YOU BETTER KNOW IT
(Duke Ellington / Billy Strayhorn)

as recorded by Lena Horne
with Lennie Hayton & his Orchestra
1958


We're in love, it appears,
And I surely want to thank you,
But if you get ideas,
I'll surely have to spank you!

I belong to you,
And now I know I show it;
You belong to me,
And you'd better know it!

give me all your love,
Sweet sugar, spice and honey,
But don't ever quit,
Not for love nor money!

I'd do most anything,
just to amuse you,
But there's nothin' that I wouldn't do
Rather than lose you!

When I play the game,
I can't afford to throw it,
'Cause I play for keeps,
And you'd better know it!

you belong to me, you fool,
Huh!  you'd better know it!

I belong to you,
I know you know it!

I'd do most anything,
just to amuse you,
But there's nothin' that I wouldn't do
Rather than lose you!

When I play the game of love,
I can't afford to throw it,
'Cause you're the one who weep you will
If you don't treat me sweet;
You belong to me,
You'd better know it!



(Transcribed by Peter Akers - April 2014)