Ain't Misbehavin'

By Fats Waller, Harry Brooks & Andy Razaf

1929

Standard of the Day continues its fifth anniversary celebration this month with another signature tune, this time from the great Fats Waller. Fats claimed to have written the song while in prison, which partly inspired the title. He introduced it in 1929, and it was an instant hit, being recorded by several other artists in that year alone, and of course countless times over the decades since. It was the title tune for a 1978 Broadway musical based around Waller's songs, and was also performed by Leon Redbone during the first season of Saturday Night Live. It was also adopted as a theme song by comedian George Burns. More than any other, this song captured the irresistible charm and enthusiasm of the inimitable genius Fats Waller.

Lyrics:

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 you 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 8, just me and my radio
Ain't Misbehavin', I'm savin' my love for you.

Recorded By:

Billie Holiday
Ella Fitzgerald
Eartha Kitt
Django Reinhardt
Johnnie Ray

Honeysuckle Rose

By Fats Waller & Andy Razaf
1929

One of the most mainstream of all the compositions of Waller and Razaf (pictured), this song made its way into the lexicon of pop and jazz not long after its introduction by Fats' own ensemble. The infectious, syncopated melody is amongst Waller's best, and Razaf's lyric is playfully flirtatious, setting up the object of his love as a viable sugar substitute (who needs Splenda?) A joyful standard that has brought joy to music fans for generations.

Lyrics: 

Ev'ry honeybee.... fills with jealousy
When they see you out with me
I don't blame them....goodness knows
Honeysuckle rose

When you're passin' by....flowers drop and sigh
And I know the reason why
You're much sweeter....goodness knows
Honeysuckle rose

Don't buy sugar....you just have to touch my cup
You're my sugar....it's so sweet when you stir it up

When I'm taking sips...from your tasty lips
Seems the honey fairly drips
You're confection.....goodness knows
Honeysuckle rose.

Recorded By:

Louis Armstrong
Eva Cassidy
Jane Monheit
Anita O'Day
Lena Horne

Keepin' Out of Mischief Now

By Fats Waller & Andy Razaf
1932

One of the signature tunes of Thomas "Fats" Waller, although this one was actually introduced by Louis Armstrong. It was later recorded by Waller himself, most notably as an instrumental-only piano piece, and associated so much with the performer that it was included decades later in the stage revue of his work, Ain't Misbehavin'. A fine example of the melodic delights produced by the irrepressible Mr. Waller.

Lyrics:

Keepin' out of mischief now,
I really am in love and how.
I'm through playin' with fire,
It's you whom I desire

All the world can plainly see,
You're the only one for me.
I have told them in advance,
They can't break up our romance.

Livin' up to all my vows,
'Cause I'm keepin' out mischief now.

Recorded By:

Lee Wiley
Dinah Washington
Barbra Streisand
Dick Hyman
Louis Armstrong

I'm Crazy 'Bout My Baby

By Fats Waller & Alex Hill
1931

One of the signature tunes of the irrepressible Fats Waller, whose music is always a joy to listen to. He wrote this song himself, and naturally introduced it. It remains to this day one of the tunes most commonly associated with him, perhaps second only to "Ain't Misbehavin'". I've always found Hill's lyrics to be especially amusing. A fun song to sing along with.

Lyrics:

I'm the world's most happy creature,
Tell me, what can worry me?
I'm crazy 'bout my baby,
And my baby's crazy 'bout me!

Mr. Cupid was our teacher,
That's the reason we agree,
I'm crazy 'bout my baby,
And my baby's crazy 'bout me!

Parson, get your book out,
Get it ready in your hand,
Keep a steady look-out;
'Cause I know you understand.

We're an A-one combination,
The perfect he and she,
I'm crazy 'bout my baby,
And my baby's crazy 'bout me!

Recorded By:

Cab Calloway
Louis Armstrong
Leon Redbone
Maxine Sullivan
Fletcher Henderson

I'm Gonna Sit Right Down and Write Myself a Letter

By Fred E. Ahlert & Joe Young
1935

Fats Waller introduced this mirthful-yet-sad ode to self-pity with a big hit record in 1935. It became instantly popular, with a Boswell Sister recording following hard upon. The song also enjoyed a revival in the late 1950s, including a rock 'n' roll update by Bill Haley & His Comets.

Lyrics:

I'm gonna sit right down
And write myself a letter,
And make believe it came from you.
I'm gonna write words oh, so sweet.
They're gonna knock me off of my feet.
A lot of kisses on the bottom,
I'll be glad I got 'em.

I'm gonna smile and say,
"I hope you're feeling better,"
And close with love, the way that you do.
I'm gonna sit right down
And write myself a letter,
And make believe it came from you.

Recorded By:

Nat King Cole
Frank Sinatra & Count Basie
Scatman Crothers
Dean Martin
Bing Crosby

On the Sunny Side of the Street

By Jimmy McHugh & Dorothy Fields
1930

A classic Depression-era pick-me-up, this song was written by Fields & McHugh (pictured) for Lew Leslie's International Revue at the Majestic Theatre (current home of Phantom of the Opera), where it was introduced by Harry Richman. Although a flop, the show produced this standard, as well as "Exactly Like You." For years, rumors have persisted that it was actually written by Fats Waller and sold for some fast money. It has also been alleged that its lyric is a reference to blacks who "pass" for white. The upbeat number has long been a favorite of jazz musicians.

Lyrics:

Grab your coat and get your hat,
Leave your worries on the doorstep.
Life can be so sweet
On the sunny side of the street.

Can’t you hear the pitter-pat?
And that happy tune is your step.
Life can be complete
On the sunny side of the street.

I used to walk in the shade,
With my blues on parade.
But I’m not afraid...
This rover’s crossed over.

If I never had a cent,
I’d be rich as Rockefeller,
Gold dust at my feet,
On the sunny side of the street.

Recorded By:

Ted Lewis
Tommy Dorsey
Jo Stafford
Dizzy Gillespie
Keely Smith