I Got It Bad And That Ain't Good
Dinah Washington · Other Songs - Dinah Washington
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 weather
It changes with the hours
When he's near, I'm fair and warmer
When he's gone, I'm cloudy with showers
An 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 around
I end up like I started out: just cryin' my lil' heart out
He don't love me like I love him
No, nobody could; I got it bad and that ain't good
So bad, so bad
I got on it so bad, so bad, though folks with good intentions
Tell me to save my tears
I'm glad; I'm mad about you; I can't live without you
Lord above me, make him love me the way he should
Like a lonely weeping willow lost in the wood
The things I tell my pillow
No woman should
I got it bad, bad, so bad and that ain't good
I Got It Bad And That Ain't Good
Dinah Washington's 1956 recording of 'I Got It Bad And That Ain't Good' stands as a definitive example of mid-century jazz vocal performance. The track showcases her signature ability to blend swing with a rich, emotive tone, delivering a narrative of romantic frustration that resonated deeply with audiences of the era. As a key figure in the Great American Songbook, Washington brought a unique interpretive style to standards, often infusing them with a cool, sophisticated edge that distinguished her from contemporaries. This particular rendition highlights her mastery of phrasing and her capacity to convey complex emotional landscapes through melody alone. The song remains a staple in jazz repertoires, celebrated for its timeless appeal and Washington's enduring influence on vocal jazz. Her work during this period solidified her reputation as one of the most respected singers of her generation.