INDEX OF SONGS & LYRICS “B”
Baby Get Lost
Baby,  I Don’t Cry over You	2 versions
Baby, Won’t You Please Come Home?
Back in Your Own Backyard	2 versions
Be Fair With Me Baby
Beer Barrel Polka	Rehearsal
Big Stuff	4 versions
Billie’s Blues (I Love My Man)	19 versions
Blue Moon	2 versions
Blue Turning Grey Over You
Body and Soul	4 versions
Born to Love
But Beautiful
But Not for Me

19. Baby Get Lost

Leonard Feather

Well good morning baby
Welcome back to town
How do fine Papa
Welcome back to town
You’re doing so much traveling
Never know when you’ll be around

You’re a fine and mellow fellow
But you’re stubborn as a mule
You love me like an angel
But you treat me like a fool

Two-faced Daddy
Don’t hand me no double-cross
You’ll see any time I’m ready
I can tell you baby get lost

You’re cheating on the outside
Doing anything you choose
You better come back on the inside
‘Cause you got too much to lose

Don’t want no trouble
I’ve got to be the boss
And if you can’t play it my way
Well now baby get lost

I try to stop your cheating
But I just don’t have the time
‘Cause I got so many men that
They’re standing right in line

Keep cool Papa
You got to come across
‘Cause any time I’m ready
Yes any time I’m ready
You know when I’m ready
I can tell you baby get lost

Why don’t you get lost

 

Notes

Leonard Geoffrey Feather (1914-1994) was a British-born jazz pianist, composer, and producer who was best known for his music journalism and other writing.He’s been one of her closest friends for years. At the image below, Robert Goffin, Benny Carter, Louis Armstrong and Leonard Feather (1942) Source: Wikipedia.

 

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20. Baby, I Don’t Cry Over You

Morton Krouse

Follows 2 versions of the lyrics

Had my lunch all alone
Waited for you to phone
Said you’d call me at two
So about twenty of three
I had cocktails with Lee
Baby, I don’t cry over you

Stood me up in the rain
Tried to hurt me again
Bet you thought I’d be blue
I went out to a show
With a swell guy named Joe
Baby, I don’t cry over you

These foolish games you keep playing
Might work with somebody else
But I could have told you
Right from the start
No man is man enough
To break my heart

If you don’t come tonight
Think you’ll give me a fright
Tell you what I will do
I’ll put on my best gown
And go painting this town
Baby, I don’t cry over you

(bridge)

These foolish games you keep playing
Might work with somebody else
But I could have told you
Right from the start
No man is man enough
To break my heart

If you don’t come tonight
Think you’ll give me a fright
Tell you what I will do
I’ll put on my best gown
And go painting this town
Baby, I don’t cry over you

Listen Jack your sweet Jill
Will be out with some Bill
Maybe I don’t cry over you

 

Baby, I don’t cry over you – 2nd version

rec date	type	#	discography	tk	rec time
1946	AT	188a	Complete on Decca v.1	17	3’09”

Had my lunch all alone
Waited for you to phone
Said you’d call me at two
So about twenty of three
I had cocktails with Lee
Baby, I don’t cry over you

Stood me up in the rain
Tried to hurt me again
Bet you thought I’d be blue
I went out to a show
With a swell guy named Joe
Baby, I don’t cry over you

These foolish games you keep playing
Might work with somebody else
But I could have told you
Right from the start
No man is man enough
To break my heart

If you don’t come tonight
Think you’ll give me a fright
Tell you what I will do
I’ll put on my best gown
And go painting this town
Baby, I don’t cry over you

(bridge)

These foolish games you keep playing
Might work with somebody else
But I could have told you
Right from the start
No man is man enough
To break my heart

If you don’t come tonight
Think you’ll give me a fright
Tell you what I will do
I’ll put on my best gown
And go painting this town
Baby, I don’t cry over you

Listen Jack your sweet Jill
Will be out with some Bill
Maybe I don’t cry over you

Notes

NC

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21. Baby, Won’t You Please Come Home (1919)

lyrics and music by Charles Warfield & Clarence Williams

[stereo]

Baby won’t you please come home
‘Cause your mama’s all alone
I have tried in vain
Never no more to call your name

When you left you broke my heart
Because I never thought we’d part
Every hour in the day
You will hear me say
Baby won’t you please come home

(bridge)

Baby won’t you please come home
‘Cause your mama’s all alone
I have tried in vain
Never no more to call your name

When you left you broke my heart
Because I never thought we’d part
Every hour in the day
You will hear your mama say
Oh baby, won’t you please come on home
Mama needs daddy
Hey baby,
Won’t you please come home

 

Notes

George Thomas (1885-1930), jazz pianist and songwriter, was the first to sing it. A friend of Clarence Williams.

