by B.B. King recording of 2000 from Makin' Love Is Good for You (MCA 112241

You won't listen to nothing I tell you, baby, you keep on doing just as you please
Hey, you won't do nothing I tell you, baby, keep on doing as you please
I've taken as long as I can, baby, when is this foolishness gonna cease

I've worried myself crazy, baby, cried both night and day
I said I've worried myself crazy, baby, cried both night and day
You don't believe me, baby, but I'm gonna leave one of these days

Well, you told me that you love me, but actions speak louder than words
Oh, you said you love me, baby, but action speaks louder than words
I won't be fooled no longer, baby, that line everybody's heard

Well, If you're gonna change, baby, you better do it real soon
Hey, If you're gonna change, for the better, baby, you better do it real soon
Because you'll wake up one of these mornings, find yourself in a empty room

Ain't Gonna Worry My Life Anymore

by B.B. King recording of 1970 from Indianola Mississippi Seeds (MCA MCAD-31343)

Don't care when you go, how long you stay
Good time treatments, bring you back someday
Oh but someday, baby, I ain't gonna worry my life any more
Ain't but one thing, give me the blues
When I've worn a hole, in my last pair of shoes
Oh but someday, baby, I ain't gonna worry my life any more

Ain't Nobody's Bizness (Version 1)

by Porter Grainger / Everett Robbins recording of November 10, 1990
from B.B. King Live At The Apollo (GRP GRD-9637)

If me attend church all day Sunday, come back home and raise
(Spoken) I think I feel hurt or shall I go a little further, do a little more?
Ain't nobody's bizness what I do
If one day I have ham and bacon, and the next day, ain't nothin' shakin'
No it ain't nobody's bizness what I do

Ain't Nobody's Bizness (Version 2)

by Porter Grainger / Everett Robbins recording of early 60's

If me and my baby fuss and fight
Well, and the next minute we're all right
It ain't nobody's bizness what I do

If one day we have ham and bacon
And the next day ain't nothing shakin'
I tell you it ain't nobody's bizness what I do

Oh, I'm three, three times seven
Oh, that makes twenty-one
Ah, that ain't nobody's bizness what I do

Oh, if I attend church all day Sunday
And cabaret all day Monday
It ain't nobody's bizness what I do

If I stay out all night
Spending my money I tell you that's all right
Because it ain't nobody's bizness what I do
It ain't nobody's bizness what I do
 

Ain't Nobody Here But Us Chickens

by Alex Kramer / Joan Whitney recording of 1999
from Let the Good Times Roll: The Music of Louis Jordan (MCA 12042)

One night farmer Brown was takin' the air
Locked up the barnyard with the greatest of care
Down in the hen house something stirred
When he shouted, "Who's there?"
This is what he heard

There ain't nobody here but us chickens
There ain't nobody here at all
So calm yourself and stop that fuss
There ain't nobody here but us
We chickens tryin' to sleep and you butt in
And hobble, hobble, hobble, hobble, with your chin
There ain't nobody here but us chickens
There ain't nobody here at all
You're stompin' around and shakin' the ground
Kicking up an awful dust
We chickens tryin' to sleep and you butt in
And hobble, hobble, hobble, hobble, it's a sin

Tomorrow is a busy day
We got things to do, we got eggs to lay
We got ground to dig and worms to scratch
It takes a lot of sittin', gettin' chicks to hatch
Oh, there ain't nobody here but us chickens
There ain't nobody here at all
So quiet yourself and stop that fuss
There ain't nobody here but us
Kindly point the gun the other way
And hobble, hobble, hobble, hobble off and hit the hay

Tomorrow is a busy day
We got things to do, we got eggs to lay
We got ground to dig and worms to scratch
It takes a lot of sittin', gettin' chicks to hatch
Oh, there ain't nobody here but us chickens
There ain't nobody here at all
So quiet yourself and stop that fuss
There ain't nobody here but us
Kindly point the gun the other way
And hobble, hobble, hobble, hobble off and hit the hay

Hey, hey boss man, what do you say?
It's easy, pickin's, there ain't nobody here but us chickens
 

Ain't Nobody Home

by Jerry Ragovoy recording of 1971
from King Of The Blues 4 CD Box Set (MCA MCAD4-10677)

Once upon a time, a long long time ago,
wherever you'd lead me, I would surely follow
Girl, you put me through some pain and misery
And now you are standing on my doorstep,
telling me how much you need me
Baby, ain't nobody home (chorus: nobody's home)
Ain't nobody home (chorus: nobody's home)

How many times I begged for you to come home,
but you laughed at me and said let me alone
Through my falling tears I saw you walk away
And now you're beggin' me to forgive you,
but this time, baby, it's your turn to beg
Baby, ain't nobody home (chorus: nobody home)
Ain't nobody home (chorus: nobody home)

Girl, I used to love you, in ways no one else would love you
Gave you everything that I own
Girl, you can't come back here
Ain't nobody home (chorus: nobody's home)

Once upon a time, when you went on your way
But, girl, I hoped and prayed, that you'd come back some day
But time has made some changes, turned me upside down
So, you can beg me to forgive you, but this time, baby, you can turn right around

(chorus: ain't) Ain't nobody home (chorus: nobody home)
Ain't nobody (chorus: ain't), baby, ain't nobody (chorus: nobody home)
You know you hurt me once, (chorus: ain't nobody, nobody home) hmm
Ain't nobody home (chorus: ain't, ain't nobody home)
Oh you can beg me baby, (chorus: ain't, ain't nobody home) hmm
(chorus: ain't nobody) Still nobody home, (chorus: nobody home) hmm
(chorus: ain't nobody) Ain't nobody baby (chorus: nobody home)
(chorus: ain't nobody) Ain't nobody home (chorus: nobody home)
I hear you knockin' (chorus: ain't nobody, ain't nobody home)

Ain't Nobody Like My Baby

by B.B. King recording of 2000 from Makin' Love Is Good for You (MCA 112241

I'm in love with a real fine woman and she gives me everything
I said I'm in love with a real fine woman and she gives me everything
And it makes me feel so good, just to hear my baby call my name

My baby's sly way of loving, makes me feel so good I could sing
Hey my baby's sly way of loving, makes me feel so good I could sing
I feel just like I'm a millionaire, when I hear my baby call my name

Oh, there ain't nobody like my baby, that's the reason I love her so
Oh, ain't nobody, nobody like my baby, that's the reason I love her so
People, I would even die for her, I want the whole round world to know

When I'm down she'll picks me up, she says, "Daddy, you can't lose"
Oh, when I'm down, when I'm down, she picks me up, tells me, "Baby, you can't lose"
When all of my friends forget about me, my baby keeps away all these blues

Ain't That Just Like A Woman

by Alex Kramer / Joan Whitney recording of 1999
from Let the Good Times Roll: The Music of Louis Jordan (MCA 12042)

There was Adam, happy as a man could be
Till Eve got him messin' with that old apple tree

Ain't that just like a woman?
Ain't that just like a woman?
Ain't that just like a woman?
They'll do it every time

Lot took his wife down to the corner for a malted
She wouldn't mind her business, boy, did she get salted

Ain't that just like a woman?
Ain't that just like a woman?
Ain't that just like a woman?
They'll do it every time
Samson thought Delilah was on the square
Till one night she clipped him all his hair

Ain't that just like a woman?
Ain't that just like a woman?
Ain't that just like a woman?
They'll do it every time

From our history books we all learned
Nero fiddled while Rome was burned

Ain't that just like a woman?
Ain't that just like a woman?
Ain't that just like a woman?
They'll do it every time

Marie Antoinette met some hungry cats at the gate
They was crying for bread, she said, "Let them eat cake"

Ain't that just like a woman?
Ain't that just like a woman?
Ain't that just like a woman?
They'll do it every time

You can buy a woman clothes
And give her money on the side
No matter what you do
She ain't never satisfied
Ain't that just like a woman?
Ain't that just like a woman?
Ain't that just like a woman?
They'll do it every time

All Over Again

by B.B. King / Adams recording of 1965
from King Of The Blues 4 CD Box Set (MCA MCAD4-10677)

I've got a good mind to give up living, and go shopping instead
I say, I've got a good mind to give up living, and go shopping instead
To pick up me a tombstone, and be pronounced dead

When I read your letter this morning, that was in your place in bed
I read your letter this morning, that was in your place in bed
And that's when I decided, that I would be better off dead

It read, there is no use you looking, or ever hoping to get me back
Oh, there's no use you looking, or ever hoping to get me back
Yes, because it's all over now, and baby you can bet on that
 

All You Ever Give Me Is The Blues

by probably Jon Tiven / Sally Tiven / Gary Nicholson recording of 1995
from Lucille & Friends (MCA 33008),

I gave you a diamond ring, you won't wear
It's a nine thousand dollar thing, you don't care
I set up a wedding date, you couldn't make it
You said all the love we made, you were just faking

But girl, you know, what hurts me the most
Is I gave all my love to you, all you ever give me
All you ever give me, all you ever give me is the blues
Is the blues

I gave you my Cadillac keys, you don't drive
I hired you a limousine, you won't ride
Bought you the house on the hill, you hate the view
Even wrote you into my will, gave you something to look forward to

But girl, you know, what hurts me the most
Is I gave all my love to you
All you ever give me
All you ever give me
All you ever give me is the blues
Nothing but the blues

