Wasted Life Blues
by 
Bessie Smith 
recording of 
from 
The Complete Recordings, Vol. 4 (Columbia/Legacy 52838) 
I've lived a life but nothin' I've gained 
Each day I'm full of sorrow and pain 
No one seems to care enough for poor me, 
to give me a word of sympathy 
Oh, me! Oh, me! Wonder what will become of poor me? 
No father to guide me, no mother to care 
Must bear my troubles alone 
Not even a brother to help me share 
This burden I must bear alone 
Oh, me! Oh, me! Wonder what will become of poor me? 
I'm settin' and thinkin' of the days gone by 
They filled my heart with pain 
I'm too weak to stand and too strong to cry 
But I'm forgittin' it all in vain 
Oh, me! Oh, me! Wonder what will become of poor me? 
I've traveled and wandered almost everywhere 
To git a little joy from life 
Still I've gained nothin' but wars and despairs 
Still strugglin' in this world of strife 
Oh, me! Oh, me! Wonder what will become of poor me?