The purpose of the band was to stir pro-Nazi sympathy, draw attention to World War II Allied losses, and carry Adolf Hitler's messages in an entertaining form. The songs stressed how badly the war was going for the target audience, and how it was only going to be a matter of time before they would be beaten.
Led by German accented front man Karl Schwedler ("Charlie"), conducted by Lutz Templin, and paced by drummer Fritz "Freddie" Brocksieper, the band included Kurt Abraham on reeds and Willy Berking on trombone. The group formed in 1940, making over 90 recordings between March 1941 and February 1943. Arrangements were by Templin, Willy Berking, and Franz Mück, with lyrics written by the Propagandaministerium. Schwedler was allowed permission to travel to neutral and occupied countries to collect jazz and dance music, which helped the band and propaganda ministry to craft more recordings.
Popular American swing songs - and popular British tunes/songs - were initially performed true to the original, until about the second or third verse which were replaced by pro-German lyrics and monologues. For example, in the tune You're Driving Me Crazy, Schwedler croons about the confusion of new love, and in the third verse continues: Here is Winston Churchill's latest tear-jerker: Yes, the Germans are driving me crazy / I thought I had brains / But they shot down my planes..." Later, the entire lyric would be modified, clearly based on the original. The band even recorded some "cover versions" of the originals, unaltered.
Indeed, anecdotal accounts indicate that Winston Churchill enjoyed the broadcasts, finding the lyrics hilarious.
Many of the members of Charlie and his Orchestra went on to successful careers in music after the war.
I'm Putting All My Eggs in One Basket
Charlie and His Orchestra Lyrics
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I'm betting ev'rything I've got on you
I'm giving all my love to one baby
Heaven help me if my baby don't come through
I've got a great big amount
Saved up in my love account
And I've decided
Love divided
In two
Won't do
So
I'm putting all my eggs in one basket
I'm betting everything I've got on you
[2]
I've been a roaming Juliet
My Romeos have been many
But now my roaming days have gone
Too many irons in the fire
Is worse than not having any
I've had my share and from now on:
I'm putting all my eggs in one basket
I'm betting ev'rything I've got on you
I'm giving all my love to one baby
Heaven help me if my baby don't come through
I've tried to love more than one
Finding it just can't be done
Honey
There's one I lie to
When I try to
Be true
To two
So
I'm putting all my eggs in one basket
I'm betting everything I've got on you
The lyrics of Charlie and His Orchestra's song "I'm Putting All My Eggs In One Basket" convey the artist's decision to focus all of their love on one person. The metaphor of putting all their eggs in one basket implies a level of trust and dedication to their romantic partner. They express their fear that if their partner does not reciprocate their love, they will have nothing left but to hope for heaven's help. The lyrics suggest that the artist has had multiple partners in the past, but now they have realized that dividing their love between multiple people is not sustainable or fulfilling.
The singer acknowledges that they have a large amount of love to give, and they have saved it up in their "love account." They have decided that it is more worthwhile to invest all of their love into one person than to spread it out thinly among many. They admit that they have lied to one of their partners while trying to be true to two, reinforcing the message that this new approach of putting all eggs in one basket is the right decision for them. The lyrics ultimately convey a sense of vulnerability and longing for reciprocated love, as the artist places all their hopes on this one person.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm putting all my eggs in one basket
I am fully committing myself to one person or situation, without backup options or alternatives.
I'm betting everything I've got on you
I am risking everything I have on this one person or situation, with the hope that it will pay off in the end.
I'm giving all my love to one baby
I am focusing all of my affection and care on this one person, giving them all of my attention and devotion.
Heaven help me if my baby don't come through
I am relying on this person to reciprocate my love and dedication, and if they fail me, it will have devastating consequences for me.
I've got a great big amount
I have accumulated a substantial quantity.
Saved up in my love account
I have been storing up my feelings of love and devotion for some time, and now they are ready to be given away.
And I've decided
I have come to a conclusion and made a firm decision.
Love divided
When affection is split between several people or things.
In two
Sharing the feelings of love between two separate entities.
Won't do
It is not satisfactory or viable.
I've been a roaming Juliet
I have been exploring different romantic interests, like the famous character from Shakespeare's play.
My Romeos have been many
I have had numerous love interests, like the male character from the same play.
But now my roaming days have gone
I have decided to settle down and commit myself to one person.
Too many irons in the fire
Trying to juggle too many things at once, usually with no good end result.
Is worse than not having any
It is better to have no options than to have too many and suffer the consequences.
I've tried to love more than one
I have attempted to divide my affection between multiple people, but it did not work out.
Finding it just can't be done
I have come to the realization that it is impossible to genuinely love more than one person in a romantic sense.
There's one I lie to
There is one person who I am dishonest with about my feelings, while trying to be faithful to another person.
When I try to
Despite my efforts to be true to both parties involved.
Be true
When I attempt to be honest and devoted to my multiple partners.
To two
Splitting my love between two separate people, causing strained relationships and potential hurt feelings.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Irving Berlin
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Ryan Murphy
on Dinah
Thanks for these lyrics. Fine music.