Ain't Nobody's Business
Otis Spann Lyrics


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Lord, Lord, Lord, Lord, Lord
Lord, Lord, Lord, Lord, Lord
Ain′t nobody's business if I do

Me and my baby fuss and fight
Just the next moment, child now we′s all right
Ain't nobody's business if we do
One day, I have ham and bacon
Just the next day, ain′t nothin′ shakin'
It ain′t nobody's business if I do

(I tell you what I′m a do. Everybody say they wanna hear the blues, I'm a try to play the blues for ya...)

Let me tell you about me and my buddy now...

Weeped in church all day Sunday




Quiet and collaborate, don′t whisper, all day Monday
Ain't nobody's business if we do

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Otis Spann's song "Ain't Nobody's Business" are an expression of freedom and defiance against societal expectations and norms. The repetition of "Lord, Lord, Lord" at the beginning of each verse suggests that the singer is pleading with a higher power for acceptance and understanding, while simultaneously affirming their right to live their life without interference or judgement from others.


The opening line "Ain't nobody's business if I do" sets the tone for the song, emphasizing that the singer is going to live their life the way they see fit, regardless of what others may think or say. The following verses give examples of the singer's personal life, from arguments with their partner to their dietary choices, in an effort to underscore the point that these are individual decisions that don't concern anyone else. The final verse about weeping in church on Sunday and keeping quiet on Monday could be interpreted as a commentary on the hypocrisy and judgement of organized religion.


Overall, the lyrics of "Ain't Nobody's Business" suggest a desire for personal autonomy and the right to live a life free from scrutiny and criticism. It's a powerful message that still resonates today.


Line by Line Meaning

Lord, Lord, Lord, Lord, Lord
Beginning the song with a plea for spiritual strength and guidance.


Lord, Lord, Lord, Lord, Lord
Continuing the plea for spiritual strength and guidance.


Ain't nobody's business if I do
Not caring if others know about one's actions or decisions.


Me and my baby fuss and fight
Having arguments with one's significant other.


Just the next moment, child now we's all right
Resolving the argument and being on good terms again shortly after.


Ain't nobody's business if we do
Not wanting others to know about the argument or relationship issues.


One day, I have ham and bacon
Having one type of food on a certain day.


Just the next day, ain't nothin' shakin'
Having a different type of food the next day.


It ain't nobody's business if I do
Asserting one's right to eat whatever they want without concern for others' opinions.


(I tell you what I'm a do. Everybody say they wanna hear the blues, I'm a try to play the blues for ya...)
Introducing the intention to play the blues for the audience as a transition in the song.


Let me tell you about me and my buddy now...
Transitioning to a different subject in the song.


Weeped in church all day Sunday
Crying during a religious service.


Quiet and collaborate, don't whisper, all day Monday
Being pensive and keeping to oneself the next day.


Ain't nobody's business if we do
Asserting that one's religious practices and how they deal with their emotions is a private matter.




Writer(s): Porter Grainger, Everett Robbins

Contributed by Bella K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Comments from YouTube:

@cyrillo9

Otis gave me a free 8 hour piano lesson when I was 19 yrs. old.  Nicest person you'd ever want to meet.  His wife was a character and great singer too.  In my opinion, his piano colorations are unsurpassed.  

@doranoton5542

I agree, he was the best. Tragic that he died so young. Lucky, lucky you to have known him and had him teach you.

@iaingibney8960

Wow that as a memory :)

@mattschmierer2394

You are very lucky!

@eggedon6112

He was a genius. How fortunate for you to get a lesson from a true master of the craft!

@hallucinatinghawk3917

Wow really that’s so cool!

10 More Replies...

@davesnyder7028

I'm 41. My dad used to play Otis Spann daily. He was the reason I have played piano for 32 years. This is it. Good stuff!

@hallucinatinghawk3917

🙂

@hirohikonishikawa4851

I am a japanese businessman 58 years old . I like this kind of music very much, but in the past my father destroyed my plates I had many originals, he only allowed japanese music and not from the black man. But now I can listen to what I want!!

@doveskylark

Hirohiko Nishikawa Freedom is a good thing. Take it anyway you can get it.

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