Eeny Meeny Meiny Mo
Billie Holiday; Teddy Wilson & His Orchestra Lyrics
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Catch your troubles by the toe
If it hollers let it go
Let it fly away
Eeny meeny miney mo
It's the saying high and low
Hear it everywhere you go
Every time of day
Vallee sings it
Whitewood swings it
Even Mr. Crosby bings it
This song, titled "Eeny Meeny Miney Mo" by Billie Holiday, is a playful and catchy tune about letting go of one's troubles. The lyrics suggest a game of catching one's worries by the toe and if they holler, letting them go and fly away. This metaphorical approach to personal struggles is a common theme in Billie Holiday's music. Through her lyrics, she often portrays her own experiences with addiction, heartache, and racial injustice while also encouraging listeners to find the strength to move past these challenges.
Despite the serious undertones in her music, "Eeny Meeny Miney Mo" is a lighthearted tune that draws inspiration from a popular children's rhyme. The repetition and simplicity of the lyrics are reminiscent of playground rhymes and games, demonstrating Billie's ability to tap into universal experiences and emotions. The song also features references to other popular musicians of the time, such as Rudy Vallee and Bing Crosby, further highlighting Billie's connection to the music industry and her impact on the jazz genre.
Line by Line Meaning
Eeny meeny miney mo
Choosing randomly between different options
Catch your troubles by the toe
Take control of your problems by attacking them head-on
If it hollers let it go
If your problem fights back, don't waste your energy trying to control it
Let it fly away
Release your worries and move on
It's the saying high and low
This phrase is well-known to people of all backgrounds
Hear it everywhere you go
This phrase is ubiquitous and can be heard anywhere
Every time of day
This phrase is not bound by time and can be heard at any time of the day
Big Ben rings it
Even the famous clock in London uses this phrase as its chime
Vallee sings it
Even famous musicians like Rudy Vallee incorporate this phrase into their songs
Whitewood swings it
Even jazz musician Mary Lou Williams includes this phrase in her music
Even Mr. Crosby bings it
Even a famous singer like Bing Crosby uses this phrase in his performances
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: MALNECK MERCER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind