Swing Bells
Dave Brubeck Lyrics


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Oh, give me something to remember you by
When you are far away from me
Just a little something, meaning love cannot die
No matter where you chance to be

So I'll pray for you, night and day for you
It will see me through like a charm 'til you return
So give me something I can remember you by
When you are far away from me

So I'll pray for you, every single day for you
It will see me through like a charm until you return




Give me something, something to remember you by
When you are far away from me

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Dave Brubeck's Swing Bells convey a longing for a keepsake to remember a loved one by, when they are physically distant. The singer longs for a physical object to symbolize their love, to assure them that the distance will not diminish the strength of their bond. The lyrics convey a sense of yearning and vulnerability, as the singer must rely on prayer and memories to sustain them until their loved one can return.


The repetition of the phrase "something to remember you by" underscores the deep desire for a tangible reminder of their connection. The prayer mentioned in the lyrics serves as a form of comfort and hope, providing the singer with the strength to endure the separation. The song's gentle melody and nostalgic tone evoke a sense of wistfulness, communicating the universal experience of missing someone deeply.


Line by Line Meaning

Oh, give me something to remember you by
Request for a keepsake that will preserve the memory of the person while away


When you are far away from me
Condition indicating that the person is gone and out of sight


Just a little something, meaning love cannot die
Suggesting that a small token or gesture is enough to keep strong emotions alive


No matter where you chance to be
Emphasizing that the love will endure, regardless of where the person is located


So I'll pray for you, night and day for you
Expressing an intention to offer ongoing emotional support and positive thoughts


It will see me through like a charm 'til you return
Assuming that the act of prayer will have a positive effect, providing comfort and hope, until the person comes back


So give me something I can remember you by
Repeating the desire for a memento that will keep the memory of the person alive while apart


So I'll pray for you, every single day for you
Reiterating the previous promise to pray regularly for the person's well-being


It will see me through like a charm until you return
Reaffirming the belief that prayer will provide a sense of strength and resilience until the person returns


Give me something, something to remember you by
Final plea for a token or keepsake that will serve as a reminder of the person who is away




Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., CARLIN AMERICA INC
Written by: ARTHUR SCHWARTZ, HOWARD DIETZ

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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