YOU'VE GOT TO BEAT ME TO KEEP ME
(Porter Grainger)


Trixie Smith & Her Down Home Syncopators - 1925





I know a gal, peculiar gal, her name is Susie-Anne
She raises sand to beat the band, to aggravate her man
He totes knives and pistols, just to keep in trim
And when her man ain't knockin' her down
This is what she says to him

You've got to beat me to keep me
'Cause mama loves a hard boiled man
So don't you let no man cheat me
If he's got a good right hand

Beat me up for breakfast, knock me down for tea
Black my eye for supper, then you're pleasin' me
You've got to beat me to keep me
'Cause mama loves a hard boiled man

Mama don't want no diamond rings
And she don't want no swell clothes
Flail me daddy til it stings
Across my mouth and nose

I don't want no hug and kiss
I don't want no love and smile
Beat me with your hand or fist
Papa, like I was your child

You've got to beat me to keep me
'Cause mama loves a hard boiled man
So don't you let no man cheat me
If he's got a good right hand

Come down in my kitchen, leave all ???? and ????
Beat me to a frazzle with your skillets, pots and pans
You will beat me to keep me
'Cause mama loves a hard boiled man






(Transcribed by Mel Priddle - December 2012)