[WARNING: This song contains antiquated racial stereotypes. It is presented here for historical and educational purposes only.]
W. C. Handy’s latest song success in 1915
words and music by W. C. Handy
The sheet music:
Accompaniment:
Lyrics
1. You’ll never miss the water till your well runs dry
Till your well runs dry
You’ll never miss Joe Turner till he says “Good Bye”
Sweet Babe, I’m goin’ to leave you, and the time ain’t long
No, the time ain’t long
If you don’t b’lieve I’m leavin’, count the days I’m gone
You will be…
Chorus
You will be sorry, be sorry from your heart (uhm) (uhm)
Sorry to your heart (uhm) (uhm)
Some day when you and I must part
And every time you hear a whistle blow
Hear a steamboat blow
You’ll hate the day you lost your Joe
2. I bought a bulldog for to watch you while you sleep
Guard you while you sleep
Spent all my money, now you call Joe Turner “Cheap”
You never ‘preciate the little things I do
Not one thing I do
And that’s the very reason why I’m leavin’ you
3. Sometimes I feel like nothin’, somethin’ throwed away
Somethin’ throwed away
And then I get my guitar, play the blues all day
Now if your heart beat like mine it’s not made of steel
No, tain’t made of steel
And when you learn I left you this is how you’ll feel
You will feel…
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Sung here by Fred Feild: