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.
Don't Be That Way
Ella Fitzgerald & Louis Armstrong Lyrics
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But darling, don't be blue
Don't cry, oh honey, please
Don't be that way
Clouds in the sky
Should never make you feel that way
The rain will bring the violets of May
Don't be that way
As long as we see it through
You'll have me, I'll have you
Sweetheart, tomorrow is another day
Don't break my heart, oh honey, please
Don't be that way
Don't cry, oh honey, please
Don't be that way
Clouds in the sky
Should never make you feel that way
The rain will bring the violets of May
Tears in vain, so honey, please
Don't be that way
As long as we will see it through
You'll have me and I'll have you
Sweetheart, tomorrow is another day
Don't break my heart, oh honey, please
Don't be that way
Don't cry
(Don't cry, don't cry)
Oh honey, please
Don't be that way
(Oh honey, please)
(Don't be that way)
Clouds in the sky
(Dig those crazy sky)
Should never make you feel that way
(So don't be that way)
Dig the rain
(Pitter, pitter, pitter, pitter patter)
Bring the violets of May
(Pitter patter of the rain drops)
Tears in vain
(Tears, tears)
So honey, please
Don't be that way
(Don't be that way)
As long as we will see it through
Oh baby, you'll have me and I'll have you
Sweetheart, tomorrow is another day
(Tomorrow is another day)
Don't break my heart
Oh honey, please
Don't be that way
Look here, baby don't cry
Oh honey, please
Don't be that way
Clouds in the sky
Should never make you feel that way
Yeah, don't cry
Honey, please don't be that way
Clouds in the sky
Oh honey, please
Don't be that way
(No, I'll never be that way)
The lyrics of "Don't Be That Way" by Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong are an encouragement to someone who seems sad, anxious or upset not to remain that way or let their emotions take over. The song creates a hopeful and optimistic atmosphere by acknowledging the presence of problems and difficulties people may face but emphasizing that they will come and go, and there will be better days ahead. The artists sing about the beauty of the rain, the blossoming of flowers, and the promise of tomorrow. The central message is to avoid getting caught in negative thoughts or emotions and to trust that things will get better by staying positive.
In "Don't Be That Way," the instruments are as important as the lyrics in conveying the upbeat mood. The song steps up to a great tempo, with lively rhythms from the drums keeping the momentum and the sound simple throughout the jazz and blues. The brass instruments, including the trumpet and trombone, blend beautifully with Ella Fitzgerald's voice, adding to the energy of the song. The repeated "don't cry" refrain and the call-and-response parts between Fitzgerald and Armstrong make the song particularly memorable.
Line by Line Meaning
April skies are in your eyes
You look sad and blue
But darling, don't be blue
But don't let it get you down
Don't cry, oh honey, please
Don't shed tears for something that will pass
Don't be that way
Don't let your sadness consume you
Clouds in the sky
When the sky is gray
Should never make you feel that way
You should never feel so down because of it
The rain will bring the violets of May
The rain will bring new life and happiness
Tears are in vain, so honey, please
Crying won't change anything
As long as we see it through
If we stick together
You'll have me, I'll have you
We'll get through it together
Sweetheart, tomorrow is another day
Tomorrow is a new opportunity for happiness
Don't break my heart, oh honey, please
Don't let your sadness hurt our relationship
Don't cry
Don't cry over something that will pass
(Don't cry, don't cry)
Oh honey, please
Oh love, please
Don't be that way
Do not give in to sadness
(Don't be that way)
Dig those crazy sky
Look at those wild skies
Bring the violets of May
A sign of new beginnings
Tears, tears
Crying, crying
So honey, please
Please don't be so sad
(Don't be that way)
Oh baby, you'll have me and I'll have you
We will always have each other
Look here, baby don't cry
Hey, don't cry
(No, I'll never be that way)
Lyrics © REGENT MUSIC CORPORATION, BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: BENNY GOODMAN, EDGAR SAMPSON, MITCHELL PARISH
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@nancydrew5
All I need is some decadent chocolate, strawberries, pink Champagne, Louis and Ella and life is grand!
@cynicalgirl67
i love this song any way ella sings it, but anytime she and louis sang together, it was pure magic
@peterofenbaeck405
There are jazz singers and there was Ella. She was of another universe.
@MrMusicguyma
Heavenly singing from two of the best ever, having fun.
@stevesmith6685
They are having fun. And it is simple... because of years of practice and that they were geniuses.
@MrMusicguyma
Right on with that comment. They were two of most influential singers of the 20th century.Unlimted in their rhythmic and melodic improv skills. The fact that they were good pals and worked together is just gravy
And groovy. :)
@jody024
Such a lovely classic song.
@PUBNave
I heard this at a museum in D.C. dedicating a wall to her. I also love her from Fallout 4 :p
@evacarr
thanks for putting this up. this song makes me melt every time i hear it. :)
@thegamedudeguy
Class