Al Grey was born in Aldie, Virginia and grew up in Pottstown, Pennsylvania. During World War II he served in the Navy where he started playing the trombone. Soon after his discharge he joined Benny Carter's band and later the trombone section of Lionel Hampton. After some solo work Grey joined Dizzy Gillespie's big band in 1956. In October 1957 Count Basie urgently needed a fill-in for his European tour and Al Grey luckily was in the right place at the right time.
After 1961 Grey performed only occasionally with the Count. Apart from leading his own combos, he appeared with many jazz greats such as Herbie Hancock, Quincy Jones and even Ray Charles.
He is featured on Count Basie recordings with Ella Fitzgerald or Frank Sinatra and recorded "Snap your Fingers". His trombone skills were also featured on the award-winning soundtrack for Steven Spielberg's film The Colour Purple.
Al Grey greatly contributed to the post-swing era jazz-trombone vocabulary and will be remembered for his charming personality as well as his ability to bond with audiences around the world.
Bewitched Bothered And Bewildered
Al Grey Lyrics
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But a fool can have her charms
I'm in love and don't I show it
Like a babe in arms
Love's the same old situation
Lately I've not slept a wink
Since this crazy situation
I'm wild again, beguiled again
A whimpering, simpering child again
Bewitched, bothered and bewildered, am I
Couldn't sleep, wouldn't sleep
Love came and told me, shouldn't sleep
Bewitched, bothered and bewildered, am I
I lost my heart, but what of it
She is cold I agree
She might laugh, but I love it
Although the laugh's on me
I'll sing to her, bring spring to her
And long, for the day when I'll cling to her
Bewitched, bothered and bewildered, am I
The lyrics to Al Grey's song "Bewitched Bothered and Bewildered" tell the tale of a man who is hopelessly in love with a woman who is not good for him. He acknowledges that she is a fool, but is captivated by her charms nonetheless. He is like a child in love, unable to resist her allure. The love he feels is causing him to lose sleep and is driving him crazy, as he is unable to control his emotions. He is begging for her attention and is willing to do whatever it takes to win her affection.
The lyrics are a classic example of a person being bewitched by love. The singer is mesmerized by the woman's beauty and is willing to put up with any amount of pain just to be close to her. Despite knowing that the object of his affections is not good for him, he is helpless to resist her. The lyrics capture the feeling of being caught in the grip of love, unable to break free from its spell.
Overall, the song is a melancholic exploration of the ups and downs of love. The singer is willing to do anything to win over his love, even if it means enduring pain and heartache. The song is a reminder that love can be both beautiful and frustrating, and that the line between the two is often very thin.
Line by Line Meaning
She's a fool and don't I know it
I am aware she is making a mistake, but it doesn't stop me from being attracted to her.
But a fool can have her charms
Despite being foolish, she possesses qualities that are endearing to me.
I'm in love and don't I show it
My affection for her is apparent to everyone.
Like a babe in arms
My behavior and emotions are childlike and helpless around her.
Love's the same old situation
I am not the first nor the last person to experience the tumultuous nature of love.
Lately I've not slept a wink
My infatuation with her has prevented me from getting any rest.
Since this crazy situation
Because of this irrational and illogical feeling that has taken over me.
Has me on the blink
I am feeling disoriented and confused.
I'm wild again, beguiled again
I am once again experiencing strong feelings of passion and attraction towards her.
A whimpering, simpering child again
I am behaving like an immature and overly emotional person.
Bewitched, bothered and bewildered, am I
I am feeling completely under her spell and unable to think clearly or rationally.
Couldn't sleep, wouldn't sleep
I was unable and unwilling to sleep because of my strong feelings of love.
Love came and told me, shouldn't sleep
My infatuation with her was so strong that it kept me awake, as if love itself was telling me to not sleep.
I lost my heart, but what of it
I gave my heart to her, even though logically it might not have been the right decision.
She is cold I agree
Although she might not be as receptive to my feelings as I would like, I acknowledge that she has a distant and unemotional demeanor.
She might laugh, but I love it
Even though she might find my behavior amusing or even ridiculous, I can't help but be drawn to her.
Although the laugh's on me
I am aware that I am putting myself in a vulnerable position with these strong feelings.
I'll sing to her, bring spring to her
I am willing to do anything to win her affection and make her happy.
And long, for the day when I'll cling to her
I am eagerly awaiting the moment when she reciprocates my feelings and we are united in love.
Bewitched, bothered and bewildered, am I
Once again, I am feeling completely under her spell and overwhelmed by my feelings of love.
Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, O/B/O DistroKid, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Lorenz Hart, Richard Rodgers
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind