Why Was I Born
Billie Holiday · Complete Masters 1933 - 1959 [2011]
Why am I livin'?
What do I get?
What am I givin'?
Why do I want for things
I dare not hope for?
What can I hope for?
I wish I knew
Why do I try to draw you near me?
Why do I cry, you never hear me?
I'm a poor fool but what can I do
Oh baby I was born to love you
Why Was I Born
Billie Holiday's 'Why Was I Born' stands as a haunting testament to her mastery of the jazz standard. Recorded within the 'Complete Masters 1933 - 1959' collection, this track exemplifies her signature approach to vocal improvisation and emotional depth. The song, often associated with the ballad genre of the 1930s and 40s, showcases Holiday's ability to transform a simple melody into a profound narrative of existential questioning. Her interpretation is characterized by a delicate use of vibrato and a voice that conveys both vulnerability and resilience. As a key component of her discography, the recording highlights her status as a pivotal figure in jazz history, influencing generations of vocalists with her unique phrasing and emotional honesty.