He was born in Hamburg, Germany, and studied at the School of Music there. A multi-instrumentalist, he was hired by Hans Busch to play with his orchestra before serving as a bandsman in the German Navy during World War II. He later formed his own big band, toured with them, then worked as an arranger and producer, making hit records with Freddy Quinn and Ivo Robic. In 1961, he hired The Beatles to back Tony Sheridan on "My Bonnie (Lies Over the Ocean)," "When the Saints Go Marching In," "Ain't She Sweet" and "Cry for a Shadow," in a session for Polydor. These turned out to be the Beatles' first commercial recordings. When Beatles manager Brian Epstein asked Kaempfert about further promoting The Beatles, Kaempfert informed Epstein that the company was only interested in The Beatles as Tony Sheridan's backup group. (It also turned out British Decca executive Dick Rowe turned them down in favor of local beat combo Brian Poole and the Tremeloes.) He then released The Beatles from their contract with Polydor.
Body and Soul
Bert Kaempfert Lyrics
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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 itI'm all for you body and soul
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 of Bert Kaempfert's song "Body and Soul" capture the deep longing and heartache of unrequited love. The singer's heart is filled with sadness and loneliness, and they express their longing for the person they love. They question why their beloved hasn't noticed their feelings, emphasizing their complete devotion and dedication to them.
The verses continue to highlight the singer's despair, as their days are consumed by longing and confusion about why their love interest is treating them poorly. They express their sincere emotions and their willingness to give themselves fully to the one they love, body and soul. The repetition of the phrase "I'm all for you body and soul" portrays the singer's intense devotion and desire for a reciprocated love.
The lyrics continue with a sense of disbelief, as the singer finds it hard to accept that their love interest would reject the possibility of a romantic relationship. They question whether their love interest is pretending, suggesting that it seems like the end of their hopes for a future together. However, they cling to the possibility of having one more chance to prove their love and dedication.
The song concludes with the declaration that the singer's life is in shambles due to their unrequited love. They express a willingness to surrender themselves entirely to the person they desire, emphasizing their vulnerability and the depth of their feelings. The repetition of the line "I'd gladly surrender myself to you body and soul" reinforces the singer's willingness to sacrifice their own well-being for the chance at a mutual love.
Overall, the lyrics of "Body and Soul" convey the intense emotions and devastation experienced when love is unreciprocated. The singer's aching heart and longing for their beloved are expressed through heartfelt and passionate words, showcasing the rollercoaster of emotions involved in unrequited love.
Line by Line Meaning
My heart is sad and lonely
I feel deep sadness and loneliness in my heart
For you I sigh, for you dear only
I yearn and long for you, my beloved, and no one else
Why haven't you seen it
Why can't you see and understand 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, I am consumed with deep desire and yearning
And wondering why it's me you're wronging
And questioning why you are treating me unfairly
I tell you I mean it
I assure you, my words are sincere
I'm all for you body and soul
I am wholeheartedly devoted to you, both physically and emotionally
I can't believe it
I am unable to comprehend or accept it
It's hard to conceive it
It is difficult to imagine or believe
That you'd turn away romance
That you would reject and deny our romantic relationship
Are you pretending
Are you pretending or feigning your feelings?
It looks like the ending
It seems like this is the end
Unless I could have just one more chance to prove, dear
Unless I am given another opportunity to demonstrate my love, my dear
My life a wreck you're making
You are causing my life to be in a state of chaos and distress
You know I'm yours for just the taking
You are aware that I am completely yours for the taking
I'd gladly surrender myself to you body and soul
I would willingly give myself up entirely to you, with both my physical and emotional being
My life a wreck you're making
You are causing my life to be in a state of chaos and distress
You know I'm yours for the very taking
You are aware that I am completely yours to have
I'd gladly surrender myself to you body and soul
I would willingly give myself up entirely to you, with both my physical and emotional being
Lyrics © Kanjian Music, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Paul Michael Barry, Phil Simpson
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind