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.
Swing Low Sweet Chariot
Dick Haymes Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Comin' for to carry me home
There was a band of angels, a-comin' after me
Comin' for to carry me home
Swing low, sweet chariot
Comin' for to carry me home
Swing low, sweet chariot
I'm sometimes up, and I'm sometimes down
Comin' for to carry me home
But but I know my soul is heavenly bound
Comin' for to carry me home
Swing low, sweet chariot
Comin' for to carry me home
Swing low, sweet chariot
Comin' for to carry me home
If you get there before I do
Comin' for to carry me home
Tell all my friends that I'm a-comin' too
Comin' for to carry me home
Swing low, sweet chariot
Comin' for to carry me home
Swing low, sweet chariot
Comin' for to carry me home
And now they're comin' for to carry me home
These lyrics to Dick Haymes's song "Swing Low Sweet Chariot" are a reference to the biblical story of the prophet Elijah, who was taken up to heaven in a chariot of fire. The singer looks over the Jordan River, which was seen as a symbolic representation of the boundary between mortal life and the afterlife. The band of angels that the singer sees represents the welcoming committee that will receive him into the reward of heaven. The repetition of the phrase "coming for to carry me home" emphasizes the idea that death is not an end but a journey towards paradise.
The lyrics also express a sentiment of hope and comfort in the face of life's struggles. The singer acknowledges that life is not always easy - he is sometimes up and sometimes down - but knows that his soul is bound for heaven. The repetition of "Swing low, sweet chariot" creates an uplifting, almost mystical atmosphere that emphasizes the joy and anticipation of the afterlife.
Line by Line Meaning
I looked over Jordan and what did I see?
I gazed beyond the horizon and saw something approaching.
Comin' for to carry me home
It's coming to transport me back to my place of origin.
There was a band of angels, a-comin' after me
I saw a group of celestial beings coming towards me.
Swing low, sweet chariot
The means of transport is a comfortable and sweet ride.
I'm sometimes up, and I'm sometimes down
Sometimes my circumstances are favorable, other times they're not.
But but I know my soul is heavenly bound
Nevertheless, I'm aware that my soul is destined for heaven.
If you get there before I do
If you arrive at the destination earlier than I do.
Tell all my friends that I'm a-comin' too
Inform all my acquaintances that I'm also on my way.
And now they're comin' for to carry me home
Finally, they've arrived to take me back home.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Songtrust Ave
Written by: Traditional
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Square-on-Wheels
I feel for any performer who had to follow Billy Daniels.
Herman Williams
😂 This Doing Our Mom n Daddy $winging ERA Times . Gosh / Old School ; RIP Mr Billy D. Pure L❤ve/ 🎉😅❤😮
Herman Williams
❤❤❤❤/ Beautiful Smile / Voice ! 07 21 2023 🎉🎉🎉🎉 Bye !
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