 

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22. Back In Your Own Backyard

Al Jolson & Billy Rose & Dave Dreyer

Follows 2 versions of the lyrics

The bird with feathers of blue
Is waiting for you
Back in your own backyard
You’ll see your castles in Spain
Through your window pane
Back in your own backyard

Oh you can go to the East
Go to the West
But someday you’ll come
Weary at heart
Back where you started from
You’ll find your happiness lies
Right under your eyes
Back in your own backyard

(bridge)

The bird with feathers of blue
Is waiting for you
Back in your own backyard
You’ll see your castles in Spain
Through your window pane
Back in your own backyard

Oh you can go to the East
Go to the West
But someday you’ll come
Weary at heart
Back where you started from
You’ll find your happiness lies
Right under your eyes
Back in your own backyard

 

Back in your own backyard – 2nd version

The bird with feathers of blue
Is waiting for you
Back in your own backyard
You’ll see your castles in Spain
Through your window pane
Back in your own backyard

Oh you can go to the East
Go to the West
But someday you’ll come
Weary at heart
Back where you started from
You’ll find your happiness lies
Right under your eyes
Back in your own backyard

(bridge)

The bird with feathers of blue
Is waiting for you
Back in your own backyard
You’ll see your castles in Spain
Through your window pane
Back in your own backyard

Oh you can go to the East
Go to the West
But someday you’ll come
Weary at heart
Back where you started from
You’ll find your happiness lies
Right under your eyes
Back in your own backyard

Notes

Wikipedia article says Billy Rose was the lyricist and Dreyer the composer, possibly with some small contrbution by Jolson, a performer. Ruth Etting was the first to record it in 1928, and Jolson did it the same year.

 

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23. Be Fair With Me Baby

Ravon Darnell & Frank Messner

I’m helpless without you baby
I’ve almost lost my mind
Yes, helpless without you baby
I’ve almost lost my mind
I’m blue and confused
Since you left me behind
My friends all know it baby
The tears I cannot hide
My friends all know it baby
The tears I cannot hide
You’ve changed your disposition
And thrown my love aside
Be fair with me baby
Our love can start anew
Please be fair with me baby
Our love can start anew
I’m blue and helpless baby
And I’m worried over you
Yes, I’m worried
I’ve got the helpless blues

---

24. Beer Barrel Polka (1927)

(aka Roll Out The Barrel)

Lyrics by Lew Brown

Music by W. A. Timm & Vasek Zeman & Jaromir Vejvoda

 

[rehearsal fragment]

Billie entertains her godson and sings a single verse:

Roll out the barrel, we’ll have a barrel of fun…

 

Notes

Beer Barrel Polka, also known as Roll Out the Barrel, is a song which became popular worldwide during World War II. The music was composed by the Czech musician Jaromír Vejvoda in 1927 (Wikipedia)

 

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25. Big Stuff (1944)

lyrics & music by Leonard Bernstein

Follows 4 versions of the lyrics

(Toots Camarata Orchestra version)

So you cry
What’s it about, baby?
You ask why
The blues had to go and pick you
So you go
Down to the shore kid’s stuff
Don’t you know
There’s honey in the store for you big stuff
Let’s take a ride on my gravy train
The doors open wide
Come in from out of the rain

So you stare
Call it despair big stuff
Don’t you care
I’m on the square about you
Let’s have a try
It maybe that I’m the guy

(bridge)

So you stare
Call it despair big stuff
Don’t you care
I’m on the square about you
Let’s have a try
It maybe that I’m the guy

 

Big Stuff – 2nd version

rec date	type	#	discography	tk	rec time
1945	MT	181	Complete on Decca v.1	8	2’57”

(Bob Haggart Orchestra version)

So you cry
What’s it about, baby?
You ask why
The blues had to go and pick you
So you go
Down to the shore kid’s stuff
Don’t you know
There’s honey in the store for you big stuff
Let’s take a ride on my gravy train
The doors open wide
Come in from out of the rain

So you stare
Call it despair big stuff
Don’t you care
I’m on the square about you
Let’s have a try
It maybe that you’re my guy

(bridge)

So you stare
Call it despair big stuff
Don’t you care
I’m on the square about you
Let’s have a try
It maybe that you’re my guy

 

Big Stuff – 3rd version

rec date	type	#	discography	tk	rec time
1946	MT	186	Complete on Decca v.1	15	2’44”

(Bill Stegmeyer Orchestra version)

So you cry
What’s it about, baby?
You ask why
The blues had to go and pick you
So you go
Down to the shore kid’s stuff
Don’t you know
There’s honey in the store for you big stuff
Let’s take a ride in my gravy train
The doors open wide
Come in from out of the rain

So you stare
Call it despair big stuff
Don’t you care
I’m on the square about you
Let’s have a try
It maybe that you’re my guy

(bridge)

So you stare
Call it despair big stuff
Don’t you care
I’m on the square about you
Let’s have a try
It maybe that you’re my guy

 

Big Stuff – 4th version

rec date	type	#	discography	tk	rec time
1946	MT	187	Complete on Decca v.1	16	2’29”

(Billie Holiday Orchestra version – small band)

So you cry
What’s it about, baby?
You ask why
The blues had to go and pick you
So you go
Down to the shore kid’s stuff
Don’t you know
There’s honey in the store for you big stuff
Let’s take a ride in my gravy train
The doors open wide
Come in from out of the rain

So you stare
Call it despair baby
Don’t you care
I’m on the square about you
Let’s have a try
It maybe that you’re my guy

(very short bridge)

Let’s take a ride in my gravy train
The doors open wide
Come in from out of the rain

So you stare
Call it despair baby
Don’t you care
I’m on the square about you
Let’s have a try
It maybe that you’re my guy

 

Notes

Quite an unusual song: Decca made 4 different recordings, in 4 different dates with 4 different bands. The only one generally marked as MT is the fourth (actually, the best of them all). In this work, however, I considered all four as MTs: they are actually almost completely independent recordings.

The song was composed for Fancy Free (1944), the first Bernstein’s foray into the world of the ballet, and it immediately became extremely popular (Wikipedia).

 

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26. Billie’s Blues (I Love My Man)

Billie Holiday

Find below 19 versions of the lyrics

Lord I love my man tell the world I do
I love my man tell the world I do
But when he mistreats me
Makes me feel so blue

My man wouldn’t give me no breakfast
Wouldn’t give me no dinner
Squawked about my supper and put me outdoors
Had the nerve to lay a matchbox on my clothes
I didn’t have so many
But I had a long, long way to go

(bridge)

Some men like me ’cause I’m happy
Some ’cause I’m snappy
Some call me honey
Others think I got money

Some tell me baby you’re built for speed
Now if you put that all together
Makes me everything a good man needs

Billie’s Blues – 2nd version

I love my man I’m liar if I say I don’t
I love my man I’m liar if I say I don’t
But I’ll quit my man
I’m liar if I say I won’t

I’ve been your slave baby
Ever since I’ve been your babe
I’ve been your slave
Ever since I’ve been your babe
But before I’ll be your dog
I’ll see you in your grave

My man wouldn’t give me no breakfast
Wouldn’t give me no dinner
Squawked about my supper then he put me outdoors
Had the nerve to lay a matchbox on my clothes
I didn’t have so many
But I had a long, long ways to go

I ain’t good-looking
And my hair ain’t curls
I ain’t good-looking
And my hair ain’t curls
But my mother, she give me something
It’s going to carry me through this world

Some men like me ’cause I’m happy
Some ’cause I’m snappy
Some call me honey
Others think I’ve got money

Some say Billie,

Baby you’re built for speed
Now if you put that all together
Makes me everything a good man needs

Billie’s Blues – 3rd version

I love my man I’m liar if I say I don’t
I love my man I’m liar if I say I don’t
But I’ll quit my man
I’m liar if I say I won’t

I’ve been your slave baby
Ever since I’ve been your babe
I’ve been your slave
Ever since I’ve been your babe
But before I’ll be your dog
I’ll see you in your grave

My man wouldn’t give me no breakfast
Wouldn’t give me no dinner
Squawked about my supper then he put me outdoors
Had the nerve to lay a matchbox on my clothes
I didn’t have so many
But I had a long, long ways to go

I ain’t good-looking
And my hair ain’t curls
I ain’t good-looking
And my hair ain’t curls
But my mother, she give me something
It’s going to carry me through this world

Some men like me ’cause I’m happy
Some ’cause I’m snappy
Some call me honey
Others think I’ve got money

Some say: Billie,
Baby you’re built for speed
Now if you put that all together
Makes me everything a good man needs

 

Billie’s Blues – 4th version

I love my man I’m liar if I say I don’t
I love my man I’m liar if I say I don’t
But I’ll quit my man
I’m liar if I say I won’t

I’ve been your slave baby
Ever since I’ve been your babe
I’ve been your slave
Ever since I’ve been your babe
But before I’ll be your dog
I’ll see you in your grave

My man wouldn’t give me no breakfast
Wouldn’t give me no dinner
Squawked about my supper then he put me outdoors
Had the nerve to lay a matchbox on my clothes
I didn’t have so many
But I had a long, long ways to go

I ain’t good-looking
And my hair ain’t curls
I ain’t good-looking
And my hair ain’t curls
But my mother, she give me something
It’s going to carry me through this world

Some men like me ’cause I’m happy
Some ’cause I’m snappy
Some call me honey
Others think I’ve got money

Some say: Billie,
Baby you’re built for speed
Now if you put that all together
Makes me everything a good man needs

 

Billie’s Blues – 5th version

I love my man I’m liar if I say I don’t
I love my man I’m liar if I say I don’t
But I’ll quit my man
I’m liar if I say I won’t

I’ve been your slave baby
Ever since I’ve been your babe
I’ve been your slave
Ever since I’ve been your babe
But before I’ll be your dog
I’ll see you in your grave

My man wouldn’t give me no breakfast
Wouldn’t give me no dinner
Squawked about my supper then he put me outdoors
Had the nerve to lay a matchbox on my clothes
I didn’t have so many
But I had a long, long ways to go

I ain’t good-looking
And my hair ain’t curls
I ain’t good-looking
And my hair ain’t curls
But my mother, she give me something
It’s going to carry me through this world

Some men like me ’cause I’m happy
Some ’cause I’m snappy
Some call me honey
Others think I’ve got money

Some say: Billie,
Baby you’re built for speed
Now if you put that all together
Makes me everything a good man needs

 

Billie’s Blues – 6th version

I love my man I’m liar if I say I don’t
I love my man I’m liar if I say I don’t
But I’ll quit my man
I’m liar if I say I won’t

I’ve been your slave baby
Ever since I’ve been your babe
I’ve been your slave
Ever since I’ve been your babe
But before I’ll be your dog
I’ll see you in your grave

My man wouldn’t give me no breakfast
Wouldn’t give me no dinner
Squawked about my supper then he put me outdoors
Had the nerve to lay a matchbox on my clothes
I didn’t have so many
But I had a long, long ways to go

I ain’t good-looking
And my hair ain’t curls
I ain’t good-looking
And my hair ain’t curls
But my mother, she give me something
It’s going to carry me through this world

Some men like me ’cause I’m happy
Some ’cause I’m snappy
Some call me honey
Others think I’ve got money

Some say Billie,
Baby you’re built for speed
And if you put that all together
Makes me everything a good man needs

 

Billie’s Blues – 7th version

I love my man I’m liar if I say I don’t
I love my man I’m liar if I say I don’t
But I’ll quit my man
I’m liar if I say I won’t

I’ve been your slave baby
Ever since I’ve been your babe
I’ve been your slave
Ever since I’ve been your babe
But before I’ll be your dog
I’ll see you in your grave

My man wouldn’t give me no breakfast
Wouldn’t give me no dinner
Squawked about my supper then he put me outdoors
Had the nerve to lay a matchbox on my clothes
I didn’t have so many
But I had a long, long ways to go

I ain’t good-looking
And my hair ain’t curls
I ain’t good-looking
And my hair ain’t curls
But my mother, she give me something
It’s going to carry me through this world

Some men like me ’cause I’m happy
Some ’cause I’m snappy
Some call me honey
Others think I’ve got money

Some tell me Billie,
Baby you’re built for speed
Now, if you put that all together
Makes me everything a good man needs

 

Billie’s Blues – 8th version

rec date	type	#	discography	tk	rec time
1949	LR	63	Perfect Complete Collection vol.3	24	5’45”

(TV program intro)

(very fast tempo)

I love my man I’m liar if I say I don’t
I love my man I’m liar if I say I don’t
But I’ll quit my man
I’m liar if I say I won’t

I’ve been your slave baby
Ever since I’ve been your babe
I’ve been your slave
Ever since I’ve been your babe
Before I’ll be your dog
I’ll see you in your grave

My man wouldn’t give me no breakfast
Give me no dinner
Squawked about my supper then he put me outdoors
Had the nerve to lay a matchbox on my clothes
I didn’t have so many
Had a long, long ways to go

I ain’t good-looking
And my hair ain’t curls
I ain’t good-looking
And my hair ain’t curls
But my mother, give me something
It’s going to carry me through this world

Some men like me ’cause I’m happy
‘Cause I’m snappy
Call me honey
Think I’ve got money

Some tell me Billie,
Baby you’re built for speed
Now, put that all together
Makes me everything a good man needs

(4min very long coda, almost a jam session)

 

Billie’s Blues – 9th version

rec date	type	#	discography	tk	rec time
1951	LR	74	Perfect Complete Collection vol.4	10	3’05”

(intro)

I love my man I’m liar if I say I don’t
I love my man I’m liar if I say I don’t
But I’ll quit my man
I’m liar if I say I won’t

I’ve been your slave baby
Ever since I’ve been your babe
I’ve been your slave
Ever since I’ve been your babe
But before I’ll be your dog
I’ll see you in your grave

My man wouldn’t give me no breakfast
Wouldn’t give me no dinner
Squawked about my supper then he put me outdoors
Had the nerve to lay a matchbox on my clothes
I didn’t have so many
But I have a long, long ways to go

I ain’t good-looking
And my hair ain’t curls
I ain’t good-looking
And my hair ain’t curls
But my mother, she give me something
It’s going to carry me through this world

Some men like me ’cause I’m happy
Some ’cause I’m snappy
Some call me honey
Others think I’ve got money

Some tell me Billie,
Baby you’re built for speed
Now, if you put that all together
Makes me everything a good man needs

 

Billie’s Blues – 10th version

rec date	type	#	discography	tk	rec time
1951	LR	81	Perfect Complete Collection vol.4	12	2’50”

I love my man I’m liar if I say I don’t
I love my man I’m liar if I say I don’t
But I’ll quit my man
I’m liar if I say I won’t

I’ve been your slave baby
Ever since I’ve been your babe
I’ve been your slave
Ever since I’ve been your babe
But before I’ll be your dog
I’ll see you in your grave

My man wouldn’t give me no breakfast
Wouldn’t give me no dinner
Squawked about my supper then he put me outdoors
Had the nerve to lay a matchbox on my clothes
I didn’t have so many
But I have a long, long ways to go

I ain’t good-looking
And my hair ain’t curls
I ain’t good-looking
And my hair ain’t curls
But my mother, she give me something
It’s going to carry me through this world

Some men like me ’cause I’m happy
Some ’cause I’m snappy
Some call me honey
Others think I’ve got money

Some tell me Billie,
Baby you’re built for speed
Now, if you put that all together
Makes me everything a good man needs

(applauses)

 

Billie’s Blues – 11th version

rec date	type	#	discography	tk	rec time
1954	LR	107	Perfect Complete Collection vol.6	2	3’29”

(intro)

I love my man I’m liar if I say I don’t
I love my man I’m liar if I say I don’t
But I’ll quit my man
I’m liar if I say I won’t

I’ve been your slave baby
Ever since I’ve been your babe
I’ve been your slave
Ever since I’ve been your babe
But before I’ll be your dog
I’ll see you in your grave

My man wouldn’t give me no breakfast
Wouldn’t give me no dinner
Squawked about my supper then he put me outdoors
Had the nerve to lay a matchbox on my clothes
I didn’t have so many
But I have a long, long ways to go

I ain’t good-looking
And my hair ain’t curls
I ain’t good-looking
And my hair ain’t curls
But my mother she give me something
It’s going to carry me through this world

Some men like me ’cause I’m happy
Some ’cause I’m snappy
Some call me honey
Others think I’ve got money

Some tell me Billie,
Baby you’re built for speed
Now, if you put that all together
Makes me everything a good man needs

(applauses)

 

Billie’s Blues – 12th version

rec date	type	#	discography	tk	rec time
1954	LR	125	Complete on Verve vol.2	24	11’39”

(intro)

I love my man I’m liar if I say I don’t
I love my man I’m liar if I say I don’t
But I’ll quit my man
I’m liar if I say I won’t

I’ve been your slave baby
Ever since I’ve been your babe
I’ve been your slave
Ever since I’ve been your babe
But before I’ll be your dog
I’ll see you in your grave

My man wouldn’t give me no breakfast
Wouldn’t give me no dinner
Squawked about my supper then he put me outdoors
Had the nerve to lay a matchbox on my clothes
I didn’t have so many
But I have a long, long ways to go

(very long bridge, 8 min long)

I ain’t good-looking
And my hair ain’t curls
I ain’t good-looking
And my hair ain’t curls
But my mother she give me something
It’s going to carry me through this world

Some men like me ’cause I’m happy
Some ’cause I’m snappy
Some call me honey
Others think I’ve got money

Some tell me Billie,
Baby you’re built for speed
Now, if you put that all together
Makes me everything a good man needs

(applauses)

 

Billie’s Blues – 13th version

rec date	type	#	discography	tk	rec time
1954	LR	132	Perfect Complete Collection vol.7	14	3’13”

I love my man I’m liar if I say I don’t
I love my man I’m liar if I say I don’t
But I’ll quit my man
I’m liar if I say I won’t

I’ve been your slave baby
Ever since I’ve been your babe
I’ve been your slave
Ever since I’ve been your babe
But before I’ll be your dog
I’ll see you in your grave

My man wouldn’t give me no breakfast
Wouldn’t give me no dinner
Squawked about my supper then he put me outdoors
Had the nerve to lay a matchbox on my clothes
I didn’t have so many
But I have a long, long ways to go

I ain’t good-looking
And my hair ain’t curls
I ain’t good-looking
And my hair ain’t curls
But my mother she give me something
It’s going to carry me through this world

Some men like me ’cause I’m happy
Some ’cause I’m snappy
Some call me honey
Others think I’ve got money

Some tell me Billie,
Baby you’re built for speed
Now, if you put that all together
Makes me everything a good man needs

 

Billie’s Blues – 14th version

rec date	type	#	discography	tk	rec time
1956	LR	152	Perfect Complete Collection vol.9	13	1’30”

(very short version)

I love my man I’m liar if I say I don’t
I love my man I’m liar if I say I don’t
But I’ll quit my man
I’m liar if I say I won’t

Some men like me ’cause I’m happy
Some ’cause I’m snappy
Some call me honey
Others think I’ve got money

Some tell me Billie,
Baby you’re built for speed
Now, if you put that all together
Makes me everything a good man needs

(applauses)

 

Billie’s Blues – 15th version

rec date	type	#	discography	tk	rec time
1956	LR	165	Complete on Verve vol.8	6	3’20”

I love my man I’m liar if I say I don’t
I love my man I’m liar if I say I don’t
But I’ll quit my man
I’m liar if I say I won’t

I’ve been your slave baby
Ever since I’ve been your babe
I’ve been your slave
Ever since I’ve been your babe
But before I’ll be your dog
I’ll see you in your grave

My man wouldn’t give me no breakfast
Wouldn’t give me no dinner
Squawked about my supper then he put me outdoors
Had the nerve to lay a matchbox on my clothes
I didn’t have so many
But I have a long, long ways to go

I ain’t good-looking
And my hair ain’t curls
I ain’t good-looking
And my hair ain’t curls
But my mother she give me something
It’s going to carry me through this world

Some men like me ’cause I’m happy
Some ’cause I’m snappy
Some call me honey
Others think I’ve got money

Some tell me Billie,
Baby you’re built for speed
Now, if you put that all together
Makes me everything a good man needs

 

Billie’s Blues – 16th version

rec date	type	#	discography	tk	rec time
1957	LR	189	Billie Holiday At Stratford ’57	4	3’23”

I love my man I’m liar if I say I don’t
I love my man I’m liar if I say I don’t
But I’ll quit my man
I’m liar if I say I won’t

I’ve been your slave baby
Ever since I’ve been your babe
I’ve been your slave
Ever since I’ve been your babe
But before I’ll be your dog
I’ll see you in your grave

My man wouldn’t give me no breakfast
Wouldn’t give me no dinner
Squawked about my supper then he put me outdoors
Had the nerve to lay a matchbox on my clothes
I didn’t have so many
But I have a long, long ways to go

I ain’t good-looking
And my hair ain’t curls
I ain’t good-looking
And my hair ain’t curls
But my mother she give me something
It’s going to carry me through this world

Some men like me ’cause I’m happy
Some ’cause I’m snappy
Some call me honey
Others think I’ve got money

Some tell me Billie,
Baby you’re built for speed
Now, if you put that all together
Makes me everything a good man needs

(applauses)

 

Billie’s Blues – 17th version

rec date	type	#	discography	tk	rec time
1958	LR	195	Perfect Complete Collection vol.11	12	3’29”

(Billie’s voice sounds awful)

I love my man I’m liar if I say I don’t
I love my man I’m liar if I say I don’t
But I’ll quit my man
I’m liar if I say I won’t

I’ve been your slave baby
Ever since I’ve been your babe
I’ve been your slave
Ever since I’ve been your babe
But before I’ll be your dog
I’ll see you in your grave

My man wouldn’t give me no breakfast
Wouldn’t give me no dinner
Squawked about my supper then he put me outdoors
Had the nerve to lay a matchbox on my clothes
I didn’t have so many
But I have a long, long ways to go

I ain’t good-looking
And my hair ain’t curls
I ain’t good-looking
And my hair ain’t curls
But my mother she give me something
It’s going to carry me through this world

Some men like me ’cause I’m happy
Some ’cause I’m snappy
Some call me honey
Others think I’ve got money

Some tell me Billie,
Baby you’re built for speed
Now, if you put that all together
Makes me everything a good man needs

(MC comments)

 

Billie’s Blues – 18th version

rec date	type	#	discography	tk	rec time
1958	LR	218	Perfect Complete Collection vol.12	11	3’01”

(awful recording, bad sound, out of pace)

I love my man I’m liar if I say I don’t
I love my man I’m liar if I say I don’t
But I’ll quit my man
I’m liar if I say I won’t

I’ve been your slave baby
Ever since I’ve been your babe
I’ve been your slave
Ever since I’ve been your babe
But before I’ll be your dog
I’ll see you in your grave

My man wouldn’t give me no breakfast
Wouldn’t give me no dinner
Squawked about my supper then he put me outdoors
Had the nerve to lay a matchbox on my clothes
I didn’t have so many
But I have a long, long ways to go

I ain’t good-looking
And my hair ain’t curls
I ain’t good-looking
And my hair ain’t curls
But my mother she give me something
It’s going to carry me through this world

Some men like me ’cause I’m happy
Some ’cause I’m snappy
Some call me honey
Others think I’ve got money

Some tell me Billie,
Baby you’re built for speed
Now, if you put that all together
Makes me everything a good man needs

 

Billie’s Blues – 19th version

rec date	type	#	discography	tk	rec time
1959	LR	227	Perfect Complete Collection vol.12	18	3’08”

I love my man I’m liar if I say I don’t
I love my man I’m liar if I say I don’t
But I’ll quit my man
I’m liar if I say I won’t

I’ve been your slave baby
Ever since I’ve been your babe
I’ve been your slave
Ever since I’ve been your babe
But before I’ll be your dog
I’ll see you in your grave

My man wouldn’t give me no breakfast
Wouldn’t give me no dinner
Squawked about my supper then he put me outdoors
Had the nerve to lay a matchbox on my clothes
I didn’t have so many
But I have a long, long ways to go

I ain’t good-looking
And my hair ain’t curls
I ain’t good-looking
And my hair ain’t curls
But my mother she give me something
It’s going to carry me through this world

Some men like me ’cause I’m happy
Some ’cause I’m snappy
Some call me honey
Others think I’ve got money

Some tell me Billie,
Baby you’re built for speed
Now, if you put that all together
Makes me everything a good man needs

(applauses)

 

Notes

According to the article in Melody Maker, 1 August 1936:

“Billie Holiday has her first solo recording at Brunswick last week… Bernie Hanighen,…suggested making a blues, so the blues it was”. This blues was Billie’s Blues.

 

This is a song by Billie Holiday, that she wrote on the spot just before the session. She recorded it twice in studio, for Columbia and Commodore. It was a frequent number in her live shows, though. A wonderful song. Out of the almost twenty versions, one has fortunately been recorded, the live TV presentation for ABC in Los Angeles in 1956 (LR152), where she sings three songs (N/A). Follows the complete video (12’52”).

  Billie Holiday, Stars of Jazz

 

---

27. Blue Moon (1934)

lyrics by Lorenz Hart
music by Richard Rodgers

Find below 2 versions of the lyrics

Blue moon
You saw me standing alone
Without a dream in my heart
Without a love of my own

Blue moon
You knew just what I was there for
You heard me saying a prayer for
Someone I really could care for

And then there suddenly appeared before me
The only one my arms will ever hold
I heard somebody whisper – please adore me
And when I looked
The moon had turned to gold

Blue moon
Now I’m no longer alone
Without a dream in my heart
Without a love of my own

(bridge)

Blue moon
You saw me standing alone
Without a dream in my heart
Without a love of my own

Blue moon
You knew just what I was there for
You heard me saying a prayer for
Someone I really could care for

And then there suddenly appeared before me
The only one my arms will ever hold
I heard somebody whisper – please adore me
And when I looked
The moon had turned to gold

Blue moon
Now I’m no longer alone
Without a dream in my heart
Without a love of my own

Blue moon

 

Blue Moon – 2nd version

rec date	type	#	discography	tk	rec time
1954	LR	118	Complete on Verve v.2	16	2’15”

Blue moon
You saw me standing alone
Without a dream in my heart
Without a love of my own

Blue moon
You knew just what I was there for
You heard me saying a prayer for
Someone I really could care for

And then there suddenly appeared before me
The only one my arms could ever hold
I heard somebody whisper – please adore me
I heard the moon had turned to gold

Blue moon
Now I’m no longer alone
Without a dream in my heart
Without a love of my own

And then there suddenly appeared before me
The only one my arms will ever hold
I heard somebody whisper – please adore me
I heard the moon had turned to gold

Blue moon
Now I’m no longer alone
Without a dream in my heart
Without a love of my own

Blue moon

Notes

Blue Moon is a classic popular song. It was written by Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart in 1934, and has become a standard ballad. In 1961 it became a doo-wop hit when recorded by The Marcels. (Wikipedia).

Oh, Lord, I swear I had it in 78rpm and played it a thousand times… (N/A)

---

28. Blue Turning Grey Over You (1929)

Lyrics by Andy Razaf

Music by Fats Waller

 

My, how I miss
Your tender kiss
And the wonderful things you would do

I run my hands
Through silvery strands
‘Cause I’m blue turning grey over you.

You used to be
So good to me
That’s when I was a novelty

Now you have new thrills in view
Found someone new
Left me blue turning grey over you

You used to be
So good to me
That’s when I was a novelty

Now you have new thrills in view
Found someone new
Left me blue turning grey over you

Yes, I’m blue turning grey over you

Notes

NC

---

29. Body And Soul (1930)

lyrics: Edward Heyman & Robert Sour & Frank Eyton

music: Johnny W. Green

Find below 4 versions of the lyrics

My days have grown so lonely
For you I cry
For you dear only
Why haven’t you seen it
I’m all for you body and soul

I spend my days in longing
I’m wondering why it’s me you’re wronging
Oh tell you I mean it
I’m all for you body and soul

I can’t believe it
It’s hard to conceive it
That you’d throw away romance
Are you pretending
It looks like the ending
Unless I can have one more chance to prove dear

My life a hell you’re making
You know I’m yours for just the taking
I’d gladly surrender
Myself to you body and soul

(bridge)

What lies before me
A future that’s stormy
A winter that’s gray and cold
Unless there’s magic the end will be tragic
And echo a tale that’s been told so often

My life revolves about you
What earthly good am I without you
I tell you I mean it
I’m all for you body and soul

 

Body and Soul – 2nd version

rec date	type	#	discography	tk	rec time
1945	LR	23	Complete on Verve v.1	1	3’24”

(intro)

My days have grown so lonely
For you I cry
For you dear only
Why haven’t you seen it
I’m all for you body and soul

I spend my days in longing
I’m wondering why it’s me you’re wronging
I tell you I mean it
I’m all for you body and soul

I can’t believe it
It’s hard to conceive it
That you’d throw away romance
Are you pretending
It looks like the ending
Unless I can have one more chance to prove dear

My life a hell you’re making
You know I’m yours for just the taking
I’d gladly surrender
Myself to you body and soul

What lies before me
A future that’s stormy
A winter that’s gray and cold
Unless there’s magic the end will be tragic
And echo a tale that’s been told so often

My life revolves about you
What earthly good am I without you
Oh I tell you I mean it
I’m all for you body and soul

 

Body and Soul – 3rd version

rec date	type	#	discography	tk	rec time
1956	LR	166	Complete on Verve v.8	7	2’39”

(short version)

My days have grown so lonely
For you I cry
For you dear only
Why haven’t you seen it
I’m all for you body and soul

I spend my days in longing
I’m wondering why it’s me you’re wronging
Oh, I tell you I mean it
I’m all for you body and soul

I can’t believe it
It’s hard to conceive it
That you’d throw away romance
Are you pretending
It looks like the ending
Unless I can have one more chance to prove dear

My life a hell you’re making
You know I’m yours for just the taking
Oh I tell you I mean it
I’m all for you body and soul

 

Body and Soul – 4th version

rec date	type	#	discography	tk	rec time
1957	MT	298	Complete on Verve v.9	4	6’22”

My days have grown so lonely
For you I cry
For you dear only
Why haven’t you seen it
I’m all for you body and soul

I spend my days in longing
You know it’s you that I am longing
Oh tell you I mean it
I’m all for you body and soul

I can’t believe it
It’s hard to conceive it
That you’d throw away romance
Are you pretending
It looks like the ending
Unless I can have one more chance to prove dear

My life a wreck you’re making
You know I’m yours for just the taking
Oh, I tell you I mean it
I’m all for you body and soul

(long bridge)

My days have grown so lonely
For you I cry
For you dear only
Oh, I haven’t you seen it
I’m all for you body and soul

I spend my days in longing
And it’s for you that I am longing
Oh I tell you I mean it
I’m all for you body and soul

I can’t believe it
It’s hard to conceive it
That you’d throw away romance
Are you pretending
It looks like the ending
Unless I can have one more chance to prove dear

My life a hell you’re making
You know I’m yours for just the taking
Oh, I tell you I mean it
I’m all for you body and soul

Notes

Body and Soul was written in New York City for the British actress and singer Gertrude Lawrence (image below). It was first performed in London by her. Libby Holman introduced it in the U.S. in the 1930 Broadway revue Three’s a Crowd. Louis Armstrong was the first jazz musician to record it.

“Body and Soul” was recorded as a duet by Tony Bennett and Amy Winehouse on March 23, 2011.It was the final recording made by Winehouse before her death on July 23, 2011 at the age of 27. The single was released worldwide on September 14, 2011, what would have been her 28th birthday. (Wikipedia)   Amy & Bennett

  

 

---

30. Born To Love

Jack Scholl & M.K. Jerome

There’s something rules our destiny
Right from the first day of our birth
Although you may not care for me
You have your mission on this earth
You were born to love
Sure as you live
Born with everything heaven could give
You have eyes and they express
Love at a glance
You have lips whose tenderness
Speak of romance

Like a dream of love, lovely to see
You’re the angel of my destiny
And to think that you have found
Your place on earth only to be
Born to love and be loved by me

(bridge)

Like a dream of love, lovely to see
You’re the angel of my destiny
And to think that you have found
Your place on earth only to be
Born to love and be loved by me

 

Notes

NC

---

31. But Beautiful (1947)

Lyrics by Johnny Burke
Music by Jimmy van Heusen

Love is funny or it’s sad
It’s quiet or it’s mad
It’s a good thing or it’s bad
But beautiful

Beautiful
To take a chance
And if you fall, you fall
And I’m thinking
I wouldn’t mind at all

Love is tearful or it’s gay
It’s a problem or it’s play
It’s a heartache anyway
But beautiful

And I’m thinking
If you were mine
I’d never let you go
And that would be
But beautiful
I know

(long bridge)

Love is tearful or it’s gay
It’s a problem or it’s play
It’s a heartache anyway
But beautiful

And I’m thinking
If you were mine
I’d never let you go
And that would be
But beautiful
I know

 

Notes

One of five songs written by Burke and Van Heusen featured in the Paramount Pictures movie Road to Rio (1947), it was introduced by Bing Crosby and is also associated with his leading lady Dorothy Lamour.

  But Beautiful, Bing Crosby 1947

 

---

32. But Not For Me (1930)

Lyrics by Ira Gershwin
Music by George Gershwin

They’re writing songs of love
But not for me
A lucky star’s above
But not for me
With love to lead the way
I’ve found more clouds of gray
Than any Russian play
Could guarantee
I was a fool to fall
And get that way
Heigh-ho! Alas! and all
So lack-a-day
Although I can’t dismiss
The memory of his kiss
I guess he’s not for me

(bridge)

He’s knocking on a door
But not for me
He’ll plan a two by four
But not for me
I know that love’s a game
I’m puzzled just the same
Was I the moth or flame
I’m all at sea
It all began so well
But what an end
This is the time a feller
Needs a friend
When every happy plot
Ends with the marriage knot
And there’s no knot for me

Notes

It was written for Gershwins musical Girl Crazy (1930) and introduced in the original production by Ginger Rogers (picture below). Source Wikipedia.  Judy Garland sang it in the 1943 film version of Girl Crazy.

 

 Rogers      Garland

  But Not For Me – Judy Garland (1943)

 

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