'Tain't Nobody's Bizness If I Do
Smith Bessie Lyrics
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That folks don't criticize me
But I'm goin' to do just as I want to anyway
And don't care if they all despise me
If I should take a notion
To jump into the ocean
'T ain't nobody's bizness if I do, do, do, do
If I go to church on Sunday
Ain't nobody's bizness if I do, if I do
If my friend ain't got no money
And I say, "take all mine, honey"
'T ain't nobody's bizness if I do, do, do, do
If I give him my last nickel
And it leaves me in a pickle
'T ain't nobody's bizness if I do, if I do
I'd rather my man would hit me
Than to jump up right and quit me
'T ain't nobody's bizness if I do, do, do, do
I swear I won't call no copper
If I'm beat up by my poppa
If I'm beat up by my poppa
'T ain't nobody's bizness if I do, if I do
The song "Tain't Nobody's Bizness If I Do" was recorded by many artists, but the version by Bessie Smith is one of the most popular. The lyrics tell a story of a person who lives their life on their own terms, even when others judge them for it.
The lyrics begin by stating that the singer of the song is often criticized by others for their choices. However, they make it clear that they will continue to do what they want, regardless of what others think. The lyrics then give examples of the kinds of things the singer might do, such as jumping into the ocean or singing "the shimmy" after church. The chorus repeats the refrain, emphasizing that the singer's choices are nobody's business but their own.
The song also touches on the theme of domestic violence. The lyric "I'd rather my man would hit me than to jump up right and quit me" could be interpreted as a plea to a partner to stay with them, even if they are abusive. The lines that follow, "I swear I won't call no copper if I'm beat up by my poppa," suggest that the singer is willing to tolerate violence from family members as well. These lyrics reflect a patriarchal culture in which women were expected to tolerate abuse from men and keep it private.
Line by Line Meaning
There ain't nothing I can do or nothing I can say
No matter what I do or say, people always criticize me.
But I'm goin' to do just as I want to anyway
Regardless of what others think, I'm going to do what I want.
And don't care if they all despise me
I don't care if people hate me for doing what I want.
If I should take a notion to jump into the ocean
If I feel like jumping into the ocean for no reason, I will do it.
'T ain't nobody's bizness if I do, do, do, do
It's nobody's business but my own if I do something unconventional.
If I go to church on Sunday then just sing the shimmy down on Monday
If I attend church on Sunday but dance suggestively on Monday, it's my choice.
If my friend ain't got no money and I say, "take all mine, honey"
If my friend is broke and I offer them all of my money, it's nobody else's business.
'T ain't nobody's bizness if I do, do, do, do
My private acts of kindness are nobody else's business.
If I give him my last nickel and it leaves me in a pickle
If I give away my last bit of money and end up struggling because of it, I made that decision on my own.
'T ain't nobody's bizness if I do, if I do
My choices, even if they lead to hardship, are not the concern of others.
I'd rather my man would hit me than to jump up right and quit me
I prefer being physically abused by my partner than being left by them.
'T ain't nobody's bizness if I do, do, do, do
My choice to stay in an abusive relationship is my own and not subject to others' judgment.
I swear I won't call no copper if I'm beat up by my poppa
If my father beats me, I won't report it to the authorities.
If I'm beat up by my poppa, 'T ain't nobody's bizness if I do, if I do
My family's abuse is private and not the business of outsiders.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: EVERETT ROBBINS, PORTER GRAINGER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind