I've Got What It Takes
by 
Clarence Williams 
/ H. Jenkins 
recording of May 15 1929, New York City 
from 
The Complete Recordings, Vol. 4 (Columbia/Legacy 52838) 
Oh Stingy Ginny saved up all her pennies 
Straight to the bank she would go 
The sharks would have their hands around her 
But none could get her dough 
Ginny's fellow was a slick 
high yeller 
Sent away to jail one day 
He cried for bail, then turned real pale 
When I heard Ginny say 
Oh I've got what it takes 
But it breaks my heart to give it away 
It's in demand 
They wants it every day 
I've been saving it up for a long long time 
To give it away would be more than a crime 
Your eyes may roll, your teeth may grit 
But none of my money will you git 
You can look at my bank book 
But I'll never let you feel my purse 
'Cause I'm a woman, believes in safety first, safety first 
Said if you want my money, here's my plan 
I'm saving it up for a real good man 
I've got what it takes 
But it breaks my heart to give it away 
She said I've got what it takes 
But it breaks my heart to give it away 
It's in demand 
Folks cryin' for it every day 
I've been saving it up for a long long time 
To give it away would be more than a crime 
Your eyes may roll, your teeth may grit 
But none of this small change will you git 
You can look at my bank book 
But I'll never let you put your hands on my purse 
Lord I'm a woman, believes in safety first, safety first 
Say if you want my money, here's my plan 
I'm not savin' it up for no naked man 
I've got what it takes 
But it breaks my heart to give it away 
__________ 
Note 1: dough, slang for money.