Jim
Billie Holiday; Teddy Wilson & His Orchestra Lyrics


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Jim doesn't ever bring me pretty flowers
Jim never tries to cheer my lonely hours
Don't know why I'm so crazy for Jim

Jim never tells me I'm his heart's desire
I never seem to set his love afire
Gone are the years I've wasted on him
Sometimes when I get feelin' low
I say let's call it quits
Then I hang on and let him go
Breakin' my heart in bits

Someday I know that Jim will up and leave me
But even if he does you can believe me
I'll go on carrying the torch for Jim





I'll go on lovin' my Jim

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Billie Holiday's song Jim speak of a troubled and unrequited love. The persona seems to be in a relationship with someone named Jim who does not show affection or appreciation for her. Jim does not bring her flowers, he does not try to cheer her up when she is feeling lonely, and he does not express his love or desire for her. Even though she is aware that Jim does not love her back, the persona cannot seem to let go of him. She is so crazy about Jim that she cannot see how much he is hurting her, and she keeps holding on to him even when she is feeling low.


The persona seems to be aware of Jim's lack of interest in her, yet she cannot bring herself to let go of him. She mentions the years she has wasted on him, implying that she has been in this relationship for a long time. She goes back and forth between wanting to end the relationship and holding on to him, even though she knows that it is not healthy for her. She knows that someday Jim will leave her, but she will continue to carry the torch for him.


The song Jim is a poignant and thought-provoking reflection on unrequited love. The lyrics speak to anyone who has been in a similar situation and knows the pain and heartbreak that comes with it. The song is beautifully sung by Billie Holiday, who puts so much emotion and soul into every word she sings.


Line by Line Meaning

Jim doesn't ever bring me pretty flowers
Jim never does romantic things for me


Jim never tries to cheer my lonely hours
Jim never tries to comfort me when I'm lonely


Don't know why I'm so crazy for Jim
Despite his lack of affection, I am still in love with Jim


Jim never tells me I'm his heart's desire
Jim never expresses his love for me


I never seem to set his love afire
I can't seem to make Jim love me more


Gone are the years I've wasted on him
I regret the time I've spent on a love that was not reciprocated


Sometimes when I get feelin' low I say let's call it quits Then I hang on and let him go Breakin' my heart in bits
Sometimes I consider ending things with Jim, but I always end up staying, even if it hurts me


Someday I know that Jim will up and leave me
I am aware that Jim might one day leave me


But even if he does you can believe me
Despite that, I will always be loyal to him


I'll go on carrying the torch for Jim
I will continue to love and long for Jim


I'll go on lovin' my Jim
My love for Jim is unwavering




Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: CAESAR PETRILLO, MILTON SAMUELS, NELSON SHAWN

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@MrPistolMason

I played this song this afternoon for my 92-year-old Aunt . . . . nothing like Billie.

@mowestjohn

Dear honeybee7700 Never put someone else on a pedestal and dig a hole at the side of it to stand in. You are worth more than that!!! I just got out of an abusive relationship where I was treated lower than nothing------Until I got out. Never allow anyone to treat you badly--You deserve to be happy.

@Memale2009

De toute facon (cédille): Lady Day est mon interprête favorisée. Et je suis bien contente de retrouver ce titre ici chez YouTube. Mon grand merci!

@mowestjohn

Billie could sing the phonebook and I would still rush out to buy it !!!

@MrPistolMason

Unfortuntely, we all through a bad relationship . . and "others" can tell you what "you should do", but it's only YOU who can make that decision . . . yep, life is hard . . . and you live and learn . . . I hope you are well.

@natecole4486

she could sing about tea bags and you'll love it...another classic

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