… 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
Teach Me Tonight
Blossom Dearie Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Well, don't think I'm trying not to learn!
Since this is the perfect spot to learn:
Teach me tonight
Starting with the ABC of it
Right down to the XYZ of it
Help me solve the mystery of it
[2x]
The sky's a blackboard high above you
And if a shooting star goes by
I'll use that star to write "I love you"
A thousand times across the sky!
One thing isn't very clear my love
Should the teachers stand so near, my love?
Graduation's almost here, my love
Teach me tonight
In Blossom Dearie's song "Teach Me Tonight," the singer appears to be addressing a potentially romantic partner and acknowledging that they still have much to learn. In the first stanza, the singer not only acknowledges their lack of knowledge but also promises that they are willing to learn. Furthermore, they imply that the current setting is ideal for learning, suggesting a sense of urgency and a desire for rapid improvement.
The second stanza presents a series of metaphors comparing learning to solving a mystery or unlocking a secret code. The singer seems to be expressing a curiosity and fascination with their partner that they hope to investigate and uncover through learning. The last two lines of the second stanza are particularly poetic, comparing the night sky to a blackboard and referencing the possibility of leaving a message of love written across the stars.
In the final stanza, the singer expresses uncertainty about the role of the "teacher." They wonder if it is appropriate for the "teacher" to be so close, perhaps implying that their romantic interest could be perceived as too strong or moving too quickly. They then mention graduation, perhaps implying that they are viewing this learning process as a preparation for a more long-term commitment. Throughout the song, we see an eager and passionate speaker who is determined to learn everything they can about their partner and improve themselves in the process.
Line by Line Meaning
Did you say that I've got a lot to learn
Did you imply that I lack knowledge?
Well, don't think I'm trying not to learn!
I want to learn, don't think otherwise!
Since this is the perfect spot to learn:
Here is the perfect place to start learning:
Teach me tonight
Teach me now
Starting with the ABC of it
Starting with the basic knowledge
Right down to the XYZ of it
Teach me everything, even the most advanced topics
Help me solve the mystery of it
Assist me in understanding the complex and confusing aspects
Teach me tonight
Teach me now
The sky's a blackboard high above you
The sky can be used as a writing surface
And if a shooting star goes by
If a meteor is visible
I'll use that star to write "I love you"
I want to express my affection to you using the meteor as a canvas
A thousand times across the sky!
I will write it repeatedly to make sure you see it
One thing isn't very clear my love
There is something I need clarification on, my dear
Should the teachers stand so near, my love?
Is it appropriate for the instructors to be so close to their students?
Graduation's almost here, my love
The completion of our learning journey is coming soon, dear
Teach me tonight
Teach me now
Writer(s): Sammy Cahn, Gene de Paul Copyright: The Hub Music Co., The Hub Music Company, Cahn Music Co.
Contributed by Kylie J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Heather Collins
on Comment Allez Vous
(Parlez-vous Français?)
Mais oui, allons-y
(Parlez-vous chère madame?)
Comment allez vous? Fancy bumping into you
Comment allez vous? Tell me everything that's new
Are you happy are you sad?
Feeling good or feeling bad?
(and is there anything you're craving?)
(do you feel like misbehaving?)
Comment allez vous? Gee, it's nice to see you here
Comment allez vous? You look better every year
I was really on my way, but I had to stop and say:
Comment allez vous?
(Comment allez vous petit chou?)
Say it, it has 'savoir faire'
(Comment allez vous mon minou?)
Has a continental air
(once she heard it in the land, from a chinese laundry man)
Cloaks and suitors, by the oodles, say it to their cute french poodles
Comment allez vous?
Spaniards say it, so do Greeks
Comment allez vous?
In the desert, so do Sheiks
(show they know a thing or two)
(it's so easy, why can't you say?)
Comment?
Comment?
Comment allez vous?