Don't Be That Way
Louis & Ella Lyrics
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But darling, don't be blue
Don't cry, oh honey, please
Don't be that way
Clouds in the sky
Should never make you feel that way
The rain will bring the violets of May
Don't be that way
As long as we see it through
You'll have me, I'll have you
Sweetheart, tomorrow is another day
Don't break my heart, oh honey, please
Don't be that way
Don't cry, oh honey, please
Don't be that way
Clouds in the sky
Should never make you feel that way
The rain will bring the violets of May
Tears in vain, so honey, please
Don't be that way
As long as we will see it through
You'll have me and I'll have you
Sweetheart, tomorrow is another day
Don't break my heart, oh honey, please
Don't be that way
Don't cry
(Don't cry, don't cry)
Oh honey, please
Don't be that way
(Oh honey, please)
(Don't be that way)
Clouds in the sky
(Dig those crazy sky)
Should never make you feel that way
(So don't be that way)
Dig the rain
(Pitter, pitter, pitter, pitter patter)
Bring the violets of May
(Pitter patter of the rain drops)
Tears in vain
(Tears, tears)
So honey, please
Don't be that way
(Don't be that way)
As long as we will see it through
Oh baby, you'll have me and I'll have you
Sweetheart, tomorrow is another day
(Tomorrow is another day)
Don't break my heart
Oh honey, please
Don't be that way
Look here, baby don't cry
Oh honey, please
Don't be that way
Clouds in the sky
Should never make you feel that way
Yeah, don't cry
Honey, please don't be that way
Clouds in the sky
Oh honey, please
Don't be that way
(No, I'll never be that way)
"Don't Be That Way" is a classic jazz song recorded by Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald. The song starts with a description of the beloved's eyes being clouded with sorrow. The singer then reassures the beloved that the clouds in the sky, even though they might bring rain and sorrow, will eventually give way to flowers in May. She implores her lover not to cry and not to break her heart, promising to stay with her lover as long as they both see it through. The song ends with a soft, upbeat repetition of the refrain "don't be that way" as if to say, "don't worry, everything will be alright."
The song is a reflection of the genre of traditional jazz of the 1930s, filled with swinging rhythms, scat singing, and improvisation. The lyrics are poetic but simple, focusing on emotions and the simplicity of love. The song's message is one of hope and reassurance that things will get better. This simple message is repeated throughout the song, emphasizing the importance of positivity in times of struggle.
Line by Line Meaning
April skies are in your eyes
Your eyes show emotions, like the changing of the sky in April
But darling, don't be blue
Please don't be sad
Don't cry, oh honey, please
Please don't let your tears fall
Don't be that way
Don't let your sadness take over
Clouds in the sky
When the sky is cloudy
Should never make you feel that way
You shouldn't feel sad because of the clouds
The rain will bring the violets of May
Rain will bring new life and beauty
Tears are in vain, so honey, please
Your tears won't do any good, so don't cry
As long as we see it through
As long as we stick together
You'll have me, I'll have you
We'll support each other
Sweetheart, tomorrow is another day
Tomorrow is a new start, so don't worry
Don't break my heart, oh honey, please
Please don't hurt me by being sad
Don't cry
Please don't cry
(Don't cry, don't cry)
Don't let your tears fall
(Oh honey, please)
Please don't be sad
(Don't be that way)
Don't let your sadness take over
(Dig those crazy sky)
Look at the interesting sky
(Pitter, pitter, pitter, pitter patter)
The sound of the rain falling
(Pitter patter of the rain drops)
The sound of the rain falling
(Tears, tears)
Your tears
(No, I'll never be that way)
I'll never let my sadness take over
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, REGENT MUSIC CORPORATION
Written by: BENNY GOODMAN, EDGAR SAMPSON, MITCHELL PARISH
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Raul Gonzales
The way Frank says “your turn” is just so lovely. You can tell there’s genuine affection between them
nancydrew5
Ella swings so hard, she changed the rhythm of my heartbeat to 2 & 4. The docs said it's a phenomenon.
bolder2009
When this performance was filmed its incredible to think she had already clocked up 30+ years in show business. Like Sarah Vaughan, she always maintained the highest artistic and musical standard to the end.
Allie's Natural Hair Community
This is my favorite Ella Fitzgerald song...No one could sing like her...They just don't make singers like this anymore!!
jaschaheifetz
Frank really loved her. It can't get any better than that. "She was the best. Amongst all of us who sing, she was the best." -- Johnny Mathis
Kirk Barkley
And so did BILLIONS of others.
Lawrence Hill
Does anyone notice Ray Browns crazy bass line in this song! It’s what also drives this songs swing factor
Carmen Demetrio
Lawrence Hill
👍🏻👍🏻❗️
(🇨🇱-2019)
dieorangeSchnecke
I just want to say thank you for keeping this video up all these years! I never get tired of watching it and I don't know where else this footage exists.
spencer
1:13 this is the most beautiful sound ever created by a human!