Oh Lady Be Good
André Previn Lyrics


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Listen to my tale of woe,
It's terribly sad but true,
All dressed up, no place to go
Each evening I'm awfully blue.

I must win some handsome guy
Can't go on like this,
I could blossom out I know,
With somebody just like you. So

Oh, sweet and lovely lady, be good
Oh, lady, be good to me
I am so awfully misunderstood
So lady, be good to me
Oh, please have some pity
I'm all-alone in this big city
I tell you I'm just a lonesome babe in the wood,
So lady be good to me.

Oh, please have some pity
I'm all alone in this big city
I tell you I'm just a lonesome babe in the wood,




So lady be good to me.
Oh lady be good to me.

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Andre Previn David Finck's song "Gershwin: Oh Lady Be Good" lament the singer's loneliness and desire for companionship. The first verse sets the stage with the singer feeling dejected and blue, all dressed up with nowhere to go. The second verse reveals the singer's goal to find a handsome guy, to blossom out with somebody just like him. The chorus then makes a plea to a sweet and lovely lady to be good to him, as he feels that he is misunderstood and alone in the big city.


The song captures the experience of many people who feel the isolation of living in an urban area and the longing for connection. The use of the phrase "babe in the wood" also hints at a sense of vulnerability, as though the singer is lost and searching for guidance. The refrain of "lady be good to me" is a simple but powerful plea for understanding and compassion.


Overall, "Gershwin: Oh Lady Be Good" is a classic tune that continues to resonate with audiences today. Its universal themes of loneliness and the search for love are timeless.


Line by Line Meaning

Listen to my tale of woe,
Please hear me out while I share my sad story


It's terribly sad but true,
The reality of my situation is heartwrenching


All dressed up, no place to go
Despite my best efforts to look my best, I have nowhere to be


Each evening I'm awfully blue.
Every night, I feel incredibly down


I must win some handsome guy
I need to find a eligible man for myself


Can't go on like this,
I can't continue to live like this


I could blossom out I know,
I have a lot of potential to grow and flourish


With somebody just like you. So
If I had someone like you by my side, I know I could thrive. Thus,


Oh, sweet and lovely lady, be good
Dear lady, please be kind and generous towards me


Oh, lady, be good to me
Please show me compassion


I am so awfully misunderstood
People don't truly understand me and my struggles


So lady, be good to me
I implore you, show me kindness


Oh, please have some pity
I beg of you, show me mercy


I'm all alone in this big city
I'm completely isolated in this massive urban area


I tell you I'm just a lonesome babe in the wood,
I feel like a helpless and naive person in this cruel world


So lady be good to me.
Please show me the compassion I so dearly need


Oh lady be good to me.
Once again, I implore you to show me kindness




Lyrics © Kanjian Music, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Songtrust Ave, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: George Gershwin, Ira Gershwin

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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