Helen Humes (June 23, 1913 - September 9, 1981) was an American jazz and bl… Read Full Bio ↴Helen Humes (June 23, 1913 - September 9, 1981) was an American jazz and blues singer. Helen was born in Louisville, Kentucky.

She moved to New York and became a recording vocalist with Harry James big band in 1937.

Her swing recordings with Harry James included "Jubilee", "I Can Dream Can't I", "That's The Dreamer In Me" and "Song Of The Wanderer".

Helen Humes became one of the vocalists with Count Basie's band in the late 1930s.

Her vocals with Basie's band included "Between The Devil And The Deep Blue Sea".

During the 1940s and 1950s Helen Humes became a solo performer and worked with different bands and other vocalists including Nat King Cole.

In 1950 Humes recorded Benny Carter's "Rock Me to Sleep". She managed to bridge the gap between big band jazz swing and rhythm and blues.

She moved to Hawaii and later to Australia.

Helen Humes died in Santa Monica, California.

Retrieved from "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Helen_Humes"

Don't Worry 'Bout Me
Helen Humes Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Don't worry 'bout me
I'll get along
Forget about me
Just be happy my love

Let's say that our little show is over
And so the story ends
Why not call it a day the sensible way

And still be friends

Look out for yourself
That should be the rule
Give your heart and your love
To whomever you love
Darlin' don't be a fool

Why do we cling to this old faded thing
That used to be
So if you can forget
Then don't worry 'bout me

Why should we cling to some old faded thing
That used to be

So if you can forget
Then you don't worry 'bout me

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Helen Humes's song 'Don't Worry 'Bout Me' suggest a break-up between two lovers, with the singer showing acceptance and understanding of the decision. The lines "Don't worry 'bout me, I'll get along" and "Forget about me, just be happy my love" indicate that she is trying to reassure her lover that she will be okay without them and that she wants them to be happy, even without her presence.

The singer suggests that it is best to end things amicably and move on rather than hold on to something that is no longer there. She says "Let's say that our little show is over, And so the story ends, Why not call it a day the sensible way, And still be friends" to imply that they should end things in a mature way and not let the break-up ruin their friendship.

In the latter half of the song, the singer advises her lover to "Look out for yourself" and not be a "fool" by holding on to something that is no longer working. She suggests they should give their love to someone who reciprocates it and not waste their time holding on to an old relationship. The lines "Why do we cling to this old faded thing, That used to be, So if you can forget, Then don't worry 'bout me" summarize the message of the entire song - it's time to move on and forget about the past.

Line by Line Meaning

Don't worry 'bout me
Please don't concern yourself with my well-being

I'll get along
I will be okay on my own

Forget about me
Don't trouble yourself with thoughts of me

Just be happy my love
Focus on your own happiness, my dear

Let's say that our little show is over
Let's pretend our relationship has come to an end

And so the story ends
Our story has concluded

Why not call it a day the sensible way
Let's end things logically and practically

And still be friends
And remain on friendly terms

Look out for yourself
Take care of your own needs and interests

That should be the rule
It's important to prioritize your own well-being

Give your heart and your love
Devote your heart and love