Lonnie Johnson Lyrics
"Ball And Chain Blues (1926)"

Standing in the rain by the lamppost, next to the curb and snow.
Standing in the rain by the lamppost, next to the curb and snow.
Wanting to see the one I love, is leavin' me all alone.

People the worried blues, stood by me the whole night through.
The worried blues, stood by me the whole night through.
I say, "Blues, what do you think I can do with you?"

I meet two people, I don't know your names.
I meet two people, I don't know your names.
But the blues is weighting my poor heart down, just like a ball and chain.

People I once had a good wife, but those days are passed by.
People I once had a good wife, but those days are passed by.
Ah, these triflin' women, has made me throw my happy home life.

If you get a good wife, try an' try to keep her home.
If you get a good wife men, do all you can to keep her home.
'Cause there's women now, only soon lead a good man roam.