I've tried and tried, but I'm mystified
I've done all that I can do, I've given you my best
You put me to the test
All you ever give me
All you ever give me
All you ever give me is the blues
Nothing but the blues

But girl, you know, what hurts me the most
Is I gave all my love to you
All you ever give me
All you ever give me
All you ever gave me was the blues
All you ever gave me
All you ever gave me
All you ever gave me
All you ever gave me was the blues
Nothing but the blues
 

Ask Me No Questions

by B.B. King / Adams recording of 1965
from King Of The Blues 4 CD Box Set (MCA MCAD4-10677)

You go out when you get ready
And you come home when you please
You just love me when you want me baby
And you think it outta be alright with me

When I try to talk, talk to you baby
And let you know just how I feel
You tell me if I don't like it
You know someone else will

Oh, but I done got wise to you baby
You're not the only bird in the sky
Oh so don't ask me no questions now baby
And I, I won't tell you no lies

Because I like to feel arms around me
And lips close, close to mine
So I don't have to beg you to love me
I don't have to beg you all the time

Oh, but I done got wise to you baby
You're not the only bird in the sky
So now don't you ask me no questions
And you know I won't, I won't tell you no lies

Yes you can love me if you want me
Or you keep on playing the field
Because I know if you don't love me
I know there's somebody else that will

 

A Story Everybody Knows

by Nesbert "Stix" Hooper / Will Jennings recording of 1979
from Take It Home (MCA 11770),
 

She made me want to throw my life away
But when I asked her, she said, "Maybe tomorrow, B.B."
And that's a story everybody knows

I took her flying, out across the sea
I thought I had her, I know that she had me
And when we landed, it was Paris, France
Seemed like a nice place, for some French romance
But when I touched her, she said, "Maybe a little later, B.B."
And that's the story everybody knows

We went to Berlin, and to Stockholm too
And on the Moscow, then to the Peking Zoo
As far as travel, she couldn't get too much
Somewhere in Oakland, she let me have just a little touch
And then she said, "I'm late for beauty appointment,
I've got a headache, and I believe I'm coming down with the flu"
And that's the story everybody knows

At Last

by Mack Gordon / Harry Warren recording of 1994
from Heart to Heart (GRP 9767),

At last
My love has come along
My lonely days are over
And life is like a song

At last
The sky above is blue
My heart was wrapped in clover
The night I looked at you

I found a dream, that I could speak to
A dream that I, can call my own
I found a thrill, to press my cheek to
A thrill that I, have never ever known

You, you smiled
And then the spell was cast
And here we are in heaven
For you are mine at last

I found a dream, I found a dream
That I could speak to, baby
A dream that I, can definitely call my own
I found a thrill, I found a thrill
To press my cheek to, to press my cheek to
A thrill that I, have never ever known

You smiled, you smiled, baby
And then the spell was cast
And here we are in heaven
Yeah, yeah, yeah, for you are mine
At last
You are mine at last
At last
You're mine, baby

A Whole Lot Of Lovin

by Joe Josea / Maxwell Davis recording of 19
from Best Of  B.B. King Vol. 1 (Flair V2-86230 or 2-91691 (CD) / Virgin 86230 or 91691 / Capitol 86230)

I got a whole lot o' lovin', baby, just waiting for you
I got a whole lot o' loving, baby, just waitin' for you
And the way I can love you woman, honey, I know you can love me too

Well, you're so good lookin', baby, and your built up from the ground
Well, you're so good lookin', baby, and your built up from the ground
Ev'ry time I see you baby, my love starts tumblin' down

Yeah, you're just my height baby, just my height and size
Say, you just my type babe, you just my height and size
And the reason I love you, because you got them little dreamy eyes

A Woman Don't Care

You may be rich
You may be poor
You may be high
Or you just may be low
But if you fall in love
Oh, and you should lose
A woman don't care
She don't care who she gives the blues

Wo, you may be young
You may be old
Maybe you've heard
Or maybe you've never been told
If you've got a good woman
Oh, try not to misuse
Oh, a woman don't care
She don't care who she gives the blues

She'll make you hot in the winter
Make you cold in the summertime
She'll make you feel young in the spring
And in the fall drive you out of your mind
A woman, don't you hear me callin' you?
Yeah woman, you don't care
Yeah, you don't care who you give the blues

Oh, you may be up
You may be down
You may be short, tall, skinny
Or you just might be round
Oh, don't be too sure of your woman
Thinkin' man, that you can't lose
Oh, remember that a woman don't care
She don't care who she gives the blues
 

A Woman Don't Care

by Will Jennings / Joe Sample recording of 1978 from Midnight Believer (MCA MCAD-27011)

You and me don't see eye to eye
On every little thing
We've missed a lot of sunshine
And caught a lot of rain
If you want to leave I can't make you stay
But there is something I have to say

