Lyrics Necessary Evil - Louis Armstrong , Ella Fitzgerald

"Louis you're trouble... what's your problem Daddy?"

So I tried hard to be good, and do the things I should
I give up everything that I enjoyed

But if you slip a bit and your heart says, 'this is it'
That's a necessary evil, my boy

All my friends say I'm a fool and I won't break any rules
Why all the saintly virtues I employ

But if the slightest fling makes your soul begin to sing
That's a necessary evil, my boy

BRIDGE
Well a man sometime has to sip a drink (I'm hip, I'm hip)
And cast his eyes on a lovely shape (ahhh, you old rascal)
Then sometimes a wager desires

If a man says he don't, he's not a man he's a liar

So don't let yourself be sad
If what looks good is bad (ah-ha)
Reach out accept the things that bring you joy
(I will, so help me, I will)

And so you feel inclined, it will help to keep in mind
Baby that's a necessary evil, mmm my boy

For a man sometime has to sip of the grape
(A man drinks you know)
Or cast his eye on a lovely shape (a man flirts)
And then sometimes a wager desire (a man bets)

If a man says he don't, he's not a man he's a liar

So don't let yourself be sad
If what looks good is bad
I'll reach out accept the things that bring you joy

A man has got to live
Even stealers make you give
That's a necessary evil
Absolutely necessary
A necessary evil my boy