The cast of Porgy and Bess at the Houston Grand Opera featured exceptional talent, with Eric Owens playing Porgy.
A distinguished bass-baritone, Owens is widely acclaimed for his commanding voice and stage presence. He has earned numerous honors, including a Grammy Award, for his portrayal in The Metropolitan Opera’s production of Porgy and Bess.
Angel Blue, who portrayed Bess, is a celebrated soprano whose performances have received critical acclaim and prestigious awards, including the Beverly Sills Artist Award.
About the Album
The album Porgy and Bess tells the story of love and struggle in a poor Black community in South Carolina. It follows Porgy, a disabled beggar, as he tries to protect Bess from her violent ex-lover and the temptations of drugs.
The main themes are love, strength, and the fight against hardship and addiction, showing how people try to find hope and redemption even in the toughest times.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Released | 1977 |
| Album | Porgy and Bess from Gershwin at Houston Grand Opera |
| Writers | George Gershwin & DuBose Heyward |
| Producers | Thomas Z. Shepard |
1. Introduction and Jasbo Brown Blues Lyrics by Dick Hyman & Houston Grand Opera Ensemble
[JASBO BROWN plays blues piano onstage.]
[ENSEMBLE]
Da-doo-da
Da-doo-da
Wa-wa, wa-wa
Da-doo-da, da-doo-da, da-doo-da
Wa-wa, doo-da, o-wa-de-wa
Wa-wa, doo-da, o-wa-de-wa
Wa-wa, doo-da, o-wa-de-wa
Wa-wa, doo-da, o-wa-de-wa
Wa-wa, doo-da, o-wa-de-wa
Wa-wa, doo-da, o-wa-de-wa
Wa-wa, doo-da, o-wa-de-wa
2. Summertime Lyrics by Betty Lane
[CLARA]
Summertime and the livin’ is easy
Fish are jumpin’ and the cotton is high
Oh, your daddy’s rich and your ma is good lookin’
So hush, little baby, don’t you cry
One of these mornings you’re goin’ to rise up singin’
Then you’ll spread your wings and you’ll take the sky
But ’til that mornin’ there’s a-nothing can harm you
With Daddy and Mammy standin’ by
Oh, ah
3. Oh, Nobody Knows When de Lord Is Gonna Call Lyrics by Betty Lane, Glover Parham, Alexander Smalls, Hartwell Mace, Wilma Shakesnider, Bernard Thacker & Larry Marshall (Actor)
[MINGO]
Oh, nobody knows when the Lord is gonna call
[MEN]
Roll them bones, roll
[SPORTIN’ LIFE]
It may be in the summertime and may be in the fall
[MEN]
Roll them bones, roll
[SPORTIN’ LIFE]
But you got to leave your baby and your home and all
So
[SPORTIN’ LIFE & MEN]
Roll them bones
Oh my brother, oh my brother, oh my brother
Roll them bones, roll them bones
Roll, roll
[JAKE]
Seems like these bones don’t give me nothin’ but boxcars tonight
It was the same two weeks ago, and the game broke me
I don’t like that kind of luck
4. A Woman Is a Sometime Thing Lyrics by Alexander Smalls
[JAKE]
Listen to your daddy warn ya
‘Fore you start a-travelin’
Woman may born ya
Love ya and mourn ya
But a woman is a sometime thing
Yes, a woman is a sometime thing
[MINGO]
Oh, a woman is a sometime thing
[JAKE]
Your mammy is the first to name ya
And she’ll tie you to her apron string
Then she’ll shame you and she’ll blame ya
‘Til your woman comes to claim ya
‘Cause a woman is a sometime thing
Yes, a woman is a sometime thing
[SPORTIN’ LIFE]
Oh, a woman is a sometime thing
[JAKE]
Don’t you never let a woman grieve ya
Just ’cause she got your wedding ring
She’ll love you and deceive ya
Then she’ll take her clothes and leave ya
‘Cause a woman is a sometime thing
5. Here Come de Honey Man; Porgy’s Entrance Lyrics by Mervin Wallace & Donnie Ray Albert
[PETER]
Here come the honey man
Yes ma’am, this the honey man
You got honey in the comb?
Yes ma’am, I got honey in the comb
And is your honey cheap?
Yes ma’am, my honey very cheap
Here come the honey man
[ENSEMBLE & LILY]
Hello, Peter (Well, here come my old man)
[LILY]
Now gimme the money
Now go sit and rest
[MARIA]
Hey Scipio!
[MARIA, spoken]
Here comes Porgy
Go open the gate for him
[JAKE]
Hеre’s the old crap shark
6. Here Comes Big Boy! (Entrance of Crown and Bess) Lyrics by George Gershwin & DuBose Heyward
[MINGO, spoken]
Hello, Big Boy!
[JAKE, spoken]
‘Lo, Crown
[JIM, spoken]
‘Lo, Bess
[General greetings of CROWN and BESS from crap ring.]
[CROWN]
Hi, boys!
All right, Sportin’ Life
Give us a pint and make it damn quick
Pay him, Bess
[JAKE]
Drunk again
[PORGY]
He sure love his liquor
But some day she’s gonna throw him down
[CROWN]
That damn whiskey’s just as weak as water
[SERENA]
See that hussy drinking like any man
[BESS]
Here, Robbins, have one to the God fearin’ ladies
There’s nothin’ like ’em, thank God
[BESS, spoken]
Ha ha ha ha ha ha
[CROWN]
Oh, no, you don’t
[CROWN, spoken]
Nobody ain’t drinkin’ none of my liquor
[CROWN]
All right, mens, I’m talkin’ to you
Anybody answerin’ me?
[ROBBINS]
Boxcars again
[MINGO]
Cover ’em, brother, cover ’em
7. Oh, Little Stars, Little Stars Lyrics by George Gershwin & DuBose Heyward
[PORGY]
Oh, little stars, little stars
Roll, roll, roll me some light
‘Leven little stars, come home, come home
Roll this poor beggar a sun and a moon
A sun and a moon
[MINGO & JIM]
Little Joe (Little Joe)
[PORGY]
Oh, no, my brother, that ain’t little Joe
[JIM, spoken]
What is they, then?
[PORGY]
They is the mornin’ and the evenin’ stars
And just you watch ’em rise and shine for this poor beggar
[CROWN grabs PORGY’s arm.]
Turn me loose!
[JIM]
Made ’em!
[CROWN]
Roll up that bastard’s sleeve
Well, you got them damn dice, conjure them
[PORGY]
Boy, boy, boy, I’m a crap shootin’ idiot
[SPORTIN’ LIFE & JAKE, MINGO]
Crapped out (Rolled out)
[ROBBINS]
Ninе to make, come nine!
Hеy, read ’em
Nine spot!
Nine right!
[ROBBINS sweeps up money. CROWN seizes his wrist.]
CROWN
Touch that money and meet your God!
[ROBBINS]
Take your hands off me
[ROBBINS, spoken]
You lousy hound
[ROBBINS]
Hand me that brick behind you
[CROWN, MINGO, MARIA & PORGY]
Nobody’s (Looks like trouble) (There’s gonna be a) (Crown’s)
Gettin’ away with (To me) (Fight, look out!) (Drunk, Robbins)
[CROWN, MINGO, PORGY & JIM]
Crown’s (He made his nine) (Best take care) (That’s right)
[CROWN, MINGO, PORGY & MARIA]
Money (He made his nine) (Take care) (Hold him back)
I’m (Robbins take) (Somebody hold them back)
[CROWN, PORGY, MARIA, spoken & SPORTIN’ LIFE, spoken]
Goin’ (Care) (Crown’s got murder in his eye) (Robbins ain’t got a chance with)
[CROWN, SPORTIN’ LIFE, spoken, JIM]
To kill that (Crown, he’s too big) (Someone will get hurt)
[CROWN, MARIA & PORGY]
Bastard! (Somebody hold them back!) (Look out, Robbins!)
[Next nine parts all sung simultaneously.]
[SERENA]
Oh, stop them!
Don’t let them fight!
I warned him, oh!
Won’t somebody stop them, won’t somebody stop them now?
Stop them, oh, won’t someone stop them?
Oh, somebody stop them!
[BESS]
Someone will surely get hurt, so stop
Won’t somebody stop them?
Come on, Crown, stop it
Oh!
I’m so afraid, I’m so afraid
Stop Crown!
Stop them!
Make ’em cut it out!
[MARIA]
Ain’t you men got better sense?
Such fools!
Liquor always makes trouble
Better put a stop to this fighting
It’s awful, it’s simply awful
Someone stop the fight
He will surely kill that man
[PORGY]
Crown is drunk
There’s goin’ to be some trouble
Robbins, take care!
Oh, Lord have mercy and don’t let Crown hurt Robbins!
This is the worst fight yet
[MINGO]
Look out
Be careful
Someone is gonna get hurt
He’ll kill him, he’ll kill him!
Crown’s had too much
Crown is like a devil when he’s drinkin’ like a fool
Stop!
[SPORTIN’ LIFE]
Crown cockeyed drunk
He don’t know what he’s doin’
Yes sir, Crown has had a little bit too much
Crown’s had too much
Crown is like a devil when he’s drinkin’ like a fool
Stop!
[JAKE]
This looks like a real fight
Robbins done for
Oh, Crown is actin’ very bad, bad, bad
Come on, let’s stop them now, come on, let’s stop them!
This Crown is like a devil when he’s drinkin’ like a fool
Stop!
[WOMEN]
Oh, stop them, someone will get hurt!
Why must people fight?
Crown is a bad, bad business when he’s drunk
Why must they fight?
Won’t somebody please goin’ and stop them now?
[MEN]
Crown is drunk!
Robbins got no chance, oh, Robbins got no chance!
Crown is a bad, bad business when he’s drunk
Something mighty bad is bound to happen
Hold them back!
Won’t someone hold them back?
Someone hold them back!
[CROWN and ROBBINS continue to fight.]
[MEN & WOMEN]
Robbins is gone, yes sir (Can’t anybody make Crown stop?)
He’s got no chance, no sir (Can’t anybody make Crown stop?)
[ENSEMBLE]
Lord, please make them stop!
[CROWN kills ROBBINS with the cotton hook.]
[JAKE, spoken]
Jesus, he’s killed him!
[SERENA, spoken]
Oh!
8. Wake Up An’ Hit It Out Lyrics by Clamma Dale, Andrew Smith (Actor), Larry Marshall (Actor) & Carol Brice
[BESS & CROWN]
Wake up and hit it out
You ain’t got no time to lose (What’s the)
You done kill Robbins (Matter?)
And the police will be comin’
[CROWN]
Where you gonna hide?
They know you and I’s pull together
[BESS, spoken]
Some man always willin’ to take care of Bess
[CROWN, spoken]
Well, get this: whoever he is, he’s temporary
[CROWN]
I’s coming back when the hell dies down
[BESS]
All right, only get out now
Here, take this
That you, Sportin’ Life?
[SPORTIN’ LIFE]
Sure, and I’s the only friend you got left
[BESS]
For God’s sake, give me a touch of happy dust
I shakin’ so I can hardly stand
[SPORTIN’ LIFE]
Listen, I’ll be goin’ to New York soon
I’ll hide you out and take you with me
Why, you and me would make a swell team
[BESS]
I ain’t come to that yet
[SPORTIN’ LIFE]
Well, the cops ain’t gonna find me here for no woman
[BESS, spoken]
Hey, open the door!
Somebody open the door!
Please, open the door for me!
Let me in!
Will somebody please open the door?
Who is over here?
Open the door!
[MARIA, spoken]
You done bring trouble enough
Get out before the police come
[BESS]
You wouldn’t have a heart and let me in?
[MARIA, spoken]
Not ’til hell freeze
[BESS]
Who live over there?
[MARIA]
That’s Porgy
He ain’t no use to your kind
He’s a cripple and a beggar
[BESS, spoken]
Please, open the door!
[Police whistle sends BESS back to PORGY’s room. PORGY opens the door and lets her in.]
9. Gone, Gone, Gone Lyrics by Houston Grand Opera Ensemble
[SOLO SOPRANO]
Where is brother Robbins?
[ENSEMBLE]
He’s a-gone, gone, gone, gone, gone, gone, gone
[SOLO SOPRANO]
I seen him in the mornin’ with his work clothes on
[ENSEMBLE]
But he’s gone, gone, gone, gone, gone, gone, gone
[SOLO BASS]
And I seen him in the noontime straight and tall
But death a-come a-walkin’ in the evenin’ fall
[ENSEMBLE]
And he’s gone, gone, gone, gone, gone, gone, gone
[SOLO SOPRANO]
And death touched Robbins with a silver knife
[ENSEMBLE]
And he’s gone, gone, gone, gone, gone, gone, gone
[SOLO BASS]
And he’s sittin’ in the garden by the tree of life
[ENSEMBLE]
And he’s gone, gone, gone, gone, gone, gone, gone
Oh, he’s gone
Robbins is gone
Ah, ah, ah, ah
Gone, gone, gone, gone
[SERENA & ENSEMBLE]
Who’s that a-comin’, climbin’ up my steps? (Gone, gone, gone, gone)
[MARIA & ENSEMBLE]
It’s Porgy, and Bess is a-helpin’ him (Gone, gone)
[SERENA & ENSEMBLE]
What’s that woman comin’ here for? (Gone, gone, gone)
[ENSEMBLE]
Gone, gone, gone, gone, gone
[SERENA & ENSEMBLE]
I don’t need your money for to bury my man (Gone, gone)
[BESS & ENSEMBLE]
This ain’t Crown’s money (Gone)
Porgy give me my money now (Gone
[SERENA & ENSEMBLE]
All right then, you can put it in the saucer (Gone, gone, gone)
10. Overflow Lyrics by Donnie Ray Albert & Houston Grand Opera Ensemble
[SOLO SOPRANO]
Come on sister, come on brother
Fill up the saucer ’til it overflow
[ENSEMBLE]
Overflow, overflow
Fill up the saucer ’til it overflow
[JAKE]
Yes, my Jesus
[JAKE & ENSEMBLE]
Overflow
[SOLO SOPRANO]
‘Cause the Lord will meet you
Yes, the Lord will meet you at the courthouse door
[ENSEMBLE]
Courthouse door, courthouse door
The Lord will meet you at the courthouse door
[JAKE]
Yes, my Jesus
[JAKE & ENSEMBLE]
Courthouse door
[PETER]
How the saucer stand now, my sister?
[SOLO TENOR]
Oh, he’s
[SERENA & ENSEMBLE]
Fourteen dollars and fifty cent (Gone, gone, gone)
[MARIA & ENSEMBLE]
That’s a comin’ on, sister, you can bury him soon (Gone, gone, gone)
[SERENA & ENSEMBLE]
What am I goin’ do if we ain’t got thе money? (Gone)
[PORGY]
God got plenty of monеy for the saucer
[SERENA, spoken]
Bless the Lord!
[PORGY]
And he gonna soften these people heart
For to fill the saucer ’til he spill all over
[SERENA & ENSEMBLE, spoken]
Amen, my Jesus!
[PORGY]
The Lord will provide a grave for his children
[CLARA, spoken]
Bless the Lord!
[PORGY]
And he got comfort for the widow
[ENSEMBLE, spoken]
Oh, my Jesus!
[PORGY]
And he gonna feed his fatherless children
[ENSEMBLE, spoken]
Yes Lord, truth Lord
[PORGY]
And he gonna raise this poor sinner up out of the grave
[JAKE, spoken]
Allelujah!
[PORGY]
And set him in the shinin’ seat of the righteous
[SERENA, spoken]
Amen, my Jesus!
[ENSEMBLE]
Overflow, overflow
Oh, full up the saucer ’til it overflow (Overflow, overflow, oh)
Everybody helpin’ now (Fill up the saucer ’til it overflow)
Sendin’ our brother to Heaven
Send down your angels, Lord, oh Lord
Lord, oh Lord
Robbins is risin’, oh, Robbins is risin’ (Lord, oh Lord)
Oh, Robbins is risin’ to Heaven (Send down your blessing)
[ENSEMBLE & PORGY, spoken]
Overflow, overflow (Oh, sufferin’ Jesus)
Fill up the saucer ’til it overflow (You knows right from wrong)
Overflow, oh (You knows Robbins was a good man)
Everybody (Fill up the saucer ’til it) (And now he’s weary and he’s)
Helpin’ now (Overflow) (Goin’ home)
Sendin’ our brother to (Reach down your)
Heaven (Send down your angels, Lord, oh Lord) (Lovin’ hand, and take our)
Oh (Lord, oh Lord) (Brother to your bosom)
Lord, oh (Robbins is risin’, oh) (Thank you, Lord!)
Lord, send (Robbins is risin’, oh) (Take Robbins to) (Bless you, Lord!)
Down your blessing (Robbins is risin’ to Heaven) (Your Heaven)
[PORGY & MEN]
Lord will fill the saucer
[WOMEN]
‘Til it overflow
[PORGY & MEN]
Lord will fill the saucer
[WOMEN]
‘Til it
[PORGY & ENSEMBLE]
Over, overflow, oh!
11. Well, Well, Well, A Saucer-Burying Setup Lyrics by Hansford Rowe, Donnie Ray Albert & Mervin Wallace
[DETECTIVE, spoken]
Well, well, well, a saucer-burying setup, I see
You’re his widow?
[SERENA]
Yes, sir
[DETECTIVE, spoken]
He didn’t leave any burial insurance?
[SERENA]
No, boss, he didn’t leave nothin’
[DETECTIVE, spoken]
Well, you see to it he’s buried tomorrow
[To PETER.]
You killed Robbins and I’m gonna hang you for it
[LILY]
He ain’t done him!
[PETER]
What he say?
[LILY]
He say you kill Robbins
[DETECTIVE, spoken]
All right, come along now!
[PETER]
‘Fore God, boss, I ain’t never done him
[DETECTIVE, spoken]
Who did it, then?
You heard me, who did it?
[PETER]
Crown done it, boss
I done see him do it
[DETECTIVE, spoken]
You sure you saw him?
[PETER]
I swear to God, boss
I was right there close beside
[DETECTIVE, spoken]
Ha ha ha ha, that’s easy
I thought as much
[To PORGY.]
You
You saw it too
Come on, out with it
Hey, I don’t wanna have to put the law on you
Look at me, you damn nigga!
[PORGY]
I don’t know nothin’ ’bout it, boss
[DETECTIVE, spoken]
Well, that’s your room in the corner, ain’t it?
[PORGY]
Yes, boss, that’s my room
[DETECTIVE, spoken]
Yeah, and the door opens on the court, don’t it?
[PORGY]
Yes, boss, my door opens on the court
[DETECTIVE, spoken]
And yet you didn’t see or hear anything
[PORGY]
I don’t know nothin’ ’bout it, boss
I been asleep inside, and my door been closed
[DETECTIVE, spoken]
You’re a damn liar
[Indicating PETER.]
All right, he saw the killin’
Take him along and lock him up as a material witness
[POLICEMAN, spoken]
Come along, uncle
[PETER, spoken]
I ain’t never done it, boss
[MARIA]
How long you gonna lock him up for?
[POLICEMAN, spoken]
‘Til we catch Crown
[PORGY]
I reckon Crown done loose now in the palmetto thickets
And there ain’t no rope long enough to hang him
[DETECTIVE, spoken]
Then the old man is out of luck
All right, remember now, you’ve got to bury this body tomorrow
Or the board of health will get him
And turn him over to the medical students
Come on now, get the old man in the wagon!
[PETER, spoken]
I ain’t never done nothin’, boss
I swear to God, I ain’t never done nothin’
[PORGY]
I can’t puzzle this thing out
Peter was a good man, but that lousy Crown was a killer
And forever gettin’ into trouble
[JAKE]
That’s the truth, brother
[PORGY]
But there go Peter to be lock up like a thief
[JAKE, spoken]
Like a thief
[PORGY]
And here be Robbins with his wife and his fatherless children
And Crown done gone his ways drinkin’, gamblin’, swearin’
To do the same thing over and over somewheres else
12. My Man’s Gone Now Lyrics by Wilma Shakesnider
[ENSEMBLE]
Gone, gone, gone, gone, gone, gone, gone, gone, gone
[SERENA]
My man’s gone now
Ain’t no use a-listenin’
For his tired footsteps
Climbing up the stairs
Ah, ah
Old Man Sorrow’s
Come to keep me company
Whispering beside me
When I say my prayers
Ah, ah
Ain’t that I mind workin’
Work and me is travelers
Journeying together
To the promised land
But Old Man Sorrow’s
Marchin’ all the way with me
Tellin’ me I’m old now
Since I lose my man
[ENSEMBLE]
Since she lose her man
[SERENA]
Since I lose my man
[ENSEMBLE]
Ah, ah
[SERENA]
Old Man Sorrow
Sittin’ by the fireplace
Lyin’ all night long
By me in the bed
Tellin’ me the same thing
Mornin’, noon and evenin’
That I’m all alone now
Since my man is dead
Ah, since my man is dead
[ENSEMBLE]
Ah
[SERENA]
Ah, ah
13. How de Saucer Stan’ Now, My Sister? Lyrics by Cornel Richie, Wilma Shakesnider & Alexander Smalls
[UNDERTAKER]
How the saucer stand now, my sister?
