Lee was a musical prodigy and by the time she was two she would hear songs on the radio once and be able to whistle the complete tune. She was five years old when she started to gain wider attention when she won a local singing contest sponsored by the elementary schools. At age 11, she was offered a recording contract with Decca Records and released the song “Dynamite,” leading to her lifelong nickname, “Little Miss Dynamite.”
Lee was popular in the UK very early in her career, and her 1961 rockabilly release “Let’s Jump the Broomstick” did not chart in the US, but went to #12 in the UK. Her biggest hits during this time include a rockabilly version of the country classic “Jambalaya (On the Bayou),” “Sweet Nothin’s,” “I Want to Be Wanted,” “All Alone Am I,” and “Fool #1.”
In 1960, she recorded her signature song, “I’m Sorry,” which hit number one on the Billboard pop chart and was her first gold single. Her last top-10 single on the pop charts was 1963’s “Losing You,” while she continued to have other chart songs such as her 1966 song “Coming On Strong” and “Is It True?” in 1964.
During the early 1970s, Lee re-established herself as a country music artist, and earned a string of Top 10 hits on the country charts. Her biggest selling track of her career is, oddly enough, a Christmas song: “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree.” It was released in 1958, but it sold only 5,000 copies. However, it eventually sold over five million copies and remains a perennial radio favorite each December. In December 2023, Lee became the oldest artist to ever top the Hot 100, when "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree" topped the chart 65 years after its release.
Over the ensuing years, Lee has continued to record and perform all around the world, previously cutting records in four different languages. She is a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Rockabilly Hall of Fame, and the Hit Parade Hall of Fame. In 1992, she recorded a duet with Willy DeVille; Chuck Berry also wrote a song about her. Lee has been married to Ronnie Shacklett since 1963, and they have two daughters and three grandchildren. She is the second recipient of the Jo Meador-Walker Lifetime Achievement award.
Throughout her career, Brenda Lee has released 41 studio albums, 12 compilation albums, and over 100 singles. She has had numerous top twenty hits on the Billboard Hot 100, Country, and AC charts in the US, UK, and Canada.
Sweet Nothin's
Brenda Lee Lyrics
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My baby whispers in my ear
Mm sweet nothin's
He knows the things I like to hear
Mm sweet nothin's
Things he wouldn't tell nobody else
secret baby I keep them to myself
Sweet nothin's um sweet nothin's
We walk along hand in hand
Mm sweet nothin's
Yeah we both understand
Mm sweet nothin's
Sittin' in a classroom tryin' to read my book
my baby gives me that special look
Sweet nothin's, mm sweet nothin's
Ah, sittin' on my front porch
Mm sweet nothin's
Well do I love you of course
Mm sweet nothin's
Mama turned on the front porch light
Sayin' come here darlin' that's enough for tonight
Sweet nothin's
Mm sweet nothin's, sweet nothin's
Mm sweet nothin's, sweet nothin's
Brenda Lee's song Sweet Nothin's is a love song about the sweet nothings whispered by her lover that only she gets to hear. The lyrics suggest that her lover knows what she wants to hear and keeps little secrets to make her feel special. The song starts with a confident "uh huh, honey, alright" that sets the tone for the entire song. The first verse reveals how her lover whispers sweet nothings in her ear, and the things she likes to hear. The second verse talks about how they both understand each other, even in a classroom when she is trying to read, and he gives her that special look.
The third verse paints a picture of a quiet evening spent sitting on a front porch, where she declares her love for her man. Her mother interrupts them by turning on the porch light, indicating that it's time to call it a night. The chorus repeats the words "sweet nothings" twice and affirms that those little things mean everything.
The song has a repetitive structure, with a simple melody that is easy to sing along with. The lyrics showcase Brenda Lee's vocal range as she sings in a breathy voice, perfectly fitting the romantic nature of the song. Sweet Nothin's is a timeless classic that has inspired many love songs in the years since its initial release.
Line by Line Meaning
Uh huh, honey alright
Acknowledging that she is listening to her partner in a sweet tone.
My baby whispers in my ear
Her partner tells her sweet things in a soft and intimate tone.
Mm sweet nothin's
The sweet things her partner says to her are meaningful and pleasant.
He knows the things I like to hear
Her partner is aware of what she likes to listen to and says things accordingly.
Mm sweet nothin's
The words her partner speaks are mild and pleasant.
Things he wouldn't tell nobody else
Her partner shares secrets with her that he wouldn't tell anyone else.
secret baby I keep them to myself
She doesn't share the secrets her partner shares with her to anyone else.
Sweet nothin's um sweet nothin's
As a result of her partner's sweet words, there is a pleasant and loving feeling between them.
We walk along hand in hand
They walk holding hands, indicating their bond and mutual love.
Mm sweet nothin's
Her partner continues to share sweet words with her on their walk.
Yeah we both understand
They both share an unspoken understanding of their love and affection for each other.
Mm sweet nothin's
Her partner's sweet words continue to contribute to their loving and comfortable relationship.
Sittin' in a classroom tryin' to read my book
She's unable to focus on her task as she's distracted by thoughts of her partner and his sweet words.
my baby gives me that special look
Her partner looks at her in a way that communicates his love and affection for her.
Sweet nothin's, mm sweet nothin's
There is a loving and affectionate feeling between them as they share sweet nothings with each other.
Ah, sittin' on my front porch
She's relaxed and at ease on her front porch.
Mm sweet nothin's
Her partner continues to say sweet things to her, contributing to their loving connection.
Well do I love you of course
She expresses her love for her partner, a love that has grown from the sweet nothings they've shared.
Mm sweet nothin's
Despite her verbal expression of her love, her partner continues to say sweet nothings.
Mama turned on the front porch light
Her mother is signaling that it's time for her to come inside.
Sayin' come here darlin' that's enough for tonight
Her mother tells her to come inside and end her time with her partner for the night.
Sweet nothin's
Despite the night's end, the connection and love between them continues to be strong.
Mm sweet nothin's, sweet nothin's
Her partner and her continue to share sweet nothings, creating a loving bond that will continue to grow.
Lyrics © Kanjian Music, BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: RONNIE SELF
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind