After You
Kermit Ruffins Lyrics
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How could you tell me that you're goin' away?
Don't say that we must part,
Don't break your baby's heart
You know I've loved you for these many years,
Loved you night and day,
Oh! honey baby, can't you see my tears?
After you've gone and left me cryin'
After you've gone there's no denyin'
You'll feel blue, you'll feel sad
You'll miss the dearest pal you've ever had
There'll come a time, now don't forget it
There'll come a time when you'll regret it
Someday, when you grow lonely
Your heart will break like mine and you'll want me only
After you've gone, after you've gone away
After you've gone and left me cryin'
After you've gone there's no denyin'
You're gonna feel blue, and you're gonna feel sad
You're gonna feel bad
And you'll miss, and you'll miss,
And you'll miss the bestest pal you ever had
There'll come a time, now don't forget it
There'll come a time when you'll regret it
But baby, think what you're doin'
I'm gonna haunt you so, I'm gonna taunt you so
It's gonna drive you to ruin
After you've gone, after you've gone away.
The lyrics to "After You've Gone" explore the emotions of heartbreak and regret. The first stanza expresses the singer's disbelief and sadness at being left by their loved one. They plead with their partner to stay and not break their heart. The second stanza reflects on the deep love and commitment the singer had for their partner, and warns them that they will ultimately regret leaving. The chorus repeats the idea that the person who left will eventually feel the weight of their decision and long for the companionship they once had. The final stanza emphasizes the singer's determination to haunt and taunt their former partner, as they too will be plagued with the pain of separation.
The lyrics are deeply emotional, and the song itself is often played as a melancholy jazz standard. The repetition of the chorus and the use of rhyming couplets gives the song a sing-song quality that contrasts with the tearful lyrics. The combination of upbeat music and sad lyrics creates a sense of bittersweet nostalgia, as listeners reflect on lost love and missed opportunities.
Interestingly, the origins of the song are somewhat disputed. Some sources credit composer Turner Layton with the original lyrics, while others suggest that the song was actually written by singer Bessie Smith. The song has been covered by a variety of artists in many different genres, including Louis Armstrong, Chet Baker, and Judy Garland. It has also been featured in several films and television shows, including "Penny Dreadful" and "Boardwalk Empire."
Line by Line Meaning
Now won't you listen honey, while I say,
Listen to me carefully, my dear
How could you tell me that you're goin' away?
I can't believe you told me you're leaving
Don't say that we must part,
Please don't say we have to break up
Don't break your baby's heart
Don't hurt me, your lover
You know I've loved you for these many years,
I have loved you for a long time
Loved you night and day,
I love you every moment
Oh! honey baby, can't you see my tears?
I am crying, can't you see?
Listen while I say
Pay attention to what I'm saying
After you've gone and left me cryin'
Once you've left me behind and I'm in tears
After you've gone there's no denyin'
You won't be able to deny what happened
You'll feel blue, you'll feel sad
You will feel down and unhappy
You'll miss the dearest pal you've ever had
You'll miss me, your closest friend
There'll come a time, now don't forget it
You will realize this at some point
There'll come a time when you'll regret it
You will feel remorseful for leaving
Someday, when you grow lonely
When you feel isolated and alone
Your heart will break like mine and you'll want me only
Your heart will shatter, and you'll want only me
You're gonna feel bad
You'll feel guilty
And you'll miss, and you'll miss,
You'll long for
And you'll miss the bestest pal you ever had
You'll miss me, the best friend you ever had
But baby, think what you're doin'
Please consider what you are doing
I'm gonna haunt you so, I'm gonna taunt you so
I will stay with you and make you regret your actions
It's gonna drive you to ruin
It will destroy you
After you've gone, after you've gone away.
After you've left me behind and moved on.
Lyrics © DistroKid, BMG Rights Management
Written by: Henry Creamer, Turner Layton, Ray Sherman
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@wortham1997
My son passed away in new orleans on October. 28, 2013 he was a drummer there mostly on Frenchman. His dad,brother and sister went to get him and his belongings. We had a celebration of life for him here in Yuma,,az. We played this song for him. Even in the midst of grief when the music started I had to get up and move around in the crowd and got people to clap but only got my niece to get up with me. I knew it was what my son would want.
@eloquenthillbilly
Sorry for your loss from a fellow NOLA transplant when I die I want a new orleans parade no crying life is to short for that
@wortham1997
yes u are so right
@drhambone1598
Connie Wortham-Beshears my deepest condolences on your loss
@1camera2men
Your sonTyler was a fine young man. Hell of a drum player. I know he was smiling at you doing your two person second line for him!
@iayyam
Connie Wortham-Beshears so sorry to hear of your son's homegoing. Peace and blessings to you.
@marieannedantonio-hunt2120
8 dislikes?! Them folks probably clap on the 1 and the 3, too.
@3Nails1Cross4Given
+Marieanne D'Antonio-Hunt As a worship band musician clapping on 1 and 3 happens all the time in church. DRIVES ME CRAZY!!!!
@Steen020-
+Marieanne D'Antonio-Hunt Whohahahaaa!
@Sweetswagga93
+Marieanne D'Antonio-Hunt clap on 1 and 3 im weak!!!