Beale Street Blues - Benny Carter, W.C. Handy, Dinah Shore

I’ve seen the lights of gay Broadway

Old Market Street down by the Frisco Bay

I’ve strolled the Prado, I’ve gambled on the Bourse;

The seven wonders of the world I’ve seen

And many are the places I have been

Take my advice, folks, and see Beale Street first!

You’ll see pretty browns in beautiful gowns

You’ll see tailor-mades and hand-me-downs

You’ll meet honest men, and pick-pockets skilled

You’ll find that business never ceases 'til somebody gets killed!

If Beale Street could talk, if Beale Street could talk

Married men would have to take their beds and walk

Except one or two who never drink booze

And the blind man on the corner singing «Beale Street Blues!»

I’d rather be there than any place I know

I’d rather be there than any place I know

It’s gonna take a sergeant for to make me go!

I’m goin' to the river, maybe by and by

Yes, I’m goin' to the river, maybe by and by

Because the river’s wet, and Beale Street’s done gone dry!