Billie’s Blues (Live at Carnegie Hall, 1946)

[Verse 1]
I love my man
I'm a liar if I say I don't
I love my man
I'm a liar if I say I don't
But I'll quit my man
I'm a liar if I say I won't

[Verse 2]
I've been your slave, baby
Ever since I've been your babe
I've been your slave
Ever since I've been your babe
But before I'll be your dog
I'll see you in your grave

[Bridge]
My man wouldn't give me no breakfast
Wouldn't give me no dinner
Squawked about my supper then he put me outdoors
Had the nerve to lay a matchbox on my clothes
I didn't have so many
But I had a long, long way to go

[Verse 3]
I ain't good looking
And my hair ain't curled
I ain't good looking
And my hair ain't curled
But my mother, she give me something
It's gonna carry me through this world

[Outro]
Some men like me 'cause I'm happy
Some 'cause I'm snappy
Some call me honey
Others think I've got money
Some say "Billie
Baby, you built for speed"
If you put that all together
Makes me everything a good man needs