Mean To Me
Billie Holiday; Teddy Wilson & His Orchestra Lyrics
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Why must you be mean to me?
Gee, honey, it seems to me
You love to see me cryin'
I don't know why
I stay home each night
When you say you phone
You don't and I'm left alone.
Sing the blues and sighin'
You treat me coldly each day in the year
You always scold me
Whenever somebody is near, dear
I must be great fun to be mean to me
You shouldn't, for can't you see
What you mean to me
In "Mean To Me," Billie Holiday vividly conveys the anguish and uncertainty of a relationship characterized by emotional cruelty. She addresses her lover, asking him why he must be so cruel, even enjoying her tears. Despite his mistreatment, she remains devoted to him, staying home alone every night, believing that he will call only to be disappointed. She laments, singing the blues and sighing, as her lover treats her coldly in the presence of others, scolding her at every turn. Despite her adoration, she recognizes the futility of her situation, asking why she must be such great fun to be mean to. She pleads with her lover to recognize the pain he causes her, saying that he shouldn't be so cruel because of how much he means to her.
The deceptively simple lyrics of "Mean To Me" belie the emotional depth and subtlety of Billie Holiday's performance. Her voice, replete with longing and hurt, perfectly captures the emotional turmoil of someone trapped in an abusive relationship. The song has become a classic example of Holiday's iconic vocal stylings and her ability to communicate complex emotional experiences through song.
Line by Line Meaning
You're mean to me
You're treating me unkindly
Why must you be mean to me?
I don't understand why you're always treating me so poorly
Gee, honey, it seems to me
Honestly, my dear, it feels like you enjoy making me cry
You love to see me cryin'
You take pleasure in seeing me upset
I don't know why
I'm unsure why I put up with this treatment
I stay home each night
I purposely choose to stay at home because I'm afraid of being hurt again
When you say you phone
Every time you tell me you will call me
You don't and I'm left alone.
You never do and it leaves me feeling rejected and alone
Sing the blues and sighin'
I find myself singing sad songs and feeling despondent
You treat me coldly each day in the year
You consistently show me a lack of affection and empathy
You always scold me
Whenever we're in public or around others, you're always criticizing me
Whenever somebody is near, dear
Whenever other people are around us
I must be great fun to be mean to me
It must be fun for you to treat me so poorly
You shouldn't, for can't you see
You really shouldn't behave this way, can't you see how much it's hurting me?
What you mean to me
You may not realize it, but you have a profound effect on my emotions and well-being
Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC , T.R.O. INC.
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Rebecca T
Thanks for posting, for listing personnel, and for developing the beautiful video that shows each player as s/he is soloing!
Ger mán
I enjoyed making the video very much, such a great song and such a great performance. And I’m happy someone could appreciate it.
Rebecca T
@Ger mán Oh, I do appreciate it so much! Yes, it's a great song to begin with--those terrific interjections of "Gee, honey!" and "You don't!" and "You shouldn't!" lightening the tone, making it more sardonic than plaintive! As for this version, I think it's one of the all-time best interpretations of a song, period. 100% jazz, playing with the melody and harmony the whole time. What a great group assembled under Wilson's leadership!
Ger mán
@Rebecca T You’re right. The song it is not dramatic but ambivalent: there is some natural complain between a man and a woman, but mainly affection with some sense of humor at the same time, playing with the words (what he means to her, it’s not just being mean), and a little frustration tempered by the lively swing and the deepness and complexity of the jazz. There was magic in the air when they recorded this song more than 80 years ago, and there is still magic today when we listen to it. All the players took care of Billie Holliday when she had to breath by the end of some words covering the gap with some extra notes. They were a team. And there was also a wonderful and beautiful relation between Lester Young and Billie Holliday, they liked each other very much and respected each other, and there was real love behind all that. Sometimes it seems they were talking to each other in the middle of the song. Teddy Wilson is elegant and precise, and all the others just great. Thanks again for your comments.
Gloria Swanson
Beautiful, thanks so much for posting the song AND all the great snaps. 😙💙👍🏻
monica bella
So nicely done, thanks 🌻
John Roberts
IMO the best and preferred version of this tune.
Robert Greenwood
Johnny Hodges plays the obligatto behind Billie's vocal but does not otherwise solo on this track.
monica bella
BILLIE ❤
Viviana Falcioni
♥️