Eckstine was an American jazz singer and bandleader who also played trumpet, valve trombone, and guitar. He also performed briefly as Billy X. Stine. His nickname was Mr. B. Although best known as a singer, his openness to new music made him a strong influence on modern jazz, particularly bebop, as he gave employment to many of the musicians who founded the style.
After singing with the Earl Hines band from 1939 to 1943 he led his own band from 1944 to 1947. The band featured at various times a large number of rising jazz stars, including:
Saxophones: Gene Ammons, Dexter Gordon, Sonny Stitt, Lucky Thompson, Charlie Parker, Wardell Gray, Budd Johnson, Leo Parker
Trumpets: Dizzy Gillespie, Miles Davis, Kenny Dorham, Fats Navarro
Drums: Art Blakey
Singers: Lena Horne, Sarah Vaughan
Eckstine later formed an octet, then went solo, becoming a popular ballad singer while remaining an important figure in jazz. His huge, distinctive baritone made him one of the first African American singers to have mainstream success. He was the composer of the blues classic "Jelly, Jelly" and also recorded the R&B top hit "Stormy Monday Blues" in 1942 (not to be confused with T-Bone Walker's 1947 "Call It Stormy Monday (But Tuesday Is Just As Bad)"). Most of his success as a singer came with ballads, including "Everything I have is Yours", "Blue Moon", "Caravan," "Prisoner of Love," "You Go to My Head," and "That Old Black Magic". His last hit was "Passing Strangers", a duet with Sarah Vaughan released in 1957.
Eckstine was a style leader and noted sharp dresser. He designed and patented a high roll collar that formed a B over a Windsor-knotted tie, which became known as a Mr. B. Collar. In addition to looking cool, the collar expanded and contracted without popping open, which allowed his neck to swell while playing his horns. The collars were worn by many a hipster in the late 1940s and early 1950s.
In 1984, Eckstine recorded his final album, I Am A Singer, featuring beautiful ballads arranged and conducted by Angelo DiPippo.
Make It With You
Billy Eckstine Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Really reaching out for the other side?
I may be climbing on rainbows
But, baby here goes
Dreams they're for those who sleep
Life is for us to keep
And if you're wond'ring
I want to make it with you
I really think that we can make it, girl
No, you don't know me well
In ev'ry little thing only time will tell
If you believe the things that I do
And we'll see it through
Life can be short or long
Love can be right or wrong
And if I choose the one
I'd like to help me through
I'd like to make it with you
I really think that we can make it, girl
Baby you know that
Dreams they're for those who sleep
Life is for us to keep
And if I choose the one
I'd like to help me through
I'd like to make it with you
I really think that we can make it, girl
The lyrics of Billy Eckstine's song Make It With You convey a sense of vulnerability as the singer opens up about his hopes and doubts while expressing his desire to be with someone he cares about. The opening lines "Hey have you ever tried, really reaching out for the other side?" speak to the idea of taking a risk and going outside of one's comfort zone to achieve something greater. The line "I may be climbing on rainbows, but baby here goes" suggests the possibility of failure, but the singer is willing to take that chance.
The chorus "Life can be short or long, love can be right or wrong" acknowledges the uncertainty and unpredictability of life and love. The singer expresses his belief that he and the person he is addressing can "make it," or succeed, together. The repeated phrase "Dreams they're for those who sleep, life is for us to keep" implies the need to actively pursue one's goals and desires rather than simply waiting for them to come to fruition. The line "No, you don't know me well, in every little thing only time will tell" highlights the fact that true understanding and compatibility can only be determined over time.
Overall, the song is a romantic expression of hope and faith in a relationship, while also acknowledging the uncertainty and vulnerability that come with putting oneself out there.
Line by Line Meaning
Hey have you ever tried
Have you ever taken a risk and gone after something you desire?
Really reaching out for the other side?
Have you extended yourself beyond your comfort zone?
I may be climbing on rainbows
I know I might be pursuing something difficult or unrealistic.
But, baby here goes
But nonetheless, I'm going to try.
Dreams they're for those who sleep
Those who are lazy and don't work hard can only dream about what they want.
Life is for us to keep
But since we're alive, we have the opportunity to make those dreams a reality.
And if you're wond'ring
If you're curious or questioning
What this song is leading to
What the purpose or message of this song is,
I want to make it with you
I want to accomplish great things together with you.
I really think that we can make it, girl
I have confidence in our abilities to achieve success and happiness as partners.
No, you don't know me well
I understand that we haven't yet become acquainted enough for you to understand my true intentions or character.
In ev'ry little thing only time will tell
Only after a period of time will your doubts and concerns be settled.
If you believe the things that I do
If your beliefs and values align with mine,
And we'll see it through
Together we will persevere and achieve our goals.
Life can be short or long
Time is fleeting, but there's no way to tell how much of it we have left.
Love can be right or wrong
Romantic relationships can be fulfilling or harmful.
And if I choose the one
If I had to choose one,
I'd like to help me through
I would want someone I care about to motivate and support me in achieving my dreams.
Baby you know that
You already know that.
Dreams they're for those who sleep
Only those who don't work hard are incapable of achieving their dreams.
Life is for us to keep
However, we are lucky enough to be alive and have the opportunity to create the life we want.
And if I choose the one
If I had to pick one person to help me through this journey,
I'd like to make it with you
I would like to embark on this journey with you and create a life full of happiness and satisfaction.
I really think that we can make it, girl
I firmly believe that we can achieve greatness together.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: David Gates
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
imbees2
Sing it billy eckstine,
imbees2
Billy be singing
imbees2
Yes!!
Murat MORSÜMBÜL
Thnaks.