Fats Waller was a gifted pianist and singer, famous for his joyful, playful style that left a never-ending mark on jazz. The original performers and co-writers gave Ain’t Misbehavin’ a lively stride piano and witty vocal delivery that set the foundation for its appeal.
Ella Fitzgerald, known as the First Lady of Song, added her pure, powerful voice and impeccable swing in collaboration with Count Basie, creating a vibrant and classy interpretation that highlighted her brilliance in improvisation.
Louis Armstrong infused Ain’t Misbehavin with his gravelly voice and trumpet mastery, blending heartfelt emotion and jazz innovation that helped shape the song’s place in vocal jazz history.
Perry Como, with his smooth and warm vocal style, brought the song into popular music with a relaxed and accessible charm, making it beloved across a wider audience.
About the Song
Ain’t Misbehavin’ is a classic jazz song first written in 1929. It is known for its playful lyrics and smooth melody about staying loyal to a loved one, often performed with a swinging rhythm.
The song became famous through various renditions, each artist bringing unique charm and feeling to the timeless tune. It remains one of the most loved jazz standards of all time.
| Details | Fats Waller and His Rhythm | Ella Fitzgerald & Count Basie | Louis Armstrong | Perry Como |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Released | 1929 | 1957 (album recording) | July 19, 1929 | 1945 |
| Album | Single release | Ella and Basie! | Louis In New York, Vol. 5 | Various Compilations |
| Writers | Fats Waller, Harry Brooks & Andy Razaf | Fats Waller, Harry Brooks & Andy Razaf | Fats Waller, Harry Brooks & Andy Razaf | Fats Waller, Harry Brooks & Andy Razaf |
| Producers | Various early jazz producers | Norman Granz | Various producers over the career | RCA Records |
Ain’t Misbehavin Lyrics By Fats Waller & His Rhythm
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 I love
I’m through with flirtin’
It’s you that 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 eight
Just me and my radio
Ain’t misbehavin’
I’m savin’ my love for you
Ain’t misbehavin’
I’m savin’ my love for you
Ain’t Misbehavin’ Lyrics By Ella Fitzgerald & Count Basie
Verse 1
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
Verse 2
I know for certain the one I love
I’m through with flirtin’, it’s just you I’m thinkin’ of
Ain’t misbehavin’, savin’ my love for you
Bridge
Like Jack Horner in the corner
Don’t go nowhere, what do I care?
Your kisses are worth waiting for, believe me
Verse 3
I don’t stay out late, don’t care to go
I’m home about eight, just me and my radio
Ain’t misbehavin’, savin’ my love for you
Bridge
In the corner
Don’t go nowhere, what do I care?
Your kisses are worth waiting for, believe me
Verse 3
I don’t stay out late, don’t care to go
I’m home about eight, just me and my radio
Ain’t misbehavin’, savin’ my love for you
Ain’t misbehavin’, savin’ my love for you
Ain’t Misbehavin’ Lyrics By Louis Armstrong and His Orchestra
[Muted trumpet half Chorus: Louis Armstrong]
[Violin bridge: Carroll Dickerson]
[Reeds play last 8]
Verse 1
No one to talk with, all by myself
No one to walk with, I’m happy on the shelf babe
Ain’t misbehavin’, I’m savin’ my love
Oh babe, love for you, really babe, I love you
Verse 2
I know it’s certain, one I love
I’m through with flirtin’, you that I’m thinkin’ of
Ain’t misbehavin’, I’m savin’ my love
Oh baby, my love for you
Bridge
Jackie Horner in a corner
Don’t go nowhere and I don’t care
All your kisses worth waitin’ for babe, (scat)
Verse 3
I don’t stay out late, don’t care to go
I’m home about eight, me and my radio, babe
Ain’t misbehavin’, saving all my love for you
[Trumpet solo: Louis Armstrong]
Ain’t Misbehavin’ Lyrics By Perry Como
No one to talk with, all by myself
No one to walk with, but I’m happy on the shelf
Ain’t misbehavin’
Savin’ my love for you
I know for certain the one I love
I’m through with flirtin’, it’s you that I’m thinkin’ of
Ain’t misbehavin’
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, no place to go
I’m home about eight, just me and my radio
Ain’t misbehavin’
Savin’ all my love for you
I don’t stay out late, got no place to go
I’m home about eight, just me and my radio
Ain’t misbehavin’
Savin’ my love for you
Awards for the Song
| Award Name | Version |
|---|---|
| Grammy Hall of Fame Award (1984) | Fats Waller’s 1929 original recording |
| RIAA Songs of the Century (2001) | General recognition of the song |
| National Recording Registry (2004) | Fats Waller’s 1929 original recording |
Similar Songs Like Ain’t Misbehavin
Each song shares a simple, cheerful message wrapped in playful music and easy-to-remember words:
- Two Sleepy People: Much like Ain’t Misbehavin’, this song mixes humor and tenderness in a jazz setting, with Waller’s signature piano style adding a cozy feel.
- Love and Kisses: With Ella’s warm vocals and Basie’s swinging band, this number brings out the affectionate spirit and toe-tapping joy found in Ain’t Misbehavin’.
- Stardust: Armstrong brings romance and swing together, offering the same blend of soul and melody present in Ain’t Misbehavin’.
- Like Someone in Love: The gentle crooning and romantic message pair beautifully with Como’s version of Ain’t Misbehavin’, both soothing and friendly to the ear.
Frequently Asked Questions
Has Ain’t Misbehavin’ been Featured in Films?
Yes, the song has appeared in movies like Stormy Weather (1943), Atlantic City (1944), and Be Kind Rewind (2008), among others.
Was Ain’t Misbehavin’ Used in a Broadway Show?
Yes, it was the title song of the 1978 musical revue Ain’t Misbehavin’, which won the Tony Award for Best Musical.
What Makes Ain’t Misbehavin’ a Jazz Standard?
Its catchy melody, clever lyrics, and adaptability have made it one of the most recorded and performed songs in jazz history.
