Dick Haymes (September 13, 19… Read Full Bio ↴Powerful, milky smooth, rich baritone.
Dick Haymes (September 13, 1918 – March 28, 1980) was one of the most popular American male vocalists of the 1940s and early 1950s.
He was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina. His Irish-born mother, Marguerite Haymes (1894-1987), was a well-known vocal coach and instructor. He became the vocalist in a number of big bands, worked in Hollywood on radio and in many films throughout the forties and fifties.
He never became a United States citizen and avoided military service during World War II by asserting his non-belligerent status as a citizen of Argentina, which was neutral. Years later (1955), this act of his nearly caused his deportation to Argentina on an unrelated technicality in immigration law. During World War II, he was briefly detained at Ellis Island.
Haymes was married six times and had six children. His most famous marriages were to film actresses Joanne Dru (1941-1949) and Rita Hayworth (1953-1955). His daughter Stephanie Haymes was married to Sir Elton John's lyricist Bernie Taupin
He died in Los Angeles from lung cancer, at the age of 61.
As Long as I Live
Dick Haymes Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Though there'll be rain and darkness too
I'll not complain, I'll live with you
Poverty, may come to me, that's true
But what care I
I'll get by, as long as I have you
Though there'll be rain and darkness too
I'll not complain, I'll live with you
Poverty may come to me, that's true
But what care I
I'll get by, as long as I have you
The lyrics of Dick Haymes's song “As Long as I Live” talks about the power of love to overcome adversity. The singer acknowledges that there will be times of turmoil and hardship in life, such as rain and darkness, and the possibility of poverty. However, he remains optimistic because of the presence of his loved one. He declares that he can “get by” as long as he has the one he loves beside him, even when facing tough times like poverty.
The lyrics show a positive and uplifting outlook on life despite the difficulties that life may bring. The song is a reminder that love is a powerful force that can sustain us through the tough times.
The lyrics of “As Long As I Live” may have been influenced by Dick Haymes’s personal life. Haymes had a troubled personal life and was married multiple times. He was known for having an addictive personality and struggled with alcoholism, which eventually led to his downfall. This song may be a reflection of his longing for companionship and stability in an otherwise turbulent life.
Line by Line Meaning
I'll get by, as long as I have you
I can manage to go through life because I have you by my side.
Though there'll be rain and darkness too
Although there may be difficult times and obstacles, I am not afraid because I am with you.
I'll not complain, I'll live with you
Rather than dwelling on negative circumstances, I choose to appreciate and cherish living life with you.
Poverty, may come to me, that's true
Even if I face financial struggles or lack, I understand that possibility exists.
But what care I
But I don't care about that because I have you and that is all I need.
I'll get by, as long as I have you
I can manage to go through life because I have you by my side.
Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing
Written by: Fred Ahlert, Roy Turk
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
DonePO12
Great interpretation in a swinging jazz style that captures a true feeling of devotion. Haymes was incredible in capturing a composers words in song.
ZOMBIE JOAN
A tune that swings right along. Good for ballroom couples.
john koenig
An LP I never got hear till now. Some nice tunes on here. Like As Long As I Live.
KEN BASTAHRD
Women and men both loved the Haymes bass baritone.