My Belly's True

From "Black Bean"

I got caught with a girl name of Ruby Marie

She's a poor boy's dream,

She's like a cup of sweet cream

And she's the prettiest thing

I ever did see.

And she could cut the rug

Like it ain't no fact,

But she went to the kitchen

Now she couldn't make jack

So I walked her on home

And I come crawlin' back to you.

So Darling, shine up the skillet

And fire up the kettle

My heart is empty 'til my plate is full

'Cause the hot-crossed biscuits

And corn mush stew

Tickle me pink

When I'm feeling blue

'Cause my heart is deceiving

But my belly's true tonight.

Well I know you wish for my love,

I know you pray for my health

And tonight I'm yours

But if you see me in your pantry

You better just

Keep your hands to your shelf

I want the string bean, butter bean,

Sugar bean, sugar snap peas,

Crack corn, crack pepper jack bread puddin'

Call the doctor, baby,

I think I'm feelin' fine!

So Darling, shine up the skillet

And fire up the kettle

My heart is empty 'til my plate is full

'Cause the hot-crossed biscuits

And corn mush stew

Tickle me pink

When I'm feeling blue

'Cause my heart is deceiving

But my belly's true tonight.

And when I die,

Lay my bones on your cupboard shelf too

So as the pretty girls crowd in to see,

You'll be proud 'cause

None of them could make a man as happy as you.

And girl, I ain't no saint,

So when I'm down and dyin'

The devil may take me,

And that's just fine,

But if he wants my grub,

He'll have to wait in line, you'll see.

So Darling, shine up the skillet

And fire up the kettle

My heart is empty 'til my plate is full

'Cause the hot-crossed biscuits

And corn mush stew

Tickle me pink

When I'm feeling blue

'Cause my heart is deceiving

But my belly's true tonight.

(Jeff Kleiner - harmonica)

Copyright 1999 Zach London