His build earned him a nickname and a signature song, "Mr. Five by Five" ("he's five feet tall and he's five feet wide"). His best known recordings are probably those of "Going to Chicago" with Basie and "Harvard Blues" with the famous saxophone solo by Don Byas. George Frazier, author of "Harvard Blues", called Rushing's distinctive voice, "a magnificent gargle".
He died of leukemia in 1972 in New York City.
Gee Baby Ain't I Good to You
Jimmy Rushing Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Gee, baby, ain't I good to you?
There's nothing in this world too good
For a girl so good and true
Gee, baby, ain't I good to you?
Bought you a fur coat for Christmas
A diamond ring
What makes me treat you the way that I do?
Gee, baby, ain't I good to you?
Bought you a fur coat for Christmas
A diamond ring
A big Cadillac car and everything
What makes me treat you the way that I do?
Gee
Baby, ain't I good, to you?
In this song, Jimmy Rushing is singing to his lover about all the things he has done for her, including buying her a fur coat for Christmas, a diamond ring, and even a big Cadillac car. He questions what makes him treat her so well and asks if she recognizes how good he is to her. He emphasizes that there is nothing in the world too good for a person who is good and true, meaning that he feels she is deserving of all these gifts because of her positive qualities.
However, Rushing also reveals that his love for his partner is the driving force behind his actions. He seems to believe that the measure of his love for her can be seen in how well he treats her. By constantly reminding her of what he has done for her, he solidifies his dedication to her and his commitment to maintaining their relationship.
What sets this song apart is its smooth and sultry melody. Its jazzy flair adds to the romantic and seductive undertones of the lyrics. Rushing's soulful voice is the perfect vessel for conveying the depth of emotion behind the lyrics. Overall, this song is a timeless classic that highlights the importance of love and the lengths it can drive people to go for their partners.
Line by Line Meaning
What makes me treat you the way I do
The reason behind my actions towards you
Gee, Baby ain't I good to you
I am treating you well, aren't I?
There's nothing in the world
There isn't anything that can compare
Too good for a girl that's good and true
You deserve the best, as a loyal and honest person
Gee, Baby ain't I good to you
Once again, I am treating you well, aren't I?
Bought you a fur coat for Christmas
I got you a luxurious present for Christmas
A diamond ring
I also got you a valuable diamond ring
A big Cadillac car
I even got you a large and expensive car
And everything
I put a lot of thought and effort into treating you well
It's love that makes me treat you the way I do
My love for you motivates me to treat you in a kind and generous way
Gee, Baby ain't I good to you
Once again, I am treating you well, aren't I?
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
@gynack
+rujazzka02
A great singer hardly had proper recognition, and now largely forgotten. A unique sound to his voice and that effortless swing. I was lucky enough to see him with the Basie band in the early 60's. The band was pretty lack lustre until he came on and started singing, and then they just started swinging with him. A remarkable transformation, and a great second half to the concert.
@auroradarienzo
<3