Lyrics Bessie Smith

Bessie Smith

Jazzbo Brown from Memphis Town

Don't you start no crowin', lay your money down

I've got mine on Jazzbo, that mis'able clown, that hound!

He ain't got no equal, no way in this land

So let me tell you people 'bout this Memphis man

Jazzbo Brown from Memphis Town

He's a clown, that hound!

He can't dance, he can't sing

But lawdy how he can play that thing!

He ain't seen no music school

He can't read a note

But 's the playin'est fool

On that Memphis boat!

When he wraps his big fat lips

Round that doggone horn

Helpin' out on sin and cheer

Lord, carryin' on!

I could dance a mon' ago

If that fool would only blow!

Jazzbro brown, that clown, that hound

From Memphis Town

Jazzbo Brown from Memphis Town

He's a clown, that hound!

When he blows and pats his feet

Makes a butcher leave his meat!

He don't play no classic stuff

Like them Hoffman Tales

What he plays is good enough

For the Prince of Wales!

He can moan an' he can groan

I ain't foolin' you!

There ain't nothin' on that horn

That old Jazz cain't do!

That sure does mark your card

And I'll give you all the odds

On Jazzbo Brown, that clown, that hound

From Memphis Town