DON'T EXPLAIN - Free Jazz Leadsheet

"don't explain" was composed by Billie Holiday with Arthur Herzog Jr. in 1944. The song conveys themes of heartbreak and resignation, reflecting Holiday’s deeply personal vocal style and expressive phrasing.

The first recording was by Billie Holiday herself with a small ensemble in New York, creating an intimate, melancholic atmosphere. Later interpretations by Ella Fitzgerald, Nina Simone, and contemporary jazz vocalists have explored its emotional depth and lyrical nuance.

The tune follows a traditional 32-bar form with subtle harmonic shifts, allowing performers to emphasize phrasing and dynamics, making it a timeless piece in both vocal and instrumental jazz repertoires.