Chris joined the "Snowflakes", a vocal group of Claude Thornhill's band, and moved on to become Stan Kenton's lead singer. She recorded for Bethlehem records originally and then began a long association with Atlantic records. Her trademark songs are well known to most people familiar with jazz of the 50s and 60s; among them are "Lullaby of Birdland" and "All about Ronnie."
More-complete bio and discography: http://www.mrlucky.com/songbirds/html/jul99/c_cconnor.html
A good obituary can be found on http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2009/sep/02/chris-connor-obituary
Happy New Year
Chris Connor Lyrics
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The wind blows memories through my hall
And I am all alone on New Year's eve
The time I need you most of all
The gay ones don their silly paper hats
And blow their stupid little horns
At midnight they will all be singing Auld Lang Syne
I wish you a Happy New Year darling
May your new love be bright and fair
I hope he'll do those special things for you
That I would do if I were there.
I love the days we spent together
Before the old year lost it's shine
I'll keep that memory locked within my heart
That Happy New Year you were mine
The lyrics of "Happy New Year" by Chris Connor and Maynard Ferguson capture the feelings of loneliness and longing that can arise during the holiday season, particularly on New Year's Eve. The opening lines, "The snow makes teardrops on my window, The wind blows memories through my hall," paint a melancholic picture of the singer's isolation and the haunting nostalgia that fills their space. They express a profound sense of being alone at a time when support and companionship are most needed.
The second verse contrasts the joyful festivities of others with the solitary experience of the singer. The "gay ones" put on hats, blow horns, and sing "Auld Lang Syne" to welcome the new year. In contrast, the "sad ones" sit alone, reflecting by the fire and sipping on a glass of lonely wine. This juxtaposition highlights the dichotomy between those who have someone to celebrate with and those who lack companionship, emphasizing the isolation felt by the singer.
The chorus is a poignant plea for happiness and love in the new year directed towards a specific person. The singer wishes their beloved a "Happy New Year" and hopes that their new love will be bright and fair. They express a longing for their presence and the desire for their new partner to do the special things for them, things that the singer would do if they were together. The final lines of the song bring the listener back to a cherished memory of a past New Year's Eve when the two were together, emphasizing the loss and yearning for a reunion.
Overall, "Happy New Year" explores the bittersweet emotions that can arise during the holiday season, particularly when one feels alone. It captures the longing for connection and the desire to be with someone special during this time of celebration and reflection.
Line by Line Meaning
The snow makes teardrops on my window
The sight of the snowfall outside my window brings tears to my eyes, evoking feelings of sadness and longing.
The wind blows memories through my hall
As the wind blows, it carries nostalgic memories through the halls of my home, reminding me of the past.
And I am all alone on New Year's eve
I find myself feeling completely alone on New Year's eve, devoid of the company and companionship I desire.
The time I need you most of all
This moment is when I yearn for your presence the most, as your absence intensifies my longing.
The gay ones don their silly paper hats
Happy and carefree individuals joyfully put on their playful paper hats, celebrating the occasion.
And blow their stupid little horns
They excitedly blow into their small and seemingly foolish horns, expressing their festive spirit.
At midnight they will all be singing Auld Lang Syne
When the clock strikes midnight, those jubilant individuals will unite in singing the traditional song 'Auld Lang Syne,' symbolizing the passage of time.
But the sad ones sit alone before the fire and sip a glass of lonely wine
In contrast, the melancholic individuals remain seated by the fireplace, savoring a glass of wine that echoes their sense of loneliness.
I wish you a Happy New Year darling
I convey my heartfelt desire for you to have a Happy New Year, my beloved.
May your new love be bright and fair
May the love you find in the new year shine and bring you joy and happiness.
I hope he'll do those special things for you
I sincerely hope that your new love will devote themselves to performing those cherished and thoughtful gestures for you.
That I would do if I were there
These acts, which I would lovingly carry out if I were physically present, are my genuine wishes for your happiness.
I love the days we spent together
I hold deep affection for the days we shared, for the time we spent together.
Before the old year lost its shine
Before the previous year lost its sparkle and allure, those moments held a special significance.
I'll keep that memory locked within my heart
I will safeguard that precious memory in the depths of my heart, treasuring it always.
That Happy New Year you were mine
During that Happy New Year when we were together, you belonged to me, and that memory brings me bittersweet joy.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: GORDON JENKINS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind