When the Levee Breaks
If it keeps on raining, levee's going to break.
If it keeps on raining, levee's going to break.
And the water gonna come and I have no place to stay.
Well all last night, I sat on the lever[1] and moaned.
Well all last night, I sat on the lever[1] and moaned.
Thinkin' 'bout my baby, and my happy home.
If it keeps on raining, levee's going to break.
If it keeps on raining, levee's going to break.
And all these people, have no place to stay.
Now look here, mama, what am I to do?
Now look here, mama, now what I should do?
I ain't got nobody, tell my troubles to.
I works on the levee, mama, both night and day.
I works on the levee, mama, both night and day.
I ain't got nobody, keep the water away.
O, cryin' won't help you, prayin' won't do no good.
Time, cryin' won't help you, prayin' won't do no good.
When the levee breaks, mama, you got to move.
I works on the levee, mama, both night and day.
I works on the levee, mama, both night and day.
I works so hard, keep the water away.
I had a woman, she wouldn't do it for me.
I had a woman, she wouldn't do it for me.
I'm goin' back, to my used to be.
O, mean old levee, caused me to weep and moan.
Yes, the mean old levee, caused me to weep and moan.
Caused me to leave my baby, and my happy home.
Notes
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