Free Jazz Standard Sheet Music Downloads

"Don't Blame Me" is a popular song with music by Jimmy McHugh and lyrics by Dorothy Fields, one of the great songwriting teams of the Tin Pan Alley era. The song was introduced in the 1932 musical "Clowns in Clover" at the Apollo Theater in Chicago and published in 1933. It became a hit that year through recordings by Ethel Waters, Guy Lombardo, and others.

The tune follows a 32-bar AABA form in the key of C major. Fields's witty lyrics—essentially arguing that falling in love is beyond one's control—are set to a graceful, warmly romantic melody by McHugh. The A sections present a flowing, arched melodic line that conveys deep tenderness, while the bridge introduces harmonic contrast that adds emotional depth. The chord changes are relatively straightforward, making it accessible for improvisation, yet the melody's expressive beauty consistently inspires creative interpretations from both vocalists and instrumentalists.

Sarah Vaughan's 1946 recording for Musicraft stands as a landmark early vocal jazz interpretation, showcasing the young singer's extraordinary range and phrasing. Charlie Parker performed the tune in live settings, revealing his lyrical sensitivity on ballad material. Nat King Cole's 1948 version reached number 21 on the pop chart and helped cement the song's status as an enduring jazz and pop standard.