'Tain't Nobody's Bizness If I Do
Brown Ruth Lyrics
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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 to "T'ain't Nobody's Bizness If I Do" by Brown Ruth express the idea of personal freedom and the right to make your own decisions regardless of what others may think or say. The singer is aware that society will always find something to criticize or judge, but she decides to live her life on her own terms anyway. The lyrics in the song show that the singer is willing to take risks and face the consequences of her actions, even if it leads to being judged by society.
The first verse of the song sets the tone with the lyrics, "There ain't nothin' I can do, or nothin' I can say, That folks don't criticise me." This indicates that the singer is aware of the societal expectations and judgment that come with being a part of society. However, she goes on to say that she will still do as she pleases, regardless of the opinions of others. This attitude of self-determination is further emphasized throughout the song's subsequent verses.
In the second verse, the singer gives various examples of how her choices are "nobody's business," no matter what others may think. Whether she decides to jump into the ocean or go to church one day and then "shimmy down" the next, her actions are her own. In the third verse, the singer talks about giving her friend all her money because they need it, even if it leaves her in a difficult situation. This shows that she values human connections and helping others over financial wealth.
The fourth verse touches on domestic abuse and the controversial statement, "I'd rather my man was hittin' me, than to jump right up and quittin' me." This line is a controversial statement, highlighting the struggles of a toxic and abusive relationship. Lastly, in the final verse, the singer states that she won't report to the authorities, even if they are physically abused by a loved one.
Overall, the song speaks of individual freedom with respect to your own life choices that shouldn’t be a matter of public concern.
Line by Line Meaning
There ain't nothin' I can do, or nothin' I can say
No matter what actions or words I choose, people will always criticize me.
But I'm going to do just as I want to anyway,
Despite criticism, I will always choose to do what I want.
And don't care if you all despise me!
I am indifferent to the opinions of others who dislike me.
If I should take a notion
If I happen to have an idea
To jump into the ocean,
To spontaneously jump into the ocean
'T'aint nobody's business if I do, do, do!
No one else has a say in my decisions or actions.
If I go to church on Sunday,
If I attend church on a Sunday,
Then just shimmy down on Monday,
And then dance or move in a flashy manner the next day,
'T'aint nobody's business if I do, if I do!
No one else has a say in my decisions or actions.
If my friend ain't got no money,
If my friend is lacking funds
And I say, "Take all mine, honey",
And I offer to give them all of my money,
'T'aint nobody's business if I do, do, do do!
No one else has a say in my decisions or actions.
If I give him my lasy nickel,
If I give them my last bit of money
And it leaves me in a pickle,
Even if it puts me in a difficult situation,
'T'aint nobody's business if I do, if I do!
No one else has a say in my decisions or actions.
There, I'd rather my man was hittin' me,
I would choose physical abuse from my partner over them leaving me,
Than to jump right up and quittin' me,
Than for them to leave me suddenly without warning
'T'aint nobody's business if I do, do, do do!
No one else has a say in my decisions or actions.
I swear I won't call no copper
I promise never to call the police
If I'm beat up by my papa,
Even if I'm physically abused by my father,
'T'aint nobody's business if I do, if I do!
No one else has a say in my decisions or actions.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: EVERETT ROBBINS, PORTER GRAINGER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind