Edward Hammond Boatner Jr. (February 2, 1924 – July 22, 1982), known profes… Read Full Bio ↴Edward Hammond Boatner Jr. (February 2, 1924 – July 22, 1982), known professionally as Sonny Stitt, was an American jazz saxophonist of the bebop/hard bop idiom. Known for his warm tone, he was one of the best-documented saxophonists of his generation, recording more than 100 albums. He was nicknamed the "Lone Wolf" by jazz critic Dan Morgenstern because of his relentless touring and devotion to jazz. Stitt was sometimes viewed as a Charlie Parker mimic, especially earlier in his career, but gradually came to develop his own sound and style, particularly when performing on tenor saxophone.

Ain't Misbehavin'
Sonny Stitt Quartet Lyrics

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No one to talk with
All by myself
No one to walk with
But I'm happy on the shelf
Ain't misbehavin'
I'm savin' my love for you

I know for certain

The one I love
I'm through with flirtin'
It's just you I'm thinkin' of
Ain't misbehavin'
I'm savin' my love for you

Like Jack Horner
In the corner
Don't go nowhere
What do I care?
Your kisses are worth waitin' for
Believe me

I don't stay out late
Don't care to go
I'm home about eight
Just me and my radio
Ain't misbehavin'
I'm savin' my love for you

Like Jack Horner
In the corner
Don't go nowhere
What do I care?
Your kisses are worth waitin' for
Believe me

I don't stay out late
Don't care to go
I'm home about eight
Just me and my radio

Ain't misbehavin'
I'm savin' my love for you

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "Ain't Misbehavin'" by the Sonny Stitt Quartet showcase a sense of contentment and happiness in being alone, yet also reveal a deep desire to be with a loved one. The song begins with the singer expressing their loneliness and not having anyone to talk or walk with. Despite this, they claim to be content in their solitude and declare that they're "happy on the shelf." The repetition of "ain't misbehavin'" serves as a reminder that they're not causing any trouble or seeking out any alternative companionship.

The second verse reveals that the singer is in love with someone specific, which puts an end to their flirtatious ways. The repetition of "I'm savin' my love for you" emphasizes their loyalty and commitment to this person. The third verse compares the singer to Jack Horner, who sat in the corner with a pie and stuck in his thumb, yet the singer doesn't care because they're saving themselves for their loved one. They'll wait for them, no matter what. The final repetition of the chorus as the song fades away emphasizes the singer's love and dedication.

Line by Line Meaning

No one to talk with
I have no one to have a conversation with.

All by myself
I am alone and do not have anyone around me.

No one to walk with
I have no one to take a walk with.

But I'm happy on the shelf
Despite being alone, I am content with my current situation.

Ain't misbehavin'
I am not doing anything wrong or inappropriate.

I'm savin' my love for you
My love is solely reserved for you.

I know for certain
I am certain and confident in my knowledge.

The one I love
The person I love deeply.

I'm through with flirtin'
I have stopped indulging in playful behavior intended to attract someone's romantic interest.

It's just you I'm thinkin' of
You are all I can think about.

Like Jack Horner
Similar to the character Jack Horner from the nursery rhyme 'Little Jack Horner'.

In the corner
Positioned in a corner or isolated area.

Don't go nowhere
I have no plans to go anywhere.

What do I care?
I am not concerned or bothered by anything.

Your kisses are worth waitin' for
I am willing to wait for your kisses because they are valuable to me.

Believe me
Trust that what I am saying is true.

I don't stay out late
I do not spend long hours outside.

Don't care to go
I do not have any interest in going out.

I'm home about eight
I usually return home around eight o'clock.

Just me and my radio
When I am home, I only have my radio as company.

Ain't misbehavin'
I am not doing anything wrong or inappropriate.

I'm savin' my love for you
My love is solely reserved for you.

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: ANDY RAZAF, FATS WALLER, HARRY BROOKS

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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