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've got you under my skin
Charlie and His Orchestra Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I've got you deep in the heart of me.
So deep in my heart that you're really a part of me.
I've got you under my skin.
I'd tried so not to give in.
I said to myself, this affair never will go so well.
But why should I try to resist when, baby, I know down well
I've got you under my skin?
I'd sacrifice anything come what might
For the sake of havin' you near
In spite of a warnin' voice that comes in the night
And repeats, repeats in my ear,
Don't you know, you fool, you never can win?
Use your mentality, wake up to reality.
But each time that I do just the thought of you
Makes me stop before I begin
Cause I've got you under my skin.
I would sacrifice anything come what might
For the sake of havin' you near
In spite of the warning voice that comes in the night
And repeats, how it yells in my ear,
Don't you know, you fool, ain't no chance to win
Why not use your mentality, get up, wake up to reality?
And each time I do just the thought of you
Makes me stop just before I begin
Cause I've got you under my skin.
And I like you under my skin.
Charlie Parker's rendition of "I've Got You Under My Skin" is an emotionally charged piece about the deep and irresistible attachment the singer has for their lover. The first two lines of the song set the primary motif for the composition, with the lyrics "I've got you under my skin, I've got you deep in the heart of me." The song suggests the singer not only feels affection from afar for their lover, but that it is also deep within their core as something innate and uncontrollable.
Despite the singer's determination to resist the hypnotic effect of their lover's pull, they eventually succumb to the attraction. The line "I'd tried so not to give in" indicates that they made several attempts to maintain distance from their lover, but to no avail. The singer's internal struggle is evident when they realize that regardless of how hard they tried to deny their love, they could not resist the passion that they felt: "But why should I try to resist when, baby, I know down well I've got you under my skin?"
Towards the end of the song, the singer openly declares that they would do anything to have their lover near them, even if it means going against all odds. They understand that the ever-present warning voice that repeats in their ear and tries to steer them away from their lover is right, but still, they cannot help themselves, and the feeling of obsession remains just as strong: "Don't you know, you fool, ain't no chance to win, Why not use your mentality, get up, wake up to reality? And each time I do just the thought of you makes me stop just before I begin, Cause I've got you under my skin."
Overall, the song's lyrics address the deeply conflicted feeling of wanting someone, even though it might not be in their best interest. The song describes passion, jealousy, and obsession with a very poignant and expressive language, which is why it has remained one of the best songs in the American songbook.
Line by Line Meaning
I've got you under my skin.
I am deeply infatuated with you.
I've got you deep in the heart of me.
You are a significant part of me and my emotions.
So deep in my heart that you're really a part of me.
You have become an integral part of my emotional makeup.
I've got you under my skin.
I cannot stop thinking about you and my feelings for you.
I'd tried so not to give in.
I tried to resist my feelings for you.
I said to myself, this affair never will go so well.
I am aware of the potential complications of pursuing a relationship with you.
But why should I try to resist when, baby, I know down well I've got you under my skin?
My feelings for you are too strong to resist, even if I know it may end badly.
I'd sacrifice anything come what might for the sake of havin' you near
I am willing to risk anything to be close to you.
In spite of a warnin' voice that comes in the night
Despite the inner voice warning me of the potential consequences.
And repeats, repeats in my ear, Don't you know, you fool, you never can win?
I am reminded of the futility of pursuing a relationship with you.
Use your mentality, wake up to reality.
I know that I should be practical and rational in my decision.
But each time that I do just the thought of you makes me stop before I begin
Every time I try to be rational about my feelings, I am overwhelmed by my emotional attachment to you.
Cause I've got you under my skin.
My feelings for you are too deep to ignore or control.
And I like you under my skin.
Despite the potential problems, I enjoy the intensity of my feelings for you.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Cole Porter
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@BrunoAlbouze
There is no words.. RIP Tony
@shaniajones1934
Rest In Peace, Tony ❤ He was truly a gift to us.
@otisroseboro5613
Yes I agree 👍💯, Still 😢,He Will Be Missed
@jenny_of_oldstones3523
People are talking he and Gaga because they were very very good friends, she loved and respected him as a mentor that she owes she career exploding. She said he. Changed her life. He said he loved her voice and found ways to improve it. She literally tattooed his name on her arm. That's why lots of people are posting them together. He did his last show with her, was able to perform and was not afraid of confused and said he could be himself and an inspiration to others that were the same. She helped him do what he loved one last time. She loved him like a father and he loved her like a daughter. That's why they are showing them together. It's not about Lady Gaga it's about a beautiful relationship between 2 fabulous performers who were able to still connect with love through their love of each other through music even with his illness let him have his joy one more time.
@elizabethwitt2621
Well said. 👏👏
@2eleven48
It's not his name on the tattoo but a trumpet, and, dear God, let me throw up at the rest of this horseshit.
@tinadickens7891
Rest in Peace, Tony and thank you for sharing your talents with us
@JamesNacoste
May his soul rest in peace. A legend forever. How're Tina, I'm James Nacoste, an Architect by profession, currently semi retired. I'm 68 was happy married for 35 years blessed with a wonderful son ,my wife passed 3 years ago. I live in the US. I know it sounds unusual to chat here but I just got caught by your terrific photo as I read your comment. I would be glad if you reply. Goodnight.
@melissahenderson1398
Remarkable ❤
@LanaAnneMD
This was beautiful! Lady Gaga is class and talent personified! The way she keeps Mr. Bennett's attention with gentle eye contact and his VOICE!!!! Mellow and ageless!! Just love this! Gentleness and gratitude are so important when dealing with this dreadful disease. We transition with love, Lots of love to you! RIP Mr. Bennett and thank you for the memories💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