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

Frankie Laine · Other Songs - Frankie Laine

Though folks with good intentions

Tell me to save my tears

Well I'm so mad about him

I can't live without him

Never treats me sweet and gentle

The way he should

I've got it bad

And that ain't good

My poor heart is so sentimental

Not made of wood

I've got it so bad

And that ain't good

But when the fish are jumpin'

And Friday rolls around

My man an' I, we gin some

We pray some, and sin some

He don't love me like I love him

The way he should

I've got it bad

And that ain't good

Yes I've got it bad

And that ain't good

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

Frankie Laine's 1956 recording of 'I Got It Bad (And That Ain't Good)' stands as a defining example of the early rock and roll era, blending traditional pop sensibilities with the emerging energy of the new sound. The song's narrative explores the complexities of infatuation and the inevitable decline of a relationship, a theme that resonated deeply with post-war audiences. Laine's delivery, characterized by a smooth yet urgent vocal style, helped propel the track to the top of the charts, cementing his status as a leading figure in the genre. As one of the first major hits to feature a prominent female vocalist, the song also marked a significant shift in the industry's approach to gender roles in music. Its enduring popularity highlights its role in shaping the sonic landscape of the mid-1950s and influencing countless subsequent artists in the rock and roll canon.