Just Squeeze Me

By Duke Ellington & Lee Gaines
1941

Although originally written by Ellington for his 1941 "Negro revue" Jump for Joy, the Ellington band didn't make the very first recording of the song until five years later. It would not become a hit until Paul Weston's version hit it big later in 1946. The classic tune is a fine example of the Duke's lively, swinging style, fitted perfectly to Gaines' staccato lyrics.

Lyrics:

Treat me sweet and gentle
When you hold me tight.
Just squeeze me,
But please, don't tease me.

I get sentimental
When you hold me tight.
Come and squeeze me,
But please don't tease me.

Missing you since you went away,
Singing the blues most everyday,
Counting the nights and longing for you.

I'm in the mood to let you know
I never knew I loved you so.
Please tell me that you love me, too.

For when I get that feeling,
I'm in ecstasy.
Come on, squeeze me,
But please, don't tease me.

Recorded By:

Diana Krall
Jane Monheit
Ella Fitzgerald
Sarah Vaughan
Les Brown

I Got It Bad (And That Ain't Good)

By Duke Ellington & Paul Francis Webster

1941

Ellington's West Coast revue Jump for Joy contained this extremely popular composition of his. It was introduced on stage by Ivie Anderson (pictured), and recorded by her and Ellington soon after. Unfortunately, the onset of World War II contributed to the show's disappointing failure, meaning it would never make it to Broadway as Duke hoped.

Lyrics:

The poets say that all who love are blind;
But I'm in love and I know what time it is!
The Good Book says "Go seek and ye shall find."
Well, I have sought and my what a climb it is!
My life is just like the weather,
It changes with the hours;
When he's near I'm fair and warmer,
When he's gone I'm cloudy with showers;
In emotion, like the ocean it's either sink or swim,
When a woman loves a man like I love him.

Never treats me sweet and gentle the way he should;
I Got It Bad And That Ain't Good!
My poor heart is sentimental not made of wood;
I Got It Bad And That Ain't Good!

But when the weekend's over,
And Monday rolls aroun'
I end up like I start out,
Just cryin' my heart out.

He don't love me like I love him, nobody could;
I Got It Bad And That Ain't Good!
Like a lonely weeping willow lost in the wood;
I Got It Bad And That Ain't Good!
And the things I tell my pillow, no woman should;
I Got It Bad And That Ain't Good!

Though folks with good intentions
Tell me to save my tears,
I'm glad I'm mad about him--
I can't live without him.

Lord above me, make him love me the way he should;
I Got It Bad And That Ain't Good...

Recorded By:

Benny Goodman
Ella Fitzgerald
Count Basie
Tony Bennett
Bunny Berigan