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.
It Could Happen To You
Dick Haymes Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
It could happen to you
Don't count stars or you might stumble
Someone drops a sigh and down you tumble
Keep an eye on spring, run when church bells ring
It could happen to you
All I did was wonder how your arms would be
Keep an eye on spring, run when church bells ring
It could happen to you
All I did was wonder how your arms would be
The song "It Could Happen To You" by Dick Haymes is a classic jazz tune that speaks to the unpredictability of romance. The opening lyrics of "Hide your heart from sight, lock your dreams at night" urge listeners to be cautious and guarded in matters of the heart. The fear of heartbreak seems to be the driving sentiment here. The next line, "It could happen to you," is a warning, reminding us that even when we think we are safe, we are not immune to the unpredictable nature of love.
The following lines, "Don't count stars or you might stumble, Someone drops a sigh and down you tumble," suggest that we shouldn't count on a specific outcome. The things we think will bring us happiness may ultimately lead to our downfall. The second verse, "Keep an eye on spring, run when church bells ring, It could happen to you," continues with the idea of unpredictability. The image of running when church bells ring could be interpreted as running from potential commitment or running towards it.
The song's final verse, "All I did was wonder how your arms would be, And it happened to me," is a bittersweet line that acknowledges the risk of falling in love. The vulnerability in allowing oneself to wonder or fantasize about what might be ultimately led to the singer's heartbreak. Overall, "It Could Happen To You" speaks to the universal experience of the fragility of love and the risk involved in opening up to another person.
Line by Line Meaning
Hide your heart from sight, lock your dreams at night
Conceal your feelings and aspirations, and safeguard them from harm.
It could happen to you
You may also fall in love eventually.
Don't count stars or you might stumble
Don't become too obsessed with your goals, or else you might lose your balance and trip.
Someone drops a sigh and down you tumble
A mere expression of emotion from someone you admire could cause you to fall head over heels for them.
Keep an eye on spring, run when church bells ring
Watch out for the signs of love and when you notice them, be prepared to act quickly.
All I did was wonder how your arms would be
Simply indulging in thoughts of physical intimacy with someone can lead to a romantic relationship.
And it happened to me
The singer of the song fell in love unexpectedly, and the same could happen to anyone.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: JAMES VAN HEUSEN, JOHNNY BURKE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Sharon Gallup
This is such a beautiful piece! Love, love all the wonderful music that came from the 40's!
Clive Fuller-Hale
Another great aircheck...many thanks