a 1922 popular song dedicated to the American Legion
words by Lew Hatton
music by C. M. Frangkiser
The sheet music:
Accompaniment by James Pitt-Payne:
Lyrics
You’ve heard of all kinds of blues
You’ve heard of blues you can’t lose
You’ve heard of blues that would make you want to roam
(And never more would you want to come back home)
I’m not denyin’, I’m even cryin’
The blues have got me so bad
I’m nearly dyin’, I’m grievin’
And heavin’ sighs and prayin’ every day
(Oh, mailman come my way)
For here’s a new kind of blues
The kind that I can’t excuse
They’re all about the big pay I’ll get some day
(Providin’ that it ain’t lost along the way)
I’ve borrowed from my dad and all my sweetie had
It’s “dough” I’m needin’, and I am needin’ bad
(But when I get my Bonus I won’t feel so sad)
Chorus
Yes I’ve got those Bonus Blues most all the time
Bluest blues I’ve ever had and they’re all mine
When I lay me down to sleep I pray the Lord to keep
That pay comin’ on its way to me
(Oh! won’t you kindly hear my plea)
When I start to sing or hum, those blues get me
Better days are sure to come, that’s plain to see
Uncle Sam will surely send it
And I know just how I will spend it
That will cure those Bonus Blues
Sung here by Fred Feild: