Free Jazz Standard Sheet Music Downloads

"Bidin' My Time" is a song composed by George Gershwin (1898–1937) with lyrics by Ira Gershwin. It was introduced by the male quartet The Foursome in the 1930 Broadway musical Girl Crazy—the same production that launched "I Got Rhythm," "But Not for Me," and "Embraceable You" into the American songbook, with a pit orchestra featuring Benny Goodman, Glenn Miller, and Gene Krupa.

The tune has a relaxed, easygoing character that perfectly embodies its lyrical theme of unhurried contentment. Gershwin's melody unfolds with a natural, conversational grace, supported by tasteful harmonic movement that avoids complexity in favor of warmth and charm. As a jazz vehicle, the song lends itself to laid-back swing or bossa nova treatments, and its gentle disposition makes it an ideal choice for setting a mellow mood. While not as frequently called at jam sessions as some of the other Girl Crazy standards, it rewards performers who appreciate understated elegance.

Notable vocal recordings include Sarah Vaughan's version on Sarah Vaughan Sings George Gershwin (1958) and Ella Fitzgerald's definitive rendition on the George and Ira Gershwin Songbook (1959). Nat King Cole also recorded the tune for his 1964 album Let's Face the Music!