Lang was born Salvatore Massaro, the son of an Italian-American instrument maker in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. At first, he took violin lessons for 11 years. In school he became friends with Joe Venuti, with whom he would work for much of his career. He was playing professionally by about 1918, playing violin, banjo, and guitar. He worked with various bands in the USA's north-east, worked in London (late 1924 to early 1925), then settled in New York City.
He played with the bands of Venuti, Adrian Rollini, Roger Wolfe Kahn and Jean Goldkette in addition to doing a large amount of freelance radio and recording work.
In 1929 he joined Paul Whiteman's Orchestra, and can be seen and heard in the movie The King of Jazz.
When Bing Crosby left Whiteman, Lang went with Bing as his accompanist and can be seen with him in the 1932 movie Big Broadcast.
Lang also played under the pseudonym Blind Willie Dunn on a number of blues records with Lonnie Johnson.
Eddie Lang died from a sudden hemorrhage following a tonsillectomy in New York City.
To to Blues
Eddie Lang Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I've come to say goodbye,
Altho' I go, I've got those farewell blues.
Those farewell blues make me yearn,
That parting kiss seems to burn.
Farewell, dearie, Someday I will return.
Dreaming of you is sweet,
Someday again we'll meet.
Eddie Lang's song Farewell Blues is a mournful tune about departing from a loved one. The lyrics perfectly capture the sadness and longing that characterize the experience of saying goodbye. The song opens with "Sadness just makes me sigh, I've come to say goodbye," conveying the emotional weight of the situation. The singer then expresses his yearning for the person he is leaving, as "Those farewell blues make me yearn, That parting kiss seems to burn." Despite the pain of separation, the singer promises to return someday.
The final lines of the song are particularly poignant, as the singer expresses his hope for the future: "Dreaming of you is sweet, Someday again we'll meet." Despite the sadness of the current moment, there is a sense of optimism that the two will be reunited. The melody of the song reinforces the nostalgia and heartache of the lyrics, with long, mournful notes that give the impression of a mournful farewell.
Line by Line Meaning
Sadness just makes me sigh,
Whenever I feel sad, it is just easier to let out a deep sigh to express my emotions.
I've come to say goodbye,
I have come to inform everyone that I am leaving and will no longer be present.
Altho' I go, I've got those farewell blues.
Even though I have to depart, I cannot help but feel a sense of sadness for leaving.
Those farewell blues make me yearn,
The bittersweet feelings of these farewell blues only intensify my yearning to stay.
That parting kiss seems to burn.
The thought of the last kiss we shared before I left lingers on my mind and fills me with deep emotion.
Farewell, dearie, Someday I will return.
This is farewell for now, but I promise to come back and be with you again in the future.
Dreaming of you is sweet,
The memories of being with you fill me with happiness and leave a sweet taste on my mind.
Someday again we'll meet.
I am confident that one day we will reunite and be together once again.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Downtown Music Publishing, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Paul Mares, Leon Rappolo, Elmer Schoebel
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
ALberto Martinez
Complete mastery of the instrument times two. So glad this was recorded for the future generations to hear.
CuznRich Allison
Two of the greatest guitarist of all time. R.I.P.
KGB_INC
This is extremely entertaining to listen to. Never once heard of either of these players. Thank you for posting!
Rent Party
It's a shame that, though they were able to record together, they were unable to play in public together. Racism blows.
Jim Yates
In fact, Eddie recorded with Lonnie under the name "Blind Willie Dunn".
Silvo Dacoya
small steps. These moments bridge racism. so it's really a win. A win for music to broaden horizons and unite folks.
Timothy O'Dell
Correct, racism blows. It sucks too.
BobSchusterMusic.com
Thank you for sharing. What a joy to listen to. Where, when and how was this recorded? 🎤🎸🎸🙏
The Brazilian Atlantis
"The sides I made with Eddie Lang were my greatest experience." -- Lonnie Johnson.(Hear Me Talkin' To Ya: The Story Of Jazz As Told By The Men Who Made It by Shapiro and Hentoff.)
Memphis Records
This is incredible!!!!!