I was looking for something that might have been an antecedent to the above song. I found this, which may be unrelated, but it's a good song anyway, and worth having here:


SECOND HANDED MAN
(Easton and Waters)
As recorded by Ethel Waters, Columbia 1871-D, 1929.

INTRO: It's a long, long story; do you want to hear it?
If you don't, I'll tell it anyhow.
I've got a man trained to my hand,
So I'm all through hunting now.
What I'm telling you is private,
And it should be kept that way.
He ain't new, 'cause I'm number two,
So that's why I'm going to say:

1. He's been used, though not abused,
And I choose not to lose
That second-handed man of mine.
Slightly worn, kind o' torn,
But I've sworn not to loan
That second-handed man of mine.
Talkin' about promotion, he's made the grade, and how!
He used to be my extra man, but he's booked solid now.
All content, for me was meant,
Faith-revealed and heaven-sent,
That second-handed man of mine!

2. Why, he's got "it," I'll admit,
And I won't share a single bit
Of that second-handed man of mine.
Genuine, super-fine,
Void of note and oh so kind,
That second-handed man of mine!
His touch is just like magic when you're sad and all forlorn.
One kiss from his lovin' lips and all your mis'ry's gone.
Kind o' bold, likes to scold,
He'll convert your very soul,
That second-handed man of mine.

3. He's just like a pipe, good and ripe,
Yes, in age and just the type,
That second-handed man of mine.
Ain't no beaut, yet kind o' cute,
Plays music, not a flute,
That second-handed man of mine!
Why, he is all the flavors; there ain't none after him.
I used to say the selfsame thing when I first met Sunny Jim.
Tight like that, not too fat,
Just like Babe Ruth at a bat,
That second-handed man of mine!