Why Can't You Behave?: E-Z Play Today

This Cole Porter standard sits at the intersection of accessibility and sophistication, offering pianists a chance to explore swing rhythms and jazz voicings without requiring advanced harmonic knowledge. The three-page length makes it manageable for intermediate learners while remaining fresh enough for more experienced players looking to expand their jazz standards vocabulary.

Playful and slightly sly, with the conversational ease of a mid-century nightclub. The melody dances through changes that feel natural and inevitable, supported by jazz harmonies that ground the piece without weighing it down.

Intermediate pianists ready to explore jazz standards and pianists accompanying vocalists in casual performances or student recitals. This arrangement works equally well for solo study and as part of a jazz curriculum introducing players to swing-era repertoire.

• Anchor the left hand comfortably in a stride pattern or walking bass foundation; let the right hand float above with conversational phrasing rather than metronomic evenness
• Reference Sinatra recordings to absorb the song's rhythmic character; notice how he phrases across bar lines and leans into certain syllables to shape the melody
• Shape phrase endings with dynamic softness rather than rhythmic pulling; allow the tune to breathe naturally around the lyrical content

Pair this with other Porter standards to create a focused composer study or program an evening of jazz standards alongside vocal performances. It also works beautifully as an interlude piece or showcase during a jazz appreciation concert featuring Great American Songbook selections.

• Swing eighth-note interpretation and rhythmic flexibility
• Jazz chord voicings and reharmonization awareness
• Balancing technical accuracy with stylistic interpretation
• Accompanying singers with responsive, flexible accompaniment