Copied from the sheet music at Baylor University:


I'M SORRY I AIN'T GOT IT YOU COULD HAVE IT IF I HAD IT BLUES
Words by Sam M Lewis & Joe Young; music by Ted Snyder, ©1919.

1. Where am the friend
That used to lend?
It looks like Mister Hard Luck's goin' to stick to the end,
Sad am the day,
And sad am I.
I'm down and out, and there's no doubt
That Mister Good Luck's passin' me by.

CHORUS 1: I've got that "sorry I ain't got it, you could have it if I had it" blues,
Mean blues.
Life to me is just a poor excuse.
If money grew on chestnut trees,
I'd starve to death hangin' 'round for a breeze.
I've got that "call around tomorrow; if I have it, you can borrow" hard luck blues.
I'd love to die, but, oh, well, what's the use?
One day I tried to touch a chum
And he was stricken deaf and dumb.
I've got those "sorry I ain't got it; you could have it if I had it" blues.

2. The time has come when birds don't hum.
You're lucky if you count your friends on a finger and thumb.
That welcome mat before the door
Is all a joke in case you're broke,
'Cause Mister Friend don't live there no more.

CHORUS 2: I've got that "sorry I ain't got it, you could have it if I had it" blues,
Mean blues.
Life to me is just a poor excuse.
If money grew on chestnut trees,
I'd starve to death hangin' 'round for a breeze.
I've got that "call around tomorrow; if I have it you can borrow" hard luck blues.
I'd love to die, but, oh, well, what's the use?
When it's as cold as it can be,
They give their old straw hats to me.
I've got those "sorry I ain't got it; you could have it if I had it" blues.