Byrd primarily looked up to Django Reinhardt. He moved to Washington, D.C., to study classical guitar with the renowned Sophocles Papas. He later moved to Italy where he studied with Andrés Segovia. In the early 1960's he was on a State Department tour in South America where he was introduced to a new music, the bossa nova, which was the musical passion of Brazil beginning in the late 50's. Jazz saxophonist Stan Getz had been in Brazil about six months earlier than Byrd, also on a State Department tour, where he, too, was exposed to the bossa nova. A short time later Getz called Byrd in D.C. and suggested the idea that they collaborate on a bossa nova album. That album was the introduction of bossa nova to North America.
He is perhaps most well known as a collaborator with Stan Getz on the Jazz Samba album, which featured many themes of bossa nova, and of course, samba.
Isn't This a Lovely Day?
Charlie Byrd Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The thunder and lightning
Seem to be having their way.
But as far as I'm concerned, it's a lovely day.
The turn in the weather
Will keep us together
So I can honestly say,
That as far as I'm concerned, it's a lovely day
Isn't this a lovely day to be caught in the rain.
You were going on your way, now you've got to remain.
Just as you were going, leaving me all at sea,
The clouds broke, they broke and oh what a break for me.
I can see the sun up high, though we're caught in a storm.
I can see where you and I could be cozy and warm.
Let the rain pitter patter
But it really doesn't matter
If the skies are gray.
Long as I can be with you, it's a lovely day.
The lyrics of Charlie Byrd's song Isn't This a Lovely Day? convey a sense of optimism and positivity in the face of unfavorable external circumstances. The singer acknowledges that the weather - indicated by the frightening thunder and lightning - is not ideal, but chooses to focus on the bright side and declare that, as far as they are concerned, it is still a lovely day. They imply that the inclement weather may actually be a positive force in their life, as it keeps them and their partner together. The chorus reiterates the sentiment that, despite the rain, it is still a lovely day to be with a loved one, and that the grey skies do not matter as long as they share that time together.
Line by Line Meaning
The weather is frightening.
The current weather situation is quite scary and intimidating.
The thunder and lightning
The sound and light effects caused by the storm are prominent and noticeable.
Seem to be having their way.
The storm's power and intensity is dominant and uncontrollable.
But as far as I'm concerned, it's a lovely day.
Despite the storm, the artist has a positive outlook and finds beauty in the moment.
The turn in the weather
The change in the weather pattern.
Will keep us together
The weather will prevent the singer and their companion from getting separated.
So I can honestly say,
The singer truly believes that the current situation is favorable.
And everything's okay.
The artist believes that there is no need to worry or be upset.
Isn't this a lovely day to be caught in the rain.
The artist finds joy in being in the rain with their companion.
You were going on your way, now you've got to remain.
The storm has stopped the artist's companion from leaving and staying together.
Just as you were going, leaving me all at sea,
The singer was feeling lost and uncertain when their companion was going to leave.
The clouds broke, they broke and oh what a break for me.
The clouds broke and the sun shone through, which made the artist happy and grateful.
I can see the sun up high, though we're caught in a storm.
Despite the storm, the singer can see the sun shining brightly in the sky.
I can see where you and I could be cozy and warm.
The singer envisions a future moment where they and their companion will be able to be comfortable and warm together.
Let the rain pitter patter
The singer doesn't mind the sound of the raindrops falling on the ground.
But it really doesn't matter
The storm or rain is not significant enough to dampen the artist's happiness or current sentiment.
If the skies are gray.
Even if the sky is cloudy or gloomy, the artist still feels positive.
Long as I can be with you, it's a lovely day.
As long as the singer is with their companion, they are content and happy with the moment.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: IRVING BERLIN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind