From the Studio #65

Birmingham Bertha

The musical movie On with the Show from 1929 was the first all talkie and the second color film that Warner Brothers released. It featured Ethel Waters, and the most famous tune by Harry Akst was Am I Blue?

But there was also this one that came out on a few jazz records but could be played more today.

I feel that the song should be sung by a woman, so I rest my voice. But here’s the lyrics if you want to give it a try:

Ain't no foolin', Birmingham Bertha,
She's had schoolin' Birmingham Bertha
Eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth's her plan

Treat me fair and I'm on the level,
Give me air and I'm just a devil!
He's on my mind, I'm gonna find my Sam!

I'm just the worst simple Simon that you know,
Gave him my diamonds and my dough,
You can bet it, he'll regret it,
He's gonna get it and so,

Can't expect no two dollars worth of sympathy
From Birmingham Bertha
Like the Police I'll never release that man. Sam!

«