WASTED LIFE BLUES
Bessie Smith  1929

Bessie Smith w James P Johnson (piano)   
rec Oct 1st 1929 New York


I've lived a life, but nothin' I've gained,
He's damned full of sorrow and pain.
No-one seems to care enough of poor me
To give me a word of sympathy.

Oh me, oh my, wonder what will the end be;
Oh me, oh my, wonder what will become of poor me!

No father to guide me, no mother to care,
Must bear my troubles all alone.
Not even a brother to help me share,
This burden I must bear alone.

Oh me, oh my, wonder what will the end be;
Oh me, oh my, wonder what will become of poor me!

I'm settin' and thinkin' of the days gone by,
They fills my heart with pain.
I'm too weak to stand and too strong to cry,
But I'm forgettin' it all in vain!

Oh me, oh my, wonder what will the end be;
Oh me, oh my, wonder what will become of poor me!

I've travelled and wandrered almost everywhere
To get a little joy from life.
Still, I've gained nothin' but wars and despair,
Still strugglin' in this world of strife!

Oh me, oh my, wonder what will the end be;
Oh me, oh my, wonder what will become of poor me!






(Contributed by Peter Akers - May 2009)