Billie's Blues
Love's Struggle: Carmen McRae's Soulful Reflections in Billie's Blues
Lyrics
I love my man
I have deep affection for my man.
I'm a liar if I say I don't
If I denied loving my man, I would not be truthful.
I love my man
I have a strong emotional attachment to my man.
I'm a liar if I say I don't
If I claimed not to love my man, it would be untrue.
But I'll quit my man
However, I am willing to leave my man.
I'm a liar if I say I won't
If I said I wouldn't leave, I would not be honest.
I've been your slave, baby
I've been devoted to you since I became involved with you.
Ever since I've been your babe
Since the time I've been your romantic partner, I've been submissive to you.
I've been your slave
I've felt bound to you since I became your lover.
Ever since I've been your babe
Since becoming your partner, I've felt obligated to serve you.
But before I'll be your dog
Before I submit further to your control, I'd rather witness your demise.
I'll see you in your grave
I'd rather see you dead than be entirely submissive.
My man wouldn't give me no breakfast
My man refused to provide me with meals.
Wouldn't give me no dinner
He denied me both breakfast and dinner.
Squawked about me supper then he put me outdoors
He complained about giving me supper and then put me outside.
Had the nerve to lay a matchbox on my clothes
He had the audacity to put a matchbox on my clothes.
I didn't have so many
I didn't have many possessions.
But I had a long, long way to go
Though lacking possessions, I had a long journey ahead.
I ain't good-looking
I don't possess conventional beauty.
And my hair ain't curled
My appearance isn't traditionally attractive.
I ain't good-looking
I'm not conventionally pretty.
And my hair ain't curled
My appearance doesn't conform to societal standards.
But my mother, she gave me something
My mother gave me something valuable to navigate life.
That's gonna tear me through this world
I possess something from my mother that will help me in life's challenges.
Some men like me 'cause I'm happy
Some men are drawn to me because I'm joyful.
Some 'cause I'm snappy
Some men are attracted to me because I'm lively.
Some call me honey
Some men affectionately address me as "honey."
Others think I got money
Others presume I have wealth.
Some tell me "Billie,
Some tell me I'm suited for speed and excitement.
Baby you're built for speed."
If you combine these aspects, I possess qualities desired by a good man.
Now if you put that all together
It makes me everything a good man needs
I embody everything that a good man seeks in a partner.
Comment