Carter was born Lillie Mae Jones on 16th May 1929 in Flint, Michigan and grew up in Detroit, where her father led a church choir. She studied piano at the Detroit Conservatory. She won a talent contest and became a regular on the local club circuit, singing and playing piano. When she was sixteen, she sang with Charlie Parker. She later performed with Dizzy Gillespie and Miles Davis and toured with Lionel Hampton (from whom she received the nickname "Betty Bebop"), when she perfected her scat singing of bebop.
Her career was eclipsed somewhat during the 1960s and 1970s, though a series of duets with Ray Charles in 1961, including the R&B-chart-topping "Baby, It's Cold Outside", brought her a measure of popular recognition. She recorded for various labels during this period, including Peacock, ABC-Paramount, and Atco, but was rarely satisfied with the resulting product. An episode in which a record company A&R man tried to abscond with a set of her master recordings led her to establish her own record label, Bet-Car, in 1970. Some of her most outstanding recordings were first issued on Bet-Car, including the double album The Audience with Betty Carter (1980). She was well-received at the Newport Jazz Festival in 1977 and 1978. In 1987 Carter signed with Verve Records. She won a Grammy in 1988 for her album Look What I Got! and sang in a guest appearance on The Cosby Show in that year.
She died on 26th September 1998.
Cocktails for Two
Betty Carter Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
That overlooks the avenue
With someone sharing a delightful chat of this and that
And cocktails for two (cocktails for two)
As we enjoy a cigarette
To some exquisite chansonnette
Two hands are sure to slyly meet beneath a serviette
My head will go reeling
But my heart will be obedient
With intoxicating kisses
For the principal ingredient
Most any afternoon at five (most any afternoon at five)
We′ll be so glad we're both alive (we′ll be so glad we're both alive)
Then maybe fortune will complete her plan
That all began with cocktails for two
Two (cocktails for two)
The song "Cocktails For Two" by Betty Carter paints a vivid picture of a romantic and intimate setting. The lyrics describe a secluded rendezvous spot that offers a view of the busy avenue below. In this place, two people engage in a delightful conversation, discussing various topics of interest while enjoying cocktails together.
As the scene unfolds, the lyrics mention the enjoyment of a cigarette and being accompanied by an exquisite and captivating chansonnette (a French term for a short, lyrical song). It is in these intimate moments that the two individuals' hands playfully and covertly meet beneath a serviette (a table napkin) - a subtle gesture of affection and connection.
The lyrics also invoke a sense of intoxication, not just from the cocktails being consumed but also from the overwhelming emotions experienced. The singer's head may spin from the drinks, but their heart remains obedient, responsive to the intoxicating kisses they exchange with their companion. The lyrics illustrate that these passionate encounters are the key and most essential ingredient in their relationship.
The song ends on a hopeful note, suggesting that most afternoons at five o'clock, the two individuals will deeply appreciate being alive and together. The lyrics hint at the possibility that fortune or fate may play a role in bringing them closer and completing their plans, all of which initially stemmed from their shared moments and connection over cocktails for two.
Line by Line Meaning
In some secluded rendezvous
In a hidden meeting place
That overlooks the avenue
With a view of the busy street
With someone sharing a delightful chat of this and that
Engaging in a pleasant conversation about various topics
And cocktails for two (cocktails for two)
And drinks prepared for the two of us
As we enjoy a cigarette
While we indulge in smoking
To some exquisite chansonnette
To a beautiful French song
Two hands are sure to slyly meet beneath a serviette
Our hands will discreetly touch under a napkin
With cocktails for two (cocktails for two)
With our drinks still present
My head will go reeling
My mind will become dizzy
But my heart will be obedient
But my heart will follow willingly
With intoxicating kisses
With passionate, alluring kisses
For the principal ingredient
As the most important element
Most any afternoon at five (most any afternoon at five)
During almost any afternoon at five
We'll be so glad we're both alive (we'll be so glad we're both alive)
We will feel joy for being alive together
Then maybe fortune will complete her plan
Perhaps luck will fulfill its intentions
That all began with cocktails for two
That originated from our shared drinks
Two (cocktails for two)
For the two of us
Writer(s): Sam Coslow, Arthur Johnston
Contributed by Charlie A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
John Benn
WOW
Wonderful version of a great oldie by a fantastic vocalist.
From a 72yo Aussie fan.
Дмитрий Маркин
Who's on second vocal on this track?
Mush Morant
Who else? The Genius Ray Charles.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ray_Charles_and_Betty_Carter