I'D RATHER BE BLUE THAN GREEN
(Razaf, Williams & Waller, 1924)

Some folks criticize me
Because I'm always blue.
Some folks criticize me
Because I'm always blue.
But they sympathize
If they knew what I've been through.
They make feel plain
And that's just why I sing

Rather be blue
Rather be blue
Rather be blue than green.
Rather be blue
Rather be blue than green.
'Cause when a woman's green
Hasn't got a chance I mean.

My eyes are brown.
My eyes are brown.
My teeth are pearly white.
My eyes are brown
My teeth are pearly white
Because my skin is dark
It don't mean my heart ain't right.

I always be red
Always be red
Daddy stays out late
Always be red
When Daddy stays out late
'Cause I know some high yellah
Has kept him for a date.

When you are green
When you are green
Men fool you right on through.
When you are green
Men fool you right on through.
But when you know your business
They'll bring it on back home to you.


Sarah Martin, Side A (b/w What Kind'a Man Is You?) Okeh 8191, 1924
Sarah Martin, In Chronological Order, Vol. 3, Document DOCD-5397, 1995