DOWN IN THE DUMPS
(Lyrics by Leola P. Wilson / Music by Wesley Wilson)


Bessie Smith - 1933
Rory Block - 1981
Valerie Wellington - 1984

Also recorded by: Jack Teagarden; Dianne Nola.




My man's got somethin', he gives me such a thrill
Every time he smiles at me, I can't keep my body still
I done cried so much, look like I've got the mumps
I can't keep from worryin' 'cause I'm down in the dumps

I had a nightmare last night, when I laid down
When I woke up this mornin', my sweet man couldn't be found
I'm goin' down to the river, into it I'm goin' to jump
Can't keep from worryin' 'cause I'm down in the dumps

Someone knocked on my door, last night when I was asleep
I thought it was that sweet man of mine makin' his 'fore day creep
Wasn't nothin' but my landlord, a great big chump
Stay 'way from my door Mister Landlord, 'cause I'm down in the dumps

When I woke up my pillow was wet with tears
Just one day from that man o' mine seems like a thousand years
But I'm gonna straighten up, straighter than Andy Gump
Ain't no use of me tellin' that lie 'cause I'm down in the dumps

I'm twenty-five years old, that ain't no old maid
I got plenty of vim and vitality, I'm sure that I can make the grade
I'm always like a tiger, I'm ready to jump
I need a whole lots o' lovin' 'cause I'm down in the dumps



(Transcribed by Mel Priddle - February 2011)