… Read Full Bio ↴Blossom Dearie (1924-2009) was an American jazz singer and pianist.
Born on 28th April 1924 in East Durham, New York, of mixed Scottish and Norwegian ancestry, Dearie began her career in vocal groups in New York. In the early 1950s she moved to Paris, forming her own vocal group, The Blue Stars, later to become the Swingle Singers.
After signing to Verve, Dearie returned to the U.S. where, despite developing a successful career and achieving international fame, by 1974 the lack of interest from major labels led her to start her own label, Daffodil Records. She continued performing into her eighties.
Blossom Dearie died on 7th February 2009, at her apartment in Greenwich Village, New York City
Bye-Bye Country Boy
Blossom Dearie Lyrics
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You've been a joy, a shiny toy
Glad we played your County Fair
I'm glad you came to see me there
I sang that song, looked right at you
You came backstage like I knew you'd do
It's a doggone shame our week is through
Bye-Bye country boy, sweet shy country boy
Bye-Bye country boy
Your Sunday clothes, you brought a rose
I love the hot-rod moonlight spins
Those sleepy roomy country inns
Your voice sends my world aways
Those sunny laughing picnic days
You've been a joy, a shiny toy
Bye-Bye country boy, sweet shy country boy
Bye-Bye country boy
It's time to go, it's closing show
You still think that I'm a star
Just shows how hazy dumb you are
If you'd just say "Hey, stick around"
I'd tell my Band I ain't leavin' town
But you don't dream I'd settle down
Do you country boy, sweet shy country boy
Bye-Bye country boy
I got to pack, I can't look back
Don't come 'round and say goodbye
You mustn't see a big star cry
But once I'm home in old L.A.
My heart and mind will be miles away
Still wishing you had made me stay
Bye-Bye country boy, sweet shy country boy
You've been a joy, a shiny toy
I got to pack, I can't look back
In Blossom Dearie's "Bye-Bye Country Boy", the singer bids farewell to a charming and innocent man from the country who has been accompanying her on tour. The song captures the sense of temporary attachment that often characterizes relationships formed on the road, with Dearie acknowledging that their connection was never meant to last beyond the end of their time together. Yet, despite the transience of their experiences, the song's wistful tone suggests that the singer has developed genuine affection for the country boy and that his presence has left a lasting impression.
Throughout the song, Dearie describes the various ways in which the country boy has enriched her life during their time together. She recalls how he brought a rose and escorted her on scenic drives in his hot rod during moonlit nights, expressing a fondness for the "sleepy roomy country inns" that they stayed in. She also recounts his delight at her performance when they attended the County Fair together, where she sang him a song and he came to visit her backstage after the show.
Although the country boy is clearly smitten with Dearie and apparently believes she is destined to be a star, the singer acknowledges that their paths will soon diverge. She gently rebukes him for his naivete and suggests that he doesn't understand the realities of show business, flipping the power dynamic in an unexpected but effective way. Nevertheless, her parting words suggest a sense of regret that the two cannot remain together, reinforcing the theme of transient attachment that runs throughout the song.
Line by Line Meaning
Bye-Bye country boy
Farewell, young man from the countryside
You've been a joy, a shiny toy
You were a delightful distraction, an amusing trinket
Glad we played your County Fair
I am pleased that we performed at your local festival
I'm glad you came to see me there
I am pleased that you attended the event to watch me perform
I sang that song, looked right at you
I sang a specific tune and made eye contact with you
You came backstage like I knew you'd do
You visited me backstage as I predicted
It's a doggone shame our week is through
It is regrettable that our time together has come to an end
Bye-Bye country boy, sweet shy country boy
Farewell, young man from the countryside; charming and bashful
Your Sunday clothes, you brought a rose
You wore your best outfit and brought a flower
I love the hot-rod moonlight spins
I enjoy driving around quickly in the moonlight
Those sleepy roomy country inns
I appreciate relaxing in quiet, spacious lodging in the countryside
Your voice sends my world aways
Your voice takes me away from reality
Those sunny laughing picnic days
Those happy moments spent enjoying outdoor meals in the sunshine
It's time to go, it's closing show
It is time for us to leave, the performance is ending
You still think that I'm a star
You still believe that I am a celebrity
Just shows how hazy dumb you are
This only proves how foolish and naive you are
If you'd just say "Hey, stick around"
If only you had asked me to stay
I'd tell my Band I ain't leavin' town
I would inform my band members that I am not leaving
But you don't dream I'd settle down
You do not imagine that I would become settled
Do you country boy, sweet shy country boy
Do you, young man from the countryside; charming and bashful
I got to pack, I can't look back
I need to prepare my things and cannot reflect on the past
Don't come 'round and say goodbye
Do not come to say farewell
You mustn't see a big star cry
You should not witness a famous person shedding tears
But once I'm home in old L.A.
However, when I return to Los Angeles
My heart and mind will be miles away
My thoughts and emotions will be focused elsewhere
Still wishing you had made me stay
I will still regret that you did not convince me to remain
Bye-Bye country boy, sweet shy country boy
Farewell, young man from the countryside; charming and bashful
You've been a joy, a shiny toy
You were a delightful distraction, an amusing trinket
I got to pack, I can't look back
I need to prepare my things and cannot reflect on the past
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: DEARIE BLOSSOM, JACK SEGAL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Ka't Pleiadean Mandu
This has a Michael Franks vibe about it to me. Love it.
monalisa montoya
In loving memory of JEAN HAMER I LOVE AND I WILL NEVER FORGET YOU LOVE MONALISA!
john jazz
love this song reminds me of my times in the catskills i knew a lovely girl there i cannot tell her name but this is dedicated with much love to her love is beautiful
Bunmaster Cool
Thanks Fil!!
orgazmatronika
+Ben Coniam it's my pleasure. throws me back to 2012 this track...