Don't Worry About Me
Ella Fitzgerald & Louis Armstrong Lyrics


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Don't worry 'bout me
I'll get along
Forget about me
Be happy, my love

Let's say that our little show is over
And so the story ends
Why not call it a day the sensible way
And still be friends

Look out for yourself
So the ways be the rule
Give your heart and your love to whom ever you love
Don't you be a fool

Darlin', why stop to cling to some fading thing
That used to be?
If you can't forget
Don't you worry 'bout me

Baby, why should you cling to some fading thing
That used to be?




If you can't forget
Don't you worry 'bout me

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Ella Fitzgerald's "Don't Worry About Me" are a form of reassurance to someone who is worried about leaving her or moving on. The song has an air of finality, perhaps marking the end of a relationship or the end of a chapter in the relationship. The singer is telling her partner not to worry about her because she'll get along just fine, and to move forward and be happy. She implores her partner to look out for herself and not to cling to the past, which is fading away.


The lyrics also suggest that the singer has come to terms with the end of the relationship and is ready to move on. She advises her partner to do the same and not waste time thinking about the past. The overall message of the song is one of acceptance and positivity, urging the listener to embrace change and move on with life.


As for the history of the song, "Don't Worry About Me" was written by Rube Bloom and Ted Koehler in 1938. The song was first recorded by Frances Langford, but it is most closely associated with Ella Fitzgerald, who recorded it in 1961.


Line by Line Meaning

Don't worry 'bout me
Don't concern yourself with my well-being


I'll get along
I'll manage fine on my own


Forget about me
Stop dwelling on me


Be happy, my love
Find joy in your life, my dear


Let's say that our little show is over
Let us imagine that our relationship has come to an end


And so the story ends
Our time together comes to a close


Why not call it a day the sensible way
It's wise to end things amicably


And still be friends
We can remain friendly despite the breakup


Look out for yourself
Take care of your own needs


So the ways be the rule
Follow the norms and expectations of society


Give your heart and your love to whom ever you love
Love who you want to love


Don't you be a fool
Make smart choices


Darlin', why stop to cling to some fading thing
My dear, why hold on to something that's no longer there


That used to be?
That is now in the past?


If you can't forget
If you are unable to move on


Don't you worry 'bout me
Don't let me be a concern for you


Baby, why should you cling to some fading thing
My dear, why hold on to something that's no longer there




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, O/B/O DistroKid, Sentric Music, Reservoir Media Management, Inc., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Rube Bloom, Ted Koehler

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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