Ed's father, Ben, was a drummer who played with Andy Kirk for sixteen years during the 1930s and 1940s. Ed was raised in Los Angeles, California and attended Thomas Jefferson High School, which was also attended by Art Farmer, Dexter Gordon and Chico Hamilton. Thigpen first worked professionally in New York City with the Cootie Williams orchestra from 1951-1952 at the Savoy Ballroom. After working with Dinah Washington, Gil Melle, Oscar Pettiford, Eddie Vinson, Paul Quinichette, Ernie Wilkins, Charlie Rouse, Lennie Tristano, Jutta Hipp, Johnny Hodges, Dorothy Ashby, Bud Powell, and Billy Taylor, he replaced guitarist Herb Ellis in the Oscar Peterson Trio in 1959 in Toronto, Canada.
After leaving Peterson he recorded one album as a leader for Verve, Out Of The Storm of 1966. He then toured with Ella Fitzgerald from 1967-1972, after which he settled in Copenhagen, Denmark. In Denmark, Thigpen worked with a variety of artists, including Alice Babs, Kenny Drew, Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis, Ernie Wilkins, Svend Asmussen, Clark Terry, Milt Jackson, Monty Alexander and Thad Jones
Why Can't You Behave
Ed Thigpen Lyrics
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Oh, why can't you behave?
After all the things you told me,
And the promises that you gave,
Oh, why can't you behave?
Why, why, why can't you be good?
And do, do just as you should?
Yes you had the right touch but I was askin' too much
Won't you turn that new leaf over,
So your baby can be your slave?
Oh, why can't you behave?
There's a farm I know near my old home town,
Where we two can go and try settling down.
There I'll care for you forever,
'Cause you're all in this world I crave.
Oh, why can't you behave?
Why can't you behave?
The lyrics to Ed Thigpen's song "Why Can't You Behave" depict a frustrated lover questioning why their significant other can't seem to behave and be faithful despite the promises they had made. The questioning of why the other person can't be good speaks towards the desire for them to turn over a new leaf and treat their partner with the respect they deserve. The line "yes you had the right touch but I was asking too much" suggests that the singer still had hope that their partner could be different, but their expectations may have been too high. The mention of settling down on a farm indicates the desire for stability and a permanent commitment, but the frustration continues to build as the partner struggles to behave.
Overall, the lyrics of "Why Can't You Behave" explore the all-too-relatable struggles of trust and the desire for a stable relationship. The singer's frustrations and attempts to rationalize their partner's behavior create a sense of vulnerability and desperation that reflects the song's theme of loving someone who can't seem to change.
Line by Line Meaning
Why can't you behave?
I am wondering why you are unable to change your behavior.
Oh, why can't you behave?
I am expressing my frustration over your inability to behave properly.
After all the things you told me,
And the promises that you gave,
Oh, why can't you behave?
I am referring to the broken promises and unfulfilled commitments you made to me and wondering why you can't behave accordingly.
Why, why, why can't you be good?
I am asking why you can't behave in a good manner.
I was faithful and true but what good will it do
I remained loyal and honest to you, but it appears that it was of no use.
And do, do just as you should?
I am asking you to act as you should and do the right thing.
Yes you had the right touch but I was askin' too much
I acknowledge that you have the potential to behave well, but I may have expected too much from you.
Won't you turn that new leaf over,
So your baby can be your slave?
Oh, why can't you behave?
I am asking you to turn a new leaf and change your behavior, so that I can be happy being at your service.
There's a farm I know near my old home town,
Where we two can go and try settling down.
There I'll care for you forever,
'Cause you're all in this world I crave.
I am suggesting a place where we can start a new life together, and explaining my devotion and love towards you.
Oh, why can't you behave?
Why can't you behave?
I am repeating my frustration and disappointment over your behavior and wondering why you can't change it.
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: COLE PORTER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind