Moanin' Low
Billie Holiday; Teddy Wilson & His Orchestra Lyrics
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Though he's mean as can be
He's the kind of man needs the kind
Of a woman like me
Gonna die if my sweet man should pass me by
If I die where'll he be
He's the kind of a man needs the kind
Don't know any reason why
He treats me so poorly
What have I gone and done
Makes me troubles double with his worries
When surely I ain't deserving of none
Moanin' low
My sweet man is gonna go
When he goes, oh Lordy
He's the kind of a man needs the kind
Of a woman like me
Moanin' low, my sweet man, I love him so
Though he's mean as can be
He's the kind of man needs the kind
Of a woman like me
Gonna die if my sweet man should pass me by
If I die where'll he be
He's the kind of a man needs the kind
Of a woman like me
Don't know any reason why
He treats me so poorly
What have I gone and done
Makes me troubles double with his worries
When surely I ain't deserving of none
Moanin' low
My sweet man is gonna go
When he goes, oh Lordy
He's the kind of a man needs the kind
Of a woman like me
"Moanin' Low" by Billie Holiday and Teddy Wilson & His Orchestra describes the unrequited love of the singer for her "sweet man" who is mean to her but still needs a woman like her. The singer is lamenting about the fact that she might die if her "sweet man" passes her by. She feels that she is the kind of woman that her man needs, who can understand him and be there for him. She does not deserve any troubles or poor treatment but she keeps on loving and caring for her man.
The lyrics express the blues and frustrations of a relationship that is not going smoothly. The singer is devoted to her man but feels unappreciated and this makes her moan low. She does not know what she has done to deserve such poor treatment and troubles that come with it. The emotion in the lyrics is palpable, and it's the reason why the song is a classic in the blues genre.
Line by Line Meaning
Moanin' low, my sweet man, I love him so
Feeling low and melancholic about my sweet man who I love so much despite his mean nature.
Though he's mean as can be
Even though he is cruel and harsh in his behavior.
He's the kind of man needs the kind
My sweet man requires a specific kind of woman to be with him.
Of a woman like me
And that woman is me, who can fill certain needs that he has.
Gonna die if my sweet man should pass me by
The thought of losing him is so unbearable, that I feel I will die if it happens.
If I die where'll he be
I worry about what will happen to him if I am not around anymore.
Don't know any reason why
I cannot fathom any explanation for why he would treat me poorly.
He treats me so poorly
His conduct towards me is terrible and without any good reason.
What have I gone and done
I wonder what mistake I have committed to deserve such treatment from him.
Makes me troubles double with his worries
His problems and concerns add to my own issues and concerns, making my life harder.
When surely I ain't deserving of none
I am certain that I do not deserve any of the agony that he puts me through.
Moanin' low
I am still feeling down and forlorn.
My sweet man is gonna go
I am resigned to the fact that my sweet man may leave me eventually.
When he goes, oh Lordy
The pain and suffering that will accompany his departure will be excruciating.
Of a woman like me
But I am still convinced that he needs someone like me in his life.
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: HOWARD DIETZ, RALPH RAINGER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@ashleystewart994
Nothing will ever replace the sound of the great Lady Day......She takes this song and gives it a gut retching feel and makes you take every bit of the "MOANIN'" low ........Love that Lady D!!!!
@Insight200801
Great song sung by a great singer. The long orchestra intros were common in those days for the dance floor crowd but when Billie Holiday vocals kicked in you wanted more.
@lelisabevins
i love her voice!
@robbm.cupich2120
My favorite Billie Holiday song
@JazzyBlues420
Splendid!
@selenam329
This version sounds sad and warm all at once.
@djmm7724
Indeed
@EvieDoesYouTube
Has anyone noticed how close this tune sounds to David Rose's The Stripper?
@maggieedwards3951
🎺🎻🎤🎷🎹🥁👑🌸❤️💎priceless lady day
@Issaaay260
❤️