No matter how high you get
Or how low you go
There's one thing darling
You ought to know

There's a world full of strangers out there
A world full of strangers
Beware
There's a world full of strangers out there
And if it gets too strange
Just come on home

Restless hearts, looking for a love
Are waiting in the street
They're all prepared to give you
The bitter with the sweet
If you wake someday and you reach for me
Well you know, this is where I'll be

No matter how high you get
Or how low you go
There's one thing darling
You ought to know

There's a world full of strangers out there
A world full of strangers
Beware
There's a world full of strangers out there
And if it gets too strange
Just come on home
,

A World I Never Made

by Doc Pomus / Mac Rebennack recording of 1982
from Love Me Tender (MCA MCAD-886),
 

The late show is over
And the city is fast asleep
And I'm lost in a world
That's just too cold and deep
I've turned so many ways
I'm spinning like a top
I wish that I could get off
Or get this world to stop

I'm a stranger and afraid
I'm a stranger and afraid
I'm a stranger and afraid
In a world I never made

I'm always chasing dragons
With a sword that's made of tin
So I know in my soul
There's no way I can win
I tried, oh I tried
But there's no place, no place to go
There's no one here who knows me
And no one here I know

I'm a stranger and afraid
I'm a stranger and afraid
I'm a stranger and afraid
In a world I never made
 

Baby Get Lost

by Leonard Feather recording of 19
from Great Moments With B.B. King (MCA MCAD-4124),

Good mornin' baby, baby, welcome back, baby, welcome back to town
Yeah, you doin' so much trav'lin' woman, I never know when you're gonna be around

Yeah, you a fine and mellow baby but you stubborn as a mule
You love me like an angel baby but you treat me like a fool
Two faced woman don't you hand me no double cross
Well, because anytime I'm ready woman
Well, I can tell you, I can tell you, "Baby, get lost!"

You cheatin' on the outside, you're doin' ev'rything you chose
You better come back on the inside woman, 'cause you got too much to lose
I don't want no trouble with you baby,
I wanna tell you I got to be the boss
Yeah, because anytime I'm ready baby,
oh, I can tell you, I can tell you, "Baby, get lost!"

Yes, I'll try to stop your cheatin' woman but I just don't have the time
I got so many woman, baby, 'till they're standing in line
I want to tell you baby, yeah, you know I've got to be the boss
Alright!
Well, because anytime I'm ready, baby,
I can tell you, "Baby, get lost!"
 

Baby Look At You

by  B.B. King / Joe Josea recording of 19
from Turn on to B.B. King (United 7763) & Live! B. B. King on Stage (Kent 7736) & Lucille Had a Baby (ACE 271)

Well, baby, baby, baby look at you
Yes, I said, "Baby, baby, baby, baby look at you"
Well, you want to jump on me and hurt me
'Cause I won't let you tell me what to do

Well, when I first met you baby
You didn't know what love is about
You was standin' on the streets beggin'
And ragged as a barrel of sauerkraut

Baby, baby, baby look at you
Well now, you want to jump on me and hurt me
'Cause I won't let you tell me what to do

Well, you said once that you loved me,
I would always be your own
And now you got your hands on some money, baby,
and you're drivin' B.B. away from home

Well, you said that you loved me,
I always would be your man
Now you thrown me outdoors,
and said, "Go and do the best you can"

Back In L.A

by Will Jennings / Joe Sample recording of 1992
from There Is Always One More Time (MCA MCAD-10295)

From Hollywood and Vine
To the Sunset Strip
There's so much going on
You can lose your grip
From early in the morning
Until late at night
They'll do you so wrong
They'll do you so right

Back in L.A.
Waiting for the sun to shine
Back in L.A.
Living down a life of crime
Back in L.A.
Working on another line
Back in L.A.
To pick up the dime
You must do the time

From way up in the canyons
Where the hot winds howl
To the mean city streets
Where the night hawks prowl
I can feel the rhythm play
The whole night long
Guess I'll stay in L.A.
And listen to this song

Back in L.A.
Waiting for the sun to shine
Back in L.A.
Living down a life of crime
Back in L.A.
Working on another line
Back in L.A.
To pick up the dime
You must do the time

You must do the time

Bad Breaks

by B.B. King / Joe Josea

I wish I was single, 'cause my woman, she drives me mad
Yes, she's always accusing me of someone of someone I ain't never had

Last night I felt lucky but my luck was running slow
The last hand I caught four aces and the police broke down the door
I said, "Lord, Lord, what can a poor boy do?"
It's tough when you can't make no money,
seems like all the bad breaks come to you

Got home this morning, she was looking kind-a funny
She said, "Don't come in here daddy, unless you got some money"
I said, "Lord, Lord, what can a poor boy do?"
It's tough when you can't make no money,
seems like all the bad breaks come to you

I asked my woman for some dinner, she looked at me like a fool
She said, "I'm playing checkers, daddy, and I think it's your time to move"
I said, "Lord, Lord, what can a poor boy do?"
It's tough when you can't make no money,
seems like all the bad breaks come to you
 

Bad Case Of Love

by B.B. King recording of 1998
from Blues on the Bayou (MCA 11879)

ot a bad case of love
Got a bad case of love
Got a bad case of love
Got a bad case of love
Got a bad case of love
People my heart is full of misery

I live in loneliness, never get no rest
Went to see a love doctor, to get out of this mess
Took a look at me, before he cast his spell
Shook his head and then began to yell
You gotta bad case of love
Got a bad case of love
Got a bad case of love
People my heart is full of misery

I said, “Doctor, doctor, please do something for me
I feel like a man going through the third degree
Can’t sleep at night, can’t eat a bit"
Since you been gone nothin' ever goes right
You gotta bad case of love
Got a bad case of love
Got a bad case of love
People my heart is full of misery

He said son I know, just how you feel
You love your little baby and you always will
But your puff is short, your breathin' weak
It won’t be long before you’re 6 feet deep
You gotta bad case of love
Got a bad case of love
Got a bad case of love
People my heart is full of misery
 

Bad Luck

by B.B. King / Joe Josea recording of 1951-1957
from RPM Hits 1951-1957 (ACE 712),

Well, my bad luck is falling, falling down like rain
Bad luck is falling, falling down like rain
No matter what I do, seems like my luck won't never change

I felt kinda lucky
My luck was running slow
The last hand I caught four aces
And the police broke down the door
I said, Lord, Lord, what can a poor boy do?
Well, ain't it bad when you can't make no money
Seems like all the bad breaks will come to you

Yeah, I got home this morning
She was looking kinda funny
She said "Don't come in, daddy
Daddy, unless you got some money"
And I said, Lord, Lord, what can a poor boy do?
Well, ain't it tough when you can't make no money
Without your woman turning her back on you

Well now, I asked my woman for some dinner
She looked at me like a fool
She said, "I'm playing checkers, daddy
And I think it's your turn to move"
I said, oh, Lord, what can a poor boy do?
Yes, it's bad when you can't make no money
And your woman turns her back on you
 

Bad Luck Soul

by B.B. King / Jules Taub recording of 19
from Best Of B.B. King Vol. 2 (Ace 199),

I want to go home but I ain't got sufficient clothes
Doggone my bad luck soul
I ain't got no money and my job's done closed
I would call that old woman but I'm afraid that she may explode

My wife done quit me, my girlfriend too
Doggone my bad luck soul
I ain't got nobody and I don't know what to do
They say things will get better but I don't believe it's true

I thought I had friends but they all disappeared
Doggone bad luck soul
Everything I do people, everything I do seems to be wrong
It wouldn't be so bad if I knew I had a home

B.B.'s Blues

by B.B. King / Branford Marsalis recording of 1995
from Lucille & Friends (MCA 33008),
 

If you love me, baby
Why don't you write me sometime
If you, if you love me, baby
Why don't you let me
Hear from you sometime
You don't do nothing
But keep me worried
You just keep me worried
All the time

You know I think about you, baby
I think about you
Every night about this time
Oh you know, you know
You know I think about you, baby
I think about you
Every night about this time
It seems like you would treat me
A little better, baby
It seems like you would be
A little nicer and kind

Let me love you one more time, baby
Let me love you one more time
Before you go away
Let me, let me love you
One more time, baby
One more time before you go away
If you let me love you one more time
I think we can talk it over
Before you go away

Here I am, baby
My heart's right here in my hand
Oh here I am, baby
My heart's right here in my hand
Oh I don't want you to leave me, baby
Don't want you to go
To no other man
 

Beautician Blues

by B.B. King recording of 19
from The Soul of B. B. King (United 7714) & The Jungle (United 7742)                &  The Best of B.B. King, Vol. 1 (Virgin 86230),
 

I met a fine beautician, in a very fine condition
She was long and lean, and you know what that means
She's a good lovin' mama, a hard workin' woman
She makes a lot of money, I don't have to worry about a thing

She works hard all day, dressin' hair
Man you can bet, I want to get somewhere
With my good lovin' mama, my hard workin' woman
She makes a lot of money, I don't have a worry about a thing

I meet the finest woman, from everywhere
Because my baby, dress their hair
I'll be her lover boy, she treats me like a king
She makes a lot of money, don't have to worry about a thing

Yes, she keeps her hair, so neat and fine
And every pound of her is mine
I'll be her lover boy, I'll be happy as a king
She makes a lot of money, don't have to worry about a thing
 

Be Careful With A Fool

by B.B. King / Joe Josearecording of probably 1960
from The Great B.B. King (B. B. King and His Orchestra)          (Crown CLP 5143) & Across the Tracks (ACE 230),

Yes, be careful with a fool, 'cause someday he may get smart
Yes, be careful with a fool, 'cause someday he may get smart
Yes, he'll treat you so cold and chilly, it will hurt you to your hurt

I hate to remember how foolish I used to be
I hate to remember how foolish I used to be
Well, you know the way I used to love you, baby, and how bad you treated me

I used to cry about you baby and walk the streets late at night
I used to cry about you baby and walk the streets late at night
Yes, if you love me a little bit, baby, why don't you treat me half way right?

It's finally over, baby, babe, I know this is the end
It's finally over, baby, babe, I know this is the end
I've got you off of my mind, woman and I've started over again

Better Not Look Down

by Will Jennings / Joe Sample recording of 1978
from King Of The Blues 4 CD Box Set (MCA MCAD4-10677)

I've been around and I've seen some things
People moving faster than the speed of sound
Faster than the speeding bullet
People living like Superman
All day and all night
And I won't say if it's wrong or if it's right
I'm pretty fast myself
But I do have some advice to pass along
Along in the chorus of this song

Better not look down, if you want to keep on flying
Put the hammer down, keep it full speed ahead
Better not look back, or you might just wind up crying
You can keep it moving, if you don't look down

An old girl friend of mine showed up the other day
That girl have lived in love and for love,
and over love, and under love all her life
If the arrows from cupid's bow that had
passed through her heart had been sticking
Out of her body she would have looked like a porcupine,
And she asked me "B.B. do you think I've lived my life all wrong?"
And I said: "The only advice I have to pass
along in the chorus of this song", girl

Better not look down, if you want to keep on flying
Put the hammer down, keep it full speed ahead
Better not look back, or you might just wind up crying
You can keep it moving, if you don't look down

I was walking down the street at sunrise one morning, in London, England
And there was a very large Rolls Royce limousine,
pulling slowly along the street
And in that Rolls Royce was the queen of England, looking tired
Just go back from a party, and the queen leaned out and,
she said: "Aren't you B.B. King?"
She said: "Oh B.B., sometimes it's so hard to pull things together.
Could you tell me what you think I ought to do?"
And I said:

Better not look down, if you want to keep on flying
Put the hammer down, keep it full speed ahead
Better not look back, or you might just wind up crying
You can keep it moving, if you don't look down

Better not look down, if you want to keep on flying
Put the hammer down, keep it full speed ahead
Better not look back, or you might just wind up crying
You can keep it moving, if you don't look down
 

Beware, Brother, Beware

by Adams / Lasco / Fleecie Moore recording of 1999
from Let the Good Times Roll: The Music of Louis Jordan (MCA 12042)

Hey, fellas, yes, you, fellas, listen to me, I got something to tell you
And I want you to listen to every word and govern yourselves accordingly

Now, you see these girls with these fine diamonds, fine furs and fine clothes
Well, they're looking for a husband and you're listening to a man who knows
They ain't foolin', and if you fool around with them
You're gonna get yourself in a schoolin'

Listen, if she saves you dough, and won't go to the show
Beware
If she's easy to kiss and won't resist
Beware

And if you go for a walk, and she listens while you talk
She's tryin' to hook you

And nobody's lookin' and she asks you to taste her cookin'
Don't do it, don't do it
And if you go to a show and she wants to sit in the back row
Bring her down front, bring her right down front

If you wanna go for a snack, and she wants to sit in the booth in the back
Beware

And listen, if she's used to caviar and fine silk
When you go out with her she wanna a hot dog and a malted milk
She's trying to get you

If you're used to goin' to Carnegie Hall, but when you take her out night club'ing
All she wants is one meatball
You better take it easy

If she grabs your hand and says, "Darling, you're such a nice man"
Beware, I'm telling you

(Should I tell them no more?)
(Tell them everything)

You better listen to me 'cause I'm telling you what's being put down
You better pick up on it

If her sister calls your brother, you better get further
I'm telling you, you better watch it

And if she's acting kind of wild, and she says, "Darling, give me a trial"
Don't you do it, don't be weak, don't give it to her
And if she smiles in your face and just melts into place
Let her melt, forget it, let her melt

(Should I tell them no more?)
(Tell them everything)

Now listen, if she calls you up on the phone, and says,
"Darling, are you all alone?"
Tell her, "No, no, I've got two, three women with me"

Don't pay no attention to women
Stand up for your right, be a man, be a man

(Are you listening?)
If you turn out the lights and she don't fight
That's the end, it's too late
She's got you hooked, you might as well stick with her

(Should I tell them no more?)

