The Lady Is a Tramp - Sy Oliver, Sammy Davis, Jr., Count Basie Orchestra

I’ve wined and dined on Mulligan stew

And never wished for turkey

As I hitched and hiked and grifted, too

From Maine to Albuquerque

Alas, I missed the Beaux Arts Ball

And what is twice as sad

I was never at a party

Where they honored Noel Ca' ad

But social circles spin too fast for me

My Hobohemia is the place to be

I get too hungry for dinner at eight

I like the theater but never come late

I never bother with people I hate

That’s why the lady is a tramp

I don’t like crapgames with Barons and Earls

Won’t go to Harlem in ermine and pearls

Won’t dish the dirt with the rest of the girls

That’s why the lady is a tramp

I like the free fresh wind in my hair

Life without care

I’m broke, it’s oke

Hates California is cold and is damp

That’s why the lady is a tramp

I go to Coney-the beach is divine

I go to ball games-the bleachers are fine

I follow Winchell and read ev’ry line

That’s why the lady is a tramp

I like a prizefight that isn’t a fake

I love the rowing on Central Park Lake

I go to opera and stay wide awake

That’s why the lady is a tramp

I like the green grass under my shoes

What can I lose?

I’m flat!

That’s that!

I’m all alone when I lower my lamp

That’s why the lady is a tramp

Don’t know the reason for cocktails at five

I don’t like flying-I'm glad I’m alive

I crave affection, but not when I drive

That’s why the lady is a tramp

Folks go to London and leave me behind

I’ll miss the crowning, Queen Mary won’t mind

I don’t play Scarlett in Gone With the Wind-

That' s why the lady is a tramp

I like to hang my hat where I please

Sail with the breeze

No dough-heigh-ho!

I love La Guardia and think he’s a champ

That' s why the lady is a tramp

Girls get massages, they cry and they moan

Tell Lizzie Arden to leave me alone

I’m not so hot, but my shape is my own

That’s why the lady is a tramp!

The food at Sardi’s is perfect, no doubt

I wouldn’t know what the Ritz is about

I drop a nickel and coffee comes out

That’s why the lady is a tramp!

I like the sweet, fresh rain in my face

Diamonds and lace

No got-so what?