Kessel became a busy studio musician in Los Angeles but was always in demand for jazz records. He toured with the Oscar Peterson Trio for one year (1952-53) and then, starting in 1953, led an impressive series of records for Contemporary that lasted until 1961 (including several with Ray Brown and Shelly Manne in a trio accurately called "The Poll Winners"). After touring Europe with George Wein's Newport All-Stars (1968) Kessel lived in London for a time (1969-70).
In 1973 he began touring and recording with the Great Guitars, a group also including Herb Ellis and Charlie Byrd. A serious stroke in 1992 put Barney Kessel permanently out of action but many of his records (which include dates for Onyx, Black Lion, Sonet and Concord in addition to many of the Contemporaries) are currently available along with several video collections put out by Vestapol.
In 2004, Kessel died of brain cancer in San Diego, California.
Body & Soul
Barney Kessel Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
For you I sigh, for you dear only
Why haven't you seen it
I'm all for you body and soul
I spend my days in longing
And wondering why it's me you're wronging
I tell you I mean it
I can't believe it
It's hard to conceive it
That you'd turn away romance
Are you pretending
It looks like the ending
Unless I could have just one more chance to prove, dear
My life a wreck you're making
You know I'm yours for just the taking
I'd gladly surrender myself to you body and soul
My life a wreck you're making
You know I'm yours for the very taking
I'd gladly surrender myself to you body and soul
The lyrics to Barney Kessel's song "Body & Soul" express deep longing and sadness for a person who has not reciprocated the singer's feelings. The opening lines convey the singer's heartache, as they express how their heart is sad and lonely, and how they only pine for the one person mentioned in the song. The singer wonders why the person hasn't noticed their love and devotion, emphasizing that they are completely dedicated to them both in body and soul.
The second verse continues to explore the longing and confusion the singer experiences. They spend their days in desperation, trying to understand why they are being mistreated by the person they love. The singer is earnest in their declaration that they truly mean what they say and they are wholeheartedly committed in body and soul.
The bridge of the song reveals the desperation of the singer's emotions. They find it difficult to believe and comprehend that the person they love would reject their romance. It seems like the relationship is coming to an end, unless the singer is given one final chance to prove their love.
In the final couplet of the song, the singer declares that their life is in shambles because of the person's actions. Despite the pain and wreckage caused, the singer is still willing to surrender themselves entirely to the person they love, both in body and soul.
Overall, "Body & Soul" is a poignant and heartfelt expression of unrequited love, showcasing the depths of the singer's emotions and their willingness to give everything for the person they long for.
Line by Line Meaning
My heart is sad and lonely
I am experiencing deep sadness and loneliness in my heart
For you I sigh, for you dear only
I am constantly yearning and longing for you, my beloved
Why haven't you seen it
I wonder why you haven't noticed or recognized my feelings
I'm all for you body and soul
I am completely devoted to you, both physically and emotionally
I spend my days in longing
Every day is filled with aching desire and yearning
And wondering why it's me you're wronging
I am confused and hurt by the fact that you are treating me poorly
I tell you I mean it
I want you to understand that I am sincere and genuine
I'm all for you body and soul
My love and devotion for you extend to every part of my being
I can't believe it
It is difficult for me to accept or comprehend
It's hard to conceive it
It is challenging to imagine or grasp
That you'd turn away romance
That you would reject or disregard the opportunity for love
Are you pretending
Are you feigning or pretending
It looks like the ending
It seems like this is the conclusion or the end
Unless I could have just one more chance to prove, dear
Unless I am given another opportunity to show and demonstrate my love, my dear
My life a wreck you're making
You are causing my life to be in ruins and turmoil
You know I'm yours for just the taking
You are aware that I am willing to be completely yours, to be taken by you
I'd gladly surrender myself to you body and soul
I would willingly give up myself entirely to you, both physically and emotionally
Lyrics © Kanjian Music, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Paul Michael Barry, Phil Simpson
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind