An actress, singer, talk show host, and author, the multi-talented Reese first started singing in church in her hometown of Detroit when she was six years old. By the age of 13, she was touring with gospel great Mahalia Jackson; then, at 18, she formed the Meditation Singers and became the first performer to bring gospel music to the casinos of Las Vegas. Reese expanded her musical repertoire as a vocalist with the Erskine Hawkins Orchestra and began recording albums, with such hits as "Don't You Know" and "And That Reminds Me" in the 1950s. She appeared extensively as a guest on the top television variety series, logging more than 20 appearances in one year on The Ed Sullivan Show on the CBS Television Network. Reese was nominated for a Grammy Award as Best Female Soloist in Gospel Music in 1987.
Tapping into her other skills, she was host of a television talk show in 1969-1970, then began guest-starring in such series as Sanford and Son, The A-Team, Crazy Like a Fox and Picket Fences. She starred in the CBS Network series Charlie & Co. and The Royal Family. Reese's current projects include a new album based on her 27-city tour with her revue, "Some of My Best Friends Are the Blues," as well as song on the Touched By An Angel Soundtrack. Her best-selling autobiography, "Angels Along the Way," is published by G.P. Putnam's Sons. Reese also starred in the telefilms Emma's Wish, with Joanna Kerns, and The Secret Path, with Ossie Davis.
Always True to You in My Fashion
Della Reese Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Asks me out for something wet
When the vet begins to pet, I cry, "Hooray!"
But I'm always true to you, darlin', in my fashion
Yes, I'm always true to you, darlin', in my way
I've been asked to have a meal
If the meal includes a deal, accept I may
But I'm always true to you, darlin', in my fashion
Yes, I'm always true to you, darlin', in my way
There's an oil man known as Tex
Who is keen to give me checks
And his checks, I fear, means that Tex is here to stay
But I'm always true to you, darlin', in my fashion
Yes, I'm always true to you, darlin', in my way
From Ohio, Mister Thorn
Calls me up from night till morn
Mister Thorn once cornered corn and that ain't hay
But I'm always true to you, darlin', in my fashion
Yes, I'm always true to you, darlin', in my way
From Milwaukee, Mister Fritz
Often dines me at the Ritz
Mister Fritz invented Schlitz and Schlitz must pay
But I'm always true to you, darlin', in my fashion
Yes, I'm always true to you, darlin', in my way
Mister Harris Plutocrat
Wants to give my cheek a pat
If the Harris pat means a Paris hat, pay, pay
But I'm always true to you, darlin', in my fashion
Yes, I'm always true to you, darlin', in my way
Della Reese's song "Always True to You in My Fashion" is a playful and flirtatious tune about a woman's various romantic encounters with men of different societal positions. The lyrics suggest that she enjoys the attention and the gifts that the men offer; however, she remains devoted to her lover in her own unique way.
The first verse mentions a custom-tailored vet who takes her out for drinks and begins to flirt with her. Despite the attention from the vet, the woman claims to stay true to her lover “in her fashion,” meaning that she remains committed but enjoys the attention.
Each subsequent verse introduces a new man, including a big steel tycoon who offers her a meal with a possible business deal and an oil man who wants to give her checks. There's also a man from Ohio who calls her frequently, and a man from Milwaukee who takes her out to dinner at the Ritz. Lastly, there's a rich businessman who wants to give her a pat on the cheek, which may result in a luxurious Paris hat.
Despite the various romantic offers, the woman insists that she is "true" to her lover, although she does not elaborate on precisely how. The song is known for its witty and humoristic lyrics, paired with a beguiling and catchy melody.
Line by Line Meaning
If a custom tailored vet
If a well-dressed man asks me out
Asks me out for something wet
Invites me to have a drink with him
When the vet begins to pet, I cry, "Hooray!"
When the man starts to flirt with me, I get excited
But I'm always true to you, darlin', in my fashion
But I will always be loyal to you, my love, in my own way
Yes, I'm always true to you, darlin', in my way
Yes, I will always be faithful to you, my love, in my own unique way
I've been asked to have a meal
I've been invited to have dinner
By a big tycoon in steel
By a wealthy businessman in the steel industry
If the meal includes a deal, accept I may
If there is a business proposition in the dinner, I might accept
There's an oil man known as Tex
There's a man who works in the oil industry named Tex
Who is keen to give me checks
Who wants to give me money
And his checks, I fear, means that Tex is here to stay
And I am concerned that his money means he wants to be with me permanently
From Ohio, Mister Thorn
A man named Mister Thorn from Ohio
Calls me up from night till morn
Calls me constantly from night until morning
Mister Thorn once cornered corn and that ain't hay
Mister Thorn used to work in the agriculture industry and was successful at it
From Milwaukee, Mister Fritz
A man named Mister Fritz from Milwaukee
Often dines me at the Ritz
Takes me out to eat at the Ritz frequently
Mister Fritz invented Schlitz and Schlitz must pay
Mister Fritz invented a beer brand and must be financially successful because of it
Mister Harris Plutocrat
A man named Mister Harris who is very wealthy
Wants to give my cheek a pat
Wants to flirt and touch my cheek
If the Harris pat means a Paris hat, pay, pay
If his flirting leads to a luxurious gift, then I accept
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: COLE PORTER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
regent260
This is my favourite song from my favourite Della album. I lost the only copy I had of it and couldn't find it on itunes either and I have looked on youtube so many times. I'm glad it finally turned up! Thanks.
Johnny Kat
Great song and even better album. One of my all-time favorites!
carlmoore19
And I think I do remember this. This turns out to be from Kiss Me Kate.
rawzoo
That's great...
Gabe Schleifer
ALL THE DUCKS ARE SWIMMING IN THE WATER!
Carl Moore
I am the same person as carlmoore19, and this is now part of my Facebook "Music Selections" pages, where I am Carl.moore.7792 .