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.
It's A Wonderful World
Charlie Barnet Lyrics
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I'm just walking on air
Talk of heaven on earth
I've got more than my share
Haven't got a care
Happy all day through
It's a wonderful world
Loving wonderful you
The lyrics to Charlie Barnet & His Orchestra feat. v/Mary Ann McCall's "It's A Wonderful World" speak of joy, love, and contentment. The singer feels like they are floating on air and they feel like heaven on earth. They are grateful for their life and feel like they have more than their fair share of blessings. They don't have any worries and are happy all day long because they are in love with a wonderful person. Overall, the song is about appreciating the simple things in life and finding happiness in love.
The lyrics are simple yet effective in conveying the message of the song. The upbeat melody also adds to the overall feeling of joy and positivity. The singer's voice is smooth and confident, which adds to the feeling of contentment that they are expressing. The instrumentation is also lively and upbeat, which adds to the overall feeling of happiness that the song expresses.
Line by Line Meaning
It's a wonderful world
The world is beautiful and full of joy.
I'm just walking on air
I am so happy that I feel like I am floating in the air.
Talk of heaven on earth
People often describe the world as heaven on earth because it is so lovely.
I've got more than my share
I have been blessed with an abundance of good things in my life.
Haven't got a care
I am completely worry-free.
Happy all day through
I am joyful and content from morning until night.
It's a wonderful world
The world is beautiful and full of joy.
Loving wonderful you
My life is even better because I have someone as wonderful as you in it.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Harold Adamson, Jan Savitt, John Watson
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind