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.
Long Ago and Far Away
Dick Haymes Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I dreamed a dream one day
And now that dream is here beside me
Long the skies were overcast
But now the clouds have passed
You're here at last
Aladdin's lamp is mine
The dream I dreamed was not denied me
Just one look and then I knew
That all I longed for long ago was you
Long ago and far away
I dreamed a dream one day
And now that dream is here beside me
Long the skies were overcast
But now the clouds have passed
You're here at last
Chills run up and down my spine
Aladdin's lamp is mine
The dream I dreamed was not denied me
Just one look and then I knew
That all I longed for long ago was you
Just one look and then I knew
That all I longed for long ago
Was you
The song Long Ago and Far Away by Dick Haymes talks about the fulfillment of a dream, specifically about finding love after waiting for a long time. The opening lines "Long ago and far away, I dreamed a dream one day" sets up the scene for the dreamlike atmosphere of the song. The singer talks about how he had a dream of finding love and companionship, and now that dream has become a reality with his significant other being beside him.
The song also talks about the difficulties and struggles the singer faced in the past, represented by the metaphor of overcast skies and clouds that have now passed. The imagery of Aladdin's lamp being his implies that he has finally found what he was looking for, just like the genie in the tale granted Aladdin's wishes.
The chorus of the song emphasizes the feeling of longing finally being fulfilled, with the singer expressing the joy and excitement they feel upon realizing that what they had been dreaming of all along was the person they are with now.
Overall, the song is a beautiful portrayal of finding love and happiness after a long period of waiting and hoping.
Line by Line Meaning
Long ago and far away
In a distant time and place
I dreamed a dream one day
I had a vision of something I desired
And now that dream is here beside me
That vision has become my reality alongside me
Long the skies were overcast
For a prolonged time, the skies were gloomy
But now the clouds have passed
But now the negative circumstances have improved
You're here at last
You've finally arrived
Chills run up and down my spine
I feel an intense excitement
Aladdin's lamp is mine
I possess something magical
The dream I dreamed was not denied me
What I hoped for, I received
Just one look and then I knew
In just a glance, I understood
That all I longed for long ago was you
That you were the one I desired all along
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: IRA GERSHWIN, JEROME KERN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@spencersmith2798
Let’s talk singers, shall we? Helen Forrest and Dick Haymes independently would normally be great, but together give this version of this tremendous Kern hit a special glow...very nice indeed!
@gypdarin1458
Ella is the GOAT, I get Holiday being the one casuals can claim they like, and I have her at number 3 from the 30s - 50s but Helen Forrest is number 2 and to me is what I think of as the ideal voice of big band swing / traditional pop. Not Peggy Lee, O' Day, Stafford or any other big name contemporary and i do love all of the ones i mentioned but they arent as skilled. I only have Eydie Gorme in her league who came much later. A prime Vikki Carr could give her a run too.
@spencersmith2798
@gyp darin Point(s) well made!
@lizlee6290
@gyp darin Here I am replying ten months later! Interesting analysis. The thing about comparing Ella, Holiday, and Forrest is that their voices and styles are, in my opinion, so very different they almost can't be compared. I've just recently been paying attention to what a pure and lovely voice Forrest had, yet Ella had such style! Honestly, I've never been crazy about Holiday. Sorry, I'm a heretic!
@BigBingFan
Love Helen's opening, but when Dick comes in for the 2nd chorus, I literally get chills in anticipation of that baritone! Thank you for uploading this classic.
@lrn_news9171
Haymes' voice was somewhat reminiscent of Bing Crosby's
@patrickhicks9880
this song is so lovely it transports you
@jojorapful
This is such a beautiful, beautiful song and this was way long before my time! Thank you for the upload!
@ayoubabr5912
This is beautiful
@barryfitzgerald2077
I think that this song and Green Eyes by Helen O'Connell and Bob Eberly are my favorite duets from the era.