Them “Has Been” Blues Bessie Smith

Maybe you'd like to know, know why I'm blue
Know why I'm blue, know why I'm blue
Maybe some day it might happen to you
Yes, it might happen to you

When I tell my story, listen please do
It's sad but true, please hear it through
Now if you've got a papa, then you will know
Just why the blues upset me so

Did you ever wake up with the sun's early rise
And feel around the place where your sweet sweet papa lies
And when you find that he's gone, and his pillow ain't even warm
Well there you're set for the news, just you've got them "has been" blues

You reach out for your stockin', you reach out for your skirt
You don't know what you doin', your feelin' sure is hurt
You try to find your wrap up, can't even find your hat
You stumble over the lockup and start to curse the cat

Rush to the front door and pull it open wide
Then you find a message peekin' right outside
It reads, "Goodbye sweet mama, now don't you feel so blue
I've got another woman that's a better gal than you!"

Did you ever wake up with the sun's early rise
And feel around the place where your sweet man used to lay
And then you want to hang your head and climb right back into bed
Be satisfied with the news, Lord, you got them "has been" blues