Louis Jordan
Fat Sam From Birmingham
Birmingham!
There's Sam!

If you ever get down to Birmingham
Stop off and see my friend Fat Sam
He's a little butter-ball who aims to please
With him, every night is like New Year's Eve
You'll find him on the corner, front of Shorter's bar
With a box-back coat and a big cigar
He's always wearing a big wide-brim
Just tell him I sent you and, man, you' in

Fat Sam from Birmingham, always on the ball
Fat Sam from Birmingham, as wide as he is tall

If you're on the loose and you wanna play
Sam's the man to show you the way
'Cause all the chicks fall for his groovy line
And he's ready for a party any old time
If you get a little hungry, and you wanna eat
Tell Sam all about it and he'll give you a treat
Neck-bones and beans, and catfish too
And what could be better than a good beef stew?

Fat Sam from Birmingham, always on the ball
Fat Sam from Birmingham, as wide as he is tall
He'll tell you 'bout money he's made and spent
And if you're down on your luck he'll pay your rent
He'll drink and fight, and laugh and sing
'Cause the world don't owe him a dog-gone thing
He plays poker, coon-can and skin
But listen, all you gamblin' men
If you're lookin' around for a real soft touch
Don't mess with Sam, 'cause he's much too much

Fat Sam from Birmingham, always on the ball
Fat Sam from Birmingham, as wide as he is tall

Now, big sister Bessie used to spend her days
Preachin' to Sam to change his ways;
She followed him around with a book in her hand
Tryin' to make Sam a righteous man
The Sunday congregation was all put out
When big sister Bessie jumped up to shout
She used to think preaching was her line
But, Jack, since she met Sam, she changed her mind

Fat Sam from Birmingham, always on the ball
Fat Sam from Birmingham, as wide as he is tall

That's Sam from 'Bam!