The census man, The day he came round, Wanted my name To put it down. I said, JOHNSON, ALBERTA K. But he hated to write The K that way. He said, What Does K stand for? I said, K -- And nothing more. He said, I'm gonna put it K - A - Y. I said, If you do, You lie. My mother christened me ALBERTA K. You leave my name Just that way! He said, Mrs., (With a snort) Just a K Makes your name too short. I said, I don't Give a damn! Leave me and my name Just like I am! Furthermore, rub out That MRS., too -- I'll have you know I'm Madam to you!
Madam's Three Callers
Song Cycle by Betty Roe (b. 1930)
1. Madam and the census man [sung text not yet checked]
Language: English
Text Authorship:
- by Langston Hughes (1902 - 1967), "Madam and the Census Man", appears in One-Way Ticket, first published 1949
See other settings of this text.
Please note: this text, provided here for educational and research use, is in the public domain in Canada, but it may still be copyright in other legal jurisdictions. The LiederNet Archive makes no guarantee that the above text is public domain in your country. Please consult your country's copyright statutes or a qualified IP attorney to verify whether a certain text is in the public domain in your country or if downloading or distributing a copy constitutes fair use. The LiederNet Archive assumes no legal responsibility or liability for the copyright compliance of third parties.
Researcher for this text: Emily Ezust [Administrator]2. Madam and the Minister [sung text not yet checked]
Language: English
Reverend Butler came by My house last week He said, Have you got A little time to speak? He said, I am interested In your soul. Has it been saved, Or is your heart stone-cold? I said, Reverend, I'll have you know I was baptized Long ago. He said, What have you Done since then? I said, None of your Business, friend. He said, Sister Have you back-slid? I said, It felt good -- If I did! He said, Sister, Come time to die, The Lord will surely Ask you why! I'm gonna pray For you! Goodbye! I felt kinder sorry I talked that way After Rev. Butler Went away -- So I ain't in no mood For sin today.
Text Authorship:
- by Langston Hughes (1902 - 1967), "Madam and the Minister", appears in One-Way Ticket, first published 1949
See other settings of this text.
Please note: this text, provided here for educational and research use, is in the public domain in Canada, but it may still be copyright in other legal jurisdictions. The LiederNet Archive makes no guarantee that the above text is public domain in your country. Please consult your country's copyright statutes or a qualified IP attorney to verify whether a certain text is in the public domain in your country or if downloading or distributing a copy constitutes fair use. The LiederNet Archive assumes no legal responsibility or liability for the copyright compliance of third parties.
Researcher for this text: Emily Ezust [Administrator]3. Madam and the wrong visitor [sung text not yet checked]
Language: English
A man knocked three times. I never seen him before. He said, Are you Madam? I said, What's the score? He said, I reckon You don't know my name, But I've come to call On you just the same. I stepped back Like he had a charm. He said, I really Don't mean no harm. I'm just Old Death And I thought I might Pay you a visit Before night. He said, You're Johnson -- Madam Alberta K.? I said, Yes -- but Alberta Ain't goin' with you today! No sooner had I told him Than I awoke. The doctor said, Madam, Your fever's broke -- Nurse, put her on a diet, And buy her some chicken. I said, Better buy two -- Cause I'm still here kickin'!
Text Authorship:
- by Langston Hughes (1902 - 1967), "Madam and the wrong visitor", appears in One-Way Ticket, first published 1949
See other settings of this text.
Please note: this text, provided here for educational and research use, is in the public domain in Canada, but it may still be copyright in other legal jurisdictions. The LiederNet Archive makes no guarantee that the above text is public domain in your country. Please consult your country's copyright statutes or a qualified IP attorney to verify whether a certain text is in the public domain in your country or if downloading or distributing a copy constitutes fair use. The LiederNet Archive assumes no legal responsibility or liability for the copyright compliance of third parties.
Researcher for this text: Emily Ezust [Administrator]Total word count: 357