[SERENA]
There ain’t but fifteen dollar
[UNDERTAKER, spoken]
Hm! Can’t bury him for fifteen dollar
[JAKE]
He’s got to be buried tomorrow
Or the board of health will take him
And give him to the medical students
[UNDERTAKER]
Life is hard, brother
But we all got to live
It cost money for to bury a grown man
[SERENA, spoken]
Oh, for God’s sake, bury him in the graveyard
[SERENA]
Don’t let the students take him to cut up and scatter
I goin’ work on Monday
And I swear to God, I goin’ pay you every cent
[UNDERTAKER]
All right, sister
With the box and one carriage
It’ll cost me more than twenty-five
But I’ll see you through
[PORGY, spoken]
Jesus bless you, my brothеr
[UNDERTAKER]
You can all be ready tomorrow mornin’
It’s a long trip to the cеmetery
[ENSEMBLE]
Oh, he’s gone, gone, gone, gone, gone
14. Leavin’ for the Promise’ Lan’ Lyrics by Clamma Dale & Houston Grand Opera Ensemble
[BESS]
Oh, the train is at the station and you better get on board
‘Cause it’s leavin’ today
[BESS & ENSEMBLE]
Leavin’ today, leavin’ today
[BESS]
Oh, the train is at the station and you better get on board
‘Cause it’s leavin’ today, and it’s
[BESS & ENSEMBLE]
Heading for the Promised Land
[BESS]
Oh, we’re leavin’ for the Promised Land
Leavin’ for the Promised Land
[BESS & ENSEMBLE]
Keep that drivin’ wheel a-rollin’, rollin’, rollin’, rollin’
Rollin’, rollin’, let it roll
Until we meet our brother in the Promised Land
In the Promised Land, Promised Land
[BESS]
Oh, I got my ticket ready and the time is gettin’ short
‘Cause we’rе leavin’ today
[BESS & ENSEMBLE]
Leavin’ today, leavin’ today
[BESS]
Oh, I got my tickеt ready and the time is gettin’ short
‘Cause we’re leavin’ today, and we’re
[BESS & ENSEMBLE]
Headed for the Promised Land
[BESS]
Oh, we’re leavin’ for the Promised Land
Leavin’ for the Promised Land
[BESS & ENSEMBLE]
Keep that drivin’ wheel a-rollin’, rollin’, rollin’, rollin’
Rollin’, rollin’, let it roll
Until we meet our brother in the Promised Land
In the Promised Land, Promised Land
[BESS]
Oh, we’re leavin’
[BESS & ENSEMBLE]
For the Promised Land and you better get on board
All you sinners, oh, you better get on board
[ENSEMBLE]
‘Cause we’re (Oh, we’re) leavin’
For the Promised Land and you better get on board
All you sinners, oh, you better get on board
‘Cause we’re leavin’
For the Promised Land and you better get on board
All you sinners, oh, you better get on board (Oh, we’re), ’cause we’re—
Leavin’ for the Promised Land and you better get on (Yes, we’re)
Leavin’ for the Promised Land and you (Leavin’ for the)
Better get on board (Promised Land)
All you sinners, oh, you better get on board, ’cause (And you better get on)
Oh, we’re leavin’ for the Promised Land (We’re leavin’ for) (Leavin’)
And you better get on board (The Promised Land) (For)
All you sinners, oh, you (And you) (The)
Better get on board (Better get) (Promised)
‘Cause we’re leavin’ (On board, all) (Land)
For the Promised Land (You sinners, oh) (And you)
And you better get on board (You better get) (Better)
All you sinners, oh, you better get on board (On board, ’cause) (Get on)
‘Cause we’re leavin’ for the Promised Land (We’re leavin’ for) (Leavin’)
And you better get on board (The Promised Land) (For)
All you sinners, oh, you (And you) (The)
Better get on board (Better get) (Promised)
‘Cause we’re leavin’ (On board, all) (Land)
For the Promised Land (You sinners, oh) (And you)
And you better get on board (You better get) (Better)
All your sinners, oh, you better get on board (On board, ’cause) (Get on)
‘Cause were leavin’, ooh (We’re leavin’ for the Land, ooh)
Leavin’ (Leavin’ for the Land)
Ooh, oh
Oh, we’re leavin’ for the Promised Land (Wah, wah)
Leavin’ for the Promised (Wah) Land
Keep that drivin’ wheel a-rollin’, rollin’, rollin’, rollin’
Rollin’, rollin’, let it roll
Until we meet our brother in the Promised Land
In the Promised Land
15. It Take a Long Pull to Get There Lyrics by Alexander Smalls
[JAKE]
Oh, I’m a-goin’ out to the Blackfish banks
No matter what the weather say
And when I say I’m goin’ I means goin’
And I’m leavin’ at the break of day
It take a long pull
[JAKE & FISHERMEN]
To get there, huh!
[JAKE]
It take a long pull
[JAKE & FISHERMEN]
To get there, huh!
[JAKE]
It take a long pull
[JAKE & FISHERMEN]
To get there
[JAKE]
But I’ll anchor in the Promised Land
[JAKE & FISHERMEN]
In the Promised Land
[JAKE]
And Lordy, if I meet Mister Hurricane
And Hurricane tell me no
I’ll take old Mister Hurricane by the pants
And I’ll throw him in the jailhouse door
It take a long pull
[JAKE & FISHERMEN]
To get there, huh!
[JAKE]
It take a long pull
[JAKE & FISHERMEN]
To get there, huh!
[JAKE]
It take a long pull
[JAKE & FISHERMEN]
To get there
[JAKE]
But I’ll anchor in the Promised Land
[JAKE & FISHERMEN]
In the Promised Land
[JAKE]
I got a blister on my sittin’ down place
I got a blister in my hand
But I’m gonna row this little boat, trust me God
‘Til I anchor in the Promised Land
[JAKE & FISHERMEN]
It take a long pull to get there, huh!
It take a long pull to get there, huh!
It take a long pull to get there
But I’ll anchor in the Promised Land
In the Promised Land
Land
16. Mus’ Be You Mens Forgot About de Picnic Lyrics by Alexander Smalls, Betty Lane & Shirley Baines
[ANNIE, spoken]
Must be you mens forgot about the picnic
Ain’t you know that the parade start up the block at 10 o’clock?
[JAKE, spoken]
That’s right, men
Turn out tomorrow morning
We’ll push the Seagull clean to the Blackfish banks
‘Fore we wet the anchor
[CLARA]
Jake, you ain’t plannin’ to take the Seagull to the Blackfish banks, is you?
It’s time for the September storms
[JAKE]
How you think that boy gonna get that college education
If I don’t work hard and make money?
17. I Got Plenty O’ Nuttin’ Lyrics by Donnie Ray Albert
[PORGY]
Oh, I got plenty of nothin’
And nothin’s plenty for me
I got no car, got no mule
Got no misery
The folks with plenty of plenty
Got a lock on their door
‘Fraid somebody’s a-goin’ to rob ’em
While they’s out a-makin’ more
What for?
Now I got no lock on my door
That’s no way to be
They can steal the rug from the floor
That’s okay with me
‘Cause the things that I prize
Like the stars in the skies
All are free
Oh, I got plenty of nothin’
And nothin’s plenty for me
I got my gal, got my song
Got heaven the whole day long
[PORGY, spoken]
No use complainin’, heh
[PORGY]
Got my gal, got my Lord, got my song
[WOMEN]
Porgy change since that woman come to live with he
[SERENA]
How hе change!
[ENSEMBLE]
He ain’t cross with children no morе
And ain’t you hear how
He and Bess all the time singin’ in their room?
[MARIA]
I tell you that Porgy’s happy now
[ENSEMBLE]
Happy
[PORGY]
I got plenty of nothin’
And nothin’s plenty for me
I got the sun, got the moon
Got the deep blue sea
The folks with plenty of plenty
Got to pray all the day
Seems with plenty you sure got to worry
How to keep the devil away, away
Now I ain’t a-frettin’ ’bout hell
‘Til the time arrive
Never worry long as I’m well
Never one to strive
To be good, to be bad
What the hell, I’s glad l’s alive
Oh, I got plenty of nothin’
And nothin’s plenty for me
I got my gal, got my song
Got heaven the whole day long
[PORGY, spoken]
No use complainin’, ha
[PORGY]
Got my gal
[ENSEMBLE]
Got his gal
[PORGY]
Got my Lord
[ENSEMBLE]
Got his Lord
[PORGY]
Got my song!
18. Lissen There, What I Tells You Lyrics by Carol Brice, Wilma Shakesnider & Larry Marshall (Actor)
[MARIA]
Listen there, what I tells you?
[SERENA]
Go ‘long with you
That woman ain’t the kind for to make a cripple happy
It take a killer like Crown to hold her down
[SPORTIN’ LIFE, spoken]
Ha ha ha ha
[SPORTIN’ LIFE]
What do you think you’re doing?
That stuff costs money
[MARIA]
Listen here, I ain’t say nothin’
No matter how drunk you get these boys ’round here on rotgut whiskey
But nobody ain’t goin’ peddle happy dust ’round my shop
Do you hear what I say?
[SPORTIN’ LIFE]
Oh, come on now, old lady
Let’s you and me be friends
[MARIA, spoken]
Friends with you, low-life?
Hell, no!
19. I Hates Yo’ Struttin’ Style Lyrics by Carol Brice
[MARIA]
I hate your struttin’ style
Yes, sir
And your goddamn silly smile
And your ten cent diamonds and your five cent butts
Ooh, I hate your guts
Somebody got to carve you up to set these people free
And the writin’ on the wall says it’s a-goin’ to be me
Some night when you is full of gin and don’t know I’s about
I’s gonna catch you by the tail and turn you inside out
Friends with you, lowlife? Hell, no!
Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha!
I’s figurin’ to break your bones
Yes sir
One by one
And then I’s gonna carve you up and hang you in the sun
And feed your meat to buzzards to give ’em belly aches
And take your bones to Kittiwah to pizеn rattlesnakes
Friends with you, lowlifе?
I fears I must decline
I’d sooner cut my own throat than call you friend of mine!
20. Mornin’ Lawyer Lyrics by Raymond Bazemore, Donnie Ray Albert, Clamma Dale & Carol Brice
[MARIA]
Mornin’, Lawyer, lookin’ for somebody?
[FRAZIER]
Porgy live here, don’t he?
[MARIA]
He sure do, right over there’s his room
[MARIA, spoken]
Hey Porgy, here’s Lawyer Frazier to see you
[FRAZIER]
Mornin’, Porgy
[PORGY]
Mornin’, Lawyer
[FRAZIER]
Ain’t that Crown’s Bess in your room?
[PORGY]
No, sir, she ain’t, she’s Porgy’s Bess
[FRAZIER]
Ah ha, ah ha, Porgy’s Bess, eh?
Then I guess she’ll be wantin’ divorce
[PORGY, spoken]
Huh?
[FRAZIER]
If the woman livin’ with you now
She got to have divorce from Crown or else it ain’t legal
[FRAZIER takes document and shows it to PORGY.]
[PORGY, spoken]
How much that thing cost?
[FRAZIER]
One dollar
That is, if there ain’t no complications
[PORGY, spoken]
Bess, you likes to have divorce?
[BESS]
What you think, Porgy?
[PORGY]
I’m a-goin’ to buy you a divorcе
[PORGY counts out money and hands it to FRAZIER.]
[FRAZIER, spoken]
Wait a minute
It ain’t legal yet
Your namе?
[ENSEMBLE, spoken]
Bess!
[FRAZIER]
Your age?
[BESS]
Twenty year
[ENSEMBLE]
Lord, Lord, listen what she say
That girl’s thirty if she’s a day
[FRAZIER]
You desire to be divorce from that man Crown?
[ENSEMBLE]
Sure she do, sure she do
Yes sir, yes sir, sure she do!
[FRAZIER]
I’m askin’ you
[BESS]
Yes, boss, that’s true
[FRAZIER]
Address the court as “Your honor”
[ENSEMBLE]
Yes, your honor
Yes, your honor
Yes, your honor
Yes, your honor
[FRAZIER]
When was you and Crown marry?
[BESS]
I don’t rightly remember, your honor
[FRAZIER]
One year, five year, ten year, what?
[LILY, spoken]
That gal ain’t never marry!
[FRAZIER]
Ah, that’s a complication
[ENSEMBLE]
That’s a complication
That’s a complication
Lord, Lord—
[MAN, spoken]
That is a complication
[PORGY]
You can’t sell her divorce, gimme back my dollar!
[ENSEMBLE laughs.]
[FRAZIER]
‘Course I sells divorce
You got no right to laugh
But it take expert to divorce woman what ain’t marry
And it’ll cost you
[FRAZIER, spoken]
Uh huh, a dollar and a half
[BESS]
Don’t pay him, Porgy
Don’t let him take you in
[FRAZIER]
All right, go on livin’ in sin
[PORGY counts out money and gives it to FRAZIER, who signs and seals paper and hands it to BESS.]
Good day to you, Mrs. Porgy
Only dollar and a half to change from woman to lady
[ENSEMBLE]
Woman to lady, woman to lady
Lord, Lord, woman to lady!
21. Dey’s a Buckra Comin’ Lyrics by Kenneth Barry (Actor) & Donnie Ray Albert
[SCIPIO, spoken]
There’s a buckra comin’
[ANNIE, spoken]
What he say?
[SERENA, spoken]
White gentleman
[ARCHDALE, spoken]
Boy!
Come here, boy!
I’m lookin’ for a man by the name of Porgy
Which is his room?
Come, don’t you know Porgy?
[SCIPIO]
No, sir
[ARCHDALE, spoken, to CLARA]
I’m looking for a man named Porgy
Could you direct me to his room?
[CLARA]
Anybody here know a man name Porgy?
[ENSEMBLE, spoken]
No, no…
[ARCHDALE, spoken]
Come, I’m a friend of his, Mister Archdale
I have good news for him
[SERENA]
Go ‘long and wake Porgy
Can’t you tell folks when you see em?
[CLARA, spoken]
Oh, you mean Porgy!
[CLARA, spoken & MINGO]
I ain’t understand what name you say (Oh, the gentleman mean Porgy)
[JAKE & CLARA]
That’s him, boss (Wake up)
That’s old Porgy (Porgy, a)
Glad to serve you, boss (Gentleman come to see you)
[PORGY]
How you does, boss?
[ARCHDALE, spoken]
Good mornin’
Camе to tell you about your friend, Petеr
Who got locked up on account of Robbins’ murder
[PORGY]
How you come to care, boss?
[ARCHDALE, spoken]
His folks used to belong to my family
I just heard he was in trouble
[PORGY]
He sure got plenty of trouble
[ARCHDALE, spoken]
Well, you can tell all of Peter’s friends I’ll go his bond
He’ll soon be back home again
[PORGY]
Thank you, boss
God bless you, boss
[PORGY, spoken]
Bless you, bless you!
[FRAZIER]
Good mornin’ Mister Archdale
[ARCHDALE, spoken]
Good mornin’ Frazier
I hope you’re not selling any more divorces
[PORGY, spoken]
He just made a lady out of Bess
[PORGY]
For a dollar and a half
[PORGY hands paper to ARCHDALE.]
[ARCHDALE, spoken]
“I, Simon Frazier, hereby divorce Bess and Crown
For the charge of one dollar and fifty cents cash
Signed, Simon Frazier”
Look here, Frazier, this divorce mill must close
I’ll have to put you in jail
But I won’t report you this time
Good mornin’
[PORGY, spoken & FRAZIER]
Good mornin’, Mister Archdale (God bless you, boss, God bless you)
22. The Buzzard Song Lyrics by Donnie Ray Albert
[A woman screams.]
[PORGY]
Look out, that’s a buzzard
[ENSEMBLE]
Drive him off
Don’t let him light
Chase away that buzzard
[ARCHDALE, spoken]
What is it?
What’s the matter?
[PORGY]
Boss, that bird mean trouble
Once the buzzard fold his wing and light over your house
All your happiness done dead
Buzzard, keep on flyin’ over
Take along your shadow
Ain’t nobody dead this mornin’
Livin’s just begun
Two is strong where one is feeble
Man and woman livin’, workin’
Sharin’ grief and sharin’ laughter
And love like August sun
Trouble
Is that you over yonder lookin’ lean and hungry?
Don’t you let that buzzard keep you hangin’ round my door
Ain’t you heard the news this mornin’?
Step out, brother, hit the gravel
Porgy who you used to feed on
Don’t live here no morе
[PORGY, spoken]
Ha, ha ha ha ha! Ha ha ha ha ha!
Buzzard, on your way!
[PORGY]
Old age, what is you anyhow?
Nothin’ but bein’ lonely
Pack your things and fly from hеre
Carry grief and pain
There’s two folks livin’ in this shelter
Eatin’, sleepin’, singin’, prayin’
Ain’t no such thing as loneliness
And Porgy’s young again
[PORGY & ENSEMBLE]
Buzzard, keep on flyin’
[PORGY & ENSEMBLE]
Porgy’s young again (Never come again)
23. ‘Lo Bess, Goin’ to the Picnic? Lyrics by Larry Marshall (Actor), Clamma Dale & Donnie Ray Albert
[SPORTIN’ LIFE]
‘Lo, Bess, goin’ to the picnic?
[BESS]
No, guess I’ll stay home
[SPORTIN’ LIFE]
Picnics is all right for these small town suckers
But we is use to the high life, you know
You and me, we understands each other
I can’t see for the life of me what you is hanging round this place for
Why, with your looks, Bess, and your way with the boys
There’s big money for you and me in New York
[BESS]
I can’t remember
Ever meeting a nothing what I likes less than I does you
[SPORTIN’ LIFE]
Oh, come on now
How about a little touch of happy dust for old time’s sake?
[BESS]
I’s through with that stuff
[SPORTIN’ LIFE]
Come on, give me your hand
[BESS]
I tells you, I’s through
[SPORTIN’ LIFE, spoken]
Just a pinch, not enough to hurt a flea
[BESS]
No, no, I done give up dope
[SPORTIN’ LIFE]
Tell that to somebody else
Nobody ever gave up happy dust
[SPORTIN’ LIFE, spoken]
Come on, take it
Take it
[PORGY enters and grabs SPORTIN’ LIFE by the wrist.]
Let go, you damn cripple!
God, what a grip for a piece of a man
[PORGY]
Sportin’ Life, you keep away from my woman
Or I’ll break your damn neck!
[SPORTIN’ LIFE]
I’d like to see a lousy cripple like you break my neck
[PORGY & BESS]
If I get my hands on you once more, you’ll see quick enough (Go along now)
[SPORTIN’ LIFE]
All right
Your men friends come and they go
But remember old Sportin’ Life and the happy dust here all along
[PORGY & SPORTIN’ LIFE, spoken]
Get out, you rat, you louse, you buzzard! (Ha ha ha ha ha)
[SPORTIN’ LIFE saunters off. JAKE and CLARA come out dressed for the picnic.]
[JAKE]
Honey, we is sure goin’ to strut our stuff today
[JAKE, spoken]
Be sure to come along to the picnic, Bess
24. Bess, You Is My Woman Now Lyrics by Donnie Ray Albert & Clamma Dale
[PORGY]
Bess, you is my woman now
You is, you is
And you must laugh and sing and dance for two instead of one
Want no wrinkle on your brow
Nohow
Because the sorrow of the past is all done, done
Oh, Bess, my Bess!
The real happiness is just begun
[BESS]
Porgy, I’s your woman now
I is, I is
And I ain’t never goin’ nowhere ‘less you shares the fun
There’s no wrinkle on my brow
Nohow
But I ain’t goin’, you hear me sayin’
If you ain’t goin’, with you I’m stayin’
Porgy, I’s your woman now
I’s yours forever
Mornin’ time and evenin’ time and summer time and winter time
[PORGY]
Mornin’ time and evenin’ timе and summer time and winter timе
Bess, you got your man
[PORGY & BESS]
Bess, you is my woman now (Porgy, I’s your woman now)
And forever (I is)
This life is just begun (I is! And I ain’t never goin’ nowhere)
Bess, we two is one, now and forever (‘Less you shares the fun)
Oh, Bess, don’t mind those women (There’s no wrinkle on my)
You got your Porgy, you loves your Porgy (Brow, nohow, but)
I knows you means it (I ain’t goin’, you hear me sayin’)
I seen it in your eyes, Bess (If you ain’t goin’, with you I’m stayin’)
We’ll go swingin’ through the years (Porgy, I’s your woman now)
A-singin’ (I’s yours forever)
[BESS]
Mornin’ time and evenin’ time and summer time and winter time
[PORGY]
Mornin’ time and evenin’ time and summer time and winter time
[PORGY & BESS]
My Bess (Oh, my Porgy)
My Bess (My man Porgy)
[PORGY & BESS]
From this minute I’m tellin’ you
I keep this vow
[PORGY & BESS]
Oh, my Bess (Porgy)
We’s happy now, we is one now (I’s your woman now)
25. Oh, I Can’t Sit Down Lyrics by Houston Grand Opera Ensemble
[ENSEMBLE]
Oh, I can’t sit down
Got to keep a-goin’ like the flowin’
Of a song
Oh, I can’t sit down
Guess I’ll take my honey and her sunny
Smile along
Today I is gay and I’m free
Just a bubblin’, nothin’ troublin’ me
Oh, I’m goin’ to town
I can’t sit down
Happy feelin’
In my bones a-stealin’
No concealin’
That it’s picnic day
Sure is dandy
Got the liquor handy
Me and Mandy
We is on the way
‘Cause this is picnic day
Oh, I can’t sit down
Got to keep a-jumpin’ to the thumpin’
Of the drum
Oh, I can’t sit down
Full of locomotion like an ocean
Full of rum
Today I is gay and I’m free
Just a bubblin’, nothin’ troublin’ me
Oh, I’m going to town
I can’t, just can’t sit down!
26. What’s de Matter Wid You, Sister? Lyrics by Donnie Ray Albert, Clamma Dale & Carol Brice
[MARIA, spoken]
What’s the matter with you, sister?
Ain’t you know you goin’ be late for the picnic?
[BESS]
I stayin’ with Porgy
[MARIA]
Sure you’s goin’
Everybody’s goin’
You got to help me with my basket
Come now, where’s your hat?
[MARIA, spoken]
What’s all this talk about stayin’ home
When everybody’s goin’ to the picnic?
[BESS]
Porgy, I hates to go and leave you all alone
[PORGY]
Bess, my honey
I so glad to have you go
I been wantin’ you to be so happy here in Catfish Row
[BESS]
Yes, Porgy, I know
[PORGY]
Go, child, go
[MARIA, spoken]
Come on, child
Get into these clothes
You stay around here and you’ll die
[MARIA]
Of the lonesome blues
[MARIA, spoken]
Comе on, hurry up
[MARIA]
We’ll be late for thе boat
[BESS]
Goodbye, Porgy
[PORGY]
Goodbye, honey
[BESS]
Goodbye, Porgy, goodbye
[PORGY]
Oh, I got plenty of nothin’
And nothin’s plenty for me
I got my gal, got my Lord
Got Heaven the whole day long
Got my gal, got my Lord, got my song!
27. I Ain’t Got No Shame Lyrics by Houston Grand Opera Ensemble
[ENSEMBLE]
I ain’t got no shame doin’ what I like to do
I ain’t got no shame doin’ what I like to do
Sun ain’t got no shame
Moon ain’t got no shame
So I ain’t got no shame, doin’ what I like to do
I ain’t got no shame doin’ what I like to do
I ain’t got no shame doin’ what I like to do
Sun ain’t got no shame
Moon ain’t got no shame
So I ain’t got no shame, doin’ what I like to do
Ha-da-da, ha-da-da
Ha-da-da-da-da-da-da-da-da
Ha, ha-da-da
Ha-da-da-da-da-ha-da-da-da-da
Ha-da-da-da-da-ha-da-da-da-da-da
Ha-da-da-da-da-da
Ha-da-da-da
Ha-da-da
Ha-da-da-da-da-da
Ha-da-da
Ah
28. It Ain’t Necessarily So Lyrics by Larry Marshall (Actor)
[SPORTIN’ LIFE]
It ain’t necessarily so
[ENSEMBLE]
It ain’t necessarily so
[SPORTIN’ LIFE]
The things that you’re liable
To read in the Bible
It ain’t necessarily so
Little David was small, but oh my
[ENSEMBLE]
Little David was small, but oh my
[SPORTIN’ LIFE]
He fought big Goliath
Who lay down and dieth
Little David was small, but oh my
Oh, wadoo
[ENSEMBLE]
Wadoo
[SPORTIN’ LIFE]
Oh, zim bam boodle-oo
[ENSEMBLE]
Zim bam boodle-oo
[SPORTIN’ LIFE]
Hoodle ah da wa da
[ENSEMBLE]
Hoodle ah da wa da
[SPORTIN’ LIFE]
Scatty wah
[ENSEMBLE]
Scatty wah
[SPORTIN’ LIFE]
Yeah!
Oh Jonah, he lived in a whale
[ENSEMBLE]
Oh Jonah, he lived in a whale
[SPORTIN’ LIFE]
For he made his home in
That fish’s abdomen
Oh Jonah, he lived in a whale
Little Moses was found in a stream
[ENSEMBLE]
Little Moses was found in a stream
[SPORTIN’ LIFE]
That child floated on water
‘Til old Pharaoh’s daughter
Fished him, she says, from that stream
Oh, wadoo
[ENSEMBLE]
Oh, wadoo
[SPORTIN’ LIFE]
Oh, zim bam boodle-oo
[ENSEMBLE]
Zim bam boodle-oo
[SPORTIN’ LIFE]
Hoodle ah da wa da
[ENSEMBLE]
Hoodle ah da wa da
[SPORTIN’ LIFE]
Scatty wah
[ENSEMBLE]
Scatty wah
[SPORTIN’ LIFE]
Yeah, yeah, yeah
Oh, it ain’t necessarily so
[ENSEMBLE]
Oh, it ain’t necessarily so
[SPORTIN’ LIFE]
They tells all you children
The devil’s a villain
But it ain’t necessarily so
To get into Heaven
Don’t snap for a seven
Live clean, don’t have no fault
Look at me
Now, I takes that gospel
Whenever it’s possible
But with a grain of salt
Methuselah lived nine hundred years
[ENSEMBLE]
Methuselah lived nine hundred years
[SPORTIN’ LIFE]
Say, but who calls that livin’
When no gal will give in
To no man what’s nine hundred years?
And I’m preaching this sermon to show
It ain’t nessa, ’tain’t nessa
‘Tain’t nessa, ’tain’t nessa
[SPORTIN’ LIFE & ENSEMBLE]
‘Tain’t necessarily so!
29. Dance; Shame On All You Sinners Lyrics by Wilma Shakesnider
[SPORTIN’ LIFE & ENSEMBLE]
I’m preaching this sermon to show
It ain’t nessa, ’tain’t nessa
‘Tain’t nessa, ’tain’t nessa
‘Tain’t necessarily—
[SERENA]
Shame on all you sinners
You call yourselves church members
You goes on a decent picnic of
The Sons and Daughters of Repent Ye Saith the Lord
And when the Christians turn their back
You start behaving like Sodom and Gomorrah
It’s a God’s wonder the Lord don’t send His livin’ fire
To burn you off of the face of the earth
And you, Jake, always so loudmouth at church meetin’
Tell me when did you start working for the devil?
Take them baskets and get on that boat
All you wicked children of the devil!
[Boat whistle sounds.]
Hear what I tell you
It’s high time you were goin’
[SERENA, spoken]
You best hurry up, you goin’ miss that boat
Oh, Nobody Knows When de Lord Is Gonna Call
Betty Lane, Glover Parham, Alexander Smalls, Hartwell Mace, Wilma Shakesnider, Bernard Thacker & Larry Marshall (Actor)
[MARIA]
If that boat go without me
There’s gonna be some blue lightning in Catfish Row when I gets home
[Boat whistle sounds.]
[MARIA, spoken]
Hey there!
Hold your holt
I’s a-comin!
Hurry up, Bess!
That boat’s gettin’ the whoopin’ cough
[Boat whistle sounds.]
30. Crown! Lyrics by Andrew Smith (Actor) & Clamma Dale
[CROWN whistles to BESS.]
[BESS, spoken]
Crown!
[CROWN]
You know very well this Crown
I seen you land and I been waitin’ all day for see you
I ‘most dead on this damn island
[BESS]
You ain’t look ‘most dead, you bigger than ever
[CROWN]
Oh, I got plenty to eat
Bird egg, oyster, and such
But I ‘most dead of the lonesome
With not one God person to swap a word with
Lord, I’s glad you come
[BESS]
I can’t stay, Crown, or the boat will go without me
[CROWN, spoken]
Damn that boat!
[CROWN]
Got any happy dust with you?
[BESS]
No, Crown, no more happy dust
I done give up dope, and besides, Crown
I got somethin’ to tell you
[CROWN]
You best listen to what I gots to tell you
I wait here ’til the cotton begin comin’ in
Then livin’ll be easy
Johnny’ll hide you and me on the riverboat far as Savannah
Who you livin’ with now?
[BESS]
I livin’ with thе cripple Porgy
[CROWN, spoken]
Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha
[CROWN]
You sure got funny taste in mеn, but that’s your business
I ain’t care who you take up with while I’s away
But ‘member what I told you
He’s temporary
I reckon it’ll just be a couple of weeks now ‘fore I comes for you
[BESS]
Crown, I got somethin’ to tell you
[CROWN]
What that?
[BESS]
I, I livin’ with Porgy now, and I livin’ decent
[CROWN]
You hear what I told you
I said in a couple of weeks I’s comin’ for you
And you is goin’ tote fair, unless you wants to meet your God
[CROWN, spoken]
You get that?
[Boat whistle sounds.]
[BESS, spoken]
Take your hands off me, I’m gonna miss that boat
[CROWN]
You tellin’ me that you’d rather have that cripple than Crown?
[BESS]
It’s like this, Crown
I’s the only woman Porgy ever had
And I’s thinking now, how it’s gonna be tonight
When all these other people go back to Catfish Row
He’ll be sittin’ and watchin’ the big front gate
A-countin’ ’em off, waitin’ for Bess
And when the last woman goes home to her man
And I ain’t there—
[CROWN, spoken]
Ha ha ha ha ha ha
Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha
[BESS, spoken]
Lemme go, Crown!
You can get plenty of other women
[CROWN]
What I wants with other woman?
[CROWN, spoken]
I gots a woman and that’s you, see!
31. What You Want Wid Bess? Lyrics by Clamma Dale & Andrew Smith (Actor)
[BESS]
Oh, what you want with Bess?
She’s gettin’ old now
Take a fine young gal
For to satisfy Crown
Look at this chest
And look at these arms you got
You know how it’s always been with me
These five years I been your woman
You could kick me in the street
And when you wanted me back
You could whistle and there I was
Back again, lickin’ your hand
There’s plenty better lookin’ gal than Bess
[BESS & CROWN]
Can’t you see (What I wants with other woman?)
I’m with Porgy, now and forever (I gots a woman, yes)
I am his woman (And that is you, yes)
He would die without me (That is you, yes)
Oh, Crown, won’t you let me go (I need you now and you’re mine)
To my man (Just as long as I want you)
To my man? (No cripple goin’ take my woman from mе)
He is a cripple (You is got your man tonight)
And needs my love (And that is Crown)
All my lovе (Yes, Crown)
What you want with Bess? (You’re my woman, Bess)
Oh, let me go to my man (I’m tellin’ you, now I’m your man)
[BESS]
What you want with Bess?
32. Lemme Go, Hear Dat Boat Lyrics by Clamma Dale & Andrew Smith (Actor)
[BESS, spoken]
Let me go
Hear that boat?
It’s goin’ without me
[CROWN]
You ain’t goin’ nowhere!
[BESS]
Take your hands off me, I say
Your hands, your hands, your hands
[CROWN]
I know you ain’t change
With you and me it always be the same
Get in that thicket
33. Honey, Dat’s All de Breakfast I Got Time For Lyrics by Alexander Smalls
[JAKE]
Honey, that’s all the breakfast I got time for
It’s getting late, the weather’s fine
I’m on my way
[JAKE, spoken]
Come on you fishermen, it’s time to travel
[NELSON]
All right, Jake
[JIM]
All ready, Jake, we best be off
[MARIA]
Goodbye, boys
[JAKE, spoken]
Goodbye, Maria
[NELSON]
It’s looks to me like it wanna storm today
[JAKE]
Don’t you know that ain’t the way to talk ‘fore my woman?
