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.
Satin Doll
Della Reese Lyrics
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Over her shoulder she digs me
Out cattin' that satin doll
Baby, shall we go out skippin'?
Careful, amigo, you're flippin'
Speaks Latin that satin doll
She's nobody's fool so I'm playing it cool as can be
Swich-e-rooney
Telephone numbers well you know
Doing my rhumbas with uno
And that's my satin doll
The lyrics of Della Reese's Satin Doll describe a seductive and alluring woman who catches the attention of the singer. The woman is described as smoking a cigarette with a holder, which captivates the singer's attention. She appears confident and sure of herself, throwing glances over her shoulder that suggests she is interested in the singer. The lyrics use informal language, with the phrase "Out cattin'" implying that the woman is out on the prowl for a romantic adventure. The repeated phrase "satin doll" adds to the seductive tone of the lyrics. The lyrics mention a desire to "go out skippin'," which is likely a euphemism for dancing or spending time together.
The song's lyrics also have a sense of caution and a warning to be careful. The singer suggests that the woman is no fool, and so he must be careful not to fall for her too easily. This is particularly emphasized in the lyrics "I'll give it a whirl but I ain't for no girl catching me." This refrain suggests that the singer is interested in the woman but is playing it cool, not wanting to be caught in her romantic trap.
Overall, Della Reese's Satin Doll is a playful and seductive song that describes a romantic encounter between two people. The lyrics suggest a sense of caution and playfulness, emphasizing the allure of the woman but also warning the singer to be careful.
Line by Line Meaning
Cigarette holder which wigs me
She smokes in a stylish way and it fascinates me
Over her shoulder she digs me
She glances back at me and shows interest
Out cattin' that satin doll
She is out having fun in a fashionable outfit
Baby, shall we go out skippin'?
Would you like to go out dancing?
Careful, amigo, you're flippin'
Be careful, my friend, you're losing your cool
Speaks Latin that satin doll
She speaks a seductive language
She's nobody's fool so I'm playing it cool as can be
She's a smart woman so I'm trying to act calm and collected
I'll give it a whirl but I ain't for no girl catching me
I'll take a chance, but I won't let any woman trap me
Switch-e-rooney
I'm changing the subject
Telephone numbers well you know
I'm collecting a lot of phone numbers
Doing my rhumbas with uno
I'm dancing with one special lady
And that's my satin doll
That lady is the one I desire
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., RESERVOIR MEDIA MANAGEMENT INC
Written by: DUKE ELLINGTON, JOHNNY MERCER, BILLY STRAYHORN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind