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.
Caravan
Charlie Barnet Lyrics
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The myst'ry of their fading light
That shines upon our caravan
Sleep upon my shoulder as we creep
Across the sand so I may keep
The mem'ry of our caravan
You are so inviting
Resting in my arms
As I thrill to the magic charms
Of you beside me here beneath the blue
My dream of love is coming true
Within our desert caravan
The song “Caravan” by Charlie Barnet is an enchanting melody that tells a story of a journey through the desert with a special companion. At the beginning of the song, the singer describes the mystical night, stars, and their fading light that shines on their caravan. The imagery of the stars captures the magic and romanticism of the desert, and the lonesome journey. Through the desert, the singer’s companion falls asleep on their shoulder, and the singer speaks of keeping the memories of their journey. The second verse emphasizes the excitement and passion shared between the singer and their companion. The singer is speaking of their affection for their travels, particularly how they are thriving in the captivating charms of the desert and their companion. Finally, the song concludes with the singer’s appreciation of their dream of love coming to fruition during their journey through the desert caravan.
In summary, the lyrics of Charlie Barnet’s “Caravan” are about a journey through the desert with a companion, where the singer observes the mysticism of the desert, holds close to the memories shared with their companion, and revels in the passion of their journey through the desert caravan. The theme of the song speaks to the power of journeying and the importance of having a partner to experience it with.
Line by Line Meaning
Night and stars above that shine so bright
The beauty of the sky at night with the stars shining bright.
The myst'ry of their fading light
The unknown reason behind the stars fading away as dawn approaches.
That shines upon our caravan
The stars cast their light upon the caravan, making it visible in the dark night.
Sleep upon my shoulder as we creep
As we move slowly through the desert, you can sleep comfortably on my shoulder, as I lead.
Across the sand so I may keep
Through the sand we travel, providing a memory to cherish forever.
The mem'ry of our caravan
This journey in the desert will be a memorable experience for both of us.
This is so exciting
The thrill and excitement of the adventure adds to the overall experience.
You are so inviting
The importance of your company is elevated when you are alone in the desert.
Resting in my arms
The feeling of safety and comfort which occurs when you are in my embrace.
As I thrill to the magic charms
The enchanting qualities of being in the desert under the starry sky with my partner.
Of you beside me here beneath the blue
The joy of your presence, by my side, under the blue sky.
My dream of love is coming true
This is the realization of my dream of spending time with the one I love in a magical setting like the desert.
Within our desert caravan
The wonders of our caravan are endless, as we can witness by the virtue of travelling onboard.
Lyrics © Royalty Network, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: RACHEL MARY BERKELEY PORTMAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@David-sv7by
Very professional, polished, smart and enjoyable.
@user-vc5cw1pl2f
Песня из юности! Ностальгия однако...Впервые услышал джаз и понял эту музыку!
@MrRJDB1969
Great orchestra and a great vocalist !
@W4rH3aR7
This is excellent!
@13loomisst
Good, interesting, Thanks very much.
@scotnick59
Charlie married an incredible ELEVEN times!!
@leelarson107
He died from ALZHEIMER'S in 1991, so that should tell you something. Eleven times? It took him eleven times to finally get it right?
@RRaquello
The best v ersion ever is by Sir Julian. It's instrumental, no vocals features best Hammond organ ever. I never even knew this song had words.
@patsybaby
Great clip. Charlie Barnet one of my favourites. Who's the singer great voice.
@JUSTASITTINANDAROCK
Hi , thanks for your comments , the first version was made by mr Juan TIZOL cause it was the compositor with mr ELLINGTON with no vocals ! You have an excellent Nat King COLE version ( vocal ) in 1954 with mr TIZOL & an other instrumental with the three suns in 1963 , very difficult to find but one of the best , I think & many , many more !!! Thanks again , NICKY .