I'VE GOT WHAT IT TAKES
Clarence Williams / H Jenkins

as rec by George Melly w John Chilton's Feetwarmers  1970's

also rec by Clarence Williams & his Washboard Band 1929


Stingy Jenny
Saved up all her pennies,
Off to the bank she would go.
Sharks would hound her
And surround her,
But none could get her dough!

Jenny's fella
Was a slick high yellow,
Went off to jail one day;
He cried for bail,
And turned real pale
When he heard Jenny say;

I've got what it takes,
But it breaks my heart to give it away!
It's in demand,
People want it every day!

I been savin' it up for a really long time,
To give it away would be almost a crime!
Your eyes may roll, your teeth may grit,
None of my money shall you get!

You can look in my bank book,
But I'll never let you feel my purse!
Take your hands away, daddy,
'Cause I believe in safety first!

I've got money, but it's my plan
To save it up for a real good man!
Got what it takes,
Breaks my heart to give it away!

Got what it takes,
But it breaks my heart to give it away!
It's in demand,
People want it every day!

I been savin' it up for a really long time,
To give it away would be almost a crime!
Your eyes may roll, your teeth may grit,
None of my small change shall you get!

You can look in my bank book,
But I'll never let you feel my purse!
Take your hands away, daddy,
'Cause I believe in safety first!

I've got money, but ain't my plan
To give it away to no snake hips man!
Got what it takes,
Breaks my heart to give it away!
I've got what it takes,
All I need is the breaks,
Breaks my heart to give it away!





(Contributed by Peter Akers - October 2009)