Lyrics I've Got What It Takes (But It Breaks My Heart to Give It Away) - Bessie Smith

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

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».