I Got It Bad
Rosemary Clooney / Duke Ellington And His Orchestra Lyrics


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Though folks with good intentions
Tell me to save my tears
Well I'm so mad about him
I can't live without him

Never treats me sweet and gentle
The way he should
I've got it bad
And that ain't good

My poor heart is so sentimental
Not made of wood
I've got it so bad
And that ain't good

But when the fish are jumpin'
And Friday rolls around
My man an' I, we gin some
We pray some, and sin some

He don't love me like I love him
The way he should
I've got it bad
And that ain't good




Yes I've got it bad
And that ain't good

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to "I Got It Bad" tell the story of a person who is deeply in love with someone who doesn't treat them kindly. Despite the advice of others to move on and not waste their tears, the singer cannot help but feel madly in love with this person. Their heart is so sentimental, it's not made of wood, meaning they are very emotional and vulnerable. The person they love doesn't treat them with the tenderness and care they deserve, but the singer is still devoted to them.


The lyrics also hint at a complicated relationship between the singer and their love interest. They mention praying and sinning with their partner, suggesting that their relationship is not necessarily conventional or socially acceptable. Despite the difficulties they encounter, the singer is still deeply devoted to their love interest, and has it "bad" for them.


Line by Line Meaning

Though folks with good intentions Tell me to save my tears
Even though people advise me to not cry, it's unbearable to resist shedding tears.


Well I'm so mad about him I can't live without him
I'm so hopelessly in love with him that I simply cannot exist without him in my life.


Never treats me sweet and gentle The way he should
He doesn't behave with the tenderness and compassion that a loving partner should show.


I've got it bad And that ain't good
I have an intense yearning and emotional attachment to him, but it's causing me mental anguish and discomfort.


My poor heart is so sentimental Not made of wood
My heart is incredibly sensitive and fragile, and my emotions are not something that can be controlled like an inanimate object.


I've got it so bad And that ain't good
My love for him is so strong that it's causing me a lot of pain and making it difficult for me to carry on with my life.


But when the fish are jumpin' And Friday rolls around My man an' I, we gin some We pray some, and sin some
Despite our troubles and difficulties, we still find solace in each other's company and find a way to work through our problems.


He don't love me like I love him The way he should
My love for him is not reciprocated in the same manner, and he doesn't show the level of affection that I believe he should.


I've got it bad And that ain't good
Despite my intense feelings for him, this situation is not good for my mental health and overall well-being.


Yes I've got it bad And that ain't good
I'm aware of the negative effects that my emotions are having on me, but I can't help how I feel about him.




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Duke Ellington, Paul Francis Webster

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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