What's the Matter Now? - Bessie Smith, Clarence Williams

Papa, Papa, treetop tall

Hear your lovin' mama call

You ain’t doin' no good

You ain’t treatin' me like you should

Papa, Papa, hear my plea

Stop mistreatin' me

You stay, stay away

That’s why you hear me say

What’s the matter now?

What’s the matter now?

Ain’t seen you, honey

Since well last spring

Tell me, pretty Papa

Have you broke that thing?

What’s the matter now

That we can’t get along somehow?

I ain’t had no sugar in a long time

Tell me, what’s the matter now?

Daddy, tell me what’s the matter now?

What’s the matter now?

What’s the matter now?

You never give me lovin'

Like a daddy should

Tell me, do you really think

I’m made o' wood?

What’s the matter now?

Cruel Daddy, we can’t get along somehow

Mama wants some honey from that honeycomb

Tell me, what’s the matter now?

Daddy, tell me what’s the matter now?