Lyrics
Hush now, don’t explain
Just say you’ll remain
I’m glad your back, don’t explain
Quiet, don’t explain
What is there to gain
Skip that lipstick
Don’t explain
You know that I love you
And that love endures
All my thoughts are of you
For I’m so completely yours
Cry to hear folks chatter
And I know you cheat
Right or wrong, don’t matter
When you’re with me, sweet
Hush now, don’t explain
You’re my joy and pain
My life’s yours love
Don’t explain
Song Notes
Written with Arthur Herzog Jr. it is said that Billie’s lyric was inspired on real-life heartache, when her husband, Jimmy Monroe, came home one night with lipstick traces on his collar. Released in 1945, it would become one of her best known tunes.
Released in 1945, it would become one of her best known tunes.
Recording Session: Session #52: New York, November 8, 1944, Decca, Toots Camarata and His Orchestra, with Russ Case (trumpet), Hymie Schertzer, Jack Cressey (alto saxophone), Larry Binyon and Dave Harris (tenor saxophone), Dave Bowman (piano), Carl Kress (guitar), Haig Stephens (bass), George Wettling (drums), Billie Holiday (vocals), and six strings.
– Wikipedia & Donald Clarke’s “Wishing On The Moon” & “lady Sings The Blues by Lady & William Dufty
Lyin’ to me was worse than what he could’ve done with any bitch. I cut him off just like that. Take a bath man, I said, don’t explain