The sheet music can be seen at Mississippi State University:


THE HESITATING BLUES
Words and music by W. C. Handy, ©1915.

1. Hello, Central! What's the matter with this line?
I want to talk to that high brown of mine.
Tell me: how long will I have to wait?
Please give me 2-9-8.
Why do you hesitate?
What you say? Can't talk to my brown?
A storm last night blowed the wires all down.
Tell me: how long will I have to wait?
Oh, won't you tell me now? Why do you hesitate?

CHORUS: "Procrastination is the thief of time"—
So all the wise owls say.
"One stitch in time may save nine"
Tomorrow's not today.
And if you put off, somebody's bound to lose.
I'd be his, he'd be mine,
And I'd be feeling gay.
Left alone to grieve and pine,
My best friend's gone away.
He's gone and left me the Hesitating Blues.

2. Sunday night, my beau proposed to me.
Said he'd be happy if his wifie I'd be.
Said he: "How long will I have to wait?
Come be my wife, Kate!
Why do you hesitate?"
I declined him just for a stall.
He left that night on the Cannon Ball.
Honey, how long will I have to wait?
Will he come back now, or will he hesitate?