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.
Goodbye Charlie
Bobby Darin Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Hate to see you go
Goodbye, Charlie
Gee ... I'm feelin' low
But, I'm cluein' you in
Someone's doin' you in, pal.
Goodbye... Charlie
Hate to see you fade
Thought you had it made
But, they're dumpin' you off
After bumpin' you off, pal.
Don't you know lechery
Leads you to treachery
Things boomerang
Someone you trifle with
Pulls out a rifle without a pang
Bang... bang... bang!
Goodbye... Charlie
Cashin' in your chips
Wild-eyed Charlie
Time you came to grips
There ain't... no doubt...
Strike three... you're out...
Goodbye... Charlie
Goodbye!
Now don't you know lechery
Leads you to treachery
Things boomerang
Someone you trifle with
Pulls out a rifle without a pang
Bang... bang... bang!
Goodbye... Charlie
Cashin' in your chips
Wild-eyed Charlie
Time you came to grips
And, there ain't... no doubt...
Strike three... you're out...
Goodbye... Charlie
Goodbye!
The song "Goodbye Charlie" by Bobby Darin tells the story of a man named Charlie who has meet his ultimate end. The lyrics express a sense of sadness over Charlie's death but also a lack of surprise or sympathy for his fate. The song also has a warning to not fall into the trap of lechery and treachery that eventually lead to Charlie's demise. The line "lechery leads you to treachery" demonstrates how one's indiscretions can quickly spiral out of control, ultimately leading to their downfall.
The chorus of the song repeats "Goodbye, Charlie" several times, expressing the sorrowful farewell to the fallen character. Darin's melancholic delivery of the verses and the sentimental melody add to the poignancy of the song. The repeated line "Strike three... you're out" serves as both a baseball metaphor and a statement of finality, indicating that Charlie's time has run out and there is no coming back from his mistakes.
Line by Line Meaning
Goodbye... Charlie
Saying farewell to Charlie
Hate to see you go
Feeling unhappy about Charlie leaving
Goodbye, Charlie
Repeating the farewell message
Gee ... I'm feelin' low
Expressing sadness about Charlie's departure
But, I'm cluein' you in
Sharing an insight with Charlie
Someone's doin' you in, pal.
Informing Charlie that he is being deceived/betrayed by someone
Goodbye... Charlie
Repeat of the first two lines
Hate to see you fade
Feeling unhappy to see Charlie losing strength/power
My, my Charlie
Expressing concern for Charlie
Thought you had it made
Assumed Charlie was successful
But, they're dumpin' you off
Betraying Charlie by abandoning him
After bumpin' you off, pal.
They are going to kill Charlie after using him
Don't you know lechery
Warns Charlie about the danger of lust
Leads you to treachery
Lust leads to betrayal
Things boomerang
Consequences will come back around
Someone you trifle with
Warns Charlie not to mess with certain individuals
Pulls out a rifle without a pang
The person you toy with will kill you without hesitation
Bang... bang... bang!
Onomatopoeic sound of gunshots
Wild-eyed Charlie
Describing Charlie, who is now crazy or erratic
Time you came to grips
It's time to face reality, Charlie
There ain't... no doubt...
There is no question or doubt about it
Strike three... you're out...
Baseball reference: three strikes means you're out, meaning that Charlie's luck has run out
Goodbye... Charlie
Reiteration of the farewell message
Cashin' in your chips
Charlie's life has come to an end
And, there ain't... no doubt...
Reiteration that there is no question or doubt
Strike three... you're out...
Reiteration of the baseball reference
Goodbye! Charlie
Final farewell to Charlie
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
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.