Nina Simone

Earl S. Burroughs

Plain gold ring on his finger he wore
It was where everyone could see
He belonged to someone, but not me
On his hand was a plain gold band

Plain gold ring has a story to tell
It was one that I knew too well
In my heart it will never be spring
Long as he wears a plain gold ring
Oh, oh

When nighttime comes a' callin' on me
I know why I will never be free
I can't stop these teardrops of mine
I'm gonna love him till the end of time

Plain gold ring has but one thing to say
I'll remember till my dying day
In my heart it will never be spring
Long as he wears a plain gold ring
Plain gold ring on his finger he wore
Plain gold ring on his finger he wore
Plain gold ring on his finger he wore

Black is the color of my true loves hair
His face so soft and wondrous fair
The purest eyes
And the strongest hands
I love the ground on where he stands
I love the ground on where he standsBlack is the color of my true loves hair
Of my true loves hair
Of my true loves hairOh I love my lover
And where he goes
Yes, I love the ground on where he goes
And still I hope
That the time will come
When he and I will be as one
When he and I will be as oneSo black is the color of my true loves hair
Black is the color of my true loves hair
Black is the color of my true loves hair

Black is the colour of my true love's hair
His face so soft and wonderous fair
The purest eyes and the strongest hands
I love the ground on where he stands
I love the ground on where he stands

Black is the colour of my true love's hair
Of my true love's hair
Of my true love's hair

Oh, I love my lover, and well he knows
Yes, I love the ground on where he goes
And still I hope that the time will come
When he and I will be as one
When he and I will be as one
When he and I will be as one

So black is the colour of my true love's hair
Of my true love's hair
Of my true love's hair

Traditional

If it hadn't been for cotton-eye joe
I'd been married long time ago
Where did you come from. Where did you go?
Where did you come from cotton-eye joe?

(repeat)

He came to town like a midwinter storm
He rode through the fields so
Handsome and strong
His eyes was his tools and his smile was his gun
But all he had come for was having some fun

(repeat intro)

He brought disaster wherever he went
The hearts of the girls was to hell broken sent
They all ran away so nobody would know
And left only men cause of cotton-eye joe

(repeat intro)

Traditional

If it hadn't been for cotton-eye joe
I'd been married long time ago
Where did you come from. Where did you go?
Where did you come from cotton-eye joe?

(repeat)

He came to town like a midwinter storm
He rode through the fields so
Handsome and strong
His eyes was his tools and his smile was his gun
But all he had come for was having some fun

(repeat intro)

He brought disaster wherever he went
The hearts of the girls was to hell broken sent
They all ran away so nobody would know
And left only men cause of cotton-eye joe

(repeat intro)

Dorothy Fields, Jimmy MacHugh

I know why I waited
Know why I've been blue
I've been waiting each day
For someone exactly like you

Why should I spend some money
On a show or two
When nobody sings these love songs
Exactly like you

You make me feel so grand
I wanna give this world to you
You make me understand
These foolish little dreams I'm dreaming
And schemes I'm scheming

Now I know why my mama
She taught me to be true
She knew just around the corner
Was somebody like you

You make me feel so grand
I wanna give this world to you
Baby you make me understand
These foolish little dreams I'm dreaming
And schemes I'm scheming

Now I know why my mama
She taught me to be true
She knew just around the corner
Yes she knew just around the corner
Was somebody like you

My man he don't love me he treats me oh so mean
My man he don't love me he treats me oh so mean
He's the meanest man that I've ever seeMy baby wears high peg pants stripes are really yellow
Baby wears high peg pants stripes area really yellow
When he starts into love me he's so fine and mellowLove will make you drink and gamble make you stay out all night long
Love will make you drink and gamble make you stay out all night long
Love will make you do things that you know is wrongDo right baby if you stay home every day
I'll do right baby if you stay home every day
You're so mean and evil I know you're gonna drive me awayWhy did he leave me why did he have to go
Why did he leave me why did he have to go
Went off and left me baby I loved him soI'll be a good wife to you if it means anything to you
I'll stay home every night and I'll love you
And kiss you every night and one of these days
If you're good to me honey one of these day
If God is good to me I'll bring you a little burnyCome back to me baby try me one more time
Cos without your loving I swear I'm gonna lose my mind

My man he don't love me he treats me oh so mean
My man he don't love me he treats me oh so mean
He's the meanest man that I've ever seeMy baby wears high peg pants stripes are really yellow
Baby wears high peg pants stripes area really yellow
When he starts into love me he's so fine and mellowLove will make you drink and gamble make you stay out all night long
Love will make you drink and gamble make you stay out all night long
Love will make you do things that you know is wrongDo right baby if you stay home every day
I'll do right baby if you stay home every day
You're so mean and evil I know you're gonna drive me awayWhy did he leave me why did he have to go
Why did he leave me why did he have to go
Went off and left me baby I loved him soI'll be a good wife to you if it means anything to you
I'll stay home every night and I'll love you
And kiss you every night and one of these days
If you're good to me honey one of these day
If God is good to me I'll bring you a little burnyCome back to me baby try me one more time
Cos without your loving I swear I'm gonna lose my mind

The other woman finds time to manicure her nails,
The other woman is perfect where her rival fails.
And she's never seen with pin curls in her hair.
The other woman enchants her clothes with French perfume.
The other woman keeps fresh cut flowers in each room.
There are never toys scattered anywhere...And when her old man comes to call,
He'll find her waiting like a lonesome queen.
'cause when she's by his side
it's such a change from her old routine.
But...The other woman will always cry herself to sleep.
The other woman will never have his love to keep.
And, as years go by...
The other woman will spend her life alone.

Love me love me love me
Say you do
Let me fly away
with you
For my love is like
the wind
And wild is the windGive me more
than one caress
Satisfy this
hungriness
Let the wind
blow through your heart
For wild is the windYou...
touch me...
I hear the sound
of mandolins
You...
kiss me...
With your kiss
my life begins
You're spring to me
All things
to meDon't you know you're
life itself
Like a leaf clings
to a tree
Oh my darling,
cling to me
For we're creatures
of the wind
And wild is the wind
So wild is the windWild is the wind
Wild is the wind

Love me love me love me
Say you do
Let me fly away
with you
For my love is like
the wind
And wild is the windGive me more
than one caress
Satisfy this
hungriness
Let the wind
blow through your heart
For wild is the windYou...
touch me...
I hear the sound
of mandolins
You...
kiss me...
With your kiss
my life begins
You're spring to me
All things
to meDon't you know you're
life itself
Like a leaf clings
to a tree
Oh my darling,
cling to me
For we're creatures
of the wind
And wild is the wind
So wild is the windWild is the wind
Wild is the wind

I don't want him you can have him
He's not worth fighting for
Besides there's plenty more where he came from
I don't want him you can have him
I'm giving him the sack
And he can go right back where he came from
I'm afraid I never loved him
Sweetie he'd be better off with you
I could never make him happyAll I ever wanted to do was
Run my fingers through his curly locks
Mend his underwear and darn his socks
Fetch his slippers and remove his shoes
Wipe his glasses when he's read the news
Rub his forehead with a gentle touch
Mornings after when he's had a little too much
Kiss him gently when he cuddles near
And give him babies one for every yearSo you see that I don't want him you can have him
You can have him cos I don't want him
Because he's not the man for me
Then I'd close the window while he soundly slept
Then I'd raid the icebox where the food is kept
I'd fix the breakfast that would please him most
Eggs and coffee some apricot juice and some buttered toast
Oh oh then I'd go out and buy the papers
And when they've been read spend the balance of the day in bedSo you see that I don't want him you can have him
You can have him cos I don't want him because he's not my man
I don't want him you can have him
You can have him I don't want him
You can have him I don't want him
Cos he's not the man for me

Traditional

Black is the color of my true love's hair
His face so soft and wondrous fair
The purest eyes
And the strongest hands
I love the ground on where he stands
I love the ground on where he stands

Black is the color of my true love's hair
Of my true love's hair
Of my true love's hair

Oh I love my lover
And well he knows
Yes, I love the ground on where he goes
And still I hope
That the time will come
When he and I will be as one
When he and I will be as one

So black is the color of my true love's hair
Black is the color of my true love's hair
Black is the color of my true love's hair

Traditional

If it hadn't been for cotton-eye joe
I'd been married long time ago
Where did you come from. Where did you go?
Where did you come from cotton-eye joe?

(repeat)

He came to town like a midwinter storm
He rode through the fields so
Handsome and strong
His eyes was his tools and his smile was his gun
But all he had come for was having some fun

(repeat intro)

He brought disaster wherever he went
The hearts of the girls was to hell broken sent
They all ran away so nobody would know
And left only men cause of cotton-eye joe

(repeat intro)

Dorothy Fields, Jimmy MacHugh

I know why I waited
Know why I've been blue
I've been waiting each day
For someone exactly like you

Why should I spend some money
On a show or two
When nobody sings these love songs
Exactly like you

You make me feel so grand
I wanna give this world to you
You make me understand
These foolish little dreams I'm dreaming
And schemes I'm scheming

Now I know why my mama
She taught me to be true
She knew just around the corner
Was somebody like you

You make me feel so grand
I wanna give this world to you
Baby you make me understand
These foolish little dreams I'm dreaming
And schemes I'm scheming

Now I know why my mama
She taught me to be true
She knew just around the corner
Yes she knew just around the corner
Was somebody like you

Oscar Brown jr

Eve and Adam had a garden everything was great
Till one day a boy says pardon Miss my name is snake
See that apple over yonder if you'll take a bite
You and Adam both are bound to have some fun tonight
Go on and eat forbidden fruit
It's mighty sweet forbidden fruit
It's quite a treat forbidden fruit
Go ahead and taste it you don't wanna waste it

The Lord had said in the beginning everything is free
Except that apple that leads to sinning so let that apple be
But Eve got tempted so she tried it and as all chicks do
Teaser her man till he decided he'd just try some too
Go on and eat forbidden fruit
It's mighty sweet forbidden fruit
It's quite a treat forbidden fruit
Go ahead and bite it I bet you'd be delighted

I hate to tell you all what followed the Lord was most upset
Saw them making love and hollered what have you to add
And when they made a full confession the Lord said hm I see
I guess I'll have to teach you a lesson about not minding me
Go on and eat forbidden fruit
It's mighty sweet forbidden fruit
It's quite a treat forbidden fruit
You're all indebted now you gonna get it

The Lord made Eve Adam's madam have his kids and all
Placed some labour laws on Adam and he made the snake to fall
Ever since the days of Eden folks been sinful my
Nowadays they're even eating apples in their pie
Go on and eat forbidden fruit
It's mighty sweet forbidden fruit
It's quite a treat forbidden fruit
Go ahead and taste it you don't wanna waste it
Oh go ahead and bite it I bet you'd be delighted
You always did it now you'll gonna get it
Forbidden fruit

Stay away from me
Cause i'm in my sin
Stay away from me
Cause i'm in my sin
If this joint is raided
Somebody get me my gin
Don't try me nobody
Cause you will never win
Don't try me nobody
Cause you will never win
I'll fight the army and navy
Somebody give me my gin
I don't want no clothes
I don't want no bed
I don't want no clothes yeah
Want no bed
Want no pork chops and greens
Just give me gin instead
Stay away from me
Cause i'm in my sin
Stay away from me yeah
Cause i'm in my sin
Joint is raided
I don't care!
Give me my gin!
I'm in my sin
Joint is raided
Lets go home
So i can get me my gin

Work Song

Breaking rocks out here on the chain gang
Breaking rocks and serving my time
Breaking rocks out here on the chain gang
Because they done convicted me of crime
Hold it steady right there while I hit it
Well reckon that ought to get it
Been
Working and working
But I still got so terribly far to go

I commited crime Lord I needed
Crime of being hungry and poor
I left the grocery store man bleeding (breathing?)
When they caught me robbing his store
Hold it steady right there while I hit it
Well reckon that ought to get it
Been
Working and working
But I still got so terribly far to go

I heard the judge say five years
On chain-gang you gonna go
I heard the judge say five years labor
I heard my old man scream "Lordy, no!"
Hold it right there while I hit it
Well reckon that ought to get it
Been
Working and working
But I still got so terribly far to go

Gonna see my sweet honey bee
Gonna break this chain off to run
Gonna lay down somewhere shady
Lord I sure am hot in the sun
Hold it right there while I hit it
Well reckon that ought to get it
Been
Workin' and workin'
Been
Workin' and slavin'
An'
Workin' and workin'
But I still got so terribly far to go

(1951) irving berlin

I don't want him you can have him
He's not worth fighting for
Besides there's plenty more where he came from
I don't want him you can have him
I'm giving him the sack
And he can go right back where he came from
I'm afraid I never loved him
Sweetie he'd be better off with you
I could never make him happy

All I ever wanted to do was
Run my fingers through his curly locks
Mend his underwear and darn his socks
Fetch his slippers and remove his shoes
Wipe his glasses when he's read the news
Rub his forehead with a gentle touch
Mornings after when he's had a little too much



Kiss him gently when he cuddles near
And give him babies one for every year

So you see that I don't want him you can have him
You can have him cos I don't want him
Because he's not the man for me
Then I'd close the window while he soundly slept
Then I'd raid the icebox where the food is kept
I'd fix the breakfast that would please him most
Eggs and coffee some apricot juice and some buttered toast
Oh oh then I'd go out and buy the papers
And when they've been read spend the balance of the day in bed

So you see that I don't want him you can have him
You can have him cos I don't want him because he's not my man
I don't want him you can have him
You can have him I don't want him
You can have him I don't want him
Cos he's not the man for me

Now every woman is entitled to one mistake
The Lord knows I've made one
But baby forgive me half a chance
I wanna make it up to you

Come on back Jack hey Jack come on come on back
Come on back Jack hey Jack come on come on back
Who's calling me oh who's calling me
Come on back Jack hey Jack come on come on back

When I told you I was through
And I told you
To move on
I didn't know I'd miss you so
But baby I was wrong
Those nights without your love
They ain't worth thinking of haha

Come on back Jack hey Jack come on come on back
Come on back Jack hey Jack come on come on back
Oh woman save your breath
Little woman save your breath
Come on back Jack hey Jack come on come on back

When you told me you was through
And you told me to move on
I found a sweeter love than you
And it didn't take me long

No now baby please don't you do that to me
I need your crazy kisses so to rock me tenderly
Those nights without your love
They ain't worth thinking of haha

Come on back Jack hey Jack come on come on back
Come on back Jack hey Jack come on come on back
I'm never coming back ain't never coming back
Come on back Jack hey Jack come on come on back

Now I'm pleading with you baby
What you got to say about it
I ain't coming honey

Now please I'll apologize
I admit I was wrong
I'll help you all I can
But ain't coming remember
I told you I'd get on my feet again

Now wait a minute Jack I'll help you
I told you I was sorry
Baby I done found someone else

(1956) billy strayhorn, duke ellington

Buddy bolden tune up
Blowing horn was his game
Born with a silver trumpet in his mouth
He played the horn before he talked
Born on the after beat
He patted his foot before walked

When buddy bolden tuned up you could hear him clean



Clean across the river clean across the river
He woke up the working people and kept the easy living
Call on buddy bolden call him buddy bolden

Watch it he's calling his flock now
He's calling his flock now here they come
Call him buddy bolden he's calling his flock now
Here they come here they come
Come on buddy bolden here they come

My baby ever treats me sweet and gentle the way he should;
I got it bad and that ain't good!My poor heart is sentimental not made of wood
I got it bad and that ain't good!
But when the weekend's over and Monday rolls aroun'
I end up like I start out just cryin' my heart out
He don't love me like I love him nobody could
I got it bad and that ain't good!Like alonely weeping willow lost in the wood
I got it bad and that ain't good!
And the things I tell my pillow no woman should
I got it bad and that ain't good!
Tho folks with good intentions tell me to save my tears
I'm glad I'm mad about him I can't live without him
Lord above me make him love me the way he should
I got it bad and that ain't good!
The poets say that all who love are blind
But I'm in love and I know what time it is!
The Good Book says "Go seek and ye shall find"
Well, I have sought and my what a climb it is!
My life is just like the weather
It changes with the hours
When he's near I'm fair and warmer
When he's gone I'm cloudy with showers;
in emotion, like the ocean it's either sink or swim
When a woman loves a man like I love him.
Never treats me sweet and gentle the way he should;
I got it bad and that ain't good!My poor heart is sentimental not made of wood
I got it bad and that ain't good!
But when the weekend's over and Monday rolls aroun'
I end up like I start out just cryin' my heart out
He don't love me like I love him nobody could
I got it bad and that ain't good!Like alonely weeping willow lost in the wood
I got it bad and that ain't good!
And the things I tell my pillow no woman should
I got it bad and that ain't good!
Tho folks with good intentions tell me to save my tears
I'm glad I'm mad about him I can't live without him
Lord above me make him love me the way he should
I got it bad and that ain't good!

(1947) Duke Ellington

I like the sunrise cos it brings a new day
I like the new day it brings new hope they say
I like the sunrise blazing in the new sky
Nighttime's so weary and oh so am I

Every evening I wish upon a star
That my brand new tomorrow isn't very far
When that heavy blue curtain on night
Is high in the sky way out of sight

I like the sunrise so heavenly to see
I like the sunrise and I hope it likes poor me

I want a little sugar
in my bowl
I want a little sweetness
down in my soul
I could stand some lovin'
Oh so bad
I feel so funny and I feel so sad
I want a little steam
on my clothes
Maybe I can fix things up
so they'll go
What's a matter Daddy
Come on, save my soul
I need some sugar in my bowl
I ain't foolin'
I want some sugar in my bowl

You've been acting different
I've been told
Soothe me
I want some sugar in my bowl
I want some steam
on my clothes
Maybe I can fix things up so they'll go
What's a matter Daddy
Come on save my soul
I want some sugar in my bowl
I ain't foolin'
I want some sugar in my bowl.

Doo do do, do do do-oo do, do do
Doo do do, do do do
Doo do do, do do do-oo do, do do
Doo do do, do do doIt dont mean a thing, if you cant swing
Dooa doa doa doa doa doaa
Well, it dont mean a thing, all you gotta do is sing
Dooa doa doa doa doa doaaMakes no diffrence if its sweet or hot
Give that rhythm evrything you´ve gotIt dont mean a thing, all you gotta do is swing
Dooa doa doa doaaIt dont mean a thing, if you aint got that swing
Piano
It dont mean a thing, all you gotta do is sing
Piano
Makes no diffrence if its sweet or hot
Piano
It dont mean a thing, no, it dont mean a thing
PianoIt dont mean a thing, if you aint got that swing
Yeah, doa, ooh, doa, ooh doa, oyeah
It dont mean a thing, all you gotta do is swing
Well, doa, ooh doa, ooh doa (doa doa)Makes no diffrence if its sweet or hot
Give that rhythm evrything youve gotIt dont mean a thing, if you cant swing
It dont mean a thing, if you cant sing
Sing your song, all day long
All the time, right on time
Evry day, evry way
Makes no diffrence, sweet or hot
Give that song, all you got
Sing it, sing it,
Doa, doa, o yeah, doa, allright, o yeah,
Sing the song, all day long
Doaa, o yeah

Duke ellington

Merry mending to you
Merry mending merry mending
May your convalescence be fun as you chat about prevention

Merry mending merry mending
Think you're lucky you are the one
To get all of that attention
Forget about your pills forget about your ills
Forget about the bills
Get up get out get well again
Merry mending health and happiness blending



Merry mending to you

Merry mending merry mending
May your convalescence be fun as you chat about prevention
Merry mending merry mending
Think you're lucky you are the one
To get all of that attention

Forget about your pills forget about your ills
Forget about the bills
Get up get out get well again
Merry mending merry mending merry mending
Merry mending merry mending to you

Well once I lived the life of a millionaire
Spending my money, I didn't care
Takin' my friends out for a mighty good time
Buyin' boot leg liquor, champagne and wine
Then I began to fall so low
Couldn't find me no friends
Had no place to go
If I ever get my hands on a dollar again
I'm gonna hold on to it, till the eagle grinsI said nobody knows you
When you're down and out
In your pocket, you ain't got one penny
And your friends, you didn't have any
Just as soon as you get up on your feet again
Here they all come, they say that they're your long-lost friend
Oh lord without a doubt
Nobody wants you
Nobody needs you
Nobody wants you
When you're down and outI sayNobody wants you
Nobody needs you
Nobody wants you when you're down and out

(1953) Billy Strayhorn, Johnny Mercer, Duke Ellington

Cigarette holder which wigs me
Over her shoulder, she digs me.
Out cattin' that satin doll.

Baby, shall we go out skippin ?
Careful, amigo, you're flippin',
Speaks Latin that satin doll.

She's nobody's fool so I'm playing it cool as can be.
I'll give it a whirl but I ain't for no girl catching me,
Swich-e-rooney.

Telephone numbers well you know,
Doing my rhumbas with uno
And that'n my satin doll.

In my solitude you haunt me
With reveries of days gone by
In my solitude you taunt me
With memories that never dieI sit in my chair
Filled with despair
Nobody could be so sad
With gloom ev'rywhere
I sit and I stare
I know that I'll soon go madIn my solitude
I'm praying
Dear Lord above
Send back my loveIn my solitude you haunt me
With reveries of days gone by
In my solitude you taunt me
With memories that never dieI sit in my chair
I'm filled with despair
There's no one could be so sad
With gloom ev'rywhere
I sit and I stare
I know that I'll soon go madIn my solitude
I'm praying
Dear Lord above
Send back my love

(1939) Duke Ellington, Billy Strayhorn

I want something to live for
Someone to make my life an adventurous dream
Oh, what wouldn't I give for
Someone who'd take my life and make it seem
Gay as they say it ought to be

Why can't I have love like that brought to me?
My eye is watching the noon crowds
Searching the promenades seeking a clue
To the one who will someday be my
Something to live for
Something to live for
Something to live for

Way down at Mister Joe's Cafe
They're takin' someone far away
And if you hear a song today
It's a sad tune that you'll be playin':
She's leavin' and folks are feelin' so low
They're grievin' and they're consolin' poor Joe

Gonna miss her song
Gonna miss her smile
She'll be travlin' alone down
That last long mile
They're sighin'
With all thei trouble and woes
They're Cryin' 'cause they all loved
The gal from Joe's.

(1956) Duke Ellington, Straylor

I belong to you and I know I show it
You belong to me baby you'd better know it
Give me all your love sugar spice and sweet honey
Don't you ever quit

Not for love or money I'd do most anything
Just to amuse you
But ther's nothing that I wouln't do
Thought that I would ever lose you
When I play the game I can't afford to blow it
Cos I play for keeps you'd better know it

Yes I'd do most anything just to amuse you
But there's nothing that I wouldn't do
If I ever thought I'd lose you
When I play the game I can't afford to blow it
Cos I play for keeps you better know it

Oscar Brown jr

Brown Baby Brown Baby
As you grow up I want you to drink from the plenty cup
I want you to stand up tall and proud
And I want you to speak up clear and loud
Brown Baby Brown Baby Brown Baby

As years go by I want you to go with your head up high
I want you to live by the justice code
And I want you to walk down freedom's road
You little Brown Baby



Lie away sleeping lie away safe in my arms
Till your daddy and you mama protect you
?nd keep you safe from harm
Brown Baby

It makes me glad you gonna have things that I never had
When out of men's heart all hate is hurled
Sweetie you gonna live in a better world
Brown Baby Brown Baby Brown Baby

