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.
Hi Dee Ho
Bobby Darin Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Gonna find me a piece of the sky
Gonna find me some of that old sweet roll
Singing hi-de-hi-de-hi-de-hi-di-ho
Listen, I've been down so low
That the bottom looked like up
Once I felt like second saves
Now I've offered all I have
But it ain't no way to live
Being taken by the ones who have
The least amount to give
Singing hi-de-ho, hi-de-hi
Got to find me a piece of the sky
Gonna find me some of that old sweet roll
Singing hi-de-hi-de-hi-de-hi-de-ho
I wanna tell you
Once I met the devil
He was mighty slick
Tempted me with worldly goods
Said I could have my pick
But when he laid the paper on me
And showed me where to sign
I said "Thank you very kindly
But I'm in too great a need of mine"
Singing hi-de-ho, hi-de-hi, oh
Got to find me a piece of that sky
Gonna find me some of that old sweet roll
Singing hi-de-hi-de-hi-de-hi-de-ho, yeah
Hi-de-hi-de-ho
Hi-de-hi-de-ho, yeah
Hi-de-hi-de-ho
Hi-de-hi-de-hi
Talking 'bout hi-de-hi-de-ho
The lyrics of Bobby Darin's "Hi Dee Ho" are filled with metaphors and imagery that paint the picture of a man seeking success and happiness. The repeated phrase "hi-de-ho" is used as a refrain, and it serves to connect the various themes of the song. In the first verse, the singer declares that he is "gonna find me a piece of the sky," a metaphor for achieving his goals and reaching for the stars. He wants to "find me some of that old sweet roll," which can be interpreted as a reward for his hard work.
The second verse of the song has a more somber tone. The singer reflects on a time when he was "down so low/That the bottom looked like up." He had felt content with just "second saves," but now he knows better. The singer recognizes that he has been taken advantage of by those who have the least to give. Despite this, he remains determined to find his place in the world and achieve success.
The final verse of the song describes an encounter with the devil, who tempts the singer with wealth and power. In the end, the singer declines the offer, knowing that he needs to pursue his own dreams and goals. The song ends with a repetition of the refrain, as if to reinforce the idea that the singer is on a quest for fulfillment and happiness.
Line by Line Meaning
Hi-de-ho, hi-de-hi
Expressing excitement and enthusiasm for finding happiness and success
Gonna find me a piece of the sky
Determined to achieve great things and reach for the stars
Gonna find me some of that old sweet roll
Looking for a taste of the good life and success
Singing hi-de-hi-de-hi-de-hi-di-ho
Continuing to express excitement and determination for success
Listen, I've been down so low
Acknowledging past struggles and hardships
That the bottom looked like up
Things were so bad that it seemed like it couldn't get much worse
Once I felt like second saves
Felt content with less and settling for less than deserved
Was enough to fill my cup
Did not strive for more and didn't reach for greater things
Now I've offered all I have
Has given all effort and resources towards success
But it ain't no way to live
Realizing that settling for mediocrity is not a fulfilling way of life
Being taken by the ones who have
Being taken advantage of by those with more power and resources
The least amount to give
Those with the least amount of resources often give the least
I wanna tell you
Opening up and sharing a story
Once I met the devil
Referring to a time someone tried to tempt him away from his values
He was mighty slick
The tempter was very convincing and manipulative
Tempted me with worldly goods
Offered material possessions or success for compromising values
Said I could have my pick
Offered his choice of worldly possessions or success
But when he laid the paper on me
When presented with the contract or agreement
And showed me where to sign
Shown where to sign in agreement
I said "Thank you very kindly
Refused the offer politely
But I'm in too great a need of mine"
Cannot compromise values, even if in a time of need
Talking 'bout hi-de-hi-de-ho
Reiterating the message of excitement and determination for success
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Carole King, Gerry Goffin
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.