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 to You
Song Cycle by Elie Siegmeister (1909 - 1991)
1. Madam and the Census Man
Language: English
Text Authorship:
- by Langston Hughes (1902 - 1967), "Madam and the Census Man", appears in One-Way Ticket, first published 1949
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Researcher for this text: Emily Ezust [Administrator]2. Madam and the Minister
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. Mama and Daughter
Language: English
Mama, please brush off my coat,
I'm going down the street.
Where're you going, daughter?
To see my sugar-sweet.
Who is your sugar, honey?
Turn around -- I'll brush behind.
He is that young man, mama,
I can't get off my mind.
Daughter, once upon a time --
Let me brush the hem --
Your father, yes he was the one!
I felt like that about him.
But it was a long time ago
He up and went his way.
I hope that wild young son-of-a-gun
Rots in hell today!
Mama, dad couldn't still be young.
He was young yesterday.
He was young when he --
Turn around!
So I can brush your back, I say!
Text Authorship:
- by Langston Hughes (1902 - 1967), "Mother and Daughter", appears in One-Way Ticket, first published 1949
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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]4. Madam and the Rent Man
Language: English
The rent man knocked. He said, Howdy-do? I said, What Can I do for you? He said, You know Your rent is due. I said, Listen, Before I'd pay I'd go to Hades And rot away! The sink is broke, The water don't run, And you ain't done a thing You promised to've done. Back window's cracked, Kitchen floor squeaks, There's rats in the cellar, And the attic leaks. He said, Madam, It's not up to me. I'm just the agent, Don't you see? I said, Naturally, You pass the buck. If it's money you want You're out of luck. He said, Madam, I ain't pleased! I said, Neither am I. So we agrees!
Text Authorship:
- by Langston Hughes (1902 - 1967), "Madam and the Rent Man", appears in One-Way Ticket, first published 1949
Go to the general single-text view
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]5. Madam and the Fortune Teller
Language: English
Fortune teller looked in my hand. Fortune teller said, Madam, It's just good luck You ain't dead. Fortune teller squeeze my hand. She squinted up her eyes. Fortune teller said, Madam, you ain't wise. I said, Please explain to me What you mean by that? She said, You must recognize Where your fortune's at. I said, Madam, tell me -- for she was Madam, too -- Where is my fortune at? I'll pay some mind to you. She said, Your fortune, honey, Lies right in yourself. You ain't gonna find it On nobody else's shelf. I said, What man you're talking 'bout? She said, Madam! Be calm -- For one more dollar and a half, I'll read your other palm.
Text Authorship:
- by Langston Hughes (1902 - 1967), "Madam and the Fortune Teller", 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]6. Madam and the Number Runner
Language: English
Number runner Come to my door. I had swore I wouldn't play no more He said, Madam, 6-0-2 Looks like a likely hit for you. I said, Last night I dreamed 7-0-3. He said, That might Be a hit for me. He played a dime, I played, too, Then we boxed 'em. Wouldn't you? But the number that day was 3-2-6 And we both was in The same old fix. I said, I swear I Ain't gonna play no more Till I get over To the other shore -- Then I can play On them golden streets Where the number not only Comes out - but repeats! The runner said, Madam, That's all very well -- But suppose You goes to hell?
Text Authorship:
- by Langston Hughes (1902 - 1967), "Madam and the Number Writer", appears in One-Way Ticket, first published 1949
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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]7. Madam and the wrong visitor
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
Go to the general single-text view
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: 819