Children go where I send you,
How shall I send you?
I'm gonna send you one by one,
One for the little biddy baby, was born, born, born in Bethlehem.Children go where I send you,
How shall I send you?
I'm gonna send you two by two,
Two for Paul and Silas,
One for the little biddy baby, was born, born, born in Bethlehem.Children go where I send you,
How shall I send you?
I'm gonna send you four by four,
Four for the poor that stood at the door,
Three for the Hebrew children,
Two for Paul and Silas,
One for the little biddy baby, was born, born, born in Bethlehem.Children go where I send you,
How shall I send you?
I'm gonna send you six by six,
Six for the six that couldn't get fixed,
Five for the gospel preacher,
Four for the poor that stood at the door,
Three for the Hebrew children,
Two for Paul and Silas,
One for the little biddy baby, was born, born, born in Bethlehem.Children go where I send you,
How shall I send you?
I'm gonna send you eight by eight,
Eight for the eight that stood at the gate,
Seven for the seven came down from heaven,
Six for the six that couldn't get fixed,
Five for the gospel preacher,
Four for the poor that stood at the door,
Three for the Hebrew children,
Two for Paul and Silas,
One for the little biddy baby, one for the little biddy baby,
One for the little biddy baby. He was born, born,......
He was born in Bethlehem.

Lorenz Hart, Richard Rodgers

He was too good to me how can I get along now
So close he stood to me
Everything is all messed up and wrong now
My baby would have brought me the sun
Cos making me smile that was his fun

When I was mean to him he didn't say go away now
You see I was his queen to him
Who's gonna make me gay now
It's only natural that I'm blue
Cos my baby was too good to be true

I said he was too good to me how am I ever get along now
So close he stood to me
Everything's all messed up and wrong now
He would have brought me the sun and the moon
Cos anytime I left him it was too soon

When I was mean to him he didn't say go away now
I was his queen to him who's gonna make me gay now
It's only natural said it's only natural that I'm so blue
He was too good to be true

(1960) Jule Styne, Adolph Green, Betty Comden

Let's go

Just in time you found me just in time
Before you came my time was running low
I was lost them losing dice were tossed
My bridges all were crossed nowhere to go
Now you're here now I know just where I'm going
No more doubt or fear I've found my way
Your love came just in time you found me just in time
And changed my lonely nights that lucky day

Just in time

Before you came my time was running low oh baby
I was lost them losing dice were tossed
My bridges all were crossed nowhere to go
Now you're here now I know just where I'm going
No more doubt or fear I've found my way
Your love came just in time you've found me just in time
And changed my lonely nights and changed my lonely nights
And changed my lonely nights and changed my lonely nights
And changed my lonely nights that lucky day

Nina Simone---Sinnerman
(Traditional)

Oh sinnerman, where you gonna run to?
Sinnerman, where you gonna run to?
Where you gonna run to?
All along dem day
Well I run to the rock, please hide me
I run to the rock,please hide me
I run to the rock, please hide me, lord
All along dem day
But the rock cried out, I can't hide you
The rock cried out, I can't hide you
The rock cried out, I ain't gonna hide you guy
All along dem day
I said, rock, what's a matter with you rock?
Don't you see I need you, rock?
Lord, lord, lord
All along dem day
So I run to the river, it was bleedin'
I run to the sea, it was bleedin'
I run to the sea, it was bleedin'
All along dem day
So I run to the river, it was boilin'
I run to the sea, it was boilin'
I run to the sea, it was boilin'
Along dem day
So I run to the lord, please hide me lord
Don't you see me prayin'?
Don't you see me down here prayin'?
But the lord said, go to the devil
The lord said, go to the devil
He said, go to the devil
All along dem day
So I ran to the devil, he was waitin'
I ran to the devil, he was waitin'
Ran to the devil, he was waitin'
All on that day
I cried -
Power!!!!!!!
(Power to da lord)
[8X]
Bring down
(Power to da lord)
[4X]
Power!!!
(Power to da lord)
[12X]

(Instrumental)

Oh yeah, woh yeah, woh yeah
Well I run to the river, it was boilin'
I run to the sea, it was boilin'
I run to the sea, it was boilin'
All along dem day
So I ran to the lord
I said, lord hide me, please hide me
Please help me
Along dem day
He said, child, where were you
When you oughta been prayin'?
I said,lord, lord, hear me prayin'
Lord, lord, hear me prayin'
Lord, lord, hear me prayin'
All along dem day
Sinnerman you oughta be prayin'
Oughta be prayin', sinnerman
Oughta be prayin'
All on that day
I cried -
Power!!!!!!!
(Power to da lord)
[12X]
Go down
(Power to da lord)
[3X]
Power!!!!!!!
(Power to da lord)
[3X]
Power, power, lord
Don't you know I need you lord
Don't you know that I need you
Don't you know that I need you
Power, lord!

There is a House in New Orieans
They call it rising sun
And it's been the ruin of many poor girls
And me, oh God, I'm one.

If I had only listened of what my mama said
I'd be at home today
But bein' so young and foolish my Lord
Let a gambler lead me astray

Now my mother is a tailer
She sews those new blue jeans
And my sweetheart is a drunkard Lord
Drinks down in New Orieans

Now the only thing drunken man needs
is a suitcase and a trunk
And only time he's satisfied
Lord is when he's on the drunk

Somebody go get my baby sister
Tell her to do never to do what I have done
But shun that house in New Orieans
They call it Rising Sun

Well I'm goin' back to New Orieans
My race is almost run
Yes,I'm goin' back to spend my life
Beneath, the rising sun.

