Do Nothin’ Till You Hear From Me
| PROFILE | |
| Composer | Duke Ellington |
| Lyricist | Bob Russell |
| Year Written | 1940 |
| About Do Nothin’ Till You Hear From Me | |
| As with most Ellington songs, the tune was written first and the lyrics added later. Also, as with most Ellington songs, it became a favorite song of both instrumental and vocal musicians. Ellington recorded the song in 1944 and it was a hit on both the R&B and Popular charts. Other recordings include those by Tony Bennett, Louis Armstrong, Sammy Davis, Jr., Anita O’Day and Nina Simone. | |
Lyrics
Someone told someone and someone told you
But they wouldn’t hurt you, not much
Since everyone spread the story
With his own little personal touch
Do nothin’ till you hear from me
Pay no attention to what’s said
Why people tear the seam of anyone’s dream
Is over my head
Do nothin’ till you hear from me
At least consider our romance
If you should take the word of others you’ve heard
I haven’t a chance
True I’ve been seen with someone new
But does that mean that I’m untrue
When we’re apart the words in my heart
Reveal how I feel about you
Some kiss may cloud my memory
And other arms may hold a thrill
But please do nothin’ till you hear it from me
And you never will
Do nothin’ till you hear from me
Do nothin’ till you hear from me
Pay no attention to what’s said
Why people tear the seam of anyone’s dream
Is over my head
Do nothin’ till you hear from me
At least consider our romance
If you should take the word of others you’ve heard
I haven’t a chance
True I’ve been seen with someone new
But does that mean that I’m untrue
When we’re apart the words in my heart
Reveal how I feel about you
Some kiss may cloud my memory
And other arms may hold a thrill
But please do nothin’ till you hear it from me
And you never will
Session / Album Information
1999
“Do Nothin’ Till You Hear From Me” was recorded in May 1999 and released that same year on the album Bennett Sings Ellington: Hot & Cool. It was arranged by Jorge Calandrelli.
This recording released on:
- 1998: Columbia CD: CK 63668 — Bennett Sings Ellington: Hot & Cool
- 2011: Disc #65 in The Tony Bennett Complete Collection (88697874602-JK63) Bennett Sings Ellington: Hot & Cool