Composer

:

Kansas Joe McCoy

Genre

:

Miscellaneous

Style

:

Miscellaneous

Average_duration

:

3:17

"Why Don't You Do Right?" is a blues song composed by Kansas Joe McCoy in 1936. The song was first recorded by McCoy's wife, singer and pianist Lil Green, in 1941. However, it was Peggy Lee's 1943 version that became the most famous and enduring rendition of the song. The song is a slow, sultry blues number with a distinctive melody and lyrics that tell the story of a woman who is fed up with her man's lazy and unfaithful ways. The song's opening lines set the tone: "You had plenty money in 1922 / You let other women make a fool of you / Why don't you do right, like some other men do?" The song is structured in a 12-bar blues format, with a repeating chord progression and a simple melody that allows for improvisation and embellishment. The song's instrumentation typically includes a rhythm section of piano, bass, and drums, along with a horn section that adds a jazzy flavor to the arrangement. "Why Don't You Do Right?" has been covered by numerous artists over the years, including Benny Goodman, Ella Fitzgerald, and Diana Krall. The song's enduring popularity is due in part to its timeless message of empowerment and self-respect, as well as its catchy melody and memorable lyrics. The song's premiere is difficult to pinpoint, as it was likely performed by Kansas Joe McCoy and other blues musicians in the 1930s before Lil Green recorded it in 1941. However, it was Peggy Lee's 1943 version that brought the song to a wider audience and made it a hit. The song has two main movements: the slow, sultry opening verses and the more upbeat, swinging chorus. The chorus features the memorable refrain, "You had plenty money in 1922 / You let other women make a fool of you / Why don't you do right, like some other men do?" The chorus is typically sung by a backing vocal group or by the lead vocalist in a call-and-response style. Overall, "Why Don't You Do Right?" is a classic blues song that has stood the test of time. Its catchy melody, memorable lyrics, and timeless message of empowerment and self-respect continue to resonate with audiences today.

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