(1947) gian carlo menotti

The sun is falling and it lies in blood
The moon is weaving bandages of gold
Old black swan where oh where is my lover now
Where oh where is my lover now

Torn and tattered is my bridal gown and my lamp is lost
With silver needles and with silver threads
The stars stitch a route for the dying sun
Old black swan where oh where is my lover now


I had given him a kiss and a golden ring
And a golden ring
I had given him a kiss of fire and a golden ring
Oh with silver needles and with silver threads
The stars stitch a route for the dying sun

Black wing o black wing take me down with you
Take me down with you take me down with you
Take me down with you
Old black swan take me down with you
I had given him a kiss of fire
Take me down with you

Herbert Sacker, Nina Simone

Why you wanna fly Blackbird you ain't ever gonna fly
No place big enough for holding all the tears you're gonna cry
Cos your mama's name was lonely and your daddy's name was pain
And they call you little sorrow cos you'll never love again

So why you wanna fly Blackbird you ain't ever gonna fly
You ain't got no one to hold you you ain't got no one to care
If you'd only understand dear nobody wants you anywhere
So why you wanna fly Blackbird you ain't ever gonna fly

Nina Simone

If you knew how I missed you
You would not stay away today
Don't you know I need you
Stay here my dear with me

I need you here my darling
Together for a day a day
Together never parting
Just you just me my love

I can't go on without you
Your love is all I'm living for
I love all things about you
Your heart your soul my love

I need you here beside me
Forever and a day a day
I know whatever betides me
I love you I love you I do

Traditional

Oh she was a lass from the low country
And he was a lord of high degree
But she loved him oh so tenderly
Oh sorrow sing sorrow
Now she sleeps in the valley where the wild flowers nod
No-one knows how she loved him but herself and god

One day when the snow was on the mead
She passed him by on a milk white steed



And she spoke to him low nobody paid no need
Oh sorrow sing sorrow
Now she sleeps in the valley where the wild flowers nod
No-one knows how she loved him but herself and god

Now if you be a lass from the low country
Don't love no man of high degree
For he don't got a heart or no sympathy
Oh sorrow sing sorrow
Now she sleeps in the valley where wild flowers nod
No-one knows how she loved him but herself and god

Raditional

Where is my tambourine wait a minute I'll get your tambourine
Got my tambourine get your thing baby
What's wrong with you what is it you want
Can't forget my tambourine boy want a minute
This is a folk tune nad it's called little liza jane
We get some rhythm started here and see what happens

I got a beau you ain't got none little liza jean
I got a beau you ain't got none little liza jean
I got a beau you ain't got none little liza jean
I got a beau you ain't got none little liza jean
Oh little liza liza jane oh little liza liza jean
Oh little liza liza jane oh little liza liza jean

Come my love and live with me
I will take good care of thee little liza jean
Come my love and live with me
I will take good care of thee little liza jean
Oh little liza liza jane oh little liza liza jean
Oh little liza liza jane oh little liza liza jean

Hambone hammer where you've been
Down by the river making gin
I know a man that's three feet tall
Drink his liquor and has a ball
Saw him just the other day
He had a horse and a ball of hay



Little lisa jane jane little liza
Little lisa jane jane little liza
Little lisa jane jane little liza
Little liza jean little liza jean
Little lisa jane jane little liza
Little lisa jane jane little liza
Little lisa jane jane little liza
Little liza jean little liza jean
Oh little liza liza jane oh little liza liza jean
Oh little liza liza jane oh little liza liza jean

He took me to his great big town
Lots of people standing around
They were listening to a great big band
The bestest music in the land
I tell you once and tell you twice
Enjoy yourself and live your life

Little lisa jane jane little liza
Little lisa jane jane little liza
Little lisa jane jane little liza
Little liza jean little liza jean
Little lisa jane jane little liza
Little lisa jane jane little liza
Little lisa jane jane little liza
Little liza jean little liza jean

Oh little liza liza jane oh little liza liza jean
Oh little liza liza jane oh little liza liza jean

Lomax, ledbetter

Yeah...
This is a song... was sung by leadbelly and it was written for...his friend...
He had a friend named blind lemon...
And they used to ride back and forth on a train from somewhere to texas...
And I leraned this tune from a record
I heard by him

Silver city bound I'm silver city bound
I'm gonna tell my little baby I'm silver city bound
I'm gonna meet blind lemon gonna ride on down
Silver city bound I'm silver city bound
I'm gonna tell my little baby I'm silver city bound
I'm gonna meet blind lemon gonna ride on down

Take me by the hand oh babe
And lead me to the promises land
Take me by the hand oh babe



And lead me to the promised land

Silver city bound I'm silver city bound
I'm gonna tell my little baby I'm silver city bound
I'm gonna meet blind lemon gonna ride on down

Take me by the hand oh babe
And lead me to the promises land
Take me by the hand oh babe
And lead me to the promised land

I'm silver city bound I'm silver city bound
I'm gonna tell my little baby I'm silver city bound
I'm gonna meet blind lemon gonna ride on down

Silver city bound I'm silver city bound
I'm gonna tell my little baby I'm silver city bound
I'm gonna meet blind lemon gonna ride on down

Sebastian Mure

When I was a young girl I used to see pleasure
When I was a young girl I used to drink ale
Right out of the ale house and into the jail house
Right out of the bar room and down to my grave

Come mama come papa sit you beside me
Come mama come papa and pity my case
My poor heart is aching my heart it is breaking
My body salve-aided and I'm bound to die

Go send for the preacher to come and pray for me
Go send for the doctor to heal up my
My poor heart is aching my heart it is breaking
My body salve-aided and hell is my home

I want three young ladies to bear up my coffin
I want three young ladies to take me along
I want them to carry a bunch of wild roses
To put on my body as I pass along

One morning one morning in May
One morning one morning in May
I spy this young lady all clad in white linnen
All clad in white linnen cold as a clay

When I was a young girl I used to see pleasure
When I was a young girl I used to drink ale
Right out of the bar room
Right out of the ale house and into the jail house
Right out of the bar room down to my grave

The rain has stopped
The streets are fresh and warm
The sky is clear
The day begins to form
Once more I step outside
And in my quiet way
Once again these words I have to say

Will I find my love today
Will I see his smiling face
In some quiet, romantic place
Will he come my way

Will I find my love today
How I wonder how we'll meet
In the park or on the street
Will he come my way...

How am I to find love
What am I to do
I'm a lonely girl
With no rendevous

Will I find my love today
Will I see his smiling face
In some quiet, romantic place
Will he come my way

How am I to find love
Tell me, what am I to do
I'm a lonesome girl
With no rendevous

Will I find my love today
How I wonder how we'll meet
In the park or on the street

Or if I don't
I know tommorow
I will say
Will I find my love today

Breaking rocks out here on the chain gang
Breaking rocks and serving my time
Breaking rocks out here on the chain gang
Because they done convicted me of crime
Hold it steady right there while I hit it
well reckon that ought to get it
been
working and working
but I still got so terribly far to go

I commited crime Lord I needed
Crime of being hungry and poor
I left the grocery store man bleeding (breathing?)
When they caught me robbing his store
Hold it steady right there while I hit it
Well reckon that ought to get it
been
working and working
but I still got so terribly far to go

I heard the judge say five years
On chain-gang you gonna go
I heard the judge say five years labor
I heard my old man scream "Lordy, no!"
Hold it right there while I hit it
well reckon that ought to get it
been
working and working
but I still got so terribly far to go

Gonna see my sweet honey bee
Gonna break this chain off to run
Gonna lay down somewhere shady
Lord I sure am hot in the sun
Hold it right there while I hit it
well reckon that ought to get it
been
workin' and workin'
been
workin' and slavin'
an'
workin' and workin'
but I still got so terribly far to go

Nina Simone

If you knew how I missed you
You would not stay away today
Don't you know I need you
Stay here my dear with me

I need you here my darling
Together for a day a day
Together never parting
Just you just me my love

I can't go on without you
Your love is all I'm living for
I love all things about you
Your heart your soul my love

I need you here beside me
Forever and a day a day
I know whatever betides me
I love you I love you I do

The rain has stopped
The streets are fresh and warm
The sky is clear
The day begins to form
Once more I step outside
And in my quiet way
Once again these words I have to say

Will I find my love today
Will I see his smiling face
In some quiet, romantic place
Will he come my way

Will I find my love today
How I wonder how we'll meet
In the park or on the street
Will he come my way...

How am I to find love
What am I to do
I'm a lonely girl
With no rendevous

Will I find my love today
Will I see his smiling face
In some quiet, romantic place
Will he come my way

How am I to find love
Tell me, what am I to do
I'm a lonesome girl
With no rendevous

Will I find my love today
How I wonder how we'll meet
In the park or on the street

Or if I don't
I know tommorow
I will say
Will I find my love today

Black is the color of my true loves hair
His face so soft and wondrous fair
The purest eyes
And the strongest hands
I love the ground on where he stands
I love the ground on where he standsBlack is the color of my true loves hair
Of my true loves hair
Of my true loves hairOh I love my lover
And where he goes
Yes, I love the ground on where he goes
And still I hope
That the time will come
When he and I will be as one
When he and I will be as oneSo black is the color of my true loves hair
Black is the color of my true loves hair
Black is the color of my true loves hair

Break down and let it all outI've held back my tears
Just as long as I could
But now my eyes can see
It's all over for you and me
And holding back ain't gonna do no goodI'm gonna break down and let it all out
Break down and let it all outI've hidden my heart too many times before
Now my aching heart knows that we're apart
And I can't hide it anymoreSo I'm gonna break down and let it all out
Break down and let it all outI remember when you used to love me and oh how sweet it was...
but it's not enough just to remember, 'cause
what good is the past?
once upon a time...
All those old memories can set my heart at ease
So before I loose my mind...yeahI'm gonna break down and let it all out
Break down and let it all outMy eyes are open and now I see it's all over for you and me
Break down and let it all out
Break down and let it all outNow my aching heart knows that we're apart
Break down and let it all out
Break down and let it all outAll those old memories can set my heart at ease
Break down and let it all out
Break down and let it all out...

If I stay, I know I'm that I'ma share your love and that I couldn't take. And
If I go, we'll be apart and I know my heart would surely break. So, what
Difference does it make, which one I choose? Either way I lose.

Though I know, my love is true. I'd die if you ever told me good-bye. Ever told
Me good-bye. And I know, she loves you too. She would do, the same as I. What
Difference does it make, which one I choose? Either way I lose. Either way I
Lose. EIther way I lose.

My skin is black
My arms are long
My hair is woolly
My back is strong
Strong enough to take the pain
inflicted again and again
What do they call me
My name is AUNT SARAH
My name is Aunt SarahMy skin is yellow
My hair is long
Between two worlds
I do belong
My father was rich and white
He forced my mother late one night
What do they call me
My name is SAFFRONIA
My name is SaffroniaMy skin is tan
My hair is fine
My hips invite you
my mouth like wine
Whose little girl am I?
Anyone who has money to buy
What do they call me
My name is SWEET THING
My name is Sweet ThingMy skin is brown
my manner is tough
I'll kill the first mother I see
my life has been too rough
I'm awfully bitter these days
because my parents were slaves
What do they call me
My name is PEACHES

I Love Your Lovin' Ways when you hold my hand
And with a little ssqueeze you make me understand
That I'm the only one underneath the sun for you, yes, for you
I L Y L W, yes, I L Y L W, yes I do.I L Y L W when you kiss a kiss
The way you pop it up makes me go for this
Because it makes me feel I'm the only one you need, yes, you need
I L Y L W oh I L Y L W, yes indeed.Oh yeah, your kisses make taste so good
Oh daddy, tell me, darling, you're not made of wood.I L Y L W when you hold me tight
You're always good to me and you treat me right
So baby take my love 'cause it's made you, just you
I L Y L W oh I L Y L W yes i do...

If I should lose you
The stars would fall from the skies
If I should lose you
The leaves would wither and die

The birds in Maytime
Would sing a lonely refrain
And I would wander around
Hating the sound of rain

With you beside me
No wind in winter would blow
With you beside me
A rose would bloom in the snow

I gave you my love
But I was living a dream
And living would seem in vain
If I lost you

I lost myself on a cool damp night
Gave myself in that misty light
Was hypnotized by a strange delight
Under a lilac tree
I made wine from the lilac tree
Put my heart in its recipe
It makes me see what I want to see...
And be what I want to be
When I think more than I want to think
Do things I never should do
I drink much more that I ought to drink
Because I brings me back you...Lilac wine is sweet and heady, like my love
Lilac wine, I feel unsteady, like my love
Listen to me... I cannot see clearly
Isn't that she coming to me nearly here?Lilac wine is sweet and heady where's my love?
Lilac wine, I feel unsteady, where's my love?Listen to me, why is everything so hazy?
Isn't that she, or am I just going crazy, dear?Lilac Wine, I feel unready for my love...

Don't try to blow out the sun for me baby
I'm not asking for what I know can't be
All that I ask is a kiss a day
And I'll give you love that'll never go away
Yes I will yes I will
I wouldn't ask you to lift up
This great big world little baby
I'm not that kind of a girl

All that I ask is a smile or two
And nothing in this world will be too good for you
Nobody nobody nobody nobody nobody
Nobody knows how deep my love for you really goes
But boy I want you to know
I wouldn't ask you to hold back the light of dawn baby
That's too much to ask to anyone

All that I ask is your loving ways
And I'll keep you happy
For the rest of your natural born days baby
You hear me talking to you
I'll keep you happy
I'll keep you happy for the rest of your days daddy
Just believe me

I would do anything, anything you say
If you would just be mine
What more, what more can I say?I would give anything, anything I own
If you'd be my love
What more, what more can I say?Anything I've got to give, it's not a lot to give
Baby if I'm giving it to you
Anything is nice to give, I don't have to think twice to giveThat's how much I love you Daddy, that's how much I love you
I say that's how much I love you
That's how much I love youI would go anywhere, anywhere you go
If you just say you wanted me too
What more can I say

Why keep on breaking my heart?
When it's beating for you
Only you

Why do you toy with my dreams
They're depending on you to come true

When you invaded my mind
You took over complete control

Then i surrender to you
All my dreams, my heart and soul

Please say
There's a chance some day you may feel just the way
That i do

But why keep on breaking my heart
When it's beating for you
Only you

Why keep on breaking my heart
When it's beating for you
Only you

Love me love me love me
Say you do
Let me fly away
with you
For my love is like
the wind
And wild is the windGive me more
than one caress
Satisfy this
hungriness
Let the wind
blow through your heart
For wild is the windYou...
touch me...
I hear the sound
of mandolins
You...
kiss me...
With your kiss
my life begins
You're spring to me
All things
to meDon't you know you're
life itself
Like a leaf clings
to a tree
Oh my darling,
cling to me
For we're creatures
of the wind
And wild is the wind
So wild is the windWild is the wind
Wild is the wind

There is a balm in Gilead
to make the wounded whole
There is a balm in Gilead
to heal the sin-sick soulIf you can pray like Peter
If you can preach like Paul
Go home and tell your loved ones
He died to save us all

Beat-up little seagull
On a marble stair
Tryin' to find the ocean
Lookin' everywhereHard times in the city
In a hard town by the sea
Ain't nowhere to run to
There ain't nothin' here for freeer on the corner
Waitin' for a train
Drunk lyin' on the sidewalk
Sleepin' in the rainAnd they hide their faces
And they hide their eyes
'Cause the city's dyin'
And they don't know whyOh, Baltimore
Man, it's hard just to live
Oh, Baltimore
Man, it's hard just to live, just to liveGet my sister Sandy
And my little brother Ray
Buy a big old wagon
Gonna haul us all awayLivin' in the country
Where the mountain's high
Never comin' back here
'Til the day I dieOh, Baltimore
Man, it's hard just to live
Oh, Baltimore
Man, it's hard just to live, just to live

everything must change
nothing stays the same
everyone will change
no one, no one stays the samethe young become the old
and mysteries do unfold
for that's the way of time
no one, and nothing goes unchangedthere are not many things in life one can be sure of
except rain comes from the clouds
sun lights up the sky
hummingbirds flywinter turns to spring
a wounded heart will heal
oh but never much too soon
no one, and nothing goes unchangedThe young become the old
and mysteries do unfold
for that's the way of time
no one, and nothing stays unchangedthere are not many things in life one can be sure of
except rain comes from the clouds
sun lights up the sky
hummingbirds flyrain comes from the clouds
sun lights up the sky
hummingbirds flyrain comes from the clouds
sun lights up the sky
hummingbirds flyeverything must change

Forget the love not chosen
Forget the pain unspoken
And please forget the dreams that were broken
But remember me

Forget this shade when night falls
Forget the fear that droops? off
And please forget the fights in these four walls
But remember me

I'm the one who always loved the simple things about you
Your quiet gestures and your grace
And I'm the one who cherished every touch from you
And I'm the one who loved the beauty in your changing face
Your changing face

Forget the harm I caused you
Forget the times I crossed you
And other things I did when I lost you
But remember me when you forget
But remember me when you forget

If you love right, heaven belongs to you
If you love right, heaven belongs to you
If you love right, heaven belongs to you
Oh oh, heaven belongs to you

If you sing right, heaven belongs to you
If you sing right, heaven belongs to you
If you sing right, heaven belongs to you
Oh oh, heaven belongs to you

If you act right, heaven belongs to you
If you act right, heaven belongs to you
If you act right, heaven belongs to you
Oh oh, heaven belongs to you

If you love right, heaven belongs to you
If you love right, heaven belongs to you
If you love right, heaven belongs to you
Oh oh, heaven belongs to you

If you sing right, heaven belongs to you
If you play right, heaven belongs to you
If you play right, heaven belongs to you
Oh oh, heaven belongs to you

If you love right, heaven belongs to you
If you love right, heaven belongs to you
If you love right, heaven belongs to you
Oh oh, heaven belongs to you

If you sing right, heaven belongs to you
If you sing right, heaven belongs to you
If you sing right, heaven belongs to you
Oh oh, heaven belongs to you

If you play right, heaven belongs to you
If you play right, heaven belongs to you
If you play right, heaven belongs to you
Oh oh, heaven belongs to you

There is music for lovers
It to be found
In the sound
Of a sigh.
And there's music for lovers
In the hush-a-bye dreams
Of a child.
When the whole world discovers
That love's the only thing worthwhile.
Then there'll be music for everyone
And the whole world will smile.

In the willow tree
Made for you and me
There's a silver symphony of birds.
When the poets rhyme
In the summer time
You'll hear melodies
In the words.

There is music for lovers
It to be found
In the stream
Running wild.
And there's music for lovers
In the hush-a-bye dreams
Of you child.
When the whole world discovers
That love is the only thing worthwhile
There'll be music for everyone
And the whole world will smile.