Ain't Misbehavin'
Ella Fitzgerald and Count Basie Orchestra Lyrics

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No one to talk with
All by myself
No one to walk with
But I'm happy on the shelf
Ain't misbehavin'
I'm savin' my love for you

I know for certain

The one I love
I'm through with flirtin'
It's just you I'm thinkin' of
Ain't misbehavin'
I'm savin' my love for you

Like Jack Horner
In the corner
Don't go nowhere
What do I care?
Your kisses are worth waitin' for
Believe me

I don't stay out late
Don't care to go
I'm home about eight
Just me and my radio
Ain't misbehavin'
I'm savin' my love for you

Like Jack Horner
In the corner
Don't go nowhere
What do I care?
Your kisses are worth waitin' for
Believe me

I don't stay out late
Don't care to go
I'm home about eight
Just me and my radio

Ain't misbehavin'
I'm savin' my love for you

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of “Ain't Misbehavin'” are a declaration of fidelity. The singer of the song sings about being alone and enjoying it, because he is saving his love for someone special. He is perfectly content staying at home, listening to the radio, knowing that he has someone special in mind. In a way, the song is a tribute to waiting, to the kind of patience that comes with being certain about what one wants. The singer may be alone, but he is far from lonely.

The lyrics are set to a catchy melody, performed beautifully by Ella Fitzgerald & The Count Basie Orchestra. The song has become a classic of jazz music, beloved around the world. It is a timeless reminder of the beauty of fidelity and the power of waiting.

Line by Line Meaning

No one to talk with
I have no companion to talk with.

All by myself
I am alone.

No one to walk with
I am not accompanied by anyone when I go out for walks.

But I'm happy on the shelf
Even though I am alone, I am satisfied with my current state of being.

Ain't misbehavin'
I am not engaging in any mischievous or inappropriate behavior.

I'm savin' my love for you
I am reserving my romantic feelings for you.

I know for certain
I am confident and sure of this fact.

The one I love
The person I have romantic feelings for.

I'm through with flirtin'
I am no longer interested in flirting and playing with others' affections.

It's just you I'm thinkin' of
You are the only person I am thinking about in a romantic way.

Like Jack Horner
Similar to Jack Horner, who was known for sitting in a corner.

In the corner
In a secluded spot away from others.

Don't go nowhere
I am content with staying where I am.

What do I care?
I am not concerned with other people's opinions or actions.

Your kisses are worth waitin' for
I am willing to wait for your affection because it is valuable to me.

Believe me
Trust my words to be true.

I don't stay out late
I am not a late-night person.

Don't care to go
I have no desire or interest in going out at night.

I'm home about eight
I usually return home around 8 pm.

Just me and my radio
I am content with listening to the radio by myself.

Ain't misbehavin'
I am not engaging in any mischievous or inappropriate behavior.

I'm savin' my love for you
I am reserving my romantic feelings for you.

Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC , Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: ANDY RAZAF, FATS WALLER, HARRY BROOKS

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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