Until the Real Thing Comes Along
Charlie Parker & Billie Holiday Lyrics

The song Until The Real Thing Comes Along is a beautiful love song sung as a duet by the jazz legends Charlie Parker and Billie Holiday. It conveys a deep longing for true love, and the willingness to do anything to secure it. The lyrics reveal the intensity of the singer's devotion, and their resolve to wait for the real thing, even if it takes forever.

The opening lines "I'd wait for you, I'd slave for you, I'd be a beggar or a knave for you" show the singer's commitment to the object of their affection, hinting at the idea that they would do anything to win their love. The repetition of the phrase "If that isn't love, it will have to do" throughout the song suggests that the singer is settling for a lesser version of love, but is willing to do so until the real thing comes along. The repeated refrain "with all the words dear at my command, I just can't make you understand" implies a sense of desperation on the part of the singer, who feels powerless to communicate their feelings to their beloved.

Overall, the song is a poignant reminder of the power of love to inspire devotion and sacrifice, as well as the pain of unrequited love. It is a testament to the enduring appeal of jazz, and the artistry of two of its greatest practitioners.