Now or Never
Sy Oliver & His Orchestra, Billie Holiday
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Hey fat daddy make up your mind 'Cause I've been waiting such a long, long time Now baby or never 'cause I been so good to you Now baby or never 'cause I've been so lonesome, too Now baby or never if I mean anything to you Now baby or never 'cause you wasted so much time Now baby or never 'cause you can't make up your mind Now baby or never and it ain't no fault of mine It's got to be yes or no It's either you stay or go You can't leave me on the shelf You gotta commit yourself It's either you will baby or won't fall In love with me Gonna call you once more on the telephone I'll give you till twelve then I'll be gone Now baby or never 'cause I been so good to you Now baby or never 'cause I've been so lonesome, too Now baby or never if I mean anything to you Now baby or never 'cause you wasted so much time Now baby or never 'cause you can't make up your mind Now baby or never and it ain't no fault of mine It's got to be yes or no It's either you stay or go You can't leave me on the shelf You gotta commit yourself It's either you will baby or won't fall In love with me I waited last night for you to call You give me no consideration at all It's now baby or never 'cause you wasted so much time Now baby or never and you must make up your mind Now baby or never and it ain't no fault of mine It's got to be yes or no It's either you stay or go You can't leave me on the shelf You gotta commit yourself It's either you will baby or won't You do baby or don't Either you will baby or won't fall in love with me
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_(LOC)_(5020400274)_(cropped).jpg/269px-(Portrait_of_Billie_Holiday_and_Mister,_Downbeat,_New_York,_N.Y.,_ca._Feb._1947)_(LOC)_(5020400274)_(cropped).jpg "Billie Holiday")
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Written by: CURTIS LEWIS
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
12 facts about this song
Songwriter"Now or Never" was written by Curtis Reginald Lewis.
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Released in 1949The song was officially released in 1949, making it one of Billie Holiday's later releases.
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Record LabelThe song was released under Decca Records, a record label known for producing jazz and blues music during the mid-20th century.
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Not a Major HitUnlike some of Billie Holiday's other major hits like "Strange Fruit," "God Bless the Child," and "Lady Sings the Blues," "Now or Never" didn't become one of her most popular songs.
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Lyrics ThemeA theme commonly interpreted from the lyrics of "Now or Never" is desperation, a theme often presented in Holiday's discography.
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Backing MusiciansIn the recording of "Now or Never", Billie was accompanied by a group of notable musicians; including Bobby Tucker (piano), Mundell Lowe (guitar), Red Mitchell (bass), and Elaine Leighton (drums).
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No Music VideoUnlike many songs today, "Now or Never" does not have an official music video as it was released during a time when music videos were not common.
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Holiday's Vocal StyleThe song showcases Holiday's unique vocal style, which blends elements of jazz and blues, and her ability to communicate emotional depth and subtlety.
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Performed LiveThough not as popular as some of her other songs, Billie Holiday did perform "Now or Never" live at several of her concerts.
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Covers & InterpretationsMany other artists have covered or offered their own interpretations of "Now or Never" since its release, but nobody has matched the emotion and intensity of Holiday's performance.
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Personal MeaningThe song likely held personal meaning for Holiday, who had a turbulent personal life and struggled with substance abuse. The desperation expressed in the lyrics might have been a reflection of her life.
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Included in Various AlbumsThe track is included in several Billie Holiday compilographies or collections, even though it wasn't one of her most well-known songs.
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Citation
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"Now or Never Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 17 Apr. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/26285787/Billie+Holiday/Now+or+Never>.
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