I've Got What It Takes (05-15-29) - Bessie Smith

Oh Stingy Ginny saved up all her pennies

Straight to the bank she would go The sharks would have their hands around her

But none could get her dough

Ginny’s fellow was a slick high yellow

Sent away to jail one day

He cried for bail, then turned real pale

When I (*) heard Ginny say

Oh I’ve got what it takes

But it breaks my heart to give it away

It’s in demand

They wants it every day

I’ve been saving it up for a long long time

To give it away would be more than a crime

Your eyes may roll, your teeth may grit

But none of my money will you git

You can look at my bank book

But I’ll never let you feel my purse

Cause I’m a woman, believes in safety first, safety first

Said if you want my money, here’s my plan

I’m saving it up for a real good man

I’ve got what it takes

But it breaks my heart to give it away

She said I’ve got what it takes

But it breaks my heart to give it away

It’s in demand

Folks cryin' for it every day

I’ve been saving it up for a long long time

To give it away would be more than a crime

Your eyes may roll, your teeth may grit

But none of this small change will you git

You can look at my bank book

But I’ll never let you put your hands on my purse

Lord I’m a woman, believes in safety first, safety first

Say if you want my money, here’s my plan

I’m not savin' it up for no naked (?) man

I’ve got what it takes

But it breaks my heart to give it away

(*) Bessie distinctly says «I"though I think it should be «he».