Stayin' At Home

This song from one of Fats Waller's earliest albums explores the theme of trust in long-distance relationships he was to return to much more famously in 'Ain't Misbehaving' 6 years later. This early version of the faithful lover gives a gentler reassurance, both in lyric and in tempo. Rather than listing the things he's not getting up to in his beloved's absense, he paints a picture of quiet evenings spent thinking about her. Like his later self, though, he does like to pass the time listening to the radio.

This contest-suitable arrangement sets up the chorus with a free-flowing verse before settling into a relaxed swing feel.