Thou Swell
Count Basie & Joe Williams Lyrics
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Wouldst kiss me, pretty? Wouldst hold my hand?
Both thine eyes are cute too--what they do to me
Hear me holler; I choose a sweet Lollapaloosa in thee
I'd feel so rich in a hut for two
Two rooms and kitchen I'm sure would do
Give me just a plot of, not a lot of land
The lyrics of Count Basie's song "Thou Swell" are an expression of affection and admiration for a person who is described as "swell", "witty", "sweet", and "grand". The persona in the song is overtly expressing his love and desire for the person being celebrated. They express their desire for physical affection by asking if the other would like to hold their hand or even kiss them. They describe the effect of the person's eyes on them, declaring how cute and powerful they are. The persona then makes a statement of choosing a "sweet lollapaloosa" in the person being referred to. This phrase likely means that the persona has chosen the person as a sweetheart or lover.
The second half of the song is a bit different. The persona now describes his ideal living conditions. The requirements for a happy life according to the song are minimalistic. They plead for a "hut for two" with just "two rooms and a kitchen" to feel rich. They further request for just a plot of land and the person being celebrated to feel complete.
In conclusion, the song is a declaration of love for a person the persona finds "swell" and cheeky. The song also expresses that it's not much one needs to be happy other than two people in a love relationship living together.
Line by Line Meaning
Thou swell, thou witty, thou sweet, thou grand
You are magnificent, clever, charming and outstanding
Wouldst kiss me, pretty? Wouldst hold my hand?
Would you be willing to kiss me and hold my hand, my beauty?
Both thine eyes are cute too--what they do to me
Your eyes are adorable as well, and they make me feel delirious.
Hear me holler; I choose a sweet Lollapaloosa in thee
I declare loudly that you are the one I desire to be with.
I'd feel so rich in a hut for two
A simple abode with two rooms and a kitchen would make me feel wealthy
Two rooms and kitchen I'm sure would do
I am convinced that two rooms and a kitchen would suffice
Give me just a plot of, not a lot of land
All I need is a small piece of land, not too much
And thou swell, thou witty, thou grand
You, with your magnificence, intelligence, and charm
Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Lorenz Hart, Richard Rodgers
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind