I USED TO BE YOUR SWEET MAMA
Fred Longshaw / Leslie Miller

as rec by Bessie Smith  Feb 9th 1928 New York


Yes I'm mad, and I have a right to be,
After what my daddy did to me;
I lavished all my love on him,
But I swear I'll never love again!

All you women understand what is
To be in love with a two-time man;
The next time he calls me "Sweet mama" in his lovin' way,
This is what I'm going to say;

I used to be your sweet mama, sweet papa,
But now I'm just as sour as can be,
So don't come stormin' around my way
Expectin' any love from me.

You had your chance and proved unfaithful,
So now I'm gonna be real mean and hateful!
I used to be your sweet mama, sweet papa,
But now I'm just as sour as can be!

I ain't gonna let no man worry me sick,
Or turn this hair o' mine grey;
Soon as I catch him at his two-time trick,
I'm gonna tell him to be on his way!

To the world I scream,
"No man can treat me mean
And expect my love all the time!".
When he roams away,
He'd better stay,
If he comes back, he'll find;

You had your chance and proved unfaithful,
So now I'm gonna be real mean and hateful!
I used to be your sweet mama, sweet papa,
But now I'm just as sour as can be!





(Contributed by Peter Akers - May 2009)