Body and Soul
Anita O’Day Lyrics
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Carrying the one that I love
Her beautiful body is still here on earth,
But her soul has been called up above
Body and soul, body and soul,
That's how she loved me, with body and soul
Her eyes were as blue as the sea,
Her lips were the color of summer's red rose,
And she promised she would always love me
Tomorrow as the sun sinks low
The shadows will cover her face
As her last sun goes down, she's laid beneath the ground
And my teardrops are falling like rain
In Anita O'Day's song "Body and Soul," the lyrics depict a profound loss and the pain of separation. The opening lines introduce a train approaching, symbolizing the passage of time and change. The train carries someone dear to the singer, and while their physical body remains on Earth, their soul has departed to a higher realm. This suggests that the person has passed away, leaving behind only their physical form.
The refrain of "body and soul" emphasizes the depth of love that the singer shared with this person. It suggests that their love was not just physical, but also spiritual and emotional. The phrase reinforces the idea that their connection was all-encompassing and profound. It implies that the love they shared transcended the limitations of their physical bodies and existed at a deeper, more meaningful level.
The following stanza describes the physical attributes of the person the singer has lost. Their hair is described as the purest gold, symbolizing its radiance and beauty. Their eyes are compared to the vastness of the sea, suggesting their depth and intensity. The color of the person's lips is likened to that of a red rose in the summertime, signifying passion and romance. These vivid descriptions serve to further emphasize the beauty and allure of the person the singer has lost.
The final stanza focuses on the imminent arrival of tomorrow, where the sun will set and shadows will cover the person's face. This imagery alludes to the funeral or burial of the person, as they are laid beneath the ground. The singer expresses their grief through tears, which are compared to falling raindrops. This comparison highlights the intensity of their sorrow and emphasizes the profound impact of the loss. Overall, the lyrics of "Body and Soul" depict a story of love, loss, and the deep emotional connection that transcends physicality.
Line by Line Meaning
See that train coming round the bend
I witness a train approaching from the distance
Carrying the one that I love
Transporting the person I deeply care for
Her beautiful body is still here on earth
Her physical form remains present in this world
But her soul has been called up above
Yet her essence has been summoned to the realm beyond
Body and soul, body and soul
With every part of her being, every aspect of her existence
That's how she loved me, with body and soul
She expressed her affection for me wholeheartedly, completely
Her beautiful hair was the purest of gold
Her locks possessed a pristine, radiant golden hue
Her eyes were as blue as the sea
The color of her eyes resembled the vastness of the ocean
Her lips were the color of summer's red rose
Her mouth adorned the shade of a crimson blossom in its prime
And she promised she would always love me
She vowed eternal affection and devotion to me
Tomorrow as the sun sinks low
When the next day arrives and the sun descends on the horizon
The shadows will cover her face
The darkness will cast its veil upon her countenance
As her last sun goes down, she's laid beneath the ground
When her final sunset occurs, she rests in the embrace of the soil
And my teardrops are falling like rain
My tears descend incessantly akin to a downpour
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: MARILYN MC LEOD, MEL BOLTON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@stephenvincent4989
This is Jazz on the high wire and Anita was one of its greatest exponents sublimely performed without a safety net. Sit back and enjoy - WOW!
@AlexandraRieloff
A true master ....When people were cool and respectful.
@johnmc3862
They were on television!
@djenkins1918
So true! They had class.
@manguera9
she is using chest voice and drawing notes in the intro of this song ,anytime a see a video of Anita is just amazing ,she was impredictable, and that the genious of this lady, that she comes up with something different that is enjoyable.
@joykanazawa9096
Her voice and style in jazz singing, soooooo cool. Love her. ♥️
@brandonsaloy5635
It's so incredible the way she makes this space her own. She WILL lead this group. They may not be hip to it, but she will. True genius.
@davidmayhew8083
She kills me. Her rythm is sublime. Thrilling!
@waitaminute7257
Love her!! Also that guitar player flys through all those chords like it's no big thing at all. That's hard stuff to play!
@mrg.8754
There was Wonderwoman...
...And came Anita.
So Mighty ✨