She is noted for her elegant interpretations of standards, ballads, and blues. Her characteristic inflections have sometimes prompted comparisons to stylistic devices employed by Billie Holiday and Ella Fitzgerald. Jones' recordings, particularly her debut record (Don't Go To Strangers, 1960), have earned wide admiration in a new generation of listeners.
She had three Grammy nominations, for the Don't Go to Strangers LP in 1960, Save Your Love for Me in 1981, and My Buddy in 1999.
Jones had a musical partnership of more than thirty years with tenor sax player Houston Person, who received equal billing with her. He also produced her albums and served as her manager.
Jones was born in Aiken, South Carolina, and raised in Harlem. She died at the age of 72 from cancer. She was survived by her husband, John Medlock, and a granddaughter.
All My Life
Etta Jones Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I've been waiting for you
My wonderful one, I've begun living
All my life
All my love
Has been waiting for you
My life is sublime, now that I'm giving
All my love
You seem so lovely, so far above me
I'm almost afraid to look
But I adore you, I place before you
A heart's, that's an open book
All my life
Hold me close to your heart
But all else above, hold my love, darling
All my life
You seem so lovely, so far above me
I'm almost afraid to look
But I adore you, I place before you
A heart's, that's an open book
All my life
Hold me close to your heart
But all else above, hold my love, darling
All my life
All my life
is a beautiful and romantic love song that describes the feelings of someone who has waited their whole life to find the love of their life. The song is written in a simple and direct language, but the emotions conveyed are intense and heartfelt.
The first verse describes the wait for the perfect partner, and the joy that comes with finally finding that person. The second verse describes the depth of love that the singer feels for their partner, and the third verse is a declaration of this love.
The chorus of the song is a plea to the lover to hold the singer close, but to hold their love above all else. This request reflects the intensity of the emotions involved and the desire to keep the relationship strong and true.
Overall, this song is a beautiful tribute to the power of love and the need for human connection. It speaks to the universal human desire to find a soulmate and to experience a deep and lasting love.
Line by Line Meaning
All my life
Throughout my entire existence
I've been waiting for you
I have eagerly anticipated your arrival
My wonderful one, I've begun living
My life has truly begun with you in it
All my love
My affection has always been for you
Has been waiting for you
My love has been patiently waiting for you
My life is sublime, now that I'm giving
My life is filled with joy and happiness now that I am expressing my love
You seem so lovely, so far above me
You appear to be beautiful and out of my league
I'm almost afraid to look
I am apprehensive to gaze upon your beauty
But I adore you, I place before you
But I deeply love you, and offer myself to you
A heart's, that's an open book
My heart is completely transparent and exposed to you
Hold me close to your heart
Embrace me tightly and keep me close to you
But all else above, hold my love, darling
Above all else, keep my love for you safe and secure
All my life
Throughout my entire existence
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: KIRK BENNETT, BOBBY DIXON, CLIFTON BAILEY, DALTON BROWNE, BENJI MYERS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind