I was sittin' here thinkin'
My mind way, away
I had a good home
But my woman run me away

Ain't that a shame?
Yes, ain't that a shame?
Woman, you gon'
Need my help someday

I used to give my woman money
Deposit fives and tens
Now, them good times are gone, babe
They'll never happen again

Now, ain't that a shame?
Lord, ain't that a shame?
Woman, you gon'
Need my help someday

'Play it once, play it once'

(instrumental & guitar)

Yas, yas

Now, I don't mistreat nobody
'Cause you got a few dimes
You are up today, rider
But you won't be up all the time

Ain't that a shame?
Lord, ain't that a shame?
Woman, you gon'
Need my help someday

Lordy, Lordy
Now, Lordy, Lord
I used to be yo' reg'lar
But now I gotten to be yo' dog

Now, ain't that a shame?
Lord, ain't that a shame?
Woman, you gon
Need my help someday

Now when I was in jail
You was far away
But when you got the news
You said, 'Let old Washboard, stay'

Now, ain't that a shame?
Lord, ain't that a shame?
Woman, you gon
Need my help someday