Greenbacks

by Ray Charles

From the album: The Birth of Soul

Track 19 of 53 on The Birth of Soul (1991).

Duration: 2:51

The Birth of Soul cover art

Lyrics for Greenbacks

As I was walking down the street last night A pretty little girl came into sight I bowed and smiled and asked her name She said, "Hold it bud, I don't play that game" I reached in my pocket, and to her big surprise There was Lincoln staring her dead in the eyes. On a greenback, greenback dollar bill Just a little piece of paper, coated with chlorophyll. She looked at me with that familiar desire Her eyes lit up like they were on fire She said, "My name's Flo, and you're on the right track, But look here, daddy, I wear furs on my back, So if you want to have fun in this man's land, Let Lincoln and Jackson start shaking hands." On a greenback, greenback dollar bill Just a little piece of paper, coated with chlorophyll. I didn't know what I was getting into But I popped Lincoln and Jackson, too I didn't mind seeing them fade out of sight, I just knew I'd have some fun last night Whenever you in town and looking for a thrill If Lincoln can't get it, Jackson sure will. On a greenback, greenback dollar bill Just a little piece of paper, coated with chlorophyll. We went to a nightspot where the lights were low Dined and danced, and I was ready to go I got out of my seat, and when Flo arose, She said, "Hold on daddy, while I powder my nose" I sat back down with a smiling face, While she went down to the powder place. With my greenback, greenback dollar bill Just a little piece of paper, coated with chlorophyll. The music stopped and the lights came on, I looked around and saw I was all alone I didn't know how long Flo had been gone But a nose powder sure didn't take that long I left the place with tears in my eyes As I waved Lincoln and Jackson a last goodbye. On a greenback, greenback dollar bill Just a little piece of paper, coated with chlorophyll.

Listen On

More from The Birth of Soul

  1. The Sun's Gonna Shine Again
  2. Roll with My Baby
  3. The Midnight Hour
  4. Jumpin' in the Mornin'
  5. It Should Have Been Me
  6. Losing Hand
  7. Heartbreaker
  8. Sinner's Prayer
  9. Mess Around
  10. Funny (But I Still Love You)
  11. Feelin' Sad
  12. I Wonder Who
  13. Don't You Know
  14. Nobody Cares
  15. Ray's Blues
  16. Mr. Charles' Blues
  17. Blackjack
  18. I've Got a Woman
  19. Greenbacks
  20. Come Back Baby
  21. A Fool for You
  22. This Little Girl of Mine
  23. Hard Times (No One Knows Better Than I)
  24. A Bit of Soul
  25. Mary Ann
  26. Drown in My Own Tears
  27. Hallelujah, I Love Her So
  28. What Would I Do Without You
  29. Lonely Avenue
  30. I Want to Know
  31. Leave My Woman Alone
  32. It's All Right
  33. Ain't That Love
  34. Get on the Right Track
  35. Rockhouse, Pt. 1 & 2
  36. Swanee River Rock (Talkin' 'Bout That River)
  37. That's Enough
  38. Talkin' 'Bout You
  39. What Kind of Man Are You
  40. I Want a Little Girl
  41. Yes Indeed!
  42. I Had a Dream
  43. You Be My Baby
  44. Tell All the World About You
  45. My Bonnie
  46. Early in the Morning
  47. The Right Time
  48. Carrying That Load
  49. Tell Me How Do You Feel
  50. What'd I Say, Pt. 1 & 2
  51. Tell the Truth - Live at Herndon Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia, 5/28/1959
  52. I'm Movin' On
  53. I Believe to My Soul