Charlie Barnet (October 26, 1913 - September 4, 1991) was unusual in severa… Read Full Bio ↴Charlie Barnet (October 26, 1913 - September 4, 1991) was unusual in several ways. One of the few jazzmen to be born a millionaire, Barnet was a bit of a playboy throughout his life, ending up with a countless number of ex-wives and anecdotes. He was one of the few white big band leaders of the swing era to openly embrace the music of Duke Ellington (he also greatly admired Count Basie). Barnet was a pioneer in leading integrated bands (as early as 1935). And, although chiefly a tenor saxophonist (where he developed an original sound out of the style of Coleman Hawkins), Barnet was an effective emulator of Johnny Hodges on alto in addition to being virtually the only soprano player (other than Sidney Bechet) in the 1930s and '40s.

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're My Thrill
Charlie Barnet Lyrics

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You're my thrill
You do something to me
You send chills right through me
When I look at you 'cause you're my thrill
You're my thrill
How my pulse increases
I just go to pieces
Every time I look at you I can't keep still

Hm
Nothing seems to matter
Hm
Here's my heart on a silver platter
Oh where's my will
Why this strange desire

Flaming higher and higher
Every time I look at you

I can't keep still
You're my thrill

Overall Meaning

The song "You're My Thrill" by Charlie Barnet and His Orchestra is a love ballad that expresses the intense emotions one feels when they are in love. The opening lines, "You're my thrill, you do something to me, you send chills right through me," convey the sense of attraction and excitement that the singer feels for their partner. The second verse goes on to describe how the singer's heart rate increases and how they become completely overwhelmed whenever they look at their partner.

The chorus of the song, "Every time I look at you, I can't keep still, you're my thrill," drives home the idea of how this person has completely captivated their heart and taken over their entire being. The bridge of the song, "Nothing seems to matter, here's my heart on a silver platter, oh where's my will, why this strange desire, flaming higher and higher," beautifully sums up the complete surrender and vulnerability that comes with being deeply in love.

Overall, "You're My Thrill" is a timeless love song that perfectly captures the feelings of excitement, passion, and surrender that come with being completely enamored with someone.

Line by Line Meaning

You're my thrill
You are my source of excitement and happiness

You do something to me
You have a powerful effect on me

You send chills right through me
You give me a shiver down my spine

When I look at you 'cause you're my thrill
Seeing you is what brings me joy

You're my thrill
You are my source of excitement and happiness

How my pulse increases
My heart beats faster when I am around you

I just go to pieces
I lose control of myself

Every time I look at you I can't keep still
Seeing you makes me unable to stay calm

Hm
A thoughtful pause

Nothing seems to matter
Everything else fades away when I'm with you

Hm
A thoughtful pause