A popular song from 1926
Words and music by Clarence Williams and Spencer Williams
The sheet music:
Accompaniment by James Pitt-Payne:
Player piano roll scanned by Terry Smythe:
Lyrics
Papa, papa, tree top tall
Hear your lovin’ mama call
You ain’t doin’ so good
Ain’t treatin’ me like you should
Papa, papa, hear my plea
Come back, stop mistreatin’ me
You always stay away
That is why you hear me say
Chorus
What’s the matter now?
What’s the matter now?
Haven’t seen you honey since way last spring
Tell me pretty papa have you broke that thing?
What’s the matter now? cruel daddy
Can’t we get along somehow?
I aint’ had no sugar in a long, long time
So, tell me what’s the matter now
Daddy, tell me what’s the matter now?
Chorus
What’s the matter now?
What’s the matter now?
You look worn and tricky and all run down
Betcha pretty papa you been messin’ ’round
What’s the matter now? cruel daddy
Can’t we get along somehow?
Now everybody says that you’re a Charleston Hound
So, tell me what’s the matter now
Please tell me what’s the matter now?
Chorus
What’s the matter now?
What’s the matter now?
You ain’t brought no candy, say you’re a joke
Tell me pretty papa, is you really broke?
What’s the matter now? cruel daddy
Can’t we get along somehow?
I aint’ had no sugar in a long, long time
So, tell me what’s the matter now
Daddy, tell me what’s the matter now?