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.
My Sweet Hunk O'trash
Ella Fitzgerald & Louis Armstrong Lyrics
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Ain't got that glamour touch
You're trifling lazy
Ain't worth a cigarette ash
Look out here mamma
Look out here
You carry me too fast
You're just my good for nothin'
My sweet hunk o' trash
(My, my how you sound)
You're very short on looks
(Yeah, yeah, yeah)
Dumb, when it comes to books
(Look out, baby, watch it, honey)
And you stay full of corn just like succotash
(What you want me to do in my idle moments)
You're just a good for nothin'
But my sweet hunk o' trash
(Let me get a word in there honey, you running your mouth)
You said I've worried you for years
I'm just a barfly moochin' beers
While you sweat over a hot stove slinging hash
(Work my fingers right down to the elbows)
Yes I may be good for nothin'
But I'm still your sweet hunk o' trash
(First to admit it baby)
You said I spread my love all around
And with the chicks all over town
But, how can I when you keep me broke?
So I can't spend no cash
Yes I may be good for nothin'
But I'm still your sweet hunk o' trash
Listen here pops
You know you lie about your youth
(I don't lie baby)
I'm just careless with the truth, that's all
(How careless can you be)
Oh, no
With all your chicks
You try to make a flash
(Now baby, it ain't like that, no)
But you're still my good for nothin'
My sweet hunk o' trash
Now when you stay out very late
It sure makes me mad to wait
(How come, baby)
'Cause, you come home too tired
To raise just one eyelash
(Watch it baby, watch it)
You're just good for nothin'
But you're my sweet hunk o' trash
(Yes indeed)
In Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong's song "My Sweet Hunk of Trash," the lyrics describe a relationship where the man is seen as lazy and worthless. Despite his flaws, the woman singing still loves him for who he is. The opening lines of "You don't act up too much, Ain't got that glamour touch" suggest that the man is not flashy or showy; he's a simple guy. However, the line "You're just my good for nothin', my sweet hunk o' trash" shows that his laziness and lack of motivation do not diminish the woman's affection for him.
As the song continues, the woman acknowledges that the man is not conventionally attractive or bright ("You're very short on looks, Dumb, when it comes to books"), but she still loves him even though he's "just a good for nothin'". The line "But I'm still your sweet hunk o' trash" reiterates that despite his flaws, he is her "sweet" and "hunk" of loveable "trash." The song finishes with a playful back-and-forth between the two singers that further highlights their affection for each other despite their imperfections.
Overall, the song is a lighthearted tribute to a relationship that may not make sense to outsiders, but means everything to the couple involved.
Line by Line Meaning
You don't act up too much
You don't cause trouble often
Ain't got that glamour touch
You don't have a flashy appearance or style
You're trifling lazy
You're quite lazy
Ain't worth a cigarette ash
You're completely worthless
Look out here mamma
Be careful, dear
Look out here
Be careful
You carry me too fast
You're moving too quickly ahead of me
Watch it, baby
Be careful, dear
You're just my good for nothin'
You're someone who doesn't have much value
My sweet hunk o' trash
But I still love you even though you're worthless
You're very short on looks
You're not very attractive
Dumb, when it comes to books
You're not very smart or educated
And you stay full of corn just like succotash
You're constantly saying or doing things that are dull or uninteresting
You're just a good for nothin'
You're still someone who doesn't have much value
But my sweet hunk o' trash
But I still love you even though you're worthless
You said I've worried you for years
You said that I've caused you a lot of worry and anxiety over the years
I'm just a barfly moochin' beers
I'm someone who spends a lot of time in bars and depends on others for free drinks
While you sweat over a hot stove slinging hash
While you work hard cooking in the kitchen
Yes I may be good for nothin'
I'm someone who doesn't have much value
But I'm still your sweet hunk o' trash
But you still love me even though I'm worthless
You said I spread my love all around
You accused me of cheating on you with many different women
And with the chicks all over town
And with all the women around town
But, how can I when you keep me broke?
But how can I afford to cheat on you when you don't give me any money?
So I can't spend no cash
So I have no money to spend
Listen here pops
Listen to me, dear
You know you lie about your youth
You know you're not being truthful about your age
I'm just careless with the truth, that's all
I'm not being deceitful on purpose, I just don't always pay attention to details
With all your chicks
With all the other women you spend time with
You try to make a flash
You try to show off or impress others
But you're still my good for nothin'
But you're still not someone who has much value
My sweet hunk o' trash
But I still love you even though you're worthless
Now when you stay out very late
Now when you come home very late
It sure makes me mad to wait
It makes me very angry to have to wait for you
'Cause, you come home too tired
Because you come home completely exhausted
To raise just one eyelash
You can't even open your eyes very much
You're just good for nothin'
You're still someone who doesn't have much value
But you're my sweet hunk o' trash
But I still love you even though you're worthless
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: FLOURNOY E MILLER, JAMES P. JOHNSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@gusvespa
you are correct.
bernie privin - trumpet
sid cooper, johnny mince - alto saxes
art drellinger, pat nizza - tenor saxes
billy kyle - piano
everett barksdale - guitar
joe benjamin - bass
jimmy crawford - drums
sy oliver - director/arranger
recorded on 30 september 1949 at decca’s new york studios,
50 west 57th street.
milt gabler producer.
it was released on 7 november, 1949
@62chucky
One of my favorite RARE duets. Two legendary, classic artist together....the BEST.
@willardhoward5141
"I don't lie. I'm just careless with the truth." What a line! And what a treat to hear these two giants together!
@rorycastillo8015
And come home FULL of CORN you kno he's drunk
@karenemerson4603
This song and their voices, Perfect.
From the first note to the last.
@thatoneguy3112
My favorite duet of all time.
@IgnatiusJReilly1
iconic, under-appreciated gem. almost hope it stays that way.
@michaeljamesleslie
"Cause you come too tired to raise just one eyelash" Fabulous
@feckyoo2
Beautiful. Loved this since the first time it. How careless can you be?
@jasonpatten9159
I LOVE hearing National treasure Louis Armstrong say "Fuck 'em baby" after Billie Holiday sings "When you stay out very late it makes me mad to wait"...
@angellee3441
One of my favorites it's so beautiful.