Why Keep Me Waiting So Long?

A 1917 popular song
Words and music by Tony Jackson

This song has themes similar to The Hesitation Blues.


The sheet music:


Accompaniment:


Lyrics

  1. Jim Lincoln Lee from Tennessee
    Fell deep in love with Mandy Brown
    He used to court her every night
    Though she was the sweetest thing in town
    The other day, while on their way
    Just for a quiet little stroll
    She said to him, “Now look here Jim
    What makes you act so cold?
    You never have a word to say
    Except what you told me the other day”

Chorus
“You told me you were saving all your loving for me
Why keep me waiting so long?
You told me all you wanted was my company
Then life to you would be one grand sweet song
I called you “Honey Bunch” and “Sweetie” too
What more d’you want a poor girlie to do
My poor heart cries out for loving good and strong
Why keep me waiting so long, babe
Why keep me waiting so long?”

  1. “I’ve tried so hard in every way
    To show you how to love just right
    I’ve waited all these many days
    Not a bit of love was there in sight
    The Good book says “Thou shalt not steal”
    From one who loves you fond and true
    But ‘fore you go, I’ll say once more
    Just these few words to you
    You never kiss me when you leave
    And that is just the reason why I grieve”

Sung here by Fred Feild: