Brubeck's style ranged from refined to bombastic, reflecting his mother's attempts at classical training and his improvisational skills. Much of his music employed unusual time signatures, a fact jokingly referred to by his greatest hits album 'Time Signatures: A Career Retrospective'. Upon his death, a number of commentators noted his crossover appeal to mainstream pop audiences, something putting him in the company of other jazz legends such as Louis Armstrong and Herbie Hancock among others.
Swing Bells
Dave Brubeck Lyrics
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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
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
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