Transcribed from vocals by Bessie Smith, recorded
September 24, 1923.
From Bessie
Smith: 1923; The Chronological Classics 761.
[Spoken]
Who's that knockin' on that door?
Jones?
You better get away from that door!
I don't know nobody named Jones!
You're in the right church, brother,
but the wrong pew!
Sam Jones left his lawful wife,
just to step around,
Came back home, 'bout a year,
Took him for his high brown;
Went to his accustomed store,
And he knocked his knocker sore.
His wife she came, but to his shame,
She knew his face no more.
Sam said, "I'm your husband, dear."
But she said, "Dear, that's great
to hear.
You ain't talkin' to Mrs. Jones,
You speakin' to Miss Wilson now!
I used to be your lawful mate,
But the judge done changed my fate.
Was a time you coulda' walked right
in
And call this place your home sweet
home;
But now it's all mine, for all
time,
I'm free and livin' all alone!
Don't need your clothes, don't need
your rent,
Don't need your ones and twos,
Though I ain't rich, I know my
stitch,
I earned my strutting shoes;
There, hand me the key, that unlocks
my front door,
Because that bell don't read Sam
Jones no more! No!
You ain't talkin' to Mrs. Jones,
You speakin' to Miss Wilson now!"
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