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.
Indiana
Bobby Darin Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And it seems that I can see
The gleamin' candlelight,
Atill shinin' bright,
Through the sycamores for me.
The new mown hay sends all its fragrance
From the fields I used to roam.
Then I long for my Indiana home.
Oh, I have always been a wanderer
Over land and sea,
Yet a moonbeam on the water
Casts a spell o'er me;
A vision fair I see,
Again I long to be;
Back home again in Indiana,
And it seems that I can see
The gleamin' candlelight,
Atill shinin' bright,
Through the sycamores for me.
The new mown hay sends all its fragrance
From the fields I used to roam.
When I dream about the moonlight on the Wabash,
Then I long for my Indiana home,
Indiana home.
Bobby Darin's "Indiana" is a song about the longing for one's hometown, and the way memories can transport us back to a simpler, happier time. The lyrics describe the artist's return to Indiana, and the sights and smells that remind him of his childhood. He is especially taken with the candlelight shining through the trees, and the perfume of freshly cut hay. When he thinks of the moonlight on the Wabash River, it stirs his heart and makes him yearn for home.
What is interesting about Darin's version of this song is the way he incorporates jazz and swing into the melody. This gives the song a lively, upbeat quality, even as the lyrics describe the artist's wistful feelings. The swing feel is emphasized by the syncopated rhythm and the use of brass instruments. The song's structure is also interesting, with the first verse repeated at the end, giving the listener a sense of completeness and closure.
Overall, "Indiana" is a lovely song that captures the bittersweet nature of nostalgia. The lyrics and music work together to create a sense of longing and joy, highlighting the power of memory and the importance of home.
Line by Line Meaning
Back home again in Indiana,
Returning to my home state of Indiana once more.
And it seems that I can see
I feel as though I can visualize
The gleamin' candlelight,
The bright light of candles, reflecting off surfaces
Atill shinin' bright,
Continuously shining with high intensity
Through the sycamores for me.
Among the sycamore trees, towards me.
The new mown hay sends all its fragrance
The fresh cut fields of hay release a wonderful scent
From the fields I used to roam.
Fields where I once traveled.
When I dream about the moonlight on the Wabash,
The image of the moon shining on the Wabash river appears in my dreams.
Then I long for my Indiana home.
At that time, I feel a desire to be at my home in Indiana.
Oh, I have always been a wanderer
I have always been one to move frequently.
Over land and sea,
Traveling both by land and by sea.
Yet a moonbeam on the water
However, when I see the reflection of the moon on the water
Casts a spell o'er me;
I feel a magical enchantment.
A vision fair I see,
I have a beautiful image in my mind.
Again I long to be;
This feeling makes me want to be there again.
Back home again in Indiana,
Once more returning to my home in Indiana.
And it seems that I can see
I can imagine seeing
The gleamin' candlelight,
The bright reflection of candles.
Atill shinin' bright,
Still radiating intense light.
Through the sycamores for me.
Between the sycamore trees, facing me.
The new mown hay sends all its fragrance
The just-cut hay fields emit a delightful smell
From the fields I used to roam.
In fields where I used to wander.
When I dream about the moonlight on the Wabash,
Whenever I have a dream about the moon over the Wabash river,
Then I long for my Indiana home,
I yearn to be back in Indiana.
Indiana home.
My home state.
Lyrics © RESERVOIR MEDIA MANAGEMENT INC
Written by: James F. Hanley, Ballard McDonald
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.