He retired from performing in 1979. He had many famous hits including, "Kisses Don't Lie", "Are You Teasing Me", "Hey Joe", and many others.
In 2003, he was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame. He is probably best known for the recording of "Times A-Wastin'" with June Carter.
Let's Live a Little
Carl Smith Lyrics
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Take your little arms and squeeze me
Let's live a little before we say goodbye
I'll draw my money out of the bank
I'll buy you roses and pretty things
Let's live a little before we say goodbye
You'll wear a yellow ribbon in your wavy hair
We'll pretend we're happy though we know it's a lie
So let's live a little before we say goodbye
You'll be my queen of beauty
I'll be proud of you, my cutie
Let's live a little before we say goodbye
Someday our hair will turn gray
And we will think of yesterday
So let's live a little before we say goodbye
The band will be playing a waltz just for two
And I will be saying, "Darling, I love you"
We'll pretend we're happy though we know it's a lie
So let's live a little before we say goodbye
The lyrics to Carl Smith's song Let's Live a Little express a sense of urgency to enjoy life before it's too late. The singer is urging his partner to kiss him and hold him close, to buy pretty things and wear a yellow ribbon in her hair. The song paints a picture of two people trying to make the most out of their time together, even if they know it's not going to last.
The singer acknowledges that they will eventually have to say goodbye, but emphasizes that they should live a little before then. The idea of pretending to be happy even though they know it's a lie suggests that they may be in a difficult situation, such as a brief love affair or an impending separation. The waltz playing just for two and the declaration of love add a romantic element to the song.
Overall, the lyrics to Let's Live a Little convey a bittersweet sentiment of enjoying the moment even when the future is uncertain.
Line by Line Meaning
Take your little lips and kiss me
Please kiss me with your lovely lips.
Take your little arms and squeeze me
Give me a hug with your small arms.
Let's live a little before we say goodbye
Let's enjoy our time together before we have to leave.
I'll draw my money out of the bank
I will withdraw cash from the bank.
I'll buy you roses and pretty things
I want to purchase flowers and other beautiful items for you.
You'll wear a yellow ribbon in your wavy hair
I imagine you wearing a ribbon in your hair which is wavy and luscious.
I'll wear the suit you like and a big bow tie
I will wear the suit you prefer and a large bow tie.
We'll pretend we're happy though we know it's a lie
We will pretend to be happy even though we both know that it's not true.
You'll be my queen of beauty
I will consider you as my beautiful queen.
I'll be proud of you, my cutie
I will feel proud of you, my dear.
Someday our hair will turn gray
One day, we will get old and our hair will turn gray.
And we will think of yesterday
At that time, we will reminisce about the past.
The band will be playing a waltz just for two
The band is going to play a waltz exclusively for the two of us.
And I will be saying, "Darling, I love you"
At that moment, I will express my love to you by saying 'Darling, I love you'
Contributed by Evan B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.