McRae was born in Harlem, New York, on the 8th April 1920, and studied piano as a child. As a teenager she came to the attention of Teddy Wilson and his wife, the composer Irene Kitchings Wilson. Through their influence, one of McRae’s early songs, "Dream of Life", was recorded by Wilson’s longtime collaborator Billie Holiday.
By the late 1940s she was well known among the modern jazz musicians who gathered at Minton's Playhouse, Harlem’s most famous jazz club, where she was the intermission pianist. But it was while working in Brooklyn that she came to the attention of Decca’s Milt Gabler. Her five year association with Decca yielded twelve LPs.
The musicians she sang with include Benny Carter, Mercer Ellington, Count Basie, Sammy Davis Jr, Dave Brubeck, and Louis Armstrong. She was married once (and briefly), to drummer Kenny Clarke.
McRae died on the 10th November 1994.
Sweetest Sound
Carmen McRae Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Are still inside my head
The kindest words I'll ever know
Are waiting to be said
The most and entrancing side of all
Is yet for me to see
And the dearest love in all the world
Is waiting somewhere for me
In Carmen McRae’s song Sweetest Sound, the lyrics express the idea that the most beautiful and meaningful things in life are often found within ourselves. The sweetest sounds that the singer will ever hear are those that exist inside their own mind, suggesting that the power of memory and the ability to recall sounds can provide comfort and happiness. The kindest words they will ever know are those that they have yet to express, hinting at the idea that expressing love and affection can be a challenging task but one that can bring great joy. The most entrancing side of all is still yet to be seen, illustrating the never-ending journey of self-discovery and the potential for constant growth and enlightenment. Ultimately, the dearest love in the world is waiting somewhere, reminding us to keep an open heart and mind, and that true love can be found in unexpected places.
Line by Line Meaning
The sweetest sounds I'll ever hear
The most beautiful melodies and harmonies that will ever grace my senses
Are still inside my head
Reside in the memories I've made throughout my life, and will continue to cherish
The kindest words I'll ever know
The most gentle, tender expressions of love and compassion that will ever be spoken to me
Are waiting to be said
Are yet to be uttered, but the promise of their delivery fills me with hope and anticipation
The most entrancing sight of all
A sight so captivating and mesmerizing that it will hold my attention in rapture
Is yet for me to see
I have not yet witnessed this breathtaking sight, but am eagerly anticipating its discovery
And the dearest love in all the world
The purest and most precious form of affection that exists
Is waiting somewhere for me
A love that is meant for me, that I have not yet found but know is out there, waiting for me to discover
Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC
Written by: RICHARD RODGERS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
JazzSoulGirl
Female Jazz vocals at their best and what rhythm. Thanks for this
Peter R
I wore this Lp almost out many, many years ago however i still love to listen to it...
Thank you for posting this this!
Chris Chanin
Stunning - such a genius!