… 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
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Blossom Dearie Lyrics
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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 met tonight
That's the way I just gotta behave
Boy, if I were a lamp I'd light
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 season
I'd surely be spring
And if I were a bell
I'd go, "Ding, dong, ding, dong, ding"
Ask me how do I feel
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 met tonight
That's the way I 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 season
I'd surely be spring
And if I were a bell
If I were a bell
If I were a bell
I'd go, "Ding, dong, ding, dong, ding"
Ding, dong, ding
The lyrics to Blossom Dearie's "If I Were a Bell" describe the singer's feelings of excitement, joy, and energy in the presence of their romantic interest. They use various images including bells, lamps, gates, and banners to express their exuberance. They state that they would be ringing, lighting, swinging, and waving if they were these objects or concepts which emphasize their desire to express their emotions fully. The repetition of the line "Ask me how do I feel" also helps to convey their enthusiasm.
The repeated use of "if I were" phrases expresses the singer's desire to embody these objects and concepts that represent vibrancy and excitement. The imagery of a bell ringing represents the singer's inclination to be noticed and heard. The mention of a lamp lighting represents the desire to illuminate and brighten the situation. The image of a banner waving signifies the singer's desire to showcase their joy and enthusiasm. These images all relate to the singer's desire to fully express their emotions and energy, and their belief that they are capable of doing so.
Line by Line Meaning
Ask me how do I feel
Please inquire about my emotional state
Now that we're cozy and clinging
Now that we're cuddled up together
Well sir, all I can say is
All I have to say is
If I were a bell I'd be ringing
I am very happy and excited
From the moment we met tonight
Since we met earlier this evening
That's the way I just gotta behave
That's just how I am feeling
Boy, if I were a lamp I'd light
I feel very bright and radiant
And if I were a banner I'd wave
I feel like celebrating and expressing myself
Little me with my quiet upbringing
I am a small, introverted person from a modest background
If I were a gate I'd be swinging
I would be very open and welcoming
And if I were a season
If I were a time of year
I'd surely be spring
I would represent rejuvenation and new beginnings
If I were a bell
If I were a musical instrument that jingles upon being struck
I'd go, "Ding, dong, ding, dong, ding"
I would make a joyful noise
Ding, dong, ding
An onomatopoeic representation of the sound a bell makes
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Frank Loesser
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@redwoodzzz
What a beautiful song! I feel so lucky that we got to hear Blossom Dearie in NY in 2001 and still think fondly about that night.
The entire audience was mesmerized, completely under her spell.
I even got to chat with her and thank her after the show. She was a wonderful person and a very talented artist. As a pianist I really appreciate that she chooses each note carefully instead of playing a ton of notes like some jazz players do. She’s a purist and her style is minimalist, but each bite is a real treat and leaves us wanting more.
@user-bc5zt6ww3b
聴くと胸が苦しくなる。郷愁が込み上げてくるのは何故だろうか、この曲に出逢えてよかったです。
@konnykon
26 year old here. Love me some Blossom Dearie. What a class act.
@fosbury68
Love the simplicity and momentum of her 2 bar intro. She looks so youthful, amazing to find out she was 41 when this performance was filmed.
@Joeyrobertparks
Really? I was thinking early 30’s!
@fosbury68
@@Joeyrobertparks Blossom was born in April 1924 so in 1965 she would have been 41. She passed away in Feburary 2009 at age 84.
@suntzu6122
What!!! Wow. She looks 20.
@MrBoopsyBoo
40 is old? Ha!
@EricLikness
Not just that, but her playing, and that VOICE. It's the opposite of Peggy Lee and Julie London.
@TheFrodiggs
She said she's a jazz musician, learning to be a jazz singer.
Seems she nailed both. Very underrated as a pianist.