I'm Beggining To See The Light
Ella & Basie Lyrics


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I never cared much for moonlit skies
I never wink back at fireflies
But now that the stars are in your eyes
I'm beginning to see the light

I never went in for afterglow
Or candlelight on the mistletoe
But now when you turn the lamp down low
I'm beginning to see the light

Used to ramble through the park
Shadowboxing in the dark
Then you came and caused a spark
That's a four-alarm fire now

I never made love by lantern-shine
I never saw rainbows in my wine
But now that your lips are burning mine
I'm beginning to see the light

Used to ramble through the park
Shadowboxing in the dark
Then you came and caused a spark
That's a four-alarm fire now

I never made love by lantern-shine
I never saw rainbows in my wine
But now that your lips are burning mine
I'm beginning to see the light
I'm beginning to see the light




I'm beginning to see the light
I'm beginning to see the light

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Ella & Basie's song "I'm Beginning to See the Light" express a transformation in the singer's perception and appreciation of love and romance. The song begins by stating that the singer never cared for moonlit skies or fireflies, suggesting a lack of interest in the traditional symbols of romance. However, when they see the stars in their loved one's eyes, their perspective starts to change, and they begin to see the light.


The second verse continues this transformation, as the singer admits to never being interested in afterglow or candlelight on the mistletoe. But now, when their loved one turns the lamp down low, something starts to ignite within them. The lyrics imply that the presence and influence of this person has sparked a fire in the singer's heart, and they begin to see the light.


The final verse reinforces this newfound perception and appreciation of love. The singer confesses to never experiencing love in a romantic or intimate way, never seeing rainbows in their wine or making love in a lantern-shine. However, now that their loved one's lips are "burning" theirs, a metaphorical representation of passion and desire, they finally begin to see the light. The repetition of the phrase "I'm beginning to see the light" reinforces the gradual awakening and realization of love in the singer's life.


This song explores how love has the power to transform one's perspective and bring light into their life. It captures the feeling of discovering a new depth of emotion and experiencing a profound shift in perception towards love and romance.


Line by Line Meaning

I never cared much for moonlit skies
I have never been fond of romantic atmospheres under the moonlight


I never wink back at fireflies
I don't usually engage with the playful flickering of fireflies


But now that the stars are in your eyes
However, now that I see the reflection of the stars in your eyes


I'm beginning to see the light
I am starting to understand and appreciate the beauty and joy of love


I never went in for afterglow
I never sought the enchantment that lingers after a moment of intimacy


Or candlelight on the mistletoe
Nor did I indulge in the romantic tradition of candlelit moments under the mistletoe


But now when you turn the lamp down low
Yet, now that you dim the light, creating an intimate ambiance


I'm beginning to see the light
I am starting to comprehend the emotional illumination that love brings


Used to ramble through the park
I used to wander aimlessly in the park


Shadowboxing in the dark
Engaging in a recreational boxing-like activity in the absence of light


Then you came and caused a spark
However, when you arrived, you ignited a strong feeling within me


That's a four-alarm fire now
It has now grown into an intense and passionate flame


I never made love by lantern-shine
I have never engaged in romantic encounters illuminated only by lanterns


I never saw rainbows in my wine
I have never experienced the joy and colorful beauty associated with love


But now that your lips are burning mine
However, now that I feel the intense sensation of your passionate kisses


I'm beginning to see the light
I am starting to comprehend the true essence and significance of love


I'm beginning to see the light
I am starting to understand and appreciate the beauty and joy of love


I'm beginning to see the light
I am starting to comprehend the emotional illumination that love brings


I'm beginning to see the light
I am starting to comprehend the true essence and significance of love




Lyrics © Kanjian Music, BMG Rights Management, Songtrust Ave, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Cloud9, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Edward Kennedy Ellington, Don George, Harry James, Johnny Hodges

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comments from YouTube:

@alyssamatz499

I never cared much for moonlit skies
I never wink back at fireflies
But now that the stars are in your eyes
I'm beginning to see the light
I never went in for afterglow
Or candlelight on the mistletoe
But now when you turn the lamp down low
I'm beginning to see the light
Used to ramble through the park
Shadowboxing in the dark
Then you came and caused a spark
That's a four-alarm fire now
I never made love by lantern-shine
I never saw rainbows in my wine
But now that your lips are burning mine
I'm beginning to see the light



@JamesLearyjamlear1

Recorded from July 16 to July 17, 1963, at A & R Studios, NYC

Ella Fitzgerald - vocals
The Count Basie Orchestra
Count Basie - piano
Sonny Cohn - trumpet
Al Aarons
Joe Newman
Don Rader
Eric Dixon - flute, tenor saxophone
Frank Foster - flute, alto saxophone, tenor saxophone
Frank Wess
Charlie Fowlkes - baritone saxophone
Freddie Green - guitar
Benny Powell - trombone
Urbie Green
Henry Coker
Grover Mitchell
Flip Ricard - trombone, trumpet
Marshal Royal - clarinet, alto saxophone
Buddy Catlett - double bass
Sonny Payne - drums
Quincy Jones - arranger
Val Valentin - recording engineer
Jay Thompson - cover photo



All comments from YouTube:

@robertgalbreath6239

Talk about easy, laid back jazz...Basie is so smooth...it's like he offers a comfy chair to Ella and she sits and relaxes and croons.

@GabyErnstOficial

Robert Galbreath wow yess !!!!

@vachtangov

Totally!!

@wordninja2494

Ella fan for over 40 years

@irenekent4335

love this song wonderful memories from the 40tys

@alyssamatz499

I never cared much for moonlit skies
I never wink back at fireflies
But now that the stars are in your eyes
I'm beginning to see the light
I never went in for afterglow
Or candlelight on the mistletoe
But now when you turn the lamp down low
I'm beginning to see the light
Used to ramble through the park
Shadowboxing in the dark
Then you came and caused a spark
That's a four-alarm fire now
I never made love by lantern-shine
I never saw rainbows in my wine
But now that your lips are burning mine
I'm beginning to see the light

@pevensielavere22

"I never wink back at fireflies." Haha! I love the lyrics to this song! Ella sounds lovely as always.

@JamesLearyjamlear1

Recorded from July 16 to July 17, 1963, at A & R Studios, NYC

Ella Fitzgerald - vocals
The Count Basie Orchestra
Count Basie - piano
Sonny Cohn - trumpet
Al Aarons
Joe Newman
Don Rader
Eric Dixon - flute, tenor saxophone
Frank Foster - flute, alto saxophone, tenor saxophone
Frank Wess
Charlie Fowlkes - baritone saxophone
Freddie Green - guitar
Benny Powell - trombone
Urbie Green
Henry Coker
Grover Mitchell
Flip Ricard - trombone, trumpet
Marshal Royal - clarinet, alto saxophone
Buddy Catlett - double bass
Sonny Payne - drums
Quincy Jones - arranger
Val Valentin - recording engineer
Jay Thompson - cover photo

@christianlacheze3323

WoW WoW WoW

@NewYorkJazzharmonic

Great arrangement by Quincy Jones, but no one has mentioned that the song was written by the great Duke Ellington. Ella previously had recorded it with him with a different arrangement.

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