Langston Hughes, "Minnie Sings Her Blues" (1927)
Cabaret, cabaret!
That's where ma man an' me go.
Cabaret, cabaret!
That's where we go,
Leaves de snow outside
An' our troubles at de door.
Jazz band, jazz band!
Ma man an' me dance.
When I cuddles up tu hini
No other gal's got a chance.
Baby, O, Baby,
I'm midnight mad.
If ma daddy didn't love me
It sho would be sad.
If he didn't love me
I'd go away
An' dig me a grave this very day.
Blues ... blues !
Blue, blue, blues !
I'd sho have them blues.
Published in Fine Clothes to the Jew, 1927