Too Proud to Qualify

Ethel's been goin' through sorry hard times.
Do anythin'---make/save a few dimes.
But she a good woman ----well eighty percent.
Can't have the government payin' the rent.

Too proud for that and don't qualify neither.
Used to have money, but hubby deceived her.
Left her the kids and a broken down car.
Forty-five dollars of change in the jar.

Had to think fast and too fast she did.
Called up an agency--give up the kids.
Said they were buyin'---ad...back of the paper.
Thing she still think about---many years later.

She's had more jobs than she's got dollars.
Tell her she lazy? Ooh....she hollers.
Ain't her fault, she ain't good with money.
Casino folk think she goin' funny.

I say," Switch to bingo--a dollar for that."
"No. I a high roller," she said, then she spat.
Had to wipe it up off of my face and my chin.
Won't give no advice to that Ethel again.

Ninety-nine times I'd told her to stay
At home stuffin' envelopes up for the day.
Ain't much to go wrong if you follow directions.
That's when she got into workin' erections.

Ain't seen her now for a long little while.
Not slavin' for friendship Ethel's style.
Heard she's taken to stealin' off toilet paper.
Too big for her purse, so she tip the waiter.

She felt so bad...went one Sunday to church.
Spoke to the Lord...he said, "Put in reverse...."
So she took it back---all yellowed and wet.
But this action only caused more regret.