Ross is one of the early practitioners of a singing style known as vocalese, which involves the setting of original lyrics to an instrumental jazz solo. Her 1952 treatment of saxophonist Wardell Gray's "Twisted" is a classic example of vocalese. "Twisted" is perhaps her most famous song.
She recorded seven albums with Lambert, Hendricks & Ross between 1957 and 1962. Annie left the group in 1962 and in 1964 opened her own nightclub in London. Annie's Room featured performances by such jazz luminaries as Joe Williams, Stuff Smith, Blossom Dearie, Anita O'Day, Jon Hendricks, and Erroll Garner as well as Annie herself.
Ross is also an accomplished actress and has appeared in a number of films: Superman III (1983), Throw Mama From The Train (1987), Pump Up the Volume (1990), Blue Sky (1994), Short Cuts (1993).
How About You
Annie Ross Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Life can be a joy
But the note they end on
Will depend on
Little pleasures they will share
So let us compare
I like New York in June, how about you?
I love a fireside when a storm is due.
I like potato chips, moonlight and motor trips,
How about you?
I'm mad about good books, can't get my fill,
And Franklin Roosevelt's looks give me a thrill.
Holding hands at the movie show,
When all the lights are low
May not be new, but I like it,
How about you?
I like Jack Benny's jokes.
To a degree.
I love the common folks.
That includes me.
I like to window shop on 5th Avenue.
I like banana splits, late supper at the Ritz,
How about you?
I love to dream of fame, maybe I'll shine.
I'd love to see your name right beside mine.
I can see we're in harmony,
Looks like we both agree
On what to do,
And I like it, how about you?
The lyrics to Annie Ross's "How About You" is an ode to the joys of being in love and enjoying what life has to offer. The song starts by acknowledging that meeting someone special can bring happiness, but what really makes a difference is the little things that they share together. The chorus then goes on to list some of the things the singer likes, including New York in June, Gershwin tunes, fireside chats during stormy nights, potato chips, moonlight, and motor trips. Then, the song progresses to list more things the singer likes such as Jack Benny's jokes, common folks, window shopping on 5th Avenue, banana splits, and having late suppers at the Ritz. This list of small pleasures that the singer enjoys epitomizes the idea that the big things in life don't necessarily need to be extravagant, sometimes it is the little things that count.
Overall, the song "How About You" celebrates love and the simple things in life that can bring happiness. The fact that the song is a duet between a man and a woman also emphasizes the idea that love and happiness are often a shared experience.
Line by Line Meaning
When a girl meets boy
The meeting of a girl and boy can be a source of happiness
Life can be a joy
This joy can have a profound impact on one's life
But the note they end on
The final outcome of their relationship depends on
Will depend on
The outcome of their relationship is determined by
Little pleasures they will share
The little things that they do together to bring joy to each other
So let us compare
Let's compare our likes and dislikes to see if we are compatible
I like New York in June, how about you?
Do you also like New York in June?
I like a Gershwin tune, how about you?
Do you also like listening to Gershwin tunes?
I love a fireside when a storm is due.
I find comfort in sitting by the fireside when there's a storm outside
I like potato chips, moonlight and motor trips,
I enjoy eating potato chips, going on trips under the moonlight, and exploring new places by car
How about you?
Do you feel the same way?
I'm mad about good books, can't get my fill,
I have an insatiable appetite for good books
And Franklin Roosevelt's looks give me a thrill.
I find Franklin Roosevelt's appearance attractive and exciting
Holding hands at the movie show,
Sharing a romantic moment by holding hands while watching a movie
When all the lights are low
When the theatre lights are dimmed
May not be new, but I like it,
This is a simple pleasure that I enjoy and it never gets old
How about you?
Do you also find joy in these simple pleasures?
I like Jack Benny's jokes.
I find Jack Benny's jokes funny and enjoyable
To a degree.
I don't find all of his jokes hilarious, but some of them are amusing
I love the common folks.
I find joy in interacting with ordinary people
That includes me.
I consider myself to be one of the common folks
I like to window shop on 5th Avenue.
I enjoy walking on 5th Avenue and looking at the store displays, even if I can't afford to buy anything
I like banana splits, late supper at the Ritz,
I find pleasure in eating banana splits and having a late supper at the Ritz
How about you?
Do you share my enjoyment of these simple pleasures?
I love to dream of fame, maybe I'll shine.
I have aspirations of becoming famous and achieving success
I'd love to see your name right beside mine.
I would be thrilled to share my success with you
I can see we're in harmony,
I can tell that we share many common interests and pleasures
Looks like we both agree
We are both on the same page
On what to do,
In terms of the simple pleasures that we enjoy
And I like it, how about you?
I find joy and contentment in these simple pleasures, do you feel the same way?
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: CAROLINE KAWA
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind