Darin was a very special and talented entertainer. He was a Grammy award winning singer ('Mack The Knife'), a respected member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame ('Dream Lover', 'Splish Splash', 'If I Were A Carpenter') a member of the Songwriters Hall of Fame, a successful record producer, an Oscar nominated actor and a strong supporter of the American Heart Association. Bobby was married to actress Sandra Dee from 1960-1967. They had one son, Dodd, born in December 1961. As a result of complications from a rheumatic heart, Bobby's life was tragically cut short in 1973.
Darin's mother, Vanina Cassotto, had given birth to him when she was 16, and as a result, her parents raised Darin as though he were their son while Vanina was presented off as his elder sister. Darin did not learn the truth about his parentage until he was 32.
For more on Bobby Darin, watch "Beyond the Sea," in which Kevin Spacey portrays the entertainer.
As Long As I'm Singing
Bobby Darin Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
There's a bell
Up in my brain that's ringin'
Makin' a crazy ding dong.
And if this band don't desert me
Then there's nothin'
In the world can hurt me
Give me trumpets ... legato
Put some saxes with 'em
Strings ... pizzicato
Add some rhythm.
As long as I'm singin'
Then the world's all right
And everything's swingin'
Long as I'm singin' my song.
Ummmm … makin' music
Is more to me than a pleasure
'cause me and music
We go together like notes in a measure.
Long as I'm singin'
Then the world's all right
And everything's swingin'
Long as I'm singin' my ...
Long as I'm singin' my ...
Long as I'm singin' my song.
The song "As Long as I'm Singing" by Bobby Darin is an upbeat and cheerful anthem about the power of music and its ability to bring joy and confidence to the performer as well as those who listen. The opening lines "As long as I'm singin' / There's a bell / Up in my brain that's ringin' / Makin' a crazy ding dong" immediately convey the euphoria and excitement that comes with performing music. The metaphor of a bell ringing signifies the activation of the creative and emotional parts of the brain that music can stimulate.
The chorus emphasizes how nothing can bring the singer down as long as they are performing and creating music. "And if this band don't desert me / Then there's nothin' / In the world can hurt me / Long as I'm singin' my song." Here, the importance of the band as a support system is highlighted. The singer's confidence and security in their ability to perform is dependent on the foundation of the supporting players.
The second half of the song is an optimistic celebration of the various elements that make music so wonderful. The brass, strings, and rhythm all come together to create something that is more than just a pleasure. For the performer, it is a vital part of their identity and expression. "Makin' music / Is more to me than a pleasure / 'cause me and music / We go together like notes in a measure."
Line by Line Meaning
As long as I'm singin'
When I'm singing, I feel a sense of joy.
There's a bell
Up in my brain that's ringin'
Makin' a crazy ding dong.
My brain is so filled with happiness that a bell is ringing loudly in my head.
And if this band don't desert me
Then there's nothin'
In the world can hurt me
Long as I'm singin' my song.
As long as my band stays with me, I don't care what happens to me. I'll be happy singing.
Give me trumpets ... legato
Put some saxes with 'em
Strings ... pizzicato
Add some rhythm.
I want some trumpets that play long, flowing notes and some saxophones to accompany them. Add some strings that are played by plucking and a good beat.
Then the world's all right
And everything's swingin'
Long as I'm singin' my song.
When I'm singing, the world seems perfect and everything seems to be going smoothly.
Ummmm … makin' music
Is more to me than a pleasure
'cause me and music
We go together like notes in a measure.
Making music is not just enjoyable, it's a part of who I am. Music is like a close friend to me, we complement each other perfectly.
Long as I'm singin'
Then the world's all right
And everything's swingin'
Long as I'm singin' my ...
When I'm singing, everything feels great and the world seems to be moving in a positive direction.
Long as I'm singin' my ...
Long as I'm singin' my song.
As long as I'm singing the music that makes me happy, nothing can bring me down.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, CARLIN AMERICA INC, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: BOBBY DARIN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Daniel
on Bill Bailey, Won't You Please Come Home
One heck of a entertainer. A life cut way to soon. RIP Mr. Darin. Remember one thing he was one of the first Emmy winners, in the late 50s. When the emmys started.