Splendid
Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers Lyrics
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Beware my foolish heart
How white the ever constant moon
Take care my foolish heart
There's a line between love and fascination
That's hard to see, how many names such as this
For they both have the very same sensation
When you're locked in the magic of a kiss
Her lips are much too close to mine
Beware my foolish heart
But should our eager lips combine
Then let the fire start
For this time it isn't fascination
Or a dream that will fade and fall apart
It's love, this time it's love
My foolish heart
The lyrics of Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers's song "Splendid" are warning against the danger of romanticizing a relationship too early, too soon. The singer is cautioning himself against falling head over heels for someone whose feelings may not be reciprocated. The night is portrayed as a beautiful symphony, but this doesn't mean that the singer's heart should trust the melody. The constant moon symbolizes the consistency of his emotional vulnerability.
The next verse differentiates between love and fascination, stating that their sensations are almost identical, and the line that separates them is hardly visible. Physical intimacy, such as a kiss, can blur this line even further. Here, the singer acknowledges that he is susceptible to romantic illusions, but he also wants to experience the passion that comes with such attachments. The final verse declares that this time it's not just fascination, it's actual love. The singer has made his decision, and he will risk his heart for this person, even if it turns out to be foolish.
Line by Line Meaning
The night is like a lovely tune
The night possesses an alluring quality much like a beautiful melody.
Beware my foolish heart
Be cautious with my heart as it has been known to make foolish decisions.
How white the ever constant moon
The moon, a steadfast presence, shines brightly in the night sky.
Take care my foolish heart
Proceed with care as my heart has been prone to making foolish choices.
There's a line between love and fascination
There is a fine distinction between love and infatuation that is often difficult to discern.
That's hard to see, how many names such as this
It's challenging to decipher the varied nuances that exist between love and attraction.
For they both have the very same sensation
Both love and infatuation can evoke the same emotional intensity.
When you're locked in the magic of a kiss
The spell of a kiss can be all-encompassing.
Her lips are much too close to mine
The proximity of our mouths is dangerously close.
But should our eager lips combine
If we satisfy our impulsive desires and our kisses collide.
Then let the fire start
At that moment, let passion ignite.
For this time it isn't fascination
This time the attraction we feel is not fleeting interest, but rather genuine affection.
Or a dream that will fade and fall apart
Not like a mere fantasy that will ultimately crumble away.
It's love, this time it's love
This time, it's love - a deep, lasting affection.
My foolish heart
In spite of my heart's inclination towards irrationality, it remains hopeful and open to the prospect of love.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., PATTI WASHINGTON MUSIC, SHAPIRO BERNSTEIN & CO. INC.
Written by: NED WASHINGTON, VICTOR YOUNG
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind