She was born in Hungary to professional musician parents who toured worldwide. Educated in Switzerland, she studied piano before joining her parents on tour as The Three Hugos. When World War II was declared, the family left England with the Boswell Circus. She married, and as Eve Boswell became a popular singing star in South Africa.
In 1949, she was heard by bandleader Geraldo (Gerald Bright), who persuaded her to return to the United Kingdom as a singer in his band, which was widely heard on BBC Radio. Boswell parted with Geraldo in 1952, and launched a solo career. Her first hit record came that year with "Sugar Bush", partly sung in Afrikaans. She appeared in the Royal Variety Performance and toured widely with comedian Derek Roy, before getting her own radio show in 1954.
Her major chart hit came with "Pickin' a Chicken", a South African tune with new words, which rose to No 9 on the UK Singles Chart at the start of 1956. Her first LP, Sugar and Spice, on which she sang 10 songs in nine different languages, followed later in the year. A continuous programme of radio work and tours followed, leading to more than one mental breakdown.
She faded from public view as public tastes for pop music changed through the late 1950s and 1960s, eventually returning to live in South Africa.
Bewitched
Eve Boswell Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But a fool can have her charms
I'm in love and don't I show it
Like a babe in arms
Love's the same old situation
Lately I've not slept a wink
Since this crazy situation
Has me on the blink
I'm wild again, beguiled again
A whimpering, simpering child again
Bewitched, bothered and bewildered, am I
Couldn't sleep, wouldn't sleep
Love came and told me, shouldn't sleep
Bewitched, bothered and bewildered, am I
I lost my heart, but what of it
She is cold I agree
She might laugh, but I love it
Although the laugh's on me
I'll sing to her, bring spring to her
And long, for the day when I'll cling to her
Bewitched, bothered and bewildered, am I
Eve Boswell's song "Bewitched" is a beautifully composed ballad about the joy and pain of falling in love. The lyrics convey a sense of fascination and adoration for the subject of the singer's affection, despite acknowledging that they are a bit of a fool for being so enamored. The phrase "But a fool can have her charms" expresses the idea that even someone who may not be the most sensible choice can still be captivating and lovable in their own way.
The song's chorus is particularly powerful, as the singer laments how they are "Bewitched, bothered, and bewildered" by their intense feelings of love. The repeated use of the word "again" in the verses and bridge suggests that this isn't the first time the singer has experienced such strong emotions, and implies a sense of helplessness in the face of love's unpredictable nature.
Ultimately, "Bewitched" is a timeless song that captures the ups and downs of romantic love in a wonderfully poetic way. It speaks to the very human experience of being completely taken over by our emotions, despite any rational objections or reservations we may have.
Line by Line Meaning
She's a fool and don't I know it
I am aware that she is a foolish person
But a fool can have her charms
But despite her foolishness, she has qualities that attract me
I'm in love and don't I show it
I am deeply in love and it is evident in my actions
Like a babe in arms
I am helpless and vulnerable in this love
Love's the same old situation
Love is a common occurrence
Lately I've not slept a wink
I have been unable to sleep lately
Since this crazy situation
This situation that I am in is absurd
Has me on the blink
It is making me feel confused and disoriented
I'm wild again, beguiled again
I am feeling uncontrolled and captivated once more
A whimpering, simpering child again
I am acting like a helpless and foolish child
Bewitched, bothered and bewildered, am I
I am under a spell, disturbed, and confused by this love
Couldn't sleep, wouldn't sleep
I was unable and unwilling to sleep
Love came and told me, shouldn't sleep
My love spoke to me, indicating I should not sleep
Bewitched, bothered and bewildered, am I
I am under a spell, disturbed, and confused by this love
I lost my heart, but what of it
I have given my heart away, but it doesn't matter to me
She is cold I agree
I acknowledge that she is emotionally distant
She might laugh, but I love it
She may be amused at my situation, but I still love her
Although the laugh's on me
Despite her amusement, I am the one in a disadvantageous position
I'll sing to her, bring spring to her
I will use my talent to woo her and bring happiness into her life
And long, for the day when I'll cling to her
I eagerly anticipate the day when I will embrace and hold onto her
Bewitched, bothered and bewildered, am I
I am under a spell, disturbed, and confused by this love
Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Lorenz Hart, Richard Rodgers
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind