Button Up Your Overcoat
Peggy Lee Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Listen, big boy
Now that you got me made
Goodness, but I'm afraid
Somethin's gonna happen to you

Listen, big boy
You gotta be hooked, and how
I would die if I should lose you now

Button up your overcoat
When the wind is free
Take good care of yourself
You belong to me

Eat an apple every day
Get to bed by three
Oh, take good care of yourself
You belong to me

Be careful crossing streets, ooh, ooh
Cut out sweets, ooh, ooh
Lay off meat, ooh, ooh
You'll get a pain and ruin your tum-tum

Wear your flannel underwear
When you climb a tree
Oh, take good care of yourself
You belong to me

Button up your overcoat
When the wind is free
Oh, take good care of yourself
You belong to me
Boop-boop-a-doop





When you sass a traffic cop
Use diplomacy
Just take good care of yourself
You belong to me

Beware of frozen funds, ooh, ooh
Stocks and bonds, ooh, ooh
Dockside thugs, ooh, ooh
You'll get a pain and ruin your bankroll

Keep the spoon out of your cup
When you're drinking tea
Oh, take good care of yourself
You belong to me

Don't sit on hornet's tails, ooh, ooh
Or on nails, ooh, ooh
Or third rails, ooh, ooh
You'll get a pain and ruin your tum-tum

Keep away from bootleg hooch
When you're on a spree
Oh, take good care of yourself
You belong to me

Overall Meaning

Peggy Lee’s song "Button Up Your Overcoat" is a playful yet heartfelt expression of care and affection, underscoring themes of love and concern intertwined with a slightly comedic perspective on protective instincts in a relationship. The lyrics open with a direct address to the “big boy,” reflecting a sense of intimacy between the singer and her partner. The phrase “Now that you got me made” suggests a seasoned relationship where both parties are secure in their bond. However, the singer quickly introduces an element of anxiety about the well-being of her partner. The admission of fear that "somethin's gonna happen to you" reveals the vulnerability inherent in love; despite the joys it brings, it is accompanied by the weight of worry for the other's safety and well-being.


The chorus, with its exhortation to “Button up your overcoat,” becomes a symbol of this protective impulse. It conveys the message of not only physical preparedness—encouraging practical actions like dressing appropriately for the weather—but also emotional safeguarding. The repetition of “take good care of yourself” reinforces the notion that her partner is an integral part of her life; his well-being directly affects her happiness. The phrase “You belong to me” carries a dual implication: while it expresses possession, it also hints at mutual interconnectedness. The singer feels a sense of ownership over the relationship while also recognizing her own emotional dependency on him. This duality captures the complexities of love, where care can feel both nurturing and possessive.


Throughout the verses, the lyrics present an array of quirky and humorous admonitions, such as eating an apple every day or avoiding sitting on nails. These detailed listings serve not only as practical advice but also as humorous reminders of the singer's deep concern for her beloved. By weaving in advice about personal health and social behavior—like “Be careful crossing streets” and “Use diplomacy with traffic cops”—the song chronicles the mundane yet significant aspects of life that require attention and care. Each recommendation is whimsically exaggerated, creating a vivid picture of the singer's protective nature. The use of playful rhymes and phrases like "ooh, ooh" introduces a light-hearted tone, contrasting the serious undertone of love and concern, thereby reinforcing the song's charm.


The final verses escalate the comedic tone, incorporating more outlandish warnings, such as avoiding “bootleg hooch” and keeping “the spoon out of your cup.” This blend of practical advice with humor reiterates an idyllic vision of love where both partners look out for each other's best interests. The singer's constant insistence on care for her beloved suggests that love also entails attentiveness to the little things. The cumulative effect of these lyrics paints a picture of a loving, if slightly anxious, relationship where genuine concern manifests through everyday actions and admonishments. Ultimately, "Button Up Your Overcoat" presents a unique blend of affection and personal quirks, embodying the complexities of love that balance joy, anxiety, nostalgia, and playful camaraderie.


Line by Line Meaning

Listen, big boy
Pay attention, dear interlocutor,


Now that you got me made
Considering that you've secured my affection,


Goodness, but I'm afraid
Oh dear, I can't shake this worry,


Somethin's gonna happen to you
That something unfortunate might befall you.


Listen, big boy
Once again, I urge you to pay attention,


You gotta be hooked, and how
You must realize the depth of my attachment to you,


I would die if I should lose you now
The thought of losing you is utterly devastating to me.


Button up your overcoat
Make sure to fasten your coat securely,


When the wind is free
Especially when there's a brisk breeze blowing around.


Take good care of yourself
Prioritize your health and well-being,


You belong to me
Because I feel a strong sense of ownership over our connection.


Eat an apple every day
Nourish yourself with wholesome foods regularly,


Get to bed by three
Ensure you rest adequately by retiring early.


Oh, take good care of yourself
Once more, I emphasize the importance of your well-being,


You belong to me
As our bond is deeply significant to me.


Be careful crossing streets, ooh, ooh
Exercise caution when navigating busy roads,


Cut out sweets, ooh, ooh
Limit your intake of sugary treats,


Lay off meat, ooh, ooh
Consider reducing the consumption of meat products,


You'll get a pain and ruin your tum-tum
To prevent digestive issues and discomfort.


Wear your flannel underwear
Opt for comfortable, warm undergarments,


When you climb a tree
Especially when engaging in adventurous activities.


Oh, take good care of yourself
Please remember to prioritize your health,


You belong to me
As our connection holds infinite value.


Button up your overcoat
Secure your coat again for warmth,


When the wind is free
Particularly on those windy days.


Oh, take good care of yourself
Take care of your physical and mental health,


You belong to me
Because I cherish you profoundly.


When you sass a traffic cop
If you find yourself in a confrontation with law enforcement,


Use diplomacy
Handle the situation tactfully and respectfully.


Just take good care of yourself
Above all, ensure that you are looking after your own well-being,


You belong to me
Reminding you of our strong emotional bond.


Beware of frozen funds, ooh, ooh
Be cautious about your financial investments,


Stocks and bonds, ooh, ooh
Particularly in regards to volatile markets.


Dockside thugs, ooh, ooh
Be wary of shady individuals or risky situations,


You'll get a pain and ruin your bankroll
To avoid losing your hard-earned money.


Keep the spoon out of your cup
Avoid stirring your tea excessively,


When you're drinking tea
To prevent spills and maintain poise.


Oh, take good care of yourself
Again, be mindful of your health and happiness,


You belong to me
Because our relationship is tremendously significant.


Don't sit on hornet's tails, ooh, ooh
Steer clear of trouble and risky situations,


Or on nails, ooh, ooh
And avoid dangerous or painful encounters.


Or third rails, ooh, ooh
Especially things that can cause severe harm.


You'll get a pain and ruin your tum-tum
To prevent agony and potential injury to your body.


Keep away from bootleg hooch
Avoid illegal or unregulated alcoholic beverages,


When you're on a spree
Particularly during moments of indulgence.


Oh, take good care of yourself
Remember to prioritize your well-being,


You belong to me
As I hold a deep emotional affection for you.




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Songtrust Ave, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: George Gard Buddy Desylva, Lew Brown, Ray Henderson

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Anonymous


on Why Don't You Do Right (Get Me Some Money Too)

Why Don't You Do Right - Casey Abrams - Lyrics
You had plenty money 1922
You let other women make a fool of you
Why don't you do right, like some other men do?

Get out of here and get me some money too?
You're sitting there wondering what it's all about
You ain't got no money, they will throw you out
Why don't you do right, like some other men do?
Get out of here and get me some money too?

Musical Interlude

You had plenty money 1922
You let other women make a fool of you
Why don't you do right, like some other men do?
Get out of here and get me some money too?
Why don't you do right, like some other men do?
Why don't you do right, like some other men do?

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