Ain't Misbehavin'
Joe Williams / Count Basie Lyrics


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No one to talk with
All by myself
No one to walk with
But I'm happy on the shelf
Ain't misbehavin'
I'm savin' my love for you

I know for certain
The one I love
I'm through with flirtin'
It's just you I'm thinkin' of
Ain't misbehavin'
I'm savin' my love for you

Like Jack Horner
In the corner
Don't go nowhere
What do I care?
Your kisses are worth waitin' for
Believe me

I don't stay out late
Don't care to go
I'm home about eight
Just me and my radio
Ain't misbehavin'
I'm savin' my love for you

Like Jack Horner
In the corner
Don't go nowhere
What do I care?
Your kisses are worth waitin' for
Believe me

I don't stay out late
Don't care to go
I'm home about eight
Just me and my radio




Ain't misbehavin'
I'm savin' my love for you

Overall Meaning

The song "Ain't Misbehavin'" by Joe Williams expresses the idea of being content and happily alone, waiting for the one you love. The song narrates the story of being alone without anyone to talk to or walk with but still finding joy in oneself. Williams declares his love for someone and affirms that he is done flirting with others; his love is reserved for the one he loves. The phrase, "Ain't misbehavin'", encapsulates the idea that although there might be other opportunities, he remains faithful to his loved one, showing restraint and discipline in his behavior.


The lyrics describe Williams as a patient and faithful person who believes in the importance of waiting for the right person. He compares himself to Jack Horner, who sat alone in the corner but was ultimately rewarded. Williams' kisses are worth waiting for, and he believes that the pleasure derived from being with the one you love is greater than any other pleasure. He also indicates that he does not care about going out, choosing instead to spend his time at home with his radio, savoring his love for his significant other. These lyrics ultimately celebrate the joy and contentment that comes with being in love while prioritizing faithfulness and patience.


Line by Line Meaning

No one to talk with
I am currently alone and have no one to speak to


All by myself
I am without company


No one to walk with
I have no one to accompany me in my travels


But I'm happy on the shelf
But I am content with being alone in my own space


Ain't misbehavin'
I am not engaging in any inappropriate actions


I'm savin' my love for you
I am reserving my affection for someone special


I know for certain
I am absolutely sure


The one I love
The person who holds a special place in my heart


I'm through with flirtin'
I am done with playing around or leading people on


It's just you I'm thinkin' of
My focus is entirely on you


Like Jack Horner
Similar to Jack Horner, a character from a nursery rhyme


In the corner
Sitting alone in a specific location


Don't go nowhere
I do not plan on leaving


What do I care?
It is of no consequence to me


Your kisses are worth waitin' for
I am willing to wait for your affectionate gestures


Believe me
Trust me


I don't stay out late
I do not stay out until an unreasonable hour


Don't care to go
I have no desire to go out


I'm home about eight
I usually arrive back at my place around eight o'clock


Just me and my radio
I am alone with only my radio for entertainment


Ain't misbehavin'
I am not acting out of line or misbehaving in any way


I'm savin' my love for you
All my romantic feelings and emotions are being held for you




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Spirit Music Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Andy Razaf, Fats Waller, Harry Brooks

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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