I Got It Bad And That Ain't Good
Johnny Hodges · Masters Of Jazz [2006]
But I'm in love and I know what time it is!
The Good Book says "Go seek and ye shall find
"Well, I have sought and my what a climb it is!
My life is just like the weatherIt changes with the hours
When he's near I'm fair and warmer
When he's gone I'm cloudy with showers;in emotion
Like the ocean it's either sink or swim
When a woman loves a man like I love him
Never treats me sweet and gentle the way he should
I got it bad and that ain't good!
My poor heart is sentimental not made of wood
I got it bad and that ain't good!
But when the weekend's over and Monday rolls aroun'
I end up like I start out just cryin' my heart out
He don't love me like I love him nobody could
I got it bad and that ain't good
Like a lonely weeping willow lost in the wood
I got it bad and that ain't good!
And the things I tell my pillow no woman should
I got it bad and that ain't good!
Tho folks with good intentions ell me to save my tears
I'm glad I'm mad about him I can't live without him
Lord above me make him love me the way he should
I got it bad and that ain't good
About I Got It Bad And That Ain't Good
Johnny Hodges delivers a smooth, mid-tempo swing performance on "I Got It Bad And That Ain't Good," a track that showcases his signature ability to blend vocal melody with jazz improvisation. Recorded for the *Masters Of Jazz* compilation, this recording highlights his versatility as a tenor saxophonist and vocalist, capturing the relaxed yet rhythmic energy characteristic of his work in the 1950s. The song reflects the era's popular standards while maintaining the sophisticated harmonic language of the big band era, allowing Hodges to weave a narrative of romantic frustration through both lyrics and instrumental interludes. His delivery remains consistent with his broader discography, offering a polished example of his contributions to vocal jazz and swing music.