I GOT WHAT IT TAKES
(Williams / Calloway)


Blanche Calloway & Her Joy Boys - 1931





Mary Green, New Orleans, man so keen and tall
The man that she was lovin' was the one to make her fall
One day she received a note from her boyfriend in jail
And the fellah asked her if she'd mind sendin' him his bail
Now, she was a gal didn't believe in givin' men her money
So, she sat down and wrote him and said this, Dear Honey.....

I got what it takes, but it breaks my heart 
To give it away, give it away
This little thing that I've got 
Is the thing that makes fiddlers play, fiddlers play

I've been savin' it up since I don't know when
I ain't playin' Santy Clause to any man
This little thing, I ain't gonna abuse it
If I ever get broke, babe, I certainly can use it

This little thing is the thing
The whole world's talkin' about, talkin' about
And I'm certainly not going to do without
Without a doubt

Now, they caught you on the spot and now you're in jail
Can't send you none of this, might get lost through the mail
I got what it takes, but it breaks my heart 
Ain't gonna give it away

I say I got what it takes, but it breaks my heart , baby
To give it away, to give it away
And this little thing that I've got is the thing
That makes all fiddlers play, fiddlers play

I've been savin' it up since I don't know when
Ain't playin' Santy Clause to any man
Some people say that it's filthy and old
But you can tell the world it's worth its weight in gold

This little thing is the thing
The whole world's talkin' about, talkin' about
And I'm certainly not gonna do without
Without a doubt

Now, once you were my daddy, suited me to a tee
If you get any of this it will surprise me
I got what it takes, but it breaks my heart 
I ain't gonna give it away

(Instrumental Break)

Guess you wonder what I've got
All the boys think I'm so hot
Well, I got just what it takes
I ain't gonna give it away, baby
I ain't gonna give it away






(Transcribed by Mel Priddle - May 2012)