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.
Gal From Joe's
Charlie Barnet Lyrics
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They're takin' someone far away,
And if you hear a song today.
It's a sad tune that you'll be playin':
She's leavin' and folks are feelin' so low,
They're grievin' and they're consolin' poor Joe;
Gonna miss her song
She'll be travlin' alone down that last long mile
They're sighin'
With all their trouble and woes
They're cryin' 'cause they all loved
The Gal From Joe's
She's leavin' and folks are feelin' so low,
They're grievin' and they're consolin' poor Joe;
Gonna miss her song
Gonna miss her smile
She'll be travlin' alone down that last long mile
They're sighin'
With all their trouble and woes
They're cryin' 'cause they all loved
The Gal From Joe's
The Gal From Joe's is a song that tells a story of a woman who is leaving a place called Mister Joe's Cafe. As she leaves, the people around her are filled with a sense of loss and sadness. The song conveys the emotions felt by the people who were close to her. It is a melancholic tune that speaks to the feelings of the loss of someone dear.
The lyrics describe how the people at Mister Joe's cafe are consoling the owner, Joe, as he comes to terms with the woman's departure. They are all going to miss her song, her smile, her presence. The song emphasises that the woman will travel alone down "that last long mile," symbolising the final stages of her journey.
The poignant lyrics show how loss can affect not just one individual but a community. Everyone who knew her, even those who didn't, will be feeling the loss of the gal from Joe's. The song evokes emotions of sadness, loss and longing in those who hear it.
Line by Line Meaning
Way down at Mister Joe's Cafe
At Mister Joe's Cafe, a location far from here and out of sight, a sad event is currently taking place.
They're takin' someone far away
Someone is being taken away from Mister Joe's Cafe, which is causing sadness among the people there.
And if you hear a song today.
If you happen to hear a song being played today, it is likely to be a melancholy one.
It's a sad tune that you'll be playin'
The song that is being played is a sorrowful one that is intended to evoke sadness and mournfulness.
She's leavin' and folks are feelin' so low,
The cause of the sadness at Mister Joe's Cafe is a woman who is leaving, and people are feeling very down because of it.
They're grievin' and they're consolin' poor Joe;
The owner of Mister Joe's Cafe, Joe, is being consoled by others who are sad for him because of the woman who is leaving.
Gonna miss her song
The woman who is leaving would often sing at Mister Joe's Cafe, so people will miss hearing her voice.
Gonna miss her smile
The woman who is leaving had a pleasant smile, and people will miss seeing it.
She'll be travlin' alone down that last long mile
The woman who is leaving will be traveling alone on a long journey, and it is unlikely that she will return.
They're sighin'
People at Mister Joe's Cafe are letting out deep sighs, expressing their sadness about the situation.
With all their trouble and woes
The people at Mister Joe's Cafe have their own problems and difficulties that are being amplified by the departure of the woman.
They're cryin' 'cause they all loved
People at Mister Joe's Cafe are shedding tears because they had come to know and appreciate the woman who is leaving.
The Gal From Joe's
This woman who is leaving has become known as 'The Gal From Joe's,' and she has left an indelible imprint on the hearts and minds of those who knew her at Mister Joe's Cafe.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: DUKE ELLINGTON, IRVING MILLS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Grant Koeller
What a classic! I love how this swings so hard!!!
profstan56
I heartd this today for the first time on a TV jazz channel. This arrangement / performance is GREAT! Barnet hits it! I'd never heard of him before!
david mussatto
I have the 78 on my jukebox. love it!
Alexis Stamatopoulos
i think you have a point my friend..but i just gave the title from the cd i have..so i cant really say which one is correct.greetings to you as well :-)
Mamarre Mamarre Mamarre Mamarre
Great
Cont0rt
OH MY GOD I FOUND IT!!!!
songanddanceman100
Love that Gla!
You are Greek, yes? As am I.
Kirk Barkley
Charlie's band was considered the "blackest" of all the white bands. Singer wise? - Mel Torme