I've Got What It Takes (But It Breaks My Heart To Give It Away)

I've Got What It Takes (But It Breaks My Heart To Give It Away) - 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 yeller

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

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