Why Can't You Behave?
Monheit Jane Lyrics
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Why can't you behave?
Oh, why can't you behave?
After all the things you told me
And the promises that you gave
Oh, why can't you behave?
Oh, why can't you be good
And do just as you should?
Won't you turn that new leaf over
So your baby can be your slave?
Oh, why can
There's a farm I know near my old hometown
Where we two can go and try settling down
There I'll care for you forever
'Cause you're all in the world I crave
Oh, why can't you behave?
Oh, why can't you behave?
The lyrics to "Why Can't You Behave?" by Monheit Jane express frustration and disappointment towards someone who cannot seem to follow through on their promises and behave appropriately. The singer, likely in a romantic relationship with this person, questions why they cannot just be good and live up to their commitments. The phrase "after all the things you told me / and the promises that you gave" suggests that the person has let the singer down multiple times, leading to the singer feeling exasperated and helpless.
The second verse introduces the idea of settling down on a farm, possibly as a way to escape the problems in the relationship. The singer offers to care for the person forever, despite their flaws, because they are all the singer craves in the world. The repeated question of "why can't you behave?" conveys a sense of hopelessness and despair, as the singer seems to believe that the person will never change.
Overall, the lyrics to "Why Can't You Behave?" convey a sense of disillusionment and disappointment towards someone who repeatedly fails to behave appropriately and fulfill their promises. The repetition of the question "why" suggests that the singer is unable to understand why the person cannot change their behavior, leading to feelings of frustration and exasperation.
Line by Line Meaning
Why can't you behave?
Asking why the person can't act according to expected social norms
Oh, why can't you behave?
Repeating the question for emphasis and frustration
After all the things you told me
Expressing disappointment that the person did not follow through on their words
And the promises that you gave
Referring to specific commitments made by this person
Oh, why can't you behave?
Asking again why the person can't act appropriately
Oh, why can't you be good
Asking why the person can't act in a morally acceptable way
And do just as you should?
Asking why the person can't live up to expectations
Won't you turn that new leaf over
Asking the person to change their ways
So your baby can be your slave?
Suggesting the person is being selfish and manipulative
Oh, why can
Abbreviating the question for stylistic effect
There's a farm I know near my old hometown
Offering an alternative path for the two of them
Where we two can go and try settling down
Proposing a change in lifestyle
There I'll care for you forever
Reassuring the person of their love and commitment
'Cause you're all in the world I crave
Expressing deep affection for this person
Oh, why can't you behave?
Repeating the question one final time, indicating exasperation
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: COLE PORTER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind