Fats began his recording career in 1922 and made a living playing rent parties, as an organist at movie theatres and as an accompanist for various vaudeville acts. In 1927 he co-wrote a couple of tunes with his old piano teacher James P. Johnson for his show "Keep Shufflin'". Two years later Waller wrote the score for the Broadway hit "Hot Chocolates" with lyrics supplied by his friend Andy Razaf. Fats' most famous song, "Ain't Misbehavin'" was introduced in this show which featured Louis Armstrong.
Fats Waller's big break occurred at a party given by George Gershwin in 1934, where he delighted the crowd with his piano playing and singing. An executive of Victor Records, who was at the party was so impressed that he arranged for Fats to record with the company. This arrangement would continue until Waller's death in 1943.
Most of the records he made were released under the name of Fats Waller and his Rhythm. The group consisted of around half a dozen musicians who worked with him regularly, including Zutty Singleton. Throughout the 1930s and early 1940s Fats was a star of radio and nightclubs, and toured Europe. He unexpectedtly died on board a train near Kansas City, Missouri of pneumonia in 1943.
Sweet Sue
Fats Waller and His Rhythm Lyrics
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Sweet Sue, just you
And the moon up high knows the reason why
Sweet Sue, it's you
No one else, it seems, ever shares my dreams
And without you, dear, I don't know what I'd do
In this heart of mine you live all the time
(Every star above knows the one I love)
It's you, sweet Sue
(And the moon up high knows the reason why)
It's you, Sweet Sue
Nobody else, it seems, ever shares my dreams
And without you, dear, I don't know what I'd do
In this heart of mine you live all the time
Sweet Sue, just you, just you, just you
The lyrics of Fats Waller's "Sweet Sue" are a declaration of love for a special someone, specifically their lover. The song suggests that even the stars and the moon above are aware of the singer's feelings for this person, and they are the only one who occupies their thoughts and fantasies. The lyrics convey a strong sense of affection and devotion to this person, asserting that without them, the singer would be lost. The song's title is repeatedly mentioned, emphasizing the centrality of the person named Sue.
The lyrics are poetic, with the use of personification and imagery to convey the depth of the singer's emotions. The stars and the moon are given human qualities and appear to share in the singer's affection for Sue. The repetition of 'just you' at the end of the song further highlights that the singer only has eyes for Sue and that no one else could replace them.
Line by Line Meaning
Every little star above knows the one I love
All the stars above can see who my heart belongs to
Sweet Sue, just you
It's only you, my Sweet Sue
And the moon up high knows the reason why
Even the moon knows why I'm in love
Sweet Sue, it's you
It's you who holds my heart, Sweet Sue
No one else, it seems, ever shares my dreams
No one else seems to understand my hopes and visions
And without you, dear, I don't know what I'd do
I can't imagine what I'd do if I didn't have you in my life
In this heart of mine you live all the time
You're always on my mind and in my heart
Sweet Sue, just you
Only you, my Sweet Sue, hold such a special place in my heart
Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing, SHAPIRO BERNSTEIN & CO. INC.
Written by: VICTOR YOUNG, WILL HARRIS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind