Satin Doll
(Duke Ellington)
Satin Doll
by Duke Ellington
“ Satin Doll ” is a jazz standard written by Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn with lyrics by Johnny Mercer.Written in 1953, the song has been recorded by Ella Fitzgerald, 101 Strings, Terry Callier, and Nancy Wilson. Its chord progression is well known for its unusual use of chords and opening with a ii-V-I turnaround. Johnny Mercer was often asked to write lyrics to already popular songs. Lyrics to “Satin Doll” were written after the song was a hit in its instrumental version. Ellington used “Satin Doll” as the closing number in most of his concerts.
Lyrics
Satin Doll
Cigarette holder- wich wigs me
Over her shoulder – she digs me
Out cattin’ – that satin doll
Baby shall we go – out skippin’
Careful amigo – you’re flippin’
Speaks latin – that satin doll
She’s nobody’s fool so I’m playing it cool as can be
I’ll give it a whirl but I ain’t for no girl catching me
Telephone numbers – well you know
Doing my rhumbas – with uno
And that’n my satin doll
Over her shoulder – she digs me
Out cattin’ – that satin doll
Baby shall we go – out skippin’
Careful amigo – you’re flippin’
Speaks latin – that satin doll
She’s nobody’s fool so I’m playing it cool as can be
I’ll give it a whirl but I ain’t for no girl catching me
Telephone numbers – well you know
Doing my rhumbas – with uno
And that’n my satin doll
Songwriters: Duke Ellington / Johnny Mercer / Billy Strayhorn
