brown baby
I'll smack you down and I don't mean maybe
Aggravatin' papa, I'll do anything you say
Anything you say
But when you go struttin', do you strut around my way, so papa
Just treat me pretty, be nice and kind
The way you're treating me will make me lose my mind
Aggravatin' papa, don't you try to two-time me
Just treat me pretty, be nice and sweet
I got a darn forty-four that don't repeat
My heart's sad and I am all forlorn, my man's treating me mean
I regret the day that I was born and that man of mine I've ever seen
Happiness, it never lasts a day, my heart is almost breaking while I say
A good man is hard to find, you always get the other kind
Just when you think that he is your pal, you look for him and find him fooling 'round some other gal
Then you rave, you even crave to see him laying in his grave
So, if your man is nice, take my advice and hug him in the morning, kiss him ev'ry night,
Give him plenty lovin', treat him right
There ain't nothing I can do, or nothing I can say
That folks don't criticize me
But I'm goin' to, do just as I want to anyway
And don't care if they all despise me
If I should take a notion
To jump into the ocean
'T ain't nobody's bizness if I do, do, do do
If I go to church on Sunday
Then just shimmy down on Monday
Ain't nobody's bizness if I do, if I do
If my friend ain't got no money
And I say "Take all mine, honey"
'T ain't nobody's bizness if I do, do, do do
If I give him my last nickel
And it leaves me in a pickle
'T ain't nobody's bizness if I do, if I do
Well I'd rather my man would hit me,
Than to jump right up and quit me
'T ain't nobody's bizness if I do, do, do do
I swear I won't call no copper
If I'm beat up by my papa
I woke up this morning with a awful aching head
I woke up this morning with a awful aching head
My new man had left me, just a room and a empty bed
Bought me a coffee grinder that's the best one I could find
Bought me a coffee grinder that's the best one I could find
Oh, he could grind my coffee, 'cause he had a brand new grind
He's a deep sea diver with a stroke that can't go wrong
He's a deep sea diver with a stroke that can't go wrong
He can stay at the bottom and his wind holds out so long
He knows how to thrill me and he thrills me night and day
Oh, he knows how to thrill me, he thrills me night and day
He's got a new way of loving, almost takes my breath away
Lord, he's got that sweet somethin' and I told my girlfriend Lou
He's got that sweet somethin' and I told my girlfriend Lou
From the way she's raving, she must have gone and tried it too
[Part 2]
When my bed get empty make me feel awful mean and blue
When my bed get empty make me feel awful mean and blue
My springs are getting rusty, sleeping single like I do
Bought him a blanket, pillow for his head at night
Bought him a blanket, pillow for his head at night
Then I bought him a mattress so he could lay just right
He came home one evening with his spirit way up high
He came home one evening with his spirit way up high
What he had to give me, make me wring my hands and cry
He give me a lesson that I never had before
He give me a lesson that I never had before
When he got to teachin' me, from my elbow down was sore
He boiled my first cabbage and he made it awful hot
He boiled my first cabbage and he made it awful hot
When he put in the bacon, it overflowed the pot
When you git good lovin', never go and spread the news
Woke up this mornin' when chickens was crowin' for day
Felt on the right side of my pilla', my man gad gone away
By this pilla' he left a note readin', "I'm sorry, Jane, you got my goat
No time to marry, no time to settle down"
I'm a young woman and ain't done runnin' 'round
I'm a young woman and ain't done runnin' 'round
Some people call me a hobo, some call me a bum
Nobody knows my name, nobody knows what I've done
I'm as good as any woman in your town
I ain't no high yeller, I'm a deep killer of brown
I ain't gonna marry, ain't gonna settle down
I'm gonna drink good moonshine and rub these browns down
See that long lonesome road
When I wasn't nothin' but a child
When I wasn't nothin' but a child
All you men tried to drive me wild
Now I'm growin' old
Now I'm growin' old
And I've got what it takes to get all of you men told
My mama says I'm reckless, my daddy says I'm wild
My mama says I'm reckless, my daddy says I'm wild
I ain't good lookin' but I'm somebody's angel child
Daddy, mama wants some lovin'
Daddy, mama wants some huggin'
Darn it pretty papa, mama wants some lovin' I vow
My man's got somethin', he gives me such a thrill
Every time he smiles at me, I can't keep my body still
I done cried so much, look like I've got the mumps
I can't keep from worryin', 'cause I'm down in the dumps
I had a nightmare last night, when I laid down
When I woke up this mornin', my sweet man couldn't be found
I'm goin' down to the river, into it I'm goin' to jump
Can't keep from worryin', 'cause I'm down in the dumps
Someone knocked on my door, last night when I was asleep
I thought it was that sweet man of mine, makin' his 'fore day creep
Wasn't nothin' but my landlord, a great big chump
Stay away from my door, Mr. Landlord, 'cause I'm down in the dumps
When I woke up, my pillow was wet with tears
Just one day from that man of mine
Seems like a thousand years
But I'm gonna straighten up, straighter than Andy Gump
Ain't no use of me tellin' that lie, 'cause I'm down in the dumps
I'm twenty-five years old, that ain't no old maid
I got plenty of vim and vitality, I'm sure that I can make the grade
I'm always like a tiger, I'm ready to jump
Gee, but it's hard to love someone
When that someone don't love you
I'm so disgusted, heartbroken, too
I've got those down hearted blues
Once I was crazy 'bout a man
He mistreated me all the time
The next man I get has got
To promise to be mine, all mine
Trouble, trouble, I've had it all my days
Trouble, trouble, I've had it all my days
It seems that trouble's going to follow me to my grave
I ain't never loved but three men in my life
I ain't never loved but three men in my life
My Father, my brother and the man that wrecked my life
It may be a week, it may be a month or two
It may be a week, it may be a month or two
But the day you quit me honey, it's coming home to you
I got the world in a jug, the stopper's in my hand
I got the world in a jug, the stopper's in my hand
I heard the folks were talking here yesterday
As I listened by the door
Would eavesdrop 'cause they never hear no good, they say
And I heard things that hurt me so
They said I had a man I give my money to
They said I had a man I give my money to
And if I was broke he would turn my eyes all blue
They talked about my pa who was blind in one eye
They talked about my pa who was blind in one eye
They said he was a sinner and was too mean to cry
I never knock nobody, wonder why they picked on me
I never knock nobody, wonder why they picked on me
There's goin' to be a funeral if they don't let me be
I never stopped to listen, to try and hear no good news
I never stopped to listen, to try and hear no good news
I had a man for fifteen years
Give him his room and board
Once he was like a Cadillac
Now he's like an old worn out Ford
He never brought me a lousy dime
And put it in my hand
So there'll be some changes from now on
According to my plan
He's got to get it, bring it, and put it right here
Or else he's gonna keep it out there
If he must steal it, beg it, or borrow it somewhere
Long as he gets it, I don't care
I'm tired of fryin' pork chops
To grease his fat lips
And he has to find another place
For to park his old hips
He must get it, and bring it, and put it right here
Or else he's gonna keep it out there
The bee gets the honey, and brings it to the corn
Else he's kicked out of his home sweet home
To show you that they brings it, watch the dog and the cat
Everything even brings it, from a mule to a mare
The rooster gets the worm, and brings it to the hen
That oughta be a tip to all you no-good men
The groundhog even brings it and puts it in his hole
So my man has got to bring it, doggone his soul
He's got to get it, bring it, and put it right here
Or else he's gonna keep it out there
If he must steal it, beg it, or borr' it somewhere
Long as he gets it child, I don't care
I'm gonna tell him like the Chinaman: when you don't bring 'em check
You don't get 'em laundry, if you break 'em down neck
You got to get it, bring it, and put it right here
Down in Atlanta, GA, under the viaduct ev'ry day, drinking corn and hollerin' hooray
Pianos playing till the break of day
But as I turned my head, I loudly said, "Preach 'em blues, sing them blues"
They certainly sound good to me
I've been in love for the last six months and ain't done worrying yet
Moan'em blues, holler them blues
Let me convert your soul
'Cause just a little spirit of the blues tonight
Let me tell you, girls, that your man ain't treating you right
Let me tell you I don't mean no wrong
I will learn you something if you listen to this song
I ain't here to try to save your soul, just want to teach you how to save your good jelly roll
Going on down the line a little further now
There's many a poor woman down
Read on down to chapter nine,
Woman must learn how to take their time
Read on down to chapter ten,
Taking other women's men, you are doing a sin
Sing'em, sing'em, sing them blues
Let me convert your soul
Now one sister by the name of Sister Green
Jumped up and done a shimmy you ain't never seen
Sing'em, sing'em, sing them blues
Mister Rich Man, Rich Man
Open up your heart and mind
Mister Rich Man, Rich Man
Open up your heart and mind
Give the poor man a chance
Help stop these hard, hard time
While you livin' in your mansion
You don't know what hard time means
While you livin' in your mansion
You don't know what hard time means
Oh, workin' man's wife is starvin'
Your wife is livin' like a queen
Please, listen to my pleadin'
'Cause I can't stand these hard time long
Oh, listen to my pleadin'
Can't stand these hard time long
They'll make an honest man do things
That you know is wrong
All man fought all the battles
All man would fight again today
All man fought all the battles
All man would fight again today
He would do anything you ask him
In the name of the U.S.A
Now the war is over
All man must live the same as you
Now the war is over
All man must live the same as you
If it wasn't for the poor man
Girls, I wanna tell you about these sweet men
These men goin' around here tryin' to play cute
I'm hard on you boys, yes sir!
I fell in love with a sweet man once
He said he loved me too
He said if I'd run away with him
What nice things he would do
I'd travel around from town to town
How happy I would feel
But don't you know he would not work
Girls, take this tip from me
Get a working man when you marry
And let all these sweet men be
Child, it takes money to run a business
And with me I know you girls will agree
There's one thing about this married life
That these young girls have got to know
Say, if a sweet man enter your front gate
Turn out your light and lock your door
Yes, get a working man when you marry
Let all these pinchbacks1 be
Child, it takes money to run a business
And with me I know you girls will agree
And if this panic stays on much longer
I'll hear all these young girls say
That it's a long way to Oklahoma
My best man, my best friend,
Told me to stop peddlin' gin
They even told me to keep my hands
Out people's pocket where their money was in
But I wouldn't listen or have any shame,
'long as someone else would take the blame
Now I can see it all come home to me
I'm sittin' in the jailhouse now
I mean, I'm in the jailhouse now
I done stop runnin' around with this one
And these good lookin' browns
Any time you see me, I was good time bound,
With this one, that one, most all in town
I'm in the jailhouse now,
I've got the meanest man in the land
But his love is that sticking brand
His kiss just lingers on my lips
And thrill me to my fingertips
People say I'm a fool
He's heartless and also cruel
But outside of that, he's all right with me
Outside of that, he's sweet as he can be
I love him as true as stars above
He beats me up, but how he can love
I never loved like that since the day I was born
I said for fun, I don't want you no more
And when I said that, I made sweet papa sore
He blacked my eyes, I couldn't see
Then he pawned the things he gave to me
But outside of that, he's all right with me
I said for fun, I don't want you no more
And when I said that, I made sweet papa sore
When he pawned my things I said: you're a dirty old thief
Now, then he turned around and knocks out both of my teeth
Just like a flower I am fading away
The doctor call to see me most every day
But he don't do me no good, why?
Because I'm lonesome for you
And if you care for me
Then you will listen to my plea
Oh, daddy, look what you doin', look what you doin'
Oh, daddy, you with your foolin', think what you're losin'
All the little love I gave you
Is goin' to make you feel so awfully blue
When you miss me and long to kiss me
You'll curse the day that you ever quit me
Oh, daddy, think when you're all alone
You'll get so lonely just wait and see
But there will be someone else makin' love to me
Then daddy, daddy, you won't have no mama at all
Oh, daddy, look what you doin', look what you doin'
Oh, daddy, you and your foolin', think what you losin'
All the little love I gave you
Is goin' to make me feel so awfully blue
When you miss me, and long to kiss me
You'll curse the day that you ever quit me
Oh, daddy, think when you're all alone
You know that you are getting old
You'll miss the way I baked your jelly roll
Once I lived the life of a millionaire
Spendin' my money, I didn't care
I carried my friends out for a good time
Buying bootleg liquor, champagne and wine
Then I began to fall so low
I didn't have a friend and no place to go
So if I ever get my hand on a dollar again
I'm gonna hold on to it till them eagle's grin
Nobody knows you
When you're down and out
In my pocket not one penny
And my friends, I haven't any
But if I ever get on my feet again
Then I'll meet my long lost friend
It's mighty strange without a doubt
Nobody knows you when you're down and out
I mean when you're down and out
When you're down and out, not one penny
And my friends, I haven't any and I felt so low
Nobody wants me 'round their door
Without a doubt
No man can use you when you're down and out
In a bakery shop today
I heard Miss Mandy Jenkins say
She had the best cake, you see
And they were fresh as fresh could be
And as the people would pass by
You would hear Miss Mandy cry
Nobody in town can bake a sweet jelly roll like mine, like mine
No other one in town can bake a sweet jelly roll so fine, so fine
It's worth lots of dough, the boys tell me so
It's fresh every day, you'll hear 'em all say
Don't be no dunce, just try it once
You'll be right in line
Somebody told me I made the best jelly roll in town, I say in town
You must admit that I'm a jelly roll bakin' hound, bakin' hound
Good jelly roll, jelly roll is so hard to find
We always get the other kind
Nobody in town can bake a sweet jelly roll like mine
Somebody told me I made the best jelly roll in town, I say in town
You must admit that I'm a jelly roll bakin' hound, bakin' hound
Good jelly roll, jelly roll from a bakery shop
Will surely make a pool frog hop
Old New Orleans is a great big old southern town, where hospitality you will surely find
The population there is very, very fair, with ev'rything they do
White folks do it too, they have a dance surely it's something rare there
Glide, slide, prance, dance, hop, stop
Take it easy honey!
I can never git tired of dancin' those Hop Scop Blues
Once more you glide, slide, prance, dance
The Hop Scop Blues will make you do a lovely shake
They'll make you feel so grand when you join hand in hand,
I'll never git tired of dancin' those Hop Scop Blues
Once more you glide, slide, prance, I said dance, oh, hop, now stop
Take it easy honey!
I can never git tired of dancin' those Hop Scop Blues
Look out now!
You glide, slide, I said prance, dance
Hop Scop Blues will make you do a lovely shake
They'll make you feel so grand when you join hand in hand,
I done pack my belong
Gonna leave my woes
Goin' to a better place
With a smile upon my face
When that steam boat blows
And that Gulf stream flows
You'll hear me say goodbye
Because there's a reason why
The Gulf of Mexico
Flows in to the Mobile Bay
The Gulf of Mexico
Flows in to the Mobile Bay
I'm gonna let that cool stream of water
Flow over my head someday
Tell me mister mailman
What is on your mind?
Tell me mister mailman
What is on your mind?
If you pass my door
So glad you obliged
My eyes are brown
My teeth are pearly white
My eyes are brown
My teeth are pearly white
Because my skin is dark
Tired of bein' lonely, tired of bein' blue
I wished I had some good man, to tell my troubles to
Seem like the whole world's wrong
Since my man's been gone
I need a little sugar in my bowl
I need a little hot dog on my roll
I can stand a bit of lovin', oh so bad
I feel so funny, I feel so sad
I need a little steam-heat on my floor
Maybe I can fix things up, so they'll go
What's the matter hard papa
Come on and save your mama's soul
'Cause I need a little sugar, in my bowl, doggone it
I need a some sugar in my bowl
I need a little sugar in my bowl
I need a little hot dog between my rolls
You gettin' different, I've been told
Move your finger, drop something in my bowl
I need a little steam-heat on my floor
Maybe I can fix things up, so they'll go
Get off your knees, I can't see what you're drivin' at
It's dark down there looks like a snake!
C'mon here and drop somethin' here in my bowl
I've got a lovesick tale to tell to you
Though it ain't no affair of mine
It's 'bout a gal named Sue and a boy named Lou
They were fighting all the time
Sue came home one afternoon
And found an empty dining room
Without a word her turtledove had flown
She began to moan
My sweetie went away but he didn't say where
He didn't say when, he didn't say why
Oh, bid me goodbye
I'm blue as I can be
I know he loved another one but he didn't say who
He didn't say when, he didn't say what
His mama has got
That took my sweetie from me
I'm like a little lost sheep
And I can't sleep
But I keep trying to forget
My trifling papa has left his mama all alone, I groan
My sweetie went away but he didn't say where
He didn't say when, he didn't say why
I know I'll die
Clara: who was that man I saw you with the other day?
Bessie: that was my smooth black daddy that we call Charlie Gray
Don't you know that's my man?
Yes, that's a fact
I ain't seen your name printed up and down his back
You better let him be
What old gal?
Because you ain't talkin' to me
That's my man, I want him for my own
(spoken: No! No!)
He's my sweet daddy
You'd better leave that man alone
See that suit he's got on?
I bought it last week
I've been buyin' clothes for five years for that is my black sheik
Is that you honey?
(Charlie) 'Tain't nobody but, who's back here?
It sounds like Charlie
It is my man, sweet papa Charlie Gray
Your man?
How do you git that way?
Now, look here, honey, I been had that man for umpteen year
Child, didn't I turn your damper1 down?
Yes, Clara, and I've cut you every way but loose!
Well, you might as well be get it fixed
Well, then...
I guess we got to have him on cooperation plan
I guess we got to have him on cooperation plan
(spoken: Bessie! Clara!)
(Bessie and Clara together) Ain't nothin' different 'bout that rotten two time man
How about it?
Suits me!
Suits me!
Dixie moonlight, Swanee shore
Headed homebound just once more
To my Mississippi delta home
Southland has that grand garden spot
Although you believe or not
I hear those breeze a-whispering:
"Come on back to me"
Muddy water 'round my feet
Muddy water in the street
Just God don't shelter
Down on the delta
Muddy water in my shoes
Reeling and rocking to them lowdown blues
They live in ease and comfort down there
I do declare
Been away a year today
To wander and roam
I don't care it's muddy there
But see it is my home
Got my toes turned Dixie way
'Round the delta let me lay
Sisters and brothers
we may care on some serious buiseness..
There has been some back biting gooing on..
and the thing i want to know is who's been doing it
Its a shame its a shame its a shame
the thing i want to know is what Bit me on my. i mean who spit me on my back..
EEE you sinners
hear my call
satan's waiting for you all
better get you'r souls washed white
better see the light.. AMEN
fire is burning down below
if you aint right down you go
to original hot brim stone
let you start right in to moan
you better get down on your knees
and let the god lord hear your pleads
on that you want to rest with ease
moan you moaners
just bend your head way down and pray
to have the devil chased away
come let your souls be saved today
moan you moaners
singing halleluja
flod up the lamb
let your voice is right
if they talking to you
aint got no time to sham
if you want to get to paradise
you must repeat without a doubt
and let the good lord hear you shout
religion turnes you inside out moan you moaners
you better get down on your knees
and let the god lord hear your pleads
on that you want to rest with ease
moan you moaners
just bend your head way down and pray
to have the devil chased away
come let your souls be saved today
moan you moaners
singing halleluja
flod up the lamb
let your voice is right
if they talking to you
aint got no time to sham
if you want to get to paradise
within without a doubt
and let the good lord hear you shout
Daddy, mama's got the blues
The kind of blues that's hard to lose
'Cause you mistreated me
And drove me from your door
Daddy, you ain't heard the news
There's another papa in your shoes
You ain't even got a chance with me no more
So be on your p's and q's1
Mistreating daddy, mistreating mama all the time
Just because she wouldn't let you
Mistreating daddy, mama's drawed the danger line
Yes, you'll cross it, I'll get you
If you see me setting on another daddy's knee
Don't bother me, I'm as mean as can be
I'm like the butcher right down the street
I can cut you all apieces like I would a piece of meat
Mistreating daddy, you used to knock your mama down
When you knew I fell for you
Had me so nervous, I would start dogging 'round
Yes, every time I saw you
But now I've got you off of my mind
And found another daddy who's just my kind
Mistreating daddy, I've got another papa now
I've got a tip for people talking about
I will grab my daddy and turn him wrong side out
Daddy, daddy, please come back to me
Daddy, daddy, please come back to me
Your mama's lonesome as she can be
You left me at midnight, clocks were striking twelve
Left me at midnight, clocks were striking twelve
To face this cruel world all by myself
Woke up at midnight, sad and blue
Missed my daddy from my side
Left alone to bemoan my fate
That's why I'm sighing, crying, I just can't refuse
I feel so troubled, heartbroken, too
Woe and misery I can't hide
At twelve o'clock I unlock my hate
Gals, bed bugs sure is evil, they don't mean me no good
Yeah, bed bug sure is evil, they don't mean me no good
Thinks he's a woodpecker and I'm a chunk of wood
When I lay down at night, I wonder how can a poor gal sleep
When I lay down at night, I wonder how can a poor gal sleep
When some is holding my hand, others eating my feet
Bed bug as big as a jackass1, will bite you and stand and grin
Bed bug as big as a jackass, will bite you and stand and grin
Will drink all the bed bur for them turn around and bite you again
Something moan in the corner, I went over and see
Something moan in the corner, I went over and see
Some people say that the weary blues ain't bad
Some people say the weary blues ain't bad
But it's the worst old feeling that I've ever had
Woke up this morning, with the jinx around my bed
I woke up this morning with the jinx around my bed
I didn't have no daddy to hold my aching head
Brown skin's deceitful, but a yellow man is worse
Brown skin's deceitful, but a yellow man is worse
I'm gonna get myself a black man and play safety first
I got a man in Atlanta, two in Alabama, three in Chattanooga
Four in Cincinnati, five in Mississippi, six in Memphis, Tennessee
I was with you, baby, when you didn't have a dime
I was with you, baby, when you didn't have a dime
Now since you got a lot of money, you have thrown a good gal down
Once ain't for always and two ain't for twice
Once ain't for always and two ain't for twice
When you get a good gal, you'd better treat her nice
When you were lonesome, I treated you kind
When you were lonesome, I treated you kind
But since you've got money, it has changed your mind
I'm goin' to leave you, baby, and I ain't goin' to say goodbye
I'm goin' to leave you, baby, and I ain't goin' to say goodbye
But I'll write you a letter and tell you the reason why
Days are lonesome, nights are so long
Days are lonesome, nights are so long
Bad luck has come to stay
Trouble never end
My man has gone away
With a girl I thought was my friend
I'm worried down with care
Lordy, can't you hear my prayer
Lady Luck, Lady Luck
Won't you please smile down on me
There's the time, friend of mine
I need your sympathy
I've got a horseshoe on my door
I've knocked on wood till my hands are sore
Since my man's done turned me loose
I've got those Lady Luck blues, I mean
I've got those Lady Luck blues
Lady Luck, Lady Luck
Won't you please smile down on me
There's the time, friend of mine
I need your sympathy
I've got his picture turned upside down
I've sprinkled goofer dust all around
Since my man is gone I'm all confused
I've got those Lady Luck blues
Find my good man
Madam Buff's was quite deluxe
Servants by the score
Footmen at each door
Butlers and maids galore
But one day Sam, her kitchen man
Gave in his notice, he's through
She cried, "Oh Sam, don't go
It'll grieve me if you do"
I love his cabbage gravy, his hash
Crazy 'bout his succotash
I can't do without my kitchen man
Wild about his turnip top
Like the way he warms my chop
I can't do without my kitchen man
Anybody else can leave
And I would only laugh
But he means too much to me
And you ain't heard the half
Oh, his jelly roll is so nice and hot
Never fails to touch the spot
I can't do without my kitchen man
His frankfurters are oh so sweet
How I like his sausage meat
I can't do without my kitchen man
Oh, how that boy can open clam
No one else is can touch my ham
I can't do without my kitchen man
When I eat his doughnuts
All I leave is the hole
Any time he wants to
Why, he can use my sugar bowl
Oh, his baloney's really worth a try
Never fails to satisfy
One dark and stormy night, Bill Jones was feeling blue
Things didn't seem just right, so he didn't know just what to do
I said: Bill, please tell me, ain't you satisfied?
He looked around so pitiful, then to me he replied
Keeps on a-rainin', look how it's rainin'
Papa he can't make no time
Wind keeps blowing, cold wind blowing
Soon I'll find a southern clime
In the wintertime when it starts to snow
You know you pretty mama's got to have some dough
Keeps on rainin', look how it's rainin'
Papa he can't make no time
Ain't the snow just beautiful, some people say
But I'd rather see it in a moving picture play
Keeps on snowin', look how it's snowin'
If your man is nice and sweet
Serving you lots of young pig meat
Oh yes, keep it to yourself
If you know you are standing fast
Got him worried where you at
Oh yes, keep it to yourself
He don't fall for no one
He don't call for no one
He don't give nobody none of his L.O.V.E.
'Cause it's yours
If your man is full of action
Givin' you lots of satisfaction
Oh yes, keep it to yourself
If you gotta have a kiss and a sweet
Makes me week way down in my knees
Oh yes, keep it to yourself
If he tries to treat you right
Give him lovin' every night
Oh yes, keep it to yourself
He don't fall for no one
He don't call for no one
He don't give nobody none of his L.O.V.E.
'Cause it's yours
With your man you got the best go
Don't broadcast it on nobody's radio!
Lord, this house is goin' to get raided, yes, sir!
Thirty days in jail, with my back turned to the wall, to the wall
Thirty days in jail, with my back turned to the wall
Look here, mister jail keeper, put another gal in my stall
I don't mind being in jail, but I got to stay there so long, so long
I don't mind being in jail, but I got to stay there so long, so long
Well, every friend I had is done shook hands and gone
You better stop your man from ticklin' me under my chin, under my chin
You better stop your man from ticklin' me under my chin
'Cause if he keeps on ticklin', I'm sure gonna take him on in
Good morning blues, blues how do you do, how do you do?
Good morning blues, blues how do you do?
When I see two sweethearts spoon, underneath the silv'ry moon
It makes my love come down, I wanna be around
Kiss me, honey, it makes my love come down
Cuddle close, turn out the light, do just what you did last night
It makes my love come down, I wanna be in town
Sweet, sweet daddy, it makes my love come down
Wild about my toodle-oh, when I gets my toodle-oh
It makes my love come down, want every pound
Hear me cryin', it makes my love come down
Likes my coffee, likes my tea, daffy about my stingaree
It makes my love come down, I wanna be around
Oh, sweet papa, it makes my love come down
If you want to hear me rave, honey, give me what I crave
It makes my love come down, actin' like a clown
Can't help from braggin', it makes my love come down
Come on and be my desert sheik, you're so strong and I'm so weak
It makes my love come down, to be love-land bound
Red hot papa, it makes my love come down
If you want me for your own, kiss me nice and leave me alone
It makes my love come down, it makes my love come down
Take me bye-bye, it makes my love come down
When you take me for a ride, when I'm close up by your side
It makes my love come down, ridin' all around
Settin' in the house with everything on my mind
Settin' in the house with everything on my mind
Lookin' at the clock and can't even tell the time
Walkin' to my window, an' lookin' out of my door
Walkin' to my window, an' lookin' out of my door
Wishin' that my man would come home once more
Can't eat, can't sleep, so weak I can't walk my floor
Can't eat, can't sleep, so weak I can't walk my floor
Feel like hollerin' murder, let the Police Squad get me once more
They woke me before day with trouble on my mind
They woke me before day with trouble on my mind
Wringin' my hands and screamin', walkin' the floor hollerin' and cryin'
Catch 'em, don't let them blues in here
Catch 'em, don't let them blues in here
They shakes me in my bed, can't set down in my chair
Oh, the blues has got me on the go
Oh, they've got me on the go
Daddy, I want some furs and things
Daddy, I want the diamond rings
Aeroplanes, motor cars and such
If your little mama ain't askin' too much
From you, from you
Won't you give me what I want, daddy do
If you don't I know who will
If you don't I know who will
You may think that I'm just bluffin'
But I'm one gal ain't supposed to want for nothin'
I got my wantin' habits on
I've had 'em on since this morn
Man, you've got to help me 'long
If you don't, it's good-bye John
Squeeze me till I feel the thrill
Love me till I get my fill
'Cause if you don't and say you won't
I know who will, Mr. So-and-So
I know who will
If you don't I know who will
If you don't I know who will
You might think that I'm just bluffin'
But I'm one gal ain't supposed to want for nothin'
I've got my wantin' habits on
I've had 'em on since this morn
Man, you've got to help me 'long
If you don't, it's goodbye John
Squeeze me till I feel the thrill
Love me till I get my fill
'Cause if you don't and say you won't
I know who will, my other papa
Oh Stingy Ginny saved up all her pennies
Straight to the bank she would go
The sharks would have their hands around her
But none could get her dough
Ginny's fellow was a slick high yellow
Sent away to jail one day
He cried for bail, then turned real pale
When I(*) heard Ginny say
Oh I've got what it takes
But it breaks my heart to give it away
It's in demand
They wants it every day
I've been saving it up for a long long time
To give it away would be more than a crime
Your eyes may roll, your teeth may grit
But none of my money will you git
You can look at my bank book
But I'll never let you feel my purse
Cause I'm a woman, believes in safety first, safety first
Said if you want my money, here's my plan
I'm saving it up for a real good man
I've got what it takes
But it breaks my heart to give it away
She said I've got what it takes
But it breaks my heart to give it away
It's in demand
Folks cryin' for it every day
I've been saving it up for a long long time
To give it away would be more than a crime
Your eyes may roll, your teeth may grit
But none of this small change will you git
You can look at my bank book
But I'll never let you put your hands on my purse
Lord I'm a woman, believes in safety first, safety first
Say if you want my money, here's my plan
I'm not savin' it up for no naked(?) man
I've got what it takes
But it breaks my heart to give it away
Oh, there is somethin' I can't understand,
Why a good woman gets a no-good man.
I'm gonna leave here, and the time ain't long,
Because my man has done me wrong.
I've been mistreated and I don't like it,
There's no use to say I do.
I've been mistreated and I don't like it,
So I must tell to you.
Once upon a time I stood for all he did,
Those days are gone, believe me kid!
I've been mistreated and I don't like it,
There's no use to say I do.
Once upon a time I stood for all he did,
Those days are gone, believe me kid!
I've been mistreated and I don't like it, Lord,
No use to say I do, I mean,
Honey baby, won't you cuddle near,
just sweet mama whisper in your ear
I'm wild about that thing, it makes me laugh and sing,
give it to me papa, I'm wild about that thing
Do it easy, honey, don't get rough,
from you, papa, I can't get enough
I'm wild about that thing, I'm wild about that thing,
everybody knows it, I'm wild about that thing
Please don't hold it, baby, when I cry,
give me every bit of it or else I'll die
I'm wild about that thing, ja da ging ging ging,
all the time I'm cryin', I'm wild about that thing
What's the matter, papa, please don't stop,
don't you know I love it and I want it all?
I'm wild about that thing, just give my bell a ring,
you touched my button, I'm wild about that thing
If you want so satisfy my soul,
come on and rock me with a steady roll
I'm wild about that thing, gee I like your ting-a-ling,
kiss me like you mean it, I'm wild about that thing
Come on turn the lights down low,
say you're ready, just say let's go
I'm wild about that thing, I'm wild about that thing,
come on and make me feel it, I'm wild about that thing
I'm wild about it when you hold me tight,
let me linger in your arms all night
I'm wild about that thing, my passions got the fling,
Clara: I feel sad
Bessie: You feel blue
Clara: I can hardly sleep at night
Bessie: For your man was sore all the time
Clara: And I know I didn't treat him right
Bessie: You're going back to your first love
Clara: 'Cause a good man is hard to find
Bessie: I say you'll have such a grand good man
Clara: Believe me he is sure on my mind
Clara: I'm going back
Bessie: Yeah, you carrying it on back
Clara: I'm going back to my used to be
Bessie: You're going back
Clara: I'm going back, 'cause my man was sure good to me
When last winter when times was rough
Bessie: Look out there, Clara,
Clara: You know your man was in the pool yard strutting his stuff
I'm going back
Bessie: Clara, you say you're going back
I'm going back to my used to be
Bessie: And it's this morning
Clara: Back to my used to be
Bessie: What can you use him for
Clara: Crazy about my used to be
Bessie: He ain't good-looking
My man's got somethin', he gives me such a thrill
Every time he smiles at me, I can't keep my body still
I done cried so much, look like I've got the mumps1
I can't keep from worryin' 'cause I'm down in the dumps2
I had a nightmare last night, when I laid down
When I woke up this mornin', my sweet man couldn't be found
I'm goin' down to the river, into it I'm goin' to jump
Can't keep from worryin' 'cause I'm down in the dumps
Someone knocked on my door last night when I was asleep
I thought it was that sweet man of mine makin' his 'fore day creep
Wasn't nothin' but my landlord, a great big chump
Sat 'way from my door Mr. landlord, 'cause I'm down in the dumps
When I woke up my pillow was wet with tears
Just one from that man o' mine seems like a thousand years
But I'm gonna straighten up, straighter than Andy Gump
Ain't no use of me tellin' that lie 'cause I'm down in the dumps
I'm twenty-five years old, that ain't no old maid
I got plenty of vim and vitality, I'm sure that I can make the grade
I'm always like a tiger, I'm ready to jump
I need w whole lot's of lovin' 'cause I'm down in the dumps
__________
Note 1: mumps, a viral infectious disease, fever is one of the symptoms;
Tired of bein' lonely, tired of bein' blue,
I wished I had some good man, to tell my troubles to
Seem like the whole world's wrong, since my man's been gone
I need a little sugar in my bowl,
I need a little hot dog, on my roll
I can stand a bit of lovin', oh so bad,
I feel so funny, I feel so sad
I need a little steam-heat, on my floor,
Maybe I can fix things up, so they'll go
What's the matter, hard papa, come on and save you mama's soul
'Cause I need a little sugar, in my bowl, doggone it,
I need a little sugar in my bowl
I need a little sugar, in my bowl,
I need a little hot dog, between my rolls
You gettin' different, I've been told,
Move your finger, drop something in my bowl
I need a little steam-heat on my floor,
Maybe I can fix things up, so they'll go
(spoken: Get off your knees, I can't see what you're drivin' at!
It's dark down there!
Looks like a snake! C'mon here and drop somethin' here in my bowl,
There's a saying going 'round and I begin to think it's true
It's awful hard to love someone, when they don't care 'bout you
Once I had a lovin' man, as good as many in this town
But now I'm sad and lonely, for he's gone and turned me down, now
I ain't got nobody and nobody cares for me
I got the blues, the weary blues
And I'm sad and lonely, won't somebody come and take a chance with me?
I'll sing sweet love songs honey, all the time
If you'll come and be my sweet baby mine
'Cause I ain't got nobody, and nobody cares for me
Won't somebody go and find my man and bring him back to me
It's awful hard to be alone and without sympathy
Once I was a loving gal, as good as any in this town
Let me tell you daddy,
momma ain't gonna sit here and grieve
Pack up your stuff and get ready to leave
I stood your foolishness long enough,
so now I'm gonna call your bluff
Oh, I'm gonna call your hand,
so, now daddy here's my plan
Ain't gonna play no second fiddle 'cause,
I'm used to playin' lead
You must think that I am blind,
you've been cheatin' me all the time
Whoa yeah, you still flirt
And you'll notice I ain't hurt,
to see you with my chum
Do you think that I am dumb
You 'cause me to drink,
when I sit down and think
And notice that you never take heed
I went to your house the other night,
caught you and your good girl havin' a fight
Ain't gonna play no second fiddle 'cause
I'm used to playin lead
Caught you with your good-time tramp
so, now I'm gonna put out your lamp
Oh, poppa, I ain't sore
You ain't gonna mess up with me no more
I'm gonna flirt with another guy
then you're gonna hang your head an' cry
Ain't gonna play no second fiddle 'cause
Don't know what come over me,
Done lost my self control;
He's the sugar in my tea,
The jelly in my roll!
Got me goin',
He's got me goin',
But I don't know where I'm headed for!
Gee, I've got a lovin' man,
One o' them handsome brutes,
He's built 'ccordin' to a plan,
Too bad when it suits.
Got me goin',
He's got me goin',
But I don't know where I'm headed for!
I can't sleep a doggone wink
Unless he's by my side;
Mind's so different I just can't think
Without my easy ride!
Got me goin',
He's got me goin',
But I don't know where I'm headed for!
Lay and listen to the clock,
Ticks loud as a drum,
Hear the crowing of a cock,
Still my man ain't come!
Got me goin',
He's got me goin',
But I don't know where I'm headed for!
Wouldn't be no two-time gal,
Just one man's enough,
I don't need no two men 'cause
My one man knows his stuff!
Got me goin',
He's got me goin',
But I don't know where I'm headed for!
Got a heart for just one man,
Knows how to get to it,
For he's got the only key
That's the perfect fit!
Got me goin',
He's got me goin',
But I don't know where I'm headed for!
'Fraid to adverise my man,
Simply scared to death!
He's xxxxx by him,
And tryin' for there self.
Got me goin',
He's got me goin',
Don't bring no ghosts in the front, hurry 'em round to the backdoor!
This house is so haunted with dead men I can't lose
This house is so haunted with dead men I can't lose
And a sneaky old feeling gives me those haunted house blues
I can't sleep no more, I done lost my appetite
I can't sleep no more, done lost my appetite
'Cause my mistreating daddy hangs around me day and night
He moans when I'm sleeping, he wakes me at 2 a.m.
He moans when I'm sleeping, he wakes me at 2 a.m.
And he makes me swear I'll have no other man but him
Now I'm so worried and I'm blue all the time
Now I'm so worried and I'm blue all the time
Go tell the undertaker to fix that old coffin of mine
Lord, help us to get right!
