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.
The Shadow of Your Smile
Bobby Darin Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Will color all my dreams and light the dawn
Look into my eyes my love and see
All the lovely things you are to me
Our wistful little star was far too high
A tear drop kissed your lips and so did I
Now when I remember spring
All the joy that love can bring
"The Shadow of Your Smile" is a poignant love song that speaks to the feeling of longing and loss that can come when a loved one is absent. The first two lines of the song paint a picture of the singer's emotions, as they describe how the shadow of their lover's smile will color their dreams and light the dawn. This is a powerful image that speaks to the depth of the singer's feelings for their lover.
The second stanza of the song is particularly powerful as the singer implores their lover to look into their eyes and see "all the lovely things you are to me." This is a direct appeal to the lover's heart, as the singer seeks to remind them of the importance of their relationship and the impact that their absence will have.
The final lines of the song return to the theme of loss, as the singer remembers the joy of love and the beauty of spring. The song ends on a wistful and melancholy note, as the singer reflects on what they have lost and what might have been.
Line by Line Meaning
The shadow of your smile when you are gone
The lingering image of your fleeting smile, once you are away from me, will leave a deep impression on my mind and illuminate my days.
Will color all my dreams and light the dawn
Your vanished smile will influence my dreams, and make my mornings bright as well.
Look into my eyes, my love, and see
O my love, gaze into my eyes, and observe the reflection of all the wonderful qualities in you that captivate and endear me.
All the lovely things you are to me
All the beautiful things in you that make me cherish and adore you, shine radiantly in my vision.
Our wistful little star was far too high
The star of our affection was too distant and unattainable for us, leaving us feeling melancholic and sad.
A tear drop kissed your lips and so did I
As you wept, a tear drop landed on your lips, and I kissed it away, symbolizing my devotion and love for you.
Now when I remember spring
As I reminisce about the past, specifically the season of spring,
All the joy that love can bring
I recall all the immense happiness and fulfillment that our love brought to us.
I will be remembering
I will look back and long for those cherished memories of us.
Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing, TuneCore Inc., BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Royalty Network, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Johnny Mandel, Paul Webster
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@raidencraig
I agree with many of the glowing comments here. Bobby was a MASSIVE and underappreciated talent. Like some other multi-talented people, he was not just a rock 'n roll singer. He could sing country and the American Songbook popular songs just as well.
He wrote music and could play a number of instruments.
He was nominated for an acting Oscar. Some people were born to be on stage/perform...Bobby was one of them. Others with multiple talents who come to mind are Mickey Rooney, Judy Garland, and Frank.
It was so sad that Bobby died so young...and he knew that he would because of his frail heart...they had told him that he might not live past 21. Some of our brightest lights flickered off too soon-- see also Nat King Cole, Patsy Cline, and Buddy Holly.
@edithsymmans3273
The very best singer and entertainer that has ever lived, period. Give Bobby Darin a song, anything, let him record it and you have the most beautiful, touching song sung. Bobby always dug deep within the songs depths, also into his own heart and soul delivering the most awesome piece you will ever hear, in my book. No one will ever come close to his genius, period. The most awesome multi-talented performer this world has ever seen. RIP Bobby you are loved and sadly missed.
@deborahhall6070
I could not agree more. I MUST have my Bobby Darin fix everyday. I have never heard a more talented entertainer with such versitility and range.
@TheCliffandPhilShow
This is just the BEST version of this song.:)
@fxagent1
You have said what I have known and believed since I was ten years old. A remarkable talent who has moved me with his music through my entire life.
@TheCliffandPhilShow
+Francis Gaffney Agreed.:)
@sandraclevinger4965
+EDITH SYMMANS Touches the deepest part of my heart. Makes me miss him even today.
@isabellefrost5872
How could I have lived without knowing Bobby Darin existed ? A great discovery for me! Thank you !!!
@Besbes711
I hope that he is singing in heaven ..
@janchiodo-wilhelm9055
No one person gave my soul music than Bobby Darin. Any mood, time, day, activity, he can make me stop and feel every emotion given to me from the Good Lord. Maybe that's why he took him back so early, to add to the fact we must appreciate what we have or it can be taken. Jan Chiodo Wilhelm six nation's NY