HARD TIME BLUES

Bessie Smith   1926

Bessie Smith   rec Oct 25th 1926 New York


My man said he didn't want me,
I'm getting tired of his dirty ways;
I'm goin' to see another brown,
I'm packin' my clothes, I'm leavin' town!

Getting outdoors, lettin' him know,
And he'll see a hard time.
Now there's no need of cryin', just lose me off your mind,
And you'll see a hard time.
When your good woman is gone,
You will see a hard time!

Don't say a word, just listen!

The risin' sun ain't gonna set in the east no more,
The risin' sun ain't gonna set in the east no more,
'Cause I'm a good woman, I can get a man any place I go!

You can say what you please, you will miss me!
There's a-lots of things you are bound to see!
When your friends forsake you, and your money's gone,
Then you'll look around, all your clothes in pawn!

Down on your knees, you'll ask for me,
There's no-one else you will want to see!
Then you'll pray a prayer
That men pray everywhere, Lord,
When your good woman is gone,
When your good woman is gone.






(Contributed by Peter Akers - May 2009)