Jubilee
Bix Beiderbecke With Frankie Trumbauer And His Orchestra Lyrics


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Ask me how do I feel
Ask me now that we're cozy and clinging
Well sir, all I can say, is if I were a bell I'd be ringing!

From the moment we kissed tonight
That's the way I've just gotta behave
Boy, if I were a lamp I'd light
And If I were a banner I'd wave!

Ask me how do I feel, little me with my quiet upbringing
Well sir, all I can say is if I were a gate I'd be swinging!
And if I were a watch I'd start popping my springs!
Or if I were a bell I'd go ding dong, ding dong ding!

Ask me how do I feel from this chemistry lesson I'm learning.
Well sir, all I can say is if I were a bridge I'd be burning!

Well, I knew my moral would crack
From the wonderful way that you looked!
Boy, if I were a duck I'd quack!
Or if I were a goose I'd be cooked!

Ask me how do I feel, ask me now that we're fondly caressing
Well, if I were a salad I know I'd be splashing my dressing




Ask me how to describe this whole beautiful thing
Well, if I were a bell I'd go ding dong, ding dong ding!

Overall Meaning

In these lyrics, the singer is expressing their overwhelming happiness and excitement about their current romantic relationship. They are unable to contain their joy and it is reflected in their descriptions and metaphors throughout the song.


The first paragraph sets the tone of the song, with the singer exclaiming that if they were a bell, they would be ringing. This line conveys their enthusiasm and suggests that they are feeling alive and vibrant with their newfound love.


The second paragraph further illustrates their excitement by using additional metaphors. The singer states that from the moment they kissed, they've been behaving differently, almost like a lamp that lights up or a banner that waves proudly. These metaphors symbolize the spark and energy they feel in their relationship.


Moving on to the third paragraph, the singer continues to express their exuberance. They suggest that their quiet upbringing and reserved nature are overshadowed by this overwhelming feeling. If they were a gate, they would swing open, representing their newfound openness and willingness to embrace love. Additionally, they mention that if they were a watch, they would start "popping my springs," indicating that their emotions are so intense, it feels like they might burst with excitement.


In the final paragraph, the singer acknowledges the transformative power of their love. The chemistry between them is described as a "lesson" they are learning, implying that their connection is teaching them something about themselves and relationships. They state that if they were a bridge, they would burn, which suggests that they are willing to take risks and leave behind their previous reservations.


The lyrics also hint at the physical attraction between the singer and their partner, as they mention that their moral is cracking because of how attractive the other person looks. They playfully suggest that if they were a duck, they would quack, or if they were a goose, they would be cooked, highlighting their desire and the intensity of their feelings.


The song concludes with the singer emphasizing the impact of their love. They describe themselves as a salad splashing dressing, symbolizing the joy and flavor that their relationship brings to their life. Finally, they reiterate that if they were a bell, they would go "ding dong, ding dong ding," implying that their happiness and excitement are continually ringing, resonating throughout their experience of love.


Line by Line Meaning

Ask me how do I feel
Inquire about my emotional state


Ask me now that we're cozy and clinging
Ask me now that we are comfortable and close to each other


Well sir, all I can say, is if I were a bell I'd be ringing!
In response, I would exclaim my immense happiness and excitement


From the moment we kissed tonight
Starting from the exact instant we shared a kiss this evening


That's the way I've just gotta behave
That's how I must simply act or behave now


Boy, if I were a lamp I'd light
My joy is so radiant that if I were a lamp, I would brilliantly shine


And If I were a banner I'd wave!
Furthermore, if I were a flag, I would joyfully wave


Ask me how do I feel, little me with my quiet upbringing
Once again, inquire about my emotions, considering my modest and reserved upbringing


Well sir, all I can say is if I were a gate I'd be swinging!
To express my delight, I can only imagine myself as a gate swinging back and forth


And if I were a watch I'd start popping my springs!
Furthermore, if I were a timepiece, I would be so eager that my springs would start popping


Or if I were a bell I'd go ding dong, ding dong ding!
Alternatively, if I were a bell, I would make joyful ringing sounds


Ask me how do I feel from this chemistry lesson I'm learning.
Once again, inquire about my emotions arising from this profound chemistry I am experiencing.


Well sir, all I can say is if I were a bridge I'd be burning!
To convey my passion, I can only liken myself to a burning bridge


Well, I knew my moral would crack
Indeed, I anticipated that my moral fortitude would weaken


From the wonderful way that you looked!
This is due to the incredible effect your appearance had on me!


Boy, if I were a duck I'd quack!
My excitement is such that if I were a duck, I would quack


Or if I were a goose I'd be cooked!
Likewise, if I were a goose, I would be completely overwhelmed


Ask me how do I feel, ask me now that we're fondly caressing
Once more, invite me to share my emotions, now that we are lovingly touching


Well, if I were a salad I know I'd be splashing my dressing
Well, if I were a salad, my excitement would cause me to splash my dressing


Ask me how to describe this whole beautiful thing
Inquire about how to articulate the sheer beauty of this entire experience


Well, if I were a bell I'd go ding dong, ding dong ding!
Well, in all honesty, if I were a bell, I would ring out in a joyous manner!




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: PHIL MOORE

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

TinLizzie1927

I don’t think I’ve heard this song before. Thanks for uploading!

Neal Siegal

Me too, and I have a 9 CD collection of all Bix's output. I guess it's in there but I never noticed and this is sure swell enough -and even has some unusual and noteworthy passages. Of course Atticus' transfers make them seem completely new!

Solet

Fantàstic tune! And wonderful pictures, as always!

bob boscarato

Another great recording!

Homzy Music

A very subdued & mellow performance -

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