Duke Ellington
I got it bad and that ain't good
Works Info
Composer:Duke EllingtonGenre:MiscellaneousStyle:MiscellaneousAverage_duration:4:16"I Got It Bad (And That Ain't Good)" is a jazz standard composed by Duke Ellington with lyrics by Paul Francis Webster. The song was written in 1941 and was first recorded by Ellington and his orchestra in the same year. It was later popularized by jazz vocalist Ivie Anderson, who sang the song in the 1943 film "Cabin in the Sky." The song is a slow ballad with a melancholic melody and lyrics that express the pain of unrequited love. The song is in the key of F major and has a 32-bar AABA form. The first A section features a descending melody that emphasizes the sadness of the lyrics, while the B section has a more hopeful melody that suggests the possibility of love being reciprocated. The song has been covered by many jazz and pop artists over the years, including Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, Billie Holiday, and Nat King Cole. It has also been featured in several films and television shows, including "An American in Paris" and "Mad Men." "I Got It Bad (And That Ain't Good)" is a quintessential example of Ellington's style of composing and arranging. The song features lush harmonies, intricate rhythms, and a sophisticated use of orchestration. Ellington's use of the orchestra to create a rich, layered sound is particularly evident in the song's instrumental interlude, which features a call-and-response between the saxophones and the brass section. Overall, "I Got It Bad (And That Ain't Good)" is a timeless classic that continues to be beloved by jazz fans and musicians alike. Its poignant lyrics and beautiful melody make it a standout in the Great American Songbook, and its enduring popularity is a testament to Ellington's genius as a composer and arranger.More....