Theodore Shaw "Teddy" Wilson (born 1912-11-24 in Austin, Texas-died 1986-07… Read Full Bio ↴Theodore Shaw "Teddy" Wilson (born 1912-11-24 in Austin, Texas-died 1986-07-31 in New Britain, Connecticut) was a jazz pianist from the United States . His sophisticated and elegant style graced the records of many of the biggest names in jazz, including Louis Armstrong, Benny Goodman, Billie Holiday and Ella Fitzgerald.

Wilson studied piano and violin at Tuskegee Institute. After working in the Speed Webb and Louis Armstrong bands, he joined Benny Carter's Chocolate Dandies in 1933. In 1935 he joined the Benny Goodman Trio (which consisted of Goodman, Wilson and drummer Gene Krupa, later expanded to the Benny Goodman Quartet with the addition of Lionel Hampton). The trio performed during the big band's intermissions. By joining the Trio, Wilson became the first black musician to perform in public with a previously all-white jazz group.

In the 1930s and 1940s he recorded fifty hit records with various singers such as Lena Horne and Helen Ward, including many of Billie Holiday's most successful records. During these years he also recorded many highly regarded sessions with a wide range of important swing musicians, such as Lester Young, Roy Eldridge, Charlie Shavers, Red Norvo, Buck Clayton and Ben Webster.

Wilson formed his own short-lived big band in 1939, then led a sextet at Cafe Society from 1940 to 1944. In the 1950s he taught at the Juilliard School. Wilson performed as a soloist and with pick-up groups up until the final years of his life.

After You
Teddy Wilson Lyrics

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Now won't you listen honey, while I say,
How could you tell me that you're goin' away?
Don't say that we must part,
Don't break your baby's heart

You know I've loved you for these many years,
Loved you night and day,
Oh! honey baby, can't you see my tears?

Listen while I say

After you've gone and left me cryin'
After you've gone there's no denyin'
You'll feel blue, you'll feel sad
You'll miss the dearest pal you've ever had

There'll come a time, now don't forget it
There'll come a time when you'll regret it
Someday, when you grow lonely
Your heart will break like mine and you'll want me only
After you've gone, after you've gone away

After you've gone and left me cryin'
After you've gone there's no denyin'
You're gonna feel blue, and you're gonna feel sad
You're gonna feel bad
And you'll miss, and you'll miss,
And you'll miss the bestest pal you ever had

There'll come a time, now don't forget it
There'll come a time when you'll regret it
But baby, think what you're doin'
I'm gonna haunt you so, I'm gonna taunt you so

It's gonna drive you to ruin
After you've gone, after you've gone away.

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Teddy Wilson's "After You" are a plea from a desperate lover to their departing partner. The singer's heart is breaking at the thought of their loved one leaving, and they implore them to reconsider their decision. The first verse expresses the singer's disbelief at being told that their partner is leaving, and begs them not to break their heart. The second verse emphasizes the singer's long-standing love for their partner, and they cry out for their partner to hear them and feel their pain.

The chorus of the song serves as a warning to the departing partner. The singer tells them that they will feel sad and miss the singer once they are gone. The second half of the chorus predicts a future where the departing partner will regret their decision to leave, and they will find themselves alone and wanting the singer back. The final verse is a haunting threat. The singer promises to haunt and taunt their partner, eventually driving them to ruin.

The lyrics to "After You" are a classic representation of the heartache that comes with the end of a relationship. The song captures the desperation and sadness that one feels when a loved one leaves, and the fear that the departing partner will eventually come to regret their decision.

Line by Line Meaning

Now won't you listen honey, while I say,
Please pay attention to me, my dear,

How could you tell me that you're goin' away?
How can you break the news and say you're leaving me?

Don't say that we must part,
Please don't suggest that we should separate,

Don't break your baby's heart
Don't crush my heart, my love

You know I've loved you for these many years,
I've been deeply in love with you for a long time

Loved you night and day,
I have loved you affectionately day and night

Oh! honey baby, can't you see my tears?
My dearest, can't you notice my sorrow?

Listen while I say
Hear me out,

After you've gone and left me cryin'
Once you have gone and I am left in tears,

After you've gone there's no denyin'
It's a fact that after your departure,

You'll feel blue, you'll feel sad
You'll feel gloomy and sorrowful

You'll miss the dearest pal you've ever had
You'll yearn for the closest friend you ever had

There'll come a time, now don't forget it
There will be a moment, don't disregard this

There'll come a time when you'll regret it
You'll come to an occasion to repent your deed

Someday, when you grow lonely
One day, when you feel alone

Your heart will break like mine and you'll want me only
You'll feel heartbreak as I did and desire my company

You're gonna feel blue, and you're gonna feel sad
You'll feel regretful and mournful

You're gonna feel bad
You'll feel guilt ridden

And you'll miss, and you'll miss, And you'll miss the bestest pal you ever had
And you'll long for, and you'll yearn for, the greatest friend you have ever had

But baby, think what you're doin'
But beloved, consider your actions

I'm gonna haunt you so, I'm gonna taunt you so
I'll torment and tease you badly

It's gonna drive you to ruin
It will provoke your downfall

After you've gone, after you've gone away.
Once you're gone, once you've gone away.

Lyrics © OBO APRA/AMCOS

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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