Ross is one of the early practitioners of a singing style known as vocalese, which involves the setting of original lyrics to an instrumental jazz solo. Her 1952 treatment of saxophonist Wardell Gray's "Twisted" is a classic example of vocalese. "Twisted" is perhaps her most famous song.
She recorded seven albums with Lambert, Hendricks & Ross between 1957 and 1962. Annie left the group in 1962 and in 1964 opened her own nightclub in London. Annie's Room featured performances by such jazz luminaries as Joe Williams, Stuff Smith, Blossom Dearie, Anita O'Day, Jon Hendricks, and Erroll Garner as well as Annie herself.
Ross is also an accomplished actress and has appeared in a number of films: Superman III (1983), Throw Mama From The Train (1987), Pump Up the Volume (1990), Blue Sky (1994), Short Cuts (1993).
I'm Gone
Annie Ross Lyrics
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Seems we can't get along,
No matter what I do
I don't appeal to you
Makes no difference whether
I am right or wrong
If we can't be sweethearts
This much you can do
Please don't talk about me when I'm gone
Oh, Honey, though our friendship ceases from now on
And listen, if you can't say anything real nice
It's better not to talk at all, that's my advice
We're parting, you go your way, I'll go mine
It's best that we do
Here's a kiss, I hope that this brings lots of luck to you
Makes no difference how I carry on
Just remember
Please don't talk about me when I'm gone.
Annie Ross's song "Please Don't Talk About Me When I'm Gone" is a plea from a woman to her ex-lover to not bad-mouth her after they part ways. The lyrics communicate a sense of sadness and resignation, as the singer acknowledges that she and her partner can't seem to get along no matter what she does. She begs her ex to at least respect her enough to refrain from speaking badly about her when she's gone, and advises them that if they can't say anything nice, it's better not to talk at all.
The lyrics also depict a feeling of finality, as the singer recognizes that they are parting ways for good. She wishes her ex luck with a kiss, but also recognizes that it's not her place to control what they say about her in the future. The song manages to convey a sense of vulnerability and emotional depth with its simple melody and gentle delivery, making it a poignant message about the pain of letting go.
Line by Line Meaning
Years we've been together
We had a long relationship.
Seems we can't get along,
Unfortunately, we don't seem to be able to have a friendly interaction.
No matter what I do
Despite my efforts.
I don't appeal to you
You do not find me attractive or likable.
Makes no difference whether
It doesn't matter.
I am right or wrong
Regardless of my actions or decisions.
If we can't be sweethearts
If our romantic relationship is not working out.
This much you can do
At least you can do this.
Please don't talk about me when I'm gone
I would appreciate it if you don't gossip about me when I'm not here.
Oh, Honey, though our friendship ceases from now on
Even though our friendship is coming to an end.
And listen, if you can't say anything real nice
If you can't say anything positive,
It's better not to talk at all, that's my advice
My recommendation is to not say anything if it's not positive.
We're parting, you go your way, I'll go mine
We're going our separate ways.
It's best that we do
It's better for us to move on.
Here's a kiss, I hope that this brings lots of luck to you
I'm giving you a kiss and wishing you good luck.
Makes no difference how I carry on
It doesn't matter how I behave.
Just remember
I have one request.
Please don't talk about me when I'm gone.
Please refrain from discussing me when I'm not present.
Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing, Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Bee Palmer, Sidney Clare, Sam Stept
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind