Ethel Waters
You’ll Need Me When I’m 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!