GOLDEN RULE BLUES
Bessie Smith 1925

Bessie Smith    rec Nov 20th 1925 New York

I can't understand, I can't keep my man,
Won't somebody please find him if you can,
Tell him this for me;

Give me back my key I let him have five years ago,
Bring me back my key I let him have five years ago,
You don't know how to use it, you don't need it no more!

Looked for you at home, you never can be found,
Looked for you at home, you never can be found,
That's the reason why you can't carry my key around!

Pretty papa, you must learn the rules,
Pretty papa, you must learn the rules,
Go to work every mornin' like all the other men do!

Bring me your pay after your work every day,
Bring me your pay after your work every day,
That's the only way you can make your pretty mama stay!









(Contributed by Peter Akers - May 2009)