Historical Background of "Ain’t Nobody’s Business If I Do"
Songwriters:
The song Ain’t Nobody’s Business If I Do was written by Porter Grainger (1891–1955) and Everett Robbins in 1920.
Grainger was a pianist, composer, and lyricist who worked with many blues and jazz singers of the early 20th century.
Robbins was a pianist and composer known for his contributions to jazz and blues music.
Meaning & Themes:
The song is a defiant declaration of personal freedom, emphasizing the right to make one’s own choices without interference.
It touches on themes of independence, resilience, and nonconformity, which were especially powerful given the social dynamics of the 1920s.
The lyrics reflect a strong-willed individual rejecting societal judgment on personal decisions, including relationships, money, and self-expression.
Early Recordings:
The first major recording was by Anna Meyers and the Original Memphis Five in 1922.
However, the most famous early version was by Bessie Smith in 1923, cementing the song’s status as a blues classic.
Over the years, it was performed by various artists, including Billie Holiday, Dinah Washington, and others.
Cultural Impact:
The song became an anthem of independence and empowerment, particularly for women in blues and jazz.
Its message resonated with later blues and rock artists, leading to numerous covers across different genres.
The song is considered a blues standard and has been included in many historical collections of early American blues.
The song is public domain in the U.S., but in the EU, its status may depend on whether a particular country applies the Rule of the Shorter Term. Some countries may still consider it copyrighted until 2030.
Rule of the Shorter Term – Some EU countries apply this rule, meaning that if a work is in the public domain in its country of origin (USA), they may also consider it public domain in their country, even if their copyright term is longer. However, this rule is not applied consistently across all EU countries.
Lyrics:
There ain't nothin' I can do, nor nothin' I can say,
That folks don't criticize me.
But I'm gonna do just as I want to anyway,
I don't care if they all despise me.
If I should take a notion
To jump into the ocean,
It ain't nobody's business if I do.
Rather than persecute me,
I choose that you would shoot me,
It ain't nobody's business if I do.
If I should get the feelin'
To dance upon the ceiling',
It ain't nobody's business if I do.
If I let my best companion
Drive me right into the canyon,
It ain't nobody's business if I do.
After all the way to do is do just as I please,
Regardless of their talkin'
Often times the ones that talk will get down on their knees,
And beg my pardon for their squawkin'.
If I dislike my lover
And leave him for another,
It ain't nobody's business if I do.
If I go to church on Sunday,
Then cabaret on Monday,
It ain't nobody's business if I do.
If my friend ain't got no money
And I say, "Take all mine, honey,"
It ain't nobody's business if I do.
If I lend him my last nickel
And it leaves me in a pickle,
It ain't nobody's business if I do.