You Showed Me The Way
Billie Holiday W/ Teddy Wilson & His Orchestra Lyrics


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You showed me the way
When I was someone in distress
A heart in search of happiness
You showed me the way

My sky was so gray
I never knew I'd feel a thrill
I couldn't dream a dream until
You showed me the way

The moment you found me
The shadows around me
Just disappeard from view
The world became rosy
Each corner so cozy
Darling, all because of you
You showed me the way
And if I've learned that love can be a paradise
For you and me




Here's all I can say
You showed me the way

Overall Meaning

Billie Holiday's song "You Showed Me The Way" is a love ballad that expresses gratitude towards a lover who has transformed the singer's life. The song opens with the singer expressing needing someone to show them the way when they were in distress and searching for happiness. The lover took on this role, guiding the singer through life's difficult moments and teaching them how to dream. The sky that was once grey becomes rosy, and the once dark shadows disappeared. In essence, the lover brought light to the singer's life.


The lyrics paint a picture of a once helpless narrator who was lost and lacked direction. When the lover enters their life, everything becomes clear, and the world is filled with vibrant colors. The lover is credited with creating paradise, which undoubtedly sounds like an excellent escape from the singer's previous life. Thus, the song is a testament to the power of love and how it can change people's lives. It is a song of gratitude to the person who brought light into the singer's dark life.


In conclusion, Billie Holiday's "You Showed Me The Way" is a timeless classic that celebrates the transformative power of love, its ability to guide us and show us the way. Despite its age, it still resonates with listeners today, reminding them of the beauty of love.


Line by Line Meaning

You showed me the way
You guided me towards a better path


When I was someone in distress
When I was struggling and needed help


A heart in search of happiness
An emotional being actively seeking joy and contentment


My sky was so gray
My life was bleak and lacking color


I never knew I'd feel a thrill
I had not experienced excitement before


I couldn't dream a dream until
I was unable to imagine a better life for myself


The moment you found me
As soon as you came into my life


The shadows around me
The darkness and negativity surrounding me


Just disappeard from view
Completely vanished


The world became rosy
My life became brighter and more optimistic


Each corner so cozy
All aspects of my life became more comfortable


Darling, all because of you
My improvement was due to your help and influence


And if I've learned that love can be a paradise
If I have come to understand that love can bring great happiness


For you and me
For us, as a couple


Here's all I can say
This is the only thing I am able to express


You showed me the way
You helped me find a better path and a brighter future




Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: TEDDY, BUDDY GREEN, CHICK WEBB, ELLA FITZGERALD, MC RAE

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@rockradstone

Now THIS, Ladies and Gents, is MUSIC. Thank you for posting one of my all-time favorites.

@Corrie121

A great song by the Lady who "showed me the way" to great music. Thank you for sharing this excellent post, which I have added to my Billie Holiday "Playlist".

@MsHavemercy

This is what divine music really is.

@waynebrasler

Everything she was recorded at this time was extraordinary, recording session after recording session after recording session. Every record Columbia issued by her on various labels was a hit. She took every song, altered the melodies according to her own sensibilities and reading the lyrics like she was telling the story of her life. No song ever was done casually. With every performance she aimed to achieve the truth in song.

@gallopinto30

wonderful tune

@AndiJetaime

Beautiful <3

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