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.
Long Ago and Far Away
Charlie Barnet Lyrics
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I dreamed a dream one day
And now that dream is here beside me
Long the skies were overcast
But now the clouds have passed
You're here at last
Aladdin's lamp is mine
The dream I dreamed was not denied me
Just one look and then I knew
That all I longed for long ago was you
Long ago and far away
I dreamed a dream one day
And now that dream is here beside me
Long the skies were overcast
But now the clouds have passed
You're here at last
Chills run up and down my spine
Aladdin's lamp is mine
The dream I dreamed was not denied me
Just one look and then I knew
That all I longed for long ago was you
Just one look and then I knew
That all I longed for long ago
Was you
"Long Ago" is a song by Charlie Lewis. The song tells the story of a dream that has now come true. The singer speaks about dreaming of something that he longed for long ago, that he never thought would be possible. It has now become possible, and he feels chills running up and down his spine just by looking at the person he longed for. The lyrics are emotional and full of gratitude and happiness.
The lyrics express a feeling that many people can relate to. The song talks about the beauty of having dreams and seeing them come true. It also speaks to the power of hope and resilience, as the clouds eventually passed even though the skies were once overcast. The song has a calming, almost lullaby-like melody and instrumentation which enhances the emotional impact of the lyrics.
Line by Line Meaning
Long ago and far away
Referring to a time in the distant past where a certain event occurred
I dreamed a dream one day
The singer had a dream or an aspiration in the past
And now that dream is here beside me
The singer's dream has become a reality and is now present in their life
Long the skies were overcast
Dark and gloomy skies existed in the past
But now the clouds have passed
The gloominess that existed in the past has gone away
You're here at last
The person that the singer longed for in the past has finally arrived
Chills run up and down my spine
The singer is experiencing a jolt of excitement and emotion
Aladdin's lamp is mine
A reference to a powerful object that can grant wishes
The dream I dreamed was not denied me
The singer's dream has come true and has not been prevented from happening
Just one look and then I knew
The singer's feelings and emotions were immediately clear after seeing the person they longed for
That all I longed for long ago was you
The person that the singer longed for in the past was the one they were looking for all along
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Ira Gershwin, Jerome Kern
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind