Ridin' High
Ella Fitzgerald and Her Famous Orchestra Lyrics

The lyrics of the song Ridin' High by Ella Fitzgerald allude to the feeling of being in love and optimistic about the future. The opening lines suggest that the singer's life is going well, with a bright and happy future ahead. The phrase "no more, clouds in the sky" suggests that any troubles or worries have been lifted, and life is looking good. Ella then reassures her listeners, asking them "How'm I ridin'?" to which she cheerfully responds "I'm ridin' high." This phrase is a slang expression for feeling ecstatic or elated, emotionally elevated, and enthusiastic.

Ella then sings about the person she is in love with, describing herself as being "mad for, my love" - a phrase that suggests she is deeply in love and has strong feelings of devotion towards the person. The next line, "so long, Jonah, goodbye," is a biblical allusion to the prophet Jonah in the Bible who went through tribulations, but finally triumphed. This line signifies that the struggles of the past have been left behind, and Ella looks forward to a bright future with her love.

Throughout the song, Ella uses three gerunds: floating, doting, and gloating. These words further reinforce the attitude of being "ridin' high." Ella's "floating on a starlit ceiling" indicates that she is experiencing a high state of euphoria, as if she is soaring above the clouds. She is doting on the cards she's been dealt, enjoying the happiness that she has received. Finally, she is gloating because she's feeling so over-the-top happy.