Be a Little Savage with Me

"Be a Little Savage with Me" is an art song composed by Margaret Bonds with text derived from the poem of the same name by Langston Hughes.

Date: 1949Composer: Margaret BondsText: Langston Hughes

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Text

I’m so bored with it all,
Though you’re so strong and tall,
When you carress me,
You treat me like a dove.
Can’t you see it’s my desire
To be kissed ’til I’m on fire:
I want a great big jungle man to love.

Be a little savage with me.
Scratch me, bite me-
Oh Daddy!
Squeeze me tightly-
Oh Daddy!
Teach me all that love can be.
Be a little savage with me.

Pinch me, fight me-
Oh Daddy!
Shake me nightly-
Oh Daddy!
Beat me if we don’t agree.
I’ve been so demure,
Shy and sweet and pure.
Never even gave a kiss away;
Now my heart is beating in the wildest way.
Put me through the third degree.

Take me, break me-
Oh Daddy!
Hold me! Make Me!
Oh Daddy!
Be a little savage with me.

Related Information

Sheet Music

Rediscovering Margaret Bonds: Art Songs, Spirituals, Musical Theater and Popular Songs

Composer(s): Margaret Bonds

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