It's My Own Business
Chuck Berry Lyrics


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I am tired of you telling me what I ought to do
Stickin' your nose in my business and it don't concern you
It's my own business, it's my own business
Seems like the ones that want to tell you
They don't ever know as much as you

If I go buy a Cadillac convertible coupe
And all I got at home to eat is just onion soup
It's my own business, it's my own business
If I would rather ride around
In my own Cadillac convertible coupe

If I's a dignatary on Capitol Hill
And up and married me a waitress in a hot dog grill
It's my own business, it's my own business
Because I am not a juvenile
And I can go out at my own free wil

After workin' on my job and then drawin' my pay
If I want to go out and have a ball and throw it all away
It's my own business, it's my own business




'Cause I don't wait until tomorrow
To do something I could do today

Overall Meaning

In Chuck Berry's song, "It's My Own Business," the singer expresses his frustration with people who try to make decisions for him or tell him what to do. The first verse sets the tone for the rest of the song, with the singer telling someone that he is tired of being told what he ought to do and that the person "stickin' [their] nose in [his] business" doesn't concern them. He then emphasizes that his life is his own and no one else's and that he should be allowed to make his own choices.


In the second verse, the singer says that if he wants to buy a fancy car even if it means eating onion soup, it's no one else's place to judge him for it. He continues to assert his autonomy in the third verse by saying that if he wants to marry someone from a different background or social status, it is his own business and nobody else's. Finally, in the last verse, the singer defends his right to indulge in pleasures, like going out and having a good time, even if it means throwing caution to the wind and potentially wasting his hard-earned money.


The song overall is a celebration of individual freedom and independence, with the singer insisting that people should be allowed to make their own choices and live their own lives without interference from others.


Line by Line Meaning

I am tired of you telling me what I ought to do
I am exhausted by your constant advice and suggestions.


Stickin' your nose in my business and it don't concern you
You are being intrusive and getting involved in matters that are none of your business.


It's my own business, it's my own business
I am asserting my independence and stating that it is my personal affair.


Seems like the ones that want to tell you
People who offer unsolicited advice


They don't ever know as much as you
Often do not have the information or expertise necessary.


If I go buy a Cadillac convertible coupe
If I decide to buy an expensive car


And all I got at home to eat is just onion soup
Even if I do not have enough money to purchase food.


If I would rather ride around
If I prefer to drive my car


In my own Cadillac convertible coupe
My choice of vehicle.


If I's a dignatary on Capitol Hill
Even if I am a political leader


And up and married me a waitress in a hot dog grill
Even if I marry someone from a different social status.


Because I am not a juvenile
Since I am an adult


And I can go out at my own free will
I have the right to make choices according to my own desires.


After workin' on my job and then drawin' my pay
After working hard and getting my salary


If I want to go out and have a ball and throw it all away
If I choose to spend my money on entertainment and not save it.


'Cause I don't wait until tomorrow
Because I prefer not to delay things


To do something I could do today
I act promptly on my choices.




Lyrics © OBO APRA/AMCOS

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Comments from YouTube:

Robin FA-84-TX

Back in the late sixties my older sister owned this album 🙂. I remember this song well. 😊

juha vesanen

The great late Charles 'Chuck' Edward Berry, thanks for everything in music business...! ❤

Bowser1948

you missed Anderson

juha vesanen

Sorry... 😀

Penicillin : Heroes or Villains ?

genius to deliver the refrain in sotto voce - CHUCK BERNHARD’s bass line is best thing after chuck’s vocal : who is he - anyone know ????

BloozeDaddy

A little extra bite in Chuck's guitar in this one. Obscure Rock n roll goodie from 65.

JimiLuvsMusic

yessir!!!!

Gregg Thompson

I love when these old nuggs pot up on the pandora shuffle !!!
The father of Rock and Roll.
Too bad he hid cameras in the women's bathroom at his restaurant. Ò

Bowser1948

check out the version by Shakin Stevens & Albert Lee on here ...crackin

juha vesanen

No comments yet at all... but I love this, however...!

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