Bill Bailey
Louis Armstrong & The Dukes of Dixieland Lyrics
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I've moaned the whole night long
I'll do the cookin', honey, I'll pay the rent
I know I done you wrong
You remember that rainy evenin'
I threw you out....with nothin' but a fine tooth comb
Ya, I know I'm to blame, now... ain't it a shame
(instrumental break)
Won't you come home, bill bailey, won't you come on home
I've moaned that whole day long
I'll do all the cookin' honey, I'll even pay the rent
I know, that I have done you, oh so, wrong
You remember that rainy evenin'
I throwed you out, with nothin but a fine tooth comb
I know I'm to blame, now... ain't it a shame
So baby, won't you please come
I said now, won't you please come
Bill bailey, won't you please.... come on home
The song "Bill Bailey" by Louis Armstrong is a classic lamentation of a woman who has lost her man, essentially begging him to come back home. The song is structured around the idea that the woman has done something wrong and has thrown out her man, leaving him with nothing but a fine-tooth comb. As the song begins, the woman is pleading with Bill Bailey to come back home. She says that she will do everything from cooking for him to paying the rent, just to have him back home.
Louis Armstrong's version of this song was recorded in 1959 and features his signature growling vocals and trumpet solos. The song itself dates all the way back to 1902, when it was originally written by Hughie Cannon. Despite its age, this song is still incredibly popular today and is recognized as one of the quintessential tunes of early jazz. The song has a catchy melody and a simple, easy-to-sing-along-with chorus, which are two of the reasons why it has remained popular for over a century. The lyrics of the song also touch upon themes that are still relevant today, such as heartbreak, loss, and regret.
Line by Line Meaning
Won't you come home, bill bailey, won't you come home
Louis Armstrong is pleading with Bill Bailey, asking him to come back home.
I've moaned the whole night long
Louis has been restless and upset throughout the night.
I'll do the cookin', honey, I'll pay the rent
Louis is willing to do everything he can to make things right with Bill, including taking on the responsibilities of cooking and paying rent.
I know I done you wrong
Louis acknowledges that he messed up and caused Bill to leave.
You remember that rainy evenin', I threw you out....with nothin' but a fine tooth comb
Louis is referring to a specific incident where he kicked Bill out of the house with nothing but a fine tooth comb, indicating that it was a harsh and unfair punishment.
Ya, I know I'm to blame, now... ain't it a shame
Louis admits that he is responsible for the situation, and expresses regret for what he's done.
Won't you come home, bill bailey, won't you come on home
Louis repeats his plea for Bill to return home, emphasizing the urgency of his request.
I've moaned that whole day long
Louis has been upset all day, longing for Bill's return.
I'll do all the cookin' honey, I'll even pay the rent
Louis reiterates his willingness to do whatever it takes to make things right between them.
I know, that I have done you, oh so, wrong
Louis acknowledges that his actions were hurtful and wrong.
So baby, won't you please come
Louis is begging Bill to come back home and forgive him.
I said now, won't you please come
Louis repeats his plea for Bill's return.
Bill bailey, won't you please.... come on home
Louis ends the song with one final plea to Bill, hoping that he will come back and they can start over.
Lyrics © KENDOR MUSIC, INC.
Written by: ROWAN, TRADITIONAL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind