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.
You'd Be So Nice To Come Home To
Charlie Barnet Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You'd be so nice by the fire
While the breeze on high, sang a lullaby
You'd be all my heart could desire
Under stars chilled by the winter
Under an August moon shining above
You'd be so nice, you'd be paradise
Under stars chilled by the winter
Under an August moon burning above
You'd be so nice, you'd be paradise
To come home to and love
In Charlie Barnet's song You'd Be So Nice To Come Home To, the lyrics express the desire for a loved one to be waiting at home. The opening line, "You'd be so nice to come home to," implies that the singer has been away from home and is longing to return to their loved one. The second line, "You'd be so nice by the fire," creates an image of warmth and comfort. The metaphor of the "breeze on high" singing a lullaby suggests a peaceful and calming atmosphere, which would be enhanced by the presence of the loved one waiting at home.
The repetition of the phrase "you'd be so nice" throughout the song emphasizes the singer's longing for their loved one. The use of "paradise" in the final line of each verse elevates their loved one to an almost otherworldly status; someone who can provide ultimate happiness and contentment. The final line, "To come home to and love," repeats the central theme of the song, which is the desire for closeness, togetherness, and love.
Line by Line Meaning
You'd be so nice to come home to
You would be the perfect person to come home to and spend time with
You'd be so nice by the fire
You would be delightful to be near while sitting by the warm fire
While the breeze on high, sang a lullaby
As the cool wind sings a calming melody in the sky
You'd be all my heart could desire
You would fulfill all the desires of my heart
Under stars chilled by the winter
Beneath the frigid stars of the winter season
Under an August moon shining above
Under the moon of August, brightly shining high
You'd be so nice, you'd be paradise
You would be so amazing, you would feel like paradise
To come home to and love
A place to return to and to receive love
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Cole Porter
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind