In 1961 she participated in BBC TV's A Song for Europe Contest, the UK qualifying heat for the Eurovision Song Contest. Her entry, "I Will Light a Candle" was placed fourth. Lale Andersen, who recorded the original German version of "Lili Marleen" also entered the 1961 Eurovision Song Contest, although her song only made it to #13. Anne made another attempt at Eurovision in 1963 with "My Continental Love" - and came fourth again.
She also sang and acted in several motion pictures.
In 1990 she was awarded the OBE for her work with the "Not Forgotten Association", a charitable organization for disabled former service personnel from all wars. Anne Shelton died in Hurstmonceux, England in 1994 and was interred in the Brenchley Gardens cemetery in South East London.
Blues in the Night
Anne Shelton Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
My mamma done told me, Hon
A man's gonna sweet talk and give you the big eye
But when the sweet talking's done
A man is a two-face
A worrisome thing who'll leave you to sing the blues in the night
Now the rains a-fallin'
Hear the train a-callin'
Hear that lonesome whistle blowin' across the trestle
My mamma done told me
Oh, clickerty clacks are echoing back the blues in the night
The evenin' breeze'll start the trees to cryin'
And the moon'll hide it's light when you get the blues in the night
Take my word
The mockingbird'll sing the saddest kind of song
He knows things are wrong and he's right
From Natchez to Mobile
From Memphis to St. Joe
Wherever the four winds blow
I've been in some big towns and heard me some big talk
But there is one thing I know
A man is a two-face
A worrisome thing who'll leave you to sing the blues in the night
My mamma was right
There's blues in the night
The lyrics of Anne Shelton's song "Blues in the Night" revolve around a warning passed on to her from her mother in her younger days. The song talks about how men can be deceiving and can change their true nature after sweet-talking a woman. The lyrics use the metaphor of the "blues" to describe the sadness and heartache that women feel after being betrayed by a man. The song also talks about the loneliness and despair that can be felt during these times, particularly when the wind starts to blow and the moon hides its light.
The song's lyrics suggest that "blues" is not just a genre of music but a state of mind that is associated with sadness, heartache, and loneliness. The lyrics offer an important message about the pitfalls of love and the crucial role of self-awareness in navigating romantic relationships. The lyrics also suggest that music is a source of comfort and healing during times of emotional stress and turmoil.
Line by Line Meaning
My mamma done told me when I was in pigtails
My mother warned me when I was a child
My mamma done told me, Hon
My mother specifically addressed me
A man's gonna sweet talk and give you the big eye
Men will use charm and flattery to try and win you over
But when the sweet talking's done
Once the charm and flattery cycle is over
A man is a two-face
Men can be duplicitous
A worrisome thing who'll leave you to sing the blues in the night
Men can cause heartache and pain, leading to sadness and despair
Now the rains a-fallin'
It is currently raining
Hear the train a-callin'
Hear the sound of a train whistle in the distance
Hear that lonesome whistle blowin' across the trestle
The lonesome sound of a train whistle echoes
Oh, clickerty clacks are echoing back the blues in the night
The rhythmic sound of the train tracks echoes the feeling of sadness
The evenin' breeze'll start the trees to cryin'
The wind rustling through the trees sounds like crying
And the moon'll hide it's light when you get the blues in the night
The moon seems to disappear during times of sadness
Take my word
Trust me
The mockingbird'll sing the saddest kind of song
The sound of the mockingbird's song is melancholic
He knows things are wrong and he's right
The bird seems to sense the pain and understand it
From Natchez to Mobile
From one location to another
From Memphis to St. Joe
From one town to another
Wherever the four winds blow
Wherever fate takes you
I've been in some big towns and heard me some big talk
I have traveled to many cities and heard grandiose claims
But there is one thing I know
Despite all the talk and travel, one thing is certain
A man is a two-face
Men can be deceitful
A worrisome thing who'll leave you to sing the blues in the night
A man can cause immense pain and leave you feeling sad
My mamma was right
My mother's warning was accurate
There's blues in the night
The feeling of sadness can feel like it is always present in the nighttime
Contributed by Sydney K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Shadowboxe
This is my favourite rendition of this song. The pronounced bass in the musical arrangement gives it an extra swing the other renditions don't have.Beautifully done.
LUTONVIDS EXTRA
+Shadowboxe This is the best version,Totally agree
JasonJason210
Agree!
Kamilla V
She had a classical technique; at the same time could have passed for a black American blues diva in her rendition of this song. One of my favourite artists.
joe ok
It's a glorious frolic of a version. Jo Stafford did it powerfully too. Could hear both versions every day & be happy.
maxwellfan55
The right pitch, not many can make this sound so good. Here's to you Anne.
Dudean Walker
I always liked this version, don't know where I first originally heard it, must be when I was digging in my grant parents record collections when I was a child!
gfm1377
very nice so many female singers from the 40s
David Pigbody
Best version
Terry
I never knew she was so white. I met this song in The Singing Detective UK. I am in love with all of the music from that series.