a 1917 blues song
words by Grant Clarke
music by Cliff Hess
Accompaniment – player piano roll Golden Age #172
played by “Charlie” Straight:
Lyrics
- I’ve never minded my mother, I never minded my dad
I used to fight with my brother, guess I was terribly bad
I ran away from the teacher, I never cared about school
But you can bet it, that I regret it, for ever being a fool
I weep an ocean of tears, when I look back at those years
Chorus
I’ve been a long way upon the wrong way
But I’m on the right way now
Because I’ve got regretful blues, the kind of oh-well, what’s the use
I had the wrong pal, I had the wrong gal, but that’s a poor excuse
I’m busted, disgusted, weary to my very shoes
Life’s just like a railroad train, that’s running right or wrong
I’m a poor old freight car, that’s been side-tracked right along
I’ve been a long way upon the wrong way
But the right way now I choose
I’m a soul what’s got what’s called Regretful Blues
- Most every lane has a turning, just take a tip from a friend
For as you sow while you’re learning, so shall ye reap in the end
Don’t think I’m preaching a sermon, because it’s not in my line
If you should wander, just stop and ponder, about this lesson of mine
‘Twill save you lots of distress, that’s why I’m here to confess
Chorus
If there’s a wrong man who’s got the wrong plan
It’s that Kaiser Bill right now
He’s goin’ a have regretful blues, I’d hate to be in that Hun’s shoes
He’s got the wrong heart, he made the wrong start
Just think of what he’ll lose
But the Kaiser will be wiser, when he pays the devil’s dues
Napoleon tried the same thing but, he met his Waterloo
That’s what Kaiser Bill will get from the old Red, White, and Blue
And if he don’t stop and if he won’t stop, his throne he’s goin’ to lose
He’s another King who’ll sing Regretful Blues
Sung here by Fred Feild: