Adelaide Hall (20 October 1901–7 November 1993) was an American-born Britis… Read Full Bio ↴Adelaide Hall (20 October 1901–7 November 1993) was an American-born British jazz singer and entertainer.

In 1921, an unheralded teenager named Adelaide Hall appeared as just another hoofer in the chorus line for the musical Shuffle Along. A scant seven years later, her role in the Broadway revue Blackbirds of 1928 (the most famous of the series of Blackbirds revues mounted during the 1920s and 30s) brought her international fame. Hall's stage performance in that production—in which the newcomer performed alongside a legend, tap dancer Bill "Bojangles"Robinson—attracted international media attention. It also launched the song "I Can't Give You Anything But Love"—just one of the many beloved tunes that members of the public would come to associate with Adelaide Hall.

The singer also earned renown for her innovative phrasings. Her wordless singing on Duke Ellington's recording of "Creole Love Call" prefigured the scat singing later made famous by Ella Fitzgerald. (In scat singing—sometimes called mouth music—the voice is used to mimic various jazz instruments, notably the trumpet, trombone, and saxophone.) Hall went on to perform regularly with jazz greats such as Art Tatum and Fats Waller.

Hall performed at venues throughout the United States and Europe before settling in Britain. She established her own nightclubs in London and Paris, and continued to perform in European nightspots for more than 50 years.

As Time Goes By
Adelaide Hall Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

You must remember this
A kiss is just a kiss, a sigh is just a sigh
The fundamental things apply
As time goes by

And when two lovers woo
They still say, I love you
On that you can rely

No matter what the future brings
As time goes by

Moonlight and love songs
Never out of date
Hearts full of passion
Jealousy and hate
Woman needs man
And man must have his mate
That no one can deny

It's still the same old story
A fight for love and glory
A case of do or die
The world will always welcome lovers
As time goes by

Oh yes, the world will always welcome lovers
As time goes by

Overall Meaning

The song "As Time Goes By" by Adelaide Hall expresses the enduring nature of love and its timeless qualities. The first verse establishes this idea by saying that despite the changes brought by time, the fundamental aspects of love remain constant. The second verse speaks about how in romantic relationships, some things never change such as expressing love and devotion to one's partner.

The third verse suggests that things like moonlight, love songs, passion, and even jealousy and hate will always be a part of falling in love. The next line acknowledges the basic human needs of connection and companionship. The final verse speaks of the struggle for love and the determination to fight for it no matter what the outcome may be.

The refrain assures us that despite everything, the world will always welcome lovers, and love will continue to exist as time goes by. Overall, the song conveys a message of hope and optimism about love's ability to survive the test of time.

Line by Line Meaning

You must remember this
I urge you to bear in mind what I’m about to say.

A kiss is just a kiss, a sigh is just a sigh
The act of kissing and breathing out loudly are just basic actions with no major significance.

The fundamental things apply
The basic principles remain applicable irrespective of the changes that occur around us.

As time goes by
Despite the fact that time flies and we move on, some things remain constant and continue to exist.

And when two lovers woo
When two individuals who are in love are trying to win each other over.

They still say, I love you
They still declare their love for each other verbally.

On that you can rely
One can be certain that this action (declaring love) is reliable, it will always happen.

No matter what the future brings
Despite whatever unfolds in the future, this action (declaring love) will remain consistent.

Moonlight and love songs
Romantic elements such as moonlight and music that express love.

Never out of date
These romantic components never become outdated.

Hearts full of passion
People who are passionate and devoted to their significant other.

Jealousy and hate
Unpleasant sensations including envy and animosity.

Woman needs man
Women require men for companionship and love.

And man must have his mate
Men require female partners for companionship and love.

That no one can deny
This reality is undeniable and universally recognized.

It's still the same old story
Love and its associated elements continue to follow the same plot which has existed for years.

A fight for love and glory
The battle to attain love and the ensuing admiration that comes with success.

A case of do or die
The endeavors in the quest for love are essential and must succeed.

The world will always welcome lovers
People in general are fond of people in love.

As time goes by
Despite the fact that time flies and we move on, some things remain constant and continue to exist.

Oh yes, the world will always welcome lovers
Regardless of whatever transformations occur, the world will continue to acknowledge and encourage love.

As time goes by
Despite the fact that time flies and we move on, some things remain constant and continue to exist.

Lyrics © CONSALAD CO., Ltd., BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Sentric Music, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Herman Hupfeld

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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