Bill Bailey
Della Reese Lyrics


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Won't you come home, bill bailey, won't you come home
I moan the whole night long
I'll do the cookin', honey, I'll pay the rent
I know I done you wrong

Remember that rainy eve' that
I drove you out with nothin' but a fine tooth comb
Yes, I know that I'm to blame, and ain't that a shame
Bill bailey, won't you please come home

Won't you come home, bill bailey, won't you come home
I moan the whole night long
I'm-a gonna do your cookin', honey, i'm-a gonna pay your rent
I know that I've done you wrong

Remember that rainy eve' that
I drove you out with nothin' but a fine tooth comb
Well, I know that I'm to blame, and ain't that a dirty, low-down shame
Bill bailey, won't you please come home
Come home, come home, bill bailey
Bill bailey, won't you please come on home
Come home, bill bailey




Bill bailey, won't you please come on home
Come on home

Overall Meaning

The song "Bill Bailey" by Della Reese is a classic blues tune that tells the story of a woman pleading with her lover, Bill Bailey, to come home. In the song, the woman apologizes for driving him away and promises to do better. She begs him to forgive her and return to her side. Throughout the song, she repeats the refrain "Come home, Bill Bailey, won't you please come home," hoping that her lover will hear her plea and return.


The lyrics of the song are filled with emotion and longing, and Della Reese's soulful voice delivers them with deep feeling. The use of repetition in the refrain emphasizes the woman's desperation and highlights the depth of her love for Bill Bailey. The backstory of the song is a common one in the blues: a love affair gone wrong. However, the timeless theme of love and the heartache that follows is captured perfectly in this classic tune.


Overall, "Bill Bailey" is a powerful song that captures the essence of the blues. From the emotional depth of the lyrics to the soulful delivery of the melody, it's easy to see why it has become a timeless classic beloved by so many.


Line by Line Meaning

Won't you come home, bill bailey, won't you come home
The singer is pleading with Bill Bailey to return home.


I moan the whole night long
The singer is deeply distressed and misses Bill Bailey.


I'll do the cookin', honey, I'll pay the rent
The singer promises to take care of Bill Bailey's needs and responsibilities.


I know I done you wrong
The artist acknowledges that they made a mistake or did something that hurt Bill Bailey.


Remember that rainy eve' that I drove you out with nothin' but a fine tooth comb
The artist recalls a past event where they caused Bill Bailey to leave in a humiliating manner.


Yes, I know that I'm to blame, and ain't that a shame
The singer takes responsibility for their actions and expresses regret for them.


Bill bailey, won't you please come home
The singer repeats their plea for Bill Bailey to return home.


I'm-a gonna do your cookin', honey, i'm-a gonna pay your rent
The artist emphasizes their commitment to care for Bill Bailey when he returns.


Well, I know that I'm to blame, and ain't that a dirty, low-down shame
The artist repeats their acknowledgement of fault, but with more emphasis on the negative consequences of their actions.


Come home, come home, bill bailey
The artist urges Bill Bailey to return home again.


Bill bailey, won't you please come on home
The singer continues to plead with Bill Bailey to return home.


Come home, bill bailey
The artist repeats their plea for Bill Bailey to come home.




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Peermusic Publishing
Written by: HUGHIE CANNON, KIRBY SHAW

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

Tom Smith

Della Reese had some really great hits in the '50's like "Don't You Know" and "And That Reminds Me".

Johnnyc drums

Big fan

Rosa Johnson

She looked lovely as always. I often saw the Ed Sullivan Show, when I was younger and I definitely remember this song. I've always liked this song, but I didn't realize it was sung by Della Reese. I may have seen her back then and just don't recall. She was a doll!

Ivan Granger

👍🏼That Angel could sing, it all. I love her and Ella’s immeasurable, talents. Della, and Ella.
✨🕊💐✨

Rosa Johnson

@Ivan Granger 🙂YESSSSSSS!

lonestarfriend

What a compelling performance. And I was thinking the same thing Ed was at the end. 🙂

Debra Dorsey

WOW!!!! That was absolutely beautifully done!!!!

lonestarfriend

Touched by an angel. 🙂

kpitt1204

She really could sing! She’s so doggone pretty too!

Ivan Granger

The Best, of the Best. She was phenomenal. ✨🕊✨

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