She is noted for her elegant interpretations of standards, ballads, and blues. Her characteristic inflections have sometimes prompted comparisons to stylistic devices employed by Billie Holiday and Ella Fitzgerald. Jones' recordings, particularly her debut record (Don't Go To Strangers, 1960), have earned wide admiration in a new generation of listeners.
She had three Grammy nominations, for the Don't Go to Strangers LP in 1960, Save Your Love for Me in 1981, and My Buddy in 1999.
Jones had a musical partnership of more than thirty years with tenor sax player Houston Person, who received equal billing with her. He also produced her albums and served as her manager.
Jones was born in Aiken, South Carolina, and raised in Harlem. She died at the age of 72 from cancer. She was survived by her husband, John Medlock, and a granddaughter.
Gee Baby Ain't I Good to You
Etta Jones Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Gee, baby ain't I good to you
There's nothing in the world
Too good for a girl that's good and true
Gee, baby ain't I good to you
Bought you a fur coat for Christmas
A diamond ring
A big Cadillac car
It's love that makes me treat you the way I do
Gee, baby ain't I good to you
What makes me treat you the way I do
Gee, baby ain't I good to you
There's nothing in the world
Too good for a guy that's good and true
Gee, baby ain't I good to you
Fur coat for Christmas
A diamond ring
A big Cadillac car
And everything
There's nothing in the world that I wouldn't do
Gee, baby ain't I good to you
What makes me treat you the way I do
Gee, baby ain't I good to you
There's nothing in the world
Too good for a girl that's good and true
Gee, baby ain't I good to you
Fur coat for Christmas
A diamond ring
Big Cadillac car
and everything
It's love that makes me treat you the way that I do
Gee, baby ain't I good to you
Gee, baby ain't I good to you
In "Gee Baby Ain't I Good To You," Etta Jones is expressing her love and devotion to her partner. The lyrics suggest that she spoils her lover with material possessions, such as a fur coat, diamond ring, and a big Cadillac car. Jones repeatedly asks her partner if she is good to him, implying that she is doing everything in her power to make him happy. The song's chorus emphasizes her loyalty, stating that there is nothing too good for someone who is good and true.
The lyrics can be interpreted as a reflection of the societal expectations of a relationship in the 1940s and 1950s when the song was first popular. The male partner is portrayed as the provider, while the female partner is expected to provide emotional support and show her gratitude through material possessions. However, Jones' powerful vocal performance adds a layer of complexity to the song's meaning. Her voice expresses a sense of vulnerability and autonomy, suggesting that she is not simply fulfilling societal expectations but is choosing to shower her partner with love and devotion.
Overall, "Gee Baby Ain't I Good To You" is a classic blues and jazz song that speaks to the complexity of love and the sacrifices one makes in the name of devotion.
Line by Line Meaning
What makes me treat you the way I do
I am constantly in awe of my own generosity and kindness towards you.
Gee, baby ain't I good to you
I am amazed by the extent of my own goodness and how much I lavish upon you.
There's nothing in the world
I truly believe there is nothing in this world that I wouldn't do for you.
Too good for a girl that's good and true
I firmly believe that you are such an amazing person that you deserve nothing but the best.
Bought you a fur coat for Christmas
I gave you a luxurious gift for the holiday season, indicating how much you mean to me.
A diamond ring
I gifted you a precious piece of jewelry, symbolizing my undying love and commitment to you.
A big Cadillac car
I provided you with a luxurious vehicle befitting your status and deserving of your elegance.
And everything
I try to provide you with everything your heart desires, understanding that you deserve nothing but the best.
It's love that makes me treat you the way I do
All my actions are driven by the intense love, affection and care that I have for you.
Gee, baby ain't I good to you
I truly believe that I am one of the best things that ever happened to you, and I always strive to keep you happy.
Lyrics © Kanjian Music, BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Andy Razaf, Don Redman
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind