See also http://www.last.fm/music/Benny+Goodman+&+His+Orchestra
Give Me the Simple Life
Benny Goodman and His Orchestra Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Why mess around with strife?
I never was cut out to step and strut out.
Give me the simple life.
Some find it pleasant dining on pheasant.
Those things roll off my knife;
Just serve me tomatoes; and mashed potatoes;
A cottage small is all I'm after,
Not one that's spacious and wide.
A house that rings with joy and laughter
And the ones you love inside.
Some like the high road, I like the low road,
Free from the care and strife.
Sounds corny and seedy, but yes, indeedy;
Give me the simple life.
The song "Give Me The Simple Life" by Benny Goodman and His Orchestra is a declaration of the singer's desire for a simple, uncomplicated life. The lyrics express a rejection of materialism and a preference for the basic things in life. The singer believes that there is no need to fret and grieve over the stresses of life and that one should seek a carefree existence free from the complications of modern life.
The singer expresses their preference for a simple meal like tomatoes and mashed potatoes instead of more exotic dishes like pheasant. They also emphasize their preference for a small cottage with a warm and loving atmosphere, rather than a spacious mansion.
Line by Line Meaning
I don't believe in frettin' and grievin';
I do not believe in worrying and being sorrowful.
Why mess around with strife?
Why bother with conflict and problems?
I never was cut out to step and strut out.
I am not one for arrogance and ostentation.
Give me the simple life.
I prefer a humble and uncomplicated lifestyle.
Some find it pleasant dining on pheasant.
Some people enjoy elaborate and expensive meals.
Those things roll off my knife;
However, such meals do not interest me.
Just serve me tomatoes; and mashed potatoes;
I would be content with basic food like tomatoes and mashed potatoes.
Give me the simple life.
I would rather have a simple existence than a complex one.
A cottage small is all I'm after,
I desire a small and cozy dwelling.
Not one that's spacious and wide.
I do not want a large and sprawling house.
A house that rings with joy and laughter
I want a home filled with happiness and merriment.
And the ones you love inside.
A home where your loved ones can be with you.
Some like the high road, I like the low road,
Some prefer a sophisticated lifestyle, but I prefer a simpler one.
Free from the care and strife.
A life without worries and struggles.
Sounds corny and seedy, but yes, indeedy;
This may sound cheesy or unrefined, but it is what I truly desire.
Give me the simple life.
I want a modest and unpretentious existence.
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: HARRY RUBY, RUBE BLOOM
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@Trombonology
I adore this number, with its amusing lyrics and marvelous chord changes, and Benny's version is my favorite. Fletcher Henderson's writing here is magnificent, especially for the sax section -- and incidentally that's eighteen-year-old Stan Getz taking the tenor solo. I recall an acquaintance saying that Liza Morrow sounded like a "sad Ella Mae Morse" -- sad , as in unhappy, not inferior. Well, I like her voice and delivery. Drummer Morey Feld, too, provides socko support.
@jetturner2600
The crisp, perfect big band sound. Lovely vocal.
@scotnick59
this one sounds so modern for it's time: more like a 1955 recording.
@jokogenduk2064
I❤ this Channel. AMAZING Music..Amazing Singer...Amazing legendary
@BobBuckethead-ol5cw
Yes, BG put more emphasis on the Henderson -Sampson sound during this period, and it worked out well for him
@khussein6409
NICE!
@BobBuckethead-ol5cw
How about the flip side, I Wish I Could Tell You. BG was hoping that it would turn out to be a big hit like "Symphony" was, but it didn't happen. Please post it if you can, the other versions on YouTube sound terrible
@nathanielberry7104
"House" = norus + albin "tell me"