Hard Driving Papa (05-04-26) - Bessie Smith

Lord I wish I could die, 'cause my man treats me like a slave

Lord I wish I could die, my man treats me like a slave

As to why he drives me, I’m sinkin' low, Lord, in my grave

He’s a hard drivin' papa, drives me all the time

Drives me so hard, I’m 'fraid I’ll lose my mind

And when the sun starts sinkin', I start sinkin' into crime

Lord, I rise in the mornin', dress when the clock strikes four

I’ve a clock on one and scrubbin' somebody’s floor

He takes all my money and starts to cry for more

I’m goin' to the river, feelin' so sad and blue

I’m goin' to the river, feelin' so sad and blue

Because I love him, 'cause there’s no-one can beat me like he do