I'm scared to stay here, I'm scared to leave this town
I'm scared to stay here, I'm scared to leave this town
But a feeling just tells me to burn this house on down
My man said he didn't want me
I'm getting tired of his dirty ways
I'm going to see another brown
I'm packin' my clothes
I'm leavin' town, getting outdoors
Lettin' him know and he'll see a hard time
Now there's no need of cryin', just put me off your mind,
Then you'll see a hard time
When your good woman is gone you'll see a hard time
(spoken: Don't say a word, just listen)
The risin' sun ain't gonna set in the east no more
The risin' sun ain't gonna set in the east no more
'Cause I'm a good woman I can get a man any place I go
You can say what you please, you will miss me
There's a lots-a things you are bound to see,
When your friends forsake you and your money's gone
Then you'll look around all your clothes is gone
Down on your knees you'll ask for me,
There's no one else you will want to see
Then you'll pray a prayer that men pray ev'rywhere, Lord
When your good woman is gone
I've been blue all day, my man's gone away
He has left his mama cold for another gal I'm told
I tried to treat him kind, I thought he would be mine
That man I hate to lose, that's why mama's got the blues
The man I love he has done left this town
The man I love he has done left this town
And if it keeps on snowing, I will be Gulf Coast bound
The mail man passed but he didn't leave no news
The mail man passed but he didn't leave no news
I'll tell the world he left me with those Gulf Coast blues
Some of you men sure do make me tired
Some of you men sure do make me tired
This blues was written by Ida Cox. Bessie Smith recorded it on 26
September 1923 with Jimmy Jones at the piano, just weeks after Ida's
recording (on June 23 with Lovie Austin's Blues Serenaders)
Blues on my mind, blues all around my head
Blues on my mind, and blues all around my head
I dreamed last night that the man that I love was dead
I went to the graveyard, fell down on my knees
I went to the graveyard, fell down on my knees
And I asked the gravedigger to give me back my real good man please
The gravedigger look me in the eye
The gravedigger look me in the eye
Said "I'm sorry lady but your man has said his last goodbye"
I wrung my hands and I wanted to scream
I wrung my hands and I wanted to scream
(spoken:
Twenty-five cents?
Ha! No! No!
I wouldn't pay twenty-five cents to go in nowhere 'cause listen here)
Up in Harlem ev'ry Saturday night when the high-browns git together it's just too tight,
they all congregates at an all night
strut
and what they do is tut-tut-tut
Old Hannah Brown from 'cross town gets full of corn and starts breakin' 'em down
Just at the break of day you can hear old Hannah say,
"Gimme a pigfoot and a bottle of beer"
Send me gate
I don't care
I feel just like I wanna clown
Give the piano player a drink because he's bringin' me down
He's got rhythm, yeah!
When he stomps his feet, he sends me right off to sleep
Check all your razors and your guns
We gonna be rasslin' when the wagon comes
I wanna pigfoot and a bottle of beer
Send me 'cause I don't care
Slay me 'cause I don't care
Gimme a reefer and a gang o' gin
Slay me, 'cause I'm in my sin
Slay me 'cause I'm full of gin
Check all your razors and your guns
Do the
shim-sham shimmy
How come I'm blue as can be, how come I need sympathy
I know what's troubling me, listen and you'll see
Because the good man that I got, left me all alone
Woke up this morning at four, when I heard him slamming my door
Did you ever wake up on a frosty morning and discover your good man gone
Did you ever wake up on a frosty morning and discover your good man gone
If you did you'll understand, why I'm singing sad moanful songs
Well, he didn't provide and he wasn't handsome, so he might not appeal to you
Well, he didn't provide and he wasn't handsome, so he might not appeal to you
But he gave me plenty loving and I never had to beg him too
Now my damper
is down and my fire ain't burning and a chill's all around my bed
My damper is down and my fire ain't burning and a chill's all around my bed
Men sure is deceitful and they's gettin' worser ev'ry day
Men sure is deceitful and they's gettin' worser ev'ry day
Act like a bunch of women, they's just-a gab, gab, gabbin' away
There's two things got me puzzled, there's two things I can't stand
There's two things got me puzzled, there's two things I can't stand
A mannish actin' woman and a skippin' twistin' woman actin' man
I used to love a man, he always made my poor heart ache
I used to love a man, he always made my poor heart ache
He was crooked as a corkscrew and evil as a copperhead snake
I know a certain man who spent a year runnin' a poor gal down
I know a certain man who spent a year runnin' a poor gal down
Written by S. Williams and recorded by Bessie in 1929.
Loving is the thing I crave
For your love I'll be your slave
You gotta give me some, yes give me some
Can't you hear me pleading, you gotta give me some
Said mister Jones to old butcher Pete,
I want a piece of your good old meat
You gotta give me some, oh give me some
I crave your round steak, you gotta give me some
Sweet as candy in a candy shop
Is just your sweet sweet lollypop
You gotta give me some, please give me some
I love all day suckers, you gotta give me some
To the milkman I heard Mary scream
Said she wanted a lots of cream
You gotta give me some, oh give me some
Catch it when you come sir, you gotta give me some
Hear my cryin' on my bended knees
If you wanna put my soul at ease
You gotta give me some, please give me some
Can't stand it any longer, you gotta give me some
Seeper called to Pele-Mele, sugar lump
Said I'm going crazy about your hump
You've got to give me some, please give me some
I can't wait eight days, you gotta give me some
Jaybird said to the peckerwood,
I like to peck like a pecker should
But give me some, yes give me some
The blues, the blues, the yodling blues
They seem to haunt me all the time
Because that I ain't got no one
That will console my mind
It seems to me no happiness will I ever find
No happiness will I find
Lord, lord, lord, lord
Lord, lord, lord, lord
My man went out without a cause
I wonder who put them jinx on me, I said, them jinx on me,
I wonder who put them jinx on me, lowdown jinx on me
My man's gone back to his used-to-be
I'm gonna yodel, yodel my blues away, I said, my blues away
I'm gonna yodel, yodel my blues away, ee-ooo, I'm gonna yodel
Till things come back my way
I've got the blues, go spread the news
Ever since Miss Susie Johnson
Lost her jockey Lee
There has been much excitement
And more to be
You can hear her moanin?
Moanin? night and morn
She's wonderin' where her
Easy rider's gone
Cablegrams goes off in inquiry
Telegrams goes off in sympathy
Letters came from down in Bam
Everywhere that Uncle Sam
Is the ruler of delivery
All day the phone rings, it's not for me
At last good tidings fills my heart with glee
This message came from Tennessee
Dear Sue, your easy rider struck this burg today
On a southbound rattler beside the Pullman car
I seen him there and he was on the hog
Oh, you easy rider's got to stay away
She had to vamp it but the hike ain't far
This blues by Bessie Smith was recorded on October 1, 1929 in New York,
with James P. Johnson at the piano.
I lived a life but nothing I've gained
Each day I'm full of sorrow and pain
No one seems enough for poor me
To give me a word of sympathy
Oh me, oh my
Wonder what will the end be
Oh me, oh my
Wonder what will become of poor me
No father to guide, no mother to care
Must bear my troubles all alone
Not even a brother to help me share
This burden I must bear alone
Oh me, oh my
Wonder what will the end be
Oh me, oh my
Wonder what will become of poor me
I'm sittin' and thinkin' of the days gone by
They fills my heart with pain
I'm too weak to stand and too strong to lie
But I'm forgettin' it all in vain
Oh me, oh my
Wonder what will the end be
Oh me, oh my
Wonder what will become of poor me
I've travelled and wandered almost everywhere
To get a little joy from life
Still I've gained but worries and despair
Still struggling in this world of strife
Oh me, oh my
Wonder what will the end be
Oh me, oh my
Papa, papa, you in a good man's way
Papa, papa, you in a good man's way
I can find one better than you any time of day
You ain't no good so you better haul your freight
You ain't no good, you better haul your freight
Mama wants the live wire, papa, you can take the gate
I'm a red hot woman just full of flamin' youth
I'm a red hot woman just full of flamin' youth
You can't cool me, daddy, you no good, that's the truth
All my time I wasted havin' you to bother me
All my time I wasted havin' you to bother me
You give me the willingness, now I'm glad I'm free
I'm one woman, don't want no, no good man
Yes, I'm one woman, don't want no, no good man
You just like a worn out badly be neglected thing
Yo, you've done failed, all your pep done gone
Yo, you've done failed, all your pep done gone
Tillie Brown was a dancing fool
Spent her time in a dancing school
When the band would play
Tillie would start right in to sway
First one out on the ballroom floor
She never got enough, she just craved for more
When she start to sway
All the girls and boys would say
Whoa, Tillie, take your time
Whoa, Tillie, take your time
There ain't no use to hurrying 'cause you wanna prance
You've got all night to do that dance
Whoa, Tillie, lay 'em down
Whoa, Tillie Brown
You don't know what to shake
When you shake
What to break
Whoa, Tillie, take your time
Whoa, Tillie, take your time
Whoa, Tillie, take your time
There ain't no use to hurrying 'cause you wanna prance
Look out there, Tillie, you got all night to do that dance
Whoa, Tillie, lay 'em down
Whoa, Tillie, Tillie Brown
You don't know what to shake
When you shake
I've lived a life but nothin' I've gained
Each day I'm full of sorrow and pain
No one seems to care enough for poor me,
To give me a word of sympathy
Oh, me! Oh, me! Wonder what will become of poor me?
No father to guide me, no mother to care
Must bear my troubles alone
Not even a brother to help me share
This burden I must bear alone
Oh, me! Oh, me! Wonder what will become of poor me?
I'm settin' and thinkin' of the days gone by
They filled my heart with pain
I'm too weak to stand and too strong to cry
But I'm forgittin' it all in vain
Oh, me! Oh, me! Wonder what will become of poor me?
I've traveled and wandered almost everywhere
To git a little joy from life
Still I've gained nothin' but wars and despairs
Still strugglin' in this world of strife
I know a fool that blows a horn,
He came from way down south,
I ain't heard such blowin' since I was born
When that trombone's in his mouth!
He wails and moans,
He grunts and groans,
he moans just like a cow!
Nobody else can do his stuff,
For he won't teach them how!
Oh Cholly, blow that thing,
That slide trombone;
Make it talk, make it sing,
Lawdy, where did you get that tone?
If Gabriel knows how you could blow,
He'll let you lead his band, I know!
Oh Cholly, blow that thing,
Play that slide trombone.
Oh Cholly, make it sing,
That slide trombone,
You'll even make a king
Get down off his throne;
And he would breaka leg, I know,
A-doin' the charleston while you blow!
Oh Cholly Green, play that thing,
I mean that slide trombone!
Note - written about Charlie Green, a famous trombobe player
Did you ever sit thinking with a thousand things on your mind?
Did you ever sit thinking with a thousand things on your mind?
Thinking about someone who has treated you so nice and kind
You'll get an old letter and you begin to read
You'll get an old letter and you begin to read
Got the blues so bad tell that man of mine I wanna be
Don't you hear me baby, knocking on your door?
Don't you hear me baby, knocking on your door?
Have you got the nerve to drive me from your door?
Have you got the nerve to say thay you don't want me no more?
Have you got the nerve to say thay you don't want me no more?
The good book said you got to reap what you sow
Take me back baby, try me one more time
Take me back baby, try me one more time
Come along, get you ready Wear your bran', bran' new gown
For there's gwine to be a meeting In that good, good old town
Where you knowded everybody And they all knowded you
And you've got a rabbit's foot To keep away de hoo-doo.
When you hear that the preaching does begin
Bend down low for to drive away your sin
And when you gets religion, you want to shout and sing
There'll be a hot time in the old town tonight, My baby
CHORUS:
When you hear dem a bells go ding ling ling
All join 'round and sweetly you must sing
And when the verse am through in the chorus all join in
There'll be a hot time in the old town tonight.
There'll be girls for ev'ry body: In that good, good old town,
For there's Miss Consola Davis And there's Miss Gondolia Brown
And there's Miss Johanna Beasly She am dressed all in red,
I just hugged her and I kissed her And to me then she said:
Please oh please, oh do not let me fall,
You're all mine and I love you best of all,
And you must be my man, or I'll have no man at all,
You're my man, you're so nice and brown
Sweetest man in this town
I heard you say you was goin' away
And leave me here to stay
I feel like I could cry
And here's the reason why
Daddy, you really know your stuff
When you take me for a buggy ride
I like you when you got your habits on
You can shift your gear with so much pride
I gets a funny feelin'
When you gaze into my eyes
You give me so much thrill
You make my thermometer rise
I'm happy when you're by my side
When you take me for a buggy ride
Daddy, you're as sweet as you can be
When you take me for a buggy ride
When you set me down up on your knee
And ask me to be your bride
When you hug and kiss me
It makes me feel fine
I gets this funny feelin'
Up and down my spine
You don't need no teachin', you don't need no guide
When you take me for a buggy ride
Your lovin' ain't so forte in the park
But you a lovin', poor creature in the dark
You ain't so hot, what can it be
That makes me say? "Daddy, take all of me"
You always ready every time that I call
What I like about you, you never stall
You ain't no preacher, you a good old soul
You done sent salvation to my very soul
I can't kick but I'm satisfied
Standin' in the rain and ain't a drop fell on me
Standin' in the rain and ain't a drop fell on me
My clothes is all wet but my flesh is as dry as can be
It can rain all day, I ain't got no place to go
It can rain all day, I ain't got no place to go
Because it's cold outside in that ice and snow
If it rains five days that won't give me no blues
If it rains five days that won't give me no blues
I've got my raincoat and hat, umbrella, boots and shoes
Rain, rain, rain don't rain on me all day
Rain, rain, rain don't rain on me all day
Worried in the nighttime, worried in the day
'Cause another sweetie, took my man away
Down in St. Louis, there I lost my pride and joy
St. Louis woman, stole the heart of my big boy, I'm cryin'!
St. Louis gal, just look what you done done, I said what you done done
St. Louis gal, you gonna have some fun, I mean a-lots of fun!
I'm always cryin' the blues, both night and day
Now, daddy's gone but you will shake in your shoes
Hear what I say, 'cause some fine mornin', without any warnin'
St. Louis gal, I'm gonna handle you, I say manhandle you
You'll find yourself in a jam, as sure as anything what am
Down in Missouri, there'll come a time, your life won't be worth a dime
You stole my pal, St. Louis gal, I'm going a-huntin', do, do, de, do
I hate to see the ev'nin' sun go down
Hate to see the ev'nin' sun go down,
'cause my baby, he done left this town
Feelin' tomorrow like I feel today
Feel tomorrow like I feel today,
I'll pack my trunk, make my getaway
St. Louis woman with her diamond rings
Pulls that man 'round by her apron strings,
't'want for powder and for store-bought hair
The man I love, would not gone nowhere,
Got the St. Louis blues just as blue as I can be
That man got a heart like a rock cast in the sea,
Or else he wouldn't have gone so far from me
Been to the gypsy to get my fortune told
To the gypsy, to get my fortune told,
'cause I'm most wild about my jelly roll
Gypsy done told me, "Don't you wear no black"
Yes, she done told me, "Don't you wear no black,
Go to St. Louis, you can win him back"
Help me to Cairo, make St. Louis by myself
Gone to Cairo, find my old friend Jeff
Goin' to pin myself close to his side,
If I flag his train, I sure can ride
I love that man like a schoolboy loves his pie
Like a Kentucky Colonel loves his mint and rye1
I'll love my baby till the day I die
You ought to see that stovepipe brown of mine,
Like he owns the diamond Joseph line
He'd make across-eyed old man go stone blind
Blacker than midnight, teeth like flags of truce
Blackest man in the whole St. Louis
Blacker the berry, sweeter is the juice
About a crap game, he knows a powerful lot,
But when work time comes, he's on the dot
Goin' to ask him for a cold ten spot,
What it takes to get it, he's certainly got
A black-headed gal make a freight train jump the track
Said a black-headed gal make a freight train jump the track
Daddy, you've been doggone sweet on me, daddy, you the only one I see
You know I need but you 'cause you my man, you can love me like no one can
Something 'bout you I can't resist, and when you kiss me, daddy, I stay kissed
Now, daddy, squeeze me, squeeze me again, oh, daddy don't stop till I tell you when
Now, daddy squeeze me, kiss me some more, oh, Lord, like you did before
Your papa cupid is standing close by
Now, daddy, don't let sweet baby cry
Pick me up on your knee
I just git so, you know, when you squeeze me
If you catch me stealin', I don't mean no harm
If you catch me stealin', I don't mean no harm
It's a mark in my family and it must be carryin' on
I got nineteen men and won't want more
I got nineteen men and won't want more
If I had one more I'd let that nineteen go
It's hard to love another woman's man
It's hard to love another woman's man
You catch him when you want him, you got to catch him when you can
Have you ever seen a peaches grow on sweet potato vine?
Have you ever seen a peaches grow on sweet potato vine ?
Just step in my backyard and take a peep at mine
I'm gonna tell you, daddy, like Solomon told the Jew
I'm gonna tell you, daddy, like Solomon told the Jew
Captain, tell your men to get on board
I sure see 'em just pull into another shore
I'm dreary in mind and I'm so worried in heart
Oh, the best of friends sho' has got to part
Blow your whistle captain, so your men'll know what to do
Blow your whistle captain, so your men'll know what to do
When a woman gets dreary, ain't no tellin' what she won't do
It's cloudy outdoors as can be
Oh, it's cloudy as can be
That's the time I need my good man with me
It's rainin' and it's stormin' on the sea
It's rainin', it's stormin' on the sea
Judge you wanna hear my plea
Before you open up your court
But I don't want no sympathy
'Cause I done cut my good man's throat
I caught him whith a trifling Jane
I warned him 'bout before
I had my knife and went insane
And the rest you ought to know
Judge, judge, please mister judge,
Send me to the 'lectric chair
Judge, judge, good mister judge,
Let me go away from here
I wanna take a journey
To the devil down below
I done killed my man
I wanna reap just what I sow
Oh judge, judge, lordy lordy judge
Send me to the 'lectric chair
Judge, judge, hear me judge
Send me to the 'lectric chair
I love him so dear
I cut him with my bi-lo (a brand of razor blades)(?)
I kicked him in the side
I stood here laughing o'r him
While he wallowed around and died
Oh judge, judge, lordy judge
Send me to the 'lectric chair
Judge, judge, sweet mister judge
Send me to the 'lectric chair
Judge, judge, good kind judge
Burn me 'cause I don't care
I don't want no one good mayor
To go my bail
I don't want to spend no
Ninety-nine years in jail
So judge, judge, good kind judge
You say that you leavin' ant that you going away
But before you leave, dear, please let me have my say
I know that you feel good now with nothin' on your mind
But just mark my words, dear, there'll come a time
I know you're gonna pay, you'll want me back someday
To drive the blues away then see if I care
And when ya feelin' blue, no one to talk to you
And you don't know what to do the see if I'll care
Though you think nothin' of me and say that you don't love me
The time is comin' when you won't feel like you do now
You're gonna call my name you know that you're to blame
And you won't be the same then see if I'll care
I know you're gonna pay, you'll want me back someday
To drive your blues away then see if I care
And when ya feelin' blue, no one to talk to you
(Spoken:
Who's that knockin' on that door
Jones?
You better get away from that door
I don't know nobody named Jones
You're in the right church, brother, but the wrong pew)
Sam Jones left his lawful wife, just to step around
Came back home, 'bout a year
Took it for his high brown
Went to his accustomed shore
And he knocked his knuckles sore
His wife she came, but to his shame
She knew his face no more
Sam said, "I'm your husband, dear"
But she said, "Dear, that's strange to hear"
You ain't talkin' to Mrs. Jones
You speakin' to Miss Wilson now
I used to be your lawful mate
But the judge done changed my fate
Was a time you could-a' walked right in
And call this place your home sweet home
But now it's all mine, for all time
I'm free and livin' all alone
Don't need your clothes, don't need your rent
Don't need your ones and twos
Though I ain't rich, I know my stitch
I earned my strutting shoes
Say, hand me the key that unlocks my front door
Because that bell don't read Sam Jones no more, no
You ain't talkin' to Mrs. Jones
Let me tell you how and why what no-good man done to me
He called me pretty, young and wild, after that he let me be
He'd taken advantage of my mouth, and that you understand
So, wait a while, show you, chile, just how to treat a no-good man
Make him stay at home, wash and iron,
Tell all the neighbors he done lost his mind
Give your house rent shake1 on Saturday night
Monday morning you'll hold collectors good and tight
You see a man you really like
Let him bite that monkey, brother, in his back
When his cruel heart turn, his love breaks down
Hold him where you got him make him stay in town,
'cause I'm a safety woman, lookin' for a safety man
Make him stay at home, help me wash and iron,
The neighbors know he done lost his mind
I give a house rent shake on Saturday night
Monday morning I held collectors good and tight
I seen a man I really like
I let him bite that monkey, brother, smack in his back
When his cruel heart turn, his love breaks down
I hold it where I had it and he stayed in town,
I'm a safety woman, and I had to have a safety man
I ain't good lookin', I'm built for speed
I've got ev'rything a pigmeat needs
Did you ever wake up with sorrow all on your mind?
Did you ever wake up with sorrow all on your mind?
He plays the blues to his congregation, hear his trombone whine
He'll make you love, he'll make you cry, he'll sit right down and moan
He'll weep and moan till I hear him say
Lord I wonder where my loving man is gone
Easy rider, you see I'm going away,
I won't be back until you change your ways
I won't be back until you change your ways
I'm going to the river carryin' a brand new rockin' chair
I'm going to the river carryin' a brand new rockin' chair
I'm gonna ask Mister Tadpole to move all his stuff from here
Blues jumped a rabbit, run him for a solid mile
Blues jumped a rabbit, run him for a solid mile
(intro) C F F#dim C Am D7 F C F
[C]Bessie was [C/G#)more than [Am]just a [D7]friend of mine [F] [G]
[C]We shared the [E]good times with the [Am]bad [D7] [F]
[C]Now [C/G#]many a [Am]year has [D7]passed me by [F] [G]
[C]I still re[E]call the best [Am]thing I ever had [F] [G]
[C]I'm just goin' down the road t' see [F]Bessie
[C]Oh, See her soon [G] (riff)
[C]Goin' down the road t' see [F]Bessie [F#dim]Smith
When I [C]get [Am]there I [D7]wonder [F]what she'll do [C] [F]
Now all the crazy things I had to try
Well I tried them all and then some
But if you're lucky one day you find out
Where it is you're really comin' from
I'm just goin' down the road t' see Bessie
Oh, See her soon
Goin' down the road t' see Bessie Smith
When I get there I wonder what she'll do
Now in my day I've made some foolish moves
But back then, I didn't worry 'bout a thing
And now again I still wonder to myself
Was it her sweet love or the way that she could sing
I'm just goin' down the road t' see Bessie
Oh, See her soon
Goin' down the road t' see Bessie Smith
When I get there I wonder what she'll do
There's so much time has gone right on by
I didn't think one could be so wrong
And then one night I was drinkin' and a-thinkin'
In the bottom of the glass I could see Bessie's face so strong
I'm just goin' down the road t' see Bessie
Oh, See her soon
Goin' down the road t' see Bessie Smith
When I get there I wonder what she'll do
When she sees me will she know what I've been through?
Will old times start to feelin' like new?
When I get there will our love still feel so true?
Yet all I have, I'll be a-bringin' it to you
Oh Bessie, sing them old-time blues
![Billie Holiday - The Legacy: 1933-1958 Disc 1 [Full Length Album]](http://web.archive.org./web/20130610102233im_/http://i.ytimg.com/vi/wUj2DSUQG2o/default.jpg "Billie Holiday - The Legacy: 1933-1958 Disc 1 [Full Length Album]")
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