Don't Be That Way
Louis & Ella Lyrics


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April skies are in your eyes
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
Tears are in vain, so honey, please
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)

Overall Meaning

"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
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Comments from YouTube:

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!

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