Rydell's performance in Bye Bye Birdie, and his recordings "Wild One" and "Volare", made him a famous show business performer of the '60s. Rydell used his talents as an impersonator and drummer mostly in pursuing a musical career rather than an acting career.
Born in Philadelphia, it was his father who encouraged him to pursue a career in show business. At the age of four, Rydell would sit in front of the TV and impersonate such performers as Milton Berle, Louis Prima and Johnny Ray. He also admired drummer Gene Krupa and began playing the drums at the age of six. At the age of seven and with his father's encouragement, Rydell began performing in nightclubs in Philadelphia.
In 1950, Rydell entered the amateur show of Paul Whiteman; his first-place win gained him a regular part on the show. He stayed with the Whiteman show for three years and then went to join several local bands in Philadelphia. It was here too that Bobby Ridarelli became the easier-to-pronounce Bobby Rydell. At 16 he began playing with local groups, landing a spot as a drummer for Rocco and the Saints. (Frankie Avalon, another Philadelphia-born musician, played trumpet for the group.) While with the band, Rydell signed a recording contract with Cameo/Parkway Records in Philadelphia. His hit "Kissin' Time," recorded in the summer of 1959, launched his musical career and made him a teen idol at the age of 17.
After making his first hit recording, he pursued a solo career, performing at the Copacabana in New York in 1961, where he was an instant hit. Rydell made his acting debut in 1962 on the television show Combat! One year later, he starred as Hugh Peabody in the famous musical Bye Bye Birdie. It was only after his acting debut that he fervently began playing the nightclub circuit.
With records like We Got Love, Wildwood Days and Sway, Rydell made himself a hit. Along with Frankie Avalon and Fabian, Bobby Rydell is known as a Philadelphia-born teen idol, known not only for his musical genius but also his handsome looks.
Baby It's You
Bobby Rydell Lyrics
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Lives a life that isn't necessarily sunny
Likewise the man who works for fame
There's no guarantee that time won't erase his name
The fact is, the only work that really brings enjoyment
Is the kind that is for girl and boy meant
Fall in love and you won't regret it
Holding hands at midnight
'Neath a starry sky
Nice work if you can get it
And you can get it if you try
Strolling with the one girl
Sighing sigh after sigh
Nice work if you can get it
And you can get it if you try
Just imagine someone
Waiting at the cottage door
Where two hearts become one
Who could ask for anything more?
Loving one who loves you
And then taking that vow
It's nice work if you can get it
And if you get it, won't you tell me how?"
Just imagine someone
Waiting at the cottage door
Where two hearts become one
Who could ask for anything more?
Loving one who loves you
And then taking that vow
Nice work if you can get it
And if you get it, won't you tell me how?"
The song "Nice Work If You Can Get It" by Bobby Rydell talks about the true meaning of work and happiness. The lyrics present two different types of people who work for money and fame, but the song suggests that these pursuits do not necessarily bring joy or a fulfilling life. The singer points out that the only kind of work that truly brings enjoyment is the work meant for love. He suggests that nothing compares to falling in love and holding hands at midnight under a starry sky. The lyrics of the song paint a picture of a perfect life, which involves finding love and committing to it through marriage.
The song is about the uncertainty and the elusiveness of finding true happiness in life. The singer suggests that finding love and committing to it can be the only way to achieve happiness. The imagery used in the song is romantic and dreamy, but it is also relatable to people of all ages. The idea of strolling with your loved one, sighing sigh after sigh, holding hands, and being under a starry sky is something that nearly everyone can visualize and understand. The song encourages us to keep searching for love and to hold onto it once we find it.
Line by Line Meaning
The man who only lives for making money
Living solely for the purpose of accumulating wealth
Lives a life that isn't necessarily sunny
Such a life may not be fulfilling
Likewise the man who works for fame
Those who prioritize fame above all else
There's no guarantee that time won't erase his name
May not leave behind a lasting impact
The fact is, the only work that really brings enjoyment
Work that is meant for love and relationships
Is the kind that is for girl and boy meant
Work that brings happiness to couples
Fall in love and you won't regret it
Love is the key to happiness
That's the best work of all, if you can get it
Finding true love is the ultimate goal
Holding hands at midnight
Romantic gesture of affection
'Neath a starry sky
Under the beautiful night sky
Nice work if you can get it
Being in a loving relationship is a blessing
And you can get it if you try
Love is achievable with effort
Strolling with the one girl
Walking leisurely with one's beloved
Sighing sigh after sigh
Expressing contentment and joy in the moment
Just imagine someone
Envisioning a happy future
Waiting at the cottage door
Being welcomed home by a loving partner
Where two hearts become one
Becoming completely devoted to each other
Who could ask for anything more?
Having love is more than enough
Loving one who loves you
Being in a mutually loving relationship
And then taking that vow
Committing to each other in marriage
And if you get it, won't you tell me how?
Desiring to know the secret to finding true love
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Royalty Network, Songtrust Ave, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: George Gershwin, Ira Gershwin
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind