My Man Blues
by 
Bessie Smith 
recording of 1924 or 1925 
from 
The Complete Recordings, Vol. 2 (1924-1925) (Columbia/Legacy C2K-47471) 
Clara: who was that man I saw you with the other day? 
Bessie: that was my smooth black daddy that we call Charlie Gray 
Don't you know that's my man? 
Yes, that's a fact 
I ain't seen your name printed up and down his back 
You better let him be 
What old gal? 
Because you ain't talkin' to me 
That's my man, I want him for my own 
(spoken: No! No!) 
He's my sweet daddy 
You'd better leave that man alone 
See that suit he's got on? 
I bought it last week 
I've been buyin' clothes for five years for that is my black sheik 
Is that you honey? 
(Charlie) 'Tain't nobody but, who's back here? 
It sounds like Charlie 
It is my man, sweet papa Charlie Gray 
Your man? 
How do you git that way? 
Now, look here, honey, I been had that man for umpteen year 
Child, didn't I turn your damper 
down? 
Yes, Clara, and I've cut you every way but loose! 
Well, you might as well be get it fixed 
Well, then... 
I guess we got to have him on cooperation plan 
I guess we got to have him on cooperation plan 
(spoken: 
Bessie! 
Clara!) 
(Bessie and Clara together) Ain't nothin' different 'bout that rotten two time man 
How about it? 
Suits me! 
Suits me! 
Well then...! 
__________ 
Note: plain text style is Bessie, italic is Clara; 
Note 1: damper, a device that damps as a valve or plate (as in the flue of a furnace) for regulating the draft.