Ain't Nobody's Business
Freedom in Harmony: Abbey Lincoln's Defiant Anthem
Lyrics
Ain't nobody's business what I do
A person's actions are private and should not be subject to public scrutiny.
Get me a shotgun and shoot my baby
Expressing frustration or a strong emotional response, possibly metaphorically referring to a troubled relationship.
Ain't nobody's business if I do
Reiterating the idea that one's actions are personal and not the concern of others.
There ain't nothing I can do, or nothing I can say,
Feeling helpless, acknowledging criticism from others.
Some folks will criticize me.
Aware of judgment from certain individuals.
So I'm gonna do just what I want to anyway,
Determined to act according to personal desires despite potential criticism.
And don't care if you all despise me.
Unconcerned about the negative opinions of others.
If I should take a notion
Asserting the right to make personal decisions without interference.
To jump into the ocean,
Expressing the freedom to take unconventional actions, even if they may seem risky.
It ain't nobody's business if I do.
Emphasizing the private nature of individual choices and actions.
If I go to church on Sunday
Highlighting the freedom to engage in different activities on different days.
And I shimmy down on Monday,
Stressing the autonomy to make personal choices without external judgment.
It ain't nobody's business if I do.
Reiterating that personal actions are not the business of others.
And if my friend ain't got no money
Declaring independence in financial matters and the right to give without judgment.
And I say, "All right, take all of mine honey,"
Expressing generosity without expecting others to understand or interfere.
It ain't nobody's business if I do.
Reiterating the privacy of personal financial transactions.
If I lend her my last nickel
Stating the privacy of personal loans and the right to make such decisions.
And it leaves me in a pickle,
Highlighting the personal consequences of lending and the privacy of that choice.
It ain't nobody's business if I do.
Emphasizing that personal matters, even challenging ones, are not the concern of others.
I would rather my gal would hit me
Expressing a preference for physical harm over emotional abandonment in a relationship.
Than to haul right up and quit me.
Valuing emotional commitment over the potential challenges in a relationship.
It ain't nobody's business if I do.
Reiterating the private nature of personal relationships and choices.
I know that she won't call no copper
Asserting confidence in the partner's discretion in handling personal matters.
If she gets beat up by her poppa.
Referring to a potentially abusive situation but asserting that it is a private matter.
It ain't nobody's business if I do, Lord no.
Reiterating that personal matters should not involve external authorities.
Well, it ain't nobody's business if I do.
Concluding with a strong affirmation of personal autonomy and privacy.
Comment