Don't Explain (song)


"Don't Explain" is a song written by jazz singer Billie Holiday and Arthur Herzog Jr.

Overview

In her 1956 autobiography, Holiday cites the infidelity of her first husband, Jimmy Monroe, as the inspiration for this song; specifically, an instance in which Monroe's woeful attempt to explain away lipstick on his collar elicits Holiday's disgusted response: "Take a bath, man; don't explain."

Recording session

Session #52: New York City, November 8, 1944, Decca, Toots Camarata and His Orchestra, with Russ Case, Hymie Schertzer, Jack Cressey, Larry Binyon and Dave Harris, Dave Bowman, Carl Kress, Haig Stephens, George Wettling, Billie Holiday, and six strings.

Notable cover versions

Lyrics from "Don't Explain" were sung by Carlo Marx in the 2012 film adaptation by Walter Salles of the novel by Jack Kerouac, On the Road, which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival.