See also http://www.last.fm/music/Benny+Goodman+&+His+Orchestra
Roll 'em
Benny Goodman and His Orchestra Lyrics
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Well, I got a gal, she lives up on the hill
Well, this woman's tryin' to quit me, Lord, but I love her still
She's got eyes like diamonds, they shine like Klondike gold
She's got eyes like diamonds, they shine like Klondike gold
Ev'ry time she loves me, she sends my mellow soul
Well, you're so beautiful, you've got to die someday
Well, you're so beautiful, you've got to die someday
Pretty baby, I'm goin' away and leave you by yourself
Pretty baby, I'm goin' away and leave you by yourself
You've mistreated me, now you can mistreat somebody else
The lyrics of Benny Goodman and His Orchestra's song "Roll 'em" narrate the story of a man who has a girlfriend who lives up on the hill, but she is trying to quit him. Despite her attempts, he still loves her. The lyrics describe the woman's eyes as shining like Klondike gold, and when she loves him, she sends his soul soaring. The man ultimately acknowledges that his beautiful girlfriend will eventually die, but all he wants is a little loving before she fades away. The song ends with the man telling his girlfriend that he's leaving her because she has mistreated him, and she can now mistreat somebody else.
The song's lyrics effectively capture the common theme of love and loss. The singer finds himself in a dilemma that many people face when they are in love but their partners want out; they try to plea with them to stay but in the end, they have to let go. Despite his love, the man comes to the realization that his girlfriend will eventually leave him, and all he wants is to have some beautiful memories that he can hold dear.
Line by Line Meaning
Well, I got a gal, she lives up on the hill
I have a girlfriend who resides high up on the hill
Well, this woman's tryin' to quit me, Lord, but I love her still
My girlfriend wishes to break up with me, but my love for her still remains
She's got eyes like diamonds, they shine like Klondike gold
Her eyes sparkle like diamonds and shine like Klondike gold
Ev'ry time she loves me, she sends my mellow soul
Whenever she loves me, I feel relaxed and at peace
Well, you're so beautiful, you've got to die someday
You are incredibly beautiful, but eventually you will pass away
All I want's a little loving, just before you pass away
All I desire is a little love from you before you depart from this life
Pretty baby, I'm goin' away and leave you by yourself
My dear, I am leaving you alone and going away
You've mistreated me, now you can mistreat somebody else
You have treated me poorly, so now you may treat someone else that way
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Joe Turner, Pete K. H. Johnson
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Randy S
Benny Goodman was quite possibly one of the greatest artists of the era. A true masterpiece.
Jack Nason
Not possibly, but in fact one of the greatests!
Gordon Ackerman
Benny was an accomplished classical musician as well as a popular musician. His recording of Mozart's Clarinet Concerto is a landmark, as good as the best.
Louis Mcelwee
Not only composed by Mary Lou Williams but its also her arrangement.
BRONC0WILLY
This is truly great music! I grew up listening to this type of music but not in the 40s! Mom and Dad played it around the house while I was growing up in the 60s. I just can't get enough!
Carol Johnson
Love how they make it jump and pop.
Keeping that tempo light and free and easy.
Suicide Goose
+Carol Johnson Lol I read poop...
James
Hello Carol, how are things going with you?
Millions of Records / Ernie B
Another great version of this can be found on the CD by Benny Goodman, Sid Catlett, Peggy Lee, titled "Roll 'Em! Live In 1941". Also includes brilliant version of Flying Home.
dancebandleader
Good for you! This is one of the great arrangements and performances of the swing era.