After You've Gone

Anita O'Day · Other Songs - Anita O'Day

Now won't you listen honey, while I say,

How could you tell me that you're goin' away?

Don't say that we must part,

Don't break your baby's heart



You know I've loved you for these many years,

Loved you night and day,

Oh! honey baby, can't you see my tears?

Listen while I say



After you've gone and left me cryin'

After you've gone there's no denyin'

You'll feel blue, you'll feel sad

You'll miss the dearest pal you've ever had



There'll come a time, now don't forget it

There'll come a time when you'll regret it

Someday, when you grow lonely

Your heart will break like mine and you'll want me only

After you've gone, after you've gone away



After you've gone and left me cryin'

After you've gone there's no denyin'

You're gonna feel blue, and you're gonna feel sad

You're gonna feel bad

And you'll miss, and you'll miss,

And you'll miss the bestest pal you ever had



There'll come a time, now don't forget it

There'll come a time when you'll regret it

But baby, think what you're doin'

I'm gonna haunt you so, I'm gonna taunt you so

It's gonna drive you to ruin

After you've gone, after you've gone away.

After You've Gone

Anita O'Day's rendition of 'After You've Gone' exemplifies her mastery of swing and her distinctive, conversational vocal style. A staple of the American songbook, this composition has been interpreted by countless performers, yet O'Day's approach remains uniquely personal and rhythmically precise. Her recording captures the essence of the era's jazz sensibilities, balancing emotional depth with a light, buoyant delivery that defines her extensive discography. Throughout her career, O'Day was celebrated for her ability to reinvent standards, treating each song as a fresh narrative rather than a static performance. This track stands as a testament to her enduring influence on vocal jazz, showcasing the phrasing and improvisational flair that made her a revered figure among musicians and critics alike.