About the song
“Why Don’t You Do Right?” originally emerged in 1936 as “The Weed Smoker’s Dream,” a blues song by Kansas Joe McCoy and Herb Morand, members of the Harlem Hamfats jazz band. Initially, the song dealt with a marijuana smoker lamenting lost financial opportunities. However, McCoy later reworked it into a perspective from a woman’s point of view, which became its enduring form.
In 1941, Lil Green’s rendition with guitar by Big Bill Broonzy propelled the song into popularity within jazz and blues circles. Green’s version set the stage for Peggy Lee’s iconic interpretation the following year, accompanied by Benny Goodman. Lee’s rendition, recorded on July 27, 1942, in New York, marked a significant moment in her career, catapulting her to national fame.
The song’s enduring appeal lies in its blend of blues roots and jazz influence, characterized by a minor key twelve-bar blues structure with subtle chord substitutions. Its lyrics, now from the perspective of a woman addressing her irresponsible partner, became iconic: “Why don’t you do right, like some other men do? Get out of here and get me some money too.”
Peggy Lee’s affinity for the song stemmed from her admiration of Lil Green’s recording, which she often played repeatedly in her dressing room. Benny Goodman, noticing her fondness for the tune, proposed that she sing it, leading to their collaboration and the creation of a timeless rendition.
Following its release, “Why Don’t You Do Right?” achieved considerable success, reaching number four on both the Billboard chart and the Harlem Hit Parade chart. Its inclusion in the 1943 film “Stage Door Canteen” further bolstered its popularity, solidifying Peggy Lee’s reputation as a vocalist of immense talent and style.
Today, “Why Don’t You Do Right?” remains a classic example of a blues-inspired pop song, revered for its evocative lyrics and Peggy Lee’s soulful interpretation. Its journey from a niche blues record to a widely recognized standard underscores its cultural impact and enduring relevance in the realm of American music history.
Video
Lyrics
ou had plenty money in 1922
You let other women make a fool of you
Why don’t you do right?
Like some other men do
Get out of here and get me some money, too
You’re sittin’ down wonderin’ what it’s all about
You ain’t got no money that will put you out
Why don’t you do right?
Like some other men do
Get out of here and get me some money, too
If you had prepared twenty years ago
You wouldn’t be wanderin’ now from door to door
Why don’t you do right?
Like some other men do
Get out of here and get me some money, too
I fell for your jiving and I took you in
Now all you’ve got to offer me is a drink of gin
Why don’t you do right?
Like some other men do
Get out of here and get me some money, too
Why don’t you do right?
Like some other men do
Like some other men do