And yet Charlie Barnet was only significant in jazz for about a decade (1939-1949). Although his family wanted him to be a lawyer, he was a professional musician by the time he was 16 and ironically in his career made more money than he would have in business. Barnet arrived in New York in 1932 and started leading bands on records the following year, but his career was quite erratic until 1939. Many of Barnet's early records are worthy but some are quite commercial as he attempted to find a niche. Best is a sideman appearance on a 1934 Red Norvo date that also includes Artie Shaw and Teddy Wilson.
In 1939, with the hit recording of "Cherokee" and a very successful run at the Famous Door in New York, Charlie Barnet soon became a household name. In addition to the fine trumpeter Bobby Burnet (who soloed on many of Barnet's Bluebird records), such sidemen as guitarist Bus Etri; drummer Cliff Leeman; singers Lena Horne, Francis Wayne, and Kay Starr; pianist Dodo Marmarosa; clarinetist Buddy DeFranco; guitarist Barney Kessel; and even trumpeter Roy Eldridge spent time with Barnet's bands. Although at the height of his popularity during 1939-1942 (when his orchestra could often play a close imitation of Ellington's), Barnet's recordings for Decca during 1942-1946 were also of great interest with "Skyliner" being a best-seller.
By 1947 Barnet was starting to look toward bop. Clark Terry was his star trumpeter that year, and in 1949 his screaming trumpet section included Maynard Ferguson, Doc Severinsen, Rolf Ericson, and Ray Wetzel. Barnet, however, soon lost interest and near the end of 1949 he broke up his band. Semi-retired throughout the remainder of his life, Charlie Barnet occasionally led swing-oriented big bands during short tours and appearances, making his last recording in 1966.
Blue Moon
Charlie Barnet Lyrics
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Without a dream in my heart
Without a love of my own
Blue moon, you knew just what I was there for
You heard me saying a prayer for
Someone I really could care for
And then there suddenly appeared before me
The only one my arms will ever hold
And when I looked, the moon had turned to gold!
Blue moon!
Now I'm no longer alone
Without a dream in my heart
Without a love of my own
The song “Blue Moon” by Charlie Barnet is about the feeling of loneliness and longing for someone to love. The lyrics depict the singer standing alone under the blue moon, without any dreams or love. However, the moon understands their feelings and heard them praying for someone who they could truly love. Suddenly, their love appears before them, and as the moon turns gold, they realise that they are no longer alone.
The song speaks to the universal emotions of loneliness and wanting someone to love. The blue moon symbolises a moment of vulnerability and introspection, as the singer reflects on their lack of companionship. However, the silver lining is that the moon understands their desires and eventually rewards them with the love they longed for. The lyrics also touch on the idea that love can unexpectedly appear in one's life, and that it's important to take chances when they present themselves.
Line by Line Meaning
Blue moon you saw me standing alone
The rarity of a blue moon illuminated my loneliness while I stood by myself.
Without a dream in my heart
I had no aspirations or goals to motivate me in life.
Without a love of my own
I lacked a romantic partner to share my life with and give love to.
Blue moon, you knew just what I was there for
The blue moon seemed to understand the purpose of my presence and emotions.
You heard me saying a prayer for
The blue moon eavesdropped on my silent plea for assistance.
Someone I really could care for
I was hoping to find a special someone who I could deeply care for and love.
And then there suddenly appeared before me
Out of nowhere, the one person who I will ever love unconditionally appeared in front of me.
The only one my arms will ever hold
This person is the sole individual who I will embrace and hold for the remainder of my life.
I heard somebody whisper "Please adore me"
This person whispered a request for my loving acknowledgement and devotion.
And when I looked, the moon had turned to gold!
As I gazed upon this person, the blue moon transformed into a valuable and cherished golden treasure.
Blue moon!
The blue moon, as a symbol of my loneliness and yearning, is now replaced by this newfound love.
Now I'm no longer alone
My lonely state is no more since I have found someone to share my life with.
Without a dream in my heart
I no longer lack a sense of purpose, as my dreams and aspirations for a life with this person come to fruition.
Without a love of my own
I now have a special person in my life who reciprocates my affection and satisfies my need for love.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Lorenz Hart, Richard Rodgers
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind