Ain't Nobody's Business
BB King Friends Lyrics
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That folks don't criticise me,
But I'm going to do just as I want to anyway,
And don't care if you all despise me!
If I should take a notion
To jump into the ocean,
'T'aint nobody's business if I do, do, do!
If I go to church on Sunday,
Then just shimmy down on Monday,
'T'aint nobody's business if I do, if I do!
If my friend ain't got no money,
And I say, "Take all mine, honey",
'T'aint nobody's business if I do, do, do do!
If I give him my lasy nickel,
And it leaves me in a pickle,
'T'aint nobody's business if I do, if I do!
There, I'd rather my man was hittin' me,
Than to jump right up and quittin' me,
'T'aint nobody's business if I do, do, do do!
I swear I won't call no copper
If I'm beat up by my papa,
'T'aint nobody's business if I do, if I do!
The song Ain't Nobody's Business is about personal freedom and the idea that one's actions and decisions are theirs alone. BB King and his friends sing about the criticism they receive for their choices, but they declare that they will do what they want regardless of what others think. The lyrics illustrate a few different scenarios where individuals should be allowed to make independent decisions. In the first verse, the singer suggests that even if they wanted to jump into the ocean, no one should have a say in that. Similarly, in the second verse, the individual does not care that they will be judged for going to church on Sunday and then "shimmying" on Monday.
The lyrics also touch on the idea of offering help to others without judgment. The third verse conveys the message that it is not anyone else's business if someone gives their last bit of money to a friend in need. Furthermore, the fourth verse suggests that even if this act puts the giver in a tough spot, it is not for others to judge or interfere. The final verse contains a controversial statement that illustrates how important personal freedom is to the singer. They declare that they would rather be hit by their partner than have them leave, and they would not involve the police in this situation. This idea is likely to provoke mixed reactions from listeners, but it is essential to remember that this is a song that was made in a different era with different societal norms.
Line by Line Meaning
There ain't nothin' I can do, or nothin' I can say
I am aware that people are always judging me, regardless of what I do or say.
But I'm going to do just as I want to anyway,
Despite people's criticism, I will continue to do what I believe is right and follow my own desires.
And don't care if you all despise me!
I do not care about the opinions of others who look down on me for my choices.
If I should take a notion
If I have a sudden urge or desire
To jump into the ocean,
To take a spontaneous action or risk
'T'aint nobody's business if I do, do, do!
It is nobody's concern but my own if I pursue such desires.
If I go to church on Sunday,
If I attend religious services on a Sunday
Then just shimmy down on Monday,
If I engage in activities that are frowned upon by society
'T'aint nobody's business if I do, if I do!
It is nobody's concern but my own what I do on my own time.
If my friend ain't got no money,
If my friend is lacking in financial resources
And I say, 'Take all mine, honey',
If I offer to share my own resources to help my friend
'T'aint nobody's business if I do, do, do do!
It is nobody's concern but my own what I choose to do with my own resources.
If I give him my lasy nickel,
If I give away my last bit of money
And it leaves me in a pickle,
If my generosity causes me to suffer a personal hardship
'T'aint nobody's business if I do, if I do!
It is nobody's concern but my own what I choose to do with my own resources, even if it negatively affects me.
There, I'd rather my man was hittin' me,
I prefer to be in a relationship where my partner shows love, even if it means enduring physical abuse.
Than to jump right up and quittin' me,
I would rather endure physical abuse than lose the love and companionship of my partner.
'T'aint nobody's business if I do, do, do do!
It is nobody's concern but my own how I choose to handle my personal relationships, even if it seems irrational to others.
I swear I won't call no copper
I promise I won't contact the authorities
If I'm beat up by my papa,
If I am physically abused by my father
'T'aint nobody's business if I do, if I do!
My personal family matters are not the concern of anyone outside of my family, even if it means enduring abuse.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: EVERETT ROBBINS, PORTER GRAINGER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@MsEdawg101
Chaka had left the building but KILLED it anyhow... Etta is simply a POWERHOUSE... and Gladys is simply one of the GREATEST. I’ve watched this like 10,000 times ALREADY. The BEST of the BEST!
@maryannprice8620
Yes...she had left...as a kite ;) lol ... and still slayed
@missmachete1
The best video I've seen on Youtube and best performance I've ever seen tbh!!! Gives me chills!! Chaka has true rock n roll vocals 😭😭😭
@simoneseiami5938
same here, one of the greatest female singers together, singing down from their beautiful loving souls. 4ever one of my most favorite, BB KIng on top luvitluvitluvitluvitluvit
@Bobbiegirl27
My first time watching the video - Gladys is so silky smooth; Chaka had definitely left the building and yes, killed it; but Etta - she just gets me so deep in the soul every time she sings!!
@JackycClark
Yes Ma'am . Have looked and listened . Haven't found anything to touch this .
@GodisLovetoo
The pipes on Etta James, may she Rest In Peace! They all are talented with their unique styles.....just amazing!
@judygedmistergaines7578
👑💯❤️🌹
@j0biwankan0bi
Chacka Khan and Gladys Knight stop and look in awe as Etta James sings. That tells you how good Etta James was.
@ronaldw548
Chaka stole the show, her vocals reigned supreme. She had the lows of both Etta and Gladys, but her vocal strength, riffs, runs and range stole the show.