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 Might as Well Be Spring
Dick Haymes Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm as jumpy as a puppet on a string
I'd say that I had Spring fever
But I know it isn't Spring
I am starry-eyed and vaguely discontented
Like a nightingale without a song to sing
Oh, why should I have Spring fever
I keep wishing I were somewhere else
Walking down a strange new street
Hearing words that I have never heard
From a girl I've yet to meet
I'm as dizzy as a spider spinning daydreams
I'm as giddy as a baby on a swing
I haven't seen a crocus or a rosebud
Or a robin on the wing
Still I feel so gay in a melancholy way
That it might as well be Spring
It might as well be Spring
The opening lyrics of the song "It Might as Well Be Spring" by Dick Haymes strongly hint at the feelings of the lead character. The persona compares their restlessness to a willow tree swayed by the wind. This connotes a certain level of unease and lack of direction. The next line shows that the persona feels powerless, similar to being controlled by a puppeteer. Thus, the persona is experiencing restlessness and feeling as if they are not in control of their life.
The persona considers their emotions to be indicative of Spring fever, but given it's the wrong time of year for the season, the persona recognizes that feeling Spring fever is not the real cause of their current situation. However, the reason behind their feelings is not immediately apparent. They feel bored and lost, like a nightingale without a song to sing. The persona knows they should be happier than they are, but they are frustrated since they can't seem to enjoy or engage with anything.
The persona then says they keep wishing they were somewhere else, in pursuit of something new and exciting. The thought of walking down a new street, hearing unfamiliar words from a girl they haven't met, fills them with an inexplicable urge. The persona imagines fanciful dreams, represented by a spider spinning webs of enchantment, and the carefree joy of a baby on a swing. They acknowledge that they have not seen the typical signs of spring: no crocuses, rosebuds, or robins, and yet they feel gay in a melancholy manner. The line "It might as well be Spring" sums up the complete emotion of the song, which is a search for newness and a sense of direction in one's life.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm as restless as a willow in a windstorm
I feel unsettled and constantly moving, like a willow tree being blown around by the wind.
I'm as jumpy as a puppet on a string
I am nervous and anxious, moving quickly and unpredictably, like a puppet controlled by strings.
I'd say that I had Spring fever
I feel restless and excited, like the symptoms of Spring fever.
But I know it isn't Spring
However, I am aware that it is not actually Spring, but rather my restlessness is a result of something else.
I am starry-eyed and vaguely discontented
I am filled with wonder and amazement, yet feel somewhat unhappy or dissatisfied.
Like a nightingale without a song to sing
I feel like a songbird without a tune, searching for purpose and meaning.
Oh, why should I have Spring fever
Why do I feel so restless and excited when it is not Spring?
When it isn't even Spring?
Especially considering the fact that it is not even the Spring season.
I keep wishing I were somewhere else
I constantly daydream of being in a different place or situation.
Walking down a strange new street
Specifically, I imagine myself walking down an unfamiliar and exciting street.
Hearing words that I have never heard
I desire to hear new and interesting words that I have never before encountered.
From a girl I've yet to meet
These words would be spoken by a girl that I have not yet had the pleasure of meeting.
I'm as dizzy as a spider spinning daydreams
I feel lightheaded and lost in my own thoughts, like a spider spinning intricate webs of daydreams.
I'm as giddy as a baby on a swing
I feel intensely happy and giddy, like a baby being pushed on a swing.
I haven't seen a crocus or a rosebud
Although I have not yet witnessed any signs of Spring, such as crocuses or rosebuds blooming.
Or a robin on the wing
Nor have I seen any robins flying around, which is a common sight in Spring.
Still I feel so gay in a melancholy way
Regardless, I feel happy and light-hearted, yet with a sense of sadness and pensiveness.
That it might as well be Spring
These feelings are so strong that they might as well be occurring during the Spring season.
Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Tratore
Written by: Oscar Hammerstein II, Richard Rodgers
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@andyhowlett2231
I've always thought that Jeanne Craine's version (actually sung by Louanne Hagen) from the film 'State Fair' was the best, but Dick Haymes' version is even better. His deep, cosy voice and the beautiful, warm arrangement are superb.
@bobbertjackson4207
It's refreshing to sit back and listen to those wonderful songs.
@FredPickett
Amen.
@krsball
This is my favorite version of this song! So many great versions, but this one is perfection!!
@alangeorgebarstow
I agree. I first heard this version back in 1986 on Dennis Potter's marvellous "The Singing Detective".
@nappamon9695
Heard on the radio with my girlfriend, very nice 👍🏼
@starwarsraul13
Great music! Heard it on 40s junction on Sirius xm! Great music!
@davepinch1
my favorite version too
@jodyhakala-ristow7014
I like the macabre dark poetry of this even though it’s sunny here today it’s winter and I know in the next couple weeks will be dark well probably until spring lol in the Midwest Minnesota till at least the end of March
@edwardoneil3962
Happy spring time everyone 😀❤😀