Billie's Blues
Billie Holiday
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I love my man I'm a liar if I say I don't I love my man I'm a liar if I say I don't But I'll quit my man I'm a liar if I say I won't I've been your slave, baby Ever since I've been your babe I've been your slave Ever since I've been your babe But before I'll be your dog I'll see you in your grave My man wouldn't give me no breakfast Wouldn't give me no dinner Squawked about my supper then he put me outdoors Had the nerve to lay a matchbox on my clothes I didn't have so many But I had a long, long ways to go I ain't good looking And my hair ain't curled I ain't good looking And my hair ain't curled But my mother, she gave me something It's going to carry me through this world Some men like me 'cause I'm happy Some 'cause I'm snappy Some call me honey Others think I've got money Some say me Billie Baby, you're built for speed Now, if you put that all together Makes me everything a good man needs
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10 facts about this song
Song Origin"Billie's Blues" was first recorded by Billie Holiday in 1936. It's one of the few songs that she wrote herself.
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Improvisation ElementHoliday supposedly made up "Billie's Blues" on the spot during a recording session because she needed a B-side for her single "The Way You Look Tonight."
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Inclusion in Hall of FameIn 2001, the track was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in the ‘Traditional Pop’ category.
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Stylistic Unique FeaturesThe song showcases Billie Holiday's signature blues style, mixing complex vocal phrasing with emotional depth.
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Biographical DetailsSome have suggested that "Billie's Blues" reflects Holiday's own hard life. Born into poverty, she faced a range of social and personal issues.
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Multiple RecordingsHoliday recorded several versions of "Billie's Blues" over her career. It became a standard part of her live performances.
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Genre ShiftDespite being known primarily as a jazz vocalist, "Billie's Blues" demonstrates Holiday's capacity to handle the blues with equal mastery.
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InfluenceThe song has been covered and performed by various artists over the years, reinforcing Billie Holiday's lasting impact on popular music.
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Contrast to Majority WorkEven though Billie Holiday is distinguished for her work as an interpretive artist, "Billie's Blues" stands out as a piece of her own composition.
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Album Inclusion"Billie's Blues" is included in several Billie Holiday compilation albums, such as "The Essential Billie Holiday: Carnegie Hall Concert Recorded Live" and "Lady Day: The Best of Billie Holiday."
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Citation
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"Billie's Blues Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 21 May 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/2568322/Billie+Holiday/Billie%27s+Blues>.
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