Billie's Blues
Billie Holiday Lyrics


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I love my man
I'm a liar if I say I don't
I love my man
I'm a liar if I say I don't
But I'll quit my man
I'm a liar if I say I won't

I've been your slave, baby
Ever since I've been your babe
I've been your slave
Ever since I've been your babe
But before I'll be your dog
I'll see you in your grave

My man wouldn't give me no breakfast
Wouldn't give me no dinner
Squawked about my supper then he put me outdoors
Had the nerve to lay a matchbox on my clothes
I didn't have so many
But I had a long, long ways to go

I ain't good looking
And my hair ain't curled
I ain't good looking
And my hair ain't curled
But my mother, she gave me something
It's going to carry me through this world

Some men like me 'cause I'm happy
Some 'cause I'm snappy
Some call me honey
Others think I've got money

Some say me Billie
Baby, you're built for speed




Now, if you put that all together
Makes me everything a good man needs

Overall Meaning

In Billie Holiday's song "Billie's Blues," the singer expresses her love for her man despite his flaws and mistreatment of her. She acknowledges that it would be a lie to say she doesn't love him, but also admits that she would leave him if necessary. The second verse shows her frustration with being treated as a slave by her man, but she refuses to be treated as a dog. She asserts her independence and strength by saying that she would rather see him in his grave than be his submissive pet.


The third verse reveals the extent of her man's mistreatment, from denying her food to leaving her outside with a matchbox as a pillow. Despite these challenges, Billie finds solace in her mother's teachings that have given her the strength to survive in this world. The last verse shows that Billie is aware of her appeal to different types of men, whether it be her happiness or snappiness, and acknowledges that she has what it takes to be everything a good man needs.


Overall, the lyrics of "Billie's Blues" demonstrate Billie Holiday's ability to convey complex emotions and situations through vivid storytelling and powerful vocals.


Line by Line Meaning

I love my man
I wholeheartedly love my lover


I'm a liar if I say I don't
It would be dishonest to say otherwise


But I'll quit my man
However, I will end the relationship if necessary


I've been your slave, baby
I have submitted to my partner's demands


Ever since I've been your babe
From the moment we began our relationship


But before I'll be your dog
But I will not continue to be treated as a subordinate


I'll see you in your grave
I would rather see you dead than live under your oppression


My man wouldn't give me no breakfast
My partner refuses to provide me with basic necessities


Wouldn't give me no dinner
My partner also withholds my evening meal


Squawked about my supper then he put me outdoors
And becomes upset with me over the little that he does give me, even kicking me out at times


Had the nerve to lay a matchbox on my clothes
To add insult to injury, he places an object atop my limited possessions


I didn't have so many
I cannot claim to possess much


But I had a long, long ways to go
But I still have a life to live and a journey to embark upon


I ain't good looking
I do not consider myself to be physically attractive


And my hair ain't curled
My hair is not styled or well-maintained


But my mother, she gave me something
But my mother instilled in me timeless values and self-respect


It's going to carry me through this world
These virtues will help me navigate my way through life


Some men like me 'cause I'm happy
Some men appreciate my carefree nature


Some 'cause I'm snappy
Others like my wit and sass


Some call me honey
Some use affectionate nicknames to address me


Others think I've got money
While some assume I have wealth or worth


Some say me Billie
Some opt to address me by my name, Billie


Baby, you're built for speed
Some may consider me to be physically quick or agile


Now, if you put that all together
If you collect all these qualities and characteristics


Makes me everything a good man needs
I can be all that a quality man requires




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: BILLIE HOLIDAY

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

Marcio Américo

Maravilhosa,e eterna

Sam VanMusic

This IS the blues. This was recorded in 1936. Without artists like Billie Holiday there woudnt even be a led zeppelin

WMC

And this song is a real life event in her life that she wrote. The lady was🔥 and still banging in 2022

Yvonne Williams

GREW UP ON HOLIDAY'S MUSIC 🎶 👌 ❤ LOVE IT

Fantastic Girl Beginnings

Oh the nostalgia of listening to this when I was a kid because my dad loved jazz

Forgot My Lighter

Do you have anymore suggestions. Will be more than glad to hear. My dad and I are looking for more golden oldies to jam to.

Júllia Gama

oh yes

Alexa Villanueva

This was playing on the radio and I really wanted to know what it was so I looked by lyrics thank god for my memory I found it thank god I did because I love this so much

Arthur Frank Dafforn Dafforn

What.a.voice.truly.a.legend.artur.Frank.dafforn.😊👑

Cris María Hernandez

Genial! eterna...

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