Billy Butterfield was a trumpet sideman with all the great big bands at one… Read Full Bio ↴Billy Butterfield was a trumpet sideman with all the great big bands at one time or another. His smooth, clear tones were employed by Columbia Records in their session bands, in concert with the likes of Ray Conniff. His greatest fame came from a couple of albums he did as the featured performer with Ray Conniff (Conniff Meets Butterfield was one).

I met him one night while I lived in the West Palm Beach, Florida area. I was at the bar at a popular night spot in old Palm Beach called Chuck and Harold's. They featured a sidewalk-side eating area and a black and white checkered terrazzo floor that went past an elegant bar that led to an open-air dancing floor. Booths were arranged around the dancefloor and the richest of the rich drank their martinis and swooned to the music of a full orchestra. And there he was, Billy Butterfield, at the end of his career but still playing a number or two as the featured entertainer with the house orchestra. He thanked me for his drink, played "Rosalie", from the Conniff album and then sort of disappeared, as though he only a few of these songs left in him. But he was as great as Al Hirt, Bobby Hackett and Doc Severenson, all rolled into one. Catch him on Conniff Meets Butterfield, you won't be sorry.

Embraceable You
Billy Butterfield Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Embrace me, my sweet embraceable you!
Embrace me, you irreplaceable you!

Just one look at you
My heart grew tipsy in me,
You and you alone
Bring out the gypsy in me!

I love all, the many charms about you!
Above all, I want my arms about you!

Don't be a naughty baby,

Come to papa, come to papa, do!
My sweet embraceable you!

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Billy Butterfield's song "Embraceable You" are a classic expression of love and the desire for physical closeness. The verses speak to the singer's attraction to the person being addressed and the effect that person has on them. The first two lines emphasize the need for physical intimacy, using the word "embrace" twice and describing the person as "sweet" and "irreplaceable."

The second stanza delves into the experience of seeing the person for the first time, noting that just one look was enough to make the singer feel dizzy with emotion. The reference to the "gypsy" within them suggests that the attraction is powerful and all-consuming, a feeling that is difficult to contain. The final two lines of this stanza are a declaration of desire, indicating that the singer wants nothing more than to be physically close to the person they are addressing.

The final stanza has a playful tone, addressing the person directly as a "naughty baby" and inviting them to "come to papa." The final line brings the song full circle, repeating the refrain from the first stanza and expressing again the deep desire for physical closeness.

Overall, "Embraceable You" is a romantic and charming song that speaks to the power of attraction and the joy that can come from physical intimacy.

Line by Line Meaning

Embrace me, my sweet embraceable you!
Hold me tight, my dear and lovable partner!

Embrace me, you irreplaceable you!
Hug me, no one can replace you!

Just one look at you
A single glance of you

My heart grew tipsy in me
My heart started beating faster and I felt dizzy

You and you alone
Only you

Bring out the gypsy in me!
Awakens my adventurous and free spirit!

I love all, the many charms about you!
I adore all your attractive characteristics!

Above all, I want my arms about you!
Most of all, I crave to hold you close tightly!

Don't be a naughty baby,
Do not be stubborn and uncooperative my dear,

Come to papa, come to papa, do!
Come closer to me, my baby!

My sweet embraceable you!
You are my darling, and I want to hold you tightly!

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Unison Rights S.L., Songtrust Ave, Peermusic Publishing, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: George Gershwin, Ira Gershwin

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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