Guilty
Billie Holiday/Eddie Heywood and His Orchestra Lyrics

The song "Guilty" by Billie Holiday is a heart-wrenching story of a woman expressing her unconditional love for someone despite society labeling it as a crime. The lyrics start off with a series of contemplative questions. The singer wants to know if loving someone deeply like she does is considered a sin or a crime. However, she doesn't let societal judgment stop her from expressing her emotions. In the chorus, the singer admits that if loving someone is a crime, then she is guilty of it. She repeats this line twice. This repetition emphasizes her strong emotions and the certainty with which she speaks.

In the second verse, the singer admits to dreaming of her beloved every night, even though they might not be able to be together. Despite the possibility of societal backlash and heartbreak, this person's love is strong enough to endure. The chorus is repeated, establishing the same message of unconditional love that is strong enough to withstand any criticism or consequences.

The third verse expresses the singer's pain and despair. She has already taken the blame for her love, and her beloved states that they are going to leave. However, the singer knows that she will always feel the same way, no matter what. In the final chorus, the singer repeats the same message of being guilty of loving her beloved.

Overall, Billie Holiday's "Guilty" is a poignant song that captures the raw and honest emotions of a person in love. It showcases how, despite the societal norms and potential consequences, love has the power to persevere.