I Got It Bad
Harry Allen Quintet Lyrics


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Though folks with good intentions
Tell me to save my tears
Well I'm so mad about him
I can't live without him

Never treats me sweet and gentle
The way he should
I've got it bad
And that ain't good

My poor heart is so sentimental
Not made of wood
I've got it so bad
And that ain't good

But when the fish are jumpin'
And Friday rolls around
My man an' I, we gin some
We pray some, and sin some

He don't love me like I love him
The way he should
I've got it bad
And that ain't good




Yes I've got it bad
And that ain't good

Overall Meaning

In these lyrics, the singer is expressing her deep love and devotion for a man who doesn't treat her well. She acknowledges that those around her may advise her to move on and not waste her tears, but she is unable to let go of her feelings for him. Despite his lack of sweetness and gentleness towards her, she is sentimental at heart and can't help but love him. The lyrics also hint at a tumultuous relationship, with references to both prayer and sinning. The final repetition of "I've got it bad and that ain't good" emphasizes the singer's feeling of being trapped in her unrequited love.


Line by Line Meaning

Though folks with good intentions Tell me to save my tears
Although people advise me not to cry, with good intentions.


Well I'm so mad about him I can't live without him
I have this strong attachment towards him, that life without him seems impossible.


Never treats me sweet and gentle The way he should
He does not treat me kindly enough, like any true love would.


I've got it bad And that ain't good
The extent of my affection is so much that it has become a burden, and that is not good.


My poor heart is so sentimental Not made of wood
My heart is too sensitive and human, and not heartless like wood.


I've got it so bad And that ain't good
The intensity of my feelings is causing me distress, and that's not good.


But when the fish are jumpin' And Friday rolls around My man an' I, we gin some We pray some, and sin some
On weekends, my lover and I get together, drink, pray and sometimes commit sinful acts.


He don't love me like I love him The way he should
He does not love me the way I wish him to, like a good lover should.


I've got it bad And that ain't good
My love has become a burden, and it is not good.


Yes I've got it bad And that ain't good
I am in too deep and cannot control the intensity of my feelings, which is not good for me.




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Universal Music Publishing Group, GUY WEBSTER/WEBSTER MUSIC
Written by: DUKE ELLINGTON, PAUL WEBSTER

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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