Outside Of That (04-28-23) - Bessie Smith

I’ve got the meanest man in the land

But his love is that sticking brand

His kiss just lingers on my lips

And thrill me to my fingertips

People say I’m a fool

He’s heartless and also cruel

But outside of that, he’s all right with me

Outside of that, he’s sweet as he can be

I love him as true as stars above

He beats me up, but how he can love

I never loved like that since the day I was born

I said for fun: «I don’t want you no more»

And when I said that, I made sweet papa sore

He blacked my eyes, I couldn’t see

Then he pawned the things he gave to me

But outside of that, he’s all right with me

I said for fun: «I don’t want you no more»

And when I said that, I made sweet papa sore

When he pawned my things I said: you’re a dirty old thief

Now, then he turned around and knocks out both of my teeth

Outside of that, he’s all right with me