Born on 28th January 1929 in Pensford, Somerset, christened Bernard Stanley Bilk, he has been one of the world's best known clarinettists since the late 1950s. His trademark goatee, bowler hat, and striped waistcoat are almost as recognisable as his breathy, vibrato-rich, middle-register clarinet style. Although playing mainly jazz in Dixieland and trad styles, he became famous for his 1961 hit "Stranger on the Shore", with which he became mainly associated in the public mind.
sadly this delightful man died 2nd November 2014, aged 85. Will be missed.
Ain't Misbehavin'
Acker Bilk Lyrics
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All by myself
No one to walk with
But I'm happy on the shelf
Ain't misbehavin'
I'm savin' my love for you
I know for certain
I'm through with flirtin'
It's just you I'm thinkin' of
Ain't misbehavin'
I'm savin' my love for you
Like Jack Horner
In the corner
Don't go nowhere
What do I care?
Your kisses are worth waitin' for
Believe me
I don't stay out late
Don't care to go
I'm home about eight
Just me and my radio
Ain't misbehavin'
I'm savin' my love for you
Like Jack Horner
In the corner
Don't go nowhere
What do I care?
Your kisses are worth waitin' for
Believe me
I don't stay out late
Don't care to go
I'm home about eight
Just me and my radio
Ain't misbehavin'
I'm savin' my love for you
The lyrics of "Ain't Misbehavin'" by Acker Bilk speak of a sense of contentment and satisfaction with being alone and "saving" one's love for a special person. The first few lines set the scene, describing the singer's loneliness and lack of companionship, but then the chorus kicks in, proclaiming that this isn't necessarily a bad thing - after all, they're behaving themselves and "saving" their love for someone special. The verse continues with the singer expressing their certainty about the person they love; they're not interested in flirting or playing the field, their heart is set on this one person.
The second chorus repeats the first, with the addition of the metaphor of Jack Horner in the corner. This is a reference to the nursery rhyme "Little Jack Horner", in which Jack Horner sits in a corner and pulls a plum out of a Christmas pie. The metaphor is used here to suggest that the singer is happy to sit and wait patiently for their loved one, as if they were waiting for a sweet treat like Jack Horner. The verse then ends with the singer reiterating their dedication to this special person and their contentment with staying in and listening to the radio.
Overall, the song is a celebration of the joy of being in love and the satisfaction that comes with patiently waiting for the right person. The singer doesn't need to misbehave or seek out other companionship because they know that their heart belongs to someone already.
Line by Line Meaning
No one to talk with
I have no one to converse with
All by myself
I am alone
No one to walk with
I don't have anyone to take a walk with
But I'm happy on the shelf
Nevertheless, I am content staying by myself
Ain't misbehavin'
I am on my best behavior
I'm savin' my love for you
I am keeping my love for you only
I know for certain
I am sure
The one I love
You are the one I deeply love
I'm through with flirtin'
I am done flirting with others
It's just you I'm thinkin' of
You are the only one in my thoughts
Like Jack Horner
Similar to Jack Horner
In the corner
Sitting alone in a corner
Don't go nowhere
I don't go anywhere
What do I care?
I don't care about going out with others
Your kisses are worth waitin' for
I am willing to wait for your kisses
Believe me
Trust me
I don't stay out late
I don't stay out late at night
Don't care to go
I have no desire to go anywhere
I'm home about eight
I usually come back home around 8 pm
Just me and my radio
I keep myself company by listening to the radio
Ain't misbehavin'
I am still on my best behavior
I'm savin' my love for you
I am still keeping my love for you only
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Andy Razaf, Fats Waller, Harry Brooks
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind