I Want a Little Girl
Lester Young Lyrics


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I want a little girl, call my own.
She must be someone who's all alone now.
Say, I want a little girl to fall in love with me, oh yeah.

I want a little girl, but she may not look
Just like a picture in a story book.
If she can cook chicken, yeah, she'll suit me to a T.
And she don't have to wave her hair
Or even wear fancy clothes, I wouldn't even care.
She don't wear nylon hose, oh.

I want a little girl to love a lot.




You know that I'd give her everything I got.
I want a little girl to fall in love with me.

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Lester Young's song 'I Want a Little Girl' express the desire for companionship and love. He describes wanting a girl who is alone and who he can fall in love with. This girl does not have to conform to society's standards of beauty and can be someone who can cook. He emphasizes that physical appearance and clothing do not matter to him, highlighting that he is looking for something deeper than just a physical connection. He desires a true connection, one where he can give everything that he has and where she will love him back just as much. Overall, these lyrics portray a longing for genuine companionship and love that goes beyond superficial appearances.


One interesting fact about the song is that it was written by Billy Moll and Murray Mencher in 1934, originally as a slow, sentimental ballad. Later on, it was re-arranged by jazz musicians and adapted into the upbeat and swingy tune that is commonly known today. The song has been covered by numerous musicians in various styles ranging from jazz to blues to R&B. In addition, the song's title and lyrics have been used as inspiration for other songs and works of art over the years.


Another fun fact is that the song was famously performed by Louis Armstrong, who played the trumpet on Young's original recording of the song. Armstrong's version became a hit in the 1950s and helped popularize the song among a larger audience. Other notable covers of the song include those by B.B. King and Ray Charles.


As for the chords of the song, they vary depending on the arrangement and style of the performance. In jazz, the song is commonly played in the key of C or Bb, with chords like C, E7, A7, and Dm7. However, it can be adapted to fit different keys and styles as needed.


Overall, 'I Want a Little Girl' is a classic jazz song that has been loved and performed by many musicians over the years. Its lyrics express a desire for love and companionship that transcends appearance and superficial elements, making it a timeless and relatable tune for all ages.


Line by Line Meaning

I want a little girl, call my own.
I desire a female companion to be mine exclusively.


She must be someone who's all alone now.
I prefer a girl who currently has no significant other.


Say, I want a little girl to fall in love with me, oh yeah.
I desire the little girl to develop a romantic connection with me.


I want a little girl, but she may not look
I am open to the possibility of the girl not meeting customary beauty standards.


Just like a picture in a story book.
I don't expect my girl to be like the ones in fairy tales or children's books.


If she can cook chicken, yeah, she'll suit me to a T.
My ideal girl should possess culinary skills and be able to cook chicken precisely.


And she don't have to wave her hair
I do not care for my girl to stylize her hair.


Or even wear fancy clothes, I wouldn't even care.
I have no preferences as to the design or quality of clothes my girl wears.


She don't wear nylon hose, oh.
I am indifferent to whether my girl wears nylon stockings or not.


I want a little girl to love a lot.
I intend to love this girl very deeply.


You know that I'd give her everything I got.
I am ready to offer my all to my girl unconditionally.


I want a little girl to fall in love with me.
I seek love and affection from the little girl I cherish.




Lyrics © SHAPIRO BERNSTEIN & CO. INC.
Written by: MOLL BILLY, MURRAY MENCHER

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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