On Green Dolphin Street
Barney Kessel Ray Brown & Shelly Manne Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

It seems like a dream, yet I know it happened
A man, a maid, a kiss, and then goodbye
Romance was the theme
And we were the players
I never think of this without a sigh

Lover, one lovely day
Love came, planning to stay
Green Dolphin Street supplied the setting
The setting for nights beyond forgetting
And through these moments apart memories live in my heart
When I recall the love I found on
I could kiss the ground on Green Dolphin Street

Lover, one lovely day
Love came, planning to stay
Green Dolphin Street supplied the setting
The setting for nights beyond forgetting
And through these moments apart memories live in my heart




When I recall the love I found on
On Green Dolphin Street

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "On Green Dolphin Street" describe a bittersweet memory of a romance that took place in a beautiful setting. The singer recalls the fleeting nature of the encounter and the pangs of nostalgia that come with remembering it. The song juxtaposes the feelings of joy and sadness that come with love and loss, creating a sense of wistful longing that is palpable throughout.


The titular Green Dolphin Street is a fictional location that symbolizes the fleeting nature of love and the beauty of transience. The song describes how the setting provided the perfect backdrop for a romance that was too good to last. The melody and lyrics convey a sense of melancholy that is both poignant and beautiful, emphasizing the idea that even brief moments of happiness can stay with us forever.


The song has been covered by many artists over the years, including Miles Davis and John Coltrane. Its haunting melody and poignant lyrics have made it a jazz standard and a beloved classic. Despite its popularity, the song remains a powerful reminder of the fragility of love and the beauty of fleeting moments.


Line by Line Meaning

It seems like a dream, yet I know it happened
Although it feels unreal, I am aware that it did occur


A man, a maid, a kiss, and then goodbye
A male and female shared an intimate moment but then parted ways


Romance was the theme
Love and emotion were the central topics


And we were the players
We were the ones who experienced these feelings and actions


I never think of this without a sigh
Whenever I remember this, it fills me with a melancholy feeling


Lover, one lovely day
My beloved, on a beautiful day


Love came, planning to stay
Affection arrived with the intention of being long-lasting


Green Dolphin Street supplied the setting
The location where these events occurred was on Green Dolphin Street


The setting for nights beyond forgetting
The environment of those nights will never fade from memory


And through these moments apart memories live in my heart
Even when we are separated, the recollections of what we shared remain in my heart


When I recall the love I found on
When I remember the fondness I discovered on


I could kiss the ground on Green Dolphin Street
I hold such affection for that place that I would embrace it with a kiss


On Green Dolphin Street
The location where I experienced a momentous affection




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: MILES DAVIS

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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