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.
Give Me the Simple Life
Etta Jones Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Why mess around with strife'
I never was cut out to step and strut out
Give me the simple life
Some find it pleasant dining on pheasant
Those things roll off of my knife
Just serve me tomatoes and mashed potatoes
A cottage small is all I'm after
Not one that's spacious and wide
A house that rings with joy and laughter
And the ones you love inside
Some like the high road, I like the low road
Free from the care and strife
Sounds corny and seedy, but yes, indeed
Give me the simple life
I don't believe in frettin' and grievin'
Why mess around with strife'
I never was cut out to step and strut out
Give me the simple life
Some find it pleasant dining on pheasant
Those things roll off of my knife
Just serve me tomatoes and mashed potatoes
Give me the simple life
A cottage small is all I'm after
Not one that's spacious and wide
A house that rings with joy and laughter
And the ones you love inside
Some like the high road, I like the low road
Free from the care and strife
Sounds corny and seedy, but yes, indeed
Give me, oh, give me, oh, give me the simple life
The song "Give Me the Simple Life" by Etta Jones is an ode to a life without materialistic desires and worries. The central theme of the song is the search for happiness in the simplicity of life. The lyrics communicate that the singer values a life that is free from excess and stress, and one that is filled with joy and laughter. The opening lines state, "I don't believe in frettin' and grievin', Why mess around with strife?" This suggests that the singer thinks it is pointless to worry about things that are beyond one's control.
The second verse of the song talks about how some people find pleasure in dining on lavish meals such as pheasant, while others simply prefer a humble dish like tomatoes and mashed potatoes. The singer believes that life should not be about accumulating wealth or riches, but rather about enjoying the simple things in life. The chorus of the song reiterates the singer's desire for a small cottage, filled with people she loves, and a life that is free from cares and strife.
Overall, Etta Jones's "Give Me the Simple Life" is a song about contentment, and about finding joy in the small things in life. It urges its listeners to embrace simplicity and to find happiness in the things that truly matter.
Line by Line Meaning
I don't believe in frettin' and grievin'
I do not believe in worrying and being sorrowful.
Why mess around with strife'
What's the point in being involved with fights and disagreements.
I never was cut out to step and strut out
I prefer not to show off or flaunt myself.
Give me the simple life
I would like a life that is modest and uncomplicated.
Some find it pleasant dining on pheasant
While some people enjoy eating fancy food,
Those things roll off of my knife
I prefer simple food that can be easily eaten with my knife.
Just serve me tomatoes and mashed potatoes
Give me a plain meal, like tomatoes and mashed potatoes.
A cottage small is all I'm after
I want a small house instead of a grand one.
Not one that's spacious and wide
I do not desire a house that is large and spacious.
A house that rings with joy and laughter
I want a home that is full of happiness and laughter.
And the ones you love inside
I want the people who matter to me to be there with me.
Some like the high road, I like the low road
While some people prefer grandiose things, I prefer simple things.
Free from the care and strife
I want to be free from worries and troubles.
Sounds corny and seedy, but yes, indeed
People might think my ideas are unimaginative and unimpressive, but it's true.
Give me, oh, give me, oh, give me the simple life
I am emphasizing my desire for a life of simplicity.
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: HARRY RUBY, RUBE BLOOM
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind