Lyr/Chords Req: Songs by Bessie Smith

Subject: Lyr Add: MY MAN BLUES (Bessie Smith)
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 06 Nov 11 - 01:05 PM

This song was mentioned in another thread where the topic of discussion was mainly the expression "turn your damper down." It didn't seem like the best place to post the complete lyrics.

From Bessie Smith Songbook (Hal Leonard Corporation, 1994), page 80. Interestingly, although the book apparently contains sheet music, in the preview available at Google, only the lyrics and chord names are visible.


MY MAN BLUES
Written by Bessie Smith
As sung by Bessie Smith and Clara Smith [no relation] on Columbia 14098D, 1925.

[SUNG:]
(Bessie:) Clara, who was that man I saw you with the other day?
(Clara:) Bessie, that was my smooth black daddy that we call Charlie Gray.

(Bessie:) Don't you know that's my man? Yes, that's a fact.
(Clara:) I ain't seen your name printed up and down his back.

(Bessie:) You better let him be.
(Clara:) What, old gal? Because you ain't talkin' to me.

(Bessie:) That's my man. I want him for my own.
(Clara:) No! No! He's my sweet daddy. You'd better leave that man alone.

(Bessie:) See that suit he's got on? I bought it last week.
(Clara:) I've been buyin' clothes for five years, for that is my black sheik.

(Charlie whistles.)

[SPOKEN:]
(Bessie:) Is that you, honey?
(Charlie:) 'Tain't nobody but. Who's back here?
(Clara:) It sound like Charlie.
(Bessie:) It is my man, sweet papa Charlie Gray.
(Clara:) Your man? How do you git that way?
(Bessie:) Now, look here, honey. I been had that man for umpteen year.
(Clara:) Child, didn't I turn your damper down?
(Bessie:) Yes, Clara, and I've cut you every way but loose!
(Clara:) Well, you might as well be get it fixed.
(Bessie:) Well, then....

[SUNG:]
I guess we got to have him on cooperation plan.
I guess we got to have him on cooperation plan.

[SPOKEN:]
(Clara:) Bessie!
(Bessie:) Clara!

[SUNG:]
(Bessie and Clara:) Ain't nothin' diff'rent 'bout that rotten two-time man.

[SPOKEN:]
(Bessie:) How about it?
(Clara:) Suits me!
(Bessie:) Suits me! Well then...!

Subject: RE: Bessie Smith
From: GUEST,Sandra
Date: 09 Apr 01 - 07:56 PM

Thanks very much. Great site (how come I missed it?). Now if I could just find a similar site with tabs/chords/toones.......

Subject: RE: Bessie Smith
From: bradfordian
Date: 09 Apr 01 - 03:57 PM

Check this site Sandra (from a previous thread!) http://www.geocities.com/BourbonStreet/Delta/2541/blbsmith.htm

Regards Baz

Subject: Bessie Smith
From: GUEST,Sandra
Date: 09 Apr 01 - 01:56 PM

Hi. Does anyone have any lyrics/chords/tabs of tunes sung by Bessie Smith? Thanxs.