Ethel Waters — Youll Need Me When Im Long Gone

[Verse 1] Sweet papa, you're treating me wrong If you don't stop it, I'll be long gone Then I wonder what you'll say I wonder what you'll do You've been so unkind I'm goin' away to worry you off my mind You'll need me when I'm long gone When some other mama will be treatin' you wrong Then you'll miss all that good lovin' you had That's the time that I'll be feelin' glad You think that you're acting smart Always trying to break some lovin' sweet mama's heart But you'll miss me just as sure as you born And when you need me, I'll be long gone I'll be long gone [Verse 2] They call you the sheik with a heart of stone Who'll be your sheba when you're left alone? Breakin' hearts is your best bet But look out, old dear, they're gonna get you yet You love her, and then you drop 'em to suit your will But Mr. Rudolph Sasalina, you gonna get your fill Here's a little lesson that I think you might want to learn If you play with fire, why, you're bound to get burned So don't think that you're actin' smart You're playin' right in my hands, you ain't breakin' my heart But you'll miss me just as sure as you born And the very time you need me, I'll be long gone Don't think the birds will sing all the time, ha! I'll be gone!