'Tain't Nobody's Bizness If I Do
Billie Holiday with Buster Harding and His Orchestra Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
That folks don't criticise me,
But I'm going to do just as I want to anyway,
And don't care if you all despise me!
If I should take a notion
To jump into the ocean,
'T'aint nobody's business if I do, do, do!
If I go to church on Sunday,
Then just shimmy down on Monday,
'T'aint nobody's business if I do, if I do!
If my friend ain't got no money,
And I say, "Take all mine, honey",
'T'aint nobody's business if I do, do, do do!
If I give him my lasy nickel,
And it leaves me in a pickle,
'T'aint nobody's business if I do, if I do!
There, I'd rather my man was hittin' me,
Than to jump right up and quittin' me,
'T'aint nobody's business if I do, do, do do!
I swear I won't call no copper
If I'm beat up by my papa,
'T'aint nobody's business if I do, if I do!
The lyrics of "Ain't Nobody's Business If I Do" by Billie Holiday with Buster Harding and His Orchestra speak to a sense of personal autonomy and defiance in the face of societal judgment. The song asserts the right to live life according to one's own terms, regardless of what others may think or say.
The opening lines express the frustration of constantly being criticized by others, but also the determination to continue living authentically. The singer refuses to be bound by the opinions of others and boldly declares that they will do as they please, even if it invites contempt from those around them.
The song goes on to illustrate this sentiment with a series of scenarios where the singer defies societal expectations. Whether it's jumping into the ocean, attending church one day and engaging in lively activities the next, or giving away their own money to a friend in need, the message is clear: they will make their own choices without concern for judgment.
The lyrics take on a more provocative tone when the singer states that they would rather endure physical abuse from their partner than have them leave. This line is perhaps meant to challenge prevailing notions of what constitutes a "healthy" relationship, highlighting the complexities of human experiences and the limitations of societal norms.
Overall, "Ain't Nobody's Business If I Do" is a defiant anthem that celebrates personal freedom, individual agency, and the right to live life on one's own terms despite societal expectations.
Line by Line Meaning
There ain't nothin' I can do, or nothin' I can say
I have no control over people's criticism and judgment towards me, regardless of what actions I take or words I speak.
But I'm going to do just as I want to anyway
I will go ahead and live my life according to my own desires and choices.
And don't care if you all despise me!
I am indifferent to the disdain and disapproval from others.
If I should take a notion to jump into the ocean
If I happen to feel inclined to take a daring plunge into the sea
'T'aint nobody's business if I do, do, do!
It is not in anyone's jurisdiction or concern to dictate or question my actions.
If I go to church on Sunday, then just shimmy down on Monday
Whether I attend religious services on Sundays or indulge in carefree dancing on Mondays
'T'aint nobody's business if I do, if I do!
No one has any right to interfere or pass judgment on my choices, regardless of the inconsistency.
If my friend ain't got no money, and I say, 'Take all mine, honey'
If my friend is financially struggling and I decide to offer all of my own money to support them
'T'aint nobody's business if I do, do, do do!
It is not the concern or business of others to question or scrutinize my generosity towards my friend.
If I give him my last nickel, and it leaves me in a pickle
In the event that I give away my final few cents, placing myself in a difficult situation
'T'aint nobody's business if I do, if I do!
Others have no right to intervene or pass judgment on my choices, even if they result in personal hardship.
There, I'd rather my man was hittin' me, than to jump right up and quittin' me
I would prefer if my partner showed physical aggression towards me, rather than abruptly ending our relationship.
'T'aint nobody's business if I do, do, do do!
It is not the concern or jurisdiction of anyone else to have a say in my relationship dynamics or preferences.
I swear I won't call no copper if I'm beat up by my papa
I promise not to involve law enforcement if I am subjected to physical harm by my own father.
'T'aint nobody's business if I do, if I do!
No one has the right to interfere or pass judgment on my decision to handle domestic conflicts privately.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: EVERETT ROBBINS, PORTER GRAINGER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@Beulah65
A lot of people listen to the first line of this song and think it is something completely different from what it is. But, it is definitely not a song about empowerment. As others here have said, its about someone who is abused. Billie Holiday had a sad life and it is reflected in the songs she sang. She didn't write this one, but you can hear the truth about her life in the words and in her voice. She was a true artist, and sometimes the most beautiful art is about sadness and suffering.
@jessicathompson5362
Well said.
@waynebc
Thanks for sharing. So beautiful.
@boobieneedham8873
Remembering Lady Day On Her Birthday... God Bless Her
@bluesoddity2094
Beyond beautiful :-)
@thesandsie13the2nd
incredibly indelible that is by far the best way of dicribing lady day ever
@Tswiftloverforever
i love lady day ! <3
@teresasmith6515
Absolutely Stellar! I LOVE YOU LADY DAY!!!!!
@southsydesasha7268
Love you always Lady Day!!! ❤️❤️❤️
@kjohnson6435
Sing it miss billie!