Do Nothin’ Till
You Hear From Me
by Duke Ellington

“ Do Nothin’ Till You Hear From Me “is a song with music by Duke Ellington and lyrics by Bob Russell. It originated as a 1940 instrumental (“Concerto for Cootie”) that was designed to highlight the playing of Ellington’s lead trumpeter, Cootie Williams. Russell’s words were added later. In 1944, Ellington’s own recording of the song was a number one hit R&B chart for eight non-consecutive weeks and number six on the pop chart.

Lyrics

Do Nothin’ Till You Hear From Me

ome-one told some-one and some-one told you
But they wouldn’t hurt you, not much,
Since ev’ryone 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.

Songwriters: Duke Ellington / Bob Russell