Ella Fitzgerald (April 25, 1917 – June 15, 1996), also known as "Lady Ella"… Read Full Bio ↴Ella Fitzgerald (April 25, 1917 – June 15, 1996), also known as "Lady Ella", and the "First Lady of Song", was an American jazz vocalist.

Louis Armstrong (1901 - 1971) was a trumpet player, singer, and bandleader, and is widely regarded as one of the most influential artists in the history of jazz.

Back O'Town Blues
Ella Fitzgerald & Louis Armstrong Lyrics

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I had a woman
Livin' way back o' town
Yeah she treated me right
Never let me down
But I wasn't satisfied
I had to run around

Now she's gone and left me

I'm worried as can be
Oh I've searched this world all over
Wonderin' where she could be
I would ask that she forgive me
And maybe she'll come back to me

(But I doubt it)
I'm lonesome an blue
And I've learned a thing or two
Oh fellas here's a tip
I'm gonna pass on down to you

Never mistreat your woman
Cause it's gonna bounce right back on you

Overall Meaning

In Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong's song "Back O'Town Blues," the lyrics tell a tale of regret and longing for a lost love. The singer reflects on his past relationship, vividly describing a woman he had in his life who treated him well. However, he admits to not being satisfied with her love and deciding to seek satisfaction elsewhere, ultimately leading to their separation. Now alone and filled with worry, the singer has traveled the world in search of his lost love, pondering where she could be.

The remorseful tone in the lyrics is evident as the singer expresses his desire for forgiveness, hoping that his former partner will come back to him. However, he concedes that it is doubtful that she will return. The song concludes with a valuable lesson, as the singer advises his male listeners to never mistreat their women, for the consequences will inevitably come back to haunt them.

Overall, the lyrics of "Back O'Town Blues" convey the regret and realization that comes from the loss of a good love, emphasizing the importance of treating one's partner with respect and appreciation.

Line by Line Meaning

I had a woman
There was a woman in my life

Livin' way back o' town
She lived in a distant part of the city

Yeah she treated me right
She always treated me well

Never let me down
She never disappointed me

But I wasn't satisfied
But I wasn't content

I had to run around
I felt the need to be unfaithful

Now she's gone and left me
Now she has departed from my life

I'm worried as can be
I am extremely anxious

Oh I've searched this world all over
I have traveled extensively trying to find her

Wonderin' where she could be
Curious about her whereabouts

I would ask that she forgive me
I would plead for her forgiveness