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.
hi-de-ho
Bert Kaempfert Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Gonna find me a piece of the sky
Gonna find me some of that old sweet roll
Singing hi-de-hi-de-hi-de-hi-di-ho
Listen, I've been down so low
That the bottom looked like up
Once I felt like second saves Was enough to fill my cup
Now I've offered all I have
But it ain't no way to live
Being taken by the ones who have
The least amount to give
Singing hi-de-ho, hi-de-hi
Got to find me a piece of the sky
Gonna find me some of that old sweet roll
Singing hi-de-hi-de-hi-de-hi-de-ho
I wanna tell you
Once I met the devil
He was mighty slick
Tempted me with worldly goods
Said I could have my pick
But when he laid the paper on me
And showed me where to sign
I said "Thank you very kindly
But I'm in too great a need of mine"
Singing hi-de-ho, hi-de-hi, oh
Got to find me a piece of that sky
Gonna find me some of that old sweet roll
Singing hi-de-hi-de-hi-de-hi-de-ho, yeah
Hi-de-hi-de-ho Hi-de-hi-de-ho, yeah
Hi-de-hi-de-ho
Hi-de-hi-de-hi
Talking 'bout hi-de-hi-de-ho
The lyrics of Bert Kaempfert's song "Hi-de-ho" speak to the desire for a better life and the struggles encountered along the way. The phrase "hi-de-ho" is a joyful exclamation, expressing a determination to elevate oneself and find a piece of happiness and success. The singer is on a quest to find their own slice of the sky, symbolizing their aspirations and dreams.
The mention of the "old sweet roll" refers to a metaphorical representation of life's pleasures and rewards. The singer is longing to find their own share of the good things in life, just like a delicious sweet roll. They sing the phrase repeatedly as a mantra, rallying their spirit and determination to attain their goals.
The second stanza delves into the singer's challenging past experiences, where they have hit rock bottom and struggle to find a way out. They have felt insignificant and unsatisfied, settling for mere scraps. Yet, despite being taken advantage of by those who have the least to give, the singer remains resilient, hoping to rise above their circumstances and secure a better future.
In the final verse, the singer recounts an encounter with the devil. The devil tempts them with worldly possessions, promising to fulfill their desires. However, the singer refuses the offer, realizing that their own needs and desires are more important than material wealth. They prioritize their personal growth and well-being over superficial gains.
Overall, "Hi-de-ho" is a song about perseverance, determination, and the search for fulfillment. It emphasizes the importance of pursuing one's dreams, even in the face of adversity.
Line by Line Meaning
Hi-de-ho, hi-de-hi
Expressing excitement and enthusiasm, ready to embark on a new journey or adventure
Gonna find me a piece of the sky
Determined to achieve great success and reach for the highest aspirations
Gonna find me some of that old sweet roll
Seeking the pleasures and joys that life has to offer, reminiscent of a past happy experience
Singing hi-de-hi-de-hi-de-hi-di-ho
Celebrating life and expressing optimism and positivity
Listen, I've been down so low
Acknowledging a period of extreme sadness or despair
That the bottom looked like up
Feeling so low that even the lowest point seemed preferable or familiar
Once I felt like second saves
Previously, settling for less seemed sufficient or satisfactory
Was enough to fill my cup
Believing that having just a little was adequate to find contentment
Now I've offered all I have
Having given everything one possesses
But it ain't no way to live
Recognizing that this is not a fulfilling or sustainable way of existence
Being taken by the ones who have
Experiencing being taken advantage of by those who possess the least to offer
The least amount to give
Referring to individuals who lack generosity or kindness
I wanna tell you
Intending to share a personal experience or insight
Once I met the devil
Relaying an encounter with someone deceitful or manipulative
He was mighty slick
Describing the devil as crafty and cunning
Tempted me with worldly goods
Being enticed with material possessions or superficial pleasures
Said I could have my pick
Promised numerous choices and options to fulfill desires
But when he laid the paper on me
When presented with a contract or agreement
And showed me where to sign
Directed to sign the agreement, possibly involving a deal with negative consequences
I said 'Thank you very kindly
Politely declining the offer or temptation
But I'm in too great a need of mine'
Being aware of one's true priorities and needs, rejecting the devil's proposition
Talking 'bout hi-de-hi-de-ho
Continuing to express the joy, optimism, and enthusiasm previously mentioned
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Carole King, Gerry Goffin
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind