The wonderful Gladys Bentley delivers “Big Gorilla Man” with such a remarkable charisma it is clear why she was such a popular nightclub performer in the late 20s and early 30s.
Released as Okeh 8707
Recorded in New York, New York on March 26, 1929.
Lyrics:
That big gorilla – a woman killer – and I ought to know.
He mistreats me – knocks and beats me – till I love him so
Cause he’s got that something that I need so bad.
Every morning when day is dawning I get so dog-gone scared
That he’ll wake me – he might shake me – until I lose my head
He’s got that something that I need so bad.
It’s so distressing – keeps me guessing – holds my breath so long
All my sweetness – he knows my weakness – he’s so big and strong
He’s got that something that I need so bad.
Hear me sayin’ – he keeps me weighin’ one hundred and ten
His devotion and slow motion – keeps me awful thin.
He’s got that something that I need so bad.
When excites me, he may bite me – got his habits on
His eyes gleaming, and I start screaming when my love comes down.
He’s got that something that I need so bad.
His nerves are steady – he’s always ready – that big gorilla man.
He loves a whole lot and I use all he’s got – like no other can.
He’s got that something that I need so bad.
Learn more about Gladys Bentley at:
https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2019/obituaries/gladys-bentley-overlooked.html
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