Where Was He

Ray Charles

Woan, let us sing!

You ought to know
You know all about him
Before you go, I'm on a limb
You ought to know
You know all about him
Before you go, I'm on a limb
Listen to me, honey

Now, I'm not trying to run your life
I can't keep you from going
But because I love you, I want to be sure
That you know what you're doing
Where was he?
Where was he when you wore that shoes that was falling off your feet?
Where was he?
Where was he when you and your babies didn't have no food to eat?
Where was he?
Where was he when the doctor said he was getting on you?
Where was he?
Where was he when the blood I gave him?

You ought to know
You know all about him
Before you go, I'm on a limb
You ought to know
You know all about him
Before you go, I'm on a limb
All right, play it, son

Glory, glory, Hallelujah

Now, I respect a woman's rights to be with the man she choose
But, honey, don't let a few sweet words cause you to pay more dues
And you know that I love you, but I don't want your sympathy
So don't stay across if you belong, if it ain't where you want to be

Where was he when the bill collectors used your doorstep?
And I'd like to know
Where was he when the welfare folks cut off your crew stamps?
Where was he when you dated someone to love and understand?
Talk to me
Where was he when you were washing baby diapers on your head?
How?

You ought to know
You ain't nothing but a jackass
You know all about him
A scheming conniver
Before you go, I'm on a limb
That dirty dog
You ought to know
He's just a fake, huh?
You know all about him
And a happy home wrecker
Before you go, I'm on a limb
That's all it is, dog
You ought to know
You know I love your children
Before you go, I'm on a limb
That's hard to find
Don't get mad
You ought to know
You know all about him
Before you go, I'm on a limb
I got to tell you one more again
You ought to know
You know all about him