Why Was I Born
Billie Holiday W/ Teddy Wilson & His Orchestra Lyrics

In the song "Why was I born", Billie Holiday and Lester Young explore the futility of human existence by posing existential questions about one's purpose in life. The lyrics are introspective and poignant, touching on themes of unrequited love, unfulfilled hopes, and unattainable dreams. The song highlights the human tendency to yearn for things that seem beyond our reach and to feel trapped in a world that we may not fully understand.

The opening lines of the song, "Why was I born, why am I livin', what do I get, what am I givin'" echo the questions that many of us ask ourselves at some point in our lives. These questions are not easy to answer, and the song suggests that perhaps there are no easy answers. The lines "Why do I want for things I dare not hope for, what can I hope for, I wish I knew" highlight the idea that our desires often exceed our abilities, and we may be left feeling powerless and unfulfilled.

The song's final lines "I'm a poor fool, but what can I do, oh baby why was I born to love you" reveal that despite the hardships and uncertainties of life, love remains a constant source of hope and meaning. The song portrays the deep connection between love and the human experience, and the power of love to endure even in the face of adversity.