… 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
I'm Old Fashioned
Blossom Dearie Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I admit I was never one adored by local lads
Not that I ever tried to be a saint
I'm the type that they classify as quaint
I'm old fashioned, I love the moonlight
I love the old fashioned things
The sound of rain upon a window pane
This years fancies are passing fancies
But sighing sighs, holding hands
These my heart understands
I'm old fashioned but I don't mind it
That's how I want to be
As long as you agree
To stay old fashioned with me.
I'm old fashioned but I don't mind it
That's how I want to be
As long as you agree
To stay old fashioned with me.
In Blossom Dearie's song, "I'm Old Fashioned," the singer is embracing their own sense of nostalgia and appreciation for the past. They aren't particularly interested in following the latest trends or trying to impress others with their style. They freely admit that they've never been the most popular or exciting person, but they're content with their simpler way of living.
The singer then goes on to describe the things they love about the "old fashioned" way of life. They appreciate the beauty of nature, such as the sound of rain tapping on a windowpane and the songs of the stars in April. They also long for the simple gestures of affection, like holding hands and sighing deeply. Overall, the singer seems to value the simple pleasures of life and the connections they can make with others, rather than chasing after fleeting trends and fads.
One interpretation of the song could be that it's a love song, with the singer expressing their desire for a partner who shares their love of simpler, old-fashioned things. However, it could also be read as a more general celebration of nostalgia and a rejection of modern, hectic living.
Line by Line Meaning
I may not be knowledgeable about the latest trends
I acknowledge that I have never been a favorite of local men
Not that I have ever attempted to be perfect
I belong to the category that is viewed as old-fashioned
I cherish the romantic ambiance of moonlit nights
I find pleasure in classic aspects of life
Like the sound of raindrops against a window pane
And the harmonious tune of April's stargazing
Today's trends will soon be outdated
But holding hands and sighing is timeless
My heart comprehends the significance of these things
While I may favor outmoded ideas, I am content
Because it is my preference to be that way
As long as you are in agreement
And will remain old-fashioned with me.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Songtrust Ave, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Johnny Mercer, Jerome Kern
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Leslie Pierce
I am embarrased to say that I had not heard of Blossom Dearie until this last weekend on an NPR show, and once again, I have found someone after they have already passed. I love her piano style. Just wonderful.
Paul Ostroff
Beautifully sung! Brava!
Tony Page
The album cover pic was taken during the period that had the extreme pleasure to watch her perform, in "The Village," NYC. She was marvelous and such a very person. Blossom was as sweet as that wonderful voice. RIP Blossom.