Charles L. Byrd (September 16, 1925 - November 30, 1999), better known as C… Read Full Bio ↴Charles L. Byrd (September 16, 1925 - November 30, 1999), better known as Charlie Byrd, was a famous jazz guitarist, born in Suffolk, Virginia. He was the only jazz guitarist of that era whose primary instrument was the classical guitar which gave him his uniquely identifiable sound.

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.

Taking a Chance On Love
Charlie Byrd Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Here I go again, I hear those trumpets blow again.
All aglow again, takin' a chance on love.
Here I slide again, about to take that ride again.
Starry-eyed again, takin' a chance on love.

I thought that cards were a frame-up, I never would try.
Now I'm taking that game up and the ace of hearts is high.
Things are mending now, I see a rainbow blending now.

We'll have a happy ending now, takin' a chance on love.

Here I slip again, about to take that trip again.
I got that grip again, takin' a chance on love.
Now I prove again that I can make life move again.
Um - I'm in the groove again, takin' a chance on love.

I walk around with a horse shoe, in clover I lie.
And brother rabbit of course you better kiss your, foot good-bye.

On that ball again I'm ridin' for a fall again.
I'm gonna give my all again takin' a chance on love.

Overall Meaning

Charlie Byrd's song "Taking a Chance on Love" is a song about taking risks and jumping into love. The opening line "Here I go again, I hear those trumpets blow again" sets the mood, with a sense of excitement in the air. The singer is ready to dive back into love, completely disregarding any previous experiences that may have hurt him. The line "All aglow again" conjures images of being swept off your feet and consumed by the feeling of new love.

The second verse of the song talks about the singer's initial skepticism towards love, with the line "I thought that cards were a frame-up, I never would try." But now he's willing to give love a chance, and the "ace of hearts is high." The theme of risk-taking is evident even in the line "Here I slip again, about to take that trip again," which reflects the idea that love can be a journey, and that it's worth taking a leap of faith.

Line by Line Meaning

Here I go again, I hear those trumpets blow again.
I am embarking on this journey again, I hear the sound of trumpets which encourages me to continue.

All aglow again, takin' a chance on love.
I am full of excitement and optimism and am willing to take a chance on love again.

Here I slide again, about to take that ride again.
I am about to embark on a new adventure with my heart open.

Starry-eyed again, takin' a chance on love.
I am filled with wonder and hope once again as I take a chance on love.

I thought that cards were a frame-up, I never would try.
I was once skeptical about falling in love and thought it was a setup, but now I've changed my mind.

Now I'm taking that game up and the ace of hearts is high.
I am now ready to enter the game of love with confidence and the possibility of winning big.

Things are mending now, I see a rainbow blending now.
My life is improving and I am beginning to see the benefits of my decision to take a chance on love.

We'll have a happy ending now, takin' a chance on love.
By taking a chance on love, I am hopeful that my journey will have a happy ending.

Here I slip again, about to take that trip again.
I am about to embark on another adventure and this time I am more than ready.

I got that grip again, takin' a chance on love.
I am holding tightly to the belief that love can be successful and am willing to take risks to find it.

Now I prove again that I can make life move again.
I am confident in my ability to live life fully and actively, and to create my own happiness.

Um - I'm in the groove again, takin' a chance on love.
I am feeling good and confident, like I'm in a groove, and am willing to take another chance on love.

I walk around with a horse shoe, in clover I lie.
I feel lucky and blessed, like I'm walking around with a horseshoe, which brings me good fortune.

And brother rabbit of course you better kiss your, foot good-bye.
I feel so lucky and fortunate that even 'Brother Rabbit' (known for his speed) cannot keep up with my good fortune.

On that ball again I'm ridin' for a fall again.
I know there is always a risk involved when taking a chance on love and that I may fall again, but I am willing to take that risk.

I'm gonna give my all again takin' a chance on love.
I am willing to put my all into this new adventure and take a chance on love once again.

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: John Latouche, Ted Fetter, Vernon Duke

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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