Bessie Smith - Put It Right Here (Or Keep It Out There)

(Porter Grainger)

I had a man for fifteen years
Give him his room and board
Once he was like a Cadillac
Now he's like an old worn out Ford
He never brought me a lousy dime
And put it in my hand
So there'll be some changes from now on
According to my plan

He's got to get it, bring it, and put it right here
Or else he's gonna keep it out there
If he must steal it, beg it, or borrow it somewhere
Long as he gets it, I don't care
I'm tired of fryin' pork chops
To grease his fat lips
And he has to find another place
For to park his old hips
He must get it, and bring it, and put it right here Or else he's gonna keep it out there

The bee gets the honey, and brings it to the corn
Else he's kicked out of his home sweet home
To show you that they brings it, watch the dog and the cat
Everything even brings it, from a mule to a gnat
The rooster gets the worm, and brings it to the hen
That oughta be a tip to all you no-good men
The groundhog even brings it and puts it in his hole
So my man has got to bring it, doggone his soul

He's got to get it, bring it, and put it right here
Or else he's gonna keep it out there
If he must steal it, beg it, or borr' it somewhere
Long as he gets it child, I don't care
I'm gonna tell him like the China man: when you don't bring 'em check
You don't get 'em laundry, if you break 'em down neck
You got to get it, bring it, and put it right here
Or else you gonna keep it out there