Beale Street Blues

[Verse 1]
I've seen the lights of gay Broadway
Old Market Street down by the Frisco Bay
I've strolled the Prado, I've gambled on the Bourse
In Paris, France

[Verse 2]
The seven wonders of the world I've seen
And many are the places I have been
Take my advice, folks and see Beale Street first
In Memphis, Tenneesse

[Chorus]
You'll see pretty browns in beautiful gowns
You'll see tailor-mades and hand-me-downs
You'll meet honest men, and pick-pockets skilled
You'll find that business never closes 'til somebody gets killed

[Verse 3]
I'd rather be here than any place I know
Oh, I'd rather be here than any place I know
It's gonna take the police
For to make me go

[Verse 4]
Going to the river, baby, by and by
Going to the river, and there's a reason why
Because the river's wet
And Beale Street's dry

[Verse 5]
Going to Havana or to Montreal
Yes, I'm going to Havana or to Montreal
Because I'm Europe bred
But this gal want alcohol

[Verse 6]
Oh, the graveyard is a nasty old place
I say, the graveyard is a nasty old place
They put you on your back
And throw dirt on your face