So long, Clara
[JAKE, spoken]
Gangway for the Sea Gull
[JAKE]
It take a
[JAKE & FISHERMEN]
Long pull to get there, huh!
[JAKE]
It take a
[JAKE & FISHERMEN]
Long pull to get there, huh!
[JAKE]
It take a
[JAKE & FISHERMEN]
Long pull to get there
But I’ll anchor in the Promised Land
In the Promised Land
Land
34. Take Yo’ Hands Off Me, I Say Lyrics by Clamma Dale, Wilma Shakesnider, Carol Brice, Mervin Wallace & Donnie Ray Albert
[BESS]
Take your hands off me, I say
[BESS & SERENA]|
Your hands, your hands, your hands (She’s still out her head)
[BESS]
Eighteen mile to Kittiwah
Eighteen mile to travel
Lord, what a long road
Ain’t nobody to help me
Ain’t nobody to help me
[MARIA, spoken]
Well, if it ain’t old Peter
How come they let you out of jail?
[PETER]
The white folk put me in
And the white folk take me out
And I ain’t know yet what I done
What I done, done, done
[BESS]
Oh, there’s a rattlesnake in them bushes
[BESS & PETER, spoken]
Oh Lord, ain’t nobody to help me (What’s the matter?)
[MARIA]
Porgy woman very sick more’n a week now
She gone to the picnic and get lost in the jungle
She ain’t come home for two day
[PORGY]
I think that maybe she going to sleep now
A whole week gone now and she ain’t no better
[PORGY, spoken]
Hello, Peter
Welcome back home, old friend
[PETER]
I advise you to send her to the white folks hospital
[PORGY]
Oh God, don’t let ’em take Bess to the hospital
[SERENA]
Hospital!
Must be you is all forget how I pray Clara’s baby out of the convulsions
There ain’t never been a sick person or corpse in Catfish Row
That I has refused my prayer
[PORGY, spoken]
That’s right, sister, you pray over her
35. Oh, Doctor Jesus Lyrics by Wilma Shakesnider
[SERENA]
Oh, doctor Jesus
Who done trouble the water in the Sea of Galilee
[PORGY, spoken]
Amen
[SERENA]
And likewise who done cast the devil out of the afflicted
Time and time again
[PORGY & PETER, spoken]
Time and time again (Oh, my Jesus)
[SERENA]
Oh, doctor Jesus
What make you ain’t lay your hand on this poor sister’s head
[LILY]
Oh, my Father
[SERENA]
And chase the devil out of her
Down a steep place into the sea like you used to do
Time and time again?
[PORGY]
Time and time again
[PORGY, spoken]
Oh, my Jesus!
[SERENA]
Lift this poor cripple up out of the dust
[PORGY]
Allelujah!
[SERENA]
And lift up his woman and make her well
Time and time again
And save us all for Jesus’ sake, amen
[PORGY, PETER & MARIA, spoken]
Amen
[SERENA, spoken]
Alright, Porgy
Doctor Jesus done take the case
By 5 o’clock that woman is going to be well
36. Strawberry Woman; Honey Man; Crab Man Lyrics by Phyllis Bash, Mervin Wallace & Steven Alex-Cole
[STRAWBERRY WOMAN]
Oh, they’s so fresh and fine
And they’s just off of the vine
Strawberry, strawberry
Strawberry
[FIRST WOMAN, spoken]
Lemme see one
[STRAWBERRY WOMAN]
Oh, they’s so fresh and fine
And they’s just off of the vine
Strawberry, strawberry
Strawberry
[PETER, THE HONEY MAN]
Here come the honey man
Yes ma’am, this the honey man
[PETER & SECOND WOMAN, spoken]
You got honey in the comb (Oh, honey man, honey man!)
Yes ma’am, I got honey in the comb (Hey there)
And is your honey cheap? (I want some honey!)
[PETER & ANNIE, spoken]
Yes ma’am, my honey very cheap (Peter, honey man)
Here come (God almighty)
The honey man (I’s just wastin’ my breath on you)
‘Cause you ain’t gonna hear nohow
[CRAB MAN]
I’m talkin’ about devil crabs
I’m talkin’ about devil crabs
I’m talkin’ about the food I sells
[CRAB MAN & PORGY]
She crab (On your way, brother)
She crab
[CRAB MAN, spoken]
Devil crabs
[MARIA, spoken]
Hey, crab man!
[CRAB MAN]
I’m talkin’ about the food I sells
When I done talkin’ about the food I sells
Talkin’ about devil crabs
Now I’s talkin’ about your pocket book
I’m talkin’ about devil crabs
She crab, she crab
[CRAB MAN, spoken]
Devil crabs
[CRAB MAN]
I’m talkin’ about the food I sells
37. Now de Time, Oh, Gawd Lyrics by Clamma Dale & Donnie Ray Albert
[CRAB MAN, spoken]
Get your crab
Crab man, crab man
Devil crab
[PORGY]
Now the time, oh God
Now the time
[BESS & PORGY]
Porgy, Porgy, that you there ain’t it? (Thank God, thank God!)
[BESS]
I lonesome here all by myself
It’s hot in there
Let me sit here with you in the cool
[PORGY]
Oh, Bess! Bess!
[BESS]
I been sick, ain’t I?
[PORGY]
You been very sick
But now I got you back, Bess
[BESS]
How long I been sick?
[PORGY]
Over a week now
You come back from Kittiwah with eye like fireball
And Maria get you into bed
And you ain’t know me
[PORGY, spoken]
What’s the matter, Bess?
[BESS]
I guess I ain’t know nothin’ with the fever
Or I ain’t come back at all
[PORGY, spoken]
That’s alright, honey
[PORGY]
Don’t you worry, honey
I know you been with Crown
[BESS, spoken]
How you know?
[PORGY]
God give cripple to understand many thing he ain’t give strong men
[BESS]
You ain’t want me to go ‘way?
[PORGY]
No, no
I ain’t want you to go
How things stand between you and Crown?
[BESS]
He’s comin’ for me when the cotton come to town
[PORGY, spoken]
You goin’?
[BESS]
I tells him, yes
[BESS, spoken]
Porgy, God, man
Why your muscle pull up like that?
It make me afraid
[PORGY]
You ain’t got nothin’ to be afraid of
I ain’t try to keep no woman what don’t wanna stay
If you wants to go to Crown, that’s for you to say
You can listen to the remaining tracks of the playlist here:
38.I Loves You, Porgy
39.Why You Been Out On That Wharf So Long, Clara?
40.Oh, Doctor Jesus (Hurricane Scene); Summertime (Reprise)
41.What Makes You So Still, Bess; Oh, Dere’s Somebody Knockin’
42.You Is a Nice Parcel of Christians
43.A Redheaded Woman
44.Jake’s Boat in de River
45.Clara, Clara
46.You Low-Lived Skunk
47.Summertime (Reprise); Death of Crown
48.Wait For Us At the Corner, Al
49.What Is Your Name?
50.Oh, Gawd! They Goin’ Make Him Look On Crown’s Face!
51.There’s a Boat Dat’s Leavin’ Soon for New York
52.Catfish Row Interlude
53.Good Mornin’, Sistuh! Good Mornin’, Brudder!
54.It’s Porgy Comin’ Home
55.Oh, Bess, Oh, Where’s My Bess
56.Bess Is Gone
57.Oh, Lawd, I’m On My Way
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Key Songs in The Porgy and Bess Production?
The key songs of Porgy and Bess include popular numbers such as Summertime, I Got Plenty o’ Nuttin’, Bess, You Is My Woman Now, and It Ain’t Necessarily So.
When is Porgy and Bess being Performed At the Houston Grand Opera?
Porgy and Bess will be performed at the Houston Grand Opera as part of its 2025–2026 season, with the opening night scheduled for October 24, 2025.
