Why Don't You Do Right
Ella & Joe Fitzgerald & Pass Lyrics
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You let other women make a fool of you
Why don't you do right like some other men do?
Get out of here and get me some money too
You're sittin' down wonderin' what it's all about
You ain't got no money; they will put you out
Why don't you do right like some other men do?
If you had prepared twenty years ago
You wouldn't be wanderin' now from door to door
Why don't you do right like some other men do?
Get out of here and get me some money too
I fell for your jivin' and I took you in
Now all you got to offer me's a drink of gin
Why don't you do right like some other men do?
Get out of here and get me some money too
Why don't you do right like some other men do
Like some other men do?
The lyrics to Ella & Joe Fitzgerald & Pass's song Why Don't You Do Right are addressed to a man who used to have a lot of money in 1922 but is now broke and letting other women take advantage of him. The female singer asks him why he can't straighten out his act and start making money like other men do. She's frustrated and wants him to leave and get her some money too. The lyrics express disappointment and frustration with the man's lack of ambition, while also showcasing the woman's strong sense of self-worth and desire for financial security.
Overall, the lyrics of this song highlight the gender roles and power dynamics of the time period in which it was created. The woman is portrayed as a strong, independent figure who knows her worth and demands to be treated accordingly. Meanwhile, the man is depicted as weak and foolish, allowing himself to be taken advantage of and failing to provide for his partner. This dynamic reflects societal expectations about gender roles and expectations, and can be seen as a commentary on the struggles women faced in a male-dominated society.
Line by Line Meaning
You had plenty money, Nineteen-Twenty-Two
In the year 1922, you were wealthy and had numerous assets
You let other women make a fool of you
You allowed other women to deceive and manipulate you
Why don't you do right like some other men do?
Why don't you behave honorably and responsibly like other men?
Get out of here and get me some money too
Leave and earn some money for me as well
You're sittin' down wonderin' what it's all about
You're questioning the purpose of your existence and why you're struggling financially
You ain't got no money; they will put you out
You're destitute and will be kicked out by creditors or landlords
If you had prepared twenty years ago
If you had made prudent choices and invested wisely two decades ago
You wouldn't be wanderin' now from door to door
You wouldn't be aimlessly searching for financial assistance
I fell for your jivin' and I took you in
I was deceived by your smooth talk and accepted you into my life
Now all you got to offer me's a drink of gin
Now all you have to give me is an alcoholic beverage
Why don't you do right like some other men do?
Why don't you take responsibility and act like a decent man?
Get out of here and get me some money too
Leave and find a way to earn money for me as well
Why don't you do right like some other men do
Again, why don't you behave honorably and responsibly like other men?
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: JOE MCCOY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@susan3579
You had plenty money in 1922
You let other women make a fool of you
Why don't you do right?
Like some other men do
Get out of here and get me some money, too
You're sittin' down wonderin' what it's all about
You ain't got no money that will put you out
Why don't you do right?
Like some other men do
Get out of here and get me some money, too
If you had prepared twenty years ago
You wouldn't be wanderin' now from door to door
Why don't you do right?
Like some other men do
Get out of here and get me some money, too
I fell for your jiving and I took you in
Now all you've got to offer me is a drink of gin
Why don't you do right?
Like some other men do
Get out of here and get me some money, too
Why don't you do right?
Like some other men do
Like some other men do
@puglet7
Wow.. never heard this Peggy Lee classic from Ella before . Love Ella and Pass together .
@maeenglish4609
Lil Green classic
@MrEasye6996
Ella brings such a whole new style to these covers
@terencedove5047
It upsets me that I’m just now hearing and enjoying this. This is easy on the ears, and delicious to the senses…
@chrismudd9342
Joe and Elle, one of jazz' greatest combinations!!!!
@calen27
wow!! she sang the heck out of that.
@raulsouza5866
come on, this is totally the best version of this song.
@JuanFHernandezA
I didn't know this song was from Peggy Lee :P I heard first this version from Ella's 1986 Easy Living, with some tears in my eyes, one of the last recordings she did with Joe Pass. Thank you so much for upload the song.
@SimoesSarinha
Ooounn *-* Que lindeza!
@banovicb
She is the queen!!!