Lena Horne’s soulful rendering of the woebegone lyrics in “Good-for-Nothin' Joe” marks her recording debut with Barnet. Although Horne spent only four months as the band’s vocalist, she later acknowledged that while working with Charlie, she began to develop her distinctive style. (From Liner Notes...
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It's gonna rain any minute
There’s not a star in sight
Things are mighty slow
I guess, I'll close up shop
And go home to Joe
I know he won't be glad to see me
Without a penny to the good
But I’m not carin' much what happens
I did the best I could
He's just good-for-nothin' Joe
But, oh, I love him so
Guess I'd die if good-for-nothin' Joe
Ever tried to leave me flat
Oh yes, I'm certain of that
Folks I know can't understand
Why I must have that man
Lord, he sends me like nobody can
Ain’t a woman just like that?
I wouldn’t mind doin' what I’m doin'
I'd beat these streets till my feet were sore
But when it's slow and I go home to him
Instead of sympathy, he’s just as mean as can be
Still there's nothin' I can do
Because I love him so
I'd be good for nothin' too, I know
Without good-for-nothin' Joe
-(Short Instrumental Break)
I'd be good for nothin' too, I know
Without good-for-nothin' Joe
I'm goin' home to Joe
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Charlie Barnet & his Orchestra released Good-For-Nothin’ Joe on Tue Jan 07 1941.