Why do you want Bess? She's gettin' old now Takes a fine young girl for to satisfy Crown Look at this chest, and look at these arms you've got You know how it's always been with me These five years I've been your woman You could kick me in the street, then when you wanted me back You could whistle, and there I was Back again, lickin' your hand There's plenty better lookin' girls than Bess Can't you see I'm with Porgy? Now and forever I am his woman, he would die without me Oh, crown, won't you let me go to my man, to my man? He is a cripple and needs my love, all my love Why do you want Bess? Oh, let me go to my man Why do you want Bess?