As Long As I Live
Anita O’Day Lyrics
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He would spend it on the girls,
Buy his mother gin and roses
For her poor old henna'd curls.
And when his wife said, "Hey now!
What did you get for me?"
He socked her in the chopper,
Such a sweet sweet guy was he!
And her tears flowed like wine,
Yes her tears flowed like wine,
She's a real sad tomato,
She's a busted valentine.
Knows her mama done told her
That her man is darned unkind.
How he loved the old race horses,
He would bet them every day.
One day he caught a winner
And the cabbage wasn't hay!
He indulged in fancy spending,
Ordered rings, cars and furs,
But alas, alack,
Like a stab in the back,
She found out they were not hers!
And her tears flowed like wine,
Yes her tears flowed like wine,
She's a real sad tomato,
She's a busted valentine.
Knows her mama done told her
That her man is darned unkind.
He got mixed up with a Maisie,
He got mixed up with a Flo,
So Flo shoved him in the river,
He'll not get mixed up no more!
His wife then draped herself in black
That showed her figure fine,
Then she cussed him out, the two-faced guy,
No insurance could she find.
And her tears flowed like wine,
Yes her tears flowed like wine,
She's a real sad tomato,
She's a busted valentine.
Knows her mama done told her
That her man is darned unkind.
The lyrics of Anita O'Day's song "As Long As I Live" tell a story of a man who is reckless with his money and treats the women in his life poorly. The first paragraph describes how he spends his money on gambling and women, while also buying his mother gifts. However, when his wife asks him what he got for her, he responds with violence by hitting her. This paints a picture of a man who is selfish and abusive in his relationships.
The chorus emphasizes the sadness and disappointment felt by the wife as her tears flow like wine. She is compared to a "real sad tomato" and a "busted valentine," which symbolize her feelings of being broken and betrayed. The mention of her mother warning her about the unkindness of her man adds weight to the pain she experiences.
The second paragraph delves further into the man's love for gambling, particularly on horse races. He spends his money on betting and manages to win big one day. However, it is revealed that his extravagant spending on expensive items like rings, cars, and furs was not for his wife but for someone else. This discovery is described as a stab in the back for her, highlighting the betrayal she feels.
In the third paragraph, the narrative takes a darker turn. The man gets involved with other women named Maisie and Flo, but Flo takes matters into her own hands and pushes him into a river, ensuring he won't mix with anyone else. In response, the man's wife mourns his supposed death by wearing black, but she also expresses her anger towards him, calling him a two-faced guy. The mention of not finding any insurance suggests that she is left with nothing after his disappearance.
Overall, the lyrics of "As Long As I Live" portray a narrative of a man who is careless with his money, abusive towards his wife, and ultimately meets a tragic end. The song captures the emotions of betrayal, sadness, and anger experienced by the wife, heightening the sense of empathy and understanding for her plight.
Line by Line Meaning
He would spend it on the ponies,
He would use his money to bet on horse races.
He would spend it on the girls,
He would spend his money on women.
Buy his mother gin and roses
He would buy alcohol and flowers for his mother.
For her poor old henna'd curls.
For her dyed red hair that's losing its color.
And when his wife said, "Hey now!
And when his wife questioned him,
What did you get for me?"
What did you buy for me?
He socked her in the chopper,
He punched her in the face.
Such a sweet sweet guy was he!
He appeared to be a kind and loving person.
And her tears flowed like wine,
And she cried excessively.
Yes her tears flowed like wine,
Her tears were abundant and continuous.
She's a real sad tomato,
She is a deeply unhappy woman.
She's a busted valentine.
Her love and happiness have been shattered.
Knows her mama done told her
She knows her mother warned her
That her man is darned unkind.
That her husband is extremely cruel.
How he loved the old race horses,
He had a great affection for horse racing.
He would bet them every day.
He would place bets on horse races daily.
One day he caught a winner
One day he chose the winning horse
And the cabbage wasn't hay!
And the money he won was substantial!
He indulged in fancy spending,
He started to spend extravagantly.
Ordered rings, cars and furs,
He purchased expensive jewelry, cars, and fur coats.
But alas, alack,
However, unfortunately,
Like a stab in the back,
Like a sudden betrayal,
She found out they were not hers!
She discovered that the items were not meant for her.
He got mixed up with a Maisie,
He became involved with a woman named Maisie.
He got mixed up with a Flo,
He became involved with a woman named Flo.
So Flo shoved him in the river,
So Flo pushed him into the river, possibly killing him.
He'll not get mixed up no more!
He will no longer become involved with other women.
His wife then draped herself in black
His wife then dressed in mourning clothes
That showed her figure fine,
That accentuated her attractive figure.
Then she cussed him out, the two-faced guy,
Then she cursed at him, the deceitful man.
No insurance could she find.
She couldn't find any insurance policy.
And her tears flowed like wine,
And she cried excessively.
Yes her tears flowed like wine,
Her tears were abundant and continuous.
She's a real sad tomato,
She is a deeply unhappy woman.
She's a busted valentine.
Her love and happiness have been shattered.
Knows her mama done told her
She knows her mother warned her
That her man is darned unkind.
That her husband is extremely cruel.
Lyrics © Kanjian Music, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Roy Acuff
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Janet Smith
At first was worried this song was not going to be suitable for O’Days voice. Was I wrong! She swung the heck out of this jump tune! Excellent!!
Mary wacker
One of the greatest jazz singers in history!! Anita, Ella, Sarah, Dinah, Nancy..........
Mole Trane
dont forget billie holiday!
Joe hallen
ANITA O'DAY WAS THE "CREM DE CREM" ANOTHER STUNNING RENDITION!! HER VOICE WAS MAGNIFICENT!!
daddybob1
Well, she did make it to 87 years old! And she was still stellar well into her later years.
michael riley
her voice is soothing
Janet Smith
Ted Koehler is/was the lyricist for this remarkable jump tune. Brilliant!
Sovery Strange
Love it!
Joe Hallen
AS LONG AS I LIVE IM GONNA 💘 LOVE THIS SONG & ANITA O* DAY
Joe hallen
I LOVE ANITA O DAY!!