Undecided
Ella Fitzgerald and Chick Webb Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

First you say you do
And then you don't
And then you say you will
And then you won't
You're undecided now
So what are you gonna do?
Now you want to play
And then it's no

And when you say you'll stay

That's when you go
You're undecided now
So what are you gonna do?
I've been sitting on a fence
And it doesn't make much sense
'Cause you keep me in suspense
And you know it
Then you promise to return
When you don't
I really burn
Well, I guess I'll never learn

And I show it
If you've got a heart
And if you're kind
Then don't keep us apart
Make up your mind

You're undecided now
So what are you gonna do?

Overall Meaning

The song "Undecided" by Ella Fitzgerald and Chick Webb explores the frustration and confusion that arises when someone is unable to make a decision in a romantic relationship. The lyrics speak of the hot and cold behavior of a lover who can't seem to commit, leaving the singer feeling stuck in a state of limbo. The repeated refrain of "You're undecided now, so what are you gonna do?" highlights the sense of urgency and the desire for resolution that the singer is feeling.

The lyrics convey a sense of helplessness and frustration as the singer is torn between feelings of love and the uncertainty caused by the indecisiveness of her lover. The second verse reveals that the singer has been waiting for her lover's decision for some time, and the waiting has caused her a great deal of emotional pain. Still, the singer remains hopeful that her lover will come back to her, only to be let down again when the promise is broken.

Overall, the song captures the complexities of human emotions and relationships, highlighting the pain and confusion that often accompany the uncertainty of being "undecided."

Line by Line Meaning

First you say you do
At first, you tell me that you will do something

And then you don't
Afterwards, you change your mind and decide not to do it

And then you say you will
Then, you change your mind again and promise to do it

And then you won't
And shortly after, you go back on your word and decide not to do it

You're undecided now
You are uncertain about what to do

So what are you gonna do?
What decision are you going to make?

Now you want to play
You seem to be playing games with me

And then it's no
You suddenly change your mind and say no

And when you say you'll stay
Even when you say you will stay

That's when you go
You still end up leaving

I've been sitting on a fence
I have been stuck in the middle of this situation

And it doesn't make much sense
It's hard to understand what you want

'Cause you keep me in suspense
Because you keep me uncertain and unsure

And you know it
You are fully aware of how your actions are affecting me

Then you promise to return
At one point, you promise to come back

When you don't
But you end up not keeping your promise

I really burn
I feel hurt and angry

Well, I guess I'll never learn
I don't seem to be able to avoid getting hurt by you

And I show it
I am clearly expressing my emotions

If you've got a heart
If you have any empathy

And if you're kind
And if you are a considerate person

Then don't keep us apart
Please don't keep us from being together

Make up your mind
Decide one way or the other

You're undecided now
You are still not sure what to do

So what are you gonna do?
Now, what decision are you going to make?

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Charles Shavers, Sydney Robin, Zbigniew Jacek Namyslowski

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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Lyrics:

First, you say, you do
And then you don't
And then you say, you will
And then you won't

You're undecided now
So what are you gonna do?

Now you want to play
And then it's no
And when you say, you'll stay
That's when you go

You're undecided now
So what are you gonna do?

I've been sitting on a fence
And it doesn't make much sense
'Cause you keep me in suspense
And you know it

Then you promise to return
When you don't, I really burn
Well, I guess, I'll never learn
And I show it

If you've got a heart
And if you're kind
Then don't keep us apart
Make up your mind

You're undecided now
So what are you gonna do?

(Interlude)

I've been sitting on a fence
And it doesn't make much sense
'Cause you keep me in suspense
And you know it

Then you promise to return
When you don't, I really burn
Well, I guess, I'll never learn
And I show it

If you've got a heart
And if you're kind
Then don't keep us apart
Make up your mind

You're undecided now
So what are you gonna do?

Now if you don't love me
I wish you'd say so
I love you so much honey
I just got to know

I'm just a fool for you
What are you gonna do