If you get home about two and don't know what to do
You pull back the curtains, and the whole family's looking at you
Get your business straight
Set the date, don't be late

Brother, beware, beware, beware
Brother, you better beware

Blind Love

by B.B. King / Jules Taub recording of 1951-1957
from RPM Hits 1951-1957 (ACE 712)

People, I was standing at my window, tears running all down my cheeks
Yes, standing at my window, tears running all down my cheeks
Well, I could see the woman I'm loving, stopping everyone in the world she meets

Well, standing on the corner, between 35th and Main
Well, standing on the corner, people, between 35th and Main
Yeah, that's where a blind man's seen my woman, people, a dumb man called her name

He said, "Oh, I'm blind, you brought eyesight and made me see"
"Oh, I'm blind, you brought eyesight and made me see"
Yes, and the dumb man asked a question, "Woman, who may your good man be?"

Yes, I'm standing by trembling, people, people, my heart's laying in my hand
I'm standing by trembling, darling, with my heart's laying in my hand
Well, I could hear my baby say, "Lord, I ain't got no man"

Blues At Midnight

by Ivory Joe Hunterrecording of 1962
from King Of The Blues 4 CD Box Set (MCA MCAD4-10677)

When that midnight hour went chiming, I was in my room alone
Yes, when that midnight hour went chiming, I was in my room alone
Yes, and when I came home this evening, I found my baby gone

Oh, I laid my head on my pillow, I gazed up at the stars up above
Yes, I laid my head on my pillow, yes, lookin' up at the stars above
I tell you it's a miserable feeling, oh, when you lose the one you love

Oh, I get the blues at midnight, oh there's one thing I can't describe
Oh, I get the blues at midnight, oh there's one thing I can't describe
Yes, and when you look at your baby's picture, oh, tears will come from your eyes

Blue Shadows

by Glenn recording of 1971
from King Of The Blues 4 CD Box Set (MCA MCAD4-10677)

Blues shadows fallin', since my baby went away
Blues shadows fallin', since my baby went away
You know the blues is my companion, every night and every day

The blues walked in this morning, when my baby said goodbye
The blues walked in this morning, when my baby said goodbye
I wish I could change her mind, but I know it's no use for me to try

Yes will you talk to me baby, if it's just by the telephone
Won't you please talk to me baby, if it's just by the telephone
Let me tell you how I miss you baby and how it feels to be alone

So brother, if you got a good woman, man, you better take my advice
Say, if you got a good woman, man, you better take my advice
You better treat her like an angel and keep her home at any price

Blues In G

by B.B. King recording of 1998
from Blues on the Bayou (MCA 11879)

Yes you're on the top now, baby, but don't nothing stay the same
Hey you're on the top now, baby, but don't nothing stay the same
Every now and then, baby, lady luck deals another hand

You're calling me your pal now, when I used to be your man
Hey you're calling me your pal now, baby, when I used to be your man
You're flying real high now, baby, go on and raise your sand

I realize now, baby, your kind of love ain't true
Hey I realize now, baby, your kind of love won't do
Well what should've been, baby, now has all fell through

Blues Man

by B.B. King recording of 1998
from Blues on the Bayou (MCA 11879)

I've traveled for miles around
Seems like everybody wanna put me down
Because I'm a bluesman
But I'm a good man, understand

I went down to the bus station
Look upon the wall
My money is to light people
Couldn't go no where at all
I'm a bluesman
But I'm a good man, understand

The burden that I carry, oh is so heavy
It seems like ain't nobody in this great big world
That would wanna, wanna help old B.
Hey, but I'll, I would be all right people
Just give me a break, good things come
The those wait, and I've waited a long time
I'm a bluesman
But I'm a good man, understand

Blues Stay Away

by B.B. King recording of probably 19
from Rock Me Baby (Kent 5012)

Blues stay away from me
Oh blues, what don't you let me be
Don't know why
You keep on haunting me

Love never meant for me
Oh true love was never meant for me
Seem somehow
We never can agree

Life is full of misery
Oh dreams are like memories
Bringing back
The love that used to be

Tears, so many I can't see
Oh yes, don't mean a thing to me
Oh, don't go by
Still I can be free

Broken Heart

by B.B. King recording of 1983
from Blues 'n' Jazz (MCA MCAD-27119)

You're breaking my heart, baby
There ain't a damn thing I can do
You got me wringing my hands
And crying, baby
While you're breaking my heart in two
You know I just can't believe
I can't believe, baby
That you're doing the things you do

I can't believe, baby
I can't believe you would do me wrong
Please have mercy on me, baby
I want you to come on back
Come on back where you belong
I want you so bad
I want you so bad, baby
You know I need my lady home

Broken Promise

by B.B. King / Sam Ling recording of 1998
from Blues on the Bayou (MCA 11879

You broke your promise, baby
You don't love, honor or obey
You won't do nothing I tell you
You go on mistreating me everyday
You're hardly acting your part, baby
You won't do nothing the preacher says

You don't love me, baby
You don't even wish me well
Honor's just a joke with you, baby
You don't love me, I can tell
Married life with you, baby
I'd rather be living in a cell

You deceive me, baby
You use me like a child
You tricked me into loving you, baby
I was loving you all the while
You played with my heart, baby
I said I was loving you all the while
 

Business With My Baby Tonight

by Martin / Rubin recording of 1988
from King of Blues: 1989 (MCA MCAD-42183)

My woman's been accusing me
Of stepping out
Jealous rumors have her mind filled
With so much doubt
And I've gotta convince her
I'm not doing her wrong
Before she leaves me
Sad and all alone

So when the clock hits five
I'll be gone
There's a matter
That I'm gonna settle later on
So if the boss man talks
About overtime
I'm just gonna smile
and pay him no mind

I've got business with my baby tonight
We're gonna talk things over
And make things right
'Cause I couldn't sleep at all
Since we had our fight
I've got business with my baby tonight

We'll go out to dinner
At our favorite restaurant
I'll hold her hand
And tell her she's all I'll ever want
When we get home
I'll take her straight to paradise
And we'll still be loving
Till the morning light

I've got business with my baby tonight
We're gonna talk things over
And make things right
'Cause I couldn't sleep at all
Since we had our fight
I've got business with my baby tonight

Now don't you start talking
About gossip or news
I'm warning you now
I'll put on my walking shoes
'Cause to me nothing in this world
Is a big deal
When it's compared to the way
She makes me feel, all right

I've got business with my baby tonight
We're gonna talk things over
And make things right
'Cause I couldn't sleep at all
Since we had our fight
I've got business with my baby tonight

B.B.'s got business tonight
We're gotta talk things over
And make things right
'Cause I couldn't sleep at all
Since we had our fight
I've got business with my baby tonight

Buzz Me (Version 1)

by Baxter / Fleecie Moore recording of 1967
from Blues Is King (MCA MCAD-31386)
 

When I saw you this morning, baby, tell me why did you walk away
When I saw you this morning, baby, tell me why did you walk away
Can't believe that you don't love me, thought our love was here to stay

Now buzz me, baby, I'll be waiting for your call
Buzz me, buzz me, buzz me, buzz me, baby, I'll be waiting for your call
If you forgot the number, come on over, you won't have to call at all

I never lied to no one, I ain't gonna lie to you
When I say I'm yours forever, every word I say is true
Buzz me, baby, I'll be waiting for your call
If you forgot the number, come on over, you won't have to call at all

Yes, buzz me, baby, I'm like the ship that's lost at sea
Buzz me, buzz me, baby, you mean so much to me
If I ever get my arms around you, I ain't gonna let go till 1973

Buzz Me (Version 2)

by Baxter / Fleecie Moore recording of 1999
from Let the Good Times Roll: The Music of Louis Jordan (MCA 12042)

When I saw you this morning, baby, tell me why did you walk away
When I saw you this morning, baby, tell me why did you walk away
I can't believe that you don't want me, I thought our love was here to stay

Buzz me, buzz me, buzz me, baby, I'll be waiting for your call
Buzz me, buzz me, buzz me, baby, I'll be waiting for your call
But if you forgot the number, come on over, you won't have to call at all

I never lied to no one, I ain't gonna lie to you
When I say I'm yours forever, every word I say is true
Buzz me, baby, I'll be waiting for your call
But if you forgot the number, come on over, and you won't have to call at all

Buzz me, buzz me, baby, you mean so awfully much to me
Buzz me, buzz me, baby, I'm just like a ship that's lost at sea
But when I get my arm around you, ain't gonna let go till 2003
 

Bye Bye Baby

by B.B. King / Jules Taub recording of 1987
from One Nighter Blues (ACE 201)

I got a fine looking woman, I call her "that gal of mine"
Yes, she's a fine looking woman, I call her "that gal of mine"
Yes, the reason I love her, because she's dressed so fine

Well, she's a fine looking woman, and she lives across the town
Well, she's a fine looking woman, and she lives across the town
Yeah, my baby's trying to leave me, she's trying to put me down

Hey, it's bye bye baby, bye bye and fare you well
Hey, it's bye bye baby, bye bye and fare you well
Well, what I'm gonna do now, baby, it's hard to tell

Yeah, it's bye bye, bye bye baby bye
Well, bye bye baby, bye bye bye baby bye bye
Yes, since you're gonna leave me, I have no need to cry