#AmericanWriters
Here I sit With my shoes mismated. Lawdy—mercy! I’s frustrated!
'Me an’ ma baby’s Got two mo’ ways, Two mo’ ways to do de Charleston!… Da, da, Da, da, da!
It was a long time ago. I have almost forgotten my dream. But it was there then, In front of me, Bright like a sun—
I live on a park bench. You, Park Avenue. Hell of a distance Between us two. I beg a dime for dinner—
I worked for a woman, She wasn’t mean— But she had a twelve—room House to clean. Had to get breakfast,
I play it cool I dig all jive. That's the reason I stay alive. My motto
Landlord, landlord, My roof has sprung a leak. Don’t you 'member I told you abou… Way last week? Landlord, landlord,
I went to the Gypsy’s. Gypsy settin’ all alone. I said, Tell me, Gypsy, When will my gal be home? Gypsy said, Silver,
You and your whole race. Look down upon the town in which y… And be ashamed. Look down upon white folks And upon yourselves
My old man’s a white old man And my old mother’s black. If ever I cursed my white old man I take my curses back. If ever I cursed my black old mot…
To fling my arms wide In some place of the sun, To whirl and to dance Till the white day is done. Then rest at cool evening
Love Is a ripe plum Growing on a purple tree. Taste it once And the spell of its enchantment
The census man, The day he came round, Wanted my name To put it down. I said, Johnson,
Big Boy came Carrying a mermaid On his shoulders And the mermaid Had her tail
My old mule, He’s gota grin on his face. He’s been a mule so long He’s forgotten about his race. I’m like that old mule —