After You've Gone
Anita O'Day · Other Songs - Anita O'Day
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.

